Spier's Courage Commended (06-25-07)
FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III, presented Adams State alumna Patsy Spier '91 with the Strength of the Human Spirit Award in an April 23 ceremony in Washington D.C. This award was uniquely created by the Office for Victim Assistance for Spier in recognition of her remarkable resilience in the aftermath of tragedy and in gratitude for her inspirational and unrelenting support for the FBI's investigative efforts. In addition to the strong partnership that has existed between Spier and the FBI since 2002, Spier also assisted the OVA in the development of a training DVD for special agents on making effective connections with victims.
"Today the FBI honors Patsy Spier with the 'Strength of the Human Spirit Award,' recognizing her amazing courage, motivation and tireless efforts to pursue justice, and the strength she has lent to other victims," Mueller said. "She has endured more than her share of suffering, struggle, and sacrifice to overcome a very traumatic event, while also supporting law enforcement to seek justice against those who murdered her husband and friends and leaving her to die during an ambush attack in Indonesia. She is a constant source of inspiration and exemplifies the definition of a true hero."
While working in Papua, Indonesia, Spier survived an armed attack in which her husband, Rick '88, '91, and two of her teaching colleagues were killed. (See "Remembering Rick," Fall 2005 A-Stater) Since that time, Spier has strived with diligent courage to seek justice for those who died and were wounded, working from the belief that holding responsible persons accountable will keep such a heinous act from being repeated. Her actions were vital in building cooperation between the FBI and the Indonesian government. This cooperation led to the capture, trial, and sentencing of many of those responsible for the ambush.
In addition to the FBI award, Spier also received a Special Courage Award From the Department of Justice.
"I am humbled and deeply honored by the recognition these two awards represent," Spier said.
Following her tragedy, Spier established an Adams State scholarship in Rick's memory.
"He knew how important an education is, and what it did for him," Spier said. "What better way to remember him than an education and a scholarship at the college we both loved. Adams State is so personable and accommodating, it really prepares you." The scholarship's provisions give preferences to students from Dove Creek, Cortez, Sheridan High School in Denver, and Wray High School.
