“For the first time in over a year, CU Denver’s downtown campus came alive with the energy of hundreds of ecstatic graduates, decked in caps and gowns and accompanied by proud family members. Coined ‘Cross the Quad,’ the unique commencement activity took place the mornings of May 17 and 18, drawing 939 graduates, who each walked across a stage set up on the Tivoli Quad and received their diplomas from Chancellor Michelle Marks.” Learn more in this CU Denver News article.

Also, the School of Public Affairs would like to recognize the outstanding students and capstones for the spring 2021 semester and the best dissertations from the 2020-21 academic year:

Spring 2021 Outstanding Students

• Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice: Jordann Branner
• Bachelor of Arts in Public Service: Jessica Syposs 
• Master of Criminal Justice: Shahla AlGhareeb & Megan Parker
• Master of Public Administration: Samuel Herbert

Spring 2021 Outstanding Master of Criminal Justice Capstone Project

• Naureen Singh: “Impact of COVID-19 on Colorado’s AANHPI Population: Victimization and Feelings of Safety”

Spring 2021 Outstanding Master of Public Administration Capstone Projects

• Ian Cohn: “An Evaluation of Equitable Emergency Shelter Access in the Denver Metro Area” (Client: City and County of Denver)
• Mary Cornforth: “Assessing the Feasibility of a Local Public Health Agency Operating as a Special District” (Client: Mesa County Public Health)
• Jeri Erickson: “Prison Re-entry and Recidivism: The Relationship Between Program Services and Outcomes” (Client: The Reentry Initiative)
• Lindsey Freeburn: “Residential Energy Benchmarking: Considerations for Implementation” (Client: Gunnison County)

2020-21 Best PhD Dissertation Awards

• Jennifer Hooker: “Conscientious Representation: LGBTQ Advocacy in the Federal Bureaucracy”
• Jihye Jung: “Dimensions of Democratic Accountability of Foundations: Transparency and Grantmaking Openness”