Article by Julie Waechter, special assignment for Adams State
The Adams State University Foundation will present its highest honor, the Willis Fassett Jr. Award, to Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc., in appreciation of its support of Adams State over the last two decades. Valley-Wide will be honored at the university’s Donor & Student Recognition Dinner on October 22.
Named in honor of the late Willis Fassett Jr., a long-time president of the Adams State University Foundation Board of Directors, the award is given yearly to strong supporters of the University. Over the last 20 years, Valley-Wide has donated $268,950 to Adams State, with the majority of that supporting Grizzly Athletics.
Foundation President Dr. Ed Crowther noted, “The Foundation is delighted to recognize Valley-Wide Health Systems as this year’s Willis Fassett award winner. Like Adams State University, Valley-Wide’s mission targets supporting underserved populations. Valley-Wide has contributed annually to Adams State since 2004, especially supporting the Grizzly Club. They also provide support to our Nursing program and employ an Adams State student as a McDaniel Fellow in a paid internship.”
Valley-Wide President/CEO Dr. Jania Arnoldi said, “We have been working with Adams State in numerous ways for many years. We have a long relationship with and donate on a regular basis to the Grizzly Club. We also collaborate with Adams State and La Puente on the annual Share the Magic theatre performance and fundraiser.”
Adams State Athletic Director, Katelyn Smith, said, “We are so appreciative of Valley-Wide and their continued support of Adams State Athletics. It has been a great partnership; being in a small community, it is essential for us to have these great relationships. They are so deserving of this award, and we are proud to be partners with Valley-Wide.”
Valley-Wide also worked with SLV Health and Adams State to develop the university’s Student Health and Wellness Center. Valley-Wide’s physical therapy department devotes one day a week to treating Grizzly athletes. In addition, Dr. Arnoldi teaches health care administration in Adams State’s School of Business.
“We will continue our long history of supporting Adams State. When there is a need or a cool, innovative idea, we always come to the table,” Dr. Arnoldi added.
Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc., is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that focuses on medically underserved populations. It serves populations at 34 service sites strategically located throughout multiple rural counties in southern Colorado.
