Department of Human Services

News & Views from the Department

Congratulations to:

Debora Martin for receiving the Outstanding Women's Award in the classified category.

Shawn Brndiar for receiving the Outstanding Student in the School of Professional Studies.

Auderway Crenshaw, Matthew Meurer-Lynn, and Kathleen Lundwall for receiving the Outstanding Students in Human Services.

Scholarship Recipients

Magalie Lerman will receive the 2013-2014 Activist Scholarship.

Anna Sanchez will receive the 2013-2014 Nonprofit Scholarship.

Scholarship set up in memory of Dr. Charles Branch

Longtime friend, colleague, mentor, and department chair, Dr. Charles Branch, passed away on February 11th at the age of 83. He started his career at MSU Denver in 1978 as Dean of the School of Education. Prior to that time, he played professionally in jazz groups and then decided to take his love for music to a career as a music teacher in both elementary and secondary settings.

In his long career at MSU, Dr. Branch served in a number of leadership roles including Dean of the School of Professional Studies and Coordinator of the Center for High Risk Youth Studies which he helped to found. His background in education and years of experience working with youth gave him a passion for supporting the human potential of all youth.

Donations for the scholarship may be made to the Dr. Charles Branch Endowed Scholarship fund at MSU Denver. Checks can be sent to the MSU Denver Foundation, PO Box 17971, Denver, CO 80217-9812. Please note "Dr. Charles Branch Scholarship" on the memo line of your check. For more information about the fund, contact Steve Galpern, director of development, at 303-556-5005 or sgalpern@msudenver.edu.

Comments from individuals who attended the memorial event for Dr. Branch:

"Dr. Branch had an amazing presence. He always took time for everyone no matter the position or age. He took time for me, a student hourly and made me feel my work was just as important. He was a kind and generous person. I will never forget him."

"He suggested that I never give up, although I wasn't doing well in his class. He told me to read the study guide at the end of the chapter, then read the chapter. My grades improved drastically in all my classes. He was a great man who cared about his students. He inspired me."

"Charlie was a good friend and colleague. His smile brightened my day. His wisdom always powerful and spot on. His impact on Metro State is a true legacy. He will be missed."