{{short description|Private university in Denver, Colorado, US}} {{distinguish|University of Colorado Denver}} {{Use American English|date=March 2019}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}} {{Infobox university | name = University of Denver | former_name = Colorado Seminary (1864–1880) | image = University of Denver seal.svg | image_upright = 0.65 | motto = ''Pro Scientia et Religione'' (Latin) | mottoeng = "For Knowledge and Spirit" | established = {{start date and age|1864}} | type = Private research university | religious_affiliation = Nonsectarian; founded by Methodists<ref name="William Joseph Whalen - Hospitals & Universities">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?Rid=sw9ILcqw2hsC&pg=PA162 |title=Separated brethren: a review of Protestant, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox & other religions in the United States|quote=Among Protestant denominations, Methodists take first place in hospitals and colleges. Some of their one hundred colleges and universities have all but severed ties with the denominations, but others remain definitely Methodist: Syracuse, Boston, Emory, Duke, Drew, Denver, and Southern Methodist. The church operates three hundred sixty schools and institutions overseas. Methodists established Goodwill Industries in 1907 to help handicapped persons help themselves by repairing and selling old furniture and clothes. The United Methodist Church runs seventy-two hospitals in the United States.|publisher=Our Sunday Visitor|access-date =March 27, 2010}}</ref><ref name="General Board of Higher Education & Ministry">{{cite web |url=http://www.gbhem.org/site/c.lsKSL3POLvF/b.5392245/k.60B4/Schools_by_Jurisdiction.htm#Western |title=Schools by Jurisdiction|publisher=United Methodist Church|access-date=December 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091216212534/http://www.gbhem.org/site/c.lsKSL3POLvF/b.5392245/k.60B4/Schools_by_Jurisdiction.htm#Western|archive-date=December 16, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> | academic_affiliation = {{hlist|CUMU|IAMSCU|NAICU<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.naicu.edu/member_center/members.asp |title=NAICU – Member Directory |access-date=December 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109231238/http://www.naicu.edu/member_center/members.asp |archive-date=November 9, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>|Space-grant}} | endowment = $1.15 billion (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/nacubo1-nacubo-prd-dc8b/media/Nacubo/Documents/EndowmentFiles/2025-NCSE-Endowment-Market-Values-for-US-and-Canadian-Institutions-FINAL.xlsx |title=U.S. and Canadian 2025 NCSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2025 Endowment Market Value |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) |access-date=February 19, 2026 |format=XLSX}}</ref> | chancellor = Jeremy Haefner | provost = Elizabeth Loboa | faculty = | administrative_staff = | students = 12,813 (fall 2024)<ref name="DU Factbook"/> | undergrad = 6,613 (fall 2024)<ref name="DU Factbook"/> | postgrad = 6,200 (fall 2024)<ref name="DU Factbook"/> | city = Denver | state = Colorado | country = United States | campus = Urban/residential, {{convert|125|acre}}<ref>University of Denver (August 1, 2008). {{cite web |url=http://www.du.edu/experience/life/look-of-campus/ |title=University of Denver – The Look of Campus |access-date=August 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703214604/http://www.du.edu/experience/life/look-of-campus/ |archive-date=July 3, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | free_label = Newspaper | free = ''The DU Clarion'' | sports_nickname = Pioneers | mascot = | colors = {{college color list|team=Denver Pioneers}} | sporting_affiliations = NCAA Division I – The Summit<br />NCHC (Men's Hockey) | website = {{url|https://du.edu}} | logo = University of Denver logo.svg | logo_upright = 1.0 }}

The '''University of Denver''' ('''DU''') is a private research university in Denver, Colorado, United States. Founded in 1864, it had an enrollment of approximately 6,600 undergraduate students and 6,200 graduate students in 2024.<ref name="DU Factbook">{{cite web |url=http://www.du.edu/ir/factbook/staff.html |title=University Factbook |publisher=DU.edu |access-date=May 2, 2017 |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407043007/https://www.du.edu/ir/factbook/staff.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research spending and doctorate production".<ref>{{cite web |title=Carnegie Classifications Institution Lookup |url=https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institutions/?inst=&research2025[]=1 |publisher=American Council on Education |website=carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu |access-date=November 3, 2025}}</ref> The {{convert|125|acre|km2|adj=on}} main campus is a designated arboretum and is located five miles (8&nbsp;km) south of downtown Denver.

