The Maverick Magazine: Fall 2021

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UNHEALED WOUNDS

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THIRTY YEARS OF SUCCESS

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DISTINGUISHED MAVERICKS

CONTENTS

FEATURES

18

One faculty member and select alumni are honored each fall with CMU’s most prestigious awards

19 IN A CLASS ALL HER OWN

Brenda Wilhelm, PhD

20 HEALTHCARE WARRIOR

Deb Bailey, ‘80

21 TURNING SUCCESS INTO SIGNIFICANCE

Doug Sorter, ‘80

22 GRINDING TO SUCCESS

Matt Bodenchuk, ‘09

23 GOING FOR GREATNESS

Alexis Skarda, ‘13

Alumni help launch the world’s largest, private hospital ship

State of the University

Dear Alumni and Friends,

The vibrancy on campus this fall is a testament to the power of a higher education institution bringing people together in community while striving to serve others and change lives along the way. Educating students to go out into the world to be thoughtful, engaged members of their community is a commitment we’ve all made and the world is better for it. How we get there is by being deliberate in our efforts and being purposeful to connect with those around us.

Meaningful relationships are, and always have been, the foundation of this institution. As president, I’m carrying that mission forward and giving it a name. Together, we are CMU, a Human Scale University. You’ll hear me talk a lot about what it means for CMU to operate at a human scale, and you’ll soon read about it in the cover story.

My first fall semester on campus as president has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my professional life. We welcomed nearly 2,000 first-time students to campus, and alumni, parents and community members joined us at the numerous Homecoming and Parents’ Weekend festivities. CMU Cycling won the mountain biking Omnium. We celebrated our fearless first-generation students and our student leaders started the Swipe Out Hunger program to address food scarcity on campus. The CMU Foundation reached a historic milestone as its endowment surpassed $50 million. The CMU Montrose Campus celebrated 30 years of serving students. We are finishing construction on the new St. Mary’s Medical Education Center, which will house the physician assistant and physical and occupational therapy programs, this spring with the help of a $3 million gift from SCL Health St. Mary’s Hospital. Maverick Field became Community Hospital Unity Field after a million-dollar donation from Community Hospital in support of the medical education center. We welcomed a variety of esteemed guests to campus to participate in our Civic Forum discussions. The Department of Health Sciences received a $1 million grant that will help train our region’s future health practitioners through virtual reality technology. The list of accomplishments and feats are long, many of which you can read about in this edition of The Maverick

I’m honored to walk alongside the great people that make up this university and look forward seeing all that comes next.

Best,

FALL 2021 • VOLUME 11.1

Editor

Katlin Birdsall

Art Director

Jeremy Smith

Graphic Design

Lisa Smith

Copy Editor

Laura Bradley • Kelsey Coleman

Videographer and Photographer

Bronson Henriques

Online Maverick

Andrea Keck • Kendra Whitfield

President

John Marshall

Director of Alumni Relations

Jared Meier

Board of Trustees

Ray Anilionis • Kelly Brough

Lori Buck • Ron Davis • David Foster

Allison Griffin, Chair

Kasia Iwaniczko MacLeod

Amy Lentz, Vice-Chair • Stephanie Motter

Daniel Ramos • Alex Sánchez

Tim Casey, FacultyTrustee

Aaron Reed, Student Trustee

Copyright © 2021

All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission is strictly prohibited.

Colorado Mesa University

1100 North Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501-3122

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The Maverick magazine is printed using soy-based inks. Our printer meets or exceeds all Federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) standards.

Investiture Ceremony of President John Marshall

John Marshall became the 11th president of Colorado Mesa University on July 1. To celebrate this new era and the important work happening at CMU, the Board of Trustees hosted an Investiture Ceremony for President Marshall on October 22. An investiture is the act or ceremony of formally conferring an honor or rank on a particular person.

At the formal ceremony, President Marshall shared his vision for the university going forward. The ceremony also included an academic processional, music and remarks by distinguished guests.

The Investiture Ceremony was the culmination of a monthlong celebration, The Maverick Momentum Tour. The tour included panel discussions

and events throughout the state. To watch videos of the ceremony and tour events, visit coloradomesa.edu/ maverick-momentum-tour.

Technology: The Future of Agriculture

The question around how technology will influence agriculture in the future will soon be explored by students in a 1,500 square foot greenhouse at Western Colorado Community College. Western Colorado is focused on becoming a national leader in unique agricultural practices that will push the industry forward thanks to a

promising partnership with Violet Gro, a team of innovative thinkers who are developing technologies that will change the way we think about and grow our food.

“This project has the opportunity to truly advance the science of indoor agriculture, which can benefit growers throughout the region and world. That alone is tremendously rewarding, but to get to do it in my hometown, support the local academic and business community, and build on the rich history of Colorado is a real honor,” said Violet Gro Chief of Staff Ali McKenzie.

Cycling Team Pedals to Number One

The CMU Cycling Team earned their second consecutive varsity omnium title at the USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships after battling through mud and snow.

The co-ed team competed in cross-country, short track, dual slalom, downhill and team relay in Durango, Colorado, this past October.

Student-athlete Lauren Lackman also took first place in the Individual Omnium.

Extraordinary Gifts ensure wccc pilots are prepared

On November 5, Western Colorado Community College celebrated two thoughtful contributions to its Aviation Technology program. Local businessman and CMU alumnus Rob Tipping gifted a Piper Super Cub aircraft to the program. When students aren’t training in the aircraft, it will be housed in a

hanger that was gifted by former CMU Foundation Board member Glen McClelland.

President John Marshall joined WCCC students, staff, faculty and community members at the Grand Junction Regional Airport to thank Tipping and McClelland for their generosity. These gifts help support vocational training and are also a good reminder to other donors that the gift of education comes in all shapes, colors and sizes.

Shooting Team Added to Club Sports

sporting and sporting clays. They will train at Cameo Shooting and Education Complex and the Grand Junction Trap Club.

CMU alumna Ashley Teal is the head coach and expects an initial roster of eight to 10 co-ed student-athletes with a goal of growing to 15 or more in the future.

Students Take Notes from the Pros

White House Reporter for the Wall Street Journal Michael Bender and White House Bureau Chief for the Washington Post Ashley Parker came to campus as part of The Maverick Momentum Tour on Oct. 7. They held a guest lecture for political science and mass communication students.

The Shooting Team increases the non-NCAA sanctioned sports at CMU to 22. The team will begin competing immediately with disciplines that involve American skeet, American trap, super

“As a progressive institution, we are always interested in providing students the ability to experience lifelong healthy habits while working toward an academic degree,” said Director of Club Sports Reese Kegans. “Due to our location and high demand of the sport, we felt it was the next best fit for programming in the club sport department at Colorado Mesa.”

Later that afternoon they participated in a panel discussion with President John Marshall and Daily Sentinel Publisher Jay Seaton about the importance of a free press in times of political division. To watch the panel discussion, visit coloradomesa.edu/maverickmomentum-tour/videos . •

UNHEALED WOUNDS

Assistant Professor of Archaeology’s research focuses on uncovering the complicated and emotional history of Indigenous boarding schools

BY KELSEY COLEMAN

John Seebach, PhD, has spent years working to uncover the complicated and emotional history of Indigenous boarding schools across North America by studying a former institution close to home.

In the late 1800s and well into the early 1900s, tens of thousands of Native American children were relocated to boarding schools with the intent to assimilate them, and therefore future generations, into western culture. The Teller Institute in Grand Junction was one of these boarding schools.

“As a North American archaeologist, I’m intensely interested in Native American ways of life. I follow what’s happening across Indian country as well as some of the issues important to Native communities, and one of those is healing generational traumas from these boarding schools,” said Seebach.

In 1926, according to the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, 83% of all Native school-age children in the U.S. were forced into residential schools.

“On the one hand they were educational institutions and they were teaching Native children basic elementary educations,” said Seebach. Yet, the main purpose of the schools, “was to quite literally remove Native culture and Native ways of thinking from these children and replace them with Euro-American ways of seeing the world.”

Through his research and time spent in Washington D.C. looking through national archives, Seebach discovered death notices and archival newspaper clippings reporting 21 children who died while attending the Teller Institute — although there may be many more undocumented deaths.

In 2019, data and aerial photographs led Seebach and a team of cadaver dogs to the specific location of the Teller Institute site, which is currently a facility for the intellectually disabled, where he believed the unmarked graves were located. According to Seebach, the dogs

picked up a scent, but better conditions, further research and more time is needed to put the pieces together.

