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The Student News Site of Colorado Mesa University

The Criterion

The Student News Site of Colorado Mesa University

The Criterion

The Student News Site of Colorado Mesa University

The Criterion

In his 18 years at CMU, Jeremy Franklin has had a profound impact on students pursing degrees in musical theatre
His departure from teh school will be bittersweet for both faculty and students.

FINAL CURTAIN CALL

Kazuo Salazar, Managing Editor April 23, 2025

It’s been nearly twenty years since Director of Musical Theatre Jeremy Franklin arrived in Grand Junction as a performer for the Cabaret Theatre. In the years since, he has been majorly responsible...

The 2025 Colorado Capital Conference will be held in June at Capitol Hill.
With only 100 spots to fill, CMU urges students to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

LAWMAKING LESSONS

Marigold Nugent, Staff Writer April 23, 2025

The selection process for students seeking to attend the Colorado Capital Conference is in the final stages. After completing the interviewing and selection processes, this small pool of students will...

The Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center makes significant efforts spread knowledge of important water issues.
Research grants that the Water Center has received have helped produce a multitude of vital research reports.

A FLOW OF FUNDING

Marigold Nugent, Staff Writer April 23, 2025

The Colorado River District (CRD) awarded a $300,000 grant to the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center. CMU will provide an additional $300,000 to match the grant. This money...

IN THE AFTERMATH

IN THE AFTERMATH

Julia Wildman, Opinions Editor April 23, 2025

Another controversial speaker was invited to speak on campus by the chapter of Turning Point USA at Colorado Mesa University (TPUSA-CMU).  TPUSA-CMU submitted an event request to host Charlie Kirk,...

VANDALISM ON CAMPUS

VANDALISM ON CAMPUS

Nathan Warner, Staff Writer April 23, 2025

While most students were kicking off spring break, tensions remained on campus. Early in the morning on March 17, the Grand Junction police department responded to reports of vandalism on campus. They...

Dr. Roberto Montoya at a tabling at CMU back when it was named Mesa State College.
A CMU alumnus, Montoya felt that his return to CMU as the new President of Student Services was meant to be.

PASSING THE TORCH

Julia Wildman, Opinions Editor April 23, 2025

Dr. Roberto Montoya stepped in as the new Vice President of Student Services at the beginning of April. Current Vice President Jody Diers is set to retire at the end of the semester and is working towards...

ANTICIPATED ARRIVAL

ANTICIPATED ARRIVAL

Evan Shelley, Art & Life Editor April 9, 2025

Jared Taylor presented his pro-segregation speech "Divorce Papers for a Divided Nation” on Thursday, March 27. A member of campus personnel started the event by informing attendees that disruptions...

A mannequin laying in the simulation lab used by students for training in the nursing program.  
Nursing students and faculty have worked diligently to achieve #1 ranking in the nation

A PRIZE FOR PRESTIGE

Dana Dial, Accuracy Manager April 9, 2025

Ranking number one in the United States by the National Council for State Boards of Nursing, the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) practical nursing (PN) program has just made CMU a leader in nursing education. PN...

Students gather in the plaza to celebrate diversity at the campus Unity Event.
The event was held as a celebration in response to Jared Taylor’s contentuous speech.

CAMPUS CONNECTION

Marigold Nugent, Staff Writer April 9, 2025

As a form of joyful protest, the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) community banded together at the campus-wide Unity Day event to stand against the rhetoric of known white supremacist Jared Taylor. The...

A group of people on campus to peacefully protest against the Jared Taylor speaking event.

THE RIGHT TO PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY

Julia Wildman, Opinion’s Editor March 28, 2025

A 700 person protest demonstrated that Grand Junction does not tolerate the racist rhetoric that Jared Taylor brought with him to Colorado Mesa University (CMU). Led by the Mesa County Chapter of the...

Withers interviews John Marshall

//The Criterion

Unity Party, Protests, Taylor

Editorial Board March 27, 2025

8:49 am Follow this thread throughout the day for real-time quotes, photos and notes from today's events.   1:24 pm The student community at Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is already preparing...

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a program offered through the IRS. that has partnered with the university for the past 25 years. This program will be available for students until April 5.

VITA-LITY IN ACTION

Julia Wildman, Opinions Editor March 26, 2025

Accounting students crunch numbers for underserved community members this tax season. A grant funded through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows students to provide free tax preparation for basic...

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