Foundation News - May 2018
2018 President's Gala
CSU-Pueblo President Timothy Mottet and his spouse Rick Gonzalez welcomed nearly 500 guests to an evening on the high mountain desert at the 15th annual President’s Gala on Saturday, May 19. CSU-Pueblo music instructor Ben Johnson’s Spanish guitar filled the Occhiato Student Center (OSC) foyer while men in black-tie and ladies in gowns of every length got the evening underway while sipping on southwest inspired cocktails, including sangria, mango margaritas, and blue agave martinis. The cocktails paired beautifully with the hors d’oeuvres with a New Mexico flair: elk enchiladas, pork flautas, fajitas, and a beautiful display of artisan cheese and roasted vegetables.
The new ballroom was draped with cream chiffon, glowing bronze orbs filled with greenery, and chocolate satin tables complemented by gold and coral centerpieces. A’viands catering served delicious ancho and cumin rubbed medallions of flank steak atop green chile polenta cakes. Dinner was complemented by Songbird Cellars St. Vincent red wine. The crowd was awestruck by cupcakes intricately decorated with colorful succulents and naked chocolate cake with cream mousse filling.
Emceed by Georgiann Lymberopoulos, the evening featured lively, traditional Mexican dance by Leyenda Ballet Folklorico of Riverside, California and CSU-Pueblo’s own Los Lobos Mariachi. Dr. Mottet presented the President’s Medallion to three outstanding recipients—Roni C. Rivera-Ashford (A74) for outstanding alumni achievement, retiring athletic director Joe Folda for distinguished service to the University, and Parkview Medical Center for distinguished service to education.
A video featuring alumni and current students highlighted transformational opportunities available at CSU-Pueblo and the importance of programs like the Smithsonian Institute, the Healy Center Fellowship, El Pomar Internships, and the latest opportunity available to students, CSU Todos Santos campus in Baja Penisula Mexico.
Nearly $100,000 was raised and proceeds will fund student scholarships through the CSU-Pueblo.
I Love CSU-Pueblo Give Day - Save the Date!
I Love CSU-Pueblo Give Day - Thursday, September 27, 2018
Show why you love CSU-Pueblo in support of the 3rd annual “I Love CSU-Pueblo” Give Day!
Participate in the CSU-Pueblo Give Day and support cross-campus projects created by CSU-Pueblo students, faculty, and staff!
The CSU-Pueblo Foundation will match dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000 for each crowdfunding project!
“I Love CSU-Pueblo” Give Day crowdfunding initiatives can be seen at: https://GiveDay.CSUPueblo.edu.
Threlkeld Prize for Excellence Winner
Colorado State University-Pueblo has named Thais Magallon as the 2018 recipient of the Threlkeld Prize for Excellence. The seven finalists were selected from a pool of candidates compiled from nominations by CSU-Pueblo faculty and staff from various University departments. Magallon was announced as the winner of the Threlkeld Prize for Excellence at the Student Involvement and Leadership Awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 25 in Hoag Recital Hall.
Named for the late Budge Threlkeld, a former administrator and professor, the award is presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates excellence in academic and co-curricular activities as well as in service to the University and to the community. The Threlkeld winner received a stipend as well as the first diploma during Commencement Ceremonies.
Pueblo native Thais Magallon will pursue a Master of Social Work degree. She graduated summa cum laude (4.0 GPA) in May with dual degrees in social work and Spanish. Thais works as a bilingual victim advocate for Pueblo Child Advocacy Center providing for Pueblo’s most innocent victims. She has received academic honors and acknowledgements from the Spanish department and College of Humanities and Social Sciences, been inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta National Academic Honor Society as well as the Sigma Delta Pi Hispanic National Honor Society, where she serves as co-president. Magallon also was a Kane Family Foundation Scholar during her career at CSU-Pueblo.
The six other finalists for the Threlkeld Prize for Excellence included:
Teagan Boda, Pueblo West, graduated magna cum laude (3.8 GPA) with degrees in political science and art history with minors in homeland security and psychology. Teagan is a member of the Phi Alpha Theta History Club, National Society of Leadership and Success, Psi Chi National Psychology Honor Society, and volunteers with Girl Scouts of America and tutors children grades 1-10 at Pueblo Christian Academy. Teagan has participated in national student conferences presenting original works in history and political science, and studied abroad in several European countries, and was awarded the prestigious Smithsonian Internship in 2017.
