Applied Business and Entrepreneurship Association International conference presentation Apryl Brodersen, Ph.D., Gina Cook, Ph.D., and Lisa McVicker, Ph.D., had their paper, “Benefits of Integrative Negotiation: Environmental Disputes, Human Resources Conflicts and International Business Controversies Applications,” accepted for presentation at the 2026 Applied Business and Entrepreneurship Association International conference in November. Colorado Latino Leadership Advocacy and Research Organization 2026 Polly Baca Social Justice Award Community Cabinet member Jesse K. Ogas will be receiving the CLLARO Social Justice Award on Sept. 15. CLLARO is a nonprofit organization helping Latino communities to empower themselves through leadership development, advocacy and policy research. Colorado Open Educational Resources Awards MSU Denver faculty and academic programs were recognized for leadership in advancing open educational resources and zero-textbook-cost (ZTC) education during the 2026 Colorado OER Conference, held in May at Arapahoe Community College. Emily Ragan, Ph.D., received the inaugural Open Education Legacy Award. A founding member of the Colorado OER Council, Ragan’s work has helped generate an estimated $10 million in student savings at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Additional honorees included: - Jonathan Dyhr, Ph.D., who received the Outstanding ZTC Advocate Award. - Carolyn McGary, who received the Outstanding ZTC Innovation Award. - Brian Healy, who received the Outstanding ZTC Instructor Award. - The School of Hospitality, which received the Outstanding ZTC Workforce Development Award. - The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies program, which received the Outstanding ZTC Programs: Bachelor’s Degree Award. Compliance, Policy and Risk Summit Adrienne Randol, Delaney Thoma, Leanne Bokinskie, Jo Erven, Leone Dick and Toby Hatcher planned and hosted the third annual Compliance, Policy and Risk Summit at MSU Denver on July 23. The summit welcomed a record number of attendees from 11 Colorado colleges and universities, along with community partners, including United Educators and the FBI. Participants explored emerging issues in