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�ԹϹ��� State History
2005 to Present

2005

• �ԹϹ��� State celebrates Founders Day, on February 15
• Counselor Education implemented a fully online counseling master’s degree in January
• Professor of Theatre Dr. John Taylor directs “Dead Man Walking”, in conjunction with the play helped organize community involvement through discussions, debates, films, and bringing Sister Helen Prejan, author of “Dead Man Walking”, to campus.
• TED receives $75K grant from Colorado Commission on Higher Education, an improvement Quality Math Science Literacy grant
• Colorado Historical Society’s State Historic Fund awarded a $25K grant to restore Casa del Sol, built in 1932 as the college’s president’s house
• PBS premiers La Raza at �ԹϹ��� State screening
• Charlotte Bobicki ’58 ’71 receives 2005 Outstanding Alumna Award
• Anthony Oliva ’99 named Exceptional Young Alumnus
• A $3.4 million Title V grant was awarded to �ԹϹ��� State for a cooperative project with Trinidad State and Otero Junior College to expand educational access for Hispanic students
• Second floor of SUB opens the Loft, includes pool tables, giant screen televisions, comfortable recliners and a snack menu
• �ԹϹ��� State history professors Dr. Richard Loosbrock and Dr. Edward Crowther received two grants from the Teaching American History Program of the US Department of Education, totaling $1.5 million.
• William A. Porter Jr. ’51 received the Billy �ԹϹ��� Award
• Larry and Sharon Wright received the Willis Fassett Jr. Award
• The Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year is Dennis Shioshita ‘77
• The Grizzly Club Individual Partner of the Year is Glen Bean ‘26
• Women’s Cross Country won their third straight NCAA Division II National Cross Country Championship, setting a Division II record for the most team titles in NCAA history with 11

2006

• �ԹϹ��� State celebrates 80 year anniversary
• David Svaldi named ninth president on June 9
• Sculpture of Old Mose, by local artist Jim Gilmore, becomes the centerpiece of the Grizzly Courtyard on the corner of Stadium Avenue and First Street, in front of the Rex Activity Center
• Plachy Hall receives $5 million renovation grant from the state
• The Associated �ԹϹ��� and Faculty initiate awards to recognize faculty and staff. Honors included Excellence in Student Engagement; Excellence in Student Centered Instruction; Excellence in Student Academic Achievement, Extracurricular Achievement; Excellence in Research and Publication; Excellence in Academic Advisement; Outstanding Classified Staff Member; and Superior Leadership.
• President’s house renamed to honor Dr. John and Frances Marvel.
• Janet Mangum ’63 donates funds to the RN-BSN Program for purchasing a Nursing Anne human simulator, which replicates many different symptoms as well as external wounds.
• �ԹϹ��� State and the �ԹϹ��� State Foundation report combined budget improvement of approximately $5 million for fiscal year 2005-06
• Welcome Center opens in the Student Union Building next to the One Stop Student Services Center
• No Child Left Behind Act grant offered summer courses to assist area teachers in attaining highly qualified status in science
• Significant federal and state grants to the Teacher Education Department fund three programs for public school teachers of Colorado and New Mexico. The Teacher Quality Enhancement Program, a graduate program, focused on language, literacy, and cultures; the Math Academy, supported by the No Child Left Behind Act and awarded by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, geared for public school teachers and students from the San Luis and Arkansas Valleys, teaches teachers innovative methods to instruct math; the READ-ELA grant supported a ten-day trip for 11 Colorado teachers to Guatemala in cooperation with the university of the Valley of Guatemala
• Foundation records record year for contributions – alumni and friends contributed about $2.3 million.
• Bill Waters ’59 receives the Outstanding Alumnus Award
• Randy ’98 and Micah ’98 Jackson receive the Exceptional New Alumni Award
• Two new federal grants, the National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant, SMART, and the Academic Competitiveness Grant were awarded to �ԹϹ��� State
• The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program received accreditation through the American Association of College of Nursing by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Joe and Shirley Zanski receive the Grizzly Club Individual Partner of the Year
• Swire Coca Cola receives the Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year
• Tom ‘’67 ’68 and Pat ’68 Gilmore receives the Willis Fassett Jr. Award
• Marv Motz receives the Billy �ԹϹ��� Award
• Athletic Hall of Fame: Lloyd Engen ’87, Damon Martin ’87, Dona and Gloria Wuckert, Chuck Jean ’77, Pablo Vigil ’75, Denise Falzone ’86, Sarah (Parkey) Meyer ’01 ’02, and Kortney Lake.

2007

• �ԹϹ��� State recommended for another ten years of unconditional accreditation at the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association
• Teacher Education Program received specialized program accreditation from Teacher Education Accrediting Council for five years
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing program receives accreditation from National Association of Schools of Music for ten years
• School of Business offers three courses in health care administration
• Michael Mumper, Ph.D., named Provost
• �ԹϹ��� State adds two new Master of Arts degrees in humanities and human performance and physical education
• Former Colorado State Senator Lewis H. Entz receives an honorary doctorate in state and local government at spring commencement ceremony
• Upward Bound receives $2.8 million over the next six years from the Department of Education
• William Porter ’51 and wife, Joan, donate 250,000 shares in E*TRADE Financial Corporation stock to the Foundation, valued at approximately $5.8 million
• Dale Hettinger ’64 is Outstanding Alumnus
• Ben Quinn ’04 is Exceptional New Alumnus
• Gates Family Foundation $70,000 grant supports remodel of former Art Building/former College Center for Community Partnerships Center
• Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year Award is Alamosa McDonald’s Restaurant owners D.J. and Rachel Mitchell, previous owners Paul and Nellie Dias, and Lloyd Nelson
• Grizzly Club Individual Partner of the Year Award is Don and Gloria Wuckert
• William ’51 and Joan Porter receive the Willis Fassett Jr. Award
• Glenn Burnham receives the Billy �ԹϹ��� Award

