Tuesday, December 7, 2010

IWSS faculty Jacqueline St. Joan publishes novel


Award- winning writer and editor, lawyer and Metro State adjunct faculty member, Jacqueline St. Joan recently published her first novel, My Sisters Made of Light. This is a fictional account of the extraordinary courage of ordinary women living in the closed society that is contemporary Pakistan. It explores the country’s myriad cultures—from the mystical Sindhis in the South to the noble Pathans in the Northwest Province, the Punjabis in the East and the Balochis of the West.

“This novel is a means for Western readers to learn about Pakistan in a broad sense and at the same time relish the story of a hero's journey, a love outside the boundaries, a travelogue of a diverse, struggling country,” St. Joan stated in a recent email. Though it started out as a non-fiction story, as St. Joan did more research on the lives of women in Pakistan the story transformed. The process took some time, with the re-writes and publicizing. However, she added, it has been worth it.

“At last this story has its own life,” she stated. “It's a cliche, but it is like raising a child who can finally find her own way in this world. People will treat her well, or they won't. She will overcome, or she won't. You can only hope that the thing itself has the stamina to survive and thrive.”

St. Joan was inspired to write the book after meeting a “remarkable” Pakistani woman, who taught in that country for 25 years and who made efforts to prevent honor crimes against her students. The woman, Dr. Tahira Khan, authored the book, Beyond Honour, and also taught classes at Metro State. Kahn commented that St. Joan did a good job blending reality with fiction, telling “stories of realities seen in Pakistani newspapers every other day.”

St. Joan is now the Public Education Chair of the Asian American Network Against Abuse of Human Rights, a non-governmental organization in the U.S. that works to support Pakistani efforts to end human rights violations. Half of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to SOIL, a grass-roots community organization in Pakistan, to pay for the construction of a safe shelter for abused women and children. Copies of My Sisters Made of Light are available at The Tattered Cover, Press53 http://www.press53.com/ and the Auraria Campus Bookstore. To read more about the book, click here.

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Monday, December 6, 2010

What's Up? A New Alumni Relations Executive Director ,

Alumni Relations Executive Director Mark Jastorff weighs in on the changes happening at the Alumni Association and the new benefits we are offering our alumni.

The very best of the holiday season to you and yours. I want to thank the entire Metro State family for the warm welcome to campus.

There is little that I can tell you about our campus that you already haven’t heard. So let me affirm what you know – Metro State is rising. This is a great time to be a Road Runner!

Our goal as an alumni staff is to make sure that we offer you the kinds of opportunities that enrich your life, enhance your professional opportunities and provide you with the chance to meet new friends. In the coming months, you will see your Alumni Association unveil plans for increased professional and career advisory services, a Young Alumni Council, a return of the Student Alumni Association and more opportunities to celebrate Metro State with your family and friends.

For those of your looking to strengthen Metro State – there are lots of “quick ideas” – start with wearing Metro Wear, take the opportunity to talk with your neighbors, relatives and friends about the great things happening here, suggest the College to those who might benefit from the Metro State experience, and of course, chat with your legislators about the importance of higher education in Colorado and of Metro State.

We’re looking for your ideas and suggestions. If you have something that you would like to see from your Association, just drop us a line at alumni@mscd.edu, call or stop by the office.

Beep Beep!

Mark Jastorff
Alumni Relations Executive Director

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Friday, November 12, 2010

New Article from the Metropolitan about Alumni and current students taking over E.C's printmaking studio.


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Alumni Amy Odorizzi is one of eight current and former Metro State art students who have taken over Good Thieves Press, the studio formerly run by Professor Eldon Cunningham. She began in the industrial design program, but switched majors after taking an entry level printing class with Cunningham. According to Odorizzi, with her changed major came a changed perspective of herself.

