Busy and Exciting Weeks at DU
Dear DU community members,
Wow—what an exciting time the past couple weeks have been. I’d like to share a few highlights:
Wow—what an exciting time the past couple weeks have been. I’d like to share a few highlights:
- We announced that DU is joining the West Coast Conference (WCC)! This better aligns DU with a strong peer set and will put our University in front of millions of people in key markets and across the nation. I have enjoyed getting to know fellow presidents in the WCC. The president of the University of Portland and I had a friendly wager on a men’s soccer game between Portland and DU. The loser had to agree to wear the swag of the winner for a photo. I must say, I didn’t like wearing purple; next time, I look forward to seeing him draped in crimson. A big congratulations to the men’s soccer team who won the Summit League Regular Season championship just yesterday! I can’t wait to see what you do in the WCC.
- I had a fascinating dinner with presidents and chancellors from several Colorado universities. While much of the conversation revolved around federal funding (I was the only one from a private institution), I advocated for the urgent need to prepare graduates for the changes AI is making to the employment landscape. I am grateful Provost Loboa is leading this effort for DU.
- We celebrated the Graduate School of Professional Psychology’s Sturm Center, which focuses on behavioral health for veterans, service members, and their families.
- Graduate Student Government leaders hosted a gala in the Tuscan ballroom to raise funds for the Food Bank of the Rockies. It was great to join with some of our shared governance leaders, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to hear from them about topics from around campus.
- Of course, Homecoming was wonderful. Alums joined us on campus for celebrations, events, and some key victories by our sports teams.
- Finally, for me, the State of the University address I gave on Thursday was an honor. It was great to join so many community members in person to be frank about the challenges we face while strongly emphasizing the strengths we bring to these unique times and our strategic vision with DU Forward. You can read or watch the full address online.
This week you are receiving two video updates from leadership: the first about budget and enrollment, and the second about DU Forward. Next week, on Nov. 10 at 3:30 p.m., we’ll host a hybrid town hall where we will address questions shared in response to the video updates. I look forward to that time together to discuss these important topics.
I cannot express my gratitude enough for the amazing work that this campus community does for our students, our community, and our world. Best wishes to all as we move into week ten of the quarter.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Haefner
Chancellor
I cannot express my gratitude enough for the amazing work that this campus community does for our students, our community, and our world. Best wishes to all as we move into week ten of the quarter.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Haefner
Chancellor