ALAMOSA — Adams State University graduating class of fall 2023 included students who worked through their college career, held internships, and graduated with honors. Here are a couple selected by their major professors for standing out.

Ariel Caldon-Peterson

Bachelor of Science: Cellular and Molecular Biology

Minor in Chemistry

Sanford

Summa Cum Laude

“The small class sizes made the learning environment very intimate and facilitated many relationships with my professors.”

She participated in Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE), analyzing the water quality in the San Luis Valley; and as a SLV native, who comes from a family of farmers and ranchers, Caldon-Peterson appreciated the opportunity to engage in research aimed at preserving the water.

“My professors helped ensure my success by always being willing to answer my questions. As long as I put in the effort to ask them, professors always made sure to go above and beyond to help me understand every topic. Dr. Umesh Bhattarai (assistant professor of chemistry) spent time helping me with questions I had in his chemistry classes, but also with job-related, and other life, questions. Dr. Benita Brink (professor of biology and School of STEM director) helped me make sure I participated in research and volunteer experiences that I needed as I prepared for PA school.”

Caldon-Peterson was a Porter Scholar during her entire academics. The program paid a good deal of her tuition and fees, and afforded her the opportunity to volunteer in Ghana, Africa. She received several other scholarships including the Donald Hilton Hopper Memorial Scholarship; the Douglas B Thomas Memorial Scholarship; the David and Vickie Ford Scholarship; the Ralph Outcalt Scholarship, and a McDaniel Scholarship. She worked as a tutor for chemistry and biology courses, and as an Adams State ambassador; and off-campus jobs.

Caldon-Peterson graduated in 3.5 years with no debt and in addition to on- and off-campus jobs, classes, homework, Ariel mentored first- and second-year STEM students through weekly check ins and presentations in first year seminar classes. She was also a STEM tutor.

“The more that I study, the more I grow and my perspective expands. Knowledge truly is power. There is so much to learn in this world, and I plan to keep learning for the rest of my life.”

Anjolei Lila Cohen

Bachelor of Arts: Clinical Psychology

Alamosa

Sum Laude

Cohen is a first-generation college graduate. “Not many people in my family have had the same academic opportunities as me or the support system. Ultimately, it means the world to me and I am grateful for all the support and opportunities I have received and cannot wait to make my family proud at graduation.”

Anjolei has lived in Alamosa since she was twelve-years old, which made her a little hesitant about attending Adams State. “However, once I stepped foot on campus, I knew this was the right place for me. I was greeted with smiling faces and an instant support system after being on campus for only a minute and I did in fact gain another place I can call home with an additional family that has provided me with unconditional support.”

All of the psychology department shaped Cohen into the person she is today. She owes the biggest thanks to Colleen Schaffner, Ph.D., professor of psychology and School of Humanities and Social Sciences director; Jeff Elison, Ph.D., professor of psychology; and Rena Ann Kirkland, Ph.D., professor of psychology. “Dr. Kirkland is the reason I pushed myself academically throughout my time at Adams State. She is the reason I have presented research at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association (RMPA) and Student Scholar Days, but is also the reason I believe in myself as she believed in me first.”

For three semesters Cohen was a supplementary instructor (SI) for statistics, supporting students inside and outside the classroom. She worked 90 hours with Tu Casa, a local organization for victims of domestic and sexual violence. “This internship was crucial because it taught me about community outreach and how to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Overall, both the internship and work study have helped me with career readiness and taught me how to teach along with advocating for others.”

Cohen graduates in three years with no student loan debt. She was active in Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, including serving as secretary and vice president. She encourages students to become involved in clubs and organizations to build community and learn leadership and communication skills.

“Due to my support system at Adams State, I had opportunities like presenting research, obtaining leadership positions in psychology club, getting to teach students through my work study, and advocating for individuals with my time at Tu Casa. My growth is not just these opportunities, but the voice they gave me. I could stand up in a room full of students and teach them about statistics. Similarly, I could stand in a room and advocate for victims of domestic and sexual violence. I can do these things because of the confident voice that I have been gifted with by my support at Adams State University. In the future, I plan to use this voice to advocate for my future clientele as a psychologist.”

Wyatt DePriest

Bachelor of Arts: Wildlife Biology

Minors: Geology and Environmental Science

Sanford

Summa Cum Laude

“I am the first in my family to earn a college degree. This has meant a lot to me by showing me that anything is possible with enough dedication and hard work. I had support from my family which motivated me to continue my path in school.”

The classes DePriest took were perfect for his interests. “One aspect I loved about Adams was the small class sizes. I could be more involved in the classroom and have an academic relationship with my professors directly.”

DePriest plans to work for Colorado Parks and Wildlife as a seasonal technician this upcoming summer.

“My professors were awesome. They pushed my past my limits which helped me learn and grow as a student. My major professors especially pushed me to greatness. They also were willing to help me after classes to solidify the material I struggled with. My advisor allowed me to choose classes that would benefit and track the credits and classes I needed to graduate.”

DePriest is fortunate and grateful to receive the Presidents Merit Scholarship, the Porter Scholars in Math and Science, the COSI Scholar Conejos Co, Outcalt Scholarship, and the Butch Southway Scholarship. He worked two internships, one as a wetland monitoring intern for the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and at the Monte Vista State Hatchery and Rearing Unit for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Wyatt graduated in 3.5 years debt free. “I have learned so much academically as well as about myself. I have grown into a completely new person. One of the biggest things I learned, is do the things you don’t want to do, but do them like you love them. This has helped me be successful and grow as a person.”