Article by Andy Brown
Ralph Outcalt was a longtime resident and business leader of Alamosa. As an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former board member of the Adams State University Foundation, he made a tremendous impact on the San Luis Valley. Ralph passed away in 2014, but his legacy continues through the work of The Outcalt Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to the growth and prosperity of the valley’s youth and good-will organizations. For its important work, The Outcalt Foundation has been named the recipient of Adam State’s 2021 Willis Fassett Jr. Corporate Award. The award, “Buffalo Chant,” a bronze by William Moyers, Class of 1939, will be presented to the Outcalt Foundation at the Annual Donor and Student Recognition Dinner on November 4.
“One of Mr. Outcalt’s legacies and directives for the foundation was to focus on youth development,” said Karla Shriver, trustee of The Outcalt Foundation. “Ralph loved the valley. He thought it was an extraordinary place, and he was very adamant that we support the education of our youth.”
To that end, the Outcalt Foundation awarded Adams State $150,000 for student scholarships, including a full-ride scholarship of up to $25,000 per year for four years, and multiple one-time awards of up to $3,000 to cover direct educational costs that include tuition, fees, books and supplies.
“Many families just don’t have the funds to pursue higher education. Ralph wanted to make sure that kids, no matter what their financial background, had the opportunity to further their educations. If they were willing to put in the time and energy, he wanted to help them out,” said Shriver.
Ralph’s childhood experiences influenced his attitudes about education. His father passed away during the 1918 flu pandemic, when Ralph was just five years old. To help support his mother and two siblings, Ralph dropped out of high school as a junior so he could work. However, he continued to pursue his education, eventually receiving his diploma and surveying certificate via a correspondence course.
“He was always one that cherished education and wanted to see youth have the opportunity to have education available to them,” said Shriver. “He was also clear that the students we support don’t have to be right out of high school. He wanted us to support people no matter what their age. If they’re a nontraditional student who wants to learn and better themselves, we’d make sure to help them.”
As a prominent businessman and long-time resident of the valley, Ralph Outcalt knew Adams State well. “He had a long-term relationship with Adams State and recognized its importance,” said Shriver. “He felt that Adams State was a huge component of the valley and a tremendous asset, not only for education but as an economic engine.”
Scholarships and Other Initiatives
While the Outcalt Foundation provides funds for scholarships, it also supports education at Adams State in other ways. Recently, it provided a $125,000 grant to renovate an industrial kitchen in the East Campus Building. The kitchen is for students in the university’s Food Studies program, which prepares graduates for food-related careers. Community members also have access to the kitchen.
In addition to Adams State, the Outcalt Foundation also supports other local organizations, especially those that promote and protect youth development, including vocational schools and after-school programs. “We’ve helped make sure that these important organizations prosper, stay open and that they maintain their viability,” said Shriver. “Ralph was always involved in the community and supported it not only with his funds but with his time. He was involved in many things, and he wanted the foundation trustees, which includes Carolyn Kawanabe and myself – to stay involved in the community and support it any way we can.”
In fact, residents of the valley might be surprised at just how much the foundation does.
“The foundation is pretty low-key, and we do a lot in the valley that I don’t believe the public knows about. That’s by design,” said Shriver. “Ralph was very humble. He was generous, kind, and not out for the glory. We try to maintain that philosophy, but it is nice to be recognized for the work the foundation is doing. So we are very proud and honored that the foundation is being given this prestigious award.”
