Metropolitan State University of Denver

The committee's 11-0 vote, with two absences, follows approval last month by the state Senate Education Committee and the full Senate. If the measure is approved by the full House, it will be sent to Gov. John Hickenlooper, whose signature will make the bill law.

The bill was presented in the house committee by Rep. Crisanta Duran, a primary sponsor along with Sen. Lucia Guzman. Duran cited one of the principal themes of the testimony: that by designating Metro State a university, students and alumni will be better prepared to compete for jobs.

“This name … will serve the institution well and also serve employers in the state well, so that they know exactly the value of the degree of students that graduate from hopefully soon-to-be Metropolitan State University of Denver,” she said.

Jordan echoed that remark, saying a degree that shows that a person graduated from a university is attractive to employers.

“Our students and our alumni both tell us that when they go to compete for jobs they are told … that employers are often sorting their continued interest … by whether the degree says college or whether it says university on it,” he said. “Why would we want to disadvantage 20 percent of our Colorado students by not allowing them to compete on a level playing field for those high-paying jobs?”

Jordan told the committee the name change resulted from a broad-based outreach that included surveys, focus groups and conversations that involved more than 10,000 people as well as successful negotiations with the University of Denver, which had originally balked at some of the proposed new names.

He said the change reflects the evolution of Metro State, from the initial enrollment of 1,187 students who attended classes in rented downtown buildings to an institution serving a diverse student body of 24,000. Jordan also noted growth from an academic perspective, citing as examples recent achievements by the Nursing, Aviation and Aerospace Science, and Math and Computer Science departments.

“We will continue to provide our students with a robust academic experience,” said Board of Trustee member Dawn Bookhardt, testifying for the name change. “We’re Metro and will continue to be the Metro we’ve always been except we’ll be better and we’ll have the name to prove it.”

Also testifying were Roy Alexander, a 1974 graduate and former CEO of the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority; Caitlin Gibbons, a Metro State senior majoring in journalism, and Jesse Altum, president of the Student Government Assembly.

National Women's History Month

March is officially WOMENS NATIONAL HISTORY MONTH. It is my pleasure to highlight the achievements and social justice movements that women have paved along the way. From the earliest pioneers like Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth and to our present day Michelle Obama and Angela Davis. Women have always had a voice that men are constantly trying to suppress. But I must admit times have gotten better and we have grown as a society. There several pros and cons but at the end of the day no one can question a women's worth.


 Although women now outnumber men in American colleges nationwide, the reversal of the gender gap is a very recent phenomenon. The fight to learn was a valiant struggle waged by many tenacious women—across years and across cultures—in our country. After the American Revolution, the notion of education as a safeguard for democracy created opportunities for girls to gain a basic education—based largely on the premise that, as mothers, they would nurture not only the bodies but also the minds of (male) citizens and leaders. The concept that educating women meant educating mothers endured in America for many years, at all levels of education.


Pioneers of secondary education for young women faced arguments from physicians and other “experts” who claimed either that females were incapable of intellectual development equal to men, or that they would be harmed by striving for it. Women’s supposed intellectual and moral weakness was also used to argue against coeducation, which would surely be an assault on purity and femininity. Emma Willard, in her 1819 Plan for Improving Female Education, noted with derision the focus of women’s “education” on fostering the display of youth and beauty, and asserted that women are “the companions, not the satellites of men”—“primary existences” whose education must prepare them to be full partners in life’s journey.


The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of women whose commitment to nature and the planet have proved invaluable to society

Alternative Spring Break

The 3^rd Annual Metro State Alternative Spring Break

Sunday March 18 through Wednesday March 21
African Community Center and Safari Seconds

International volunteer experience in your community!

 

Students will be volunteering with the African Community Center and Safari Seconds during the 3^rd Annual Alternative Spring Break. The African Community Center and Safari Seconds are local refugee resettlement programs which welcomes newcomers who have had to flee persecution within their home country. Refugees that they serve come to the United States from countries all over the world including Bosnia, Iran, Iraq, Vietnam, Burma, Congo, Burundi, the former Soviet Union, Somalia, Sudan, Liberia, and Eritrea.

