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 8, 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 possess the necessary determination to achieve excellence,” said David Fine, J.D., general counsel and secretary to the Board of Trustees, Office of the President. “I applaud these Roadrunners for consistently going above and beyond to support and advance the University community.” 

Faculty winner – Apryl Brodersen, Ph.D., professor, Management

Nominated by Henry Le, student, who wrote:

“Professor Brodersen is an amazing faculty (member). She’s really dedicated to her teaching field. She’s always making the class fun, and she makes the class content easier to understand. She’s very flexible with her students and always makes us feel very comfortable (even though I am an introverted person). She deserves recognition.”

Apryl, thank you for helping students progress in their studies and helping them grow as individuals. Your dedication to enhancing the Roadrunner experience is deeply appreciated.

Staff winner – Jennifer Kilian, academic advisor, Political Science

Nominated by Andy Thangasamy, Ph.D., associate professor, Political Science, who wrote:

“Jenni serves as the academic advisor for the Political Science program. In this role, she provides advising to students majoring in Political Science and/or completing minors in the department. Jenni is very accessible to students and helps students in a myriad of different ways – including helping students encountering difficulties in registering for courses.

“Jenni contributes to the enthusiasm that students have in majoring and minoring in programs offered by the Political Science department. She is knowledgeable about the ins and outs of meeting degree requirements and quickly puts students at ease. She is also a wonderful resource to faculty in the department wishing to publicize relevant political-sciences courses to majors in other departments. Jenni is an all-round valuable contributor and a terrific Roadrunner!”

Jenni, Roadrunners are lucky to have such a caring and insightful advisor and champion to help them navigate their road to success. Thank you for sharing your time, expertise and passion with your students and co-workers.

Student-employee winner – Joanely Alvidrez, marketing assistant, Online Learning

Nominated by Rico Dominguez, program-marketing manager, Online Learning, who wrote:

“Joanely has become a thought leader in marketing at MSU Denver Online Learning and OGS (Office of Graduate Studies). She not only constantly brings new ideas to the team, but she has become an expert in executing them. Whenever an opportunity presents itself to our team, Joanely is on top of making the enhancements necessary to make them a reality. Whether it’s the grunt work or high-level concepts, Joanely’s superb work ethic and can-do attitude dominate our campaigns and have made our team the best it can be.”

Joanely, thank you for being such an excellent example of the Roadrunner spirit and for supporting your fellow students and co-workers along your academic journey. Best of luck in your post-MSU Denver career with the United Farm Workers of America!

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.