Early Bird

September happenings you shouldn’t miss

Educational and cultural events focus on international innovators and artists, pressing social issues and campus successes.

By Lindsey Coulter

September 12, 2019

2019 Americas Symposium: The Business of Empathy

Sept. 26

Buell Theatre

Doors open at 5 p.m.; symposium begins at 6 p.m.

A limited number of $20 discounted tickets are available for Metropolitan State University of Denver faculty, staff and students via the promo code STUDENT.

Local partners at the Biennial of the Americas invite MSU Denver Roadrunners to the 2019 Americas Symposium: The Business of Empathy, featuring Sir Richard Branson. The event, moderated by Univision anchor Jorge Ramos, will address the value of purpose-driven business and the importance of empathy in fostering effective leadership and advancing goals. Branson will also discuss his passions, interests and innovations surrounding environmental sustainability.

The event will begin with “Women Leading With Empathy,” a panel discussion featuring Empathy Museum Curator Clare Patey. 

Artist in Residence Performance

Sept. 27

King Center

7:30-9 p.m.

New York-based Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and activist Taína Asili and her band will visit campus Sept. 25-27. Asili’s high-energy fusion of Afro-Latin, reggae and rock music fills listeners with fervor for freedom and inspires audiences to dance to the rhythm of rebellion, according to her website.

On Sept. 27, Asili will participate in a screening of her documentary “Resiliencia” at noon in the Music and Dance Studio in the King Center (lunch provided). That evening, Asili will give a free concert at the King Center.

Asili’s residency celebrates MSU Denver’s Hispanic-Serving Institution designation. The Music Department and a generous Diversity Initiatives Award from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion support this event.

Principal Investigators Appreciation Event

Sept. 27

Hospitality Learning Center Events Lab, Rooms 200-202

4-6:30 p.m.

Please join President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., Provost Vicki Golich, Ph.D., and the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs in celebrating more than $34 million in grant and contract funding awarded to faculty and staff Principal Investigators. The event will begin with a program at 4 p.m. in the Hospitality Learning Center, Rooms 200-202, and will continue with a reception including drinks and appetizers from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Diversity Lounge. Please RSVP by Sept. 19. For questions, contact Kristin Schneider Baldwin, assistant director, OSRP, at 303-605-5298 or kschne18@msudenver.edu.

Social Work Policy Conference

Sept. 27

Tivoli Turnhalle, Room 250

8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

The Department of Social Work will host the third annual Social Work Policy Conference, “Combating the Opioid Crisis: Issues, Treatment and Solutions.” The event will feature experts on the opioid and substance-abuse crises while providing the opportunity for students, faculty and community members to connect with prevention, advocacy and treatment organizations. This conference — sponsored through the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration and contributions from the MSU Denver Health Institute — provides a space where clinical practitioners, those interested in policy and community partners can join in the efforts to support people affected by the opioid crisis. Charles Smith, Ph.D., regional administrator for the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, will deliver the keynote address.

Registration fee is $15 for participants, and space is limited. Contact Guadalupe Vargas, HRSA grant coordinator, at gvargas7@msudenver.edu or 303-605-7011 if you are interested in attending.