2022-2023 Western Colorado University Foundation Annual Report of Appreciation by WesternColoradoUniversityAlumni

2022-2023

ANNUAL REPORT OF APPRECIATION

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

ABLE OF CONTENTS

FOUNDATION INSIGHTS TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 6 7 8 10 12 13 14

Foundation President Foundation Executive Director University President Letter from the Presidents Foundation Board Officers Foundation FoundationBoard Board Officers Members& Members 2021-2022 Foundation’s Summary Former Foundation BoardSupport Members $100 Million Received 2022-2023 Foundation’s Support Summary Former Foundation Board Members

FOUNDATION INSIGHTS 5 7 8 9 10 11 12

Embracing Change Advancement Team Elevate Western: The Campaign for Western Colorado University

DONOR HIGHLIGHTS

16 Celebration of Giving Banquet 19 Heritage Society 20 Mountaineer STEM Scholarship 19 21 Feeding Young Miller and AdairMinds Reunion Gift Elevates StudentsWith Careers 20 22 Connecting Students

GIVING IMPACTS 23 24 25 26 27 24 25 26

The Sound of Music Keeping Western Competitive Mountaineer Bowl Naming Opportunities A Foundation Farewell Where Will You Be Remembered? Heritage Society

PLANNING & GIFTING Your Life: Your Story Mountaineer Bowl Events Complex

DONOR HIGHLIGHTS 29 30 32 33 31 33 32 34 33 35 36 36 37

Impact to Last a Lifetime Celebration of Giving Mountaineer Gala CHFA BuildingClub theAims Future Engineering for Scholarship Competition Western Music Family 2SLGBTQIA+ Scholarship Wellness at Western Bringing Outdoor Athletes to New Heights Athletes Soar in the Competition and Classroom Shattering the Glass Ceiling Student Affairs Curriculum Geiman Scholars Program

CAMPUS NEWS

SCHOLARSHIPS & MEMORIALS SCHOLARSHIP & MEMORIAL 39 Memorial and Honor Funds 38 and Honor Funds 44 InMemorial Memoriam In Memoriam 43 48 50 Honor HonorRoll Rollof of Donors Donors

/WesternColoradoUniversity /WesternColoradoFoundation @westerncoloradouniversity @westerncoloradouniversity westernfoundation.mylegacygift.org westernfoundation.mylegacygift.org elevatewestern.org westernup.org

linkedin.com/company/western-foundation linkedin.com/company/western-foundation

CREDITS Cover photo: Kate Wasson Design & Creative: Jennifer Swift Western ’14: B.A. in Art Creative Director Swifthaus Design Gunnison, CO Photos Courtesy Western Colorado University

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

FOUNDATION INSIGHTS

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTS Dear Friends of Western Colorado University, It is with great excitement and gratitude that we introduce the annual Report of Appreciation for the 2022-2023 academic year. This report serves as an opportunity to express our profound appreciation for the incredible impact your generous donations have made on our university and the lives of our students. Your unwavering support continues to be the cornerstone of our mission to provide exceptional educational experiences and foster a vibrant learning community. This past year was nothing short of transformative, and your contributions played a pivotal role in enabling us to reach new heights. From scholarship opportunities for deserving students to investments in cutting-edge academic programs, your donations have empowered us to enrich the educational journey of every Mountaineer. Over the past year, the University and the Western Colorado University Foundation forged a new partnership that enhances alignment of our missions and goals. Moving forward, Foundation operations, alumni relations and career services will be led by Mike LaPlante, the Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation. This reimagined Office of Advancement enhances our ability to support students, faculty, and staff, while also strengthening our ability to secure resources that will allow us to continue to excel and innovate. While this collaboration embodies our shared vision for the future of Western Colorado University, it is

important to note the Western Colorado University Foundation continues to serve as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization overseen by a Board of Directors. We are confident that this partnership will amplify the impact of your contributions and make them even more meaningful to our community. Speaking of our future, we are excited to have launched the public phase of our Elevate Western Campaign, the most ambitious fundraising effort undertaken at Western. This seven-year comprehensive campaign, launched in July 2019, to raise $80M focuses on expanding access and affordability for students, strengthening our ability to meet our state’s workforce needs, enhancing handson experiences for both students and faculty and improving our spaces to meet the evolving needs of our students, faculty, and staff. As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future, we are filled with optimism and gratitude. Together, we will continue to advance the excellence and accessibility of education, empower our students to achieve their dreams, and further our commitment to making a positive impact on the Western Colorado community and beyond. Once again, thank you for your continued support, dedication, and generosity. You are not just donors; you are partners in our mission to inspire and transform the lives of our students. We look forward to celebrating our achievements with you.

With sincere appreciation,

Brad Baca Valerie Hastings President Board President Western Colorado University Western Colorado University Foundation

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

“

Ask The Board In your own words, what is Western’s look, feel, and impact, after the completion of a successful Elevate Western Campaign?

The goal of Western is to provide opportunity to people to better their lives with new knowledge and skills, and to grow as individuals who will lead our communities, schools, businesses, and country. The completion of the Elevate Western Campaign will allow Western to make the valuable opportunities it offers available to more people. This will result in a much more vibrant and diverse campus community, and a more interesting, challenging, and rewarding learning environment for all students. If we, as a society, want to have a better future, then we have to invest in it. The Elevate Western Campaign is an investment in a better future for the students, for Western, and for society as a whole.” Bill Paddock “The Elevate Western Campaign is very transformative for Western. It makes me very proud of my Western Colorado University, it’s not the same old Western State, but different in a way that is good. President Baca and Campaign Chair Chisholm are guiding us all toward greatness from the new attitude of everyone to the new Rady School of Computer Science and Engineering and the Rady Sports Complex. You can see it in initiatives, new scholarships like the Gunnison Valley Promise, new engineering degrees, and a proposal for new ways to look at energy. It’s everywhere.” Art Chaput “It is such an exciting time to be part of Western! There is so much energy as we continue to raise money for the school! Seeing new buildings go up and looking at the plans for the future fuels the enthusiasm for both the campaign and the University! Joanie Todd

“I see a premier university, impacting the lives of students through an amazing education.”

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

“I believe a successful capital campaign at Western will generate more energy and excitement among students, future students, professors, administration and alums by building confidence that the support is there to continue to make Western even stronger.” Ryan Liles “I see a Western with the resources it needs to show perspective students, families and donors what we, as members of the Western Family knows, this is a truly unique place with opportunities unlike any other in Colorado, or elsewhere. I see a premier university, impacting the lives of students through an amazing education.” Don Farlow “The Elevate Western Campaign will enable Western to further differentiate itself as an institution that is [nationally] recognized for high quality academics in an unparalleled setting for high quality professor and student interaction in an outdoor recreation environment. Recent enhancements to the athletic fields and facilities and the front facing engineering building will make Western stand out from other smaller universities and colleges in the western United Sates.” Jeff Holway “The campaign, and its success, will bring a level of status and envy to the University which will be admired by the entire Colorado higher education system. Western students and alums will stand proud of this accomplishment as investment into the school will be on full display in terms of state-of-the-art facilities, up to date degree programs, and investment in students who will become future alumni. A level of excitement and interest in being part of the campaign will add to its success as alums and students see a true vision for the future of the University unfolding before their eyes. Completion of this campaign will help cement a lasting vision for the University of one of forward thinking, opportunity, and inclusion of all who attend or have attended Western.” Brian Johnson

Foundation Board Officers & Members

Valerie Hastings (‘83) Board President

Ruth Welch (‘86)

Board Vice President

Paula Hendrickson (‘84)

Carol Rieger (‘99)

Board Treasurer

Board Secretary

Art Chaput (‘66)

Brian Cooper (‘09)

Chip Creager (‘85)

Don Farlow (’87)

Denise Larson Halligan (’78)

Tracy Hoart (’96)

Jeff Holway (’75)

Brian Johnson (’80)

Ryan Liles

Kathy Lockhart (’86)

William A. Paddock

Joanie Todd (’85)

Hank Windmoeller (’73) ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

Former Foundation Board Members Jacob P. Accola* Shannon Armstrong Bob Baker Mary Elaine Barbour Barry “BJ” Beal, Jr. Travis Berry Peter Birkholz Bill Boris Terry Brace L. Richard Bratton Harlan Bryant* Elizabeth Callaway* Clay Campbell Louie Carleo Jay Carlile Claudia M. Carpenter Chance Chase Jim Christian Barry Clifford Chuck Cliggett Rob Costello Thom Cox Karl F. Crass, Jr. Peter Dea 8

Robert Decker* Dan Dennison Herb Dorricott* Malcolm Drake* Ann Duckett Jerry Dusa* Ruth Eastman Whitman Eastman* Donna Faulkner Paul Franco Steve Frazee* Gary Garland Carol Gossard Craig Haase Art Harter Roy Hood Nancy Houston Garland Ingraham Don Jackson Steve Jaquith Roy Johnson* Stuart Kaplan Dave Kirvin Anne Law

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

Mason M. Light* Mike Luchetta Kathy Lutito Jim MacAllister Doug MacGregor Leon Mark* Sandy Mark* Sean Markey Mike Matthews Bob McCollum David McEntire Bob McGraw* Les Mergelman Claudia Metroz Ken Moffitt Howard Morrison James Musgrave* Owen P. O’Fallon Ty Petway Gary Peyton* Maxine Pierce Jack Porter Don Prosser Paul Rady

Tom Rais Sandy Read* Donley Rees Steve Reynolds Ethel M. Rice James Richards* John Roberts* Curtis Robinson C. Gale Sellens James Shaffer Gerald Shear Bud Smock* Jean Smock Ginger Soderlund Lee Spann Clinton Spencer* Mark Stewart Linda Helken-Squirrell Richard (Dick)Stephenson

Wesley E. Strain James Sullivan Bill Sweitzer* Tom Swineford Lawrence J. Tacker

Dan Thornton* Kip Tindell Steve Trippe Matt Tredway Bryan Tutor Jerry Uhrlaub* Edwin Vitt Jyl Voss Malte vonMatthiessen Dan Wenzinger Pat Wiesner Pat White* Sven Wiik* Robert R. Williams* Robert Wright Ron Leach Alan Bassett Dallas Everhart Richard Bradsby Lorie Moreno-Roch *Deceased

2022-2023

FOUNDATION SUPPORT SUMMARY The Foundation supports philanthropic stewardship in partnership with Western Colorado University by empowering student excellence for lifelong success.

Contributions $7,203,157

includes donations, fundraising revenue, and in-kind Academic and Instructional Support

Scholarships to In-Kind Support Colorado Other Foundation’s Support Western University Other $708,378

Academic and Instructional Support $1,914,591

In-Kind Support $891,449

Total

$4,770,979

Scholarships $1,256,561

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

EMBRACING CHANGE This past year marked a transformative period for the Western Colorado University Foundation. After an outstanding 26 years of service, Executive Director Tom Burggraf transitioned from his role. Tom’s career is distinguished by many remarkable accomplishments (page 26) that have significantly elevated the standard for philanthropy at Western Colorado University and within the community. The campus and community express heartfelt gratitude for Tom’s unwavering dedication and loyalty to Western Colorado University. A new organizational structure was formed between the University and the WCU Foundation, bringing the Foundation, Alumni Relations, and Career Services teams together under the Office of Advancement. Integrating these teams will strengthen collaboration, enhance coordination of alumni and donor engagement, and optimize our operational effectiveness. The Office of Advancement is being led by Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the WCU Foundation, Mike LaPlante. Mike has served as a senior leadership team member at WCU since April 2019 and has directed the Elevate Western Campaign, a comprehensive effort to raise $80M over a seven-year timeframe, since its inception. In his time at Western, Mike has launched key local partnerships, developed operational protocols, and led a migration to an upgraded fundraising platform, while expanding the alumni and donor base along the Front Range of Colorado. The Western Colorado University Foundation remains an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization and continues as the philanthropic arm of the University overseen by its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, in collaboration with Advancement staff, carries the responsibility to inspire and manage investment, manage and direct gift funds, ensure donor intent and provide stewardship to the many generous donors.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

MEET THE ADVANCEMENT TEAM Mike LaPlante Vice President of Advancement, Executive Director, WCU Foundation mlaplante@western.edu

DEVELOPMENT WELCOME TO THE TEAM ELLA! Ella Fahrlander Assistant Vice President of Development efahrlander@western.edu Ella is thrilled to return to the Gunnison Valley. She will lead the development team and oversee initiatives, including annual, major, and planned giving efforts. Previously, Ella held the position of Managing Director of Development for the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. With over two decades of experience in philanthropic development and nonprofit leadership, Ella is deeply passionate about promoting education to empower individuals and communities. Beyond her professional life, Ella enjoys outdoor activities, literature, music, and quality time with her family.

Bre Navidi

Executive Assistant Marketing, Enrollment and Advancement bnavidi@western.edu

ALUMNI RELATIONS Megan West Director of Alumni Relations mwest@western.edu

Maliah Abeyta Assistant Director of Alumni Relations mabeyta@western.edu

CAREER SERVICES Sara Hathaway Director of Career Services shathaway@western.edu

Joy Kean Director of Advancement Services jkean@western.edu

Mackenzie Bode Director of Donor Relations and Outreach mbode@western.edu

Pam Johnston Director of Finance, WCU Foundation pjohnston@western.edu

Celebrating the accomplishments of Western graduates. Don’t miss the latest edition of The Westerner Alumni Magazine to stay up to date with how Western is evolving and what’s changing on campus.

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

THE

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY DIFFERENCE

SMALL CLASS SIZES Our small class sizes create personal and impactful learning environments.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING We look to our state-of-the-art facilities, industry connections, and the 2 million acres of public land in our backyard to turn classroom knowledge into hands-on understanding.

AFFORDABLE EDUCATION We aim to make education accessible to everyone, focusing on narrowing the gap between the cost of attendance and the student’s ability to pay.

CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY On and off campus, our friendly and welcoming community guides our students to find belonging, involvement, and ways to explore their passions.

THE MOUNTAINEER SPIRIT Our students, faculty, staff, and alums exhibit bold and adventurous mindsets that encourage them to leap out of their comfort zones and take on any challenge.

