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Workplace Experience

PHOTOS: Employees, campus evolution cheered at Howdy Rowdy BBQ

Over 600 Roadrunner colleagues celebrated a year marked by student success, infrastructure growth and fundraising.

Ben Lasseter and Alyson McClaran

Despite a chilly rain, colleagues at last week’s Howdy Rowdy BBQ celebrated a year of progress powered by Metropolitan State University of Denver staff, faculty and student employees. 

Attendees outside the Jordan Student Success Building donned blue and red bandanas as they lined up for barbecue dishes served by University leaders and filled dozens of tables. Upbeat tunes by bluegrass band Timber! kept the atmosphere festive despite the wet and unseasonably chilly weather, reminiscent of the inaugural event in 2025.

Two MSU Denver employees preparing barbecue plates and adding sauce during the Spring 2026 Howdy Rowdy BBQ event at the JSSB Lawn.

MSU Denver faculty and staff gather for the Spring 2026 Howdy Rowdy BBQ on May 5 at the JSSB Lawn. Photo by Alyson McClaran.

MSU Denver faculty and staff serving food to attendees during the Spring 2026 Howdy Rowdy BBQ event at the JSSB Lawn.

MSU Denver faculty and staff gather for the Spring 2026 Howdy Rowdy BBQ on May 5 at the JSSB Lawn. Photo by Alyson McClaran.

Two MSU Denver community members posing with the Rowdy mascot outdoors during the Spring 2026 Howdy Rowdy BBQ event at the JSSB Lawn.

MSU Denver faculty and staff gather for the Spring 2026 Howdy Rowdy BBQ on May 5 at the JSSB Lawn. Photo by Alyson McClaran.

Three MSU Denver community members smiling at a picnic table inside a tent during the Spring 2026 Howdy Rowdy BBQ event at the JSSB Lawn.

MSU Denver faculty and staff gather for the Spring 2026 Howdy Rowdy BBQ on May 5 at the JSSB Lawn. Photo by Alyson McClaran.

Woman wearing a cowboy hat and western-style outfit speaking into a microphone during an outdoor spring BBQ event under a tent.

President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., addresses faculty and staff at the Spring 2026 Howdy Rowdy BBQ on May 5 at the JSSB Lawn. Photo by Alyson McClaran.

A group of MSU Denver faculty and staff posing with western-themed props in front of a decorated photo backdrop during the Spring 2026 Howdy Rowdy BBQ event.

MSU Denver faculty and staff gather for the Spring 2026 Howdy Rowdy BBQ on May 5 at the JSSB Lawn. Photo by Alyson McClaran.

Two MSU Denver community members posing with western-themed photo props in front of a balloon backdrop during the Spring 2026 Howdy Rowdy BBQ event.

MSU Denver faculty and staff gather for the Spring 2026 Howdy Rowdy BBQ on May 5 at the JSSB Lawn. Photo by Alyson McClaran.

Woman in western attire posing with the MSU Denver Roadrunner mascot during a spring BBQ event outdoors.

President Davidson poses with mascot Rowdy at the Spring 2026 Howdy Rowdy BBQ on May 5 at the JSSB Lawn. Photo by Alyson McClaran.

President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., thanked the University Events team for accommodating the weather and thanked all employees for supporting the University mission. She highlighted challenges, including the past year’s state budget, concerning news headlines and federal environment, and leadership changes, crediting those who met the moment for their perseverance. 

In particular, she highlighted the Roadrunners Rise fundraising campaign, which exceeded its $100 million goal, and the start of construction on the 12-story Summit House building, aquatic center renovation and Day Health Institute Tower.  

Davidson also praised faculty and staff for supporting students and meeting or exceeded all top-line strategic plan success metrics in 2025-26. The year set new standards, especially for first-time full-time students, for whom fall-to-fall retention was the highest ever at 69%. The University’s four-year graduation rate was its highest since the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System began tracking. 

A complete photo gallery is available, and the University Events team invites attendees to provide feedback in support of future events. 

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