Mail to the Chieftain

Praise for Pueblo Community College

I had the good fortune of serving as Pueblo Community College’s science lab coordinator for 20 years. Not only was the job fun and fascinating, but PCC specializes in supporting growth in people, including staff members. While there, I took two English classes, so I could become a freelance travel writer on the side. That led to authoring three novels and teaching creative writing on cruise ships. It’s amazing how much difference mentorship can make in a person’s life.

I’m retired now, but I went back to PCC last month in hopes of getting help with launching my mystery novel, "Mile High Lab Rat." PCC’s labs inspired the story with their interesting, funny, and creepy possibilities, especially the secret passages between labs. So, I was thrilled when science department chair Nick Alfonso welcomed my idea of offering lab tours for book launch party guests. The current lab coordinator Lindsey Jaquez was also wonderfully helpful in loaning us props for photos and kids chemistry kits to explore.

For the actual party, President Erjavec allowed us the use of PCC’s beautiful Pueblo Joe’s dining area. Events specialist Jill Young went all out to make the party a great success. Erin Hergert in marketing and Amy Matthew in public relations helped get the word out as well.

Security officer Laurie Plutt gave a disabled guest a cart ride to the academic building for the tour. Library director Christina McGrath purchased two of my books to include on her PCC author shelf, and Willetta Bradburn in the bookstore set up a display to sell "Mile High Lab Rat" on campus. Mega thanks to all of them and to Toni Skilling in Student Life and Leadership who recruited four volunteers to help.

Everyone I dealt with, or even spoke to, at PCC was especially kind and helpful. I don’t know how PCC has managed to cultivate such a positive attitude across the board, but I hope they also offer classes to teach the secret to other organizations.

Ann Payton Williams, Pueblo West

In support of Nick Hinrichsen

I read your follow-up about the council debate over Sen. Nick Hinrichsen. While Nick Hinrichsen was not my choice for state senator to replace Leroy Garcia, he ultimately was the best Democratic choice. More importantly, he is doing a good job in the short time he has been in Denver. I evaluate politicians on what they do, not what they say.

Alvin Rivera, Pueblo

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Mail to the Chieftain: Praise for Pueblo Community College, Hinrichsen