 

The refugees arrive in the United States with minimal possessions and extremely limited funds. In order to address this need the Alternative Spring Break Toiletries Drive was created and takes place in the weeks leading up to Alternative Spring Break. Items that are needed include: toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo/conditioner, soap, and deodorant, in addition to any other toiletry items.

 

On Monday February 27^th from 11:00-2:00 in the Tivoli’s Multicultural Lounge there will be a Alternative Spring Break and Toiletry Drive Kick Off Event. We will be getting the Metro State community excited about Alternative Spring Break by providing students, faculty, and staff with the opportunity to view pictures and videos from previous years, talk with former participants, talk with professionals from this field, listen to culturally rich music, and enjoy a light lunch.

We would love to see you at the Kick Off Event and have you sign up to attend this life changing volunteer opportunity known as Alternative Spring Break!

 

For more information please contact the Student Service Club at studentserviceclub@gmail.com or check out our website at www.studentserviceclub.com. 

 

To apply for a spot on the Alternative Spring Break, please visit:

http://www.mscd.edu/urbanconnect/studentresources/

Peace Breakfast

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The great American hero is what I prefer to call him along with many other titles such as our King, our Leader, our Hope and so forth. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent human being that will always proclaim his throne in history. He was such a passionate preacher while equipped with a captivating presence. He once said, “At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love”. What he stood for is still highly regarded in our present day.

We remember Martin Luther King Jr. because of what he instilled into the fabric of American Society. Which brings me to a strong valid point, to be in opposition to Dr. Kings ideas is to be in opposition of America. Seriously take a moment and think about humans and how we have grown, how we have changed into a progressive direction. Obviously social injustice is still alive and well all over the world, which makes me along with the rest of society aware of the long road ahead.

This year we will honor Dr. King’s legacy and the Dream he bestowed for all mankind to achieve. Thank you Dr. King for enduring hardships so the next generation will have life to breathe, like myself. Special shout out to a fellow student who has made her mark in the community. This year the MLK Peace Award goes to Candace L Johnson, a former employee in our very own office. CONGRATS!

1Book 1Project

This Spring semester of 2012 we have our annual 1Book 1Project, which is a recurring series open to all Metro State faculty, staff and students along with the public. Combining a book discussion with a related service project plus the idea that we can all be transformed and can, perhaps transform others by what we read and how we participate in our community.

Helen Thorpe is the author of “Just Like Us”, our feature book this semester. It tells the story of four high school students whose parents entered this country illegally from Mexico. We meet the girls on the eve of their senior prom in Denver, Colorado. All four of the girls have grown up in the United States and all four want to live the American Dream. But they discover that only the legal pair sees a clear path forward. Their friendship starts to divide along lines of immigration status. 

Stop by our office Center for Urban Connections Tivoli 243 to inquire. THANKS!

-SGM 

Happy New Years!

Welcome to the freshly brand new year of 2012, it’s another anticipated year to be alive! Here at the Center for Urban Connections our mission is continuing in the same direction.  “We are dedicated to promoting collaborative relationships between Metropolitan State College of Denver and its surrounding community; provide resources for community partners, students, faculty staff and alumni. The center is committed to strengthening partnerships with neighbor organizations, enhancing and expanding community based learning and research opportunities, developing student leaders, supporting college wide service and outreach to advance the educational mission of the college and the common good. Inside or outside of class, the center seeks to enhance understanding of urban issues through meaningful involvement in urban solutions”.

-SGM

Ciao Ciao Servistas!

Today is my last day at the Center for Urban Connections. Its been a positive, growing experience for almost two years. As the main blogger for the office, the blog has been one of my main responsibilities and its been great to expand my writing style and understand true blog speak.

Fear brings out the unknown in everyone and because it is so unexpected  the overall nervous feelings that you have, can make you not want to take the risk. From not being afraid of stepping out, I have seen that  change, brings happiness and it allows you to have  become your own explorer in life.

Its been a great experience writing for the blog and finding out more articles about community engagement and volunteering that are interesting to me and other Metro State students.