“I’m so grateful to be in a position where I can help people understand this history and understand the importance of finding these cemeteries and cataloging them, and making sure that all Native nations involved are aware of the cemeteries and who is in them,” he said.

Seebach has been an international spokesperson on the loss of human life and the lasting consequences of residential Indian boarding schools and was recently the first to be recognized as a Human Scale University Champion by CMU President John Marshall.

As part of a group created by the state named the Teller Institute Task Force, Seebach consults those most impacted by the tragic history and works with tribal leaders to determine the most culturally sensitive way to go about such investigations. He is planning another trip to D.C. to view more archives, as he said he has only barely scratched the surface and there is more work to be done. •

Assistant Professor John Seebach, PhD, on the steps of the old superintendent house at the former Teller Institute site in Grand Junction.

TEENAGER EARNS COLLEGE DEGREE

Western Colorado Community College

P-TECH program is a success story

BY KELSEY COLEMAN, ILLUSTRATIONS BY ALLIE ROGERS, CMU VISUAL DESIGN STUDENT

Many high school students dread being asked what the y want to do after graduation. Most of the time they’re still trying to figure it out. A good path for one student might not be the right path for another. That’s why Western Colorado Community College and Mesa County Valley School District 51 teamed up to ensure high school students have options.

It’s been two years since Central High School first piloted the Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools program, also known as P-TECH, and now the two organizations are celebrating its success.

At just 19 years old, Jacob Sturm has a college degree. Before talks of caps, gowns and tassels, the Central High School graduate decided to follow his interests and explore a different kind of pathway to his future.

“I heard that there was an opportunity to get an associate degree in manufacturing, mechanical engineering or welding through Central’s P-TECH program,” said Sturm. “I said, ‘okay how do I make this happen?’”

P-TECH provides students with unique options for their future. For Sturm, his curiosity led him to machining.

“When I think of modern-day machining, I think of an IKEA table. Machining is something that is used in every industry in the United States. It’s strange it’s overlooked as a career because it’s everywhere,” said Sturm. “It’s a job that you can get into with a two-year degree and it’s a good starting wage.”

But Sturm didn’t just fall into the program. He fought for it. Sturm wasn’t a student at Central High

senior year, specifically so he could take the college courses early, at no cost to him. Before that, he was homeschooled.

“I first heard about the P-TECH program from an article in The Daily Sentinel that said it would be starting at Central. I didn’t think much of it since he was homeschooled,” said Leslie Sturm, Jacob’s mother.

But her son didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to earn free college credits, so he enrolled at the public high school. Central High School was the first school in the valley to pilot the program in 2019 and was an early adopter of the state’s grant program.

“The P-TECH program is an incredible opportunity for District 51 students. It opens up doors to new areas of study, provides opportunities

they might not otherwise have and gives them a jump start on their future,” said Cheryl Taylor, District 51 director of college and career readiness. “What comes after high school looks different for everyone and this is just another pathway to help our students succeed.”

“It’s phenomenal and such a neat opportunity that the district and WCCC provide local students this type of education,” said Leslie.

Sturm said it wasn’t easy. He had to work hard and stay focused.

“The classes were so fun. I got really good at using CAD and CAM programs. I got really good at running robotic machines and understanding machines. Your brain is doing all the work instead of a computer so you learn a lot,” said Sturm. “It’s a free degree and it’s a degree in a trade that is going to set people up for a very long time. Those trades are not going away any time soon.”

After graduation, Sturm joined the military and is now a United States Marine. •

Machining is something that is used in every industry in the United States, It’s strange it’s overlooked aS a career because it’s everywhere.

Jacob Sturm, WCCC P-TECH AlumNUS

It’s Phenomenal and such a neat opportunity that the district and WCCC provide local students this type of education.

Leslie Sturm, Jacob’s mother

Jacob Sturm completed his high school education and earned an Associate of Applied Science Manufacturing Technology degree at the same time.

The Montrose Campus celebrates a milestone with students, faculty, staff and community partners who contributed to its success

BY CLOIE SANDLIN

In 1974, Colorado Senator Dan Noble sponsored an amendment to Colorado HB 1200, establishing an education center to provide access to higher education for citizens in Delta, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties. The center came under the auspices of Mesa State College in 1991. Now 30 years later, the CMU Montrose Campus celebrates the milestone with the community that supported its mission and growth.

Today, the CMU Montrose Campus boasts a growing catalog

OF SERVICE

of technical and academic programs and certificates, along with nearly 300 students.

Steve Metheny, who became the campus director last May, has been a Montrose faculty member since it came under the university’s umbrella. He’s seen the campus grow in terms of infrastructure and programs including its advancement from a one-room space in City Hall to its present site at 245 South Cascade Avenue.

Metheny largely credits the campus’ growth to its dynamic relationships with local agencies, including the school district, recreation center, library, hospital, and the City and County of Montrose.

“The Montrose Campus is integrated into the community. There are so many people that truly make the programs

The

happen. We wouldn’t be a viable campus without those partnerships,” said Metheny.

The CMU Montrose Campus has stayed true to its original mission of providing higher education to rural communities and students. By fulfilling this mission to create a better educated workforce, the campus has suported economic development in the region.

Montrose County Commissioner Keith Caddy recognizes the value of this resource firsthand.

“CMU has brought affordable education to Montrose and has allowed citizens the opportunity to further their education without going out of town,” said Caddy.

The Montrose Campus is part of what makes CMU a model of excellence in higher education. It is the only university in Colorado that has a flagship main campus,

Montrose Campus is integrated into the community. There are so many people that truly make the programs happen. We wouldn’t be a viable campus without those partnerships.

Steve Metheny, Montrose Campus Director

a community college division and a satellite campus that offers the type of programs the Montrose Campus

“Many folks in rural communities don’t realize what great opportunities exist here at the Montrose Campus,” said Metheny. “We have summer programs for middle schoolers, career and technical education programs for high school students, as well as trade school programs and essential learning classes to kickstart students toward bachelor’s degree programs at the main campus.”

Campus is as bright as the people of the City of Montrose want it to be.”

The campus formally celebrated its 30th anniversary during the Maverick Momentum Tour on October 14 with President John Marshall, students, faculty, staff, alumni and community supporters. •

Metheny, along with David Reed, a local lawyer and former CMU trustee, are on the Futures Committee, which reports on the future of the university and expanding opportunities at the Montrose Campus that positively impacts both students and the community.

“We’re making sure that we open all the doors to our underserved population and first-generation students, and to make it an all-inclusive university,” said Reed. “I think that the future of the Montrose

Above: Montrose Mayor Doug Glaspell, Montrose County Commissioner Sue Hansen and Colorado State Representative Marc Catlin all spoke at the Montrose Campus’ 30th birthday celebration on October 14.

Below: Students Alicia Hawthorn and Jamie Marsh celebrate with Rowdy. Below left: Montrose Campus Director Steve Metheny and Professional Staff Assistant Tamra Aguirre with Rowdy.

CMU has brought affordable education to Montrose and has allowed citizens the opportunity to further their education without going out of town.

Keith Caddy,

Montrose

County Commissioner

does.

Leaning

CMU’s 11th President John Marshall is strengthening the responsibility a campus has to its students and community

BY KELSEY COLEMAN ILLUSTRATIONS BY ALLIE ROGERS, CMU VISUAL DESIGN STUDENT

An important facet of higher education is that it’s one of the few places where people are given the time and resources to imagine their future and then build it. Colorado Mesa University understands that its responsibility to society spans far beyond books, exams and diplomas. With a bold strategic vision, and the right leader, a healthy campus can elevate its city, its state, its country. Colorado Mesa University’s new president is doing just that by encouraging Mavericks, and the broader community, to lean in.

CMU President John Marshall has spent the first few months

in his new role strengthening the way the campus serves the region. One of those ways has been by understanding the intricacies of today’s world and talking earnestly about these nuanced differences. But creating a thriving, conscious community takes more than talk. It takes hard work and collaboration. Even more than that, Marshall said, humility and vulnerability have to make their way both in and out of the classroom.

“What we’re doing at Colorado Mesa University is we are seeing one another as individuals, not as groups. How we do that is we have to be in relationships with one another,” said Marshall. “We have to be willing to see the

complexities and uniqueness and wonders of every individual on this campus.”

Conversations around important topics like COVID-19 vaccines and climate change are likely to make even the most optimistic person feel like the country is more divided than ever. But to Marshall’s point — put two college students with varying points of view in a room together and something magical happens. They learn to speak openly and honestly; they listen, discuss, question, disagree; and then go to a football game together. But it takes a certain type of environment, a certain kind of leader, to make that happen.

