The Adams State University Title V’s Cornerstone to Capstone and PPOHA grants hosted a Financial Literacy Recognition Ceremony on April 19, on the Adams State campus.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Kent Buchanan, Ph.D., welcomed the full house and Anna Torello, Title V interim project director, spoke briefly on the importance of providing financial literacy learning opportunities. Arely Martinez and Omar Hernandez read the Adams State Land Acknowledgement Statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land. Adopted by the Adams State Board of Trustees in 2021.
Will Reed, Ph.D., assistant professor of business, moderated the six panelists including Duane Bussey, Class of 1982 and retired president and CEO of San Luis Valley Federal Bank; Walter Roybal, Class of 1994 and 2008, SLV Federal Bank commercial loan officer; Katrina Ruggles, Class of 1996 and 1998, senior seminar teacher for Center School District; Heidi Markey, Adams State financial aid director; Luis Murillo, Class of 2007 and 2008, Alamosa School District assistant superintendent; and Edith Arias, Class of 2018 and 2022, Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium (Department of Labor and Employment) Coaching Collaborative program coordinator.
The panelists gave advice on a variety of financial topics including: the difference between wants and needs; financial emergencies; teaching younger children financial responsibility; financial challenges faced by Latinx and Black communities; student debt; where to seek trusted financial guidance; building credit responsibly; avoiding financial scams; and resources available for students.
Roundtable discussions followed. Student comments left on feedback forms included: “I’ve learned how being financially literate early on can positively impact you in the future;” “financial literacy is important to the quality of life;” “listening to people that had similar struggles tells me anyone can live a comfortable life;” “understanding basic needs and impulsive purchases;” and “do not put your money in the situation of uncertainty.”
In 2004, the Senate passed Resolution 316, recognizing the month of April as National Financial Literacy Month to “raise public awareness about the importance of personal financial education in the United States and the serious consequences that may result from a lack of understanding about personal finances.”
Title V’s Cornerstone to Capstone and PPOHA grants are committed to promoting the development of financial literacy skills for Adams State students. Through Title V initiatives, the aim is to cultivate knowledge and self-efficacy in decision making that involves overall personal financial understanding and responsibility.
