Fall 2013 - Colorado State University

Contents
M AG A ZINE Staff
Editor:
Cora Zaletel
FEATURES
VOLUME 24 • NUMBER 1 • 2013
6 Saving Sergeant Sanchez
Student veteran
Kathy Sanchez goes from
helicopter mechanic to
social work major.
G raphic D esigner/
Photographer:
Jim Bowman, ’82
8 Changing Lives
Staff Writers:
Marcus Hill, ‘13
Tracy Samora, ‘94
Anthony Sandstrom, ‘03
Cora Zaletel
Former ASG leaders
reunite and share
stories of their impact
on campus.
Printer Liaison:
Dale Alber
10 On The Right Track
Administration
World-renowned testing
facility and CSU-Pueblo
partner to create railroad
industry’s future workforce.
Executive D irector
Ex ternal A ffairs:
Cora Zaletel
President/CEO
CSU-Pueblo Foundation:
Todd Kelly ’90
12 Five Years Later
ThunderWolves football
has moved quickly from
start up to national
powerhouse.
Director, A lumni Relations:
Tracy Samora, ’94
Special thank s for photos from:
Steve Bigley
The Pueblo Chieftain
Juliana Rothbaum
Bill Sabo
Kathy Sanchez
TTCI
Chris Turner
Comments and questions about
the CSU-Pueblo Magazine may be
addressed to:
CSU-Pueblo Magazine
External Affairs
2200 Bonforte Blvd.
Pueblo, CO 81001-4901
or 719.549.2810
website: alumni.colostate-pueblo.edu
2
C O L O R A D O
14 Home Sweet Home
2013 President’s Medallion winners
have a second place to call home at
CSU-Pueblo.
DEPARTMENTS
3 Campus Beat
24 Money Matters/Annual Report
16 Alumni Class Notes On the Cover: A major renovation to the Occhicato University Center is part of a three-year, $25 million
fundraising effort by the CSU-Pueblo Foundation announced in August (story on page 24).
S T A T E
U N I V E R S I T Y - P U E B L O Campus Beat
President’s Gala
Sets Records
CSU-Pueblo celebrated its 80th anniversary, 1933-2013,
on May 17 as part of the 2013 President’s Gala. The event
set records both for attendance (485) and net proceeds,
with more than $90,000 raised for the benefit of CSUPueblo students and programs.
President Lesley Di Mare hosted an evening
featuring sights and sounds from the past 80 years. A
slideshow of photographs from the University’s past
eight decades was accompanied by a performance
of Rhapsody in Blue by the Pueblo Symphony,
conducted by Dr. Jacob Chi and
featuring pianist Dr. Zahari Metchkov. In addition, a video
produced by recent graduate Tyler Lundquist chronicled
the paths of four CSU-Pueblo scholarship students and
the impact those scholarships were having on their
college experiences and future endeavors.
Three honorees received President’s Medallions,
which recognize individuals who set high standards of
ethics and values to serve as examples for CSU-Pueblo
students and the campus community through their
profession, exceptional service, and/or contributions
to humanity or to their professions: Distinguished Service
to Education – Pueblo Community College
President Patty Erjavec, Distinguished Service to
the University – Jack Seilheimer, retired biology
faculty member, and Distinguished Alumni
Achievement – Christopher Turner, partner in
the Bethart Turner, Attorneys at Law (see related
story on page 14).
▲
▲
2 0 1 3 3
Campus Beat
Art
Students
Highlight
Campus
Public
Art
Undergraduate students
of William Folkestad have
created a walking tour of
public art on campus and
chronicled it with a map
complete with photos that also
will be adapted to the website
for broader dissemination.
Publicly accessible art ranges
from student work to murals
and sculpture which run the
gamut from naturalistic to the
geometric and from the playful to
the serious.
www.colostate-pueblo.edu/about/Pages/Campus-Art-Tour.aspx
The 2013-2014 Distinguished Speakers Series schedule features a Medal of Honor recipient, a socio-political comedian, a
Congressional intern-turned American hero, and the CIA agent who served as inspiration for the Academy Award winning film, Argo.
Admission is free to CSU-Pueblo students who pay for the series through student fees. Due to budget restrictions, tickets now will be
required for all performances with the exception of Medal of Honor recipient Roger Donlan and Muslim author Asma Hasan. The Series
kicked off on August 28 with a performance by artist David G aribaldi, who rose to fame as a finalist on the seventh season of the NBC
talent show, America’s Got Talent. Other performances on the schedule include:
S eptember 25, Daniel Hernandez, Overcoming Adversity: A First Generation College Student’s Journey.
November 5, A sma Hasan, part of Muslim Journeys Bookshelf grant
D ecember 4, Roger D onlan, Medal of Honor Recipient, 7 p.m., OUC Ballroom, NO CHARGE
Januar y 22, W. K amau B ell, W. Kamau Bell Curve: Ending Racism in About an Hour, 7 p.m., Hoag Recital Hall
(Tickets are $8 and can be purchased by calling 719-549-2687 or at the door.)
Februar y 26, Tony M endez, The True Story of Argo, 7 p.m., OUC Ballroom (Tickets are $8 and can be purchased by
calling 719-549-2687 or at the door.)
▲
4
C O L O R A D O
S T A T E
U N I V E R S I T Y - P U E B L O CAMPUS BEAT
Home
Depot
Foundation Partners to
Create Veterans Resource
Center
Day at the
Fair includes
rodeo, concert
CSU-Pueblo greeted the first day of classes on Monday,
August 26 with a day to call its own at the 2013 Colorado
State Fair. The University sponsored the 2nd Annual “Pack
the Fair” Day on Monday, August 26 as part of the 11-day
Colorado State Fair. Triangle Park promoted University
special events, programs, while students, faculty, staff,
and alumni were featured on stages throughout the day.
The University partnered with the Fair to bring in chart
topping trio, Gloriana, following the PRCA Ram Rodeo
that evening. The band’s breakthrough self-titled album,
which featured the hit single “Wild At Heart,” earned
the group the American Music Award for Breakthrough
Artist in 2009 and the coveted ACM Award for Top New
Vocal Group in 2010. The CSU-Pueblo Alumni Association
hosted a reception beneath the ThunderWolf tent prior
to the rodeo and concert. Dirt flew as alumni and student
teams vied for supremacy in a tug-of-war contest held in
the middle of the rodeo arena (see photo on back cover).
More than 100 volunteers
from The Home Depot and
CSU-Pueblo transformed
space in the Occhiato
University Center in April
to create a new Veterans
Resource Center on campus
thanks in part to two
grants totaling $20,000 from The Home Depot Foundation.
Additionally, employees of The Home Depot provided
an estimated $20,000 worth of in-kind labor and design
services for the project.
Employees from the Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and Denverarea store locations traveled to CSU-Pueblo, most during
their personal time, to help with the transformation. Pueblo
store manager and Team Depot Captain Katie McCranie
surprised the student veterans with a truck load of furniture
to complete the project. Over a two-day period, volunteers
repaired the ceiling, installed new flooring, and painted.
They also created a wellness center, office, study area, and
kitchen area. Replacing light fixtures and switch plates and
adding a refrigerator and microwave completed the project,
making the lounge a home away from home.
An estimated 500
student veterans will
benefit from the new
campus amenity. The
project brings CSUPueblo in line with
the American Council
on Education (ACE)
recommendations
for veteran-friendly institutions. One of ACE’s top
recommendations is to create a veteran service center to
increase veterans’ comfort level on campus.
GI Jobs magazine 2014 Military Friendly Schools list
ranks CSU-Pueblo among the top 15 percent of the
nation’s institutions for its commitment to supporting
military students through services, programs, discounts,
scholarships, clubs, and networking opportunities.
●
2 0 1 3 5
Sanchez’s father didn’t approve of her plans for a military
career, but since college was never mentioned in her
household, she took that to mean a college education was
unattainable due to the family’s constant financial struggles.
She joined the Army in 1997 to insure that she wouldn’t have
to experience the same lifestyle.
P
ueblo native Kathy Sanchez knew she wanted to be a
soldier in ninth grade, when she joined JROTC at Centennial
High School, where she graduated in 1995. Now, a sophomore
social work major at CSU-Pueblo, she uses the classroom
experience to temper the effects of her post traumatic stress
disorder and to obtain a degree to make a better life for
herself and her bi-polar sister, who has lived in a
group home since she was a teenager.
