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90 for alumni & friends of adams state college
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Great Stories Begin Here seeking university name • hsi stem grant • donor awards
fall 2011
Stater
A VOL. 51, NO. 3 • FALL 2011
Published by Adams State College adams state college • alamosa, co 81101 719.587.7011 • 800.824.6494 www.adams.edu • e-mail: ascalums@adams.edu online edition: www.adams.edu/alumni/astater/ EDITOR & DESIGNER Julie Waechter
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Linda Relyea ’96
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Laura Cox • Chris Day • Leonard Honnie • Gaylene Horning ’94 Lace King • Scott Kretzmann • Madison Mansheim ‘14 Kellicia Morse ‘14 • Tim Mouser • Mariah Pepe ‘14 • James Trujillo ‘02
PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE Dr. David Svaldi
BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR ADAMS STATE COLLEGE Steve Valdez ’87 Chair Arnold Salazar ’75 Vice Chair Gigi Darricades • Mary Griffin Liane “Buffie” McFadyen ’91, ’93 • Ann Rice Charles Scoggin, M.D. • Tim Walters ’73 Dr. Carol Guerrero-Murphy Faculty Trustee Kenneth Scally Student Trustee
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD Lori Lee Laske ’91, ’01 Executive Secretary/Director of Alumni Relations Toney Cantu ’70 President Kasey Russell ’03 Vice President Karen Rubidoux Miller ’94 Secretary Holly Felmlee ’76 • D. Mike Garcia ’73, ’77 • Phil Lopez ’04 Lynn Michalke ’77 • Robert Oringdulph ’71 • Sandy Ortega ’74 Chris Page ’02, ’03 • Jeremy Wilder ’96 • Brian Rossbert ’02 Rich Scanga ’75 • Liz Tabeling-Garcia ’96, ’06 • Delzia Worley ’97
ASC FOUNDATION BOARD Duane Bussey ’82 President Dr. John McDaniel Vice President John A. Marvel ’70 Secretary/Treasurer Russell Achatz ’85 • Tim Bachicha ’92 • Greg Bervig ’81 Keith Cerny • Genevieve Cooper • Debbie Garcia '93 Dale Hettinger ’64 • Charles “Chuck” Houser ’62 Jeni Jack ’85 • Randy Jackson ’98 • Chuck Owsley '68 Cindy Palmer • Rich Scanga ’75 • Chris Sittler ’04 Ray Skeff • Izora Southway ’66 • Michael Ware ’69
FOUNDATION HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS Stephen Bokat ’68 • Marguerite Salazar ’75, ’76
FOUNDATION EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS Sharon Carter • Richard Jacobs • Harold Kelloff Ralph Outcalt • John Reason J. Byron Uhrich • R. Paul Wagner • Eldo Wall
president’s letter: adams state grows up For more than two years, we have been contemplating changing the college’s name to Adams State University. Our Board of Trustees recently set the debate to rest, voting 8-1 to pursue this name change. (See story page 4.) As Trustee Charles Scoggin said, “It is appropriate that Adams State’s name reflect the depth and breadth of our graduate and undergraduate missions.” This is the rationale behind the school’s four name changes to date. Recognition of the range and quality of David Svaldi our academic programs, along with changes in the marketplace, are driving the effort to now become Adams State University. It is a natural progression. The bottom line is that Adams State is already operating on the level of a university, and our name should reflect that role.
preserving what matters most University status will not change Adams State’s essential character and values. We will not suddenly (or even gradually) morph into a large, impersonal, expensive institution. The Adams State Trustees and administration are determined to keep tuition and fee increases to a minimum. Given the current higher education funding situation, tuition will inevitably increase at every state college and university in Colorado. While our 35% increase in enrollment over the last four years has been a boon to our financial situation, it is not enough to offset the 15% decrease in state funding, a loss of $2.3 million, or about $1,700 per student. While ASC tuition did increase this year, at the same time we implemented significant new academic scholarships for both incoming and continuing students. All fees (except the capital construction fee, which supports our campus renewal) have been frozen for the last two years. At right about this time in 2009, I wrote a letter promising that, whatever its name, Adams State would remain true to its values: small classes, excellent instruction by tenured professors who care about their students (at the undergraduate and graduate level), a full liberal arts program of study, many co-curricular activities, a vibrant outdoor program, a great (and newly remodeled) residential campus, and the best value in four-year higher education in Colorado. Adams State has grown into a university.
FOUNDATION EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. David Svaldi ASC President Tammy Lopez ’91, ’00 Executive Director of the Foundation Steve Valdez ’87 Trustee Liaison
GRIZZLY CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dave Barrows President • Jeff Owsley ’86 Vice President Keith Cerny • Ric Cline ’71• Jeni Jack ’85 Ericha Loosbrock • Joe Martinez ’99 • Jay Meyer Dennis Ortiz ’79 • Dennis Shioshita ‘77 • Steve Valdez ’87
ADAMS STATE COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT Adams State College dedicates its resources to provide opportunity and access for all students. The College is an innovative leader that recognizes the inherent educational value of diversity. It is a catalyst for the educational, cultural, and economic interests of rural Colorado, the surrounding region, and the global community.
the cover To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the college, in 1921, alumni, students, and others suggested characteristics that make Adams State great. See page 15.
contents cover story What’s so great about Adams State ?
15
update Adams State seeks university moniker ASC hits new enrollment record Whatever gets you down the road New HSI grant supports access to scientific fields Christo art donation Grants benefit nursing, counseling services
4 5 5 6 7 7
features The party’s over, but campus renewal continues Earth sciences students assist at mammoth dig Biology prof. teaches with Semester at Sea
8 12 14
giving Music scholarship, recording studio dedicated to Prof. Richmond 24 Foundation honors Patsy Spier ‘91 25 Alamosa State Bank named Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year 26 Cernys are Griz Club Members of the Year 27
alumnotes homecoming scrapbook alumni scrapbook sports scenes
28 34 36 38
Career services for alumni expand alumni have expanded job and employee search options, thanks to a new Title V grant that funds a career services coordinator, Brian Rauscher. He provides career counseling and job search assistance to alumni in person or via phone appointments. He can also assist with resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, discussing career transitions, graduate school preparation, and general job search strategies. All alumni have access to two computerized career assessments as well: the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory. Alumni are invited to attend the annual Spring Career Fair, Thursday, March 1, 2012, on campus in the Student Union Building, first floor banquet rooms. Whether as a job seeker or an employer recruiting candidates, this gives alumni the opportunity to network with colleagues and students in the ASC community. You can reach Rauscher at (719) 587-7746 or asccareer@adams.edu. Information on the career fair, as well as the new Grizzly Careers job database and other career resources, is available online at career.adams.edu.
grizzly spirit on the go Alumni Paul Morley ‘66 (top) and Marilyn & Dutch ‘61, ‘64 Malberg (bottom) hit the road on bike rides sporting their ASC bike jerseys. Do you need one, too? If so, you can order one for $60 by calling Lori Laske at (719) 587-7867 or 800-824-6494, ext.8.
Adams State seeks university moniker
adams state will pursue changing its name to Adams State University, following approval by the Board of Trustees Aug. 26. If approved by the Colorado legislature and Governor, the change will be effective Aug. 1. Trustee Ann Rice summarized the board’s decision: “We’ve had a lot of conversation about this. I don’t think the timing could be better. The reality is that younger people consider the university name to be important. We’ve reached a milestone with our campus renovations, and there’s a new energy and vitality on campus. This is the perfect time to crown all that with a name that seems more current and applicable to the people who atmost constituents tend the institufavor “university” tion.” • 80% of high school counselors State Senator • 74% of graduate students Gail Schwartz • 72% of undergraduate students and House Repre• 65% faculty and staff sentative Ed Vigil • 65% of alumni ‘86 will introduce a bill proposing the name change. The bill will then be voted on by the entire legislature and, if passed, signed into law by the governor.
name changes reflect growth “It is a natural progression to change Adams State College to Adams State University,” said President David Svaldi. “Changing our name to university will better represent the high quality of Adams State’s academic programs. We have very experienced and qualified professors, excellent new facilities, and a stellar record in sending graduates on to graduate school.” This would be the institution’s fifth name since its founding 90 years ago to prepare public school teachers for rural Colorado. Adams State Normal School opened in 1925; in 4|
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1929 the name was changed to Adams State Teachers College of Southern Colorado, then shortened in 1938 to Adams State Teachers College. The current name was adopted in 1946 in recognition of the broader offering of undergraduate liberal arts programs and the expansion of graduate degree programs. The topic has been under discussion for some time, and last year the board requested the question be considered in an enrollment growth research project conducted by consulting firm Noel-Levitz. Student trustee Ken Scally, a nursing major, said he discussed the matter with many students. “I have not heard one person who doesn’t want to change to a university.” Eric Carpio, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management, noted that in many states where Adams State recruits (Arizona, Texas, Wyoming, Kansas, and California), all public institutions that award four-year degrees are called “universities,” while in these and other states, “colleges” only award two-year degrees. “Being called a university will clarify Adams State’s fouryear mission to prospective students and more accurately reflect our growing graduate and distance-education programs,” he added. Since 1990, the number of the nation’s public and private four-year institutions called universities has increased, while those called colleges have decreased. This fall, ASC set a new record for graduate student enrollment: 819. “This is higher than the combined graduate enrollment at Colorado State University-Pueblo, Metro State, Western Mesa University, and Western State. Twentyfive percent of our enrollment is graduate students. That is the third highest percentage in the state, behind only University of Colorado-Denver and Colorado School of Mines,” noted Dr. Michael Mumper ‘76, senior vice president for Enrollment Management and Program Development.
ASC hits new enrollment record Adams State College smashed enrollment records for the third straight year and welcomed its largest freshman class in more than 40 years. Total enrollment for fall 2011 is 3,701, up 6.6 percent over last year, according to Dr. Michael Mumper ‘76, senior vice president for Enrollment Management and Program Development. ASC’s enrollment has grown 34 percent over the last four years, Mumper said. “We have experienced the second highest growth rate of all four-year institutions in the state.” Mumper said this continuing success is across the board, with a record num-
ber of graduate students – 819 – as well as increases in undergraduate, transfer, and off-campus students. This year’s freshman class numbers 567, an increase of nearly 4 percent over 2010. "We are particularly pleased to achieve this growth while increasing the overall academic profile of our student body and maintaining our commitment to student diversity," said Eric Carpio, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management. Hispanic student enrollment at Adams State this semester is nearly 33 percent, with an additional 14 percent of students identifying as members of
Photos by Kellicia Morse ‘14
whatever gets you down the road
other ethnic/racial minority groups. The 2011 freshman class is 34 percent Hispanic, and more than 30 percent are graduates of San Luis Valley high schools, Carpio added. Since 2007, the proportion of new Adams State freshmen with CCHE admission indexes above 99 increased from 24 percent to nearly 35 percent. (The Colorado Commission on Higher Education – CCHE – calculates a student’s index based on high school grade point average and ACT score.) These students automatically receive merit scholarships of $1,000 and $1,500.
