Roadrunner Tuesday

Roadrunner Tuesday is a special time of year when Roadrunners near and far come together to support current MSU Denver students. Thanks to our lead sponsor, Ent Credit Union and other generous MSU Denver donors, there is more than $30,000 in matching funds available this year!

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, you can make an enormous impact on a Roadrunner’s life by making a gift to any of the following student success funds:

• Rowdy’s Corner
• Student Emergency Fund
• DREAMer Emergency Fund
• Veteran and Military Student Education Fund
• First-Generation Initiatives
• Diversity and Inclusion

Rowdy's Corner

Two years ago, the Roadrunner Food Pantry became Rowdy’s Corner, a marketplace providing students with free weekly access to a range of food options, hygiene products and school supplies in a shopping-like experience; there are also charging stations, a social dining space, microwaves, utensils and other amenities.  

At Rowdy’s Corner, students can get connected to public benefits support, community resources and Student Care Center Case Management services, and attend nutrition and food preparation workshops. Through intentional community and campus partnerships, Rowdy’s Corner seeks to eliminate food insecurity for all MSU Denver students and help build resilient local food systems. 

You can change the lives of MSU Denver students facing food insecurity by making your gift to Rowdy’s Corner. No student should worry about where they will find their next meal. With your support, we can provide food assistance to those who need it most.

Student Emergency Fund

One of MSU Denver’s core values is ensuring all students have access to the resources they need to succeed in college and finish their education. The Student Emergency Fund is an emergency stipend for MSU Denver students dealing with unanticipated and/or catastrophic life events that might otherwise cause the student to stop or pause their educational goals.  

Last year, MSU Denver provided more than $150,000 to students needing help with housing costs, utilities, car repairs, childcare and other financially difficult situations. 

The Student Emergency Fund provides one-time emergency assistance to students dealing with an unanticipated life event – such as safety and health-related needs, personal medical, dental or mental health emergencies, emergency family medical or death expenses, and much more.  

When you support the Student Emergency Fund, our most vulnerable students can stay at MSU Denver, finish their degree and go on to make a difference in their communities. This fund is made possible because of Roadrunners like you, and the amount of aid available is dependent on the support we get from our generous donors.

DREAMer Emergency Fund

MSU Denver is dedicated to improving access, retention and graduation rates for DREAMer students. DREAMers are young, undocumented immigrants who often experience considerable financial need, yet have no access to federal financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs). The Center for American Progress recently reported that 74% of undocumented students who left school reported this was due to financial difficulties. 

The Dreamer Emergency Fund is an emergency stipend for MSU Denver students who have undocumented, DACA or TPS status. Last year, MSU Denver Dreamers received over $13,000 in emergency financial assistance. Funds covered housing costs, medical expenses, DACA renewals and other financially difficult situations.

Veteran and Military Student Fund

The Veteran and Military Student Fund ensures veterans and active military members receive the dedicated support they need to succeed and achieve their dream of earning a college degree. 

Programs like Boots to Suits  include professional development and academic support services that assist veterans transitioning from the military to the classroom and from the classroom to the workforce. Resources include peer-to-peer mentoring, individual professional development counseling and mentorship, mental wellness support, tutoring assistance and scholarships. 

Make a gift to the Veteran and Military Student Fund to support our active and veteran military students today.

First-Generation Initiatives

Nearly 60% of the MSU Denver student population are first-generation students. The First-Generation Initiatives Program, housed within the Classroom to Career Hub, serves as an academic, career, community building and holistic support resource hub for current First-Generation students as they navigate campus. 

The First-Generation Initiatives Program works to improve first-generation student retention and graduation rates by building community, serving as advocates, providing education on the first-generation experience and developing meaningful programs and University initiatives that support first-generation students. 

By making a gift, you are helping first-generation students gain access to additional workshops, contributing to our scholarship fund and supporting important events like our bi-annual graduation ceremony.

Diversity and Inclusion

With 55.3% of undergraduates identifying as students of color, MSU Denver is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Seal of Excelencia recipient. The University is steadfast in supporting DACA and undocumented students, ensuring access to educational opportunities.  

MSU Denver fosters an inclusive community through University-wide signature programs like the Richard T. and Virginia M. Castro and Rachel B. Noel Distinguished Visiting Professorships and MLK Peace Breakfast, striving to become an anti-racist institution. These initiatives reflect our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.    

Join us in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion at MSU Denver with a gift supporting Diversity and Inclusion Programs, enabling us to continue nurturing a welcoming environment for all students.

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