CMU in the News

CMU Retention rate up 80% at the start of the spring semester

January 24, 2025 • KKCO 11 News

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) welcomed back its students for the Spring 2025 semester on January 13. In August 2024, CMU saw its highest class of incoming freshmen ever. Not only did CMU break a record in the fall, but the Spring 2025 semester is on track to break a record as well, with the retention rate of 80% from the students who arrived last year. This retention rate is well above the national average and looks projected to increase further into the 2025-2026 academic year.

2024 Free Application Days Saved Colorado Students $2.8 Million

January 19, 2025 • KJCT News 8

Colorado students submitted nearly 66,000 college and university admissions applications during Colorado Free Application Days. The seventh annual statewide initiative took place from Oct. 15th through Oct. 17th, 2024. The campaign increased participation from last year’s effort and saved students more than $2.8 million in waived fees. Participating institutions received 65,476 applications in total, with CMU coming in as one of the top four universities at 5,146 applications.

Colorado wants to recognize first-generation students, this university wants to make sure they succeed

January 07, 2025 • Colorado Public Radio

Mathias Mulumba graduated from CMU in December and even spoke at commencement. He was born in Kampala, Uganda, and is a first-generation student. He's become something of an evangelist for the importance of education and Colorado Mesa University’s ability to provide it to students like him. The Grand Junction campus was among the universities to be designated a first generation-serving institution by the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

Latina businesswoman, Ugandan non-profit founder among CMU's first-generation success stories

January 05, 2025 • The Daily Sentinel

When Sonia Gutierrez’ parents first moved to western Colorado from Mexico, they had planned to save up money before returning to their homeland. However, a major reason they changed their minds and remained in the United States was so their kids would have a better opportunity at furthering their education. Gutierrez paid off that choice in December, when she received her degree from Colorado Mesa University to become the first college graduate in her family.

Canyon Bathing and Campus Vibes at One of Colorado's Most Unique Hotels

January 02, 2025 • Matador Network

Three factors go into making a boutique hotel, a good boutique hotel. The first is location. Is the hotel near what you plan to do while staying there? The second is dining and drinks. Third, but perhaps most important, is authenticity. Travelers booking boutique do so because they don’t want the cookie cutter experience of a major chain. Hotel Maverick, in Grand Junction, Colorado, excels at all three – effectively making it an anti-chain masterpiece in Colorado’s most underrated city.

Colorado Mesa Wins Collegiate Overall Team Omnium at Cyclocross Nationals

December 13, 2024 • USA Cycling

In one of the most exciting competitions of the weekend, the top schools in the country battled for the Collegiate Overall Team Omnium. Going into the Varsity Team Relay event, Colorado Mesa University was leading in the standings after winning the team rankings in both the men’s and women’s races yesterday. After an all-out battle, the team of Ivan Sippy, Cassidy Hickey, Chloe Fraser, and Jack Spranger took the win for Colorado Mesa University, winning the overall omnium, as well.

How a Colorado Mesa University-led team won a $5 million competition with car batteries and a lot of favors

December 02, 2024 • Colorado Public Radio

Limelight Rainforest, which included professors and students from Colorado Mesa University and specialists from across the world, claimed the inaugural prize at an awards ceremony in Rio de Janeiro on Nov. 15 thanks to their work on a system that dropped specialty equipment into rainforest canopies using drones that could monitor everything from bird sounds to trace elements of DNA left on the forest floor.

Players take a break from the court to serve the community

November 29, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

While most of the Grand Valley was fast asleep, 15 Mavericks rolled themselves out of bed before the sun was up. It was the week of Thanksgiving, and the Colorado Mesa University men’s basketball team wasn’t heading to the court or class, but to North Avenue to serve the community.

CMU-led team wins rainforest science competition, $5 million prize

November 16, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

CMU's Limelight Rainforest team bested about 300 other teams from 70 countries to win the XPRIZE Rainforest competition and the $5 million top prize. CMU faculty involved in the project traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the honoring of the top-finishing teams, in connection with a G20 “social summit” event.

