The weather was dampened but spirits were definitely not Friday night as the Canon City community came together to induct 3 exemplary people into the Pueblo Community College Fremont Campus Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame not only recognizes exemplary community service and support from these individuals, but also serves as an opportunity to raise funds for scholarships for students at the Fremont campus.
The 2016 inductees:
Maureen O’Shea Baxter joined the faculty of the Pueblo Community College Fremont Campus in its early years and was named Faculty of the Year for the 1987-88 school year. She was known for her teaching excellence, commitment to nursing and mentorship of her students. She passed away in 2010. Her son Mike Baxter and many of the Baxter family members were on hand to reminisce about Maureen’s life and accept the award on her behalf.
Larry Oddo has made a noticeable impact on Fremont County in a relatively short period. He and his family moved to Canon City in 2005 and purchased The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. Not only has Oddo built a successful business, winning dozens of awards for the wine he produces, he quickly became a hands-on member of the community and a staunch supporter of the region’s amenities and lifestyle.
Will Colon, right, congratulates inductee Larry Oddo
Will Colon, who introduced Larry, aptly commented that Larry ends up being treasurer or president of all of the numerous boards he joins.
Myron “Smitty” Smith has been a contributor to Fremont County’s business and public service communities for more than six decades. Founder of Master Printers, he has also served as a Fremont County Commissioner and Florence City Council member and was executive director of the Fremont Economic Development Corporation. In addition to serving on other local boards, he helped develop the Airport Memorial Park and was instrumental in acquiring
Inductee Smitty Smith proudly holds Isaiah
the F-4 jet fighter that is on display at the Veteran’s Memorial at the Fremont County Airport. He served on the original fundraising committee to convert the women’s prison into the Museum of Colorado Prisons. He was introduced by his proud son, Myron “Frank” Smith Jr.
Because this program is all about the students, four exemplary scholars were awarded scholarships: Shyla Briese Young, Ryan Fisher, Rebecca Johns and Edna “Beth” Newey, who gave a resounding speech and demonstrated that if her chosen career as a librarian doesn’t work out, she also has a future as a comedienne.
The room was full of talent and promise, from past to future. These exemplary honorees paved the way for setting an example of leadership, and our scholars are continuing to carry the torch in just as impressive fashion.
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- Cindy and Steve Cool
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- Cindy and Steve Cool with Shelby Pacheco, Suzie Smith, Tammy Lester, Jeanne and Paul Dohrmann
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- Robin Cope, left, and Pamela Simmons
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- Fran and Sean McGee, left, with Jim Maxon and Barb Smith
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- Rosie and Bill Scutti
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- Inductees Larry Oddo, left, and “Smitty” Smith congratulate each other
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- Diane and Larry Oddo, left, with Deb and Leon Turman
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- Benigno Soto, left, Dr Gayle Riley and John Recinos
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- Diane and John Benge
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- Inductee and Broncos fan Smitty Smith with Fremont Campus Dean Dr. Lana Carter
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- Shelby Pacheco, left, Smitty and Antoinette Smith, Suzie Smith, Trudy and Joseph Jara
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- Academic Services Director Kathy Herrin, left, with Janice and Commissioner Ed Norden (emcee and also chair of the Hall of Fame steering committee)
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- Jane Trainor, left, Bill Hinsey, Anne and Terry Baxter
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- Bruce and Susie Bell (steering committee and title sponsor) with Dr. Lana Carter
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- Frank and Tina Smith, left, Shelby Pacheco holding Isaiah, Malorie and John Rael
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- Greeting guests at the door were Rebecca Johns (also a scholarship recipient), left, Riley Salerno and Molly Nordin
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- 2015 inductees Michael and Cathie Merlino, left, with John Emmerling and Charlotte Burrous
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- Inductee Smitty Smith proudly holds Isaiah
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- Lisa Delvecchio, left, Deb Thurman and Michele Hinsey
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- Janice Norden chats with Mike Baxter
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- Mindy and Gary Minor (advisory committee member)
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- David Delvecchio, left, chats with John Emmerling
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- John and Mary Kay Evans, left, with Truman Harwood
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- Becky Reed, left, Robin and Pete Reeser, George Welsh (advisory committee member)
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- Donna Murphy, left, chats with Pat Freda (steering committee)
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- Anne Baxter, left, Terry Baxter, Mike Baxter, Mandee and Greg Baxter
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- Rossy and Brad Large with kids Alessy and Mariani
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- Mannie Colon and Lisa Hyams (advisory and steering committee)
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- Pam Simmons, left, and Caroline Trani
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- Martha Pardue and Ted Adamic
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- Virgil Olson, left, Peggy Sorenson and Jan Renfrow
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- Jean and Keith Hovland
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- Walter Schepp (2011 inductee and PCC Foundation board member) with Foundation Executive Director Martha Simmons and Dorothy “Tiny” Striegel
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- Mary Ann Baxter, left, Larry Fallwell, Mike Baxter
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- Don Pachelo, left, Steve Sneed, Jeanne and Paul Dohrmann
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- Donna Murphy, left, Dr. Linda Carlson (steering committee and title sponsor), Julie Dean, inductee Larry Oddo, Katie Dean
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- Antoinette Smith chats with Cindy and Steve Cool and Byron Large Jr.
