ALAMOSA – The San Luis Valley Federal Bank awarded scholarships to 11 Adams State University students for the 2017/2018 academic year. The bank has assisted students financially through scholarships for nearly 40 years.

Duane Bussey, a 1982 Adams State graduate and president of San Luis Valley Federal Bank, said the bank's board of directors believes an investment in education at Adams State is a great investment in the local community. "The university enriches our valley community in so many ways and we want to see it remain healthy and continue to grow. Providing more financial opportunities for local students to attend ASU increases the odds they will stay home to attend a great school. This helps enrollment at the university and ultimately provides local businesses with a more educated and talented workforce from which to hire. And, business reasons aside, investing in a person’s education just feels great.”

Recipients of the scholarship include Katelyn Caldon, Marcus DeHerrera, Isaiah DeLaCerda, Kylie Duarte, Alexis Duran, Elaiza Gallegos, Presley Garcia, Emily Logan, Kiara Villalobos, D’Anna Widger, and Morgan Zanski.
Duarte said she has worked her way through college and always applies for scholarships. “I really appreciate the SLV Federal Bank scholarship. It helps with the expenses and keeps me from not worrying so much about finances.” Duarte, a double major in banking and finance and marketing has been offered a position with First Bank of Colorado once she graduates in May. After six months at the bank as a management trainee she will be promoted to banking officer.

To be eligible for the scholarships, the parents, grandparents or student must have an account at the bank.

Caption: Recipients of the San Luis Valley Federal Bank Scholarships are shown with SLV Federal Bank and ASU Foundation leadership. From left are Duane Bussey, bank president and CEO; scholarship recipients Kylie Duarte, Elaiza Gallegos, Kiara Villalobos and Alexis Duran, and Tammy Lopez, ASU Foundation executive director.