The Owsley family formed strong bonds and connections to Adams State University starting with the first college president, Dr. Ira Richardson. Today the family boasts four generations of Adams State graduates – a total of 14 alumni.
“It all began with a slight smile and tilt of Ira Richardson’s head as he listened to a smooth-talking young man helping him at the Alamosa JC Penney in the early 1930s,” said Jeff Owsley ’86. “Dr. Richardson listened to Grandpa Hartley’s story and he knew how much a college education would elevate his life. He did everything he could, including co-signing a loan for his tuition and arranging a bed for him to sleep in the basement of the lone Adams State building at the time that would later bear his name. The care he showed had ripple effects through decades and generations. I know it continues to be shown daily all across campus.”
Adams State selected the Owsley Family as the 2026 Family Tree Award recipients. The award will be presented during the Homecoming Luncheon on September 18. Established in 2025, the Family Tree Award recognizes strong family legacy and generations of Adams State graduates.
“The joy of receiving this award is that it totally ties into each of our generations loving Adams State and encouraging our offspring to attend,” said Kathy (Owsley) Soden ’89. Kathy knew Adams State was the right college for her. “As kids, we pretty much grew up on campus. Playing hide and seek, swimming in the indoor swimming pool, participating in sports programs and summer plays.”
Kathy Soden’s familiarity with the campus and faculty made Adams State the obvious choice for college. “I remember how encouraging and thoughtful my professors were through my educational journey. They provided individual support and a community within our education department, so you never felt alone.”
After 30 years with the Rocky Ford School District, Kathy Soden retired. She was inducted into the 2023 Adams State Educators Hall of Fame. “This award meant so much to me because it’s where my career started and ended full circle.”
Her son, Sawyer Soden ’20, appreciated the close connections made while a student. “I had the opportunity to meet some of the greatest like-minded people who became more than just classmates, they became lifelong friends. Being able to know professors on a first-name basis, created an environment where students felt valued, supported, and encouraged to succeed. The connections I made with my professors went beyond the classroom; they provided guidance, mentorship, and a genuine investment in my personal and professional growth.”
A fourth-generation graduate, John Owsley (Jeff Owsley’s son) said Adams State helped him realize his full potential, personally and professionally. “It’s incredibly meaningful to share that connection with my family and know that, for generations, Adams has helped open doors and create opportunities for each of us,” said John Owsley, who served as a student trustee for two years. “Serving on the Board of Trustees gave me a front-row seat to leadership, governance, and how decisions are made within an organization. Now, working in nonprofit fundraising and partnering closely with my own board of directors, I realize just how valuable that experience was. It gave me a level of confidence and understanding that I still rely on today.”
John Owsley was recently accepted to the 2026 cohort for the Denver Chamber of Commerce’s Impact Denver program.
Charles “Chuck” Owsley ’68 said Adams State opened the doors and opportunities for his family. “Adams State means a lot to my family. It has helped us all pursue our career goals.” In 2024, Chuck Owsley, second generation graduate and father to Jeff Owsley, David Owsley, and Kathy Soden, created the Owsley Family Scholarship Endowment, and included Adams State in his estate plan, joining the Billy Adams Society. He is a staunch supporter of Adams State including serving on the Foundation Board, the Alumni Board and the Grizzly Club Board. For the last several decades, he has continued to attend athletic events and donate to his alma mater.
In addition to those in the family who graduated, others reaped benefits from opportunities and programs. “My late wife, Hallie, received almost all of her teacher recertification credits there,” said Jeff Owsley. “Our mom, Becky, was a beloved presence at the college bookstore for six years as an employee, longer than any of us as students.”
For generations, Adams State has been a vital part of the Owsley Family’s lives. As Jeff Owsley said: “From day care and dance recitals, to science fair and swimming lessons. From enjoying art, concerts and plays to cheering sports and attending conferences. From campus employment to serving on boards. And finally, the thousands of campus connected friendships – across generations – for our grandparents, parents, ourselves and our kids. Like an extension of our own family tree.”
Adams State Homecoming includes a pep rally and bonfire, Sept. 18, in downtown Alamosa. Saturday the excitement continues with a parade, tailgate party, football and volleyball games, a free carnival and car show.