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- Terry and Dr. Shirley Squier (2010 inductee, steering and advisory committee)
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- Pastor Eric and Robbie Feuerstein
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- Inductee Larry and Diane Oddo
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- Larry Fallwell, left, Larry Stringari and Tim Baxter
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- From the PCC ASG table: Alexandria Neighbours, left, Amanda Santiago, Jeremiah Pilcher and Joy Fillmore
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- Tim Baxter, left, Mike Baxter, PCC President Dr. Patty Erjavec and Ray Erjavec
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- John Rigirozzi chats with Shirley Troutman
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- David and Ashley Smith (advisory committee)
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- The “Smitty” Smith table
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- The Baxter table
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- Dr. Lana Carter and Ed Norden compare notes for the program
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- Smitty Smith, center, chats with his good friends Donna and Jim Maxey
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- The El Pomar table
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- Ed Norden kicks off the program
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- Ed Norden makes some announcements
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- Dr. Patty Erjavec welcomes everyone
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- Dr. Patty Erjavec talks about the importance of students in the community
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- Scholar Shyla Briese Young listens to her introduction from Dr. Lana Carter
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- Dr. Patty Erjavec and scholarship recipient Shyla Briese Young
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- Dr. Patty Erjavec congratulates scholarship recipient Ryan Fisher
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- Dr. Patty Erjavec and scholarship recipient Rebecca Johns
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- Scholarship recipient Edna “Beth” Newey
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- Beth Newey talks about her career journey
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- Mike Baxter accepts the inductee award on behalf of his late mother, Maureen O’Shea Baxter
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- Mike Baxter reminisces about his mother Maureen Baxter and his family
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- Dr Lana Carter, left, Mike Baxter and Dr. Patty Erjavec
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- Will Colon introduces his friend Larry Oddo
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- Will Colon makes a point
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- Will Colon, right, congratulates inductee Larry Oddo
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- Dr. Lana Carter, left, Dr. Patty Erjavec and inductee Larry Oddo
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- Larry Oddo accepts his award
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- Larry Oddo thanks the audience
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- Friends, family members and supporters of Larry Oddo give him a standing ovation
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- Myron “Frank” Smith Jr. introduces his Dad, inductee Myron “Smitty” Smith Sr
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- Frank Smith reminisces about life with his Dad Smitty
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- Frank Smith and his Dad, inductee “Smitty” Smith
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- Dr. Patty Erjavec, left, inductee Myron “Smitty” Smith and Dr. Lana Carter
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- Smitty Smith is congratulated by his wife Antoinette
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- Ed Norden introduces Dorothy “Tiny” Striegel
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- “Tiny” Striegel reads her poem that she wrote about inductees
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- “Tiny” Striegel, still a dynamo at 95 years young
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- Tiny Striegel with Ed Norden and Smitty Smith
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- Tiny Striegel jokes with Smitty Smith
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- Preston Troutman chats with Brian LeDoux
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- John Marietta, left, Canon City Mayor Preston Troutman and Commissioner Tim Payne
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- Dr. Lana Carter, Mike Baxter, Beth Newey, Smitty Smith, Larry Oddo and Ed Norden
