“Not only was Adams State a place where I could be myself, but it was also a place where I really got to discover more about myself. From choosing my career, finding my best friend, and meeting my wife, ASC has helped guide me every step of the way.”

Chris was featured on the Ellen Degeneres show in a spotlight piece where his students and their parents let him know just how much they appreciate him. This is a great piece!

“Adams State provided me with the education and inspiration I needed to move forward in life and accomplish the goals I set for myself. You can't put a price on that! Best five years of my life.”

"My four years at Adams State were very special. Adams State afforded me the opportunity to get an outstanding education and participate in four wonderful years of intercollegiate athletics. I met my wife and best friend at Adams State and formed lifelong friendships. Additionally, Adams State provided me with the skills and academic background that have led to a successful career in law enforcement."

“The quality education and leadership opportunities I received at Adams State opened many doors to success. Without Adams State, I would not have had the opportunities that come with having a college education. I owe my success to Adams State.”

by Alyssa Montoya, class of 2012

In the summer of 2004, Dr. Richard Goddard, accompanied by one student and two volunteers, began exploratory excavations at old Fort Garland, in Fort Garland, Colorado. Goddard, an archaeologist in the Department of History, Government, and Philosophy, wanted to determine whether enough remained of the old fort for him to operate an archaeological field school there. The results of that season's work confirmed that, indeed, there were rich remains. In the summer of 2008, Goddard, with a staff of 5 and a crew of 20 students and 4 volunteers, completed their fifth successful season of the Fort Garland Field School in Historical Archaeology.

The field school has a twofold purpose: training students in archaeology and conducting research on the impact of a frontier fort on both its occupants and the local inhabitants of the San Luis Valley. In 2008, students came from 16 colleges and universities and 2 high schools.

In recent years, the field school has received both national and international recognition. In 2007, a student from Cambridge University in England attended followed in 2008 by one staff member and one student.

In 2008, Goddard was contacted by two publishers in Britain. One wanted to include the field school in a listing of archaeological opportunities that is circulated throughout Europe, and the other wanted him to write an article for their on-line archaeology journal. He has also been contacted by a representative of the History Channel about the possibility using the project as the subject of a future program.

Another aspect of the project that has received particular attention is the fact that it is open to anyone who wants to participate. Whether or not someone is enrolled in an academic program, they can take the course for credit through Extended Studies. Furthermore, the project is open to volunteers and visitors. Each season, volunteers from avocational archaeologists, to graduate students, to archaeologists with Ph.D.s show up for the experience.

Goddard has noted that the San Luis Valley has provides a myriad of opportunities for the study of anthropology and archaeology. "I consider myself very fortunate to have ended up in a place where I can pursue both of my passions, teaching and research, at the same time."

Adams State College theater alumni are taking the East Coast by storm. Julia (Schwarz) '04 and Eric Propp '03 are using the skills the acquired while in college to further their goals in professional theater.

"I always find myself utilizing a skill I developed at ASC: whether I’m leading a team building workshop, designing a new retail lay-out, to developing new outreach strategies," Julia said.

She credits Jim Willis's, instructor of theatre, speech class; Dr. Paul Newman's, program coordinator for theatre, design class; and work-study with Dr. John Taylor, associate professor of theatre, in the publicity office; and courses with Dr. Carolyn Harper, emeritus professor of theatre; as having laid the foundation for her present goals.

"The wisdom Dr. Harper imparted was monumental," Julia said. "Eric and I are always slapping ourselves on the forehead and saying, 'Oh, so that is what Carolyn meant.'"

Newman said the Propps represent the best of Adams State Theatre because the program embraces and nurtures all students' talents. "While Julia was one of our premiere actors, Eric too was a fine actor. And while Eric was one of our premiere designers, Julia designed the set for "The Seagull" for Dr. Carolyn Harper."

Taylor agreed: "As students, Julia and Eric were instrumental to the growth of our theatre program after we moved into our new building. From appearing onstage to being leaders offstage, they gave their very best to our college and it was privilege to have taught them."

Willis said the couple were theatre students at their best, "talented, hard working, creative and committed to learning everything they could." He said his fondest memories of Julia involved her achievements on the Adams State stage. "I remember her replacing the female lead in "The Shape of Things" on a Sunday evening and opening the show on Wednesday. Being willing to tackle that amount of work and then delivering a fine performance in only a few days was very impressive. Few actors could have done it."

Following Dreams

Currently, Julia is splitting her time between the marketing department for the American Repertory Theatre, Harvard University's resident company, and developing corporate and educational programs for 5 Wits Inc., an interactive entertainment company.

