Colorado Mesa University sent six students to Washington D.C. for the Colorado Capital Conference June 24-26. The conference, initiated in 1991, was established to encourage communication across party lines, while also emphasizing the importance of higher education.
CMU President, John Marshall, expressed what an honor it was to co-host six student leaders in Washington, D.C. this week, alongside four other Colorado, CMU trustees, as well as Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper.
“The Colorado Capital Conference is a long-standing tradition in our state, and it provides us with an incredible opportunity to live our values,” said President Marshall.
While in D.C., students had the unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the U.S. Government and how they can become positive change agents in their communities. Students got to sit in on sessions like ‘Common Ground: Governing in a Polarized America’ and ‘Allies in Focus: Navigating Global Challenges in 2025,’ amongst a host of engaging programs.
For senior Lindsey Schultz, the Capital Conference served as a meaningful and impactful start to her final year at CMU.
“I’m so grateful to have learned alongside not only faculty and students from CMU, but other universities around Colorado. I’m returning from this trip feeling inspired to challenge CMU students and student leaders to be open-minded, bold, creative, and to find strength in community as we work toward making a difference. Every voice matters,” said Schultz.
Keith Pierce, a sophomore at CMU, is also grateful for the connections and experiences acquired during his time in D.C.
“The contacts and experiences I gained at D.C. have only doubled my commitment to represent my community and the youth of our state! Hearing from the leaders of today inspires the leaders of tomorrow, and when we inspire the next generation, we lay the cornerstone of a better future for all of us,” said Pierce.
Whether on Capitol Hill or in the classroom, CMU students are influencing change and empowering others to do the same.