FOUNDATION EVENTS

“NO JOURNEY IS TOO LONG WITH THE RIGHT COMPANY.”

FOUNDATION EVENTS

It is a very special time when friends can gather, celebrate, and support our students. On Saturday, September 18, Event Chairs, Joanie and Rich Todd, plus Sheriff Burggraf, kicked off the 3rd Annual Farm-to-Table Dinner and Silent Auction. It was a beautiful evening under the stars listening to live music and kickin’ up our boots. Because of you, funds were raised to help students achieve their academic dreams at our beloved Western Colorado University. Please save the date for next years’ hootin’ and hollerin’ good time as we round up the wagons and head over to Hudson Gardens Event Center in Littleton on Saturday, September 17, 2022.

For more information, please contact Major Gift Officer Catherine Lopez at clopez@western.edu or (303)995-4457.

Nancy Chisholm, Scott Clements, Katie Desch, Tom Burggraf Event chairs: Rich and Joanie Todd

Kathy Carpenter Dea and Peter A. Dea

“I am truly humbled and honored to be surrounded by so many exemplary people… united by the magical Western Spirit.” —Peter A. Dea

Mountaineer Gala

After two years without formal gatherings, alumni and friends convened on June 5, 2021 to honor Peter A. Dea (’76) for his legacy of success and leadership, as well as his alma mater, Western Colorado University. Peter has always embodied the highest levels of excellence that have earned our respect; maintained joy, warmth, and compassion that have gained our affection; and his generosity inspires our hearts. Western is proud and grateful to have him as an example to future generations of students. In front of a large audience, Dr. Duane Vandenbusche awarded Peter the 2nd Annual Award of Excellence at Glenmoor Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado. It was a beautiful evening of celebration. Prior to the evening, Ron (’81) and Karen Leach, plus an anonymous donor, instituted a $40,000 match to be raised at the event. Joanie Todd (’85) facilitated a ‘paddle raise’ garnering a record $141,000 for student scholarships. To kick off the match without flinching, Jeff (’75) and Karen Holway raised their paddle for the $20,000. Others followed suit. The event as a whole, raised an unprecedented $181,000. When Western people come together, great things happen! A special thank you to event chairs, Joanie (’85) and Rich (’83) Todd, whose vision, dedication, and tireless efforts made the night possible. Please save the date for the 3rd Annual Mountaineer Gala on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

Valerie Hastings, Corbin Hastings

Tom Burggraf, Peter A. Dea, Duane Vandenbusche, Joanie Todd Peter A. Dea

Paul Rady, Bruce Bartleson