Opinion by Dr. David Svaldi, President

The lowest admission index (a combination of test scores and G.P.A.) among Adams State University freshmen last fall belonged to a young man with a high school G.P.A. of 1.4. However, he'd just completed military service and was determined to make the best use of his G.I. Bill education benefits. He completed his first year of college with a 4.0.

As a moderately selective university that values educational access, we sometimes walk a fine line in admission decisions. It's unfair to admit students with a minimal chance of success, especially if they will incur debt. But test scores can't reveal a person's motivation or sense of responsibility.

Who owns college students' non-success? Nationally, a significant number of first-year college students are no-shows for their sophomore year. Some transfer and enroll at another institution, but others flunk or drop out. President Obama has threatened institutions with high drop-out rates and low completion numbers with the loss of federal Title IV Financial Aid. Indeed, it is a bipartisan activity for various government officials to rue falling retention and graduation rates, along with growing student debt, all vowing to hold institutions accountable.

Since it is much less expensive to retain college students than to go out and recruit an entirely new class, there is really no motive for any legitimate public or private institution to intentionally drive students away. Perhaps some of our business practices may unintentionally do so (like requiring payment for last term's classes before registering for the next term).

While I agree there have been some abuses within the for-profit (and public) higher education sector, I must ask: where is the real responsibility for college student nonperformance? Eighteen-year-olds legally are considered to be adults; they're old enough to vote and serve in the military. Why are they not held accountable for their academic nonperformance? They enrolled, applied for financial aid, signed up for loans, presumably attended some classes, enough to understand course requirements, but some - more than any of us would prefer - fail and drop out.

Too many new college students have not truly addressed why they are going to college or university - they are there because it is expected, or because their friends are going, or because they don't know what else to do. The government should remember we are all responsible for our own behavior, instead of targeting the "young folk's homes" to which these unmotivated youths flock and then fail.

After 41 years in this business at five different institutions ranging from highly selective to open enrollment institutions, I know that ultimately students can and do succeed - some in spite of daunting barriers - if they are determined and internally motivated.

Students who thrive and succeed should be celebrated; those who fail should be held responsible for their own outcomes.

Pictured, Alfred Petross and Sheryl Abeyta were among the volunteers who, by February 25, topped the half-million dollar mark through the volunteer income tax return program.

Nearly 800 returns, over $1 million in refunds, and approximately 2,000 volunteer hours are the totals for this year’s free tax service. For the fourth year, Adams State University School of Business, in partnership with The Piton Foundation, provided free tax service to qualifying individuals.

According to Dr. Michael Tomlin, Adams State School of Business chair, over 45 IRS certified volunteers, mostly accounting students and six faculty volunteers, spent January until Tax Day helping San Luis Valley residents fill out and e-file their 2012 tax returns.

“I would like to give a special thanks to our accounting faculty, especially Sheryl Abeyta, assistant professor, and Natalie Rogers, visiting assistant professor,” Tomlin said.

He believes the program assists students with real-life experience in accounting and the many individuals who do not have to pay to have their tax return filled out and filed, plus, of course, the economic stimulus in the San Luis Valley of the tax refunds coming back to residents.

The Adams State University 2013 Spring Commencement Ceremony, on Saturday May 11, included 14 graduates from Adams State Mobile Campus Program, formerly known as the Rural Education Access Program (REAP).

Pictured, the 2011 REAP Elementary Education Cohort includes (left to right) Sandra Pak Norton, Pueblo, Colo.; Naomi Ledesma, Lamar, Colo.; Gail Wilkins, Weldona, Colo.; Marleen Jones, Trinidad, Colo.; Desteny Falthager, Trinidad, Colo.; Jerica Kroeger, Monte Vista, Colo.; Jillian Guara-Merchant, Trinidad, Colo.; Michelle Grande, Trinidad, Colo.; Barbara Marquez, La Jara, Colo.; and Cicily Boswell, Bloomfield, NM. Not pictured, Na'Tasha Ray, Brush, Colo.; Amanda Hawks, Sugar City, Colo.; and Casey Hilton, La Junta, Colo.

