University of Denver Spring 2025

CONTENTS

Departments INBOX _____________ NEWSROOM _______ ARTS & CULTURE ___ PUBLIC GOOD ______ 5 QUESTIONS _______ ACADEMICS ________ GIVING BACK _______ RELEASES _________

4 5 8

10 13 14 16 18

Forever Crimson & Gold

43 52

Class Notes ____________ In Memoriam ___________ Remembering Dan Ritchie _____________ Alumni Stories __________

53 54

Digital Exclusives du.edu/magazine

ALL ACCESS PASS: Behind the Scenes at the Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts

MEMORIAL: Readers Share Memories of Daniel L. Ritchie NAMESAKES: The People That Made DU

ON THE COVER Alumna Alexandra Cortes (BA ’15) illustrates the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus. “It’s been an honor to illustrate the latest DU contributions, work and research across Colorado’s mountainous regions. This experience not only deepened my connection to the University’s recent endeavors but also served as a powerful reminder that the DU community reaches far beyond just one campus, woven into the diverse landscapes of our state.”

Introducing the STEM Horizons Building

Go “Beyond the Mat” With Women’s Gymnastics

DU IN THE HIGH COUNTRY Exploring our impact across the Rocky Mountains, where passion meets purpose

SPRING 2025

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UNIVERSITY OF DENVER MAGAZINE | SPRING 2025