as fall 13 issuu

the magazine of adams state university fall 2013AAStater

Worththousandsof words

If only Billy Adams could see us now ...You’re probably aware that Adams State University was

founded first as Adams State Normal School (originallyproposed as Alamosa Normal School, but named insteadfor the visionary Billy Adams). It then became ASTC(Adams State Teachers College) and then Adams State Col-lege. As these original names imply, the institution’s historicroots were to train excellent teachers for the citizens of theSan Luis Valley and Colorado. Literally thousands ofAdams State graduates were and are teachers, includingmany Teachers of the Year.Thanks to two alumni, Ted Morrison ’69 and the late Dr. Marvin Motz ’58,

‘59, two years ago we instituted a Teachers Hall of Fame to recognize teaching ex-cellence and contributions to the teaching profession. To date, the Hall of Famehas inducted 28 teachers and administrators from K-12 through higher educa-tion. Adams State has a legacy of excellence and success in preparing teachers.Now we are proud to announce a new milestone in this tradition of excellence:

starting in 2014, Adams State University and its Teacher Education Departmentwill become the new partner with the Public Education and Business Coalition(PEBC) and the Boettcher Foundation in awarding M.A. degrees for the Col-orado Boettcher Teacher Residency Program throughout Colorado. (See story page5.) Previous program partners have included Denver University and Regis Uni-versity, two outstanding private universities. The tuition structure at ASU con-tributes to the future sustainability of this residency-based program. Teachercandidates attracted to serve in the San Luis Valley will both learn from a strongcurriculum during a two-year residency, and commit to giving back to San LuisValley schools for a minimum of five years. Since Adams State and the new Col-orado Boettcher Teacher Residency Institute to be located on campus will also co-ordinate curriculum and placement for urban Colorado Boettcher candidates, theparticipants will be able to share experiences in both rural and urban settings.PEBC and the Boettcher Foundation partnered with Adams State due to the

excellence of our Teacher Education Department. Many on campus have workedto bring this to fruition. My deep appreciation goes out to Teacher Educationfaculty; Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Frank Novotny; and co-chairs ofthe Teacher Education Department, Dr. Ed Crowther and Kurt Carey ‘78. Ourtradition of excellence goes forward, thanks to them. Somewhere Billy Adams is smiling.

AAPRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY

Dr. David Svaldi

BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITYSteve Valdez ’87 Chair Mary Griffin Vice Chair

Paul Farley • Liane “Buffie” McFadyen ’91, ’93 • Ann RiceArnold Salazar ’75 • Charles Scoggin, M.D.

Val Vigil ’71 • Tim Walters ’73Dr. Rob Benson Faculty TrusteeBenjamin Evans Student Trustee

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARDLori Lee Laske ’91, ’01

Executive Secretary/Director of Alumni RelationsKasey Russell ’03 President

Liz Tabeling-Garcia ’96, ’06 Vice PresidentHolly Felmlee ’76, ‘92 Secretary

Toney Cantu ’70 • D. Mike Garcia ’73, ’77 • Phil Lopez ’04Lynn Michalke ’77 • Karen Rubidoux Miller ’94Robert Oringdulph ’71 • Sandy Ortega ’74

Chris Page ’02, ’03 • Brian Rossbert ’02 • Rich Scanga ’75Jeremy Wilder ’96 • Delzia Worley ’97

ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION BOARDDuane Bussey ’82 President

Dr. John McDaniel Vice PresidentJohn A. Marvel ’70 Secretary/Treasurer

Russell Achatz ’85 • Tim Bachicha ’92 • Greg Bervig ’81 • Keith CernyGenevieve Cooper • Valerie Finnegan • Jeni Jack Goodwin ’85

Dale Hettinger ’64 • Charles “Chuck” Houser ’62 • Ron Howard ’98Randy Jackson ’98 • Philip Lopez ’04 • Dorothy Lucero ’61

Cathy Mullens ‘82 • Chuck Owsley ’68 • Michelle Roepke • Rich Scanga ’75Ray Skeff • Izora Southway ’66 • Donn Vigil

FOUNDATION HONORARY BOARD MEMBERSStephen Bokat ’68 • Marguerite Salazar ’75, ’76 • Michael Ware ’69

FOUNDATION EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERSSharon Carter • Richard Jacobs • Harold Kelloff

Ralph Outcalt • J. Byron Uhrich • R. Paul Wagner • Eldo Wall

FOUNDATION EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSDr. David Svaldi ASU President

Tammy Lopez ’91, ’00 Executive Director of the FoundationMary Griffin Trustee Liaison

GRIZZLY CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORSJeff Owsley ’86 President • Ron DeSautell ’76 Vice PresidentDave Barrows • Keith Cerny • Jeni Jack Goodwin ’85Ericha Loosbrock • Joe Martinez ’99 • Ted Morrison ’69

Dennis Ortiz ’79 • Steve Valdez ’87

ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENTASU’s mission is to educate, serve, and inspire our diverse

populations in the pursuit of their lifelong dreams and ambitions.VISION STATEMENT

To become the university community of choice for diverse andtraditionally underrepresented groups and all who

value quality education and inclusivity.

EDITOR & DESIGNERJulie Waechter

ASSOCIATE EDITORLinda Relyea ’96

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERSASU Sports Information • Kaleb Center • Margaret Doell Gaylene Horning ’94 • Bill Mansheim • Kellicia Morse ’14

David Peasley ‘96 • Nik Schmidt • Kyle Terwillegar • James Trujillo ‘02

president’s letter:

realizing the founding vision

the coverIan Wilkinson ‘04 at work installing a mural for the San Luis Valley Museum, whichwas funded by a matching grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. See storypage 16.

David Svaldi

StaterVOL. 53, NO. 3 • FALL 2013

Published by Adams State University

adams state university • alamosa, co 81101 719.587.7011 • 800.824.6494

www.adams.edu • e-mail: [email protected] edition:

www.adams.edu/alumni/astater/

watching wildlife on campus isbecoming a regular pasttime. This

black bear sow and cub hung aroundin Adams State’s trees this fall, one oftwo such pairs spotted around Alamosa.

cover story

contents

Man vs. Wall 16

alumni eventsDECEMBER

11 Retirees’ Christmas Dinner 14 Commencement 14 Theatre Matinee, Alumni Performance (sold out)

JANUARY 17 SLV Martini Bar

FEBRUARY 7 SLV Alumni Social for 2003-2013 Graduates 26 Albuquerque, NM 28 San Diego,CA

MARCH 1 Orange County, CATBD Santa Fe, Tucson & Phoenix

Watch your mail for details.www.facebook.com/

adamsalumni•

adams.edu/alumni800-824-6494, ext. 8

Stay up to date on events, sports, and news fromAdams State University:

www.adams.edu/news

update Adams State gets green light for first Ph.D. 4Boettcher Teacher Residency to establish institute at ASU 5Enrollment remains strong 6Grants help Community Partnerships plan green business park 6HEAL program honored nationally 7Big enough for the best 8ASU joins Colorado Challenge effort to expand student access 9

featuresAutumn @ Adams focused on many levels of health 10Last Lecture taps professors’ secrets of success 14

giving Foundation honors emeritus professors for continued support 18Grizzly Club appreciates supporters 20Billy Adams Award goes to Erik van de Boogaard 21

alumnotes 24alumni scrapbook 32sports scenes

X-C men remain ton top, women place 2nd at nat’ls 36Grizzly Volleyball rocks the RMAC 37Fall season concludes 37Athletic Hall of Fame inducts more of Adams State’s best 38

adams statevideo features

This symbol at the conclusion ofan article indicates a related

video can be viewed on You Tube.

Pg. 8: Dome Raisingadams.edu/a/16

Pg. 10: HPPE Grand Openingadams.edu/a/17

Pg. 15: Last Lectureadams.edu/a/20

Pg. 16: Muraladams.edu/a/18

Pg. 37: Slam Dunkadams.edu/a/19

Watch a special holidaygreeting from AdamsState University:

adams.edu/a/21

4 � aStater fall 2013

"The program will train counselor educators, those who al-ready have clinical experience. The demand for qualifiedgraduate faculty is increasing," noted program chair, Dr.Susan Varhely. She said the Council for the Accreditation ofCounseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)now requires their accredited programs to hire only doctoralgraduates with degrees in counselor education. “We designedthis program to meet all CACREP standards for the doctor-ate. It is the ‘gold standard’ for rigor. Most states have alignedtheir counselor licensure requirements with CACREP stan-dards.”

Adams State’s program will be eligible for CACREP ac-creditation after two years of operation. The university’s mas-ter of arts program in counselor education recently renewedits CACREP accreditation under more stringent standards. The doctoral program will be offered in an online, cohort

format, giving access to students who cannot attend a tradi-tional campus because of financial situation or geographic lo-cation. Students will also attend on-campus summerintensives.

competitive tuition“We will not have a problem filling the slots; we expect a

nationwide response,” said Dr. Don Basse, professor of coun-selor education. “Ours will potentially be the only online pro-gram with CACREP accreditation from a public institution,therefore our tuition will be very competitive.” He said thereis only one other online, CACREP-accredited doctoral pro-gram, but it is offered by a private university. Adams State’sprogram will begin accepting applications in mid-December.

counseling field “booming”“The mental health counseling field is boom-

ing, and there are now more job opportunities forLicensed Professional Counselors,” Varhely said.“Many factors contribute to the growing need forcounseling services: our aging population, theneeds of military veterans, better insurance cover-age of mental health care, and the increasing roleaddictions play in mental health issues.”The program will be taught by full-time faculty

and begin with a cohort of ten students. New co-horts will be added each fall. One faculty memberhas been added to the department in anticipationof the new program, and another will come onboard in two years, bringing total faculty in the de-partment to 13, Varhely said. The 66-credit program requires students to take

six credit hours a term over 11 consecutive terms(four years), including summers. Coursework in-cludes practica and internships, as well as a doc-toral dissertation. Entrance requirements includecompletion of a 48-hour master's degree in coun-seling from a CACREP-approved program. The online format has proven successful in the

Department of Counselor Education's online mas-ter of arts degree program, initiated in 2005. Now AdamsState's largest graduate program, with more than 500 stu-dents, it attracts students from across the state and nation. Details about the doctoral program will soon be available at

www.adams.edu/gradschool/counselored.

By Julie Waechter

doctorate in counselor education & supervision

Adams State gets green light for first Ph.D. Adams State University will launch its first doctoral program, a Ph.D. inCounselor Education and Supervision, in the fall of 2014. The program wasrecently approved by the Higher Learning Commission of the North CentralAssociation of Colleges and Schools, the regional accrediting agency forAdams State.

Dr. Susan Varhely (back), professor and chair of the Counselor Education Depart-ment, with a class of graduate students.

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�aStater update

Adams State University is nowthe sole degree-granting institution for the ColoradoBoettcher Teacher Residencyprogram (CBTR). Presented by PEBC (Public Educa-

tion & Business Coalition) and theBoettcher Foundation, the CBTR re-cently expanded its partnership withAdams State. CBTR aims to preparemore effective teachers for low-income,rural and urban school districts withculturally and linguistically diverse stu-dent populations. The partners, along with the

Boettcher Foundation, are establishingan educational institute at the univer-sity that will encompass both teacherpreparation and ongoing teacher profes-sional development.Adams State University President

David Svaldi said the partnership helpsthe university fulfill its historic missionof preparing teachers for rural Col-orado. "It can be difficult for ruralschool districts to fill certain teachingpositions, such as those in math and sci-ence, and our partnership with PEBCwill help address those needs."

CBTR recruits, selects, trains, andretains individuals to become effectiveteachers by providing an intensive andsupportive residency teacher trainingprogram. It combines master’s levelcoursework with hands-on learning in aclassroom. Upon completion of theResidency, teachers receive alternativeteaching licensure and a master’s degreein education from Adams State along

with an endorsement in culturally andlinguistically diverse education. “Through this partnership, we have

the unique opportunity to train newteachers and provide development op-portunities for current teachers tailoredspecifically to the distinctive needs ofhigh-needs districts,” said RosannWard, president of PEBC. “We’re ex-cited to focus our work with AdamsState in preparing and retaining effec-tive teachers for Colorado’s high-needsschools.”

