RED Magazine Fall 2021 by Metropolitan State University of Denver

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Whale talk Space careers Women who fly

M AG A Z I N E | FALL 2021

School of Education graduates respond to the needs of today’s students through TraumaInformed Practices

WHAT KIDS CARRY M E T R OP OL I TA N STAT E UN I V E R S I TY OF DEN VER

R E L E VA N T. ESS ENTI AL. D ENVE R.

CONTENTS FALL 2021 | red.msudenver.edu

FEATURES

What kids carry

School of Education grads respond to the needs of students through Trauma-Informed Practices.

Home-schooled

Apprenticeship program trains home finance advisors in booming real estate industry.

Women pilots take flight

Amid an aviator shortage, a new generation is poised to take its place in the cockpit.

First Word

News

Trauma-informed yoga

JaLisa Williams provides safe, holistic spaces for people of color to heal.

STEM equity

Joe Schneiderwind teaches math and shines a light on underrepresentation in STEM.

Crystal clear

Sarah Bowman’s work gives scientists an in-depth look at deadly viruses.

Doors of opportunity

Anita Kudasik transformed a worn-out motor lodge into a stylish mountain stay.

Roadrunners

In Memory

Big conversations in small bites

Bree Davies dishes on her new 15-minute daily podcast ‘City Cast Denver.’

Illustration by Peter Bollinger

ALYSON McCLARAN

on the cover:

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Roadrunners return Art students get some fresh air during a class break on the Auraria Campus. They were among the many Roadrunners taking classes in July as Metropolitan State University of Denver resumed full campus operations. The University will welcome the entire learning community back for the fall semester in late August so students who want an in-person educational experience can get back on the path to success.

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EDITOR-IN- CHIEF

John Arnold MANAGING EDITOR

Resilient return We’re back. After 16 months of limited on-campus activity, Metropolitan State University of Denver resumed full campus operations this summer. As we prepare to welcome students back to the classroom for the fall semester, I think it’s safe to say that Roadrunner resilience has carried the day. The Covid-19 pandemic has challenged our community in ways we never expected or imagined. I’ve heard so many stories from students and alumni who struggled through these difficult times but ultimately persevered and, in some cases, even thrived. I expect more bumps in the road FIRST WORD moving forward, as the pandemic and its economic and emotional effects are not completely behind us. But the past year and a half has shown us that by coming together, we can conquer any challenge. I am so grateful to all of the students, employees and alumni who have stepped up to make that happen. Being back would not have been possible without the enormous effort by our academic department chairs and University staff to recraft the entire fall on-campus classroom schedule. This effort truly demonstrates our collective commitment to put the needs of students first and our impressive Roadrunner ability to collaborate and adapt. Most critical to our health and safety as we return has been our immensely successful push to get all Roadrunners vaccinated. As of Aug. 1, responses to our vaccination-verification surveys indicate that nearly 83% of registered students and more than 95% of employees are now fully or partially vaccinated. We feel confident

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that those numbers will be even higher by the start of the semester. The high vaccination rate among Roadrunners is not surprising — it’s but one example of our community’s commitment to stepping up to meet the needs of Colorado and our world. That commitment is on full display in this issue of RED Magazine. You’ll read about teachers training to meet the needs of children who have experienced trauma and women aviators taking flight to solve the pilot shortage. We spotlight alumni who have dedicated themselves to solving equity issues in the classroom and the yoga studio. We even feature one alumna who is supporting scientists around the globe in developing treatments for infectious diseases such as Covid-19. Stories like these affirm the essential work happening at MSU Denver every day and highlight the important impact our University has on the world. Such contributions wouldn’t be possible if not for the resiliency and resolve of our faculty, staff, students and alumni. Being back together on campus will enable us to do even more to support one another and the Colorado community that we call home. Sincerely,

Dan Vaccaro ART DIRECTOR

Scott Surine P U B L I C AT I O N D E S I G N E R

Aldrich Design EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Debora Gilliard, professor of Management Brian Gunther, communications manager, School of Education Jamie Hurst, assistant vice president of Strategic Engagement Sam Ng, professor of Meteorology James A. Webb, career advisor, School of Hospitality Lynne Winter, assistant director of Advancement communication Kip Wotkyns, professor of Journalism RED Magazine is published three times a year by the Metropolitan State University of Denver Office of Strategy, Marketing and Communications. © 2021 Metropolitan State University of Denver. All rights reserved. Send correspondence and address updates to magazine@msudenver.edu. The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the policies and opinions of Metropolitan State University of Denver or imply endorsement by its officers or by the MSU Denver Alumni

JANINE DAVIDSON, Ph.D.

President Metropolitan State University of Denver

Association. MSU Denver does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability in admissions or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs or activities.

NEWS

COURTESY OF APPLE TV+

Whale watch What do whales say when they “talk” to each other? That’s the mystery behind “Fathom,” a recent documentary on Apple TV+. Directed by Drew Xanthopoulos, the film had its world premiere June 16 at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival in New York. It follows researchers Ellen Garland, Ph.D., and Michelle Fournet, Ph.D., as they observe communication patterns and vocalizations of humpback whales in Scotland and the Pacific coast. Also featured in “Fathom” is Leanna Matthews, Ph.D., a Biology faculty member at Metropolitan State University of Denver who joined the group as they were conducting fieldwork in a remote location off the southeastern coast of Alaska in August 2019. “The question we ask in the film is, ‘This sound the species makes — what does it mean?’” Matthews said. “It’s hard to answer when you can’t ask them directly.” There are a variety of vocalizations for different occasions in whale communications, including foraging, reproduction and maybe even just “talking.”

“Fathom” specifically focuses on a type of “‘whup’ call, which sounds like a reverse water droplet,” Matthews said. The film follows a playback experimental design, collecting above-water and underwater data. For a month and a half, the researchers drove around the remote location in a small boat, found whales, played a sound and observed how the animals responded. The research by Matthews and Fournet that’s featured in the film is done through the Sound Science Research Collective, a nonprofit they founded focused on using acoustic research to answer conservation questions. Matthews views the question of how animals communicate as itself a conservation effort and hopes “Fathom” viewers take away an appreciation of how culture exists outside of humanity. “These intricate communication systems have existed for millions of years, and we’re just starting to scratch the surface of our understanding of them,” she said. “Diving into that is messy, complicated — and important.”