2008

• City of Alamosa adds Rex Activity Center to Historical Registry a $25,000 Colorado State Historical Society grant updates stucco exterior
• Women’s Cross Country Team wins 5th straight and 13^th overall NCAA Div. II National Championship
• Theatre majors receive three of the top five awards for college in the five-state regional Rocky Mountain Theatre Association Festival in January.
• In March, �ԹϹ��� State students voted to create a new capital fee to fund $35 million worth of improvements
• On March 21, Gov. Ritter declares City of Alamosa a state disaster area to due to city water contaminated with salmonella; classes were canceled for three days while the entire system was flushed with chlorine
• Martin Jones, professor of chemistry, initiates EARTH: Environmental Action for Resources, Transportation, and Health, a sustainability organization
• John Taylor, professor of theatre, receives a National Endowment for the Arts grant for the Big Read and centered the project around Ray Bradbury’s 1953 novel, Fahrenheit 451
• First Presidential Teacher Awards presented to Gene Schilling, professor of art; Dr. Kim Kelso, chair of the psychology department; and Eva Brown, instructor and coordinator of the distance degree program in sociology
• �ԹϹ��� State’s first generation of Porter Scholars selected
• Campus improvements include:
  • $12 million, state-funded remodeling of Plachy Hall – 15,000-square-foot addition to house the Hall of Fame room, a new weight room, a new entrance, and public restrooms; locker rooms reconfigured and renovated with separate rooms for visiting teams
  • Installation of synthetic football field;
  • Marvel House interior remodeling including upgrading mechanical, electrical and telecommunications systems;
  • new décor in Student Union Building’s food court
• Tom White is Outstanding Alumnus
• Opeyemi “Ope” Daramola ’04 is Exceptional New Alumnus
• Butch and Izora Southway receive the Billy �ԹϹ��� Award
• Alamosa State Bank received the Willis Fassett Jr. Award
• 1^st Southwest Banks named  Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year
• David and Donna Wehe received the Grizzly Club Members of the Year

2009

• School of Business launches a Master of Business Administration Program in June
• Spring Enrollment is up nearly 20 percent
• �ԹϹ��� State posted the second lowest tuition increase among Colorado public four-year institutions over the last decade and in the last year
• The Haynie Center, located in the Student Union Building houses KASF radio, The Paw Print student newspaper, and the Sandhill Review literary and arts magazine, named in memory of Dr. Brooks Haynie, Ph.D.
• �ԹϹ��� State Athletics adds five enrollment-based sports, including men’s gold, men’s soccer, and women’s swimming and diving, women’s lacrosse and men’s swimming and diving
• Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field teams swept the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference titles, the women’s eighth straight
• ASC Athletic Hall of Fame – Class of 2008 includes John Nelson ’49, Susan Phillips, Kristen (Shern) Dudley ’95, Robert Ferguson ’86, Sam Montoya ’85, Ted and Janet Morrison ’69, and Jim Paul ’70.
• Damon Martin ’87 was named the United State Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association NCAA Division II Coach of the Year for both men’s and women’s cross country, the 23^rd and 24^th National Coach of the Year awards in Martin’s career.
  • 21 national championship titles
  • 675 All-Americans
  • 68 individual national champions
  • 6 national championship relay teams
  • 58 conference titles, including the last 7 in women’s cross country and the last 4 in men’s
• �ԹϹ��� State broke ground July 9 on the first new residence hall to be built on campus in more than 40 years
• The Colorado Board of Nursing approved a four-year Bachelor’s of Nursing Program
• John Salazar ’82 is Spring Commencement Speaker
• Ashley Maestas is the Colorado Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF) Student of the Year for 2008/2009.
• Glen Bean ’36 receives the Billy �ԹϹ��� Award
• Richard Durán ’71 ’73 receives the Outstanding Alumnus Award
• Philip Lopez ’04 received the Exceptional New Alumnus Award
• Women won RMAC Indoor and Outdoor titles
• Damon Martin was named the NCAA Division II Coach of the Year, his 25^th
• Enrollment hits all-time high; 3369 students, up 17.9 percent from last year
• ASC Community Partnerships receives a $600,000 grant from the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• �ԹϹ��� State received a $280,928 grant from the US Department of Education to create a Master’s in Higher Education Administration
• Counselor Education’s online master’s program was accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP).
• John and Frances Marvel receive the Willis Fassett, Jr. Award
• San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center receives the Grizzly Corporate Partner of the Year
• Grizzly Club Member of the Year is Steve Valdez ‘87
• Athletic Hall of Fame: Doug Moses ’73; Zoila Gomez ’04; Mel Yates ’68 ’74; Ivory Joe Hunt ’82; Tim Terrill ’81; Jim Paul ’70; 1968 & 1969 NAIA National Championships Wrestling Teams

