The Mav Day 5K, proudly sponsored by Alpine Bank, is more than just a race — it's a community-driven effort to support student scholarships and foster a spirit of giving
The Mav Day 5K isn’t just a race — it’s a celebration of community, philanthropy and student success. This annual event, now in its second year, brings together Colorado Mesa University students, alumni, faculty and the community for a morning of fitness and fun all while raising funds for student scholarships.
Winding through CMU’s scenic campus, the course showcases the university’s vibrant atmosphere and welcoming community. Participants will take in the energy of campus life as they pass iconic university landmarks. Adding to the excitement are the Legends of the Quad — spirited stations along the course where student clubs and organizations cheer on participants, put on performances, hand out treats and bring unexpected surprises, creating an atmosphere unlike any other. From start to finish, the Mav Day 5K is designed to be fun, inclusive and memorable with post-race celebrations featuring live music, delicious food and a chance to connect with fellow Mavericks and community members.
This sense of connection and celebration is at the heart of the Mav Day 5K — bringing together students, alumni and the community in a shared experience of school spirit and support for student success. That same spirit is what inspired Alpine Bank to get involved in a big way.
As the title sponsor, Alpine Bank has played a pivotal role in the event’s success. Tyler Dahl, market president of Alpine Bank, CMU alumnus and director on the CMU Alumni Association Board, was instrumental in bringing the Mav Day 5K to life. Dahl, who has been with Alpine Bank for 18 years, credits much of his personal and professional growth to his time at CMU.
“The business department really prepared me for a career in banking,” Dahl said. “CMU also helped me find lifelong friends including my wife.”
Not only did Dahl meet his wife at CMU, but his two brothers also met their wives at CMU, making their alma mater a family affair and further strengthening his relationship to the university.
Dahl's deep connection to both CMU and Alpine Bank made the Mav Day 5K a natural fit for the bank's philanthropic mission.
"One of our core values at Alpine Bank is community," Dahl said. "We wanted to create an event that was fun, engaging and beneficial to students. We started small, but we have a vision to grow this into something as big as the Bolder Boulder 10K."
That vision is responsible for increasing participation from around 40 attendees from the previous version of the Alumni Association’s 5K to 300 participants in its inaugural year in 2024. This year, organizers hope to reach 500 participants, with long-term aspirations of expanding to a 10K and finishing at Stoker Stadium with music, crowds and an electric atmosphere.
The Mav Day 5K isn’t just about running — it’s about changing lives. Funds raised from last year’s race contributed significantly to the Alumni Association’s High 5 a Mav scholarship campaign, which helps students cover the cost of their education. One scholarship recipient, international business major Everest Samter, expressed deep gratitude for the support.
Receiving the High 5 a Mav scholarship has had a significant impact on my life," Samter said. "It's allowed me to focus more on my studies and graduate with as little debt as possible. When I first found out I had been awarded the scholarship, I had to read the email twice, I couldn't believe it! The support from this event is truly life changing."
Samter, who hopes to build a career in marketing and product management within the outdoor recreation or firearms industry, is looking forward to participating in this year’s 5K.
“It’s a fun and energetic event that brings the CMU community together,” Samter said. “It’s incredible to see people rally behind a cause that directly impacts students like me.”
Beyond the scholarships, the Mav Day 5K serves as a bridge between CMU and the broader Grand Junction community.
“A lot of people in Grand Junction are CMU alumni, and this event gives them a chance to reconnect and see how much the university has grown,” Dahl said. “Getting 500 people together who care about CMU and our community — that’s a win.”
Partnering with Alpine Bank for this community event was a natural fit, as their dedication to giving back extends far beyond race day. Their Loyalty Debit Card program makes supporting local initiatives effortless — every time a customer swipes their card, Alpine Bank donates 10 cents to nonprofits and organizations tied to the card’s designated category, such as education, community, arts or the environment. The education category, in particular, has been a vital source of scholarship funding directly benefiting students at institutions like CMU. But Alpine Bank’s impact goes beyond financial support. In Mesa County alone, employees logged nearly 1,800 volunteer hours last year — far surpassing their original goal of 1,000. And across Colorado, their unwavering commitment to community engagement continues to make a lasting difference.
As the Mav Day 5K enters its second year, organizers are hoping for a record-breaking turnout. This event is for everyone — whether you love to run, prefer a leisurely walk, or just want to be part of the energy and support CMU students.
“I just want to say a heartfelt thank you to the organizers and sponsors of the Mav Day 5K. What you're doing is incredibly meaningful and truly makes a difference for students like me,” said Samter. “Your support helps ease the financial burden of college and allows us to focus more on our education and future goals. It’s inspiring to see a community come together to invest in student success — thank you for everything you do!”
Don’t miss the chance to be part of something special — sign up for the Mav Day 5K today and help make a difference, one step at a time.
The Mav Day 5k is on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11am. Learn more and register now by visiting the Mav Day 5K event page.