“When we talk about higher education, our aspirations have to be more than someone graduating and getting a job. Our aspirations have to be something around the fact that we are preparing the leaders that are going to take our community, our state, our country into the next generation,” said Marshall.

Since Marshall was appointed president in July 2021, he has invited influential figures across the state onto campus and into the conversation. In September, Colorado State Senator Dominick Moreno was a guest lecturer for a political science class. After the class, he met with CMU first-generation students and campus leaders to hear how they’re making space for discourse on campus, and about the benefits of having diverse voices at the table. Following that conversation, Senator Moreno joined Marshall and two university trustees, Daniel Ramos and Lori Buck, in a Civic Forum roundtable discussion on how CMU is working to bridge the rural/urban divide.

When we talk about higher education... Our aspirations have to be something around the fact that we are preparing the leaders that are going to take our community, our state, our country into the next generation.

John Marshall, colorado mesa University President

Building meaningful relationships between students, faculty, staff and the broader community are the foundation of President John Marshall’s Human Scale University ethos.

“This issue is so important because really it’s about how do you get to know people who have experiences different than your own,” said Moreno during the discussion. “We self-select, we surround ourselves with people who maybe look like us or think like us and the real innovation, the exciting conversations, happen when you associate yourself with people who are fundamentally different than you.” This is one big reason why institutions like Colorado Mesa University are so critically important, added Moreno.

What is prominent in Marshall’s tenure as president thus far is his commitment to building a community that is a scaled model of the world we want to see — a world where the us vs. them mentally has an antidote, and that antidote is achieved through listening, humility, agency and relationships.

Creating meaningful relationships has been the foundation of this institution. It’s that kind of comradery on campus that allows the university to operate at a human scale.

“We have to get to know each other, and a human-scale campus makes that much more attainable,” said Marshall.

Marshall is continuing the work of his predecessors by making strategic decisions that cultivate connections and encourage engagement in the classroom as well as across campus. Examples of this are everywhere: Campus is walkable and residence halls are built for 200 instead of 1,000. And unlike many institutions of higher education, faculty and students know each other by name.

“We have this amazing opportunity as a university to put people with diverse backgrounds in a space with one another where they get to learn and grow together. That’s something,” Marshall said. “We physically create a space that is at a human scale where relationships can thrive.”

College campuses have the opportunity to nurture relationships at a unique time in students’ lives. But it’s not just about the relationships on campus. It is also about the relationships with the community.

“One of our anchors that so many of my predecessors understood is the responsibility this institution has to our community and to our region,” added Marshall. “We have to own the fact that no one is going to fix our problems for us. In western Colorado, if we don’t have enough nurses or physician assistants, we better produce more. If we don’t have our own kids in our own backyard going to college, then we better do something about it.”

The idea of working handin-hand with the broader community is a guiding light for the new president. His goals for the university start with serving the area he lives in, the very place he and his wife, Linde, chose to raise a family in nearly two decades ago.

His hope is to advance the livelihoods of the thousands of people in the community who have some college experience but no degree. To do that, the university provides options outside of the standard fouryear degrees. These pathways exist so Coloradans can pursue specific skills and trades that will allow them to provide for their families while also adding to the region’s economic growth.

...the exciting conversations happen when you associate yourself with people who are fundamentally different than you.

Dominick Moreno, Colorado State Senator

CMU Foundation CEO Robin Brown, Governor Jared Polis and CMU President John Marshall at the Maverick Momentum Tour Littleton alumni reception last October.

“We need the electricians, plumbers, construction tradesman and welders, and not all of those require fouryear degrees. We need to walk alongside our community to provide multiple pathways, and our economy demands it,” he said. “A young person who can see a path to being a proficient welder and opening a welding shop is a meaningful future for that person and this community.”

While we need skilled tradespeople, western Colorado also needs the arts. CMU is a cultural hub for western Colorado with its art exibitions and theatre, music and dance performances.

“The arts bring us together in a way few things do. If both of our kids are in a violin recital, I don’t care whether the person next to me voted for Trump or Biden. We are both enjoying the beauty of that music, and so it’s this sort of social, cultural, political detente where we can come together to remember what unites us as humans,” said Marshall.

Marshall is keeping arts at the forefront of the conversation by bringing key guests to campus to have important conversations with students and faculty. One of the more recent panel discussions included Marshall; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Expert Dwinita Mosby Tyler; Colorado State Representative Leslie Herod; and Theatre Arts Department Head Mo LaMee. They discussed the power of the arts in bridging divides between people.

“It’s an interesting time in history I think, to think about the role that art and the arts play in our communities at a time when I think socially and politically we’ve got so many divides,” said Mosby Tyler. “I think art then becomes that galvanizing force that brings us together; that creates the space for equity and equality to live. It’s the greatest example that I have seen in my lifetime of what to be inclusive really looks like.”

Performing Arts students Isabel Sanchez and Lauren Knight also joined the conversation and shared the powerful influence the arts has on their lives.

“Theatre isn’t just about entertaining the audience, it’s also about sharing stories and painful stories sometimes too. I’ve learned so much about different cultures and different people with different backgrounds by being involved in the performing arts at CMU,” said Knight.

It’s only the beginning of his tenure but Marshall has already strengthened and built new relationships to make big things happen for students, the university and the broader community. Whether it is having the hard but necessary conversation, building up the

To learn more about Marshall’s Human Scale University vision visit CMUnow. coloradomesa.edu/now

arts or bringing a voice to vocational training, Marshall is leading with humility and working to sustain a thriving university at a human scale.

While Marshall is encouraging a community to lean in, he said he’s not at it alone.

“This university is so much bigger than any one person. Every day that I get to be a part of this campus is an honor. I truly don’t take it for granted that I get to work alongside amazing people on this campus. It’s not a responsibility I take lightly. ” •

Every day that I get to be a part of this campus is an honor.

John Marshall, colorado mesa University President

Immersive Education

$1.1 million grant gives students 3D view

BY DEBORAH DAWES

Virtual reality (VR) is not just for fake driving in a fake race on a fake Indianapolis Motor Speedway anymore. It is a powerful training tool in many fields including medicine. And in a soon-to-be learning lab at CMU, VR will take students inside the human body.

A $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) will help equip and staff an anatomical learning lab with VR technology. The lab will be in the new St. Mary’s Medical Education Center scheduled to open on campus in January.

“The VR technology, developed by Colorado-based Perspectus Inc., will help students in all health-related fields, including those in occupational and physical therapy, physician assistant, athletic training, nursing and biology programs,” said Assistant Vice President for Research and Innovation Amy Bronson, EdD, who is also the Physician Assistant Studies Program director.

The grant funds will allow CMU to purchase VR headsets and create lab spaces for student group collaboration during virtual learning experiences. Funds will also cover software, the computers to run it and a lab instructor knowledgeable in both human anatomy and VR.

While researching existing anatomy VR software, Bronson found a shortage of satisfactory options. But then she met Tod Clapp, PhD, assistant professor in Colorado State University’s Department of Biomedical Sciences. His work includes the use of Perspectus’ VR software and other technologies as teaching tools.

CMU will collaborate with Clapp and Perspectus VR to deploy

anatomical software specifically to meet students’ needs.

Perspectus’ software allows users to enter a virtual world where they can manipulate anatomical structures and view them from every angle. Students can “grab” anatomical structures, rotate and enlarge them. Layers of muscle, blood vessels and bones can be added or removed to show their interrelated parts. Users can also upload and manipulate actual patient radiology images, such as MRI or CT scans, to further understand medical diagnoses.

“No matter how accurate a textbook or digital image is, there will always be a loss of understanding when students are shown two-dimensional versions of three-dimensional structures,” said Perspectus Chief Operating Officer Erick Miranda. “By viewing MRI, CT and 4D CT data sets in a virtual environment students can view images as nature intended and better understand variations in the human anatomy — allowing them to provide better care once in practice.”

The EDA grant is part of a federal program to fund local projects supporting communities impacted by the declining use of coal in energy production. CMU’s 14-county western Colorado service area fits into that category.

“By offering training close by, we will help meet an immediate need of retraining people in coal-affected communities, and we’ll help build career pathways for future healthcare professionals from those communities,” Bronson said. “And we have a goal to take the technology on the road to engage and inspire young students to consider healthcare as a possible profession.” •

MAV MONTH

Colorado Mesa University had a lot to celebrate in October 2021 — The Maverick Momentum Tour, which included events throughout the state and the formal Investiture Ceremony of President John Marshall, Homecoming and Parents’ Weekend.

