º£½ÇÖ±²¥

Founders Day of Service

Founders Day of Service is an alumni-led service initiative centered on Founders Day, May 5, and taking place anytime between May 1–6, 2026. It honors the moment º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Denver was created to serve its community by inviting alumni to give back in meaningful, practical ways, wherever they live. 

Whether you serve on your own, join a local group, or participate in our on-campus project, your service continues the legacy that has defined º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Denver since 1963. 

Why Founders Day Matters

On May 5, 1963, at 11:56 a.m., the Colorado General Assembly passed House Bill 349, officially creating Metropolitan State º£½ÇÖ±²¥. Envisioned by Colorado legislators—most notably State Representative Roy Romer, often considered the “father†of º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Denver—the university was founded to meet the needs of Colorado’s urban workforce through accessible, inclusive higher education. 

From its earliest days on the Auraria Campus, º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Denver embraced a “street-smart†approach rooted in opportunity, access, and service. Founders Day of Service is a modern expression of that same commitment. 

What is Founders Day of Service?

Founders Day of Service is a flexible, alumni-led opportunity to serve your community during the May 1–6 service window. 

  • Alumni choose how, when, and where they serve 
  • Projects may be individual or group-based 
  • Alumni can organize service activities in their own cities 
  • The initiative is anchored by an on-campus service project in partnership with Denver’s Food for Thought program and culminating with a service opportunity at the 30th annual Latinx graduation celebration. 

What Counts as Service

Service is any meaningful action that benefits others or the community. 

This may include: 

  • Volunteering with a nonprofit or community organization 
  • Organizing or participating in a cleanup or donation drive 
  • Mentoring or supporting students or youth 
  • Helping neighbors or community members in need 
  • Skills-based service connected to your profession 

Whether you serve for one hour or a full day, individually or with others—it counts. 

Those who register will receive a Founders Day of Service hat or t-shirt to wear while serving.Â