Summer 2026 - PCC Community Report

CO L L E G E & F O U N DAT I O N

COMMUNITY REPORT VOL. 1, SUMMER 2026

IN THIS ISSUE NEW AVIATION PROGRAM CAMPUS NEWS COMMUNITY IMPACT

THE EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING! The Walter F. & Gloria R. Schepp Nursing Simulation Center Ribbon Cutting and Naming Ceremony, Fremont Campus Thursday, August 6, 11:00 AM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AROUND CAMPUS

8

AVIATION

13

BRANCH NEWS

18

BY THE NUMBERS

20

CLOSING THE GAP

30

PUBLICATION TEAM

Chato Hazelbaker, President Julie Rodriguez, CEO PCC Foundation Erin Tafoya, Executive Director Marketing & Communications Amy Matthew, Director of Public Relations Holly Ward, Marketing & Development PCC Foundation Steve Bigley, Photographer Zoe Schmidt & Nicki Hart, Design

PUEBLO CAMPUS 900 W. Orman Ave. Pueblo, CO 81004 719-549-3200 pueblocc.edu

MANCOS CAMPUS 33057 Highway 160 Mancos, CO 81328 970-564-6201

FREMONT CAMPUS 51320 West Highway 50 Cañon City, CO 81212 719-296-6101

DURANGO SITE 701 Camino del Rio Durango, CO 81301 970-385-2020

FOUNDATION 1018 W. Orman Ave. Pueblo, CO 81004 719-544-0677 puebloccfoundation.org

“We are ensuring that we retain our value for students and the community by focusing on the job needs of the areas we serve.”

DR. CHATO HAZELBAKER 4 / 2026 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT

A Letter from the President T

he average Pueblo Community College graduate’s median earnings are $11,608 more than a high school graduate four years after graduation, according to the Department of Education’s recently published College Scorecard. While that number is significant, it is only the beginning. Research shows that graduates report higher levels of happiness, better health outcomes, participate in more community projects, and education has a generational impact.

These facts might surprise you. Higher education is confusing, and the recent headlines about our industry are generally frightening. What I can assure you is that at PCC we are taking every step to make sure we not only maintain our value but expand it.

We are ensuring that we retain our value for students and the community by focusing on the job needs of the areas we serve. As we add programs like a bachelor’s degree in sonography, we discuss how many jobs are available in the region, the average pay, and the partnerships we have with local employers. We are constantly scanning for opportunities to make sure students are job ready – looking ahead in our automotive program to new classes in electric vehicle maintenance, talking with manufacturers about the skills they need employees to have, and working with new employers to help design programs to meet their needs.

Finally, we are ensuring that we retain our overall value by continuing to invest in the future of southern Colorado. Collaborations like our aviation maintenance technician program, which you’ll read about in this issue, are providing exciting new prospects for students, employers and the economic development of our region.

Despite a slightly decreased budget allocation from the state, a worsening grant environment, and rising expenses, our budget this year is focused on key areas of growth. Fantastic fiscal management over the past several years has put PCC in position to be able to invest in things like new teaching technology throughout the college and salary raises to retain our highly qualified faculty and staff. We may even have some surprises in store in terms of facility expansion.

There is never enough space or time to write about all the good things that are happening at PCC, many of which you will read about in this report. We’re fully committed to continuing that momentum.

Dr. Chato Hazelbaker President, Pueblo Community College

We are maintaining our value for students by making sure we have options to quickly move them into jobs.

Programs such as behavioral health are in high demand, and with several weeks of training an individual can move into an entry-level role with a local employer.

Short-term certificates in areas such as non-destructive testing can take someone who is trained in a skill like welding and move their career in a different and highly lucrative direction.

2026 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT / 5

“This year, we were proud to establish several new scholarships and endowments, creating enduring resources that will support students for years to come." - JULIE RODRIGUEZ 6 / 2026 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT

A Letter from the Pueblo Community College Foundation A s we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Pueblo Community College Foundation, we reflect with gratitude on the vision that established our organization and the impact it continues to have on students throughout our region.

In 1981, a group of dedicated community leaders recognized the need for a philanthropic partner to support PCC. Their foresight laid the foundation for an organization committed to expanding access to education and advancing academic excellence at all PCC campuses.

Today, that mission remains as important as ever. The foundation board of directors and staff are honored to work alongside Dr. Hazelbaker and the PCC leadership team to help create opportunities that empower students to achieve their educational and career goals. Whether pursuing workforce training, career advancement, or degree completion, students benefit from an environment that fosters both academic and personal growth.

This year, those efforts have resulted in remarkable achievements. During the spring commencement ceremonies, PCC celebrated more than 1,900 graduates across its campuses and online programs. Behind each graduate is a story of determination, perseverance, and transformation. For many, scholarships provide the critical support needed to remain enrolled, complete their programs, and pursue brighter futures for themselves and their families.

In support of that success, the foundation awarded 850 scholarships and grants during the 2025-2026 academic year – an increase of nearly 140 awards over the previous year. This growth reflects both the increasing needs of our students and the extraordinary generosity of our donors. Every scholarship represents an investment in individual potential and a stronger future workforce for the communities we serve.

As a donor-supported organization, the foundation's impact is made possible entirely through the generosity of individuals, businesses, community organizations, and philanthropic partners. Their confidence in our mission allows us not only to meet today's needs but also to build lasting opportunities for future generations.

This year, we were proud to establish several new scholarships and endowments, creating enduring resources that will support students for years to come.

Equally important to our future is strengthening the relationships that connect our college and community.

Community engagement remains at the heart of our work, and we are excited to expand opportunities for alumni and supporters to reconnect with PCC. This summer, we launched the revival of our alumni association with our first alumni mixer, marking the beginning of renewed efforts to foster meaningful engagement, celebrate alumni success, and strengthen lifelong connections to the college. Additional campus events are already being planned, and we look forward to welcoming alumni, donors, and community members to participate.

As we honor 45 years of service and impact, we are inspired by the progress we have achieved together and energized by the opportunities ahead. On behalf of the foundation board and staff, thank you for being part of the PCC family. Your partnership strengthens our mission, transforms student lives, and helps ensure that educational opportunities remain accessible for generations to come.

Julie Rodriguez CEO, Pueblo Community College Foundation

2026 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT / 7

ACT I VITIES

AROUND CAMPUS

CLASS OF 2026 PRODUCES MORE THAN 1,900 GRADUATES

COLLEGE HONORED

BY BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

PCC held its 2026 commencement ceremonies May 14 and 16 to recognize graduates of the Pueblo, Fremont and Southwest campuses. In all, 1,903 students earned a degree or certificate, with some students earning multiple credentials.

PCC received the 2026 Friend of the Year award from the Boys & Girls Club of Pueblo County. The award recognizes individuals and organizations whose commitment advances “the mission of helping Pueblo youth reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”

More than 25% of this year’s graduates were high school students who participated in PCC’s concurrent enrollment program and earned college credit while still attending their high school. Some of these teenagers received an associate degree, enabling them to start pursuing a career in professions such as nursing and welding or transfer to a four-year school to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Fifty-seven scholars earned their bachelor’s degree from PCC – 31 of them in nursing.

The two organizations have a longtime partnership that has grown even stronger in recent years. In 2025, the Boys & Girls Club based its summer teen program at PCC so participants could experience extended time on a college campus. Due to its success, the program will return this summer. Club members have other opportunities to visit the campus throughout the year for career and educational tours. PCC also has a representative on the club’s board of directors.

For the first time this year, the PCC Foundation offered a full-ride scholarship for the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year winner.

8 / 2025 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT

PCC 2025 EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR MAX MABREY Part-time instructor

ANN ORESKOVICH Faculty

Mabrey has more than 40 years of award-winning experience in the emergency medical service field, working in an array of environments and job capacities. Though officially retired, he has been a part-time instructor in PCC’s EMS program on the Pueblo campus since 2023, commuting from his home two hours away to share his knowledge.

