Early Bird

Congrats to our Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week winners

These exceptional faculty, staff and student employees are shining examples of dedication, innovation and excellence.

By Lindsey Coulter

October 15, 2020

Nominations continue to roll in for Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week awards, highlighting the excellent and important work happening at all levels of the University. This week, we celebrate three members of our University community who inspire students and their colleagues.

“I want to thank this week’s winners for the value they bring to the University and to our students just by virtue of being themselves and sharing their talents,” said President Janine Davidson, Ph.D. “Congratulations on these well-deserved honors.”

Faculty winner – Jeremy Castle, Ph.D., assistant professor, Political Science

Nominated by Shawn Raglin, student, who wrote:

“Dr. Castle does a great impression of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. That is only one of the many talents he shares with his students. Dr. Castle is one the all-time best professors I have had. One thing I love is that – without fail – he starts every lecture with, ‘Hello, Roadrunners!’ Dr. Castle deserves to be recognized for President Davidson’s Roadrunner Shoutout because he is doing amazing work at MSU Denver.

“Dr. Castle is also very consistent. This is an excellent quality to have during this challenging semester with COVID-19. His video lectures are very engaging and keep me interested in learning about government. He has been able to successfully weave all the ongoing societal and governmental activities that are leading up to the 2020 presidential election in a creative and exciting way. He is prompt with his grading, his feedback is great, and he is always available for office hours. He shows a willingness to help and a compassion for his students that make him stand out among his peers.

“Dr. Castle is personable, cares about his students and lets us in on a little view of his personal life from time to time, including his family and hobbies. He is also a huge fan of goat rodeos (it’s true)! In all seriousness, though, Dr. Castle is what I would call an exceptional professor. He makes me eager to learn. He also has inspired me to want to know more about how government works and what my part in our democracy looks like.”

Jeremy, it’s clear that your energy, creativity and dedication are deeply appreciated by your students. Thank you for letting your personality shine in your classes and connecting with your students while also preparing them to be engaged and informed citizens.

Staff/administrator winner – Greg Singer, academic advisor and retention specialist, Department of Psychological Sciences

Nominated by Crystal Kelly, student, who wrote:

“Greg Singer epitomizes the MSU Denver philosophy of helping students. Not only is Greg an amazing Roadrunner, making significant impact in students’ lives, he emulates being an ambassador for MSU Denver and is a big asset to the Department of Psychological Sciences. Greg has a genuine concern about students, and I am so fortunate to be one of the many students Greg has impacted. The year 2020 has been very challenging, especially during COVID-19. However, Greg sincerely cares about me first as a person and then secondly my educational pursuits. He has given me hope and encouragement when I feel hopeless and discouraged. His wonderful academic advising has propelled me to my senior year, and now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel after so many long years of pursuing my degree. Not only is Greg an amazing Roadrunner, but I also nominate Greg Singer for the ‘Person of the Year’! Thank you so much, Greg, for all you have done for me! God Bless!”

Advising is so critical to our mission and student experience. Thank you, Greg, for your commitment not just to helping students along their academic path but also to investing in and supporting them through the ups and downs of life.

Student-employee winner – Akewak Wondimu, international-student-support assistant lead

Nominated by Aubrey Winbigler, coordinator of international-student support, who wrote:

“Akewak has been supporting international students for more than two years. In this time, he has mentored his peers on complex federal regulations, assisted full-time staff with very detailed government reports as well as with program planning to ensure a welcoming experience for our international students. His dedication and hard work are clear examples of leadership in our office. Akewak checks in with staff for updates and additional responsibilities, and he is always willing to help with projects outside of ISS and even train others. As a member and a student official of the International Club, Akewak is a strong advocate for other international students. Whether simply answering incoming emails for support or peers reaching out to him directly, he is quick to connect with the proper office and find solutions. He also sits on various committees to ensure that the international-student voice is heard and understood. It is a joy to work alongside Akewak and watch him blossom into the leader he is today, and our international students are so fortunate to have him as an advocate.”

Akewak, thank you for showing such empathy and generosity to your fellow international students. Your leadership, advocacy and willingness to help are wonderful examples of our University values in action.

To nominate outstanding employees for the Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week award, please complete the form on the Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week webpage. Tell us how your nominee is making an impact through great teaching, service to students or innovation. Winners will be selected each week and profiled in the Early Bird on Thursdays. Winners will also get a shoutout on social media.