Changemakers Wanted

Meet the Changemakers

Find your future.

Adelaide Britton took advantage of the concurrent enrollment program that allows high school students to take college classes, then transferred her credits to MSU Denver. At 19 years old, she was the University’s youngest graduate that semester. From there, with a degree in Aviation and Aerospace Science, she’s ready and eager to step into a career as an air-traffic controller. 

Turn goals into greatness.

After a terminal cancer diagnosis, Nursing student Jimena Malta Zuniga threw herself into her studies to better understand her illness and to support others. She recalled doing homework during chemotherapy and the empathy and flexibility of faculty members, which helped keep her going. She hopes to become a pediatric oncology nurse, working with kids during their most difficult times. 

Turn your dream into a degree.

Psychology major Gabriel Trujillo never dreamed of attending an out-of-state conference, much less presenting at one. Encouraged by his professor, he presented at two of psychology’s most prestigious conferences with support from the Student Travel Program fund. He also received several awards, including a two-year fellowship with the El Pomar Foundation after graduation.  

Create your career.

After nearly a decade as an addiction counselor at Denver Health, Matthew Bustos was ready for the next step in his career. However, financial limitations made pursuing a Master of Social Work seem out of reach. Through the Apprenticeship Pathway program, Bustos applied his work experience toward degree requirements and secured a scholarship that put him on track to earn an MSW.  

Real work. Real impact.

Once Ariana Rabinovich realized her passion for teaching, she pursued English with a concentration in Secondary Education — and she received an Outstanding Student Award from her department. She plans to pursue her master’s degree before returning to the high school she attended to help shape young minds like the teacher who shaped hers.

Forge your career.

Hospitality Leadership major Ariel Vera Rivera, a New York City native, began her career working in human resources. When she moved to Denver, she transitioned to the beverage industry and gained real-world experience at MSU Denver. As she completes her degree, she’s also working as operations manager and bartender at a local distillery.  

Future-proof your career.

Brothers Jacob and Dylan Reed knew their way around computers pretty well, but it took enrolling at MSU Denver to realize their lifelong interest could become a career. As Computer Sciences majors, they attended classes together, supported each other and ultimately graduated together. The experience offered an opportunity to learn more about computer systems — but also each other. 

Discover your brilliance.

Biochemistry student Zoe Ward always knew she wanted to be a researcher. When she joined Chemistry Professor Andrew J. Bohnam’s research lab, she set an ambitious goal of developing a groundbreaking cancer-screening test — and she achieved it. She helped develop a rapid test for HPV that requires only a drop of blood, potentially saving many lives. 

Opportunity for all.

Luis Toscano, Business Management major, already owns and operates a part-time business detailing automobiles. He’s been putting his knowledge to work and even won the Entrepreneurship program’s annual pitch competition. The Business program has helped him make essential connections while boosting his confidence, he said.

Rise above.

As middle blocker for MSU Denver’s Volleyball Team, Kryssa Moerman played a key role in the team’s historic national championship-winning season. The high-achieving Civil Engineering major was also honored for her academic performance two seasons in a row for achieving a GPA of at least 3.5, while also making First Team.