Adams State University A-Stater Summer 2014

the magazine of adams state university summer 2014AAStater

Crack up withthe Lost & Found

I have announced my plans to re-tire at the conclusion of the 2015 Ac-ademic Year – why am I retiring?Some of my fondest recollections

are of my childhood. Those were theyears when summer break seemed tostretch out before me beyond thehorizon. The drudgery of returning toschool – just six short blocks downthe street from our house – seemedeons away. I especially looked forwardto having time to read, as it was mypassion and primary occupation, apart from trying to construct a go-kart withoutany good parts (no wheels, especially) and playing sand lot baseball with myfriends. The library was only four blocks away – about five minutes on my trustySchwinn – and there were shelves and shelves of books to read. I could usuallychoose to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it – at least, as long as mymom agreed. I was good kid, so she usually did.It is this freedom that I have increasingly missed as my career in higher educa-

tion has entered the latter half of my fifth decade as a student, graduate student,faculty member, or administrator. I entered college in the fall of 1966 and havenever really left! Forty-eight years is a long time to work in the same “industry.”For the last 17 years, my calendar has driven my life, professional and personal,and a small but gradually louder voice has insistently tapped my shoulder andsaid: “When you retire you can do what you want to do when you want to do it,and you won’t even have to ask mom!”So for those who keep asking, ‘Why are you retiring?’ – now you know. I am

also of a certain age proven by a cardboard ID card I received from the govern-ment which certifies that I am no longer middle aged, but now entering a twi-light that presages old age. But the great thing for me is that there are still shelves and shelves of books to

read, and most now exist in an electronic format that I can actually enlarge; onmy I-Pad they are even backlit! Few of my friends are around to play sandlot ballwith; anyway the game would just take too long, as we would have to hobblefrom base to base. But I do have a nearly new set of golf clubs that Virginia gaveme for Father’s Day a year or two ago, and I am also looking for, not a go-kart,but a big truck to drive toward the horizon as I head to retirement to do thethings I want to do when I want to do them (if Virginia says it is OK).

AAPRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY

Dr. David Svaldi

BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITYArnold Salazar ’76 Chair Tim Walters ’73 Vice Chair

Paul Farley • Mary Griffin • Liane “Buffie” McFadyen ’91, ’93 Kathleen Rogers • LeRoy Salazar • Val Vigil ’71 • Randy Wright ‘84

Dr. Rob Benson Faculty Trustee

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARDLori Lee Laske ’91, ’01

Executive Director of Alumni & Donor RelationsKasey Russell ’03 President

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

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

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

ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION BOARDDuane Bussey ’82 President

Dr. John McDaniel Vice PresidentJeni Jack Goodwin ’85 SecretaryRon Howard ’98 Treasurer

Russell Achatz ’85 • Tim Bachicha ’92 • Greg Bervig ’81Keith Cerny • Genevieve Cooper • Bill Fassett • Valerie Finnegan

Dale Hettinger ’64 • Charles “Chuck” Houser ’62 • Randy Jackson ’98Philip Lopez ’04 • Dorothy Lucero ’61 • Cathy Mullens ‘82Chuck Owsley ’68 • Michelle Roepke • Rich Scanga ’75

Ray Skeff • Izora Southway ’66 • Donn Vigil

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

FOUNDATION EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERSSharon Carter • Richard Jacobs • Harold Kelloff

J. Byron Uhrich • R. Paul Wagner

FOUNDATION EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSDr. David Svaldi ASU President

Tammy Lopez ’91, ’00 Executive Director of the FoundationKathleen Rogers Trustee Liaison

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

Dennis Ortiz ’79 • Steve Valdez ’87

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

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

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

value quality education and inclusivity.

EDITOR & DESIGNERJulie Waechter

ASSOCIATE EDITORLinda Relyea ’96, ’10

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERSASU Sports Information • Dianne Lee

Gaylene Horning ’94 • Kellicia Morse ’14 • Jenna NeilsenDana Provence • Nik Schmidt • James Trujillo ‘02 • Kyle Terwillegar

president’s letter:

why retire? freedom & fun

the coverThe Theatre Department’s improv comedy troupe, The Lost & Found, is branchingout and taking chances, all in the name of fun. Read more on page 20.

David Svaldi

StaterVOL. 54, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2014

Published by Adams State University

adams state university • alamosa, co 81101 719.587.7011 • 800.824.6494

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

www.adams.edu/alumni/astater/

cover story

contents

Fishing for laughs 20

alumni eventsSEPTEMBER

6 New Grads - DenverWatch your email for details

OCTOBER10-11 Homecoming - ASU

NOVEMBER 1 Colorado Springs 1 Pueblo 2 Denver

DECEMBER 1 Retirees’ Christmas Dinner 7 SLV Theatre Matinee

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

adamsalumni•

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

Stay up to date on events, sports, and newsfrom Adams State University:

www.adams.edu/news

update Adams State honors largest graduating class 4Campus transformation continues 6The search is on for next ASU prez 7Federal grant funds College Assistance Migrant Program 7Humanities M.A. launches emphasis in cultural resource mgt. 7New science facilities & equipment provided by Title V STEM grant 8Judge Lucero authors historic decision 9

featuresEmeritus Faculty: 8

Dr. Margery Herrington 10Dr. Christine Keitges 11Dr. Teri McCartney ‘87, ‘92 12Dr. David Mazel ‘85, ‘87 13

They came to teach 14What did you learn in college this year? 16First-generation students find their full potential 17Movin’ on up - MBA alumni achieveprofessional advancement & personal fulfillment 18

giving “Stars” event supports scholarships 22Alumni support fuels growth 23

alumnews Homecoming Schedule 24Outstanding Alumnus Dr. John Tooker ‘66 honoredfor leadership in healthcare 26Help Adams State honor its greatest alumni 28Exceptional New Alumnus serves others through medicine 29Third Hall of Fame honors educators 30

alumnotes 32alumni scrapbook 38sports scenes

Grizzlies spring season 44Scenes: Outdoor Track & Field Nationals 44Athletic Hall of Fame 45Grizzlies place 8th in Learfield Sports Directors Cup 45RMAC Hall of Fame inducts ASU runners 46SLV Health honors ASU Athletics for service 47

During the first phase of Richard-son Hall renovation, the offices ofAlumni Relations and the ASUFoundation are now located on thefirst floor of Porter Hall.

adams state’s largestgraduating class ever – 333undergraduates – was honored atSpring Commencement 2014.Read more on page 4.

“Adams State’s largest graduating class – this is just amaz-ing to me,” said Arnold Salazar ‘76, chair of the Board ofTrustees for Adams State. “It was made possible by many peo-ple who have put their faith in Adams State: parents, friends,and many others who have sacrificed to make this day possi-ble for our students.” The morning ceremony feted undergraduates, then an af-

ternoon event awarded 275 master’s degrees. When AdamsState President David Svaldi asked all undergraduates tostand who were the first in their families to earn a college de-gree, nearly half of the graduates present did so.In addition to the graduates, Adams State honored four

emeritus faculty upon their retirement from the university:Dr. Marjorie Herrington, biology; Dr. Christine Keitges,music; Dr. David Mazel ‘85, ‘87, English; and Dr. Teri Mc-Cartney ‘87, ‘92, counselor education (see stories pg. 10-13).Alumna Cathy Mullens ‘82, who was the first woman to

be elected a district attorney in Colorado, gave the under-graduate commencement address, “Great Stories: Right Here,Right Now.”

The day’s festive atmosphere was punctuated by a bitter-sweet moment, when Adam C. Williams was awarded aposthumous bachelor of science degree in earth sciences -

4 � aStater summer 2014

Maybe it was the power of Adams State University’s largest graduatingclass ever – 333 – that calmed the San Luis Valley’s notorious spring windsthe morning of May 10. At any rate, commencement morning dawned warm,under blue skies.

Adams State honors largest graduating class

Mother-son pair keeps Adams State in the familyAttending Adams State University is a family tradition for many. Dyan Anderson and her

son, Gavin Davis, are one inter-generational pair who “walked” at Spring Commencement,May 10. It seems to run in the family: Anderson’s husband, Hoyt, shared his graduation in1997 with his mother, Lorraine Westbrook.Anderson completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Adams State’s online pro-

gram, while Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis inmarketing. When his mother went back to school, Davis was able to help her with technologyand procedures. “It was a role reversal,” he said.Anderson has three additional children at home and continued working full-time for

Valley-wide Health Systems’ nurse-family partnership while earning her BSN. An associate’sdegree registered nurse since 1998, she’s held this position for 12 years, making home visits tofirst-time mothers-to-be. “I see changes in myself as a result of my BSN,” Anderson said. “I’m taking on more re-

sponsibility and leadership roles.” She represents Valley-wide on the Nurse Practice Counciland hopes to eventually become a nurse practitioner.Davis has already moved into management with the family business, La Jara Trading Post,

at which he has worked in various capacities since age 12. He transferred to Adams State aftertwo years at a larger university. He said he didn’t mind taking general education courses with350 classmates, but, “It’s been really nice to have my major courses in business be in a smaller,more interactive environment.”

Gavin Davis and hismother, DyanAnderson, both Class of2014.

Hanna Hays ‘14 addresses her fellow graduates.

Adams State honors largest graduating classphysical geography. A senior, Williams passed away late in thesemester, having just been elected AS&F’s Vice President forExternal Affairs and Student Trustee for the coming academicyear. Current Student Trustee Benjamin Evans accepted thediploma and presented it to Williams’ parents, John andPeggy Williams, who had traveled from Pennsylvania for theceremony.

“we are being awakened”The message on behalf of the Class of 2014 was given by

Hanna Hays, who graduated magna cum laude with a degreein English and secondary education. Reflecting on her recentstudent teaching experience in Center Middle School, shenoted her students had one thing in common: “They aretired. I’m sure you can relate. That is the biggest reason thatfreshman year in college becomes the year of sleep. . . Wakeme up when it’s all over, when I’m wiser and older. Fouryears? That’s a lifetime. Now is the end of our time as under-graduates, and we’re being awakened.”She then quoted from Dylan Thomas’ “Do not go gentle

into that good night,” and told her fellow graduates: “Youcan’t sleep your way through life. . . Take your well-restedmind and knowledge, and shout it to the world. ... Then, ifyou have time, take a nap.”

let the great stories beginCommencement speaker Mullens expanded on that theme

as she told of her own “Great Story.”“It is particularly gratifying to be here today. When I

crossed this stage to receive my degree 32 years ago, I did notsee this coming.” She recalled accomplishments that causedher to think: “It doesn’t get any better than this.”“When I first set foot on this campus, I was 31 years old,

had two small children, and didn’t know if I was college ma-terial. My folks worked in a coal mining camp in West Vir-ginia. No one had ever gone to college, let alone graduateschool. But I knew I wanted to go to law school and becomea prosecutor.”She remembers “weaseling” her way into a 300-level course

taught by Carlos Lucero ‘61, who later became the first His-panic appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the TenthCircuit. (See story page 9.)“I got A’s and thought, ‘Maybe I can do this.’ My profes-

sors acted like I could. They didn’t coddle me, didn’t give mespecial treatment. What they did was take me seriously. . .They treated my plans and my dreams as if they expectedthem to come to fruition. Of course I would go to lawschool.”As a new attorney, having earned her J.D. from Campbell

University, Mullens successfully argued a case before the Col-orado Supreme Court that changed law. Then, just ten years

after graduating college, she was elected District Attorney forthe Twelfth Judicial District (the San Luis Valley). “I was so thrilled. I had a job I absolutely loved and the

honor of walking into courtrooms and helping the people ofColorado.” She quoted from Mary Oliver’s “When Death Comes,”

saying, “The greatest affirmation of life I’ve ever found is,ironically, a poem about death.”

When it’s over, I don’t want to wonderif I have made of my life something particular, and real.I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightenedor full of argument.

I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.

“Live your life. Don’t just visit,” Mullens told the gradu-ates. “You’ve spent four years to earn a degree . . . you havecreated a foundation. You have begun your story. It’s yourstory, and the way it works out in large measure is up to you.“Professors here taught me how to think critically, to ana-

lyze a problem, to present a cogent argument, and to standup in front of people and talk. Because Adams State Univer-sity is an inclusive, rather than exclusive school, I was givenan opportunity to pursue my dreams. To live, not just visit.My great story began here. Yours does, too. Right here, rightnow.”

By Julie Waechter

5aStater update

Cathy Mullens ‘82 shared her experiences as a non-traditionalstudent and her subsequent successes.

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The undergraduate commencement ceremony may beviewed at adams.edu/a/23. The graduate ceremony is atadams.edu/a/24.

On the occasion of its 90th birthday next year, RichardsonHall will be reborn.

Construction crews began a $16.9 million remodel of theoldest campus building in March, beginning with the southand central wings. Phase I should be completed in October;Phase II (north wing) will begin at that point, with projectedcompletion next spring.Richardson Hall’s central wing was constructed in 1925

and originally housed all of the college's classrooms, offices,library, and auditorium."Richardson Hall is considered the heart and soul of our

campus, and it is imperative we maintain and restore its his-toric character. Richardson Hall will continue to proudly bearthe inscription, 'Adams State Normal School,’" said Bill Man-sheim, vice president for Finance & Governmental Relations. The main objectives of the project are to replace electrical,

plumbing, and heating/cooling systems to achieve energy andresource efficiencies, and to improve the building's accessibil-ity in accordance with ADA regulations (Americans with Dis-abilities Act.) The project will reconfigure office space andupdate the interior, resulting in more usable square footage.

The project isfunded throughstate capital con-struction funding,as will be an up-coming renova-tion of the PlachyHall pool.This $900,000

project will re-place the pool’s

sporadically functioning filtration and chemical distributionsystem, install a new pool liner, and replace the tile floordecking around the pool. Mansheim said the first step is to complete design and en-

gineering; the work may be done in the summer of 2015.

a new, more accessible climbing terrain welcomes students tothe Rex Activity Center this fall. The wall has 15 stations and offers bouldering, leadclimbing, adaptable terrains, dihedrals and arêtes for technique training, and a rap-pel ledge.

“Adams State has seen an increase in rock climbing with the addition of our ASUClimbing Team. We’re ecstatic about the new wall,” said Elvie Conley ‘13, Rex Activ-ity Center coordinator of recreational facilities. The wall covers 2,080 square feetand reaches 35 feet high.

Curt Howell, asst. director of Adventure Programs and Leadership, said, “We canmaximize wall use and do much more education. This wall can accommodate moreclimbers with more diverse abilities. This is a huge resource not only for our stu-dents, but for the community, as well.”

The $200,000 wall was financed through the student-approved capital constructionfee. The previous wall, installed during the facility’s original renovation in 1995, was1,800 square feet and had 9 stations.

LEFT: Natalie Iwamoto, Mike Cherneski, and Connor Hile of the ASU Climbing Teambreak in the new wall.

Campus transformationcontinues


7

�aStater update

Adams State University launched its search for a new presi-dent July 1, with the release of the position announcement.Current President, Dr. David Svaldi, will retire after ten yearsin the post at the conclusion of the 2014-15 academic year.The Board of Trustees for Adams State University estab-

lished the Presidential Search Committee this past January,charging it with providing a list of semi-finalists to the Boardby the end of the year. The Committee includes faculty; pro-fessional, administrative, and classified staff representatives;students; and community and ASU Foundation leaders. TheTrustees intend to interview finalists for the position duringthe spring of 2015, with the new president assuming officeJuly 1, 2015. The search committee is chaired by Trustee Paul Farley, of

Centennial, Colo. He noted the Board has prioritized four es-

sential qualities for Adams State’s next president:• effective management/administration• academic leadership• political skill• strong fundraising/development skills“We’re looking for a sound strategic vision, an ongoing

commitment to academic excellence, an understanding of theunique mission of the University, and an appreciation of thecultures and traditions of Adams State’s community,” Farleyadded. The Adams State Trustees contracted with Pyramind,

LLC, of Falls Church, Va., to assist in the search. A complete position description and details about Adam State

University are available online at:www.adams.edu/president/search/.

CAMP aims to improve access toand success in higher education forthose whose families perform migrantor seasonal agricultural work, accordingto CAMP Director Pete Gomez ‘77. The program launched July 1, and is

available to qualified students for thecoming fall semester. CAMP partici-pants will receive financial aid andstipends to completely cover tuition,fees, and housing for the first year, ac-cording to Gomez. “We’ve hit the ground running,” he

said. He and CAMP Recruitment &Retention Specialist Miguel Chaparro‘09 have already visited several localesthroughout the state. “The great part about CAMP is it in-

cludes individuals from families that aremigrant and/or seasonal farmworkersthroughout the state, including thosewhose families work seasonally in thepotato warehouses or doing other agri-cultural work in the San Luis Valley andthe eastern and western slopes. I believeit’s going to open a lot of doors.”The CAMP grant supports student

outreach and recruitment, academicand student support services, and finan-cial assistance for students.

