As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of UCCS, I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude. For six decades, UCCS has grown, evolved, and thrived, and that journey would not have been possible without you, our incredible donors, and your extraordinary generosity, vision, and heart. Your support, whether through transformative gifts or quiet, consistent contributions, has shaped every corner of this campus. You’ve fueled innovation, expanded access, and empowered generations of students and faculty to dream bigger and reach higher. Your belief in UCCS is a powerful force, and it inspires us every day. Thank you for being part of our story, for investing in our future, and for making the last 60 years possible.
Here’s to the next 60!
Jennifer Sobanet, Ed.D. Chancellor
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
A Word from Our Vice Chancellor
Since joining UCCS in July 2025, I have been deeply inspired by the culture of purpose, generosity, and possibility that defines this remarkable community. UCCS was built by people who believe in hard work, collaboration, and—above all—creating opportunities for students.
Because of your belief in that mission, you and other members of our donor community contributed more than $15 million this past year to support scholarships, academic programs, enhanced learning environments, and innovative initiatives that empower students and faculty alike.
I am profoundly grateful for your belief in UCCS and your continued investment in our mission. Your generosity fuels access, discovery, and opportunity for every Mountain Lion.
It is an honor to serve alongside you in advancing this great university. I hope you enjoy the stories that follow—testaments to the power of philanthropy and the community that makes UCCS thrive.
Roger Smith Vice Chancellor
University
Advancement, Communications, and Engagement
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Who We Are
11,100+ students
1,150 faculty members
800+ staff members
64,000+ alumni
26.5% of UCCS students are first-generation
73% of undergraduate students receive some sort of financial aid
28% of UCCS students are military-connected 34% of UCCS students identify as ethnically diverse
6 Colleges 1:16 Faculty-toStudent Ratio
154 Degree Programs
65% of alumni stay in Colorado after graduation
283 journal articles authored by faculty
Students come from all 50 states & 82 nations
727
students participated in a 2024 - 2025 UCCS lead Day of Service
Giving Time, Creating Change
Volunteering provides an outlet for alumni and friends of the university to give back through their time and talents.
Total Volunteers: 1,011
New Volunteers in FY25: 191
143 people volunteered to review scholarship applications and write letters to incoming students
72 recent alumni registered to be volunteers
Stories that Inspire
Every contribution to UCCS—regardless of size—creates meaningful and lasting impact. We are profoundly grateful to all UCCS donors, whose generosity fuels innovation, honors legacies, and empowers emerging leaders. The stories below reflect the diverse and inspiring motivations behind giving, from establishing transformative new initiatives to commemorating loved ones and supporting student success.
UCCS Distinguished Professor Paul Harvey establishes future of Center for the Study of Evangelicalism.
The Center for the Study of Evangelicalism (CSE) at UCCS is a groundbreaking institution dedicated to exploring the multifaceted impact of evangelicalism in the United States. Distinguished professor, Presidential Teaching Scholar, chair of the UCCS History Department, and associate director of the CSE Paul Harvey donated $15,000 to serve as seed funding for the CSE and with a goal of attracting further donations and ensuring long-term sustainability. To help ensure success and get programs and research running, Paul also pledged to match incoming donations to the center up to $10,000.
Bruce and Anne Shepard Reach Your Peak Scholarship celebrates 25 years of impact
Since 2000, the Bruce and Anne Shepard Reach Your Peak Scholarship has supported over 900 students at UCCS. Reach Your Peak offers a $4,000 annual scholarship to full-time undergraduates with Colorado residency, financial need, strong academic potential, stalwart work ethic, and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Scholars must work part-time while maintaining a full class schedule and participating in career-enhancing programs annually. Although Mr. Shepard passed away in 2015 and Mrs. Shepard passed away in 2017, their legacy continues to be uplifted by hundreds of alumni and community donors to support students seeking higher education and brighter futures.
June Chan: A legacy of compassion, vision, and leadership
June Chan’s commitment to UCCS includes not only generous financial contributions, but also a deep dedication to helping students through mentorship. As a member of the Community Advisory Board for the Chancellor’s Leadership Class, June helps guide young leaders, sharing insights from her years as a highly respected nurse and healthcare professional. She also made a planned gift to the university, ensuring that scholarships will continue to support students long after her time. For June, it’s about investing in people and creating opportunities for them to thrive. She calls UCCS a “hidden gem” and sees her contributions as a way to help others find their place and shape our collective future.
