In a year defined by growth, innovation and impact, Metropolitan State University of Denver reached remarkable milestones in 2024.
MSU Denver solidified its position as a cornerstone of Colorado’s economy and education, with an economic impact nearing $1 billion. The University launched the cutting-edge Sim Labs to address critical shortages in the health care workforce and saw expanded access to higher education through statewide initiatives such as the Colorado Promise.
Partnerships with Emily Griffith Technical College and the Denver Joint Electrical Apprenticeship & Training Committee further bridged technical training with advanced degrees, reinforcing MSU Denver’s mission to empower diverse learners.
RELATED: The best of RED 2023
Meanwhile, the University saw record-breaking donations, including a $10 million gift to the Health Institute and a new GameBird plane for the Aviation and Aerospace Science Department. MSU Denver celebrated five years as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and awarded 336 associate’s degrees to students reengaging with their education.
Alumni shone on the world stage at the Olympics and Paralympics, while the campus welcomed visionary entrepreneur Stephen Lease of Goodr. Students gained valuable experiences, including exploring election processes and viewing the partial solar eclipse.
The RED Newsroom celebrated these achievements and more and received national recognition in the process, taking home 10 awards for innovation in storytelling and communications. See our award-winning stories and staff favorites below and reflect with us on the storytelling journey of the past year.
Top 10 staff picks
Does a college degree make you happier?
Psychologists trace the connection between higher education and subjective well-being.
VIDEO: Closed-loop compost system paves the way for a sustainable future
Campus program creates a first-of-its-kind solution for diverting waste from landfills.
As food insecurity on campus grows, students are Cooking With Purpose
Classes teach Auraria students to create healthy meals with free ingredients available at Rowdy’s Corner and other campus food pantries.
VIDEO: Father-son bond strengthened by shared graduation
When Alan and Everett Williams walk across the Commencement stage at the same time, they’ll celebrate a unique relationship that extends beyond academics.
Simulated disaster provides a road map for rescue
Interprofessional exercise between MSU Denver and Denver Health students showcases the lifesaving impact of collaborative coordination.
MSU Denver awards associate’s degrees to stopped-out students
The graduation ceremony will honor those who accumulated at least 70 credit hours before pausing their baccalaureate education.
New airplane helps MSU Denver’s championship aerobatics team soar to new heights
The top-of-the-line GameBird is drawing eyes at competitions and helping young pilots earn their stripes.
Newly purchased space gives young musicians a place to call home
The Kalamath Building will continue to strengthen the local jazz scene through longstanding partnerships and music education.
MSU Denver aims to help Colorado reclaim its status in the cannabis industry
The University will begin offering the nation’s first hospitality-focused certificates in the field this fall.
Students shield Coloradans from thousands of cyberattacks
Participants in MSU Denver’s Centurion Secured program are protecting smaller organizations from hackers while gaining real-world experience.
Award-winning stories
PHOTOS: The Winter Park Express (Council for Advancement and Support of Education National Silver Award and District Award, Best Photo Series)
VIDEO: Horror shop owner brings dark arts to light (CASE District Award, Best Storytelling)
VIDEO: ‘Fight club’ teaches the art of dueling (CASE District Award, Best Video; Public Relations Society of America Colorado Award, Silver Pick, Best Video)
Justin Darnall wants to get humans back to the moon — and beyond (CASE District Award, Best Profile)
Quadruplets to graduate together from MSU Denver (CASE District Awards, Best Storytelling and Best Profile)
Mentorship program places more Black teachers in the classroom (PRSA Colorado Gold Pick, Best Feature Story)
RED Newsletter (PRSA Colorado, Best Newsletter)
