Black Citizens and Friends hosted its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration on June 14 at Lincoln Park, bringing the community together to celebrate Black history, culture and resilience. The event featured live music, food trucks, educational booths and interactive activities that highlighted the Black experience.
During the celebration, individuals and organizations were recognized for their significant contributions to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. Among those honored was Shelby Burroughs Pryzgoda, director of TRIO Upward Bound at Colorado Mesa University. Burroughs Pryzgoda received the 2025 Juneteenth CMU Diverse Employee of the Year award for her lasting and impactful efforts to support underserved students.
Through her leadership of TRIO Upward Bound, she has helped create an environment where first-generation students feel seen, supported and empowered to succeed. Her dedication has made a meaningful difference in the lives of students across the Grand Valley.
TRIO Upward Bound is a federally funded program that assists students at Central High School and Grand Junction High School in preparing for and pursuing higher education. Under Burroughs Pryzgoda’s guidance, the program continues to help students overcome barriers and build brighter futures.
To learn more about TRIO Upward Bound, visit coloradomesa.edu/upward-bound.