$3.6 million
New HSI grant supports access to scientific fields the u.s. department of education awarded Adams State College a $3.6 million grant from the Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Entitled “Increasing Student Engagement and Success in STEM,” the five-year grant will fund several initiatives to help more Hispanic and low-income students earn a STEM degree, according to Dr. Michael Mumper ‘76, senior vice president for Enrollment Management and Program Development. “We will focus on outreach, academic support, and student engagement to increase the annual award of STEM degrees by 50% and to triple STEM degrees awarded to Hispanic students,” Mumper said. The project will upgrade Adams State facilities and equipment to better serve students and support the new programming. Specific activities include summer programs, seminars, tutoring, a new STEM tutoring center, curriculum reform, and undergraduate research. The HSI STEM grant brings Adams State’s total of Title V HSI grants to more than $14.1 million. Adams State was the first college in the state to earn federal HSI designation, which requires a minimum of 25 percent Hispanic enrollment. Adams State offers four STEM majors with 16 specializations that currently enroll 299 majors: biology, chemistry, earth sciences, and mathematics. “Adams State is the central STEM resource in the vast, rural region of southern Colorado,” Mumper added. “We are positioned to deliver far-reaching – even ground-breaking – services in STEM, especially for Hispanic and low-income students.”
academic support The grant’s largest component is construction of a new STEM Tutoring Center on the third floor of Porter Hall, the college’s math and sciences building. “Our vision is to create an environment that is supportive of STEM students, socially as well as academically, and that offers access to tutoring services and peer and faculty support,” Mumper said. The center will include an undergraduate research lab outfitted with instruments for interdisciplinary STEM research. The grant will also fund upgrades to Adams State’s greenhouse and acquisition of versatile and expensive instrumentation, such as a modern X-ray diffraction system that costs more than $90,000. Laboratory ovens and furnaces, computers, software, supercomputers for math, microscopes, elec-
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tronic balances, centrifuges, and a range of equipment for molecular biology will also be purchased and/or upgraded.
exposing kids to science By expanding its outreach, the college hopes to cultivate more interest in STEM careers and postsecondary education among area youth. “With the STEM grant, Adams State will enhance our facilities and programs to give area students a view into the world of science that may otherwise be inaccessible to them, due to financial and geographical reasons,” explained Dr. Matt Nehring, professor of physics and chair of the Department of Chemistry, Computer Science and Mathematics. “The central unifying component of our outreach is an astronomy and space-based theme. The field of astronomy lends itself perfectly to this objective, because it connects all STEM disciplines and is historically appealing to K-12 students and the general public.” In addition, nationally recognized speakers will engage the campus and community in an exploration of the cosmos. Museum-quality educational touch-screen systems will enhance the experience of young visitors to the Edward M. Ryan Geological Museum, housed in Porter Hall. An observatory will be built on the north end of campus to provide excellent viewing of the night sky. Beginning in 2012, a summer STEM Academy will be created for 20-30 area high school students; admission criteria will encourage Hispanic and low-income students. This annual on-campus summer residential program will pique student curiosity and enthusiasm through hands-on learning in the science labs, greenhouse, planetarium, and observatory. By Julie Waechter
Zacheis Planetarium will receive a $400,000 upgrade with a state-of-the-art projection system and new seating. New programs on tap include Black Holes, 23 Tales of the Maya Skies, and Field Trip to the Moon, currently shown nationally in major museums.
wrapped trees is one of 23 individually signed images by the artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude recently donated to the Adams State Art Department. Mary Hoffman, executive director of ASC Community Partnerships, was surprised by the gift after inviting Christo to present an artist’s lecture at ASC in August, 2014. The artist may not be available, but the “incredible” retrospective collection will be shown at that time, coinciding with the installation of the couple’s work, Over the River, in Chaffee County. The temporary work will suspend 5.9 miles of silvery, luminous fabric panels high above the Arkansas River along a 42-mile stretch between Salida and Cañon City. Hoffman hopes Christo fans will stay in the valley and view the exhibit on the way to Salida. “Their artwork makes you see things differently and look at nature in a different way,” Hoffman said.
Grants benefit nursing, counseling services suicide prevention The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently awarded Adams State College a three-year, $225,000 Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant. Gregg Elliott, director of the college’s Counseling & Career Services Department, said the grant will aid in fostering a campus culture of help-seeking and reporting. “We hope to reduce the stigma associated with depression, substance abuse, and suicidal behaviors, and to encourage people to become aware of warning signs,” he said. One of 21 colleges and universities across the nation to receive the grant, Adams State will use it to support suicide prevention, including building infrastructure, conducting suicide prevention gatekeeper trainings across campus, and networking with mental health providers locally and regionally. In addition, the grant will fund a full-time outreach coordinator/prevention specialist who will work closely with Adams State’s Campus Health & Safety Committee. That group is responsible for identifying and interven-
ing with campus constituents who may be becoming a threat to themselves or to others. Colorado has the sixth highest suicide rate in the nation: 18.4/100,000 in 2009. The San Luis Valley’s rate of over 28/100,000 in 2009 leads Colorado. SLV risk factors include rural, isolated communities, high poverty and low education levels, and high use of alcohol and drugs.
clinical oversight for nursing students The Caring for Colorado Foundation recently awarded a grant of $79,878 to the Adams State College Nursing Department. Dr. Amanda Jojola, department chair, said the funds will support a clinical placement coordinator/simulation lab facilitator position, as well as assessment instruments to improve program performance through student and faculty feedback. “Caring for Colorado has been extremely gracious to our Nursing Program,” Jojola said. “Ultimately, their generosity allows us to better prepare students for clinical practice and hopefully for graduate school.”
Previous grants from the foundation, totaling $193,000, have supported construction of the nursing simulation lab and installation of smart boards in three classrooms. Students enrolled in Adams State’s four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program are required to complete 750 hours of clinical experience, which must be coordinated with health care institutions both locally and on the Front Range. The grant also supports use of computer aptitude testing from Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) to improve student performance in class and on the NCLEX-RN exam. It evaluates students’ strengths and weaknesses and points to areas needing remediation. “The results will also help us assess our instruction and make any necessary changes,” Jojola said. A third component of the grant project is use of Educational Benchmarking, Inc. (EBI), which conducts surveys of recent nursing graduates and their employers regarding their satisfaction with the Adams State program. The resulting feedback will also be used for program improvement. Fall 2011 | A-Stater | 7
transform (v.):
to change in form, appearance, or structure; metamorphose. While there’s nothing At the Aug. 25 North Campus Grand Opening Celebration, President Svaldi said: “Our third president, Dr. Fred Plachy, said, ‘The greatest power there is, is the power to grow.’ Since 2007 we have focused on implementing this power and we have grown our enrollment and have grown construction by remodeling our key academic buildings, several dorms, and by building this marvelous new building.” By the end of 2011, Adams State will have completed $62 million worth of new construction and renovation on campus since 2008, including:
• Plachy Hall • North Campus Green & walkway • Residences at Rex/Community Stadium • McDaniel Hall (ES Building), Music Building, Leon Memorial • 4 new parking lots • New soccer/lacrosse field and softball field • SLV Center for Clinical Excellence – $1 million nursing simulation lab • SUB cafeteria and shipping/receiving dock • Energy conservation performance contracts • Rex Activity Center exterior rehabilitation • 300 kW Rooftop Solar project on Plachy Hall
The party’s over, but cam
g Kafkaesque about ASC’s campus renewal, the changes are stunning.
the north campus transformation Grand Opening Celebration concluded with a free concert in the new stadium by the Pueblo-based Martini Shot Band (far left) featuring alumni Alex Clementi ‘02 and Brian Person ‘00. From left: Campus and community guests enjoy a reception in Vistas restaurant on the third floor of the new Rex Stadium facility. President David Svaldi cuts the ribbon on the Residences at Rex with assistance from Alamosa Mayor Kathy Rogers and college trustees. The Aug. 25 event was held on the new North Campus green in conjunction with the traditional Welcome Back Luau, enjoyed by nearly 1,400 diners.
mpus renewal continues
before . . .
residences at rex apartment
time capsule contents • Four books of ASC’s history: From Crested Peaks by Beryl McAdow Our Voices Raise by Beryl McAdow Mostly Marvelous by Don Stegman ’61, ‘64 The Adams State Story by Dr. Rick Baker • Two decades of A-Stater Magazine • Issues of the Paw Print, South Coloradan, Sand Hill Review • 8 x 11 renderings of the Residences at Rex and the Music Building • Epoxy paperweight of Residences at Rex • “The U.S. Congress and You” DVD with ASC President David Svaldi and John Salazar ‘81 • One “Forever” U.S. postage stamp • 1958 coffee mug donated by Dr. Marvin Motz ’54, ‘59 • ASC 50th anniversary stein
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north campus green & residences at rex/stadium
s
rex field
remodeled coronado room plachy hall south entrance
to be opened in 2061 • ASC Indian Jersey, ASC Alumni T-shirt, • Poster of Coaches Dr. Joe Vigil ‘53, ‘59 and Damon Martin ‘87 and their national titles • Colorado quarter • DVD of Wall-E • MP3 player with popular music • Laser pointer • 2010 year in review publications: Life, People, Valley Courier • Video of ASC theatre performance • CD of Dr. William Lipke piano performance • “Yearbook” of 2011 ASC employees • Local restaurant menus, Local Food Guide • 2011 San Luis Valley phone book • “Easy Mac” instant macaroni and cheese • Matchbox cars: 1957 Chevrolet convertible, HumVee, Smart Car
Fall 2011 | A-Stater | 11
“I mammoth bone
t’s pretty cool
to say you found a
in the San Luis Valley.”
