Marijke Swierstra

Marijke Swierstra obtained a degree in natural and medical sciences and completed diverse business and professional courses at numerous universities and institutions, including MBA studies at Pepperdine University in California. Marijke has extensive experience in non-profit administration and joined the University of Denver in 2011, as a member of the University Advancement team. She then transferred to Colorado Women's College, and in February 2016 became the executive assistant to GSPP dean Shelly Smith-Acuña.

Marijke's interests range from watching movies, listening to music, enjoying social time with friends, and tending to her potted plants (the quiet, contemplative one), to hiking, wildlife encounters, aspen viewing in the fall, and being outdoors (the adventurer). Bird watching - she does not consider herself a "birder" – has led her to visit the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge, Bosque del Apache Refuge and the Rowe Sanctuary to view the awe-inspiring sandhill crane migrations. She also loves exploring new places and encountering new cultures. 

You would see Marijke for:

Matters related to the Dean's office, e.g., scheduling with the Dean, special projects for the dean, assistance to the GSPP Board of Advisors, and certain office supplies.