Pueblo -- The U.S. Post Office will recognize the transformation of the University of Southern Colorado to Colorado State University-Pueblo on Tuesday, July 4, with a commemorative postmark available on campus.

The Great Hall of the Occhiato University Center will become "CSU-Pueblo Station" for the day, conducting regular U.S. Postal business and using the pictorial cancellation designed by university graphic artist James Bowman. A public reception in the Great Hall will offer cake and punch as part of the name change celebration.

The postmark features the Colorado State University-Pueblo name flanked by two Thunderwolves and the words: The new name in Colorado Higher Education.

Use of a commemorative postmark is not an everyday occurrence and will be of special interest to stamp and postmark collectors, according to U.S. Post Office Public Affairs Officer Bob Sprouse.

"We don't do them very often, no more than three a year," said Sprouse. "The commemorative postmark is intended to signify something special."

On July 1, the postmark will be available only at "CSU-Pueblo Station" in the Occhiato Center. The University will retain use of the postmark for 30 days, during which time it also will be available to the general public at the Main Post Office, 1022 Fortino Blvd. by request.

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.