President Barack Obama recently named Adams State College Trustee Bruce Oreck as the U.S. Ambassador to Finland. A founding partner of the Boulder law firm Oreck, Crighton, Adams & Chase, Oreck has served on the college Board of Trustees since November, 2007.

Oreck served on Obama's National Finance Committee. He is a member of Colorado's Climate Action Panel and is very active in environmental issues, having founded The Zero Carbon Initiative. He is also on the board of trustees for the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Oreck formerly practiced law in New Orleans and for a number of years chaired that city's Historic Districts Landmarks Commission. He also previously served as Vice President and General Counsel for The Oreck Corporation.

A month ago, Adams State hosted the grand opening of our new, improved athletics facility, Plachy Hall. More such campus celebrations are definitely in our future. Next week Adams State breaks ground on the first new student residence hall in over 40 years: the Residences at Rex. This project is stimulated by student need and made possible by student support. It will help us build student enrollment.

Plachy Hall's remodel kicked off a new era of campus renewal. Over the last dozen years, we focused on our academic buildings on the southern portion of campus: a new science and mathematics building, a new theatre, and renovated facilities for art and business. Students told us it is time to similarly upgrade the north campus, where they spend most of their time. They overwhelmingly approved a new fee to make that happen, like the fee they passed in 1992 to renovate the College Center and create the Rex Activity Center. The new fee will also finance substantial renovation of existing student housing and the ES and Music buildings. This will be the most ambitious building endeavor on our campus in nearly 50 years: between $40-50 million worth on improvement over the next five years.

These projects will not only upgrade the college's infrastructure and make us more competitive in recruiting students, but also bolster the local economy. For example, about one-quarter of the $12 million Plachy project went to local subcontractors. Every dollar Adams State spends generates another $1.70 in the community. Out-of-town contractors also spend locally for supplies, lodging, food, entertainment, etc.

Investing now in college growth will help assure the future of Adams State and the entire San Luis Valley. Continued cuts in state funding mean we must cultivate alternate revenue. We can increase tuition income by recruiting and retaining more students - creating a more appealing campus is part of that strategy. We are building great momentum: enrollment this past spring and summer was higher than in 2008; undergraduate enrollment for the fall semester is up more than 14 percent. Growth will continue from new academic programs, like our online Master's of Business Administration and four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and from five new athletic programs coming over the next two years.

The Residences at Rex project includes 16 four-bedroom apartments for 64 students, as well as a new community stadium. It will be built on the western half of the current Rex Stadium parking lot. The stadium portion of the building will feature new home seating, a locker room for visiting or community teams, a community room, and restaurant. Stadium lighting will be installed to allow night games for regional high school games or tournaments. We have held public meetings to describe our plans and discuss construction impacts. More such meetings will be scheduled as our progress continues. (More information and construction diagrams are available on our website.)

Dr. Fred Plachy - ASC's third president and the namesake of Plachy Hall - was known for his philosophy: "The greatest power on earth is the power to grow." Adams State's Ten-Year Campus Master Plan provides an outline for deliberate, sensible growth. This is a flexible, a living document that plans for the future and responds to new opportunities. Our Master Plan proposes adjustments in traffic flow around campus, as well more on-campus parking. Along with the Residences at Rex, we also will shortly begin construction of a new parking lot west of the Neilsen Library on First Street, and the first phase of housing renovation in Coronado Hall. We hope to create a more pedestrian friendly campus that enhances student life by closing Stadium Drive between First St. and Sunset. This will permit development of a campus green, a pedestrian walkway, and additional parking.

Adams State looks forward to a continued partnership with our neighbors and the City of Alamosa as we build the future.

Featured will be La Familia Vigil of El Rito, N.M., a musical family whose brilliant acoustical and vocal repertoire spans to include a wide variety of ballads and social melodies that have been a rich musical tradition in the northern Rio Grande region.

Hilos Culturales is hosting the event. Herman and Patsy Martinez cofounded Hilos Culturales over ten years ago. "The mission of the organization is to promote folk music and dances of the region," said Herman. They have hosted events throughout the southwest including Pueblo, Antonito, Trinidad, El Rito, and Denver.

