2024 Alumni Association Award Winners

Stephen Lease goodr Sunglasses CEO

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI OF THE YEAR
Stephen Lease | 2016 | Marketing

Stephen Lease is the CEO (Chief Executive Octopus) of goodr. His spirit animal is an octopus, he’s soul-bonded with a Basset Hound, and he’s 16% flamingo. One day, while on a run, Stephen caught a glimpse of himself in a car mirror looking like the biggest toolbag you can imagine, wearing expensive, over-engineered sunglasses and a bunch of stupid gear. So when Stephen launched goodr in 2015, he and his co-founders set out to design running sunglasses that were affordable, stylish, and all-performance—without the toolbag aesthetic.

Since then, goodr has grown to more than 140 Flamingos (employees) whose award-winning sunglasses are sold in 5,000+ locations worldwide. With accolades from leading media outlets like Runner’s World, Outside, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Bicycling, and GQ, plus rave reviews on Facebook by Stephen’s mom, goodr does it right when it comes to product…but its team of wildly talented, badass Flamingos is its greatest asset. This does not include goodr’s other CEO, Carl the Flamingo, who’s a rich selfish drunk fun-loving pansexual kleptomaniac degenerate asshole and proud of it.

In addition to his Chief Executive Octopus duties, Stephen is also the co-host of the CULTURE goodr Podcast, a behind-the-shades look at disrupting corporate norms and reinventing company culture where Stephen dives deep with his team and business culture leaders like Daniel Pink, Seth Godin, and Kim Scott to dissect “culture,” which goodr defines as the shared values, behaviors, and beliefs that connect us. Although it may look like Stephen and the goodr Flamingos slam margaritas all day long, they work hard and put a ton of effort into preserving goodr’s culture…and yes, with the occasional margarita at the end of the work day.

Speaking of his ‘toolbag-to-top Flamingo’ trajectory, Stephen has been featured in Inc. Magazine, Yahoo! Finance, and Entertainment Tonight and is a sought-after speaker and podcast guest where he explores his creative, progressive, and irreverent approaches to corporate culture, branding, and leadership. In his talks, Stephen squawks about how goodr sustains a culture that challenges the status quo, puts its people’s well-being first, and encourages them to be unabashedly themselves…unless they’re an a**hole.

Stephen is a proud alum of the Metropolitan State University of Denver and he is confident that Rowdy the Roadrunner and goodr’s own Carl the Flamingo would be fast friends.

 

ALUMNI PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR
The Nees Family
Hal Nees | 1976 | Law Enforcement

With the passing this year of Sally Nees, widow of alumnus and Emeritus Professor Harol (Hal) Nees, Ph.D. (who died in 2013), the couple’s generous planned gift to Metropolitan State University of Denver has come to fruition.

The gift of about $350,000 will be added to the Dr. Hal Nees Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, which was established in 2014 to provide scholarship support in perpetuity to MSU Denver students with a declared major in Criminal Justice and Criminology and a passion for pursuing a career in that field.

“We are grateful to Hal and Sally Nees for their generosity and for the trust they placed in MSU Denver as we worked together to ensure that the intention of their gift is realized,” said Shelley Thompson, associate vice president of University Advancement. “Their thoughtful planning will help future students achieve their dream of earning a degree.”

Hal Nees, who graduated from MSU Denver with a degree in Law Enforcement in 1976, dedicated his life to Colorado communities. From 1970 to 1991, he rose in rank from officer to division chief with the Boulder Police Department. During his time with the department, he helped create the first domestic violence prevention program in Boulder County. Nees also served as police chief in Durango from 1991 to 1993 and as director of Community Corrections for Boulder County from 1993 to 1998. He earned a master’s degree in Criminal Justice and a doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver.

Nees rejoined the MSU Denver family in 1998 as an assistant professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, dedicating the next 13 years to transforming students’ lives. He served as chair of the Faculty Senate for four years and as faculty trustee for two years before retiring as a full professor in 2011. He was awarded emeritus status in 2012.

Loyal donors for over a decade, Hal and Sally Nees left an indelible mark on MSU Denver. Their support culminated with making the University a beneficiary of their estate, and their legacy will live on through scholarship recipients starting in the 2025-26 academic year.

