WESTERN STATE COLORADO UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE
A YEAR IN REVIEW
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dr. GregORY B. Salsbury President, Western State Colorado University
Another successful year has passed for Western, despite the fact that higher education in this country is in a crisis. There is some debate about how much the actual cost of college has increased in the last few decades, but what is not disputed is that it has in fact risen significantly and at a much faster rate than the income and wealth of the middle class. Student loan debt has surpassed $1.3 trillion and just in the time it takes to read this letter it will have increased another $6 million-plus. As the recent Great Recession continues to ravage the savings and retirements of middle-income Americans, students and their families are becoming more sensitive to the cost and quality of the universities they choose to attend. They are beginning to re-examine very closely exactly what they are getting for the higher education dollar. This added scrutiny bodes well for Western — one of the very few true values remaining in higher education. We offer eight of the ten most popular majors in the country and quite a few more. Some 96 percent of our classes are taught by full time faculty, not teaching assistants or part-timers. The vast majority, 87 percent, of these faculty have the highest degrees possible in their disciplines. And our rare 17:1 student-teacher ratio allows for superior, individualized instruction. We offer all of this at a cost that is surprisingly low not only to Coloradans but to out-of-state residents as well. The quality piece of Western’s value is apparent all over campus. Western students graduate ready to enter the workforce or continue on to graduate school due to the rigor of classroom instruction and the unending support they receive along the way. Student retention was not only up again this year, but it is higher than our peer group schools. This is thanks in part to a host of exceptional programs aimed at keeping students engaged and challenged throughout their educational careers.
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Western’s affordable cost enhances the value here in a number of ways. Fewer of our students require student loans. Those who do take out loans graduate with less debt than the national average, meaning that their monthly loan repayments are much more manageable, leading to low default rates. Further, our low cost leaves more of our graduates able to afford graduate school. And our efforts to improve never cease. Last December (2014), the university unveiled its Strategic Plan for the next three years. The plan highlights five goals, led by the objective of increased enrollment. Driving this initiative are marketing and advancement efforts, concurrent enrollment programming, expanding the School of Business, increasing student diversity, increasing enrollment of international students and expanding graduate programs. It is clear that prospective students and their families are beginning to realize the Western value. We have increased our enrollment year over year for the past four years, while nationally during the same time period, enrollment has decreased. And if the number of applications currently submitted for 2016-17 are any indication, Fall 2016 will begin another year of growth for Western. Ultimately, all of our efforts are motivated by the desire to provide all Mountaineers with a well-rounded liberal arts educational experience. The following pages demonstrate how we are doing just that. The future looks bright, and I’m excited to share our continued successes as we move forward in 2016.
In This Issue
SPRING 2016 VOLUME 14, NO. 2 The Westerner is published twice each year for alumni and friends of Western by Western State Colorado University, 600 N. Adams, Gunnison, CO 81231.
2 A “Year in Review” 18 Foundation News 20 Athletics 22 News from the Alumni Association 27 From the Archives
READERS MAY SUBMIT NEWS ITEMS TO: TONYA VAN HEE Director of Alumni Relations tvanhee@western.edu 970.943.2493
DR. GREG SALSBURY President gsalsbury@western.edu 970.943.2114
JOHN KAWAUCHI Vice President for Marketing and Enrollment jkawauchi@western.edu 970-943-2119
TOM BURGGRAF Executive Director, Western State Foundation tburggraf@western.edu 970.641.2237
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GARRETT FINKE Director of Sports Information gfinke@western.edu 970.943.2831
CRESTED BUTTE PUBLISHING & CREATIVE Layout, Design and Printing
ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS Corbin Bennetts (’15) Laurel (Butcher) Becker (’07) Shannon Bounds (’92) Ann (Clements) Eckman (‘89) Paul Giberson (’01) Sarah Kem (Student Rep) Sandra (Hunkins) Rowe (’86) Joanie (Mancini) Todd (’85) Vicki (Figgie) Wheeler (’86)
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Photos taken by: Greg Smith, Jesse Cruz, Cover photo by Greg Smith. The “Year in Review” section of this “Westerner” magazine was put together by Taylor Ahearn, Brand & Graphic Design Specialist for Western. Taylor is also an alumnus of Western graduating just last year in 2015. Submissions also by Garrett Finke, Sports Information Director.
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The Secret Is Out Western is Colorado’s best-kept secret in higher education — but the secret is getting out. Bucking state-wide trends, Western has grown enrollment both in terms of headcount and Full Time Equivalency for the fourth year in a row. Our average student loan debt is not only dramatically below the national average, but also below state average. With the second-lowest tuition in the State of Colorado, our tuition rate prepares graduates for better futures by not overloading them with debt. Additionally, 100 percent of students admitted to Western are considered for scholarships.
WESTERN’S VALUE
42% $3,566
96% 4
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below the national average student loan default rate.
lower than the average national tuition.
of classes taught by full-time faculty.
Enrollment Growth — Again 2015-16
2,800 2014-15
2,600 2013-14
2,400
2012-13 2011-12
2,200 2,000 Overall Headcount WESTERNER
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developing professionals in the school of business Business majors at Western are primed to enter the job market with the skills and resources necessary for success. Students build professional lasting relationships — both on and off campus.
major emphases • • • • • • • • •
ACCOUNTING BUSINESS ADMINSTRATION ECONOMICS ENTREPRENEURSHIP LATIN AMERICAN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MARKTING PROFESSIONAL LAND & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESORT MANAGEMENT
22 Business School graduates have gone on to become corporate CEOs.
87% of faculty have the highest degrees in their fields.
