Your Impact

Thompson Endowment Swings Jazz Forward at CU �鶹ӰԺ

Anna Tolette — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 18:04:41 +0000

Thompson Endowment Swings Jazz Forward at CU �鶹ӰԺ Anna Tolette Thu, 03/20/2025 - 12:04

April Driver

Last fall, CU �鶹ӰԺ’s College of Music added a vocal jazz degree option to the Thompson Jazz Studies Program. Alumni and longtime donors Jack (Hist’64; MA’70) and Jeannie Thompson (Zool’64) expanded their endowment to further enhance their impact and legacy with the jazz studies program.

In 2013, the Thompson Jazz Studies Endowment transformed the future of CU �鶹ӰԺ’s jazz program. A little over a decade later, the program has gained national recognition, drawing world-renowned artists for workshops, enabling students to collaborate with musicians worldwide and enriching the community with outstanding performances year-round.

“Seeing student and programmatic growth through our giving has been a delight,” said Jack and Jeannie Thompson. “An example is the students and faculty who have traveled to Costa Rica and Cuba, experiencing jazz and learning new forms of international jazz.

“We recently added funds to support vocal jazz — it will be fun to see that much-needed area in the program expand. The inspiration to support has given us pleasure, and it’s great to see the jazz program develop within the college.”

Vocal jazz enriches jazz studies

According to Jocelyn Medina, instructor for vocal jazz at CU �鶹ӰԺ, integrating vocal jazz enriches the entire jazz studies program.

Instrumentalists benefit from learning to play with singers, reinforcing their listening and accompaniment skills. They also learn to play songs in different keys and with greater dynamic range, developing a deeper understanding of the repertoire related to the lyrics and storytelling of the melodies and harmonies.

Many instrumentalists may also want to be vocalists. With the new program, jazz students can do both.

“Instrumentalists who sing can hone their skills by adding vocal jazz courses,” Medina added.

Jazz opens doors to the world

The Thompson Jazz Endowment has created incredible experiences for CU �鶹ӰԺ’s jazz students and faculty — from traveling to the Next Generation Jazz Festival in Monterey, California, to hosting world-renowned artists on campus.

Musicians inspire and learn from each other. These experiences go beyond the classroom to connect students with the global jazz community.

John Gunther, director of the Thompson Jazz Studies Program, explained the significance of these experiences: “We took 23 students and faculty to Cuba for an intensive week of study with master musicians. These trips help elevate the College of Music’s profile nationally and internationally,” he said.

The endowment helps offset student travel costs, making these international experiences more accessible. Students with financial needs can receive additional support, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate.

Expanding professional networks

The program fosters professional connections for students and faculty. Thompson Jazz Studies has grown as a respected hub for jazz education and innovation, attracting guest clinicians and artists to campus.

Faculty integrate the guest artists, who often work with big bands and jazz combos, into the student experience. They share insights on performance, musicianship and career development, offering students a deeper perspective of their craft. Students often perform alongside these seasoned professionals, helping expand their resumes and performance education aligned with the college’s universal musician approach to achieving its mission.

Endowments 101

At CU �鶹ӰԺ, endowments provide crucial support for students, faculty, research and programs.

What is an endowment?

An endowment is a type of donation that offers CU �鶹ӰԺ long-term support by investing the principal amount of the endowment and using a portion of the returns annually to fund specific programs, like scholarships, faculty positions or research.

What are the benefits?

Program support: Endowments provide permanent funding for specific programs, scholarships and positions, enhancing CU �鶹ӰԺ’s ability to fulfill its mission and attract top talent.

Funding stability: They provide predictable and stable funding to sustain programs over the long term.

Donor legacy: Endowments allow donors to establish a lasting tribute and extend the value of their gift to support future generations.

Learn more about endowments

CU �鶹ӰԺ’s jazz program also provides students with hands-on experience in professional recording. Each year, students record in a professional studio in Denver. The Thompson Jazz Records label, supported by the endowment, allows students to navigate the entire production process — creation, copyright, publishing and contracts — helping them prepare for careers in the music industry.

