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Award Categories

Your Alumni Association honors the best of the best annually during Homecoming celebration. The categories reflect the guiding principles and core values of the MSU Denver Alumni Association. They demonstrate the principles, standards and actions that characterize MSU Denver alumni—and provide a strong path for the continued success of our institution.

We are excited to announce that we have updated our award categories and preferred qualifications this year. The categories are:

Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award

This award, the highest honor given by the Association, recognizes an MSU Denver graduate who has attained extraordinary distinction and success in his/her field of endeavor, demonstrated leadership, is engaged in the life of the University, and whose achievements have brought credit to Metropolitan State University of Denver and benefit to his/her fellow citizens.

 Preferred qualifications for the ideal candidate:

  • previous recipient of an Association award
  • degree from Metropolitan State University of Denver
  • proven record of extraordinary distinction and accomplishment in his/her field
  • demonstrated achievements that have brought credit to MSU Denver
  • demonstrated leadership and service to his/her community and society at large
  • received national or international recognition
  • demonstrated value for the university’s commitment to research, education and service

Dean's Honor Alumnus/Alumna Award**

**There will be three (3) recipients for these awards, one from each school: Letters, Arts & Sciences, School of Business, and the School of Professional Studies

Each year, the Metropolitan State University of Denver Alumni Association honors an outstanding alumnus/a from each of the university’s three schools. An Honor Alumnus/Alumna is a former student who, by his/her distinguished career and service to the university, state, nation, or world, has brought honor to MSU Denver and to himself/herself.

Preferred qualifications for the ideal candidate:

  • be a former student from his/her respective school
  • have a record of distinction and accomplishment in his/her field
  • have demonstrated service to the university, state, nation or world
  • have demonstrated achievements that have brought honor to MSU Denver and to himself/herself

Distinguished Alumni Employee Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize a Metropolitan State University of Denver alumnus/alumna for his/her achievements to MSU Denver that have enhanced the University's mission, reputation, or campus morale, and who represents the University with professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication. The recipient must be a current MSU Denver employee and a Metropolitan State University of Denver graduate.

Preferred qualifications for the ideal candidate:

  • be a graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver (certificate, bachelor's or master's)
  • be currently employed by Metropolitan State University of Denver
  • have a minimum length of service of 10 years (must be professional employment, not student employment)
  • have demonstrated achievements through work at MSU Denver that have significantly enhanced the University's mission, reputation, and/or morale on campus
  • represent the University with professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication

Giving Back Award

This award is given honor those that who exemplify extraordinary service to Metropolitan State University of Denver and its academic, athletic, alumni programs and history. This award is presented annually to a person who represents the highest goals of the Alumni Association and Metropolitan State University of Denver, and who has given significant support and service to the Alumni Association and the University. The recipient need not be a Metropolitan State University of Denver alumnus/a.

Preferred qualifications for the ideal candidate:

  • adequately embody and demonstrate the four core values of the MSU Denver Alumni Association: Making a Difference, Work Ethic, Giving Back and MSU Denver Pride.
  • demonstrate a commitment to, and involvement in, the life of the university
  • demonstrate a record of service to the university, the MSU Denver Alumni Association

Making A Difference Award

This award is named for our alumni that make a difference every day.  Each day, our alumni provide leadership and propel the University through their lifelong commitments.  It is given to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional and sustained leadership in his/her community, professional field, or personal commitments, and is engaged in regards to time and talent to the University. The recipient need not be a Metropolitan State University of Denver alumnus/a.

 Preferred qualifications for the ideal candidate:

  • demonstrated exceptional and sustained leadership in his/her professional field and/or personal commitments
  • demonstrated extraordinary and exemplary public and/or community service
  • is significantly engaged with the university by offering time and talent.

STATEment Maker Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize a recent graduate for his/her accomplishments made in the area of career, service, and/or volunteer efforts that have brought honor to the individual and to Metropolitan State University of Denver. The nominee must have graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver within the last ten years.

Preferred qualifications for the ideal candidate:

  • obtained MSU Denver undergraduate degree within the last ten years.
  • demonstrated contributions that have brought honor to the individual and to MSU Denver in the area of career, service and/or volunteer efforts

Student Leadership Award

This award is named for Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Alumni Relations Executive Director and CEO of the Alumni Association.  Over his career he has established five Student Alumni Associations and created several communities of alumni that will always remember their alma mater.  His guidance at MSU Denver is no different.  This award recognizes an outstanding graduating undergraduate student whose leadership, academic achievement, community service and commitment to excellence have significantly contributed to the success of MSU Denver.

Preferred qualifications for the ideal candidate:

  • be an undergraduate student preferably graduating in the academic year the award is bestowed (must have an intent to graduate)
  • have made significant contributions to MSU Denver through leadership
  • have extensive involvement in student activities and/or organizations, in particular the Student Alumni Association
  • maintain a consistent high standard in academic achievement, minimum 2.5 GPA
  • demonstrate commitment to community service and excellence
  • represent MSU Denver with integrity, professionalism and serve as a positive role model for others

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