Ariel Caldon-Peterson
Bachelor of Science: Cellular and Molecular Biology
Minor in Chemistry
Sanford, Colo.
Summa Cum Laude
Ariel believes the School of STEM is excellent. “The small class sizes made the learning environment very intimate and facilitated many relationships with my professors.” Her knowledge has grown exponentially since her first year, and she feels more rounded and skilled individual.
She participated in Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE), analyzing the water quality in the San Luis Valley; and as a SLV native, who comes from a family of farmers and ranchers, Ariel appreciated the opportunity to engage in research aimed at preserving the water.
Ariel will apply to physician assistant (PA) programs in the spring pursuing a master’s degree in medical science.
“My professors helped ensure my success by always being willing to answer my questions. As long as I put in the effort to ask them, professors always made sure to go above and beyond to help me understand every topic. Dr. Umesh Bhattarai (assistant professor of chemistry) spent time helping me with questions I had in his chemistry classes, but also with job-related, and other life, questions. Dr. Benita Brink (professor of biology and School of STEM director) helped me make sure I participated in research and volunteer experiences that I needed as I prepared for PA school.”
Ariel was a Porter Scholar during her entire academics. The program paid a good deal of her tuition and fees, and afforded her the opportunity to volunteer in Ghana, Africa. She received several other scholarships including the Donald Hilton Hopper Memorial Scholarship; the Douglas B Thomas Memorial Scholarship; the David and Vickie Ford Scholarship; the Ralph Outcalt Scholarship, and a McDaniel Scholarship. She worked as a tutor for chemistry and biology courses, and as an Adams State ambassador; and off-campus jobs in a local restaurant and as a certified nursing assistant in a nursing home.
Ariel appreciates the assistance navigating financial aid from the staff, including Russell Shawcroft. She graduates in 3.5 years with no debt.
In addition to on- and off-campus jobs, classes, homework, Ariel mentored first- and second-year STEM students through weekly check ins and presentations in first year seminar classes. She was also a STEM tutor.
“If I was to just sum up my growth in college, I would say that I now have a very fond appreciation for learning in general. The more that I study, the more I grow and my perspective expands. Knowledge truly is power. There is so much to learn in this world, and I plan to keep learning for the rest of my life.”
Anjolei Lila Cohen
Bachelor of Arts: Clinical Psychology
Alamosa, Colo.
Sum Laude
Anjolei’s older sister also earned a college degree. “Even though she was the first of my family members to get a college degree, I consider myself lucky to say that I am the second. Not many people in my family have had the same academic opportunities as me or the support system. Ultimately, it means the world to me and I am grateful for all the support and opportunities I have received and cannot wait to make my family proud at graduation.”
Anjolei has lived in Alamosa since she was twelve-years old, which made her a little hesitant about attending Adams State. “However, once I stepped foot on campus, I knew this was the right place for me. I was greeted with smiling faces and an instant support system after being on campus for only a minute. It felt like I had gained an extra family. After three years I can exclaim that I did in fact gain another place I can call home with an additional family that has provided me with unconditional support.”
After graduation, Anjolei plans on applying for graduate school. “I value my education and learning and plan to jump onto any opportunity in which I can learn even more.” After graduate school, her long-term goal is to be either a clinical or counseling psychologist, where she can combine her love of psychology with helping others.
All of the psychology department shaped Anjolei into the person she is today. She owes the biggest thanks to Colleen Schaffner, Ph.D., professor of psychology and School of Humanities and Social Sciences director; Jeff Elison, Ph.D., professor of psychology; and Rena Ann Kirkland, Ph.D., professor of psychology. Her advisor, Dr. Schaffner helped he stay on track for graduation; suggested classes; and advised her throughout her internship. Dr. Elison is the reason Anjolei questions the world and thinks critically. “Last, but not least, Rena Ann Kirkland is the reason I pushed myself academically throughout my time at Adams State. She is the reason I have presented research at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association (RMPA) and Student Scholar Days, but is also the reason I believe in myself as she believed in me first.”
