Courage, Vision, and Perseverance was celebrated August 23, 2012 during the 100th Anniversary of Rio Grande Reservoir; hosted by San Luis Valley Irrigation District, made possible by the generous help of the following sponsors:
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​Title Sponsor: Insurance Associates, Inc. of Boulder
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Platinum Sponsors: Stone's Farm Supply, Monte Vista Coop, Wilbur-Ellis, Aspen Produce, LLC, Deere and Ault Consultants Inc., DiNatale Water Consultants Inc., Palmgren Farms, Law Office of Tod Smith, Southern Colorado Farms, Colorado Potato Administrative Committee​

Gold Sponsors: Canon Potato, Del Norte Bank, 4 UR Ranch​​

Silver Sponsors: Elk Ridge Framing and Gifts, Wiescamp United Country

Bronze Sponsors: Gunbarrel Station, Jones Oil Inc., Broken Arrow Ranch and Land Company, Wall, Smith Bateman and Associates, Community Banks of Colorado, Double Spur Lodge and Ranch, Colorado Cowgirls, Bella Vida Salon, Windsor Hotel and Restaurant​​​​

Some of the highlights of the eventful day included​​​ great food, live music, warm conversation, a historical museum, water trivia, a costume contest, and a wealth of guest speakers:

San Luis Valley Irrigation District Superintendent Travis Smith began the brief program by thanking Hinsdale County Road and Bridge Dept. for doing a great job on the road leading to the Reservoir. Mr. Smith also credited the SLVID Directors past and present for their "vision and courage,"​ District employees, landowners, and members of the rehabilitation team, noting "this is a celebration about the people who made the Reservoir happen."​

Colorado Supreme Court Justice Gregory Hobbs, dressed as the Reservoir's chief engineer J.C. Ulrich, quoted from Ulrich's personal correspondence which was written during construction of the reservoir.​

Russell George, past Colorado State Representative and current President of Northwestern Community College talked about the importance of water. He stated "water is everything...without it, nothing." He also noted no water problem exists which can't be solved by storage. He said Rio Grande Reservoir was constructed during a time when individuals with foresight, courage, and vision "took big risks."

Mike King, Executive Director for Colorado Department of Natural Resources told the sizable audience "men and women with horses literally scratched this into the earth....today, we're enjoying the foresight of their efforts."

Senator Gail Schwartz feels Rio Grande Reservoir "preserves the life style and economy of the San Luis Valley."​​​​
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Erin Minks, Regional Director for Senator Mark Udall's Alamosa office, stated "it is not only rocks and steel which made the Reservoir, it's the people."

Camille Getz, winner of the commemorative poster contest, was recognized. ​​Her depiction of the Reservoir was creatively combined with photos taken during construction of the Reservoir to create a historical ​ and unique piece of art.