OUR LOCATION The Gunnison Valley inspires our education. We live in the ideal scientific and cultural laboratory.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

ELEVATE WESTERN

THE CAMPAIGN FOR WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY ELEVATE WESTERN will enable our university to develop leading degree programs, provide students with life-changing scholarship and learning opportunities, support recruitment and retention efforts, pursue leading-edge research initiatives, and enhance campus infrastructure. The most ambitious fundraising initiative in our history, ELEVATE WESTERN will strategically and significantly advance our institutional mission, amplify our delivery of high-value, customized education, and create significant lasting impact. This impact will reverberate throughout the Western Slope and beyond.

CAMPAIGN PILLARS Engineer Colorado’s Future

Promote Student Access

Foster Academic Excellence

Build Our Competitive Edge

$64M+

TOTAL CAMPAIGN GOAL

RAISED TO DATE

$80,000,000 ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

ENGINEER COLORADO’S FUTURE In 2019, The Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering was launched through a partnership between Western Colorado University and the University of Colorado Boulder. This program is perfectly positioned to meet the workforce needs of Colorado. To supply the growing demand for highly skilled employees in STEM, ELEVATE WESTERN aims to secure philanthropic funds to expand its catalog of academic offerings and enhance scholarship support for our state’s future computer scientists and engineers.

POSITIONING DIVERSE LEADERS FOR SUCCESS

The Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering Scholarship Initiative provides tuition to bolster enrollment and retention in the program, emphasizing leaders, especially women and those coming from diverse backgrounds.

LEARN BY DOING

The program has a proven track record of supporting the local community by incorporating project-based learning in all core engineering and computer science courses. Due to small classroom sizes and engaging industryfocused faculty, Rady students outperform their peers in creative problem-solving and engineering design work. Supporting project-based learning in the classroom ensures we continue this crucial differentiation.

SUCCESS LEADS TO EXPANSION

The Western - CU Boulder Partnership Program has provided students the opportunity to prepare for successful careers in high-demand fields. We will continue to explore additional engineering partnerships that support Colorados burgeoning high-tech economy.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

PROMOTE STUDENT ACCESS & SUCCESS So much of Westerns success results from our students who follow their academic dreams and call our campus home. Western is committed to offering learners highly individualized instruction to ensure all students can pursue their educational aspirations regardless of their ability to pay. Private philanthropic support of scholarships is a critical bridge in a funding gap that only seems to widen year after year. To that end, Western seeks to raise scholarship support to provide access to all students, increase enrollment and retention, and recruit high-quality learners. Western will create and expand academic and athletic scholarships across campus and enhance the university experience.

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES • Need-and-Merit-Based • Gunnison Valley Promise • First-Generation Student • Western-Graduate Student • NCAA Intercollegiate Athletic • Mountain Sports

Gunnison Valley Promise The Gunnison Valley Promise commits to every student in The Gunnison Valley that if they stay in school and keep their grades up, they will have the opportunity to get an education at Western Colorado University tuition free, regardless of their family’s ability to pay.

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

FOSTER ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Interactive education and hands-on experiences are effective instructional methods that equip students with critical thinking skills, benefiting both students and faculty. Increased faculty support can result in more research opportunities, making Western a more appealing workplace. Enhanced funding will enable Western to attract and retain outstanding academic thought leaders, enhancing the University’s reputation.

PUTTING STUDENTS AT AN ADVANTAGE

National data confirms student research and creative work with faculty improves retention, academic success, graduate school placement, and career opportunities overall. The creation of an endowed Western Advantage Fund ensures that students have access to the resources necessary to pursue leading-edge exploratory initiatives.

AMPLIFYING FACULTY INFLUENCE AND IMPACT

Throughout Western’s history, faculty across many academic disciplines have delivered highly personalized instruction and mentorship to generations of students. Philanthropic support of Endowed Chairs and Professorships will increase our level of market competitiveness, advancing and rewarding outstanding academic leaders, and ensuring faculty have the support necessary to continue creating transformational learning experiences.

ADDRESSING REGIONAL WORKFORCE NEEDS

Incorporating innovative and interdisciplinary curriculum and enhancing our students’ career guidance and professional pathways will strengthen Western’s ability to meet Colorado’s growing workforce needs.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

BUILD OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE Situated on Colorado’s Western Slope, our campus boasts a dramatic mountain environment that inspires not only learning but also personal growth among our students. Our backyard is as beautiful as it is functional, and in our commitment to stewarding this space, we actively seek resources for facility construction and renovations.

REVITALIZING A WESTERN LANDMARK

The Paul Wright Gym is a vital part of Western Colorado University’s campus but is in need of renovation. The Paul Wright Gym Fund will make way for new support services such as a nutrition center, renovating the main entryway and Hall of Fame Room, and more. These upgrades will help Western accommodate athletes from an array of current athletic programs and the creation of new programs.

CREATING A SPACE FOR COMMUNITY

Thanks to another generous lead commitment from the Rady family, the Mountaineer Bowl Events Complex is undergoing major renovations that will transform the athletic experience and amplify the school spirit at Western, while creating a central space that will serve the entire community.

The Mountaineer Bowl Events Complex Fund will continue raising money through naming opportunities to complete this momentous renovation.

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

GIVING IMPACTS

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

FEEDING YOUNG MINDS

The Mountaineer Marketplace As grocery prices continue to rise, so does food insecurity among Mountaineers. However, Western Colorado University has joined with the Gunnison Country Food Pantry (GCFP) to create The Mountaineer Marketplace. Since its opening in February 2023, it has already impacted the lives of 640 students. A study completed by the National College Health Association in the Fall of 2022 focused on student wellbeing at WCU. With a 13 percent response rate, 55 percent of respondents indicated that they experienced low to very low food security. Additionally, national research indicates college students are often overlooked as a population experiencing food insecurity due to the socially accepted narrative that college students are expected to struggle financially, while at the same time, most people believe college students are supported by their parents. It is estimated that over 60 percent of students experience food insecurity and question where their next meal will come from, and 40 percent of students on campus do not have access to a kitchen. As part of the Mountaineer Marketplace’s mission to provide resources to students so they have the means to survive and thrive, the Marketplace launched a new campaign, Feed the Need. Feed the Need aims to put college-friendly cookware into the hands of students who do not have kitchen access. Items include microwaveable bowls and cups, can openers, can covers, and multipurpose utensils that cook rice, noodles, and eggs perfectly in the microwave. These items will allow students to use and store the food they receive from the Mountaineer Marketplace. Did you know that a $25 donation helps supplement one week’s worth of food for a student? Or that $100 helps supplement one week’s worth of food for a nontraditional student and their family? Better yet, $500 helps the Mountaineer Marketplace purchase fresh produce and dairy products for a week to provide to Western students facing food insecurity.

To learn more about Mountaineer Marketplace or contribute to Western’s efforts to Feed the Need, visit us online:

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH CAREERS The Impact of Great Career Guidance on College Advancement by Sara Hathaway, Director of Career Services In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, the role of career guidance has become increasingly pivotal. The impact of effective career counseling extends far beyond helping students choose their pathway — it influences the very fabric of an institution’s future. By providing insightful and tailored career guidance, Western is not only shaping successful careers but also cultivating future donors, advocates, and mentors.

BUILDING LIFELONG CONNECTIONS

Great career guidance fosters strong relationships between students and their alma mater. When students receive personalized support that aligns with their aspirations, they develop a sense of loyalty towards the institution. This bond often transforms into longterm engagement, with alumni becoming valuable resources, mentors, and philanthropists. You can invest in the success of a fellow Mountaineer following in your footsteps by becoming a Mountaineer Mentor. Representing hundreds of industries around the world, Mountaineer Mentors give back to Western by generously providing leadership skills, networking opportunities and guidance to current students. In 2019, over 75 alumni stepped up to inspire upperlevel Pi Sigma Epsilon students as they navigated their coursework, prepared their resumes and honed their networking skills.

ENHANCING ALUMNI SUCCESS STORIES

Success stories of alumni who benefited from excellent career guidance serve as powerful testimonials. These narratives attract prospective students and inspire current students to invest in their education. Alumni achievements, fueled by quality career counseling, reinforce the institution’s credibility and enhance its appeal to potential donors. If you’re in a position to serve as a Mountaineer Mentor or have a success story you’d like to share, contact Alumni Relations at alumni@western.edu for more information.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

THE IMPACT OF SUCCESSFUL CAREER FAIRS

Successful career fairs act as a bridge between students and future employers. When students engage with industry professionals, they gain a realistic understanding of their chosen fields. Such events facilitate networking, internships, and job placements, directly enhancing career outcomes. Alumni participating as recruiters further strengthen the bond, showcasing the tangible benefits of a Western education and fostering a sense of community. In fall of 2023, Western’s career fair returned after a pause from the pandemic with over 40 employers in attendance and an impressive student participation of over 340 career searching Mountaineers! Students engaged with employers from around Colorado and beyond, across a multitude of industries!

CORPORATE RECRUITMENT FOR INTERNSHIPS

As advocates for the transformative power of education, we invite corporations and organizations to actively participate in shaping future talent. By offering internships, corporations contribute to students’ professional development and invest in a skilled workforce. Western’s Career Services is working to continue building collaborative corporate partners to impact both individual careers of our students and the future of our society. The symbiotic relationship between great career guidance and college advancement cannot be overstated. When colleges invest in comprehensive career services, they are not only guiding students toward successful futures, but also sow the seeds for lifelong partnerships, advocacy, and philanthropy. Recruiting at Western benefits employers by aligning them with recent graduates with fields of study that align with business and organizational needs. A partnership with Western serves to contribute to a diverse candidate pool, brand visibility on our campus, and opportunities to nurture talent at an early stage in our student’s professional careers. By actively engaging with students, alumni, and the corporate sector, Western’s creating a thriving ecosystem where every individual’s success story becomes a testament to the power of education and career guidance, ensuring a brighter future for all. Interested in joining Western’s next Career Fair and learning more about a corporate engagement, reach out to Sara Hathaway to learn more, shathaway@western.edu. ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

The Future of Music at Western is Bright! The Department of Music at Western Colorado University continues to build upon successful initiatives directed toward recruitment, retention, fundraising, and service to the Gunnison Valley and the Western community. In the face of a national and statewide decline in college enrollment, the Music Department is on the plus side with new students and once again securing a retention rate in the high 90 percentile. Last year, the Western Music Partners (WMP) exceeded its initial $100,000 fundraising goal in collaboration with the Western Foundation. Mr. Perry Anderson, Program Developer for the Department of Music, has helped establish great relationships with donors and community members. As a new holiday tradition, the Music Department hosts the Music Partners Christmas Gala in December. In 2022, the festive evening of food, silent auction items, and traditional holiday music, kicked off the season raising $10,000. The music program would be vastly different without our loyal supporters. “Music is about people and our music is about the people who have been so very good to support us,”said Anderson at the 2023 Family Weekend Concert in October. Through ensemble offerings, the Department of Music continues to develop and display the exceptional talents of Western music majors, minors, student participants, and community members. The faculty,

staff, student musicians, and community participants are grateful for the encouragement and collaborative support received from alumni, community members, and Western colleagues. New this year, Western Music Partners is offering a concert sponsorship with the theme, “For the Love of Music”. Many of Music’s supporters are individuals and private parties. This platform of concert sponsorship encourages and allows individuals or parties to put a big exclamation mark on their support of one of our ensembles or the Music Program. Western Music Partners also offers corporate sponsorships to support Western’s consistent concerts that bring music into the mountains throughout the year and varying levels of membership. Music touches everyone, and Western Music Partners want you to be a part of Western’s Music. The Music Department thanks you for your excitement for the growth and vibrancy of the Music Program. If you are interested in getting involved and supporting the present-day and future musicians of our music community, please contact Perry Anderson, panderson@western.edu or call 970-209-3104. Thank you again for your support, we are truly making music together. Watch live streams of concerts and follow us on social media through the tag @MusicAtWCU.

Western Music Partners (WMP) enhances the student experience in the

music program at Western Colorado University and enriches the musical offerings to the entire Gunnison Valley. Donations to WMP are used for student scholarships, instruments, and world-class guest artists. These individuals and corporate contributions to WMP solidify the Department of Music as a central cultural asset to the University and Gunnison Community. Learn more and become part of WMP today:

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

KEEPING WESTERN COMPETITIVE Soon to be one of the crown jewels among athletics facilities within the conference, not to mention in the state, the Rady Family Sports Complex renovation continues to make tremendous progress. When finished, the complex will encompass a completely renovated stadium, transforming the athletic experience and amplifying school spirit at Western, while also creating a central space that will serve the entire community. The Mountaineer Bowl renovation includes a turf field, press box and entryway, locker rooms for the home team, away team and officials, locker rooms for Mountaineer men’s and women’s track & field athletes, and home and away locker rooms for women’s soccer teams that play next door at Katy O. Rady Field. The new press box will house home and visitor coaching boxes, two radio broadcast booths, a scorekeeper and game statistician area, and a dedicated filming platform. Fans attending games will enjoy a 26’x46’ video board, which is among the largest of any college in Colorado, as well as a new sound system, dynamic lighting that is tied in with the sound system for night games , 414 sponsored seatbacks, a new concession stand, restrooms, and a fan store. In all, the renovated Complex will encompass more than 30,000 square feet. Three teams are in the process of completing or have finished locker room renovations thanks to the generosity of each program’s supporters. Women’s basketball was the first to start its renovation project and is putting the finishing touches on their new home in Paul Wright Gym. Down the hall are volleyball and football locker rooms that are also near completion. Volleyball was able to spread into the vacated space of the previous women’s basketball locker room, while football’s locker room

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

is seeing its renovation near completion with the recent installation of individual lockers. The support we’ve seen through 2022 and into 2023 not only elevates Western’s athletic facilities beyond those of other programs in the conference, but it also provides scholarships to the remarkable student athletes that represent Western on the field, court, track, and in the pools. Scholarship assistance for Western’s 13 NCAA varsity sports programs surpassed approximately two-million in funding last fiscal year thanks to privately funded scholarships, the Mountaineer Athletics Association (MAA), the Mountaineer Football Athletics Association (MFAA), and the Elevation Club. The Elevation Club is the premier level of scholarship support for Western Athletics, that requires a $7,723 annual commitment for 5 years directed to a sport of the donor’s choosing. In the 2022-2023 academic year, Mountaineer athletics experienced a significant boost through the $77,000 raised at the annual Crab & Steak Feed Dinner and Auction. These contributions have opened up additional scholarship opportunities for Western’s 500 student-athletes, a group that includes 29 AllAmericans, 14 first-team Academic All-RMAC honorees, and 149 others who have earned recognition on the RMAC Academic Honor Roll. Team successes aided by scholarship support include the wrestling team’s fourth-place finish at the National Championships, cross country’s eighth-place finish by the women and 11th by the men at Nationals, track & field’s ninth place (women) and 17th (men) at Outdoor Nationals, and a pair of divers from the women’s swimming and diving program earning inclusion in the NCAA D-II Qualifying Meet.

