Marie Spence

University of Denver

As a second-year undergraduate student, Marie Spence is committed to a rigorous course load while maintaining her position on the DU Dean's List each quarter. She is earning a double major in Psychology and Sociology as well as a minor in Spanish. Marie has been persistent in conducting community-based academic research and in further developing her understanding of social issues as complex and in need of multi-faceted solutions.
Marie co-founded and currently serves as the Co-President of University Trailblazers, a student organization focused on the success of first-generation college students at the university. She also supports students who are participating in the Social Justice Living & Learning Community, serving as their Resident Assistant and facilitating identity development and community building exercises.
Marie's commitment to civic engagement and education has deep roots in the communities surrounding campus as well. She has served as a tutor within K-8 schools and high schools as well as mentored first-year DU students who identify with historically underrepresented populations. Marie is steadfast in her drive to deeper her knowledge of her community as she moves forward in addressing root causes and advocating for increased student empowerment and access to education.

Rebecca Chopp
Chancellor
University of Denver

Personal Statement

My mother always tells me the story of when I was a little girl, and how every Christmas I asked her why, if Santa really was real, not every kid got presents. This fundamental question of the root causes of social inequalities has always troubled me, and the way children experience the consequences of inequality without any other choice. Whether that be through volunteering in Denver Public Schools, supporting the management of an organization dedicated to supporting children who have been abused, advocating for first-generation students on my college campus, or setting my sights on a future of research and social work to address these issues, creating a better future for children is the common thread of my efforts. I seek to empower kids and students to work towards goals, uphold their personal values, to demand justice and to refuse to be brought down. I see my role as providing coming generations with the tools and support they need to build a future that they believe in, and that through this work social justice can become a collective reality.

Marie Spence
Psychology and Sociology: Class of June 2018
written 2017

2017 Fellows Alphabetical by Institution

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Erica Cherian, UNC Charlotte Morgan Sweere, University of Central Arkansas Andrew Aboujaoude, University of Central Florida Jaylon Thomas, University of Central Oklahoma Akshayaa Chittibabu, University of Connecticut Marie Spence, University of Denver Nicolette Duong, University of Florida Bobbie Alcanzo, University of Great Falls Eisha Khan, University of Houston-Downtown Alexis Smyser, University of Illinois at Chicago Rudy Amaya, University of La Verne Duane Belanger, University of Maine at Fort Kent Karla Casique, University of Maryland Axel Bayingana, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Sophia Lopresti, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Andrew King, University of Massachusetts Boston Callie Nunez, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Luiza Kinzerska-Martinez, University of Miami Nadine Jawad, University of Michigan Zachary Hayes, University of Michigan - Flint Gemechu Mekonnen, University of Minnesota Madison Bick, University of Missouri - St. Louis Isabel Langlois, University of Montana Shayla McGregor, University of Montana Western Sophie Ramsey, University of Mount Union Jimmy Nguyen, University of Nebraska at Omaha Shannon Bodeau, University of North Carolina Asheville Cristian Ramos, University of North Georgia Karina Judith Ortega, University of North Texas at Dallas Melanie Majeed, University of Northern Iowa Sarah Tomas Morgan, University of Notre Dame Anea Moore, University of Pennsylvania Hashaam Jamil, University of Pittsburgh Wila Matos, University of Rhode Island Edgar Chavarria, University of San Diego Emery Smith, University of South Carolina Isaac Miles, University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) Corinne Tucker, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Richard Lee, University of Utah Rena Newman, University of Wisconsin - Madison Bianca Ruffolo, University of Wisconsin - Parkside Joanna (Jo) Niswonger, University of Wisconsin Colleges Yessenia Santamaria, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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