Along the studio’s single room’s northern wall is a row of mostly abstract print image — the studio’s current show on display. The show commemorates the life and work of Eldon “E.C.” Cunningham, a Metro State art teacher of 27 years, who committed suicide Oct. 1, 2010. Cunningham specialized in printmaking, a highly technical medium involving the use of a press to print handmade images onto a surface, sometimes made of metal or stone. He was the coordinator of Metro’s printmaking program.

Gillian Waggoner, another Metro State art alumna, also helps run Good Thieves Press. She met Cunningham early in her education and was mentored by him during her last year at school while looking into a master’s degree. She agreed with Odorizzi about Cunningham’s passion and spoke about the high standard to which he held his students.

“You’ll do 100 things that he’ll just kind of frown at,” Waggoner said, describing working in his class. “And you’re just working and working to get better and finally you get that moment where he just cracked a smile and you knew that you had done well … He really pushed you technically and you can see that in his work.”

Waggoner said she actually failed Cunningham’s printmaking class the first time around, but throughout her time at Metro continued to go to him for critiques on other projects.

About the show, Odorizzi said it was only natural for them to celebrate Cunningham’s life considering how instrumental he was in all of their artistic growth.

“We wouldn’t have existed without E.C.,” Odorizzi said of Good Thieves Press. “I couldn’t be more different in my art style from E.C.’s. But I am as good at printmaking as I am only because of him.”

The Good Thieves Press show will be open Nov. 11–14 at 2401 Stout St.

Read the rest of the article by Gabrielle Porter at The Metropolitan Online

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Metro State Alumni and Veteran Nominated for MillerCoors Líder of the Year Award


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Sgt. Dean Sanchez is a decorated Marine who has served his community and country. Sanchez, who has done three tours in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan, was nominated by the Mile High Chapter of the American GI Forum as MillerCoors Líder of the Year. These are people nominated by MillerCoors Hispanic non-profit partners for their unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Hispanic community.

The Líder will be announced on Nov. 16 and will be awarded with a $25,000 grant to be used for a community leadership program. If he wins, Sanchez has some inspiring plans for younger soldiers. “We would do a leadership conference for young Iraq and Afghanistan veterans partnering them with veterans from older generations and fostering our future leaders,” he said.

Sanchez spoke to La Voz Nueva about his decision to join the Marines. He said that after the 9/11 attacks, he decided to leave during his senior year at the Metropolitan State College of Denver and enlisted. “When 9/11 happened I thought it was everybody’s duty to protect our country—serve their tour of duty. So I dropped out of college and enlisted in the infantry Marine Corps,” said Sanchez in La Voz article. “The Marine Corps has given me a level of self-worth and pride that no other company, no other job could ever do.”

Read the complete article written by Bertha Velasquez at La Voz Nueva here

Friday, November 5, 2010

Denver Post Article features Metro State alum Vince Phason


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North High coaches stick by volunteer Alumni Vince Phason even if DPS won't

Metro State Alumni Vince Phason was recently denied clearance to continue serving as volunteer assistant coach by Denver Public Schools and saying he no longer can be in the bench area at games. However, he still shows up for the Vikings' practices several days a week, and is still determined to help inner-city kids learn to play football.

Phason heads across town to Denver North High's football practice — a practice at which Phason, a former star Canadian Football League defensive back paralyzed in a 1998 auto accident. There, he is with head coach E. Paul Kelly Jr., who also is the school's attendance and discipline monitor, and defensive coordinator Dave Sidwell, 64, a legendary former high school head coach who won two state championships at Mullen and now helps out at North.

The Vikings are 3-6 heading into their final game Saturday, against Kennedy at All-City Stadium. This is not about building a football juggernaut. This is about trying to influence young men at a still-struggling school in an eclectic neighborhood bouncing back around it.

"I was blessed to survive my automobile accident, and I had a dream at that time that life is about helping people," Phason, a graduate of Manual High who played college ball at Arizona, said in his living room. "I feel like young men, our young people, period, need the most help. Football is my avenue, where I can be the most use to the community — and especially in Denver, where I was raised."

To read the complete article by Terry Frei on The Denver Post Website, click here.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

What's Up?