MOUNTAINEER BOWL NAMING OPPORTUNITIES Mountaineer Bowl at the Rady Family Sports Complex

For more information contact: Mike LaPlante, 970-218-0101; mlaplante@western.edu

Lend Your Name to this Historic Project! There are naming opportunities to suit many gift sizes. Learn more or establish your mark on this Western landmark today:

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

A FOUNDATION FAREWELL

After 26 years of exemplary service to the Western Colorado University Foundation and the university community, Tom Burggraf departed from his position on June 30, 2023. Tremendous hardly describes the impact Tom has had on Western. Building relationships with our alums and community members while generating resources that have strengthened our university is the tip of the iceberg for Tom’s accomplishments. The WCU Foundation has raised more than $125M in its 47 years of existence, all but $6M raised under Tom’s leadership. Additionally, the Foundation’s endowment has grown to over $30M, with 300+ privately funded scholarships supporting our students. Tom has been instrumental in Western’s philanthropic accomplishments over the past 26 years, including:

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

• Borick Business Building, the first major academic building at any public Colorado college or university built, furnished, and equipped entirely through private investment • Securing the largest land donation to date – 18 acres from alums Steve Trippe and Steve Reynolds • Helping launch the Energy Management program through private support of alums, friends, and corporations • Assisting in the naming of the Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability • Significant expansion of $1M+ gifts to the University We thank him for his dedicated service to the Foundation throughout the many years. He has touched many and continues to inspire from his kind-hearted, compassionate, and selfless acts of stewardship. And we will sure miss seeing his contagious smile around the office, his support through thick and thin, and the cinnamon rolls.

Thank you, Tom!

THE HERITAGE SOCIETY There are a variety of ways to Elevate Western and show your support with a planned gift to Western. The Heritage Society formally recognizes those donors who have included Western in their wills, trusts or estate plans. We thank them for their kind and generous support. If you have made a planned gift to Western, but have yet to inform us, please let us know so we can show our appreciation. Judith Lee Acre* Joan Adair Leona E. Antholz* Mary Kay Arbuthnot* Anne Ashe* Robert Barr* Roberta Barr* James Bartlett, Jr.* Jane Bartlett* Robert L. Beitler Avalon Benell Robert Benell Elsie A. Bennett* Ruth Berg* Rick Daniel Bettger* Edmund L. Bevens* Milton Binford J. Howard Blackburn* Robert Bonney John Brach Janie Braswell Nancy Spann Braswell* Barbara A. Breeding* Jerry Bowen Cherie Burggraf Tom Burggraf Glenn Calkins Leila Calkins Gerald Caplan Martha A. Carr* Lorena Casebier* Gary W. Christopher* Hugh R. Christenson* Janet S. Christenson Ralph “Butch” Clark, III Harold A. Conroe* Charlotte Cotner Douglas Cotner* Gary R. Counterman* James H. Cox* Margaret Darr Crager* Karen Crens Jeanette M. Dalton*

George Davidson* Marguerite Davidson* Peter Dea Cathy Carpenter Dea A. Joseph DeGrazio Tony Delmas* Donald S. Eastman* Mary E. Erickson* Jeane D. Fair* Michalina Ferrell* Robert D. Foster* Agnes D. Giles* Cecil Giles* Paul Gillis William H. Gould* Mariah Green* Skip Greene Carol Greenlee Jim Greenlee* William Greer August Grosland* Loretto Grosland* Robert C. Haas* Delia Fay Haefeli Evelyn Haley* Mary Alice Hansen* John Hasche Larry Heesch Constantina Herzberg Peter Herzberg Kevin Hettler Kenneth E. Heuer Ann Hunt Hieronymus* Clarence T. Hurst* Jean Race Johnson* Henry “Hank” Kaufmann May Dye Kearney* Curtis Kennedy Linda Kennedy John Kincaid* Bruce A. Kolisek Alice Downing Lain* Robert Little*

Patti Burritt Locke Robert W. Lowe, Jr. Jim Mahaffey Dianne “Dee” Mahaffey Mary E. McDaniel Marquardt Richard E. Marquardt Robin Sue Martin* Mitchell W. Mateik* John McCarthy David R. McEntire Sarah McEntire Nancy Menan* Keith Milheim* Wayne Milheim* Barbara J. Minard* Christopher M. Minard* Richard Montrose Cynthia Myers* Marvin Newby* Herbert Louis Niles* Larry Nisbet Reva Sapp O’Connor* Roy Payte* Dennis Pearson Harry Peterson Sylvia Peterson Debby Phelps David Pierce Linda Pierce Maxine Pierce Marjorie Porter* Ralph E. Porter* Fletcher Y. Rainer, III* Sandy Read* Edwyl Redding* Lois T. Reed* Fred A. Reichle* Olivia L. Reichle* Ethel M. Rice Rachel W. Rice* James R. Richards* Freda T. Roof* Joseph A. Ruggerio*

Mary A. Scherer* Stephen T. Semegen Gerald Shear Alma L. Sheff* George R. Sheff* Deborah Shoop Kirkton Shoop Anne Shrake Tom Shrake Bill Smith Burton Smith* Elnora Smith* Janet Smith Marion A. Stoerker* Mollie G. Stoerker* David Stremme Jan Stremme Dan Thornton* Jesse Thornton* John Thyfault Joanie Todd Richard Todd Melanie Torpey Eric Vanden Brink Duane Vandenbusche C. E. Veirs* John P. Vloyantes* Malte vonMatthiessen Pam vonMatthiessen Sharon Williams Wendall Williams Elva Lea Wise* Hazel Wright* Mary F. Wright* Paul W. Wright* Mickey Zahradka* Nona Zahradka* George Zavislan* Selma Zavislan* Ann Zugelder* Anonymous (7 individuals) *Deceased

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

DONOR HIGHLIGHTS

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

IMPACT TO LAST A LIFETIME

Giving Through a Charitable Gift Annuity It’s been a guiding principle his entire life, Hank Kaufmann (‘61) explained, “if you see an opportunity, go for it. Don’t sit there and ponder it, don’t consider if it’ll be a success, don’t procrastinate, just go for it.” And that’s exactly how Kaufmann has lived his life, evident in how he found Western, his experience as a student on the Ski Team, his successful business pursuits, and in his multiple charitable gift annuities exceeding $1 million to elevate Western into the future. It was during his early adult years, while attending a community college on the east coast, after deciding not to move forward as a football athlete, leaving his glory days to his high school career and providing himself the opportunity to pursue his love of skiing. “It was a fluke, one day in community college I went to the library to look at catalogs of colleges, Western was one of them.” Kaufmann thought the size and location of the school would suit him and he attended Western without a visit or a second thought. During his first year, he asked Ski Coach Sven Wiik if he could come out and practice with the team a few times. Kaufmann, an experienced but untrained skier, was enamored by slalom skiing and spent his first summer in Gunnison “visualizing the gates”. His visualizing exercises paid off during his second winter in Gunnison when he tried out and walked onto the ski team, lettering in his final 3 years at Western. At the time, Western’s Ski Team found comradery and belonging on Rozman Hill, a local rancher’s property with a rope tow and the only downhill ski slope prior to Crested Butte’s establishment as a ski area. A diligent student studying business with a minor in economics, his eagerness to learn connected Kaufmann outside of the University when he decided to learn how to fly an airplane. Mentored by Western alum Frank Buffet, who was not only a phenomenal pilot instructor, but life mentor to Kaufmann. With education, skiing, a pilot’s license and life lessons in tow, Kaufmann started out his career after graduation by joining the ski industry, opening his own business, Ski Rack Sports in Washington state. A ski-shop cross with a cross country course in the winter and soccer field camp in the summer, Kaufmann thoroughly enjoyed continuing his passion for skiing through his business, with the company of 29 other Western graduates that he regularly connected with at ski industry trade shows. A career shift then led him to Utah, where Kaufmann found success in commercial property operations for over 20 years. “My four years at Western were so special, what an incredible experience I had there. So many people don’t go for it.” Kaufmann recalled, “Attending Western, making the Ski Team, becoming a pilot, my business endeavors… Western gave me the tools to go for it, all along I was learning, and so much of that led to my success. Recently, I came to appreciate the profound impact that time had on me. Now through a 5th charitable annuity, Western will receive lasting benefits.” There are many tax-wise estate planning tools to utilize to support Western Colorado University. To learn more about these opportunities, please reach out to Ella Fahrlander at (970) 943-2224 or efahrlander@western.edu. ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

CELEBRATION OF GIVING

A Gunnison Evening to Recognize Scholarships On behalf of Western Colorado University, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each individual that joined us for the 28th annual Celebration of Giving Banquet. This year's event honored the Hagan-Vant Hull Scholarship in its inaugural year, established by Richard and Noelle Hagan in honor of their parents by supporting firstgeneration students who demonstrates interest in public service. Noelle lived in Montrose and Gunnison for 30 years and, during that time, worked throughout the Western Slope as an organizational capacity consultant and meeting facilitator for nonprofits and local governments. Her strong belief in public service led her to serve as a trustee for Western Colorado University and also as a Councilmember and Mayor for the City of Montrose in addition to many other board positions. Since 2011, Noelle has served as a trustee for the Buell Foundation 30

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

board, a private foundation that provides funding to early childhood care and education programs throughout Colorado, including a scholarship here at Western. She and her husband, Richard relocated to Fort Collins in 2019 and Noelle now serves as the board President for The Matthews House, a Fort Collins nonprofit that serves children and families. Noelle shared with a room full of Western’s esteemed donors, faculty, staff, and scholarship recipients, the resilient and dedicated story of her mothers journey in education and the legacy she has left, to be memorialized through the Hagan-Vant Hull Scholarship. The story of the scholarship’s inaugural recipient resonated with each person in the room who also chose and continues to choose Western. “I have always felt like my true self when I am in nature. When I heard that one of my biology classes

had field trips, I was ecstatic. My favorite memory and experience so far at Western was the field trip I took in my Biology 151 lab where we collected bugs in the river. We hustled downstairs in Hurts to put on our waders and off we went in the vans. When we arrived, we had to make the journey of walking against the current and shuffling our feet to make the bugs swim into our nets. I remember looking around and seeing all of my classmates enjoying themselves and having fun even though it was freezing outside. As I was caught up in the moment I knew that I chose the right college to attend. Western allows me to work hands-on while being outside. On these field trips, I remember why I came here, to fulfill my dream. My goals will not be easy but I learned that you can’t complete things without putting effort into it. Life will always be filled with challenges but you must face them to achieve your dreams.”

It was a celebration of the students whose lives have been touched by all privately funded scholarships and the family of donors who make them possible. Their presence illuminated the room with hope, ambition, and the promise of a brighter future. To the scholars in attendance, we applaud your dedication and commend your pursuit of excellence. As we concluded this year's Celebration of Giving Banquet, looking forward let us carry the spirit of generosity, gratitude, and community with us. Together, we have created a legacy that transcends the boundaries of time, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of students and the landscape of education. We are so grateful to all who are a vital part of this extraordinary evening. We look forward to continuing this tradition of giving and celebrating for years to come. ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

MOUNTAINEER GALA What A Night Honoring Nancy Chisholm

Donors, alums, athletes, and coaches gathered at the Cherry Hills Country Club to celebrate our star, Nancy Chisholm. Here, Nancy was presented with the 2023 Mountaineer Award for Excellence and scholarship support for athletes in academics was acquired. The event comprised of a lovely dinner, heartfelt speeches, and a paddle raise which raised over $115,000! The Mountaineer Gala is an annual event to celebrate a distinct individual and support a Western initiative that is near and dear to their heart. Save the date for the 2024 Mountaineer Gala - April 13, 2024, Cherry Hills Country Club. For questions, please contact Ella Fahrlander at efahrlander@western.edu.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

DONOR HIGHLIGHTS

CHFA BUILDING THE FUTURE SCHOLARSHIP In the fall of 2022, The Western Foundation partnered with the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to provide scholarship assistance to Western Colorado University students. The CHFA Building the Future Scholarship has been developed to strengthen Colorado’s future workforce, advance equity in education access, and promote leadership in the affordable housing and economic development sectors. Each fiscal year, CHFA provides four $2,500 awards to Western students with financial need who are Colorado residents, with preference for first-generation students. Interested in starting a scholarship? To honor or memorialize someone special, support students or a program that impacted you, or capitalize on a corporate matching opportunity, reach out to Mackenzie Bode, Director of Donor Relations and Outreach, at mbode@western.edu, or (970) 943-2226.

2SLGBTQIA+ SCHOLARSHIP

Western’s commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable campus environment In March of 2023, Western established the 2SLGBTQIA+ Scholarship to provide finanical assistance to undergraduate and graduate students who identify with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. In its inaugural award year, students who identify with the queer+ population or as an ally were able to apply to this fund for financial support. This fund was established through generous contributions from the campus and community to support students’ sense of belonging and progress towards completion of their degree(s). The 2SLGBTQIA+ Scholarship will continue to gain momentum from private support to further support students at Western. This exemplary scholarship reflects Western Colorado University's mission and values.

