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Female college student wearing a white robe in a biology lab

A Legacy of Helping Generations of Health Science Students

July 7, 2023 — Growing up in Greeley in the 1960s and 1970s as an only child, Dr. Mary Jo Drew ‘79 had, as she put it, an idyllic childhood. With two encouraging and ahead-of-their-time parents, she was allowed to follow her interests wherever they led. A self-proclaimed “science geek,” she had to know more about everything around her, whether it be rocks, the clouds in the sky or the organs in the human body.

HannahGrace posing with her graduation cap with her arm in the air

Being a Bear: A Full Circle Moment

May 5, 2023 — Having a parent who is an alumnus is a unique experience, allowing West and Thorne to bond over their love for the university. That family legacy allows them to share special moments together. 

Cynthia Duarte holding up her right arm posing for a picture

Cynthia Duarte and the Impact of COSI

May 5, 2023 — During a Mexican Independence Day celebration, Spring 2023 graduate Cynthia Duarte met Nickie Archibeque, the director of UNC’s Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) Scholars Program. Archibeque  saw that Duarte was a perfect fit for the COSI “Finish What You Started” scholarship. The scholarship was created to help Colorado residents who have left university go back to school and earn their credential or degree, Duarte's exact goals.

Aerial shot of the University of Northern Colorado's campus

Empowering Faculty and Staff to Effect Systemic Change

April 10, 2023 — As the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) embarked on phase two of the institution’s ten-year strategic plan, Rowing, Not Drifting 2030, it set a goal to “create plans, structures and programs that foster an inclusive environment at UNC where all individuals feel welcomed and supported.”

Lindsey and Casey Goodman standing next to each other, smiling

Generous Alumni Share Their Passion of Humanities with UNC

April 10, 2023 — When Lindsey (’10,’14) and Casey (’10) Goodman stepped onto the University of Northern Colorado’s campus in Greeley in 2006, they both felt an immediate connection to the school. Lindsey, hailing from Palisade, Colorado, knew she wanted to teach, and Casey, also from Colorado, wanted to study political science.

Kathleen Sears talking to a student in a classroom

Award Affirms Great Teaching

March 13, 2023 — Each year, one UNC faculty member is honored for their excellence in teaching, thanks to the generosity of donors Kathleen Sears ’76 and Jim Helgoth.

Students sitting inside college building talking to faculty member

Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Builds the Future through Scholarship Support at UNC

February 8, 2023 — The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) was recently named one of seven Colorado universities that will receive $10,000 annually from 2023 to 2032 through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s (CHFA) Building the Future scholarship fund. 

Jim Bowman sitting in leather chair in front of fireplace

Donor Uses RMD to Support UNC Students

January 26, 2023 — For James Bowman, Ed.D., supporting UNC and helping students in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences reflects a deep belief in education and its role in society. “I just think that with an educated society we’re prepared to succeed.” 

John Lee Beatty talking to students

Tony Award Winning Scenic Designer Shares Experience with UNC Students

January 9, 2023 — At the end of last semester, students in UNC’s Theatre Design and Technology program had the opportunity meet award-winning set designer John Lee Beatty, who has designed sets for more than 100 Broadway shows.

Birdseye view of the University of Northern Colorado

Bearnanza Donors Help Students Facing Emergencies

December 12, 2022 — Thanks to the generous support of UNC alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff, and community members, the 2022 Giving Bearnanza (Nov. 29 through Dec. 6) raised more than twice the funds as the prior year’s campaign.

Giving Back: Scholarship Supports Student-Athletes and Leaders

October 24, 2022 — As Mark and Tammy Berven reflected on their experiences at UNC, they decided to establish the Berven Athletic Leadership Scholarship, which supports one football student-athlete and one female student-athlete who are in their third or fourth seasons and who are active leaders on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. 

Outdoor Pursuits

Helping Bears Get Out There

October 19, 2022 — UNC's donor-supported Outdoor Pursuits program makes outdoor recreation possible for all students, faculty and staff.

Emergency Fund For Students

Fund Helps Students Facing Emergencies

October 10, 2022 — UNC’s Emergency Support Fund has provided Bears with financial support just when they need it most.

UNC Posts Record Fundraising Year

August 9, 2022 — Thanks to the ongoing generous support and engagement of alumni, friends, faculty and staff, the University of Northern Colorado has posted a record fundraising year for fiscal year 2022 (FY22), surpassing the $20 million mark for the first time in UNC’s history. 

Tee Off to Support Student-Athletes

July 12, 2022 — UNC’s Blue & Gold Golf Tournament is a long-time favorite event that reaches back decades into the university’s history, giving alumni, friends, coaches and student-athletes a chance to get together for some friendly competition on the golf course while raising funds for scholarships for student-athletes.  