For three semesters Anjolei was a supplementary instructor (SI) for statistics, supporting students inside and outside the classroom. “This work study has been a very rewarding experience as it has broadened my knowledge of statistics while also allowing me to help others and make a difference in their academic careers.”
Anjolei worked 90 hours with Tu Casa, a local organization for victims of domestic and sexual violence. “This internship was crucial because it taught me about community outreach and how to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Overall, both the internship and work study have helped me with career readiness and taught me how to teach along with advocating for others.”
Outside academics, Anjolei made connections with work-study supervisors, internship supervisors, and those in charge of scholarships. Each connection aided her goals and accomplishments because all the individuals checked up on her mental health. “As a student balancing multiple jobs, academics, and even everyday life it can be mentally taxing. Even more so for students wanting to join fields like psychology because you may have internships, volunteer work, or jobs that handle clientele suffering from things like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, etc. Therefore, having someone just check in to ensure you are taking care of your mental health is super beneficial for all students and I would like to thank everyone who has done that for me throughout my time at Adams State.”
Anjolei graduates in three years with no student loan debt. She was active in Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, including serving as secretary and vice president. She encourages students to become involved in clubs and organizations to build community and learn leadership and communication skills.
As an incoming freshman, Anjolei was a shy and introverted student. “Due to my support system at Adams State, I had opportunities like presenting research, obtaining leadership positions in psychology club, getting to teach students through my work study, and advocating for individuals with my time at Tu Casa. My growth is not just these opportunities, but the voice they gave me. I could stand up in a room full of students and teach them about statistics. Similarly, I could stand in a room and advocate for victims of domestic and sexual violence. I can do these things because of the confident voice that I have been gifted with by my support at Adams State University. In the future, I plan to use this voice to advocate for my future clientele as a psychologist.”
Wyatt DePriest
Bachelor of Arts: Wildlife Biology
Minors: Geology and Environmental Science
Sanford, Colo.
Summa Cum Laude
“I am the first in my family to earn a college degree. This has meant a lot to me by showing me that anything is possible with enough dedication and hard work. I had support from my family which motivated me to continue my path in school.”
The classes Wyatt took were perfect for his interests as well as challenging which made him push himself even farther. “One aspect I loved about Adams was the small class sizes. I could be more involved in the classroom and have an academic relationship with my professors directly.”
Wyatt plans to work for Colorado Parks and Wildlife as a seasonal technician this upcoming summer. “I plan to continue to work hard and eventually become an aquatic biologist working with fish and other aquatic species.”
Wyatt connected with professors and staff. “My professors were awesome. They pushed my past my limits which helped me learn and grow as a student. My major professors especially pushed me to greatness. They also were willing to help me after classes to solidify the material I struggled with. My advisor allowed me to choose classes that would benefit and track the credits and classes I needed to graduate.” Connections outside of academics helped Wyatt focus on his academics. One connection encouraged him to work hard and remain dedicated to his studies when times got tough. “I also made connections that will help me achieve my goal to become an aquatic biologist.”
Wyatt is fortunate and grateful to receive the Presidents Merit Scholarship, the Porter Scholars in Math and Science, the COSI Scholar Conejos Co, Outcalt Scholarship, and the Butch Southway Scholarship. He worked two internships, one as a wetland monitoring intern for the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and at the Monte Vista State Hatchery and Rearing Unit for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. He also worked outside of school doing construction and ranch work while in school.
Wyatt graduated in 3.5 years debt free.
“I have grown tremendously from my freshman year to graduating. I have learned so much academically as well as about myself. I have grown into a completely new person. One of the biggest things I learned, is do the things you don’t want to do, but do them like you love them. This has helped me be successful and grow as a person.”
Tayler Dossey
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education
Durango, Colo.
Summa Cum Laude
“I felt in the two-and-a-half years I was here I was able to live out my athletic life while making the accomplishments in my education I needed to do. I received help in so many ways to reach my graduation goal and academic goals as well.”
Tayler plans to continue teaching at Ignacio Elementary, where she did her student teaching.
“Chrissy McKinney was amazing in helping me throughout my educational career and being super understanding of all my situations when it came to graduating. I do not think I would be where I am without her aid. My mentor at Ignacio Elementary, Deb Otten, has been a blessing in my life on so many levels.”
