Giving Back Longtime faculty members Rex, Ph.D., and Peggy Filer establish a scholarship endowment to support students pursuing a master’s in counseling Rex Filer, Ph.D., emeritus professor of counselor education, joined Adams State in 1987. During his 28 year teaching career, he witnessed the department’s growth and believes in the idea of 'quality education with a personal touch.' “I appreciated this moniker which I felt made the student’s experience special.” He understands pursuing a master’s degree can be challenging. “I appreciate the courage Adams State students show. Starting fresh out of an undergrad program or other life experiences, it can be challenging. It doesn’t matter where you start, you have to be yourself in the process and trust who you are. Lives are changed positively with a master’s degree and I wanted to help students achieve their dreams…to be a part of that in some small way.” Peggy Filer, Class of 1991 and 1993, wants the next generations graduating from Adams State to feel motivated to succeed, with the help of scholarships. She’s thrilled to see the success of the counselor education program and is proud of the student achievements. “These students are becoming who they want to be and will benefit the world when they graduate, encouraging others to have their hopes and dreams fulfilled,” Peggy Filer said. This certainly happened for Peggy. She grew up deaf and remembers the fear of starting college. The scholarships she received encouraged her to continue with her master’s degree in counseling. “The scholarships helped so much,” Peggy Filer added. “I was in need of financial aid and scholarships gave me the same opportunities as every student. I wanted to say thank you to the donors by doing my best in school.”
The Peggy & Rex Filer Scholarships will be awarded each year. One will support a student pursuing their Master in Arts in school counseling while the other will support a student pursuing their Master in Arts in clinical mental health counseling. The Filers are retired and volunteer for AARP; and for seven years, Rex Filer has volunteered with free tax preparation. “Helping out in this way just feels like an extension of Adams State – responding to the needs of others.” Peggy Filer can’t seem to stop teaching sign language after more than 35 years, 20 years at Adams State. She volunteers as an ASL instructor. “I can’t really explain all the wonderful memories I have of Adams State. It was just wonderful. Adams State opened all the world to me.”
Dr. William M. Chase Memorial Scholarship The Dr. William M. Chase Memorial Scholarship was funded through the Chase Living Trust and is restricted to students who are a junior or senior majoring in business. William Chase, Ph.D., emeritus professor of business, retired in 1994. He was admired by his colleagues. Thomas J. Gilmore, Ph.D., emeritus professor of business, describes Chase as an excellent professor, much liked and admired by students. “His classes were interesting and always of top quality in both the concept of management and its practical application.” Chase was an excellent advisor to students and took this very seriously. He was equally respected and liked by his peers. “He never spoke until he had thought about the issue, and, when he 8
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did speak, it was always sensible and worth hearing,” Gilmore added. “He was an all-around excellent teacher, scholar, and colleague.” Julie Campbell, emeritus assistant professor of business, also taught with Chase. “Dr. Chase was the epitome of a gentleman. In his interactions with students and faculty, he was always professional but his deep concern for them shone through.” Chase had a soft spot for non-traditional students and liked to tap into their knowledge and experience to keep his teaching relevant and to help them succeed academically in the midst of the younger students. “His office door was open for any student who needed advice or help or just a chat,” added Campbell.
