Letter by President Cheryl D. Lovell
February may be a short month, but ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø State accomplished a great deal during those few weeks. On Billy ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø’, our founder and namesake, 160 birthday, ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø State Gives Day raised the roof and the record on the amount of money donated on that third annual talent show and telethon. The successful fundraising efforts were in a large part thanks to the very generous $100,000 match by Duane and Lorey Bussey in equal partnership with the San Luis Valley Federal Bank, represented by CEO Mark Bechaver. Total raised exceeded $200,000!
We had an appreciative live audience in Richardson Hall as well as many who viewed the livestream. The energy generated by hosts Dr. John Taylor and Alamosa Mayor Ty Coleman kept the fast-paced show dancing, singing, and humming along. The campus and community Hispanic roots were well represented with performances by Freddie Jaquez and Semillas de la Tierra. ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø State prides itself on its inclusivity and equity and the diversity of acts and performers was a great reflection of that mission. If you missed it, check it out . By the way, it’s never too late to donate!
I am very proud of ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø State and I know many of our alumni consider this campus a treasure. If you are a Colorado resident and own a vehicle, or two, I hope you will demonstrate that pride by signing up to purchase an ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø State license plate – if you need any incentive, all the other four-year, state-supported colleges and universities in Colorado have one. Just take a moment to think about cruising down the street telling everyone you are a Green and White Grizzly! Visit to sign up.
Whether or not you call Colorado home, everyone will want to pre-order our ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø100 History Book, being published now. This two-hundred page, beautifully-bound book is full of photos and the story of this remarkable university. Visit and pre-order this limited-edition deal, we are only printing 500.
February is also Black History Month, first established in 1970, to honor the many contributions made by Black Americans. I am happy ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø State pulls together events to celebrate accomplishments and learn from the past to provide a more inclusive society on campus and throughout the community.
That’s not all, the Salazar Rio Grande del Norte Center hosted its annual Rio Grande State of the Basin Symposium, another resounding success as nearly 300 participants filled Richardson Hall and engaged in the continuing conversation about water issues in the San Luis Valley. The symposium in its entirety will soon be available. Visit Salazar Center for additional information.
Only a couple more weeks of winter. I anticipate the momentum that makes ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø State a vital and relevant university to continue as it engages and educates and delights our students and community through spring and into summer.
