Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates’ futures are so bright, they’ll need shades — and luckily, this year’s Commencement speaker knows exactly where to find them. Alumnus Stephen Lease, co-founder and CEO of goodr, returns to campus to send off the Class of 2026 in style.
MSU Denver’s Spring 2026 Commencement will bring together alumni success, student achievement and the community that makes it all possible. Here’s why faculty and staff members won’t want to miss it:
1. A keynote that comes full circle
Lease’s journey from MSU Denver Marketing student to co-founder of a nationally recognized active-sunglasses company known for disrupting its industry, highlights the power of a career-focused education. Lease will give the keynote at the morning and afternoon ceremonies.
2. The University’s brightest student voices
President’s Award recipient Ashley Torrez and Provost’s Award recipient Madison Larsen will speak at the ceremony. Both students have earned GPAs of 3.75 or higher while demonstrating leadership, service and meaningful contributions to the University.
3. High fives from marshals
Faculty and staff members who volunteer as marshals help ensure all graduates cross the stage with confidence and celebrate their achievements.
If you’re a marshal, visit the marshal cheat sheet ahead of the ceremony.
4. A return to the Denver Coliseum
The venue will host multiple colleges, thousands of guests and the kind of energy that only comes when the entire University shows up in one place. See below for details on parking.
5. A message from the top
President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., will offer an inspiring message to graduates who are entering a rapidly changing workforce, underscoring the role of an MSU Denver education in preparing them for what’s next.
What to know before you go
Date and Location
Friday, May 15
Denver Coliseum
4600 N. Humboldt St., Denver, CO 80216 Date
Ceremony schedule
Morning | 9:30 a.m.
- College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering, and Design
- College of Business
- College of Health and Human Sciences
Afternoon | 2:30 p.m.
- College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
- School of Education
- School of Hospitality
Arrival and entry
- Doors open: 8 a.m. (morning) | 1 p.m. (afternoon)
- Graduates should arrive 90 minutes early
Guests
- No tickets required
- No limit on guests
- Seating is first come, first served
Parking
For guests and graduates
- Prepay for parking to save time and money
- Prepaid: $12.50
- Day-of (drive-up): $15
For marshals and volunteers
- Free parking available
- Park in Lot 1
- Enter through Door 1
- A parking pass will be emailed in advance. Print and display it clearly on your dashboard
Can’t attend?
Learn more on the Commencement website.
