Support CMDI

Change of plans

Ellie Chase — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 16:21:14 +0000

Change of plans Ellie Chase Wed, 10/07/2026 - 10:21

Kirsten Ring Murray is no stranger to mentorship—she played a key role in designing the internship program at Olson Kundig, where she is an owner and principal. She recently joined the CMDI advisory board to find other ways to support students. Photo courtesy Kirsten Ring Murray.

Hannah Stewart

According to Kirsten Ring Murray, design is all about change. Like when she first started at Olson Kundig and realized an internship program could benefit the company and its new hires.

“When I first came into practice, one of the first things I noticed was that there wasn’t a very easy transition after school,” said Murray (EnvDes’86). “My supervisors were supportive of my dream to start an internship program, and I had a significant role in shaping it.”

Now, she’s an owner and principal of the Seattle-based architecture and design firm; under her guidance, Olson Kundig has grown to more than 350 employees and maintains an international book of work that’s generated significant acclaim.

More recently, she became a member of the college’s advisory board—a position she took on because she likes to join projects at the early stages. In both settings, she said, she gets to mentor “the smart young people who want to change things.”

But meaningful change can’t happen in isolation. As a student, she learned to value collaboration, and she has since sought to create opportunities for interdisciplinary connections through mentorship.

“Kirsten is really good at bringing everybody together to find the strongest design and make a project special,” said Cameron Shampine, an associate at Olson Kundig.

Shampine (EnvDes’13) joined the firm early in his architecture career, starting as an intern in the very program Murray created. Now, he has come full circle as one of its coordinators.

His growth at the firm, Shampine said, would not have been possible without the culture of leadership Murray has cultivated. He said her dedication to including various voices and perspectives reflects the interdisciplinary structure of environmental design at CMDI.

“The degree set me up well since it can fuse so many different paths,” he said. “You’re constantly evolving in this field because design is an adventure you’re going on with your clients.”

Murray said one of the great values of environmental design—and CMDI as a whole—is the commitment to finding connections, in terms of both network and practice.

“Having interdisciplinary relationships enriches our work. Every day, I get involved in branding, messaging, storytelling, research and history,” Murray said.

“I have really tried to strengthen the connections between what you learn and what you practice in the real world. That’s why it’s important for us practitioners to work alongside the academics.”

Hannah Stewart graduated in 2019 with a degree in communication. She covers student news at the college.

Kirsten Ring Murray says design is all about change, and was eager to be part of shaping the future of CMDI by joining its advisory board.

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Dean's Leadership Society: Fall 2025

Amanda J. McManus — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 06:55:04 +0000

Dean's Leadership Society: Fall 2025 Amanda J. McManus Fri, 11/14/2025 - 23:55

This list celebrates cumulative giving of $1,000 or more to any CMDI fund, department or center during the recent academic year (July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025).

Although we strive for accuracy, we are aware that errors can occur. If you spot an error, please contact us.

Learn more and join the Dean’s Leadership Society for the current academic year (July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026).

Supporting CMDI
Charitable support from alumni, parents and friends plays a critical role in the success of the college—from supporting groundbreaking research and important creative work, to providing scholarships and other resources for students. Please consider a gift today.

Online
colorado.edu/cmdi/donate

Mail
Send checks payable to the University of Colorado Foundation to:

University of Colorado Foundation
P.O. Box 561690
Denver, CO 80256-1690

Please add a note designating your gift for CMDI.

Questions?
cmdigiving@colorado.edu or 303-386-6170

Dean's Cabinet

$100,000 and up

Anonymous
Estate of Annette Chandler (Engl’70)
David Kleiman (PhDComm’73)
Natalie (Mktg’91) and Todd Pickup
Scripps Howard Foundation
Bill and Kathy Scripps
Cindy Scripps
Siegel Family Endowment
Stewart Family Foundation
Heidi Wagner (Jour’86)

$50,000 to $99,999

Peter (Advert’83) and Wendy DeLuca
Pat Kelly (IntlAf’84)
Thom Kuhn (Jour’81) and Dianne O’Connell
Dave (Engl’81) and Danni Lougee

$25,000 to $49,4999

Carol and John Berg
Tracy Christeson and Lawrence R. Frey, PhD
Bob Craig and Karen Tracy
Crawford Family Foundation
Sara Fischer (Advert, Engl’78)
Estate of Nancy Foster (Jour’71)
Mask Network
Tana Schultz
Ruth and Scott Sprain
TEGNA Foundation