Making it Big: Ryan Payne After receiving his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Western in 2014 followed by his master’s in accounting from the College of William & Mary, Ryan Payne landed a coveted position with Deloitte, one of the big four accounting firms, where he is currently an Audit Assistant. Ryan is currently serving the greater Washington, D.C., Richmond and Baltimore areas in the financial banking and investment market, as well as the aerospace and defense sectors. Ryan transferred to Western from West Los Angeles Community College in the spring of 2012. While at Western, Ryan was a member of the football team and boxing club. 6
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New recruiters are coming to campus all year long.
LAUNCHING CAREERS AT WESTERN OFFICE OF CAREER SUCCESS STEPS to employment
CHELSEA DALPORTO-MCDOWELL DIRECTOR OF CAREER SUCCESS
Thanks to the generous donation of Steven Borick and the Louis L. Borick Foundation, the School of Business has created the Office of Career Success, led by Director of Career Success Chelsea Dalporto-McDowell. Chelsea spends time working with students and networking with industry professionals to help connect students with employers. Throughout the Fall Semester, potential employers came to campus to present guest lectures, meet students, and interview for open positions. “We’re moving and shaking, and our first year has gone beyond our expectations,” Chelsea said. “It’s a remarkable step forward to have a center focused exclusively on career success, which brings a new emphasis on student employment and the after-graduation experience.”
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Professional development matched with student values. Resume and cover letter refinement. Development of interviewing skills. Facilitation of internships and job placements.
Program Goals Strengthen existing relationships and cultivate new contacts with potential employers. Increase starting salaries of graduates. Sharpen business skills of students.
Recent Career Placements
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academic rigor Elevating academic excellence is at the core of Western’s values. This past spring, the Colorado legislature approved a bill to allow the university to move from a ‘moderately selective’ to a ‘selective’ school. In addition, Western has a thriving Honors Program, led by Dr. Kelsey Bennett. According Ruffalo NoelLevitz, providing an Honors Program is the most effective retention tool for fouryear public institutions.
Active honors students
campus benefits Pairs education with international travel opportunities. Promotes undergraduate research projects.
150
150 100 50
Offers customized courses relevant to current events.
30
Sponsors campus speakers to encourage student dialogue. 25 0
Western Honors students participate in the Model U.N. in New York City, during which students simulate U.N. delegations, deliver speeches and draft resolutions on international issues.
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2012-13
2015-16
Gov. John Hickenlooper signed House Bill 16-1083, which elevates Western’s admission standards from ‘moderately selective’ to ‘selective,’ in March. The change in standards enables Western to attract larger classes of well-prepared students on an even playing field with peer institutions. The bill also grants Western the flexibility to offer a broader range of professional degree programs in the future.
Program Entry Requirements
3.5 GPA 25 ACT
the cream of the crop Western’s Honors Program is unique in the State of Colorado in that courses are created through student input. Faculty and students consult together to create curriculum customized for each student.
honors studentS lead In recent years, the Honors Program at Western has seen significant growth — in fact, the number of students actively participating in the program has increased five-fold in the last three years. This is partly attributable to the dedicated group of students who lead the program as well as the introduction of Honors student housing options on campus. The program is governed by a Student Advisory Committee, where student representatives designate course topics, plan field trips, and organize community, service and social events. students Visited Prague after taking a course on the city’s culture and history. The trip was organized by the Honors Program, but was open to all students.
Western Confers Latin Awards at Graduation Western State Colorado University salutes these outstanding graduates who have graduated with distinction. The degree summa cum laude is for those who have attained a 3.9 cumulative gpa or higher; the degree magna cum laude is for those who have attained a 3.75 – 3.89 cumulative gpa; and the degree cum laude is given to those who attained a 3.5 – 3.74 cumulative gpa. CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE OUTSTANDING GRADUATES! Scott Bird SUMMA Rebekah Corah Sarah Blain Samantha Corn Zachary Burtt Jacob Engle Amanda Campbell Casey Fassiotto Sadie Carrillo Christopher Formichella Paige Colburn Donald Hlava Ronald Crist Miranda Johnson Dalton Dorrell Sophia Koop Lindsey Freeburn Jennifer Leth Dominika Kaszuba Ashley Marshall Kseniya Kudzelich Richard Medina Alyssa Magalong Elyza Montano Mariel Ritacco Sudie Myers Molly Stark Harmony Neal Desiree Stegenga Elise Picard Kellen Stuart Micaela Poe Ryan Walker Holly Rios Landan Schaller MAGNA Kevin Troiano Benjamin Ammon Kimbre Woods Cali Antolini
David Maroney CUM Kevin McCall Tyler Adams Zachary Nehls Stephen Ager Dylan Nicholson Alyssa Atzenbeck Samantha Patzel Austen Beason John Powell Ian Bishop Donald Ransin Jade Blacklock Tyler Roos Tyler Brant Kier Samuelson Kyle Burton Frederick Slyter Drew Calabrese Joanna Snow Brandon Cary Bristyn Thompson Mark Fletcher Katie Thompson Helen Heasley Jay Trebelhorn Donna Holden Emily Tucker Geoffrey Howard Tyler Turnbo Justin Jircik Robin Weiss Sofia Jonsson Erin Kearns Kalista Lacey Lexie Loring Ryan Magnuson
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Quigley reimagined
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Keeping facilities cutting-edge Since 2007, Western’s administration has sought state funding to renovate Quigley Hall, home to the Art and Music Departments. In 2015, those efforts finally paid off.