- Brianna Boyd the denver museum of nature & science received help recently from 21 earth sciences students of Dr. Jared Beeton. Beeton is a research associate with the museum and the lead geologist for a dig site on BLM land in the northern San Luis Valley where mammoth bones were uncovered in March. Curator of Archaeology Steven R. Holen is overseeing the dig for the museum. “The site has a complicated geologic setting that serves as an excellent outdoor classroom,” Beeton said. “There are geological, paleontological, and possibly anthropological stories here.” The bones were buried beneath 40 feet of alluvial fan sediments and are estimated by radiocarbon dating at about 26,000 years old. “It’s pretty cool to say you found a mammoth bone in the San Luis Valley,” said physical geography major Brianna Boyd, as she displayed a two-inch piece of mammoth ivory she had just excavated. With a minor in anthropology, Boyd also worked on the site over the summer, as an intern with the BLM. Digging, sifting, and meticulously screening soil and gravel, the Adams State group unearthed three rib bones Sept. 27, as well as numerous bone and tusk fragments. The site previously yielded part of a mammoth skull, a two-foot tusk, three teeth, and three thoracic vertebrae, as well as teeth from prehistoric camels. Also uncovered were bones of rodents, which are “important little critters,” Holen said. “They tell us what the environment was like.” Back in campus labs, Beeton’s students are analyzing soil samples from the site. Their tests can determine moisture content, texture, and the percentage of organic carbon, which conveys information about vegetation and climate at the time the bones were deposited. By Julie Waechter
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they don’t call it a dig for nothing. (Counter-clockwise from bottom right:) After the top 40 feet of soil are removed by a bulldozer, students go to work with shovels, trowels, bamboo tools, and brushes. Dan Carver photographs an artifact as Gary Potter shows scale with a ruler. Thomas Keller, a history and anthropology major, carefully brushes away debris from an ancient mammoth rib bone. Madeline Brinkley, Kayla Lanoue, and Alex Grothus conserve soil removed near a 26,000year-old mammoth rib bone they unearthed. A senior geology and physical geography major and Porter Scholar, Lanoue considered the find a highlight of her 23rd birthday. Dr. Jared Beeton and Brianna Boyd take soil samples for analysis later in a campus lab. Steve Holen, of the Denver Museum of Science and Nature, examines rock and bone revealed as Kyle Bufis sifts through dirt. The find of the day: mammoth rib bone.
Fall 2011 | A-Stater | 13
Hiking rainforests,
snorkeling along a coast, glimpsing a tiger in the wild . . . all while cruising the seven seas are some of the exotic experiences enjoyed by biology professor Tim Armstrong as a faculty member with Semester at Sea. During a recent Lunchtime Talk in Sciences & Mathematics., Armstrong shared his experience of teaching two sessions aboard a converted cruise ship with the Semester at Sea Program. He taught general biology, global ecology, and environmental science while aboard. The “floating college,” complete with professors, librarians, and a dean, offers students and professors the opportunity to study abroad in a variety of countries for one semester. Armstrong lauded the program’s integration of formal and unique opportunities for experiential learning. Semester at Sea provides students with the usual college experience: daily classes, research papers, readings, and tests. Limited Internet access at sea meant students were unable to constantly contact home and use social networking websites. This situation fostered greater interaction among students and with professors. But unlike a typical campus, semester at sea itinerary upon reaching a spring 2011 port, six to seven Depart Nassau, Bahamas hundred students • Roseau, Dominica would disappear • Manaus, Brazil into the country. • Takoradi, Ghana Each stop aver• Cape Town, South Africa aged between one • Port Louis, Mauritius to seven days in a • Chennai (formerly Madras), India port. At each location, students • Singapore and faculty • Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), embarked on exVietnam cursions and • Hong Kong, China completed practi• Shanghai, China cal class activities. • Keelung, Taiwan It was easy for • Hilo, Hawaii Armstrong to Return to San Diego, Calif. plan the activities,
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thanks to all of the “crazy critters” around. He said it was good for the biology students to “be able to actually see the rainforests and go snorkeling, rather than simply looking at pictures.” The activities provided students a taste of how to apply their studies in the real world. “Although the courses were difficult to plan, the cultural experiences and activities were easy to integrate, considering how many of the students had never snorkeled or traveled abroad before,” he said. Armstrong said of the many amazing places he visited, India was his favorite, because it afforded a visit to Ranthambore National Park, a place he has been pining to see for 35 years. Armstrong’s group of 20 lucked out and had a rare tiger sighting. Off the coast of South Africa, Armstrong cancelled his formal ecology class in order to watch and lecture as the group observed a flock of Albatross feasting on a school of fish. He said such opportunities make the program so successful. Meeting diverse people is another benefit of the program. The ship brings together students from across the United States who then interact with inhabitants of each country they visit. Armstrong recalls students eagerly questioning their female Muslim tour guide about being a working woman in the Muslim world. The presence of local tour guides allowed the group to learn about the history that defined and developed the countries they visited. Armstrong excitedly told how Sandra Day O’Connor joined the voyage. He ate popcorn with her late one night as the group watched movies. “Traveling forms the best of friendships,” Armstrong said. by Maria Pepe ‘14
Dr. Tim Armstrong’s 2010 summer sojourn with Semester at Sea took him to the Greek island of Hydra (top left) and the Sahara Desert in Morocco (inset).
What’s so
greatabout adams state? 1. The man who started it all, Adams State’s founder & namesake:
Governor Billy Adams
90
years ago, Colorado Governor Billy Adams achieved his dream of founding a college for teachers in the San Luis Valley. To commemorate the anniversary of this event, we set out to list 90 things that make Adams State so great. We asked Facebook fans – students, parents, alumni – for their opinions. At least half of the responses fell into two categories: People & Place. No surprise there. The following pages list the responses, in no particular order, except for No. 1., above. This casual survey demonstrates 90 of the many reasons Great Stories continue to begin at Adams State. Center above: 1924 groundbreaking for construction of Richardson Hall Fall 2011 | A-Stater | 15
3.
hispanic serving institution: $14.1 million in Title V grants to improve services for all students
2. It’s in the most beautiful mountain town in Colorado: land of cool sunshine. Patricia Carmen Lopez
6.
Lots of wonderful people live in this town and lots of wonderful professors work there. Patricia Carmen Lopez
. 0 1
I was able to participate in several music classes and didn't have to be a music major. My favorite memory is when the Show Band did the snake down Main Street during the homecoming parade. Now I am on my 10th year of teaching elementary school. Shannon Morris
summer session
like a t s l e e f s pu f jus The camnity instead o commu l! ughton a schoo ella Ho Marc
12.
11.
Stephanie Andr
autumn@adams
18.
Annual Community & Campus festival featuring the Cook-Off and Last Lecture
The English Depar Dr. Foster, Dr. Kolu Jodine Ryan, Dr. Ko Mr. Don Stegman.
robot challenge
19.
20.
professors who know your name. It's put into all the guidebooks, but it's so true! Lace King
cover
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5.
4.
Zacheis Planetarium soon to receive a $400,00 upgrade
diverse stud ent body 46% of underg radu is from minority ate student body groups
7.
rews Grande
1.
It's in a great small town that truly cares about its college and the students that go there. Alumni are still remembered as if they had never left the campus and are made to feel at home anytime they come back to visit or even take a class or two. Marge Lincoln
13.
rtment: upke, Dr. oos Daley,
8.
Never before have I experienced professors that genuinely care about the success of each and every student they come in contact with. Their belief in the college and its mission is nothing short of amazing, and I am grateful to have been part of such a special place. Chantine Breene
NORTH & SOUTH CAMPUS TRANSFORMATIONS
in vistas restaurant rex stadium
$77.7 million = Adams State’s annual economic impact in the San Luis Valley
15.
14. student scholar days
22.
New stadium & student apartments Funded by the student body
9.
liquor license
Excellent reputation across the country for the teachers it graduates. Anita Kuhn Holley
“Green” sustainable energy projects
16.
17.
dies extended stuation c distance edu
23. early presidents dr. ira richardson Brought the vision to life dr. fred plachy 3rd president, oversaw extensive campus growth in the late ‘50s dr. john marvel 5th president, a diplomat in trying times Fall 2011 | A-Stater | 17
Luther Bean Museum
25.
24. 28.
adams state college foundation More than 250 scholarships
I wasn't just a number in a class. Teachers actually knew who I was. It is a great place to receive a quality education. Diane Elise Smylie Trembly
34.
6. 3 35. sejapane an americ l ia memor n garde
Improving the quality of life in the San Luis Valley
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Heidi Chamberlain
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asc community partnerships
As a 41-year-old freshman, I was worried I would not fit in, that it would be uncomfortable and awkward. Boy, was I wrong. The campus is inviting. The teachers and staff are exceptional. Even my age difference with the average student is all but nil. Everyone here is working for the same goal, to better ourselves.
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edward m. ryan geological museum
I loved the Art Department so much that I work there now. And I remember our old, tiny building! Laura Murphy
Dr. Crowther: He always noticed if you were missing from class, but out of my long college experience he was by far the most interesting professor and always challenged you to do better. Jennifer L. Brown
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It's not just a school, it's a home and a place where you can truly grow! Michael Kallsen
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Freshman Ori Welcom
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the arts
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visual performing music theatre spoken & written word
It was all about the great leadership training I received from being in AS&F Senate and then Program Council (now GAB) PLUS the most amazing friends! Darlene Clayton ‘04
student services one stop
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rizzly Activity Board
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Cross-Country legacy Coaches Vigil ‘53, ‘59 & Martin ‘87
the long green line All of the national championship trophies! John Marquez Cloyde Snook and so many other great people in the Art Department encouraged me beyond words. Yeah, they do make the non-traditional student feel at home as well. ASC is a great college! Skaught Graham
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n Convocation ientation me Back Luau
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ASC is your gateway to adventure in the Rocky Mountains! Smart, sophisticated & just a little bit Wild! David J. Hargis
iaradan), d e M t n StuPdawePrint (SouthnCesoilso)
he (Ge KASF, T ndhill Review Sa
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presidential teacher award
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generous donors & their legacies Woodard Scholarship Porter Scholars Program Lucero Project McDaniel Scholarships
39. 46. the people here are actually nice. Alyssa Powdrill
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ASC is always looking to improve upon itself and goes above and beyond that.
chemistry magic Show
Cassy Siefkas Rhinehart
homecoming!
