It is quite fitting that the 50th recipient of the Adams State University Billy Adams Award is J. Thomas “Tom” Gilmore, Ph.D. and emeritus professor of business, past president of the institution, and Class of 1967 and 1968 graduate.
“I deeply appreciate the award and feel lucky to have spent my whole professional life at Adams State. It was a long and happy career,” Gilmore said.
The Billy Adams Award recognizes those who exhibit dedication to education shown by the University’s founder and namesake. Gilmore has been a true advocate of higher learning throughout his career at Adams State and into retirement.
The major focus of this award acknowledges someone who has given a great deal to Adams State. Adams State President Cheryl D. Lovell believes Gilmore exemplifies the criteria through his work at Adams State over three decades with contributions to the Business School, to college administration, and by leading the entire University as president. “He is beloved by many and has the respect of the campus and the Valley,” Lovell said.
Gilmore started his professional career as a faculty member in the School of Business in 1973, and retired as president in 2003. He still contributes to Adams State by serving on the Adams100 Commission and is a major advocate for the University. “He played a certain role in securing resources for our Nursing Program through his leadership on the El Pomar Foundation Regional Council and continues to financially support the University through his personal contributions,” Lovell added.
A San Luis Valley native, Gilmore said: “Adams State has been a major cultural, educational, and academic part of the San Luis Valley and will continue to be in years to come. No rural place is quite the same without a higher education institution.”
He and his wife, Pat, Class of 1968, established the Erin Gilmore Memorial Endowment, in honor of their late daughter and created an endowment in honor of his parents and one in memory of Pat’s father through the Adams State University Foundation. The scholarships are based on need and academic achievement.
cHe continues to teach a couple of courses in the Adams State MBA program.
The Adams State University Foundation honored Tom and Pat Gilmore with the 2006 Adams State University Willis Fassett Jr. Award. Tom Gilmore has served on numerous local boards, including the El Pomar Regional Council and Alamosa Ranch Advisory Board. He is a past chairman of the Board of the San Luis Valley Federal Bank.
The Gilmores’ two sons, Jeff and Mark, graduated from Adams State and currently their granddaughter, Emma, is pursuing a pre-med degree.