Her entry test scores showed an aptitude as a helicopter
mechanic, which she surmises came from days spent working
on cars with her father. She describes two months of basic
training at Fort Jackson, SC, as a “wake-up call,” seeing men
reduced to tears when stereotypical drill sergeants got in their
faces for showing attitude. After three months of Advanced
Individual Training in Fort Eustace, VA, where she studied
helicopters and her specialty, the OH58 Kiowa, she was sent
to her first duty station, Fort Hood, TX, where she met “the
walking God of aviation,” Sgt. Bowers, who would mentor and
inspire her military career.
“When a helicopter returned, he knew what was wrong with
it,” she said. “I wanted to be like him, and so I would never leave
his hip.”
6
C O L O R A D O
S T A T E
U N I V E R S I T Y - P U E B L O One of just three women in a 1,000-person squadron, Sanchez
found working with men every day was a different world. Her
experience ran the gamut from extreme praise for her efforts to
being told to go back to the kitchen where she belonged.
Her military career as a helicopter mechanic began on an eightmonth peacekeeping mission in Bosnia with the 17th Cavalry
in 1999. She then spent a year in South Korea, and four years at
Fort Carson with the Armored Cavalry Regiment. Next came two
tours of duty in Iraq from 2002-2006. It was with 30 days left on
her final tour that she first experienced the consequences of war
when a pilot of one of her helicopters didn’t return.
“I had fear every day. You’re in survival mode 24/7, but you
do your job and complete the mission,” she said. “There’s no
rest for the weary, and even when you’re trying to get 4-6
hours of sleep, you’re on your toes.”
She explained that even when not deployed, a solder is
either preparing to deploy, or recovering from the previous
deployment. When she could no longer do what she was
asking of her soldiers, she knew it was time to come home.
Her partner of seven years, then a nursing student at Pueblo
Community College, encouraged her to attend college
using veteran’s GI benefits.
“I learned that life can change in an instant,” Sanchez said.
She is proud of making rank with an E6 in just six years,
overseeing eight helicopters and a platoon of three soldiers. Her
decade of service had its rewards.
“For 9 ½ years, I ran on adrenalin, and I lived, ate, and breathed
helicopters,” she said. “To tear a helicopter down to nothing and
put it back together is an indescribable feeling.”
But the demanding nature of the job had both physical and
emotional consequences.
“I realized I owed it to myself to give it a shot, and it has
changed my life for the better. School saved me. It has
helped with my recovery, including my anger issues and my
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder),” she said. “There is no
doubt I would have lost everything, including my home and
my vehicle because of my anger issues.”
She acknowledged that having other veterans on campus
who have had the same experiences has been comforting
and helpful. She has shifted her focus from helicopters and
her fellow soldiers to getting good grades and taking care
of herself.
“I realized I owed it to myself to give it a shot,
and it has changed my life for the better.
School saved me.”
— Kathy Sanchez
2 0 1 3 7
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n 1937, Chris Tolos
became the first president
of the Associated Students’
Government (ASG) at
Pueblo Junior College.
Since then, 115 individuals
have served as president
or vice president of
the student leadership
organization. Considering
CSU-Pueblo has nearly
40,000 alumni worldwide,
this is an elite group.
“Being student body
president opens many
doors; participating in ASG
shows that you have the
ability to lead,” said Turner.
Former ASG Presidents and Vice Presidents gathered for a reunion in advance
of the 2013 President’s Gala in May (L to R): Cathy Ames-Farmer, A81,
Logan Gogarty, A13, Ron Schon, A71, Amanda (Cristelli) Wintersieck, A09,
Chris Turner, A03, and Michael Weiner, 2013-14 ASG Vice President.
ASG leaders past and present gathered at a special reception
prior to the 2013 President’s Gala on May 17 for an evening
to re-connect, reminisce, and share in the legacy they have
left on campus. The event was the brainchild of outgoing ASG
President Logan Gogarty, A13, and this year’s Distinguished
Alumni Award recipient, Chris Turner, A01, who served as ASG
President from 1999-2000.
Turner was awarded an exclusive internship at the White
House during his senior year at CSU-Pueblo; an opportunity
he shares would not have been possible had he not had the
opportunity to serve as ASG President. Turner is a partner at
Bethart Turner, Attorneys at Law, with offices in Pueblo and
8
C O L O R A D O
S T A T E
Rod Schon, A71, ASG
President in 1970-71,
appreciates the public
relations skills he acquired.
“There are so many
different groups on campus that you must work with when
serving in student government,” Schon said. “The practical
application benefits you receive by serving are a
developmental step that greatly
complements your education.”
Cathy Ames-Farmer, A81, served as
ASG Vice President in 1979-80. She
speaks with great passion and
enthusiasm of her ASG memories,
including meeting representatives
from other Colorado college
campuses, serving as a
Homecoming Queen attendant,
working on the-then USC Today
U N I V E R S I T Y - P U E B L O newspaper and as part
of the yearbook staff,
and being honored as
Outstanding Student
Representative in 1981.
Her fondest memories are
of faculty members who
motivated her to become
an independent thinker,
applicable both in a career
and in life.
“Even though I graduated
32 years ago, I have maintained lifelong friendships with many
of my instructors, especially those in the Mass Communications
Department,” said Ames-Farmer, who founded, owns, and publishes
Accolades Magazine in Pueblo.
Ames-Farmer in Homecoming Court
Amanda (Cristelli) Wintersieck, A09, ASG Vice President in 2007-08,
said ASG taught her to appreciate the entire campus experience,
especially those individuals who
work so hard to support the
students.
five other universities in the state held anti-Iranian
demonstrations in 1979. Then Governor Richard
Lamm personally called Ames-Farmer at home to
commend her and her colleagues for encouraging
peaceful demonstrations.
Turner’s administration worked to pass the first
round of surveys to bring back ThunderWolves
football. The referendum was passed by
students but was later rejected by the State
Board of Agriculture (then the governing body
of the institution). Discussions continued and,
thanks to the University’s leadership under pastpresident Joe Garcia and the Friends of Football,
football returned to campus in 2008; and has
since boasted back-to-back undefeated regular
seasons and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
Championships.
Wintersieck was part of the groundbreaking for
the Student Recreation Center, a
facility that has greatly enhanced
the quality of life for students
and community alike, while
Schon remembered planning
the symposium that welcomed
veteran broadcasters David
Brinkley and Paul Harvey to the
Pueblo community.
“The practical
application benefits you
receive by serving are a
developmental step that
greatly complements
your education.”
“ASG provided me with an
appreciation of the political and
policy process. My interest in
education and environmental
policy springs directly from my
experience in ASG,” she said.
Wintersieck is a doctoral student
and graduate teaching assistant
in the Arizona State University School of Politics and Global Studies.
Gogarty said deciding to run for president of ASG was one of the best
decisions he ever made.
“The life lessons and experiences have opened doors to many more
opportunities,” he said.
Gogarty was accepted into Teach for America, a prestigious teaching
group, which he believes was made
possible because of the leadership
experience he obtained with ASG.
The ASG leaders pointed with pride
to the impact their efforts had on
students, the campus, and even
the state.
Ames-Farmer and ASG President
Stephen Sielsky set a positive
example to promote peace when
Gogarty’s tenure included the
initial discussions for Wolf Creek
(currently under development on campus), and
installation both of communications kiosks and a
student spirit rock.
While many of the leaders expressed satisfaction
with changing campus life, Turner, Wintersieck,
and Gogarty recalled how their time on-campus
changed the course of their personal lives as well.
Wintersieck met her husband Aza, A07, while
they were students working
together in Outdoor Pursuits.
Turner’s fondest memory of
CSU-Pueblo is “meeting his best
friend,” wife Lea Ann, A03, with
whom he now shares campus
events with their twin girls.
Gogarty is a newlywed living in
Texas with his wife, Sarah, A10,
whom he met in a Spanish class at
CSU-Pueblo.
2 0 1 3 9
W
ith nearly 140,000 miles of rail in the United States
and a workforce need of 11,000 freight railroad employees
this year alone, conditions are prime for a new Master of
Science (MSE) degree in Engineering with emphasis areas in
mechatronics and railroad engineering that premiered this fall
thanks to a collaboration with the Transportation Technology
Center (TTCI), a world-class testing facility in Pueblo. TTCI is
a research and testing organization that provides emerging
technology solutions for the railway industry throughout
North America and the world.
According to Engineering Professor Neb Jaksic, TTCI staff
helped develop the curriculum, will teach the courses as
adjunct instructors, as well as market the program and recruit
students from within the industry.
“We will have professionals from the industry in our
classrooms, and our students will gain exposure to one of the
largest railroad testing facilities in the world,” Jaksic said.
