ALAMOSA — ASU Lifeways lecture series is proud to present a piece on ASU’s own history and of the in-house Luther Bean Museum.  Tawney Becker will be joined by two esteemed members of ASU’s Educator’s Hall of Fame, Hazel Petty and Don Stegman. This presentation will take place in Luther Bean Museum (third floor of Richardson Hall) on Thursday, April 20th, beginning at 6 p.m.

Becker has lived in Alamosa for 15 years. Currently the grant specialist at Adams State University, she has assisted with curatorial projects at the Luther Bean Museum since 2011 and served on the museum’s advisory board since 2006. She was actively involved in the development of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area and its community grants program from 2007-14.

In addition, as the director of the Alamosa Uptown & River Association (AURA) for nine years, she organized multiple community and cultural/arts events including Alamosa’s annual Downtown ArtWalk and the seasonal farmers’ market. During that time Tawney assisted building owners with federal, state, and local designations of their historic buildings and numerous preservation grant projects.

Before moving to Alamosa in 2001, Becker had been a curatorial assistant at the Harvard University Art Museums for 10 years. She holds a master’s degree in Germanic Languages and Literature from the University of Kansas and has cultivated a life-long interest in the arts and diverse cultures and languages. Becker is honored to support the growth and success of Adams State as a Hispanic-Serving Institution through grants development and participation in CIELO, ASU’s Community for Inclusive Excellence, Leadership, and Opportunity.

Petty was inducted into ASU’s Educator’s Hall of Fame in 2013. She is a proud alumna of ASU, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s with the institution. She went on to spend 26 years in education and made noteworthy contributions to field. Petty remains active within the community and was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Alamosa Chamber of Commerce. She is involved with the American Legion, United Methodist Women, the San Luis Valley Historical Society, among others.

Don Stegman joined the ASU Educator’s Hall of Fame in 2015. He is an alumnus and emeritus professor of English, receiving both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Adams State. He was also the recipient of the 2011 Billy Adams Award for his significant commitment to Adams State. He most enjoyed teaching expository writing and working with theatre productions. He helped many alumni go on to successful careers.

Please plan to attend this well-respected panel for the intriguing history of Adams State. The lecture is a component of the ASU’s Lifeways of the San Luis Valley Lecture Series, which celebrates the rich history and diversity of the San Luis Valley. The lecture series is made possible through ASU CIELO and Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area.

Parking is located east of McDaniel Hall. Adams State parking lots do not require permits after 5 p.m.