President and CEO, Colorado Mountain College

2014 -15
intro
Colorado Mountain College
A letter from Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser
President and CEO, Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Mountain College is a college of boundless possibility. As I consider the accomplishments
of the past year and look ahead to our 50th anniversary, I realize what a privilege it is to lead this
extraordinary place.
In 2014, the Aspen Institute recognized Colorado Mountain College in its prestigious College
Excellence Program. And this is the third year in a row the U.S. Department of Education has
ranked us among the country’s most affordable colleges – we are the third-most-affordable place
to earn a bachelor’s degree. This year, we became even more affordable by offering a $1,000
President’s Scholarship to every graduating senior in our service area.
We now have five bachelor’s degrees: sustainability studies, business administration, nursing, and
our newest: teacher education and applied science.
One of our strongest assets is the wealth of talented, dedicated employees who believe in our
mission and who put a high premium on positively impacting our students and our communities.
Stories in this Impact report illustrate how intimately CMC is woven into the communities we
serve, elevating their economic, social, cultural, and environmental vitality.
Colorado Mountain College has the potential to become the premier and most innovative
institution of its kind. I invite you to look through these pages to learn about the transformative role
CMC plays in the lives of students throughout our diverse, 12,000-square-mile service area.
And, I encourage you to read how generous donors to the CMC Foundation are helping to make
many of these stories possible, impacting lives in extraordinary ways.
With kind regard,
Carrie Besnette Hauser, Ph.D.
@CMCPresident
Photo: Ed Kosmicki
CMC IMPACT / CONTENTS
CMC
Making an Impact
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20
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SUCCESS
PARTNERSHIPS
OPPORTUNITIES
CULTURE
CMC FOUNDATION
Colorado Mountain
College students strive
to succeed, and so do
the college’s alumni and
faculty. Whether tackling
transcontinental journeys
or excelling as educators,
these individuals are
empowered to reach
extraordinary heights.
Partnering with
companies such as
Keystone Resort and
Freeport-McMoRan as
well as communities
both local and abroad
allows Colorado Mountain
College to accomplish
more working together
than on its own.
An opportunity
cannot be realized
unless it is utilized
to its fullest extent.
Meet some CMC
students who saw
what they could
become with a
little support from
the college.
Colorado Mountain
College featured painters,
photographers, actors,
singers, and inspiring
speakers at numerous
CMC campuses, and
even Aspen’s historic
Wheeler Opera House,
for both students and the
community to enjoy.
Read about the individuals
and organizations that
provide the vital support
necessary for Colorado
Mountain College to
thrive, thereby ensuring
that students have
the best educational
experiences available
to them.
Colorado
Mountain
College
Colorado Mountain College began with two campuses. Construction started on the West Campus at Spring Valley in April 1967, and on
the East Campus in Leadville a month later. The first classes were offered later that year.
Today, CMC has evolved into a public two- and four-year degree-granting institution with 11 locations spanning 12,000 square miles
throughout Colorado’s north-central Rockies. In addition to the Leadville, Spring Valley, and Steamboat Springs campuses, Colorado
Mountain College can be found in Aspen, Breckenridge, Buena Vista, Carbondale, Dillon, Edwards, Glenwood Springs, and Rifle. There’s
also a well-developed online education component. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its administrative
offices are based in downtown Glenwood Springs.
Evidence that the faculty is exemplary, the settings are extraordinary, and the educational experiences are life-changing can be found in
the pages of this publication.
Impact is a collaborative publication between the CMC Foundation and the advancement offices of Colorado Mountain College. Contributing writers include Carrie Click and Kate Lapides.
Editing and creative direction by Carrie Click, Kate Lapides, and Crystal Schiller. Designed by Elizabeth Litwiller of Squeeze Designz.
Life-
changing
adventures
CMC launches
extraordinary
lives
page
03
SUCCESS
> CMC graduates Luke Kimmes and Jarrad Moore, plus four additional expedition members, paddled
and portaged canoes on a nine-month river trip from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean. Above,
expedition member Adam Trigg portages a canoe near New Ulm, Minn., midway through the trip.
Photo: Jonathan Chapman
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SUCCESS
04
Taking
North
America
by canoe
> CMC alumni Jarrad Moore, left, and Luke Kimmes spent nine months paddling mostly upstream from the U.S. into Canada, traveling 5,200 miles along 11 rivers on their
Rediscover America canoe expedition. Kimmes now works as an adjunct faculty member for the outdoor education program at the college. Photo: Jonathan Chapman
What does an education from Colorado Mountain College inspire
in its alumni? Luke Kimmes earned an associate degree in outdoor
studies and a bachelor’s in sustainability studies from CMC’s
Steamboat Springs campus, and now teaches there part time.
Kimmes’ experience at CMC compelled him to paddle northward
through the entire North American continent by canoe – portaging
and paddling upstream, no less.
Six friends, 11 rivers, and 5,200 miles: Officially, the Rediscover
North America canoe expedition route was wildly ambitious,
running from the Mississippi Delta starting New Year’s Day 2015,
and ending in Nanuvet Bay in the Arctic Ocean nine months
later. For expedition member Kimmes, however, the seeds of the
journey began when he was a child, when he visited the high
peaks surrounding Steamboat Springs.
“I grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, and my family would go out
to ski in Steamboat during spring break,” he said. “I remember
the first time I saw the mountains, and from that point I was in
love. The minute that I found out I could go to school and live in
Steamboat Springs, my mind was set: Not only could I receive
an education but I could also go to school for what I was and
am passionate about –
the outdoors.”
That decision to attend
CMC is what gave
Kimmes the experience
and confidence to pursue
his Herculean paddling
adventure.
camping trips, but that was it. Once I was in the program I
was determined to take every outdoor class; the extremely
knowledgeable faculty at CMC helped me tremendously.
“Experiential education is a powerful thing,” he said. “I would not
be on this adventure if it weren’t for my experience at Colorado
Mountain College.”
The impetus for the trip began after one of Kimmes’ friends and
fellow outdoorsman Winchell Delano won an Expedition of the Year
contest in 2013 for crossing Canada by canoe. Wanting to push
further, Delano, Kimmes, fellow CMC alumnus Jarrad Moore, and
three other friends – all experienced outdoorsmen – organized their
next adventure.
Along the way, the group posted regular updates on their website,
rediscoverna.com. The trip received extensive media coverage,
including print and television, as it progressed.
“It is hard to put into context how it has been life-changing,” said
Kimmes. “When you have this much time to examine your life, your
passions, your values and actions, you learn an incredible amount.
“I would not be on this adventure if
it weren’t for my experience at
Colorado Mountain College.”
– Luke Kimmes
“My outdoor experience before coming to CMC was minimal,”
said Kimmes, who took a hiatus from teaching at CMC and
pursuing an online master’s degree in natural science and
environmental education from Hamline University in St. Paul,
Minn., to go on the expedition. “I had been on a few overnight
“When people ask ‘Why do it?’ my response is,
‘Why not?’” he said. “You have an opportunity of a
lifetime. Every day you are rediscovering something
else. Going on extensive trips like this – or even
shorter trips like mountain orientation at CMC –
helps you grow as an individual.”
“This trip,” he said, “is about allowing others to be a
part of it and being a constant inspiration for others.
Throughout the trip I met a handful of people that
said ‘I wish I would have done something like this,’ or ‘I wish I could do
something like this.’
“I always tell them it is not too late,” he said. “Change is around
every corner. It’s really a matter of whether you want to embrace
it or not.”
Nurturing confidence on
El Busesito
On the final day of preschool, shy, 3-year-old Caleb, one of Kenia
Reyna’s students, spoke for the first time in class.
“I had no idea he knew my name,” said Reyna. “And he walked
up to me today and started asking me questions.”
Reyna swells with pride whenever one of her young charges makes
this kind of breakthrough.
“Seeing their eyes grow wide and their smiles grow huge because
they ‘did it!’ gives me butterflies every time,” said Reyna.
Since earning director and group leader
certifications from Colorado Mountain
College’s early childhood education
program, Reyna, a first-generation
college student, has been studying for
an associate degree.
“I fall in love with every child in the first week of class,” said Reyna.
“Each one of them has a special gift and the
humblest, loving personalities. For these children,
everything is new – and I’m able to be part of that
magical journey.
“For these children, everything
is new – and I’m able to be
part of that magical journey.”
At the same time, she teaches in a
mobile classroom called El Busesito, a converted school bus that
provides access to education for low-income families.