$10,000 to $24,999

Active Interest Media
Elizabeth and Barets O. Benjamin Charitable Foundation
Jenny Bramhall and Stuart Conway
Ruth and Ted Edmonds
Peter Lasser (Comm’76) and Cynthia Potter
Jill Mazursky
Brian (MediaSt’11) and Erin Schroy
Tom (Jour’98) and René Stilwell

$5,000 to $9,999

Anonymous
Andrew and Genevieve Biggs
Cactus Inc.
Susan Capitelli (Film’16)
Colorado Garden Foundation
Tom (Jour’87) and Astrid Costello
John Estabrook (Advert’75)
Maria and Michael Fong
Deanna and John Green
Katherin (Jour’59) and Duane Howell
Jenifer Karpan Marx (Comm’90; MJour’93) and Lance Marx
John D. Meyer (Jour’71)
Pat (Comm’88) and Alyson Ryan
Debra and Robert Ryker
Janet Takeyama (Jour’66)

Dean’s Circle

$2,500 to $4,999

Thomas (AeroEngr’89) and Jennifer Cavill
Arpita and Brian Diamond
Stacey (Advert’89) and Andrew Kroll
George (Fin’88) and Kimberly Tarlas

Dean’s Club

$1,000 to $2,499

Anonymous
L & N Andreas Foundation
Mike Armstrong (Jour’77)
Margery (Advert’82) and John Banks (Hist’74)
Karl (EnvDes’92) and Katie (Kins’90) Brewer
Rana Patner Brown (Psyc, Soc’90) and Andrew Brown
Barbara and Bill Burgess Jr.
Lori Call (Jour’94)
Doug Claussen (MJour’93)
Asa (Comm’93) and Jen (Jour’94) Darrow
Mike Davies (Jour’94)
Bridget and Richard Eckerd
Renae Foxhoven (Advert’82) and Degan Hambacher (CivEngr’80; MEngl’83)
Adam Frampton (EnvDes’02) and Karolina Czeczek
Rebecca Frank (Jour’71) and George Orbanek (MJour’75)
Tom (Comm’91) and Allison Garfinkel
Jean Garland (Jour, Fren’77; Law’82) and Bruce Byers
Todd (Comm’93) and Kimberly (Jour’95) Goldstein
Pamela (Comm’78) and Robert Golum
Kathleen (Jour’80) and Douglas Ham
Megan Gilardi Harvey (Comm’97) and Thomas Harvey (IntlAf’97)
Noelle Khleif
Rich (MJour’99; PhDMediaSt’07) and Danielle Khleif
John Leach (Jour’74; MJour’79) and Deborah Ross (Jour’79)
Robin Miles (Jour’78)
Jennifer and Martin Mohr
Kirsten Ring Murray (EnvDes’86)
Ria Nicholls (Comm’95)
Eric Rasmussen (Jour’91)
Linda Rediger
Rick Reilly (Jour’81) and Cynthia Puchniarz
George (Jour’37) and Elizabeth Park Robinson Trust
Alan (Comm’74) and Cheri Rubin
Lynne and Dan Russell
Jon (EnvDes’75) and Tammy Schler
Brent (Jour’96) and Michele Schrotenboer
Linda Shoemaker (Jour’69) and Steve Brett
Kirk Siegler (Jour’00)
Susan Arnout Smith (Jour’70) and Alfred Toulon Smith
Dylan Steele (Jour, Anth’06)
Sanford Steinberg (EnvDes’84)
Pam Taylor (Advert’78) and Eames Yates
Tim (Advert’86) and Jennifer Tomasik
Jonathan (Comm’92) and Mary Treisman
Hilary Vartanian (Engl’87) and Andy Borinstein
Barbara and Paul Voakes
Matt Warsaw (Comm’08)
William Weintraub
Van Woodcock (Jour’84)
Shuangyi Zhang

This list celebrates cumulative giving of $1,000 or more to any CMDI fund, department or center during the recent academic year (July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025).

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Full circles

Amanda J. McManus — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 06:34:03 +0000

Full circles Amanda J. McManus Fri, 11/14/2025 - 23:34

Iris Serrano

Peter Lasser still remembers the project that connected him to Daniel Niemeyer.

As a student, Lasser was part of a team that filmed and produced a 30-minute talk show covering Buffs football games. Niemeyer was his professor for the independent study course.

“There was never an idea that was too crazy for him,” said Lasser (Comm’76). “If we could put it together, he was behind us, helping us get it done.”

Niemeyer also provided Lasser with hands-on opportunities in the television industry, even helping him earn his first on-screen credit as a camera operator.

