The
Westerner WESTERN STATE COLORADO UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE Winter 2013
WESTERN ADDS NEW MASTER IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
pg. 14
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FROM THE PRESIDENT IN TEAM SPORTS, A HIGH VALUE IS PLACED ON ATHLETES THAT ARE “IMPACT PLAYERS.” An impact player, from my perspective as a former coach, is someone that has the unusual gift of making everyone around them better. One of the
the world. It explains why so many Western graduates are having, and have had, substantial impacts in their professions, communities, and the world. It is because they participate with heart and soul much as they did during their years on this incredible campus high in the Rocky Mountains. I extend my
common, and admirable characteristics
congratulations and a thank you to our featured alums in
of the impact player is selflessness. The
this issue. I would also like to encourage all other alums
theme of this edition of The Westerner is
reading The Westerner to think about the Western faculty
the impact that many Western alumni have
and/or staff members that had an impact in your life
on the world. Featured, as you will see, are Western alums involved in activities that have positively impacted many people
development. Many of you are doing wonderful things and leading fulfilling lives that make a difference in the world. I congratulate all of you for those
in various parts of the world. Much
accomplishments. And I encourage you to
like the sports analogy, there are
reach out to your Western impact people
impact players in life who do
and say thanks. Nothing means more to an
things and move in the world in
educator than to hear from former students.
ways that help people and make
You can have a strong impact at this point in
the lives of many people better for
your lives on those who most impacted and
their efforts. In my twenty-three
guided you. Please give it a try. We would
years at Western I have come to
love to hear from you. You can contact the
believe that Western alumni tend
person directly, or send an email to me at
to be impact players in the world. I
jhelman@western.edu with a message that
suspect that this can be attributed,
I will forward, or send it to Alumni Director
in part, to the challenging and
Tonya Van Hee at tvanhee@western.edu and
intimate educational and
she will pass it along. Western alumni
social environment of
are spread throughout the country
having been students
and the world and are making
at Western. A Western colleague remarked to me years ago that “education at Western is not for spectators, it is for participants.” This captures a main ingredient of being an impact person in
a positive impact on the world no matter where they reside or what they are doing. I hope you enjoy this edition of the Westerner and that you will be in touch soon.
CONTENTS 2 INTRO 3 ALUMNI MAKING
WINTER 2013, VOLUME 11. NO. 2 The Westerner is published twice each year for alumni and friends of Western by Western State Colorado University, 600 N. Adams, Gunnison, Colorado 81231. Readers may submit news items to: Tonya Van Hee Director of Alumni Relations tvanhee@western.edu 970-943-2493 Jay Helman President jhelman@western.edu 970-943-2114 Tom Burggraf Executive Director of the Western State Foundation tburggraf@western.edu 970-641-2237
AN IMPACT 8 NEW MASTERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 15 CAMPUS NEWS 18 ATHLETICS 20 FOUNDATION NEWS 22 NEWS FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 24 CLASS NOTES
Garrett Finke Director of Sports Information gfinke@western.edu 970-943-2831 CB Publishing & Creative Layout, Design and Production ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bruce Bartleson (Emeritus Faculty) Laurel (Butcher) Becker (’07) Ann (Clements) Eckman (‘89) Shannon Bounds (‘92) Howard Fishman (’69) Paul Giberson (’01) Karen McCrary (’70, ’71) Corbin Bennetts (Student Rep)
MEET Jesse Cruz
Many photos in this issue of the Westerner alumni magazine were taken by our new Alumni Outreach Associate, Jesse Cruz. Jesse is a 2011 graduate of Western and has been working in the alumni office since August. Jesse volunteers his time as a WSCU Wrestling team Assistant Coach and is the advisor for the Amigos club and a Gunnison Middle School Latino boys group. If you see Jesse at a future alumni event, be ready to say “Cheese!”
Photos in this issue taken by: Jesse Cruz (‘11), Aimee Brown and Jason Dunning (‘04) The profiles as well as the “hot topic” story were written by alumnus Luke Mehall (‘04). Luke is a freelance writer living in the Durango area. Several campus news stories in this edition were written by alumna, Laura Anderson (’12), writer for the Gunnison Country Times. 1
IT’S A GREAT DAY
TO BE A MOUNTAINEER! Every time I put together one of these magazines, I am reminded about what a wonderful place this is. Each and every time, I find out about alumni who make an impact; who care about their world in such a way that they can’t help but make an impact. So that’s what we decided to name this...the Impact Issue. The Impact Issue. But truly, we could name every issue that, because that’s just what Western alumni do…they make an impact.
JOSHUA
GREEN
SETS STAGES FOR SUCCESS by Luke Mehall
Also in this edition of the Westerner, you’ll learn about some WSCU students who made an impact by volunteering for Hurricane Sandy relief, about Western’s stellar performance in our recycling efforts and about our new Masters in Environmental Management. And if that’s not enough to make you feel proud to be an alum, how about the amazing new Field House rising up from the ground and bringing Western’s facilities on par with our competitors? It is a remarkable sight. I hope you enjoy reading about the alumni we’ve chosen to profile in this issue and I hope you also know that we know that each and every one of you are out there making an impact as well. I’m a working mom and for any of my counter parts out there, you and I know it’s a tough road. But I hope each day that I’m making an impact in my kids’ lives, but also for alumni such as you. It’s my goal every day. And we could use your help. We’re always open to ideas for our magazine, ideas for events, anything and everything. We’d love to hear from you. Give me a shout through email or better yet, pick up the phone. I’d love to talk to you! tvanhee@western.edu; 970-943-2493
“ Western really molds people who impact the world.”
Tonya Van Hee Western Alumni Relations Director Class of ‘91 2
Joshua Green on the red carpet. 2
In just a decade Joshua Green went from Western to The Emmys. Green, a 2002 graduate, credits his alma mater for molding him into the person he is today, an Emmynominated artist, for his work with the FX television series, Justified. Sample sets designed by Green and crew.
“As a fly-fisherman I always loved the outdoors, and ultimately that is why I went to Western,” Green says. “When I started college, I was a really introverted person, and Western really brought me out of my comfort zone.”
California. He describes the characters in Justified as those who make and sell drugs for their income, and examples of sets for the show are “crack dens, bars and whore houses, very gritty places.” He credits his professors for giving him a good background for what he does now, especially Terri Murphy (formerly Lennon), who was his advisor. “She was a really tough teacher, and wouldn’t put up with subpar work,” Green shares. “She also taught me the importance of standing up for your work, and to not let clients step all over you.” He also was heavily influenced by Al Caniff, professor of art, “He had an awesome, hands-on style, and he made me want to succeed within
Green describes that his mentors at Western encouraged him to
the field of art.”
get involved in everything possible. He did, participating in student government, admissions, and working at the Pathfinder magazine. “By
And succeed Green has. Last year his team was nominated for an
becoming active at Western it brought me from a very shy person to
Emmy in the category of, Outstanding Art Direction for a Single
not being afraid to interact with people. That helped create the person
Camera Series. “I was pretty ecstatic when we got the nomination,”
I am today.”
Green says.
Green studied art at Western, with an emphasis in graphic design.
The excitement peaked for Green at the Governor’s Ball, an event held
When he moved Los Angeles ten years ago, he left with ambitions to
in conjunction with the Emmys. “Being amongst the winners holding
be a graphic designer. He worked designing DVD menus for about nine
their Emmy statues, nominees and colleagues, I just looked around
months, but didn’t like it. Then he moved into film, working unpaid for
and felt like I really had made it,” he says.
a year, paying his dues working in set decoration on a variety of films. In his words the films were “terrible, C movies, not even B movies!”
Reflecting back on the last ten years Green feels like he’s met all his goals for the last decade. “Now I’m at this point where I feel like I did
Still he was getting experience and enjoyed the work. “I threw
when I started college, I need to figure out what my goals are for the
everything into set decoration. I was in love with it.”
next ten years.”
He did some work in music videos, also doing set decoration, as well
He loves what he does for a living, and his favorite part is staying busy
as buying the props used on sets. He describes the work as similar
and being creative. “I read the script and get a breakdown for what my
to that of an interior designer. Over the years he has worked with
boss, the set decorator, is looking for. Then I go out and find it. It’s like
many well-known musicians. Among the artists he worked with were:
being a historian, but I have to step into the role of the character and
Bon Jovi, Evanescence, Britney Spears and Korn. He likes the unique
get a feel for what I am looking for. I only have a short window to find
challenges his field entails, such as making it snow in a hundred
what we need. I like thinking quickly on the spot and problem solving.
degree temperatures, or “doing insane things, like turning a swimming
It’s like a fun scavenger hunt.”
pool into a living room under water.” Despite his busy career Green still takes time to visit campus, and In late 2009 he began working in episodic television as a set
remains close with “thirty or so” of his friends from his days at
decoration buyer. Shortly after that he landed his biggest break to
Western. “I have a lot of friends out here who don’t feel that same
date, working for Justified as the lead set decoration buyer. He is
connection to their alma mater. They don’t understand that connection
responsible for purchasing the set dressing in each episode. The
I have to Western. But it is a unique place. Western really molds people
show is set in rural Harlan County Kentucky, and filmed in Southern
who impact the world.” 3
MELVIN FOOTE,
A LIFE OF DEDICATION TO AFRICA by Luke Mehall
Melvin Foote didn’t even know a single college graduate when he packed up his bags from the Midwest to move to Gunnison and attend Western. Today he lives a mile from the White House in Washington D.C. and as the president of Constituency for Africa, is one of the most influential people that helps shape American policy in Africa. Hailing from a poor neighborhood in Rockford, Illinois, Foote came to Western on a basketball scholarship in 1969. While it was sports that got him to college, he ended up being captivated by the social change going on in the country, even though Gunnison was removed from it. “While Gunnison was a social cocoon, it also allowed time and space to think about what was going on in our country and the world,” he says. “I had close connections with the other blacks on campus like Wendell Pryor, Tony Goggans and Thomas “Pow Wow” Boston at Western, and we developed into somewhat of a family. We would spend long hours discussing what was going on in the country and in the world.” Martin Hatcher, professor of communication and theatre, encouraged him to start a column in the Top O’ the World called “The Back of the Bus”. One day a graduate student who read his column approached him with a delicate situation. The student had just finished with the Peace Corps in the West African country of Ghana, and had met a woman he wanted to marry. His family didn’t approve and he asked Foote his thoughts on the matter. Foote gave his opinion and then inquired about the Peace Corps. After getting some information, he was intrigued. “A light bulb went off in my head, and immediately I knew I would go to Africa,” he said. After applying and then getting accepted, he found out he would be sent to Ethiopia. He’d heard of Ethiopia from The Bible, but thought it was in the Middle East. A look at an atlas in the library revealed to him it was indeed in the heart of Africa. That summer, while many of his peers were returning home from fighting in Vietnam, he was off to Ethiopia. “I was scared and had many stereotypes about Africa,” he says. “I thought we were going to land our plane in the jungle, but it wasn’t that way at all. When we landed it was like any airport with people in suits and ties.”
