AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENT
The College of Arts & Media
celebrates students, faculty, staff, and community leaders who are
making a difference on campus, in the community, and in the creative
fields!
SPRING 2023 OUTSTANDING GRADUATES
Film & Television
Grace Wagner
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television
As the Film & Television (FiTV) outstanding graduate, Grace Wagner displayed a creativity and diligence that served her well in CU Denver’s cohort-style film program. “I have left with so many contacts and friends that I know I can rely on in the future, and I think something like that is the most beneficial thing to have as a filmmaker,” says Grace. One of the main things the FiTV classes impressed upon Grace is that communication and passion are the most important things that make a good film and that gaining a reputation for caring—caring about the project you’re working on and people you’re working with—goes a long way in filmmaking. As far as the future is concerned, Grace hopes to get her foot in the film world doing anything involving production, design, or editing. “Grace Wagner is creative, diligent, and dedicated to the craft of filmmaking. We are honored to have been her teachers. The CU Denver universe will be proud to have her as an alumni,” says Prof. David Liban, FiTV chair.
Music & Entertainment Industry Studies
Faith Giles
Bachelor of Science in Recording Arts
Faith Giles gained a reputation for being a determined, disciplined, and dedicated student during her time in MEIS. “Faith consistently dove into our study of electronic music history,” writes Senior Instructor Todd Reid, “even when exploring the more esoteric, avant-garde directions this music took in its early years. She researched and presented a wonderful overview of electronic music in the 2020s and even composed a very interesting and involved electronic music composition.” Faith plans to work in sound for gaming or film/television sound after graduation. According to her professors, Faith’s drive to excel will surely lead her to a bright and promising future in the music industry.
David Ifland
Master of Science, Recording Arts
"David is motivated and always communicates well and is on top of his research agenda and career development. I have no doubt that he will be a high achiever in academia. " says Dr. Cecilia Wu. After graduation, David’s immediate plans are to begin working in live sound and post-production while applying for a Ph.D. program.
Visual Arts
Jaylen Dunbar
Bachelor of Fine Arts in 3D Graphics & Animation
Jaylen Dunbar is graduating with a bachelor of fine arts in computer animation and a minor in leadership studies. In addition to excelling at his studies in the Digital Animation Center (DAC), Jaylen was also a part of the University Honors and Leadership Program, which led him to engage in volunteer work at the Denver Rescue Mission and the Colorado Historical Society. While a student at CU Denver, Jaylen worked in the Office of the Chancellor where he produced and edited video content to promote the University’s strategic planning efforts. Senior Instructor and Program Director of the DAC, Jeremy Brown, describes Jaylen’s leadership skills this way: “Jaylen leads by doing. He never asks anything of his teammates without also doing the work himself. Jaylen leads with empathy. He listens to his teammates and finds solutions through consensus. Jaylen leads through perseverance. He and his team have faced numerous challenges and setbacks but Jaylen always comes back to the table ready to try a new approach.” Jaylen’s professors look forward to seeing what he will achieve after graduation.
FACULTY AWARD WINNERS
Each
year CU Denver honors one of the university’s greatest assets—the remarkable
faculty—with the faculty awards. These accolades recognize superior
accomplishments in teaching, leadership and service, and research and
creative activities.
Faculty Excellence in Research and Creative Work
Gregory T.S. Walker, DMA
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The College of Arts & Media (CAM) is proud to name Professor Gregory T.S. Walker of Music & Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS) as the recipient of the 2023 Faculty Excellence in Research and Creative Work Award. The award highlights Walker’s ongoing efforts to bring awareness to the unsung heroes of the modern musical canon through his composition, performance, and academic work. “Professor Walker’s efforts to deepen the understanding of Black American creatives through genre-bending arrangements, compositions, and performances makes great sense within the College of Arts & Media: a place where creativity, intellect, and social justice collide,” notes Mark Rabideau, Associate Dean for Faculty and Student Affairs in CAM.
SEED Equity and CELEBRATE Equity Awards
SEED Equity Award - seed efforts that increase awareness of disparities within and across systems, inspire positive change, and work toward creating a more hopeful, just world. The award recognizes work unfolding during the current and/or upcoming academic year that holds significant potential for impact or change within the college or within our community.
CELEBRATE Equity Award - celebrates efforts that have increased awareness of disparities within and across systems, inspire positive change, and work toward creating a more hopeful, just world. The award recognizes work that has unfolded since the previous year’s award that significantly impacted or changed the landscape of equity, diversity, or inclusion within the college or within our community.
Cynthia Cazanas-Garin, MFA
Assistant Professor of Film & Television Cynthia Cazanas-Garin has been awarded a SEED Equity Award for her ongoing work on the film What’s a Cuban Doing in Colorado?
Michelle Carpenter, MFA
Visual Arts Professor and Chair Michelle Carpenter has been granted a SEED Equity Award for her forthcoming project Dr. Eddie Henderson: Uncommon Genius. Michelle has also received a CELEBRATE Equity award for the original film she produced, Awadagin Pratt: Black in America.