Grizzly Courtyard Campaign

ALAMOSA, Colo.— Pedestrians and drivers at the intersection of First Street and Stadium Avenue have almost certainly noticed an intimidating 12-foot bronze statue. Many may know why it is there. Some may not.

Those who do not will have the opportunity to find out more when the Grizzly Courtyard project is dedicated at a 4 p.m. public ceremony on Friday, May 5. A barbecue will follow to honor retiring Adams State College Athletic Director Dr. Jeff Geiser, who originally proposed the Grizzly Courtyard idea.

The result of a combined fund-raising effort between the Adams State College Alumni Association and the ASC Grizzly Club, the courtyard is nearing reality after almost two years of planning, gracious donations, and the latest phase of construction, which is nearly complete. Highlighted by a 12-foot bronze statue of Old Mose, the most dreaded grizzly bear in the entire United States, the courtyard was made possible by donors who have purchased brick pavers, benches, capstones, and bronzes.

San Luis Valley Federal Bank also made a significant contribution to the courtyard as a way to recognize long time president, Bob Foote.

The Courtyard came to fruition due to the hard work and generous contributions of sculptor Jim Gilmore, local architects, contractors, and laborers, all of whom will be recognized at the dedication.

Ron Kessler of Adobe Village Press will be on hand at the dedication ceremony selling the next edition of Old Mose, a book about the grizzly authored by James Perkins.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held March 22, and a few weeks later, the 150-percent life-sized casting of Old Mose was moved to his home.

Considered the most famous bear to ever appear in Outdoor Life magazine, Old Mose was the culprit in killing 3 men and 800 head of livestock before meeting his demise just more than a century ago on April, 30 1904. Shot more than 100 times and weighing in at 1,130 pounds, Old Mose was one of the last grizzly bears to roam in the mountains of Colorado surrounding the San Luis Valley.

Although the grizzly dominates the courtyard from his pedestal, he is just one piece of the courtyard. Donors have purchased brick pavers, benches and capstones, all with personalized messages.

Now that the courtyard is built, proceeds from future purchases will be used to establish endowment funds for both Alumni Association and Grizzly Club scholarships.

“This is a wonderful way to honor our great memories of Adams State College and come together and support another part of the story. The ASC Alumni Relations office is excited to support the courtyard and encourages your support for the scholarship endowment campaign,” said Director of Alumni Relations, Lori Lee Laske.

“The partnership between the Grizzly Club and the Alumni Association is the spirit behind this entire endeavor,” Geiser said. “Donors should know that they can help out the alumni association or the athletic department, as they so choose,” he stressed.

“Another benefit of this campaign is that it is designed with expandability in mind,” Geiser also noted. “People will have the opportunity to purchase bronzes and bricks for years to come. We also imagine that the highly-visible project will be utilized to memorialize loved ones or as gifts for past, present and future ASC graduates.”

At the heart of the campaign are replica Old Mose bronzes available in 16” or 7 ½” heights. Donors can purchase a 16-inch tabletop-size bronze on a marble and walnut base for $2,500. The limited edition of just 100 also entitles the donor to an 8” x 8” family size brick in the courtyard. Desktop size bronzes, also on marble and walnut bases, measure 7 1/2” tall and will sell for $600. The purchase of one of these unlimited edition pieces will entitle the donor to a free 4” x 8” brick in the courtyard.

Without the purchase of a bronze, family size and 4” x 8” bricks will sell for $200 and $100, respectively. The price includes an inscription of 5 and 3 lines of text, respectively, with 17 characters per line. Athletic lettermen can have an “A” placed on the brick for an additional $25. Business and corporate logo bricks are also available for $400. Donors may purchase duplicate bricks for their home or office for $100 and $75, on the two available sizes, respectively.

Benches measuring 48” x 14” will be sold for $1,500 and will be placed in the courtyard along with an inscription, perfect for memorializing a loved one or accomplishment. Capstones on a retaining wall will be sold for $750 and also include an inscription on a 24” x 12” area.

All of the aforementioned prices will be honored through May 31 to encourage another rush of sales. An undetermined price jump to help cover increasing expenses will go into effect June 1.

Additional components purchased by May 31 will be installed in August prior for the start of the 2006-07 academic year. These plans are expected to continue as part of the annual ordering and installation cycle.
Under Internal Revenue Service guidelines, the charitable portion of any and all levels of donation is tax deductible, and donors will receive a letter of appreciation from the Grizzly Club or Alumni Association, which will serve as the documentation of the gift.

“We hope that this courtyard will become a tourist attraction and envision it to be a perfect place for graduation pictures to be taken in front of,” Geiser said. “Ultimately, this will help a number of students realize the dream of a college education. That’s what it is all about.”

ASC’s spring commencement ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 6, in Plachy Hall beginning at 10 a.m.

Related Item: Grizzly Courtyard Ordering Brochure