Students, faculty, staff and alumni represented the University on Monday for Metropolitan State University of Denver Day at the Colorado State Capitol, a day dedicated to celebrating the University’s impact and engaging directly with state legislators on issues affecting higher education.
The day began with a Senate tribute recognizing MSU Denver’s historic volleyball season. Lawmakers honored the Roadrunners for their national championship run, the first in program history.
During the tribute, Sen. Chris Kolker highlighted the team’s remarkable achievements on and off the court.
“They finished the season with a program-best 32–3 record and became the first Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference program ever to win a national volleyball championship,” Kolker said. “But their excellence doesn’t stop on the court. These student-athletes also dominate in the classroom. The team holds an average GPA of 3.8 and has earned national recognition for academic excellence, including two Academic All-Americans.”
Members of the MSU Denver Roadrunners Women's Volleyball team attend MSU Denver Day at the Capitol on March 13, 2026, after winning the 2025 NCAA national championship in December. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Senate President James Coleman greets members of the MSU Denver Roadrunners Women's Volleyball team before they were honored with a Senate tribute at the Colorado State Capitol on March 13, 2026. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Members of the MSU Denver Roadrunners Women's Volleyball team attend MSU Denver Day at the Capitol on March 13, 2026, after winning the 2025 NCAA national championship in December. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Members of the MSU Denver Roadrunners Women's Volleyball team attend MSU Denver Day at the Capitol on March 13, 2026, after winning the 2025 NCAA national championship in December. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Members of the MSU Denver Roadrunners Women's Volleyball team attend MSU Denver Day at the Capitol on March 13, 2026, after winning the 2025 NCAA national championship in December. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Members of the MSU Denver Roadrunners Women's Volleyball team were honored at the Colorado State Capitol on March 13, 2026, after winning the 2025 NCAA national championship in December. Photo by Alyson McClaran
For players in attendance, the moment was especially meaningful.
“It made us feel special, and the recognition was such an honor,” said junior Alivia Huxoll. “I am super grateful for getting the opportunity to be here and be honored for our volleyball championship, the first one in Colorado.”
During the lunch hour, members of the MSU Denver community hosted a tabling event in the Capitol’s West Foyer, connecting with legislators, staff members and visitors to share more about the University’s programs, students and impact across Colorado.
The afternoon focused on visits to legislative offices, where students, faculty, staff and alumni discussed higher education priorities and the role MSU Denver plays in preparing Colorado’s workforce.
“You never know the power of a conversation,” said Kyle Piccola, director of Government Affairs at MSU Denver. “Students, faculty and staff all bring unique perspectives and experiences at MSU Denver, and turning those voices into advocacy at the Capitol has a significant impact on our ability to set MSU Denver, and our students, up for success.”
Those conversations reinforced how closely the University’s work aligns with state priorities.
“It was a great pleasure to meet various legislators to have substantive conversations about priorities — both ours and theirs,” said John Masserini, DMA, dean of MSU Denver’s College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. “Not surprisingly, we share the same values and goals: to provide opportunity, access and resources so Coloradans can thrive in careers, community and life. Many of the things our legislators are asking of higher education are already happening at MSU Denver. It was great to demonstrate that face-to-face.”
MSU Denver Day at the Capitol offered Roadrunners a chance not only to celebrate student achievement but also to highlight the University’s commitment to access, workforce preparation and opportunity for all Coloradans.
