Supervisor of the Year - 2025

It is with great pride that I nominate Alé Ruiz for Supervisor of the Year. Alé has consistently shown transparency with her supervisees, including myself, and is proficient in having respectful discussions with the team. When she makes a mistake at work, she is quick and open to share her mistakes and to apologize. With her title as MOSAIC Coordinator, she excels in promoting and embracing diversity through her work with historically and currently marginalized UCCS students and community members.

Alé has always been a consistent, reliable, and helpful source for aid and wellness for UCCS community members. No matter what help a student or community member needs, she is quick to offer help and resources most appropriate for a given situation. While Alé is always willing and able to provide help to the team, she also gives space to her student workers to do independent work, which leads to essential skill-building. She excels in being a welcoming individual while also maintaining professionalism with UCCS students who come into the MOSAIC space, allowing them to feel more comfortable in the space, asking questions, and when utilizing our resources.

I have known Bruce for almost four years during my time as an Undergraduate Student Employee at UCCS and I have had the opportunity to work under his leadership, guidance, and supportive supervision. I strongly believe that Bruce deserves this award due to his ongoing commitment to supporting UCCS student employees, other staff members, and incoming students at our university. 

Bruce has created a safe and welcoming work environment in the Orientation Program where he prioritizes his transformative leadership to all individuals he interacts with. He supports his student employees and empowers us to be strong leaders of UCCS that have the skills and knowledge to aid incoming students to our campus. Bruce plays an active role in helping all student employees grow within, and outside, their role. One example of this is through the guidance he has provided me in finding a job when I graduate with my undergraduate degree, while supporting me in pursuing my goals of attending graduate school. With this being said, Bruce has been an exceptional supervisor who prioritizes the 30+ student employees he works with in addition to prioritizing and supporting new and returning students to our university. 

Dr. Foley has been a wonderful supervisor and mentor throughout our four semesters together with me being his lab instructor for 1503. I am proud to have worked with him to challenge these students and ourselves to do the best job that we could. Engineering at UCCS is not just a learning experience with Dr. Foley, but it is an interactive and fun experience.  I think I was very fortunate to have met and worked with him.

Dr. Gorder has played a pivotal role in shaping my academic and professional journey. His sponsorship has made it possible for me to pursue graduate studies—an opportunity I would not have had without his support. Under his mentorship, I have deepened my technical expertise, discovered my true passions, and refined my career aspirations. He fosters an environment of curiosity and innovation, encouraging students to explore new ideas while equipping us with the resources and confidence to succeed.

As a supervisor, Dr. Gorder balances leadership with approachability, taking the time to understand each student's strengths and challenges. He provides thoughtful and constructive feedback that enhances both our research and personal growth. His dedication to student success extends beyond the classroom and laboratory—he actively supports our professional development, helping us build networks, secure career opportunities, and prepare for the future.

Dr. Gorder’s impact extends far beyond his immediate students—he leads by example, demonstrating integrity, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His mentorship has been instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of graduate school, and he has inspired me to contribute meaningfully to my field. He goes out of his way to find opportunities for students based on their interests. 

I have been working with Stephanie for over 3 years now and she has been such a supportive and crucial part of my college experience. She has been my go-to person for any questions or troubles that I might be going through. Her hard work and dedication to her role is truly inspiring and I look up to her every day. Throughout my personal college experience, Stephanie has been one mentor that hastruly allowed me to thrive and grow as a person. She trusts me with opportunities to complete work-related tasks that I would normally feel unconfident in. She has helped me become more confident in myself and the work that I am able to deliver, and I know that she has put the same faith towards mechanical and aerospace engineering students. 

I have been an employee of Stephen’s for over two years. Within those two years, there has not been one questions, problem, or situation Stephen has not handled with grace, acceptance, and understanding. His professionalism never wavers when dealing with patrons or rental companies. Behind the desk, Stephen contributes a lighthearted yet focused work environment where his employees find levity and support. Overall, Stephen is more than a valued member of the ENT Center: he is a phenomenal leader. I nominate Stephen for Supervisor of the Year with no reservations.

Eric joined UCCS in Fall 2024, and although he has only recently started, he has already made a significant impact on my life by hiring me as a research assistant in the Biofrontier's Center. His passion for science and commitment to improving lives through his work on the microbiome for fecal transplants is admirable. Eric’s good-natured and honest approach to science is an ideal we should all strive to emulate. He has helped advanced my career and abilities as a researcher by fostering critical learning and expanding my network of fellow scientists, including colleagues at Carnegie Mellon and UF Scripps Institute. His contributions to the Physics department’s involvement in biophysics have been immense, especially at a time when the department was understaffed. Moreover, his efforts to invite research colleagues for visits and talks have provided other students with a broader perspective, and he has created valuable undergraduate research opportunities that help build essential scientific skills.

I’ve been working with Sharla since 2021 and she has always been exceptional. Even though she isn’t my direct supervisor she acts as such and she has made the office environment friendly, comfortable, and somewhere I enjoy being. She is amazing at training, happily answers any questions we may have and is someone I wholeheartedly trust.