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summer 2009music tunes up construction begins adams state u?

AStaterfor alumni & friends of adams state college

alumnireachtheirdreams

Adams State is engaged in a new era of campus renewal, themost ambitious building endeavor in nearly 50 years: between$40-50 million worth of improvement over the next five years.Step one was renovating Plachy Hall, with a grand opening

celebrated in late May. On July 9 we broke ground on the firstnew student residence hall in over 40 years: the Residences atRex. This project is stimulated by student need and made possi-ble by student support. It will help us build student enrollment.More such campus celebrations are definitely in our future.

Over the last dozen years, we focused on our academic build-ings on the southern portion of campus: a new science and mathematics building, anew theatre, and renovated facilities for art and business.Students told us it is time to similarly upgrade the north campus, where they

spend most of their time. They overwhelmingly approved a new fee to make thathappen, like the fee they passed in 1992 to renovate the College Center and createthe Rex Activity Center.The Residences at Rex project includes 16 apartments for 65 students, as well as

a new community stadium building. It will be built on the western half of the cur-rent Rex Stadium parking lot. We hope to create a more pedestrian-friendly campusthat enhances student life by closing Stadium Drive between First St. and Sunset.This will permit development of a campus green, a pedestrian walkway, and addi-tional parking. (More information and construction diagrams are available on ourwebsite: www.adams.edu/construction/)The new fee will also finance substantial renovation of existing student housing

and the ES and Music buildings. These projects will upgrade the college's infra-structure and make us more competitive in recruiting students. Continued cuts instate funding mean we must cultivate alternate revenue. We can increase tuition in-come by recruiting and retaining more students – creating a more appealing campusis part of that strategy.We are building great momentum: enrollment this past spring and summer was

higher than in 2008, and we expect continued increases this fall. Growth will con-tinue from new academic programs, like our online Master of Business Administra-tion and four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and from five new athleticprograms coming over the next two years.Dr. Fred Plachy – ASC’s third president and the namesake of Plachy Hall – was

known for his philosophy: “The greatest power on earth is the power to grow.”Adams State’s Ten-Year Campus Master Plan provides an outline for deliberate, sen-sible growth. This is a flexible, living document that plans for the future and re-sponds to new opportunities.While Governor Billy Adams and Dr. Ira Richardson might be surprised at

today's 95-acre campus with its dozens of facilities, Adams State's continued growthis a natural progression of Dr. Plachy's vision and essential to ASC's future.

VOL. 49, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2009

Published by the Adams State College Foundation

adams state college • alamosa, co 81102719.587.7011 • 800.824.6494

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

www.adams.edu/alumni/astater/

PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGEDr. David Svaldi

BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR ADAMS STATE COLLEGETimWalters ’73 ChairAnn Rice Vice Chair

Tim Bachicha ’92 • Gigi Darricades • Mary GriffinRamon Montoya ’69 • Bruce Oreck • Charles Scoggin, M.D.

Steve Valdez ’87 • Dr. Tim Armstrong Faculty TrusteeRobin Pryor Student Trustee

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARDLori Lee Laske ’91, ’01

Executive Secretary/Director of Alumni RelationsToney Cantu ’70 President

Angelica Heredia ’99 Vice PresidentKaren Rubidoux Miller ’94 Secretary

Leslie Doyle ’95, ’00 • D. Mike Garcia ’73, ’77Robert Oringdulph ’71 • Sandy Ortega ’74 • Chris Page ’02, ’03Jeremy Ratliff ’96 • Brian Rossbert ’02 • Kasey Russell ’03

Marcie Schulz ’93 • Rich Scanga ’75 • Liz Tabeling-Garcia ’96, ’06

ASC FOUNDATION BOARDGenevieve Cooper President

Duane Bussey ’82 Vice PresidentJohn A. Marvel, Jr. ’70 Secretary/Treasurer

Russell Achatz ’85 • Stephen Bokat ‘68 • Keith CernyDale Hettinger ’64 • Charles “Chuck” Houser ’62Jeni Jack ’85 • Ray Kogovsek ’64 • Dr. John McDanielCindy Palmer • Rich Scanga ’75 • Chris Sittler ’04

Ray Skeff • Izora Southway ’66 • Eldo Wall • Michael Ware ’69

FOUNDATION HONORARY BOARD MEMBERSMarguerite Salazar ’75, ’76

FOUNDATION EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERSSharon Carter • Bob Copeland ’49Richard Jacobs • Harold Kelloff

Bill Moyers ’39 • Ralph Outcalt • John ReasonJ. Byron Uhrich • R. Paul Wagner

FOUNDATION EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSDr. David Svaldi ASC President

Tammy Lopez ’91, ’00 Executive Director of the FoundationSteve Valdez ’87 Trustee Liaison

GRIZZLY CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORSKeith Cerny Chair • Dave Barrows Vice Chair

Dennis Ortiz ’79 • Ric Cline ’71Ericha Loosbrock • Jeni Jack ’85 • Joe Martinez ’99Jay Meyer • Dennis Shioshita ‘77 • Steve Valdez ’87

ADAMS STATE COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENTAdams State College dedicates its resources to provide opportunityand access for all students. The College is an innovative leader thatrecognizes the inherent educational value of diversity. It is a cata-lyst for the educational, cultural, and economic interests of ruralColorado, the surrounding region, and the global community.

EDITOR & DESIGNERJulie Waechter

ASSOCIATE EDITORLinda Relyea ’96

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERSJenna Bohnen ’10 • Chris Day • Eric Flores ’11

Gaylene Horning ’94 • Kyle Zarn ’11

president’s letter

the coverASC’s 2009 Exceptional New Alumnus Philip Lopez ‘04 will be honored at Homecom-ing, October 2-3, along with Outstanding Alumnus Dr. Richard Durán ‘71, ‘73 andBilly Adams Award winner, Glen Bean ‘36. See articles beginning on page 22.

AStaterDavid Svaldi

in side

Those who can, teach 10

Visual artist discovers herself on stage 12

Music Department tunes up 14

features

departments adams updates 4New era of campus growthFour-year BSN program createdJohn Salazar ‘82 Commencement Speaker

giving 20The fruit of forgiveness

alumnews 28Billy Adams Award honors Glen Bean ‘36 22Dr. Richard Durán:2009 Outstanding Alumnus is lifelong educator 24In love with law: Philip Lopez honored 26

alumnotes 28

homecoming schedule 30alumni scrapbook 34

sports scenes 38

www.adams.edu/alumni/astater/the online edition of the A-Stater offersexpanded coverage and access to an archive ofthe asc alumni magazine.AStater

online

Adams State College broke groundJuly 9 on the first new residence hall tobe built on campus in more than 40years.“This project is a huge step forward

for our college. Our dream has finallycome true,” said student trustee RobinPryor, who joined fellow trustees in toss-ing the first shovelfuls of soil to initiate

the project. She was active in gaining student approval of anew fee to support campus improvement, and participated onthe Campus Renewal and Planning committee, which hasbeen fleshing out plans for the last year.The centerpiece of the $22 million construction project is

the Residences at Rex: a four-story complex that will include16 four-bedroom student apartments, as well as a new sta-dium facility. It is being constructed on the western portion ofthe Rex Stadium Parking lot. Renovation on Coronado Hallbegan simultaneously; a new parking lot west of Neilsen Li-brary will be completed this fall.

“This ceremony symbolizes a new beginning for ASC’snorth campus,” said President David Svaldi. “It will be trans-formed into a center for student life that is inviting, comfort-able, and green: green both for the ASC colors, as well as forutilizing green and efficient energy.”All new buildings will incorporate energy efficient design,

according to Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning,Design & Ccnstruction, Erik van de Boogaard. The college isexploring development of solar and geothermal energysources. An intense energy audit of the entire campus is alsounderway that will result in a more sustainable campus.Pryor said: “I wouldn’t change a thing the final project now

has in store. I don’t think anyone’s not excited about this proj-ect. Some upperclassmen actually want to move back to cam-pus just to move into the new building. A lot of theunderclassmen and incoming students – their faces just lightup with excitement when you tell them we’re getting newdorms.”More information and construction diagrams are available at:

www.adams.edu/construction/

4 | A-Stater | Summer 2009

Can you dig it?new era of campus growth

Student TrusteeRobin Pryor

The Colorado Board ofNursing recently approved anew, four-year Bachelor’s ofNursing program at AdamsState College, according toAdams State Provost MichaelMumper ‘76.“Many students want a

four-year school with the fullcollege experience. There hasnot previously been an on-campus option locally,” saidDr. Aida Sahud, Adams Statedirector of nursing. AdamsState nursing students willcomplete clinical rotations atvarious hospitals in the SanLuis Valley, other parts ofColorado, and New Mexico.This program is in addi-

tion to Adams State’s RN-to-BSN degree completionprogram, which is nationallyaccredited through theAmerican Association of Col-leges of Nursing (AACN) by the Commission on CollegiateNursing Education (CCNE).“This adds an important level of education for nursing that

our community, and even the state, needs,” said Russ John-son, CEO of San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center. “Wenow have the ability to offer CNA, LPN, ADN, ADN toBSN, and full BSN programs. There’s no doubt that our com-munity, as well as Colorado and the country, will need morenurses in the future.”More than 200,000 nursing jobs are vacant nationally, and

the shortage of registered nurses in the U.S. could reach ashigh as 500,000 by 2025, according to a report cited by theAmerican Association of Colleges of Nursing. The reportfound that the demand for RNs is expected to grow by 2% to3% each year.Caring for Colorado recently made a $100,000 grant to

purchase simulation laboratory equipment for Adams State’snursing program. “This is cutting edge; you feel you are in areal hospital,” Sahud said. The lab will include wireless patientmannequins, which can be programmed to simulate variousailments. The lab will also incorporate electronic charting, anew process designed to reduce errors in care.In 2004, Adams State initiated an RN-BSN completion

degree program in collaboration with the SLV Nurses' Forum,Trinidad State Junior College, and other local health careagencies. It is geared to working adults who already hold a

nursing license. Adams State developed both its nursing pro-grams to increase the number of BSN nurses in rural Col-orado and, thereby, improve the quality of health care."The quality of health care has been found to be directly

related to the educational level of nurses," noted Dr. FrankNovotny, Adams State associate provost for academic affairs.

update

Spring 2009 | A-Stater | 5

new option for nursing education

Four-year BSN program created

Melissa Escheman (right) received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in spring 2009 throughthe RN-BSN Completion Program.

Trustee namedambassador to FinlandPresident Barack Obama recently

named Adams State College Trustee BruceOreck as the U.S. Ambassador to Finland.A founding partner of the Boulder lawfirm Oreck, Crighton, Adams & Chase,Oreck has served on the college Board ofTrustees since November 2007.Oreck served on Obama’s National Finance Committee and

helped bundle a half-million dollars from various donors forObama’s presidential campaign.“Bruce has incredible intellect,” said fellow trustee Dr.

Charles Scoggin. “He brings personal passion to whatever heundertakes.”

Trustee Bruce Oreck


Most Adams State students are satisfied with their collegeexperience, according to results of the National Survey of Stu-dent Engagement (NSSE). “We talk about the high level ofsupport and personal attention we give students, and now wehave definitive national evidence that our students appreciateand benefit from the Adams State culture,” said Adams StateProvost Michael Mumper ‘76.The NSSE is administered annually to help colleges and

universities improve student learning. In 2008, NSSE ran-domly selected first-year and senior students from 769 col-leges and universities. At Adams State, 83 first-year studentsand 108 seniors participated.The survey explores five indicators of effective educational

practice as a measure of student engagement:• level of academic challenge• active and collaborative learning• student-faculty interaction• enriching educational experiences• supportive campus environmentMumper said: “These indicators are so important because

the more that students are engaged in campus life, the morelikely it is that they will persist and graduate.”

Freshmen rated Adams State higher in all five categoriesthan their Rocky Mountain peers. They also reported moreengagement than their peers in the Rocky Mountain regionand across the country. For example, 90 percent of freshmenand 91 percent of seniors positively rated their relationshipswith faculty members, while nationally, 71 percent of fresh-men and 77 percent of seniors felt this way.Ninety percent of freshmen are satisfied with their overall

educational experience, and 84 percent feel the college has asubstantial commitment to their academic success.Seniors at Adams State exceeded peer averages in measures

of active and collaborative learning and enriching educationalexperiences. For example, both seniors and freshmen exceededcomparison groups in having a serious conversation with stu-dents of another race or ethnicity or with other religion/poli-tics/values.Mumper said Adams State participates in the NSSE every

three years. The college plans to begin surveying faculty andalumni on student engagement, as well, rotating through sur-veys every three years.“This will allow us to gather longitudinal data that will re-

veal trends and variations,” he added.

survey says: Students satisfied with education

madness for peace concert: Nearly 300 people enjoyed a performance by Pakistanirock musician Salman Ahmad (above) and Indian tabla player Samir Chatterjee at ASCApril 4. The event attracted students from Mesa State, Fort Lewis College, CSU-Pueblo,and UNC Greeley, as well as Adams State. The day also included the premier of Ahmad'sfilm, The Rock Star and the Mullahs, Chatterjee's drum clinic, and a traditional South-Asian dinner with the musicians.