Interested in Western’s commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable campus environment? Learn more or make a contribution to the 2SLGBTQIA+ Scholarship by visiting:

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

BRINGING OUTDOOR ATHLETES TO NEW HEIGHTS Mountain Sports Scholarship Fund by Kate Wasson Students attend Western Colorado University to receive a high-quality education and to experience all that the Gunnison Valley has to offer. With extensive trail access and world-class skiing right up the road, Western is undoubtedly located in an outdoor paradise. Taking advantage of this exceptional location, Western Colorado University established the one-of-a-kind Mountain Sports program in 2012 to help students pursue their outdoor passions at a competitive level. Today, the program thrives as a draw to Western and is made up of the following teams:

• Alpine Skiing • Climbing • Freeride Skiing & Snowboarding • Mountain Biking/Cycling • Nordic Skiing • Ski Mountaineering • Trail Running

A WINNING FORMULA FOR STUDENT SUCCESS AND RECRUITMENT

All teams provide dedicated coaching, a supportive team environment, and opportunities to compete at the regional, national, and international levels. Every team is led by at least one coach who holds extensive experience in their sport. Additionally, teams are structured with multiple practices throughout the week to ensure athletes are fully prepared for their competitions. The program not only creates transformative student experiences but has also proven to keep students in school year after year and enhance GPAs for all participants. As one of the only programs of its kind in the world, the Mountain Sports program has helped Western stand out in a crowded field for prospective students and contributed significantly to the University’s success in student recruitment and retention. Over the past decade, the Mountain Sports program at Western Colorado University has evolved into a highly competitive program, producing some of the top athletes in their respective disciplines. Western’s Mountain Sports program has secured National titles

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

in mountain biking and Nordic skiing, propelled ski mountaineering athletes onto Team USA, and qualified multiple freeride skiers onto the Freeride World Tour, to name just a few. However, providing these opportunities is costly for students. Currently, Mountain Sports student-athletes are required to pay dues that range between $500 and $1,500. These dues, along with the cost of equipment, ski passes, and other annual expenses, mean athletes personally pay $2,000 to $4,000 per season to represent Western. This cost, in addition to the regular costs of tuition, room, and board, has proven to be prohibitive for many athletes. As a result, every year, an average of ten highly qualified students are forced to reconsider whether they can realistically afford to participate in Mountain Sports. That may influence a decision not to attend Western. Every year, Western misses the opportunity to recruit and retain prospective Mountain Sports athletes because the cost, for some, is simply too high. We believe that when an athlete chooses to represent Western, they shouldn’t have to worry about the cost of doing so. Therefore, the University seeks to endow the Mountain Sports Scholarship Fund to cover team dues and, hopefully, all or part of the tuition for these exceptional student-athletes.

EMPOWERING STUDENT-ATHLETES WITH THE MOUNTAIN SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Kevin Geisen, Director of Mountain Sports, sees great potential in establishing such a fund. “Mountain Sports provides incredible opportunities for young mountain athletes to compete and progress at the collegiate level. The Mountain Sports Scholarship Fund will allow us to attract talented athletes to Western while allowing them to focus on their academic and athletic success,” he said. “I frequently interact with current students and prospective students alike who cite dues or other financial concerns as a barrier to our program. Many athletes do not receive support from their parents and work throughout the semester to afford groceries and housing. Those take precedence over Mountain Sports, and a scholarship has the potential to significantly reduce or eliminate the financial concerns of our student-athletes.”

The Mountain Sports program currently offers some scholarships to students that cover their team dues. Conner Nilsen, a fourth-year mountain biking and Nordic skiing athlete, recently received the John Winkelman Memorial Scholarship. “This scholarship has allowed me to continue to do what I love and to continue pushing the boundaries of what I’m capable of doing,” he affirmed. As a standout and dedicated athlete on both teams, the scholarship has made the continuation of his leadership and commitment to Mountain Sports possible. Providing more scholarships for students like Conner will prevent students from missing the transformative opportunity to represent Western on its most unique athletic stage. The Gunnison Valley Tourism and Prosperity Project’s (TAPP) investment in the Mountain Sports program, $100,000 given in for fiscal year 2022/ 2023 and $200,000 given for fiscal year 2023/2024, contributed to recruitment, marketing, student experience, and scholarships. With aid from the hire of an additional position, elevated recruitment initiatives, and exciting promotional coverage, Western’s Mountain Sports teams have proven to continue to be a driving factor in student’s decisions to choose Western and the Elevate Western Campaign strives to support that increase through scholarships.

Mountain Sports Scholarships The Mountain Sports Scholarships will allow us to attract talented athletes to Western while allowing them to focus on their academic and athletic success. Be a part in elevating Western’s Mountain Sports teams by giving here: ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING

Patti Burritt Locke Future CPA’s Program Patti Locke didn’t always have it easy. Growing up in a small agricultural community on Redlands Mesa in Western Colorado, everyone was expected to do hard things. So, when her advisor suggested she couldn’t make it through the accounting program at Western in the fall of 1969, during a different era, she was incredulous. “I was in total shock because where I grew up in rural Colorado, the girls in my high school classes were usually better students than the boys, and we had a lot of reinforcement from all of the teachers that we could accomplish anything as a girl. So, I declared a double major, accounting and business.” Western was good to her, she said, with professors who were supportive, providing scholarships, grant money, and jobs as a dorm advisor and in the student work-study program. When she graduated, she only owed $500. “This is the main reason for my scholarship fund, which is to benefit women accounting students who need help completing college.” Locke’s drive and determination would serve her well as she went through her career, moving up through the ranks as an accountant at firms from Grand Junction to Denver. Eventually, she became a partner in the Denver firm Brown & Locke, P.C. “I always felt indebted to Western for putting me through college, so early in my career, I started funding a small ‘Women’s Accounting Scholarship’ annually. At some point, I decided to make Western the beneficiary of half of my IRA,” she said, and the Patti Burritt Locke Future CPA Program was born. “The impact on me has just been to feel good about helping other women accounting students, and hoping my scholarship fund is making a good impact on them.” The Patti Burritt Locke Future CPA Program is an exciting means of support and encouragement to elevate the resources and experiences provided to Western Colorado University students pursuing careers as CPAs. Through scholarship assistance to students with significant financial needs that are dedicated in their pursuit of earning an accounting degree and continuing to acquire their CPA license in the School of Business’s five-year Future CPA program. Eligible and promising students join the program in their sophomore year after completing entry-level accounting courses. Funding from the Patti Burritt

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

Locke Future CPAs Program will provide unlimited CPA review prep for the student’s remaining four years in the program and will be integrated into the class curriculum. Each cohort will prepare to take their CPA exam immediately after the completion of their degree. The goal of the Patti Burritt Locke Future CPAs Program is to launch a student’s CPA career directly after exiting Western and entering the marketplace.

“We had a lot of reinforcement from all of the teachers that we could accomplish anything as a girl. So, I declared a double major, accounting and business.”

GEIMAN SCHOLARS PROGRAM A Pathway to Potential

Western Colorado University is proud to announce the launch of the Geiman Scholars Program through a generous commitment of $6.6 million from Dave and Jeanne Geiman. “Dave, through his vision and generosity, has been a transforming figure at Western. First, his support has launched the Geiman Fellows, an immersive learning experience for Western students focused on global affairs that includes an international study trip, allowing students to further their learning abroad. And now, the Geiman Scholars Program will strengthen our valley by illuminating a pathway to a Western education for our most underserved students, making possible what might have seemed unreachable.” The Geiman Scholars Program will provide low-income, first-generation students who demonstrate academic potential and motivation in high school the opportunity to attend Western with their full cost of attendance covered. In addition to financial support, the heart of the Geiman Scholars is a mentoring experience that supports high school students as they learn about and prepare for a university education. The Geiman Scholars Program is being launched at Gunnison High School and Crested Butte Community School and currently has eight students in the first cohort. The next program application opened this fall, with participation beginning in 2024. Dave Geiman grew up on a farm in Virginia and received a Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He later received his MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia. Dave has had a successful career in agriculture and now enjoys writing books and traveling. Dave became engaged with Western when a former professor invited him to visit him in Crested Butte. This professor was an adjunct faculty member at Western and connected with him through our School of Business. Dave and Jeanne reside in Kansas City.

“The Geiman Scholars Program creates a pathway for local students to reach their full potential and attain a Western degree.”

“Jeanne and I are really pleased to be able to do this. We are both first-generation college graduates and were guided and supported by mentors and advisors who knew more about the opportunities than we did,” says Dave. “We hope the program can do the same for students here and possibly further afield. Western is a unique and welcoming place that can make a huge difference in their lives.” There are multiple planned or deferred giving tools that can provide various tax-wise benefits. If you are interested in creating and/or sustaining a legacy through an estate gift, as Dave has done for the Geiman Scholars Program.

IRA Charitable Rollover… a tax-wise way to give! For those of you 70 ½ or older, you can give any amount (up to $100,000) per year from your IRA directly to a qualified charity such as the WCU Foundation without having to pay income taxes on the money. Gifts of any value of $100,000 or less are eligible for this benefit and gives you the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference for Western Colorado University. This popular gift is commonly called the IRA charitable rollover, but you may also see it referred to as a qualified charitable distribution, or QCD for short. If you are interested in exploring this gift opportunity, please contact Ella Fahrlander, Assistant Vice President of Development at 970-943-2224 or efahrlander@western.edu. ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

SCHOLARSHIPS & MEMORIALS

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

SCHOLARSHIP & MEMORIAL FUNDS The following is a list of funds and scholarships, many of which have been established by family and friends of loved ones who have passed as a way to remember someone special. Memorial funds leave a legacy at Western Colorado University and can be directed towards scholarship, a campus department, or experiential learning. Starting a fund is a rewarding way to pay tribute to a loved one or acknowledge the influence someone had in your life. Contact the Foundation if you would like to set up a memorial or legacy fund to pay tribute at 970-641-2237. Bolded funds were opened in FY2022-2023.

ALUMNI

Alumni Scholarship Fund

ART

Mary Alber Memorial Scholarship Al Caniff Art Scholarship Mabel deKoevend Art Scholarship August J. Grosland Art/Alumni Scholarship August and Loretto Grosland Masters in Gallery Management and Exhibits Specialization James Irwin Memorial Scholarship Brian Hirsh Award Marsha T. and Pat T. Julio Memorial Art Scholarship Chris and Barbara Minard Memorial Art Scholarship John W. Peterson Memorial Scholarship Ethel Rice Art Scholarship Dr. Linda Schele Memorial Art Scholarship Linda M. Sweitzer Memorial Art Scholarship Gene Tobey Memorial Art Scholarship

ATHLETICS

Ashley Memorial Cheerleading Scholarship Tracy Borah Memorial Wrestling Scholarship Bus Riders Football Scholarship J.W. and Joan Campbell Memorial Wrestling Scholarship William Charlesworth Memorial Scholarship Rise Cheerleading Scholarship Bob Decker Basketball Scholarship Lisa Thomas Duits Memorial Scholarship Elevation Club William Finholm Memorial Scholarship Cecil Giles Football Scholarship Carol Greenlee Athletic Scholarship Hill Family Athletic Scholarship Josh Hotchkiss Linebacker Scholarship Coach Duke Iverson Memorial Scholarship Herbert and Marie Kaczmarek Memorial Scholarship Kappa Delta Mu Scholarship

Brian Kiefer Memorial Scholarship Kelly B. Long Memorial Scholarship MacAllister Presidential Student Athlete Scholarship Ken MacLennan Scholarship Leon “Okie” and Sandy Mark Football Scholarship McCarthy/Torpey Men’s Basketball Scholarship McCarthy/Torpey Women’s Basketball Scholarship Jeanie Miller Women’s Basketball Scholarship Jeanie Miller Women’s Volleyball Scholarship Luke Miller Memorial Cross Country Scholarship Lowell “Bus” Myers Memorial Football Scholarship Pederson/Wright/Borah Scholarship Dan Pierce Memorial Wrestling Scholarship Ralph Porter Athletic Scholarship Edwin Randall Memorial Scholarship Ethel Rice Athletic Scholarship Jim Richards 1954 Football Scholarship Donald Sager Memorial Academic Scholarship Donald & Shirley Sager Memorial Basketball Scholarship Samuel William Nathaniel Roch Memorial Scholarship Sievers Wrestling Scholarship Joanie Mancini Todd Women’s Swimming and Diving Scholarship Track and Field Alumni Scholarship Duane Vandenbusche Cross County Scholarship George and Ruby Vandenbusche Memorial Cross Country Scholarship Women’s Basketball “Power in Numbers” Scholarship Women’s Swimming and Diving “Power in Numbers” Scholarship Paul Wright Memorial Scholarship John “Yank” Yankowich Memorial Football Scholarship Frank Zanetell Memorial Football Scholarship

BEHAVIORAL & SOCIAL SCIENCES

D.H. and Mildred Cummins Scholarship Charles H. Livermore Memorial Scholarship

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

Paul A. Lowdenslager Memorial Lecture Series Scholarship Duane Vandenbusche History Scholarship Oliver & Caroline Whitehead Opportunity Fund Robert Glenn Wilson, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

COMMUNICATION, ARTS, LANGUAGE, LITERATURE

Jim Baril Memorial English Scholarship Beta/Gern Communication and Theatre Scholarship Cope/Chevron Scholarship George and Marguerite Davidson Language Scholarship Jeane D. Fair Scholarship Charles Gerhardt Memorial Scholarship Glen W. Haley and Loies Borland English Memorial Scholarship R.I. Johnson Memorial Faculty Support Fund Valerie Mitchell Memorial English Scholarship

EDUCATION

Barr Foundation Scholarship John and Rosalie Birkholz Scholarship Brennecke/Elkins Memorial Scholarship Casebier Education Scholarship Delia Fay Haefeli Scholarship in K-12 Teacher Education Greater Milwaukee Foundation - Donald Timm Memorial Scholarship Kenneth H. and Mary Alice Hansen Memorial Scholarship Jerrold Hanson Memorial Scholarship Sophie Hamrick Knight Memorial Scholarship Owen Kuhn McWilliams Memorial Scholarship Karen and Ryan Liles Rural Teaching Fellowship Jennie and Fritz Nylund Memorial Scholarship Paul and Dorothy Reid Scholarship Roberta Rouse Scholarship Dan Tredway Memorial Education Scholarship Charles R. Tutor Education Scholarship Ann Zugelder Scholarship

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

American Association of Petroleum Landmen Scholarship Denver Association of Petroleum Landmen Scholarship Energy Management World Energy Project Fidelity Exploration and Production Scholarship Gunnison Energy Corporation Scholarship 40

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

Gunnison Energy Management Scholarship for the Gunnison Valley Houston Association of Petroleum Landmen Scholarship Industry Partner Program Scholarship T.H. McElvain Oil & Gas Scholarship Ovintiv Oil and Gas Scholarship PDC Energy Scholarship Questar Exploration and Production Company Scholarship SM Energy Company Energy Management Scholarship George and Carol Solich Scholarship Paul Urban “Legends of Industry” Scholarship

