Looking for scholarships can be exhausting. Now thanks to the Ralph Outcalt Foundation, two more scholarships are available for Adams State University students.

The Outcalt Foundation awarded Adams State $150,000 to establish the two scholarships. The money will be divided to award a full-ride scholarship of up to $25,000 per year for four years, and then one-time awards of up to $3,000 to cover direct educational costs that include tuition, fees, books and supplies.

Mr. Outcalt, who passed away at the age of 101, was a longtime resident and business leader of Alamosa. He owned Sorum Tractor Company, was a former board member of the Adams State University Foundation, and supported many other local non-profit organizations.

Ralph Outcalt
Ralph Outcalt

“He loved to see our youth excel and become better leaders for our communities,” said Outcalt Foundation Trustee Karla Shriver.

“The Outcalt Foundation is a supporter of doing its part in trying to keep higher education accessible and affordable for those who have a desire to continue their education,” Shriver added.

Shriver and fellow Outcalt Foundation Trustee Carolyn Kawanabe worked collaboratively with Tammy Lopez, executive director of the ASU Foundation, to establish the criteria for the scholarships.

The full-ride scholarship will be awarded to an incoming freshman with a minimum GPA of 2.5, while the one-time awards will be given to juniors and seniors at Adams State who are maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5. Both scholarships require the recipients to be Colorado residents.

“Founded in the belief that the San Luis Valley is an extraordinary place, the Outcalt Foundation directly supports the growth and prosperity of the Valley’s youth and goodwill organizations,” Shriver said. “Through scholarships, grants, and community initiatives, the Foundation provides additional opportunities to those giving back to the place we call home.”

For more information on the criteria of the scholarships visit Adams State Scholarships.

Article by Kaitlyn Kelley