“It’s important for me to reach out to this
population because I want to give them an equal
playing field,” Reyna said. “I want them to have
an amazing experience during their first years of
education, to feel capable of learning, to have confidence in their
work, and most importantly, in themselves.”
Hall of Fame honors founder, professor, alumni
Colorado Mountain College inducted its newest Alumni Hall of
Fame members at the college’s Steamboat Springs campus in
February 2015.
The class included two honorary members:
• David Delaplane – CMC’s “founding father” and former manager of
the Glenwood Springs Chamber of Commerce
• George Bagwell – Retired anthropology and psychology professor,
and former administrator at CMC’s Leadville, Breckenridge, and
Steamboat Springs campuses
Five more inductees received recognition:
• Brian Allen – Colorado Alpine College (the precursor to CMC in
Steamboat Springs) alumnus (1969) is a real estate developer
and philanthropist.
• Yesenia Arreola – Spring Valley alumna (2007) earned her
bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in accounting from Regis
University and became the youth outreach coordinator for CMC.
• Amy Jackson – Breckenridge alumna (1999) went on to earn
her bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in social work at the
University of Denver and is the executive director of Advocates for
Victims of Assault in Summit County.
• George Jardine – Spring Valley alumnus (1974) helped develop
Lightroom, a software photography program from Adobe.
> Colorado Mountain College President Carrie Besnette Hauser, left, snapped a photo
of Anne and David Delaplane, at the 2015 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
David is considered the “founding father” of CMC.
• Janice Kauvar (posthumously) – Spring Valley alumna (1976) went
on to graduate magna cum laude from Regis University and worked
at the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
Climbing for Paradox
lead instructor and staff trainer at the YMCA Boys Outdoor Leadership
Development program in Seattle, and Elges is the program director
and lead guide at Apex Ex Guide Service in Golden, Colo. Edwards works
for Colorado Outward Bound School, and is an adjunct field instructor at
CMC in Leadville.
Three Colorado Mountain College alumni believe that everyone –
particularly those with physical disabilities – can lead lives
of excellence.
That’s why in May 2015, Eric Crosby, Ryan Edwards, and Michael Elges
joined the Boulder Mountain Institute on a fundraising climbing expedition
to the Alaska Range. The trip raised money for Paradox Sports, a Boulderbased nonprofit that specializes in the adaptive sports community.
Crosby, Edwards, and Elges met at Colorado Mountain College in
Leadville while pursuing degrees in the college’s outdoor recreation
leadership program. There, the friends built a strong climbing partnership,
which included trips to El Capitan in Yosemite, and Peru.
While studying at CMC, they also learned the skills and the knowledge
necessary to secure jobs in the outdoor industry. Today, Crosby is the
The three agree that what they learned at Colorado Mountain College
was invaluable in furthering their careers.
“I learned judgment and the technical skills to help guide me on my
path,” said Edwards.
The degrees they earned at Colorado Mountain College also enable
them to help others. Paradox Sports, the nonprofit they raised funds for,
has programs in adaptive climbing, in water sports, and for veterans.
“We feel that climbing for Paradox, we can share our passion,” said
Edwards.
WHY I GIVE
Jessica & John Fullerton
“The Isaacson School for New Media is
assisting students entering this exciting new
career field. We believe it will attract students
from across the country to our region and will
help increase the profile of new media in the
Roaring Fork Valley.”
– John Fullerton
> From left, Aspen Institute CEO Walter Isaacson, CMC President and CEO Carrie Besnette
Hauser, Jessica and John Fullerton, and CMC Trustee Charles Cunniffe at the announcement of
the Fullerton’s $1 million pledge to the Isaacson School for New Media. Photo: Steve Mundinger
In May 2015, full-time Spanish faculty member Carol Koch and
adjunct business instructor Cynthia Bell not only received Faculty
of the Year awards at CMC in Edwards – they were also selected
for collegewide Faculty of the Year honors, naming them the top
educators throughout the college.
Each year, CMC’s students, staff, and faculty nominate one
outstanding full-time and one adjunct faculty member from each of
the college’s campuses and online learning. Senior administrators
then select two collegewide award recipients.
Koch’s Heritage Spanish classes help native Spanish speakers
improve their comprehension of their first language. She also
leads CMC courses to Costa Rica to study both language and the
country’s biodiversity.
“Carol is intent on creating collaborations across disciplines,
[connecting] Spanish learning with environmental science,” said
Dr. Mercedes Quesada-Embid, an associate professor and chair
of Edwards’ Faculty of the Year nominating committee.
Before working at Colorado Mountain College, Bell spent more
than 25 years on Wall Street as the only woman on a 100-man
trading floor.
“It is so wonderful to see an individual truly delight in the learning
process and success of our students as Cynthia does,” said Dr.
Kathryn Regjo, vice president of CMC in Edwards.
> From left, Carol Koch and Cynthia Bell received Faculty of the Year awards for
the Edwards campus. They also received collegewide Faculty of the Year honors.
Photo: Ed Kosmicki
Following Bell’s Faculty of the Year designation, she transitioned
from adjunct instructor to full-time faculty, moving from the Edwards
campus to CMC in the Roaring Fork Valley to become an associate
professor of business.
Veterinarian takes ‘the most important step’ at CMC
Attending Colorado Mountain College was
the first step Dr. Jeff Evans took on his path
to becoming a veterinarian.
Originally from Iowa, Evans enrolled at
the college’s Steamboat Springs campus.
In 2008, he earned an associate degree
in biology, and gained valuable leadership
experience, too.
“Because of the small class size, I was able
to get the attention of my professors, which
ultimately led to solid reference letters,” he
said. “And because of the small student body,
I was also able to be a resident assistant,
president of the residence hall committee,
and a member of student government.”
At larger schools, Evans said the sheer
number of students might make it more
difficult to get involved. But not at Colorado
Mountain College.
“Ultimately, these leadership opportunities
gave me skills to work with others to
achieve common goals,” he said.
Following graduation, Evans earned a
bachelor’s of special studies in biology
at Iowa’s Cornell College, then attended
veterinary school in the West Indies
before completing his clinical year at
Ohio State University. Today, he’s on
staff at a full-service animal hospital
north of Boston.
“I got a solid core education in the sciences
at CMC,” Evans said, “which, of course, is
the most important step to moving on to
higher-level education.”
> Jeff Evans, DVM with his dog Ollie.
07
SUCCESS
Faculty of the Year honorees bring their best to
Spanish and business classes
page
Powerful
connections
CMC joins
forces
to create positive outcomes
page
09
PARTNERSHIPS
> Colorado Mountain College Culinary Institute student Tamara Goodenbour prepares plates at the
Keystone Ranch Restaurant during the institute’s fundraising dinner to raise money for scholarships.
Photo: Charles Engelbert
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PARTNERSHIPS
10
Culinary Institute stars
shine at Keystone Resort
> Students of the Colorado Mountain College Culinary Institute prepared a six-course meal for the 10th annual “A Celebration of Haute Cuisine,” a fundraising dinner held at the
Keystone Ranch Restaurant. The annual event has raised over $110,000 for scholarships since 1995. Photo: Charles Engelbert
The sixth-best restaurant in the country isn’t in New York City or
Chicago or San Francisco. It’s Keystone Resort’s Ski Tip Lodge,
a historic ski lodge run by a cadre of chefs trained at Colorado
Mountain College’s Culinary Institute.
Bryan Baker was Ski Tip’s executive chef
at the time of the ranking in January
2015, and Ashley Kegu was the sous
chef. Both are alumni of CMC’s culinary
program, and were ecstatic to learn of
the Ski Tip Lodge’s standing.
“It’s huge!” Baker said. “Just look at our
geographical location and the restaurants
we are being compared to.”
In addition to the Ski Tip Lodge’s ranking, Keystone Resort hosted
a benefit dinner in February 2015. Called “A Celebration of Haute
Cuisine,” the annual dinner raises money for scholarships for the
college’s culinary students. At the Keystone Ranch Restaurant
diners savored a six-course meal prepared by CMC’s culinary
students, under the direction of
executive chef Steve Vlass –
a 2005 graduate of the culinary
program.
“We have the opportunity to work
at some of the best restaurants
in Colorado.”
– Ashley Kegu
OpenTable, a restaurant review website, gave the ranking to
the restaurant following an analysis of over 5 million reviews
of more than 20,000 restaurants across the U.S.
In June 2015, the tradition continued when another CMC
Culinary Institute graduate, Jordan Alley, took Baker’s
executive chef position at Ski Tip when Baker left to start his
own restaurant.