CU �鶹ӰԺ’s jazz program now boasts one of the most robust infrastructures for engaging with external experts. This ongoing exchange of knowledge and talent elevates the program and expands professional networks, providing career opportunities and connections to the jazz world.

Hosting world-renowned artists

The Thompson Jazz Endowment has also provided CU �鶹ӰԺ’s jazz students and faculty opportunities to work with acclaimed artists.

Maria Schneider, a multi-Grammy-winning composer and bandleader, will conduct workshops on her creative process and the music industry in April. She will also direct CU’s jazz ensembles in a performance of her music.

Last year, legendary bassist Dave Holland held a weeklong residency, offering masterclasses and collaborating with students. These opportunities are open to all students in the College of Music, expanding the jazz program’s reach.

“To regularly have artists of this stature visit not only jazz studies but the College of Music is hugely impactful,” Gunther said.

These residencies provide students with direct access to the most respected names in jazz. They foster mentorship, collaboration and hands-on learning — central to CU �鶹ӰԺ’s jazz program.

Giving back to the campus and community

CU �鶹ӰԺ’s jazz program also prioritizes community engagement. Each December, the jazz ensembles participate in an annual performance of Duke Ellington’s jazz arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. On campus, students host pop-up concerts and an end-of-year outdoor performance that brings music to the broader university community.

Additionally, the jazz program is open to non-music majors. CU �鶹ӰԺ has a non-major jazz ensemble where students from other majors can play jazz. The program also offers vocal jazz lessons to students from other disciplines, such as musical theater and classical voice, expanding access to jazz education.

Preserving the future of jazz studies at CU �鶹ӰԺ

The Thompsons have made a lasting impact at CU �鶹ӰԺ. They demonstrated their love of jazz and CU �鶹ӰԺ through their generosity. By establishing an endowment, the Thompsons have given the College of Music the tools and confidence to grow the Thompson Jazz Studies Program, knowing that the resources are there to support initiatives in future years.

With the continued support of the Thompson endowment, CU �鶹ӰԺ’s jazz studies program is becoming one of the leading jazz education institutions in the country, offering unparalleled opportunities for students to learn, perform and connect with the jazz community — locally and globally.

“The Thompsons’ generosity has been truly transformative for the jazz studies program,” said John Davis, dean of the College of Music. “Thanks to their support, students and faculty now have opportunities that were never possible before — whether international exchanges in Costa Rica and Cuba, collaborations with world-class musicians or hosting guest artists on campus.

“The Thompson Jazz Endowment fund has elevated our program to a new level, fostering professional connections, creative growth and unparalleled experiences for our students.”

Give to the Thompson Jazz Studies Program

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Record-Breaking Buffs All In Tops $1M

Laura Duncan — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 15:53:07 +0000

Record-Breaking Buffs All In Tops $1M Laura Duncan Mon, 03/10/2025 - 09:53

March 6 marked the third Buffs All In, CU �鶹ӰԺ’s annual giving day — and Buffs everywhere showed up in a big way. Donations exceeded $1 million, almost doubling last year’s total.

By the numbers

Preliminary results show that 2,052 donors raised an impressive $1,066,985, directly funding student success, research, athletics, emergency assistance and many other critical needs.

Challenge gifts made an impact

The day gained momentum thanks to generous challenge gifts, inspiring even more Buffs to contribute and make every dollar go further.

Athletics led the charge with an anonymous donor’s $200,000 challenge gift. To unlock it, 200 donors needed to give to Buff Club funds — and Buffs rose to the challenge!

Together, donors helped raise $266,500 from challenge gifts, fueling excitement and amplifying each donation’s impact.

Buffs everywhere showed up

Contributions will fuel groundbreaking research at the Leeds School of Business, offer critical assistance for students facing unexpected emergencies through the Student Emergency Fund, and help provide housing, travel and nutrition for 350-plus student athletes. These are just a few ways Buffs All In makes a difference.