According to Willis, when Julia first arrived at Adams State she immediately became involved in the department. He said she formed the improvisational group, Random Acts of Insanity, her sophomore year. "I don't think there was any area of the theatre she didn't work in."

In 2006, Eric was accepted in into Boston University's MFA Costume Design program on full scholarship. Since then, he's had the opportunity to work at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, where he designed costumes for Malcom Gets (Caroline in the City), Allison Janey (West Wing) and Kate Burton (Grey's Anatomy). Last summer, he returned to Colorado to lead costume crafts for the Colorado Shakespeare Company in Boulder. Currently, he's juggling thesis work with jobs for Cirque Du Soliel, New Repertory Theatre, Boston Costumes, and The Huntington Theatre Company. He's looking forward to next semester when he'll be interning for Saturday Night Live.

Eric majored in theatre and art, and said the art department, including Margaret Doell, chair of the art department; and Gene Schilling, professor of art; played a big part in his development as an artists/desginer.

Willis said Eric is remembered for his designs; he and worked in the scene shop for four years. He created his own costume for Oberon when cast in A Midsummer Night's Dream. "I am happy to hear he has found an area where he fits so well, using the many aspects of his education. Julia and Eric were a couple of my favorite students to work with at Adams State and I wish them continued success."

Alamosa to Big City

Living in Boston is a big change from the small community of Adams State and Alamosa. Julia said there are a lot of things she and Eric like about the big city. "We enjoy the cultural diversity, the history, the food, the activities - last winter we were in a 300 person pillow fight and this summer we were in a 400 person Revolutionary War water gun fight, Eric costumed us, of course," she said. "Even though it is a metropolitan city, everyone carves out their own community to make it all feel a bit smaller."

Julia said the cost of living is what surprised them the most. "We are literally paying three-and-a-half times more rent for the same sized apartment we had in Alamosa."

Thoughts of Alamosa make Julia nostalgic, including remembering some of the downtown shops and restaurants. "We miss seeing the stars. But most of all, we miss the people. Eric used to play weekly walleyball with a group of the ASC professors (Stu Hilwig, Betsy Schuaer, Peter Fisher, Margaret Dole, among others). I miss playing light-hearted pranks on Dr. Taylor and Dr. Newman, then laughing about it with Jim Willis."

Like many Adams State alumni Eric and Julia met at Adams State. They were married in December of 2003.

Following graduation, the couple moved to Boston so Julia could attend graduate school at Emerson College, MA in Theatre Education/Theatre for Social Change. Her thesis was a two-year theatre documentary project called, "Judgment", which was produced at Studio 210 and later workshoped for Stoneham Theatre in Stoneham, MA.

"While in school, I worked as an actor with local companies around Boston," Julia said. One production she was involved in was seen by over 100,000 people in the Boston Common.

Willis said Julia had an impressive range "moving effortlessly from classic comedies like A Midsummer Night's Dream to contemporary dramas like Buried Child. "She was one of our strongest and most popular performers."

Julia credits Adams State with much of their professional success. She said she received strong mentorship and a solid educational foundation while at ASC.

"The Theatre Program gave me many opportunities, but more importantly, the professors provided an environment where I learned how to create my own opportunities," Julia said. "ASC may be in a valley, but it is not a bubble. Both Eric and I left undergrad well prepared for the world ahead of us."

"Both of these wonderful students loved the supportive atmosphere that's a part of ASC Theatre," Newman said. "It's a family here and they were, and still are, our kids."

Article by: Alyssa Montoya

From the moment Jennifer and Bill Gurule, class year of 1996, enrolled at Adams State College their primary purpose was to improve their personal and professional lives through higher education and to use their skills to advance their community.

Natives of Alamosa, as first-generation college graduates, the Gurules say their education at Adams State College helped them reach their goals, which included receiving their master's in social work at the University of Michigan.

"It was my wife's idea to pursue a master's degree and I followed her lead," Bill said. "In Michigan I felt that I had all the necessary tools to compete with students that came from bigger schools."

Bill, a decorated Desert Storm veteran, used the GI Bill to help pay for his undergraduate degree at Adams State and worked three jobs, two off campus and a work-study position in Upward Bound. Jennifer also worked on campus. The birth of their first child, Darian, their sophomore year, helped to keep them focused, Jennifer said. "It gave us a purpose for why we were going through college."

Another reason was to assist others when they completed their degrees in sociology. "Dr. Martin, (chair of the sociology department) taught me it is very important to advocate for people who can't advocate for themselves," Jennifer said.

