Adams State University Invites Community to Share Memories in Centennial Commencement Countdown

Adams State University is calling on alumni and community members to contribute their cherished memories as it approaches its 100th commencement ceremony on May 16, 2026.

 

Launching on February 5, 2026, the "Adams State 100 Years, 100 Stories, 100 Days" campaign will showcase daily stories on social media, highlighting the rich history and milestones of the university's graduates.

 

Established in 1921, Adams State has been a cornerstone of education in the San Luis Valley, nurturing countless students over the decades.

 

Vice President of Advancement, Jake Rissler, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "Every graduate has a story, and we want to hear them all, from our first class in 1926 to the graduates we'll celebrate this May."

 

This celebration aligns with Colorado's 150th anniversary of statehood and the nation's 250th anniversary of independence, collectively known as the America 250-Colorado 150 commemoration.

 

As a public institution, Adams State has played a pivotal role in educating first-generation college students from rural communities, contributing significantly to the state's educational landscape.

 

Community members are encouraged to submit their stories, photos, and memories through the university's online form.

 

Submissions can include:

 

Graduation memories and campus traditions

 

Stories about professors, mentors, or classmates who made a difference

 

Photos from any era

 

Multi-generational family legacies at Adams State

 

How Adams State shaped careers, lives, and communities

 

Selected stories will be featured daily across the university's social media channels throughout the 100-day campaign.

 

Rissler added, "This is about more than nostalgia. It's about recognizing the impact of public higher education on Colorado and celebrating the students, past, present, and future, who define Adams State."

 

The campaign will culminate on May 16, 2026, with the Spring Commencement Ceremony, welcoming the newest class of graduates into a century-long legacy.

 

For more information on the America 250-Colorado 150 commemoration and related events, visit the official website.

 

Join us in celebrating this historic milestone and sharing the stories that have shaped Adams State University and the San Luis Valley community.