During Lamar Community College’s 78th Annual Commencement, Mr. Robert (Bob) Gourley had the honor of being the first graduate of 2017. Although he was an LCC student nearly 50 years ago, he returned to the family farm without completing his degree; on Saturday, May 6, he was awarded an honorary degree in Agriculture Business.
Gourley, in addition to receiving his honorary degree, was also selected as one of LCC’s 2017 Outstanding Alumni of the Year. He and his co-honoree Ruth McKenney were honored at LCC’s Antelope Night on Friday evening.
Dr. Linda Lujan, LCC President, had the honor of presenting Gourley with his degree.
“Under special circumstance, the college has the ability to award a degree “honoris causa” or for the sake of honor if the individual has made significant contributions to his or her occupation, community, or to humanity,” explained Dr. Linda Lujan during the Commencement ceremony. “I believe we found such an individual when we were introduced to Bob through his nomination for Alumnus of the Year.”
Raised on a farm outside of Two Buttes, Colorado, Gourley has made agriculture his life’s work. His years of experience in agricultural operations and dedication to community more than qualified him to meet the standards for this honorary degree.
Through his agriculture work over the past 45 years, he has been a mentor and friend to numerous young farmers growing their own operations in Baca County. His knowledge and wisdom, gained through his ag classes at LCC and his extensive professional experience, supports the ag industry in Baca County and beyond.
Greg Cash, Agriculture Faculty at LCC, notes, “He is an outstanding colleague, role model for ag students, and friend to the college. I hope all my students are as successful as Bob.”
Through his life, Gourley has owned and operated Gourley Simmental Cattle since 1978. He is a highly respected resident of Baca County and Southeastern Colorado and is very active in his community. In addition to his professional success, he also volunteers extensively including 25 years on the Baca County Fair Board, serving on the Farm Service Agency County Committee for numerous years, being a driving force for the local fire department, and a leader in the Two Buttes Methodist Church.
He and his wife Lila are lifelong supporters of Baca County school activities. If there is ball game or any other activity, they are likely to be there. It would be hard to find a school age child that did not know the Gourleys. This caring for and commitment to youth are greatly respected by so many in our region.
“Bob exemplifies the commitment necessary to make a community great for this generation and those to come. LCC would be proud to consider him as a holder of this honorary degree,” said Dr. Lujan.
Congratulations to Mr. Bob Gourley!