As part of Colorado Mesa University’s Centennial Celebration, President Emeritus Tim Foster presented Becoming CMU: 100 Years in the Making during the Mesa County Oral History Meeting Series at the Mesa County Library back in October 2025.
The presentation was hosted in partnership with the Mesa County Historical Society and traced the university’s transformation from its founding as Grand Junction Junior College in 1925 to its current status as Colorado Mesa University.
Throughout the presentation, Foster reflected on the university’s evolution and its deep roots on the Western Slope. He highlighted the people, milestones and defining moments that have shaped CMU’s identity over the past century.
“The talk was very informative and interesting, and it provided attendees with a colorful look at the early history of the school up to the modern day,” said Mesa County Library Assistant Ike Rakiecki.
Much of the history surrounding CMU that was covered in the presentation was first featured in CMU’s new book, Colorado Mesa University: A Century of Maverick Spirit, by Amber J. D’Ambrosio and Kristen Lummis.
“CMU’s history is a remarkable story of community support for regional higher education and the resilience that’s necessary in rural areas for success,” said D’Ambrosio. “I wanted to tell that story while also sharing lesser-known documents, photos and fun facts so our community could discover new aspects of our shared history — even without reading it cover to cover,” said D’Ambrosio.
CMU’s Centennial celebration continues though April 10th, 2026 (CMU’s 101 birthday) with several upcoming events, including a series of Becoming CMU: 100 Years in the Making presentations with President Emeritus Tim Foster. The series will take part on February 10, 24 and March 3rd. These events are free and open to the public. For event information and to RSVP, visit supportingcmu.org.
About the presentations:
- Part 1: The Early Years — This presentation explores the origins of Colorado Mesa University and the many challenges faced in its earliest years: from battling at the state house for a college and limited resources and infrastructure to uncertainty about long-term viability. It highlights the critical roadblocks that made establishing the institution difficult and examines how progress often depended on perseverance in the face of setbacks. Central to the story is the unwavering support of the local community —whose belief, advocacy and investment created the momentum needed to move the university forward.
- Part 2: Growth and Expansion — The second part of the presentation focuses on Colorado Mesa University’s evolution in the years following World War II, a period marked by growth and expanding ambition. It traces how Grand Junction Junior College began to come into its own — strengthening academic programs, increasing enrollment and responding to the educational needs of the community. This section details the pivotal transition from a two-year junior college to a four-year institution, highlighting the deliberate effort to expand liberal arts and degree offerings while preserving the strong foundation of technical and vocational education that defined its mission.
- Part 3: The Future of CMU — The final part of the presentation highlights the Colorado Mesa University we know today: an institution that continues to be defined by innovation, adaptability, and a clear vision for the future. This section explores key milestones that reflect CMU’s modern identity, including the elevation of CMU Tech to strengthen and celebrate the trades, the expansion of academic offerings to include master’s and doctoral degrees, and the university’s continued commitment to workforce-ready education. It also examines CMU’s achievement of record enrollment at a time when confidence in higher education is declining nationwide, underscoring the trust students and families place in the institution.
To view all upcoming events celebrating CMU’s century, visit cmucentury.com/events. Proceeds from Century Project events and commemorative items support the Century Scholarship, helping future generations of Mavericks carry CMU’s legacy forward.