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I could write a book on what ASC meant/means to me. Words aren't strong enough to express how my time in Alamosa changed my life forever. Coach Martin, Dr. Jones, Dr. Miller, Dr. Farish, Dr. Brink, Dr. Ybarrondo, Dr. Armstrong, Dr. Herrington, Dr. Daley, Dr. Baker, Dr. Nehring, Dr. Guerrero-Murphy, Dr. Crowther, Dr. Benson . . . and many I am forgetting. ASC was so much more than I expected. Sandie Hubbard
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As a parent, I appreciate that ASC is easy to get to and not in a big city with too much traffic where you can get lost. Dina Thomas
Graduate Programs Most now offered online
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d ndly an e i r f o s e is ntly Everyon help. I freque or f to willing m passers-by o d ask ran s, and they al p n to directio the time to s e o k a to get t ways t w o h e lm and tel eed to go. n ggin where I Sara Lo
Coach Busen (men’s soccer) laying down the rules.
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Paul Wurok
Along with the small town atmosphere, there is a sense of pride and legacy that carries through families. Cindi Clemenson The late Brooks Haynie gave me the means to pursue my passion for journalism. Miss you Brooks! You're awesome even now. Hannah Wise
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66. Our school song sung to the tune of Oh Canada -that's awesome! Mark White
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& Earth Week
The amazing family at the Art Department. Christie Perry
The entire staff in the School of Business from 2000-2005. Thank you for everything! Melissa Salazar
reco rd-b enro reaking ll Thre e yea ment rs ru
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Thank you for remembering wonderful Professor Brooks Haynie with your new media center. Janett Mar Massey-Jacobsen
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The many alumni who are military service veterans, either before or after their service. Al Cordova
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ASC makes you feel welcome and at home. I was an international student back in 1983 and was the ONLY Malaysian student, but the college and the people made it easy to settle down and complete my business degree. A rare place to find nowadays. Azhar Wan Yeop
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The students: some of the best people I have ever had the opportunity to know. Dr. Tracy Kane Doyle
Mr. Stephens in the Education Department was the most inspiring education teacher. For years, whenever I had to teach reading or Title I Reading, I would always resort to something I had learned or heard from Mr. Stephens. I do not think that I would have been a successful "Language Guru" (so named by colleagues) had I not had the infinite honor of having Mr. Stephens as an instructor/mentor. Anita Kuhn Holley
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70. Location, location, location! The San Luis Valley is beautiful. Erynn Leighan Sprouse
the views . . . mt. blanca and the dunes
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Kyle Byerly
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Adams State is a home away from home. Alex Seeley
Dr. Weldon, the most down to earth, wait – bizarre – teacher of all time. He could start a brawl in his classroom with one sentence and have the same group of people holding hands singing kumbahyah by the end. Jeff Alexander
ally r to liter a f o g o t s.” 't have You don Great Outdoor ll e h Powdri be in "T Alyssa
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The enthusiastic professors and the homey small town community atmosphere. Calvin Hildebrand
ASC has graduated so many fine teachers over the years. Just think of the benefit that has given millions of students. My very best memories are from my years at ASC. Anne Talley Plummer
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her he ot emt d n an rs a eache re more th u t e h T a yo treat ery oyees empl s; they all v e re all ploye ily and a wn m y Bro m like fa l. m a T u helpf
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the nighttime sky.
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Lace King
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I met so many great friends and had the privilege of working with Cindy Young when I was a work study in the equipment room. She was such a great person. When I was there Alamosa was a lot smaller. We had no choice but to hang out with each other and invent things to do. I have amazing memories of my time at ASC. Debbie Johnson Nelson 22
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THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT 4
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Melanie Hawthorne
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Rex Activity Center & Student Union Building.
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When I graduated in ’94, I didn’t really appreciate all the outdoor fun until my final year . . . amazing backpacking and fishing, skiing, all within an hour’s drive. The views, the local culture. I loved the long-standing Hispanic cultures in the area. Steve Smyth
Kristin Stewart
71. Small class si zes and enthu siastic professors lik e Dr. Taylor in the theatre depart ment. Laura Garcia
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Spud Bowl 80.
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The entire Art Department was my inspiration. Debra D. Etter
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Semillas de la Tierra & Corazon del Valle Mariachi
There were many professors who inspired me to write, however, there is not a path within that campus that I have not wandered and remember. Unbelievable memories. Who was it that taught statistics? That class I will never forget! Rebecca Oller
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my school of business mentors. Dr. Ted Ellis started a soccer team in ‘84 when soccer was not yet a thing in the U.S. He taught us about balancing your life; it’s not just study but to have FUN too. Prof. Randy Newell, accounting and karate sensei. He inspired and guided me how to stay calm in whatever situation. The great Tom Gilmore guided me during my undergraduate years. Wan Azhar Wan Yeop
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the mighty rio
I’m a 1974 grad whose life was turned around by Dwight Crowder. I had a 1.8 GPA as a sophomore (skiing seven days a week at Wolf Creek will do that). Then I discovered history/ poli sci and Dr. Crowder. So many great memories... Dennis Stevens Fall 2011 | A-Stater | 23
Music scholarship, recording studio dedicated to Prof. Richmond inspiring and instructing students to reach their full potential as musicians is the legacy of Ed Richmond, Adams State College emeritus professor of music. Richmond taught vocal students for nearly 20 years, then passed away in 1982, a year after his retirement. Soon after his death, his family established The Richmond Scholarship for Vocal Music Students at ASC. It benefits music majors with an emphasis in vocal performance or choral music education who have a 2.5 or better GPA. The Richmond family gift was spearheaded by Dr. Teri McCartney ’87, ’92, Adams State professor of counselor education, and her husband, Don Richmond, a popular singer/songwriter in the Colorado and New Mexico region. The Music Building’s new Richmond Recording Studio was named in Ed Richmond’s memory, as well. The studio was dedicated during Homecoming, Oct. 1, followed by the three Richmond Brothers performing in concert in Leon Memorial. Don Richmond and his brothers, Ed and Jim, performed work from their new CD, Roots and Branches. Profits from the standing-room-only concert and CD sales will be dedicated to the scholarship endowment. “The Richmond Scholarship will provide much needed support for vocal music majors, while honoring the memory of Edward Richmond's fine teaching at Adams State College. The new recording studio is an exciting aspect of the Music Building’s recent renovations,” noted Dr. Tracy Doyle, chair of the Department of Music. “It will give students opportunities to experience such creative processes as audio recording and film scoring,”
lasting influence Richmond coached vocal students, produced opera workshops and helped recruit promising high school music students to Adams State. Music alumna Vickie Ford ‘71 said Richmond was a wonderful voice professor and coached many students who went on to be fine singers. She said she was "extremely lucky" to have been assigned as his studio accompanist. "He taught me more about musical phrasing than any other professor." Ed Richmond and his wife, Anne McIsaac, were professional singers in the late ‘30s and early ‘40s in the Chicago music scene. McIsaac sang with the Lyric Opera Company. Richmond earned a degree from the prestigious University of Chicago, then taught music at Michigan State University and the University of Iowa before coming to Adams State in 1962. "My father was very passionate about teaching and cared deeply for his students and their progress,” said Don Richmond. “I didn't take voice lessons from him until his last years of his life, and he was an amazing teacher – a true master at teaching voice with a seemingly endless bag of tricks to help students reach their full potential." To purchase your own Roots and Branches CD and support the Richmond Scholarship, go to: www.howlindogrecords.net.
expanded opportunities for students The Richmond Recording Studio provides students with the space and equipment to record their own compositions and performances with top of the line software, hardware, and microphones. It features state-of-the-art recording programs such as Cubase 6 and new Mac Pro computers. Software synthesizers and effects for use with MIDI recording and film scoring are also available. The studio has rooms to record large ensembles and an isolation room suitable for recording vocals and other instruments.
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richmond studio dedication: (Above, from left) Mary Ann (Richmond) Rankin; Dr. David Svaldi; Dr. Tracy Doyle, chair of the Music Department; Don Richmond; Kathy (Richmond) Yates; Ed Richmond; and Jim Richmond. Top left: Counselor Education professor Teri McCartney ‘87, ‘92, with her husband, Don Richmond, at the dedication of the Richmond Recording Studio.
supporting education
Foundation honors Patsy Spier ‘91 her life may not have panned out as Patsy Spier ’91 once imagined, but her persistence and ability to move forward despite tragedy placed her in a position to help others and reach out to strangers. Her generosity has extended to Adams State students and the institution itself. In honor of her many commitments to the campus community, the Adams State College Foundation presented Spier with the Willis Fassett, Jr. Award at the Donor & Student Recognition Dinner, Nov. 3. Spier advised current students to graduate and become involved in issues important to them. “What you do affects everyone around you.” With a master’s in education, Spier lives by these words. For 20 years she and her husband, Rick ’88, ’91, shared their passion for adventure and different cultures: they taught for 12 years in Peru, the Sudan, Brazil, and Indonesia. In 2002, during an outing in the Papuan Province of Indonesia, the Spiers and their school’s entire teaching staff were ambushed on a mountain road. Rick was one of three killed. Three years later, Spier established a scholarship in Rick’s memory. “He valued education for its power to help individuals achieve their dreams.” For years Spier worked tirelessly to bring Rick’s killers to justice. Her efforts were recognized with the FBI’s Strength of the Human Spirit Award. “The FBI was there from the minute I was victimized,” she said. “I am the FBI’s most enthusiastic fan.” Spier now serves as a victim outreach specialist in the Justice Department's Office of Justice for Victims of Over-
Patsy Spier ‘91, created a scholarship to honor her late husband’s appreciation of education.
seas Terrorism. She helps American victims of terrorist attacks to understand their rights when their case is prosecuted in a foreign judicial system. She said the work fulfills a part of her, “because of what was done for me.” The team she works with do what they can to let victims know they are not alone. “The US government is doing all it can to pursue justice for victims. Many of them have been doing this work a long time, and I am blessed to work with such a talented and dedicated group of individuals.” Her most valuable lesson has been to stay true to one’s goal, to what you want to achieve. “Do not put a time limit as to when you will reach your goal. Always be willing to try one more thing to achieve that goal. If you can do that, then you will know that you did all you could and won’t look back with regret.” She exhausted everything she could think of to reach her goal of bringing her husband’s killers to justice. Her final attempt was to make an appeal directly to the Papuan people, who by all accounts were harboring the lead shooter of the terrorist attack. Even before she landed to address the people, the man responsible turned himself in. “Your next effort might bring you to your goal, you never know.” Spier finds inspiration when others take the extra step to become involved. She admires the quality in people that prompts them to help others with their
journey, not by taking on the quest, but by aiding in their search. “That is what was done for me.”
a passion for education Being an educator was Spier, and Rick’s, first passion. She was K-8 certified and had the pleasure of teaching all those grades; her favorite was first grade. “I loved teaching them to read, and I loved it when the light bulb went on. They gave that ‘I got it’ look.” Spier believes Rick would be very proud to have provided an opportunity for young people to receive a higher education. “I hope students take advantage and apply.” Although priority is given to students from Dove Creek, Cortez, Sheridan High School in Denver, and Wray High School, anyone who desires a higher education is welcome to apply. Along with the memorial scholarship in his name, Spier also honored Rick’s memory by donating to the Adams State College Foundation’s “Great Stories on Walls in Halls.” A plaque with a photo of Rick hangs in the Student Union Building across from the busy One Stop Student Services. The caption includes: “Rick was known for his patience, sense of humor, and enthusiasm for teaching.” By Linda Relyea ‘96
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Alamosa State Bank named Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year As two of the most long-standing institutions in the San Luis Valley, it only makes sense that Alamosa State Bank and Adams State College have a mutually beneficial relationship. Founded in 1907 as Alamosa National Bank under the same charter they hold now, Alamosa State Bank has supported the college and its athletic department for decades. The Green & White first fielded a football team in 1930.
