Denver women’s basketball announced the hiring of Doshia Woods to guide the program. Coach Woods comes to DU as an experienced assistant from Tulane University. Other stops included the University of Missouri, Oregon State, New Mexico State, and Western Illinois. Continue reading DU Adds High Energy, Up-Tempo Coach to Guide Women’s Hoops
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Pioneering Spirit Underpins the University of Denver Community
In these days when the Pioneer nickname is being questioned in a DU brand study as well as around a few leadership circles for its perceived insensitivity to diversity, we should take this time to explore the deeper emotional attachments of how that nickname binds so many of us to our school. Why is the Pioneer nickname so deeply ingrained in the minds and hearts of westerners and, specifically, DU alumni? And were the original ‘Pioneers’ actually much more diverse than some want us to believe? Continue reading Pioneering Spirit Underpins the University of Denver Community
DU Loses Dynamic Leader Joy Burns
Joy Burns, President and CEO of the D.C. Burns Realty and Trust Company and the owner of the former Burnsley Hotel, passed away from a prolonged illness at age 92. Burns was one of the most dynamic contributors of the University of Denver for over 30 years. Originally from Houston, Texas, Burns was married to Frank L. Burns for 39 years. Continue reading DU Loses Dynamic Leader Joy Burns
DU testing favorability of the term “Pioneers” in new 2020 brand study
The University of Denver is testing favorability of the term “Pioneers” as part of a 2020 brand reputation study.
This is believed to be the very first time that the University has included its own 95-year-old nickname as part of brand testing. It is also interesting that this testing is being carried out in the summer months, during a pandemic and during a time of racial conflict in the country. It’s also not clear who is receiving the survey. Some DU alumni have received it while others have not, and we’re not yet clear on what other audiences are being surveyed as well. Continue reading DU testing favorability of the term “Pioneers” in new 2020 brand study
College Athletics Begin Discussing Crowded Spring Season
As athletic departments struggle to plan for the 2020-2021 athletic season in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and as the virus spread among younger age groups, the prospect of a fall season appears particularly vexing for athletic departments, athletes, and even fans. One solution, now much more widely discussed than it was just a few weeks ago, is moving college fall sports to spring. Continue reading College Athletics Begin Discussing Crowded Spring Season
DU Assistant Coaches among COVID-19 Departures, Men’s Head Golf Coach Exits
Denver Athletics was instructed by the University of Denver administration to make significant cuts to its budget in the wake of COVID-19. In recent weeks, the Athletic Department’s web directory now shows that the Pioneers were likely forced to eliminate associate head coaching and/or assistant coaching positions in men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s tennis and in the skiing program (Co-ed). This round of coaching cuts to DU’s small-roster sports had to be particularly difficult for DU Athletic Director Karlton Creech, who has a well-documented reputation of strongly supporting his coaching staff both at Maine (where he was AD before Denver) and here at DU. Our attempts to confirm/clarify these specific coaching cuts have been met with silence from DU Athletics to date, likely (and understandably) out of respect for their former co-workers. Continue reading DU Assistant Coaches among COVID-19 Departures, Men’s Head Golf Coach Exits
Family Feud May Hit Denver & North Dakota Ice in 2021
After watching his older brother play for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks for the past two years, Okotoks Oilers (AJHA) defenseman Seth Bernard-Docker (5’11”, 186 lbs.) made the obvious choice – come to DU to play hockey. Seth’s brother, Jacob also played for the Oilers, but now plays for the UND and was taken in the first round and 26th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. The prospect of seeing these two brothers collide for different rival schools is tantalizing, but alas, unlikely to actually happen. Continue reading Family Feud May Hit Denver & North Dakota Ice in 2021
DU Reveals $45 Million COVID-19 Shortfall, Begins Wielding Budget Axe
DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner announced in a Community Meeting today that DU has a current budget shortfall of at least $45 million, as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, DU will be making some large budget cuts to mitigate the losses, including at least 38 full layoffs announced today, along with 37 more employees who were given extended administrative leave with benefits, along with other across-the-board salary reductions of up to 10% for those earning more than $90,000 annually and other projected administrative savings. Continue reading DU Reveals $45 Million COVID-19 Shortfall, Begins Wielding Budget Axe
DU’s own response to racism juxtaposed with national reaction and reflection
As if everyone already doesn’t know, there has been a lot of disturbing news lately. Not just nationally with COVID-19 and the racist murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and most recently, George Floyd, but in our own backyard as well. A photograph showed a prospective DU student, who was slated to enroll this fall, wearing blackface with a racist caption (his admission was later rightly revoked by DU), and a 40-year-old DU yearbook photo resurfaced showing a DU residence hall floor dressed in white robes surrounding a black student. In response, current DU students have initiated a petition and are demanding special accommodations for students of color during this time. Continue reading DU’s own response to racism juxtaposed with national reaction and reflection
The Athletic: Jim Montgomery Facing His Demons Head-On
Former DU and Dallas Stars head coach Jim Montgomery had a recent interview with Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic ($). While Montgomery did not reveal the specific event(s) that led to his firing by the Dallas Stars, he opened up about his addiction to alcohol and his understanding and acceptance of his dismissal. Continue reading The Athletic: Jim Montgomery Facing His Demons Head-On