Melvin with daughter, Marieme, taken in Washington D.C. at the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial.
What he didn’t know before arriving was it was a time of war and famine. He learned the local languages of Amharic and Tigrinya and was impressed by people of Ethiopia, who take pride in the fact that their country was never colonized. Foote spent three years there, and when he returned he wanted to further his education, and ultimately help the people of Africa.
The Constituency for Africa meets with then Secretary of State, General Colin Powell in 2001, to discuss US Africa policy. Pictured (L-R), former CFA Boardmember, Lauri J. Fitz-Pegado, the late Jack Kemp, who served as the CFA ViceChairman of CFA’s Board up until his passing in in 2009, then Secretary of State, the Honorable Colin Powell, and CFA’s President Melvin Foote.
CFA President Melvin Foote (in red) met with a delegation organizing a World African Diaspora Conference in Madrid, Spain in 2014. The World Conference initiative is being led by Dr. Guillermo Ponce Morales (second from the right), the President of Afrohispanos which is headquartered Spain.
success in this regards, and I have my fingerprints on just about every piece of legislation and major initiative between the US and Africa.” Foote started his own organization, Constituency for Africa, in 1990, and to this day he remains the president. He is still in Washington, D.C. where he continues to work hard and lobby for the people of Africa. Foote admits that the American public is under informed when it comes to Africa. “A lot of this comes from the media, which has focused on famine, corruption, military coups, AIDS, apartheid, etc.,” he says. “Articles about exotic and remote communities in Africa covered in National Geographic are the main frame of reference that many have for modern day Africa.” Still he says the United States government, while late to the game, has now acknowledged that Africa matters. “Twenty-five percent of our oil imports come from Africa,” he states. “In recent years we Melvin with Nelson Mandela after he was released from prison in South Africa in 1994 and came to Washington. Foote earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado, Denver, and then took a job at the Meharry
have committed 15 billion dollars to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa. The Millennium Challenge Account has spent some five billion in support of economic development. Investors are realizing that returns on investments on the continent are among the highest in the world.”
Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, as the assistant administrator
Foote loves his work, but admits the Washington D.C. lifestyle can take
for the International Center for Health Sciences. After two years
its toll. “This is the craziest place you’d ever want to see,” he says.
there he returned to Africa, and went to Somalia where he worked as
“You really work around the clock, and there’s no real break. People
the country director for Africare. To date Foote has been to over 35
don’t trust people. There’s a joke here that if you want to make a
different countries in Africa.
friend, get a dog.”
Again, Foote returned to the United States, this time to Washington
He misses Colorado, and his grown son, Mengasha, lives in Denver.
D.C., and was charged by Africare to educate Americans, especially the
Foote also has a 17 year-old daughter, Marieme.
black community, about Africa and African development issues. “This coincided with the great Ethiopian famine,” Foote shares. “Since I had
“I won’t retire here in Washington,” Foote says. “I might end up in
served in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia I was deemed an expert.”
Colorado; it’s definitely one of the nicest states in the country. People are a lot more wholesome there and more human to one another.”
Another part of his role was to build a network of constituencies, and to provide up-to-date information about what was going on in Africa.
Regardless of how he feels about the lifestyle in the capitol, Foote says
“I saw my role, and still see it to this day as a catalyst and a facilitator
he is doing the work that he was destined to do with his life. “God
for the African-American community to lobby and support Africa in the
works in mysterious ways. I feel like I’m doing what I was put on this
United States,” he says. “I can say that I’ve enjoyed a great deal of
planet to do.” 5
MARK WALKER
LIVES A LIFE OF SERVICE TO THOSE IN NEED by Luke Mehall
Immediately after graduating from Western in 1971 Mark Walker joined the Peace Corps; he’s dedicated his life to service of those in need ever since.
A gifted student who had scholarships available to him from larger universities, Walker ultimately chose Western because he wanted to go to a small liberal arts school. He majored in history, and one of his most influential professors was the prolific Duane Vandenbusche, who still teaches at Western to this day. “He was a very demanding professor,” Walker says. “You really had to hunker down to get good grades with him. I pushed hard to learn, study and meet his demanding curriculum.” Vandenbusche also encouraged Walker to learn how to ski. Walker spent his fair share of time in Crested Butte, where he also worked as a property manager for Dr. Hubert Smith, who organized an annual Law Science Academy conference. Walker would also help out with the conference, and it exposed him to doctors and lawyers brought together to learn from one another about their respective fields. Walker was also heavily influenced by Abbott Fay, professor of history, who was the advisor to the Quigley Club, a philosophical and academic group. Through the club and Fay’s courses, Walker was exposed to the greater world, “Abbott knew about the local area, as well as the larger world,” Walker shares. “He taught us about eastern religions, and
He trained in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica, and then worked with
opened up doors to bigger global issues. I’d never travelled out of the
fertilizer projects in a remote community in the highlands of
country, and he encouraged me to get outside and explore the world.”
Guatemala called Ixchiguan. “It was very isolated there,” Walker
Just a couple months after graduating from Western, Walker joined
says. “There were no telegraphs or telephones, and I lived in a
the Peace Corps. It was in the middle of the Vietnam conflict,
place that didn’t have windows or anything. One time I got very
and Walker wanted to serve his country in a different way than
sick and was only saved by the herbs the local people collected.
going to war. “I wanted to help poor people,” Walker says.
Once the Peace Corps found out about that, they relocated me.”
Mark (in middle) while in the Peace Corps...straight out of Western State circa 1971. He was sent to a less remote area in Central Guatemala,
on other organizations to go in and get women out of these
where he ended up meeting his wife, Ligia. They were married
vulnerable circumstances,” Walker shares. “We take care of
within a year of meeting, and have three kids (Michelle,
them, counsel them and help get them gainful employment, so
Nicolle and John), who were all born in Guatemala.
they don’t have to go back to what they were doing before.”
After the Peace Corps Walker went to Honduras to work for CARE
This is Walker’s first time serving as a CEO, and he enjoys
International, an organization dedicated to ending poverty. After that,
the challenges of his position. “An organization’s success
Walker earned a master’s degree at the Institute of Latin American
depends on strong, effective leadership. I spend a lot of time
Studies at the University of Texas where he worked on founding an
on planes, and have to be ready day or night to answer calls.
education foundation. “This was my springboard into the development
There are not a lot of dull moments in this business.”
field,” he says. “Later I worked with Plan International in Guatemala, Columbia and Sierra Leon on child sponsorship programs.”
The free time he has he spends with his wife and their two Airedale terriers. They enjoy hiking around Scottsdale,
Today he is the CEO for Hagar International, a group that works with
Arizona, where they live. They travel frequently to
human trafficking and sexual abuse issues. Hagar has a headquarters
Guatemala, and occasionally visit the Gunnison Valley, and
in Cambodia, and programs in Afghanistan, Vietnam and Myanmar.
are working on a strategy to spend more time here.
“Human slavery is a difficult and dark issue,” Walker says. “The issue affects so many people. Sexual tourism and human trafficking
After visiting the Western State Colorado University campus
is a multi-billion dollar industry. There are over 20,000 families in
recently Walker remarked that, “It has turned out to be such a
Vietnam alone who are affected, and one in three women. Many of
beautiful campus. It’s amazing what they have done there.”
these women are not protected by the laws in their own countries.” Walker shows no signs of slowing down, and his motivation Walker also noted that these problems are made worse because
to help those in need seems to fuel him. “In a world where
often the police in certain areas run brothels, and abuse
people are pushed just to maintain themselves for basic needs,
cannot be reported properly to the authorities. “We depend
to see growth and improvement is really inspirational.” 7
NANCY CHISHOLM
HAS INFINITE PASSION FOR BUSINESS AND HIGHER EDUCATION by Luke Mehall
Nancy Chisholm runs a billion-dollar business unit, but still finds time to give back to Western State Colorado University. Chisholm, a 1990 graduate, was recently appointed to serve on the university’s board of trustees. A native Coloradoan, Chisholm loved every minute of her experience at Western. An avid sports fan and skier, Chisholm attended as many sporting events as possible, and was also active in student government and admissions. “I loved campus life and embraced it fully,” she says. Chisholm feels that the small environment at Western was ideal for her, “You couldn’t hide behind the masses, and that is a perfect environment to grow and learn.” Chisholm’s sister, Eileen, joined her at Western a year after she started. Later Nancy would introduce Eileen to her future husband, Rick Desch, another Western student at the time. She credits her professors with excellent preparation for the business world. Chisholm says that Doc Hahn, Phil Klingsmith and Ken Blair all made a profound impact in her early development. In particular Blair made a suggestion that ended up shaping her career, “He said that I should go into sales, and I would be great at it,” she shared. “At the time I was interested in
describes herself as an outgoing people person, who loves the dynamic
law, and thought, no way. Here I am twenty years later with a
of leading a large, global organization. She also enjoys the competitive
successful business career, that has largely been in sales.”
nature of the business world. “There’s a lot of reward when you can effectively drive a successful financial performance,” she says.
She recalls a bit of wisdom that Blair shared with
“We’re having really good results right now, and that feels fantastic.”
her, which still rings true to this day, “if you can learn how to sell, you’ll never be out of a job”.
Chisholm’s other passion is her 17 year-old son, Reid. “He is certainly the highlight of my life. He’s a great kid, who also loves
Chisholm reluctantly left Gunnison after graduation. “It was hard
sports. Reid plays football, lacrosse and downhill ski races.”
to leave, I can remember it all so vividly, and I felt so connected to the community, but I needed to move on to pursue career
With such a busy life and career, Chisholm had to take a deep
opportunities that my education at Western had prepared me for.”
look at her life when the opportunity came along to become a
She moved back to the Denver area, where she still resides.
trustee for Western. “Ultimately, it was a matter of passion.
“I love Colorado, and feel like I have the best of both worlds:
I am passionate about higher education because it helped
a successful career, and I still get to enjoy the scenery.”
shape me into the person I am today. The effect was so profound in my own life and playing a part in giving back to
Her career in management and sales has led up to her current position
the university is something I know I can get excited about.”
with Tyco, an 11 billion-dollar company that specializes in fire and security. The division that Chisholm runs specializes in providing anti-
“At Western it was more than just a college, it was about
theft and operational solutions for retailers. She travels frequently,
community. I was able to thrive, and I know the experience
working with clients and employees all over the world. Chisholm
provides the same thing for so many people.”
