As part of Colorado Mesa University’s (CMU) celebration of its 100th anniversary, President Emeritus Tim Foster delivered a compelling presentation titled Becoming CMU: 100 Years in the Making. This event took place at the Mesa County Library in October 2025 and was part of a series organized with the Mesa County Historical Society.
Foster’s talk traced the journey of CMU from its beginnings as Grand Junction Junior College in 1925 to its status today. He shared highlights of CMU’s history, focusing on the key people and moments that defined the school.
“The talk was very informative and interesting,” said Ike Rakiecki, a library assistant. “It provided a colorful look at the school’s early history and its evolution.”
Foster highlighted that the history presented was also featured in CMU’s new book, Colorado Mesa University: A Century of Maverick Spirit by Amber J. D’Ambrosio and Kristen Lummis. D’Ambrosio emphasized the importance of community support for education in rural areas, noting, “I wanted to tell that story along with sharing some unique documents and fun facts for everyone to discover.”
CMU is hosting a series of events through April 10, 2026, including more presentations by Tim Foster. These events are free and encourage community participation.
Here’s a glimpse into the key sections of Foster’s presentation:
- The Early Years: This section dives into the challenges faced when CMU was first established. It explores the persistence needed to overcome obstacles and highlights the community’s support, which was vital for CMU’s growth.
- Growth and Expansion: Focused on the post-World War II era, this part examines how CMU evolved, strengthened its academic programs, and increased enrollment, transitioning from a two-year college to a four-year institution.
- The Future of CMU: Lastly, Foster discusses CMU’s modern identity—a forward-thinking institution that prioritizes innovation and workforce readiness.
As higher education faces challenges, CMU stands out with record enrollment rates, showing the value placed on education by students and families. The evolving landscape of education is reflected in recent studies indicating that 65% of jobs in the future will require postsecondary education, which makes CMU’s mission even more relevant.
To keep up with CMU’s Centennial events, visit cmucentury.com/events. Proceeds from these celebrations support the Century Scholarship, ensuring that future students can continue CMU’s legacy.
