5 minute read
Giving Back
Anna & Rodney Lopez Teacher’s Scholarship Doctors Ogden Leadership Award Endowment
After hearing a podcast on supporting small colleges that provide a pathway to opportunity for the underserved population, Rodney Lopez ’66, and his wife, Anna Lopez, established the Anna and Rodney Lopez Teacher’s Scholarship.
“Teaching is a vital force in a student’s life and through this scholarship we would like to encourage more students to become teachers. It is a rewarding career choice,” Rodney Lopez said.
Rodney Lopez’s college experience opened his eyes not only to academics but introduced him to the rich outdoor and historical sites in the San Luis Valley. “There were students from all over the country and I learned how the college encouraged and supported them.”
He realized his passion for teaching as a student teacher at Alamosa High School, which was enhanced during his Peace Corps service. After teaching in smaller school districts in Colorado and New Mexico, Rodney Lopez completed his 37-year career with the Colorado Springs Academy School District 20. “Each was a unique and rewarding experience which I would like to encourage others to experience.”
As first-generation college students, the Lopezes believe education is vitally important for people to be able to achieve their dreams. “Adams State is uniquely positioned to allow students to pursue higher education while remaining close to home.” It provides services to the area, enabling migrant children to get an education and see a brighter future.
Anna Lopez, the daughter of a coal miner, especially appreciates the value of education as a path to an improved future. “We decided to contribute to Adams State to assist in its goal to serve those in the San Luis Valley.”
The Anna & Rodney Lopez Teacher’s Scholarship is available for full-time education majors, who are at least a sophomore and graduated from or obtained a GED from a San Luis Valley high school or institution.
by Kaitlyn Kelley ’21
No matter how far they’ve roamed Denise and J.R. (Doc) Ogden remember when Adams State University was their home. Denise Ogden, Ph.D. ’90 said as a student she felt her professors really cared about her success. “My professors were also mentors that showed by example what service learning is about. They pushed me to excel.”
And excel she did, eventually earning a doctorate and teaching for the Adams State MBA program when it first started. “In general, Adams State students are hard-working and motivated. Many are first-generation who recognize the value of higher education.”
A Monte Vista High School graduate, Denise Odgen was a first-generation college student who appreciated the financial assistance from the Woodard Scholarship. She encourages current students to get involved.
“Leadership development is very important for your future.” There are many clubs that provide opportunities to develop social and leadership skills. “When you graduate, your resume should show your leadership development through your course work and the clubs and activities that helped prepare you for your career.”
Doc Ogden taught in the School of Business for seven years. He is currently the chair of the Board of Directors of the Council for Retail and Sales located at DeSales University of Pennsylvania. He is an emeritus professor of marketing at Kutztown University as well as CEO of the consulting firm, The Doctors Odgen Group (T-Dog). He is in demand as a public and motivational speaker. In addition, Doc has published in leading journals and is the author of nine books on business and integrated marketing communication (IMC). Denise Ogden is in her 20th year and is a professor of marketing at the Penn State Lehigh Valley Campus. Prior to pursuing a career in academia, Denise Ogden worked for D&B and the Bureau of Reclamation. She is a two-time recipient of the Lehigh
www.adams.edu/adams100/
Valley Campus Teaching Excellence Award and a recipient of Penn State’s Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching. Her research interests include retailing, and integrated marketing communication (IMC). She and Doc co-authored a textbook on retailing, IMC, and marketing.
Doctors Ogden Leadership Award Endowment is restricted to second- or third-year students majoring in business.
Connie and Kim Marvel Scholarship
It was quite natural for Connie ’75 and Kim Marvel to establish the Connie and Kim Marvel Scholarship. As Adams State students, they benefitted from a personalized education from outstanding faculty in an informal, supportive atmosphere and are inspired by the 100th anniversary of the University. “It prompted us to do something more substantial to support current students.”
Connie Marvel’s four-year scholarship from the San Luis Valley Federal Bank allowed her to graduate without student debt and the couple’s school years provided a firm foundation for their careers as well as making life-long friends.
A San Luis Valley native, Connie Marvel witnessed the importance of education as the foundation for success in life during her career as an elementary school teacher. “We are both strong advocates for public schools and the teachers and administrators who are committed to educating kids of all backgrounds. Being educated in a public school with diverse groups of fellow students expands academic skills as well as understanding and valuing social and cultural differences.”
This philosophy carries on to higher education institutions. Beyond the obvious advantage of earning a college degree – preparing an individual for a future career, the Marvels also understand the importance of expanding horizons.
Connie’s brother, Stephen McGuinn ’75 and Kim’s brother, John Marvel ’70 are Adams State graduates. John Marvel, Sr. was the Adams State president for 11 years, from 1966-1977.
At Adams State, local students can earn an affordable degree close to home and still be exposed to the world outside the San Luis Valley. The Marvels fondly remember trips with singing groups, outings with the outdoor club, and informal discussions with students of other backgrounds. “The general SLV community also benefits when ASU grads stay in the Valley to work.”
Kim Marvel spent the majority of his career in graduate medical education of family physicians. Prior to retirement he was the executive director of the Colorado Commission on Family Medicine. He attended Adams State for three years and received his B.A. from the University of Northern Colorado; M.A. from San Francisco State University, and Ph.D. from Utah State University. Connie Marvel received her B.A. from Adams State and M.S. in environmental education from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point.
The Connie and Kim Marvel Scholarship is available for Adams State students who graduated from a San Luis Valley high school, are at least a junior, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
