Stephen J. Leonard made Colorado history
The legendary historian and professor reflects on 56 years at MSU Denver.
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Success Stories Tell our History
Catch up on all the latest news, events and success stories and read more about the accomplishments, awards and accolades of the students, faculty and staff who make up the Department of History.
Recent News
In memoriam of Charles Angeletti
The Metropolitan State University of Denver community mourns the loss of Charles Angeletti, Ph.D., a beloved professor known for excellence in teaching and embracing uncomfortable conversations since his tenure began amid the Vietnam War. He died June 4 at the age of 87.
Angeletti joined MSU Denver’s faculty (then known as Metropolitan State College of Denver) in 1967 and taught until he retired in 2017. His legacy includes the creation of an African-American History course and the Urban Interface class, where he would send students into the streets to survive with $1 in their pockets. He also served as an exchange professor for the Fulbright Commission in Turkey in 1997-98 and 2003-04.
Angeletti took pride in teaching first-generation college students, veterans, working adults and the children of immigrants, as well as the parents and grandparents of some. In courses including American Civilization, he is remembered for championing the perspectives and dignity of ordinary people.
Family, friends and former students said Angeletti inspired those around him to “question everything and never stop asking why.”
Check out the full article: In memoriam
Students Explore Historic Boggsville
Hands-on history in action!
Our students had an incredible experience exploring historic Boggsville and Southern Colorado, stepping back in time to learn about life in early Colorado. One of the highlights of the trip was participating in an archaeological dig, where students got a hands-on glimpse into how history is uncovered and preserved.
As they explored Southern Colorado, students engaged with historic sites, listened to powerful stories, and connected what they’ve learned in the classroom to the world around them. We’re so proud of their curiosity, thoughtful questions, and enthusiasm throughout the trip!
Opportunities like this bring history to life and inspire deeper learning.
Check out Historic Boggsville: Boggsville Historic Site – Bent County Historical Society
Jasmine Robertson Alumni & Colorado Railroad Museum Curator Announces Newest Exhibit
The Museum is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest exhibition, “Creating Colorado by Rail: 150+ Years of Mining, Agriculture, and Tourism.” Through historic artifacts and photographs, this all-new exhibit explores the powerful connection between railroads and three of Colorado’s defining industries. Discover how the rails helped build communities, transport resources, expand tourism, and transform the Centennial State over the last 150 years.
Presented in honor of Colorado’s 150th year of statehood, this special exhibit is now on display in the Museum Depot’s Upper Gallery through January 2027. Come explore Colorado’s rich history through the lens of the railroad!
Plan your visit today at https://coloradorailroadmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/
Dr. Kim Klimek Interviewed on 9News
During the news segment, Dr. Klimek was interviewed to speak about what draws people to historic period films and TV. Watch the news piece now: What Draws People to Historic Period Films and TV
Dr. Meg Frisbee Wins Award
Dr. Frisbee won the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences Excellence in Teaching award for 2024, and was nominated by her students.
Dr. Shelby Balik Interviewed on 9News
Dr. Balik spoke about the history of women’s suffrage in Colorado. Click here to watch the interview.
Dr. Ma Ziyao Interviewed on 9News
During the news segment, Dr. Ma was interviewed to speak about the Lunar New Year Celebration at the Tivoli Turnhalle. Watch the news pieces now: Chinese Calligraphy and the Importance of the dragon to Chinese culture.
MSU Denver President Wins Prestigious CU Boulder George Norlin Award
Acknowledges the importance of the arts, humanities, and history.
“We need to continue to champion the liberal arts and the humanities, and we must not yield to pressures to water down higher education or to attempts to stymie free speech or censor academic freedom. If we want to prevent the worst and be on the right side of history, we need to KNOW history.”
Dr. Jennifer Koshatka Seman Speaks About Her Book
Dr. Koshatka Seman spoke at the Homestead Museum in the City of Industry, California about her recent book, “Borderlands Curanderos: The Worlds of Santa Teresa Urrea and Don Pedrito Jaramillo.” Visit the past event page for more information.
Featured Success Stories
Ancient secrets unearthed in Cyprus
A team of students is headed to Larnaca this summer to continue excavating a 2,300-year-old military fort.
Justin Guy Receives the President’s Award
He was homeless. Now, he’s receiving MSU Denver’s highest student honor.
Featured Alumni
History Alum Wins Fellowship
MSU Denver History Alum Carlos Nevares just won a competitive Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation Fellowship! Carlos is currently teaching American History and Geography and works as Esports Head Coach at Grandview High School in the Cherry Creek School District.
