Blackout closes classes, events

A blackout bathed CSU-Pueblo in darkness Monday night, causing the cancellation of important events and classes alike.

At roughly 4:45 pm, an electrical transformer blew out between the airport and the campus causing the blackout of the college and Walking Stick apartments.

Most classes were cancelled between 5 and 7 p.m., but a few were still held outside or in the lobbies of their respective buildings.

The Latin American Heritage Dinner, which would have featured music by Mariachi Aquila of Cezar Chavez Academy and a speech by Amber-Fawn Montoya, the coordinator of Chicano Studies, was canceled due to the blackout.

The event was scheduled to take place in the OUC ballroom at 6 p.m.

The band played on, and the Mariachi Aquila performed in the Hearthwell Lounge of the OUC building for those who were in attendance.

Matt Green, the director of student activities, plans to reschedule the dinner for this Wednesday, Oct. 17.

While students may consider the blackout a blessing others were not so fortunate.

Rudy Bowman, a custodian working at CSU-Pueblo for the past two years, was trapped in an elevator in the Admissions building when the blackout occurred.

“I was just getting in the elevator, getting ready to go down to the second floor, when the elevator went out.” Bowman said. “I could hear everyone talking, I could hear the voices of the people, and I couldn’t tell which floor I was on.”

Rudy was stuck between the second and third floor of the building. He managed to wedge the doors open, allowing him enough clearance to jump down to the second floor.

This has been the second time Bowman has been stuck in an elevator at CSU-Pueblo.

“The first time was because of rain. That time, I didn’t know how to get out.”

By 7 p.m., the school was deserted, with most buildings locked up and closed for the evening.

Further information on the blackout will be updated as it becomes available.

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