WESTERN GRAD EARNS HONOR IN EDUCATION
(From the Gunnison Country Times)
It is a long journey from Gunnison to Kalskag, Alaska. It’s also no short trek from being a student of education at Western State Colorado University to becoming Alaska Middle School Principal of the Year. For graduate Greg Wohlman, these two journeys were one. “My decision to pursue a career in administration was a direct result of the time I spent teaching in Las Vegas,” Wohlman said. “I worked with a group of amazing teachers and became increasingly frustrated watching good, talented people go to waste because of bad administration.” Wohlman said that one day, he simply had enough of listening to teachers complain and children’s education being compromised because staff was receiving such little support from above. He enrolled in a master’s program. After spending a year as an assistant principal, Wohlman landed his current job as principal of the Kalskag schools. He has spent the past five years at Kalskag, putting into practice his commitment to improve administration. Kalskag is a remote community located in the bush of southwestern Alaska, only accessible by small plane and boat. The community is 98 percent native, primarily Yupik Eskimo. Originally from North Dakota, Wohlman arrived in the Gunnison Valley more than two decades ago in pursuit of a degree in education. “I was drawn to education because it provides an opportunity to help people every day,” Wohlman said. “I had a handful of teachers and professors that opened my eyes to new perspectives, and this changed my life. I wanted to provide this experience in others’ lives.”
When Wohlman arrived in Kalskag, the schools were in desperate need of help. “Test scores were in the teens and twenties in mathematics and the language arts, and the community had a solid apathy of education,” he wrote in his 2012 National Principal of the Year Essay. “School improvement needed to start somewhere.”
After graduating from Western in the spring of 1996, Wohlman taught art in Minnesota for three years, then moved to inner city Las Vegas where he taught a variety of subjects in sixth through 12th grades.
The Kalskag school district consists of three schools separated by three miles of gravel roads. Wohlman oversees 30 staff members and assists with everything from bus driving to food service as need arises.
SO HOW HAS WOHLMAN TRANSFORMED THESE STRUGGLING SCHOOLS, THUS EARNING THE HONOR OF PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR? The answer is two-fold.
counseling and psychology goes into teaching
“Our improvement in test scores overall is
First, through remarkable dedication to
children that do not have generations of
at a level I would put against any group of
developing a curriculum that fits the needs
education. The staff must know the student
schools in the nation,” according to Wohlman.
of the students in the Kalskag community,
for curriculum to be effective.”
“My middle schoolers have developed a love for reading and my high school students now
according to Wohlman. He consistently
boast about eligibility.”
upholds his pledge to visit every classroom
“I present education and the earning of a
every day so as to be connected to the real
diploma as a ticket to the world not saying
needs of his students and staff.
‘no’ to you,” Wohlman continued. “My goal is
His is truly a district transformed.
for my students to have one so that they get
“I remember some great education teachers
to choose what to do with their lives.”
from my time at Western. They were both
The second key to Wohlman’s success is his
firm and helpful and I attribute my no-
understanding that to accomplish improved education, he must work from the inside out.
During his five years as principal, Wohlman
nonsense approach to education to that
“A personal connection is needed here to
has drastically improved not only the
foundation,” Wohlman said. “What I love
do everything. I spent a lot of time wiping
standard of education at Kalskag schools, but
most about being in education is watching
tears away long, long before getting to
the quality of learning among his students
students learn even when they don’t realize
math,” Wohlman explained. “A lot of politics,
and the community.
they are learning.” 9
HOT PERFORMANCE ENHANCING
TOPIC Welcome to “Hot Topics” a new column for the Westerner, where alumni and Western State Colorado University experts sound off on a topic that has been at the top of the news lately. For our initial installment, we’ll look at performance enhancing substances (PES) in sports.
SUBSTANCES IN SPORTS
by Luke Mehall
Performance enhancing substances have been a problem for years, but with Lance Armstrong’s recent confession that he used illegal PES during his Tour de France victories, the issue has been brought to the forefront in the mainstream media. In addition to this, several notable baseball players like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa, were denied entry to the 2013 Hall of Fame class because of their possible roles in steroid
KATHLEEN KINKEMA
use. Stories in the media recently have also focused on PES use at the collegiate, high school and even middle school levels.
Professor of exercise and sport science at WSCU.
Here are some thoughts on the issue from Elva Dryer, alumna, twotime Olympic runner; Dave Wiens, alumnus, former professional mountain biker; and Kathleen Kinkema, professor of exercise and sport science at Western State Colorado University. Dryer and Wiens are also both currently employees at WSCU. Dryer is the program coordinator at the University Center and manager for the Aspinall-Wilson Center, and Wiens is the team director for the new Mountain Sports program. Kinkema has a PhD in sociocultural sport studies, and has heavily studied the issue of steroids in sports. Kinkema is the department chair of Exercise and Sport Science, and taught an Honors 100 course called the Origins of Performance Enhancing Substances this past fall at WSCU. 10
ELVA DRYER Alumna, two-time Olympic runner
DAVE WIENS
Alumnus, former professional mountain biker
ELVA DRYER :
KATHLEEN KINKEMA :
to move up in the sport rather than trusting in their ability and hard
since the beginning of competition (e.g., strychnine, animal testes).
work to get results. During my time as a professional runner there
Our culture values winning; we desire to push the limits of human
were women in the sport that I competed against who tested positive
performance, and athletes are often willing to do whatever it takes to
for PES. Unfortunately, by the time they are caught, the athletes
be successful or continue in their sport. This makes the use of PES a
have cheated other competitors from their moment of glory and the
difficult problem to solve.
financial earnings they deserve, which they will never get back. I
The issue is further complicated by a number of other issues:
It is unfortunate that there are athletes that choose to take shortcuts
Athletes have been using various substances to enhance performance
chose to focus on the things I could control, which were to compete the best that I could under the circumstances and feel good that my
1. How do we define a PES
performances were all mine and not supported by PES.
(natural vs. artificial; foreign to the body or not; dangerous to use or not; amount of usage)? Example: Why is it okay for athletes to inject themselves with cortisone or other painkillers and not inject themselves with their own blood (through blood doping)?
With advances in drug testing methods and lessons learned as a result of recent cases, I hope that there are positive changes at the grass roots level so that kids grow up feeling like PES are not an option.
DAVE WIENS :
Mountain biking has a fairly checkered history with doping: five
2. Should we even try to regulate how athletes train and enhance performance? 3. If everyone was allowed to use whatever they wanted would the playing field be level?
4. Should athletes be forced to jeopardize their wellbeing or personal ethics in order to compete at the top levels of their sport?
past world champions have all been implicated in doping in one
5. Is the playing field level
form or another and there have been plenty of other pro mountain
when some athletes have access to the best doctors, the newest substances and the latest technology?
bikers, both men and women, from all over the world who have been implicated or tested positive for PES. I feel very lucky that I got to compete at a high level in a clean sport for at least a few years. That was mountain bike racing in the eighties and early nineties. Once European cycling culture became involved in mountain biking, it just became another discipline of cycling where doping was commonplace, like road racing and cyclocross. The entire time I was racing, I never saw any PES used, but of course I heard all kinds of stories from other riders and people involved in cycling. At least then, it wasn’t a team element the way it’s often described as being in road racing. As nice as it would be to think that the sport is finally clean now with Lance Armstrong’s admissions, I just don’t have confidence that it is. The same thing was said after the Festina scandal in the late 1990s. The US Postal and other doping programs were born out of that environment of increased testing and scrutiny. All sports will have to continue to battle doping for a few reasons. A big one is suspicion. Nobody can win anything anymore without being the target of suspicion, right or wrong, and oftentimes, this suspicion is the justification for others to cheat. Also, there are still PES and methods of cheating out there that don’t show up in tests, not to mention strategies and substances that are used to mask the use of PES or otherwise beat the testing processes. Finally, when money is involved, all bets seem to be off for certain people where honesty and ethics are concerned. I doubt the win-atany-costs mentality will simply die with Armstrong coming clean.
CARE TO SOUND OFF ON THIS “HOT TOPIC?” Go to Western State Colorado’s alumni facebook page and let us know what you think.
WESTERN ADDS MASTER IN
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Next year, Western State Colorado University will expand its graduate degree offerings when it launches a Master of Environmental Management degree. The new program positions Western State Colorado University as a leader in environmental studies and gives students an opportunity to learn from some of the country’s best professors in one of America’s most spectacular outdoor laboratories. The degree, also known as MEM, is a continuation of the highly successful BA in Environmental Studies that WSCU has offered for years. The MEM also offers a unique distance learning option that opens the potential pool of MEM candidates to a global audience that could include land managers in Kenya or a Peace Corps volunteer in Central America. Western joins other prestigious universities offering an MEM, including Harvard, Yale, Duke, the University of Pennsylvania and Portland State University. “There is no better laboratory for graduate level study of environmental management, sustainability, and resiliency than the lands surrounding Western,” says Environmental Studies Program Director (and Western alumnus) Dr. John Hausdoerffer. “Here in the heart of the Rockies, 12
we’re surrounded by millions of acres of public lands and the resulting opportunities and conflicts that you frequently have with so many different stakeholders being involved. It is the perfect environment in which to educate our future leaders in environmental management.” WSCU’s one-of-a-kind MEM prepares students for careers such as environmental nonprofit development, sustainability, green business consulting, water and land conservation, and public lands management. MEM’s field research, service-learning, and final Masters projects will immerse students in problem-solving partnerships at WSCU’s Center for Environmental Studies.
TWO TRACKS Students at WSCU can choose from one of two tracks: Integrative Land Management or Sustainable and Resilient Communities. The Integrative Land Management emphasis prepares students for careers in Public lands management, private land conservation and Conservation advocacy. This track takes advantage of the fact that 80 percent of Gunnison County is public land and WSCU is surrounded by countless case studies of intersecting and diverging priorities from landowners and government agencies. The Sustainable and Resilient Communities track focuses on the emerging interdisciplinary study of “sustainability.” It prepares students for careers in environmental nonprofit development, sustainability consulting and coordination, as well as advocacy and environmental organization management. Students in this field tackle tough questions about how to enhance the ability of future generations to continue a way of life in a place without unjustly contradicting the ability of other cultures and species to do the same, locally and globally. “We’re really excited about the MEM because it takes advantage of what’s special about Western,” Dr. Hausdoerffer says. “The Master of Environmental Management pairs world class academics with this incredible environmental classroom that surrounds us. For example, we’ll study first-hand how to mitigate and adapt to the consequences of an increasingly volatile climate in one of the coldest spots in the nation. What a unique opportunity for training leaders in environmental management.”
GLOBALIZING A SENSE OF PLACE The MEM offers a ‘hybrid’ learning environment for full-residency students rooted in the learning laboratories of the Gunnison Country, combined with a lowresidency option for select environmental professionals from all over the world. “This unique ‘blended’ learning environment brings together diverse regional and professional perspectives to challenge and complement the learning experience for all students,” Dr. Hausdoerffer says. The low residency option is available for students who are in positions of leadership in their local communities and can’t move to Gunnison full time, as long as they can demonstrate that their continued work in another region would bring diversity or outside insight to the MEM program. Unlike other MEM programs with distance options, WSCU’s MEM engages full-residency and low-residency students with each other frequently throughout the year by electronic means. “It creates the opportunity to have some really interesting interactions,” Dr. Hausdoerffer says, “we could conceivably have a student who’s a Peace Corps volunteer living in Africa contributing her perspective to our classes here in Gunnison.” For two weeks of each summer, all MEM students and faculty will gather in WSCU’s Rocky Mountain location for an intensive semester of field-based, solutions-driven, professionallyfocused collaboration.
