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VOL. 58, NO. 2 • AUTUMN 2018
Published by Adams State University Foundation ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY • ALAMOSA, CO 81101 719-587-7011 • 800-824-6494 WWW.ADAMS.EDU • E-MAIL: ALUMNI@ADAMS.EDU WWW.ADAMS.EDU/ALUMNI/ASTATER/
EDITOR
Chris Lopez ’84
DESIGNER
Amy Kucera ’05
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Gaylene Horning ’94 • Linda Relyea ’96, ’10
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS ASU Sports • Shaun Wicen
PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY Dr. Cheryl D. Lovell
BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY
Cleave Simpson Chair Kathleen Rogers Vice Chair Pam Bricker • Reeves Brown • Donna Griego ‘03, ‘12 • Michele Lueck Wendell L. Pryor • John Singletary • Randy Wright ’84 Dr. Rob Benson Faculty Trustee Cody Trujillo Student Trustee
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD
Lori Lee Laske ’91, ’01 Executive Director of Alumni & Donor Relations Liz Tabeling-Garcia ’96, ’06 President Delzia Worley ’97 Vice President Holly Felmlee ’76, ’92 Secretary Toney Cantu ’70 • D. Mike Garcia ’73, ’77 • Phil Lopez ’04 Lynn Michalke ’77 • Robert Oringdulph ’71 Sandy Ortega ’74 • Carol Osburn ’84 • Chris Page ’02, ’03 Kasey Russell ’03 • Rich Scanga ’75 • Jeremy Wilder ’96
ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION BOARD
Ron Howard ’98 President Dr. John McDaniel Vice President Jeni Goodwin ’85 Secretary Donn Vigil Treasurer Fred Bunch ’77 • Glenn Burnham • Duane Bussey ’82 Keith Cerny • Genevieve Cooper • Ed Crowther Bill Fassett • Valerie Finnegan • Dale Hettinger ’64 Charles “Chuck” Houser ’62 • Dorothy Lucero ’61 • Joe Martinez ’99, ’12 Cathy Mullens ’82 • Chuck Owsley ’68 • Michelle Roepke Rich Scanga ’75 • Don Stegman ’61, ’64
FOUNDATION HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS
Stephen Bokat ’68 • Marguerite Salazar ’75, ’76 • Michael Ware ’69 Harold Kelloff • John Marvel Jr. Izora Southway ’66 • J. Byron Uhrich • R. Paul Wagner
FOUNDATION EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Dr. Cheryl D. Lovell ASU President Tammy Lopez ’91, ’00 Executive Director of the Foundation Kathleen Rogers Trustee Liaison
GRIZZLY CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ron DeSautell ’76 President Ted Morrison ’69 Vice President Hoyt Anderson ’97 • Keith Cerny Jeni Goodwin ’85 • Chris Lopez ’84 • Darrell Meis ’81 Jeff Owsley ’86 • Adam Roberts • Donna Wehe ’12
ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT
ASU’s mission is to educate, serve, and inspire our diverse populations in the pursuit of their lifelong dreams and ambitions.
VISION STATEMENT 2020
To become the university community of choice for diverse, historically underserved groups, and all who value quality education and inclusivity.
president’s letter: The Life–Changing Consequences of Caring My term as president of Adams State University began on July 1. I spent my first weekend at the Fourth of July parade in downtown Alamosa, where I saw firsthand just how connected residents are to one another. I was struck with gratitude by the community’s warm and supportive welcome. An esteemed university and a vibrant town – these are what drew me to Alamosa in the first place. I may be a new resident, but I’ve known of the San Luis Valley region for some time. Before assuming the presidency, I served various roles in the state higher educational system, most recently with the Colorado State University System and prior to that as president of Rocky Vista University, a private osteopathic medical school in Parker, Colo. Over the years, I’ve had a great deal of respect for Adams State’s history, purpose, and sense of place in the region. I’m thrilled about joining the community, participating in its traditions, and playing a part in its culture of support. To that end, one of my first requests to faculty and staff was that all hands be on deck to meet-and-greet new students as they moved into the residence halls before the fall semester began. We hope to reinforce from the beginning that the academic journey at Adams State takes place in an attentive, caring atmosphere. That open and approachable spirit is one of Adams State’s greatest characteristics. I believe it transforms an ordinary college education into a life-changing experience, part of which is the “mobility bump” that we want for our students, especially first-generation students from traditionally underserved communities. The University has gone through some challenging times, and preserving the community’s special qualities will take some effort. That said, we have great momentum on our side. The University has a clear fiscal strategy, promising incoming freshmen enrollment numbers, and recently the Higher Learning Commission affirmed our compliance with its criteria for accreditation. We’re stronger and more focused than ever. If you haven’t been engaged with your alma mater recently, I invite you to get involved. Join us for Homecoming on the weekend of Oct. 6, when our Grizzlies take on Chadron State. Visit the campus and reminisce about the teachers and fellow students who contributed to your success. Help us transfer your school pride to the next generation of students by showing them that everyone chips in, everyone contributes to make an institution great. I am so proud to be a member of the ASU Grizzly Nation. I look forward to meeting you and to working together to move ASU forward. Go Grizzlies! Cheryl D. Lovell, Ph.D. President
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adams family gatherings
contents cover story
OCTOBER
Adams State awards first doctoral degrees in school’s history
Keeping Current New Leadership for Adams State Academic Pursuits ASU board holds line on tuition and approves salary increases for employees Adams State meets all accreditation requirements Billy Adams Award Winner: Millie Hamner ’87 Adams State’s Pathways Project Launches in 2019 Adams State alumnus encourages love of history Adams State adventure camp gets kids outside Adams State alumnus named Colorado middle school principal of the year Designing a successful launch device lands Adams State graduate student in Houston Adams State alumna receives Einstein fellowship adams.edu gets a redesign Student recruits will get pitched with new viewbook Adams State Locomotive 1921 makes its debut English, Spanish or French–language inspired Baker Uncovering the past and inspiring the future: Dr. Richard Goddard retires from Adams State An historical figure at Adams State leaves mark Adams State awards first doctoral degrees in school’s history Coach Seckler establishes swim scholarship Adams State Athletic Endowment Fund gets going ASU Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremonies set for September 28 Homecoming 2018 Schedule John Petersen ’78 Cultivated a Passion for Scientific Exploration at Adams State Relationships at Adams State allowed David Gurule ’11 to flourish Reunion of the legends brings tears of joy to many eyes
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STAYING IN TOUCH 34 ADAMS FAMILY ALBUM 40
Adams State 1921
ALUMNI
Save the Date! October 1-6, 2018 Homecoming
1–6
Homecoming 2019
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SLV Theatre Matinee
DECEMBER JANUARY TBD 26
SLV Social Denver Chapter Annual Meeting
FEBRUARY Northern and Southern California
MARCH Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Lamar, La Junta, Walsenburg
APRIL Durango
JUNE 2019 Mediterranean Cruise
Watch your mail for details. www.facebook.com/ adamsalumni • adams.edu/alumni 800-824-6494, ext. 8
ON THE COVER: The first Ph.D. graduates in Adams State history Cover photo by Linda Relyea ’96, ’10
Full Schedule - page 27 AStater 3
current The sound of lawnmowers buzzing across the expanse of grass, trees shading sidewalks, and the occasional deer crossing campus – summertime and Adams State bursts with activity. Not just in nature but in dorms, classrooms and athletic fields. As full-time students move out in May, Residence Life prepares for its busy season – checking in and out groups, some staying a few days, others for several weeks.
Athletics holds camps, including volleyball and distance running, and for the third year welcomed the Colorado State Games to Plachy Hall.
Upward Bound hosts more than 50 high school students, exposing them to college life.
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Warmer temperatures and longer days provide the right conditions for the City of Alamosa to repair sewage lines on First Street, from Faculty Housing to Monterey Avenue.
Dr. Matt IklĂŠ mentored computer scientists chosen for the final year of the Summer Research Internship Program in Artificial Intelligence funded by a Department of Defense Army Research Office grant.
Counselor Education brings in graduate students from around the world for summer intensives, filling McDaniel Hall classrooms for the month of June.
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New leadership for Adams State dr. cheryl d. lovell takes over as new president “I am so proud to be joining the Adams State University community,” said Cheryl D. Lovell, Ph.D., the new president at Adams State University. “This is an institution I have long admired for its solid commitment to student success. I am especially pleased to be leading such a strong team and university dedicated to access, opportunity, and affordability for a diverse population.” Dr. Lovell was selected to serve a 12-month appointment by the Adams State Board of Trustees. Her one-year term began July 1, 2018, after a nearly 30-year career in higher education, as both an educator and administrator. Most recently, Dr. Lovell served as special advisor to the chancellor and to the chief academic officer for the Colorado State University System, where she worked with faculty and staff to build bridges and maximize collaboration. Prior to that experience, she served as president and CEO of Rocky Vista University, a private osteopathic medical school in Parker, Colo. During her tenure, the university increased diversity of underrepresented students by 200 percent while maintaining high academic standards. “I’m excited about Adams State’s commitment to being the university community of choice for diverse and historically underserved groups,” she said. “Together, we’ll continue to make good on the university’s promise to provide quality education in an inclusive environment.”
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Herself a low-income, first-generation college student, Dr. Lovell brings a keen understanding and passion for Adams State’s mission to provide access and opportunity to all students, regardless of ZIP code or economic status. She’s fond of talking about the “mobility bump” that occurs for students who come from impoverished and historically underrepresented backgrounds to campuses of higher education, and how a college degree helps people move up the economic ladder and creates social mobility within their lives. “As a former student-athlete, I’m also pleased to see that Adams State has such strong athletic programs,” said Dr. Lovell. “They offer opportunities for student engagement that strengthen the campus community. I look forward to cheering on our Grizzlies as they compete at the intramural and intercollegiate levels.” Dr. Lovell assumes the leadership of Adams State at a time when the University is focused on growing its graduate degree student population, pushes for a higher enrollment of undergraduate students, and continues to develop its financial action plan to reflect the changing model of higher education. “Dr. Lovell’s extensive academic record and deep knowledge of higher education in Colorado bring tremendous advantages to Adams State,” said ASU Board of Trustees Chairman Cleave Simpson. “The Board was very thoughtful, deliberate and diligent throughout its process to identify a new leader for the University. Now it’s time for all of us who are part of the Adams State family to focus our energies on serving the students and simultaneously enhancing our great institution in preparation for our 100-year celebration.” Dr. Lovell succeeds Dr. Matt Nehring, who will return to the department of chemistry, computer science and mathematics as a professor of physics after a year serving as interim vice president of academic affairs and, since March, interim president of the University.
joaquín vilá takes over as vp of academic affairs “As an administrator, I believe that academic institutions should be truly accessible, providing student-centered, diverse educational experiences,” said Joaquín Vilá, Ph.D. “As a Latino faculty member and administrator, promoting equity and inclusiveness while ensuring the delivery of robust academic programs are concerns close to my heart.” Dr. Vilá was selected to serve as vice president of academic affairs. His appointment began July 1, 2018.