With 54 square miles of track about 25 miles east of Pueblo,
TTCI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Association of
American Railroads. In addition to conducting research that
directly benefits the North American
rail industry, TTCI works for and with the
federal government as well as commercial
railroads. In 2012 alone, TTCI conducted
testing for railways in China, Brazil, and the
UK, while performing both analytical and
preventative performance-based testing
for U.S. companies.
1984 Graduate Marie Trevizo began her
employment with TTCI as a summer intern
29 years ago and now serves as TTCI’s
Director of Engineering.
“We’re working to determine the root
cause of a problem, seeking solutions
10
C O L O R A D O
S T A T E
U N I V E R S I T Y - P U E B L O Among the CSU-Pueblo alumni employed by
TTCI are: Rafael Jiminez, ’96,
Joe Lopresti, ’93, Maria (Carmen) Trevizo, ’84,
Jeremy Dasher, ’10, ’11, and Ryan Sheehan, ’10.
rather than bandaids, ” Trevizo
said. “We don’t want to risk
a component failing during
operation that might result in a
disruption in service.”
She said the railroad industry as
a whole has become dynamic
and proactive in its approach.
“We have an excellent
track record of hiring and
promoting CSU-Pueblo
graduates, so I can’t think
of a better partner to grow
the railroad industry’s
workforce.”
—TTCI Vice President, Engineering
Robert Florom
“We are all about developing
or adapting whatever technology will help railroads operate
more safely and efficiently,” she said.
Dr. Stephen Dick, a civil engineer who has spent his entire
34-year career in the railroad industry, is teaching one of the
first two railroad engineering courses (Railroad Structures) this
fall. Fleet Management and Railroad Power Systems will be
offered in spring 2014. Dick said a flood of retirements within
the railroad industry and the explosion in railroad traffic over
the last 20 years has brought a demand for employees in all
positions, but especially technical posts. As the population
grows, railroads will play an even greater role in passenger
transport since highway capacity is reaching its limit.
especially those trained in the
emphasis areas CSU-Pueblo will
offer,” said TTCI Vice President of
Engineering Robert Florom. “We
have an excellent track record
of hiring and promoting CSUPueblo graduates, so I can’t think
of a better partner to grow the
railroad industry’s workforce.”
The new program will give
students a deeper understanding of each segment of
the railroad industry from how a train behaves (complex
mechanical systems), and the infrastructure necessary to
operate it (tracks/bridges/rails), to fleet management and
power system requirements.
Qualified students will come from quantitative bachelor’s
degrees like math, physics, and engineering, with
mechatronics graduates needing no prerequisites. Students
from other majors will have leveling courses to prepare them
for the graduate work. The new MSE brings to four the degrees
offered by the Department of Engineering --BS in Engineering
with mechatronics specialization, BS in Industrial Engineering,
and MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering.
“As the railroad industry moves toward more advanced
technology, engineers are becoming more important,
2 0 1 3 11
Thunderwolf
FOOTBALL:
SUCCESS IS AN
EXPECTATION
by Marcus Hill, ‘13
When Colorado State University-Pueblo resurrected its football
program in 2008, success quickly became an expectation for
the Pack. In the blink of an eye, ThunderWolves Head Coach
John Wristen converted those expectations to two undefeated
seasons, two playoff berths, several weeks at the top of the
NCAA Division II national rankings, and the drafting of several
players to the National Football League.
The ThunderWolves are 52-14 since 2008 and entered the
2013 campaign looking to triumph once again despite losing
several starters. Wristen said although the team is younger, he
knows they will succeed.
“We’ve lost a lot of players but we
have young guys who can play,”
Wristen said. “We have to develop
attitude and chemistry, but our
kids work hard, so I know they can
succeed.”
Success is something the
ThunderWolves have grown
fond of and accustomed to since
revitalizing the program. In 2012,
former ThunderWolves quarterback Ross Dausin earned the
Colorado Collegiate Athlete of the Year by the Colorado Sports
Hall of Fame, which honors the state’s top collegiate athlete
of any sport from that year. It was the first time any T-Wolf
received the honor. Dausin also received a 2013 rookie invite
to the Tennessee Titans minicamp, though he didn’t make the
final roster.
Former T-Wolves such
as Jesse Lewis, Marcial
Willamson, Chase
Vaughn, Lee Meisner,
and Augustine Agyei
also landed spots on
professional teams
after leaving CSUPueblo.
Lewis currently plays pro football in Vienna, Austria with
the Raiffeissen Vikings. Williamson also is in Europe with
the Baltic Hurricanes in Kiel, Germany. Vaughn played on
the defensive line for the Spokane Shock of the Arena
Football League and Agyei is with Colorado’s indoor team,
the Colorado Ice, playing wide receiver. In 2009, Agyei got
a rookie minicamp invite with the Cincinnati Bengals.
12
C O L O R A D O
S T A T E
U N I V E R S I T Y - P U E B L O Meisner also was an NFL training camp invitee with the Atlanta Falcons in 2012
as a fullback, though he did not make the final roster.
Wristen said the role he and his coaching staff have on players’ lives is an
amazing sentiment.
“It is an unbelievable feeling that I can be a
part of their successes,” Wristen said. “It’s great
to know that I along with the other coaches
have played a role in these kids’ futures.”
The program received colossal exposure
this spring when the defending Super Bowl
champion Baltimore Ravens drafted former
ThunderWolves offensive tackle Ryan Jensen
in the sixth round and the 203rd overall selection. Jensen, who was drafted as a
center and will get an opportunity to start as a rookie, said the entire experience
has been a dream come true.
“Coming out of a small school is no easy task. When I saw my name go across
that screen, it was the best feeling ever,” Jensen said. “So far, the NFL experience
has been a lot of hard work, but it has been worth it.”
>>Sports Briefs
Jesse Hillhouse, a senior from Casper, Wyo.,
defeated Jerry Huff
of Adams State
4-2 in sudden
overtime to capture
the 125-pound
title at the 2013
NCAA Division II
National Wrestling
Championships.
The win puts
Hillhouse into
an elite class of
Pack wrestlers, as
he became the fourth wrestler to win a
national championship at the Division II
level, the 12th in program history, and the
first since the program restarted in 2008.
Athletic Hall of Fame to Induct Fifth Class
Jensen credited offensive line coach Chris Symington as well as the entire T-Wolf
coaching staff for pulling his potential out and permitting him to make it to the
pros.
“The coaches were great. They brought the best out of me from day one,” Jensen
said. “They pushed me every day and made sure I worked hard.”
Jensen’s former head coach added that dedication and hard work could take any
player anywhere.
The following individuals will be inducted
into the CSU-Pueblo Athletic Hall of Fame
in November and will be recognized at
halftime of the ThunderWolves Nov. 16
contest versus Western State:
• Herman Heard, Football (1982-83)
• Sam Christensen, Baseball (2001-02)
• Jerry Hummitszch, Baseball/Basketball
(1959-61)
“(Jensen being drafted) validates that our kids work hard,” Wristen said. “If you
work hard, the NFL will find you.”
• Robin Hayes, Women’s Soccer (2004-07)
CSU-Pueblo’s bid at a third straight undefeated regular season began Sept.
7 with a dramatic 41-34 win over Division I opponent University of Northern
Colorado. The ThunderWolves took their talents to Arlington, Texas at Cowboys
Stadium where they pummeled Angelo State (TX) 45-24 at the Lone Star
Football Festival (see related story on page 21) as of Nov. 8, they are 9-0 and
ranked #3 in the NCAA Div. II poll.
• Suzanne Gonzales, Basketball (1985-89)
• Bob Warlick, Basketball (1960-61)
• Dave Socier, Special Contributor
• Kay Aguilar, Coach (1967-86)
• 1985 Wrestling Team
Historic Feat
This fall, for the first time in school history,
three different athletic programs were
ranked among the top five in the nation at
the same time, men’s golf, 3rd, women’s golf,
5th, and football, 5th.
2 0 1 3 13
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To this year’s 2013 President’s Medallion
recipients, CSU-Pueblo could mean all of
these definitions.
The entire Seilheimer family grew up as part of the campus community. Seilheimer
sponsored a fraternity, so he and Donna chaperoned the social events and dances
for the group, and their children attended as well.
Dr. Jack Seilheimer, recipient of the
President’s Medallion for Service to
the University, joined the CSU-Pueblo
family in 1963 as a biology professor
and assistant football coach. Seilheimer
classifies himself as a natural history
biologist and ecologist, which means his
specialty takes him outdoors. During his
first year of teaching, he began taking
students on field trips to the Sonoran
Desert in Arizona. He continued these
trips throughout his career and also
coordinated yearly field trips to Mexico
and the Sea of Cortez. The entire
Seilheimer family, including wife, Donna,
and their three young children, would
attend the field trips.