== History == [[File:Mary Reed in Spring.JPG|thumb|left|Mary Reed Hall and Harper Humanities Garden]] In March 1864, John Evans, former governor of the Colorado Territory, appointee of President Abraham Lincoln, founded the '''Colorado Seminary'''<ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YW5_CQAAQBAJ&q=university+denver+founded+march+4+1864+jjohn+evans&pg=PT12 |title = A Brief History of South Denver & University Park|isbn = 9781614238287|last1 = Fisher|first1 = Steve|date = April 2012| publisher=Arcadia }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_EEDAAAAYAAJ&q=colorado+seminary+march+4+1864+jjohn+evans&pg=PA388 |title = Echoes from Peak and Plain, Or, Tales of Life, War, Travel and Colorado Methodism|last1 = Beardsley|first1 = Isaac Haight|year = 1898}}</ref><ref name="HistDenver">{{Cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=scVEAQAAMAAJ&q=colorado+seminary+march+4+1864+jjohn+evans&pg=PA758 |title = History of Denver: With Outlines of the Earlier History of the Rocky Mountain Country|last1 = Smiley|first1 = Jerome Constant|year = 1901}}</ref> in the newly created (1858) city of Denver, which was then a mining camp. Evans, governor and superintendent of Indian affairs of the Colorado Territory, lost his government position as a result of the November 1864 Sand Creek massacre (which was carried out by Colonel John Chivington, later a member of the Colorado Seminary's Trustees).<ref>{{Citation |title=Report of the John Evans Study Committee University Of Denver |url=https://www.du.edu/sites/g/files/lmucqz251/files/2018-04/DUJEC%20Report%20Nov1-2014.pdf |access-date=May 4, 2022 |date=November 2014 |language=en |archive-date=March 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316164922/https://www.du.edu/sites/g/files/lmucqz251/files/2018-04/DUJEC%20Report%20Nov1-2014.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

At its founding the seminary was non-sectarian and operated by the Methodist Episcopal Church. It struggled in the early years of its existence.<ref name="HistDenver" /> In 1880, it was renamed the University of Denver. The first buildings of the university were located in downtown Denver in the 1860s and 1870s, but concerns that Denver's rough-and-tumble frontier town atmosphere was not conducive to education prompted a relocation to the current campus, built on the donated land of potato farmer Rufus Clark, some six miles (11&nbsp;km) south of the downtown core. The university grew and prospered alongside the city's growth, appealing primarily to a regional student body prior to World War II.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}} After the war, the large surge in G.I. Bill students pushed DU's enrollment to over 13,000 students, the largest the university has ever been, and helped to spread the university's reputation to a national audience.

==Campus== thumb|University Hall, built in 1890 The heart of the campus has a number of historic buildings. The longest-standing building is University Hall, which has served DU since 1890, and was built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Just a few blocks off campus sits the historic Chamberlin Observatory, opened in 1894. Still a fully operational observatory, it is open to the public twice a week as well as one Saturday a month.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://denverastro.org/chamberlin.html |title=The University of Denver's Historic Chamberlin Observatory |publisher=Denver Astronomical Society |access-date=August 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218075943/http://www.denverastro.org/chamberlin.html |archive-date=February 18, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[Image:duchapel.jpg|left|thumb|Evans Memorial Chapel; built in the late 1870s by John Evans in memory of his daughter Josephine Evans Elbert<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Tq-lga6iFbEC&pg=PA14 |title=Farmlands, Forts, and Country Life: The Story of Southwest Denver |last=Catlett |first=Sharon R. |date=2007 |publisher=Big Earth Publishing |isbn=978-1-56579-545-7 |pages=14 |language=en |access-date=February 6, 2020 |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110112258/https://books.google.com/books?id=Tq-lga6iFbEC&pg=PA14 |url-status=live }}</ref>]] The central campus area also includes Evans Memorial Chapel, an 1870s-vintage small church which was once located in downtown Denver, and was relocated to the DU campus in the early 1960s. Buchtel Tower (1913) is all that remains of the former Buchtel Chapel, which burned in 1983.

