AStater Spring Donor 2025

ASTATER Spring 2025 Donor Report

MAGAZINE

MAGAZINE MAGAZINE VOL. VOL.65, 65,NO. NO.1 1• •SPRING SPRING2025 2025 Published PublishedbybyAdams AdamsState StateUniversity UniversityFoundation Foundation Adams Adams State State University University • Alamosa, • Alamosa, COCO 81101 81101 719-587-7011 719-587-7011 • 800-824-6494 • 800-824-6494 email: email: alumni@adams.edu alumni@adams.edu Digital Digital magazine: magazine: adams.edu/alumni/astater/ adams.edu/alumni/astater/

EDITORS EDITORS

Amy AmyKucera Kucera’05, ’05,Linda LindaRelyea Relyea’96, ’96,’10 ’10

DESIGNER DESIGNER

Amy AmyKucera Kucera’05 ’05

CONTRIBUTING CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS WRITERS&&PHOTOGRAPHERS PHOTOGRAPHERS

Linda LindaRelyea Relyea’96, ’96,’10 ’10• Amy • AmyKucera Kucera’05 ’05• • JulieWaechter Waechter• Lakota • LakotaDouglas Douglas• Jhett • JhettGordon Gordon• Abigail • AbigailJustus Justus• Kris • KrisOwens Owens Julie

PRESIDENT PRESIDENTOF OFTHE THEUNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY David David Tandberg, Tandberg,Ph.D. Ph.D.’02 ’02

BOARD BOARDOF OFTRUSTEES TRUSTEESFOR FORADAMS ADAMSSTATE STATEUNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY Duane DuaneBussey Bussey’82 ’82Chair Chair PlacidoGomez Gomez’75, ’75,’76 ’76• Thomas • ThomasKim Kim• Jonathan • JonathanN.N.Marquez Marquez’13 ’13 Placido MarkMartinez Martinez’13 ’13• Karen • KarenMiddleton Middleton Mark ArthurM.M.Ortegon Ortegon• Karla • KarlaShriver Shriver• Anne • Anne Trujillo Arthur Trujillo RenaKirkland, Kirkland,Ph.D. Ph.D.Faculty Faculty Trustee Rena Trustee LaishaArroyo ArroyoStudent Student Trustee Laisha Trustee

ALUMNI ALUMNIASSOCIATION ASSOCIATIONBOARD BOARD

Sandy SandyOrtega Ortega’74 ’74President President DelziaWorley Worley’97 ’97Vice VicePresident President Delzia CareySanchez Sanchez’77 ’77President, President,Denver DenverChapter Chapter Carey DarrickGarcia Garcia’17 ’17• Katerie • KaterieLauck Lauck’19 ’19• Reyna • ReynaMartinez-Ramirez Martinez-Ramirez’10 ’10 Darrick RobertOringdulph Oringdulph’71 ’71• Carol • CarolOsborn Osborn’84 ’84• Chris • ChrisPage Page’02, ’02,’03 ’03 Robert JerryPetersen Petersen’77 ’77• Richard • RichardScanga Scanga’75 ’75• Loren • LorenWright Wright’08 ’08 Jerry EdithArias Arias’18, ’18,’22 ’22Alumni AlumniAmbassador AmbassadorLiason Liason Edith

ADAMS ADAMSSTATE STATEUNIVERSITY UNIVERSITYFOUNDATION FOUNDATIONBOARD BOARD JoeJoeMartinez Martinez’99, ’99,’12 ’12President President JoshuaCody Cody’05 ’05Vice VicePresident President Joshua FredBunch Bunch’77 ’77Secretary/Treasurer Secretary/Treasurer Fred RonHoward Howard’98 ’98• Dorothy • DorothyLucero Lucero’61 ’61• Jan • JanMangum Mangum Ron KimMarvel Marvel• Liane • Liane“Buffie” “Buffie”McFadyen McFadyen’91, ’91,’93 ’93 Kim ChasMoeller Moeller• Ed • EdOrtega Ortega’86 ’86• William • William"Bill" "Bill"Rakow, Rakow,Ph.D. Ph.D.’69 ’69 Chas RichardScanga Scanga’75 ’75• Elizabeth • ElizabethSuarez Suarez• Jesse • Jesse Torres’97 ’97 Richard Torres Anne TrujilloBoard Boardof of TrusteesLiason Liason Anne Trujillo Trustees

FOUNDATION FOUNDATIONHONORARY HONORARYBOARD BOARDMEMBERS MEMBERS Stephen StephenBokat Bokat’68 ’68• Michael • MichaelWare Ware’69 ’69

FOUNDATION FOUNDATIONEMERITUS EMERITUSBOARD BOARDMEMBERS MEMBERS

Duane DuaneBussey Bussey’82 ’82• Jenny • JennyCooper Cooper• Harold • HaroldKelloff Kelloff JohnMarvel MarvelJr.Jr.’70 ’70• Izora • IzoraSouthway Southway’66 ’66• J. • J.Byron ByronUhrich Uhrich• R. • R.Paul PaulWagner Wagner John

- OFFICIO - OFFICIOMEMBERS FOUNDATION FOUNDATIONEX EX MEMBERS

Tammy TammyLopez Lopez’91, ’91,’00 ’00Executive ExecutiveDirector Directorof ofthetheFoundation Foundation Anne TrujilloTrustee TrusteeLiason Liason Anne Trujillo

GRIZZLY GRIZZLYCLUB CLUBBOARD BOARDOF OFDIRECTORS DIRECTORS

Chas ChasMoeller Moeller’98 ’98President President MarcusShawcroft Shawcroft’15, ’15,’19 ’19Vice VicePresident President Marcus JoelPolkowske Polkowske’12 ’12Treasurer Treasurer Joel KeithCerny, Cerny,Amanda AmandaMaez MaezSecretaries Secretaries Keith DonnieBautista Bautista• Joseph • JosephGarcia Garcia’06, ’06,’20 ’20• Clinton • ClintonKerrick Kerrick Donnie TedMorrison Morrison’69 ’69• Torben • TorbenWalters Walters’11 ’11• Donna • DonnaWehe Wehe’12 ’12 Ted

ADAMS ADAMSSTATE STATEUNIVERSITY UNIVERSITYPURPOSE PURPOSESTATEMENT STATEMENT

Adams AdamsState StateUniversity’s University’sdriving drivingpurpose purposeis isto toprovide provideequitable equitableaccess access educationforforall.all. promotesuccessful successfuland andengaged engagedlives livesbybycaring caringfor,for, to toeducation WeWepromote connectingwith, with,and andchallenging challengingour ourstudents, students,campus, campus,and andcommunity. community. connecting Colorado’spremier premierHispanic HispanicServing ServingInstitution, Institution,Adams AdamsState StateUniversity University AsAsColorado’s drawsononitsitsrural rurallocation locationininthetheSan SanLuis Luis Valley,to toserve serveand andempower empower draws Valley, students,especially especiallythose thosefrom fromhistorically historicallyunderserved underservedpopulations. populations. allallstudents,

Dear DearAlumni Alumniand andFriends, Friends, There Therehave havebeen beenmany manythings thingsthat thatI’ve been I’ve been blessed blessed to betoa part be a of part since of since moving to moving the Valley to the and San joining Luis Valley the Adams and joining State team the Adams last August.

State team To name last August. a few I’dTo say the amazing name a few outdoor I’d sayopportunities the amazing (my outdoor favorite being opportunities the hiking (my trails favorite surrounding being the Alamosa), hiking meeting trails surrounding Valley folksAlamosa), - including meeting many of you Valley whofolks are -Adams including Statemany Alumni of you - and our whoGrizzly are Adams students.

StateIAlumni absolutely - and loved ourfall commencement Grizzly students.and I absolutely am excited loved to welcome fall commencement the latest batch and of Grizzlies am excited during to welcome the Maythe commencement latest batch ofceremony.

Grizzlies during the Recently, May commencement I had the privilege ceremony. of attending author Kevin Fedarko’s presentation I had privilege attending Kevin Fedarko’s presentation atRecently, the Salazar Riothe Grande del of Norte Centerauthor State of the Basin Symposium.

Kevin, atwho the wrote Salazarextensively Rio Grande del Norte Center State of the BasinCanyon, Symposium.

Kevin, about his explorations of the Grand reminded who wrote extensively about his explorations of the Grand Canyon, reminded us all of the importance of pausing to truly examine our surroundings and count usour all blessings. of the importance pausing examine ourpast surroundings and count His wordsofcaused metototruly reflect on these several months in our words caused mewith to reflect on theseoutdoor past several monthsthe in theblessings.

Valley—aHis truly special place, the expansive recreation, the Valley—a truly special with the expansive extraordinary people, andplace, our remarkable students.outdoor recreation, the extraordinary people, andtoour students.

Just as Kevin asks us takeremarkable in the beauty around us, I encourage each of Justtoasstop Kevin us toontake in the around us, I life—how encourage has eachAdams of you andasks reflect all that hasbeauty happened in your you to impacted stop and reflect on all that has difference happened have in your Adams State your journey?

What youlife—how been able has to make since State impacted journey?

What difference you been able to make since beginning youryour great story here?

Each of you have carries a unique narrative that forms beginning your great story here?

Each of you carries a unique narrative that forms part of our collective Adams State story. partInofbuilding our collective Adams State story. the collective Adams State story, we want to continue to hear your In building collective Adams we want to hear your stories.

Thankthe you to everyone whoState has story, participated in to thecontinue Publishing Concepts stories.

Thank youcollection to everyone who Your has participated the Publishing Concepts Inc (PCI) story project. experiences in matter to us and to future Inc (PCI) story Your experiences matter to us yet, andplease to future generations of collection Grizzlies. Ifproject. you haven’t had the chance to share reach out generations of Grizzlies.

