Cooper-Morning a unifying member of university community
(June 2, 2008) Resa M. Cooper-Morning has brought joy and unity to the University of Colorado Denver for the past 16 years. Cooper-Morning, who began her career in the Business School while continuing her education, received her fourth degree, an MPA from the School of Public Affairs.
Cooper-Morning currently works in the Ethnic Studies Department as the Diversity Coordinator and has taken part in and supported a number of committees and African-American student organizations including the African-American Business Student Alliance (AABSA) and Black Student Services, emceeing fashion shows as part of Black History Month as well as emceeing for Staff Council. For this and other important contributions to students, the university and community, Cooper-Morning was chosen to receive the University of Colorado Staff Council Excellence in Service winner for UC Denver.
“Resa Cooper-Morning, over the years, has been ever open to helping at the local campus and the university level when called upon,” writes her nominator. “She truly cares about all her fellow employees and the futures of our students.”
Among her contributions, she was a participant in President Clinton’s Initiative on Race Relations, has worked as a volunteer probation office for the Denver Juvenile Courts, a case manager for Gilliam Youth Center and a youth counselor for her church. She worked with the Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and along with the assistance of Lenora Patterson in the Business School, facilitated the very first MTVU “Stand In” taping with music mogul Russell Simmons for the Denver Campus in 2005. Cooper-Morning also instigated the Frightful Feast (for Halloween) and co-originated the Birthday Club in the Business School. She continues The Birthday Club in the Ethnic Studies Department.
Her nominator summarizes: “She gives where she can and is an exemplary model for us all and therefore is most deserving of the recognition of her service to students, the campus, the university and the community.”