Meet Our Donors

We are thankful for those who have made an estate gift to the University of Colorado. Here are their stories. Contact the Office of Gift Planning at 303-541-1229 or giftplanning@cu.edu to share your story to inspire others.

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Donor Scholarship Empowers CU Boulder Students Balancing Child Care Duties

Thanks to the generosity of Eugene X. and Sheri S. Tepper, the cost of child care is less likely to prevent young parents from getting a degree at CU.

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Beloved CU Denver Staff Member Gives Back

A proud alumna, Regina holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado Boulder and two graduate degrees from the University of Colorado Denver’s School of Public Affairs.

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Building a Life Together at CU—Couple Reflects on $1 Million Gift

When Cassandra Geneson looks back on four decades with University of Colorado Boulder Professor Dave Walba, she says, “CU has been our life,” and she means it.

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For the Future of Medicine

Donald A. Bennallack, MD., (Pre-Med '47 and MD '50) knew how much debt medical students got just for learning how to help others. That’s why he chose to help them through a gift in his estate plan, designated toward scholarships.

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A Smart and Simple Gift Plan Supports Students in Business College

As first-generation college students, Tom and Nancy Arata were determined to get their degrees, no matter the obstacles.

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New scholarship fund diversifies CU Law School

When Gary Jackson entered the University of Colorado Law School program in 1967, all the law professors were men and none were Black. Today, he and his wife, Regina, support diversity and racial inclusion at the law school through a scholarship they created with a blended gift.

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Bequest supports couple’s passion for CU business school

In 1970, CU gave Richard “Dick” Engebretson a chance to succeed as a student. Decades later, he and his wife, Jean, are giving back through longtime support for the business school and most recently, with a planned gift.

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Love that built a legacy

Kevin and Karen Padrick had just completed their estate plans before Kevin died in an accidental airplane crash. Planning ahead ensured that their generous hearts will one day benefit undergraduate students in CU’s College of Nursing.

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Strengthening family medicine at CU and in our communities

For Jeffrey Cain, MD, family medicine is all about relationships. Whether through his planned gift or students who have gone on to be talented family physician, he hopes his legacy makes a difference by removing barriers to healthcare for all.

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Endowment supports natural history museum collection in Colorado Springs

Jon Pigage left a legacy as an educator who inspired students interested in our natural world just as he was. His loved ones established an endowment in his honor.

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Husband makes $3 million bequest to support student scholarships in honor of CU alumna

The late Venita VanCaspel lived through the Great Depression, and scholarships were invaluable to getting her economics degree from CU Boulder. Last year, her husband, Lyttleton "Lyt" Harris, made a bequest to establish an endowed scholarship program in her honor. The estate gift will be split across four universities.

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Couple calls CU's music college 'an incredible gift' to the community

Mike and Mikhy Ritter chose to make a bequest in their will that will help increase the size of the classical guitar program endowment at CU Boulder. Endowments are gifts that last forever and generate reliable support for the university for generations to come.

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First married couple at the CU School of Medicine leaves legacy

Though they've both passed away, Chuck and Naomi Morris continue to inspire future physicians at CU thanks to their planned gift.

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'Start small, start young': It's never too early to think about your legacy

After serving in the military, Gage Chapel found a new direction in CU Denver's MBA program. Now he's using his employer's matching gift benefit to support first-generation college students.

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Philanthropist wants to feel the joy of supporting CU faculty and students now

A longtime philanthropist to CU, Becky Roser wanted to see the impact of her planned gift in her lifetime. So, she decided to donate her home.

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Home is where the heart is

Tom Saponas ('72) feels he owes his success to the education he received at the University of Colorado. Now, he and his wife are proud to donate their beloved home to support UCCS after their lifetime.

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