ASC loses colleague, friend and mentor (05-25-05)
The Adams State College community mourns the loss of Cindy Young, assistant professor of EPLS and NCAA Compliance Coordinator. She was respected by colleagues and admired by students. Young passed away unexpectedly Monday evening.
Chair of the EPLS Department, Dr. Jeff Geiser, has known Young since he first came to Adams State College in 1984. He said, "We have lost our best teacher. She was a dynamic professor who always put the students first. This was reflected in her evaluations from students. She was always rated as outstanding."
An alumna of ASC, Young earned both her bachelor's '83 and master's '90 degrees at Adams State College. She began her service to the college as the equipment room manager for several years. "Young was recently promoted to tenure and to assistant professor of EPLS. ASC President, Dr. Richard A. Wueste, recognized her in April for 15 years of service. She was also on the Board of Directors for the Special Olympics and was the advisor for our EPLS Club on campus," said Geiser.
According to Chris Day, Sports Information Director, Young was one of the college's most honored track and field student-athletes, having earned six national All-American honors, as well as a number of conference championships in the shot put and discus. He said, "Until last spring, Young held the RMAC record in the discus throw with a toss of 145'4" in 1982. I can't imagine this department without Cindy. She was a dedicated colleague, and exceptional instructor. Every student who knew her was impacted by her in a very positive manner."
Her influence on students was recognized in October 2003 when she was named Educator of the Year by the Colorado Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Aaron Ford '04 nominated Young. He said, "Cindy was a great friend and teacher. She taught me to be the best leader and person that I could be, by practicing those qualities herself."
Young was working on completing her Ph. D. in physical education curriculum development through the University of New Mexico. Geiser said, "Cindy was one class away from starting her dissertation in development. She managed to teach a full load of classes and commute back and forth between Albuquerque and Alamosa to complete her degree requirements. Her commitment to her profession, Adams State College, and students will be her legacy."