Metro State Alumni Association Board President Jim Garrison discusses the board’s role at the College and why he serves. Garrison joined the board in 2005 and was elected president in September 2010. He feels it’s a rewarding experience that affords him the opportunity to “stretch” himself in new ways. The Office of Alumni Relations caught up with Garrison recently to ask him a few questions.

Metro State: How has being on the Board enriched your life?
Jim Garrison: I have had the opportunity to meet and work with many dedicated and quite capable fellow Metro alumni. I have been exposed to a different (for me) environment (higher-education) than I had been involved with prior to now. I have met a number of current Metro students and have had the benefit of learning about the experience they are having now.

MS: Why did you decide to become board president?
JG: I believed it would be a privilege to serve in this position, and felt I can help the board move forward.

MS: Why have a BOD?
JG: The Alumni Association has the obligation to meet its charge as defined in its Bylaws. The association must be managed so that this duty is met. Not only is a board of directors required by law (in order for the association to be a legally chartered not-for-profit corporation), it provides several advantages. A board enables a wide diversity of experience and knowledge that can be brought to bear on issues facing the association, and having a board raises the likelihood of continuity of activity and preservation of important historical institutional knowledge.

MS: What exactly does the Alumni BOD do?
JG: The Alumni Association board is largely advisory, but works closely with the leaders of the college as well as the board of the Foundation. The board sets policy that is designed to build value for all Metro alumni by way of benefits and programs. The board occasionally takes an official position on critical issues that could affect Metro and therefore alumni.

MS: What are some of the most relevant issues facing Metro State’s alumni and how does the Board address those issues?
JG: Increasing the engagement of alumni with other alumni and with what is going on at Metro right now. Delivering services to alumni to build the value of a Metro degree. Any of the pertinent issues with which Metro State is currently engaged also are relevant issues for the Alumni Association.

MS: Is there anything I’m not asking you that you want to share with me? (Or, are there any questions I haven’t asked that you think are important to ask?)
JG: The Metro State Alumni Association is set to soar in a new direction with a dynamic group of dedicated and talented board members along with new staff leadership. The next few years will be fun to watch!

What's up next month? In the December issue of the Roadrunner Review, we sit down with the new Alumni Relations Executive Director Mark Jastorff.

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Monday, November 1, 2010

Career Q&A: Need a job? Join a job support group


A job support group can not only provide you with networking opportunities, but it can also give you the tools you need to successfully find a job. We recently caught up with Metro State Senior Career Counselor Judy White to discuss how alumni benefit from the job support group she facilitates.

Metro State: What are some of the key skills people learn in the Alumni Job Support group?
Judy White: I think the most important thing that I hear from them is that they are getting the info they desperately need to begin to put together a job search process that ultimately will work. They haven’t had the info they need to do that, whether it’s about the skills they need to have, the job search process, companies they need to research, etc. We have been focusing on information sharing.

MS: What are some examples of this information sharing?
JW: One of the most important elements that I find missing in all job searchers is the lack of information gathering skills and therefore the inability to make decisions about what they want to do and where they can make a contribution. So, we teach them how to build a good resume based on what the company is looking for. We also teach them how to identify the growth industries in the marketplace and how to match their information about their skills and strengths with job openings they find.

MS: I also remember you mentioned in a previous Alumni & Friends interview that most companies use key word scanning software when reviewing resumes. This means that your resume must have key words from the actual job announcement in it. The most important Key Word is the job title that the company is using on its web site. This is a ‘weighted’ key word and it carries more importance that the other key words. (Click here to read the article.)
JW: Right. And these days not only do you have to tailor your resume to a job opening with specific key words, but you also need to tailor your entire resume to that specific job announcement. You need to convince your potential employer that you have transferable skills that can be utilized to solve that employer’s problems. Your job search is not about you getting a job, but rather about you helping your employer solve problems. And, more often than not, you can find those problems embedded in job announcements on their website.

