Stories of Change

On Tuesday, February 11, the CU Anschutz College of Nursing welcomed 58 guests to its annual Power of Philanthropy Celebration, held in the immersive College of Nursing Simulation Lab on the Anschutz campus. The lunchtime gathering brought together students, faculty, benefactors and campus leadership to honor the profound impact of giving and to celebrate the people who make CU Anschutz Nursing’s mission possible. 

The event began with a welcome from Scott Arthur, vice chancellor for Advancement, who spoke about the collective strength of the nursing community. He discussed how philanthropy fuels opportunities for students, drives innovation and strengthens the college’s reach across Colorado and beyond. His remarks reminded attendees that every act of generosity — large or small — contributes to a healthier future. 

Elias Provencio-Vasquez, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAANP, dean of CU Anschutz Nursing, followed with his own reflections. He spoke about the momentum within the college and the essential role of supporters who believe in nursing students and the communities they will one day serve. He then welcomed Fara Bowler, DNP, APRN, CHSE-A, associate professor and assistant dean of Clinical Simulation Science, to share her perspective on the extraordinary learning environment that philanthropy helps make possible. 

Dr. Bowler highlighted the advantages of the Simulation Lab — the largest nursing simulation facility in the Rocky Mountain region — and explained how essential benefactor support has been in both the space and the Fort Lewis College Nursing program. Her remarks stressed that resources, partnerships and visionary giving come together to prepare students for the realities of modern healthcare. 

One of the most memorable moments of the celebration was an engaging and reflective fireside chat between Dr. Provencio‑Vasquez and benefactor Barbara Keller. The conversation resonated strongly with attendees as Barbara reflected on her longtime connection to nursing, her career spent improving clinical operations and patient outcomes and the values that guide her philanthropy. She spoke about what inspires her to support future nurses through scholarship endowments — including one dedicated to the Fort Lewis College Nursing pathway — and expressed deep hope for the next generation of caregivers. Guests later remarked that the conversation’s authenticity and heart made it a highlight of the afternoon. 

Student speaker Staci Han then shared her inspiring path into nursing after more than 20 years working in accounting and compliance. She described being drawn toward more people‑centered work — a calling that deepened while volunteering in the outpatient infusion department at AdventHealth Parker and later working as a CNA in the Cardiac and Stroke Unit. Motivated by her children, both pursuing careers in healthcare, Staci spoke about the purpose she’s found in direct patient care and the encouragement she draws from the nursing community. She emphasized the importance of benefactor support on her ability to pursue this second career, saying, “This scholarship has affirmed that my goals and efforts are seen and supported. That encouragement carries tremendous weight.” Her story underscored the meaningful difference generosity makes in helping students take confident steps toward serving others. 

After remarks, guests were invited to tour the Simulation Lab, where faculty and students offered demonstrations and answered questions about how the space enhances clinical preparedness. The tour provided an up-close look at how philanthropy directly advances learning and innovation. 

The celebration showcased the strength of the CU Anschutz Nursing community — one that is dedicated to uplifting students and advancing the nursing profession with compassion and excellence. It also reinforced how philanthropy fuels possibility, empowering learners and strengthening programs that help CU Anschutz Nursing broaden its impact across communities near and far.