Phillip M. Valdez, is the son of Classified Employee, Paul Valdez
Personal biography: I am a senior set to graduate in the spring, May 2012, with concurrent Bachelor of Science degrees; one in political science and the other in sociology with emphasis in criminology and a minor in psychology. My father, Paul Valdez LTC Operation I, is a Colorado State University Pueblo classified staff employee and it was because of him that I was given this opportunity and was eligible for this scholarship. There are several reasons why I chose CSU-Pueblo, including, the school's location and the many opportunities that I have been given through the schools many programs. Throughout my life my goals and aspirations have been ever changing and I have learned through life’s experiences that circumstances can detour or even change ones goals and aspirations. After graduating from CSU-Pueblo I would like to further my education and aspire to go to law school.
Lauren Bartolo, is the daughter of Classified Employee, David Bartolo
Personal biography: My dad has worked in the IT department as a database administrator for quite a while. I am a junior and currently working on a dual degree in Chemistry and Business Management. I chose to attend CSU-Pueblo because I wanted to get a good education while staying close to home. When I graduate I hope to work in the chemistry field and in time apply the research knowledge gained there and apply it to industry.
Makenzie Smith
Personal biography: My mom has worked in the CSU-Pueblo Bookstore for 17 years and CSU-Pueblo has been part of our family for the majority of my life. I am a sophomore majoring in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in English and will be applying to the Teacher Education Program. It’s a dream in the making to be in college and on the path to fulfilling my goal of being a missionary through teaching. The Classified Staff Council scholarship has had a big hand in bringing me to where I am today and getting me closer to impacting the lives of the future children of Pueblo. I chose to attend CSU-Pueblo so I could stay close to family and after hearing positive feedback about the Teacher Education Program from a recent graduate. I am blessed and honored to be a part of something so special and to have the wonderful support of the Classified Staff Council in seeing my dream become a reality.
Courtney Gust, is the sister of classified employee, Samantha Hernandez
Personal biography: My name is Courtney Gust and I am a senior at Colorado State University-Pueblo. I will be graduating in the spring semester of 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in anthropology. After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master’s degree with an emphasis in cognitive neuroscience. I chose to attend Colorado State University-Pueblo because I was able to remain close to my family, attain my degree quickly, and because of the financial aid opportunities I was awarded. I received scholarships based on merit, residency, and also my relationship to a classified staff member. My classified staff family member is my sister, Samantha Hernandez, who works in the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office on campus.