 

ALUMNI VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Alyssa Svalberg | 2018 | Human Performance & Sport

Alyssa Svalberg has been the Facilities Assistant Director for the Gold Crown Foundation in Lakewood, CO since 2020. She assists the management of the Gold Crown Field House, Kelli McGregor Field at Coca-Cola All Star Park and the Clubhouse Enrichment Center at Edgewater.

Alyssa manages day-to-day event coordination, staffing, maintenance, and facility risk management. In her role, Alyssa manages a team of 30 part-time employees, including multiple MSU-Denver graduates and students. Her part-time staff includes middle and high school student-employees in the Jefferson County and Denver areas who are seeking opportunities to grow their work experience at a young age.

Alyssa is heavily involved in the community in her role at Gold Crown. From hosting food drives throughout COVID, annual community events for organizations such as NCSD, Special Olympics, Jefferson County Schools, and local rehab programs, and hosting toy drives / donation programs for local schools, Alyssa maintains a great relationship with the surrounding community.

Due to her community involvement, Alyssa was awarded the 10 Under 10 Alumni award in Fall 2022.

In 2023, Alyssa became an active member of the MSU Denver Alumni Association Board of Directors where she helps engage other alumni to be active with MSU Denver events and welcomes graduating students to the alumni association.

Alyssa also currently serves on the MSU Denver Sport Management Advisory Board representing as an alumni and woman in the sport industry. In 2019, she was selected as a panelist for the MSU Denver Sport Management Women in Sports Panel and served as the panel moderator in 2022 and 2023.

In addition to being an active alumni in the academic realm, Alyssa also continues involvement with MSU Denver Athletics and can be found working at the stats table throughout the fall volleyball season.

Before her time at Gold Crown Foundation, Alyssa spent 18 months working in fundraising at Special Olympics Colorado. A former MSU-Denver volleyball student-athlete, Alyssa made academic honor roll each semester and graduated Cum Laude. Alyssa was awarded the Sport Management Student of the Year before graduating in 2018.

Alyssa is a Denver native who enjoys hiking, playing volleyball, and continuing to support both MSU-Denver’s athletic and academic programs.

 

ALUMNI CAMPUS EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Carlos Alcala | 2019 | Management

Carlos Alcala is a dedicated and accomplished professional in Human Resources, currently serving as a Senior Human Resources Partner at MSU Denver. A first-generation graduate, Carlos earned a Bachelor of Science in Management, with a Concentration in Human Resources Management in Spring 2019. Over the past six years, Carlos has made significant contributions to the Office of Human Resources, starting as a Front Desk Student Employee and progressing through various roles within the Office of Human Resources’ Student Employment Team, HR Partner Team, and now the Senior HR Partner Team.

In addition to his professional role, Carlos has been actively involved in multiple committees throughout the years, including but not limited to:

• Student Employment Work Group Committee
• Drugs Free Schools and Communities Act Committee
• Latinx Graduation Planning Committee
• Administration Branch Culture Committee
• Covid-19 Vaccine Verification Committee
• Human Resources Process Improvement Committee
• Human Resources Job Description Committee
• Student Affairs Effective Supervision Committee
• MSU Denver Volunteer Program Committee

Carlos has also volunteered at numerous events, such as Roadrunners who Soar, MSU Denver’s Years of Service, New Employee Campus Welcome, the Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 event, MSU Denver’s Leadership Retreat, and so much more.

His dedication to professional development is highlighted by his Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification and his recognition as a recipient of the Student Affairs BRAVO! Award and the MSU Denver’s Administration Branch Superhero of the Quarter award.

Moreover, Carlos has mentored numerous colleagues and students, providing essential guidance and support to help them achieve their academic and professional goals. He has also collaborated with a Senior Level HR Management class on a Competency Project, in addition to presenting a Resume Building Workshop, providing valuable real-world experience for our students.

Through his extensive involvement and commitment, Carlos exemplifies the mission and strategic goals of MSU Denver, contributing to the university’s vision of being Colorado’s most desired place of employment.

