Commitment to CMU
In 1976, Grand Junction native Jamee Enstrom left home and headed for Denver, armed with a brand-new associate’s degree in nursing. After qualifying as a registered nurse, she worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital, but her heart was never far from her hometown.
“I met my boyfriend in 1975,” she shared, recalling how she had been recruited to play bassoon in the college band and orchestra, despite being a nursing major. Her boyfriend, Doug Simons, was a music and theatre major and played percussion in the band and orchestra.
“We made googly eyes for part of a semester and met backstage after The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” she laughed. “The rest is history.”
Today, Jamee Simons’s nursing career is far behind her. A member of the ice cream and almond toffee Enstrom family, she and Doug are active in the family business, which is now led by their sons, Doug Jr. and Jim.
They remain committed to Colorado Mesa University and the performing arts. Jamee, a past president of the Colorado Mesa University Foundation board, continues to serve on the board. In addition to these duties, she and Doug were the co-chairs of the university’s Setting the Stage campaign, which resulted in the 54 million dollar state-of-the-art Asteria Theatre in the heart of the campus.
Simons shares that she was drawn to the theatre campaign because of her family’s appreciation for the performing arts, remembering that her parents were enthusiastic supporters of Mesa College theatre when she was growing up. Simons takes great pride in the new theatre, with its technical sophistication that provides students with top-notch training and presents the community with the opportunity to see Broadway-level productions in a gorgeous facility.
In addition to her support for performing arts at CMU, Simons has a deep connection to CMU through the Enstrom family. Her brother Rick graduated from Mesa College, while her grandfather, Chet Enstrom, co-sponsored the legislation that successfully transitioned Mesa College from a two-year to a four-year institution in 1974.
When asked about her commitment to CMU, Simons responded, “I love CMU. CMU is a wonderful asset to our community. To continue that, the school, the programs, and everything is a boon to Grand Junction and Mesa County and all the kids. It’s definitely a worthwhile endeavor.”
A Story 100 Years in the Making
Want to learn more about CMU's history? Purchase Colorado Mesa University - A Century of the Maverick Spirit, written by Amber J. D'Ambrosio and Kristen Lummis. The 192-page book chronicles CMU's 100-year journey of growth, resilience, and community impact, celebrating the people and moments that shaped our Maverick history.
CMU's Century Project honors one hundred years of Colorado Mesa University's rich history - celebrating the people, milestones and spirit that have shaped our enduring legacy. As we reflect on this meaningful milestone, proceeds from the commemorative Century Book and events throughout the year will benefit the Century Scholarship, ensuring that future generations of CMU students can continue to grow, learn and carry the CMU legacy forward.