The Colorado Mountain College
Culinary Institute’s partnership
with Keystone Resort goes
back several decades. In 1993,
Keystone Resort offered to pay half
of a culinary apprenticeship’s cost
and give employee benefits to students. In return, the studentapprentices work full time at local restaurants and attend class
one day a week.
“One of the best things about the apprenticeship program
through CMC is the hands-on experience you have by going
to different restaurants,” said Kegu, who took part in the
program. “We have the opportunity to work at some of the best
restaurants in Colorado.”
Building a global classroom
years, creating opportunities to reuse these fully
operational though slightly outdated laptops.
“We are so grateful for the innovative academic
partnership we have grown between CMC
and the Global Livingston Institute, connecting
young people in rural Uganda with education
opportunities,” said Dr. Jaime Van Leeuwen,
GLI’s executive director.
GLI brings CMC’s computers to the Lake Bunyonyi
region, a popular international bird-watching and
eco-tourist destination in southwestern Uganda.
There, young students learn computer skills,
increasing their ability to become marketable
in the local resort job market, where computer
literacy is becoming increasingly necessary.
Colorado Mountain College is more than 8,500 miles from East Africa,
though it’s not too far to help educate Ugandan students.
Through a partnership with the Global Livingston Institute, a Denverbased, international education organization, for the past three years
CMC has donated nearly 75 laptops to Ugandan students and
teachers. The college typically replaces computers after three or four
CMC President Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser,
technology professor Dr. Gwyn Ebie of Aspen, and Jim English,
collegewide director of technology and network services, are behind
this international outreach.
“This connection was made through the extraordinary leadership of
President Hauser and Dr. Ebie, who understand the value of building a
global classroom,” Van Leeuwen said.
Empty Bowls feed
homebound residents
In the spring of 2015, Colorado Mountain
College joined with Grand River Health to
raise funds for the Rifle community while
providing CMC students a way to use their
artistic and culinary skills.
The March for Meals Empty Bowls Lunch
at Grand River Health’s medical center
featured a handcrafted bowl to keep,
soup to fill it, and bread and beverages in
exchange for a $20 donation. The effort
raised money for Grand River Health’s
Meals on Wheels program, serving local
homebound residents. Grand River Health
staff, and faculty and students from
Colorado Mountain College in Rifle, worked
together to produce the event.
The idea for the collaboration started with
Michelle McCurdy, an adjunct ceramics
instructor at CMC’s Rifle campus.
Even though she and fellow
ceramics faculty and students
made more than 100 ceramic
bowls for the fundraiser, there
wasn’t an unused bowl in sight by
the end of the lunch.
Hot soup was made in Grand River
Health’s kitchen by nine students
from CMC’s concurrent enrollment
culinary arts program. The students
receive both high school and
college credit for their efforts.
> Michelle McCurdy, center, and her fellow CMC ceramics
students and faculty created over 100 bowls for the Empty Bowls
fundraiser. Photo: Ed Kosmicki
“I love how CMC ceramics students
made the bowls and CMC culinary
arts students made the soups,” said Kaaren Peck, the director of volunteer services and Meals
on Wheels at Grand River Health. “It seemed to perfectly bring together many seemingly
disconnected pieces.”
Watching over
community – and
college
Dr. Matt Gianneschi, chief operating officer and chief of
staff at Colorado Mountain College, was driving home
with his sons from a day of skiing at Beaver Creek over the
holiday break in December. Suddenly, he saw three fire
engines, an ambulance, and a fire chief’s Suburban parked
in front of the campus in Edwards.
Alarmed, Gianneschi quickly stopped to see what was
happening and discovered it wasn’t a fire; it was a
broken water pipe. As he talked with the firefighters, he
learned that many who answered the call were trained
and educated at the Edwards campus in fire science
technology, as EMTs, or as paramedics. For them, it was a
bit like a homecoming.
“They told me that it was a mess upstairs and they had no
other calls,” he said. “So they wanted to help the campus
get things cleaned up, because they knew it was a holiday
and the campus was closed.”
Many of the emergency service personnel in CMC’s
service area have been trained at the college. This makes
> From left, Lt. Ryan Riggins; Josh Smith, firefighter; Tim O’Mara, engineer; and Lt. Jenny Hochtl at the
Eagle River Fire District Station 15 in Avon. All four received their training at Colorado Mountain College.
Photo: Kate Lapides
the relationship between Colorado Mountain College and the communities it
serves all the more symbiotic.
Lt. Jenny Hochtl was at the CMC call in December. She is an alumna of the fire
science technology program at the Edwards campus and is stationed at Beaver
Creek. She said her favorite part of being a firefighter is being a role model.
“Sometimes, I’m in the grocery store in uniform, or out and about in the
community, and a mom will say to her daughter, ‘See, it’s possible for women to
be firefighters too,’” she said. “Really, it’s anytime we receive positive feedback.
It’s knowing that you changed someone’s life for the better.”
WHY I GIVE
Patty Theobald
“I give to CMC because I see the results all around me.
CMC has turned ski bums into ski area operators, restaurant
busboys into five-star chefs, mountain bikers and rafters into
wilderness first responders, and retail clerks into business
owners. When I meet people in my community, every day in
all walks of life, who have benefited from a CMC scholarship
and earned a college degree that they never thought
possible, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the
Colorado Mountain College Foundation.”
– Patty Theobald
Patty Theobald has been a supporter of Colorado Mountain College for many
years, providing capital, cultural, and scholarship support. She is a member of
the CMC Davenport Legacy Society and in 2012 joined the CMC Foundation
Board. Her positivity, guidance, support, and community connections in the
Breckenridge area have made her an invaluable asset to the college.
page
13
PARTNERSHIPS
> From left, Sen. Kerry Donovan; Wendy Basey, Elevate co-founder; Rep. Millie Hamner; Gov. John Hickenlooper; Amy Kemp, Elevate co-founder; and Rep. Susan
Lontine following Hickenlooper’s signing of the bill that allows state funding for mobile learning labs such as Colorado Mountain College’s vehicle, below right. Photo:
Kay Beaton Photography
Tech training road trip to support Freeport-McMoRan
and other employers
When Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a bill in May 2015
that allows college mobile learning labs to receive state funding
for workforce training, he was helping to support one of CMC’s
important partnerships.
Colorado Mountain College has long been affiliated with FreeportMcMoRan, a U.S.-based natural resource company. The Climax
Molybdenum Leadership Center at CMC in Leadville is named for
Freeport-McMoRan’s subsidiary, Climax Molybdenum Company, which
operates a mine not far from the campus and whose foundation made
a major donation toward the building’s construction.
Additionally, Fred Menzer, vice president of Climax Molybdenum’s
Colorado operations, sits on the CMC Board of Overseers, and FreeportMcMoRan supports the college in other ways; this year they helped to
sponsor CMC Day, an all-college employee development event.
In September 2014, CMC and Freeport-McMoRan worked together
to develop industrial electrician training in Dillon. Climax needed these
specially trained workers, so the company agreed to pay for classes
for its apprentices, who worked for Climax while they studied. The
company also paid for transportation costs for the instructors, who are
based at the college’s Rifle campus.
The bill signed by the governor now provides more opportunities for
the college’s mobile learning lab, which first began operating during
summer 2013. The vehicle is designed to travel to students who can’t
come to CMC’s Rifle campus.
“It’s like a giant horse trailer,” said Rachel Pokrandt, Rifle campus dean.
“It’s fitted inside with laptops and instructional material, and it even has
a projector screen for PowerPoints. We load up the trailer and bring it
all over.”
The mobile learning lab bill now allows for more flexibility for the college
to meet the workforce training needs of employers.
“It’s a very hands-on, cometo-the-employer kind of
strategy,” Rep. Millie Hamner
of Dillon told the Summit Daily
News newspaper. “This bill
will help incentivize more of
these mobile labs to purchase
equipment they might need
on the job.”
Mobile learning labs like
CMC’s are part of the state’s
Colorado Existing Training
Program, which seeks solutions to challenges students may face in
gaining skills and education to advance their careers.
Unexpected
opportunities
Students discover
new pathways thanks to CMC
page
15
OPPORTUNITIES
> William Mundo, left, and his family members share a laugh outside the family’s home at the Mountain
View Village mobile home park in Leadville. Before participating in CMC’s Upward Bound program, Mundo
contemplated dropping out of high school; now he’s majoring in public health and ethnic studies at the University
of Colorado Denver, with the goal of attending medical school. Photo: Kate Lapides
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OPPORTUNITIES
16
Upward Bound guides a first-generation
student beyond his dreams
He is a college senior with a 3.7 GPA at the University of
Colorado Denver. He was selected the Undergraduate PreHealth Program Fellow Student of the Year at CU’s Anschutz
Medical School and is a peer mentor to low-income
college students.
taking dual enrollment classes, it really changed my life.