MS: What are other ways you can find out about the specific needs of a company?
JW: Research industries, companies, economies, and trends in professions that you’ll find through professional associations and journals. Trends in industries can be found in industrial newsletters and by reading the business sections of the local paper. You should read these every day so you become familiar with the key players, and then read the weekly papers. The Denver Business Journal covers our small business marketplace in greater breadth and depth than the Denver Post.

MS: What are some other things you really stress in the group?
JW: Alumni need to know how to work with the current marketplace. Networking has become very important during this economic downturn. A lot of businesses are not posting their jobs on their website, but they are looking for people.

MS: Why aren’t they posting jobs?
JW: Because they don’t have to anymore. One piece of information alumni find interesting and overwhelming is that the Colorado marketplace is 99% small business (companies with fewer than 100 employees). During economic downturns they let go of their Human Resources Departments because those are non-income producing divisions. So small business owners may not be advertising positions (because that takes time and money), but they continue to do their own networking to find valuable people.

MS: What are some of the biggest concerns members of your group have?
JW: The older members are worried about age discrimination, which is a reality. To counteract that, I tell them to focus on their strengths, skills and how they can help the potential employer solve problems. I tell them to say they have more experience than some of the younger applications. I would say that directly in an interview. I recommend people are really direct, but soft. The older members also struggle with how to market themselves; that’s what it’s all about really.

And for everyone in the group, the job search process is daunting. A job search is a long process, particularly in this economy.

MS: What are some solutions to how overwhelming the process might be for people?
JW: Job support groups really help. A number of churches have weekly job search groups that are ongoing. I don’t know if they have trained leaders, but that kind of long term ongoing job search group is really about networking and supporting one another.

Also, if you’re going to be doing your job search from home, you need a quiet secluded place. Set up an office for yourself where you have telephone, computer and fax machine. And check with your tax person because some of the costs for doing that, including a percentage of your household expenses, may be deductible.

MS: Our interview time is coming to a close. What is one last tip you have for alumni?
JW: When you compile your resume, write down the results of your accomplishments under each job you have had. You want to show the hiring manager your skills. You may not have specific experience in a specific academic area or industry, but you have transferable skills. You have lived long enough and solved enough problems. The hiring manager wants to see results. The results give her a specific example of what you can do for her.

White will be facilitating another job support group, Wednesdays at 10a.m., from February 2 through February 23. Check out next month’s Career Q&A, a video with Judy White including tips for divorcees entering the job market.

Looking for more Career Services articles?

Networking Advice for Alumni. Click here..

From College to Career: Rachel Abernethy talks about the change. Click here.

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From College to Career: Alumna April Abernethy

By April Abernethy, Metro State Alumna, 2009

As a freshman at Metro State in 2006, I had no idea the impact the college would have on me and how much it would continue to influence my life. I gained an incredible amount of insight into diversity, higher education processes, and student development. Much of the insight I attained during my classes but a considerable amount I attained by working for the college as a student employee at the Career Services Office. The Career Services Office provided me with many opportunities to improve my professional skills, identify my career goals, and develop self-awareness. I worked primarily as the Employer Relations Assistant
during this time, but I built skills that prepared me for the start of the rest of my career.

The path to attaining my first position after graduating from Metro was rough. Although I felt prepared with the knowledge I gained and the skills I developed, I felt very discouraged with the tough job market. After graduating, I was unemployed for nine months, which compared to others, is not as long, but after working so hard to earn a degree, it felt very disconcerting. It was the work experience and connections I made at the Career Services that eventually helped me land my first position out of college. My former supervisor informed me of a position that I was qualified for and was in the exact field I wanted to get into. Ultimately, I got the job.

The transition from college to full-time work is not something you can prepare for entirely, but with the help of student services offices such as Career Services I was able to attain the exact job I was looking for. I believe firmly that it is important to utilize the Career Services Office while in school and as an alumnus/a so that one can handle the major transition with ease. With the knowledge the staff has, their unconditional support, and their infectious optimism, I was able to achieve what I set out to do upon graduation. I have utilized all the skills I learned, the connections I made, and the confidence I gained while working at Career Services in my new position, and only hope to give back what Metro State and its Career Services Office gave to me.

