New "Duster" statue was unveiled to CMU community on Aug. 14, 2026
At the end of the CMU Art Walk and on the cusp of the Formation District, there is a new Maverick statue continuing to represent the Soul of the West story. The statue, named “Duster,” was created by Sean Guerrero, a local artist based in Paonia, Colorado. Steve and Anne Meyer, supporters of CMU, contributed to the creation and installation of this new, unique and truly Maverick piece.
Guerrero pulled inspiration for “Duster” from the geological colors and formations found in the Grand Valley. His love for 1940s, '50s and '60s cars also plays into his artistic expression. A mix of chrome and scrap metal parts from old cars was welded and shaped into a powerful Maverick figure. Easter eggs like a Colorado license plate and a 340 Chrysler Plymouth Duster badge can be found embedded in the powerful form.
“The idea of the Maverick itself, you know, the lone person going out, going forward through thick and thin, weather, dust, rain, heat. So, while I was working on this, I listened to a lot of really interesting sorts of pseudo-desert southwest music to get in the area of thinking this bull is wandering, and wherever it takes him, it's got these stories that it wanders into. But no one can contain it,” Guerrero described.
Artist Sean Guerrero speaks at statue unveiling event.
The statue was unveiled on Aug. 14 to Board of Trustee members, campus faculty and staff, Steve and Anne Meyer and other supporters of CMU. Guerrero spoke of the impact of the unveiling and how seeing it finally in place makes the process all feel real.
“The fact that it's public, it's in a beautiful area for displaying it. I just hope it inspires people. When they look at it, they just say, wow,” Guerrero shared.
Bringing the new statue to campus was made possible by Steve and Anne, who have made an impact on several areas of campus. Steve was one of the first members of the Board of Trustees and helped outline the vision of the university when it was still Mesa State. The statue, residing at the front door of the Formation District, is a marker of growth and symbolism tied to the beauty of the Grand Valley. Steve has always been dedicated to remaining tied to an experience he sees as valuable to the community.
Artist Sean Guerrero and CMU supporters Steve and Anne Meyer stand with President Marshall at statue unveiling event.
“We were young and out of college, and I was missing the college atmosphere. And it was just a little tiny Mesa State; I always wanted to be involved in a university or college life, so I’ve gotten more out of CMU than it’s gotten out of me. It’s been a wonderful ride,” Steve said during the unveiling event.
As campus continues to grow and CMU continues to serve a larger population of students, many of whom are local Mesa County students or the first in their families to go to college, enhancing the symbolism that tells the story of the Maverick spirit is important and impactful.
“The thing about being philanthropic is that when it’s done right, everybody feels good,” said Steve.
Being a Maverick means doing things differently, but at CMU it goes beyond the traditional definition. Being a Maverick means to break away from the herd, embrace the seven first-principles values and seek opportunity through higher education. “Duster” is just one more reminder of this shared spirit.