The REAP Elementary Education Program started in 2000 as a face-to-face program in partnership with Lamar Community College, Otero Junior College and Trinidad State Junior College, then grew to include Arapahoe Community College, Morgan Community College and Pueblo Community College. In the fall of 2009, the program switched to the online delivery format to include students from anywhere in Colorado. All field experience and student teaching assignments are completed in the students' own areas.

Since 2002, with the first cohort graduation group, there have been almost 400 students complete their distance based elementary education degree through Adams State.

The Mobile Campus Program includes programs for elementary education, available only in Colorado since the students follow Colorado State Standards; and business and nursing (RN to BSN), available to those living in any state.

For more information regarding the Adams State Mobile Campus call 719-587-8061 or 719-587-7347;or mobilecampus@adams.edu.

Dr. Zena Buser, Dr. Leslie Cramblet Alvarez, and Dr. Sheryl Abeyta

Now in its sixth year, the Adam State University Presidential Teaching Award, student nominated/student reviewed, has recognized 21 professors for their outstanding contribution to their students.

The 2013 Presidential Teaching Award recipients are Dr. Sheryl Abeyta, assistant professor of accounting; Dr. Leslie Cramblet Alvarez, associate professor of psychology; and Dr. Zena Buser, assistant professor of business. Although the three professors differ in disciplines, background, and education, they share many common denominators when it comes to the art of teaching.

For these professors the education profession provides opportunities for continued growth and development. Abeyta believes every moment offers a teaching/learning opportunity. "The capacity to learn is endless." Buser strives to "make the material and the discussion relevant to the student, make it matter." And, being an educational psychologist, Alvarez relates what is known about effective teaching and learning to the classroom.

All three women relate to the students in a very personal way. Abeyta inspires students to surpass their preset limitations and "help them discover the power and confidence that comes with education." Coming from humble beginnings, she understands what these students are going through, and as such, is better prepared to help them. "Teaching is what I do. It comes naturally."

Buser wants her students think critically about the topic at hand, about life in general, and "about the possibilities." Alvarez speaks fondly of her K-12 teachers and her undergraduate and graduate professors. She said: "I love teaching because I loved being a student." She hopes to create life-long learners.

Through their courses, the professors teach more than just the subject. Abeyta takes pride in her ability to relate with students from many different backgrounds and believes there is much more to her job than lecturing. She says "My job is to make them believe they can make their dreams come true."

Alvarez encourages students to have a scientific attitude. "Psychology is a science. The concepts and theory are important but probably most important is being able to think—be critical, skeptical, and able to express an informed opinion."

During Buser's favorite class, World Food Distribution & Agricultural Economics, she guides the students to understand what is produced, why and where. "It is great to watch them put it all together." Principles of Accounting is Abeyta's favorite course to teach. She enjoys the opportunity to reach students so early in their academic careers.

Alvarez has a similar experience when she teaches Research Methods, a difficult course where students are required to devise and conduct original research in only six weeks. She said students who complete the course have a real sense of accomplishment, and that it "demystifies the process of carrying out a psychological research project."

Abeyta, Alvarez, and Buser said knowing their students took the time to nominate them and having the student committee select them was fulfilling and an honor. "It is a true honor to receive accolades for something I truly love to do," Abeyta said.

Dr. Stuart Hilwig also received the award posthumously.

Educator's Hall of Fame Class of 2013 includes (left to right) back row: Kristin Myers (accepting for Florence Davison), Hobart Dixon, Connie Spencer, Gary Benson, James Beckley, Betty Stephens, Gary Stephens, Gerald Langston (accepting for Mary Agnes Langston), Edward Atencio, Betty Shawcroft; front row: Antonio Valdez, Hazel Petty, Margaret Polston, Bertha Trujillo (accepting for Dr. Luis Trujillo), Lucy Martinez, and Joan Clayton (accepting for Myron Clayton).

The Adams State University Second Annual Educator Hall of Fame Celebration hosted outstanding individuals whose chosen profession created opportunities for students to achieve academic and professional success.

