Valdez named Grizzly Club Member of the Year

Armando Montano

Steve Valdez, member of the Grizzly Club Board of Directors, was recently named Grizzly Club member of the year. Valdez has done much for the local community as well as serving Adams State College through the various works he contributes to. He frequently volunteers at La Gente, has served for the past two years on Adams State College Board of Trustees, partakes in the San Luis Valley Cattleman’s Association, as well as farms and ranches 380 acres outside La Jara. He serves the city of Alamosa most directly as manager at City Market.

The San Luis Valley native is currently serving his sixth year in the Grizzly Club Board of Directors. He gained recognition as the Grizzly Club Member of the Year for his efforts to help the club with fund-raising. He acted as the club’s president during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 school years after holding the office of vice president for two years.  When he served as the president of the SLV Cattleman’s Association, he used his position to organize and promote ASC’s Annual Beef Bowl football game, which has now evolved into a San Luis Valley Agricultural Day tradition.

“Steve has gone above and beyond the call of duty as board president and member. He has spent his valuable time and resources making Adams State better, particularly ASC Athletics. He truly cares about our student athletes and our programs,” says Larry Mortensen, Grizzly Athletic Director. Valdez has always been a large contributor to the events here at ASC, being eager to donate or gather needed supplies for events, take tickets at Grizzly Club fundraising basketball tournaments or even prep and cook for any of the games.

Many people who know Valdez describe him as a hard-working family man whose humility shows through even when bestowed with the prestigious honor. “This award surprised me,” claims Valdez, “…I haven’t done anything different than what someone in my shoes should do… I’m just giving back and doing my part.”

Valdez graduated from Adams State in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in management and marketing, before starting a 25-year career with City Market, becoming manager for the store in 1996. The Centauri High School graduate competed as a Centauri Falcon in five different sports during his high school years, which initiated his devotion to athletics. He continued his love of athletics throughout his college intramural football career, which impacted him to give back to the athletics department through service to the college as Grizzly Club board member and trustee. He also made his mark as a loving father and husband.  He and his wife, Sandra, have three daughters and one son. Valdez is a vital contributor to the college and community and the presence of ASC would not be what it is today without the contributions of people like Steven Valdez.