As the Seilheimer children grew up and the house became too quiet for their liking,
they opened their home to 14 high school foreign exchange students over the years,
many of whom chose to stay and become part of the CSU-Pueblo family as well.
“It really did become a family thing,” says
Seilheimer, “and the students became
our extended family.”
14
C O L O R A D O
Former CSU-Pueblo women’s soccer player, Sara (Ledbetter) Henriksen, A98, married
an exchange student who lived with the Seilheimer’s and eventually the couple
moved back to his home country of Denmark.
“Family means a lot more than our biological family,” said Seilheimer. “So many
people have come into our lives, and our CSU-Pueblo family has played a central role
in building that family. For that, I am grateful.”
Patty Erjavec, A79, who has served as president of Pueblo Community College (PCC)
since 2010, received the President’s Medallion for Service to Education.
In her role as president, Erjavec oversees PCC’s main campus in Pueblo as well as its
Fremont Campus in Canon City and its Southwest Colorado Community College East
Campus in Durango and West Campus in Mancos/Cortez.
Her commitment to education is evident in the activities and initiatives that have
happened on the campus of PCC. She introduced an annual celebration walk on
the first day of each fall semester, which congratulates students for taking the first
S T A T E
U N I V E R S I T Y - P U E B L O In his 50-year career at the University,
Jack Seilheimer bonded with students
whether coaching athletes or supporting a
student war protest.
The Pueblo higher education community
boasts two successful female leaders. CSUPueblo President Lesley Di Mare presents a
Medallion to PCC President Patty Erjavec.
Medallion recipient Chris Turner visited
Cuba last year with a team of Colorado
attorneys to conduct a comprehensive
analysis of Cuba’s legal structure.
step on their educational journey. Full
campus participation in this event is
intended to illustrate to students the
campus support and family atmosphere
that is evident on the campuses of PCC.
CSU-Pueblo continues to be a second home for this former Associated Students’
Government president.
“As I have grown personally and professionally, the campus is the one place where
I can take my hat off and just relax,” Turner said. “Anytime I am on campus it’s like
therapy.”
Erjavec also implemented the
“PCC Promise,” a customer service
and recognition program, which
has nurtured the creation of a
culture that values customer
service and staff recognition in
the course of meeting student
needs.
Chris Turner, A01, received
the President’s Medallion
for Distinguished Alumni
Achievement. He recently
founded Bethart Turner, Attorneys
at Law, after beginning his
career with Pueblo’s Koncilja and
Koncilja firm and earning many
honors, including Pueblo County
Bar Association Outstanding
Young Lawyer and 2012 State
of Colorado Outstanding Young
Lawyer finalist.
Turner stays involved with CSU-Pueblo by
serving on the CSU-Pueblo Foundation
Board of Trustees and on President Lesley
Di Mare’s Advisory Council. He also has
taught in the Hasan School of Business
and the political science department.
“So many people have
come into our lives,
and our CSU-Pueblo
family has played a
central role in building
that family. “
—Jack Seilheimer
Turner and his family regularly visit
campus and attend nearly every home
CSU-Pueblo football game. What he
appreciates about staying involved with
campus is that by staying active with his
alma mater, his two young daughters
understand the importance of higher
education and more specifically, attaining
an advanced degree at CSU-Pueblo.
“What they know is that after high school,
they will go to CSU-Pueblo,” laughs Turner.
2 0 1 3 15
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
SCJC
PJC
SCSC
USC
CSU-Pueblo
We’re all connected
1950s
PJC/SCSC
John Arko, A58, Castle Rock, is retired.
1960s
PJC/SCSC
Dr. Sam Batey, A65, Denver, was a 2012
inductee into the CSU-Pueblo Athletics Hall
of Fame.
James, A67, and Madge, A67, Lockard,
Pueblo, are newlyweds and are enjoying
retirement.
Dr. Peg Rooney, A68, Pueblo, was a
finalist for the Colorado Nursing Association’s
Nightingale Award.
1970s
SCSC/USC
Pete Falletta, A70, Pueblo, was inducted
into the Centennial High School Hall of Fame
for his dedication to education as a teacher
and administrator in Pueblo City Schools,
including serving as the athletic director and
assistant principal at Centennial from 1989 to
1998 and athletic director again in 2010.
Judy Hildner, A70, Pueblo, retired as
sports editor from The Pueblo Chieftain in the
fall of 2012 after a nearly 50-year career. She
was recognized by Southern Colorado Press
Club (SCPC) for her longtime service to the
organization, for which she serves as vicepresident of the SCPC Board of Directors;
she also serves on the CSU-Pueblo Alumni
Association Board of Directors.
Kevin McCarthy, A72, Pueblo, is the vice
president and commercial loan manager
with US Bank.
Mike Salardino, A73, Pueblo, was
honored by the Pueblo Child Advocacy
Center at its Blue Tie Gala for his dedication
and volunteerism to the organization.
Randall Stewart, A73, Reno, NV, is a
teacher with Lyon County School District.
coordinator for Northwestern University’s
football team, he helped lead the Wildcats to
a 2013 Gator Bowl victory.
Loretta Sword, A79, Pueblo, is a reporter
with The Pueblo Chieftain and was honored
by the Colorado Associated Press for her
feature story, “Living on Faith.”
Joe Huerta, A76, Pueblo is a residential
mortgage loan originator for US Bank.
1980s
Patricia Santos Marcantonio, A76, Twin
Falls, ID, recently published The Weeping
Woman, a novel that combines crime, the
paranormal, and the legend of La Llorona.
Dave Galli, A81, Pueblo, is the senior vice
president at Community Banks of Colorado.
Beverly (Mercer Baxley) Scott, A76,
Auburndale, FL, retired from nursing after
22 years. She now owns a small publishing
company and prints a monthly newsletter
about upcoming events in her area.
Mike Zaremba, A76, Pueblo West, was a
2012 inductee into the CSU-Pueblo Athletics
Hall of Fame.
Greg Boyce, A77, Pueblo, is the director of
marketing for Trinidad State Junior College.
He was previously with KOAA Channel 5.
Anna Cisneros, A78,
Pueblo, is a vocational
rehabilitation counselor
with the State of Colorado.
Mick McCall, A79,
Evanston, IL, was a
2012 inductee into the
CSU-Pueblo Athletics
Hall of Fame. Offensive
Jennifer Mullen, A83, Pueblo, was
honored at Southern Colorado Press Club’s
annual Sheepdip scholarship fundraising
dinner with the Mel Harmon Community
Service Award. Mullen is the chief of staff for
CSU-Pueblo President Dr. Lesley Di Mare.
Yvonne Taylor, A83, Denver, was a 2012
inductee into the CSU-Pueblo Athletics Hall
of Fame.
Ada Brownell, A84, Springfield, MO,
recently published “Swallowed by Life:
Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the
Eternal”, which helps readers search for
answers about life on earth and after death.
Scott Dinesen, A85, Doylestown, PA, is a
physician practicing in obstetrics/gynecology
and infertility.
Sam J. Pisciotta, A85, Pueblo, published
a novel, “Stray Dogs on the Mountain,” which
tells the story of a cowboy in the San Luis
Valley who is guiltridden over the death of
• F - Faculty • FS - Former Student • A - Alumnus
16
C O L O R A D O
S T A T E
USC
U N I V E R S I T Y - P U E B L O ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
his best friend and his secret love for the
man’s widow. For more than three decades,
Pisciotta has been an instructor, guide, actor,
and lecturer on the American fur trade, the
Santa Fe Trail, and Native American life.
Keith Massey, A92, Pueblo, was presented
the investigator of the year award from
the Colorado State Public Defender. He
is an investigator with the Pueblo Public
Defender’s Office.
Lori Lovato, A96, Pueblo, received the
Southern Colorado Press Club’s Media
Excellence Award for achievement in
advertising. Lovato is a sales representative
with The Pueblo Chieftain.
Curt Topping, A85, Pueblo, was
featured in The Pueblo Chieftain for his
accomplishments as a wrestling champion.
During his time at CSU-Pueblo he won the
Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)
title at 134 pounds. He owns The Pasta
Cottage catering and carryout business.
Andrea Aragon, A93, Pueblo, recently
celebrated her 10-year anniversary as
president/CEO of United Way of Pueblo
County.
Margie (Martinez) Sadler, A86, Lake
Wylie, SC, is the executive vice president
of operations and quality at Meridian
Laboratory, an End Stage Renal Disease
(ESRD) Reference Laboratory servicing
thousands of patients throughout the
northeastern United States.