“Dan fostered the entrepreneurial spirit that made me successful in my own career,” Lasser said. “I think he was proud of what I ended up doing in the business, and that’s very rewarding to me.”

Lasser considers himself fortunate to have counted Niemeyer as a mentor for more than 40 years. Today, he pays that experience forward, supporting students through scholarships and connecting them to a broadcasting network he’s spent decades creating.

“Work-wise, it’s invigorating to be surrounded by young people,” Lasser said. “Anytime I can help open a door, I will.”

That spirit is why Lori Bergen, founding dean of CMDI, called Lasser “a quintessential supporter of the college.”

“Peter is not only a tremendously generous supporter, he’s over the top in terms of how he mentors and advocates for our students—listening to their stories and identifying opportunities to start them on their career paths,” Bergen said. “He brings an infectious sense of joy about our students and our college to every conversation he’s a part of.”

After a brief foray in advertising, Lasser moved into sports broadcasting, producing 11 Olympic Games for ABC, Olympic Broadcast Services, NBC and Turner Sports. Since 1998, he has owned Lasser Productions, working as a producer and director for clients such as USA Swimming, Varsity Spirit and ESPN.

For all that, some of his favorite stories come not from what viewers saw during the Olympics, but from how he was able to be a resource for students seeking careers like his. He has spoken at the college’s Sports Media Summit, supports its residential intensive program for incoming first-years, and served on its advisory board.

He also funds the Peter L. Lasser and Daniel C. Niemeyer Endowed Scholarship, which is awarded to students who demonstrate leadership, community service and extracurricular involvement. Five students have received the scholarship so far; one recipient, Sarah Grim (Jour’24), said Lasser’s mentorship helped her secure work as a social media community manager for the NCAA.

They met over coffee at the UMC in 2023, after she received his scholarship, and bonded over their mutual love of sports.

Grim shared with Lasser her dream of combining broadcasting and cheerleading—“such a niche thing to do, and opportunities aren’t always out there,” she said. But through Lasser, she got the opportunity to cover the Summit All-Star Cheerleading Championship for ESPN.

“Having him as a connection has been so incredible for my career,” she said. “Peter challenges me in a lot of ways and is always pushing me to do things I didn’t think I was ready or able to do.”

Iris Serrano is studying strategic communication and journalism at CMDI. She covers student news and events for the college.

A mentor made all the difference to Peter Lasser as a student. Now, the Olympics producer has become the mentor, providing scholarships and connections to students interested in sports media.

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Paying it forward

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 22:59:39 +0000

Paying it forward Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 08/15/2024 - 16:59

Joe Arney

How to support CMCI

Alumni, parents and friends who want to support CMCI while creating a personal legacy often choose to establish an endowment with the University of Colorado Foundation. Endowments are held in perpetuity and invested to provide annual support for donor-specified purposes through market gains.

Donors can create endowments to support scholarships, programs, departments, faculty chairs and professorships, or nearly anything else at CMCI. The minimum gift to establish an endowment is $25,000, which can be given over up to five years. To learn more or establish an endowment, contact Mary Beth Searles, CMCI assistant dean for advancement.

An internship in Washington, D.C., changed Heidi Wagner’s life. Now, she’s working alongside her alma mater to create similar opportunities for CMCI students.

“D.C. is one of those places that opens doors,” said Wagner (Jour’86). “You really can’t go wrong getting some experience here in Washington.”

As a college senior, Wagner was accepted to the Sears Congressional Internship, where she did media-related and administrative work for Rep. Stan Parris, of Virginia.

Wagner had set out to be a broadcast reporter but was surprised by how much she liked learning about politics, policy and process—an interest “that just grew exponentially from being a part of it all.”

“That internship changed the trajectory of my life.”

She stayed in D.C. after graduation and is currently senior vice president and global head of government affairs at ElevateBio, a biotechnology company. Additionally, she serves as a university trustee and member of the University of Colorado Foundation Board, and was a founding member of CMCI’s advisory board.

It wasn’t a path the Boulder native envisioned when she enrolled at the university, but her time at CU “gave me a sense of the possibility that was out there for me,” she said.

Looking back to the beginning of her career, she wanted to be a part of providing students with life-changing opportunities similar to what she experienced. CMCI in D.C., which allows students to earn both course and internship credit as they explore Washington, matches that vision.

“That internship changed the trajectory of my life.”
Heidi Wagner

The CMCI in D.C. staff leverages an extensive network of professional contacts to curate internships in the fall, spring or summer semesters that suit the interests and career goals of each student. Over the summer, 20 students studying advertising, information science, journalism and media studies lived in Washington, where they interned at The Hill, The Brand Guild, Williams Whittle, The Parks Channel and elsewhere.

