Staying in Touch

•1960s

Cyrus F. Green ’61, ’62 returned to Colorado after teaching two years in El Centro, Calif. Cyrus spent 30 years in Aurora Public Schools as a shop teacher and high school/career counselor. He was named Career Counselor of the Year by the Colorado Career Development Association in 1992 and received the Aurora Public School Superintendent’s Award in 1993. He retired from a successful career in education in 1994. “Thank you Adams State University. We are loving retirement and travel.” Stan Nelson ’61, ’65 taught school for 31 years, coached wrestling for 20 years, and was accepted in the Colorado Wrestling Hall of Fame, Class of 2022. His wife, Jean, passed away Aug 29, 2020. “All is well and good, still riding and taking care of horses. Life is going on!” Like true veterans, Isaac E. Garcia ’62, of the U.S. Marine Corps and, Sally, of the U.S. Navy, continue to adapt to ever-changing COVID protocols, as the wellbeing of family, friends, and others dictate. As retired octogenarians of sound mind and body (in their opinions), they enjoy the luxury of determining their own agendas. They applaud the current first responders, educators, medical caregivers, and other occupations whose services benefit the general public. “May they be protected by Divine Providence.”

Judith M. Roehm ’63 retired in 2011 as a social worker for Waukesha County, Waukesha, Wis. Judith has a daughter living in Northbrook, Ill., and a son living in Madison, Wis. Elbert V. Detwiler ’63 was born in Princess Anne, Md. in 1936, making him 86 years old. He had the pleasure of attending Adams State his junior and senior years, graduating in 1963. He sang in the touring choir at Adams State and in a men’s quartet, which was part of choir. The quartet was composed of Elbert, Emmett O’Leary, Harry Steinert, and Ken Leason. Elbert lives in the same farmhouse that he lived in 71 years ago, when he was in high school on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. “Come and visit me sometime!”

Judy L. Drake ’64 has been retired from teaching at Sargent Elementary for 16 years. She lives on a farm northwest of Monte Vista, Colo. She misses singing in the Valley Community Chorus, which rehearsed at Adams State. Deanna R. Morris ’64, ’65 came to Fairbanks, Alaska to teach math in fall, 1965. Her husband was the band teacher at the junior high and they married in 1967. When their oldest child was born, Deanna stayed home. For many years, she tutored lots of math students and she is still able to help when asked. Her youngest daughter, Holly, did her masters work in Spanish at Adams State. Betty A. Biggs ’65, ’69 retired from teaching nursing in 2013. She turned 90 years old on Dec 2, 2021 and lives in an independent living facility for seniors in Colorado Springs. She enjoyed her 61 years of nursing while working in five different states. She was widowed in 1997, and has three children, six grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. “I enjoyed my time in the 1960s while attending Adams State University.” Jack D. Harris ’65, ’66 tries to keep close contact with Damon Martin and family and the GREATEST cross country and track program anywhere. Jack has been blessed with the opportunity to assist the program periodically, as the Martins are dear friends. Jack also continues to individually assist high school track athletes. Dr. Francisco O. Adame ’66, ’71 lives in the flatlands of Kansas, and has great memories of the Valley, including the beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountain range. He spent 25 years in Alaska teaching, coaching, and administrating. He received a doctorate from the University of Southern California in 1989. He has three children and five grandchildren, all boys. “Be well.” Sue K. King ’66, ’90 is finally ending her career in teaching, in good health. At age 77, her life in education has been marvelous. She received both her B.A. and M.A. from Adams State. “Aloha.”

