Yvonne Flood, interim assistant vice president of Information Technology, has been selected to represent Metro State at the 2005-06 Academic Management Institute (AMI). AMI is designed to further women’s careers in higher education by providing training in essential knowledge, management and leadership skills. It is sponsored by the Colorado Network of Women Leaders, an affiliate of the American Council on Education’s Office of Women in Higher Education.

Sandra Haynes, interim dean of the School of Professional Studies, has been selected as one of approximately 55 leaders to attend Leadership Denver, the 32-year-old program of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Each year, the local leaders spend nine months learning about the challenges facing the Denver metro area. These individuals leave Leadership Denver with a commitment to assume their responsibility as a “community trustee.” Haynes will meet and communicate with other leaders from diverse backgrounds and interests and gain a practical and sophisticated understanding of the major community issues facing the Denver metro area. At the program’s end, she will serve as a resource for Metro State when it seeks to make partnerships that will benefit the college and the Denver community.

Four members of the Metro State community are being honored by the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority at its convocation Aug. 24. AnnJannette Alejano-Steele and Jane Broida have been chosen for the 2004-05 Outstanding Faculty Awards based on student nominations. Alejano-Steele is an associate professor of psychology and women’s studies and her nomination cites that students are able to see a multi-faceted view of the subjects because of her background in both fields. Professor of Leisure Studies Jane Broida’s nominating letter states, “Jane cares more about her students than anyone I have ever known.” A third faculty award will be presented to the Auraria Library Diversity Committee for its “variety of thoughtful, well-planned and eye-opening programs that highlight the value of diversity on our campus and in our society.”

The Tri Sigs will also honor staff members Laura Lempe and Cathy Lucas. An administrative assistant in the President’s Office, Lempe was selected for all that she does to help students: “She has helped me find a cheerleading coach, supported me through research papers and made it possible for me to travel to the championships with the basketball team.” Interim Assistant Vice President of College Communications Cathy Lucas’ nomination cites that “she’s a hard worker who does a fabulous job of promoting Metro to the media.” A third staff award will go to Aubrey King, the set-up coordinator for AHEC Event Services. “Aubrey and the Tivoli Events Staff create beautiful event settings perfectly, professionally and cheerfully every time.”

Linda Meric, a part-time faculty member in women’s studies, has been elected the national executive director of the 9 to 5 National Association of Working Women. She had been director of the organization’s Colorado office since 1996. Meric will remain in Denver and continue to participate in state policy work. She will also continue to teach women’s studies Saturday workshop courses. According to Jodi Wetzel, director of Metro State’s Institute for Women’s Studies and Services, Meric has been recognized with a number of awards for her work on behalf of low-wage women.