The ceremony, held May 8 in the Student Union Building banquet rooms, recognized Mary Agnes Langston (posthumous), Lucy Martinez, Hazel Petty, Margaret Polston, Edward Atencio, Gary Benson, Florence Davison (posthumous), Antonio Valdez, James Beckley, Myron Clayton (posthumous), Betty Shawcroft, Betty Stephens, Hobart Dixon, Connie Spencer, Gary Stephens, and Dr. Luis Trujillo (posthumous).

The room was filled with family, friends, and former colleagues who supported and encouraged the educators along their path. Below are the summaries which only begin the scratch the surface of those who dedicated their professional lives to education.

Elementary Educators

Langston earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958 from Adams State. In 1924, she obtained a Lifetime Teachers Certificate from Emporia State Teachers College. Langston received the Colorado State Department of Education Certificate of Appreciation Award in 1967. She was principal at East Alamosa for 23 years. Her son, Gerald Langston, accepted the award.

Martinez earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Adams State. She spent 25 years in education teaching Head Start, and first and second grade. She was a Master Teacher during her tenure in Romeo School. Martinez said 11 other members of her family graduated from college. She appreciates her first grade teacher who encouraged her to pursue her dreams.

After 26 years in education, Petty remains active in the community. She is an alumna of Adams State earning her bachelor's and master's degrees from the institution. In 1989, Petty was named "Citizen of the Year" by the Alamosa Chamber of Commerce. Her civic organizations include American Legion, United Methodist Women, P.E.O., San Luis Valley Historical Society, and other organizations.

Polston earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Adams State and taught in the Alamosa School District for 35 years. In 1981, the elementary school was named in her honor. Her civic organizations include Delta Kappa Gamma and P.E.O. She said she remembers every student she ever taught.

Secondary Educators

Another Adams State alumnus, Atencio earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from the institution. During his 36 years in education, he taught, coached and was an athletic director. His achievements include Who's Who in American Teaching, Centennial Teacher of the Year, Scholastic Coach, and three rings from the Colorado Coaches Association and numerous awards from CHSAA.

Benson also earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Adams State and retired from the Centauri School District after 33 years. He sponsored Knowledge Bowl, Model UN, and Kiwanis Youth Organization; he was president of the local teachers organization, and a member of CEA, NEA, and Uniserv Council. He received the Special Outstanding Teacher Award, CSU Award, Outstanding ELK, and the Knowledge Bowl council Outstanding Achievement Award.

An adult learning center in India is named in Davison's honor. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Baker University and taught for 20 years. She was a member of the Phi Mu sorority, the United Methodist Church, Church Women United, Current Events Club and chapter HT P.E.O.

A resident of the Colorado State Veteran Home at Walsenburg, Colo., Valdez was not planning on attending the Educator's Hall of Fame. However, event coordinator Elaine Wenta, Adams State Teacher Education administrative assistant, called the center and the institution arranged a ride for Valdez. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Adams State and worked in the Centauri School District teaching, coaching, and as an assistant principal for 25 years.

Administrator

A teacher, coach, and principal, Beckley spent 30 years in education. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Adams State and is a Navy veteran. He was the last principal at La Jara High School and the first principal at Centauri High School. Beckley was involved in the ELK's, received the Marvin Lewis Award in Scouting, and was a member of CEA and NEA. He was president of ACEA, as well as being active in many other organizations.

Clayton worked for Adams State for 30 years and received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the institution. He also earned a certificate in College Business Management from Municipal University of Omaha. He was in the Air Force, a member of Masons and was an officer in the Future Business Leaders of America. He received awards as an Air Force officer, Future Leader of America and Who's Who Among Students.

The only female principal in Colorado (in secular public schools), Shawcroft said the education profession was a wonderful way to live her life. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado and her master's from Adams State. She was a teacher and principal in the North Conejos School District and in education for 26 years. She taught 4-H clubs and classes at the LDS church. She served on the Baord of Colorado Cattle Women and received the Outstanding Leader Award in 1999.

Betty Stephens earned her bachelor's and master's degrees at Adams State and was a school counselor for the Alamosa School District for 23 years. She received Counselor of the Year and Citizen of the Year and was a member of the Colorado School Counselors Association and Colorado Education Association. Betty serves on numerous boards of directors including San Luis Valley Mental Health Center and the Alamosa Schools Suicide Prevention Committee. She sponsored the Knowledge Bowl and assisted with Ortega Middle School Science Fair.

