By: Kelly Keogh

Since 2001 Pueblo Colorado has hosted an annual historical ghost walk. This walk takes place in downtown Pueblo. The Pueblo Domestic Violence Community Task Force runs the event through Union Avenue and the Riverwalk District. 

This event is held to tell stories about Pueblo’s past, using volunteer actors who portray different iconic Pueblo locals talking about the Pueblo area and historic events. The actors each have a monologue prepared that is described in a spooky, ghostly manner. 

The Historical Ghost Walk tickets are used to raise money for The Pueblo Domestic Violence Community Task Force, an organization that advocates for the elimination of domestic violence in Pueblo.

The ghost walk has added friendly reminders to remember during the walk while during the current pandemic. It is required to wear a mask and stay six feet away at all times. Groups will be held with the maximum of twenty people. 

Tickets will be available online only this year. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pueblo-historical-ghost-walk-tickets-119287314569?aff=erelexpmlt

The last date for this event is October 17th, 5:30-8:30 PM MDT

Check in will be located at the El Pueblo History Museum

301 North Union Avenue 

Pueblo, CO 81003

The post Pueblo Historical Ghost Walk first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.

GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY

By Alexis Vigil

Oct. 15 is reserved for annual Global Handwashing Day and will fall on a Thursday this year. Colorado is about six months into the coronavirus pandemic. So, what better year than this to observe such a day? There are some basic ways individuals can slow the spread of COVID-19 and they are simple. One way is to wear a mask and the other is to practice proper hand hygiene.  

According to globalhandwashing.org, Global Handwashing Day is “a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.”

The theme this year is “Hand Hygiene for All,” which prompts people to practice proper hand hygiene, especially with soap and water, on a universal level. Visit the website for more information on Global Handwashing Day. 

Hear from the community on the importance of hand hygiene: 

Julie Vrobel has her master’s degree in speech-language pathology and works at Pueblo InnoVage. As a healthcare worker and a member of the Pueblo community, she said, “We receive ongoing trainings regarding health and safety precautions. The absolute number one way to protect your health and the health of others is by washing your hands frequently and properly.” 

Luke Siggins is a senior media communications student at Colorado State University-Pueblo and the Rev 89 radio station manager. He said, “Hand washing is more important than it has ever been because we want to mitigate the spread of covid-19, by washing our hands we can reduce spread to our neighbors and our loved ones just by taking the time to practice simple hand hygiene.” 

Michael Garcia, a first-time mother and a CSU-P alumna, said, “In the first months of an infant’s life, it is especially important to keep hands clean all the time to avoid spreading any illness. Germs collect on our hands when we open doors, touch our phones, play with toys and change diapers. Babies are very vulnerable and can easily become sick. I can’t avoid germs, but I am able to reduce the chance of passing them to my baby by washing my hands often.”

Angela Jackson is another new mother living in Pueblo. She said she wants to protect her newborn, “(Hand hygiene) is very important to me, I don’t want anyone touching the baby without washing their hands or using hand sanitizer.” 

Review these five simple steps, established by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to wash your hands correctly: 

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol when you can’t use soap and water. Rub the gel on all surfaces of your hands for at least 20 seconds and wait until hands are dry.  

For more information visit CDC.org. 

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Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Legacy Lives On

By Tiffany Pettigrew

 Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died Friday, September 18, 2020, surrounded by her family in her Washington D.C. home at the age of 87.

The feminist icon’s death is preceded by a 27-year long career on the SCOTUS fighting for equality. From the chants on the streets during the civil rights movements, a revolutionary ruling on Roe v. Wade and a continuous fighting spirit for the LGBTQIA+ community. Ginsburg leaves behind a legacy for generations to live up to so every voice is heard.

After graduating from Cornell University, RBG married Martin “Marty” Ginsburg, the two moved to Fort Sill, Okla., for Marty’s military career. Though being college educated, RBG could not find a job outside of being a typist, a job she would lose upon finding out she was pregnant. After their time in Okla., the Ginsburg’s attended Harvard Law School.

RBG was one of nine women in a class of 500 students while attending Harvard. Throughout her time at law school, she was regularly questioned why she was there and told her placement should go to a man. During her time at Harvard, RBG showed that she was meant to be a lawyer. She managed being a mom to a toddler, caring for a husband with testicular cancer who was going in and out of surgeries and being towards the top of her class.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s first big case was based here in Colorado. Charles Mortiz claimed a tax deduction for the caregiver cost of his mother. The IRS did not allow this deduction being Mortiz was not a woman or had not ever been married. These standards deemed Mortiz unfit to be a caregiver and ineligible for the deduction. Both Martin and Ruther Bader Ginsburg worked on the case, Martin from the tax angle and RBG from the constitutional angle.