Earlier this year, CBTR launched itsfirst rural residency cohort with AdamsState to train teachers for schools in theSan Luis Valley, a historically impover-ished region where the need for well-trained teachers is high. The cohortincludes 11 residents in four school dis-tricts. In 2014, the rural program willexpand to 15 residents, and CBTR’sDenver-metro area cohorts will also ful-

fill their master’s degrees throughAdams State. CBTR plans to expand toadditional rural school districtsthroughout southern Colorado over thenext few years. Since its establishment in 2004,

CBTR has prepared and retained a net-work of 150 effective teachers who havebeen placed in high-needs school dis-tricts throughout Colorado.For more information about PEBC

and the Colorado Boettcher Teacher Resi-dency, visit www.pebc.org.

adams state university has beenwithout a campus sign facing Hwy.160 for a while. That was remediedin November, with the installation ofa new monument sign that leaves nodoubt whose campus it is. Similarsigns are planned for other entry-ways to the campus.

Boettcher Teacher Residency to establish institute at ASU

We’re excited to focus our work with AdamsState in preparing and retaining effectiveteachers for Colorado’s high-needs districts.”

“


Adams State University Community Partnerships andSEED Park, International, received grants to develop detailedplans for a green business park, according to Mary Hoffman,Executive Director of Community Partnerships. She said atwo-year grant of $199,765 from the Economic Develop-ment Administration is being matched by $115,585 from theState of Colorado Office of Economic Development and In-ternational Trade. Additional in-kind contributions bring theproject total to $399,530. Those include pro bono legal assis-tance and a land use design to be created through ColoradoState University’s Landscape Architecture program. The EDA was specifically seeking innovative projects with

far-reaching potential, Hoffman said, and the SEED (Sus-tainable Environmental Economic Development) project willserve as a national model for clean, rural business develop-ment. The project will produce a business plan for a SEEDPark that includes a financial development plan, operationalpolicies, and land-use plan. It can be viewed as a modifiedbusiness incubator focusing on green values, Hoffman said.SEED Park International is a non-profit organization

working to develop a sustainable business park where busi-nesses share resources and use each other’s bi-products in

order to achieve zero waste, create jobs, and reduce costs. Forexample, a biofuels business could produce heat for the com-plex and a food dehydration enterprise, as well as wood wastethat could be used for composting.“This project was built around countless prior individual

and organizational contributions,” Hoffman said, explainingthe SEED concept started in 2006 with her office, San LuisValley Development Resources Group (DRG), and USDAResource Conservation and Development (RC&D).She said the DRG’s Comprehensive Economic Develop-

ment Strategy (CEDS) showed a local desire to develop cleanindustries that preserve the area’s natural resources and agri-culture. The SEED project is a result of collaboration amongeconomic development organizations, business people, farm-ers and ranchers, and higher education institutions.“We could not have gotten this EDA financial award if it

wasn’t for the State of Colorado Office of Economic Develop-ment and International Trade’s Advanced Industry Infrastruc-ture program,” Hoffman added. “The whole SEED teamrepresents every single background we need to make this suc-cessful. I am looking forward to working with them, DRG,and other partners.”

Grants help Community Partnerships plan green business park

a new record in graduate stu-dent enrollment offset a slight drop inundergraduates at Adams State Univer-sity, for total enrollment this fall of3,703. This is essentially equal to lastyear, according to Dr. Michael Mumper

‘76, senior vice president of EnrollmentManagement and Program Develop-ment. The 2013 freshman class totals 528,

an increase of 1.3 percent from last year.The freshman class includes 150 gradu-

ates of San LuisValley highschools, accordingto Eric Carpio ‘01,assistant vice pres-ident for Enroll-ment Management. Graduate stu-

dent enrollment atAdams State Uni-versity set a newrecord for thethird consecutiveyear this fall, witha total of 932 stu-dents. The Uni-versity also

increased the number of transfer stu-dents.Business Administration continues as

Adams State’s largest undergraduateprogram, with 409 majors. The Depart-ment of Human Performance and Phys-ical Education (HPPE) boasts 233majors, followed by nursing, with 173.Graduate enrollment growth is led

by the Counselor Education Program,which increased 7 percent to a total of518 students. A new Master of Arts inMusic Education enrolled 13 students.The Master’s in Education programgrew by 20 percent, with a total of 243students. Eight of those students areparticipating in the new BoettcherTeacher Program in the SLV, whichaims to prepare more teachers for low-income, rural public schools, with afocus on working with culturally andlinguistically diverse students. (See storypage 5.)

growth in grad students

Enrollment remains strong

Students enjoy the annual Welcome Week Luau.

Adams State University’s Higher Education Administration & Leadership (HEAL) program wasrecognized by Excelencia in Education as a topprogram that increases academic opportunitiesand achievement for Latino students. “As one of this year’s national finalists, Adams State Uni-

versity is at the forefront of meeting the challenge of improv-ing higher educational achievement for Latino students,” saidSarita Brown, president of Excelencia in Education. “Nolonger should policymakers and institutional leaders ask howto improve college success for Latinos – we have the largestaccumulation of proven examples and tested strategies thatshow them how. Today’s question is, do leaders have the willto put these practices into action?”HEAL was one of 15 national finalists selected from

among 165 nominees from 22 states, the District of Colum-bia, and Puerto Rico for the 2013 Examples of Excelenciarecognition. This is the only national initiative to systemati-cally identify, recognize, and catalogue evidence-based pro-grams that improve Latino college success. ASU’s HEAL wasone of six graduate-level programs – the only graduate pro-gram in Colorado – selected as finalists.“By sharing our experiences, we hope to prompt educators

and policymakers to challenge the current status of Latinoachievement in higher education and inspire them to work toincrease Latino student success,” said Dr. Melissa Freeman,HEAL program director. Adams State’s Lia Carpio, HEAL

program coordinator, accepted the award at the awards event,held Oct. 1 in Washington, D.C."This is an exceptional honor and award,” said Dr. Mike

Tomlin, chair of the School of Business. “Central to all of thisis the improved college success and futures for our Latinocommunity. We all benefit from these achievements.”HEAL was created four years ago through a $280,928

grant from the U.S. Department of Education Fund for Im-provement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) in its SpecialFocus Competition for Graduate Programs at Institutions ofHigher Education Serving Hispanic Americans. HEAL’s focuson preparing the next generation of leaders for the nation’sHispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) makes it unique amonggraduate programs and helps create an advancement path forHispanic professionals. “The evidence is clear that America cannot become the

world leader in college degrees by 2020 or achieve the glob-ally competitive workforce of the future without a tacticalplan to address Latino college completion,” Freeman noted.She said the program’s enrollment has been 62 percent mi-

nority, with an overall graduation rate of 81 percent, withLatinos/as making up 62 percent of graduates.HEAL also recently received a Certificate of Special Con-

gressional Recognition from U.S. Representative Scott Tip-ton.To date, two cohorts have completed the HEAL master’s

program, with two more groups currently enrolled.

7

�aStater update

HEAL program honored nationally

asu caresday marked itsfifteenth year ofserving the com-munity. About270 students,faculty, and staffparticipated in22 projects toaid area non-profit groups.

The 85,000 square-foot High Altitude Training Centerwas inflated over the course of 12 hours in early October. Lo-cated just north of Plachy Hall on Sunset Dr., the HAC is abubble: an air-supported dome structure made of vinylcoated polyester fabric.

As of press time, crews were working to install the score-board, timing system, and bleachers in time for Adams State’sfirst home indoor track and field meet in several years, theEarly Grizzly Open, Dec. 7. The new facility allows ASU tohost the NCAA Qualifier, Feb. 15, and the RMAC confer-ence championships, Feb. 28-March 1. For more than sevenyears, the Plachy Fieldhouse has not been suitable for suchlarge competitions, according to Head Track & Field CoachDamon Martin ‘87. Senior track & field athlete Kaymarie Jones said the new

facility “brings you more life, brings you more energy to givethat effort, to make that extra lap.”

The center features a 200-meter, 8-lane track with a syn-thetic rubber surface that provides high quality shock absorp-tion, skid resistance, force reduction, and overall comfort forathletes. It also has ample space for jumps, vaults, and throw-ing events, as well as spectator seating and public restrooms.

“We’re really excited about this new facility,”Martin added. “This indoor dome will allow us amuch better place to train and provide a very goodworkplace for a lot of our student athletes. I re-member 20 or so years ago, when I first started, wehad about 40 kids out for men’s and women’strack; now we have 110 kids out.”Noting Adams State Athletics now offers 21

sports, Athletic Director Larry Mortensen ‘88, ‘93 said thenew facility, in conjunction with the renovated fieldhouse,gives adequate space for all teams to train. The dome manufacturer, who erects domes all over the

world with the assistance of football teams, rugby teams, orsoccer teams, said ASU's track team was the best crew he’dever had. “They were motivated, worked hard, and nevercomplained.”Watch a fun video that condenses the facility’s construction

and inflation into a couple minutes: adams.edu/a/16.

The new facility brings you more life,brings you more energy to give thateffort, to make that extra lap.”

“


big bestThe last few years have seen a lot of campus construction, but one new building literally arose almost overnight.

enoughfor the

9

�aStater update

“The Colorado Challenge project is agreat step toward improving access, themost important aspect of Adams State’srole and mission as an institution of inclusive excellence,” said Vice Presi-dent for Academic Affairs, Dr. FrankNovotny. “We have a system of servicesand a close-knit environment in whichstudents can thrive. This supportive at-mosphere fosters student in-volvement, and our smallclasses allow professors togive students personal atten-tion. First generation andunderserved students re-spond and do well in this at-mosphere.”Through the Colorado

Challenge, Adams State joinswith three other universitiesand three public and private initiativesto increase college access: ColoradoGEAR UP, Daniels Fund, and the Den-ver Scholarship Foundation. Other par-ticipating universities are MetropolitanState University and Colorado StateUniversity in Fort Collins and Pueblo.

goal: graduationThe project’s goal is to determine

effective and efficient practices for in-creasing four-year college-completionrates for students, particularly thosewho are low-income, minority and/orthe first in their families to go to col-lege. Data from the Colorado Depart-ment of Higher Education show lessthan a third of students graduate fromColorado four-year public colleges anduniversities in four years. Slightly morethan half of white students earn four-year degrees in six years, while only 32percent of minority students earn bach-elor’s degrees in six years.

Adams State’s graduation rate forHispanic students, which comprise 32percent of the student body, is compa-rable to that of the student body at large. Most students served by Colorado

GEAR UP, the Daniels Fund, and theDenver Scholarship Foundation are lowincome and minority; many are the firstin their families to go to college. DHE

data show such students are less likelyto return after their first year of college.Success for the Colorado Challenge

pilot would mean improving those ratesand funneling the lessons learned intoan effective and cost-efficient modelthat can be replicated across the state.“We wouldn’t call it a challenge if it

were easy,” Hickenlooper said. “We areattempting to create a college comple-tion pilot program that will serve as amodel for others. This program willhelp build the state’s highly skilledworkforce.”Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia, who oversees

Colorado GEAR UP in his capacity asExecutive Director of the Departmentof Higher Education, noted, “All of thepartners share a common goal of im-proving college graduation rates forthese students. By combining our ex-pertise and our resources with an inno-vative spirit, I believe we can be more

successful addressing this critical issuethan any of us working alone.”Garcia will supervise the pilot, which

launches in January 2014 with fresh-men and sophomores affiliated with thethree pre-collegiate programs on thefour campuses. The $5 million pilotwill serve two cohorts of students, for atotal of 2,500 students, and follow each

group through four years of college.The three pre-collegiate programs arepooling their resources, and the collegepartners are offering in-kind support.