According to Eric Carpio, AdamsState assistant vice president for Enroll-ment Management, CAMP will iden-tify eligible students by coordinatingwith Migrant Education Programsthroughout Colorado and the region,Bueno HEP GED programs, highschool counselors and teachers, andother programs and agencies that workwith migrant students.To be eligible for CAMP, students

must be U.S. citizens or permanent res-idents, meet Adams State admission re-

quirements, and meet additional crite-ria. Gomez said the program intends to

enroll 30 first-year CAMP students peryear, for a total of 150 students over thelife of the grant. It also entails providingstaff development regarding the purposeof the CAMP grant for staff and faculty.The program provides scholarships andstipends to assist students with tuition,fees, and room & board, as well as con-tinued financial advising.

The search is on for next ASU prez

Adams State’s M.A. in Humanities intro-duced a new emphasis in Cultural ResourceManagement (CRM). The 30-credit program will be offered in

an online, cohort format, with the first co-hort to begin this fall. The emphasis willserve those working in anthropology, archae-ology, and cultural resource management,such as in museums, parks, and research.ASU’s M.A. in Humanities with an empha-sis in history was launched in 2007.Dr. Richard Goddard, professor of his-

tory & archaeology, explained: “Today, mostarchaeological research and most archaeolog-ical jobs are in the field of CRM. Individuals

with a B.A. in archaeology can begin workas field technicians, but it requires a mini-mum of an M.A. degree to become projectmanagers and to obtain the antiquities per-mits necessary to conduct this work.” Thus, Adams State’s new program pro-

vides advanced education for those alreadyworking in the field, without the necessityof leaving a job and relocating.The cultural resource management em-

phasis entails an 18-credit-hour core, plus12 credits in history, archaeology, and geog-raphy. The six core courses cover technology,theory, applied GIS, and include an intern-ship.

Humanities M.A. launches emphasis in Cultural Resource Mgt.

Federal grant funds College Assistance Migrant ProgramAdams State University was awarded a five-year grant of $2.1 million by the U.S.Department of Education to create a College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP).

With the Zacheis Planetarium celebrating its 50th year inSeptember, Adams State University is expanding its facilitieswith a new observatory. The observatory is funded by a five-year, $3.6 million Hispanic Serving Institutions STEM pro-gram grant, aimed at improving instruction and outreach inscience, technology, engineering, and mathematics.Awarded in 2011, the grant also supported the recent ac-

quisition of an x-ray defractometer (XRD) and a touch-screensystem for the Edward M. Ryan Geological Museum. Dr.Rob Benson, professor of geology and earth sciences, devotedhis spring sabbatical to launching the museum-quality educa-tional touch-screen system. The XRD, valued at $90,000, ishoused in the interdisciplinary STEM lab on Porter Hall’sthird floor.“This is the most exciting piece of equipment we’ve ever

had,” Benson said, adding, “Our students are incredibly ex-cited.” He explained the machine uses x-rays to produce defrac-

tion patterns of various materials to aid in their analysis.With applications in chemistry, geology, art, and other fields,it can be used to create a “fingerprint” of a mineral, helpidentify proteins, and reveal the molecular structure of crys-tal, for example.The new, $120,000 observatory was built this summer on

the north end of campus between the baseball and softballfields and the river. The facility will give students the oppor-tunity to conduct research using astrophotography, spec-troscopy, photometry, supernova observations, astrometry,and lunar and planetary observations.

“We will also continue public viewings and will hostschool or other groups,” said Dr. Robert Astalos, associateprofessor of physics and the director of the planetarium. Headded the new observatory will not replace Zacheis, whichwill still be used for planetarium shows. “Fifty years ago thetrees were much smaller, and the lamp posts were lower anddidn’t obscure the view at the planetarium.” In addition, with13 telescopes, Zacheis is tight on space.The observatory houses three permanently mounted, state-

of-the-art telescopes capable of fascinating student researchprojects. Most of the planetarium’s current telescopes are alsohoused there, and it is the site of all public viewing sessions,in addition to the home of the ASU Astronomy Club.The observatory has a telescope room and a warming, or

control, room. The roof rolls off to the north, exposing thetelescope room to the open sky.


ABOVE, from left: Rob Bond, Porter Hall lab support, and Dr.Rob Benson, professor of geology, demonstrate operation ofthe new x-ray defractometer with science students Tavia Carl-son, Lea Schiola, and Jorge Vidal.

Inset are the resulting deffractograms for quartz (left) andzincite. Each pattern is a distinctive fingerprint of the mineralthat reflects its unique crystal structure.

LEFT: the new observatory with roof withdrawn.

New science equipment and facilitiesprovided by Title V STEM grant

The court immediately stayed (postponed) enforcement ofthe Utah ruling to allow time for any appeal; the state ofUtah then announced it would appeal directly to the U.S.Supreme Court. But the high court is under no obligation tothe take the case, according to the Associated Press, and maywait for rulings from one or more of the five other appellatecourts with gay marriage cases pending. The 10th Circuit Court’s decision upheld a Dec. 2013 rul-

ing by a federal district judge that struck down an amend-ment to the Utah state constitution, passed by voters in 2004,that stipulated marriage as only between a man and woman.Joining Lucero in striking down the ban was Judge Jerome A.Holmes, while Judge Paul J. Kelly Jr. dissented. Lucero’s majority opinion states:

“We hold that the Fourteenth Amendment protects thefundamental right to marry, establish a family, raise chil-dren, and enjoy the full protection of a state’s marital laws.A state may not deny the issuance of a marriage license totwo persons, or refuse to recognize their marriage, basedsolely upon the sex of the persons in the marriage union. . .In summary, we hold that under the Due Process andEqual Protection Clauses of the United States Constitution,those who wish to marry a person of the same sex are enti-tled to exercise the same fundamental right as is recognizedfor persons who wish to marry a person of the opposite sex.”

The 10th Circuit Court has appellate jurisdiction overColorado, Utah, Oklahoma, Kansas, Wyoming, and NewMexico, subject to review only by the United States SupremeCourt. Same-sex marriage was first legalized by Massachusetts in

2004; since then, it has been legalized by 18 additional statesand the District of Columbia.Same-sex marriage bans in several states have been struck

down by federal judges since the Supreme Court’s landmarkruling in June 2013 that the Defense of Marriage Act(DOMA) was unconstitutional. While that ruling extendedto same-sex couples such federal benefits as tax breaks, it didnot specifically address whether gay marriage is a constitu-tional right. The 10th Circuit’s ruling is significant, accordingto the Wall Street Journal, because it is the first time a federalappeals court affirmed same-sex couples have a constitutionalright to marry.

“Consistent with our con-stitutional tradition of recog-nizing the liberty of thosepreviously excluded, we con-clude that plaintiffs possess afundamental right to marryand to have their marriagesrecognized,” the majorityopinion stated, citing nu-merous Supreme Court deci-sions to that effect. The 10thCircuit Court’s ruling alsodrew comparisons to the 1967 Supreme Court decision strik-ing down state laws that banned interracial marriage (Lovingv. Virginia). The majority opinion also quoted the Supreme Court’s

ruling on DOMA, saying the drafters of the Constitution"knew times can blind us to certain truths, and later genera-tions can see that laws once thought necessary and proper infact serve only to oppress."

By Julie Waechter

Editor’s note: Judge Lucero is unable to comment on the court’sdecision while it is under appeal. Due to the time constraints ofA-Stater publication, the case’s status may have changed sinceprinting. The full 10th Circuit Court decision may be viewedonline: https://www.ca10.uscourts.gov/opinions/13/13-4178.pdf.

9aStater updateaStater update

Judge Lucero authors historic opinion

the hon. carlos f. lucero ‘61 was named AdamsState’s Outstanding Alumnus in 1995. He completed his law degree in1964 at George Washington University Law School, which also namedhim a Distinguished Alumnus. Lucero practiced law in Alamosa formany years. He taught pre-law courses at Adams State from 1968-95.He served as president – the first Hispanic in the role – of the

Colorado Bar Association in 1977-78. He is a fellow of the AmericanCollege of Trial Lawyers, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Inter-national Society of Barristers, American Bar Foundation, and the Col-orado Bar Foundation.His numerous awards include the Professional Service Award of

the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association and the Professional ServiceAward of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). In2006, he was presented the National Jurist of the Year Award by theHispanic National Bar Association.

The Hon. Carlos F. Lucero ’61 is making history again. In 1995, hisappointment to the bench by President Bill Clinton made him thefirst Hispanic judge to sit on the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.Earlier this summer, Lucero wrote the majority opinion in thecourt’s 2-1 decision to strike down Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage advocates hailed the Kitchen v. Her-bert decision as a historic win, according to the New York Times.

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In 1997, she not only started teach-ing in the Biology Department atAdams State, but also began spendingpart of each summer at the KarolinskaInstitute in Stockholm, Sweden, as avisiting researcher. Her work in Stock-holm focused on the upper gastroin-testinal tract, with an emphasis onpancreatic diseases such as cancer andpancreatitis.

Herrington retired from Adams Statethis spring as Emeritus Professor of Bi-ology. Dr. Opeyemi Daramola ’04 said:“I doubt she will really ‘retire,’ becauseshe will probably be surreptitiouslyteaching and publishing. She was trulywonderful to me in college and pro-vided guidance when I struggled. It willbe tough to fill her shoes, as she has

worked hard to set great standards . . .and produce many doctors and nurses.”Daramola recently completed his res-

idency training in rhinology and ante-rior skull-base surgery at theDepartment of Otolaryngology-Headand Neck Surgery, Northwestern Uni-versity Feinberg School of Medicine inChicago. While at Adams State, he ac-companied Herrington to an AmericanPancreatic Society meeting. “The expe-rience opened my eyes to the value ofresearch and dissemination of scientificinformation.” Although he said every-thing was “sincerely too advanced” forhimi,“it was an opportunity thatspurred me to do my own research andpublish relevant findings. My achieve-ments in research have opened a lot ofdoors for me, so I will be eternallygrateful for that opportunity.”

a scholarly exampleHerrington earned her Ph.D. in

physiology from Creighton University,her Master of Science from CornellUniversity, and her Bachelor of Sciencefrom the University of Oregon. With apassion for both teaching and research,she found her niche at Adams State. “I wanted to concentrate on teaching

as my main activity for the school year,”Herrington said. “In larger universities,professors are pulled in both directions– research and teaching. Adams State issmall enough to let me know my stu-dents and teach my labs. It is largeenough that there are more than twopeople in the department, which meansI can teach in my field, instead of beingexpected to cover a wide range ofupper-division subjects.”Dr. Crystal (Willis) Evig ‘02, now an

obstetrician and gynecologist with Col-orado Springs Health Partners, accom-panied Herrington to Stockholm for apancreatic conference during her senioryear of college. “Dr. Herrington con-tributed to the research in Stockholm,and I saw how she continued to chal-lenge herself to further science. I ad-

mired her for continuing her love of re-search and returning every fall to con-tinue her love of teaching.”Evig said Herrington was “very en-

gaged” in her laboratories, which madethe dissections meaningful, as well as ef-ficient. “Her style of teaching is actually sim-

ilar to some classes that I took in med-ical school,” Daramola said. “A lot ofprofessional school teaching is now of-fered in small groups, because learningis more effective in an active environ-ment.”Herrington received the Faculty

Award for Excellence in Research andPublished Works in 2004 and 2008 andExemplary Teaching Status in 2004.She has taught such courses as HumanAnatomy and Physiology, Endocrinol-ogy, Nutrition, General Biology, andlabs. Herrington has been a member of

the Health Professions Advisory Com-mittee, the Faculty Senate, and a num-ber of other committees and councils.This spring, the Adams State NursingAdvisory Committee awarded her thetitle of Honorary Registered Nurse, “for17 years of commitment and service topre-nursing student advising and aca-demic guidance to the nursing depart-ment.”Herrington has published numerous

articles in peer-reviewed journals, hasedited and contributed to publishedbooks, and has presented at numerousnational and international scientificmeetings and seminars.But there’s more to Herrington than

science and research. She has played inAdams State’s steel drum bands and thepercussion ensemble. She holds mem-berships in a number of professional,honorary, and conservation organiza-tions. Certified by the Library of Con-gress as a Braille transcriber, she hasassisted the Music Department withmusic Braille.

By Linda Relyea ‘96


emeritus professor of biology

Dr. Margery HerringtonDr. Margery Herrington’s contributionsto science and students extend beyondAdams State University.

She asks, “How are you feeling?” Vocal performance major,Victoria Ricci ’15 returns the smile. “I am okay,” she says,and the voice lesson begins.“My voice has changed immensely since I started studying

with Dr. Keitges,” Ricci said. “It has become easier to sing,because she has taught me to know my voice and know whatfeels right.” As with every vocal performance major, Keitgesmeets with Ricci for training once a week through her entirecollegiate career.These sessions take place in Keitges’ office, complete with

grand piano, bookcases filled with music, filing cabinet, adesk, and a mirror. Here, for 25 years, Keitges guided stu-dents to vocal health, increased their vocal skills, and devel-oped very close relationships. “I believe music can change lives,” Keitges said.She retired this spring as Emeritus Professor of Music, but

her influence and training will live on through students andher colleagues. Keitges encourages her students, but also stresses the disci-

pline needed to succeed. “She understands my dreams ofbeing on stage for opera and focuses on increasing my flexi-bility, range, repertoire, in a healthy manner,” Ricci said. “Shedefinitely does not wave a magic wand, though. Dr. Keitgeshas taught me that I have to work hard and constantly im-prove as a musician.”When students first audition for the music program and

begin their training, Keitges listens to achieve a better under-standing of where to guide the vocalists. Kacia Schmidt ’13said she admires Keitges' tenacity and compassion. “I am sureI am not the only student who fought her at first, because Imisunderstood her persistence. But once you getpast your own pride, you realize she's trying to in-spire you to become your best, not to point outyour flaws. It takes a tenacious, compassionate per-son to help you use your weaknesses and turnthem into strengths.”

life lessonsSchmidt appreciates the impact Keitges had on

her life. “She has made me laugh and cry, but mostimportantly, she has inspired me to embrace mytalent and never stop striving to make myself bet-ter – whether as a musician, or just as a person.”Ricci agrees: “She is leaving students that she

not only taught to make music, but she's taught usabout how to live. She shows us how to love, howto be strong, to learn and become the best versionof ourselves that we can be in anything. I admireher as much as one person can admire another. I

love her beautiful strengths and her beautiful weakness, thefew there are, because they are Keitges’.”Even music alumni from 20 years ago fondly recall Keitges’

laughter and their lessons. "Dr. Keitges made a huge impacton both my education and my life,” said Carrie Murphy ’92.Calling Keitges “the consummate” teacher, she added: “Dr. K.helped me to understand the mechanics of singing, and tounderstand that practice is the only way to advance. This is alesson that translates to many other parts of life.”One-on-one tutelage was only a part of Keitges’ career at

Adams State. She co-directed musicals and operettas such asPirates of Penzance, Camelot, and Little Shop of Horrors. Di-recting Opera Workshop Scenes and Music Theatre Revuesholds a special place in her heart. She has presented workshops,seminars, lectures and clinics on a variety of topics coveringvocal health, choral music, vocal repertoire, and technique.A mezzo-soprano, Keitges considers performing an impor-

tant part of her life. Her experience ranges from operatic andmusic theatre roles to oratorios, major choral works, andrecitals. Some highlights are Adams State faculty recitals,guest recitals, performances in Phoenix, Georgia, Iowa, Den-ver, and Texas, and performing with the Taos Chamber Musicand the Taos Orchestra. Her favorite roles include Katisha(Mikado), Mother (Amahl and the Night Visitors), Witch(Hansel and Gretel) and Dame Quickly (Falstaff).“Her programs were always beautiful, varied, and focused

on the art of song,” said Rebeckah Valentine ’95. “Her lyricmezzo voice had a warmth, depth, and resonance that I willnever forget and want to emulate.”


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emeritus professor of music

Dr. Christine KeitgesNorthern light filters through a window, softening shadows as Dr. ChristineKeitges touches the piano keys, head up, a smile on her face.

Teri McCartney ’87, ’92 may have been a bit of a latebloomer when it came to higher education, but she morethan made up for lost time. She recently retired as EmeritusProfessor of Counselor Education, concluding a career atAdams State that encompassed teaching, administration, andstudent services. She has applied her expertise to several spe-cial university projects and committees, as well as a numberof area non-profit organizations.

