Dental researcher fuels top talent and innovation in recognition of institutional support

CU is one of the Stansbury family’s top philanthropic priorities. Jeffrey Stansbury, PhD, and his wife, Audrey, believe that the CU School of Dental Medicine went above and beyond in supporting Jeff, professor and associate dean for research at the school. Now, they are honoring the dental school for that support in their estate plans, as well as encouraging philanthropic support for other researchers at the school.

Jeff was recruited to the dental school to develop a materials science area of study by former dean, Howard Landesman, DDS, MEd, FACP. What Jeff found at CU was a willingness by leadership to support and advance the novel ideas of faculty like himself. In particular, Dr. Landesman provided Jeff with valuable guidance and advice when he started a company around some of the outcomes of his research. The school’s innovative spirit that has continued under current leadership allows faculty the resources and freedom needed to pursue their research and entrepreneurial interests.

In recognition of the opportunities and resources Jeff received, the Stansburys decided to give back through a planned gift towards support for collaborative faculty research. Jeff says that promoting effective collaboration is one of the reasons for the dental school’s increasing success in its mission. He said, “Collaboration is at the very heart of successful work. If you don’t collaborate and look for ways to leverage extraordinary people around you, you likely won’t succeed.

Students will also benefit from the Stansburys generous support through their participation in student and faculty research partnerships during their dental education. Jeff is proud of the school’s strength in research and believes in grounding students in this work.

Jeff also intends for the gift to encourage strategic research connections between the school and other institutions. In addition to their planned gift, the Stansburys provide flexible resources to support student success in the decades ahead.

If you’d like to learn about making a gift to the CU School of Dental Medicine, please contact: Karen Aarestad, Assistant Vice Chancellor, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, karen.aarestad@cuanschutz.edu.