A night of welcome rainfall left the Adams State campus shimmering green in the sunlight, the morning of spring commencement, May 12.

In the morning ceremony, Adams State awarded 215 undergraduate degrees, including 196 bachelor's degrees and 19 associate degrees. Among the graduates were the first 18 to complete Adams State's four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

At the afternoon's graduate commencement ceremony, 270 master's degrees were awarded, including Adams State's first 11 Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL).

Welcoming the audience, Adams State President David Svaldi noted it was the last commencement ceremony for Adams State College. Adams State will become a university, effective August 7.

Adams State alumnus Steve Valdez, chair of the college's Board of Trustees, told the graduates: "Today is all about you - what you have accomplished and what you are about to accomplish, having been taught the answers to questions not yet asked, and the solutions to problems that have not yet surfaced. "Adams State becoming a university is also all about you," Valdez added. "We want you to have that edge in applying for jobs. As you leave here, go out and talk about what this banner really means - 'Great Stories Begin Here.' Spread the word about what ASU has done, and about the even better stories to come."

Loraine Glidewell, who received her B.S. in organismal biology, addressed the gathering on behalf of the graduating class. "Springtime in Alamosa means blowing winds, but today those are the winds of change. Reflecting on the past few years, only one thing came to mind: construction. We have seen a parking lot full of pot holes become the incredible Rex Stadium. We have seen the ancient ES Building become the stylish McDaniel Hall," Glidewell said, referring to $62 million in construction and renovation at Adams State in the last 5 years.

"It is clear we are leaving a college that is very different from the one we entered. Likewise, those of us graduating today have undergone a similar transformation. We are new and improved, armed with a college degree, and ready to take on the world."

A few words about the art of listening

Commencement speaker Lee White welcomed the audience in both Spanish and English. The Executive Vice President and Manager for George K. Baum & Company at its Denver Public Finance Headquarters, he has 30 years in the investment banking business and is responsible for underwriting over $10 billion worth of municipal bonds. White oversees Baum's Colorado Governments & Infrastructure Group, Higher Education & Non-Profit Finance Group, and Renewable Energy Project Finance Group. White helped organize bond financing for Adams State's new student apartments, Rex Field, remodeled academic facilities, and new recreational facilities.

Recalling advice from his father at his own college graduation, White's talk was entitled, "Why Intentional Listening and 10,000 Hours of Work on Your Passion Will Make You an Outlier, Or, I Got a Darn Good Start in Alamosa, Colorado."

Drawing upon historical and literary examples, as well as his own business experience, he expanded on his father's observation that "The best conversationalist is the best listener."

White quoted the African parable: "Why do human beings have two ears but only one tongue? To listen twice as much as we speak." He then referenced author Henning Mankell, who said: "Many people make the mistake of confusing information with knowledge. They are not the same thing. Knowledge involves the interpretation of information. Knowledge involves listening."

White gifted each graduate with the book, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, a true story about an impoverished boy in Malawi who transformed the fortunes of his family and drought-stricken village through his own ingenuity. William Kamkwamba, armed only with an old science magazine and make-shift parts, created a wind turbine that brought power to his off-the-grid village and allowed the use of water pumps in the farm fields. He eventually earned a degree from Dartmouth.

White then urged the graduates to become "outliers," as described in Malcolm Gladwell's book The Outliers: The Story of Success. The book asserts the best, brightest, and most successful individuals become so through sheer hard work - spending about 10,000 hours perfecting their passion. Gladwell's examples include Bill Gates, Bill Joy, and the Beatles.

"Each of you can indeed be an outlier," White said. "Find out what drives you, whether it makes money or not. Just laser focus on a single task, and then work like heck to do it well. The result is almost uniform success.

"Your future is in your hands," he went on. "You will use your ears just as much as your tongue. Become an 'outlier,' a person that accomplishes much while others tread water. You are the men and women for whom work is real, rewarding, and revealing."