This started RBG’s iconic fight for gender equality, fighting for what was constitutionally correct, regardless of gender. Her hard work defending gender equality was getting recognized. In 1993, President Bill Clinton nominated Ruth Bader Ginsburg to be on the SCOTUS. The US Senate voted to confirm her nomination in a final count of 96-3, making her the second woman to serve in this role.

Being the first ever Jewish female to serve on the Supreme Court, RBG was a trailblazer for fighting for human rights for all. In her 27 years of service, Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought for Americans, regardless of age, gender, background, or ethnicity are able to have the same opportunities.

SCOTUS rulings that Ruther Bader Ginsburg voted on included:

United States v. Virginia, 1996- a 7-1 ruling determined that Virginia Military Institute’s male only admission policy violated the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.

Olmstead v. L.C., 1999- This decision was a historical step for disability rights after two women with mental illnesses continued to be institutionalized after medical professionals stated they were able to continue their treatment in a community-based program.

Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 2007- In a 5-4 decision, the court determined that a 19-year career, gender based, pay discrimination was in violation of 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Many citizens are anxious to hear the Senate’s reaction to the confirmation hearing for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. This only four years after the Senate argued Former President Barack Obama could not select the next SCOTUS Justice due to election day being 293 days away. 

The Senate has decided to proceed with President Trump’s section with less than 40 days left until the 2020 Presidential Election.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a defender of the American Dream for all. A woman who fought for all to have the same opportunities in this nation. She is loved and remembered by many. Her legacy will not be forgotten.

“Feminism … I think the simplest explanation, and one that captures the idea, is a song that Marlo Thomas sang, ‘Free to be You and Me.’ Free to be, if you were a girl—doctor, lawyer, Indian chief. Anything you want to be. And if you’re a boy, and you like teaching, you like nursing, you would like to have a doll, that’s OK too. That notion that we should each be free to develop our own talents, whatever they may be, and not be held back by artificial barriers—man made barriers, certainly not heaven sent.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg in an interview with Makers

The post EDITORIAL: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Legacy Lives On first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.

By Harmony Clearo

If you’ve been out to Lake Pueblo this summer, you might have noticed the rising and falling of the water levels. These days you might even be walking across places that you were swimming in at the start of the summer. However, there is no need to worry about the lake drying up. Water levels are actually above average for this time of year, according to the Bureau of Reclamation. 

With fires and droughts running rampant this summer, Lake Pueblo has still seen lower levels in its lifetime. Stan Core, a maintenance mechanic at the area office of the Bureau of Reclamation said, “it’s been slowly filling up even though we’ve had a dry summer.” Core, who has been working for the bureau over 15 years, said he has seen the lake “much lower.” For most Pueblo residents, the reservoir is the hub of summertime recreational activities. But the lake is so much more than that. 

Established in the 1970s, the Pueblo dam was built as part of the Fryingpan- Arkansas Project. The project was aimed toward supplying water for hydroelectric power, irrigation, municipal, and industrial uses. Additionally, from March through September, the upper region of the lake remains empty, specifically for flood control. This empty area is marked a storage space for extra water should a sizable flood occur. Enhancement of wildlife is another important quality of Lake Pueblo. Considered a fishing hotspot, the lake provides more than 4,000 acres of water and over 60 miles of shoreline, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 

Between now and next summer, the water levels will continue to fluctuate depending on the snowfall this winter. But there is no need to panic. Pueblo can expect to keep on boating, swimming, and fishing at its favorite lake. Levels are expected to remain normal. On Nov. 15, the Bureau of Reclamation will begin storing water for the following months, according to Core. “It’ll never fully dry up,” he said, “it would have to get awfully low to affect the recreational use of the lake.” 

The post Lake Pueblo is Not Drying Up Anytime Soon first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.

By Rebecca VanGorder

Regan Foster is the newest adjunct professor in Colorado State University Pueblo’s Department of Media Communications. 

