CSU–Pueblo recognizes its Shining Star faculty, staff for 2005-06

Pueblo- Outstanding faculty and staff leaders at Colorado State University – Pueblo were honored at a year-end recognition luncheon in April at the Occhiato University Center.

Executive Assistant to the VP for Finance and Administration Anita Gutierrez received the
2005-06 Outstanding Professional Staff Award, which recognizes professional staff members who consistently contribute to the University by carrying out the responsibilities of their jobs in an exceptional manner. Gutierrez has risen from a typist to an Executive Assistant in her 32 years with the University, holding 8 positions along the way and working for 8 Presidents and 4 Vice presidents. Nominator Joanne Ballard notes that Anita’s “stability and positive outlook serve to calm the turmoil caused by uncertainty and change.” Second Place in the Outstanding Professional Staff category was awarded to Lia Sissom, assistant to the Dean and Chair in the Hasan School of Business, who does “whatever it takes to make CSU-Pueblo a quality experience for our students.” Third Place went to Alumni Director Laura Brandt, who according to her nominator Cora Zaletel, works tirelessly to nurture relationships with both existing and future alumni and who “not only bleeds blue and red, but eats, sleeps, sings, writes, and lives blue and red 24/7/365.”

2005-6 Outstanding Classified Employee Shirley Duran, program assistant in Institutional Research and Analysis, was selected from among 12 nominees by a panel of community leaders. Duran was recognized for her ability to see the big picture and to identify and resolve potential problems that could have a negative effect on the university. The runner-up was Irene Macias, program assistant in the office of Student Academic Services, who works to improve the unit as a whole and her skills individually. The second-runner up for Classified Employee of the Year was Sue Castillo, who has served as office manager in the Financial Services office for the past 15 years. The Financial Services staff described her as “the rock that holds the office together” by “juggling many hats with willingness, thoroughness, expertise, and accuracy.”

Nine faculty were honored for their efforts throughout the academic year. The 2005-06 Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching went to Dr. Janet Barnett, professor of mathematics, for creating a relevant and modern curriculum which is being taught in a manner that promotes high levels of student learning. The 2006 Award for Faculty Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activity was presented to David Keplinger, associate professor in the department of English and Foreign Languages, for his amazing record of creative activity, including publishing four books of poetry, a chapbook, and more than 100 poems and essays in highly respected literary magazines. The 2006 Award for Faculty Excellence in Service was presented toGeorge

Dallam, associate professor in exercise science, health promotion, and recreation for lending his time and efforts to many different committees at the department, college, and university level as well as to his profession. His service has been recognized through national awards, such as the 2005 USA Triathlon National Coach of the Year, and invitations to speak on coaching.

Christine Rochester, in the department of exercise science, health promotion, and recreation, received the 2005-06 Award for Faculty Excellence in Advising/Mentoring. Rochester is responsible for mentoring all 80 of the students in the K-12 Physical Education emphasis and is respected for taking time the time to know her students and their career aspirations.

The following faculty members were honored as the top faculty member in their respective colleges for the 2005-06 academic year:

Dr. Carolyn Glaublensklee, professor of nursing
College of Education, Engineering and Professional Studies

Dr Tim McGettigan, faculty senate president, professor of sociology
College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Ian Brennan, associate professor
Hasan School of Business

Dr. Moussa Diawara, associate professor of mathematics
College of Science and Mathematics

Gayle Abrahamson, associate professor of library services
University Library

Also honored at the luncheon were recent retirees of the University and individuals who had achieved milestones of University employment from five to 30 years.


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.