High School seniors Marisabel Fierro, Sierra Grande, and Adriana Aguilera, Sargent High, received scholarships to Adams State, valued at $600, and Sargent High School received first place, overall, during the annual Pan American Days, hosted by El Parnaso, the Adams State College Spanish Club, on April 11.

According to Dr. Eva Rayas Solis, the Spanish Club, formed in 1928, has organized the event for 74 years. She estimates close to 300 visitors attended the event including instructors, chaperons, high school students, family members and friends.

Rayas Solis appreciates the help received from Adams State Spanish students, faculty, and staff, and members of the SLV community; many who volunteered to judge the simultaneous competitions.

"I believe the 2012 Pan American celebration was an extraordinary successful event that took place on our renovated campus," Rayas Solis said.

Overall results included Sierra Grande High School second place, Alamosa third place, Monte Vista fourth place and Antonito fifth place.

The individual/team competition results included:

Spelling I

• first place: Juan Dorado, Centennial High School;
• second: Dante Rael, Alamosa High School;
• third: Dennise Garcia, Alamosa High School;
• fourth: Kelci Vantreese, Sargent High School;
• fifth:Cyril Paring, Antonito High School.

Spelling II

• first place: Manuela Dorado, Centennial High School;
• second: Mayra Garcia, Antonito High School;
• third: Angelina Mateo, Alamosa High School;
• fourth: Brianna Apodaca, Alamosa High School;
• fifth: Austin Babcock, Sargent High School.

Grammar I

• first place: Juan Dorado , Centennial High School;
• second: Gustavo Solano, Sargent High School;
• third: Dennise Garcia, Alamosa High School;
• fourth: Lizbeth Beltran, Sargent High School;
• fifth: Cyril Paring, Antonito High School.

Gammar II

• first place: Maira Rodriguez, Antonito High School;
• second: Manuela Dorado, Centennial High School;
• third: Roger Lauro, Monte Vista High School;
• fourth: Melissa Jimenez, Sargent High School;
• fifth: Miranda Sandoval, Antonito High School.

Oral Interpretation I

• first place: Lizbeth Beltran, Sargent High School;
• second place: Kayle Thompson, Sargent High School;
• third place: Alyssia Torres, Monte Vista High School;
• fourth place: David Le Beaux, Sierra Grande High School;
• fifth place: Marisol Lucas, Alamosa High School.

Oral Interpretation II

• first place: Micaela Chairez, Sierra Grande High School;
• second place: Grace Stults, Sargent High School;
• third place: Paige Mitchell, Sargent High School;
• fourth place: Brianna Apodaca, Alamosa High School;
• fifth place: Haley Martinez, Sargent High School.

Oral Interpretation III

• first place: Adraina Manzanares, Sierra Grande High School;
• second place: Nora Ojeda, Sierra Grande High School;
• third place: Camrey Garoutte, Sargent High School;
• fourth place: Karla Munoz, Sierra Grande High School;
• fifth place: Scott Pillon, Sargent High School.

Oral Interpretarion IV

• first place: Marisabel Fierro, Sierra Grande High School;
• second place: Emily Cuevas, Alamosa High School;
• third place: Adriana Aguilera, Sargent High School;
• fourth place: Abby Moreno, Alamosa High School;
• fifth place: Ryan Mix, Sargent High School.

Speech I

• first place: Gustavo Solano, Sargent High School;
• second place: Marisol Lucas, Alamosa High School;
• third place: Isaiah Gonzalez, Sierra Grande High School;
• fourth place: Alysia Torres, Monte Vista High School;
• fifth place: Kerstin Rilling, Monte Vista High School.

Speech II

• first place: Melissa Jimenez, Sargent High School;
• second place: Carlos Garcia, Monte Vista High School;
• third place: Tai Zollars, Sargent High School;
• fourth place: Maira Rodriguez, Antonito High School;
• fifth place: Austin Babcock, Sargent High School.

