Adams State students celebrate change to university

(05-07-2012)

Adams State students started the last week of the semester with a celebration of the college’s name change to Adams State University. Hundreds thronged the Student Union Building to enjoy cake and get their free "Adams State University" t-shirt.

President David Svaldi and student Jenny Carter cut a cake emblazoned with the new Adams State University logo. Carter was among a group from Adams State who testified on the justification of the name change before the House Education Committee in March.

"I love the change," she said. "Our academic programs, especially graduate programs, are of university quality, and Adams State's name should match that quality." Carter earned her bachelor's degree in business in 2009 and will receive her master's degree in counseling at spring commencement, May 12. As an undergraduate, Carter was very active in the student senate, Grizzly Activity Board, and KASF radio.

Governor John Hickenlooper will officially sign the name change bill into law at a public event Saturday, May 19. "Since the academic year will be over by then, we wanted to jumpstart the transition and give the students a chance to celebrate," said Ken Marquez, vice president of Student Affairs. "We gave away one thousand shirts in under an hour."

"It's cool. Everyone supports it," said Lindsey Davis, of Colorado Springs. "It's nice to have been here when the change was made." Brandi Gaherty, also from Colorado Springs, said she is excited to be part of the first class to graduate, in December, from Adams State University.

"It's exciting; it will give us more prestige," said Jamonica Hudgins, from Las Cruces, New Mex. Vicente Vega, from Greeley, Colo., added it was a good idea to distinguish Adams State from community colleges.

The bill signing ceremony with the governor begins at 2:30 p.m., May 19, on the south patio of McDaniel Hall. All campus and community members are welcome to participate.

The name change will be official Aug. 7, 2012. Adams State will open the 2012-13 academic year with an "Our Great Story just got Better" celebration on campus, Aug. 24-25.

By Julie Waechter