Innovation Unleashed
How UCCS is Building What’s Next
In February 2025, UCCS celebrated the launch of C3 Innovation.
C3 stands for curiosity, creativity and community. These are values that C3 Innovation hopes to foster to unite faculty, students, and external partners from various fields – including engineering, business, humanities, health sciences, and cybersecurity. The ultimate goal will be a central hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, merging creativity, advanced technology, and real-world problem-solving.
Located on the third floor of the Kraemer Family Library, C3 was founded by Seth M. Porter, Senior Executive Director of Innovation & Technology and Dean of the Library, and Benjamin Kwitek, Executive Director of Innovation & Technology, Inventor-in-Residence and Creative Consigliere at UCCS.
“My vision is to make UCCS the first true Innovation Grant University, where creativity, community, and curiosity drive today’s breakthroughs and tomorrow’s,” said Porter. “Just as land grant institutions transformed higher education and this country, we aim to
“
“With C3, we are laying the groundwork for a university that leads, adapts, and inspires.”
Seth
M. Porter, Executive Director of Innovation & Technology and Dean of the Kraemer Family Library
build a university that prioritizes crossdisciplinary innovation, impacting our community and transforming our campus by hacking through bureaucracy to unleash the creativity of our people. With C3, we are laying the groundwork for a university that leads, adapts, and inspires.”
Porter and Kwitek have already secured strategic collaborations and dedicated funding to expand the innovation ecosystem. Future plans include the launch of a design lab, offering a dedicated space for creative problem-solving, and design thinking.
“Innovators do not wait for permission – they invent and create the future they want to see,” said Kwitek. “Invention and entrepreneurship have shaped my life. As a professor of innovation, I see firsthand how traditional degrees and established careers are outmoded.
Also within the project is the C3 Innovation Fellows program, which offers funding for faculty to use their knowledge for university and community benefit. The program is sponsored by the El Pomar Foundation enabling fellows to apply their expertise to real-world challenges in the local community.
Faculty, staff, students, and community partners working in C3 Innovation will help propel UCCS forward as a leader in interdisciplinary innovation, offering practical solutions to global challenges and fostering local economic and social growth.
Ultimately, C3 Innovation will connect the ingenuity of those across the UCCS colleges and divisions to amplify their exceptional talent and the impact the university has on the community.
Together We Give, Together We Grow
When dedicated donors share their passions, resources, and talents, the impact across the UCCS campus is extraordinary. Your generosity is transformative, opening doors to a UCCS education, strengthening programs, and empowering students, faculty, and staff to thrive today and for generations to come.
Thanks to you, we’re building a brighter future. Your support fuels innovation, expands access, and fosters a community where everyone can succeed. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in this important work. We simply couldn’t do it without you.
1,103 first-time donors in FY25
58 UCCS 1965 Main Hall Society members*
172 individual Heritage Society members**
235 organizations and institutions gave to UCCS
137 faculty and staff made financial contributions to the university
1,834 alumni invested in the future of UCCS
1,908 parents & friends of the university made a gift
**Heritage Society members are donors who contribute to the university through planned gifts.
The 1965 Main Hall Society and the Heritage Society are giving circles at UCCS.
*The 1965 Main Hall Society was established in 2015 and recognizes donors who have shown extraordinary generosity to UCCS through their lifetime gifts.
Rooted In Generosity, Growing Through Innovation Celebrating 60 Years of UCCS
UCCS is proudly celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. This milestone reflects decades of innovative ideas, student achievement, and a steadfast commitment to values that shape both individuals and our community.
The UCCS campus began in 1965 with the support of Hewlett-Packard (HP). David Packard, co-founder of HP, wanted a local university to support the workforce in Colorado Springs. The University of Colorado then acquired the historic Cragmor Sanitarium for just one dollar, transforming the site into a vibrant center for higher
education and the start of the UCCS campus. Originally operating as a division of CU Boulder, UCCS gained independence in 1974, becoming a distinct campus within the University of Colorado system.
UCCS grew over the years, and in 1996 the first oncampus student housing opened. A branding campaign in 2010-2011 lead to an official name change from University of Colorado at Colorado Springs to University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
From its modest beginnings with just two academic programs—engineering and business—UCCS has grown into a comprehensive university offering more than 154 degree programs across six colleges: Business, Education, Engineering & Applied Science, Letters, Arts & Sciences, Nursing & Health Sciences, and Public Service.
