Convocation
Welcome to the Roadrunner Family!
Convocation is the beginning of a Roadrunner’s journey. This kick-off event serves as a “bookend” to each student’s academic journey, with Convocation as the opening ceremony and commencement as the final goal. The ceremony will include a welcome from MSU Denver President, Dr. Janine Davidson, and motivational remarks from Super Bowl Champion and winning broadcaster, Ryan Harris. This is an opportunity for incoming students to come together for their first official university event.
Convocation 2024: Thursday, August 15
Welcome & Keynote Address | 5:00 – 6:00 PM | King Center
*Check-in at 4:30PM in the King Center
Festivities | 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Jordan Student Success Building (JSSB) Lawn
A fun evening with food, games, music and an inspirational speaker. Meet faculty, staff and other students!
Important Convocation Details
- Check-in: You and your guests can check-in at 4:30PM at the King Center. You’ll snag your MSU Denver Convocation t-shirt during check-in, while supplies last. We encourage you to arrive early.
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Getting Here: Neighboring parking lots to the Jordan Student Success Lawn are the 7th Street Garage, Dogwood and Tivoli Garage. The Spruce parking lot will be closed for Convocation festivities. All campus parking lots require payment upon parking at the machines located within the lot. To view all parking options visit, campus parking map. If you’re taking public transit, the RTD stops near campus. See the RTD icons on the campus parking map.
- Food & Drinks: Convocation is catered. Dinner will take place on the Jordan Student Success Lawn following the keynote address in the King Center. Water will also be available to all participants and attendees.
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What to Wear: Wear what makes you comfortable. Note: half of the event will take place outdoors. Dress for the summer heat, and don’t forget your sunscreen.
- Restrooms: You can find restrooms inside the King Center, Tivoli Student Union or the Jordan Student Success building. Signs will point you in the right direction.
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King Center Indoor Restrictions: Balloons (with helium) and any food/drink are prohibited inside the King Center. No signs or banners to maintain a good line of sight to the stage and maintaining order of the meeting space.
- Weather: Convocation will be held rain or shine!
- For Questions at Convocation: Look out for staff wearing event staff t-shirts; they will point you in the right direction.
- For Specific Accommodations or Questions: Send us an email.
Please RSVP in Advance
All who are attending must RSVP for Convocation and will receive an email reminder with event details the week of the event.
RSVP for Convocation2024 Keynote Speaker - Ryan Harris
Super Bowl Champion, Keynote Speaker, Award Winning Broadcaster, and Bestselling Author!
Ryan Harris inspires audiences across the nation by incorporating lessons learned in success and failure throughout his 10-year NFL Career.
In 2015, Ryan became a Super Bowl Champion after winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos and has also played for the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring in 2016.
Beyond the field, Ryan has continued to work to win. Whether in real estate, investing, Startups, and non-profit’s, Ryan now aims to make an impact in Denver and Beyond. With these efforts, Ryan was The First African American to be awarded Colorado Sportscaster of the year in 2020. Ryan was also named to Denver Business Journal’s 40 under 40 class of 2021.
Ryan graduated from the University of Notre Dame and Lives in the Denver Metro Area with his Wife and three children. Ryan is also fluent in Spanish.
These days you can catch Ryan as the Analyst for Notre Dame Football, Denver Broncos Pre-season games, CBS Sports, Notre Dame Radio, Westwood one radio NFL broadcasts, and more.
Convocation Throwback Pictures
Convocation
Welcome to the Roadrunner family at MSU Denver!
Tradition starts here! The university community looks forward to welcoming students to campus each year at Convocation.