The VO2 hero workout was organized by PLP students in honor of the late US Army Ssg Matthew Whalen.
~ photo by Adrienne Burthe

For members of the Colorado State University-Pueblo President’s Leadership Program, learning and helping the community are combined tasks.

The junior class of the academic leadership program recently completed a fundraiser for Veterans Overcoming Obstacles, or VO2, a local organization that uses exercise to assist veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder.

Chris Carter, the founder of the organization, said VO2 sponsors veterans for any fitness-related activity from Spartan races to mud runs to power lifting. Veterans can also workout at a gym in Pueblo West that is supervised by Carter, a yoga instructor, and a certified counselor.

Lexi Kristan is a PLP member who teaches yoga at the gym. Inspired by the organization’s purpose, she proposed helping VO2 for a community service project, something that PLP students are required to complete during their junior year.

The students split up into teams back in August and developed a business plan and marketing materials. They worked tirelessly to plan a fundraiser, which they called the Hero Workout, in hopes the event would raise community awareness about veterans’ issues and honor veteran, Matthew Whalen. They planned for the event to take place on Nov. 11, Veteran’s Day.

Deanna Sanchez, a PLP member who was on the business planning team for the project, appeared passionate in her support of VO2. She said her experience with the organization has taught her quite a bit.

“It has taught me how to organize events—it’s intense,” Sanchez explained. Sanchez said she will continue volunteer at the gym, even though the fundraiser is over.

The fundraiser is just one facet of the community service project.  All of the proceeds from the Hero Workout will be given to the organization, which has only existed for a year and a half.

According to Jordan Freed, a business major at CSU-Pueblo and also a PLP member, the next phase of the plan is to write a grant proposal for the organization so that it can be provided with even more funding to expand, even after the members of this year’s junior class have left.

Carter said he is hoping that he can provide free memberships to all veterans who wish to workout at his gym. Though yoga classes are complimentary, there are still some veterans who have to pay to use the facility for CrossFit. The founder also expressed future plans to expand his gym to other cities, creating “a YMCA for veterans.”

Carter said it’s “nice for veterans to have somewhere to go” when they come back from war. He said the Veterans’ Affairs office often prescribes pills for veterans combatting PTSD, which can sometimes cause them to develop drug addictions. He explained that VO2 offers a more holistic approach and gives them an opportunity to reintegrate into society.

Kristan said that during yoga sessions, she tries to teach the veterans to open up their hearts using meditation and mindfulness.  Even as an instructor, Kristan has learned from the veterans as well.

“I feel like it’s taught me so many things,” she said, referring to her experience in both PLP and VO2. Aside from event planning, Kristan said she has learned that the veteran population is extremely appreciative.

For more information about VO2, one can visit its Facebook page (@veteransovercomingobstacles), or call (719) 468-0694.

PLP seeks “to develop multi-culturally competent transformational leaders who will serve Colorado and the communities in which they live and work.” For more information about the President’s Leadership Program, visit

http://www.csupueblo.edu/plp/Pages/default.aspx

Edited by: Theresa Wolf

CSU-Pueblo Health and Wellness Fair ~ photo courtesy of Adrienne Burthe

The Student Counseling Center at Colorado State University-Pueblo, which offers a variety of resources to meet psychological needs, has recently adopted an unconventional method to aid students.

Acudetox, a form of acupuncture, was implemented by the counseling center at the beginning of the fall semester. CSU-Pueblo students were able to experience it firsthand at the university’s Health and Wellness Fair Oct. 14.

The method uses small, sterilized, disposable, stainless steel needles that are inserted in specific locations on the ear using the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol. Subjects may sit or lie down for approximately 30-45 minutes until the needles are removed. The procedure is supposed to have a calming, relaxing effect.

A handout, provided to students before the session, gave a detailed overview of the points: the sympathetic point, Shen Men, the kidney point, the liver point, and the lung point. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the five points will increase the body’s ability to produce endorphins in addition to other healing chemicals.

The kidney point is associated with growth, development, reproduction, courage, intelligence and the aging process, while the liver point is linked to resolving anger and balancing body systems and emotions. Lastly, the lung point is associated with respiration, the grieving process and protecting the body from disease.

