Every year, the Pueblo Community College Foundation honors community members who have shown an exemplary pattern of community involvement and betterment. Proceeds from the annual PHOF benefit the PCC Foundation and its efforts to support students scholarships and programs of academic excellence at Pueblo Community College. This year’s Pueblo Hall of Fame inductees are:

Dr. Jacob Chi was nominated for his contributions to enriching the arts and education communities for nearly 30 years. Chi has served as music director and conductor of the Pueblo Symphony since he moved to Pueblo in 1991. In that role, he has made the Symphony more accessible to a larger audience through many public events.  At age 17, he became the youngest concertmaster of the Beijing (China) Opera Company and its conductor and composer at age 23. He is a talented violinist who has performed at numerous benefits in our community and is a tenured music professor at CSU-Pueblo.

For nearly 40 years, Barbara Vidmar has made her mark as a pioneer in the automotive industry and a champion for our community both from the board room to the gardens of Pueblo’s public spaces. She served on Pueblo City Council from 2006-2009. Her service and leadership on community boards has spanned from the PEDCO Board to Parkview Medical Center as well as the YMCA, HARP Foundation, Pueblo Urban Renewal, St. John Neumann Catholic School, CSU-Pueblo, United Way and the Wednesday Morning Club.

Pueblo native Gerald “Jerry” Robbe (to be inducted posthumously) brought his expertise in the agricultural industry as a cattle breeder and rancher first to the Colorado State Fair Commission Board and later to the Colorado State Fair itself as general manager. He was involved in numerous projects such as the National Little Britches Rodeo and the Junior Livestock Sale, bringing awareness and unprecedented support for 4-H and FFA programs.In 1988, he championed a $2.3 million construction project for the fairgrounds, funded by a revenue-bond issue. The funding covered building renovations and other improvements, which enabled the Fair to become one of the best in the nation at the time. For these efforts among others, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce in 1988. Jerry’s award was accepted by his family and a speech given by his daughter Debi.

There must be something in the water in Canon City, because every year the outstanding citizens inducted into the PCC Fremont Hall of Fame have an almost superhuman list of accomplishments and community milestones.

The 12^th annual Fremont Hall of Fame induction ceremony this year was no exception.  Three citizens whose civic commitment has greatly enriched the Fremont and Custer County communities were honored:

Dr. Lana Carter is dean emeritus of PCC’s Fremont campus. Prior to beginning her PCC career, Carter worked as an expert advisor to the U.S. Departments of Defense and Justice concerning their studies about the psychological impact of terrorism. Her career in higher education began in 1999 as a psychology faculty member and department chair at PCC’s Pueblo campus. In addition, she served as dean of arts and sciences, executive dean and chief academic officer before becoming leader of the Fremont campus in 2013. During Dr. Carter’s tenure, the campus saw several major renovations and developed strong community partnerships.

Char Lindner taught middle school physical education in Canon City for 32 years. Through the Rotary Club, Lindner used her love of photography to create the Let There Be Light Scholarship for first-generation Canon City High School graduates, raising tens of thousands of dollars. She is active in church and many community activities. As her son and daughter fondly noted in introducing her, Char has friends and acquaintances across the nation and people remember her as someone who has made a special difference in their lives. Her efforts have resulted in more than $124,000 in scholarship funds.

Brendan Pardue started his career as a coach and teacher in the 1980s, then had a distinguished 25-year career with the Department of Corrections, where he worked in housing, security, education and recreation. He also taught psychology, history and philosophy classes at PCC from 1993-1995 and spent several years working in the mental health field. Over the past 36 years, Pardue has restored 12 historic properties, most recently the Gibson Mansion in Cañon City. He has offered free use of the property to nonprofit organizations for fundraisers and other events. He also provides accommodations for visiting dignitaries, artists and athletes. He is involved in many community civic- and art-related activities and is an actor and board member of the Fremont Civic Theater.