“We know our students of color andour low-income students have madegains in access to college,” Garcia said.“But they lag significantly in collegecompletion. We must do better by thesestudents, and realize their potential, forthe good of Colorado.”While the pilot may vary based on

individual campuses, a majority of stu-dents will receive summer transitionalprogramming between high school andcollege, one-on-one attention fromcampus-based advisors, and access toincreased academic advising via tech-nology. The college partners will con-sider strategies such as grouping pilotstudents in classes, block scheduling forworking pilot students, and offering“whole programs of study,” meaningstudents receive four-year schedules.

ASU joins Colorado Challenge effortto expand student access

The Colorado Challenge project is a great steptoward improving access, the most important aspect of Adams State’s role and mission as aninstitution of inclusive excellence.”

Adams State University is one of four public universities working to improve graduationrates of traditionally underrepresented students, as part of the newly formed ColoradoChallenge. Gov. John Hickenlooper announced this partnership of top state educationleaders in September.

“

The tenth annual Autumn@Adams celebration showcasedthe skills and expertise of the community in its week-long ex-ploration of “Health, Fitness and Beyond.” Presenters included San Luis Valley Comprehensive Men-

tal Health, Empower U, San Luis Valley Health, Valley-WideHealth Systems, Alamosa Family Recreation Center, ASURex Student Activity Center, Trinidad State Junior College,Hospice, Southern Colorado Film Festival, Adams StateAmeriCorps, the Local Foods Coalition, and EmpoweringPeople through Food. Numerous individuals and ASU de-

partments shared advice, expertise, canned food items, music,and hospitality. Current and retired faculty and staff sharedtheir perspectives on life and its many paths.Students were active in many events. The GeoClub spent a

Sunday afternoon creating a temporary labyrinth, a circularpathway that aids personal, psychological, and spiritual trans-formation. HPPE majors received visitors to the East CampusGrand Opening and Open House. During the finale Cook-off (see page 12), fourteen campus clubs and organizationsadded to the fun and excitement.

tenth annual Autumn@Adams

Health, Fitness, and Beyond/Salud, Buena Forma Física y Más


tenth annual Autumn@Adams

Health, Fitness, and Beyond/Salud, Buena Forma Física y Más

clockwise from top

HPPE students assist President David Svaldi cuta badminton net during the East Campus Dedica-tion and Open House. Watch the festivities here:adams.edu/a/17.

Dr. Neil Rudolph, emeritus professor of chem-istry, addresses the audience during the paneldiscussion on “End of Life” issues.

The temporary labyrinth north of Leon Memorialincluded a dedication and food drive to benefitthe local food bank.

11

�aStater features


Green Chile, Red Chile, Salsa

mild, medium, and hot were served up by

more than 20 contestants at the Autumn@Adams

Cook-Off, now in its sixth year. Tasters turned in

245 ballots voting for their favorites in three cat-

egories.

Photos by Kellicia Morse ‘14

Green Chile, Red Chile, Salsa

clockwise from upper left:The undefeated red-chile champion, EstherLopez.

The Art League raises money painting faces.

Adams State alumnus Sam Armijo ‘83 munchesanother jalapeno.

The piñata bust has children scrambling forcandy, as alumnus Miguel Chaparro ‘09 pullsthe rope.

Maria Valdez takes first place with her salsa.

Jonathan Miller, far left, manages to eat 8jalapenos in 3 minutes, winning the competitionheld during the annual cook-off.

13

�aStater features


That is the challenge posed to ASUPresidential Teacher Award recipientswho are invited to give a “Last Lecture”during Autumn@Adams. The conceptcame to public attention in 2007, whena Carnegie-Mellon computer scienceprofessor was asked to do just that – thenreceived a terminal cancer diagnosis.

This year, Last Lecture honors wentto two fairly young faculty members:Dr. Leslie Cramblet Alvarez, assoc. profof psychology; and Dr. Tracy Doyle,professor and chair of the Music De-partment. Their lists of Life Lessons

complement eachother, with both

arriving at the same conclusion: Love isthe most important ingredient in ahappy, fulfilling life.Although both are obviously success-

ful in academia, neither set out to be-come a college professor. Alvarez, infact, flat out did not want to teach (de-spite, or because of, coming from a

family of teach-ers), although sheset on a career as atherapist early on.Because her fatherwas a psychiatric

nurse, she “overheard a lot of really fas-cinating stories.” Like many in the field,she said, she became fascinated with ab-normal psychology and wanted to fig-ure out how to help people.“I was such a nerd, in high school I

went to summer psychology camp,”which cemented her love of the disci-

pline. But once she beganher first teaching job, shesaid: “I loved it – dammit!”Doyle, too, was strongly

influenced by her father, whoshe said was a “wild one” inhis younger years. “He racedcars, flew to NYC for a cup

of coffee, and got into bar fights, butthen he settled down.” He sold hissports car and moved the family to arural town in Massachusetts where hebecame a “gentleman farmer.”

finding one’s path Doyle approached her Last Lecture

by imagining a soundtrack for her life.She punctuated her lessons with musi-cal interludes of fitting Beatles’ songs onwhich she played the flute, accompa-nied by her husband, James Doyle, onpercussion, Dr. Matthew Schildt onkeyboard, and Marcos LeBlanc ’13 onbass.

With the Long and Winding Road asan introduction, Doyle explained, “Ihave rarely taken a direct route frompoint A to B, but looking back in therear view mirror, I know I took theroute I was meant to take.”Painfully shy, she began playing flute

in sixth grade. Her subsequent transfor-mation was a story her band teacherloved to tell. “I found a path andlearned to fly. If you are determinedand work hard, you can do anything.”Doyle told how making value-based

decisions helped her navigate collegeand her early ca-reer. She began adoctorate in fluteperformance atLouisiana StateUniversity inBaton Rouge,where she met her“life partner andbest friend,” JamesDoyle, asst. pro-fessor of music.She credits sharedcore values with

... and the #1 life lesson is:

LoveLast Lecture taps professors’ secrets of success

Dr. Leslie Cramblet Alvarez’s

seven life lessons1. Learn to express yourself.

2. Spend time waiting tables.

3. Live in a big city.

4. Give credit where it is due.

5. Make good friends and keep them.

6. Keep learning and combine your loves.

7. Take chances – get out of your comfort zone.

Plus one to grow on ... Fall in Love.

As much as you love your work,it won’t love you back.” – Leslie Alvarez“

“If you knew this were your last lecture ever, what would you say?”

an adventurous spiritcontinues to guide Dr. LeslieCramblet Alvarez on her lifejourney. At left she leaps overfire at a Warrior Dash; below,she began combining herloves early on.

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strengthening their relationship in theface of career transitions and personalloss. Doyle learned lessons 4, 5, and 6

from her father and the way he ap-proached life after being diagnosed withstage four lung cancer. “He’s Irish, and before he died, Dad

gathered together people important tohim for a party.” Following his death,Doyle completed her doctorate and dis-sertation, something she knew was im-portant to him.Her parents’ example (“My mother

never spent one minute feeling sorry forherself.”) gave Doyle the strength toface her own bout with cancer.

Just a year ago, she learned she hadfollicular thyroid cancer, necesitatingtwo surgeries and radiation. With Jamesset to complete his doctorate residencyat University of Nevada Las Vegas,

Tracy insisted hekeep to the plan,and relied on sup-port from herfamily and friends.She came to ac-cept the need toslow down, taketime off fromteaching, andfocus on herself.

Doyle showedslides of her sur-gery scar and bodyscans illustratingthe cancer had notmetastasized.“I’m going to

be OK. I need toget on with life.

Allowing others to help me was aHUGE lesson,” she said.

making connectionsAfter college, Alvarez worked both as

a hostess at Joe’s Crab Shack in Austin,where she developed such life skills asservice and patience, and at a shelter foryouth, doing “street outreach.” “I heard some really sad stories,” she

said, as she gained experience doing in-takes and helping kids overcome barri-ers to education. “I became interestedin the interface between education andpsychology.” That prompted her to pur-sue graduate work and earnher Ph.D. in educationalpsychology at Northern Ari-zona University, where shefirst taught as a graduateassistant.

Experiences along the way helped Al-varez form her Life Lessons. She treasures the new perspectives and op-portunities gained through travel, andcame to value what she learned fromher teachers, parents – and students. “It’s never the same class, because of

the students. I love mentoring studentsand watching them turn into nerds. Ithelps me feel and stay young,” she said.Alvarez keeps learning and challeng-

ing herself, recognizing the importanceof getting out of one’s comfort zone.Partially funded by her PresidentalTeacher Award stipend, she became acertified yoga teacher last summer, andthis spring will teach“Positive Psychol-ogy and Yoga.”“It will combine eastern and western

approaches in a therapeutic environ-ment. Yoga can reduce stress and pro-mote wellness,” she explained.She and Doyle both came into their

own as teachers at Adams State. “I loveworking on a small campus. It’s like aprivate school experience,” said Alvarez.“I value close student relationships andsmall classes.”Doyle said ASU is a “perfect fit,” a

place where her parallel roads of musiceducation and flute performance merge.“I didn’t have to choose. My paths weremeant to bring me here.” Watch the 2013 Last Lecture here:

adams.edu/a/20.

now and then:Music helped Dr. Tracy Doyle gain self confidence.

Dr. Tracy Doyle’slessons learned

1. Hard work + Perseverance = Success

2. Make values-based decisions.

3. Shared common core values are the foundation of astrong relationship.

4. Live fully and passionately.

5. Sometimes you just have to do what has to be done.

6. Think ahead. Be a planner. It is a way to show your love.

7. Modify your Expectations to conform with the results.

8. Ask for help.

9. Slow down.

10. More joy.

Dr. Tracy Doyle (left) and Dr. Leslie Cramblet Alvarez sharedtheir accumulated wisdom during Autumn@Adams week.

By Julie Waechter


So many ideas came to mind thatWilkinson’s original plan to create 30different paintings that would be dis-played on the wall “salon-style” soon ex-panded to 80 paintings. “I just couldn’tstop. There are still things I’ve missed.”The resulting mural, completed in

September, spans 74 feet along the mu-seum’s north wall, facing Fourth St. inAlamosa. Wilkinson’s 80 images depicthistoric figures and artifacts, beautifullandscapes, landmarks and tourist at-tractions, and symbols reflecting thevalley’s past and present.A vintage locomotive steams across

the wall, near a representation of a solararray. A classic valley dust devil swirls,while a UFO aims green light towardthe valley floor. There is a sandhill

crane, as well as a grizzly bear, a bison, achurro sheep – and an alligator. Themural is bookended by the oldestchurch in Colorado, in Conejos, and aBhuddist stupa in Crestone. Portraits of personages past and pres-

ent range from Chief Ouray andChipeta to Zebulon Pike and Kit Car-son. Other elements of the Valley’s di-verse history are illustrated by portraitsof a Japanese farmer and a Buffalo Sol-dier. Visitors will see both the famous,such as the Manassa Mauler and ac-claimed weaver Eppie Archuleta, andthe infamous, like Alfred Packer. There’salso an early photo of the late Capt.John Brandt ’54 and his wife, Dorothy,who is chairperson of the museumboard.

During a visit in spring of 2012 topresent an artist’s lecture and workshopon campus, Wilkinson noticed the mu-seum’s blank stucco wall and thought itwould make a great canvas."Ian Wilkinson's interest in the val-

ley was demonstrated by the countlesshours he spent researching what to in-clude in the mural," said Mary Hoff-man, ASU Community Partnershipsexecutive director. A member of the museum board of

directors, Hoffman wrote the $20,000funding proposal to the National En-dowment of the Arts (NEA). Manylocal organizations provided support tomeet the community NEA fundingmatch requirement, including theAlamosa Marketing District, San Luis

When he was commissioned to create an exterior muralfor the San Luis Valley Museum, Ian Wilkinson ’04knew one big painting just wasn’t going to cut it.