Oreskovich has been a member of PCC’s art faculty since 2010 and has served as assistant chair of the Fine Arts, Humanities, and Media Communications department since 2015.

He served in the U.S. Navy in the early 1970s before becoming an EMT and also had a two-decade career as a dental technician. He was an EMS educator and flight paramedic with Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, then spent more than a decade working with the Tri-Lakes Fire Protection District before retiring in 2017.

Mabrey received a medal of merit from the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Rescue Authority for saving the life of a young child and earned a Halos for Heroes award from the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation after a student made a $50,000 donation to the foundation in recognition of Mabrey’s impact.

Her professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence are consistently noted by students and colleagues on the Pueblo campus. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Oreskovich produces two major art exhibits each semester and coordinates an annual internship program in collaboration with the Colorado State Fair. Under her guidance, PCC students play a key role in coordinating the fair’s statewide fine arts exhibition.

She also serves as the Arts and Sciences lead for PCC’s Assessment Committee and has been a member of the Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee for more than a decade. She was instrumental in developing PCC’s new land acknowledgement statement.

His motto is, “To become an outstanding instructor, one must be a lifelong student.”

“One of the things I’ve learned at PCC is there are ways to contribute even if you’re not the loudest voice in the room,” she said.

RAY MARQUEZ Classified

JILL YOUNG Administrative/professional/technical

Marquez started working at PCC’s Pueblo campus in 2017 as an electrician with more than 25 years of experience.

He became a facilities manager in 2022.

As the sales manager for PCC conference and event services, Young is called the “official chaos coordinator” for good reason.

His colleagues note Marquez’s leadership, professionalism and commitment to students as several of his exceptional qualities. Through his daily contact with dozens of people, he is known for his smile, thoughtfulness and sincere interest in others.

Since 2016, she has led a small team that handles events of every size and scope on PCC’s Pueblo campus. From individual class events to statewide conferences, she coordinates each facet to ensure a successful outcome.

She is known for her support of her staff, dedication to her job, dependability and willingness to help.

Marquez has mentored students as part of PCC’s partnership with the Federations for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program, helping them get real-world experience as they work with the PCC facilities team.

He is passionate about music and enjoys reading when he is away from work.

One of his team members noted, “Ray's sincerity, dedication, and positive presence leave a lasting impression on everyone he encounters. He is a true example of professionalism, compassion, and commitment to PCC.”

“I’ve worked at a lot of places, and PCC is the most vibrant, warm community I’ve ever been a part of,” Young said.

The Minnesota native earned a degree in preschool and elementary education from the College of St. Benedict/ St. John’s University and worked as a preschool, kindergarten and learning disability teacher in her home state.

Young is an active member of the PCC Staff Council and Panther Action Committee and previously served on other college committees. She has been recognized for her community work by the local YWCA and the Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce, which named her outstanding ambassador in 2019.

SENIOR MINI COLLEGE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS The 40th Senior Mini College at PCC’s Fremont campus attracted 278 people from throughout the region. Course topics ranged from falconry and weaving to artificial intelligence and stop-the-bleed training.

PCC GRADUATE’S IMPACT CONTINUES THROUGH FAMILY’S DONATION Students in PCC’s respiratory therapy program will benefit from upgraded technology and access to scholarships thanks to the family of one graduate.

Tom Griggs graduated from the program in 2025. He died unexpectedly last summer as he and his wife, Chandra, were preparing to move to Ohio for Tom’s new job at a children’s hospital.

will grant scholarships to respiratory therapy students. Its first recipient, Alex Utter, attended a March dedication ceremony with the Griggs family, faculty, students and foundation representatives at PCC’s Teaching and Learning Center at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital.

“Though Tom’s time with us was far too brief, the impact he and Chandra have made will echo through these halls for generations to come,” Tracy said. “Tom’s legacy will breathe life into countless careers and, through them, into countless patients’ lives.”

“Tom was more than a graduate. He was a testament to the values we hold dear in respiratory therapy – compassion, dedication and an unwavering commitment to helping others breathe easier, both literally and figuratively,” said Department Chair Shawna Tracy. “In every assignment, exam or group project, Tom naturally emerged as a leader, not because he sought the spotlight, but because of his passion for knowledge and enthusiasm to learn. His peers didn’t just respect him, they adored him.”

Chandra Griggs chose to honor her husband through a generous donation to the PCC Foundation. Part of her gift was used to purchase a modern lung simulator that adjusts lung compliance and airway resistance. Another portion of her donation was designated to create an endowment fund in Tom’s name that

SPACE GRANT ROBOTICS TEAMS CLAIM HONORS PCC Southwest’s Colorado Space Grant Consortium robotics teams won multiple awards at the statewide Robotics Challenge at the Great Sand Dunes National Park on April 11. Students designed and built autonomous robots to navigate challenge courses through obstacles such as sand, ditches, hills, rocks, and tree limbs. The teams are advised by Melissa Watters, Assistant Director of the STEM Excellence in Development, Student Growth and Equity (EDGE) grant.

Matthew Troyer, a 2026 secure software development graduate, won two awards with his eight-leg robot, B0-R15 (Boris) – Best All-around Rover and Thoughtful Design-Attention to Detail.

PCC's concurrent enrollment team, The Clanker Collective, won Best Bioinspired Design for their reptilian-like rover, Roverto. Team members are Daniel Thornton, Roberto Sauzameda-Carbajal and Micah Stembridge of MontezumaCortez High School and Liam Tarpey

and Ben Carpenter from Dolores High School. All five members are graduating seniors who also earned an associate degree from PCC this spring.

The teams also took part in the Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate Research Symposium on April 25.

Troyer won Best Research Paper and Presentation (Session B) for his paper about developing the programming for his rover. He also presented a poster that illustrated the mechanical and electrical elements of his design.

Members of The Clanker Collective presented a video that showcased their rover and a research paper, "Use of Spine Articulation in Aerospace Robotics with Monocular SLAM Navigation," about its design and development.

“I am so very proud of the work of these teams,” Watters said. “They represented PCC in the science and engineering undergraduate community across Colorado, showing that even small, rural programs can produce great work with the support students receive from the faculty and staff of PCC.”

PCC, CSU PUEBLO STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP President Hazelbaker, new CSU Pueblo President Rhonda Epper and other representatives from PCC and CSU Pueblo gathered April 10 to announce the schools’ agreement on 28 updated transfer guides. CSU Pueblo is PCC’s top transfer destination, with more than 30% of PCC graduates choosing CSU Pueblo to complete their bachelor’s degree, so it is critical to have programs aligned to make their transition as seamless as possible.

Work on the updates began last December with an all-day faculty meeting to update program requirements and streamline accessible pathways. The partnership extends even further to offer coordinated advising, scholarship opportunities and dedicated support services for transfer students.

NEW CCCS CHANCELLOR VISITS CAMPUS PCC welcomed Dr. Marielena DeSanctis, the new chancellor of the Colorado Community College System, to Pueblo Jan. 21. She toured the Teaching and Learning Center at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital and then spent time on the Orman Avenue campus, where she and President Hazelbaker held an open forum with PCC employees.

Before becoming CCCS chancellor, DeSanctis served four years as the president of the Community College of Denver. She has more than 26 years of experience in K-12 and higher education and is a former mechanical engineer.

SKILLSUSA COLORADO RETURNS TO PUEBLO CAMPUS PCC’s Pueblo campus hosted the SkillsUSA Colorado State Leadership and Skills Conference for the fourth year in April. Nearly 900 high school and community college students from throughout the state took part in competitions for subjects such as welding, video production, automotive service/ repair, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, first aid/ CPR and crime scene investigation. In addition, the PCC Foundation awarded $1,500 PCC scholarships to three conference participants.

2025 PCC DATABOOK The new PCC Databook is available on the college website. It includes PCC student data for all campuses and sites from 2021-2025 and offers a comprehensive resource for details about enrollment, student demographics, financial aid, graduation rates and more.