Distinguished Mavericks

BY NANCY LOFHOLM

Each October, just before the pigskin and parade hoopla of Homecoming weekend kicks into high gear, Colorado Mesa University faculty, alumni and former athletes receive their due as the best-of-the-best.

A Distinguished Faculty member, two Distinguished Alumni and two Hall of Honor athletic inductees are honored at the Victory Dinner. They take their place in the pantheon of dozens of other stand-out professors, professionals and athletes. They are recognized for the exceptional things they have done in the fields of scholastics, business, athletics, humanitarian aid and community service. These honors don’t end with engraved plaques and photos on the walls of hallways.

The accolades are paid forward in the form of scholarships. Distinguished Alumni donate to an annual scholarship that goes to a student chosen by the Distinguished Faculty each year. The amount of that scholarship is symbolic — $1,925. That is the year CMU was established as a junior college. The scholarship rewards current deserving students.

The three awards give the university a chance to highlight exceptional graduates as well as put a spotlight on stand-out faculty members who have helped propel students to noteworthy accomplishments.

DISTINGUISHED FACULTY

This is a peer honor chosen by a secret committee that is put together each year by the faculty senate. The committee is kept confidential so that the award does not become a popularity contest. Recommendations for nominees come from fellow faculty members. The choices are based on erudition, service to the university and the wider community, and teaching skills. It is highly competitive, according to Vice President for

Academic Affairs Kurt Haas, PhD, and is growing as CMU adds more and more outstanding professors.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

The Alumni Association Board of Directors is tasked with choosing two alumni who most deserve the award for their community involvement, their professional accomplishments and their continued association with CMU. Director of Alumni Relations Jared Meier said he feels that the bar is set a little higher every year as alumni hit peak years in their professions. Nominations usually come from friends, family or associates of nominees, but they can also be self-nominated.

HALL OF HONOR

These honorees have demonstrated athletic prowess, but have also distinguished themselves by community involvement. Academic success is also a factor, and can be the tie-breaker in decisions. Student-athletes, coaches and entire teams can receive the honor. Coaches, family members, former teammates and team physicians often submit the nominations. A committee that includes athletes, boosters and community leaders then selects Hall of Honor inductees.

This year’s Distinguished Faculty is Professor of Sociology Brenda Wilhelm, PhD. The Distinguished Alumni are Deb Bailey and Doug Sorter. The Hall of Honorees are Matt Bodenchuk and Alexis Skarda. •

One faculty member and a select handful of alumni are honored each fall with CMU’s most prestigious awards

In a Class All Her Own

Professor of Sociology

Brenda Wilhelm, PhD, earns Distinguished Faculty award

BY HEATHER PORTENIER

Award

Brenda Wilhelm, PhD, is this year’s Distinguished Faculty for her dedication and service to Colorado Mesa University. Wilhelm received dual bachelor’s degrees in sociology and mass communication from the University of Minnesota. She went on to earn her master’s and doctorate in sociology from the University of Arizona, as well as a postdoctoral fellowship at the Population Center of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She’s always loved school and feels that being on a college campus, around the energy of young people all day, is a dream job.

She began her career at CMU as an assistant professor of sociology in August 2000, and 21 years later, Wilhelm believes there is no better place than college to teach a diverse group of students the importance of understanding society and its people.

“I’m the luckiest person in the world to be able to teach sociology at the college level because everything is interesting!”

A shy girl growing up, Wilhelm couldn’t imagine she would ever be up in front of a group of people teaching. In graduate school, she contracted Valley Fever (walking pneumonia) and had to teach her first class. She set the bar low for herself because she was so ill, but her lesson was well received by the class. It was that moment she was hooked.

Brenda Wilhelm, PHD

Hometown: Brookfield, Wisconsin

How many years at CMU: 21

Most memorable book: Freedom Summer, authored by her mentor, Doug McAdam

Favorite place visited: Tucson, Arizona

Hobbies: Hiking and learning to play piano from an app and keyboard

Accomplishments: Her family — she is married with two step kids and two dogs

Favorite class to teach: No favorite, she loves them all

Focusing on undergraduate students, and particularly those not necessarily from privileged backgrounds, is what attracted Wilhelm to CMU. It’s where she felt she could make the most difference.

“I spent much of my career creating, shaping and trying to make this major as useful as possible for students.”

And a rewarding career it has been. Wilhelm has been the sociology program coordinator at CMU since 2011 and has served on numerous committees throughout her tenure including as the faculty trustee. •

Healthcare Warrior

BY

A1980 graduate, Deb Bailey’s list of professional accomplishments in her 41-year medical career reads like an index of life goals.

A Distinguished Alumni recipient, Bailey credits her hometown of Grand Junction for many of her opportunities and successes. The impressive list includes redesigning Mesa County Valley School District 51’s health assistants’ program, being a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), serving as the program director for CMU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice and earning her doctorate as a registered nurse.

She currently is the medical director of Women’s Primary Care at the Veterans Administration in Grand Junction.

“It feeds my soul when a job is done well,” said Bailey.

Bailey embodies her motto that life is a learning experience that has no coincidences. She has gladly welcomed every career transition and has cared for patients at both their first breath of life and the last.

Graduation year: 1980

Hometown: Grand Junction, Colorado

Profession: Doctorate, Registered Nurse

Favorite professor: Marie Eichner, Nursing

Most memorable book: Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

Favorite place visited: Denmark

Life motto: Life is a learning experience that has no coincidences

Hobbies: Rock and mineral hunting and seashell collecting

Accomplishments:

• Redesigned Mesa County Valley School District 51’s health assistants program

• Providing services as a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE)

• Earning her doctorate as a registered nurse

• Being the medical director of Women’s Primary Care at the Veterans Administration in Grand Junction

Bailey is also a rock hunter and seashell collector, who first learned about nursing as a profession from former Mesa State Professor Marie Eichner. Eichner instilled in Bailey a deep love of primary care work, teaching and a belief that healthcare takes a team mentality.

Although Bailey cites Denmark as her favorite place she has visited, she doesn’t seem to be ready for retirement and pursuing global travel anytime soon. She plans to continue her work in healthcare. •

Deb Bailey, ’80, has worked in healthcare for four decades and doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon

SUZANNE BRONSON

Deb Bailey

Award

Turning Success into Significance

Doug Sorter, ’80, gives his time and knowledge to help those around him

BY SUZANNE BRONSON

Award

Grand Junction native and 1980 Mesa State graduate, Doug Sorter had a long and distinguished career as an executive with the United Parcel Service. Instead of retiring to his favorite vacation spot in Barbados, Sorter turned his enthusiasm and attention to detail to STRiVE, where he is now vice president of development.

Sorter thinks the work he does at STRiVE is his greatest accomplishment.

Doug Sorter

Graduation year: 1980

“I am proud of helping many people with developmental disabilities have a more productive and enriched life,” he said.

Every day he is able to put his life motto into practice: Turn

your success into significance. He said he often asks himself, “you may have been successful, but have you made a difference?”

Sorter’s dedication and work ethic began with the Maverick football team and in the classroom under the tutelage of Gene Starbuck in his sociology class. Sorter credits Starbuck for teaching him to be more empathetic.

Hometown: Grand Junction, Colorado

Profession: STRiVE Vice President of Development

Favorite CMU professor: Gene Starbuck, Sociology

Most memorable book: The Vietnam War: An Intimate History by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns

Favorite place visited: Barbados

Life motto: Turn your success into significance

Hobbies: Gardening, hiking and skiing

Accomplishments:

• Founder and president of the Football Chapter of the CMU Alumni Association

• Raised $50,000 for football scholarships

• STRiVE individuals becoming productive employees of Alida’s Fruit Foundation

Starbuck encouraged him to look at situations from another’s point of view, which helped Sorter make more rounded assessments of situations and problem solve. It was also during this time that Sorter developed his love of reading, citing The Vietnam War: An Intimate History by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns as his favorite book.

In addition to his hobbies of gardening, hiking and skiing, Sorter is the founder and president of the CMU Alumni Association Football Chapter. He fosters the connection between football student-athletes and former players and coaches to help raise financial support and scholarships for the current team. Since its formation in July of 2013, Sorter has helped raise more than $50,000. •

Award

Grinding to Success

Matt Bodenchuk, ’09, draws a parallel between athletics, academics and his current entrepreneurial success

BY KRISTEN LUMMIS

Matt Bodenchuk describes himself as a late bloomer.

A three-sport high school athlete, Bodenchuk didn’t focus in on baseball until his junior year when he realized it was the sport he enjoyed most. The summer after high school graduation, Bodenchuk and his grandparents came to an open tryout at Colorado Mesa University.

