Blue Chalk partnered with Metropolitan State University of Denver to create a compelling short film that would launch and energize the university’s Roadrunners Rise campaign, a $100 million fundraising initiative aimed at boosting social mobility for students. The goal was to produce a video that honored the university’s legacy while presenting a confident, inspiring vision of its future. We set out to craft a visual narrative that would resonate with donors, alumni, students, and faculty alike—instantly communicating the transformational power of MSU Denver and positioning it as a mature, mission-driven institution worthy of major philanthropic investment. The film needed to evoke pride, reflect the diversity and grit of the MSU Denver community, and serve as a powerful centerpiece for campaign events and outreach efforts.
We centered the film around a spoken word piece co-written and performed by Colorado’s Ninth Poet Laureate and MSU Denver alumnus Bobby LeFebre. His lyrical narration became the backbone of the piece, allowing us to fuse institutional pride with poetic storytelling.
We filmed across campus and in the broader Denver community, featuring students, faculty, and alumni in authentic environments. Our goal was to capture the diversity, determination, and heart of the Roadrunner community while maintaining a polished, cinematic aesthetic.
Rather than using traditional interviews or voiceover, we relied solely on LeFebre’s performance to guide the narrative. This creative choice allowed the film to stand apart from typical campaign videos, giving it an emotional and artistic tone that resonated deeply with viewers.
The final film was featured at the campaign’s launch event and headlines its website and social media, becoming a centerpiece for fundraising and alumni events, setting a powerful tone for engagement and giving.
At campaign events, the film has served as a motivational opener, prompting major and planned gifts on the spot. According to the client, the video has helped reposition MSU Denver in the minds of its alumni and donor community, showcasing it as a fully grown, dynamic institution ready to lead. Beyond emotional resonance, the film is actively generating financial support and elevating the campaign’s visibility. It successfully met our goals of inspiring pride, capturing institutional spirit, and driving engagement. Most importantly, it’s helping all Roadrunners rise.
