On Aug. 18, alumni, friends, faculty and staff gathered on campus for the fifth Loyal Benefactor Celebration. This event honors those who make ongoing annual gifts to support the university, those who have included the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in their estate plans, and faculty and staff who give through payroll deduction. After a two-year hiatus, the return of this special event was met with joy by over 140 attendees.
Vice Chancellor of Advancement Scott Arthur offered words of thanks to the benefactors who attended, noting the critical importance of philanthropy in securing CU as a top-tier institution. Chancellor Don Elliman reiterated this message of gratitude and pride, noting that $180 million was raised last year. He also gave an update on the latest campus developments, highlighting the campus’s five strategic initiatives and progress toward each.
CU Anschutz Chancellor Don Elliman, left, chats with guests at the Loyal Benefactor Celebration on Aug. 18. |
Elliman also shared the story of Janie Reiver, a grateful patient of William Robinson, MD, who has supported cancer research for 14 years. Twenty-two years ago, Janie received a cancer diagnosis that upended her life, and she credits Robinson and the entire team at CU Anschutz – from nurses to patient coordinators to the valet – with instilling in her a sense of calm and confidence throughout her cancer journey. Reiver gives to support cancer research as her way of giving back to fuel discovery toward the treatments and cures for tomorrow’s patients. “This is a place I trust with my life because it is the reason I have one today,” she said.
Elliman thanked Reiver for trusting CU Anschutz with her philanthropy, and for being a part of the community that pushes the campus to realize bold, ambitious goals year after year.
“It is an honor to recognize Janie for her generosity. Like many of you, she plays an important role in advancing science and medicine by investing in research that will unearth the treatments and cures of tomorrow,” said Elliman.
Guest Contributor: Carolyn Wilson, Office of Advancement