"I remember Jennifer as one of the very best students that I have ever instructed at ASC," Martin said. "Both Bill and Jennifer stood out as definite graduate school material and they both were accepted and received degrees from one of the best MSW programs in social work in the country."

Adams State College Professor of Sociology Ted McNeilsmith has known the Gurules since they enrolled in his introduction to sociology class, in 1993. "They quite clearly distinguished themselves by earning two of the top grades in a class of about fifty students," he said "They excelled by every measure of learning that I brought to bear: exams, formal papers, in-class writing assignments, and a collection of sociological 'specimens.' I was struck by their eagerness to learn and by their levels of social maturity."

Bill says McNeilsmith is an on-going mentor and friend. "He helped me with my career choice."

Jennifer currently works at Valley Wide Health Systems and Bill is the chief probation officer in the 12th Judicial District, which serves all six counties in the San Luis Valley. "Our education at Adams State was priceless," Jennifer said. "I wanted to come back in order to give back to the community I grew up in," Bill said.

While they attended school in Michigan, George Del Roso, then director of Alamosa Mental Health, contacted the Gurules and arranged to pay them a monthly stipend each month they were in school and in exchange they would return to the San Luis Valley to work. "We did come back after graduation and fulfilled our obligation, and after leaving for a short time, we are happy to be back. We hope to continue to make positive contributions to this community and the Valley," Bill said.

Bill then went on to become a Probation Supervisor in the 5th Judicial District (Breckenridge), and later transferred to the 10th Judicial District (Pueblo) before accepting the position in Alamosa. "Adams State gave me a good solid foundation," Bill said. "The one-on-one contact with the professors, and their support, was instrumental in our success."

"It is great to have both of the se fine young people back in our community and I wish them all the best," McNeilsmith said.

The Gurules now have two sons, Jadenn, 8, and Darian, 14. As Darian entered Alamosa High School as a freshman this year, the Gurules impress upon him the need to prepare for college. "Education has been our ticket to great opportunities, and we want our kids, as well as other young kids to embrace that as well," Bill said.

Article by: Marine Zabel

Around noon on October 7, 2005, my Russian-born wife Nafisa gave birth by Ceasarian section to our daughters, Lara and Hana. I had lived in the United States for over 20 years, but moved back to Islamabad in 2000 to be with my father during the final years of his life (he passed away in October 2004). I was working as a school principal, and now, with the arrival of our beautiful twin girls, we were on top of the world.

After spending the day at the hospital, my mother and I went home at about 9 p.m., while my sister-in-law Elmira, who had travelled from Moscow to be with us, stayed on with Nafisa and the babies.

I was so excited that I barely slept that night. Nafisa had asked me to bring her some fresh fruit, so the next morning I drove to a market next to the Margalla Towers apartment complex. Meanwhile, my mother remained on the top floor of our two-storey home.

Just before 9, as I was picking out some peaches and bananas, the ground started to move from side to side. At first I thought it was one of the minor earthquakes that happen here from time to time. I assumed it would soon end , but it didn't. The shaking became more violent and the air filled with a grinding and rumbling noise.

By now, everyone in the market had run outside and started praying. We were all scared. Finally, after several minutes, the earthquake stopped. That is when I noticed that part of the Margalla Towers had collapsed into a huge pile of rubble.

Shell-shocked survivors covered with blood were stumbling from the ruins of the collapsed building. It was like a bomb had gone off. I was numb.

Then I remembered Nafisa and the babies. Has the hospital been destroyed too? I thought in horror. I called Nafisa and my mother on my mobile and was told that everyone was safe.

Later I learned that when the ground started shaking, Nafisa, who was still recovering from her C-section, found the strength to pull out her IV and monitor lines. She and Elmira grabbed the babies and rushed out of the hospital.

By the time my mother and I arrived at the hospital, about an hour after the earthquake, many patients, including Nafisa and the babies, were resting on the lawn. Just as we were moving back into the building, at about 3 p.m., another very strong tremor hit. "We can't stay here any longer," I said. We packed everyone in the car and went home.

The aftershocks continued for several days. Whenever the shaking started, we just held the babies and tried to console each other. We felt utterly helpless.

Still, we were among the lucky ones. The earthquake had devastated much of Kashmir - thousands died and many more were left homeless. Many of our friends and acquaintances had been killed.

My school, which suffered no serious damage, reopened a few days after the earthquake. As I walked out of my office to morning assembly on that first day, dozens of students rushed towards me. "How is your family? Are you OK?" one eight grader asked. "Sir, when will the shaking stop?" another wanted to know. In the midst of so much chaos, they were looking for some reassurance and stability.

