CSU–Pueblo Pepsi Committee Awards 2006-07 Campus Grants

Pueblo- Five campus beautification projects totaling more than $18,000 will be implemented at Colorado State University-Pueblo during the 2006-07 year thanks to funding provided by an exclusive campus vending contract with Pepsi.

A six-member committee accepts and reviews projects for the annual Pepsi Grants in order to assure a planned and equitable use of an $16,500 annual contribution received as part of the Pepsi’s contract with the University to provide exclusive vending services. The Pepsi grants fund projects that create a positive and lasting impact on the campus or contribute to the ongoing beautification of the University’s public spaces. Committee members met twice this spring and individually reviewed each grant proposal against the required criteria that includes providing a broad benefit to the university, improving the physical appearance of campus, creating a positive campus impact, the duration of project implementation, and proposals must not be supported by existing operational budgets.

Associated Students Government President Samantha Milyard, a Pepsi Grant Committee member, noted, “The grant inspires creativity throughout campus, determines need, and allows the members of the campus community to decide what’s best for Colorado State University - Pueblo.”

Eleven grant proposals were received for the 2006-07 fiscal year with requests for funding totaling $52,084. The available amount of funding for 2006-07 is $18,857, which included carry over of unused funds from the 2005-06 fiscal year. The committee as a whole narrowed to five the field of eligible grant proposals. The five recommended grant proposals have a funding commitment of $18,423 with unused funds remaining in the Pepsi Grant account for future awards.

The five proposals selected for funding are as follows:
     1. Life Sciences/Chemistry Gathering Area ($5,500). This project will create a gathering area between the Life Sciences and Chemistry building, including the installation of new picnic tables and bike racks.
     2. Aluminum Display Strips ($1871). Aluminum display strips will be installed in each campus bathroom stall to improve campus communication by posting information regarding campus events, deadlines, services and general information.
     3. Renewal of Art Courtyard ($5,000). A Pepsi Grant of $5,000 will be matched by $20,000 from the Unviersity to renew community space in the courtyard of the Art/Music building. The project will be completed in two phases with the Pepsi Grant providing funding for the first phase of the project. Funds will be used to make practical improvements to the area and restore the physical appearance of the courtyard so that it may be better utilized as an informal gathering area for students and faculty.
     4. Xeriscape Demonstration Garden ($4,000). A $4,000 award along with a University match of $15,000 and a student fee match of $10,000 will improve the appearance of campus by providing a beautiful and practical solution to the unique drainage issues facing the Physics/Math building. The Physics/Math building is the first area seen when entering campus from the south, so the installation of the garden will create an attractive and educational landscape for both students and community members.
     5. Campus Ashtrays ($2,072). The $2,072 award will complement a University match of $3,500 to support a current campus-wide effort to install appropriate ashtrays 20 feet from selected building entrances. The grant proposal is supportive of the Universities current efforts to improve the quality of life on campus.

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.