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A photo of W Mountain taken near the Welcome Center with an aspen branch full of yellow leaves hanging in the top of the fram.
Western Colorado University Foundation

Supporting the Mission

Advancing Western’s mission through the power of philanthropy.

The Western Colorado University Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the mission and goals of Western Colorado University. Established in 1975, the Foundation serves as the primary channel for private support, fostering philanthropic stewardship in partnership with the university.​

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Students holding up W with flowers in background

Our Mission

The Foundation empowers student excellence for lifelong success by supporting Western Colorado University through fundraising, donor engagement, and resource management.​

Built on Generosity

Incorporated on August 22, 1975, the Foundation was initiated with a generous bequest from former Colorado Governor Dan Thornton and his wife, Jessie. Their contribution laid the groundwork for one of the nation’s finest undergraduate biology programs. L. Richard “Dick” Bratton (’54), a Gunnison attorney, was instrumental in founding the Foundation. ​

History of Western's Foundation
A picture of Mr. and Mrs. Bratton at an event.
A rainbow is seen above Taylor Hall at sunset

Elevate Western Campaign

Launched in 2019, the Elevate Western Campaign aims to raise $80 million over seven years to enhance faculty and programmatic opportunities and provide funding for strategic capital needs on campus. Thanks to the generous support of alumni and the community, the campaign is on track to meet its ambitious goal.

Elevate Western

Elevate Western Stories

Western Colorado University provides a personalized educational experience with small class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for their careers. Thanks to our generous donors, we offer cutting-edge facilities, scholarships, and unique research opportunities that leave a lasting impact on our Mountaineers. We take pride in being Mountaineers and are committed to elevating the educational experience for our students.

  • Elevate Western | Anthem | Western Colorado University
  • Elevate Western | Rob & Vickie Wheeler
  • Elevate Western | Maria Alvarez Juarez
  • Elevate Western | Pat Magee

Foundation Team

  • Headshot of Pam Johnston.

    Pam Johnston

    Director of Finance, Foundation

  • Mackenzie Bode

    Mackenzie Bode

    Director of Development

  • Joy Kean

    Joy Kean

    Director of Advancement Services

  • Ella Fahrlander

    Ella Fahrlander

    Assistant Vice President, Development

  • Headshot of Reilly Selinger.

    Reilly Selinger

    Annual Giving Coordinator

  • Headshot of Shelley Thompson.

    Shelley Thompson

    Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the Western Colorado University Foundation