HONORS

MacAllister Presidential Honors Scholarship Nancy Chisholm Honors Athletes Scholarship

MATH, COMPUTER SCIENCE

Calkins/Barge Math Scholarship William E. Dorgan Memorial Scholarship Mathematical Studies Scholarship Dan Pappas Scholarship John C. Peterson Scholarship John Thyfault Math & Computer Science Scholarship Stephen Watson Memorial Scholarship MOUNTAIN RESCUE Yvonne Laudick Memorial Fund Mike Sanders, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

MUSIC

Lisa Anne Memorial Scholarship Leora Cooper Annin Memorial Scholarship Rodney and Anne Ash String Award Crested Butte Music Festival Scholarship Scott Forrest Christie Memorial Music Scholarship George F. Damson Scholarship Mabel deKoevend Memorial Music Scholarship Gunnison Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Harvey Harriman Memorial Fund Lloyd and Dorothy Heiny Memorial Music Scholarship David and Shirley Killian Music Scholarship John and Georgie Kincaid Instrumental Music Scholarship David and Steven MacAllister Fund Wayne H. Milheim Music Scholarship Music Alumni Scholarship Marjorie Porter Memorial Scholarship Jean Ranson Vocal Music Memorial Scholarship

Edwyl Redding Memorial Scholarship Rachel Rice Music Fund Marguerite Vouga Rule Scholarship Margaret Stewart Vocal Music Fund Les Turner Music Fund Charles R. Walker, Jr. Memorial Music Scholarship

NATURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

The Ralph “Tim” Allen and Anne Blackstock Allen Natural and Environmental Sciences Library Resource Endowment Jacob Baker Memorial Geology Field Studies Fund Bartelson/Prather Geology Scholarship Elliot Brown MCAT Prep Scholarship Gary R. Counterman Memorial Fund George and Marguerite Davidson Geology Scholarship Hugo A. Ferchau Memorial Scholarship A.W. Lawrence Memorial Scholarship Mason and Betty Light Scholarship Casey James McKenny Memorial Scholarship Fred J. Menzer, Jr. Geology Memorial Scholarship Valerie Mitchell Memorial Geology Scholarship Moncrief Scholarship in Petroleum Geology Richard W. and Belva R. Moyle Geology Scholarship Mycology Scholarship James D. Nauman Scholarship Pre-Health Scholarship Stewart Family Scholarship Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society Scholarship Ted Violett Memorial Science Fund Ralph and Florence Walker Memorial Scholarship Oliver & Caroline Whitehead Opportunity Fund

PAUL M. RADY SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

The Patty Dixon Foose Engineering Scholarship HAAS Scholarship Mountaineer STEM Scholarship

RECREATION, EXERCISE & SPORT SCIENCE

Rick Bettger Athletic Training Scholarship Lucy Causley Endowment Ernest Degutis Scholarship Donald S. Eastman Recreation Scholarship Carl “Duke” Iverson Memorial Scholarship Praxl Scholarship

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Matthew J. Billmeyer Memorial Scholarship Harold E. Binford Business Scholarship Borick Business Scholar Days Borick Business Scholarship Business and Accounting Student Emergency Scholarship Denver Cherry Memorial Accounting Scholarship Corbett Family Opportunity Scholarship in Business James H. Cox Business Administration Scholarship Delta Sigma Pi Alumni Scholarship Stephen Paul Depp Memorial Scholarship Donald S. Eastman Business Scholarship Jim and Carol Greenlee Business Scholarship Gunnison Savings & Loan Scholarship F.S. Haverly Academic Scholarship William “Skip” Hunter Memorial Scholarship Phil and JoAnn Klingsmith Economics Scholarship Kathleen Kregel Scholarship Robert and Gloria Little Business Scholarship Patti Burritt Locke Accounting Scholarship Mikesell Scholarship in Accounting Mitchell Mateik Memorial Fund Marshall Miller Business Scholarship Scott and Monica Newman Accounting Scholarship Monica Newman Fund Outdoor Industry MBA Scholarship Ralph Porter Business Administration Scholarship Frank J. Pribyl Memorial Scholarship J. Ralph Reed Business Scholarship Dustin Roberts Scholarship Bill and Bertha Mae Schindler Memorial Scholarship School of Business International Scholarship Alva Sloan Memorial Internship Vern Whiting Business, Accounting and Economics Memorial Scholarship Roger E. Wilson Memorial Scholarship Windmoeller Family Foundation Scholarship Elva Lea Wise Women’s Business Scholarship Wright Family - Athletes Mean Business Scholarship

SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

Clark Fellowships Elizabeth Cobbins Environmental Justice Scholarship Defenders of Wildlife Wolf Fellowship Gupta Mountain Resilience Corps High Country News Fellowship Master’s in Environmental Management Haley Project Fund ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

Mahaffey Environmental Studies Scholarship MEM Buttermore Biosecurity Grant Mike Martin Memorial Scholarship Montezuma Land Conservancy Multicultural Scholarship/Fellowship James D. Nauman Environmental Studies Scholarship Powderhorn Water Fellowships M. Agazio Ritzel Scholarship San Miguel County Fellowships Telluride Institute Think Radio Fellowship

SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES

Genre Fiction Scholarship Fund Martens Conservation Research Fund Nature Writing Scholarship Fund Poetry Concentration Scholarship Fund Publishing Scholarship Fund Screenwriting Scholarship Fund

STUDENT AFFAIRS

Martha Carr Westerners in Transition Scholarship Community Church Westerner’s in Transition Scholarship Sam Degenhard Western Wings Scholarship Don Goodman Memorial Scholarship Thomas John Hensley Memorial Scholarship Helen Hirst Westerners in Transition Scholarship Greg Miodonski Memorial Fund Rose Reitman Memorial Fund Partners/Retention Scholarship Roy Turner Student Fund John Winkelman Memorial Scholarship

WILDERNESS PURSUITS

Kent Jackson First Responders Memorial Fund Peter Terbush Memorial Fund Wilderness Based Orientation Scholarship

NON-DEPARTMENTAL FUNDS 2SLGBTQIA+ Scholarship AAUW Zelda Rouillard Memorial Scholarship Adair Scholarship L.E. Antholz Scholarship Mariah Besecker Green Memorial Scholarship Beware the Air Scholarship Blees Family “Well-Rounded” Scholarship Bob and Rita’s Dance Scholarship 42

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

Boettcher Opportunity Award Scholarship Boundless Opportunity Scholarship Lloyd Buswell Memorial Scholarship Gerald Caplan WSU Scholarship Nancy & Bill Cathey Scholarship CHFA Building the Future Scholarship Douglas and Charlotte Cotner Scholarship Chavez Fund for Professional Development Paul Colmen and Mirta M. Coleman Memorial Scholarship Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative Margaret Darr Crager General Scholarship James D. Crain and Pat Souder Crain Memorial Scholarship Scott Crismon Memorial Scholarship Culebra Range Community Coalition Environmental Scholarship Durfee Day International Student Scholarship Glen DeBroder Memorial Scholarship Evan James Dirksen Memorial Scholarship Gary Dolezal Memorial Scholarship Herbert J. Dorricott Memorial Scholarship Jared Escobar Memorial Fund Excellence in Athletics and Academics Scholarship FirstBank Scholarship Foundation Helping Hands Geiman Fellows Geiman Scholars Program Ina Gerkey Memorial Fund Whitney Chantal Glover Memorial Scholarship Gunnison VFW Auxiliary #4267 Veterans Scholarship Gunnison Promise Fund Gunnison Watershed Scholarship Holbrook Family Scholarship Santiago Isola Memorial Scholarship R.I. Johnson Memorial Faculty Support Fund Joseph Kastellic Scholarship May Dye and Gerald Kearney Scholarship Brenda Gail Kenny Memorial Scholarship Lt. General Glenn A. Kent Memorial Scholarship Hagan-Vant Hull Scholarship Frances Hunter Presidential Scholarship Victoria J. Kirtay Memorial Fund Olaf Kjosness Memorial Scholarship R & B Knigge Trail Running Scholarship LeRoux Family Memorial Educational Trust Scholarship Liaison Council Scholarship Robert and Gloria Little “Make a Difference” Scholarship

Luftseben/TKD Scholarship Nancy Menan Foundation Scholars Mohab Scholarship Steven L. Monfredo Memorial Scholarship Frank Musgrave Memorial Scholarship Margaret White O’Leary Scholarship Orahood OJC/WSC Scholarship I.A. O’Shaughnessy Foundation’s Elevate Scholarship Kim Martig Pappas Scholarship Roy Payte Scholarship Pepsi Cola Academic Scholarship Pepsi Cola Need-Based Scholarship Harry and Sylvia Peterson Scholarship Ethel Phelps Memorial Scholarship Francis Phelps Scholarship Charles and Lucile Piquette Memorial Scholarship Ralph Porter Memorial Scholarship President’s International Scholarship Program Morgan L. Queal Memorial Scholarship Olivia L. and Fred A. Reichle Memorial Scholarship RE/MAX Community Brokers Scholarship James R. Richards Scholarship Freda T. Roof Memorial Scholarship Saltzman Family Scholarship San Juan Mining Scholarship Dexter T. Sapp Memorial Scholarship Mary A. Scherer Scholarship Cynthia Smith-McHolland Memorial Scholarship Sodexo Scholarship Travis J. Speck Memorial Scholarship Student First Scholarship Thornton Assistance Scholarship Dick Todd Memorial Arrupe Scholarship Turning Point Scholarship T.W.C Foundation Scholarship Vandenbusche/Johnson Gunnison Scholarship Veterans Scholarship

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

IN MEMORIAM Paul Holden June 3, 1944 - March 7, 2023

Paul Holden was one of a kind. Known for his wit, his intellect, his adversarial views and lack of a filter as well as his great generosity, he came to live in Gunnison with his family 16 years ago from Washington D.C. After moving to Gunnison, Paul continued to work for the World Bank as a project evaluator, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Development Bank. Paul was extremely optimistic about his future. He planned to work until age 90. Paul’s passion was for fly fishing. Almost annually he journeyed with his friends, Tony Kay and Joe Currier to remote waters in British Columbia in pursuit of the wily steelhead. He also loved to cook and entertain and served up wonderful meals in the French and Italian traditions that many in Gunnison will remember. Paul passed away on March 7, 2023, in St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction after a flight for life and a short battle with a rare autoimmune condition called Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) Vasculitis. Paul was much loved by many locally and internationally and will be sorely missed.

Belva Moyle August 31, 1932 - February 16, 2023

Belva June Rawson Moyle, 90, of South Ogden grew up on a dairy farm in Hooper, Utah and married her loving husband, Richard. Belva attended BYU, where she met and married her sweetie Richard Wagstaff Moyle. They moved to Iowa for graduate school after which Belva graduated from Western Colorado University in Elementary Education. Richard taught as an Assistant Professor of Geology at Western Colorado University from 1961 to 1965. He was the only faculty member in Geology at the time. Belva received her BA degree in 1965 in Elementary Education and did her student teaching while in Gunnison. 44

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

Because of the Moyle’s love for teaching and the interaction with students they started the Richard W. and Belva R. Moyle Geology Scholarship to financially assist students pursuing a degree in Geology and an interest in teaching. Richard and Belva enjoyed their time at Western and appreciated the quality, friendship, teaching methods, and laboratory techniques of their faculty peers. They welcomed the caring and congenial environment for teaching, and the interaction with the students, especially those in Geology. After moving back to South Ogden, she taught at TO Smith Elementary and later taught at Washington Terrace Elementary for a combination of 27 years. She loved her many years of teaching children. Belva will be remembered for her gift of gab. She was always social and loved to find out where people were from. If you talked to her you were either directly or indirectly related. She loved quilting, reading, puzzles and traveling.

Ryan McDonough May 10, 2023

We honor Ryan McDonough, former Western Colorado University Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback’s Coach, who passed on the 10th of May, 2023. McDonough helped Western set multiple team and individual offensive records in 2015. As a team, the Mountaineers recorded the 15th best total offense in Division II. McDonough guided running back Austin Ekeler to an outstanding career. In 2016, under McDonough’s leadership, the offense finished 19th nationally in rushing at 226.6 yards per game and 424.5 yards of total offense. McDonough helped lead Western to multiple team and individual records as the team had the 15th-best total offense in Division II. The 2014 season saw the offense continually set records and tied for the most rushing yards in the conference with 194.7. In addition, McDonough’s offense set numerous passing records for Western while he was in Gunnison, Colorado. In 2013, McDonough helped Brett Arrivey tie Western State Colorado University’s completions

record with 30 against Western New Mexico, then beat the previous record by ten with 40 completions against Black Hills State. Under McDonough’s tutelage, quarterback Arrivey is first in Western history for career; passing completions, passing attempts, passing yards and passing touchdowns. After leaving Western following the conclusion of the 2016 season, McDonough coached two years (2017,2018) at West Texas A&M University before stepping away from coaching. McDonough was a well respected coach and friend on and off the field and is greatly missed.

Gary Counterman December 20, 2022

Gary Counterman (‘68) passed on December 20, 2022. Gary’s smile and goofy sense of humor will be missed. Gary was a talented athlete and outdoorsman who passed on his love for sports, hunting, and fishing to everyone he had contact with. Gary was brave, charismatic, and diverse. Gary’s legacy will teach others the importance of adapting to any situation and self-reliance. The Gary R. Counterman Memorial Scholarship fund has been established by Gary to provide scholarship assistance to Western students with a physical disability pursuing their degree in Math, Science, Business or Computer Science.

