7 minute read
Keeping Current
^ Adams100 sponsors were recognized at the Adams100 documentary film premiere.
Pictured, left to right, President Cheryl D. Lovell; Adams State Alumni Relations and
Engagement Director Ashley Maestas; Adams State Office of Title V Initiatives Project
Director Marcella Garcia; First Southwest Bank Credit Analysts Paul Dickman and Nick
Capra; San Luis Valley Federal Bank CEO Mark Bechaver and Chief Lending Officer Joe
Martinez; and Alamosa County Commissioners Vern Heersink and Lori Laske.
> President Cheryl D. Lovell thanks Alamosa State Bank President, Chas Moeller, for the bank’s continued support. Alamosa State Bank was the largest donor for Adams100.
The annual Chemistry Magic Show keeps burning bright. The 2021 virtual presentation can be accessed through the Adams State YouTube channel. Pictured, left to right, back row, Frank Novotny, Ph.D., Michael Earhart, Atticus Fredrickson, Paige Heersink, Chris Adams, Ph.D., and Umesh Bhattarai, Ph.D.; front row, Breanna Shaffer, Hailee Velasquez, and Christy Miller, Ph.D.
^ Kicking off its 95th year, the theatre program produced, “Night of the Living Dead Live,” a fun re-imagining of George Romero’s horror film. Directed by John Taylor, Ph.D., the comedy re-created, live on stage, the original film in the first act. In the second act, it presented a series of alternative endings which hilariously tested the question: Can anyone survive a night of the living dead? ^ Lathen Tsalate and President Lovell post the Land
Acknowledgement Statement in McDaniel Hall on
October 11, during a brief ceremony.
^ The Colorado Farm Brewery in
Alamosa, Colo. created a Centennial
Pale Ale in honor of Adams100. photo courtesy of The Colorado Farm Brewery
^ The Department of Auxiliaries and Housing hosted an appreciation breakfast for facilities services staff in early October.
^ Adams State hosts Colorado Competitive Council Legislative Tour on October 5.
Award Recipients, back row, Adams State President Cheryl D. Lovell, Carolyn Kawanabe, Frederick St. Cyr, Jr., Leroy A. Espinoza; front row, Hoyt Anderson, Karla Shriver, Paul Morley
Adams State honors students and donors
Holiday cheer and goodwill came early to Adams State University. Hoyt Anderson, Class of 1997, pledged to match all donations up to $10,000 at the Adams State University Donor and Student Recognition Dinner on November 4. The evening contributions totaled over $20K and will ease the financial burden for students on their way to achieving their full potential.
“As a community, we can ensure the success of Adams State,” Hoyt said. “I challenge everyone to share their available resources and make a positive difference.”
Tables buzzed with conversation and laughter as students engaged with donors who support their academic careers through scholarships and donations. The annual event recognizes the Adams State University Foundation Willis Fassett, Jr. Award recipients as well as the Athletic Department Grizzly Club Awards.
Scholarship recipients expressing their gratitude is always a highlight of the evening. As first-generation college students who worked alongside their parents in the fields, twins Jazmine Palacios-Molinar and Jaqueline Palacios-Molinar truly understand the privilege a degree in higher education can provide and acknowledge the generosity of those who share their resources.
Adams State provided many opportunities for the sisters. They started their academic career through the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), which provided much needed support their freshman year and continues to offer resources. As an Hispanic Serving Institution, Adams State has made them feel accepted. “We appreciate the financial assistance through scholarships and are very thankful to all the donors who believe in us,” said Jazmine Palacios-Molinar. “One day we hope to give back.” Athletic director Katelyn Smith, Class of 2016, presented Alamosa Building Supply, accepted by Anderson, with the Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year; and Leroy A. Espinoza and Frederick St. Cyr, Jr., with the Grizzly Club Individual Partners of the Year.
The recipients of the Willis Fassett, Jr. Awards receive a “Buffalo Chant” bronze, created specifically for the Foundation by the late William Moyers, Class of 1939. Past Adams State Foundation President Duane Bussey, Class of 1982, recognized Paul Morley, Class of 1966, and the Outcalt Foundation for their continued financial support. Trustees Carolyn Kawanabe, Class of 1987, and Karla Shriver, accepted the award on behalf of the Outcalt Foundation.
Alamosa Building Supply named Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the year
Alamosa Building Supply has been a Grizzly Club member since 2010 but has a long-standing tradition of helping Alamosa and the San Luis Valley. According to Hoyt Anderson, Class of 1997, one of the four partners in the business, Alamosa Building Supply was opened in 2008 and then La Jara Building Supply was acquired in 2009. “We have a great rapport with the coaches in the Adams State athletic program, and that has led to one of our greatest success stories,” noted Anderson. “My yard foreman is Daniel Kelly; he was a wrestler from out of state. Jason Ramstetter sent him over, and he worked part-time for me as a student and wrestler. He really blossomed, and he is now my foreman and in a management position.” “Adams State is a real key to the success of the San Luis Valley,” noted Anderson of the connection between Adams State and the community. “Adams State gave a lot to me, and we want to pay it forward and give back to Adams State.”
Alamosa Building Supply has been an integral part of the growth that Adams State, as a campus, has seen. “We’ve worked with a lot of the general contractors to supply some of the different components for McDaniel Hall,” said Anderson. “We also did a lot with the restoration of Richardson Hall and with the building of Rex Stadium.”
Anderson is an avid fan of the Grizzlies and notes that he will make sure to stay until the end of the game, no matter what the score is. He recalled several favorite moments in recent history, including a buzzer-beater in basketball. His favorite was Adams State football’s biggest comeback against rival Western Colorado a couple of years ago.
“When we were down to Western by 35 at the half, everyone seemed to write them off and left early. However, I stayed,” said Anderson. In that game, Adams State erupted for 36 unanswered points and forced overtime before winning the game in double overtime, 52-51.
“One of my buddies left, and he kept hearing the cannon go off,” explained Anderson. “He thought there was a mechanical malfunction. I said it was too bad he left.”
Alamosa Building Supply will continue to be Grizzly Club members for years to come, supporting Adams State.
“Adams State is doing a wonderful thing for the economy and for jobs,” Anderson concluded.
Grizzlies share the spirit of community and supporting students. Frederick St. Cyr, Jr. and Leroy A. Espinoza prove you don’t have to be an alumni to be a Grizzly.
They can be seen at almost all athletic events cheering on the Grizzlies.
The two started attending games in 1998, and since then, for about 23 years, they have been Grizzly Club members.
They believe in supporting local athletics and enjoy live sports in general.
What makes these two unique is not the fact that they are the loudest. The two share something in common not many other fans attending Adams State every week can claim, they are both deaf. Anyone who has been to several Grizzly events can tell their cheers from anywhere.
They appreciate the hard work and effort of all the Grizzly athletes. “All the players are friendly, and we just love going to events.”
Of the 21 sports that Adams State has to offer, Fred and Leroy have their favorite sports including basketball, volleyball, football, softball, and baseball.
Even though they have been to thousands of Grizzly sporting events over the past 23 years, they plan to keep attending games as long as possible.
“Just know we will continue to support ASU as long as we can,” said Leroy. “We want everyone to know we have always felt welcome, and we want to thank you all for being part of our lives’ greatest sports pleasures.”
