The 7 Most Powerful And Famous MSU Denver Alumni Who Are Shaping The World In 2025
Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver), a cornerstone of Colorado's higher education landscape, has quietly produced a roster of highly influential and globally recognized alumni. As of today, December 24, 2025, the accomplishments of these graduates span from Hollywood to the Pentagon, and from the cutting edge of blockchain technology to the highest echelons of modern medicine.
The success stories of these MSU Denver notable alumni demonstrate the transformative power of the university's mission, often serving first-generation students and those seeking a pragmatic, career-focused education. From groundbreaking work in cryptocurrency to commanding major U.S. military operations, these individuals are not just successful—they are actively shaping the world in 2025 and beyond.
Essential Biography: Seven Global Game-Changers from MSU Denver
The following list provides a snapshot of some of the most prominent and influential graduates from Metropolitan State University of Denver, highlighting their major achievements and field of expertise.
- Name: Charles Hoskinson
- Field: Technology, Cryptocurrency
- Notable Achievement: Co-founder of both the Ethereum and Cardano blockchain platforms. He remains one of the most prominent voices in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.
- Name: Pam Grier
- Field: Film and Television
- Notable Achievement: Iconic actress and cultural figure, famous for her roles in 1970s Blaxploitation films like Foxy Brown and her Oscar-nominated performance in Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown.
- Name: General Laura J. Richardson (Retired)
- Field: U.S. Military, National Security
- Notable Achievement: A retired four-star general in the U.S. Army who served as the Commander of United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), making her one of the highest-ranking women in U.S. military history.
- Name: Dr. Theodore DeWeese, M.D.
- Field: Medicine, Healthcare Administration
- Notable Achievement: Dean of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Chief Executive Officer of Johns Hopkins Medicine, a role he officially assumed after an interim period. He is the MSU Denver Alumni Association's 2025 Distinguished Alumni winner.
- Name: Kat Cammack
- Field: Politics, Government
- Notable Achievement: U.S. Congressperson representing Florida's 3rd congressional district, known for being one of the youngest women elected to the House of Representatives.
- Name: Brittany Pettersen
- Field: Politics, Government
- Notable Achievement: U.S. Congressperson representing Colorado's 7th congressional district, having previously served in both the Colorado State Senate and House of Representatives.
- Name: David W. Ball
- Field: Literature, Writing
- Notable Achievement: Best-selling novelist known for historical fiction works such as Empire of Sand and Ironfire.
The Latest Updates: Fresh Projects and Current Influence in 2025
Unlike simple lists of past achievements, the true measure of these MSU Denver Roadrunners is their ongoing impact. Several alumni are currently involved in high-profile, fresh projects that are dominating headlines and industry discussions in late 2025.
Charles Hoskinson and the Future of Cardano's Blockchain
Charles Hoskinson, who co-founded Ethereum and went on to create the massive Cardano blockchain platform, continues to be a central figure in the cryptocurrency world. His work is far from finished; in 2025, Hoskinson is heavily focused on the next phases of Cardano’s development, specifically addressing the challenges of post-quantum cryptography.
The founder has issued warnings to the broader blockchain industry about the dangers of rushing into post-quantum upgrades, emphasizing a need for careful, measured development to secure digital assets against future quantum computing threats. His vision for the Cardano ecosystem, outlined in a multi-year roadmap, aims to redefine the platform’s capabilities and governance model, driving its utility in real-world applications.
Pam Grier’s Hollywood Comeback: Foxy Brown Reimagined
Screen icon Pam Grier, whose legacy was cemented by her powerful roles in the 1970s, is experiencing a major creative resurgence. Grier is currently developing not one, but two huge new projects centered around her legendary character, Foxy Brown.
The projects include a Foxy Brown limited series and a musical, both based on her 2010 memoir, Foxy: My Life in Three Acts. This endeavor is a testament to her enduring cultural impact and her personal mission to push for change and representation in the film industry, a theme she has championed since her early days as a cheerleader for the Denver Broncos.
The Leadership Transition of General Laura J. Richardson
General Laura J. Richardson, a distinguished MSU Denver graduate, concluded a monumental chapter in her military career in late 2024. She served as the 32nd Commander of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), overseeing all U.S. military operations and security cooperation in Central and South America and the Caribbean.
General Richardson's tenure at SOUTHCOM was marked by a focus on expanding partnerships and addressing regional security challenges. Her retirement in November 2024 solidified her legacy as a pioneer, having been one of the very few women to achieve a four-star rank and command a unified combatant command.
MSU Denver’s Impact on Global Healthcare and Policy
The influence of MSU Denver alumni extends deeply into public service and the critical fields of medicine and policy, highlighting the university's commitment to producing leaders across all sectors.
Dr. Theodore DeWeese and the Johns Hopkins Mandate
Dr. Theodore DeWeese, a 1986 Chemistry graduate, is now the CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Dean of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His appointment to this dual leadership role places him at the helm of one of the world's most prestigious medical institutions.
Dr. DeWeese has been vocal about the major challenges facing the U.S. healthcare system, particularly the growing workforce shortage and widespread professional burnout exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. His current mandate in 2025 is focused on strategic initiatives to "bring the joy back to medicine" for healthcare professionals, ensuring the long-term sustainability and quality of care.
Political Powerhouses: Kat Cammack and Brittany Pettersen
In the political arena, MSU Denver has produced two highly visible U.S. Congresswomen, Kat Cammack and Brittany Pettersen, who represent distinct regions and political perspectives. Cammack, representing Florida, and Pettersen, representing Colorado, both exemplify the university's tradition of fostering civic engagement and leadership. Their ongoing work in the U.S. House of Representatives ensures that the practical, problem-solving approach learned at MSU Denver is applied directly to national policy and legislative development.
From the foundational principles of medical laboratory science to the complexities of international military strategy, the MSU Denver alumni community is a powerful force. The university’s dedication to supporting career specialties and providing resources to its graduates, including through the Alumni Career Support and the Alumni Association, ensures that the next generation of Roadrunners will continue this tradition of global impact.
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