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Awards and Achievements

Alumni Association recognizes distinguished graduates

Homecoming office-decorating contest and alumni award luncheon highlight Roadrunner spirit.

The Metropolitan State University of Denver Alumni Association wants to thank everyone who participated in Homecoming 2023: Running Through History.  

This year’s office-decorating contest was a tremendous success, with 11 offices participating. Human Resources and Campus Recreation tied for third place, the School of Education took second place, and first place went to … drumroll … University Communications and Marketing.  

For its outstanding Roadrunner spirit, UCM wins a trophy and an office party at the Roadrunners Athletics contest of their choice, with access to the VIP hospitality suite, including food and beverages.

Homecoming concluded with the Alumni Awards Luncheon, celebrating Roadrunner excellence and this year’s award winners.

Distinguished Alumna of the Year

General Laura J. Richardson, ’86, is a U.S. Army four-star general and commander of the U.S. Southern Command. Over her career, Richardson has commanded the Company and the Theater Army levels. Her awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster) and Bronze Star Medal, among others.

Alumni Philanthropists of the Year 

Michael, ’72, and Rachella Seeley attended MSU Denver (then Metropolitan State College) in the 1970s and have supported various programs and scholarships for over 30 years. Last year, they established the Seeley Family Foundation Scholarship, providing scholarships to Mathematics majors, Nursing majors and student-athletes. 

Alumni Co-Volunteers of the Year

Adama Maia Evans-Segree, ’08, comes from an academic environment with over 11 years of experience working on the Anschutz Medical Campus. She is a member of the Colorado Black Library Association and a co-founder of the MSU Denver Black Alumni Network, serves on the MSU Denver Alumni Board of Directors and immerses herself in service to her community.

Hadiya Evans, ’07, is a librarian with over 15 years in the field and the supervisor of a neighborhood branch of the Denver Public Library. She is the president of the Colorado Black Library Association and is involved in supporting and growing the newly minted MSU Denver Black Alumni Network.

Alumni Campus Employee of the Year

Garrett Chism, ’06, is a dedicated health care leader with 30 years of experience and the director of the Master of Health Administration program. Chism participates in local, regional and national health care administration groups, works as a paramedic for the STAR (Support Team Assisted Response) Program in Denver and volunteers as an advisory board member for the Denver Medical Study Group and more.

For more information, contact Brandi Rideout, senior director of Alumni Engagement and executive director of the Alumni Association.