Educators’ legacy aids future teachers Karen Kelton often heard Ira Richardson’s words of wisdom as she was growing up. Her dad, Dr. Stanley E. Wills ’48, would frequently quote Adams State’s first president, she said. In fact, he titled his 1998 summer commencement address after one such quote: “Pigs Are Pigs, But Folks Are Funny.” Wills told Adams State graduates that pigs are predictable; they always act the same. “People, on the other hand, have their own intentions, perceptions, ideas, ways of learning, and ways of being.” Thus, as a lifelong educator, he followed his own advice: “Treat each student as an individual, and give them the time needed to learn.” Wills passed away in 2005; in 2010 his widow, Ruth (Osborne) ’46, funded a scholarship endowment in Dr. Stanley E. Wills ‘48 his memory to give tangible assistance to future teachers. When Ruth died in 2013, the scholarship was renamed the Dr. Stanley E. & Ruth Wills Scholarship Endowment. True to their parents’ wishes, the Wills’ children invested more in the endowment and are committed to its growth. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate or graduate students in teacher education with a minimum GPA of 3.0; preference is given according to finan-
cial need. It has been awarded annually since 2012. The couple met as students at Adams State, were married in 1947, and eventually had five children. Their parents had homesteaded in the San Luis Valley, making Adams State even more special to the family Ruth earned a B.A. in education, then a master’s in counseling from Wayne State College, Neb. She served as a high school teacher, librarian, and counselor. With a B.A. in history, Stanley completed his master’s at Colorado College, followed by an Ed.D from Greeley State College (now University of Northern Colorado.) Ruth Osborne Wills ‘46 as a Stanley served as a First Sergeant in young woman in the Black the Philippines during World War II, Canyon of the Gunnison. and later was superintendent of schools in Mosca, Colo. Beginning in 1963, he held the posts of professor, registrar, and provost at Wayne State College. In 1975, he helped open the University of Houston-Victoria campus and was an education professor there until his retirement in 2000.
El Pomar scholarships advance rural health care $66,000 is targeted to those pursuing advanced degrees at any university as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or physician assistant. Recipients must commit to five years of service in the San Luis Valley upon their degree completion. For this academic year, 9 students and 4 nursing faculty members received scholarships. Former Adams State President Tom Gilmore ‘67, ‘68, an 11-year member of the regional council, said the group identified improved health care as one area that could have a broad impact on the region. El Pomar’s undergraduate scholarships were established after discussions with SLV Health revealed a need for more bachelor’s level nurses. The graduate awards were added in
order to somewhat offset a physician shortage with nurse practitioners and physician assistants, Gilmore explained. “We have had outstanding results, most of the students we funded completed their degrees and stayed in the region to practice,” he said. Dr. Shawn Elliott, director of Adams State’s Department of Nursing, said, “We greatly appreciate the financial support El Pomar gives our nursing students through these scholarships. Such support helps us to train qualified providers for rural health care.” Based in Colorado Springs, the El Pomar Foundation funds grants and programs that enhance, encourage, and promote the current and future wellbeing of the people of Colorado.
aStater giving
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Nursing scholarships provided by the El Pomar Foundation benefit Adams State University nursing students and nurse educators, with the objective of improving health care services in the San Luis Valley. Awarded through El Pomar’s SLV Regional Council, a total of $111,000 a year is administered through the ASU Foundation. The scholarships are available to SLV residents who intend to practice long-term in the valley, according to Tammy Lopez ’91, ’00, executive director of the Foundation. Financial need is also a consideration. The fund dedicates $45,000 annually to undergraduate students in Adams State’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, while
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