New Director of César Chávez Cultural Center Rudy Vargas

July 12, 2022 — UNC’s newly named director of the César Chávez Cultural Center shares the goal that drives him, the UNC experience that shaped him, the people who helped him along the way and his vision for the Center. 

Brand Audit First Step Toward Developing UNC’s Marketing and Communications Plan 

July 12, 2022 — This past spring, working with UNC alumnus Cathy Lucas ’90 and her team at Lucas Narratives – Think Strategically, the university initiated a brand audit to better understand strengths and gaps, assess perceptions internally and externally, better define the brand, evaluate current communications and recommend strategies based on the findings. 

Jen and Dan Taylor

Sharing the UNC Experience

June 13, 2022 — Jennifer (McHugh) Taylor ’87 and Dan Taylor ’86, of Monument, Colo., recently established an endowment in hopes that others will be able to experience UNC and Bear life. 

people walking during UNC's 2022 Women's Walk

300+ Participants Laced-Up for UNC’s Female Student-Athletes

April 12, 2022 — On Saturday, April 9, the 14th Annual Women’s Walk – with more than 300 participants – raised nearly $30,000 to make a difference for the University of Northern Colorado’s female student-athletes. 

Bears Give Back 2022

Valuing All Students

April 11, 2022 — When late alumna Sharon Gander ‘74 designated part of her estate to UNC, her only specification was support for a UNC Alumni Association scholarship, and so her gift was endowed to create the Sharon Gander Alumni Scholarship. 

A New Space for Conversations and Understanding

March 31, 2022 — This past year, thanks to the generous support of WeldWerks Brewing Co., the UNC community had an opportunity to participate in workshops designed to create a space where students, faculty and staff could explore topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across a broad range of identities.

Honoring a Belief in Education

March 31, 2022 — Annette Martinez earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from UNC in 1986, and is a senior vice president at State Farm Insurance Companies, where she has worked since 1988. She was appointed to the University’s Board of Trustees by Governor Jared Polis in late 2021.

From Burmese Refugee to UNC Bear

March 31, 2022 — As a high school student, Taw Paw almost didn’t apply to UNC—she didn’t think she’d get accepted. Born in Thailand, Taw and her family are Burmese refugees who left their home country due to ethnic cleansing. Although she has lived in Colorado since the age of five, Taw moved between different schools along the Front Range which negatively impacted her studies. She felt her grades weren’t good enough for her to qualify her to apply to a four year university. With encouragement from her parents, Taw agreed to tour UNC and felt instantly at home.

Sharing a UNC Experience with Future Students

March 9, 2022 — After graduating from UNC, Russell Iverson wanted to give students the opportunity to obtain scholarship support to help make their college education possible.

Ribbon cutting at Empower Center

Space to Celebrate

March 7, 2022 — For the past decade, UNC's 400 student-athletes have been training in a 3,800-square-foot space near the main basketball courts in Bank of Colorado Arena at Butler-Hancock Athletic Center. Now it’s a whole new ballgame, thanks to the generous support of donors to the newly built Empower Center.

Steinway piano photo

A Year of Generous Support

January 11, 2022 — Over the past year, UNC alumni and friends gave generously in many ways, supporting student success with scholarships, new and upgraded facilities, state-of-the-art musical instruments, and diversity, equity and inclusion training and support. 

UNC students on campus

UNC Donors Have a Long History of Helping to Advance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

August 27, 2021 — Since the beginning of fiscal year 2021, several generous UNC donors have collectively gifted more than $925,000 in support of newly established scholarships that support diversity, equity and inclusion here at UNC.

golf course

46th Annual Accounting Golf Tournament Supports Student Scholarships

July 12, 2021 — For more than 46 years, UNC alumni have teed up to support scholarships for UNC Accounting students in the annual Accounting Golf Tournament. This year, 19 teams and 76 players met at the Meridian Golf Club in Denver on June 14 and added nearly $9,000 to scholarship funds for accounting students.  

2020-21 cohort of students in Stryker via Zoom

$5 Million Donation to the Stryker Institute for Leadership Development Helps Women Succeed at UNC

December 17, 2020 — The Stryker Institute for Leadership Development at UNC, a participation-based scholarship program that serves women from underrepresented groups, such as transgender women and women of color, has received a $5 million donation to support the program over the next five years.

Murza with her kids and the bags she compiled together for the programs

Speech-Language Pathology Programs Receive Support from Local Organizations During Pandemic

October 26, 2020 — The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t slow down programs offered through UNC’s Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program that assists underserved populations in Weld County, thanks to grants and support provided by local community organizations.