Acupuncture has been used to China, its country of origin, for thousands of years. The website for the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences states that acupuncture has its roots in Daoist tradition, which observes the transfer of energy.

However, acupuncture was not introduced to the United States until the 1970s. According to Marla Lucero, a licensed professional counselor and Acudetox specialist at CSU-Pueblo, the practice was originally used to treat patients battling opiate addiction.

Most recently, Accudetox has been used in the US to treat anxiety, reduce cravings and relieve stress.

Those receiving Accudetox may be instructed to focus on a specific issue they are dealing with, whether it is an unrelenting desire for sugary foods, an emotional issue or physical pain. Subjects may experience a slight pinch as the needles are inserted.

Trevor Hardin, a senior social work major at CSU-Pueblo, tried Acudetox for the first time at the Health and Wellness Fair. He said that though the needles stung a little bit as they were inserted, he enjoyed the experience overall.

“It was worth the sting,” he explained. “From the moment all of the needles were in, I felt a sense of calm and peace.  I also felt really sleepy.”

Hardin said he would recommend the experience to everyone, as the it made him feel better after having a bad morning.

Lucero mentioned that those interested in an Acudetox session can schedule an appointment on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays at the counseling center in PSY 236. She is the only counselor who is licensed to perform the procedure, and is available on those days from 9-4 p.m. The first session for students is free, and any following sessions are $10.

Edited by: Theresa Wolf

Gallery by Adrienne Burthe

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Health and Wellness Fair was held in the OUC on 10/14/2016.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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Health and Wellness Fair was held in the OUC on 10/14/2016.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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Health and Wellness Fair was held in the OUC on 10/14/2016.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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Health and Wellness Fair was held in the OUC on 10/14/2016.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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A table at the Health and Wellness Fair offering acupuncture.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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A participant in the Health and Wellness Fair getting acupuncture.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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The Department of nursing table at the Health and Wellness Fair.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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A table at the Health and Wellness Fair offering acupuncture.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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A nurse educating a visitor on the flu.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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Visitors to the Health and Wellness Fair.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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Info about the Flu at the Health and Wellness Fair.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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Make stress release balloons at the Health and Wellness Fair.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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Make stress release balloons at the Health and Wellness Fair.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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Coloring is a great way to relax and relieve stress.
Make stress release balloons at the Health and Wellness Fair.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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Coloring is a great way to relax and relieve stress.
Make stress release balloons at the Health and Wellness Fair.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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The tables offered take-away things to participants at the Health and Wellness Fair.
Coloring is a great way to relax and relieve stress.
Make stress release balloons at the Health and Wellness Fair.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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The table for the Pueblo Community Health Center.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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Health and Wellness Fair was held in the OUC on 10/14/2016.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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Health and Wellness Fair was held in the OUC on 10/14/2016.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

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Health and Wellness Fair was held in the OUC on 10/14/2016.
Photo by: Adrienne Burthe

Hadrian’s Wall ~ Image courtesy of www.english-heritage.org.uk

An informational session regarding the study abroad trip to Hadrian’s Wall in England was held Tuesday at 4 p.m. on the Colorado State University-Pueblo campus.

Assistant history professor Judy Gaughan is in charge of planning the trip. It is the second attempt at getting the venture off the ground. Last year’s trip was cancelled due to low participation and high cost.

The 13-day excursion will occur during the summer months from May 28-June 9, 2017, tentatively. However, there will also be a required class prior to the trip from May 15-May 25, 2017, which will take place on the CSU-Pueblo campus.

“The class itself is going to be on film and history,” said Gaughan.

She explained that the class will give insightful information as to how people lived in the provinces of ancient Rome, with a central focus on the empire’s influence in England. Students can take either or an upper-division or lower-division version of the course. Each will have its own set of requirements.

Afterward, the class will fly across the Atlantic Ocean to England, where the images of their studies will come to life. After arriving in Manchester, England, the group is scheduled to take a train to Corbridge, England and begin an extensive 40-mile hike along Hadrian’s Wall.

The structure, constructed by the Roman emperor Hadrian in 117 A.D., is considered the northernmost border of the Roman Empire. It was made to separate “Roman and Barbarian territories,” according to the wall’s official website.