And it’s all to benefit the students of PCC, who also have extraordinary accomplishments to their credit. Jessica Tracy (who gave a heartfelt speech about her journey to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse) and other Newmont Mining scholars Michelle Bauer, Rachel Bauer, Stacy Sanders and Paul Wilde were recognized. Other scholarship recipients benefiting from the Fremont Hall of Fame proceeds include Tiffany Clements, Christian Lesea and Karah Pruvost. They are the next generation who will undoubtedly some day be at the podium bringing their own superhuman accomplishments.

The Pueblo Hall of Fame was established to honor individuals who, by their extraordinary efforts, have contributed to the betterment or enhancement of Pueblo. This year, three outstanding individuals are honored:

Dr. Carl Bartecchi has been the driving force behind several medical projects in the Pueblo and Southern Colorado area, including the Southern Colorado Clinic, the Los Pobres Center in Avondale (serving migrant workers), the clinical faculty of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, volunteer and staff programs at St. Mary-Corwin and Parkview medical centers, and the Bach Mai Hospital Project to educate Vietnamese physicians. He returns to Vietnam twice a year, accompanied by physicians and physician teachers from CU, St. Anthony Hospital and National Jewish Health (both in Denver) and the Mayo Clinic. For his efforts, Bartecchi was awarded the Vietnamese Medal of Freedom and made an honorary professor at Hanoi Medical University.

Renee (Rodriquez) Carson worked her way up with Express Employment Professionals in Pueblo and ended up joining the company itself, eventually becoming a coordinator and manager. Today she is the majority owner and out of 800 Express locations in the U.S., the Pueblo office is one of only 20 that have been designated as training offices for the company. Carson has volunteered with numerous organizations throughout the years, including the Latino and Greater Pueblo chambers of commerce, Goodwill, Pueblo Community College Foundation and Colorado State University-Pueblo Career Center advisory board. has been the regional president of Legacy Bank-Colorado since 2004. During his tenure, the institution has grown from one location to seven.

Andrew Trainor has been the regional president of Legacy Bank-Colorado since 2004. During his tenure, the institution has grown from one location to seven. Trainor has served on the board of directors of the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation since 2014 and is its current president. Trainor has served on the board of directors of the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation since 2014 and is its current president. Trainor has served on the board of directors of the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation since 2014 and is its current president. He also serves as an elder at Fellowship of the Rockies and has taken the lead role in the development of the Pueblo Del Sol subdivision, which will provide a new site for the church and more than 100 new homes for the Pueblo community. Trainor is a committed supporter of higher education in Pueblo. Through his efforts, Legacy Bank provided a matching grant to start the Return to Earn scholarship program at Pueblo Community College; the program’s participants have a 94 percent graduation rate. He also serves on the board of the CSU-Pueblo Foundation and has provided financing and funding for multiple CSU-Pueblo projects.

If only we could bottle the collective spirit of Denver Scholarship Foundation scholars and alumni. Without a doubt it would include essences of education, hope, possibilities, hard work and gratitude—an ideal formula for success. At this year’s annual gala, smiles were plentiful and constant throughout the evening as these special students and alums mingled with a myriad of supporters.

Bhavana Acharya, Ge’Swan Swanson, Dulce Bueno, Victoria Vdovich

On Thursday, Oct. 11, the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center was the place to be for an evening that began with a pre-dinner reception and musical entertainment provided by the Gabriel Mervine Quartet. Guests then adjourned to the Centennial Ballroom for a dinner program emceed by Denver7 news anchor Anne Trujillo. Denver Scholarship Foundation’s CEO, Lorii Rabinowitz, addressed the crowd and pointed out presenting sponsors Patty and Mike Starzer in the audience. Rabinowitz also recognized event chairs Linda and Don Childears, Toti Cadavid and Luis Colon, and board chair Linda Bowman, as well as Tom Boasberg, who is stepping away from his post as Denver Public Schools superintendent. Gov. John Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock joined the VIP group onstage.