McCartney started college at age 25, doing it “the expen-sive way:” beginning at Adams State and transferring a coupleof times before circling back to Alamosa. She knew shewanted to major in English during her first English class withDr. Jodine Ryan, Emeritus Professor of English.“Jodine had a passion for the written word. She instilled in

me an appreciation of the beauty of language,” McCartneysaid. “She was incredibly encouraging to me as a writer.”After earning her B.A. in English with a minor in journal-

ism in 1987, she taught those subjects for three years atMonte Vista High School. “Kids would write about theirlives, and I realized that talking and listening to them was somuch more important than teaching them how to diagramsentences.” With encouragement from the Monte Vistaschool counselor, she returned to Adams State and completedher master’s in Guidance and Counseling in 1992, thenserved as the counselor at Alamosa’s Ortega Middle School.The opportunity to head Adams State’s Counseling Center

came in 1994. “I loved that job,” McCartney said. Duringher three-year tenure, she developed the career counselingcomponent of the office and initiatedSART, the Sexual Assault ResponseTeam. “But I realized I missed teaching,and I knew John Holmes was retiring,so I decided to get a Ph.D.” She took a year’s leave, transitioned

temporarily to a “commuting marriage,”and completed “an incredible amountof course work” over two years and twomonths to earn her Ph.D. in Counselingat University of New Mexico in 1999. She began teaching English at Adam

State in 1990, adding counseling andpsychology courses in 1992, and gradu-ally advanced through the faculty ranks.

After six years as a faculty member in counselor education,McCartney was named Adams State’s Associate Provost forGraduate Studies in 2005, but returned to the faculty threeyears later. She is very proud of her many students who have become

licensed counselors in school and clinical settings.“It has truly been amazing to see the growth in our depart-

ment, while maintaining the quality of curriculum,” McCart-ney said, referring to expansion of theonline master’s program and introduc-tion this past year of a Ph.D. programin Counselor Education and Supervi-sion. It is offered solely online, whilethe master’s program retains an on-campus component.

Prior to the evolution of distance education delivery fromon-site to online, she said, “We used to travel every Thursdaynight,” to offer graduate counseling courses at sites aroundthe state. Online and hybrid course delivery reduced hertravel to one weekend a month in Pueblo.“At first, I really wondered how we would teach counseling

online. But I learned we can develop more intimacy in onlinediscussions. I’ve been amazed how deep, how honest you canget,” she said. “When I think of that first online class, com-pared to the technology we have now – it’s two differentworlds. The technology keeps changing, and it’s more userfriendly.”Retirement will free McCartney to travel to gigs with her

husband, musician Don Richmond, and she intends to con-tinue her private counseling practice.“It’s time for me to have something else. There is a whole

list of things I want to do,” including learning to play thepiano, gardening, and writing, plus activities she has yet todiscover.

By Julie Waechter

emeritus professor of counselor education

Dr. Teresa McCartney ‘87, ‘92

I realized that talking and listening to thestudents was so much more important thanteaching them how to diagram sentences.”“


The passions that drove his academiccareer will continue to occupy Dr.David Mazel ’85, ’87 in retirement. Hisspecialty, ecocriticism, melds his love ofwriting, the environment, and rockclimbing. Originally from Los Angeles,the Emeritus Professor of English antic-ipates spending more time with all threepursuits once he relocates to Bishop,California, which will place him closerto family, climbing, and the mountains.

Mazel retired this spring from hisalma mater as chair of the Departmentof English, Theatre & Communica-tions, a post he held since 2010. Heearned a B.A. in Selected Studies and anM.A. in English at Adams State in 1985and 1987, respectively. He completed aPh.D. in English from Louisiana StateUniversity in Baton Rouge in 1996.Prior to joining the Adams State facultyin 1997, he taught at a similar institu-tion, the University of West Alabama.“I really believe in the social mission

of this kind of school,” Mazel said. “Weneed quality higher education for stu-dents that won’t get it anywhere else.Prestigious schools like Harvard merelyreplicate the existing social order.Schools like Adams State are dedicatedto improving it.”Although he is proud of many stu-

dents, he considers his most successfulto have been a young woman who be-came active with social justice efforts inMexico. “I would like to think her ex-perience at Adams State had somethingto do with that.”In addition to teaching various levels

of communication arts, advanced com-position, literature, and literary theory,Mazel’s duties have included advisingthe Paw Print student newspaper (for-merly the South Coloradan) and The

Sandhill Review literary and arts maga-zine (formerly Genesis), as well as serv-ing on the Communications Board,which oversees all student media.Mazel also served on the steering

committee for the remodeling of the ESBuilding, now McDaniel Hall, and co-ordinated the design/remodel of theHaynie Center for Mass Communica-tions in the Student Union Building.The Haynie Center boasts technology

that supports digi-tal production ofprint, radio, andnew video courses– somethingMazel would haveloved as an under-graduate, when hewas editor of theSouth Coloradan.“The Mac Classicmade my job somuch easier.” Later, Mazel spent a yearas editor of the Valley Courier.He recalled the “best story” he wrote

for the South Coloradan, about a class-mate who was a Cambodian refugee.“When he was 13, he was arrested andtortured. He had a hell of a story.”Mazel is working to publish his latest

book, The Ecology of Utopia, which ex-plores the relations between the naturalenvironment and notions of an ideal so-ciety. His fascination with utopian anddystopian science fiction – the subjectof a senior seminar he taught last year –stems from his grounding in ecocriti-cism. That field, he explained, views lit-erature “as if nature matters,” andexplores how environmental concernsaffect the reader, possibly touching onpolitics or issues of survival.

Mazel’s 2000 book, American Liter-ary Environmentalism, shows that earlyenvironmental writings constituted aform of cultural politics that began withthe colonial confrontation with thewilderness and culminated in the cre-ation of the U.S.’s first national park atYosemite in 1864.“The wilderness was more than na-

ture, it served in literature to embodyvalue, representing the democratic fron-

tier, with various cultural/political/ideological ramifications. Wildernessserved those functions. I still believewilderness serves that role.“The utopian form has always been

environmental; utopia is an environ-ment that supports an ideal society.About half of science fiction isdystopian: the worst possible society.”He cited the literary examples of 1984,Brave New World, and The HungerGames.In addition to writing about and ex-

periencing the environment, Mazel alsoplans to volunteer more with RestoreHetch-Hetchy (Yosemite's Hetch-Hetchy Valley) and the EndangeredLanguages Project. He will continueteaching through Adams State Ex-tended Studies.

By Julie Waechter

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emeritus professor of english

Dr. David Mazel ‘85, ‘87

I really believe in the social mission of this kindof school.”“

The three professors received the2014 Presidential Teacher Award. Allhad a similar response when they firstheard of the recognition: "Surprisedand honored.""It is not transparent to us if students

think we are doing a good job," saidWaddell, assistant professor of sociol-ogy. "Receiving this award makes mewant to be a better teacher." Coming from a rural, working-class

background, Waddell believes he hasmuch in common with many of his stu-dents. "Students bring a lot to the class-room. I attempt to incorporate whatthey already know."Astalos, associate professor of physics

and director of the Zacheis Planetar-ium, agrees with Waddell. "The best

lesson I have learned: never stop learn-ing from students." Zenobia Contreras, a senior major-

ing in sociology/social welfare, saidWaddell “tries to accommodate eachand every individual’s own learningstrategies. He is an awesome teacher,and I would like to thank him.”Astalos realized he wanted to teach

his final year in graduate school. "Iknew being a teacher would be more re-warding than a career in research." Afterfinishing his undergraduate degree, heworked for IBM and Lockheed Martin;they weren't the jobs for him. "I worked for the weekend." Now,

his focus is students. "I find teachingmost rewarding. It makes me happy toget up in the morning.”And that enthusiasm is obvious to

students. MeganMedina, a sopho-more English/Communicationsmajor, said Astalos“presented infor-mation veryclearly and wasalso able to keephis students en-gaged and enter-tained. He hashigh expectationsof his students,but is also veryunderstandingand in no way un-reasonable.”

Having received her undergraduatedegree from Adams State in 2005,Thomas-Hensley, assistant professor ofmarketing and MBA Program director(see story pg. 18), knew she wanted tobecome a professor by her junior year."I wanted to teach like the professorswho got the students’ attention." She received her MBA from Arizona

State and will soon complete her Ph.D.She started teaching at Adams State in2008. Before entering higher education,she had a knack for relating to individ-ual learning styles and personalities inthe business world. "It transferred tothe classroom."The excitement of sharing knowl-

edge and telling stories, adding to"book text," keeps Thomas-Hensleymotivated. Often students will ask herfor help writing their resumes and prac-

ticing job interviews. "There is such sat-isfaction when they tell you they got ajob."Senior English/communications

major Marquez Hobson said Thomas-Hensley “is a fantastic person whoknows what she is doing and caresabout the students and their education.She helps kids work hard to get theirdegrees and graduate on time. It shows


LEFT: Mario Garcia credits individual attention from LizThomas- Hensley (right) with helping him succeed.

presidential teacher awards recognize outstanding faculty

They came to teachhow can you spot exceptional faculty? For one thing, they spend a lot of time with their stu-dents. Liz Thomas-Hensley's office door in the School of Business seems to always be open. Dr. Robert Asta-los can often be seen outside the planetarium instructing students from elementary age through college.When Dr. Benjamin Waddell speaks to students, his tone has a respectful and supportive quality.

I knew being a teacher would be more rewarding than a career in research."“

in her character that she wants the stu-dents to succeed.”Astalos, who started at Adams State

in 2005, finds it exciting when a stu-dent suddenly understands the materialor lesson. "It is really cool when those‘Aha’ moments happen." Waddell agrees, "On any given day,

you can turn a student on to new waysof thinking."

Thomas-Hensley believes in AdamsState's mission to serve students at alllevels. "I embrace Adams State's stan-dards." She values helping studentsprogress and develop the skills to suc-

ceed. "I still feel teary-eyed at everygraduation."Finishing his third year at Adams

State, Waddell believes the campus is aperfect fit for him. "The small class sizeand real ability to work closely with stu-dents is the ideal environment for myteaching style. It is really cool to havethe opportunity to help students pursuetheir goals."

Now in its seventh year, the AdamsState University Presidential TeacherAward acknowledges professors’ dedica-tion to their students and recognizesoutstanding undergraduate teaching,advising, and mentoring.In the fall, Dr. Michael Mumper ‘76,

senior vice president for EnrollmentManagement/Program Development,formed a committee of undergraduatestudents, Rachel Heaton, KatMcLaughlin, and Pauline "Tori" Vigil.They requested Adams State undergrad-uate students nominate professors whothey feel best exemplify what it meansto be a great college teacher. After re-ceiving the nominations, the studentcommittee conducted interviews andclassroom observations to determine theaward recipients.Each Presidential Teacher receives

$1,500 to support his or her profes-sional development and the opportu-nity to teach a special PresidentialTeacher Course during the next aca-demic year.


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ABOVE: Dr. Benjamin Waddell reviewsthe presentation of his students, left toright, Jacob Heaton, Seth Spiva and Gar-rett Foster.

RIGHT: Dr. Robert Astalos discusses as-pects of astronomy while calibrating atelescope with students (from left) ChrisMorley, Ben Goldsworthy, and Gia John-son.

I knew being a teacher would be more rewarding than a career in research."

Emily Wright psychoanalyzed Skywalker from the film, Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith, for a course taught by Dr. Kim Kelso, Psychology Departmentchair, and presented her research at the Seventh Annual Student Scholar Days inApril. Wright’s presentation attracted a large audience of the latest generation ofStar Wars fans. Student Scholar Days is a two-day, multidisciplinary conference that highlights

the academic achievements of Adams State undergraduate students. This publicforum gives a glimpse into the excellent work students produce and is open to fac-ulty, staff, students, and community members. This year, 26 students presentedtheir work in music, poetry, archaeology, sociology, and science.San Luis Valley natives Stefan Ortega and Rafe Paulson represented the sciences.

Ortega, a cellular & molecular biology major, presented a slide that showed him asa nine-year-old accepting first place for his Science Fair project in botany. His in-terest continued into college. Paulson built a spectrometer out of Legos, and ex-plained how it works.Art major Laura Hopkins ’14 creates wearable art intended to trigger the viewer’s imagina-

tion. She creates a positive experience for people to escape negative stressors in this world.Music major Ben Paden presented his research on Greek-French composer/music theorist/ architect-engineer Iannis Xenakis. Paden said he “combined the art forms of architecture andmusic into a complete experience.”Another student scholar, Mark Mabry Jr., began his presentation, “How Bavarians and

Brandenbergers Became Germans,” by telling the audience, “The region that today we allthink of as Germany was actually, during this period, an intricate puzzle of sovereign entities.”

To view videos of all 19 of this year’s Student Scholar Days presentations, visitadams.edu/a/22.


What did you learn in college this year?student scholar days showcases research

In a galaxy far, far away . . . if only Anakin Skywalker had access to goodpsychoanalysis, perhaps the whole black look and attitude would neverhave happened.

student scholars (Clockwise, from upper right) Ben Paden, EmilyWright, Mark Mabry Jr., Stefan Ortega, Laura Hopkins, and Rafe Paulsonwere among the presenters at the 2014 Student Scholar Days.

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Those challenges can be financial, academic, or personal. Ittakes courage to aspire to a higher education without rolemodels who can show what’s possible. First-generation students have always thrived at Adams State,

which was founded to serve Colorado’s rural communities.Today, one-third of the undergraduate student body is firstgeneration; half of all Hispanic students are first-generation.Olivia DeHerrera, a senior with a double major in psy-

chology and accounting, said her parents always encouragedher and her siblings to attend college. “But they made it veryclear that you need to be responsible for your education andpaying for it.” A high school valedictorian, DeHerrera earnedAdams State’s Woodard Scholarship. Combined with herwork study jobs on campus, she has only taken minimal stu-dent loans.“Ultimately, I want to work in a Big 4 Accounting Firm,”

said DeHerrera, who is very involved in the Pacioli Account-ing Club and the VITA income-tax service. “I’m really closewith all my accounting professors and really respect them.”Ashlee DeHerrera (no relation to Olivia) was awarded the

Gates Millennium Foundation Scholarship, which wouldhave allowed her to go to any college in the nation. She choseAdams State. She also received the Daniels Fund Scholarship,but nevertheless held an off-campus job and worked as a soci-ology tutor through the Grizzly Testing and Learning Center.She joined the campus suicide prevention group, of whichshe is secretary. With her sites set on graduate school, the sociology major

was selected to present her research on family interactions atHarvard’s Ivy Plus Symposium last year.Abe Rosenberg dropped out of college after his father died

of lung cancer. “I had been dabbling in video and theatre – Iwas originally a science major. I can’t tell you how manytimes I changed majors. I was fed up and didn’t plan to comeback to school.” He went to work with the man who boughthis father’s chimney sweep business. “That’s a good living,but it wasn’t about the money. I wanted a job I enjoyed andwanted. My dad’s death was a powerful experience.”Rosenberg returned to Adams State just after Grizzly

Video was formed. “This the most fun I’ve ever had,” he said,describing his various projects producing music videos, docu-mentaries, and advertising. He manages Grizzly Video, whichemployees eight other students and populates the campus TVstation with student-produced films.

At the end of her freshman year, Leanza Ochoaalso lost her father. She became close to DaisyValdez in Financial Aid, who helped sort out herfinancial situation. A junior nursing major, she ap-preciates the support she gained from OneydaMaestas ’93, ’06, on-campus advisor for the Den-ver Scholarship Foundation, and Liz Tabeling-Garcia ’96, ’06, with the federal GEAR UP pro-gram.“They touch base with me weekly. They en-

courage me and help me stay on track. “I wasn’t expecting the demands of college. It

was a big transition,” Ochoa said. “When I tookmy first psychology exam, I thought: ‘What am Idoing here?’ But I learned to study and takenotes.” She also completed remedial math courses,and achieved admission to the Bachelor of Sciencein Nursing program this past year.She plans to return to Denver after graduation.

“I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was 4 or 5. I hada heart murmur, and I want to workwith kids and cardiology.” Jordan Hannebaum moved from

Kansas to Castle Rock, Colo., to livewith an aunt at age 13, following hermother’s death from cancer. “My mom’s death gave me a com-

pletely new perspective on life,” she said.“It was hard, but it will help me someday.”She gained strength that year

through her friendship with a girl withDown’s Syndrome. “I fell in love withher. It helped me so much. I also foundtheatre and a love of the stage.”Hannebaum came to Adams State on

the advice of her high school counselor,Sherri Langston ‘83. She is a theatre/English major with a special educationminor. This past spring, she portrayed ateacher in the ASU Theatre productionof The Outsiders.“I’m not trying to get to Broadway. I

have a love for kids. I can’t not workwith them,” she said. “I love being atheatre major. We’re one big family.”

