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The Office of Student Affairs introduced BRAVO! Awards to recognize both individual staff members and groups of team members within Student Affairs who have gone above and beyond at MSU Denver. Nominations are open throughout each term with winners being announced at an event towards the end of each semester.
Fall 2023 Service to Students Award Winner
Steve Monaco (Executive Director of the Health Center at Auraria)
For almost 35 years on the Auraria campus, Steve Monaco, Executive Director of the Health Center at Auraria, has built one of the most innovative, values-driven health clinics on a university campus in the entire country. Steve is the epitome of servant-leader. He relentlessly supports his staff. He is focused on meeting students’ needs through direct services and by thoughtfully putting their needs first in benefits negotiations.
And after COVID, he can add running the largest testing site in the state to his list of accomplishments. I’ve heard colleagues say Steve is the best negotiator in the state, that Steve is the most energetic director they’ve worked with. What I know to be true is this: Steve Monaco is the rare type of leader who excels at values, excels at organizational efficiency, and excels at creating community.
So, as we recognize Steve Monaco for his 35 years of service, please join me in a loud, raucous round of applause. As the Ohio State fightsong says, “our cheers will reach the sky!”
Fall 2023 Individual Award Winners
Andrew Ortiz-Martinez (Assistant to Associate Vice President | C2 Hub)
Andrew demonstrates a strong commitment to students and teamwork. Andrew plays a key role in building internal systems and implementing strategies for student success. Despite significant responsibilities in his first role at MSU Denver, Andrew has thrived and shows promising professional development for the future.
Carina Hernandez-Solis (Orientation, Transfer, and Reengagement | Enrollment Management)
Carina is dedicated to serving the MSU Denver community through innovative bilingual and community programming. Specifically focused on Latinx students and their families, she coordinates Spanish language events to welcome students to MSU Denver, fostering genuine relationships to enhance Roadrunner pride. Known for her attention to detail, professionalism and warmth, Carina collaborates seamlessly with teams to provide comprehensive information in a single event. Her commitment to inclusive excellence leaves a lasting impact on OTR’s initiatives.
Dr. Isaac Tubb (Exploratory Advisor, Scholarship Support and Retention | C2 Hub)
This past summer Isaac was a steadying force for our Exploratory Advising team. Down to one advisor for a period, Isaac staffed all our orientations, in-person and virtual, often rearranging his alternative work schedule to be present. In addition, he opened his schedule for the increased volume of student appointments and helped train new staff. Due to his support, a consistent level of support for exploratory students was maintained for the entire summer and early fall.
Jake Beaudrie (Senior Scholarship Advisor | Enrollment Management)
Jake has been an integral part of the Scholarship team for many years, and his reach far extends outside of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Jake works with many departments on campus as their “go-to” person for scholarship help and questions. The amount of work he does as the expert in foundation and partner scholarships is often very behind the scenes, so he may not always get the recognition he deserves. MSU is very lucky to have him.
Dr. Jeanne Burkhart (Staff Psychologist | Student Engagement and Wellness)
As the interim director of the Counseling Center, Jeanne is a leader who inspires others with skill and grace. Her longstanding commitment to our institution has been crucial in enhancing services, demonstrating dedication to well-being, and maintaining a positive attitude. Since taking on the role in July, Jeanne has shown remarkable leadership, managing the team, providing encouragement, and excelling in overseeing psychologists and graduate students. Jeanne deserves recognition and honor for her outstanding qualities as a leader and person.
Nick Grissom (Director of Call Center | Enrollment Management)
MSU Denver alum Nick, as leader of the Enrollment Call Center, consistently prioritizes students, leveraging personal connections with the university. His exceptional leadership and composed handling of pressure distinguish him, along with his outstanding service to students. Nick’s genuine care for his staff, commitment to enhancing the student experience, and proactive approach to operations, including work on RowdyBot and the knowledge base, make him an inspiring leader. Stepping into a leadership role for the FAFSA simplification committee this year, Nick showcased his ability to excel in new roles, deserving recognition for his invaluable contributions.
Sandie Hubbard (Records Specialist | Enrollment Management)
Sandie is an invaluable and outstanding member of our team at MSU Denver, consistently exceeding expectations in her professional duties. From facilitating process improvements during organizational changes to successfully proposing language changes in policies, she demonstrates analytical thinking and thoroughness. Managing numerous functions, including processing over 1,500 documents per semester, Sandie ensures accurate academic records and funding for students. She remains an unsung hero in the Registrar’s Office.
Tyrell Allen (Director of LGBTQ Student Resource Center | Student Engagement and Wellness)
What Tyrell does for our LGBTQIA+ community of students, faculty and staff on campus cannot be overstated. Tyrell sustains partnerships and projects (like the new affinity group and campus restroom listening sessions) that allow us to learn, grow and reflect on our unique rolls in supporting queer and trans students of intersecting identities. I am so grateful for her and her commitment to creating a culture of support and advocacy for our marginalized groups at MSU Denver.
