Notable Alumni of Colorado State University Pueblo

Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo) has a rich history of producing accomplished graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields. From athletics and politics to media and community service, CSU Pueblo alumni have left their mark on Pueblo and beyond. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their achievements and contributions.

A Legacy of Achievement

CSU Pueblo, formerly known as the University of Southern Colorado, has a long-standing tradition of fostering talent and preparing students for success. The university's alumni network spans diverse industries and professions, reflecting the breadth of its academic programs and the impact of its graduates. The Colorado State University Pueblo Distinguished Young Alumni Award is one of the highest honors bestowed upon an alumna/us, under the age of 40. The CSU Pueblo Foundation and Alumni Association annually seeks and accepts nominations for the CSU Pueblo Distinguished Young Alumni Award. We are proud of what our alumni do around the world. They lead in your communities. They create new ways to serve and meet needs. They take what they learned as a student and use it to make things better in their work, where they live and for the people closest to them.

Athletics Hall of Fame

The 16th annual Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet is one of three on-campus events held during CSU Pueblo's Homecoming weekend celebration set for October 10-11, 2025.

Reco Burt

(Men's Basketball, 1993-95) - In his two seasons with the then University of Southern Colorado, Burt averaged 16.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.7 blocked shots per game as he competed in 50 games for the then-Indians … He pulled down a career 19 rebounds on Jan.

Bryan Hawkins

(Wrestling, 1983-85) - Hawkins became the school's first-ever national champion wrestler when he won the 126-pound crown at the 1985 NAIA National Championships in Jamestown, N.D.

Molly Rohrer

(Women's Basketball, 2015-18) - Rohrer was a three-season starter and a two-year team captain for the ThunderWolves women's basketball program … She was named the RMAC Player of the Year in both 2017 and 2018 and was the RMAC Freshman of the Year in 2016 … In addition, she was a three-time First-Team All-RMAC selection, a two-time Academic All-RMAC selection and an RMAC All-Tournament Team selection … Rohrer was also a two-time D2CCA First-Team All-South Central Region honoree and became just the second student-athlete to earn both RMAC Player of the Year and RMAC Academic Player of the Year in the same season in 2018 … She averaged 14.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game in her final season with the Pack in 2018 … Was the RMAC leader in blocked shots all three seasons and held the school record for career blocks (207), single season blocks (77) and blocked shots in a game (8) before Alisha Little set new records in those three marks during the 2024-25 season … Left the program as the fifth all-time leading scorer with 1,374 points and is now the program's No.

Notable Alumni

Rich "Goose" Gossage: Baseball Hall of Famer

Rich "Goose" Gossage, an overpowering right-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball, was born in Colorado Springs and attended Roy J. Wasson High School. He enrolled at CSU Pueblo after being drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 1970 MLB Draft. Although he attended the university for only one quarter before focusing on baseball and never played for CSU Pueblo, he went on to become one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008.

Dana Perino: Fox News Personality and Former White House Press Secretary

Dana Perino, perhaps CSU Pueblo’s most well-known alum, graduated in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication. Today, she co-anchors America's Newsroom on Fox News and co-hosts The Five. She joined Fox News as a contributor in 2009. Before joining Fox News, Perino served as the 26th White House Press Secretary from 2007 to 2009, during the George W. Bush administration.

Arnold L. Mitchem: Student Opportunity Advocate

Arnold L. Mitchem graduated from CSU Pueblo when it was known as the University of Southern Colorado before earning his doctorate at Marquette University. In 1986, he became president of the Council for Opportunity in Education, an organization that seeks to expand college opportunities for low-income and first-generation students, as well as those with disabilities. He is currently president emeritus of the COE.

Jim Ryan: Football Coach

Jim Ryan graduated from CSU Pueblo in 2000 and was an assistant football coach at a few universities to begin his coaching career. He was named defensive coordinator for Washington University in 2012 and helped lead a defense that ranked fifth in NCAA Division III. In 2015, Ryan won the NCAA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year award. In his first season, Ryan led Rhodes to a 6-4 record, which was the best mark for a first-year head coach since 1962, according to the college. He compiled a 16-24 record as head coach, though it had been an even 15-15 before a 1-9 season during his final year.

Tisha Mauro: Colorado House Representative

Tisha Mauro worked at the Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder’s Office and as a sales manager at an auto dealership before being elected to represent Pueblo County in House District 46. She went to Pueblo County High School and later graduated from CSU Pueblo. Her district includes much of the city of Pueblo and the southwestern corner of the county. Though she missed a good portion of her first full legislative session because of health issues, Mauro has sponsored several bills since then, including one that created new railroad safety protections.

