Growing up in Greeley, Colorado, John Haefeli witnessed the power of community activism firsthand. His parents were dedicated advocates for the underserved and marginalized. "They taught me that giving back is really important," he says.

The Haefeli household also emphasized academics and athletics. For college, Haefeli wanted to stay nearby so his parents could enjoy his baseball games. "I was fortunate to receive an incredible education at CSU and be exposed to a wide variety of ideas," he says. "Being part of the baseball team was a highlight."

These three passions – community activism, academics, and athletics – have shaped Haefeli's post-college life. He and his wife, Delia, have collectively taught and coached for 78 years. "Before the pandemic, I would run into former students nearly daily," he says.

Now retired, Haefeli serves on the Greeley school board and supports education in other ways as well, including through the scholarship for future teachers that he established at the Colorado State University Foundation. "As teachers, their impact is going to radiate outward," he says. "It's like throwing a rock in a lake and seeing the ripples expanding."

Haefeli has also included a gift in his estate plan to CSU. "I'm not old, but what am I going to do with the blessings that I have? I've been very fortunate," he says. This bequest gift is an opportunity to pay it forward after his lifetime.

"There's no finer thing than giving to another human being," he says. "It's that simple."

Pay It Forward – Start Today!

The Office of Gift Planning has experience with all types of gifts and will work with you to create the legacy that fits your passion and achieves your philanthropic goals. Contact the Office of Gift Planning at (970) 491-4254 or giftplanning@colostate.edu to get started.