Man vs. Wall

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Valley Federal Bank, 1st SouthwestBank, the Floyd Dale Higel Family, SanLuis Valley Builders, Inc., and the SanLuis Valley Museum.After being awarded the mural com-

mission, Wilkinson worked with Com-munity Partnerships and the museumto solicit ideas from community mem-bers by using Skype, social networking,and a survey. The resulting concept rep-resents the San Luis Valley's entire past,present, and a glimpse of the future.The mural is intended to spark conver-sation and interest in exploring the SanLuis Valley's history, landmarks and leg-ends.“I could have arranged the paintings

chronologically,” Wilkinson said, “but

the final arrangement conveys that theyare all simultaneous moments existingon a plane that is now.”Based in Asheville, North Carolina,

Wilkinson has created more than 200murals throughout the country over thelast dozen years, often utilizing a similarconsensus building process. His clientsrange from corporations to publicschools.“Being a muralist is tough; you’re re-

tired at the end of every job, and thenext project is entirely uncertain,” hesaid. A year of planning, collaboration,

design, and painting preceded themural’s installation, and Wilkinson en-listed ASU art students to help with the

final phase. He explained he uses the“most extremely archival muralmethod” developed by Kent Twitchelland shared with the Philadelphia MuralArts Program. “They are the foremostmural entity in the world, and they usethis method exclusively,” Wilkinsonsaid.He creates each painting with pure

acrylic resin on polytab. He adheres thepaintings to the wall with varnish, thenapplies another eight coats of varnish,making the mural stable in the face ofultraviolet light. “This will look just asgood in 50 years as it does now.”Watch a video of the mural’s develop-

ment: adams.edu/a/18.

By Julie Waechter

from left: Sandhill craneDorothy & John ‘54 Brandt

Eppie Archuleta

Southern Ute elder Russell Box, Sr.,below his portrait


drs. ron & marilyn loser

Foundation honorsemeritus professors forcontinued supportEntering Ron ’65 and Marilyn ’86, ’87 Loser’s home arouses all the senses. A cowbell clangs to an-nounce guests as the front gate swings open. Stepping along a weathered boardwalk, visitors gaze atthe immense and diverse garden stretching out past the tall blue house. Ron slides open the porchdoor, and classical music fills the air, along with tantalizing aromas from the kitchen.

Once inside, art by local talentadorns the walls, and natural light cre-ates an atmosphere of welcome. South-facing windows provide a view ofMarilyn’s garden, which even in Octo-ber radiates the warmth of autumn col-ors and a bountiful harvest. The homereflects the generosity, intelligence, andcuriosity of its designers and builders –Ron and Marilyn, emeritus professorsof mathematics/computer science.The Adams State Foundation recog-

nized the Losers with the 2013 WillisFassett Jr. Award at the Donor & Stu-dent Recognition Dinner, Nov. 6. Ron’s ties with Adams State began

when he and his brother, Robert ’62;mom, Lucille ’67; and dad, O. Robert‘63 all enrolled – “If it weren’t forAdams State we’d probably still bestruggling with a failing business.” Hisdad went on to teach industrial arts andhis mother, art; Ron taught mathemat-ics and computer science at AdamsState until his retirement in June, 2003.In 2001, after his father passed, Ron

established the Loser Family Scholar-ship; he continues to add to the princi-ple every year, and last year establisheda legacy in his will for Adams State. “Ihave gotten into the habit of donatingto the university,” Ron said. “It is agood habit.”

Marilyn said the institution makes adifference in the lives of so many in theSan Luis Valley and beyond. “The priceis right, and students are not just anumber.” She said it is often the stu-dents’ first time away from home, andthe campus provides a safe environ-ment.“Adams State is nurturing,” Ron

added. “It is an intellectual and eco-nomic enabler.”Many of the Losers’ friends believe

the same of Ron and Marilyn. Sue andCole Foster, emeritus professor of Eng-lish, said the couple demonstrates un-failing generosity towards family,friends, and the community. The twocouples have traveled together and con-tinue to enjoy social interactions. “Ronand Marilyn exhibit wit and a wonder-ful sense of humor,” Foster said. “Theyare the best friends anyone could everhope to have.”The Fosters also respect the Losers’

commitment to academic excellence.“We believe in the process of educa-tion,” Ron said. “We believe in AdamsState.”Marilyn agrees: “When people re-

ceive a good education, it helps outtheir entire life. College helps inspirethe desire to learn.”They both admire the dedication of

Adams State’s faculty across depart-ments. “I did not know a single profes-

sor who was in it just for the paycheck,”Ron said. He values the many differentapproaches to help students achieve.“We are not here to lower the hurdles,but to help students overcome the ob-stacles and challenges.”Marilyn points out the number of

students who would not have access toaffordable education if it weren’t forAdams State. “Adams State alters peo-ple’s lives.” She remembers many a student who enrolled with no under-standing of expectations or even the ap-propriate manner of dress. “I had anon-traditional student come to a tu-toring session in a cocktail dress. Shewore her best outfit, because she wasunsure of what was expected.” Ratherthan judge, Marilyn graciously reachedout and helped the student blossom andachieve her academic goal.Those students entering college with

virtually no clue about what to expector how to navigate the processes of aca-demia brings out the nurturer of manya faculty member, including the Losers.Ron could have chosen a more affluentand influential college to carry out hiscareer. He stayed. He has a story ofbeing offered a National Endowmentfor the Humanities Fellowship at anelite college – where all the students had“straightened, even teeth.” He preferredto mentor those with fewer advantages.

Ron believes Adams State’s atmos-phere encourages students to reach theirpotential and provides them with abroader perspective on the universe.Since Marilyn’s retirement in 2005,

the Losers have broadened their ownhorizons with over two dozen tripsacross the globe.They have made itto all seven conti-nents. “No matter the

electronic mediaavailable to every-one, nothing pre-pares you forexperiencing anew location, surrounded by a differentculture and a spoken language that isnot your own. Travel provides a sense ofthe world that is valuable and diverse,”Ron said. The Losers often plan their adven-

tures with friends Anita and Mel Ar-mold, emeritus professor of chemistry;as well as the Fosters. “Traveling is bet-ter when shared with people whosecompany you appreciate and enjoy,”Ron added.The couples have arranged their own

vacations and have taken advantage oftours by Road Scholars. “The RoadScholars tours take care of the irritatingtechnical details,” Ron said. “You justshow up with a good attitude andenjoy.” Ron continues to update hiswebsite with photographs and com-ments about their journeys atfaculty.adams.edu/~reloser/.

The Losers’ sense of adventure andappreciation of quality education, arts,and food impresses itself on all theirfriends. “Marilyn and Ron are extraor-dinary foodies with outrageouslyyummy and beautifully presented horsd'oeuvres, meals, and picnics,” Sue Fos-

ter said. “They make eggs Benedict onovernight backcountry trips.”A willingness to share their bounty,

whether it be in the form of perennialsfrom the garden, food from the kitchen,books and movies from their impressivelibrary, or money from their accounts –Ron and Marilyn touch the lives of many.Local artist Frankie Will ’90 said

they have both been incredibly gener-ous to her. “Ron and Marilyn pave theway for people to have opportunities,and they do so modestly.” Her two di-mensional art hangs on their walls, andher three-dimensional pieces can befound throughout the Losers’ home.“Ron did not inherit his wealth or

position,” Will added. “What he hasachieved, he has done on his ownthrough determination and hard work.He could not be who he is withoutMarilyn’s support.”

Will respects the Losers’ mathemati-cal minds. Ron designed and built theoriginal structure of their home andlater doubled its size. Together Ron andMarilyn created a one-acre garden fullof trees, flowers, shrubs, quiet restingspaces, a greenhouse, and a six-sidedgazebo. “They have high standards ofexcellence,” Will added.That standard applies to all their in-

terests, and yet Ron and Marilyn easilyrelate to many people and supportagencies and organizations which theybelieve contribute to the betterment ofsociety, including Adams State, Boysand Girls Club of the San Luis Valley,Creede Repertory Theatre, KRZA, theNature Conservancy, Friends of theDunes, the SLV Regional Science Fair,and several professional organizations.Children and grandchildren also benefitfrom the Losers’ generosity in financial

support of education and retirement, aswell as family trips. “I enjoy people,” Ron said, “particu-

larly smart, hard-working people. I findthem stimulating. I used to tell my stu-dents, ‘the person with the highestgrade on their term paper taught methe most.’”One could quickly become intimi-

dated by the Losers’ command of thescientific world and all its intricacies.Yet, their open personal manner of con-versation and genuine interest in all as-pects of life soon has strangers andintimate friends alike relaxing and feel-ing just as important as the latest dis-covery in one of their scientific journals.

By Linda Relyea ‘96

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Ron did not inherit his wealth or position. What hehas achieved, he has done on his own through deter-mination and hard work. He could not be who he iswithout Marilyn’s support.”

“


Grizzly Club appreciates supporters

robertses give loyal supportThe Robertses are in their 29th year as Grizzly Club sup-

porters. During that time, Norm has served on the board andtwice held the post of president.They both graduated from Del Norte High School and

started at Adams State in 1971. Norm, who came to AdamsState on a cross country/track and field scholarship, was amember of the 1971 NAIA National Champion cross coun-try team. He graduated in 1975 with a degree in secondaryeducation with an emphasis in biology and chemistry, thencompleted a master’s degree in physical education in 1977.Greta meanwhile transferred from Adams State to Loretto

Heights College in Denver (now part of Regis University)and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.The Robertses started their careers in Rocky Ford, Colo.,

then Colby, Kan., with Greta a nurse, and Norm, a successfulhigh school teacher and coach. The couple moved to GrandJunction in 1980, where Norm started his career in real estateappraising; they returned to Alamosa in 1984, where Norm

opened his own real estate appraisal business. Greta has en-joyed a fulfilling and varied career in nursing and healthcareand is now director of Oncology at San Luis Valley Health.She has worked in schools, hospitals, hospice, Valley-WideHealth Services, and has taught at Adams State as recently aslast year. Over the course of their successful careers and strong com-

munity involvement, the Robertses raised twokids, Adam and Mollie. Mollie is a clinical coordi-nator in Counselor Education at Adams State,while Adam works for the U.S. Department ofVeteran Affairs in Denver.The couple continues to be an active part of the

greater Alamosa community and tries to travel asmuch as possible. Norm stays involved in coach-ing, working with his grandkids’ t-ball and basket-ball teams. They also continue to support ASUathletics in many ways and will for years to come.“We are very appreciative and humbled by the

honor,” Norm Roberts stated. “But the signifi-cance of living is not what you’ve done in the past.It’s what you’re doing and what you plan to do inthe future.”

spicer gives backSpicer, a Grizzly Club member for more than

20 years, said, “I am excited to receive this recogni-tion, but it was never my goal. Football has beenreally important in my life, and I wanted to giveback by supporting Adams State University.”Spicer has been a reliable sponsor of the entireASU Athletics program and has enjoyed watchingthem – especially football.

Spicer credits football with getting him through highschool and college. Spicer is originally from Wyoming, wherehe attended high school. He then accepted a scholarship fromthe University of Wyoming to play fullback and linebackerfor legendary football coaches, Phil Dickens and Bob De-vaney. In 1960, Spicer earned a degree from the University ofWyoming in agriculture economics. Spicer then went into hotel management throughout the

western United States, and a business opportunity broughthim to Alamosa 25 years ago.Hard work in business is another of his passions. Twenty-

five years ago, Spicer joined a partnership with Butch andRocky Southway, who owned the Inn of the Rio Grande.Since then, Spicer has continued to be very enthusiastic aboutAdams State University and the Grizzly Club. A dedicated and passionate member such as Clancy Spicer

is very valuable to the Grizzly Club.

By Nik Schmidt

From left: Felicia and Roy Garcia representing the Grizzly Club Corporate Partner ofthe Year, Inn of the Rio Grande; Grizzly Club Individual Partners of the Year Normand Greta Roberts; and scholarship recipient Cade Kunugi.

