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

September 2, 2021

Welcome to the return of Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week series, highlighting the excellent and important work happening at all levels of the University. From faculty and staff members to student employees, Roadrunners kept busy this summer to ensure a smooth and safe campus return. This week, we celebrate three employees who inspire students and their colleagues.

Faculty winner – Elizabeth Ribble, Ph.D., professor and chair, Mathematics and Statistics

Nominated by Erika Lynn, administrative coordinator, Mathematics and Statistics, who wrote:

“Dr. Ribble is an all-around amazing person. She is so personable and helpful to everyone she comes across. She balances the different roles she’s in so well. You can go to her for anything, and she is always ready to listen and assist in any way she can. I am extremely thankful to have her as our department chair!”

Elizabeth, your professionalism and compassion for the Roadrunner community make you an invaluable leader. Thank you for going out of your way to ensure that students, staff members and fellow educators are supported while you also balance multiple roles. You are an inspiration.  

Staff winner – Hannah Flasch, assistant to the dean and operations coordinator in the School of Education

Nominated by Amie Kaufenberg, budget analyst, School of Education, who wrote:

“Hannah is a dream colleague and collaborator. I seek and rely on her expertise and advice almost daily and look forward to doing so because I love talking with her! Hannah holds an immense amount of knowledge on logistical matters, faculty load and compensation, student employment, budget management, management of a busy dean’s calendar and more. No matter what Hannah does, she does it well, always with understanding and consideration of context and the needs of others, especially students. If she doesn’t know an answer, she finds it. If there is no answer, she problem-solves. She is self-motivated and knows when and how to take initiative, in consultation with others or on her own. Her attention to detail is impressive with everything but particularly with purchasing, tracking and reconciling. She is also a huge help when trying to craft a difficult email! I trust Hannah completely, as a professional and as a person, and could not be more grateful to have her as a teammate. Thank you, Hannah, for making everything easier, for everyone, always. You are the best.”

Also nominated by Elizabeth Hinde, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education, who wrote:

“Hannah has always been an amazing assistant and operations coordinator, but she really outdid herself and surpassed all expectations during the campus shutdown. She managed to keep the wheels turning in the School of Education both remotely and in person. She came to the office often and without urging to ensure that supplies were ordered and distributed, mail was organized and distributed, and student workers were taken care of. She also completed so many other behind-the-scenes tasks that are essential for the rest of us to work. Because of Hannah, everything was in place so as faculty and staff return, they are able to concentrate on their jobs. Few notice all the work she puts in, but those of us who do notice are amazed and very appreciative of her.”

Hannah, it’s easy to see the impact you’ve made on the Roadrunner community. Not only has your hard work kept the School of Education running smoothly, but your warm personality and contagious enthusiasm have made you an invaluable team member.

Student-employee winner – Humberto Pallares, scholarship-support outreach coordinator in the Classroom to Career Hub

Nominated by Lauren Koppel, assistant director of Scholarship Support and Retention, Classroom to Career Hub, who wrote:

“Humberto has been a tremendous leader in our department over the last year. He has been key in onboarding multiple student employees while working remotely. It is because of his leadership and time that these employees had successful remote-working experiences. He also provides a critical function to our area by managing outreach functions. He writes a weekly newsletter to our scholarship partners and has headed up multiple calling campaigns. These campaigns include enrollment checks and outreach to potential scholars to remind them of an upcoming scholarship deadline. As a direct result of his calling-campaign work, students may have been eligible for an additional $22,400 in scholarships. Humberto also co-created our community-partner program, including the creation of onboarding materials. Humberto is a veteran student employee in our office. He has worked with us for four years, starting the summer prior to his first year via the College Works program. His consistency and leadership have been a tremendous asset to our full-time and student staff over the last year.”

Humberto, you truly embody the Roadrunner spirit. Thank you for helping your fellow students achieve their goals while continuing to strive for excellence in your own studies and career. We are so grateful that you’ve chosen to invest your time and skills with MSU Denver. There’s no doubt you’ll go far! (Since we couldn't find a photo of you, here is one of Rowdy celebrating your achievement!)

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.