During the hike, which will take approximately one week, Gaughan said students would be able to view archaeological sites such as temples, castles, and the famous Robin Hood Tree. The hike will also be supplemented by trips to museums such as the Tullie and the Roman Army. Gaughan said she has also been in touch with an archaeologist at the ancient fort of Vindolanda, a site along the way.

Students worried about carrying their luggage throughout the hike won’t have to fret.  The hike will be Hillwalk Tours will host the hike. The company specializes in providing self-guided hiking tours throughout the United Kingdom. Gaughan explained that they would ensure that the luggage follows the student to each destination.

The trek will end in Carlisle, England, but the trip will not. Gaughan said that the group would then take a train to London for the last half of the journey.  Students will visit both the British Museum and London Museum, and even take a day trip to the town of Bath.

The total cost of the trip is $3,882, given at least five students sign up. The cost of the class, a passport, most meals or travel insurance is not included. However, Gaughan said the trip would become less expensive if more students sign up.

“If we can get more students, we can make this cheaper,” she said.

Gaughan mentioned a few ways students could start saving money, such as asking relatives.  She also said that leftover financial aid would help cover the cost as long as a student takes at least six credit hours during the summer semester.

Lastly, Gaughan spoke of a crowdsourcing effort through the CSU-Pueblo Foundation. She is hoping to raise $10,000 for the trip through this initiative, which would potentially lower the cost to below $3,000 for each person.

But no matter what the cost, a nonrefundable $1,000 deposit for the trip is due by Dec. 9. This can be difficult for some students to scrounge up.

“Financial aid is a big thing, “said Tara Carter, a history major at the university.

Carter hoped to pay the $1,000 deposit but admitted that it would not be an easy task.  She contemplated the idea of starting a GoFundMe campaign but disliked that the organization takes five percent of the earnings.

Gaughan encouraged everyone to attend the trip to Hadrian’s Wall. She said she studied abroad as an undergraduate student in Athens, Greece, and thinks it is an experience that every college student should have.

Edited by: Theresa Wolf 

Image courtesy of csupueblo.edu

TRiO staff at Colorado State University-Pueblo is on the prowl for talent after receiving a grant for $ 1.2 million grant from the Department of Education to finance its newly added Talent Search program.

Talent Search will be part of the university’s TRiO programs, and its aim is to encourage those from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education.

According to a CSU-Pueblo news release, the program will focus on assisting students from Central, East and South high schools, along with Risley International Academy of Innovation, Roncalli STEM Academy and Pueblo Academy of Arts.

Michael Manos, director of TRiO Programs, has worked in Pueblo for 18 years. He explained that career exploration is one of Talent Search’s primary initiatives.

“One of the things we want to do is expose students to a lot of different careers so they can make good informed decisions,” Manos explained. He stressed the importance of individuals in the program developing career goals, saying that it makes them willing to persevere when met with obstacles in college.

Additionally, the program will provide tutoring and information about financial aid and college life. A unique aspect of the program is that most of the sessions will take place during school hours so that students do not have to attend sessions after school or on the weekends.

Once admitted, students will also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of field trips, particularly to CSU-Pueblo, giving them a greater insight into college processes and departments as well showcasing the University as a viable option upon graduation.

Manos said a director would oversee the entire program, along with an academic coordinator and a program coordinator. Because the program will have approximately 500 students, he is searching for nine upperclassmen at CSU-Pueblo to serve as peer mentors for high school juniors and seniors. These paid positions are suitable for those who have a desire to meet community needs.

Manos said he is also looking for volunteers for various aspects of the program such as talking to members of the program about a particular major or assisting with activities.

Officially started on Sept. 1, the program is still in its beginning stages. Currently, accepting applications for middle school an d high school students.

Still, Manos appeared optimistic about the endeavor. “I think it will reflect well for the university to have something like this in the community, and I think it will be a good bridge between the Pueblo community and the university,” said Manos.

Manos also revealed in a news release that Talent Search would attempt to increase college graduation and retention rates through its efforts.

According to a press release, CSU-Pueblo’s Talent Search program will be one of five in the state. Colorado State University–Fort Collins, Fort Lewis College, the Greeley Dream Team, and the Denver Scholarship Fund also have the program.

For more information about the program, students are encouraged to contact the Talent Search Office at 719-549-2592 or by email at TalentSearch@csupueblo.edu

Edited by: Theresa Wolf

Image courtesy of csupueblo.edu

Colorado State University-Pueblo President Lesley Di Mare announced her retirement and other subjects at the State of the University address Sept. 12.