(l to r): CU Denver Chancellor Dorothy Horrell; Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Kelly Brough; Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and David Kenney, founder, The Kenney Group

An energetic procession of DSF scholars and alumni was capped with high fives from Hickenlooper and company, and the group took a moment to pose for pictures on risers at each side of the stage. Success stories were shared onstage by DSF alums Crystina and Brandon Blessing, as well as featured scholar Mena Hashim. After a short period for guests to text or hand-write donations, the evening was capped by a thoughtful talk by former U.S. Senator Hank Brown.

Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) makes college possible for thousands of Denver Public Schools graduates each year. The organization was founded in 2006 based on wide recognition that DPS students face multiple barriers to completing a postsecondary degree. Philanthropists Tim Marquez and Bernadette Marquez wanted to make a major gift to increase the level of college attainment in Denver, and they joined then-Mayor John Hickenlooper and former Superintendent Michael Bennet to examine how to make access to higher education possible for all DPS students today and for generations to come.

Gov. John Hickenlooper with group high fives

The Denver Scholarship Foundation has given more than $38 million in scholarships to students from Denver schools, who have demonstrated a 76 percent college success rate with 31 college partners. For more information, please visit DenverScholarship.org.

The Pueblo community braved an atypical snowstorm Saturday night to honor three prominent citizens being inducted into the Pueblo Community College Hall of Fame. These three–Dan DeRose, The Honorable Dennis Maes and Dee Rogers Brown–join those in the Hall of Fame who have made significant social, civil and charitable contributions to the community. The Pueblo Hall of Fame was established to honor individuals who, by their extraordinary efforts, have contributed to the betterment or enhancement of Pueblo.

Past honorees and supporters of the Pueblo Community College mission gathered in the Fortino Ballroom to wish each other well and perpetuate the camaraderie that is the cornerstone of Pueblo strength.

A little bit about the honorees:

Brown came to Pueblo from Albuquerque, N.M., in 2000 as project manager for WL. Enterprises Ltd., and through her role as project manager, has overseen notable local projects such as the expansion of the North Side from Eagleridge Boulevard to Dillon Drive and west of city limits. She has been involved in giving substantial gifts from WLE to the Pueblo community and has served on numerous community boards.

DeRose is a Pueblo native and has strong ties to both athletics and higher education in Pueblo, having played football at East and USC and holding positions such as Colorado State University-Pueblo professor of business, football and track coach; CSU-Pueblo Foundation president; founder, president and board member of Friends of Football. That organization that raised $14 million in 2006 to bring back football, wrestling and women’s track to CSU. FOF also is responsible for construction of the Neta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl, introduction of the school’s 120-member marching band, and continuing support for CSU-Pueblo’s athletic programs.e also served a short stint as CSU-Pueblo’s athletic director.

Maes, who is the namesake of the Pueblo justice center, served as the deputy state public defender in Pueblo and opened a private law practice that he operated until being appointed district judge of the Tenth Judicial District in 1988, and later chief district judge. He retired in 2012, but last month was elected to the Pueblo City Schools board.

For more information about the Hall of Fame, the Pueblo Community College Foundation and community efforts, log on to www.puebloccfoundation.org.

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.

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!

Alumni Weekend kicks off with a round of golf.

On Friday, April 14th, 2017, Mile High Acadamy held the Annual Golf Tournament at The Ridge in Castle Pines North. The Ridge at Castle Pines is located just south of Denver and is an award-winning example of Tom Weiskopf’s fluent, well-proportioned layout that present players with roomy fairways, sculpted bunkers and large, rolling greens. It was picture-poster day for the golfers. After a round of 18 holes, they were welcomed to the clubhouse for a one-of-a-kind meal from The Ridge catering service.

