FLC Alumni Awards: Celebrating advocacy, entrepreneurship, and service

DURANGO, Colo. — As an undergraduate student at Fort Lewis College, Matthew Campbell, Sociology & Human Services, ’04, displayed an early passion for understanding issues affecting marginalized communities, recalls Joslynn Lee, Ph.D., a fellow student and now an assistant professor of biochemistry at FLC. 

“Being a STEM major, it was fun to meet another person across campus who introduced me to new ways of thinking about the world through social issues. I could see he was capable of great things, but he needed time to figure that out for himself,” Lee said in a nomination letter.

Today, Campbell is fulfilling that potential. As the deputy director at the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), Campbell has been an outspoken advocate for Tribal Nations, leading efforts in voting rights, cultural preservation, and environmental justice. His contributions include co-founding the Native American Voting Rights Coalition and playing a pivotal role in passing legislation that allows Native American students to wear traditional regalia at college graduations.

“I admire his commitment and service to Indian country at a state and federal level. It has been amazing to follow all his hard work and be a role model for many of our Fort Lewis College students,” Lee said.

Campbell is this year’s recipient of the Community Leadership Award, which honors alumni who inspire others through service to their communities. He will be recognized on October 26 at the Alumni Awards Celebration, which recognizes the exceptional accomplishments and community service of graduates who continue to inspire future generations. This year’s recipients also include:

Jennifer Yazzie: Rising Star Award

Jennifer Yazzie, Psychology, ‘16, has quickly risen to prominence as an advocate for mental health in Indigenous communities. She earned a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Alaska-Anchorage. She is currently a third-year student in the Combined Clinical-Counseling Psychology doctoral program at Utah State University. 

Yazzie conducted her research for her master’s thesis, Knowledge and Contemporary Effects of Historical Trauma Among American Indian and Alaska Native Populations, at FLC. The research centered on college students’ experiences of learning about historical trauma, and she is revising her thesis for publication. Yazzie plans to expand this research in her doctoral program as she develops a handbook on understanding historical trauma and ways to help communities and individuals heal from it.

“Jenn is an alum that I would love to see return to Fort Lewis College as a faculty member one day,” said Megan Wrona, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at FLC, in her nomination letter. “Her presence with our current students gives them a mentor and role model as they begin to navigate their own paths.”

Wrona said that Yazzie actively mentors current FLC psychology students, hosts Zoom events with students, and meets FLC students regularly during conferences.

“I have witnessed the power of this mentorship as current students seek guidance and advice,” Wrona added. “Her presence with our current students gives them a mentor and role model as they begin to navigate their own paths to graduate school.”

“Her trajectory embodies the notion of a ‘rising star,’ and Jenn’s potential to shape our field is tremendous,” Wrona added.

Thad Trujillo: Service to FLC Award

Thad Trujillo, Business Administration, ‘95, has dedicated much of his professional life to supporting FLC in various capacities, including as an FLC Foundation Board Member, a Hall of Fame Selection Committee Member, Skyhawk Athletics Booster, and a member of the Gift Planning Advisory Council. 

In their nomination, Melissa Mount and Dave Kerns from the FLC Foundation said that while he’s happy to provide professional insights and guidance on navigating charitable real estate transactions, Trujillo is not afraid to jump in his truck and drive an hour to evaluate a possible real estate donation located several miles up a steep hillside.

His journey with FLC began as a student, where he excelled academically and athletically. As the star quarterback, Thad demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to excellence that would foreshadow his future contributions to the college and the broader Durango community.

“His athletic prowess earned him a well-deserved place in the FLC Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the college's most notable athletes,” they said. “Thad remains a valuable resource for Athletics, bridging the gap between the college's past and present. He is a critical partner in helping recruit and support student-athletes and coaches. Trujillo is married to Jenni Trujillo, Ph.D., a notable alumna, and serves as the Dean of the School of Education at FLC.

“Thad Trujillo's tireless efforts, professional expertise, and unwavering commitment to Fort Lewis College make him an exceptional candidate for the Service to FLC award. His contributions will enhance the college's financial standing and strengthen the bonds between the institution and the local community. Thad's service exemplifies the impact that dedicated alumni can have on their alma mater, and we believe he is most deserving of this recognition.”

Dave Markham: Alumni Achievement Award

After his graduation in 1985, Dave Markham, Business Administration, ‘84, has exemplified the leadership and innovative spirit that defines Fort Lewis College graduates throughout his career.  

“He embarked on a remarkable career at Lockheed Martin Space, where he demonstrated the tenacious, resilient, bold, and innovative characteristics that define FLC graduates," wrote Lorraine Taylor, Ph.D., in her nomination of Markham.

“His leadership roles at Lockheed Martin include leading the Launch Services Division, serving as the President of Commercial Launch Services, holding the position of Vice President of Finance, and at his retirement, Dave was the Vice President of Strategy and Advanced Programs for Lockheed’s Space Systems.”

Beyond his professional success, Markham has remained a dedicated supporter of FLC, serving as chair of the Business Advisory Council and playing a pivotal role in establishing the Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation, which has been instrumental in supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs.

“This initiative has been instrumental in bringing the college into a more prominent position serving the community, particularly during the challenging times of the pandemic. The Center for Innovation has provided valuable resources and support to local businesses and entrepreneurs, underscoring Fort Lewis College's longstanding commitment to service and excellence.

“Dave's leadership, vision, and dedication to Fort Lewis College and its mission are truly inspiring,” Taylor said. “His efforts have strengthened the Katz School of Business and had a lasting positive impact on the broader Durango community.”

Michael Valdez: Faculty & Staff Service Award

Michael Valdez, Ph.D., has been a driving force in fostering entrepreneurship at Fort Lewis College. As co-director of the Hawk Tank Business Plan Competition, Valdez expanded the competition to include a track for recent alumni, allowing young entrepreneurs to develop their businesses with mentorship and resources from the FLC community.

The competition has drawn many participants, from bakery owners to app developers, and has become a cornerstone of FLC's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“The range of alumni and business ideas that has benefitted from the recent alumni track is vast,” said Lorraine Taylor, Ph.D., co-director of Hawk Tank, in her nomination. “Michael actively works to recruit participants from across the college, not just within the Katz School of Business, to share the benefits with the broader FLC community. His vision has helped create opportunities for participants to develop skills, gain confidence, and demonstrate FLC’s value to our region.”

Taylor said that Valdez has also mentored countless students through the American Indigenous Business Leaders Club, continuing to inspire the next generation of FLC graduates. “We’ve had winners of the recent alumni track from a bakery, a credit card app, a bicycle tour company, comedy production, digital media, event planning, and art consignment. Not only do FLC alumni have the chance to participate in the competition, but Michael uses the network of FLC alumni to invite mentors, judges, keynote speakers, and sponsors to be involved. Many of these people contribute year after year and demonstrate how the connections within Hawk Tank are based on long-term relationships.”

Visit the Alumni Home Page for additional information.