The Today met with three graduating seniors to discuss their achievements at Colorado State University Pueblo and their plans for after graduation.
Alondra Solis Ayala is a graduate of the social work program and president of Associated Students’ Government (ASG). Her time on campus has brought an abundance of experience working closely with other students and the community at the Center for Student Success.
“Some of my favorite experiences of campus are mostly just getting to know students, from our traditional students, to our non-traditional students, to our international students,” she said, “It’s been amazing to get to know them and to know their stories.”
At the recent Student Leadership and Involvement Awards, Solis Ayala received the Homer and Diane Blackwell President’s Leadership Award. The award recognizes students’ involvement and success with leadership and community impact on campus, supporting the enhancement of quality of life on campus.
Solis Ayala said that she plans to work on campus after graduation to continue to build upon her positive impact within the community. She looks forward to supporting other first-generation students with their success at CSU Pueblo.
Amanda Stalder is a senior in the 3+2 program, scheduled to receive her bachelor’s and master’s in biology and a minor in chemistry with an emphasis in cellular and molecular biology. She is leaving CSU Pueblo with an array of experiences being involved with the biology program.
In her time on campus, she has been involved as a work study student, helping with students in their introductory level lab classes, as well as being involved with several different clubs within the biology program, including serving as vice president of the American Physician Scientists Association.
Stalder is this year’s Threlkeld Prize for Excellence recipient.
“It’s such an honor and it’s extraordinary. It goes to top students every year for their excellence in scholarly activities,” Stalder said.
Her efforts in academics on-campus and off-campus earned her recognition and has prepared her to go on to the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She aspires to become a physician and wants to practice in rural areas.
Shay Wilson will also be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology this May. She will return in the fall for the master’s program of social work at CSU Pueblo. When she returns, Wilson will be serving as president of the Associated Students’ Government. She is currently the vice president of ASG. She is also president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
She was recognized for two awards at the Student Leadership and Involvement Awards. The first being Fraternity and Sorority Leader of the Year, in recognition of her service to Alpha Kappa Alpha. This was earned alongside the ASG Award for Excellence for her role as vice president.
She recalled some of her favorite memories at the ASG student bonfire, “We invite all students from all over campus. We light up a whole bunch of pallets on fire, light up s’mores, have a grand ‘ole time together… I really just love hanging out with my fellow ThunderWolves,” Wilson said.
To watch the full interview, click on the video above.
