◗1970s the Coach of the Year in volleyball or basketball 5 times. Over 100 athletes under her direction participated in all-state programs, and numerous athletes under her tenure played at the college level. Kilmer was a great coach — and is still a great teacher — because she understands her role was not only to win in the game, but to help her students learn how to win in life, using the values of integrity, loyalty, teamwork, commitment, compassion, and honesty. She now teaches at Sterling High School. Mike Sanders `74 (Surprise, AZ) married Rhonda in 1987, and they have been living in Surprise since 1998. He has been a sales support coordinator-post entitlement team at Avnet Technology Solutions since 2007. He has 2 daughters: Carrie and Sarah; 2 dogs: Stash and Tish; and 2 cats: Smoke and Rocky. Rebecca “Becky” Loften `75, `86 (Colorado Springs, CO) has 2 sons — Matt Loften (36) and Michael Blickhahn (25). She retired in 2011 from Brush High School teaching English/speech (1991-2011), directing plays, and coaching the speech team. She was chair of CHSAA State Speech Festival Committee from 2006-2010. She received the 2006 Brush Community Choice Crystal Apple Award for Drama and the 2011 Sharon Wileh Lifetime Achievement Award for coaching speech.
Photo courtesy of Valley Courier
Raymond “Bill” Blair ‘76 (Colorado Springs, CO) recently became a Certified Workforce Development Professional
through the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals. He has been a workforce development specialist with Pikes Peak Workforce Center for the past 14 years. William Jenkins `76, `78 (Point of Rocks, MD) has 2 sons. William Jenkins, Jr. is attending Texas Christian University, and his second son will be attending Northern Virginia Community College in the fall. Billy Sr. is thinking about working on a doctoral degree in the future. Thomas `77 and Shirley Sue `77 Roman (Winnemucca, NV) write, “‘Education at the top of the nation, in the land of cool sunshine.’ This phrase still brings smiles to both of us. We have so many fond memories of ASC, and we are so grateful to our professors and instructors for preparing us for the challenges and rewards of life. We have indeed been blessed, and much of this started with our education at Adams State.” Shirley is the P.E. teacher at The Grammar School, and Thomas is a senior geologist II at Klondex mines. Lynn Dalpiaz Finch`79 (Denver, CO) has joined Lockton’s Denver operation. Lockton is the world's largest privately held insurance broker. She is an account executive with the Energy Practice and brings more than 15 years of experience as an insurance professional specializing in energy, utilities, natural gas, and refined product
Curtis Wilson ’90, principal of Centauri High School in La Jara, Colo, was named the 2014 Colorado National High School Principal of the Year. He was selected for the honor by the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals (CASSP), an affiliate of the National Association of Secondary School Principals and a chapter of Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE). "I am humbled," Wilson said. "I am grateful and do recognize how many worthy candidates in this great state exist. However, academic success is the result of individual effort to a group commitment. I must acknowledge the superior students at CHS, for they give everything they have willingly, regardless of their personal circumstances." CHS Senior Class President Victoria Fringer added, "A pep talk is part of my weekly schedule. Little does Mr. Wilson know those talks are what get me through some of my worst days. By doing this, Mr. Wilson becomes a trusting mentor in many students' lives. He makes a very conscious effort to make everyone feel accepted."
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pipelines. She also offers extensive knowledge of the public entity sector. Her background includes claims management in property and casualty, environmental liability, directors & officers, and employment practice liability. Previously, Finch served as a client executive and energy practice leader for Marsh. Prior to that, she worked as a claims manager and human resources coordinator. Finch holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Dallas, Texas, and belongs to the Denver Petroleum Club, as well as the Denver Chapter of Women in Energy. Randy Gilder `79 (Littleton, CO) writes, “Counseling at Arvada West High School, which Adams State helped prepare me for, has been a great chapter in my life. When our youngest graduates high school next year, the love of my life and I will be traveling the world.”
◗1980s Donna Duran`80 (Lakewood, CO) and her husband, Jerry, have been married for 20 years. She has worked for the city and county of Denver for 25 years. Both she and Jerry were sergeants for the Denver Sheriff’s department. Donna tried to break the glass ceiling for women by testing for captain and above ranks. They are proud parents of 2 children, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great-grands. Gary Swensen `81 (Brighton, CO) works for Colorado Hospital Association. He and wife, Lori, are enjoying their 2-year-old granddaughter. Mary Ann Vigil `83, `95 (Walsenburg, CO) has written a book titled, Memories of Years Gone By, about growing up as the daughter of a coalminer/rancher/ farmer. David Salazar `85 (Lancaster, CA) has been married to Lori Salazar `99 since 1985. They have 2 children: Jerome (24) and Jordan ((21). He