The Metropolitan State University of Denver community came out in force during the ninth annual Day of Giving on March 20 to spin the wheel of generosity for student success, raising a record $403,689.
A huge thank-you goes out to the over 1,900 donors who made a gift, as well as the students and staff, faculty, board and Roadrunner community members who participated in and watched the Day of Giving Telethon, visited the Day of Giving Village and played Tetris in the E-Sports Tournament.
Michael Hengst, DMA, professor of Trumpet and Roadrunners Athletics pep-band director, said the benefits of his students performing during the telethon far exceeded expectations. “It was such a fun experience for the students,” he said, “and the financial burden that has been lifted for next year is unbelievable. We’d love to do it again next year!”
Funds raised during Day of Giving provide Roadrunners with access to top-tier academic, athletic and campus programs, scholarships and meaningful wraparound services that prepare them for success before and after graduation.
Fundraising highlights:
- Roadrunners Athletics raised $112,518 across its teams to help pay the cost of equipment, travel, uniforms, participating in competitions and more; women’s soccer led the pack with $25,338.
- The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences raised $1,795 to provide students with hands-on field experiences where they apply classroom knowledge in real-world situations.
- The Dance Program raised $4,039 for a scholarship fund supporting Dance students.
“A tremendous amount of work goes into planning Day of Giving, and the event continues to grow each year,” said Jamie Hurst, J.D., assistant vice president for Strategic Engagement and Day of Giving Telethon co-host. “This level of success is only possible because of the support of our MSU Denver community — it’s exciting to be part of it.”
Members of the MSU Denver Foundation and Board pose for a photo. Photo by Alyson McClaran
MSU Denver students and staff walk with Rowdy on Day of Giving. Photo by Alyson McClaran
MSU Denver students Gavin Batron, Mia Valdez, center, and Aishwarya Mishra plays Spikeball at the ninth annual Day of Giving on March 20, 2025. Photo by Alyson McClaran
MSU Denver students and staff participate during the ninth annual Day of Giving. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Associate Vice President for Strategic Engagement Jamie Hurst and Senior Director of Alumni Engagement Brandi Rideout lead Day of Giving events in the Cavea. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Christine Marquez-Hudson Vice President of University Advancement & Executive Director of the MSU Denver Foundation smiles during a game in the Cavea. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Associate Vice President for Strategic Engagement Jamie Hurst and Senior Director of Alumni Engagement Brandi Rideout lead a game of Rowdy Family. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Ferd Belz, a member of the MSU Denver Foundation Board of Directors, asks a question during a game in the Cavea. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Rowdy and MSU Denver students and staff laugh during activities on the JSSB lawn. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Do you have a campus project you would like to fundraise for during next year’s Day of Giving? Calls for submissions will appear in the Early Bird beginning next January — mark your calendar!
Contact Bre Milnes, executive director of Advancement Communications and Annual Giving, for more information.
