Building Character with the 4D Experience

Dear DU community members,  

Amidst challenging times, individuals can make a positive difference by supporting local communities and each other. Such kindness kindles hope, reminding us that character matters more than ever; it serves as the foundation for trust, integrity, and meaningful relationships in an increasingly complex and divisive world.  

I am energized by the ways our campus community embraces the challenge of developing character—a core dimension of the University of Denver’s 4D Experience.   

Character Development and the 4D Experience  
One innovative effort is the Compassion Lab, led by Professor Cris Tietsort in the College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences (CAHSS). As a 4D Faculty Fellow, Professor Tietsort’s work centers on cultivating compassion and connection. The Compassion Lab offers experiential learning and research opportunities, helping students to develop skills to respond to the suffering of others, not just with empathy, but with meaningful action.   

Resilience plays a vital role in our well-being and is strengthened by character development. Professor Kateri McRae, chair of psychology, works with the 4D team to explore structures that cultivate resilience. Her research explores the intersection of emotion and cognition, focusing on how we regulate emotions and build resilience in the face of adversity. She and others are training to use evidence-based stress management tools, proven to foster perseverance and adaptability in students. This work supports our holistic vision for students, ensuring DU graduates are equipped to navigate life’s challenges with courage and grace. 

Another example is the Ethics Bootcamp, created and led by Professor Corey Ciocchetti in the Daniels College of Business. Over an immersive weekend, students engage in team building, critical discussions, and simulated real-world ethical dilemmas. The bootcamp challenges them to reflect on their values, decision-making habits, and visions for the kind of leaders they aspire to be. As Professor Ciocchetti reminds us, character is built through the habits of everyday ethical choices—not just in business, but in all aspects of life. The Ethics Bootcamp is a powerful example of how DU prepares students to act with integrity and purpose.     

In support of curricular programming, the Kennedy Mountain Campus (KMC) is a cornerstone of DU’s holistic approach to education, offering students a unique environment to explore their character. Immersed in the Rockies, students participate in outdoor adventures and reflective activities that challenge them physically, mentally, and emotionally. The wilderness acts as a powerful mirror, reflecting both strengths and areas for growth; every challenge faced—whether climbing, collaborating, or simply spending time in nature—helps students unearth their true character. Through the signature KMC program, First Ascent, students are prompted to consider how their experiences in nature relate to their journeys and goals. Whether hiking scenic trails, tackling ropes courses, or gathering around campfires for storytelling, individuals step outside their comfort zones and discover their strengths, values, and capacity for empathy and courage. 

A Community Committed to Character   
These initiatives, alongside many other efforts across campus, demonstrate our shared commitment to character development. I am grateful for the faculty, staff, and students who lead this work with passion and vision.   

Sincerely,  

Jeremy Haefner
Chancellor