Ahmad is also a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador and an international AIDS activist.With singer Melissa Etheridge, he coordinated December’s international effort, Ring theBells of Peace, that was also observed at ASC.

"The opportunity to experience a musical bridge to an area of the world that is misunder-stood and often misrepresented is a unique gift," said Aaron Miltenberger, coordinator ofstudent activities.

Adams State College seeks alumnicomments as it explores the feasibility ofchanging its name to Adams State Uni-versity.President David Svaldi noted: “Ex-

cept in name, we are already a universityin every aspect. The name change wouldnot affect the underlying values andcharacter of Adams State.”Adopting the university moniker was

proposed as one way to make AdamsState’s graduate and distance educationprograms more attractive.“The purpose of this idea is to im-

prove our marketing opportunities as wegrow in an ever changing and challeng-ing environment,” said Dr. Don John-ston, associate provost of the GraduateSchool.Alumni and friends are encouraged

to learn more and offer their reactionsby logging into the blog:http://blogs.adams.edu/university/

Adams State. . . University?

Summer 2009 | A-Stater | 7

update

Like green leaves buddingon the cottonwoods andlilacs, Adams State’s 2009graduates blossomed into theworld May 9. Fittingly, theday’s special music was LeoDelibes’ Flower Duet, sungby ASC music professors Dr.Chris Keitges and Dr. BethWagstrom.Adams State awarded its

first honorary Master’s ofBusiness Administration toCongressman John T. Salazar‘82, who was the commence-ment speaker.The college also awarded

its first agribusiness degree toJohanna Steffens Sims.A total of 194 bachelor’s

degrees, 142 master’s degrees,and 18 associate’s degreeswere conferred. Among thegraduates were a record 74students who earned theirdegrees through the REAP(Rural Education Access Pro-gram) or other distance edu-cation programs offered by Adams State Extended Studies,including 6 Colorado Department of Corrections inmates and10 students in Singapore. Other graduates and their familiestraveled from as far as New Zealand, the Phillip-ines, and Guam to attend the ceremony.

family influencePresident David Svaldi introduced Salazar as “a

wonderful example of an ASC Great Story. Fromhumble beginnings and with hard work, he has risento become not only a regional leader, but a leader inthe U.S. Congress. He is also a friend to all acrossparty lines, unpretentious, and approachable.”Salazar began his talk by noting: “There is no

place I would rather be today than here.”He expressed gratitude to his family for his own

education, and emphasized the importance of com-munity service.“I knew I had to complete my education, because

400 years ago my ancestors came to this new land,”said Salazar, who attended Adams State after Armyservice and while raising a family. Although theirranch in the southern San Luis Valley had no elec-tricity, Salazar’s parents emphasized the importance

of an education; the family often gath-ered to read from the Encyclopedia Bri-tannica.“My father told us he could not give

us money, but he wanted to make sureeach one of us got a college education,because that was something no onecould take away from us. All eight of usreceived at least one college degree.”Salazar told how his father, Henry

Salazar, despite the ravages of Alz-heimer’s, insisted on being buried in hisWorld War II Staff Sergeant’s uniform.“He was an individual who believed

in public service, and although he hadforgotten almost everything else in life,he had not forgotten two things: he hadnot forgotten how much he loved his fam-ily, nor how much he loved his countryand how proud he was to serve. Nothinggives you more satisfaction than to be ableto give to others and to your country.”Salazar represents Colorado’s Third

District in the U.S. Congress and previ-ously served in the Colorado StateHouse of Representatives, representingDistrict 62. One of only a handful ofactive farmers in Congress, Salazar farms

and ranches on the same property his clan has held in ConejosCounty since the mid-1800s.

By Julie Waechter

Carter urges classmates to take risks“I am overwhelmed with pride to be graduating with a class so full of prom-ise,” Jennifer Carter said in her message on behalf of the Class of 2009.Earning a B.S. in business administration/management, she served as pres-ident of the Grizzly ActivityBoard and General Manager ofKASF student radio.

“Looking out at my fellow gradu-ates, I see accomplishment, I seeperseverance, and I see strength.I see seats full of dreams and aroom full of support.”

Referencing a comment by Pres-ident Obama, she said, “Now isour time to write the next chap-ters in our story. It’s our time tobe the risktakers, the doers,and makers of things.”

awarded honorary mba

John Salazar ‘82 tells grads value of education & service

A third-term congressman recently appointed to theHouse Committee on Appropriations, John Salazar ‘82shared his values at Commencement.


growth continues

ASC expects large enrollment increase

Sophomore pre-medicine major AshleyMaestas was named the Colorado Latin Amer-ican Educational Foundation (LAEF) Studentof the Year for 2008/2009. Maestas was hon-ored at the LAEF Gala in March and receiveda full, four-year scholarship to the college ofher choice.“I was so excited. I

was selected out ofeveryone in Colorado,”

she said. LAEF has provided higher edu-cation for Hispanics in Colorado since1949. The organization works to ad-vance the educational leadership and eco-nomic status of all Hispanics to improvethe greater community.Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper

introduced Maestas to the crowd of over1,000 people at the black tie affair at-tended by such dignitaries as U.S. Sena-tors Michael Bennet and Mark Udall;Colorado Governor Bill Ritter; formerDenver Mayor Federico Peña, and for-mer Colorado Governor Roy Romer.She was also recognized at a ColoradoRockies game.A 4.0 graduate of Centennial High

School in San Luis, Maestas was activein Class Council, National Honor Soci-ety, and received the Positive BehaviorRole Model Award.

Maestas became ill at age twelve.“I was in and out of hospi-tals.” Those struggles formed her goal of becoming a pediatri-cian. The youngest of three children, she also appreciates theinspiration of her older sister, Beverly ’96, ’03, who is theprincipal of Centennial School in San Luis, Colo. “My sisterhas always been on me, making sure I finish my homeworkand do well.”

latin american education foundation

ASC sophomore named Student of the Year

student academic & extracurricular ahievement• Two $1,000 scholarships and 15 awards were given to outstanding studentleaders at the Student Leadership Recognition Awards Banquet. Scholarshiprecipients were Christine Preiss and Jennifer Carter ’09.

• Senior Jamilia Ruybal was selected for a Hispanic Association of Colleges andUniversities (HACU) summer internship with the Census Bureau in Denver.A business administration advertising major with a minor in art, Ruybal firstcompleted an orientation in Washington, D.C. HACU champions Hispanicsuccess in higher education.

• Venessa Pettis was the first graduate of ASC’s sport psychology program,begun in 2005. She graduated in December from the interdisciplinary pro-gram that combines Human Performance and Physical Education and Psy-chology.

• Thirty-two undergraduate students from 14 different majors presented proj-ects during ASC Student Scholar Days, now in its second year of highlightingstudent academic achievements.

• Geology major Lyle Carbutt ‘09 was recognized as the Ed Ryan OutstandingEarth Science Student for his exceptional efforts during ASC’s second annualEarth Science Poster Symposium.

• Eleven biology students presented results of their research at the senior sympo-sium in biology.

Ashley Maestas

With the fall semester quickly ap-proaching, Adams State College reportsan increase in undergraduate enrollmentof almost 12 percent.As of July 17, undergraduate enroll-

ment was 1,542, up 164 students fromthis point last year, according to AdamsState Provost Michael Mumper ‘76.Applications from prospective fresh-

men are up 14 percent from last year,with admissions up 9 percent, accordingto Adams State Director of AdmissionsEric Carpio. In addition, transfer stu-

dent applications are up 23 percent, withadmissions up 39 percent.

mba boosts summer enrollmentThis continues a trend set in Adams

State’s current Summer Session, withenrollment at 863 students, an increaseof 7 percent over last year.The total includes 486 undergradu-

ates and 377 graduate students. Under-graduate summer enrollment was up 8percent, with an even greater increase instudent credit hours: over 20 percent.

Summer graduate enrollment wasboosted by Adams State’s new Master ofBusiness Administration program, with37 students who participated in the pro-gram’s inaugural four-day residency. Theremainder of the two-year MBA coursework is offered online.Applications are being accepted for a

potential cohort to begin this fall; aminimum of 25 students is necessary. Aspring cohort will definitely be enrolled.For more information on the MBA,contact Liz Thomas at 719-587-7477.

update


Adams State College paidtribute to five employees re-tiring this spring at its Retire-ment Dinner, April 6. Thosehonored included KarenBates, Gerald Corning, Eve-lyn Rizzi, Deanna Rodman,and Elipio Valdez. The din-ner is presented each springby the Adams State Associa-tion of Retirees, through theOffice of Alumni Relations.Kurt Keiser, chair of the

School of Business, calledCorning “the backbone” ofthe school’s flagship program,accounting. He referred tonumerous letters of apprecia-tion Corning has receivedfrom former students overhis 35 years as an AdamsState faculty member.“These are heartfelt, sup-

portive, complimentary let-ters. How many of us willreceive such letters from thosewe serve?” Keiser said.Corning thanked his colleagues in the School of Business

for their support over the years and said, “This is a tremen-dous place to teach.” He was named emeritus professor of ac-

counting by hiscolleagues.Rizzi worked as

a custodian for tenyears before takinga position as li-brary technicianin the college’sNeilsen Library in1993. Library Di-rector DianneMachado saidRizzi earned thelove and respect ofhundreds of stu-dents she has su-pervised over theyears.“Evelyn be-

lieved the libraryshould be a show-

place of the college,” Machado said. “She embodies the valuesof teamwork, friendship, and dedication to ASC. She has beenthe right-hand woman to all of us in the library.”Rodman retires after 30 years in various roles at Adams

State, including business office clerk, accounting technician,and senior administrative clerk in Human Resources. In1994, she transferred to Facilities Services as a groundskeeper,then assumed the position of administrative assistant II in2001.Erik van de Boogaard, associate vice president for facilities,

said Rodman is a hardworking, dedicated employee. “HavingDeanna here gave real stability to the office. Her contribu-tions are huge and greatly appreciated.”Facilities Services also bid farewell to a 26-year employee,

Elipio Valdez. He also held several posts and was “moving upconstantly,” ultimately working in structural trades, van deBoogaard said.“Elipio will do whatever’s asked, from operating equip-

ment to removing snow. He has a kind heart and spirit andhas been an ambassador of goodwill for Facilities Services.”Bates served as a program director in Adams State’s Ex-

tended Studies since 2000.

ASC President David Svaldi (center) with 2009 retirees (from left): Gerald Corning, Evelyn Rizzi,Deanna Rodman, and Elipio Valdez. Not present: Karen Bates.

ASC honors retiring employees

Emeritus Professor of Accounting, GeraldCorning presides over his last Com-mencement as Faculty Marshall. “Teach-ing was everything I hoped it would be,and more,” he said upon retirement.


All campus members were invited to nominate an out-standing professor for the award, now in its second year. Acommittee of exceptional students then reviewed the nomina-tions – over 60 – to select finalists, then interview them andobserve classes.The awards were presented in April to Dr. Tim Armstrong,

professor of biology; Dr. Marty Jones, professor of chemistry;and Dr. John Taylor, professor of theater. All were cited for theiroutstanding undergraduate teaching, advising, and mentoring.Each receives $1,500 to support their professional development

and the opportunity to teach a special Presidential TeacherCourse during the next academic year. (See story page 12.)Armstrong was nominated by student Joshua Jiron, among

others. “Dr. Armstrong has the utmost respect and dedicationto his students. He often goes beyond his duties as a teacherin order for his students to understand and grasp the ideasthat he is teaching,” Jiron said.Steven Bourne also nominated Armstrong, noting, “Dr.

Armstrong as treats everyone equally in the class room andtalks with each person and treats them like a friend, not just a

Theatre professor Dr. John Taylor(standing, above) and 2008 Presi-dential Teacher Award winner, artprofessor Gene Schilling, went onstage with their performance artstudents for the final project.

Chemistry professor Dr. MartyJones (at right, second from left) iscommitted to his students in alltheir endeavors, both academicand extracurricular. He helpedfound and chairs the new campussustainability group, EARTH.

the presidential teacher award process makes one thing clear: AdamsState professors in every discipline, whether long-term tenured faculty oradjunct instructors, make a positive impression on students.

presidentia

Thte

student. He is very knowl-edgeable about all topics thathe teaches and stays updatedon any new ideasand information.”Jones was sin-

gled out both bystudents and col-leagues. Dr. MattNehring, professorof physics andchair of the De-partment ofChemistry, Com-puter Science &Mathematics,said: “Dr. Jones' dedication to teaching and students is ex-traordinary, as most any student in his classes will testify. Dr.Jones abhors the image of the professor as a 'sage on the stage'and embraces the student-centered, interactive classroom.”That observation is borne out by student Abram Rosen-

berg, who said Jones “is willing to help any student who re-quires assistance, whether they are in his class or not.”Fellow award recipient Armstrong said: “Marty exemplifies

good teaching. He cares deeply about his students and takes apersonal interest in each of them, while holding them to highstandards. He has single handedly made Organic Chemistry atAdams State a course that many students enjoy, while at mostinstitutions Organic is a course to be dreaded. His humanistic,thoughtful approach to teaching should be a model for us all.”

