The Fremont Hall of Fame was established to honor individuals who, by their extraordinary efforts, have contributed to the betterment or enhancement of Fremont and/or Custer counties. Nominees are considered on the basis of contributions in the following areas: all facets of education; business and labor; arts and humanities; philanthropy; government; law; science and technology; and health and human services.
On Friday, April 21, these exemplary people were inducted into the Fremont Hall of Fame:
Rich Burleson, a knowledgeable educator and dedicated community leader, brought his talents and expertise to Fremont County in 1971. His unique and compelling character was part of his success in building and maintaining the relationships he created with not only students, but colleagues, and community leaders. His integrity, dedication and dependability were evident as he competently completed numerous projects and programs for the RE-2 School District and the community. His professional career included teaching, counseling and educational administration. The Florence community has benefitted from Rich’s involvement, over the past 46 years, in volunteer community service and events.
Judy Lohnes, a Fremont County native, has proven to be an exceptional community leader who has worked tirelessly to promote Fremont County and its people. Judy has been the Executive Director of the Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments (UAACOG) since 1992. Through her vision, guidance, and leadership her office has gained the reputation as one of the outstanding Regional Councils in the State of Colorado. She began her career with the council over 38 years ago and has been an outstanding employee for UAACOG. Judy has organized, served, supervised and led many innovative initiatives that have made a positive impact on the residents of Fremont County.
Charles Wolfers and his late wife Earlene have a rich history of contributing their time and talents to Fremont County. They have been steadfast supporters throughout the years as donors, volunteers, and advocates for many civic groups and organizations. Charles and Earlene helped launch the initial Fremont Campus capital construction campaign in the late 1990s and have been tireless supporters of the PCC Foundation.
Scholarship recipients are: Michelle Bauer, Bruce Miller, Leslie Nelson, Dawn Palma, Kaitrin Slattery, Theresa Swearinger, Jena Thompson, Breanne Ulrich and Kacee Young.
Congratulations to these wonderful past, present and future community leaders!
Rodney and Erin Davidson of Big D Superfoods, left, with emcee Ed Norden
Lucinda and Dehl Wolfers, son of honorees Earlene and Charles Wolfers
Alexis Lee, left, Pamela Simmons, Rod Canterbury and Shelly Hazle
Tim Payne, left, and John Papen
Ernest Montoya, left, Ryan Gwartney, Joy Fillmore and Colman Collins helped to greet everyone
Volunteers Molly Nordin, left, and Whitney Strobel
Charlene and Rick Coulson
Barb Smith, left, Jim Maxim, Larry Baker, Tim Payne and Beryl Baker
Fremont County Commissioner Dwayne McFall and his wife Kendra
Louise and Tony Shaffer, left, with Jay and Jan Lindley
Carma Todd, left, and Inez Carter
Great wines available for the “wine grab”
Kathy Herrin, left, chats with Pamela Simmons and Alexis Lee
Rachel Bauer, left, with scholarship recipients Michelle Bauer and Kacee Young
Anthony and Dena Lozano
2017 inductee Charlie Wolfers and his daughter Nannette Tornblom
2017 Inductee Judy Lohnes and her husband Mike
Joel and Jessi Hamilton
Britt Colon, left, and Lisa Hyams (advisory committee)
2014 Inductee Pauline Carochi and her husband John