“CMU intrigued me,” said Bodenchuk. “It’s got the best baseball in the state. I liked the town. I liked the coaching staff. And I essentially walked on.”

Matt Bodenchuk

Graduation year: 2009

Hometown: Boulder, Colorado

But it wasn’t until Bodenchuk’s junior year at CMU that he hit his stride as a shortstop. By the time Bodenchuk was a senior, he was earning All-RMAC and All-American honors and setting all-time CMU career records in RBIs, doubles and total bases.

The major leagues noticed and it appeared Bodenchuk’s career would continue. Then he blew out his elbow. Following his recovery, he blew out his shoulder while trying out for an independent baseball league.

No longer able to pursue his baseball dreams, Bodenchuk turned to his degree in business management and marketing.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, but I knew that I ultimately wanted to work for myself,” he said.

Following graduation, Bodenchuk and his then-girlfriend Leslie Reed, who played softball at CMU, took a multi-month trip to New Zealand. While traveling, they continued to work on an entrepreneurial idea they’d first hatched at CMU.

Development of their product, the Toker Poker, began in 2010 with a product launch in 2013. The Bodenchuk’s company, Lifted Ltd LLC, now has three employees, in addition to Matt and Leslie, and more than $2 million in annual revenue.

Profession: Entrepreneur, Owner of Lifted Ltd LLC

Favorite CMU Professor: Professor of Business Tim Hatten, PhD

Most Memorable Book: With three young kids, The Cat in the Hat

Favorite Place Visited: New Zealand

Life Motto: Be a good person, do the right thing and treat people the way you want to be treated

Hobbies: Spending time with his children and family, skiing, hiking, camping, hunting, anything outdoors, backyard barbecues with family and friends, and attending CU and Broncos football games

Accomplishments: Getting married and having kids, building the business, buying a home

Reflecting on his time at CMU, Bodenchuk draws a parallel between athletics, academics and his current entrepreneurial success.

“It’s all about mindset — which is the same whether you’re going to school or being an athlete,” he said. “You put your head down and grind every day. You have to put in the time and work to make it happen.” •

Going for Greatness

BY KRISTEN LUMMIS

When Alexis Skarda began college, she was all about running. A cross-country and track and field athlete, Skarda was Gunnison-bound following high school. Then she got a message that changed her life.

It was from Guy (Gig) Ledbetter, former CMU cross-country coach, inviting her to CMU. By the end of her campus visit, she was a Maverick.

Running can be hard on the body, rife with painful overuse injuries. A competitive runner since fourth grade, running caught up with Skarda shortly

Alexis skarda

Graduation Year: 2013

Hometown: Boulder, Colorado

Profession: Professional

Mountain Bike Athlete

Favorite CMU Professor: Guy Ledbetter, Kinesiology

Most Memorable Book:

after the fall cross-country season of her freshman year. She was out for the following spring’s track and field competitions.

Despite the injury, Skarda wanted to stay in shape so she pivoted to cycling and joined the CMU Cycling Team for the road biking season.

“A lot of programs wouldn’t let one of their athletes do another sport,” said Skarda. “But Coach Ledbetter let me follow my own path and do what I needed to do.”

After a successful season on her bike, Skarda became a two-sport athlete.

Award

During the five and a half years that Skarda was at CMU, she ran for a total of four years, with a semester off each year to recuperate, and cycled for a total of three years. She won three collegiate national championships in cross-country mountain biking while she earned degrees in adaptive kinesiology and K-12 education.

A two-time NCAA All-American in cross-country and the indoor track and field mile, as well as an NCAA All-American in the outdoor 5000-meter run, Skarda had a stellar career.

But in the end, competitive mountain biking is what stuck. Now she is a professional mountain bike athlete for Santa Cruz Bicycles, and works parttime for Grand Junction-based TowWhee and Spintertainment, both of which have direct ties to mountain biking.

Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi

Favorite Place Visited: Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec

Life Motto: Go for greatness (courtesy of Professor Ledbetter)

Hobbies: Making electronic music

Accomplishments (2021): Won the Breck Epic, the Telluride 100, took 2nd at the Mountain Bike Nationals in Winter Park, won the 2021 Pro XTC series and won gold at the Marathon Mountain Bike Nationals

Skarda missed this year’s Hall of Honorees induction because she was competing and winning gold in the Mountain Bike Marathon National Championships.

“I am really excited to be a part of the Hall of Honorees,” she said. “I want to thank everyone at CMU.” •

Alexis Skarda, ’13, was a two sport student-athlete at CMU and is now a professional athlete

When the Ship Comes In

CMU alumni help lauch the world’s largest, private hospital ship

BY DEBORAH DAWES

The phrase “when your ship comes in” can refer to wealth or success. For Don and Deyon Stephens it’s the latter. Their ship came in Sunday, September 12, when the hospital ship Global Mercy ® arrived in Antwerp, Belgium.

“It was very emotional to see this big ship dock,” said Don. Although he couldn’t attend in person, Don watched the fanfare virtually in real time from western Colorado.

Don, who grew up in Olathe, Colorado, and his wife Deyon, from Grand Junction, met while attending CMU. After working with Youth With A Mission, a nondenominational Christian ministry, and visiting 100-plus countries as missionaries, the couple founded Mercy Ships in 1978.

Providing free healthcare services from its hospital ships, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 developing nations delivering services valued at more than $1 billion while treating more than 2.5 million people.

Measuring approximately 570 feet in length; weighing 37,000 tons; and with six operating rooms, 200 beds, a laboratory, and general outpatient, eye and dental clinics, Global Mercy is the largest, private hospital ship in the world. It is the first of the organization’s ships to be purposely built as a hospital ship as four previous ships, three now retired, were purchased and converted.

While in Belgium, Global Mercy will be equipped and stocked. Forty-two 40-foot containers of medical, surgical, pharmaceutical

and IT equipment will be hoisted on board and unpacked in preparation for its maiden mission to Senegal scheduled for early 2022, Don said.

While in African ports providing needed surgical services to area residents, Mercy Ships also partners with local healthcare professionals and communities.

“Every head of state I’ve ever met with has had the identical question,” Don said. “They ask ‘can you help train our doctors?’”

Many doctors in the African nations that Mercy Ships visits lack the opportunity to specialize and build surgical skills once they complete their medical degrees. Mercy Ships provides hands-on training similar to a surgical residency in the U.S.

Don’s mother’s kindness to Colorado families in need and the charity he witnessed while serving as a missionary inspired his life’s work. He has this advice for today’s students: “Dream big. Focus on your purpose. It doesn’t matter if you start in a cornfield in Olathe what matters is where you finish.” •

Don Stephens, co-founder of Mercy Ships was named a CMU Distinguished Alumni in 2013 and in 2016 he was nominated for the Congressional Gold Medal.

ALUMNI PULSE

Dear CMU Alumni and Friends,

As I sit at my desk on this cold fall evening, I reminisce on all the things I love about CMU and what makes our Mavily truly special. While the list could go on forever, there are three things that stand out to me the most: the people, their passions and their continued commitment to each other.

First and foremost, it’s the people of CMU that make this university great! Yes, it’s the students, faculty and staff that keep our campuses buzzing. But I’m also the referring to the doctors, nurses, artists, musicians, teachers, scientists, athletes and business leaders who embody the Maverick spirit in their personal and professional lives every day.

Fittingly, our homecoming theme this year celebrated just that — The People of CMU! It was so special to see some old faces and make connections with so many other Maverick alumni at this year’s Homecoming festivities. Your passion and pride for our university and its continued success is incredible. With the very first Investiture Ceremony of President John Marshall, Parents’ Weekend and Homecoming events all planned within the same week, the campus was electric! Congratulations

Flashback 1978 to 2021

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD of Directors

2 021-2022

Michael Mankoff, President

Dusti Reimer, President Elect

Troy Nesheim, External Relations

Jennifer Pacheco, Secretary/Treasurer

Phil Pe’a, Past President

Brett Armour

James Arrieta

Katy Basinger

Gussie Boyd

Kelly Britton

Billy Diaz

Jeff Emerson

Kyle Harriman

Jennifer Holdren

Larry Manchester

Aubrey Poulson

Jerry Sheetz

Whittney

Smythe-Smith

Katie Sweet

Tanya Workman

again to this year’s honorees and a huge thank you to Timberline Bank and all of our other sponsors for helping to make Homecoming a big success.