James Edwards, Fountain, graduated summa cum laude (4.0 grade point average) with dual degrees in psychology and sociology. Edwards is a veteran of the U.S. Army, active from 2010-2016 as an airborne infantryman. He was born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and is a first-generation student, a member of the Student Veterans of America and Military Veteran Affairs Team both with the goal of providing scholarships and services to better assist veteran students at CSU-Pueblo.
Joshua Greer, Pueblo, graduated summa cum laude (3.9 GPA) with a degree in computer information systems with an emphasis in cybersecurity and data analytics. Greer is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society and the Upsilon Pi Epsilon computing and information systems international honor society. Joshua played on both the CSU-Pueblo football team and the soccer team making the 2013 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. Additionally, Joshua participated in the National Cyber League competition with the CSU-Pueblo team placing 6th in the nation among other participating colleges, giving the school national recognition for excellence in cybersecurity.
Shaylyn Grega, Phoenix, AZ, graduated summa cum laude (3.99 grade point average) with degrees in political science, sociology, and Spanish and a minor in homeland security studies. Grega played for the women’s CSU-Pueblo lacrosse team which regularly worked with youth hosting lacrosse clinics, engaging youth from the Boys & Girls Clubs, and serving military veterans meals. Shaylyn works in the campus Sheriff’s office maintaining campus security and serves as a Spanish tutor with the General Education Tutoring Center and Writing Room.
Mikala Morris, Tempe, AZ, graduated summa cum laude (4.0 GPA) as one of 25 honor program graduates with three degrees in mass communications, political science, and Spanish. Mikala played Pack volleyball and served as team captain her senior year, was awarded the corporate scholar athlete of the year and CSU-Pueblo Pack team player of the year in both 2014 and 2015. As a tutor for students needing help in Spanish and political science, Mikala logged 200 hours of training and over 500 hours of tutoring helping more than 40 students with their studies and is an intern for the Pueblo County Economic Development and Geographic Information Systems department, where she organizes and markets the Buy in Pueblo campaign, and for CSU-Pueblo’s Office of Marketing, Communication, and Community Relations translating university documents from English to Spanish.
David Mould, Upminster, Essex, London, UK, graduated summa cum laude (3.95 grade point average) with both an undergraduate and graduate degree in business administration. He is the first student to complete the 3+2 program in just 3 years. David played on the tennis team and served as team captain his senior year, interned at Pueblo Bank & Trust, and received the Beta Gamma Sigma student of the year award (2017). David has been involved in several child-focused community events and works in the CSU-Pueblo Center for International Programs actively recruiting students from the UK.
Kane Family Foundation 2018 Scholarship Recipients
CSU-Pueblo has announced six local students that will receive prominent, full-ride scholarships through the CSU-Pueblo Foundation. These high-achieving students will receive the Kane Family Foundation Scholarship.
Students were selected based on their high school academic record, written record, written essays, and a competitive two-tier interview process. The Kane Scholarship covers the recipients’ tuition, book expenses, and mandatory fees in pursuit of a four-year bachelor’s degree.
The 2018 CSU-Pueblo Kane Family Foundation Scholars are Kylie Baudino (Rye), Katelin DeVencenty (Pueblo County), Mia Gilbertson (Pueblo Centennial), Ryan Madic (Pueblo South), Samuel Moore (Pueblo Central), and Isaac Sloan (Pueblo West):
Kylie Baudino, Rye, Baudino will major in nursing and biology (pre-med) while at CSU-Pueblo. Kylie was active in track and field, volleyball, gymnastics, basketball, and National Honor Society. Before going through the Student to Employment Program (STEP), she dedicated over 60 hours of community service to Parkview as a Parkteen. Some of her other volunteer activities included; Leo’s Club, Rachel’s Challenge, and coaching at Nogare’s Gymnastics Academy. Kylie will graduate first in her class from Rye High School with a 4.14 grade point average, with advanced placement courses in calculus (AB and BC) and statistics.