Regan hails from Iowa originally but has traveled throughout 18 years in the journalism industry. Whether it was full time or as a stringer, Foster’s career has taken her from Iowa to Alaska, Michigan, Illinois and Colorado. Prior to her position with CSU Pueblo, Foster was most recently the founding editor and general manager of the Southeast Express.

Foster also sat on the editorial boards of the Colorado Springs Independent and the Colorado Springs Business Journal. Among her professional achievements, she w  as the first woman to be hired as the editorial page editor of the Pueblo Chieftain. She has covered a wide variety of beats like politics and government in Chicago and trade on the Pacific Rim.

When asked about her pivot to teaching, Foster said, “I would really love to teach and inspire the next generation of great talent. I love mentoring and working with interns and young reporters when they come into the newsroom and training, so this just seemed like the next natural step.”

Along with her experience in journalism, Foster holds dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Iowa in journalism and Spanish. She went on to get her master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. 

One of Foster’s proudest career achievements was taking over for another journalist’s primary beat so that he could go into a deep and lengthy investigation which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

She said, “It was one of those moments where you’re proud to be a part of the team and see you colleagues and peers really thrive. It was truly an honor.”

One of the changes in the journalism industry that concerns Foster is the crisis of confidence the media is currently experiencing. A bigger challenge to her eyes though is that of corporatization throughout the media. 

“When media companies are buying up all the small local publications and centralizing services and processes, downsizing staff, you lose quality for the sake of the bottom line and return on investment,” Foster said.

Bias in the media has led to a loss of trust throughout America. In order to combat her own bias Foster takes the approach of a moderator and providing journalistic reference points in the classroom. As a woman of strong opinions, the struggle to set aside that bias is a daily exercise but something that Foster believes strongly in.

Drawing from her experiences, Foster recommends students “get involved in every opportunity you can. If there’s a class that strikes your interest, take it whether that’s in your area of focus or not. If there’s a club get involved in that. That’s all life experience that is readily available to you; it’s being curated by people who are passionate about you seizing it.”

On life, Foster said, “This sounds super cheesy but you’re going to have curveballs thrown your way and there will be some obstacles but they’re all learning experiences so stay focused on who you are, be confident in who you are. Everything can be a learning and growing experience. What seems catastrophic at 21 is not going to seem that dramatic at 40.”

Foster was asked if she had an alter ego what would it be and responded with her effervescent personality that she already lives it. She gets to spend her days working her ranchette in Pueblo County with her husband of 15 years. While most would expect children to be a part of the equation, in this case they are all furry with three dogs, two cats, five horses, one lamb, nine rabbits, about 40 chickens and eight turkeys. 

The self-stylized “rock and roll redneck” is passionate about equine and canine rescue and rehabilitation. During her phone interview, Foster was in a pasture, mending fences and being followed by her horse. 

The post Colorado State University Pueblo’s New Country Educator Brings New Outlooks first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.

By Alexis Vigil  

Colorado State University Pueblo’s newly renovated psychology building, dubbed the Center for Integrated Health and Human Inquiry (CIHHI), celebrated its grand reopening just in time for the fall semester on Thursday, August 20, 2020. 

The $16.8 million state-funded renovation project was completed in just one year, beginning in May 2019 and finished in May 2020. 

The building houses several different departments- health sciences, nursing, the humanities, social sciences, technology, and data sciences. 

Some of the new features include simulation labs, distance learning capabilities, accessibility, collaborative spaces, and other modern concepts. It is also the home for Student Health Services and the Counseling Center.

The project’s goals included flexibility, a new entry, collaboration, innovation, community, technology, branding identity, program elevation and inspiration. 

Trisha Pocius is the Assistant to the Dean- College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Pocius’ main role is to “oversee processes within the college,” which holds nine departments. She also works closely with other administrative assistants and supports the department’s chairs.

She was involved in the beginning of the project by attending meetings to assist with the design of the building. She was confident in the project teams and said “From the very first meeting, I had no doubts, this building will be done on time,” she continued, “they were ahead of schedule the entire time.” 

Dr. Alegría Ribadeneira is the Director of World Languages Program, a Full Professor of Spanish and Assistant Chair of English and World Languages Department. She was intimately involved with the project from beginning to end.  

She does a little bit of everything and calls herself the Director of Good Cheer: “I try to serve in any way I can. I really believe in the mission of the university and whenever I see something is needed, I jump right in.” 

That’s exactly how she landed an important role during the big move when they were going to shut down the building. She helped transition about 75 faculty and staff members from the Psychology building into the General Classroom Building (GCB). 