“A
DAMS STATE GIVES SO MUCH TO THE COMMUNITY. IT ’S EASY TO SUPPORT A WINNER.”
have been fans of the ASC Indians and Grizzlies since they were children. “For me, it’s the excitement of following your alma-mater and watching them do well,” said Chas Moeller ‘98, who joined ASB in May as a loan officer. “I love to cheer the teams on and having the excitement of staying involved. We’re all has-beens, and that’s your next best choice.” Moeller played basketball at ASC from 1995-97. ASB Assistant Vice President Joe Martinez ‘99 is also a big supporter, both with ASB and in his long-time role on the Grizzly Club Board of Directors, which started in 2001 when he worked for another bank. “It’s great being able to give back to student-athletes. It’s a perfect combination of giving them a chance to pay for their education and continue to do what they love,” Martinez said. “I love sports and I love athletics,” said ASB Vice President Dennis Ortiz ‘79, a 17-year ASB executive who has served on the Grizzly Club board for 25 years. “Adams State gives so much to the community. It’s easy to support a winner,” he added.
Together the organizations have served the San Luis Valley community for nearly two centuries, and both are very much poised to be SLV leaders in the future. What has been constant is the unquestioned support the bank has shown ASC Athletics, making it easy for the GrizBy Chris Day zly Club Board of Directors to recently select ASB as the 2011 Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year. The bank was presented the award Nov. 3 at the ASC Foundation’s annual Donor & Student Recognition Dinner. “It’s easy to support something you love,” said ASB President Russell Achatz ‘85, a long-time sports fan. “We are all excited about what ASC Athletic Director Larry Mortensen, the staff, Dr. Svaldi, and the coaches are doing for the college and the community,” he said. “It’s a win-win for the college and the community,” Achatz commented about the recent facility construction and sport additions. Achatz, who took over as ASB’s president in February of 2006, has 22 years of experience with the bank, which he noted has been a corporate partner with ASC athletics throughout his tenure. Achatz is not alone in his support of the Grizzlies, known as the Indians until 1996. Three other top-level bank Alamosa State Bank is led by four ASC alumni (from left): Dennis Ortiz ‘79, Joe Marexecutives are also ASC graduates and tinez ‘99, Russell Achatz ‘85, and Chas Moeller ‘98.
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Cernys are Griz Club Members of the Year whether reporting the news or helping make it, Keith and Debbie Cerny seem to be all over the community, lending a hand. While both are involved with numerous committees and boards, they particularly value their service on behalf of Adams State College and the Grizzly Club. That commitment and dedication resulted in their being named the Grizzly Club Members of the Year, an honor bestowed at the ASC Foundation’s Donor & Student Recognition Dinner, Nov. 3. “Adams State has done a lot for our family, and it’s a true pleasure to be able to give back with time and resources,” Debbie said. Publisher of the Valley Courier since 1992, Keith is division manager for News Media Corporation, which owns 70 titles coast-to-coast. He oversees nine of those publications, eight in the San Luis Valley and one at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyo. Three of Keith’s children graduated from ASC, and two others have taken classes there. Debbie, who married Keith in June 2006, is the lead advertising salesperson for the newspaper. She also attended Adams State classes, and her daughter is senior government major. But their commitment goes beyond the family connection. Keith committed the Valley Courier to the Grizzly Club Corporate Partner program in 1994. He recently completed his second term as the Grizzly Club’s president, and continues to serve on the board of directors. He has given his time and energy to the ASC Foundation, representing the Grizzly Club on its board of directors for six years. Keith was recognized with the college’s prestigious Billy Adams Award in 2000. “It’s incredible to have been associated with the Grizzly Club and ASC while tremendous improvements were made to the athletic facilities and ex-
pansion in the programs,” Keith said. “It’s no secret that the facilities and added sports programs have been a major factor in enrollment growth in recent years. Any growth at Adams State is reflected in economic growth for the community. Anything that impacts other Debbie & Keith Cerny are proud to help sponsor the businesses positively is ponew video scoreboard in Rex Stadium. tentially a good impact for us as the community newsment value through athletics and other paper.” programs that we wouldn’t have if it As a corporate sponsor, the Valley didn’t exist,” Keith added. Courier provides free advertising for the The Cernys also donate their time athletic department, and helped sponand energy to a wide variety of other sor the new video scoreboard at Rex organizations. Both serve on Alamosa’s Stadium. Summerfest on the Rio Committee. “We felt the scoreboard sponsorship Keith was just appointed secretary of opportunity was a way to mark the the Colorado Press Association’s Board newspaper’s partnership with the athand serves on the El Pomar Foundaletic program and the campus as a tion’s San Luis Valley Regional Council whole. We’re also proud to have our and the Alamosa County Economic name on the Writing Studio in the Development Council Board. He is soon-to-be-completed McDaniel Hall,” also a member of the Alamosa Rotary Keith said. Club and a former president of the The couple is also very active in Alamosa County Chamber of ComGrizzly Club events. Both are regulars merce. at the club’s weekly luncheons and have Debbie is just as much of a leader. sold numerous memberships and were She serves as the president of the board instrumental in the landing of several for Tu Casa, Inc., which assists victims new corporate partners, including most of domestic violence and sexual assault, recently, Great Lakes Airlines. and is the chairman of the Alamosa “We enjoy the social interaction Chapter of the Friends of the Creede with other Grizzly Club members,” Repertory Theatre. Keith is still on the Debbie said. “We’ve made a lot of board of directors for CRT. as well. friends through the club.” By Chris Day “Adams State provides a huge economic benefit to the community, but also provides cultural and entertainFall 2011 | A-Stater | 27
alumnotes 1950s Robert Wallendorff `54, `60 (Rock Springs, WY) received his doctorate degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1975. He has worked as a principal at North Iowa for 6 years, Rangely High School in Colorado for 6 years, and Rock Springs High School in Wyoming for 9 years. Robert has also been an assistant superintendent for 18 years. Gilbert E. Montoya `55, `60 (San Mateo, CA), after 36 years of teaching in California, is enjoying retirement, travel, gardening, and three grandchildren that keep him busy. Jerrold Booher `59, `61 (Pocatello, ID) retired in 1998 after 40 years in Colorado schools as a teacher, administrator, and coach. He also has officiated basketball games for 27 years. He was a member of the 1958 Adams State baseball team that played in the national tournament. Richard L. Bank `59 (West Covina, CA) is an aerospace specialist for an international chemical company, Chemetall. He sells chemicals and reviews major aerospace and commercial aircraft companies and OEM subcontractors. He is married and has 2 grown sons. One son works for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the other is in construction.
1960s Jose E. Vallejos `62 (Amalia, NM) retired in May, 1992, having taught for 30 years at Re-3 Valley School District. He married Marie Florez Vallejos in May of 1953; she passed away in November, 2003, in Pueblo, Colorado. He and Marie had 7 children. Billie Sue Miller Darr `65 (Yellville, AR) and her husband, Jim, live on Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas. They are enjoying their retirement by boating, fishing, quilting, traveling, and entertaining. They just attended her 50th high school class reunion. She says she is “looking forward to her 50th from Adams State.” James I. Martin `66 (Dunwoody, GA) married his wife in 1966. He was in the Army from 1966-1968 and spent 6 months in Vietnam. He was awarded the Joint Service Commendation medal. He was a chemist for Gates Rubber Co. and worked for the US Government as a chemist at Rocky Mountain Arsenal. He made a career at F.D.A. until his retirement in 2005. He helped start the Veterans Analysis Center at Denver and went to Atlanta, Ga., to help start a nutrient center. He retired as a senior chemist in nutrition. He is enjoying fishing and traveling. He has a son
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and daughter, each with a son and daughter of their own. His son is a Navy officer and his daughter has a master’s degree in gerontology. Alan Kuykendall `67 (Pueblo West, CO) visited the ASC campus with former classmate Walt Stoufer `66, and writes, “What a wonderful day of memories. The Alumni staff showed us the best time. The campus is wonderful and still has the same feel of the 1960s.” Bob Damashek `68, `73 (Centennial, CO) is semi-retired and living in the Denver area. He taught high school physical education for 35 years in both Denver and Cherry Creek public school systems. Now, he teaches part-time in the human performance department at Metro State College in Denver. He also sells and manages vacation properties in Cancun, Mexico. He spends 7 months a year in Denver and the other 5 in Cancun. Christine Pallett-Candland `68 (Los Angeles, CA) published her first novel: Topaz Woman. Sam Dayzie `69, `72 (Cortez, CO) retired from teaching high school biology and working as a school administrator. He now works for Southwest Colorado Community College and Pueblo Community College in Mancos, CO. He is married to Rosemary Wilson `71.