Today, the campus serves over 11,100 students, reflecting its evolution into a leading force in higher education.
Over time, UCCS has added 450 additional acres to campus along Austin Bluffs Parkway and North Nevada Avenue. The campus saw the start of robust growth on North Nevada Avenue in 2015.
Now, as we celebrate 60 years of impact, student achievement continues to be at the heart of UCCS’s mission. The university fosters innovation and
leadership through hands-on learning, research opportunities, and community engagement with distinctive programs. Over 64,000 graduates have gone on to make significant contributions in fields ranging from healthcare and technology to public service, the arts, and more.
At the center of UCCS’s enduring legacy are its core values: Student Focus, Integration, Innovation, Collaboration, Inclusive Care, Dynamic Responsible Growth, and Integrity. These principles guide every aspect of campus life, from academic programs to student support services. UCCS fosters a culture of care and curiosity, encouraging students to think critically, act ethically, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.
The university also honors its deep historical and cultural roots. The campus sits on land rich with
archaeological significance, including sites dating back to 100 A.D., and acknowledges its location on the ancestral lands of Native American communities. This awareness informs UCCS’s commitment to honoring the past while building a bold future.
As UCCS celebrates 60 years of growth and achievement, the university remains focused on the mission to provide transformative education and uphold values that inspire lifelong learning and responsible citizenship. From historic Main Hall, the oldest building on campus, to cutting-edge research centers, UCCS continues to shape minds, elevate communities, and lead the higher education landscape with purpose.
Here’s to 60 years of fostering curiosity, building futures, and strengthening community—one student, one discovery, and one step at a time.
Five Years of Compassion, Science, and Healing
Lyda Hill Institute for
Human Resilience
Since its founding in 2020, the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) has solidified its role as a national leader in traumainformed care and resilience science. Located inside the Margot and John Lane Academic Health Sciences Center, the Institute’s commitment to culturally informed, evidence-based innovation is clearly reflected in the many projects completed since its inception and the work currently underway.
For example, the Research Division published over 185 peer-reviewed articles in the last year alone. The 2024 Resilience Science Summit drew global experts to explore the future of trauma recovery, fostering valuable networking and collaboration opportunities. Other notable endeavors include the Injury Recovery Improvement Study, which explores real-time coping interventions, and the Healthy Families Bright Futures program, a pioneering online initiative supporting LGBTQ+ teens and their parents.
The Institute’s Healing Division continues to transform lives through programs like the Milestones Resilience Care model, which integrates psychotherapy with holistic therapies such as yoga and art. In 2024, nearly 400 individuals received care, including veterans supported through the Veterans Trauma Court partnership. This
initiative not only customizes trauma-informed treatment for justice-involved veterans but also provides hands-on training for Ph.D. students. The Institute also invested over $90,000 in student funding, reinforcing its dedication to training the next generation of trauma-informed clinicians.
Community empowerment remains central to LHIHR’s mission, as well. Over 5,000 people across 40 countries have completed GRIT training, now available in Spanish and through a mobile app. GRIT is a free online selfguided resilience training that can be utilized within social networks after a community has experienced a trauma. The Institute also launched WorkforceThrive to address workplace burnout and responded swiftly to crises like the UCCS campus shooting with its Peer Support Program. In 2024, the first annual GRIT Conference brought together nearly 400 participants to share best practices, strengthen partnerships, and explore innovative approaches to resilience-building.
Looking ahead, the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience has secured diverse funding and outlined ten strategic goals, including expanding clinical operations and training 25,000 GRIT Coaches—underscoring a bold vision to advance resilience on a global scale.
Amelia Anderson
Sights
set
on medical school and a heart set on helping others
A biology major on the pre-med track, UCCS junior Amelia Anderson’s academic drive is almost as impressive as her unmistakable confidence and vibrant enthusiasm.
Amelia was homeschooled and began her academic ascent through concurrent enrollment at Pikes Peak State College. By the time she entered UCCS, she had already earned 24 college credits—just shy of transfer status, a detail that ultimately worked in her favor.
“I cushioned myself, so I only have to take 13 to 14 credit hours a semester and then a few summer classes, rather than the standard 15 to 16 hours,” she said. “It’s just enough to keep me busy and keep my brain engaged.”
Amelia also works two jobs on the UCCS Campus. She’s an orientation leader for the university and she started working as a peer advocate for the Reisher Scholarship program. Once a self-described introvert, she credits her role as an orientation leader with helping her find her voice and confidence.