Dr. Ribadeneira wanted to make the process fun for everyone, so she came up with a camp theme since the move was only temporary. She added plenty of camp ideas like s’more goodie bags and even called herself the main “Camp CHASS Counselor.”

Other than facilitating the move of the faculty and staff in and out of the building she was also part of the design process. The faculty and staff held meetings in a collaborative effort to fulfill the needs of every department. They gave feedback to the architect, selected furniture and even signed off on final decisions. 

Dr. Ribadenerira last role was an idea that didn’t come to fruition; she wanted to build a maze/labyrinth right outside the building “to represent all the disciplines,” she said. It didn’t happen because “we ran out of money,” she explained, “but maybe one day.” 

The move back into the new building was a very different homecoming than what was expected due to the coronavirus restrictions. Nevertheless, Dr. Ribadeneira believes that the completion should be celebrated, “it can be enjoyed now and for many, many years to come,” she said. 

The new building aligns with CSU Pueblo’s Vision 2028 to become the people’s university. The whole concept of the space is in collaboration and dedication to interdisciplinary learning. “This space is trying to transform learning; we have reimagined the academic experience by integrating all these different disciplines,” said Dr. Ribadeneira. 

Naming the building was also a collaborative effort and a considerable task. The team of faculty and staff members wanted to encompass all the areas of study and it was important that everyone agreed. 

The “Integrated” and “Health” part of the name were a no-brainer since both the Health Sciences and Health Centers are located in the building. The trickier half was to find an umbrella term for the Humanities and Social Sciences which are broad fields. Through research and discussions, the name “Human Inquiry” was agreed upon because it covered all the areas.  

The building does not have an official sign yet because they want it to be really special; it is going to be a finishing touch. 

(Sidenote) 

For more information on any of the following Student Health Services please see the CSU Pueblo school website or other school resources or call and make an appointment. 

• Wolfpack Wellness Center 
• Counseling Center 
• And COVID-19 testing 

Special thanks to the project teams: 

Owner’s Representative- Wember

Contractor- HW Houston 

Architect | Interior Design, Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineer and Technology- DLR Group 

Civil Engineer- NorthStar Engineering and Surveying, Inc 

Landscape Architect- Design Collaborative, Inc 

The post CSU Pueblo’s Newest Collaborative Addition- The Center for Integrated Health and Human Inquiry first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.

bu Reenua Jones

As an african American myself I feel very connected to this month. For the sole purpose that it
celebrates the triumphs and the history of my people.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time
for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. Also known as African American
History Month, the event stemed out of “Negro History Week,”created in 1926 by Carter G.
Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator and publisher.Since 1976, every
U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other
countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to
celebrating black history.

Triumphs of Black excellence:

Famous Protests: While Rosa Parks is credited with helping to spark the Civil Rights movement
when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white man,the lesser-known Claudette Colvin was
arrested nine months prior for not giving up her bus seat to white passengers.

Self-Made Millionaire: Madam C.J. Walker was born on a cotton plantation in Louisiana and
became wealthy after inventing a line of African American hair care products. She established
Madame C.J. Walker Laboratories and was also known for her philanthropy.

First Professional Black Baseball Player: On April 5, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first
African American to play Major League Baseball when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers.

First Black Billionaire: Before Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jordan joined the billionaire’s club,
Robert Johnson became the first African American billionaire when he sold the cable station he
founded, Black Entertainment Television (BET) in 2001.

First Black President: In 2008, Barack Obama became the first black president of the United
States.

The post The Legacy of Black History Month first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.