Di Mare, who has been president of the university for nearly five years, said she and her husband decided it was time for her to retire. She expressed gratitude to those who have worked with her during her term at CSU-Pueblo.

“It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to represent this great university for the past five years, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in that time, thanks to our committed faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters,” she said.

Though her term ends on Nov. 30, 2016, Di Mare said she will continue to serve as president until June 30, 2017. According to a recent news release, a search advisory committee will be selected in the coming months to find a replacement.

Other subjects touched upon at the address included enrollment, research funding, CSU-Pueblo’s new degree programs, and CSU-Pueblo facilities.

CSU-Pueblo enrolled 834 new freshmen this year, a 5.4 percent increase from last year. This is an improvement from last year, when enrollment dropped over 7 percent. However, enrollment remains stagnant.

Di Mare also said that the university population now consists of 34 percent full-time equivalent Hispanic students, strengthening its status as a Hispanic-serving institution. The number has increased by approximately nine percentage points since 2011. The university president said that CSU-Pueblo is on the verge of becoming a minority-serving institution as well.

Additionally, Di Mare said the university received $900,000 from the state from marijuana taxes. She also mentioned a partnership with Pueblo County for scholarships from the taxes.

She described some of the research that will be conducted at the university regarding marijuana.

“We will be working with the governor’s office, other universities, and NIDA, the National Institute on Drug Abuse,” she said.

Some of the areas of research include examining the burden of the Schedule 1 registration process, the scheduling of cannabinoids that lack abuse potential and research associated with the discrepancy between state and federal laws.

Di Mare also spoke about the launch of CSU-Pueblo’s first online degree in construction management. She even hinted about a possible extended studies partnership with the Department of Corrections in the arenas of health, music industry, and computer applications, and entrepreneurship.

Lastly, the president spoke on some of the changes being made to the infrastructure of the campus. Besides the construction of the Occhiato University Center, Di Mare said that the CSU-Pueblo received a $1 million grant to fund the expansion of a northern road on campus. She explained that CSU-Pueblo entered a $12.5 million contract to improve the campus’s failing infrastructure and extend sustainability initiatives.

Edited by: Theresa Wolf

Colorado State University-Pueblo announced the results of its “On the Move” campaign at a ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 31.

image courtesy of csupueblo.edu

Donors, university leaders, and students gathered in the Occhiato University Center Ballroom for an announcement that the university exceeded its three-year goal of $25 million by almost $3.5 million.

The donations will be used to help fund the renovation of the OUC, provide additional scholarships to students and support the university’s growing athletic programs.

“I am overwhelmed by the generosity and commitment of this institution’s supporters,” said CSU-Pueblo President Lesley Di Mare.

According to CSU-Pueblo Foundation Chair, Russell DeSalvo, CSU-Pueblo received contributions from donors in all 50 states, and more than 34 percent of the individual donors were from alumni of the institution.

Additionally, 100 percent of faculty and staff from both the Hasan School of Business and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences gave to the campaign.

“Di Mare said she was especially grateful for the financial assistance the campaign provided to CSU-Pueblo students, who have taken on more and more of the burden of tuition as state allocations have declined over through the year,” a campus-wide email stated on Wednesday.

Because of the “On

the Move” campaign, the university was able to create 59 new scholarship funds to benefit students. The success follows the announcement in early August that the Foundation was able to grant $2.5 million in scholarships to students for the 2016-2017 school year, a record-breaking number according to a recent news release.

Associated Students’ Government President, Antonio Huerta, spoke at Wednesday’s event. Huerta is a senior MBA student, and he praised the Foundation for their efforts in providing financial assistance for students, adding that the office has helped him personally.

“I know for a fact that if it wasn’t for the CSU-Pueblo Foundation and the scholarships that I have been awarded through them, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Huerta said.

Huerta also said the campaign has made him realize the importance of philanthropy. He emphasized that the idea of students helping students should be more prominent.

The university first announced the campaign in 2013 with the goal of allocating $15 million for scholarships, $5 million for the OUC renovation, and $5 million toward athletics.

