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.
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WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY
