August 30, 2022 (Denver, CO) –The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) will recognize five Colorado legislators for their outstanding support of community colleges during the 2022 legislative session.

The honorees include Representatives Julie McCluskie and Marc Snyder and Senators Janet Buckner, Paul Lundeen, and Chris Kolker. The annual award recognizes legislators who make extraordinary efforts to understand issues facing community colleges and champion their open-access mission.  

“We are honored to recognize this group of lawmakers as our Legislators of the Year,” said Joe Garcia, CCCS chancellor. “From advocating for critical infrastructure projects to helping us expand access to in-demand education and training pathways, each honoree demonstrates a strong commitment to our mission, students, and fueling Colorado’s workforce.” 

Among many accomplishments, CCCS selected the legislators for the following efforts:

• • Rep. McCluskie, who chairs the General Assembly’s Joint Budget Committee, earned the Legislation Champion Award for her work to support higher education funding; launch a regional workforce development innovation grant; and expand access to state financial aid.

• • Building on previous nursing education legislation, Sen. Buckner successfully shepherded SB 22-003, which allows CCCS colleges to offer a streamlined, cost-effective pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). These programs will help the state meet demand for bachelor’s-prepared nurses.

• • Sen. Kolker supported important technology projects at CCCS colleges, including funding for CCCS’s innovative Rural College Consortium – an interconnected platform that will virtually connect student support services and courses across CCCS’ rural colleges.

• • Finally, Sen. Paul Lundeen and Rep. Marc Snyder sponsored legislation allowing Pikes Peak Community College to change its name to Pikes Peak State College, a community-led effort to recognize the college’s growing impact in the Colorado Springs region.

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The Legislators of the Year will receive formal recognition during CCCS’s state board meeting.  

For more information on CCCS Public and Legislative Affairs, visit the CCCS website.  

About the Colorado Community College System 

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 125,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 38 locations across Colorado. Our open-access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at www.cccs.edu