The Adams State Grizzly Club honored top supporters atthe ASU Foundation’s recent Donor & Student RecognitionDinner. The Individual Sponsors of the Year award went toGreta and Norm ’75, ’77 Roberts, while Clancy Spicer,owner of the Inn of the Rio Grande, was recognized as Cor-porate Partner of the Year.

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Recently retired as Associate VicePresident for Facilities Planning, Design& Construction, he oversaw $142 mil-lion worth of campus improvements.He estimates he directed renovation ofwell over half of campus and construc-tion of an additional 180,000 square feet. “No one person has had more im-

pact on the physical campus that is nowAdams State University than Erik,”noted Adams State President DavidSvaldi. “As one community membertold me, ‘Adams looks like a real univer-sity now.’ Erik’s leadership over the lasttwo decades provided consistency and aunifying plan for ASU’s campus.”In recognition of van de Boogaard’s

contributions to the university, he re-ceived the prestigious Billy AdamsAward at the Homecoming Banquet.Van de Boogaard joined Adams State

in 1994 to oversee renovation of foodservices, the then-College Center, hous-ing, and the Rex Activity Center. Hethen tackled the first new constructionin 25 years, a science and mathematicsfacility now known as Porter Hall. Thiswas followed by construction of thenew theatre and renovations to theSchool of Business and the former sci-ence building for the Art Department.A number of controlled maintenanceand infrastructure projects were also un-dertaken, including decommissioningthe steam plant and installing new heat-ing systems in all buildings.Van de Boogaard left Adams State

for a similar position at Mesa State Col-lege in 2002, but returned in 2008, justin time to break ground on the PlachyHall renovation. “I like to be busy and was very ex-

cited to take the institution’s dreamsand visions and make them happen, tocreate a new Campus Master Plan,” hesaid.Momentum accelerated when stu-

dents passed a fee to fund campustransformation. The jewel in the crown

of that project was the North CampusGreen and the first new student hous-ing built in 45 years, the Residences atRex apartment and stadium facility.Then came renovations to studenthousing, Leon Memorial Concert Hall,the Music Building, and the ES Build-ing – now McDaniel Hall – plus ex-panded campus parking, new playingfields, and sustainable energy projects.Most recently, thethird floor ofPorter Hall wascompleted andZachies Planetar-ium renovated,and the formerEvans Schoolbuilding was ren-ovated to housethe Departmentof Human Per-formance & Phys-ical Education.Renovations con-tinue in studenthousing, andwork is nearly fin-ished to upgradethe outdoor track and erect a High Alti-tude Training Center.Van de Boogaard directed all this

work and more, then launched thelong-awaited renovation of AdamsState’s oldest building, Richardson Hall.He said it is “bittersweet” that he won’tbe on hand for the project, “but I feelreally good about the design/build teamwe selected to do the job. The campusis in good hands.”

beyond bricks & mortarLong before any construction crews

were deployed, van de Boogaard devel-oped a Campus Master Plan, workedwith staff to obtain official approvalsand construction funding, and adheredto a raft of state regulations and proce-dures. Each project required a detailed

program plan, budget, and concept; de-sign teams were selected, followed by aseries of consultations, reviews, andmeetings before final construction doc-uments were prepared for bidding.Construction documents include anumber of sub plans devoted to every-thing from asbestos abatement anddemolition to landscaping and humanwaste plans. Every element imaginable

was specified and went through multi-ple revisions, all reviewed by buildingstakeholders and facilities personnel.Once a construction bid was awarded,van de Boogaard remained immerseduntil project completion.He said he was “speechless for the

first time in my life” upon being se-lected for the Billy Adams Award. “It isthe most phenomenal thing for me toreceive this recognition. I am truly hon-ored. I have invested over 15 years inAdams State, my blood, sweat and tears. . . but none of these things could havetaken place without a lot of people, thevision of Adams State presidents, andsupport from the entire campus com-munity.”

By Julie Waechter

Billy Adams Award goes to Erik van de Boogaard You won’t see his name chiseled in stone anywhere, but Erik van de Boogaard was

instrumental in creating or enhancing most buildings on the Adams State University campus.

President David Svaldi presents Billy Adams Award recipient Erik van deBoogaard with a Bill Moyers print.


Artful altruism

TOP: Lauren McEvoy '10 withRed

CENTER: Cliff Dvorak ‘99 withIn Honor of the Spirits in theCripple Creek

BELOW: James Fuller ‘11 withRobopera poster design

The Art Department is on a mission, and its alumni have joined thecause.

The department needs to raise $7,000 to properly frame and display its collectionof 24 signed images of work by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Thirty-five graduatesfrom 1996 to 2012 showed their work at the The Cloyde Snook Gallery this semesterin the first alumni exhibit for this cause. Sales were donated to the framing fund.

The retrospective collection reviewing 40 years of work by the world-famous couple was donated by Christo to ASU Community Partnerships in 2011. He and hislate wife are famed for creating environmental works of art, many of which utilize fab-ric. The realized projects remain installed for a finite time; they only exist afterward inphotographs such as the Art Department’s collection, preparatory drawings, films,books, and in the memories of viewers.

The Art Department continues to accept direct donations to the framing fund.More information is available by calling the department at (719) 587-7823.

Artful altruismThe Art Department is on a mission, and its alumni have joined thecause.

The department needs to raise $7,000 to properly frame and display its collectionof 24 signed images of work by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Thirty-five graduatesfrom 1996 to 2012 showed their work at the The Cloyde Snook Gallery this semesterin the first alumni exhibit for this cause. Sales were donated to the framing fund.

The retrospective collection reviewing 40 years of work by the world-famous couple was donated by Christo to ASU Community Partnerships in 2011. He and hislate wife are famed for creating environmental works of art, many of which utilize fab-ric. The realized projects remain installed for a finite time; they only exist afterward inphotographs such as the Art Department’s collection, preparatory drawings, films,books, and in the memories of viewers.

The Art Department continues to accept direct donations to the framing fund.More information is available by calling the department at (719) 587-7823.

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ABOVE: Anthony Vasquez '11 with Our Beginning

BELOW: SB 191: Artifact #1 by David Stallings ‘11

TOP CENTER: James R. Crane II '12 with Wanting in America

BOTTOM CENTER: Martin McKee '12 with Dedicated to AlfredStieglitz

Photos by Kellicia Morse ‘14

Vera Sprouse Snyder `47, `71 (HighlandsRanch, CO) writes, “I registered at ASC in 1939and received an excellent education from anoutstanding faculty. Both my husband, GeneSnyder `50, and I were able to continue andexpand our education, attaining gratificationand recognition for successful careers. And‘university’ status is long overdue!”

Joe Vigil `53, `59(Green Valley, AZ)was in town for the20th Annual Joe I.Vigil Open, the homecross-country meetfor Alamosa HighSchool and AdamsState University. Cur-rent Adams State Head Coach Damon Martinnamed the meet in his honor after he retired,20 years ago. While he was in Alamosa, Vigiladdressed a packed crowd at a Lunch andLearn seminar at the San Luis Valley HealthEducation and Conference Center.

Jean `61 and Grant `60 Wallendorff (Arvada,CO) have 3 children: Kim, Kevin, and Ken (de-ceased) and 2 granddaughters: Sydney andOlivia.

Alice Thornburg Lin-demann `65 (Broom-field, CO) recentlyretired from BoulderValley School Districtas a middle schoolprincipal. Althoughshe taught at all grade levels, elementarythrough high school, her passion was withmiddle school students, advocating for pro-grams and strategies to assure that studentswould succeed, feel empowered, and lovelearning. As a retirement trip, she and herhusband, John, returned to Namibia, wherethey began their lives together and spentthree months visiting with friends and old stu-dents. They’ve spent 8 years living and travel-ing in Africa, Spain, England, and Europe.Now they travel as often as possible; theirmost recent adventure was to Peru, Ecuador,and the Galapagos Islands. Their 2 daughters,who live in the Denver area, and 2 grand-daughters bring light and joy to their lives.Alice has been writing a memoir of hermother. She’s not sure where it will take her,but she’s loving the challenge. Recently, sheattended her first Adams State function, abreakfast, and was delighted to reconnectwith classmates that she hadn’t seen in over40 years. She would love to hear from othersat [email protected].

Grace (McGuire,Christofferson)Ellsworth `65 (Cen-tennial, CO) writes,"Who'd haveguessed that myteaching career would span 31 years followedby 16 more as a substitute and still counting?I thank God for good health and enthusiasmfor my chosen profession. My daughter andson have blessed me with 5 grandchildren,plus 1 more this March. My 2nd marriage 21years ago brought another son, 3 grandchil-dren, and recently a great-grandson. Bill and Icherish the time spent at our mountain cabin.A transplant from Montana, I've lived only inColorado since graduation. As a member ofvarious choral groups, I've continued with mysinging and have gone on 4 European tours.Church involvement, 2 book clubs, P.E.O., Sil-ver Sneaker classes, singing, walking/hiking,and enjoying grandchildren pretty much sumsup this stage of my life. Thank you, ASC, forpreparing me for a successful career."

Dr. Mackie Faye Hill`66, `74 (Denver, CO)completed her auto-biography, entitledBlack Army “Brat,”and is looking for aneditor and publisher.

Raymond Seib `66, `67 (Hoisington, KS) is aregistered representative of MetLife. He has 2grown children and 5 grandkids. He taughtand coached high school football and trackfrom 1967-76 and junior college track from1976-79. He has been in the insurance busi-ness since the fall of 1979.

Larry Jeffryes `69 retired after 44 years in ed-ucation, training, and coaching and movedwith his wife to Sequim, WA. He is now tryingto figure out what retirement life is all about.He unexpectedly found himself volunteeringas part of a local hot air balloon crew as oneretirement activity. They are enjoying theOlympicMoun-tains,Juan deFucaStrait,and allthingsOlympicPenin-sula.

Henry Snyder `69 (Lamar, CO) retired to afarm in Lamar with his wife, Linda. They havetwo daughters with careers in wildlife andnursing.


alumnotes

�1960s

�1940s

�1950s

Ninety-five-year-old Lucia Vallejos Gonzales ’54recently shared her memoir, Treasures of My Val-ley: Humor and Survival in Early 20th Century SanLuis Valley, at a lecture and book signing inAdams State’s Nielsen Library. The tenth of elevenchildren in a Costilla, New Mexico, farming family,Gonzales recounts the joys and hardships of herchildhood, and the importance of education inher life.

“My dad was very strict with our education. Hemade sure we would grow up to have one,” shesaid, adding her dad taught his children the importance of going to school, going to church,and paying taxes.

Gonzales earned a degree in elementary education and taught for 30 years. She is extremelygrateful for what she’s worked for in her lifetime and strongly believes her past helped her tosucceed.

“We were raised very poor, but not food poor, money poor,” she said. Her dad was a hardworking farmer and her mother, a story teller. While her family always had plenty to eat, Gon-zales and her siblings had few clothes and often went without shoes. To keep warm on theirtwo-mile trek to school, she said they would all run together holding hands.

Her book may be purchased by phoning John and Nancy Gonzales at 575-586-0124.

