The Marsico Insitute for Early Learning and Literacy was dedicated on Oct. 28. From right, DU Chancellor Robert Coombe, Tom Marsico, Cydney Marsico, and Ginger Maloney, director of the institute.
DU’s Marsico Institute for Early Learning and Literacy officially was dedicated at a private luncheon on Oct. 28.
The institute, which is part of the Morgridge College of Education, is a research and social policy entity dedicated to improving learning environments and outcomes for children, birth to age 8. The institute focuses on early childhood because more than 93 percent of brain development occurs before the age of 5.
“Our goal is not only to have the right tools for doing our research and programs, but an exceptional environment in the right setting,” says Ginger Maloney, director of the Marsico Institute. “The Morgridge College of Education and our new home in Ruffatto Hall give us both.”
During the event, Tom and Cydney Marsico were honored for their support of the institute. Colorado Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien also was in attendance.
“The dedication luncheon is a celebration of the hard work and generosity of the many people over the years that have made it possible for us to establish this new institute at DU focused on early childhood,” Maloney says.
Later that day, the institute sponsored its fourth Early Learning Community Lecture series. The lecture will feature Dr. John Medina, an expert in brain development, who spoke about the latest news in brain science and its implications for parenting and teaching young children.
The lecture series is for early childhood practitioners, childcare providers, pediatric nurses, doctors, parents and anyone interested in working with young children and their families. Two lectures are held per year, in fall and spring quarters.
“We provide the lecture series to the community as part of our public good outreach,” Maloney says. “We bring in national and international experts on early learning topics that give the community access to the very best thinking in the country.”