Marian Hamilton

Making Filter-Enabled Masks for Frontline Workers

May 15, 2020 — Assistant Professor Marian Hamilton felt compelled to respond immediately to needs brought on by the coronavirus based on her experience with 3D printing and access to the equipment.

Ashley Buchholz sewing masks

Seeing a Need: Freshman Uses Extra Time to Help Others

May 11, 2020 — UNC freshman Ashley Buchholz had a little extra time on her hands after being laid off. She used that time to help others.

Anne Toewe's home teaching setup

Professor Helped Students with No-Contact Drop-Off of Supplies, Virtual Learning

April 22, 2020 — As courses transition to alternate delivery for the remainder of the semester, UNC Professor Anne Toewe discovered new ways to teach courses and prepare students for online learning.

Julia Riley wearing homemade mask while working

Making Things Better

April 8, 2020 — Julia Riley, a cook at Tobey-Kendal Dining Hall, decided to put her time to good use and has been making masks for her coworkers – as well as for health care workers.

Classroom members who collected the supplies/handled the fundraising

Class for a Cause

April 6, 2020 — UNC values hands-on education, but what does that look like in various fields? In the case of Journalism and Media Studies 481: Strategic Communications Campaigns, it looks like raising thousands of dollars for a local cause.

Card campaign cards

UNC Card Campaign Focuses on Lifting Spirits

April 2, 2020 — Kendyl Kelly, UNC’s program coordinator for Student Organizations, has initiated the United to Nurture our Community (UNC): A Card Campaign that involves sending handwritten cards to high-risk populations of the coronavirus pandemic in Greeley.

Daisy Solis: How a Donor Funded Scholarship Supported Me

November 14, 2019 — “To me UNC means a lifetime of opportunities,” says junior Daisy Solis. Daisy is a first-generation student pursuing a degree in nursing and human services. Like many other first-generation students, when she initially arrived at UNC, Daisy was unsure of herself – at least until she received a special boost from a donor supported scholarship.  

Gear up for Giving Bearnanza

November 11, 2019 — Help a fellow Bear and support a campus cause that’s close to your heart during Giving Bearnanza – a week full of philanthropy that kicks off with Bear Tuesday on Tuesday, December 3rd.

Setting the Stage for Student Success

November 6, 2019 — The new Campus Commons Performance Hall has set the stage for students like sophomore Louis Morales to take his work to a whole new level. “It really does make the biggest impact. It means the world to us,” Louis says. “It surprises me all the time, in a good way, the generosity that other people have. When they come together it can create things like this.”

Making a House into a Home

October 4, 2019 — For many UNC students, success comes with finding a place on campus to call home. Thanks to the generosity of one family – students at the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center now have a home to call their own.

Taking Care of Business: New Course Provides a Taste of the Business World to First Year Students

October 2, 2019 — There’s a new energy in Kepner Hall this fall – an energy faculty and staff in the Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business attribute to an influx of freshman in the building. That’s because for the first time in many years, the Monfort College of Business is offering a first-year seminar in an effort to boost student success.

Uniquely Yucca: New Art Exhibit Offers One of A Kind Experience

September 6, 2019 — For the next six months visitors to the Campus Commons Gallery will have a unique opportunity to travel back in time through a gallery restoration of a 1950's era soda fountain. Learn more about the programs that will take place in this distinctive space and ways you can get involved.

Donor Spotlight: How the Haefeli’s Hope to Inspire the Next Generation of Giving

August 12, 2019 — Active supporters of UNC, Greeley-Evans District 6 and number of other community organizations, Delia '90 and John '86 Haefeli believe strongly in the importance of paying it forward. 

UNC alum Teacher Tuesday winners standing with Jonathan Shaw

UNC Grads Win Monthly Teacher Tuesday Contests

June 13, 2019 — Once a month, students, parents, school staff and community members nominate a teacher in a Northern Colorado K-12 school for being an outstanding educator, and two UNC grads have won.

Blue and Gold Gratitude: Bears say 'Thanks' During Appreciation Week

May 8, 2019 — A flood of bright gold cards is making its way to every corner of campus, lifting spirits along the way. The cards are a tradition of UNC’s annual Appreciation Week, recognizing everything from the campus squirrels to dining services and our exceptional faculty and staff.

campus commons

UNC’s First-Ever Comprehensive Campaign Raises $54.2 million

April 15, 2019 — Thanks to the support of more than 10,000 generous donors, the Campaign for UNC surpassed its $45 million goal and raised a total of $54,250,654!

Student Snapshot: The Impact of Donor Supported Scholarships

April 11, 2019 — More than $13.5 million was invested in scholarships for current and future students through the Campaign for UNC.

