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News

Dec 2, 2022 by Joan Fishburn

Jennifer R. Darling (MPA '00) is the president and CEO of Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation. She has worked in the nonprofit sector since earning her bachelor's degree in economics and political science from Northwestern University in 1991. She earned her master's degree in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs in 2000. Now in her 14th year of service at Children's Colorado, she is also an effective community volunteer. She was actively involved in forming the Institute for Leaders in Development and continues to serve as a program instructor and former Board member.

Nov 16, 2022

Since 2017, students in Randy Harrison’s ‘Economic Development’ class (PUAD 5630) have had the opportunity to engage with Colorado communities in an experience unlike any felt in a typical classroom. Through its partnership with Downtown Colorado, Inc., this SPA course allows students to become project coordinators in a process known as the Colorado Challenge Program; here, students connect with community members and experts in the field to establish a plan of work to engage public, private, and non-profit partners in addressing a significant community challenge over the course of their semester. Through their partnership, SPA students and DCI have connected with and created initiatives for almost 30 Colorado communities.

Nov 2, 2022 by Joan Fishburn

Sara Reynolds is the Vice President of Operations for the Colorado Oil & Gas Association. She oversees the daily operations of COGA, including financial management, membership development, programs and events, and community investments.

Oct 18, 2022 by Joan Fishburn

For more than three decades, Michael Penny (MPA '97) has exemplified the ideals of leadership, collaboration, partnership, and teamwork as the administrative manager for both large and small municipalities across Colorado. His passion and dedication to building robust communities that address the critical needs of citizens, businesses, and industry are evidenced by the strong footprint Michael has left in each community he has touched.

Sep 30, 2022 by Joan Fishburn

Joan Fishburn, Career Services and Alumni Engagement Manager, recently interviewed Nga Vương-Sandoval (MCJ' 02) to talk about her lifelong commitment to advocating on behalf of refugees, immigrants, and other displaced people here in Colorado and around the world. Nga speaks from experience. As a child, Nga and her family fled their homeland due to the Việt Nam War and became refugees. They were displaced in refugee camps before resettling in the U.S. and were known as "boat people."

Sep 1, 2022 by Joan Fishburn

Graduate academic advisor Antoinette Sandoval has been an integral member of the CU Denver School of Public Affairs staff since 1997 and has positively impacted hundreds of students throughout her career. Antoinette retired from SPA on August 31, 2022. Learn more in this Q&A with Antoinette.