I ended up graduating from high school – also earning a
year of college credit. CMC gave me the opportunity to
turn things around, to think about what I want to do in
the future.”
It’s hard to imagine that this same young man was
contemplating dropping out of high school in Leadville just
a few years ago. During the fall of 2011, William Mundo
was feeling disconnected until he
discovered Upward Bound, a federal
program offered through Colorado
Mountain College. The program
provides guidance, teaching, tutoring,
and direction to pre-collegiate youth.
He plans to pursue both a master’s degree in public health
and a medical degree. He’d like to practice in Leadville
amongst its lower-income residents, or in a similar area
in the U.S.
Upward Bound’s staff at CMC in
Leadville helped Mundo clarify a
direction toward college. Soon, he saw
the opportunities that were available
to him.
“CMC gave me the opportunity
to turn things around,
to think about what I want
to do in the future.”
– William Mundo
“I didn’t want to fall into that cycle of marginalization,”
said Mundo. “My parents came to this country to give me
an opportunity to study and pursue a career. After I started
“It’s important never to
forget your roots or the
people who have helped
you get where you are,”
Mundo said. “The love
of my family is really
what drives me to change
the world.
“Growing up in the Latino culture, I saw firsthand the
obstacles they are facing,” he said. “That’s why I want to
come back to Leadville or another underserved community
and show them that there are people who care and who
want to make a positive difference.”
Young grandmother
takes new trail
Misty Johnson had her first son soon after leaving high school in
Kentucky. Her second son quickly followed, and she found herself
scrambling to support her children.
“I did factory work and I worked at an art gallery,” she said.
As her sons grew up, Johnson insisted that they finish high school and
go to college. But something was missing in her own life.
“I couldn’t tell them to do something I wasn’t doing,” she said.
She had always been passionate about the outdoors, and on a visit to
the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Johnson met a ranger. He
told her to check out the natural resource management program at
Colorado Mountain College in Leadville.
In short order, Johnson relocated to Leadville with her boys and took
the first step: she got her GED at the college. Soon, she began taking
classes in natural resource management. A member of Phi Theta
Kappa honor society, she graduated in May 2015 with an associate
degree. She’s currently studying for her bachelor’s.
Now 40, Johnson also works for the U.S. Forest Service as an
information specialist.
“Get it done,” Johnson said to those contemplating a return to
school. “I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up, but it wasn’t a
problem. And now I can take my three grandbabies into the woods,
to teach them to appreciate the land.”
First in family — from ESL to a bachelor’s degree
Gethzemani Grajales was 15 when she arrived in the U.S. from Mexico
a decade ago. She knew she wanted to go to college, but she didn’t
speak English.
No matter. The high school student enrolled in ESL and GED classes at
Colorado Mountain College, and her English steadily improved. Grajales
passed the Accuplacer college entrance tests, and secured a Club
Rotario Roaring Fork CMC Scholarship.
“I called my mom and said, ‘Si se puede! (Yes, we can!),’” she said.
“An invisible obstacle was crushed.”
When Grajales decided to pursue an associate degree in physics, her
choice of subject surprised her friends and family.
“Everybody was telling me, ‘Gethze, no, don’t take those classes,
they are so difficult and challenging!’” she said. “But I liked them.
When I was in high school, I took calculus and physics –– they
weren’t as difficult for me as English.
“At CMC, it was hard,” she recalled. “But my teacher, Joe Reining,
had such a passion for physics. I received a lot of help.”
After earning her associate degree in 2012, Grajales enrolled in the
college’s bachelor’s degree program in business administration, and
graduated in 2015.
“Being the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree is proof that
goals can be attained no matter where we come from or what our
status is,” Grajales said.
X marks the opportunity
It can’t get any better for students attending CMC’s Isaacson School for New Media.
In January 2015, ESPN came to Aspen for four jam-packed days of live TV coverage
of its Winter X Games, an international winter sports spectacle.
Corby Anderson teaches media production classes at the Isaacson School, and also
works for a number of highly visible sports and entertainment events.
“It’s a natural for me to recommend talented students” for media jobs, he said. So
with the X Games just minutes from CMC, he was quick to suggest four Isaacson
School students for paid gigs. Among them was Patrick Badalian, who had just
graduated in December 2014 as the Isaacson School’s first digital media production
alumnus. Anderson also recommended Ned Montgomery, who graduated from the
same program in May 2015.
> Isaacson School digital media production students Ned
Montgomery, left, and Patrick Badalian, right, with their instructor
Corby Anderson working at the 2015 Winter X Games in Aspen.
Photo courtesy of Corby Anderson
Most new media professionals don’t get the opportunity to ever work at such a
high-caliber event, let alone do so as a student.
“It’s super competitive and difficult to break into,” said Anderson. “My hope for
any CMC student that gets to work an event like X Games is that they seize the
opportunity. And that they realize just how lucky they are.”
Prepped for Cambridge by Colorado
Mountain College
Rachel-Marie Weiss was aiming high when she applied to the
University of Cambridge. She chose the famed British university
because of its psychology program.
But that’s not all. As a passionate thespian – she has spent
summers at Second City and Northwestern University studying
comedy and improvisation – she knew she could take part in
drama productions at Cambridge without choosing theater as
a major.
“It’s very intellectual,” she said, “but not pretentious.”
However, it’s a difficult school at which to gain admission.
According to the British newspaper The Guardian, fewer than
3,400 undergraduates are accepted to Cambridge among the
16,000 candidates who apply annually.
It’s even more selective for American students. In 2013, out
of the nearly 300 American students who could even qualify
to apply to the university, just 23 were admitted. To merely be
considered, Cambridge demands from its American applicants
the best grades from high school, the highest marks on SAT
exams, and a minimum of five exemplary College Board
Advanced Placement scores.
academic study plan, she was able to take classes for both high school and
college credit, giving her just one more added advantage needed to put
herself over the top.
Knowing about the fierce competition, Weiss turned to Colorado
Mountain College and its concurrent enrollment classes to
help her realize her dreams to study abroad. Equipped with an
“If you just put the work in and persevere, you’ll do well,” she said about
concurrent enrollment classes. “And you’ll end up much better prepared for
further college.”
Weiss graduated from Battle Mountain High School in Edwards in May 2015
– and from Colorado Mountain College in Edwards at the end of that summer.
The University of Cambridge is her next stop.
page
19
OPPORTUNITIES
> Barbara and Crissi Boe at the family’s ranch on Silt Mesa near Rifle. Below, Barbara Boe, left, with CMC process technology faculty member Stewart Clark,
at CMC in Rifle. Photo: Kate Lapides
Mother, daughter find new resources through
CMC engineering degrees
Barbara Boe was a ranch wife and mother when the bottom
dropped out of her life.
“All I had known was taking care of five children,” said Boe,
recalling how she felt when she and her husband separated in
2005, leaving her with their children, aged 4 to 14, and a ranch
on Silt Mesa near Rifle. “I didn’t know what I was going to do.”
Ten years later, she has far fewer doubts and many more options.
At Colorado Mountain College in Rifle, she is completing her
applied engineering technician Associate of Applied Science
degree, a new program that trains graduates to work in a variety
of industries including oil and gas, waste and water treatment,
and power and electric plants. Best of all, her 22-year-old
daughter, Crissi Boe, is studying right alongside her mom for the
same degree. Both are on the President’s List.
“I’ve always told my children to go to school, get your education,”
Barbara said. “It’s something that no one can take away from
you. It’s something that you have forever.”
Crissi has learned from her mother the importance of developing
marketable skills and knowledge. “Having the opportunity to go
to CMC has been amazing because it allows me to be where I
want to be,” she said. “My experience in the applied engineering
program has been awesome. And, as a woman, you don’t have
to rely on anyone.”
It’s just the beginning for this mother and daughter. They’ve now
decided to pursue the college’s new Bachelor of Applied Science
degree. The BAS allows those with Associate of Applied Science
degrees to seamlessly continue studying for a bachelor’s degree,
thereby increasing their overall knowledge in a given field.
For Crissi, having the opportunity to go to college with her mother
and stay in western Garfield County has been ideal.
“My mother and I are really close. We have all our classes
together. We study together,” she said.
