Student Award Winners

President’s Award Recipient: Samuel Lynch 

Samuel Lynch found his way to Metropolitan State University of Denver after moving to Colorado from Montana with his now-fiancée. An outdoor enthusiast, he’s a volunteer EMT with the Highland Rescue Team Ambulance District, providing prehospital care and patient transport in stressful situations.  

As a student, Lynch has added even more hats: student representative in the Department of Nursing, teaching assistant in anatomy and physiology classes, undergraduate research assistant to David Merriam, Ph.D., assistant professor of Biology. In the lab, he investigated the immune system’s response to tuberculosis vaccines, earning a mini-grant and presenting his work at the University’s Undergraduate Research Conference. 

Volunteerism and community service have also been part of Lynch’s journey — a result, he said, of his commitment to those who face systemic barriers to health care. “I’m Hispanic, and as somebody who has those language skills, I have a certain responsibility to use those in a way that’s going to benefit people who might not have access to culturally competent care,” he said. “As a nurse and health care worker, I think we have a duty to advocate for our patients — not just for their health, but in everything we do.”  

After graduation, he plans to work in community health or emergency nursing.  

Lynch credits the ability to be present in the moment for his current success. A devoted backpacker and fly fisher, he uses the peace he finds outside to help him serve others under pressure. “We get some pretty intense calls,” he said. “Taking the time to ground yourself before going in is important.”  

When asked how he’ll use his expertise and award, Lynch responded with characteristic modesty: “I want other people to take my story and feel inspired and empowered to help out in their own community.”  

Provost’s Award Recipient: Meidi Reyes 

As Meidi Reyes pondered what to do after high school, she wondered where she belonged. Born in Mexico, she had been in the United States since age 5 and was undocumented. Reyes watched her documented friends pursue opportunities that were closed off to her because of her immigration status.  

But she also found allies and support at Metropolitan State University of Denver. When she couldn’t get a job at the orientation office because of her status, she said, “They created an internship position for me.” It’s just one example of how the University “has gone above and beyond to ensure students like me are seen, valued and included.”  

Along the way, Reyes decided to focus on language justice. With the support and encouragement of her friends, family and school community, she kept pushing, maintaining a 3.93 GPA, attending the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators conference and serving as president of the Spanish Club.  

Another inspiration? Reyes’ mother, who brought her to the United States along with her siblings after their father was killed in Mexico. “She completely gave up her life for us,” Reyes said. “I just want to do everything I can to pay it back to her — I know that seeing me succeed makes everything worth it for her.” 

What’s next for Reyes? “I’ll be substitute teaching from January to May, and in August I’ll be doing my first year of teaching,” she said. MSU Denver is in her future, too, as she pursues a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction.  

And she’ll be doing it with documentation. “I recently became documented,” she said. As she reflects on that shift in her identity, she said, she feels inspired to help others. “I’m really proud,” she said. “It has made me who I am.”