The Upward Bound Program is proud to announce its Golden Anniversary, 50 years of service to San Luis Valley students, which will be celebrated on April 14th and 15th, 2023. This milestone will be celebrated with a gathering of Adams State and Upward Bound administration, staff, faculty, students, alumni, and friends. With over fifty years of programming, success stories, and achievements, the program has been woven into the fabric of Adams State University and has supported first-generation and low-income students for generations.
This celebration will highlight several components of the program, with a special tribute to the late Mike D. Garcia (director 1976-2008) and Keynote Speaker, Dr. Richard Duran, Upward Bound’s first Director. Other highlights include lifetime achievement and Upward Bound Champion awards. Saturday’s banquet will include musical performances by Mariachi San Luis and Semillas de la Tierra. The event will feature a blast from the past, with photos, a slideshow, a silent auction, and socializing with fellow Alumni.
Since 1972, the program has developed a foundational system of pre-collegiate resources and promise to the first-generation and low-income students of the SLV. It has encompassed an entire culture that inspires students’ individuality, while realizing their full potential to pursue a higher education and beyond. Just like the student population it serves, Upward Bound has also faced barriers in the fight for its continued existence and funding. Yet, it continues to flourish with strong connections to alumni throughout the nation, along with the continued support of Adams State University faculty, staff, and San Luis Valley schools and communities.
The Upward Bound staff and planning committee look forward to seeing you at the celebration in April. Please click on the link or QR code to register for the event. If you cannot attend, there are also options on this page to donate to the programs, for an Alumni Scholarship.
Registration deadline is Friday, April 7, 2023.
For more information on this upcoming event, please contact Amanda Atencio at 719-587-7865 or email at acatencio@adams.edu.
To register for the Adams State Upward Bound/TRIO 50th anniversary reunion activities click here:
To donate to the programs for an Alumni Scholarship, click here:
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