GATEWAY TO COLLEGE PROGRAM AGAIN RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE PCC’s Gateway to College (GTC) program exceeded all benchmarks for the 2024-25 academic year, earning the Program Excellence Award from Achieving the Dream. The benchmarks are first-term success, one- and two-year persistence, and three-year high school graduation rate. This is the eighth year in which the program has excelled in all areas.

Gateway to College is part of Achieving the Dream, a nonprofit organization that provides multi-faceted support for a network of nearly 300 community colleges. GTC helps students who have dropped out of high school or are significantly behind

COLLABORATION WITH CDOC OFFERS CAREER INSIGHTS Pueblo West High School concurrent enrollment students studying criminal justice through PCC participated in a hands-on learning experience during a field trip to the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) Headquarters and Training Academy in Colorado Springs.

The April excursion was designed for students enrolled in Introduction to Corrections and Criminal Investigation I, providing a deeper understanding of real-world applications connected to classroom concepts. Thanks to the efforts of the CDOC administration team, students were able to explore various

in earning credits to complete their high school diploma in a college-based program.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment, especially considering that GTC at (PCC) students enter the program with an average high school GPA well under a 2.0 and then graduate within three years having earned 27 college credits,” the national GTC leaders wrote in a press release.

Jeanelle Soto-Quintana, PCC’s director of pre-college programs, oversees GTC, which operates on all three PCC campuses. In 202425, 132 students were enrolled. PCC works with school districts throughout its service area to offer this alternative, providing another path for students to enter the world of higher education.

aspects of the criminal justice system in an interactive and engaging environment.

Throughout the day, students participated in Q&A sessions with professionals in the field, gaining insight into career pathways, daily responsibilities, and the necessary skills to succeed in corrections and law enforcement. Students were also able to apply their knowledge in hands-on simulations, including forensic science activities and crime scene management exercises.

Experiences like this field trip play a vital role in extending learning beyond the classroom, fostering student engagement, and inspiring the next generation of professionals in the criminal justice field.

PCC NAMED A TOP 200 COLLEGE On Oct. 28, 2025, Pueblo Community College was named one of the top 200 colleges in the United States by the prestigious Aspen Institute and was invited to apply for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Joining only four other community colleges in Colorado, being recognized in the top 200 is significant recognition of the good work done by PCC students, faculty and staff.

percentile of the nation’s community colleges.

What sets the Aspen Prize apart from most awards is that colleges are selected for the top 200 and invited to apply based on publicly available data. Only colleges whose outcome metrics in key areas such as degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment rates for full- and part-time students are considered for selection; their inclusion places them in the top 20th

PCC put together additional data and submitted written reports in hopes of being named a semifinalist for the prize; however, in April, the college was informed that it did not make the top 25.

12 / 2026 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT

“The goal is always to do good work, and then it’s nice to see recognition follow,” President Hazelbaker said.

“In my mind, an Aspen Prize is the highest honor a college can receive because it is based in actual outcomes – what the college is doing for students and the community.”

“We will keep doing the good work and take another run at the prize in two years,” Hazelbaker said.

TA K I N G F L I G H T

AVIATION MAINTENANCE Thousands of students who earn credentials through Pueblo Community College don’t wear a cap and gown or walk across a commencement stage. They are among the many who have taken classes or gone through customized training via Pueblo Corporate College, a division of PCC. These learners don’t receive college credits as in a traditional academic setting, but they can earn certifications and other credentials. Whether mastering CPR, getting on-site training through an employer, or learning to operate heavy equipment, they are part of the college’s mission to provide an expanding range of educational opportunities throughout the region.

Executive Director Amanda Corum has been leading the corporate college since its formation in 2015. She has been with PCC for 23 years.

“The primary function of the corporate college is to support economic and workforce development,” Corum said. "Our partners don’t see us as separate (from PCC). There are a lot of great people working toward educating our communities.”

Now Pueblo Corporate College is the foundation of a collaboration that could create a thriving new educational and economic niche for Pueblo and the region.

Statistics estimates about 12,000 aircraft mechanic positions will need to be filled each year to keep up with industry demand – a critical skills gap that affects every level and category of aviation.

The City of Pueblo is the college’s primary partner in the project with additional support from Pueblo County, Pueblo Airport and other entities.

Another collaborator is Jim Spitzer, a Pueblo native who built a successful 54-year career as an airplane mechanic and has spent the past several years warning others about the shortage of qualified technicians in the industry. He and Corum connected through airport-related contacts and now Spitzer is helping build the program and get Federal Aviation Administration approval for it, which is the key requirement.

“Airlines don’t have the manpower to keep up with maintenance,” said Spitzer. “They usually run anywhere from 17 to 19 hours a day. Planes are only on the ground for a few hours to get checked and serviced. If there’s a mechanical problem, they have to delay, change planes or cancel flights. It’s starting to affect the flow of transportation.”

It’s not just commercial airlines that need skilled people, either.

In January, the governor’s office, the Business Funding & Incentives “My friend owns a private-plane maintenance shop and you can’t division of the Office of Economic Development and International get in to see him,” Spitzer said. “He has a staff of 22 and can’t keep Trade (OEDIT), and the Office of Just Transition (OJT) within up. There’s a two-year wait.” the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) announced the state’s commitment of $471,423 to PCC and the The response to the initial press release about the AMT program corporate college over the next two years to develop an aviation was the first indication that this could develop into a signature PUEBLO COMMUNITY REPORTcollege / 13 maintenance technician (AMT) program. The Bureau2026 of Labor economic driver and COLLEGE educational COMMUNITY prospect. The corporate

got dozens of calls from potential students and multiple local industry partners who want to be involved, Corum said.

“I’m so excited for the ability to draw people from outside partnerships for this program,” she said. “So many people say, ‘I want to give back.’”

Instruction is expected to begin in spring 2027. Students will be able to train and take their certification tests locally – no traveling to Denver or other locations for different aspects of the curriculum.

Corum hopes to have a group of 12 to 15 new students per semester for the 18-month curriculum. The state’s funding will aid up to three cohorts; PCC is committed to supporting the program once the grant ends.

AMT programs are expensive – typically between $40,000 and $50,000 for the complete course. Because it is noncredit rather than a traditional academic curriculum, students are not eligible for government financial aid, so Corum and Spitzer are working to establish outside funding and sponsors – likely airlines and other aviation-related companies – to cover some of the student costs and offer training opportunities.

“Airplane mechanics are taught sheet metal, mechanics, paint, fiberglass work, microswitches, wiring – you name it,” said Spitzer.

“When you come out, you’ve got this well-rounded person who can do anything. A Disneyland executive told me he can hire one

aircraft mechanic to do what seven specialists could do. Those (private) companies have raided the pool of mechanics. There are so many opportunities with this career.”

PCC is collaborating with Choose Aerospace, a nonprofit organization that works with high school students to promote aviation maintenance careers and create a pipeline to educational programs like Pueblo’s. It would provide younger students with basic AMT skills and provide PCC students who’ve already demonstrated strong interest in the career and a commitment to completing the training.

One instructor, Juan Banuelos (see accompanying article), is already lined up, and there will be at least three more hired.

“I’ve enjoyed meeting all of these folks,” said Corum. “They know this is important. It could attract new, different companies to Pueblo.”

Spitzer is another one committed to creating something that will expand possibilities for his city and the people in it.

“I need to invest in my trade so it can continue,” he said. “I’ve had a great career and a good life with it and met a lot of interesting people. In a way, I wish I was 45 years younger because it’s a fine time to come into this trade. It’s time to invest in our youth and give them that opportunity.”

14 / 2026 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT

NAVY VETERAN’S NEW MISSION:

PCC AVIATION MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTOR The aviation maintenance technician (AMT) program at Pueblo Community College hasn’t officially started, but this instructor is ready for takeoff.