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ALYSON McCLARAN

NEWS

Perfect harmony The Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts and Metropolitan “There has always been a lot of crossover and close relationships State University of Denver have been singing from the same sheet of between us and them,” said Peter Schimpf, Ph.D., MSU Denver music for more than a decade. Department of Music chair. Faculty members from the University’s Department of Music The move is exciting for the CCJA and MSU Denver’s Jazz regularly teach at the nonprofit that works to empower youth to Department, said Chris Romaine, who with her husband, Paul, founded express themselves through jazz music. Conservatory Artistic Director the conservatory in 1999. The University and the nonprofit share a vision Paul Romaine directed ensembles and for the larger Colorado music community taught drum set at MSU Denver from and are already developing concepts 2014 to 2018. The conservatory also such as joint concerts, workshops and regularly held evening band practices programming. The partnership also helps at the Auraria Campus Arts Building the CCJA serve an even more diverse while it bounced around from room population while it works to improve to room in search of a permanent equity and inclusion in music education. home. “Moving to the building is a complete But the CCJA found a forever game-changer for us, and it’s a dream — CHRIS ROMAINE, CO-FOUNDER, CCJA home this year when it and come true,” Chris Romaine said. “The MSU Denver made their partnership official. Since February, the CCJA potential is very inspiring to us.” has been holding classes, performances and meetings at MSU Denver’s The University’s hope is that young CCJA students will have a good Kalamath Building (800 Kalamath St.), the space that also hosts experience and recognize that the experience can continue in music MSU Denver jazz practices and performances. programs at MSU Denver, Schimpf said.

“Moving to the building is a complete gamechanger for us, and it’s a dream come true.”

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COVID-19

Five Metropolitan State University of Denver undergraduates this month got a shot in the arm — a scholarship covering the cost of tuition and fees for the 2021-22 academic year simply for getting the Covid-19 vaccine. In addition to supporting vaccination uptake to ensure a safe full return to campus, the scholarship initiative also helped the University carry out its access-driven mission, said Mary Sauceda, associate vice president of Enrollment Management at MSU Denver. Final scholarship amounts varied by individual and were structured to close the gap between financial-aid awards (grants/scholarships) and the amount owed, often covered by a combination of “self-help aid” of loans, work-study and out-of-pocket payments. “It’s always a good idea to support our Roadrunners financially, help them get their degrees and move along the path to their dream careers,” Sauceda said.

The University announced in June that it would join the State of Colorado in providing financial incentives for those who received one of the three authorized Covid-19 vaccines.

$8,164

Number of MSU Denver undergraduates who received a Rowdy Return Scholarship in August.

Maximum dollar amount provided to winners to cover the cost of tuition and fees not covered by financial-aid awards.

“The Rowdy Return Scholarships were one way for us to reward our students for their commitment to public health.” — PRESIDENT JANINE DAVIDSON, PH.D.

Undergrad discovery As Biochemistry undergraduates at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Anna Nguyen and her classmates were challenged to come up with a research subject that would simplify an existing medical procedure. Their solution, it turns out, may significantly improve the lives of millions of people worldwide who suffer from undiagnosed celiac disease. To get a definitive celiac disease diagnosis, doctors perform an invasive biopsy of the small intestine, said Nguyen, who led the research project. She graduated in 2018 and is studying for a doctorate in Biomolecular Science and Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara. “We were hoping to circumvent that by doing a simple blood test,” she said. The students’ test and research were detailed in a report titled “Electrochemical DNA Biosensor

That Detects Early Celiac Disease Autoantibodies,” which was published in the leading international journal Sensors in April. Chemistry major Dylan Poch, pictured on the right with Department Chair Andrew Bonham, Ph.D., said the study will help his academic aspirations. “I learned the process of writing a scientific publication and how many edits, reviews and revisions it takes,” he said. “It’s not something I expected to do as an undergrad.” Bonham said he has had at least 12 students become authors of internationally peer-reviewed research articles over the past decade. “It’s a testament to the University’s mission of teaching, empowering and giving opportunities to undergraduates,” he said. “They don’t have to wait until they graduate to change the world.”

ALYSON McCLARAN

TRIFONENKO/ISTOCK IMAGES

A shot at free tuition

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NEWS

TEDx tickets still available

AMANDA SCHWENGEL

Dominique Hunt was working for Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Information Technology Services when Covid-19 forced classes online. In the first months of the pandemic, the 26-year-old Industrial Design major witnessed scores of students contacting the department in search of computers. “One thing that hit me was the need for ready-to-go solutions to get everyone online immediately,” he said. When he realized that nearly every student already had an internet-connected smartphone, Hunt had a eureka moment: PhoneBook, a dock that converts a smartphone into a laptop interface and provides internet-connected performance for less than $100. PhoneBook in April took second place in the Stanford Center on Longevity Design Challenge, a competition that encourages students to design life-improving products. Out of 222 entries from 37 countries, Hunt was the top U.S. finisher. He said he was “completely shocked … as a team of one” to earn the prestigious accolade. Hunt developed the concept in an Advanced Industrial Design course taught by Associate Professor Amy Kern, Ph.D. The class, she said, enables students to work on passion projects that give real-life applicability to academic study. For Hunt, who grew up in Kenya, PhoneBook is about access. He said the telecommunication infrastructure in his home country had skipped the hard-wired phase in favor of widespread cellular data networks, making wireless access plentiful. “The first step to empowering communities is through access to information,” he said. “In Kenya, you can purchase a day’s worth of unlimited data for … a couple of dollars.” While similar products are on the market, they are prohibitively expensive. In contrast, open-source plans for the 3D-printed PhoneBook can be distributed for local fabrication. It shouldn’t be surprising, then, that others — including the Stanford designcompetition judges — are taking note, as PhoneBook holds promise for delivering sustainable and accessible solutions to people around the world.

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TED x MSUDenver SEPT. 10 reserve tickets:

tedxmsudenver.com

AMANDA SCHWENGEL

Design for a better world

Metropolitan State University of Denver is once again partnering with TEDxCherryCreek to present a daylong event that centers on the stories and work of the Roadrunner community. Tickets are still available for the Sept. 10 program, “Ready to Rise,” which will feature talks on resilience, renewal and recalibration in the wake of a tumultuous year. “This event will bring the Roadrunner community together again after too much time away from campus,” said President Janine Davidson, Ph.D. “It’s also an opportunity to show the world the quality and caliber of our University.” Some talk topics include the power of women to inspire future generations, regardless of the adversity they face; maternal guilt and shame around decisions made about their child’s education during the pandemic; and dance as a balm to heal minds, bodies and spirits. The bulk of the program will be held in person at the King Center on the Auraria Campus, with some portions online as well, and will be open to the public. Admission is free for students, faculty and staff. Tickets are $20 for all others.