Raymond Roque, A93, Pueblo, a math
teacher at Centennial High School received
an outstanding educator of the year
award from the Pueblo Hispanic Education
Foundation.
Ann Boyden, A97, Pueblo, was honored
by the Colorado Associated Press for her
informational graphic for “The 12 Days
of Christmas” lifestyle and news graphic
designer at The Pueblo Chieftain. She
received the 2013 Southern Colorado
Press Club’s Media Excellence Award for
achievement in graphic design.
John Cooper, A86, splits his time between
homes in Costa Rica and New England. He
finished his fifth book, “The Boys”, which
chronicles life growing up in Irish Boston. He
is working on “The Saga of Annie Morrow,”
a true account of an Irish pioneer woman in
the 19th century. Cooper’s writings typically
highlight international travel and cultures.
Gayle Perez, A86, Pueblo, received the
Southern Colorado Press Club’s Media
Excellence Award for achievement in print
media. She is the education reporter with
The Pueblo Chieftain.
Dean Riggio, A93, Pueblo, is a senior
technical support analyst with Oracle.
Gabriela Westby, A94, Colorado Springs,
is the quality assurance and compliance
manager with Rocky Mountain Health Care
Services.
Jill Massaro, A95, Pueblo, is the responseto-intervention coordinator for Heaton
Middle and East High schools. She received
her National Board Certification in the area of
special education, one of only three Pueblo
teachers to earn this designation.
USC/CSU-Pueblo
Brian Mayer, A01, Pueblo, is a client
manager with HUB International Insurance
Services in Pueblo and recently earned his
associate in risk management certification
from the American Institutes for Chartered
Property and Casualty Underwriters.
USC
Paul Regrutto, A01, Pueblo, is the
women’s head soccer coach at CSU-Pueblo. A
former assistant at Cal State-San Bernardino;
Regrutto served as an assistant to CSUPueblo men’s soccer coach, Roy Stanley,
from 2007-11, assistant to both men’s and
women’s teams from 2002-06, and as captain
of the 1999 RMAC championship team.
Laura Kelly, A91, Pueblo, is the President/
CEO of Pueblo Community Health Center
Foundation.
Michael Arnzen, A92, Pittsburgh, PA, has
taught since 1999 at Seton Hill University,
where he serves as division chair of the
humanities and earned 2011 professor of the
year honors.
AJ Rhodes, A99, Hollywood, CA, is
the director of brand partnerships and
advertising/head of the west coast for
Rovio Entertainment, creator of the globally
successful Angry Birds franchise.
Chris Currier, A01, Salida, was a 2012
inductee into the CSU-Pueblo Athletics Hall
of Fame.
Alan Williams, A88, Pueblo, is the owner/
lead appraiser at Williams Valuation Services.
Mike Baxter, A92, Pueblo, received the
Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce’s
Charles W. Crews’ Business Leader Award.
Baxter is President/CEO of Parkview Medical
Center and serves as chair-elect of the Board
of Directors for the Colorado Health and
Hospital Association.
Ted Ortiviz, A99, Pueblo, is the executive
director of the Pueblo Housing Authority
having previously led the Pueblo County
Housing and Human Services Department.
2000s
Steven Sanchez, A88, Denver, works in
student services and is the varsity basketball
coach at KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program)
Collegiate High School.
1990s
Janet Fieldman, A98, Pueblo, was
elected state president of Newborn Hope,
a statewide organization that works to give
Colorado babies a healthier start. Fieldman
left her position with Pueblo Community
Health Center to pursue a career as a certified
financial planner.
John Paul Jaramillo, A96, Springfield, IL,
received honorable mention for best new
fiction book, a collection of short stories
titled, “The House of Order”, at the 2013
International Latino Book Awards. He also
was listed as a top 10 new Latino author by
the editors of “Latino Boom: An Anthology
of U.S. Latino Literature.” He is an associate
professor of English at Lincoln Land
Community College.
Daniella Brown, A02, Arvada, is the senior
lead facilitator with Denver Health Medical
Center.
Matt Centner, A02, Pueblo, is an
account executive with Comcast Spotlight
and recently received the company’s
President’s Club Award for outstanding
sales performance and achievement in
2012. Centner was elected President of the
Board of Directors of the CSU-Pueblo Alumni
Association for 2013-14.
• F - Faculty • FS - Former Student • A - Alumnus
2 0 1 3 17
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
Peter Gross, A02, Denver, is a department
assistant at Webster University.
Barry Corzine, A09, Pueblo is the owner
of Rocco’s Riverside Deli.
David Ortiviz, A02, Pueblo, is the public
outreach manager for the Pueblo Chemical
Stockpile Outreach Office. Ortiviz previously
worked as a multi-media journalist for KOAATV Channel 5.
Jenna Mangino, A12, Pueblo, is the new
media manager for student-operated KTSCFM, Rev 89 and the CSU-Pueblo Today. She
previously served as promotions manager for
Clear Channel in Pueblo.
Carrie Meech, A12, Pueblo, is an RN at
Parkview Medical Center.
Mike Patti, A02, Pueblo, is a marketing
teacher at East High School and was recently
named the top marketing teacher in the
state by the Colorado Marketing Education
Association.
Garrison Ortiz, A12, Pueblo, is a
consultant with Technolab, an international
business technology company that provides
consulting, support, training and installation
services for business clients.
Rebecca Diemer, A03, Fairfax, VA, is
the associate director of MBA Programs at
George Mason University.
Nick Goodsell, A09, Pueblo West, is the
director of TRIO Student Support Services at
Trinidad State Junior College.
Rebecca (Reiger) Trujillo, A12, Fowler,
is a case manager with Otero County
Department of Human Services.
Vanessa (Maestas) Tafoya, A03, Rocky
Ford, is a fourth grade teacher with the
Crowley County School District.
Adena Dutter, A09, Colorado Springs, was
named a 2013 Rising Star by the Colorado
Springs Business Journal, which recognized
the city’s top young professionals under
40. Dutter is the lead admissions advisor
and military liaison for Colorado Technical
University (CTU). She also holds an MBA from
CTU.
Emma Ruehl, A13, Colorado Springs, is a
marketing director at Northwestern Mutual
in Colorado Springs. Formerly, she was a
marketing coordinator at the Pueblo YMCA.
Jeff Martinez, A04, Thornton, was a 2012
inductee into the CSU-Pueblo Athletics Hall
of Fame.
Chris Carter, A05, Pueblo West, is the
owner of Devil Dogg CrossFit.
Amanda Wintersieck, A09, Tempe, AZ,
is a Ph.D. candidate and graduate teaching
assistant at Arizona State University’s School
of Politics and Global Studies.
Chad Heberly, A04, Pueblo, is the
president of Pueblo West Rotary. He is an
agency business consultant with State Farm
Insurance and also serves on the CSU-Pueblo
Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Erin (Doherty) Comden, A06, Trinidad, is
the career and technical education recruiter
and special events coordinator at Trinidad
State Junior College.
Adam Gair, A07, Commerce, MI, is a field
training operations coordinator with Ford
Motor Company.
Shanna Farmer, A08, Pueblo, is the
community-based research coordinator for
CSU-Pueblo’s Regional Access to Graduate
Education Program. In 2012, she received a
master’s degree in organizational leadership
from Gonzaga University.
Shantel Gallegos, A08, Pueblo, represents
CSU-Pueblo on the Graduate Nursing Student
Academy Leadership Council through the
American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Kyle Woodward, A08, Alamosa, is the
owner of two Everything Wireless stores
located in Alamosa and Canon City. He and
his wife, Michelle, are the proud parents of
two boys, ages 6 and 4.
2010s
CSU-Pueblo
Udobong Obotette, A10, Denver, is an
underwriter at Urban Lending Solutions.
Ryan Jensen, FS, Baltimore, MD, was
drafted in the 6th round of the 2013 NFL
draft and is projected to play guard for the
Baltimore Ravens.
Josh Peek, FS, Pueblo, won the all-around
cowboy title at the 2012 Colorado State Fair.
Johnny Wood, A10, Pueblo, is a personal
health consultant at Complete Nutrition.
ANNIVERSARIES
Sarah Deziel, A11, Denver, is a physical
education teacher at the Denver KIPP
(Knowledge Is Power Program) High School.
Patrick, A68, and Donna, A88, Bottini,
Pueblo, celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary on April 27, 2013.
Clayton Burleson, A12, Pueblo, is a survey
technician with Alta Surveys of Colorado.
Richard, A59, and Rose, A83, Guerrero,
Pueblo, celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary on April 20, 2013.