The experience is showing Banuelos the range of opportunities the AMT program could create not only for students, but also for Pueblo and southern Colorado.

Juan Banuelos had a 22-year career with the U.S. Navy, retiring in 2024 as an aviation machinist mate senior chief petty officer.

The California native spent most of his career based in San Diego and moved to Pueblo, his wife Sheena’s hometown, following his retirement.

“We can expose this whole region to aviation in a different way,” he said. “I want to make it a destination for men and women who think aviation is for them. This can be your ticket to anywhere in the world.”

Banuelos and his wife are recent graduates of PCC’s health information technology and management program. It’s a career that offers opportunities for remote work and flexible scheduling, which means Banuelos can continue to find other ways to contribute by sharing the skills he learned in the military.

“I told my wife I have all this knowledge and no way to communicate it,” he said. “I need an outlet.”

He wasn’t necessarily expecting that outlet to come via PCC. Then came the January announcement of the planned AMT program followed by a job posting from Pueblo Corporate College, a division of PCC, seeking instructors. Soon Banuelos had the position and was deeply involved in helping complete the program’s feasibility study – gauging costs and interest, studying the Federal Aviation Administration’s certification process, developing curriculum, and locating tools and training aids for students.

Through his own experiences, he hopes to attract other military aviation mechanics to the program and ease their path as they transfer their knowledge from military to civilian job requirements.

“We can help them get their foot in the door of a good career and simplify the process for them,” he said. “Everything students need is right here in Pueblo – classes and testing. They won’t be traveling I-25 all the time for different aspects of the training.”

Just as important to Banuelos is sharing the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from being part of something much bigger than yourself.

"As an aviation mechanic, you have an impact on people’s lives whether you’re working on a commercial jet, medical transportation, or a personal aircraft,” he said.

“It’s very serious but very rewarding. I’m ready to roll.”

2026 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT / 15

E D U CAT I O NAL MULT I-TOOL

PUEBLO CORPORATE COLLEGE

Customized corporate training?

Yes.

Healthcare certifications like CPR, medication distribution and mental health first aid?

Check.

Small business resources?

Covered.

Mobile learning labs?

Those, too.

Community education?

Absolutely.

“There are so many opportunities for individuals to find their educational pathway,” said Executive Director Amanda Corum. “We’re participating. We’re part of the solution.”

The corporate college works with dozens of partners throughout PCC’s southern Colorado service area. They represent a wide spectrum of workforce, economic and community development, and the goal is always “collaboration, not duplication,” said Corum.

Program offerings evolve with the demands of industry, workforce and community, but while some areas naturally fall away, many others join the rotation. Additionally, the methods of providing programs – in person, online, through mobile labs – continue to grow. That opens new opportunities in rural areas that wouldn’t otherwise have access.

“That’s really an important aspect for us,” Corum said. “People can get training and skills they couldn’t normally get because of that geographical barrier. It’s helping us be a gateway for them and for employers.”

The Southern Colorado Small Business Development Center in Pueblo operates under the corporate college umbrella. It provides free and lowcost training and confidential business consulting to small businesses in Pueblo, Fremont and Custer and Huerfano counties.

“They’re meeting benchmarks of much larger metro areas,” said Corum.

In the realm of community education and lifelong learning, the annual Kids’ College on the Pueblo Campus has offered weeklong summer classes for children in grades K-12 for more than 30 years. In addition to providing fun activities, it introduces kids to the college campus environment, so it feels familiar – and more comfortable – as they approach college age.

Among its many available classes and training programs, several corporate college offerings are in particularly high demand now:

MOBILE LEARNING LABS The first mobile lab hit the road in 2007. Corporate college now has 10, two of which are duplicates to accommodate frequent scheduling requests:

Welding Machining Mechanical systems Electrical systems Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)

Nondestructive testing (NDT) Commercial driver’s license (CDL) Heavy equipment operator

The labs enable on-site customized training; employers can bring it to employees to learn new skills without traveling.

In 2018, the corporate college labs earned national workforce development awards from the National Council for Workforce Education and the Community College Futures Assembly.

16 / 2026 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT

PRISON EDUCATION The corporate college works with the Department of Corrections, Federal Bureau of Prisons and Division of Youth Services to offer programs to justice-involved individuals.

“There’s been major growth in this because people’s perspectives are changing,” said Corum. “I feel like it’s been a priority for the state and country. We want to set people up for success.”

In 2022, PCC was one of three schools in Colorado approved for the Second Chance Pell program, which provides federal financial aid to bring education to incarcerated students. PCC offers two programs through the program, business ownership and behavioral health.

The inaugural cohort of 12 business students at La Vista Correctional Facility recently earned associate degrees. Five students at three different correctional facilities are expected to graduate this fall in the behavioral health program, according to Prison Education Programs Director Melanie Thompson.

The corporate college also offers specialized training such as HVAC technician, electrical systems and occupational safety/ health. Through these courses, students earn entry-level certifications that can help when they apply for jobs after being released.

CORE CONSTRUCTION Through the Colorado Partnership for Education and Rural Revitalization (COPERR) grant established in 2023 by the Colorado attorney general’s office, the corporate college received $417,000 to create a construction skills training program and work with local nonprofit organizations to get on-the-job training for students.

The program is offered to participants at no cost. PCC’s Southwest Campus partnered to extend the program to students on site at Towaoc on the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Reservation. Southwest classes are also held at the Cortez Makerspace in conjunction with local nonprofit Fundamental Needs to bring the opportunity to more people in the community.

Students learn the basics of safety, equipment, construction math, measurements, framing and blueprint reading. Upon completion, they can test for National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) basic certifications.

HVAC/R TRAINING COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR These mobile labs started operating in 2025 and have seen heavy use since Day 1. The simulators allow students to master a range of scenarios before they ever maneuver the controls of a real truck, bus or piece of construction equipment.

Entry-level driver training (ELDT) started in 2022 with a pilot program on the Pueblo Campus and expanded in 2024 to PCC’s Fremont and Southwest campuses. Since 2024, 148 students have completed training with a CDL skills test pass rate of 93%.

“CDL continues to grow exponentially,” Corum said. “It’s in the sweet spot of workforce demand matching the level of public interest.”

In addition to its popular HVAC/R technician training, the corporate college this year is part of a federally funded program to provide specialized heat-pump instruction for residential energy contractors across Colorado. As part of the state’s efforts to expand clean-energy alternatives, Colorado residents can receive tax credits and rebates for installing heat pumps with their HVAC systems.

Corum said the college is also partnering statewide with Colorado State University and Blue Sky Training to train Building Performance Institute energy auditors. The auditors work with contractors to determine what houses and businesses need to be more energy efficient. Service providers for Colorado’s Weatherization Assistance Program expressed the need for this training, which helps incomequalified residents improve their homes and save money.

technology@pueblocc.edu 719-549-3320

REGIONAL CAMPUS NEWS

FREMONT CAMPUS

NURSING SIMULATION CENTER TAKES SHAPE Construction of the new Walter F. and Gloria R. Schepp Nursing Simulation Center on the Fremont Campus is on schedule with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for August.

The center was made possible by a $2 million gift in 2024 from longtime supporter Walter Schepp. He and his late wife, Gloria, were actively involved with the college for more than 20 years. Walt passed away in February.

Nursing is the largest program at the Fremont Campus. Without an on-campus lab, students had to conduct simulation exercises at locations in Cañon City, Florence and Pueblo. Thanks to the addition of the 2,700 square-foot center, students will be able to stay in one location for all of their classes and labs.

“There have been no greater recipients of the generosity of Walt and Gloria Schepp than PCC nursing staff and faculty,” Joan Pope, coordinator of the nursing program, said when Schepp’s donation was announced. “They had a vision to improve the access to and the quality of health care in rural Colorado, specifically in Fremont County. In pursuit of that goal, their support of the PCC nursing program has been unwavering.”

A public ribbon-cutting event will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Fremont Campus, 51320 W. Hwy. 50 in Cañon City.

