A
Stater
VOL. 55, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2015
Published by Adams State University Foundation adams state university • alamosa, co 81101 719-587-7011 • 800-824-6494 www.adams.edu • e-mail: alumni@adams.edu online edition: www.adams.edu/alumni/astater/ EDITOR & DESIGNER Julie Waechter
ASSOCIATE EDITORS Gaylene Horning ’94 • Linda Relyea ’96, ’10
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Isabella Cervantes • Maddie Mansheim ‘15 Kellicia Morse ‘14 • Daniel Parsons ‘19 • Mike Skinner
PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY Dr. Beverlee J. McClure
BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY Arnold Salazar ’76 Chair Paul Farley • Mary Griffin • Kathleen Rogers • LeRoy Salazar Cleave Simpson • John Singletary • Val Vigil ’71 • Randy Wright ’84 Dr. Rob Benson Faculty Trustee Azarel Madrigal ‘15 Student Trustee
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD Lori Lee Laske ’91, ’01 Executive Director of Alumni & Donor Relations Kasey Russell ’03 President Liz Tabeling-Garcia ’96, ’06 Vice President Holly Felmlee ’76, ‘92 Secretary Toney Cantu ’70 • D. Mike Garcia ’73, ’77 • Phil Lopez ’04 Lynn Michalke ’77 • Karen Rubidoux Miller ’94 Robert Oringdulph ’71 • Sandy Ortega ’74 Chris Page ’02, ’03 • Brian Rossbert ’02 • Rich Scanga ’75 Jeremy Wilder ’96 • Delzia Worley ’97
ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION BOARD Duane Bussey ’82 President Dr. John McDaniel Vice President Jeni Jack-Goodwin ’85 Secretary Ron Howard ’98 Treasurer Russell Achatz ’85 • Tim Bachicha ’92 • Greg Bervig ’81 Keith Cerny • Genevieve Cooper • Bill Fassett • Valerie Finnegan Dale Hettinger ’64 • Charles “Chuck” Houser ’62 • Randy Jackson ’98 Philip Lopez ’04 • Dorothy Lucero ’61 • Cathy Mullens ’82 Chuck Owsley ’68 • Michelle Roepke Rich Scanga ’75 • Helen Sigmond • Ray Skeff • Donn Vigil
FOUNDATION HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS Stephen Bokat ’68 • Marguerite Salazar ’75, ’76 • Michael Ware ’69
FOUNDATION EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS Sharon Carter • Harold Kelloff • Izora Southway ’66 J. Byron Uhrich • R. Paul Wagner
FOUNDATION EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. Beverlee McClure ASU President Tammy Lopez ’91, ’00 Executive Director of the Foundation Kathleen Rogers Trustee Liaison
GRIZZLY CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ron DeSautell ’76 President • Ted Morrison ’69 Vice President Keith Cerny • Jeni Jack-Goodwin ’85 • Ericha Loosbrock Joe Martinez ’99 • Dennis Ortiz ’79 • Jeff Owsley ’86 Steve Valdez ’87 • Jeff Vinyard • Tim Walters ‘73
ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT
president’s letter: asu values legacy of supportive community & alumni Our founder, Billy Adams, would be pleasantly amazed at how his little “normal school” has grown into Adams State University. The impressive expansion of Adams State’s campus and academic offerings is a testament not only to Adams and the many educators who have dedicated themselves to students, but also to the San Luis Valley community. As a newcomer to campus, I am impressed by and grateful for this community that fully embraces the university. Dr. Beverlee J. McClure When the Colorado legislature withheld operating funds for Adams’ new institution in 1924, local citizens and businesses raised the money among themselves, despite a poor economy and severe water shortage, because they knew a good education was invaluable. That original budget of $27,000 is dwarfed by today’s operating budget of $59.5 million, but the challenges of sustaining revenue have intensified over the last decade. State funding has dwindled, placing a greater burden on students. Support from our alumni and community is as important as ever in helping students achieve the dream of a college education. This past year, alumni-funded scholarships aided more than 217 deserving students. Adams State remains unique in our mission to serve minority, first-generation, rural, and other underserved students. With the changing demographics of our state and our nation, our work to fulfill that mission remains crucial. Adams State’s first president, Ira Richardson, recognized the disadvantages facing students from small, rural schools. Now, ASU provides a range of programs to advise, tutor, mentor, and engage students so they can succeed. We provide a big university experience with the personal touch of a small university. Billy Adams’ goal was to improve rural education by developing more and better qualified teachers. Adams State continues that work through an innovative partnership with the Boettcher Teacher Residency Program and Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC). (See article page 7.) I am very excited to join Adams State University and foster its continued growth. In addition to our supportive community and alumni, our Board of Trustees is committed to our students, first and foremost. While our primary goal is to provide students a high-quality, affordable education, Adams State also plays an important role in developing the local community and economy. In my short time as president of Adams State, I’ve met many wonderful people who support the university’s mission. They may work on campus or in area schools, in local business or agriculture, with government or healthcare, or through civic groups and non-profits. Many are Adams State alumni. All are important partners with whom we can collaborate for the benefit of our students. Sincerely,
ASU’s mission is to educate, serve, and inspire our diverse populations in the pursuit of their lifelong dreams and ambitions. VISION STATEMENT 2020
To become the university community of choice for diverse, historically underserved groups, and all who value quality education and inclusivity."
Dr. Beverlee J. McClure President