Theatre alumna Elizabeth Wellman ’08 said Taylor is “anexcellent example of the kind of professors Adams State at-tracts. He is a thoughtful, passionate scholar, an approachableand creative teacher, and an exemplary role model for bothfaculty and students. His theatre productions continue to bepopular, both in terms of entertainment value and profoundmessage.”Kaitlyn Perham concurred: “College is a scary time, not

just for freshmen, but for any student. I experienced that firsthand this year, but one person that helped this transition be-come much smoother was Dr. Taylor. After I met Dr. Taylorat the 2008 Thespian Conference and auditioned for the the-atre program scholarship, I knew Adams was the place for mebecause of how willing Dr. Taylor was to help me get accom-modated, how caring he was when advising me on whichclasses to take, how open he is when you ask to discuss yourgrade or your techniques in class, and how eager he is to meetall of us new freshmen in the theatre department.”


features

Biology Professor Dr. Tim Armstrong (inset) has organized multiple trips forstudents, alumni, and community members to Africa and Costa Rica. In theAfrican safari group pictured above; Armstrong is fourth from left, back row.

al teacher awards

hose who can,each

Something tamer, like typography, might have been saferfor the last required elective in my master’s in art.Schilling, professor of art, had the opportunity to teach a

special Presidential Teacher Course as one of the initial AdamsState Presidential Teacher Award recipients in spring 2008. Heasked Dr. John Taylor, professor of theater and a 2009 awardrecipient, to co-teach with him. They recruited upper divisionart and theater students, including me and one other graduateart student, for the class.The two professors guided us through the history of per-

formance art, with discussions, readings, and videos on all dif-ferent styles of performance art. We were each required tochoose a performance art period and create a piece reflectingFuturism, Dadaism, Surrealism, or one of the other historical“isms.”Performance art seemed like it would be fun and daring,

but once the class began, I was scared and uncertain. And thatreally came home after Heather, the first to perform, wasbooed – booed while on stage. I quaked in my shoes. How the

hell was I going to handle verbal, out-right rejection. It was too late to dropout now.The thing is, in 1909, Futurism per-

formers provoked audience participa-tion by creating hoaxes, like doublebooking the theater, with the intent to disrupt the “compla-cent public.” And in return the public booed, threw vegeta-bles, and it was quite the scene, so the books say. So Gene, inlight of historical Futurism, began to boo Heather, and somestudents joined in. Heather was none too thrilled with it, andneither were many of us art students – in fact more than oneart student chose to express themselves through video, ratherthan step on stage. Gene and John handled this first obstaclethrough class discussion. We decided the performer couldchoose whether they wanted audience interaction.Whew. Okay, I wouldn’t be booed, but I still had to decide

on an act and perform it in front of class. I can’t count thenumber of times I told myself this form of art was way out ofmy realm. I watched my fellow students perform really cre-


By Linda Relyea ‘96

it’s all an act

As their final project, Performance Artstudents presented individual and groupacts before a live audience. Like the twoperformances described below, manypieces were multi-media, employing liveperformance, original video production,and music.

At left (from left), Bothe Krestinger, AbelGabre-Tsadick, Heather Wilder, and Mar-ian Schlagbaum collaborated on a piecethat reflected carefree childhood.

Jared White (right) dramatically ex-pressed the impact of prejudice in Amer-ica. His piece communicated in multiplelayers – with miminal spoken words andminimal costuming.

from the moment i heard Gene Schilling was planning a one-time-onlyperformance art class, I knew I wanted to take it. Several times over the springsemester I severely questioned my choice.

presidential teacher course

A visual artist discoversherself on stage

ative pieces. Marian and David both researched the DadaMovement. Marian emptied a suitcase of shoes randomly andread cut out messages on the souls; David recited a poem incomputer language. . .0100110011000010010.Abel, my fellow grad student,played an old stand-up pianowhile his video played abovehim.The diversity of the pieces

was another very cool aspect of the class. Jenna’s Bauhauspiece was a claymation type of video; Zach did a video spoofon superheroes that was not only very funny, but won firstplace at the EARTHWeek talent show in April.After each piece, Gene and John asked for feedback, en-

couraged our opinions and ideas, and challenged us to movebeyond our perceived limitations.The night before my first performance, I was up finding the

shortest jazz song I could, trying on a variety of clothes to comeup with a costume, and practicing a dance step. Chris, my hus-band, asked why I “waited until the last minute.” It wasn’t by

choice; I had been contemplating my act since signing up forthe Bauhaus movement. Sometimes you just can’t rush thecreative process, or else mine is a terrible procrastinator.Performance art went through five movements and then in

1930, all restrictions or limitations were off – it became what-ever the artist wants it to be, or as John said, “Performance arthas been compared to describing an elephant. What it lookslike depends on where you're standing."After covering the history of performance art, we began to

work on our individual pieces. These ranged from film, music,and poetry, to creating a whole new society. Jared gave a verymoving piece about prejudice, and James built this large blackbox with a peep hole we were invited to “peep” through. I wasa little anxious, not sure of what I’d see: he was lying downreading comic books. Stretching toward the peep hole was agiant plaster-of-Paris penis – we are talking six feet long.I didn’t learn my lesson on waiting until the last minute. It

wasn’t because I wasn’t trying to come up with ideas, I justcouldn’t seem to light on any. The one that stuck was to cryon stage – that’s a performance: physically changes the per-former, can disturb the audience . . . I wasn’t that thrilled withthe idea, but was desperate. The day I was to perform, I wasnearly sick to my stomach. Then a miracle happened: we ranout of time and I was off the hook until the next class.Later that evening, as I sat in my son’s room – can’t say

why I chose that space – a little idea nudged its way into myconsciousness and soon developed. In class Thursday, I tookitems out of my purse and told stories, if they came to me,about a memory that item evoked, or why I kept such a thing.I was confident, or at least not dreading the moment I wouldstep on stage. Afterwards, sitting back with the class receivingfeedback, all of it positive, I told my fellow artists how thesupportive environment created by all of us, led by Gene andJohn, made it possible for me to move past my fear.

Our final “exam” was a public performance in the Xperi-mental Theatre. There is such satisfaction in creative collabo-ration, refining a concept, getting impatient with one another,working toward a deadline, and finally performing that work ofart live. They say there is magic to live performance, and it re-ally does feel like it. As elusive and difficult as creativity can beto explain or reason – through their encouragement, supportand genuine connection, Gene and John opened a part of meI wasn’t aware existed.


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SOMETIMES YOU JUST CAN’T RUSH THE CREATIVE PROCESS. . . OR ELSE MINE IS A TERRIBLE PROCRASTINATOR.


Music is a discipline with no room for last-minute cramming to perfect a complicated piece,or throw together a composition. Time management, dedication to the chosen instrument, andheartfelt conviction for sounds that inspire tears, smiles, or wonder is the standard for all musi-cians at Adams State College.“We have an excellent program and outstanding students,” said newly appointed associate

chair Dr. Tracy Doyle. “They are some of the hardest working students on campus, usually car-rying an average of 20 credits a semester and still finding time to practice, rehearse, perform,compose, hold jobs, and do all the homework associated with any degree.”Collaboration and cooperation are key to building a strong program, and Doyle is primed

to foster the department. “It is exciting to be working with such an outstanding team of pro-fessionals. We each bring our strengths to the table and work together to make great thingshappen for our students.”This year, Doyle and faculty organized the department’s first scholarship fundraiser, “A

Noteworthy Evening.”“There is a sense of camaraderie and mutual purpose that fuels our immediate goal of ex-

panding the quality and size of our program and increasing scholarship opportunities for ourstudents,” she said.Doyle’s goals include reconnecting with Adams State music alumni. Plans are being made to

organize reunions for the marching band and choral groups. An initial newsletter will soon bein the mail.“Our program offers a unique opportunity for students to become diverse within their field,

performing in a wide variety of musical styles, and getting lots of hands on experience teachingmusic,” Doyle added. “They are encouraged to explore more than one area – some performand compose; some teach and perform; most participate in more than one ensemble. As a re-sult, our graduates leave here with more experience and greater marketability.”

If you would like to be added to the Music Department's mailing list, or wish to contribute anupdate for the music alumni newsletter, please email: [email protected].

eight concerts in ten days – a rock band on the road? No, thatwas just part of the semester-ending performance schedule kept by theMusic Department’s students and professors. They presented a total of15 concerts and recitals in April.

by linda relyea ‘96

music department

tunes

up


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a noteworthy evening, April 5, garnered $1,325 to launch ascholarship endowment for music students. About 100 musicpatrons first enjoyed performances by music department fac-ulty in Leon Memorial, then danced to live jazz at a dessert re-ception in the college’s Luther Bean Museum (above). InDecember, faculty soloists will give a special performance ofHandel'sMessiah, followed by a reception for Friends of Musicmembers. The second annual Noteworthy Evening is plannedfor spring 2010.

valerie naranjo (center above) headlined the Colorado Dayof Percussion at ASC in February. A San Luis Valley native, worldmusic specialist Naranjo performs on Saturday Night Live andBroadway. The Music Department hosts several guest perform-ers on campus each year.

singing her heart out (left) is Qran Dulaney Bumpers withthe Concert Choir. Ryan Jackson (above left) lays down the bassfor the Jazz Ensemble. These are just two of several music en-sembles fostered by the Music Department.

a standing ovation and calls for an encorefollowed Charles Dickinson’s senior piano recital, performedon the college’s new Steinway concert grand piano.Dickinson began playing at age 10, and as a young

teenager studied at Rice University Preparatory Department."When I was six-years-old, I used to listen to the classical sta-tion until midnight." He said he believes classical musiciansare "drawn inexplicably" to the music.Dickinson literally has a vision for music: "When I was

much younger, before I started playing, I was always taken bythe secret magic that all music seemed to have for me. Whilelistening to something, I could close my eyes and literally seeflashes of colors or even complete panoramic images, so in-spired by the music. A recording of Chopin'sMinute Waltzcalled to mind a rustic French village which grew more elabo-rate with each listening; and Faure's Requiem once lulled meinto a terrifyingly serene nightmare in which I floated througha foggy, moss-infested river Styx accompanied by Death inshredded black rags.”Dr. William Lipke, professor of piano, said Dickinson has

developed into one of the strongest pianists he has seen, bothtechnically and musically. "Teaching Charles is like workingwith a graduate student, because he is able to engage in criti-cal thinking about the score while considering informationabout the pianistic, theoretical, and musicological aspects si-multaneously."

A stand-out in the Music Department, his contributions tothe Theater Department have also won acclaim. He was in-strumental in the success of such productions as Good andCinderella, both directed by Dr. Paul Newman.

without missing a beat, music major Daniel Sours picked up thetempo as a freshman and has drummed along ever since. An instrumental perform-ance major with an emphasis in composition, Sours entered the Music Building in-quiring about violin lessons, still unable to read music. That was his second semesterof college; as a senior, he participated in nearly all the instrument ensembles."I could not imagine playing anything else but percussion. When I started, I

didn't even know how to hold the sticks."James Doyle, percussion and jazz band director, said Daniel was the first student he

met when he started teaching percussion at Adams State. "What still amazes me is thatDaniel didn't play percussion in high school, yet performed some of the most difficultmarimba repertoire in his recital. His progress, from inexperienced with potential, toexperienced and playing graduate level repertoire, has been a joy to witness."Whether it's soloing on vibraphone with the jazz band, playing all of the pans in

the steel drum band, drum set in the pep band, snare drum in the marching band,or being a marimba soloist, Daniel is always the 'go to' musician."In addition to holding a campus job, helping with recording performances, and

teaching private lessons, he works at a nursing home nearly full time.After graduating next spring, Sours wants to pursue a master's degree. "I ap-

proach music from an analytical perspective, but once the piece is memorized, Iplay from the heart.”


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siobhan downey "freaks out at first" when learning a new vocal piece, before realizing she canmaster the number. "It is my favorite part of singing, digging into new music." Downey said her voice professor, Dr. ChristineKeitges, knows how to "walk the line to make you do your best without being mean.""Siobhan is a wonderfully talented singer," Keitges said. "Her love of singing and performing is evident."Downey placed second in the National Association of Teachers Singing competition for her performance of Always a Brides-

maid, Never a Bride from the musical I Love You, You Are Perfect, Now Change.Downey participates in the Concert and Chamber Choirs as well as 68 West, the a capella jazz ensemble. She maintains a

3.74 grade point average, has two jobs, and took 20 credit hours last semester. Her busy schedule does not detract from her pas-sion: "I love music, I can't really think of doing anything else."All the professors in music collaborate and get along with

one another. It makes you (as a student) more accountable. Ifyou mess up, all the professors know it. It is easy to be posi-tive in that environment."Choir Director Beth Wagstom said Downey is a very tal-

ented musician and an excellent student. "She has the abilitiesand personality to become a very successful music educatoron many levels."