Students interested in applying to Western State Colorado University’s Master of Environmental Management program can apply beginning in Fall 2013. The program officially begins in Fall 2014. To learn more, visit Western.edu/mem or contact Dr. Hausdoerffer directly at jhausdoerffer@western.edu. 13
STUDENTS GIVE BACK
Over Thanksgiving break, a group of Western State Colorado University students selflessly spent their vacation in Mastic Beach, N.Y., a city in Long Island hit hard by Hurricane Sandy, to participate in relief efforts. The students, guided by Caroline Mitchell, associate professor in Sociology, spent four days, including Thanksgiving Day, clearing debris and assessing residents’ needs. Due to their work, the federal government declared Mastic Beach an area of need. Many houses were completely destroyed by floods caused by the hurricane. The students who attended include Karey Bentz, Casey Bizelli, Ginger Chang, Ben Clark, Paula Martinez, Nicole Real, Kristen Rhea, Megan Ribelin and Nicholas Zazzaretti. Photos by Megan Ribelin 14
NEW FACES AT WESTERN
WSCU HAS SEEN SOME FRESH NEW FACES THIS YEAR ALL OF WHOM ARE READY AND EXCITED TO HELP PROPEL WESTERN INTO OUR NEXT CHAPTER AS A UNIVERSITY.
CAMPUS
NEWS
“We are thrilled to have Karen Copetas and Brian Barker, two wonderful people and highly talented professionals, joining our Western family,” remarked President Jay Helman. At the Cabinet level, Karen Copetas has been named the Vice President of Enrollment Management. Karen comes to us from Washington where she was the Director of Admissions and Enrollment Planning for Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. She earned her bachelors from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania and her masters from Indiana University in Bloomington Indiana. Prior to Western Washington, she worked in the Admissions field at several other colleges and universities including the University of Massachusetts and Ithaca College. With 30 years of experience in higher ed, Copetas will bring invaluable skills and insights into this position. She has served on numerous committees and professional organizations and is very well connected nationally and regionally. Upon taking her new role at Western, Copetas said, “I see Western State Colorado University as a unique blend of Montana State University, Carroll College in Montana, Prescott College in Northern Arizona, and Whitman College in Washington, unlike any other institution of higher education in Colorado, and distinctive nationwide. The opportunity to work with the greater university community to craft and share the Western story – in an authentic, distinctive, and proud way that appeals to the head and the heart of prospective students and their families, and to help insure that we fulfill our value proposition to graduation and beyond, is an appealing challenge, an honor, and a privilege. This campus has tremendous potential and I am excited to be a part of the leadership team that moves us forward.” Copetas will oversee all aspects of the enrollment process including the Admissions and Financial Aid Offices. She will also be working very closely with Brian Barker, Western’s new Director of Marketing and Media Relations. Barker comes to Western from Portland, Oregon, but is a native of Colorado growing up in Grand Junction, attending high school in Estes Park, and receiving his BA from the University of Colorado in Boulder. He was the marketing director for Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, the largest fire district in the state of Oregon. Prior to that, he spent 11 years working as a television news reporter in Yakima (Washington), Colorado Springs, Albuquerque and Portland. While in Portland, he spent his weekends working as a ski patroller
Barker noted “I’m thrilled to be working closely with new Vice
on Mount Hood. He also attained the rank of Captain in the US Air
President of Enrollment Management, Karen Copetas, to refine
Force Reserve, and served as a public affairs officer for the 939 Rescue
the messages we send about our university and to strategize ways
Wing, an Air Force combat Para rescue unit. He has been at Western
we can reach prospective students through marketing, advertising
since December and in the past month, his office has reactivated
and electronic media. Western State Colorado University is a
WSCU’s Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and LinkedIn accounts. Check
truly unique place with tremendous potential, and together
them out to stay up to date about the latest news and events.
we’re going to make sure the right people know our story.” 15
THE FIELD HOUSE PROJECT CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD DESPITE FRIGID TEMPERATURES IN GUNNISON
THIS WINTER.
According to Julie (Szymula) Feier (’94), Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration, we have been able to incorporate a number of exciting additions into the project through value engineering. Just to name a few, when the project is complete next year in addition to the Recreation Center, Field House, enhanced athletics facilities, and climbing wall, we will have brand new men’s and women’s locker rooms for the pool, as well as a hot tub in the northeast corner of the pool. The High Altitude Performance Lab will be larger than planned and the Field House will also be the home of a new foam pit for acrobatic and freestyle training.
WSCU LAUNCHES NEW BOOK PRESS According to Teresa Milbrodt, Western State Colorado University (WSCU) assistant professor in creative writing and English, one of the best ways to improve your skills as a writer is to work as an editor. That’s why a publishing certificate program at the university seemed like a natural complement to WSCU’s existing MFA programs in creative writing. “You learn more with hands on experience than you can with further study in writing,” said Milbrodt. “You need a basis in craft, but this takes it to a professional level.”
Led by Milbrodt, students from WSCU’s newest graduate program, the 13-month publishing certification, not only work shopped each other’s writing, they also founded a literary anthology and served as its editorial board. After a year of hard work, the anthology “Manifest West: Eccentricities of Geography” is the first edition published under Western Press Books, WSCU’s press.
AWESOME RECYCLING
Campus recycling is generally seeing growth for 2012. For the month of October, 18,055 pounds of recycling were diverted from the local landfill. That figure for October 2011 was 8,295 pounds, which is a 49 percent increase in campus recycling. The graph below shows recycling figures from 2011 compared to 2012. Also, the Reducing, Reusing and Recycling Committee will soon be focusing on the national RecycleMania competition. The 10-week competition will take place from Feb. 3 to March 30, 2013. The goal of the competition is to reduce recycling metrics. Residence Life staff is working with residents to begin a preRecycleMania competition.
The publishing program offers its students hands-on experience in the publishing world, “the business side” of writing, said Milbrodt, including how editors work and think and how to abide by a publication’s missions and aesthetics. Students enrolled in the program met on campus for two weeks in the summer during Writing the Rockies to workshop, scrounge through literary magazines and get to know each other. Then the learning went online and submissions for the anthology began to pour in. The press received more than 250 submissions of poetry, essays and short stories for its first publication. The final publication contains 20 poems, three essays and three short stories. “It’s fantastic that after one year we have a book,” said Milbrodt. “I’m really excited.” Of the three students who completed the publishing certificate in its first year, two have internships with publishing entities.
Special thanks to Scott Travis (’93), Manager of Operations, for creating this graph. X-axis: month recycling occurred; y-axis: pounds of diverted recycling
TREK THROUGH THE HIMALAYAS WITH WESTERN Western State Colorado University is offering the chance of a lifetime to trek through Nepal’s Himalayas with world renowned mountain guide Chhiring Dorje Sherpa this summer. The trek, offered through WSCU’s Extended University Studies, is a 21 day journey through some of the world’s highest mountains and an exploration of the Sherpa culture. Trekkers do not have to be Western students.
WSCU MATH DEGREES ADD UP
By Laura Anderson, “Gunnison Country Times” — The University reports the second highest number of degrees awarded in the state. Math majors delight: Western State Colorado University had one of the highest percentage of degrees awarded in mathematics in the state, according to 2011 numbers. Two percent of graduates during that year received a math degree. That number has come up significantly since 2001, when less than one percent of degrees were awarded for math. The number of math degrees awarded at Western is second only to that of Colorado School of Mines, which groups mathematics and computer science degrees together.
Chhiring Dorje Sherpa is one of the world’s most experienced Himalayan mountain guides. He has summited Mount Everest 11 times, holds the record for three summits of Everest within two weeks and gained world-wide recognition for his heroic rescue of another climber on K2 in 2008 after a series of incidents that killed 11 climbers. Chhiring has developed a close friendship with Western graduate and Foundation Board Member Matt Tredway and, after visiting Western this fall, offered to guide the trip. The trek starts June 5th in Kathmandu, Nepal, and ventures to the Rolwaling Valley west of Mount Everest. Travelers will walk approximately 6 hours a day and will have the opportunity to participate in an optional climb of 19,400 foot Ramdung Go Peak. The trip costs $3,000, which includes all expenses while on the trek, including sherpas, porters, lodging and tents, guides and food. Airfare is not included.
Though 2012 data is not yet available, Western has consistently had one of the highest math degree graduation rates in the state since 2008. Western’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Patricia Manzanares-Gonzales said Western’s performance is impressive. “The need for students graduating in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields with STEM degrees is a societal need WSCU is filling,” she said. “I think that this is a reflection of how well we’re preparing our students, not only to compete in their area, but this also reflects well on our university, faculty and students as compared to other institutions across Colorado.
WSCU students have the option of earning 3 credits in Recreation and Outdoor Education for participating in the trek. In addition to Chhiring Dorje Sherpa’s 11 summits of Mt. Everest, he has summitted K2 one time (in 2008), Manaslu one time, Cho Oyu five times, Shishapangma two times, Makalu two times, Lhotse one time, Himlung Himal one time, Pumari one time, Amadablam one time and several other 6000m peaks. Chhiring’s daring rescue on K2 is detailed in the critically acclaimed novel Buried in the Sky, by Peter Zuckerman and Amanda Paddan, published in 2012. For more information or to register for the trip contact Extended University Studies at 970.943.2885 or visit western.edu/extendedstudies. 17
MAYMESTER 2013 INTERNATIONAL TRIPS THROUGH EXTENDED UNIVERSITY STUDIES
Airfare and meals are not included in all courses. For more information and registration materials, visit www.western. edu/extendedstudies or call (970)943-2885
Belize
David Hyde will lead students to Belize May 19 to June 16, 2013, for a Mayan Archaeology Field School. This is a course designed to introduce students to the methods used to collect and analyze archaeological data in a hands-on field setting. For $2800, students will receive four credits in anthropology, as well as lodging and meals.
China
Shuling Zou will accompany students through the China Experience, from May 12 through June 2, 2013. Students will not only learn Chinese language and culture, but will also examine the impetus behind the country’s growth and challenges and opportunities of conducting business in the “Middle Kingdom.” They will spend two weeks in Qingdao and one week in Beijing. The course costs $2265, which includes lodging and meals for the first two weeks in Qingdao. For an additional fee, students can earn up to three credits in communications and two credits in business.
Egypt
WSCU travels to the heart of Egypt’s revolution this year for a course appropriately titled Protest, Emergent Democracy, and the Rose of Islam in Egypt. The course, led by Dan Cress, lasts from May 18 to 31, 2013 and examines the protests that swept through Egypt toppling the military dictatorship and the resulting attempts of the Egyptian
people to establish a democratic state. Students will visit Cairo to meet important participants in Egypt’s revolution, as well as historical sites in Alexandria, Luxor and Hurghada. The course costs $3990, which includes three credits in sociology, airfare, lodging, meals and on-course activities.
