The Adams State University 2023 Spring Commencement Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 13, in Plachy Hall. San Luis Valley native and Adams State Alumnus John T. Salazar is the commencement speaker.
Salazar will encourage the graduating class of 2023 to use the skills and tools they acquired at Adams State to face future challenges and to look out for others. “When you pass through the door of opportunity, do not let it slam behind you. Hold it open and let others come through.”
John Salazar was the Adams State 2016 Outstanding Alumnus. In 2009, he received an honorary Master of Business Administration from Adams State. His commencement address will focus on the students and their lives and accomplishments. “I want to inspire the new graduates to build teams rather than isolating themselves. I have never had people work for me – they work with me and teamwork is the most effective method of accomplishing goals.”
Salazar first served as a state representative for District 62 in 2003-04, followed by three terms as a representative of Colorado’s Third District in the U.S. Congress. His campaign slogan was “Send a Farmer to Congress.” He brought those values to his post as Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture in 2011. He resigned that position in 2014, and returned to the family ranch. His family has operated Salazar Ranch, east of Manassa, Colo., for five generations. “My bachelor’s degree in business from Adams State helped us build the farming operation we now have. Great stories do begin here.”
He has been a member of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, and remains active with the agriculture community in opposing water rights leaving the San Luis Valley. He served on the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Forum; the Governor’s Economic Development Advisory Board; and the Colorado Agricultural Commission. He was as a director of the Monte Vista Production Credit Union and Agro Engineering.
First-generation student from Center, Colo., Jose Villagomez will convey the message from the Adams State Class of 2023. A sociology/criminology major, Villagomez was president of the student government, AS&F, served as the student trustee on the Board of Trustees, the Grizzly Activities Board marketing coordinator, general manager for the campus radio station, and an office assistant for the Office of Student Support Services. Villagomez received the Colorado Coalition for the Educational Advancement of Latinxs Student Impact Practice Award and the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators (AHSIE) Seed to Tree Scholarship in recognition of his leadership roles. “I appreciate the support from my professors and advisors, and most of all from my parents.”
Eugene Schilling, professor and department chair of art, will act as faculty marshal. He recently received emeritus status.
During the spring undergraduate commencement ceremony, Adams State will award 265 undergraduate degrees including 104 associates; 74 Bachelor of Arts; 85 Bachelor of Science; and 2 Bachelor of Fine Arts. Michele Lueck will deliver a greeting from the Board of Trustees. Music major Gem DeSimone will perform Autumn, by Aliyah Qualls, as the special music. The alma mater will be performed by Ally Duysen, soprano, accompanied by William Lipke, D.M.A.
For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed.