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Proctor returned to campus in Octo-ber for only the second time since hisgraduation. The Art Department hosted

his visit, which began with lunch with his college roommateand fellow artist, Ivan Curley ‘53, ‘56 of Monte Vista. Theyhad a great time talking about their Adams State days andtheir pursuits in art over the past 60 years. Proctor, from Cañon City, enrolled in Adams State in

1949, thanks to a scholarship that was crucial to his atten-dance, even though he had been saving for college sincechildhood. He recalled he would pick cherries for a penny apound, and says he was so small heneeded someone to move the ladder forhim. Professors showed Proctor around

the Art Department and RichardsonHall. Proctor worked in the library(now the Luther Bean Museum) for 75cents an hour as a student. He recalledclimbing up a narrow staircase to thesecond floor of the library to a tiny,stuffy room where the bookbinding wasdone. His job was basically to letter ti-tles on the newly bound books. Most everything was housed in

Richardson Hall during Proctor’s stu-dent days, including the art depart-ment. Department chair James Hatfieldasked Proctor to paint a mural in theside stairwell at the north end of thebuilding for his senior project. Proctorfelt quite honored to be asked, but likemany students at the age of 22, hadsome issues with procrastination. Proc-tor recalls Hatfield telling him to “get astick on it” and get the mural done, orhe’d drop Proctor’s grade by a lettergrade. He needed no more motivation.The opportunity to see his mural

again was a real highlight of the visit forProctor, however he noted that hehadn’t gotten the perspective quite righton the tractor axle. He thought perhapshe should come back and fix it.Proctor spent time in the Army, then

completed an M.A. at the University ofNorthern Colorado. He began teaching

in Washington state, then in 1959 moved to California andtaught in the same classroom at Walnut Creek IntermediateSchool for the next 32 years. Throughout Proctor’s career, he has been actively creating

art and teaching. He has taught adult education classes forCal State Hayward, UC Berkeley, and various artists groups.In addition to teaching, he has been actively involved in artgroups, and exhibiting his paintings and bronze sculpturesaround California. Proctor stills paints. He says if he had tolive life over again, he would do the same thing.

Story & photos by Margaret Doell

Alumnus returns to scene of the artWhile alumni might not recognize the name of Tom Proctor ’53, they may well recallthe colorful mural he created in a stairwell of Richardson Hall that depicts agricul-ture in the San Luis Valley (below).

�1970s


Gloria Curtis `70 and her husband, Don, re-cently moved to Denver to be near grandkids.They are really enjoying life in the “big city.”

John Madrid `71 (Pueblo, CO) received hisM.A. degree in social work in 1974 from Den-ver University. He has been married to hiswife, Carol, for 41 years and is now retired.They have two children, Rose and Juan, andtwo grandchildren, Justin and Alex.

Sharon Newson `71 (Limon, CO) taught inLimon public schools for 31 years and is nowretired. She is married with 2 children and 2grandchildren.

Gary Venturi `71 (Summit, NJ) taught physi-cal education in the Newark public schools for37 years and retired in 2008. In that time heran his own business in home improvementsand continues to do so. Gary lives in a househe built in 2001, and has one son who lives inFlorida.

Dr. Mary Ann Roldan `74 (Pueblo, CO) is thefounder and current treasurer of the MahatmaGandhi Center for Peace and Non-Violence,

Inc. She is also amember of the DeltaKappa GammaTeacher organizationand the Girl ScoutHispanic Initiative.She is a CatholicDiocesan boardmember.

Judith Roybal `74,`81 (Pueblo, CO) andher husband, Rich,have recently be-come first-timegrandparents to aboy, Richard Lee Roy-bal III.

Avigael (aka Barbara) Mann `75 (Boulder,CO) writes, “Loving life! I loved Adams Stateall 5 years. Keep it an excellent university!”

Marguerite Salazar ‘75, ‘76(Alamosa, CO) was appointedColorado’s new Commissioner ofInsurance. Salazar began her ca-reer as a mental health therapistworking in the San Luis Valley,where she developed and grewher business, Access Social WorkServices, through contracts with

public health agencies, hospitals and nursinghomes in the region. Later, Salazar servedmore than 20 years as the president and CEOof Valley-Wide Health Systems in Alamosa, alarge, rural community health system servingmore than 45,000 Coloradans through 22 pri-mary care and dental clinics. The companyhas offices in more than 20 rural counties. As

a business executive, Salazar oversaw thegrowth and expansion of Valley-Wide HealthSystems from 50 to 350 employees. She mostrecently worked for the U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services as a regional di-rector since May 2010. She also recently re-ceived the distinguished John K. IglehartAward for Leadership in Health Policy duringthe Colorado Health Foundation's ColoradoHealth Symposium, Aug. 8, at the KeystoneResort & Conference Center. The award recog-nizes a person whose wisdom, involvementand leadership consistently advanced thecause of health and health care for the peo-ple of Colorado.

Cathie Graeser `76(Pueblo, CO) is presi-dent of Alpha MuDelta, a local sororitythat supports art,music, and drama. InMay she retired fromPueblo CommunityCollege, where shetaught reading as an adjunct. This was her50th year of teaching!

William (Bill) Hinsey `76, `83 (Cañon City) re-tired from the Cañon City schools in 2011 after35 years of teaching; the last 26 years spentteaching kindergarten. His wife, Michele,teaches in Penrose, CO. They have 3 childrenand 6 grandchildren. Bill enjoys gardening,golfing, cooking, and work on the Santa Ex-press with Royal Gorge railroads.

Dean Manfrin `77 (Cañon City, CO) Ed.D.(ABD) taught industrial arts at the secondarylevel, then transitioned to the architectural/civil engineering disciplines. He is semi-re-tired and does roof problem analysis and con-sulting. He writes, “My years at ASC/U werethe best years of my life. The professors wereoutstanding. I sure miss it.”

Mike Medina `77(Lakewood, CO) hasworked for StateFarm Insurance for30 years. He has 2kids: Nate andOlivia.

Jonova Mattox `78 (Castle Rock, CO) taughther first 12 years in Alamosa, and retired in2011 after 33 years of teaching. Adams Stateallowed her the opportunity to become ateacher, and she has loved every minute. Shewent on to get her M.A. in technology in edu-cation, which allowed her to teach and playwith all the fun tech tools that students love,and so did she. She thanks ASC for openingthe “teaching door” and reports that it wasquite the career in teaching.

Jeni (Holmes) JackGoodwin `85 (Alam-osa, CO) was pro-moted to presidentof the San Luis Valleymarket of FirstSouthwest Bank,where she hasworked for over 27years. She started in the bookkeeping depart-ment in 1986 and worked her way up theranks, having most recently served as ChiefOperating Officer. She has been extremely in-volved in the community over the years andcurrently serves on the Adams State Founda-tion Board and the Grizzly Club Board, SLVScience Fair board and is a Kiwanis Clubmember. Her son, Hunter, is a senior at Alam-osa High School, and her daughter, Bailey, isa junior. She is married to Greg Goodwin `96,who is real estate agent for Porter Realty inAlamosa.

Elizabeth Barzdukas `88 (Greeley, CO) waselected state president of Delta KappaGamma in May.

Thomas Gonzales `91 (Commerce City, CO) isin his 14th year as a US history teacher atThornton High School in Thornton, Colo. Hehas also been coaching football and baseballat Adams City High School in Commerce City,despite the fact that he was paralyzed in a caraccident in 2002 – the same year he receivedhis M.A. in administration.

Brian `92 and Kendall `11 Ackerman (MonteVista, CO) are proud to announce the birth oftheir baby girl in June, 2013, Taylor Rae.

Jenna Ford ‘96 (Center, CO) was appointed tothe San Luis Valley Federal Bank’s board of di-rectors. She took over the management of herfamily farm in 1998 and has continued farm-ing for the last 15 years. During that time, shealso became a partner in The Mansion Bed &Breakfast, in Monte Vista, and started AllThings Good, LLC, a small art gallery & giftboutique, also in Monte Vista. She servedthree years on the Monte Vista Downtown De-velopment Main Street Board of Directors and

�1990s

�1980s

Alice Taylor `42 (Albuquerque, NM) passedaway July 17 at the age of 92. Among her sur-vivors is sister Mary Cruz `45.

Naomi Wing `49 (Alamosa, CO) passed awayJuly 14 at the age of 97.

Antonio Valdez, Jr. `51, `65 (Del Norte, CO)passed away Aug. 24 at the age of 86.

Nick DeSalvo Jr. `55 (Pueblo, CO) passedaway Oct. 10 at the age of 85.

Bert Hansen `58 (Las Animas, CO) passedaway Aug. 7 at the age of 77.

Raymond Mann `58 (Montrose, CO) passedaway Sept. 10 at the age of 78. Among his sur-vivors is wife, Fern Mann `67.

Michael Barry `59 (Troy, MI) passed awayOct. 18 at the age of 77.

Loretta Nicodemus `60 (Louviers, CO) passedaway Oct. 13 at the age of 76. Among her sur-vivors is husband, Donald Nicodemus `62.

Jim Colbert `61, `65 (Imperial Beach, CA)passed away Sept. 18 at the age of 73.

Larry Summers `63 (Lamar, CO) passed awayOct. 1 at the age of 72. Among his survivors iswife, Zelma Summers `63.

Raymond Sweeney `63 (West Farmington,OH) passed away Aug. 2 at the age of 71.

Elinore "Chris" Hugins `64, `70 (Cañon City,CO) passed away July 20 at the age of 85.

Among her survivors is husband, EmeritusProfessor George Hugins.

Elizabeth Poage `66 (American Canyon, CA)passed away May 28 at the age of 95.

Donald Brendel `67 (Cañon City, CO) passedaway Aug. 10 at the age of 81.

Joe Wolcott `67 (Tyler, TX) passed away Sept.4 at the age of 75.

Edward "Gene" Nally `68 (Alexis, IL) passedaway Sept. 27 at the age of 68.

Nancilee Donley `70 (Pueblo, CO) passedaway Sept. 17 at the age of 66.

Nancy Hume Jones `72 (Albuquerque, NM)passed away Aug. 13 at the age of 61. Amongher survivors is sister Kathy Howard `72.

Judith Kerrins `72 (Chico, CA) passed awayJuly 18 at the age of 71.

Elisario "Charlie" Padilla `72 (Trinidad, CO)passed away June 9 at the age of 79. Amonghis survivors is wife, Betty Padilla `72.

Diane Capps `75, `77 (Rifle, CO) passed awayMay 21 at the age of 60.

Jacquelyn Finney `76 (Sun River, MT) passedaway May 20 at the age of 77.

Keith Andersen `78 (Grand Junction, CO)passed away Aug. 24 at the age of 57. Amonghis survivors is wife, Jill Andersen `78.

Daniel Edwards `86 (Pueblo, CO) passedaway Mar. 31 at the age of 63.

Sandra Fitzgerald `89 (Alamosa, CO) passedaway June 18 at the age of 51. Among her sur-vivors are mother, Charlie Walker, and sistersLori Laske '91, '01 and Shawna Walker `96.

James Hannebaum `90 (Rocky Ford, CO)passed away Oct. 1 at the age of 63.

Leonard Griego `62, `64 (Buena Vista)passed away Oct. 14 at the age of 85. Amonghis survivors is wife, Sylvia Griego `61, `64.

Ronald Boehm `04 (Phoenix, AZ) passedaway Oct. 27 at the age of 32. Among his sur-vivors is brother Bradley Boehm `01.

Ralph Tafoya `06 (Rocky Ford, CO) passedaway Sept. 3 at the age of 35.

Elizabeth Marino `07 (Pueblo, CO) passedaway Sept. 27 at the age of 40.

friendsFran Marvel (Santa Fe, NM)passed away Sept, 25 at the ageof 89. Among her survivors arehusband Dr. John Marvel, formerAdams State president; son JohnMarvel `70; and daughter-in-lawConnie Marvel `75.

more recently on the Creede Repertory The-atre Board of Trustees. Jenna loves the areaand enjoys time playing in the outdoors: hik-ing, biking, camping, and snowboarding.

Scott Brown `97(Gilbert, AZ) is mar-ried and recently hadhis first child, Hud-son. He is the direc-tor of golf at AltaMesa Country Club inMesa, AZ.

Maria Gabriel `97 (Pueblo, CO) has learnedhow to ski and ride a dirt bike and used hernew-found skills to go trail riding.

Amy Wilcox Ortega `98, `06 (Alamosa, CO) isthe assistant principal at Alamosa HighSchool. Her husband, Jose Ortega `00, `04,`07, is the dean of students at Alamosa Ele-mentary. They have 3 daughters that keepthem busy: Alexis (14), Lora (11) and Morgan(6).

Suzanne Bratina `02(Pueblo, CO) is aschool counselor atCorwin InternationalMagnet School, a 4-8grade IB school with630 students.

