Congrats to Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week winners

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. 

“I find inspiration among such driven and talented professionals,” said Christine Márquez-Hudson, vice president of University Advancement and executive director of the MSU Denver Foundation. “I’d like to personally thank this week’s winners for brightening our workplace and representing Roadrunner excellence in the community.”

Nominated by Márquez-Hudson, who wrote: 

“Richard is like MSU Denver’s very own James Bond. He even sounds and looks the part. This special-forces operator and commander did several operational tours of duty on assignment to the United Kingdom’s internal counterintelligence-and-security agency (MI5). Now, he’s heading up MSU Denver’s Cyber Center, where in just two short years he has brought on an international partner, Atos, to employ students in a security-operations center located right on campus. Richard is also developing partnerships with multiple area corporations interested in hiring our students and utilizing the cyber range. Most recently, Richard helped the center obtain the National Security Agency designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, increasing the value of an MSU Denver degree or certificate for students. He has quickly become a statewide leader among institutions of higher education engaged in cybersecurity. Richard is an example of MSU Denver at its best!” 

Richard, the work you’ve invested in the MSU Denver community has opened countless doors for students as they enter the workforce. Thank you for your exceptional leadership. 

 

Nominated by Márquez-Hudson, who wrote: 

“Bre Milnes is a rock star. Period. End Stop. She gets more done in a day than most people get done in a week, and she is as smart as a whip. Bre is the mastermind behind MSU Denver’s Annual Giving program. The program is year-round, of course, but two of its most prominently featured events are Giving Tuesday (fall) and MSU Denver Day of Giving (spring). This year on March 31, Bre’s leadership led to a record-setting year for MSU Denver — $221,545 from 1,144 donors representing 43 states. To put this together, Bre works with dozens of campus partners for months leading up to the event, helping them develop their campaigns to raise money for causes across the University. Thanks to Bre, MSU Denver has grown from $8,186 in 2017 to $221,545 in 2022. Bre also leads our division’s communications team and our call center, which raises money throughout the year. Bre is a true testament to Roadrunner spirit and tenacity, helping to cultivate a culture of philanthropy across campus and our community.” 

Bre, what you’ve been able to accomplish with such a busy schedule is inspiring. The University is so lucky to have a driven and forward-thinking team member like you advocating for Roadrunners. 

 

Nominated by Charisma Martinez, student-service manager in the Department of Nutrition, who wrote: 

“Anna Woolslager is the graduate assistant in the Department of Nutrition. She is completing the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program and working toward her goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Anna’s service to students has been tremendously valued in the Department of Nutrition. She keeps our students up to date on current events in the department by posting to our social– media platforms, and she also led our Graduate Student Appreciation Week initiatives! Anna’s involvement in the Department of Nutrition does not go unnoticed! Anna is a POHA (Post-baccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans) scholar collecting data on the feasibility of offering a mentorship program to our Nutrition students. She is also a member of the ACSDA (Auraria Campus Student Dietetic Association) and DDC (Diversity and Dietetic Club). In these clubs, she contributes to student– focused events and advocates for discussions focused on cultural competence and health inequities. Anna’s contributions to the Department of Nutrition are without a doubt Roadrunner Shoutout-worthy! Thank you, Anna, for all the work that you do for our faculty, staff and students!” 

Also nominated by Rachel Sinley, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of Nutrition, who wrote: 

“Anna has demonstrated leadership and excellence in her time as the graduate assistant. She takes on new challenges with ease and consistently advocates for students!” 

And nominated by Jessica Torro, POHA grant-program manager for Nutrition, who wrote: 

“Anna’s willingness to participate in projects is appreciated, and she is a great asset to the MSND (Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics) program/POHA.” 

Additionally, nominated by Elvira Aguilar, POHA advising specialist for Nutrition, who wrote: 

“Anna is always respectful, polite, open-minded, professional, exceptionally ambitious and hard working. She has goals of becoming a Registered Dietitian in hopes of helping people in her community to learn about how to get the most out of nutrition to fit their lifestyles and health needs. She demonstrates leadership and inclusivity and is well-deserving of recognition. Great work, Anna!” 

Anna, the high praise from your co-workers speaks volumes to your character and ability to excel when challenges arise. Be sure to save these glowing nominations for your portfolio.