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

December 10, 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.

“This week’s winners give so much back to the University and to our students,” said Larry Sampler, COO and vice president for Administration, who selected this week’s winners. “It’s clear they are deeply valued and respected by their teams and beyond.”

Faculty winner – Mallory Brunel, MSN, RN, assistant professor, Nursing

Nominated by Corin Cramer, student, who wrote:

“Mallory Brunel has gone above and beyond, in all aspects, throughout my cohort’s time in the Nursing program. She constantly strives to engage her students through activities that accommodate all learning styles and needs. Her passion for humanity, the nursing profession and education emanates in every one of her actions and interactions. Specifically, she has shown true dedication to her students’ knowledge and success during this entire COVID-19 pandemic. She not only values feedback but immediately puts it into action so that her students may be successful in the classroom and in clinical settings. Mallory is involved in so many other activities yet still makes her students feel heard, valued, and like a true priority! I have valued her expertise, humor and fervor for life. She deserves more praise and credit than she receives – and she doesn’t even want it, which says even more about her as a person. She is the definition of what it is to be an educator and advocate for all that is good.”

Mallory, congratulations on this heartfelt recognition. It’s clear your students value your knowledge and instruction as much as they do your guidance and mentorship. Thank you for bringing the best of yourself to each class and interaction.

Staff/administrator winner – Raquel Jiménez, director, College Assistance Migrant Program

Nominated by Laura Lempe, Equity Assistance Specialist, Western Educational Equity Assistance Center, who wrote:

“Raquel has worked tirelessly in CAMP, initially as an assistant director to the interim director (successfully renewing the CAMP grant with the U.S. Department of Education in 2020) and then earning the director title. Raquel has secured a staff that genuinely cares about the students in the program and moving their lives forward to become college graduates and active members of the community. This grant-funded scholarship program is an ‘anchor’ in a new and hard-to-negotiate world of higher education. She and her staff have made their offices a welcoming area to support the academic, social and economic needs of migrant and/or seasonal farmworkers’ children in a time of political upheaval and discrimination. I have seen her put in extra hours to assist students with tutoring, lending a sensitive and caring ear, guiding them to the support services offered at CAMP and MSU Denver and, most important, pursuing their dreams! Support and education are key – Raquel’s caring persona and selfless acts of support should be recognized.”

Raquel, thank you for your efforts to develop CAMP and ensure educational equity for its participants. Your work enriches our entire campus community and undoubtedly has changed many lives for the better.

Student-employee winner – Ben Landis, administrative assistant, Office of the President

Nominated by Sam Hollis, office manager, Office of the President, who wrote:

“Ben has been a student employee in the Office of the President since January 2020, and I have been his supervisor since mid-February. During that time, I have seen tremendous growth in Ben’s confidence and a willingness to step out of his comfort zone in order to help others, learn and sharpen his skills.

He often describes himself as being introverted and nonsocial, however, despite that he is currently the vice president of Student Veterans of America at MSU Denver and is also a peer mentor at PAVE (Peer Advisors for Veteran Education). As a military veteran himself, he is passionate about helping other veterans successfully navigate the educational process at MSU Denver.

Ben has been an integral part of this office, always willing to tackle the myriad tasks presented to him. No matter the job, he always takes pride in completing his work in a timely and professional manner. He goes above and beyond the call of duty, continuously thinking of ways to improve efficiency in the office.

Ben is humble and kind and a great example of what it means to be a Roadrunner! During these challenging times, he has been resilient, considerate and optimistic. I am honored to be his supervisor and witness the growth he has exhibited personally and professionally.”

Ben, thank you for the ways you serve MSU Denver and your fellow student veterans. Embracing growth and challenges while recognizing and utilizing personal strengths is the epitome of the Roadrunner spirit. Thank you for all you do.

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.