2010

• �ԹϹ��� State has fourth consecutive semester of enrollment growth
• Theatre major, David Trudeau, wins the Outstanding College Actor Award at the Rocky Mountain Theatre Association Festival. Kaitlyn Perham placed second.
• Lynn Drake ’66 ’67 was the Fall Commencement Speaker
• Great Story on Walls in Halls is dedicated to memory of John Spencer ‘62
• Men’s Indoor Track and Field team win its first NCAA Division II National Championship
• Men and Women’s Cross Country teams both in NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships
• �ԹϹ��� State launches Phase II improvements including remodel of ES Building, Music Building and Leon Memorial Concert Hall
• David Clemmer receives the Outstanding Alumnus Award
• Darlene Clayton ’04 receives the Exceptional New Alumna Award
• Alumni athletes paid tribute to Coach Joe I. Vigil ‘53 ’59, Ph.D., emeritus professor of physical education, by commissioning a full size bronze of Dr. Vigil, by artist Emanuel Martinez
• �ԹϹ��� State tops last year’s record enrollment
• �ԹϹ��� State receives $3.18 million Title V grant
• John McDaniel, emeritus professor of history, donates college’s second largest gift – receiving the Billy �ԹϹ��� Award
• Michael L. Erickson ’80 donates $5K and names School of Business student lounge J. Thomas Gilmore ’66 ’67, emeritus professor of business
• SLV Rural Electric Cooperative receives Willis Fassett Jr. Award
• Grizzly Club Individual Partner of the Year is Dennis “Hoot” Harlan
• Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year is Gobin’s, Inc.

2011

• Marguerite Salazar ’75 ’76 is the Fall Commencement speaker
• Highest Spring Enrollment Ever
• North Campus Transformation Grand Opening was May 13
• Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year is Alamosa State Bank
• Grizzly Club’s Individual Partner of the Year is Keith Cerny and Debra Sowards-Cerny
• Patsy Spier ’91 receives the Willis Fassett Jr. Award
• Women’s Indoor Track & Field win 10^th straight RMAC Championship
• Trustees approved a solar power purchase agreement with Oak Leaf Energy Partners Ohio, LLC, and an energy performance contract with Trane USA, a Qualified Energy Services Company
• Don Stegman ’61 ’64 receives the Billy �ԹϹ��� Award
• Tom Jones ’52 receives the Outstanding Alumnus Award
• Denise Trujillo ’07 receives the Exceptional New Alumna Award
• Athletic Hall of Fame: Kimberly Bosen ’02; Jim Colbert ’61 ’65; Timm McDaniel ’90; Rick Willits ’85 ’92; Martin Johns ’92; Amy Tjaarda, Frank Duru ’98 and Wayne McGinn ’82 ‘89
• Enrollment records its largest freshman class in more than 40 years; total enrollment is up 6.6 percent over last fall
• The US Department of Education awarded �ԹϹ��� State a 43.6 million grant from the Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded �ԹϹ��� State a three-year, $225,000 Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant.
• The Caring for Colorado Foundation awarded a grant of $79,878 to the Nursing Department.
• Music Department’s Recording Studio dedicated to Ed Richmond, emeritus professor of music
• Men’s Cross-Country won the NCA Division II Central Regional Championship

2012

• House Bill 1080, proposing to rename �ԹϹ��� State College to University, was referred the Colorado House of Representatives by its Education Committee March 14; On May 19, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed the law designating �ԹϹ���
• Two additional NCAA programs added, baseball and stunt team
• Student Success Center constructed in the Nielsen Library first floor
• A 300 KW DC Solar photovoltaic system installed on the roof of Plachy Hall
• A 13 percent increase in graduate students fueled a 5 percent overall increase in enrollment for spring
• New academic programs added: A Master of Arts in music education; a specialty in addictions counseling in Counselor Education Master in Arts; and sports leadership emphasis in the Master of Business Administration
• $12.7 million worth of campus additions and renovations approved, including a baseball complex and high altitude event center
• �ԹϹ��� State partners with the Denver Scholarship Foundation
• The Teacher Education Department receives a five-year, $1.9 million Title II Elementary and Secondary Education Act grant from the US Department of Education
• James R. Mattie ’78 ’79 receives the Outstanding Alumnus Award
• Elizabeth Ford ’08 receives the Exceptional New Alumna Award
• Robert Oringdulph ’71 receives the Billy �ԹϹ��� Award
• First Class of the Educators Hall of Fame: Charlotte Bobicki ’58 ‘71, Donald M. Brooks, Mike Gomez ’72 ‘74, Charlie Jaquez Jr., ‘69 Adah Morgan ’58 ‘63, Dr. Marv Motz ’58 ‘59, Floyd Oaks Sr. ‘61, Barbara Relyea ‘67, John B. Roybal Jr. ’51 ‘60, Deanna Thomas ‘64, Martha J. Valdez, ’64 ‘66 and Angelina Velasquez ‘47
• Athletic Hall of Fame: Aaron Casetta ’94, Rodney Romero ’89, Carig Dickson ’90, Kim Jackson ’00, Meagan Hoffman ’05, Scott Wiedeman ’92 ’04, Mike McDonald ’71, and the 1971 men’s cross country team
• Men’s Outdoor Track & Field wins nationals
• August 17, the Education & Social Sciences (ES) Building renamed McDaniel Hall, for John McDaniel, Ph.D., emeritus professor of history,
• Great Stories Celebration of �ԹϹ��� State becoming a university featured arts, food, music, and fireworks over a two-day period
• First Southwest Bank receives the Willis Fassett, Jr. Award
• Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year is Arby’s owners Ted and Janet Morrison
• Grizzly Club Members of the Year are Konnie and Damon ’87 Martin
• Athletics unveil new logo
• Damon Martin ’87 named RMAC and South Central Regional Coach of the Year