Donna Rae (Howard) Bratton Aug 31, 1934 - May 12, 2023

Donna Rae (Howard) Bratton passed away peacefully on May 12, 2023 after fighting a quiet and courageous battle against Parkinson’s disease. She was born August 31, 1934 to Dave and Ruth Howard, who owned a ranch in the Powderhorn Valley. She spent the first eight years of school in the one-room schoolhouse in Powderhorn. In addition to being a good student, Donna was a very active participant in Gunnison County High School as class

president, thespian and cheerleader. Well-liked and admired for her character, class and commitment, she was crowned homecoming queen her senior year and received the Outstanding Thespian Award her junior and senior years. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Dick Bratton (Sept. 6 would have been 70 years), Donna met Dick Bratton, from Salida, at a dance at Odd Fellows Hall. They married at the beginning of Donna’s sophomore and Dick’s senior year of college. In 1954, they moved to Boulder so Dick could attend law school at the University of Colorado and they returned to Gunnison in October 1958, when Dick was invited to join Ed Dutcher, a prominent trial and water lawyer, in his law practice. Donna went back to college, graduating from Western State College (now Western Colorado University) in 1962. Donna and Dick’s first daughter, Susan, was born in 1962 and their second daughter, Sara, was born in 1965. Donna then devoted her time to being a fulltime wife and mother. Office parties hosted by Donna were always classy, and she made a point of having everything presented perfectly. Having been a second-generation native of the valley, Donna was passionate about being involved in the community, a long-time member of PEO, election judge, bridge player and volunteer at the Pioneer Museum (of which she was especially proud). At the state level, Donna served on the State Republican Central Committee. She was a prodigious reader, having read hundreds of books from biographies to history to novels. After Sara graduated from high school, Donna went back to work, first at the Gunnison Bank and Trust and later as the Deputy County Clerk and Recorder. Some of Donna’s greatest attributes were her incredible ability to judge character, her wisdom in the world and her understanding of business and politics. Those things were a central piece of their incredible partnership — she was his most trusted ally and advisor. She always said, “When you are having a bad day, put on something that makes you feel good, fix your hair and keep your chin up.” Donna seemed to know exactly the right way to ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

IN MEMORIAM meet someone else’s needs, quietly taking a meal, sitting and listening without saying a word, offering help or even planning a road trip to bless a friend. She would be the first to give and the last to ever expect or ask for help. The Donna Bratton Memorial Scholarship has been established in her memory.

Cynthia (Cindie) Lea Myers January, 29, 1951 - February 2023

Cindie was raised in Colorado Springs. Her college studies at Adams State led to her career with the Parks and Recreation Department of Colorado Springs from 1976 until her retirement in 2003. Throughout her career, Cindie was responsible for the ongoing development and supervision of recreational programs to the citizens of Colorado Springs. She developed and supervised early childhood programs, programs for persons with disabilities, summer programs for elementary and junior high aged youth, adult enhancement programs, and programs for the elderly. In 1999 Cindie and her mother Evelyn established the Lowell “Bus” Myers Football Scholarship in memory of Lowell Herndon “Bus” Myers (’40), Evelyn’s husband and Cindie’s father, to assist football student-athletes at Western Colorado University. Evelyn served as librarian at WCU 193741 during which time she met her husband. Bus was often heard to say, “I went to the library to get a book, and I checked out a wife!” The family of Bus Myers wanted above all to recognize the name of a man who came off a tenant farm in Western Colorado to get a better life for himself than raising potatoes for 50 cents a 100-pound bag and moving every year. It is meaningful to know that in some small measure this happened. Bus Myers always told his family the greatest incentive, possibly, for why he wanted to get to Western was indoor plumbing, electricity, and heat from other than a pot belly stove in his folks’ living room. So off he went with no money, only the clothes on his back and counting on his football skills to help him through college to a better life. Cindie had a kind, generous, and helping spirit. 46

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

Even though she faced difficult medical challenges, she was always positive and never complained. She had a love for life and was the most generous person you could meet. She will be greatly missed, but we find comfort knowing that she is finally reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her, including her father and mother.

Frederick S. Haverly April 11, 2023

While attending graduate school, Fred met his future wife, Leta Joy. They celebrated 61 wonderful years together. They spent their first years together in New York State where Fred taught at the grade school and the college levels. During their summers off, they did extensive traveling across the U.S. While he served as corporate auditor for May D&F Dept Stores in Ohio, the family transferred West to the Denver area, to a part of the country Fred had fallen in love with during their summer travels. Living in the Denver area while Fred worked as an auditor for the State of Colorado, the family attended a conference for Fred at the college in Gunnison. It was love at first sight for him and the boys, and it just so happened that an opening for a business professor had occurred at Western State College. Fred applied and was accepted for the position, and the family moved here. They raised their two boys here and were very pleased with the public school system and activities which were available to them. Fred taught in the business and accounting department for 21 years and retired as Emeritus Associate of Business and Accounting. Fred and Leta felt the need to return something to the college. During his undergraduate college years, scholarships and working throughout the year made it possible for him to attend college. He therefore knew the importance of financial assistance and supports students now through their scholarship, the F.S. Haverly Academic Scholarship. Fred loved the Gunnison Country and was an avid and very successful hunter and fisherman.

He had many friends here and was well liked by the community. Fred was active in community and church activities, having served on the Gunnison High School Parents Advisory Committee, was a Young Life Committee member and served in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, where he

received the 2011 Outstanding Volunteer Award. His sons remarked: “Dad finished well. He was kind, gentle and caring to the end.” A wonderful son, husband and father and grandfather has gone to his reward. He will be greatly missed by those whom he loved and who loved him.

Memorial Scholarship Funds To make a contribution to a memorial scholarship fund, scan the QR code.

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

DONOR HONOR ROLL The following individuals, corporations and foundations made gifts of $100 or greater from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. Every attempt was made to accurately cite each donor. Please notify the Foundation of any corrections.

BENEFACTOR'S CLUB

$50,000 - $99,999 Butch Clark, III Crismon Foundation Friends of the University Don and Michelle Jackson Kenneth and Jeanne Levy-Church Patti and Scot Locke METRIXIQ LLC

Jeffrey and Christine Grohne Gunnison County Colorado Gene Haas Foundation John and Margie Haley High Country Beverage JMJK, LLC Lathrop GPM LLP Liberty Infrastruction, LLC Ryan and Karen Liles Jim and Kathy MacAllister Jeanie Miller Colton Oleski Outside Interactive Raylene Owen Brendan Pardue Pat Heinz-Pribyl and James C Pribyl The Prime Foundation Stan Pursley The Donald E. Sager Revocable Trust Patrick Shelton Smolen Law - Donnie and Katie Smolen John Thyfault Donald Timm Estate Western Alliance For Restoration Management Rob and Vicki Wheeler Oliver and Caroline Whitehead Diane Woolery

SUMMIT SOCIETY - GOLD

SUMMIT SOCIETY

Anonymous Aramark The Louis L. Borick Foundation Nancy Chisholm and Scott Clements State of Colorado Paul Dunn Delia and John Haefeli Foundation Landman Scholarship Trust The Oleski Family Trust Pepsi-Cola Company Maxine and David Pierce Ethel Rice Rich and Joanie Todd Bryan Tutor and Paula Mann

Anonymous AAPL Big Red Construction Inc. BSN Sports Kara Buckley and Karl Zuckar Andrew Chisholm The Coca-Cola Foundation Carol Coon and Robert Larkin Coon Dea Family Foundation Chris and Erin Debow Rick and Eileen Desch Steve and LeaAnn Devlin Flood and Peterson Gianaras Foundation Teow Lim Goh David and Margaret Grohne City of Gunnison Gunnison Bank and Trust Company Parker Guttersen Mervin and Barbara Guy Infinity Oil & Gas, Inc. The Inn at Tomichi Village Glen and Lynne Jammaron Steve and Cindy Jenkins Robert and Marie Jones LAFAVE, LLC Ashley LaFevers Michele and Tony Lambert John McCarthy and Melanie Torpey Steven Meyer The Chris Mikesell Foundation

$100,000 + Tom and Carolyn Corbett Fritz and Elaine Culver Franklin Resources LP David and Jeanne Geiman Gunnison/Crested Butte Tourism Association Gunnison Valley Health Jeff and Karen Holway Michael Johnson PDC Energy Paul and Katy Rady

PLATINUM CLUB

$25,000 - $49,999

SUMMIT SOCIETY - SILVER $10,000 - $24,999

Joan Adair Antero Resources Brad and Julie Baca Tim and Judy Bergquist Jack Blake Buell Foundation Chevron Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Consolidated Electrical Distributions, Inc. Chip and Robin Creager Davis Family Fund-Vanguard Enfield Engine Company Inc. Enterprise Holdings - Chelsey Rafferty

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

$5,000 - $9,999

Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation Daniel O'Shaughnessy and Jeanne O'Shaughnessy Ovintiv Judith Phelps Linda Pierce Hugh Pitcher and Linda Lebsack Curtis and Sanja Prock Chandra and Jeremiah Proffitt Chelsy Rafferty Mark and Tanya Riters Runners of the Rockies, Inc. John Stock Allen Stork Team Prep USA LLC Telluride Institute - Watershed Education Pro Jyl Voss Jim and Cathy Wallace Nell Whiting

"W" MOUNTAIN CLUB $2,500 - $4,999

Anonymous Gary and Dora Alstatt Anderson Associates Todger Anderson and Shannon ArmstrongAnderson Wesley and Suzanne Baker Diane and Mark Beede Reid and Susan Bicknell Biomems Diagnostics Inc. Dick Bratton Bill and Nancy Cathey Art and Beth Chaput Connor Desch Gunnison Real Estate & Rentals, LLC John and Kitty Hasche Holiday Inn Express Gunnison Mike and Cheryl Johnson Kathleen Kregel and James Smith Lacy Construction Company, LTD Mike and Korin LaPlante Catherine Lauterbach Kevin MacLennan Mallard Exploration Stacey Mark Meagher Energy Advisors Bud and Karen Najvar Oldcastle SW Group, Inc. Organic Housekeepers LLC Bruce Otten Bill & Kris Paddock David and Jennifer Paddock San Miguel County Sharon Schlegel Mark and Mary Jo Schumacher Pam and James Shaddock Sodexo at Western Virgil and Helen Stan Leslie Taylor Topper Foundation

Jim Tully and Barbara Hosler TWC Foundation Inc. Charles VanGelder Christopher Walsh Ruth and Mark Welch Daniel and Cheryl Wenzinger Gene and Tracy West Barbara Wheeler Wendall and Sharon Williams Frank and Janice Willis WordFire Press LLC Patricia Yankowich The Henry A. and Cynthia G. Yost Family Found Marlene Zanetell

PRESIDENT'S CLUB $1,000 - $2,499

Anonymous AAUW American Family Insurance Loren Ahonen Richard Allen Axtell Energy, LLC William and Marilyn Baca Back Country Cafe Deanna Banker BAO Endeavors, LLC Richard and Constance Mary Barr Randall Barrett William A. Barlocker Foundation Skylee Barry Sue Bartsch Sue Beeken Thomas and Carla Bennett Benson Sotheby's Realty Candi Borah Walter Borneman Richard and Veronica Bradsby Michael Bradshaw BTA Oil Producers Tom and Cherie Burggraf Clay and Keely Campbell Joe and Penny Carrithers Glenn Char Emilio Chavez Jon Coady Courtney Collins Trigg and Courtney Collins Coffey Holdings, LLC Confluence DJ LLC Brian Cooney Brian and Patty Coppess Robert Condell Trust Mike and Kerri Coulter Carolyn Crutchfield Culebra Range Community Coalition Custom Deck Solutions LLC Dave Dalleck Tyler and Rachel Daniels Cliff and Keita Davis Annie Davis Stephanie Dietrich Ryan Dirksen Dodge Dodge Knight and Roger Knight Dudley Land Company

East Tomichi Corporation Ebner Real Estate LLC Connie Elliott Jose and Kathy Escobar Eddie Evans Dallas and Jane Ann Everhart FedEx William Festing Paul Franco and Sharon Butts Jacqulyn Gabriel Dale Garrett Bill and Sharon Gern Kenneth and Rebecca Glover Ron and Lynette Goodrich GreatLand Log Homes Griffith Fund - Community Foundation Randy Griffith Jack Griffith RJ Guerra Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce Gunnison Savings & Loan Association The Gunnison T-Shirts Gunnison Valley Housing Authority Gunnison Volunteer Fire Department Cecilio and Kay Gutierrez Noelle and Richard Hagan John and Judy Hansen De Ann Hanson Stanley Harbour Virginia Harris James Harriss Valerie Hastings Denise Hawk Larry Hayes Jay and Dawn Helman Paula and Joe Hendrickson Ken and Karen Heuer Jay and Karen Hill Nicholas Hirsch Kenneth Hodgins Carol and Victor Hogsett Glenn Honda Roy and Doris Hood Galen and Nancy Houston Jacob Howes Michael and Deborah Hubbell Hustle Bike Labs, LLC Wesley Jack Amy Jacobsen Ty James Cory and Sandy Johnston Robert and June Just Kearney, McWilliams & Davis, PLLC Ali Kirtay Bryant and Regyn Knigge Kaden Koksma The Kroger Company Foundation Joe and Allison Krutulis Brenda Lott Anonymous Glenn and Debra Mallory Madoff Victim Fund A.J. Mani Joe Marshall Zachary McCarty Dennis and Linda McCurry

John McGovern Bill and Monica McKenny Hazie Mcnellis Philip McPherson Sean Meeker Frank Mencin Donnie and Karen Michael Marshall and Lyria Miller Bob and Cher Mitton ML Lake Enterprises LLC Moen Inc. Kenneth Moffitt Montezuma Land Conservancy NADA Foundation Michael Normandin Jeffrey and Thalia Oster Rewk Patten Jim and Teresa Peay Boyd and Sharalee Pederson The Penn Mutual Giving Fund John and Colette Perusek Harry and Sylvia Peterson Sam Pickus Pipher Enterprises James and Lisa Pobrislo Curtis & Sanja Prock John and Leslie Randall Richard Reeser Carol and Terry Rieger Bill Riffle and Ruann Ernst The Law Office of Thomas M. Riser PC Rowen Roberson Freda T. Roof Estate Albert and Angela Roper Tiffany Ruvolo Joanne Schilling and Frederick C Peck Jyll Scott Michael Seijo James Shaffer and Marilyn King Robert and Joni Shank Ethan Simon Melanie Smith and Amy Zook Tristan Smith Kristi Smith Florian and Louise Smoczynski Ashley Sokol William Spicer ST Investments LLC Clay and Chris Staley Robert Stapleton Gary Steffens Mark and Latricia Stewart Thomas N Stoeber P.C. Cathy Strange Swipe Out Hunger Theresa Szczurek Madelyn Tharp Mark Thomas Jack Thompson John and Julie Tobin Robert Todd Ernest and Judy Trujillo Terry and John Vader Miles and Tonya Van Hee Vantage Resources Tom and Polly Venard