Rich
cultural
connections
CMC links students and
communities to the world
page
CULTURE
22
Inspiring
Rwandan shares
joyful story of survival
> Frederick Ndabaramiye with one of his paintings at CMC in Breckenridge. Photo: Kate Lapides
Love, forgiveness, and hope. Who better to learn these life
lessons from than a Rwandan named Frederick Ndabaramiye who
has no hands – and the broadest smile you’ve ever seen?
Colorado Mountain College in Breckenridge produces the Speaker
Series, featuring fascinating people, films, and presentations. Held
at the Eileen and Paul Finkel Auditorium, the series is often free
of charge and always open to the public. The series is popular
and well-attended, drawing community members to the college
along with CMC students, faculty, and staff. In collaboration with
the Breckenridge Film Festival, Colorado
Mountain College brought this disabilities
activist and self-taught painter to CMC in
June 2015.
In 1998 at age 15, Ndabaramiye was
on a bus traveling through the Rwandan
countryside when a group of Interahamwe
rebels ambushed the vehicle.
1994, and about the violence that continued for years throughout
the country in the genocide’s aftermath.
After the attack, Ndabaramiye essentially started over. He learned
basic life skills and overcame deep despair. Eventually, he learned
to let go of his fear and anger, and forgive his attackers.
“The first thing I relearned was how to smile,” he told the crowd
at CMC. “Today I’m free, I’m happy.”
Ndabaramiye now travels the world sharing his
message of strength, optimism, and forgiveness.
In addition to CMC’s Speaker Series, he’s been
featured on ABC News and TEDx Talks, and at
Telluride Mountainfilm. He co-wrote “Frederick:
A Story of Boundless Hope” with author Amy
Parker and co-founded I am Able, a disabled
cycling team that rides through rural African
villages to spread a message of encouragement
to others with disabilities. I am Able co-founder Christie Abel, a
Summit County resident and former CMC photography student,
met Ndabaramiye in Rwanda during his recovery and played a key
role in bringing him and his story to CMC in Breckenridge.
“Today I’m free.
I’m happy.”
– Frederick Ndabaramiye
After dragging him from the bus, they ordered the young man to
kill all 18 of his fellow passengers. When he refused, the rebels
killed the passengers with machetes in front of him, then cut off
Ndabaramiye’s hands, leaving him for dead.
The packed house in Breckenridge was hushed as Ndabaramiye
relayed his somber story and as a short film was shown of his life.
Following the screening, he spoke of the Rwandan genocide of
Through his cycling tours, artwork, writing, and speaking
engagements, Ndabaramiye offers inspiration for a brighter future
for Rwanda. Go to iamableucc.wordpress.com for more about
Frederick Ndabaramiye.
CMC’s theater company launches new name,
new performances
Colorado Mountain College’s theater company served up plenty of dramatic
fare, both on and off the stage.
Besides beloved theater professor Gary Ketzenbarger receiving campus
Faculty of the Year accolades, the company announced at the beginning
of its 2014-15 season a new name – Sopris Theatre Company at Colorado
Mountain College.
Based in Spring Valley near Glenwood Springs, the company produced an
exciting roster of four productions. One performance, “The Glorious Ones,”
a fun-filled musical featuring the antics of a theater troupe during the Italian
Renaissance, headed to Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House for a two-night run
after playing at the New Space Theatre in Spring Valley.
Generously sponsored by Jim and Connie Calaway of Carbondale and other
loyal donors, they offered up more serious fare too, including “The Rimers
of Eldritch” about a murder trial set in a small Midwestern town, and “The
Women of Lockerbie,” the story of the aftermath in Scotland following the
bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988.
The season ended with “A Flea in Her Ear,” a 1907 French farce.
Collectively, the offerings stretched cast and crew, which include CMC
students and community members.
> The Sopris Theatre Company at Colorado Mountain College presented
“The Glorious Ones” at Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House. Photo: Scot Gerdes
Information about the Sopris Theatre Company at Colorado
Mountain College is at coloradomtn.edu/cmc-theatre.
Local artists showcase
‘Close to Home’ landscapes
In fall 2014, students, staff, faculty, and
visitors to Colorado Mountain College
in Rifle were treated to very familiar
landscape paintings hanging on the
walls along the building’s main hallway.
That’s because Alice Beauchamp,
director of CMC ArtShare, selected the
work of five well-respected local artists
to be featured in an exhibit she named
“Close to Home.”
> The “Close to Home” exhibit at Colorado Mountain
College’s Rifle campus featured the paintings of CMC art
instructors Lanny Grant and Dean Bowlby plus three other
artists. Top, Grant’s “Mount of the Holy Cross”; bottom,
Bowlby‘s “Summer in Aspen Meadows.”
“There’s a lot to discover and paint
here,” said Lanny Grant, one of two of
the featured artists who teaches art
classes at CMC. His work can be seen
on the popular Leanin’ Tree greeting
cards or on large canvases depicting
the Tetons or the Wind River Range in
Wyoming. He’s equally enthralled with
his Colorado surroundings, as evidenced
in his paintings of Pyramid Peak, Mount
of the Holy Cross, and many others.
Dean Bowlby, who also teaches art
European scenes he has visited. He
said that local scenes are equally
as fascinating.
“What we have at hand can often be
neglected and looked past, no matter
the wonder that may be present,” said
Bowlby. “I love travel, but that needn’t
discount my backyard for awe. It all
depends on a perspective.”
Beauchamp typically presents
upwards of 10 art shows at many
of CMC’s locations throughout the
year. The events feature works of
students, alumni, faculty, and friends
of the college.
Go to cmcartshare.com for more
about Colorado Mountain College’s
arts programming.
Bebopping the college –
and Colorado’s
communities
Hazel Miller sings bebop. She also sings the blues, jazz,
gospel, and soul. She did all that and much more when she
brought her four-piece band to Colorado Mountain College’s
campuses in Rifle and Leadville in April 2015. Her two, free,
live performances sent the crowds into the aisles.
“When they jump up and dance, that’s the greatest
accomplishment we can get,” she said.
Chevron, WPX Energy, and Grand River Health sponsored
Miller’s Rifle concert, and CMC’s ArtShare program presented
the popular singer’s free Leadville concert. ArtShare, part of
the CMC Foundation, presents numerous visual and performing
art exhibits and performances throughout the year at various
CMC venues.
Miller is a favorite with Colorado audiences. Based in Denver
for more than 30 years, Miller not only tours the state, but
all over the world, opening for Buddy Guy, James Taylor, Bob
Weir, Herbie Hancock, and more headliners. When she toured
with Big Head Todd and the Monsters several years ago, she
became a regular part of the band’s lineup. Although she’s
known internationally, she has an unending fondness for
performing at home.
“I never get tired of traveling in Colorado,” said Miller.
“Colorado loves all kinds of music.”
WHY I GIVE
Patti & George Stranahan
“When we moved to Carbondale we realized that it was time to share our
photography collection with the public at large. Our first thoughts were
towards a gift to a museum. Several thoughts later, we considered a gift
to CMC, and contacted them about their possible interest. They were
interested and it has been a great decision.”
- George Stranahan
Patti and George Stranahan – philanthropists, community leaders, and photography
aficionados – had amassed dozens of black-and-white photographs, representing much
of the greatest works of the 20th century. After collecting the photos over three decades,
they decided to share the photos with Colorado Mountain College. The Stranahan
Collection toured CMC in Rifle, Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, Leadville, Aspen, and
the CMC ArtShare Gallery and from February to April 2015, Edwards.
> Patti and George Stranahan at the opening reception of The
Stranahan Collection at Colorado Mountain College in Edwards.
Photo: Ed Kosmicki
page
25
CULTURE
> ”Waiting in line for lunch, San Jose, Costa Rica 2014” by Klaus Kocher won an honorable mention from Rotarian Magazine’s international photography contest.
Students, faculty earn global
photographic honors
CMC students and faculty alike
The study of photography is an integral part of Colorado Mountain
College. Countless noted photographers – from the worlds of fine
art, photojournalism, commercial photography, and more – have
studied, taught, and, sometimes, done both at the college.
As photography has shifted from film to digital, the professional
photography program has embraced new technology and is
offered through the college’s Isaacson School for New Media.
receive national and international
recognition for their work.
Among them, in April 2015,
student Cicely Kohler received
an award of excellence for her
illustrated work “Trapped,” from
the College Photographer of the
Year awards.
Klaus Kocher teaches
photography at the Isaacson
School. He received an honorable mention from the Rotarian
Magazine’s international photography contest in May for his
image of Costa Rican children.