2013

• Zoila Gomez ’04 is Fall Commencement Speaker
• Cultural Awareness Student Achievement (CASA) Center opens
• Music Hall of Fame first class includes Charles Cassio ’64 ’65, Gary Hall ’73 ’92, John Icabone ’67, C. Wayne Manzanares ’70 ’71, Frank Montera ’67, Joe “Ernie” Montoya ’54, Linwood Warwick ’57 ’60, William Duane Zanotelli ’72 ‘73
• Men’s Cross Country team wins NCAA Division II National Title
• Women’s and Men’s Indoor Track & Field teams place first in RMAC
• State capital construction funds approved for remodel of Richardson Hall
• Jim Biundo ’59 ’62 receives Outstanding Alumnus Award
• Kathy Park Woolbert ’07 receives Exceptional New Alumna Award
• Educators Hall of Fame: Mary Agnes Langston, Lucy Martinez, Hazel Petty, Margaret Polston, Edward Atencio, Gary Benson, Florence Davison, Antonio Valdez, James Beckly, Myron Clayton, Betty Shawcroft, Betty Stephens, Hobart Dixon, Connie Spencer, Gary Stephens, and Dr. Luis Trujillo
• Athletics won the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference All-Sports Competition Cup
• The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools approved �ԹϹ��� State’s first doctoral program, a Ph.D. in counselor Education and Supervision
• Higher Education Administration & Leadership (HEAL) Program recognized by Excelencia in Education as a top program that increases academic opportunities and achievement for Latino students
• The 85,000 square-foot High Altitude Training Center inflated in 12 hours in early October
• Ron ’65 and Marilyn ’86 ’87 Loser receive the Willis Fassett Jr. Award
• Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year is the Inn of the Rio Grande
• Grizzly Club Individual Partners of the Year is Norm and Greta Roberts
• Erik van de Boogaard receives Billy �ԹϹ��� Award
• Men’s Cross Country Team won the NCAA Division II National Cross-Country Championship
• Athletic Hall of Fame inducts Pam Bond-Klecker ’10, Peter De la Cerda ’97, Shane Healy ’93, Nick Lara ’12, Bill Presley ’76, and the 1962 Football Team

2014

• �ԹϹ��� State ranked in top 50 colleges for Hispanic students
• Two new grants help improve STEM education
• �ԹϹ��� State is awarded $3.6 million in Title V grants
• The Richmond Recording studio was added to the Music Department
• Charles H Scoggin receives the Billy �ԹϹ��� Award
• Floyd Dale ‘55 and Cordelia Sue Higel receive the Willis Fassett Jr. Award
• Grizzly Club Corporate Sponsor of the Year is San Luis Valley Federal Bank
• Grizzly Club Individual Partner of the Year is Chuck ’68 and Becky Owsley
• Academics added a minor in Latino Studies
• Athletic Hall of Fame: Jason Mohr ’93, Gene Moses’63, ’67, Bob Kincaid ’66, Stephanie Mondragon ’88, Jim Paronto ’66, 1972 wrestling team, 1973 wrestling team, 1975 wrestling team and the 1976 wrestling team
• Educators Hall of Fame: John Atencio, Ruth Florence Remke Brun, Lauren “Larry” Bussey, James H. Craft, Ph.D., Sandra Kay Gilletti-Hay, Harriet Rebecca Dalzell Hestor, Pamela Hermann Thompson, Lynn Leroy Weldon, Ph.D.
• The Department of Defense (DOD) grant of more than one-quarter of a million dollars creates new robotics laboratory
• Men take 3^rd NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship title in a row
• Women win the Indoor Track and Field Team 2014 NCAA Division II National Championship
• Largest graduating class in �ԹϹ��� State history
• �ԹϹ��� State was awarded a five year grant of $2.1 million by the US Department of Education to create a College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)
• Humanities major launches emphasis in cultural resource management
• Liz Thomas-Hensley, Dr. Robert Astalos and Dr. Benjamin Waddell receive Presidential Teacher Awards
• John Tooker, M.D., is Outstanding Alumnus
• Julian Maendel, M.D., is Exceptional New Alumnus