If youlove haven’t hadpreserve the chance share yet, please reach and to the Alumni Office—we’d to help yourtoAdams State memories out to the Alumni Office—we’d love to help preserve your Adams State memories accomplishments. andTo accomplishments. each and every one of our donors, I extend my deepest gratitude, and Togratitude each and of every of campus our donors, I extendYour my deepest gratitude, and the the one entire community. generosity opens doors, the gratitudelives, of theand entire campus our community. doors, transforms strengthens ability toYour servegenerosity students. opens Every scholarship transforms lives, and strengthens our abilityyour to serve students. Every scholarship funded and program enhanced represents commitment to Adams State’s funded and enhancedaccess represents your commitment State’s purpose to program provide equitable to education for all. Youto areAdams instrumental purpose to provide equitable access to education for all. You are instrumental in building our future, and the impact of your support reverberates through the inlives building future,and andthroughout the impactthe of your support reverberates through the of ourour students San Luis Valley community and beyond. lives of our and throughout the San Valley community and beyond.

Thank youstudents for believing in Adams State andLuis for your continued partnership in Thank you believingstory. in Adams State and for your continued partnership in writing ourforcollective writing our collective story.

Go Grizzlies!

Go Grizzlies!

VISION VISIONSTATEMENT STATEMENT

ToTobecome becomethetheuniversity universitycommunity communityof ofchoice choiceforfordiverse, diverse,historically historically underservedgroups, groups,and andallallwho whovalue valuequality qualityeducation educationand andinclusivity. inclusivity. underserved

AdamsState Statedoes doesnot nottolerate toleratediscrimination discriminationininany anyform. form.

Adams Gototoadams.edu/ads adams.edu/adsforforthethefull fullanti-discrimination anti-discriminationstatement. statement.

Go

22 ASTATER ASTATER

Jake Rissler ViceRissler President of Advancement Jake Adams State University Vice President of Advancement Adams State University

ON THE COVER:

Justin Henderson ’27

“I am having a great time in college.” Justin Henderson, a sophomore, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness. He is currently a mentor for College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), president of the Agribusiness Club, and president of the Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter (CFBC).

Justin assumed he was not college material. However, when CAMP reached out to him about applying for Adams State and assisted with the process, he found it was a great fit. “I really appreciate Adams State taking a chance on me.”

As a seasonal farm worker, Justin was eligible for CAMP and says the resources and mentors in the program laid the foundation for his success. “I am paying it forward mentoring freshman in CAMP.” Zena Buser, Ph.D., professor of business, said Justin is a great leader. He has tripled the membership in the agribusiness club, and the Adams State CFBC has more members and active members than the club at Colorado State University.

Justin’s parents, pictured above, Kristin (Schwarz) and Carl “George” Henderson are Adams State alumni and currently live in Meeker, Colo.

Contents

• Save the Date •

Homecoming Week:

Sept. 29 to Oct. 5 Watch your email for upcoming details

4 Donor Report 2024 18 Adams State Foundation Scholarships List 22 Giving Back

New scholarships established

Email your update and photo to alumni@adams.edu.

24 Great Alumni Stories

ASTATER

3

ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY

4

ASTATER

Adams State/CSU Mechanical Engineering Program student’s rocket launch

DONOR REPORT 2024 Dear Adams State Alumni, Donors and Friends, Welcome to the annual donor edition of the AStater, where we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of the Adams State University Foundation. Thanks to a robust stock market, the Foundation’s invested assets soared to an impressive $38.4 million, empowering us to fund a wide array of vital initiatives that directly benefit our students.

This past academic year, the Foundation proudly awarded 264 scholarships, totaling over $1.34 million, helping to make higher education more accessible to deserving students. This year, the Board approved a $50,000 match for any funds raised over the Grizzly Club’s $250,000 budget. This match will allow the Adams State Grizzly Club Board to begin an endowment to reward student athletes further. The Foundation Board also approved $100,000 in matching funds to support the McDaniel Legacy Challenge. This will allow up to $300,000 in additional student awards. None of this would be possible without the support of our generous donor base.

The Adams State Foundation is thrilled to share that, thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, 19 new scholarships and programmatic funds have been established. This milestone is a powerful testament to the extraordinary impact we’re achieving together. Every donation and gift directly contributes to our students’ success and growth, and it’s clear that these efforts are driving tangible, transformative outcomes. The momentum is building, and the future has never looked brighter for Adams State.

In today’s world of rising costs and decreasing taxpayer support, the Adams State University Foundation is taking bold steps to ensure our students continue to thrive. Working hand-in-hand with the Board of Trustees and administration, we are actively growing our assets and building a strong culture of philanthropy. But we can’t do it without you. We invite you to join this exciting journey – whether by participating in vibrant events like Homecoming, making a meaningful monthly or annual contribution, or leaving a lasting legacy through estate planning. Your involvement makes a real difference and empowers future generations of students to achieve their dreams. Together, we can create an even brighter future.

Our wonderful Director of Major & Planned Gifts Karen Wibrew is ready to assist with your estate planning. Feel free to reach out to her at 719-587-7165 or kwibrew@adams.edu.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to Adams State. Your generosity is crucial in ensuring a bright future for all of us, especially our current students.

Warm regards,

Joe Martinez ‘99, ‘12 President of the Foundation Board

ASTATER

5

CHARITABLE GIFTS RECEIVED $100,000+

$10,000–24,999

James & Sharen ’65 Branscome Trust Outcalt Foundation State of Colorado Department of Higher Education

Kay Albrecht ’62 Steven Buhl ’69 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Richard Croxen ’67 Ellen Evans Jarrell Harrison ’18 Michael Lantzy ’64, ’65 Richard ’69 & Kathleen Rutledge Virginia Wehe Claudette Fisher ’63, ’78 Chuck Owsley ’68 Damon ’87 & Konnie Martin Donnie Bautista Southway Construction Co, Inc. Floyd Higel ’55 Rondaleen Specht ’67 William Crain ’60, ’62 Robert Hoag Rawlings Foundation El Pomar Foundation Duane ’82 & Lorey ’80 Bussey Gabe & Clorinda Salazar

$50,000–99,999 Alamosa State Bank Eleanor "Marty" Jane Lopez* Ron ’65 & Marilyn ’86, ’87 Loser San Luis Valley Federal Bank Patricia St. Germain*

$25,000–49,999 Anonymous Anonymous Ed Crowther* & Lori Tanner Cultivating Hearts LLC Dorothy S. Dorion Janet ’63 & Jasper Mangum San Luis Valley Rural Electric Co-op, Inc. David Snitman & Susan Lewis

$5,000–9,999 Anonymous Anonymous Rueben Bangan ’74 Darla Chappell ’77 Wayne and Nancy ’78 Chasen Family Fund of The Community Foundation Conejos Water Conservancy District Savala & Lane DeVoge Rich ’59 & De Gehlbach Steven Getz ’81 Evan Gibson ’15 Health Care Foundation, Inc. Rodney ’66 & Anna Lopez Joe Montano Mary Motz ’62 Jacob Rissler LeRoy & Michelle ’92 Salazar Lewis Schwartz ’73 Torben Walters Insurance Agency, Inc. Holly Zumbro ’00

* indicates deceased

6

ASTATER

FROM JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 2024 $2,500–4,999 Camila Alire ’70 Anonymous Arby’s Billings Electric, Inc./Valley Lock & Security, Inc. Boettcher Foundation Stephen Bokat ’68 Glen ’62 & Frances ’62 Clark Steven Gerstner ’72 Greg ’96 & Jeni ’85 Goodwin Wes Hargrove ’78 James ’83 & Deborah ’84 Harvey Huerfano County La Puente Home Inc Stephen ’67 & Courtney Marsters Ted Morrison ’69 Larry ’88, ’93 & Carolyn ’89 Mortensen P.E.O. Foundation-Chapter V (Monte Vista, CO) Saguache County Board of County Commissioners State Farm Companies Foundation Tailwinds of Hope The Colorado Trust Staff-Directed Contributions Program Anne Trujillo David Van Pelt ’86 Jimmy Watson

$1,000–2,499 Anonymous Michael ’93 & Jennifer Aragon Atencio’s Market Shamein & Kipp Averett Shanti Beckman Paul Briggs ’70 Philip Britton ’61 Thomas ’99 & Terri ’99 Bruscino Fred Bunch ’77 Keith Cerny & Debra Sowards-Cerny Ronald ’79 & Cynthia ’97 Chapman Deonte Childs Colorado P.E.O. Chapter HB Conejos County Costilla County Margaret Doell Ronald ’67, ’72 & Paula ’73 Duncan Samuel ’01 & Crystal ’02 Evig Sheryl Fanning ’65 Sheryl Farley ’82, ’85

Peggy ’91, ’93 & Rex Filer Barbara Fischer Roy ’70 & Marva ’71 Fritch Kem Frost Coy Gaddie ’71 Jeff & Nancy Geiser GFWC Woman’s Citizenship Club Karla Jean Gilbert Daniel ’85 & Michelle ’85 Haney James Heath Vern ’97 & Heather ’00 Heersink Mark ’89 & Stephanie ’93, ’01 Hensley Dale ’64 & Beverly Hettinger Chuck ’62 & Sandy ’79, ’80 Houser Michael Hudson ’98 Jando Family Trust Jeremy Jaramillo Marty & Diana Jones Raylene Kahler ’77 Rena & Nathan Kirkland Laura Knothe Travis Koppenhafer ’03 Roger Levin ’84 Alfonso Lopez ’70 Fern Lucero and the Lucero Family Foundation Charlene Luke ’75, ’75 Jonathan Marquez ’13 Beatrice Martinez ’76 Bob Martinez ’64, ’70 David ’84, ’87 & Kimberly ’84, ’99 Martinez Joe Martinez ’99, ’12 & Amanda Hopkins Dr. Larry & Etta McClanahan ’62 Eric Mead ’71 Bonnie Mercek ’87 Patricia Meyers Milbank Memorial Fund Mineral County Paul ’66 & Christine Morley Deanna Morris ’64, ’65 Thomas Motz ’82 Brian Neufeld ’00 Kurt Nielsen Sheila Norstrud ’90 John Petersen ’78 Judith Quiller ’61, ’64 William Rakow Jr. ’69 Neil & Elise Rudolph Rustic Log Furniture, Inc. Salazar Ranches, LLC Michael Scarbrough ’91 Jon & Pamela Schwartz Larry & Carol Sveum David ’02 & Darin ’02 Tandberg Trinchera Blanca Foundation Jesse Torres ’97