Bell and Herrera recalled the opening of the permanent campus as an example of that.

“Moving into this building was a big deal,” Herrera said. “We got the keys on a Saturday with all our stuff piled in storage. We were here until midnight Saturday and Sunday and we opened on Monday.”

Changes have been continual throughout their careers. Herrera said one of the most obvious is due to technology.

LONGTIME FREMONT EMPLOYEES PREPARE TO SAY FAREWELL The Pueblo Community College Fremont Campus will lose two significant pieces of its history this summer.

Administrative assistant Debbie Herrera has worked at the campus for 35 years. Gordon Bell has 25 years of experience with the college in structural trades and groundskeeping. Both will retire on June 30.

Bell’s arrival at the school coincided with the opening of the current campus in 2001. Herrera’s tenure dates to when PCC leased space at the Holy Cross Abbey in Cañon City.

“In 1989, my husband received a computer from his job. I had no idea what to do with it,” said Herrera. “He told me, 'I think there is a college in Cañon. Go take a class on computers.’ I took one class, was asked to be a work-study, and the rest is history.”

Mike Maffucci, executive director of the Fremont Campus, noted the multi-faceted nature of Herrera’s job.

“She does far more than what’s in her job description – Senior Mini College, community events and other things,” said Maffucci.

“She has so many files about the campus history.”

She also taught with PCC’s business program at the federal prison in Florence for seven years and “loved it.”

“Everyone here wears several hats,” said Bell.

SOUTHWEST

NEW LOOK COMING TO MANCOS CAMPUS The primary student-facing area at the PCC Southwest Campus in Mancos will soon have a fresh look to accommodate the needs of students and support staff.

“We used to have standing room only in the Go!Zone and we had filing cabinets everywhere,” she said. “Now the students do everything online.”

The campus still draws crowds through events like the annual Senior Mini College, which recently celebrated its 40th year.

In addition to his regular duties, Bell frequently worked as an instructor during the weeklong event, leading art classes. As far as his daily duties go, Bell has done just about everything.

“The grounds are in exceptional shape because of the knowledge and pride he takes in his craft,” said Maffucci. “He’s moved every rock on that campus.”

The Colorado Department of Corrections donated the land on which the Fremont Campus was built. Bell recalled how workers would bulldoze old structures like cell houses and incorporate the doors and other salvageable materials into the campus landscaping.

Some of the noteworthy events he remembers from the past two decades include area fires, a 2018 flood that wiped out the campus disc golf course, and “bears that would come through every two weeks and tip over the trash cans.”

The idea of retiring brings mixed feelings for both, but they are looking forward to a new phase of life. Their connection to PCC will remain strong: Herrera’s kids grew up on campus, and now her daughter and two granddaughters are students there. Bell’s daughter is a graduate of the PCC nursing program.

“You don’t work at the same place for 35 years and not love what you do and who you work with,” said Herrera. “We are a great team. This place is a family.”

“The entire space will see an upgrade,” said Vice President Lisa Molina. “The focus will be on student seating and lounge space, which doesn't exist in many places on the Mancos Campus. We will give it a facelift of sorts – fresh lighting, paint and a more thoughtful approach to the Go!Zone.”

In addition, students will benefit from a new study area, social center and coffee bar. The existing flooring will also be replaced.

The redesign will result in more private space for staff to advise students and hold meetings.

The Go!Zone has remained mostly unchanged since PCC took on responsibility for the campus following its 2009 merger with San Juan Basin Technical College. Through the years, as staffing and student needs evolved, the area became outdated Work is expected to begin later this year. with limited use to properly serve the campus community. Now plans are underway for a $300,000 renovation that will create a welcoming hub for all.

2026 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT / 19

EMS STUDENT GRATEFUL FOR ‘SOMETHING REAL’ If you catch a glimpse of Kayla Edwards outside of school or work, make a note: You’ve just seen something rare.

When she isn’t taking emergency medical services classes at PCC Southwest, Edwards is serving as a work-study in the EMS department. And if she’s not working there, she’s probably in the midst of a shift with Dove Creek Ambulance District in Dolores County, where she is an emergency medical technician captain.

“I’m never not thinking about EMS. This program is my life right now,” she said.

Edwards began taking concurrent enrollment classes at PCC as a sophomore. She tried out welding and automotive classes before switching to nursing assistant courses in her junior year and getting certified in that program.

As a senior, she switched to EMT – she was the only high school student in the class – and discovered her groove.

“I had to work a little bit harder to keep up, but it was definitely the best thing I ever did,” she said. “I’m super close with my professors and peers. I feel like that’s a huge advantage. I guarantee that 10 years down the road ... if I had to call one of these instructors about something, they would pick up. It’s not just a class. These are our friends now.”

Edwards earned her associate degree a year after graduating from high school. One of Edwards’ instructors nominated her this year for the Colorado Community College System’s Rollie Heath Award, which recognizes outstanding students who started their college career through concurrent enrollment. This fall, she will start working on her bachelor’s degree completion in PCC’s advanced paramedic practitioner program.

“This program has been super good at getting me into clinicals so I can get some real hands-on experience with those paramedic skills because they’re way different than basic (EMT) skills,” Edwards said.

Working as an EMS professional in a rural area comes with unique challenges such as large coverage areas and limited medical facilities nearby. The heavy nature of the job itself is another consideration for potential students. Edwards is glad she had the opportunity to explore other programs because it helped her clarify what type of work is most meaningful for her.

“I feel like I’m very well-rounded. Welding, auto, EMS – all those things have made me more skilled and, in some way, a better provider,” she said. “A lot of the classes I’ve taken are (focused on) your career and that’s incredible to have in such a small community – classes that will get you off on the right foot, not just classes that you’ll take once and never think of again. This is stuff that you can make into something real.”

PCC’s smaller class sizes and lower cost were important considerations for Edwards, too.

“I would 100% prefer this experience over a university experience," she said. “I’ve been able to afford this on my own; I’ve been able to live on my own while (attending) college; I’ve been able to work throughout this program, so that’s not something everybody can say.”

“I feel like I’m very well-rounded. Welding, auto, EMS – all those things have made me more skilled and, in some way, a better provider.”

KAYLA EDWARDS

2026 PRESIDENT’S DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS The President’s Distinguished Scholar Award is given to one student from each PCC campus who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement and commitment to excellence. Get to know this year’s recipients by scanning the QR codes.

FAMILIAR FACE, NEW ROLE: MOLINA NAMED PCC SOUTHWEST VP PCC’s Southwest Campus has a new leader, but the face is familiar to many.

Lisa Molina was named vice president last December and started the role in January.

Following several changes in leadership at the campus over the past decade, Molina is pleased to offer a sense of continuity as she settles into her new responsibilities.

“It’s been a comfortable transition,” she said. “I know our community partners, so I’m able to talk easily about what we want to accomplish. There’s a bridge to continue conversations from my previous role.”

Molina has been part of the Southwest team since 2018, working as the director of student services. In that capacity, she was responsible for overseeing student support, enrollment-related operations and regional partnerships.

MOLINA HONORED AS OUTSANDING EDUCATOR PCC Southwest VP Lisa Molina was nominated for a 2026 University of Colorado Boulder Outstanding Colorado Community College Educator Award. The award is presented to educators across the state who "consistently exceed expectations in their efforts to support students as they strive to achieve their higher education goals,” according to the CU Boulder website. She was recognized with other recipients at CU’s Outstanding Colorado Educator Award Night on May 19.

Before moving to Colorado, Molina worked in higher education in her home state of Michigan. It wasn’t her original career plan; she was a pre-law student.

“I recognized that was not what I wanted to do,” she said. “I ended up in AmeriCorps working with Mentor Michigan.”

By the time she was in her early 20s, she had launched a pre-health program at Central Michigan University, where she earned master’s degrees in higher education administration and philanthropy and fundraising.

