du.edu
Issues like rising health care costs and increasing rates of obesity usually fall on the shoulders of doctors, policy makers and government officials. But Oklahoma City’s unlikely superheroes in the arena of human health may just be dogs. As part of a larger plan to redesign the city’s center and reconnect residents with nature, Oklahoma City has proposed creating a “Compassion Center,” to include a new animal-sheltering concept. Rather than just serving as a means of remedying animal homelessness in the city, the shelter would integrate animal health into human health through such initiatives as community events and a dog-walking program utilizing the Compassion Center’s new urban greenspaces. This is just one example of a move to what DU’s Kevin Morris and a team of researchers have dubbed “humane communities,” which bring together leaders, institutions and policies for the welfare of humans, animals and the environment. “We are starting to see that policies around animals are stronger if
almost 8 years ago
du.edu
It’s been 30 years since Denver’s controversial pit bull ban began, and this November, for the first time since it was enacted, voters will have the opportunity to decide the prohibition’s fate. This isn’t the first challenge to the policy, described as breed-specific legislation (BSL). As recently as February 2020, Denver’s City Council voted to repeal the ban, but that decision was swiftly vetoed by Mayor Michael Hancock, who cited public safety and irresponsible pet owners in a letter to coun…
about 6 years ago
du.edu
As Marie Berry sees it, the global community sits at a precarious intersection of three dangerous threats: catastrophic climate change, challenges to democracy and rampant inequality. While everyone from politicians and policymakers to diplomats and business leaders is on the hunt for solutions, Berry, an associate professor at the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies, says they might be looking in the wrong places. “All three of those crises do not have solutions…
over 5 years ago
du.edu
Colorado provides endless opportunities to see the creatures that light up our social feeds and warm our hearts. From greeting chipmunks and deer on the trail to petting the friendly pups that pack our local breweries, we get plenty of chances for a cozy dose of animal lovin’. Bookmark this list for the next time you need some soulful puppy eyes or want to snuggle up to more unconventional creatures. The Wild Animal Sanctuary The Denver Zoo isn’t the only place around to see exotic wildlife. The…
over 5 years ago
du.edu
Three years ago, Anna Sher, a professor of biology in the University of Denver’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, called a meeting of women leaders from across the department. This would ultimately become the STEM Women Faculty Association, and since then, its members have dedicated themselves to understanding and addressing the needs of women-identified faculty. This month, Sher’s work has resulted in a prestigious Natural Science Foundation ADVANCE grant. The nearly $1 million gran…
about 5 years ago
du.edu
With people everywhere hunkered down at home, pets are offering a steady source
of comfort, companionship and entertainment. From the cat butts dancing through
Zoom meetings to the tippy-tapping puppy paws begging for one more chance to
fetch the stick, pets are taking center stage in daily existenc…
over 4 years ago
du.edu
On April 22, 1970, the University of Denver celebrated the nation’s first Earth
Day with a teach-in on environmental problems, sponsored by the DU ecology club,
then known as Citizens for Environmental Control. Students from colleges and
universities across the state gathered in a geodesic dome cons…
over 4 years ago
du.edu
In 2008, the University of Denver joined what is now known as the Presidents’
Climate Leadership Commitments, launching DU’s push to reach carbon neutrality
by 2050. Now, amid dire reports about the state of climate change, the
University has moved the goalpost closer. “We at DU choose to be carbo…
over 4 years ago
