2023-24 Annual Impact Report
Fort Lewis College Foundation

Nursing Collaborative

Fort Lewis College launched a four-year nursing degree program in Durango last year in partnership with the University of Colorado College of Nursing. This collaborative effort addresses the growing need for healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities, by providing culturally sensitive and cutting-edge medical training.

Skyhawk Hall: Building the Future of Healthcare 

A new 5,000-square-foot clinical training facility for our Nursing Collaborative program is under construction. It will feature advanced simulation labs, outpatient clinical suites, and a home healthcare area, offering hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings.

One of the most exciting aspects of this project is that it was built by our community through philanthropy and community partnerships.

Maggie LaRose, Director of Nursing

Dedicated Pre-Nursing Advisor 

A generous gift from the Ryan Family Fund has funded a dedicated pre-nursing advisor role.  

In my role as an advisor, one of the greatest things I’ve been able to experience is being able to help students as a first-gen graduate. I always wanted to serve students, help them strive in their education and lives, and make their experiences meaningful and impactful. What better way to do that than by being an academic advisor? I’m on a small part of their academic journey, and I hope I help them reach their goals and dreams. I see the importance of my role, enjoy the beautiful moments with the students, and praise their resilience! 

Shasta Hampton, Pre-Nursing Advisor

Pre-Nursing PEAK Experience 

Thanks to the John & Sophie Ottens Foundation, 20 students participated in the Pre-Nursing PEAK Experiences, a program in which trained student leaders lead small groups. This immersive, hands-on experience allowed students to connect with their Skyhawk community, explore healthcare in rural communities, meet with local healthcare providers, and develop essential nursing skills—all before classes began.

Reisher Scholarship Program

The Reisher Scholars Program is integral to FLC's financial aid offerings. It fosters student success through financial support, mentoring, and a nurturing community and is set to double its impact in the coming academic year. 

Thanks to the continued partnership with the Denver Foundation, the Reisher Scholars Program will expand to support more students and increase the total scholarship dollars awarded in the 24/25 academic year.

Skyhawk Emergency Grants

Thanks to generous donors, we’ve secured essential funds for the FLC Emergency Grants Program, which helps students facing unexpected challenges like car repairs, childcare, and emergency bills. We've also raised over $52,000 in honor of past president Tom Stritikus, ensuring continued support.

Springboard Fellowship

A partnership between Fort Lewis College and Colorado Mesa University, the Springboard Fellowship offers over 100 hours of professional development workshops, trips, and events with mentors in students' career paths. Thanks to generous donor support, including a $300,000 contribution from the Beacon Fund at The Denver Foundation, the program continues to grow, extending its impact for three more years.

FLC’s Tuition Promise

This initiative was designed to ensure that Colorado residents from low-income families could pursue a four-year degree without the financial burden of tuition. This program covers full tuition for any admitted Colorado resident whose family income is $70,000 or less, making higher education accessible to students from all economic backgrounds. 

This expansion of the Tuition Promise was made possible through a generous anonymous donation to the FLC President’s Impact Fund. The initiative aims to remove financial barriers and help students maximize their financial aid, ultimately allowing them to graduate with minimal or no debt.

FLC Foundation Faculty Grants

The FLC Foundation Faculty Grants program is pivotal in transforming the student learning experience by investing in faculty scholarship and professional development. These grants emphasize teaching, service, and research, profoundly impacting and inspiring student success. 

• Justin Hubbard (Performing Arts, Music): His project involves completing AVID Software’s Train-The-Trainer online course, which will allow FLC to certify students on this industry-standard software. 
• Yiyan Li (Physics & Engineering): Li's project focuses on building underwater vehicles to monitor the quality of bridge piers using sonar systems. The project will involve students and aims to publish and share findings in journals with the Colorado Department of Transportation. 
• Ivan Guardiola (Management): Through the Katz Endowed Professorship Program, Guardiola is developing AI tools to create student support systems tailored to each student's needs, enhancing their ability to prepare for exams and certifications. 

Katz Endowed Professorships

The Katz Endowed Professorships are prestigious roles that provide faculty with flexible funding to advance their scholarship, teaching, and community engagement. These endowed positions are crucial in shaping the future of research and education at Fort Lewis College. 

Inaugural recipients for 2023/24: 

• Dr. Liz Cartier, Associate Professor of Management: Investigates the business of water in Durango, focusing on water-based businesses in recreation, agriculture, and development. 
• Dr. Tomasz Miaskiewicz, Associate Professor of Marketing: Focuses on artificial intelligence, hosting workshops on generative AI and establishing a center for on-demand AI project assistance. 
• Dr. Ivan G. Guardiola, Professor of Management: Works on creating micro-credential courses to enhance students' tech skills, particularly in AI and business intelligence.

