Article by Julie Waechter, special to Adams State
Alcon Construction, Inc., of Alamosa will receive the Adams State University Foundation’s Willis Fassett Jr. Award-Corporate, in appreciation of its ongoing support of the university. The award will be presented at the annual Donor & Student Recognition Dinner, October 15.
Founded in 1974 as Alamosa Concrete by brothers Allan and David Cook and David’s wife, Georgia, the company grew and expanded its services over the years and became Alcon Construction. Growing up in the family business, David and Georgia’s son, Brian Cook, was involved from an early age and later returned to take on a larger role. His return marked a new period of growth that helped shape Alcon into the company it is today. More than 50 years later, Alcon remains family owned and is now operated by Brian and his wife, Alicia, and David and Georgia’s daughter, Kari McFadden. With over 60 employees, Alcon provides general contracting services with self-perform concrete, steel, and metal building divisions, as well as a full-service garage door division.
Joe Martinez, president of the Foundation Board of Directors, noted, “Since the current generation took over the business about six years ago, Alcon has really jumped in and supported us as much as possible, from both a knowledge and financial standpoint.”
Named in honor of the late Willis Fassett Jr., a long-time president of the Adams State University Foundation Board, the annual award recognizes strong financial supporters of Adams State. The award includes the Buffalo Chant bronze, created specifically for the Foundation by the late William Moyers, Class of 1939.
“We have a great relationship with Adams State, and have been blessed to work there,” Brian Cook said. “We have worked on campus projects since I was a little kid, pouring concrete, etc. It makes sense for us to give back.”
Alicia Cook emphasized, “We truly care about our community and believe it is essential to support the people and organizations that make up this place we call home.”
Alcon Construction is a long-time supporter of Adams State Athletics, receiving the Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year Award in 2020. It is one of five local sponsors of the new, high-quality videoboard at Rex Field, installed last fall.
Over the years, Alcon has been visible working on a variety of campus construction and remodeling projects, including the climbing wall in the Rex Fitness and Wellness Center, the remodel of Richardson Hall, construction of the High Altitude Training Center, and track resurfacing.
Most recently, Alcon built a $1.6 million addition to William Porter Hall for the mechanical engineering program in 2023. It also built a new greenhouse in 2015 as part of the Title V STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) Grant.
Alcon belongs to the American Society of Concrete Contractors, the Steel Erectors Safety Association of Colorado, the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association, the Alamosa County Chamber of Commerce, and the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce.