Rosalie Vigna ’77 Michael Ware ’69 Webb Family Fund of the Pikes Peak Community Foundation Jackie Getz White ’82 & Brent White James Wilharm ’64 Donald Wolfe ’68 Diane Woodard Zapata Seed Company

$500–999 Anonymous Charlene Bertolino ’89, ’89 Amber Bray ’17 Pamela ’03 & John Bricker Campus Cafe Charles Schwab James Crain Tomas Crain Thuan Dang ’80 Kevin ’04, ’11 & Kris ’06, ’11 Daniel Robert Davis ’70 Jim & Erma Defee Tammy Dodson ’94 Daniel Donohoue ’74 Rosalie Ellgen ’71 Michael ’80 & Kari Erickson George Evans Farming Technology Inc. Mountain King William & Grace Fulkerson James Garren ’60 Delbert ’70, ’71 & Jan Gay Gregory ’03 & Mikayla Hartl Lora Hawkins Robert Hermosillo John ’66, ’70 & Anita ’67 Hertner Shawn ’90 & Sheila ’89 Hicks High Altitude Convenience, LLC Ryan Hollingshead ’00 John Hostetter ’85 HRS Water Consultants Karl & Bonnie Keller Bruce Kimball ’85 Tom Kusleika ’69, ’72 Gene Langowski ’82, ’87 Jeffery Lantz ’67 Philip Lopez ’04 Robert Lorton ’83 Willis Lowther ’66, ’69 Eddie & Eileen Lucero* William Manzanares ’67 Mark Martinez ’13 Connie ’75 & Kim Marvel ASTATER

7

Elisa Melendez ’95 Chas ’98 & Melissa Moeller Peter Moscon ’70 Floyd & Jody Oaks Anthony Oliva ’99 Michael Onofrey ’76 Sandy Ortega ’74 Jerry Petersen ’77 Post Commissary, LLC Floyd ’54, ’64 & Leila ’84 Quintana Gregory ’69 & Monica Reid Robert & Regina Rice Scott ’98 & Lindsay ’99 Riley Tracey Robinson David Root ’78 Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation Schrader’s Glass Shop, LLC Shirley Scott ’79 Mark Seaton & Suzanne DeVore Russell Shawcroft ’17 Cleave & Cathy Simpson Katelyn Smith ’16 Maurice Smith ’79 Karen Stone ’71 Lois Unger ’94 Wagner Family Dr. Elizabeth Watts ’70 Karen Wibrew ’23 Laura Wilson ’95 Loren Wright ’08 Alan & Janice Wuckert Anita Zaffuto ’71 Theresa Zelenka ’83

$199–499 Lucy Adams Alamosa Live Music Association Alamosa School District Anonymous Edith Arias ’18 Mike ’77, ’84 & Susan ’88 Arnold Tadini Bacigalupi ’79 Melanie Bagwell ’89

8

ASTATER

Kenneth Barber ’72 & Jane Fiebelkorn Barber ’71 Victor Barela ’63 Eric Blake ’03 Diane Brittingham Anne Brown ’74, ’75 Herbert Bruntel Jr. ’69 Gregory Carling ’01 Lonnie ’73, ’78 & Brenda Cavaliere Emilia Chavez ’62 Ernest ’93 & Tanya ’95 Cienfuegos-Baca Cisco NJ Construction LLC Colorado Gives Foundation Thomas Cortez ’76 Carole Counihan & James Taggart Jeffrey David ’87 Jeffrey Davis Kathleen Delzell ’61 Mark & Helen Dorion Nancy Dunn ’65, ’76 Emma Duran Robert Fink ’79 and Patty Lopez Lorraine Fukuda ’68 Francine Gachupin* Fred Garcia ’73 Michael Glass ’97 Richard Goggin ’76 Kirsten Grado Marlena Halko ’00 Patrick Hannigan ’76 Jack Harris ’65, ’66 Douglas Hartman ’71 Eddie Hearyman ’71, ’73 Monte Hemphill ’90 David Henkel ’69, ’75 & John Henkel Carmelo Hernandez Norman ’62, ’65 & Mary Sue ’64 Howey Carol & Louis Irwin Michael Jolly ’84, ’85 Dennis Jouett ’70 Olga Joyce ’61, ’63 Thomas Kim Kirk and Michelle Kritner Amy Kucera ’05 Dennis Lamb Katherine & Michael Lancaster

Shasta and Audrey Liu John Lopez ’71 Tammy ’91, ’00 & Gerald Lopez Cathi Lucero ’14 Mark MacDonnell ’83 Thomas ’72 & Kristine ’73 Magel Rosalie ’86 & LeRoy Martinez Larry ’64 & d’Anna ’66, ’74 Mayfield William ’68 & Regina ’68 McCann Teri McCartney ’87, ’92 & Don Richmond ’13 Craig McDowall ’85 Buffie McFadyen ’91, ’93 Kristi Mease ’96 Chris Medina ’12 & Linda Relyea ’96, ’10 Marie Medina Wayne Melanson ’69 Thomas ’69 & Beverly ’69 Michoski Karen Middleton William ’73 & Katherine ’73 Miller Monte Vista Cooperative Stephen Morley ’63 Shaundra Moss Michael Mumper ’76 & Melissa Freeman Robert Nageak Tom ’68, ’81 & Barbara ’71 Nagoda Dennis ’62 & Linda Nash Stan Nelson ’61, ’65* Eduardo Ortega ’86 Arthur Ortegon Randall & Linda Palmgren Janine Pearce-Vasquez ’86 Keith Poole ’73 Paul Rahne ’65, ’66 Cornelia Rector ’68 Jason Rogers ’93 Andrew Russell Mark & Lynette Russell Stanley Sammons ’63 Savvy Management, LLC Rich ’75 & Barbara Scanga Jerry Schloffman ’65, ’70 James Seefeldt ’89 Chris & Lisa Simmons

Mark Skinner ’92 & Lou Ann Cheslock Skinner Karl ’70 & Susene ’72 Smith Kelly Smith ’79 Colleen Stabolepszy ’93, ’97 Elizabeth Suarez Gerry Sunderland ’77 Pattie Swift Donald Thompson & Jan Oen Diane Smylie Trembly ’67 Cindy Trujillo ’73 Judy Turner ’74

Everette Williams ’70, ’73 Wayne Williams ’77 Lisa Wilson ’94 Jack Wirth ’72 David ’67, ’75 & Kay ’68 Wood Aubrey Woodward ’72 Delzia Worley ’97 Chay ’00 & Jennifer ’00 Yund

up to $199 Abigail Algiene-Esquibel ’07 Anita Allinger ’77 Marlo ’95 & Kristi ’95 Anderson Justin Andrade ’21 Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Florencio Aranda III Diane Arias ’18, ’20 Cathy ’99 & Tim Armstrong Martha Asher ’73, ’75 Wendy Ast ’12 Gary Baker ’69 Susan Banning ’12 Kristy Bauer David Bebell ’70 Stacey Becker John ’63 & Jeanette ’65, ’66 Bell Ron Bennett ’80 William Benton

Andrea Benton-Maestas ’12 Better Baths Samuel Bilderbeck ’17 Rosemary Bogart ’11 Richard Boich ’60 Geoffrey ’73 & Deborah ’75 Bokan Dave Bokel ’12 Ron Bond ’59 Jerry Booher ’59, ’61 Pat ’72 & Donna ’95 Bottini Carole Brown ’85 Brian & Deborah Brownell Thomas ’69 & Georgette ’69 Budd Steven Burch ’82 Pamela Buron Elena Burr ’15 Jeffrey Butler ’71 Mario Caetano Russell ’73 & Carol Cagle Jerry Calley Mark ’89, ’93 & Colleen Campbell Orion Taiyo Cannon Sedrick Cap Garrett Carroll ’21 Mario Castro ’18 Robert ’07, ’11 & Sharon ’87 Chavez Gerald Clare ’78 Joshua ’05 & Sarah Cody Betty Jayne Cole ’73 Larry Coleman ’71 Dutch Collins ’71 John Conlon ’67 Alberta ’94 & Carl Coolbaugh

Kent Cooper ’76 Alfred ’70 & Anna Marie ’72 Cordova Mary Beth Corsentino ’71, ’74 Theresa Cortese ’76, ’82 Prudy Cosyleon ’77 Caleb Cotton ’06 Mary Crowell ’92 Gloria Curtis ’70 Nick Cutforth Harold Czarnetzki ’69 Bob Damashek ’68, ’73 Keith ’70 & Carol ’71 Daniel Carolyn Davis Shon Davis Ian Debono ’73, ’73 Richard Decker ’60 Christine Delaney-Haynes ’75 Jerry DeLeon ’89 Gerald Dellinger ’73 Del’s Diner Blake Denton ’24 Wes DeVaul ’23 & Amanda Langdon Beverly Devore-Wedding John Dodds ’04 Dom Tomas Bakery Susan Drinkard ’78 Samantha Drury ASTATER

9

Peggy Dunn Helen Edwards ’98 Aric ’10, ’14 & Erin ’11 Egana Lenise Eidson ’92 Frances Eigenberg Ronald Eisele Mary Eldredge ’99 John ’86 & Carrie ’86 Elwell Ellwood Ervin ’67 Erik Estrada Carolyn Eye ’69 Adrienne Fasse ’89 Tamara Faulkner & Craig Wilson Anna Finlay ’24 Patricia ’70 & John Fitch Mike Flavin Neil Fleischauer ’70 Bill Franz ’77 Dale Frasier ’86 & Kathryn ’76 Radcliffe Dana ’94 & John Frazee Carlos Fresquez Alisa Fryar Cynthia Fuentes ’87 Kerry Fuller Jack Gaeb ’74, ’75 Naomi Gallegos ’22 Rudolph Gallegos ’59, ’61 Belen Garcia ’02 Rita Garfield ’68 Celestina Gchachu Wade George ’85 Aftin Gillespie ’06, ’17 Edwin ’63, 64 & Judith ’64 Ginoza Rose Giron ’78 Kyle Glenn Wanda ’74 & Gordan Golsan Pete ’67, ’71 & Ina ’72 Gomez Thomas Gonzales ’91* Gary Goodwin ’90 Evan Grant ’23 Russell Granzella Janice Green ’87 Jon Greene ’66, ’67 Bob Grooms ’76 Simona Guillen ’12, ’13 Anthony Guntren ’11 Cesar Guzman ’68 Adlar Hall Scott Hamilton ’18 Elizabeth Hammond ’76, ’80 Spencer Harris ’72 Mark Harvancik ’85 Frances Haugen ’68 Robert & Tiffany Heflin Larry and Wendy Helms