2015

• Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper appoints Cleave Simpson and John Singletary to Board of Trustees
• President David Svaldi, Ph.D., retires after a decade
• Women win 2015 NCAA Division II National Championship
• Men win NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships
• Cross Country and Track and Field Men and Women teams named Program of the Year by the USTFCCCA
• Women’s Indoor Track and Field won their 14^th consecutive RMAC Conference Championship
• Track and Field head coach Damon Martin ’87 was selected Men’s Coach of the Year
• �ԹϹ��� State awarded $5.7 million worth of Federal Title V Grants for Hispanic Institutions
• Student Support Services grant is renewed
• Theatre Department organizes Equality Project
• Richardson Hall renovations are complete
• Grizzly Club Cooperate Sponsor of the Year is Valley Courier
• Grizzly Club Individual Sponsors of the Year are Bea ’76 and Faustin Martinez
• El Pomar Foundation receives the �ԹϹ��� State Foundations Willis Fassett Jr. Award
• �ԹϹ��� State Athletic Department created a $13 million dollar economic impact on the San Luis Valley
• RMAC Hall of Fame inducts Kim Bosen ’02 and the �ԹϹ��� Teams from 1991 to 1999
• Athletic Hall of Fame: Bob Anderson ’67, Aaron Braun ’09, Curt Christensen ’88, Aucencio Martinez ’10, Steve Nichols ’74, Dee Dee Shiplett, Mark Steward, Richard Tamble,and the1958,1959 and 1960 baseball teams
• Educators Hall of Fame: Susanna Atencio, Luther Bean, Amos Bernal, Arnold Chavez, Celina Espinoza, Clea Espinosa, Lloyd M. Garcia, John Marvel, Ph.D., Kathleen McGinty, Isaac P. Ortega, Ira Richardson, Ph.D., Don Stegman, Sharon Turpin, Joe I. Vigil, Ph.D., Manny Wasinger, Kay O. Watkins, Ph.D.
• �ԹϹ��� State joins the Association of American Colleges and Universities
• Beverlee J McClure becomes 10th (and first woman) president
• Tabor Stevens runs the fastest mile recorded in Colorado at the time of 4:01.27 And breaks school record in the steeplechase with a 8:32:50
• Coach Joe I. Vigil presented with the USA Track and Field Legend Coach Award
• Father Michael Chrisman ’04 is Outstanding Alumnus
• Kristina Daniel ’06 ’11 is Exceptional New Alumna
• Steve Valdez ’87 receives Billy �ԹϹ��� Award

2016

• �ԹϹ��� State named top adventure school in the Rockies and Southwest by Elevation Outdoors
• Amber Harlan Price ’12 is Exceptional New Alumna
• John T. Salazar ’82 is Outstanding Alumnus
• Joseph A. Garcia receives the Billy �ԹϹ��� Award
• Rich ’59 and De Gehlbach receive Willis Fassett Jr. Award
• Daniels Fund receives Willis Fassett Jr. Award
• Grizzly Club Cooperate Sponsor of the Year is Rio Grande Savings & Loan
• Grizzly Club Individual Sponsors of the Year are Ken and Sharon ’85 Turpin
• Lauren Martin ’14 receives the 2015-2016 RMAC Women of the Year award and was honored as one of the finalists for NCAA Women of the year
• Men’s Cross Country Team win 12^th NCAA Division II National Championship title
• Damon Martin ’87 named the USTFCCCA South Central Women’s Coach of the year
• �ԹϹ��� State’s economic impact on San Luis Valley estimated at $78 million
• Luther Bean Museum will house Salazar Rio Grande del Norte Center
• El Pomar Foundation presents Foundation with $111,000 for nursing scholarships
• Colorado Governor John W. Hickenlooper reappointed Valentin Vigil ’71 and LeRoy Salazar to the Board of Trustees for �ԹϹ���
• Historic Murals in Richardson Hall restored by Randy Pijoan
• �ԹϹ��� State to enhance Ethnic Education through program with Daniels Fund and UCCS
• Placido Gomez ’75,’76 is the commencement speaker
• Wendell Pryor and Michele Lueck named to �ԹϹ��� State Board of Trustees
• Athletic Hall of Fame: Glen Engle ’71, Scott Brown ’74, Ron Johnston ’80, ’89, ’01, Chuck Schwartz, Kevin Cunningham ’92, Stacy Mills ’94, 97’, Chris Perry 96’, 1979,1980 and 1981 Men’s Cross Country Teams, 1980, and 1988 Football teams
• Educators Hall of Fame: Sharon �ԹϹ���, Don Basse, Al Bennett, Sister Leann Cogan, Jolene Coombs-Pavlovsky, Ron Loser, Patsy Martinez, Herman Martinez, Ph.D., John E. McDaniel, Ph.D., Ralph K. Mortensen, Edwina Myers, Emerita Romero-Anderson, Linwood D. Warwick, Gayl A. Woodke, Larry Zaragoza

2017

• Governor John Hickenlooper appoints Pam Bricker ’03, Reeves Brown and reappointed Wendell Pryor to the Board of Trustees for �ԹϹ���
• National Science Foundation (NSF) awards a three year grant of $479,762 to support virtual classrooms
• Artwork added to Richardson Hall as part of the Colorado Creative Industries new/renovated state buildings budget
• Men win Indoor Track and Field RMAC Championships
• Women win the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships
• Men’s Cross Country Team is named Scholar Team of the Year
• �ԹϹ��� State partners with Colorado State University on new agriculture program
• Xcel Foundation grant expands veteran services
• Upward Bound awarded 5 year grant
• Barbara Holmes ’82 is awarded with the Outstanding Alumna Award
• Matthew Martinez is Exceptional New Alumnus
• Athletic Hall of Fame inducts largest class: Jim Bevan, Dan Caulfield, Heather Ebert, Mary Jaqua, Stacy Mills, Bill Stone, Denise Summers, Jim Vuono, Darrell Yohn, 1977 Mens Cross Country Team, 1980 Wrestling Team and 1981 Women’s Cross Country Team
• Educators Hall of Fame: Patricia DeLorenzo, Dan Garcia, Christopher Martinez, Margaret (June) McDaniel, Joseph Modica, Gerald Peterson, Linda Reid, John Romero, Richard Sanche, Anthony Schroeder, Edmund Vallejo, Arvilla Weldon
• �ԹϹ��� State signs football recruit, Becca Longo first ever NCAA woman football player
• Cleave Simpson and Kathy Rogers elected to chair Board of Trustees
• Upward Bound expands with Math-Science grant
• �ԹϹ��� State’s online doctoral program in counselor education and supervision gains CACREP Accreditation
• Camila Alire ’70 receives the Billy �ԹϹ��� Award
• Virginia and the late Elwyn “Al” Wehe ’73 receive Willis Fassett Jr Individual award
• SLV Health receives Willis Fassett Jr. award
• Grizzly Club Individual Partners of the Year is Ted and Janet Morrison
• Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year is Valley Electric
• Lindsey Mortensen volleyball coach is winningest coach in �ԹϹ��� State history with 183 total wins
• Men and Women win the Cross Country NCAA Division II National Championship