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Career fairs & the importance of networking

By Emily Frank, Career Services Counselor, Office of Career Services

Do you find that your students are intimidated or confused by the word “networking”?
Are they unsure of why they should attend a career fair? We are here to help!
Networking is simply connecting with others in a targeted, career-minded way. As the old saying goes, it’s not what you know but who you know. Building a professional network is what can get Metro students and alumni to know the right “who.”

A targeted, career-focused networking effort can pay big dividends whether you are attending a career fair, a professional association meeting or just talking with others about your job search. Using the right tools like a resume, doing research on the industry and companies of interest, dressing appropriately and preparing questions to get the conversation started are all tools that can make networking flow. Good networkers spend time preparing. The successful job seeker is the one who does the preparation necessary.

A great starting point for network-building is at the four job fairs that take place on campus every year. (Metro runs two and UCD runs two,
and everyone is welcome at both.) These are great opportunities for job-seekers to meet professionals in a wide range of professional companies and capacities. Unfortunately, the recruiters at fairs are as human as the rest of us, and they don’t always do as good a job of reaching out to the people wandering around the Turnhalle as we might hope. To help students understand what to do to get the most out of an event like this, the Office of Career Services is happy to host preparation workshops.

Another great way to get started networking is through what we call informational interviewing. This is pretty much what it sounds like: people seeking leads and information regarding an industry, a career path or an employer by talking to people in those roles. We are always happy to talk with students about how to go about starting this process.

Finally, don’t overlook friends and family, professional organizations, campus clubs and activities, and social networking sites. Many job-seekers already know people who can help them get connected with employers but simply haven’t asked. Professional organizations often offer reduced membership fees to students, and clubs and activities are a great way to meet a wide variety of people with similar interests and skills. LinkedIn offers several good tutorials on making the most of the site.

And remember, if you would like us to come to your class and talk about any of this, we are happy to do so!

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Friday, October 29, 2010

Fall Business Fair Open to Alumni - see list of employers here


Are you looking for a job? 40 employers will be attending the Metro State Fall Business Fair next Tuesday, Nov. 2, from 10:30-2:30 at the Tivoli Turnhalle. Career experts will also be on hand to answer questions for you.

There will be information on full time jobs, part time jobs and internships in Marketing, Sales, IT, Economics, Management, Accounting, Finance, General Business and more.

Employers Attending:

Alliance Data
Apex Energy Solutions
Avis Budget Group
AXA Advisors
Bureau of Land Management
CA Technologies
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
City of Pueblo
CoBank
Complete Business Systems of Colorado
Default Servicing Solutions, LLC
Denver Department of Safety
Department of Heal and Human Services
Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc.
Enterprise Holdings
Farm Credit Administration
FirstBank
General Services Administration
HSS Inc.
Intuit
JP Morgan Retirement Plan Services
Kasier Permanente
KeyBank
Lakeshore Staffing
MINES and Associates
Mutual of Omaha
National Jewish Health
Nationwide Insurance
Network Global Logistics
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Old Navy
Paycom
SBM
TCF National Bank
Tyler Technologies, Inc.
U. S. Marine Corps
USDA Forest Service
Wall Street On Demand Inc.
Wells Fargo Bank

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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

AVIATION & AEROSPACE SCIENCE ALUMNI OPEN HOUSE


Highway to the Danger Zone - Get together with fellow alumni, both young and old, to discuss the realities of pilot hiring and careers in aerospace and aviation management.

Friday, November 5th, from 4:30 – 6:30 pm at the 7th Street Classroom Building, Aviation & Aerospace Science Department

Click here to RSVP!

