Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Roadrunner Shoutout series highlights the excellent and important work happening at all levels of the University. Winners are recognized at the monthly President’s Cabinet meeting.
May marks the last Roadrunner Shoutout Awards of the 2022-23 academic year, and the initiative will resume in August. Watch the Early Bird for nomination information this summer.
Congratulations to our final winners of the year!
Faculty winner
Vincent Piturro, associate professor of English
Nominated by: Lynne Winter (’17), assistant director of Advancement Communications, who wrote:
“Dr. P is a dedicated, caring, demanding and thoughtful instructor. He has this amazing ability to select just the right film for each lesson, allowing his students to come to a deep understanding of the material. Learning how to critically examine film has translated into my having a better understanding of how to critique writing and tell stories, which has been a tremendous benefit in my professional life.
“Back in the day, I experienced Dr. P lecturing in person, and when I signed up for the ‘Star Wars’ film class online last fall, I didn’t know what to expect, but he did not disappoint. He was just as present in his communications and on the message boards as he was in class — always offering feedback and encouraging us to take the discussion further, to learn more and to examine what we were watching in a different way. We are so lucky to have Dr. P at MSU Denver!”
Staff winner
Jill Schmidt, associate director of Recruitment Communications/Admissions
Nominated by: The Student Affairs Leadership Team, which wrote:
“The hype about Spring Open House is still buzzing, and we want to sincerely thank Jill for swooping in at fast speed given the number of organizers who were unexpectedly out due to health circumstances. She and her team are rock stars (especially considering all the details and collaboration that go into organizing an event like this); however, we believe that so much of the team’s success is possible because of Jill’s tremendous mentorship and leadership. Thank you, Jill, for highlighting all the good things that MSU Denver has to offer and for cultivating an opportunity for future Roadrunners to experience our campus. Spring Open House was a wild success, and we treasure your adaptability, focus, communication and motivation. MSU Denver is lucky to have you.
“P.S. Kudos on a record-shattering number of RSVPs (3,000-plus)! We cannot wait for future Open Houses as we know that y’all can only go bigger and better from here.”
Student employee winner
Andrew Seidenstat, Brewery Operations student employee in the School of Hospitality
Nominated by Katie Strain, lecturer in the Brewery Operations Program, who wrote:
“Andrew is an extremely bright and hardworking student. He has worked in the Beverage Analytics Lab since last fall and has proven to be a capable and confident scientist! Andrew never shies away from working through new tasks and challenges and even gets his hands dirty! For example, there was a massive spill in our kegerator, and he cleaned it up immediately, even though the mess was a result of someone else. He works with a smile on his face and is always eager to learn and help. We truly wish we could keep him forever! He encompasses everything it means to be a Roadrunner!”
Student employee winner
Michael Burke, Brewery Operations student employee in the School of Hospitality
Nominated by Katie Strain, lecturer in the Brewery Operations Program, who wrote:
“Michael has been my rock this semester. He began as a student work-study last fall and has proven to be a hardworking and dedicated employee. It’s wonderful to have him around the lab because he is the type of person who SOLVES problems! He has cleaned our draft lines multiple times and came up with a new way to hook the lines up for more efficient cleaning. He also fixed our pH meter in the lab and is the kind of guy who just jumps right in to get things done. He is incredibly smart, reliable and pleasant. We will miss him dearly when he graduates this semester.”