From alumni and faculty to parents, staff and friends, Buffs from all corners of the community came together to show their support and reflect the heart of CU �鶹ӰԺ.

Together, we make a difference

Buffs All In is more than a giving day — it’s a celebration of what we can accomplish together. Thank you for making this year’s event one to remember.

Learn more about your impact

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$1.9M bequest from CU sweethearts bolsters university’s art museum

Anna Tolette — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:00:00 +0000

$1.9M bequest from CU sweethearts bolsters university’s art museum Anna Tolette Wed, 02/05/2025 - 06:00

Jessica Winter , CU �鶹ӰԺ Advancement Marketing and Communications

The �鶹ӰԺ Art Museum has received the largest philanthropic gift in its history: a $1.9 million investment from late alumni Donald and Karen Ringsby. The endowment, which will be allocated at the discretion of the museum’s director, reflects the couple’s love of art and acknowledges the museum’s significance to the campus community.

More than a museum

An installation view of the exhibition We CU: A Visual Celebration of Black Womanhood, Presence, and Connectedness at the University of Colorado Art Museum. Image by Wes Magyar, © The Museum for Black Girls and © CU Art Museum and University Libraries, �鶹ӰԺ.

Housed within the university’s College of Arts and Sciences, the CU Art Museum offers a forum for faculty, students and the surrounding community to explore exhibitions, fuel their visual imagination, and engage in creative thought and campus collaborations. Having studied art and art history at CU, Donald (Don) and Karen Ringsby saw the value that the museum and these creative engagements have on campus and in a college education.

“The discretionary nature of this endowed gift acknowledges that the critical needs of a museum will change over time, and it offers flexibility to support those evolving initiatives,” said Hope Saska, acting director, chief curator and director of academic engagement for the CU Art Museum. “The Ringsbys were extraordinarily generous and forward-thinking in establishing this legacy gift for the museum.”

In addition to exhibition galleries, the CU Art Museum features a Collection Study Center where classes and researchers can directly study works of art in learning sessions facilitated by museum staff. Throughout the year, the museum's program of free exhibitions and events promote cultural expression, engaged learning and interdisciplinary scholarship.

“CU �鶹ӰԺ is fortunate to have an outstanding museum, which offers opportunities for innovative collaboration and creative education,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “The Ringsby family’s gift to the CU Art Museum is a strategic investment that enhances innovative, hands-on learning and strengthens our connection to the community.”

The museum received first-time accreditation in 2023, joining a prestigious group of 26 museums accredited in Colorado. It boasts a permanent collection, started in 1939, that has grown to include more than 13,500 artworks representing 10,000 years of human creativity. From Greek pottery to Roman glass and contemporary painting, photography and printmaking, the comprehensive collection enriches educational experiences for faculty, students and the broader community.

Legacies built through lives well-lived

Karen and Donald Ringsby

First as students and later as alumni, Don (A&S’62) and Karen (EnglLit’62) attended art shows on campus and spent time searching for art in Colorado and, eventually, all over the world. The son of Denver trucking magnate Bill Ringsby, Don went on to become the president of Ringsby Truck Lines, Aspen Airways and the Denver Rockets — which would later become the NBA’s Denver Nuggets. He passed away in 2020, and Karen, who later earned her master’s in English from the University of Denver, passed away in 2024. Her lustrous career included modeling, serving as president of the Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood board, and advocating with the Global Warming Mitigation Project and for Palestinian human rights.

“Their legacy is one of friendship, family, philanthropy, art and their mutual love of the outdoors,” said son Alex Ringsby, president and CEO of RINGSBY, INC., which owns Ringsby Realty Corporation in Denver. The couple’s two other sons, Gray and Eric Ringsby, live in Maui, Hawaii, and Rock River, Wyoming, respectively.