Post-Secondary Educator

Adams State Emeritus Professor of Biology Dixon retired after 25 years. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado and has several books published that pertain to his research, cataloging and documenting of the San Luis Valley plant life. He taught in a way that made people comfortable and wanted to make sure his students walked out of his classrooms knowing something they could use and might make them successful in their endeavors.

Spencer received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Adams State and retired from the university after 30 years. She was an icon on campus, setting the stage for women leaders. While at Adams State she was the magistrate, dean of women, dean of Student Affairs, and a professor. She was involved in the American association of University Women, the Colorado-Wyoming and National Association of Women Deans and Counselors, and other associations.

Gary Stephens was a teacher, superintendent and principal in the San Luis Valley. He worked for the Adams State Department of Education and Psychology for 26 years. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Adams State. He was an adjunct professor at Southern Colorado State University and Metropolitan State College. He was named Alamosa Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1999 and certification from the General Conference of United Methodist Church as lay minister for pastoral care in 2005.

After 28 years, Trujillo retired from the Foreign Language Department at Adams State. He was the chairman and professor in the department. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Adams State and his Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico. He was a member of Phi Sigma Iota the International Foreign Language Honor Society. Trujillo received the award posthumously. Trujillo is remembered as being a vibrant and enthusiastic classroom teacher. He published three books and many articles.

Understanding the need to recognize outstanding educators, Ted Morrison originated the idea for the Educator Hall of Fame. He and other committee members reviewed nominations for the award. Lori Laske, director of Adams State Alumni Relations, said she appreciated the hard-work by Wenta in making the event a success.

Dr. Gary Peer thought he was out of the limelight once he concluded his speech at Adams State University's spring Commencement, May 11. But he was surprised at the subsequent luncheon with a very special honor: a Great Story on Walls in Halls.

The Adams State University Foundation created the "Great Stories on Walls in Halls" as a way to honor loved ones or alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the university. Adams State President David Svaldi claims Peer as a very important mentor and friend who encouraged him to pursue an administrative role at Adams State. Svaldi's wife, Virginia, previously worked as Peer's administrative assistant.

"It is not always possible for us to give public recognition to someone who has served a pivotal role for us in growing our aspiration and achievement," Svaldi said. "For me, Dr. Gary Peer is that person. We want to let him know how much he means to us."

The "Great Story" plaque reads in part:

"Dr. Peer will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, commitment to students and teaching, and his knowledge of Mark Twain. In Twain's words: 'Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place.' Dr. Peer is a sunny spirit."

Peer served Adams State for a dozen years in senior level administrative positions, including Vice President for Academic Affairs and acting President. Adams State's academic accomplishments during Peer's tenure include three Program of Excellence awards from the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. Currently, he is interim Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs at Texas A&M University.

"This is capping a very special weekend for Bev [his wife] and me," Peer said. "This was a very, very nice thing for you to do. It touches me and Bev very deeply. We had twelve sweet, special years here, not just because of the mountains, but because you and so many others were such a joy to work with."

Peer's "Great Story" was dedicated through gifts from Dr. David and Virginia Svaldi, Dr. Ed Crowther, Connie Spencer, Dr. Don Basse, and the Adams State Department of History/Government/Philosophy.

The Foundation accepts a minimum donation of $5,000 to dedicate a Great Story with a framed photograph and plaque, which is then hung in the Student Union Building. Previous "Great Story" honorees include Dr. Robert Pollard '61, John Spencer '62, Rick Spier '88, '91, Dr. John Turano, and Johnny L. and Electra (Watson) Wilson.

Two new holders of Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degrees recorded the event with videocams mounted to their mortarboards, while other caps bore sparkling messages of celebration.

