First Honorary Doctoral Degree to be Awarded at May Commencement Ceremony
Release Date: February 19, 2020
Colorado State University Pueblo will award its first Honorary Doctoral Degree posthumously to Arthur “Art” Henry Gonzales, long-time donor and educational advocate to the university.
Gonzales will be awarded the Doctorate of Humane Letters at this year’s commencement ceremony, which will occur on May 2. The Honorary Doctoral Degree is the highest honor a university can bestow on a citizen and is awarded to individuals who exemplify the highest quality of professional, intellectual, humanitarian, philanthropic, or artistic achievement or leadership.
Gonzales with the support of his wife Lorraine, donated to multiple departments and causes across campus. Gonzales supported CSU Pueblo Athletics, the President’s Gala, the International Student Fund, and the Pueblo Symphony to name a few.
The Annual Art and Lorraine “Pack the Park” event is one of the most well-known and supported events by Gonzales. This event brings in over 800 youth each year to Runyon Field where children participate in free clinics conducted by members of the CSU Pueblo Baseball and Softball teams and attend a Pack baseball game with their families and friends. Thousands of baseball fans and community members have attended “Pack the Park” over the years.
Gonzales was inducted into the CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame, the Greater Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame, the Pueblo Hall of Fame, and received the CSU Pueblo Alumni Outstanding Service Award. In addition to his recognition at CSU Pueblo, Gonzales was involved with the Pueblo YMCA, the Pueblo Municipal Band, the Pueblo Medal of Honor Convention Committee, and the Pueblo Convention Center to name a few.
“Art demonstrated what I call quiet strength,” said CSU Pueblo President Timothy Mottet. “His presence demonstrated both strength and humility at the same time. He was tested, successful, and didn’t need others to tell him about his successes. His presence on our campus and his engagement with our students will be deeply missed.”
