Daniels Fund gives Colorado State University – Pueblo $150,000 for transfer scholarships 
 
PUEBLO – Colorado State University – Pueblo will build an even stronger bond with five area community colleges thanks to an award of $150,000 by the Denver-based Daniels Fund on Monday (May 24). Leaders in higher education from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and New Mexico gathered for the announcement of more than $2 million in scholarships for at-risk students as part of the 2004 Daniels Opportunity Awards, which seek to put scholarship funding in the hands of non-traditional students at risk of not being able to afford and complete a college education. 

CSU-Pueblo President Ron Applbaum accepted one of the largest checks presented on Monday to fund a program that eases the transition of students from two-year schools through the creation of individualized transfer plans tailored to the students’ educational objectives. The University hopes to increase the number of students who successfully transfer to CSU-Pueblo from the five targeted community and junior colleges -- Pueblo Community College, Pikes Peak Community College, Lamar Community College, Otero Community College, and Trinidad State Junior College.
 
“Returning and expanding this necessary resource for transfer students, along with the wide variety of support programs we already offer, will improve the success rates for students who do not qualify for current, limited scholarship support,” Applbaum said.
Applbaum said the University also has formed a joint committee to plan a dual admission program that allows admissions and advising personnel across all of the institutions to further assist transfer students in reaching their educational and professional goals. The transfer population at CSU-Pueblo has a much higher percentage of women and non-traditional students, who typically are juggling work schedules and family obligations while trying to complete their degrees.
 
PHOTO ATTACHED (pictured left to right): Hank Brown, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund; Ron Applbaum, President, CSU-Pueblo; Cora Zaletel, Executive Director, Development and Communications; and Carrie Besnette, Daniels Fund vice president and director of the Daniels College Prep and Scholarship Program. 
   
Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.