President Andy Feinstein, along with University of Northern Colorado deans, staff and students traveled to Denver on Monday, March 20, for Greeley Day at the Capitol. The event is a collaborative effort between UNC and key leaders to promote the city and university with state elected officials. This was the second Greeley Day at the Capitol, the first was held in 2020. 

Feinstein held open remarks with Greeley City Mayor John Gates followed by elected officials representing Greeley and Weld County who shared their legislative priorities and insight into the legislative process and the role of collaboration and bipartisanship. 

The Greeley delegation was then split between the House and Senate and recognized on the floor of each chamber. UNC’s delegation visited the Senate and was recognized by District 23 Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, District 1 Sen. Byron Pelton, District 13 Sen. Kevin Priola and District 28 and UNC alumna Sen. Rhonda Fields. Among the remarks was a public recognition of UNC student-athlete Andrew Alirez who just won the NCAA Division 1 141-pound national championship in wrestling. 

During lunch, the group attended a presentation from Visit Greeley highlighting efforts to enhance the city’s tourism opportunities, reputation and brand. Then, they headed to the Education Committee Confirmation Hearing witnessing the reappointment of trustee Steve Jordan, Ph.D., and the appointment of new trustee Gregory Anton. Both were unanimously approved, which has since been confirmed by the full Senate. 

Greeley Day at the Capitol was held in partnership with UNC, Aims Community College, the City of Greeley, Downtown Development Authority, Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce and Greeley-Evans School District 6. All 100 House and Senate representatives were given a Visit Greeley bag with information on the city’s growth, tourism and quality of life. The bag also included a copy of UNC’s strategic plan. 

Greeley Day at the Capitol is one of three advocacy and policy events held annually that is a combined partnership with university and city leaders. The first is a Legislative Preview event and the last is a Legislative Wrap-Up, which will be held at UNC in the coming months.