Thanks to $25.7 million from the State of Colorado, Quigley Hall is finally receiving a facelift. Built in 1967, Quigley Hall is one of the last academic facilities on campus to receive a modern upgrade. Though the building’s footprint and exterior will remain largely unchanged, the inside of the building will be transformed.
building amentities
2nd story 8,000 addition to existing building.
square feet added.
Improved ventilation for art spaces. Improved soundproofing for music rooms. New gallery space. Additional art displays in entryway. Wraparound balcony and expanded stage in Recital Hall.
Institutional Advantage Provides dynamic new concert hall for dramatic and musical performances. Facilitates new graduate program, Master of Gallery Management & Exhibit Specialization. Increases gallery space to showcase student work. to learn more please visit: western.edu/quigley
completion estimated for Fall 2016 semester. WESTERNER
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GRADUATE Leaders Graduate programs at Western have blossomed since they were reinstated in 2010. At that point, Western offered a master’s program in Education, as well as Master of Fine Arts degrees in Creative Writing.
Enrollment has more than doubled and program offerings have increased significantly in the past five years.
WESTERN graduate PROGRAMs Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, with emphases in: · Genre Fiction · Poetry with an Emphasis in Versecraft · Screenwriting for Film & Television Master of Arts in Creative Writing, with emphases in: · Genre Fiction · Poetry with an Emphasis in Versecraft · Screenwriting for Film & Television Graduate Certificate in Publishing Master of Arts in Education, with endorsements in: · K-12 Education · Secondary Education · Secondary English Education Master of Arts in Education, with emphases in: · Elementary Education · Special Education Generalist · Educator Effectiveness · K-12 Online Teacher Leadership · Reading Leadership · Teacher Leadership · Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Leadership · Educational Administration Master of Art in Gallery Management and Exhibit Specialization Master of Science in High Altitude Exercise Physiology Master of Environmental Management, with emphases in: · Integrative Land Management · Sustainable & Resilient Communities
graduate enrollment 240
250 200 150 110
100 50 0
2010-11
250% 12
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2015-16 increase in program offerings in the past five years.
Master of Environmental Management Students are working on projects in
Nigeria, applying systems thinking and reliance theories. Kenya, partnering with Eco2librium to offset carbon emissions. Alberta, creating a coordinated food system called “Food Charter.” Arkansas, studying use of conservation areas in Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Costa Rica, applying sustainability, permaculture and ecotourism. Oregon, assessing soil for community wildfire protection in Granite.
MEM Partnerships Peace Corps Master’s International. AmeriCorps VISTA.
From Vision to Reality: Dr. Abel Chavez Dr. Abel Chavez wasn’t necessarily hunting for a job when his wife found the posting for a coordinator for the Sustainable & Resilient Communities track of Western’s Master in Environmental Management program. But the position intrigued him, and after speaking with Dr. John Hausdoerffer, the Director of MEM, about the program, he was sold. “As coordinator-slash-director of the Sustainable & Resilient Communities, I was given the keys to this track that Dr. Hausdoerffer originally created, and he gave me his full trust to really build it out,” Dr. Chavez explained. “Since then, we’ve transformed it from a simple idea and vision to now we’re working with communities across the West Slope and the world.” WESTERNER
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Mountaineers CHARGE AHEAD
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A Legacy of Accomplishments Since 1934, Western has produced
956 NCAA All-American Athletes. The following honors were added in 2015:
83 RMAC All-Academic awards. 43 DII ADA Academic Achievement Awards. 2 Brechler Awards for top team GPAs in the RMAC. 4 Academic All-American Award recipients. 5 Academic All-District Awards recipients. 1 Elite 89 award winner. SETTING NEW RECORDS
Alpine Skiing Returns Western alpine ski racers took to the slopes during the 2014-15 season as a club team under the purview of the Mountain Sports Team. The team looks to continue the Western alpine tradition and build their success in coming months. Western skiers, led by coach Ciera Freson, compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference of the United States Collegiate Ski & Snowboard Association.
The 2015-16 indoor track season has been an exciting one for Western. Noah Zorsky, a junior pole vaulter from Amarillo, Texas, recently won the Mountaineer Shootout pole vault competition with a nation-leading jump of 5.20 meters (17 ž feet). He broke the school and fieldhouse records and took the lead in Division II as the only DII athlete to break the 17-foot mark this season. In his first meet of the season, he cleared 5.15 meters, which broke the school record and automatically qualified Noah for the NCAA Indoor Nationals.
to learn more please visit: gomountaineers.com WESTERNER
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The NEW Western Welcome Center
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spreading the word
APPLICATIONS STARTED 2,872
3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500
LARGEST FALL PREVIEW DAY YET
1,000
guests
500 0
RECRUITing EMAILS SENT 6,000,000
6,000,000
315
1,476
Sep-dec 2015
Sep-dec 2016
5,500,000 5,000,000 4,500,000 4,000,000 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000,000
750,000
New Western Webcam
500,000 0
2014-15
2015-16
New Athletic Bus
NEW Recruiting vehicles
community ice rink zamboni WESTERNER
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Foundation News
AN ENDOWMENT A GIFT THAT LASTS FOREVER Throughout our lifetime, most of us strive to make a difference in the lives of others, providing gifts to the people and causes we value. Wouldn’t it be nice to know that you could continue to change lives even after you are gone—creating a legacy of support for the causes most important to you? By creating an endowment at Western State Foundation you can give a gift that lasts forever.
