FALL 2012 MAGAZINE THE CAMPAIGN COMES TO CAMPUS The University of Denver will host the first Presidential Debate of 2012 on Wednesday, Oct. 3, in Magness Arena. H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H BE paRT OF DU HISTORY Learn more about the debate at debate2012.du.edu JOIN US AS WE GET THE CONVERSATION STARTED Join the DU community in celebrating this historic event. Make a gift to the DU Debate Fund. Your participation, not the size of your gift, is what matters most. DONATE NOW Donate at debate2012.du.edu/give 2 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2012 Contents FEATURES 26 The Great Debate The University prepares for its moment in the global spotlight. By Leslie Petrovski 30 Banner Years The Newman Center celebrates a decade of artistic excellence. By Greg Glasgow 34 Here we go, DU! Here we go! New coaches, new players, a new conference—it’s a big year for the Pioneers. By Pat Rooney BE paRT OF DU HISTORY DEPARTMENTS 4 Editor’s Note 6 News The University’s new brand 12 Academics debate2012.du.edu Campaign-themed video games 16 Arts Laleh Mehran’s Denver Art Museum exhibit 19 People JOIN US AS WE GET THE Training women for political office 21 Q&A CONVERSATION STARTED College Republicans chair 22 History Presidential visits to campus 24 Research Eye-tracking device 39 Alumni Connections On the cover: The University will host the first presidential debate of 2012 on Oct. 3; read the story on page 26. This page: The Newman Center for the Performing Arts celebrates its 10th anniversary in Editor’s Note Editor’s Note MAGAZINE www.du.edu/magazine Volume 13, Number 1 Publisher Kevin A. Carroll It’s no coincidence that the University is rolling out its new branding platform and new logo (see story, Managing Editor Greg Glasgow page 6) just before we host the first presidential debate of 2012. If we’re showing our best face to the world, Senior Editor we want to be sure we’re doing it in a way that really Tamara Chapman lets people know what a great institution this is. The new brand highlights the things the University does Editorial Assistants Amber D’Angelo Na (BA ’06, MPS ’12) best: giving students the chance to collaborate with Kelsey Outman (’13) professors and with one another; providing the kinds Jeffrey Haessler of experiences that make for lifelong memories; and Art Director Craig Korn, VeggieGraphics instilling students with a sense of purpose as they head out to change the world. As we prepare for the debate on campus, we’re already seeing the brand Photographer come to life in a myriad of ways. Collaboration? We have departments from Wayne Armstrong all across campus—from parking and maintenance to Alumni Relations and Undergraduate Enrollment—working together to plan for the big day, and Contributors a number of student committees are giving undergraduate and graduate Kristin Altman • Jordan Ames (BA ’02, MPS ’10) • Chris Chavez • Valerie Finholm • students a say in how it all goes down. Steve Fisher • Dan Hazard • Kathryn Mayer As for those important experiences, some students will be lucky enough (BA ’07, MA ’10) • Leslie Petrovski (BA ’82, MA ’91) • Pat Rooney • Shara Rutberg • Chase to score a ticket to the debate hall on Oct. 3. For the rest of us (and for Squires (MPS ’10) • Kevin Williams alumni, too), there’s DebateFest—a free, ticketed festival featuring live music, local vendors and debate viewing on huge outdoor screens. Not to mention Editorial Board Kevin A. Carroll, vice chancellor/chief market- the Debate Event Series, which is bringing big names like Time editor-at-large ing officer • Thomas Douglis (BA ’86) • David Von Drehle and New York Times Washington correspondent David Kristine Cecil, associate vice chancellor/interim executive director of alumni relations • Sanger to campus in the days before and after the debate. (Read more about Sarah Satterwhite, senior director of the debate and related events starting on page 26.) advancement communications • Amber Scott (MA ’02) • Laura Stevens (BA ’69), The crux of the new brand is that the University of Denver is a “catalyst director of parent relations for purposeful lives.” At the moment, the presidential debate is uniting us all with one purpose as we address the many challenges surrounding Oct. 3 and Printed on 10% PCW recycled paper prepare for the excitement the event will bring to campus and to Denver. But The University of Denver Magazine (USPS 022-177) is I have a feeling the momentum we’re creating right now will carry us into published by the University of Denver, Division of Marketing and Communications, 2199 S. University 2014—the University’s sesquicentennial year—and well beyond. Blvd., Denver, CO 80208-4816. The University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) is an Equal Opportunity Institution. Periodicals