Charles Grant `87 (Tucson, AZ) is retired after a career that included 6 principal positions and the posts of personnel director and superintendent of schools. He worked in Colorado and Arizona and shares time between them now. He and his wife, Mary `79, have 3 sons and 7 grandchildren. His sons all hold college degrees. Gary `87 and Karen `85 Martinez (Aurora, CO) will celebrate their 10th anniversary this fall. Gary is looking to move on to a new career after teaching. Karen recently helped with her company’s closing and is seeking another opportunity as a payroll manager. Daughter Amanda is a junior at Regis Jesuit High School and has begun the college selection process. Ken Marquez `87, `94 (Alamosa, CO) , Vice President for Student Affairs at Adams State, was named to the Colorado Campus Alcohol and Drug Educators Steering Committee, the only statewide coalition of higher education personnel dedicated to alcohol and other drug prevention in Colorado. Among Marquez’ responsibilities is oversight of Adams State’s Counseling Center, Police Department, and Residence Life.
"Let's be positive," said Harrocks during his impromptu acceptance speech. "Let's not choose to be reformed, let's be the reform." Aaron Horrocks Each of the 14 nominees took home a prize of $500, while Horrocks received $1,000 and a golden apple. The awards were courtesy of San Luis Valley Federal Bank, which sponsors the annual event. Additional alumni nominated for 2014 SLV Teacher of the Year to represent their respective schools included: Maxine Baker ’97, ‘03 (Alamosa,CO) teaches English at Alamosa HS. Linda Donaldson ‘96, ‘10 (Monte Vista, CO) has taught middle school math at Center for 17 years.
Photo courtesy of Valley Courier
Bryan Carr `86 (Wilmington, DE) has been a research scientist for Ashland, Inc., in Wilmington, Delaware for the last 15 years. Most of his spare time is spent with his girlfriend, Courtney. They enjoy biking, running, hiking, and visiting new places, especially their national parks. He still has very fond memories of his days at Adams State, where he was privileged to get an excellent education along with meeting some of his very best friends.
A number of Adams State alumni were honored at the 29th annual San Luis Valley Educators Outstanding Teachers Banquet. Aaron Horrocks ‘01, ‘06 (South Fork, CO) was named the 2014 SLV Teacher of the Year, having taught middle school math and language arts in Del Norte for 13 years. He believes that his role as a teacher is to advocate for his students.
Kaley Van Arsdale ‘04, ‘08 (Crestone, CO) has taught English at Moffatt HS for 6 years. Rosanne Gilbertson ‘90, ‘07 (Saguache, CO) has taught K-8 PE, as well as elementary & middle school science, at Mountain Valley School for 24 years. Joanne Bagwell ‘90 (Alamosa, CO) teaches family & consumer science at Sanford Jr./Sr. High. Jenna Mondragon ‘07, ‘14 (Alamosa, CO) has taught fourth grade at Sangre De Cristo School for 8 years. Matt Relyea ‘04, 06 (Monte Vista, CO) teaches science at Sargent HS. Jolene Ruybal ‘99, ‘03 (Antonito, CO) has taught business and vocational classes at South Conejos HS for 15 years. Brian Riccatone ‘99 (Romeo, CO) teaches middle school science in the North Conejos School District. Roger Dawson ‘77, ‘92 (Alamosa, CO) teaches science for Monte Vista HS and the Delta Center/Online Academy. Doug Messer `89 (Scottsdale, AZ) played pro ball for the San Francisco Giants from 87-89. He worked at the University of Phoenix for 18 years, mostly in information technology. He received his MA in Organization Management in 1997 and is now with Arizona State Retirement System Quality Assurance. He has been married for 24 years. He has a daughter, Katherine, who is attending Belmont University in Nashville, TN. He has completed 3 marathons.
◗1990s Cleta Hiner-Felzien `90 (Limon, CO) has her own tax office and raises Piedmontese cattle.
Dr. Denise T. (Alarid) Ogden ‘90 (Allentown, PA) was recently promoted from Associate Professor to Professor of Marketing at the Pennsylvania State University (Lehigh Valley campus), where she has taught for 13 years. In 2003 and 2013, she received the Lehigh Valley Campus Teaching Excellence Award. Her research interests include retailing, integrated marketing communication (IMC), and multicultural elements of business. In addition to diversity consulting, her consulting firm, The Doctors Ogden Group LLC, specializes in retailing and entertainment marketing. She is also active as newsletter editor and college liaison for the Center for Retailing Solutions. She is the coauthor of texts in retailing, marketing, and integrated marketing communication and has published articles in many academic journals. Ogden received her doctorate from Temple
aStater alumnotes
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worked at Edwards AFB from 1985-1993. Since then he has been teaching in various schools, including Rosamond HS, Alamosa HS, and Tropico Middle School in Lancaster.
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