Residents at two Denver-area senior-living facilities have been participating in weekly dance classes led by students and faculty members from Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Dance program. Senior lecturers Nicole Predki and Leslie Merrill Schmidt emphasize the health benefits of dance for older adults, including neuroplasticity and protection against dementia. Their classes, held at Balfour Senior Living and Park Hill Residence, encourage residents to explore movement patterns, breath exercises and somatic awareness.

David Morrison, a former pro boxer and Nutrition and Dietetics student at Metropolitan State University of Denver, launched Fuel Tank Nutrition to ensure athletes in underserved neighborhoods get the knowhow and access to healthy foods that keep them strong. His idea won first place in the Reimagine Wellness pitch competition held by the Gina and Frank Day Health Institute at MSU Denver. He received $12,000 to put toward launching his classes, which started in March. Morrison plans to scale the program in conjunction with Brick City Boxing Academy at Elyria-Swansea's Johnson Recreation Center, providing six-week nutrition and cooking demonstrations that empower youth, parents and communities.