Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week series highlights the excellent and important work happening at all levels of the University. Nominations are still being accepted and encouraged, especially for faculty members and student employees.
This week, the series celebrates three inspirational members of the University community.
“Sometimes, we don’t realize the positive effect our daily efforts have on others,” said Michael Benitez, Ph.D., vice president for Diversity and Inclusion. “I’d like to remind this week’s winners that their community contributions have been exceptional and that they are deeply appreciated. I’m proud to call them my co-workers.”
Faculty winner — Christian Itin, Ph.D., professor of Social Work
Nominated by Kryss Shane, Ph.D., affiliate faculty member, Social Work, who wrote:
“Dr. Itin goes above and beyond for affiliates, especially those who are new. He consistently took time to guide and mentor me in my first term, offered insights into the course and areas where students may need more support, and checked in to encourage me to make the course my own. I am a better affiliate because of his guidance!”
Christian, thank you for putting in the extra effort to ensure that your co–workers have the support they need to succeed. You are an excellent example of what it means to be a Roadrunner.
Staff winner — Manuel Del Real, Ph.D., executive director of Hispanic-Serving Institute Initiatives and Inclusion
Nominated by Benitez, who wrote:
“I am delighted to give President Davidson’s Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week to Dr. Del Real. Dr. Del Real directs and promotes strategies and operations aimed at assuring that MSU Denver continues to serve as a leading Hispanic-Serving Institution in the state and across the nation. Since joining MSU Denver two years ago, Dr. Del Real has collaborated with faculty to help secure over $1 million in HSI/MSI grants to help advance MSU Denver’s mission to serve our Latinx and underrepresented students, has led co-led DEIC group and HSI subcommittee efforts, supports faculty with grant-writing development and co-led the Higher Education Diversity Summit with more than 350 registrants/participants engaged on this campus between April 7-8 recently. Much of his work here, including his leadership engagement with CoCEAL and HACU, involvement with AHSIE, HACU lobbying efforts, collaboration with ESCALA and PASADA, and helping to manage HEERF HSI/MSI funds, among many other projects as a result of his leadership, led to MSU Denver being awarded the 2021 Outstanding HACU-Member Institution. We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Del Real leading HSI efforts here with us.”
Manuel, what a difference two years can make. It’s truly inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced the University’s mission in such a short span of time. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
Student-employee winner — Nayeli Rodriguez-Ortega, student-success leader for the Learning Success Program
Nominated by Melissa Kitterman, program coordinator in the Learning Success Program, who wrote:
“Nayeli is a valued and experienced learning assistant who was promoted to LA Student Success Leader last fall. In her new role, she serves as a liaison between the Community College of Denver and MSU Denver for both LAs and faculty members. She continues to build relationships across the two institutions because of her professional knowledge of pedagogy and the LA Program. She has a genuine willingness to share her skills, new ideas, and her expertise to support and empower everyone she works with. She is confident and enthusiastic and emphasizes the positive day– in and day– out that is so energizing and refreshing! She is intuitive and demonstrates resilience, hard work, and dedication to this program and its LAs, making her a fantastic role model to join the team! It is a pleasure to work alongside her due to the combination of her kind and honest communication style and her growth mindset, as she is motivated to adapt and collaborate with the team with each new experience. We are so very fortunate to have Nayeli on our LA team and as a Roadrunner!”
Nayeli, thank you for generously sharing your time and talents with the MSU Denver team to lift up fellow students and co-workers. You are a rock star! (Since we couldn’t find a photo of you, here is one of Rowdy applauding your accomplishment!)
To nominate outstanding employees for the Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week award, please complete the form on the Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week webpage. Tell us how your nominee is making an impact through great teaching, service to students or innovation. Winners will be selected each week and profiled in the Early Bird on Thursdays. Winners will also get a shoutout on social media.