Previously, Dr. Vilá served as dean of the college of education at Northern New Mexico College in Española, N.M. His career in education began more than 32 years ago, first as a high school teacher and then as an instructor and administrator at various academic institutions. He brings a wealth of experience in developing, implementing, coordinating and evaluating academic programs. “I find that the key to collaboration is honest dialogue and active engagement among faculty, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders,” said Dr. Vilá. “What drew me to Adams State was the sense of shared goals backed by a sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic pluralism that is characteristic of the community itself.” Dr. Vilá holds a B.A. in English with additional specialization in secondary English education (ESOL) from the University of Puerto Rico. He earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in Linguistics from Michigan State University, specializing in sociolinguistics, ESL Methodology, second language acquisition, multicultural education, psycholinguistics, bilingualism, reading, and assessment. AStater 7
academic pursuits chemistry majors were selected for internships and graduate school. Samuel Reid will have a paid REU/Internship (research experience for undergraduates) at Colorado State University this summer. Jeremiah Givens will have a paid REU/Internship at Johns Hopkins University this summer. Megan Gylling was accepted to graduate school and awarded a teaching assistantship at University of Colorado – Denver.
the asu chamber choir performed at the Colorado Music Educators Association Conference, held January 25 at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. The conference brings in hundreds of music educators - K-12, collegiate, community, and professional - from around the state and region. The concert was part of the music department’s ETHOS: Exploring Equity through Music initiative implemented last year.
two hppe graduate students had papers from their master’s theses accepted for publication. Jason Mannerberg’s paper was accepted for publication in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, one of the most highly peer-reviewed journals in the field. Entitled “Eight weeks of strength and power training improves club head speed in collegiate golfers,” the paper’s co-authors are Dustin Oranchuk, Jason Mannerberg, Dr. Tracey Robinson (thesis advisor), and former faculty member Megan Nelson. Derek Nichols’ paper will be published in the journal Athletic Training & Sports Health Care. “Kinesio taping of the ankle does not improve dynamic balance in NCAA athletes” was coauthored by Nichols, Dustin Oranchuk, and Dr. Tracey Robinson (thesis advisor).
aaron abeyta, professor of English, read his poetry as part of a session entitled “Heartbeat Geography” at the Crestone Poetry Festival, a gathering of regional poets. dr. laura bruneau, professor of counselor education, is Secretary- Elect of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. ACES is the premier organization dedicated to quality education and supervision of counselors in all work settings.
dr. courtney allen, assistant professor of counselor education, was elected to the Colorado School Counseling Board as the post-secondary vice president. Her term begins in July.
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counselor education faculty attended
dr. melissa l. freeman, project director of
the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference in Anaheim, Calif., in December. This conference is an unparalleled opportunity for interviews and in-depth coverage of the problems that challenge contemporary culture, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and marital problems. Faculty members are authors who are commonly featured on national media. They have written best-selling books that appear on self-help and professional bookshelves worldwide. Organized by the Milton H. Erickson Foundation, the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference is the world’s largest meeting for mental health professionals. Approximately 8,000 professionals from 50 countries attended the 2017 conference, which presented advances in the art and science of psychotherapy.
the PPOHA Grant and interim director of the HEAL Program, co-authored a chapter published in the book “Latinx/a/os in Higher Education: Exploring Identity, Pathways, and Success.” The chapter is titled “Policy Actors and Public Policy in Higher Education: Developing a National Organizational Infrastructure for Latina/o Postsecondary Advocacy.”
the department of counselor education, in partnership with the Office of Title V Initiatives, SLV Behavioral Health Group, and CoACT Colorado, hosted the Supporting Outcomes and Advocacy for Recovery (SOAR) symposium on campus in February. Several Counselor Education faculty presented at the symposium on a variety of topics related to addiction counseling: Dr. Blaine Reilly–“Neuroscience and Mindfulness” Dr. Laura Bruneau–“Solutions in the Sand: Live Sandtray Demonstration” Dr. Joel Givens–“Moving Beyond Taboos and Rethinking Recovery” Dr. Jared Thiemann–“Generational Addiction and Helping Family Members Cope” Dr. Cheri Meder–“Classroom Management” Dr. Courtney Allen–“Effects of Drug Abuse on Children in School” dr. james w. doyle, associate professor of music, recently presented a clinic on Hearing Protection for the Musician at the Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA) conference, held January 26 at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.
dr. tracy doyle, professor of music, and Dr. James W. Doyle, associate professor of music, were guest artists-in-residence at Utah Valley University in Orem, UT. They presented masterclasses for students and performed a duo recital on January 13.
dr. jeffrey elison, professor of psychology, had a book chapter, “Interpreting and Treating Shame from an Evolutionary Perspective,” accepted for publication in an edited volume: “Transforming shame in context: Practical applications and exercises for growth.” The editors are colleagues of his from Germany.
dr. joel givens, assistant professor of counselor education, was elected president-elect of the Association for Humanistic Counseling. AHC is comprised of counseling professionals who work in a variety of settings and are bonded by a philosophy rather than a work setting, and who use their skills and expertise to empower, advocate, and make a difference.
dr. matthew c. schildt, professor of music, has received several positive reviews of his album “This Little Light” in Australia and India. Also, he and recent graduate Jon Moffat ‘17 are finishing mastering Moffat’s progressive rock album “The Fallen State” in the ASU Richmond Recording Studio. Projected to be released in late spring, it is the first album to be fully mastered in ASU’s studio. dr. nick saenz, assistant professor of history, was interviewed in the Luther Bean Museum for the “Colorado Experience” episode, “The Settling of the Sand Dunes,” which aired through Rocky Mountain PBS. A premier was held on campus January 24.
dr. jared thiemann, assistant professor of counselor education, is president-elect of the Rocky Mountain Assoc. for Counseling and Supervision. kathy park woolbert ‘07, adjunct instructor of English, and Dr. Carol Guerrero-Murphy, emeritus professor of English, were interviewed on Colorado Public Radio concerning ASU’s Prison College Program, in which they teach. The story also ran in the Durango Herald.
asu board holds line on tuition and approves salary increases for employees Tuition for full-time undergraduate students will remain unchanged at Adams State University for the 2018-19 academic year, and ASU employees will receive cost-of-living pay adjustments based on action by the ASU Board of Trustees. Adams State has kept its tuition flat for the past two years as the Board of Trustees signals no appetite for increased student costs. The Board also eliminated late registration fees and kept other student fees flat. “The Board and Administration of the University recognize that affordability of a college education is paramount to Adams State’s mission of providing opportunity and creating access for all who aspire to earn a college degree,” said ASU Board Chairman Cleave Simpson. Adams State offers one of the most affordable tuition rates of any four-year college in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, with its 12-for-20 semester credit hour pricing. Full-time students pay $4,719 per semester for 12 credit hours and can take up to 20 semester credit hours for no additional cost. Students who take advantage of the 12-for-20 tuition window, by taking more than 12 credits per semester, can reduce their costs to earn a degree from Adams State by thousands of dollars.
In addition, 60 percent of Adams State’s undergraduate student body is eligible to receive federal Pell grant aid, which is not a loan and does not have to be paid back. Pell grant eligibility coupled with Adams State’s extensive list of available scholarships through the ASU Foundation means most students attending Adams State receive some form of tuition assistance and as a result do not pay the full tuition cost. “There are many ways that Adams State can help a student and family meet the cost of attending the University,” said ASU President Cheryl D. Lovell. “Adams State is committed to making sure that a college education is within reach for all students, and our efforts to control costs and offer substantial financial aid means more students can afford to attend the University and find themselves in meaningful careers once they’ve earned an ASU degree.” The ASU Board of Trustees also approved a 2 percent cost-of-living increase for faculty and exempt staff, and ASU classified employees will receive a cost-of-living adjustment of 3 percent based on rates set by the state Department of Personnel and Administration.
adams state meets all accreditation requirements Adams State University has resolved all the concerns identified by the Higher Learning Commission and is fully compliant with the regional accrediting agency, the HLC board announced on June 28. “The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has removed the sanction of Probation for Adams State University. HLC took this action based on the institution’s ability to demonstrate it is now in compliance with all of HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation,” read the HLC decision. The news galvanized the campus and helps build on the University’s momentum as Adams State shifts into the Fall 2018-19 academic year. Adams State is now on the Standard Pathway with its next comprehensive evaluation for reaffirmation of accreditation in 2021-22. The Higher Learning Commission accredits approximately 1,000 colleges and universities across 19 states, including Colorado.
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State Rep. Millie Hamner ’87 Receives the Billy Adams Award
see more outstanding alumni on pages 29-30
Adams State University will present Millie Hamner ’87 with its most prestigious honor, The Billy Adams Award, at the Adams State University Alumni Banquet and Awards Ceremony during Homecoming, on October 5. Hamner, an alumna and former instructor at Adams State, now represents House District 61 at the Colorado Legislature, which includes Pitkin, Lake and Summit counties and parts of Delta and Gunnison counties. She currently serves as chairwoman of the Joint Budget Committee, a six-member group charged with drafting the state’s annual budget bill. “It is such an honor to receive the Billy Adams award and to be recognized for my service to education in Colorado,” Hamner said. “I applaud the efforts of Adams State University in keeping the great accomplishments of Governor Billy Adams alive through the annual award, and I am proud to be recognized in his memory.” Established in 1971, the Billy Adams Award recognizes those who exhibit the dedication to education shown by the college’s founder and namesake. Billy Adams worked for 30 years to establish the college in Alamosa. Adams State Normal School opened in 1925 to educate teachers for remote, rural areas of Colorado, such as the San Luis Valley. “Dr. Hamner has been an outstanding higher education advocate in the legislature, and she keenly understands the need for public support of rural institutions like Adams State,” said Dr. Cheryl Lovell, ASU president. “She knows 10 AStater
our mission and appreciates the fact that we serve students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to earn a college degree. We are proud to honor her with Adams State’s most prestigious award.” “Most of the jobs of the future will require education beyond a high school diploma,” Hamner said. “It is critically important that we have small, rural universities like Adams State to offer opportunities for students who live great distances from the metro area and who are willing to step up into these jobs to support their families and Colorado’s economy.” Hamner previously served as chairwoman of the House Education Committee and continues to be involved in education policy, carrying education and school financerelated legislation, and currently serves on the Governor’s Education Leadership Council and the Interim Committee on School Finance. Her passion for education stems from over 35 years of service as a teacher and administrator in Eagle and Summit counties, including six years as superintendent of Summit School District. Hamner earned her master’s degree from Adams State in elementary education in 1987 and her Ph.D. in educational leadership from the University of Denver in 1996. As an adjunct professor at both Adams State and the University of Denver, she was involved in the planning and delivery of advanced degree programs for teachers and school administrators throughout Colorado.
Adams State’s ‘Pathways Project’ Launches in 2019
Renee Beeton, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, and Leslie Alvarez, Ph.D., professor of psychology, have been leading the Pathways work.
Adams State undergraduates who enroll in 2019 will be the first to experience an innovative curricular experience called the Adams Pathways Project. Designed to support the University’s expected student-learning outcomes, Adams Pathways is an innovative framework that enhances the delivery of general education. Specifically, it brings disparate courses into dialogue with each other through the integration of Pathway ‘themes,’ such as environmental sustainability, crime and forensics, or health and wellness. Themes are used to build interdisciplinary course clusters, so that regardless of the field of study, students recognize common threads, detect patterns and build off their accumulating knowledge. The Adams Pathways Project begins with a first-year seminar for undergraduate students that emphasizes intellectual and practical skills, such as critical thinking, written and oral communication, and problem-solving. Students also will participate in learning communities with peer mentoring. Another feature of Adams Pathways is the E-portfolio. During their time at ASU, students will be required to gather, document, and archive their learning experiences. Ultimately, the E-portfolio will serve as a resource of completed works that students draw on as they apply for jobs or advanced degree programs. Adams Pathways culminates in a capstone course, where students spend an entire semester in deep engagement with a topic and transform their learning into a completed project that demonstrates the integration and application of their educational experiences.
adams state alumnus encourages love of history John Willis, Adams State University Class of 1995, received the National History Day in Colorado Senior Division History Teacher of the Year Award. Inspired by Dr. Ed Crowther, emeritus professor of history, Willis changed his major from pre-physical therapy to history after his freshman year. “The way Dr. Crowther interacted with the class and used humor to teach was inspiring to me. I decided to focus on becoming a high school social studies teacher and coach.” Willis’ student, Annika Cortright, finished in first place in the category of Senior Individual Exhibit at the Colorado State competition for an entry on the Haymarket Affair. She and Willis attended the National History Day Finals in College Park, Md, in June. Annika Cortright and John Willis take time to sightsee while in Washington, D.C.