HOW IT WORKS •
You give cash, securities or other assets to an existing endowment or an endowment you create with us. If you can’t give up assets today, consider making the gift in your will or other estate plan, specifying that you would like your gift to be used to fund an endowment ◊ You can give using your IRA. If you are 70½ and are forced to take annual IRA or retirement plan distribution that you don’t need, you can transfer that distribution, or a portion of it, to Western State Foundation to fund your endowment, with no tax paid on the distribution whatsoever. Contact us for more details. • You determine if your endowment will be designated to fund a specific department, sport, building, scholarship or program, or given without restrictions to allow our Foundation board of directors to direct the fund to meet Western’s most critical needs. • We use a small portion of the fund to support our mission, as you direct, but the balance always remains invested in order to perpetuate the fund.
ENDOW YOUR ANNUAL GIFT Make a plan so that the programs and people at Western most important to you continue thriving after your lifetime. At a 4 percent endowment spending level, 25 times an annual gift amount equals a perpetual gift. If your annual gift is: Amount needed to endow your gift forever: $250 $6,250 $500 $12,500 $1,000 $25,000 $2,500 $62,500 $5,000 $125,000 18
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A CASE STUDY OF BENEFITS For many years, Susan has been writing a check for $5,000 to Western. She wants to continue this giving and create a legacy of support after her death. She decides to update her estate plan* and establish an endowment gift in her will of $125,000. When the gift is made, we use a portion of the endowment each year to fund Western’s programs and support students, and reinvest the remainder, allowing it to grow and support annual payouts indefinitely. This generous arrangement allows Susan to continue supporting our current needs each year during her lifetime and ensures she can support our future needs after her lifetime. The endowment gift also reduces the size of her taxable estate at death. We receive the benefit of Susan’s generosity now and forever. *If you include Western State Foundation in your estate plans, please use our legal name and Federal Tax ID. Legal Name: Western State Colorado University Foundation, Inc. Address: 909 E Escalante Drive, Gunnison, CO 81231 Federal Tax ID Number: 84-0709935
WE CAN HELP We would love to work with you to help you create a lasting legacy that honors your values for many years to come. Please contact us today to learn more about establishing an endowment to strengthen Western and bless our students…forever. Tom Burggraf Executive Director Western State Foundation P.O. Box 1264 Gunnison, CO 81230 970-641-2237 tburggraf@western.edu The information provided is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.
Recent Events
100 YEARS OF MOUNTAINEERS Over 250 alumni and friends gathered at the History Colorado Center in downtown Denver to enjoy a “History of Western” presentation by the one and only, Dr. Duane Vandenbusche. Look for a repeat of this event spring 2017 in the Colorado Springs area.
ALUMNI SKI WEEKEND The weather and ski conditions were terrific for another successful alumni ski weekend. Make plans to join us every year during President’s Day weekend in February.
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Athletics
ACADEMIC NATIONAL CHAMPIONS Western State Colorado University wrestling made history the night before the National Championships. The Mountaineers earned the program’s first Division II Wrestling Academic Team Championship, with the highest team grade-point average ever recorded in the awards’ 23 year history. As a team, Western earned a 3.530 GPA and placed nine individuals on National Wrestling Coaches Association Division II All-Academic Wrestling teams. While it was the first time Western finished first in the team rankings, the Mountaineers have finished in the top six for four
consecutive seasons. The NWCA Academic Team National Championship is calculated by averaging the cumulative GPA of 10 wrestlers from each team of which eight of those wrestlers must have competed in their team’s regional championship tournament. The NWCA announced the 2015-2016 Division II AllAcademic Wrestling Team selections Thursday night before the national championships. One Mountaineer made the first team, five made the second team and three were honorable mention selections.
WESTLING NAMED HEAD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH Lora Westling was announced as the 10th head coach of the Western women’s basketball program on April 25, 2016. “I am thrilled to be the Head Coach at Western State Colorado University,” Westling said. “From the moment I stepped foot on campus, it became obvious that this is a very special place.” Prior to Western, Westling spent the past three seasons as head coach of Illinois College’s women’s basketball program. In her first season as head coach of the Lady Blues, Westling guided the team to a five-win improvement in both its overall and Midwest Conference records. The Lady Blues followed that in 2014-15 with their first trip to the MWC Tournament in five seasons. Under Westling’s guidance, Hannah McGinnis won back-to-back Midwest Conference Player of the Year awards and was a Capital One Academic All-American as a senior. Westling, a native of Casper, Wyo., earned a bachelor’s degree from Washburn University in 2005. She earned her MBA from Washburn in 2007. Westling was a standout member of Washburn’s women’s basketball and women’s
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soccer teams, helping the school’s basketball team to a Division II national championship in 2005. She finished her career as Washburn’s all-time leader in three-pointers made (144) and games played (132). Westling got her start in coaching at Washburn, where she served as an assistant women’s basketball and women’s soccer coach. She has also coached women’s basketball as an assistant at the University of Missouri-St. Louis from 200710 and Truman State University from 2010-13.
Athletics
ALL-AMERICANS As of printing, 10 Western student-athletes earned 15 All-America awards for their stellar performances. The Mountaineer cross country team produced three All-American runners. Kiefer Johnson was the lone male, while Georgia Porter and Alicja Konieczek each earned All-America honors in the women’s race. Porter was also All-American at the Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships in the women’s 5,000-meter run. Western football accumulated six All-America honors for the first time since 1996 when Kurt Clay, Ben Kern and Shane Carwin each earned two. Three of this year’s honors went to junior running back Austin Ekeler. Another two went to punter Dakota Swinehart, while linebacker Jacob
Bernhard also earned an All-America honor. Wrestling placed three grapplers in the top eight of their respective weight classes at the Division II National Championships to earn All-America honors. Ronald Wardleigh placed sixth at 125 pounds, while teammate Corbin Bennetts placed fourth at 141 pounds. Austin Harris also earned All-America honors, placing fifth at 174 pounds. Women’s swimming and diving earned its first AllAmerican since Mary Ann Zeylmaker and Lisa Mapes in 1984. Randi Yarnell became the first Mountaineer swimmer since reinstatement in 2012 to become an All-American, earning one in the 200-yard freestyle and another in the 50yard freestyle at the Division II National Championships.
