The Donor Appreciation Dinner is a semi-formal annual event that shows our gratitude to donors of the PCC Foundation.

During the Donor Appreciation Dinner, new members are inducted into the President’s Circle. The honorees are presented with a beautiful crystal award which recognizes the spirit they have demonstrated through their substantial support in time and money to Pueblo Community College.

On November 4, 2011, the inductees were Marvin Knudson (posthumously) and Drs. Linda and Eric Carlson.

Doug Knudson, Patty Erjavec, Roger Knudson, Robert Knudson, and Dave Cardinal

2011 Donor Appreciation Dinner Guests

Debbie Rose presenting donation to Ryan Griego, PCCF President

Tony Fortino Memorial

Tony Fortino

Over several decades, few demonstrated that they cared as much about Pueblo than did Anthony Joseph "Tony" Fortino, a man of vision who used both his expertise and focus to make his community a better place to live for everyone. A grocer at a young age and an automobile dealership owner for more than 40 years, Fortino made a huge impact on Pueblo in many ways.

He played a big role in such projects as the hotel and convention center complex, Pueblo's highway expansion, economic development and downtown renovation. He was named the Chamber's Citizen of the year in 1987 and was elected into the Pueblo Hall of Fame in 2002.

Fortino also understood how a well-educated workforce could build a strong business climate in Pueblo and provide employment opportunities. He was a founding member of the Pueblo Community College Foundation and was president of its board for directors for more than 20 years. He helped the Foundation raise millions of dollars in student scholarships and funded a scholarship with his wife, Barbara. Pueblo Community College presented him with an honorary Associate of Applied Science degree, and our ballroom is named after him.

When queried, Fortino's advice to students described a framework for success in life: "Work hard. Have a plan. Get an education. Learn skills.Grab opportunities. Take risks. Give back. Support your values and principles. Find a good life partner and work at relations. Respect others and yourself. Work Hard."

Tony Fortino did indeed work hard. All of us are benfitting today because of his work ethic.

Joseph "Tony" Fortino Tony Fortino was the president of the PCC Foundation and a long-time advocate and supporter of Pueblo Community College.  He supported this College with both words and actions. Tony exemplified the very best in stewardship and friendship to this College.