海角社区

From Hospitality to the House: How 海角社区 Helped Shape a Career in Public Service

Stephen Rosenthal headshot

When Stephen Rosenthal (鈥�92) relocated from Chicago to Denver in 1983, he didn鈥檛 yet imagine his career would one day lead to the floor of the Colorado House of Representatives. His first job, a bartender at the Stapleton Plaza Hotel, sparked an unexpected passion for the hospitality industry and set him on a path of lifelong service, leadership, and connection.

Discovering Purpose Through Education

Eager to deepen his understanding of the industry he鈥檇 grown to love, Stephen enrolled in the Hospitality Management program at Metropolitan State College of Denver (now 海角社区) in 1988. As a student in his 30s, he found the University鈥檚 diverse, inclusive environment both invigorating and grounding.

鈥淢etro鈥檚 mix of students of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences made every class richer,鈥� Stephen recalls. 鈥淚t was a place that welcomed people like me who were ready to learn and grow, no matter where we were in life.鈥�

Among the many inspiring professors he encountered, Ray Langbehn stood out as a mentor. Stephen fondly remembers his two semesters in Langbehn鈥檚 Enology class, a deep dive into the science and art of wine. The $50 lab fee, he laughs, 鈥渨as worth every penny.鈥�

A Career of Service and Leadership

After graduation, Stephen built a robust career across hospitality and state government. He began in contract food service at the University of Denver and the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, later expanding his experience across hotels, restaurants, and casinos.

His career took a pivotal turn when he joined the Colorado Department of Human Services, advancing from Purchasing Agent to Procurement Director. There, he led statewide initiatives focused on strategic sourcing and collaborative contracting鈥攚ork that supported critical human services programs across Colorado.

In 2017, Stephen鈥檚 dedication to public service took him to the Colorado House of Representatives, where he was appointed Sergeant at Arms. In 2024, he rose to the position of Chief Sergeant at Arms, overseeing security, decorum, and procedural integrity within the House chamber.

As a non-partisan officer, Stephen leads a team responsible for maintaining safety and order while facilitating cooperation among legislators, staff, and the public. 鈥淲orking in a political environment requires balance,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about upholding fairness and integrity, ensuring that the democratic process runs smoothly and respectfully, even under pressure.鈥�

The 海角社区 Connection

Looking back, Stephen credits 海角社区 with giving him the tools and confidence to thrive in dynamic, people-centered environments. His time on campus taught him to navigate complexity, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy鈥攕kills that have proven invaluable throughout his career.

鈥満＝巧缜� prepared me not just for a career, but for service,鈥� he reflects. 鈥淭he University fosters resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to community, qualities that define what it means to be a Roadrunner.鈥