Tayler received numerous scholarships including the HAPPSS Education Scholarship; the Orlando & Josephine Lujan Scholarship; James Gontis/McDaniel Scholarship and an athletic scholarship from the women’s basketball team. She participated in field hours in several classrooms around the San Luis Valley. Tayler graduated in 4.5 years with little debt.
Tayler was on the women’s basketball team for two years, after transferring from Lamar Community College. She appreciates the support as a student athlete and from Alamosa Elementary School mentors. “Without them, I would not be here where I am today.”
“From a freshman to a senior, I have grown in so many ways academically, socially, and mentally. I was able to learn so many life skills and grow as a person through ups and downs along the way. There is no way I would go about it differently than what I have done.”
Alexandria J. Miles
Bachelor of Science: Exercise Science
Brighton, Colo.
Cum Laude
Alexandria is the first in her family to earn a college degree. “It means a lot to me to make my family proud, and show my parents that all the sacrifices they made for me to get where I am today paid off.” Her parents showed Alexandria what hard work looked like, and she describes them as positive and influential people who led by example. “It also means a lot to be able to be another example of this for my younger brothers, one who is a sophomore in college and the other a senior in high school, and encourage them to get college degrees.”
Adams State created a perfect environment for Alexandria to learn. “I got to know my professors and classmates very well, and allowed me to get opportunities that I would not have received anywhere else.”
Alexandria will continue at Adams State, pursuing a Master of Science in kinesiology and will become certified as a personal trainer and exercise physiologist via the ACSM.
“My major professors and advisors provided a hands-on and interactive learning environment. They created a space in which I always felt comfortable asking questions and creating a line of communication with them. This helped me to feel more competent in my classes and build confidence in myself as not only a student, but also a future professional.”
Alexandria received academic and athletic scholarships and worked in the Athletic Training Room as a sports medicine aid and at the Rex Activity Center for work-study jobs. She also volunteered with the Larry Holder Exercise and Cancer Survivorship Program.
She finished her bachelor’s degree in 3.5 years with little student loan debt. Alexandria is also captain of the Women’s Soccer Team.
“Freshman me would be so proud of senior me. I came to college wondering if I would make it in the kinesiology program, and questioning if I was smart enough to major in Exercise Science and pursue the career I had always dreamed of. Now, I am graduating with honors and as being recognized as an Outstanding Graduate. I am so much more confident in my knowledge and my abilities than I was when I first started. I have matured so much, and I will forever be grateful to Adams State for helping get to the place that I am in today.”
Andrew O’Keefe.
Bachelor of Science: Geoscience: Physical Geography and Conservation.
Minor: History
Granite City, Ill.
Cum Laude
“Living in Alamosa and all the people I have met as well as the things I have learned in the classroom have made life-changing impacts. I am inspired to be a lifelong learner and to hopefully share knowledge I have gained at Adams State by being a teacher someday.”
Andrew is planning on pursuing a master’s degree in education at Adams State and eventually teaching high school science and coaching cross country and/or track and field.
“My professors pushed me to complete quality work in the classroom. They also pushed me to apply for scholarships and get involved in work outside of the classroom that related to my degree.”
Andrew received athletic scholarships for track and field and cross country and was a Porter Scholar for most of his time at Adams State. He held a work-study job at the Nielsen Library circulation desk; and was a geoscience intern working for Chayan Lahiri, Ph.D., assistant professor of earth sciences. In the summer of 2023, Andrew was a geology intern at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
“Everyone at Adams State from the professors to the staff, support students and help them with anything that is needed.”
Andrew has a small amount of student loan debt and graduated in 4.5 years. He is on the cross country and track and field teams and participates in Christian Challenge.
“My growth at Adams State from my freshman year to graduation has been immense. Coming to college I had to find my own identity and navigate through a whole new world. I learned how much work is necessary to balance school, athletics, and relationships. I also have learned to rely heavily on my faith in Jesus Christ and in all I do seek to follow and glorify God.”