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

DONOR HONOR ROLL Michael Wade and Shelley Long-Wade Gregory Warneke Ricky Webber WCU Admissions WCU - Master of Behavioral Health Cary and Debbie Wheeland Gregory and Andrea Whisler Pat and Janet Wiesner Heather and Donn Williamson Joseph and Sheila Winegardner Susan Wold David and Katherine Wright Joe Wuebben and Melissa Carsten Jessica Young and Sally Thode

PARTNERS' CLUB $750 - $999

Anonymous Jas and Sukhi Bains Tim Billingsley Buff's Collision Specialists Central Pump Company, LLC Luke Danielson David Dehaemers Discovery Land Gentle Dental Care Maria Gianaras and Timothy Donovan Gunnison River, Inc. Gunnison Sports Outlet, LLC Kevin Homer Franz Jacobsen Kooler Painting and Doors Law Office of Kathleen L. Fogo, P.C. Terri Livermore Kathy and Charles Lockhart Jordan Mattson Eric McGlone Emily and Donovan McMahill Dick and Karen Morgan O'Hayre Dawson, PLLC Percheron, LLC Precision Automotive Greg Perkins Randall V. Wheat Consulting, Inc. Shondeck Financial Services Spallone Construction Star Mesa Energy LLC Steptoe and Johnson PLLC Sun Sports Unlimited, Inc. Chris and Jenee Sutter Swanny and Mary Swann Charles and Mary Thompson Robert Varga Jack Weir and Mary Gilchrist Weir Western Colorado Wrestling Club

COLLEGIAN'S CLUB $500 - $749

Jon Ake Billy Aller Albert Alt Chris and Karen Alton Arvanica LLC Randall Barrett Cathy Benson

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

Cameron and Jennifer Black Eric Blanke Samuel Blehm Blue Valley Carpentry, LLC Lorenzo Bonvicini Grace Borden Gene and Terri Bower Tara Bowker Kenn Briggs Browne & Browne Realty Steven Bussey Bruce and Patricia Byrd The Center for the Arts Margaret Chipman Joshua Clyncke Dan and Jennifer Cook Crested Butte Music Festival Kristine and Steven Curtis Derek and Brandie Damien Steve Daub Jennifer and Brandon Diamond Anthony Dobson Dennis Dunivan Dunn Financial Serv & Real Estate Sheri Duran David and Mary Durham Sandy and David Everett Melissa Ferguson Larry and Linda Fitzsimons Kiley Flint William Folowell John and Kim Franzman Dylan Furubotten Nicholas Gabriel Brandon and Pamela Garcia Jeffrey and Lauretta Garren Dennis and Marlene Gaster Julie Geiman Connie Ghosh Sandra and David Gibbs William and Linda Ginsberg Mary-Lynn Goberis Go Big Blue LLC Levi and Carleigh Greenly Gunnison Elks Lodge 1623 Gunnison Valley Veterinary Clinic Marisa Hardy Amy Harmon William and Ellen Harriman The Heller Corporation Joseph Higgins Lee and Val Hitchcock Home Together Veterinary Services Nancy and Galen Houston Craig Howard and Catherine Easter Kay and Randy Hunsaker Irwin Backcountry Guides LLC Jeff Jackson Walter E. and Julia M. Jackson Gary Jerman JL Obourn Jr. & Co. Mark and Carol Johnson Robert Johnson and Catharine Stewart Johnson Brian Johnson and Shelley Wright Angela Kalisiak and Marty Smilkstein

Kirby and Lynn Killian Randy Kinsey Lucas and Fawn Klepper Timothy and Sherry Klodnick Terri Kunz Landry Enterprises North LLC Legg Appraisals, L.L.C. Richard Lent Amelie Lepple Robert Lewis John and Janis Lichterman David Loomis Dalton Lorenz Jim and Dee Mahaffey Dick and Jo Anne Malmgren Jim Markley Margaret Ward-Masias and Ray Masias Matthews Michalak Reis LLC Chuck and Deanna McGee Jennifer McHarge David McKenney and Barbie Adams Erin McKenzie and Daniel Bruce Michael and Mary McVay Michael Mileski Elizabeth Miller-Tucker and Scott Tucker Monarch Realty, Inc. Pat and Pam Montgomery Karen and Dick Morgan Mountain States Insurance Professionals Chris Nash and Lisa Holeman Michael Orosco Michael O'Rourke and Linda Sund Client Outreach Aaron Palmer The Paper Clip Bradford Pech Phil and Joan Perkins Craig and Margaret Peterson J. P. Pilger and Amy Richardson Pilger Amanda Raso R3 Consulting & Productions INC. Revive Physical Therapy Ashlyn Robinson Paul and Joy Rubley Trista Saenz Jody Sawdo Barry and Michelle Schroeder Denise Sessions Todd and Carrie Shaw Sisk-a-dee Spencer Smith Terry Smith Steep Angle, LLC Ann and George Stowell Sukle Construction LLC Kaylee Summers 1080 Ten Eighty Media Tom and Polly Thompson Ron and Kit Thomte Turquoise Junction Wagner Equipment Co. Don and Debbie Waltman Virginia and Brad Wayland Jeff and Kelly Weak Espen Weber James Welch

Michele Wheeler Cathy and Richard Wilkens Donald and Suzanne Wilkinson Shelly Willis Todd Wilson Brandon Woolley Barbara Ziegler

CRIMSON & SLATE CLUB $250-499

Anonymous (4) Accufacts Research Corp. Act Underground, LLC Adobe, Inc. Maria Agazio Charlie and Gabriela Alexander Kevin Alexander Thomas and Ronda Alford Ryan and Amanda Allen John and Bridgette John Anselmo Jerold and Ruth Apps Nick Armbrust Ernest and Tonya Arterburn Ned Avery Backhoe Services Bennett, Inc. Jamie and Sarah Baessler Benjamin and Corinne Bangs Bruce Bartleson and Deirdre Bartleson-Fotescu Eric and Deborah Bennett John and Patricia Bicknell Carrie Bjorge Robert and Nancy Blose Don Bowen Marques and Melissa Bravo Kelly Brown Kristina Brumfield Dick and Beverly Buck Frank and Carol Burkhead Steven Burroughs Jr. James Byron II William and Claudia Campbell Daniel and Carla Carlson Shaun and Suzanne Carmody Allen Carpenter Dr. Ron and Jeannine Caskey CBA Mechanical LLC Eileen Church Gary and Carol Chvatal Andy Clausen Randall Cole Rob Coleman Colorado Rush Soccer Club Kenneth and Rebekah Conkright Robert Coombes Cornerstone Medical Associates, INC. William Corrington Sheila and Jim Cover Tammie and John Craven Brian Cribari CrossFit Gunnison Jesse and Kate Cruz Alexander Csar Ruth Cude Brian and Ruth Cummings

CW Sales LLC Thomas and Carol Darcy Donna and Jerome Dayton Brian and Janice DeMoss Eileen and Richard Desch W. Dieke Joey Dill Andrea Dixon Drake Domingue Marc and Karin Doucette Peter and Susan Dunda Ellen Eagen Kevin and Jessica Early Ronald Elsberry Corey Ewing and Heidi Cogburn-Ewing Nancy and Don Fallis Christopher and Sarah Farley William and Jennifer Farrenkopf Lori Feig-Sandoval Finney Land Co. Robert and Karen Fletcher Chris Forkner Thomas Frazier Boe and Brenda Freeburn Kevin Freymond Richard Freymond Peter and Nancy Gauss James Gelwicks Get in the Game L.L.C. Paul Giberson and Matt Aronson Des Gibson Randy Girtin and Beverly Esquibel-Girtin Philip and Mary Ann Grabowski Steven and Penny Grasmick Gunnison Creative District Gunnison Energy Corporation Gunnison Shipping, LLC H&R Block Chadron Steven and Katherine Haase Greg Haase and Peggy Rolfes Jared Haberman Sally Hallingstad Sherri Hamby Millie Hamner Douglas and Karen Harris Austin Harris Joshua Hartner Damien Hawcroft F. Hawkes Heights Physical Therapy Tomas and Jamie Hernandez Ian Higgins Lawrence Hill Daren Hockett Brittnie Hogan Holstein Storage Thomas Holtgrave Todd Holzwarth David Houdeshell John House Lawrence and Nancy Houston International Black Belt Academics Casey and Debi Ives Thomas James Philip Jauch Peter and Brooke Javorek

Theresa Jirele Jeremy Johndrow Laura and Jay Johnson Ben and Roseann Johnson Eric Johnson Suzanne and Jim Johnson Richard Jones Douglas Jones Glen and Peggy Justis Susan Kalamen Joe and Patty Kerr Ronnie and Karen Kibler Jason and Shandy Kibler Sean and Kyley Kramer Blake and Kareen Larsen Tom and Carol Larson Buddy and Sharon Laws Jacob and Lindsay Leggett Edwin and Wendi Lehrburger Paul and Kimberly Lester Robert and Anna Linnenberger The Longmont Community Foundation Angelo and Lynette Loria Gary and Suzanne Love Joebob and Bobbie Lucero Victor and Grace Lucero William Lydle Jeanette and Douglas Mann Dillon and Nicola Martinez Bob and Trudy Matarese William McCabe Trevor McCord Ron and Karen McCue Donovan and Emily McMahill Laura McMahill John Measner Frank and Claudette Mercardante The Merchant Store Fritz Merz Karen Michael Karen and Bill Michel Mill Creek Ranch Ralph and Marsha Miller M. J. Investments INC. Erik Moeller Nicholas Monck Moonfall Remodel LLC Stephen Morley Don and Jill Mort Ahmed Mamdouh Taha Mostafa John and Rose Murphy Austin and Joanne Murr Ron and Betty Naftz Betty and Ron Naftz Bree Naibauer James Namba Maria Namba Gregory Brett Nash Sole Prop Sam and Karen Nelson William Niemi Thomas and Sarah Noble Ross and Debbie Nord Earle O'Hagen Nate and Kristin Olson Angela Otto William and Gail Palmer

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

DONOR HONOR ROLL Andrew and Wendy Palmer Steve Patrick Steve and Cristal Phillips John Pieper Jerry Piquette Bill and Norene Piquette Sarah Pitman Janine Pleau Steven Powers Tony and Monica Ramunno Roger Raquenio Peter and Wendy Rasmussen Terri Raso Curtis Rau Bill Rideout Luis Rios Jermaine Rodney Ruben and Connie Roman Nancy Ruehle Matthew and Kristi Runyan Kannie Saetern Salisbury University Tony Sanchez Trent Sanderson James Saunders Richard and Mary Schafer Bradd and Jada Schafer Duane Schroder Hans and Alyx Schuster Jason Schwartz and Lorelei Riley Schwartz W. Rick and T. Jyll Scott Kenneth Scriber Todd Seymour Sharks Swim Club Bret and Holly Shaw John and Roxanne Shouse Tom and Anne Shrake Silver Sage Apartments William Sisson Stephone Smiley Jeffery Smith Ali Smith Brian Smith Kristina Smith-Asch Joanne and Dennis Snyder Neva Specht Kim Street Randy and Karen Stuckey Michael Sua Gregory and Kathleen Svoboda Tamarack Properties Inc. Tap Rock Resources T-Bill Stock Company Bridget Thomason Bryan Thompson Carl and Jan Turnquist Judy and Brad Tutor University of Evansville Jennifer Varela Aidan Vasconcellos Don Vasconcellos George Vasilion Mark and Brenda Verna Michael Vieregge Jan Visintainer and Dave Kohls Raye Walck

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

Justin and Andrea Walrath Virginia Walton Mick and Erin Ward William Watkins Sherran Webster Tim and Jennie Weiss Duane Weisshaar Daniel Wentzel Sierra West Stanley and Pamela Whitaker Jack White Scott and Karen White Fran and Diana Wickenhauser David Wiens and Susan DeMattei Larry and CC Wilbanks Kristian Willson Michelle Wood Missy Wood Jason Yang Kristin Young Karl Zachar Laura Zehm Jack and Diane Zelinger Sherwood and Susan Zimmerman

CORNERSTONE CLUB $100 - $249

Andrew and Andrea Albershardt Tom and Joy Ann Allen Benjamin and Erika Allen Alpine Acupuncture LTD Alpine Lumber Company #46 Gunnison Sandy Alvares AmazonSmile Foundation Jason Amrich Megan Anastacio Perry and Teresa Anderson Marcia Anderson Susan Apps-Bodilly Michiko Arai and Kevin Brown Brett Arrivey AT&T Foundation David Assad Auer Junebugs LLC Todd Auer James Austin Beverley Aviet Richard and Elaine Badoian Pamela Baker and Dennis Karnstedt G Balboa Matthew Baldner Preston and Stephanie Barton James Battistoni Abigail Battistoni Craig Beebe Grant and Michelle Beeman Sarah Behan Robert Bennett Mary Jo Bennetts-Small and Thomas Small Shana and Ronnie Benson Robert Berg David Berg Joseph Bernier Gimo and Judith Berry Margaret Besse

Pete Besse Colby and Holly Bishop James and Laura Bittman Christopher and Kelsie Black Jeni Blacklock and Greg Vanderbeek Chris and Suzanne Blakeslee Diana Blanton Blaster Bouncer Denver, Inc. B. Bleakley Seth Boardman Joslin and Cody Boe Rose Bogard Gina Booton Tiffany Borden Michael Bownds Rich and Jennifer Bradfield Jack Bradley Kurt and Sandra Bretz George and Nancy Brill Bucky and Frances Broomhall Benjamin Brukman Joshua and Erin Bruning Gerald Brusewitz Deborah Bryant Bulldog Energy LLC Arlin and Maretta Buller Christian Bundschuh G. Burt Christine Butkovich James and Rhonda Byron John and Leslie Byron Camlyn Cacioppo Glenn and Leila Calkins Lynda Campbell Tony and Jennifer Cancino Joel Carlson Lawrence Caro Jacquelyn Caro-Szutar Thomas Carr Kurt Chaffee Hap and Narcissa Channell Reuben and Julie Chavez Chevron Humankind Matching Gift Program Gary Chinn Chocolate of the Rockies, INC. Kevin Chvatal Anthony and Teresa Ciacco The Clarke Agency Inc. Kurt Clay Sam Clements Darlene Cleveland David and Rebecca Clifford Ray Clinton The Clorox Company Lonny and Pamela Cogburn Jeffrey and Michelle Cogburn Dennis and Cheryl Ann Colangelo Linda Cole Robert Coleman Lonne Colglazier Marguerite Collard Susan Collins Cathryn Collins Jamie Collis Colorado Gives Colorado Rockies Baseball Club