The golf tournament was one of many events planned for the Mile High Academy Alumni Weekend, April 14 – 16. It is a weekend of sharing stories, reconnecting with friends and remembering memories of yesteryear. MHA enjoys a rich legacy because so many Denverites choose to support and partner with the academy each year.  The Alumni, as a group, span the globe and sets the pace for being world changers.  The weekend is designed to rekindle friendships, build up the MHA community with gifts and talents, and, as always, continues to assist MHA to forge into a future that helps mold young men and women to change the world.

From its humble beginnings 100 years ago, Mile High Academy is among one of the oldest and longest standing Christian private schools in the Denver Metro area. At its core Mile High Academy has constantly endeavored to bring young people to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, while also providing an excellent academic experience.

At Mile High Academy you will find a community centered around learning, exploring and serving.  An atmosphere that is intentional about shaping hearts and minds for Jesus through those vast opportunities inside and outside the classroom.

For more information on the exceptional Mile High Academy of Denver:

Mile High Adventist Academy, 1733 Dad Clark Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126. Phone: 303-744-1069, Fax: 303-744-1060
Email: info@milehighacademy.org
www.milehighacademy.org
www.facebook.com/MileHighAcademy

The atmosphere was upbeat and jovial as the Pueblo Community College Hall of Fame celebrated its 27th anniversary Friday night. Accolades for five stellar community members abounded as they were inducted into the prestigious group:

Jack Quinn–In 1972, Jack Quinn became the third Executive Director of the Pueblo Housing Authority and stayed in the position until his retirement in 2006.  During his tenure with the PHA, the Connecticut native increased the public housing units by 750 percent and became a recognized national leader for his effort as the President of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.

Jane Rawlings–A Pueblo native, Jane Rawlings has been active in the Pueblo community since returning home in 1996 to head the Pueblo Chieftain’s internet development process. For the past three decades, Rawlings has continued her work at the newspaper where she is the assistant publisher while becoming a leader in southern Colorado in a diverse array of non-profit organizations throughout the region.

Mike Salardino–Mike Salardino was a disc jockey at KDZA Radio in the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll, served 12 years on City Council and has morphed into a successful financial advisor. He is also the president of the local Sons of Italy Lodge and is often recruited as a chef for local charity events.

Hank and Ernamarie Williams–A successful businessman, Hank served most notably as the president, chairman of the board and CEO of United Bank of Pueblo. Ernamarie was known as a “high energy” individual who was committed to making life better for her community.  Her public service reflected her unique diversity of interest. Their award was accepted by the Williams family and a speech by Eleanor Williams Clark. The Williams’ donated a valuable painting to the PCC Foundation.

Emcee Bob Leon Kirscht kept the program moving along and had many personal memories and comments about inductees and attendees. Ron Francis of pewag added light-hearted comments about the importance of supporting the PCC Foundation and the students.

The Hall of Fame marks the prestigious additions of community supporters and advocates of education. For more information, log on to www.pueblocc.edu and www.puebloccfoundation.org.

It was a happy Fall Gathering at the Mile High Academy.

Mile High Academy knows how to raise money. They have been raising money for 100 years. This year’s tenth Fall Festival at Mile High Academy was all about children. There was an abundance of pumpkins, cotton candy, popcorn, hot dogs, donuts, cookies and at least 100 booths to spend your money. There were too many booths to mention but for sure there was a guessing game, painted nails, face painting, tattoos, go fishing, football toss, and table after table of food. The children and their parents were totally into the fun, games, and laughter of the evening.

Mile High Academy is a private, Christian-centered environment designed to empower young people to excel. Throughout the year the academy sponsors ongoing and specific campaigns that are dedicated to raising funds for the benefit of MHA and its students.

The enthusiasm for the school runs deep. Each time Blacktie-Colorado is invited to one of their events it is obvious that their pride combined with deep, Christian faith and a strong sense of love and respect for the teachers and students is a priority. The faculty and families who attend the school make Mile High Academy one of the top schools in Denver.

For information: Mile High Academy,  1733 Dad Clark Drive, Highlands Ranch, Denver, CO 80210. 303-744-1069.

