Jamie Hamilton has left his mark on CMU and Grand Junction by demonstrating leadership throughout the Grand Valley in many endeavors, both academic and athletic. He is known best at CMU as the Assistant Athletic Director. Due to his accomplishments, Hamilton was recognized as being a Distinguished Alumni at an award banquet Friday and during the halftime show of CMU’s homecoming game Saturday.

This prestigious award honors two worthy alumni each year. This year, the two chosen alumni were Hamilton and Debra Thompson Smith. It takes a special person to earn this award, explained Rick Adleman, director of alumni relations.

“We solicit our alums and the public to nominate alumni who they feel have bettered their community, made outstanding accomplishments in their profession, have been leaders in their community,” Adleman said.

In order for a person to be nominated to win the award, he also needs to obtain two letters of recommendation. The nominee is reviewed by a committee, and then the final decision is made by a pole board.

Adleman believes that this award could not have gone to a more worthy candidate, as Hamilton has taken such an active role in his community.

“So here is a guy that had a pro baseball career and then went into the banking and insurance business,” Adleman said. “In addition to that, his participation in the community, what he was probably best known as is a chairman for the JUCO committee.”

Aside from being a well-known businessman and active contibutor in the baseball community, Hamilton is also recognized for his generosity towards charities and staying active in the CMU community.

“There’s a huge amount of other charities and community projects and organizations that reap the benefit of his generosity,” Adleman said. “Then on top of that, you add to what he’s done for Colorado Mesa University. He is former president of the alumni association, he’s been on the board of trustees, he’s served as athletic director for, you know, a dollar a year and he’s just been a huge benefactor to the athletic programs.”

Hamilton remained humble while giving his speech at the banquet where he was recognized and again brought the attention back to CMU students.

“We know that in order for our students to be their best, we must all give them our best,” Hamilton said. “To celebrating the little things, appreciating all things and knowing that attitude and effort are the only two things we control,” Hamilton toasted.

The pride that CMU has in Hamilton was summarized best by Dan Sharp, who presented Hamilton with his Distinguished Alumni Award.

“You really are a legend. You really are Mr. Grand Junction,” Sharp said.