Ritchie School Alumni Newsletter - Fall 2026
As I begin serving as Acting Dean of the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, I am energized by the strength of this community and the opportunities ahead. In my first few months, I have had the privilege of reconnecting with faculty, staff, and students and gaining an even deeper appreciation for the talent, dedication, and innovation that define Ritchie School.
What has stood out most to me over these first few months is the Ritchie community's commitment to preparing students to solve real-world problems. Through research, hands-on learning, industry partnerships, student organizations, and entrepreneurship, our faculty and staff help students develop the technical expertise and practical experience needed to make an impact in their careers and communities.
The year ahead will bring important planning as Ritchie, Kinesiology, and Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) prepare to come together as a new academic division. One of my highest priorities will be helping ensure that this transition is thoughtful, transparent, and effective. We will protect the strengths and identity that make Ritchie exceptional while embracing new opportunities for students, faculty, researchers, and alumni.
Most importantly, we will approach this work with our students, alumni, faculty, and staff at the center of our decisions.
I look forward to keeping you connected as we navigate this next chapter together and, importantly, to celebrating the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni along the way. Thank you for your continued connection to Ritchie and for the many ways you contribute to the strength of our community. Your engagement and support will be especially meaningful as we shape what comes next for the School and the University of Denver.
Corinne Lengsfeld
Acting Dean Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Building Community Through DU-STEM
The University of Denver launched the DU-STEM Program this summer under the leadership of Director Anthea Johnson Rooen to support undergraduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The new program brings together students from across STEM disciplines and schools to foster academic success, community, and professional growth. DU-STEM seeks to:
- Foster academic success and a sense of belonging among STEM students.
- Increase retention and graduation rates within STEM majors.
- Encourage students to pursue advanced study and careers in STEM fields.
To help students make a successful transition to college, the program hosted its inaugural DU-STEM Summer Bridge experience for 30 incoming STEM scholars from the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science.
The multi-day program provided students with an early introduction to campus life through faculty and staff connections, advising guidance, community-building activities, STEM-focused workshops, and academic preparation opportunities. Participants also met peer leaders who will continue to serve as mentors throughout the academic year.
By bringing students together before classes begin, DU-STEM aims to create a supportive and connected community that helps students thrive from their first year through graduation.
Ritchie Faculty and Student Research Helps Inform Denver Data Center Debate
Denver's conversation about future data center development continues to evolve. In August 2026, the City and County of Denver announced the next phase of its data center moratorium by establishing a working group that will evaluate potential regulations and policy recommendations related to future data center development. The group will include community members, utility representatives, industry representatives, health and air quality experts, nonprofit organizations, and members of academia.
Earlier this year, Assistant Professor of Computer Science Dr. Benjamin Xie and computer science senior Cody Ke researched the potential economic, environmental, and community impacts of data center development in Denver. Their work contributed to public discussions surrounding the city's proposed moratorium on new data center construction and helped inform policymakers and community members about potential impacts of future data center development.
Xie later shared research findings during public testimony before Denver City Council, while Ke submitted written testimony as part of the public review process. Their efforts explored topics including energy demand, water consumption, infrastructure capacity, and community impacts, providing additional context for policy discussions about future data center development.
Following extensive public testimony, Denver City Council approved a one-year moratorium on new data center construction while the city develops recommendations for future policy. The project demonstrates how Ritchie School faculty and students collaborate on research that connects technical expertise with real-world community challenges.
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