Every year the event has a different format including concerts, literature readings, and demonstrations. The Martinez' founded the Adams State College folk dancers, Semillas de la Tierra in the early 70s. "Our yearly event is centered on Spanish colonial dance, music and traditions," Patsy said.

The August 8th event will include special recognition to Las Hermanitas Quintana of Santa Fe, N.M., and Salomon Lopez of San Antonio, Colo., for their many years of contributions as Hispano folk musicians. Rose Vialpando will accompany her uncle, Salomon Lopez.

The museum will be displaying 19th and 20th century Rio Grande blanket weavings for this memorable program. Sponsors include Semillas de la Tierra, Valley Wide Health Systems, Kavley's Business and Tech Center, Papers of Distinction, and the Luther Bean Museum.

For more information contact the Adams State Communications Office at 719-587-7827.

Demonstrating the relative distance between the nine planets and the sun, Dr. Randall Emmons would tape cutouts representing Mercury to Pluto, when it was still a planet, from the Adams State Zacheis Planetarium to the antenna of a small truck, parked a few yards away on the street. His humor, joking about using a stranger's vehicle - when it was actually his own - and positive energy engaged his students and displayed the relative distance of our solar system's objects.

Emmons' teaching philosophy emphasized hands-on activities and making science fun for students of all ages, from college to kindergarten. He retired this spring after 20 years at Adams State with the rank of emeritus professor of physics.

Adams State graduate of '04 and '08, Shelly Grandell, has known Emmons for nearly eight years. She worked with him on a variety of projects, many through the planetarium. Her first class with Emmons was astronomy. Rather than handing out a syllabus and beginning to lecture, Emmons asked the students what they wanted to get out of the class. "That was cool. He always made it fun."

Emmons has taught physics, astronomy and other mathematics and science courses for Adams State College since 1989. He attended University of Missouri at Rolla and earned a Ph.D. in theoretical physics, Master of Science in physics, and Bachelor of Science in physics. He said he majored in physics because he "couldn't decide what else to do" and the basic thinking, problem solving skills of physics can be applied in a variety of areas. He said he has applied those skills to keep from falling during his climbing career - "you think through and problem-solve knowing the forces involved."

Another physics professor, Dr. Matthew Nehring, chemistry, computer science and mathematics department chair, arrived at Adams State College in 1998. Emmons was his primary mentor in those early years. "He freely provided advice and was thoughtful when I had questions," Nehring said.

Classroom manner

Students found Emmons to be inspiring and thoughtful. When Grandell took his physics class, she expected it to be intimidating. "He had infinite patience with us, really. He always wanted to make sure we not only comprehended what we were learning but that we could apply it, not just regurgitate it."

Cameron Miller, Adams State '92 graduate, said Emmons would spell out his expectations. "He had the sarcastic, literal sense of humor science students appreciate. He was always available for help outside of class and had ways of simplifying problems even I could understand."

Grandell recalls a conversation with other physics students of Emmons, as they "tirelessly" worked on a problem, her junior year. "We noticed he never came to class with notes. He made it look so damn easy. I cannot remember a single time he ever had to use notes for lecture. It was impressive. It just flowed naturally."

Now an IT professional in Adams State Computing Services, Miller said: "Every class with Dr. Emmons was a lot of work. When Randy's daughter, Megan, was around four or five, I remember her occasionally attending some upper division physics classes. If we were not paying attention, Randy would give Megan the eraser while lecturing. We all hoped our notes were caught up because the formulas on the board started disappearing fast."

"I will probably remember Randy most for his sense of humor and his concern and dedication to science and science education," Nehring said. "He has always been able to stimulate interest in science by making students laugh."

Science beyond the ivory tower

Stimulating interest in science did not stop at the collegiate level. Dr. Marty Jones, professor of chemistry, arrived on campus the same year as Emmons. Within a year or two, Emmons convinced physics colleague, Dr. Ted Mueller, to conduct a physics magic show with demos. "Since that time, Randy has always been the leader in science outreach to the San Luis Valley, and beyond," Jones said.

