A little rain didn’t stop more than 650 members of the Metropolitan State University of Denver community from gathering Tuesday for this year’s Howdy Rowdy BBQ — a fusion of the Spring Update and the annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation event. With barbecue served up by senior leaders, line dancing in the Jordan Student Success Building and friendly conversations all around, the event honored the people and progress that define what it means to be a Roadrunner.
The Howdy Rowdy BBQ took place inside JSSB and on the lawn on May 6, 2025. Photo by Alyson McClaran
The Howdy Rowdy BBQ took place inside JSSB and on the lawn on May 6, 2025. Photo by Alyson McClaran
The Howdy Rowdy BBQ took place inside JSSB and on the lawn on May 6, 2025. Photo by Alyson McClaran
The Howdy Rowdy BBQ took place inside JSSB and on the lawn on May 6, 2025. Photo by Alyson McClaran
The Howdy Rowdy BBQ took place inside JSSB and on the lawn on May 6, 2025. Photo by Alyson McClaran
The Howdy Rowdy BBQ took place inside JSSB and on the lawn on May 6, 2025. Photo by Alyson McClaran
The Howdy Rowdy BBQ took place inside JSSB and on the lawn on May 6, 2025. Photo by Alyson McClaran
MSU Denver employees duck out of the rain and into line dancing inside the Jordan Student Success Building. Photo by Alyson McClaran
MSU Denver employees enjoyed custom-made BBQ-themed cookies. Photo by Alyson McClaran
President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., opened the event with a powerful reflection on how far the University has come in the past nine months. Framing her remarks around the idea of “fueling the flywheel,” she celebrated tangible wins, including:
- A 6% increase in undergraduate enrollment.
- A 4% increase in graduate enrollment.
- Sustained state funding despite a challenging budget landscape.
- Over $78 million in philanthropic support raised through the launch of the University’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, Roadrunners Rise.
Davidson shared heartfelt stories during the Career Catalyst Awards and reminded attendees of the transformational impact MSU Denver educators have on students’ lives. Faculty members such as Suree Towfighnia and Krista Richards were honored for going beyond instruction, offering mentorship, encouragement and guidance that help students see their full potential.
In addition to recognizing these impactful educators, the event celebrated the dedicated service of faculty and staff members who have contributed years — and in some cases, decades — of commitment to the MSU Denver community. Standouts included:
- Sam Ng, professor of Meteorology, honored for 20 years of service.
- Chris Randell, professor of Psychological Sciences, who has served the University for an impressive 30 years.
Provost Matt Makley, Ph.D., joined the celebration with a call for unity and collaboration, urging faculty and staff members to embrace the road ahead together.
“Look to your left and your right — these are your colleagues, your teammates and your partners in this important work,” Makley said. “Our path forward requires all of us working together.”
Makley also discussed a renewed effort by MSU Denver to elevate and celebrate faculty excellence, now and into the next academic year.
“Through intentional storytelling, we’ll be highlighting your dedication, innovation and impact,” he said. “Your work will be celebrated and recognized as the heart of what makes MSU Denver distinctive and exceptional.”
“Overall, the Howdy Rowdy BBQ is more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful reminder of the CADRE values that unite us,” said Jessica Fernandez, senior director of University Events, whose team worked diligently to ensure a successful event, rain or shine. “Rooted in Community, Access, Diversity, Respect and Excellence, the event reaffirms our collective commitment to the work that propels MSU Denver forward.”
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