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Colorado State University – Pueblo unveils Latino Lifetime Achievement Wall
Pueblo‘s first Hispanic judge will be honored by the Latino Chamber
Development Corporation – Foundation when it presents Judge Joe T. Ulibarri with
its Latino Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the 3rd annual awards ceremony
and the unveiling of the Latino Lifetime Achievement Wall on the campus of
Colorado State University-Pueblo on Sept. 23.
The luncheon will be held from 11:30-1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23 in the Occhiato
University Ballroom. The cost is $20 per person. Corporate tables of 8 and 10
are available. RSVP by Sept. 19 by calling the Latino Chamber at 719-542-5513.
The Latino Chamber Foundation Award is presented annually to deserving
individuals who have exhibited continuous, selfless contributions to the
Hispanic Community of Pueblo in any one or more of the following areas:
business, politics, social, education, humanitarian or other philanthropic
activates.
The wall, to be located on the east wall of the Great Hall of the Occhiato
University Center, will serve as an historical recording for future generations
of the contributions of groups and individuals who operate outside the realm of
those in power. The wall recognizes the contributions and sacrifices that
Hispanics/Chicanos have made in improving the quality of life for
Hispanics/Chicanos in the social, political, and economic areas in the Pueblo
community.
A Pueblo native, Ulibarri attended Bessemer Elementary, Keating Junior High, and
Central High School. He was among the first graduating class of Southern
Colorado State College (now CSU-Pueblo), earning a bachelor’s degree in social
studies and English with an emphasis in public school teaching.
After teaching for a few years, he entered law school at the University of
Denver, where he earned his law degree in 1971. He began his legal career with
the Pueblo County Legal Service Program, serving indigent families on civil
matters and community legal issues, then spent a few years working for
Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund in Denver. He returned to
Pueblo in 1973 and soon was tabbed a Regional Assistant Attorney General. He
served as a Municipal Judge from 1979-89, when he was promoted to Presiding
Municipal Judge. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 2002.
Throughout his career, he has belonged to numerous community and civic
organizations,
The Pueblo Regional Planning Commission, the Bessemer Historical Society,
Parkview Medical
Center Board of Directors, Pueblo Hispanic Educational Foundation, Pueblo
Community College Foundation, and Pueblo Rotary 43.
Over his 40-year career as an educator, attorney, and judge, Ulibarri has spoken
to many students and community groups on the importance of education asna
on-going career path and as a fulfillment of life’s goals. He has mentoed young
Hispanics and participated in workshops and training programs for future
Hispanic community leaders because of his commitment life-long education.
Pueblo artists and CSU-Pueblo alumni Ken and Judith Williams have designed the
achievement wall. The Williams have been awarded more than 70 private and public
art commissions in sculptured tile and ceramic wall sculptures. In 2001, they
received a Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. Their work can be seen
throughout Pueblo and the state of Colorado.
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