Dr. M. Edmund Vallejo Edmund Vallejo came into this world a month before Black Tuesday. With the country in the grips of the Great Depression, he spent most of his childhood as a resident of Mount Saint Vincent Home, an orphanage for boys in Denver. After high school, Edmund joined the U.S. Navy where he was trained as an aerial photographer and ultimately served as a combat photographer in Korea with the First Marine Corps Division.  Upon discharge, Edmund returned to his studies and graduated cum laude from Adams State College in 1955. He immediately

began on a long and distinguished career with Pueblo School District 60. He taught English, guidance, and Title I reading and subsequently advanced to principal, associate superintendent and superintendent – a progression spanning 36 years. He was the first Hispanic to lead a school system in Pueblo. While with the district, the consummate educator advanced his own education, earning a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1958 and his doctorate in education from Kansas State University in 1975. Even after his retirement from District 60, Edmund has continued to serve the community and its children. Known affectionately as “Dr. V” by his students and colleagues, he served as Interim Dean at Pueblo School for Arts and Sciences performed as coordinator/-facilitator for the local Communities in Schools Tutor/-Mentor Initiative Program. He continues to mentor and tutor at-risk students in Pueblo County and sees them through to a high school diploma or GED. 

Outside of the educational arena, Edmund has volunteered and served on a host of community and civic organizations and initiatives, including a stint as vice-chairman of the Colorado Historical Society Board of Directors and currently is chairman of its Archeology and Historic Preservation Committee. He is active as a team member of the RCIA movement at Holy Family Catholic Church Parish and was president of the District 60 Education Foundation for 14 years. Not only is Edmund a published author, avid outdoors sportsman, and historian, he is also a husband. He and his wife, Gregoria, are approaching their 49th wedding anniversary and are the proud parents of four children, grandparents of seven, and great-grandparents of two.

Senator Abel Tapia  Abel Tapia grew up in Pueblo8217;s Bessemer area. He graduated from Pueblo Central High School in 1968 and then became a first-generation college student. He earned an associate degree at Southern Colorado State College (now CSU-Pueblo) and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Colorado State University. After college and during a decades-long tenure with CF&I Steel Corporation, Abel worked in several capacities including Assistant Chief Mining Engineer. In 1985, he founded Abel Engineering Professionals, Inc., an engineering and surveying firm that has one of the finest reputations in Southern Colorado.nbsp;

In the early 1990s, Abel began his public service career on the Pueblo School District 60 Board of Education. During eight years of board service – including vice presidential and presidential positions, he helped shape progressive educational policy. During 1997-1998, he represented D60 as chair of the Pueblo Area Council of Governments and also served as chair of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Successful statewide elections have followed. From 1998 to 2002, Abel served as Representative from District 46. His appointments included selection to the Legislative Council and the Finance and Appropriations committees. He was both Democratic and Latino Caucus Chairman. Abel was selected “Freshman Legislator of the Year” during his first term. In 2002, he was elected Senator for District 3 and was uncontested for reelection in 2006. Currently, he is chair of both the Joint Budget Committee – the first Hispanic so appointed – and the Appropriations Committee. These two committees are considered to be the most powerful in the General Assembly.

On a personal note, Abel recently was married to his wife Connie. He is the father of three very successful children and grandfather of six girls and one boy.  

2007 Hall of Fame Event

Some highlights of the evening

Senator Abel Tapia and Dr. M. Edmund Vallejo	Diane Porter - Executive Director of the Foundation and Emcee
Nicole Pechek - Student Speaker	Loaf 'N Jug - Exclusive Sponsor
Guests begin to arrive