“Forty-two years later I still have so much passion and enthusiasm for this place,” said Associate Professor of Sociology Sheldon Steinhauser, who was among more than 150 employees who received Length-of-Service awards at a reception on Thursday at St. Cajetan’s Center.
The event, which represented an informal welcome back ceremony for those who could not make the Aug. 22 ceremony, was presented by the Office of Human Resources. Employees who have worked at the College from five to 45 years received their awards at the event.
As amazing as Steinhauser’s 42 years is, English Professor Sandra Doe has him beat. She’s been with the College in the English department for 45 years, and appreciates that she has been able view history through her student papers that touch on their experiences, for example, from Vietnam in her early days at the College to Iraq today.
In delivering his keynote at the reception to a full house, President Stephen Jordan called Doe a “true Roadrunner.” Expanding on his address at the Aug. 22 Welcome Back Ceremony, Jordan said the College was at its “tipping point. We are well-positioned among the constellation of institutions in Colorado” for great successes.
He discussed the College’s new campaign, “We Educate Colorado,” which demonstrates the popularity of the Metro State for students choosing to earn their degrees in the state. He also addressed the demographic shift that will lead to growth among Metro State’s students of color, particularly the Latino population, and the capacity of the First Year Success (FYS) program to reach all first-time freshmen.
The FYS “will define us on a national basis,” said Jordan about the program that will be housed in the Student Success Building – currently under construction and on track to open a month ahead of schedule.
Jordan discussed concerns about Colorado’s fiscal position, with more cuts to higher education expected. He also talked about the Lobato vs. Colorado case regarding equitable funding for school districts across the state, which could negatively impact other sectors of the state, including higher education, health care and the prison system.
In talking about the challenges, Jordan underscored the importance of faculty and staff. “You will be the reason we will be successful. With people as creative as we are, I believe we will find ways to mitigate” the issues facing higher education.
With the commitment of longtime employees, such as Doe and Steinhauser, Roadrunners are in good hands. Steinhauser, who teaches classes late in the day when students’ energy may be low, begins every class with physical exercises to get them up and moving. He begins by cheering them on “Go! Go! Go!”
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