Metropolitan State University of Denver

See you next year! 😎

🌟 Meet Leslie Chenaille, MSU Denver alumna and the driving force behind public safety and emergency management at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, Colorado's most visited cultural destination. With a passion for animals and a dedication to keeping over 2 million annual visitors safe, Leslie's journey from aspiring zookeeper to director showcases the power of adaptability and perseverance.

Her leadership has transformed security at the zoo, focusing on creating a safe, welcoming environment where guests can connect with nature while her team expertly handles everything from lost parents to heat exhaustion.

Leslie’s story reminds us that career paths are often winding, but they lead to incredible opportunities when fueled by passion and resilience.

Read more about Leslie's story here: https://red.msudenver.edu/2024/safe-habitat/

🧠 Looking for ways to spark creativity and learning in kids while encouraging them to spend less time on screens? Check out these 7 brain-building toys that are fun, engaging, and educational!

Read more:

Inspire kids to turn off their screens with these 7 brain-building toys - MSU Denver RED For former kids now of a certain age, one of the most dreaded phrases in the English language was “educational...

➡️ FAFSA applications for the 2025–2026 academic year are OPEN! Submitting your FAFSA early gives you the best chance to secure grants, loans, and work-study opportunities—including newly expanded Pell Grant eligibility, which opens doors for even more students to receive financial aid.

Pro tip: Some aid is first-come, first-served, so don’t delay—apply today! Resources linked below. Your future self will thank you! 💸

MSU Denver Financial Aid website: https://www.msudenver.edu/financial-aid/

Expanded Pell Eligibility information: https://red.msudenver.edu/2024/expanded-pell-eligibility-opens-doors-for-students-who-were-previously-left-out/

🎉 A huge congratulations to our very own Dr. Peter Vigil for being recognized as the Higher Education Educator of the Year by the Colorado Association of Bilingual Educators!

Dr. Vigil is recognized as an exceptional professor and advocate for equity and social justice, not only in MSU Denver School of Education but throughout Colorado. His leadership in bilingual and culturally and linguistically diverse education has inspired both colleagues and students alike.

Students in Dr. Vigil’s classes consistently commend his passion, expertise, and commitment to equity—carrying these values into their own classrooms to shape a brighter, more just future for emerging bilingual learners.

This award highlights his outstanding dedication as an educator and scholar, making a profound impact on policy and practice that promotes equity and excellence in education.

Congratulations, Dr. Vigil, on this well-deserved honor! 👏

Fall 2024 Specialty Ceremonies! 🎉



📸: .m.photo

The holidays are here, but so are the scammers! 🛑 MSU Denver's RED has you covered with a guide to 12 common holiday scams, from fake online deals to charity fraud. Stay safe and shop smart this season! 🎁

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Beware of these 12 holiday scams - MSU Denver RED Don't give the hackers a gift! Our Computer Science expert outlines the top dodges to look out for during the season.

🏂 At MSU Denver, students like Quinn Aiello turn their passions into thriving businesses. Through his studies in Industrial Design, Quinn gained the skills and knowledge to launch Kamber Labs, creating handcrafted powder surfers that are redefining the winter sports industry.

With the support of MSU Denver's hands-on learning environment and entrepreneurial resources, Quinn transformed an idea into reality, showing how education here prepares students to reach new peaks—on and off the slopes.

Read more about Quinn's inspiring journey:: https://red.msudenver.edu/2024/young-snowboard-ceo-hits-new-peaks/

Congratulations Fall 2024 graduates! 🎓🎉

🎓 Meet Ammie Kellim: Fall 2024 President’s Award Recipient! 🏆✨

Ammie’s journey is one of resilience, hard work, and finding her spark. When the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted her senior year of high school, she faced challenges that left her feeling uncertain. But from the moment she logged into her first MSU Denver class, everything changed. “I could feel this spark come back into me,” Ammie shared.

Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Psychology, Ammie has embraced every opportunity to grow. As president of the University Debate Team and a member of the Mock Trial Association, she found her voice and honed her skills in public speaking and leadership.

The daughter of two MSU Denver graduates, Ammie is proudly carrying on her family’s legacy while paving her own path to success. As she prepares for law school, she’s a shining example of what it means to persevere and pursue your passion.

Congratulations, Ammie on your well deserved President's Award! 🎉👏

✈️ Holiday cheer, DELIVERED! MSU Denver's Precision and Aerobatics flight teams joined the Annual VFW CABA Charity Airlift Sunday to transport 10,000+ pounds of food and toys to veterans and families in need across Colorado.

MSU Denver is proud to support our military community. All across Colorado, the holiday spirit is soaring, thanks to the dedication of our Aviation students, Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Colorado, VFW Post 9644, and the Colorado Aviation Business Association. 💙❤️

Read more about this amazing event here: https://red.msudenver.edu/photo/photos-flight-teams-propel-charity-airlift-to-new-heights/

🎁 Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? MSU Denver alumni artists have you covered with unique, handcrafted creations that are sure to wow. From stunning paintings to creative ceramics, these nine talented Roadrunners offer something for everyone on your list. 🎊

Support local artists, celebrate alumni success, and give a gift with meaning. Check out their work today! ➡️

9 artists to wrap up your holiday list - MSU Denver RED Support these MSU Denver alumni and student creatives by gifting museum-quality works to your friends and family members this year.

✨ DID YOU KNOW?! ✨ The magic of the Mile High Drone Show starts right here at MSU Denver’s Assembly Athletic Complex, the official launch site for Denver’s newest holiday tradition!

Behind the scenes, our campus serves as the command center where 400 drones are programmed, synchronized, and prepped to light up the Denver skyline with stunning holiday animations. It’s an honor for MSU Denver to play a key role in bringing this incredible 40-night spectacle to life!

Best spots to watch the magic unfold:
📍 Sculpture Park @ Denver Performing Arts Complex
📍 Ball Arena parking lot
📍 54thirty Rooftop @ Le Méridien Denver Downtown
📍 Peaks Lounge @ Hyatt Regency Denver
📍 The terrace @ Denver Art Museum

Show runs nightly at 7 p.m., Nov. 22–Dec. 31, completely FREE!

➡️ Sustainability in Action at MSU Denver

MSU Denver’s Sustainability Hub, powered by a $1.2 million NSF research grant, is transforming how Coloradans access critical environmental data. Faculty and students are leading this groundbreaking initiative to create a user-friendly, AI-powered platform that connects communities with economic, ecological, and social insights.

This project not only empowers Colorado’s communities but also provides students with invaluable real-world experience in machine learning, UX design, and data science. 💻🌍

Learn how innovation, sustainability, and education converge at MSU Denver here: https://red.msudenver.edu/2024/sustainability-hub-takes-root-at-msu-denver/

🎓 Meet Noah Hannula: Fall 2024 Provost’s Award Winner! 🎉

Noah’s journey at MSU Denver is an inspiring story of dedication and perseverance. He’s graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Finance, served as captain of the MSU Denver Men’s Soccer team, and earned two Student Athlete of the Year awards along the way.

Not only has Noah excelled in academics and athletics, but he’s also made a difference as a tutor in the College of Business, helping fellow students achieve their goals. He credits his success to hard work, the support of his professors and teammates, and his belief that “grinding out the small things” leads to big results.

As Noah prepares to walk across the stage at commencement on Friday, December 13, we celebrate his achievements and the bright future ahead of him. Congratulations, Noah – the entire MSU Denver community are so proud of you! 🏆✨

Commencement is in 10 days! 🎓