Ecuador
Explore Tropical Diversity, Ecology and Conservation in Ecuador with Jonathan Coop, May 13 to 31, 2013. Journey to the equator for hands-on field research of diversity, ecology and conservation in the neotropics. Students will explore alpine grasslands of the high Andes, verdant cloud forests filled with colorful orchids and tanagers and endangered dry tropical forests bordering the beaches of the pacific. The $1850 fee includes lodging, meals and three credits in biology or environmental studies.
Italy
Students will explore the pictorial composition in Florence and Tuscany from May 13 to 31, 2013 with Don Seastrum. Travel to a scenic and historical region of Italy where architecture and scenery inspire great artists, and explore the compositional studies from urban Florence to rural Tuscan landscapes, as well as the composition of Italian masters. The course costs $3650, which includes lodging, 3 credits in art, and all on-course activities.
EXPLORE COLORADO HISTORY AND GEOLOGY
WITH COURSES OFFERED THROUGH EXTENDED UNIVERSITY STUDIES WSCU’s Extended Studies Program is offering two exciting courses this summer that will take participants on a journey through Colorado’s history and geology. The first is a trek through Colorado history with Duane Vandenbusche, Professor of History, through Leadville, Georgetown, Estes Park, Glenwood Springs and Redstone June 10-14, 2013. During this trip participants will embark on a fascinating tour of the Colorado Mineral Belt. Visit and learn about Leadville and its famous National Mining Museum along with Central City, Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Silver Plume, Glenwood Springs, Vail, Redstone, and Crested Butte. The course includes a ride on the Georgetown Loop railroad, a tour of the Argo Mill, and a chance to experience the world-famous Marble mine. Travel through Rocky Mountain National Park from Grand Lake to Estes Park and visit the Vail Ski Museum and Redstone Castle. The tour also includes single night stays at some of Colorado’s most notable hotels: the Stanley Hotel and Redstone Inn. The cost is $750 which includes the course fee, travel, lodging, ticket on the Georgetown Railroad, and all tours and museums.
The San Juan Mining Tour is an equally exciting trip focusing on history and geology led by History Professor Duane Vandenbusch and Bruce Bartleson, Emeritus Professor of Geology, June 17-21, 2013. This course takes participants on a breathtaking tour of the great San Juan mining country with visits to Lake City, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, Creede and Durango. Learn about one of Colorado’s most storied mining regions, ride on the famous Durango-Silverton narrow gauge railroad, tour the Bachelor-Syracuse mine and stay at some of the most famous historic hotels in Colorado such as the Grand Imperial in Silverton. The class will cross Red Mountain, Owl Creek, Slumgullion, and Ophir Passes and visit several historic mining museums. The mining frontier, narrow gauge railroads, geography, unique Victorian architecture, geology, and social history will be emphasized. The tour also includes a Melodrama at the Diamond Circle Theatre in Durango and a visit to the Box Canyon in Ouray. The cost for the trip is $725 which includes all lodging, entrance fees, train tickets and museums.
For more information and reservations, contact Extended University Studies in Taylor Hall, room 303, (970) 943.2885, or email extendedstudies@western.edu. 18
BARBARA SZABO GERMAINE DANIELS
(SR., MIAMI, FLA.) FOOTBALL
Daniels, a second team RMAC all-conference selection, became the first WSCU running back to have a 1,000 yard rushing season since Chaumont Bouknight ran for 1,186 yard in 2004. Over his four years at WSCU, Daniels compiled 2,654 rushing yards, good enough for the fourth most rushing yards in a career as a Mountaineer. Daniels was fourth in the RMAC in total rushing yards this season.
(JR., BUDAPEST, HUNGARY) TRACK AND FIELD
Szabo cleared 6’3.25” in the high jump at the Colorado School of Mines Twilight indoor track and field meet on February 8th. The jump sets a new WSCU school record and qualifies Szabo for the IAAF World Championships. She is also the two-time defending national indoor high jump champion.
SIGNING DAY 2013 Wednesday, February 6th was National Signing Day for college athletics. The Mountaineer football team signed a total of 42 players while the women’s soccer team added 18 high school seniors to their roster for next season. Mountaineer football managed to sign two of their top recruits, Landis Rowe-Dooley and Blain Crain. Rowe-Dooley, a big and powerful offensive lineman, played at Cypress Ranch High School in Cypress, Texas. “Landis is one of the most well-coached offensive lineman coming out of Texas,” Head Coach Jas Bains said. “He has great numbers in the weight room already as a young man and we are eager to see him continue to make gains in his strength. He will have an opportunity to compete early in his time in Gunnison.”
CHARLES JOSEPH
(SR., BROOKLYN, N.Y.) MEN’S BASKETBALL With his two rejections against Black Hills State University on February 9th, Joseph now has 75 career blocks as a Mountaineer, and sits alone in third place for total career blocks at WSCU. He now needs just one more block to tie for first place with Benny Wright (1981-83) and DeJon Robles (1987-91).
ELLIOT COPELAND
(SO., BENNETT, COLO.) WRESTLING After finishing third at the NCAA Division II National Tournament last season as a freshman, All-American Elliot Copeland currently has a record of 27-2 this season, and is a perfect 6-0 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Duals. He has been named the RMAC wrestler of the week twice this year, and is ranked no. 2 in Division II at 174 pounds.
ATHLETICS
Blain Crain is an explosive playmaker at the wide receiver position. Crain comes to WSCU from Spanish Fort High School in Spanish Fort, Alabama. “Blain is a great big target at 6’4”. He has shown great ability to go up and attack the football in tight coverage situations,” Bains said. “He has tremendous hands as a possession receiver but also has the ability to be a big vertical threat at the next level.” The Mountaineer women’s soccer team will head into their second ever season in 2013 and their first as a member of the highly competitive Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Head Coach Jeremy Clevenger and his staff bolstered their lineup, signing 18 high school seniors. The 2013 women’s soccer signing class features 13 athletes from Colorado, two from New Mexico, one from Idaho, one from Arizona and one from Utah. “We have a very talented group of women that will help us in the competitive RMAC Conference,” Clevenger said. “I think this class is going to help take our program to the next level.”
1973 RMAC CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL TEAM 40 YEAR REUNION Mark your calendars for Homecoming, September 27-28 and plan your trip back to Gunnison to reminisce and celebrate with members of your team!
19
Th eM
A
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il
6,
20
13
in n sc er he a n du d l e au d ct fo i o r n
D
’s on
er Athletic As e n i soc ta n iat ou i
The Mountaineer Athletic Association and Western State Colorado University Athletics are currently accepting donations and underwritings for the 12th Annual Crab Feed and Auction Dinner, presented by United Companies and Lacy Construction Company. WSCU athletics is accepting donations for items such as vacation packages, antiques, memorabilia, or larger items like cars, motorcycles or boats, although any item of reasonable worth can be donated. Items from past events included vacation packages to Ouray, San Luis Obispo and Oregon; signed items by Shane Carwin, former President Jimmy Carter and baseball legend Buck O’Neil; suites for games with the Colorado Rockies; outdoor packages; and even a boat.
More than 325 supporters attended last year’s event, which generated a record $29,500 for the WSCU athletic department. The largest fundraiser of the year for the Mountaineers, all funds go back to fund scholarships for WSCU student-athletes and support one of the most successful athletic programs at the Division II level. Underwriting is available and some items may be eligible for tax deductions. Contact the Mountaineer athletic department at (970) 943-2079 for more information on donating items.
FOUNDATION
NEWS
THE ELEVATOR BORICK TAKES WESTERN EVER UPWARD The name “Borick” is a very familiar one on the WSCU campus and in the Gunnison community. In 2003, Steven Borick (’75) and Family made a $3 million challenge gift, the largest gift commitment in WSCU’s history, to build the $7.1 million Borick Business Building, home to the Department of Business, Accounting and Economics and the Professional Land and Resource Management Program. And Steve and his family keep giving - Steve recently
resources such as our new website, wscumountainsports.com,
made a gift of $150,000 to the WSCU Foundation through
and our recruiting efforts. We are very grateful to Steve, as well
the Louis L. Borick Foundation, named in memory of
as our other alumni supporter, Michael Johnson, and his wife,
Steve’s father, Louis, who passed away in 2011.
Mari, for their generous support of WSCU Mountain Sports.”
Steve designated a portion of his gift to create the Professional
Another fund benefitting from Steve’s generous gift is the Borick
Land and Resource Management Denver Center. This gift
Business Scholarship, a fund previously established by Louis Borick
will provide continued education support to professionals within the oil and gas industries in the Denver area. Steve also generously directed portions of his gift to previously established funds, one of them the newly created Mountain Sports Team Program. Generous gifts by Michael (’77) Johnson and his wife, Mari, led to the creation of the Mountain Sports Program, which focuses on continuing to build and strive for excellence in the gravity and endurance mountain biking and Free-ride and Nordic skiing and snowboarding.
on behalf of Steve to provide scholarship assistance for WSCU students in the Business, Accounting and Economics Department. In addition, Steve donated a portion of his gift to the J. Ralph Reed Business Scholarship. Steve previously established this fund in honor of Ralph, Emeritus Professor of Business. This scholarship provides assistance to students majoring in Business, Accounting or Economics. And Steve used some of this gift to the previously created Borick Business Development Fund, which provides Faculty development support to the Department of Business.
“Steve’s gift has allowed WSCU Mountain Sports to greatly
“Steve’s heart beats for blessing Western’s students. That, quite
increase our presence in collegiate skiing and snowboarding. We
naturally for him, is expressed in beautiful generosity. Even
anticipate sending a full squad of athletes to Sun Valley, ID to
more than building and leading a publicly traded company,
represent WSCU at the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard
Steve’s grand achievement is touching and elevating the lives
Association (USCSA) National Championships in March,” said David
of others. I am grateful to join the huge chorus of grateful
Wiens, Director of Mountain Sports. “Furthermore, other areas
hearts who are deeply thankful for our friend Steve,” said Tom
of WSCU Mountain Sports have benefitted from these additional
Burggraf, Executive Director of the WSCU Foundation. 21
FOUNDATION
NEWS
THE KINCAIDS MAKE MUSIC FOR WSCU John and Georgie Kincaid, both 1947 graduates of WSCU, have made a generous gift of $75,000 to the WSCU Foundation for the Department of Music. John and Georgie have been involved with WSCU and the Department of Music for many years. They both were members of the band and orchestra while undergraduates. John was a Music major, and after many years of graduate school and experience in the teaching field he returned to WSCU as a member of the Music faculty in 1961. John retired in 1986.
Georgie and friends previously established this scholarship for students who are instrumental musicians.
With a portion of their gift, John and Georgie established the John and Georgie Kincaid Music Education Chair with a seed gift of $25,000. They hope other Music alumni and friends will make gifts to the fund to grow to $1.5 million for it to become operational so the Chair can become inaugurated and filled. This Chair will meet the critical need of providing a faculty member to teach Music with an Education emphasis.