‘Tis the season of giving, and our alumni network continues to demonstrate a culture of support and generosity that is admirable. As you’ll read in the enclosed Annual Report, the legacy of our alumni and friends giving allowed the CMU Foundation to award more than $3.3 million in scholarships in fiscal year 2020-21. That’s a remarkable figure and was made possible by years of generous giving, but the truth is we’re only getting started. As our previous Alumni Association Board President Phil Pe’a always said, “a little from a lot makes plenty.” If you’re a current annual giver, we thank you, but if you’re not we ask you to join us in making an annual gift.

Let me be one of the first to wish you and your families a very happy holiday season!

Go Mavs!

Michael Mankoff, ‘12 Alumni Association Board President

1978 (Left): Then Faculty Senate President Thomas D. Graves, PhD, holds the mace during the 1978 commencement procession. This was the second appearance of this mace in the school’s history and this mace was used until retired in 2021. 2021 (Center): The school’s new mace made its debut during the inaugural Investiture Ceremony of John Marshall on October 22.

(Right): Zachary Frank Villamaria, CMU fine arts and WCCC sustainable agriculture major, was commissioned by the Faculty Senate in 2020 to create a new mace. It was finished in 2021.

Courtesy of Tomlinson Library Special Collections and Archives

MAVS ON THE MOVE

Soccer alumni faced off against the current team during the Soccer Alumni Weekend on October 22-24.

Alumni Kercher triplets, Joey, Shawn and Kelly, with Governor Jared Polis at the Littleton Maverick Momentum Tour event.

The newly formed Ol’ Jimmy Pit Crew poses in front of some classic pumps. L to R: Pat O’Brien, Jim Didier, Cozette Wheeler, Tom Padgett, Terri O’Brien and Jared Meier.

Michael Bacciarini, ‘18, Brenden Ryan, ‘15, Austin Kutcher, ‘17, and Blake Mueller, ‘18, at the Grand Valley Young Alumni Chapter Golf Tournament at Bookcliff Country Club.

Mavericks supporting Mavericks at the annual Donors and Scholars event. L to R: Troy Nesheim, Kyle Harriman, Kendra McDaniel, City Councilman Chuck McDaniel, Michael Mankoff, Phil Pe’a and Shawn Camp.

Trev Ramirez, ‘83, and Alumni Association Board of Director member Katy Basinger, ‘05, at the FRANMAC Trade Show.

2021 WHO’S WHO YOUNG ALUMNI RECIPIENTS

The Who’s Who Young Alumni awards honor graduates from the last 10 years who are under the age of 40. These individuals have distinguished themselves through a high level of professional accomplishments early in their career and have demonstrated a commitment to CMU through volunteering, leadership or contributions.

Amelia Bussell, ‘09

Art Berlanga, ‘09

Art “Coach B” Berlanga has been recognized as an exceptional coach, educator, co-author and motivational speaker. Berlanga has taught both young people and adults for 12 years and coached football for 15 years. He has received numerous awards, including the Golden Whistle Award, Coach of the Year, Leader of the Year for the City of Gonzales, and the Semper Fi Coach Award of Northern California. He earned a Bachelor in English-Literature, Master in Kinesiology-Physical Education and is a certified Les Brown motivational speaker. Berlanga currently resides in Salinas, California, with his wife, Jessica, and their two children, Arthur III and Aimana. He coached at CMU during 2007 and 2008 and remains connected to the football program to this day.

After graduating with honors in biological sciences, Amelia Bussell continued her forensic science education at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). After graduating from VCU, she worked for the State of Texas’ Department of Public Safety. She is currently working as a forensic DNA scientist for the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab. In only eight years in the profession, she’s worked hundreds of cases, which have helped provide investigative information to law enforcement in cases of rape, homicides, burglaries, abductions, human trafficking and theft. She’s collaborated with top forensic scientists from around the world and is a full member of the criminalistics section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Bussell stays involved with CMU by speaking to current students and the FIRS club. She’s also started a scholarship to help aspiring forensic scientists attend professional conferences.

retain certification as an ACT Work Ready Community, in which Mesa County was the first in the state of Colorado. Through his collaborative effort he has tackled workforce development needs in Mesa County with the Grand Junction Area Chamber and received recognition for Excellence in Apprenticeships. As a father of two young children, Englehart and his wife understand the value of childcare. He’s been heavily involved with the Child Care 8000 effort, which is a partnership between CMU, WCCC, the Workforce Center, Early Childhood Council and Mesa County Valley School District 51, to increase childcare resources in Mesa County.

Kelly Johnston, ‘12

Curtis Englehart, ‘08

Curtis Englehart is the director of The Mesa County Workforce Center. Englehart has helped

Kelly Johnston is an entrepreneur, teacher and an all-around community asset. In 2016, Johnston launched Financial Services, LLC, an accounting firm in Grand Junction. She educates businesses in her online and in-person learning platform, in addition to teaching as adjunct faculty at CMU. She is the president of the Freedom & Responsibility Education Enterprise (FREE Foundation), a 501c(3) organization whose mission is to help students and teachers learn financial literacy, entrepreneurship and economics in Mesa County. Johnston has served as president of the Mesa County Young Professional’s Network and is currently on the board of the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce and Mesa Taxpayers, Inc. She was instrumental in helping the Young Professionals Network join efforts with the CMU Alumni Association to create the CMU Grand Valley Young Alumni Chapter. •

New Arrivals

CAREER IN NUMBERS

Dave Patterson, ‘79

BY HEATHER PORTENIER

Many students who have attended Colorado Mesa University find their way back in one form or another. Dave Patterson, who graduated in 1979 with a BS in accounting, now sits on the CMU Foundation Board and attends sporting events regularly. His successful career as a certified public accountant took him to three firms before becoming a partner at Soronen, Donley, and Patterson CPAs, where he has worked for 15 years.

Patterson played football for four years while at CMU, and the

1980s

Jeff Rickard,

Jeff Rickard was recently named the brand manager for the sports radio station, 93.7 WEEI, where he will manage content operations at WEEI and its radio network. Jeff has been in sports radio for the majority of his career, working previously as the program director and morning host on the sports station WFNI. He also worked for several years as the host of “Gamenight” on ESPN’s

managing editor and

discipline it took paved the way for Patterson to understand the importance of an education.

“With the physical and mental demands of football, I also had the foresight to get a good degree. Accounting classes required homework every night, which disciplined my study habits,” he said. “I would like to thank CMU for those opportunities — it really shaped my future.”

Although he loved playing football, Patterson’s most memorable moment while in school was meeting his wife, Kathy, a nursing student. They have two daughters and three grandchildren.

He moved away from Grand Junction for a couple of years after college but returned to western Colorado to enjoy the outdoors. Backcountry hiking, camping and fishing at lakes above timberline is how he spends most of his spare time. Patterson reads a lot of outdoor adventure, spiritual and history books.

His business philosophy of providing the best possible accounting services for his clients has bled into his community activism. Throughout the years, Patterson has been very generous in giving to local nonprofits and has served on several boards. •

Sporting News Radio. Jeff graduated in 1986 with a degree in broadcast journalism. He is still an active alumnus and he and his wife recently hosted the CMU Cycling Team while they were in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the national track championship.

Ray McLennan,

Former CMU baseball student-athlete and Fruita High School Wildcats baseball coach, Ray McLennan, is retiring from coaching baseball after 14 years. He played baseball at CMU for three years and after graduating taught at Central High School in Grand Junction for 12 years. Ray became the Wildcats baseball coach in 2007 and he hopes that his coaching philosophy will live on

‘88

‘86

radio station, the

anchor of “Out of Bounds Latenight” on the Comcast Network, and the host of the “Jeff Rickard Show” on

Braden Paul Felberg born Feb. 2 to proud parents Alaina and Rob, ’12, Felberg.

Milo Daigneault born Feb. 2 to proud parents Mishaila, ’19, and Dilan Daigneault.

Taylan Rae Evans born April 1 to proud parents Tawny, ‘15, and Dillon, ‘13, Evans.

Jay Madrigal born March 10 to proud parents Crystal, ‘15, and Alberto, ’17, Madrigal.

Ella Faye Malberg born April 7 to proud parents Mandy, ‘15, and Brian Malberg.

Orion Michael McKinney born on Aug. 19 to proud parents Sean McKinney, ‘06, and Kristin Heumann.

Maddox James Mankoff born March 16 to proud parents Maggie, ’13 & ’18, and Michael, ’12, Mankoff.

Linden Jack Scott born June 1 to proud parents Jesse Scott, ‘05, and Ilana Moir.

