San Luis Valley
Health’s long-standing support of Adams State University takes many forms, from
helping to educate future nurses and providing internships to funding
scholarships and providing medical services. SLV Health Chief Executive Officer
Konnie Martin said, "Our contribution is a combination of financial
support, service, and education. The value of our partnership activities is the
true heart of our relationship to the ASU Foundation. It’s a good fit for our
community."
SLV Health has
been a major supporter of Adams State for decades. The organization will be
recognized for its contributions with the ASU Foundation’s Willis Fassett, Jr.
Award, to be presented at the annual Donor and Student Recognition Dinner,
November 7.
The Willis
Fassett, Jr. Award honors individuals and organizations with an exceptional
record of support for Adams State’s educational mission. Fassett and others
established the Foundation in 1962 to provide scholarships and charitable gifts
for the institution. A prominent business leader and Monte Vista banker, Fassett
devoted his life to the people of the San Luis Valley and served as a long-time
president of the ASU Foundation. The award includes the Buffalo Chant bronze,
created specifically for the Foundation by the late William Moyers ’39, Adams
State alumnus and famous Cowboy Artist.
One example of
the ASU and SLV Health partnership is the close work with Adams State’s Nursing
Department to offer clinical rotation experiences for student nurses. Hospital
staff provide education in that setting and in the classroom as instructors. In
addition to clinical rotations, nursing students also participate in leadership
rotations, where they shadow nurse executives. Paid nursing internships are
also available for students at the end of their training.
"In addition
to traditional clinical experiences, we model career ladders and possibilities
for nursing professionals beyond hands-on clinical care. We fully embrace the
nursing students and help them gain an understanding of the complexity and
challenges that go with nurse leadership," Martin said.
Dr. Melissa
Milner, director of Adams State’s Nursing Department, said, "SLV Health is
a significant factor in the education of our nursing students. The hospitals
and clinics not only provide our students with the opportunity to complete
clinical rotations, but they also allow our students to work with nurses
practicing within the San Luis Valley. This partnership helps expose students
to the unique needs of the Valley’s patient population, as well as prepares
students to successfully transition into the profession upon graduation. The
knowledge and experience of the nurses within the San Luis Valley Health
organization are a valuable asset to our students."
Adams State
business students also have a range of internship opportunities with SLV
Health. Students have worked with SLV Health staff in its foundation, marketing
office, business office, and human resources. "The internship program
grows itself, bringing a new generation of workers into our organization. We are
very purposeful. That is our role, to educate and help with the workforce as we
care for our community. We hire a number of people from the ASU nursing
program, as well," Martin said. Overall, a large portion of SLV Health’s
employees are Adams State alumni, including physicians and top administrators.
"There are so many career and leadership opportunities in health care. We
are happy ASU has such a robust health care administration program,"
Martin added.
John Luterbach,
Adams State Class of 2014, is just one Adams State alumnus who benefitted from
an SLV Health internship. Now Population Health and Clinical Integration
Consultant with Trinity Health, he said, "I feel quite fortunate to have
begun my career with such an exemplary organization as San Luis Valley Health.
I was exposed to a culture that places a tangible emphasis on its mission, core
values, community, and continuous learning – critical qualities that lay the
foundation of any thriving organization. With an emphasis on ‘learning by
doing,’ my internship not only introduced me to a flourishing health system,
but prepared me to succeed in my current role, provided me with invaluable
mentors, and served as the catalyst for my professional development."
SLV Health also
has a strong partnership with Adams State Athletics, funding scholarships and
providing medical services. SLV Health provides ambulance services at home
athletic events. Medical specialists such as an athletic trainer, chiropractor,
physical therapist, orthopedic surgeon, and physician’s assistant regularly
work with ASU athletes. Martin said, "We provide consultative care as a
community service. The care provided is rewarding and inspiring to our medical
professionals. Some find sports medicine very fulfilling."
In turn, ASU
athletes volunteer to support SLV Health activities. Wrestling, cross country,
and women’s basketball help annually with the SLV Health Foundation’s Stephanie
L. Miner Run/Walk. The volleyball team and other teams often raise funds on a
"Think Pink" night. Football players recently helped with a Red
Cross effort to install smoke alarms in homes. "We really use and thank
the students for their help. We have a lot of fun while also providing an
avenue for community service and interacting together," said Donna Wehe,
SLV Health Director of PR, Marketing and Development.
Adams State
Director of Athletics Larry Mortenson said, "SLV Health has been a
longtime supporter of Adams State athletics. Their support goes far beyond
financial. The care for our student-athletes’ health and welfare provided by
their practitioners has been a tremendous asset to our department. SLV Health
is a valuable partner with ASU athletics."
Martin said the
partnership between Adams State and SLV Health also benefits the community.
"ASU’s mission is education, and SLV Health’s mission is health care. We
share common ground in providing service and play important roles in the
community. We look forward to building more opportunities to work together.
We’re so dependent and supportive of each other that the possibilities are
endless. Health care is a growing field, and so many professional jobs come out
of health care. Having a strong partnership with the education system is key to
both of us fulfilling our missions."
