The Maverick Meat Up with CMU President John Marshall served as a relaxed kickoff to CMU's Rodeo Week, blending campus tradition with a deep sense of community connection. Held on April 10, 2025, in the heart of campus, the event featured President John Marshall and students working side by side behind the smoker, sharing a meal and a moment with the campus and broader community.
Part of the Rodeo Roundup — a free, family-friendly event presented by American AgCredit and DW Metal Works — the Meat Up helped set the stage for the Northwestern Mutual Maverick Stampede Rodeo at the Mesa County Fairgrounds.
Complementing the event was the Steer Stroll, where livestock made their way through campus in a nod to CMU’s western roots. Together, these events reflected the university’s commitment to honoring the courage and resilience that define western Colorado. They also embodied CMU’s values of belonging and accessibility — offering students, faculty, staff, and neighbors an open invitation to connect, celebrate and build relationships in an authentic way.