Lucas North PCC Southwest Nursing

“I was figuring it out as I went. That seems to be a pattern,” she said, smiling.

Since arriving at PCC, she has established meaningful connections with individuals and organizations in Mancos, Cortez, Durango – where PCC maintains a site in the Commons building – and the surrounding region.

“I want to continue that work and keep building momentum,” said Molina.

“Partners are reaching out to us.”

Some of the prime items on her agenda are contributing to more opportunities for economic development, deepening the relationship between the college and the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes, reaching rural communities with more flexible program options, and overseeing the renovation of the campus Go!Zone to establish a student-friendly hub.

Blake Smith Fremont Campus Sociology

“We have a lot of commitment from the PCC leadership team,” Molina said. “The message is, ‘This is the vision. Do what you want (to carry it out).’ The sky’s the limit.”

Ryan Stanton

Pueblo Campus Cybersecurity

PC C D ONFOERAT S PURE OTLIGHT

LOVE AND LEGACY BETH DAVIS’S ENDURING IMPACT

The story of Pueblo Community College is not only told through its classrooms and campuses, but through the people who have shaped its spirit. Among them is Beth Davis—a longtime supporter, social worker, writer, musician and donor whose connection to the college is deeply personal and profoundly lasting.

Davis’s journey with PCC began in 2000, when her late husband, Dr. Mike Davis, was hired as executive vice president. He became president in 2001. Stepping into the role often described as a college First Lady, Beth Davis found herself immersed in campus life. What stood out most to her was not just the institution itself, but the people within it.

“I was very inspired by the enthusiasm and vision of PCC’s students,” she said. “The thought of helping them achieve their goals has always been gratifying.”

That inspiration soon turned into a lasting commitment.

Together, the Davises supported the college from the

beginning of his tenure. After Mike’s sudden passing in a 2006 plane crash, Beth ensured his legacy would continue by establishing a scholarship in his name, one that continues to support students today.

As a solo donor, she has remained steadfast in her mission, focusing particularly on scholarships and emergency resources that help students navigate unexpected challenges.

Her appreciation for the arts has also left a visible mark on campus through her support of local artists and donations of their work.

Davis’s dedication to helping others is rooted in a lifelong career in social work. A native of Richmond, Indiana, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University with minors in sociology and English. Her early career included a decade working for the state of Indiana as a food stamp and Medicaid caseworker, followed by 10 years as a medical social worker in a regional hospital.

22 / 2026 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT

Beth was introduced to Mike by two mutual friends in February 1985 when he was department chair at Vincennes University, where he also was teaching sociology and social work.

“We officially met at an Area Association of Social Workers meeting. We went on our first date two days later and liked each other right away. The rest is history,” she said.

They married in October 1986. When they made the move to Pueblo in 2000, leaving behind their home state for the first time, Davis continued her work in medical social services at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital before transitioning into hospice care. For more than eight years, she served as a hospice counselor, guiding individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult moments.

“It felt like each job prepared me for the next. I am so grateful for all my work experiences and the people I met there,” she said.

After Mike died, Beth made the decision to stay. While many expected her to return to Indiana, she found comfort in the familiarity of Pueblo—the community, her work, her home, and especially the college that brought them there.

“PCC will always equal Mike to me,” she said. “And now, it just makes my heart happy to see the friendly faces of people I have met there.”

In the years since, Davis has transformed her grief into creative expression. She is the author of several books under the pen name Beth Bricker Davis, including “Aspen Leaves in October: Poems of Life, Love, and Loss”; “Lean In: Poems of the Heart”; and “Finding Our Way: Moving Forward After the Death of a Husband”.

“Writing is always my therapy and writing about my feelings about Mike's loss and the loss of other family members has been so healing. And, I hope, helpful for others,” she said.

Music, too, plays a central role in her life. A violinist from the age of 11, she helped start a local string ensemble shortly after arriving in Pueblo. Mike introduced her to now-retired PCC English faculty member Bill Lewis, who was learning cello and looking for someone with whom to practice. The two started practicing Sunday afternoons in the lobby of the English department. Bill connected Davis with other string players, and Sunday Strings was born. Bill left the group early on, but Beth and the others have played together since 2001.

“It is a very special group of amateur musicians and dear friends who now practice at PCC Thursday evenings. We have been so grateful for the rehearsal space the college has provided for so many years,” she said.

DR. MIKE DAVIS, PCC PRESIDENT, 2001-2006 Beyond her work and artistic pursuits, Davis has remained actively engaged in Pueblo through volunteerism and community organizations. She has served on the boards of the YWCA, Veronika String Quartet, and the Center for Grief and Loss. She also performed in a church handbell choir and for many years at St. Mary-Corwin, a role she continues to cherish today.

Davis was recently selected as a 2025 inductee into the President’s Circle at PCC, an honor she accepts with humility and gratitude.

“It means joining a long line of worthy individuals who highly value education,” she said. “But more importantly, it means that PCC’s students will know that others care about them and their future.”

Beth Davis’s story is one of quiet impact, woven through service, generosity, creativity and enduring connection.

Through her continued support of PCC and the Pueblo community, she embodies a simple but powerful belief: Investing in students can change lives for generations to come.

“The thought of helping them achieve their goals has always been gratifying.”

BETH DAVIS

2026 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT / 23

P C C D O NO R S P O LI G HT

“My motto that I picked up somewhere was 'C students run the world.' Since I worked full time and went to school full time, I was a C student, which is why I enjoy helping C students."

24 / 2025 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT

DAVE CARDINAL

NURTURING PUEBLO ROOTS: DAVE CARDINAL’S LASTING SUPPORT FOR PCC For longtime Pueblo resident Dave Cardinal, supporting students at Pueblo Community College is deeply personal. His connection to the college dates back nearly seven decades.

Through the years, the Cardinal family has supported a variety of programs at PCC, including nursing, with a focus on students who are balancing school, work and family.

“I attended what used to be known as Pueblo Junior College around 1956 or 1957,” he said. “I made a lot of good friends which I’ve kept for many years, and I followed all the name changes that have occurred since those early years.”

After graduating from college, Cardinal initially worked with his father in the family business, gaining firsthand experience in entrepreneurship.

After a year at the college, Cardinal transferred to the University of Denver, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1959. His college experience required determination and discipline.

“I went to school full time while holding down a full-time job at Sears,” he said.

Cardinal’s upbringing in Pueblo helped shape his lifelong commitment to education and community. Born and raised on a farm on the St. Charles Mesa, he grew up in a family that valued hard work and perseverance.

“My parents, Sam and Agnes Cardinal, operated a floor covering store in Pueblo,” Cardinal said. “They taught me to work hard, and they stressed going to college.”

His family history in Pueblo stretches back even further.

Cardinal’s grandparents immigrated from Sicily in the late 1800s, arriving through New Orleans before settling in Pueblo, where they became farmers and raised eight children.

Remembering how challenging it was to balance work and school, Cardinal says those experiences influenced his desire to help future students.

“I remember how difficult it was to work and try to further my education,” he said. “It is not easy to work, raise a family and get an education all at the same time.”

Later, Cardinal pursued a career in finance and investments. He joined the Denver firm Bosworth Sullivan and Company as a stockbroker and investment advisor, moving to Denver with his wife for training before returning to Pueblo to open a local office.

“Since I knew a lot of people in Pueblo, I wanted to open a local office,” he said. “I worked very hard to open an office in Pueblo which became the third office the company opened outside of the Denver area.”

Cardinal managed the office for nearly 30 years and eventually became a director and stockholder in the firm. His career spanned nearly 50 years, helping Pueblo residents build and manage their investment portfolios.

In addition to his professional work, Cardinal remained active in the community for decades. He has served in leadership roles and advisory positions with numerous organizations, including the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, Pueblo Economic Development Corporation, Robert Hoag Rawlings Foundation, Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center and the Pueblo Airport Advisory Committee.