Felix B. DuPlessis ’67 retired after 40 years of being a teacher and coach of wrestling and football. Jefferson Parish in Louisiana has since named a wrestling tournament in his honor. He owes his love and devotion for the sport of wrestling to his football coach at Adams State, Frank Powell. Felix has won many championships and sent some of his students to Colorado. He has been married to Jennifer for 38 years and both enjoy retirement together. They have four children. “We have all been blessed with a wonderful family and to think that I owe it all to ASC. Thank you.” Sammie D. Porter ’68 retired in 2016 after 44 years in education, serving at numerous levels, from elementary to higher education, including post-secondary adult career education. He enjoys retirement as he spends summers in South Fork, Colo. Donald E. Wolfe ’68 moved to central North Carolina with his wife Marty during their retirement. Even though he is surrounded by 43 golf courses, he prefers biking. They return to Colorado to visit family and friends. Beverly ’69 and Tom Michoski ’69 are now retired. Tom taught at Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins for 31 years and subsequently taught at the Osher Institute at Colorado State University for eight years. Beverly retired as deputy secretary to the Colorado State University Board of Governors and a 25-year career at CSU. They enjoy spending time with their three children, Mark, Amy, and Craig, and their families, as well as participating in fitness and church activities. Beverly and Tom are grateful and blessed by their education at Adams State which has impacted all aspects of their lives.

Terrence W. Sloan M.D. ’69 retired in Gallup, N.M.

•1970s

Emily Trujillo-Vigil ’70 graduated from Adams State with a B.A. in elementary education and Spanish and earned her M.A. in reading from the University of Colorado. She has received endorsements in school administration and bilingual education. Emily served as a classroom teacher emphasizing bilingual Spanish for 17 years, and served as a school administrator for 18 years. She was also on a local school board. She is now retired and enjoys reading, cooking, and her family. “ASU opened the door for a fulfilling life.” Robert W. Gibson ’71 retired from a long career with Coors Brewing Company and moved to Florida, where he never has to shovel snow or scrape ice. Karen S. Stone ’71 still volunteers at her school. She loves helping teachers and students. Also, she is a caregiver to her 100-yearold mom, “which is quite a challenge.” Alan A. Cirello ’72 says, “Best wishes, health, and happiness to all.” Jack A. Wirth ’72 is 93 years old and served five years in the Navy, flying in blimps. Abraham C. Carson ’73 retired from Xcel Energy in 2012 after 40 years of service. He enjoys retirement and his current state of employment is as a cruise consultant. He is on his 38th cruise and has traveled most of the globe. He always has the San Luis Valley in his heart, mainly Adams State.

Vivian C. Pena ’73 retired from teaching middle school language arts in 2005 from District 6 in Greeley, Colo. She recently moved to Capulin, Colo., to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and access to public lands for recreation. Her husband, Manuel Montoya, is also retired, from water company management in northern Colorado. Louie A. Santistevan ’74 retired in 2020, after 45 years as a financial advisor. He appreciated economics classes with Dr. Gillis in the ’73-’74 years. His wife of 46 years, Betty, retired from teaching. They have lived in California for 45

years. Louie enjoys golf and traveling to Hawaii and Mexico. He has attended Alamosa High School reunions and visited the Adams State campus. “I’m proud of my ASU sticker, and the campus looks great.” Mark A. McMahon ’75 has been married to Carolyn for more than 40 years and they pursued careers in art. Visit www.mcmahongallery. com to see their art.

Betty ’77 and Cecil Ison ’77 retired to their family farm in Eastern Kentucky after careers in archaeology and library science. Since then, their residence and creation, “The Home for Wayward Babydolls,” has continued to inspire artists and draw photographers, writers and tourists. Recent notable mentions include a 2019 feature article in the Louisville Courier Journal by Pat McDonogh, which was picked up by the AP and distributed nationwide, resulting in a picture with Cecil and the family dog which was featured in USA Today. The year 2020 brought a visit by the photographer Carol Highsmith and inclusion in her photo collection, “Carol Highsmith’s America,” at the Library of Congress. The most recent sighting is in the 2021 nonfiction book, “A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City,” in which several pages were dedicated to describing the author’s visit.