My hope is that with every blog, you can think about ways to change your thoughts of engaging with the community and especially change that which can open your eyes. Volunteering has helped me as a person understand my passions, and its essentially part of why I worked at the Center for Urban Connections.

I leave you all with two quotes,

Keep constantly in mind in how many things you yourself have witnessed changes already. The universe is change, life is understanding. - Marcus Aurelius 

Life's most urgent question is.... what are you doing for others? - Martin Luther King Jr. 

Have you heard about the MLK Peace Breakfast 2012?!

Martin Luther King Day is celebrated as a day to remember that justice and peace did occur, but we need peaceful, justice motivated and compassionate leaders in our community. For the past couple of years, Metro State has had the MLK Peace Breakfast to honor students, staff and faculty/ and community member(s) who advocate and are committed to social justice and helping this community. These individuals are chosen by their overall activism, involvement and dedication to what they do in the community. These leaders continue to inspire others to be community activists.  

If you would like to nominate someone who inspires you with community activism, please do so by this Wednesday, November 30^th, 2011. Go to: www.mscd.edu/mlk . 

and find out all the specifics of nominating, including an option to use an on-line submission form (new this year!). If you would like to submit a hard copy, you still can but make sure to follow all instructions on the website.

This year's theme, is Coming of Age: Solidifying the Dream .If you’re interested in attending the breakfast, here are all of the details!

Date: Friday, January 13, 2012

Time: 8:30am-10:30am

Where: Tivoli Turnhalle 

Tickets will go on sale December 5th, 2011. This year, you can reserve and purchase a table for your office or individual department. 

What do you think makes a good community activist? Tell us your thoughts and nominate someone today! http://www.mscd.edu/mlk

Denver Rescue Mission In Need of Extra Turkeys!!

I always look forward to Thanksgiving and a much needed break from school. Every year I try to think of something I am thankful of, but it can be a challenge because I am truly thankful for so much. In particular, I am thankful for family, friends, yoga and food.  Food is such a vital part of human existence that if we are without it, it is very hard to get anything accomplished. 

The Denver Rescue Mission offers services that help provide individuals with basic needs so that they are able to be self sufficient. They provide services to:  men, single mothers and their children, basic clothing, food items, transitional housing, an overnight shelter, family-based programming and an education and career service center. Through these services, a great need in the community is met.

Every Thanksgiving, a Great Thanksgiving Banquet is given for all individual who are in need of a meal. Along with receiving a beautiful, sustaining meal on this day, all guests will receive a hat, gloves and scarf set. This is such a great event, but sadly this year there aren’t enough turkeys to make their goal of approximately 20,000.  The Denver Rescue Mission is still looking for individuals who can donate 12 lbs. or larger turkeys for this year’s banquet. 

If you would like to donate a turkey, please help by going to the Denver Rescue Mission by Wednesday, November 23^rd and bring a turkey(s) to their address 1130 Park Avenue West, Denver, CO 80205.

This will give an individual or a family a happy and joyful start to the holiday season and they will be provided with a warm, wonderful meal and a couple of essential items, the day before Thanksgiving.  If you have any questions, please go to the Denver Rescue Mission’s website: http://www.denverrescuemission.org/.

Have you ever volunteered on Thanksgiving Day to serve homeless individuals or provided holiday volunteer work? Comment below on our blog and let us know your experience!

November Food and Clothing Drive!

I always feel like this time of the year, it’s great to cleanse and start out fresh for a new year. One of the many ways to start fresh is to give away un-used items. We all may have a little clutter in our life, but we all can give something to someone else, to feel good and give back to the community.

This November, two Metro Students Alli Tellez and Patrick Seamars are doing just that, by coordinating a Clothing and Food Drive for the holiday season.
Did you know that 39 percent of individuals doing a survey for Feeding America.org said that they have to choose a meal over paying for rent? The Clothing and Food Drive goes from today until Saturday, November 19th, 2011. All collected donations will be given to the Food Bank of the Rockies in Denver. They hope to collect 40,000 or more items which would be 1 item collected for each student, staff and faculty at Metro State.

