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This time of year can be tough, with many calls for end-of-year giving that can seem like a stretch when your holiday budget is already tight. While we may not be able to make a gift right now, many of us do wish to support the agencies that make Colorado a better place for all. Consider making a giving plan for 2015 by participating in the annual Colorado Combined Campaign , an easy way to make payroll deduction gifts to more than 700 agencies right here in Colorado.

"Through the years, the University of Colorado has been our stronghold and has served our family very well." Zachary John Wehner graduated Dec. 20 with a master's degree in civil engineering, thus becoming the fourth generation of his family to earn a degree from the Â鶹ӰԺ.

Adam Sammakia’s passion for music started at age 10 when he learned to play the piano. While his knowledge of music theory began early, Sammakia’s interest in creating music was solidified when he discovered jazz music.

CU-Â鶹ӰԺ senior Leah Canfield approaches learning with the same competitive spirit that gained her recognition as a successful ski racer. Creating the most out of a short amount of time is a strategy that has benefited Canfield in several facets: skiing, school and in co-founding a real estate investment company.

Senior Melanie Adams graduates on Dec. 20 from the Â鶹ӰԺ with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, and a reassuring feeling that she took advantage of the many opportunities the university offers.

Honor your colleagues' accomplishments by nominating them for a BFA Excellence Award in Teaching / Service / or Research, Scholarly, and Creative Work. These are the highest recognition that the BFA awards and are a longstanding tradition on the CU-Â鶹ӰԺ campus. Please see details at the Faculty Governance awards website .

The Â鶹ӰԺ has worked closely with community partners to start a Sex Assault Nurse Examination program at a Â鶹ӰԺ hospital during the first quarter of 2015. Â鶹ӰԺ Community Health plans to launch the SANE program at its Foothills campus, providing a critical support resource for sex assault survivors.

The upcoming winter break is often a popular time for travel, so we want you to know about the latest CDC travel advisories. The CDC recommends that people avoid non-essential travel to Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone at this time.

The Â鶹ӰԺ will hold its winter commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 20, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Coors Events Center. Due to possible traffic delays, and ongoing construction on U.S. 36 leading into Â鶹ӰԺ, early arrival is strongly advised. Guests should plan on arriving well before 9 a.m. in order to be in their seats for the student processional. No tickets are required for the ceremony. The doors to the Coors Events Center will open at 7:30 a.m.

New Year’s resolution-makers beware: People tend to believe good behaviors are more beneficial in reaching goals than bad behaviors are in obstructing goals, according to a Â鶹ӰԺ-led study.