Speech III

• first place: Savannah Plane, Sargent High School;
• second place: Katrine Stake, Monte Vista High School;
• third place: Isabel Serna, Sargent High School;
• fourth place: Carla Munoz-Landin, Sierra Grande High School;
• fifth place: Jazmin Gomez, Sargent High School.

Speech IV

• first place: Justin Lowder, Sargent High School;
• second place: Maribel Fierro, Sierra Grande High School;
• third place: Jessica Rodriguez, Antonito High School;
• fourth place: Adriana Aguilera, Sargent High School;
• fifth place: Anthony Ulibarri, Sargent High School.

Knowledge Bowl

• first place: Sargent School Team,
• second place: Alamosa School Team,
• third place: Antonito School Team.

Song

• first place: Rumbo al Norte, Centennial High School;
• second place: Micaela, Alamosa High School;
• third place: Los Romeros, Antonito High School;
• fourth place: Bryan & Michael, Alamosa High School;
• fifth place: Genesis Ibarra, Monte Vista High School.

Art

• first place: David Romero, Antonito;
• second place: Robert Ryland, Sierra Grande High School;
• third place: Misty Sandoval, Sierra Grande High School;
• fourth place: Miranda Sandoval, Antonito High School;
• fifth place: Ren Westerman, Alamosa High School.

The nonprofit National Association of Recreation Resource Planners (NARRP) today announced a donation to the Adams State College Luther Bean Museum in Alamosa in honor of U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

The donation consists of a framed photograph of the Salazar family ranch by famed photographer John Fielder and a plaque praising the leadership of the Interior Secretary and San Luis Valley native for protecting the nation’s parks and public lands and ensuring all Americans can access and enjoy them.

"Connecting Americans to their outdoors is essential to improve public health, reinvigorate local economies, and inspire a new generation of land stewards," said Dr. Glenn E. Haas, vice president of NARRP. “Secretary Salazar's Great Outdoors initiative has shone an important light on the role of parks and public lands in providing recreational opportunities for Americans in rural and urban communities nationwide. By valiantly fighting for Land and Water Conservation Fund monies and the preservation of our public lands, he's made sure that American citizens, our environment, and economy can benefit from these treasured landscapes"

The photograph is now on display in the museum. Linda Relyea, Luther Bean Museum Advisory Committee chair, noted the connection of the new acquisition to the mission, which is to preserve and promote the diverse culture and history of the region and Adams State. "A photograph of the Salazar Ranch by Colorado landscape photographer John Fielder is a welcome addition to the museum's collection."

Nearly 50 years ago, Congress created the Land and Water Conservation Fund to use a portion of the fees paid to the U.S. Government by private companies conducting offshore oil and gas drilling for permanent protection of land and water onshore. In Colorado, more than $200 million in LWCF monies have protected places such as Rocky Mountain and Great Sand Dunes National Parks, the Ophir Valley of the Uncompahgre National Forest, and the Blanca Wildlife Habitat Area near Alamosa. The program has also provided matching grants for nearly every county in the nation to create community parks and ball fields, and conservation easements to protect working landscapes.

The Luther Bean Museum is located on the second floor of Richardson Hall on the Adams State campus and is open 2 p.m. until 5 p.m., or by appointment, Monday through Friday. Beginning May 29, the museum hours will change to 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, through July. Two galleries have been recently reinstalled with the museum’s permanent collection of regional art. For more information call 719-587-7151.

Adams State College is hosting an Open House from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Friday, May 18 in the Welcome Center, located in the Student Union Building. The open house is scheduled in conjunction with the May 19 University Bill Signing Ceremony.

All admitted students, for fall 2012, are invited. Those attending will be able to take care of admissions, financial aid, placement testing, advising & registration, campus tours, etc. Students must RSVP at Open House. Participants will receive a complimentary Adams State University t-shirt commemorating the event.

