Colorado Mesa University just turned 100 — and they didn’t just blow out candles. They turned the whole campus into a celebration of gratitude, community, and a legacy a century strong.

On April 10, Grand Junction lit up with pride as CMU celebrated its 100th birthday, and the milestone wasn’t just about looking back. It was a living, breathing event with students, staff, alumni, and local supporters all pitching in — literally — for a university that’s shaped thousands of lives across generations.

A Century of Stories, One Big Day

CMU didn’t go for quiet reflection or stiff speeches. Instead, they threw their annual “Day of Giving” bash with more spirit than ever.

From cheerleaders to the engineering club, from the soccer team to the business society, student groups lined up across campus with booths, banners, and donation jars. Some had baked goods, others had games, and a few just had megaphones and raw enthusiasm.

President John Marshall, who’s been a familiar face around campus for years, didn’t mince words. “There’s not a lot of universities that get this kind of support,” he said, visibly energized by the turnout. “I mean heck, in some towns, the university and the city are at each other’s throats. Here? It’s the opposite.”

It showed. Local businesses were pitching in. Alumni walked around with nostalgia-glazed eyes. Kids from the community ran around collecting stickers from tables they didn’t fully understand. It didn’t matter. It felt like one big family reunion.

Marshall Gets Sentimental — and Real

In between the smiles and cake slices, President Marshall struck a more reflective tone.

“You don’t get to 100 years without a whole lot of people putting their heart into something,” he said. “We stand on the shoulders of folks who built this place long before us. This is about saying thank you.”

That’s the thing about university anniversaries — they’re not just school events. They’re markers of what a college means to a place, to families, and to future generations.

He paused when asked what the centennial meant to him personally.

“It’s fun, honestly. And meaningful. Seeing the students out there, laughing, fundraising, taking a break before finals — this is the good stuff.”

The Local Bond That Holds It All Together

CMU isn’t just a school nestled in Grand Junction. It’s part of the town’s DNA.

Marshall made that clear: “Mesa County and the city of Grand Junction — they’ve got our back. Always have.”

And he’s not exaggerating. Unlike some cities where universities act like isolated islands, CMU and Grand Junction operate more like a team. The local government promotes CMU events. The school contributes research, skilled graduates, and economic stability in return.

One sentence summed it up: “This region supports us in such a remarkable way.”

And the university seems to give it right back.

Students Steal the Show

As much as it was a day about CMU’s past, the students were clearly the stars of the celebration.

They brought the energy. The laughter. The noise. And they’re the reason anyone gives in the first place.

• A group of biology students offered plant cuttings for small donations.

• The theater club held mini-performances on sidewalks.

• Student-athletes challenged donors to push-up contests.

Everywhere you looked, it felt alive.

“I didn’t expect it to be this fun,” said sophomore Emily Reyes, holding a caramel latte in one hand and a raffle ticket in the other. “It’s cool to see all these groups doing their thing. You kind of forget how much is going on at this school.”

Her friend cut in: “I just came for the cupcakes. And the cornhole.”

Classic.

A Legacy Bigger Than Buildings

It’s tempting to reduce a university’s history to construction projects, presidents, and name changes. But CMU’s 100 years have been defined more by people than by place.

Here’s a snapshot of how the institution evolved:

From a modest community college to a full-fledged university with over 11,000 students, CMU’s growth mirrors the ambitions of Western Colorado.

More than 50,000 alumni now carry CMU degrees. Many are teachers, nurses, engineers, and leaders who stayed in Colorado. Others spread out, taking a bit of Grand Junction spirit with them wherever they went.

Looking Ahead Without Losing Sight

The centennial celebration wasn’t about patting backs and moving on. It was a reminder of what CMU still wants to be.

“We’re proud, but we’re not done,” Marshall said, eyes scanning the busy quad. “There’s more work ahead. More students to serve. More ideas to explore.”

Sure, some students just enjoyed the sunshine and snacks. But others talked about legacy. About being part of something that’s lasted 100 years and will probably be around for 100 more.

One quick sentence from a freshman art major summed it up: “This is our place now.”