WESTERN MOURNS THE LOSS OF COACH NOXON Western mourns the loss of Mountaineer football coaching legend Bill Noxon. Bill passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 24 in Grand Junction, Colorado after fighting health issues for the past few months. Noxon led the Mountaineer football team to eight Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference championships, including seven straight, during his time as the Western head coach from 1971-84. He led the team to a pair of NAIA national semifinal appearances and another quarterfinal appearance from 1977-79 and finished with a career record of 87-44-2. “Bill was a great coach and gave me a great opportunity to become his defensive coordinator in 1974,” former Western Head Coach Duke Iverson said. “I’m deeply indebted to Bill and grateful I was also able to call him a friend.” Noxon was an inaugural inductee to the Mountaineer Sports Hall of Fame in 1995 and is also a member of the Fort Lewis College Hall of Fame, the RMAC Hall of Fame and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. Noxon’s 1976 and 1978 teams were also inducted into the Mountaineer Sports Hall of Fame within the last five years. “Bill was one of the most successful Western and high school coaches in Colorado,” Mountaineer Sports Hall of Fame Coach Duane Vandenbusche said. “He had a brilliant offensive mind, but most importantly he was a real gentlemen and a great person.” A native Coloradan, Noxon played football, basketball and baseball at Denver North High School. He attended Fort Lewis Junior College at Durango on an athletic scholarship in 1948 and 1949, lettering two years in football and basketball, and one year in baseball. In football, he played both offense and defense in the backfield and led the team in scoring both years. Transferring to
Colorado A & M College in Fort Collins (now Colorado State University), Noxon played football for the “Rams” and earned two varsity letters. After graduating from A&M, Noxon took the head football coaching job at Fruita Monument High School. During his 15 seasons at Fruita and four seasons at Grand Junction High School, Noxon’s football teams compiled a 133-54-4 overall ledger. For the two high schools combined, his teams won 11 conference titles, captured one State Championship and were runners-up in the State Finals five times. He became one of only a handful of high school coaches in Colorado to achieve more than 100 victories. With the performances of his high school and college football teams combined, Noxon’s 220-98-6 overall record is one of the most impressive career marks in the state of Colorado. He also was head baseball coach for 12 years of his Fruita tenure, and three of his teams there earned second-place honors in the State Playoffs. Noxon’s outstanding prep coaching career earned him the 1966 Colorado Scholastic Coach of the Year Award, an honor bestowed upon him by coaches throughout Colorado. He also was named Coach of the Year by the Rocky Mountain News, Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, and Southwestern League. He received NAIA District VII Coach of the Year recognition for his achievements at Western in 1977, 1978 and 1979, and the American Football Coaches Association named him Kodak College Coach of the Year in 1978. “Success like (Bill’s) will most likely never be matched,” Iverson remarked. Bill is survived by his loving wife Carolyn (“CoCo”) and children Linda Goolsby and Bill Jr. WESTERNER
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News from the Alumni Association
FUTURE MOUNTAINEERS:
Luke Barron (BA-2002) and wife, Gail welcomed Calvin Luke Barron on May 11, 2015. Jessica and John Cunningham (BA-2015) welcomed Owen Michael Cunningham on December 29, 2015. Owen weighed 8lbs., 2oz., and was 20.5 inches long. Leslie Witters (BA-2014), Michael Castleberry and big brother Gavin welcomed Nova Jamie Castleberry on February 11, 2016. She weighed 5 lbs., 15 oz., and was 18 inches long. Gerry Shear (BA-1992) and wife Jenny welcomed twin boys, Samuel and Ethan Shear on April 9, 2016
1940s:
Zeta (Goss) Graham (BA -1948/MA-1968) celebrated her 90th birthday on April 7, 2016. She was honored by hundreds of community members and family at St. Peter’s Parish Hall. Anna (Doyle) Laguens (BA -1948) was honored with a 40-year membership certificate from the Gunnison Valley Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for her years of service this past October 2015. Over the years Laguens has served in several positions from Chapter recording secretary, historian, librarian, registrar, vice-regent and regent. Her connection to the group is her lineage to Revolutionary War Veteran Phillip Kiester and William Hamilton.
1950s:
Glenn George (BA-1958) presented on the history of the narrow gauge railroad, using personal photos and accounts from his experiences as a child up to working on the deconstruction of the line. Reno Deprey (BA-1959) competed in the American Birkebeiner ski race in February. Deprey was the solo competitor in the 85 and over age group with a time of 7:32:41.3, marking his seventh age-group victory for the American Birkebeiner. The race covers 34 miles of trails and is held in Wisconsin.
1960s:
Gran Farnum (BA-1967) owns a printing business, Gran Farnum Printing, which was one of four recipients of the 2015 “Spirit of Western Colorado.” Gran and his wife Glenda have been operating their print business since 1979 in the Glenwood Springs area. Lee (Gern) Mick (BA-1968/ MA-1987) was sworn into the Gunnison Watershed RE1J School Board this past November. With three decades of education experience Mick hopes to prioritize polices that will benefit the students but also keep taxpayers and parents in mind.
