From the Director 

Have you ever stood behind someone who was struggling to open a door because they we carrying an armload of groceries? What is the first thought that comes to your mind? If it is “how can I help,” you are in good company. Most of us, when faced with someone in need, will act on the impulse to help. The impulse to help is a strong thread in the fabric of our community. However, many of us have a more difficult time when faced with more abstract problems. It is common to get bogged down in how to help or wonder if our help would even be welcome.  

Each year we recognize an alum who is willing to step outside of their comfort zone to help improve the Metro State community. This year, the Metro State Alumni Board of Directors recognized Leah Speilman for her service and support for Metro State students as mentor, coach, and advocate. As someone who has had the good fortune to connect with Leah at events and other occasions, I have been impressed by her energy and her commitment, but what really stands out to me is her advice to other alumni who want to give back, but I aren’t sure where or how to start. Leah’s advice? “Start small”. This is great advice. 

Leah’s journey to become an active and engaged alum started by answering a call from a former professor to connect and as her involvement increased, the number of students who have been the beneficiaries of her mentorship and experience has grown. The other thing that strikes me about Leah’s journey is what she gets back from helping. The sense of satisfaction and accomplishment from her gifts of time as well as the community and connection she feels is invaluable. We at Metro State are grateful to Leah for her generosity and the example she is setting for students who will become alumni who are also willing to share their time and talent.  

Metro State has long served as a pathway for students who were looking to change their lives through earning a degree.  The Transformation and Re-entry through Education and Community (TREC) program has opened a pathway for incarcerated students and support for justice impacted students attending post incarceration. Andre Anderson ’23, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Individualized Studies, reflects on what it means to have access to the Metro State community as an alum and returning student.  

Alumni are important to the ongoing student success. If you are able, I ask you to show your support on March 26, 2025, when we hold our first ever Metro State Day of Giving—Giving to Grow. Last spring we conducted a survey of Metro State alumni, and we learned that many of you are proud of your accomplishment in earning a degree, and grateful that when you were ready to continue you education Metro State made it possible to balance work, family, and school.  With your help, we will continue to create pathways for a better life for future students. A gift from an alum is a tangible way that we can demonstrate our value to alumni. In Leah’s words “start small” we are more than 55,000 alumni strong and together we can help a lot of students.  

Take care, 

Kristine 

Kristine Hansen ’07 
Senior Director of Alumni Engagement