1970s Chris Goodwin `71 (Strasburg, CO) works for Nelson Pipeline Constructors and attends Calvary Chapel in Aurora. He and his wife, Teresa, have five children: Melissa, Eric, Brian, Jacque, and Ricky; and six grandchildren. Blanche (Okano) McHugh `71 (Lanai City, HI) visited Adams State after many, many years and was amazed at all of the changes. She is now retired along with her husband, David, and enjoying their children, Stacey and Les-
ley Vierra, son-in-law, James, and granddaughter, Jaylee. She worked for the Hawaii DOE for 38 years. Lynn M. Manibog Miyabara `71 (Lahaina, HI) revisited the campus this summer. She retired 2 years ago after 35 years at Royal Lahaina Resort. She also spent 2 years as a substitute teacher for Lahaina schools. She has 4 grandchildren. Peg (Jorgensen) Morrison `71 (Littleton, CO) retired from Denver Public Schools in 2005 after 34 years. She is busy with her first grandchild and traveling with her husband to square dance. She just visited ASC with Lynn Miyabara and Blanche Okano after 40 years. Mike Mudd `71 (Colorado Springs, CO) is a real estate broker in Colorado Springs. He’s been married 40 years to wife, Pat `67, `68. They have 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren. Mike writes, “The Lutz Era basketball reunion was a great time, seeing Coach and all the guys.” Joe Reining `71 (Glenwood Springs, CO) is a professor of physics at Colorado Mountain College. Jim Altergott `72 (Windsor, CO) retired after teaching in public schools for 30 years. He coached basketball for 35 years in Colorado. He has been married to Sharon for 45 years, and they have 2 children: Missy is an advertising executive in Denver, and Jamie is an assistant principal in Waimea, HI. Katherine Cook `74 (Cañon City, CO) is happily retired and volunteers at Cañon City Literacy Center as a tutor substitute and assistant to the director in any duties required on a daily basis. All of their students have improved their reading ability, and the tutors’ lives have also been enriched. Milton Place `74 (Medina, OH) retired after teaching for 35 years in Ohio. He and his wife, Elena, have 2 children: Annaliesa (33) and Anthony (30). He has
great stories
coached cross country and track for 63 seasons. In 2007, Medina High School, where he is the head coach, won the state Cross Country Championship and finished 12th in the nation. Mark Weeks `75 (Colorado Springs, CO) is coaching at Pine Creek High School. He is married to Susan Weeks. Ray Adams `75 (Aurora, CO) retired after 34 years in the grocery industry and returned to school to complete his master’s degree in forensic psychology. Todd A. Russell `75 (Findlay, OH) retired from Marathon Oil Company in 2009 after 34 years in accounting and finance. Todd and his wife, Paula, have run 30+ marathons together, including 4 Boston Marathons. They are also avid boaters and just recently completed a 5,700-mile voyage around the eastern half of the U.S. They are former residence hall directors of Girault and Savage. Barry Shioshita `75 (Alamosa, CO) is leaving his position as Alamosa County Administrator to become the CFO for Southeast Mental Health Services. He and wife, Lynn Gooden `76, `77, have 3 sons: Joshua, Jordan, and Jarett. He studied martial arts for 34 years and has his 4th degree black belt. Rudy Aragon `76 (Peralta, NM) has been married for 26 years to his wife, Tina. They have 3 children: Angelica (31), Santos (25) and Isaac (21). They also have 2 granddaughters: Jayden (11) and Kamryn (4). He retired as a public school administrator and is now the executive director of New Mexico Activities Assoc. He enjoys skiing, biking, fly fishing,
Sue Patterson ’83 celebrated her retirement from 25 years of teaching elementary school art by hosting an exhibit of work by both her own instructors and ASC alumni who had done their student teaching with her. ASC’s Cloyde Snook Gallery was the site of the summer show that included work by Patterson and her teachers, Gerry Thiel ‘81, Steve Quiller, Cloyde Snook, Mary Lavey ‘77, as well as alumni Cheryl Bishop ‘92, Megan Brockriede ‘04, Jesse Crock ‘04, ‘10, John Dodds ‘04, Emily (Scott) Gabaldon ‘98, Karla A. Lee ‘91, ‘95, Ben Quinn ‘04, ‘08, and Tauri (Neuerburg) Sims ‘90. Patterson said the best part of teaching the younger generation was their enthusiasm for learning. “Without a doubt, every one of my student teachers also inspired me,” she added. Retirement frees Patterson to explore her own artwork. A plein aire landscape painter, nature is her biggest inspiration time with his family, and playing the guitar. He is looking forward to his second retirement. He was a successful basketball coach in northern NM, and expects to end up coaching his grandkids. David Bullen `76 (Grand Junction, CO) is getting ready to retire. His wife says, “Why? So you can play golf 7 days a week instead of 6?”
William E. Jenkins `76 (Point of Rocks, MD) is a health/science instructor of 23 years in Baltimore City. He also has worked for the US Postal service for 23 years. He has two children, William (18) and Matthias (15). He enjoys watching sports and reading about Maryland’s history.
Larry Livesey `76 (Camarillo, CA) will retire in January after 31 years as a firefighter with the Los Angeles City Fire Department. He has two sons and two
Back, L to R: Karla A. Lee ‘91, ‘95, Ben Quinn ‘04, ‘08, Tauri Sims ‘90, Stephen Quiller, Jesse Crock ‘04, ‘10. Front, L to R: Megan Brockriede ‘04, Cheryl Bishop ‘92, Sue Patterson ‘83, Gerry Thiel. grandsons. His family enjoys wakeboarding, surfing, and going to lots of Dodgers games. Wade Mortensen `76, `80 (Alamosa, CO) coached high school for 33 years. He has 5 children: 2 girls and 3 boys. His wife, Lindy `80, is the Adams State volleyball head coach. Jim Sanchez `76, `82 (Laramie, WY) has been teaching and coaching at Kelly Walsh High School in Casper, WY, since 2006. He previously taught and coached at Centauri High School in La Jara, CO, from 1976 to 1981. He coached cross country at the University of Wyoming in Laramie from 1981 to 2003. He worked for an environmental firm (Tri Hydro) for two years. Bruce Metsker `77 (Center, CO) owns a trucking company that hauls local agricultural products and long haul flat bed operations.
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alumnotes 1970s Gregg `77 and Sue Stinson `75, `76 (Colorado Springs, CO) have been married for 37 years, having met at Adams State. Sue just retired from school district #8 after 33 years as an elementary school teacher. Gregg works for school district #8 as an elementary physical education teacher and high school track coach. Spence Swartz `77 (Grand Junction, CO) has two children, Jared and Jennifer, and two grandsons, Jayden and Antonio. He works for Universal Maps. He is still playing a lot of golf and officiating basketball and softball. John S. Petersen `78 (Austin, TX) was inducted as a Fellow of the Society of Optical Instrumentation Engineers. Fellows are members of distinction who have made significant scientific and technical contributions in the multidisciplinary fields of optics, photonics, and imaging. They are honored for their technical achievement, service to the general optics community, and to SPIE in particular. He is being honored for achievements in microlithography for semiconductor manufacturing and computational lithography. His contributions to optics extend beyond the laboratory, however, as an active member of the optics community and the local community. Petersen has served as a mentor to local middle and high school science organizations, and, in fact, he was named the SEMATECH Fellow Mentor of the Year in Texas at Canyon Vista Middle School for his outreach work with a group of young researchers. Bob Fink `79 (Loveland, CO) works in the Fort Collins City Attorney’s Office. He has a 15-year-old and 6-year-old twins that keep him on his toes. He writes, “I had a great time at the ASC Track Reunion.”
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alumnotes
1980s Rick Johnson `80 (Ottawa, KS) will finish his 31st year as an educator in Kansas in June. He is planning to retire at that point and come back to the Rocky Mountain region. Loren Lutz Jr. `81 (Colorado Springs, CO) retired after teaching secondary physical education, coaching boys and girls golf at Sand Creek High School, and coaching basketball at St. Mary’s High School. Ivory Joe Hunt `82 (Colorado Springs, CO) is in his 29th year of teaching health and physical education in Colorado SpringsSchool District #11 and is now at Penrose Elementary. He has coached track and field for 19 years at Mitchell High School and coached 3 state champions. He was inducted into the Adams State Hall of Fame in 2009 and into the High School Hall of Fame in Terrell, Texas, in 2010. Wes Montoya `82 (Colorado Springs, CO) has been a school administrator for 11 years. He received his MA at University of Colorado-Colorado Springs in `96 and a Ph.D. from Denver University in 2011. He has been married for 29 years to Mary (Jaqua) Montoya. Susan N. Petrelli `81, `82 (Colorado Springs, CO) began her 30th year of teaching physical education and health at Mitchell High School in Colorado Springs. She has coached track and field for 30 years at 13 junior high schools and 19 high schools. She has coached 6 USATF Club teams, 12 basketball teams, and 14 volleyball teams. She is a USA Track and Field Master Official of 17 years. She is the coordinator of
umpires, and a referee at USAFAT&F in Colorado Springs. She recently spent 5 weeks traveling our nation coordinating umpires at the world youth trials IAFF World Master Athletic and Junior Olympic Nations. Lori S. Lovato `83 (Saguache, CO) is a middle school math teacher and math coach. She received her master’s degree from University of Northern Colorado. Michael R. Honnick `84 (Evergreen, CO) works for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife. He and his wife, LaVon, have two daughters, Kaitlyn and Laura. Both of the girls are on the Evergreen Hurricanes swim team. Lori (Thrailkill) Parker `85, `97 (Lamar, CO) is in her 27th year of teaching special education students. Her husband, Dave, owns a heating and air conditioning company. Her son, Adam, just graduated from high school in 2011 and her daughter, Audrey, will graduate in 2012. Robert Ferguson `86, `88 (West Fork, AR) is an education grant consultant in Northwest Arkansas. Sharon (Foster) Greenbaum `86 (Colorado Springs, CO) is back after 7 years of living overseas. She was a teacher in the Marshall Islands and now is in the fitness industry. She has two kids, Sarah (17) and Mike (13), with husband, Charles, who is a missile defense engineer. Peter Graham `86 (Santa Fe, NM) has taught and coached at Santa Fe High School for 25 years. He has two daughters: Kristin (20) and Marisa (16). John Thomas `86, `88 (El Paso, TX) continues to teach science and coach at Andress High School. He has initiated and provides a fully automatic training system for track and cross country. His wife, Diane `85, `88, is an administrator at Austin High
School and involved in all areas of high school campus life. Aldie Alfaro `87 (Albuquerque, NM) has been teaching high school Spanish for the past 23 years in New Mexico. She spent 13 years at Socorro High School and the past 10 years at the Public Academy for Performing Arts. She stopped running competitively in 1999, but has continued to coach cross country and track at the high school level. She has traveled to Europe, Mexico, and Central and South America.
He continues to follow his beautiful wife to where ever the Army sends her. He says he was thrilled to see all the great people at the Track and Cross Country Reunion this summer.
1990s Marco Ochoa `90, `92 (Costa Mesa, CA) and his wife, Elda, have a daughter, Emma. He is a physical education instructor at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, CA, as well as the men’s and women’s cross country head coach and assistant track and field coach.