Carlos will join a select group of Fellows who will travel to Poland this summer and immerse themselves in the study and teaching of Holocaust history. Then he will share his expertise next year with students at Grandview. “This was really a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Carlos noted, “and I couldn’t pass it up.”
Carlos began his MSU Denver coursework after serving for seven years with the U.S. Marine Corps. He was an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator and Combat Marksmanship trainer. Reflecting back on his military service, Carlos said: “In the Marine Corps I was entrusted with the personal and professional development of young men and women. That mentorship aspect of being a Marine was extremely rewarding to me, so I thought the natural job field I should pursue was being a high school history teacher.”
The MSU Denver Department of History congratulates Carlos on this exciting opportunity. We were delighted that you chose to study History and Education with us.
2022-2023 Success Stories
Justin Guy named a Pat Krupa 2022 Award Recipient. Justin Guy found his first volunteer experience with History Colorado as an education intern to be very rewarding. His fresh enthusiasm and love of learning overflowed into his work as a school tour facilitator. So, when his internship hours were fulfilled, he decided to continue on as a regular volunteer! Justin was nominated by Josie Chang-Order, School Programs Manager.
“Written on the Land” is the exhibit Justin most enjoys sharing with his young learners. This exhibit tells the story of Colorado’s longest, continuous residents, in their own words. Justin explained, “I am part Native American myself, and I think maybe that has helped me create a unique way of teaching the exhibit. I try to tell my students the truth, covering the good and the bad. The kids can understand it, and it’s important to me that they learn the whole story.”
One of Justin’s top qualities is his wonderfully honest sense of humor (which must make him a big hit with the students). The following description of one of his early “learnings” about working with the kids is a perfect example. After a failed attempt to get the class to go down the stairs in an orderly fashion resulted in a scattered, ill-timed process, he reflected, “I didn’t know how to explain to them about rules! I just thought they would listen and follow my directions. It took me a while to figure out how to get the kids to walk up and down the stairs like I wanted them to, but NOW when you see me with a class on the stairs, there are no problems!”
Justin is excited to be a part of the History Colorado volunteer team. He explained, “This museum is a special place and volunteers are a big part of that.”
When asked how he felt about being a 2022 recipient of the Pat Krupa Award, Justin’s answer showed his innate generosity of spirit: “It’s an honor I wasn’t expecting. I wish this award could be given to all our volunteers!”
Thank you, Justin, for all you do, and congratulations on this important recognition.
The Understanding the Holocaust, Genocide, and Mass Violence in the Public Imagination conference held in September 2022 was a huge success. The Opening Reception featured guest speakers: Phil Weiser, Colorado Attorney General; Joe Hutchinson, former Colorado Poet Laureate; and Renée Ruderman, poet and MSU Denver faculty emerita.
Dr. Laugen received the inaugural Gold Star Award for curriculum work from our Associate Vice President of Curriculum. This award recognizes a faculty member who “went above and beyond” in curriculum work. As most of us know, Dr. Laugen is tireless in his service to our students and department. In his former role as Chair of the Curriculum Committee, he helped steward many curriculum proposals to successful implementation, and he led the Herculean effort to get all our general studies courses approved for redesignation last fall. He has also served for several years on the university general studies task force.
Dr. Koshatka-Seman was named as a 2022 Colorado Book Award finalist in the category of “Biography” for her book, Borderlands Curanderos: The Worlds of Santa Teresa Urrea and Don Pedrito Jaramillo.
In March 2022, the University of Houston’s Center for Public History held a successful panel, consisting of historians, literary scholars, and a curandera, exploring the role of Mexican healing in American history and today’s society. The panel titled, “Curanderismo: Mexican Healing Practices in American Society”, explored the role and history of Mexican healing, and the relationship to community, healthcare, biomedicine, and COVID-19.
History faculty, Drs. Cristina Bejan and Andrea Maestrejuan, shared their expert knowledge of the conflict in Ukraine, in the pop-up panel discussion with MSU Denver President Davidson in March 2022. Dr. Kimberly Klimek, also a faculty member in the Department of History, moderated the discussion.
Read President Davidson’s, Crisis in Ukraine Message and then watch the event on Vimeo.
As part of the Global History at MSU Denver Series, Dr. Cristina Bejan, MSU Denver History Affiliate Faculty member, discussed their book, Intellectuals and Fascism in Interwar Romania: The Criterion Association. The conversation was led by MSU Denver alum Cardinal Tomczyk.
Phone:
303-615-0500
Campus Location:
Central Classroom Building, Room 211
Mailing Address:
MSU Denver
Department of History
1201 5th St., Campus Box 27
Denver, CO 80204