Alumni Spotlight: Ty Antikainen ’15

From Student Leader to Hospitality Trailblazer: How MSU Denver Shaped Ty Antikainen’s Path

When Ty Antikainen (’15) first arrived on the Auraria Campus, he was a small-town kid eager to experience the energy and diversity of city life. What he found at Metropolitan State College of Denver (before it became a university) was more than an education, he found opportunity, purpose, and a community that empowered him to lead.

Discovering a Passion for People and Purpose

Immersing himself in campus life, Ty jumped headfirst into leadership roles that allowed him to put classroom lessons into action. From the Student Service Club and Student Alumni Association to Student Government Assembly and Lambda Pi Eta, he became a fixture of student life, learning early that leadership is as much about listening and collaboration as it is about decision-making.

He credits much of his growth to professors like Dr. Katia Campbell, whose “Argumentation and Advocacy” class instilled a deep appreciation for communication, free speech, and critical thinking. It was during this time that Ty reframed the question that many college students wrestle with: instead of asking “What do I want to do with my life?” he asked, “What skill set do I want to leave here with?” That shift allowed him to explore learning for the sake of growth, an approach that would define his career.

Leading with Resilience in the Hospitality Industry

After earning his degree through MSU Denver’s Individualized Degree Program in Organizational Communication and Sociology, Ty entered the fast-paced world of hospitality, where his Roadrunner resilience took center stage. Starting as an hourly supervisor at Starbucks and later at Krispy Kreme, he rose to General Manager within 18 months, mastering the art of leading under pressure.

His leadership and adaptability opened doors at Aramark, where he advanced from Food Service Manager to Director of Marketing and Guest Experience, overseeing operations for Ford Motor Company’s corporate dining program. When the pandemic upended his industry, Ty leaned on the creativity and critical thinking he’d honed at MSU Denver to navigate unprecedented challenges with flexibility and innovation.

Honoring Mentorship, Finding Meaning

Ty’s professional path was closely intertwined with that of his mentor and close friend, Bobbi Capps, a fellow MSU Denver alum. After her passing, Ty found renewed clarity about what mattered most: purpose-driven leadership and connection. That realization inspired him to continue growing, earning his Executive MBA from Michigan State University while working full time.

Today, as a Multi-Unit Event Manager for Forbes Hospitality in Detroit, Ty leads a team of 50 and oversees more than $8 million in annual revenue. Whether coordinating high-end weddings or large-scale corporate events, he finds the greatest joy in watching his team – many without formal hospitality training – develop into confident, capable professionals.

Carrying MSU Denver’s Mission Forward

Ty’s story reflects the heart of MSU Denver’s mission: empowering students from all backgrounds to succeed through hands-on learning, practical leadership, and a commitment to community.

“The most interesting part of my job is coaching and mentoring people who started out just like I did, eager but uncertain,” Ty says. “Helping them discover their potential and operate at a higher level is the most rewarding part of what I do.”

Advice for Future Roadrunners

“Don’t be afraid to define your own values both personally and professionally,” Ty shares. “It might take time to discover what matters most to you, but once you do, it becomes your compass. And if you get the chance to work with your best friend, take it. At the end of the day, all we really have are relationships.”

From the Auraria Campus to Detroit’s premier venues, Ty’s journey is a powerful reminder that MSU Denver graduates don’t just adapt to change, they lead through it.