2018

• Cheryl D. Lovell, Ph.D., accepts position as 11th President
• �ԹϹ��� State receives $25,000 grant to create the project Supporting Early Recruitment and Retention of Valley Educators (SERVE)
• Governor John Hickenlooper appoints Donna Griego ’03, ’12 to Board of Trustees
• 50-year anniversary of the Olympic Marathon Trials held on campus
• �ԹϹ��� State Cross Country/Track and Field Reunion
• Sydney Gidabuday wins two Indoor Track and Field Division II titles
• Wayne ’62 and Ellen Evans receive Individual Willis Fassett Jr. Award
• Monte Vista PEO Chapter receives Willis Fassett Jr. Corporate Award
• Grizzly Club Individual Partners of the Year are Mark and Myra Manzanares
• Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year is Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc.
• �ԹϹ��� and Trinidad State Junior College make a 99.8 million dollar impact on the San Luis Valley
• LeRoy Salazar is Fall Commencement Speaker
• GrizzLEADS replaces homecoming royalty
• Athletic Hall of Fame: John Flores ’77, Ronda Leyba DeLaCerda ’95, Dave Smith ’91, Sharon Foster Greebaum ’86, Scott McMillian, Phil Castillo ’95,98’, James Workman ’61, Amy Cousins, 1985 Women’s Indoor Track and Field Team, and the Men’s Cross Country Teams 1983-1989
• Educators Hall of Fame: Connie Chavez, Roland Doyle Crowder, Antonio Esquibel, Ph.D., Helen L. Gonzales, Doris Marie Martin, Eugene Medina, Dennis B. Nash, Ph.D., Walt Paulson, Gary R. Robins, Suzan L. Robins, Lonnie Milton Rogers, Placido Erwin Romero
• Coach Martin ’87 named the South Central Region Women’s Coach of the Year
• Men and Women’s Cross Country Teams win RMAC Championships
• John Petersen ’78 receives Outstanding Alumnus Award
• David Gurule ’11 receives Exceptional New Alumnus Award
• State Representative Millie Hamner ’87 receives Billy �ԹϹ��� Award
• Pathways Project launches
• �ԹϹ��� State Locomotive 1921 makes debut, a project between �ԹϹ��� State and San Luis Rio Grande Railroad
• Counselor Education awards first doctoral degrees; Ashley Ascherl Pechek, received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and Ph.D. from �ԹϹ��� State

2019

• �ԹϹ���100 Project launches
• eSports introduced as a student club
• Eric Wendelin ’05 is Outstanding Alumnus
• Mario Padilla’11 is Exceptional New Alumnus
• Honorable Carlos Lucero is Billy �ԹϹ��� Award recipient
• Alumni Relations organizes a Mediterranean Cruise; over 110 alumni, family and friends participate
• Dr. Joe I. Vigil is Spring Commencement Speaker
• Educators Hall of Fame: Mildred Cogburn ’62, Lloyd “Butch” Jones ’69; Coral Sowards ’61, John Fuller ’57, Jose Garcia ’59 ’67, Margie A. Garcia ’67 ’70, Otto Espinoza ’70 ’88, Herman Gallegos ’75, Ph.D., Steven Grasmick ’86, Martin Jones, Wayne Melanson, Ph.D. ’69, Cloyde Snook, Liz Watts, Ph.D. ’70
• Women capture NCAA DII Program of Year Award
• Athletic Hall of Fame: Vera Jo Bustos, Clay Holly, Jaime Armenta, Wes Polk, Jason Hubbard, Celedonio Solis-Rodriguez, Melissa Johnson, Janelle Olson, 1989 Women’s Cross Country Team, 1991-199 Women’s Cross Country’ Tim Walters (special contribution award)
• National Space Foundation awards $1.8 million to support STEM research
• The Colorado Cancer Coalition awarded a two-year grant to continue research studies on the effects of exercise on the physical, mental and social health of cancer survivors  conducted by Kinesiology Department and SLV Health
• College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) receives $425,000 grant from US Department of Education
• National Endowment for the Arts awarded a Challenge America Grant to Art and Theatre Department
• Grizzly Club Individual Partner of the Year are Terry and Fidella Gibbs
• Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year is Colorado Potato Administrative Committee
• William “Bill” J. Crain, Ph.D., and late wife, Ellen, receive Willis Fassett Jr. Award
• New Teacher Education online graduate program, “Promoting PostBaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans” receives US Department of Education grant
• Colorado State Board of Education approves 5-year reauthorization for Teacher Education
• Jonathan Marquez appointed to Board of Trustees
• Michele Lueck named Chair of Board of Trustees
• Lillian Gomez is Fall Commencement Speaker
• Stephanie Cotter wins the NCAA D2 6K Women’s Cross Country Title 19:15.5
• Women’s Cross Country Team takes their 18th NCAA D2 National Title

