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 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.