University of Denver Winter 2024

A force for good in Denver and Colorado LETTER FROM THE CHANCELLOR By Jeremy Haefner

that will serve them on the snow and well beyond—much like our featured former skier, a successful entrepreneur and current member of the DU Board of Trustees. I also continually learn new ways DU makes an impact in Denver—particularly in the well-being space. In Colorado, 40% of mental health professionals received a DU education. Our psychology program has over 165 connections with community partners, and we are one of the largest Medicaid out-patient providers of well-being services in Colorado. The importance of these professionals has never been greater, as you can read about in our story on climate change and its invisible effects on people and their well-being. Across disciplines, our faculty conduct research in partnership with and, ultimately, in service of the Denver community. In this issue, we look at how one faculty member is studying and improving air quality in Denver and how another is using artificial intelligence to

Photo by Wayne Armstrong

foster better outcomes for young people experiencing substance abuse disorders. One DU faculty member is spearheading a mobile preschool initiative, while others collaborate with community partners to address critical infrastructure access, including safe drinking water, for Denver’s unhoused population. This is only a tiny fraction of the myriad ways DU is deeply committed to a strong future for Denver and Colorado. In fact, we were recently recognized again by the national Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as one of only 368 institutions with exceptional community engagement. We have held this recognition since 2007 and hope to continue proudly earning it for decades to come. It is an honor to be not only a destination for a high-quality, holistic education, but also a beacon of public good for our neighbors near and far.

Many of our students come from across the U.S.— across the world, even—not only for an exceptional DU education but also to enjoy all our location offers. The University of Denver is, in so many ways, Denver’s University. Our connection to Colorado through our community partnerships, economic impact, graduate pipeline and research output shape our current initiatives and future aspirations. This edition of DU Magazine delves into a signature part of Colorado culture: skiing. I am proud that DU’s Division I NCAA skiing program attracts elite skiers from around the world, who join fellow enthusiasts on the Rocky Mountain slopes. For both our student athletes and our weekend warriors, skiing is a source of community and connection. Through our program, DU’s student-athletes prove themselves in competition all while developing a robust education and set of skills

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