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 inspirational members of the University community. 

David Fine, J.D.

“Right now is such an exciting time to be a Roadrunner and I couldn’t be happier to select this week’s Roadrunner Shoutout winners,” said David Fine, J.D., General Counsel and Secretary to Board of Trustees. “Please join me in congratulating this week’s winners who are constantly working hard to ensure MSU Denver remains a great place to be.”

Faculty winner — Brendan Fry, Ph.D., associate professor of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics advisor

Nominated by Ericka Lynn, program coordinator in Mathematics and Statistics, who said: 

“Dr. Fry has been an awesome faculty member AND team member, especially within these last couple of months! He and I worked closely together to execute Math Day on Tuesday, April 19. Math Day is for visiting high school students interested in mathematics, and they do fun, challenging mathematics contests throughout the duration of the day. It is always a great hit with the visiting students and teachers, and Dr. Fry (with the help of many other faculty members — shoutout to all of you, too!) makes it so successful! Thank you, Dr. Fry, for always communicating and being so helpful!”

Brendan, thank you for all that you have done to enrich students’ lives at MSU Denver and for visiting high school students on Math Day.

Student-employee winner — Edom Eshete, student office assistant, Mathematics and Statistics Department

Also nominated by Lynn, who said:  

“Edom is an all-around incredible human. She greets everyone with a warm, welcoming smile. She always asks, ‘How can I help?’ and I admire her for always wanting to lend a helping hand. She just graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Minor in Mathematics! She will be departing from our department soon to move on to bigger things, and I couldn’t be more excited for her. Thank you, Edom, for all you have done for us! We will miss you but can’t wait to see you accomplish all your goals and more!” 

Edom, congratulations on earning your degree. It is clear that your hard work and willingness to help will be missed at MSU Denver.

Staff winner — Allyssa Joseph, director of Development, University Advancement

Nominated by Lynne Winter, assistant director of Advancement Communications, who said: 

“I’ve worked with Allyssa for more than six years now — first as a student-employee and for the last five years as her co-worker in University Advancement. Without Allyssa’s support and encouragement when I was a student, I wouldn’t have the career I do today. She took me under her wing, taught me how to build relationships, showed me what it means to serve our Roadrunner community from a UA perspective and provided me with opportunities to do what I love — write! 

“In the years since, I have watched Allyssa spread a culture of philanthropy across MSU Denver. She is kind, sensitive, warm, tenacious, professional and trustworthy, making her adept at working with staff, faculty, students and donors. Allyssa is passionate about the work she does, and it shows every day. Whether she is dashing out of the office for a last-minute donor meeting or finding the perfect way for a donor to support their passion at MSU Denver, her heart is in everything she does. 

“Working alongside Allyssa to ensure that current and future Roadrunners have access to a high-quality education that supports them as they become leaders on campus and in the community has been a tremendous honor.” 

Allyssa, thank you for all that you do for the Roadrunner community. The passion you have for MSU Denver is unsurpassed.

Thank you to this week’s winners for all they do at MSU Denver. To nominate a faculty member or any other member of the University’s employee community for the Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week award, please complete the form. 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.