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adams state adventure camp gets kids outside Valley youth explored the great outdoors through the Adams State Adventure Camp, funded through a grant from the Great Outdoors Colorado Inspire Initiative. The grant of $868,805 was made to a coalition working to inspire kids to explore the outdoors of the San Luis Valley. The coalition, known as Recreation Inspires Opportunity (Alamosa RIO!), aims to integrate outdoor recreation into Alamosa’s community culture and inspire a healthy relationship between youth and the outdoors. The Adams State Adventure Camp included getting area youth on the University’s climbing wall and challenge course, and then exploring the Rio Grande and learning about the vital resource of water. Two additional days were spent at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where summer campers enjoyed sand boarding, a treasure hunt, and hiking. The final day of each ASU Adventure Camp took the youth to Penitente Canyon, where they completed an orienteering challenge and outdoor rock climbing. The grant provides $21,000 in scholarships over three years for the ASU students minoring in Adventure Leadership and Programming who are running the camps. Alamosa RIO! is a collaboration among several partners, including Alamosa Parks and Recreation, San Luis Valley Great Outdoors, Adams State Adventure Program (ASAP), the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley (BGCSLV), Rio Grande Watershed Conservation & Education Initiative, Weekends on the Rio, the Rio Grande Farm Park, and Rio Grande Rattlers mountain bike team.
Kids participating in the Adams State Adventure Camp enjoy sand boarding, orienteering, and wall climbing. Photo by Chase Whitman
adams state alumnus named colorado middle school principal of the year Adams State University alumnus Joe Simo ’00, ’07, Centennial Middle School principal, received the Colorado Middle School Principal of the Year awarded by the Colorado Association of School Executives, CASE, and the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals. Simo will represent all of the secondary schools in Colorado for the National Principal of the Year competition in September. According to the article, co-case.org/news, written by Melissa Gibson, director of Membership and Strategic Partners with CASE, his first year as principal Simo reduced the number of major office referrals from 200 to 45 in his first year as principal. He also mended a fractured faculty and staff environment. “I enjoy working with middle school students because they still enjoy school and are excited for each day,” Simo said. “They are starting to experience independence within their education and it is rewarding to be able to support them in that process. I get to help guide them on their path of learning and that is exciting.”
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Pictured, left to right, back row, Sam Preis, Matt Preis, Ben Koser, and Eric Koser; front row, Morgan Brooks and Emily Dauk.
designing a successful launch device lands adams state graduate student in Houston Emily Dauk is a high school math teacher in Minnesota who is working toward a master’s degree through the Adams State Endeavor STEM Leadership Certificate program, a partnership with NASA and the ASU Teacher Education Department. She challenged her Mankato, Minn. students to build a mechanism that could launch a mock satellite. Led by Dauk and her colleague, Eric Koser, the students achieved success and the Kato Launch Squad was invited to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in March to demonstrate their experimental device. “My students and I had the opportunity to participate in NASA’s Microgravity University for Educators at Johnson Space Center,” Dauk said. Last fall she worked with a group of students and teachers from her district in Minnesota to submit a project proposal and were one of 10 teams selected from across the nation to participate.
adams state alumna receives einstein fellowship This spring Cammie Newmyer ’00 was named a 2018-2019 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow. “When I received the email for the in-person interview, held in Washington, DC, I acted like a child at Christmas. I was shaking all over with tears streaming down my face – all the emotion stored up from many years of hard work and effort.” Newmyer has taught math in the San Luis Valley since 2000, and since 2011 has been with the Monte Vista Online Academy/Byron Syring Delta Center. The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF) Program provides a unique opportunity for accomplished K-12 STEM educators to apply their extensive classroom knowledge and experiences to their host offices to inform federal STEM education efforts.
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adams.edu gets a redesign The University’s web site, adams.edu, has undergone a dramatic makeover. ASU Public Relations and Marketing staff redesigned the web site, emphasizing a greater sense of place in the visual elements and overall design of the site. The University also wanted a better experience overall for prospective students and families who visit the site to help determine if Adams State is the right college for them. Research continues to show that college web sites remain an important tool in helping students make their selection of which school to attend. Alumni who wish to stay up to date with Adams State will find a more robust news and information feed. Adams State will use adams.edu as its main news and information distribution outlet. The events calendar on adams.edu is another good way for alumni to see what’s coming up. Adams State web developer Mike Henderson ’07 led the project. He was assisted by Emily Osburn ’17, Amy Kucera ’05 and Linda Relyea ’96, ’10.
Student recruits will get pitched with new viewbook As the University makes a renewed push in its recruitment of students, Adams State has also overhauled its recruiting viewbook. The University is moving to a 24-page viewbook that helps prospective students and their families get a fuller picture of why Adams State is the right choice. The Adams State viewbook will be in both a printed and digital format. Alumni are encouraged to refer prospective students to the University’s Admissions Office. Any alumni can note their name and grad year on the application and the student’s fee will be waived. Helping bring students into Adams State is a great way for alumni to help the institution.
Adams State University
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Adams State Locomotive 1921 makes its debut Adams State University Vice President of Academic Affairs Ken Marquez ’87, ’94 tweeted it out. “What university in the nation has its own train!!! How sweet is that?” He was referring to a summer project between ASU and San Luis Rio Grande Railroad that resulted in Adams State Locomotive 1921, a refurbished 40,000-ton locomotive that carries the Adams State colors wherever it goes along 153 miles of railroad track. “This is a signature project that represents Adams State on the move and reflects the pride the University has in its hometown of Alamosa and the San Luis Valley region which it has served for nearly 100 years,” said ASU Marketing Director Chris Lopez ’84. “We were thrilled that Adams State expressed an interest in helping us restore one of our locomotives,” said SLRG General Manager Emily Ellis. “It’s exciting to see the Adams State colors being carried along the tracks as a representation of our home in Alamosa and our commitment to the San Luis Valley.” Adams State art students Andrew Rascon ’18 and Robert Gallegos ’18 created the original design for the project as part of their final semester work before graduation in May. Both worked with Lopez to sand the locomotive and prepare it for paint and graphics. Adams State contracted with Baroz Auto and Paint in La Jara to spray the locomotive ASU green, black and white, and Extreme Graphics of Alamosa finished the restoration with graphic elements. Next time you’re around the train yard on State Street in Alamosa, keep an eye out for Adams State locomotive. You can’t miss it. Or, you’ll see it hauling train cars along the tracks. AStater 15
English, Spanish or French–language inspired Baker A love of language and a natural ability to pick up new dialects started Dr. Richard E. Baker on his path to becoming a professor at Adams State. “Knowledge is power and I wanted to pass along that power to other people through teaching.” A junior computer science major, Brian Mott took Major Themes in Literature with Baker. “While I had appreciated literature before taking his class, it was refreshing to receive new instruction on a collection of pieces I had heard about, but not yet read. It was interesting to learn more about the theming within a genre, and I feel that information will be helpful in my desired field of video game design.” After taking a Spanish class in high school, Dr. Baker found he “had a knack” for learning foreign languages and continued along this path through college. “Learning another language teaches you so much about your own language.” While an undergraduate student, Dr. Baker believed he would pursue a career as an interpreter for international airlines. However, when he received, as a college graduation present, the
opportunity to drive to Peru with friends in a VW, his path diverted. “My Spanish got really good living and surfing in the South and Central Americas.” After six months surfing, Dr. Baker applied to graduate school at CU Boulder, where he earned his master’s and doctorate degrees. He accepted a scholarship to attend school in Paris where he perfected his French. “You don’t really learn the language until you go live in the country where it is spoken.”
Dr. Baker received several awards including the KASF 2011 Radio Award: ASC’s Favorite Professor, in 2001; Metro Connections Teaching Award, Metropolitan State College, Denver; and Dissertation Fellowship from the Department of Comparative Literature, CU-Boulder. “My main focus was to help students get through life and through school, to value education and still know how to laugh and have a good time.” Article by Linda Relyea ’96, ’10
Uncovering the past and inspiring the future: Dr. Richard Goddard retires from Adams State As far back as Dr. Richard Goddard can remember he had a “love for history and a love of discovery.” Thomas Keller, Class of 2012, said: “The way he taught was captivating. We used to call it Story Time with Goddard because when he talked it was always interesting and made everyone listen closely. I still have that passion for anthropology because of him.” Dr. Goddard created a minor in anthropology, which eventually developed into a major emphasis. Subsequently, he was instrumental in developing the first, fully online master’s program in Cultural Resource Management in the United States. His areas of expertise and experience include 19th century military forts in the Southwest; 19th century military life; western mining camps; community development in the West, and prehistoric and historic Native American cultures. 16 AStater
Dr. Goddard is the principal investigator for the Adams State University Field School in Historical Archaeology and has conducted excavations at two 19th century Army outposts in Fort Garland, Colo., and Fort Massachusetts, Colo. A central focus of the anthropology program has been the summer field school. It has received international recognition, and in 2015 was recognized for Gender and Minority Diversity in Archaeological Field Schools by the Society for Historical Archaeology. In 2007, Delfin Weis, an undergraduate student at the University of Cambridge, began looking for a field school in the United States. He chose the Adams State Field School in Historical Archaeology “The field school is a critical component to one’s career and future. Dr. Goddard has created and molded fantastic archaeologists that are his academic legacy.” Dr. Goddard received the Adams State Presidential Teaching Award in 2011 and the Award for Excellence in Research and Publications in 2006. “As a professor, he keyed in to the interests of the individual, prodded them, gave the student more information, and then would often simply guide them to explore a given topic or specialty,” Weis added. “He invested himself into the students.” Article by Linda Relyea ’96, ’10
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An historical figure at Adams State leaves mark Dr. Edward Crowther has been a presence on the Adams State campus for 30 years. In addition to the classroom, he could be found on the football field as a volunteer assistant coach and in the board room as president of the Faculty Senate, a post he was elected to four times. Crowther’s booming voice was often relied upon to call a crowd to attention, to announce graduates at commencement, to encourage football players, and as auctioneer at fundraising events. His annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day presentations always drew an appreciative audience. “I was very lucky to earn a living pursuing a rather esoteric discipline, and to have the chance to teach it and work with students and colleagues.” Patrick Cleary, ASU Class of 2017, who earned a full scholarship to the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, appreciates Dr. Crowther as “he truly cared about all of his students.” “I was fortunate enough to take multiple classes with Dr. Crowther during my four years and they continually fueled my legal interests and are part of the reason I am where I am today.” Since 1998 he has headed the Department of History, Government, and Philosophy, renamed the Department of History, Anthropology, Philosophy, Political Science and Spanish in 2003. He simultaneously chaired the Department of Teacher Education from 2011 to 2017 and the Department of Human Performance and Physical Education in 2006-07. He also served with the Office of State Colleges in Colorado during 2002-03 as associate vice president for academic and student affairs. Dr. Crowther developed Adams State’s Master of Art in Humanities - History program in 2007. His latest book is Southern Evangelicals and the Coming of the Civil War. He is a co-editor of and contributor to the new volume, The Enduring Lost Cause, which looks at how ideas that constitute the South’s Lost Cause have manifested themselves in 20th and early 21st century. Article by Julie Waechter
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“After my master’s, I wanted to take my education one step further. I chose Adams State because the online approach and summer residencies fit me really well.”
Adams State awards first doctoral degrees in school’s history “First things happen only once,” said Dr. Ira Richardson upon awarding Adams State’s first degree in August of 1926. Adams State University celebrated another first on May 12, 2018 – awarding of the institution’s first doctoral degrees. As the eight doctoral candidates for the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision entered Plachy Hall gym that day, Ed Crowther, Ph.D., announced, “Adams State’s first EVER Ph.D. graduates!” The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause. Penny Sanders, Ph.D., assistant vice president for Graduate Studies, briefly introduced each doctoral candidate and said, “These diplomas may be handed out individually, but I assure you, this was a team effort.” The graduate ceremony commencement address was given by Mark Vander Ley, who was first of the doctoral candidates to successfully defend his dissertation. Speaking on behalf of his fellow candidates, he said, “We have often discussed how thankful we are to have been members of this first cohort. First, we are thankful because we have grown close and could not have done it without one another. Second, we are thankful because of the level of commitment, support, and excellence demonstrated by the Counselor Education Department and Adams State University. The awarding of these first Ph.D. degrees is truly a huge accomplishment.” Vander Ley, who lives in Quincy, Ill., started his private practice in 2017, specializing in working with couples in distress and adolescents who have experienced trauma. “If this accomplishment is to be meaningful, then it has to be more than the paper, the hat, and the robe. I think the best way to make these things more than just an accomplishment is to take what we have learned, return home, and serve those we love and our communities. The ascent to great accomplishment is meaningless without a descent into a life of service. It will not be easy; it may come at incredible cost, but it will be meaningful.”
