Two leading Colorado educational institutions have announced an agreement to work together to elevate research, enhance educational opportunities for students and the public, and highlight their academic alignment.

“The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is delighted to be working with Colorado State University on a whole new level,” said Nancy Walsh, the Museum vice president of partnerships and programs. “There is a natural synergy between our organizations. That synergy is based on our overlapping education and research work as well as our shared understanding of the importance of igniting and fueling people’s passion for science and nature through fun experiences.”

Working together

This isn’t the first time CSU and the Museum have collaborated in Denver.

The two entities have worked as key stakeholders in the revitalization of the National Western Center, a planned 250-acre site at Brighton Boulevard and Interstate 70 planned to have year-round educational and entertainment activities. The center will continue to be home to the 111-year-old National Western Stock Show.

“The museum and CSU each has a history of education, innovation and outreach,” said Amy Parsons, executive vice chancellor of the CSU System. “Working with the museum to plan the revolutionary redevelopment of the National Western Center sparked a meaningful relationship that we are thrilled to have. Through working together more closely, CSU and the museum will continue to gain inspiration from one another’s creativity to advance science, exploration, and community engagement.”

Jeanna Nixon, director of strategic communications for CSU Online, agrees.

“CSU supports the exchange of ideas and learning in a variety of ways through its teaching, research, and engagement activities, and partnering with the museum is just one of the many ways we are collaborating with the communities around us to explore and promote education together,” Nixon said. “CSU has a long history of outreach and engagement throughout Colorado and this is another important component of connecting with communities to build a better future through education.”

Extreme Mammals, Science Lounge

As part of the agreement, CSU sponsored the Extreme Mammals exhibit at the Museum, which runs through January 8, 2017. The exhibit from the American Museum of Natural History in New York showcases extreme characteristics of mammals throughout time.

The CSU Alumni Association will host a CSU Day at the Museum on Oct. 16, complete with a panel discussion from museum staff and CSU professors.

“Our involvement with the museum is a really great fit because Colorado State counts some of the world’s most accomplished conservation biologists among its faculty. Folks like George Wittemyer and Joel Berger, to name just a few,” said Elias Martinez, assistant vice president of brand strategy at CSU. “Helping bring Extreme Mammals to Denver and sharing our story as it relates to the exhibit will hopefully raise more awareness of the important work we’re doing in this area.”

CSU will also have a presence at the Oct. 20 Science Lounge at the Museum, an interactive monthly happy hour attracting upward of 400 young professionals. Warner College of Natural Resources’ Berger and Wittemyer are scheduled to participate and share their science at the event.

“The parallels between Colorado State University and Denver Museum of Nature & Science showcase the excellence of this agreement,” said Tom Milligan, vice president of External Relations at CSU. “Inspiring students to study science and understand its relevance in the world – and reaching into the community to activate life-long learning – this is exactly what the museum and CSU do.”

Nicole Garneau, museum curator of health sciences, is a CSU alumna. She saw the two entities work together seamlessly in her own life, and is excited to see what the partnership will mean for other students interested in the sciences.

“I feel like the passion that brought me to CSU has come full circle with my involvement in the alumni association and exciting connections (like the museum) that I’ve helped cultivate with the university in a professional capacity,” said Garneau.

“My experiences as a graduate student at CSU launched me on this amazing and unique career path that allows me to blend my interest in genetics with engaging others in my research on taste, something that is personally relevant to people’s everyday lives.”