CSU-Pueblo to Honor Roumph as Distinguished Alum on May 16

PUEBLO – A local businessman and entrepreneur who also volunteers as assistant wrestling coach at CSU-Pueblo will receive the President’s Medallion for Distinguished Alumni Achievement as part of the President’s Gala on May 16. Mike Roumph, will join former state representative Joyce Lawrence and Greater Pueblo Chamber President Rod Slyhoff as honorees at the 2014 President’s Gala on Friday, May 16 in the Occhiato University Center (OUC) Ballroom. Donors underwrite the evening’s expenses, guaranteeing that all proceeds directly benefit future generations of CSU-Pueblo students through scholarships and programs.

Mike Roumph, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1990 at then University of Southern Colorado, is vice president and co-founder of LDM Development, currently developing 800 acres in Pueblo, CO, and vice president and co-founder of Friends of Football, a 501 c3 with a mission to enhance the athletic programs at CSU-Pueblo and southern Colorado. Friends of Football raised nearly $14 million to restart football, wrestling and women’s track and field in 2008 and constructed the Neta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl, considered one of the top Division II football and track facilities in the country.  

He also is a vice president and co-founder of DD Marketing, which has represented universities, K-12 school districts, corporations, professional athletics organizations, non-profits, and municipalities in revenue generation project.  With DD Marketing, he introduced and negotiated more than 200 exclusive supply contracts in the U.S. and Brazil, inclusive more than $400 million through exclusive supply contracts alone in the past 10 years. He also helped created the first K-12 corporate partnership/exclusive beverage agreement in the nation. He negotiated both an exclusive pouring rights contract and an exclusive snack food contract for Chicago Park District. 

As a vice president and co-founder of For Better Access (FORBA, Inc.), Roumph helped develop and manage the largest pediatric provider in the nation with 50 dental clinics in 17 states that treated more than 700,000 patients per year and employed more than 1400 employees and 200+ dentists. That company was sold in September of 2006. 

Roumph’s non-profit clients have included the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk Project (HARP), Twice the Ice, as well as El Pueblo Boys and Girls Ranch. 

 “The Distinguished Alumni Award Committee was extremely impressed with Mike’s continued dedication and commitment to his alma mater.  His service and leadership as a member of the board of the CSU-Pueblo Foundation, including serving as fundraising committee chair for our capital campaign, illustrates his vision and passion to lead this University into the next level of success,” said Tracy Samora, director of alumni relations.  “Mike exemplifies the perfect blend of enthusiasm and appreciation for his alma mater; along with a dedication to our current students through his ongoing involvement and support of our athletics programs.  He is most deserving of this award.”

He has earned numerous athletic honors in high school and college, including best Defensive Player Small Colleges of Colorado in 1989 and Academic All-American honors in 1988 and 1989. 

The 2014 President’s Gala, “Move to the Music,” will feature the sounds of the University’s students and faculty musicians. Tickets for the 2014 President’s Gala are $125 per person or $1,500 for a corporate table of 8. Information on tickets, sponsorships, and corporate tables is available through the CSU-Pueblo Foundation, 719.549.2380 or at www.csupueblogala.com.

About the Award:
The CSU-Pueblo Alumni Association’s President’s Medallion for Distinguished Alumni Achievement recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of our alumni.  Their outstanding service to their alma mater and professional achievements are considered in the nomination and selection process. Nominations are reviewed by the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award Committee and recommendations are made to CSU-Pueblo President, Dr. Lesley Di Mare for her final approval.

For a list of past distinguished alumni award recipients:  https://www.csupueblo.edu/alumni/events/distinguished-alumni-awards.html