The following weeks at the school were tense. During the aftershocks, I had to sound the alarm to evacuate all 3000 students and 300 staff.

Much of the time the campus was strangely quiet. During recess, students would gather in small groups rather than run around and play, as they had before. As principal I was used to telling students to remain quiet and calm. Now I started to miss all that noise.

One of our students, Zohair Iqbal Haider, a popular 18-year-old who had been living with his uncle and aunt at the Margalla Towers, was killed during the earthquake. The boy's father, Iqbal Haider, a retired Pakistan Air Force officer who was serving as ambassador to Libya, returned home immediately. Just a few days later, he spoke to an assembly at my school. With tears running down his face, he recalled how his son had helped his aunt from the building after the earthquake, then returned to find his uncle. That's when the structure collapsed, killing both him and his uncle.

Despite his terrible loss, Iqbal Haider was philosophical. He said the earthquake had been caused by the inexorable movement of the earth's tectonic plates. "That is why we have these earthquakes and that is why we have the Himalayas, which give us life through their glaciers and rivers." In other words, the forces that caused so much suffering and sadness have also given us much to be thankful for.

Like so many people in Pakistan, I’ve spent a lot of time over the past year trying to figure out why we had to endure this terrible disaster. I now believe God wanted to teach us humility. One minute I was on top of the world and the next I was at the bottom!

The key to recovering from this low point was family. Nafisa's strength through all this cannot be described. My mother's support and love had a calming affect on all of us. I couldn't thank Elmira enough for the sacrifice of leaving her husband and three children so that she could be with us. She finally returned home in December.

And in the middle of it all were our babies. During the mad chaos of the great earthquake and its aftermath, Lara and Hana were my anchor. I realised that a big smile when I look into their eyes, or a delighted shriek when I return home from work, was all I needed in life.

Life is now returning to Kashmir, as it came to me amidst intense destruction. My daughters are my guiding light to a hopeful future - filled with life.

This article, by Masood Ahmad, Adams State College director of student engagement and success, first appeared in the Reader's Digest Asia Pte. Ltd. In October 2006.

Adams State College student, Sabrina Garcia, was chosen second attendant during the Colorado State Fair Fiesta Queen pageant held the weekend of June 14. "My heart was beating so fast," she said. "I didn't expect them to call my name."

For the talent portion of the pageant, Garcia sang "Will you still love me tomorrow." She said, throughout the summer, she will be busy on weekends appearing in parades as the Fiesta Queen attendant. She just completed her freshman year at Adams State. Upon entering college, Garcia declared a theater major.

Last spring, she was cast as a lead character in "Love Talker," by Deborah Pryor, directed by Elizabeth Wellman, May 2008 theater graduate. "Sabrina is absolutely one of the freshest, most exciting people I've met at Adams State," Wellman said. "She is fearless, energetic and completely committed to excellence. Very few people exhibit the kind of sincerity and humility I have seen in her. During the production, I noticed such an eagerness and hunger for new knowledge. Every night of rehearsal, she was like a new creature, completely committed to that moment. She has fervor about her, a passion."

After a discussion with Dr. Stephen Roberds, associate professor of government, Garcia added political science as a second major. "I have always had an interest in politics and how it affects the world," she said. "I want to understand politics in-depth."

Garcia is a first-generation college student who says she was "so happy" when her parents let her begin her first job, at a Halloween store in the Flat Iron Crossing Mall. Since then she has worked at a Dairy Queen, Alliance Data, and is currently working at Adams State's Welcome Center. "My career plans, after college, are not certain yet, but I do know that I want to do something that gives back to the community."

Eric Carpio, director of admissions, is her supervisor. "We're very lucky to have Sabrina as a student employee in the Welcome Center," he said. "Students and staff find Sabrina fun to be around, and her energy and positive attitude are contagious. I'm extremely proud of what Sabrina has accomplished during her short time at Adams State. Sabrina's a great example of what's possible when a student is willing to work hard and fully embrace the college experience."

Besides working over 20 hours a week, Garcia is taking summer courses and was the house manager for the summer children's theater performances in Alamosa.

Dr. John Taylor, professor of theater, had Garcia in class. "Sabrina is a true burst of energy in the classroom. Her laughter is infectious and her abilities are remarkable. Our theatre audiences should expect to see wonderful performances from her as she continues in our program."