All items are beneficial to individuals in need and help them stay warm.
The following items are ones that the Food Bank of the Rockies need. To drop off items, please go to the PE Building Room 110 (the Fitness Center) or our office, the Center for Urban Connections in Tivoli 243. Those who donate can enter for a chance to win things like Comedy Works tickets, Outdoor Adventure vouchers and much more!

Items that are needed are: Clothes, Jackets, Shoes, Toys, Canned foods, Rice, Fruit Cups, Granola Bars, Box dinner or lunches, Ramen Noodles, Peanut butter & jelly, Snacks/ on-the-go foods, and Crackers. Please bring non-perishable goods only, please.

Want something fun, educational and a great resume builder for next semester?
The Urban Leadership Program is now accepting student applications until November 18th, 2011.
The Urban Leadership Program integrates the study of leadership balanced with service learning to form leaders through mentoring, workshops, and volunteering. Students work with their fellow classmates to better understand service learning through the classroom and actual experience.

Metro State Students are eligible for up to 500 dollars each semester. It’s a great program to learn how to network with local businesses, civic leaders and the nonprofit community. Additional information about this program can be found at their website, www.mscd.edu/president/ulp .

Have you participated in a food drive with a nonprofit organization? Share your experience by commenting below!

CVA Painting Duel Event

One of our service opportunities for this year’s 1B/1P/2T book selection, Enrique’s Journey was to volunteer at the Center for Visual Arts; (CVA) an off-campus art gallery of Metro State’s art department that gives students the feel of an urban learning culture along with a strong sense of community within Denver’s art scene.


Volunteers helped our office, Arts Street and VSA/Access Gallery to give local teens the opportunity to make art with thought and emotion around the topic of “immigration.”




The funds raised at this event went to Clinica Tepeyac, a nonprofit health care clinic who provides health care to medically underserved individuals. All of the donations at this event went to a mural in the children’s waiting area of Clinica Tepeyac.



Did you volunteer at the CVA Painting Duel event or another one of our Enrique’s Journey service opportunities? Let us know your experience at the event!

Colorado Gives Day 2011

Have you ever wanted to donate to an organization you volunteer for, but you’re not sure how to go about it? This year on Tuesday December 6th, Colorado Gives Day is happening! This 24 hour online event was created to ‘give to where you live’ making it simple to donate to nonprofit organizations in Colorado!

Colorado Gives Day was created to conserve and develop life in Colorado by forming a one-day event of online philanthropy. If you look on their website, http://www.givingfirst.org/cogivesday/, you can search for specific charities, types of causes, and nonprofits in your neighborhood. Last year, Colorado Gives Day, gave a whopping 8.7 million dollars in donations to local Colorado nonprofits. Please do not forget to visit their blog, where you can learn more and find out about the organization that sponsors Colorado Gives Day, Giving First.org: http://givingfirstblog.blogspot.com/.


What Colorado nonprofit organization would you like to donate to this year? Let us know by commenting below! Can’t think of an organization to donate to? Stop by our office in Tivoli 243 and take a look at our binders.

Paying It Forward: How Positive Social Impact Changes Metro Athletes

It is great to see such a positive impact that many of the Athletes here at Metro State have been able to give. We love to see our Metro Students volunteering out in the community, so that’s why I want all readers to find out about what The Metro State Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams are doing. Both basketball teams have been heavily involved in giving back and service learning throughout the years. Did you see this article in the Metro News Room about their involvement? If not, check it out! http://www.mscd.edu/~collcom/artman/publish/goldcrown_twv9102411.shtml

I’m highlighting two awesome organizations that our Women’s & Men’s Basketball teams have volunteered for: Habitat for Humanity and the Gold Crown Foundation.

Did you know that Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver was the first affiliate in all of Colorado? Well it all started back in 1979. Did you know that in Colorado alone there are 42 Habitat for Humanity affordable houses? They have a great program that serves as a partnership with Crowley County Correctional Faculty and helps inmates learn about construction and provide a wide range of skills so that when they look for a job, they have a skill set. They learn how to do basic woodworking for example how to make a cabinet or countertop. If you are interested in volunteering with your local affiliate in Colorado go to: http://www.habitatcolorado.org/get-involved.html for more information.