 

ALUMNI NETWORK OF THE YEAR
Black Alumni Network

Celebrating the Achievements of the Black Alumni Network (BAN)
The Black Alumni Network (BAN) of MSU Denver has truly made a remarkable impact since its inception in 2020. Through dedication, collaboration, and a deep commitment to uplifting the community, BAN has been at the forefront of various initiatives that have strengthened the alumni bond and fostered connections between current students, future graduates, and the broader community. Here’s a look at some of the amazing things BAN has accomplished.

Empowering Graduates: The Black Student Graduation
One of BAN’s proudest achievements is its role in assisting in organizing and supporting the Black Student Graduation. This event has become a cornerstone of BAN’s mission, providing a dedicated space to honor the achievements of Black students at MSU Denver. It’s a celebration of perseverance, excellence, and the rich cultural heritage that these students bring to the university. The event not only recognizes academic success but also serves as an inspiration for future graduates, showcasing the strength and unity of the Black alumni community.

Engaging the Community: MSU Denver Open House
BAN has also played a crucial role in the MSU Denver Open House, an event designed to engage prospective students, alumni, and the community at large. By participating in the Open House, BAN members have been able to share their experiences, offer guidance, and create lasting connections with future students. This involvement demonstrates BAN’s commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders and ensuring they feel welcomed and supported from the start of their academic journey.

Expanding Our Reach: Growing the LinkedIn Group
Since October 2022, BAN has successfully grown its LinkedIn group from 0 to 109 members. This digital community has become a vital platform for networking, sharing opportunities, and staying connected with fellow alumni. The group’s rapid growth reflects alumni’s desire to stay engaged and the effectiveness of BAN’s outreach efforts. It’s a testament to the power of community and the importance of maintaining strong connections in the professional world.

Advocating for Justice: MLK Marade Participation
In a show of solidarity and commitment to social justice, BAN proudly marched in the 2023 MLK Marade alongside the Denver Public Library. This event allowed BAN members to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and demonstrate their continued commitment to civil rights and equality. By participating in such meaningful events, BAN underscores the importance of activism and community involvement.

Collaborating for Success: Connecting with Call Me MiSTERs
BAN has forged a strong partnership with MSU Denver’s Call Me MiSTER program, collaborating on events such as the Open House and the Black Student Graduation. This collaboration has been instrumental in bridging the gap between current students and alumni, providing mentorship opportunities, and creating a supportive network that extends beyond graduation. These joint efforts have strengthened the sense of community and shared purpose among Black students and alumni.

BAN members also volunteered at the Call Me MiSTERS AFRO Student Leadership Summit, a critical event aimed at developing leadership skills among Black and brown students. By contributing their time, BAN members have helped support and empower the next generation of leaders, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make a difference in their communities.

Promoting Culture and Heritage: Black Arts Festival and Juneteenth
BAN’s presence at cultural events like the Black Arts Festival and Juneteenth has been pivotal in recruiting new members and spreading awareness about the network. These events provided opportunities to connect with MSU Denver alumni and students who were previously unaware of BAN, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. By celebrating Black culture and heritage, BAN continues to strengthen its ties with the community and attract new members who share its values and vision.

Supporting Community Events
BAN is deeply committed to supporting community events through promotion and active participation. Whether attending or volunteering at events like Vibes After Dark, the Black Excellence Social, or MSU Denver Homecoming events, BAN members consistently support initiatives that align with the network’s mission. This involvement not only enhances BAN’s visibility but also reinforces its role as a pillar of the community.

Recognizing Excellence: Awards and Honors
BAN’s exceptional members have been recognized for their community activism with prestigious awards, including the MLK Peace and Alumni Volunteers of the Year awards. These accolades highlight BAN members’ outstanding contributions to their communities, serving as role models and advocates for positive change.

In summary, the Black Alumni Network has made significant strides in building a vibrant and supportive community for MSU Denver alumni. Through its various initiatives, BAN has not only celebrated the achievements of Black students and alumni but also fostered connections that will continue to grow and thrive for years to come. As we look to the future, BAN remains committed to empowering its members, supporting the next generation, and making a lasting impact on the community.