Vigil gained strength and confidence at Adams State University
ALAMOSA — R. An- drew Vigil, Walsenburg, Colo., is proud to join his grandmother, Maryann Vigil, as an Adams State University alumnus.
Following in his grand- mother’s footsteps, who earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree at Adams State, Vigil finished hisBachelor of Science in kinesiology this spring and is already working on his master’s degree in the same program. “Ad- ams State has a strong community connection, un-matched by any other university of its size.”
A track and field athlete competing in shot put and discus throwing events, Vigil graduated Summa Cum Laude, with high- est honors, during the Spring 2020 Adams State Virtual Commencement Ceremony on June 6.
Tracey Robinson, Ph.D. professor of kinesiology, and Lukus Klawitter, visiting assistant profes- sorofkinesiology,ensured his success as a student, by inspiring his interest in human performance and constantly challeng- ing him to seek out new knowledge in the field of kinesiology. They also al- lowed Vigil the freedom and autonomy to choose the way in which he structured class schedules every semester in order to accommodate his athletic and work responsibilities.
While earning his degree, Vigil expanded his professional resume. He completed an internship at Two Peaks Fitness, La Veta, Colo., as a gym manager and personal trainer; was an assistant strength and conditioning coach with the Athletic Department; and held a work-study job in the athletics weight room.
Matt Gersick, Athletic Department strength and conditioning coordinator and track and field coach, inspired Vigil’s love for the field of strength and conditioning and vastly expanded his scientific knowledge in the realm of human performance. “Without Coach Gersick’s guidance and trust in my abilities as a student and young coach throughout the past few years, I would not have gained the amount of practical knowledge in the field that I have thus far.”
Adams State, academi- cally, athletically, and socially provided Vigil the platform to mature into a confident, young professional. Vigil be- lieves the small, rural University cultivated opportunities to develop strong relationships, which were instrumental in his academic success andprofessionaldevelop- ment. “For these reasons, and so many more I am beyond thankful, and proud to call myself an alumni of Adams State University."
With the unwavering love and support of his mother, Jerriann Vigil, as well as the help of academic scholarships and work-study, Vigil graduated in four years with almost no student loan debt.
Vigil’s future career goals include providing evidence-based physical training programs for both highly competitive athletes as well as public service personnel (fire- fighters, police, EMT). “I aspire to always contin-
ue learning and chasing my passion to become a strength and condition- ing professional and educator in the field of health and human per- formance throughout my lifetime.”
The Office of Public Relations realizes most Adams State University graduates are outstand- ing and appreciates the selection of a few from academic departments to highlight at the end of each semester. This is the final article in the spring 2020 series.