10 ASTATER

Paul Hensen Don & Carole Hermanson Israel Hernandez ’16 Joanne Hernandez ’69 Sallie Hibbs ’60 Steven ’88 & Monica ’87 Hokansson Jenene Holcomb ’89, ’94 Lyle & Liz ’80, ’85 Hood Linda Hoover ’81 Ron ’98 & Zuzana ’06 Howard John Hroma ’67 Cheryl Husmann ’88 Rick Ince ’75, ’75 Samantha Ingraffia ’23 Monya Jackson ’14 Ian Jakalow ’05 Larry ’69 & Shirley Jeffryes James Jensen ’89 Cary Johnson ’98 Peggy Johnson Rick Johnson ’81 Barbara Johnston ’75 Kent Jones ’69, ’75 Teresa Jones Ronald Jung ’84 Richard Kadinger ’75 Derek Karlinger ’05 Elisabeth Kautsky ’17 Kaymen Properties LLC Naomi Keys ’86 Sue King ’66, ’90 Elizabeth Kinney John Kivimaki Joe & Barbara Kolupke Judee Konen Julie Kove ’87 Judith Kunugi ’74 Donald Kusulas ’62 Roy Laird ’67 Sarah Lamb ’10 Laney Lawson ’24 Darryl Laye ’67 John Leach Charlotte Ledonne ’84 Eldon Leff ’63 Tiffany Leggett ’13 Janet Leinen ’78 Louella Lenberg ’89, ’96 Hubert Letterly ’60, ’68 Susan Likens ’01 Peter Loeb ’68 Meagan Loesche Fred Lopez ’69 Jessica Lucas Carlos ’61 & Dorothy ’61 Lucero

Fred Lucero Charles Lusman ’75 Theodora Madrid ’60, ’69 Ashley Maestas ’14, ’20 Robert ’71 & Marveen ’72, ’76 Manzanares Manuel and Merlinda Marquez Erika Marrer ’15 Bernice Martinez ’66 Dominic Martinez ’00 Emily Martinez ’15 Kim Martinez ’15 Rodney Martinez John ’70 & Betti Marvel Monroe Mathias ’51 Emelio Mattorano ’73 Rose McAlister ’63 Cheryl McCann Skip McClure Danny McDaniel & Tish Hollingsworth Kathy McGinty ’67 David McGovern ’70 Ted McNeilsmith Carlos Medina Karen Melgares Sarah Menapace-Walker ’93 Gloria Mielke ’65, ’69 Jack Miller ’72, ’76 Dale ’85 & Teri Mingilton Bikram Mishra ’14, ’16 Shannon Moyer ’92 Raymond Mulligan Ben ’03 & Anne ’05 Naccarato Benjamin & Violet Nageak John Nedin ’69

Kristen Nellis ’85, ’07 Gail Nitta ’66 Jerrie Nix ’71 Thomas & Marlene Norman Suzanne Off Stephen Oneal Ernest Ornelas ’76 Patti Ortiz ’78 Carol Osborn ’84 Renee-Mae Ota ’72 Larry & Evelyn Owens Susie Pagnotta ’91 Polly Parrish ’04 Manish Patel Toni Patton ’98 Jolene Pavlovsky ’63, ’67 Gary Pecic Anita Perez ’91, ’97 Roseanna Perez ’22 John Perry ’64, ’71 Alfred Petross ’15, ’21 Tara Phillips ’14, ’17 John Pim ’67 Sammie Porter ’68 Frank Powell ’62 Artemis Preeshl Jackson Preston Beverly Price ’69 Dwight Proctor ’72 Lawrence Pyeatt ’65 Joseph Raker ’24 Phillip Ranke ’66 Elizabeth Ratzlaff ’87 Jeanne Reed Amber Reher ’06

Joe Reining Joseph B Reining ’71 Pat Reznak Cassandra Rhinehart ’04 Stephanie ’00, ’01 & Lucas Riggenbach Karen S Riggenbach-Vaughn ’76 Patricia Robbins ’93, ’96 Thomas ’77 & Shirley ’77 Roman Ernest ’74, ’85 & Patricia ’71, ’76, ’99 Romero Joseph Ross ’66 Cedric Rowley ’13 Albert Roybal ’80 Joel ’72 & Annette Roybal Reginaldo Roybal ’83 Jack ’79, ’84 & Theresa Rudder Laurence Rzepka ’81 Nick Saenz David ’85 & Lori ’99 Salazar Jerome Sampson San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition Carey Sanchez ’77 Hanna Sanchez Pam Sandoval Celestino Santistevan ’68 Louie Santistevan ’74 Phillip ’73, ’74 & Jeanne ’74 Sategna Paulette Schmalz ’75 Regis Schmalz ’75 Merle Schroder ’67 Cheryl ’07, ’09 & Phil Schroeder Frank Schulze ’72 Emily Sharpe ’19 Matthew Shoban ’64, ’68 SLV Regional Science Fair, Inc Sara Smith Fred ’67, ’70 & Barbara ’68 Snow Heath Soderstrom ’06 Connie Spencer ’63, ’66 Autumn Squires ’21, ’24

Ivan Stahlecker ’73, ’81 Stetson Stallworth ’17 Tracy Steers ’87 Alayne Stevens Stewy Stewart ’15, ’22 Margaret Stong ’77, ’89 Karyl Sutherland ’84 Linda Swanson ’70 Arnald Swift ’69, ’71 Garrett Szagola ’71 James Tenbrook ’70 Denise Thomas ’97 Jeffrey ’02 & Rose Anna Thomas Janeal Thompson ’75 Judy Thong Erik Thurston ’15 Ruth Trowbridge ’12, ’16 Henry Trujillo ’61, ’70 Jack Trujillo ’67 Bea Valdez ’72 Wanda Valencia ’88 Mary Van Pelt ’81 Patricia Vargo ’62 File Vea ’23 Albert Vecellio ’69, ’72 Ruben Vigil ’61, ’65 Christopher Walker Wayne Wallace ’86 Robert Waltman ’76 Kathy Washeck ’73 Doris Watson ’88, ’90 AJ ’10, ’13 & Jolene Webb Mark Weeks ’75 John Weidemann ’90 Joy Werner ’88, ’96, ’99 Bill Wesley ’77 & Rose Molina-Wesley ’90 Carol Wheeler ’64, ’70 Vicki Whipple-Mueller ’74 Roland Jr. ’69, ’70, ’84 & Maryann ’70 Wick Kathleen Williams ’95 William ’64 & Donna ’64 Witt Keiko Woodyward ’14 Daniel Yoder ’74, ’79 Robert Koch Yund ’74 Sheila Zajkowski ’15

ASTATER 11

GRIZZLY CLUB INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS Alamosa Elks #1297 Anonymous Edith Arias ’18 Donnie Bautista Jeffrey Bilderbeck ’03 Diane Brittingham Duane ’82 & Lorey ’80 Bussey Mario Caetano Campus Cafe Filiberto Castorena Keith Cerny & Debra Sowards-Cerny Rachael & Lance Cheslock Glen ’62 & Frances ’62 Clark David Curtis ’72, ’92 Kevin ’04, ’11 & Kris ’06, ’11 Daniel Jeffrey Davis Jason Defee Wes DeVaul ’23 & Amanda Langdon Savala & Lane DeVoge Wilson Dingfelder Tammy Dodson ’94 Margaret Doell Emma Duran Nellianna Edelen Leroy Espinoza Farm Fresh Direct John ’63, ’69 & Margaret ’61 Faron Claudette Fisher ’63, ’78 Carlos Fresquez Joseph Garcia ’06 Delbert ’70, ’71 & Jan Gay 12 ASTATER

Rich ’59 & De Gehlbach Greg ’96 & Jeni ’85 Goodwin Kirsten Grado Devin Haynie Vern ’97 & Heather ’00 Heersink Charlotte Hefner ’88 Jenel Hopper ’02 Michael Hudson ’98 Jerry Hughes ’70 Larry Joe ’83 & Christine ’83 Hunt Karl & Bonnie Keller Clinton Kerrick Rena & Nathan Kirkland Travis Koppenhafer ’03 Chandelle Lancaster Mark Lara ’94 Kentucky Fried Chicken Richard & Ericha Loosbrock Tammy ’91, ’00 & Gerald Lopez Louie Luster Jonathan Marquez ’13 Damon ’87 & Konnie Martin Beatrice Martinez ’76 David ’84, ’87 & Kimberly ’84, ’99 Martinez Skip McClure Chris Medina ’12 & Linda Relyea ’96, ’10 Chas ’98 & Melissa Moeller Ted Morrison ’69 Larry ’88, ’93 & Carolyn ’89 Mortensen Shaundra Moss

Mary Motz ’62 Floyd & Jody Oaks Albert ’61 & Kelli ’74 O’Leary Sandy Ortega ’74 Dennis ’79 & Dawn ’79 Ortiz Chuck Owsley ’68 Jeff Owsley ’86 Aaron and Shelly Polzin William Rakow Jr. ’69 Gary & Toni Ramstetter Jacob Rissler Tracey Robinson Lonnie Rogers ’60 Marcus Shawcroft ’15, ’19 Russell Shawcroft ’17 Maurice Smith ’79 Katelyn Smith ’16 Splashland Hot Springs Fred St. Cyr Jr. David ’02 & Darin ’02 Tandberg Ed Crowther* & Lori Tanner Sharon ’85 & Ken Turpin Tim ’73 & Peggy ’72, ’72 Walters AJ ’10, ’13 & Jolene Webb Weekends Tavern Weiss Dry Cleaning Donald Wells ’86 Lisa Wilson ’94 Chay ’00 & Jennifer ’00 Yund Joe & Shirley Zanski

GRIZZLY CLUB CORPORATE SPONSORS A & L Coors, Inc. Ace Hardware of Alamosa Airgas USA, LLC Alamosa Chiropractic Alamosa County Alamosa Home Furnishings Alamosa State Bank Alcon Construction, Inc. Altitude Appliances American Electric CO ASU Counselor Education Billings Electric, Inc./ Valley Lock & Security Cattails Golf Course Century 21 Property Management Colorado Army National Guard Colorado Potato Administrative Committee Comfort Inn & Suites/Super 8/Ihop Farm Credit of Southern Colorado First Southwest Bank Flood & Peterson, Ins., Inc.