2020

• First �ԹϹ��� State Gives Day is February 17, the 90-minute livestreamed talent show and telethon raised over $30,000.
• First �ԹϹ��� State campus COVID-19 communication on March 3.
• Following a state of emergency declaration by Colorado Governor Jared Polis, �ԹϹ��� State announced all course would shift to Blackboard online instruction following Spring Break. Soon after came the governor’s Stay-At-Home order and �ԹϹ��� State kept all coursework on Blackboard for remainder of semester.
• All �ԹϹ��� State employees began working from home with the exception of police and facility service employees from March 15 through June. Offices were reoccupied at a 50 percent capacity from July 1 through December 31. Many departments operated on a rotating schedule with some employees being at home 50 percent and in office 50 percent.
• �ԹϹ��� State establishes a student emergency fund called Grizzly Persistence Aid to help with direct financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students for food, housing, technology, loss of wages and other documented emergency needs.
• Spring 2020 Virtual Commencement is held on June 5. The event honored all graduates earning associates degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in counselor education. As each name was read, a slide with name, photo, major, and honors appeared on screen. Student speakers representing both undergraduate and graduate students spoke live on stage; the speaker Colorado Legislative Joint Budget Committee Chair Daneya Esgar sent a pre-recorded video. Music graduates performed on stage for the special music. Masks were worn and safety protocols were in place. After student performed or spoke they returned to auditorium seats to ensure safety precautions.
• �ԹϹ��� State prepares for in-person classes Fall 2020 by establishing the Safe-to-Return Task Force which focused on health and safety protocols in preparation for the fall semester.
• Fall semester begins August 24 with COVID19 safety measures in place including temperature taking at every building entrance; seats placed 6 feet apart; classes are delivered in hyflex manner, half of students attending in person and other half through online delivery with switching every other class period; masks are mandatory on campus inside or outside with exceptions of personal residents or individual offices.
• Convocation, New Student Orientation and Welcome Back Week activities were conducted with masks on, an adherence to social distancing, and an understanding that personal and shared responsibility is a must for a successful academic year.
• The plan for the semester schedule included no breaks (except weekends) until Thanksgiving Week, planned for November 15 through November 27 and then deliver all finals online the first week of December. Because of a spike in cases that began in October and climbed through November 11 on campus and in community classes went entirely online from November 11 through finals week.
• The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Presidents’ Council postponed conference schedules and championships for fall sports due to the ongoing COVID19 worldwide pandemic. The decision included football, volleyball, women’s soccer, and men’s soccer. Men’s and women’s cross country competed on a much smaller scale than normal years.
• Pat Melgares, Class of 1989, writes biography of legendary �ԹϹ��� State Running Coach Joe I. Vigil, Ph.D. “Chasing Excellence: The Remarkable Life and Inspiring Vigilosophy of Coach Joe I. Vigil” portions of the book’s proceeds went to a Joe I. Vigil Scholarship Fund for cross country and track and field athletes.
• Homecoming events are canceled with the exception of the golf and disc golf events.
• William Manzanares, Class of 1967, receives the Outstanding Alumnus Award.
• Katherine Schultz, Class of 2015, receives the Exceptional New Alumna Award.
• Thomas Gilmore, Ph.D., Class of 1967 and 1968, emeritus professor of business, receives the Billy �ԹϹ��� Award.
• Janet, Class of ’63, and Jasper Mangum receive the 2020 Willis Fassett Jr. Award.
• Robert Hoag Rawlings Foundation receives the 2020 Willis Fassett Jr. Corporate Award.
• Alcon Construction Inc. named Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year.
• Grizzly Club Individual Partner of the Year goes to Don Stegman posthumously.
• Rosalie Martinez, Class of 1986, is the fall virtual commencement speaker.
• Alamosa State Bank donates $100,000 for �ԹϹ���100 activities and events, becomes a Billy �ԹϹ��� Sponsor.
• Spring nursing graduates pass the National Council Licensure examination NCLEX 100 percent.
• Strive for College for Excellence in Inclusion, Diversity, and Affordability recognized �ԹϹ��� State.
• The Model United Nations team hosted the virtual Southern Colorado Model United Nations Conference for high school students on October 16 and 17, more than 116 students from across Colorado and New Mexico competed.