Ashlee DeHerrera

being “first” implies some privilege: First-born; a pioneer; first-come, first-served; a winner. First-generation college students certainly appreciate that privilege, butalso experience unique challenges.

Abe Rosenberg

ABOVE: Leanza Ochoa (left)with fellow nursing student,Ashley Griego.

BELOW: Jordan Hannebaum(right) on stage with JohnHauser in The Outsiders.

First-generation studentsfind their full potential

Olivia DeHerrerapresenting in herTax Fraud course.

To view videos of additional first-generation students, visitadams.edu/a/25.

With 96 graduates to its credit,Adams State’s Master of Business Administration (MBA)program celebrated five years inoperation this summer. Ten more students will graduate this

fall. MBA Director Liz Thomas-Hensley ’05 (see story page 14) saidabout 60 percent of the graduates hailfrom the San Luis Valley.

The online program offers four em-phases: healthcare administration, lead-ership/management, publicadministration, and HPPE leadership,which is offered in collaboration withthe Department of Human Perform-ance & Physical Education. A new em-phasis in finance will be introducedsoon. Thomas-Hensley said leadershipis the most popular emphasis, but thathealthcare and public administration arealso very attractive. She noted the pro-gram is quite affordable, under $15,000– less than a third of what other onlineprograms charge.“We get a lot of feedback from our

graduates who are so appreciative of theprogram. They tell us how the programhas actually led to their growth withincompanies or in new jobs. People havemoved up to CFO, CEO, or the nextlevel up. One key thing is, it opens updoors to new opportunities if peoplewant to make a change,” Thomas-Hensley said.

kristina daniel ’06, ‘11Chief Operating OfficerSan Luis Valley Behavioral HealthAlamosa

Hailing from Ohio, Kris Daniel came toAdams State in 2002 to work in residence life.She met her future husband, Kevin Daniel ‘04,’11, during her campus tour. The couple com-pleted their MBA’s together and graduated withthe first cohort. (Kevin is ASU’s Director ofComputing Services.)After earning a Master’s in Counseling in

2006, Kris became the Prevention Coordinatorwith SLV Comprehensive Community Mental Health (now SLV BehavioralHealth). She moved up to Assoc. Director of Clinical Operations, then was pro-moted to Chief Operating Officer in early 2013. She reports to the ExecutiveDirector and has five direct reports, who manage a total of 110 employees.“I think my MBA had a huge amount to do with the expectations that our

organization has with my position. You need to have a personal feel for clientsand connect with families. You also have to understand staff and the businessside of managing a $12 million corporation in order to serve the people whoneed our services the most. I credit both my master’s programs with influencinghow I work with people.”

jerry gibson ‘05, ‘11Senior Group Leader - Outbound OperationsTarget CorporationPhoenix

Jerry Gibson has been with Target for almost ten years, starting in the Pueblooffice, then transferring to Phoenix in 2010. He has moved up through a varietyof executive positions and now supervises six Executive Group Leaders, who

oversee about 100 people combined.He has both operational and staff development

responsibilities. He oversees the daily processingof freight for 77 Target stores. “My role is to guide the six leaders that report

to me on how to run an efficient, risk-free busi-ness and achieve success in quality control andother metrics on a daily basis,” Gibson explained.He is also charged with developing his staff andothers in the distribution network so they canprogress in their careers and become better leaders.“I absolutely value continuous learning, over-

coming obstacles, and personal development,” hesaid. “The experience I gained from the MBAprogram was instrumental in my personal and ca-reer growth and is an accomplishment I will al-ways be proud of.”


The experience I gained from the MBAprogram was instrumental in my personaland career growth.”“

Movin’ on Upmba alumni achieve professionaladvancement, personal fulfillment

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david hayden, mba, lpc, cac III ‘99, ‘12Director of Quality & ComplianceMind Springs HealthGrand Junction, Colo.

After 14 years with SLV ComprehensiveCommunity Mental Health, where he gainedclinical and administrative experience in com-munity behavioral health care, David Haydenjoined Mind Springs Health in July 2013. Hisfirst position was program director of outpatientservices, but he was soon promoted to his cur-rent post. His focus is on integrating data-basedmanagement into best-practice clinical processesin order to provide greater access to high qualitycare. His areas of treatment expertise include inpatient and outpatient addic-tions, forensics, trauma response, and severe mental illness. He is also a state-certified trainer in addiction counseling skills and motivational interviewing. “The MBA program at Adams State provided me with the skills that I

needed in order to contribute to this dynamic and continuously changing envi-ronment,” he said.

donna wehe ‘12Hub Coordinator/Patient Access ManagerSLV HealthAlamosa

Donna Wehe has taken her career to a whole new level since earning herMBA. She was hired as the Hub Coordinator for Connect for Health CO,which includes outreach, training and coordination of the Health CoverageGuides for Southern Colorado. She previously taught school, managed a creditunion, and directed the SLV Small Business Development Center. Recently an-other position opened at SLV Health, so she isalso the Patient Access Manager. She is puttingher MBA training to work in this challengingand changing environment of health care ad-ministration. Even though her emphasis was inPublic Administration, she uses her educationon a daily basis to look for root causes to whypatients' bills are incorrect, to implementprocess improvement plans, or participate in astaff debrief trying to determine the best proto-col. “Healthcare delivery is changing, and it's ex-

citing to be part of the challenges. I’m so grate-ful to ASU for the opportunity to gain an MBAwhile working full time,” she said. She likes tobe a problem solver, and this is a great fit for hervarious skills.

A year ago, a correspondence (print-based) version of the program was de-veloped for incarcerated individuals,which Thomas-Hensley said is growingfast. “We’ve had 12 students enroll inthe correspondence program from allover the world. Half of them earnedtheir bachelor’s degrees at a distancethrough ASU Extended Studies.” Another innovation is the dual-

degree, which allows undergraduate stu-

dents to apply six graduate credits to-ward their bachelor’s degree. The MBA program admits three co-

horts each academic year, with space for30 students in each cohort. The pro-gram’s faculty includes current and for-mer Adams State faculty, alumni, andothers with various areas of expertise.Dr. Alberta Coolbaugh ‘94, EmeritusProfessor of Business, designs and buildsall the courses for online delivery. Pro-gram faculty include:Dr. Tom Gilmore ’67, ‘68Dr. Richard HughesDr. Tim LewisDr. Don JohnstonJessie Justice, M.Ed, MSWDr. Michael McGivernDr. Michael Mumper ‘76Dr. Randy Newell Dr. Denise Ogden ‘90Dr. Linda Reid ‘96Dr. Steve StewartDr. David WolfeYusri Zaro, MBA

The experience I gained from the MBAprogram was instrumental in my personaland career growth.”

Movin’ on Upmba alumni achieve professionaladvancement, personal fulfillment

The Lost and Found includes ASU theatre majors Shawnie Abbott, David Boncyk, Caty Herrick ‘14,John Hauser, Bethany Hernandez ‘14, James Rodriguez, Jake Webb, and Matthew Wesley ‘14.“Chicago is fascinating,” Herrick said. “So much is happening in the city. Every night I saw at least

one comedy show and many times caught a music act later.”Neilsen helped found the comedy improv troupe four years ago. She studied improv as a college stu-

dent and has done several intensives with Second City and Keith Johnstone as part of her personal fac-ulty development. When she approached the students in October about going to Chicago for aworkshop at Second City, the response was overwhelmingly positive.“Jenna planning this trip is a good example of how the leaders here really care about their students,”

Hernandez said. “The trip was tailor-made for the nine of us.” Boncyk agreed: “The opportunity to studyimprov in Chicago was wonderful.”Rodriguez, a native of the San Luis

Valley, said few people have the oppor-tunity to study improv at Second Cityin Chicago.The Second City specializes in sketch

comedy and improv and has been de-lighting audiences for over 50 years.With the debut of NBC's “SaturdayNight Live,” populated by Second Cityalums John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd andGilda Radner, the theatre became inter-nationally known for its ever-increasingroster of comedy superstars.Working together as a comedy im-

prov troupe at Second City had manybenefits. “I learned to get over myselfand go with it,” Webb said. “If it feelsweird, do it more.”“We learned there are no mistakes,

only gifts,” said Abbott. “We are eachother’s best support troupe.” Neilsensaid working together as a team, makingeye contact, and the camaraderie is im-portant for improv. “We succeed or failas a troupe.”They all appreciated working exclu-

sively with the “dynamic” teacher,Micah Philbrook, of Second City.

Theatre prof Jenna Neilsen received the faculty equiva-lent of a standing ovation: the Adams State University2014 Exemplary Teacher Award.

After earning an exemplary evaluation in the categories of teaching effectiveness and scholarly/creative activity or service, she was nomi-nated for the honor by Dr. David Mazel ’85, ‘87, chair of the English,Theatre, and Communications Department.

“Good teachers make things happen,” Mazel said. “The really goodteachers – the truly exemplary ones – are the ones whose studentsmake good things happen, and Jenna's students do just that. The Lost& Found troupe has enriched our campus and community and made analready outstanding theatre program even better.”

Nominations for the award are reviewed by the Peer Recognition Com-mittee, comprised of the Faculty Senate president and tenured facultyfrom the areas of Arts and Humanities; Science and Mathematics; Edu-cation, Counseling, and HPPE; and Business. The PRC submits its rec-ommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who conductsa final review and makes a final decision.

“I am honored to be recognized for my efforts by my peers,” Neilsensaid. “The award re-enforcesthe idea that Adams State isa teaching institution, andthat is where our focusshould be.”


Adams State’s comedy improv troupe, The Lost and Found, lost their fear of being in the U.S.’s third largestcity and found skills and tips to round-out their natural talents. During spring break, the students traveled toChicago with their director, Jenna Neilsen, associate professor of theatre. They explored the metropolis andbonded as a troupe, in addition to studying improv at The Second City, billed as “The world’s premier comedyclub/theatre and school of improvisation.”

Fishing for laughsThe Lost & Found hones comedy skills with Second City in Chicago

Jenna Neilsen (front, sec-ond from right) with thetroupe at Second City.

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“It was only us and our troupe,” Herrick said. They at-tended the workshops for three hours every day for five days.“I feel like I learned a lot,” Boncyk said. “We grew as atroupe.”The workshop skills returned with The Lost and Found,

who passed along their lessons at improv practice sessionsopen to other students and the general public several times aweek during the school year. They shared many of the skillslearned in the intensive during these meetings in April andMay. Also, the troupe performed multiple shows in theirnew "Chicago" long-form styles upon returning to AdamsState.

“The Alamosa audience was very receptive to these newstyles and recognized the energy and new dynamic the troupebrought back from Chicago,” said Neilsen. “I utilized severalof the techniques learned in the workshop in my Introduc-tion to Improvisational Acting course and will do so in yearsto come.”

The cohesiveness of a troupe attracted Abbottto improv in high school. Boncyk said belongingto an improv troupe in high school helped himcome out of his shell and grow as a person. Whilea house manager for the Creede Repertory The-atre, Wesley enjoyed watching the CRT improvtroupe, Boomtown. “I owe a lot to Jenna and allthe troupe members. I learned so much inChicago.” Wesley won a drawing to perform on the iO

Theatre stage with professional comedian actors.“It was a great opportunity to perform in front ofan audience with the professionals.” Herrick said:“Matt did really well.”Hernandez did stand-up in a club and said, “It

was fun.” She and Herrick relocated to Chicagothis summer to pursue comedy careers. They,along with Wesley, graduated this spring. The students said their relationships with one

another strengthened in Chicago, and they saweach other shine. Rodriguez said it was a greatbonding experience. “James (Rodriguez) blos-somed in Chicago,” said Herrick.Although nervous about the size of the city,

Boncyk said he was happy to be surrounded bypeople he knew. By the end of the week, Ro-driguez “did not want to leave.”Along with trying Chicago style hotdogs and

pizza, the students said they had some of the bestmeals they had ever eaten while in The WindyCity. They also visited the Chicago Institute ofArt, the Skydeck, The Shedd Aquarium, and sev-eral music and comedy shows.


The Lost & Found finds humor at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium.From left: Shawnie Abbott, Matthew Wesley ‘14, James Ro-driguez, Caty Herrick ‘14, Jake Webb, Bethany Hernandez ‘14,David Boncyk, and John Hauser.

I learned to get over myselfand go with it. If it feels weird,do it more.”“

"The motivation behind the ‘Evening With OurStars’ was to provide another way for the commu-nity and Adams State to connect,” noted ASUFoundation President Duane Bussey ‘82. “Thefocus is less on fundraising and more on commu-nication and awareness. It's a great opportunity forpeople to socialize and to experience some ofASU's many talented students and staff. AdamsState has so many ‘stars,’ and I know everyone whohas attended our first two events has been so im-pressed with the quality of the performances andfound the evening very enjoyable." In addition to 68 West (a capella group) and

The Lost & Found (improv comedy troupe. (Seestory pg. 16), which performed at the in-augural “Evening with our Stars” eventlast year, the audience of 88 also en-joyed a presentation by the ASU Chem-istry Magic group.“Our ticket sales and dessert auction

raised nearly $8,000, with 80% of thenet proceeds supporting scholarships,”added Tammy Lopez ‘91, ‘00, executivedirector of the ASU Foundation.


We’re saving you a seat ...Your support of the ASU Theatre Scholarship Fund or the Production Operating Fund will place your name (or your com-pany or loved one) on a chair and plaque in the ASU Theatre.

120 seats left!Call 719-587-7122 to learn more.

68 West

The Lost & Found

all that glitters

“Stars” event supports scholarships

Above, from left: Gaylene Horning ‘94, Becky and Chuck ‘68 Owsley, ofthe ASU Foundation Board, Lori Laske ‘91, ‘01, and Tammy Lopez ‘91, ‘00.

68 West (below) is directed by Associate Professor of Music and Directorof Choral Activities, Dr. Beth Robison, (front row, second from right),while The Lost & Found (below left) is directed by Associate Professor ofTheatre, Jenna Neilsen (see story pg. 16).

Watch a performance by 68 West at adams.edu/a/26 .

The Adams State University Foundation’s“Evening with our Stars 2014,” held for the sec-ond time April 4, showcased student talent andraised funds for scholarships to benefit studentsfrom the San Luis Valley.

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Adams State’s spring phonathon exceeded its goal of raising $20,000, according to Lori Laske ’91, ’01, executive director ofAlumni and Donor Relations. Of the 420 alumni who made a pledge, 95 were first-time donors. The average pledge was $60.51.

“I am very proud of my callers this year. One student caller visited with an alumnus for 42 minutes,” Laske said. “It is difficult tocall people and ask for money, even when the people we are calling can relate to the struggles of affording college. The studentcallers are like many of our alumni, in that they also take on jobs to pay their tuition.”

Due to increased unrestricted donations, the Foundationwas able to contribute $50,000 toward the university’s operat-ing expenses. “This allowed us to balance our 2014-15 budget,” said

President David Svaldi. “We expect that additional supportwill be forthcoming from the Foundation.”The Foundation will also reinstate one of the three posi-

tions eliminated in 2008, permitting more office support and

restructuring of the alumni and fund raising operations con-ducted by the Office of Institutional Advancement. LoriLaske ’91, ‘01 recently achieved national certification as aFund Raising Executive, which will serve her well as Execu-tive Director of Alumni and Donor Relations. She will retainsome Alumni Relations duties, while Gaylene Horning ’94will assume new duties as Assistant Alumni Director. TammyLopez ’91, ’00 continues as Executive Director of the ASUFoundation and will assume responsibility for the annualphone-a-thon.

Suntek scholarship aids valley gradsThe Suntek Industries, Inc., Scholarship, valued at $1,000,

was established by Dr. Andres Salazar. He is the dean of engi-neering at Northern New Mexico College and founder of themanagement consulting company, Suntek Industries, as wellas external evaluator for ASU’s Title V STEM grant.The scholarship will be awarded to incoming freshmen

who demonstrate financial need, with preference given tograduates from the following San Luis Valley high schools:Antonito, Centennial, Center, Del Norte, and Sierra Grande.Salazar is funding the scholarship with proceeds from sales

of his book, Release from Cibola - Conquistadores, Eisenhowerand Me. The first novel of a planned trilogy, it tells of ReyesCordova, a young boy in Northern New Mexico who is tiredof being poor and feeling hopeless. The book is availablefrom Amazon.com.