COURTESY OF LOCKHEED MARTIN

“We’ve partnered with MSU Denver’s engineering programs for more than a decade, and now we can use the expertise of other departments to advance a new era in space.” — KEVIN ETTWEIN, VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION AND QUALITY AT LOCKHEED MARTIN SPACE

Opportunities in space Jade Mako launched her second career in the Lockheed Martin Co-op Program at Metropolitan State University of Denver. At 28, the Boulder native made the leap from a decadelong career in hospitality to simultaneously studying business at the University and serving as an intern at Lockheed Martin. Three years later, the 2020 graduate is a full-time subcontract administrator at Lockheed Martin Space. She recently helped facilitate a contract that will provide space-adjacent learning opportunities for other members of the MSU Denver community. The five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract was signed May 3 and makes the University a subcontractor for Lockheed Martin, allowing students and faculty members from any discipline to provide requested services.

“This contract takes the University’s relationship with Lockheed Martin to the next level,” said Richard C. Mac Namee, director of the Cybersecurity Center at MSU Denver. “We now have a streamlined process to offer our expertise to one of the largest defense contractors in the world and to be paid for our work.” Mac Namee said MSU Denver is one of only a handful of universities in the country to have such a relationship. He added that the contract helps the University realize its goal of providing career-focused learning experiences for students while helping them cover the cost of tuition. Mako said Lockheed Martin also benefits from the arrangement. “By having students and faculty primed to work on projects, we are better positioned to meet our benchmarks,”

INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

she said. “We also appreciate working with a university in our community and the value of developing an even stronger talent pipeline at home.” Mako said students’ initial work will be focused on engineering and design in NASArelated projects but that there have been discussions about tapping Event and Meeting Management students to plan post-pandemic gatherings, among other ideas. “Our new agreement elevates MSU Denver as a supplier, not just an academic collaborator,” said Kevin Ettwein, vice president of production and quality at Lockheed Martin Space. “We’ve partnered with MSU Denver’s engineering programs for more than a decade, and now we can use the expertise of other departments to advance a new era in space.” FALL 2 02 1 | RED MAGAZINE

WHAT KIDS CARRY

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BY MATT WATSON ILLUSTRATION BY PETER BOLLINGER

THE MAJORITY OF SCHOOLCHILDREN HAVE EXPERIENCED TRAUMA. SCHOOL OF EDUCATION GRADUATES RESPOND TO THE NEEDS OF TODAY’S STUDENTS THROUGH TRAUMAINFORMED PRACTICES. >

None of Stephanie Shufelt’s Air Force training prepared her for her toughest assignment in South Korea: working as a substitute teacher for the Department of Defense school system at Osan Air Base. After leaving active duty and her job as an F-16 tacticalaircraft maintainer, Shufelt took up teaching the children of military parents at Osan Elementary School, where she discovered a love for teaching — and the difficulty of working with children who have experienced trauma.

She remembers a friendly young student telling her that his mother was getting married for the third time, and when she responded positively, he said, “My dad put my mom through a table, and we left in the middle of the night. I haven’t seen my dad since.”

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Shufelt said she felt shocked and didn’t know how to handle the situation. “I remember wanting to cry for him, but he seemed unaffected — it was matter-of-fact for him,” she said. “I just remember that I was terrible in dealing with that.” Since returning stateside and enrolling at Metropolitan State University of Denver to pursue a degree in Elementary Education, Shufelt has earned a certificate in Trauma-Informed Practices, which MSU Denver’s School of Education has offered with nonprofit partner Resilient Futures since 2018. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than two-thirds of children report at least one traumatic event by age 16. “You don’t really know who is affected by (trauma),” Shufelt said. “It’s important as a teacher to know that it’s not the students’ fault and to try to help them from wherever they are and help them feel safe. And implementing these practices impacts all students, not just those with trauma.”

Dennyse Tejeda was finishing her yearlong teacher residency when the pandemic began, so the May 2020 alumna had to find a job and begin her first semester as a full-time teacher from home. Fortunately, her knowledge of trauma has helped her personally as much as it has helped her students. “I went through some trauma when I was young, and I never really sought help. It’s something that followed me into adulthood, and I still struggled dealing with something that happened in the past. I eventually got help, and I was able to close that chapter in my life,” she said. “These workshops have changed my life and been a great reminder of how I can make sure I am taking care of myself.” Teachers can also experience secondhand trauma from working with students, and the workshops encourage teachers to practice self-care. Tejeda, who teaches native Spanish-speakers in a thirdgrade English Language Acquisition class at Holm Elementary in Denver, said every teacher should complete Trauma-Informed Practices workshops. “They’ve really opened my eyes, not only to what trauma is, but how you approach that as a teacher,” she said. “Anything that has to do with trauma, people start getting wound up really quickly. This helps us slow down and handle it bit by bit, to take a step back.” Expanding the reach of TraumaInformed Practices training is one of many initiatives in the School of Education’s Office of Education Solutions. The community-facing office works toward solutions to the persistent problems faced by teachers, families and schools. The OES also includes efforts such as a Family Literacy Program, which provides books and reading support to low-income families; the Roadrunner Diversity Scholars Program, focused on resolving the lack of diversity in the teaching profession; and technology integration into classrooms to help teachers implement best practices in remote learning. Hinde said that the issues the School of Education is trying to alleviate are more urgent than ever. “We are at an inflection point in the history of education in this country,” she said. “We can do nothing and hope for the world to progress — allow technology to evolve with or without buy-in from schools, allow educators to work for salaries that don’t match their efforts or education, allow for unequal access to quality teaching and schools for underrepresented children — or we can decide to do something.”

“We have many more (teachers) in the pipeline who will be equipped to recognize and address trauma among schoolchildren, which we know is more essential than ever as we come out of the pandemic.” — SCHOOL OF EDUCATION DEAN ELIZABETH HINDE, PH.D.

More than 330 people have attended MSU Denver’s TraumaInformed Practices workshops, including 270 students or alumni, said School of Education Dean Elizabeth Hinde, Ph.D. There are four workshops open to School of Education faculty, staff, alumni and students, as well as their mentor teachers in local schools, and those who complete all four workshops earn a certificate from the University. “Many of our students who are currently teaching have the skills and knowledge that Trauma-Informed Practices provided them, and we have many more in the pipeline who will be equipped to recognize and address trauma among schoolchildren, which we know is more essential than ever as we come out of the pandemic,” Hinde said.

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“You don’t really know who is affected by trauma.”

AMANDA SCHWENGEL

— STEPHANIE SHUFELT

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“I want to help people achieve the American dream. Buying a home is a big step in that direction.” 12

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HOME-SCHOOLED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM TRAINS NEXT

By Dan Vaccaro

GENERATION OF HOME FINANCE ADVISORS AND DIVERSIFIES TALENT IN BOOMING COLORADO REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY.

