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Maverick Spirit comes in all forms, and in all forms we celebrate it. But there's just no denying that there are some who just bleed MAVroon deeper and are known for displaying their pride on the daily. For that, we bring you the Maverick Spirit Awards.

There are two categories of the Maverick Spirit Award. For alumni, there is the Doug Sortor Maverick Spirit Award and for non-alumni there is the Honorary Maverick Alumni Award. The recipients of these awards will be highlighted during the Maverick Days festivities, which is anchored around CMU's birthday on April 10th.

Doug Sortor Maverick Spirit Award

Doug Sortor was a beloved Maverick who truly embodied what it meant to be a Maverick- singing the fight song, his yard always decorated for football season, and bleeding MAVroon. To honor his spirit, we want to continue the tradition of calling out those dedicated alumni who have gone above and beyond in their Maverick Spirit!

This award is presented to an individual or individuals who have shown exemplary dedication and commitment to Colorado Mesa University (CMU), CMU Tech (CMUT), and the Colorado Mesa University Alumni Association (CMUAA). These recipients adhere to the standards of moral and ethical conduct that would cause CMU to be honored to present the recipients as role models for students and alumni alike.

Criteria for the Doug Sortor Maverick Spirit Award:

Is an alumni of Colorado Mesa University, Western Colorado Community College, Mesa State Mesa Junior College or Grand Junction Junior College and meet the following:

  • Character: Recipients demonstrate a high moral character that is in alignment with the missions and goals of Colorado Mesa University.
  • Service and support: The recipient’s deeds and actions have a profound impact on supporting the University, its faculty, students, alumni and friends.
  • Spirit of Colorado Mesa University: Recipients display an enthusiasm to share experiences to help publicize and promote CMU on a local, state and/or national scale.

Nomination procedure:

  1. Complete the online nomination form prior to the deadline of February 15th.
  2. Include one separate letter of recommendation from someone other than the nominator.

Eligibility requirements:

  1. Is not currently serving on the CMU Alumni Association Board of Directors or the CMU Foundation Board.
  2. Is an alumni of the University. The definition of alumni is a graduate or former student who attended Colorado Mesa University, Western Colorado Community College, Mesa State Mesa Junior College or Grand Junction Junior College.

Honorary Maverick Alumni Award

For many years, the Colorado Mesa University Alumni Association has been searching for a way to honor the members of the community, faculty, and staff who have been outstanding supporters of the University but may not have attended or graduated from Mesa. What better way than to name them Honorary Members of the CMU Alumni Association. This is the highest honor bestowed upon individuals who are not alumni of the University.

This award is presented to an individual or individuals who have shown exemplary dedication and commitment to Colorado Mesa University, Western Colorado Community College and the Colorado Mesa University Alumni Association. These recipients adhere to the standards of moral and ethical conduct that would cause CMU to be honored to present the recipients as role models for students and alumni alike.

Along with this honor, recipients receive all rights and privileges given to members of the CMU Alumni Association.

Criteria for the Honorary Maverick Alumni Award:

Is not an alumni of Colorado Mesa University, Western Colorado Community College, Mesa State College, Mesa (Junior) College or Grand Junction Junior College, and meet the following:

  • Character: Recipients demonstrate a high moral character that is in alignment with the missions and goals of Colorado Mesa University
  • Service and support: The recipient’s deeds and actions have a profound impact on supporting the University, its faculty, students, and alumni.
  • Spirit of Colorado Mesa University: Recipients display an enthusiasm to share experiences to help publicize and promote CMU on a local, state and/or national scale.

Nomination procedure:

  1. Complete the online nomination form prior to the deadline of February 15th.
  2. Include one separate letter of recommendation from someone other than the nominator.

Eligibility requirements:

  1. Is not currently serving on the CMU Alumni Association Board of Directors, or the Colorado Mesa University Foundation Board.
  2. Is not an alumni of Colorado Mesa University, Western Colorado Community College, Mesa State College, Mesa (Junior) College or Grand Junction Junior College.
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