“I love people,” she said. “I love talking to people, helping people, engaging with people.”
As an orientation leader, Amelia meets with students oneon-one and helps them enroll in classes for the first time. Her role as a peer advocate includes being a touchpoint for scholars about things like FAFSA, scholarship applications, and the day-to-day stresses of college life.
“I’m excited for students to reach out for help and to be able to point them in the right direction when they need more help than I can give,” she said. “We’re here to help them navigate the unknown, especially when it’s a really scary unknown.”
Both roles have allowed her to support incoming students— just as others have helped her.
“I was a very nerdy kid in high school,” she said. “Working with people has really helped to bring me out of being an introvert. I struggled to talk to people. I felt like I was so awkward. But now I feel like a new person. It really just gave me a sense of belonging.”
“I feel like a new person. It really just gave me a sense of belonging.” “
Amelia’s success has been bolstered by a suite of scholarships, including the Reisher Scholars Program, the Bruce and Anne Shepard Reach Your Peak scholarship, the Bridge Forward scholarship, and an Honors Student Scholarship. She’s also a recipient of the Chancellor’s Award.
Amelia said the funds have not only eased the financial burden of college but also opened doors to mentorship, community, and leadership opportunities.
“When I got the Reisher call, that was one of the best days I’ve had in the past five years,” she said. “I don’t have to worry about paying tuition. I can just enjoy school.”
Amelia shared that her journey as a pre-med student was sparked early, as far back as fourth grade. She recalls a dissection project that left her fascinated rather than squeamish. That moment, along with her own experiences with doctors, inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare.
In addition to school and work, Amelia has spent more than 100 hours volunteering at the Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs, deepening her commitment and giving her hands-on experience along with a clearer vision of her future.
Isabel Melton
A scholar’s path to recognizing caregivers
Isabel Melton knows what it means to put others first, prioritizing family and culture while also working toward her educational dreams. At just twenty years old, the UCCS junior has spent much of her life both as an exceptional student and as a dedicated caretaker for elderly relatives.
“I’m a second-generation American.” Isabel explained. “In Mexican culture, we believe in loving, protecting, and caring for your elders. ”
Isabel’s grandfather was diagnosed with stage-four cancer just as she began applying for college. That meant his need for care, from Isabel and the rest of her family, would increase.
“We all were wondering, ‘How are we going to do this? How am I going to do school and work and be a caretaker at the same time?’ ” she said.
“The Kane Scholarship really changed my life. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them.”
Isabel already knew she loved UCCS, having visited the campus at an early age. After submitting a general scholarship application, she learned she was eligible for the Kane Scholarship and decided to apply. The award covers the full cost of tuition, fees, and books for up to four years, an estimated value of approximately $60,000.
She got the scholarship. And her future felt a bit more open.
“The Kane Scholarship really changed my life,” Isabel said. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them.”
Sadly, her grandfather passed away just before she began classes at UCCS. Isabel continues to care for her grandmother. As an only child and only grandchild, Isabel said her Mexican culture defines a large part of her life. Those experiences are also helping to shape her future.
“I would love to get a Ph.D. in clinical health psychology and work with families who have chronic illnesses and their caregivers who might be experiencing burnout or stress related to being a caregiver long-term,” she said.
The funds Isabel received from the Kane Scholarship also enabled her to seek out research positions, rather than having a job while attending college. This past summer she took part in the Psychiatry Undergraduate Research Program and Learning Experience (PURPLE) program at University of Colorado Anschutz, during which she received an award for Best Scientific Poster.
“Our research was on cystic fibrosis. Specifically, the impacts on caregivers of children who have cystic fibrosis and picky eating habits,” she explained, adding that while cystic fibrosis isn’t always linked to picky eating, a lack of high-calorie and high-fat foods can be detrimental to the child’s health. “We looked into the levels of caregiver stress and caregiver burnout along with other influencing factors. ”
Because of her exceptional work and dedication to the program, Isabel was invited to remain on the Cystic Fibrosis Research Team for the rest of the study.
In addition to her accolades through the Kane Scholarship and the PURPLE research program, Isabel is a UCCS Honors Scholar and earned the Chancellor’s Scholarship. She’s also the co-president of Psi Chi, the university’s psychology honors society.