Asteria Theatre hosts an Astronomy event featuring Neil deGrasse Tyson

November 11, 2024 • KJCT News 8

CMU hosted Neil deGrasse Tyson at the Asteria Theatre on November 10 and 11. Along with Tyson's visit, the CMU Astronomy Club and the Society of Physics Students Club provided attendees with a look at the solar system through telescopes and digital media. High school students from other counties across Western Colorado also had the opportunity to attend for free through the CMU Promise Program.

Colorado Mesa University Honored for Supporting Nearly 50% First-in-Family College Students

November 11, 2024 • University Herald

The Colorado Mesa University has received an honorable award from the Colorado Department of Higher Education for its support toward first-generation students. With a new title as the First Generation-Serving Institution, the CDHE acknowledged CMU's commitment to supporting students who are the first in their families to attend college.

Here’s How Three Colleges Worked Past The FAFSA Confusion

October 30, 2024 • Forbes

Using a new financial aid calculator, CMU was able to estimate financial aid awards for students based on family income, offering them a clear and reliable financial aid forecast even before the federal aid amounts were finalized. The initiative was aimed primarily at CMU’s prospective first-generation and low-income students, for whom financial planning is often critical in deciding to pursue higher education.

CMU First Aid: response to FAFSA delays

October 29, 2024 • KJCT News 8

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) launched a new initiative to help current or prospecting students get a head start on financial aid. “CMU First Aid” was created in response to federal aid and FAFSA delays. The first university in Colorado to implement this system.

Polis tours housing project, area schools

October 29, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

During the governor’s nearly daylong tour of town, he viewed progress on the renovations at Grand Junction High School, viewed the new Asteria Theatre at Colorado Mesa University and went to Mesa View Elementary School, which recently named at 2024 National Blue Ribbon School.

State funding helps CMU Tech students in several fields

October 28, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

Colorado Mesa University is utilizing two state-funded programs, Care Forward and Career Advance, to prepare students to strengthen the local workforce. The financial assistance provided by the initiatives, directed toward CMU Tech students, are designed to expand educational opportunities in high-demand fields in short-term training programs, a news release stated.

Gov. Polis visits Grand Junction, touts education and housing

October 28, 2024 • KREX5

Polis toured CMU’s Asteria Theater. The building has 860 seats and boasts the largest capacity between Denver and Salt Lake City. “The arts are an important part of education and culture, and the new Asteria Theater is an exciting resource for students at Colorado Mesa University. Our state was proud to support this venue, and I look forward to seeing a performance here one day,” said Polis.

Geothermal Heat Pump Case Study: Colorado Mesa University

October 23, 2024 • U.S. Department of Energy

CMU’s is one of the largest geothermal heat pump systems in North America. It connects 16 buildings and provides 90% of the energy required to operate the campus. Future funding will enable CMU to drill additional fields and connect the remaining campus buildings, comprising 800,000 square feet, to the central loop.

CMU hosts town hall on election security

October 22, 2024 • KKCO 11 News

The political science club, as well as a couple other partners from CMU, are hosting an event Wednesday night on campus to discuss election security, and the threat of cyber attacks on elections. The event is part of CMU’s civic forum series, that creates conversation around some hot button topics like election security.

This Boutique Hotel is a Learning Lab for Hospitality Students

October 21, 2024 • Livability

Nestled in the heart of Colorado Mesa University's campus, Hotel Maverick offers a unique hospitality experience. This boutique hotel serves as a learning lab for students while providing guests with exceptional service and a vibrant atmosphere.

Asteria Theater at Colorado Mesa University Now Complete

October 21, 2024 • Mile High CRE

Semple Brown Design has announced the successful completion and opening of the new Asteria Theater on the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) campus. The firm, which has successfully planned and designed more than thirty theaters in Colorado, was responsible for helping to envision and achieve the theater's design.