"I still talk about Good today; it meant the world tome," Dickinson said.Newman said Dickinson was his right-hand man during

the production. "He patiently prepared the actors, teachingthem their very difficult, classicsongs, working and rehearsing theharmonies and tempos until my ac-tors, who are not trained singers,could sing competently as their char-acters. He took the leadership for allthe music, including hand pickingthe orchestra and rehearsing them onhis own time. Charles was very awarethat he and his musicianship added asignificant, emotional content to theplay that would have not been nearlyas profound without his contribu-tion."Dickinson is now pursuing a mas-

ter's degree in piano performanceunder the German pianist FalkoSteinbach at the University of NewMexico, recommended by Lipke.Dickinson hopes to attend a conser-vatory on the East Coast followinghis graduate degree.


it takes discipline to compete at the collegelevel in sports and music. Even one pursuit can be a full-timecommitment; to succeed in both is exceptional. AntonioLopez, senior music performance and composition major, saidit is a definite challenge, but to choose between his love ofrunning and playing the guitar would be like choosing be-tween "eating and drinking." He said, "I need to do both."He performs in the Jazz Band, Concert Choir, and the

Guitar Ensemble and also competes in cross country and in-door and outdoor track. "The accessible, supportive environ-ment of the music department helps me achieve both goals.My music professors are very understanding when I need tomiss a concert for a meet."His composition classes come naturally, having written

songs before he could play or sing. Lopez began participatingin the National Guitar Workshop in ninth grade and nowteaches music there during his summers.Dr. Matt Schildt, assistant professor of music, teaches the

composition courses. "Antonio has been in many classes withme, has studied private composition, and has been a music labwork-study under my supervision for three years. He has donea remarkable job balancing being a student athlete and a mu-sician. Though ASC track and cross country keep him verybusy, he is dedicated to improving as a musician. As a com-poser, his music is individual and unique, and he has writtensome great music in a variety of styles. As a guitarist, Antoniocan play in just about any style; he plays classical, jazz, and isalso a great singer-songwriter."

typical is not melanie hawthorne’smethod. Most student recitals focus on either vocals or aninstrument, but Hawthorne chose to play clarinet in her per-formance with singer Halie VanIwaarden."There are not many instrument and voice combos in the

recitals," Hawthorne said. "We wanted to mix it up and at-tract a diversity of music students.""Mixing it up" is an apt description of Hawthorne, a

music education major with a composition and clarinet em-phasis, and president of the Colorado collegiate chapter ofthe National Association of Music Education.In that vein, Hawthorne came up with a better fundrais-

ing idea than the usual baked potato sale: hosting workshopsfor San Luis Valley middle and high school band students.The event raised enough money to fund travel for 20 AdamsState MENC members to the state conference.The club’s 2008 invitational band workshop provided

hands-on experience for future music educators. College stu-dents conducted secondary school bands, and younger stu-dents were offered the opportunity to play in a largeensemble. "All day we worked with sectionals, and in theevening the students performed at a concert.""The music faculty likes to joke about cloning Melanie,"

said Dr. Tracy Doyle, associate professor of music. "She isjust that good at everything she does."Conducting and composing are Hawthorne's passions.

"To stand in front of a group is an adrenaline rush." She wasamong several student composers featured in the composi-tion recital.


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the saxophone is versatile, capable of everything from classical to raspy jazz notes, and that’s why it’sDaniel Kenealy’s instrument of choice. A sophomore music education major, he uses his talents in voice and instrument in theChamber and Concert Choirs, Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble."You can get a nice classical sound from a sax or play jazz licks that are grating to the ear," Kenealy said. He has been playing

and singing since the fifth grade.James Doyle, director of the jazz ensemble, said Kenealy is an example of the ideal music major. "He is a strong singer, a

strong saxophonist, a great student, but more importantly, a great person. This is Dan's first year in the jazz ensemble, and hehas taken to improvisation like he has been studying Adderley, Coltrane, Parker, and Rollins his whole life. You can count onDan to be there, ready to play, regardless of the musical setting."Kenealy said he appreciates the Adams State music professors’ out-going personalities and open-door policies. "The educa-

tion here is personal, and all the professors are accessible. Dr. Tracy Doyle (assistant professor of music) personally relates to thestudents almost as though we are her own children. She really takes the time to meet with individuals one-on-one. I like walk-ing into Dr. Schildt’s office and discussing popular music, analyzing spe-cific pieces, or talking about new trends in music."Kenealy maintains a 4.0 grade point average while taking 23.5 credit

hours in the spring semester. He also works in the music lab and prac-tices his sax about an hour a day, his vocals half that.Kenealy hopes to teach and eventually earn a doctorate in music.

"I love composing anything that challenges or pushes me." Thatdesire to always learn more prompted her to join the Rocky MountainPanhandlers Steel Drum Band.

Composi-tion professorDr. MattSchildt saidHawthorne isone of the mostenthusiasticstudents he hasworked with."She takes greatpride in herwork and hasmade amazingstrides in hertime at AdamsState. She al-ways brings in-teresting ideasand enthusiasmto our discus-sions in class."


“I was just numb,” said Kurt Cary ‘71, ‘78, recalling thedays following the death 22 years ago of his nine-year-old son,Joshua. “At the time, all I could think of was revenge. My familywas suffering a horrible loss. But it’s so negative; it just tears youdown more.”That realization began a healing process that has manifested the

Joshua Thomas Cary Memorial Scholarship Endowment.

Joshua Cary was quite an accomplished third grader. Histeacher, Raydeen Sigmon, wrote: “Joshua was one of thoserare students that bring the joy of teaching back to a teacher.. . . Joshua had the self confidence and ability needed to ac-complish any school task asked of him, and yet, the humilityand concern for others that set him apart from the averagestudent.”As a Cub Scout, he’d earned his Bobcat, Wolf, and Bear

Badges. He loved scripture and was an active member of theMesita Branch Primary, Church of the Latter Day Saints. Heenjoyed the outdoors – camping, hunting, fishing. He alsoplayed football, and even took tap dance lessons to improvehis skills. Joshua was “junior coach” of his dad’s team, theCentauri wrestlers, and always traveled to State champi-onships with the team. He also helped his grandparents withtheir pigs and sheep, and wanted to be a farmer or rancherwhen he grew up.But Joshua was struck by a car May 15, 1987, as he crossed

Hwy. 285 outside of Romeo, Colorado. The driver, JohnKeeler, failed to notice the school bus unloading children. Hehad just finished his freshman year at University of Coloradoand was taking the scenic route back home to New York.

That accident unfolded events that would have surprisedboth John Keeler and Kurt Cary at the time.

one day at a timeCary and his wife, Shirley “Joan” Cary ’90, also had two

daughters and infant twin sons; Joshua was their eldest.“Over the years, people would ask me, ‘How can you han-

dle the loss?’” Cary said. “What choice did I have? I had awife and kids I needed to support and take care of. For a longtime, it was just putting one day after another.”At that point, Cary was school counselor and wrestling

coach at Centauri High School.Cary retired from a long career in the North Conejos

School District, where he started as a chemistry and physicsteacher. He eventually became assistant principal and princi-pal of Centauri High School, then for ten years was districtsuperintendent. He was just appointed interim superinten-dent for the Centennial School District in San Luis, Colo. Heis also an adjunct instructor for Adams State graduate teachereducation and is co-owner of Valley Snorkel & Scuba.“As a counselor, if I stepped outside myself, I realized that if

I was going to reach any closure, to be able to handle the situ-

Joshua Cary, age 9, 1987

The fruit ofForgiveness

ation, I had to get to know this guy,” Cary said. “Ihad to come to some resolution. I was promptedby my faith. Once I got to know him, I began tofully understand the miracle of forgiveness.”Cary’s solution was to reach out to Keeler. The

following summer the two attended counseling to-gether, and Keeler helped out at the Cary ranch.“Even though Kurt was very angry, I absolutely

knew this was something I had an obligation todo,” Keeler said. “When you’re faced with that typeof situation, you have to do anything and every-thing that is required of you – that’s the way I wasraised, and the way Kurt was raised and is raisinghis children – you don’t have a choice.”Thus began an unusual relationship that allowed

both men to move forward, despite their pain.

transforming tragedyAfter a hiatus of about five years, Keeler emailed

Cary inquiring after his family. He had completedhis degree at CU in Russian and political science,then earned a law degree from Tulane University inNew Orleans.“It was a breath of fresh air,” Cary said. “I’d

been wondering how John was doing, but didn’tknow how to locate him. This was gradual, but I’dgotten to the point where I could say ‘I forgiveyou.’ It was a big step.”The first in a long journey of mutual recovery.Keeler, now a real estate developer, reflected:

“There are many different ways people can emergefrom these types of situations. As a result of thegenerosity and kindness of the Carys, and Kurt inparticular, things went the right way for me – I’min New York City, an established professional. Itcould have really spiraled downward, could haveruined my life. When I look at it, I credit Kurtwith saving my life, in a way.”Last summer, Keeler again visited the San Luis

Valley and met with the Cary family to pursue theidea of funding a scholarship in Joshua’s memory. He initiallywanted to create it anonymously, but Cary convinced himtheir story might be a consolation and inspiration to others.“This event is the most powerful thing that has ever hap-

pened to me. I’ve come to terms with it and have embracedit,” said Keeler, who is now the father of three young sons, in-cluding a set of twins. “Establishing the scholarship feels likeanother step in the journey, not a conclusion, but anotherpiece in the process. It involves all these concepts: forgiveness,trust, understanding between people.”Cary also appreciates the bond they have formed.

“Not a day goes by that I don’t remember, but you’ve got tolearn how to deal with it. I know for a fact that I wouldn’thave gotten here without my relationship with John. I don’tknow where I’d be now if I hadn’t done this,” Cary said. “Outof this tragedy, we were able to establish a relationship thatbrought something positive that someone else can benefitfrom.”

By Julie Waechter

A memorial scholarship is a meaningful way to honor a lovedone. For more information about making a gift to Adams State,contact Tammy Lopez, 719-587-7122.

giving


Christina Agustin, a junior sociology/criminology major fromBlanca, Colo., is the first recipient of the Joshua Thomas Cary Memo-rial Scholarship, which provides one year’s full tuition.“I appreciate receiving the scholarship. It helps take the financial bur-

den off my parents,” she said. “The story of the scholarship is powerful.I will work as hard as I can to honor the memory of Joshua.”The Sierra Grande High School graduate is a first-generation college

student. She hopes to become a victim’s advocate.All graduates of a San Luis Valley high school with a minimum GPA

of 2.75 are eligible. The scholarship is available to an incoming or con-tinuing student at Adams State.

ASC junior awarded firstJoshua Cary Memorial Scholarship

Kurt Cary ‘71, ‘78 (left) presents sociology major Christina Agustin withthe first scholarship created in memory of his son.


“I am pleased to see how President Svaldi continues to de-velop the programs and reach out to the immediate commu-nity, as well as northern New Mexico and the surroundingstates.”President David Svaldi said Bean has been a loyal and ac-

tive supporter of Adams State his entire adult life. “He hasbeen engaged in all aspects of the campus, from athletic con-tests to cultural activities. His giving history to ASC is among

the longest of any current living alumni, and he richly de-serves this recognition.”The Billy Adams Award recognizes those who, like Billy

Adams himself, are committed to Adams State College and itscontinual growth. Bean’s ties to the campus date back to itsopening in 1925. His father, Luther (after whom the collegemuseum is named), was on the original faculty, founded thefirst outdoor program, and even chose the college’s colors:white for the snowcapped mountains and green for the ever-green trees.Bean graduated from Adams State Teacher’s College with a

degree in elementary education. “In those days, every AdamsState graduate had an education major. Teachers were pre-pared to teach in a rural school.”Bean says it was the days “of poverty,” and some students

could only afford to finish a two-year limited certificate.

precious memoriesThere is no simple summary of Bean’s life and interests. He

has lived throughout the United States, was stationed in Mex-ico during World War II, is a valued local historian, and re-mains tuned into current events locally and nationally. Theday of this interview, July 14, Bean was watching the So-

tomayer hearings on a large screen plasma television. His cof-fee table was arrayed with a large dictionary, a notebook hisson assembled from his first six years in China, a writingtablet, and a pair of binoculars to watch the birds. His apart-ment is decorated with mementos from his past, including aNavajo weaving and prints by artist Woody Crumbo andother western artists.He recalls people he greatly admires, speaks of the beauty

of the wild, and, without irony, of his faith in allpeople. “I sit here and reminisce,” he says. Everynight as he falls asleep, Bean listens to a recordalbum with a rendition of Ave Maria, played on aturntable. Memories from Adams State are pre-cious to Bean, and he stays abreast of the latestcampus developments.All of his siblings also graduated from Adams

State. Hazel Petty ‘46, ’71, said she is proud of herolder brother. “He has always been a supporter of AdamsState.”Bean is still active in the Grizzly Club, despite some physi-

cal limitations. In 2005, he received the first Grizzly ClubMember of the Year Award. He was presented with a lifetimemembership in the club as tribute to his overall support ofathletics. At the time, he hadn’t missed a home game for over20 years.In college, Bean played on the 1936 basketball team that

qualified for the AAU National Tournament. He also coachedbasketball and is a dedicated fan of the Grizzly team. He nolonger drives after dark, so his friends Joe and Shirley Zanski,2006 Grizzly Club Individual Partners of the Year, escort himto the court. “Glen is a great historian and a wonderful per-son,” Shirley said. “He has lived in many places and is so in-teresting.”

a wide-ranging lifeBean’s career was diverse. He taught in the public school

systems in Blanca and Cañon City; he served during WorldWar II a weather forecaster with the United States Army AirCorps, today’s equivalent of the Air Force, and was stationedin Vera Cruz, Mexico, and Texas.

the college’s most prestigious award, named for founder Billy Adams, goes this yearto a man whose entire life has been entwined with Adams State: Glen Bean ‘36.“I have had the privilege of seeing the growth and development of Adams State Normal

School through to the present stage,” Bean said.