Group Award Winners
Classroom to Career Hub Operations Team
(Andrew Ortiz-Martinez, Catharine Ingram, Mario Zarate, Codi Whittington, Derek Bowers, Matt Dickman)
C2 Hub Operations has significantly improved communication and efficiency over the past year. Their collective efforts go beyond individual roles, enhancing the entire unit by revamping the website, improving communication processes, optimizing Career Link, and streamlining tabling and events. Their hard work has elevated C2Hub’s operational culture, with the adoption of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) becoming commonplace.
Scholarship Support and Retention Team
(Lauren Koppel, Jasmine Villalobos-Valles, Scott Bergman, Kaila Russell and Vel Arellano)
The C2 Hub’s Scholarship Support & Retention team excels in supporting MSU Denver students and representing Student Affairs. They guide students through classes, align them with career goals, and assist in maintaining scholarships and financial aid. Their dedication to students, colleagues, and external stakeholders is evident. As campus partners, they actively support events and initiatives, offering assistance willingly. We are fortunate to work collaboratively with such a dedicated team at MSU.
Transfer and Adult Student Success Team
(Cary Aplin, Ricky Rogers, Kaden Van Hegewald, Tana Ridgeway, Alex Puente, Pablo Chavira Nieto)
TASS shines as a lucky star for the students they support. The team works tirelessly to ensure transfer, adult and readmitted students get into the groove at MSU Denver. Over and over again, the team demonstrates their commitment to students by providing equitable and individualized support, forging intentional connections with relevant resources and fiercely advocating for student needs. This true-blue team deserves a holiday on La Isla Bonita.
Past Winners
Service to Students Award
2023 Spring – Dr. Gail Bruce Sanford (Executive Director of Counseling Center | SEW)
Individuals
2023 Spring – Nate Turnhill (Interim Associate Director | C2 Hub), Haley Halkidis (Marketing and Outreach Coordinator | Campus Recreation), L Benton (Assistant to the Executive Director | Financial Aid), Catharine Ingram (Associate Director of Operations and Programs | C2 Hub), Dr. Cynthia Baron (Assistant Vice President | CESA), Kelly Findley (Associate Director of Scholarships | Financial Aid), Sarah Kaup (Senior International Admissions Specialist | Admissions), Derek Bowers (Exam and Learn Program Coordinator | C2 Hub)
2022 Fall – Loriann Ankele-Garcia (Degree Audit Coordinator | Registrar), Jackie Bullard (Accountant | Financial Aid & Scholarships), Karlette Eguiluz (Assistant Director | Financial Aid), Sonia Falcón (Director | Student Care Center), Jermaine Gunnells (Assistant Director | Brother to Brother), Chris Harder (Financial Analysis Manager | Student Affairs), Angie Moreno (Assessment & Evaluation Manager | Student Affairs), Eboni Nash (DEI Recruiting Manager | Industry Partnerships), Jon Nguyen (Tuition Classification Officer | Admissions), Thuy Phan (Executive Assistant, Vice President for Student Affairs | Student Affairs), Deserea Richards (Program Coordinator, Native and Indigenous Student Support | CESA), Ally Veneris (Industry Navigator | Industry Partnerships)
2022 Spring – Destiny Candeleria (Call Center Coordinator | Enrollment Management), Matt Kring (Associate Director of Student Support and Retention | C2 Hub), Oanh Luong (Program Assistant | CMEI), Ruby Matheny (Industry Navigator | Industry Partnerships), Amanda McClure (Communication and Social Media Manager | Student Affairs), Estéfani Peña-Figueroa (Student Success Specialist | Immigrant Services), Eunice Reyes (Equity and Career Success Coordinator | C2 Hub), Leslie Rodriguez (Associate Director | Veteran and Military Student Services), Brandy Schooler (Assistant Registrar of Transfer Evaluation and Prior Learning | Registrar), Brandon Terry (Operations Manager | Financial Aid)
2021 Fall – Dave Bourassa (Program Manager for Student Engagement, Travel, Professional Developoment), Johana Guzman (Office Manager and Admin Assistant | Orientation, Transfer and Retention), Diana Ibarra (Assistant Director of Events, Graphic Design and Social Media | CMEI), Nahum Kisner (Executive Director of Student Support & Retention | C2 Hub), Camelia Naranjo (Associate Director of Peer Mentoring | C2 Hub), Adrienne Perucca (Associate Director of Admissions Systems and Data | Admissions)