Martina (Granzella) Cahill, A12, Grand
Junction, is a teacher at Independence
Academy Charter School. She is married to
Richie Cahill, A12.
William, A81, and Helen Parker, Pueblo,
celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary
on March 30, 2013.
Richie Cahill, A12, Grand Junction, is an
auditor with Dalby, Wendland & Co., P.C. He is
married to Martina (Granzella) Cahill, A12.
Shayne Castro, A12, Pueblo, works in the
tool room at Atlas Pacific Engineering.
Garrett Finke, A12, Gunnison, is the
sports information director at Western State
Colorado University.
MARRIAGES
Andrew Sell, A94 and Emily Browne,
A07, April 14, 2013
David Sisneros, A11, and Alyssa Richey,
August 4, 2012
Logan Gogarty, A13, and Sara Ropp,
A10, May 28, 2013
Charles (CJ) Gerber, A12, Denver, is an
agent with Farmers Insurance.
FUTURE ALUMS
Ashley Losoya, A12, Fountain, is a human
resources coordinator at The Broadmoor
Resort and Hotel in Colorado Springs.
Matthew and Erin Comden, A06, Trinidad,
girl, July 9, 2011
Fonz and Jillian Maes, A04, Pueblo, girl,
March 22, 2012
• F - Faculty • FS - Former Student • A - Alumnus
18
C O L O R A D O
S T A T E
U N I V E R S I T Y - P U E B L O ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
IN MEMORIAM
Geraldine Abbott, A78
George A. Algiene, A73
Barbara A. Allen, A91
Rheta L. Allen, A73
Wilbur L. Ashley, A58
Donald E. Ayres, A77
Charles S. Bacino, A59
Augusta D. Ballage, A91
Orpha M. Bland, A70
Charles Bonnifield, A71
Wayne Boody, A85
Gordon L. Bowen, A56
Pauline Bramer, A46
Robert I. Bridgman, A58
Verna Brock, A51
Elizabeth K. Burt, A81
Nova D. Burton, A71
Linda Carbajal, A70
Charles W. Carruth, A79
Madeline J. Casaus, A07, staff
Loren H. Catron, A61
Vincent Cavallo, A72
Kerie L. Cetin, A97
Earl D. Chadwick, A62
Myron Chandler, A75
Dennis C. Chisman, A71
Almon W. Clark, A77
CSU-Pueblo Alumni Association
Board of Directors
2013-2014
Executive Committee
President - Matt Centner, A02
Vice-President – Jennifer Mravich, A08 & A10
Treasurer – Lydia Martinez, A09
At-Large – Mark Gregory, A89
Past-president – Chad Heberly, A04
Board of Directors
Vanessa Emerson, Associated Students’
Government Representative
Judy Hildner, A70
Brett Holland, A10
Richard Joyce, A81
Rich Mestas, A98
Carol Rickman, A83
Sandy Romero, A85
Donna Wofford, Faculty
Director of Alumni Relations
Tracy Samora, A94
Glenn Cline, A70
Jo Annette Cloyd, A65
Sarah Coffee, former staff
Joseph Colletti, A55
John M. Cornella, A81
Dale L. Crockwell, A48
Robert Day, A53
Albert C. Derby, A78
Thelma Ding, A78
Norma J. Dominguez, A79
Robert J. Douglass, A53
Robert Dovgan, A71
Ronald R. Duran, A83
Raymond L. Elder, A66
James P. Farrell, A52
Lisa A. Finnell, A84
Sandra Lynn Fitzgerald, A86
August Frankmore, A61
Dorothy J. Gale, A48
Bernice E. Garcia, A69
James M. Gilligan, A48
Frank D. Glick, A82
Doris Gordon, A65
James Gore, A39
David P. Gorman, A76
John M. Griest, A74
James G. Guerrero, A60
Charles Hampton, A75
David Hang, A90
Diana D. Hargraves, A67
Royal D. Harshman, A47
Hal S. Hartman, A69
Charles F. Hicks, A82
John Hoglund, A62
Marcella (Marcy) Hopkins, former staff
Walter J. Hopkins, A67
John Hutchinson, A73
Sheila R. Ibanez, A77
Robert (Bob) A. Jackson, philanthropist
Robert W. Jentzsch, A71, former staff
Alma V. Johnson, A67
Ardyth L. Johnson, A71
Mary Johnson, A39
Agus Junaedi, A10
Frederick L. Kidd, A80
Pauline F. Kimbell, A69
William J. Kochevar, A49
John Koke, A47
Phyllis Kotlar, A85
Leonard Lamb, A49
Ernest C. Laner, A03
Susan A. Lecount, A75
Ruth A. Leff, A74
Louis A. Leyba, A73
Dinah P. Loader, A69
Georgia K. Lozinsky, A86
Robert Luff, A73
Daniel R. Maloney, A55
Elizabeth L. Marino, A02
Blossom (Mae) Markowski, A76
Roy McCanne, retiree
Shirley M. McGrath, A78
Dale L. McGraw, A91
Glenard P. McKeehan, A81
Vanessa J. Mcmichael, A03
Lawrence D. Merrill, A51
Lee Minjarez, A54
Jose Montoya, A75
Katherine Mudrone, A47
John D. Murgel, A69
Ruben Navarro, A65
Eric A. Nielsen, A97
Archie Norwood, A81
Don F. Oatis, A50
Joseph E. Padilla, A87
Donald P. Palumbo, A73
Paul J. Parsons, A49
Lawrence M. Pearson, A47
Michael F. Pearson, A71
Audrey Perko, A47
Cynthia D. Pisciotta, A71
Lorraine Refice, A80
Gloria C. Reis, A57
Robert A. Renteria, A78
Marcie L. Reynolds-Bain, A96
Vernon D. Roberts, A65
Nicholas P. Rodriguez, A72
Brad B. Roushar, A84
Elmer Routh, A71
Charles Rowden, A49
Gil Sanchez, CSU-Pueblo Foundation trustee
Phyllis L. Sarver, A76
Arnold Schafer, A76
Clyde M. Scott, A80
Gretchen E. Seifried, A68
Charlene J. Sharp, A70
Stephen Shaw, A95
Robert “Bob” Shirilla, faculty
Martha S. Sims, A94
Ronald L. Six, A77
Jack Skinner, A48
Rita L. Slike, A72
Raymond A. Smelek, A54
Bidal B. Sotello, A94
Bea Spade, retiree
Carol E. Spencer, A54
David R. Stanifer, A79
Madonna Stark, A72
John R. Stovall, A42
Howard P. Summers, A48
Janet L. Sweet, A78
James Tansey, A78
Edward D. Tapia, A61
Suzi M. Tearpak, A74
Linda Tipton, A80
Harold Trevithick, A76
John A. Trujillo, A85
Simon P. Trujillo
Joy R. Vining, A65
Karen J. Welch, A72
A.G. Wynne, A74
Eunice S. Yanke, A72
Kenneth Yekovich, A98
Orrin Zebarth, A66
John E. Zgut, A69
Ruth Zirger, A67
• F - Faculty • FS - Former Student • A - Alumnus
2 0 1 3 19
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
CSU-Pueblo Opens Colorado Springs Tower Location
The Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance co-sponsored a ribbon cutting/open house on
Oct. 24 for CSU-Pueblo’s new Tower Location in Colorado Springs, just off I-25 Exit 138 at Circle Drive.
While Colorado State University-Pueblo has maintained operations in Colorado Springs since
1969, the move from a bank building near Citadel Mall to a highly visible location near Interstate
25 will enhance the convenience and access to the University’s programs and facilities. According
to Colorado Springs Program Manager Jon Ullman, the new location offers improved facilities and
convenient access in a location that is close to Fort Carson and just 38 highway miles from
CSU-Pueblo’s main campus.
CSU-Pueblo will occupy the building’s entire second floor consisting of 11,276 square feet with six
classrooms, administrative offices, and a Front Range Room Conference Area, which will provide a
convenient location in Colorado Springs for conferences, informational events, off-site meetings,
and student and alumni events. The new location will house a staff of four full-time employees
and offer sociology and social work degree completion programs and general education courses,
with additional course offerings and degree completion programs expected during the coming
academic year.
“This new location will enhance our presence and visibility in Colorado Springs and allow us to
better serve our students,” said President Lesley Di Mare. “We plan to offer more classes during the
day and use the facility for academic advising, registration, and even alumni events. We’re looking
forward to bringing even more of CSU-Pueblo to the citizens of Colorado Springs.”