If you want to learn more about the father of Chicano theatre or improve your communication skills, the Adams State College Theatre Program is offering two unique summer workshops that will help you achieve your goals.

From his work with Cesar Chavez in the fields of California to the Broadway stage and Hollywood, "The Theatre of Luis Valdez" is a one-credit workshop that will examine the activism and artistry of the father of Chicano theatre. Participants will even work together to create their own examples of actos or short plays like the ones created by Valdez and El Teatro Campesino. The workshop meets June 15 and 16.

Dr. John Taylor, theatre professor, says, "Luis Valdez is one of my heroes and this short workshop is an opportunity to share with people about the tremendous contributions this American activist, playwright, and director has made to our national culture."

"Energizing Your Communication Skills" is a fun, hands-on workshop designed to expand your communication skills beyond what you have already learned in a basic public speaking class. This class will emphasize a performance-based approach to communication including using basic acting skills to help you become a more dynamic speaker. It is created for those looking for both personal and professional development. The workshop meets July 13 and 14.

"This workshop is designed for anyone who wants to gain confidence when speaking in front of others. In a low pressure, relaxed environment, participants will learn more about what makes for effective communication as well as techniques for being energetic and dynamic speakers," states Taylor.

For more information about these workshops, please contact John Taylor at 719-587-7382 or jhtaylor@adams.edu.

Pictured, Brother David Steindl-Rast and Anthony Chavez, grandson of Cesar Chavez, visited the Adams State College campus on April 24. The two travel internationally promoting non-violent resolution, service to others and helping the needy. Their visit was sponsored by the Adams State Cultural Awareness Student Achievement (CASA) committee.

Chavez spoke about his grandfather and his work with farm workers and the need for young people to continue to promote the rights of others. "The end of all education is service to others."

Starting the evening of June 1 and continuing all day June 2, the Writing and Place Workshop will include writing, observing, metaphor-making, and writing again. Find inspiration from memory and from walking and watching our valley to create personal, vital writing. Explore how the power of place speaks to your imagination and, in the written version of pleine aire painting, lets you see newly. Wear walking shoes and a hat, and bring sunscreen, water bottle, and a brown bag lunch. Also bring a blank book/notebook.

A Writing and Community Workshop will be held the evening of June 8 and all day June 9. Enjoy fun group work opening your minds, hearts, and approaches to writing. Use writing to build connection and awareness of others through interviewing, constructivist listening, active listening, and collaborating on the creation of story, essays, and poems.

The Writing and Being Workshop will be held during the evening on May 18 a half day on May 19. Partake in a quiet and contemplative workshop during which you write to find out what you are thinking, feeling, wondering, and hoping. Try writing as meditative practice. Use questions and prompts to explore your memory, identity, and voice. For this private writing, bring a blank notebook and a fast pen.

All these workshops may be taken for undergraduate or graduate level, or for no credit.

Other creative writing courses include the foundation course for the creative writing major, an Introduction to Creative Writing offered during the early May term by SLV award winning author and teacher Aaron Abeyta (colcha) and a Creative Non-Fiction course taught in June by Professor David MacWilliams with an on-line component for individual guidance.

Guerrero-Murphy's four day writing intensive workshop on using writing for thinking and discovery is scheduled from June 4 through June 7. Spend four whole days growing as a writer. Suitable for all levels of writers, teen through adult, during these four days you will practice writing to think, learn, observe, create, invent, share, reflect, grow, teach, dream, analyze and discover. Bring a brown bag lunch, a fast pen, and a notebook.

Guerrero-Murphy has been a writing coach, teacher, and author, "Table Walking at Nighthawk" a 2005 WILLA Finalist, for one whole heck of a very long time and she still likes to ignite appreciation for the power and craft of writing. Did you know that, like running or wrestling, research shows that writing improves most through practice? For more information, contact Dr. GM (Carol) at cgmurphy@adams.edu, 719-587-7862.

