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.

"CSU is part of our core," said Allen, a psychologist who has a Fort Collins clinical practice in neuropsychology and spiritual psychology. "The University has been a driving force from our teen years through our professional years. It is the foundation that has created so many opportunities in our lives."

Allen and Kathy enthusiastically recall many shared student experiences at CSU. They married after both had completed undergraduate studies, and their reception in the Lory Student Center West Ballroom included a wedding cake adorned with green and gold flowers.

Kathy earned a bachelor's degree in political science, as well as an M.B.A. from CSU. Her career has included positions at Woodward Inc., Agilent, General Electric, and Hewlett-Packard. She returned to the CSU campus as a commodity buyer for the Department of Housing and Dining Services, and she also serves on the University's President's Commission on Women and Gender Equity.

"I've used what I learned at CSU throughout my life," said Kathy. "Classes in political science helped me become a better citizen and a better voter. Courses in humanities, art, and literature provided a foundation for becoming a good global citizen. Returning to CSU and earning my M.B.A. opened up other career opportunities, and proved to be a very good investment of time and energy."

Allen earned his bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. in psychology from CSU. He completed a clinical fellowship at Harvard Medical School's Massachusetts General Hospital, and postdoctoral training at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute. Allen's work has included service as director of psychology services at Fort Collins' Mountain Crest Hospital.

Kathy and Allen balance devotion to their careers with their love of the Colorado outdoors. The couple spends much of their recreational time enjoying Steamboat Springs. Allen, an avid skier, has fun modeling action shots for award-winning photographer Larry Pierce. These photos are then occasionally featured on the Steamboat Springs resort website.

Kathy and Allen's planned gift to CSU designates several beneficiary areas. Allen's appreciation for his adviser and mentor, Professor Ernie Chavez, led Allen to establish the Dr. Ernie L. Chavez and Dr. Allen D. Brandon Scholarship in Psychology. Another area Kathy and Allen have designated includes the University's Robert H. and Mary E. Flint Animal Cancer Center. The Brandons, who have been basketball season ticket holders for more that 20 years, also have designated funds for the Department of Athletics.

"CSU has been an integral part of our identities and personal and professional development," said Allen. "We've had this connection with the University through our entire lives, and through our gift, we see it continuing after our deaths."