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i chose adams state because the online approach and summer residencies fit me really well.” – richard audsley, phd
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In addition to Vander Ley, the following received their Ph.D.s: Richard William Audsley, Evergreen, Colo.; Rebecca Caple, Mint Hill, N.C.; Gregory Elliott, Aurora, Colo.; Vasti Holstun, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Ashley Ascherl Pecheck ’06, ’08, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Lisa Ann Runck-Wieczorek; and Elizabeth Wiggins ’12, Colorado Springs, Colo. Adams State is one of seven institutions in the nation to offer an online, CACREP-accredited doctoral program. Initiated in 2014, Adams State’s doctoral program prepares counselor educators and supervisors to serve as faculty members, researchers, and practitioners in academic and clinical settings. “It means a lot that they trusted us to earn the accreditation and stayed committed through all the change. That’s what this graduation signifies – a commitment that went both ways. This first cohort really paved the way for our subsequent cohorts,” said Cheri Meder ’08, Ph.D., Director of Counselor Education online program.
Adams State’s Penny Sanders, Ph.D., participates in the hooding ceremony of Mark Vander Ley, center, along with ASU Associate Professor of Counselor Education, Cheri Meder, Ph.D.
Research is one important aspect of the program, and the group presented at several professional conferences. “They made a splash nationally,” said Dr. Meder. “They are trailblazers for online Ph.D. programs. The leaders were impressed with our students’ presentations. It’s exciting to
see the research they have produced. It feels cutting-edge and pushes the envelope in challenging the profession.” For example, Richard Audsley created a manual that offers guidance to communities in responding to collective trauma such as a high school shooting. He became active with trauma work while he was chief operating officer of Mile High United Way in Denver. When the trial in the Oklahoma City bombing was moved to Denver, he worked with a group on long-term recovery. “There were hundreds of victims and family members. We built a comprehensive support strategy to help them during the months of the trial. Our team created a safe haven for them at a church adjacent to the courthouse so they could get away from the media and receive counseling. “Then Columbine happened in my own back yard. United Way decided to create a victims’ fund and assessed their needs on a long-term and short-term basis. I was one of the leaders who watched over the fiduciary responsibilities of the fund and the supportive services for the victims.” He also advised on community response to the Aurora theater shooting, the San Bernadino shooting, and the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn. He consults on events of mass violence through the Department of Justice’s Offices of Victims of Crime. Audsley had already begun work on a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling at Regis University when the Aurora shooting occurred. “I always admired the mental health professionals I worked beside. When I retired from United Way, I knew that was the next career for me.” He has been teaching crisis courses at Regis, as well as operating a private practice. “After my master’s, I wanted to take my education one step further. I chose Adams State because the online approach and summer residencies fit me really well.” The flexibility of the program makes it particularly attractive, Dr. Meder said. “Higher education is hard to enter into for working professionals. Our students have families and jobs, and want to stay where they live. Our mission aligns with that of the university, reaching an underserved population that wouldn’t otherwise be able to attain a Ph.D.” By Julie Waechter
Counselor Education Proudly graduated Adams State’s first PhD students in May 2018 The Master of Arts program is designed to provide the human relations and therapeutic skills necessary to become a professional counselor. Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling specialties are CACREP Accredited. For more information visit adams.edu. AStater 19
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ashley ascherl pechek is adams state’s “first triple crown winner.”
236 adams state undergraduate degrees in may 2018
Pechek originally came to Adams State to play on the University’s first women’s soccer team. She earned a B.A. in psychology in 2006, followed by an M.A. in counseling in 2008. “I believe in Adams State and its quality of education,” Pechek said. Earning her Ph.D. was “exciting, almost surreal – it’s hard to believe.” She is an elementary school counselor at an off-post school in Colorado Springs, working with children from military families. With her Ph.D. in hand, she has the option to move into counselor education. She and others from the first Ph.D. cohort will continue their relationship with Adams State as adjunct faculty for the program. Pechek said at first she was hesitant to enroll in an online doctoral program. “I was pleasantly surprised. Online technology has come a long way. I was really impressed with the level of engagement with my peers and faculty.” She also appreciated the diversity of faculty in the Ph.D. program. “The faculty have been phenomenal. They bring different clinical experiences, in addition to different teaching styles, philosophies, and personalities. They have been great mentors and role models.” Her fellow students were also important. “We all at some point may have felt we couldn’t do it, but overall we supported each other. I can’t imagine going through the program without them.” That support was especially important when she gave birth to her first child in her second year of the program. “Our cohort and my family definitely made it manageable.” By Julie Waechter
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Coach Seckler establishes swim scholarship Vince Sanchez, a long-time swimming coach in Albuquerque, NM, will be remembered through a scholarship established by his friend and colleague, Adams State Swim Coach Quint Seckler. Sanchez spent 20 years coaching in the Sundance Aquatic Association and at La Cueva High School, where he also swam for three years prior to attending and swimming at Texas Christian University. “Vince left behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come in the New Mexico swimming world,” Seckler said. “Vince was a dedicated and reliable man who gave countless hours of time to the sport of swimming. He coached several thousand swimmers over his career and left a lasting impact on all who knew him.” Sanchez swam for Seckler in high school and then joined him as his assistant at La Cueva, Albuquerque Country Club, and Highpoint. “We coached at rival high schools for 8 years,
but we never coached against each other, even sitting next to each other at the state championship meet year after year. We spent many hours talking swimming.” In memory of Vince, Seckler set up the scholarship to help New Mexico high school swimmers continue their swimming careers at the collegiate level, something Sanchez was able to do himself with hard work and dedication. The scholarship will be awarded to a swimmer attending Adams State and will be based on ability and promise to swim at the NCAA Division II level. Preference for recipients of this scholarship is given to graduates from New Mexico high schools. Leadership roles will be considered, and financial need will also be a consideration when selecting meritorious candidates. To donate to the Vince Sanchez Swimming Scholarship Fund, contact Adams State Foundation Director Tammy Lopez at 719-587-7122 or tllopez@adams.edu.
A bequest of your life insurance policy is an easy way for you to make a gift to us. It’s as easy as naming Adams State University as beneficiary of all or a portion of your policy on your beneficiary designation form. Your life insurance proceeds will help Adams State educate our future and your estate will benefit from an estate tax charitable deduction for the value of the proceeds paid. To learn more about making a bequest of life insurance or other estate gifts, please call or email Lori Laske at (719) 587-7867 or 1-800-824-6494 ext. 8 or lllaske@adams.edu.
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GRIZZLIES Sept. 1 Colorado School of Mines • Noon • Golden, CO Sept. 8 New Mexico Highlands University • 1 p.m. • Las Vegas, NM Sept. 15 Blacks Hills State University • 1 p.m. • Alamosa, CO Sept. 22 Western State Colorado University (72nd Colorado Classic) 2 p.m. • Gunnison, CO Sept. 29 Fort Lewis College (Musket Game and Hall of Fame ceremonies) 1 p.m. • Alamosa, CO Oct. 6 Chadron State College (Homecoming) • 1 p.m. • Alamosa, CO Oct. 13 South Dakota School of Mines • 1 p.m. • Rapid City, SD Oct. 20 Colorado State University-Pueblo • 1 p.m. • Alamosa, CO Oct. 27 Angelo State University • 3 p.m. • San Angelo, TX Nov. 3 Colorado Mesa University • 7 p.m. • Grand Junction, CO Nov. 10 Dixie State University (Spud Bowl) • 1 p.m. • Alamosa. CO
Adams State Athletic Endowment Fund gets going the adams state athletic endowment fund is a perfect way for former athletes and families to give to the university and support the future of adams state athletics.
For decades Adams State has maintained a tradition of athletic excellence equaled by few programs in the nation. To support and nurture excellence in athletics, Adams State has launched the Adams State Athletic Endowment Fund. The Athletic Endowment Fund will be used to annually fund scholarships for the 21 varsity athletic programs. There are four ways to participate: • A major one-time gift • An annual cash commitment • A gift of life insurance • Stock transfers Endowments are one of the best ways to support a program and ensure a level of funding. “No longer can the institution channel funds for athletic purposes as has been done in the past,” said Adams State Athletic Director Larry Mortensen ’88, ’93. “Outside monies are the only way Adams State Athletics can maintain and build our proud tradition.” To set up a gift to the Adams State Athletic Endowment, please contact Adams State Foundation Director Tammy Lopez at 719-587-7122 or tllopez@adams.edu. Gifts can be mailed to: Adams State University, Athletic Endowment Fund 208 Edgemont Blvd., Alamosa, CO 81101. AStater 23
ASU Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremonies set for September 28 adams state university athletics will induct nine individuals and a total of eight teams this fall into the adams state hall of fame. the dinner is set for september 28th at 6 p.m., with tickets available online at asugrizzlies.com/hof or call 719-587-7609.
John Flores ’77 Flores came to Adams State in 1976 from Northeastern Junior College. In his two years with Adams he finished fourth at nationals in 1976 and was the 1977 national champion at 134 weight.
Ronda Leyba DeLaCerda ’95 Ronda, in her time at Adams, was a crucial member to the RMAC Hall of Fame Adams State women’s cross country teams that won nationals for a decade straight. She was a 14-time All-American. She was a three-time national champion team member. She was also the regional cross country champion in 1992.
Dave Smith ’91 A two-time All-American for Adams State, Dave Smith was a leader on the 1989 and 1990 offensive line that led the nation in total offense and passing offense. He was a member of the 1990 National Championship Runner-Up team and RMAC Champions, as well as the 1987 Aztec Bowl Champions. Dave was a hard worker that set a work ethic in the weight room, benching more than 350 pounds and squatting over 600.
Sharon Foster Greenbaum ’86 Sharon was a five-time All-American for Adams State in track and field, and won the 1983 women’s marathon national championship. Foster was a part of the first-ever Track and Field National Championship for Adams State in 1985, a team that is being honored in this induction class as well.
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Scott McMillen Scott McMillen has a special place in Adams State history, earning the first-ever outdoor track and field national championship for Adams and the first ever distance championship, beginning a long tradition in Adams State excellence on the track. A three-time All-American for Adams State, Scott has already been inducted into this Hall of Fame as a member of the 1977 men’s cross country team.
Phil Castillo ’95, ’98 Phil Castillo led the “Perfect Team” to its first NCAA Division II National Championship in 1992 in Slippery Rock, Ark. He was the ninth individual cross country champion in Adams State history, leading his teammates to the only perfect score of 15 in NCAA history. Castillo was a nine-time All-American for Adams State.
James Workman ’61 Workman played baseball for Adams from 1958 to 1961. Already part of the Hall of Fame induction teams of 19581960 baseball, Workman was a crucial part of the team’s NAIA Regional Tournament appearance in 1958. As a freshman he hit .435 and had a teamhigh 23 RBIs. He was 4-1 on the mound and made the Rocky Mountain Conference All-Star Team. As a sophomore he reproduced a similar season with a .458 batting average and 23 RBIs, making a consecutive All-Star Team. He would virtually mirror his sophomore campaign in his junior season with the same batting average and his third All-Star appearance, then as a senior hit .416 with 24 RBIs and his fourth All-Star team.