Over 100 people attended the inaugural Adams State College Educator Hall of Fame Celebration to honor individuals whose dedication to their professional career enabled students to succeed academically, professionally and personally.

The ceremony, held May 7 in the Student Union Building banquet rooms, honored Charlotte Bobicki, Donald M. Brooks, Mike Gomez, Charlie Jaquez Jr., Adah Morgan, Marvin Motz, Floyd Oaks Sr., Barbara Relyea, John B. Roybal Jr., Deanna Thomas, Martha J. (Marti Jo) Valdez, and Angelina Velasquez. All recipients received a small tile plaque and a larger plaque will be mounted in Adams State McDaniel Hall. Brooks, Morgan, Motz, Oaks, Thomas were recognized posthumously.

Upon receiving their awards, the recipients thanked their students and expressed, with humility and honesty, affection for their chosen career. The following summaries do little to fully credit these former educators who inspired generations of young people to achieve their full potential.

Receiving her plaque, Bobicki said she enjoyed all aspects of education, from teaching special education to administration. "I have many emotions as I accept this award." Bobicki appreciated her family's support throughout her 36 years in the education field. She received the Adams State Outstanding Alumna of the Year and taught in Albuquerque, N.M., Fredrick, Maryland, Center and Alamosa. She also served two terms as Alamosa County Commissioner.

Brooks taught English courses at Adams State. Don Stegman, emeritus professor of English, accepted the award on his behalf, describing Brooks as methodical, organized, and an energetic classroom teacher. "Don (Brooks) was a consummate classroom teacher. He loved the atmosphere of the classroom; and most of all, he loved the students. He made them better writers and better people."

Through his years teaching middle school students, Gomez was often asked how he managed that age group. He said: "Their energy and excitement rubbed off on me." He taught English courses and eventually became the secondary principal at Centennial School District. He has served on numerous committees and co-founded Mariachi San Luis, continuing to teach guitar to young people.

Jaquez also worked for the Centennial School District, teaching mathematics and science at the high school. He also served on the Centennial School District Board of Education, was president of the San Luis Valley Board of Cooperative Education Services, was an adjunct professor at Adams State, as well as serving on other community and school organizations. "If I had my life to live over again, I would teach."

When Morgan started her career, teachers were in short supply. She taught all elementary grades for a total of 43 years -- 32 years in Sanford. She received the Sanford Teacher of the Year, San Luis Valley Outstanding Teacher Award, and an award for appreciation, for her exemplary teaching. Her daughter, Becky Forster, accepted the Educator Hall of Fame plaque on her behalf.

Through his career, Motz taught psychology at Adams State and held administrative positions, including twice as interim president. His youngest daughter, Susan Arnold, accepted his plaque. She said her father loved teaching and believed if students only have "easy problems to solve," what is the value of education. Motz received the Adams State Billy Adams Award and his philosophy, in life, the classroom, and the boardroom, was to use humor to educate and relate to others.

Oaks taught science in the Alamosa Schools for 30 years, during that time he was awarded Teacher of the Year. His wife, Inez, said: "Floyd always said it wasn't his teaching; it was his outstanding students who made the difference."

Ahead of her time, Relyea understood pedagogy requires constant refreshment of material and innovative approach. She organized events such as job days, "A Fair of the Heart," and an outdoor classroom experience in which students spent three days at Beaver Creek Youth Camp. Relyea received Teacher of the Year in Conservation and Home Economics Teacher of the Year. "I had a great time teaching."

Using the GI Bill to attend Adams State, Roybal served as an instrument of change during his career in education. He taught, served as principal, superintendent and head of the school board, always working to improve systems, programs, and institutions, at all levels. He was awarded the Adams State Outstanding Alumnus Award, was presented with a Governor's Proclamation by Governor Roy Romer, and received the Colbert Cushing Award by the Colorado Association of Executives for Significant Contributions to the Education Profession. He expressed support for Adams State becoming a university, "Other universities do half of what Adams State is already doing."

