Colorado State University - Pueblo Gala to honor Rawlings, Ryals

Pueblo -- A local physician, his wife, and the publisher of the Pueblo Chieftain will be awarded inaugural President's Medallions at the Name Change Gala on Friday, June 27 as the University of Southern Colorado celebrates it's transformation into Colorado State University-Pueblo.

University President Ron Applbaum will present the President's Medallion for Distinguished Service to Education to publisher Bob Rawlings, and the President's Medallion for Distinguished Service to the University to Dr. Jarvis and Mary Jo Ryals. The awards recognize individuals who set a high standard of ethics and values through their profession, service, and/or contributions to humanity.

The Name Change Gala and scholarship benefit begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails, a silent auction, and music by a student jazz band combo. Motivational speaker Mark Towers will incorporate campus, local, and national news from the past seven decades in between sets of dance tunes through the years by the band, "Changing Times," Seven buffet stations will mirror trends of the times as well as providing variety to the taste buds from Beef Wellington (1950s) to fondue (1970s).

In presenting the awards, Applbaum noted that Rawlings is one of the region's most active and involved leaders.

"His generosity and commitment to southern Colorado, and in particular, to this university, is exceptional and worthy of recognition," said Applbaum. "We are fortunate to have been the recipient of his generosity on many occasions.

"As publisher of the Pueblo Chieftain, Bob Rawlings has committed himself to being an active part of our transformation," said Applbaum, "but more importantly as an individual who, because of his desire to see us succeed, has helped bring us to this moment through his financial and vocal support of our efforts. This institution is far better off today because of his vision and generosity," Applbaum said.

Since 1985, Rawlings has contributed nearly $2.5 million to the university through his business, a family foundation, and personal donations. The Pueblo Chieftain has donated nearly $1.4 million to the USC athletic program, student scholarships, and various university events from Colorado Music Fest and a lecture by Secretary of State Colin Powell to the Alumni Association's Celebrity Waiter Scholarship dinners.

Personally, Rawlings has given nearly $750,000 to such diverse projects as the Rawlings Sports Complex, the Veronika String Quartet, and Colorado Music Fest.

"These totals do not include the valuable space and coverage provided by the newspaper on a regular basis," said Applbaum, "in support of the university's goals from the name change legislation to tuition and fee restructuring.

"This university is but one recipient of the benevolence of Bob Rawlings," said Applbaum. "He has educated the citizens of Southeastern Colorado on the issues affecting them through his profession and continues to impact the citizens of Colorado through his time, talent, and gifts."

Pueblo neurosurgeon and philanthropist Dr. Jarvis Ryals and his wife, Mary Jo,
have contributed nearly $500,000 to a variety of educational endeavors from Colorado Music Fest and the Nature Center to the Hasan School of Business and Buell Communications Center.

"Jarvis and Mary Jo have empowered the university and southeastern Colorado," said Applbaum, "to take advantage of opportunities that improve the education and quality of life for thousands of individuals."

In 1996, a $250,000 gift from the Ryals established the Jarvis and Mary Jo Ryals Professor of Language and Leadership in the newly developed Hasan School of Business, enabling the University to attract world-renowned author and Pulitzer Prize nominee James Humes to the position.

"He has given his time and resource to a variety of non-profit entities," said Applbaum, "including the Greenway and Nature Center, the Pueblo Symphony, and the USC Foundation."

Ryals was honored by the University's Alumni Association in 1994 for his service to the community.

The President's Medallion will be presented on an annual basis, or as qualified candidates emerge, as part of the University Gala. The individual must support the university's continual progress toward future goals and achievements and/or make significant contributions as an advocate of post secondary education.

The University of Southern Colorado is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, USC is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.