Metropolitan State College of Denver ’s Board of Trustees today voted at a special board meeting to pursue legislative authority to change the institution’s name to Denver State University . A late bill is planned in the legislature within the next month, according to President Stephen Jordan.
The board made its decision based on insight gained from primary and secondary research collected during the last year. Two front-running names emerged as finalists for a potential name change: Denver State University and Metropolitan State University of Denver. At the meeting the board voted 5-2 in favor of Denver State University .
These names and two others, including the current name, were surveyedelectronically last month. Outreach efforts to alumni, donors, business leaders, the Latino and African-American communities, and the community at large also favored the two names. All told, more than 9,000 people voted.
With 80 percent of all stakeholders voting in favor of a name change, the board was provided with detailed information about the opportunities and challenges that would be involved.
“Sector Brands and the staff did their due diligence in collecting the needed feedback to allow the board to make an informed decision about the name change,” says Trustee Chair Rob Cohen. “They provided as many avenues as possible for all constituents to weigh in on the process.”
“I’m pleased that the board recognizes how this change will not only renew our commitment to the College’s mission, but also help increase the institution’s distinction in the community,” says Jordan .
If approved by the legislature in the 2011 session, the new name would be implemented by September 2012.
For a full list of information about the Strategic Name Initiative visit: www.mscd.edu/namechange.
Students at Landmark academy at reunion celebrate first annual latin culture week
Landmark Academy at Reunion , a tuition-free public charter school, recently hosted their First Annual Latin Culture Week, a week focused on educating students on the various aspects of Latin culture, from music and art to sports and celebrities, through unique activities. During the week-long celebration, students were able to step into the lives of the Aztecs, Incas and Mayans with Latin culture lessons through piñata making, cultural crafts, songs, traditional foods and more. Students made maracas and learned a traditional Mexican Hat Dance; created Aztec suns working with metal tooling; and studied different countries in Mexico , Central America and South America . Aztec dancers from the Colorado Folk Arts Council also visited with students and educated them on the spiritual and traditional aspects of Aztec culture through dance. “We reside in a community with strong Latin and Hispanic roots,” said Matt Carlton, principal of Landmark Academy at Reunion . “Our community culture is important to us at Landmark. By providing unique ways for our students to learn the various backgrounds of our diverse community they are able to understand and appreciate different cultures.” For more information about Landmark Academy at Reunion , please visit www.landmarkacademy.org.