Daneya Esgar: Pueblo Politician

Daneya Esgar graduated from Pueblo South High School and CSU Pueblo and became an elected official representing Pueblo. She was selected to be a Pueblo County commissioner last year - replacing another notable CSU Pueblo alumnus, former BOCC Chairman Garrison Ortiz - and announced in January that she is seeking a full, four-year term. Before joining the BOCC, Esgar represented Pueblo for four consecutive terms in the Colorado House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023. She sponsored several bills during her time in the House, many of which centered on public safety, healthcare, education and equity, among other topics.

Patricia Marcantonio: Award-Winning Author and Writer

Patricia Marcantonio earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a distinction in mass communications from the University of Southern Colorado, now CSU Pueblo.

Other Notable Alumni

The following is a list of other notable alumni of Colorado State University Pueblo.

Hon. Dr. Juan L. Dr. Dr. Lyle McCartee is "livin' the dream in Cape Coral, Florida" as the overnight breaking news photojournalist for WFTX-TV FOX4.
Nikki Martinez is attending graduate school at CSU-Ft. Collins and will be working on her master's degree in communication.
Ye 'Charlotte' Ming is a content editor for Getty Images, the world's largest photo agency. She also contributes frequently to National Geographic, TIME.com, Chinafile.com and the Chinese-language news site Tencent.
Randi Jameson is social media content writer for Susan J.
Simone Peinkofer is working on her Ph.D. at the University of Arkansas in the supply chain management department and was awarded a graduate assistantship and a Doctoral Academy Fellowship (DAF).
Brittney (Whatley) Gurule is a writer for T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services Special Correspondence Group.
J.C. Audrey Lundahl received her Ph.D. in multicultural women's and gender studies at Texas Woman's University.
Sareth Ney is the journalist for A Quarter and a Dream Pictures. He is a former apprentice to master of horror Clive Barker.
Deniz Ates is general manager and communications director at Roos Subaru in Denver.
Eileen Bauer moved to Dubque, Iowa, for her husband’s job and is seeking career opportunities.
Eric Gilliland is senior director of employee relations and institutional equity and Title IX coordinator at College of Southern Nevada.
Paul Prutch is a sales consultant and representative for Langendorf Supply, a mechanical contracting company in St.
C.J. Keith Willschau is the program manager at Leadership Pikes Peak.
Matthew Valdez is a case manager at Crowley County Correctional Facility.
Tyson Grahn is a computer technician and head football coach at Vilas Schools in Colorado.
Josh Koschke is director of marketing/promotions for CSU-Pueblo Athletics and director of golf at CSU-Pueblo.
Jillian Osleson Maes is the marketing director for Penrose-St. Joe
Fox is an implementation specialist, deploying software for school districts nationwide for Pearson Publishing.
David Ortiviz is the public outreach manager for the Pueblo Chemical Stockpile Outreach Office.
Shane Hale received his master's degree in political science with an emphasis in public policy administration.
Troy Rivera is working on his Ph.D.
Jillian Starcer Lewis is a supervisor at J.L.
Pam Davis is a marketing materials specialist with R.W.
Stephanie (Espinoza) Swearngin is design director at the Gazette in Colorado Springs.
Corry Lohse is in public relations for Hewlett-Packard Nederland, B.V.
Candi Miell is editorial director for three newspapers that include the La Junta Tribune-Democrat, Fowler Tribune, and the Bent County Democrat.
Norma Engelberg is reporter/editor for two newspapers in the Woodland Park, Colorado, area.
Lyna Tucker is a photojournalist for the post newspaper, The Wheel, as part of the Army Public Affairs Office at Ft.
Ben Auch is working for the city of Greeley as a facility service tech.
Eileen Bauer Anderson is teaching 5th grade at St.
Armando "Mundy" Burciaga is regional manager for the Daniels College Prep Program dedicated to helping promising, low-income students attend college.
Koko Kadairo has joined Sanyo Corp.
