Grand Junction, Colorado residents gathered at Colorado Mesa Universitys CMU Tech campus on September 19, 2025, for the Then and Now Tour event. This interactive showcase marked a key part of the universities 100 year anniversary by highlighting the evolution of technical programs from 1925 to today.
The tour drew a mix of parents, prospective students, and community members eager to explore hands on demonstrations across various fields. Organizers aimed to bridge the past and present, showing how skills like welding and aviation have adapted to modern demands while staying rooted in practical training.
Event Highlights and Schedule
The Then and Now Tour kicked off with guided sessions that ran every 10 minutes from 1:00 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. Visitors stepped into Kayenta Hall at CMU Tech for an immersive experience that blended history with current innovations.
After the tours, an open house from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. allowed attendees to chat directly with program leaders. This setup encouraged questions about career paths and enrollment, making the event accessible to all ages.
Brigitte Sundermann, vice president at CMU Tech, noted the broad appeal. She said the crowd included parents checking on their childrens progress in areas like wildland firefighting, as well as locals curious about the full scope of offerings. The diversity helped spark interest in technical education right in western Colorado.
Evolution of Technical Programs
Colorado Mesa University traces its roots to 1925, when it started as a teachers college focused on basic vocational skills. Over the decades, CMU Tech has grown into a hub for advanced training that meets todays job market needs, such as sustainable energy and digital media.
The tour emphasized this shift through live demos. For instance, visitors compared early 20th century tools to cutting edge equipment used in current classes. This approach not only educated but also inspired attendees to see the relevance of these programs in a rapidly changing world.
Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows demand for skilled trades rising by 8 percent through 2032, driven by infrastructure projects and tech advancements. CMU Techs focus on real world application positions its graduates well in this landscape, much like how the university adapted during the oil boom of the 1970s.
Featured Programs and Interactive Activities
Attendees dove into a variety of programs during the tour, each offering hands on activities to mimic student life. Welding stations let people try basic techniques, while aviation setups explained drone operations alongside traditional flight training.
Film production drew crowds with script reading and camera work sessions, reflecting Colorados growing entertainment sector. First responder simulations highlighted emergency response evolution from basic first aid in the 1920s to advanced paramedic tools today.
Here are some key programs showcased:
- Aviation Technology: Covers pilot training and maintenance, with ties to local airports.
- Construction Electrical: Focuses on wiring and safety standards for building projects.
- Agriculture Science: Teaches modern farming tech, including precision irrigation amid Colorados water challenges.
- Baking and Pastry: Blends traditional recipes with food safety innovations.
- Computer Aided Design: Explores 3D modeling for engineering and architecture.
These sessions ran smoothly, with instructors sharing stories of alumni success in fields like renewable energy startups.
Community Impact and Centennial Context
The event tied into CMU’s yearlong centennial celebration, which launched in April 2025 with a Day of Giving fundraiser that raised over $500,000 for scholarships. Other highlights include the August kickoff ceremony featuring a historical documentary and upcoming homecoming in October with a downtown block party.
Local leaders praised the tour for boosting community ties. Grand Junctions economy benefits from CMU Tech graduates filling roles in tourism and manufacturing, contributing an estimated $200 million annually to the region according to university reports.
One logical outcome of such events is increased enrollment. In the past year, CMU saw a 5 percent rise in technical program applications, linked to similar outreach efforts. This growth supports western Colorados push for workforce development amid national trends like the CHIPS Act funding for tech jobs.
| Program | 1925 Focus | Modern Evolution | Job Outlook (2032) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welding | Basic metalwork for farms | Advanced robotics and safety gear | +3% growth, median $48,000 salary |
| Aviation | Simple mechanics | Drone piloting and FAA certifications | +6% growth, median $78,000 salary |
| Film Production | None (emerged later) | Digital editing and VR storytelling | +8% growth, median $65,000 salary |
| First Responders | Basic aid training | EMS tech with AI diagnostics | +7% growth, median $50,000 salary |
| Agriculture Science | Manual farming | Sustainable tech like GPS planting | +5% growth, median $55,000 salary |
This table illustrates how programs have progressed, backed by labor market projections.
Looking Ahead to Future Innovations
As CMU Tech plans more centennial events, the Then and Now Tour sets a strong example for engaging the public. Upcoming sessions in the Academic Passport Open House this October will expand on departmental histories.
The universitys vision includes expanding online hybrid options to reach rural Coloradans, addressing access issues in a state where 40 percent of residents live outside urban areas. This forward thinking ensures technical education remains vital for the next 100 years.
Experts predict that by 2030, 85 percent of jobs will require digital skills, per World Economic Forum reports. CMU Techs proactive approach, seen in the tour, prepares students for this shift while honoring its legacy.
Readers, what technical skill interests you most from CMU Techs lineup? Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word by sharing this article with friends exploring career options in Grand Junction.
