Stories of Change

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.

After being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, Jim Reichert and his wife Anita have committed to donating a portion of their estate to CU ophthalmology researchers who investigate inherited retinal disease.

On Thursday, December 12, 2024, 20 guests came together to celebrate the establishment of the Climate and Health Foundation Endowed Chair in Climate Medicine within the University of Colorado School of Medicine, the first of its kind in the country.

On the evening of Tuesday, November 12, the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences held its annual scholarship reception. With 38 attendees, the reception fostered a special opportunity for students and their benefactors to connect, share stories and build lasting relationships.

On October 14, guests gathered at the Anschutz Health Sciences Building to celebrate the second annual Bardsley Foundation Humanitarian Awards and the generosity of the Bardsley Foundation and Lynn Luce Kitt.

On Tuesday, October 1, the Colorado School of Public Health celebrated benefactors, scholarship recipients, and the impact of philanthropy, highlighting the vital role that scholarships have in a student’s future success and ultimately in the field of public health.

For Philip Shockman, a Loveland, Colorado, native and longtime supporter of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, his time spent working as a “soda jerk” in a local pharmacy during his formative years was so impactful that it shaped the entirety of his future career – and life.