Dear Alumni,  

Happy New Year! I am optimistic about what 2026 has in store for Metro State and our students. New year, new semester, and new opportunities for growth and change. The new year is also a time for reflection, and I am pleased to share some of the recent developments at Metro State with you.  

Over the summer, I had the good fortune to have lunch with the 2025 Alum of the Year, Leah Spielman ’15. Leah has been an advocate for Metro State students for many years. Over lunch, Leah shared her experience as a student who came to Metro State after finding herself in academic programs at other universities that did not feel like a good fit. She, like many Metro State alumni, sought a program that would enable her to leverage her strengths and acquire the knowledge necessary to launch a successful career. What sets Leah apart is her enthusiasm for “paying it forward” with Metro State students. Leah is an instant connector and a problem solver. When presented with an opportunity to connect with a student, you can see her wheels turning as she thinks about how she can help.  

In this issue of buzz, you will read about Transformation and Reentry through Education and Community (TREC) at Metro State and the work to build a community of justice-impacted students on campus. Helping students access existing campus resources gives these students a chance to break the cycle of reincarceration and exemplifies our mission to remove barriers to higher education.   

This fall, we welcomed several new members to the Alumni Board of Directors: Zuki Ellis ’11, Kami Miller ’24, Carol Njogu ’11, and Susan Shanks ’22. These dynamic alumni have wasted no time in jumping in and joining their fellow board members, working to connect with fellow alumni and students nearing graduation, helping to build relationships and strengthen our community.  

In other exciting news, this spring, we will launch Metro State’s first online day of giving—Giving to Grow. On March 26, 2026, we will invite our entire community to come together to help students succeed. In the coming weeks, you will learn more about how you can give, spread the word, and show your Metro State Pride. March 26 will be your moment to pay it forward for current students, and I know that you will rise to the challenge.  

I look forward to connecting with you in 2026.  

Sincerely,  

Virginia “Ginny” Arthur, JD 
President