As both the biggest benefactor and “number one cheerleader” of the program—she regularly meets with participants while they’re in D.C.—Wagner hopes students appreciate the possibilities Washington has to offer.

“It’s really important to expose yourself to other things, because you just don’t know what’s out there,” she said.

Wagner said she and Dean Lori Bergen set a goal that a D.C.-based experience shouldn’t be limited to those who can afford to make the move. Over the last five years, she has created an endowment that allows CMCI to offer this experience to more students.

“If the barriers aren’t eliminated, then there’s all kinds of reasons not to do it,” Wagner said. “So, if we can eliminate those barriers, let’s do it.”

After graduating with her journalism degree, Wagner worked in political communications before going to law school, holding multiple high-profile roles in government affairs and policy. She said the skills she learned in her journalism courses have been invaluable to her success working in policy and lobbying.

“I rely heavily on what I learned in journalism classes, just in terms of writing well, writing quickly, writing succinctly, being able to communicate directly and effectively, and being able to advocate internally very effectively,” she said.

Whether it’s journalism, public relations or corporate communications, Wagner hopes the internship program creates a strong pipeline of CMCI students in Washington. She knows the opportunities are waiting to be grasped.

“I certainly found a life here that I love and a career and all that comes with it, but I think Washington is a uniquely wonderful place for young professionals,” she said.

Joe Arney covers research and general news for the college.

An internship in D.C. changed Heidi Wagner’s life. Now, she wants to recreate that experience for current students.

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Dean's Leadership Society: Fall 2023

Anonymous — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 03:23:34 +0000

Dean's Leadership Society: Fall 2023 Anonymous (not verified) Sun, 10/29/2023 - 21:23

This list celebrates cumulative giving of $1,000 or more to any CMCI fund, department or center during the recent academic year (July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023).

Although we strive for accuracy, we are aware that errors can occur. If you spot an error, please let us know.

Learn more and join the Dean’s Leadership Society for the current academic year (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024).

Supporting CMCI
Charitable support from alumni, parents and friends played a critical role in CMCI’s first eight years and is important for continued success. Please consider a gift today.

Online
colorado.edu/cmci/donate

Mail
Send checks payable to the University of Colorado Foundation to:

University of Colorado Foundation
P.O. Box 17126
Denver, CO 80217

Please add a note designating your gift for CMCI.

Questions?
cmcigiving@colorado.edu or 303-386-6170

Dean's Cabinet

$100,000 and up

Anonymous
Meridith Baer (Jour’70)
Peter (Advert’83) and Wendy DeLuca
Google LLC
The Hearst Foundation
David Kleiman (PhDComm’73)
Natalie (Mktg’91) and Todd Pickup
Bill and Kathy Scripps
Cindy Scripps
Scripps Howard Foundation
Ruth and Scott Sprain
Stewart Family Foundation
Heidi Wagner (Jour’86)
Walton Family Foundation

$50,000 to $99,999

Stan and Kristine Baty
Pat Kelly (IntlAf’84)
Thom Kuhn (Jour’81) and Dianne O’Connell
Stacy (Psych’85) and Jerome McHugh
$25,000 to $49,999
Anchor Point Foundation
Eric (Advert’79) and Kim Belcher
Carol and John Berg
Crawford Family Foundation
Ruth and Ted Edmonds
Janet Schmitt Keegan
Santa Fe Community Foundation
Tana Schultz
Thornburg Foundation

$10,000 to $24,999

Elizabeth and Barets O. Benjamin Charitable Foundation
Peter Lasser (Comm’76) and Cynthia Potter
Alan (Comm’74) and Cheri Rubin
Brian (Jour’11) and Erin Schroy
Patty (Advert’71) and Rayno Seaser
TEGNA Foundation
Karen Tracy and Bob Craig

$5,000 to $9,999

Anonymous
Active Interest Media
Cactus Inc.
Thomas (AeroEngr’89) and Jennifer Cavill
Tom (Comm’91) and Allison Garfinkel
Estate of Lorna Gray
Katherin (Jour’59) and Duane Howell
Amy (Comm’92) and Clark Jones (Acct’91)
Pat (Comm’88) and Alyson Ryan
Debra and Robert Ryker
Tom (Jour’98) and René Stilwell

Dean’s Circle

$2,500 to $4,999

The Education Private Foundation
John Estabrook (Advert’75)
Joel Feldman and Dianne Anderson
Tracy (PE’84, PhysTher’88) and Scott King (ElEngr’85)
John D. Meyer (Jour’71)
George (Jour’37) and Elizabeth Park Robinson Trust

