In the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, where snow-capped peaks meet a thriving metropolitan scene, you’ll find a university that’s made a name for itself both in the classroom and on the ice. The University of Denver (DU) is more than just a scenic campus—it’s a place where elite hockey players chase championships and ambitious students prepare to change the world.

Founded in 1864, DU has grown into one of the most respected private universities in the West. Its reputation for academic rigor is rivaled only by its success in NCAA Division I hockey. This is a place where tradition, talent, and tenacity come together in a uniquely inspiring environment.

DU Hockey: A Storied Program with Championship Pedigree

If you’re even remotely familiar with college hockey, you’ve probably heard of the Denver Pioneers. DU’s men’s hockey team is one of the most successful programs in NCAA history, tied for the most national championships in Division I men’s hockey with nine titles (as of 2024). Whether it’s the roaring crowd in Magness Arena or the buzz across campus during tournament time, hockey is more than a sport here—it’s a cornerstone of school pride.

DU consistently recruits some of the top talent from North America and Europe, and the results speak for themselves. From Hobey Baker Award winners to NHL stars, DU’s hockey alumni leave a lasting legacy both at the university and in professional leagues.

5 Notable DU Sports Alumni (Hockey and Beyond)

1. Matt Carle

A standout defenseman at DU, Carle won the Hobey Baker Award in 2006 and helped lead the team to two national titles. He went on to play nearly a decade in the NHL.

2. Paul Stastny

Part of a legendary hockey family, Stastny played at DU from 2004 to 2006, winning two national championships. His NHL career spanned more than 1,100 games.

3. Will Butcher

As team captain in 2017, Butcher led DU to a national title and won the Hobey Baker Award. He made an immediate impact in the NHL, signing with the New Jersey Devils.

4. Henrik Borgström

Known for his creativity and skill, Borgström was a key player on DU’s 2017 championship team before being drafted by the Florida Panthers and starting his NHL journey.

5. Emmanuel Appiah (Soccer)

A former DU soccer star, Appiah was selected in the first round of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. His career is a testament to DU’s growing strength in multiple Division I sports.

Academic Excellence and Alumni Who Lead the World

But DU isn’t just about goals and slap shots—it’s a place where students grow into leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particularly strong offerings in international relations, business, law, and environmental science. The Josef Korbel School of International Studies, named after the father of former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, is especially renowned.

Graduates of DU have gone on to careers in politics, academia, technology, entertainment, and more.

5 Notable Academic Alumni

1. Condoleezza Rice

A name synonymous with international diplomacy, Rice earned her Ph.D. in political science from DU. She later served as U.S. Secretary of State, the first Black woman to do so.

2. Jared Polis

The current Governor of Colorado, Polis is a DU alum known for his advocacy in education, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental sustainability.

3. Peter Coors

Yes, that Coors. The brewing industry executive and DU graduate helped steer Coors Brewing Company into the modern age, building on his family’s iconic legacy.

4. Gabriel Weinberg

The founder and CEO of DuckDuckGo, Weinberg has made a name in tech as a privacy advocate and entrepreneur. His education at DU played a role in his tech-savvy foundation.

5. Andrew Rosenthal

A former editorial page editor for The New York Times, Rosenthal studied at DU before embarking on a decades-long journalism career.

Life at DU: A Campus With Heart and Adventure

DU’s picturesque campus is located just minutes from downtown Denver, offering students the best of both worlds—urban convenience and outdoor beauty. The university is home to about 12,000 students, and the community is tight-knit and supportive, with a strong emphasis on academic exploration, personal growth, and civic responsibility.

Student Life and Culture

DU students describe the campus as energetic but grounded. It’s not a massive party school, but that doesn’t mean it lacks social life. From student-run clubs and Greek life to frequent campus events, there’s always something going on. Popular hangout spots include local coffee shops like Kaladi Brothers, or study sessions at the Anderson Academic Commons.

The Ritchie Center for Sports & Wellness is a hub for athletics and recreation. Whether you’re watching a home hockey game in Magness Arena or joining an intramural league, DU encourages a healthy, active lifestyle.

One unique feature of the DU experience is the quarter system. This fast-paced academic calendar gives students the chance to explore more classes and graduate early—or pursue internships and study abroad more easily.

Outdoorsy Vibes and the Denver Advantage

DU is located in one of the most active cities in the U.S. If you love hiking, skiing, or snowboarding, you’ll be in paradise. The Rocky Mountains are a short drive away, and many students take weekend trips to go skiing in places like Breckenridge or Vail.

Denver itself is a growing tech and innovation hub, offering internships and job opportunities in industries ranging from aerospace to renewable energy. DU’s career services team helps students land internships during their studies and jobs after graduation, with a robust alumni network that spans the globe.

Why DU?

What makes the University of Denver stand out isn’t just the trophies or the test scores. It’s the balance. Students at DU are encouraged to explore, to compete, and to grow. Whether it’s a pre-law major cheering in the student section during a playoff hockey game or a finance student launching a startup from the dorms, DU fosters an environment where ambition is met with opportunity.

The university’s motto, “Pro scientia et religione” (For knowledge and religion), has evolved to represent a deeper commitment: to knowledge, character, and purpose.

Conclusion

The University of Denver is more than a hockey powerhouse. It’s a place where students come to define their futures—whether that future includes hoisting a championship trophy or making policy in Washington, D.C. It’s a university where you can challenge yourself, find your passion, and join a tradition of excellence that spans generations.

So, whether you’re dreaming of playing under the lights at Magness Arena or pitching your first business idea in a Daniels College of Business class, DU offers a community that will support you every step of the way. This is what it means to be a Pioneer.

Published by HOLR Magazine