Connect with alumni working in the field who can share their insight and experience on a long term career in aviation and/or aerospace:

* Alumni with 10+ years of experience from various facets of the industry will be on hand to meet younger graduates in an informal, reception setting
* Pilots, Aviation Management, and Aerospace
* Seasoned alumni from Jeppesen, United Airlines, and Great Lakes Airlines on hand to answer questions
* Hiring managers and chief pilots will also be at the event

A facilitated discussion on the myths and realities of pilot hiring will provide relevant, and up to date information to alumni. And faculty will provide a behind the scenes look at how the department is meeting the needs of our future aviation and aerospace professions. Light refreshments and snacks provided.


Thomas Letts:
You can tell by the smile on his face when he’s flying, teaching or anywhere near airplanes, Jeppesen employee Thomas “Tom” Letts (’83, PPT) loves flying. He works overtime and loves it, he teaches disabled people to fly to empower them, and he even writes poetry. Read about why Letts feels supporting the community is important and what his experiences were like at Metro State by clicking here.

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Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Carrie Besnette, Metro State VP of Institutional Advancement, on bringing the call center in house


Metro State now houses its call center in house rather than outsourcing. This means that students talk directly with alumni & friends of the College, which makes the interactions more meaningful. The call center is already on its way to paying for itself with an 820% in cash in the door between last year and this year for the call center. On Oct. 18, the staff of Institutional Advancement challenged students to a staff vs. student call night. The students whooped the butts of the staff, raising $1950.64 to the staff's $185. In this video, VP of Institutional Advancement Carrie Besnette talks about the benefits of bringing the call center in house.

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Monday, October 18, 2010

Second Annual Denver Veteran’s Day 5k Walk!


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On Saturday November 6, 2010 in celebration of Veteran’s Day there will be a 5k walk to honor a 1999 MSCD grad and fallen solider, CPT Russell Rippetoe. The walk starts at 8am followed by the Denver Veteran’s Day parade.


The Russell B. Rippetoe Foundation was founded in memory of CPT Russell Rippetoe (Metro State Graduate)who served with the 75th Ranger Regiment and was killed in action in Iraq in 2003. The Russell B. Rippetoe Foundation annually presents a scholarship and ceremonial saber to a deserving ROTC cadet that displays outstanding leadership skills.

For more information on CPT. Rippetoe:
http://www.amvetspost6.org/ranger.html
http://patriotpost.us/reference/russell-rippetoe
http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oif/profiles/rippetoerussellb.html

All race proceeds will go to support the Auraria Future Leaders Association (AFLA) and the Russell B. Rippetoe Foundation. The AFLA is a Colorado nonprofit organization founded by Metro State Army ROTC cadets. The AFLA supports local nonprofit organizations by participation in 5k races in the Denver metro area. Cadets also support these organizations by serving as volunteers for many of these events.

Early registration ends October 23, 2010.
Early Registration includes a complimentary on-campus parking pass that is also good for the parade and a DVD5K t-shirt!

Register at: www.DVD5K.com

Friday, October 15, 2010

"It Gets Better" Rally to be held at Auraria Campus, Tivoli, Oct. 20



In response to the recent incidents of youth taking their own lives because they were teased or bullied for being gay or perceived as such, we are organizing a campus-wide rally to express our outrage at how these youth were treated. Additionally, we are hosting a resource fair with information from both campus and community resources to show these teens that they are not alone, that there are people out there that do care, and that they have resources available to them to support them in their struggles.

We are combining the ideas of two national campaigns into one themed event: It Gets Better…Because I Give A Damn. The It Gets Better project was started by Dan Savage, and the I Give A Damn campaign is from Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Foundation.

The event will be held next Wednesday, October 20 from 11:00 – 12:30. The rally will be held in the Tivoli Commons area, and the resource fair will be held in the Tivoli Multicultural Lounge. Our event is being held in conjunction with a national movement on Facebook to Wear Purple To Help The Fight Against Homophobic Bullying.

