Andrea Hawkins

Opinions Editor

The old Leitner Poma Building on the Bishop campus was renamed on Friday to honor John “Arch” Archuleta and the work he has done for the Mesa State Engineering program.

While standing in front of the building that is now named after him, Archuleta spoke to friends, family, and community members. Archuleta thanked all of the people who made it possible for him to make a difference. He said that he is a friend of education, and that he hopes more rural students will have more access to a world class engineering education. The address 2510 Foresight Circle will now and forever be known as Archuleta Engineering Center. 

Archuleta has led a very active and interesting life. Archuleta was born near Pagosa Springs on a Spanish sheep ranch. He was one of the few Hispanics who attended Golden High School (class of ’56) and while there he earned a wrestling scholarship to the University of Colorado at Boulder. He went on to become an engineer at Johnson Voiland Archuleta, Inc. There he moved up the ranks to become the president of the company. His path has taken him into banking, and then real estate. Now he is developing Bonnie Brook Vineyards in Palisade.

“In 2002 we first met, and I learned that Arch is a force of nature. He is a man on a mission,” said Lena Elliot, MSC Board of Trustee’s member. She shared stories with the crowd of the first time they met, and how when he first came to the city, the community didn’t know how to take his energetic attitude. 

In February 2008, the Engineering department developed a baccalaureate engineering degree with help from Archuleta’s $1 million donation. 

“Thank you so very much for honoring me and my family name,” Archuleta said. 

He asked his classmates who were there supporting him to stand up. As a testament to his character, more than 10 people from Golden High School class of ‘56 stood up. 

While the champaign was being passed out Archuleta’s son  David, a Boulder County Judge, said that his accomplishments were only possible because of his father’s persistence and dedication to whatever task he was working on. Archuleta grew up as a minority and was able to break through barriers.

“What you have done, Dad, is the truly remarkable thing,” David said.