left|thumb|Margery Reed Hall The administrative offices are located in the Mary Reed Building, a former library built in 1932 in the Collegiate Gothic style. Margery Reed Hall (named for the daughter of Mary Reed) was also built in the collegiate gothic style in 1929. Margery Reed Hall houses the Undergraduate Program for the Daniels College of Business; an $8 million overhaul and renovation was completed early 2014. The building was updated to include more classroom space, a larger hall to host guest speakers, as well as mechanical and technical improvements.

F.W. Olin Hall opened in 1997, housing Biological and Natural Sciences. The 40,000 square foot structure was the first building on campus constructed to meet a new set of design and aesthetic standards emphasizing load-bearing masonry, organic designs, and timeless architectural features.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://davispartnership.com/projects/university-denver-f-w-olin-hall/|title=University of Denver – F.W. Olin Hall|access-date=March 9, 2022|archive-date=May 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528114345/https://davispartnership.com/projects/university-denver-f-w-olin-hall/|url-status=live}}</ref> Olin Hall includes a two-story rotunda topped with an elliptical copper dome, a sentinel in the university skyline.

The Daniels College of Business was completed in September 1999 at the cost of $25 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gradprofiles.com/u-denver-daniels.html|title=University of Denver Daniels School of Business Denver, Colorado|work=Grad Profiles|access-date=March 30, 2019|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304065539/http://www.gradprofiles.com/u-denver-daniels.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The business school has been nationally recognized by organizations such as ''Forbes'' magazine, ''Business Week'', and the ''Wall Street Journal'' where it is ranked second in the nation for producing students with high ethical standards.<ref>Daniels College of Business (September 17, 2007). http://www.daniels.du.edu/news-announcements-WSJ.aspx {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071126093909/http://daniels.du.edu/news-announcements-WSJ.aspx |date=November 26, 2007}}</ref>

In 2002, the university opened the $70 million Robert and Judi Newman Center for Performing Arts, which houses the acclaimed Lamont School of Music. The center includes the June Swaner Gates Concert Hall, a four-level opera house seating just under 1,000, the Frederic C. Hamilton Family Recital Hall, a 222-seat recital hall with the largest (2,850 pipes) "tracker" organ in the region, and the Elizabeth Ericksen Byron Theatre, a flexible theatre space seating up to 350. The Newman Center serves as home to many professional performing arts groups from the Denver region as well as the university's ''Newman Center Presents'' multi-disciplinary performing arts series.

Nelson Hall, opened in 2002, is a LEED residence hall housing sophomores in dorm- and apartment-style suites. Its castle-like design and gold leaf-topped tower anchors the south end of campus.

In autumn 2003, DU opened a new $63.5 million facility for its College of Law, later named the "Sturm College of Law." Donald and Susan Sturm, owners of Denver-based American National Bank, had given $20 million to the University of Denver College of Law. The gift is the largest single donation in the 112-year history of the law school and among the largest gifts ever to the university. The building includes a three-story library.

In 2005 the Graduate School of Social Work completed the renovation and significant expansion of its building, renamed Craig Hall. The building features extensive stained glass artwork and a large events space.

thumb|Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management In January 2006, DU opened a new building for the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management), later named the Joy Burns Center. The building contains classrooms, a large wine cellar, meeting rooms, and an all-purpose dining room that hosts numerous city and university events, weddings, and formal parties. The school helps DU rank near the top of all hotel schools in the United States. The program had its first graduating class in 1946.