AMANDA SCHWENGEL

< 2020 MSU Denver graduate Javier Diaz is the first apprentice at Gemtrago, a Denver-based home financing company. Diaz, who scored the industryleading apprenticeship through the University’s Classroom to Career Hub, is on his way to becoming a home finance advisor.

Trying to buy a house in Denver? Good luck. A June report from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors showed that home inventory dropped a record 20% from April to May, with just 2,075 houses on the market. Increased competition for those homes drove the average sale price to $623,279, up more than 26% from the same period in 2020. Javier Diaz, a 2020 Metropolitan State University of Denver graduate, sees that demand as an opportunity to serve as a guide for those navigating the competitive homebuying process. Diaz is the first-ever apprentice at Gemtrago, a Denver-based home financing company and subsidiary of Trelora Real Estate. As part of his yearlong apprenticeship, the 24-year-old will learn every aspect of the real estate business and, ultimately, become a home finance advisor.

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The apprenticeship program — developed by Gemtrago with support from Prosper CO, an affiliate of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, and MSU Denver’s College of Business and Classroom to Career Hub — also helps diversify the talent pool in the booming real estate workforce. “I want to help people achieve the American dream,” Diaz said. “Buying a home is a big step in that direction. I’m being prepared to walk people through the lending process.” Diaz is also building his own American dream. He was the first person in his family to graduate from college and is putting his Finance degree to work, while also developing skills to serve the community. Born and raised on Denver’s North Side, Diaz recalls watching people leave the neighborhood as a result of gentrification. As a child, he was curious about why some families left while others moved in. As a home finance advisor, he hopes to help families with sound advice on decisions that shape their future. PARTNERS IN THE TALENT PIPELINE

Dave Workman supports that ambition. The co-founder and chief operating officer of Trelora said Gemtrago’s goal is to make home financing simple, safe and less costly. He described the apprenticeship program as an extension of the company’s passion for tapping into diverse local communities. “We want to activate the talent in places close to home,” he said. “We are always looking for people who are humble, hungry and smart. We can teach them real estate.” In the early stages of program development, Workman turned to Lorena

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How the Hub helps MSU Denver’s Classroom to Career Hub is a revolutionary reimagining of what is possible when universities and industry leaders work together on career-focused education. STUDE N TS Provides access to personalized career planning and connections to industry through internships, jobs and more.

FAC ULTY Provides support in creating industry-relevant curricula and real-world learning experiences for students.

C2 Hub

IN DUSTRY Provides opportunities to network with students, faculty and alumni to address business needs and build workforce pipelines.

Partner up! MSU Denver’s Classroom to Career Hub is looking for industry partners to scale its impact. email : C2hub@msudenver.edu

Zimmer, director of strategic initiatives at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, for recommendations on finding apprentices. “One of Prosper CO’s primary goals is to move more people of color into better jobs,” Zimmer said, “because a diverse and inclusive workforce is a key to maintaining the state’s economic growth.” Zimmer said she immediately thought of MSU Denver as a partner because it is the most diverse university in the state and a Hispanic-Serving Institution. She connected Workman with the University’s Classroom to Career Hub. The C2 Hub is more than a traditional career center, said Maluwa Behringer, director of industry partnerships, in that it strengthens students’ academic and professional acumen through strategic partnerships with local industries to ensure an equitable future for all Coloradans. She described the C2 Hub’s work on the apprenticeship program as a case study for how her team develops mutually beneficial relationships among students, graduates and industry. “We are nimble and work to create a curated experience for industry partners to help meet their needs,” she said. YOU’RE HIRED

Diaz was selected from among 150 applicants. Candidates participated in an online assessment, which included creating a video presentation about homeownership. That was followed by in-person interviews with a panel. “I didn’t expect to be one of the top candidates,” Diaz said. “But I kept my interview genuine and gave my honest view of what experiences I had that could benefit the company.” Diaz started his full-time role as a home finance associate March 15 and spent his first weeks shadowing Workman, the Trelora COO. Diaz used remote tools to watch Workman conduct client interviews and reviewed those exchanges to understand clients’ questions and concerns. Workman said the unique industry-leading apprenticeship curriculum he developed is organized into

“The apprenticeship program is a solid way to develop and train talented young minds.” — DAVE WORKMAN, CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF TRELORA

four phases, all with the goal of teaching the ins and outs of the profession. By the fourth quarter, Diaz will be prepared to test for his loan officer’s license. “The apprenticeship program is a solid way to develop and train talented young minds,” Workman said. “But I also hope apprentices learn how owning a home builds generational wealth. Not only can they access that; they can help others do so too.” Workman expects the program, which recently received formal approval from Colorado’s Department of Labor, to grow in the near future. He said the company is pursuing funding to potentially take on two additional apprentices this year and could expand after that. Likewise, the University’s College of Business will launch a bachelor’s degree in Real Estate in fall 2022. Diaz wants to grow, too. He sees himself starting in residential real estate before potentially moving into commercial real estate. That is exactly the type of ambitious trajectory that MSU Denver’s C2 Hub, Prosper CO and Gemtrago envisioned when they established their partnership. “Not only is this a great job for Javier and a way to grow his career,” Behringer said, “but he is blazing the trail for the apprentices who will come behind him.”

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N P I LOT E M

K A T

L F E

T H IG

As global travel rebounds amid an aviator shortage, a new generation is poised to take its place in the cockpit.

hen Luca Mueller decided to pursue her passion for aviation, she hadn’t considered gender dynamics. The ratio of men to women in flight school, in particular, was a shock. “I felt pretty isolated, actually,” said Mueller, who just wrapped up the academic requirements for her Professional Flight Officer degree at Metropolitan State University of Denver this spring and is completing pilot training while looking for a job. Even at MSU Denver, where the percentage of female flight students in the Aviation and Aerospace Science Department outpaces the national

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AMANDA SCHWENGEL

by Amanda Miller

ILLUSTRATION BY IVAN BARANOV/ISTOCK IMAGES

Alumna Luca Mueller inspects her plane after a flight at Centennial Airport on May 26.

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AMANDA SCHWENGEL AMANDA SCHWENGEL

above and below: average, Mueller found the cohort MSU Denver in her flight curriculum to be a “hard aviation students at community to break into.” Centennial Airport Mueller’s experience is one on June 30. reason why the University’s Aviation program is committed to drawing more women students and faculty members, said Jeffrey Forrest, Ph.D., chair of MSU Denver’s Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science. The other is the need to train pilots to address the ongoing pilot shortage that he expects to be exacerbated as airlines recover rapidly from the pandemic downturn. More than half a million new pilots are expected to be needed globally over the next 20 years, with a postpandemic shortfall of 27,000 predicted for late 2021 alone. “I expect an even more severe shortage by the end of the year than was previously predicted,” Forrest said.