Sensory-friendly harvest event to come to Dinosaur Journey museum

October 21, 2024 • KKCO 11 News

Colorado Mesa University‘s occupational therapy program is hosting an event at the Dinosaur Journey museum in Fruita. This sensory-friendly event will cater to whatever you want, whether that’s some peace and quiet, or fidgets and activities.

Asteria Theatre ushers in new stage in CMU's performance lore

October 19, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

Two weeks ago, Mina Langness was in the late 18th century as Constanze, the wife of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Constanze is young and naive, but her future seems bright, said Langness, describing the character at the beginning of the play “Amadeus.” By the end of the play, Constanze has nothing. “She’s a tragic character,” said Langness, who as a senior musical theater major at Colorado Mesa University had to quickly transition from Constanze to another role.

"It's keeping the good people out of public service:" Former Colorado governors address political climate

October 18, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

Former Colorado Governors Bill Owens (Republican, 1999-2007) and Bill Ritter (Democrat, 2007-2011) took to the stage at the Asteria Theatre at Colorado Mesa University on Tuesday evening. In a discussion facilitated by CMU President John Marshall, the two Bills discussed the polarized political climate, bipartisanship, challenges they faced as governors and the importance of civil discourse.

Why Financial Aid Administrators Do What They Do

October 17, 2024 • NASFAA

Lindsey Campbell, executive director of financial aid, advising, and enrollment at Colorado Mesa University, shared that her institution developed a strategy and campaign to issue financial aid offers to students amid processing delays due to FAFSA simplification. The campaign, titled The Wait is Over, is an early award process built on a CMU financial aid calculator.

Colorado wine getting better with age

October 17, 2024 • Thirst Colorado

Joe Buckel of Buckel Family Wine in Gunnison is proud of the quality of wine coming out of Colorado. Buckel is speaking from experience, having worked at three different wineries in Sonoma and attending Napa Valley College for formal education in enology. He’s thankful for the education he received but he’s also quick to credit the winemaking program at Colorado Mesa University, which has been instrumental in teaching the next generation of winemakers.

FAFSA glitches hurt first year, first generation enrollment at some colleges in Colorado

October 16, 2024 • Colorado Public Radio

The Colorado institution that turned what could have been an apocalyptically bad enrollment year into the largest freshman class in the university’s history was Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. It had a staggering 35 percent increase in its freshman class.

US DOE publishes series of geothermal heat pump case studies

October 15, 2024 • Think Geo Energy

The US Department of Energy (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) has published 19 case studies of large-scale geothermal heat pump applications across the United States. The case studies highlight the incredible versatility of geothermal heat pump applications. The actual applications are also impressively diverse, with some notable standouts.

From Adams City football star to first-generation college graduate

October 15, 2024 • Colorado Community Media

Liban Shongolo is a first-generation college student and the son of Somali immigrants. The ex-Adams City athlete spent the past four years earning his undergraduate degrees in criminal justice and political science from Colorado Mesa University, where he also delivered the commencement speech.

Free college application day starts tomorrow!

October 14, 2024 • KKCO 11 News

Colorado’s free application day starts tomorrow and runs until Thursday but for Colorado Mesa University, the deadlines have been extended to a full week.

CMU to host 2 former Colorado governors at Asteria Theater

October 14, 2024 • KJCT News 8

As a part of Colorado Mesa University’s “Mav the Vote” election engagement programming, CMU President John Marshall will host a Town Hall meeting between two former Colorado governors, Bill Owens and Bill Ritter, who come from two opposite sides of the political spectrum.

Skip Boulder For These 7 Underrated Colorado College Towns

October 12, 2024 • The Travel

Boulder is far from the only great college town in Colorado. The state is home to many top-ranked colleges and universities, many of which serve as centerpieces for their worthwhile town settings. These seven college towns across Colorado are excellent alternatives to the better-known vibes of Boulder.

Polis: CMU leading the way in providing clean energy

October 11, 2024 • KREX5

On Friday, Gov. Jared Polis celebrated CMU for being recognized as one of only 19 case studies across the U.S. by the Department of Energy. The university was praised for its geothermal system, which Polis has called a "gold standard." It has reduced CMU’s carbon footprint by roughly 18,000 metric tons of CO2 every year.