Billy Adams Award 2009honors Glen Bean ‘36

“MY DAD HOPED I WOULD JOIN THE FACULTYAT ADAMS STATE. I DON’T KNOW IF HE EVER

FORGAVE ME.”


alumnews

Bean continued his education career after the service, as ateacher and superintendent for the Hooper Schools, but pre-ferred more open work space. He was the first permanent su-perintendent at the Great Sand Dunes when it was still aNational Monument. Working as a seasonal park rangerpiqued his desire for a more outdoor career. Over the years,Bean worked in a variety of national parks and monuments,including Chaco Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, andBlue Ridge Parkway. “My dad hoped I would join the facultyat Adams State. I don’t know if he ever forgave me.”Eventually, Bean was named the Rocky Mountain Regional

Director, from which he retired in 1980. “I enjoyed being outin the wild country.” He said throughout the years, his wife,Lois, never complained about relocating or weather. They had

five children, Laurie (Don) Cameron ‘74; Janet (“Doc”) Doch-nahl; Eleanor (Danny) Gonzales ‘78; Heather (Craig) Dahl; andRalph (Xiao yam Deng) Bean ‘87. Lois passed away many yearsago, but Bean’s devotion and admiration has not waned. He saidpeople still remember her work at the Alamosa Homeless Shel-ter, La Puente. “Her specialty was helping people.”Their faith in humanity went beyond lip service. He and

Lois “adopted” a family from Guatemala and helped them toestablish residency. The family still visits and stays in touch.“When I retired from the National Park system, my succes-

sor asked me, ‘What was the secret to dealing with Indians?’ Itold him there is no secret, you treat them with respect anddignity, just as you would any other human being. We learnedthat from our dad.”

By Linda Relyea ‘96The course of Glen Bean’s life was foreshadowed inthe diversity of his college activities (below). Now inhis 90’s, he remains active and involvedwith ASC.

PhotocourtesyLutherBeanMuseum


Mike Garcia ‘73, ‘77, who retired in 2008 as the AdamsState TRiO director, nominated Durán for the award.“Throughout Richard’s educational and professional career, hehas been an exceptional representative of Adams State. Hisability to make each individual feel comfortable and at easearound him has enabled him to motivate and inspire many inthe course of his career.”

commitment to educationHaving dedicated his career to education, Durán is presi-

dent of Oxnard College in California. He is humble about hisgreatest contributions, saying, “I was just doing my job.”“My proudest accomplishments are the degrees I received

in higher education,” Durán said. He was the first in his fam-ily go to college. Originally from Pueblo, he said many stu-dents didn’t even finish high school. “Receiving my doctoratewas the highlight.”He received his B.A. de-

gree in elementary educationin 1971 and his M.A. in edu-cation in 1973 at AdamsState and went on to earn adoctorate in educational ad-ministration at the Universityof Northern Colorado.“Adams State provided me

with a solid foundation from which to launch my career,”Durán said. “I became a critical thinker, and although I didn’tpursue a career in elementary education, found the lessonslearned in classroom settings served me well as a leader of or-ganizations.”As a student, Durán was involved in several clubs, includ-

ing El Parnaso and Semillas de la Tierra Grupo Folklorico. Hewas one of the first participants in the Adams State TeacherCorps Program.This innovative teacher education program funded by the

U.S. Department of Education gave qualified education jun-iors the opportunity to live in a San Luis Valley community,

spend the mornings with a public school teacher-mentor, andattend classes on campus in the afternoon. Durán was sent toAntonito. “It combined traditional education with the practi-cal approach. Living and working in the community was aunique experience. I will never forget those lessons.”Durán believes preservation of culture is very important,

and he appreciated Adams State’s role in supporting the clubs.“It was another opportunity to grow outside the classroom.Learning is as much outside as inside the classroom.”Herman Martinez, who initiated Semillas with his wife,

Patsy, said Durán was brilliant. “He enjoyed music as a musi-cian and as a dancer. He loved performing. He was very in-volved in helping us in the early years of Semillas De LaTierra’s development.” Durán performed as a member of thegroup at two National Folklorico Festivals in the ‘70s.

Although he was accepted into Harvard for graduateschool, he chose Adams State because he “liked Adams Stateand the education received there.” As a graduate student heworked with Teacher Corps as a mentor.After completing his master’s, Durán became the first di-

rector of the Upward Bound Program at Adams State, a posi-tion he held for three years. He and Martinez were bothadministering educational programs on campus at that time.“Dr. Durán liked intellectualizing,” Martinez said. “He

would host evening educational topic seminars on campus.His favorite topics centered on the teachings of the Brazilianeducator, Paulo Freirre, and his Pedagogy of the Oppressed.”

“RICHARD UNDERSTOOD THE IMPACT THE SUCCESS FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS WOULD HAVE ON

FUTURE GENERATIONS OF THE EXTENDED FAMILY.”

when told he had been selected Adams State’s 2009 Outstanding Alumnus, Dr. RichardDurán ’71, ‘73 thought, “Who, me? Adams State has thousands of graduates, many who havedone great things. I never thought of myself as an outstanding alumnus. It is quite an honor.”

dr. richard durán ‘71, ‘73

2009 Outstanding Alumnusis lifelong educator

innovative leadershipGarcia succeeded Durán as the Upward Bound director.

“Richard has always been a leader who is willing to take risksand to be an innovator. He understands that strong leadershipmeans including staff and students in the ownership and re-sponsibility of being successful.”While an Adams State student, Durán’s favorite professor

was Dr. Lynn Weldon, emeritus professor of human relations.“He challenged his students and really made you think. I re-member he would always give you his time. He treated stu-dents with respect.”Durán became president of Oxnard College two years ago.

“The best part of my job is influencing the direction of the in-stitution.” He shoulders the trust of the taxpayers with com-mitment and dedication. “I, and other leaders on campus, areentrusted with the responsibility to make sure the mission andvision of the institution are met. Our campus is geared to-wards academic success.” He said community colleges haveopen access and strive to take students from where they are towhere they want to be.

“Richard understood the impact the successfirst-generation college students would have on thefuture generations of the extended family,” Garciasaid.Durán previously served as president of Desert

Vista Campus in Pima Community College Dis-trict in Tucson, Ariz., after time spent as vicechancellor for Academic Affairs and student Devel-opment at the Pima Community College District.He secured a Title V grant for $2.5 million and afederal Talent Search grant for $1.9 million, part-nered with United Way and Head Start to create aCenter for Early Childhood Education Studies,garnered $2 million for campus-related capital im-provements, and established a partnership with theTucson Unified School District’s Aztec MiddleCollege, an on-campus charter high school for Na-tive Americans.Durán was the founding president for Tohono

O’odham Community College in Sells, Ariz. Hesaid he always had an affinity for Native Americansand wanted to support their culture. A small, com-prehensive tribal community college serving theTohono O’odham Nation, it covers 4,000 squaremiles in southern Arizona. “My skill sets helpedbuild the college, and I was honored to work withthe tribal government in local higher education ac-cess and helping preserve their culture for futuregenerations.”Recently, Durán received a Board Award from

the Southern Arizona Association for the Educa-tion of Young Children and a community service

award from the League of United Latin American Citizens.Durán and his wife, Elizabeth, have three sons, one each

from their previous marriages, and David, whom they adopted.David was born with special needs, and the Duráns were hisfoster parents when he was six months old. When David was ayear old, he was returned to his birth family, who soon relin-quished custody. “We knew we wanted him and adopted him.”He believes his most significant contributions have been

helping students achieve their academic or professional goals.“I have raised millions in grants and funding for scholarshipsand foundations. I do not see this as extraordinary. It is part ofwhat I am supposed to do. When I see students cross the stageand graduate, and know I have helped – in whatever indirectway – that is worth all my effort.”

By Linda Relyea ‘96

A special Teacher Corps Reunion will be held during Home-coming, October 2-3. See page 30 for more details.

alumnews


Outstanding Alumnus Richard Durán ’71, ‘73 got his start as an educatorin the Adams State Teacher Corps.


In lovewith law

philip lopez ‘04 honored asexceptional new alumnus

growing up in a ranching family, Philip Lopez ’04learned very early how important water is to the SanLuis Valley and the area’s economy. “I always had it inmind to become a water lawyer.”

Nevertheless, he didn’t expect to land his first job in thatfield, in his hometown, no less.

by julie waechter

Shortly after earning his law degree at University of Col-orado Law School in 2008, Lopez was hired as an associatewith the Alamosa law firm, Lester Sigmond Rooney andSchwiesow. (The firm was co-founded by the Hon. CarlosLucero ’61.)“This is my home. I’m vested in it. It was my dream to be

able to come back to the valley and practice water law,” he said.There’s no denying the depth of Lopez’s roots. His paternal

ancestors six generations back were among the first to settle inthe San Luis Valley; he can trace his family to Spanish Con-quistadors who first came to Florida, then Santa Fe. On hismother’s side, Lopez is the fifth generation of Swedes who alsomade their livelihood farming in the valley. On both sides, heis in the first generation to attend college.“My family always heavily stressed the importance of get-

ting an education, because it’s the one thing that can’t betaken away from you,” he said. “If you’re lucky enough tohave gotten an education,you have an obligation tohelp others.”For that reason, he nomi-

nated fellow 2004 graduateDarlene Clayton, a socialwork major, for the award. “She works with children whogrew up in abusive households, which I find very admirable.She epitomizes my belief in using your education to better thelives of those around you."He added: “I don’t really think I’m that exceptional. There’s

quite a few recent alumni in or just finishing law school.” Hesaid he never felt at any educational disadvantage comingfrom Adams State. “Adams State is such an amazing place, tobe able to do what it does: give people the opportunity for aneducation – that’s priceless.”Joe Martinez ‘99, who nominated Lopez for the award,

said: “Phil has consistently shown an unmatched will to suc-ceed and to be the best in whatever task he may tackle. Philhas always desired to return to the San Luis Valley to giveevery benefit he earned back to his community.”

learning the ropesLopez values working with three experienced attorneys, be-

cause it “lets me learn the ropes, and that’s something a youngattorney needs. Law school teaches you how to think like alawyer, but it doesn’t teach you how to be a lawyer – the pro-cedures and practical aspects.”He works most closely with attorney Erich Schwiesow. “I

was excited when I found out he specializes in my two main in-terest areas: water and government. Once I got to fill in for himas Alamosa city attorney, and that was really cool.” Lopez said.At Adams State, Lopez was active in AS&F and served as

president during his junior year.“It was great experience for learning how to be a leader.

You need the ability to work with and learn from others. You

can’t always think you’re right,” he explained. “You need todevelop the ability to see what needs to be changed and towork through things and make them better than when youfound them.”Those lessons in leadership are serving Lopez well in his

role as chair of the Alamosa County Democratic Party. Hegained more exposure to government and law during lawschool, through internships with Governor Bill Ritter’s legalcounsel and with the State Attorney General. He also workedon the 2004 Congressional campaign team of fellow valley na-tive, Ken Salazar, who is now Secretary of the Interior.As an undergraduate, Lopez interned with San Luis Valley

Federal Bank and, after completing his degree in finance andeconomics, in the ASC Office of Finance. One of his projectswas assisting the San Luis Valley Development ResourceGroup in analyzing the economic impact Adams State has inthe San Luis Valley.

Vice President for Financeand Administration BillMansheim said, “Althoughhis background in businessand finance was primarilylimited to his studies at the

time, Phil turned out to be a very competent analyst. Heworked as my lead analyst on a campus-wide zero based budg-eting project. This project was a critical component of ourstrategic plan as our institution looked for efficiencies due tothe tight fiscal climate that exists in Colorado public highereducation. The college is still reaping benefits from Phil's hardwork. Phil was a joy to work with, and I'm really proud of hisaccomplishments.”

the ripple effectLopez’s affinity for water law and government has only

been reinforced in his first year of practice. “I quickly discov-ered that I like cases that affect everybody, that are big picture,or concern policy. That’s why I like water law so much – it‘ripples’ – it can have a wide impact. I had one case that wasthe epitome of what I want to do: represent farmers trying towin rights to use water from a local stream.”His admiration for farmers and ranchers and desire to help

his dad on the ranch was one reason Lopez attended college inhis hometown. “It’s a great lifestyle. You see tangible results ofyour work. The best feeling is being tired after a day of physi-cal labor.”Lopez said his father, Gus, who is nearing age 79, still “does

it all. . . He is amazing. He can outwork me. He’s one personI look up to for the way he handles himself, his work ethicand self discipline.”Lopez has earned the admiration and respect of his friends,

mentors, and colleagues – but he suspects his father might bea little disappointed. “I think he wants me to be a farmer.”


alumnews

“AS&F WAS GREAT EXPERIENCE FORLEARNING HOW TO BE A LEADER.”

Harold Montoya `50 (Anaheim, CA) retiredfrom the Anaheim Union High School district.

