Helping create an open and inclusive campus, the Excelling Leaders Institute helps over 150 students to cultivate their strengths while developing their leadership skills. The Institute supports students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds as they become active change agents through academics, professional growth and social engagement.
Each year, 88 incoming students join the Pioneer Leadership Program. They live and take classes together, explore what it means to be a leader and learn a value-based, personal code of ethics. Cohort members develop leadership perspectives grounded in ethical awareness and social responsibility, dedicating 5,000 hours annually to community-based organizations locally and globally.
Capt. Avery Crisp (BSBA ’12) always dreamed of flying planes, but she never imagined DU would put her on a path to making that dream a reality. In October 2016, after three years of training, Crisp received her pilot’s wings, making her one of the few female pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces.
It’s not every day that the work of college students catches the attention of our elected leaders. However, after more than two years of hard work, they’re paying attention now. Sen. Michael Bennet, Gov. John Hickenlooper and Mayor Michael Hancock all toured the solar decathlon home designed and built by students.
Our Kennedy Endowed Chair in Innovative Technology, Julie Sarama, PhD, studies how young children develop understanding and competency in math. The National Science Foundation funded five of her books, and projects with her involvement have generated over $30 million in funding. Professor Sarama currently chairs two large-scale studies funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Erica Chenoweth, PhD, associate dean for research at our Josef Korbel School of International Studies, researches political violence, civil resistance, and international security. A professor at our University since 2012, Chenoweth has delivered public lectures at TEDx Boulder and appeared on NPR’s Morning Edition. In 2014, International Studies Association recognized Chenoweth as the scholar under 40 who made the most significant impact on the field of international politics or peace research.
Nearly 1,000 students from Denver and Aurora public schools were treated to a musical performance from Black Violin. Newman Center hosted the special performance as part its student matinee series, a direct result of DU IMPACT 2025 — making the facility an open door to the community.
Our students have access to all Ritchie Center facilities, including the Coors Fitness Center, El Pomar Natatorium and Joy Burns Arena. Our Alpine Club also takes students on outdoor adventures, from climbing 14ers to skiing the Rocky Mountains.
No matter how long ago you graduated, the DU alumni community offers lifelong benefits. Our alumni networks are rounded out by Pioneer Alumni Legends (PALS), a group of alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago. PALS holds quarterly events on campus for the increasing number of older Pioneers who wish to return to campus and share in a renewed sense of excitement for the University.
Our Alumni of ACTION (Advocating Collaboration Through Inclusive Excellence, Outreach and Networking) supports the black, Asian, indigenous and Latino communities through advocacy and education. By bringing alumni and current students of color together through events like concerts and hockey games, they foster and strengthen a community that works to build a strong on-campus experience that extends to alumni and professional life after graduation.
