NOVEMBER 2, 2004

Mesa State College to Honor Walter Walker

Grand Junction, CO - A bronze plaque memorializing Walter Walker, an early benefactor of the institution now known as Mesa State College, will be unveiled during a brief ceremony on Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. in the Moss Performing Arts Center.

The main corridor of the center has been designated as the Walter Walker Reception Area, in commemoration of the man in whose honor the college's original fine arts building was named in 1969. The bronze plaque is a gift from friends and others who wanted to perpetuate the memory of the late newspaper publisher for his help in establishing the college in 1925, his exceptional interest in the performing arts, and his lifelong beneficence to students through scholarships, awards and employment.

Text for the bronze plaque includes:

WALTER WALKER RECEPTION AREA

This reception area has been designated in memory of Walter Walker, one of the Rocky Mountain West's foremost patrons of the performing arts, in whose honor Mesa State College's original Fine Arts Center was named in 1969.

An influential newspaper publisher, Walter Walker was widely known for his support of educational, cultural and regional economic development.

Walter Walker played a significant role in the establishment of the college in 1925. He was a loyal, energetic and effective supporter during the formative years of the institution now known as Mesa State College, and was a generous, life-long benefactor of college students.

The ceremony is open to the public. For more information, contact Orville Boge, emeriti faculty member, at 970.242.4742.

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