An anonymous donor has given Metropolitan State College of Denver $1 million to establish an interdisciplinary water-studies program.
Metro State officials on Tuesday said they will embark on creating the One World One Water Center for Urban Water Education and Stewardship — or OWOW. 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 a raindrop-shaped sculpture on campus — meant to depict water cycles from mountains to oceans.
“This will bring recognition to Metro State,” said Sandra Haynes, Metro State’s dean of professional studies. “Part of Metro State’s mission is to help the community solve community-related issues. Clearly, water is a huge issue in the West.”