20
C O L O R A D O
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U N I V E R S I T Y - P U E B L O ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
CSU-Pueblo bucked the Lone Star state’s “Don’t Mess
with Texas” threat as hundreds of students, alumni, and
community members made the trek to Dallas, Texas to
watch the 5th ranked ThunderWolf football team take
on Angelo State in the Lone Star Football Festival in
September.
Nearly 200 attended the Alumni Association’s tailgate
party at the host Sheraton hotel, which included
comments by Alumni Director Tracy Samora, President
Lesley Di Mare, Head Football Coach John Wristen,
Athletics Director Joe Folda, and Foundation CEO/
President Todd Kelly as well as a highlights video from
the ThunderWolves 41-36 victory over Division I foe
University of Northern Colorado on Sept. 7. The Alumni
Association also welcomed 300 guests to the field level
suite inside Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium prior to the
game. The ThunderWolves scored on a variety of huge
plays by the offensive, defensive, and special teams,
enroute to a 45-24 victory.
The ThunderWolves Marching Band as well as cheer
and dance squads, Wolfie, and mascot Tundra made
the trip with the band, cheer, and dance teams also
performing on the main stage at Six Flags over Texas,
which is adjacent to the stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Carol, A83, and Mark Rickman
and mascot Tundra made the
14-hour trip to Dallas to cheer
on the ThunderWolves.
eir
We thank them for thusiasm!
commitment and enth
F A L L
2 0 1 3 21
This year’s Homecoming and Family Weekend
celebrated Colorado State University-Pueblo’s 80-year
history as an institution.
The week began with a door decorating contest
to dress up campus offices with the CSU-Pueblo
Foundation and Student Activities offices taking the top
two slots.
Alumni Association events included a reception at
Angelo’s on the Riverwalk complete with food, drinks,
complimentary boat rides, a special appearance by
our beloved mascot - Tundra, an appearance from the
2013 Homecoming Royalty
Court, and a special surprise
courtesy of Joey Shaw, A13.
Ownership advisor for Tesla
Park Meadows, Shaw gave
those in attendance an
opportunity to take a test
drive in the nation’s top-rated
electric Tesla S sedan, which
has set the performance bar
at a new level for electric cars.
Shaw, along with fellow
Automotive Industry
Management alumni and
current students, enjoyed the
festivities at the Riverwalk.
22
C O L O R A D O
S T A T E
U N I V E R S I T Y - P U E B L O Saturday festivities began
with a Welcome Back Breakfast
for alumni and families of
current students. Nearly 300
alumni, community members,
and CSU-Pueblo parents
enjoyed the pre-game tailgate
hosted by the CSU-Pueblo
Alumni Association and
Friends of Football before the ThunderWolves 35-3
homecoming victory over Fort Lewis.
Two students were crowned Homecoming King
and Queen at halftime of the football game. Senior
mass communications major Talha Qureshi, Karachi,
Pakistan, and senior English major/secondary
education minor Abbi Johnson, Denver, (pictured
right) accepted the ceremonial crowns and capes.
Qureshi is the first international student to be
crowned Homecoming royalty at CSU-Pueblo.
Student Homecoming events included a pep rally
and Powder Puff football game on Friday night and a
Saturday night Masquerade Ball and Casino Night in
the Student Recreation Center.
2 0 1 3 23
On the Move
with the
Largest
Campaign in
History
Colorado State University-Pueblo President Lesley Di Mare and Dan
DeRose, chair of the CSU-Pueblo Foundation, publicly announced in
August, a three-year, $25 million fundraising effort, ON THE MOVE,
The Campaign for Colorado State University-Pueblo. The Campaign
will strengthen the University through additional scholarships, facility
enhancements, and the addition of six new competitive sports.
“With fewer state and federal government dollars each year, CSU-Pueblo
must look for additional sources of revenue to better serve the needs
of our students and to fulfill our mission as a regional comprehensive
university,” said President Di Mare.
DeRose announced that since the start of the silent phase of the
campaign in May, the CSU-Pueblo Foundation had raised $5.45 million
in collected, pledged and anticipated gifts, or nearly 22 percent of the
goal. DeRose thanked Mike and Joyce Occhiato for their leadership
pledge of $1 million to be directed toward the $37 million renovation
of the Occhiato University Center (see related story on page 26).
Individuals attesting to the impact of the campaign included CSUPueblo Foundation President and CEO Todd Kelly, Associated Students
Government President Vanessa Emerson, Greater Pueblo Chamber of
Commerce President Rod Slyhoff, and CSU-Pueblo Director of Athletics
Joe Folda.
ASG President Vanessa Emerson
24
C O L O R A D O
S T A T E
President Lesley Di
Mare addesses more
than 300 attendees at
the announcement.
Foundation Chair Dan
DeRose thanks Mike
Occhiato (right) for a
lead gift from he and his
sister, Joyce.
“Scholarships serve not
only as financial assistance,
but as recruitment tools
to draw top students, as
retention tools to keep highperforming students, and
as acknowledgement that
hard work is appreciated and
recognized.”
—Dan DeRose, chair,
CSU-Pueblo Foundation
U N I V E R S I T Y - P U E B L O MONEY MATTERS
As part of the campaign announcement, DeRose outlined the three major
components of The Campaign for Colorado State University-Pueblo:
S CH O L A R S H IP S - $ 1 5 M IL L IO N
More than 80 percent of CSU-Pueblo students receive some form of financial
assistance in the form of loans, grants, scholarships, or work study employment.
While many CSU-Pueblo students receive
scholarship dollars in an academic year,
a significant number of those who apply
for aid receive nothing because the need
outweighs the available scholarships. The
Campaign will assist recruitment efforts
of first time and transfer students for Fall
2014, which include a new tiered system
of automatic, renewable scholarships.
Additional funds will be made available
for Pell eligible and first generation
students. Many Foundation scholarships
now available reflect the values or
priorities of the donor, resulting in many
that are region or major specific.
“Scholarships serve not only as financial assistance, but as recruitment tools to
draw top students, as retention tools to keep high-performing students, and as
acknowledgement that hard work is appreciated and recognized,” DeRose said.
S T U D E NT CE NT E R R E NO V AT IO N - $5 M ILLIO N
A $37 million major renovation to the Occhiato University Center will address the
90,000-square-feet of space built in 1974 and construct a 76,000-square-foot addition
that will result in a dynamic, technologically-modern facility with residential dining
and retail functions, study lounges, conference rooms, and grand ballroom. The
renovation also will separate the student-use areas from the public areas available
for public and private events. A two-phase approach to the renovation will allow
residential dining to continue uninterrupted during construction. In an effort to
continue our commitment to sustainability,
the renovated building will be designed
and constructed to a minimum of LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) Gold Standard.
“The University has witnessed the benefits of new and
improved facilities,” DeRose said. “Construction of a threepart residence hall complex has transformed the institution
from a commuter school to a more traditional residential
campus, while a recent $24 million renovation to the
University Library now attracts 35,000 visitors a month to
its enhanced technological capabilities, study space, and
digital library holdings.”
AT H L E T I C S E X PA N S I O N /
E N H A N CE M E N T S - $ 5 M ILLIO N
CSU-Pueblo’s successful athletic history boasts more than
150 All Americans, a national championship, 66 national
tournament appearances, and seven regional tournament
championships. The Campaign for CSU-Pueblo will help
support the addition of six competitive sports in 2014
(Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s Cross Country and
Track, Women’s Swimming and Diving). Of the six sports,
four are completely new. Before elimination in 1993, men’s
track and field and cross country had a stellar reputation,
producing 34 track and field and three cross country All
Americans, including four individual national champions.
As a result of the addition of men’s and women’s lacrosse,
the existing soccer complex will host lacrosse competition
as well and will be re-fitted with a new synthetic turf field
and enhanced with a 600-seat grandstand that will include
public restrooms, a concession area, press box, lobby, and
locker rooms.
For more information on the campaign, call the
CSU-Pueblo Foundation at 719-549-2380, visit the
staff in Administration 324 on the CSU-Pueblo campus,
or give online at www.csuponthemove.com.
Joyce and Mike Occhiato
2 0 1 3 25
MONEY MATTERS
Young Alums Contribute for Collective Impact on Alma Mater
Chad, A04, and Laura, A05, Heberly have signed a three-year pledge to the ON THE MOVE capital
campaign hoping to convince other young alumni couples that contributions of both time and resources
have a collective impact on their alma mater. The two met while Chad was pursuing a business degree in
management and economics and Laura a degree in sociology. Chad now is employed with Stifel Nicolaus
in Pueblo, while Laura is Administrator for the Board of Pueblo County Commissioners.