Amy Cousins Her 928 career kills for the Grizzlies in just two years placed her sixth on the school record career list prior to this season. While averaging more than 450 kills per season, she would’ve been on pace to become the school record holder in kills, the honor she held when she left Adams State. Her total blocks in her career of 263 places her seventh currently on the school record list, another record she was on pace to beat if here for four seasons. She is still the career record holder in blocks per set at 1.21. In her two seasons Amy was named All-RMAC First Team twice and was a six-time RMAC Athlete of the Week. Once her volleyball career was done Amy stepped onto the softball field. She led the team with a 2.88 ERA that season, making 16 appearances at pitcher with four wins and seven complete games pitched. She struck out 42 batters that season while allowing just a single home run. Cousins also hit in four games in 2004, with three hits in nine at bats including a run and a pair of RBIs.
Jim Wood Jim Wood was the 1976 National Wrestling Champion at 142 pounds, assisting the team that year to a national championship. A two-year wrestler for Adams, Wood came back his senior year and placed fourth.
1985 Women’s Indoor Track & Field The women’s indoor track and field won the first track national title for Adams State, taking a victory of just three points by scoring 67 points in Kansas City, Missouri. Coached by Milan Donley, the team consisted of Connie Calkin, Loretta Fidel, Brenda Jarvis, Julie Jenkins, Loren Risenhoover, and Sharon Foster. They scored points at the national meet while earning individual All-American status.
1983-1989 Men’s Cross Country The longest stretch of men’s championships in school history, the run of seven straight titles solidified coach Joe I. Vigil’s legacy at Adams State. With all the championships won in Kenosha, Wis., the teams ranged from victories of just 21 points to 78. With more than 37 All-American honors in the span, this group of men set the legacy of Adams State being the powerhouse of distance running.
Seeking new team members to the Adams State Grizzly Club
Athletic Director’s Club $1,000 Includes six all-sport season passes
Platinum Level $500 Includes four all-sport season passes
Silver Level $350 Includes three all-sport season passes
Bronze Level $250 Includes two all-sport season passes
Or make any donation of $25 or more and Adams State will send along a promotional gift by mail.
*Season tickets can be donated back to local schools in the San Luis Valley through correspondence with the Grizzly Club.
Please send membership payment to: ASU Grizzly Club 208 Edgemont Blvd. Alamosa, CO 81101 AStater 25
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2018 Homecoming Class Reunions 5 year = Class of 2013 10 year = Class of 2008 15 year = Class of 2003 20 year = Class of 1998 25 year = Class of 1993 30 year = Class of 1988
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35 year = Class of 1983 40 year = Class of 1978 45 year = Class of 1973 50 year = Class of 1968 55 year = Class of 1963 60 year = Class of 1958
Homecoming Schedule October 1 – 6, 2018 tuesday, 2nd
Adams Family Feud, Alumni vs. Students Carson Auditorium • 7 pm Call Gaylene at 719-587-8110 to register your team!
wednesday, 3rd
Medicine Show • Richardson Hall • 7 pm
thursday, 4th
Bonfire • Richardson Hall Lawn • 8 pm
friday, 5th
Golf Outing, Cattails Golf course Cost $25 per 18 holes, includes cart • 10 am
Alumni Receptions and Special Reunion Group Get-togethers Student Union Building, Room 309 • 3:30 pm
Alumni Banquet & Annual Meeting Student Union Building, Room 131 • 5:30 pm $25 per person (includes reception) Semi-formal dress; Advance tickets preferred
saturday, 6th
Parade Main Street • 10 am Tailgate Party Parking Lot between Student Union Building & dorms • 11 am Football vs Chadron State College $10/person • 1 pm FREE Lost & Found Improv Comedy Class of Experimental Theatre • 8 pm 1963
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2018 Outstanding Alumnus
John Petersen ’78 Cultivated a Passion for Scientific Exploration at Adams State
Combining a passion for physics and chemistry with an innate creative intelligence, John Petersen ’78 has helped advance the world of technology. His long list of scientific achievements and accolades includes 38 years of experience in the development and use of advanced lithography for semiconductors, during which he authored 76 papers and was granted 12 patents. Petersen is still going. Recently, he became a principal scientist at imec, a R&D and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. “I hope that the work we’re doing will help us one day in the fabrication of molecular scale electronics,” he says. “At the very least, they’ll teach us something that challenges the intellect and leads to advances we don’t yet know. Success is not always an overnight thing, and true intellectual pursuit can last, gladly, a lifetime.” Petersen graduated with honors from Adams State in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. “So many caring professors amplified what my family had already been nurturing — my imagination and how to shape my world to meet my needs of exploration,” he says. “Adams taught me to think critically, to always ask questions, to recognize and not 28 AStater
accept glibness from anyone, and to search for truth through dialogue, through reading, through observation, and through critical analysis.” With the support of those around him at Adams State, Petersen realized his potential. “I did it, a kid from Cheraw, Colorado, the smallest of rural communities, and if I can do it, anybody can do it,” he says. “I believe it takes a belief in your innate ability, a recognition of areas for nurture and pursuit to build. Then it takes a realization that you’re not by yourself, that you can be part of community of people where you can resonate and thereby grow and harmonize. It is this harmonization that makes you better, that makes you successful. Now the challenge is to learn to play the instrument that is your being.” Petersen also notes that while passion for your work is good, it’s important to enjoy the rest of your life. “I have learned that all actions are steps towards or away from peace, justice, and love. For me stepping towards these goals creates the fulcrum of my balance.”
Adams State University will award Petersen the 2018 Outstanding Alumnus Award at the Alumni Banquet and Awards Ceremony during Homecoming on October 5. For reservations and tickets, call the Alumni Relations Office at 719-587-8110.
2018 Exceptional New Alumnus
Relationships at Adams State allowed David Gurule ’11 to flourish After graduating from Adams State University in 2011, David Gurule enrolled in the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where many of his classmates came from large, well-known institutions. He saw right away that he was better prepared. “There were things I learned at Adams State, or experienced, that they hadn’t,” he says. “Adams State prepared me with a solid foundation in all the sciences. The faculty did a great job making sure you understood the material, not just memorized it.” Two professors, in particular, left a lasting impression: Dr. Marty Jones, emeritus professor of chemistry, and Dr. Brent Ybarrondo, emeritus professor of biology. “Dr. Jones was an excellent teacher and had a unique way of making organic chemistry fun and exciting, but that isn’t what I remember looking back,” says Gurule. “What I remember is how happy and excited he was every day. How he treated his students with kindness and respect. If we all treated people the way Dr. Jones does, we would be a lot better off.” He recalls that Dr. Ybarrondo seemed unapproachable, but “that was before you got to know him. He truly cared for students and wanted them to succeed,” says Gurule. “He definitely pushed me academically and helped me develop critical thinking skills that I use on a day-to-day basis in my profession.” Beyond academics, Gurule also credits the University’s culture as having a lifelong impact. “Probably the biggest thing I took away from Adams is that it doesn’t matter who you are or what your title is – people deserve to be treated well, and that was exemplified by the faculty,” he says. “Those relationships allowed me to flourish and pursue
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my pharmacy career and helped model the type of person I wanted to be.” After earning his advanced degrees, Gurule embarked on a career in pharmacy practice, eventually returning to his roots as a pharmacist for Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc. “Growing up in the area, you saw the hardships people faced. You saw hard-working people sometimes go without because they didn’t have access to quality healthcare,” he says. “I wanted to help give patients a higher level of care, closer to home.” Gurule will receive the Adams State University Exceptional New Alumnus Award for 2018 at the Alumni Banquet and Awards Ceremony during Homecoming on October 5. For reservations and tickets, call the Alumni Relations Office at 719-587-8110.
Probably the biggest thing I took away from Adams is that it doesn’t matter who you are or what your title is – people deserve to be treated well, and that was exemplified by the faculty.” AStater 29
The third floor of Richardson Hall filled with sounds of laughter and reminiscing at the reunion reception. Pictured: Tim Cronin, Dr. Joe I. Vigil, Steve Bosley, and Dave Costill.
Adams State Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Damon Martin hugs Olympic medalist Deena Kastor at the reunion’s opening reception.
Reunion of the legends brings tears of joy to many eyes “If you have a passion for something, then you have a purpose for your existence.” Those are the words Joe I. Vigil ’53, ’59 left a sold-out banquet crowd with when all was said and done at the reunion that brought America’s pioneers of distance running to Adams State University in late July. Billy Mills, George Young, Kenny Moore, Frank Shorter, Amby Burfoot, Bill Clark, Steve Gachupin, Bob Deines, Hal Higdon – all considered running royalty – returned to Adams State to remember 1968, the year Alamosa and Adams State hosted the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. And boy, did they remember. It was a love fest that lasted late into the evenings and literally saw greats like Mills and Shorter, both Olympic gold medalists, surrounded by visitors wherever they went on campus. Autograph enthusiasts, runners seeking wisdom from the greats, and visitors who simply wanted to be in the presence of these amazing athletes descended on Adams State for the reunion events. The legendary Frank Shorter finishes Saturday’s 8K run.
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Adams State President Cheryl D. Lovell and the great Joe I. Vigil.
There were many highlights, but none stood out more than Saturday’s lunch gathering of the greatest distance runners America has ever produced. They sat for this group photo, and all agreed that George Young (pictured right) should be in the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.
“It really started here for me,” said Shorter, who won Olympic gold in 1972 and silver in 1976, and was awed by the reception he received wherever he went during the reunion weekend. “I wanted one more Olympic Games,” is why Mills, the 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist, said he showed up in Alamosa in the summer of ’68. Of course, there was only one person who had the clout to bring together the legends, and that was Coach Vigil who arrived from Arizona with his wife, Caroline ’75, ’76 to oversee the events. “This week is a godsend for me,” Vigil told the participants. “You are the people who made me. I am in heaven.” Damon Martin ’87, Adams State’s director of track & field and cross country, got the weekend festivities started with the introduction of Deena Kastor, the U.S. record-holder in the women’s marathon, who inspired the crowd with an opening-night talk along with her husband, Adams alumnus Andrew Kastor ’00. From there, it was one event after another until Sunday morning, when the cinnamon rolls from Campus Cafe were consumed, and the happy attendees went home grateful for the weekend Adams State hosted in their honor. By Chris Lopez ’84
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A missing link at the reunion of 1968 was Dr. Jack Cotton. Coach Vigil recalled the vital role “Doc” played in helping the Alamosa Olympic Organizing Committee land the first-ever U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials as well as bring other athletes from the sports of basketball, wrestling and race walking to Alamosa and Adams State in 1968 for their Olympic team tryouts. Doc Cotton passed away in September 2016, but his memory and contributions to 1968 were alive and well at the July reunion. Also recognized was Buddy Edelen. His son, Brent ’99, attended the banquet and stories of his father’s contribution to distance running were shared by all the running greats. AStater 31
Longtime Adams State employee Boogie Romero was honored by Coach Vigil. Caroline Vigil looks on.
Former Adams State football coach Jeff Geiser visited with Dominic Gachupin.
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Nara Kayne ’99 and Janelle Olson ’98, ’04 appreciated the opportunity to meet distance running legends.
Frank Shorter with the plaque given to him by Coach Vigil.
The opening night reception was the first time many of the running legends had seen each other in decades.
Coach Vigil and Coach Martin together again.
Amby Burfoot, who came to Alamosa in 1968 as the winner of the Boston Marathon, finishes the 8K run.
King of the Mountain, Steve Gachupin, receives his medal.
U.S. Circuit Judge of the United State Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, Hon. Carlos F. Lucero ’61, hands Coach Vigil an original 1968 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon t-shirt.
The great Billy Mills was among the stars who returned.
Deena and Andrew Kastor, with sponsor Valley-Wide Health Systems CFO Adams Roberts, far right, and Valley-Wide Marketing Director, Elario Rickey.
