Vialpando motorcycle rally, Pivot Energy fund Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation scholarships

A motorcycle rally in memory of Isaiah Vialpando, a Colorado State University Pueblo student who was fatally shot in downtown Pueblo in 2015, is set to roll through the streets of Pueblo on May 21.

The Vialpando Vicla — Spanish for motorcycle — was set up by Vialpando’s family, working with the Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation, after the sophomore’s murder. Its aim is to raise scholarship funds and “give Pueblo’s young adults an avenue to utilize their minds for greatness and not go down the wrong path,” the organizers said in a statement.

Nearly $40,000 has been awarded to dozens of students from all backgrounds since the rally was first held in 2017, Vialpando’s father, Robert Cordova, told The Chieftain. Funds are awarded in increments of $500, he said.

The rally was scaled back in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but hundreds of motorcyclists took part last year, and the organizers expect up to 500 on May 21. One of the bikers expected to attend is YouTube and Instagram creator Bob Herrera, who will compile a video for his YouTube channel, Cordova said.

Anyone with a motorcycle is invited to take part in the rally. Participants can register Friday, May 20 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Star Bar, 300 Spring St., and from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Oasis Bar, 1501 E. Evans Ave.

The rally itself starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at the Outpost Harley Davidson store, 501 N. Elizabeth, with two hours of mariachi music, Aztec dancers and a blessing. After that, the procession will head to the Klamm Shell, 424 W. Northern Ave., for another blessing and a group photo.

The rally will make three additional stops — at Chuck’s Place, 327 E. U.S. Highway 50 in Avondale, where the bikers are expected to arrive at 11:45 a.m.; the Veterans Tavern, 315 E. Northern Ave., at 1:15 p.m.; and Classic Q’s, 1715 S. Prairie Ave., at 2:30 p.m. — before the day is rounded out with food, music, motorcycles to look at, raffles and auctions to raise money for the scholarship fund.

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The scholarship fund also accepts donations, and $5,000 has been raised this year, Cordova said.

For more information, email [email protected], with ‘Vicla Information’ in the subject line.

Pivot Energy renews scholarship through PHEF

Pivot Energy is supporting another cohort of students this year through the Renewable Energy Scholarship Fund, it said in a statement.

First launched with the Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation in 2020, the scholarships aim to increase access to higher education and facilitate careers in renewable energy for historically underrepresented groups.

The majority of PHEF’s scholarships are awarded based on need, providing support for students facing financial hardship that may otherwise limit their ability to pursue their desired educational path, the statement said.

“Thanks to Pivot’s support, we will be able to provide scholarships to more students as they pursue careers in the renewable energy sector and beyond, changing countless lives for the better,” said PHEF executive director Janelle Quick.

In addition to offering scholarships, Pivot Energy facilitates opportunities for students to obtain hands-on experience in solar and sustainable energy, including hosting tours of local solar gardens in Colorado.

“This kind of direct exposure to the renewable energy industry is helpful for students seeking to learn more about the career opportunities available to them at a pivotal point in their education and career trajectory,” it said.

“Students are able to learn of the immense variety of career paths in the renewable energy industry beyond the obvious positions of installer or engineer, including roles in accounting or marketing and beyond.”

For more information on PHEF scholarships, go to the foundation’s websiteat https://www.phef.net/.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Vialpando motorcycle rally on May 21 to fund PHEF scholarships