CMU featured as a U.S. Department of Energy case study for geothermal heating

October 11, 2024 • Governor Jared Polis

Governor Jared Polis via Facebook: CMU has one of the largest geothermal heat pump systems in North America and connects 16 buildings, providing 90% of the energy required to operate the campus. Plans are underway to connect the remaining campus buildings, comprising 800,000 square feet, to the central loop to achieve a 100% geothermal campus.

CMU announces second show with Neil deGrasse Tyson

October 09, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

In less than 24 hours, tickets sold out for a November talk by famous astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson at Colorado Mesa University. There was so much demand for tickets to Tyson’s talk that CMU contacted Tyson to see if he could come one day early and give another presentation. Fortunately, Tyson could and would.

Civil discourse in uncivil times

October 06, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

Civility in American politics, and more broadly in our culture, perhaps feels like it’s a little on the ropes. Like we have seen more polite days. Can we return to a more civil discourse, a more respectful national dialogue and broadly turn down the temperature of our politics without giving way to apathy or cynicism? At Colorado Mesa University this fall, we are attempting to do just that.

CMU assists students with FAFSA delays

October 04, 2024 • KREX5

Colorado Mesa University has taken steps to help students receive financial aid offers earlier, bypassing delays caused by the FAFSA process. For the second consecutive year, CMU has provided students with financial aid outside of the traditional FAFSA system.

How CMU welcomed its incoming freshman class

October 03, 2024 • KREX5

Colorado Mesa University is taking a different approach compared to many institutions in the state and across the nation. The university has established seven core values that define its identity, which appear to be resonating with both students and their families.

CMU documentary on the Sentinel's history to air Sunday on Rocky Mountain PBS

October 03, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

A documentary film produced by Colorado Mesa University students on The Daily Sentinel will air on Rocky Mountain PBS this coming Sunday.

Colorado Mesa University adapting its logo

October 02, 2024 • KKCO 11 News

After some soul-searching over the past few years, Colorado Mesa University is making a complete change from its old River and Mesa logo to its athletics interlocking letter logo.

Colorado Mesa University’s logo is on a water tower

October 01, 2024 • KJCT News 8

The new sight to see right off I-70 is the old Clifton water tower. The water tank is right off the Clifton ramp exit and features the CMU logo.

Colorado Mesa officials tout affordable education at Fort Morgan High School

October 01, 2024 • The Fort Morgan Times

John Marshall, President of Colorado Mesa University (CMU), recently visited Fort Morgan High School as part of a statewide tour to promote the university’s fully funded college program.

How CMU accommodated a 35% increase in freshmen

September 29, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

Colorado Mesa University leaders were anticipating a bump in enrollment, especially after several programs it had rolled out aimed at accessibility and affordability.

Stars of CMU’s Amadeus talk upcoming performances

September 27, 2024 • KREX5

On Friday, Ben Reigel and Max Reilly, the stars of CMU’s newest drama “Amadeus,” stopped by the studio to talk about their upcoming performances.

Opening night at the Asteria Theater

September 27, 2024 • KJCT News 8

The Asteria Theater at Colorado Mesa University held its grand opening event on September 27.

Pianist Max Reilly plays new role for 'Amadeus,' Asteria Theatre grand opening

September 22, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

Reilly, 28, is a pianist. For the past four months, he has been taking a crash course to become an actor, specifically, an actor portraying Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. On Friday, Reilly will walk on stage as Mozart for a performance of the play “Amadeus” that will double as the official grand opening event for Colorado Mesa University’s Asteria Theatre.

How Olympian Harry Stacey found his way to Colorado Mesa University

September 22, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

Colorado Mesa’s Olympic swimmer needed time to find his way to Grand Junction. Harry Stacey is a 24-year-old freshman on the Mavericks’ swim team fresh off representing Ghana in the 2024 Olympics.

