◗2010s Kristie Dorwart `10 (Pueblo, CO) welcomed a new addition to her family, a baby girl, Kenzingtyn, born June 26, 2013. She was 6 lbs, 21 oz. and 19 inches long. Randy Menegatti `08, `12 (Colorado Springs, CO) taught 1st grade for 3 years in Trinidad, Colo. and is now in his third year teaching 3rd grade on Fort Carson army base. He graduated with his M.A. in professional school counseling and is now the director of the PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Systems) for his school. Amanda (Morris) ‘07 and Ryan ‘08 Laverdiere (Monte Vista, CO) welcomed their daughter, Marlowe, on March 27, 2013. Amanda writes, “We are both looking forward to the learning experiences ahead. Marlowe is growing and changing so quickly.” Ryan appreciated the challenge of completing the recent Copper Mountain Warrior Dash 5K obstacle course within 45 minutes. He is an outpatient clinician with SLV Community
Mental Health and is working on his Licensed Clinical Social Worker certification, while Amanda is a case manager with Alamosa County Public Health. Michelle (Chavez) Moore `08 (Delta, CO) and her husband, Scott Moore '07, welcomed the birth of their first child on April 17, 2013. Their baby boy is healthy and growing every day! Ryan Crandell `11 (Represa, CA) writes, “Earning my B.A. degree at ASU has corresponded to several employment opportunities: in medical sales, research analysis, construction management, counseling, and correctional realignment. Currently, I am wrapping up my M.A. degree at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and will be applying to Ph.D. programs next summer. ASU was a significant, integral part of my education. I am definitely proud to be an Adams State Alumnus.” Karen Bridge `12 (Pueblo, CO) is a substance abuse counselor at Crowley County Correctional facility.
Katie McNew `12 (Colorado Springs, CO) got a new job as a director at Early Connections Learning Center at Antlers Place. Matthew Martinez ’13, Monte Vista, CO, was recently elected to the Monte Vista City Council. He has a vision for Monte Vista and wants to help the city live up to its potential. Last fall, Martinez served as an intern for Senator Michael Bennet in Washington, D.C. He is now working to improve the circumstances of veterans pursuing their education as the veterans' coordinator at Adams State. He obtained this newly created position because of his role as one of the founding members of the Adams State University Veterans' Club.
friends Boogie Romero, ASU Retiree (Alamosa, CO) has been retired since 1993 and currently does a lot of volunteer work for veterans and the community. Boogie and his wife, Dorothy, are in good health.
ASU Legacy Society welcomes Rich Gehlbach ‘55, ‘59 “I am so proud of what the college has become, its growth and progress,” wrote Rich Gehlbach ’59 after a visit to campus this fall. “I feel compelled to help all I can. And I hope others of my generation feel the same, before it’s too late.” Thus, President David Svaldi presents Rich Gehlbach with Gehlbach became his Legacy Society plate. the newest member of the Adam State University Legacy Society, by including his alma mater in his estate plans. Gehlbach is retired after 45 years in the life insurance industry and lives with his wife in Olathe, Kan. “I shudder to think of what my life would have been without my Adams State education,” he said. When Gehlbach 28
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was ten, his father died, leaving his widowed mother to raise four children. He grew up in Denver and attended Manual High School. “I don’t remember college being mentioned around my house growing up. It seemed out of the realm of possibility,” he recalled. He worked the year after high school and had some money saved, when a friend suggested he come along to Adams State. He played football that fall, and received a tuition waiver for singing in the choir. “In the year that followed, I wouldn’t have left for anything. I worked various jobs to assure I could stay,” he said. Gehlbach said every visit back to campus renews the gratitude he feels for his education. “I always look at my year books and some old A-Stater editions to see if the growth and progress I’ve seen is real. Yes, it is! Can this be the same small college I entered in Sept. 1955 with its enrollment of 500700?” He added, “It is such a privilege to support my college.” To learn how you can include Adams State University in your estate planning, contact Tammy Lopez, executive director of the ASU Foundation: 719-587-7122 or email: tllopez@adams.edu.