Grizzly Club recognizes ongoing support of SLV Federal Bank San Luis Valley Federal Bank has been recognized as the 2014-15 Grizzly Club Corporate Sponsor of the Year. Opened in 1899, SLV Federal Bank and ASU athletics have established a long-lasting relationship. “Adams State has an amazing athletic history and continues to produce championship teams and quality studentathletes, in the face of very challenging competition,” said SLV Federal Bank President & CEO Duane Bussey ‘82. “We appreciate how hard the coaches and athletes work and the fine manner in which they represent our community and university.” Bussey also serves his alma mater as president of the Adams State University Foundation. The relationship between two of Alamosa’s oldest institutions was begun by former SLV Federal Bank President Athletic Director Larry Mortensen ‘88, ‘93 (center) presents the Grizzly Club’s 2014 Bob Foote and his wife, Joyce ‘61. As Corporate Sponsor of the Year Award to San Luis Valley Federal Bank, which was repavid Adams State athletic supporters, resented by alumni Kelly Veneman ‘83, the bank’s senior vice president (left), and Duane Bussey ‘82, bank president. the Footes helped to maintain a strong connection with ASU. Their efforts $17,000 donation in memory of Bob and Joyce ‘61 Foote. were later recognized during the athletic department’s Grizzly The bank also played an instrumental role in reestablishing Courtyard project. SLV Federal Bank contributed the largest the Athletic Department’s Hall of Fame and initiating the single gift for that project, a Banker’s Classic Basketball tournament. As an Adams State Hall of Famer in basketball, Bussey carries several fond athletic memories — both as a spectator and as an athlete. His highlights include watching football’s 1988 Izora Southway ‘66 was semifinal game in Alamosa against heavily favored Pittsburgh honored for decades of State, men’s cross country’s perfect score en route to claiming service to the ASU Foundathe 1992 NCAA Division II National Championship, and tion at the recent Donor & Student Recognition Dinwatching All-American wrestler Herb Stanley during the ner. 1970s. During his playing career, Bussey recalls Adams State’s She first became involved on a community advisory game against the University of Colorado during the 1979-80 committee during Dr. Marseason. It was a game in which Adams State led at halftime vel’s presidency. Under Dr. but ultimately fell short by only ten points. Fulkerson’s presidency, she Years later the Bussey family tradition with ASU continued officially became a board when his daughter, Emily ‘07, played volleyball for the Grizmember, ultimately serving zlies. She currently ranks sixth in program history with 851 as Foundation Board presikills and seventh in sets played at 366. dent for four years. “The bank is very proud of its long partnership with ASU and its athletic programs and looks to continue its support long into the future," Bussey added. By Mike Skinner 20
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aStater fall 2014