91è���� is launching a new program, “Developing Rural Educators Using the Apprenticeship Model,” funded by a five-year grant of $3 million from the U.S. Department of Labor, according to Curtis Garcia, PH.D., professor and director of the School of Education. This is a federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant, which helps institutions of higher education become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students.

“This grant allows Adams State to redefine how we train future teachers and will help address teacher shortages in rural southern Colorado,” Dr. Garcia explained, noting there is a 20 percent annual teacher turnover rate. “The project offers progressive wage scales, enhanced AI training, and credit for prior experience, which help remove financial and geographical barriers for both high school students and adult learners. It ensures our future educators earn while they learn, while providing local school districts with the long-term workforce stability they urgently need.”

Dr. Garcia is the lead principal investigator for the grant, assisted by Dr. Michele Mann, associate professor of teacher education, and Dr. Justine Schwarz, assistant professor of teacher education.

Working with the San Luis Valley BOCES (Board of Cooperative Education Services) and area school districts, Adams State will spearhead a state-approved Registered Apprenticeship initiative to create career pathways for both adult learners and high school students enrolled concurrently in college courses.

Dr. Garcia explained the Registered Apprenticeship model features a progressive wage scale to incentivize on-the-job learning. It offers stackable credentials for pre-apprentices (concurrent) and apprentices (undergraduate adult learners), who may earn credit for prior experience. Mentor teachers, a dedicated advisor, and technology innovations in instruction will help support students through their education.

In addition, Adams State faculty will be trained to develop Competency Based Assessment (CBA) in course design and portfolio evaluation. “This will embed a new system for bachelor’s degree and teacher licensure attainment, while reducing the time and cost burdens on our students” Dr. Garcia said. “I consider that to be a win for our Adams State as we continue to fulfill our mission of providing access to higher education, while also benefiting future students by recognizing the knowledge and experience they bring to the profession of teaching.”

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The Jonathan Scales Fourchestra has performed on stages in Europe, Africa, Southeast and Central Asia as a cultural ambassador for the US Department of State and at National Public Radio’s famed Tiny Desk.

General admission concert tickets are $15 and free to Associated 91��� and Faculty (AS&F) with current Adams State identification. Visit to purchase concert tickets.

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Graduate enrollment increased 4.4% in both overall headcount and credit hours, continuing on the upward trend for the last three years. The Master in Arts in cultural resource management saw the largest percent of growth, with a year-over-year increase of 38.2% in students now pursuing the online degree.

“The news about enrollment, especially the increase in our Valley students, brings home the knowledge that Adams State continues to be a relevant and viable option for those seeking a degree in higher education,” said President David Tandberg, Ph.D. “The reward is worth the effort from our hardworking staff and faculty. It’s what I appreciate about this institution – we continue to go beyond expectations when it comes to our students.”

Concurrent enrollment continues to shoot up as high schoolers across the nation choose Adams State classes to jump start their college academics.

With 1,721 undergraduate students now attending Adams State, first-time enrollment is up 9.9 percent from 2025 (graduates of high school who enrolled as a degree seeking student for the first time). The fall-to-fall retention rate also increased by 4.5 percent, a tribute to a campus-wide commitment to students.

Adams State President Tandberg joins student life and admission teams on visits to Valley high schools sharing the benefits of attending college. The University also continues the Direct Admissions Program that guarantees automatic acceptance once an SLV student graduates from high school.

Adams State is fulfilling its mission to support first-generation and low-income students, and the percentage of students eligible for federal Pell grants as well as students who are the first in their family to attend college continues to see significant enrollment growth over the last three years.

Adams State works to make college a reality for all students by offering the Adams Promise, which guarantees no tuition and fees for qualifying students, and Financial Aid Fridays, in-person and online.

Adams State is the most affordable university in Colorado. Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management Mark Buck said: “We will always help students and their families walk through the financial process. We know funding one’s education can be confusing for students and parents. Our One-Stop Office is always available to simplify the financial aid process. That will continue to be a priority for us here at Adams State.”

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Written by Ira Levin, in 1978, and directed by School of Visual and Performance Art Director Jenna Neilsen, the comedy “Deathtrap” is the perfect escape from political campaigns and the hustle and bustle of life. “Deathtrap will keep you laughing, gasping and guessing until the final moments. You will also constantly question the characters motives as the victims keep changing. Deathtrap is a one-set, five character, classic thriller of a play within a play with double entendres and switch-backs – I can guarantee there is at least one twist, you won’t see coming.”

Seemingly comfortable in his charming Connecticut home, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, is struggling to overcome a string of recent failures and a shortage of funds. When a student in his writing seminar sends him a new script – a thriller that Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway hit – Sidney sees an opportunity. With his wife’s help, he devises a plan to “collaborate” with the student, an idea which the younger man quickly accepts. Suspense mounts steadily as the plot begins to twist and turn with devilish cleverness that builds to a still-startling finale.