BANKING ON THE FUTURE

Tyler Dahl, ‘06

BY HEATHER PORTENIER

Tyler Dahl attributes his banking career to the well-rounded education in finance he received at CMU. Currently the regional manager at Alpine Bank, Dahl graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration and a minor in sport and fitness management.

He then attended the University of Colorado’s Graduate School of Banking, which focused on the community banking industry.

While in school, Dahl applied to the Alpine Bank Officer Trainee Program that he learned about in one of his finance classes.

after his retirement. He hopes people remember him as someone who worked hard every day and had a positive impact on people’s lives.

1990s

Gregory M. Knott, ‘90

Gregory was recently named the president of the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police Inc. Previously, he served as the chief of police for the Basalt Police Department for more than eight years. Gregory graduated from CMU in 1990 with

“Coincidentally, my current boss at Alpine Bank, Mike Burns, another CMU alumnus, came to a business forum on campus and shared information about Alpine’s trainee program,” he said. “Without these initial introductions, I would not be in the position I am in today.”

Dahl was a resident advisor (RA) at Tolman Hall when he met his wife, Jessica, who worked the front desk. They were married in Telluride, Colorado, in 2012 and have three sons.

“Being a Maverick fan is a family affair — both of my brothers and sister-in-laws are CMU alumni,” he said. “My entire family is appreciative of the relationships built while on campus and the education we received at CMU.”

After Dahl graduated, he began working for Alpine Bank in Montrose and recently returned to Grand Junction for his new position.

“Moving back to Grand Junction has been a homecoming of sorts. We have enjoyed running into familiar faces and reminiscing about our CMU days with others. We have attended sporting events with our boys, who are happily growing the Maverick fan base.”

In the 15 years since he left the university, Dahl is amazed at its growth and how unrecognizable it is in comparison to what it was in 2006. He’s excited to see what CMU will look like in 10 years. •

a bachelor’s degree in social and behavioral sciences. He then went on to earn his master’s degree in public administration at CU Denver.

Lani Malmberg, ‘94

Lani is now the co-owner of Goat Green, a company based in Wellington, Colorado, that supplies goats for various jobs across the western United States. She has 1,500 goats that provide a sustainable way to get rid of weeds and improve soil quality by eating through weeded areas and aerating the soil. Lani studied environmental restoration,

Zoe, ‘18, and Casey Sullivan, ‘18, married May 22 in Orchard Mesa, Colorado.

Matt Allen, ‘16, and Nicole Troester, ‘19, married April 8 in Delta, Colorado.

Lauren Kragh, ‘11, and Clint Galorath married July 11 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Brandon Charles, ‘08, and Kendra Cunningham married July 31 in Greeley, Colorado.

Brett Bergman and Bailie Tomlinson, ‘17, married Sept. 24 on the Grand Mesa, Colorado.

Taylor Bruno, ‘18, and Cody Daniels, ‘16, married Oct. 2 in Loma, Colorado.

Kylie Burns, ‘19, and Tyler Heinsma, ‘19, married Aug. 7 in Jackson, Wyoming

INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS Michelle Starke, ‘15

BY SUZANNE BRONSON

Michelle Starke’s dual bachelor’s degrees in graphic design, and mass communication and media studies assisted her well during college and in her international career. While at CMU, Starke was a marketing

intern for CMU’s Marketing and Communications Office. She also produced advertising for Horizon Magazine, a full-color student magazine produced once each semester by CMU students, in addition to her duties as a resident assistant (RA).

“Being an RA was a great experience!” said Starke.

Before graduation, Starke was also employed with Cobb Marketing, a local marketing agency, as a freelance graphic designer. She designed and created marketing materials for clients such as St. Mary’s Hospital, Grand Valley Drainage Authority and Mesa County Valley School District 51.

Starke knew she wanted to travel internationally after graduation and worked to make it happen.

Working mostly remotely, Starke began as a consultant with Leysin American School in Switzerland,

which is about 78 miles from Geneva. As their public relations and marketing manager, Starke used her skills to promote and advertise the school to potential international and European students.

Always education minded, Starke went on to receive her Master of Arts from Ya ar Üniversitesi in 2018. She then took a position with Ermitage International School in Maisons-Laffitte, France, about 15 miles outside of Paris. Starke credits her education in producing effective promotional materials and advertising at CMU for helping her land her latest job as a marketing and communications consultant for the bilingual K-12 day and boarding school.

In addition to starting one of the CMU Alumni Association’s newest chapters, the International Alumni Chapter, Starke and her fiancé, fellow CMU alumnus Connor Weik, will soon marry in her hometown of Pennsburg, Pennsylvania. •

botany and biology while at CMU and went on to earn her master’s degree in weed science. In the past year, she created the Goatapelli Foundation. This non-profit foundation focuses on improving soil quality through goats and reducing the use of herbicides in the environment.

Denise Green, ‘99

This year, Denise Green became the first woman to receive the Grand Junction Lions Club ‘Lion of the Year’. She graduated from CMU with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and mass communication. After graduation, Denise became a small business owner and now works with other small businesses and retirees on financial planning.

2000s

Ryan Whittington, ‘07

Ryan recently became the head football coach at Rifle High School. As a former Rifle High School football player, Ryan is no stranger

to the program. He graduated from CMU with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and played as a quarterback, linebacker and wide receiver during his career on the CMU football team. After graduating, Ryan worked as the defensive backs coach for CMU football and then went on to be an assistant coach at Delta High School for 12 years.

Kim Sanchez, ‘08

Former CMU pitcher, Kim Sanchez, recently became the principal at Dolores Huerta Preparatory High School (DHPH). After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in sports management, she worked at Cesar Chavez Academy and DHPH as a physical education and health teacher and softball coach. During her career on the softball team, she helped lead the team to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Kim worked as the assistant principle and athletic director at DHPH prior to her new position. She is now working to help improve the academic and athletic programs at the high school.

Estrella Woods, ‘08

Estrella recently became the southwest program officer at Great Outdoors Colorado, an independent board that invests in conservation projects with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and local governments across the state. Estrella earned her master’s degree in business administration from CMU after studying language studies at the University of California in Santa Cruz.

2010s

Sammie Trotter-George, ‘10

After living in Snowmass and Carbondale for 10 years, Sammie and her family moved to Rocky Ford, Colorado, to be closer to family. Since then she’s worked in economic development and started a disc golf company. This past July, she took on the role of eastern Colorado regional officer for Great Outdoors Colorado. She oversees 18 counties on the eastern plains and provides guidance and support

MAVERICK TO SHIZUOKA VELTEX

Ryan Stephan, ‘16

BY KATLIN BIRDSALL

Ryan Stephan still finds it hard to call himself a professional basketball player. But he is and has been for six seasons in Japan. Basketball has been a part of his life for nearly 20 years from pee wee to professional.

“It was an easy choice,” Stephan said on choosing to become a Maverick. “Grand Junction has everything you need and nothing that you don’t.”

CMU was also a big draw since his dad could attend about 70% of his games in person. His dad would end up watching Stephan earn D2CCA National Player of the Year, rank second in program history with 2,073 points and fourth in program history with 800 rebounds.

Off the court, Stephan quickly realized how good the people of CMU are too. He said his coaches, faculty like Richard Bell, DEd, President Emeritus Tim Foster and then Vice President for Student Services John Marshall all impacted his time at the university.

“A place really is only as good as its people,” he said. “All of these people kept building me up and made me believe that I was somebody.”

After earning his sports management degree, Stephan signed with an agent, moved to Los Angeles, California, and shortly after was offered to play in Japan.

He’s played for four teams including the Excellence, Crane Thunders, Orange Vikings and now the Shizuoka Veltex. He’s moved around Tokyo and lived in Isesaki Gunma and Matsuyama Ehime.

“It’s been a good experience,” he said, but misses living in the United States and looks forward to visiting each year.

This year abroad was a little easier because his wife, Lisa, joined him for the first time. She is an alumna and is currently earning her master’s in family nurse practitioner from CMU.

Stephan’s original goal was to play overseas for five years so he is enjoying any extra time he is able to keep playing the sport he loves.

Looking toward the future, his aspirations include working for the NBA but he is not ruling out planting roots in Grand Junction. •

to partners seeking funding for outdoor recreation projects. She is still the co-owner of Good Day Disc Golf, LLC. Other than finding her in a local gymnasium where she’s officiated high school volleyball for 17 years, you’ll find her and her family adventuring in the outdoors.

Alexis Evans, ‘11

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in dance, Alexis moved to Los Angeles, California, to pursue a career as a professional dancer and choreographer. Working with the Movement Talent Agency, she is now represented as a commercial dancer, actress and athlete. Alexis began her own choreography business, Level Up with Alexis Evans, choreographing sideline dances, games and competition routines for high school dance teams. She is continuing her education in dance at California State University Long Beach to earn a Master of Arts degree. Alexis contributes her involvement in the dance department at CMU with giving her the confidence to move to Los Angeles and pursue her dream career in the dance industry.

Todd Rowell, ‘14

After three years as the Mesa County undersheriff, Todd Rowell was appointed as the new Mesa County sheriff by the Board of Commissioners. He graduated in 2014 and earned an associate degree in criminal justice and a bachelor’s degree in public administration from CMU. During his career, Todd served as president of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Association for six years, received two life-saving medals and numerous other awards.

Colton Pratt, ‘15

Colton is currently working as a freelance actor in Colorado Springs. Along with raising his daughter, Colton prepares auditions for local companies and works on his character development and lines. He graduated from CMU in 2015 with a focus on acting and directing. During his college career, Colton played the memorable roles of Guido Contini in Nine, Tom Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie, Luke in Altar Boyz and Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q. He credits CMU with preparing him to jump right into the professional world

LIFELONG LEARNER

Kevinnie Dreher, ‘16 & ‘18

BY CLOIE SANDLIN

If there was only one thing Kevinnie Dreher learned from her time at CMU, it’s that she can do anything. This lifelong learner from New Iberia, Louisiana, already had a biology

after graduation and thinks the level of professionalism he learned is one of his most beneficial tools.

Reagan Todd, ‘18

Reagan is a Colorado native and former CMU baseball player. He has worked his way up through the Minor League baseball system in the Colorado Rockies organization since being drafted. He was recently promoted to the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes and has been invited to the coveted Major League Baseball Arizona Fall League where he will continue to push for an opportunity to play at Coors Field for the big league club. Reagan is also engaged to be married this coming January to former CMU tennis student-athlete Kylie Simons, ‘19. In addition to the wedding prep and working hard to make it in baseball, Reagan has also put his degree to work by starting a business. It’s called Todd Urich Recruiting, which helps create opportunities for high school athletes to play at the college level through recruiting advisement.

degree when she and her husband, Billy, moved to Fruita so that he could coach high school basketball. That’s when she joined CMU’s nursing program.

“I was thinking of going to medical school but it was all the way in Denver. I went to nursing school and I’m so glad I did!” she said.

Although she decided not to become a doctor, Dreher eventually left the Grand Valley and earned her doctorate in nursing. After the pandemic hit, she did parttime telehealth work as a nurse practitioner before signing on as a travel nurse.

“I fell in love with nursing and learning. Not only is the money phenomenal, but I like getting to know the culture of nursing in every state,” she said. “Nursing is ever-changing. It’s probably the most versatile career you can have.”

Marisa Arrieta, ‘19

Two years after graduating from CMU in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, Marisa started working with the Mesa County Department of Human Services as a child welfare caseworker. Since then, the Grand Junction native has immersed herself in her community, working to reunite families. Marisa’s passion for casework began at a young age and she especially loves her job because she is able to form relationships with the children and families.

Austin Smith, ‘19 Business administration graduate

Austin Smith recently became the assistant vice president of private banking at Timberline Bank. Austin started at Timberline Bank in 2017 and worked as an accounting specialist and business banker before his recent promotion. He has built his career in banking for the past nine years.

At the same time she was pursuing her advanced degrees, Dreher was learning how to run a new business.

“When I first came to Mandeville, Louisiana, in 2016, I didn’t know anyone,” said Dreher. “I posted on one of the newbie groups about how I like long walks on the beach and drinking wine, and wondering if there was a group like that. The next morning I had like 300 comments saying, ‘No, but can you start one?’”

Since 2016, WineWives has grown into a wine brand and community for more than 2,200 women in 16 cities across the country.

“I have never been more proud of something that I have done,” said Dreher, “And I’m grateful for CMU. They gave a whole lot to me and my family. I’m hoping that WineWives can establish a scholarship next year for a nursing student.” •

2020s

Rachel Heurkamp, ‘20

After four years on the CMU Rodeo Team, Rachel competed at the next level in the Colorado Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) this year. Rachel had a very successful year winning and placing at several rodeos across the state. Last October, she qualified for the CPRA Finals in Montrose, Colorado. She ended up third against the top 12 barrel racers in the state and won ‘Rookie of the Year’ honors.

In Memoriam

Thelma Barnes, ‘78; Patricia Darley, ‘87; James Fromm, ‘71; George Gingery, ‘52; Mary Kara, ‘47; David Kuklish, ‘69; Charles Lindquist, ‘76; Tina Massaro, ‘99; Barbara Maurer, ‘64; Clint Maxfield, ‘51; Gladys Miller, ‘59; Wanda Miller, ‘71; Elaine Muldowney, ‘72; James Rooks, ‘61; Jo Watkins, ‘88

CMU’s 11 th President John Marshall is strengthening the responsibility a campus has to its students and community

FEATURES

05

UNHEALED WOUNDS

Assistant Professor of Archaeology’s research focuses on uncovering the complicated and emotional history of Indigenous boarding schools

FEATURES

18

DISTINGUISHED MAVERICKS

One faculty member and select alumni are honored each fall with CMU’s most prestigious awards

BY KELSEY COLEMAN

06

TEENAGER EARNS COLLEGE DEGREE

Western Colorado Community College P-TECH program is a success story

08

30 YEARS OF SERVICE

Your gift today begins a new story for a student tomorrow. Colorado Mesa University’s collective story spans generations of Mavericks and is filled with aspirations, determination and achievements. Our story and impact on the world would not be possible without you. Because of you students like Madison, James and Kelsie are discovering new passions, faculty members are helping students realize their full potential and alumni are working close to campus and around the globe. Each of these Mavericks are taking on endeavors large and small that are making the world a better place. Colorado Mesa University would not be the university it is today without your commitment to our students and your belief in their potential. Help write the next Maverick’s story.

Montrose Campus celebrates the milestone with students, faculty, staff and community partners who contributed to its success

14 IMMERSIVE EDUCATION

$1.1 million grant gives students 3D view of human anatomy

JAMES GARCIA, BIOLOGY MAJOR

15 MAV MONTH

October included the Maverick Momentum Tour, Investiture Ceremony of President John Marshall, Homecoming and Parents’ Weekend

KELSIE MUSCAT, NURSING MAJOR

19 IN A CLASS ALL HER OWN

Make a gift online at SupportingCMU.org/story

Brenda Wilhelm, PhD

20 HEALTHCARE WARRIOR

Deb Bailey, ‘80

Use your cell phone to scan our QR code for quick access to our website. Or for a convenient, safe way to give scan our Venmo QR code.

21 TURNING SUCCESS INTO SIGNIFICANCE

Doug Sorter, ‘80

22 GRINDING TO SUCCESS

Matt Bodenchuk, ‘09

23 GOING FOR GREATNESS

Alexis Skarda, ‘13

24

“Thank you for supporting my education and future.”

WHEN

MADISON VICKERS, BUSINESS ECONOMICS MAJOR

COMES

Alumni help launch the world’s largest, private hospital ship

“I am so grateful for my scholarship. Without your support my story would not be complete.”

“Your support means I can further my education on both an academic and personal level.”

website Venmo

1100 North Avenue • Grand Junction, CO 81501-3122

View more events at coloradomesa.edu/calendar.

View all athletic events at CMUmavericks.com/calendar.aspx

Visit coloradomesa.edu/tickets for details, tickets and reservations for events below.

DECEMBER

DEC. 2 | 2021 HOLIDAY WINE DINNER

Join the WCCC Culinary Arts and Viticulture and Enology students for an evening of food and wine pairings.

DEC. 3 | ORCHESTRA CONCERT

Featuring flute soloists Kelley Latshaw and Jane Kuerizel in Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto, as well as holiday favorites.

Get to know the people of CMU like Associate Professor of Geology Cassandra Fenton, PhD. She’s researched around the world, describes the Grand Valley as Disneyland for geologists and explains why geosciences is so much more than rocks.

DEC. 4 | RAW STUDENT DANCE CONCERT

The Dance Society’s semi-annual student choreographed, designed and performed concert.

DEC. 4 | MARIACHI PERFORMANCE

DEC. 7 | HOLIDAY CHORAL CONCERT

DEC. 17 | DECEMBER COMMENCEMENT

coloradomesa.edu/ now/podcast

For the first time, we will host two December Commencement ceremonies. Details at coloradomesa.edu/commencement.