Pueblo Community College not only works to match talented students with community needs, but just as importantly, makes it a top priority to help those talented students succeed.
Many students, because of life just happening, have obstacles in their way to deter their goal of earning a good education. Sometimes they only have a few credit hours to go or a small debt to repay. Out of this need to fill the gap in resources, the PCC Foundation Return to Learn Scholarship program was born.
Through the Quarterly Forum, a group of diverse Denver business leaders and the Colorado Department of Higher Education, $75,000 was given as the lead gift to this special scholarship program. Two very appreciative students who have benefitted from the Return to Learn program spoke at the PCC Foundation Friendraising Breakfast on Wednesday morning.
Bethany Page and Michelle Brassell told their very moving stories to the breakfast attendees, preceded by a motivating “state of the college” address by PCC President Dr. Patty Erjavec.
Lori Lovato of Legacy Bank (and Foundation board member) also announced Legacy Bank’s commitment to match up to $25,000 in donations.
It’s a very good investment to recognize students, especially non-traditional ones, who just need that extra nudge to overcome some of life’s obstacles. Their commitment and efforts to give back to the community will be the reward for the community, as well as the students themselves.
Team PCC Foundatin: Lorna Jackson, left, Shauna Boyd, Robin Cope and Executive Director Martha Simmons
Michelle Brassell, left, Martha Simmons and Charnell Mayer
Sean Westbrook and board member Marty Poole
PCC President Dr. Patty Erjavec, left, with board members Wynona Sullivan and Theresa Dudley
Dr Patty Erjavec chats with Joe Mahoney
Marty Poole, left, Kay Bauman and Phyllis Sciortino
Board Past President Sharon and Keith Swerdfeger
Joe Mahoney and Joy McDonald
Board member Val DeSantis, left, and Scott Davidson
Dr. Patty Erjavec greets guests Richie Ince and Averi
Ross Barnhart (board member), left, Scott Bacon and Mary Jane Voelker (board member)
Charnell Mayer (board member), left, Josh Wilcoxson and Victoria Edwards
Arnold VanZandt, left, and Steve Nawrocki
Arnold VanZandt is greeted by Jon Brude, PCC chief business officer
Board member Scott Moore, left, Jan Pullin and Nick Gradisar
Board member Carla Barela, left, and Shirley Carey
Board member Jan Williams, left, chats with Jarvis Ryals
Mark Welte, left, and Dominic Gallina
Dennis Carey, left, and Ron Francis
Marty Poole, left, Steve Hiza and Sean Westbrook
Board member Barbara Duff, left, chats with Phyllis Sciortino
Board member Barbara Leonard, left, and Kay Bauman
Guests enjoying breakfast
Another guest table
Sharon Swerdfeger, left, chats with Dee Brown
Rose Jubert, left, is greeted by Ashley Valdez and Wynona Sullivan
Board President Joe Welte, left, and Bob Schilling
Barb Simms, left, board member Barbara Fortino and Jose Rivera
Guest speakers Bethany Page and Michelle Brassell
Clinton Nau, left, and Eric Fox
Dr Patty Erjavec, PCC President, talked to the audience about recent progress at PCC
Charnell Mayer returned as emcee
Bethany Page talked about her life experiences and how she was helped by the Return to Learn program
Michelle Brassell gave a moving speech about how the Return to Learn program helped her realize her dream
Lori Lovato of Legacy Bank announced a matching donation to the PCC Foundation
Joe Welte, president; Mickey Moore, vice president; Pamela Patterson, secretary; Tammy Fesmire, treasurer; Sharon Swerdfeger, past president; members: Carla Barela, Ross Barnhart, Val DeSantis, Barbara Duff, Patty Erjavec, Barbara Fortino, Jeanne Gardner, Barbara Leonard, Lori Lovato, Charnell Mayer, Scott Moore, Marty Poole, Walter Schepp, Wynona Sullivan, Mary Jane Voelker, Jan Williams, Paul Willumstad