They’ve done something no CSU Pueblo student has ever done before

Earlier this year, Kati Foechterle and Ronda Orndoff met in the shadow of the library building on the campus of Colorado State University Pueblo.

They were decked out in black caps and gowns with bright orange sashes and stethoscopes around their necks.

And of course, in this day in age, they had masks.

There was no graduation ceremony at the college because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so the two wanted to have traditional graduation pictures taken on campus.

It’s fitting that one of the backgrounds they chose to use was the iconic CSU Pueblo fountain – a historic symbol of the university – because these two Pueblo natives are now part of the institution’s storied history, having accomplished something no CSU Pueblo student ever has.

This past spring, Foechterle and Orndoff were the first two students in the history of the university to receive their doctorate degrees from CSU Pueblo.

They both earned doctorates in science of nursing practice.

“I think this is a historical time for both of us and I am proud about our accomplishments” said Foechterle, who also earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science and nursing from CSU Pueblo.

Orndoff said she and Foechterle are both proud to be Pueblo natives who were able to attend a local university and emerge as its first doctoral candidates.

“It’s a great honor for us,” Orndoff said.

In addition to hosting various programs, CSU Pueblo now boasts the new Center for Integrated Health and Human Inquiry: home to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, which is part of the School of Nursing.

The former psychology building on the Belmont campus was renovated and the new facility dedicated Thursday.

Joe Franta, the inaugural dean of the College of Health, Education and Nursing introduced, CSU Pueblo’s first two DNP graduates during the event.

Foechterle and Orndoff were recognized for becoming the university’s first doctorate holders with plaques and a standing ovation from the gathered crowd.

Both women graduated from Pueblo County High School: Orndoff in 2003 and Foechterle in 2006.

“Go Hornets,” Orndoff said pumping her fist with pride.

Orndoff did her undergrad nursing school at University of Colorado Colorado Springs Beth-El College of Nursing. She earned a masters in nursing with an emphasis in adult gerontology and acute care family from CSU Pueblo in 2014.

“I think this school brings a great opportunity for our local community. Students have this great place here and they don’t have to travel that far,” Orndoff said.

“I think it’s great that two local individuals are the first two to do this. Hopefully it inspires the community to be able to stay local and give back to the community like Kati and I have.”

Foechterle said she plans on doing more research and maybe in the future, returning to CSU Pueblo to help educate future nurse practitioners and nurses.

“I’ve spent the last eight years of my life at this school,” she said as water from the fountain splashed behind her.

“I was born and raised in Pueblo and I just want to do things to better the community and show that it is a great place. This will help me do that.”

Orndoff currently teaches cardiology as part of acute care at CSU Pueblo.

“I also started teaching one of the summer classes. I love to teach. That’s part of why I got my doctorate degree. I was hoping down the line that if I decided to do something else or in addition to, that I could give back by teaching,” Orndoff said.

Foechterle is a nurse practitioner with Pueblo Pulmonary Associates.

Chieftain reporter Anthony A. Mestas can be reached by email at amestas@chieftain.com or at twitter.com/mestas3517. Help support local journalism with a subscription to the Chieftain at chieftain.com/subscribenow.