Masonic lodge creates scholarshipsThe Alamosa Masonic Lodge #44 recently established two

$1,000 scholarships for Adams Statestudents: the Alamosa Masonic Scholar-ship and the Alamosa Masonic Lodge#44 Philanthropic Scholarship, which isrenewable for up to four years withmaintenance of a 3.0 minimum GPA.Both scholarships will give preference toapplicants who are affiliated with theMasonic Lodge or Eastern Star.To qualify, applicants must be full-

time students with a cumulative GPA ofat least 3.0. They must provide a letterof application which addresses their ed-ucation and career goals.

12student callers

261hours of calling over

12nights

10,624 Calls dialed

$23,820+ =Phonathon math

Alumni support fuels growthwith an endowment nearing $17 million, the Adams StateUniversity Foundation has more than recovered from the economicdownturn of 2008.

it’s surprisinglyeasy to create an endowed scholarship.To learn more aboutthis and other ways tosupport Adams State,please contact TammyLopez ’91, ’00,Executive Director ofthe ASU Foundation,719-587-7122 [email protected].

pledged by

420alumni 95 new donors!

reunions5 year = Class of 2009

10 year = Class of 2004











For more information – 800-824-6494, ext. 8www.adams.edu/alumni • email – [email protected]

2014


homecomingschedule

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At the Adams State fall 2000 com-mencement ceremony, Dr. John Tooker’66 encouraged the graduates to seekways to serve others and to look for-ward. Tooker has lived the words hespoke, seeking opportunities to improvehealthcare for all throughout his career. Tooker is the 2014 Adams State Uni-

versity Outstanding Alumnus. “I wastotally floored when I learned of thehonor. Adams State has many greatpeople.”

struck by serendipityHaving grown up in Alamosa and at-

tended Alamosa High School, Tookersaid, “I think Adams State chose me.”While his parents were supportive andencouraged their four children to go tocollege, Adams State’s location and af-fordable tuition made it the most logi-cal choice. Tooker started college soon after

turning 17, having skipped a grade.Tooker said he was “pretty young,” andfound it challenging to manage collegelevel courses while working several part-time jobs his first couple of years atAdams State. “By the time I became a junior, I had

gained a little more confidence andbegan to have a sense of a career path.”

Tooker was in a junior-level EnglishLit class with Dr. Beryl McAdow, Emer-itus Professor of English, when“serendipity” struck. “Although I ma-jored in chemistry, my major professorand advisor, Dr. Kay Watkins ‘55,[Emeritus Professor of Chemistry] and Iboth knew I was not destined to be-come a chemist.” McAdow happened tocomment on the importance of the hu-manities and made an “impassionedplea” for the need for service to others.“There it was, a marriage of science andthe humanities: I want to be a doctor.”

Watkins remembersTooker as a very good chem-istry student and an out-standing athlete. “He wasvery popular on campus.”Along with realizing a

clear professional goal in hisjunior year, Tooker said his“body caught up,” and hewas encouraged by CoachDuane Mehn to come outfor the track and footballteams as a walk-on. The re-sulting athletic scholarshipsand two work-study jobseased the financial burden,giving him time to becomeinvolved in campus activitiessuch as student government.Adams State’s athletic pro-

grams were also instrumentalin helping Tooker developcompetitive mental andphysical skills and to focuson what mattered. He wasfortunate to be selected anall-conference safety in foot-ball and was a conferencechampion hurdler and co-captain of the track team.

Overall, Tooker said the support ofhis professors and their steady presenceand mentoring contributed greatly tothe quality of his Adams State educa-tion. McAdow inspired him to pursue a

career in medicine. Watkins, having alsogrown up in Alamosa, was a role modelfor the idea that a “kid from a smalltown can be successful on a biggerstage.” In high school, Dr. Joe Vigil ’53, ’59

motivated Tooker both in biology classand as his track and football coach.Vigil worked at a gas station in the early

morning before coming to the highschool for a day of teaching and coach-ing. “He demonstrated how hard work

and determination were fundamental toachieving one’s goals.”Dr. Fred Plachy, then the Adams

State President, was another strong in-fluence and supporter. Plachy made aspecial trip to Denver to advocate forTooker’s admission to the University ofColorado School of Medicine. Off campus, Tooker struck up a

friendship with his family physician,Dr. Littleton Bunch, who lived only afew doors down. Adams State was stillprimarily a teacher’s college, so very fewgraduates went on to medical school.Discussing his career path with Bunchhelped Tooker gain a perspective aboutentering the medical field. “Dr. Bunchwas a good friend to our family and tome. Through our conversations, I beganto see my future.”

Outstanding Alumnus Dr. John Tooker ‘66 honored for leadership in healthcare

Dr. Tooker was universally recognized asone of the most effective healthcare leadersin America.”“


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a born leaderLeadership comes naturally to

Tooker, who served as his high schoolclass president, president of the AdamsState Associated Students and Faculty,and president of his medical schoolclass. He is now president of AlphaOmega Alpha, the national honor med-ical society; the Emeritus ExecutiveVice President and CEO of the Ameri-can College of Physicians (ACP), thelargest medical specialty society in theUnited States; and an adjunct professorof medicine at the University of Penn-sylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine.“Leadership opportunities always

seemed to happen,” Tooker said. “Iworked my way up at Adams State andin medical school. Leadership providesopportunities to accomplish a goalthrough relating to people.” He believesa good leader knows how to listen welland stands by his/her principles. “Thereare good days and not-so-good days;you learn from mistakes and move on.”

prepared to competeTooker remained “proud” of his

Adams State education amidst studentsand then colleagues from elite institu-tions of higher learning. “I felt, in theend, that my Adams State educationprepared me well for very competitiveprofessional environments.”With Adams State as a springboard,

Tooker launched into the medical field,continuing to achieve goals and strivingto “be of service” to others. “I am fortu-nate to be surrounded by extraordinarypeople attracted to the medical fieldand the patients we treated.” During aninternship at Bellevue Hospital in Man-hattan – with more patients than thepopulation of Alamosa – Tooker real-ized “the world is a big place.” Tooker said medicine was the right

profession for him. “I am a strong be-liever in serendipity, when the unex-pected influence of someone reallychanges your life. Graduate educationand medicine have many of these influ-ential people. As I look back at my

mentors, including my patients, somany made an impression on me.”To say Tooker’s decision to become a

medical doctor benefited his patientswould be an understatement. His phi-losophy of looking forward and seekingnew ways to serve led him to a presti-gious career and positions that allowedhim to influence healthcare on a na-tional level.The ACP represents more than

135,000 internal medicine specialists,subspecialists, and medical students.While heading this prestigious organi-zation, Tooker completed an ExecutiveMaster of Business Administration fromthe Fox School of Business at TempleUniversity. “I needed to step out ofmedicine and learn the discipline of or-ganizational administration.”The current executive vice president

and CEO of the ACP, Steven Wein-berger, MD, FACP, admired Tooker’swork. “Dr. Tooker was universally rec-ognized as one of the most effectivehealthcare leaders in America. It's hardto name anyone who has had such acommand over all the issues in health-care or who has worked so effectivelywith the countless stakeholders inWashington and around the countrywho are having an impact on healthcarein the U.S. His goal was always to makehealthcare and the healthcare systembetter for all Americans, and throughhis work at ACP, he succeeded ad-mirably in this effort."His long career in healthcare has

given Tooker a “sense of fulfillment ofsomething done well.” He continues toadvocate for medical education, as wellas for affordable and quality healthcarefor patients across the globe. “The sci-ence of medicine will take care of itself.We have so much more to do to im-prove health and healthcare, not just inthe United States, but around theworld.” Tooker’s wife, Nancy, a critical care

nurse, passed away after a long strugglewith colon cancer in 2013. He is grate-ful for his two children, Graham andEvan, who live near him in the greater

Philadelphia area. Tooker is writing andediting a book about the ACP centen-nial, to be celebrated next year.


dr. john tooker ‘66athletic accomplishments• Drafted by the Miami Dolphins:“I told them if Iwas accepted to medical school, I’d go to med-ical school and not play.”

military service• US Navy physician (LCDR) during Vietnam War

current board memberships• National Committee on Quality Assurance(NCQA): former chair• National Quality Forum (NQF), chaired the CEOSearch Committee Health Level 7 (HL7), Advi-sory Committee• Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society: President

speaker topics• Healthcare reform• Health information technology• Patient-centered medical home (PCMH)• Improving health care quality

recent honors• American Medical Association Medical Execu-tive Lifetime Achievement Award (2010)• Mastership, American College of Physicians(2010)• Modern Healthcare, named him one of the“100 Most Powerful People in Health Care”(2009)

career• Assistant Chief of the Department of Medicineand Critical Care Medicine and program directorof the Internal Medicine Residency at MaineMedical Center in Portland, Maine, where hepracticed internal medicine and pulmonary andcritical care medicine• Adjunct Professor of Medicine at the PerelmanSchool of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

education• Adams State College• University of Colorado School of Medicine• Internal medicine residency at the BellevueHospital Center/New York University MedicalCenter and the University of Colorado• Pulmonary/critical care fellowship at the MaineMedical Center and the Univ. of Washington• Master in Business Administration, Fox Schoolof Business @ Temple University

Outstanding Alumnus Dr. John Tooker ‘66 honored for leadership in healthcare


Alumni Relations recognizes their achievements and con-tributions through its Outstanding Alumni and ExceptionalNew Alumni awards. Graduates honored over the decades arelisted below. Alumni Relations welcomes nominations for

these awards. Think of those you went to college with, andnominate someone who earns your respect and admiration.

who do you know? Nominees for either award must be available to accept the

award at Homecoming and must have earned a degree fromAdams State: A.A., B.A., B.S., and/or M.A./M.S./MBA./Ph.D.All nominations may be considered for five years.

To make a nomination, fill out and return the form atleft to the Alumni Relations Office, Adams State University,208 Edgemont Blvd., Alamosa, CO 81101, or fill out the on-line form available at:

www.adams.edu/alumni/exceptional new alumnus awardNominees must have graduated within the last seven years

and exhibit dedication, leadership, and excellence, either per-sonally or professionally.

outstanding alumnusNominees must have distinguished themselves in a chosen

vocation or profession, and because of talents and abilities,will have given expression and meaning to life, exhibited ded-ication in a line of work, and provided leadership to others.

halls of fameIn addition, Halls of Fame honoring teachers and music

alumni were created in recent years. Many additional alumniare recognized through the Athletics Hall of Fame.Educator Hall of Famewww.adams.edu/academics/ted/img/ted-hall-fame-nominate.pdfMusic Hall of FameBased on Colorado Music Educators Hall of FameAthletic Hall of Famewww.asugrizzlies.com/sb_output.aspx?form=4

alumni nomination formPlease submit this form with a letter explaining why you feelthe nominee should be considered.

NOMINEE’S NAME ________________________________________________

ADDRESS ______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

PHONE ________________________________________________________

GRADUATION YEAR (S) ____________________________________________

DEGREE (S) RECEIVED ____________________________________________

OCCUPATION ____________________________________________________

NOMINATOR’S NAME ____________________________________________

ADDRESS ______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

PHONE __________________________________________________

Help Adams State honor its greatest alumni

outstanding alumni1959 Gentry Stewart `321960 William L. McDivitt `431961 Dr. Lloyd Hurley `491962 William Moyers `391963 Allan Johnson `591964 J. I. Lucero `56, `801965 Geno A. Ballotti `531966 Dr. John P. Turano `471967 Tom Ewing `381968 Dr. Eva Borrego `461969 Dr. David W. Lantis `391970 Janice C. Lewis `581971 John T. Kirby `491972 Lawrence E. Orr `501973 Dr. Calvin Oba `481974 Dr. Joe I. Vigil `53, `59

1975 Jerry Murphy `511976 Glen Bean `361977 Dr. Kenneth Joseph `511978 Dale Lorimer `371979 Donald Cockroft `671980 Dr. M. Edmund Vallejo `551981 Lillian Guiterrez `621982 Raymond Kogovsek `641983 Lonnie Porter `661984 John H. Vigil `621985 Dr. John R. Maestas `671986 Clifford B. West `401987 Dr. Darrell L. Sabers `631988 Ira S. Zuckerman `66, `671989 Marta Gabre-Tsadick `581990 J. W. Kim `601991 Dr. Gary Gallagher `721991 William A. Porter `51

1992 Dr. Genifer Y. Chavez `741993 Dr. Kay O. Watkins `551994 Dr. Lee Vickers `651995 Carlos Lucero `611996 John Shue `78, `811997 Dr. Marv D. Motz `58, `591998 Dr. Otto Stangl `531999 The Schilthuis Family2000 Lawrence Gomez `67, `682001 Duane Bussey `822002 Dale Mingilton `852003 Vickie Ford `712004 Rosalie Martinez `862005 Charlotte Bobicki `58, `712006 Bill Waters `592007 Dale Hettinger `642008 Dr. Tommy White `832009 Dr. Richard Duran `71, `73

2010 Dr. David Clemmer `872011 Thomas Jones `522012 Dr. James Matthie `78, `792013 Dr. James Biundo `59, `622014 Dr. John Tooker ‘66

exceptional new alumni2005 Dr. Anthony Oliva `992006 Randy Jackson `98 &

Micah Jackson `982007 Benjamin Quinn `042008 Dr. Opé Daramola `042009 Philip Lopez `042010 Darlene Clayton `042011 Denise Trujillo `072012 Elizabeth Ford `082013 Kathy Park Woolbert `072014 Dr. Julian Maendel `07

The quality of education at Adams State University is evident in its alumni.

Adams State alumni award winners

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Intent on attending college, but unsure of a career field, hecame to the San Luis Valley to volunteer at La Puente (home-less shelter) in 2002. He entered Adams State in 2003 andmet his future wife, Amy Van Dyck ’07, on an AlternativeSpring Break service trip to Mexico with the Newman Club.

Maendel ma-jored in historywith a minor inchemistry andtook pre-med pre-requisites. Hegraduated fromUniversity of Col-orado School ofMedicine in 2011.He’s now in thethird year of afive-year generalsurgery residencyprogram at NewHanover RegionalMedical Center inWilmington, NC. But history still

attracted him, andlast year, while si-multaneously con-ducting medicalresearch, Maendelbegan a master’sdegree in history

at University of North Carolina – Wilmington. "During thatyear away from clinical medicine, I found I missed operating,along with the daily diagnostic challenges of surgery. This re-inforced my career choice in the face of other interests.”History wasn’t the only field competing for his attention –

he’s also worked as a mechanic, which parallels surgery. "Bothcombine mental challenges with hands-on work, and bringwith them the satisfaction that comes with fixing a problem."Maendel ultimately chose medicine because, “It allows you

to make a difference in people’s lives when they are physicallyand emotionally the most vulnerable. I am thankful for thesupport I received at Adams State and from others on the way."I first considered a career in medicine during my time at

La Puente," Maendel recalled. “At the shelter, you have yourpick of medical problems. People have trouble with access tocare, and the valley has trouble retaining doctors. I thoughtone way to address this would be to go into medicine my-self.”

He thinks the seed for a medical career was sown in child-hood, when both he and a brother (he is the youngest of 10siblings) suffered brain tumors. While Maendel’s tumor wasbenign, he underwent surgery at age 8 to alleviate seizuresand for a short time was unable to speak. Maendel’s multiple interests were nurtured at Adams State.

He appreciated the instruction and advising of Dr. MartyJones, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Christy Miller,professor of chemistry, and Dr. Benita Brink, professor of bi-ology and pre-med advisor. Initially drawn to European history, Maendel said “Classes

with Dr. McDaniel [Emeritus Professor of History] madeU.S. history and government both engaging and relevant. Itwas a particular honor to have him nominate me for thisaward. He was encouraging and interested in my future. Hewas also an example of how to live in a way that makes a pos-itive impact on others.”McDaniel said, “Julian first came to my attention in the

American Revolution and Federalist Era class, in which heturned in a graduate quality essay comparing the Declarationof Independence with the Constitution. I remember askinghim to meet with me to discuss his plans and suggesting heconsider pursuing a graduate degree in history. He thankedme for the confidence in him, but advised that he was intentupon getting an M.D. and becoming a surgeon.”Maendel was an AS&F senator during his last two years in

college and also got involved with Tri-Beta (biology honor so-ciety) and Model U.N. “That was awesome,” he said, recall-ing the group’s visit to Venezuela. “At that point, there was alot of tension between Venezuela and the U.S. It was a broad-ening experience for all of us; it exposed us to a different cul-ture and new perspectives.” Once his residency con-

cludes in 2017, Julian andAmy Maendel hope to returnto Colorado, “ideally a smalltown.” “We fell in love with the

valley and made a lot of goodfriends at Adams State,church, and La Puente,” hesaid, noting he appreciatesthe outdoors, as well as theslower pace, friendly people,and diversity of Alamosa.

By Julie Waechter

2014 Exceptional New Alumnus, Dr. Julian Maendel ‘07, in the operatingroom.

Julian ‘07 and Amy (Van Dyck) Maendel‘07, helping Habitat for Humanity in BaySant Louis, MS, as part of a NewmanClub service trip.

Exceptional New Alumnus serves others through medicine

A deep commitment to service has guided the path of Dr. Julian Maendel ’07. He isthis year’s Exceptional New Alumnus and will be honored at Homecoming, October 10.

Adams State’s Third Annual Educator Hall of Fame cele-bration honored outstanding educators who created opportu-nities for students to achieve academic and professionalsuccess. The May 7 ceremony recognized John Atencio ‘67,Lauren “Larry” Bussey, Sandra Kay Gilletti-Hay ’70, ’71,and Pamela Herrmann-Thompson ’76, ‘81. The followingwere recognized posthumously: Ruth Florence Remke Bruns,Dr. James H. Craft, Harriet Rebecca Dalzell Hester ’26, andDr. Lynn Leroy Weldon.

elementary educatorsGilletti-Hay began her career in Moffat and later taught in

Alamosa. She taught every grade level, including college, andheld various administrative positions. She received the MasterTeacher Award for the State of Colorado/Elementary and Sec-ondary Migrant Education and was honored in "Who's Whoamong America's Teachers" in 1990 and 1992. She alsotaught at the Migrant School in the summer.

Hester, Adams State's first graduate and first librarian, ob-tained a Lifetime Teachers Certificate and then taught for 21years. She helped others learn to teach what they knew andfostered a desire to learn more.

secondary educatorsAtencio has been an educator for over 40 years. He was

Employee of the Year for SRDI and Teacher of the Year forRed Mesa High School in Arizona. He enjoyed working withat-risk students and counseling in areas of drug/alcohol

and career. He broke the record for the number of students onthe Intensive RE Guidance Program, drawing in more fund-ing to provide services for students at the Shiprock Reserva-tion in New Mexico.

Bruns was instrumental in beginning a kindergarten pro-gram in Alamosa and a hot lunch program. She received theGFWC Colorado Federation of Women's Clubs "Woman ofAchievement Award," in recognition and appreciation of heroutstanding service in the community and the nation. Herdaughter, Donna Kingery, said: "My mom dedicated her lifeto students."

post-secondary educatorsCraft was chairman of the Science and Mathematics De-

partment at Adams State from 1946 until 1975. He was a fel-low of the American Association for the Advancement ofScience and a member of the Colorado-Wyoming Academy ofScience, the American Bryological Society, Sigma Xi, BlueKey, and Phi Delta Kappa. He held a number of civic posts,including director of the Alamosa County Civil DefenseAgency, chairman of the Alamosa Planning Commission, andchairman of Alamosa Housing Authority. After retirement hewas elected an Alamosa County Commissioner.Many Adams State alumni will tell you Weldon, Emeritus

Professor of Human Relations, was one of their favorite pro-fessors. He came to Adams State in 1957 and remained untilhis retirement. His wife, Arvilla ‘78, ‘92, said: "Adams Statewas the only job he ever wanted. He loved his students." Wel-don was listed in "Who's Who in Colorado," "Leaders in Education," "Outstanding Educators of America," and "Dic -tionary of International Biography." He challenged his stu-dents to think for themselves and explore with an open mind.

administratorsBussey was the superintendent and principal for Sierra

Grande School District. In 1997, he and a group of studentsstarted a business rebuilding computers and received recogni-tion form Lt. Governor Gail Schoettler. He became involvedin the Ft. Garland Revitalization Scholarship Committee,providing scholarships for Sierra Grande High School gradu-ates. It has supported over 130 students with $170,000 inscholarships since 1990. He was named the outstanding vol-unteer in 2009 by Colorado Trout Unlimited.The first in her family to graduate with a bachelor's degree

and master's degree from Adams State, Herrmann-Thompson earned her elementary administrative and super-intendent's certification from the University of Denver. Shehas been an educator for over 33 years at Sierra GrandeSchool and the Alamosa and Centennial School Districts as acoach, teacher, principal, and superintendent. She receivedmany awards, including the Milken Family Foundation Na-tional Principal Educator Award; John and Gladys BatesHuman Relations Award, and Outstanding Elementary Math-ematics Teacher Award. She was appointed to numerous stateboards and presented at local, state, and national conferences.

From left: back row: Pamela Herrmann-Thompson, John Aten-cio, Sandra Kay Gilletti-Hay, Lauren "Larry" Bussey, and KayWatkins (accepting for James Craft): front row: Arvilla Weldon‘78, 92 (accepting for Lynn Leroy Weldon), Donna Kingery (ac-cepting for Ruth Florence Remke Bruns), and Phyllis HesterSimpson (accepting for Harriet Rebecca Dalzell Hester).

3rd Hall of Fame honors educators


moffat • 2011

sierra grande • 2014

Each spring since 2010,

alamosa h.s. • 2010

monte vista • 2013

del norte • 2011

antonito • 2012

the ASU Alumni Association has shown its appreciation forthe education profession by providing lunch to alumniteachers and their colleagues at various San Luis Valleyschools.

“The board realized that school teachers’ busy schedulesmake it difficult to attend evening alumni events, so theyvolunteer to bring lunch,” said Lori Laske ‘91, ‘01, Director ofAlumni and Donor Relations. “It is a great way to show oureducation alumni how important they are. I wish we coulddo it every semester at every school. We look forward to vis-iting the remaining schools.”

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�aStater alumnews

Vera Snyder `47, `71 (Highlands Ranch, CO)writes, “My husband, Gene Snyder `50 (de-ceased) and I felt ASU provided us with excel-lent foundations for our careers in education.Gene was an administrator and special edu-cation director in Englewood schools; I taughtfirst grade in the Denver public schools for 20years. We speak highly of our alma mater!”

Harold Montoya `50(Anaheim, CA) losthis spouse, AuroraMontoya, in February2014.

Bertha Cisneros Ragsdale `56(Walsenburg, CO) was an ele-mentary teacher in Huerfano forfive years, then became a caseworker for 32 ½ years. She wasmarried to Tony Cisneros in 1952,and they had 2 sons. Their sonLawrence passed away in 2010,leaving 2 daughters and 2 grand-

children. Their son Gerald has 2 sons. AfterTony passed away, Bertha married JamesRagsdale, who passed in 1991. She enjoys herretirement – reading, watching TV, and goingto senior citizen luncheons. She belongs tothe Ladies Auxiliary Fraternal Order of Eaglesand the Latino-American club.

Dale Kerby `59, `61 (Albu-querque, NM) retired after 40years in the workforce. For 30years, he was an educator withstints as typing instructor, assis-tant principal, counselor, post-secondary business teacher, andvice president of the Albu-querque Vocational-Technical

Institute. He then spent 10 years as human resources manager for a large technical/scientific corporation. His retirement hobbiesinclude golf, reading, and topiary design.

Jeffery Sell `61 (Carlsbad, CA) reports that heand his wife are well. They travel each sum-mer for 2-3 months to Wisconsin, where hegrew up in Superior, then spend 2-3 monthsin the winter/spring in Hawaii. He writes,“Thank you, Adams State and alumni.”

J. A. “Arthur”Salazar `62, `63(Lancaster, CA)worked at TehachapiUnified School Dis-trict from 1963-68and was assigned tothe California Correctional Institution. From1968-95, he worked at Antelope Valley UnionHigh School District and also as an adjunct atAntelope Valley College in Lancaster.

Donald `65 and Johanna `65 Crawford (Albu-querque, NM) areboth retired. Theyhave lived in Albu-querque since 1967and celebrated their50th wedding an-niversary on August24, 2013.

George Demas `65 (Lamar, CO) is retired butstill active in Lions, Masonic Lodge, andchurch.

Lonetta Jane “Janie” Irvin `65, `76movedback to Lamar in 2012 from Lawrence, KS,where she worked 20 years as a vocational re-habilitation coun-selor for SRS beforeretiring in 2002. Shepreviously taughtEnglish for 12 yearsin Lamar areaschools. She enjoystraveling and pho-tography.

Lewis Saunders, Ph.D .`66 (Columbia, MD)writes, “If it were not for Dr. Craft, I would nothave made it. He saved me from being lone-some and hungry. I have 49 years with the US

govern-ment,and I amhavingfun!”

Walt Stoufer `66(Torrance, CA) is liv-ing life to its fullestextent. He retiredfrom McKenna Engi-neering in 2010,after a great careeras a founding part-ner. He lost his dar-ling LaRita in 2008 after a 43-year love affair.They met in the lobby of Casa Bonita girls’dorm in 1962. He writes, “It’s so true thatgreat stories begin here! I’m blessed!”

Alfred O’Leary `66(Phoenix, AZ) taughtin Ordway, CO, for 2years and AlamosaPublic Schools for 10years. He thentaught at Corona delSol High School in Tempe, AZ, until he retiredin 2003. He has lived in Arizona since 1979and in Ahwatukee since 1984.

John Carlson `67(Walsenburg, CO) de-cided he didn’t wantto stay in Castle Rockafter retirement, sohe moved to Walsen-burg. He is active inthe Historical Soci-ety, Friends of the Li-brary, and miscellaneous other short-termassignments. He also provides sound sys-tems for volunteer organization functions.

Bob Damashek `68, `73 (Aurora, CO) retiredfrom Cherry Creek public schools after teach-ing physical education for 25 years. He alsotaught and was the head wrestling coach inDenver’s East High for 8 years. Lastly, he wasan associate professor at Metro State Univer-sity in the Human Performance department.Now he travels extensively and enjoys life.

Priscilla Gibson `69(Sun City, AZ) hascompleted her sec-ond year instructingreligious sacra-ments. She cele-brated the 25thanniversary for Reliv,Inc. in Orlando, FL.She continues to help people improve healthand build home-based business. She is ac-tive in politics as precinct committee womanand a member of the state party central com-mittee. She volunteers at Olive Branch SeniorCenter serving food, decorating, and servingon the on-site council.

Ted Sanchez `69 (Orange, CA) has been hap-pily retired for 10 years. He enjoys traveling,getting together with friends, and visiting hisdaugh-ters andtheirfamiliesin Texas.


alumnotes�1940s

�1950s

�1960s

Joe Cordo `70 and wife, Charleen, left La Juntaafter 46 years and moved to Aurora in 2013 tobe near their kids and grandkids. They enjoywatchingtheirgrand-kids playbase-ball,basket-ball, andfootball.

Mike Mudd `71 (Col-orado Springs, CO) issemi-retired and en-joys spending lots oftime with his grand-kids.

Larry Slade `71 (Monte Vista, CO) was ateacher and principal for 30 years in the Harri-son and Del Norte schools. He and his wife,Linda, have been married for 46 years andhave 3 children and 6 grandchildren.

Maria Beatrice Valdez `72 (Washington, D.C.)retired from the FDIC after 38 years of federalservice as an attorney. Her most recent posi-tion involved enforcing fair lending compli-ance (going after banks who charge women,minorities, seniors, etc., higher interest formortgages and consumer loans).

Stan Brinkley `73(Lamar, CO) contin-ues to be a districtcourt judge. His wife,Mona `75, lovesbeing retired fromteaching, but also

enjoys being a substitute, except when theirgrandchildren are in town! Their daughter,Krista, and husband, Jeff, have 2 daughters,Katie and Meredith. Krista is a director for ConAgra in Omaha, NE, and Jeff is a minister whois working on his doctorate. Their son, Jason,and wife, Sara, have 2 sons, Joshua andJacob. Jason is a lawyer and works for a firmin downtown Denver, while Sara is a stay-at-home mom. Stan and Mona say they are sothankful that they attended ASC and havemany wonderful memories.

Maggie Kilmer `74 (Merino, CO) was honoredrecently when the Prairie School DistrictBoard voted to name the new gym after her.Shortly after the passage of Title IX, Kilmerstarted the girls’ athletic program at PrairieSchool and took her teams of basketball, vol-leyball, and track to many state champi-onships through the years. She was named

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Margaret Hayward `37 (Denver, CO) passedaway Mar. 13 at the age of 99.

Charlotte Padoven `41 (Missouri City, TX)passed away Mar. 18 at the age of 97.

Edna Hiller `44 (Homelake, CO) passed awayFeb. 24 at the age of 99. Among her survivorsare grandsons Mark Bechaver `91 and BrianBechaver `95.

Emma Horvath `52 (Durango, CO) passedaway Apr. 29 at the age of 97. Among her sur-vivors is son Roy Horvath `94.

Larry Menke `52 (Billings, MT) passed awayApr. 23 at the age of 87.

William "Bill" Price `56 (Alamosa, CO)passed away Mar. 11 at the age of 83.

Robert Weems `56 (Guthrie, OK) passedaway Apr. 10 at the age of 81.

Louella Vigil Lee `58 (Lubbock, TX) passedaway Sept. 23 at the age of 75.

Louise Eshelman `62 (Farmington, NM)passed away Jan. 30 at the age of 87.

Harry Jackson `62 (McKinney, TX) passedaway Mar. 23 at the age of 74.

Jane Austin `63 (Durango, CO) passed awayMar. 15 at the age of 87.

Barbara Marlene Lingo `63 (Cañon City, CO)passed away Apr. 20 at the age of 73.

Delfino Rodriguez, Jr. `63 (Albuquerque, NM)passed away Mar. 22 at the age of 78.

Marti Jo Valdez `64, `70 (Capulin, CO) passedaway Mar. 26 at the age of 70. Among her sur-vivors are daughter Jessica Valdez-Reyes`01, `05 and son Armando Valdez, ASU pro-fessor.

Anna Smith `65 (East Aurora, NY) passedaway Apr. 8 at the age of 93.

Rebecca Wilkin `66 (Pueblo, CO) passedaway Jan. 25 at the age of 70.

Melvin Cook `67, `72 (La Junta, CO) passedaway Mar. 17 at the age of 71. Among his sur-vivors is wife Toni Cook `72.

Charles Deter `67 (Gering, NE) passed awayMay 13 at the age of 76.

James Smith `67 (San Jose, CA) passed awayFeb. 14 at the age of 78.

Milan "Mel" Keserich `68 (Salida, CO)passed away Feb. 7 at the age of 70.

George Wickstrom `68 (Mesa, AZ) passedaway Apr. 21 at the age of 76.

Claus Henry Paulsen `69 (Lamar, CO) passedaway Dec. 16 at the age of 69.

Harold Tafoya `69 (Harker Heights, TX)passed away Mar. 6 at the age of 66.

Michael Kaier `71 (Denver, CO) passed awayMay 1 at the age of 64.

Marilyn Hall Stout `72 (Henderson, NV)passed away Mar. 4 at the age of 64.

Wilson "Stew" Stewart `74 (Wheat Ridge,CO) passed away Mar. 20 at the age of 81.

William Vensor `74 (Pueblo, CO) passedaway Mar. 12 at the age of 82.

Molly Teyler Smith `91 (Clovis, NM) passedaway May 2 at the age of 44.

Eppie Archuleta `95 (Española, NM) passedaway Apr. 11 at the age of 92. An internation-ally renowned weaver, she received an Hon-orary Doctorate of Arts from Adams State andwas the first Hispanic woman to receive theNational Heritage Fellowship Award from the

National Endowment for the Arts. Among hersurvivors are grandson Chris Medina ‘12 andhis wife, Linda Relyea ‘96, ‘10.

Ernestine Martinez `99 (Alamosa, CO)passed away Mar. 16 at the age of 67.

Jason Patrick Romero `05 (Monte Vista, CO)passed away Feb. 14 at the age of 36. Amonghis survivors are mother Toni Romero `96,brother Justin Romero `06, and sister-in-lawCorin Romero `03.

Adam Williams `14 (Alamosa, CO) passedaway Apr. 23 at the age of 37.

friendsNancy Carolyn Benson, ASU retiree, (DelNorte, CO) passed away Apr. 26 at the age of78. Among her survivors is husband, HaroldBenson `71.

Milton Byrd, former Adams State President,(Las Cruces, NM) passed away Mar. 6 at theage of 92.

A.J. Hall, ASU retiree (Alamosa, CO) passedaway Mar. 15 at the age of 93.

Berda Helms, ASU retiree, (Alamosa, CO)passed away Feb. 11 at the age of 82.

Ralph Outcalt, Emeritus ASU FoundationBoard Member, (Alamosa, CO) passed awayApr. 27 at the age of 101.

Judy Tisdale, ASU retiree, (Monte Vista, CO)passed away Apr. 29 at the age of 70.

