University of Denver Family Weekend Guide

2023 Family Weekend GUIDE

About This Guide

CollegiateParent has published this guide in partnership with the University of Denver. Our goal is to share helpful, timely information about your student’s college experience and connect you to relevant campus and community resources.

Please refer to the school’s website and contact information below for updated information in the guide or with questions about its contents. CollegiateParent is not responsible for omissions or errors. This publication was made possible by the businesses and professionals contained within it. The presence of university/college logos and marks in the guide does not mean that the publisher or school endorses the products or services offered by the advertisers.

©2023 CollegiateParent. All rights reserved.

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For more information, please contact University of Denver New Student & Family Programs

2055 E. Evans Avenue Denver, CO 80210

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Welcome to Family Weekend 2023

Welcome back to your student’s “home away from home.”

We are so excited to have you join us for Family Weekend 2023! This event allows DU students, faculty, staff, and administration to celebrate our parent and family community and recognize your endless support of our student population.

Take the time you have on campus this weekend to spend with your student. Let them show you what life at DU is all about. Grab a coffee at their favorite coffee shop, cheer on Denver Athletics, meet other families, and explore campus by joining one of the many tours we have planned for you.

Family Weekend is a time for you and your student to have some fun on campus and connect with other DU families. We have several exciting events both on and off campus this weekend to help you get a feel for what your student’s life is like here in Denver. We hope that your time in our city and at DU with your student is unforgettable and we can’t wait to have you back next year!

Schedule at a Glance

Detailed Event Schedule

Thursday, April 20th

Check In .......................................................................................... 12:00–5:00 pm

Room 1600 Community Commons, 2055 E. Evans Ave.

Check in and pick up your Family Weekend wristband and Swag Bag at Community Commons 1600. We will have full weekend schedules and more information about New Student & Family Programs. We will have a limited quantity of other DU swag available for sale too!

Educational Sessions ................................................................... 1:00–5:00 pm

Room 1700 Community Commons, 2055 E. Evans Ave.

Come in for one of our information sessions provided by different campus offices and resources. Sessions include:

Ġ Study Abroad ........................ 1:00–1:50 pm

Ġ Family Engagement Opportunities

pm

Ġ Health & Wellness .............. 3:00–3:50 pm

Ġ Internships & Career Opportunities

pm

Tours ................................................................................................................ Various

Depart from Room 1700 Community Commons, 2055 E. Evans Ave.

Choose from a selection of campus tours departing from Community Commons. Pre-registration encouraged. Tours include:

Ġ Sculptures & Architecture

Ġ Sustainability Marketplace

Ġ Innovation Labs

Friday, April 21st

Check In ..................................................................................... 9:00 am–5:00 pm

Room 1600 Community Commons, 2055 E. Evans Ave.

Check and pick up your Family Weekend wristband and Swag Bag at Community Commons 1600. We will have full weekend schedules, and more information about New Student & Family Programs. We will have a limited quantity of other DU swag available for sale too!

Educational Sessions ................................................................... 1:00–5:00 pm

Room 1700 Community Commons, 2055 E. Evans Ave.

Come in for one of our information sessions provided by different campus offices and resources. Sessions include:

Ġ Study Abroad ..........................

Ġ Family Engagement Opportunities

pm

pm

Ġ Health & Wellness .............. 3:00–3:50 pm

Ġ Internships & Career Opportunities

pm

Tours ................................................................................................................ Various

Depart from Room 1700 Community Commons, 2055 E. Evans Ave.

Choose from a selection of campus tours departing from Community Commons. Pre-registration encouraged. Tours include:

Ġ Sculptures & Architecture

Ġ Sustainability Marketplace

Ġ Innovation Labs

Friday, April 21st Continued

Faculty Flash Talks ............................................................ 10:00 am–12:00 pm

Various Locations

University of Denver faculty from various backgrounds will present on topics related to their research, areas of expertise, and campus academic success strategies.

Receptions .................................................................................... 12:00–3:00 pm

Various Locations

Mingle with various groups on campus and connect with different parts of your student’s life at DU. Receptions include:

Ġ Residence Hall Receptions

Centennial Towers Ballroom

Ġ Fraternity & Sorority Reception

Community Commons

4th Story Overlook

Family Weekend Kickoff ............................................................. 4:00–6:00 pm

Campus Green

Join us on Campus Green to officially open Family Weekend 2023! Grab some food, listen to a live DJ, and play lawn games before heading to our pre-game Block Party.

