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

February 11, 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.

“It’s clear these Roadrunners really put their heart into their work,” said Cathy Lucas, vice president of Strategy and External Affairs, who selected this week’s winners. “By giving their absolute best to their tasks, their teams and their students, they uplift the entire University.”

Faculty winner – Sue Barnd, Ed.D., professor, Secondary/K-12 Education and Educational Technology

Nominated by Christopher Roy Briddick, student, who wrote:

“Dr. Barnd is a great professor. She provides thorough feedback on homework, her lessons are very clear, and she ensures that all of her students understand the criteria. She’s adapted well to remote learning and will include brain exercises and physical movement if we have been sitting for a while to keep us sharp, focused and at the top of our cognitive game. She makes everyone feel welcome, and it is a pleasure to be in her class (PETE 1601 Introduction to Teaching Physical Education).”

Sue, thank you for recognizing the challenges students can encounter in remote learning and finding creative ways to keep them engaged in the content. It sounds like, even virtually, you have built a wonderful and inclusive learning environment.

Staff/administrator winner – Lorri Wray, President’s Office fiscal manager

Nominated by Jacque Williams, director of operations, Strategy, Marketing and Communications, who wrote:

“Lorri is one of those behind-the-scenes heroes who help the University run like a well-oiled machine. Her institutional knowledge and attention to process make her services invaluable. She understands the back-office mechanisms that help us all move forward, the students we work with and the community we serve. We have had a number of “pivots” over the past few months, and Lorri is the person I can call anytime to make sure our office is on track. Her patience and calm demeanor have helped me figure out the best foot forward as we work harder and smarter – but sometimes with fewer resources. Here’s a Roadrunner Shoutout to her expertise and professional demeanor! She helps us do better every day.”

Lorri, thank you for being one of the critical people keeping MSU Denver moving forward. Your commitment, institutional knowledge and generous, helpful spirit are greatly appreciated.

Student-employee winner – Kiran Majid, student graphic designer

Nominated by Jordan Morgan, Facility Operations and Marketing specialist, Campus Recreation, who wrote:

“Kiran has been an excellent student employee. He has balanced his work between Campus Recreation, Met Media and his schoolwork at an elite level. Every day, Kiran works tirelessly to complete video edits for fitness classes and form flyers for virtual programming, and he remains flexible to complete necessary edits. He routinely shows up on time, accepts constructive criticism and strives for personal growth within his field.”

Kiran, thank you for putting your education and design skills to such great use for MSU Denver. It seems you’re not only developing a great portfolio but some excellent references as well! (Since we couldn’t find a photo of you, here’s one of Rowdy celebrating your accomplishment!)

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.