Debra Blackwell, left, talks with Pauline Carochi
Barb Pasco, left, chats with Mary Jane Valadez
Janice Calkins, left, and Marianne Beel
Krystal Baker, left, and Dr. Lana Carter
Scholarship recipient Breanne Ulrich and her husband Mike
Rhonda Roberts, superintendent of RE1 School District, left, Jack Roberts, Stacie Kwitek
2017 Inductee Rich Burleson, left, his wife Marty and son Brady Burleson
Larry Baker, left, and Steve Steele
Donna Murphy, left, Gloria Stultz, Pat Freda and Dr. Lana Carter
Dorothy ‘Tiny’ Striegel, left, and Mary Jane Valadez
‘Tiny’ Striegel, left, and Dr. Patty Erjavec
Silver sponsor Virgil Olson, left, with Curt Sorenson and Fred Stultz
PCC President Dr. Patty Erjavec and Ray Erjavec
Marianne Beel, left, chats with Angela Shehorn
Kathy Herrin chats with 2011 inductee and PCC Foundation board member Walter Schepp
Preston Troutman, left, talks with John Rigirozzi
Brady Burleson, son of inductee Rich Burleson, and his wife Terri
Paul and Aggie Villagrana
Sonny and Nancy Smaller
Emcee Ed Norden and Foundation Executive Director Martha Simmons
Terry and Dr. Shirley Squier, 2010 inductee
John Papen, left, Gail McDermott, inductee Judy Lohnes, Terry Hamilton and Leona Bennett
Tom Gribben jokes around with Janice Dutton
Laycee and Travis Rexroth
Jon Edwards, left, with Gail McDermott and Don Packard (2009 inductee)
Barb Smith, left, chats with Jean Hovland
Virgil Olson, left, Tom Gribben, 2017 inductee Rich Burleson and 2016 inductee Myron Smith
Jerry Davis, left, chats with Max and Nicole Hansen
Chris and Paster Jim Thulson arrive at the event
The Burleson family
Dr. Lana Carter, Dean of the PCC Fremont campus, welcomes everyone
Dr. Lana Carter displays the t-shirt that exemplifies PCC values: ‘Grit, Guts, Glory’
Pastor Jim Thulson gives the invocation
Title sponsor Susie Bell chats with Ron Hinkle
Erin and Rodney Davidson, left, with Larry Stringari of Sunflower Bank, sponsor
Jen O’Connor, left, with Ashley Smith, Canon City Council
Charlie and Debbie Bell, County Commissioner
Sheri Trahern, CEO of sponsor St Thomas More Hospital, with Jim Woodard and Dawn Williams
Title sponsors Jean and Keith Hovland
Mike Patterson, Florence City Manager
Dr. Patty Erjavec, left, with Kyle Hybl and Lisa Carlson from sponsor El Pomar Foundation
Students representing Associated Student Government
Emcee Ed Norden kicks off the program
PCC President Dr Patty Erjavec thanks everyone for their support
Scholarship recipient Bruce Miller with Dr Patty Erjavec
Scholarship recipients Bruce Miller, Breanne Ulrich and Leslie Nelson with Dr Patty Erjavec
Scholarship recipient Kaitrin Slattery, right, stands with other recipients
Scholarship recipient Kacee Young, second from right, smiles at the crowd
Scholarship recipients Bruce Miller, left, Breanna Ultich, Leslie Nelson, Kaitrin Slattery and Kacee Young with Dr. Patty Erjavec
Scholarship recipient Michelle Bauer speaks about her experiences at PCC
John Merriam, 2012 HOF inductee, introduces 2017 inductee Rich Burleson
Rich Burleson, left, is congratulated by John Merriam
2017 inductee Rich Burleson says a few words
Ed Norden, left, Dr. Lana Carter, Dr. Patty Erjavec and 2017 inductee Rich Burleson
Rich Burleson talks about the ‘dash’
Judy Lohnes gets a hug from Ed Norden as Dr. Lana Carter and Dr. Patty Erjavec look on
Dr. Lana Carter, left, Dr. Patty Erjavec, 2017 inductee Judy Lohnes and Ed Norden
2017 inductee Judy Lohnes says a few words
Title sponsor Susie Bell introduces inductees Earlene and Charlie Wolfers
Susie Bell makes a point
Dehl Wolfers, left, with his dad, 2017 inductee Charlie Wolfers