•1980s

Ivory Joe Hunt ’82 from Colorado Springs, Colo., says Adams State Gives Day was outstanding and it was a great weekend. It was so nice to see so many friends he had not seen for years. Cross country and track was THE BOMB, according to Ivory Joe, and he wants to tell all the people that were out front and all of the many people behind the scenes that they are great. “I am proud to be an ASC/ASU alumni. Go Adams State. I will always support you.” Jackie Getz White ’82 from Bridgewater, N.J. retired from Bristol Myers Squibb after 35 years in pharmaceutical development. She and her husband, Brent, are moving to Knoxville, Tenn., but plan to live part of the year in Colorado. They look forward to spending more time with their two sons, who live in Denver, and with their family and friends in the Valley. Betty K. Henderson ’84, ’88 taught and lived on the Navajo Nation in Arizona for 35 years and retired in May, 2019. She enjoys retirement, line dancing, and African drumming. Lorene M. Parker ’86, ’97 enjoys retired life after teaching for 36 years. Her husband, Dave, still works but plans to retire in the next couple of years. Their son, Adam, continues to work in the family business and plans to take it over when Dave retires. Their daughter, Audrey, teaches in Northglenn. “Life is good.” Douglas L. Grewe ’87 of Centennial, Colo., is having great success with a company that cares for its employees and for all fellow graduates within the State of Colorado. “Get the personalized license plate and we can be among the state schools that have it too-we need to support this school.”

Ron ’76 and daughter Stephanie ’94 Green

•1990s

Tami L. Fassett's ’91 love of live theatre was cultivated by the late Carolyn Harper, Ph.D., emeritus professor of theatre. Tami went on to a successful teaching career at Monte Vista High School, where she taught English and directed more than 30 plays. Tami is happily retired with her husband Bill. They divide their time between Monte Vista, Colo. and Sedona, Ariz.

Thomas J. Gonzales ’91 completed his 25th year of teaching history and government for Adams 12 Five Star Schools District at Thornton High School, located in Thornton, Colo.

Sandra K. Barney ’94, says her father passed away in 2004, and her mother passed away on Dec 3, 2021, at age 93. Sandra and her family gave her mother a Hamburger Inn birthday party just six days before she passed away. Sandra is sure alumni and former staff members remember the Hamburger Inn on Main St., right by the college. The Hamburger Inn was established by Pop Ledbetter in the late 1920s. They had the popular Big J, which was created by John Sheeley, the owner before them. Then of course, the one and only Thing and ½ Thing, of which she still knows each and every ingredient by heart, as she was a waitress the whole ten years they owned the Hamburger Inn. “Those were the good ole days.” And they, as a family, were very grateful for all the Adams State students and staff that followed them over to Payne’s Truck Stop when they moved the Hamburger Inn. Sandra is still working on getting her books published, and her family is growing by leaps and bounds. She had a new granddaughter born the day after her mom passed away.

•2000s

Bret McGatlin ’00 accepted the position of head football coach at Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, Colo. Bret played football for five years at Adams State. He remembers amazing professors in the EPLS (now kinesiology) department that specifically took time to meet with him to help him understand the art of teaching. Bret especially remembers the late Cindy Young, who died unexpectedly while a professor of the EPLS Department. “She took time to sit with all of her students individually and what she taught me 25 years ago still resonates today with how I teach or coach my athletes.” Bret and his wife, Tracy, have two daughters, Ella and Kenzey.

•2010s

Noel F. Prandoni ’18 started graduate school at New Mexico State University, studying water science and management at the school’s Water Resources Research Institute.

•2020s

Katie McFarland ’21 accepted a position at Reiche Community School in the West End of Portland, Maine, after receiving her master’s in music education. The school serves an incredibly diverse, but high poverty community and a significant portion of her students are English language learners. “My master's degree helped me stand out in my application and I felt like I had so much to say during my interview, because of the discussions and lessons I had in the music education graduate program.” Victor Bucklew ’22 recently published The Hidden Gifts of Addiction (2020) by Rock Creek Canyon Publishing.