Leah Spielman, 2025 Alumna of the Year, poses in a green speckled top and tan jacket on the cover of the Spring 2026 buzz magazine

buzz alumni magazine

Winter 2026

A group of people talking at a job fair table

Alumni spotlight

Leah Spielman ’15: Perseverance, Purpose, and Paying It Forward

Leah Spielman’s decade-long journey to completing her bachelor’s degree at Metro State University became a defining accomplishment shaped by resilience, nontraditional pathways, and her grandmother’s steady encouragement.

News@Metro

Rosalva Hernandez poses for a portrait in a light blue shirt and glasses

Returning to campus

Rosalva Hernandez ’09 has returned to Metro State University as the new Director of Community Engagement, bringing extensive experience from roles across Minnesota’s public and nonprofit sectors.

A group of people talk about a piece of equipment in a lab

Cybersecurity round table brings thought leaders to campus

Metro State University capped 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Month with a Halloween‑weekend leadership roundtable that united federal, state, and local leaders to advance Minnesota’s cyber resilience.

A group of people gathered in New Main Great Hall at tables

Rise to Shine

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Metro State Foundation welcomed board members, their guests, and other community partners to our Rise to Shine breakfast event to raise awareness and funds for student scholarships.

Letters

President Ginny Arthur posed for a portrait

Office Hours

Ginny Arthur, Metro State University President

Happy New Year! I am optimistic about what 2026 has in store for Metro State and our students.

a person in a dark blue shirt posing for a portrait

Alumni Association

Matthew Moe, Alumni Board President

I am honored to greet you as the president of the Metro State Alumni Board.

From the Director

Kristine Hansen, Senior Director of Alumni Relations

The impulse to help is a strong thread in the fabric of our community.

A figure sits for a portrait in deep shadow

Nyctophile
Richard Osuji ’25
Digital painting

Three women standing for separate portraits

Starting a business? Getting a promotion? Publishing a book? Share your big news with us and you may see yourself in a future issue of buzz magazine. Email your news and a photograph of yourself to alumni.relations@metrostate.edu.

Get Involved

Each year the Metro State Alumni Association hosts opportunities for alumni to stay connected to the university and each other through educational events, networking and volunteering. The alumni relations page at metrostate.edu is your home for alumni events and opportunities.

People and Programs

Academic Reentry as a Pathway to Belonging and Purpose

The opportunity to join the academy after incarceration offers a newfound freedom to justice-impacted individuals.

TREC Spotlight: Transforming Higher Education

TREC scholars are working to change the narratives about who justice-impacted people are and what higher education can mean for students, families, and communities.

A group of people pose for a group photo in front of New Mainup p

Alumni in the Community

The Metro State alumni community got a boost this fall when the Alumni Board of Directors welcomed four new members.

Contributors

VOLUME 18, NUMBER 1, Winter 2026

Metro State University buzz is published once a year by Metro State University Alumni Relations, University Advancement division for alumni and friends of the university. Metro State University is a member of Minnesota State.

Managing Editor
Kristine Hansen ’07, Alumni Relations Director

Design and Layout
Liz Thompson, Director of Marketing and Communications

Photography
Kathleen Ambre Aamodt, Digital Marketing Strategist

Associate Editors
Matthew Spillum ’06, Academic Editor, Digital Communications, Copywriter
Josh Windham, Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Editorial Assistant
Noriko Ramberg, Office Coordinator for Alumni Relations and Annual Fund

Correspondence can be sent to:
Alumni Relations, Metro State University
700 East Seventh Street
Saint Paul, MN 55106-5000
651.793.1808
alumni.relations@metrostate.edu

Portraits of Leah Spielman and campus photography by Kathleen Ambre Aamodt. Additional photography by Jeff Achen, Andy King, Amanda Wong ’17, and self-submission.