postage paid at Denver, CO. Postmaster: Send address changes to University of Denver Magazine, University of Denver, University Advancement, 2190 E. Asbury Ave., Denver, CO 80208-4816. Greg Glasgow Managing Editor 4 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2012 Campus Update When Dorothy McNeese walked across the stage at the University of Denver Commencement ceremony on June 8, it was a moment decades in the making. McNeese, 78, already had a bachelor’s degree and a graduate certificate, but she had always wanted a master’s degree. With her new master’s in environmental policy and management, McNeese is believed to be the oldest graduate of DU’s University College. University of Denver Magazine Feedback 5 Wayne Armstrong Wayne Campus Update Rocky Mountain spirit University unveils new logo and branding platform By Tamara Chapman Over the summer of 2012, the University of educational journey and inspired by Denver’s Denver began unveiling a new branding platform Rocky Mountain spirit of exploration and and visual identity that will help define and openness. differentiate the institution for local, national and This approach to education is supported by international audiences. an emphasis on collaboration, vast opportunities “After a year of market research and for experiential learning, a culture dedicated development, we have learned that many people to creating positive impact, and the diverse know of the University of Denver, but they don’t perspectives, from local to global, that color day- know enough about us. We are going to change to-day life on campus. These attributes, Carroll that fact,” says Kevin Carroll, vice chancellor of explains, align closely with the University’s the Division of Marketing and Communications mission and vision. They also capture a decade’s and the University’s chief marketing officer. worth of focus on program and curriculum “The branding platform grew out of months development. of research,” he explains. “We developed the From this platform, Carroll adds, new, fresh new branding platform and identity by asking and contemporary communication will be created. thousands of people from across the U.S. and in The research also helped shape a new EXPERIENTIAL our community what our university means to logo that includes the date of the University’s LEARNING them.” founding, 1864, and features signature campus The research helped to clarify the buildings and a mountain backdrop. DU has long University’s identity within a crowded and Already, the new logo has been incorporated emphasized the value competitive education marketplace. The Division into the University’s website, its major of hands-on learning. of Marketing and Communications worked with publications and an array of way-finding signs a host of stakeholders—among them current installed in midsummer. In addition, the brand Undergraduate and graduate students get the chance to supplement classroom knowledge with hands-on experiences—at the Mount Evans Field Station, the Colorado Capitol and the Denver students, their parents, alumni, faculty, staff platform informs marketing materials across the and Denver-area employers—to explore the institution’s many divisions. Art Museum, to name institution’s strengths and distinctive attributes. Carroll expects the brand platform will just a few. Some Incorporating insights gleaned from this not only help the institution communicate with students even journey research, the new brand platform brings to life various audiences, it also will play a critical role in DU’s vision: to be a great private university strategic planning. outside the region dedicated to the public good. “The brand expresses “You can be confident in knowing that our with internships that how we put our vision and values into action,” brand positioning is truly a reflection of what introduce them to the Carroll says, “and it is the lens through which we we know and believe about the University of set and carry out attainment of our goals.” day-to-day realities Denver,” he says. “Everyone in the University The new platform is brief and easy to community is an ambassador for our brand, and that characterize their remember: The University of Denver is a catalyst we must unite to reflect this essence in all that we future professions. for purposeful lives, ignited by a personalized do, every day.” 6 University of Denver Magazine FALL 2012 Wayne Armstrong Wayne Pioneers Top 10 Sources for news and information about the 2012 election Factcheck.org 1 This is a great site for looking up claims that are disseminated through news, campaign messages and email messages. Votesmart.org 2 This website gives quick access to key voting in five categories: backgrounds, issue positions, voting records, campaign finances and performance evaluations.