Meet Our Donors

Evolving Students from Sports to Sciences Through STEM Studies

In his years as an executive, the late Brian A. Janonis observed that women with experience in athletics made great leaders. Read more to find out how he and his spouse, Catherine, are inspiring students to go into STEM.

A Full-Circle Moment for Scholarship Recipient

Janet Stellema ’86, knows that one scholarship can make a world of difference for CSU Students.

Alumnus Makes Gift of Land in Gratitude to CSU

Al Hornung, ’61 has always been a Colorado boy. In gratitude for the opportunities his CSU degree gave him, he chose to create a planned gift to support the university and its students.

Planned Gifts Change Lives

Emeritus faculty member Wanda Mayberry's spirit shines bright at CSU through her planned gift. When you leave a charitable legacy today, you strengthen CSU while leaving a lasting impact on future generations.

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Alumni Couple Use IRA RMD to Create Scholarships

Dennis and Carla met at CSU and have been married for 61 years. Now, they are supporting current and future CSU students by giving what they can.

First-Generation Graduate Opens Doors for Next Generation

Alumnus Dave Seidl ’85 and his wife Kelly feel so passionate about CSU and Dave’s experiences there that they chose to establish a scholarship for STEM students through their estate plan. They’re making sure what they value lasts.

How Donors Found a Way to Make an Impact Now and in Perpetuity

As first-generation college students, Bill and Theresa Hertneky are committed to advancing higher education. See how the couple built a lasting legacy with their two-pronged estate gift.

Accounting Hall of Fame Alumna Envisions Career Success for Students

Diana Sanderson-Mori's CSU experience was a formative one, and her gift will help the next generation of students find success. "My time at CSU gave me the basis for my career and helped me get to where I am," she says. "That's the bottom line."

Ambassadors and staunch supporters of CSU for more than five decades, Dr. Judson Harper and his late wife, Pat, continue to make waves.

Giving the Next Generation a Healthy Start

CSU led Diana Bright to a fulfilling career as a functional medicine nutritional consultant. Through her gift, she's helping students realize their own dreams.

Retired Educator Supports the Next Generation of Teachers

John and Delia Haefeli believe in the influential role teachers play in the lives of students. They created a scholarship for future teachers to ensure they're supported in their own CSU education.

Gratitude Inspires Philanthropy and Impact

CSU alumna Dr. Edie Best and Gigi Meinhardt are kindred souls, united by their love of animals. See how Dr. Best was honored through an estate gift to CSU for the care she provided to Gigi's dog, Kirby.

A Blueprint for the Future

One of the things legacy donor Steve Roberts loves most about his career in civil engineering is seeing something he designed on paper become reality. While he may not see the impact of his estate gift to CSU, he knows it will turn dreams of education into reality for future Rams.

Associate Vice President Makes Lasting Impact

Rudy Garcia '81, a member of the University Advancement team, and his wife, Kay, are building on their annual cash gifts by creating a fellowship and funding two scholarship endowments.

Young Alumna Rests Easy Knowing CSU Legacy Is Secure

At 37, Cynthia Patterson '06, '08 hopes to inspire others to plan their legacy, no matter their age.

The Adventure of Giving Back

For Gary and Michele Carr, personal experiences have strengthened their desire to help new students start their own adventures.

Ministering a Bright Future

After a 25-year journey into the priesthood, Father Don Willette is now creating a gift for the University that will help students further their spiritual and academic lives.

A Charitable Gift Honoring Stepdaughter

After marrying into a Ram family and making a home in Fort Collins, Richard Thompson made a gift that will make a lasting impact at Colorado State University.

Thankful for an Exceptional Education, Alum Establishes Fellowships

Thomas A. Jones grew up in central California, a young man committed, not only to his studies, but to athletics as well. Thomas' high school track coach, a CSU alum, helped to arrange an athletic scholarship for Thomas.

Starting Over, Giving Back

Growing up in the Depression era taught John and Dolores Goodier to be more disciplined with money. It served them well and, as a result, were able to make a gift to CSU that will impact students for years to come.

Lifelong Learning: A Gift to CSU

From humble roots, Karen Morris-Fine moved on to a career at the heights of her field—with some help along the way from Colorado State University. As part of her estate planning, she's established the Karen Morris-Fine Graduate Student and Early Career Faculty Success Fund.

Lifelong Connection Inspires Couple's Gift

Colorado State University alumni Kathy ('81, '93) and Allen Brandon ('80, '83, '86) both grew up in Colorado, and both have family ties to CSU. Allen's father earned his master's degree in engineering at CSU, Kathy's sister graduated from CSU, and a niece and nephew are CSU graduates. The couple's lifelong connection to the University inspired them to include CSU in their estate plan.

Donor Leaves Legacy with Her Time, Talent, and Treasure

Colorado State University alumna Karen Shirey expressed her passion for fashion at an early age, and, in retirement, her interest has come full circle with her support of the University's Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising.

New Parents Plan for the Future

When Michael Schulman ('01) and his wife, Bryn Harris, welcomed their son, Landon, into the world last fall, they set up a trust that would provide for him should anything happen to them. In the process, they decided to include a bequest to Colorado State University, where Michael earned his bachelor's degree in business administration.

Helping Others Achieve Their Goals

Billie was born in Minneapolis. When she was in third grade, her family moved to California. "I couldn't read very well, and school was very difficult for me," says Billie. "Even way back then, I had a dyslexic issue, but it wasn't something that was diagnosed in those days."

Siblings Pay It Forward

It all started with Erica—the first in the Lobato family to attend Colorado State University. Soon her brothers would follow. More importantly, the three of them would go on to create a scholarship that would open up new opportunities for future students. But first, to Erica’s story.

Passion for Improving Lives Inspires Gift of Family Ranch

Karin Utterback-Norman, a third-generation Northwest Colorado rancher and Colorado State University alumna, has created her legacy at CSU with the donation of her family ranch.

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