When Norah Nyangau (PhDIntPhys’25) immigrated to the U.S. from Kenya as a child, playing sports helped her navigate cultural and language barriers with her peers. Years later, this early passion sparked a curiosity for rehabilitation and movement — and eventually led her to CU �鶹ӰԺ, where she’s working toward a doctoral degree in integrative physiology as part of the Curci PhD Scholars Program cohort.

The Curci Foundation established the Curci PhD Scholars Program at CU �鶹ӰԺ in 2022. The goal is to bring together and financially support doctoral students from around the world to pursue research and advance life sciences at CU �鶹ӰԺ. 

After her initial childhood inspiration, Norah’s interest in rehabilitation grew throughout her education. She became especially interested in how rehabilitation improves the quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities. CU �鶹ӰԺ’s integrative physiology graduate program appealed to her because of its highly innovative and holistic approach to research.

“I knew I wanted to be in a program that fosters rigorous research training and collaborations with local clinical centers,” she said.

Selected to join the Curci PhD Scholars Program in 2023, Norah received a full scholarship to pursue her work and a stipend to cover living expenses. Norah said that the fellowship was a game changer, helping her find a path to continue her education while allowing her to devote more time to research. 

She shared that she can now build a solid foundation to support her dissertation work and future career. After completing her PhD, she hopes to work with vulnerable communities to improve the quality of life for individuals with mobility limitations.

“Growing up in a developing country has provided me with the compassion and desire to work within communities that are often disadvantaged and under-resourced,” Norah said. “I hope that in my future career, I can contribute innovative solutions that push the field forward in improving rehabilitation outcomes.” 

Connecting research and community 

As part of the Curci PhD Scholars Program, students meet monthly to connect and learn from each other. Each month, one scholar shares their research with their peers — and they also take time for a bit of fun. 

In October, Negar Rahimi (PhDIntPhys’25), a second-year PhD student from Iran, presented her research on the ability of machine-learning algorithms to evaluate data and make accurate predictions. Her fellow scholars asked questions and shared insights from their own research, which led to an engaging conversation.

After the presentation, the scholars switched gears to carve pumpkins and socialize. The program emphasizes building personal connections and sharing new cultural experiences by infusing fun activities into the monthly meetings.

“From monthly catch-up meetings in which we share our personal and research progresses to celebrating the holidays together, the fellowship has provided a sense of community that has eased the hardships of relocating to a new environment,” Norah said.

PhD program grows international student involvement

In 2022, the Shurl and Kay Curci Foundation made a $1.9 million gift to CU �鶹ӰԺ to support two cohorts of six incoming graduate students for the first two years of their PhD education in molecular, cellular and developmental biology, integrative physiology, biochemistry, or psychology and neuroscience. The Curci PhD Scholars Program covers the cost of attendance, allowing students to focus on their research. After two successful years, a third cohort joined the program this fall. The Curci Foundation has granted a continued commitment of $500,000 annually to add six new scholars to the program. 

The program aims to award two-thirds of the scholarships to international students, helping to break down barriers and expand recruitment in the life sciences graduate program for students who usually are not eligible for U.S. scholarships.

Bolstered by the power of philanthropy, scholars like Norah can positively impact CU �鶹ӰԺ and the world through their research while building lasting connections. 

“Along with providing the resources to succeed, I am also connected with other scholars who share similar experiences as international students and provide that sense of belonging,” said Norah. 

“I am grateful for the support I received as I assimilated to the new environment, which was paramount in establishing a sturdy footing for me to flourish.”  

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Dale (AeroEngr’93) and Kristen Farrand (Psych’92) are making a lasting impact at CU �鶹ӰԺ through a planned gift in their will. Their generous commitment will support programs that assist underrepresented populations, promote leadership and innovation, and enhance student experiences, including the Army ROTC, aerospace student projects, the School of Education, Athletics DEI initiatives and the Parent Fund.

The Farrands’ commitment to philanthropy stemmed from their experiences at CU �鶹ӰԺ, where their lives were profoundly shaped both academically and personally. Now, they’re aiming to ensure future generations of students receive the same support and opportunities that made a difference to them.

A lifelong connection to CU �鶹ӰԺ

As a high school student in Michigan in the late 1980s, Kristen was eager to explore a new community. After researching colleges at her local library, she chose CU �鶹ӰԺ — sight unseen. It did not disappoint. 

Kristen embraced life in �鶹ӰԺ, spending her college years exploring all Colorado had to offer. However, the support she received from faculty solidified her loyalty to the university. Initially a journalism major, Kristen soon realized it wasn’t the right fit. After some exploration, she landed in psychology, later adding an elementary education certificate. 

“I was able to do all this exploring at CU and also participate in the Semester at Sea Study Abroad Program because of the care and flexibility that CU provides for its students,” she said.

Dale chose CU �鶹ӰԺ because of its renowned aerospace program and ties to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and space exploration. Growing up in Montana as a skier, he was also attracted to �鶹ӰԺ’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains. After one visit, he was hooked. 

The two met in �鶹ӰԺ, a connection that would change their lives forever. Now married for over 30 years, the couple has three daughters — two of whom attended CU �鶹ӰԺ.

Though they now call the Washington, D.C., area home, their ties to CU �鶹ӰԺ remain strong. Over the years, they returned for football games and other events. They also sought out Forever Buffs communities where they lived, proudly wearing CU Buffs gear and hearing “Sko Buffs!” around the world.

Investing in future Buffs

When it came time for the Farrands’ children to choose a college, CU �鶹ӰԺ was the obvious choice. In 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Farrands’ daughters were in their first and second years of college. That experience highlighted the critical role of emotional, academic and social support programs — resources CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Parent Fund helps sustain. These programs provided valuable guidance during an anxious and uncertain time to help their daughters thrive.

The Farrands also learned that the state of Colorado provides less funding for public universities than many other states. Reflecting on their own needs as students, as well as their children’s, they decided to deepen their commitment to CU �鶹ӰԺ by exploring additional ways to give back.

After careful consideration, the Farrands chose to make a planned gift through their will, believing it would allow them to make a lasting impact across several key areas. The Farrands’ commitment to philanthropy demonstrates how alumni can give back to the university. Through a planned gift, they will support programs that reflect their values and honor their family’s loyalty to CU �鶹ӰԺ.

A call to action for alumni

The Farrands shared their belief that giving time, talents and treasures allows alumni to enhance their relationship with the university and help students have a positive and enduring memory of their time at CU �鶹ӰԺ. As philanthropists and volunteers, alumni can connect with a community of like-minded individuals and engage directly with CU while deciding how to best impact the student experience today and into the future.

“Attending CU changed the direction of my life. I met my wife and many of my closest friends. My experience opened my eyes to a larger and more diverse world,” Dale said. 

“�鶹ӰԺ, the University of Colorado and the ecosystem they create are a perfect storm of critical and creative thinking, technological innovation, appreciation of our natural resources and the importance of global compassion and responsibility. It is the perfect place to springboard into adult life, and so far, our two Forever Buffs daughters agree!”

Alumni have many options to invest in CU �鶹ӰԺ, including with a gift in your will or trust. Learn more about how to engage in the programs that represent your values and passion through .  

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