Creating Champions in Competition and the Classroom

April 8, 2019 — Thanks to donor support, this Academic Excellence week UNC student-athletes are grateful for a special space on campus where they can connect, study and receive customized academic support services.

UNCCRI: Improving Lives one Workout at a Time

April 1, 2019 — The University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute is a unique non-profit program, recognized as a frontrunner in the field of cancer rehabilitation. Fueled by donor support, the UNCCRI delivers clinical cancer rehabilitation services and conducts cutting-edge research in exercise-based cancer rehabilitation.

Support the Dreams of Student Athletes Like Savannah Smith

March 11, 2019 — It’s been another historic season of success for the UNC Women’s Basketball team, thanks in large part to senior standout Savannah Smith. According to Smith, she owes her success both on and off the court to hard work, determination and the support of a scholarship.

Alumna's Gift Brings a Bit of Broadway to Spring Musical

February 11, 2019 — Musical Theater students are busy preparing to present the spring musical Beauty and The Beast March 1 - 2. Find out how a special gift from Dana Cohenour '81 and her husband Jason provided these students with an opportunity to learn from one of Broadway's best in the process.

Scholarships Demystified: The Story Behind the Scholarship Process

February 7, 2019 — Every year hundreds of donor supported scholarships are awarded to deserving students at UNC. Have you ever wondered how the money makes it to those students?

Students Give Back Through Bear Tuesday 2018

December 4, 2018 — Thanks to your help, #BearTuesday 2018 was the BEST #BearTuesday yet! This year current UNC students had a special opportunity to get in on the giving. Find out how they decided to use two very special #BearTuesday gifts.

Beyond the Classroom: Scholarships Support Well Rounded Students

November 16, 2018 — The Don V. and Dwylia R. Felt Scholarship Endowment was established in 2011 with the intent to help students like Tasha Westhoff overcome financial barriers and achieve their dreams.

Planned Giving: Patrick Healey's Opportunity for a Second Act

November 15, 2018 — Pat Healey, a long-time supporter of the College of Performing and Visual Arts, is pleased to help dozens of UNC students achieve their dreams with the help of his planned gift.

From Spartan to Bear: Scholarship Donor and Recipient Share a Common Bond

October 5, 2018 — Although they live more than 1,000 miles apart, and their time as UNC students is separated by more than 30 years, Alumnus Richard Smith, BS ’81, and Sophomore Darren DeLaCroix have more in common than meets the eye.

Scholarships Offer More than Support

July 9, 2018 — Scholarship recipients and twin sisters Sandra and Cassandra Toca help donors understand that scholarship funds offer more than financial support.

Study Abroad Connects Student to Her First Home

May 3, 2018 — UNC student Luci Patton was adopted by a US family from an orphanage in China. Her five week study abroad gave her the opportunity to visit this "first home."

UNC Receives Daniels Fund Grant to Provide Scholarships to Nontraditional Students

March 13, 2018 — The funding from the organization’s Boundless Opportunity Scholarship program will go toward awarding scholarships between 2018-2020 to qualified UNC undergraduate students.

It Takes a Community of Bears

February 22, 2018 — UNC student, Rachael Carrillo ’20 (Sociology), says guidance from university staff and support from the Reisher Family and Stryker Institute for Leadership Development scholarships is the only reason she’s a Bear today.

Gift endows scholarship for UNC veteran, active-duty and ROTC business students

November 1, 2017 — Thanks to an estate gift left by long time UNC friend and Northern Colorado business leader Larry Vosmera, UNC creates a new scholarship for veteran, active duty or ROTC students majoring in business.

paul heidger

First UNC Honors Alum Gives Back to Future Educators

August 16, 2017 — A gift from alumnus Paul Heidger ’63, along with a matching grant from the Colorado Department of Higher Education, to provide $113,000 investment in UNC’s Honors Program.

Changing Lives in Ways Only Bears Can

August 7, 2017 — Bears take care of Bears, and being part of the Bear community means, no matter where you are, you’re never without a helping hand when you need it most. When student Bianca Acosta suffered extensive damage to her home and faced the impossible choice to either drop out of school to afford to fix it or stay in school and risk homelessness with her 10-year-old daughter, her UNC network took action to help. We asked Bianca to share her story.

Tebben Named Inaugural Allen McConnell Endowed Chair in Accounting

July 20, 2017 — Shawn Tebben is the inaugural Allen McConnell Endowed Chair in Accounting for the Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business and will join the Accounting faculty this fall. Her 10-year life goal to teach college realized, Tebben kicks off her time at UNC with gratitude to professor Allen McConnell and UNC’s generous donors to the Allen McConnell Endowed Chair.

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