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staying in touch •1950s Lucy Gonzales ’54 (Questa, NM) celebrated her 100th birthday on April 27, 2018. Happy birthday, Lucy! Harvey Billington ’58, ’65 (Orem, UT), taught in Sargent, Monte Vista, and Willows, Calif., for 10 years after graduating before returning to Burlington, Colo. to take over the farm and ranch when his father passed away. Four years later he was back in education at Burlington HS where he taught music. He went on to become principal and eventually superintendent. He retired in 1991. He moved to Utah to be close to his five daughters. He loved his undergraduate years, especially being part of The Student Union Four, a quartet with the late Larry Motz ’63, ’68, Marv Motz ’58, ’59 and Louis Means ’57, ‘58. He says he owes a great deal to Adams State.
•1960s Norman Howey ’62, ’65 (Fruitland, NM) still enjoys traveling and watching his grandkids growing up and succeeding in all they do. Jerry ’62 and Dixie ’62 Longman moved to Grand Junction, Colo. in 2017 to be close to their daughter, three grandkids and five great-grandkids. They visit Rio Rancho, N.M., where their son Jerry, his three grandkids and two great-grandkids live. They have a new great-grandson in Westminster, Colo. She says, “Our family has been busy!” Jim Witt ’62, ’68 (Grand Junction, CO) has been retired from Grand Junction HS since 2000. He works with Senior Saints at First Baptist Church and sings with the Bookcliff Barbershop Harmony Chorus. He is President of the German American Club of Western Colorado. He is currently working on a project to interview and collect the stories/memories of WWII veterans to finally publish a document entitled “In Their Own Words.” Elbert Detwiler ’63 (Westover, MD) writes, “My sister sent me a t-shirt that fits me very well—“I’m older than I’ve ever been before” –at 82. Edwin Ginoza ’63, ’65 (Kihei, HI) received a 15-year service award at the National Ocean Sciences Bowl for nearly two decades of his retirement tutoring and leading students to
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national science competitions. He taught at Maui High from 1972 to 2000 and then upon his retirement, coached students in Science and Ocean bowl competitions. At Maui High, he led a science club and helped students build the first solar-powered car in the state, according to the Maui High School Foundation, which honored Ginoza with an Inspiration Award in 2011. He was selected Hawaii Teacher of the Year in 1988. Charles Jones III ’63 (Lakewood, CO) was a teacher for Denver Public Schools from 1963-1997, when he retired. He was the recipient of a National Science Foundation Academic Year Grant to Syracuse University from 1966-67, obtaining his Master’s Degree in mathematics. He was a professor of mathematics for the US Navy from 2000-2008. He sailed most of the world on board six aircraft carriers and two destroyers. In 1978, he was the first American photographer to visit China, traveling from Bejing (Peking) to Hong Kong for 17 days. Mary Ann Naranjo Goshert ’65, ’69 (Pueblo West, CO) writes, “I have wonderful memories of my years at Adams State! I have been a teacher, principal, and district administrator in Pagosa Springs; Pueblo; Long Beach, Calif.; and Canon City, retiring in 2003. My husband, James, has been a commercial and fine artist. Retirement has been fun playing golf, horseshoes, bowling and being involved in a variety of activities. Warm greetings to any former Adams State classmates!” Miriam Grafe ’66 (Grand Junction, CO) writes, “We have traveled a lot in previous years and now it is time to spend some quality time with the grandchildren who live in Nebraska.” Sharon Worsham Walker ’66 (Stinnett, TX) retired from teaching after 30 years. She was on campus to visit and see her brick in the Grizzly Courtyard. You might have known her on campus as “Tex.”
She and her husband, Skip, were touring on their Harley on the way to Canada. Roger Fulks ’67, ’73 (Grand Junction, CO) taught for two years at Dolores County then went into the army. After getting his Master’s in 1973, he taught, coached and was the AD in Cedaredge, Colo. until he retired in 2000. Jim Gable ’68 (Walpole, MA) coached football and hockey right out of college at Air Academy High School on the campus of Air Force Academy for two years. He returned to Massachusetts in 1970 and began teaching school and coaching at Walpole High. He took a leave of absence in 1980 to run his own limousine service. He later returned to teaching and coaching at Walpole where he retired in 1992. He and his wife, Kay, have been married for 52 years. They are the parents of daughter, Cary and son, J.R. They have six grandchildren. Thomas Joyner ’68 (Los Angeles, CA) and his wife, Laura (Diggs) Joyner, are celebrating 50 years of marriage. Tom recently retired from the Directors Guild of America after a 35-year career. They have two children, Dawn and Christopher, and two grandchildren. Ellen Moranville Clark ’69 (Los Altos, CA) writes, “My days at Adams State were an experience I’ll never forget! They were filled with joy, hard work and running! I hung around Alamosa during the summer of 1968 for the Marathon Trials and that is where I met my husband, Bill Clark. Bill was in the Marine Corps and had just come off a 2nd place finish at the Boston Marathon. Coach Joe Vigil was key to launching my running career. His encouragement of me was unmatched. My collegiate years were before Title 9 when women were not allowed on collegiate sports teams. Of course, that has all changed and look where Adams State is today! I began running five miles a day my junior and senior year of college. After moving to California in 1970, I went on to run several marathons with my best finish in 1978 at the Avenue of the Giants Marathon in northern California where I ran 3:15:58. This summer I ran in the 8K at the Reunion of the Marathon Trials in Alamosa. My husband and I have two children (Will and Teresa) and three granddaughters (Ellie, Antonia and Lucia). I am a retired PE teacher and the president of our foundation—The Sustainable Living Foundation. We have 2 branches within our foundation—a garden project in Paraguay and the orphan project (Makumbi Children’s Home) in Zimbabwe. We are heading into the 20th Annual Run for Zimbabwe Orphans and Fair in the spring of 2019. (www.ZimbabweParaguay.net)
Harold Czarnetzki ’69 (Sandwich, MA) writes, “We intend to travel next fall and arrive in time for Homecoming to celebrate 50 years—class of 1969!” Byron Wiehe ’69, ’70 (Grand Junction, CO) says, “Can’t get hired, can’t get fired, it’s great to be retired!”
•1970s Mary Dalpiaz ’70, ’75 (Cedaredge, CO) writes, “My brother, Albert O’Leary ’61, and I retired in 1998, so we are celebrating 20 years of retirement from teaching. We are surrounded with a loving family and many relatives…life is beautiful. Chuck ’68 and I were married in August 1959—this August will be our 59th wedding anniversary. Chuck is also retired and his hobbies are trap shooting, hunting and fishing with his son who lives nearby. He says his wife, Mary, keeps the home front in check. Robert Davis ’70 (Denver, CO) is enjoying retirement with his wife, LuAnn. They don’t see enough of their 10 grandchildren. Ron Gallegos ’70 (Broomfield, CO) was awarded the Helen Phelps Award for his service in Denver Public Schools. At Skinner Middle School, he started and led the pre-college program. He received his award on May 10th at the Excellence in Education banquet. Ron passed away on July 4th. Alex Jennings ’71 (Grand Junction, CO) is retired. He is a former teacher and administrator, small business owner and avid outdoorsman. Leonard “Lenny” Martinez ’71 (La Jara, CO) is going on 47 years of working in the music industry. Starting with The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1971 and continuing today, Lenny has worked more than 6,000 concerts and events in all 50 states and 42 countries. During his career, Lenny served as business manager, production manager, tour manager and audio engineer. He also has served as Goodwill Ambassador to Russia on five occasions, met with three presidents, worked for several non-profits and Native American organizations (including coordinator for World Peace and Prayer Day). He has worked with over 200 bands, dozens of TV
shows and several comedians. During the period 2001-10, Lenny also served as director for at-risk students in Alamosa, and track coach and principal at Sangre de Cristo and Antonito school districts. He continues to work Colorado and New Mexico state fairs as well as the Earl Klugh Jazz Festival at the Broadmoor Hotel. Currently, Lenny serves as project manager for International Special Attractions with offices in Los Angeles and Shanghai, China. He is also entertainment coordinator for Alamosa’s Summerfest on the Rio. He is caregiver for his mother and spends his free time writing and playing music, gardening, hiking and fishing.
Mary Ann Roldan ’74 (Pueblo, CO) is the past state president of Delta Kappa Gamma National World Fellowship. She is the founder and president of Mahatma Gandhi Center for Peace and Nonviolence (est. in 1997). She is the coordinator of the annual Peace Flotilla on the Arkansas River International Day of Peace, October 7, 2018. She recruits for Girl Scouts and Boy & Girl Family Scouts and is active in Our Lady of the Meadows Catholic Church.
Patricia Morland ’72 (Denver, CO) worked for Denver Public Schools from 1972-2006. She went back to work as a substitute and still works as a long-term sub. She worked as a professional model for 10 years. She is the vice chair of Democratic House District 7 in Denver County and is captain of her sub-district 7A and precinct committee person for precinct 704. She is a proud distributor of LifeVantage Protandim products. She is happily married to her wonderful husband, Jesse, for 41 years. They’ve helped raise 15 children. They’ve been blessed.
Charlene O’Leary Luke ’75, ’75 (Britt, MN) and her husband, Jim, are retired and have moved to northern Minnesota from Minneapolis/St. Paul. They live on Lake Fourteen and enjoy the quiet lake living. They moved to Minnesota in 1981. She worked in the Twin Cities as a project manager for five Fortune 500 companies. They have two children who graduated from St. Olaf College.
Dwight Proctor ’72 (Denver, CO) writes, “God bless the Adams State University family. I’m enjoying retirement since 2006. I bike, weight-lift and do limited volunteering. God is good!!!” Mike ’73, ’77 and Carla ’79, ’92 Garcia (Pueblo, CO) are grandparents for the first time. Their son David and his wife just had their first child, Eli David. Michael Simpson ’73 (Las Vegas, NV) writes, “I have worked through 15 jobs in laboratory medicine and two more universities to my present tenured, full-time faculty position at the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. In addition I am still actively employed in the laboratory medicine field as staff and as a regulatory consultant. This summer I have international education planned in the Philippines with the Nueva Viscaya Philippine Medical Technology Association. At the ripe young age of 67, I don’t plan to retire for a few more years. All of this started at Adams State in Alamosa, Colo.”
Jim Matthie ’78, ’79 (San Diego, CA) recognized the huge potential of Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) method. He put a company together, helped develop the first device based on this method, and traveled the world for a decade conducting research. The company sold its BIS technology for $30B to a kidney dialysis company, Fresenius Medical Care (FMC), and the technology is now being used globally to save lives of critically ill patients through improved hydration and nutrition therapy. Their product is sold to clinics for approximately $7,000 and was the only BIS device on the market that implemented the three compartment (lean tissue, adipose tissue, hydration) model. With the dream of creating a low-cost wireless device that would extend and improve the lives of millions by democratizing access to BIS technology, Jim teamed up with Rok Ursic, engineer Borut Baricevic, and the rest of Instrumentation Technologies, the world’s leading company in advanced signal processing instruments for the world’s most complex machines – particle accelerators. This unique combination of domain and technology experience, knowledge and capabilities was the foundation for establishing Cella Medical, LLC. The company’s first product is Cella, which offers equivalent accuracy to FMC device for just a few hundred dollars. It is hand-held, faster, wireless and implements the patent-pending 3C model. It will revolutionize the healthcare system and well-being by bringing accurate measurements to the home.
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Patti Ortiz ’78 (Alamosa, CO), at the ASU Employee Recognition Luncheon in April, received a standing ovation for her 40 years of service to Adams State in the Computing Services department. Jerry Schafer ’77, ’83 (Rapid City, SD) has retired after 34 years on the staff at South Dakota School of Mines. He was the head coach of the cross country programs for 28 years before switching roles to director of cross country. During his tenure as a Hardrocker, Schafer’s teams were successful with 79 national competitors, 22 national placers and 19 All-American honors since 1986. Paul Silzell ’78 (Somerset, CO) has spent 38 years in the mining industry, holding several managerial positions. The journey has taken him to New Mexico, Nevada, California and back to Colorado with Molycorp, UNOCAL, Chevron and ArchCoal. Cynthia Kuta ’79, ’93 AKA “Stretch” (Delta, CO) taught school in Antonito for five years; Cedaredge for two years; Fruita Monument for 14 years; Montrose schools for nine years; and Delta for two years. She is now retired after 32 years of teaching middle and high school English, speech, drama, yearbook, etc. She has stayed single—no one wanted to be Mr. Kuta. J She does what she wants with her time—volunteering and caring for nieces, nephews and her mom. She says life is wonderful! Louis Martinez ’79 (Grand Junction, CO) is married to Connie Martinez, who attended Adams State in 1966-68. She has published a book about her mom’s San Luis Valley cooking. Connie grew up in Manassa and graduated from Centauri HS. She went to Adams State for a couple of years, finally graduating from Mesa State College. The book is titled Mom’s Believe It or Not Recipe Book and a Bit of Family History. Connie created the art on the cover and the illustrations throughout the book. You may purchase the book for $25 by calling Connie at 970-216-6524.