The university awarded 209 bachelor's degrees and 24 associate's degrees. During an afternoon ceremony, 248 master's degrees were presented

Positive experiences - positive results

Steve Valdez, chair of the Adams State Board of Trustees, told the graduates that the university works to create positive experiences for positive results. "Usually we see the result, but not what goes into the result. Yesterday we listened to three faculty members talk about their recent sabbaticals and the resulting expertise they brought back to the classroom. There is enormous preparation that coaches go through before they step on to the court or the field," he said. "Experiences like these set the stage to succeed for the rest of your lives. Today, it is all about you. Celebrate. Now is the time to get a job, leverage what you've learned, and make a difference."

B.S. exercise science graduate Jasmine Mascarenas evoked laughter and applause with her address on behalf of the class of 2013. Each time she said the word, "graduate," her fellows started a "wave." Mascarenas is the first in her immediate family to earn a college degree, as were about a third of the graduating class. More than a dozen members of her family traveled from New Mexico to celebrate the achievement. Now set to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy, Mascarenas posed two questions to her fellow graduates that she'd been asked in grad school interviews.

Jasmine Mascareñas, who earned a B.S. in exercise science, addressed the Commencement crowd on behalf of the Class of 2013.

Watch Jasmine's speech on YouTube

"What does having an education mean? I am not talking related to academic achievements or your ability to outshine the person sitting next to you. I am asking what makes you so different from someone who doesn't have an education? What have you gained or become because of it? Are you more conscience of the world around you? Do you stop and think more before you act? Are you more appreciative of life? This question was challenging for me, and I hope it challenges you, as well, to think about what today means and the value of the past few years."

Her second question was: "Graduates, if I were to ask your best friend or a stranger to describe you, what would they say? . . . Who do we want to be and what types of impressions do we want to leave? We touch peoples' lives every day, and what we say or what we do can influence people in a bigger way than we think. . . . I hope you think about these questions and truly consider the answers and how they reflect on you and all you have accomplished."

Changing your mind can change your world

President David Svaldi introduced the Commencement Speaker by saying, "It is not always possible for us to give public recognition to someone who has served a pivotal role for us in growing our aspiration and achievement. For me, Dr. Gary Peer is that person."

Peer joined the Adams State administration in 1985, and served as vice president of Academic Affairs from 1987 to 1997. Adams State's academic accomplishments during Peer's tenure include three Program of Excellence awards from the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. Peer went on to hold upper administrative positions at Central Michigan University, Tarleton State University, Minnesota State University, and Texas A&M University, where he is now serving as interim Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Svaldi said, "For those of us that have known Gary over a period of 25-plus years, only a quotation from Mark Twain can properly introduce him: 'It is noble to teach oneself, but still nobler to teach others - and less trouble.' Dr. Peer, thanks for teaching us!"

Dr. Peer, former Adams State Vice President for Academic Affairs, told graduates they would never forget the San Luis Valley.

Watch Dr. Peer's speech on YouTube

Peer pointed out he did not expect anyone to recall the words of his speech, but that they would never forget Adams State University or the unique natural beauty of the San Luis Valley, whether that be the stunning view from atop Medano Pass, the sight of a rare Whooping Crane, or making snowballs atop Wolf Creek Pass on the Fourth of July.

"Reflect with me on the notion that the ideas you and I have in our heads can be terribly important in determining each of our lives," Peer said. "The father of American Psychology, William James, said 'The most exciting discovery of my lifetime is that human beings can literally alter our lives by altering our attitudes of mind. As we think, so shall we be.'"

That notion surfaced centuries earlier, Peer said, in the words of Epictetus, a Roman slave-turned philosopher: "We are not disturbed as human beings by things that happen to us, but rather by our view of those things." In modern times, that sentiment is conveyed in Roger Miller's song Dang Me: "You can't rollerskate in a buffalo herd. And you cannot take a shower in a parakeet cage. But, you can be happy if you've a mind to."

Peer urged the graduates to adopt that mindset, and to take the Athenian Oath of Citizenship: "I promise to leave this beautiful city even better and more beautiful than I found it."

"Today's graduates are not same persons who entered this university," Peer said. "The value of their college degree cannot and should not be measured by how much money they are likely to make. Rather, it can and must be measured by the extent to which college has compelled them, with the power of new ideas, wisdom, and judgment, to take better care of themselves, this world, and better care of one another."