Harriet Dalzell Hester lives in lore on the campus of Adams State University as the first student to ever cross the graduation stage and the first librarian in the school’s 100-year history. Now her name will be forever tied to the Harriett Dalzell Hester Endowed Scholarship thanks to the generosity of Adams State President Cheryl D. Lovell.
Dr. Lovell announced the establishment of the endowed scholarship during the second annual Adams State Gives Day held on Feb. 15. The talent show and telethon event raised more than $168,000 for the University, and it was Dr. Lovell’s announcement in establishing the Dalzell Hester Endowed Scholarship that added even more buzz to the evening.
“The impact of Harriet on Adams State is immense,” said President Lovell. “Her contributions shaped education in this Valley, in this community, and at this institution. Her name and memory are very important to the institution and I believe she needs to be recognized and held in the highest regard.”
“Women have been involved in the proud history of Adams State since the institution first opened its doors as a teacher’s college,” President Lovell said.
The scholarship will benefit first generation undergraduate female students who are attending Adams State full time, Pell eligible, in good academic standing, and who are in need of additional financial support to assist with tuition, books, and room and board.
The endowed scholarship currently is at $50,000 after Dr. Lovell and Nancy Clark committed $20,000 during the first Adams State Gives Day in 2020 and then added another $30,000 during the 2021 event.
“Nancy and I are so pleased to be the first to honor her in this manner. Our personal goal is to increase our contributions every year.”
“Honoring such a legacy, that’s what Adams State is about,” said Adams State Theatre Director John Taylor, who hosted the event for the second year. “We have this great history here and each generation keeps giving back and honoring as we move forward into our next century.”
A rerun of the 2021 Adams State Gives Day Talent Show and Telethon can be viewed at adams.edu/live. The Feb. 15 event marked the kickoff to Adams State’s 100th birthday celebration. Additional 100-year activities are planned in the fall and winter months of 2021.
Established in 1921 by the Colorado legislature, Adams State is named for Billy Adams, who sponsored the legislation and ultimately became the 25th governor of Colorado.
Gifts can be made to the University in recognition of its 100th year by visiting Adams100 or ASU Foundation.