Dr Patty Erjavec with inductee Charlie Wolfers
Dorothy ‘Tiny’ Striegel stands to be recognized
Ed Norden hands the microphone to Tiny Striegel
Inductees Charlie and his late wife Earlene Wolfers
2017 inductee Charlie Wolfers with his son Dehl Wolfers
John and Sally Merriam
Dr. Lana Carter, left, 2017 inductees Rich Burleson, Judy Lohnes and Charlie Wolfers, Dr. Patty Erjavec and Ed Norden
Rich Burleson, Judy Lohnes, Charles & Earlene Wolfers
Executive Director:
PCC Foundation: Martha Simmons
President/CEO:
PCC President: Dr. Patty Erjavec; Dean of Fremont Campus: Dr. Lana Carter
Introductions:
John Merriam, Ed Norden, Susie Bell
Invocation:
Pastor Jim Thulson
Welcome:
Dr. Patty Erjavec
Speaker:
Student speaker: Michelle Bauer; Toast to inductees: Dorothy Tiny Striegel
Libations:
compliments of the PCC Foundation Board of Directors
Sponsors:
Title sponsors: Susie H. Bell, Mr & Mrs Keith Hovland; Gold sponsors: Fremont Investment Partners, St. Thomas More Hospital/Centura Health, SunWest Credit Union, Pueblo Community College, Pueblo Community College Fremont Campus, Pueblo Community College Foundation, Valley-Wide Health Systems Inc.; Silver sponsors: Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Canon City Schools, El Pomar Foundation, John & Sally Merriam, Mr & Mrs Virgil Olson, The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey; Bronze sponsors: Big D Superfoods, Dr. Lana Carter, Colon Orchards, Coyote Coffee Den, Leonard Nelson, Ed Norden, Donald Packard, Martha Pardue, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Martha Simmons, Myron & Antoinette Smith, Mr Terry L & Dr. Shirley A Squier; Media partners: Canon City Daily Record, KRLN News Radio 1400, Fremont County Crusader
Menu:
Abbey salad, homemade bread, basil chicken, slow roasted brisket or acorn stuffed squash, yellow carrots, green beans, broccoli & red pepper blend, roasted baby red potatoes, Black Forest or New York Style cheesecake
Attendance:
500
Special Thanks:
2017 Fremont Advisory Committee, 2017 Fremont Hall of Fame Steering & Selection Committee, PCC Marketing & Communications Dept. (artistic design, event marketing and PR), PCC Foundation (centerpieces), PCC Foundation Board of Directors (dinner wine), Amy Matthew, PCC Marketing & Communications Dept. (event publicity), Beel Photography (inductee photographs), Blacktie-Colorado (event photography), Office of the Dean--Dr. Lana Carter & Lacey Rexroth (area support)
Event Committee:
Advisory Committee: Sandra Attebery, Susie Bell, Marvin Bradley, Ann Brown, Peggy Gair, Robin Gooldy, Lisa Hyams, Tom Meek, John Merriam, Jason Messer, Frank Miller, Gary Minor, Pete Mugasis, Ed Norden, Mike Patterson, Rhonda Roberts, Judi Rupp, Walter Schepp, Susan Seufer, Helen Shoemaker, Ashley Smith, Myron Smith, Bill Sommers, Dr. Shirley A Squier, Mike Till, Sheri Trahern, George Welsh
Steering Committee:
Ed Norden, chairman; Susie Bell, Dr. Linda Carlson, Lisa Hyams, Larry Oddo, Don Packard, Walter Schepp, Myron 'Smitty' Smith
Board of Directors:
President: Paul Willumstad, Vice President: Barbara Fortino, Treasurer: Pamela Patterson, Secretary: Wynona Sullivan, Past President: Joe Welte; College representative: Dr. Patty Erjavec; Directors: Carla Barela, Ross Barnhart, Val DeSantis, Jeanne Gardner, Barbara Leonard, Lori Lovato, Charnell Mayer, Marty Poole, Walter Schepp, Mary Jane Voelker, Jan Williams; Emeritus members: Rogene Armstrong, Carlos Baca, Chuck Campbell, Warren Curtis, Jay Dammann, Tony Fortino, Maxine Golenda, Geoffrey Gordon, Jim Milam, Jack Quinn, Bob Rice, Renee Rodriquez, Bob Silva, Sharon Swerdfeger