Dean’s Club

$1,000 to $2,499

Anonymous
Mike Armstrong (Jour’77)
Hugo and Irene Aviles
Craig Berkley (MJour’98)
Chris Bittman (Advert’85) and Kenda Noble (Psych’82)
Lori Call (Jour’94)
Brian Cameron (Comm’08)
Laurie Cantillo (Jour’80)
Doug Claussen (MJour’93)
Jen (Jour’94) and Asa (Comm’93) Darrow
Mike Davies (Jour’94)
Sara Fischer (Jour, Engl’78)
Renae Foxhoven (Advert’82) and Degan Hambacher (CivEngr’80; MEngl’83)
Rebecca Frank (Jour’71) and George Orbanek (MJour’75)
Jean Garland (Jour, Fren’77) and Bruce Byers
Kimberly (Jour’95) and Todd Goldstein (Comm’93)
Kelly (Advert’97) and George Graziadei
Kathleen (Jour’80) and Douglas Ham
Joshua (Jour’05) and Celine Hernandez
Pamela Jones (Jour’75) and Steven Herskovitz
Rich (MJour’99, PhDMediaSt’07) and Danielle Khleif
Moyra Knight (Jour’91) and Michael MacLean
Stephanie (Advert’85) and Craig Marchesi
Robin (Jour’78) and Dara Miles
Jennifer and Martin Mohr
Peaks Strategies
Monica Power
Eric Rasmussen (Jour’91)
Karen (Jour’84, MJour’90) and Charlie Reid (PhDMechEngr’89)
Deborah Ross (Jour’79) and John Leach (Jour’74; MA’79)
Lynne and Dan Russell
Linda Shoemaker (Jour’69) and Steve Brett
Smart Contract Research Forum
Dylan Steele (Jour’06, Anth’06)
Janet Takeyama (Jour’66)
George (Fin’88) and Kimberly Tarlas
Pamela Taylor (Advert’78) and Eames Yates
Jonathan Treisman (Comm’92)
Barbara and Paul Voakes

This list celebrates cumulative giving of $1,000 or more to any CMCI fund, department or center during the recent academic year (July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023).

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Supporting the Next Generation of Communicators

Anonymous — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 19:58:01 +0000

Supporting the Next Generation of Communicators Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 11/21/2022 - 12:58

In today’s ever-changing media landscape, it’s essential to support the next generation of communication leaders.

A degree from the College of Media, Communication and Information (CMCI) can help these future leaders tell stories through data, words, strategy and evolving forms of media. For many first-generation students or students from low-income or underserved communities, scholarships can bridge a gap and make their ��ñ�� education possible.

Gifts made to the CMCI General Scholarship Fund go directly to CMCI students within a year of being made.

Support CMCI

You can mail a check (made out to the University of Colorado Foundation and with a note indicating CMCI scholarships) to:

University of Colorado Foundation
P.O. Box 17126
Denver, CO 80217

“Your generosity will help me continue working toward getting my bachelor’s degree. I am hoping to one day go to graduate school, and with your support, I am that much closer to reaching that dream.
—Brooke Curry (Comm, Mus’23)

“I am the oldest of six children from a single-income household, and I am currently working three different jobs to pay my way through school. Because of your generous scholarship, I will be able to focus on my studies this year without concern for paying my tuition.
—Rylee Vogel (Comm’23)

“This scholarship helps me breathe a little easier knowing that a part of my family’s struggles is getting lifted off of their plate—so this scholarship is not only for me, but also for my family.
—Eduardo Torres (StratComm’24)

In today’s ever-changing media landscape, it’s essential to support the next generation of communication leaders.

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Dean’s Leadership Society: Fall 2022

Anonymous — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 06:08:49 +0000

Dean’s Leadership Society: Fall 2022 Anonymous (not verified) Sun, 11/20/2022 - 23:08

This list celebrates cumulative giving of $1,000 or more to any CMCI fund, department or center during the recent academic year (July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022).

Although we strive for accuracy, we are aware that errors can occur. If you spot an error, please let us know.

Learn more and join the Dean’s Leadership Society, or contact us with any questions.

Supporting CMCI
Charitable support from alumni, parents and friends played a critical role in CMCI’s first five years and is important for continued success. Please consider a gift today.

Online
colorado.edu/cmci/donate

Mail
Send checks payable to the University of Colorado Foundation to:

University of Colorado Foundation
P.O. Box 17126
Denver, CO 80217

Please add a note designating your gift for CMCI.