1970s:
Thomas Barber (BA-1970) coached two Western students, Robert Wagner and Colin Rada, to compete in the 2016 US Intercollegiate Boxing Association National Championships in April. Nell Whiting (MA-1971) presented her husband, Vern Whiting’s, investigation and research on the 1971 bus accident on Monarch Pass that killed nine people to the Gunnison Public Library during a ceremony in February. Vern’s work lead to new bus safety protocol. Nell wanted to share this history with the community, and it is available to view at the library. Steve “Ed” Woytek (BA-1971/MA-1980) was inducted into the Colorado Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in January. Woytek is the third Gunnison Cowboys coach to receive this honor for his 15 years of coaching and 191-124 record. Paul Gillis (BA-1975) was a visiting professor to Western from the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University in Beijing, China for the 2016 Spring Semester. During the semester, Western’s Borick School of Business hosted a discussion panel on international business that featured Gillis. Colleen (McCarty) Renner (BA-1975) was recognized in December by the Continental Who’s Who as a Pinnacle Professional in the field of Travel and Leisure in her position as a Professional Travel Consultant with Accessible World Travel, LLC. She specializes in tourism and vacation planning. Jerry Smith (BA-1975), President of Pagosa Verde, a company focused on renewable energy systems and sustainable agriculture, is preparing to explore the Waunita Hot Springs area for geothermal development. Working with both public sectors and private land owners that would be affected by the research, Smith hopes to discover if the area is viable for geothermal development. Lee Birk (BA-1976) graduated from Western with a degree in Political Science and later received his Master’s in Criminal Justice from University of Colorado Denver. He has devoted 41 years of public service to Westminster, Colo., and currently holds the position of Chief of Police.
Western is excited to announce the launch of their webcams. News stations in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction will be using the feed for news and weather segments. Go to www.western.edu/ about/webcams-western/campus-valley-webcam to check out what is happening on campus.
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Barbara (Fuller) Schulze (BA-1976) retired from her teaching career in May 2015 after 38 years in Elementary Education. Three years were spent in Rangely, Colo. teaching art and for 35 years she was employed by Pleasanton School District in Pleasanton, Texas, primarily teaching third grade math/science. She was honored in 2005-06 as the Distinguished Educator for the Pleasanton Independent School District. Michael Davis (BA-1977) was appointed to the Supreme Court of Wyoming. Davis served as a district judge in the First Judicial District in Cheyenne before he was appointed by Governor Matt Mead.
News from the Alumni Association Bruce Heller (BA-1978), track and field coach at Escalante Middle School in Durango, reached out to Western to help assist his team. About 40 percent of the kids come from disadvantage families and are unable to afford the gear needed to compete. Western’s track and field athletes donated running spikes as well as shirts and jackets to use at practices and competition.
1980s:
Chris Brown (BA-1983) executed the 10th Annual High Mountain Invitational Disc Golf Tournament on April 24th at the Western Disc Gold Course. Originally Brown picked up Disc Golf to help battle Parkinson’s disease. However, the game and involvement in the event has given him much more, by getting him involved in the community and engaging others to do the same. Elinor “Ellie” Ferguson (MAD-1985) and her husband Stu were honored for their 45 years of community service from the Gunnison Rotary Club with the “Service Above Self” award dinner. Ellie was a teacher for the Gunnison RE1J School District for more than 30 years, while her husband Stu worked several different positions within the Gunnison County Police Department for 27 years. Scott Nordberg (BA-1989) is teaching his Wildlife Management class at the Gunnison High School about the process of tagging trout with radio transmitters.
Mary Gilliam-Burt (BA-1994) has been named Gunnison County Library’s director of the Center for Adult and Family Education (CAFE).
1990s:
Kym O’Connell-Todd (BA-1990) and husband Mark Todd published their new book, “Wild West Ghost: An Amateur Ghost Hunting Guide for Haunted Hotels in Southwest Colorado.” This is their fifth collaborative book and first attempt at non-fiction. Laura (Mitchell) Beck (BA-1991) was elected to join the Gunnison Council. Mitchell hopes to push for new and safer pedestrian and traffic plans for the town.
Miles Van Hee (BA-1994), head coach of Western’s wrestling team was awarded the Division II wrestling Bob Bubb Coaching Excellence Award. Benjamin “Beau” Hutto (BA-1995) was appointed Gurucul’s Vice President of Federal Sales. Gurucul is a user behavior analytics and identity access intelligence company. Hutto has a proven recorded of increasing revenue and executing strategies, as well as cyber security sales, which made him a smart choice to help drive Gurucul’s growth in the federal market.
Colleen (Herman) Story (BA-1991) was honored at the annual North American Book Awards for her new fantasy novel, “Rise of the Sidenah.” Story’s novel was entered in the fantasy competition and received third place.
Rita Merrigan (BA-1995) participated in the America Achieves Fellowship for Teachers and Principals (AAFTP). Merrigan was nominated to the Fellowship and hopes to gain experience on new ways to communicate with ELL families.
Bryan Specht (BA-1993) was promoted to Vice President of policy acquisition and servicing for Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation (MGIC). Specht has 23 years of mortgage banking experience, and was MGIC’s Product Development Director prior to the promotion.
Dan Talbot (BA-1996) accepted the position of Polk County (Texas) Athletic Director in March. Talbot has been coaching since college, and only recently moved over to the administrative side of athletics. Alan Wartes (BA-1996) is the writer and director of “The Tesla Files,” WESTERNER
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News from the Alumni Association a short sci-fi drama that explores the secret works of Nikola Tesla and mixes reality with science fiction. The short is a special collaboration with Western and was written during a two-week screenwriting intensive course in 2015. “The Tesla Files” and Wartes’ “The Bottle Business” were both finalists in the Nashville Film Festival. Jeremy Schnieder (BA-1997) received the 2015 Sharon Walker Faculty Excellence Award at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa.
