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

July 2, 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.

“The Roadrunner community is filled with go-getters, but the resilience of this week’s winners stood out,” said Todd Thurman, director of Athletics. “Each of the nominees has responded to challenges with an open mind and desire to help. They are prime examples of what it means to lead with CADRE values.”

Faculty winner – Joe Quatrochi, Ph.D., professor, Human Performance and Sport

Nominated by Todd Thurman, director of Athletics, who wrote:

“Joe has been a cornerstone of MSU Denver for many years. He is dedicated to the mission, and he works tirelessly to serve his students every day. Joe always brings a steady voice to any discussion.”

Joe, your hard work has directly contributed to student success and strengthened the MSU Denver team. Thank you for sharing your time and expertise and for motivating students to pursue their possible.

Staff winner – Stephanie Begley, assistant director of Athletics

Nominated by John Kietzmann, associate director of Athletics for Marketing and Promotions/External Relations, who wrote:

“Steph has been instrumental in her role over this past year. Her efforts kept the student-athletes safe as we worked through practices and competition. She has helped to set us up for success as we move into this fall.”

Stephanie, it’s clear you have positively impacted so many people in your time with MSU Denver. The work you have invested with MSU Denver Athletics has brought a sense of community and provided a much-needed outlet to students. Thank you for working tirelessly to support student-athletes and your colleagues.

Student-employee winner – Lauren Groth, teaching assistant, Nutrition

Nominated by Ann Diker, Ph.D., professor, Nutrition, who wrote:

“Lauren is a teaching assistant for NUT 2040 (Introduction to Nutrition). As part of this role, she is helping revise the Open Educational Resource textbook and streamline the course in Canvas to flow better with the textbook. The process of reviewing content and quiz questions is time-intensive and requires patience, attention to detail and critical thinking. Lauren has done an outstanding job in this role! She’s integrated color-coded notes into her reports on each chapter/module to help clarify edits that need to be made (e.g., red = delete, blue = add, etc.). Having her help is making the revision process happen more quickly. ... What could’ve taken 1-2 years will likely be completed over the summer. The result will have a huge impact for students taking Introduction to Nutrition in upcoming semesters – students can look forward to a more streamlined course thanks to Lauren’s outstanding work!”

Lauren, what a glowing recommendation you’ve earned! Thank you for sharing your skills and helping to improve the Canvas experience. Your talent and drive will no doubt take you far!

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.