Questions?
cmcigiving@colorado.edu or 303-386-6170

Dean's Cabinet

$100,000 and up

The Hearst Foundation
Dottie Roberts Scholarship Foundation
Cindy Scripps
Kathy and Bill Scripps
Scripps Howard Foundation
Heidi Wagner (Jour’86)
Walton Family Foundation

$50,000 to $99,999

Thom Kuhn (Jour’81) and Dianne O’Connell
Natalie (Mktg’91) and Todd Pickup
Ruth and Scott Sprain
Thornburg Foundation
Windward Fund

$25,000 to $49,999

Carol and John Berg
Crawford Family Foundation
Sara Fischer (Advert’78)
David Kleiman (PhDComm’73)
Mozilla Foundation
Alan (Comm’74) and Cheri Rubin
Tana Schultz

$10,000 to $24,999

The Elizabeth and Barets O. Benjamin Charitable Foundation
Peter (Advert’83) and Wendy DeLuca
Harbor Lights Foundation
Shelly (Comm’92) and Brian Hendry
Amy (Comm’92) and Clark Jones (Acct’91)
Peter Lasser (Comm’76) and Cynthia Potter
Omidyar Network
Brian (Jour’11) and Erin Schroy
Patty (Jour’71) and Rayno Seaser
Tom (Jour’98) and René Stilwell
TEGNA Foundation
Karen Tracy and Bob Craig

$5,000 to $9,999

Jim Berger and Julie Vernier
Barbara and Bill Burgess Jr.
Cactus Inc.
John Estabrook (Advert’75)
Filecoin Foundation
Tom (Comm’91) and Allison Garfinkel
Joshua (Jour’05) and Celine Hernandez
Katherin (Jour’59) and Duane Howell
Debra and Robert Ryker
George (Fin’88) and Kimberly Tarlas

Dean’s Circle

$2,500 to $4,999

The Education Private Foundation
Joel Feldman and Dianne Anderson
John D. Meyer (Jour’71)
George (Jour’37) and Elizabeth Park Robinson Trust
Janet Takeyama (Jour’66)
Allison and Hal Washburn

Dean’s Club

$1,000 to $2,499

Anonymous
Mike Armstrong (Jour’77)
Chris Bittman (Advert’85) and Kenda Noble (Psyc’82)
Brian Cameron (Comm’08)
Laurie Cantillo (Jour’80)
Doug Claussen (MJour’93)
Tom (Jour’87) and Astrid Costello
Jen (Jour’94) and Asa (Comm’93) Darrow
Mike Davies (Jour’94)
Renae Foxhoven (Advert’82) and Degan Hambacher (CivEngr’80 MEngl’83)
Frances (Advert’71) and Richard (Acct’70) Frey
Megan Gilardi Harvey (Comm’97)
Kelly (Advert’97) and George Graziadei
Doug (Jour’83) and Katherine Hochstadt
Rich (MJour’99, PhDMediaSt’07) and Danielle Khleif
Moyra Knight (Jour’91) and Michael MacLean
Meredith Long (Jour’98)
Stephanie (Advert’85) and Craig Marchesi
Jenifer (Comm’90; MJour’93) and Lawrence Marx
Robin (Jour’78) and Dara Miles
George Orbanek (MJour’75) and Rebecca Frank (Jour’71)
Peaks Strategies
Monica Power
Eric Rasmussen (Jour’91)
Deborah Ross (Jour’79) and John Leach (Jour’74; MJour’79)
Lynne and Dan Russell
Patrick J. (Comm’88) and Alyson B. Ryan
Brent (Jour’96) and Michele Schrotenboer
Gina and Jeffrey Shannon
Linda Shoemaker (Jour’69) and Steve Brett
Kirk Siegler (Jour’00)
Toybox Systems
Sonia Vittoria (Comm’00)
Barbara and Paul Voakes
Matthew Warsaw (Comm’08)
William Weintraub
Van Woodcock (Advert’84)
Pam (Advert’78) and Eames Yates

This list celebrates cumulative giving of $1,000 or more to any CMCI fund, department or center during the recent academic year (July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022).

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Dean's Leadership Society: Fall 2021

Anonymous — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 21:28:46 +0000

Dean's Leadership Society: Fall 2021 Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 11/10/2021 - 14:28

This list celebrates cumulative giving to any CMCI fund, department or center of $1,000 or more during the recent academic year (July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021).

Learn more and join the Dean’s Leadership Society, or contact us with any questions.

