Roadrunners Rise Campaign Events

Frank and Gina Day

Record-setting pledge establishes Gina and Frank Day Health Institute at MSU Denver

Gina and Frank Day have pledged $10 million to Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Health Institute, which is expanding to address the state’s critical shortage of health care workers. The largest philanthropic gift in the University’s history will help train students in a wide range of in-demand fields, including nursing, nutrition, behavioral health, speech-language pathology and social work.

Morgridge Family Foundation

More MSU Denver students will gain career-readiness training thanks to recent gift

Carrie Morgridge, co-founder of the Morgridge Family Foundation with her husband, John, said that they appreciate the University’s ethos of making career-focused higher education accessible to anyone interested in earning a degree, regardless of location. “If you can’t get to MSU Denver, we’re going to come to you,” she said.

Colorado Access and Colorado Access Foundation

MSU Denver receives $1.4 million gift to grow and diversify Colorado’s struggling health care workforce

“I’m first-generation Korean-American, and I first started dealing with the health care system as a kid trying to help my parents navigate the system,” said Annie Lee, president and CFO of Colorado Access. “With a more representative and diverse workforce, you would have better health outcomes and, hopefully, kids and youth would not be put in that position.”

The groundbreaking ceremony for MSU Denver's Health Institute Simulation and Skills Lab on Sept. 26, 2023 outside of West Classroom. Photo by Alyson McClaran

Dawn Bookhard, J.D.

Attorney and activist Dawn Bookhardt, J.D., is dedicated to helping MSU Denver educate a diverse health care workforce in the fields of speech, language and hearing.

“I want to change the dynamics of speech, hearing and language education and careers — for people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds to know they can be part of it,” said Bookhardt, a longtime MSU Denver supporter. “I’m putting my money where my mouth is.”

Ferd and Christy Belz

Gift from longtime supporters Ferd and Christy Belz will support wraparound services that pave pathways to graduation.

“Education is a core value we invest in as a family,” said Christy, “I see the passion students have for the University. The professors are unbelievable, and the staff is remarkable. We’re very, very honored to give this gift and make a difference for these students.”

Ferd and Christy Belz are recognized for their transformational gift to the Roadrunners Rise campaign in support of student success.

Mariner Kemper, president and CEO of UMB Financial Corporation, and his wife Megan, at the Jan. 19 event announcing the gift in the Cavea.

Kemper Family and UMB Foundation

New investments from the Kemper family and UMB Financial Corp. address a critical shortage of health care workers.

“Megan and I believe in higher education — it’s the key to changing lives,” Mariner Kemper said. “We are excited to invest in MSU Denver because it not only offers an accessible education; it offers a high-quality educational experience. MSU Denver is so important because it focuses on serving Colorado students who will likely stay in our state and serve our community.”

Rob and Molly Cohen

Expansion of the Cohen Pacesetters program makes college dream possible for more students.

“Molly and I learned early in our lives that if you’re blessed and you’re given gifts, then what really makes this world a special place is when you pay it forward, and when you give back to others,” said Rob Cohen. 

Rob and Molly Cohen were joined by their children, past and present scholarship recipients, faculty, MSU Denver trustee members and Dr. Janine Davidson at the Cohen Center for Athletics to celebrate their donation to the university. Photo by Sara Hertwig