Velasquez-Schmahl wins 2011 ATHENA Award

CMC Youth Outreach Coordinator is recognized for community service

This article first appeared in the 4/22/2011 Glenwood Springs Post Independent. By Heather McGregor
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20110421/VALLEYNEWS/110429965/1083&ParentProfile=1074

Mariana Velasquez-Schmahl, recipient of 2011 Athena Award from the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association

Mariana Velasquez-Schmahl, the youth outreach coordinator for Colorado Mountain College, is the winner of the 2011 ATHENA Award.

Amid tears and a standing ovation, Velasquez-Schmahl accepted the honor at the close of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association’s annual awards gala, held Thursday evening at Aspen Glen.

For a complete report on the chamber’s awards, see pages 27 to 30.

“Mariana has been a one-woman army making this the most integrated community,” said her dear friend and a prior ATHENA award winner, Alexandra Yajko, who presented the award along with another previous winner, Mary Steinbrecher.

Yajko read a series of quotes from nomination letters written by students and friends, doing her best to maintain her own composure, while Velasquez-Schmahl stood at her side holding a huge bouquet of flowers.

“Mariana has served our community and beyond, giving of herself selflessly to help others, especially young women, unlike anyone I know. Her heart and soul is vested in the success of these women,” Yajko said. “She is fiercely committed to people who need a hand up in life.”

A 10-minute video about Velasquez-Schmahl featured interviews with students, CMC colleagues and friends.

The video paid tribute to the woman who helped so many young people — particularly Latino students — successfully achieve their academic goals at Colorado Mountain College and beyond.

In her moment at the podium, Velasquez-Schmahl thanked the ATHENA committee for honoring her, expressed thanks for her family, and then expressed her appreciation for the college.

“I have worked for CMC for 20 years, and it has been the very best job,” she said. “I love my students that I serve. I am so fortunate I am able to serve this community, and I am so humbled that you have given me this award.”

The awards gala was a night of recognition and a warm sense of community.

Jennifer Rose, finance director for Bighorn Toyota and a wide-ranging community volunteer, won the ATHENA Young Professional Award.

“This is a shock, and I am never surprised. I am so honored,” Rose said.

Philanthropic business of the year awards went to Bank of Colorado for large businesses and to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for small business.

Bill Slattery, owner of Modern Kitchen Center, won the chamber lifetime member award for his constant dedication to the chamber for the past 45 years.

The chamber created a new award this year to honor Sharon Graves, owner of Through the Looking Glass bookstore, which is closing so that Graves can retire. Chamber President Marianne Virgili, who presented the award, explained that in the future, the chamber will present the award when an irreplaceable person retires after a lifetime of dedication to a business or profession.

“To me, it’s just a chapter, a 33-year chapter,” said Graves, who beamed her trademark smile in accepting the surprise award. “I am still going to be in Glenwood, and I am still going to be working with children, because I love them very much.”

Praise for Mariana Velasquez-Schmahl
2011 ATHENA Award Winner
“She changes the world, one person at a time.”
“Her mission encompasses planting seeds for personal change.”
“She has the burning desire, coupled with action, to make the world a better and more fair place.”
“Champion of all.”
“Selflessness wrapped in hope and joy.”