By Caitlin Gibbons

The Board of Trustees met last Friday with sponsors of a proposed bill to change the College’s name, but did not vote on what name will be sent to the state legislature for consideration.

In the special meeting, the trustees heard from Student Government Assembly representatives before moving into executive session to discuss legal issues involved with the name change.

The College submitted the name Denver State University during the 2011 legislative session, but pulled the request following objections from University of Denver officials. Members of the SGA say they still support the name Denver State University, but some acknowledged that other words may need to be added to satisfy the legislature.

Sen. Lucia Guzman, D-Denver, says although Metro State is not in her district, the school is in her heart. “This hasn’t been easy and won’t necessarily be easy,” Guzman says. “I’m here and I’m committed to sponsoring this bill and hoping it moves forward soon.”

House co-sponsor Democratic Rep. Crisanta Duran called Metro State, which is in the heart of her Denver district, “one of most important education institutions we have in Denver.”

Last month, the board outlined four principles to uphold as the search for a new name continues: Use "University" in place of "College," keep Metropolitan in the name, have Denver in the first or second position in the name and minimize potential trademark litigation.

The trustees will continue to vet potential names, said Board Chairman Rob Cohen. The board will consider the issue again at a future meeting.