April

An attitude of gratitude

Roadrunners convene to give President Stephen Jordan and Ruthie Jordan a heartfelt thanks for 12 years of service to the University.

By Cory Phare

April 6, 2017

The Tivoli Turnhalle was packed with members of the MSU Denver community yesterday afternoon. Faculty and staff alike enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and beverages in an air of warm conviviality.

They were all there for one reason: to show appreciation for the contributions of President Stephen Jordan and his wife, Ruthie, over the past 12 years.

Hosted by the University’s shared governance groups, the event served as recognition of the Jordans’ MSU Denver legacy. After a bit of mingling, attendees listened to remarks from shared governance leaders representing different constituencies across campus.

Metza Templeton, president of the Classified Staff Council, acknowledged the work Ruthie has done with MetroLeads and also noted the inevitable daily Dr. J sighting at DazBog, ordering a dark roast coffee. Amy Bechtum, current president of the Council of Administrators, then recounted going to a basketball game and being overwhelmed by the the Jordans’ level of engagement—the same enthusiasm as shown by the rest of the Roadrunner fans.

As president of the Student Government Association (and soon-to-be graduate), Liz Milewski talked about how the continued advocacy for ASSET/DACA students represented a broad commitment to and responsibility for all students, making her proud to be a Roadrunner. And Ruth Ann Nyhus, president of the Council Of Chairs and Directors, talked about Jordan’s commitment to shared governance and the growth of tenure-track faculty positions.

This investment in the faculty was the main thrust of moderator Matt Makley’s remarks, as the Faculty Senate president noted the impact on student success, which has translated into more than 29,000 students receiving their diplomas during Jordan’s tenure as MSU Denver president.

After a toast from Steve Kreidler, vice president for administration and finance, Ruthie Jordan expressed her appreciation for the years of involvement with the MSU Denver community. The event was capped off with Jordan thanking everyone and their collective work toward becoming the preeminent urban baccalaureate university in the nation.

“Thank you for allowing me to serve as president these past 12 years,” he concluded. “It has been the greatest honor of my career.”