CSU – Pueblo unveils Latino Lifetime Achievement Wall
 
Pueblo- Pueblo‘s first Hispanic judge will be honored by the Latino Chamber Development Corporation – Foundation when it presents Judge Joe T. Ulibarri with its Latino Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the 3rd annual awards ceremony and the unveiling of the Latino Lifetime Achievement Wall on the campus of Colorado State University-Pueblo on Sept. 23.
The luncheon will be held from 11:30-1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23 in the Occhiato University Ballroom. The cost is $20 per person. Corporate tables of 8 and 10 are available. RSVP by Sept. 19 by calling the Latino Chamber at 719-542-5513.

The Latino Chamber Foundation Award is presented annually to deserving individuals who have exhibited continuous, selfless contributions to the Hispanic Community of Pueblo in any one or more of the following areas: business, politics, social, education, humanitarian or other philanthropic activates.

The wall, to be located on the east wall of the Great Hall of the Occhiato University Center, will serve as an historical recording for future generations of the contributions of groups and individuals who operate outside the realm of those in power. The wall recognizes the contributions and sacrifices that Hispanics/Chicanos have made in improving the quality of life for Hispanics/Chicanos in the social, political, and economic areas in the Pueblo community.
A Pueblo native, Ulibarri attended Bessemer Elementary, Keating Junior High, and Central High School. He was among the first graduating class of Southern Colorado State College (now CSU-Pueblo), earning a bachelor’s degree in social studies and English with an emphasis in public school teaching.

After teaching for a few years, he entered law school at the University of Denver, where he earned his law degree in 1971. He began his legal career with the Pueblo County Legal Service Program, serving indigent families on civil matters and community legal issues, then spent a few years working for Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund in Denver. He returned to Pueblo in 1973 and soon was tabbed a Regional Assistant Attorney General. He served as a Municipal Judge from 1979-89, when he was promoted to Presiding Municipal Judge. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 2002.

Throughout his career, he has belonged to numerous community and civic organizations, including the Colorado and Pueblo Country Bar Association, the Colorado Lottery Commission, The Pueblo Regional Planning Commission, the Bessemer Historical Society, Parkview Medical
Center Board of Directors, Pueblo Hispanic Educational Foundation, Pueblo Community College Foundation, and Pueblo Rotary 43.

Over his 40-year career as an educator, attorney, and judge, Ulibarri has spoken to many students and community groups on the importance of education asna on-going career path and as a fulfillment of life’s goals. He has mentoed young Hispanics and participated in workshops and training programs for future Hispanic community leaders because of his commitment life-long education.

Pueblo artists and CSU-Pueblo alumni Ken and Judith Williams have designed the achievement wall. The Williams have been awarded more than 70 private and public art commissions in sculptured tile and ceramic wall sculptures. In 2001, they received a Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. Their work can be seen throughout Pueblo and the state of Colorado.

 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.