2020 Spring – Melissa Miller (Associate Registrar of Records and Registration | Registrar’s Office), Thanh Nguyen (Interim Director | Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion), Eric Silva (Assistant Director | TRIO Student Support Services), Pam Ansburg (Interim Director of Faculty Engagement | Classroom to Career Hub), Amanda Ryder (Associate Director of Admissions | Admissions), Maluwa Behringer (Director of Industry Partnerships | Classroom to Career Hub)
2020 Fall – Juan Gallegos (Director | Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion), James Ross (Assistant to the Registrar & Special Projects Manager | Registrar’s Office), Cathy Hehr (Industry Navigator | Classroom to Career Hub), Dave Lamothe (Assistant Director of Recreation & Leadership | Campus Recreation), Aubrey Winbigler (Coordinator of International Student Support | Registrar’s Office), Chaz DeHererra (Student Success Navigator | Classroom to Career Hub)
2019 Fall – John Babcock (Associate Director | Orientation, Transition and Retention), Scott Bergman (Coordinator | Orientation, Transfer and Retention), Josh Gabrielson (Associate Director | Admissions), Alyssa Marks (Program Manager | Classroom to Career Hub), Dr. Braelin Pantel (Associate Vice President | Dean of Students/Student Engagement & Wellness), Erica Quintana-Garcia (Director | Student Engagement & Wellness)
2023 Spring – Nate Turnhill (Interim Associate Director | C2 Hub), Haley Halkidis (Marketing and Outreach Coordinator | Campus Recreation), L Benton (Assistant to the Executive Director | Financial Aid), Catharine Ingram (Associate Director of Operations and Programs | C2 Hub), Dr. Cynthia Baron (Assistant Vice President | CESA), Kelly Findley (Associate Director of Scholarships | Financial Aid), Sarah Kaup (Senior International Admissions Specialist | Admissions), Derek Bowers (Exam and Learn Program Coordinator | C2 Hub)
2022 Fall – Loriann Ankele-Garcia (Degree Audit Coordinator | Registrar), Jackie Bullard (Accountant | Financial Aid & Scholarships), Karlette Eguiluz (Assistant Director | Financial Aid), Sonia Falcón (Director | Student Care Center), Jermaine Gunnells (Assistant Director | Brother to Brother), Chris Harder (Financial Analysis Manager | Student Affairs), Angie Moreno (Assessment & Evaluation Manager | Student Affairs), Eboni Nash (DEI Recruiting Manager | Industry Partnerships), Jon Nguyen (Tuition Classification Officer | Admissions), Thuy Phan (Executive Assistant, Vice President for Student Affairs | Student Affairs), Deserea Richards (Program Coordinator, Native and Indigenous Student Support | CESA), Ally Veneris (Industry Navigator | Industry Partnerships)
2022 Spring – Destiny Candeleria (Call Center Coordinator | Enrollment Management), Matt Kring (Associate Director of Student Support and Retention | C2 Hub), Oanh Luong (Program Assistant | CMEI), Ruby Matheny (Industry Navigator | Industry Partnerships), Amanda McClure (Communication and Social Media Manager | Student Affairs), Estéfani Peña-Figueroa (Student Success Specialist | Immigrant Services), Eunice Reyes (Equity and Career Success Coordinator | C2 Hub), Leslie Rodriguez (Associate Director | Veteran and Military Student Services), Brandy Schooler (Assistant Registrar of Transfer Evaluation and Prior Learning | Registrar), Brandon Terry (Operations Manager | Financial Aid)
2021 Fall – Dave Bourassa (Program Manager for Student Engagement, Travel, Professional Developoment), Johana Guzman (Office Manager and Admin Assistant | Orientation, Transfer and Retention), Diana Ibarra (Assistant Director of Events, Graphic Design and Social Media | CMEI), Nahum Kisner (Executive Director of Student Support & Retention | C2 Hub), Camelia Naranjo (Associate Director of Peer Mentoring | C2 Hub), Adrienne Perucca (Associate Director of Admissions Systems and Data | Admissions)