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Marilyn Wren ’79 (Beulah, CO) writes, “I spent some of the best years of my life at Adams State! Superb staff—I’m still friends with one of my professors—we exchange AStater
Christmas cards and visit each year. 39 years and still going. Fantastic campus—beautiful people of the Valley as neighbors of the community!”
•1980s Glenn Madrid ’82 (Grand Junction, CO) continues to practice family medicine in Grand Junction. In addition, he remains active in primary care advocacy on a state and national level. He and his wife, Chris, love being grandparents to Lena, Pernille, Lincoln and Malcolm. He enjoys family activities, mountain biking, Colorado sports and golf. Tom Motz ’82 (Grand Junction, CO) is approaching 30 years in family practice. His three kids are married and producing future A-Staters. He has been blessed with many continued friendships from his years at Adams State. Dolores Pitman ’86 (Grand Junction, CO) and husband Robert Garcia are both retired and they enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking, biking and camping. They have three grandchildren: Ryder Pitman and Lily and Alex Hopley. Hope Tonso ’86 has been hired as the finance manager for the Town of South Fork. She has been in the area for the past 3 years after buying a small cabin with her husband. Tonso spent most of her life in the Valley working for Southway Construction Company in Alamosa. In the 25 years Tonso worked for Southway Construction, she handled the company’s finances and human resource department. David Clemmer ’87 (Bloomington, IN) was recognized in February 2018 as one of the National Academy of Inventor’s 2017 Fellows by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This group recognizes academic luminaries of innovation and invention who have been bestowed the highest professional distinction through the Academy. David is a Distinguished Professor and Robert and Marjorie Mann Chair of Chemistry at Indiana University. He
pioneered nested ion mobility mass spectrometry instrumentation and methodology used for analysis of complex molecular mixtures in emerging fields such as proteomics, glycomics and lipidomics. He holds nearly 15 US and 45 foreign patents, and has participated in starting several companies. David has published approximately 250 peer-reviewed papers that have been cited more than 15,000 times and is a fellow of AAAS and RSC. He was honored at a dinner at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Michael Holstine ’88 (Thornton, CO) started his own company, Holy Real Estate, and is semi-retired. He says if he can find a way to pay for health insurance, he will be completely retired!!! He worked in the corporate world out of college, but wanted more freedom. He got his Master’s in finance and accounting in 1998 from Regis University. He writes, “Just trying to enjoy life while we are young and able to!!! J” Suzanne Reed-Fine ’89 (Columbus, GA) upon graduating from Adams State, set out on her journey to become an artist for a living. She moved to Atlanta, Ga., where she attended the Portfolio Center and learned the art of graphic design. It wasn’t until years later, when she moved to Virginia with her growing family, that she decided she could finally be a full-time painter. While in Virginia, ReedFine began to take watercolor workshops and found herself once again under the instruction of Stephen Quiller. “After attending those workshops with Steve, everything progressed from there.” In later years, Reed-Fine began to pay as a member of the American Watercolor Society, with the hopes that one day she would be made a signature member. After deciding to move back closer to family in Georgia, ReedFine finally found herself in local galleries and from there continued to get offers from other galleries around the nation. After years of hard work and dedication, Reed-Fine was offered a chance to feature her art in one of the American Watercolor Society’s shows in New York. It was one step further toward her ultimate goal of becoming a signature member of the society. “It was really amazing. I had three more shows to do before becoming a signature member at that point. Now, I was awarded the signature member status as of last year and my next goal is to be a signature member in the National Watercolor Society. It is one of the top honors to get,” said Reed-Fine.
great stories Scott Slade ’89 has been named head of cross country and track and field programs at University of Illinois Springfield. He has been coaching for 30 years. He is currently the national chair for development for men’s middle distances. Slade was the assistant women’s distance coach at the World Relay Championships in 2015. He has served for the past four years as an assistant coach for the Texas Elite Track Club in San Antonio. Prior to that he was the associate head coach from 2006 to 2014 at the University of Texas at San Antonio where he was responsible for the men’s and women’s cross country programs. Slade coached the women’s cross country team to a Conference USA championship in 2013 and was named Conference USA Coach of the Year. Slade has been a head coach before. He coached the cross country and track and field teams at Plattsburgh State University and Soka University over a 15-year span. He also was an assistant at Rochester Institute of Technology and Adams State College.
•1990s J.B. Fairbanks ’90 (Denver, CO) has been an attorney for 25 years. He is enjoying life in Denver and making his 16-year-old do his homework—which is quite difficult. He says, “Come see me and say hi in downtown Denver. We will go to a Nuggets game.” Stephanie Haney Bernstein ’91 (Colorado Springs, CO) has been a retail manager for over 27 years. She received her MBA at University of Redlands in 2003. She is traveling with her two daughters around Colorado and enjoying life. Karen Bunch Sheff ’92 (Westminster, CO), after three years teaching in Adams County School District 14, is headed back to Adams 12 to continue teaching TaxHelp Colorado and accounting, marketing, finance, and the rest of the School of Business courses. She has enjoyed her 11 years of teaching and advising DECA and FBLA, and plans to teach a few more before retiring.
Christie Carsen Zamora ’92 (Albuquerque, NM) has been married since June of 1999 and has two children. Her daughter will be a senior this year. Her daughter plans to go to college and they came to Adams State for a visit. Christie was amazed at the positive changes made on campus. Stephanie Green ’94 (Boonville, MO) was named by the Boonville R-I school district as principal of Laura Speed Elliott Middle School beginning in the 2018-2019 school year. Green has taught in the English Language Arts department and coached boys and girls tennis at Boonville High School since Fall 2001. She possesses a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction English and Journalism Education from the University of Missouri in addition to minors in Spanish and psychology. Green currently serves as the curriculum coordinator for grades six through twelve in the district, and district technology instructor while continuing to teach English at Boonville High School. Green’s career in the classroom began in 1994 at Kemper Military School and Junior College. While teaching English as a Second Language and many other courses eighth grade through junior college at KMS, Green coached high school girls basketball. After teaching in Jamestown from 1997 to 2001, Green was employed by Boonville High School as an English teacher, assistant speech and drama coach, newspaper and yearbook advisor and boys and girls tennis coach. In 2007, Green was named the Missouri State Journalism Instructor of the Year by the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association. She continues to serve in an administrative capacity with M.I.P.A. and for the Missouri Urban Journalism Workshop held each summer at the University of Missouri. (This abbreviated article was written by Stephanie’s son for the Boonville Daily News.) Chas Moeller ’98 (Alamosa, CO) has been promoted to vice president by the Board of Directors at Alamosa State Bank. He began his banking career in 1998 as a credit analyst. In 2011, he
Tracy Simon ’03, of Monte Vista School District, took top honors as Educator of the Year at the San Luis Valley Board of Cooperative Educational Services 33rd Outstanding Educator Recognition Banquet. Ten additional alumni were recognized as top educators at their respective schools: Maxine Baker ’97, ’03 (Alamosa) Nikkole Zincone ’12 (Centennial) Kevin Hagan ’13, ’15 (Center) Jill Martinez ’90, ’09 (Del Norte) Kim Meis ’82 (North Conejos) Tracy Larsen ’00 (Sanford) Roxi Vigil ’10, ’17 (Sangre de Cristo) John Willis ’95 (Sargent) Eilleen Gonzalez ’12, ’16 (Sierra Grande) Cordelia Lujan ’99 (South Conejos) accepted the agricultural loan officer position with Alamosa State Bank. In all, he has nearly 20 years in banking. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching youth football and basketball. He is currently a member of the Alamosa Rotary as past president. He and his wife, Melissa, have been married 13 years and have two children (Brayden and Kamryn.) Martha AranaGutierrez ’99, ’04 (Vilas, CO) is teaching at her high school alma mater in Vilas. She teaches 3rd and 4th grade. They are a small school—she only has two students at the moment. She has three wonderful children. One is a senior this year and trying to decide if he wants to be a part of ASU. She also has a fifth-grade girl and a seventh-grade boy.
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Joe D. Martinez ’99, ’12 (Alamosa, CO) has been promoted to vice president by the Board of Directors at Alamosa State Bank. Joe began his career as a loan officer in 1999. Joe’s 19 years of lending include consumer, mortgage, commercial and agricultural lending. He is very active within the community and State of Colorado having served on numerous boards. Currently he serves as a member of the ASU Foundation Board, Alamosa County Land Use Board, and as an assistant football coach for the Alamosa Youth Football Program. Joe and his significant other, Amanda Hopkins, live in Alamosa where she has just been appointed the new district court judge for the 12th Judicial District.
• 2000s Lisa (Romsos) Marriott ’00 (Rockwall, TX) is married to Russell Marriott ’99. She went back to teaching three years ago after staying home with their three kids for 11 years. This spring she was named Teacher of the Year at her elementary school. Lisa is currently teaching 4th grade and it wouldn’t have been possible without her degree from Adams. Erik Melgoza ’00, ’04 has been named athletic director and assistant principal for Alamosa High School.
Jared Morgan ’02, ’11,’17 (Alamosa, CO) is the new principal of Haskin Elementary School in Center, Colo. He was previously a middle and high school counselor. He also taught middle and high school Spanish for 14 years before becoming a counselor. Morgan is married to Heidi Morgan ’03, ’12 and they have 4 children ages 16, 15, 13 and 11. Matthew Snyder ’03 (Cheraw, CO) is the new superintendent of Cheraw Schools. He did his undergraduate work at Colorado State University in Fort Collins and received his bachelor’s degree there. The subject he loves most is biology. He took his Master’s degree at Adams State and his Doctorate of Education at Nova Southeast in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He and his wife, Jenny, have 4 children. The oldest is a girl, Ashley, who is married and graduated from Utah Valley University on a full-ride scholarship this year. Son Jonathan will be a senior next year, Jeffrey will be a junior next year, and Joshua is a seventh-grader. He has taught science and biology in Lamar, has been a principal there, and also has been the administrator of the Southeast Board of Cooperative Services, so he has had a view of all the programs which make a school work. He has even coached track. Katie Montague ’07 (Mosca, CO) has received the Boettcher Foundation’s Teacher Recognition Award. The annual award honors the educators who have had the greatest influence on the 2018 class of Boettcher Scholars.
great stories Charles Ashley ’05 (Albuquerque, NM) has found a new way to get 21st-century kids excited. In addition to coaching basketball, Ashley has spent time as a consultant and learned about philanthropy. This later led to successfully finding partners to help subsidize what became Cultivating Coders, a company of which Ashley is the president. Cultivating Coders is an Albuquerque-based coding camp that provides an intensive eight-week training workshop for up to 26 middle and high school students. They learn the introductory coding skills employers in the current market seek, including development, programming and web build-out. In 2016, at a tech conference in Austin, Cultivating Coders was named the Tech Startup of the Year. Each Cultivating Coders session has a different “funder”. These are firms like Best Buy and At&T. Cultivating Coders is filling significant economic development gaps in New Mexico by identifying barriers to training and employment for youth and young adults, training youth of color in technology skills and keeping high-paying jobs in the state. The program will be available for students in rural, tribal and inner-city areas where resources are not currently accessible for this type of training.