Gobin’s Inc Grimmway Enterprises Harding Dental Group Holiday Inn Express/Super 8 Motel/ Days Inn Husmann Plumbing Knee Knockers L & M Auto Sales Leavitt Group of Colorado Mountain West Insurance & Financial Services Nino’s Del Sol O & V Printing Pepsi Purple Pig Pub Quest Car Rental RG Bank Rio Grande Seed & Grain Rock Creek Family Medicine, P.C. Rocky Mountain Memorabilia Safeway

San Luis Valley Federal Bank San Luis Valley Health San Luis Valley Rural Electric Coop Inc. Sherwin-Williams Sign Guys and Gal Inc Skiball’s Running World SLV Behavioral Health Group Sodexo Campus Services Southwest Ready Mix, Inc. Super 8 Torben Walters Insurance Agency, Inc. Town & Country Auto Mall Valley Courier Valley Electric, Inc. Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc. Wall, Smith, Bateman Inc. Waste Management Wilbur Ellis Co Woody’s Q Shack, LLC Xcel Energy Zepol Media Partners, LLC. ASTATER 13

IN MEMORY OF: Al Bennett Darla Chappell ’77 Sherrie Bennett Maule Darla Chappell ’77 James Caraway Artemis Preeshl Marie Czarnetzki Harold Czarnetzki ’69 Devon J Doyle Bonnie Mercek ’87 Larry & Evelyn Owens Wayne Farley Sheryl Farley ’82, ’85 Don & Carole Hermanson Dan France Elena Burr ’15 Brody Geiser Jeffrey David ’87 Jeff & Nancy Geiser Pete Lopez Estate of Eleanor J Lopez* Timothy Luther Anonymous Elias Manesiotis Anonymous Jenine Manesiotis Anonymous Darrell Meis Pamela Buron Alberta ’94 & Carl Coolbaugh Douglas Montgomery Frank Schulze ’72 Frank Moore Richard Croxen ’67 Moe Morris Philip Britton ’61 Becky Owsley Wes DeVaul ’23 & Amanda Langdon Lyle & Liz ’80, ’85 Hood 14 ASTATER

Boogie Romero Alfred ’70 & Anna Marie ’72 Cordova Doug Shriver Deanna Morris ’64, ’65 Holly Zumbro ’00 Alan Sinton Webb Family Fund of the Pikes Peak Community Foundation Norman Tucker Beverly Devore-Wedding Kay Watkins Lucy Adams Steven Buhl ’69 Duane ’82 & Lorey ’80 Bussey Daniel Donohoue ’74 Sheryl Farley ’82, ’85 Patricia ’70 & John Fitch Dale ’64 & Beverly Hettinger Floyd Higel ’55 Marty & Diana Jones Bruce Kimball ’85 Joe & Barbara Kolupke Ron ’65 & Marilyn ’86, ’87 Loser Thomas & Marlene Norman John Petersen ’78 Jeanne Reed Mark Seaton & Suzanne DeVore SLV Regional Science Fair, Inc Connie Spencer ’63, ’66 Larry & Carol Sveum David Van Pelt ’86 Bill Wesley ’77 & Rose Molina-Wesley ’90 Diane Woodard Don & Gloria Wuckert Alan & Janice Wuckert

IN HONOR OF: Amalia Maya Dorion Dorothy S Dorion Adam Fajardo Sedrick Cap Lori Laske John Kivimaki Tammy Lopez John Kivimaki Damon Martin Daniel ’85 & Michelle ’85 Haney Kelly Palmeter Stephen Oneal Delzia Jolene Pavlovsky Delzia Worley ’97 Nick Saenz Boettcher Foundation Kai Smith Sara Smith David Tandberg Alisa Fryar Joe Vigil Daniel ’85 & Michelle ’85 Haney Tyree Walton Erik Estrada

FRIENDS OF MUSIC Lucy Adams Alamosa Live Music Association Billings Electric, Inc./ Valley Lock & Security, Inc. Blackbaud Giving Fund Brian & Deborah Brownell Kathleen Delzell ’61 Mary Eldredge ’99 Francine Gachupin Delbert ’70, ’71 & Jan Gay Celestina Gchachu Rich ’59 & De Gehlbach Wes Hargrove ’78 Jenene Holcomb ’89, ’94 Marty & Diana Jones Elizabeth Kinney Julie Kove ’87 Kirk and Michelle Kritner

Dennis Lamb Shasta and Audrey Liu Teri McCartney ’87, ’92 & Don Richmond ’13 Danny McDaniel & Tish Hollingsworth William ’73 & Katherine ’73 Miller Tom ’68, ’81 & Barbara ’71 Nagoda Jerrie Nix ’71 Jolene Pavlovsky ’63, ’67 Robert & Regina Rice Patricia Robbins ’93, ’96 Neil & Elise Rudolph Mark & Lynette Russell Mark Skinner ’92 & Lou Ann Cheslock Skinner Janeal Thompson ’75 Donald Thompson & Jan Oen Anita Zaffuto ’71

FRIENDS OF THEATRE Savala & Lane DeVoge Anthony Guntren ’11 Marty & Diana Jones La Puente Home Inc Charlotte Ledonne ’84 Mary Motz ’62 Neil & Elise Rudolph LeRoy & Michelle ’92 Salazar Donald Thompson & Jan Oen Mary Van Pelt ’81

ASTATER 15

LIFETIME GIVING $100,000+

$50,000–99,999

Alamosa County Alamosa State Bank Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous James & Sharen ’65 Branscome Trust Duane ’82 & Lorey ’80 Bussey William Crain ’60, ’62 Daniels Fund El Pomar Foundation Wayne ’62* & Ellen Evans First Southwest Bank Gary ’62, ’65* & Judith Gaston* Rich ’59 & De Gehlbach Floyd Higel ’55 John & Paige Keeler Michael Lantzy ’64, ’65 Drs. Ron ’65 & Marilyn ’86, ’87 Loser Carlos ’61 & Dorothy ’61 Lucero Janet ’63 & Jasper Mangum John Robert Maytag* Dr. John McDaniel* Ken Salazar Paul ’66 & Christine Morley Pearl Ortner ’58* Outcalt Foundation P.E.O. Foundation-Chapter V (Monte Vista, CO) William Porter Jr. ’51* & Joan Porter Robert Hoag Rawlings Foundation RG Bank Charles & Cleo Ritz* Richard ’69 & Kathleen Rutledge Salazar Family Foundation San Luis Valley Federal Bank San Luis Valley Health San Luis Valley Rural Electric Co-op, Inc. Southway Construction Co, Inc. Rondaleen Specht ’67 Patsy Spier ’91 Linda Spraitzer* State of Colorado Department of Higher Education The Denver Foundation Douglas Thomas ’55* Trinchera Blanca Foundation Olibama Tushar Trust* Family of Ruth & Stanley Wills Lorraine Young*

Alamosa Convention & Visitors Bureau Kay Albrecht ’62 Alcon Construction, Inc. Alta Fuels Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Arby’s ASU Counselor Education Alice Bean Boettcher Foundation Janice Bunch* David ’87 & Wendi Clemmer Glenn* & Kerry Burnham Richard ’71 & Mary ’74 Cline Colorado Potato Administrative Committee Colorado Health Foundation Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Community Banks of Colorado Jack* & Genevieve Cooper Carole Counihan & James Taggart Ed Crowther* & Lori Tanner Patricia Ewert Flannagan ’76 Tom ’67, ’68 & Pat ’68 Gilmore Mr. & Mrs. Fred Haeckl* Phil & Juanita Hall Grant W Hurley ’47* Inn of the Rio Grande J & J Rental Centers Harold & Kay ’68 Kelloff Leavitt Group of Colorado Eleanor “Marty” Jane Lopez* Dr. Cheryl Lovell Estate of Eddie & Eileen Lucero Stephen ’67 & Courtney Marsters Damon ’87 & Konnie Martin John & Frances Marvel* Beatrice Merritt ’36* Mile High United Way Pepsi Mary Motz ’62 National Western Stock Show Scholarship Trust Porter Realty, Inc. Craig Rhodes Rio Grande Water Conservation District

16 ASTATER

Rocky Mountain Septic & Excavating David Snitman & Susan Lewis Sodexo Campus Services Izora Southway ’66 Rock Creek Family Medicine, P.C. Grace I. Spier Revocable Trust Patricia St. Germain* Ann ’96, ’91 & Pat Stanford Sunflower Bank David & Virginia ’83, ’84, ’95 Svaldi Swire Coca Cola William P. Thomas* Valley Electric, Inc. Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc. Wall, Smith, Bateman, Inc. Xcel Energy Foundation Stephen & Suzan Zoukis

MATCHING GIFT COMPANIES Blackbaud Giving-Your Cause Charles Schwab Shell State Farm Companies Foundation

