Alfred (Al) Goffredi, 1940
Alfred (Al) Goffredi, a 1940 graduate of Mesa College, left a lasting legacy at both Colorado Mesa University and in the broader Grand Junction community. His life was marked by service, innovation and a dedication to education.
Following his graduation, Goffredi served in the European Theater during World War II. His military service shaped his commitment to his country, his sense of duty and the perseverance that would define his professional career.
After the war, he returned to Mesa College in 1948 and dedicated more than three decades of service to the institution in various roles. He was instrumental in creating 20 vocational programs that expanded educational opportunities for countless students, and he spearheaded the development of an agriculture training center that supported the needs of the region’s farming community. His vision also helped bring the Master of Arts in Business Administration program to fruition, establishing a foundation for advanced studies in business at CMU.
An interesting side note to his story is he traded his 1942 GMC truck to the university for a Jeep in 1947. The truck, now restored and known as Ol’ Jimmy, is an iconic symbol of school pride and tradition at CMU.
Beyond campus, Goffredi was an engaged civic leader. He was an active member of the Grand Junction Rotary Club with distinction, earning the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow honor. Goffredi’s lifelong commitment to education extended to his family, all of whom pursued advanced degrees. Today, his legacy continues through the Goffredi Memorial Scholarship, which continues to support and inspire future generations of CMU students.