Donor Spotlight (06-25-07)
Alamosa State Bank
Ten years ago, the Board of Directors of Alamosa State Bank established two scholarships honoring the memory of Clyde Helms and Ove Nielsen. Four scholarships valued at tuition and fees are awarded each year. Alamosa State Bank is also a Grizzly Club Coporate Sponsor.
"We feel Adams State is very important for the Valley, as it is one of the biggest economic impacts in the region,"_said Alamosa State Bank President Russell Achatz '85. In addition to the bank's contributions to Adams State, Alamosa State Bank employs many Adams State graduates and its owners also contribute to several scholarship funds.
San Luis Valley Federal Bank
San Luis Valley Federal Bank has supported Adams State College in the form of scholarships for many years. The scholarship program previously funded a tuition and fees scholarship, which was renewable for four years (four students received scholarships each year)
In 2001, the bank made some adjustments to its program to help more students. At this time, ten renewable $500 scholarships were awarded. With this new program in place, at the end of four years, 40 students would be receiving financial assistance.
Just recently, the bank adjusted the program to now award five $1,000 scholarships (still renewable) beginning with the 2008-2009 school year. The bank board felt $500 did not make enough of an impact and increased the amount.
In addition to the scholarship program, the bank supports other programs on campus, such as theatre and Semillas de la Tierra, and is a Grizzly Club Corporate Sponsor.
"The college is just so important in enriching not only the economy in the Valley, but the cultural and educational opportunities in the valley," said bank President Duane Bussey '82. "It's the number one most important economic driver for the Valley and Alamosa.
Not only does the bank support the college through contributions, it hires many Adams State graduates.
"Our alumni employees believe it's important to have a local source for our high school students and non-traditional community to get an education without going over the hill," Bussey said.
