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Awards and Achievements

Meet the final Roadrunner Shoutout Award winners of the semester

A Political Science professor, student-success coach and Writing Center stalwart earn the award.

Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Roadrunner Shoutout series highlights the excellent and important work happening at all levels of the University. Each person nominated exemplifies MSU Denver’s core values of community, access, diversity, respect and excellence (CADRE). Winners are recognized at the monthly President’s Cabinet meeting.  

Faculty winner 

Andrew Thangasamy, Ph.D., professor, Political Science 

Nominated by Kristen Sherman, a student in Political Science, 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. 

Staff winner  

Jesus Yañez Ruiz, student success coach with Pathways to Possible 

Nominated by JT Kendall, student success coach, who wrote: 

Staff Roadrunner shoutout winnerJesus 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. 

Student Employee  

Louie Pinkerton, a lead in the Writing Center and recent graduate 

Nominated by Elizabeth Kleinfield, Writing Center director, who wrote:

Student employee Roadrunner shoutout winnerLouie, 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!