Giving Back

Jerry ’69 and Sheryl ’80 Anderson Memorial Scholarship

At the 2021 Adams State University Donor Recognition Dinner, Hoyt Anderson ’97, challenged the room to donate by promising to match all gifts up to $10,000. In 2022, he and family members established the Jerry and Sheryl Anderson Memorial Scholarship.

“We have been incredibly blessed to own our business and we wanted to give back so other young people will have a chance to follow their dreams of owning their own business,” Hoyt said.

Adams State helped Gregg Anderson ’05 establish a foundation of skills and abilities that contributed to his success professionally and personally. “I have a personal desire to honor my parents for the hard work and sacrifices they made, and the opportunity I was afforded because of that sacrifice. They always gave back to their communities and helped others. I want to continue that legacy.”

Sabrina Anderson Husmann agrees: “We established the scholarship as a continuing legacy in honor of our father, Jerry Anderson and stepmother Sheryl Anderson.

Jared “Jerry” Anderson said Adams State taught him self discipline and gave him a strong foundation to succeed in business.

The Anderson family sees Adams State as a staple in the San Luis Valley and a key factor to the local economy. “Adams State is at the forefront of keeping and growing the intellectual capital of the valley’s residents,” Gregg said. “Aside from the measurable, tangible benefits of having a university in the valley, Adams State provides countless intangible benefits and opportunities to the community.”

Hoyt has been active in the Grizzly Club and has served as president since 2021. He encourages students to follow their dream and not to be afraid of failure. “Learn from your peers and never stop trying to better yourself.”

Gregg agrees with his brothers. “I always encourage people to be lifelong learners. Choose your career fields carefully and speak often with your advisors/counselors. They will be one of your greatest resources. Become involved on campus and develop a relationship with your professor. The earning of a higher education degree can be the launchpad to your future success.”

Sabrina urges students to come up with a focused plan for continuing their education in segments and sticking to it. “Reward yourself when you complete that goal, then continue on to the next goal, and before you know it graduation will be upon you and you will have achieved a college education.”

The Anderson family own and operate Alamosa Building Supply and La Jara Building Supply. “Adams State gave me a baseline and taught me self-discipline,” Hoyt said.

Gregg appreciated his professors and their ability to relate course material to the workforce. “Virtually all of my professors had valid work and career experience outside of teaching. I use skills and knowledge I learned at Adams State every day in my career.”

Recipients of the Jerry and Sheryl Anderson Memorial Scholarship must be graduates from Alamosa High School or Centauri High School and be involved in the community.

“We need to take care of each other in this small community,” Hoyt added. “Don’t be afraid to pay it forward. Give back to the community every chance you get.”