Jim `51, `68 and Betty `52 Mullings (Raton,NM) met as workers in the Casa Bonita kitchenand were married in 1951. Jim taught in San-ford, then taught in Pueblo while Betty raisedtheir 2 children. They moved to Raton, NM,where Jim taught for 30 years in the samebuilding and they had 2 more children. Afterthe youngest startedschool, Betty taughtat the elementaryschool. They are bothretired from Ratonschools and are well-traveled.

Thomas Jones `52(Albuquerque, NM)is now into geneal-ogy and has tracedhis family back toJamestown, VA, andPlymouth Rock, MA.He says it’s a very in-teresting way tostudy the history of the country.

Jerry ‘53 and Jean (Meister) Vinyard ‘53(Wickenburg, AZ,) were married at CasaBonita in 1953. After Jerry’s military service,the couple were proctors of Fremont Men’sdorm. They moved to Arizona in 1961, whereJerry practiced dentistry until 1996. They fre-quently visit Colorado to see their two chil-dren and their families.

Dr. Joe Vigil ’53, ’59 (Green Valley, AZ) andhis study of Mexico’s Tarahumara Indians isthe focus of an article in the May 2009 issueof 5280, Denver’s magazine. The article is ex-cerpted from Christopher McDougall’s recentbook Born To Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superath-letes, and the Greatest the World Has NeverSeen (Alfred A. Knopf.) Vigil is still coachingand is an international clinician. He was theOlympic distancecoach in Beijing,China. His wife, Car-oline `75, `76 is thecaregiver for hermother. She alsohelps Joe with hiswork.

Edmund Vallejo `55(Pueblo, CO) and hiswife, Gregoria, cele-brated 50 years ofmarriage in August.They have 4 adultchildren, 7 grandchil-dren and 3 great-grandchildren. Both

are retired but are still active in state andcommunity volunteer enterprises.

Bertha Ragsdale `56(Walsenburg, CO)began teaching in aone-room school-house and taught for5 years. She becamea caseworker in Julyof 1964 and did thatuntil 2003—38 ½years. She is now retired and managingrentals. She belongs to the VFW, AARP, Frater-nal Order of Eagles, and Latin American Club.She has 2 sons, 4 grandchildren, and onegreat grandchild.

Jake Martinez `59, `69 (Swink, CO) is a retiredschool social studies teacher from the LaJunta school district. He taught 37 years inNew Mexico and Colorado. He is a single par-ent with 2 daughters and 9 grandchildren.

1960sDonald Poulson `60, `62 (Albuquerque, NM)spent 43 years teaching mathematics in AZ: 6years at ChandlerH.S. and 37 years atMesa CommunityCollege. He earned amaster’s in puremathematics fromNorthwestern Univer-sity, Evanston, IL. Heis now retired andlives with his wife,Jytte.

Dr. Henry Trujillo `61, `71 (Pueblo, CO) is aretired professor from CSU-Pueblo. He and hiswife have 2 children:Treasa is a teacher,and Mark is an engi-neer. His wife, Ber-nice, is a retiredteacher from District60 in Pueblo. Theyhave been traveling abit—their last 2 tripswere to Australia andItaly.

Wayne O. Evans `62 (Tucson, AZ) became in-volved in the local homeowners associationafter retirement in 2007 from a career in com-puter security consulting and IBM. He serveson the board of directors for their area of3,000 residents. He keeps busy on the com-puter where he “answers e-mail and losesmoney on the stock market.” He enjoys travel-ing and went on a cruise through the PanamaCanal in 2008. He plans to attend his 50th

high school reunion in July 2009 in MonteVista, CO.

Dennis Nash `62(Florence, AZ) taughthigh school for 3years then changedfields to speech-lan-guage pathology. Hecompleted his mas-ter’s at CSU and hisPh.D. at the Univer-sity of Kansas. He joined the faculty at theUniversity of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1970and retired from there in 2002. He currentlyspends 6 months in Wisconsin biking, golfingand walking, etc. Winters are spent in Flo-rence, AZ, where he and his wife golf, hike,and jeep. He says, “Life is good!”

Jose Vallejos `62 (Amalia, NM) taught 30years at the elementary school level. He re-tired in 1992 from the Sterling, CO, school dis-trict. His spouse died November 30,1992—they had been married 50 years. Theyhave 7 children who live in CO, NM, and SD.

Augusta (Wilson) Youngblood `62 (Bakers-field, CA) retired and returned to work part-time.

Emmett O’Leary `63(Pueblo, CO) retiredas a professor ofspeech communica-tion from CSU-Pueblo in 2005. Heis married to Linda,and they have 3 chil-dren and 1 grand-child. He is the lead singer with the PuebloSensational Barbershop Chorus and Quartets.He is enjoying retirement!

Roger Trotter `63(Casa Grande, AZ)does very little sincemoving back to CasaGrande. He mows asmall yard andcleans the pool. He’sbeen doing a lot ofreading, as well asswimming daily on the days that are 85 de-grees. His wife is still the principal at CasaGrande Middle School.

Ione Glumac `64, `67 (Walsenburg, CO) re-tired in 2000 afterteaching band andchoir since 1964 inWalsenburg. She hasstayed active withmusic in her retire-ment and spends alot of her time with


1950s

oil and acrylic paintings of landscape andwildlife. She and George were married in 1973.

Jim Lochner `64 (Mountain Green, UT) retiredin 1999 after teaching 38 years at CU, UNC,and WSU. He writes: “I valued my time at ASC.I’ve always regretted I couldn’t find the finefolks that I met there. Thank God for Spud Orr,Ron Crawford, Dr. Mehn, Dr. Hungate, Dr.Plachy, Doc Cotton, and many more. Theywere my mentors, and I’m thankful to them.”

Ron Porterfield `64(Santa Fe, NM) re-tired in 2008 afterbeing the athletic di-rector of Santa Fe In-dian School for 43years. He marriedFrances Anaya, andthey have 5 children:Ron is a head trainer for the Tampa Bay Rays;Nadine is an artist of media in Phoenix; Chris isin food services in Martha’s Vinyard; Mare is ineducation in San Antonio; and Ann is in educa-tion in Santa Fe. They have 13 grandchildren.

Ray Kogovsek `65 (Pueblo, CO) was inductedinto the Pueblo Hall of Fame in March. He wasborn and raised in Pueblo and graduated fromPueblo Catholic High School in 1959. He at-tended Pueblo Junior College, where heearned an associate’s degree in 1962 prior tohis bachelor's in business administration. In1968, Ray was elected a state representative,beginning a 17-year career in politics. Heserved two years in the House before he ranfor the state Senate and served two terms. Hewas elected a U.S. representative for the 3rdCongressional District and served three termsuntil his retirement in 1985. Since then, Ko-govsek has been active in many Pueblo activi-ties as a lobbyist, philanthropist, andcommunity supporter. He is married to Linda,and has two daughters, Lisa Marie and ToniRae, and a grandson, Reece Raymond Andres.

Yvonne Moulton `65 (Goodyear, AZ) and herhusband, Dan, made a whirlwind trip to Col-orado last October. They visited the ASC cam-pus and marveled at all the changes andadditions since they first met there in 1964.They celebrated their 44th wedding anniver-sary in December. They have lived inGoodyear for the past 32 years.

Michael Sloan `65(Phoenix, AZ) and hiswife, Margaret, have9 children betweenthem. She is North-ern Irish, so theyspend part of thesummer in Belfastwith relatives.Michael has been retired from Edward Jonessince 2008. He is also retired from officiatingfootball and baseball and now just enjoyswatching! He and his wife enjoy the desertand visiting friends and relatives.

Eunice Gould `67 (Moreno Valley, CA) has adaughter and a son, and 2 granddaughters.She retired 6 years ago and returned to work 1month after her retirement.

Betty Young `67(Mesa, AZ) has livedin Mesa for 14 years.Her husband, Wally,has been deceasedfor 5 years. She isbusy with activitiesat Leisure World,where she lives. She volunteers at BannerBaywood Hospital in the endoscopy depart-ment. She is very proud of her 2 grandchil-dren: Lucas, who is a third-year cadet at theAir Force Academy, and Alexie, who graduatedfrom Brooks College in Santa Barbara in June2008 and is a graphic artist/photographer atRocky Mountain Media in Colorado. Her son-in-law and daughter live in Louisville, CO.

Priscilla Gibson `69(Sun City, AZ) hasbeen busy travelingas an independentdistributor for Reliv.She has been to SanJose, CA; St. Louis MO; and Ft. Worth, TX. Sheis excited about her business opportunities.She also has fun doing her political activitieswith campaigns, working at the voting pollsand conventions. In October she traveled toWisconsin, where she toured the MilwaukeeArt Museum and the new Harley-Davidson Mu-seum.

Cliff Miller `69 (Al-buquerque, NM) ispresident of CR En-terprises Real EstateDevelopment. Heloves playing golfand tournament bassfishing.

Gertha (Caylor) Mountfort `69, `73 (Glen-dale, AZ) retired in 2000 after 30 years teach-ing in Alamosa public schools. She moved toGlendale 4 years agoto be near her daugh-ter Cindy and grand-son Keith. She travelssome, takes care ofher grandson a lot.Her favorite activity isgetting back to theSan Luis Valley.

Ramon Montoya `69(Westminster, CO)was honored as aPublic Education &Business CoalitionChampion of Educa-tion. Each year 25 in-dividuals are chosenwho model commit-ment and dedication to Colorado’s Hispanicstudents and to the health of the educationsystem. Champions include exemplary rolemodels from the education, policy, business,philanthropic, and government sectors. He isa member of the Board of Trustees for AdamsState College.

Harold Tafoya `69 relocated to Houston, TX, in2008. He remarried after losing his wife, NoraSandoval Tafoya, in June of 2006. He has 3children: Andrew (now deceased); Steven,who lives in CA; and Bernice, who resides inHI. He is retired from a 30-year teaching careerin NM, where he taught language classes,coached football and basketball, and playedwith a musical group. His wife, Nora, alsotaught Spanish and business in the NMschool system for 35 years.

Paul P. DeBacco, Jr. ’66 (Blairston, NJ) has been a corporatepilot since 1972. He says: “I am aware that I am one of thoselucky guys whose job is not really a job. I have had the oppor-tunity to see everything from the Berlin Wall to the Great Wall ofChina, from the canals of Venice to the canals of Bruges andAmsterdam, and from the Pampas of Argentina to the frozentundra of Siberia.”

He has worked for ITT Corp. (26) years, Seagram’s, a privateowner, and is now with the JPMorganChase Flight Departmentat Westchester Airport, NY.

In 1974 he was transferred to the ITT European HQ based inBrussels, Belgium, where he met his wife, Kristin. They were married in the Basilica of Halle,Belgium, in 1976. Their children, Johanna and Thomas, were born in Belgium, and they re-turned to ITT HQ in New York in 1986.

Paul intends to fly for a few more years, then retire to the Eastern Shores of the ChesapeakeBay.

alumnotes


1970sPatricia (Walker) Fitch `70 has lived with herfamily in Gilbert, AZ, for the past 15 years. Herhusband, John, recently retired, and they arenow empty-nesters and loving life. She staysbusy with hobbies and volunteering, and theyboth are looking for-ward to traveling.Their 2 sons, ages 27and 23, are both col-lege graduates andstill in the Phoenixarea. Neither is mar-ried yet, and they arevery blessed to havethem close by.

Wendy `71 and Gordon `71 Hoffman (LosAlamos, NM) celebrated their 37th weddinganniversary. They were married by ASC cam-pus chaplain Lonnie Eakle on March 4, 1972,and had their wedding reception in the Coron-ado Hall conference room. They are celebrat-

ing 2 weddings thisyear. Son Nick `96married PeggyMacLean on June 12;daughter Angela is tomarry Marcos Gutier-rez, DVM, in October.Wendy says it’s agood year for love atthe Hoffman House!

William Hinz `72 (La Habra Heights, CA) isstill running his own law office. He says retire-ment is not part of his vocabulary. He enjoyshunting, fishing, skiing, and boating with hiswife, Debra.

James Moore `72(Lander, WY) retiredin June 2008 after 35years in the class-room. He startedteaching in Tularosa,NM, then moved toWY and taught an-

other 30 years, receiving a master’s from theUniversity of Wyoming in 1984. He is activewith EMS as an EMT and Search and Rescue.He also retired from the Fire Dept. after 28years of service. He now works part time forthe school to keep busy in the winter. He en-joyed teaching but is really enjoying retire-ment and visiting his two grandchildren inDenver. He writes that he has very fond mem-ories of his years at ASC.

