Colorado Mesa University has taken a significant step towards animating its newly adopted values-first strategic plan by partnering with STRiVE on an innovative collaboration focused on people. STRiVE, an organization dedicated to empowering those with developmental disabilities, has individuals in their program now working on campus alongside CMU’s facilities and grounds crew. This effort has added to the university’s beauty, resulting in a cleaner, more immaculate campus while extending dignity and a sense of purpose to those in the broader community.

The CMU grounds crew works closely throughout the week with four to six STRiVE members and a staff supervisor. They do various tasks involving landscape maintenance, waste management and gardening.