Thomas worked 33 years in the North Conejos School District, teaching wherever she was needed. Her daughter, Charlotte Coombs, accepted the plaque saying her mother set a "tremendous" example. Thomas, widowed at age 51, raised her seven children, managed the family farm and enjoyed her teaching career.

Valdez was involved in all levels of education for 46 years. She received the Trinidad State Junior College Faculty of the Year and served on numerous boards and committees. Her family members expressed pride in Valdez being a positive role model for other Hispanic women and her skills at demonstrating leadership in and out of the classroom. "I love my students," Valdez added.

Describing her professional career in education as "wonderful," Velasquez said she always appreciated the support from principals, parents, and students. She taught for nearly 50 years, many of the schools in isolated areas such as Ortiz, San Rafael and Las Mesitas. She received the South Conejos Teacher of the Year and continues to support non-profit organizations.

Understanding the need to recognize outstanding educators, Ted Morrison originated the idea for the Educator Hall of Fame. He and other committee members, including Betty Shawcroft, Lynn Crowder, Teacher Education professional program coordinator; Kurt Cary, associate department head of Teacher Education; Lori Laske, director of Alumni Relations; Mary Motz, and Don Stegman, reviewed nominations for the award. The event was made possible by the following contributors: Alamosa State Bank, San Luis Valley Federal Bank, and Ted Morrison/Arby's.

Morrison also thanked the Adams State Athletics Department, including their business manager, Diane Lee, for producing the program.

Adams State became the first college beyond the Front Range to partner with the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF), May 8. Adams State President David Svaldi and DSF Executive Director Cindy Abramson signed the partnership agreement in a luncheon on campus.

The Denver Scholarship Foundation was created to inspire and empower Denver Public Schools' (DPS) students to complete postsecondary higher education. DSF established in-school Future Centers that give students personal guidance through the college selection, application, and financial aid processes. It also provides need-based scholarships and retention services to ensure students successfully complete college.

As a DSF partner, Adams State will provide a 50% match of the DSF scholarship to DSF scholars who choose Adams State. This amounts to an additional $1,400-$1,700 per year, noted Eric Carpio, Adams State Assistant VP of Enrollment Management. DSF scholars who attend a partner college receive more funding from DSF than students who attend a non-partner college. In 2012-13, DSF scholars who attend a partner college receive $2,800-$3,400 in DSF funding per year.

"Our partnership with DSF outlines a strategy for academic success. The students will be involved with intentional support services to help keep them here and graduate," Carpio added. Adams State recently established its Student Success Center, which centralizes and expands a variety of college services, with funding from a Title V grant for Hispanic Serving Institutions. Adams State will also offer the students career counseling and alumni services.

Abramson explained how the DSF scholarship program has grown since its inception five years ago. "It's not simply a scholarship. We have a team of people in place to support students in their success. There is such enthusiasm here at Adams State for this partnership."

Three of the 14 DPS students now attending Adams State also attended the luncheon. They included Joshua Spearman, Joanna Casillas, and Daniell Hernandez.

"This is really about the students, and having the opportunity, as I did, as a first-generation college student, to be totally accepted and valued," Svaldi said. "You fit well here. We think Adams State is the perfect place for you. We look forward to making the college dream real for more Denver Public School students." It's estimated nine new DSF scholars will enroll at Adams State this fall.

In Denver, Admissions Counselor Priscilla Gardea provides outreach to the students and their families. Oneyda Maestas, Adams State's coordinator of CASA (Cultural Awareness Student Achievement), will work with DPS students once they arrive on campus.

Adams State's partnership includes collaborating with DSF on college access outreach efforts and strategies that target DPS students and specifically encourage enrollment at ASC. The outreach efforts will focus on 16 high schools with Future Centers, which are working to increase overall college enrollment by 10 percent each year over the next three years.

More about the Denver Scholarship Foundation.

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.

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.