Don and Karen’s Buff pride extended from their student involvement with Greek life to being loyal football spectators — they had season tickets for 40 years. Among others, Don served on the board of the CU Foundation, and Karen was an active member of the art museum’s Collection Committee, responsible for shaping the museum’s art collection. The Ringsbys later donated to the museum’s “Sharkive” collection and contributed a painting by Colorado abstract artist Dale Chisman, which will be on view in the museum’s upcoming spring exhibition, Hello, Friend.

In addition to their involvement with CU, Don and Karen were patrons of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver, supporters of the nonprofit for urban youth Colorado UpLift, and gave to Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood. Loving historic places and nature, they resided in Denver, Aspen and Savannah, Georgia.

“They were so proud of �鶹ӰԺ and CU — they really lived it and wore their pride on their shoulders for all to see,” said Alex Ringsby. “They prioritized philanthropy and championed the idea of improving the communities they lived in.”

A storybook love

College sweethearts, Don and Karen first met in their French 301 course at CU �鶹ӰԺ. They were Buffs who shared a love for �鶹ӰԺ, with Don being a lifelong Coloradan and Karen growing up in South Dakota.

“They both adored each other and gave �鶹ӰԺ the credit for finding each other,” said Alex Ringsby.

After graduating, the two eloped in a secret ceremony at the Rock of Gibraltar, British Territory, in the Mediterranean Sea. Loved ones later referred to the couple’s nearly 60-year marriage as having weathered the storms of life, just like the location of their elopement.

“They lived a storybook life and shared a romance for the ages,” said Alex Ringsby. “My father said the first time he saw my mother on campus, he thought, ‘I am going to marry her someday’ .... and he did.”

Their love for family, passion for art and care for their communities resulted in a partnership that inspired others and will create change for years to come. Saska remarked that the couple “united their love for CU �鶹ӰԺ and for art” in their endowment gift to the CU Art Museum and will support the museum’s mission to be a “vital part of the cultural community — on campus and off.”

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How philanthropy fuels success: Center for African & African American Studies empowers students, drives impact through donor support

Anna Tolette — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 20:56:40 +0000

How philanthropy fuels success: Center for African & African American Studies empowers students, drives impact through donor support Anna Tolette Mon, 02/03/2025 - 13:56

Shamika Klassen, 2023–24 Alice Cleora Reeves Endowed Dissertation Fellow

When Shamika Klassen (PhDInfoSci’24) graduated last year with her PhD in information science, she was the first Black graduate in the decade-long history of the department.

Her significant achievement is part of the growing community of the Center for African & African American Studies (CAAAS), where philanthropic dollars help fund fellowships for students like Klassen, as well as faculty research and community engagement.

On Feb. 1, the center kicked off Black History Month with a celebration of CAAAS Day — its third annual event since Gov. Jared Polis declared the day in 2023. CAAAS Day serves as a moment to honor the history and contributions of African and African American communities, while spotlighting the work of the center itself. The day is also an opportunity to recognize donors to the CAAAS and celebrate the university's continued philanthropic match.

Through music, dance, poetry, food and Africana cultural expressions, this year’s celebration continued the tradition of highlighting the vibrant student, faculty and community involvement that makes the center a vital force at CU �鶹ӰԺ and beyond.

Philanthropic support fuels growth and opportunity

Donor support has been crucial to the success and expansion of the CAAAS since its founding. To support student success, donations help fund student fellowships, research awards and creative work awards.

In 2023–24, philanthropic support directly benefited students like Klassen, the recent information science graduate who was awarded the Alice Cleora Reeves Endowed Dissertation Fellowship.

“I am so grateful to the CAAAS and Dr. Reiland Rabaka for their encouragement and financial support in the final mile of my doctoral program,” said Klassen.

CAAAS Director Reiland Rabaka speaks with CAAAS graduate fellow Reya Roussel at the November 2024 CAAAS Graduate Fellows Conference

Philanthropy also supports faculty fellowships, research initiatives and community engagement programs that help further the center’s mission. In 2023–24, the CAAAS awarded faculty teaching and research awards to scholars in fields such as history, philosophy, ethnic studies and communications — each of whom contributes to a broader understanding of African and African American experiences.

