LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTS

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

With sincere appreciation, 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.

Valerie Hastings

Foundation Board President

Western Colorado University Foundation

Brad Baca

President

Western Colorado University