Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week series highlights the excellent and important work happening at all levels of the University. Nominations are still being accepted and encouraged, especially for faculty members and student employees.
This week, the series celebrates inspirational members of the University community.
“This has been such a busy and exciting week in the Athletics world, so it was nice to be reminded of all the great work happening on other parts of the MSU Denver campus,” said Todd Thurman, director of Athletics, who selected this week’s winners. “Based on the nominations I was privileged to read, there are so many champions at MSU Denver.”
Staff winner — Jessica Ovitz, academic-program coordinator, Biology
Nominated by Sheryl Zajdowicz, Ph.D., professor and chair of Biology, who wrote:
“Jessica is the epitome of the Roadrunner spirit. She is one of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals with whom I’ve had the great fortune to work. Jessica goes above and beyond to support our department. She is a team –player whose positive can-do attitude is energetic and uplifting. She consistently demonstrates a commitment to inclusive excellence. Through respectful, empathetic, and engaging interactions, Jessica strives to foster positive working relationships with faculty, staff, and students not only within our department but also across the uUniversity. She takes initiative and perseveres in completing every task and aims to ensure that everyone is provided with/directed to necessary resources or information they require to be successful. We are truly thankful to have Jessica as an integral part of our team!”
Thank you, Jessica, for bringing your A-game to MSU Denver. Your contributions to your department are so valuable and appreciated.
Student-employee winner — Natalya Sanchez, budget assistant, in University Marketing and Communications
Nominated by Jacque Williams, director of operations, UCM, in University Marketing and Communications, who wrote:
“Natalya is the budget rock of the University Marketing and Communications office. She has been working in our office for many, many years. And, due to circumstances, Natalya has gone from student assistant to admin assistant and back to student assistant as she has navigated her own zig–zaggy path to get her degree.”
“I admire Natalya so much for making her family a priority. When her grandpa needed some extra care, she took the opportunity to provide it, but she also keeps coming back to her studies and her degree. She takes advantage of her time on campus and her time at home. We can always count on her.”
“Natalya is known as the person who can untangle and manage the very complex world of budgets, to include advertising, marketing, public relations and operations for the University, under the leadership of UCM, under the President‘’s oOffice. Her years of experience help us maneuver through the state systems, using the things she has learned as a student.”
“I appreciate Natalya, as I know our whole team does, and we support her path to graduation and doing what makes her passionate! Thank you, Natalya.”
Natalya, budget is a huge and critical responsibility, and your ability to navigate and manage these sometimes-complicated tasks is so admirable. Thank you for your dedication to MSU Denver.
Currently there are no faculty nominees, but thank you to all faculty members who continue to go above and beyond to serve students and create valuable learning experiences.
To nominate a faculty member or any other member of the University’s employee community for the Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week award, please complete the form. 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.