In addition to Faculty Citings, the Early Bird shines a spotlight each month on the accomplishments of Metropolitan State University of Denver faculty and staff members and University partners.
If we missed an award, accolade or opportunity to celebrate an accomplishment big or small, please email us at [email protected].
Fantastic faculty
Jackson Lamb, professor, director of Culinary Management and big Roadrunners Athletics fan, received the Dr. Elizabeth Friot Award for his support of and contributions to the Athletics Department.
Inspiring programs
The Mayor’s Office of Children’s Affairs has awarded MSU Denver a $171,000 grant to support after-school programs. The funds will help provide an opportunity for potential future Roadrunners to get acquainted with the University before pursuing a degree in higher education. Huge thanks to the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs and Janelle Henderson, interim director of the Center for Urban Education and assistant director of TRIO Upward Bound, who was vital in securing the grant. A Roadrunner cheer for this successful team effort.
Outstanding staff members
Karlett Eguiluz-Christie’s hard work is getting recognized. The MSU Denver financial aid counselor received the “Rookie of the Year” award at the recent Colorado Association of Financial Aid Administrators conference. Congratulations and thank you for your dedication to students!
Superstar students
Nikki Beavers is an ambitious MSU Denver student with big plans for the Denver community. Beavers is working to establish the nonprofit JWB Recovery for those affected by addiction. The project aims to provide a supportive environment with healthy activities and wellness resources for those struggling with addiction and for their loved ones. The project proposal earned Beavers a position as one of this year’s Puksta Scholars and a place in the Clinton Global Initiative cohort. Her placement in the Puksta Foundation comes with funding to help jumpstart JWB Recovery, and both positions will provide mentorship and networking opportunities to help the project succeed. Keep shining, Nikki!
Ten students and one faculty member were recently inducted into the prestigious Colorado Gamma Chapter of the Engineering Technology National Honor Society, Tau Alpha Pi. This accomplishment requires that individuals are ranked in the top 4% among the electrical, civil or mechanical engineering disciplines while maintaining a minimum 3.6 grade-point average for three consecutive semesters and completing at least 30 credit hours at MSU Denver. A huge congratulations to students Hala Alsamain, Brandon Bates, Alec Brannigan, Alexis Cisneros Bracamontes, Allison Hartwell, Joshua Licata, Baillie Meehan, Caleb Stoll, Joshua Trujillo, Firehiwot Woldeyes and Yishi Lee, Ph.D., assistant professor of Engineering.
Seven MSU Denver Political Science students displayed strong leadership skills in the Model United Nations academic simulation last month. The event helps students develop a strong awareness of global issues, as each team represents a country engaging in themed debates. This year’s theme was the empowerment of women. Participants addressed topics such as ending harmful practices against women, women and sustainable development, and the situation of Palestinian women. MSU Denver’s team, competing as Germany, earned a team award for conference preparation, and a “Best Resolution” award went to Sena Bryant in the General Assembly. A standing ovation for the MSU Denver team: Cybil LaPenna, Abbie Harris, Kaden Tjeerdsma, Leyla Mametova, Phil Warburton, Sena Bryant and Alaua Ward.