2021

• �ԹϹ��� State Celebrates 100 Years since its founding.
• �ԹϹ���100 Run of the Century event includes an unveiling of a monument dedicated to the Cross Country and Track and Field programs 50-year anniversary. The monument, in front of Rex Stadium, includes bronze plaques listing individual and team national championships as well as a brief history of the program.
• Outstanding Alumnus: Edward Atencio ‘68, ‘73
• Exceptional New Alumna: Carissa Sidor ‘16, ‘17
• Billy �ԹϹ��� Award: Dennis Lopez ‘74, ‘78
• Willis Fassett Jr. Award: Paul Morley ’66 & Outcalt Foundation
• Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year: Alamosa Building Supply
• Grizzly Club Individual Partner of the Year: Frederick St. Cyr, Jr.
• �ԹϹ��� State Theatre celebrates 95 years
• The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) awards �ԹϹ��� State a three-year grant of $850,000 to help workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic earn postsecondary credentials and degrees.
• �ԹϹ��� State receives $2.5 million from state to address COVID-19 challenges in local schools
• Model United Nations team receives Distinguished Delegation, the second-place award, at the Annual International Collegiate Model United Nations Conference
• �ԹϹ��� State partners with Colorado State University to offer a mechanical engineering degree. The first two years are taught by �ԹϹ��� State faculty, the last two years are taught by CSU faculty, on the �ԹϹ��� State campus. �ԹϹ��� graduate with a CSU degree.
• �ԹϹ��� State adopts Land Acknowledgment Statement: “We, the �ԹϹ��� community, gratefully acknowledge the Indigenous peoples on whose ancestral lands we gather. This beautiful San Luis Valley is sacred to many Indigenous nations, including the Nuchu (Utes), Abáachi (Jicarilla Apaches), Numunu (Comanches), Ka’igwu (Kiowas), InunaIna (Arapahoe), Tsistsistas (Cheyenne), Diné (Navajo Nation), Pueblos, and all other First peoples who once made this valley their home. We honor the diverse communities that historically dwelled here and those who currently reside in the San Luis Valley. We know that honoring these lands is a reflective process that demands continued engagement and action.
  It is in this spirit that we commit to the following: We accept our responsibility to be good stewards of this land, air, and water. We affirm the knowledge and experience shared with us by Indigenous cultures. We acknowledge the injustices of the past and vow to seek the path of equity and justice. We recognize that �ԹϹ��� State’s history is not without error and pledge to have the courage to do what is equitable and just. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn, to work, to lead, to inspire, to reflect, to grow, and to support one another as we continue on our individual journeys together. �ԹϹ��� is privileged to thrive in this magnificent place. Our shared understanding of the importance of community, of teaching, and of learning brings us all together. Respectfully, we shall continue the tradition of education while remembering the interconnectedness of all things, from the fourlegged, to the winged, and to the two-legged. May we always remember the journey of the past peoples who called this valley: ‘Home.'”
• The Board of Trustees approves a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health.
• Athletics announce a partnership with Nike and BSN Sports.

2022

• Most COVID19 restrictions are lifted
• �ԹϹ��� State commencement ceremonies return to Plachy Hall with no restrictions
• TRIO Upward Bound celebrates 50 years.
• Semillas De La Tierra, folklorio dance group, celebrates 50 years.
• David Tandberg appointed Interim President
• Federal funding supports lab renovations and equipment for the Mechanical Engineering Program.
• Outstanding Alumnus: Angelica Valdez ‘98, ‘08
• Exceptional New Alumna: Azarel Mdrigal ‘16, ‘18
• Billy �ԹϹ��� Award: Charles Owsley ‘68
• Willis Fassett Jr. Award: Porter Realty, Inc. & Michael Lantzy ‘64 ‘65
• Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year: Alamosa County
• Grizzly Club Individual Partner of the Year: John ’63 ’69 & Margaret ’61 Faron
• Upward Bound Math and Science grant renewed for five years.
• �ԹϹ��� State celebrates 25 years as a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution.
• After 22 years, Grizzly mascot Boomer retires, handing over the mantle to two new bears: Russet (Russ – in honor of potato industry) and Billy (�ԹϹ���).

2023

• �ԹϹ��� States receives $4.6 million USDA grant.
• �ԹϹ��� State awarded $8 million state grant to renovate Central Technology Building.
• Women’s wrestling is added to athletics.
• Alamosa City Council proclaims October as �ԹϹ��� HSI Month.
• Margaret Doell, M.F.A., named Vice President of Academic Affairs.
• School of Education launches Inaugural Educator, Highlight Award.
• Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program awards $1.2 million grant.
• Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Program Coordinator of the Cultural Resources Management master’s program Caroline Gabe, Ph.D., co-wrote a study on “Early dispersal of domestic horses into the Great Plains and Northern Rockies,” published in Science, March 2023. The publication receives the 2024 Newcomb Cleveland Prize at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
• Counselor Education receives a $1,437,098 CDHE grant to incentivize enrollment of Colorado residents.
• �ԹϹ��� State receives $4.6 million USDA grant.
• Nursing Class of 2023 achieves a 100 percent passing rate on the NCLEX, licensing exam.
• David Tandberg, Ph.D. named 12^th president of �ԹϹ���.
• Outstanding Alumnus: Kale Mortensen ‘15, ‘19
• Exceptional New Alumna: Elena Burr ‘15
• Billy �ԹϹ��� Award: Kathy Rogers Woods
• Willis Fassett Jr. Award: Duane Bussey ’82 & Genevieve Cooper
• Grizzly Club Corporate Partner of the Year: �ԹϹ��� State School of Counselor Education
• Grizzly Club Individual Partner of the Year: David ’84, ’87 & Kim ’84, ’99 Martinez
• �ԹϹ��� Foundation established the John E. McDaniel Foundation, powered by the remaining assets of John E. McDaniel Living Trust; the trust now totals $5,252,994.51.
• �ԹϹ��� State Promise Scholarship established for high school graduates who reside in counties south of Denver.