“John and Georgie are icons in the musical life of Colorado, the
In addition, John and Georgie directed a portion of their gift to the John and Georgie Kincaid Instrumental Music Scholarship. John and 22
John and Georgie also directed a portion of their gift to the Mabel deKoevend Memorial Music Scholarship, which assists Western students majoring in Music, and the Brass Band Fund.
Western Slope, Gunnison Valley and in the history of the WSCU Department of Music. They have touched countless lives over the decades,” said Dr. John Wacker, Chair of the Music Department. “This gift is another step in a long string of selfless commitments to music, music education and Western. The depth of the love and caring behind their generous gift takes my breath away. Thank you John and Georgie, from all of us, past, present and future.”
FOUNDATION
NEWS
WESTERN STATE GRADUATES MAKE HISTORIC DONATION Two graduates are donating a significant tract of land adjacent to the university to the WSCU Foundation. The donation marks the largest land gift to the university in history. “Since leaving Gunnison we shared a
Foundation, serve on the Professional Land
common goal, and that was to find ways
and Resource Management Advisory Board,
to give back for the unique education and
and played a major role in past donations
experiences we received from graduating
including the construction of the Borick
at Western,” says 1978 Western graduate
Business Building, Colorado’s first major
Steve Reynolds. Reynolds is a member of
public university building funded entirely by
the Western State Foundation Board of
private donations, and the University Center.
Directors and, along with classmate and former Foundation Board member Steve
“Both of us have had successful careers
Trippe, came up with the funds necessary to
in the same industry, occasionally joining
purchase the land and make the donation.
together in what have been successful
L. Richard “Dick” Bratton, a 1954 Western
ventures,” Reynolds says. “For us, these
graduate who founded the Western State
successes would not have happened without
Colorado University Foundation, made it
that Western experience.”
known that the parcel was available. “Other universities spend their budgets
Above : Steve and Paula Reynolds Below : Steve and Sarah Trippe
The 18.71 acres are valued at $775,000
buying land to expand or urbanizing their
and sit directly east of the current Gunnison
campuses with overdevelopment,” says
campus. Although Western State Colorado
Foundation Executive Director Thomas
University has no immediate plans to
Burggraf. “Thanks to visionary and generous
develop the land, the so-called East Campus
alumni and friends like Steve and Sarah
Expansion encompasses valuable property
Trippe and Steve and Paula Reynolds,
along Highway 50 east of the Western’s
Western has to do neither. We can grow
Aspinall-Wilson Center.
while preserving the gorgeous quality of our campus, and use public funds for
“That piece of adjoining property just
educating our students. Future generations
needed to belong to Western,” says donor
of students will be indebted to these two
Steve Trippe. Trippe and his wife, Sarah,
great families.”
both graduated from Western in 1977. “We sincerely hope that this gift can act as an
The Western State Colorado University
avenue to growth and be a part of giving
Foundation raised more than $6 million
future WSCU generations, and the Gunnison
last year, and distributes more than $2
community as a whole, a greater University.”
million annually to the university, with nearly $600,000 of that designated for
“This is a historic gift for Western State
scholarships. Every department on campus
Colorado University and it highlights the
benefits from Foundation support. Funds
incredible passion and commitment our
maintained by the Foundation number
graduates have for this institution,” says
375, with 159 of them being endowed
Western State Colorado University President
perpetually. In addition to funding the
Dr. Jay Helman. “Gifts like this are a tribute
Borick Business Building, gifts from donors
to our rich Western heritage and this gift
have helped to construct the University
in particular sets the stage for Western to
Center, the Studio Theater Lobby in Taylor
thrive well into its second century.”
Hall, renovating Kelley Hall, establishing the Professional Land & Resource Management
Both Trippe and Reynolds have been active
(PLRM) and Petroleum Geology programs,
with the Western State Colorado University
and much more. 23
GIFTS OF STOCK Update
Tax rates on long term capital gains and qualified dividends will increase from 15% to 20% for those upper income earners with $450,000 of taxable income (joint filers) or $400,000 (individual filers).
Charitable Impact
Because charities pay no tax on long term capital gains or qualified dividends, gifts of assets before a sale or before a qualified dividend distribution will save an additional 5% in taxes than these same gifts did prior to 2013.
Long-term capital gains
The capital gains tax rate – the tax you pay on the amount an asset has increased in value over time – will depend on a taxpayer’s ordinary income tax rate. The capital gains tax will be waived for taxpayers below the 25 percent ordinary income tax rate. For those taxpayers who fall at or above the 25 percent income tax rate but below the 39.6 percent tax rate, the capital gains tax will be 15 percent. For those at the 39.6 percent ordinary income tax rate, the capital gains tax will be 20 percent.
Profile of a Giver
If you answer yes to each of the following questions, a charitable gift of stock probably meets your needs. If not, we can help you find an option that’s a better fit. • • • •
Do you have securities that you’ve owned for more than one year and are worth more than you originally paid for them? Do you want to avoid paying taxes on their appreciation? Can you afford to give up ownership of these securities? Would you like to support WSCU today?
A stock portfolio is often among the most valuable assets you own— and one that can carry substantial capital gain, or appreciation in value. With careful planning, you can reduce or even eliminate federal capital gains tax while supporting our work. Read on to see why donating stock can offer even more tax benefits than writing a check.
How It Works
As stock prices increase, so do the taxes you owe on the long-term capital gain, which are charged at a maximum rate of 20 percent (0 percent if your income falls below the 25 percent tax bracket and 15 percent if your income falls below the 39.6 percent bracket). But when you donate publicly traded stock you’ve owned for more than one year to a qualified charitable organization such as the WSCU Foundation, you enjoy two major tax benefits:
D I D YO U
Stocks a KNOW? to be ap re considere purpose preciated for d more no s if they’re wo tax w rt purchastehan when youh d them.
You will be exempt from paying capital gains taxes on any increase in value—taxes you would pay if you had otherwise sold the securities. You are entitled to a federal income tax deduction based on the current fair market value of the securities, regardless of their original cost. The income tax deduction for long-term capital gain property is limited to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income in the year you make the gift, but your excess deduction is deductible for up to five additional years.
EXAMPLE
Lucy wants to make a charitable gift of $10,000. She can make her gift with either cash or stock. She has a marginal federal income tax rate of 28 percent and is not subject to state or local income taxes. The stock’s value is $10,000, with a cost basis of $4,000. In this example, using the stock instead of writing a check saves an added $900. A higher federal tax bracket and any state or local income taxes would further improve Lucy’s results.
24
CASH GIFT VS. STOCK GIFT TYPE OF GIFT
CASH
STOCK
Value of Gift
$10,000
$10,000
Cost Basis
N/A
$4,000
Long-term Capital Gain if SOLD
N/A $6,000
Long-term capital gains tax eliminated ($6,000 x 15% Rate)
N/A $900
Income Tax Savings ($10,000 x 28% rate)
$2,800
$2,800
Total Tax Savings (capital gains tax eliminated + income tax savings)
$2,800
$3,700
Net Cost of Gift (value of gift - total tax savings)
$7,200
$6,300
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Skate board obstacle course?
I know we all say that the students are getting younger every year, but this is a bit much.
The note on the back of the photo says picnic, Anyone know anything further? LET US KNOW WHAT YOU KNOW! Email Shannon Eagles at seagles@western.edu or send a letter to Shannon Eagles, Leslie J Savage Library, Western State Colorado University, 600 N Adams, Gunnison, CO 81231. Thank you in advance for sharing your memories of Western!
AND IN RESPONSE TO THE PHOTOS FROM THE LAST EDITION OF THE WESTERNER… WE ONLY RECEIVED RESPONSES ABOUT ONE OF THE PHOTOS IN THE LAST ISSUE. As part of W Day in 1963 there was a best figure contest. The contestants wore paper bags on their heads so the judges would not know who was competing. The contestant in the back has been identified as Terry Coe, while the ladies in the front are said to be (l-r) LaVada Van Wey, Vicki Massey and Lynne Patton. 25
WESTERN’S INAUGURAL LEGACY FAMILY
THE PIQUETTE’S
The Piquette family is Western State Colorado University’s inaugural “Legacy Family” honored at Homecoming 2012 for their commitment and devotion to this institution beginning in 1929 and spanning to the present day. Western is eternally grateful and forever “Mountaineer proud” to call the Piquette family one of ours. As Western State Colorado University begins our next 100 years, we honor the Piquette’s with this “Legacy Family” award.
Lucile (Falkenberg) Piquette
Frank G. “Jerry” Piquette & Phyllis “Yvonne” Piquette
William C. Piquette & Norene (Hardway) Piquette
Holly (Piquette) Conwell & Boyd Conwell
Leah (Piquette) Lee & Kerry Lee
Karen Piquette
Dan Piquette & Shannon Frias
Lacey (Piquette) Keane Paul Keane
William C. Piquette 1959 BA Secretarial Science \ Frank G. “Jerry” Piquette 1961 Double Major Accounting & Business Administration, 1969 MA Business Administration \ Joan (Piquette) Zugelder 1960 BA Elementary Education \ John V. Piquette 1964 Business Administration \ Paul J. Piquette 1967 Physical Education & 1970 MA Education \ Charles E. “Bud” Piquette Attendee 1963-1964 \ Norene (Hardway) Piqette 1958 BA Biology \ Phyllis “Yvonne” Piquette 1993 Psychology \ Tamara Zugelder “Sister Mary Faustina Zugelder” BA 1994 Mathematics \ John Piquette Jr. Attendee \ Nina (Piquette) Dorren BA 1992 Sociology + Michael Dorren BA 1992 Sociology \ Rita Piquette BA 2004 Business Administration 26
It all started in 1929 when Lucile (Falkenberg) Piquette from Westcliffe, Colorado enrolled as a freshman student. She and her husband, Charles, raised six children in Westcliffe, all of whom attended Western and collectively they earned seven degrees. Spouses of the children, grandchildren and their spouses, and one great grandchild and her spouse have attended and earned 15 degrees. In total, 26 immediate family members covering four generations have attended and earned 22 degrees. Twenty-five of those family members still reside in Colorado. Currently, one grandchild is enrolled at WSCU, and will receive the 23rd degree in 2014.
Paul J. Piquette & Leslie E. Piquette
Joan (Piquette) Zugelder
John V. Piquette
Tamara Zugelder
Charles E. “Bud” Piquette
John Piquette Jr.
Nina (Piquette) Dorren & Michael Dorren
Paul D. Piquette
ARE YOU A PART OF A LEGACY FAMILY?