In the course of a conversation with Garcia, she speaks of her younger brother and sister, her mom and step-dad, aunts, uncles and grandmother; and openly admits to her dark side. "While I was in high school, I begged my mom for hot pink-and-black Vans with skulls and cross bones," Garcia said. "I wore them everyday."

Since her freshman year, Garcia said she has "grown." She attributes part of her personal growth to her the theater department. "I love my theater professors," she said. "I have learned a lot about myself because of them."

A graduate of Broomfield High School, Garcia's is from Thornton, Colo. She said she didn't think she would find a "family" here. Quite the opposite has happened as she has made close relationships with fellow students. "I share so many stories of college when I am back home with my friends and family, they say it 'sounds good,'" she said. "I really love it here, to put it plain and simple."

A business plan assignment at Adams State College became the roots for a nationally known Albuquerque, New Mexico shoe company. Andres Gallegos '91 and his father, Alvaro Gallegos, founded Z-CoiL in 1993.

A Z-CoiL shoe is a specialty shoe, which has a spring in place of the heel. According to the Z-CoiL website, Alvaro Gallegos designed the shoe because of the constant pain he suffered from running. After teaming up with Yong Oh Lee from South Korea, they produced the first prototype. Working closely together, they refined the shoe's design and patented it in 1995.

Andres said the spring shoe was the brainchild of his father who had pain associated with years of running. "Starting a company like Z-CoiL requires tremendous faith and work,' Andres said. "There was no manual for something as revolutionary as a spring shoe. Raising money was probably the most challenging component."

According to Andres, manufacturing the product was a challenge. It took them five years to get it right. "We made hundreds of mistakes," Andres said. "We learned adapted and moved on. But then we had our work cut out trying to get consumers to wear the product. The shoe looked strange, but once consumers tried it on and it felt great, they remained loyal."

"Andres exemplifies what an Adams State alumni can do," said Lori Laske, director of Alumni. "He was a leader on campus and is now a successful business leader in the Albuquerque business world."

As a student at Adams, Andres Gallegos was a member of alpha kappa psi fraternity, played intramural football, was an AS&F senator and AS&F president his senior year. Andres has contributed significantly to the Adams State community. During his term as AS&F President, AS&F campaigned for and implemented student to teacher evaluations. Previously, teachers evaluated other teachers; Andres said the senate believed that was too political. In addition, he helped pass a bond referendum requesting money to renovate buildings at the school.

"Andres was a neat person," said Gary Jones, retired director of facilities services. "Under his leadership, AS&F was instrumental in helping pass the bond referendum designed to complete necessary repairs and renovations to housing, the Rex Activity Center and the Student Union Building. The students approved the bond with an 84 percent vote in favor, much like the capital fee current students just passed in March 2008. The renovations boosted student life and moral."

"I have fond memories of living in the dorms, the great teachers, the crisp air and great friends," Andres said. "I really enjoyed my four years at ASC and am still in touch with many of my ASC buddies and teachers."

Among the professors that Andres remembers, is Dr. James R. Ogden, former professor of business at Adams State College. "Doc could really relate to the students through his energy, excitement, and possibility thinking," Andres said. "He was always very funny and responsive to questions. He also did many extra-curricular activities with the students. He was a joy to listen to and made business fun."

Ogden said Gallegos was a friendly student, easy to get to know and very personable. "When we first met Andres said, 'Hi Dr. Ogden, my name is Andres Gallegos, What's up Bud?'" Ogden said. "I will always remember his intro. Andres was a wonderful student to have in class."

The relationship between Andres and Ogden has remained strong. Ogden sits on the board of directors for Z-Tech, Inc. "I was not surprised Andres Gallegos started Z-CoiL with his father. Because of his energy, interest, intelligence and an entrepreneurial spirit, I knew that Andres was going to be very successful," Ogden said. "He was always interested in how things worked, and although I was a very tough professor, he took every class I offered."

"ASC was great bases for confidence and fundamental skills," Gallegos said. "I often refer to specific knowledge in accounting economics or business strategy I learned at ASC. I am a big believer in continuing education and learning. It serves to keep an individual sharp and young at heart."

Andres lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He and his wife, Frances, have three daughters Adela, age 9, Rachel, age 12 and Lindley, age 14.

"I think ASC is a great school," Andres said. "If I could give advice to students I would say, get involved, work hard and expect more out of yourself. In this global market, you are competing against the world. GO GRIZZLIES."

Ogden said, as a member of Z-tech board of directors, he continues to enjoy Andres challenging questions and comments. "I can say that he is one of my closest friends and colleagues and I treasure the friendship I have with him and his family. Andres is a 'Great Story' from ASC."

Article By Marni Zabel