Through his philanthropy and volunteer service, Cardinal continues to give back to the community that shaped him. He continues to donate for his scholarship, even though his wife has passed away. He says his friends called her St. Marianne for putting up with him for 62 years.

That perspective eventually led Cardinal and his wife to establish a scholarship fund at PCC more than 20 years ago.

For Cardinal, supporting students at PCC is about opening doors for those working hard to improve their lives. The scholarship reflects his belief that determination matters more than perfect grades.

“When my mother and father passed away, my wife Marianne and I decided to set up and fund the Cardinal Family Scholarship Fund in their honor,” he said.

“My motto that I picked up somewhere was ‘C students run the world,’” he said. “Since I worked full time and went to school full time, I was a C student, which is why I enjoy helping C students.”

SC HO LAR S HIP F EATURE

SCHOLARSHIPS AT WORK For Keisa Shockley, returning to school to pursue a nursing degree has been both one of the most demanding and most meaningful decisions of her life. Speaking recently as a scholarship recipient at the PCC Foundation Donor Appreciation Reception, Shockley shared her story of perseverance and gratitude.

Like many students balancing education with real-life responsibilities, Shockley encountered obstacles that threatened to derail her progress. At one point during the program, she lost her employment, creating both financial and emotional strain while she continued her studies.

“Returning to school to pursue a nursing degree has been one of the most challenging and transformative decisions of my life,” Shockley said. “There have been long nights of studying, early mornings in clinicals and moments where the demands felt overwhelming.”

“At times, I wanted to throw in the towel and never look back,” Shockley said. “There were moments when I questioned whether coming back to school had been the right decision at all.”

Shockley described the nursing program as academically rigorous and emotionally demanding, yet she said the experience has also strengthened her.

She said the thought of quitting gave way to a deeper motivation: setting an example for her 15-year-old son.

“Walking away would not only have affected me, but also my son, who is watching me closely and learning what resilience and perseverance look like in real life,” she said. “I want him to see “Through those challenges, nursing school has shaped me into that even when circumstances are challenging, commitment and someone whoPUEBLO is more disciplined, resilient and confident in my determination 26 / 2026 COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT matter.” purpose,” she said.

Scholarship support played a critical role in helping her continue.

“Receiving a scholarship has had a profound impact on my journey,” she said. “It has helped relieve financial stress and allowed me to focus more fully on my education and clinical experiences.”

Beyond financial assistance, she said the support served as a powerful reminder that others believed in her potential and encouraged her to finish what she started.

Throughout her clinical training, Shockley said she discovered that nursing education extends far beyond textbooks and technical skills.

“I have had the opportunity to care for patients during some of the most challenging moments of their lives,” she said. “I have held hands when someone was afraid, listened when a patient felt unheard and learned how much presence and compassion truly matter.”

Those experiences reinforced her commitment to the profession and reminded her that she is exactly where she needs to be, and that every sacrifice along her journey has purpose.

“Completing my nursing degree is not just a personal milestone; it is a promise,” Shockley said. “A promise to my child, to myself and to everyone who believed in me enough to invest in my education.”

Shockley graduated in May with her associate degree in nursing and will return to PCC in August to pursue her bachelor’s degree. Because she has been dually enrolled over the past year—working toward her bachelor’s while completing her associate—she is expected to earn her bachelor’s this December.

“The philanthropy I’ve received has shown me the power of investing in others,” Shockley said. “One day, I hope to support future students through mentorship, advocacy or financial giving.”

Shockley expressed deep gratitude to her donors Rita Gersick, Elaine Nicoll and the Jennie & Albert Gersick Foundation, whose full scholarship covered all of her tuition, books and fees and made it possible for her to continue her studies.

“The charitable spirit shown to me has truly changed my life in ways that are difficult to fully express,” Shockley said. “Your investment in my education is a powerful expression of trust, empowerment and compassion.”

“I found her (to be) a hardworking woman who I believe will be an asset to her future employer and whoever she will help,” Rita Gersick said.

Elaine Nicoll, president of the Jennie & Albert Gersick Foundation, shared similar praises for her scholarship recipient.

“As a former nurse recruiter, I feel that Keisa Shockley has all the qualifications to be a successful, caring, medical professional,” Nicoll said.

For Shockley, scholarships represent far more than financial assistance. They represent belief, opportunity and encouragement during some of the most difficult moments of a student’s academic journey.

“Because of this support, we are one step closer to becoming the professionals we aspire to be,” Shockley said. “Thank you for believing in me and helping make my goals possible.”

2026 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT / 27

GR ADUATE SPOTL IGHT

‘A SENSE OF EMPOWERMENT’: PCC program brings unexpected career opportunities

If you made the choice to vacate your comfort zone, where could you take yourself ?

Launa Manchego almost didn’t find out.

Manchego joined the working world as soon as she graduated from high school, first working at local hospitals and a nursing home and then as a longtime employee of the U.S. Postal Service.

“When I decided to go back to school, I nearly talked myself out of it. I had no idea what I was walking into,” she said.

Ultimately, she chose to enter the world of PCC’s Health Information Technology and Management program, which offered new career possibilities that still held some familiarity. Manchego will complete her associate degree this summer.

“I already had a huge background in a lot of the terminology because of my work at the hospitals and the nursing home,” Manchego said. “It turns out that I had no idea how many opportunities it would open for me.”

Ronda Gasperetti, a faculty member in HITM, guided Manchego through her introduction to the program. One notable advantage was the fact that the HITM courses are online. She would be able to complete her work anywhere – in this case, from another state as she helped her daughter with a new baby, Manchego’s first grandchild.

“For me – someone who was already intimidated about returning to school – I was looking for something smaller with great accreditation, yet more intimate classes where I was not just another student, where it didn’t matter what my age was or education level. I was accepted and shown the respect I deserved and so desperately needed.”

With several other PCC students, Manchego was able to secure an internship with a national company, Pear Suite.

"They work with insurance companies that work with homeless people,” she said. “I thought it was phenomenal because I love any way I can help people get back to where they want to be in life.”

The experience also broadened her idea of what her career could be.

“I thought it was only medical records and billing (but) there’s so much more,” she said. “Insurance companies hire so many coding specialists and billing specialists.

There’s a lot of jobs even outside hospitals or outside doctor’s offices.”

Manchego will graduate this summer and then take the tests to become certified for multiple industry credentials.

She hopes to find a remote work opportunity that will allow her the flexibility of frequent out-of-state grandkid visits.

“I think once you complete something you absolutely did not see yourself doing, you get a sense of empowerment that maybe you can do these things,” she said. “One thing leads to another and suddenly you gain this extreme amount of confidence, and the sky is the limit. Coming back to school and having to really humble myself was hard, but it was so rewarding.”

An earlier version of this article first appeared on the PCC website (April 1, 2026). All edits were made by the original author.

S P R ING EV E NTS ‘HALFWAY HOME’ AUTHOR VISITS PUEBLO CAMPUS Author, sociologist and professor Reuben Miller led an engaging discussion for an appreciative crowd at PCC’s Pueblo campus April 2. Miller discussed the themes of his award-winning book, “Halfway Home: Race, Punishment, and the Afterlife of Mass Incarceration.” Through extensive research and personal experiences within his immediate family, Miller provided profound insight on a topic that touches the lives of many Americans.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS The PCC Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee sponsored Black History Month celebrations in February at the Pueblo, Fremont and Southwest campuses. A slate of comprehensive cultural programming included music, an educators panel, food, a library read-in, trivia contests and movies.

U P C O M I NG EVENTS FARM TO TABLE

S at urday, S ept. 2 6, Ea r l y eveni ng

A Gathering Under the Orman Lights – Join the PCC Foundation for a celebration of Pueblo's finest food and drink under the magic of the Orman Avenue lights. The evening will feature a specialty menu curated by local chefs with farm-fresh goods, as well as student exhibits and live music to enjoy. Now taking ticket and sponsorship RSVPs.

