The Purr Storytelling Hour

UCCS proudly presents an annual storytelling contest, sponsored by the Kraemer Family, to encourage the practice and develop a love of intergenerational storytelling. Each year students get a theme that will be celebrated at that year’s The Purr Storytelling Hour, contestants sign up to tell their story, attend a writing workshop, and present their stories to a friendly audience. Stories are told, prizes won, and the audience leaves filled with new, profound stories and refreshments! Past themes include, Liberation, Transformation, Transgression and Resistance. 

2025

  • Theme: Resistance
  • Date: October 16, 2025
  • Winners
    • 1st Place: Virginia Swinney
    • 2nd Place: Lauren Robinson
    • 3rd Place: Heidi Heckel
    • 3rd Place (Tie): Ace Lee

2024

  • Theme: Transgression
  • Date: October 17, 2024
  • Winners
    • 1st Place: Salem Williams
    • 2nd Place: Lily Gillen
    • 3rd Place: VB Rankin
    • Audience Choice: Apollo Bernal

2023

  • Theme: Transformation
  • Date: October 12, 2023
  • Winners
    • 1st Place: Taylor (Amaya) Vallance
    • 2nd Place: Jesynda Heard
    • 3rd Place: Robynette Wruck

2022

  • Theme: Liberation
  • Date: October 22, 2022
  • Winners
    • 1st Place: Irina Amovzov
    • 2nd Place: Olivia Nordyke
    • 3rd Place: Kathleen Marie Chavez (Cooper)