Katelin DeVencenty, Pueblo County, DeVencenty will major in accounting with a minor in finance while at CSU-Pueblo with plans to become an accountant after graduation. Katelin was active in tennis, Italian club, student council and National Honor Society. She volunteered for Tom and Louie’s Cupboard and created the Veteran Flight Bags project for veterans flying through Pueblo airport. DeVencenty will graduate with a 4.48 cumulative gpa.
Mia Gilbertson, Pueblo Centennial, Gilbertson will major in Mass Communications and Business Management in preparation for a career as an attorney. She will be graduating with a 4.28 cumulative gpa and was a 3-year academic letter recipient. Mia has been active in Speech and Debate, qualifying for nationals and winning speaker of the year. She was active in FBLA, National Honor Society, Track, Centennial Journalism and Annual Staff, and served on the Centennial Hall of Fame committee. Gilbertson’s volunteer activities included Rake up Pueblo, Ghost Walk, soup kitchen, Colorado River cleanup, and Speech and Debate coaching.
Ryan Madic, Pueblo South, Madic will major in Business Management with a minor in Finance while at CSU-Pueblo. Active in student government, DECA, FBLA, NHS, LEGOS, and anti-bullying club, Madic was a Shark Tank casting finalist for the development of the EZ protein appliance, FBLA national qualifier, and Pueblo Entrepreneurship Competition adult division winner. Ryan has volunteered for Rosemount Museum as a docent and the Pueblo Human Relations Commission student representative. Madic will graduate with a 4.14 cumulative gpa.
Samuel Moore, Pueblo Central, Moore will graduate with a 4.6 cumulative gpa and plans to major in engineering while at CSU-Pueblo. Samuel won first place in human physiology at the regional science fair, won the Superintendents’ Writing award, and was a 4-year academic letter and honor roll recipient. Moore has volunteered with Tom and Louie’s Cupboard, Special Olympics, and Salvation Army as a bell ringer.
Isaac Sloan, Pueblo West, Sloan will major in business management with a marketing emphasis and a minor in economics while at CSU-Pueblo. Isaac was an active participant in Knowledge Bowl, the Colorado and National Speech and Debate Competitions, Key Club, Cross country and baseball. He volunteered with the Posada homeless shelter, Rotary holiday flag program, voter registration campaign, and the Fountain Creek cleanup. Sloan will graduate with a 4.4 cumulative gpa.
Diane Blackwell President's Leadership Award
Teagan Boda (A18) was presented with the Diane Blackwell President’s Leadership award including a cash award thanks to the generosity of the Blackwell and Titus families.
Homer Blackwell, Dennis Blackwell, and Janice Titus established this endowed to annually award a student leader who “displays exceptional leadership skills, is very involved with the campus community, and contributes to make CSU-Pueblo a better place.” The award honors the memory of Diane Karen Blackwell, who passed away 2010.
“My mom was an inspiration, my best friend,” said Janice Titus. “She not only inspired me, but almost each and every person she came into contact with. I would like her memory and legacy to continue to inspire our future leaders of America.”
The Diane Blackwell President’s Leadership Award was presented to Teagan at the annual student leadership recognition ceremony in April. Candidates for the award have excelled as student leaders with a distinguished record of extraordinary service, spirit, advocacy and involvement within the University community and recipients will have a history of positive and significant accomplishments resulting in major contributions that enhance the quality of life at the University. Other criteria for the award include being a current CSU-Pueblo student enrolled in six or more credit hours, junior class rank or higher, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above
This year’s recipient, Teagan Boda of Pueblo West, graduated magna cum laude (3.8 GPA) with degrees in political science and art history with minors in homeland security and psychology. Teagan is a member of the Phi Alpha Theta History Club, National Society of Leadership and Success, Psi Chi National Psychology Honor Society, and volunteers with Girl Scouts of America and tutors children grades 1-10 at Pueblo Christian Academy. Teagan has participated in national student conferences presenting original works in history and political science, and studied abroad in several European countries, and was awarded the prestigious Smithsonian Internship in 2017.
Lobos Tacos and Tequila
This fall, community members and CSU-Pueblo staff, students, and faculty will be able to enjoy a restaurant specializing in affordable breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu options with a south of the border flair – Lobos Tacos and Tequila! Located at the east end of the Thunder Village complex across from the Thunderbowl, Lobos Tacos & Tequila will provide even more food options for ThunderWolves.