“Ira Levin is probably best known for his novels, “Rosemary’s Baby,” and Stepford Wives,” said Professor Neilsen. “Deathtrap is the longest running thriller in Broadway history, and it’s funny.” Author Stephen King called “Deathtrap”, the “Swiss watch of thrillers.”

The comedy thriller includes five actors, Chaz Childress, Sidney Bruhl; Javier Rodriguez, Clifford Anderson; Grace Dunn, Myra Bruhl; Max Buxton, Helga ten Dorp; Gabe Garcia, Porter Milgrim. Light design is by Autumn Chacon and Miguel Ochoa is the sound designer. Theatre Assistant Professors Nicholas Holguin and Tim Gross were the fight choreographer and set designer, respectively.

“Deathtrap” begins at 7:30 p.m. October 16, 17, 23 & 24, with a 2 p.m. matinee on October 25. The play runs a little over 2 hours with a 10-minute intermission and includes mild profanity and violence.

General admission tickets are $13 and free to Associated 91��� and Faculty (AS&F) with current Adams State identification. Tickets may be purchased at theatre.adams.edu, reserved by calling 719-587-8499, or in-person at the box office, from 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. AS&F tickets must be reserved through the box office.

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As Colorado’s premier Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and the educational anchor of the Valley, 91è���� is committed to place-based learning, community engagement, and cultural preservation—principles core to the Strategic Plan’s “Place” pillar and our institutional mission of focusing on people, place, and perspective.

To that end, I support the articulated goals of the recently released report presented to Governor Polis regarding a potential path towards the amelioration of historic conflicts surrounding the Cielo Vista Ranch, traditionally known as La Sierra. The report and appended letter suggest any potential resolution should include efforts around the preservation of natural, historical, and cultural resources; place-based learning and education; research; and public outreach and engagement activities. Adams State stands ready to be an active partner in these efforts.

La Sierra stewardship is a key project identified in the University’s , recently released in partnership with Great Outdoors Colorado and SLV Great Outdoors. The Report identifies shared values, governing strategies, and priority projects to leverage the valley’s cultural heritage and natural assets for economic resilience. Adams State is eager to serve as an active partner and essential resource to improve understanding about and foster appreciation for the Valley’s rich natural resources and cultural heritage.

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The event will include a discussion with Adams State President David Tandberg, Ph.D., and Ambassador Ken Salazar, followed by a book signing. A reception will follow at the Marvel House.

About the Author

Ken Salazar is a fifth generation Coloradan, whose ancestors have lived in the American Southwest for over four centuries. Ken grew up in his native San Luis Valley on the remote Salazar homestead, where his family continues to farm and ranch the same property they’ve owned since before Colorado became a state.

Ken served as United States ambassador to Mexico from 2021 to 2025, as US secretary of the Interior under President Barack Obama (2009–2013), as Colorado’s 35th US senator (2005–2009), and as Colorado state attorney general (1999-2005).

Ken devotes much of his time to family and ranching in the San Luis Valley. He continues to be a champion for conservation, civil rights, and an inclusive America.

About “Borderlands”

Informed by his life journey, former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, U.S. Senator, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar shares his unrivaled vantage on the U.S.-Mexico relationship, the border and migration crisis, and his belief that the diversity of our many communities and cultures is America’s superpower.

Borderlands is a clarion call for a different way forward, one that unites North America instead of divides it. It invites you to come and see the prairies, deserts, and mountains, and feel the history and culture of our peoples. Come and meet your neighbors. Come and witness the strength of American diversity for yourself.

Like many Mexican Americans, the Salazars have deep roots in the American Southwest. They have ranched and farmed along the banks of the Rio Grande for more than four centuries, and have called the San Luis Valley home since the end of the Mexican-American War in 1848.

Borderlands traces the relationship of the United States and Mexico from its early days to the present. Ken recounts the early conflicts between our two countries; the treaties that created our modern and broken border; the political malpractice of both major U.S. parties where it concerns migration and the border; and the necessity to fight for an inclusive and united America.

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The 91è���� Foundation will present Ted Morrison ’69 with its Willis Fassett Jr. Award-Individual in appreciation of his decades of support for the university. The award will be presented at the annual Donor & Student Recognition Dinner, October 15.

“Ted has been involved with Adams State his entire life, and he continues to give of his personal time in retirement,” said Joe Martinez, president of the Foundation Board of Directors. “He has been instrumental in the success of the Grizzly Club and the Foundation and is very committed to supporting our students.”

Morrison said he is forever grateful that, after his father died when he was 15, Adams State hired his mother and trained her for a position in computing. “I have a great admiration for Adams State for what they did for us. If I could do more, I would,” he said.

