History Student Wins Award at Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society Colorado Springs Regional Conference

Scholars from Colorado State University Pueblo recently made their mark at the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society Colorado Regional Conference, hosted on Saturday, April 20th, at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. With passion and precision, each student brought their original research paper to captivate an audience eager for intellectual discussion.

Drawing participants from a diverse array of colleges and universities across the state, the conference provided a vibrant platform for historical exchange. Among the representatives from CSU Pueblo, Kerowyn Kersten presented a thought-provoking research paper titled “Imperial Cult and the Worship of Augustus,” illuminating facets of ancient Roman culture. Similarly, Julie Fellion presented on the complex character of “Livia Drusilla and the Moral Ascendancy of the Early Roman Empire,” offering new insights into the dynamics of power and influence.

"Cultivating a community of passionate historians is immensely rewarding. Witnessing the dedication and intellectual growth of our students at events like the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society Colorado Regional Conference is a true testament to their scholarly potential,” said Judy Gaughan Ph.D. Professor of History at CSU Pueblo. 

In the world of academics, Rylee Turano's great work really stood out as a moment of success. Turano's paper, “Hate State to Haven: Colorado’s Journey Towards Achieving LGBTQIA+ Equality (1950’s to Present),” not only exemplified academic excellence but also resonated deeply with the conference audience. Recognizing the significance of her work, Turano was honored with the award for outstanding undergraduate paper, shining a spotlight on the excellence of research. 

“Winning the prize for outstanding undergraduate paper was surreal. I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to present on a topic that is so close to my heart and to be recognized for the work that went into it. I am grateful to all of my peers and the faculty at both CSU-Pueblo and UCCS that made this possible,” said Rylee Turano, CSU Pueblo Student award Winner. 

This recognition emphasizes the dedication and talent of CSU Pueblo’s history students, affirming their position as leaders in the field. Looking ahead, the stage is set for the biyearly national convention in Washington D.C., scheduled for early January 2025. Equipped with their scholarly insight and unwavering commitment to historical discovery, CSU Pueblo’s history scholars are ready to make a lasting impression on a national stage, further solidifying their legacy as pioneers in the field of history.