‘A Pioneer for Life’
Morgridge graduate finishes six-year stint at DU with master’s degree in higher education policy
It’s hard for Diana Estrada to imagine her life without the University of Denver, but it’s something she’ll be doing in just a few days after she walks across the stage at commencement.
The Pueblo native has been on campus for a while—after receiving undergraduate degrees in finance and international business in 2016, she immediately began working toward a master’s degree at the Morgridge College of Education (MCE). “I wanted to continue my education right after my undergrad degree,” she says. “I really fell in love with the program offered at Morgridge.” She entered MCE’s graduate program in higher education with an emphasis on public policy.
Estrada is passionate about higher education, specifically student access to financial aid. It’s something she understands firsthand. “Financial aid is very near and dear to my heart, because without scholarships I wouldn’t have been able to afford DU,” she explains. “I want to make sure that students who pursue higher education can do it without going into significant student debt.”
During her time in the program, Estrada says she has benefitted from the experience and mentorship of her professors. Cecilia Orphan, an assistant professor in the higher education program, has made a big impact. “She’s the person who is leading the policy spectrum within higher education,” Estrada says. “She’s been pivotal to my education and without her help, I wouldn’t be here today.”