Another great organization our Student Athletes have supported is The Gold Crown Foundation is a public charity that helps to provide sports programs and enrichment for youth in Colorado. Gold Crown was the first in Colorado to see there were few opportunities for girls to be involved in sports. At the time, nothing like that was being talked about. So, they decided to take a risk and create their own middle school program back in ‘94. In just 17 years they: created girls basketball camps, added a field house, a baseball all-star park, formed volleyball and junior golf programs, fully grew to year round basketball programs, and now provide technology and art classes. I think it’s really cool that they offer scholarship programs to future participants to make sure everyone gets a chance to be involved in sports! Since 2008, there have been more than 35,000 opportunities for girls and boys to provide sports programs like basketball, golf, lacrosse and volleyball. If you are interested in learning how to get involved with Gold Crown, please contact them by going to their website: http://www.goldcrownfoundation.com.


Have you ever volunteered for a non-profit that provides sports programs to kids? Or have you worked with Habitat for Humanity? Post your volunteer experience under comments on our blog!

Events This Week for Enrique's Journey

You may have seen flyer's around campus for Enrique's Journey or even participated in a book discussion, but just in case you have not there are a bunch of events going on this week that include the author of Enrique's Journey Sonia Nazario as the 2011 Richard T. Castro Distinguished Visiting Professor. Here is a list of free events that are happening on campus and at the Center for Visual Arts.

Tuesday, October 18th at 6:00pm - Sonia Nazario Reception at the Center for Visual Arts

Wednesday, October 19th at 9:00am- Charla y Cafe 9:00am at the Rodger Braun Lounge( Tivoli 201)

Wednesday, October 19th at 11:00am- Sonia Nazario Keynote at St. Cajetans

Wednesday, October 19th at 2:00pm- Book Discussion with Sonia Nazario at Rodger Braun Lounge ( Tivoli 201)

Thursday, October 20th at 2:00pm- Journalist Panel with Sonia Nazario & Tina Griego at Tattered Cover ( 16th Street Mall)

Thursday, October 20th, at 6:00pm- Enrique's Journey Despidida Reception with Sonia Nazario

If you would like to comment or provide feedback for us about this week's Sonia Nazario events, please do on here or on our Facebook.


Thanks so much!


Rachelle
Events Assistant
Center for Urban Connections

Weekly service learning/ engagement updates

Hey there Servistas,

Here's another week of service learning/ engagement updates. Have a great week!

Keep An Engaged Community & Love Service- http://tinyurl.com/62j5cud

Copenhagen Gas Stations Evolve Into Bike- Friendly Stations- http://tinyurl.com/3rs3xdd

The Girl Effect: Inspire Young Girls, Change The World-
http://tinyurl.com/3z8fg6l




Thanks for reading!


Rachelle
Events Assistant
Center for Urban Connections

weekly service learning/engagement updates

Hey there Servistas,

This is our second week of doing current service learning/ community engagement articles and short term volunteer opportunities. Please comment and let me know any new media articles that you find or local volunteer opportunities, and we will put them on this blog!


'Be the Change' National Service Day draws 100 to volunteer in Austin-
http://tinyurl.com/3hp8a9v


Local Step dancing fundraiser helps to award 15 girls with college scholarships- http://tinyurl.com/6byjal3

Clinica Tepeyac former client, shares story about how she became the new medical director- >http://tinyurl.com/677hk3b

One urban gardener turns Abandoned Homes into Abundant Gardens, Detroit locals making a livings off of micro-farming. http://tinyurl.com/3qwe9g3

How a Volunteer Yogi's practice made her feel more enlightened - http://tinyurl.com/6958ayx

Recycled School in Guatemala shows kids how to think sustainable-http://tinyurl.com/3gxjr7j

An outsider's perspective on why its essential to become involved through volunteering, in college http://tinyurl.com/5tj4qkw

Local college students connect to homeless through writing class- http://tinyurl.com/6fn2m9a


Short Term Volunteer Opportunities

What: Women's Bean Project

When: Thursday October 13th- 22nd, 2011

Where: Various Locations in Denver Metro Area

Volunteer Description and Duties: Your role at this event is to make sales and share information about the Women's Bean Project. Last year we sold more than 100,000 in offsite sales and this was largely due to sales at volunteer-staffed events. E-mail DianaL@womensbeanproject.org to sign up!



