She retires this December, 2020
Article by Linda Relyea
Lori Lee Laske’s passion for Adams State is as genuine as it gets. With energetic drive, vision and ambition she served her alma mater for almost 30 years and retires this month as Executive Director of Alumni and Donor Relations.
While earning her bachelor’s degree, Laske held a work-study position in the records office. “I started as a work-study and worked my way up to executive director. Along the way, I learned skills to use in the next position.”
After completing her first degree, Laske, Class of 1991 and 2001, started in the Talent Search Office, moved to financial aid a year later, then to the Office of Admissions, where she traveled to high schools recruiting prospective students with her enthusiasm for Adams State and following up with the freshmen once they began their Adams State great story.
It was 2003 that Laske’s star shone the brightest after taking on the role as executive director of Alumni and Donor Relations. She started that year just before homecoming, which at that time was a small banquet, usually less than a dozen tables decorated with a centerpiece of balloons tied to a candy dish. The award winners did ride in the parade the next day and were invited to attend the game but it was a very modest low-key celebration.
By the next year, Laske had transformed this important alumni event into what it is today. Reaching out to the local community, she sold corporate tables, planned reunion groups and invited friends or family members to introduce the honorees in a room filled to capacity, often close to 150 people. Laske, and long-time co-worker/friend Gaylene Horning, Class of 1992, transformed the functional, bland banquet rooms into an atmosphere of charm and festivity.
She enhanced the tailgate party geared towards fun and building excitement for the upcoming football game. Award winners were feted for the entire weekend and made to feel outstanding and exceptional as their honor implied. Laske also started a new award for those who had graduated within the last 10 years, to showcase the talents of up-and-coming professionals who earned their degree from Adams State.
Through the years, Lori has built and sustained lasting relationships with alumni, coworkers, community members, and shared her zeal for Adams State. Through her guidance, the Alumni Relations Office has traveled across the nation hosting reunions in areas with at least 200 plus alumni within a 30-mile radius. The annual Alumni Cruise has sailed the waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, the Caribbean, and Mediterranean.
Her sincere and caring nature has Laske taking calls from alumni at all hours when they reach out with news or just to connect and she donates to every memorial scholarship established at Adams State.
Boots on the ground
On a personal note, Laske is a true cowgirl. She can hitch up a horse trailer on a dark and stormy night, load livestock and drive up Wolf Creek pass to meet her husband at his mountain guide location. When her older sister suddenly and unexpectedly passed, she took in her preteen nephew through his school years. She volunteers her time with several well-established community organizations including the GFWC and Optimist Club.
Her love of Adams State is only surpassed by her love of her family including husband, Aaron, their children: Britany, Jordan, and Sam, and nephew Dante.
Alumni Impressions
When the esteemed Marv Motz, Ph.D., emeritus professor of psychology, was close to his end, he requested her presence, as did other late alumni including Don Stegman and Bill Waters.
Quotes from alumni learning of her retirement:
“You embody the spirit of ASU. You go out of your way to get the job done.” M.P. ‘Michael Patritch
“Your hospitality, historical information, and professionalism were exceptional and reflected well on you, the alumni office, and Adams State University.” Kathy & Brian Smith
“Thank you for all you do for ASU alumni. We are very fortunate to have a wonderful friend at ASU.” Virginia Vigil.
“You are a real treasure at ASU.” Paul Morley
“You are what makes Adams State special.” W.L. Willie Lowther
“You are a great asset to Adams State and we are very lucky to have you in the alumni office.” Ken and Mary Ann Rotolo
“Thank you for all the good work on behalf of us alums.” Kathleen Delzell.
“You have been great at keeping people informed, pulling events together, and making things happen. Thank you so much for all the service you have given to the school.” Wes Hargrove
“I love Adams State because people like you make it go!” Jeff David
“You have to be proud of everything that you have accomplished for Adams State. Wow You are a top of line person.” Rudy Basovsky
“You are a #1 draft choice! We all appreciate your professionalism and friendship in helping to make this one great reunion.” The 68-69 ASC Football players
“I know you set the standard for efficiency and creativity in your profession. You take that and step it up ten fold.” Betti Marvel
“Your hard work showed, even the work you did behind the scenes.” John & Candy Wilson.
Laske Legacy
Has been promoting Adams State for 8250 days.
Helped establish 79 scholarships.
As part of a team, including the ASU Foundation Executive Director Tammy Lopez, helped raise more than $14 million for Adams State.
Since 2004, alumni relations has hosted 360 events (excluding homecoming and alumni cruises) in 29 different Colorado towns and in 13 states nationwide, connecting with over 10,360 alumni.
In 2009, started the annual alumni cruise with travels to Alaska and 13 countries entertaining over 544 participants.