As Metropolitan State University of Denver continues to develop new and meaningful ways to recognize and celebrate employees, the University has revamped the President’s Distinguished Service Award, which is now part of the annual Roadrunners Who Soar Awards ceremony. To streamline employee-recognition programs, the award, which includes a $2,000 stipend, will be given annually to one outstanding employee. 

The Distinguished Service Awards were established in 1977 to recognize employees based on time at the University (nominees must have been employees for at least 10 years to qualify) as well as breadth and significance of contributions to MSU Denver.  

These include: 

  • Contributions to students, faculty and/or staff. 
  • Contributions to department, school, administrative units and/or University. 
  • Innovative curriculum, program and/or management development or special contributions. 
  • Professional achievements, awards and recognition. 
  • Work with various campus groups and/or state/national groups, official appointment on any level and/or community involvement as a representative of MSU Denver. 

In addition to accepting nominations from the campus community, the Distinguished Service Award  committee will seek nomination recommendations from chairs, department and branch leaders, the Staff Senate and the Faculty Senate. The Roadrunners Who Soar committee will review nominations based on the criteria outlined in the rubric, with the winner selected by President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., and the senior leadership team.

Preparing to nominate 

In addition to nominee contact information, nominators must provide a brief explanation and examples of the employee’s: 

  • Motivation, dedication and commitment to MSU Denver. 
  • Contributions to their department, school, unit or team or the University at large. 
  • Innovative curriculum, programming or other projects professional achievements, awards or previous recognition. 
  • Work with various campus groups and/or state/national groups, official appointment on any level and/or community involvement as a representative of MSU Denver.