DU Strengthens Partnership with Buckley Space Force Base

Author(s)

Ritchie School Communications Team

Blog •

In the Community •

September 11, 2026

Dr Nathan Evans at the Buckley Space Force Base

Dr. Nathan Evans during Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony

The University of Denver (DU) recently joined military and community leaders at Buckley Space Force Base (Buckley) for its Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony, a program designed to strengthen relationships between the installation and the surrounding Colorado community. The Honorary Commander Program connects military leaders with civic and community leaders throughout the region, helping build greater understanding between Buckley's mission and the broader community.

University of Denver Chancellor Jeremy Haefner was invited to open the ceremony with remarks reflecting on the connections between the missions of the University of Denver and military service, as well as the shared values that underpin both.

While those missions may look different, Chancellor Haefner noted that they are united by discipline, resilience, and a willingness to serve something larger than oneself. He also highlighted that DU and Buckley share more than just geography: veterans and military-connected students bring that same sense of purpose and service into classrooms and communities across the University.

During the same ceremony, Dr. Nathan Evans, Computer Science Chair and Cybersecurity Faculty Director, and Jack Buffington, Director of the DU Supply Chain Institute, were inducted as Honorary Commanders. Their induction highlights DU’s ongoing engagement with Buckley Space Force Base and the university’s commitment to building strong community partnerships.

Jack Buffington during Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony

The visit comes as DU's Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science works to deepen its relationship with Buckley Space Force Base and explore opportunities for partnership in education, workforce development, and connections between the Space Force and the DU community.

Chancellor Haefner also emphasized the role these relationships play in strengthening communities. "Strong communities are built when people and institutions choose to show up for one another, contribute what they can, and bring something valuable back to the communities they serve," he says.

DU looks forward to continuing to build its relationship with Buckley Space Force Base and exploring how both institutions can learn from and contribute to one another's shared goals in the years ahead. Through collaboration and engagement, DU remains committed to supporting partnerships that strengthen communities and create opportunities for mutual learning and service.