Tashina `03 andJustin `05 Garrett(Denver, CO) wereblessed with a sec-ond baby boy, HoseaKenji Garrett, on Au-gust 16. They are alldoing well.

Kendra Hansen `04 (Alamosa, CO) marriedDave Hansen in 2005, and they have a 3-year-old daughter, DanicaReese. Kendra wentback to school andearned a medical as-sistant certificationin 2012 and is now achiropractic assis-tant.

Jesse Crock `04, `10 (Golden, CO) had hisacrylic paintings featured in the Denver-areamagazine 5280. He rock climbs and moun-tain bikes, which must be why his paintingsso accurately depict the Colorado experience.

Liz Thomas Hensley `05 (Alamosa, CO) wasrecently elected vice president of the KiwanisClub of Alamosa.

Jesus Solis `07 graduated from the Universityof Colorado with a dual-M.A. in Japanese His-tory and Japanese Language in the summer of2012. He took a year off while he was gettinghis M.A. to study in Yokohama, Japan, but hehad to leave Japan earlier than expected, be-cause the school closed after the March 11,2011, disaster. He recently received a scholar-ship from the Japanese Ministry of Education,Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to doresearch at the University of Tokyo for the nexttwo years. He is studying Japanese economichistory and working on a research project re-lated to the American Occupation of Japanafter World War II. He lives in Shinmatsudo,Japan, with his wife, Azusa Yamamoto.

27


�2000s

remembering . . .

Kristie Dorwart `10(Pueblo, CO) wel-comed a new addi-tion to her family, ababy girl, Kenzingtyn,born June 26, 2013.She was 6 lbs, 21 oz.and 19 inches long.

Randy Menegatti `08, `12 (Colorado Springs,CO) taught 1st grade for 3 years in Trinidad,Colo. and is now in his third year teaching 3rdgrade on Fort Carson army base. He gradu-ated with his M.A. in professional schoolcounseling and is now the director of the PBIS(Positive Behavior Intervention and SupportSystems) for his school.

Amanda (Morris) ‘07 and Ryan ‘08Laverdiere (Monte Vista, CO) welcomed theirdaughter, Marlowe, on March 27, 2013.Amanda writes, “We are both looking forwardto the learning experiences ahead. Marlowe isgrowing and changing so quickly.” Ryan ap-

preciated the chal-lenge of completingthe recent CopperMountain WarriorDash 5K obstaclecourse within 45minutes. He is anoutpatient clinicianwith SLV Community

Mental Health and is working on his LicensedClinical Social Worker certification, whileAmanda is a case manager with AlamosaCounty Public Health.

Michelle (Chavez) Moore `08 (Delta, CO) andher husband, Scott Moore '07, welcomed thebirth of their first child on April 17, 2013. Theirbaby boy is healthy and growing every day!

Ryan Crandell `11 (Represa, CA) writes,“Earning my B.A. degree at ASU has corre-sponded to several employment opportuni-ties: in medical sales, research analysis,construction management, counseling, andcorrectional realignment. Currently, I amwrapping up my M.A. degree at CaliforniaState University, Dominguez Hills, and will beapplying to Ph.D. programs next summer. ASUwas a significant, integral part of my educa-tion. I am definitely proud to be an AdamsState Alumnus.”

Karen Bridge `12(Pueblo, CO) is asubstance abusecounselor at CrowleyCounty Correctionalfacility.

Katie McNew `12(Colorado Springs,CO) got a new job asa director at EarlyConnections Learn-ing Center at AntlersPlace.

Matthew Martinez’13, Monte Vista, CO,was recently electedto the Monte VistaCity Council. He hasa vision for MonteVista and wants tohelp the city live upto its potential. Last

fall, Martinez served as an intern for SenatorMichael Bennet in Washington, D.C. He is nowworking to improve the circumstances of vet-erans pursuing their education as the veter-ans' coordinator at Adams State. He obtainedthis newly created position because of hisrole as one of the founding members of theAdams State University Veterans' Club.

friendsBoogie Romero, ASU Retiree (Alamosa, CO)has been retired since 1993 and currentlydoes a lot of volunteer work for veterans andthe community. Boogie and his wife, Dorothy,are in good health.

“I am so proudof what the col-lege has become,its growth andprogress,” wroteRich Gehlbach’59 after a visit tocampus this fall.“I feel compelledto help all I can.And I hope othersof my generationfeel the same, be-fore it’s too late.”Thus,

Gehlbach becamethe newest mem-

ber of the Adam State University Legacy Society, by includinghis alma mater in his estate plans. Gehlbach is retired after 45years in the life insurance industry and lives with his wife inOlathe, Kan. “I shudder to think of what my life would have been with-

out my Adams State education,” he said. When Gehlbach

was ten, his father died, leaving his widowed mother to raisefour children. He grew up in Denver and attended ManualHigh School. “I don’t remember college being mentioned around my

house growing up. It seemed out of the realm of possibility,”he recalled. He worked the year after high school and hadsome money saved, when a friend suggested he come along toAdams State. He played football that fall, and received a tu-ition waiver for singing in the choir. “In the year that followed, I wouldn’t have left for any-

thing. I worked various jobs to assure I could stay,” he said. Gehlbach said every visit back to campus renews the grati-

tude he feels for his education. “I always look at my yearbooks and some old A-Stater editions to see if the growth andprogress I’ve seen is real. Yes, it is! Can this be the same smallcollege I entered in Sept. 1955 with its enrollment of 500-700?”He added, “It is such a privilege to support my college.”To learn how you can include Adams State University in your

estate planning, contact Tammy Lopez, executive director of theASU Foundation: 719-587-7122 or email: [email protected].

�2010s

ASU Legacy Society welcomes Rich Gehlbach ‘55, ‘59

President David Svaldi presents Rich Gehlbach withhis Legacy Society plate.


29


homecomingcelebrates

Heroes

exceptional new alumna KathyPark Woolbert ‘07 (above right) withRhonda Schoenecker ‘04, ‘06 , who in-troduced her at the banquet.

the alma mater has been accompa-nied the last few Homecoming banquetsby Gabe Swanson ‘04 (below).

above: outstanding alumnus JimBiundo ‘59, ‘62 (right), with classmateand former colleague, Don Stegman,‘61, ‘64.


the bennett sisters reunite – Sherrie Maule`63, Judy Martin `67 and Darla Chappell `77.

Robert Eagan `77 (right) andbrother Edwin Kipp enjoy vis-iting at the Homecoming re-ception.

class of 1983: (above, from left) Bob Bond, Lisa Drew, Cristine Hettinger-Hunt,Julie Seiler, Jacque Haney, Mary Rose Hartmann, and Dan Simpson.

for a change, the weather treated alumni and guests well at the Homecoming GolfOuting (below).

homecomingHeroes

31

�aStater scrapbook

above: Kelly `03, `05 &Jose`01 Murillo visit withChris Page `02, `03 (center)at the Homecoming TailgateParty.

left: Don ‘51 & Cora Lee Mc-Callister get into the Home-coming spirit at the tailgateparty.

right: Former band mem-bers exchange notes at theHomecoming Reception (fromleft): Carolyn ‘82 & Ron ‘82Wilson, Beverly Collins ‘78,Jon Rowley ‘80, ‘86, Dan Eller‘78, and Wes Hargrove ‘78.

Students took off on Homecoming’stheme of “Super Heroes” at the tradi-tional Medicine Show.

below: Prepping for the Homecoming parade are (from left) Chris Page `02, `03, Brian Rossbert `02, Elbert Detwiler `63, Julie Seiler `83,Jacque Haney `83, Lisa Drew `83, Mary Rose Hartmann `83, Delzia Worley `97, Kelli Page `01, Sandy Ortega `74, and Liz Tabeling-Garcia`96, `06.

homecomingroyalty – (left)Queen DepreceWashington andKing Ronny Medina with for-mer HomecomingQueen Charlotte Bobicki `58, `71.

A few ASU alumnimet in Denver at thehome of GloriaGieseke Curtis onJuly 17, 2013.

Back L-R: TrudyVaughn Graff, MichaelGross, Cheryl WilliamsGross, Cecelia Hust andJanet Spahn Gorman

Front L-R: Janis Martinez andGloria Giescke Curtis

L-R: Berk & Sandy Sterling, Mike Medina, Mitch &Rita Medina, Gloria & Don Curtis, Grant Faucette,Barbara Roberts, Allysen & Lindsy Santilli

Mike Media with his parents,Mitch & Rita Medina

denver

��

alumni scrapbook


�

Front L-R: Fernando Rodriguez &Deborah Hofsetz, Jean & Grant Walldendorf

Middle L-R: Avigael Mann, Jean Holloway, Grace Ellsworth, Sandy Baca-Sandoval & Ron Gallegos

Back L-R: Dr. Mackie Faye Hill, Chantelle Wilson, Alice Lindemann, Sue &Arnold Gallegos

33


�

Grace Ellsworth, Alice Linde-mann, Mackie Fae Hill

L-R: Tashina Garrett, Woodrow &Danielle Martin, John & Jean Dunow,Raylene Kahler, Ruth McGee, and JustinGarrett. At right is the Garretts’ newson.

�

�

alumni scrapbook


pueblo

�

�

new alumni • comedy night • alamosa William Trujilloand Amanda Vigil,Lori Laske, Davidand KendraHansen, Lynn andKelly Wubben

L-R: Maria Clark holding Kenzingtyn Dorwart, Tim Martinez, Beth Arellano,and Kristie Dorwart

Erica Holmes (left) andPriscilla Gardea

�

L-R: Lori Laske, Katie McNew, RileyMcNew, Glenda Browning, Jenny Cooper,Susan Koval, Wanda McNew, Shari andSteve Turner

Front L-R: Joe & Shirley Carter, Cathie Graeser, April Lopez, Judith Roybal, Dr. Mary Ann Roldan, and Mary Ann Rotolo

Middle L-R: Maria Clark, Beth Arellano, Tim Martinez, Kristie Dorwart, James Maestas & Maria Gabriel, Suzanne & Will Bratina, Ed & Gregoria Vallejo, and MiltonTrujillo

Back L-R: Daltin Nell & Karen Bridge, Bill Crain, Julia Fluke, Ellie Crain, Ray Roldan,Ken Rotolo, and Lori Laske

35


�

�

�

umberger golf tourney

Back L-R: Barry Heckard, Jerry Hughes,Bill Rakow

Front L-R: Tony Giordano , Bob Exler andHarris Allen

save the date: The 2nd Annual DaleUmberger Memorial Golf Tournament isplanned for Sept. 30-Oct .3 in Lebanon,PA.

colorado springs

Photos courtesy of Kyle Terwillegar, USTFCCCA

The NCAA Division II NationalCross-Country Championship againwent to Adams State’s men’s team, theirfifth in six years. Junior Tabor Stevenstook the individual title as first placefinisher at the meet in Spokane, Wash.,with a time of 29:50.1. Tabor was named 2013 Men’s Na-

tional Athlete of the year by the UnitedStates Track & Field and Cross CountryCoaches Association, which also hon-ored Head Coach Damon Martin asMen’s National Coach of the Year.For the men’s championship win,

four more Grizzlies finished the 10krace in the top 30: senior JovannyGodinez, 10th; sophomore Kevin Batt,12th; sophomore Kyle Masterson, 18th;and senior Naseem Haje, 30th. Theyjoined Stevens in earning All-Americanselections. The women’s team finished second,

led by junior Lauren Martin, whoplaced sixth. Four of the women’s run-ners finished in the top 50 at Nationals:freshman Maura O’Brien, 15th; seniorKelly Lamb, 20th; junior Jessie Brunett,

32nd; and senior Alyssa Selve, 42nd.Martin, O’Brien, Lamb, and Brunettearned All-American selections. Both teams won the South Central

Regionals, the men with an overall scoreof 31 points, and the women, 28points. For the men, seven Grizzlies fin-ished in the top 25, with three in thetop five: Godinez, 2nd; Batt, 3rd; andStevens, 4th. Lauren Martin won first place for the

women’s team to become the SouthCentral Region Athlete of the Year.Adams State claimed three more spotsin the top 10: seniors Lamb and Selvefinished second and third, respectively.Seven Grizzlies earned All-Regionrecognition.Lauren Martin also finished first to

lead the women to the 2013 RMACChampionship, where she was namedthe RMAC Runner of the Year. TheGrizzlies had three runners in the topfive: Martin was followed by Lamb in3rd and O’Brien in 5th. O’Brien wasnamed the RMAC Freshman of theYear, and the trio also earned All-

RMAC First Team honors. The men’s team earned second place

at the RMAC Championships, with 45points as a team. Batt and Stevens fin-ished second and third in the meet,with four more runners finishing in thetop 20. Batt and Stevens earned All-RMAC First Team honors. Coach Martin was also named the

South Central Region Coach of theYear for both teams, as well as RMACWomen’s Coach of the Year.Both teams started the season with a

perfect score at the Joe I. Vigil Open.Batt led the way for the men; whileLamb did the same for the women.Both were subsequently named RMACRunners of the Week for their first placefinishes.