Sweetie Marbury `87 (Durango, CO) writes, “I was elected to the Durango City Council on April 5, 2011. In my profile, the Adams State logo was seen on television by residents of Durango, CO.” Curt Christensen `88 (Colorado Springs, CO) is a track coach and teacher at Coronado High School.
Jeff Pope `88 (Fort Morgan, CO) is married to Jeanine and has two kids, Jonathon and Jayne. He teaches at Fort Morgan Middle School and coaches at the high school. He writes, “I have been blessed to have contact with so many special people. Life is good!” Rob (Bobby Bear) Schmidt `89, `92 (Centreville, MD) worked in the community psychiatry program at John Hopkins Hospital for 7 years. He is now a behavioral specialist, researcher, and author. He and his wife, Gail, have two sons: Kevin (11) and Westin (8). James Seefeldt `89 (Steilcoom, WA) is a physical therapist in Washington and stays in shape by chasing his two young kids around.
Craig Dickson `90 (Olympia, WA) is the co-director of Guerilla Running Racing Club with partner, Rachael Jamison. He also teaches English as a second language. Dawn (Berry) Gwin `90 (Grand Junction, CO) volunteers at ASU as a master gardener, native plant master on the Western Slope. John Dale `92 (Denver, CO) is self-employed and returned to ASC this fall to work on a master’s degree in counseling. John writes, “I remember my time at ASC as a time of growth and development. Some of the best friends I have were made here.” Dana Frerich `93 (Arvada, CO) has been married to Vince for 16 years. Keeping track of Andrew (12), Brendan (10), and Lucas (7) is her fulltime job. Rick Macias `94 (Pueblo, CO) became athletic director of Pueblo City Schools on July 1. He now oversees all high school and middle school athletics in Pueblo's largest school district.
Linda Adesanya `95 (Clinton, WA) left Alamosa in 2001 and moved back home to Washington. She lives there with her husband, 6 children, and one grandson. She has worked as a project administrator for a high-end builder, Gemkaer Construction, for the last 10 years. All her children are very active in sports, particularly wrestling and cross country. Mary Beth Allen `96 (Arvada, CO) and her husband, Brandon, have two children: Brooks (6) and Addie Kate (3). A teacher and coach in Jefferson County, she was voted “Best Art Teacher Ever” for the 15th year in a row. Martin `96, `98 and Norma Gonzales `97 (Garden Grove, CA) have three children: Alexis (15), MJ (8), and Annalia (1).
Vickie Sutton `96 (Ignacio, CO) teaches a 2nd and 3rd grade looping class at Ignacio Elementary. She likes to take pictures, travel, and scrapbook. She has a dog named Dexter and a horse named Red. Molly Huffman `00 (Frederick, CO) is married and has two daughters, ages 5 and 1. She teaches physical education and health at Mountain Range High School in Westminster, CO, and is also the assistant varsity softball coach. Stephanie Milam `00, `01 (Monte Vista, CO) lives with her boyfriend, Lucas, and his three beautiful girls: Mallory, Payton, and Carson. After many years in college, she finally decided to become a physical therapist assistant and works for Valley Wide Health Systems. She is enjoying playing softball and training for duathlons.
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2000s Elizabeth Brown `01 (Colorado Springs, CO) is the administrative concierge at the Broadmoor hotel in Colorado Springs. She really enjoys her job and the variety it offers her, from planning guest trips to giving history tours, to typing up the daily newsletter that goes on every guest’s bed. She recently got the chance to go to Peru, which she says was a once in a lifetime experience that she highly recommends. Ben `03 and Anne Naccarato `05 (Centennial, CO) both work for Cherry Creek Schools. Ben is an English language acquisition specialist, and Anne is a 4th grade teacher. Rebekah (Walter) Mayer `04 (Eden Prairie, MN) and her husband, Christian, have a busy 2-yearold son, Joshua, and another little boy on the way. She works as the national run training manager for Life Time Fitness. Kimberly Lorimer `05 (Corona, CA) is a marketing designer at Value Click Brands in Monrovia.
Joshua Merrick `05 (Alamosa, CO) is a physical therapist at Valley Wide Health Systems, and his wife, Bethanie, is a stay-at-home mom to their son, Ethan 2. Brad Regan `05 (Floyd Knobs, IN) started his own gym called Fitness Studio, where he has been personal training for 5 years. He has helped individuals live a better lifestyle through weight training, cardio, and nutrition. He is proud to have helped 6 individuals lose more than 100 pounds. He is also starting to help the girls and boys cross country team at Jefferson High School. He writes, “I hope to bring what I learned at Adams State to the high school.”
alumnotes
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Chelsea (Darrell) Schraeder `05 (Fort Morgan, CO) spends most of her time raising her 2 daughters. Her husband, Darrel, works for Xcel Energy. She teaches Zumba part time and is the wedding coordinator at her local church. She will return to classroom teaching when her children are older. Kim Cooper `06 (Severn, MD) and her husband, David , have 2 girls, ages 3 and 1. They are stationed at Ft. Meade with the Marine Corps. She writes, “Visiting the campus has brought back good memories of the awesome fun we had.” Mohamed Aden `07 (Eden Prairie, MN) is coaching at St. Cloud State. He is married and has a 4month-old daughter.
Jacob M. Streeter `07 (Albuquerque, NM) is in his second year of law school at the University of New Mexico. This past summer he was a law clerk at the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office. Josh Streeter `10 (Alamosa, CO) is a first-year English and social studies teacher at Monte Vista Middle School. He volunteercoached his younger sister, Beth, at Smoky Hill High School. He writes, “I enjoy rustic Italian cuisine and the musical stylings of Stan Kenton.” Josh Teeples `10 (Highlands Ranch, CO) married Leah Hill `09 in July. He is a salesman for United States Welding. Leah teaches at Littleton Elementary. Brandon Birdsong `11 (Lubbock, TX) just graduated, but writes, “I wouldn’t miss the track and field reunion!”
Mildred Peterson `42 (San Acacio, CO) passed away Aug. 12 at the age of 93. Among her survivors is her daughter, Joan Lorenz `69, `89. Rose Ann Alt `45 (Pueblo, CO) passed away Sept. 19 at the age of 88. Nellie Horvath `48 (Farmington, NM) passed away July 27 at the age of 86. Paul Booth `50 (Glendora, CA) passed away April 2 at the age of 85. Cordelia Duran `50, `73 (Littleton, CO) passed away May 27 at the age of 82. Leonard Federico `51 (Turner, OR) passed away July 15 at the age of 82. Dora Jean Ott `54, `70 (Greeley, CO) passed away Aug. 12 at the age of 82. Tom Armenta `58, `62 (Grand Junction, CO) passed away Oct. 12 at the age of 81. Leland Brubaker `59, `61 (La Junta, CO) passed away May 16 at the age of 91. Among his survivors is his wife, Molly Brubaker `58, `61. Floyd Oaks, Sr. `61 (Alamosa, CO) passed away July 17 at the age of 86. Among his survivors is his wife, Inez Oaks `61. Ray Lawrence, Jr. `61 (Carson City, NV) passed away Feb. 28 at the age of 73. Marilyn Schlichting `61, `87 (Durango, CO) passed away Sept. 22 at the age of 75. Nicholas Heidy `62, `64 (Chandler, AZ) passed away Aug. 28 at the age of 87. Celsa Martinez `62, `70 (Ranchos de Taos, NM) passed away May 4 at the age of 78. Barbara Rogers `63 (Nine Mile Falls, WA) passed away June 29 at the age of 71. Elizabeth Averett `64 (Farmington, NM) passed away July 8 at the age of 93. Loraine Everly Lawson Jones `66, `70 (Denver, CO) passed away June 25 at the age of 84. Among her survivors is her husband, Emeritus Professor of Music Randolph “Casey” Jones. Ray Stokes `67 (Noti, OR) passed away Sept. 28 at the age of 68. Sr. Benigna Haug `70 (Colorado Springs, CO) passed away Aug. 11 at the age of 86. Raymonda McMillan `71, `76 (Branson, CO) passed away June 7 at the age of 95.
remembering . . . Dale Payne `72 (Pueblo, CO) passed away Aug. 20 at the age of 61.
Beverly Proctor `76 (La Junta, CO) passed away Aug. 28 at the age of 58.
David Hunter `92 (Lebanon, TN) passed away June 19 at the age of 45.
Julia Gallegos `73, `89 (Antonito, CO) passed away June 19 at the age of 78. Among her survivors is her husband, Gilbert Gallegos `60.
Sally Kehler `76 (Denver, CO) passed away Sept. 27 at the age of 78. Among her survivors are her granddaughter, Joni Kehler Kern `97, and grandson-in-law, Ben Kern `02.
Ronald Schmit `96 (Pueblo, CO) passed away April 23 at the age of 70.
Augustine Martinez `73 (Albuquerque, NM) passed away June 6 at the age of 62. Maurice Blackburn `73 (Eaton, CO) passed away July 10 at the age of 85. Metiku Myhre `75 (Ft. Wayne, IN) passed away June 26 at the age of 59.
Tia Lee King Murtaugh `02 (Albuquerque, NM) passed away Jan. 25 at the age of 35.
Bill Zediker `83 (Paonia, CO) passed away Sept. 26 at the age of 73.
friends
Charity Lattin `87 (Pagosa Springs, CO) passed away Sept. 19 at the age of 52.
Ben Fujii (Alamosa, CO), employed at ASC from 1980-1995, passed away July 28 at the age of 81.
