Stories of Change

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.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital co-hosted this signature philanthropic event to celebrate the tremendous impact of our healthcare and benefactor communities.

The 2024 All Alumni Celebration, held from September 26-28, was a resounding success! A record-breaking crowd of nearly 600 attendees joined the various events over the three days.

On Wednesday, September 4, 37 attendees came together at the Anschutz Health Sciences Building to honor the memory of Katie Taylor and celebrate the work of Bradley Corr, MD, through the Katie Taylor Memorial Endowed Chair in Gynecologic Oncology.

When Kenda Fuller looked back at her work over the years, she recognized that despite the changes that were happening in the world, she was surrounded only by colleagues and patients who reflected her own status: white and middle class. “Approaching retirement, I reflected on my legacy. I couldn’t leave the field without reaching back to my concern about diversity.”

This celebratory event marked an important milestone for women’s health, as the establishment of the The Anschutz Foundation Endowed Chair in Women’s Integrated Mental and Physical Health Research – with Tracy Bale, PhD, as the inaugural chair holder – is poised to be a driving force in further understanding the crucial link between mental and physical health.

Approximately eight years ago, Kerry was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. In receiving top-tier care at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Kerry and his wife Megan decided to expand their impact on healthcare by establishing the Kerry and Megan Hicks Endowed Chair in Pulmonary Hypertension.

Naomi Carolyn Minner Morris, MD, MPH, and Charles Elliot Morris, MD, became the first married couple to be admitted to CU Medical School. While Naomi named the Charles Elliot Morris Endowed Chair in Neurology in her husband's memory as a testament to his achievements, it now serves to memorialize an entire family’s dedication to serving others through medicine.

The fundraising goal was set at $35,000, yet almost 500 people from all over the world joined together to contribute more than $56,000. The tremendous crowdfunding response to the Colorado Day Blitz will help drive essential research for a disease that does not receive large-scale funding.