March 9, 2015
Audrey Jensen
[email protected]
Over 200 students, faculty and anyone related to UCCS will be marching through downtown Colorado Springs on March 14 from 12-2 p.m.
Brad Bayer, executive director of Student Life and Leadership, said the school was asked to be the grand marshal by parade officials as part of celebrating the 50-year anniversary of UCCS.
“To the students I think it’s an opportunity to show pride in our university. Anyone that’s participating is very proud to be here and all the wonderful things that we have been doing.”
The eight UCCS entries in the parade include SGA carrying a 50-year banner followed by members of the Army ROTC color guard and the school pep band performing music from the 1960s.
A special guest in the parade will be 1966 alumnus Arnold Taylor, the first graduate of UCCS, with his wife Beth and daughter Denise.
The other entries will be the UCCS legacy builders, with professors and instructors that have taught students here for over forty years and CU Regent Stephen Ludwig, UCCS class of 1993.
Stephen Cucchiara, assistant director of Student Activities, said most UCCS people in the parade will be wearing green 50-year t-shirts.
“We are really excited to be a part of the parade and to be honored as the Grand Marshal. We look forward to representing UCCS,” said Cucchiara.
The last portion of the UCCS section in the parade will have a float with a wooden clock tower, mountains and Clyde, while the last entry is a shuttle bus wrapped in 50 anniversary décor.
“I think it’s very important for us to be in the parade and I think our community supports us very much and it’s our opportunity to have fun, be visible in the community and give back,” said Bayer.
Interested students should reach out to Bayer at bbayer@ uccs.edu by March 10 at 5 p.m.