CH EF ED T RACE Y

Informat ion: market ing @ pueblo ccfoundat ion.org 7 1 9 - 5 4 4 - 067 7, ext . 4

AUTHOR/ETHICIST HARRIET A. WASHINGTON

" How Sh rou d e d Hi story Sab otag e s O u r Healt hc are Tod ay : Le sson s f rom th e P ast for a B ri g hter Medic al Fu tu re " Wednesday, N ov. 4 , 1 1 : 0 0 a . m .

Pueblo Campus (rescheduled from February)

2026 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT / 29

CL O SING THE Closing the

WORKFORCE GAP Workforce Gap PITKIN

PCC works to meet our region’s industry needs Our career-focused programs align directly with high-growth industries — from Technology and Health Services to Manufacturing and Education — preparing students for our communities’ high-demand careers. Together, we’re building a stronger, more skilled workforce for the future.

DOUGLAS

ELBERT

PARK

PITKIN

DOUGLAS LAKE CHAFFE

GUNNISON

TELLER

ELBERT

EL PASO

PARK

MESA FREMONT

DELTA MONTROSE

EL PASO

TELLER

CHAFFEE

C

GUNNISON OURAY HINSDALE

SAN MIGUEL

SAQUACHE

DOLORES

SAN JUAN

OURAY

MONTEZUMA

DOLORES

MINERAL

HINSDALE

LASAN PLATA

JUAN

ARCHULETA

MINERAL

HUERFANO

SAGUACHE RIO GRANDE

CONJEOS

LA PLATA ARCHULETA

CONEJOS

6,310

UNEMPLOYED

PUEBLO

CUSTER

COSTILLAS

RIO GRANDE

MONTEZUMA

ALAMOSA

6,310 UNEMPLOYED

PUEBLO

CUSTER

FREMONT

MONTROSE

SAN MIGUEL

UNIQUE JOB OPENINGS

LAKE

MESA DELTA

8,353

8,353

UNIQUE JOB OPENINGS

LAS ANIM

HUERFANO

ALAMOSA

COSTILLA

LAS ANIMAS

CAREER PATHWAYS Aligning our Career Pathways

MOST PROGRAMS ASSOCIATE DEGREES BAS NOTED. Most of the belowARE are associate degree programs,EXCEPT except for bachelor of applied science (BAS) programs as noted.

Technology +451 JOBS

15% 15%

JOB GROWTH BY 2035 .

JOB GROWTH BY 2035

• Computer Support Technician TECHNOLOGY • Cybersecurity Compute r Support • Cybersecurity BASTechnician Cybersecurit y • Health Information Technology Cybersecurit y B AS • Health Management BAS HealthInformation I nformation Technolog y and Mg mt.

• Web Design and Development Health I nformation Manageme nt B AS Web Designs and D evelopme • Software Development andntSecurity S oftware D evelopme nt and Security

Health and Personal& Services HEALTH

• Cosmetology PERSONAL SERVICES • Practical Nursing • Nursing BSN Cosm etology Practical Nursing • Dental Hygiene (AAS & BAS programs) +1,516 JOBS • Occupational Nursing BSN Assistant Therapy Dental H ygiene • Physical Therapist Assistant Dental H ygiene B AS • RespiratoryOccup Therapy ational Therapy Assista nt JOB GROWTH Physical Therapist Assista nt • 8 other programs BY 2035 JOB GROWTH

13% .

13% BY 2035

Business +1,167 JOBS

10% 10%

JOB GROWTH BY 2035 .

• Accounting • Business BUSINESS • Business Management Accou nting Business Administration BAS • Business Business Manageme nt • Economics Business Administ ration B AS Economics

JOB GROWTH BY 2035

Education

• Elementary Childhood Education • ElementaryEDUCATION Education • Library Technician

+981 JOBS

11%

JOB GROWTH BY 2035 .

11%

13%

JOB GROWTH BY 2035 .

13%

JOB GROWTH BY 2035

• Communication • Graphic Design COMMUNICATIONS, • Mass Communications MATH Communications & SCIENCE • Media/Visual Communic ations • Biology Graphic Design • Mathematics Mass Communic ations • Chemistry Media/Visual Communic ations Biolog y Mathem atics Chemistr y

Social and Behavioral Science +973 JOBS

11%

JOB GROWTH BY 2035 .

11%

JOB GROWTH BY 2035 .

11%

• Fire Science Technology • Wildland Firefighter FIRST RESPONDER & • EMT/Advanced EMT WILDLAND FIRE FIGHTING • Paramedic • Advanced Paramedic Practitoner BAS Fire Science Technolog y EMT/ Advanced EMT Paramedic Advanced Paramedic P ractice B AS

• Behavioral Health • Behavioral SOCIAL Health Addiction & Recovery BAS • Behavioral Health Mental Health & Wellness BAS BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE • Political Science Beh avioral Health • Criminal Justice Beh avioral Health Addiction Rec overy B AS • Sociology Beh avioral Health Me ntal Health & Wellness B AS • PsychologyPolitical Science

11%

JOB GROWTH BY 2035

First Responder and Wildland Fire Fighting +130 JOBS

Earl y Childhood Educ ation Eleme ntar y Educ ation Library Technician

JOB GROWTH BY 2035

Communications, Math and Science +508 JOBS

Respi ratory Therapy, +8 Others

+1,310 JOBS

9%

JOB GROWTH BY 2035 .

JOB GROWTH 30 / 2026 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT BY 2035

Social Work Criminal J ustice Sociology Psycholog y

Manufacturing, Automotive and Construction • Machining Technology MANUFACTURING, • Automotive Service Technology AUTOMOTIVE & • Construction Technology • Industrial Technology Maintenance CONSTRUCTION • Welding

9%

JOB GROWTH BY 2035

Machining Technology Autom otive Technology Construction Technology Industrial Technolog y Maintenance Welding

SECOND WIND

SCHOLARSHIP The Pueblo Community College Foundation created the Second Wind scholarship in fall 2025 to expand access to financial assistance and provide more students with the opportunity to pursue their educational goals. Historically, once the traditional scholarship application period closed in March, students who missed the spring cycle or enrolled later in the summer were no longer eligible to apply for scholarship funding.

The Second Wind Scholarship was established in response to student feedback and the growing need for a more flexible process that better reflects the realities many students face.

The PCC Foundation will begin accepting Second Wind Scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 academic year on Aug. 14 with an application deadline of 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11.

In 2024-2025, the foundation supported scholarships and programs in the amount of $1,323,000. In that same academic year, the foundation provided support in the form of 838 scholarships and awards, reflecting the ongoing commitment to expanding access to education and fostering achievement.

NEW PCC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIP TYPE

SCHOLARSHIP NAME

ANNUAL

APELT RANCH SOLAR BRIGHT FUTURES

ANNUAL

AMERICAN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION

ANNUAL

DANIEL MATHIS MEMORIAL

ANNUAL

FLOYD JOSEPH TRUJILLO

ENDOWMENT

FRANK MACON TRADES EXCELLENCE

ANNUAL

GREG & CATHY HAHN FAMILY

ANNUAL

MIKE & BETH DAVIS SOCIAL WORK

ANNUAL

RAWLINGS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

ENDOWMENT

TOM GRIGGS MEMORIAL

ANNUAL

WOMEN'S FOUNDATION OF COLORADO

ANNUAL

WOVENCARE

Higher Learning Commission Accreditation: Pueblo Community College is a member of and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1411. Website: www.hlcommission.org. Phone: 800.621.7440.

In addition, several programs hold approval or accreditation from national and state level associations and agencies.

2026 PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY REPORT / 31

Pueblo Community College 900 W. Orman Avenue Pueblo, CO 81004 719-544-0677 www.puebloccfoundation.org

PCC CLASS OF 2026

BY THE NUMBERS 1,903 graduates 2,576 degrees and credentials earned 57 bachelor's degrees awarded 539 concurrent enrollment students earning a degree or credential