Building a stronger future

Looking ahead, the CAAAS plans to continue expanding its programming and increase opportunities for both students and faculty. For every dollar of philanthropic support raised through June 30, 2026, Chancellor Justin Schwartz is continuing to match up to $1 million with university funding to help promote the center’s vision and mission.

These funds will help enhance research, community engagement and student services within the CAAAS, reinforcing the center’s role as a hub for community and academic excellence.

“To all who have supported the CAAAS, whether financially or otherwise, thank you for believing in our vision,” said Reiland Rabaka, founder and director of the CAAAS. “Your investment affirms our deep commitment to building community at CU �鶹ӰԺ through research, creative work and cultural programming.”

A space for learning and connection

Attendees at the November 2024 CAAAS Graduate Fellows Conference

Founded in 2021, the CAAAS is dedicated to researching, promoting and preserving knowledge about the histories, cultures and arts of African, African American and African diasporan communities. Through research, visual and performing arts, and student services, the CAAAS helps foster a deep sense of community and belonging on the CU �鶹ӰԺ campus.

“The CAAAS continues to expand as a focal point for campus and community life grounded in the experiences of Africans, African Americans and the African diaspora,” said Rabaka. "We provide culturally relevant student services, public programs, mentorship, leadership training, professional development and advocacy for social change.”

In addition to its academic and research focus, the center hosts annual events such as the Kwanzaa Celebration, Black Graduation and, of course, CAAAS Day. These events foster a strong sense of community while celebrating the culture, history and accomplishments of African, African American and African diasporan students, faculty and alumni at CU �鶹ӰԺ.

Following this year’s CAAAS Day celebration, the entire campus community is invited to reflect on how far the center has come and how far it will go with continued philanthropic backing. For more information about the CAAAS and how to support its work, visit colorado.edu/center/caaas.

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2024–25 CAAAS graduate fellows with CAAAS Director Reiland Rabaka

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2024–25 CAAAS graduate fellows with CAAAS Director Reiland Rabaka

Presidents Leadership Class donation expands scholarships, experiential learning

Anna Tolette — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 22:03:51 +0000

Presidents Leadership Class donation expands scholarships, experiential learning Anna Tolette Fri, 01/31/2025 - 15:03

A CU �鶹ӰԺ family with 100 years of history at the university has committed $2.15 million to expand scholarships and experiential learning for students in the Presidents Leadership Class (PLC).

The Ruyle Family Scholarship, originally established in 2016, now provides up to four years of funding for selected PLC scholars through the family’s $2 million endowment gift — providing students with the financial means to achieve their academic goals. An additional $150,000 will support the Dr. Larry Allen Endowment Fund for experiential learning programs within PLC.

Robert A. Ruyle and Lydia Miller Ryule

These new investments were estate gifts from Robert A. Ruyle (Law’59), who passed away in July of 2024, and his late wife, Lydia Miller Ruyle (Econ, PolSci’57), as designated by their three children and their spouses: Stephen (MCDBio’80) and Stephanie Ruyle, Margaret (Chem’83) and Daniel Rukstalis, and Robin (Class’84) and Keith (Econ’84) Struve.

The family’s contribution honors their long-standing family history at CU — stretching back generations to the 1920s — as well as their experience with PLC.

Creating impact in the Presidents Leadership Class

Established in 1972, PLC is an interdisciplinary, 4-year leadership program at CU �鶹ӰԺ that offers an immersive approach to leadership development. Driven by academic and experiential programming, a diverse community of undergraduates learns how to step boldly into their roles as the next generation of leaders.

“PLC makes you a better citizen — unafraid to use your voice,” said Stephanie. “Giving kids the skills and courage to do that is really important.”

Since 2016, the Ruyle Family Scholarship has provided PLC students with scholarships, offsetting the cost of tuition and helping students to focus on their schoolwork. Now, the family’s expanded endowment will ensure the program can provide support for all four years to students in underserved or underrepresented communities.

