1,000 Words: The Nieslanik Living Room at Colorado Mountain College
On Nov. 14, about 50 close friends and family of Jim and Sharon Nieslanik gathered as Colorado Mountain College President Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser and college members honored the Nieslaniks during the naming of the Nieslanik Living Room at CMC Spring Valley at Glenwood Springs. The dedicated space serves as a gathering place for CMC students to meet and study in the Bushong Student Center.
The Nieslanik family first settled in Spring Valley in 1929. In the mid-1960s, Jim and Sharon were among the first ranching families who joined together to donate a total of 811 acres to construct what was originally called CMC’s West Campus. Now, nearly 60 years later, CMC's Spring Valley campus offers bachelor’s and associate degrees and professional certificates for dozens of relevant academic programs, in addition to providing community education opportunities.
The day also coincided with another celebration: Jim and Sharon’s 59th wedding anniversary. From left, granddaughter Jordan DeCrow, son Eric Nieslanik, daughter Sandy DeCrow, Sharon Nieslanik, Jim Nieslanik, grandson Chase Nieslanik, son Jeff Nieslanik and son Thad Nieslanik. Photo by Ben Suddendorf