Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Roadrunner Shoutout series highlights the excellent and important work happening at all levels of the University. Each person nominated exemplifies MSU Denver’s core values of community, access, diversity, respect and excellence (CADRE). Winners are recognized at the monthly President’s Cabinet meeting.
Congratulations to November’s winners!
Faculty winner: Fred Barlow, Ph.D., chair in the Department of Engineering
Nominated by Mohammad Valipour, assistant professor of Engineering Technology, who wrote:
“Dr. Barlow is the best chair that I have ever seen in my life. He is always professional and respectful. He is in the right place. He knows what he wants and how to achieve that. He is always available not only for faculty but also for students. Who shares his cellphone number with all department members, including faculty, staff and students? The answer: Fred Barlow. I always enjoy talking to him and use his experience/knowledge to be more impactful. I wish we had more people like him at MSU Denver.”
When considering Barlow’s exemplification of the MSU Denver CADRE values, Valipour wrote, “Community: He knows the community very well and knows how to help people in our community by supporting students and faculty in the right way. Access: Barlow shares his cellphone information with everyone in the department to ensure he is accessible. Diversity: No matter what category you are in, Dr. Barlow is always fair with you. Respect: Spending time with you and being on time means he respects you and your time. Excellence: His background, knowledge and achievements prove his excellence in his field and profession.”
Staff winner: Leslie Rodriguez, associate director of Veteran and Military Education Benefits
Nominated by the Student Affairs huddle, which submitted the following:
“Thank you so much for your dedication, leadership and efforts for our student veterans and military-affiliated students. We are so impressed with the knowledge and expertise that you possess in eliminating barriers for this unique student cohort. You make their higher-education experiences as seamless as possible. We understand that you are an advocate for all Roadrunners; however, the level of attention, care and humanity that you contribute to this student body is evident. The one CADRE value this nominee best exemplifies is Excellence, and the one example of their great work is the VA Compliance survey. The external specialist raved about the work that Leslie had put into this survey — she found zero discrepancies, which is a very rare instance given the number of schools that she reviews. As the specialist stated, “It hardly ever happens.’ This speaks volumes about why Leslie is a true asset to MSU Denver.”
Student-employee winners:
Both nominated by Kiha Sutta, Aviation and Aerospace Science Department manager and outreach coordinator.
Sebastian Steele, front-office assistant, Aviation and Aerospace Science:
“Sebastian Steele, our Aviation and Aerospace Science Department front-office student employee, has gone above and beyond his job expectations. He is consistently demonstrating great work ethic, professionalism and a strong passion for customer service. His teamwork, communication and commitment to visitors has made him an invaluable asset to our department throughout the summer months. Sebastian’s efforts have significantly contributed to the success of various projects, revitalizing of the building and initiative toward our visitor and current-student experience. I wholeheartedly believe that Sebastian Steele is a deserving candidate for this recognition. Sebastian provides excellent customer service to all visitors and callers. He is friendly and helpful, addressing their needs and directing them appropriately. Dedication and Access: He exhibits a proactive approach to solving challenges that arise and is resourceful in finding solutions or escalating matters as needed. He adapts to changing circumstances and new challenges well. Care: Steele shows great initiative by taking on additional tasks, asking how he can contribute more and helping co-workers if they need help. Respect: By maintaining a positive and enthusiastic attitude, he accepts responsibilities and continues to seek feedback for improvement.”
Student-employee winner: Connor Gorgas, front-office assistant, Aviation and Aerospace Science.
“Connor is an exceptional front-desk assistant with his department knowledge and public-servant approach to new staff members and our visitors. Connor has been the customer POC (point of contact) for the last few months. He is proud of the department and excited to contribute toward public outreach whenever possible. He provides excellent customer service to all visitors and callers with his approachable, friendly and helpful attitude.
“He is the employee that works hard to meet every person entering our building at their level or in need of support. He shows respect to them through his customer service and facilitation of resources. He exhibits a proactive approach to solving issues that arise in the front office and is resourceful in finding solutions or escalating matters as needed. He respects the privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information handled in the front office and is very familiar with the office’s procedures, policies and guidelines. He is well-informed to answer common questions and direct inquiries effectively. When directing inquiries, he collaborates with colleagues and other department-staff members when necessary while always supporting a positive and cooperative work environment.”