Michelle Dantz stood before the crowd with tears running down her cheeks, and emotionally, but proudly, told her story about how she went from a high school dropout to a cum laude nursing student at Pueblo Community College. THIS is why we do this–why donors, supporters and community partners give their time, dollars and energy to students: to invest in the future of undiscovered gems like Michelle.

The celebration of this philanthropic partnership was the focus of the PCC Donor Dinner on Friday night.

Rogene Armstrong and Kathy Farley were bestowed this year’s Crystal Eagle Awards during the induction ceremony.

Mrs. Armstrong committed many years of service to the Pueblo Community College Foundation when she served under the direction of PCC Foundation Founder Tony Fortino.  “Rogene was one of those go-to members of the PCC Board,” recalls Sharon Swerdfeger.  “She would take on projects of all scope and sizes and always delivered success on behalf of the college and its student scholars.” She was the catalyst behind the growth of the Foundation from $93,000 in assets when she started to over $6.5 million.

Kathy Farley has been credited as a community leader who broke ground for women in Southern Colorado.  She  was the first woman ever elected Pueblo County Commissioner. Kathy worked diligently to gain support for countless community projects, including the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center, Pueblo Conservancy, HARP, Colorado Women’s Forum and Colorado State Parks.

As PCC President Dr. Patty Erjavec pointed out, PCC would also not exist without the support of community partners and thus the tradition was started this year to acknowledge and honor them. Focusing on health care, awards were presented to Colorado Mental Health Institute of Pueblo and Parkview and St. Mary Corwin Medical Centers.

But sentiments throughout the evening kept returning to Michelle Dantz and students like her, who if not for the support and confidence given to them by PCC supporters, would not be able to realize their dream.

You can help someone achieve their dream by contacting the PCC Foundation at www.puebloccfoundation.org or calling 719-544-0677.

Blacktie Colorado
Blacktie Colorado