EDITOR’S NOTE: These notes and achievements from alumni have been edited for length.
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View Class Notes by Decade
1960s
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(’63) Dale Gibbs
Our democracy is far from a perfect system of government, but it is miles ahead of whatever system is in second place. I recall a WSC professor saying that in 1962! VOTE in November, to make sure that there will be an election in 2028.
1970s
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(’71) Mark Walker
Mark published a book, “My Saddest Pleasures: 50 Years on the Road.” The publication has been recognized as the 2023 winner of the Peace Corps Writers Award for Best Travel Book. He was also interviewed by Global Connections TV and made a presentation for the Arizona Professional Writers Group on January 28, 2023. He was asked to join the team at the Authors Show as a book review contributor.”
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(’72) Fredi Beck (Hermann)
After 29+ years with Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, FL, and 5 more years with the Wawasee School Corporation in Indiana, I have FINALLY retired, and we are hoping to enjoy our time traveling the country, or cozy at home in Woodland Park, CO!
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(’73) Bob Marshall
Bob, a founder of Friends of Dinosaur National Monument, said, “One of the interesting aspects of our founders is that six out of the 10 knew each other and graduated from Western State College in Gunnison, now Western Colorado University. Known for its elite mountaineering athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, WCU can now watch as their legions help further Western’s influence in the West.”
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(’76) Jack Whiting
Lived in Ohio City while at Western, lived on Martha’s Vineyard most of my life as a general building contractor. I had two boys, Amos a mountain guide who owns Aspen Expeditions in Aspen and Dan who took over my business and a stepson, Jesse, in Jackson Hole in construction management.
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(’77) Henry “Hank” Forman
Hank is now living in Ocean Park, ME working as a handyman and teaching skiing at Wildcat Mt., NH. This is his 36th season coaching. His wife’s name is Val and he has two boys, ages 35 and 39.
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(’78) Bruce Heller
Bruce said, “We enjoyed seeing everyone and passing out Alumni swag at the football game. It’s always great to see old friends and make new friends at Western! Can’t wait for this year’s Homecoming.”
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(’78) Drake Warren
Drake shared his advice for current students: “The late 70s were special on several levels. First, it was my time at Western which I will cherish all my life. The comrades that I spent time with were a combination of “live life” yet “be responsible.” Get that degree but have fun in the process! Many of us moved on after graduation to successful careers even though, if you knew us back then, you would raise your eyebrows in question. It just goes to show you can balance a good time with a quest for success! We did it! I still carry that philosophy, and probably could be better than I am, but I’m happy!”
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(’79) Dave Shackelford
Dave retired as an educator in 2022 from William J. Palmer “Palmer” High School after a 35-year teaching career. He then retired as the school’s Head Girls’ Basketball Coach in 2023 after a 27-year career. Coach Shackelford achieved 372 victories at Palmer, earning a 350-win ring from the Colorado High School Activities Association. He received numerous awards and accolades while serving as Palmer’s Head Coach. Additionally, Dave coached girls’ basketball, softball, baseball, and soccer at Harrison High School prior to joining Palmer High School. His coaching career spanned an impressive forty years, and countless athletes benefited greatly from the skills he taught on and off the court.
1980s
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(’81) Jon Davis
Jon retired as a Professor of Biology from Doña Ana Community College-New Mexico State University in July 2019. At the beginning of his tenure at DACC, Davis primarily taught General Biology and Human Biology for Non-Majors; WSC was great preparation for this. Later, he switched to teaching Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Microbiology to Allied Health students and was a member of the DMS Advisory Committee. Until December 2022, Davis taught part-time, including a course in Spanish for health. At WSC, Davis worked with Dr. Hugo A Ferchau Sr. on high-altitude strip mine reclamation. Davis still fondly recalls all his former teachers and fellow students at WSC. In retirement, he keeps house for his wife (who retires in Jan. 2024), does some creative writing, and volunteers to assist migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in his community.
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(’81) Steven Quattlebaum
Steven was recently sworn in as the president of American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). ABOTA is a prestigious, invitation only organizations with more than 7,300 experienced trial attorneys. He will serve as president of the organization in 2023.
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(’83) Mike Huhndorf
“I went to Western State College from 1978 to 1983. These were the best five years of my life as I majored in history and was three credits short of a major in political science. There were a number of professors whom I got to know as friends, and I savored those relationships for years. I not only enjoyed and achieved in academics, but I also got to know the community of Gunnison. One of the people I got to know was Al Smith, who I bowled with on his team. We often spent weekends fishing at Blue Mesa or the Morrow Point Dam canyon. Within that span of time, I made two trips to Russia, then the Soviet Union, as well as a five-month solo trip to Europe. Western State College will always be an integral part of my life for all the reasons mentioned above. Thanks for a beautiful experience which allowed for the balance of both richness of learning and a community within the town that gave many a pleasurable experience in tandem with education.”
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(’87) John Holland
John graduated with a B.A. in Biopsychology and obtained his M.A. in both Behavioral Psychology and Clinical Counseling in 2009. He set up a private practice in Colorado Springs in 2009-2020. He is semi-retired, working with individuals who have brain injuries and PTSD.
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(’88) Christine Peak
“Going to Western was a highlight of my life. The positive experience brings great memories. Dr. Bruce Bartleson was a caring character with a personality that burst at the seams. I would still like to communicate with him and Dr. Allen Stork. Presently I am recovering from a brain tumor, and it is difficult to travel. But Western memories I hold dear.”
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(’89) Richard A. Van Vleet
I’ve been an actor for over 50 years, appearing in over 74 television shows and movies. I spent 13 years on All My Children and several years on The Guiding Light, both daytime television shows. I’ve been writing screenplays and recently wrote two award-winning thriller novels, Dark Traffic and Payback which are based on true events and are available on Amazon and Kindle.
1990s
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(’93) Anthony Walker
Anthony shared his advice for current students: “I’ll keep it short, best four years of my life!! Please take advantage of what’s in front of you.”
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(’98) Crystal Gray
Crystal recently accepted a position as the Controller for the Cherry Hills Country Club.
2000s
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(’02) Harry Peterson
Harry and Sylvia “graduated” from Western in 2002 when Harry retired as University President. They are doing well, keeping in touch with Western and would love to hear from you at hpeterson@tds.net.
2010s
No class notes found. Please check back later!
2020s
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(’20) Gus Prouty
“I wanted to let you know that I published my first novel! Keravno Kaiju Control Company – Case 1 is available on Amazon and Kindle. I’ve also created my own website where you can find more information on what I’ve been up to (gusproutybooks.com). I’ve been polishing this book for the last few years now, and it still doesn’t feel real that it’s actually out there.”
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(’21) Sean Carlson
Packed my bags and went to Iowa to work for the USDA Wildlife Service helping protect poultry farms from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.