Rita Piquette
Alan Piquette
Leslie E. (Piquette) BA 1975 Education \ Paul D. Piquette Double Major Spanish & French 1998 \ Alan Piquette 2002 Double Major Physics & Chemistry, PhD. In Chemistry from OSU 2007 \ Karen Piqette Attendee 1984-1986 \ Holly (Piquette ) Conwell Attendee 1984-1986 + Boyd Conwell BA 1985 Art \ Leah (Piquette) Lee Attendee + Kerry Lee Attendee \ Dan Piquette Current Student + Shannon Piquette Frias 1997 Sociology \ Lacey (Piquette) Keane 2012 Sociology \ Paul Keane 2010 Outdoor Leadership & Resort Management
Do you know of a family who should be honored as our next legacy family? We are currently accepting nominations for Homecoming 2013! If you know of another Legacy Family please email alumni@western.edu using the subject line “Legacy family” and submit your nominee for next year’s Homecoming weekend. Homecoming is September 27 – 28, 2013. 27
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEWS
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!
Get your Western State College license plates before we discontinue the design below and change them to Western State Colorado University!
There are a limited number of WSC license plates left in the DMV inventory, so don’t hesitate to get yours today! If you already have the WSC plates, you will have the option of keeping it or switching out for the new WSCU plate, it’s your decision. Additional fees will apply. We are currently working on the new design of the license plate and hope to have the new plates ready by May. The color scheme of the plates will remain the same; however, we will replace the logo that is in the middle of the license plate, and the tag line will now say Western State Colorado University instead of Western State College.
To get your WSC plates visit our website at www.westernalum. org and click on our Benefits/ Programs link or call our office at 970-943-2493. 28
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEWS
CLASS NOTES AND “WHERE ARE THEY NOW”
In this issue, we are combining our normal class notes with some “Where are They Now” updates that we received after the previous issue was printed. Enjoy getting caught up with your classmates!
40’S
After Margaret “Peg” (Williams) Sievers (BA ’44, MA ’49) retired from teaching at Montrose High School; she then moved to Colorado Springs for 27 years. Afterwards, she moved to Golden in 1999, to be near her 3 married kids, one of whom is also a Western alum along with her husband.
50’S
Patrick Woodward (BA ’53, MA ’63) taught public school music for 3 years as well as tuned and repaired pianos for 40 years. As a retiree, he helps deliver food from his church’s huge food pantry to low-income senior citizens and sings in choirs. His wife, Louise (Browning) Woodward (BA ’53) taught business subjects for six years, raised children, and then worked at secretarial/ bookkeeping jobs, retiring after 20 years from Johnson County Community College. She does volunteer tutoring for GED students, especially in math. Pat and Louise live in Overland Park, Kansas, have three children and six grandchildren. Margaret Roderick (’55) taught music in Kansas for several years, married Harold Waldrum (’56) in 1956, had two children, Kriss and Ruanna. Divorced Harold and remarried Wallace Roderick in 1972. Retired to Colorado, and has lived in Cedaredge for 12 years.
In 1964, Clem Cleveland (’59) served as a newspaper editor for five years, and then went back to teaching in Pontiac where in 1971 he became head of the public relations department. While sitting in his living room one late summer afternoon, his wife threw a newspaper at him. She had circled a classified advertisement for a teacher of computer science at a nearby, prestigious private school, Cranbrook Kingswood. He called the number and the response was, “Can you start Monday?” Nine years later, he was still on the job. He is now retired, and says it was Western that helped to get him on track where the “A” grades in graduate school became natural along with the commendations from teacher evaluations.
60’S
Harold Naughton (’63) was recently featured in the “Denver Post” for his outstanding radio sports announcing. He was said to be the “sports guy” and playby-play announcer for all the high school teams in northeastern Colorado. Harold has lived in Burlington, Colo since 1965 and worked in the school system there for his entire career. Connie (Moreland) Cox (’68) started her teaching career in Center, Co as a teacher for the Colorado Migrant Council during the summer and fall of 1967. After completing her stu-
dent teaching, she returned to Western. After graduation, she taught English/Art for the Del Norte School. During this time, she received a Master’s Degree from Adams State College in 1972 and studied in Europe with the University of Utah. After Del Norte, her teaching career took her to Cortez where she taught for the Montezuma-Cortez School District. Over the years, she did substitute teaching and retired in 2007. Other accomplishments have been in food service, coowner of a television repair shop, supervisor in potato processing, home health care, and owner of her own art business “Con the Won Enterprises”.
70’S
Deb (Waymon) McGlathery (’70) retired in 2000. Deb taught in Adams County Five Star School District her entire teaching career. She served on District 12’s Policy Council for twelve years and helped draft policy for such issues as smoking, drugs, dress, and procedures for things like book banning challenges. Deb looks back with appreciation and admiration on her decision at age seventeen to leave the only home she had ever known and travel two thousand miles to an unknown place to live, and attend school. She says it is, by far, one of the top three decisions she has ever made. Her time at Western gave her knowledge, leadership skills, maturity, independence,
confidence, courage, cherished memories and friends. Loren Livermore (’70) graduated during 1970 with a BA in History. A funny thing happened as he got home to Lakewood and checked the mail… He found his DRAFT notice. So much for becoming a history teacher. He decided to go into the USAF officer training school and flew F-4 fighters (the Phantom) for the next 14 years. He retired as a Lt Col in 1993. Along the way, he earned an MA in International Relations from Troy University (1986.) Since retiring he became a Level III ski instructor – he says he always loved teaching. He is currently the director of instructor training at the Brundage Mountain Resort Ski and Board School at McCall, Idaho. Robert Keith Rosette (’72) retired after 33 years with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Worked as the Hatchery Supervisor conservation officer, area manager; regional manager, president and chief officer of Rosette Wildlife consulting Inc.; Consultant (natural resources) Louisiana Pacific corp.; President, executive officer Colorado Land and Water specialist Inc.; Staff naturalist Carsten Ranch Properties, Telluride, COacted as a natural resource consultant in the U.S., Canada and republic of South Africa; and extensive consulting in conservation easement baselines and land management.
29
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEWS
Michael J. Hejtmanek (’73) is working again in Wyoming as the superintendent of St. Stephen’s Indian School on the Wind River Reservation for the 2012-2013 school year after a brief retirement to Las Cruces, NM in July 2010. Michael and his wife, Jeanne are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in September. Son Michael R. is an anesthesiologist in Bellingham, WA where he lives with his wife Kim, their children, Harper (5yrs old), and Sadie (1 yr. old). Daughter Katie is a Professor at Brooklyn College, CUNY in NYC. Daughter Jenny is studying for her ACNP (Nurse Practice) at University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and will be married in December. Yvette Roberts (’74) is the only Western Slope writer to win a place among the 2012 Colorado Voices guest columnists for the Denver Post. A panel of judges selected writers with “an eye toward offering a diverse representation…across the state,” according to Colorado Voices coordinator Barbara Ellis. “It was a surprise to learn I’d been chosen,” said Roberts, who lives in Gunnison. She will be writing five or more columns beginning in December. They’ll also be available online at deverpost.com/opinion. Steven Michael Daub (’76) was inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame on November 11, 2012 for his blues radio show, “Stormy Monday Blues” on WRPI in Troy, New York. Steve has been hosting the show for 12 years. Alumni can listen to his show online at WRPI.org Mike Wurtz (’79) recently received the Antarctica Service Medal of the USA from the Na30
tional Science Foundation for his service in Antarctica. Mike’s experience in Antarctica follows his retirement in 2009 from the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller.
80’S
Todd Bradley (’82) is the CEO and Co-Founder of C4 Waterman, Inc., a company that specializes in stand-up paddle boards. Todd lives what he loves. Balancing family life with a highly successful career in brand-building, as well as sales and marketing for his company, he somehow still managed to reach elite levels in a slew of sports, particularly canoe paddling and surfing. His passion and energy are huge driving forces in fulfilling the mission of his company. Doug Buttery (’82) has recently retired after 30 years with the National Park Service. After 3 years in the United States Marine Corps, Doug attended Western, met his future wife, Roni “Susie” (Finney) Buttery (’81), and graduated with a degree in Biology. Susie and Doug’s careers included raising one daughter and tours of duty in Grand Teton, Olympic, Lassen Volcanic, Haleakala, Wind Cave, Rocky Mountain and Arches/Canyonlands National Parks. Doug retired as the Chief of Facility Management for Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in Moab, UT. While stationed in Arches/Canyonlands he supported the Regional Office acting as the Regional Chief of Maintenance in 2010 and as the Northern Rockies Facility Lead in 2012. In August of 2012, Doug was awarded The National Park Service Director’s Award for Ex-
cellence in Natural Resource Stewardship through Maintenance. He will relocate to Granby, Colorado where Susie works for Rocky Mountain National Park. Retirement plans include a spring trip to New Zealand
90’S
James Kaiser (’90) worked in professional theatre for 20+ years and then decided it was time to pass on that knowledge to younger generations. He got his teaching certificate and MA in Theatre Education at UNC in Greeley, CO and now works as a Theatre Arts teacher and Technical Director at one of the top 1000 high schools in the country located in San Antonio, Texas. Chris Hughes (’90) was recently named Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at New Mexico State University where he will conduct the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, teach graduate and undergraduate conducting, and coordinate all aspects of the university band program. He returns to the US this summer after a four year adventure as Director of Bands for the College of Music at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. Hughes has developed an impressive international profile that includes engagements in Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Australia, in addition to Thailand. He remains grateful to WSC Professor Emeritus John Kincaid for his continued guidance. Gemma (Fratantaro) Biancucci (’97) recently joined the Academy at Sisters, the northwest premier therapeutic boarding school for adolescent girls, as a new thera-
pist in September. After graduating from Western, Gemma earned her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Counseling from Bastyr University/Leadership Institute of Seattle in 2004. Prior to working at the Academy, Gemma had her own private practice, working as a therapist for a Bend program for young adults with co-occurring disorders. Shane Carwin (’99) former Mountaineer wrestler and football player made his television debut as a coach on the television program, “Ultimate Fighter.” Carwin is the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight Champion. “Being a coach and helping others achieve their dreams is a dream of mine,” Carwin said. “The Ultimate Fighter gives me a great platform to do that.” As the coach of one team, Carwin will train his team and help one member earn a fight for a contract with the UFC. Carrie Dawn Wilson (’99) was named the manager and curator of the Savage Art Gallery. The gallery displays, represents and sells local artists’ work and has quarterly exhibitions. As the artist in residence, Carrie will be conducting “Art in the Dark”, monthly women’s paint workshops. The works created will be collectively exhibited at the gallery.
00’S
Craig Otto (’00) former Mountaineer wrestler and long-time WSCU assistant wrestling coach, was inducted into the Forest Grove High School Hall Of Fame. Otto wrestled at Forest Grove HS in Forest
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEWS
Grove, Ore. from 1991-94. A fouryear letterman with the Vikings, Otto was a state champion his senior year at 123 pounds. Otto compiled 123 wins and only 13 losses, wrestling at 98, 115 and 123 pounds. Upon graduating high school, Otto wrestled for the Mountaineers from 1996-98 and was a three-time All-American. Last summer, Josh Shifferly (’04), and Jarral Ryter (WSCU Lecturer in Chemistry), biked the Tour Divide. Their trip began in Banff, Canada with only their mountain bikes, camping gear, and some food. They slept under trees; encountered a variety of wild animals, including bears, mountain lions, and moose; and traveled through snow drifts and hot deserts as they made their way to the Mexican border. Josh, an avid backcountry skier, long distance bike packer, and avalanche survivor, used the race to raise money for the Crested Butte Avalanche Center. Jarral, who has type 1 diabetes, wanted to raise money for diabetes research and inspire kids with the disease that they can do anything they want, even bike the Continental Divide. Luke Mehall (’04) wrote his first book, “Climbing Out of Bed”, which was released on July 4th. His book is a collection of rock climbing and mountain town stories, written over the last 13 years. The muses of Mehall’s pieces are the people who make up the rock climbing and mountain town culture. Many of the stories in “Climbing Out of Bed” are coming of age tales, especially when Mehall embarks into the unknown of the rock climbing world.