DU Men’s Lacrosse vs. Providence ...................................................... 7:00 pm

Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium

Denver and Providence face off at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium on what promises to be a beautiful spring evening on the DU campus. Come and cheer for your team! Tickets sold separately on DU Athletics website.

Saturday, April 22nd

Check In ................................................................................... 9:00 am–12:00 pm

Room 1600 Community Commons, 2055 E. Evans Ave.

Check in and pick up your Family Weekend wristband and Swag Bag at Community Commons 1600. We will have full weekend schedules, and more information about New Student & Family Programs. We will have a limited quantity of other DU swag available for sale too!

Lunch on the Green & Vendor Fair ................................ 10:00 am–2:00 pm

Campus Green

Enjoy lunch outside with live performances, yard games, local vendors, and campus groups.

DU Women’s Lacrosse vs. Marquette .............................................. 12:00 pm

Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium

Come cheer for DU Women’s Lacrosse as they face Marquette. Tickets can be reserved on DU Athletics website.

Student Panel ......................................................................... 3:00 pm–4:30 pm

Sturm Hall Room 248, Sam & Freda Davis Auditorium

Students from each class year will talk about their experiences and answer questions from parents, including study abroad options, on/off-campus living, and the engagements that have enhanced their growth toward earning a DU degree.

DU Family Game Night ................................................................. 5:00–7:00 pm

Room 1700 Community Commons, 2055 E. Evans Ave.

Wrap up the day with a fun family game night!

Sunday, April 23rd

Chancellor’s Gold Brunch .................................................. 9:30 am–12:30 pm

Tuscan Ballroom

Gold Package participants are invited to wrap up the weekend at brunch with Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. Enjoy our breakfast buffet, or pick up an on-the-go meal if you have to catch a flight! There will be two available time slots: 9:30 am and 11 am.

Places to Visit On Campus

The Evans Memorial Chapel

This beautiful, century-old sandstone chapel, constructed in 1878, is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. The historic Evans Chapel was moved, brick by brick, from its original downtown location at 13th and Bannock to its current location in the center of Harper Humanities Gardens, the heart of campus, in 1960. The move was a popular decision made by the late Chancellor Emeritus Chester M. Alter. The Evans Chapel is surrounded by the flower gardens, waterfalls, and pools of the Alter Arboretum and Harper Humanities Garden. It is billed as a “living fossil forest” and nurtures the nearest living relatives of the fossilized plants found in the Rocky Mountains. The Humanities Garden showcases 100 aquatic plants including water lilies, rushes, and wild rice. The garden is a beautiful place for the DU community, neighbors, and visitors to relax.

“Whispers” Interactive Outdoor Sculpture Installation

Locally renowned sculptor Lawrence Argent created “Whispers” for the University of Denver in 1999. It consists of many lips placed on the walkway as benches and elevated on pillars surrounding the entry to the Coors Fitness Center and the Gates Field House. Previously recorded university lectures can be heard daily coming from speakers incorporated into the outdoor sculpture installation. Lawrence Argent is perhaps most well-known for his creation of the “Big Blue Bear” sculpture that peers into the windows of the Denver Convention Center downtown.

DU Carillon

The Williams Carillon, dedicated on October 24, 1999, contains 65 bronze bells, which qualifies it as a grand carillon. The largest of these bells weighs six tons! The total weight of the carillon is 64,900 pounds. The carillon, located at the Ritchie Center, is played from a keyboard with a wooden manual and pedal keys in a playing cabin situated just below the bells. The playing action is entirely mechanical, allowing for musical expression through variation of touch. The carillon provides music for major University events and community concerts. For all who are within listening distance, the artistry of DU Carillonneur Carol Jickling Lens is a distinct pleasure.

Newman Center for the Performing Arts

The Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts strives to provide the highest quality performing arts experiences for faculty, students, performers, and the Colorado community. The Newman Center offers an eclectic mix of emerging artists and seasoned performers and trains DU music students in the most acoustically sophisticated venues in the region. The Newman Center aims to seduce the senses with an abundance of performances in gracious settings. Taking in a show at the Newman Center is a must for visiting DU parents.

Where to Eat On Campus

Centennial Halls

Corner Store

1870 S. High St.

Monday–Friday ....................7 am–Midnight

Saturday–Sunday ...................... 2 pm–9 pm

Come visit our corner store located in Centennial Halls. The first-ever cashier-less, fully automatic shopping experience on campus.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

Daniels College of Business 2101 S. University Blvd.

Monday–Friday: 8 am–3 pm

Saturday/Sunday: Closed

Known for their bagels, cream cheese schmears, and coffee heritage, Einstein Bros. offers an exceptional morning alternative that’s fast, hot, and packed with flavor. But it doesn’t stop there. They also serve up bistro salads, soups, and sandwiches — great for lunch — while oversized brownies, cookies, pound cake, and muffins make for delicious anytime snacking.

Front Porch Café

Anderson Academic Commons 2150 E. Evans Ave.

Monday–Thursday 7:30 am–10 pm

Friday .......................................... 7:30 am–4 pm

Saturday .................................................. Closed

Sunday 10 am–10 pm

The Front Porch Café, located in the Anderson Academic Commons, offers not only coffee, smoothies, tea, and desserts but also a wide array of healthy breakfast and lunch items. Our great selections include flats, sandwiches, salads, and gluten-free options available upon request. Front Porch Café also offers a variety of Simply to Go options, like our Honey Pecan Turkey Sandwich made in-house for folks in a rush wanting to grab something delicious on their way to their next destination.

J-Mac General Store

1901 E. Iliff Avenue

Monday–Friday ................... 9 am–Midnight

Saturday–Sunday 2 pm–9 pm

Take care of all of your snacking needs with everything from energy drinks to ice cream.

Rebecca Chopp

Grand Central Market

Community Commons 2055 E. Evans Avenue

Monday–Thursday

Ġ Brunch.................................. 10 am–3 pm

Ġ Dinner 5 pm–7:30 pm

Thursday

Ġ Late Night 8:30 pm–10 pm

Friday

Ġ Brunch.................................. 10 am–3 pm

Saturday–Sunday

Ġ Brunch.................................. 10 am–2 pm

Ġ Dinner 5 pm–7:30 pm

An Asian-inspired wok and Mongolian grill. Take full control of your meal with the stirfry station’s extensive selection of vegetables, proteins, and sauces.

Rollin N Bowlin

Community Commons 2055 E. Evans Avenue

Monday–Friday 8 am–3 pm

Bowls, Smoothies, and Toasts. Spreading Healthy Vibes in the Community Commons

Starbucks Community Commons 2055 E. Evans Avenue

Monday–Friday .......................... 7 am–10 pm

Saturday–Sunday 10 am–10 pm

Located on the first floor of the Community Commons, a full-service Starbucks Coffee Shop. Enjoy standard lattes and coffee drinks along with specialty drinks and baked goods right here on campus!

Where to Get DU Swag

Bookstore

Best place to find school spirit items such as sweaters, decals, and lanyards. When it’s time for your student to graduate, you can also find rings, regalia, diploma frames, and alumni gifts.

Coors Fitness Center

Already in the Ritchie Center and not interested in walking all the way over to the Bookstore? Not a problem. The Coors Fitness Center has a small DU Apparel shop just inside its doors. This is a perfect place to find your basic polo, sweatshirt, or DU T-shirt!

4D Pillars

Four Dimensions. Endless Opportunities.

At the University of Denver, your student receives an exceptional education in the classroom—and beyond. They learn and discover at our urban campus in the heart of Denver, supported by world-class faculty and a network of mentors and advisors. At our James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus, your student will immerse themself in nature, connect with peers, and explore new ideas in an inspiring context.

At DU, your student receives a multi-dimensional, adventure-driven education that prepares them to make a difference and thrive in a dynamic world.

We call it the 4D Experience.

The Four Dimensions

Advancing Intellectual Growth

Deepen your understanding of the world in and out of the classroom. Work alongside faculty conducting research that improves the world. And enjoy mentorship made possible by a low faculty-student ratio.

Promoting Well-being

Learn how wellness supports all your goals by exploring well-being from a big-picture perspective. Achieve social, emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial wellness and develop meaningful connections to others.

Exploring Character

Ask and answer important questions about who you are, what you value, who you want to be, and your effect on your communities. Use this knowledge to envision—and then build—your future.