Nagel Hall, a five-story 150,000 square foot residence hall, whose distinguishing characteristic is a tower topped by a 12-ton copper-clad cone, was completed in the Fall of 2008 to accommodate sophomores and upperclassman. The project was partially funded by a 30-year $45.7 million revenue bond and a $4 million donation from DU Trustee Ralph Nagel and his wife Trish.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 20, 2008 |title=DU to open new residence hall |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/08/18/daily28.html |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=www.bizjournals.com}}</ref> Nagel Hall also houses works donated from the Nagels' art collection, with over 50 paintings from Colorado artists including many by Ralph Nagel himself.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-02-22 |title=DU Will Celebrate Two Visionary Leaders at Annual Founders Gala |url=https://www.du.edu/news/du-will-celebrate-two-visionary-leaders-annual-founders-gala |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=University of Denver |language=en |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227080551/https://www.du.edu/news/du-will-celebrate-two-visionary-leaders-annual-founders-gala |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2012, the building was certified Gold in LEED standards in recognition of its environmentally friendly and sustainable design. The building also houses offices for the Department of Psychology and a bike repair shop in its lower level.

DU completed the first ever (Peter S. Barton) lacrosse-only stadium that was specifically designed for the sport in 2005, as well as the Ciber Field Soccer Stadium (2010) on the northern end of campus, adjoining the Nagel studio space for the School of Art, as well as the Pat Bowlen varsity sports weight training facility underneath the stands.

At the beginning of the summer of 2011, the 41-year-old Penrose Library closed for a $32 million renovation, and reopened in the spring of 2013 as the Anderson Academic Commons, a 21st-century high-tech collaboration and study space.

In May 2016, the 47,000 square foot Anna & John J. Sie International Relations Complex opened as an addition to Cherrington Hall. The addition rises five stories, and includes classrooms, offices, and an expansive event space and deck on the fifth floor. The building also features a blue-tiled tower prominent in the university's skyline.

In 2016, the university opened the 130,000 square foot Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science on the southern end of campus, adjacent to Olin Hall. The building features classroom, laboratory, and office spaces for faculty, as well as a cafe on the first floor. The structure is notable for its zinc and limestone dome rising five floors above the main entrance.

In September 2020, the Dimond Family Residential Village opened to house first-year students, and the Burwell Center for Career Achievement opened to house alumni engagement and career services offices, replacing the Leo Block Alumni Center. Both are on track to achieve LEED certification and are the first structures completed under the Denver Advantage Campus Framework Plan.

In October 2021, the establishment of the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus was announced with a $26 million gift from a university alumnus.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 5, 2021|title=Introducing the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus|url=https://www.du.edu/news/introducing-james-c-kennedy-mountain-campus|access-date=February 11, 2022|website=University of Denver|language=en|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211003855/https://www.du.edu/news/introducing-james-c-kennedy-mountain-campus|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Academics==

===Rankings=== {{Infobox US university ranking | USNWR_NU = 105 | THE_WSJ = 131 | Wamo_NU = 228 | Forbes = 140 | USNWR_W = 727 | QS_W = 651–700 | THES_W = 351–400 | ARWU_W = 901–1000 }} {|class="wikitable floatright" |+USNWR graduate school rankings<ref name="USNWR Grad School Rankings">{{cite web|magazine=U.S. News & World Report|access-date=August 1, 2023|url=https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/university-of-denver-127060/overall-rankings|title=DU's Graduate School Rankings|archive-date=October 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007053238/https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/university-of-denver-127060/overall-rankings|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Business | 68 |- | Education | 83 |- | Engineering | 173 |- | Law | 80 |}

{|class="wikitable floatright" |+USNWR departmental rankings<ref name="USNWR Grad School Rankings"/> |- | Clinical Psychology | 50 |- | English | 99 |- | Fine Arts | 124 |- | Library & Information Studies | 35 |- | Psychology | 97 |- | Social Work | 11 |}

The undergraduate business program, The Daniels College of Business, was ranked 87th best in 2016 by ''BusinessWeek''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bwnt.businessweek.com/interactive_reports/undergrad_bschool/|title=The Top Undergraduate Business Programs|website=Bloomberg Businessweek|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100508033048/http://bwnt.businessweek.com/interactive_reports/undergrad_bschool/|archive-date=May 8, 2010|url-status=dead|access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref>

Education journalist Jeff Selingo named the University of Denver a "dream school" in his 2025 book, ''Dream School: Finding a College That's Right for You'' (Scribner).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-09 |title=DU Named ‘Dream School’ in National College Guide {{!}} University of Denver |url=https://www.du.edu/news/du-named-dream-school-national-college-guide |access-date=2026-02-21 |website=www.du.edu |language=en}}</ref>

right|thumb|F W Olin Hall for Biological and Natural Sciences

===Academic programs===

'''Schools and colleges:''' * College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences * College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics * Daniels College of Business * Sturm College of Law * University College<ref>{{cite web|url=http://universitycollege.du.edu/|title=Continuing Education|author=University College, University of Denver|work=UniversityCollege.DU.edu|access-date=March 30, 2019|archive-date=October 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028084751/http://universitycollege.du.edu/|url-status=live}}</ref> * Morgridge College of Education right|thumb|Buchtel Tower and the Sturm College of Law Tower

* Graduate School of Professional Psychology * Graduate School of Social Work * Josef Korbel School of International Studies * Lamont School of Music * Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science thumb|left|Daniels College of Business; the eighth oldest business school in the countrythumb|right|Nelson Hall Tower Offering students a learning experience abroad, the Cherrington Global Scholars program offers every undergraduate the chance to study abroad at no cost above the normal university tuition, room and board.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.du.edu/intl/abroad/index.html|title=Study Abroad|website=DU.edu|access-date=September 28, 2013|archive-date=July 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729083239/http://www.du.edu/intl/abroad/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{as of|2017}}, the Daniels School of Business also offers an online MBA program.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://onlinemba.du.edu/|title=Earn an Accredited MBA Online from the University of Denver|work=University of Denver|access-date=June 20, 2018|language=en|archive-date=June 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628005715/https://onlinemba.du.edu/|url-status=live}}</ref> thumb|right|Margery Reed Hall Ivy

=== Study abroad program === In the 2017–18 academic year, DU had a 77.5 percent of participation in study abroad, leading the school to be third in national rank. The top destinations of DU students are United Kingdom (particularly Scotland), Spain and Italy, however many students go to universities in Australia and New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.du.edu/du-recognized-for-study-abroad-program/|title=DU Recognized for Study Abroad Program|last=Stone|first=Jon|date=November 13, 2017|work=DU.edu|access-date=November 16, 2017|language=en-us|archive-date=November 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122122414/http://news.du.edu/du-recognized-for-study-abroad-program|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Magazine === The ''University of Denver Magazine'' is published quarterly.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home|url=https://magazine.du.edu/|access-date=February 10, 2022|website=University of Denver Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref>

The ''Denver Quarterly'' was founded in 1966 by novelist John Edward Williams.{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}

== Fraternities and sororities == The University of Denver has hosted fraternities and sororities for over 130 years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Everson |first=Tori |title=Behind the scenes of sorority and fraternity rush – The Denver Clarion |url=https://duclarion.com/2021/10/behind-the-scenes-of-sorority-and-fraternity-rush/ |access-date=2026-02-17 |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Athletics== {{Main|Denver Pioneers}}

