The annual Threlkeld Prize for Excellence was awarded to Evan Smith. Voted on by a selection committee made up of faculty and administration, Smith, a senior, was deemed the recipient on April 9.

“I wasn’t expecting it, but it’s an honor to be awarded this year’s Threlkeld Prize for Excellence,” Smith said, modestly, who is set to graduate this May with a Masters in Business Administration with a 4.0 GPA.

One of the university’s most prestigious student awards, the Threlkeld Prize for Excellence honors the legacy of Budge Threlkeld, a longstanding CSU Pueblo faculty member and a highly respected member in the Pueblo community. Formerly an instructor in the speech and theatre departments, “Budge” was known for his charisma and enthusiasm towards teaching his subject. The award is presented annually to a student who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement and a strong commitment to service both on campus and in the broader community. 

“It’s definitely not a recognition of personal achievement. It shows a lot of the support and the belief that other people have put into me that has allowed me to make an impact and have some achievements that I’m really proud of. I’m just extremely honored to be the person that represents the Threlkeld Award,” Smith said.

Born and raised in Pueblo, Smith’s relationship with CSU Pueblo started from a very young-age with his parents, Darrin and Andrea, being supporters of CSU Pueblo and the greater community. Graduating from Pueblo East High School in 2022, Smith decided to stay home, enrolling in CSU Pueblo’s 3+2 program and signing with the men’s golf team. Smith is also part of the President’s Leadership and Honors Program, “Being involved with both the golf team and President’s Leadership and Honors Program has taught me leadership, communication and people skills that I’ll carry with me moving forward and the overall, holistic experience I’ve gained from CSU Pueblo has been invaluable,” Smith said. 

“Both my parents were as excited as anyone. Both of them graduated from CSU Pueblo, my mom came here when it was the University of Southern Colorado and my dad got his masters here. It’s just been a huge part of our lives and this award is a really cool moment for all of us,” Smith said.

Smith admitted his gratitude for CSU Pueblo: “I’ve built skills that I’ll be taking to the next part of my life and I’m just really grateful for being at CSU Pueblo for the last four years.” 

Smith will give a commencement address at this year’s graduation on May 16.