CEAS Highlight

WHy I Give

Lawrence “Larry” Carrell Class of 1965 (B.S.) and 1968 (M.S.) explains why he supports the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) and offers advice to fellow donors.

Q: What was your first gift to philanthropy and why?

I think it was probably to schools established to house and educate Native American children in Montana. I have donated to their cause for many years because I believe that education is the best thing you can provide for the young people to enable them to rise above the despair and poverty that they have experienced.

Q: Describe what interests you the most about UW CEAS.

Their comprehensive approach to education. My sense is that, in the classroom, they are attempting to educate at the highest possible level to prepare students to compete for job positions in current market conditions while simultaneously adapting to technological changes that dictate needs to supplement curriculums with current state-of -theart advances. Additionally, they are focusing on welldefined research projects that have potential to make significant changes beneficial to both industry and society as a whole.

Q: What does UW CEAS’s mission mean to you?

The stated missions of both the university and the college clearly set attainable goals achievable through dedication of the collective efforts of motivated staff, students, alumni and other entities. The joint collaborative effort is necessary to achieve the desired highest level of success for both the university and the college.

Q: What are you most passionate about and why?

I want to be part of the effort to assist CEAS with delivering educational opportunities for their students that ranks as one of the best institutions in the country. I believe this is important because it gives the students better opportunities to succeed in their careers.

Q: Why do you think endowed deanships are a worthy cause for your philanthropy in particular? What do you wish everyone knew about this cause?

I believe that the endowed deanships truly enable the university to offer more attractive positions for prospective dean candidates, thereby making the University more competitive in its recruiting searches. I would like everyone to understand that the endowed deanships provide annual funding from the endowment investment earnings for discretionary spending by the deans without the typical budget constraints. This gives the deans the ability to implement projects and/ or programs that they personally feel will be beneficial to their college.

Q: Do you have any advice to other donors considering making a gift to UW CEAS?

If you have achieved success in your career largely attributable to the education you received at UW such that you are comfortable both financially and personally, you should consider “giving back” to the institution that helped you succeed.

Q: If you were talking to someone else about giving, what would you tell them?

If you have achieved success in your career and you attribute that success, at least in part, to the education you received at UW, you should consider giving to the university if you are comfortable both financially and personally in doing so.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish through your philanthropy?

I hope to make a contribution to the success and sustainability of CEAS and thereby, to UW.

Q: If you had a family slogan, what would it be?

Define yourself by what you do; not by what you say you are going to do.

Lawrence “Larry” Carrell in his classic car display building with automobilia displayed on the walls. The shirts were purchased off the backs of Carroll Shelby and some of his team members at a benefit auction at the Shelby museum in Boulder, Colo.

COURTESY PHOTO

Q: How would you describe your personal mission?

I have never really had a stated personal mission. I would describe myself as having been more of a goal setter who has never been satisfied without having new goals to achieve.

Q: Why do you enjoy giving to UW CEAS?

Giving to them keeps me more closely involved and better informed about their progress and adaptation to technological changes to prepare their students to meet the needs of our everchanging society.

Q: How do you feel when you make a gift?

I find gifting to be rewarding because I am typically aware of the opportunities that my “giving” provides and in some cases even able to see direct physical results.

Q: What would you like to pass on to future generations?

You are in control of your destiny. Your future success will be a function of wise decision making and commitment to achieving your goals.

UW alumnus Lawrence “Larry” Carrell, second from left, poses with student handlers of Cowboy Joe—from left, Kendra Halder, Julia Halmay and Payton Hallsted—on a recent football game day. A $5 million gift from Carrell has created the Carrell Family Deanship in the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Q: How did you first decide to give to UW CEAS?

I started donating to the college several years ago to “give back” after I had established comfort levels both financially and personally to support significant donations.

Q: What actions do you think would best cause the change you envision?

I don’t really envision making changes through my giving. I view it as being more of a supporting function to assist with making things happen that I believe are worthy causes and/or projects.

Q: What are your dreams for UW CEAS community?

That they are able to continue to expand their capabilities to attract and retain excellent educators and administrators so they can deliver educational experiences for the students at a level competitive with the best universities in the country.

UWYO.EDU/FOUNDATION

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Since semi-retiring, I have expanded my involvement in my longtime interests in classic and custom cars. Due to personal reasons, I sold 32 cars at auction in early 2021, but I am continuing to build custom cars to continue the hobby. In addition, I have been involved the past few years in building an electric powered dragster which currently holds the record for being the fastest electric powered vehicle in the world in the quarter mile. Being involved in these projects along with participating in various local community projects keeps me physically and mentally active, which I believe is very important.

Q: How do you hope your support will impact UW CEAS?

My hope is that my support will help to recruit and retain the most qualified educators and administrators such that the students will have access to educational opportunities that rank up with the best educational institutions in the country.