DU's athletic teams are known as the Denver Pioneers. The school has been fielding athletic teams since 1867, winning 36 NCAA Division One titles since 1949—among the top 15 of all schools. Denver is best known as a major power in winter sports, in particular, skiing and ice hockey. DU has won 24 NCAA national team skiing championships (more than any other school). Ice hockey is DU's flagship spectator sport, with 11 NCAA titles (first among all schools), most recently in 2026<ref>{{cite web |title=#C11ampions: Denver Wins Record 11th National Championship |date=April 11, 2026 |url=https://denverpioneers.com/news/2026/4/11/mens-ice-hockey-c11ampions-denver-wins-record-11th-national-championship.aspx |access-date=April 13, 2026}}</ref> and including back-to-back crowns in 2004 and 2005. The program has produced 80 NHL players and regularly sells out the 6,000 seat Magness Arena on campus, the showpiece of the Ritchie Center for Sports and Wellness. left|thumb|Magness Arena looking northwest thumb|right|Exterior of the Daniel L. Ritchie Center The Pioneers' major conference affiliations changed in July 2013. Denver moved its primary affiliation from the Western Athletic Conference to The Summit League, hockey moved from the Western Collegiate Hockey Association to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, and men's lacrosse moved from the ECAC Lacrosse League to the Big East Conference. The women's lacrosse team also moved from the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) to the Big East Conference in 2017 and in 2019 they reached the Elite 8 (quarterfinals) of the NCAA tournament. In addition, the women's gymnastics team joined the newly formed Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference in 2013 and later moved to the Big 12 Conference in July 2015. In July 2026, DU will leave the Summit League for the West Coast Conference.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://wccsports.com/news/2025/10/31/general-west-coast-conference-expands-footprint-with-addition-of-the-university-of-denver.aspx |title=West Coast Conference Expands Footprint With Addition of the University of Denver |publisher=West Coast Conference |date=October 31, 2025 |access-date=October 31, 2025}}</ref>

===Pioneers moniker controversy=== The school has used the Pioneers nickname since 1925 after previously being known at the Fighting Parsons or Fighting Ministers (1919-1925).<ref name="mascots">{{cite web |title=Mascots, Nicknames, and Resistance Timeline (1864-2000) |url=https://exhibits.library.du.edu/librariespresents/exhibits/show/no-more-pios-du-exhibit/timeline-1864-2000 |website=No More Pios: The Legacy of Settler Colonialism and the University of Denver |access-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629153741/https://exhibits.library.du.edu/librariespresents/exhibits/show/no-more-pios-du-exhibit/timeline-1864-2000 |url-status=live }}</ref> Under the Pioneers moniker, DU athletic teams have had the following mascots: Pioneer Pete (1925 to 1968), Denver Boone (1968 to 1998), Ruckus the red-tailed hawk (1999 to 2007), and since 2008, the school has been without an official mascot. Denver Boone first fell into controversy in 1984 when university administrators began to phase out the Daniel Boone-inspired mascot due to "male gender stereotyping and its specifically western symbolism". By 1999, the transition away from Boone was complete with the unveiling of Ruckus by Chancellor Daniel Ritchie.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exhibits @ DU |url=https://exhibits.library.du.edu/librariespresents/exhibits/show/no-more-pios-du-exhibit/timeline-1864-2000 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250516184245/https://exhibits.library.du.edu/librariespresents/exhibits/show/no-more-pios-du-exhibit/timeline-1864-2000 |archive-date=2025-05-16 |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=exhibits.library.du.edu}}</ref> Ruckus was eventually phased out in 2008 after failing to gain traction with students, student-athletes, and alumni.<ref name="nomorepios">{{Cite web |title=Mascots, Nicknames, and Resistance Timeline (2000-2020) |url=https://exhibits.library.du.edu/librariespresents/exhibits/show/no-more-pios-du-exhibit/timeline-2000-2020 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240913234110/https://exhibits.library.du.edu/librariespresents/exhibits/show/no-more-pios-du-exhibit/timeline-2000-2020 |archive-date=2024-09-13 |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=exhibits.library.du.edu |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2013, a task force was formed to generate three new mascot options - a jackrabbit, an elk, or a mountaineer - under the Pioneers moniker. Although a survey found 70% of respondents would be receptive or neutral on a new mascot, respondents did not coalesce around any option to merit selection.<ref name=nomorepios/>