Colorado Mesa University unveils new performing arts venue fit for the stars

September 16, 2024 • Colorado Public Radio

When Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall met with state legislators about a big-dollar request, he came prepared with visual aids.

Neil DeGrasse Tyson set to speak at CMU

September 13, 2024 • KREX5

Well-known astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson will lead off a new series of events at Colorado Mesa University. Tyson's upcoming appearance is one of several attractions introducing the community to the new Asteria Theatre.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson set to speak at CMU's Asteria Theatre

September 11, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson will lead off a new series of events at Colorado Mesa University’s Asteria Theatre.

Grammy Award-winning artist Kalani Pe’a performed at new Asteria Theatre

September 07, 2024 • KJCT News 8

Three-time Grammy Award winner Kalani Pe’a performed at Colorado Mesa University’s newest venue—the Asteria Theatre.

CMU team competes in global XPRIZE challenge

September 02, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

Tom Walla spent the last four years of his life assembling a team of 62 people with the goal of winning a $10 million prize to help save the rainforest.

Grammy-winning CMU grad to sing at Asteria soft opening

August 28, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

It’s a star from Hawaii who will give the first performance at Colorado Mesa University’s new theater named for the stars.

CMU's new student hangout: 'Arcadia'

August 26, 2024 • KJCT News 8

At Colorado Mesa University, a new hang-out spot called ‘Arcadia’ is now available for students. It is open to all students before, after, or between classes.

CMU welcomes largest freshman class in history

August 20, 2024 • Yahoo! News

Colorado Mesa University’s fall semester started on Monday and the university welcomed its largest freshman class in school history. School officials say the CMU Promise Initiative played a large role in this year’s enrollment.

Incoming Maverick triathlete to compete for Team USA at Paris Paralympics

August 16, 2024 • NCAA

Incoming Colorado Mesa University freshman Emma Meyers has been officially named to Team USA for the upcoming 2024 Paralympics in Paris, France.

CMU Tech, Marillac Health target dental hygienist shortage

August 06, 2024 • KREX5

CMU Tech is partnering up with Marillac Health to address the area's dental hygienist shortage. The new program is predicted to start the beginning of 2026 and open doors for many more new dental hygienists.

CMU Professor Releases New Book

August 05, 2024 • MSN

Dr. Timothy Winegard, Associate Professor of History at Colorado Mesa University released a new book. The Horse: A Galloping History of Humanity, chronicles a journey spanning over 5,500 years.

New CMU theater ready for its closeup

August 01, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

Part inspirational and part aspirational, Colorado Mesa University has named its new theater for the stars.

CMU cyclist Olivia Cummins readies for first Olympic games

July 28, 2024 • Colorado Public Radio

When Olivia Cummins returns to classes at Colorado Mesa University, she’ll do so as an Olympian.

Colorado Mesa University’s leaders took a risk to combat FAFSA delays. They lost money — but consider it a smashing success.

July 28, 2024 • The Denver Post

CMU’s fall freshman class is up by over 30% after implementation of “The Wait is Over” campaign.

A Trio of CMU Athletes are headed to the Paris Games

July 22, 2024 • KJCT News 8

We have made it to the week of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, with the opening ceremony set for Friday, the Western Slope and Colorado Mesa University will be well represented with a trio of Maverick athletes.

CMU Percussion Ensemble invited to perform at festival in Spain

June 28, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

In less than one week, 15 Colorado Mesa University students will board a jet for an “invite-only” affair in Spain. They will perform in four concerts at venues in and around the coastal city of Valencia as part of the Edeta Arts Percussion Festival from July 1–6.

McKenna Clingman becomes CMU's first rodeo national champion

June 22, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

After making the College National Finals of Rodeo her first three years of college but falling short of a title each time, McKenna Clingman finally broke through in her final collegiate rodeo — and made Colorado Mesa University history in the process.

How Olivia Cummins went from Colorado Mesa to the Olympics

June 20, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

Everyone remembers where they were when they heard the best news of their life. Where was Olivia Cummins? The 20-year-old Colorado Mesa cyclist was in Grand Junction in the middle of moving.

