A long-time benefactor of the San Luis Valley and Adams State University, the Outcalt Foundation has donated $150,000 to support two university programs for 2025 and 2026. The Ralph Outcalt Scholars Program will receive $100,000 to offer students one-time awards up to $5,000 to cover direct education costs, including tuition, books, and supplies. Scholarships will be made to Colorado residents with at least 30 credits and a cumulative 2.5 GPA. This donation builds on previous contributions to the program that has benefited many Adams State students over the years in realizing their educational goals.
The balance of the donation will go toward a new partnership with the Adams State Salazar Rio Grande del Norte Center. Funds will provide student and community scholarships for the Water 101 and 201 courses, support field experiences throughout the Rio Grande Headwaters region, and enhance community education initiatives such as the Rio Grande State of the Basin Symposium and K-12 outreach.
The funds will also help the Salazar Center establish a chapter of the Colorado State University Water Fellows Program at Adams State. The Water Fellows Program advances the next generation of diverse water leaders by training and connecting undergraduate and graduate students from historically excluded/marginalized communities or identities to careers and opportunities in the water field. Fellows will attend water conferences throughout the state, network with leaders in water management, and participate in mentoring and other professional development opportunities.
Director of the Salazar Rio Grande del Norte Center Paul Formisano, Ph.D., was thrilled to hear about the donation. “The Outcalt Foundation’s commitment to Adams State and the wider San Luis Valley is remarkable. One of the Foundation’s co-trustees took the Water 101 class this semester and quickly saw the value of the course in educating students and community members about the Valley’s water. The Center was encouraged to apply for Outcalt funds to increase greater participation in the water courses and to implement other meaningful water education activities throughout the Valley.”
Formisano is grateful for the Foundation’s ongoing support of the Scholars Program and this new commitment to the Salazar Center. “These generous funds will significantly benefit those receiving scholarships and will increase awareness about the many challenges the Valley’s water resources face at a time when we need more informed and engaged citizens of all ages ready to address these challenges.” For more information about the Ralph Outcalt Scholars Program, please visit Adams State Scholarships. Email the Salazar Center for more information on initiatives.