And photography instructor Matt Lit won an honorable mention
for his photograph, “Dreams of Our Childhoods: Santa Fe Plaza,”
along with six additional nominations in April from the juried
International Color Awards, which selected his work from more
than 7,300 images worldwide.
> “Trapped” by Cicely Kohler, above, received an award of excellence
from the College Photographer of the Year awards. “Dreams of Our
Childhoods: Santa Fe Plaza,” right, by Matt Lit, won an honorable
mention from the International Color Awards competition.
“I think it’s important to my students,” Lit said of receiving
international recognition for his work. “And I get to pass that
energy and passion on to them so they strive to push their own
vision and work.”
page
CMC FOUNDATION
26
A letter from Patty Theobald
Chair of the CMC Foundation Board of Directors
The exceptional educational opportunities Colorado Mountain College offers would not be possible without the
commitment of CMC’s generous donors.
As you have read here in the “Why I Give” stories from a few of the college’s donors, investing in Colorado Mountain
College provides a way to touch the lives of many.
We are forever grateful for the support offered by those who understand the transformative power of education.
Philanthropic giving helps to bridge the gap between what is funded through public investment and what is needed to
ensure the resources to provide affordable, quality education for CMC’s students today, tomorrow, and in the future.
Along with the entire CMC Foundation Board of Directors, I value your continued support, trust, and investments, and
hope you’ll join us during the upcoming year by making a gift to the CMC Foundation.
Patty Theobald
CMC Foundation Revenues
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014-15
TOTAL $3,063,877*
Capital Expansion &
1% Improvements:
$44,386
33%
Operations: $1,024,796
1%
Cultural & Community Enrichment:
$22,025
16%
Student Support:
$496,899
*Note: These figures are from Fiscal
Year 2014-15 unadjusted, unaudited
financial statements.
Programs:
$1,439,721
47%
1% Faculty Support: $36,050
page
ONGOING SUPPORT
27
The Clough Family Foundation, established by the late Genevieve Clough,
is a multimillion-dollar endowment that provides scholarship funds to
western Garfield County high school graduates to support their pursuit of
higher education. In June, Stormy Anderson, CEO of the Clough Family
Foundation, recognized the 2015 Clough Scholars during a reception at
Colorado Mountain College in Rifle. Anderson, a former CMC Foundation
Board member, and current member of the college’s scholarship selection
committee, continues to work tirelessly to ensure local students with a
dream to attend college can do so.
George Bagwell
George Bagwell retired from Colorado Mountain College in 2014 after nearly
40 years as a faculty member and an administrator. He joined the faculty
at the college’s Leadville campus in 1974, and became the dean at the campus
in Steamboat Springs in 1985. Throughout the years, he built a well-deserved
reputation as a dynamic anthropology professor, and as a consistent donor
to the CMC Foundation.
“From early on, I supported the foundation,” Bagwell said. “Looking back, I feel
very proud of all that CMC has become. That’s my reward.”
Walter Isaacson
Walter Isaacson – renowned author, and CEO and president of the Aspen
Institute – is the namesake of Colorado Mountain College’s Isaacson
School for New Media. He and his wife Cathy have established a
generous scholarship for out-of-state Isaacson School students.
In June 2015, Isaacson gave a lecture based on his latest bestseller,
“The Innovators.” Called The Browning Event and held at Colorado
Mountain College in Edwards, the evening benefitted Women in
Philanthropy, which raises funds for CMC students while increasing
community awareness of the college.
CMC FOUNDATION
Stormy Anderson
COLORADO MOUNTAIN COLLEGE
Board of Trustees
Ken Brenner
Board Treasurer
Routt County
Pat Chlouber
Board Secretary
Lake County
Charles
Cunniffe
Pitkin County
Glenn Davis
Board President
Eagle County
Mary Ellen Denomy
West Garfield
County
Kathy Goudy
East Garfield
County
Dr. Robert
Taylor
Summit County
Foundation Board of Directors 2014-15
Ed Brown
Carbondale
Doe Browning
Vail
Doris Dewton
Edwards
Bob Ferguson
Board Secretary
Snowmass Village
Peter Gilbert
Treasurer
Carbondale
Ferdinand “Tito”
Liotta, M.D.
Carbondale
David Grisso
Parachute
Merilee Maupin
Leadville
Roger
Hennefeld
Aspen
Bere Neas
Board Vice Chair
Steamboat Springs
Jay Rickstrew
Glenwood Springs
Kyle Welch
Leadville
Gino Rossetti
Basalt
Charles Cunniffe
Ex-Officio, CMC Board of
Trustees Representative
Diane Tarnoff
Steamboat Springs
Patty Theobald
Board Chair Breckenridge
Dr. Carrie Besnette
Hauser
Ex-Officio, CMC President
Joe Yob
Ex-Officio,
Past Board Chair
Board Members
whose term ended
June 30, 2015:
Rich Glasier
Ron Speaker
Board of Overseers
CMC Board of Overseers:
Front row, from left,
Carrie Morgridge,
Amy Margerum Berg,
Bob Young, Jim Calaway,
Dr. Steven Phillips, and
Marian Smith.
Back row, from left,
David Burden, Enis Alldredge,
Rich Glasier, Tyler Moebius,
and Jon Warnick.
Not pictured: Ann Korologos,
Fred Menzer, Bob Howard,
and Mark Gould.
The Colorado Mountain College Board of Overseers is a group of volunteer advisors with distinguished and diverse backgrounds. Members are
nominated and selected based on their ability to offer counsel, generate ideas, and extend influence, connections, strategic thinking, resources, and
passion to support the college and its president. Former Colorado Mountain College Foundation Board Member and Carbondale philanthropist Jim
Calaway founded the group in 2012 as a thought-provoking, dynamic forum to help guide the college to further excellence.
Enis Alldredge,
Retired Senior Vice
President, Federal Reserve
Bank of Kansas City
David Burden
Founder and Executive
Chairman, Timbers
Resorts
Jim Calaway
Founder and Chair,
Board of Overseers;
Businessman,
Philanthropist
Rich Glasier
Retired CFO, Royal
Caribbean Cruise Line
Amy Margerum Berg
Executive Vice President,
Aspen Institute
Stephen Phillips, M.D.
Director, National Library
of Medicine
Mark Gould
President, Gould
Construction
Fred Menzer
Vice President Colorado
Operations, Climax
Molybdenum
Marian Smith
Retired Former Mayor and
County Commissioner
Bob Howard
Attorney and Managing
Partner, Airport Land
Partners
Tyler Moebius
Founder and Chairman,
FastG8
Jon Warnick
Retired Vice President,
Nortel Networks
Ann Korologos
Former U.S. Secretary,
Department of Labor
Carrie Morgridge
Philanthropist,
Author, “Every Gift Matters”
Bob Young
Founder and Chairman,
Alpine Bank
page
THE DAVENPORT LEGACY SOCIETY
As you contemplate your personal legacy, thank you for considering CMC’s students and programs. Many of you
may already qualify for membership but have simply never informed the college of your plans; if so, the CMC Foundation invites you
to consider joining the Davenport Legacy Society. Contact the foundation at (970) 947-8360 for more information about providing this
enduring legacy for future generations.
DAVENPORT LEGACY SOCIETY DONOR SPOTLIGHT: JOE REINING
“I believe that we should all give back to the community in some fashion. I chose CMC because I am so fortunate to work with
the wonderful faculty and staff. This has truly been the most rewarding career I could imagine. My donation was given so that
students can realize their dreams and I know that my donation, combined with the resources that CMC offers, will be a major
step in that direction.”
– Joe Reining
After retiring from the oil and gas industry, Joe Reining became an associate professor of geology and mathematics at Colorado
Mountain College. Inspired by the academic atmosphere CMC offers, Reining chose to become a member of the Davenport Legacy
Society. His thoughtful estate plan will establish an endowed scholarship, ensuring future generations the opportunity to
experience CMC. Photo: Ed Kosmicki
DAVENPORT LEGACY SOCIETY DONORS
David Allen Estate
Arthur E. Anderson Estate
Anonymous
Michelle Balcomb Estate
Jim Calaway
Genevieve Clough Estate
Marge and Jerry Gavenda
Jayne and Ed Hill
Linda and Peter Jeschofnig
Joe Reining
Martha and Ken Robinson
Donna and Gino Rossetti
Terry and Dan Smith
Nancy Smith Estate
Natanee and Matthew Spencer
Patty Theobald
Patricia Harding Walker
Connie and Jon Warnick
Diane and Lester Wells
Joyce and Joe Yob
Bob Young
CMC FOUNDATION
The first president of Colorado Mountain College, Dr. Joseph Davenport, guided construction of the Spring Valley
and Leadville campuses, developed the early curriculum, and established relationships with faculty, staff, students,
and community members. The Davenport Legacy Society, named in honor of Dr. Davenport’s vital contributions,
recognizes those alumni and friends who have made future provisions for the Colorado Mountain College
Foundation in their estate plans, in any form or amount.
