ALAMOSA — Adams State University has many outstanding students throughout all disciplines. Just before commencement, the Office of Public Relations reaches out to school directors for names of exceptional students about to receive their diploma.
The School of STEM recognizes Emma Gilmore, an Alamosa High School alumna, as outstanding. She graduated Cum Laude during the Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony on May 13. Gilmore earned a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry-allied health; a Bachelor of Science in biology-cellular and molecular; and minored in Spanish.
An Adams State legacy student, Gilmore is a third-generation graduate. Family members include Grandparents: John T. (Tom) Gilmore, Ph.D., emeritus professor of business, Class of 1967 and1968; Pat Gilmore, Class of 1968; and Parents: Paula Parker, Class of 1997 and 2010; and Jeff Gilmore, Class of 1994.
“I am confident I would not have received the same knowledge and one-on-one time with professors if I attended a different university. My family also has a long history with Adams State, and so it has been nice to continue on in my parents and grandparents’ footsteps.”
Gilmore will take a gap year and work in a chemistry laboratory, before applying to physician assistant school.
“The best part of Adams State is the ability to connect with and create such lasting relationships with professors,” Gilmore said. “I have yet to meet a faculty member in Porter Hall that does not go above and beyond for their students. Not only have they given me the skills and knowledge to excel in my future endeavors as a scientist, but they have also been a shoulder to cry on or a reservoir of great advice.”
Gilmore received the Porter Scholarship in Science and Mathematics all four years, as well as a number of other scholarships. She graduates in four years with honors, no student loan debt, and with two majors and a minor.
Gilmore’s work-study jobs include general chemistry teaching assistant, microbiology and biochemistry laboratory assistant and STEM peer mentor. Off campus, she worked for San Luis Valley Health as an emergency room-acute care unit certified nursing assistant and volunteered with the local domestic violence shelter, Tu Casa, as a 24-hour hotline volunteer since 2020.
“I’m grateful for all of the connections I have made outside of academics, because each one has given me insight on different aspects of life beyond the walls of Porter Hall. I have gained a collection of different professional skills from these individuals that I will carry with me long after I graduate,” she said.
Gilmore is definitely not the same shy and timid freshman that started college.
“Personally, and academically, I have grown to be confident in my ability to serve people as a competent professional in the future,” Gilmore said. “I owe this growth entirely to the experiences I have had within my community and at Adams State during the last four years.”
