Key takeaways:
- Employees who make a $30 gift to support a student fund will receive a pair of MSU Denver-branded socks, and another pair will be distributed to students in need through Rowdy’s Corner.
- This year’s designs include ankle and business socks.
- In seven years, the initiative has raised over $143,000 and donated more than 5,700 pairs of socks to benefit students.
When Socktober launched in 2019, Kate Schmidt, Ph.D., associate professor of Philosophy at Metropolitan State University of Denver, was among the first to snag a pair.
“It’s an easy and fun way to support students,” said Schmidt, who has a dozen pairs of the limited-edition socks. “I always need socks, and with Socktober I get a new pair (or three) for the winter.”
Today, Socktober is back!
For every gift of $30 you make to a student support service fund during October ($20 is tax-deductible), you’ll score one pair of exclusive MSU Denver socks. And, as in years past, for every pair you get, we’ll keep hearts and toes warm by donating a pair to Rowdy’s Corner for students in need.
Two custom MSU Denver sock designs are available this year:
- An ankle sock featuring Rowdy the Roadrunner
- A gray business sock with the MSU Denver logo
Our generous MSU Denver community steps up to make each Socktober more successful than the last. In 2025, 500+ donors helped raise over $32,000, bringing the seven-year total to more than $143,000 and 5,700+ socks donated by more than 1,700 donors.
Student funds you can support include:
- Rowdy’s Corner
- Student Emergency Fund
- DREAMer Emergency Fund
- Alumni Relations
There’s also an option to fill in another MSU Denver fund not listed.
A fan of the business-style socks, Schmidt admits she has taught class in a mismatched pair. More than a fashion statement, the socks reflect her commitment to students, which she demonstrates by giving to Rowdy’s Corner. “I want all of my students to be well fed and supported as they work toward their degree,” she said.
Now is the time to join a Roadrunner tradition that supports MSU Denver students from head to toe. When you get into the Socktober spirit and make your gift today, our generosity ensures even more Roadrunners have the resources they need to put their best foot forward.
Contact Bre Milnes, executive director of Advancement Communications and Annual Giving, for more information about Socktober.