MEMBERS OF THE BILLY ADAMS SOCIETY Anonymous Anonymous Mary & Cal Beaver Philip Britton ’61 Duane ’82 & Lorey ’80 Bussey Russell ’73 & Carol Cagle Vernon & Susan Casias James ’72 & Susan ’94 Conklin Jack* & Genevieve Cooper Wayne ’62* & Ellen Evans Patricia Ewert Flannagan ’76 Claudette Fisher ’63, ’78 Gary ’62, ’65* & Judith Gaston* Rich ’59 & De Gehlbach Donna Hayward ’77

Dr. John ’66, ’70 & Anita ’67 Hertner Dale ’64 & Beverly Hettinger Drs. Ron ’65 & Marilyn ’86, ’87 Loser Connie ’75 & Kim Marvel David Mazel ’85, ’87 Dr. John McDaniel* Bonnie Moinet ’84 Ted ’69 & Janet ’69* Morrison Paul* & Pat Nielsen Pearl ’58* & Edward* Ortner Chuck Owsley ’68 Michael Patritch ’70, ’73 & Karol Ann Krakauer Patritch Dr. Clarissa Lee Pollard Judith Quiller ’61, ’64

Richard ’69 & Kathleen Rutledge Caroline Sanchez ’56 Michael Sloan ’65 Patsy Spier ’91 Linda Spraitzer* Patricia St. Germain* Douglas Thomas ’55* William "Bill" ’59* & Beth* Waters Dr. Elizabeth Watts ’70 Arthur Wellbaum* Dr. Jackie Getz White ’82 & Brent White Karen Wibrew ’23 Bill Woodward ’61* Daniel ’74, ’79 & Sheryl ’79 Yoder

The Billy Adams Society consists of individuals who have included Adams State University in their estate plans.

FOUNDATION NET ASSETS Academic Year 2023/24 2022/23 2021/22 2020/21 2019/20

Total Assets $38,386,335 $29,916,385 $27,706,737 $31,071,319 $24,547,122 ASTATER 17

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

19

New scholarships & programmatic funds were established to support: STEM, Nursing, Business, Theatre, Music, Education, and Athletics

18 ASTATER

Miles & Alice ’67, ’68 Acheson Memorial Alice Acheson ’67, ’68 Adams State Alumni Adams State University Alumni Association Adventure Sports Tamara Rice Adams State Classified Employees Employees of Adams State University Alamosa Lodge #44 Philanthropic Alamosa Masonic Philanthropic Foundation Alamosa Masonic Alamosa Masonic Philanthropic Foundation Alamosa Rotary Alamosa Rotary Club Alamosa State Bank - Helms/ Nielsen Memorial Alamosa State Bank Kay Wagner Albrecht ’62 Kay Wagner Albrecht ’62 Camila A. Alire ’70 Camila Alire ’70 Jerry & Sheryl ’69, 80 Anderson Hoyt Anderson ’97 Antonito Carole Counihan & James Taggart Manual Aragon ’71 Estate of Manual Aragon Arby’s SLV Promising Athlete Arby’s ASU Alumni & Foundation Office Rich ’59 & De Gehlbach ASU Alumni-Denver Chapter Denver Alumni Chapter ASU Emeritus Chemistry Faculty David Van Pelt ’86 ASU Theatre ASU Alumni, Staff & Friends Reta J. Kirkland & Rueben ’74 Bangan Rueben Bangan ’74 Richard Barkley ’76/McDaniel Richard Barkley ’76, Dr. John McDaniel Marian Sims Baughn Memorial P.E.O. Foundation/Chapter V (Monte Vista, CO) Dr. Kenneth Bean ’49 Alice Bean Bokat Family Stephen ’68 & Karen Bokat Borrego Family Thomas Borrego ’46 Stan Brinkley ’75/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Tom Bruscino ’99/McDaniel Thomas ’99 & Terrie ’99 Bruscino, Dr. John McDaniel Dr. Robert & Sharon Buchanan/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Dr. Littleton J. Bunch Memorial Bunch Family Shirley Burnham ’80 Memorial Glenn Burnham

Gladys & Doyle Burns Anonymous Orahood Burt Carolyn Burt Bustos/Price Memorial Bill Mansheim Zachary Capra Memorial John Capra ’86 Clyde Carstens ’86/McDaniel Clyde Carstens ’86, Dr. John McDaniel Clyde Calvin Carstens ’86/McDaniel Memorial Dr. John McDaniel Joshua Thomas Cary Memorial John & Paige Keeler Dr. William M. Chase Memorial Chase Trust Sally T. Chavez ’56, ’73 Memorial Anonymous Donor CHFA Building the Future Colorado Housing & Finance Authority N. & G. Clarke & H. Emperius Memorial Hada Clarke ’85 Edwin Clemmer Scholarships in the Very Fine Arts David ’87 & Wendy Clemmer Jim Colbert ’61, ’65 Athletic Jim Colbert ’61, ’65 & Valerie Goodwin-Colbert Alton Cole Estate of Alton Cole Collins/Sheriff/Zuckerman ’66, ’67 Memorial Stephen ’67 & Courtney Marsters Colorado Water Officials Association – Chapter Three Memorial Colorado Water Officials Association Richard Conour Memorial Elizabeth Conour Nita Cooper/McDaniel Memorial Jack Cooper, Dr. John McDaniel Gerald Corning James ’86 & Deborah Harvey Crain William ’60, ’62 & Ellie ’82 Crain James & Irene Craft James H. Craft Jerry ’70 & Patti ’70 Crisci/McDaniel Jerry ’70 & Patti ’70 Crisci, Dr. John McDaniel Dr. Ed Crowther/McDaniel Dr. Ed Crowther, Dr. John McDaniel John Dewi Davies M.D. Medical Estate of Eileen Crowly Davies Amalia Maya Dorion ’24 – Art Dorothy “Dottie” S. Dorion Amalia Maya Dorion ’24 – Cross Country/ Track & Field Dorothy “Dottie” S. Dorion Devon J Doyle Memorial Brian & Leslie ’95, ’05 Doyle

Dream Endowment Various Donors Duncan Ronald ’66, ’72 & Paula ’73 Duncan Ellis Memorial Harry Manesiotis ’99 Wayne ’62 & Ellen Evans Mathematics & Science Wayne ’62 & Ellen Evans Stanford Fellers ’36 Memorial Marvin Fellers ’47 Peggy ’91, ’93 & Rex Filer Peggy ’91, ’93 & Rex Filer Firstbank FirstBank Holding Company Firstbank Service Area FirstBank Holding Company Claudette Morin Fisher ’63, ’78 Claudette Fisher ’63, ’78 David Ford ’71/McDaniel David Ford ’71, Dr. John McDaniel David Ford ’71 Memorial/McDaniel Vickie I. Ford ’71, Dr. John McDaniel David ’71 & Vickie ’71 Ford/McDaniel Vickie I. Ford ’71, Dr. John McDaniel Vickie Ford ’71/McDaniel Vickie I. Ford ’71, Dr. John McDaniel Dr. Gary Gallagher ’72/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Gary ’62. ’65 & Judith Gaston Estate of Gary Gaston ’62, ’65 Michael John Gay Memorial Michael Gay Brody Geiser Memorial Jeff & Nancy Geiser Florence Lorton/Alice Lorton Getz Memorial Melvin Getz, Jackie Getz White ’82 GFWC Woman’s Citizenship Club GFWC Woman’s Citizenship Club Gibson Evan Gibson ’15 Ruth Curtis Gilbert Karla Gilbert Dr. Gordon Gillson/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Erin Gilmore Memorial Katie Fundalinski, J. Thomas ’67, ’68 & Patrice ’68 Gilmore Dr. J. Thomas Gilmore/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel William & Lenora Gilmore Memorial J. Thomas ’67, ’68 & Patrice ’68 Gilmore Lawrence & Frances Gomez Lawrence ’67, ’68 & Frances ’64, ’70 Gomez James Gontis/McDaniel James Gontis ’90, Dr. John McDaniel Green/Park Woolbert Creative Arts Kathy Park Woolbert ’07 & Henry Woolbert ASTATER 19

Paul D. Hall Phil & Juanita Hall James P. & Kate A. ’77 Hatfield Art Education Estate of Kathryn Hatfield ’77 History, Anthropology, Philosophy, Political Science & Spanish ASU HAPPSS Department Charley & Sadako Hayashida Memorial Sadako Hayashida Brooks Haynie Memorial Thomas & Marjorie Haynie Harriett Dalzell Hester ’26 Dr. Cheryl Lovell & Nancy Clark Hensley Wrestling Mark ’89 & Stephanie ’93, ’01 Hensley Robby Henriksen ’08 Memorial Judith & Thomas Henriksen John ’66, ’70 & Anita ’67 Hertner Biology John ’66, ’70 & Anita ’67 Hertner Gwendolyn Hill Memorial Estate of Gwendolyn Hill Stuart Hilwig HGP Honors ASU History/Government Department Donald Hilton Hopper Memorial H. Dean Hopper & Doris Hilton Hopper Ron Howard ’98/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Dr. Grant Hurley ’47 Pre-Med/Nursing Grant ’47 & Beverly Hurley Roy & Yoshiko Inouye Memorial Estate of Roy & Yoshiko Inouye Dale E. Jeffryes Memorial Michael Patritch ’70, ’73 & Karol Ann Krakauer Patritch James D. Johnson ’07/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Marvin & Karl Keck Anonymous Kay Prendergast Kelloff ’69 Kay ’69 & Harold Kelloff Kincannon ’69/Wall McDaniel Deanna Kincannon-Wall ’69, Dr. John McDaniel Gary J. ’64 & June R. ’63 Kliesen Brian Kliesen Sandra V. ’81 & O. John Kuenhold Sandra ’81 & John Kuenhold L & M Auto LeRoy & Rosalie ’86 Martinez Margaret A. Lamb Margaret Lamb Mark Lammers ’80, ’82/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Minnie Langowski ’64 Memorial Gene Langowski ’82, ’87, Charlene Bertolino ’89

