CCCS Internal 
Recognizing Champions for Colorado’s Community Colleges and Postsecondary Systems
Sept. 12, 2024 (DENVER, CO) – The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Legislators of the Year Award, honoring five distinguished Colorado lawmakers for their outstanding support of the state’s community colleges. This year’s honorees include Speaker of the House Representative Julie McCluskie (HD 61), House Minority Leader Representative Rose Pugliese (HD 14), Majority Caucus Chair Senator Janet Buckner (SD 28), Minority Leader Senator Paul Lundeen (SD 9), and Senator Byron Pelton (SD 1).
The CCCS Legislator of the Year Award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing the mission of Colorado’s community colleges. These lawmakers have been instrumental in championing legislation that expands educational opportunities, supports workforce development, and enhances access to affordable higher education across the state.
The awards were presented during the September meeting of CCCS’s State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE).
“These legislators have been steadfast allies in our mission to provide high-quality education and workforce training to students across Colorado,” said Chancellor Joe Garcia of CCCS. “Their leadership and continued support have made a lasting impact on our students, our colleges, and the communities we serve.”
Honoring Legislators Who Strengthen Higher Education
- Senate Bill 24-164 Sponsors: Senators Janet Buckner and Paul Lundeen, along with Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Rose Pugliese, were the prime sponsors Senate Bill 164, also known as the “Student Bill of Rights.” This pioneering legislation has garnered national recognition for strengthening transparency in transfer processes and guaranteeing seamless credit transfer between institutions, empowering students to achieve their educational goals with less financial and academic burden.
- Senator Byron Pelton – A Champion for Rural Colleges: Senator Pelton has been a tireless advocate for Colorado’s rural community colleges, consistently championing their role in driving economic and workforce development. Since taking office, he has been one of CCCS’s most vocal supporters at the Capitol, ensuring the unique needs of rural colleges and their communities are heard.
“These legislative efforts, particularly SB 24-164, set a national model for supporting students as they navigate higher education,” said Landon Mascareñaz, Chair of SBCCOE. “Thanks to the leadership of these legislators, students will now have greater access to educational opportunities and a clearer path to achieving their academic and career goals.”
Thanks to the leadership of these legislators, students will now have greater access to educational opportunities and a clearer path to achieving their academic and career goals.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, serving over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. With more than 1,000 programs, CCCS is committed to providing all Coloradans with access to affordable, high-quality education that prepares them for success in their careers and communities. CCCS is guided by its open-access mission and driven by the leadership of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Learn more at www.cccs.edu.
