A-Stater summer 2010

Stater

A for alumni & friends of adams state college

New perspectives construction crazy

alumni awards

coach vigil statue

summer 2010

Stater

A VOL. 50, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2010

Published by the Adams State College Foundation adams state college • alamosa, co 81102 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 Jenna Bohnen ’10 • Mari Centeno • Ed Crowther • Chris Day Lloyd Engen ‘87 • Eric Flores ’11 • Melissa Gant • Cheryl Grette ’10 Gaylene Horning ’94 • Kristi Krabbenhoft ’13 Carmen Murillo ’11 • Wendy R. Sassell-Clemmer

PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE Dr. David Svaldi

BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR ADAMS STATE COLLEGE Tim Walters ’73 Chair Ann Rice Vice Chair Gigi Darricades • Mary Griffin • Ramon Montoya ’69 Arnold Salazar ‘75 • Charles Scoggin, M.D. Steve Valdez ’87 • Dr. Tim Armstrong Faculty 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 Leslie Doyle ’95, ’00 • D. Mike Garcia ’73, ’77 Robert Oringdulph ’71 • Sandy Ortega ’74 • Chris Page ’02, ’03 Jeremy Ratliff ’96 • Brian Rossbert ’02 Rich Scanga ’75 • Liz Tabeling-Garcia ’96, ’06

ASC FOUNDATION BOARD Genevieve Cooper President Duane Bussey ’82 Vice President John A. Marvel ’70 Secretary/Treasurer Russell Achatz ’85 • Keith Cerny • Dale Hettinger ’64 Charles “Chuck” Houser ’62 • Jeni Jack ’85 Ray Kogovsek ’64 • Dr. John McDaniel • Cindy Palmer Rich Scanga ’75 • Chris Sittler ’04 • Ray Skeff Izora Southway ’66 • Eldo Wall • Michael Ware ’69

FOUNDATION HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS Marguerite Salazar ’75, ’76

FOUNDATION EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS Sharon Carter • Bob Copeland ’49 Richard Jacobs • Harold Kelloff Ralph Outcalt • John Reason J. Byron Uhrich • R. Paul Wagner

FOUNDATION EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. David Svaldi ASC President Tammy Lopez ’91, ’00 Executive Director of the Foundation Steve Valdez ’87 Trustee Liaison

president’s letter: don’t blink - asc will never be the same ASC alumni who graduated 20 years ago or more are usually impressed, but not surprised, by how much the campus has changed since they were students. But soon even our most recent graduates will be amazed at their alma mater’s transformation. (See pages 4 -7.) Over the next five years, we will complete about $60 million worth of campus development.

It’s not unreasonable for the casual observer to wonder: “Where is ASC getting the money for all this construction?”

It’s no secret the cash isn’t coming from the State of Colorado.

David Svaldi This most ambitious building endeavor on our campus in nearly 50 years is financed by a student-approved capital construction fee. A portion of the fee is generating a new scholarship endowment to help students absorb the increased cost. Despite the discouraging economic climate, Adams State is more vibrant than ever, thanks to the vision and confidence of our students.

This physical transformation stems from growing momentum at Adams State.

For each of the last five terms, student enrollment has increased over the previous year. We recorded our highest total enrollment last fall – 3,369 students – and we expect to set another record this year.

By building enrollment to fulfill the capacity of our campus facilities – we’ll never become a college of ten thousand – Adams State can blunt the impact of continued state funding cuts. We can increase tuition income while keeping tuition rate increases to a minimum. Today more than ever, Adams State’s affordability allows many students to achieve the dream of higher education.

With this objective always primary, the ASC Board of Trustees recently approved the college budget for 2010-11, including a modest tuition increase. Although the state legislature recently passed so-called "flexibility legislation" that gives public colleges and universities the ability to increase tuition beyond the rate mandated by the Governor, we hope never to resort to it.

Except for the capital construction fee, all other fees have been frozen at 2009 rates. For a full-time, Colorado resident undergraduate, one semester’s tuition and fees will increase a total of $258 to $2,485. This reflects a $10 per credit hour tuition increase and an $11.52 per credit hour increase in the capital fee.

Alumni who reside in Colorado may rightfully be concerned about the state’s continued cuts to higher education. Though the budget is set, some of us more cynical types are predicting another cut after the fall elections. But ASC is in good shape to survive a mid-year cut, especially if our enrollment growth holds.

The same "flexibility legislation” requires every public college to submit a plan for how it would manage a 50 percent cut in state general funds for fiscal year 2011-12. This is certainly a worrisome and, most likely, a worst-case scenario. The various plans will no doubt be used to make a case for greater state support. We need to show that higher education is not a frill, but an essential component of a healthy state and country.

GRIZZLY CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS Keith Cerny Chair • Dave Barrows Vice Chair Dennis Ortiz ’79 • Ric Cline ’71 Ericha Loosbrock • Jeni Jack ’85 • Joe Martinez ’99 Jay Meyer • 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 ASC’s new Residences at Rex will welcome students this fall with bright, modern spaces.

The campus transformation moves to academic buildings this year. See page 4-7.

in side cover story

Whole lotta building goin’ on ~ Page 4

features departments

Passion is catching at Model U.N. A walk on the other side

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adams updates Whole lotta building going on ASC launches Phase II improvements Teaching excellence valued & rewarded Master’s in higher ed leadership starts this fall CoCEAL fosters Hispanic success ASC student guest of President Obama LeRoy Salazar returns to ASC Trustees Retirees honored for contributions to ASC

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giving Scholarships pass success onto students Donations equip new nursing simulation lab

alumnews

A

David Clemmer ‘87 takes science to an art form Clayton’s bywords: hope and growth

Stater

alumnotes alumni scrapbook sports scenes

online

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online edition of the A-Stater

www.adams.edu/alumni/astater/ become a fan:

www.facebook.com/adamsalumni

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While some areas of campus may slow down during the summer, construction crews populate the North Campus, where a lot of major changes are underway.

Clockwise from top right: New on the Alamosa skyline: the Residences at Rex and community/stadium facility.

Residences at Rex. Vice President Bill Mansheim describes features of Vistas Grill, part of the community facility, to faculty and trustees.

View from fourth floor apartments, looking east toward Mt. Blanca.

View from Residences at Rex east to the Student Union Building. Crews are working on paving and landscaping of the North Campus Green.

Residences at Rex apartment kitchens feature granite countertops and lots of light.

Floor plan for Residences at Rex apartments: each will accommodate four students. Apartments are assigned according to GPA and number of credits completed.

Center: Rex Activity Centers stucco exterior was recently restored, thanks to a Colorado State Historical Society grant.

For construction updates, go to: www.adams.edu/construction/

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the campus transformation made possible by the student-approved capital construction fee extends this coming year to the ES and Music buildings, as well as Leon Memorial Concert Hall. Extensive remodeling of these facilities will complete upgrades of all campus academic buildings. Half of ASC’s students attend class in ES every day; while nearly a third of all students participate in music classes, lessons, or ensembles.

The entire ES Building will be gutted and reconfigured.

Plans feature interior glass walls and an open staircase between the second and third floors, as well as a 24-hour computer lab and welcoming student study alcoves with wifi access on the first floor. A new 140-space parking lot will be developed just east of the building, at First & Richardson Ave. The Music Building will gain an addition with new rehearsal spaces and a recording lab; refurbishing of the entire existing facility will include new soundproofing. New seating and interior finishes will bring Leon Memorial’s ambience up to par with its acoustics.

As with the North Campus Transformation, the South Campus Transformation offers many opportunities to support facility improvement, with options for naming rights.

For more information, please contact Bill Manshiem, 719-587-7761.

Above left: The central feature of the ES remodeling is a student lounge and open atrium between the top two floors. From left: The ES Building’s south entrance will feature a new atrium and outdoor seating; new central hallways on all three floors will make the ES Building more accessible and take advantage of natural light; a student lounge and study alcoves will transform long hallways on the ES Building’s first floor.

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& leon renovations next

aunches Phase II improvements es building

leon memorial concert hall

project cost: $11.4 million

project cost: $328,010

Begin January 2011 – Complete August 2011 • Complete interior redesign • 24-hour access computer lab • Inviting student study areas equipped with wifi internet • Open atrium and staircase, outdoor patio • Archaeology/anthropology and psychology research labs • New mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems

Begin December 2010 – Complete February 2011 • New auditorium seating and upgraded finishes • Improved sound insulation, lighting, ventilation • Sound booth & recording equipment • Refurbished lobby, green room, and adjacent faculty offices

music building project cost: $5.7 million Begin late February – Complete August 2011 • 3,225 sq. ft., two-story addition with attractive east entrance, four practice rooms, percussion studio, two rehearsal halls, new recording studio • Modern soundproofing • Improved meeting and study spaces • New vestibule on west entrance; new roof, climate control system, wifi internet access • New concrete walkways to connect Leon Memorial Concert Hall and Music Building • Outdoor plaza with fixed seating

The Music Building addition (above, blue area) will provide much needed additional rehearsal and practice space and offer a welcoming entry on the building’s east side (top). New landscaping and walkways will connect the building with Leon Memorial, which is also being refurbished.

Summer 2010 | A-Stater | 7

Teaching excellence valued & rewarded in the fall. Doyle is the club adviser for Collegiate Music EduTwo relatively new faculty members and one long-time cator National Conference (CMENC) and serves on the professor were honored with this year’s Presidential Teacher board of the Alamosa Live Music Association (ALMA).

Award, initiated three years ago to recognize outstanding un“I am grateful to the students who inspire me every day dergraduate teaching, advising, and mentoring.

Award recipients include Dr. Tracy Doyle, associate chair of and who make this the best job anyone could hope to have,” Doyle said. “I love teaching, and it is a privilege to be honored music; Dr. Clarence Parks, professor of sociology; and Dr. in this way.”

Stephen C. On the faculty Roberds, associate since 2007, professor of govASC IS GROWING AND PROSPERING BECAUSE IT IS Roberds teaches a ernment. Each revariety of governceives $1,500 for COMPOSED OF GOOD PEOPLE CARING ABOUT ment courses, as professional develwell as general edopment and the OTHER GOOD PEOPLE ucation courses in opportunity to teach a special DR CLARENCE PARKS American Government and Presidential World CivilizaTeacher Course. tion. He recently published an article on public opinion and Provost Michael Mumper ‘76 formed a committee of outvoting in Utah, presented two papers at regional conferences, standing students to conduct the award’s selection process. and presented the research as part of the ASC Faculty Lecture Series. He founded and is the advisor to the Alpha Zeta Kappa, the local chapter of the national political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha.

“I am flattered and honored to have been nominated by students and selected by the student committee as a recipient of the prestigious award,” Roberds said. “I am particularly honored, given the high quality of faculty nominated this year and in previous years. I strive to be an asset to ASC and the local community.”

Parks, a member of the Adams State sociology faculty for 27 years, said he is humbled by the award. He teaches a variety of courses in sociology and says his favorite is Sociology of the Blues, a course he developed “out of my love for all aspects of blues music.” Parks, himself, is a musician and plays with a local group, the Last Chance Band.

Parks is an active member of the National Federation of the Blind, the largest organization of blind people in America.

“We are currently, among many other programs, actively encouraging young blind people to enter the teaching profession,” Parks said. “I am compiling what I have learned in my 2010 Presidential Teacher Award honorees (from left) Dr. Clarence 40 years as a blind teacher into documents which may help Parks, Dr. Tracy Doyle, and Dr. Stephen Roberds. young blind teachers quickly learn things about their situation that took me decades to master.”

The group selected six finalist from 41 nominees, then obParks just finished a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age served them in class and interviewed them regarding teaching novel about a blind young man, “sort of a David Copperfield philosophy, classroom practices, non-classroom advising and who runs into things.” mentoring activities, and their proposed Presidential Teacher Park’s son, daughter-in-law, and wife all received their decourse.

With five years at Adams State, Doyle teaches music educa- grees from Adams State. “ASC is growing and prospering because it is composed of good people caring about other good tion courses and applied flute lessons. She initiated the Music people,” he said. for Kids program and in the spring and is continuing for La Puente PALS children. Working with the School of Business,

By Linda Relyea ‘96 she designed a new music business emphasis, to be launched

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Master’s in higher ed leadership starts this fall The first cohort of students will begin this fall in ASC’s new master’s degree program in Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL), approved by the Colorado Department of Education May 7. Housed in the School of Business, this addition brings Adams State’s graduate program offerings to seven.

program unique in colorado Program director Dr. Melissa L. Freeman noted no other public institution in Colorado offers an MA in higher education administration and leadership.

“The Latino/a higher education community is facing a leadership crisis nationwide,” Freeman explained. “Latinos/as now represent 16 percent of community college students and 12 percent of students at four-year colleges, but make up less than 5 percent of college and university administrators and less than 4 percent of college faculty.”

Roughly 54 percent of Hispanic college students attend Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) – a federal designation for colleges and universities with student enrollment that is least 25 percent Hispanic. Adams State is an HSI, with undergraduate Hispanic enrollment at 29 percent.

The number of Hispanic students in the nation’s elementary and secondary schools is now approaching 20 percent.

Based on a two-year analysis and qualitative data collection process, ASC identified a need for affordable professional development opportunities for individuals who work within HSIs. Adams State developed the program with a two-year, $300,000 grant from the Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). It was one of 30 grants awarded totaling $8.2 million.

“This program will help position Adams State College as a leader among HSIs. Other schools will look to us to find and develop their own leaders,” said Provost Michael Mumper ‘76.

The 36-credit program, to be taught online by senior administrators at HSIs, includes a three-day on-campus residency and attendance at a Leadership Summit in Denver. For those who already hold a graduate degree, an 18credit post-master’s certificate program is also available.

Freeman said: “There’s been a lot of interest in our program over the last several months from people who want to either enroll, teach, or help with recruitment efforts. This speaks to the need for this kind of program, which is designed to serve individuals who work within the nation’s HSIs.” For more information, go to: heal.adams.edu

CoCEAL fosters Hispanic success Representatives of ten Colorado colleges and universities discussed ways to expand higher education success for Hispanic students at a May meeting of the Colorado Coalition for Educational Advancement of Latinos (CoCEAL), hosted by Adams State College.

Adams State President David Svaldi opened the meeting by describing several activities at Adams State that “do increase Hispanic success and graduation rates.” These include the college’s CELT program (Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching), created with a Title V grant for Hispanic Serving Institutions. Svaldi noted Hispanic students at Adams State graduate at near, and sometimes better than, the rate of majority students.

Svaldi also discussed the work of the Colorado’s Higher Education Strategic Planning - Accessibility subcommittee, on which he serves.

national convention in Denver. Adams “The voice of Latino students is well represented on all the strategic planning State Director of Admissions Eric Carpio serves on the group’s steering comcommittees,” he said. In defining accesmittee. sibility, the subcommittee is focused on the needs of students of low Armando Valdez, assistant professor of business, faciliincome, those who are histates a panel discussion of ways to improve student retorically underrepresented in tention. higher education, non-traditional age students, and those whose geographic location creates limitations.

Another meeting participant noted that of every 100 Hispanic children in Colorado, only 44 will complete high school; 24 will enter college, but only 6 will graduate college; and only 2 will pursue post-graduate education.

CoCEAL formed two years ago when HACU (Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities) held their Summer 2010 | A-Stater | 9

ASC student guest of President Obama ASC junior Ashley Maestas was thrilled when she received a call from Colorado’s Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF) telling her she was selected to visit Washington, D.C. and meet the president.

“Unbelievable, I never thought I would have a chance to meet the president. It was an honor.”

Named the LAEF Student of the Year for 2008/2009, Maestas was one of three Colorado students selected by LAEF. “I was so excited. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing when they called.” This was her first visit to the nation’s capitol.

She spent three days in Washington and was present as President Obama welcomed President of Mexico Felipe Calderon. Her group listened as they spoke about the new Arizona immigration law. “I agreed with a lot of what they were saying,” Maestas said. “We should try and find compromises.”

Besides sightseeing at museums, memorials, the White House, and Arlington, Virginia, Maestas and her group observed house and senate meetings. “I registered to vote as soon as I turned 18. Politics have always interested me, and now I’m even more intrigued.”

LAEF students at the White House, from left: Ashley Maestas, Miranda Aragon, Adrian Chavez.

LeRoy Salazar returns to ASC Board of Trustees After a brief hiatus, LeRoy Salazar was reappointed this spring to a new term on the Adams State Board of Trustees. He served on the board for four years, beginning in 2003, when Adams State was authorized to form a board independent of the other state colleges.

Adams State President David Svaldi said: “I am thrilled to welcome LeRoy back to the Board. His passion for our students and ASC and understanding and appreciation for the SLV culture are great strengths which will make a strong board even stronger.”

A native of Manassa, Colo., Salazar farms and ranches in Conejos and Costilla counties in the San Luis Valley. He is president of a new organization, Sweetgrass Co-op, formed to help ranchers of organic, grass-fed, and natural beef to market their products.

“I’ve cleared my plate of a few community responsibilities, and that freed up time for me to return to the Adams 10 | A-Stater | Spring 2010

State board. I have a real passion for education. ASC has done a wonderful job of meeting the needs of a diverse population with lesser resources, but I think the challenges will be even bigger in the future, as state funding is cut back,” Salazar said. “We need to look at creative ways of making up for those cuts – ways to bring in more resources, perhaps ways to decrease expenditures.

There’s not much you can cut at ASC without affecting our ability to deliver to students. I’m very optimistic, though.

I know we have a good board and excellent leadership at the college, in addition to a great community that really supports the college.”

Salazar’s community involvement includes serving as vice president of the Hope for Children Foundation and on the board of San Luis Valley Federal Bank.

Formerly an engineer and consultant, Salazar was president and CEO of Agro Engineering, Inc., from 1982 – 2000.

LeRoy Salazar brings his passion for education to the college board.

He has served as a member of the Colorado Agricultural Commission, as director of Citizens for Colorado Water, and on the North Conejos School District Board of Education, with several years as its president.

Salazar holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in agricultural engineering from Colorado State University earned in 1974 and 1977, respectively.

update

Retirees honored for contributions to ASC The annual ASC Retirement Dinner is a celebratory event, with laughter, smiles, and shared remembrances, as former and current employees gather to honor new retirees. This year’s honorees included Dianne Machado, Dr. Ted McNeilsmith, and Ray Welch. The dinner is presented each spring by the Adams State Association of Retirees, through the Office of Alumni Relations.

President David Svaldi welcomed the gathered crowd and acknowledged former presidents in attendance: Dr. Marv Motz, emeritus professor of psychology, and Dr. Tom Gilmore, emeritus professor of business. Svaldi noted the dedication to the college of the three “great people” being honored.

From 2000 until 2005, McNeilsmith was director of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), a Title V-funded faculty development project. He called his teaching career “the best job in the world. Collectively, the students have touched my life more than I could have touched theirs.” McNeilsmith thanked his colleagues, wife, family, and friends for their continued support.

positive impact Provost Michael Mumper ’76 spoke about Machado, who started at the college library in 1983 as an acquisition assistant. After receiving her Master’s in Library Science in the early ‘90s, she became director of Nielsen Library. “She has had an enormous, positive impact on many people, the library, and in many ways the college itself.” He asked Machado’s colleagues for their impression of her. “I heard almost the same Recent retirees whose careers have contributed to ASC include (from left) Dianne thing from everyone,” Mumper continMachado, Ray Welch, and Dr. Ted McNeilsmith. ued. “’She treated me like family.’ . . . ‘If it weren’t for Di.’. . . ‘I can’t believe how committed Di was to go-to guy our students.’ . . . ‘Di was devoted to the library.’”

Welch retires after 20 years with Adams State Computing Machado credits her parents for her success. “I am a prodServices. Mike Nicholson, chief information officer, described uct of them and their beliefs about being good to people, reWelch as having high moral standards and a tremendous work spectful and honest. They taught us good work ethics and all ethic. “Ray played a key role in the evolution of technology around I give them credit for my success.” on campus,” Nicholson said. “I couldn’t ask for a more perfect tireless advocate for students employee. No task was too big or too small. The way Ray Dr. Michael Martin, chair of the sociology department, relooked at it, if it needed to be done, he did it. We could all called when McNeilsmith first started teaching sociology at learn from Ray’s example.”

Adams State in 1992. “Ted told me he ‘hated weekends’ beWelch thanked everyone, saying, “We have a great crew.” cause he couldn’t teach.” Martin called McNeilsmith a tireless Retirees unable to attend the dinner include Professor of advocate for the students; he pushed the concept of a Economics Dr. Rafael Weston, Dr. Randy Emmons, emeritus student-centered learning environment. professor of physics, and Johnny Martinez in Facilities ServFor the last two years, McNeilsmith has taught rural sociol- ices. ogy in the Agribusiness Program. Dr. Kurt Keiser, chair of the

By Linda Relyea ‘96 School of Business, said McNeilsmith is always promoting the program and recruiting students.

Summer 2010 | A-Stater | 11

asc only u.s. school at greek confere

Passion is c at Model U by kristi krabbenhoft ‘13

people say most europeans speak english, but this is not the case in Thessaloniki, Greece. I have never been in a place where I could communicate with so few people.

We are here in early April for a Model United Nations Conference with 400 other college students from around the world.

The language barrier has given the trip a strange feel, but one I can learn a lot from. The Greeks are always in a hurry, always smoking, always crossing the street at horrible times.

They are all very, very attractive, especially the women. They walk with confidence, expectations, and posture. They don’t settle. They don’t think about it too hard. They just go. Kiss their friends, cheek and cheek. Have fun. Stop caring. The Greeks stay up all night talking, dancing, and spilling into the cobblestone streets, literally until the sun comes up.

On the first day of the conference, our alarms go off after only a couple of hours of sleep. We get up, get ready, eat tomatoes, cucumbers, and French toast with nutella for breakfast, and catch a bus to the conference.

Boy, do we look sharp. The men are in suits and ties, and the women look lovely in pinstripes and curled hair. We are the first to arrive and soon realize what a big deal we are. The coordinator of the conference, Dr. Naskou-Perraki, runs up to 12 | A-Stater | Summer 2010

us with open arms, yelling at everyone in Greek to get everything ready (I assume) because we have arrived, and we are the most exciting group here. We realize that we are the only delegation from the United States. Not only that, but we are the first and only delegation ever from the entire Western Hemisphere. Whoa. Opening ceremony begins, and our very own advisor, Dr. Mari Centeno, is the first person to be recognized. Our jaws drop in amazement that everyone is this excited for us to be here. They clap and cheer as Dr. Centeno’s cheeks turn red and she bashfully stands with an excited poise.

This is going to be a good day.

six months of prep pay off We go into our committee sessions, which is where we are going to spend the next week debating different topics that have been debated by the real United Nations. My two topics are “The Militarization of the Arctic” and “Conclusion of ef-

features

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catching U.N. fective international arrangements to asASC’s Model U.N. team (far left) experience both the new and ancient worlds in Thessasure non-nuclear weapon states against loniki, Greece. From left are Alfonso Casias, Thomas Keller, Melissa Kam, Kristi Krabbenthe use of threat of use of nuclear hoft, Keith Toth, and Alex Ponce. Melissa Kam and Thomas Keller (above, from left) weapons.” represent Poland at the Model U.N. Conference.

I have been studying these topics for six months. We are so prepared for this. even more, as I scramble for a pen to start a statement. NothWe are representing Poland, so we have to speak from that ing could have prepared me for this — what do I say about perspective. This is not always the easiest to do. Everything is such a tragedy for a country that I have never visited? The so proper, everyone so well spoken. MUN-speak and parliawhole ordeal is very surreal for me. What if it would have mentary procedure are drilled into my brain so much that I been the President of the U.S.? dream in it. The other delegates have clearly been doing this The rest of the day is full of debating, moderated caucus, for years. They are very intense, speak perfectly, and don’t un-moderated caucus, debating, note passing, and more dewaste time. They scare me, but they also push me to get enbating. At an afternoon break, I hear that the president of the gaged and to try harder. school wants to meet us. Wait, what? The PRESIDENT of At the first coffee break, I run to find Dr. Centeno and our the University of Macedonia wants to meet US? I instantly club president, Melissa Kam, excited to tell them all about wish I were wearing something fancier. This is a big deal. We what happened. They look at each other and start laughing, enter his lavishly appointed office, complete with an astonishtelling me that I’ve been officially hooked by the MUN spirit. ing view. The day just keeps getting better. Dr. Kouskouvelis I have been training for this for so long, and I thought that is genuinely interested in hearing about our little lives: where was the fun part. But now, being on a trip, surrounded by we’re from, what we’re majoring in, etc, etc. I wish to death I people who are hooked to this, too, and entering debate with had this planned out more.

75 other students — it really does something to you. This After nine hours of debating, meeting important people, scared and powerful feeling is really unlike anything I’ve ever making tons of friends, and getting more involved than hufelt. I am so into this right now. manly possible, we take the bus back to the hotel and collapse. About 10 minutes later, we decide that, instead of responding to tragedy sleeping, we should look over our notes and start writing resoDuring one of our moderated caucuses, one of the conferlutions in preparation for the next day. There are never ence directors comes to tell us that the Polish President Lech enough hours. We end up with less than 20 hours of sleep Kaczynski and 96 other people have been killed in a tragic over the 10 day trip, irreplaceable memories, incredible plane crash, including the head of the National Security Bufriends, more than enough information about Poland, the reau and the deputy foreign minister. My heart sinks. What a most beautiful sights I have ever seen etched into my eyelids . tragedy this is. I glance down at my name card and remember . . and an obsession with being a MUNer. that I am representing this country. My heart starts to race Summer 2010 | A-Stater | 13

a walk on the other side Alternative Spring Break gives Newman Club insight on border issues.

By Cheryl Grette ‘10 Immigration policy is a highly controversial social justice and humanitarian issue. Over Spring Break, our group of ten Newman Club members (Catholic student organization) ventured to Tucson, Ariz., to learn more about both sides of the issue. We participated with other college students in BorderLinks, which works to raise awareness and inspire action around global political economics.

Our understanding of the immigration issue quickly grew as we talked with Fr. Bob Carney about border history and his extensive experiences in migrant ministry. Fr. Bob said that the passage of NAFTA in 1994 had profound ramifications for the people of Mexico. It was meant to be a common sharing but did not trickle down as expected.

Corporations moved their factories into the country for cheap labor but moved on when an even cheaper workforce could be found. In addition, the export to Mexico of genetically modified corn had the result of putting small corn growers out of business and shattering a communal way of life.

Campesinos who became unable to support themselves went to work in corporate factories, or maquiladores, where wages, in U.S. currency equivalents, were only dollars a day.

All of this helped fuel an exodus of Mexicans to the U. S. seeking work, as well as feeding drug activity for profit.

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“We listened to countless stories of complete desperation,” Melissa Gant said. “We met people who one day packed a backpack with their hopes and dreams, said goodbye to their wives and children, and headed north, only to get here and be met with prejudice, homelessness, and innumerable obstacles in every direction.

Roxanne Delorenzo ‘10 was particularly touched by the story of a woman who climbed the wall when she was eight months pregnant while the border patrol watched. “The minute she hit U.S. soil, they picked her up and deported her.” There are no jobs and no food in their home countries and they will continue to cross, Fr. Bob told us.

Our ASC group volunteered one morning at Casa Maria, an ecumenical mission of a Catholic Worker Community.

“my heart sobbed” Especially memorable for us was a desert walk led by Mary Goethals, a member of Samaritans, a group that patrols the desert carrying food, water, and emergency medical supplies. It was upsetting and heartbreaking to see personal belongings migrants left behind in order to blend in or take up less space in a vehicle. We thought about trying to put everything important to us into a small backpack, not

Melissa Gant

features

Far left: Wall on the Mexican border in Tucson, Ariz.

Left: An immigrant in Nogales.

Carmen Murillo ‘11

Below: Shrine at South Side Presbyterian Church in Nogales memorializing all those found dead in the desert this year.

knowing whether we would ever return. “When I picked up tences have been served, transported to various drop-off locations along the border for deportation. ‘trash’ in the desert, my heart sobbed,” said Pearl LeBlanc.

The entire BorderLinks experience awakened our group Of particular interest was the infamous 800-mile-long to the complicated issue of immigration and the many ques“wall” erected by the U.S. along the border. Rancher Bill tions involved in finding a solution. At one of our subseOdle, a colorful personality who owns land along the wall, showed how it simply stops near the San Pedro River, leaves a large gap, and then continues.

While Odle favors tougher immigration laws, he SOME OF WHAT THE MIGRANT MUST FACE IS is against the wall itself, calling it a “folly” that taxpayers funded.

SIMPLY BEYOND OUR IMAGINATIONS After experiences on the U.S. side of the border, we finally crossed into Mexico. We briefly quent meetings, we heard the story of a young Alamosa visited the Migrant Aide Station and Shelter in Naco that woman who at age nine walked with her uncle from her provides food and a safe place for migrants who have just mountain village in Guatemala through Mexico and into been deported, most with nothing but the clothes on their the U.S. The trek took two months. backs.

While there are no easy answers, we believe that any plan Just yards from the international border crossing in Doumust work from a basic understanding of the innate dignity glas, Ariz., our group participated in a prayer vigil in memof the human person. ory of migrants who have died in the desert. The U.S. Melissa Gant Border Patrol recorded 1,058 migrant deaths in the Tucson sector from Oct. 1, 2003, to Sept. 30, 2004. Many more go undocumented because the intense heat speeds up decomposition. Due to the desert heat, migrants often travel in the darkness of night. Death by dehydration and injury is common. Sickness and death occur from drinking contaminated water out of animal troughs. People traveling in a group can become separated or left behind and often get lost. Some of what the migrant must face is simply beyond our imaginations.

There was a sobering conclusion to the prayer vigil when we unexpectedly witnessed a man scale the border wall, only to be chased and apprehended by the Border Patrol.

Back in Tucson, we observed Operation Streamline at the Federal Courthouse, a process that charges undocumented persons with misdemeanors. Seventy migrants are tried daily, brought before the judge en masse in shackles and handcuffs. They are tried, sentenced, and when their sen-

.

Summer 2010 | A-Stater | 15

Scholarships pass success onto students the appeal of the “pay it forward” concept motivates many Adams State alumni to make a gift to help future students attain a college education. In most cases, these donors themselves benefitted from scholarships. Now retired or well established in careers, they recognize that such help made a world of difference in their lives. Two couples recently chose different methods for making the gift of a higher education: a living trust and direct scholarship funding. recognizing academics Peggy ’72 and Tim ’73 Walters recently added two scholarships to their “stable” that includes funds for a football and volleyball scholarship. The Peggy & Tim Walters Merit Chemistry Scholarship and Peggy & Tim Walters Merit Theatre Scholarship each will award $500 to students in those respective majors with a 3.0 GPA or better. Chemistry majors must have junior status or above; theatre majors must be sophomores or above.

“Growing up, we were dirt poor,” Tim said. “What’s great about Adams State is it provides a very good education for everyone at a reasonable price.” He operates his own real estate appraisal business, Walters & Mullins, Associates, in Alamosa. Peggy, who also earned a master’s at ASC, is retired from her career as a speech therapist.

As chair of the ASC Board of Trustees, Tim’s intent was to set an example of cultivating the college. “Scholarships are a relatively inexpensive way to do so,” he said.

The couple’s first two scholarships were obvious choices: Tim played football at ASC, and their daughter Penny ’95 was on the volleyball team. ASC’s theatre program so impressed the Walterses that they created a scholarship.

“I’m all about finding your passion,” Peggy said.

“At a bigger school, some of

these kids wouldn’t have a chance to get on stage.”

They chose to support a chemistry scholarship because they view scientific excellence as key to our society’s success. “Marty Jones [professor of chemistry] epitomizes the spirit of ASC,” Tim said. “Here’s a guy who’s had a passion and talent for chemistry all his life, yet he filled in as chair of the HPPE department, because he is that kind of leader.”

helping science/math students Wayne ‘62 and Ellen Evans even built the idea of “paying it forward” into their scholarship program, requesting that recipients consider creating a similar scholarship in the future.

The Wayne and Ellen Evans Mathematics and Science Scholarship will be endowed after their passing through a revocable living trust. The couple plans for ten percent of their estate to go to charity, with the remainder distributed among their three children.

The scholarship will be awarded to full-time students majoring in mathematics or the sciences with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Preference will be given to graduates of a San Luis Valley high school.

“There was not a lot of money in my family, so I had to work to pay my way through undergraduate school,” said Wayne, who also received an Elks Club Scholarship. He later earned a master’s in mathematics at Kansas State, where he met Ellen. Wayne then had a 27-year career as a programmer with IBM in its Rochester, Minn., development laboratory.

For more information on how to make a gift to Adams State or establish a trust, please contact Tammy Lopez with the Adams State College Foundation, 719-587-7122.

Scholarships were recently created by two alumni couples: Peggy ‘72 and Tim ‘73 Walters, above, and Wayne ‘62 and Ellen Evans, left, with their Legacy Society plate recognizing their creation of a trust benefitting ASC. 16 | A-Stater | Summer 2010

giving

Donations equip new nursing simulation lab The San Luis Valley’s Magnolia Society recently presented a check for $14,270.94 for equipment in ASC’s new Nursing Simulation Lab. “We are honored that you have chosen to support the healthcare needs of our community,” Director of Nursing Amanda Jojola told the group at a July reception that featured a demonstration of lab capabilities.

Affiliated with the Colorado Federation of Women’s Clubs and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, the Magnolia Society selects a different community project to fund through their annual auction each year.

“We try to choose projects that benefit as much of the San Luis Valley as possible,” said society president Christy Brady. “I’m really excited about having the Simulation Lab come up. It’s going to be a great facility.”

Simulation Lab Coordinator Allison Bennett, RN, said the lab will directly impact health care quality in the SLV by offering training sessions to area nursing students and medical staff. Collaborating with Adams State in the lab are Trinidad State Junior College, San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center, and Valley Wide Health Systems.

Equipped with more than $540,000 worth of the most up-to-date high fi-

delity simulation equipment available, the lab replicates an actual nursing station and hospital rooms. It will give nursing students practice in caring for six “patients.” These computer-operated mannequins that can be programmed to simulate a full range of disease processes, medical-surgical events, mental health issues, and obstetric and pediatric situations.

One mannequin, “Noelle,” can even ASC Sim Lab Coordinator Allison Bennett (second from right) demonstrates capabilities of a computerized mannequin for the give birth. The Magnolia Society. most advanced ing for Colorado, HRSA (Federal mannequin, SimMan 3G, valued at Health Resources and Services Adminis$65,000, can not only bleed, but cry, tration), Monte Vista Machine Tool, sweat, and produce other body fluids.

Michael Hudson, and Wall, Smith, “He” can also be modified to simulate a Bateman & Associates, Inc. female patient.

Contributions to build the lab were also received from Janet Magnum, Car-

great stories - walls in halls

Alumnus honors parents’ gift of education Frank H. Wilson, Ph.D. ’71, dedicated a Great Story on Walls in Halls in memory of his parents, Johnny L. and Electa (Watson) Wilson. Frank is the youngest of their seven children, whom they raised in the northwest Colorado coal town The Wilson clan boasts five Adams State alumni: • Edward Wilson ’59, a retired teacher and principal • Inez Wilson ’61, a retired teacher • Augusta (Wilson) Youngblood ’62, a retired lab supervisor • Eunice (Wilson) Gould ’67, a retired teacher • Frank H. Wilson, Ph.D., ‘71, retired specialist from the Los Angeles Unified School District

of Mt. Harris. The couple overcame the challenges of racism and their own limited educations to assure their children would have more.

All seven Wilson children completed college – most also earning graduate degrees – and the majority entered the teaching profession.

Great Stories on Walls in Halls is a unique way to honor loved ones or alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the college.

The Adams State Foundation will accept a minimum donation of $5,000 to dedicate a Great Story with a framed photograph and plaque, to be hung in the Student Union Building.

For more information on how to dedicate a Great Story on Walls in Halls, please contact Lori Laske, 719-587-7867, or Tammy Lopez, 719-587-7122.

Summer 2010 | A-Stater | 17

Homecoming 2010

Information 719.587.8110 or 800.824.6494, ext. 8110 www.adams.edu/alumni ascalums@adams.edu

Friday, October 8 10 a.m.

Golf Outing

3:30 p.m.

Alumni Receptions & Special Reunion Group Get-togethers Alumni Banquet and Annual Meeting $25 per person (includes reception) Jazz Concert Two Rooms by Lee Blessing

5:30 p.m.

8 p.m.

8 p.m.

Cattails Golf course $25 per 18 holes, includes cart Student Union Building, 3rd floor Student Union Building, Room 131 Semi-formal dress; advance tickets recommended Richardson Hall Auditorium, $5 per person ASC Theatre, $10 per person, 719-587-TIXX

Saturday, October 9 10 a.m.

11 a.m.

Parade Tailgate Party

1 p.m.

Football Game ASC vs. New Mexico Highlands Post-game Reception

4 p.m.

Main Street, Alamosa Nielsen Library East Lawn $7 per person $7 per person Reserved seating for reunion groups Inn of the Rio Grande

Reunions 5 year • Class of 2005 10 year • Class of 2000 15 year • Class of 1995 20 year • Class of 1990 18 | A-Stater | Summer 2010

25 year • Class of 1985 30 year • Class of 1980 35 year • Class of 1975 40 year • Class of 1970

45 year • Class of 1965 50 year • Class of 1960 1958-60 Baseball Golf

alumnews

eastern carribean june 5, 2011 alumni cruise

• Bahamas • Virgin Islands • Dutch West Indies

alumni events www.facebook.com/ adamsalumni

Set sail from Port Canaveral, FL, for 7 days

•

(plan a few extra days to visit Disney World).

adams.edu/alumni/ The ASC Alumni Office schedules events throughout the year in Colorado and other areas.

Up-to-date details are mailed to area alumni and are available on the college website and Facebook. questions: call 800-824-6494, ext. 8110

Interior staterooms start at $892.62/person (price includes port fees/taxes; does not include airfare)

deposit of $250/person required by oct. 15, 2010.

For additional information and instructions on how to make a reservation, call 800-824-6494 x 7867.

Summer 2010 | A-Stater | 19

outstanding alumnus 2010

Clemmer makes science an art form by linda relyea ‘96

an artist poised before his work imagines the outcome and prepares himself and all the elements at his disposal as he makes his first move toward success. The artist in David E. Clemmer ‘87 expresses himself through science.

Nationally recognized in the world of chemistry and physics, Clemmer draws on his background as an artist’s son, musician, and as a product of Adams State College laboratories to develop innovations and conduct groundbreaking research in chemistry.

Clemmer, the Robert and Marjorie Mann Chair of Chemistry at Indiana University Bloomington, is the Adams State 2010 Outstanding Alumnus. Clemmer will receive the award at this year’s Alumni Homecoming Banquet, Oct. 8. (See schedule page 18.)

Emeritus Professor of Chemistry Kay Watkins says Clemmer is in the top ten percent of Ph.D.’s in terms of his research and his ability to come up with creative ways to explore complex systems. Clemmer’s research addresses fundamental problems at the interface of chemistry and biology and is primarily focused on developing new technologies for analyzing the complexity of living systems at a molecular level. This work has led to more than 150 scientific publications that have been cited more than 5,000 times and ~10 patents.

20 | A-Stater | Summer 2010

men in the machine: Dr. David Clemmer ‘87 (right) with research partner Dr. Steven Valentine ‘95, enveloped in their original instrument, an ion mobility mass spectrometer.

“I was raised by a community of people who are humble and generous. I don’t expect to win awards and am always surprised when I do.” Which means Clemmer has been surprised on a variety of occasions. He has been honored with research and teaching awards from the National Science, Alfred P. Sloan, and Camille Dreyfus foundations, as well as the Biemann Medal for contributions to measurements of molecular mass. Popular Science included Clemmer on their “10 Most Brilliant List.” He received Indiana University Bloomington’s prestigious 2009 Tracy M. Sonneborn Award, in recognition of his exceptionally creative and impactful research.

The inventions from Clemmer’s research group have led to him becoming a scientific cofounder of Beyond Genomics, a systems biology company aimed at understanding the molecular origins of diseased states, and founder of Predictive Physiology and Medicine, a biotechnology company that provides detailed measurements for personalized medicine.

“I am lucky to do what I want,” Clemmer said. “I have a lot of fun, even if the work is perceived as hard by others.”

Clemmer was nominated for the alumni award by two former professors and a colleague who is also an ASC graduate: Emeritus Professor of Mathematics Ron Loser; Stephen J. Valentine ‘95, associate scientist at IU; and Emeritus Professor of Chemistry Kay Watkins.

Wendy R. Sassell-Clemmer

alumnews

“We worked very hard to design and construct a scientific instrument in my first semester of graduate school. We were collecting data by the end of the semester.”

The duo’s current research includes identifying emerging markers for certain types of cancer found in a patient’s blood, urine, or saliva. “It is very promising and, although moving slowly, is starting to progress.” The patient’s genome level can determine a risk for cancer by measuring the protein level of a cell. Typically, a routine blood test measures 16 different proteins. Clemmer’s research has helped identity thousands of different proteins, as well as uses for these protein measurements.

“David sees the end of a project from the beginning,” Valentine said. “He has a real gift for scientific discovery. He has an incredible amount of scientific intuition.” He added that Clemmer's ability to interpret scientific results is “remarkable and truly inspiring. The scientific success that we have enjoyed through the years is stimulating and serves as motivation for different projects.”

Clemmer sees parallels between science and art. “You can’t ignore the boundaries of physical laws, but you can find creative ways to solve I WAS LATE COMING TO SCIENCE problems, to view a problem differently.” The starving artist motif can I REALIZED THE BEAUTY OF SOLVING PROBLEMS apply to a scientist searching for funding. “I still have ideas no one likes, and those are the ones I love.” sors (now all emeritus) Dr. Neil Rudolph, Armold, Watkins, Art has always been a part of his life. David’s father, Ed and Loser were “incredible influences.” It was a challenge the Clemmer, Adams State emeritus artist, taught at ASC for over students enjoyed. “We had the feeling that we could solve any 20 years. Ed Clemmer often emphasized that negative space problem if we could define it and the key variables –an excitin art should carry as much weight as the positive. “It coning time.” cerns me – seeing something that is not there,” said David In his multivariable calculus class, Loser said Clemmer Clemmer. wrote his theme paper based on guitar chords. “It was very The only child of Ed and MaryAnn, retired Alamosa elemathematical and creative,” Loser said. “He could integrate mentary school teacher, Clemmer said he had advantages and the breadth of his interests.” Watkins agrees with Loser’s asstrived to please his father, who had “high standards and sessment, “David was exceptional as an undergraduate stuideals about the difference between good and excellent.” dent. However, I didn’t realize how creative he was until he Inspired by Donatello's and Michelangelo's David sculpran his own research program at Indiana University.” tures, Ed Clemmer created one “intuitively” of his son. In One of Clemmer’s closest collaborators is Dr. Steve Valentine ’95. They met by chance once when Clemmer came back 2006, during an artist’s lecture and reception on campus, Ed retold his story of the sculpture. He said Michelangelo’s David to Alamosa to sing with The Yard Dogs at the Sunshine Festival. During one open practice, Armold and Clemmer went on originally “guarded” the people of Florence. Now Ed Clemmer’s David guards the residents of Alamosa, standing near a “beer run,” and “Steve was stocking the shelves when Mel the town’s east entrance. It was the first time David had heard introduced us.”

That chance encounter led Valentine to become Clemmer’s the story. “I had tears in my eyes.”

The elder Clemmers now live in Bloomington, Ind., and first Ph.D. student. Together, they have published 40 papers, completed several marathons, and successfully commercialized care for David and his, wife, Wendy R. Sassell-Clemmer’s technologies that they have collaborated to develop. Clemmer three daughters.

Clemmer always thought he would teach at Adams State. said Valentine is “a true humanitarian and technical wizard.”

“I’ve been sidetracked with my research lab. Maybe I’ll come Valentine said his first impressions of Clemmer – “very back and teach when I retire.” Or maybe he’ll become a rock driven and hard working individual, and extremely smart” – were confirmed within the first six months of graduate school. star. “I need about three lifetimes, it goes by so quickly.”

“I was late coming to science,” Clemmer said. First a music major, he soon found himself “surrounded” by really “bright people.” He remembers spending hours in the science building with fellow students. “I realized the beauty of solving problems.” Classmates Ryan Carr, Marion Hawkins, and Mona Young, along with profes-

“

...

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Summer 2010 | A-Stater | 21

exceptional new alumna 2010

Clayton’s bywords: hope and growth Darlene Clayton ‘04 has found her “dream job,” counseling and advocating for victims of domestic violence.

“i sometimes do take a nap, to disconnect,” said Darlene Clayton ’04, whose work as a child advocacy director often requires separating self from job. Her office space is lit by floor lamps and light from a small window. Comfortable couches, chairs, and a diversity of wall hangings help provide an atmosphere of relaxation and safety. She works mainly with teens and children who have witnessed or experienced violence, through Alternative Horizons, in Durango, Colo.

“I am a survivor of partner violence,” said Clayton, whose mother was often in abusive relationships. It was one factor that compelled Clayton to choose Adams State. “I wanted to get away from my mom and her boyfriend.”

Now, Clayton has her “dream job” and will take her licensure test in September.

That “dream job” entails seeing clients individually and facilitating group sessions. She works with people ages 4 to 55 years who are victims of partner abuse or domestic violence.

22 | A-Stater | Summer 2010

“It isn’t always physical; some abuse is emotional or mental.”

Her clients come from a diversity of social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. “I have worked with a woman with a doctorate in psychology.”

When Clayton learned she was selected the 2010 Exceptional New Alumna, her first reaction was: “But I am not a lawyer, doctor, or teacher.” It’s apparent, however, that she is all that and more. She helps heal wounds, stands against injustice, and guides her clients to safer and more trusting choices

alumnews

and relationships. Clayton will receive the award at this year’s Alumni Homecoming Banquet, Oct. 8. (See schedule page 18.)

The spring 2004 A-Stater is almost a Who’s Who of Exceptional New Alumni-to-be. Clayton is profiled along with classmates Renee Hawkins-Timar ’04, and the 2008 and 2009 Exceptional New Alumni, Dr. Opeyemi Daramola ’04 and Philip Lopez ’04.

Lopez, an associate attorney with White & Jankowski, said he admires Clayton’s courage and commitment to her profession. “It is completely selfless. She inspires me to be a better person. She gives me confidence that people are capable of doing good things. It is so impressive to think about the lives she is touching, and the positive impact she will have on these children for the rest of their lives.”

Hawkins-Timar, a children's case manager/group coordinator for Sumner Mental Health Center, in Wellington, Kan., said: “Darlene gently knocks down walls and builds bridges within her community. She sees the good in every situation and person. She provides hope where hope is hard to find.”

Lopez, Daramola, and Clayton all served on the Associated Students and Faculty Senate, and Clayton was active in Program Council, now known as the Grizzly Activity Board.

“Adams State truly prepared us for roles as leaders in our community,” she said.

embraced by adams state As a student, Clayton said she felt embraced by Adams State. “There is a real sense of community on campus, and in the town of Alamosa.” Her many activities kept her busy, a state she enjoys, and she always makes time to volunteer for organizations or causes she supports – it was how she started working at Alternative Horizons.

Having volunteered for the ASC Sexual Alert Response Team hotline, she applied for a similar volunteer post at Alternative Horizons in Durango. A few months later, the director urged Clayton to apply for a paid position. She was hired, but didn’t begin the job until she’d spent four months in Nicaragua – yes, volunteering – and picking up another Spanish dialect.

She tutored elementary-aged children in a rural school five hours a day. “The schools were miles out of town with no electricity or running water; to have a blackboard was a big deal.” She lived in a volunteer house with roommates from Europe and Australia. It is the kind of experience Clayton treasures, meeting others with different viewpoints.

Back in Colorado, Clayton began her new full-time job and started graduate school through Denver University. “Receiving my master’s in social work is my greatest accomplishment, so far.” She also completed course internships and held another part-time job. “I had no social life.” Soon after graduating, she and her director at Alternative Horizons wrote a grant for her current position.

celebrating small steps Facilitating group therapy sessions, such as her middle school girls group, is the most satisfying part of Clayton’s work. “Once the group dynamic is established, and the girls have established trust and have built good communication skills, they offer each other honest feedback. Older girls take on a mentoring role with younger girls. It is fulfilling.”

Survivors of domestic or partner abuse may take years to recover, and some never receive the chance. Clayton said in her work, success is not measured by society’s standards. She considers it a success when clients choose safe and trusting relationships.

“I concentrate on small steps and hope they grow into whatever they are supposed to be.”

Disappointments can be traumatic. “It is so hard when clients are murdered or suffer a horrific injustice.” But she is supported by coworkers and participation at professional conferences. “I feel a sense of camaraderie. Hearing stories of women who have been with the movement for 30 years, who have dedicated their whole lives to ending violence against women or in relationships, is awe inspiring.”

Whitney Manning, Alternative Horizons court advocate, said Clayton is capable of handling the grief and tragedy of trauma work while still maintaining her positive self. “Dar is a joy to be around: encouraging, helpful and above all, hopeful.”

By the time Clayton graduated from Adams State, her mom had ended the last of her abusive relationships. “She is so proud of me,” Clayton said. “She has finally come into her own.”

Finding oneself is something Clayton thought would happen to her at about age 25. Now she realizes self-discovery is a much longer journey. “I am enjoying learning who I am.”

During Homecoming weekend, Clayton plans to reconnect with Dr. Kim Kelso, chair of the psychology department. “I love Kim. She made psychology exciting and interesting.”

Kelso recalls Clayton as “a great student, conscientious, smart.” She admired Clayton’s attitude and her commitment to the campus. “Darlene always had a smile on her face and was pleasant to be around. I admire students who can balance a schedule with the tough demands. It is an indication of her giving nature.”

Kelso encountered Clayton once as they were both dropping off donations at the Alamosa Homeless Shelter, La Puente. “I thought she was working, but she was just there to donate.” That action impressed Kelso, who said most college students struggle to just feed themselves. “She is a wonderful and unique person.”

By Linda Relyea ‘96

Fall 2009 | A-Stater | 23

1950s

1960s

Lee Aguilar `58, `65 (Del Norte, CO) writes: “My educational experience at Adams State fostered and provided my abilities as a Spanish teacher.” His teaching career at Powell High School-Powell WY spanned 31 years. In 1989, he was nominated for Wyoming Teacher of the Year. He and his wife, Isabel, lived in Powell for 42 years before moving back to Del Norte.

Leonard Shaw `61, `68 (Crawford, CO) taught at Hotchkiss Jr./Sr. High School for 33 years and retired in 1994. He taught English and social studies, coached basketball for 25 years, baseball for 2, and was A.D for 15 years. Married 50 years, he and his wife have 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and were expecting their first great grandchild in July. They have lived in Crawford since graduation from ASC.

Leland Lively `58,`68 (Buena Vista, CO) received his post-graduate degree from CU in 1975. Now retired, he taught in Leadville for several years and was the assistant principal in Lamar and principal at Buena Vista H.S.

John Bruce `63, `64 (Grand Junction, CO) taught for 30 years in Alaska, where he received the Award of Merit from the Alaska Department of Education. He also worked several summers as a seasonal park ranger with the National Park Service. During his time

great stories

Called the “founder of online trading” by industry observers, William A. Porter ‘51 received the Joseph W. Sullivan Options Industry Achievement Award, presented at the 28th Annual Options Industry Conference, held in Phoenix April 30.

“In selecting a recipient of the annual Sullivan Award, OIC looks for someone who has had a significant impact on the options industry. While Bill Porter’s contributions extend beyond the options industry. His leadership in electronic trading and in co-founding the ISE were important factors in the industry’s growth over the past decade,” said Gina McFadden, OIC President.

Porter is a co-founder and the first chairman of International Securities Exchange (ISE) and chairman emeritus of E*TRADE, which he founded in 1992. The 82-year-old entrepreneur built E*Trade into a $3.33 billion discount broker with 2.6 million brokerage accounts, according to Bloomberg.

Porter’s career is marked by significant innovation in the financial services and options industries, as well as in the science and technology fields. As the founder of the service bureau through which the very first online trade was made in 1983, he revolutionized the retail brokerage model by providing online access and trading tools to the self-directed investor. Porter brought that same ground-breaking vision to the options industry when he co-founded ISE in 1997, dramatically improving the efficiency of the options market via the first all electronic U.S. options exchange.

Porter holds 14 patents covering a number of electronic devices and processes that are still in use today in a variety of fields. He got into finance in the mid-1970s after selling his Palo Alto firm, Commercial Electronics Inc., to New York-based Warner Communications Inc. for $15,000, which he began investing. His interest in money management pushed him to find a source of online stock quotes. That led in 1978 to his first business plan for Trade*Plus, the predecessor to E*TRADE. Porter has an M.S. in management from MIT, where he was a Sloan Fellow; and an M.S. in physics from Kansas State College.

He and his wife, Joan, created the Porter Scholars Program at Adams State in 2007 with the largest gift in the college’s history: 250,000 shares in E*TRADE Financial Corporation worth $5.8 million. The program helps mathematics and science majors on the basis of their need and their ongoing academic achievement.

ASC’s science and mathematics building, William Porter Hall, was named in recognition of Porter’s professional accomplishments and 1997 gift of $4.6 million worth of E*TRADE stock – the second largest gift in college history.

24 | A-Stater | Summer 2010

with the NPS, he escorted First Ladies Hilary Clinton and Laura Bush. Now an accomplished landscape photographer, his photos have appeared in the New York Times, LA Times, Washington Post, Denver Post, and USA Today. He writes: “I have always been proud of the fact that Adams State College always tries to give students the biggest bang they can for the buck, therefore making a college education available and affordable for more people. The college certainly was a great help to me.” He is married to Diana Bruce `67.

Dianna Downey `64 (Oceanside, CA) retired after teaching for 35 years and is enjoying family and traveling.

Jack Harris `65, `66 (La Junta, CO) retired from teaching in 1998. He is still coaching, single, and enjoying time with 4 grandchildren.

Norman Bernstein `66 (Philadelphia, PA) writes: “Thank you Adams State College for giving me the opportunity to acquire the tools to do a very important job. Although there were times when teaching was difficult, I always found the job satisfactory and always believed that I was doing something important. After 33 years of teaching I can honestly say I found a niche for myself. I’m retired now, but the satisfaction of teaching and the opportunity to touch so many young people will be a continuous reminder that my life was a life well spent.”

Paul Morley `66 (Del Mar, CA) was married on March 27 to Christine Martin. They are both avid bicyclists and met three years ago on a San Diego Bicycle Club ride.

They enjoy travel.

Joan Perry `67 (Fairfax, VA) completed her 42year career with the National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the federal government, in January. The agency recruited on campus and she joined after graduation, enjoying a full and successful career.

Chuck Dalpiaz `68 & Mary O’Leary Dalpiaz `70, `75 (Cedaredge, CO) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August 2009. Mary taught school in North Conejos, Alamosa, Lake County, La

alumnotes

great stories Civil War expert Gary Gallagher `72 (Charlottesville, VA) was awarded the Cavaliers' Distinguished Teaching Professorship for 2010-2011 from the University of Virginia. This Chair is the highest teaching award at the university, recognizing an eminent scholar for outstanding teaching of undergraduates. Professor Gallagher is the 14th holder of this honored and well-deserved professorship. The two-year appointment includes an annual $2,000 research fund.

Gallagher is a prolific author, an invaluable departmental colleague, and a revered teacher. His intensity and elegant style, coupled with his generosity, dazzle and inspire his students. Gallagher says his "enthusiasm is rooted in the complexity of the past that affords endless avenues of fresh explorations."

Junta, and Las Animas and retired from Cherry Creek Schools in Englewood, Colo. Chuck taught school in Alamosa and did home construction and handyman work. They are living in their little corner of the world; Mary says, “Life is beautiful!”

Victoria Romero Hinojos `68 (Colorado Springs, CO) is retired after teaching for 37 years in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas.

She now lives with her husband, Cruz, and her “baby,” Sage, a Maltese-Shih-Tzu mix. They travel and bowl, and she still reads voraciously. Her husband is retired military, and one of their favorite things to do is take military hops to Hawaii or anyplace there is a military base.

Chuck Owsley `68 (Alamosa, CO) and his wife, Becky, retired in 2006 to a life of travel, outdoor activities, part-time residence in South Fork, and especially following the exploits of their five grandkids. They closed the family business, Curtis Bros. Home Furnishings, after 42 years of business. They have always been proud that all three of their kids graduated from ASC: Jeff `86, David `89, and Kathy `89.

Georgann Gomez `69 (Walsenburg, CO) taught in Walsenburg RE I for 34 years and retired in 1999. She has 3 married sons and daughters-in-law and 4 grandchildren.

J. Ted Sanchez `69 (Orange, CA) received his MBA from Pepperdine University. He retired from State Farm Insurance in 2004. His wife, Darlene, retired from Orange County Unified School District. His daughter Carleen is a University of Nebraska professor, and his daughter Shelly is an attorney in Bakersfield, CA. He also has one granddaughter and two grandsons. They live part-time in Placitas, NM.

1970s

Dennis `72 and Nancy `72 Marion (Fort Collins, CO) were married following graduation in the summer of 1972.

Dennis is a commercial real estate appraiser, and Nancy is his administrative assistant. They have two daughters. Kelly is a First Lieutenant in the US Army stationed in Honolulu. Kristi is a second grade teacher in Fort Collins.

Chuck Eaton `73 (Wichita, KS), a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, retired after 20 years as a senior buyer for Boeing Airplane Company. He and his wife, Margie`73, have two married daughters and five grandchildren, all of whom are committed to education.

Tom Reed `73 (Colorado Springs, CO) spent 31 years with Porsche/Audi: 20 years in sales in Denver and 11 years as owner/operator of Reed Imports Porsche, BMW and Audi. Now retired, he enjoys biking. His son is a prosecutor in the DA’s office, and his daughter is a film editor in Denver.

Virginia Elder `70, `90 (Hasty, CO) and her husband travel to see their children and grandchildren as much as possible.

They also belong to an RV group that has six trips each year.

They enjoy card games, travel, and visiting relatives and friends.

Patricia (Gallagher) Gibbs `70 (Greeley, CO) has a grown son and daughter and two grandchildren.

She is a school psychologist in Thompson School District.

Doug Hawk ’70 retired two years ago from his position as communications manager at the Colorado Community College System, a position he held for nine years. He recently discontinued the website he began in 2008, Colorado Higher Ed News. He plans to return to novel writing and freelance writing related to higher education.

Dennis Karalfa `72 (Elizabethtown, PA) served as assistant band director under Dr. Robert Fought as a grad student during the 1971-72 academic year at ASC. He retired in 2003 after teaching public school music for 35 years in in PA. He is currently in his sixth year of church music, having served as organist and/or choir director in eight churches since 1956. He writes, “I’d really enjoy hearing from anybody who played in the concert band or small ensembles that I coached.”

Carleen Theel `73 (Byers, CO) is retired after teaching second and fourth grades in Byers for 37 years. She says, “I will miss students and colleagues, but not the alarm clock!”

Clay Agee `73 (Englewood, CO) and his wife, Diane, have 2 daughters and 1 son, 5 grandkids, and one more on the way.

Redell Reed `74 (Pueblo, CO) taught in Pueblo for nearly 30 years. Now age 88, he volunteers teaching genealogy to adults. He has 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Rick Ince `75 is retired and living in Thornton, CO, with his wife, Judy. He worked for 30 years at Lake County High School in Leadville, CO, as AD, teacher, and coach.

Susie Turner `75 (La Junta, CO) taught 28 years for the La Junta schools and hasn’t slowed down in retirement. She was an assistant softball coach for OJC and now is a fulltime grandma. Her son, Jake, is an art teacher at RFHS. He and his wife, Jessica, are parents to Tayla Bell, age 2 ½. Her daughter, Abby, graduated from UNC and works in Greeley.

Summer 2009 | A-Stater | 25

great stories

1970s Connie (McGuinn) Marvel `75 (Fort Collins, CO) is still teaching in Poudre School District, grades 2 & 3. Her husband, Kim, is director of organizational development for Poudre Valley Health Systems.

Their son Aron recently completed a degree in English (linguistics) at CSU. Son Skylar earned an MA in biomedical engineering from North Carolina State Univ. in 2009.

E. Marvin Utley `75 (Colorado Springs, CO) is retiring from Farmers Insurance after a 26-year career. He’s taking some time off and then starting another career in home inspections for asbestos and lead contamination.

Susan Pieper `75, `76 (Rocky Ford, CO) retired after 20 years of teaching English and journalism at Rocky Ford H.S. Answering the call of journalism (developed as editor of South Coloradan), she went into reporting and retired as editor of Rocky Ford Daily Gazette after ten years. She is expecting her first grandchild in August.

Gary Neamon '76, ‘93 is alive and well and living in Monte Vista, CO. The Fall ‘09 edition of the A-Stater erroneously listed him as deceased. Editor’s Note: we deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

Jo Kissinger `77 (Aurora, CO) is enjoying life and continues to sub and coach at Cherry Creek. She finally got back onto skis this winter and had a blast. She writes, “Go Rockies!”

Emma Rae Martinez `77, `78 (San Diego, CA) is a school administrator for San Diego Unified School District. She enjoys returning to Alamosa annually to visit family and friends.

Ted Harrington `78 (Montclair, CA) has worked in retail management, banking, mortgage lending, and custodial work.

For the last 12 years, he’s been in facilities management.

1980s Rick Needham `80 was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Monte Vista, CO, having served as acting head of the department since November. He oversees all operations for the department, which includes ten sworn officers. Needham served with the Alamosa Police Dept. for 26 years, for the past 10 years as sergeant assigned to investigations. He has also taught since 2005 at the Southern Colorado Peace Officer Training Academy at Trinidad State Junior College in Alamosa. He is vice president and a founding member of the Colorado Drug Investigator’s Association.

Mary Elizabeth Van Pelt ‘81 (Alamosa, CO) recently published her book In Silence I Speak, which chronicles her transformative journey

great stories Marguerite Salazar `75, `76 (Alamosa) was recently appointed regional director of the

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Region VIII, which includes Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

Since 1989, she has served as executive director of Valley Wide Health Services, begun with a $1.4 million federal grant to serve the needs of the uninsured in clinics located in San Luis, Antonito, and Alamosa.

She also worked with Medicare/Medicaid and the regularly insured. That original effort is now serving 26 clinics across Colorado ranging from La Junta to Cañon City to the San Luis Valley, including migrant and seasonal health care.

During her free time, Salazar grows pumpkins on her 3.5 acre farm in southern Colorado. She and her husband, Arnold Salazar `76, have two children: Ursula and Max. 26 | A-Stater | Summer 2010

The stained glass piece Spirit of the Sun 1000 by Kay Malouff ‘81 was juried into a gallery which then sent it to CBS for inclusion in the CBS Sunday Morning "Sun Art Library." The piece was featured on the show Easter Sunday and remains in the permanent collection for use at any time. through psychiatric illness and a life of recovery. She also explores the differences between publicly funded, community mental health and private health care. For more about her book, go to www.InSilenceISpeak.com.

Van Pelt donated copies of her book to the Neilsen Library, Southern Peaks Library and Alamosa High School.

Randy Cooper `82 (Fruita, CO) writes, “Yep, the years have gone by, and it is time to retire.”

Tom Motz `82 (Grand Junction, CO) and his wife, Kristy, are now empty nesters with three kids in college: daughter Gretchen graduates from ASC in 2011. Tom continues his 20-year family medicine career but has stopped delivering babies. He is looking forward to traveling and seeing his kids. He writes, “I highly recommend attending the alumni gatherings in your town.”

Dr. Martin Munoz `84 is an associate professor at Regis University in Denver, where he received the Teaching Excellence Award for 2009 from the School of Education and Counseling. He is also completing his last year as a Ignation Scholar and presented at the American Counseling Association Conference in March. He works with various community agencies as a consultant in the mental health field. Dr. Munoz spent 10 years as an associ-

alumnotes

ate professor at the University of Houston before returning to Colorado 2 years ago.

Cindy Herrera `85, `99 (Alamosa, CO) is a school counselor at Alamosa High School. She worked at Alamosa County Dept. of Social Services as an intensive in-home therapist/caseworker for 20 years.

Christy McBee `88,`95,`02 (Alamosa, CO) was selected as the top teacher in the San Luis Valley for 2010. She teaches 2nd and 3rd grades at Boyd Elementary and has 21 years experience in the Alamosa district. She completed her principal internship at Boyd Elementary, and will serve as principal there this coming year.

Jonathan Lipp `89 (Fort Collins, CO) is a hotel associate.

1990s Liane “Buffie” McFadyen `91, `93 (Pueblo West, CO) finished her eighth and final year in the Colorado State Legislature. Her final year was spent as chairman of the House Transportation and Energy committee and also Speaker Pro Tempore. Her son, Jack, is 11 and daughter, Andrea, is 1.

They live together with her life partner, Troy Manchego.

Brenda Trujillo `90 (Pueblo, CO) is looking forward to summer. Her son, Dalton, will start ninth grade next year and her daughter, Briana, will begin middle school in sixth grade.

Dianne Hanisch `90, `02 (Walsenburg, CO) retired from Huerfano Schools in 2009. She continues with acrylic and wood pieces. She organizes youth art workshops through the Spanish Peaks Library and gives adult watercolor classes. She enjoyed painting across the UK three years ago.

Christian DeVries `91, `93 finished his 12th year with the University of Minnesota, Morris as the men's soccer coach, with his team winning the UMAC Championship. In March he became Head Women's Soccer Coach for Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL. He would love to hear from anyone living on the Gulf Coast at cdevries@shc.edu.

Michael Scarbrough `91 relocated to Greenfield, WI, to become IT senior audit manager with Marshall & Ilsley Bank in downtown Milwaukee. He manages business intelligence/ data analysis support and technology activities within their internal audit department.

Brian Ackerman `92 (Monte Vista, CO) recently moved back to the SLV after spending 7 years in the great state of Alaska. He writes: “I'm happy to be back closer to family and working as the controller of Alta Fuels in Alamosa.”

Travis Horton `92 (Parachute, CO) has lived in Battlement Mesa/Parachute, CO for most of his career with the Department of Corrections. He and his wife, Renee, have two girls and two beautiful grandkids, along with a wonderful step-granddaughter.

Bradley Janey `94 is on faculty at Marywood University in Scranton, PA. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for travel and research at Tomsk State University, in the southwest of Siberian Federal District of Russia. This award will allow him to live there for most of the fall semester, as he collaborates with local students and faculty to conduct research on men

and masculinity in that region.

Tom Dodd `95 (Fort Collins, CO) finished his fifth year as principal of Lesher Middle School, an IB World School. His wife, Amy, is a physical therapist at Poudre Valley Hospital, and they have two daughters, Riley (7) and Chloe (3). He writes: “I really enjoyed attending the RMAC/West Regional Wrestling Championships at Plachy Hall back in February. It’s great to see ASC is still producing RMAC champions and All-Americans. I reconnected with current and former coaches like Jason Ramstetter, Jared Deaguero, and Rich Straub and former All-Americans like Dennis Friedland, Jimmy Plane, Tommy Trujillo, and Chris Cargill.”

Beverly Maestas ’96, ’03 (Alamosa, CO) was recently appointed superintendent of Centennial School District R-1 in San Luis. For the past four years, she served as principal of the 200-student K-12 school, of which she is a graduate.

Kathleen Kelly `98 recently moved to Santa Ana, CA, where she is director of alumni relations at Mater Dei High

great stories Moving from linebacker to professor is rare and defies social expectations, but Tom Bruscino ’99 does not easily fit a social stereotype. He's a hard-hitting scholar, in the manner he once played football. Bruscino recently published his much revised doctoral dissertation, A Nation Forged in War: How World War II Taught Americans to Get Along, published

by University of Tennessee Press. Bruscino's book details how the necessity of building an army of millions transformed regional, religious, and ethnically diverse people into "G.I.s" who saw themselves as Americans, fighting for a common cause. In April Bruscino delivered a scholTom Bruscino (right) presents a copy of arly paper at the annual meeting of the Or- his recent book to Dr. Ed Crowther, chair ganization of American Historians in of the history department.

Washington, D. C., which like his book, explored the tortured terrain of race and racism in the U.S., when Americans were supposedly united in fighting the Fuhrer.

His scholarship led Bruscino to his current job as an assistant professor of military history at the US Army School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Bruscino earned his Ph.D. at Ohio University. Tom lives in Lansing, KS, with his wife, Terrie Overmyer '99, and their three children: Dominic, Anthony, and Mariana.

Summer 2010 | A-Stater | 27

1990s School. She also helps with the girls basketball team. It was a great year for the Monarchs: 32-1 CIF and CA State Champions. They are a USA Today #1 ranked team.

Philip Lopez ‘04 recently moved to Denver for a position with the law firm White & Jankowski, which specializes in water law.

Previously, he was an associate with the Alamosa firm Lester, Sigmond, Rooney & Schwiesow.

2000s Stephanie Fees `01 (Grand Junction, CO) has been counseling at CEC (Counseling and Education Center) for the last two years, after retiring from 35 years of nursing.

Susan Likens `01 (Delta, CO) received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 2009 from Walden University. She currently provides geriatric counseling under supervision in several long-term care facilities in a three-county area of Western Colorado (Mesa, Delta, Montrose).

Jeff Payne `01 (Westminster, CO) and his wife, Sheena, have two children: Brody, 2, and Haidyn, 10 months. He is an agency owner with Farmers Insurance.

Timothy Jefferson II `03 (Lake Elsinore, CA) is a chemist for Abbott Laboratories while preparing for pharmacy school.

Susanna Mitchell `02 (Granada, CO) is a first grade teacher and gifted and talented coordinator at Washington Elementary. Her daughters are Gracie, 10, and Isabelle, 4.

Lindsey Eagan `03 recently bought her first home in her hometown of Albuquerque, NM. She lives with her cat, 2 dogs, and (now) 6 elephants! She has worked as a zookeeper at the Rio Grande Zoo which is part of the ABQ BioPark for the last 3 years. She works with Asian elephants and writes: “On September 2, 28 | A-Stater | Summer 2010

2009, we celebrated the birth of the first elephant born at the BioPark in 16 years. She is a beautiful, healthy little girl, and life couldn't be crazier!”

Jacque `04 and James `05 Nason (Denver, CO) were married in May 2008. James is working at Konica Minolta and opened up his own business called TopTech IT Solutions.

Jacque is a senior associate at Hein & Associates and has obtained her CPA License.

Chelsea Schraeder `05 (Fort Morgan, CO) is taking a few years off from elementary school teaching to raise her two beautiful daughters. Her husband works at a local power plant with Xcel Energy.

Pat Wiebers `06 is retiring after 30 years. She taught in Holyoke, CO, for 11 years, following two years in Ovid, two years in Nebraska, and 15 years in Yuma. For many years, Wiebers has given her time before, during, and after the normal school day, showing her immense dedication to her students’ education. Now newly retired, she plans to find new ways to fill her days, such as continuing her music in a more personal way, hopefully contributing to church and community events. She also plans to become more involved in the American Diabetes Association and to generally be an active part of the Holyoke community. One of the biggest advantages, she said, will be spending more time with family. Wiebers has 3 children, 4 grandchildren, and another on the way, and she and her husband, Gale, look forward to spending time with all of them.

Megan (Opperman) Bartlett `08 (Byers, CO) is still the choir and band director at Byers High School. In June 2009, she was married to PFC Brandon Bartlett, who is currently serving in Afghanistan with the 994th Engineering unit out of Denver.

Jose Cholula `08 (Garden Grove, CA) enrolled in the Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology at Argosy University in Orange County, CA. He is a social worker, providing services to foster children, and an assistant psychologist working with victims of crime.

Brittany Somers `08 and Matthew Felton `09 (Los Alamos, NM) will marry July 31, 2010. Brittany ran at the 2008 Olympic trials (3000 meter steeplechase). She does web design at the Los Alamos National Lab and is an assistant coach for cross-country & track & field.

Matthew coaches high school track and field and enjoys teaching third graders .

Tasha Spencer `09 (Lamar, CO) works in the Physical Therapy Department at Prowers Medical Center. She is looking forward to many opportunities in the future to utilize her degree. She is looking to apply to DPT school.

Heather Wood `09 (Los Alamos, NM) is developing software applications at the Los Alamos National Lab. She has also been helping coach cross-country and track at the high school. She started working towards her master’s in computer engineering online through Iowa State University.

Terri Koppin `09 (Pueblo, CO) passed the NBCC exam and became a Nationally Certified Counselor.

She is a counselor at Fire for the Nations, a non-profit counseling center.

in memory

in memory Keith Drake `50, `60 (Delta, CO) passed away April 19. He was a member of Delta United Methodist Church. He received a Colorado Lifetime Teaching Certificate in 1951 and began teaching in the Delta School District in 1954, also coaching basketball and track. He worked for the school district for 34 years as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and principal. He was the Delta Junior High principal for 9 years and a Title I director for seven years. He retired in 1987 as assistant superintendent at the District Office. He was past president of Delta Rotary Club and the Delta Chamber of Commerce and was involved in several service organizations.

Foyle K. “Bob” Howerton `60 died March 10. He was an educator for 40 years in three states and enjoyed his career immensely. After college he taught vocational agriculture at Colcord, Okla. and Sargent Schools, where he also served as elementary principal and Superintendent. He was director of the San Luis Valley BOCES in Alamosa and for the Mountain BOCES in Leadville. He served as superintendent in Cortez. After his retirement in Colorado, he served as elementary principal in Kirtland, NM. Following his retirement he became a snowbird in Sun City, AZ. He was active in the Lakeview Methodist Church and enjoyed golfing and time with his family and traveling. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Howerton `64, `71.

Barbara “Bobby Jo” Kees `60, `61 passed away Feb. 28. Bobby Jo taught high school art for many years in both Colorado and California and also performed counseling and psychological testing in Juvenile Corrections Facilities of rural and inner cities of California. Her entire focus was on the education of children, especially the developmentally disabled, learning impaired, and gifted. In her final years, she worked in various community art galleries in Newport, Yachats, Coos Bay, Ferndale, and Fortuna. Painting, jewelry, gardening, and traveling were her hobbies and adventures in her later years. She was extremely knowledgeable, enjoyed her career, had an adventuresome spirit, and enjoyed living life.

Rudy John Duran Sr. `61 & `66, age 70 ( Ignacio, CO) died May 1. An educator and counselor for 43 years, Duran’s first teaching assignment was in Capulin, CO. After his wife's graduation from Adams State the next year, they began their teaching careers in Newcomb. He then taught science in Shiprock and went on to 7 years teaching and coaching basketball and baseball at Ignacio High School. He returned to New Mexico as a guidance counselor and baseball coach at Aztec High School for 5 years. He returned to Shiprock and finished his career as a counselor, and baseball and basketball coach, retiring in 2003. Duran enjoyed playing golf, fly-fishing, skiing and backpacking with his children, grandchildren, and friends. His greatest pleasure in life was helping his students prepare for their careers. He loved being deeply involved in his Christian life with his friends and neighbors. He cherished his time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Hood Duran `62, `70.

Sylvia Joyce Mott Foote `61, age 70, passed away May 28, following a courageous battle with breast cancer. Joyce is survived by her daughter, Stacy Foote `88, and her son, Chris. Joyce enjoyed being a part of the community and volunteered for many civic and community organizations. Her hobbies were gardening and cooking, and she was an avid Adams State sports enthusiast. Her friends and family will remember her for her generosity, kindness, and her fun loving and wonderful sense of humor.

Maxine Weiss `63, age 91, died March 10. She taught for 32 years, including 26 years at Alamosa High School teaching business. She retired in 1978 and cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and family; she grew fond of the little trips to Creede with her husband,

Myron L. Clayton `61, `68, age 75, died April 17. He worked at Adams State College from 1961 to 1991, when he retired as Vice President of Business Affairs. Myron loved his family and was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. His many hobbies included golfing, fishing, camping, skiing, hunting, and 4-wheeling in the Canyonlands. He is survived by his loving wife, Joanne `61; his daughter, Beverly (Michael) Morgan `83,. and his son, Stephen (Kathie) Clayton of Lakewood. He was preceded in death by his son Michael Clayton `86.

Tommy. Her hobbies were reading and music, and she took great pride in raising her garden. In her early years she volunteered in numerous business and education associations and most recently was a member of the DP chapter of the PEO and active in the First United Methodist Church in Alamosa. She was also a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Clyde Daniel Hertlein, Jr. `64, age 68, passed away May 6. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attending the Clayton Ward, and a member of the Spokane Tribe of Indians. He was a former Chairman of the Board of the Spokane Indian Center, a field representative for Social Security in Spokane, served on the Board for Planned Parenthood, and was a bus driver for the Deer Park School District. Clyde was an avid model car collector.

Lyman R. Echola `65, age 74, died April 21. He left home at age 15 and joined the U.S. Air Force, serving as a military policeman from 1951 until 1955. He was initially stationed at Lackland AFB in Texas and traveled to Morocco and Germany during his tour. Once he was honorably discharged, he took full advantage of his GI education benefit and began his life-long quest for knowledge. Lyman worked in some type of teaching capacity throughout his entire life and was awarded Teacher of the Year by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. He taught geography at a number of universities, including the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Upon retirement, he began focusing on teaching English as a second language. He also taught (initially through World Teach with Harvard University and then independently) in Latacunga, Ecuador, at both the civilian and military universities. Lyman enjoyed travel, carving, carpentry, blacksmithing, ballroom dancing, broom making, and photography.

Velma J. Robertson `65, age 88, passed away Feb. 23. She received her MA from Eastern New Mexico University and was a gifted elementary school teacher. She taught adult Sunday school for many years and was a longtime member of Oakwood Baptist Church.

Gertrude "Trudy" Wallace `68, age 95, passed away April 15. She graduated from University of Illinois in 1942 with a bachelor's degree in home economics and began her teaching career in Minier, Ill. She returned to Colorado in 1946, teaching home economics at La Junta High School and later the 3rd grade at Cheraw School. She earned her master's degree at Adams State and retired from teaching in 1976. She had fond memories of her many students and always enjoyed visiting them in later years. Trudy was a member of the United Methodist Church in Cheraw and active in many church programs, including Willing Workers and Sunday school, where she taught for many years. She also made flower arrangements for almost every Sunday service from 1955 until she moved from Cheraw to La Junta in 2001. Her favorite hobbies in-

Summer 2010 | A-Stater | 29

in memory Well-known Western artist William Taylor Moyers `39 (Albuquerque, NM), died May 3 at the age of 94. He was named the college’s Outstanding Alumnus in 1963, and in 1992 received an honorary doctorate from ASC along with his wife, Neva (Anderson) `38, who preceded him in death in 2006. Adams State’s Luther Bean Museum holds a collection of 12 Moyers bronzes depicting cowboy life, 5 of his paintings, and a collection of children's books which he illustrated.

Moyers’ life-size bronze Wind and Rain, which pays tribute to the San Luis Valley cowboy, was installed in front of Richardson Hall on campus in 1992.

He created the bronze Buffalo Chant for the ASC Foundation, which presents it each year to the Willis Fassett Jr. Award recipient. Moyers received the award, himself, in 1982.

After earning an art degree from ASC, Moyers attended the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. Prior to World War II, he was employed by Walt Disney studios as an animator, working on such classic films as Fantasia. After serving as a U.S. Army Signal Corps captain in the South Pacific and the Philippines, he began a career as a successful illustrator and author.

Bill and Neva moved to Albuquerque in 1962, where Bill painted and sculpted western subjects full-time. He received numerous awards and recognition for his artwork, beginning with the American Artist award in 1945 for his illustrations for the western novel, The Virginian. He also received numerous awards from the prestigious Cowboy Artists Association, a group for which he served as a longtime member and four-term president.

cluded sewing and gardening. In retirement, she also enjoyed painting and was active in the Fine Arts League and taught art classes in La Junta and competed in numerous art competitions. Her positive outlook and joyful spirit helped her to appreciate the miracles of life every day, in spite of any difficult circumstances that may have come her way.

Loren C. Ridpath `70 passed away May 12. Loren was a locksmith in Colorado Springs for over 30 years. A kind-hearted man who was always willing to help others, he will be greatly missed.

MSgt. Carl A. Bartlett `71 died March 5 following a brief illness. He had 20 years of military service, then taught at the Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding schools in the Gallup, NM, area and public schools in the Grants and Los Lunas areas. Upon retiring from Civil Service in 1980, he and his wife, Lucy, moved to Albuquerque. Carl was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose first love was his family. He was an avid gardener and had a great affinity for books, history, and classical music. He appreciated the great outdoors and spent many summers camping and fishing with friends and family.

Robert E. DeNier `71 died April 12 at age 88. He worked in law enforcement in Durango, then became a special FBI agent stationed in Birmingham, Ala., and New York City before being sent to the Denver office.

From there, the FBI sent him to Durango to start a new office. For 20 years, he was the sole FBI agent in Southwest Colorado, covering everything from the San Luis Valley to the Utah border. After retiring from the FBI in 1974, he was a deputy for the La Plata County Sheriff's Office for several years. And then politics beckoned. DeNier, a Republican, served three terms in the Colorado House of Representatives from 1977 to 1982 and one term in the Colorado Senate from 1987 to 1990. For eight years, DeNier was on the powerful Joint Budget Committee, serving two years as chairman and three as vice-chairman. DeNier also

30 | A-Stater | Summer 2010

Wind and Rain has stood in front of Richardson Hall since 1992, a gift from Moyers and his wife, Neva ‘38. Contributions from San Luis Valley Federal Bank and other private donors also supported the work’s installation.

served as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, 19791982, and of the Senate's Appropriations Committee, 1988-1990.

Sandra Kay King Grindle `71, age 71, died May 17. After being widowed in 1963, Sandra raised her children in Walsenburg and began teaching while working on a master’s in special education and elementary education. She ended her education career in Center. Following retirement, she moved to Nebraska to be closer to her grandchildren. She opened a daycare center in Nebraska City, then moved to Utah, NE, to care for her granddaughters; and moved to Oxford, NE, in 1991. She is survived by her 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Carolyn Craft `72 (Alamosa, CO) age 63, passed away May 19. Some of her fondest memories included her educational experiences at Adams State and singing in the college choir, especially the year that the choir went overseas and sang in Russia. She loved playing the cello and played for various organizations in the community. Carolyn’s parents, Dr. James (Emeritus Professor of Chemistry) and Irene Craft, preceded her in death.

Bob Mosbaugh `73, `79 died June 5 at age 62. He was suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease and advocated for ALS awareness. Mosbaugh moved to Frisco in 1979 with his wife, Lynne, whom he met while working as a ski patrolman at Wolf Creek Ski Area in the 1970s. Throughout his tenure in Frisco, Mosbaugh worked for Copper Mountain Resort and then for 18 years with the Summit County Ambulance Service. He mentored many medical personnel, and he saved many lives. Retiring in 2008, he continued to enjoy hiking, biking, and skiing with his wife and their friends. He was an avid outdoorsman and graduated from Wyoming's National Outdoor Leadership School.

Eleanor Patten `78 passed away June 7. A teacher, she was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and helped start Tiny Treasures Preschool, as well as Trinity Lutheran School in Alamosa. She enjoyed can-

in memory

ning, quilting, traveling, outdoor activities, her church, and tutoring children in reading. She was the church organist from 1990 to 2005.

She is survived by her husband, 2 daughters, 4 stepdaughters, 2 stepsons, 13 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

Melvin Andrew Smith `78, age 63, died March 3, 2010. He began his high school teaching career in Ridgeway in 1971, then moved to Colorado Springs and taught history at Palmer High School. In 1973, he began a 30-year teaching and coaching career at Florence High School, where he was selected as Teacher of the Year in 2001. He served as head wrestling, assistant football, baseball, and track and field coach, as well as Athletic Director. He also served for 20 years on the CHSAA wrestling committee. In 1995, he was inducted into the Fort Lewis College Athletic Hall of Fame, in recognition of his two-year participation in the NAIA National Collegiate Wrestling Championships. In addition, he is the only four-time state place winner in wrestling from Olathe High School. While obtaining his master’s degree at Adams, he served as assistant wrestling coach in 1972-73. Smith served as a Sergeant First Class in the Colorado National Guard for 20 years.

Patricia Ann (Dutton) Carr `79, `80 passed away June 17 as the result of a motorcycle accident. She was a school counselor with middle and high school students in the Weld County School District, where she worked for the past three years. She previously worked at the La Junta Middle School for 15 years. Ann began her career at San Juan College in Farmington, where she worked with college students in many different activities. She was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing, hiking, camping, and many other outdoor activities.

She was always very active taking care of her special grandson. Ann was also very accomplished in cross stitch embroidery and completed many outstanding projects.

William Meriwether `87, `88 died at his Glenwood Springs home June 1 at age 65, having suffered from bone cancer. He took an estimated 20,000 black-and-white photographs of Western landscapes and died just three days before a retrospective of his work was to be shown at Colorado Mountain College. Meriwether traversed Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, taking photos of homesteads, adobe houses, chapels, cattle, rocks, trees, and grasslands. He taught at Adams State and Colorado Mountain College.

Dennis Kitterman `90 passed away Nov. 26 from a heart attack. While a student, he managed the college radio station and worked as a DJ on KGIW. He later was associated with public radio in Ft. Collins, Vail, and Alamosa. A move to Phoenix found him in local area stations, KZON and KUPD. At the time of his death, he was the Marketing and Communication Director for the National Council for Prescription Drugs. Dennis left behind the light of his life—his son Ellis, age 12.

friends Roland Wick Sr., ASC Emeritus Professor of Business, passed away May 31. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Wick `58, `60, his son, Roland Wick, Jr. `69, `70, `84, daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Wick `70, and two grandchildren. The defining moment of Wick’s life came on a cold day in March, entering Germany along the French border with the 3rd Infantry Division, 15th Infantry Regiment. He was wounded in Germany when a shell landed near him; he ended up losing his left leg and almost lost his right arm. He earned a Bronze Campaign Star and a Purple Heart. This one moment in time showed his character. He never complained and was amazingly cheerful through the whole ordeal. The family moved to California in 1953 and on to Alamosa in 1956, where he created a very strong accounting and business department at Adams State College. He retired from Adams State in 1979 but continued to run the Alamosa Educators Credit Union, which he helped to found in the mid-1950’s. When he retired, Dr. Shirley Fredricks, Dean of the College, called him a gentle and kind man that had dedicated his life to education and supporting students. Wick had a long and wonderful life and achieved more than anyone thought possible.

Cary Lawrence Spannagel `79, age 54, passed away April 4. He is the son of the late Larry Spannagel `53, ASC Emeritus Faculty, and Doris Spannagel `69, `75, `77. Cary was a self-employed entrepreneur, corporate owner, artisan, tutor, and consultant. He loved to work with wood, especially bristlecone pine, and created a niche for Bristle Cone Pine Co. Inc., incorporating family values as part of their core values and beliefs. He was an outdoorsman and loved to go to the SLV’s high altitude mountains. He enjoyed family gatherings, fishing with his friends and family, auto repair, drawing and sketching, music, his wood shop, and instructing his children on wood basics, simple auto repair, musicart, etc. His most influential teacher, his father, taught him to use his hands and mind to Virgil I. Hoff (Marshall, MN) died Jan. 10 at the age of earn a living. He taught wood shop and auto95. He was Emeritus Professor of English and former motive for Greensburg H.S. in Kansas from chair of the Division of Humanities at Adams State.

1978 to 1981, was a partner of Spancraft Co., industrial arts teacher for Sanford HS, and He attended the University of Northern Colorado, founder and shareholder of Bristle Cone Pine, earning a BA and MA in English in 1936 and 1961, reInc. Patricia Elise (Otts) Thompson `84, `85, age 51, passed away surrounded by her loved ones at her home March 6. Pattie attend Medical Technology School at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Denver. She worked at Presbyterian St. Luke’s for 23 years, until she was diagnosed with cancer in June 2009. She enjoyed a simple, quiet country life, buying a home in Parker with plenty of room for her horses and other pets. Her hobbies included camping, gardening, baking, and crafts like sewing, making greeting cards and working with stained glass and jewelry.

spectively. He taught in Colorado secondary schools for 18 years, then joined the ASC faculty in 1966, retiring in 1979. Specializing in Chaucer and Shakespeare, he was named an outstanding professor at ASC in 1970.

He organized an Honors English program at ASC and authored The Theme Writer’s Handbook. His poetry was published in the National Poetry Anthology and ASC’s Genesis literary magazine.

Hoff served in the Colorado National Guard for 4 years and was a leader in forming the Alamosa Christian Church and the Sunnyside Christian Church in Colorado Springs. He also served as an elder in the Cheyenne Wells Christian Church.

Summer 2010 | A-Stater | 31

ft. collins L-R: Tom Dodd, Lori Laske, Alan Beatty, Jonathan Lipp, Kim and Connie Marvel, Carl Spaulding, Nancy and Dennis Marion, and Gary and Patricia Gibbs.

denver Back L-R: Lori Laske, Obed Jiron, Karlee Werry, Darrel Schraeder, Ian Jackalow, Chelsea Schraeder, Jo Kissinger, Nikki Phelps, Mike Beery, Raylene Kahler, Jacque and James Nason, David Van Pelt, Ellwood Ervin, Robert Eagan, Clayton Agee, Jeff Payne, Ken Barber.

Front L-R: Arnold Gallegos, Sue Gallegos, Barbara Johnston, Chuck Houser, John Fuller, and Jane Barber.

washington, d.c.

Back L-R: David Evans, Lori Laske, Douglas Thomas, Elbert Detweiler, Steve Bokat, Ross Tromans, Richard Chitwood, Jim Mackin. Front L-R: Jennifer Chavez, Maria Valdez, Michele Parchman, Patsy Spier.

32 | A-Stater | Summer 2010

scrapbook

albuquerque (Right) Back L-R: Josh Streeter, Jake Streeter, Nolan Miller, Roy Collins, Matthew Felton. Front L-R: Jeremiah and Tia Butler, Tanya Collins, and Virginia Coindreau.

(Below center) L-R: Jim Woodke, Tom White, Randy Cooper, Rob Hipwood, Kathy Hipwood, Rick Roybal, Doris Watson, and Ken Woodard.

(Below left) L-R: Miguel Carrillo, Elizabeth Ortiz, Dr. Joe Vigil, and Robert Wagoner.

pueblo Back L-R: Tatiana and Prudy Cosyleon, Margaret Trujillo, Bill Pearcy, Buffie McFadyn, Ernest Roybal, Karen Steflik, Bill Crain, Ken Rotolo, Ellie Crain, Tony Steflik and Bill Waters. Middle L-R: Milton Trujillo, Jan Spinuzzi, Lori Laske, Tisha Wyatt, Henry Trujillo, Terri Koppin, Maryann Rotolo, Cathie Graeser, Jane Pearcy, Gloria Santisteven-Feeback, Galen Feeback, and Ricardo Martinez.

Front L-R: Beth Waters, Bernice Trujillo, Julia Fluke, and Brenda Trujillo.

Summer 2010 | A-Stater | 33

grand junction Back L-R: Stephanie Fees, Susan and Don Likens, Barbara Nagoda, Ted and Kay Eyl, Tom and Kristy Motz, Dr. David Svaldi, Mary Dalpiaz, Leonard and Jeannie Shaw, Richard and Jane Cardenas, Charles Dalpiaz, Laura and Robert Glad. Front L-R: Lori Laske, Tom Nagoda, Renee and Travis Horton, Julie and Jim Witt.

san diego L-R: David and Carol Murray, Al Wehe, Lori Laske, Virginia Wehe, Christine and Paul Morley.

los alamos

Back L-R: Heather Wood, Rob and Kathy Hipwood, Syl Williams, Susan Carpenter, Larry Jeffryes, Jennifer Reglien, and Lori Laske. Front L-R: Matthew Felton, Brittany Somers, Fran and John Marvel, Sr, and Shirley Jeffryes.

34 | A-Stater | Spring 2010

la junta Back L-R: Susan Pieper, Sandy Robertson, Susie Turner, Joe Cordo, and Lori Laske. Front L-R: Arthur and Darlene Derbigny, and Jake Martinez.

scrapbook

walsenburg Back L-R: Lori Laske, Dianne Hanisch, Maryann Vigil, Willis Lowther, Jewel Geiger, Georgann Gomez, Ione and George Glumac.

Front L-R: Cathy Mullens, Loyola Litz, Carla Litz, Janet Lowther, and Bertha Ragsdale.

lamar Back L-R: Carol Demas, John Elder, Lori Laske, Lavoy McCorkle, Stan Brinkley, George Demas. Front L-R: Virginia Elder, Susie Mitchell, Kathryn Anderson, Bessy McCorkle, and Tasha Spencer.

orange county

Back L-R: Tim Jefferson, Kathleen Kelly, William Hinz, Ann Crelly, Debra Hinz, Frank Wilson, Alex Schneider, Cynthia Baca, Jennifer Duran, Marianne and Michael Montano, Ted and Darlene Sanchez, Lori Laske, Ted Harrington and Walt Stoufer. Front L-R: Roger Whalen, Lindsay Whalen, Olive Aretz, Augusta Youngblood, Eunice Gould, Norma Bank, Hal Montoya, Richard Bank, Rachel Bennett and Jose Cholula.

Spring 2010 | A-Stater | 35

get latest results & stats www.ascgrizzlies.com

New athletics programs help enrollment growth the grizzly intercollegiate athletics program continues to expand, with men’s and women’s lacrosse, as well as men’s swimming, coming on line this year. This brings varsity teams to ten each for men and women, making ASC more than compliant under genderequity standards. A new synthetic turf soccer/lacrosse field is being created for these teams.

Four new junior varsity teams will also commence this year, broadening the opportunities for student-athletes.

These include men’s and women’s basketball, women’s softball, and women’s volleyball. In addition, the women’s

track and field program will expand, and Adams State will begin a men’s club volleyball team. Men’s golf, men’s soccer, women’s swimming & diving, and an enhanced cheerleading program were initiated in 2009-10 and contributed to

record enrollment at the college last year.

Combined, these new programs will bring the college’s total of student-athletes to 700, according to Director of Athletics Larry Mortensen ’88, ’93.

Soccer & lacrosse coaches bring passion to ASC lacrosse coach builds the sport at many levels

busen played pro soccer

Former professional soccer player and long-time coach Tim Busen has been Jason Lamb is ASC’s new Director of named Adams State College’s men’s socLacrosse. Lamb will oversee both the cer coach. Most recently the head boy’s men’s and women’s Grizzly teams, which and girl’s coach at Perry High School in both begin play in the 2010-11 acaLansing, Mich., he is the first full-time demic year. He has been head men’s coach of the Grizzly program, now in its lacrosse coach for the Brigham Young second year.

University club-level team since 1995.

Busen earned Lansing State Journal "Adams State is tremendously fortuJason Lamb (left) and Tim Busen are exCoach of the Year honors in 2008 and nate in getting Coach Lamb to direct cited to build lacrosse and soccer, re2009 after taking both teams from losthe men's and women's programs," said spectively, at ASC. ing seasons to the top of their leagues.

Director of Athletics Larry Mortensen “The Adams State men’s program and I fit. I’m hoping to ’88, ’93. “We are excited to grow lacrosse at the NCAA Diviget it to that same level in the same way as other teams I’ve sion II level in the West.” worked with. It’s challenging, yet very rewarding, to take Lamb compiled a 213-69 record at BYU and guided his teams that are struggling and to help provide them with the Cougar teams to three Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association tools to compete with league champions,” Busen said. national championships and seven Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Busen is no stranger to the collegiate game, having served Conference crowns. He was also named as the MCLA Naas the Michigan State University men’s club team’s coach and tional Coach of the Year in 2006. as assistant women’s coach at Olivet (Mich.) College, where he Lamb is also experienced with the game on the internahelped turn around a 3-16 program to a 16-3 finish in 1998. tional level, having served as head coach for the USA West During his playing days at Spring Arbor (Mich.) UniverAll-Stars in 2002, 2004, and 2006. sity, Busen was team captain and leading goal scorer, earning He has also been active in growing the sport, serving as a all-America honors as a senior in 1993. He then played proboard member for US Lacrosse from 2001-03 and founding fessionally for the Detroit Wheels, Grand Rapids (Mich.), and Utah County Lacrosse, LLC, a company devoted to creating Wichita (Kan.), all part of the United States International and organizing youth lacrosse leagues. He plans to launch a similar program in the San Luis Valley. Lamb earned his bach- Soccer League.

Busen holds a bachelor’s degree in health, recreation and elor’s degree in Italian from BYU in 1994. sports administration, is completing a “C” license from the United States Soccer Federation, and holds USSF Youth National and NSCAA Goalkeeper Level I licenses.

36 | A-Stater | Summer 2010

sport scenes

Bronze honors achievements of Joe Vigil ‘53, ‘59 ley a perfect trainSan Luis Valley native son, consummate educator, motivaing site for the tor extraordinaire, and friend – Dr. Joe I. Vigil ‘53, ‘59 is all 1968 Olympic those things and more. The man everyone calls "Coach" will be immortalized this November, thanks to the vision and per- Games held in Mexico City, he coached his severance of a group of Adams State College alumni who felt first ASC men's cross counprivileged to be coached, instructed, and inspired by the legtry National Championship endary ASC and USA Olympics coach. in 1971. He proceeded to David "Scotty" Garcia ’64, ’66 headed the Tribute to stun the nation with 10 naCoach Joe I. Vigil Committee, which included former ASC tional titles over the ensuing cross country and track & field athletes. The group has raised 11 years, bringing national funds to erect a life-size bronze statue of Coach Vigil on camand worldwide attention to pus, commissioned to nationally prominent artist/sculptor the college, the San Luis ValEmanuel Martinez.

A special dinner and program is planned for 6:30 p.m., Fri- ley, and Vigil’s training methodology. day, Nov. 12, on the ASC campus (location TBA). The dediWhen Adams State moved cation and unveiling of the statue will be held Saturday, Nov. from the NAIA to the 13, at noon near the new entrance to Rex Stadium.

NCAA-II in 1992, Vigil's Dinner entertainment will be provided by Mariachi San men shocked the running Luis. In addition to Vigil, dinner guest speakers will include world by recording the first ASC President David Svaldi; Cross-Country and Track & (and still only) perfect score in a national championship cross Field Head Coach Damon Martin ’87; Dr. Duane Vandencountry race. The first five runners to cross the finish line busche, former coach at Western State; Dr. Randy Wilber, U.S. Olympic Committee; Deena Kastor, Olympic Marathon were all wearing ASC singlets; each runner was able to reach out and touch his teammate. medalist and representative of USA Track & Field; and Lloyd Vigil's collegiate All Americans and individual national Engen ’87, the former ASC Sports Information Director and champions at ASC soared to almost 500, with an amazing former sports editor for the Valley Courier. Other speakers graduation rate of 95 percent. When Vigil closed the collewho will appear via video include Joe Newton, the most sucgiate chapter of his coaching career, his distance running men cessful high school cross-country coach in U.S.; Dan Greene, had won 15 cross country national titles and 2 indoor track & the most successful high school coach in the south; Jack field national championships.

Hazan, cross-country and track & field coach at Malone ColThe valley also became the training ground for Vigil's elite lege; Fred Finke, long distance chairman of USA Track & runners, as he moved from collegiate to professional and Field; Jim Bevan ‘84, ‘86, Rice University women’s track & field head coach; and Christopher McDougal, best-selling au- Olympic coaching. He returned Olympic Marathon success to America after an absence of some 40 years. He was lead thor of Born to Run. coach for the U.S. Distance Running Team in the 2008 BeiCoach Vigil is one of the most honored coaches and inspijing Olympic Games. rational speakers in America, recognized in 11 halls of fame.

November’s event will give lasting recognition to Vigil’s inHe has compiled an unmatched record of achievement. Born numerable successes for generations to come. in Antonito and schooled in Alamosa, he invariably speaks with pride of his roots in the Valley. He earned bachelor's and

By Lloyd Engen ‘87 master’s degrees at ASC, where ironically he was named to the All Conference Football Team as a lineman. He earned reserve your dinner tickets his doctorate from the University of Nov. 12 dinner tickets: $40 each New Mexico.

Call the ASC Foundation: 800-824-6494, ext. 7609 Coach Vigil journeyed on a tireless Tax deductible contributions to support the Vigil statue installation may be sent and quest for ways to achieve excellence in made payable to: Tribute to Coach Vigil, Adams State College Foundation, every endeavor of life. After playing a Alamosa, CO 81102. major role in making ASC and the ValSpring 2010 | A-Stater | 37

Lovato a heavy hitter Grizzly softball had another strong season, 16-22 over all; 15-21 RMAC. Two pairs of sisters, the Lovatos and Lindquists, led the effort. Freshman Katelyn Lovato (left) recorded a hit in every game en-route to First Team Daktronics, Inc., All- America honors.

Also named RMAC Freshman of the Year, Katelyn Lovato recorded an impressive .523 batting average, the highest of any player in the conference since former ASC great Amy Tjaarda in 1993. She is only the third Grizzly to earn AllAmerica honors in the program’s history.

Jaycee Lovato and Rebecca Lindquist, who each hit 12 home runs while ranking amongst RMAC leaders in several categories, also joined the First Team All-RMAC squad. Academic All-RMAC accolades also went to Academic All-American Jaycee Lovato, Sarah Lindquist, and Lizzy Schossow.

Lindquist led the Grizzlies’ pitching staff with nine wins.

New coaches to reinvigorate men’s b-ball & golf wilson knows success Adams State College’s new head men’s basketball coach is Louis Wilson, most recently the associate head coach at NCAA Division I California State University-Northridge, following successful coaching tenures at Idaho State University, Southern Utah University, and at Anchorage, Alaska’s East H.S., where he was a standout player.

Louis Wilson “I’m excited to get going and to quickly develop a championship culture throughout the program,” Wilson said. “It is our goal to defend at a high level while playing fast, smart, and together on the offensive end.”

Wilson was promoted to the associate head coaching position at CSUN in the summer of 2009, after helping guide the Matadors to a 2008-09 Big West Conference regular season, the 2009 Big West Tournament championship, and an ensuing NCAA Tournament berth. Wilson also served as the program’s academic coordinator.

Before entering the collegiate coaching ranks, Wilson served as the assistant coach at East High School in Anchorage, Alaska. During Wilson’s 1988-92 coaching tenure, the team went a combined 81-22, winning a pair of Alaska state titles.

As a student, Wilson took his basketball and leadership skills to Trenton (Mo.) Junior College (now North Central Missouri College), then to William Jewell (Mo.) College, 38 | A-Stater | Summer 2010

from which he earned a degree in public relations in 1992.

palermo had pga internship Justin Palermo is the new Adams State College men’s golf coach, after wrapping up a 3-year tenure as the assistant girls’ golf coach at Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs.

Recently elected a Class A member of the Professional Golf Association, Justin Palermo Palermo also served as an assistant coach at Division I Michigan State University in the fall of 2008 while completing an internship as part of the nationallyknown PGA golf management program at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. The squad won the Spartan Invitational and combined for three tournament individual titles.

Palermo graduated from UCCS in 2009 with a degree in business marketing and a professional golf management emphasis.

A native of Fresno, Calif., Palermo played high school golf for the Buchanan Bears and won the conference championship as a senior in 2002. He then attended Fresno City College and played for the Rams for two seasons, winning the Central Valley Conference Championship in 2005 while helping lead the squad to a fifth place finish at the state level.

The Grizzly men’s golf team recently completed their first season back after a 4-year hiatus and had two individual tournament championships throughout the 2009-10 campaign.

sport scenes

Grizzlies on track with nat’l wins senior reuben mwei (right) successfully defended his NCAA Division II National Championship in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and placed third in the 5,000 meters, as he led the Grizzly men to a fourth place finish at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships. The Grizzlies, who have finished in the top five of the meet an impressive seven straight times, also received seventh place finishes from Luke Cragg in both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters and scored 13 points in the 1,500 meters as Ryan McNiff, Drew Graham, and Keegan Calmes all earned All-American honors.

Mwei, who twice broke an 18-year old school record earlier in the season, completed his Grizzly career with an impressive 11 All-America certificates and three individual national championships. freshman alicia nelson (left) won the 3,000-meter steeplechase in an NCAA Division II Championship and school-record time of 10 minutes, 11.48 seconds, as she led the Adams State College women to another strong eighth place finish in the team standings. Sophomore Indira Spence also scored big points for the Grizzlies after placing second in the 100-meter hurdles and fourth in the 200 meters. Sophomore Cassie Mitchell also earned all-America honors with an eighth place finish in the steeplechase.

The Grizzly women also won a seventh straight RMAC outdoor title, as Spence earned RMAC and U.S. Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association Central Region Track Athlete of the Year honors after winning three individual titles at the conference championships. Jessica Adams, Ashley Quintana, Lindsey Grasmick, Nelson, and Amanda Doyle – who broke the RMAC heptathlon record – also won conference individual titles, while the Grizzlies tasted victory in both the 4X100 and 4X400-meter relays.

new bennies for grizzly club members Those who join the Grizzly Club this year will have the opportunity to purchase reserved football season tickets, as well as the option to choose their own seat for all five home football games for just $75 per seat. Each year, Grizzly Club contributions raise $130,000 towards grant-in-aid scholarships for student-athletes.

Membership levels range from $200 to $1,000 and above.

Benefits include all-sport and recreation passes, parking passes, promotional gifts, invitations to social functions. and a gift certificate to the ASC Bookstore.

To obtain a membership forms, please contact Dianne Lee at diannelee@adams.edu, 719-587-7401, or go to the Grizzlies’ website: www.ascgrizzlies.com.

where are you now?

All past Adams State College student-athletes and coaches are asked to visit the new “Alumni, Where are you Now?” page at www.ascgrizzlies.com/alumni.asp. Alumni will be asked to fill

out a brief questionnaire of current contact information and recent accomplishments. This information will only be used by the ASC Athletic Department and Alumni Relations office to better inform and promote the many great accomplishments of past ASC student-athletes and coaches.

alumnae volleyball match set for august 28 Volleyball alumnae are invited to compete against coach Lindy Mortensen’s 2010 Grizzly team in the third annual alumnae match at 6 p.m, Saturday, Aug. 28, in Plachy Hall.

All participating alumnae are also welcome to a free brunch at 10:30 a.m. in the Dr. Joe I. Vigil Hall of Fame Room in Plachy Hall. Participants can then attend the Grizzlies’ seasonopening football game at Rex Stadium starting at noon.

The match will be played using the collegiate format of best of 5 sets, the first four of which are to 25 points. The fifth set will still be played to 15 points. All ASC volleyball alumnae interested in playing in the match should contact Mortensen at (719) 587-7456 or by email at lindy_mortensen@adams.edu before August 13.

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best field trip ever: Dr. Rob Benson’s geology students experienced 1.5 billion years of geologic time over the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad’s 64-mile route through the San Juan Mountains. The group also shared scientific insights with other passengers and train docents.