If you take a look around the local community, chances are the professionals you choose to hire–cosmetologists, dental hygenists, mechanics, to name just a few—went through a successful degree program at Pueblo Community College. Not only has the college become nationally known for its program excellence and forward thinking, but as President Dr. Patty Erjavec noted Friday evening, the goal that is the most satisfying is the fact that 1200 graduated last year from PCC with a great foundation for a successful career.
The Pueblo Community College Donor Appreciation Dinner was held in the Fortino Ballroom on campus to honor those who support PCC scholars and make it possible for many of them to make ends meet.
Faculty member Michael Engle served as general emcee, and Foundation Board President Joe Welte and Dr. Erjavec thanked supporters and gave some historical perspective about how PCC has become the stellar educational institution it is today. Heather Stevens, former PCC scholarship recipient, talked about how valuable her time at PCC was and how it formed a solid foundation for her to go on with her studies and career goals.
Ted Trani was honored as a retiring board member. Geofrey Gordon and Renee Rodriquez were recognized as the Foundation’s newest Emeritus inductees.
Two consistent sponsors–Credit Union of Colorado and SunWest Educational Credit Union–were inducted into the President’s Circle.
These honorees and most of the attendees at the dinner are examples of paying it forward. Much of PCC’s student body is comprised of non-traditional students, some of whom are single parents trying to make life better for their families. By doing this, they are setting an example of success for their children. Many success stories would not have been possible without PCC Foundation donors.
• Since 1988, approximately $4 million has been given to PCC students in scholarships;
• An additional $12 million has been given in college program support.
For more information about how you can get involved, log on to www.puebloccfoundation.org.
Dr. Sunny Schmitt, left, Carole Walls, Barbara Fortino (she and her late husband Tony were instrumental in starting the PCC Foundation and were inducted into the President’s Circle in 1999)
Jimmie and Diane Porter, left, with Drs. Linda and Eric Carlson (President’s Circle inductees in 2011)
Charlie Wolfers (President’s Circle inductee in 2006), left, and Dehl Wolfers
Aletta and Albert Benko
Adam Padilla and Heather Stevens, former PCC Scholar
John and Agnes Miazga (President’s Circle inductees in 2010), left, with Kathy Herrin, director of academic services for the Fremont campus
Harvey Herzog and Linda Sutphin
Dr. Wally and Wynona Sullivan (she’s on the Foundation board)
Sharon Bonner, left, Sarah Joseph, Sandy Romero and Kara Mason
Lisa Jagger, left, and Carla Barela (Foundation board member)
Eric Larson, left, Renee Rodriquez (inducted into the Emeritus Board), Marty Poole (board member), Charlotte Vasquez, Tammy Fesmire (board treasurer)
Glenn Ballantyne played delightful piano during the reception
Kathryn and Robert Figueroa
Frank Zerfas, left, Bill Trevithick, Janice Mehle, Gloria Feeback, Leslie Shepard, Amy Galassini
PCC Chief Business Officer Jon Brude, left, Board President Joe Welte and Ray Erjavec
Ray and Dr. Patty Erjavec, PCC president
John Barnosky, Jayne Mazur and Wynona Sullivan
Scott and Myra Robb, left, with Todd Kelly
Glenn Parker, left, listens to a point made by Mickey Moore
Marty Poole, left, chats with Diane Porter
Ron and Helen Wiley
Cynthia and David Becker
Sandy and Marv Stein, left, with Emeritus Inductee Geofrey and Nancy Gordon
Patty and Arnie Van Zandt
Dr. Patty Erjavec, left, with Amy Hurtig-Smith and Connie Ryan
Candace Elgart, left, and Irene Elgart
Judi Porter, left, talks with Nancy Viller
Carlos Baca, left, chats with Walter Schepp (2008 President’s Circle inductee and instrumental in funding the Fremont Student Commons)
Mary Jo Ryals, left, chats with Olive Baca
Joey and Natalie Falbo
Ruth Gonzales and Robert Rivera
Nancy Martin and Chaz Hastings
Warren and Ardell Curtis, left, Renee Rodriquez, Eric Carson
Jonathan Gary, left, and Ted Trani (Dotsy Baxter photobombing in back)
Joan and Bert Hartman
Ted and Clara Trani
Carlos and Olive Baca
Sandy Stein makes a point to Barbara Duff (board member)
Don and Anna Marie Colalancia
Jennifer Sherman, left, talks with Dr. Patty Erjavec
Keith and Sharon Swerdfeger, 2008 President’s Circle inductees and she is past board president
Geraldine Colette greets Walter Schepp
Bill Trevithick, left, Dotsy Baxter, Mark Trevithick
Sandy Stein chats with Glenn Parker
Karla Cordova, left, and Beth Davis
Faculty member MIchael Engle welcomes everyone
Cornucopia centerpieces perfect for the season
From President’s Circle inductee SunWest Educational Credit Union: Janice Mehle, Senior VP, left, Lynn Morrison, president and CEO, Leslie Shepard, VP of operations and Amy Galassini, VP of finance
Board VP Mickey Moore and Irene Elgart
Foundation ED Martha Simmons greets guests
Board President Joe Welte says a few words
Joe Welte and his family were inducted into the President’s Circle in 2000
Ted Trani accepts an appreciation award from Joe Welte
Joe Welte on stage with Emeritus Inductees Geofrey Gordon and Renee Rodriquez
Geofrey Gordon says a few words as Joe Welte looks on
Geofrey Gordon
Renee Rodriquez and Geofrey Gordon
Joe Welte, left, and Emeritus inductees Renee Rodriquez and Geofrey Gordon
Renee Rodriquez says a few words
Renee Rodriquez reflects on her time supporting PCC
Joe Welte and Geofrey Gordon
Renee Rodriquez
Dr. Patty Erjavec has good reason to be very proud of the accomplishments of PCC and its students.
Dr. Patty Erjavec acknowledges staff members
Theresa Dudley, branch manager of Credit Union of Colorado, accepts the President’s Circle induction award
Theresa Dudley from Credit Union of Colorado thanks attendees
Dr. Patty Erjavec, left, and Theresa Dudley of Credit Union of Colorado
Frank Zerfas, board chairman for SunWest Educational Credit Union, says a few words as President and CEO Lynn Morrison and Dr. Patty Erjavec look on
Dr. Patty Erjavec, left, and Lynn Morrison and Frank Zerfas, representing SunWest Educational Credit Union
Inductees into President's Circle: Credit Union of Colorado, SunWest Educational Credit Union; PCC Foundation Emeritus Inductions: Geofrey Gordon and Renee Rodriquez; Ted Trani
Founders:
PCC Foundation founder: Tony Fortino
Executive Director:
Foundation Director: Martha Simmons
President/CEO:
PCC President: Dr. Patty Erjavec
Staff:
Bianca Flores, Administrative Support & Scholarship Coordinator; Jennifer Bauer, Finance Manager; Heather Stevens, Administrative & Special Project Support
Welcome:
Michael Engle, PCC faculty
Speaker:
Joe Welte, PCC Foundation board president; Heather Stevens, former PCCF scholarship recipient; Dr. Patty Erjavec, PCC president
Libations:
Big Bear Replica Wine
Entertainment:
Piano by Glenn Ballantyne
Sponsors:
Presenting sponsor: Keith and Sharon Swerdfeger, Swerdfeger Construction; social hour sponsor: Big Bear Wine & Liquor; entertainment sponsor: Linda & Joe Welte; award sponsors: Irene Elgart & MIckey Moore, El Pomar Foundation; patron sponsor: Sunflower Bank; Panther Student Pantry patrons: Glenn Parker & Martha Simmons;
Joe Welte, president; Mickey Moore, vice president; Pamela Patterson, secretary; Tammy Fesmire, treasurer; Sharon Swerdfeger, past president; members: Carla Barela, Ross Barnhart, Barbara Duff, Patty Erjavec, Barbara Fortino, Lori Lovato, Charnell Mayer, Scott Moore, Marty Poole, Walter Schepp, Mary Jane Voelker, Jan Williams, Paul Willumstad