CAHS Alumni Spotlight – Jan (Carlstrom) Davis: Life Lessons Learned at Colorado State

Jan (Carlstrom) Davis represented her 50th reunion class of 1957 and spoke at our Homecoming breakfast in October. While she admittedly didn’t “do public speaking,” she made her whole family – and her “CSU family” – proud with her most inspiring speech! Davis graduated with a degree in Home Economics, and three of her four children also graduated from CSU. Not only is she special – so is her class – as this was the first class to graduate from Colorado State after the name changed from Colorado A & M to CSU. Davis spoke of this transition and how the values she learned at CSU also helped shape her own personal values.

Jan began her talk by thanking the College of Applied Human Sciences for the opportunity to speak. She continued, “Who would have thought that this former ranch hand from Walden, Colorado, would have the opportunity to share a snapshot of the blessings and opportunities that my time at CSU (or A & M) has afforded me! I want to thank my family. They have been there to support me throughout my lifetime.”

Jan went on to describe her connections to Colorado State, “Education has been a priority in my family for as long as I can remember. My parents, Gus and Alice Carlstrom, were huge supporters of education, especially higher education. Between my five siblings and my husband’s fourteen, there is a deeply rooted history and tradition here at Colorado State. Our ‘Ram Pride’ is strong! The Carlstrom/Davis tenure at Colorado A & M began in 1937 when my sister, Jean, began her educational journey. From there we have had at least thirty family members enrolled at CSU over the years! Looking towards the future, our oldest grandson is taking a serious look at CSU for his college experience that begins in the fall of 2008. As the CAHS mission statement goes, we are committed to excellence in education in our family!”

Jan connected the values of the college to some of her life learning. She strove to be the best wife and mother she could be. She and her husband, Buzz, will soon celebrate 50 years of marriage, and they have four children and four grandchildren. Jan recounted some life lessons she attributes to her time at Colorado State including accountability, civic responsibility, and innovation.
Jan says, “I was privileged enough to attend CSU at the time that Colorado A & M was transitioning to the future Colorado State University. We were on the cutting edge of embracing the land grant university concept. That feeling definitely transitioned into my life goal as I used my degree in many ways. The skills that I mastered at practice house helped me to organize our household and teach important life skills to my four children. The sewing skills I diligently mastered serve me today as I have partnered with my youngest daughter, Nancy, in Routt County Woolens. Additionally, I have had statewide opportunities to mentor youth in sewing and cake decorating as a part of 4-H.

Another direct correlation of the innovation concept relates to this college specifically. Both of my daughters graduated from the College of Applied Human Sciences. Alicia received her Master of Science degree in Speech/Language Pathology from CSU prior to the consolidation of programs and Nancy received her Bachelor of Science degree in Textiles with an emphasis in Merchandising. Three very different women using their degrees in different capacities. Truly life lessons accomplished.”

Lastly, Jan discussed excellence and meeting her husband, Buzz. She stayed at home and raised four children to value excellence, several of whom have ties to Colorado State. “Alicia works at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a clinical instructor in the Communication Disorders program. She mentioned to me just last week that her program is a part of a college created from the CAHS model at CSU. Excellence repeats itself! Mike received his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture/Business. Today he works at CSU as a Project Planner in the Facility Management Department. I think CSU made an excellent decision when they chose him as a part of the department. Nancy works within the agriculture industry in Routt County as well as the lead partner in Routt County Woolens in Steamboat Springs. She is married to C.J. Mucklow, an extension director for CSU and a CSU Distinguished Alumnus. Excellence doubled with the strong ties to CSU. Our youngest son, Andy, followed Buzz in a military career and is currently a life support specialist with the Wyoming Air National Guard. While he did not attend CSU, he has followed in his father’s footsteps and exemplifies the spirit of patriotism and civic responsibility that our country stands for. Excellence in action!”

Jan concludes with the inspiring words, “My life has been enriched in so many ways through the years. My career goals have been accomplished time and time again. To this day, I find myself expanding my horizons thanks to the early knowledge I gained here at CSU. I never came back to thank my professors for their knowledge shared but I feel blessed that they did so. Thanks for allowing me to share my snapshot and, again, thank you for this honor.”

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Contact:  Gretchen Gerding
Telephone:  970.491.5182
Email:  Gretchen.Gerding@colostate.edu