Daniel (’05) and Laurel (Butcher) (’07) Becker tied the knot on September 22nd at Ulley’s Cabin at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Dan is the head chef at Garlic Mike’s in Gunnison and Laurel is the Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs here at Western. Scott Dahlberg (’08) was named a new assistant cross country coach at Colorado State University. While he was an assistant coach at Western he helped coach a National Championship cross country team, four Runnerup National Championship cross country teams, four individual National Champions, 76 AllAmerican titles, and an Olympic Trials qualifier. Both men’s and women’s teams earned “Academic Team of the Year” honors. Corey Tibljas (’08) founded Two Plank Productions with a crew consisting of classmates Ben Somrak (’07), William Barnette (’10), and Mychael Griswold (’11) in 1997, making the most of the local backcountry terrain around nearby Crested Butte. Tibljas, who also works as a firefighter and EMT for the Crested Butte Fire Protection District and EMS divisions, has released just five short films over the 15-year span, running the company as something of a side project for most of that time; but, he says his latest labor of love represents a shift in focus and a determination to start doing things differently. ESPN.com caught up with him to find out why he’s changing gears as a filmmaker and reinvesting in his business, and why he took more than two years to film his latest movie, “Because.”
Michael Gusbeth (‘08) and Tiffany (Tall Bull) Gusbeth (‘10) were married August 20th, 2011 in Crested Butte, Colorado. The wedding was 15 months after Michael proposed to Tiffany on the deck of the Brown Lab ‘Bakery’, on Mt. Crested Butte, hours after her graduation ceremony at Western State College! Both were also former employees during their time at Western. Michael was an Assistant Track and Field coach (‘08-’09), as well as a maintenance employee during his undergrad studies. Tiffany was a work study employee in the Financial Aid department. Michael is now the Assistant Track and Field Coach at Elon University in North Carolina, while Tiffany is a Financial Aid Advisor at Guilford Technical Community College, also in North Carolina.
thought what better topic for a children’s book than “Scooburt Steals a Meatball?” Accepted and published by Tate Publishing in fall 2011, “Scooburt Steals a Meatball” is now making its official release in September 2012. In her spare time Holly enjoys hiking with her dogs, taking photos, and making jewelry.
10’S
Patrick Erley (’11) and Jason Holton (’10) are entering the Grand Traverse, a 40 mile backcountry ski race from Crested Butte to Aspen, as a charity team to benefit our Mountain Rescue Team. Their goal is to raise at least $1500 by the start of the race. They have raised $1100 to date and only need $400 to reach their goal! The WSCU MRT is a volunteer-based search and rescue team that provides an invaluable service to our community. Holly Brady (’11) moved west to California after graduation to the Santa Cruz Mountains where she decided to finish her humorous children’s tale based on her adopted dog, Ozzy (nicknamed Scooburt). Scooburt, being the adventurous hound that he is, would steal food constantly. She 31
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEWS
FUTURE MOUNTAINEERS Dave Vondy (‘02) and his wife, Brenda, welcomed Grace Vondy on October 22, 2012. Grace weighed 6 lbs. 6 ounces and was 20 inches long. Neil Samples (’09) and Amanda (Passehl) Samples (‘09) welcomed their first child, Jackson William Samples on November 9. He weighed 8 lbs. 5.7 ounces and was 20 inches long. Kevin Boucher (2001) and Erica (Bakanec) Boucher (2000) welcomed a new addition to the Western Family. Marlee Quinn Boucher was born September 26th weighing in at 7 lbs. 3 ounces. Robert Cohen (Assistant Professor of Math) and Alexandra Tayrien (’09) had a beautiful baby girl on September 25th at 5:19pm. She weighed 6 pounds 4 ounces and was 19 inches long.
32
Joe (’09) and Bobbie (’08) (Sloan) Lucero welcomed new baby Roman Lucero September 20th. Roman weighed 7 lbs. 11 ounces and was 21 inches long. Jaime and Ahren James “AJ” Cattles (’02) introduced Tucker Jase Cattles July 20th at 3:35pm. He weighed 8 lbs. 2 ounces and was 21 inches long. Todd (’06) and Amber Swinney (‘11) welcomed Tel Harry Swinney into their family September 26th. Tel was welcomed by his brothers Kaden, age 8, and Keaton, age 6. Tel weighed 6 lbs. 11 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. Cory (’05) and Carrie (Kirkendoll) Woods (‘05) and big brother Edmund welcomed new baby Parker Gunn on September 21, 2012.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEWS
OBITUARIES Dorothy L. (Gibson) Diel (’36) February 10, 2012 Patricia (O’Fallon) Tovatt (’37) April 16, 2012 Maxine Jessie (Kelly) (Volpe) Gabelman (’39) October 30, 2012 Carolyn Louise (Burdick) Warrick (’41) July 30, 2012
Rosalie May (Corey) Haines (’53) December 14, 2012 Nancy Juanita (Wells) Morrison (’54) July 19, 2012 Harold E. Trevithick (’55) August 8, 2012
Wanda Lee (Robinson) Kenner (’47) June 20, 2012
Judith Sayoko (Yoshioka) Yamato (’66) January 27, 2012
Stephen H. Price (’67) August 2, 2012
Bruce Alan Weber (’82) August 22, 2012
Ellen Jean (Hansen) Smith (’58) May 30, 2012
Helen “Earlynne” (Butters) Barcus (’68) January 4, 2013
William James Kralicek (’84) November 3, 2012
Dorothy Jean (Orton) Waits (’58) September 28, 2012
Patricia Ziegler (’69) April 1, 2012
Norman Colin Campbell (MA ’58) October 9, 2012
David Lee Mangum (’70) April 29, 2012
Michael A. Sanders Jr. (’92) April 8, 2012
Douglas Wright Flynn (BA ’70 MA ’71) December 13, 2011
Andrew Edwin Schepp (’94) October 15, 2011
Joyce Louise (Head) Chenevert (’59) October 3, 2012 Vena Alice (Branson) Woodward (’59) May 12, 2012
Max Lee Wood (’71) October 4, 2012 Annabelle Doris Kanis (MA’71) December 28, 2012
Russell Howard Alley (’59) June 11, 2012
Donald Leslie Birchfield (’71) September 7, 2012
Guy Donald Cherp (’59) March 13, 2012
Michael Joe Allen (’72) November 9, 2012
Frank Guy Montera (’60) January 16, 2013
Keith Edwin Rausch (’72) July 8, 2012
Larry Ray Williams (’62) June 2, 2012
Nancy (Law) Blakeslee (’73) June 18, 2012
Charles Lee Bennett (’51) April 13, 2012
Nina N. (Nelson) Newton (’62) March 12, 2011
Craig Arthur Browning (’74) January 10, 2013
Dr. James “Jim” Lewis Parsons M.D. (’51) April 5, 2012
Thelma Kristine (Kjelland) Holden (’63) March 26, 2012
Robert Gene Simpson (’75) May 9, 2012
Maxwell Dean Stanton (’51) October 22, 2012
Richard P. Griffith (MA ’64) July 3, 2012
Debra Ruth (Forman) Winograd (’75) October 19, 2012
George Gerald Plummer (’52) November 18, 2012
Wilma K. Whittier (’64) April 7, 2012
Darrell Clayton Blackburn (’77) November 6, 2011
Isaac Jean Nicholson (’52) December 27, 2012
Robert John Wilczek Sr. (’64) September 22, 2012
Rogers Frederick Jacobson (’52) July 6, 2012
Donna “Janet” (Locke) Carver (’65) January 13, 2013
Mary “Jeanie” (Johnson) Bain (’77) January 11, 2013
Robert John Nixon (’48) August 22, 2012 Abner Decker Hahn Jr. (’49) January 20, 2013 Jack McCracken (BA’50 & MA’52) October 22, 2012
Duane Thomas MacDonald (’78) March 6, 2012
Billy W. Evans (MA ’80) June 6, 2012
James Robert Dryden (’57) May 7, 2012
Martha Marie (Freeman) Wacholtz (’45) December 27, 2011
Sharon (Kelly) Darien (’78) January 2, 2012
Theodore “Ted” Stephens Brumbaugh (MA’67) October 19, 2012
Edith Viola (Brintnall) Updike (’43) January 9, 2013
Marcella Irene (Keegan) Worrell (’45) June 21, 2012
Bernard Lee Shaw (’66) February 25, 2012
Jerry Max Toler (MA ’79) December 28, 2012
Dorothy Irene (Miller) Burlison (’56) June 13, 2012
Edith L. (Liley) Nelson (’45) October 29, 2012
Roger James Altman (’78) November 27, 2011
Robert Hamilton Mitchell (’66) June 9, 2012
Frank Lynn Bailey (’56) April 2, 2012
Mary Josephine (Salatino) Strain (’42) May 17, 2012
Edna Luree (Hall) Miller (’44) October 7, 2012
William Walter Weiss (’65) February 9, 2012
Tanya Jeanne Robinett (’77) December 29, 2012
Doyle Dawain Pratt (MA ’87) March 13, 2012
Mary H. Quinn (’02) December 18, 2011
FACULTY / STAFF Pat Julio (Emeritus Professor of Art, 56-87) January 2, 2013 Peter Burkhardt (Professor of Business, 89-03) September 9, 2012 Benay Muckleroy (Director of Procurement and Contracts-retired) September 27, 2012 Frank Pribyl (Emeritus Professor of Business Administration, 67-01) October 18, 2012 Gary J. Beswick (Professor) March 19, 2012 Dr. John P. Mellon (PRESIDENT 73-85) April 6, 2012
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
PA I D
Permit No. 5 Gunnison, CO
Alumni Relations Office 600 N. Adams Gunnison, CO 81231
DATES TO REMEMBER APRIL 26, 2013 Los Angeles Alumni Gathering MAY 10, 2013 Alumni Awards for Excellence MAY 11, 2013 WSCU Graduation JUNE 1, 2013 DENVER ALUMNI EVENT
Colorado Rapids Game and pre-game social
SEPTEMBER 27-28, 2013 Homecoming
JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Look for the Western State Alumni Facebook page, “Like” us and stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest happenings at your alma mater.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THESE AND OTHER EVENTS, LOG ONTO WWW.WESTERNALUM.ORG/EVENTS. 34
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