Staying in Touch •1950s Jerrold T. Booher ’56, ’61 spent 40 years in Colorado teaching, coaching, and in administration, but has lived in Pocatello, Idaho for the past 18 years. His wife, who did not graduate from Adams State, is named Shirley. Clair M. Martinez ’56, ’75 with her brother Roy, received a “Heritage Award” for educators in recognition of their service to education as counselors for many years. Caroline Sanchez ’56 celebrated her 66-year wedding anniversary. Patricia J. Anderson-Richmond ’58, ’69 resides near Dolores, Colo. She retired after 25 years of teaching social studies, English, and music classes in Colorado towns Basalt, Del Norte, and Monte Vista. She was co-founder of the Gordon Cooper Library in Carbondale, Colo., and a founding member of the San Luis Valley Historical Society and the Old Spanish Trail Association. She served as the education director for the San Luis Valley Visitor Information Center and later as director for the Creede & Mineral County Visitor Center & Chamber of Commerce. She still participates in civic and educational activities and continues to write for historical journals and other publications.
•1960s Theodora Madrid ’60, ’69 writes that she is “so proud of” Adams State’s “tradition in the preparation of teachers,” and she hopes the school continues preparing school teachers and encouraging public education for all, pre-kindergarten through college. “We need teachers!” Ruth K. Nichols ’61, ’88 thanks the Adams State staff and professors that supported her at the school. She now works at the multinational computer technology company, Oracle. James E. Morlan ’62 had a class called Business Law at Adams State taught by Dr. Wick, which was most useful to him. After graduating in 1962, he went to Denver, hoping to find fame and money. He had three children, eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren and worked as a casualty claims adjuster. Later, he sold his claims business and taught himself how to invest in dividend growth stocks as a retirement activity.
•1970s Donald L. Brown ’62, ’68 worked for school district 9-R in Colorado for 30 years and was selected Colorado Counselor of the year. He and his brothers liked Adams State very much, picking out the outstanding teacher education programs and “most of all, excellent instructors!” John S. Perry ’64, ’71 was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, on September 11, 2021, in Colorado Springs. He wrestled at Adams State for Dr. Frank Powell and in 1964 was named Adams State’s Outstanding Wrestler. After graduation, John taught and coached wrestling at Alamosa High School for three years. He continued to teach and coach at Kearney High School, Kearney, Neb., and McCook Junior College in McCook, Neb., finalizing his career at Sterling High School in Sterling, Colo., where he resides with his wife, Bobbi. He has two sons and six grandchildren. He is a world champion sled dog sprint racer, having won a gold medal with his six-dog team and a silver medal with his eight-dog team. Matthew B. Shoban ’64, ’68 is retired from teaching at Middlesex College and Kean University, both in New Jersey. His time at Adams State included pushing a bed on wheels to Denver and impelling a wheelbarrow with potatoes to Albuquerque, as well as more common pursuits such as running and ski club, according to Shoban. Larry A. Barker ’65 retired from coaching in Lubbock, Texas. Arlene C. Lockrem ’68 went on from Adams State to receive her master’s degree in social work at University of Denver in 1972. She moved to Wyoming a couple of years ago to be near family, and is now retired. Edward E. Atencio Sr. ’68, ’73 received the Warren Mitchell Award for the top track and cross-country coach in Colorado, in 2011. He received the Adams State Educators Hall of Fame award and the Colorado Coaches Hall of Fame award in 2019. In 2021, he was named Adams State Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. He is married to Josephine Atencio and has three children: Jozette, Joanna, and Edward.
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Wendy (Rawson) ’71 and Gordon Hoffman, MA ’71, were married on March 4, 1972 in Coronado Hall by the Reverend Lonnie Eakle, the campus chaplain. Wendy misses Gordon, who passed away in 2012. They have two children, Nick and Angela, and four grandsons. Eric Mead ’71 writes that it’s hard to believe he graduated 50 years ago, “halfway through Adams State’s existence,” and he has many fond memories of Alamosa and the San Luis Valley. William Hinz ’72 is in his 40th year of practicing primarily criminal law, and in his third term as a school board member. “I might be relocating back to Colorado soon.” Jeanne Sategna ’74 coached varsity volleyball for 23 years, varsity track for 10 years, and has officiated volleyball for the past 20 years. Phillip Sategna ’74, ’76 is in his 48th year coaching track. He was an administrator and teacher for 38 years. Sally A. Karg ’75 is a member of Oak Harbor Garden Club on Whidbey Island in Washington State. Charlene M. O’Leary Luke ’75 was a certified project management professional before she retired in 2014 and moved to Britt, Minn. Steven Stenersen ’76 and his wife, Ana, were fortunate to attend Adams State University’s Centennial Celebration in October. They had not been to campus since many of the extensive renovations and additions were completed. He wrote that all associated with them should be proud, but said more importantly, everyone was “friendly” and “down to earth,” mentioning especially President Lovell’s engagement, enthusiasm and commitment, as well as Adams State faculty invitingly offering to assist the couple. Registered nurse Ana took a tour of the nursing facilities and found them impressive. The Stenersens also appreciated the passion of Alumni Relations and Engagement Director Ashley Maestas. Most importantly, they found Adams State students to be “fully engaged, partisan, robust” and “fun-loving.” Steven
