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Chasey Blach
Elementary Education/Mathematics Emphasis
Magna Cum Laude
Yuma, Colo.

“I am pleased to have earned my degree at Adams State. I came from a small school, so the small class sizes at ASU was something I really appreciated. The close relationship I had with my professors also added to my experience.”

Chasey plans on continuing her teaching career with the Center School District. She is also getting married this summer. “Hopefully, long term I will get my master’s after a few years of teaching.”

Chasey appreciates the education professors taking the time to make her learning experience fulfilling and meaningful. “I formed a close bond with many of them, and I know that if I ever need any resources or advice, they will go out of their way to help me.”

Scholarships were instrumental in Chasey graduating with no student loan debt in 3.5 years. They included: a volleyball scholarship, the Presidents Scholarship, and a few smaller awards. :I played volleyball for three years, and decided not to play the last semester as it coincided with my student teaching.”

She worked off-campus during spring semesters with a local rancher, helping him calve out his cows and take care of his ranch. “I made a lot of connections and relationships through the outside job that I had, and through the church I went to. Once I got involved in the community, my experience of Alamosa totally changed for the better.”

Chasey was active in the Adams State Agribusiness Club. “I grew a lot personally, academically, and professionally from my freshman year to now.”

Bianca Alexis Borile
Music Education
Las Vegas, Nev.
Summa Cum Laude

“Adams State gave me the individualized instruction I needed to guarantee my success in the career path I chose. The Music Department staff made me feel welcome since day one and they created the best environment conducive to learning.”

After graduation, Bianca will return to Las Vegas to substitute teach for a semester and pursue a career as a music educator. She plans to continue attending music education clinics and conferences. “Adams State taught me to always be a lifelong learner.”

The music professors were instrumental in Bianca’s success and she appreciates all their efforts. Current Music Department Director Beth Robison, D.M.A., provided endless support and would always stop whatever she was doing to help Bianca out. Melinda Leoce, M.M., taught Bianca that practicing doesn’t have to feel mandatory. “There are countless ways to make practicing music fun. She helped me through my toughest pieces, I couldn’t have survived my senior recital without her.”

Bianca appreciates learning music theory with Matt Schildt, Ph.D., and the history of music from William Lipke, D.M.A., and Veronica Starcher for her positive energy and kind spirit that inspired Bianca to become an elementary music teacher. “I seriously cannot thank them enough.”

Bianca graduated in 4.5 years with little student loan debt due to her scholarships and financial assistance from her parents.

She was active in National Association for Music Educators (NAfME) and Adams State Music Educators Society (ASMES). She performed in many ensembles including samba band, marimba band, and steel pan ensemble. “All I had to do was continuously practice and tell myself that I am capable to achieving my goals. Adams State taught me how to be a lifelong learner and learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Marli Anne Crowther
Bachelor of Science: Physical Geography and Conservation
Geology Minor
Bachelor of Arts: Interdisciplinary Studies in food studies with an emphasis in sustainability
Summa Cum Laude
Sanford, Colo.

Marli is a first-generation student, but not the first in her family to earn a college degree. All four of her older sisters graduated from college. “The importance of gaining a college education has always been an important part of my life and has been instilled in me by my parents my whole life. The knowledge I have gained through this experience is very important to me. One can never have too much knowledge and can always continue to learn.”

She is very pleased with her decision to follow in her sisters’ footsteps in choosing her hometown college, Adams State. “I love the environment at Adams State. It is close to home and having small class sizes makes it easier for the professors to know you and work with you. The professors also go out of their way to help give you the best education they can provide and get to know you personally. They let you know they care about you and want the best for you.”

Marli received many scholarships throughout her academic career; had an internship with North River Greenhouse and Landscaping and LandLife; as well as work-study positions. She graduates in 4.5 years with no student loan debt.

“My advisor and major professors helped ensure I was successful by really getting to know me and my interests and helping direct me toward my goals. For example, over the past three years, I have worked on a research project studying landslides along the La Veta Pass with my advisor, Dr. Chayan Lahiri. Through this experience, I have learned the many steps it takes to conduct a research project and I have had the opportunity to present our findings during many lunchtime talks at the university and at the Geological Society of America Conference in Denver.”

After graduation she plans to find a job in the San Luis Valley before returning to school to earn a master’s degree.

“Connections made outside academics helped support my goals and accomplishments by giving me a network of people I could talk to who cared about me. Many of these people have led me to potential job sites and have helped me realize what positive impacts I can make with my degrees.”

Marli was President of the Latter Day Saints Student Association Club, was inducted into the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success her freshman year of college and received the Laramide Chapter Association of Women Geoscientists Outstanding Student Award in 2022.

“As an incoming freshman, I was unsure of the college path I wanted to take. I knew I wanted a college degree, but I didn’t know which major I should choose because I found interest in so many of them. As I began to take classes, I found what I was most interested in and what type of career I could see myself pursuing in the coming years. I changed my major a few times and also added a major and a minor. As I took more and more classes in my designated field of study, I found out more about who I was and grew more confident with the knowledge that was being passed down to me. Not only did my knowledge grow, but I also grew immensely as a person from when I was an incoming freshman to a graduating senior.”

Carlos David Daniel Gonzalez
Music Education
Cum Laude
Colorado Springs, Colo.