Pursuing Careers & Lives of Purpose

Receive mentorship at our Burwell Center for Career Achievement. Connect with a global network of alumni working in fields you’re passionate about. And learn how to connect the dots between your learning and where you want to go.

Fun Things to Do In and Around Denver

Looking for new and exciting things to see in the Denver area when you come to visit your student? We have you covered! The list below has something for everyone, and we hope you enjoy exploring all of the wonderful things our city and the surrounding area has to offer.

Alamo Drafthouse Sloan’s Lake Dine-in cinema with the best in movies, beer, food, and events next to one of the most popular Denver-area lakes.

4255 W. Colfax Ave. | Denver 80204 drafthouse.com/denver/theater

Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave

987½ Lookout Mountain Rd., Golden 80401

buffalobill.org

Cherry Creek Shopping Center

3000 East 1st Ave. | Denver 80206

shopcherr ycreek.com

City Park

This trendy area is dominated by its namesake green space, featuring picnic spots, playgrounds, and lakeside trails. Location of the Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

2001 Colorado Blvd. | Denver 80205

denvergov.org/parks

Clyfford Still Museum

Enjoy a showcase for the large-scale paintings and archives of Abstract

Expressionist Clyfford Still (1904–1980).

1250 Bannock St. | Denver 80204

clyffordstillmuseum.org

Colorado Railroad Museum

17155 W. 44th Ave. | Golden 80403 coloradorailroadmuseum.org

Denver Art Museum

100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. | Denver 80204 denverartmuseum.org

Denver Botanic Gardens

1007 York St. | Denver 80206 botanicgardens.org

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

2001 Colorado Blvd. | Denver 80205 dmns.org

Denver Performing Arts Complex Home of the Colorado Ballet, Colorado Symphony, and Opera Colorado, as well as a sculpture park and venues offering Broadway shows, Tony-winning theatre, and more.

1400 Curtis St. | Denver 80202 artscomplex.com

Denver Union Station

Located downtown, Union Station boasts an eclectic array of the city’s top shops, restaurants, and bars including Snooze an AM Eatery, Terminal Bar, Mercantile Dining & Provision, Stoic & Genuine, and much more.

1701 Wynkoop St. | Denver 80202 unionstationindenver.com

Denver Zoo

2300 Steele St. | Denver 80205 denverzoo.org

Empower Field at Mile High

A 75-minute, half-mile walking tour of the Denver Broncos’ stadium allows participants to access behind the scenes areas. Tours can be booked on the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame website.

1701 Bryant St. | Denver CO 80204 coloradosports.org/stadium-tour

Golden, Colorado

This charming former gold rush town just outside of Denver offers outdoor recreation on Clear Creek and nearby Lookout Mountain plus an array of breweries and restaurants, including Coors Brewery (free tours daily).

visitgolden.com

History Colorado Center

1200 N. Broadway | Denver 80203

historycolorado.org

Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

1201 Bannock St. | Denver 80204

kirklandmuseum.org

Larimer Square

Find a number of independently owned restaurants, bars, and shops in this downtown historic district.

1400 Larimer Square | Denver 80202

larimersquare.com

McNichols Civic Center Building

144 W. Colfax Ave. | Denver 80202

mcnicholsbuilding.com

Molly Brown House Museum

Philanthropist, socialite, and activist Margaret Brown was known as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” because she survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic.

1340 Pennsylvania St. | Denver 80203 mollybrown.org

Museum of Contemporary Art Denver

Featuring regional, national, and international artists, MCA Denver offers a wide range of exhibitions promoting creative experimentation with art and ideas.

1485 Delgany St. | Denver 80202

mcadenver.org

Pearl Street Mall, Boulder

A lively and upscale shopping and dining district in historic downtown Boulder, a university town 30 miles from Denver at the foot of the iconic Flatirons.

Pearl St., between 11th and 15th Sts. boulderdowntown.com

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

One of the world’s best outdoor concert venues boasts a full-service restaurant, hiking trails, and gorgeous scenery just outside of Denver.

18300 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison 80465

redrocksonline.com

Upstairs Circus LODO

Craft workshop and bar offering a menu of two-hour DIY projects including jewelry, wall art, and other décor.