Nathaniel “Nate” Pavkov (BA-2002) recently took a position with East Texas Medical Center in Tyler, Texas as a full time Emergency Medicine Physician. Pavkov attended Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tennessee and will complete his residency in Emergency Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic this June. Eric Grand (BA-2004) and his wife Katherine have brought skijoring, a winter past time that combines skiing and horseback riding, to the Gunnison Valley. According to Gunnison historical records this is the first recorded skijoring in the Valley. The Grand’s priority is the safety of the horse, skier, and rider as they gear towards educating others on the sport and entering in competitions. Luke Mehall (BA-2004) started his book tour in Gunnison this April. Mehall’s third book, “American Climber” is what Luke considers his memoir, calling it a “coming of age story.” Most of the book centers on his years climbing in Gunnison and he hopes to share with others how one can find peace in adventuring.
2000s:
David Bukowski (BA-2000) was featured in a Jimmy Kimmel short video poking a little fun at the show in which he is the Lead Audio Sound Mixer – “The Bachelor.” David has worked on many popular shows including “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette,” “American Idol” and “America’s Next Top Model.” Jeff Linder (BA-2000) was named head coach for the University of Northern Colorado’s men’s basketball team. He has spent the last six years coaching at Boise State, and the last three seasons as Associate Head Coach. Linder earned All-RMAC honors his three seasons playing for the Mountaineers. Jen Michel (BA-2001) was inducted into the Colorado Running Hall of Fame for her achievements in both running and coaching. Gaining NCAA titles in steeplechase, 3,000-meter run, and the indoor mile, as well as coaching the 2011 Mountaineer men’s team to an NCAA title contributed to Michel’s induction into the Colorado Running Hall of Fame. John Cattles (BA-2002) has worked as the Director of Gunnison County Facilities and Grounds since 2013. Wanting to move the position to being more proactive and thinking towards the future Cattles transformed the position into what it is today. He is playing a vital role in the strategic plan by helping push Gunnison County to more energy efficient and alternative energy systems for state building and vehicles. 24
SPRING | 2016
News from the Alumni Association instructing young aspiring artists during the Kids of the Gunnison Valley’s fall concert. Murdza received mention for performing with Sam Pankratz during this year’s Night of Lights Festival on Dec. 4. Brandy Urbanowicz (BA-2012) graduated with her Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Pacific University, Forest Grove, Ore. in August of 2015. She is now a board-certified Physician Assistant working in primary care in rural northwest Oregon. Steven Aldridge (BA-2013) accepted a position as Assistant Basketball Coach for the Mountaineers. Aldridge played as the starting point for Western from 2011 to 2013 and is excited to be back in Gunnison and working with coach Schafer. Jesse Kruthaupt (BA-2005) is the Trout Unlimited Gunnison project specialist and has helped bring the Adopt-A-Trout program to Gunnison valley high school students. The program is designed to give kids real life field experience with an interactive education while helping them learn the importance of conservation. Brian Rooks (BA-2005) teaches industrial arts at the Gunnison Middle School. Rooks’ “My Gunnison” project instructed students to build miniature barns. The project is designed to connect the students to the community through conducting research and seeing projects to completion. Dr. Kenneth Anderson (BA-2006) has joined the Gunnison Valley Health Family Medicine Clinic as a primary care provider. Anthony “Tony” Troia (BA-2006) and wife Amelia are featured on the National Geographic’s show “Live Free or Die.” Tony and Amelia are currently filming the third season of the show. The program dives into their world of pursuing sustainability by living off the land in North Carolina. Megan (Miller) Peck (BA-2008) was recently granted the Fulbright Fogarty Fellowship in Public Health for her research on the zoonotic disease in Thailand. The study is for her PhD. research. Over the years Peck has worked in Kenya, Southeast Asia, Italy and Rwanda on different incentives to educate, provide support, and work towards sustainability.
Glenn Michel (BA-2013) was elected Mayor of Crested Butte this past November. Michel’s campaign offered to improve the working relationship with the staff and council. By working together to identify the priorities and goals he hopes to remedy issues of dysfunction. Briant Wiles (BA-2014) is the Adopt-A-Trout coordinator, and is helping Gunnison High School students get out of the classrooms and outside for hands on experience. The program is part of Trout Unlimited and hopes to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Kirsten Wenum (BA-2014) and family helped exchange student, Jerry Pavlas of the Czech Republic by hosting him during his exchange program. Wenum’s mother Rhonda (Weber) Wenum (BA-1985) is now the International Cultural Exchange Services coordinator for the Western Slope and helps to find placement for exchange students. Kelsey Hollenbaugh (BA-2015) was a featured violin soloist during Western’s November Chamber String Orchestra Fall Concert. Susan Jackson (BA-2015) the 2012 Division II national champion and competitor in the 2014 Pan American games is balancing motherhood and goals to compete in this summer’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Currently the number seven ranked high jumper in the country, Jackson is working hard towards competing in the July Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore.
