Colorado State University Hosts Annual 5k Run In Memory Of Late Ombudsman Gil Gutierrez
Friday, April 25, 1997
FORT COLLINS--Cinco De Mayo festivities in Fort Collins will
kick off with the fourth annual Gil Gutierrez Cinco-Cinco 5K Run
and Walk May 3.
The run begins at 8 a.m. on the Colorado State University
Oval, followed by a Children's Fun Run. The run and walk will
raise funds for scholarships in memory of Gil Gutierrez, former
Colorado State University ombudsman who was killed by a drunk
driver while running in August 1993.
"Gil was dearly loved by his family, colleagues and
students, and this event gives us all a chance to celebrate the
many things he did for the Colorado State and Fort Collins
communities," said Varo Maldonado, assistant director in the
Office of Admissions and close friend of Gutierrez.
Gutierrez served as Colorado State's ombudsman from 1990-93.
"Gil was the most neutral, skilled and effective mediator I
ever met," said Rex Kellums, former assistant vice president for
student affairs and member of the organizing committee.
Runners and volunteers of all ages are encouraged to
participate in the event. The cost for pre-entry is $15 for the
general public and $13 for students and seniors. On-site
registration is $17 for the general public and $15 for students
and seniors. The Children's Fun Run is free. Entry forms are
available at the following locations: Colorado State Lory
Student Center, Room 182; Runner's Roost, 1669 S. College Ave.;
Fort Collins Club, 1307 E. Prospect Road; Tran's Tae-Kwon-Do
Academy, 1801 S. College Ave.; Foot of the Rockies, 1205 W.
Elizabeth St.; and GOJO Sports, 620 S. College Ave.
During his tenure, Gutierrez was dedicated to providing
access to students interested in pursuing a college degree.
"Gil was essential in bringing together Hispanic, Latino,
and Chicano students and staff," said Jessica Chavez, a senior
psychology major. "He helped open communication lines between
several student groups."
To honor Gutierrez' heritage and his passion for running,
friends organized the Cinco-Cinco 5K Run and Walk. They also
established a memorial scholarship awarded to a first-generation
student who demonstrates a history of community service
activities and a financial need.
"Gil's life is celebrated through the Cinco-Cinco event,
which was created to honor him as an elite runner and a
community-minded person," said Barb Musslewhite, coordinator of
the Center for Educational Access and Outreach and the
university's mentoring program.
When Gutierrez was recently honored posthumously at the
University and College Ombuds International Conference in Denver,
his friend and student prot=E9g=E9, Louie Sanchez, delivered the
speech.
"His life was devoted to providing minorities with equal
access to higher education, " said Sanchez, who is now a staff
member in Colorado State's ombudsman's office. "Every day when I
enter the office, I am reminded of Gil's compassion, honesty and
loyalty."
The Run/Walk is organized by The Friends of Gil Gutierrez
Committee in conjunction with Fort Collins Cinco de Mayo
festivities. To register for the run or make a donation to the
Cinco-Cinco Run or scholarship fund, call Sanchez at (970)
491-7165.
For more information about Cinco de Mayo festivities in Fort
Collins, call the Northside Atzlan Center at (970) 221-6655 or
(970) 484-2794.
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