“I am extremely pleased to have chosen Adams State. I attended Top of the Nation Honor Choir and met the amazing music faculty at Adams State. From there, I just continued to fall in love with the school.”

After graduation, Carlos plans to perform and compose and look for a music education position in the Colorado Springs area. Eventually he plans on applying to a master’s program with the goal of earning a doctorate and teaching in higher education.

The last few years for all music majors were challenging with the pandemic. Carlos appreciates the continued academic, and mental and emotional health support from professors. “When we would sit together for a quick bite the professors would sit with us to talk and hangout. They made sure we made connections.”

Carlos received several scholarships, was an assistant of choral music and worked for Sodexo, the campus dining service. “I had to work hard for scholarships and money my first three years. It just goes to show that hard work will get you what you need in life.”

The One Stop Student Services staff always provided assistance when Carlos had questions.

Carlos finished his degree in vocal performance in four years and took another semester to complete his degree in music education. He was active in National Association for Music Educators (NAfME) and Adams State Music Educators Society (ASMES). He was secretary and vice-president of NAfME and vice-president and president of ASMES.

“I did what I came here to do. I finished my degrees, I graduated with honors and became a respected musician, student, and vocalists among peers and professors. I also touched as many hearts as I possibly could. I tell everyone that if you want to leave a trail of light wherever you go then touch as many hearts as you possibly can.”

Laura Rosenbeck
Music Education K-12 and Clarinet Performance
Colorado Springs, Colo.

“I am extremely proud that I chose Adams State. When I initially visited the music department to see if it was a good fit for me, it immediately felt like home. The first year was stressful as all college is, but it made it easier knowing I was in capable and friendly hands of the staff and my friends.”

After graduating in December, Laura will substitute teach in her hometown while searching for a more permanent position.

“My professors were a key factor to helping me achieve my goals. Everyone in the music department strives for everyone’s success and it shows through their care and support they constantly give to their students. They get to know us on a personal level which adds a bond that elevates our ambition to complete our degrees.”

Laura graduates after 4.5 years. She received state grants and scholarships which kept her student loans manageable. “It’s about the size of a car loan. I take pride in that.”

She was active in the Adams State National Association for Music Educators (NAfME) Chapter, including serving as secretary for one year. She also appreciates the connections made through the Top of the Nation Honor Band, held annually on campus, and attending the Colorado Music Educators Association conferences.

“I came to Adams sure about what I wanted to do and had a vague idea of how it was going to be accomplished. I was greeted by my classmates in the music department and we bonded quickly. I grew through the help of my peers and professors. I was able to grow into an educator and a leader. I cannot believe the growth I have made over the past four years.”

Rebecca (Bex) Schmitt
Theatre Arts, Secondary English Licensure
Colorado Springs, Colo.

“My parents had me at a young age, so I remember them going through school while raising my brother and me and that gives me another level of appreciation for everything they did. I am grateful I was able to have their support and understanding through my degree.”

Bex believes Adams State was the best choice. “The theatre department will always be my family, and through my friends and mentors there I have grown so much. They pushed me to grow in ways I never could have imagined. Adams State will always be a large part of who I am.”

After receiving her degree this fall, Bex plans on attending graduate school.

Bex appreciates the professors in each of her disciplines, including teacher education, English and theatre. “Their passion for what they teach, and for helping students is tangible. The professors in theatre are some truly life changing educators and artists. Working in the theatre department we have a lot of opportunity to see our professors outside of the classroom. This ensured that we had time to develop relationships, and they were able to help us all with their expertise. They do so much for the students here; from being a shoulder to cry on to someone to go to for adult advice.”

During her time at Adams State, Bex worked as head of the theatre properties department and served as a student ambassador in admissions. “Admissions became a second home for me, I helped out with as many events as possible, tried to learn to do everything I could, and through my time there I gained valuable experience working in an office setting. Working with other students from other departments was also a huge benefit.”

Bex received several scholarships and graduates after 4.5 years, including her student teaching, with not much student loan debt.

She said directing “French Pig,” by David Jacobi, was her pride and joy. “I can proudly say that I was involved in every production during my time here.”

Her first year, Bex was unsure of herself. “Now I feel confident as a professional, and I can bring my expertise to any table. Life has definitely become more complicated, hard, and draining, there is no way around that. However, my time here provided so many positive experiences that I can continue striving for a better life. The lessons I learned showed me a whole new way to look at the world. I never knew that someone could get a doctorate in theatre before coming here. That is my next goal.”

Alanah Rae Wood
Theatre
Colorado Springs, Colo.

She is the first in her immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree. “It’s just wild to be able to attend and see the world from a new viewpoint.”

Although Adams State was not her first choice, she is grateful for the friends she made and the support from the theatre faculty. “The beauty around us really made Alamosa my home.”

She worked as a theatre technician, box office manager and, off campus for the local auto mall Town and Country.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the theatre professors by my side. When I felt like I couldn’t succeed they offered support and community.”

Alanah graduated in five years and was heavily involved with the Theatre Department her entire college career. She concludes her Adams State career by designing the set for “Little Women.”

“I’m not the same person I was when I started, I’ve found courage to face unknown challenges and confidence to be a professional.”