The Owsley family name is nearly synonymous with Adams State, as the two histories intertwined from the 1930s through today. “Adams State means a lot to my family. We have four generations who have graduated from the University. It has helped us all pursue our career goals.”
Charles “Chuck” Owsley ’68 has much to be proud of: a successful local business; intelligent and ambitious children and grandchildren; a long and loving marriage with Becky, until her passing in 2023; and his close relationship with Adams State University.
Chuck Owsley has been a staunch supporter of Adams State, including serving on the Foundation Board, the Alumni Board, and the Grizzly Club Board. He continues to attend athletic events and has donated to his alma mater for the last several decades. “When I served on the Adams State Foundation Board, I saw the inner workings and what it meant for the students to receive a scholarship. Donations really come through for our students.”
He recently created the Owsley Family Scholarship Endowment and included Adams State in his estate plan, joining the Billy Adams Society, formerly the Legacy Society. “I have always supported Adams State. At least once a year I contribute where the donation is needed, restricted or unrestricted. I have done this for years.”
Now, by creating the Owsley Family Scholarship Endowment, Chuck Owsley, who turned 80 in 2024, says the Owsley family name will last forever at Adams State. He believes his family, children, and grandchildren will contribute to the endowment when possible.
Several years ago, the Owsley family had a professional photo taken along the banks of the Conejos River. “There are fourteen of us in the photo. I’m proud to say that nine earned a four-year degree from Adams State.”
His father, Hartley Owsley ’36, was the first to graduate from Adams State. “Needless to say, Adams State is very important to the Owsley family. It has opened the doors and opportunities for all of us.”
As an Adams State student, Chuck Owsley played on the golf team. He and Becky loved attending games. “It was a joy for us.” He continues to support the teams.
Chuck Owsley admires the student-athletes who maintain a high grade point average. “Adams State has over 700 student-athletes, and so many are excellent students. A student-athlete carries a lot of responsibility while seeking a degree in higher education. Not only do they need to maintain good academic standing, they devote hundreds of hours on the field, court, track and training room to accomplish goals they set for themselves in their chosen sport. They carry a heavy load on a daily basis.”
The Owsley Family Scholarship Endowment is restricted to an Adams State varsity athlete with preference given to graduates from San Luis Valley high schools. “The SLV produces a lot of incredible athletes.”
Chuck and Becky were recognized for their steadfast devotion to Adams State with the 2014 Grizzly Club Individual Partner of the Year and the 2022 Billy Adams Award.
After graduating, Chuck Owsley owned and operated Curtis Brothers Furniture, a large store in downtown Alamosa, where he would remain for 42 years until his well-deserved retirement.