20 ASTATER

Vernon Lantis David Lantis ’39 Mike & Diana Lantzy Mike ’64, ’65 & Diana Lantzy Jeannie Sanderson Leach ’75, ’80 Memorial Kendra Durre ’15, Joni Hemmerling ’10 Charlotte Lehmann ’79 Estate of Charlotte Lehmann ’79 Don ’64 & Myrna Lentz Kevin ’79 & Terri Lentz Michael Lane Lester Memorial James Lester Olibama Lopez-Tushar Estate of Olibama Lopez-Tushar Anna & Rodney ’66 Lopez Rodney ’66 & Anna Lopez Loser Family Ron ’65 & Marilyn ’86, ’87 Loser Hon. Carlos ’61 & Dorothy ’61 Lucero/ McDaniel Carlos ’61 & Dorothy ’61 Lucero, Dr. John McDaniel Eddie Floyd Lucero Estate of Eddie Floyd Lucero Lawrence David Lucero ’59, ’63 Memorial Fern Lucero Orlando & Josephine Lujan Jando Family Trust Mangum Nursing Janet ’63 & Jasper Mangum Michael Marchildon ’92/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Connie ’75 & Kim Marvel Connie ’75 & Kim Marvel Dr. John & Fran Marvel/McDaniel John & Fran Marvel, Dr. John McDaniel Dr. Robert E. McAllister ’67 Dr. Robert E. McAllister ’67 McAninch/Mangum Track & Field Jan ’63 & Jasper Mangum Marilyn ’67, ’68 & Robert ’68 McBride Marilyn McBride Ethel Dobson McDaniel/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel J.E. McDaniel/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Julie Randolph McDaniel/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel McGee Family Ruth McGee ’50 McLean Family Dolores McLean ’65, Chris Simmons Manuel & Dolores Medina Memorial Family of Manuel & Dolores Medina Darrell Meis Memorial ’81 Kim Meis ’82

Merritt ’36 Sarah Beatrice Merritt ’36 Matthew Miller Memorial Mary Miller Mingilton Family Dale ’85 & Teri Mingilton Normandy “Pinky” Montano Camila Alire ’70, Joe Montano Marvin Motz ’58, ’59 Anonymous Donor Motz/Porter Basketball Alonzo Porter ’65, ’66, Mary Motz ’62 Music ASU Alumni, Staff & Friends MVHS-Adams Wayne ’62 & Ellen Evans Dr. Paul S. & Patti K. Newman Theatre Education Paul & Patti Newman William & Taka Oba Memorial David Oba ’77, Dean ’75 & Trish Oba, Ronald Oba Doctors Ogden Leadership Award Doc & Denise ’90 Ogden Spud & Merle ’65, ’69 Orr Memorial Merle Orr ’65, ’69 Ed Ortega ’86/McDaniel Eduardo Ortega ’86, Dr. John McDaniel Pearl A. ’58 & Edward W. Ortner Edward W. & Pearl A. ’58 Ortner Trust Ralph Outcalt Scholars Outcalt Foundation Owsley Family Chuck Owsley ’68 Sue “Soupe” Patterson Art Memorial Bill Mansheim Sue Patterson & Bill Mansheim/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Porter Realty Mike & Mary Ann ’86 Porter, Porter Realty Porter Scholars in Science & Mathematics William ’51 & Joan Porter Bill Rakow ’69/McDaniel Bill Rakow ’69, Dr. John McDaniel Lon Randolph/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Robert Hoag Rawlings Foundation Pueblo Chieftain Larry G. Reed & Vivian Janice ’64 Reed Memorial Reed Family Trust RG Bank - Boyce & Leonard RG Bank Judith Richardson Visual Art Antoinette Lucas Don Richmond ’13 Music Anonymous Donor

Ed Richmond Don Richmond ’13 & Teri McCartney ’87, ’92 RJ Friend, Inc. (Business) RJ Friend, Inc. (Nursing) RJ Friend, Inc. Rustic Log Randy ’98 & Micah ’98 Jackson Rutledge Family Richard ’69 & Kathleen Rutledge Ed Ryan Ed Ryan Jodine Ryan/McDaniel Jodine Ryan, Dr. John McDaniel Emma & Henry Salazar Memorial Ken Salazar and family LeRoy Salazar AgriSTEM Gabe & Clorinda Salazar Michelle Salazar Language ’92 Gabe & Clorinda Salazar San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group San Luis Valley Federal Bank San Luis Valley Federal Bank San Luis Valley Health Care Foundation San Luis Valley Health Care Foundation San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. Wayne Sheldrake ’85/McDaniel Wayne ’85, ’91 & Lauren ’97, ’04 Sheldrake, Dr. John McDaniel Shriver/Wright Agricultural ASU Alumni & Friends William “Bill” Sinclair ’70, ’76 Memorial Phyllis Sinclair ’71 Sloan Family Michael Sloan ’65 Southway Alumni Southway Construction Southway Wrestling Southway Construction Butch Southway Memorial Izora Southway ’66 Elaine Southway Memorial Butch & Izora ’66 Southway, Joanne Southway Clayton ’61 Kenny & Rondaleen ’67 Specht Rondaleen Specht ’67 Rick Spier ’88, ’91 Memorial Patsy Spier ’91 Linda L. Spraitzer Estate of Linda Spraitzer Ann & Patrick Stanford Ann ’86, ’91 & Patrick Stanford

Don ’61, ’64 & Joyce ’77 Stegman Memorial Estate of Don Stegman ’61, ’64 Richard Talley Musical Theatre Margaret Talley David ’02 & Darin ’02 Tandberg David ’02 & Darin ’02 Tandberg David & Darin Tandberg – Prison Education David ’02 & Darin ’02 Tandberg Douglas B. Thomas ’55 Estate of Douglas B. Thomas ’55 William M. & Jennie L. ’49 Thomas Estate of William & Jennie ’49 Thomas Mary Louise & Lester Tooker John Tooker ’66 & Deborah Brownell William Trujillo/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Dale Umberger Lunch Box Memorial Football Players of 1966-71 Ralph Vail & Kathlyn Thatcher Vail Ann Vail Wagon Creek Anonymous Wall, Smith, Bateman Wall, Smith, Bateman, Inc. Kyle Walpole ’96/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Bill ’59 & Beth Waters Bill ’59 & Beth Waters Kay Watkins ’55 ASU Chemistry Department Elwyn ’73 & Virginia Wehe Al ’73 & Virginia Wehe Arthur Wellbaum Estate of Arthur Wellbaum Dr. Lynn & Arvilla ’70, ’92 Weldon World Peace Arvilla Weldon ’70, ’92

Lillian McDaniel Williamson/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Robert & Karen ’99 Willis Robert & Karen ’99 Willis Stanley ’54 & Ruth ’46 Wills Ruth Wills ’46, Karen Kelton Woodard Memorial Charles & Beryl Woodard George, John, Janet, Marjorie & Mitzi Woodard Memorial Ketha Woodard Woodward Family William “Bill” Woodward ’61 Shirley Wright ’90/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Robert Ellard Wright Memorial Mary Ann Wright Shane Yamnitz ’00/McDaniel Dr. John McDaniel Cindy Young Memorial Norman Tucker ’79 Lorraine Young Memorial Estate of Lorraine Young ’37 Christopher Zoukis ’16, ’19 Stephen & Suzan Zoukis

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED Academic Year Amount Awarded 2023-24 $1,339,216 2022-23 $1,428,263 2021-22 $1,475,282 2020-21 $1,266,958 2019-20 $1,323,372

Students 264 265 263 256 251 ASTATER 21

Giving Back New Adams State University scholarships honor LeRoy and Michelle Salazar Longtime Adams State supporters LeRoy and Michelle Salazar received a Christmas gift that will keep on giving – to students. Their son, Gabe, and his family created two scholarships in their honor.

“My wife, Clorinda, and I and our three kids wanted to honor my parents and all their contributions to Adams State and the SLV, which includes a large push for access to education. They have always been large supporters of those most in need, and having more scholarships will help reach more people,” Gabe said.

The LeRoy Salazar AgriSTEM Endowment will support students pursuing degrees related to agriculture, science, technology, engineering, or math. To qualify, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.1.

The Michelle Salazar Language, Arts & Education Endowment is for students majoring in those fields with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

22 ASTATER

LeRoy is a former trustee for Adams State, having served on the board from 2010 to 2016. Previously, he served on the board of the State Colleges of Colorado, beginning in 2003. He and his brothers, John, Ken, and Elliott, created the Salazar Rio Grande del Norte Center at Adams State in 2016. The center advances the conservation of land, water, and historic and cultural attributes at the headwaters of the Rio Grande in the San Luis Valley.

Now in their 70s, LeRoy and Michelle are “retired,” but remain active in farming and their community.

LeRoy is the 5th generation of his family farming in the San Luis Valley. With master’s and bachelor’s degrees in agricultural engineering from Colorado State University, LeRoy co-founded Agro Engineering, Inc, serving as President and CEO from 1982 to 2000. He has been heavily involved in developing strategies for creating a sustainable water supply system in the San Luis Valley. He has served as a member of the Colorado Agricultural Commission and the United Fresh Potato Growers of Colorado and as a director of Citizens for Colorado Water.

For 25 years, LeRoy served on the San Luis Valley Federal Bank Board, retiring as Chairman. He also served on the North Conejos School District Board of Education for 9 years, with several years as its president.

In 2018, he received the Statewide Leadership and Service Award from the El Pomar Foundation and directed part of the monetary award to Adams State.

LeRoy also co-founded and continues to work with the Hope for Children Foundation, which supports orphans, abandoned, and severely impoverished children in Mexico.

In addition to helping on their farm, Michelle volunteers with the Food Bank Network of the San Luis Valley, Hospice del Valle, the Immigrant Resources Center, and the Sisters of Mercy.

Her roots are also in agriculture; she earned a bachelor's degree in agronomy from Colorado State University, followed by degrees in biology and Spanish from Adams State. She taught Spanish in SLV schools, then earned a master’s and Ph.D. in Spanish linguistics from New Mexico State University. Her thesis explored the evolution of the Spanish language in the SLV and Northern New Mexico. She then taught Spanish as an assistant professor at Adams State.