Named in honor of the late Willis Fassett Jr., a long-time president of the 91��� 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.

Morrison, a retired physician’s assistant, and his late wife, Janet ’69, owned and operated Arby’s Restaurant in Alamosa for 27 years. They created the San Luis Valley’s Arby’s All-Star basketball tournament, now in its 40^th year. Morrison still manages the event, but credits his daughter and son-in-law, Melissa ’21 and Chaz Moeller ’98, with taking on a lot of the work. The event showcases valley boys’ and girls’ senior basketball players and raises about $8,000 a year, which is split into basketball scholarships for the top male and female players.

“I am so thankful the All-Star game came to something good. We have grandpas, grandmas … the whole community come out to support kids. I’ve seen kids learn that their enemy can be their friend. I get cards thanking me. That fills my heart,” Morrison added.

Morrison has served on the Grizzly Club Board of Directors since the late ’80s, and Janet was a past president of the Adams State Alumni Association. They were honored for their support with the 1999 Billy Adams Award and the 2017 Grizzly Club-Individual Partner of the Year Award, and Arby’s received the 2012 Grizzly Club-Corporate Partner of the Year Award. Morrison is a member of the Foundation’s Billy Adams Society, which is for donors who include the university in their estate plans.

But Morrison is not merely a donor; he works to build the Grizzly Club membership and finances. He initiated the Adams State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000, aided by Jack Cotton, Spud Orr ’50, and Marv Motz ’58, ’59, and raised funds from local banks.

“I was on the Grizzly Club Board, and I got to thinking, ‘We have all these All-Americans and national champions, but no hall of fame,’” Morrison recalled. In appreciation of that, the Grizzly Club created the “Ted and Janet Morrison ’69 Special Citation” for others who follow their example. “Then I thought, ‘We’re a teacher’s college, so why not an Educators Hall of Fame?’” That tradition to honor Adams State alumni in the education profession was begun in 2011. Morrison was also an early advocate for Adams State’s nursing program.

Another of Morrison’s pet projects is the Grizzly Club’s Dream Endowment. He launched the fund by organizing a Corvette raffle that raised several thousand dollars. “My dream is to eventually fund a full-ride scholarship for every sport,” he explained, adding donations to the fund are still being accepted.

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Alcon Construction, Inc., of Alamosa will receive the 91è���� 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 91��� 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.

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Medina, a 2012 graduate from Adams State, is the oldest grandson of the late Eppie Archuleta, a nationally-recognized weaver from the San Luis Valley. The family weaving tradition first gained fame through Augeda Martinez, mother to Eppie Archuleta. Over the last six generations of weavers, including four current artists, family members have created Rio Grande, rag-rug, pictorial, and other weaving design styles.

Surrounded by the art of weaving, Medina grew up helping his mother create smaller items for an allowance. As an adult, he built the San Luis Valley Wool Mill, owned by his grandmother, where he learned from a master wool-maker how to operate the extensive machinery. Recently, Medina began weaving his own designs.

The event also celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. The late Augeda Martinez, could trace her ancestors to the Navajo Nation through her paternal grandmother, that was the start of the weaving tradition. Her daughter, Eppie Archuleta, who passed in 2014, sold weavings across the globe. In 1985, Archuleta was the first Hispanic woman to receive the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship Award; received the 2001 Lifetime Achievement Master Award from the Spanish Colonial Arts Society; and in 1998 Adams State presented her with an honorary doctorate. Archuleta and Martinez were featured in the January 1991 National Geographic magazine.

Norma Medina received the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Master Award from the Spanish Colonial Arts Society. Using plants and natural products, like Navajo/cota tea leaves, to dye much of her wool, brings out Medina’s outstanding pictorials and traditional patterns. In 1994, she was commissioned by the St. Peter Catholic Church, in Greeley, Colo., to create a series of weavings of the Stations of the Cross. Norma Medina won first place at the 2019 Traditional Spanish Market for her Blue Dazzler.

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The paper “On the Girth of Groups Acting on CAT(0) Cube Complexes” was published by Algebraic and Geometric Topology in September 2026. Assistant Professor of Mathematics Daniel Gulbrandsen, Ph.D., was a coauthor along with Arka Banerjee, Pratyush Mishra, and Prayagdeep Parija. In June 2026, Dr. Gulbrandsen presented research related to this paper at the 43rd annual Workshop in Geometric Topology.

Music Department Chair James M. Lind, D.M.A., has been contracted to be a featured soloist with the Pueblo Symphony. He will perform Johann Nepomuk Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto, nicknamed the “New Year’s Concerto” at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, 2027, in Hoag Hall, located on the Colorado State University-Pueblo campus.

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