1500 Wynkoop St., Ste 100, Denver 80202

upstairscircus.com/co/lodo

Local Denver Favorite Restaurants

American 12@Madison New American, $$ 12atmadison.com

Annette Modern American, craft cocktails, $$ annettescratchtotable.com

Culinary Dropout American, $$ culinarydropout.com

Corinne Modern American, $$ corinnedenver.com

Fruition Restaurant New American, $$$ fruitionrestaurant.com

Hillstone New American, $$$ hillstonerestaurant.com

Mercantile Dining and Provision

American eatery, wine, artisanal market, barista bar, $$$ mercantiledenver.com

Potager New American, $$ potagerrestaurant.com

Rosenberg’s Bagels and Delicatessen Modern deli, NY-style bagels, $ rosenbergsbagels .com

Steuben’s American, $$ steubens.com

Stout Street Social New American, $$ besocialcolorado.com

Table 6 New American classics, $$ table6denver.com

The Plimoth New American, $$ theplimoth.com

Breakfast and Brunch

Bacon Social House Breakfast and brunch, $$ baconsocialhouse.com

Denver Biscuit Co.

Breakfast and brunch, $$ denbisco.com

Jelly U Café

Breakfast and brunch, $$ eatmorejelly.com

Lucile’s Creole Café Cajun/Creole, breakfast and brunch, $$ luciles.com

Sassafras American Eatery

Southern, Cajun/Creole, brunch, $$ sassafrasamericaneatery.com

Syrup

Breakfast and brunch, $$ syruprestaurant.com

Burgers

Cherry Cricket Burgers and brewpub, $$ cherrycricket.com

Park Burger Burgers, $$ parkburger.co

Denver ranked fourth in Zagat’s “30 Most Exciting Food Cities in America 2017” and was also host to Season 15 of the popular Bravo series “Top Chef.” Pick your favorite cuisine and see what this foodie city has to offer during your visits to the University of Denver!

Chinese

Hop Alley

Chinese, craft beer, cider, and cocktails, $$ hopalleydenver.com

Zoe Ma Ma

Chinese street food, $ zoemama .com

Dessert

Bonnie Brae Ice Cream

Dessert, ice cream, $ bonniebraeicecream.com

D-Bar

Dessert, $$ dbardenver.com

Frozen Matter/Retro Grade

Ice cream, speakeasy, $ frozenmatter.com

Little Man Ice Cream Ice cream, $ littlemanicecream.com

Sweet Cow

Dessert, ice cream, $ sweetcowicecream.com

Gastropubs

Thirsty Lion

Gastropub, $$ thirstyliongastropub.com

Indian Himchuli

Indian and Nepali cuisine, $$ himchulidenver.com

Serene Cuisine of India Indian, $$ serenecuisineofindia.com

Italian

Bar Dough

Italian, pizza, $$ bardoughdenver.com

Cart-Driver Pizza, $ cart- driver.com

Il Posto Italian, $$$ ilpostodenver.com

Odyssey Bistro and Grill Italian, $$ odyssey-italian-restaurant.com

Patxi’s Pizza Pizza, Italian, $$ patxispizza.com

Japanese Izakaya Den Japanese, $$$ izakayaden.net

Uncle Ramen, $$ uncleramen.com

Mediterranean

Ali Baba Grill Lebanese and Mediterranean, $$ alibabagrill.com

El Five Spanish, Eastern Mediterranean, $$ elfivedenver.com

Rioja Mediterranean, $$$ riojadenver.com

Mexican

El Taco De Mexico

Traditional Mexican, $ eltacodemexicodenver.com

Machete Tequila and Tacos Mexican, $$ machetedenver.com

Uno Mas Street tacos, $ unomastaqueria.com

Middle Eastern Jerusalem

Middle Eastern, $$ jerusalemrestaurant.com

Seafood and Sushi

Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood

Seafood, $$ blueislandoysterbar.com

Hapa Sushi Grille and Sake Bar

Sushi, $$ hapasushi.com

Señor Bear

Pan-Latin seafood, $$ senorbeardenver.com

Sushi Ronin Sushi, $$$ sushironindenver.com

Steakhouse

Elway’s Steakhouse, $$$ elways.com

Guard and Grace Modern steakhouse, $$$ guardandgrace.com

Vegan/Vegetarian City O’ City

Vegan, vegetarian, $$ cityocitydenver.com

Root Down

Vegan, vegetarian, $$ rootdowndenver.com

Watercourse Vegan, vegetarian, $$ watercoursefoods.com