Dorothy August `73(Tucson, AZ) contin-ues as a special edu-cation teacher in aself-contained class-room. This year shehas had some stu-dents who are capa-ble of basicacademic skills. Her husband, Mark, enjoysretirement. In November they were blessedwith a beautiful grand-niece named Julia.


friday • october 210 a.m. Golf Outing

Cattails Golf CourseCost: $30 per 18 holes

3:30 p.m. Alumni Receptions and SpecialReunion Group Get-togethersStudent Union Building, 3rd floor

5:30 p.m. Alumni Banquet and Annual MeetingStudent Union Building, Room 131$25 per person (includes reception)Semi-formal dressAdvance tickets preferred

see stories on award winners, pp. 22-27.8 p.m. Jazz Concert

Richardson Hall Auditorium, $5/person

8 p.m. Theatre Production:Children of a Lesser GodASC Theatre, $9/person

saturday • october 310 a.m. Parade

Main Street

11 a.m. Tailgate PartyLocation TBA, $5 per person

1 p.m. Football GameASC vs. Western New Mexico, $7/personReserved seating for reunion groups

4 p.m. Post-game ReceptionInn of the Rio Grande

2009 Homecoming

class reunions

5 Year • Class of 2004










Teacher Corps Reunion

ssaavvee tthhee dd

aattee

• For details and reservations, please call:719-587-8110 Toll free: 800-824-6494, ext. 8110


alumnotes

Larry Martinez `73(Santa Cruz, NM) re-tired in 2003 afterteaching for 27 yearsat the elementarylevel for the Es-pañola schools. He studied Spanish inGranada, Spain. He did social work for 6 yearsin Santa Fe, NM. After he retired, he took ayear off and then returned to teach GED atNorthern New Mexico for 4 years and then fin-ished teaching at Okay Owengeh CommunitySchool in San Juan Pueblo. Now he is doinghis art work (water color and drawing) athome.

Debbie (Souter) `75and Geoff Bokan `73(Rio Rancho, NM) areenjoying life’s chal-lenges and are stay-ing young keepingup with 2 grandsonsand their families.

Mona Brinkley `75(Lamar, CO) says,“Yes! I’m retired!”

Cathie Graeser `76(Pueblo, CO) retiredfrom Pueblo SchoolDistrict 60 and nowteaches developmen-tal reading as an ad-junct instructor atPueblo CommunityCollege. She is also alicensed Brain Gym®instructor/consul-tant.

Kenneth Martinez `76 (Española, NM) retiredin 2006 after teaching for 31 years. He was thehead coach of basketball, track, cross-coun-try, baseball, and football in Los Alamos, NM.His basketball teamtook state in 2000.He is married to Mar-ian Martinez, whoteaches PE. His son,Kenny, is a personaltrainer. Now he is theH.S. principal/assis-tant superintendentat McCurdy H.S.

Vernon Akes `77 (Al-buquerque, NM) is anengineer with GE Air-craft Engines. Hemarried his wife,Chrissy, in December,

2007. He says he is still bike riding, thanks toDr. Joe Vigil.

Debra Smith `78(Green Valley, AZ)taught 6th grade inmiddle school for 25years and retired in2004 after 29 yearsof teaching. Her hus-band, Dick, retired in2000 after sellingtheir real estate business. They have 1 daugh-ter and 2 grandchildren living in Atlanta, GA.She has been a member of PEO for 10 yearsand has been the chapter historian for 5years, putting her scrapbooking skills to work.

Jewel (Krier) Geiger`79 (Walsenburg, CO)is a retired musicteacher and churchmusician.

1980sMark Beranek `80 (Colorado Springs, CO) wasinducted into the CHSSA Hall of Fame onMarch 28. He was state basketball 4A champi-onship coach at Sierra H.S., Colorado Springs.

Claire H. Averett `82(Heber City, UT) wasappointed vice presi-dent of corporatehuman resources forthe Deseret Manage-ment Corp. She hasoverall responsibilityfor human resourcesstrategy and functions at DMC and its sevenwholly owned subsidiaries. She has morethan 25 years of experience in human re-sources. She received a bachelor's degreefrom Brigham Young University and her mas-ter's from Adams State. She has worked inhuman resources for Community Nursing Serv-ices in Salt Lake City, WordPerfect Corp. inOrem, Novell Inc. in Provo, Nu Skin Enter-prises Inc. in Provo, and IntermountainHealthcare in Park City.

Sheryl Farley `82, `85 (Corrales, NM) loves re-tirement! She volun-teers in hergrandson’s class-room, gives pianolessons to her daugh-ter and granddaugh-ters, and travels.

Susanna Johnston `83, `87 (Del Norte, CO)was named one of the Del Norte Schools 2009Teachers of the Year. She has taught there for26 years and excitedly attributes her successas a teacher to the team she works with.

Mary Ann Vigil `83,`95 (Walsenburg,CO) taught 6th gradeat the middle schoolin Walsenburg, fromwhich she retired in2000. She keepsbusy babysitting her 2youngest grandkids.

Callie Cochran-Hager `84, `91 (New London,WI) attended the New London Education Asso-ciation’s 2nd annual Higher Education Day.Surrounded by colleagues who attended vari-ous Wisconsin colleges, Callie wears herAdams State jacketproudly. She hasbeen on staff at NewLondon High Schoolfor the past eightyears teaching a vari-ety of English/lan-guage arts courses.

Pat Sandoval `87, `01 (Brighton, CO) wasnamed head coach of the Brighton Bulldogs’football program. Pat is a Brighton native. Hewas a three-year letter-winner in football,

wrestling, and base-ball while in highschool and runner-up in the statewrestling tourna-ment. On scholar-ship at ASC, he wasa four-year starter onthe football teamand an all-confer-

ence quarterback as a senior. He has beenwith the 27J School District since 1995, withthe exception of two, one-year sabbaticals. Hetaught at Vikan Middle School as well as atBrighton High School. His coaching careerstarted at Alamosa High School in 1985. Hecame to Brighton for his first stop in 1986 andstayed for four years. He went to Denver Westfor four years, spent one year coaching atAdams City and one more year coaching atAdams State. His wife, Joni ‘86, is still main-taining the family household with kids Jas-mine, 18; Jenna, 16;and Josh, 12.

Julia Fluke `89(Pueblo, CO) recentlyretired after workingin mental health inLamar, Cañon City,and Payson, AZ.


Deanna Nava `89(Santa Fe, NM) hasworked for the City ofSanta Fe Police De-partment since 1991.After 14 years as apatrol officer, she is now a detective assignedto the criminal investigations division.

1990sLeigh (Hathaway) Fernandez `90 (Santa Fe,NM) is a child development specialist and ad-junct faculty in early childhood education atthe Santa Fe Com-munity College.She’s been marriedfor 16 years to a won-derful man, and theyhave 2 beautifuldaughters, ages 10years and 19months.

Brenda (Trujillo) Hernandez `90 (Pueblo, CO)and her family are doing well. Her son, Dalton,will start 8th grade in the fall, and her daugh-ter, Briana, will start5th. She is in herthird year at CB In-surance in ColoradoSprings as an ac-count manager. Sheenjoys her job andthe people withwhom she works.

Ann Kochenberger `90 (Denver, CO) has re-cently published a book, Out of Focus…Again:A Journey From Depression to RecoveryThrough Courage, Love and Commitment. Thebook chronicles her years of desperation as ayoung wife and mother of two small childrenwho found herself in the black abyss of de-pression. She shares her story and her strate-gies in the hopes that others who findthemselves in the grips of this debilitating ill-ness will not only be able to recover, but to re-capture the best part of themselves and live afulfilling life. Ann retired from teaching in2002; her husband, Gary, is a professor at theUniversity of Colorado, Denver Campus. She isa freelance writer and enjoys traveling andtime with their five grandchildren.

Rita Vigil `90 (SantaFe, NM) has beenteaching at a privateChristian school forthe past 8 years. Sheis still running andcompeting in a fewraces. She is married

to Tim Vigil and they have 2 children: Bethany,17; and Timmy, 12.

Jane Clodfelter `91 (Cañon City, CO) swamwith the whale sharks in Honduras. She isbusy constructing trails for the BLM.

Kenny DeLeon `91 (Rocky Ford, CO) has 4grandchildren and one on the way.

Christian DeVries`91, `93 (Alexandria, MN)completed his 11th year coaching soccer atUniversity of Minnesota, Morris. He has beenthe men's coach for the last 3 years; theCougars won the UMAC Championship in2007 & 2008. He was named Coach of theYear in the UMAC after finishing 18-4. He andhis wife, Deb, have three kids: Mikaela, 10;Brynn, 4; and Macen, 20 months.

Robert Krakow `91(Pueblo, CO) is a net-work administrator atCSU-Pueblo. He ismarried to DanaKrakow `08, andthey have 4 boys.Dana works for theColorado Dept. of Corrections, where she pro-vides mental health services to inmates,specifically working with the sex offendertreatment and monitoring program.

Shelly Andrews `92 (Cheyenne, WY) is thenew vice president for financial affairs at East-ern Wyoming College (EWC). She made themove from her position as budget and financedirector for the Wyoming Community CollegeCommission in Cheyenne. She was also abudget analyst for the state of Wyoming. Sheearned an MBA from Colorado State University(CSU) in Fort Collins and is now enrolled in adoctoral program in community college lead-ership at CSU. She previously served as vicepresident of finance, enrollment management,and advancement at ASC.

Melanie (Patten) Fritzsche `92 (Albuquerque,NM) received the Business Award for 2008from Celebration ofExcellent Women.The award is given toa woman businessowner who has madea difference in thecommunity and is arole model foryounger girls.

Jennifer Schurman`95 (Rio Rancho, NM)was a New Mexicostate police officerfrom 2000-2007 andis now a recruitingassociate with Wad-dell & Reed.

Eddie Atencio `96 (Del Norte, CO) was namedone of the Del Norte Schools 2009 Teachers ofthe Year. He is in his 13th year of teachingfourth grade. He graduated from Del NorteSchools in 1975. Eddie “loves” spending hisday with students. “There is no better job inthe world than to guide the learning of chil-dren.”

Tara Kane `96(Cañon City, CO) re-cently retired as theexecutive director ofthe Family CrisisServices, Inc., aftersix years. Tara movedto Cañon City specifi-cally to take on theposition of executive director of FSCI afterworking as the assistant director of Tu Casa inAlamosa, a domestic violence and rape crisiscenter, serving six counties in the San LuisValley. Tara has 4 children between the agesof 4 and 16 and is not quite sure where shewill start with her newfound freedom.

Jody Rutter `96 hasbeen an accountantfor non-profit for 4 ½years. She has livedin Tucson for almost10 years. She has 2kids: Tim, 12; andShelby, 10.

Linde Gardner `97(Alamosa, CO) is aCPA for Wall, Smith,Bateman and Associ-ates. She has 2 sons:Gradie, 5; and Adlai,3 months. Her hus-band, Jarred, is asso-ciated with GardnerExcavating.

Dean Hill `98, principal at Aztec High School,will take over Bayfield schools beginning July1. Dean has worked at Aztec High School since2002, where he also served as dean of stu-dents and then assistant principal. He was ateacher at Aztec High from 1992 to 2000. Hillalso taught at San Juan College in Farmington,and from 2000-2002 at New Life Academy inDurango.

Mike Schadwinkel `98, `99 (Grand Island, NE)coached the Grand Island wrestling team towin the Class A (Nebraska’s largest) statechampionship. The Islanders scored morepoints than any other Class A team ever has atthe state tourney.

Russell `99 and Lisa Romsos Marriott `00(Kansas City, MO) welcomed their third child,

Noah David, on July 31, 2008. Soon afterNoah's birth, Russell accepted a new job inKansas City, MO, as director of admissionsand recruiting at Midwestern Baptist Theologi-cal Seminary.

Yvonne Norman `99 (Windsor, CO) is semi-re-tired and recovering from cancer of the heart.She writes: “I have fond memories of classesand people at ASC. Adams State is a wonder-ful college.”

2000sAmy Dye `00,(Pueblo, CO), after abrief time in thenewspaper business,fell into substituteteaching due to sug-gestions from themany educators inher family. She nowworks in Pueblo retail.

Stephanie Rogers`00 (Casa Grande,AZ) graduated fromthe Border Patrolacademy in Novem-ber 2006 and is nowa U.S. Border Patrolagent. Previously,she worked atCarnegie Mellon Uni-versity as a paralegal, doing research for com-puter security issues.

Kelcey Kloosterman Skinner `00 (Gilbert, AZ)has relocated to AZ and loves the palm trees!She works for a mort-gage company. Sheis very busy raisingher 2 children, ages4 and 2, in additionto working full time.She and her hus-band enjoy travelingand visiting variousamusement parkswith the kids.

Eric `02 and Nicole`02 Greene (Aurora,CO) welcomed ArielMadison Greene onMay 6. She weighed5 lbs., 14 oz.

Cassandra Oringdulph `03 (Greeley, CO) wasawarded the Dean's citation for outstandingthesis and completed her master’s in history

in May at the University of Northern Coloradoin Greeley. She and her husband, Shane Or-ingdulph ‘04, have 2 daughters, Kennedy andLincoln.

Kayla Bay `04 (La Junta, CO) has taught 4years at La Junta middle school. This year itwas designated a “Trailblazer School toWatch” by the National Middle School Associ-ation—only 8 schools in Colorado and 198 inthe country qualified. Her team traveled toD.C. in June for the big award presentation.She says, “Thanks, Adams State, for the edu-cation that keeps opening doors for me!”

Jeri Haley `04, `06 (Phoenix, AZ) writes: “I ama leasing consultant for Mark-Taylor Residen-tial in Phoenix, Arizona. I am greatly enjoyingmy job and the people I work with. I am look-ing at going back and obtaining my master'sin education.”