FACULTY FOCUS

The population of women flight students at MSU Denver is 18%, according to the most recent enrollment data. Nationally, women make up less than 14% of students enrolled in aviation programs, according to the most recent statistics published by the professional organization Women in Aviation International. One reason women’s enrollment at the University is on the rise is the quality of women faculty Forrest has brought on board. Two such instructors are Aerospace Science lecturer Erika Armstrong, author of “A Chick in the

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Cockpit: My Life Up in the Air,” and Dagmar Kress, coach of the MSU Denver Aerobatic Team. Kress taught Mueller’s first class at MSU Denver, which Mueller said was critical for her development in a maledominated cohort. Mueller said she appreciated the experience that women instructors were able to convey because of their lives in

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

MSU Denver Aviation students in search of inspiration can also look to President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., who began her career as an Air Force officer and cargo pilot. She was a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Squadron Officer School and was the first woman to fly the Air Force’s tactical C-130. “I was one of very few women in the country chosen for pilot training back then, so we’ve come a long way. But there’s still a long way to go, and I’m glad MSU Denver is leading on that front,” Davidson said. Mueller’s experience as a woman in a cohort dominated by men inspired her to step into leadership as well. In 2019, she restarted the department’s student chapter of Women in Aviation International, serving as president. She also led projects such as a membership drive at MSU Denver’s Aviation and Aero Career Symposium in September 2019, where 50 more female students joined the club. In March 2020, she was one of 12 MSU Denver club officers who attended WAI’s International Women in Aviation Conference in Florida. As she prepares to move into her career, club leadership is planning participation in future WAI Girls in Aviation Day events, in which girls ages 8 to 17 learn about careers in aviation, Mueller

MSU DENVER PHOTO ARCHIVE

aviation. It helped her understand the difference MSU Denver President Janine in pilot jobs that will be available to her. Davidson, Ph.D., Armstrong, who flies commercially, said poses for a “hero she tries to emphasize to students that the big shot” in her early airlines aren’t the only option. She said some days as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. women, in particular, are attracted to the growing sector of business aviation. Kress stopped flying for eight years when her kids were young. Travel schedules are especially tough on moms who are airline pilots. “Think of a plane to Australia,” Kress said. “A whole day there, a rest day or two and back — four days, just like that.” Local commuter airlines offer shorter hops, but pay and benefits are usually better at the big airlines, Kress added. As she prepares to enter the cockpit, Mueller said her dream job is “probably island-hopping, flying Gulfstreams on the side.” She’d happily go to work as an airline pilot, and she knows it’s a realistic goal thanks to her teachers and mentors and MSU Denver’s flight-simulation lab, which she said were a critical part of her education.

“I was one of very few women in the country chosen for pilot training back then, so we’ve come a long way.” — PRESIDENT JANINE DAVIDSON, PH.D.

said. It’s part of a larger plan for the club to inspire and recruit women to the industry before they get to college. For instance, the club is developing a program wherein women aviation students visit the high schools they graduated from to talk to girls about a career in aviation. “We want to let them know it’s really an option,” Mueller said.

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STO RY H A N N A W H I T E

P H OT O A LY S O N M c C L A R A N

TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA JaLisa Williams is breaking down the barriers between Black bodies and holistic spaces. SOULFLOWER EXPERIENCES TO Black people’s impediments to yoga, meditation PROVIDE SAFE, HOLISTIC SPACES and wellness classes include cost, music selection and the fact that instructors often don’t look like them FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR TO HEAL or share their experiences, she said. But the biggest THEIR BODIES AND MINDS. obstacle she sees blocking Black people from holistic spaces is the trauma in their bodies. “We need to learn how to breathe because we have not been offered that in the past,” said Williams, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science (2013) and a Master of Social Work (2016) from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She is the licensed clinical social worker, therapist, yogi and selfdescribed “badass” behind Soulflower Experiences, which provides safe spaces for people who are Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) to practice wellness. It is the realization of Williams’ dissertation for her Master of Social Work, in which she examined Black people’s access to holistic spaces. She is also an affiliate faculty member in the MSU Denver Department of Social Work, where she focuses on anti-oppressive pedagogy and creative modalities and last year developed the curriculum for the Centering Black Experiences in Social Work class. It’s exciting to teach and be around the University’s diverse, complex community, Williams said. “Those are my people. It just feels best here,” she said. As one of the few Black therapists in Denver, she is keenly aware of how the identity work she does with BIPOC and LGBTQ populations benefits from holistic practices such as yoga and mindfulness. “They come for the spiritual stuff and then think, ‘You know, it’s like we’re doing therapy now. Look at that,’” she said. The convergence of the public health crises of racism and Covid-19 over the past 18 months has added painful layers to the experiences of Black people and increased demand for trauma-informed therapy, Williams said. The starting point for healing is to return to the fundamentals. “Just breathe,” she said. “That’s all we have.” JALISA WILLIAMS FOUNDED

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S T O R Y M AT T WAT S O N

P H OT O A LY S O N M c C L A R A N

STEM EQUITY As a student in Metropolitan State University of Denver’s School of Education, Joe Schneiderwind co-authored a survey of academic literature that found just 25 peer-reviewed articles on students with disabilities in 20 years, or about 1% of the research on higher education. Likewise, the study showed that research on that student population has become less frequent over time, even as admission to college for students with disabilities has increased. For Schneiderwind, those findings — and potential solutions — are personal. Multiple sclerosis forced the former National Defense in Science and Engineering graduate fellow to leave his Ph.D. program in 2016. He decided instead to pursue his other passion: teaching math and science. “I always had it in the back of my head that teaching would be a good option,” said Schneiderwind, who earned his license from MSU Denver this past spring and will be teaching math at Rock Canyon High School this fall. Schneiderwind said studying the seismo-acoustic underwater environment of the Arctic Ocean for the U.S. Navy was simple compared with the physical act of writing out and publishing his findings, which involved complicated mathematical formulas. “I was figuring it all out myself,” he said. “I was completely unaware of what was available to help me do the programming and high-level computing that were necessary for me to do that type of work. That fits into the ‘invisibility’ piece that I’ve struggled with and am trying to change.” In his teaching career, Schneiderwind will rely heavily on voice-to-text computer programs, he said. Having completed much of his academic career prior to the onset of MS, he’s excited to bring his perspective to teaching and understands the importance of showing students that it’s possible for a person in his position to succeed professionally. Schneiderwind has presented his research on panels and talked about it in education publications, and he’s even conducted hands-on science experiments in his driveway for the children in his Castle Rock neighborhood to show that STEM is for everyone. “I sort of see the disability progression as a blessing in disguise because it did push me to a different path,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to teaching, and there is plenty of research to be done here as well.”

