Kudos

The Early Bird shines a spotlight each month on the accomplishments of Metropolitan State University of Denver faculty members staff members and University partners.

Along with the Early Bird’s Faculty Citings, the Kudos column reminds us of the true impact of the MSU Denver community. 

If we missed an award, accolade or opportunity to celebrate an accomplishment big or small, please email us at [email protected]. 

Two members of the MSU Denver community were selected among 10 women honored as Denver Women of Distinction for 2022 by the Girl Scouts of Colorado. Rosemarie Allen, Ed.D., associate professor in the School of Education, and Lorii Rabinowitz, an MSU Denver Community Cabinet member and CEO of the Denver Scholarship Foundation, were nominated by peers for the distinguished award for their commitment to the University’s CADRE values. The Girl Scouts of Colorado recognized Rabinowitz’s passion for fostering equitable opportunities and outcomes through her work at the Denver Scholarship Foundation and helping underserved students pursue higher education. Meanwhile, Allen was honored for her extensive background in community service, having founded the Institute for Racial Equity and Excellence, which has partnered with organizations such as the U.S. Department of Education to evoke positive change in school systems. Hats off to these inspiring community leaders.  

Thanks to a Teaching and Research Fulbright award, Eric Olson, Ph.D., chair of the Rita and Navin Dimond department of Hotel Management, is preparing to take his years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industries to Hanoi, Vietnam, where he will teach in the Bachelor of Hospitality Management program at VinUniversity next spring. Olson will also serve as a cultural ambassador by engaging with tourism stakeholders. Upon his return, Olson plans to add MSU Denver course modules focused on international tourism to continuing exchange experiences between faculty and students at VinUniversity and MSU Denver. Congratulations, Eric, on this exciting new chapter and prestigious honor. 

MSU Denver is proud to serve a diverse student population, and after a rigorous application process, the University is now recognized as a member of Phi Theta Kappa’s 2022 Transfer Honor Roll. The award serves to highlight the dynamic support offered to transfer students in successfully completing their degree. A standing ovation for the faculty, staff and student-employees who consistently work to enrich the Roadrunner experience for all.  

MSU Denver’s Center for Professional Selling is celebrating major program strides, including being named a 2022 top sales program by the Sales Education Foundation and gaining worldwide recognition by hosting Rocky Mountain Madness competition last fall. The accolades highlight the work that MSU Denver is doing to launch successful sales careers, and Professional Selling educators, staff members and scholars deserve a round of applauds.     

Biochemistry student Dylan Poch is taking his research aspirations to Yale University, where he’ll enroll next fall in the university’s Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology doctoral program on a full scholarship. Poch’s research has focused on developing an electrochemical DNA biosensor to detect organisms that can cause human infections. Like many MSU Denver scholars, Poch’s academic journey has not been traditional, but thanks to access to research labs and support from MSU Denver faculty, Poch has already published work in reputable scientific journals, received honorable mention for the microbiology poster category at the American Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology conference and is on his way to an Ivy League institution. Let’s hear a Roadrunner cheer for this up-and-coming scientist. Read the full story in RED to learn more about Poch’s promising academic trajectory.   

Physical Education student Nick Roberts has been selected as Major of the Year in Physical Education, a national honor from the Society of Health and Physical Educators. Roberts will be honored at the 136th National Convention and Exposition in New Orleans, April 26-30, for his outstanding professional and scholarly achievements. Not only has Roberts displayed academic aptitude throughout his studies, but he has also led the campus Physical Education Club as president for two years during the flux of Covid-19. During this time, he successfully secured grant funding for the club and Physical Education classroom. Congratulations, Nick, on your graduation and a blossoming career. We can’t wait to see how you continue to soar.  

The Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America-College Retirement Equities Fund recognizes difference-makers at MSU Denver. TIAA awarded the La Puerta Hacia Tu Futuro Scholarship to students Benjamin Powell, Amelia Federico, and Geleela Hill, who will receive $1,000 in scholarshipa as they pursue a four-year undergraduate degree. We are proud to have ambitious, forward-thinking students such as Powell, Federico and Geleela as part of the Roadrunner community.