Eldo Wall, Emeritus ASU Foundation BoardMember, (Alamosa, CO) passed away Mar. 30at the age of 85.

remembering . . .

aStater alumnotes

the Coach of the Year in volleyball or basket-ball 5 times. Over 100 athletes under her di-rection participated in all-state programs, andnumerous athletes under her tenure played atthe college level. Kilmer was a great coach —and is still a great teacher — because she un-derstands her role was not only to win in thegame, but to help her students learn how towin in life, using the values of integrity, loy-alty, teamwork, commitment, compassion,and honesty. She now teaches at SterlingHigh School.

Mike Sanders `74 (Surprise, AZ) marriedRhonda in 1987, and they havebeen living in Surprise since1998. He has been a sales sup-port coordinator-post entitlementteam at Avnet Technology Solu-tions since 2007. He has 2daughters: Carrie and Sarah; 2dogs: Stash and Tish; and 2 cats:Smoke and Rocky.

Rebecca “Becky” Loften `75, `86(Colorado Springs, CO) has 2sons — Matt Loften (36) andMichael Blickhahn (25). She re-tired in 2011 from Brush HighSchool teaching English/speech(1991-2011), directing plays, andcoaching the speech team. Shewas chair of CHSAA State Speech

Festival Committee from 2006-2010. She re-ceived the 2006 Brush Community ChoiceCrystal Apple Award for Drama and the 2011Sharon Wileh Lifetime Achievement Award forcoaching speech.

Raymond “Bill”Blair ‘76 (ColoradoSprings, CO) recentlybecame a CertifiedWorkforce Develop-ment Professional

through the National Association of WorkforceDevelopment Professionals. He has been aworkforce development specialist with PikesPeak Workforce Center for the past 14 years.

William Jenkins `76, `78 (Point of Rocks, MD)has 2 sons. WilliamJenkins, Jr. is attend-ing Texas ChristianUniversity, and hissecond son will beattending NorthernVirginia CommunityCollege in the fall.Billy Sr. is thinkingabout working on adoctoral degree inthe future.

Thomas `77 and Shirley Sue `77 Roman(Winnemucca, NV) write, “‘Education at thetop of the nation, in the land of cool sun-shine.’ This phrase still brings smiles to bothof us. We have so many fond memories ofASC, and we are so grateful to our professorsand instructors for preparing us for the chal-lenges and rewards of life. We have indeedbeen blessed, and much of this started withour education at Adams State.” Shirley is theP.E. teacher at The Grammar School, andThomas is a senior geologist II at Klondexmines.

Lynn Dalpiaz Finch`79 (Denver, CO) hasjoined Lockton’s Denver operation. Lockton isthe world's largest privately held insurancebroker. She is an account executive with theEnergy Practice andbrings more than 15years of experienceas an insurance pro-fessional specializ-ing in energy,utilities, natural gas,and refined product

pipelines. She also offers extensive knowl-edge of the public entity sector. Her back-ground includes claims management inproperty and casualty, environmental liability,directors & officers, and employment practiceliability. Previously, Finch served as a clientexecutive and energy practice leader forMarsh. Prior to that, she worked as a claimsmanager and human resources coordinator.Finch holds a Master of Business Administra-tion from the University of Dallas, Texas, andbelongs to the Denver Petroleum Club, as wellas the Denver Chapter of Women in Energy.

Randy Gilder `79 (Littleton, CO) writes,“Counseling at Arvada West High School,which Adams State helped prepare me for,has been a great chapter in my life. When ouryoungest graduates high school next year, thelove ofmy lifeand Iwill betravelingtheworld.”

Donna Duran`80 (Lakewood, CO) and herhusband, Jerry, have been married for 20years. She has worked for the city and countyof Denver for 25 years. Both she and Jerrywere sergeants for the Denver Sheriff’s de-partment. Donna tried to break the glass ceil-ing for women by testing for captain andabove ranks. They are proud parents of 2 chil-dren, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great-grands.

Gary Swensen `81(Brighton, CO) worksfor Colorado HospitalAssociation. He andwife, Lori, are enjoy-ing their 2-year-oldgranddaughter.

Mary Ann Vigil `83,`95 (Walsenburg,CO) has written abook titled, Memo-ries of Years GoneBy, about growing upas the daughter of acoalminer/rancher/farmer.

David Salazar `85(Lancaster, CA) hasbeen married to LoriSalazar `99 since1985. They have 2children: Jerome (24)and Jordan ((21). He


Curtis Wilson ’90, principal of Centauri High School in La Jara, Colo, wasnamed the 2014 Colorado National High School Principal of the Year. Hewas selected for the honor by the Colorado Association of SecondarySchool Principals (CASSP), an affiliate of the National Association of Sec-ondary School Principals and a chapter of Colorado Association ofSchool Executives (CASE).

"I am humbled," Wilson said. "I am grateful and do recognize how manyworthy candidates in this great state exist. However, academic success isthe result of individual effort to a group commitment. I must acknowl-edge the superior students at CHS, for they give everything they havewillingly, regardless of their personal circumstances."

CHS Senior Class President Victoria Fringer added, "A pep talk is part of my weeklyschedule. Little does Mr. Wilson know those talks are what get me through someof my worst days. By doing this, Mr. Wilson becomes a trusting mentor in manystudents' lives. He makes a very conscious effort to make everyone feel ac-cepted."

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�1970s

�1980s

worked at Edwards AFB from 1985-1993. Sincethen he has been teaching in various schools,including Rosamond HS, Alamosa HS, andTropico Middle School in Lancaster.

Bryan Carr `86(Wilmington, DE) hasbeen a research sci-entist for Ashland,Inc., in Wilmington,Delaware for the last15 years. Most of hisspare time is spentwith his girlfriend,Courtney. They enjoy biking, running, hiking,and visiting new places, especially their na-tional parks. He still has very fond memoriesof his days at Adams State, where he wasprivileged to get an excellent education alongwith meeting some of his very best friends.

Charles Grant `87(Tucson, AZ) is re-tired after a careerthat included 6 prin-cipal positions andthe posts of person-nel director and su-perintendent ofschools. He workedin Colorado and Arizona and shares time be-tween them now. He and his wife, Mary `79,have 3 sons and 7 grandchildren. His sons allhold college degrees.

Gary `87 and Karen `85 Martinez (Aurora,CO) will celebrate their 10th anniversary thisfall. Gary is looking to move on to a new ca-reer after teaching. Karen recently helped withher company’s closing and is seeking anotheropportunity as apayroll manager.Daughter Amandais a junior atRegis Jesuit HighSchool and hasbegun the collegeselection process.

Ken Marquez `87,`94 (Alamosa, CO) ,Vice President forStudent Affairs atAdams State, wasnamed to the Col-orado Campus Alco-hol and DrugEducators Steering

Committee, the only statewide coalition ofhigher education personnel dedicated to al-cohol and other drug prevention in Colorado.Among Marquez’ responsibilities is oversightof Adams State’s Counseling Center, PoliceDepartment, and Residence Life.

Doug Messer `89(Scottsdale, AZ)played pro ball forthe San Francisco Gi-ants from 87-89. Heworked at the Univer-sity of Phoenix for 18years, mostly in in-formation technology. He received his MA inOrganization Management in 1997 and is nowwith Arizona State Retirement System QualityAssurance. He has been married for 24 years.He has a daughter, Katherine, who is attend-ing Belmont University in Nashville, TN. Hehas completed 3 marathons.

Cleta Hiner-Felzien `90 (Limon, CO) has herown tax office and raises Piedmontese cattle.

Dr. Denise T. (Alarid) Ogden ‘90(Allentown, PA) was recently pro-moted from Associate Professorto Professor of Marketing at thePennsylvania State University(Lehigh Valley campus), whereshe has taught for 13 years. In2003 and 2013, she received theLehigh Valley Campus TeachingExcellence Award. Her research interests in-clude retailing, integrated marketing commu-nication (IMC), and multicultural elements ofbusiness. In addition to diversity consulting,her consulting firm, The Doctors Ogden GroupLLC, specializes in retailing and entertain-ment marketing. She is also active asnewsletter editor and college liaison for theCenter for Retailing Solutions. She is thecoauthor of texts in retailing, marketing, andintegrated marketing communication and haspublished articles in many academic journals.Ogden received her doctorate from Temple

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�1990s

A number of Adams State alumni were honored at the 29thannual San Luis Valley Educators Outstanding Teachers Ban-quet. Aaron Horrocks ‘01, ‘06 (South Fork, CO) was namedthe 2014 SLV Teacher of the Year, having taught middleschool math and language arts in Del Norte for 13 years. Hebelieves that his role as a teacher is to advocate for his stu-dents.

"Let's be positive," said Harrocks during his impromptu ac-ceptance speech. "Let's not choose to be reformed, let's bethe reform."

Each of the 14 nominees took home a prize of $500, whileHorrocks received $1,000 and a golden apple. The awards were courtesy of SanLuis Valley Federal Bank, which sponsors the annual event.

Additional alumni nominated for 2014 SLV Teacher of the Year to represent theirrespective schools included:

Maxine Baker ’97, ‘03 (Alamosa,CO) teaches English at Alamosa HS.

Linda Donaldson ‘96, ‘10 (Monte Vista, CO) has taught middle school math at Cen-ter for 17 years.

Kaley Van Arsdale ‘04, ‘08 (Crestone, CO) has taught English at Moffatt HS for 6years.

Rosanne Gilbertson ‘90, ‘07 (Saguache, CO) has taught K-8 PE, as well as ele-mentary & middle school science, at Mountain Valley School for 24 years.

Joanne Bagwell ‘90 (Alamosa, CO) teaches family & consumer science at SanfordJr./Sr. High.

Jenna Mondragon ‘07, ‘14 (Alamosa, CO) has taught fourth grade at Sangre DeCristo School for 8 years.

Matt Relyea ‘04, 06 (Monte Vista, CO) teaches science at Sargent HS.

Jolene Ruybal ‘99, ‘03 (Antonito, CO) has taught business and vocational classesat South Conejos HS for 15 years.

Brian Riccatone ‘99 (Romeo, CO) teaches middle school science in the NorthConejos School District.

Roger Dawson ‘77, ‘92 (Alamosa, CO) teaches science for Monte Vista HS and theDelta Center/Online Academy.

Aaron Horrocks

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University and an M.B.A from DeSales Univer-sity of Pennsylvania.

Thomas Gonzales `91 (Commerce City, CO) iscompleting his 18th year of teaching Ameri-can government/economics at Thornton HighSchool, where he was also recently hired asassistant baseball coach.

Obed Jiron `91 (Aurora, CO)started a new job in March withCorrectional Management, Inc.He is part of the treatment teamfor the intensive residential treat-ment program. He provides serv-ices for men on parole in hopesof reducing recidivism.

Kathy Anderson `92 (Lamar, CO)really enjoyed the alumni cruiseto New England and Prince Ed-ward Island! She is loving retire-ment. She has done somesubstitute teaching this year andreally enjoyed that. She and hus-band, Ken, have 2 new grandchil-dren and #10 on the way. Life isgood!

Paul Bonner `94(Colorado Springs,CO) is in his 18thyear of teaching andnow teaches art andcoaches wrestling atManitou Springs HS.

Shawna Walker Martinelli `96 (ColoradoSprings, CO) teachesat Rampart HighSchool. In 2013 shemarried Steve Mar-tinelli, who is origi-nally from New Yorkand works in finance.

Gail Pechuli `96(Clifton, VA) recentlycelebrated 15 yearsof service in the fed-eral government.Gail has representedthe United States inofficial capacity, both domestic and abroad.She credits her studies and the professionalguidance from Adams State that built a strongfoundation to propel her career forward.

Armando Reyes `98(Lakewood, CO) is afamily nurse practi-tioner at DoctorsCare in Littleton,Colo.

Joe Martinez ‘99 (Alamosa, CO) was the grad-uation speaker at his high school alma materin Sanford, CO. He told the students aboutthe importance of academics and athletics ina student's life. He encouraged them to taketheir education seriously and dream big. Hetestified that through hard work, dedication,and perseverance, a person can accomplishgreat feats.

Dianne Hanisch `02(Walsenburg, CO),did not take it kindlywhen Huerfano RE-1eliminated art andmusic for K-5 stu-dents. Two years agoshe established thePeakview Arts Pro-gram, volunteering to teach over 200 stu-dents once a week. Private donations allowedthe students to see performances by theCreede Repertory Theatre, Falcon High Per-

forming Band, and Celtic duo Wilson &McKee. This year an after-school programbenefitted students, thanks to a $2,000 grantfrom Target. Art kids enjoyed a field trip to theColorado Springs Fine Arts Museum, followinga great exhibit of student art honoring theWeek of Ludlow.

Eric Blake `03 (West Hartford, CT) is the headmen’s & women’s track/cross country coachat Central Connecticut State University.

Jennifer Garcia-Rosendo `03 (Denver, CO)married Simon last year. She is a curriculumdesigner for FasTracKids, Int’l., and an earlychildhood consult-ant for multiplepreschools and non-profits around theDenver metro area.She also sits on sev-eral boards for localnon-profits.

Virginia “Ginny” Jones `03 (Aztec, NM) re-tired from public school education in 2011and is now a professor at San Juan College inFarmington, NM, teaching sociology and Eng-lish. When she attended ASU, she had 1grandchild, who is 13. . . and now she has 10grands!

Garrentt Baca `04(Edgewood, NM) andhis wife, Vicky,moved to New Mex-ico in 2008, and arecontract specialistsfor the Air Force. Theyhave 2 sons, 6 & 3.

Dr. Ope Daramola '04 completed his resi-dency training and Fellowship in rhinologyand anterior skull base surgery at the Depart-ment of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Sur-gery, Northwestern University Feinberg Schoolof Medicine in Chicago. He recently moved toPrinceton, NJ, to start his practice – a hybridof academic medicine and private practice.

Kim Lorimer `05(Corona, CA) hasbeen working atSwift Tech Solutions,an Information Tech-nology Company,since October 2012.

Kindra Hardy-Johnson `07 (Hartsel, CO) hasbeen teaching special education for 9 years inPueblo, Leadville, and now Buena Vista. Sheand her husband, Brad Johnson, have beenmarried for 10 years. She writes, “I loved mycohort group from ASU!”

�2000s

�1990s

Laura Malouff ’93, ’01 (Alamosa, CO) traveled to Guadala-jara, Mexico, during spring break as part of the Colorado Bina-tional Teacher Exchange. A 21-year Alamosa ElementarySchool teacher, she was selected by the Colorado Departmentof Education to participate in the program, which creates col-laboration between teachers and administrators from bothcountries on methods that best serve migrant students.Spending part of the year in the U.S. and part in Mexico canlead to gaps in a migrant child’s education.

“It was a wonderful, beautiful collaboration,” said Malouff,who is bilingual. The group, which also included ASU Assis-

tant Professor of Teacher Education Javier Gonzalez and teachers from Kansas andFlorida, toured Mexican schools and met with teachers and students. “I’ve hadthis on my list for a long time. The experience was definitely worthwhile.”


Interior staterooms start at $1,599/pp plus tax.(Airfare not included)Space is limited.

For additional information and instructions on how to make areservation, call Alumni Relations at 800-824-6494 ext. 8.

Alumni Cruise 2015Eleven-days • Panama Canal

Departs March 10, 2015Aruba • Colombia • Jamaica

• Costa Rica • Panama

Matthew Martinez’10 gave the Memo-rial Day keynotespeech at the Col-orado Veterans Com-munity Living Center(CVCLC) in MonteVista, Colo. A U.S.Marine Corps veteranand Adams State vet-erans coordinator, hereminded those present of the sacred dutyand calling of those who go into combat, aswell as those who remain at home. Mattserves on the Homelake Preservation Founda-tion Board, and was recently elected to theMonte Vista City Council.

Sue Thomas `10(Sun City, AZ) writes,“We absolutely loveliving here in ‘TheValley of the Sun.’ Iam a realtor withRe/Max Renaissanceand love what I do.”

Karen Glorioso `11(Arnold, MD) writes,“Everything is goinggreat here on theEast Coast. Justwanted to say hi toCohort ‘K’ and myother counseling buddies!”

Kayla Lanoue `11 is a seasonal park rangerwith the National Park Service at Chaco Cul-ture National Historical Park, New Mexico.She worked in Canada briefly, but has re-turned to the Southwest and is planning tocontinue the work she's started with the NPSin science education and outreach.

Nick McGrath `11 (Highlands Ranch, CO) hasbeen involved in activities at New Dawn. He issingle and loves his life in health care. He hasobtained new hobbies.

