Philanthropy

Student Snapshot: The Impact of Donor Supported Scholarships

More than $13.5 million was invested in scholarships for current and future students through the Campaign for UNC.

April 11, 2019

Nearly 75 percent of students receive grants and scholarships every year to help pay for the costs to attend UNC; support largely made possible by generous donors who chose to invest in their dreams.

A UNC scholarship is so much more than a check. Each scholarship award gives the recipient a community, mentorship and often a life-changing opportunity for an incredible education.

Scholarships have made a profound impact on the experiences of students while also creating new, more personal, and rewarding relationships between students and donors.

For students and families, scholarships can provide the financial relief they need for college to become a reality, not just a dream.

By the conclusion of The Campaign for UNC, $13,598,757 in new support was invested in student scholarships thanks to nearly 7,000 generous donors. Those scholarships have removed financial barriers for many of the university’s best and brightest, like the students below, enabling them to pursue success UNC.

Victims of Violent Crime Memorial Scholarship

Established by three professors of Criminology & Criminal Justice, this scholarship provides two $500 scholarships to students studying Criminology and Criminal Justice each year. One scholarship is named the Lisa Marie Kimmel Memorial Scholarship in memory of Lisa Marie Kimmel, the victim of the Lil’ Miss Murder in 1988.

Samantha Lytle

“I am very grateful for the kindness and support from these donors in helping me earn my degree. This scholarship memorializing victims of crime holds an incredible amount of significance to me. I am an intern at the Sexual Assault Victims Advocate (SAVA) Center in Greeley and have volunteered as a victims’ advocate for about two years. I am also an active member in the Criminal Justice Society at UNC, which is a professional organization that offers many opportunities for students to learn from colleagues in this field.” – Samantha Lytle ‘20

Mary Behling Women’s Athletic Scholarship

The Mary Behling Women’s Athletic Scholarship was established as a way to provide future women student-athletes the opportunity to succeed both in athletics and academics. Mary Behling served as a Professor of Sport and Exercise Science at UNC for 29 years before retiring and being named a Professor Emerita.

Alyssa Huerta

“I am grateful for the opportunities this award will provide me. I rely on financial aid, grants and student loans to help finance my education. Receiving this scholarship will help reduce my financial burdens for my mom and me. It provides assistance for me as I continue pursuing my education. I plan on majoring in Psychology, and UNC has a great 4 year plus program for me to receive my degree and help people in the future.” – Alyssa Huerta ‘23

Larry R. Vosmera Scholarship for Veterans

Established in the fall of 2017, this scholarship is made possible by the Vosmera Foundation. Created by Larry R. Vosmera in 1997, Larry’s commitment to education and strong ties to the University of Northern Colorado and the City of Greeley make this scholarship possible. Recipients must be currently serving or have previously served in the United States Military Services or be a participant in the ROTC program at UNC. Recipients must also be a graduate or undergraduate student studying business.

Susan Rodriguez

“I am extremely grateful to receive this support for my academic career. It will help me purchase books and other software needed for my classes so I can complete my degree soon. I am an Army Veteran, a single mother of 2 boys, and a first-generation college student studying Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. I chose UNC because I fell in love with the atmosphere. It carries such a positive, welcoming and inclusive vibe that I couldn't imagine NOT coming here to study. I truly value this scholarship award and want to thank the Vosmera Family Foundation again for the generous support.” – Susan Rodriguez, ‘21

Kevin and Terri Pederson Tidal Breeze Scholarship

Created at the start of the Campaign for UNC in 2015, this scholarship was established to assist a first-year instrumentalist in the Jazz studies program with financial need.

Jorge Castillo

“I’m flattered and so grateful to receive this scholarship. Kevin and Terri have supported me 4 years in a row and it is hard for me to explain how lucky I feel that we found each other in this adventure. Also, it showed me that I had more talent and potential than what I thought because other people saw it and wanted to support me so that I was able to keep developing as a musician at UNC.”– Jorge Castillo Avalos '20