CSU Pueblo Announces 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
PUEBLO, Colo. — Colorado State University Pueblo Alumni Association and the CSU Pueblo Foundation are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards, honoring graduates who have exemplified excellence in their professions, demonstrated personal accomplishment, and made meaningful contributions to the University and their communities.
The Distinguished Young Alumni Awards (graduates under 40) will be presented to:
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Tayler Thomas, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS)
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Melissa Stecklein, College of Education (CHE)
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Noah Commerford, Hasan School of Business (HSB)
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Dr. Allison Wurscher, School of Nursing (SON)
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Joshua Glach, College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
The Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented to:
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Matt Centner, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS)
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Tony Colarelli, Hasan School of Business (HSB)
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Kareen Lopez, College of Education (CHE)
The CSU Pueblo Distinguished Young Alumni Award was established in 2019 by the CSU Pueblo Foundation and CSU Pueblo Alumni Association to recognize graduates who have enhanced the reputation of the University and their respective colleges through professional achievement, personal accomplishment, and service.
“These awards showcase the incredible impact our alumni are making across a wide range of professions and communities,” said Daniel Minich, Director of Alumni Relations and Engagement. “It is inspiring to see how they continue to carry forward the legacy of CSU Pueblo, and we are honored to celebrate their success. I would also like to thank our independent selection committee for their thoughtful work in reviewing nominations and identifying this year’s outstanding honorees.”
The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards Brunch will be held during CSU Pueblo’s Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, October 12, at 10 a.m. Community members, alumni, and friends are invited to attend and celebrate these outstanding honorees.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now at csupueblofoundation.com/alumni/distinguished-alumni-awards.
Honoree Highlights
Tayler Thomas, A13 – made history in 2023 when she was appointed by Governor Jared Polis as the youngest District Court Judge in Pueblo’s history. A summa cum laude graduate of CSU Pueblo and former president of the Political Science Club, Thomas went on to earn her law degree and serve as a public defender in Pueblo, rising to the role of Senior Deputy Public Defender before her judicial appointment to the 10th Judicial District Court. She currently oversees a docket consisting of domestic relations and civil cases.
Melissa Stecklein, A11 – is a dedicated educator and coach in Pueblo School District 60, where she has taught for more than 13 years. After earning her degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from CSU Pueblo and a master’s in education from Western Governors University, Stecklein has taught health, technology, STEAM, and leadership while also coaching at multiple levels, including youth softball. A former CSU Pueblo softball player and President’s Leadership Program scholar, she remains committed to empowering students and families while supporting her own daughters’ athletic and cultural pursuits.
Noah Commerford, A20 – serves as President & CEO of the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Pueblo, where he leads efforts in budgeting, fundraising, community partnerships, and supporting small businesses across the region. A double graduate of CSU Pueblo, he has also earned certification in Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies through Harvard Business School Online. Commerford serves on multiple local boards and advisory councils and is dedicated to strengthening Pueblo’s business community while inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Dr. Allison Wurscher, A19 – began her career in psychiatric nursing after earning her degree from CSU Pueblo, inspired by her family’s dedication to helping others. She went on to complete her doctorate at the University of Minnesota and has since provided mental health and substance use treatment on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana. Wurscher recently relocated to Arizona, where she continues her mission to expand access to quality mental healthcare while balancing her love for nature, fitness, and time with her partner Jetzon and their collie, Kelso.
Joshua Glach, A23 – is the Senior Environmental, Health, and Safety Specialist for ASC Engineered Solutions, overseeing compliance and operations for more than 20 facilities in eight states. Quickly rising from an environmental engineer at ASC’s Pennsylvania foundry to a corporate leadership role, he has driven cost-saving innovations, strengthened compliance standards, and built key regulatory relationships. Recognized by company leadership as a model of growth and excellence, Glach also invests in his community through service projects, food drives, and STEM mentorship programs, embodying CSU Pueblo’s values of leadership and service.
Matt Centner, A02 – currently serves as an Account Executive for KOAA News 5. Beyond his professional career, he dedicates time as a wrestling coach at Corwin International Magnet School and stays active supporting his sons, Jack and Vaughn, in their many activities. A proud Bronco season ticket holder, Centner also enjoys golf, fishing, and live music. Centner is involved in several boards and community organizations.
Tony Colarelli, A06 – is the Senior Vice President and Market President at InBank, where he oversees commercial lending and retail operations across four locations. Previously, he held leadership roles with Wells Fargo and served as Market President for Vectra Bank. Deeply involved in the Pueblo community, Colarelli serves on the boards of Runyon Field and Pueblo Diversified Industries, while also coaching youth baseball. He and his wife, Audree, a fellow CSU Pueblo alumna, have two children, Vinny and Natallia, and enjoy an active family life centered on sports, the outdoors, and community service.
Kareen Lopez, A05 – has dedicated her career to empowering students and strengthening the Pueblo community. A mathematics teacher at East High School, she leads the 9th grade AVID program, serves as Family Engagement Coordinator, and organizes initiatives such as dress drives and classroom support for students in need. Beyond academics, Lopez contributes to school spirit and community projects, and she shares a CSU Pueblo legacy with her husband and children, exemplifying a lifelong commitment to education, service, and family.
