Karen Ast

What do you do for fun when you aren't working at Western?

Like a lot of people here, I love to play in the beautiful area around Gunnison. In the winter, you can find me boarding on the mountain or sledding on the green monster.  In the summer, I like to go to Blue Mesa Lake with friends to tan, wakeboard, swim or cliff jump. Also, I enjoy hiking and rafting every now and then. I'm a big fan of road trips so I often go to Montrose or Grand Junction on the weekends to do some shopping. Movie nights or karaoke with friends is always a fun activity too. When sports are in season, you can usually find me at the WSC football or basketball game. Pretty much, I like to spend my time trying new things and making fun memories.

What is your favorite meal at your favorite Gunnison or Crested Butte restaurant?

Well, I don't necessarily have a favorite meal at just one restaurant. If I could have the perfect meal, I would want to pick and choose and little of everything. This meal would include a half and half salad from Marios, curly fries from Pitas in Paradise, a flat iron steak from the Ol' Miner, and a giant cookie from the Gunnisack for dessert.

What is your favorite thing about living in Gunnison?

My favorite part about Gunnison is simply the atmosphere of the town itself. It is a small enough community to be safe and friendly, yet it is still a college town. It is simply an amazing feeling to wake up each day in such a beautiful place.

Random fact about yourself?

I once went to watch a Western State basketball game at Adams State and had to have a police escort out of the building after the game ended. It was entirely worth it though because Western won.