Despite the removal of Denver Boone as the official mascot, the university maintains Pioneers as the moniker for its athletics and general university representation. The use of the Pioneers moniker has generated controversy among faculty, staff, and students. The university founder territorial governor John Evans was found culpable by a university committee in the Sand Creek massacre.<ref>{{cite web |title=John Evans Study Committee |url=https://portfolio.du.edu/evcomm |access-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629151709/https://portfolio.du.edu/evcomm |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 1864, US Cavalry attacked the Cheyenne and Arapahoe people at a site near Eads, in Southeastern Colorado, killing mostly women, children, and elders. DU has deep ties to the Sand Creek Massacre. Not only was John Evans the founder of the university, Colonel John Chivington who led the attack was also one of the early donors and Board of Trustees members. In 2014, the DU John Evans Study Committee Report was produced and found Evans culpable for the massacre, given his "aggressively anti-Native rhetoric and actions leading up to the massacre".<ref>{{cite web |title=Settler Colonialism and the University of Denver |url=https://exhibits.library.du.edu/librariespresents/exhibits/show/no-more-pios-du-exhibit/settler-colonialism-university |website=No More Pios: The Legacy of Settler Colonialism and the University of Denver |access-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629151715/https://exhibits.library.du.edu/librariespresents/exhibits/show/no-more-pios-du-exhibit/settler-colonialism-university |url-status=live }}</ref>

The scholars on the DU Evans Committee recommended removing the Pioneers moniker, as it glorified the violent legacy of settler colonialism that was specifically perpetrated against Native peoples in the area.<ref name="evans report pioneers">{{cite web |title=Evans Committee Statement on Pioneer |url=https://portfolio.du.edu/evcomm/page/106491 |website=John Evans Study Committee |access-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629151710/https://portfolio.du.edu/evcomm/page/106491 |url-status=live }}</ref> Since the university is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion,<ref>{{cite web |title=Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at DU |url=https://www.du.edu/equity |website=University of Denver |access-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629151709/https://www.du.edu/equity |url-status=live }}</ref> the report argues that removing this horrific reminder is necessary: "Instead of asking Native community members whose ancestors were sacrificed before the march of American settler pioneers to sacrifice yet again for the sake of our 'brand,' the University of Denver should finally lay the Pioneer moniker to rest."<ref name="evans report pioneers" />

In 2016 and 2017, some students demanded change from the university administration. In October 2017, the Native Student Alliance organization started the #NoMorePios movement.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McFadden |first1=Monica |title=DU Native Student Alliance launches #NoMorePios campaign |url=https://duclarion.com/2017/10/du-native-student-alliance-launches-nomorepios-campaign/ |publisher=DU Clarion |date=October 16, 2017 |access-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629151712/https://duclarion.com/2017/10/du-native-student-alliance-launches-nomorepios-campaign/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During the civil rights uprising in summer 2020, a new student group called Righteous Anger! Healing Resistance! came together to demand the removal of the Pioneers moniker and other actions that would support students from marginalized communities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cardi |first1=Julia |title=Student-led group decries DU's response in asking to change nickname, other demands |url=https://denvergazette.com/news/local/student-led-group-decries-dus-response-in-asking-to-change-nickname-other-demands/article_50b59bcc-1a1c-11eb-976f-e3dae3e44fd1.html |publisher=Denver Gazette |date=October 29, 2020 |access-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629151709/https://denvergazette.com/news/local/student-led-group-decries-dus-response-in-asking-to-change-nickname-other-demands/article_50b59bcc-1a1c-11eb-976f-e3dae3e44fd1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Fierce resistance to removing the moniker came from students, fans, and alumni who are attached to the name.<ref>{{cite web |title=It is High Time DU's Divisive Faculty-Led Anti-Pioneer Protests End |url=https://letsgodu.com/2020/09/30/it-is-high-time-dus-divisive-faculty-led-anti-pioneer-protests-end/ |website=LetsGoDU |date=September 30, 2020 |access-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629151714/https://letsgodu.com/2020/09/30/it-is-high-time-dus-divisive-faculty-led-anti-pioneer-protests-end/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They have been supported by Chancellor Haefner, who made a final decision to keep the moniker.<ref>{{cite web |title=Response to students; commitments to Native and Indigenous communities |url=https://www.du.edu/news/response-students-commitments-native-and-indigenous-communities |website=University of Denver |date=October 21, 2020 |access-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629151710/https://www.du.edu/news/response-students-commitments-native-and-indigenous-communities |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Notable alumni and faculty==