“It’s lack of opportunities that holds people back — and one of the biggest lack of opportunities is financial,” said Robin. “We want to make sure people from underrepresented areas — geographically, culturally, racially — can attend CU and be part of the PLC program.”

The scholarship now provides $10,000 a year (for up to four years) for students who meet one or more of the following criteria: 1) first-generation students from a rural area of Colorado; 2) members of a federally recognized Indian Tribe from the Rocky Mountain region, or 3) underrepresented students from Colorado.

Existing students are already benefiting from the scholarship’s support.

“The rich perspectives in PLC are what helps me grow every day,” said Santé Crutcher (Physio’26), a PLC student and Ruyle Scholar who currently serves as the program’s service coordinator.

“It is a community of people committed to making the world a better place for those who follow in our footsteps. PLC is a program that gives back what you give it.”

100 years (and counting!) at CU �鶹ӰԺ

The Ruyle family’s connection to CU has extended over the past century. The first family member to attend, David Jacob Miller (SocSci’1929; Law’1932), studied law and even brushed elbows with future Supreme Court justice Byron White. His daughter, Lydia, later attended as part of the first class of Boettcher Scholars in the mid-1950s. Her future husband, Robert, followed her there to attend law school, and together they cemented their family legacy as Forever Buffs.

The extended Ruyle family

Eager to carry on the family tradition, the Ruyles’ three children, Stephen, Margaret and Robin, also attended CU. They were all part of the Presidents Leadership Class in its early days — with their father, Robert, serving as one of the program’s early trustees, as well as a CU Foundation trustee.

“We grew up with tremendous learning opportunities for four generations of fun at CU,” said Margaret. “Since PLC includes students from all departments and classes, I was blessed to learn and work together with my brother, sister, friends and leaders in Colorado’s private and public sectors — and we continue to support positive changes in Colorado, the U.S. and the world.”

The extended Ruyle family has continued to serve as advocates, supporters and fans of the university over many decades. Stephen, Stephanie and Robin have also served on the PLC Board of Advocates, and the whole family was instrumental in selecting CU �鶹ӰԺ and the PLC program as beneficiaries of their parents’ estate gift.

“Giving back to the community is part of our family’s DNA,” said Robin.

But the family connection to CU doesn’t stop there. Three of Robert and Lydia’s grandkids have also attended: Katie Struve Binswanger (IntlAf’15), Bridger Ruyle (EnvEngr’17) and Remi Ruyle (Phys, Span’20).

Bridger and Remi are also PLC graduates — another reason the family chose to honor the program with their significant gift.

Their family’s long history with the university is a testament to the power of higher education, according to Stephen. “I look at education like a societal IRA — if you’re going to have good citizens and a society that’s productive, education is the building block of all of it,” he said. “Higher education is the foundation for a successful society.”

Upholding the family legacy

By expanding their scholarship and supporting students through the PLC program, the Ruyle family is cementing their role as stewards of the CU �鶹ӰԺ mission.

“Education was core to both my parents,” said Stephen. To continue his parents’ tradition of generosity, he said it was a “no-brainer” to invest his parents’ estate gift in a place so meaningful to the whole family.

And their impact will carry on for generations to come.

“I was a classics major, and part of the classical tradition is that you live on as long as somebody remembers you,” said Robin. “We hope people will remember the generosity of our family — and that we can impact and change students’ lives.”

Learn more about the PLC program, including ways to give, at colorado.edu/plc/donate-plc.

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Curci PhD Scholars find community and advance life science research

Anna Tolette — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:33:40 +0000

Curci PhD Scholars find community and advance life science research Anna Tolette Tue, 11/19/2024 - 10:33

April Driver

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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Full circle: The Farrands’ lifelong connection to CU �鶹ӰԺ

Anna Tolette — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 22:13:47 +0000

Full circle: The Farrands’ lifelong connection to CU �鶹ӰԺ Anna Tolette Fri, 11/15/2024 - 15:13

April Driver

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 Gift Planning.

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