Aerospace engineering technology major Evelyn Montes Gonzalez sitting in front of the white Roadrunner birdhead in the JSSB student lounge in a blue chair
Aerospace engineering technology major Evelyn Montes Gonzalez sitting in front of the white Roadrunner birdhead in the JSSB student lounge in a blue chair
Aerospace engineering technology major Evelyn Montes Gonzalez standing in front of the satellite in the AES building

For as long as Evelyn Montes Gonzalez can remember, she’s had her heart set on becoming an engineer.

“I grew up watching my mom work toward becoming a computer systems engineer and developed an early appreciation for math, science and physics,” said the Metropolitan State University of Denver sophomore.

When the time came for Montes Gonzalez to find a college where she could pursue her goal, she had a fixed idea of which schools she needed to attend – and they were outside her family’s budget.

But all was not lost. When participating in VUELO – a summer aerospace camp offered to incoming students interested in the aerospace industry – an MSU Denver outreach coordinator for space tech scholars suggested Montes Gonzalez look into the University’s aerospace programs.

“I discovered affordable, world-class programs in my field and amazing staff members to help me navigate the higher education system,” she said.

Aerospace engineering technology major Evelyn Montes Gonzalez standing in front of the One World, One Water statue in front of JSSB with the MSU Denver sign in the background

Today, Montes Gonzalez is following her dream of becoming an aerospace engineer by majoring in Aerospace Systems Engineering Technology through the Individualized Degree Program and pursuing a certificate in Space Commercialization. Her educational experience has allowed her to develop meaningful friendships and professional connections, learn from faculty members who are experts in their fields and access industry partnerships that will set her on the path to success in the space industry after graduation.

“I also get to indulge my inner space nerd by working with equally passionate classmates to do incredible things like launching balloon satellites into the stratosphere,” said Montes Gonzalez.

All of this is possible because of the generosity of a Roadrunner community that is changing the lives of current and future MSU Denver students by helping them fulfill their goal of earning a degree and becoming tomorrow’s Changemakers.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without your support – I am so grateful!”