Roger Combs Brenden Condon Chuck Connelley Dustyn Connelley Debra Connolly Lauren Cooper Amy Copeland Robert and Kristin Corbett Frederick Correll Lourdes M Figueroa Corser Kathleen Cortner Marla Covey Clarice Cowan Caitlyn Cox Scott and Jannice Cromwell Kelly Vern Cronenberg Michael Crouch Amy Crowder William Cude Mary Cude Joseph and Butterscotch Culhane Gary and Ammie Cyr D & A Enterprises, Inc. Tracy and Bill Dabney Judith Dake Kathy Danskin William and Donna Davin Scott and Jane Davis Law Office of Michael C. Dawson LLC Brian and Sandra DeCrow James and Sharon Dejong Joe and Anna Marie Delgado Tasshi Dennis Denver Association of Petroleum Landmen Paul Depp Dick and Linda Dickerson Franklin and Hazel Dickey Russell Dobson Frans Doornaert Double Diamond Management Duncan and Nicole Drummond Douglas Drummond Kurtis and Amanda Dunbar Barbara Dunlea Bill Dwyer Serena Eads Ed Carroll Motor Company, INC. Eddie's Barber Shop Casey Elnicki Simon and Amy Engelbert Sharon Eshima Sharon and Thomas Fanning Joe and Donna Farner Sophie Fear Glenn Fellows Armann and Katie Fenger John Fenger Susan Firor Teresa Fischer Jeff Fisher James Fisher Andy Fisher Joseph Flores Susan Ford Jennifer Ford-Smith Wayne Foslien Theresa Frank

William Frank Amy Frankam Michel and Cheryl Freeman Jason Freeman Zach Fry Liz Fuller Juliann Furr Robert Ganch and John Chodacki Phillip and Debra Garcia Elvia Garmon Nancy Gary Michael Gazarik Dean and Linda Geiman Richard Geisen Ann and Gary Giberson Kerri Gilday Michael Gill Cameron Gill Jonathan Glavan Jeffrey Glenn Fred and Diane Glover Verlie Gonzales Belinda Gonzales Good Knight Roofing, LLC Tiffany Gossett Dean Grable Danielle Grabowski Jamie Grabowski Mary Grady Zeta and James Graham Lindsey Grasmick Christopher Green J. Wilton Green Mary Lou Gregory Bob Grenfell Melissa Grumhaus Jack and Patti Gullahorn Gunnison County Abstract Company Gunsmoke Travel Plaza Peter Gutierrez Travis Hainsworth Eric and Tammy Hannah Dalia Hargrave Roberta Harper Penny Harris Rebecca Harris James and Theresa Hart Terry Hartnett Sara Hathaway Teri and Chuck Haus Kyle Heaton Charles and Marilyn Heepke Gary Helberg Bruce and Sandy Heller Terri and Robert Helm Here and Now Acupuncture John Hernandez Linda Hernandez Inez Herrera Jennifer Hesse Christine Higgins High Mountain Drifters Guide Service Gregory and Laura Hill Stephen and Diane Hill Eugene Hill Tommie Hodge Gabrielle Hodgson

Alice Hoeltke David Hofer Paul Hogan Matt and Yan Hohne Susan Holappa Miranda Holson Brittney Hoots and Brian Perryman Ralph and David Houdeshell Stephanie House Jon House Maresa Hubbard Michael and Mary Huggins David and Christina Hulslander William and Marguerite Humenczuk Samuel and Diana Humphrey Kathleen and Donald Hunsaker Ross Husch I-Bar Ranch Interstate Batteries of Central Illinois Inc. Rita Jackson Holly Jacobs Michelle James Thomas Jeffrey Laurie and John Jensch Carolyn Jensen Stephen and Shaynee Jesik Joseph and Jasmine Jirele Cassandra Johnshoy Stuart and Tammy Johnson Cheryl Johnson Catherine Johnson Richard Jones George Juelfs J & W Catering Moto Kamikura Jon and Shannon Kaminsky Gregory Karly Barbara Kastellic Timothy and Karla Kelly Jack and Meg Kennison Ben and Joni Kern Jeffery Ketron John Kiesel Peter and Erin Kilbride Kirk Kirchner Gloria Kizewski Rick Klebanow Joseph Klickna Jr. Leo and Judy Klinker Oreva Koka Nadia Kolbus Phyllis and Adolph Koroshetz Paul and Christine Kos Jerry and Arlene Kowal John Kozyak Agnes Kroneraff Charles Kunkel and Carol Vermeer Reino and Arlene Lake Claudia Lammert Matthew Lapp Pamala Larsen Beverly Lawrence Ted Laws Randy Lawson Darrel Ledvina Level Handy Works LLC Joel Levy

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

DONOR HONOR ROLL Jill Lewis Michael and Mary Lieck Ken Lombardi Kent and Pamela Long Roger and Pat Long Sam and Ginny Love Tate and Megan Lowe Lucy Lucio Michael Lueckeman Gregory Luning Ronald and Barbara Mack Patrick Magee Brian Majcen William Mallory Linda Malonson Richard Malonson Jeffrey Mandrell and Denise McMahen Rodney and Dorothy Marshall Quentin and Lura Mason Brian Mata Kenneth Matzick and Amy Barrymatzick Kristin Mauch Scott and Zoe Mayer Randy Mayfield Fred and Luci McCathron Kristy McClain Bruce and Kathryn McClintock Matthew McConnell Kristin McCord Bob McCulloch David and Joy McElyea Rodney McGlothlin Jerry McLain Paul McRae Kimberly Measner Anna and David Meldrum Jeremias Mendonca Clint and Karla Miller Dale and Shelley Miller James Miller Anna Miller Barb and Donald Mitchell Christy Molina Drew Montez Virnel Moon Regina Moons Roger Moore Terry and Connie Morgan Nan Morgan James Morton Dustin Mullin Olivia Murphy-Welconish Danielle and Gunnar Mutz Paul Nabors Betty Naftz Jim and Cheryl Nelson Jane Nero Anita Nguyen Teri Nicely-Robbins Donna Nicholas-Griesel and Kenneth J Griesel Chris Nichols Erik Niemeyer J Nieslanik

Thad Nieslanik Eric and Lacy Nitzel Chad Norris William and Carolyn Noyes Neurofeedback Clinic of Northern Colorado Mikel and John Jr Obourn Kelly O'Brien Michelle Olsen Marta Ostler Colleen Paap John and Kimberly Pagano Dan and Kimberly Pappas Scott and Cassandra Parker Elaine Parker Sue Parks Jeff Parsek Sharalee and Boyd Pederson Jay Peltier John and B Marie Peterson Charles and Ashleigh Pipher Robert Platueau Chad Potter Kim Powell Bill and Kathie Powell ProSpace Interiors William Prost Daniel Quinn Hilarie Quispe Dean and D Ann Rainbolt Larry Ramsey Billie Rankin Nicholas Ranslem Ronald Rawson Dennis Razinger Thomas Rea David and Carolyn Reddish Erika Redfern Jacque Reid Al and Ann Rende Kitty Richardson Marla Riley V.K. and Gunta Riters RLM Concepts & Consulting Corp Lauren Roach Barbara Robbins Brandon Roe Louis Romano Paul and Alison Rosenow Margo Rosenow Cameron and Lindsey Ross Robert and Lara Rouse D'ontay Roy Kellyn Roy Brian Russell Antonio Sanchez Carolyn Sanders Marjorie Sandoval Beryl Sandridge John Sangosti George and Lisa Santelli David Santilli Sarah Santilli Caro Santilli Liz Sawyer Ronald Schafer

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

Jenny Schartz Brian Scheib Tom Schirmer Terry and Laura Schliesman Cory Schmeling Carlos Schoellhorn and Linda Soar Kyle Schraeder Robert Scott Scott's Tree Service, Inc. Valerie Scranton Lance Scranton S.E. Plumbing Marilyn Seastrand Jeff Sellen Roger Seymour Kraig and Jenifer Shaner Willa Shepardson David and Lin Sheppard George Sibley and Maryo Ewell Becky and Bob Sickles Mary Simon Heidi Slattum Thomas Small Jr. and Mary Jo Bennetts-Small Branden Smejkal Kenneth Smith and Linda Runyan Michael and Christine Smith Michael and Rynetta Smith Desire Smoot Brenda Somerville James and Susan Souders Southstate Holdings LLC Troy and Andrea Sporleder Todd and Billie Stam Thomas and Tina Starman Kimberly Starnes Charles Steffens John Stein Jeanenne Stepleton Chance and Summer Stevens Stice & Company LLC Phillip and Leeann Stork Wesley and Georgette Strain Brett Strait Gerrit Strathmeyer Substratum Excavation LLC Alonna Sumrok John and Georginna Svoboda Ronald Swatfigure Jay Swett David Switz David Tafoya DeLeigh Talbott Ty and Jennifer Tatham Ryan and Bailey Taylor Jessica Taylor Yale and Mary Taylor Frances Terrell Jubal Terry Gilbert Thibedore and Renata Bluhm Ryan Thomas Earlie Thomas Luan Thomas John and Kathy Thompson Sherrill Thorne

Robert Thorne Bruno and Annette Tomaino Carol Tomlinson Leighton Tomlinson Marvin Toreson Jansen Tredway Barbara Trepanier TRIC Salon The Trim Reaper, LLC Tim and Doris Trout Kristina Tucker Mary Tuleja Peter and Tara Tyler UBS Financial Services Vulcan Ridge Consulting, LLC Glenn Vallejo Chris Van Zele Jesse and Luke Vandenburg Ivette Vanderstraeten Lois Veltus Darlene Vincent Frank and Jeannette Visconti Steven and Margaret Voet Milton and Celia Voss Mike Wallace Douglas and Cynthia Wax Mercedes Webb Barbara Weiberg Robert Welch III Western Colorado University Wilderness Base Western Slope Fire and Safety Don and Gwendolyn Wheatlake Kristan Wheeler Kyle White Jack Wilkins Craig Wilkins Robin Wilkinson Dustin Williams Albert Williams Julie Wilson Rickey and Jane Wilson Timothy and Stacey Wilson Mike and Barbara Winant Kathleen Winder Scott and Betty Winkle Tracie Wise Shawn Wollin Pamela Wolta Woods Family Trust Thomas and Betty Woolley Connie Wooten Ed and Ruth Woytek Mikki Wright Luke Wuesthoff Bruce Yarish Kelly Yazzie William Young Breanna Young Glen and Becky Younger Your Turn Auto LLC Daniel and Michelle Zadra Dennis and Michelle Zehnle Z&N Automotive LLC

ELEVATEWESTERN.ORG

POSTAGE

PP ..O. O. Box 1264 Gunnison, Gunnison, CO CO,81231 81230 970.943.2237 970.943.2237 westernup.org ElevateWestern.org

Save theSave Dates the Dates Western Ski Weekend The WCU Foundation invites you to attend the:

Rail Jam February 9 | Taylor Lawn Mountaineers RetroMountaineer Ski Day February 10 | Crested Butte Mountain Resort Ski Weekend 3rd Annual Gala Western Après Ski Party February 10 | The Lodge at Mountaineer Square Saturday, May 20, 2023 February 10-12, 2023 Breakfast in the Backcountry February 11 | Crested Butte Nordic Yurt Dinner, Program and Presentation of the It’s time to hit the slopes, Mountaineer Nation. Western Ski Weekend is back again! Join us at Crested Butte Mountain Resort sporting your best vintage gear Mountaineer of Excellence. Discounts on lodging, lift tickets rentalson will for a day full of skiing and ridingAward with friends, family and former classmates. Take advantage of ourand discounts Honoring Chisholm be available. accommodations, lift tickets, rentals,Nancy and more. Join us after the lifts close for an Après-Ski Party at the Lodge at Mountaineer Square. Details & Registration available Cherry Hills Country Club at: western.edu/alumni/western-ski-weekend Crested Butte Mountain Resort Cherry Hills Village, Colorado Crested Butte, Colorado

More details to follow inMountaineer the new year. Please, visit www.western.edu/alumni/western4th Annual Gala For sponsorship information, please contact ski-weekend April 13 | Cherry Hills Country Club, Cherry Hills Village, Coloradofor more information. Dinner, Program and Presentation of the Mountaineer Award of Excellence honoring Dick Bratton. Joy Kean at jkean@western.edu (970) 943-2220. Purchase your seat at the Gala by scanning the QR code. For sponsorship information, please contact Ella Fahrlander at efahrlander@western.edu.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

FSC FSC

remeMBrance Media

Western Colorado University Foundation Colorado University PO Box 1264 | Gunnison,Western CO 81230 | (970) 943Foundation - 2237 | foundation@western.edu P.O. Box 1264 | Gunnison, CO 81230 | (970) 943 2237 | foundation@western.edu Give Today: ElevateWestern.org Give Today: westernup.org | Like Us: facebook.com/WesternColoradoFoundation LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/western-foundation LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/western-foundation

2022-2023 Western Colorado University Foundation Annual Report of Appreciation

Articles inside

GEIMAN SCHOLARS PROGRAM

SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING

BRINGING OUTDOOR ATHLETES TO NEW HEIGHTS

2SLGBTQIA+ SCHOLARSHIP

CHFA BUILDING THE FUTURE SCHOLARSHIP

MOUNTAINEER GALA

CELEBRATION OF GIVING

IMPACT TO LAST A LIFETIME

A FOUNDATION FAREWELL

KEEPING WESTERN COMPETITIVE

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH CAREERS

FEEDING YOUNG MINDS

FOSTER ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

PROMOTE STUDENT ACCESS & SUCCESS

ENGINEER COLORADO’S FUTURE

ELEVATE WESTERN

THE WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY DIFFERENCE

EMBRACING CHANGE

Ask The Board

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTS