Stories of Change

Each year, the CU Board of Regents, along with faculty members from each campus, award extraordinary individuals with honorary degrees; this is the highest award the University of Colorado can bestow. In recognition of his outstanding achievements in improving patient care and the practice of medicine, the University of Colorado will honor George “Doc” Lopez, MD ’73, with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters at the CU School of Medicine’s spring commencement ceremony this year.

This collaborative effort will focus on the development of a cancer imaging AI program that will benefit from interdisciplinary expertise and infrastructure support. Key priorities will include research advancements, faculty recruitment and the creation of resources to push the boundaries of radiological imaging and cancer detection.

This visionary gift, totaling $2 million, will support the ongoing fight against melanoma by providing a dedicated faculty chair focused on innovative research and education in this critical area.

We are honored to announce the creation of the Jennifer Turner-Valle Research Fund for Multiple Sclerosis and the Jennifer Turner-Valle Endowed Fellowship in Multiple Sclerosis, established by Tim Valle in memory of his late wife, Dr. Jennifer Turner-Valle, a distinguished leader in optical engineering and business.

Celebrating the establishment of the Penny S. Burke Endowed Chair in Behavioral Neurology, supported by a $2 million dollar gift from Timothy Burke in honor of his beloved, late wife.

Through the support this endowed chair will provide, Dr. Reusch – a distinguished physician-scientist known for her pioneering diabetes research and exceptional patient care – and the Center aim to develop treatments that lower cardiovascular risks in those with T2D, enhancing longevity and independence.

We are pleased to share that thanks to the generosity of the Honnen family – Eileen Honnen and her children – three funds have been established: the Christine L. Honnen Endowed Chair in Regenerative Medicine, the Christine L. Honnen Fund in Regenerative Medicine and the Christine L. Honnen Fund for Excellence in Behavioral Health.

Dr. Espinosa and his collaborators are paving the way for the first immunomodulatory therapy for children with Down syndrome, which could launch a new age of treatments to improve the quality of life and extend the lifespan of millions of individuals living with this condition.

The anonymous $40 million gift to Colorado’s only academic eye center will boost research into treating and curing the most serious eye diseases while investing in new technology and recruiting top talent.

A new fund supporting early-career faculty, researchers, and entrepreneurs at CU Innovations and CU Denver.

Wagner J. Schorr, MD, passed away peacefully at his home in March 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. Over the course of his 89 years, he led a life marked by service, scholarship, deep humanity and inspired philanthropy.

“Sometimes, I get discouraged because I want to do so much more,” Mario Romero says earnestly. “But a $400 tattoo is something. In the end, it’s about putting yourself in others’ shoes and having grace for people. If R3hab Ink could grow to the point of being able to donate a $20,000 check someday, well, that would be more rewarding than any amount of money you could ever give me.”

Each year, Dual Star Company performs a fundraiser for local organizations. This year they partnered with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to support the ALK+ Lung Cancer Colorado Fund for a dear friend and member who was diagnosed with Stage IV Non Small Cell, ALK Positive (nonsmoker) Lung Cancer at the age of 44.

In late February, 42 guests gathered at the Anschutz Health Sciences Building for a heartfelt celebration of the Stan and Mary Ellen Cope Family Endowed Chair in Thoracic Surgery. The endowed chair was born from the deep gratitude of Stan and Mary Ellen Cope due to the exceptional care that Stan received at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and specifically from Robert Meguid, MD, MPH.

On Thursday, March 27, 142 guests gathered in the Elliman Conference Center at the Anschutz Health Sciences building for the annual University of Colorado School of Medicine (SOM) Scholarship and Awards Reception. It was a night filled with hope, gratitude and a shared vision for a brighter future in medical education.

Ms. Ludeman’s partnership with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has been an extraordinary one, marking a firm commitment to the pursuit of medical excellence for the benefit of all. The creation of this chair continues that legacy in a poignant way, standing as a lasting testament to the memory of Ms. Ludeman’s mother, Lyda M. Ludeman, who was a steadfast proponent of women’s health research throughout her life and dreamed of one day funding an endowed chair.

Today, we’re thrilled to announce that CU Anschutz is fundraising to create one-of-a-kind, diamond-encrusted* stethoscopes for the incoming medical student class of 2029.  *diamonds ethically sourced

The Ludeman Center has become a trailblazer in advancing medical research for women. The center is powered by the generosity of benefactors and a strong network of supporters, where 90% of its funding comes from private sources.

As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Claiborne and Jo Ann Bickham Cardiac Rehabilitation Education Center, it's inspiring to reflect on the journey that brought this vital facility to life. Jennifer Holder, MS, cardiac rehabilitation supervisor, shares her heartfelt memories and the profound impact of the Bickhams' generous donation.

Thanks to the enduring generosity of the late Morton and Sandra Saffer, and their family who continues their legacy, pioneering work in cancer research and care will influence countless people and communities. Dr. Schulick presented medallions to Ms. TenEyck, Dr. Del Chiaro and Dr. Kamdar in honor of their commitment to excellence in medicine, and the evening concluded with a celebratory toast.