The rally will feature speakers from the administration of all three schools, as well as community resources. As part of the resource fair, we will be showing videos from the “It Gets Better” campaign, as well as have stations where members of the Auraria campus can record their own “It Gets Better” messages.

Please wear purple next Wednesday, October 20, and join our efforts to battle bullying and youth suicide!

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

6 Reasons to Attend This Years Fall Business Fair!


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1. Glean valuable info about the application process, tricks and techniques, and corporate culture from an employee rather than a web site.

2. Interview companies before you decide to apply. Learn about the company's mission, strategic objectives, and employment needs

3. Begin to establish your professional image, expand your network of contacts and practice your interview skills

4. Make a positive and lasting impression with the employer so they remember your name when they review resumes and select applicants

5. Find part-time, full-time and internship positions. Students and Alumni from all 3 schools are welcome

6. Enter to win an iPod shuffle and other prizes if you bring your resume


For more information visit: http://www.mscd.edu/~career/eventsA6/Fairs.shtml

WANT TO BE PREPARED?
Writing your first resume workshop presented by Charles Schwab:
October 21st (2PM - 3:30PM) in Tivoli 215

Career fair prep workshop presented by FirstBank:
October 28th (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM) in Tivoli 329 LUNCH PROVIDED! 11-12 presentation and lunch, 12-1 get your resume reviewed

TO REGISTER visit www.mscd.edu/career

Monday, October 11, 2010

Where they are now?


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Omar Hurricane’ 90 is a Metro State physics grad who has received numerous honors worth thousands of dollars. But he traces his start on this super-academic trajectory to a “superman” stunt he pulled in 1986, when applying to Metro State.

According to an article in the July 1995 issue of Metropolis magazine, by Vonalda Utterback, Hurricane thinks it was a stunt that gave him the edge in 1986 for a Presidential Scholarship to attend Metro State. “Toward the end of the interview process for the scholarship, he recalls that the Metro State scholarship committee asked him, ‘Why should we give you this scholarship?’ Throwing open his suit coat and unbuttoning his shirt with a superman-type flourish, he revealed a Metro State T-shirt, and replied, ‘Because I bought one of your T-shirts!’”

In 2009 Omar accepted the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award for National Security and Nonproliferation. Named for Lawrence, a Nobel laureate and the inventor of the cyclotron, a subatomic particle accelerator, the U.S. Department of Energy honor is given to mid-career scientists for contributions supporting the DOE and its mission to advance the national, economic and energy security of the United States.

Hurricane, who attended Metro State on a scholarship based on the recommendation of his stepfather and Metro State English professor, the late Jerry Finger, says he received “a lot of extra attention from professors that I’m very grateful for now. I observed at UCLA that I was just as well prepared as any other student. I got a very good education.”

http://www.mscd.edu/~collcom/artman/publish/funfact_twv8100510.shtml

http://www.mscd.edu/~collcom/artman/publish/hurricane_twv7042810.shtml

https://www.llnl.gov/news/newsreleases/2009/NR-09-12-02.html

Friday, October 8, 2010

Project Homeless Connect sponsored by Metro State


On October 29th, Metro State is hosting Project Homeless Connect and we need at least 400 Metro State volunteers to staff the event. Project Homeless Event is a one-stop shop event for homeless individuals and families who are seeking services. We expect about 800 individuals who are without housing to visit the Auraria Campus for PHC to receive a whole range of services, including various social services, housing assistance, resume building, food assistance, clothing, from over 50 organizations.

In the past, Metro State volunteers have made an incredible showing at PHC. Last October, when the event was at the Pepsi Center, Metro State had the single largest contingent of volunteers--160.

Now that we are hosts, it is up to Metro State--students, faculty, and staff--to make this event successful. Ask your professors, classmates, supervisors, and colleagues to volunteer with you. Some classes, for instance, are volunteering as a group, as well as some offices.

Click here to sign up through the United Way's website and learn more about Project Homeless Connect. In addition, you can always contact The Center for Urban Connections for your ideas and questions.