Dr. Cole N. Foster Memorial Scholarship to benefit nursing and English majors A memorial endowment honoring Dr. Cole Nessa Foster, Emeritus Professor of English, was created by his wife, Sue, for students majoring in English or nursing (Sue’s profession.)

Preference will be given to graduates of San Luis Valley high schools with at least sophomore status at Adams State.

Dr. Foster passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 8, 2025, after enjoying 87 years of life. He was born Sept. 6, 1937, in Ames, Iowa, where he spent long, sweltering-hot summer afternoons as a kid writing “bad poems.”

Dr. Foster received a B.S. in sciences and humanities from Iowa State University, a master’s degree in English from the University of Iowa, and a Ph.D. in English from the University

of New Mexico. He and Sue were married in 1989. He taught Freshman English, American Literature, Emerson and Thoreau, and Creative Writing for 38 years, retiring after 29 years at Adams State University in 1998. It thrilled him to witness the evolution of students’ learning as they discovered and expressed their understanding of the world with new, exciting insights.

Sue said Cole’s last day of life was made-to-order: “He and his buddy, Ben, were awestruck by the flight of a bald eagle. They observed 31 antelope on the refuge, visited an elk farm, and enjoyed lunch complete with chocolate pie! His last word the evening of his passing was ‘student.’

“Nature fueled his spirit, as did reading adventure and wildlife stories; writing poetry and personal essays; racing his MGA sports car; playing baseball and tennis; hunting in the Valley, Alaska and Africa; fly fishing in mountain streams and lakes; and birdwatching from the dining room table.”

Memorial gifts can be made to the Adams State University Foundation, Cole N. Foster Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Tammy Lopez, 208 Edgemont Blvd., Alamosa, CO 81101.

Class of 2025

EDUCATOR HALL OF FAME Elementary Donna Armenta Lila Whiting McIntyre

Secondary Diane Lara Post Secondary J. Thomas Gilmore

Administrator Robert Framel Robert Whiting

JUNE 3 • 6p.m.

Streamed live on the Adams State YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/@AdamsState or scan the QR code

ASTATER 23

Great Alumni Stories

Hazel Petty ’46, ’71, celebrates 100 years

24 ASTATER

Hazel (Bean) Petty ’46, ‘71 didn’t know how many people to expect for her 100th birthday party, organized by her children March 18. More than 100 friends and relatives showed up at the Methodist Church in Alamosa to honor the long-time educator and Alamosa Citizen of the Year. Her three sons and all but two of her seven grandchildren were there. Hazel also has 18 great grandchildren.

Hazel was born in 1925 on the family ranch between Blanca and Ft. Garland, east of Alamosa. Her family moved to Alamosa when Colorado Governor Billy Adams asked her father, Luther Bean, to become one of the first professors at Adams State Normal School. Hazel recalled this was during the Depression; they had no electricity in their new, hand-built adobe house.

When Hazel graduated from Alamosa High School in 1943, the country was at war. “All the males in our class went away to war. I was engaged to Marion “Spike” Petty; and he went off.” So she enrolled at Adams State and completed her degree in three years. “I had the best college education, because everybody knew everybody else. I joined the Dance Club, and we performed at local schools to help recruit students.”

College enrollment was low during wartime, and some in Denver thought the campus would make a good boys’ reform school. “The townspeople heard that, and they went to the state government and said, ‘You are not going to do that to our ASC!’ They fought.”

The war ended, and Hazel married her college sweetheart a week after graduation. They had four children: Gary, Ralph, Ron, and Nancy, who passed away recently.

Hazel’s first year teaching was the “worst,” she said, subbing as PE teacher for junior high girls. She was going to quit after her first child was born, but the district superintendent called upon her again to teach 5th grade.

She had trained to be a 3rd grade teacher, but ultimately taught many grades and subjects, particularly history.

She taught 26 years in the Alamosa district, at Central School, Boyd School, and the junior high. She wrote two books about San Luis Valley history and the Alamosa School District. Hazel was inducted into the Adams State Educators Hall of Fame in 2013. She continued her involvement in the American Legion, Daughters of the American Revolution, United Methodist Women, P.E.O., the San Luis Valley Historical Society, and other organizations.

Hazel continues to live independently in Alamosa. She said: “I’m so happy I could raise my children in the San Luis Valley.”

by Julie Waechter

Heather Justus ’95, helps assure her community’s water A college history class gave Heather (Bollacker) Justus ’95 the insight that propelled her career as a hydrogeologist.

“I read that for a community to thrive and be successful, they need access to clean and reliable water. That resonated with me, and my career started,” she said.

In April 2023, Justus began the newly created position of Water Resource Manager with the Parker Water and Sanitation District (Parker Water), outside of Denver. She explained Parker Water has an innovative, long-term water supply solution that will benefit both agricultural and municipal communities in the South Platte River Basin, in partnership with the Lower South Platte Water Conservancy District. The program is called the Platte Valley Water Partnership (PVWP).

“I love my job. When the district hired me, they did not have a defined Water Resource Program. I’m uniquely positioned, because it’s the culmination of what I love to do. I am tasked with the implementation of the Platte Valley Water Partnership, utilizing my strategic planning experience,” she said.

Parker Water’s Water Resource Program includes the district’s water rights and legal responsibilities for those rights, including regulations, short and longterm water supply and demand, and conservation and efficiency. Justus works with the district’s water attorneys and its State Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Colorado Water Conservation Board Metro Basin Roundtable in an atlarge voting position.

“To achieve wise water stewardship, it is essential to complete master planning.

Master planning needs to include long-term water resources, capital infrastructure, wastewater infrastructure, water efficiency and conservation, financial planning, and emergency and drought planning. All these elements need to integrate with and complement each other,” Justus noted. “Right now, we are in the midst of updating many of our plans to take us through the next decade. We are just starting the update for our 50-year water plan and will start the update to our emergency and drought plan next year.”

Noting there are climate variations throughout the geologic record, she said there is evidence of a current warming trend. “As part of my job and responsibility to the community that I serve, I need to include those variations and impacts into water demand studies and plan accordingly.”

After earning her B.S. in geology at Adams State, Justus took graduate courses in civil engineering at Colorado State University, followed by courses in water leadership and business.

She began a series of increasingly responsible jobs with Leonard Rice Engineers, culminating as Project Manager and Employee Owner. In 2018, she took a position with Castle Rock Water.

“When I started a family, I realized that I wanted to change from consulting to working for a utility,” she said. “In consulting you never see the impacts of the project on the community, while at a utility, you have the opportunity to see from start up to the water being delivered to the community. Not everyone knows where their water comes from and what it takes to get to the faucet.”

Justus and her husband, David ’96, have three children, the youngest of whom is a biology major at Adams State.

by Julie Waechter ASTATER 25

Great Alumni Stories

Michelle Rubidoux-Wilson ’99, ’10 named Colorado Elementary Principal of the Year Known as a major agricultural region, the San Luis Valley also grows its own educators. That “produce” is exemplified

by Michelle Rubidoux-Wilson, recently named 2025 Colorado Elementary Distinguished Principal of the Year by the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE).

Educated in the Alamosa School District and at Adams State University, she has been principal of Alamosa Elementary 3-5 since 2019. She was selected for the statewide honor by a committee of Colorado elementary principals through a competitive process.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by this award.

Alamosa is a place of true greatness, both in our schools and within our community. The educators at 3-5, and throughout the district create extraordinary learning experiences every day, and it’s truly inspiring to witness.”

Under Wilson’s leadership, Alamosa Elementary 3-5 is currently rated as “Performance” based on CMAS, Colorado Measures of Academic Success. However, that rating did not come without the grit and resilience of our students and staff. In 2022, AES 3-5 was rated “Priority Improvement” based on CMAS student achievement and growth data. This rating came in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused widespread disruptions to normalcy in education.

26 ASTATER

“I knew that didn’t reflect who we are or where we truly stood in academics and instruction, so we took a thorough look at the standards, identified our priority standards, paced our curriculum/instruction, developed proficiency scales with common formative assessments and finally a standards-based report card that reflects the work students are doing in the classroom. This is work that continually gets revisited and adjusted as needed to meet the needs for all students. This school year was the first year we rolled out our standards-based report card and teams have identified areas for improvement.” In 2023 and 2024, AES 3-5 has a “Performance” rating as measured by the State of Colorado.

Wilson married her high school sweetheart in 1997, Shawn Wilson, and earned her undergraduate degree in December 1999. Although her father, Robert Rubidoux, was an educator, she didn’t initially consider a career in education. “I took business classes for one semester, but then took some education classes and fell in love with teaching.”

Wilson earned her Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Adams State in December 1999, followed by a Master of Arts in culturally and linguistically diverse, a reading teacher endorsement, and another master’s degree in educational leadership, all by 2010.

Wilson began her teaching career in first grade in 2000, shortly after she and her husband suffered the loss of their infant daughter, Karlie.

“I was a new teacher, and our baby had passed away on August 14, but I knew I was where I was meant to be. The kindness I received from everyone made me feel so supported, and that year remains one of my most memorable. I will forever be grateful to those who supported me,” she remembered. “School has always been my safe place.”

Continually expanding her experience, Wilson moved up to teaching second and third grade. In 2018, she was named school dean, then interim principal in February 2019. She became principal of the 600-student school in fall, 2019 – right before covid hit. “We had 27 classroom teachers that year, nine teachers in each grade, it was my largest group yet.”

Returning to school after COVID definitely came with some struggles. “We recognized the need for mental health support for students, and now we have three tiers of counselors at our school, offering extensive support. We also recognized some instructional setbacks; however, we are making great strides and continuing to see growth,” Wilson said. “In the classroom, the needs have evolved and I believe we’re better at identifying and addressing those needs for all students.”

Both of Wilson’s parents and sister are Adams State alumni, as well. “What I love about Adams State is that it represents the community where I was born and raised and cares about their students and faculty.”

She and Shawn have two daughters, Emily and Kelli Jo, who are in veterinary school and nursing school, respectively.

“School has always been my safe place.”

ASTATER 27

A-Stater Adams State University Alamosa, CO 81101

2025 Phone-a-thon team