“It was an easy decision for me to support the ON THE MOVE campaign because of the support
CSU-Pueblo has provided me over the years,” Chad said. “The foundation of knowledge and the skills
developed at CSU-Pueblo have provided me a multitude of opportunities that afford my family a quality
of life for which we are grateful. We want to ensure current and future students at CSU-Pueblo receive the
same support.”
Chad said the investments made by those donors who came before created an environment that shaped
their lives, and now, the lives of their two children, who love attending events on campus. He understands
other new professionals with young families who feel they need to “make it” before giving back.
The couple agrees that while they can’t support the University at the level that they hope to one day,
doing nothing is not an option.
“My wife and I make it a priority to give to the things that have given to us, and the relationships we have
developed through CSU-Pueblo are those we cherish most,” he said. “While our dollars alone may not
make a significant impact, our contributions, along with those of others, make a collective impact that will
result in significant changes to our alma mater.”
Occhiato Gift Extends Family Legacy, Boosts Announcement
The $1 million gift from Mike and Joyce Occhiato to ON THE MOVE: The Campaign for Colorado State
University-Pueblo is rooted in the siblings’ desire to extend a family legacy begun by their father, Joseph, and
the entire Occhiato family. The siblings’ pledged gifts of $500,000 each toward the major renovation of the
Occhiato University Center that is scheduled to begin early in 2014 and is one of three major components
of the fundraising effort. The gift boosted the campaign fund total past the $5 million mark at the August
campaign announcement.
The estate of their father, Joseph, and the Mike Occhiato Foundation, which Joseph initiated, gave $500,000 to
the University in 1987 to benefit the agricultural programs in the school’s College of Science and Mathematics.
Prior to his death, Joseph was a member of the University of Southern Colorado Foundation Board and a
Pueblo civic leader. Joe was instrumental in initiating the Pepsi-Cola-GI Forum Hispanic scholarship program,
a first in the Pepsi Cola Company, for students who wanted to make a difference but were unable to fund
their education.
“Joe will long be remembered as an innovator in many aspects in the community and his passion in helping
young people succeed,” Mike said.
Mike followed in his father’s footsteps as President of the Pepsi franchise and a community leader -- serving
on the Pueblo City Council from 1978-1993, 2002-2010, and leading it as president for eight years. In addition
to four decades of experience as a successful business manager in production, distribution, marketing,
real estate and ranching, Mike led sister city delegations to Weifang, China, Puebla, Mexico, and Bergamo,
Italy. His sister, Joyce, also was a major contributor to the Occhiato family success, participating in the Pepsi
franchise in administration, marketing, and special events. Given that Joe’s dream of attending the University
of California- Los Angeles was cut short due to family commitments and lack of financial resources in 1935,
Mike said his dad would approve of this most recent gift.
“Joe would be proud of Colorado State University-Pueblo and its vision for tomorrow. He strongly believed
that a well respected four-year university in Pueblo would build a better Pueblo and develop leadership for
the youth that attended, “ Mike said. “Joe was one who believed that if you believe in yourself and God, you
will succeed. Joe was a believer in developing the leaders of tomorrow.”
26
C O L O R A D O
S T A T E
U N I V E R S I T Y - P U E B L O CSU-PUEBLO Foundation
Board of Trustees
Dan DeRose, Chairman
Russell DeSalvo III, Vice Chairman
Director Trustees
Christopher Burke
Michael Cafasso
Louie Carleo
Matt Centner
Jeffrey Chostner
Brandice Eslinger
Erin Gibbs
Carole Lange
Michael Roumph
Steve Shirley
Darrin Smith
Marvin Stein
Andrew Trainor
Chris Turner
Barbara Vidmar
Ken West
David Williams
Ralph Williams
Sustaining Trustees
Walter Bassett, Jr.
Dave Feamster
Rita Gersick
Arthur Gonzales
Greg Hahn
Joyce Lawrence
Bob Leach
Gerry Montgomery
John Oechsle
Jane Rawlings
Timothy Simmons
James Wallace
Trustees Emeriti
Walter L. Bassett, Sr.
Charles E. Brady -- In Memoriam
Thomas V. Healy – In Memoriam
Harvey M. Hilvitz -- In Memoriam
Richard A. Lawrence
Joan C. Occhiato - In Memoriam
Ethelyn J. Potestio -- In Memoriam
Robert H. Rawlings
Gilbert A. Sanchez – In Memoriam
H.B. Weindling
H.E. Wilcoxson -- In Memoriam
Henry D. Williams
Staff
Todd Kelly – CEO/President
Lacy Desmond – Marketing/Development
Specialist
John Fujishiro – Grant and Research
Specialist
Valerie Gallegos – Finance Manager
Susie Pagnotta – Manager of Gifts and
Records
Nick Potter – Private Scholarship
Administrator
Sommer Street – Development Assistant
Financial Summary
CSU-PUEBLO FOUNDATION
Statement of Financial Position*
All data represents one year of activity from
July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013
Balance Sheet
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$2,472,542
Accounts receivable
54,308
Other prepaid expenses
73,870
Unconditional promises to give, net
786,902
Marketable securities held for liquidation
33,505
Marketable securities
18,224,914
Miscellaneous assets
1,882
Beneficial interest in remainder trusts
1,418,532
Investment in real estate
5,701,000
Investment in limited partnership
297,500
Leasehold improvements and office equipment
87,677
Less accumulated depreciation
(79,275)
TOTAL ASSETS
$29,073,357
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable
Other liabilities
Income taxes payable
TOTAL LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
Designated
Other unrestricted
Total unrestricted net assets
Temporarily restricted
Permanently restricted
TOTAL NET ASSETS
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Reporting Our Progress – Measuring Your Impact
The Better Business Bureau’s (BBB’s)
Standards for Charity Accountability
recommends that non-profits spend at least
65 percent of their total expenses on program
activities. In FY2013, the CSU-Pueblo
Foundation spent 75 percent of their total
expenses on program activities that directly
impact students, including more than $1M in
scholarship dollars.
$1,440,974
113,084
3,843
1,557,901
Annual Report 2012-13
MONEY MATTERS
1,112,928
1,424,630
2,537,558
12,561,529
12,416,369
27,515,456
$29,073,357
REVENUE AND SUPPORT
Contributions
$2,395,111
In-kind contributions
78,822
Fundraising revenue
305,117
Dividends
549,593
Interest
13,933
Realized gain on sale of marketable securities
49,842
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
1,554,462
Net rental income
450,508
Miscellaneous income
58,658
Changes in the value of split-interest agreements
149,124
TOTAL REVENUE AND SUPPORT
5,605,170
EXPENSES
Program expenses
Management and general
Fundraising
TOTAL EXPENSES
2,081,259
389,342
290,273
2,760,874
*Final Audited Report to be published after October 24, 2013
2 0 1 3 27
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Colorado State University-Pueblo
Alumni Association
2200 Bonforte Blvd.
Pueblo, CO 81001-4901
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
PERMIT NO. 434
Parents: If this address for your son or daughter
is not current, please notify the Alumni Office
at 719.549.2858 or email: alumni@colostate-pueblo.edu
website: www.alumni.colostate-pueblo.edu
University Calendar
Stronger as a Pack
Current students pulled their way to victory over
the alumni as part of the CSU-Pueblo Day at the
Colorado State Fair.
Nov. 25-29
Dec. 4
Dec. 6
Dec. 6
Dec. 9-13
Dec. 23- Jan. 1
Thanksgiving Break, no classes all week,
offices open Nov. 25-27
DSS: Roger Donlan,
Medal of Honor Recipient,
OUC Ballroom, 7 p.m.
CSU-Pueblo Night at the Pueblo Zoo/
Electricritters, 5:30 p.m.
Last day of Fall Semester Classes
Final Exams
Campus Offices Closed
2014
Jan. 13
Jan. 22
Feb. 21
Feb. 26
March 4
March 24-28
April 18
April 25
April 28-May 2
May 3
May 16
Spring Semester Classes Begin
DSS: W. Kamau Bell, Ending Racism in About
an Hour, Hoag Recital Hall, 7 p.m.
President’s Club Soiree, OUC Ballroom, 6 p.m.
DSS: Tony Mendez, The True Story of Argo,
OUC Ballroom, 7 p.m.
Student to Community Networking Mixer,
Hearthwell Lounge, 5:30 p.m
Spring Break
Spring Concert: Bubba Sparxxx and
Sir Mix a Lot, Massari Arena, 8 p.m.
Spring Semester Classes End
Final Exams
Commencement, Colorado State Fair Events
Center, 10 a.m.
President’s Gala/ASG Reception,
OUC Ballroom, 6 p.m.
DSS-Distinguished Speaker Series