ASC celebrates life of Dr. Marvin Motz dr. marvin motz was many things to Adams State College: student, athlete, administrator, professor, mentor – even president, twice. His death on Aug. 11 is mourned by the college and countless alumni who had the privilege to sit in Motz’s classroom. Motz was proud to have known every Adams State president personally. “Dr. Motz was literally and figuratively a giant among men,” said Adams State President David Svaldi. “He always provided me advice laced with humor, and I have tried to copy his calm demeanor, even when it appears that the situation and the people in it may be about to dissolve into chaos. Marv was a strong, good, kind, and compassionate man who devoted most of his adult life to Adams State, ASC students, and the Alamosa community. The college is a better place for his years of dedicated service. He will be greatly missed by all of us at ASC; but not forgotten.” Motz was known for his philosophy of using humor to educate and relate to others. After his retirement as Emeritus Professor of Psychology in 1996, he started the Humor Academy and presented throughout the country and Europe for 15 years. True to that philosophy, Motz was fond of saying: "I have made it seven blocks in my entire life." “Everybody who ever had a class with Dr. Motz or met him on the sidewalk, loves him,” said Adams State Director of Alumni Relations, Lori Laske ‘91, ‘01. “Everywhere we travel, alumni ask about or remember Dr. Motz. His inspiration, humor, and compassion have touched more people then could ever be counted. “ Motz’s wife, Mary ‘62, and all four of their children also graduated from Adams State, as have many members of the Motz extended family. The couple’s children include Dr. Tom Motz '82, Susan Motz Arnold '88, Mike Arnold '84 (son-in-law), Stephanie Motz Miner '82, and Natalie Motz Streeter '99. Motz was preceded in death by his twin daughters, Stephanie and Natalie. After his first year in college, Motz served four years in the Navy during the Korean War, then returned to Adams State in
1954. After finishing his master’s in 1959, he joined the Adams State staff with responsibilities in public relations, alumni affairs, and admissions. He joined the psychology faculty in 1967, eventually sharing his knowledge, love, and laughter with approximately 9,260 students. With the desire to offer more Mary ‘62 and Marv Motz ‘54, ‘59 to students, he completed his doctorate in psychology, counseling and guidance at University of Northern Colorado in 1969. He was particularly proud to be named Outstanding Educator in 1990 by the Consortium of State Colleges in Colorado. Motz served as faculty marshal at Adams State commencement ceremonies and was the first faculty representation on the Colorado State Colleges Board of Trustees. Motz concluded his formal service to his alma mater in 1996, having spent his final year in a second term as interim president. He also held that post in 1980-81. He liked to joke: "I've suggested to some I kept doing it until I got it right."
all-star on the court & in the community Motz’s ASC basketball jersey has been retired, and he was an early inductee into the ASC Athletic Hall of Fame, in 1963. His career tally of 1,508 points remains the fourth most in college history. Motz was an All-Conference basketball player in his freshman year and an All-RMAC selection in his junior year. Always active in the community, he served more than two decades on the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center Foundation board, most recently as vice president. After losing his daughter Stephanie to breast cancer, Motz was instrumental in founding the hospital's Stephanie L. Miner Women’s Imaging Center. The SLVRMC Foundation recently presented Motz with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Homecoming Happiness
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homecoming
fans stayed pumped on a bright Homecoming 2011, despite the Grizzlies’ 37-14 loss to Nebraska-Kearney. The new Rex Stadium’s 3,000 seats were filled with enthusiastic supporters enjoying the warm day. Alumni Tom Jones ‘52, Denise Trujillo ‘07, and Don Stegman ‘61, ‘64 (far left, from left) were honored at the annual Alumni Banquet as the Outstanding Alumnus, Exceptional New Alumnus, and Billy Adams Award recipients, respectively. Tanisha Thomas of Model U.N. and Jiovani Coleman of Cheer reigned as Queen and King. Alumni enjoyed reunions, the tailgate party, and postgame reception, in addition to the 5K Run and parade.
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alumni caribbean cruise • june 5-12 Top: John & Lynn Michalke, Mary Pirraglia, Cynthia Glynn, Kathy Reyher, Lori Laske, Nancy Idler, Julie & Ted Weeks, and Diane & Darrell Trembly Bottom: ASC Alumni all decked out and ready to depart for the Caribbean Cruise.
all football reunion • s
volleyball reunion & alumni game • aug. 27 Top (left to right) Bridgette Brownell, Tamara Fowler, Tiffany Hawkins, Mary McNeil Center: Jocelyn Garcia, Monica Garcia Ashley, Kallee Bingham Spilker Bottom: Lisa Crowder, Emily Bussey
track & field /cross country reunion Over 200 alumni and guests gather for a picture in front of the new Rex Stadium.
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scrapbook
orlando dinner • june 4 Front L-R: Emily Jones, Jolleen Myers, Judith Becker, and Vickie Sutton.
durango dinner • sept. 7
Back L-R: Louis Myers, Katie Roseberry, Michael Brace & Darlene Clayton, Marilyn & Dutch Malberg, Donald & Sarah Walker, Sweetie Marbury, Lori Laske, and Ann & Don Brown
sept. 17
L-R: Barbara & Don Friese, Lori Laske, and Tony Brown
Front L-R: Chris Goodwin, Rick Marriott, Coach Loren Lutz Sr., Jim Altergott, and Byron Wiehe. Back L-R: Barry Shioshita, Bruce Metsker, Rudy Aragon, Dale Crowther, Geoff Bokan, Billy Jenkins, Dee Betts, Dan Korber, Craig Mortensen, Mike Mudd, and Wade Mortensen.
Top L-R: Don Buffo, Ron Buffo, Teenan Anderson, Ed Wisniewski, Ronald Johnston, Dan Korber, and Dave Johnston Botom: Bucky Logan, Nick Galbreath, Todd Rutherford, Kevin Carpenter, and John Capra
lutz basketball reunion • june 24-25
n • aug. 5-6
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grizzlies
update men’s cross-country won the
Nathan Sellars
NCAA Division II Central Regional Championship for the fourth year in a row, while the women finished second behind Western State. ASC was the only team to have both six men and six women earn USTFCCCA All-Central Region honors. Both squads had runner-up finishes at the Oct. 22 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Championships in Denver. Both were edged out by the Western State Mountaineers, the women by 4 points, and the men by 3. Junior Alicia Nelson and sophomore Kelly Lamb led the way for the ASC women, finishing second and Alicia Nelson third overall in the individual standings. Seniors Nathan Sellers and Matt Bond led the men’s team as they have done all season. All seven Grizzly runners in both the men’s and women’s races earned AllRMAC honors, as Adams State was the only team on either side to have all seven runners finish in the top 21. The Grizzlies also claimed both the Men’s and Women’s Freshman of the Year honors, awarded to Tabor Stevens and Melissa Roberts. James Ackel (left) scored the game-winning TD in back-to-back weeks against New Mexico Highlands and Western New Mexico.
the grizzly football team had its best season start since 1996, beating Dixie State (Utah) and Black Hills State (S.D.) on the road. But the Grizzlies then played two of their first three Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) games against nationally-ranked teams, and dropped to 2-3. Thanks to come-from-behind wins against both New Mexico Highlands and Western New James Ackel Mexico in consecutive weeks, and a 46-0 drubbing of Fort Lewis in the Musket Game, the Grizzlies are now 5-5 on the season, sitting fifth in the RMAC standings, and receiving votes in the American Football Coaches Association (AFA) top 25 poll. Adams State has relied heavily on its league-leading defense throughout the season, led by preseason All-American linebacker Rocco DeLorenzo, ranked fifth in the RMAC in tackles. The Grizzlies have also seen outstanding offensive contributions from senior running back Terjean Saffold and senior wide receiver Dustin Bolt. Saffold ranks second in rushing in the RMAC Dustin Bolt at 90.5 yards per game, while Bolt leads the league in both receptions per games (6.0) and receiving yards per game (86.4). 38 |
sports scene
Johnny Mercer
grizzly men’s soccer completed its second season with a record of 3-10-2 and 2-9-1 in the tough Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). Freshmen Johnny Mercer, Cody Sprouse, and Michael Miller led the way for the Grizzlies. Mercer earned a single-season program record 4 goals, while Sprouse added 3 of his own. Goalkeeper Miller has been strong in the net, getting credit for each of the Grizzlies’ wins and a tie. Miller was a Third Team All-RMAC selection.
get latest results & stats www.ascgrizzlies.com grizzly women’s soccer concluded its season with an overtime win against the Univ. of Nebraska-Kearney, matching a program record with 7 wins. Senior Jessica Hellweg moved into the ASC career lead for both goals scored (23) and points (54) earlier this season. She was named a Second Team All-RMAC performer for the third straight year. The Grizzlies earned their first win or tie against a nationally-ranked opponent since 2006 this season, as Hellweg scored twice in the final 10 minutes against 19th-ranked Colorado Mines to force overtime and eventually a 2-2 tie.
Jessica Hellweg
grizzly volleyball concluded the regular season as Co-RMAC West Champs, their first division title since 2003. The Grizzlies’ 18 wins this fall are the second most in DII-era history, while their 12 RMAC wins tie the program record. They achieved their longest in-conference winning streak in program history, with 7 wins. ASC’s start to the season was one of the best in the program’s NCAA Division II-era history (1992present).
the youthful grizzly women’s golf team turned in three of their best four tournaments in program history during the fall portion of the season and are in prime position to qualify for the NCAA Division II Super Regionals for the second straight year come spring. The Grizzlies turned in a 329 scoring average throughout the fall season, placing in the top five three times.
ASC alumni playing for the Colorado Longshots include (L-R) Deb Gilbert `83, Pam Bond-Klecker, (unknown player), Laura Wardell-Brown `84, `85, and Diana Preisser `82. Gabriella Rifilato RMAC/Baden Setter of the Week, 10/3
Runners compete at Worlds zoila gomez ‘04 placed 40th in the marathon with a time of 2:46:44, running in her third straight IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.
senior indira spence represented her native country, Jamaica, at the 2011 World Track & Field Championships in Daegu, South Korea, Sept. 3. She earned a spot in the semifinals and shaved 1/10th of a second off her personal best time in the 100 meter hurdles with a finish of 12.93 seconds, the second-fastest time ever run by a NCAA Division II runner. In June, she successfully defended her 100 meter hurdles title at the Jamaican Championships.
Alumni still got game four women’s basketball alumni playing with the Colorado Longshots took the silver medal in June at the National Senior Games in Houston. Diana Preisser ‘82, Debra Gilbert ‘83, Laura Wardell-Brown ‘84, ‘85, and Pam BondKlecker reconnected in the past year and teamed up with three non-ASC alumni to create the team and competed 3-on-3 in the 50-55 age group. “It was great to be united after 30 years. It seemed like we never stopped playing,” said Gilbert, one of Adams State’s greatest women’s basketball All-Americans. “As expected, the competition was very good at this level; I think it was because we were all the first generation of Title IX. Of course we’re going to continue playing,” she added, “We hate losing!” Fall 2011 | A-Stater | 39
non-profit u.s. postage
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Great Stories Begin Here
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permit no. 80 alamosa, co
A-Stater Adams State College Alamosa, CO 81102
Autumn@Adams explored the theme: Honor Your Story-Discover Your Possibilities/Honre Tu HistoriaDescubre Tus Posibilidades. DinĂŠ dancer Ramona Roach and her husband, Norman, performed and shared aspects of their culture.