=== Alumni === {{main|List of University of Denver alumni}} <gallery> File:Michelle Kwan, U.S. Ambassador.jpg|U.S. Ambassador to Belize and Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan File:Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO), 119th Congress.jpg|United States Congressman from Colorado Jason Crow File:Condoleezza Rice.jpg|66th Secretary of State and 19th National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice File:George W. Casey 2007.jpg|36th Chief of Staff of the United States Army George W. Casey Jr. File:Ruth Handler 1961 (cropped).jpg|Creator of the Barbie and Ken doll Ruth Handler File:Cevdet Yılmaz in May 2024 (cropped).jpg|2nd Vice President of Turkey Cevdet Yılmaz File:Entertainer Sinbad.jpg|Comedian and actor Sinbad File:John A. Love (CO).png|36th Governor of Colorado John Arthur Love File:Mohammad javad zarif in 2021.jpg|Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif File:Paul Laxalt 2000.jpg|United States Senator from Nevada and 22nd Governor of Nevada Paul Laxalt File:Representative Mo Udall Listens (cropped).png|United States Congressman from Arizona and presidential candidate Mo Udall File:Gale Norton.jpeg|48th United States Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton </gallery>

===Faculty=== * Lynn Schofield Clark, Professor and Director in Media, Film, and Journalism<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lynn Schofield Clark {{!}} Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences |url=https://liberalarts.du.edu/about/people/lynn-schofield-clark |access-date=2025-09-24 |website=liberalarts.du.edu}}</ref> * Robert Davine, Professor of Accordion and Music Theory<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ksanti.net/free-reed/essays/davinetribute.html |title=The Free-Reed Journal: Obituary Robert Davine on www.ksanti.net |access-date=May 26, 2022 |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007191511/https://www.ksanti.net/free-reed/essays/davinetribute.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.accordions.com/memorials/mem/davine/index.shtml |title=The National Accordion Association: Robert Davine Memorial on www.accordions.com |access-date=May 26, 2022 |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926192543/http://www.accordions.com/memorials/mem/davine/index.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.accordions.com/memorials/mem/davine/artist_dip.shtml|title=artistdiploma|website=www.accordions.com}}</ref> * Charles E. H. Kauvar, Professor of Rabbinic Literature * Maciej Kumosa, Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering * Thomas Nail, Professor of philosophy * Galena K. Rhoades, Research professor

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{sister project links|auto=yes}} {{Collier's Poster|Denver, University of|University of Denver}} * {{Official website}} * [https://denverpioneers.com/ Athletics website]

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{{Coord|39|40|42|N|104|57|44|W|type:edu|display=title}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Denver, University Of}} Category:University of Denver Category:Universities and colleges in Denver University of Denver Category:1864 establishments in Colorado Territory Category:Universities and colleges accredited by the Higher Learning Commission Category:Universities and colleges established in 1864