MSU Denver and Auraria Campus will be closed Friday, Nov. 8, due to inclement weather.

Each month, President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., honors employees who are making an impact through great teaching, service to students or innovation in their respective areas. Launched in September 2020, the Roadrunner Shoutout is a celebration of the extraordinary work happening every day across the University.

To nominate outstanding employees for the Roadrunner Shoutout award, please complete this form. Describe how the nominee is making an impact through great teaching, service to students or innovation. Winners will be selected each month and invited to receive the award in person at the President’s Cabinet meeting, followed by a feature in the Early Bird and a shoutout on social media.

Louie Pinkerton receiving the Roadrunner Shoutout from President Davidson Jesus Yañez Ruiz receiving the Roadrunner Shoutout from President Davidson Professor Andrew Thangasamy receiving the Roadrunner Shoutout from President Davidson

Student-employee winner: Louie Pinkerton, a lead in the Writing Center and recent graduate Nominated by Elizabeth Kleinfield, Writing Center director, who wrote:   Louie, who graduated last week, has demonstrated a commitment to growth, social justice, and the empowerment of oppressed and marginalized populations. Louie has been an employee in the Writing Center since 2018, progressing from peer consultant to professional consultant and member of the leadership team. I receive feedback regularly from their peers that Louie’s advice, listening skills, and compassion empowered others to become stronger consultants. Additionally, Louie learned about a Mellon Foundation grant that they thought would be appropriate for the Writing Center. With very light support from me, they spearheaded writing and submitting a proposal for a writing and disability justice center, which has made it through two application rounds!  

Staff winner: Jesus Yañez Ruiz, student success coach with Pathways to Possible Nominated by JT Kendall, student success coach, who wrote:  Jesus has been an exemplary colleague and a fantastic coach, helping build Pathways to Possible into a program that has served over 500 students. He maintains a caseload of more than 100 students, and he helps each of them get to the root of their hopes and challenges and make the most of their time in college. He also brings out the best in other coaches, challenging us to cultivate a welcoming and equitable space. Finally, he creates great workshop material and has helped with MSU Denver Family Engagement efforts, building closer ties to Arrupe Jesuit High School."

Faculty winner: Andrew Thangasamy, Professor of Political Science Nominated by Kristen Sherman, a student in Political Science, who wrote: "Professor Thangasamy goes beyond the textbook and provides lectures and readings that help students understand complex material. He makes himself available and provides excellent feedback on assignments. I have had health challenges this semester and Professor Thangasamy has shown a great deal of empathy and understanding that has made me feel seen and heard, including making sure I am doing well outside of class work. It is so refreshing to have a professor that encourages a student to do their best."

Past recipients of the Roadrunner Shoutout

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