2010s:
Michael Green (BA-2010) was recently promoted at Professional Finance Company, Inc. to manager of First Party Receivable Solutions. He has been with the company since 2011 and served in several positions within the company. Clay Meier (BA-2011) and Morgan Fields (BA-2014) tied the knot in Crested Butte on Sept. 19, 2015. Scott Murtaugh (BA-2011/ MA-2015) proposed to Sarah Belger. The couple plans to be married July 2, 2016. Tyler Pennel (BA-2011) was featured on Runnersworld.com in December for qualifying to compete for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Marathon Team. Pennel competed in the February Olympic marathon trials in Los Angeles, Calif. in February, finishing in 2:14:57, just shy of making the qualifying spot on the Olympic team. Drew Murdza (BA-2012) was joined by two other Mountaineers in WESTERNER
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In Memorium
‘40s
Rita Velma Dabbs (’43), May 26, 2014 Mary Elizabeth (Briscoe) Kehmeier (’45), February 28, 2016 Dr. Rexford Allan Peterson (’47), April 1, 2016 Clarence Stephen Hilburn (’49), February 2, 2016 Sam Diele (Ba ’49 MA ’50), March 17, 2016
‘50s
Marion “Gene” Pittsinger (’51), March 20, 2016 Enis Louise (Anderson) Hughes (BA’52 MA ’69), January 29, 2016 Charlotte J. (Tooley) Fogarty (’54), December 16, 2015 Frank Ludwig Russ (’54), March 2, 2016 Jack Phelps (MA’54), March 7, 2016 James “Jim” Porter Englehart (’57), August 21, 2015 William “Bill” Lee Hurt (’57), January 5, 2016 Shirley Opal (Pircher) Sassman (’58), November 15, 2014 Vera Maxine (Best) Summer (’58), April 9, 2016 Marian Joyce Martinson (BA’58 MA’59), April 23, 2016 Clair Emil Erickson (MA’59), January 2, 2016
‘60s
William Allen “Jack” Smith (’60), January 16, 2016 Elaine Engel (Eddy) Ripley (MA’61), November 24, 2015 Martha Anna Gafford (’62), December 22, 2015 Darwin James Kerr (’62), February 20, 2016 Jerry Don Atwood (’64), November 16, 2015 Shirley Maye Darien (’65), December 27, 2015 Jerry Dean Parker (’65), January 3, 2016 Lowell Arthur Richards (MA’65), December 31, 2015 Hezekiah Dallas (’66), 26
SPRING | 2016
April 26, 2016 Gary Edward Gerhardt (’67), December 4, 2015 Alan Louis Jacques (’67), January 7, 2016 Jean L. (Randolph) Friedlund (’68), November 30, 2015 Donald James Sammons (’68), December 11, 2015 Norma Grace (Acree) Sandoval (’68), February 15, 2016 Marion Adolph Stoerker (MA’68), November 27, 2015 Andrew William Hutmacher (MA’69), January 24, 2016 Kathleen “Kit” Joan Skiby (’69), August 2015 Barry Worth Stimits (’69), April 22, 2016
‘70s
Terrence John Cleary (’70), April 20, 2015 Francis “Ted” Theodore Arneson (MA’70), February 9, 2016 Dee Ann (Pickrel) Kropp (’71), April 23, 2016 Ilomay “Rusty” Williamson Darner (MA ’71), March 13, 2016 Penelope Rae (Clark) Burns (’72), December 17, 2015 James “Jim” Floyd Vandenberg (’72), February 1, 2016 Gerald “Jerry” Edward Metroz (’72), April 14, 2016 Jane Ann (Barnes) Corn (’73), February 23, 2016 Judith C. (Coil) McBurney (’73), March 3, 2016 John Dennis Hampton (MA’74), April 20, 2016 Russell Dale Duree (’75), December 29, 2015 Steven George Field (’75), March 23, 2016 Robert Sanford Cook (’77), November 8, 2015 Robert James Fenolia (’78), January 17, 2016 Karen Sue Kernes (’79), February 18, 2016
‘80s
Sandra Lee (Smidl) Mark (’86), February 13, 2016
‘90s
Alexander Dean Parsons (’91), January 24, 2016
‘00s
Tyler James Frillici (’06), January 29, 2016
Former Employees
Paul H. Gery (Professor of Philosophy), October 28, 2015 Dr. James M. Rominger (Biology 19611963), October 30, 2015 Dr. Bernard “Pete” Bouchard (Education 1968-1987), February 23, 2016 Dr. James Berry, March 10, 2016 William “Bill” Noxon, February 24, 2016 David Sweetking (Music 1967-1987), May 12, 2016
from the archives
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Hello again! We received many responses regarding the photographs posted in the last edition of the Westerner. It was great to connect with those of you who emailed me, and it was a pleasure to learn more about the photographs and also about your experiences here at Western. Here is some information about the photographs for those of you who may be interested:
Photograph #1: This photograph was probably taken prior to the Boots and Burros tour which was about the “Rush to the Rockies” centennial. Pauline Frost Marshall informed me that, “The Colorado Centennial Commission asked us to take part which was quite an honor. To have been chosen over the larger colleges and universities in the state was very prestigious for Western! The choir was invited to participate at a convention at the Broadmoor as well as the Colorado Music Educators’ Conference that year.” Thank you for the information, Pauline. Photograph #2: We found out that the gentleman in the Santa Clause outfit is Adrian Dorzweiler, head librarian at Western from 1957-86. President John Mellon is the unlucky fellow getting the pie to his face, and Sue Bonomo, now Whittingham, is the individual delivering the pie. Photograph #3: We received many responses regarding this photograph and believe that the Spring Fest photograph was taken between 1969-1975 and possibly held near Steuben Creek.
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Enjoy this photo from the archives: Western’s very first Mountaineer Sports Hall of Fame.
The first Mountaineer Sports Hall Of Fame inductees pose with their plaques in 1995. Included in the photograph are Bill Noxon, Tracy Borah, and Sven Wiik and Bill Rhodes. Pete Pederson and Paul Wright were also honored that year.
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