University of Denver Spring 2025

FROM THE CHANCELLOR

Honoring Values, Embracing Possibility As the days grow longer and spring comes to life across campus, I can’t help but feel a renewed sense of optimism and possibility. Spring isn’t just a season—it’s a celebration of growth, transformation and the enduring values that define the University of Denver:

Senior Vice Chancellor of University Relations Brad Bohlander Associate Vice Chancellor of Communications & Issues Management Shira Good Director of Communications Gretchen Pressley Director of Creative & Brand Management Sp ring 2025 | Volume 25 | I ssue 2 University of Denver Magazine

academic excellence, making a difference and community. Our commitment to academic excellence remains at the heart of all we do. This spring, we are proud to celebrate our students’ and faculty’s groundbreaking research and achievements— and the groundbreaking on the new STEM Horizons building

Amy Miller Art Director

Nicole Waldrip Managing Editor Joy Hamilton Senior Editor Heather Hein Contributing Writers

(p. 16). The 87,000-square foot facility—equipped with advanced labs, incubator spaces and other key resources—is designed to fuel scientific discovery and innovation. It will serve as a hub for students, faculty and community partners to collaborate on addressing the critical challenges of our time, solidifying DU’s status as an R1 research institution. In this issue, you’ll find stories of alumni embracing leadership and making strides in diverse fields across Colorado, such as those featured in “DU in the High Country” (p. 20). As you read about the difference our alumni are making on the Front Range, Western Slope and beyond, we encourage you to deepen your own connections with the University and your communities wherever you are. Community has always been a cornerstone of our University. Whether it’s multidisciplinary collaborations that unite alumni, students and faculty or initiatives that address pressing societal issues, our collective strength lies in our shared purpose. You’ll see this spirit of togetherness in action in this issue’s spotlight on the women’s gymnastics team (p. 34), whose culture exemplifies the power of working toward common goals. As you explore the pages of this magazine, I invite you to consider how these values have shaped your own path. How can you continue to champion excellence, make a difference and embrace community in your life and work? Together, as stewards of DU’s proud traditions, we can forge new opportunities and create a brighter future for all.

Emma Atkinson Janette Ballard Jordyn Reiland Connor Mokrzycki (BA ’22) Contributing Designers Miles Woolen (MA ’20) Alexandra Cortes (BA ’15) Photographer Wayne Armstrong Associate Multimedia Producer Katie Polson Distribution Coordinator William Colner

Printed on 100% PCW recycled paper

The University of Denver Magazine is published three times a year (fall, spring and summer) by the University of Denver Division of University Relations, 2199 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO 80208-4816. The University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) is an equal opportunity Institution.

magazine.du.edu dumag@du.edu • 303.871.7003

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UNIVERSITY OF DENVER MAGAZINE | SPRING 2025