With commencement around the corner, graduating University of Denver students are taking time to reflect—not just on what they’ve learned, but on what they’ll leave behind. From close-knit communities and inspiring mentors to spontaneous moments and favorite campus spots, these are the people, places, and experiences they say they’ll miss most.
“It might sound cliché, but I’m going to miss the community. My relationships here have been so formative of who I am. I’ve been able to narrow down exactly what I’m passionate about and what I want to do, all because of the people—both peers and faculty.” – Rachel Bienstock, International Studies and Sociolegal Studies
“What I’ll miss are the habits I’ve developed through studying and working here. I really enjoyed speaking, learning, and collaborating with fellow students from different departments.” – Haydee Ducay-Fajardo, Master’s in Media and Public Communication
“The faculty at DU are unparalleled. They always have time for students. I didn’t get that in my undergrad, and it was powerful to come here and experience that as a grad student.” – Emma Bourgraf, MBA and Master of Science in Applied Quantitative Finance
“I’ll miss my friends, honestly, and the community I’ve created around here. I love to learn—I don’t love homework—but I love to learn. And it’s going to be weird not having the network I have here to bounce ideas off of.” – Canace Finley, Master of Library and Information Science
“I love our campus. I love walking around and seeing familiar faces. I think what I’ll miss most is the student life and the communities I’m a part of.” – Alisha Pravasi, Bachelor’s and Master’s in Computer Science
“It was really fun to be learning constantly from such great professors, faculty, and staff, as well as the community.” – Sophia Holt, Film Studies and Production
“I’ll really miss seeing my friends and learning every day. I loved all the classes I took at DU—it was a great experience.” – Kiena Campbell, Environmental Science
“College life—the people, being in the middle of it all. Living in the dorms, seeing students everywhere, going to parties—it’s all part of the experience.” – Jayden Foster, Marketing and Psychology
“I’m going to miss the amazing faculty and different clubs and communities I was able to be a part of.” – Khadija Mohamed, Computer Science
“Definitely my friends. I love living off campus and having our little houses where we have movie nights or activities together” – Sallie Lubbe, Kinesiology and Sports Studies