Niki Latino is completing her Ph.D.
Meredith Wilson Lanis is a paralegal for Lynn, Jackson, Schultz & LeBrun, P.C.
A.J. Brittany Cox Kristan is provider relations coordinator at St.
Chris Valentine works in public relations for the Penrose/St.
Andrea Aragon is executive director of the Pueblo United Way.
Brett Romero is a human resource manager in the J.C.
Jeff Ziolkowski is living in Cleveland, Ohio, where he is the technical arts pastor at Cuyahoga Valley Church.
Daniel A.
Kathy Walker is news director for KOA-Radio in Denver.
David Grant Long is a counselor at the Southwest Colorado Mental Health Center's detox facility in Durango.
Lisa A.
Mike Cafasso is vice president of operations at St.
Steve Fleming is the communications director for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in Colorado Springs.
Susan Pfeifer has a Ph.D. in Port Edwards, Wisconsin.
Rebecca Davis is an extension educator teaching health, nutrition and youth development in the University of Maryland's outreach program.
Rick Lozano is a sergeant with the Colorado Department of Corrections.
John Pendleton is the art director for the Quiznos Corporation producing all work behind the counter in over 4,500 stores worldwide.
Along with his partner, Jodi Torpey, he received the department's 2006 Distinguished Alumni Award. newscasts at WXIA TV NBC Atlanta. He also anchors the sports segment.
Scott Jones is a producer/director with KTSC/Rocky Mountain PBS. He produces the statewide quiz show, "Matchwits," and the daily, live call-in show, "Homework Hotline," with the help of media lab students from CSU-Pueblo's mass communications department.
In 2011, Scott, along with his co-worker Ken Sciacca, received the Distinguished Mass Communications Alumni Award at CSU-Pueblo.
Robin Hill is president/founder of Friendly Harbor Drop in Center, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring hope, dignity, and direction to those with a mental illness.
Tim Howk Jeffreys handles weekdays 3-7 on the classic rock station, KSAN in San Francisco. He also hosts a motor sports show Saturday mornings on sister station KNBR.
Judi (Schreiber) Lee works in a volunteer capacity for non-profit organizations.
Gail Binkly is co-owner and editor of the Four Corners Free Press, a monthly alternative newspaper published in Cortez, Colorado. Her publication has garnered awards from the Society of Professional Journalists.
Robert Farries was killed during summer 2003, when his motorcycle was hit by an oncoming car.
Bob Campbell is the marketing and events manager at Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center since Sept.
Jody Torpey is co-owner of She Writes, He Draws in Denver with John Pendleton,'81.
Karen L.
Steve Henson is managing editor at The Pueblo Chieftain.
Larry D.
Dave Moore is in public relations at St.
Ken Swann lives in Thailand and owns his own firm called Development Communication Services, which services clients all over Southeast Asia in all forms of communication initiatives, technical development and training.
Kim Langley is a systems engineer for DynCorp in Chantilly, Virginia.
Evelyn Tripp Weir is retired after a career in technical writing.
Hereward Bradley is the copy desk chief for the Denver Rocky Mountain News.
Len Gregory is retired from The Pueblo Chieftain and St.
Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C.
Jack Carter, aka J.
Judy Hildner retired from her sports editor position with The Pueblo Chieftain in 2012.
Bill Scharton, the mass communications department's 1979 Distinguished Alumnus, is a public affairs specialist at the U. S.
Tim Simmons coordinates media operations for ESPN events in Puerto Rico, Anaheim and Fort Worth.
Tim, a 1972 recipient of the department's Distinguished Alumnus Award, resides in Longmont.
Patricia Prijatel, director of Drake University's School of Journalism and Mass Communication in Des Moines, Iowa, and the E.T.
Jim Simmons is retired in Green Valley, Arizona, after a career working in public relations capacities for such organizations as the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, Johns/Manville Corporation, Coors Brewing Company, and Intercollegiate and Professional Sports Liaisons.

