Photo by: Justin Edmonds
By establishing a strong dedication to the public good the University of Denver is poised to become one of the best universities in America according to Chancellor Robert Coombe, who addressed the campus community at this year’s convocation.
The event was held Friday in Magness Arena.
“Our university is unquestionably in the strongest condition of its 143 year history,” said Coombe.
He spoke of how DU’s strong finances and talented students and faculty have created an ideal situation for the university to grow and prosper, particularly in the area of service and public good.
Coombe outlined two primary responsibilities of the university: to “leverage our collective intellectual capital against the great issues of our day” and to produce graduates who will be contributing citizens.
“First DU will be a university where research and scholarship are focused on the improvement of individual lives and the collective good of the public,” said Coombe.
The sustainable development program at DCB, GSIS’s work on energy, and studies on early childhood education from the Psychology Department were cited by Coombe as role models to be emulated.
The chancellor also discussed the obligation of the university to take action on global issues such as the environment and international social conditions.
“Last spring I signed the President’s Climate Commitment, joining a group of universities that have committed themselves to working toward climate neutrality for their campuses, and the university divested itself of the one company in its portfolio doing business with Sudan,” said Coombe.
A main theme throughout the speech was the importance of producing graduates who will benefit the lives of everyday Americans.
An extraordinary undergraduate program with skilled teachers, high ethical standards and a diverse community was the required environment Coombe outlined to produce such individuals.
He described DU as having “a teaching and learning environment that is among the very best in the world.”
DU’s current undergraduate student to faculty ratio is about 10-to-1. Many of the university’s teachers, like those honored at the convocation, are also award winning scholars who balance both teaching and working in their designated field, Coombe said.
DCB’s ethics program became a national model because it focused on the social responsibility of corporations. The tools for developing such concepts involved deepening the values of students and making them individuals that uphold their commitment to the public good, Coombe said.
“DU will mold leaders for a changing America,” said Coombe.
He also addressed the issue of a diversified campus community by pointing out that changing demographics of the U.S. need to be met with changing demographics on campus.
The Faculty Awards honored six professors who had done outstanding work in their field. Bin Ramke, a professor in the Department of English, received the John Evans Professor Award.
Howard Markman, professor of psychology, was presented with the Distinguished Scholar Award. The United Methodist Church University Scholar/Teacher of the Year Award went to Cynthia McRae, a professor and program director for the Morgridge College of Education, and Margaret Whitt, professor of English. Scott Leutenegger, a professor in the Department of Computer Science, was honored with the Distinguished Teaching Award. Jeffrey Jenson, a Graduate School of Social Work professor received the University Lecturer Award.
The Staff Advisory Council Awards were announced next.
Beverly Kohl, technology coordinator and admissions assistant for the Morgridge College of Education, received the Outstanding Service Award. Katie Symons, associate director for the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, was honored with the Crimson and Gold Award. The award for Outstanding Staff Advisory Council Member of the Year went to Darrel Hundley, DU Bookstore’s accounts payable supervisor. The Quality Department Award was given to Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