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Montague is a teacher at Alamosa High School and was nominated by Boettcher Scholar Lexi Wright. Each teacher honoree is recognized with a personalized plaque, a special tribute from the Boettcher Scholar who selected them, and a $1,000 grant to be used for a project or activity to benefit students at their school.
•2010s Robert Amis ’11 is the new boys basketball coach at Greenup County High School in Greenup, Ky. Amis spent two years as a graduate assistant at Marshall University. He also has coached as an assistant at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas, and at Perry County (Kentucky) High School under Allan Hatcher, a legendary coach in Kentucky and West Virginia. Amis was head coach at Bluegrass State high schools Eminence and Breathitt County and owns a record of 53-44. Vera Jo Bustos ’11 (Albuquerque, NM) is director of operations for the University of New Mexico’s women’s basketball team. She recently created VJ’s Elite, a basketball training ground for youngsters who want to reach the heights Bustos attained. In high school, she set records for points, rebounds, assists and steals. She became the Grizzlies’ all-time scoring leader and 3-pointer scorer as well. She also played professionally in Thessaloniki, Greece. For the second year, she will offer a summer camp for boys and girls in seventh grade or younger in her hometown of Las Vegas, NM. In addition to basketball skills, she will focus on building self-confidence. Kameron Gavigan ’11 (Pueblo, CO) has recently been promoted to director of emergency services at Parkview Medical Center. A registered nurse certified in emergency care, she previously served as the medical center’s EMS coordinator/injury prevention, duties she will retain, and was responsible for providing outreach education and certification services. She holds a master’s degree in nursing from Western Governor’s University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Colorado State University-Pueblo. KayMarie Jones ’13, ’14 has been named the cross country and track coach at Winston-Salem State. Jones spent the last three years as an assistant coach at New Mexico Highlands University and before that was a volunteer assistant at Clemson, Adams State and Wingate. Hawken Hanna ’14 (Columbus, NE) has been named head coach of men’s soccer at Central Community College in Columbus. Hanna comes to CCC with a wealth of soccer coaching experience both at the collegiate and high school level. Most recently, he served as the interim
family bookshelf head coach of the women’s program at Trinidad State Junior College in Colorado. Prior to that, Hanna served as an assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s soccer teams at Trinidad. At the high school level, he was the head girls soccer coach at Kent City High School and the boys head coach at Greenville High School, both in Michigan. Hanna also coached the girls teams at Alamosa and Poudre high schools in Colorado. He is currently pursuing a master of arts in sociology from Colorado State University. Shane Walkinshaw ’14 (Cope, CO) is the new principal at Holyoke Jr/Sr High School this school year. Walkinshaw started as a physical education teacher at Arickaree in 2005. He became principal there in 2013 and assumed the additional superintendent duties in 2015. Laura Wommack ’14 (Moscow, ID) has been named a 2019 NEA (National Education Association) Foundation Global Learning Fellow. She will spend a year in a peer-learning network, culminating a nine-day international field study trip to South Africa in the summer of 2019. Wommack is the only Idaho educator among the 48 recipients nationwide, said the Idaho Education Association, the state teachers union, in a news release. Wommack is in her 16th year as a professional educator, primarily at small, rural schools in North Idaho. She recently returned to the school where she got her start, Lakeside High School, which is located on the Coeur d’Alene reservation. Clayton Foster ’16 has been hired as assistant coach for Edinboro University’s cross country and track and field programs. Clayton was an assistant coach at Adams State for the past 5 years. He is a native of Pequot Lakes, Minn., and was a four-time national qualifier in track and field during his time at Minnesota State-Moorhead from 2009-13, and a two-year captain of the track and field and cross country teams from 2011-13. Phong Nguyen ’17 (Buckeye, AZ) is working towards a career in software development. Not quite there yet, but will get there soon enough. Jessica Crowther ’18 (Monte Vista, CO) has joined the staff of the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee/Colorado San Luis Valley Potatoes as a marketing administrative assistant. Rebecca Lopez ’18 (Manassa, CO) has been hired as a third grade teacher at Alamosa Elementary School.
Gloria Mora ’73, ’79 (Pueblo, CO) has published a book, Mis Crismes 1956: Christmas in La Puente, New Mexico. Mora wanted to preserve her childhood memories, as well as the culture and folklore of those simpler times. She wanted to preserve the language. Written from the perspective of a 10-year-old telling a story, the book is an ode to her honest, hard-working grandparents and to the closeness of her family. To accomplish all this, Mora wrote the book in modern Spanish, colonial Spanish and English. The different translations appear in sideby-side columns on each page. The book is lavishly illustrated with paintings and drawings by Mora, as well as photos of notes and other items to help tell the story. In the back is a Spanish glossary. Mora was a teacher and, motivated by her struggles as a Spanish-speaking student, helped launch bilingual reading programs at schools in Walsenburg, Fort Collins and Pueblo, where she worked from 1975 until her retirement in 2011.
Kathy Park Woolbert ’07 (Alamosa, CO) has published a book, Aikido Off the Mat. Drawing from more than 40 years of experience as an Aikido practitioner and teacher, Kathy explains how principles such as embodiment, grounding, centering, extension, 360degree awareness, blending, and alignment can be applied to everyday life. Candid stories from her own life show how the purpose of practicing Aikido on the mat is to take it off the mat and into the world.
School of Business Faculty offer real-world business experience and offer numerous undergraduate emphases. Over the last eight years, Adams State business students with the banking and finance emphasis have achieved 100 percent job placement. For more information visit adams.edu.
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adams family album
COLORADO SPRINGS
Liz Watts ’70 and her family clown around with Sox during the game. Dannie Makris ’73 and his lovely wife, Sharon, brought their kids and spent their 50th wedding anniversary with us at the Sky Sox ballgame.
Jeannine & Dennis ’68 Zaiger, Sheryl & Joe ’69 Pyle and Carol Reiher enjoy their visit with Sox.
PUEBLO
Dr. Cheryl Lovell, our new interim president, visited with Gil Cisneros ‘70 and Gene Martinez ‘67 in Denver.
Pueblo area alumni reunited over enchilada casserole at El Nopal in Pueblo in April. 40 AStater
DENVER
Denver grads hang out at C.B. & Potts in April.
A group of mostly ’90s grads gather at the Denver social: Michael Holstine ’88, Dave & Karen ’92 Sheff, J.B. Fairbanks ’90, and Gaylene Horning ’94.
Graduating seniors raised their glasses in a toast to the class of 2018.
NEW GRAD CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH
Almost 50 new grads came for the champagne brunch held on the Monday before graduation. Welcome to the newest alumni! AStater 41
GRAND JUNCTION
Grand Junction area alumni enjoy the good food at Dos Hombres in June.
FARM-TO-TABLE
SLV area alumni got a real treat in April when the Foundation put on their first Farm-to-Table event, which paired local foods and wine.
Cynthia Kuta ’79, ’93 and Roger Fulks ’67, ’73 were former co-workers who hadn’t seen each other in a long time and had lost touch. They were thrilled to reconnect at the Grand Junction alumni event!
Tom ’67, ’68 and Pat ’68 Gilmore try to pick a dessert.
TRACK & FIELD CROSS COUNTRY REUNION In the midst of all the excitement over the 50-Year Olympic Marathon Celebration in July, the alumni found time to get together for cinnamon rolls from the Campus Café. 42 AStater
final chapters
“Final Chapters” lists only survivors who are Adams State graduates or are affiliated with ASU.
William “Mike” Sullivan `64 (Lakewood, CO) passed away June 6 at the age of 77.
George Robertson `79 (Littleton, CO) passed away June 22 at the age of 65.
Mary Lynette Shawcroft Janda `65 (Chandler, AZ) passed away July 23 at the age of 75.
Ralph Warren `80 (Walnut, CA) passed away July 6 at the age of 61. Kathryn Wiseman `84 (Eaton, CO) passed away April 7 at the age of 58.
Ruth Brummond `55 (Wausau, WI) passed away June 12 at the age of 86.
Lila Pittman `65 (Aurora, CO) passed away March 21 at the age of 77. Among her survivors are nephew Lyle Nissen `78 and niece Debbie Van Treece Selin `80.
Roland Smith `55 (Idaho Falls, ID) passed away July 16 at the age of 85.
Jean Garrett `66 (Monte Vista, CO) passed away May 5 at the age of 94.
Herman Abeyta `58 (Colorado Springs, CO) passed away July 3 at the age of 81. Among his survivors is brother Carlos Abeyta `61.
Robert Briscoe `67 (Arvada, CO) passed away May 4 at the age of 84.
Tom Gribben `50, `57 (Florence, CO) passed away July 24 at the age of 91. Among his survivors is wife Barbara Gribben `50, `87. James Jones `53 (Ignacio, CO) passed away May 7 at the age of 90. Among his survivors is wife Naoma Belarde Jones `53.
Paul Sterk, Jr. `58, `60 (Colorado City, CO) passed away July 28 at the age of 86. Wilbur Mead `59 (Julesburg, CO) passed away April 5 at the age of 85. Nancy Prentice `59 (Gering, NE) passed away April 13 at the age of 88. Inez Burns Oaks `61 (Alamosa, CO) passed away April 3 at the age of 94. Among her survivors is granddaughter Amy Oaks `09. Susan Trujillo `61 (Virginia Beach, VA) passed away Feb 8 at the age of 100. Marilyn Moore Anderson `62 (Wendell, ID) passed away March 24 at the age of 76. Harriet Brown `63 (Boulder, CO) passed away March 12 at the age of 77. Sheril Hill `63 (Spanish Fork, UT) passed away April 16 at the age of 85. Loren Bell `64, `66 (Gering, NE) passed away May 31 at the age of 76.
Francis Timko `67 (Milford, CT) passed away March 15 at the age of 73. James Hikel `68 (Hilger, MT) passed away May 6 at the age of 78.
David Linn `85 (Craig, CO) passed away June 26 at the age of 54. Among his survivors are brother Tony & Cheryl `96 Linn. Bonita Tooley `85 (Edgewood, NM) passed away May 14 at the age of 83. Susana Miranda `87 (Minturn, CO) passed away April 21 at the age of 73. Betty Schirmer `89 (Hastings, NE) passed away April 26 at the age of 90.
Olive Ackley `69 (Walsh, CO) passed away March 8 at the age of 90.
Barbara Hougnon Avery `93 (Yuma, AZ) passed away May 2 at the age of 70. Among her survivors is sister Connie Hougnon Mack `81.
Ron Gallegos `70 (Broomfield, CO) passed away July 4 at the age of 70.
Jaime Graham `06 (Mary Esther, FL) passed away April 16 at the age of 40.
Charlotte Nance Garrett `73 (Wichita, KS) passed away May 17 at the age of 99.
John Narez-Estrada `13 (Swink, CO) passed away April 28 at the age of 29.
Michael Trujillo `73 (Antonito, CO) passed away July 11 at the age of 70.
Gerald Creery `15 (Sanford, CO) passed away March 23 at the age of 86. Among his survivors are daughter Lidgea Creery `02 and brother Thomas Creery `68.
Ruth Simon `74 (Pueblo, CO) passed away April 7 at the age of 84. Joe Gama `75 (Chula Vista, CA) passed away Jan 18 at the age of 69. Susan Spoonholtz Pieper `75, `76 (Rocky Ford, CO) passed away April 9 at the age of 64. Father Ben Bacino `79 (Pueblo, CO) passed away May 8 at the age of 69.
Jack Prisbrey `64 (Olathe, CO) passed away July 23 at the age of 78.
friends Dorothy Romero (Alamosa, CO) passed away June 7 at the age of 84. Among her survivors is husband Boogie Romero, ASU Retiree.
Back Cover: 2018-19 Freshmen Class
adams state opened its 2018-19 academic year on august 20. incoming freshmen enrollment is up 11 percent from a year ago; junior college transfers are up 15 percent; and high school concurrent enrollment is up 59 percent. adams state takes its official fall census on september 5, and will report its total fall enrollment at that time. AStater 43
A-Stater Adams State University Alamosa, CO 81101
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