29
page
30
The 14’er Society
CMC FOUNDATION
The 14’er Society celebrates the generosity of CMC’s alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends at
varying support levels named after the 14,000-foot peaks in the college’s service area. Annual gifts
received throughout the fiscal year in the form of current cash commitments and gifts of stock are
included in the determination of giving levels. To all contributors, the CMC Foundation expresses
sincere thanks and deep appreciation.
The CMC Foundation has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this listing. Please notify us of
any inaccuracies or omissions by email at cmcfoundation@coloradomtn.edu. We regret any errors.
OUR 14’ER SOCIETY DONORS for Fiscal Year 2014 -15
*Indicates donors who have made annual gifts for five or more consecutive years.
COLLEGIATE PEAKS
$10,000+
*Alpine Bank
Kayce and Clark Anderson
Boettcher Foundation
*Doe Browning
Virginia Browning
*C.H. Bernklau Charitable Lead Trust
*Connie and Jim Calaway
Casner Family
*Chevron USA, Inc.
Clough Family Foundation
Club Rotario Roaring Fork
*Doris Dewton and Richard Gretz
Carol and Rick Dowden
El Pomar
*Paul Finkel
FirstBank
*Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold
Foundation
Jessica and John Fullerton
*Gallegos Corporation
*Holly and Rich Glasier
Katie and Ryan Heckman
*Verna and Tom Howard
Cathy and Walter Isaacson
Kurt Keiser
Jen and Timothy Kirkpatrick
*Sandy and Charles Lloyd
Barbara and Nicholas Payne
*Carolyn Prinster
Summit County Rotary Club
*Hal Sundin
The HBB Foundation
The Summit Foundation
*Pat and Jack Thomas
United Airlines Foundation
Vail Resorts - Epic Promise
Vail Valley Cares
*Valley View Hospital Auxiliary
Wells Fargo Bank
MAROON BELLS
$5,000-$9,999
Beaufort Foundation
Susan Cary and Bob Borchardt
Janet and Tim Borden
Breckenridge Grand Vacations
Colorado Grand, Inc.
Colorado Restaurant Assoc., Summit
*Cordillera Motorcycle Association
Crystal Palace Corporation
*Kate and Herb Feinzig
*Marge and Jerry Gavenda
Susie and Rick Grossman
Linda and Peter Jeschofnig
Diane and Mead Metcalf
Donna and Gerald Nemanic
Roaring Fork Business Resource Center
Roy A. Hunt Foundation
Lorraine Mall Haslee/Swift Eagle
Charitable Foundation
Sondra and Peter Welles
*Diane and Lester Wells
*Wells Partnership
*Joyce and Joe Yob
MT. ELBERT $2,500-$4,999
10th Mountain Division Hut Assn.
Aspen Community Foundation
Judy and Robert Bannon
Kathy and Erik Borgen
*Breckenridge Mountain Rotary Club
Bonnie and Patrick Daniels
*Diesslin Structures, Inc.
Garfield County Commissioners
Aileen and Peter Gilbert
Carrie Besnette Hauser and Jeff Hauser
*Jayne and Ed Hill
Sandra Jackson and James Campbell
Chong and Joseph Keenan
*Randi Lowenthal
*Sarah and John Mascotte
Cynthia and David Miller
Bere Neas
Maureen Nuckols
*Suzi and Thomas Phillippe
R.A. Nelson, LLC
Donna and Gino Rossetti
*Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate
*Stephen Smith
Jaci and Bob Spuhler
State of Colorado Department of Education
and Human Resources
*Linda Stein
Summit County Commissioners
Diane Tarnoff
The Community Foundation for
Northeast Florida
*Patty and Robin Theobald
Patricia Turner
Ursa Operating Company, LLC
Vail Rotary Club
*Diane Wallace
Connie and Jon Warnick
Western Eagle Valley Rotary
WPX Energy Rocky Mtn, LLC
*Alexandra Yajko
Yampa Valley Community Foundation
MT. MASSIVE
$1,000-$2,499
Laurie Adler
*Sharon Aguiar
Arapahoe Basin
Avalon Trust
Pamela and Richard Bard
CMC TEAM FUND DONOR
Nicole Fazande
Associate Dean, Academic and Student
Affairs, CMC in Breckenridge and Dillon
“I gain inspiration from our students every
single day so I love that, as employees, we
have this opportunity to support the students
who bring us so much joy and inspiration. By
contributing to the Team Fund, I feel like I
am able to do a little something to elevate
my community.”
Kathleen and Richard Becker
Big Sky Studio, Inc
Katie and Doug Bizerra
Paula Black
Vicki and Dick Bourret
Marka Brenner
Ann Becher Smead and Michael Byram
Carolyn and Gary Cage
Capitol Group Matching Gift Program
*Ed Carlson
Duane Chesley
Mary Kay Chesley
Roberta Cox
Beryl and Brian Edney
*Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.
*Jim English
*Linda English
Everist Materials LLC
Andi and Bob Ferguson
*Jean and John Fitzgerald
Ronna and Jim Flaum
Amanda and Peter Ford
*Susan and Harry Frampton
*Nancy Genova
Stephanie and Matt Gianneschi
*Margaret Gilmon
David Grisso
Pat Hammon
*Terresa Herbst
Julie Hodges
Shirley and Richard Hunt
*Louise Jackson
*Benedicte Jeanson
Cheryl and Bill Jensen
Chris Kaminski
Jon Kirkpatrick
Sharon Koblinsky
*KW Construction and Restoration
Deb Luginbuhl
Merilee Maupin
Bob McGill
Susan Milhoan
Lorraine Miller
Colleen Hannon and Jon Morrissey
Becky Mosley-Hernreich
Maria and Marian Oleksy
P.E.O. Chapter 1G
P.E.O. Chapter FU
Peak One Financial Services, LLC
*Hensley and James Peterson
Senenne and Marc Philippon
Barbara and Eddie Robison
Steven Scheberle
Jennifer Schiller
Roger Sheffield
Jane and Ed Shriner
Beth and Rod Slifer
Pam and Richard Smith
Lisa and Ron Speaker
Lin and Mike Stickler
Susan and Steve Suggs
Summit Medical Center Health Foundation
*Pam Szedelyi
Giovanna and Jeremy Voge
Sandi and Greg Walton
Jannes and Gary Weede
Susan and Kyle Welch
Amy and Jim White
CAPITOL PEAK $500-$999
Leah Bornstein and Joe Findley
*Krysta and Bryan Brubaker
Virginia and James Cleaver
*Peggy Curry
Susan Propper and Donald Dankner
Sheila Dendahl
Town of Dillon
*Donna DuHadway
Tina and Dennis Evans
Town of Frisco
G. F. Rutkey, Inc.
Mitzie and Lex Hawkins
Barbara Hogoboom
Kaiser Permanente
Jan Krueger
Lake County Economic Development Corp.
Leadville Lions Club
*Mary Lehrman
Mathilde U. and Albert C. Elser Foundation, Inc.
*Genny Michael
*Joyce and Allyn Mosher
*Sharon and Robert Pennington
Debra and Charles Pitman
Lynda Sampson
Jette Schuh
Richard Schuh
*Beth Shaw
Nancy and John Snyder
*Audrey and Brad Tyndall
Ajka and Bill Wallace
Debra and Lon Winston
Mary Jane and Hans Wurster
*Cheryl and Daryl Yarrow
*Jill Ziemann
MT. HOLY CROSS $250-$499
*Sandi Anderson
*George Bagwell
*Louis Beatty
*Alice and Rick Bedard-Voorhees
Martha and Donald Benovitz
Bonnie Bogue
Marilyn and William Brown
Tom Buesch
Denise and Robert Cartelli
*Nancy and Richard Christmas
Altai Chuluun
Karleen and Thomas Clark
Diane and Jay Cohen
*Krisan Crow
Sharon and Alex De La Garza
*Deborah and Dennis Devine
Dow Chemical Company
*Carol and Bill Efting
Nicole and Stewart Fazande
First Mountain Bank
Judith and John Goebel
Grand River Health District
Patricia Harding Walker and Starnes Walker
Senator Rollie Heath
Terry and Al Hershey
*Marilyn and Marc Hogan
Michelle and Brian Hoza
OUR DONORS
for Fiscal Year 2014-15 continued...