By Carlos Diego Sanchez

Maya Angelou said in an interview, “Right may not be expedient, it may not be profitable, but it will satisfy your soul. It brings you the kind of protection that body guards can’t give you.  Try to be all that you can be. Be the best human being you can be. Try to be in your church, in your temple, in your classroom. Do it because it is right to do.” This month I would like to honor Maya Angelou for all which she has done. From poems such as “Still I Rise” to books such as “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” she has shown how strength of character and love of literature can help overcome racism and trauma. In her interviews I can just listen to the wisdom she gives and listen to her soul speak. It is now going on six years in May since Angelou has left this earth but she will never be forgotten. She has taught me to be aware of the impact I leave on people. Angelou taught me to be cognizant of how I make people feel because that is what they will remember me by. I also carry her teachings of not living life just to survive but to thrive. To live a life with passion, compassion, humor and style. She embodied courage, beauty, and eloquence. Angelou overcame racism and trauma throughout her life. She persevered throughout some of the most tense times in American history. She was a woman of color living in a time where Jim Crow laws existed and women were not considered to be leaders of America. Angelou overcame limitations and now is considered an influential person and was recognized as a recipient of the presidential medal of freedom. Angelou said, “People will know you. They will add their prayers to your life. They will wish you well. I think if your name is mentioned and they say, “oh hell or oh damn” I think you’re doing something wrong, but if your name is mentioned and people say “she’s so sweet, he’s so nice, oh i love her, God bless her” try to live your life in a way you will not regret. Years of useless virtue, inertia, or timidity.” This quote resonates with me because I think of people at my funeral one day. When they remember me I don’t want them to have to lie and say I was a good person. I want to be the person who is missed and will be remembered for the good things I have done. Instead of leaving an impact where people will only have negative things to say, Angelou has taught me to be the person I want to be remembered as. Just do right.

The post Maya Angelou: Just Do Right first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.

On Sunday, February 2, 2020, the Kansas City Chiefs won the National Football League’s Super Bowl. The Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers by the final score of 31-20 in Super Bowl 54. At the end of the game, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was named the Most Valuable Player for his performance in Kansas City’s first Super Bowl title in 50 years.

While the Super Bowl win is a huge deal in Kansas City, as well as the entire state of Missouri, the Super Bowl title is also a proud moment for the city of Pueblo, and Colorado State University-Pueblo. While the Denver Broncos are rivals of the Chiefs, there is a positive in 

Kansas City’s win. CSU-Pueblo student, Mike Pennel, was among the winners.

Pennel is an alumni of CSU-Pueblo. Pennel played football for the Thunderwolves in his senior season in 2013 as defensive tackle. Pennel grew up in Aurora, Colorado, and played football at Grandview High School.

As a freshman and sophomore, Pennel played football at Scottsdale Community College. In his two year stint, Pennel was ranked as the number six defensive tackle among all junior and community colleges. In 2012, he played at Arizona State University, where he recorded four tackles in five games.

Pennel then transferred to CSU-Pueblo, where he was brought in by CSU-Pueblo head football coach John Wristen.

“I told Mike ‘This is your last stop and I want to help you fulfill your dreams, but you’ve got to understand you’ve got to do it the right way,’” Wristen said. “He appreciated someone reaching out, to have that coach-to-player relationship, and to hold him accountable. He bought into what we were doing.”

In 2014, Pennel was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Green Bay Packers, where he spent three seasons. In 2017, Pennel was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets, and he spent two seasons there. On March 14, 2019, Pennel signed a two-year contract with the New England Patriots, but he was released after the preseason.

On Saturday, October 19, 2019, the Chiefs put faith in Pennel by signing him to a contract. He didn’t disappoint either, as he put up 13 tackles in 11 games this season. One of the tackles coming on the biggest stage in the Super Bowl.

Pennel also had an assisted tackle in the game, but perhaps his biggest play of the game was the hit he laid on San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo wound up throwing the ball to his wide receiver, Deebo Samuel, and as soon as he released the ball, Pennel plowed him to the turf.

The pass was intercepted by Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland, mainly due to the pressure Pennel put on Garoppolo. Many replays of the interception show Garoppolo’s eyes closed as he threw the ball, almost as if he were anticipating the big hit from Pennel. 

“Working with the coaches and players, it all just works,” Pennel said. “My personality fits well in the locker room. Guys come in early and stay late and want to be good. When everybody wants to be great, that’s when you get the good results.”

The post CSU-Pueblo Alumni Wins Super Bowl first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.

With all the recent roller coasters of ever-changing weather, here in  Southern Colorado. The high winds, snow, and freezing temperatures can be a concern when traveling. The students and staff safety here at CSU-Pueblo is a priority when it comes to reaching your destination.

If inclement weather occurs,  please monitor the CSU-Pueblo website for updated closures and delays. Monitor blackboard and your student email for additional announcements from professors or other information.

 Please be mindful that closures and delays may not be the same on each campus.  Give yourself extra time when snow travel is a factor. You can also sign-up for alerts in your Paws account under the “emergency text” tab. The text alerts that will assist in keeping you informed on delays and closures due to weather conditions. You can also check your local news for weather forecasts, closures, and delays.

The post Inclement Weather Information first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.