Emmons estimates over 6,000 children connected with the campus through his outreach programs. After Dr. Peterson, emeritus professor of geology, retired, Emmons took over Zacheis Planetarium. "He modernized it, and began offering many more programs to K-12 students," Jones said. "He then found a way to incorporate other science activities with the planetarium presentations, such as the popular rocket contest and robotics workshops." These activities have always been free.

Grandell said she was inspired to become an educator through working with Emmons on Zacheis Planetarium programs. "His infectious enthusiasm and dedication to science education/outreach inspired others to teach. We had one goal, to inspire others through engaging, fun exposure to science. Most importantly, everything was hands-on."

Emmons supported these activities by acquiring grants, - an average of over $25,000 per year - from the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, and private organizations. The funds allowed Emmons to upgrade equipment for Zacheis Planetarium, including telescopes and computers, as well as a new Science Activity Center located in the Community Partnership Center.

"It is safe to say that Randy has been involved in science education for the majority of K-12 students in the SLV in the past 15 years," Jones said. "Now, with the establishment of the Science Activity Center, he will be able to continue his efforts with science education even after retirement from full-time teaching. Although I'll miss seeing him on a daily basis in Porter Hall, I know where to find him."

"Talk to anyone who went to school in the SLV, and they probably remember visiting the planetarium throughout their school years," Grandell said. "The teachers of the groups were always impressed with the way he could communicate with the students. This was true for any age group, preschool through college."

"He has dedicated countless hours to the education of students beyond the campus," Nehring said. "He has always taken as much time as was necessary to explain a concept to a student, whether it was a high school student asking for guidance on a science fair project, or a student in one of his college classes."

Teaching a priority

Emmons served the college as president of the ASC Faculty Senate for six years and as the faculty advisor to the Board of Trustees of the State Colleges.

After completing his doctorate, he was department chair of physics at Northeastern Missouri State University, now known as Truman State University and one of the top five liberal arts universities in the U.S., where he both taught and built the program up to twelve faculty. He was on the advisory board of the American Institute of Physics, chaired for six years the Career Planning and Placement Council, directed the Northeast Missouri Regional Science Fair, and assisted in creating gifted and talented programs for elementary and secondary students throughout the United States.

Emmons wanted to come to Adams State because it is not a research university. "I chose teaching, because a researcher seldom sees how the work changes society. If I influenced one student out of 20, developing in them a drive to succeed in the profession of science or mathematics, that is positively affecting society," he said.

Outdoor enthusiast

From laboratory to mountain top, Emmons applies the same dedication and energy. He was a professional field tester for a number of outdoor equipment companies and has summited numerous peaks throughout the Western Hemisphere. His daughter, Megan, has accompanied him on climbs since she was a pre-schooler. To stay in shape, Emmons runs, sometimes competitive in mountain races. "I love running and it helps you move faster in the mountains. Speed in the mountains keeps you alive."

"One of my earliest memories of Randy was a hiking trip with the outdoor program at ASC to climb Mts. Lincoln, Democrat, and Bross," Jones said. "Randy made it up all three peaks in the time it took for my wife and I to climb just one."

For Emmons, 14,000 mountains are day hikes. He and Megan have endured days pinned down in tents, lying in their sleeping bags waiting out inclement weather to summit a 21,000 feet peak. "There was a time Megan was 14 years-old, she and I were pinned down in our bags for three days." He said he climbs because of the personal challenge. "I have estimated I have spent three years of my life above 14,000 feet. It gives me a sense of freedom and strong sense of responsibility. If you screw up in mountains, you have screwed up."

Along with science, technology, climbs, running, and photography, Emmons enjoys making furniture. His maternal grandfather was a furniture maker. "I invest my soul into a piece of furniture." He also enjoys mountaineer skiing, tackling significant robot problems, and has completed avalanche workshops and is back-country certified. He is also learning to play the flute.

Although he has no long-term plans after retirement, he and Megan, an electronics engineering student at the Colorado School of Mines, are planning to spend the summer camping and climbing from Wyoming to Alaska.

Applications from prospective freshmen are up 14 percent from last year, with admissions up 9 percent, according to Adams State Director of Admissions Eric Carpio. In addition, transfer student applications are up 31 percent, with admissions up 37%.