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JOE SCHNEIDERWIND HAS DEDICATED HIS CAREER TO TEACHING MATH AND SCIENCE — AND SHINING A LIGHT ON THE UNDERREPRESENTATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN STEM.

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S T O R Y LY N N E W I N T E R

P H OT O KC K R AT T

CRYSTAL CLEAR When researchers worldwide need a detailed view of deadly viruses, they turn to Sarah Bowman, Ph.D. The Metropolitan State University of Denver Chemistry alumna is director of the High-Throughput Crystallization Screening Center at the Hauptman-Woodward Institute in Buffalo, New York. The facility specializes in crystallizing proteins in viruses to reveal otherwise-invisible structures that help scientists develop treatments for infectious diseases. “We’re really the only place outside of pharmaceutical companies with the capability for high-throughput screening and imaging — a specialized operation sampling different chemical conditions to see which will produce crystals,” she said. The center has served as an epicenter for studies of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, since the onset of the pandemic. In fact, within days of New York’s March 2020 lockdown, Bowman was contacted by biologists who wanted to send her lab proteins for crystallization. Crystallizing virus proteins — its vehicle for replication — is “simple,” Bowman said. Once those proteins are crystallized, X-rays reveal their latticework patterns that can then be translated into three-dimensional structures. “If you know the structure of a protein, you can see where a drug will bind itself or compare its diseased and healthy states,” Bowman said. While today she is on the vanguard of Covid research, it wasn’t long ago that Bowman wasn’t into science. In fact, she avoided it altogether while earning a dual degree in English and Women’s Studies from Cornell College, she said. Bowman credits MSU Denver and a General Chemistry class with Professor Emeritus Milton Wieder for helping her discover the wonders of the field. After graduating in 2005 with a B.S. in Chemistry, she earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Rochester in 2010. She completed two postdoctoral fellowships before landing at the High-Throughput Crystallization Screening Center in 2017. “One of the nice things about MSU Denver is that it allows you to go back and reexperience something else,” she said. “You realize you can completely change the course of your life.”

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SARAH BOWMAN’S WORK GIVES SCIENTISTS AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT DEADLY VIRUSES.

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S T O R Y LY N N E W I N T E R

P H OT O S A M A N D A S C H W E N G E L

DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY Anita Kudasik spent her childhood immersed in the ANITA KUDASIK hospitality industry. Her parents, Polish immigrants TRANSFORMED HER who came to Colorado in 1991, are longtime hoteliers in Salida. TOWN’S WORN-OUT Kudasik followed in their footsteps in 2018 MOTOR LODGE INTO A when she opened her own Salida spot while she STYLISH MOUNTAIN STAY. was still completing her Hotel Management degree in Metropolitan State University of Denver’s School of Hospitality. With graduation still a year off, she was presented with a unique opportunity: The retiring owner of Salida’s American Classic Inn asked her family if they wanted to purchase the property. With her parents’ support, Kudasik bought the motel that May, and she and her boyfriend, Ralph Fish, moved back to Salida to operate it. Over the next year, Kudasik made the six-hour round-trip drive to and from Denver each week to finish college while she and Fish reimagined the motel. “(It) was in disarray — probably about six months away from being deemed uninhabitable,” she said. “It had great bones but needed a lot of love.” Replacing the roof, windows, doors and insulation in all 20 rooms during that first season — late spring through late fall — left nothing extra for cosmetic renovations and forced Kudasik to keep room rates low. But following her second season, the hotel brought in enough revenue to begin renovations. Then, the pandemic struck. In March 2020, Chaffee County Public Health closed all lodging for leisure purposes in Salida, which crushed the economy of the tourism-dependent town. Hotels that remained open for essential workers created a tight-knit community that navigated the pandemic restrictions. They also helped the health department develop a plan for welcoming back tourists. Now deep into the current summer season, Kudasik is optimistic. Renovations are complete, and she continues to improve the guest experience. Kudasik said her time at MSU Denver prepared her well. “I’d been in one of the culinary classes thinking, ‘I don’t need this,’” she said. “Now, when I’m taking care of guests during breakfast service, I’m glad I have that knowledge.”

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ROAD RUNNERS

1970

1995

2013

2014

JOHN GURZO

ALAN RENCH

KRISTOFER CASTELLANES

PATRICK GRUBER

(B.A. History, ’70) is retired after a career that included working as the head baseball coach for Stockton University until 2002 and as director of the communitydevelopment department with the Borough of Red Bank in New Jersey. A member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America for many years, he remains actively engaged in the great outdoors.

(B.S. Biology, ’95) is a retired teacher of secondary science and math with a master’s degree from Walden University. After teaching for 21 years, he recently retired to northern Wisconsin with plans to tutor secondary and postsecondary science and math students seeking mastery of those subjects.

(B.S. Human Services, ’13) has been working for three years with Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners and the Colorado Crisis and Support Line as a crisis/opioid specialist. He said he is grateful for the amazing professors at MSU Denver who taught him everything he needs to succeed.

Fond farewell Cathy Lucas, who helped transform rate for undocumented students. Metropolitan State University of Denver “Cathy made great from a regional college into a renowned contributions to MSU Denver over urban university, stepped down July 1 two decades,” Davidson said. “She after 22 years. was integral to the growth of our The former vice president of brand from ‘college’ to ‘university’ STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATIONS Strategy and External Affairs served and, through her work on our CHIEF HELPED RAISE MSU Denver since 1999, leading strategic plan, positioned us for THE UNIVERSITY’S communication strategy and helping the next level.” PROFILE AND LAUNCHED shepherd the University’s trajectory Leading the award-winning AN AWARD-WINNING under Presidents Stephen A. Jordan, Strategy, Marketing and STORYTELLING Ph.D., and Janine Davidson, Ph.D. Communications team was a PLATFORM. “I started 2021 with two words: source of pride for Lucas. The refresh and recalibrate,” Lucas said. “Emerging from team has been recognized for its innovative branda global pandemic, losing my mom and caring for journalism approach and was named the 2019 my 89-year-old dad, I was pushed to slow down. As Public Relations Team of the Year by the Public a result, I reflected on the many great experiences Relations Society of America Colorado Chapter. I’ve had here and what could be next for me.” She also served as publisher of RED Magazine. During her tenure, Lucas led numerous Lucas was honored among the 2019 Denver policy and public affairs initiatives, including the Business Journal Outstanding Women in Business changing of the school’s name, gaining legislative — Communications and Media and the 2018 approval to add master’s degrees and securing Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce funding for capital projects. She also guided the Top 25 Most Powerful Women. She also received communication strategy when the University the 2017 PRSA Colorado Public Relations Person offered its now-lauded in-state resident tuition of the Year award.