CSU Pueblo: A Foundation for Success

Colorado State University Pueblo has a long and proud history of producing graduates who have made a difference in their communities and the world. The university's commitment to academic excellence, coupled with its focus on student success, has created a fertile ground for cultivating talent and fostering leadership. As CSU Pueblo continues to evolve and grow, its alumni will undoubtedly continue to make significant contributions in various fields, carrying the university's legacy of achievement into the future.

Read also: The history of Colorado Mesa

History of Colorado State University Pueblo

The idea for starting a college in Pueblo was initially proposed in 1926, when a bill was put before the state senate to begin a four-year school in the city. In the years following the Great Depression, the idea for a college in Pueblo was revived through the efforts of a local teacher at Centennial High School, Eric T. Kelly organized a committee that was composed of several local business leaders to discuss the possibility of getting a college started, among them Frank Hoag Jr., publisher of The Pueblo Chieftain and Star-Journal newspapers; C.N. Caldwell; and J. The school originally was to be named San Isabel Junior College, but by the time the school had received incorporation it was changed to Southern Colorado Junior College (SCJC). The first classes at SCJC were held in the fall of 1933 in three vacant rooms on the third-floor of the Pueblo County Courthouse. By 1935, the school's enrollment was steadily increasing, and the need to find a permanent location was imminent. With land donated by the CF&I and local money from the City Federation of Women's Club and the Works Progress Administration, construction of the college's first building-a 55,000-square-foot (5,100 m2) arts building-began in 1936. Kelly gave up his position as dean in 1936, and L.R. Wren took over as president and served in that position until 1939. Taking advantage of the Junior College Act of the General Assembly, the Pueblo County Junior College District was formed, making the college part of the public school system supported by county-wide taxes. The name change to Pueblo Junior College brought a change in mission. The 30th anniversary year saw the state enact legislation making the institution a four-year degree granting college and a member of the state system of higher education. The first juniors were enrolled in 1963, followed in 1964 by the first seniors and the first bachelor's degrees awarded in 1965. The name change to Southern Colorado State College reflected recognition of the need for more advanced degrees and an increase in the number of students pursuing a four-year degree in the southeastern region of Colorado. In 1964, Colorado State Senator Vincent Massari led the college's push to become a four-year university. As the demand for higher education programs increased, the number of academic degrees offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels increased. The first graduate program to be offered was the Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in industrial education beginning in 1972. The institution was granted university status and renamed the University of Southern Colorado. In 1978, the Colorado Commission on Higher Education designated USC as a polytechnic institution. In 1985, USC was integrated into the newly created Colorado State University System (CSU System) with Colorado State University, Colorado's land-grant university, and Fort Lewis College. In 2002, Fort Lewis College chose to be a separate entity. With its long history of collaboration with Colorado State University (CSU) and being a Colorado State University System (CSU System) member since 1985, eventually a name change was forthcoming. Also, an independent study of higher education in Colorado recommended to change the university's name to reflect the unique relationship with CSU. In May 2002, Governor Bill Owens signed legislation changing the institution's mission and name to Colorado State University Pueblo effective July 1, 2003. Prior to the 1995-96 academic school year, the University of Southern Colorado (now Colorado State University Pueblo) adopted the "ThunderWolf" as its mascot. The original ThunderWolf logo was put into place prior to the 1995-96 school year. Designed to elicit fear and reverence, the original logo contained a detailed head of a ThunderWolf with a mountain range in the background.

Campus

CSU Pueblo is located north of CO-47 in Pueblo, Colorado, a city of approximately 112,000 residents located in the Pikes Peak region of southern Colorado. The university's 275-acre (1.11 km2) main campus is located in the Belmont area of northern Pueblo. The original 850-acre land was donated to build the campus. In 1985, the university determined that the current campus and anticipated growth could be accommodated on 275 acres. Over time the university has sold the excess property. The campus architecture style was called "Modern Aztec" by the designers in 1963. The unique architecture of the buildings earned a national award by the American Institute of Architects. Most campus buildings reflect the International Style of the 1960s. Today, there are 18 buildings, numerous baseball and softball fields, a soccer/lacrosse complex and the ThunderBowl. The campus began a major renovation in 2007, as renovations were made to Massari Arena and construction began on the new student recreation center, which was completed in time for the start of the 2008-2009 academic year. In 2011, a multimillion-dollar renovation project was completed on the university's Library and Academic Resources Center (LARC) and a 1.2 megawatt solar array, as well as construction of three new residence halls (Culebra, Crestone, and Greenhorn). The newly renovated Occhiato Student Center opened in January 2018. Future plans include expanding the soccer facility to provide for more services and to allow the addition of a lacrosse program.

Administration

The Board of Governors presides over the Colorado State University System (CSU System), which comprises Colorado State University, Colorado State University Pueblo and Colorado State University Global. The Board of Governors consists of nine voting members appointed by the Governor of Colorado and confirmed by the Colorado State Senate and four elected non-voting members. Voting members are community leaders from many fields, including agriculture, business, and public service. A student and faculty representative from each university act as non-voting board members.

Eric T. Kelly - 1933 - 1936
Leo R. Wren - 1936 - 1939
Charles E. Haines - 1939 - 1942
LuLu Cuthbertson - May 1942 - Aug. 1942
William A. Black - 1942 - 1948
Marvin C. Knudson - 1948 - 1953
J. Victor Hopper - 1953 - 1963
Harry P. Bowes - 1963 - 1971
Gerald Caduff - May 1977 - Oct. 1977
Alan Love - July 1979 - Aug. 1979
Joseph A. Garcia

Athletics

CSU Pueblo is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), the oldest conference operating in NCAA Division II and the fourth oldest athletic conference in the United States (founded in 1909). In 2007, the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System approved to bring back football, wrestling, and women's indoor and outdoor track & field. In 2008-09, CSU Pueblo athletics programs won two Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference championships-in women's basketball (its third RMAC title in four seasons) and baseball (its first since 2004). CSU Pueblo features a cheerleading squad and dance team, club baseball, racquetball, climbing, rugby, and men's soccer.

Rick L. Macciocca
Arnold L. Mitchem

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