Supporting CMCI
Charitable support from alumni, parents and friends played a critical role in CMCI’s first five years and is important for continued success. Please consider a gift today.

Online
colorado.edu/cmci/donate

Mail
Send checks payable to the University of Colorado Foundation to:

University of Colorado Foundation
P.O. Box 17126
Denver, CO 80217

Please add a note designating your gift for CMCI.

Questions?
cmcigiving@colorado.edu or 303-386-6170

Dean's Cabinet

$100,000 and up

Thom Kuhn (Jour’81) and Dianne O’Connell
Joan Payden
Dottie Roberts Scholarship Foundation
Bill and Kathy Scripps
Cindy Scripps
Scripps Howard Foundation
Stewart Family Foundation
Heidi Wagner (Jour’86)
Walton Family Foundation

$50,000 to $99,999

Estate of Chandler and Melitta Bergen
Tana Schultz

$25,000 to $49,999

Carol and John Berg
Eutopia Foundation
Google Inc.
David Kleiman (PhDComm’73)
Peter Lasser (Comm’76) and Cynthia Potter
Natalie (Mktg’91) and Todd Pickup
Alan (Comm’74) and Cheri Rubin

$10,000 to $24,999

Active Interest Media
The Elizabeth and Barets O. Benjamin Charitable Foundation
Barbara and Bill Burgess Jr.
Bob Craig and Karen Tracy
Peter (Advert’83) and Wendy DeLuca
Harbor Lights Foundation
Heidi (Advert’72) and Randy Keogh
Nonie Lann (Jour’48)
Brian (Jour’11) and Erin Schroy
George (Fin’88) and Kimberly Tarlas
TEGNA Foundation

$5,000 to $9,999

Cactus Inc.
Shelly (Comm’92) and Brian Hendry
Katherin (Jour’59) and Duane Howell
Dabney and Jim Pierce
Winfried Schmitz

Dean’s Circle

$2,500 to $4,999

Kevin Corke (Jour’88; MJour’02)
The Education Private Foundation
John Estabrook (Advert’75)
Chris Fowler (Jour’85) and Jennifer Dempster
The Hearst Foundation
Linda Shoemaker (Jour’69) and Steve Brett
Janet Takeyama (Jour’66)
Dan Wilson (Comm’93)

Dean’s Club

$1,000 to $2,499

Chris Bittman (Advert’85) and Kenda Noble (Psyc’82)
Philip (Hist’80) and Susan Brilliant
Catherine (Jour’81) and Curtis (Acct’81) Brown
Brian Cameron (Comm’08)
Laurie Cantillo (Jour’80)
Kim Christiansen (Jour’84) and Greg Feith
Doug Claussen (MJour’93)
Mike Davies (Jour’94)
Renae Foxhoven (Advert’82) and Degan Hambacher (CivEngr’80; MEngl’83)
Rebecca Frank (Jour’71) and George Orbanek (MJour’75)
Jean Garland (Jour, Fren’77, Law’82) and Bruce Byers
Holly Gauntt (Jour’84)
Kelly (Advert’97) and George Graziadei
Doug (Jour’83) and Katherine Hochstadt
David Jackson (Advert’86)
Amy (Comm’92) and Clark Jones (Acct’91)
Rich (MJour’99; PhDMediaSt’07) and Danielle Khleif
Moyra Knight (Jour’91) and Michael MacLean
John Leach (Jour’74; MA’79) and Deborah Ross (Jour’79)
Stephanie (Advert’85) and Craig Marchesi
John D. Meyer (Jour’71)
Robin (Jour’78) and Dara Miles
Marybelle and Paul Musco
Jim (Mktg’85) and Suzanne (Span’86) Packer
Peaks Strategies LLC
George J. & Elizabeth Park Robinson Trust
Dan and Lynne Russell
Gina and Jeff Shannon
Norm (Advert’71) and Dawn Shearer
Kirk Siegler (Jour’00)
Dylan Steele (Jour, Anth’06)
Chuck Stilwell (Jour’70; MA’73)
Tim (Advert’86) and Jennifer Tomasik
Barbara and Paul Voakes
Bill Weintraub
Tim (Jour’91) and Valerie (MBA’99) Wieland

This list celebrates cumulative giving to any CMCI fund, department or center of $1,000 or more during the recent academic year (July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021).

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Payden's Passion

Anonymous — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 21:22:28 +0000

Payden's Passion Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 11/10/2021 - 14:22

Bill Payden (Jour’57) loved traveling the world and being a journalist. He loved his collection of miniature cars and airplanes. He loved his older sister, Joan Payden, and his cat, Neely. And he loved being a professor.