Virginia King
*Renee Kuharski
Jackie Kuusinen
Leadville Boom Days
Nadine and Mike Leatherby
Carrie and Cooper Mallozzi
Amanda and Rob Martin
Debra Martinez-Brun
Jennifer and Sean McAtamney
Michael Miller
Peter Perhac
*Laura Pless
Rachel and Jim Pokrandt
Kendra Rhodes
Stephen Rozanski
Diana Scherr
Deborah Shaner-Leuk
Nancy and Doug Sims
*Jean Sommers
James Spencer
Carol and David Stiller
*Sandra and Tom Thwing
Mike Trujillo
Phyllis and Richard Utech
Ronda Westhoff
CMC TEAM FUND DONOR
Mike Rhoades
Payroll manager,
Colorado Mountain College Central Services
“Knowing that my small gift, when combined
with those of so many of our colleagues, is
affording students the opportunity to realize
their educational goals is my true reward.”
Tracy White and Kenneth Headrick
Christine and Stephen Whittington
Kai Yeung
Sharon Young
PYRAMID PEAK $144-$249
Yesenia Arreola
Bonnie and Dave Askeland
Jan Attoma
Bank of the West
Lourra Barthuly
Linda and Frank Besnette
Stephanie and Bernie Beste
*Kimberly Blackford
Steve Boyd
R. Morris and Connie Buckmaster
Angelina and Al Buyok
Carol Carlson
Bobby Chen
Patricia and Ken Chlouber
*City Market Community Rewards Program
*Linda Crockett
*Dante
Karen Dendahl
Andre Dubois
Marjorie and Jim Ellis
Susan Estes
*Judith Evans
Rosemary and Peter Gebhardt
Lisa and Richard Gonzales
James Green
*Joe Gugelman
Alex Hall
*Nancy Hays
Susan Herman
Nancy and Robert Hunter
Stephanie and Ken Keister
*Becky and Charlie Kramer
Jean Kramlich
Mary Laing
Kim Langmaid
Kate Lapides and Eric Black
Amy and Shane Larson
*Sally and Andy Lewis
Christine Londos
Mary Ann Looby
Deborah Loper
Julie Lyne
Janne and John Mack
Frank Martin
Tiffany Martin
Jen and Brian McGill
Sandra McKelvey
Mountain Structures Company
James Neff
Virginia Nicolai
Larry Niedergerke
Debbie Novak
Janis Ohmstede
Lydia Pennock-House
Jamie and Brent Raynor
Sue and John Real
*Nancy Redner
Michael Rhoades
Maureen and Tye Richardson
Adrian Rippy-Sheehy
Crystal and Andrew Schiller
Doug Schwartz
*Linda Shoup
Denise Snead
Mollie Sorenson
Sasho Sorli
Susanna Spaulding and Stephen King
Maureen and Michael Stepp
Anessa Stewart
Steve Stewart
Jaime and Brian Stoess
Jane Szucs
Kristen and Randall Tarufelli
Tammy and James Taylor
Marilyn and Bob Taylor
Jennifer and Bart Victor
Lisa and Mark Vogele
COLORADO MOUNTAIN
COLLEGE DONORS
Susan Adgate
Janice and Walter Albert
Julie Albrecht
AmazonSmile Foundation
Anahi Maritza
Deborah Arnold
Kim Arnold
Rebecca Arrington and Richard Jones
Jan Aspelund
Mary Banks
Jen Barchers
Barkley Ballroom
Sue and Tom Barnes
Alice Beauchamp
Kelly Bejarano
Myra and Douglas Benson
page
33
Make an
Krista Fuller
Virginia Galicinao
Joseph Gamble
Kirsten Gauthier-Newberry
Connie Geiman
David Gifford
Amie Graf
Greco’s Pastaria
Alison Gregg
Gypsum Fire Department Auxiliary
Theresa Hadsock
Felix Haeuptle
Robin Haney
Kim Harding
Laura and Tal Hardman
Harriet Harper
Sandra Harting
Paula Hauswirth-Cummings
Jean Hawkins
Patti Holt
Linda and James Hoskins
Incline Bar and Grill
Island Grill, Inc.
Mark Jenkins
Susan and Clint Jewell
Erin and Adam Jones
Karen Kaemmerling
Willa Kane
Virginia and David Kaufmann
Lea Kegley
Jennifer Kemppainen
Bruce Kime
Ruth Kirschbaum
Connie Kishimoto
Heidi Kunzek
Myia Lackey
Yuliya Lef
Gary Lindstrom
Meredith Long
Blair Lowery
IMPACT
*Joe Maestas
Christine and Cole Maier
Devon Maison
*Sharon and Nicholas Massaro
Kelli McCall
Kae McDonald
Kay McGinnis
Sandra Mendez
Rene Mendoza
Jacob Mohrmann
Christine Montemayor
Jennifer Moore
Moose Jaw
Roxanne Morris
Martha and Harold Mueller
Liza Muro
Jeff Nunes
Nate Obin
Ollie’s Pub and Grill
Gabrielle Orsi
Linda Ouellette
Darcy Owens-Trask
Kathy Patranella
Ram Pattisapu
Lacey and David Pedersen
Gina Pedrick
Peoples National Bank
Cleo Perkins
Anne Petersen
Justin Peterson
Justin Pollack
Suzanne Price
Ellen Puente
Jolie and John Ramo
Sondra Reiff
Joe Reining
Rothey Landscaping, Inc.
RPM Transportation, LLC
Jeffrey Runyon
Sandra Sabo
You’ve read the inspiring stories about
our students, partnerships, opportunities,
and cultural outreach. Perhaps you are
compelled by the Why I Give stories and
want to be part of the momentum as we
continue to impact lives in a positive way
at Colorado Mountain College.
CMC FOUNDATION
Joe Blanc
Joshua Blanchard
Karen Bond
Jennifer Boone
Brent Bowman
Kim Buchanan
Jeanne Casey
Danielle Cerise
Mariah Chastan
Joan Chovanec
Ed Chusid
*Kent Clement
Carrie Click
Jane Click
James Coates
Debbie Crawford
William Crymble
Cultivating Spirits, LLC
Deb Cutter
Patty and William Daniells
Debbie Davis
Pamela Davis
*Jan and Craig Dean
Diana and Don Dettmering
DJ Landry
Robert Dolan
Tanya Doose
Clark Dressen
*Debra and Larry Dutmer
Shirley Eaves
Paul Edwards
Marlene and Neil Elekes
Candy Elkind
Rebecca Falch
Craig Farnum
Pam Fields
Acacia Fike-Nelson
Margaret Flesner
Foundation for Colorado
Community Colleges
Jacqueline Salas
Nancy Reinisch and
Paul Salmen
Trey Shelton
Roseanne Shepard
Ming Shiao
Silverheels
*Pam Slaven
Christine Smith
Spinelli’s Pizza and Subs
Bonnie Steele
Annie Stephens
*Ellen and Doug Stewart
Stacey Stuart
Amy Stull
Natalie Torres
Kathryn Trauger
Amy Treese
Robert Turner
Gretchen and Thomas Underwood
Linette and Tom Valles
Diane Vanos
John Vickery
Lillian and Bob Vigil
Margaret Vorndam
Ruth and Tony Walker
Tim Walker
Gina and Peter Waller
Kristin Weber
Sheri Weinman
Chris Wenger
Emory White
Kendra Wilson
Traci and Michael Wodlinger
Angela and Barry Wurtsmith
Joanne Yantz
Donna Yost
Rosario and Harold Young
Jean and Robert Youngquist
Nicole Zador
Please consider making a gift to the CMC
Foundation using the envelope enclosed
in this publication. Donations to the CMC
Foundation are tax deductible to the extent
allowed by law. All gifts, regardless of size,
are important and appreciated.
802 Grand Avenue
Glenwood Springs, CO
81601
A Place
Unlike Any Other
Yes, Colorado Mountain College is located in one of
the most spectacular mountain areas found anywhere.
But it also offers serious academics. It’s an energizing
environment, where chemistry classes are next door
to outdoor education courses.
So, immerse yourself in these pages, learn about CMC’s
students, its inspiring faculty, and the college’s strong
community partnerships – and see how Colorado
Mountain College is changing lives. Every day.
CMC Foundation
(800) 621-8559 x8378
Colorado Mountain College
(800) 621-8559
www.cmcfoundation.org
www.coloradomtn.edu
Front photo:
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Photo: Kate Lapides