Colorado State University Pueblo celebrated the President’s Blue and Red Gala on May 18, 2024 with record-breaking donations of nearly $134,000. This Gala marked the first for new CSU Pueblo President Armando Valdez, and it was a resounding success.
The event, emceed by Zolanye McCulley-Bachicha, highlighted the presentation of four awards from the President’s Office. The honorees included The Robert Hoag Rawlings Foundation, Andrew Trainor, Dr. Patricia Orman, and Las Comadres, each recognized for their significant contributions to the university and the community.
President Valdez addressed the attendees, sharing his vision for the future of CSU Pueblo and its connection to southern Colorado. He discussed upcoming capital projects, such as the renovation of Hoag Hall, and emphasized the critical role of creative arts in the university’s curriculum. Valdez underscored the profound impact creativity has on both students and the broader community.
“CSU Pueblo’s success is a direct result of the passion, commitment, dedication, and loyalty of the Pueblo and southern Colorado communities,” said President Valdez. “This was evident from the overwhelming generosity of community members at the Gala. This generosity also included individuals and entities who contributed but were unable to attend. I cannot express how thankful we are for the willingness of the community to believe in the future of CSU Pueblo. We will capture this momentum and propel CSU Pueblo forward in creating more learning opportunities and success pathways for anyone seeking a quality education. We will also strive to represent the spirit of community in an enthusiastic manner, as demonstrated at the Gala. We are already looking forward to next year’s event. We hope you are too!”
A notable achievement of the evening was the record-breaking donations, with pledges surpassing one hundred thousand dollars. Prominent sponsors included Armando & Angelica Valdez, Black Hills Energy, the Colorado State University President’s Office, The Colorado State University System, The Colorado Health Foundation, and Garrison & Gabriela Ortiz.
The Gala also featured a moving video presentation that showcased the stories of four students—Alondra Solis-Ayala, Dulce Garcia, Shay Wilson, and Garrett Lerch—whose educational journeys were made possible through scholarships and university support.
Guests enjoyed a menu of Latin-inspired dishes curated by Aladdin Campus Dining. The culinary offerings included appetizers such as Chilean Bass Ceviche, entrees like Birria Tamales and beef filet with cactus root vegetables and mashed sweet potatoes, and desserts featuring Horchata Tres Leche and Lemon Carlotta.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by Ballet Folklorico, guitarist Ben Johnson, and Mariachi Lobos, adding a vibrant cultural touch to the festivities.
The President’s Blue and Red Gala set a high standard for future events, reflecting President Valdez’s commitment to enhancing the university’s impact on students and the community.