Lovety Jiple `13(Denver, CO) is anurse’s aide at St.Luke Hospital andplans to start nursingschool at AdamsState in 2015.

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�aStater alumnotes

Armed with his saxophone, JasonPockrus ’08 recently arrived in Chinafor a year of intense study and the ex-perience of a different culture throughmusic.

Pockrus is nearing comple-tion of his Doctor of MusicalArts degree at the Univer-sity of North Texas and wasawarded a Fulbright Schol-arship to study at theSichuan Conservatory ofMusic in Chengdu City,Sichuan Province, in south-west China. He earned a master's ininstrumental performance at the Uni-versity of New Mexico.

Pockrus will explore collaboration be-tween the saxophone and traditionalChinese music.

�2010s

Photo courtesy of Valley Courier

L-R: Liz Watts andWayne Melanson& Sally Simmons

alumni scrapbook

L-R: Angelica & Al Lopez, Arnold & Sue Gallegos,and Sandy Baca-Sandoval & Ron Gallegos

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denver • april 6


L-R: Lovety Jiple, SimonRosendo & Jennifer Garcia-Rosendo, and Tashina Garrett

Front L-R: Cathie Graeser, EllieCrain, Margaret Trujillo, Paul Bonner, Charles Perci-val, and Iris Clark

Middle L-R: Gloria Santisteven-Feeback & GalenFeeback, Cliff & Donna Martin, Alison Dominguez,

Debbie Martinez, and Ricardo Martinez

Back L-R: Henry & Bernice Trujillo, BillCrain, Milton Trujillo, Robert Baca, MaryAnn & Ken Rotolo, and Lori Laske

L-R: Priscilla Lujan, Gail Pechuli, MikeChase & Karen Glorioso, Karen &Stephen Bokat, Lew & Rachel Saunders,Lori Laske, Douglas Thomas, DavidEvans, and Billy Jenkins

L-R: Raylene Kahler, Grant Faucette,Ruth McGee, and John Fuller

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�aStater scrapbook

pueblo • april 26

washington, d.c. • april 8

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Back L-R: Jerry Petersen, Ellen &Wayne Evans, Mark Duke, LoriLaske, Dick Seals, and Jim & Mar-ianne Halsted

Front L-R: Helen Petersen, DorothyAugust, and Shela Seals

L-R: John Griego, Erlinda Ju-vera, Lori Laske, Mary JaneReed, Gaylene Horning, andJake Martinez

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phoenix • march 13

la junta • april 26

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tucson • march 13


Back L-R: Butch Jones, Dennis Nash, Judy Mountfort, Jim Workman, Harris& Stella Allen, Gertha Mountfort, Connie Spencer, Yvonne & Burt Moul-ton, and Rudy Basovsky

Middle L-R: Linda Nash, Jim & Antoinette Biundo, Alfred O’Leary, Michael& Margaret Sloan, Dennis Ecton, Sharon Basovsky, Lori Laske, Marta Pa-stirchak, Brent Williams, and Roger Trotter

Front L-R: Priscilla Gibson, Judy Martin, Velma Workman, Sherrie Maule, Bev Price, Mary Jane Gibson,

and Sara Graf

More than 50 alumni andtheir guests attended theRockies vs. Diamondbacksspring training game.

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phoenix • rockies spring training�

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Back L-R: Ken & Kathy Anderson, LoriLaske, and Jim & Cheryl Abernathy

Front L-R: Janie Irvin, Stan & Mona Brink-ley, and George Demas


lamar • april 26

L-R: Lori Laske, Otto Stangl, Wayne & Sheryl Farley, Johanna &Don Crawford, Janet & Jasper Mangum, Dale Kerby, and Gar-rentt Baca

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L-R: Lori Laske, Paul Morley, Lynn Sut-phen, John & Candy Wilson, Val Colbert,and Hal Henning �

orange county, ca • march 1

san diego • feb. 28

albuquerque • feb. 26

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Front L-R: Ann Crelly, Kim Lorimer, Jose Salazar, Olive Aretz, Frank Wilson, Ted &Darlene Sanchez, and Walt Stoufer

Back L-R: Harold Montoya, David Salazar, Kathleen Kelly, and Lori Laske

Back L-R: Billie & Larry Olin,Howard Shaw, Mike & Pat Mudd,and Angie & Bill Schinkel

Middle L-R: Jane Clodfelter, AmandaMadrid, Steve & Shawna Martinelli,and Susan Koval

Front L-R: Bill & Paula Blair, LoriLaske, Dannie & Sharon Makris, PamDodson, Katie & Wanda McNew, andDorothy Fien

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�Back L-R: Lori Laske, George & Ione Glumac, Georgann Gomez, John Carl-son, Dianne Hanisch, Cleo Bellah, Anna Lozano, Maryann Vigil, and Al-bert Galvan

Front L-R: Bertha Ragsdale and Virginia Archuleta

walsenburg • april 25

colorado springs • april 6

orange county, ca • march 1

san diego • feb. 28


Alicia Nelson holds ninenational titles – more thanany other woman in ASUhistory. She set new na-tional records in the3000m steeplechase andthe 5000m. Head CoachDamon Martin said she isthe best student-athlete hehas ever coached.

Lauren Martin won the national championshp in the 10,000m.

track & field/cross country• The Grizzlies were named the NCAA DII Programs of the Year by the U.S. Track& Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). The DamonMartin Division II Men's Program of the Year Award – recently renamed tohonor ASU’s head cross country coach and director of track & field – went to theASU men’s team for the sixth consecutive year. The Jerry Baltes Women's Programof the Year Award is the first for ASU; for five years, the program placed second.

• Women's indoor track and field was named Scholar Team of the Year, having fin-ished the 2013-14 academic year with a 3.23 cumulative team GPA. This is theteam’s first Scholar Team of the Year award since 2008.

outdoor track & field• Following first place finishes at the RMAC Outdoor Track & Field Champi-onships, held in Rex Stadium, the teams collected seven national championships,with the men’s team finishing second and the women’s team, fourth.

• Assistant Coach Matt Gersick was named the Men's Assistant Coach of the Yearfor the RMAC South Central Region. He coached Wesley Lavong to the No.1ranking in the nation in the shot put.

• 24 student-athletes selected as RMAC All-Academic.

• Ten student-athletes earned All-America honors from the USTFCCCA followingtheir performances at the national championships.

softball• Finished 2-2 in RMAC Tournament.

• Carly DeLorenzo (left) was named to the 2014 RMAC All-Tournament Team. She broke the RMAC single-gamerecord for stealing six bases, and leads the RMAC with 130career steals.

• Five student-athletes earned selection to the RMAC All-Conference Teams. DeLorenzo and Erika Escdey werenamed to Daktronics All-South Central Region Teams.

baseball• 2014 season record: 15-13. Five student-athletes were selected for RMAC All-Academic Teams.

men’s & women’s golf• Men's golf finished in fifth place, and the women's team, eighth, at the RMACChampionship. Three golfers earned RMAC All-Academic honors. Rachel Dyessmade the RMAC All-Tournament Team.

women’s lacrosse• Advanced to the RMAC Tournament

• 3 student-athletes were selected to the RMACAll-Conference Teams.

men’s lacrosse• 12 players named to the All-Western Intercolle-giate Lacrosse Association Teams.

• Connor Morgan was named the WILA Fresh-man of the Year. He led the Grizzlies with 21goals and 28 points and was one of four Grizzliesto earn All-WILA First Team selection.

grizzlies spring season

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scenes Outdoor Track & FieldNationals

Watch a video about ASU Track & Field atadams.edu/a/27.

45

�aStater sports scene

Carlton Lavong won national championships in both thelong jump and the triple jump to earn All-America honors.He cleared a distance of 8.08 meters in the long jump; 16.09meters in the triple jump.

Tabor Stevens (above right) was named the Men's Track Athlete of theYear for the RMAC South Central Region. He has the fastest time in thenation in the 3000m steeplechase, 8:38.46, which he ran at the Stan-ford Invitational. Stevens successfully defended his 2013 nationalchampionship in the 3000 meter steeplechase with a first place finishat the 2014 national championships. He ran a time of 8:35.05. TheGrizzlies finished first and third in the 1500 meters; Stevens was firstwith a time of 3:58.60, followed by Kevin Batt (above left) finishingthird with his time of 4:02.10. Batt earned All-America honors by fin-ishing in first place in the 5000m with a time of 13:59.22.

For the eighthstraight year, theAdams State Griz-zlies finished inthe top 10 ofLearfield SportsDirector's Cupamong all Divi-sion II schools.Finishing eighthfor 2013-14,Adams State hasplaced in the top15 during all buttwo years since theDirector's Cupwas extended toDivision II in1995-96. The Di-rector's Cup honors institutions formaintaining a broad-based programwith success in many sports. Division IIteams earn points based on the accom-plishments of seven men’s and sevenwomen’s teams. This year, 246 DivisionII schools were among the competition.

Adams State Universityathletic hall of fame

Friday, Oct. 246 p.m.

Student Union Building Banquet Rooms

honoring the class of 2014• Jason Mohr ‘93, Cross Country, Track & Field• Gene Moses ‘63, ‘67,Wrestling Coach 1970-72• Bob Kincaid ‘66, Men’s Basketball• Stephanie Mondragon ’88,Women’s Basketball• Jim Paronto ‘66, ‘66, Football & Baseball Coach 1973-80

• 1972-73 Wresting Team• 1975-76 Wrestling Team

For reservations, contact: Dianne [email protected] • 719-587-7401

Grizzlies place 8th inLearfield SportsDirector’s Cup

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�scenes Outdoor Track & FieldNationals


Two former Adams State University staff members who reside in the San Luis Valley were selected to join 21 other World War IIveterans on the Honor Flight from Southern Colorado to Washington D.C., May 1-4. Mary Hoffman, executive director of ASU’sCommunity Partnerships, served as guardian on the journey for Jack "Doc" Cotton, Emeritus Professor of Exercise Physiologyand Leisure Science; and Richard Gottlieb, who formerly worked at Nielsen Library .

Both men served from 1943 to 1946. Gottlieb, originally from New York, was a gunner and gunner instructor who served withthe 15th Air Force, 55th Bomb Wing, at Pantanella Air Base, Italy. Cotton served on military troop transport ships in the U.S.Navy in the Pacific theater.

While Gottleib’s combat memories are clouded, Cotton clearly recallswalking through the streets of Nagasaki shortly after the bomb wasdropped. "We went right to the epicenter. The only thing left standingwere the shrines in the middle."

The focal point of the trip was the WWII Monument that commemoratesthose who served, including the 401,000 U.S. troops that perished dur-ing the war. The event also included visits to the Korean and Vietnam Me-morials, the Washington Navy Yard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier andthe Jefferson Memorial.

Based in Colorado Springs, the non-profit Southern Colorado HonorFlight relies on donations to allow veterans from all military branches selected for the flight to participate at no cost.

WWII veterans Jack “Doc” Cotton (left) and Richard Gottlieb shakehands with current service persons during the Honor Flight.

Two former Adams State runners and one team were inducted into the 12th AnnualRocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Hall of Fame at its July 11 banquet.

RMAC Hall of Fame inducts ASU runners

RMAC HALL OF FAME BANQUET (from left) Zoila Gomez, Amy Giblin, Terry Villareal,and Rick Robirds

Zoila Gomez ‘04, Rick Robirds ‘89and the 1989 Women's Cross CountryTeam took their places among theRMAC elite.

zoila gomez• 6 individual NCAA DII NationalChampionships

• 11 All-American honors • NCAA DII record in 5,000 meter run• 2002 NCAA DII Cross Country Athlete of the Year

• 2004 NCAA DII Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year

• 2003-04 Honda Award as the NCAAD-II Female Athlete of the Year.

• Represented the USA at the 2007,2009, and 2011 IAAF World T&FChampionships in Japan, Germanyand Korea; first alternate on 2008U.S. Olympic Team (4th at OlympicTrials)

• Adams State Hall of Fame • NCAA DII Track and Field Hall ofFame

rick robirds• The only runner in RMAC history towin three NAIA cross country indi-vidual titles (1986, 1987, 1989)

• 7 individual national championships• 13-time All-American • Set NAIA national cross countryrecords in 1986 and 1987

• NAIA Hall of Fame, Adams State Hallof Fame

1989 women's cross country team• Johnna Myers, Amy Giblin ‘94, ‘96,Terry Villareal ‘94, Audrey Romero-Abrams ‘93, April Campbell Minerich‘90, Barbara Peterson, Melissa John-son ‘90

• Won the team’s second NAIA nationaltitle

• Damon Martin earned his first na-tional Coach of the Year honor

47

�aStater sports scene

ASU athletes have supported theStephanie L. Miner Women's ImagingCenter in a number of ways over thepast five years. They have held multipleevents to support the center and raiseawareness in the fight againstbreast cancer.

Athletic DirectorLarry Mortensen ‘88, ‘93 accepted

the award from Mary Motz ‘62(Stephanie Miner’s mother). She ex-pressed her appreciation to the ASUcoaching staff for training their student-athletes to do more than just write acheck, but to give of their time.“San Luis Valley Health has done so

much for us, so we are glad to be ableto give back in this way,” Mortensensaid. “I am proud of the coaches andplayers for their efforts. Anything asso-ciated with SLV Health and the Motzfamily is a worthwhile cause, and we arethankful to receive the AdamsonAward.”For the last five years the Adams

State wrestling team has stayed in townduring fall break to take the lead in thecommunity as volunteers for theStephanie L. Miner Women's Imaging

Center 5k Walk and Run. Team mem-bers are responsible for set-up andclean-up. They have become an irre-placeable part of this event. Not to be outdone, ASU cross coun-

try and track teams have also supportedthe walk/run over the last three years.They are usually over the finish line inrecord time, and then move their en-ergy to supporting and cheering the restof the participants across the finish line.In 2013 they upped the energy level byleading a surprise flash mob. The wrestlers and runners also have

made it a tradition to purchase eventshirts that support the cause. The Grizzlies football team was out

of town for the walk, so theyselected one special game towear pink and sold MAD(Make a Difference)bracelets to support thecenter.In late October, the

fourth annual volleyball"Pink Night" filled the

gym with a crowd wearingpink t-shirts that the teamsold for the event. The teamhad time to bake and host aspecial halftime event called"Cakes for the Cause,” withproceeds benefiting the Im-aging Center.In February, men’s and

women’s basketball hosted a“Think Pink” weekend dur-ing which they sold t-shirts,with proceeds donated to the'Care Fund,' which providesservices to patients who can-not afford services in thecenter. In April the softball and

baseball teams hosted a "SaveSecond Base" fundraiser thatearned $1,200 for theStephanie L. Miner Women'sImaging Center.

The Adamson Award follows theNCAA Conference Award of Excel-lence, also in recognition of the depart-ment’s support of the SLV HealthFoundation. SLV Health FoundationDirector Kelly Gurule said in her nomi-nation of ASU: "Adams State Univer-sity and San Luis Valley Health are trueneighbors. Adam State and the hospitalhave formed a special bond, and it con-tinues to grow. Hosting events to helpthe hospital not only increases theirgame attendance, but gives the commu-nity the chance to see how dedicatedand committed they truly are.”

calling adams statealumni athletes

3rd Annual ASU Baseball Golf TournamentSeptember 20, 2014Cattails Golf Club

Check-in 9 a.m. /10 a.m. Tee OffFee: $80 per player pre-registration

$90 per player day of event7 p.m.: ASU Football vs. Univ of Colorado Mesa

(Each player will receive range balls, golf cart, 18 holes ofgolf; includes lunch and one drink ticket)

To reserve your space, please email: [email protected].

3rd Annual Dale Umberger MemorialGolf TournamentOctober 1-3, 2014

Hershey, PAFor more info: call Lori Laske at 800.824.6494 ext 8.

Cross Country, Track & Field ReunionAll athletes, coaches, parents & fans welcome

August 7-9, 2015Info: www.facebook.com/events/1428509027416362/

Where are you? What have you been doing?The Athletic Department is building a database of alumniathletes. Please take a minute to complete the AthleticAlumni questionnaire and let us know where you havebeen.

www.asugrizzlies.com/sb_output.aspx?form=5

SLV Health honors ASU Athletics for serviceThe San Luis Valley Health Foundation presented its AdamsonAward to the Adams State University Athletic Department at itsrecent 11th Annual Bolos and Boots Fundraiser.

A-Stater Adams State UniversityAlamosa, CO 81101

non-profitu.s. postagepaid

permit no. 80alamosa, co

back to the landDana Provence’s sculpture students created land artthis summer at the Great Sand Dunes National Park &Preserve. Land art entails altering the natural environ-ment to create earthworks.

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Adams State University A-Stater Summer 2014

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