2020 Spring – Melissa Miller (Associate Registrar of Records and Registration | Registrar’s Office), Thanh Nguyen (Interim Director | Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion), Eric Silva (Assistant Director | TRIO Student Support Services), Pam Ansburg (Interim Director of Faculty Engagement | Classroom to Career Hub), Amanda Ryder (Associate Director of Admissions | Admissions), Maluwa Behringer (Director of Industry Partnerships | Classroom to Career Hub)
2020 Fall – Juan Gallegos (Director | Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion), James Ross (Assistant to the Registrar & Special Projects Manager | Registrar’s Office), Cathy Hehr (Industry Navigator | Classroom to Career Hub), Dave Lamothe (Assistant Director of Recreation & Leadership | Campus Recreation), Aubrey Winbigler (Coordinator of International Student Support | Registrar’s Office), Chaz DeHererra (Student Success Navigator | Classroom to Career Hub)
2019 Fall – John Babcock (Associate Director | Orientation, Transition and Retention), Scott Bergman (Coordinator | Orientation, Transfer and Retention), Josh Gabrielson (Associate Director | Admissions), Alyssa Marks (Program Manager | Classroom to Career Hub), Dr. Braelin Pantel (Associate Vice President | Dean of Students/Student Engagement & Wellness), Erica Quintana-Garcia (Director | Student Engagement & Wellness)
Groups
2023 Spring – Veteran and Military Services Team (Junior Moreno, LaChaune DuHart, Leslie Rodriguez), Spanish Speaking Compensation Team (Carina Hernandez-Solis, Evelynn Guzman De Leon, Horacio Borja-Duran, Karlett Christie, Tyrell Allen, Waleska Rivera-Shon, Asia Wesley), Office of Administrations High School Outreach and Recruitment Team (Erin Ulrich, Ashly Carrera, Citlalith Medrano, D Chiu, Hannah Skalbeck, Hector Susano, Itzel Perez Galicia, Landon Lopez, Rosaisela Hernandez), Office of Admissions Transfer Team (Charita Thompson Melissa Powers, Diana Flores, Jeff Cox, Alyssa Sexton), Enrollment Call Center (Nick Grissom, Ed Porfilio, Destiny Candelaria, Bryan Garcia)
2022 Fall – Visits, Events and Communications Team in Admissions (Rene Haro-Sipes, AlyshaRowzee, Jill Schmidt), Restorative Justice Coalition (Elise Krumholz, Kim Myers, Thomas Ragland, Grey Gorman, Lindsey Gilbert, Jesselin Nicholson-Lopez, Jasmine Villalobos-Valles)
2022 Spring – Financial Aid Scholarship Team (Jake Beaudrie, Kelly Findley, Paul Morales), C2 Hub Industry Partnership Team (Alyssa Marks, Tim Meeks, Tennille Hamler, Ally Veneris, Leah McFail, Rosie Cockey, Eboni Nash, Ruby Matheny, Nicole Magliore, Cassie Mullin)
2021 Fall – Transfer Automation Team (Adrienne Perucca, Marlynn Rocha-Vasquez, Manny Escarcega, Camden Farmer), Pathways to Possible Team (Angela Groves, Jesus Yanez-Ruiz, J.T. Kendall, Rachael Durham, Stephanie Lee)
2020 Spring – Student Affairs Communications Team (Jeremy Coleman, Amanda McClure, Su Ann Tan, Asia Wesley), Admissions Front Desk and Crew in Blue (Victor Mata, Maribel Palomino Valadez, Andrea Garcia-Portillo, Diana Flores | Jessica Burkett, Brian Bogere, Caleb Gardner, Crystal Alcocer, Cole Parsa, Haley Gyurko, Kaelin Messex, Jorge Jimenez, Carolina Devora, Allys Lejarazo Duenas), Diversity Facilitators (Adrienne Martinez, Ali Houghton, Ally Garcia, Alyssa Marks, Bessie Nolan, Brandy Schooler, Chris Harder, Eric Silva, John Babcock, Kathleen Jewby, Lauren Koppel, Meher Noorulamin, Raquel Jimenez, Regina Burkhart, Ruby Matheny, Salina Blea)
2020 Fall – Health Center at Auraria Team (Kyle Garrity, Linda Hilliker, Lisa Lasswell, Richard Miccio, Ruben Zorrilla, Shawna Tonick, Sonja Coleman-Harris, Stephen Monaco, Steven Caveney, Susan Louch, Tamara Wristen, Tifany Andrade, Yvonne Olson-Sage, Alyssa Labate, Amy Markese, Anna-Lisa Greenwade, Clinton Hartz, Cynthia Ortiz, David Esslam, Debra Shuman, Denys Frolkov, Elias Gonzalez, Elle Heeg-Miller, Gia Valente, Hang Nguyen, Jeffrey Uszacki, Joshua Pasley, Julie Wagner, Justin Hauxwell, Kajuan DeVan Hernandez), Student Care Center (Alicia Milanowski, Erica Quintana-Garcia, Jesse Wooldridge, Miguel Huerta, Peter Concepcion)
2019 Fall – Admissions Team (Marlynn Rocha-Vasquez, Adrienne Perucca and Morgan Raleigh), Writers of the TRIO, Veteran & Military Student Services and CAMP Grants (Rita Case, Faith Fitzgerald, Dr. Ally Garcia, Evelynn Guzman de Leon, Ali Houghton, Raquel Jimènez, Eric Silva and Tisha Townsend)