Lamar Community College’s Antelope Night takes place annually on the eve of Commencement and is an opportunity for faculty and staff to celebrate students’ accomplishments and to honor Distinguished Alumni. This year on Antelope Night the college named Stephanie Gonzales as its 2019 Alumna of the Year.
Stephanie Gonzales (center) with her son Brandon (left) and her husband Junior (right)
Stephanie Gallego Gonzales graduated valedictorian from Granada High School, and was the first in her family to attend and graduate from college. She attended LCC as a Presidential Scholar and completed her Associate of Arts in 1991. She continued her studies at the University of Southern Colorado, now known as Colorado State University-Pueblo, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration- Accounting in 1994.
After completing her education, Gonzales returned to the area as the sales tax clerk for the City of Lamar. In 1998, she joined Southeast Colorado Enterprise Development, Inc. (SECED) as its finance director, and since 2015, has served as its executive director. SECED is a regional economic and community development agency that serves six counties. In her current role, she serves as the administrator of the region’s enterprise zone and housing loan program, and represents SECED on the State Transportation Advisory Council.
Gonzales is active on Southeast Business Expansion & Attraction (SEBREA). Locally, she is a member on Prowers Economic Prosperity and Lamar Historic Preservation Boards, and a member of the LCC President’s Community Circle. She is an active member of her church, St. Frances of Rome in Holly, where she serves music minister, director of religious education, and a youth leader.
Gonzales’ husband, Junior, is also a graduate of LCC, and now serves as a teacher at Granada High School and an adjunct professor at LCC. Since 2001, Gonzales and Junior have owned a business, J&S Graphic Designs. Recently, they began a new venture, G5 Imprints. Together they have three children, Bryan (24), Brittany (22), and Brandon (14). Bryan and Brittany are also LCC alumni and have continued their education in engineering and nursing, respectively.
In everything she does both professionally and personally, Gonzales is passionate about making Southeast Colorado a great place to work and live for returning residents and those seeking a new home.
“Stephanie is a valued and respected member of our community,” said LCC President, Linda Lujan. “And in her typical Stephanie style, she gave the new grads a rousing speech about why Southeast Colorado is a great place to live and work – and then invited them to all consider coming back after they finish their education.
“What a great cheerleader for our wonderful part of the state!”
Early each year, Lamar Community College solicits nominations from community members, LCC faculty and staff, and alumni for Distinguished Alumni candidates, with selections made in mid-March. To nominate an alumnus for his or her achievements and contributions to their world, find the nomination form at www.lamarcc.edu/alumni- relations. The page also keeps a listing of all alumni selected for this honor in the past.
For additional information, contact Anne-Marie Crampton, LCC Director of Institutional Advancement, at 336.1520 or alumni@lamarcc.edu.