In 2005, his passion for teaching and desire to reward those who have chosen teaching as a career led him to establish an eponymous faculty award given out annually at the College of Media, Communication and Information.

Payden and his sister were born in Connecticut but attended grade school in Jakarta, Indonesia, where their father worked for Union Carbide. He started college at Notre Dame and very much enjoyed the academics, but the weather and his desire to go West convinced him to make a move after two years. He’d spent a summer in Colorado working near the Four Corners and, because of that, chose to finish his undergraduate studies at the ��ñ�� in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. According to Joan Payden, he knew immediately that ��ñ�� was the right fit.

After graduation, Payden returned to the East Coast and became a reporter and feature writer for the Mamaroneck (N.Y.) Daily Times. He liked small-town life and once turned down an opportunity to write for The New York Times because he did not want to live in the city. Eventually, he paused his reporting career and moved to California to earn a master’s degree in American studies from California State University, Los Angeles.

In 1970, 13 years after graduating from ��ñ��, he turned his attention to teaching. He joined the faculty at Los Angeles Valley College, developed its journalism program and chaired the journalism department for more than a decade.

Payden never forgot ��ñ�� and was a loyal donor for many decades. In 2005, he started the William R. Payden Faculty Excellence Award, which recognizes superior teaching and research or creative work with a $20,000 cash prize. This prize, first given in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and now at CMCI, is the largest faculty award given at the school or college level at ��ñ��.

“Bill thought professors gave up a lot in order to teach,” Joan Payden says. “He was very conscious of that.”

In 2010, he donated $500,000 to endow this award and ensure its future.

“The Payden Award provides CMCI the unique opportunity to present a significant monetary award to an outstanding professor,” says Lori Bergen, founding dean of CMCI. “Faculty members in higher education seldom receive this level of acknowledgment and reward.”

Although Bergen never had the opportunity to meet Bill Payden, she has gotten to know him through conversations with his sister. “We are very proud to have him as an alumnus and very grateful for the impact he has had at CMCI,” Bergen says.

Although he died in 2013, Payden’s impact at CMCI continues to grow.

Joan Payden, who runs Payden & Rygel, a global investment management firm, contributed to Bill’s legacy by directing more than $800,000 from his estate to CMCI. Those funds were used to create a second endowment, the William R. Payden Endowment for Teaching Excellence, which is used to award smaller grants to CMCI faculty to reward outstanding work and support innovation in teaching, professional development and research. In June 2021, Joan donated an additional $500,000 to the Payden teaching grant endowment, ensuring that faculty can benefit from the award for years to come.

Payden teaching grants have helped CMCI evolve by supporting faculty engagement in curricular development. In 2019, Pat Ferrucci, an associate professor in the Department of Journalism, received a Payden teaching grant for his leadership in establishing CMCI’s sports media minor. Ferrucci also received the Payden Award in 2020.

“Receiving the Payden Award meant a great deal to me,” Ferrucci says. “As a professor, I started teaching to make a difference and maybe help students think about journalism through a more critical and equitable lens. This award is a nice recognition that I’m hopefully accomplishing these goals.”

When Joan Payden thinks of her brother, two words come to mind. “Bill was passionate and committed no matter what he did,” she says.

Journalist Bill Payden (Jour'57) created the William R. Payden Faculty Excellence Award, the largest faculty award given at the college level at ��ñ��, to recognize superior teaching, research or creative work.

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Creating an Endowment

Anonymous — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 03:13:59 +0000

Creating an Endowment Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 08/04/2021 - 21:13

Alumni, parents and friends who want to support CMCI while also creating a personal legacy often choose to establish endowments with the University of Colorado Foundation. Currently, an endowment can be established for a minimum gift of $25,000, which may be paid over up to five years. That minimum gift level will increase to $50,000 on Jan. 1, 2022, and a short amount of time remains to establish an endowment before the increase.

Endowments provide a permanent funding stream and are vital to CMCI’s long-term growth and success. CU endowments are invested, and 4 percent of the principal is used annually for the donor-specified purpose. A $25,000 endowment provides $1,000 in annual funding. Once donors create endowments, they can grow them through additional donations and estate gifts.

Certain naming opportunities at CMCI required larger endowments, and those levels will also increase as shown below:

Naming opportunity	Current	Beginning 1/1/22
Faculty fellowship	$250K	$500K
Professorship	$1M	$1.5M
Chair	$2M	$2.5M

Ready to make your mark? Alumni, parents and friends who want to support CMCI while also creating a personal legacy often choose to establish endowments with the University of Colorado Foundation.

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