Theatreworks Celebrates 50 Years A Legacy of Artistic Excellence and Community Support
In 2025, Theatreworks is celebrating a rare and remarkable milestone: 50 consecutive seasons of professional theatre. This achievement places it ahead of some of the most iconic institutions in the theatre world, including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Public Theater, and the original lifespan of London’s Globe Theatre.
Theatreworks began in 1975 in the basement of Penrose Hospital, founded by artistic director Murray Ross and costume designer Betty Ross. Over the decades, it has produced more than 290 shows and employed nearly 4,800 creative professionals.
This year, the theatre reimagined its leadership structure. General Director Matt Giles will oversee strategic operations, business development, and community partnerships. Artistic Director Max Shulman will lead the company’s creative vision, supporting those who bring each production to life.
Donors and UCCS: Pillars of Support
Theatreworks’ longevity is deeply tied to its partnership with UCCS and the generosity of donors. The opening of the Ent Center for the Arts in 2018—a state-of-theart venue on the UCCS campus—was a transformative moment, made possible by years of investment and trust.
“I have felt such a welcome from our longstanding donors, many of whom have seen Theatreworks through decades
“I see theatre as a catalyst for empathy, imagination, and civic vitality.”
Matt Giles, General Director “
and many changes,” said Max Shulman, Artistic Director.
“It is only with the generosity of our donors that we have been able to make it this far and to continue to bring wonderful storytelling to our city.”
A Golden Jubilee Season
The 50th anniversary season is both a celebration of the past and a bold step into the future. It featured the return of beloved classics that have shaped the company’s legacy—like Cabaret and The Importance of Being Earnest—alongside fresh, groundbreaking works making their Colorado Springs debut, such as Where We Stand and The Garbologists.
“Guided by the belief that culture is a birthright, I see theatre as a catalyst for empathy, imagination, and civic vitality,” said Matt Giles, general director. “I’m thrilled to help steward this company into its next half-century, ensuring it continues to thrive as both an artistic home and a civic treasure.”
A New Day of Giving Ignites Community Spirit
Carry the Light
On April 10, 2025, UCCS held the inaugural Carry the Light Giving Day, a 24-hour celebration of generosity and community impact. The campaign supported 24 campus funds, ranging from scholarships to student support programs, and brought together students, alumni, faculty, and friends in a powerful show of unity.
The theme, “Carry the Light,” reflected the influence each member of the UCCS community carries into the world. Events included a volunteer opportunity at Care and Share Food Bank and a lively celebration at Almagre, where donors and alumni shared heartfelt stories of giving and growth.
“Carry the Light marks a new chapter in our campus’s tradition of giving back,” said Sara Daum, Director of Philanthropic Engagement Strategy. “This event shines as a beacon of collective impact – empowering UCCS students to reach their full potential and become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, both in the Pikes Peak region and beyond.”
Emmanuella Appiah, a current student, shared her personal appreciation for donors.
“Without donor support for scholarships, I wouldn’t be able to grow as a leader through Student Government and the African Student Union. Your gifts truly change lives.”
Donors echoed the sentiment.
“[Scholarships] made me into the person I am today,” said alumna Mara Green. “I want to support someone’s ability to have that same transformative experience.”
Alumna Jennifer Basco added, “I’m more than happy to contribute to the growth of another scholar, because I know it could change their life.”
Thanks to the generosity of the Mountain Lion community, the campaign raised over $100,000, creating a solid foundation for future giving traditions. The success of Carry the Light is a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring spirit of UCCS.
A Win for Students and a Knockout Blow to Hunger
2024 CU Food Fight
The first-ever CU Food Fight between UCCS and CU Denver was a resounding success, raising $34,684 to combat food insecurity on both campuses. With 370 donors rallying behind the cause, the friendly competition not only brought in vital funds but also spotlighted the growing need for student support. UCCS’s Clyde’s Cupboard and CU Denver’s Milo’s Market serve as lifelines for students, offering not just food but hygiene items, baby care essentials, and access to broader wellness resources.
Nearly half of college students face food insecurity. Campus pantries provide more than food. They offer dignity, support, and connection.
Campaign Highlights:
• CU Denver (Milo’s Market): $17,594 from 195 donors
• UCCS (Clyde’s Cupboard): $17,090 from 175 donors
Donor Breakdown:
This campaign didn’t just fill shelves. It filled hearts. Reducing the stigma around asking for help reminds students they’re part of a caring community. Thanks to generous donors, both campuses are better equipped to nourish students and empower them to thrive academically and personally.
