ALAMOSA — Once again, Jose Villagomez, Class of 2023, received recognition for his achievements as an Adams State University student leader. He was selected as the recipient of the Colorado Coalition for the Educational Advancement of Latinxs (CoCEAL) Student Impact Practice Award for his work as president of Adams State Associated Students and Faculty (AS&F).

“Something I always say is that the title of president doesn't make you a great president,” Villagomez said. “You must work hard and show that you are a good president and not expect rewards in return.”

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, AS&F lost momentum and Villagomez was determined to return AS&F back to a working government for all students.

“I brought concerns to the Adams State administration and made those who feel like they don't have a voice on campus feel like they do once again,” he said.

Villagomez appreciates the entire student government E-Team, including Amanda Sparks, chief justice; Jovanna Arroyo, VP of finance; Madison (Lizzie) Wilson, executive secretary; and Keaton Gregg, VP of internal.

“I am just so proud that AS&F has grown as a group of individuals and has adapted as a whole to all these changes after the pandemic. If it wasn't for my AS&F E-team, I wouldn't be able to have been this successful,” Villagomez said.

He will receive the award on March 31, at the CoCEAL spring membership meeting at Colorado School of Mines. A sociology major, Villagomez graduated from Center High School.

“I would also like to thank my parents because without them I would not be who I am today. Gracias mama y papa,” he said.

For more information about CoCEAL, visit http://coceal.org/wp/.