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(B.S. Hospitality, ’14) and his wife, Kara, are the owners of Beachfront Foods, a Denver-based, islandthemed company. A food lover since childhood, Gruber launched the mission-driven business in 2020, making sustainable and delicious sauces and seasonings as well as merchandise available online and in select locations around the city.

2015

(B.A. Journalism, ’15) is a competitive snowboarder, a life coach at Highest Power Brands, a marketer with H² Marketing and the co-founder of NU Food, a source of tasty and healthy plant-based snacks. She has also partnered with Pivot 2 Power, a networking platform for women to showcase their power and educate, connect and empower women in the community. FRANCESCA SMITH

2020

(B.A. English, ’20) is proud to announce the publication of his debut novel “Predeceased Ascension,” which he worked on writing during his free time as an MSU Denver student. He said he is grateful to his professors in the Department of English for their guidance. LUKE KOVALCIK

IN MEMORY

Heart of a Roadrunner Faculty & Staff

BRAD KAPLAN IS DEDICATED TO THE FUTURE OF MSU DENVER.

By Lynne Winter

professor emeritus, died April 10 at age 86. Johnson worked at MSU Denver for more than 30 years as a professor of Physical Education and coach before retiring in 1999. Hired in 1968, Johnson founded the volleyball program that year. As coach, she led the team to three top-10 national finishes in the old Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and a third-place finish in the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics. Johnson was also the Roadrunners softball coach from 1969-81, apart from two seasons, and a member of the first class of the MSU Denver Athletics Hall of Fame. She was a pioneer in women’s athletics who dedicated her life to fighting for equity in sports.

ALYSON McCLARAN

PAT R. JOHNSON,

Brad Kaplan arrived on Metropolitan State University of Denver’s doorstep broke and disheartened. Frustrated by his initial college experience as a nameless face packed into overflowing lecture halls, Kaplan followed a friend’s lead and transferred to MSU Denver. “On my first day, I knew it was the right place,” he said. “Professors like Russell Bean (Accounting) were always there to make sure I was on the right path.” When Kaplan was a student, his on-campus activities included little more than attending classes and joining friends for a beer at the Mercantile or Soapy Smith’s Eagle Bar. After graduating in 1982 with a B.S. in Accounting, he stayed loosely connected to the University by contributing to scholarships. Then, a chance meeting with Ann Murphy, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business, in the 1990s brought him back to the nest. “Ann asked me to join the College of Business Dean Advisory Council, and even when I moved to Oregon, she called to get my input,” he said. “It allowed me to use my business knowledge to provide direction and help MSU Denver grow.” Upon retiring as vice president of financial operations and strategy at Comcast in 2017, Kaplan decided to occupy his newfound free time by indulging his passion for education. Based on his experience volunteering for short interviews with Intro to Business students, Kaplan recognized an opportunity to connect alumni and students. “Thirty minutes is not enough time. So many students and mentors want a longer connection,” he said. Supported by Alumni Relations and the

Classroom to Career Hub, Kaplan created a College of Business mentoring program he hopes will eventually serve the entire University. This year, if the program has enough alumni mentors, as many as 100 students will be matched — up from 30 last year. For over 30 years, Kaplan has stayed engaged by supporting Women’s Softball, establishing a planned gift, guest lecturing and now talking to state representatives about higher-ed funding as a member of MSU Denver Champions. “There are so many opportunities to get involved,” he said. “The University will find a fit if you express interest.” These days, Kaplan is eager to return to campus and give back to the community he loves in person. “When I got married two months before graduating from college, I had nothing,” he said. “I’ve gone on to have a successful career and a great life. My experience at the University taught me how to think, grow and work with other people. It gave me a wonderful foundation. “My heart is at MSU Denver.”

Former MSU Denver faculty member ISABEL MAKE died April 2 at age 73. Make joined the Roadrunner community in 1991, serving students in the reading lab with her breadth of expertise in lifelong learning. In retirement, she was an avid volunteer who served on the Greenwood Village Arts Council and helped establish a dedicated youth arts space at the Curtis Center for the Arts. Known for her spirited views, sharp insight and keen wit, Make was an active member of Temple Emanuel in Denver, rarely

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IN MEMORY

missing a Friday night Shabbat service despite her ailing health. Emeritus Foundation Board member HENRY L. STRAUSS died April 8 at age 93. He was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1927, and his family left Germany for Spain in 1933 as Hitler took power. They immigrated to New York in 1937 and came to Denver in 1939. Strauss graduated from East High School and then the School of Pharmacy at the University of Colorado Boulder. In 1955, he opened Strauss Realty. He was active in politics and community organizations, including the Rotary Club and the Council on Foreign Relations. He served on the MSU Denver Foundation Board for 22 years and established the Guldman-Strauss Endowed Scholarship to support Integrative Therapeutic Practices students. He loved to see the world and continued to travel into his 80s. MSU Denver staff member JAMES (JIM) VANDERHYE died Jan. 30 at age 77. Spanning a 19-year career at the University, Vanderhye started in 1969 as business manager, held multiple director positions and was ultimately promoted to associate vice president for Business and Finance. After retiring from MSU Denver in 1989, he served five years as

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vice president for Administrative Services at Mesa State College in Grand Junction. The highlight of Vanderhye’s professional career was his role overseeing MSU Denver’s campus move from its old location on 14th Street to the Auraria Campus.

Alumni & Students (B.A. Individualized Degree Program, ’16) died March 19 at age 31. After graduating from MSU Denver, Balistreri went on to earn several sommelier certifications and worked as a wine buyer. In recent years, he was an integral part of Balistreri Vineyards in Denver, where he used his knowledge, skills and palate to help his family make the best wine possible. Balistreri had a passion for natural wine, philosophy and travel and will be remembered for his quick wit, handsome smile, generous spirit and sensitive soul. MASON BALISTRERI

(B.S. Computer and Management Science, ’83) died Dec. 16 at age 74. In addition to his degree from MSU Denver, he received a B.A. in History from the University of Colorado. The longtime resident of Norfolk, Virginia, lived near the waterfront and was employed by the Port of Norfolk as a computer programmer. His family said Brush was a skilled chess player, poker player, boatman, Scrabble cheater FREDERICK BRUSH

and illustrator whose idea of an exceptionally good time was fishing and catching fish. (B.S. Finance, ’02) died Jan. 5 at age 49. After graduating from MSU Denver, Christy earned an M.Ed. at the University of Montana and realized his lifelong dream of becoming a middle school teacher in 2006. After six years, he became a principal at a K-8 school but ultimately returned to teaching, his real passion. A dedicated father, Christy and his wife, Terri, loved spending time camping, fishing and rafting with their three boys in Montana’s great outdoors. JASON CHRISTY

