Juanita Whitaker, 60-year-old senior standing mass communications major at Colorado State University – Pueblo, is running for the 2009 Homecoming Queen .
If she is elected for the 2009 Homecoming Queen she will be the first senior citizen in CSU-Pueblo to receive that honor states Whitaker.
Whitaker has completed the requirements for the application. Each candidate must have a minimum GPA of 2.75, must be currently enrolled in 12 credit hours and must be a sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student to apply.
Also, the candidates are required to complete two short question essays. The first prompt is “ What do you feel is your biggest achievement as CSU-Pueblo?” and the second prompt “Why do you feel you are the best to represent CSU-Pueblo ?”
Whitaker is currently attending college for the second time.
In the early 70s she attended a college in Norfolk,Va.
“I have always been a proactive person ,” Whitaker states. In the early 70s Whitaker states she was detained by campus police because she was campaigning for gay rights by hanging posters. Whitaker and friends were sticking up for a classmate who was scrutinized for being gay before he finally dropped out of class.
Whitaker said she felt the college should have done more to keep the student on campus.
Whitaker said she is running for Homecoming Queen to help set an example and to represent senior citizens on the campus and help those senior citizens who maybe question how they fit into the campus life.
“I’ve never known how to act like an old person; some of my best friends are young people,” Whitaker said.
Whitaker said if she is chosen for Homecoming Queen she will wear something from Liz Claiborne because she is a big fan of her. “I’m not as fashionable as Michelle Obama,” Whitaker said.
Whitaker said she intends on getting flyers printed with her photo on the front with what she believes in as part of her campaign.
“I am a supporter of young, old and everyone in between. It’s a great life; don’t waste a minute of it. Always reach for your dreams, ” Whitaker said.
Lynn • Jan 25, 2012 at 2:48 pm
I feel that I would like to respond to these comments. I was at the Brandon Center in 1989 when this shooting occurred. It was truly an awful experience. Jeanne was a very sweet and generous girl, and it was very sad that her life was taken away from her so coldly and mercilessly. I am a believer in the Lord and I believe in forgiveness, as He has forgiven those who seek Him. If someone has sought forgiveness, they are forgiven by God for the sin and crime of murder. In my personal opinion, however, I don’t believe she can represent a school, and there are still consequences for actions. (Although I don’t fault the school for their philosophy and acceptance, as a matter of principle.) She apparently claimed that she didn’t know what she was doing, and was relieved of paying any debt to society. That aside, I have to say that her attitude towards the cousin of this slain girl is appalling, and shows no repentance whatsoever. A math issue on the number of bullets? Calling her a liar? Maybe it was four bullets that killed Jeanne. This is not the response of a repentant and contrite person, which is necessary for forgiveness. This is not a representative of good character. God rest the soul of a beautiful person.
Juanita Whitaker • Jan 24, 2011 at 12:59 am
All I have to say, is that a gun only has so many bullets. Mine had six. If I really shot someone 5 times plus two more people…do you get the idea. Your major must not be Math. You can’t even add correctly. Let alone tell the truth. Do like I do, go to church and get rid of some of that hate thats eating you up.
Felicia • Oct 23, 2009 at 9:56 am
Jaunita says she supports the young and the old. And everyone in between. If she only would have thought that when she shot my cousin Jeanne Archulata in the back 5 times. All Jeanne was doing that day at the womens clinic was volunteering her time to a women’s shelter. When Jaunita didn’t get what she wanted she pulled a gun. And shot my cousin 5 times 2 other victims were shot and wounded. And she says “you are never too old to live your dreams.” Well, my cousin Jeanne will never get that chance. She was a beautiful smart woman who never thought about herself and wanted to help womwn in need better themselves. Jeanne never got to finish college. Or have children. Jaunita took that all away from her and tore her family apart. Jaunita you do not deserve to represent any group of people. Much less a college. Don’t mislead the people. Google and read up and learn about the real Jaunita.
Appleseed Jesusdaughter • Oct 20, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Juanita, my dear dear friend it takes a lot of courage and guts to step up to the plate and aspire to reach a poetic goal and to challenge both young and old that their are no limits that can get in the way of ones qwest to achieve thier dreams. I hope that just by entering this wonderful event that you send a messege out to all the young beautiful princesses at CSU, that taking a risk to be happy is a risk worth taking no matter what one may say. You most certainly have my vote and as an advocate for human rights, i say everyone let’s help Juanita make history at our university. All for one and one for all. You Go Girl.
Josephina Kartak • Oct 20, 2009 at 11:51 am
Juanita- what a treasure you are. I am ashamed to say that I scoffed at the idea of Homecoming. Let the young deal with dresses, hair, and nails. Honestly, after reading your story the sad truth is that I lost my opportunity to enjoy life’s opportunities due to a series of poor choices. You are truly an inspiration. Congratulations to you and all the women who have courageously come forward for this exciting event.