Stephan Davoust (Engineering, ‘17) won first place at the USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships and turned heads with a ghost-ride over the finish line. Fellow alumnus Payson McElveen (Exercise Science, ’16) joined him on the podium.

Fort Lewis College recently launched a new River Studies & Leadership certification program that combines river studies, river management, and policy. The program, geared towards future river management officials, is being spearheaded by Gigi Richard, Director of the Four Corners Water Center & Instructor of Geosciences.

Joslynn Lee, an assistant professor of Chemistry at Fort Lewis College, is working with Northern Arizona University to build a program for Indigenous K-12 students interested in STEM fields. With workshops spanning 18 months, the program seeks to inspire Indigenous students who are interested in scientific computing.

This year, Fort Lewis College welcomed the largest cohort of first-year students since 2004. FLC is working to support and ultimately retain this promising wave of new students.

Tapati Dutta, assistant professor of Public Health, received the Vision Award for Excellence in Health Policy from the American Public Health Association. The award recognizes Dutta's research and practices for community engagement in realizing vaccination equity, HIV/AIDS, and cervical cancer policies.

Tyler Gleason (Diné), a senior majoring in K-12 Education, will be directing a play in the Fort Lewis College “Native American Stories For All Ages” fall program. From October 15 through 23, Gleason will be helming the production of Chief Tender-Foot, originally penned by Indigenous playwright Annawyn Shamas.

The Fort Lewis College cycling team placed second at the 2021 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships. “I was proud of them all,” says Chad Cheeney, head endurance coach.

As the 2021 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships concluded last week, officials wondered if this event signaled the first of many prestigious events in the Durango area. 

Tapati Dutta, assistant professor of Public Health, sat down with KSUT to promote the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Dutta implores the American public to be mindful of those in the international community who have yet to receive a single dose.

Last Friday, Fort Lewis College inducted five individuals and one team to its sports Hall of Fame, including Bob Hofman, the 1984 FLC football team, Susan Sagle, Joe Moore, DeAndre Lansdowne, and Chris Aaland. Inductees were recognized for their contributions to FLC both on and off the field. 

Indian Country Today journalist Jourdan Bennett-Begaye (Athletic Training, ‘13) worked with Johns Hopkins University to build a COVID-19 tracking map and data for tribal nations. Built in just 18 months, this map empowers Indigenous communities to make scientifically informed decisions in their fight against COVID-19.  

Co-owners of Bison Star Naturals, Jaqueline McHorse (Agricultural Sciences, ‘11) and Angelo McHorse (Agricultural Sciences, ‘12), have opened an organic soaps factory in Taos. Beginning with a desire to incorporate natural products in their everyday lives, the husband and wife team has rapidly expanded the business since launching in 2018.

For his contributions to the community and local education, Brian Burke, professor of Psychology, has been recognized as Durango and La Plata County's Best Educator of 2021.

In a stunning display of sea-like light and color, Chad Colby, Professor of Art & Design, works with former Fort Lewis College students Lexis Loeb and Hayley Kirkman to produce a piece for Meow Wolf’s new galaxy space in Denver.

As the West continues to struggle with widespread drought, some officials are now worried that it threatens our hydroelectric infrastructure in the region. Gigi Richard, director of the Four Corners Water Center and instructor of Geosciences, spoke at a conference about drought conditions and what to expect this winter.