Dear Foundation Board Members, Students, and Friends of Pueblo Community College:

     This year has brought on some changes and challenges to the PCC Foundation.  As you may know by now, Tony Fortino has stepped down as President of the Foundation after 25 years at the helm.  Tony’s contributions to the Foundation and to the College are legion and serve as an inspiration to us all.  For that reason I agreed to step into his position as Interim President to fill out his term until the next election in September.

     I am excited, as well as somewhat intimidated, by the challenges ahead, but that excitement translates into energy to try new approaches, processes and systems.  These challenges and excitement need to filter out to all our Board members, however, to create lasting change.  In other words one or a few people cannot do it alone.  The staff is highly motivated and will give their wholehearted efforts to any changes, but the heart of the Foundation, as always, is with its Board.  We, as Board members, need to initiate change and give the staff the direction it needs to function.

      Already, we are looking at several new initiatives to recharge our circuits and let the community know our message.  The Board retreat that is scheduled for Saturday, May 12, 2006 at PCC is just the start, and I hope that we will get great attendance and participation for our very first retreat.  Hopefully, the retreat will help us accomplish these things.  The Foundation’s first newsletter, thanks to the efforts of Diane Porter and her staff, is to be distributed by May.  In the months ahead we need to develop a focus, strategy and goals that are attainable for the balance of the year. 

     During the three years or so that I have been on the board, I have made great friends and learned a great deal about dedication and community service from all of you.  Any foundation which is dedicated to charitable/educational endeavors is only as good as its board members.  We have a great nucleus to work with, and I’m positive that with a renewed focus and strong commitment, we will reach our goals.  We exist primarily to support Pueblo Community College, its students and programs.  As an alumnus of this institution (Pueblo Junior College, AA 1963), I first realized the value of a college education at a community college; now, I’m hoping to give something back to the institution.  You, too, feel that dedication, I’m sure, because you agreed to give of your time and efforts to serve on the Foundation Board.  Together, we can do it.  Si se puede!

Joe T. Ulibarri

Interim President

Pueblo Community College Foundation