For more information, you can also visit: www.unitedwaydenver.org
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Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Come Have Lunch with the Roadrunners!!!



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What: Have Lunch with the Roadrunners!

When: Wednesday October 6, 12 - 1 pm


Location: BRAUN'S BAR & GRILL
http://www.braunsbarandgrill.com
Located off Auraria Parkway near Pepsi Center
(The old Cashback Textbooks building)
Brauns Main Number: 720-932-0707

Price: $10 per guest (includes meal and program)

Roadrunner Special 2 for $15
Bring a colleague from another campus department (other than your own) and get 2 lunches for $15!

Season updates from:
Women's Soccer - Coach Almaraz;
Men's Soccer - Coach Parsons;
Volleyball - Coach Hendricks;
Cross Country - Coach Supsic;
Tennis - Coach Meares

Join us for food and prizes, while learning about Roadrunner athletics!


Grad Fair!!

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This year's Grad Fair will be held at St. Cajetans on October 19, from 10-2 and October 20, from 1-6.

At the Fair, seniors can order cap and gowns for commencement, purchase grad photo packages, talk to career services experts, check out bookstore goodies, and hear other announcements about graduation.

Lunch will be available for all fall graduates, and there will be drawings for various prizes!

Also, tell us Your Metro Experience in Three Words and have your photo taken. You can then find and print those photos out from our www.Facebook.com/MetroStateAlumni fan page!





Friday, October 1, 2010

Alumnus Shane Kelly honored with Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal





At a September 15th Partnership for Public Service gala in Washington D.C., Shane Kelley (’01, CIN) and seven other notable Federal government employees were presented with Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies). Kelly, who gained recognition and the Citizen Services Medal along with colleague Eva Ristow, developed a way to bring services to citizens living in impoverished and remote locations in the country utilizing two-way video technology.

According to the organization’s Program Manager, Samantha Donaldson, these awards are central to the organization. “It pays tribute to America's dedicated federal workforce, highlighting those who have made significant contributions to our country.” Honorees are chosen based on their commitment and innovation, as well as the impact of their work on addressing the needs of the nation.

Hailing from San Francisco to Haiti, Sammies recipients are working to confront increasingly complex challenges, from environmental crises to foreign wars to economic recovery. Their accomplishments tell the true stories of a dynamic group of talented, bright individuals who work tirelessly on behalf of the American people.
The Partnership for Public Service is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in Washington, D.C. that works to revitalize the federal government by inspiring a new generation to serve and by transforming the way government works.

All photos by Sam Kittner/Kittner.com.

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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Board Members Opposed to New Amendments and Proposition

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At this year’s Annual Meeting on September 14, the Metropolitan State College Alumni Association Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt a resolution stating their opposition to Amendments 60 and 61, and Proposition 101.

Deciding to take a position on these kinds of issues is always a carefully measured decision. It was gratifying to see how engaged board members (and other alumni present) were in the presentation given by John Lay, of Don’t Hurt Colorado. There were great questions posed and there was also a clear message in the discussion that these measures would be detrimental to Metro State and had to be opposed by the Alumni Association. Thank you for your commitment to Metro State and for your brave stance!

As a follow-up to this resolution, we anticipate activating the Alumni Action Task Force. In preparation for that, discussions are underway with the Capstone Group about next steps, including the role and actions of the Alumni Action Task Force. I am happy to tell you that Board Member John Silva is ready to take a lead role as the Chair of the Alumni Action Task Force, and I want to express my thanks to him for stepping up!

Dr. Jordan and Rob Cohen, Chair of the Board of Trustees, have also expressed their sincere appreciation to the Alumni Board from the College and the Trustees. They are well aware of the important role of the Alumni Association in this endeavor and were pleased that the Board approved the resolution.

For more information on these amendments and proposition: http://bit.ly/b0w88S

Check out our Plain & Fancy Ball photo gallery

Check in with our Facebook Fanpage each day this week for newly posted photos and videos!


Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


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Plain & Fancy Ball photo gallery


Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.


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