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 Josie Lavender

October 14, 2021

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.

“These inspiring Roadrunners have applied their outstanding skill sets, ambition and forward thinking towards empowering students and colleagues to achieve excellence,” said Christine Márquez-Hudson, vice president of University Advancement and executive director of the MSU Denver Foundation.

Faculty winner - Richard Mac Namee, director of the Cybersecurity Center at MSU Denver at MSU Denver

Nominated by Márquez-Hudson, who wrote:

“Richard Mac Namee is the director of the Cyber Multi-Use Training Environment (C-MUTE) at MSU Denver. Despite being hired during Covid-19 and spending the majority of his tenure at MSU Denver remotely, Richard has helped elevate MSU Denver’s Cybersecurity Program to a whole new level. Under his leadership, MSU Denver established C-MUTE, an immersive environment where students can practice real-world cyberattack and defense scenarios. He also facilitated a partnership with Atos, an international cybersecurity company that now operates a ‘live’ on-campus Security Operations Center where students are employed in serving clients utilizing commercial-grade security tools that prepare them for careers in the field and set them apart from their peers. Under Richard’s leadership, MSU Denver’s Cybersecurity Program has become a center of excellence and a leader in cybersecurity programs across institutions of higher education in Colorado. Richard is not only an expert in his field, he is also innovative, forward-thinking and collaborative in his approach to learning — bringing students together with industry (partners) in ways that set MSU Denver apart from the pack.”

Richard, thank you for your exemplary leadership. We are grateful to have you helping to pave the way for students on their Roadrunner journey. (Since we couldn't find a photo of you, here is one of Rowdy celebrating your achievement!)

Staff winner - David Sharman, learning spaces specialist, Information Technology Services

Nominated by Jo Daugherty Bailey, Ph.D., professor, Social Work, who wrote:

“David approaches his work with an ease that must generate from the depth of his understanding of all things technology. And, he just may be a miracle worker. We recently put together a live webinar and town hall event on the Afghan Crisis in an exceedingly tight time frame, which was complicated by its hybrid format. The event was a huge success, and so much of that is owed to David. He managed the entire production from start to finish, which included getting the right equipment lined up, preparing the room and the support personnel, directing webinar and recording activities, and editing the final recording. Despite the urgency of our situation, he was constantly professional, collegial and kind. David combines his expert knowledge with tolerance and patience, which makes him an incredible asset to the MSU Denver community.”

David, thank you for the time and energy you’ve invested with the MSU Denver community. The support you’ve provided has been invaluable.

Student-employee winner - Sena Bryant, graphic designer, Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion

Nominated by Shelby Balik, Ph.D., associate professor, History, who wrote:

“Sena Bryant has worked with me for several years to design publicity materials for our annual Constitution Day event. I am nominating Sena for two reasons: the high quality of her work and her overall professionalism. Sena's work is of such high caliber that at first, I didn't realize she was a student; I thought she was a professional designer! She learns all she can about the theme and then creates original and eye-catching, provocative designs that attract attention and conceptualize the event flawlessly in visual format. Her designs are so good that some of the organizations involved with our event have gotten permission to use them for their own publicity campaigns. Aside from the artistic merit of her work, it has been a privilege to collaborate with Sena all these years. She is enthusiastic and responsive, often working on short notice to produce material to publicize our events. She is receptive to requests for changes, and she sticks with the project until it is perfect — often through many last-second tweaks. She is instrumental to the success of Constitution Day on the Auraria campus.”

Sena, what a glowing recommendation you’ve earned. It’s clear that your talent and professionalism will take you far, and we’re grateful to be a part of your journey.

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.