An anonymous donor has given Metropolitan State College $1 million to establish an interdisciplinary water studies program.
Metro State officials on Tuesday said they’ll embark on creating the One World One Water Center for Urban Water Education and Stewardship — or OWOW — and that new courses next year will explore water issues.
OWOW’s mission will be to develop “urban water stewards” with an understanding of how to conserve critical resources. Students who study hydrology, politics, history, water law and conflict resolution then are to be guided toward internships and other volunteer opportunities to help meet statewide water needs.
The donor previously funded creation of a raindrop-shaped bronze sculpture on campus – meant to depict water cycles from mountains to oceans.
The new program will “bring recognition to Metro State. Part of Metro State’s mission is to help the community solve community related issues. Clearly, water is a huge issue in the West,” said Sandra Haynes, Metro State’s dean of professional studies. “We’ll be helping to create change in the way the Denver community views and uses water.”