“Grit. Guts. Glory. ” Such is this year’s motto, said Pueblo Community College President Dr. Patty Erjavec, when she was describing the climate of support for PCC students and investing in the future of our community through education.

Supporters of PCC gathered in the Fortino Ballroom Friday night for the annual Donor Appreciation dinner, where awards were given for special contributors and students were able to tell their stories about what a difference such contributions have made.

Bill Wilcoxson and the Quarterly Forum, represented by Chairman Ryan Heckman, were inducted into the President’s Circle. Wilcoxson talked to attendees about his involvement with the PCC auto program and his journey with his family’s dealership, Wilcoxson Buick-Cadillac-GMC. Heckman talked about the Quarterly Forum’s philosophy and why the group of business leaders that comprise QF chose PCC to support with a $150,000 grant for the Project ACCESS and Return to Learn programs.

Mary Lee, recipient of the  Kane Family Scholarship, spoke about why the Return to Learn program was so special to her. The program is designed to help students who were pursuing an education, but “life got in the way.”

Richie Innes, coordinator of the Return to Learn program for PCC, was the surprise star of the evening as he talked about the 96% graduation rate in the RTL program and filled in for scholarship recipient Bethany Page, who had a family emergency. Ryan Heckman talked about the fact that he knew Pueblo people were proud of their community, but that he didn’t really know the people involved were so passionate. “Well, you know me now!” Richie shouted, to applause and cheers from the audience.

Additionally, three dedicated board members were honored: Carlos Baca, Sharon Swerdfeger and Joseph Ulibarri.

Each year the Pueblo Community College Foundation takes this time at the Donor Appreciation Dinner to extend heartfelt thanks to donors and supporters who create possibilities for those who might not otherwise be able to get a good college education. It was evident that it is an extremely good investment.

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.

Emcee Michael Engle read an anecdote at the Pueblo Community College annual Scholarship Luncheon on Tuesday. He described someone throwing starfish in the ocean, and when asked why he was doing that, the person said he was trying to save them before the tide went out. “But you can’t possibly save all the starfish,” said the inquisitor. “Yes, but it’s important to each of the ones I did save.”

Such is the sentiment behind helping students reach their potential and goals through education and scholarships. If we can help some students, each one will make their own contributions to the community and possibly to the world.

The Pueblo Community College Foundation hosted a luncheon at the Fortino Ballroom to congratulate scholarship recipients and thank donors. PCC President Dr. Patty Erjavec welcomed everyone, and Barbara Fortino, who was the chair of the scholarship committee, thanked everyone for their hard work. Shelley Banker, deputy director of the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative talked about the importance of scholarship funding in Colorado, and student Mary Lee made it evident by her speech why she was chosen for the prestigious Kane Family Foundation Scholarship.

We’re all in this together, and it’s a good thing to pay it forward.

Mustang Mosey Race

The 3rd Annual Mustang Mosey ran its course Sunday, September 18, 2016. Approximately 50 participants showed up in real running shoes, shorts, headbands and high energy for the 5K and 10K run. Children wanting to run participated in the Kid’s Dash. Mothers of Mile High Academy provided bottled water, bagels, fruit, fruit bars and hugs.

What a fun event for everyone. Families, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and pets showed up to run on this beautiful day in September. All runners received a t-shirt and a medal. Even Pan the dog was a genuine winner.

Mile High Academy’s mission is to provide an excellent Christ-centered education that empowers young people to excel.  Mile High Academy is a Christian college preparatory coeducational P-12th grade day school.  Their school is structured with the student always in mind.  Divided into Preschool, Lower School K-5, Middle School 6-8, and Upper School 9-12, Mile High Academy serves the needs of each student by providing character modeling, a passion for service, learning that happens inside and outside the classroom, and teachers that genuinely care about the successes of their students.

Visit the campus to see the Mile High Academy difference for yourself!

Mile High Academy, 1733 Dad Clark Drive, Highlands Ranch, 303-744-1069.