Cochise College has released the names of its third Hall of Fame class and will honor seven inductees during a ceremony November 18 on the Douglas Campus. The event is open to the public, and tickets are now available.
The Hall of Fame honors former students, faculty/staff and community leaders who have made a major contribution to the mission and goals of Cochise College, or who have contributed in a significant way to the lives of others after being a part of the Cochise College community. Launched as the college celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, the Hall of Fame celebrates an array of contributions by people representing different facets of the college community. Currently, there are 22 members, including accomplished alumni, prominent community stakeholders, and former employees.
“The Cochise College Hall of Fame is a joyful celebration of our supporters, student success, and college impact on the community,” said Dr. J.D. Rottweiler, Cochise College president. “The seven individuals we honor this year made a tremendous impact on students, the institution and, ultimately, on the workforce.”
Inductees were nominated through letters of recommendation that explained their connections and contributions to the college through personal time, effort and interest.
The 2017 inductees are Frank Adams, Richard Atkinson, Ruth Britton, the late Cordelia Cowan, Ernest Graves, Don Kimble (‘70), and Harold “Robbie” Robison.
Frank Adams
Dick Atkinson
When he joined Cochise College in 1978, Frank Adams was already well known in Douglas as the high school agriculture teacher. Under his leadership, the college agriculture program gained statewide recognition for annually hosting the Future Farmers of America state competition. It was Adams’ idea to organize the Grand Canyon Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, allowing more Arizona and New Mexico colleges to compete. He and his wife Barbara (‘73) earned a reputation for hosting colleagues, students and eventheir families at their home outside of Douglas. Adams now resides in Texas.
Dick Atkinson, of Bisbee, also transitioned from a local high school to coach baseball and teach physical education. An NCAA College World Series shut-out pitcher, he later played professional baseball and was the first Cochise College coach to have a championship ball team. After retiring, he got serious about golfing, trying the professional circuit briefly and later designing the back nine of Turquoise Valley Golf Course. Atkinson’s philosophy of placing a high priority on academic success remains the core of the college athletics department, now under the leadership of one of his former players.
Ruth Britton
Ruth Britton of Sierra Vista designed and initiated the concept of collaborative classes/learning communities, which paired two seemingly unrelated subjects and led to new heights in student learning and engagement. She founded the Social Concerns Club, which integrated service learning into honors-level coursework and led many colleagues to add service into their curriculum. In addition to awards and recognitions earned at the college, Britton received the Arizona Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism, having served or held leadership positions in numerous local organizations.
Cordelia “Cordy” Cowan
Long-time Arizona and New Mexico rancher Cordelia “Cordy” Cowan helped promote the concept of a new college in Cochise County in part because she knew it would make higher education accessible to her three daughters. Later, Cowan spent 30 years on the board of directors of the Cochise College Foundation, soliciting and donating funds to help students and also taking a leadership role in the development of rodeo facilities and an archaeological resource center. Cowan was well-known in the community through he participation in the Douglas Cowbelles, McNeal Ladies’ Aid, square dance and social activities, as well as through showing prize-winning Brahman cattle. She was also the first woman inducted into the Hidalgo County, NM, Hall of Fame.
Ernest Graves
Tucson resident Ernest Graves has long been drawn to Cochise County and the Benson area in particular. He has developed property in the Sierra Vista and Benson areas and is best known for donating the property on which the Benson Center sits, as well as for ongoing support. Graves recognized a need for accessible higher education in Benson, and his vision for the property allowed the college to develop an inviting learning center used by students and the community. In addition to hosting classes and visitors, the Benson Center also is the site of various community gatherings, and Graves remains a strong supporter of both the center and the entire college.
Don Kimble
Long-time professional rodeo cowboy Don Kimble (‘70) attended Cochise College as one of the first recipients of the Kenneth Gunter Memorial Scholarship. He was part of the rodeo team that hosted the first national intercollegiate rodeo at Cochise College. After graduation, he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and agriculture education while also competing in college and professional rodeo. He won the team roping event in the West Coast Region of the NIRA all four years of college/university and qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in 1979 and 1980. He taught and coached at Cochise for 11 years and has served on the board of the Apache School, his alma mater, for 27 years.
Maj. Harold “Robbie” Robison
Maj. Harold “Robbie” Robison retired from the U.S. Army in 1972 and started work at Cochise College. He became a counselor in 1974. Trained in transactional analysis, he lived the theoretical concept of giving “warm fuzzies” instead of “cold pricklies,”Maj. Harold “Robbie” Robison and his bear hugs are legendary. With students, he reinforced the concept that “there is no try – there is only ‘do or don’t do.’” Veterans had a special connection to Robbie, and there are many who credit their college success to Robison’s support and assistance. In addition, he taught Personality and Adjustment, a popular class that students often re-took, bringing family members with them. Robison retired from the college in 2004.
If you go…
What: Cochise College Hall of Fame Induction
When: 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: Douglas Campus, 4190 W Highway 80, Douglas, AZ 85607
Tickets: Available to the public. $30 each. Prime rib or balsamic grilled portobello mushroom.
Contact: (520) 417-4735