This continues a trend set in Adams State's current Summer Session, with enrollment at 858 students, an increase of 12 percent over last year. The total includes 485 undergraduates and 373 graduate students.

Undergraduate summer enrollment is up more than 16 percent, with an even greater increase in student credit hours: 27.5 percent.

Summer graduate enrollment was boosted by Adams State's new Master of Business Administration program, with 37 students who recently participated in the program's inaugural four-day residency. The remainder of the two-year MBA course work is offered online for the convenience of working professionals in any location.

MBA Program Director Liz Thomas said applications are being accepted for a potential cohort to begin this fall; a minimum of 25 students is necessary. A spring cohort will definitely be enrolled. For more information on the MBA, contact Thomas at 719-587-7477.

With the convenience of online courses, Katrina Herrmann, New York, NY, chose the newly established Adams State College Master of Business Administration Program. She and the other graduate students attended the Inaugural Reception Dinner June 17 at the San Luis Valley Museum.

"Be yourself, the world needs all of us," said the keynote speaker, Randy Jackson, 1998 Adams State graduate and owner of Rustic Log Furniture in Alamosa. He encouraged the graduate students to immerse themselves in their courses and fulfill assignments with interest and passion. Jackson's advice to the future business leaders included "...Lead people and manage things...Have the confidence to solve problems and the creative process will begin...Don't just go through your education - let your education go through you."

Approximately 40 students entered the first Adams State MBA cohort. Herrmann is pursuing leadership track. As a working theater professional, stage manager, her schedule changes week to week. She said the Adams State program allows her to study and take the courses "on my time." She holds a BFA in stage management from DePaul University in Chicago. "A stage manager is basically the middle manager of a corporation. The MBA program will advance my leadership skills."

One week every summer the MBA students attend sessions on the Adams State campus for technology training and to become acquainted with professors, staff, and fellow students. Maggie Munoz, Adams State graduate of 1996, a physician liaison at the Platte Valley Medical Center in Brighton, Colo., is pursing the health administration track of the MBA program. She said she always wanted to get a master's degree and "finally found what to go back for. It will benefit me and my job."

The reception was held the first evening of the on-campus classes and workshops. Dr. Kurt Keiser, chair of the School of Business; Dr. David Svaldi, president; and Dr. Michael Mumper, provost; welcomed the gathered guests and MBA students. All three said they appreciated the efforts of the faculty and staff that helped organize and develop the MBA program.

The Adams State College Novella Project art show, "Herencia", curated by Dana Maestas, is currently on exhibit in the ASC Community Partnerships, located on the Adams State campus, corner of Main St. and Edgemont Blvd., the show continues until July 17. The opening reception is from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, July 10. The reception is free and open to the public.

Maestas and her husband, artist Huberto Maestas, owners of Jacales Gallery, live in San Luis. Sandra Santa Cruz, Novella Project director, and her students have conducted research in San Luis and its surrounding villages over the past three years to learn first-hand about the community's "living history." Mary Hoffman, executive director of Community Partnerships, offered the newly remodeled gallery space as a way of highlighting the research.

"Herencia " is a mixed media, group show and artists include Carl Jaquez, Annie Troncoso, Huberto Maestas, Charles Ewing, Randy Pijoan, Bianca Maestas, Carlos Sandoval, Victor Vigil, Kent Anderson and Lynn Kircher.

Santa Cruz said "Herencia " is the Spanish word for heritage. "It is a fitting title for a beautiful show that represents the way the people of southern Costilla County view their homeland."

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Brian Rauscher, director of the Adams State College Student Support Services is traveling to England for the Council of Opportunity and Education 2009 International Leadership Program, "World Citizenship: Building Leadership Skills in a Multicultural Society", at the University of Liverpool.

Rauscher said he hopes his experiences will encourage current Adams State SSS students to expand their education horizons. "Foreign travel is an eye-opener. I believe our students would benefit tremendously from a study abroad program."

According to the COE website, the Council for Opportunity in Education is a nonprofit organization, established in 1981, dedicated to furthering the expansion of educational opportunities throughout the United States. Through its numerous membership services, the Council works in conjunction with colleges, universities, and agencies that host TRIO Programs to specifically help low-income students enter college and graduate.

This is the ninth year COE and the University of Liverpool have offered the three-week course. Attending the conference are students from higher education institutions across the United States, including University of Utah, University of South Carolina, University of North Texas, Colorado Mountain College, University of New Mexico, Colorado State University, Washington State University, and San Diego State University.

The program, based out of the University of Liverpool campus, will include travel to London, Liverpool, Antwerp, and Amsterdam. Rauscher will chaperone the college students, attend classes, and tutor them in their studies. His travel expenses, program activities, room, admission fees, local transportation, and most meals will be covered by COE. He said the $10,000 student tuition is often offset by scholarships in the amount of $5,000.

Out of approximately 25 leader applicants, only two were accepted. "I am looking forward to the event and learning different perspectives on education principles and teaching," Rauscher said.

The sessions will be held in the first floor banquet room, A130, of the ASC Student Union Building, near the First St. entrance. Two sessions are planned:

The sessions will review construction plans and impacts on parking and traffic flow. Comments and questions from neighborhood residents are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

Ground will be broken July 9 for a new student apartment/stadium complex on the site of the current Rex Stadium parking lot on Stadium Drive.

Questions may be directed to the President's Office, 587-7341.

To efficiently operate Adams State College, multiple jobs must be performed with skill and care, and Deanna Rodman exemplified this idea. From assisting students with tuition payments to planting bulbs and coordinating Facility Services employees' vacations, Rodman was detail orientated, maintained a strong work ethic and won the admiration of her colleagues.

"I have never followed money. I am fortunate to have been able to work where I liked and move when I was ready for a change." Retiring this spring, her 30 year career on campus included six different jobs.

As a cashier in the Business Office, her first position at Adams State, she met and befriended Beatrice "Bea" Martinez, student business services director. "It just doesn't seem possible, but I have known Deanna for 30 years now," Martinez said. "When it came to doing her job, she was efficient, knowledgeable and precise, but above all, she provided outstanding customer service to our students. The thing I remember most about Deanna is her infectious laugh and her beautiful smile. Deanna was a fun co-worker and we had some great times back in the day."

You might say it was a family tradition, dedicating a career to Adams State. Rodman's father, Lee Ruark, started the campus security force in 1967, after 18 years as a state patrolman. He retired in 1985. Her mother, Arlene Ruark, retired from the Adams State Bookstore in 2002, after 28 years with Adams State. Her father passed away soon after retiring from Adams State, Rodman said it is another reason to retire now, while she is still young.

Shannon Heersink, benefits coordinator, describes Rodman as meticulous, reliable, attentive, thorough, dependable, consistent, and tireless. "Deanna is always helpful, beyond what is expected of her. She is one of the hardest working people on campus and I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to work with her and learn from her."

Green thumb and inviting smiles

A bright smile and "Home and Garden" flower beds come to mind when thinking of Rodman. Erik Van deBoogaard, associate vice president for Facilities Planning, Design and Construction, supervised Rodman as a groundskeeper and her final position as administrative assistant for facilities services. "She literally weathered all types of conditions, cold, snow, and sun." In 2001, she came in from outside. "She has taken care of me, supervisors, and other facilities staff." Van deBogaard moved to Grand Junction about six years ago and recently returned. "Having Deanna here gave the department and me stability. This stability cannot be underscored too heavily; it is huge and appreciated by me and the facilities staff. ASC has had a dedicated, hard-working employee in Deanna, and she will be sorely missed."

A "Renaissance" employee, Rodman accepted challenges willingly. When the college first developed a Human Resources Department, Rodman accepted the position as payroll clerk. One day posting request for a grounds keeper, she told her co-worker, "I could do that." Anyone who worked on campus during Rodman's reign over the flower beds remembers how well she could "do that...I still get compliments and comments about my work with the flowers."

Modestly, she claims Leslie Box Garcia, a non-traditional, work-study student, and mentors Ben Fuji and Jim McDaniel, added to the success of her gardening. Every spring, Adams State's flowerbeds burst with color and design, as Rodman prepared the soil and planted 250 to 300 dozen flowers, with the assistance of Fuji and McDaniel, before their retirement. "They were both wonderful and fun to work with, we made some great memories."

Melanie Jeppeson, administrative assistant for Human Resources, said she always appreciated the job Rodman did on the flower beds around campus. "They were always spectacular and I looked forward to seeing them." It is the same sentiment shared by many on campus, including Maria Valdez, accounting technician III for the business office, "I remember envying her green thumb whenever I saw her flower beds."

However, the warm planting and harvesting seasons are brief in the San Luis Valley, and all groundskeepers are expected to shovel snow in the wintertime. "I never could enjoy a snow storm," Rodman said. She knew it meant hours behind a shovel, this lead to her final job for Adams State, the administrative assistant for Facilities Services.

Another facilities employee, Jacqueline Vigil, material handler II, has known Rodman for 12 years. She describes Rodman as kind, considerate, and friendly. "She (Rodman) brings out the best of people," Vigil said.

Rodman is ready now to turn her attention to her own yard and family. "I have an eight-year-old granddaughter who is growing up way to fast." She plans on spending the first six months of retirement enjoying her early morning coffee at a leisurely pace with no demands or schedules; afterwards she might look for a part-time job she can enjoy.

She appreciated her co-workers and the students. "My only regret is I never went to college," Rodman said. But who knows, she now has the time.

Dr. Jack "Doc" Cotton, in his mid-eighties, uses a cane periodically to maintain balance, but his love of life and passion for his community have not slowed down.

Dedicating a long career to Adams State, Cotton coached and taught hundreds of students, many who carried through with their own career in the teaching profession. During the course of a conversation, Cotton would lean forward and passionately proclaim the need to fully prepare future teachers for their chosen career.

A former Adams State basketball player and Colorado Hall of Famer, Alonzo Porter, BA '65 and MA '66, said, "His dedication to education is a trait of Coach Cotton's that inspired me to teach the youth of our country. His success on and off the basketball court speaks for itself and through his motivation and at some times, tough love, he has prepared many student-athletes for life after athletics."

The Adams State College Alumni Relations Office recognizes Cotton's many contributions to the college, his former students and athletes, and the community. A Cotton/Basketball Reunion is open to alumni, community members, and current and retired staff and faculty on July 17 through July 18 in Alamosa. Please call 719-587-8110 to reserve your ticket by July 10.

Porter said Cotton gave him the opportunity to play basketball at the collegiate level and his first coaching job after graduation. "He allowed me to be a leader both on and off the court. That has been influential in my experience as a head coach. My time at Adams State helped shape who I became, and Coach Cotton was instrumental in my growing process." As the head coach of Regis University's men's basketball team, Porter has compiled the most wins of any collegiate coach in Colorado.

Man of All Seasons

Cotton achieved a long list of accomplishments, before retiring in 1987. He coached the women's basketball team his last ten years at Adams State; prior to that he coached the men's team. He was the athletic director and coached golf, tennis, and helped with football, sponsored the rodeo club, and drove the athletic bus. Through all the years, he maintained a full teaching load, up to 15 credit hours a semester. "I am a man of all seasons."

Adams State football coach, Darrell Mudra, was on staff when Cotton was hired. He said Cotton is a person of integrity who kept up with the latest trends as a coach and teacher. Mudra admires Cotton's commitment to the college and community and said he recruited outstanding athletes and students. The two have remained in touch, since Mudra left Adams State in 1963. "Doc is the same person all the time."

The reunion will be a time to catch up with former students, athletes, friends and colleagues. Cotton shared secret codes and inside jokes from when he coached the women's basketball teams. "I love my girls."

Dominique Skeehan, '85, said Cotton inspired her through his years of experience as a player, coach and teacher. "He brought some 'old school' respect and experience to my generation."

Cotton received his Bachelor of Science in physical education and Master of Science in administration degrees at Denver University, in 1950 and 1952 respectively; he earned his doctorate in education at University of Wyoming, Laramie, in 1963.

Before accepting a position with Adams State in 1960, Cotton played for the Denver Nuggets, a member of the National Basketball Association, from 1948 through 1950, and he coached at a couple of Midwestern colleges, including Southwestern College at Winfield, Kan., which won the Kansas Collegiate Athletic title. "It was a little church school and we came in fourth in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)."

Family Man

Cotton becomes emotional when speaking of his family. He voices pride in his children, Kelby, Jackie, and Todd; their spouses, and his grandchildren. During the interview, his cell phone rang and he spoke to Greg, a nephew, whose son was pitching in the Junior College Finals in Grand Junction, Colo. It was obvious Cotton was avidly interested in the progress of the team and his relatives' success.

He refers to Mabel, his wife of 62 years, as a "great gal," and chokes up when he tell of their meeting - a blind date - and his proposal, on a New Year's Eve. Mabel was the obstetrician nurse in the Alamosa hospital and later was the first director of Evergreen Nursing Home, a position she held for 40 years. "I love her so much," he expressed. "I count my blessings all the time."

Cotton said in his native state of Montana, "what you see is what you get. I’ve been that way all my life. That's how it is in Alamosa too, that's probably why I like it here so much."

Cotton is a World War II veteran, who enlisted in the Navy and toured in the South Pacific. As a young teenager he hopped a freight train to Yakima, Wash., to pick apples. "At that time you would often see the initials TKT, Tex King of Tramps, carved into camps of the tramps. I met him in Washington." Returning home, his father got him a job shoveling 10 to 12 tons of coal a day, for relief victims. "It put me a year behind in high school."

Community Involvement

Set on staying active, Cotton continues to play golf with friends nearly every weekday morning, and made a hole-in-one a month ago. He said he also keeps up with his "mental gymnastics," and is on a variety of committees, including the SLV Care Center, the Senior Citizens Center, and Home Lake; he was president of the Shriners, and served as an Elks exalted ruler.

Cotton was also president of NAIA coaches; and on the Olympic committee from 1960 until 1972. He helped select the teams in '60, '64, and '68 and convinced the Olympic committee to select Alamosa as the 1968 Summer Olympic training ground, since its altitude is the same as Mexico City's, where the '68 Olympics were held.

Cotton leans forward in his chair and said, "Let me tell you a story, this is so interesting." Through his numerous prestigious contacts, Cotton flew 40 cases of Coors beer, banquet cans, and Colorado Carnations to Washington, D.C. At the D.C. hotel, representatives from Los Alamos and Northern Arizona University had suites of rooms as they vied for the privilege of securing the Olympic athletes training site. "We had one room, but a tub full of cold Coors beer and a table of Colorado carnations. Everyone gathered in our room." That summer the 1968 U.S. Olympic athletes, for cross-country, wrestling, basketball, and walking, trained in Alamosa.

Education Commitment

As interested as Cotton is in athletics, he also values academia. He served on the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) for five years, traveling to colleges and universities throughout the region to review schools for accreditation.

Health education is another topic Cotton has strong views about. "Schools only bring in health education when there is a crisis like venereal disease, drugs, or pregnancy. Our schools need physical education and health education. I believe in the practical approach." He said school districts are dropping physical education and music programs, yet test scores are not improving and children are gaining weight. "They are developing the habit of not exercising."

Cotton coined the phrase "Top of the Nation" and he started a "Top of the Nation Coaching Clinic" at Adams State. Through the years, the event was held at the Wagon Wheel Gap, west of South Fork, Colo., Cotton scheduled a variety of speakers, including Robert S. "Bob" Devaney, former Nebraska Cornhuskers football coach; Stanley Watts, Brigham Young University basketball coach; Hall of Fame college men's basketball coach, Jack Gardner; and Morice Fredrick "Tex" Winter, basketball coach and innovator of the triangle offense.

Among the colleagues Cotton recalls fondly are Dr. LynnWeldon and Dr. Marv Motz, emeritus professors of psychology. Weldon suggested he and Cotton start their own department. "We liked to teach hands-on rather than the traditional lecture method." Cotton recalled a workshop for teachers on health education and he approached the class by asking the students to "teach" a class. Two women from San Luis brought in traditional plants and herbs and explained their health and medical significance. "Now isn't that something," Cotton said. Yes, that is something, and so is Cotton.

"Doc has a great attitude about life and people. He had confidence in me and helped me to develop leadership skills and patience," Skeehan said. "He is sharp and has a tremendous sense of humor. I am happy to have had his influence in my life."

Recalling a conversation with Dr. Littleton Bunch, former Alamosa physician, about the tears he and his son, Todd, shed while watching "Terms of Endearment", Cotton said, "Dr. Bunch told me 'if you can't cry, you can't love.'" It is obvious Cotton has loved - family, students, his profession, his community, his life.

Jamilia Ruybal, Adams State College senior, is looking forward to a three-day orientation in Washington D.C., to prepare her for a Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) summer internship with the Census Bureau, in Denver, Colo.

A business administration advertising major/minor in art, Ruybal is "excited" for her first visit to Washington, D.C., and spending the summer in Denver, where she eventually wants to live and work.

According to the HACU Website, the mission of the organization is to be the champions of Hispanic success in higher education by promoting the development of member colleges and universities; improving access to and the quality of post-secondary educational opportunities for Hispanic students; and meeting the needs of business, industry and government through the development and sharing of resources, information and expertise.

Ruybal's supervisor in the business office, Benny Chacon, brought the internship opportunity to her attention. "Jamilia, though quiet, is hard working, a quick learner and willing to help," said Chacon, Adams State Perkins Loan officer. "I thought that she would be a good candidate for the internship, because she not afraid to try new things. She has set high goals for herself and I know, without a doubt, she will succeed."

After a phone interview with four federal employees, Ruybal was placed in the Census Bureau. The internship has required filling out many forms, questionnaires and applications, but Ruybal said it is worth it.

Summer courses began May 11. Mumper expects enrollment to increase further as the session proceeds and new courses and workshops begin. For example, at least 25 additional graduate students will be enrolled in Adams State's new Master's of Business Administration program, which begins in June.

Mumper attributes the increase to a combination of factors. "We adjusted our course schedule to allow students to take a full credit load." Not only are more undergraduate students enrolled for this summer, but their credit loads are higher, with the total student credit hours up more than 27 percent, he said.

"Also, we are retaining more students, possibly due to the higher academic profile of our recent freshman classes," Mumper said. "In a poor economy, there are fewer summer jobs, so some students may have decided to stay on campus and get ahead in their degree progress."

Fall enrollment also looking up

Mumper is also optimistic about Adams State's fall enrollment. "Compared to this time last year, our undergraduate registrations are up 13 percent. Again, we believe we are retaining more underclassmen," he said.

He noted that freshmen applications are up 14 % from last year, already exceeding total applications for last fall. Mumper expects the freshman class to equal or exceed last year's, which was 490.

Another positive indicator is housing applications for fall, which are up a total of 166 students from last year at this time, according to Director of Auxiliary Services Bruce Del Tondo. As of May 22, applications from new students were up 23 percent over last year, and returning students' applications were up 41 percent.

Many Adams State summer courses and workshops are still taking registrations. For more information, clickhere, or call the One Stop at 719-587-306, or toll-free: 866-344-1687.

Dr. John Taylor's, Adams State College professor of theater, enthusiasm and commitment to his profession and students have inspired performers and audiences alike. Emily Stiles, 2009 graduate from the theatre program, said when asked what she will do with a theater degree, she quotes Taylor, "I will change the world."

He recently contracted with the National Theatre of the Deaf to conduct workshops and perform on October 15 and 16, to compliment the play, "Children of a Lesser God", his fall 2009 production. In preparation for the play, his actors are learning sign language over the summer and he is collaborating with Peggy Filer, instructor of American Sign Language at Adams State.

Taylor received the Presidential Teacher Award, recognizing outstanding undergraduate teaching, advising, and mentoring, in the spring of 2009. Over the last three years, his projects have included directing "Dead Man Walking," and "Fahrenheit 451," and the "Laramie Project," involving campus and community. He has brought to campus Sister Helen Prejean, the sister of St. Joseph of Medaille and advocate for the abolition of the death penalty; Luis Valdez, playwright, activist, and founder of El Teatro Campesino; and, via satellite, Ray Bradbury, author of "Fahrenheit 451".

Taylor said he is grateful for the funding from Adams State Associated Students and Faculty, which makes the visit by the National Theatre of the Deaf possible.