Dustin Richardson `05 (Tucson, AZ) is the as-sistant to the Bariatric Program Coordinatorfor Carondelet Surgical Weight Loss with theCarondelet HealthNetwork. He is work-ing on his MA in pub-lic administrationand policy analysisand plans to gradu-ate in December2010. He lives withhis partner, Jared,and their cat, Hank.

Brian Vasquez`05, `06 (Fountain, CO) isteaching at Mesa Ridge High School in Col-orado Springs. He is the proud husband ofCherie Lynn and father of Tyler James.

Natasha Imadiyi `06(Mesa, AZ) works forthe Phoenix PoliceDepartment CrimeLab in the toxicologysection, where sheanalyzes body fluids,mostly from DUI driv-ers. She has a beau-tiful 2-year-olddaughter, Jaidyn.

Larisa (Ott) Oringdulph `06, `08 (Pueblo, CO)writes: “Life is good in the life of an Oring-dulph. My wonderful husband and I have 2wonderful children, Barrett and Lily. We wonthe children lottery 2times in a row! Wehave amazing jobs inPueblo, CO, but wemiss Alamosa and thewonderful people ofthe San Luis Valley.Go Adams State!”

Amber Stibbard `06(Rio Rancho, NM) islooking forward tosummer. She isgoing to go to base-ball games with her3-year-old daughter,Crimzon. She is a staff accountant II withHeads Up Landscape Contractors, Inc., andsays work is great.

Eric McCracken `08 (Gallina, NM) teaches 6thgrade in Cuba, NM. His wife, Beth `05, teachesEnglish & SPED at Coronado High/Mid school.Their baby, Jack Hendrix Anastacio McCracken,was born on March 13. Jack has a half-sister inAustin, TX.

friendsJeff Geiser, former ASC football coach andathletic director, is the new Eastern New Mex-ico University athletic director. He will teachphysical education and raise funds for theathletic department. Jeff has a doctorate insports administration from the University ofNew Mexico. He played football for the Univer-sity of Colorado-Boulder. After leaving AdamsState, Jeff was a sales representative forGilman Gear Sporting Goods. He said hemissed the vitality and enthusiasm of a cam-pus. Coach Geiser grew up in La Veta, Colo.,where he met his wife, Nancy, in first grade.The couple has two children, 23-year-oldBrody and 18-year-old Caitlin.


alumnotes

september16 Grand Junction17 Durango22 Cañon City26 San Francisco

october2-3 Homecoming at ASC

Full schedule on page 30.

december3 ASC Retirees Christmas Dinner

tbd ASC Theatre Production:Alice in Wonderland

watch your mail for more details.

Save the Date.alumni event

calendar

phoenix-area alumni enjoyed theride and the visit Feb. 18. Front L-R: Rudy Basovsky,

Ross & Margi Smith, Priscilla Gibson, Yvonne Moulton, Lori Laske,Mary Jane Gibson, Dan Moulton, Natasha Imadiyi, Dr. Dave Svaldi. Back L-R:

Stephanie Rogers, Judy Martin, Kelcey Skinner, Jim Biundo, Sherrie Maule, Jim Work-man, Sara Graf, Sharon Basovsky, Velma Workman, Brent Williams.


albuquerque-area alumni met Feb. 17for dinner. Front L-R: Melanie Fritzsche, Otto Stangl, LoriLaske, Sheryl Farley, Jytte Poulson, Maria and Zia Mar-tinez. Back L-R: Wayne Farley, Geoff Bokan, Vern Akes,Debbie Bokan, Chrissy Akes, Cliff Miller, Donald Poul-son, Tom Jones, Roger Ginsberg, JoanneJones, Jennifer Schurman.


scrapbook

los alamos alumnireunited at the Blue Window Bistro April29. Front L-R: Wendy Hoffman, Larry Jeffryes, GordonHoffman. Middle L-R: Lori Laske, Lee Ann & Colby Hol-land, Shirley Jeffryes, Sylvia Williams, Lou Anna & KevinHauck. Back L-R: Jennifer Reglien, Nita & John Taylor, SueCarpenter, Emily & Matt Schmidt and daughter.

lamar-areaalumni enjoyed breakfast

together April 25. L-R: Lori Laske,George & Carol Demas, Ken & KathrynAnderson, Mona Brinkley.

walsenburg alumni had dinner to-gether April 25. Front L-R: George Glumac, BerthaRagsdale, Jewel Geiger, Bill Crump. Back L-R: Maryann Vigil,Jim & Betty Mullings, Ione Glumac, Lori Laske.

la junta-area alumni had lunch to-gether April 25. Front L-R: Lori Laske,Jake Martinez, Kayla Bay, MariaWesolowski, and Rosa DeLeon. Back L-R:Denise & Mike Dutton, Teri Erickson,Doug Bay, Scott Wesolowski, KenDeLeon.


phoenix-area alumni met for a sec-ond get-together Feb. 20. Front L-R:Priscilla Gibson, Roger Trotter, MaryJane Gibson, Gertha Mountfort, BettyYoung, Evelyn Hetmanek. Back L-R:Lori Laske, Margaret & MichaelSloan, Pat & John Fitch, Sharon &Rudy Basovsky.

asc association of retireesturned out in full color for their Valentine’s luncheon. Front L-R: Merle

Orr, Betty Cotton, Kathy Clark, Erin Smith, Berda Helms, Dorothy Romero, Bertha Trujillo. Back L-R:Gaylene Horning, Cole & Sue Foster, Verna & Ken Felmlee, Beverly & Carroll Worm, Hobey & Ruth Dixon, Arlene Ruark, Don Her-manson, Harry & Fran Hull, Ron Loser, Carole Hermanson, Jeanne Reed, Marian Seegrist, Marv Motz, Marilyn Loser, Mary Motz,Don Stegman, Rich Scanga, Joe Kolupke, Jeni Jack, Boogie Romero, Lori Laske.

santa fe alumni enjoyedgood food at Olive GardenApril 28. L-R: Larry Martinez,Lori Laske, Nikki Martinez,Ron Porterfield, DeannaNava, Joey & Leigh Fernan-dez, Virginia Vigil, AmberStibbard, Rita Vigil, Kevin& Lou Anna Hauck, LoriLopez, Ken Martinez.

scrapbook

a large group ofpueblo-area alumni experiencedgreat pizza and company at Angelo’s down onPueblo’s river walk, April 24.

tucson-area alumni social-ized Feb. 19. L-R: Dorothy Au-gust & Mark Duke, SharonBaker, Jodi & Shelby Rutter,Debbie & Dick Smith, Caroline& Joe Vigil, Dustin Richardson,Dennis & Linda Nash, Shela &Dick Seals, Ellen & Wayne Evans,Lori Laske, Dr. Dave Svaldi.

orange county alumni gatheredat Mimi’s on April 25. From L-R:Roger Whalen, Lindsay Whalen,Harold Montoya, John & LorraineColeman, Jennifer Duran, Debra &William Hinz, Frank Wilson, AugustaYoungblood, Eunice Gould, AlexSchneider.


Div. I Champ to coach ASC swimmingFormer 8-time NCAA Division I All-American and 9-time

Big 12 Conference Champion Rebecca Sturdy is ASC’s firstwomen’s swimming coach. She will also serve as assistantsports information director.Women’s swimming is one of thefive new sports programs now forming; men’s swimming will beadded in 2010-11.

“Rebecca is dedicated to building our newwomen's swimming program. The communitywill be amazed what she will be able to do toimprove the aquatic programs in the valley. Tohave a multiple-time all-American running ourprograms is an exciting first,” said Athletic Di-rector Larry Mortensen.Sturdy helped the Texas A&M University

Aggies to their first team conference title as asenior in 2007. She also shined academically, earning FirstTeam Academic All-Big 12 and Texas A&M/Verizon AthleticScholar Awards.

Softball wins second RMAC West titleThe Grizzly softball team won a second straight RMAC

West Division Title. Coach Dervin Taylor and his experiencedsquad went 22-17, while achieving the program’s first NCAADivision II regional ranking.Seniors Courtney Davis, Shannon Galanek, and Denee

Johnson all earned All-RMAC and All-Central Regional hon-ors during the campaign. Galanek also earned First Team Aca-demic All-RMAC and Third Team ESPN The MagazineAcademic All-District honors for her work in the classroom.


Kelly Meek ‘71, ‘78Craig Mortensen ‘76

The captions identifying CraigMortensen ‘76 and Kelly Meek‘71, ‘78 were reversed in thespring A-Stater. We apologize forany confusion or inconvenience.

get latest results & statswww.ascgrizzlies.com

Cross Country men’sPat Porter (All-Time Top Runner)Phillip CastilloDan CaulfieldPeter de la CerdaShane HealyRobbie HipwoodSam MontoyaRick RobirdsCeledonio RodriguezDr. Joe I. Vigil (Coach)

women’s Kim (Bugg) JacksonAmy GiblinMary (Jaqua) MontoyaJanelle OlsonDenise SummersAmber (Klein) BlackhurstDamon Martin (Coach)

FootballDon CockroftAdam McGurkBobby SaizScott Wiedeman

Basketballmen’sLonnie Porter

women’s Debra GilbertDominique Skeehan

Track & Field men’sAaron BraunFrank GrossMartin JohnsShane HealyNick LaraDan MaasMaurice Smith

women’sLori (Risenhoover) Coppa (All-Time Top Athlete)

Amy GiblinZoila GomezJulie JenkinsTiaNiecia Mosley ButlerSarah (Parkey) MeyerDamon Martin (Coach)

Wrestling Chuck JeanHerbert Stanley

Men’s Swimming &Diving Kim Cummings (All-Time Top Athlete)

Softball Heather EbertAmy Tjaarda

RMAC Centennial honors 43 from ASCPast and present Adams State College student-athletes and coaches earned a total of 43 spots

on the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference’s various all-time teams, 12 more than any othercurrent or past RMAC member institution. Recognized July 11 in Colorado Springs as part ofthe RMAC’s Centennial Celebration, the teams are comprised of the most elite athletes andcoaches in each of the RMAC’s 19 sports from throughout its history. (See box at right.)A total of 90 athletes and 9 coaches were chosen for All Time Teams in 9 women’s sports,

and 114 athletes and 10 coaches were selected for All Time Teams in 10 men’s sports. ASC’slong tradition of athletic accomplishments include 47 team national championships, the 1998-99 Sears Directors’ Cup, and more than 1,400 All-America honors. ASC joined the league in1956.

the first grizzly women’s golfer to ever qualify forNCAA championship competition was senior Jenny Ives. Shealso became the first Grizzly to win a tournament. She set aschool record for single-season scoring average (84.5) and ledthe team, coached by Jay Meyer, to another team scoringschool record. Ives also earned First Team Academic All-RMAChonors.

Correction

Four Grizzly men won individual titles at the NCAA Divi-sion II Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field Championships thisspring. Aaron Braun won the indoor title in the mile, whileMatt Gersick was victorious in the indoor shot put. Duringthe outdoor season, Josh Streeter won the 400-meter hurdles,while Reuben Chebon-Mwei took the 3,000-meter steeple-chase.The men’s team took second at the indoor championships,

third during the outdoor season, and won RMAC titles dur-ing both seasons. The Grizzly women, led by Central Re-gional Track Athlete of the Year Michele Williams, also wonRMAC Indoor and Outdoor titles.

Grizzly Coach Damon Martin was named the NCAA Divi-sion II Coach of the Year, his 25th such award.The Grizzlies will host both the 2010 and 2011 NCAA Di-

vision II Indoor Track & Field Championships in Albu-querque, N.M.


sport scenes

grizzly fans are welcomedinto Plachy Hall’s new, south-facing entry, above, by PrairieStream (left), a sculpture by well-know local artists Charles Ewing, Dave Montgomery, and Kristian Gosar. Thebuilding’s recent $12 million remodeling and expansion included a new lobbyand gym entrance (above right), weight room, training room, visiting teamlocker rooms, restrooms, offices, and the Joe I. Vigil Hall of Fame Room. About200 Grizzly supporters helped celebrate the building’s grand opening, May 30.

asc cross country & track & field led the nation forthe second straight year in total Academic All-American selec-tions from all NCAA Division II, III, and NAIA institutions fromaround the country.

Aaron Braun (right) was among those leading the Grizzlies inathletic and academic achievement. He was one of five Grizzlycross country/track & field athletes to earn Academic All-Amer-ica honors. The others were Matt Gersick, Josh Streeter,Heather Wood, and Lavenna Mullenbach.

Braun, a 4-time National Champion and 11-time All-American,graduated with a degree in mathematics and earned a 3.77GPA. He stacked up several top awards in his senior year:

• First ASC student athlete named the ESPN TheMagazine/CoSIDA Academic Athlete of the Year

• NCAA Division II Track Athlete of the Year for both indoor andoutdoor seasons

Awards abound for track & field athletes

ADAMS STATE COLLEGEC O L O R A D OC O L O R A D O

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RECYCLED SOUND

Sophomore PaulKobe received theJudge’s Award inthe Earth WeekTalent Show. He performed anoriginal composi-tion on an originaldrum set made ofreused materials.Other performancesincluded music,dance, poetry, juggling, and video.

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