(B.S. Human Services, ’12) died at age 46. Combs was a curious, creative and caring person who embraced each day of his journey with humor and determination. After graduating from MSU Denver, he engaged his passion for serving others by working with young people at Colorado Youth at Risk and the Sims-Fayola Foundation, as president of the resident council in his apartment complex and through ministry. Combs was committed to his family and loved playing video games and coloring with his nieces. His mother will miss hearing him say, “I love you, Mom.” CHRISTOPHER COMBS

MSU Denver Psychology major SARAH MONDRAGON died April 14 at age 25. Mondragon loved

being with her family; she was proud to be called “Auntie” and was the master planner for family game night and murder-mystery dinners. Known for her beautiful smile and kind heart, she will be sorely missed by everyone who was blessed to have her in their lives. (B.S. Accounting, ’83) died Jan. 26 at age 67. After graduating from Bowling Green State University and MSU Denver, Peake worked for several years as a CPA. Over the years, life took her around the country and the world, from McKinney, Texas, to London and numerous other destinations. In 2006, Peake took the first of many genealogical courses, eventually achieving professional status. Her passion for genealogy made her appreciate her extended family and chosen friends even more. At the time of her passing, Peake was still volunteering twice a week at the Uniontown Public Library, helping others research their family trees. JOAN PEAKE

(B.A. History, ’00) died April 20 at age 45. Sees was a dedicated teacher who taught history and social studies in the Fort Morgan area. An avid sports enthusiast who was always cheering for his favorite teams — the Denver Broncos and Boston Red Sox — he translated his lifelong passion for sports into coaching high school football. Throughout his career, Sees was frequently mentioned as a favorite teacher and coach. MATTHEW SEES

W AY S

Support for your next career move

MSU DENVER’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CAN HELP YOU JUMP-START YOUR POSTPANDEMIC WORKING LIFE.

By Dan Vaccaro

Roadrunners are resilient. But the pandemic still knocked some of us off course in our careers. You might have lost a job. Or you couldn’t find the right job. Or maybe you’ve decided you want to change careers altogether. Whatever the case, Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Alumni Association can help. Here are seven ways to access support and get back on track with your career goals:

Explore jobs and internships, RSVP for career events and share your résumé with employers. Sign up or log in: msudenver-csm.symplicity.com. CAREER LINK

PERSONALIZED CAREER COACHING

Meet with alumni career counselor Jane Grogan, whose services include résumé and cover-letter review, job-search strategies, interview skills and inventory assessments. Schedule an appointment: msudenveralumni. as.me/careercoaching.

ROADRUNNER ADVISOR NETWORK

Connect with experienced professionals, most of whom are alumni, for career conversations, résumé critiques and mock interviews. Job seekers of all ages and levels are welcome. Sign up: msudenver.firsthand.co/login.

Access a digital library of more than 6,000 skill-building courses. Learn more: msudenver.edu/alumni/ career-support/#featured-support. LINKEDIN LEARNING

Join a group of alumni, students and friends of the University who share common interests and experiences. Whether in person or virtually, Roadrunner Networks span all academic majors, graduating classes, regions and professions, and reflect a remarkable diversity of concerns and activities. The groups provide networking opportunities, professional development and resource-sharing. Learn more: msudenver.edu/ alumni/participate/affinity-groups. ALUMNI AFFINITY GROUPS

This forthcoming program, in partnership with the University’s Classroom to Career Hub, will connect alumni based on industry affiliation. Stay tuned for info on events starting this fall. Alumni can already attend all hiring events hosted by the C2 Hub. INDUSTRY NETWORKS

BONUS: MSU DENVER’S SKILLS LAB

Choose from a curated group of short online labs designed to prepare you to quickly step back into Denver’s high-growth industries. Learn more: msudenver.edu/skillslab.

Meet other alumni each quarter to grow as a professional and enhance your business relationships. Get involved: msudenver.edu/alumni/#getinvolved.

KINGWIN/ISTOCK IMAGES

ALUMNI NETWORKING GROUP

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MSU DENVER ALUMNA BREE DAVIES DISHES ON HER NEW 15-MINUTE DAILY PODCAST ‘CITY CAST DENVER.’

Big conversations in small bites Bree Davies and her team recently launched “City Cast Denver,” a podcast that provides in-depth conversation in bite-size portions on local topics in arts, culture and politics. It’s the next step in the creative journey for Davies, a 2007 Journalism graduate from Metropolitan State University of Denver and longtime writer for Denver Westword. She is also the co-founder of the Titwrench Collective, a group focused on music and arts from underrepresented communities, and hosts the podcast “Hello? Denver? Are You Still There?” What role is “City Cast Denver” filling in the media landscape? There’s been a lot of reformatting of radio programming in general to meet audiences where they are, so we’re coming to it from a daily news podcast angle. Our team asks, “What can we put into 15 minutes to give our listeners a general understanding of news beyond the headlines?” That helps people be a little more informed about what’s going on in their world, with the ability to dig deeper if they’d like.

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BY CORY PHARE

AMANDA SCHWENGEL

Q&A

Have an idea for a story? DROP @CITYCASTDENVER A LINE ON TWITTER!

What does hosting this podcast mean to you? It’s an incredible opportunity to hold these conversations. The plan is to create something for everyone, whether you’ve lived in Denver for six months or six generations. I don’t subscribe to the “transplant vs. native” narrative; I was born and raised here, but I’m not Indigenous. All of us, however, have a need to feel rooted in the city we share today. What was your path to and through MSU Denver? It took me about a decade to get my diploma. I was balancing a lot of personal elements and didn’t want the “traditional” college experience. MSU Denver gave me the freedom to explore what I wanted to do and become who I wanted to be. How would you describe the “Denver style” when it comes to arts and music? We’ve been called the “Queen City Wasteland”; we’re not isolated, but we also don’t have the same established legacy or blueprint of places like Chicago, New York or New Orleans. That results in a sense of freedom of experimentation to be as wild or weird as you want without constraint.

Hats off to Roadrunner grads

ALYSON McCLARAN

Spring graduates celebrated the completion of their degrees during a challenging year at the “Paint the Town Red” event May 4-5. After the Covid-19 pandemic forced the previous two Commencement ceremonies to be held virtually, this spring 2021 on-campus experience gave graduates the chance to walk across the stage and have their name announced, with professional photographers there to capture the special moment. The event was held outside at the Assembly Athletic Complex to comply with public health regulations. The University also invited graduates from 2020 to participate. A virtual Commencement ceremony also took place May 14.

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