By Nik Schmidt

X-C men remain on top,women place 2nd at nat’ls

Tabor Stevens is first across the finishline at the Cross Country Nationals (top),while Lauren Martin leads the women’steam to a second place with her sixthspot finish.

36 � aStater summer 2013

fall season concludesthe football team finished the season 7-4 overall and 5-

4 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The Grizzliesstarted the season 3-0, including winning the Colorado Clas-sic over Western State Colorado University, 16-14. The Griz-zlies earned 13 selections to the RMAC All-Academic List.Senior Chris McGee was named to the First Team.women’s golf started the fall schedule with a fourth

place finish at Colorado State University-Pueblo, with juniorKyra Garrison finishing eighth. They finished in sixth place atBlack Hills State University. Garrison was named the RMACGolfer of the Week after leading the Grizzlies to a first placefinish at the Grizzly Invitational at the Rio Grande GolfClub. men’s golf finished ninth at the Colorado State Univer-

sity-Pueblo Invitational, with freshman Luke Condon in 19thplace for the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies closed out the fall seasonwith an 11th place finish at the Bruce Williams Memorial In-vitational.the women’s soccer team finished the season with an

overall record of 6-6-6 and 3-5-6 in the RMAC. The Grizzliesstarted off the season 3-0, including a 2-1 overtime win overTexas A&M International. Adams State had three straight tiesduring conference play. Juniors Kristine Hackett and BethanyHightower were named All-RMAC. The Grizzlies had sevenselections to the RMAC All-Academic Honor Roll.the men’s soccer team won four of their first five

games, including a 1-0, double overtime win over ColoradoChristian University. They went 6-10-1 overall, 4-9-1 in theRMAC for the season. Senior Jared Wilson had 81 saves onthe season for a save percentage of .764. The Grizzlies earnedthree selections to the RMAC All-Academic Honor Roll.

37

�aStater sports scene

joshua “air nigeria” kioh tosses an alley oop, racesup, leaps and spins 360 to slam dunk the ball – and thecrowd goes wild.Kelly Hillick, a senior mass communications major intern-

ing as the Athletics Depart-ment videographer, caughtit all on film during AdamsState basketball’s annualBasketball Bash.The video quickly went

viral on You Tube, with more60,000 views and links frommore than 50 sites.Kioh, a sophomore ac-

counting major, plays onASU’s JV basketball team.

Watch his awesomedunk here:adams.edu/a/19

Deprece Washington

Grizzly Volleyball rocks the RMACGrizzly Volleyball advanced to the RMAC Tournament

Championship game after upsetting No. 16 Colorado Schoolof Mines in four sets in Golden, Colorado. Adams State fin-ished the regular season 17-13 and 13-6 in the RMAC. Seniors Gabriella Rifilato and Deprece Washington were

selected to the RMAC All-Tournament Team. Rifilato wasnamed Setter of the Week after recording 102 assists in roadwins over New Mexico Highlands University and ColoradoState University-Pueblo. Washington was named to the All-RMAC First Team after

closing out the regular season with a career-high 325 kills. Ri-filato and senior Megan Tapia were named to the All-RMACSecond Team. Off the court, six players were selected to theRMAC All-Academic List. Ph

oto courtesy of Kaleb Center, RMAC

All-American softball playerKatelyn Lovato ‘13 (right) andher team received EvergreenNursing Home’s Group Volun-teer Award for their "GrizzlyGirls Adopt-A-Grandparent"program. Lovato conceivedthe project as part of her so-cial services internship. Theteam continues the servicethis year, and enlisted thebaseball team, as well.

pam bond-klecker ‘10Described by former coach and ASU

Hall of Famer Jack "Doc" Cotton as the"catalyst" for her team, Bond-Kleckerwas one of the best all-around players inwomen's basketball history. Cotton de-scribed her as "sneaky fast" and braggedof her great shooting and defensive abil-ities. Bond-Klecker has been describedas a natural leader, both on and off thecourt. She still plays with former team-mates in tournaments across the UnitedStates (see page 39). peter de la cerda ‘97Previously inducted into the Adams

State Hall of Fame as a member of twoteams, Peter De la Cerda now joins thehall as an accomplished individual ath-lete.He was a two-time national cham-

pion in 1993, winning titles in the5,000 meters (indoor) and 10,000 me-ters (outdoor). For a time, De la Cerdaheld the school record in both events.He was part of four national champi-onship teams while at Adams State,most notably the 1992 cross countryteam that achieved a perfect score at thenational championships. De la Cerdafinished second as an individual on theperfect score team. An 11-time All-American and three-

time RMAC Champion, De la Cerdawas also named to the RMAC Centen-nial Team in 2009 for men's crosscountry. Post-collegiately, De la Cerdafinished second at the 2000 U.S.Olympic Marathon Trials and is a two-time U.S. National Record RacingChampion.

shane healy ‘93Shane Healy was instrumental on

three team national championships dur-ing 1990-93, and became an 11-timeAll-American and five-time RMACchampion. Healy competed at both theNAIA and Division II levels. He had abrilliant Adams State career, winningfive individual national championships,including two at the NCAA DII level.Healy's first national title came duringthe indoor season in 1991, when he ranthe anchor leg of the distance medleyrelay. Healy also ran on the 1992 perfect-

score cross country team, then went onto win two national titles during the1992 indoor season, including winningthe mile in 4:05.64, a national champi-onship record at the time. Healy'sDMR team repeated as national cham-pions, as well. Healy won two more national championships in 1993, in-cluding the individual title in crosscountry and a title in the men's 1500meter run during the indoor season.Following his career at Adams State,

Healy became a 1996 Olympic semifi-nalist in the 1500 meters and partici-pated at the 1997 World Cham pion -ships. He was also named to RMAC'sAll-Centennial Team in both Men's Trackand Field and Men's Cross Country.nick lara ‘12Arguably one of the greatest athletes

in Adams State history, Nick Lara accu-mulated seven national titles under Hallof Fame track and field coach DamonMartin from 2005-08. Lara dominated the indoor scene

over three seasons, winning three indi-

vidual titles in the800 meters. Hewas a two-timeoutdoor track andfield nationalchampion in themen's 800 meters,claiming titles in2005 and 2006. Lara's distance medleyrelay teams in 2006 and 2007 alsoclaimed national titles.In 2007 and 2008, Lara was named

the RMAC Indoor Track Athlete of theYear and was named the USTFCCCANational Indoor Track Athlete of theYear in 2007.Lara garnered a total of 14 All-Amer-

ican honors and was a 12-time RMACChampion. For his distinguished career,the Rocky Mountain Athletic Confer-ence named Lara to the RMAC All-Centennial Team in 2009, celebratingthe greatest athletes and coaches to havecompeted in the conference's 100-yearhistory.Lara earned a degree in Human Per-

formance and Physical Education. Hehas coached track and field at SouthernConnecticut State University in NewHaven, Conn., and was an assistant toMartin during the 2012 cross countryseason, in which the Grizzly men wonthe team national championship. bill presley ‘76Bill Presley is one of the most accom-

plished baseball players in ASU history.In 1974, he led ASC all the way to thedistrict playoffs before falling one gameshort of the NAIA College World Se-ries, the furthest Adams State baseballhad ever advanced.

Athletic Hall of Fame inductsmore of Adams State’s best


Some of the most decorated athletes in Adams State’s history were inducted into its AthleticHall of Fame in late October. The Class of 2013 represents five sports: baseball, football,men's cross country, men's track and field, and women's basketball.

The 1975 season saw the dominantright-handed pitcher lead the entire na-tion in strikeouts. For his efforts, Pres-ley was named to the NAIA District 7All-District Baseball team, as well as theAll-RMAC Baseball team. He wrappedup his Adams State career with a stellarseason in 1976, being named All-District and All-Conference once again,while also being named an NAIA Aca-demic All-American.Presley was drafted by the Baltimore

Orioles and was called up from Triple ARochester in 1979. During the 1980season, he pitched in 42 games for theOrioles, going 7-4 with a 1.45 ERAthat would lead the team that season.He finished the year with 18 saves. Heplayed two more professional seasons inthe Orioles and Detroit Tigers organiza-tions before retiring in 1982. Today, heis a pharmacist in Colorado Springs.His son Matt was drafted out of highschool by the Boston Red Sox in 2006.1962 football teamThe 1962 football team was one of

Adams State's best, finishing the seasonwith a solid 9-1 overall record. AdamsState capped the season with a thrilling

23-20 victory over Northern Illinois inthe Mineral Bowl under head coach andAdams State Hall of Famer, DarrellMudra. Trailing 20-0 at halftime, Adams

State shut out Northern Illinois in thesecond-half while scoring 23 points inthe process. ASC was led by quarter-

back Bobby Hidalgo, who actually wonthe job when original starter DavidOchoa was injured. Ochoa then becamethe kicker for ASC, booting several keyfield goals throughout the year, includ-ing the lone score in a 3-0 win that sentASC to the Mineral Bowl.Mudra coached the 1962 team from

the press box, an unconventional style,as most coaches coach from the side-line. This meant that the '62 team tooka lot of ownership in their team, some-thing Mudra noted was significant inthe team's success. In fact, Mudra gaveplayers the power to name their ownplays and gave the quarterback signifi-cant authority in calling plays from theline of scrimmage.special award: dr. william fulkersonHaving served as Adams State presi-

dent from 1982-94, Dr. William M.Fulkerson continues to be a key part ofthe university. Now serving as AssociateAthletic Director of External Develop-ment, he has been a key fundraiser andrecently achieved a major gift for thedepartment.

By Nik Schmidt

39

�aStater sports scene

The 2013 ASU Athletic Hall of Fame banquet honored (from left, first row) Bill Pres-ley ‘76, Pam Bond-Klecker ‘10, Nick Lara ‘12, Peter De la Cerda ‘97, and Dr. WilliamFulkerson, as well as the 1962 football team (back).

Four Adams State women’s basket-ball alumni took gold as part of theLongshots team at the 2013 NationalSenior Games, held in Cleveland,Ohio, July 24-27. The team took silvermedals at the 2009 and 2011 tourna-ments.The nine-member Longshots rely

on the talents of athletes who playedfor coaches Doc Cotton and Todd Cot-ton in the early 1980s: team captainDiana Preisser `82, Debra Gilbert ’82,Laura Brown `84, `85, and Pam Bond-Klecker `10.The Longshots won all 7 of their

games in the 50 to 54-year-old division, with an average margin of 20points per game.

A-Stater Adams State UniversityAlamosa, CO 81101

non-profitu.s. postagepaid

permit no. 80alamosa, co

students were welcomed back to campus this fall with a Griz created on acampus sidewalk in chalk,

commissioned by the Grizzly Activity Board.

The work was doneby artist Benjamin

Hummel, of Painting for Life.

as fall 13 issuu

Documents

adams state normal school

adams state college

visionary billy adams

excellent teachers

includingmany teachers

boettcher foundation

teachers hall of fame

residencybased program