CMU nets nearly $400,000 in geothermal funding

May 31, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

Colorado Mesa University has been awarded nearly $400,000 in new funding to help continue growing its leading-edge geothermal system.

CMU wins overall and road cycling national championships

May 08, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

The Colorado Mesa University cycling team has conquered the collegiate cycling realm again.

CMU spring concert brings Ja Rule to Grand Junction

May 03, 2024 • KJCT News 8

The CMU spring concert is a chance for college students to relax and unwind after a long school year. This year’s edition brought early 2000′s rap back, and saw Ja Rule and Petey Pablo find their way to Las Colonias Amphitheater in Grand Junction.

CMU students win award for documentary on The Daily Sentinel's history

May 03, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

A documentary film produced by Colorado Mesa University students on The Daily Sentinel has won a prestigious award from the Colorado Broadcasters Association.

CMU awards over $11M in scholarships to District 51 seniors

May 02, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

With Mesa County Valley School District 51 high schools holding their Senior Celebration Day on Wednesday, Colorado Mesa University joined in on the fun by providing seniors with more than $11 million in scholarships.

CMU awards millions to D51 graduating seniors

May 01, 2024 • Yahoo! News

Colorado Mesa University stopped at five District 51 high schools during Senior Celebration Day to present scholarship checks totaling more than $11 million.

To spread word of free tuition and boost low-income enrollment, a college goes on a Western Slope high school tour

April 26, 2024 • Colorado Public Radio

In Colorado, fewer than half of high school graduates go on to college, well below the national average. In recent years, universities across the state have stepped up efforts to change that by offering free tuition to low-income students. Colorado Mesa University is one of the latest.

Colorado Mesa University rolls out financial aid packages for students

April 23, 2024 • KKCO 11 News

Amidst financial aid nightmares and backed up FAFSA applications for students across the country, Colorado Mesa University officials announced financial aid packages for students will be distributed soon, making Colorado one of the first states to implement this.

CMU seeking ‘First-Generation-Serving’ designation

April 22, 2024 • KJCT News 8

First generation students are one of the largest student groups at Colorado Mesa University and make up nearly half the student population. Colorado Mesa University defines a ‘first-generation’ student as the first in a family to graduate from college.

Colorado Mesa University innovates with geothermal heating system

April 08, 2024 • KREX5

As opposed to the traditional gas and electric boilers, CMU’s ground source heat pump system takes advantage of an abundant resource, the earth’s natural heat.

The Lighthouse Program at Colorado Mesa University

March 20, 2024 • KKCO 11 News

Colorado Mesa University is not only a stomping ground for those wanting to pursue higher education, but it’s also a place for youth who are potentially headed down a disruptive path. The Lighthouse Program aims to mentor youth in our community before they get into the juvenile system.

RMHP announces $500K matching contribution for CMU social work grads

February 22, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

After the Grand Junction City Council’s pledge of $500,000 of the city’s American Rescue Plan Act funds to help graduates of Colorado Mesa University’s Masters of Social Work (MSW) program repay their loans, Rocky Mountain Health Plans (RMHP) on Wednesday announced it would be making a matching contribution to the school for the same purpose.

CMU announces "The Wait is Over" initiative amid FAFSA delays

February 16, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

Amid national Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) processing delays, Colorado Mesa University announced Thursday that it is launching “The Wait is Over”, an initiative designed to ease the financial aid uncertainty many students are facing.

NASA Awards Inaugural Grants to Support Emerging Research Institutions

February 08, 2024 • NASA

This project is a collaboration between Colorado Mesa University and NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland to strengthen and grow a research, education, and training network centered around problems in complex fluids and soft matter, with initial emphasis on heat transfer and multiphase flows.

CMU, GJ developing social work loan repayment program

January 11, 2024 • The Daily Sentinel

Colorado Mesa University and the City of Grand Junction are working on a program that would provide student loan reimbursements to graduates of CMU’s master’s of social work program who agree to practice locally.