The final results of the campaign are as follows: $6.9 million for academics and scholarships, $7.3 million for athletics, another $3.2 million specifically for athletic scholarships, and $2.3 million for the OUC renovation. Another $8.2 million and $229,000 were given in the form of miscellaneous restricted gifts and unrestricted gifts, respectively.

It was CSU-Pueblo’s first major fundraising campaign in almost 30 years.

For more information about the campaign, along with a detailed outline of the donations, visit csuponthemove.org.
Edited by: Theresa Wolf

Photos by Jason Prescott 

The Associated Students’ Government welcomed new members at an inauguration ceremony on April 19.

Sarah Zarr, this year’s ASG president, gave cords to graduating senior members. Zarr then wished the new members the best of luck in their endeavors and offered a few words of wisdom. She gave thanks to those who supported her throughout the year including Marie Humphrey, Dean of Students, and Gene Wilson, ASG vice president.

Wilson also gave some advice to the incoming ASG in a brief speech.

“You all have the potential to do something great, don’t let the nay-sayers get you down, if it doesn’t work one way, then find another away,” he said.

Afterward, a candle lighting service took place in which the ASG members leaving office lit the candles of those entering. Twelve senators, a vice president and a president were then sworn in to take office for the 2016-2017 school year.

Both the incoming president and vice president gave short statements as well. Antonio Huerta, 2016-2016 president, attributed his success to the support of family, friends and God.

Maggie Geolat, 2016-2017 vice president, quoted Ben Franklin, saying, “Well done is better than well said.”

The ceremony closed with positive statements from Gena Alfonso, co-advisor of ASG and Noelle San Souci, next year’s ASG advisor.

CSU-Pueblo President Lesley Di Mare discusses marijuana research at a meeting April 13. | Photo by Jason Prescott

The dream for the Institute of Cannabis Research is still alive.

President Lesley Di Mare announced at a meeting April 13 that the university is still moving forward with plans to establish a marijuana research facility on-campus, dispelling numerous rumors that the idea had been squashed.

“We should be getting the 1 million soon,” said Di Mare, referring to the amount of money that the college is requesting from the state.

Rick Kreminski, provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, also appeared hopeful. He revealed that the Colorado General Assembly Joint Budget Committee, the six legislators responsible for the state budget, unanimously supported the proposal.

The university is also expecting another $300,000 from marijuana sales in Pueblo County, which will also be allotted toward research.

However, the plan is in its beginning stages, and a bill has yet to be introduced to the state, much less voted upon or signed into action. If written, the bill would not only encompass CSU-Pueblo’s proposal, but other requests regarding marijuana as well.

Still, an approved plan would result in plenty of possibilities for the school. As one of the few state-funded institutions to study marijuana, CSU-Pueblo would be able to provide endless research opportunities for its students and professors while accumulating revenue.

The university would conduct studies on the social and economic impact of the drug, examine buffer zones between THC and regular hemp, and study power and water usage at marijuana growth facilities, to name a few.

The university also wants to welcome research from different fields, from business to psychology to engineering.

But despite the positive aspects, there are some who oppose the research, feeling it is not appropriate for a university setting.

Karl Spiecker, Vice President for Finance and Administration, who was also present at Wednesday’s meeting, stressed the distinction between research and CSU-Pueblo’s view on cannabis.  He said that the school is not necessarily pro-marijuana.

“We are pro-research,” Spiecker said.  He explained that the school is in no way promoting the use of the drug.

File photo

A public forum discussing Title IX policies was held in the Occhiato University Center ballroom April 4.

The intent of the meeting, hosted by the Title IX office on-campus, was to clarify confusion on aspects of the law, which is in effect at all colleges across the nation. The event included a panel of eight Title IX –savvy professionals: Kaitlyn Blakey, Marie Humphries, Lieutenant Dave Clements, Dwight Burke, Carol Daugherty, Jason Johnson, Josh Zugish and Johnna Doyle. All were in attendance to answer questions from the audience.

The two-hour discussion began with an overview of Title IX from Blakey, the associate director of EEO/Affirmative Action and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at CSU-Pueblo. The law, which is widely known to have created equal opportunities in athletics for both males and females, actually extends further.

“When people say Title IX, it’s easy to think of sports, but it’s actually broader,” Blakey said.

