Student-brewed beer to benefit first responders

Lights and Sirens Lager is the product of a partnership between Restoration Ranch Colorado and the School of Hospitality.

Valeria Quiroz

October 22, 2025

Student-brewed beer to benefit first responders — Brewing Operations students Tim Sanders and Josalyn Cimino brew a cream ale in the Brewing Education Lab on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. Photo by Amanda Schwengel

Four locations, three ways to give, two good causes and one great beer — that’s the social media slogan Kathryn Severns Avery is using for the launch of a new brew created by students in Metropolitan State University of Denver’s School of Hospitality for her nonprofit, Restoration Ranch Colorado.

Restoration Ranch Colorado, located in Golden Gate Canyon, offers first responders and their families a place to rest and recover from the stress and trauma they experience on the job. The nonprofit also offers free retreats and wellness programs.

The idea for the partnership with MSU Denver came unexpectedly. At a School of Hospitality gala, Severns Avery was the only bidder on a “Make a Beer” auction item.

“When I saw their brewing package, I thought, ‘We’ve always wanted to make a beer to raise money for first responders.’ It felt like the perfect match,” she said.

The result is Lights and Sirens Lager, which will debut Oct. 28 on National First Responders Day. About 60 to 80 gallons (15 to 18 kegs) will be distributed to four Denver-area locations.

Professor Bernardo Alatorre demonstrates to brewing student Ricardo Jim Puente how to gather and test a sample. — Professor Bernardo Alatorre demonstrates to brewing student Ricardo Jim Puente how to gather and test a beer sample. Photo by Josh Geurink

In 2020, Severns Avery’s husband, Chris Avery, was killed in Lakewood after a group of robbery suspects fleeing from police collided with his car during the pursuit. Her response surprised many. Instead of channeling her grief into anger, she focused on how few first responders receive adequate mental health support.

“I learned that many first responders do not want to be at home alone thinking about what they have seen, and not all want or need counseling. There was simply no place for them to go — that is what Restoration Ranch provides,” she said.

From that realization, Severns Avery founded Restoration Ranch Colorado, using an inheritance from her father to buy the 40-acre property. Since opening, the ranch has hosted firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency personnel, giving them a quiet space to rest, reflect and reconnect with loved ones. The ranch now hosts more than 1,000 visitors annually and continues to grow in reach and recognition.

“This project really reflects MSU Denver’s values of community engagement, applied learning and gratitude toward those who serve,” said Lynn Minnaert, Ph.D., dean of the School of Hospitality.

Minnaert sees the launch as a model for future partnerships linking education, service and social impact. “We need to brew beer as part of the program, and this is a wonderful way to be community partners. There are so many organizations in Denver doing amazing work — we could partner with many of them.”

Severns Avery said the project isn’t just about a new beer. “I’s about building bridges between education, business and community service for a cause that matters,” she said.

The collaboration also reflects the School of Hospitality’s commitment to experiential learning, a cornerstone of MSU Denver’s approach. For students in the Brewery Operations Program, the project offered a chance to manage every stage of production, from concept to community launch. Working on a client project gave them insight into brand development, event planning and the social role of craft brewing.

“Students made the beer — they brewed it, fermented it and monitored the entire process,” said Bernardo Alatorre, lecturer and Brewery Operations Program coordinator. “It’s a hands-on opportunity that connects education to real industry practice.”

The beer itself embodies the spirit of the project. “It’s a lager that tries to be very inclusive — approachable, easy to drink and selected by Restoration Ranch from several recipes we proposed,” Alatorre said.

Professor Bernardo Alatorre demonstrates to brewing students. Photo by Josh Geurink

Try Lights and Sirens Lager on Oct. 28, 5-8 p.m., at these locations:

Old 121 Brewhouse, Lakewood (1057 S. Wadsworth Blvd. #60)
The Varsity Inn, Centennial (7500 S. University Blvd.)
The Lucky Mutt, Littleton (5500 S. Simms Street)
Billy Birch, Thornton (11915 Holly Street)

For students, the experience extends beyond the classroom. “Our students need brewing experience, but this adds excitement. They’re doing it for a good cause and for an external company,” Minnaert said. “Now this beer is going into people’s hands all over Denver.”

The fundraiser aims to raise $3,000 to $4,000, with proceeds benefiting both the School of Hospitality and Restoration Ranch Colorado. Faculty and staff members will represent the University at each location, alongside Restoration Ranch workers sharing their mission.

Looking ahead, Severns Avery hopes to make Lights and Sirens Lager a recurring fundraising beer to sustain the ranch’s programming. Restoration Ranch Colorado plans to continue production through a partner brewery after the launch, ensuring that the effort has long-term impact for first responders and for MSU Denver students who learn by doing.

Learn more about MSU Denver’s Brewery Operations major.