Jerry Carle, iconic football coach, died April 12, 2014. The Minnesota native and Marine Corps veteran was 90 years old. He was a major influence on CC’s athletics programs from his start as football assistant in 1948 to his retirement in 1990. Jerry also served stints as director of athletics as well as basketball and golf coach. “When I think of Colorado College athletics, he is the first person I think of,” said current AD Ken Ralph. “He loved the place and what it did for the students he worked with. He was so positive and upbeat about the community and the college.” His 1971-76 football teams attained a winning percentage of .855, and he guided the 1975 Tigers to the NCAA Division III playoffs. He was a member of the CC and Colorado Springs halls of fame and coached numerous other inductees. Jerry’s other honors included the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s Distinguished Service Award and he spent 12 years as the WCHA’s director of officials. He was preceded in death by Eileen, his wife of 66 years, and is survived by their children: Dave ’72, Jan, and Judy MAT ’81. A memorial service was held at Shove Chapel in April.

Valerie Vela ’85, the longtime campus minister for the Diocese of Colorado Springs, died April 30 at age 50, from complications of a massive stroke she suffered in January. Valerie was born Sept. 18, 1963, in Las Vegas, N.M., to Jose and Julie Vela. She graduated from Palmer High School in 1981 and obtained a degree in biology from Colorado College. For the past 10 years, she had worked as coordinator of campus ministry at CC and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, providing many opportunities for students to come together to share and grow in their faith. Among her many activities as campus minister were accompanying youth to World Youth Day celebrations in Germany, Australia, and Spain. Vela is survived by her daughter, Viktoria Klassen; two stepdaughters, Erika Klassen and Tina Mayne; a brother, Steve; her mother, Julie, and stepfather, Richard Logue.