Blakey explained the importance of the Dear Colleague Letter, a document that details the role of Title IX in preventing sexual harassment and violence. According the letter, all employees, with the exception of some counselors, are required to report sexual assault.

After the assault is reported, a university’s Title IX coordinator conducts a thorough investigation. This is includes finding evidence from witnesses, the accused and the victim.

Then the results are weighed, using preponderance of the evidence, which is different than the standard of beyond a reasonable doubt.

“Beyond a reasonable doubt is reserved for the criminal system,” Blakey said.

If the findings indicate that it is more likely than not that an incident happened, “50 percent plus a feather”, then the accused faces hefty consequences. Although Title IX sanctions are not criminal charges, one who is charged with a violation of the policy can be suspended or even expelled from the university, which shows up on the student’s transcript.

Blakey’s presentation was followed by an elaboration of Title IX processes by Josh Zugish, CSU System Senior Associate Legal Counsel, and Jason Johnson, CSU System Deputy General Counsel.

The other panelists also gave speeches about topics related to Title IX and sexual assault, such as interim accommodation measures, the impact of trauma on the brain, and the Clery Act.

Marie Humphrey, Dean of Students, explained the appeals process to the audience, saying that one who chooses to appeal must have legitimate grounds, including disproportionate sanctions, and error in the procedure, or the discovery of new information that is vital to the case.

“If not, then the hearing officer’s decision is final,” Humphrey said.

After the presentations, the audience was given the chance to ask questions about Title IX. Several of the members, about a third of whom were student athletes, were intent on uncovering the vagueness of some of Title IX’s statements.

When one member of the audience asked how investigations would work if an accusation was made by a third party witness, Burke, CSU Title IX Coordinator, said that the Title IX coordinator still must conduct an investigation, ensuring that the alleged victim was not coerced into denying the claims.

“You have to weigh the credibility of every witness,” Doyle, CSU System Deputy General Counsel, added.

However, if is found that there are no grounds to investigate further, then no action will be taken.

“Generally speaking, that will end it,” Burke said.

Gina “Gigi” Butler attended a Women’s Leadership Luncheon on campus March 31. | Photo courtesy of Gena Alfonso

The Women’s Leadership Luncheon, an event that seeks to empower women to be effective leaders in the community, took place in the Occhiato University Center on March 31.

The event brought in some of the strongest women leaders in the Pueblo community and featured keynote speaker Gina “Gigi” Butler, who provided a lecture that highlighted the power of perseverance.

Butler is the founder and CEO of Gigi’s Cupcakes, a bakery Nashville, Tennessee that started in 2008. It is now the nation’s largest cupcake franchise, with 105 stores across the United States accumulating more than $40 million in revenue. According to Butler, the amount of cupcakes sold by the company would be enough to stretch from New York City to California.

However, Butler’s story proved that the road to success is not always sweet, as she endured numerous obstacles.

Butler dropped out of college at 18 and traveled to Nashville, with aspirations of becoming a country star. However, after nearly ten years of playing in nightclubs and managing a cleaning business during the day, Butler realized the chances of reaching her goal were bleak.

“I was a broken-down country singer,” Butler said to the attendants of the luncheon.

Though she struggled with the pain of knowing that she would have to find another dream, Butler refused to give up. She gleaned knowledge from series of business and self-help books and used her Christian faith to raise her spirits.

Butler stated it was her brother that gave her the idea to open a cupcake store. Because Butler knew she loved to baked and also realized she had an entrepreneurial gift, she decided to pursue the opportunity.

Her quest for success was meant with another series of issues. Upon the opening of the first cupcake store, Butler had only $33 left to her name, and still had thousands of a dollars in expenses to pay. Still, Butler said she had the tenacity to continue with her goal, and soon customers were lined up at the door, eager to purchase baked goods from Gigi’s Cupcakes. Butler was able to pay off her bills, and even managed to have a small amount remaining.

Today, business is booming, and Butler said the company is looking to expand its reach internationally to South Korea, the United Kingdom, and even countries in the Middle East.

“It’s been an amazing eight years,” Butler said.

Butler offered some words of advice to in attendance at the luncheon. She stressed the importance of not being afraid of failure.

“Failure creates a better you,” she said emphatically.

She also encouraged the audience, particularly the Millennials, to respect the power of hard work, be thankful and to always give.