Happy Servicing!


Rachelle
Events Assistant
Center for Urban Connections

weekly service learning/engagement/volunteer opportunities updates

Starting this week, I will be doing a weekly post where you can find links about current service learning/ engagement articles. Here are a couple for this week:

Social Change Statistics from Walden College- http://tinyurl.com/3nt37y5

Is the PeaceCorps right for you? http://tinyurl.com/44w44pu

New engagement opportunity for AARP seniors ,ExpierenceCorps- http://tinyurl.com/3ez3zmp

House Painted Hot Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness- http://tinyurl.com/3w3vxld


Short Term Volunteer Opportunities



What: Run the Rocks

When: October 15th & 16th,2011

Where: Red Rocks Amphitheater

Volunteer Description: The American Lung Association is working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health in all its forms. Run the 'Rocks is a walk/run challenge matched with electrifying musical reverb at the world-famous amphitheatre crafted by Mother Nature herself.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Alia Thobani at mscd-volunteer@mscd.edu or 303-556-2595


What: Trick or Treat Street

When: October 29th,30th,31st,2011

Where: The Children's Museum
2121 Children’s Museum Drive
Denver, CO 80211

Volunteer Description: It's time for one of the cutest and most fun-filled events of the year! We need energetic volunteers to help with this large, spooktacular event, including Monster Carnival attendants, stroller valet, Treat House attendants, arts and crafts facilitators and more!

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Alia Thobani at mscd-volunteer@mscd.edu or 303-556-2595


If you have any questions, please come to our office in Tivoli 243 or at (303) 352-7129.


Thanks for reading!


Rachelle
Events Assistant
Center for Urban Connections

Service Corps Alums Expected to Have Great Jobs

A new article by a leading website of online jobs says that individuals who have completed an AmeriCorps service program will be able to receive top positions at their place of employment.

Just last week, Monster collaborated with such companies as The Corps Network, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Open Society Foundations to hire Service Corps( formerly known as our UCAN Serve program) alumni graduates across America.


Their goal for the next few years, is to place 25,000 Service Corps Alumni's with top position jobs. Approximately 100,000 young individuals graduate from Service Corps programs per year, where experience goes from the environmental to women's health issues.

This new collaboration offers great hope for individuals who are in the ServiceCorps program, or who are about to graduate from it.

To read the full article, please go to: http://tinyurl.com/3gq4th8
Thanks for reading!

Rachelle
Events Assistant
Center for Urban Connections

Sonia Nazario Events at 1 Book/ 1 Project / 2 Transform

Although our 1 Book/1 Project/2 Transform slots have been filled, we still have many great events with Sonia Nazario,author of Enrique's Journey and this year's selection for the Richard T. Castro Professorship.We hope to see you at the following events!

October 13th-30th- Enrique's Journey Play, Thursday-Sunday @ 7:00pm at Su Teatro. 721 Santa Fe Drive Denver, CO 80204. $20 General Admission/ $17 Students/Seniors. For more information about Enrique's Journey at Su Teatro, please visit: http://martinezled.com/enriques-journey-2/

October 12th- Which Way Home Documentary, Tivoli 320 A @ 3:30pm

October 19th- Sonia Nazario Keynote, St. Cajetans @ 11:00am

For more information on these events please visit our website www.mscd.edu/urbanconnect/events/ or visit our office in Tivoli 243.


Thanks for reading!


Rachelle
Events Assistant
Center for Urban Connections

A interesting way to learn about volunteering in Denver

Hey there Servistas!

Are you ever curious about how many people volunteer in our city ? Well if you are, you might be surprised to know that Denver non-profits provide great retention to volunteers and contribute the most to educational non-profits in our community. I found a great statistical resource that provides yearly statistics from the Corporation for National & Community Service. What they are bringing to our community helps to give a greater understanding of the volunteer need and inspire individuals to take action and further engage in our city. For much more information about the statistics about volunteering from 2010 please go to http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/CO.

Thanks for reading!


Rachelle
Center for Urban Connections