KeyBank Gift Empowers Diverse Leeds Scholars
KeyBank, a longtime Leeds supporter, closed 2025 on a high note with a gift of scholarships offered through Leeds’ Opening Doors to Achievement Office (ODA).
KeyBank visited Leeds to present its gift. From the left, Ruby Batalla; students David Evans, Michael Kakkar and Grace Trujillo; KeyBank team members Brianna Hein, Chris Picardi, Robin Van Lant, Christopher Dukes, Steven Cartwright, Walter Stanley and Al Lopez; and Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean Vijay Khatri.
KeyBank's latest donation to Leeds builds on decades of support through grants, mentoring and volunteering, including hosting the Business Leadership Program. The new scholarships aim to reduce debt for juniors and seniors in the Diverse Scholars Program, easing financial burdens that can derail graduation.
As a corporate partner, KeyBank helps the program support 300 underrepresented students each year with tutoring, mentorship and corporate site visits.
A legacy of support
Since 2002, KeyBank has contributed nearly $900,000 to ñ, reinforcing its commitment to higher education and workforce development.
A college education equips students with the knowledge and confidence to secure sustainable and well-paying career opportunities, which benefits our entire community.
—Chris Picardi, KeyBank Colorado market president
“KeyBank is honored to support Leeds’ Opening Doors to Achievement Office in empowering business students with the financial means and structure needed to mitigate barriers to graduation,” said Chris Picardi, KeyBank Colorado market president. “A college education equips students with the knowledge and confidence to secure sustainable and well-paying career opportunities, which benefits our entire community.”
Ruby Battala, director of the ODA, added: “We are deeply grateful for KeyBank’s continued support and longstanding commitment to the success of our students.” She noted that KeyBank’s generosity has strengthened onboarding programs, the Business Leadership Program, and the Summer Bridge Program forEXCEL Scholars.
“With this new gift, KeyBank is helping students finish their degrees. By reducing financial burdens, Leeds students can focus on their education and maximize their opportunities,” she said.
Scholarships that change lives
Student testimonials highlight the transformative impact of these scholarships.
"The work that KeyBank does with the Leeds School of Business does really matter,” said Michael Kakkar (Mgmt, BusAn’26), an EXCEL Scholar.
The impact is clear in the experiences of students like Tyler Chacon (Fin’26). “The KeyBank scholarship has enabled me to comfortably afford my tuition bills and living expenses while in Boulder, which has taken a great deal of stress off my plate,” said Chacon. “Additionally, I was able to leverage this award in an interview, which helped me secure an internship position with Key Investment Services.”
Vijay Khatri, Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean of the Leeds School of Business, accepted the gift and summed up the broader impact. “When students are able to focus on classes, they’re able to graduate on time,” said Khatri. “By focusing on learning, they are empowered to go out and change the world.”