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 4, 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.

“This week’s winners are great examples of our CADRE values,” said Will Simpkins, Ed.D., vice president for Student Affairs, who selected this week’s winners. “I’m also proud to note that two winners are alumni who are using their education to continuing serving the MSU Denver community.”

Faculty winner – Andrea Peterson, lecturer, School of Hospitality

Nominated by Phillip Hua-Pham, student, who wrote:

“Professor Peterson has demonstrated what a professional mentor in the events industry should be. During my four years at MSU Denver, I have never had a professor who is so detail-oriented, especially during Covid-19. She never fails to be transparent to ensure there is constant communication for everyone. She continues to set high expectations to prepare us for the rigorous work that lies ahead in the event industry, and she does everything in her power to provide guest speakers that showcase real-world scenarios that we will face when entering this career path. I’ve had the honor to take a couple of courses with her so far, and it brings me so much joy for the care she has for making every single one of us successful. Professor Peterson should be recognized for the tremendous amount of work she has put into the organization of her classes. It is without a doubt, my other classmates feel exactly the same way, and she deserves this nomination more than anyone.”

Andrea, during these challenging times, bringing stability, enthusiasm and focus to the classroom is even more necessary and appreciated. Thank you for being a champion for your students and for inspiring them to persist.

Staff/administrator winner – Monica Simpson ’19, academic advisor and retention specialist, Department of Human Services and Counseling

Nominated by Annie Butler, executive assistant to the vice president for Student Affairs, who wrote:

“Monica goes above and beyond when advising our students. She researches issues to give students the most accurate information possible and provides students with campus resources (drawing on her previous work with the Student CARE Team). She is a workhorse, logging 97 advising sessions in the past two weeks alone!”

Monica, thank you for the energy and perspective you bring to your role. Your commitment to ensuring that students have the best possible learning experience is greatly appreciated, and it certainly isn’t going unnoticed.

Student-employee winner – Lonni Woodruff ’20, intern, Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion

Nominated by Miguel Huerta, case manager and EPIC Scholars coordinator, who wrote:

“Lonni epitomizes what makes Roadrunners so incredible. After graduating from high school early and completing a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Lonni is now serving her own community as the Master of Social Work intern with the EPIC Scholars Program. As an EPIC Scholar herself in undergrad, Lonni is so passionate about serving, inspiring and empowering those that are coming after her. Lonni worked with me all summer to plan a powerful 2020-21 program year despite the circumstances of the pandemic. Lonni has taken on her new role with such enthusiasm and has already made impacts on the lives of our EPIC Scholars. From program design and assessment to group work and individual work, Lonni brings her best every time. Lonni is a true Roadrunner and trailblazer.”

Lonni, it’s so wonderful to see Roadrunners serving Roadrunners. It’s clear by your dedication and commitment to service that you are pursuing your ideal profession. Thank you for continuing to share your gifts with MSU Denver.

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.