On Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, Chancellor Dorothy Horrell welcomed more than 1,200 graduates into the CU Denver family. They join more than 94,000 alumni, in more than 100 different countries, whose endeavors are helping shape today’s world.
“There is no doubt that the world needs your talents, your insights, your intellect, and your compassion more than ever,” Chancellor Horrell said at the 2019 Fall Commencement, hosted at the Convention Center. “My wish is that each of you will find the place where the things you love to do and what you are good at come together, and I hope you won’t settle until you find it.”
Family members and friends filled the auditorium to watch their loved ones achieve a major milestone. Among the graduates:
- 482 students received their bachelor’s.
- 236 students received their master’s.
- 13 students received their PhDs.
- 116 graduates are veterans.
- 18 nations were represented.
Eleven students graduated from the International College of Beijing, a 25-year partnership between CU Denver and China Agricultural University that offers English-taught degrees with courses in Denver and Beijing. Three graduates participated in the CU Denver ceremony, and next month another eight will graduate in Beijing.
CU leaders also recognized faculty for their commitment to the university. “For your superb teaching, creative scholarship and exemplary service, your energy and dedication to the CU Denver community, and for all you do to contribute to the development and success of our students, we salute you, and we thank you,” Horrell said.
“You are called to let your light shine. To do well, yes, but also to do good.”
– CU President Mark Kennedy
CU President Mark Kennedy encouraged students to prosper and always believe the best in others. “Your diploma will not just come from any university—it will come from the university born with this state as the standard bearer of her name,” Kennedy said. “From a campus that helped build this city; from one of the nation’s largest sources of discovery and innovation. You are called to let your light shine. To do well, yes, but also to do good.”
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Roderick Nairn announced the 2019 faculty and staff award winners. “The heart of a university,” he said, “rests in its laboratories, studios, and classrooms.”
CU Distinguished Professor
Robin Shandas, College of Engineering, Design and Computing
2019 Excellence in Teaching Award
William Wagner, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Marta Maroń, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
2019 Excellence in Research and Creative Activities Award
Mark Golkowski, College of Engineering, Design and Computing
Benjamin Greenwood, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
2019 Excellence in Faculty Mentoring Award
Stephanie Santorico, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
2019 Excellence in Leadership and Service Award
Jeremiah (Remi) Kalir, School of Education & Human Development
2019 Excellence in Librarianship Award
Kevin Seeber, Auraria Library
2019 Excellence in Practices related to Non-Tenure-Track Faculty
School of Education & Human Development Faculty Research Center
2019 Graduate School Dean’s Doctoral Student Mentoring Award
Krista Ranby, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Christopher Weible, School of Public Affairs
2019 Graduate School Dean’s Master’s Student Mentoring Award
Adam Lippert, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Jan Mandel, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
CU Regent Irene Griego concluded the ceremony with the Norlin Charge, a tradition first read at commencement in 1935 by the late President George Norlin, a monumental figure who championed for civil rights.