The Denver Difference Brings DU’s Future to New York City

The University of Denver recently celebrated the launch of The Denver Difference, our billion-dollar fundraising campaign, in New York City. 

 A full house of alumni, friends and parents gathered at Great Jones Distillery, owned by DU’s Andrew Merinoff, to celebrate the launch of The Denver Difference campaign. It was DU’s first regional launch of the campaign, bringing the excitement of DU’s future to local alumni, families, friends and supporters. With remarks from University leaders, opportunities to meet scholarship students, and a

 beautifully transformed space, the evening showcased the promise of DU that the campaign will make a reality. 

“The Denver Difference campaign is about reimagining the promise of higher education and delivering a new kind of university experience – one that will transform and enrich not just the lives of our students, but communities and societies around the globe,” said Chancellor Jeremy Haefner at the event. “This campaign will ensure that every graduate will leave DU with an exceptional academic foundation and the skills, values, character, and perspectives necessary to thrive and lead.” 

In hearing from students and faculty, attendees learned first-hand the ways that the priorities of the campaign will build on DU’s strengths to reimagine the future of higher education. They also had the opportunity to catch up with each other and network throughout the evening. 

Students spoke of their unique 4D Experiences – DU’s signature holistic approach that prepares them to thrive far beyond graduation – as well as the scholarships that empower their journeys. According to many of the attendees, interacting with students was a highlight of the event. 

During the program, DU's faculty director for Civil Discourse and Free Expression, Derigan Silver, discussed DU’s rising leadership promoting free expression and civil discourse, including our innovative Debate Across the Curriculum program.  

Attendees also heard from John Miller (BSBA ‘75, MBA ‘76), chair of the Board of Trustees and a champion of civil discourse and free expression, as well as DU Trustee and Campaign Co-Chair Doug Scrivner (JD ‘77). Their leadership and advocacy are helping to build the campaign’s momentum, contributing to the contagious excitement of the evening. 

Also creating a DU signature on the event was its physical environment: The beautiful and historic Great Jones Distillery was transformed with The Denver Difference decals on the windows, branding on the tops of the whiskey barrels, and rocks glasses that each attendee took home. 

The NYC launch was the first in a series of regional launches for The Denver Difference campaign. Alumni and friends in Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area, we are coming to you soon! Find out more, register, and mark your calendars for the Bay Area on March 12 and Chicago on April 3.