Alumni Engagement

Distinguished Alumni Awards

This year marked the revitalization of the Distinguished Alumni Awards, celebrating graduates and staff who have significantly impacted FLC and society through exceptional professional achievements, philanthropy, and volunteer service.

Service to FLC Award: Outstanding alumni who have significantly impacted the FLC community. 

Being nominated by a colleague & acknowledged by college leadership for all the efforts in reconciliation work, mentoring students, & research grants was special. Culturally, I think about how this service is just needed.

Dr. Josylnn Lee
Chemistry and Molecular Biology '06

Distinguished Alumni Award: Alumni distinguished through professional accomplishments

"Being nominated by a colleague & acknowledged by college leadership for all the efforts in reconciliation work, mentoring students, & research grants was special. Culturally, I think about how this service is just needed." 

Dr. Javier Read de Alaniz
Chemistry '99

Strengthening Indigenous students’ success

A new philanthropic partnership with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is enhancing the success of Indigenous students at Fort Lewis College. This support has expanded vital programs, such as the Native Skyway to Success pre-orientation, which connects incoming Indigenous first-year students with faculty, staff, and peer mentors to build a strong community and develop essential academic skills before classes begin. The partnership has bolstered peer mentoring services at the Native American Center, expanded the Media Loan program to provide more textbooks, laptops, and calculators, and relaunched Native American College Day, giving Indigenous students and their families a comprehensive introduction to college life.

Advancing Indigenous research and language reclamation

The Colorado Trust’s generous contribution is advancing FLC’s reconciliation efforts through the Center for Indigenous Research, Culture, and Language (CIRCL). CIRCL focuses on enhancing scholarship on key Indigenous topics, improving the understanding of Indigenous communities among faculty and staff, and serving as a hub for language revitalization efforts through teaching and events.  

Complementing this, the Gates Family Foundation has invested in FLC’s interdisciplinary Language Revitalization certificate program, which trains students to design and implement Indigenous language revitalization projects. This comprehensive program includes coursework across several disciplines and offers a semester-long internship for hands-on experience. 

Tribal Nation Building

Thanks to generous support from the Walton Family Foundation, FLC is expanding the Tribal Water Media Fellowship in 2024 and 2025. This program explores connections between Indigenous cultures and water. Fellows research and create multimedia projects on water issues in desert communities. 

Gender & Sexuality Resources

An anonymous donor has established the Koby Kemple LGBTQ2S+ Excellence Fund with a $20,000 gift to Fort Lewis College’s Diversity Affairs. This fund supports the Gender and Sexuality Center and the Gender and Sexuality Studies department, focusing on enhancing student growth, retention, and graduation rates. The fund also contributes to professional development, programming, and career services within FLC’s diverse academic environment. 

El Centro de Muchos Colores

El Centro de Muchos Colores is a cornerstone of Latinx cultural promotion at Fort Lewis College. Supported by donor contributions, El Centro provides scholarships and impact funding for programs such as Ballet Folklorico de Durango. These funds help cover essential college expenses for undocumented students and support various cultural arts initiatives, inviting students of all backgrounds to engage in and celebrate traditional Mexican folklore and other cultural activities.  

Food Security

Fort Lewis College is committed to addressing student food insecurity and ensuring access to essential resources for academic success. The Grub Hub, FLC’s on-campus food pantry, provides crucial nutritious food, helping students focus on their education without worrying about hunger. Supported by alumni, local businesses, and community partners, the Grub Hub’s continued success reflects the collective effort to eliminate hunger on campus.

Housing Security

Recognizing the importance of a secure living environment for success, FLCF is committed to raising funding to support housing security for faculty, staff, and students. 

Mortgage Assistance Program

The Mortgage Assistance Program, co-funded by the FLC Foundation and the Board of Trustees, helps faculty and staff achieve homeownership. 

Rapid Rehousing Program & Community Housing Navigation Coordinator

Thanks to a $350K philanthropic grant from the Colorado Trust, FLC secured a new position to oversee the off-campus component of the Rapid Rehousing Program. This role prioritizes community outreach and ensures our housing assistance programs are tailored to the unique needs of our students. The Rapid Rehousing Program supports students facing housing insecurity by providing safe, stable living conditions, allowing them to focus on their studies. As the only Colorado institution with such a program, FLC offers short-term rental assistance and case management to prevent homelessness.

Student Well-being & Mental Health

With the dedicated support of Candace Carson, a former FLC Foundation Board Member and long-time donor to FLC, the Student Well-Being Fund was created and has provided opportunities to support programs focused on student health, such as the Harm Reduction Vending Machine, which offers free access to health supplies, and WellPac, a peer-support group that helps students make healthy lifestyle choices. These resources ensure students can make informed health decisions and feel safer and supported on campus.

Fort Lewis on the Water (FLOW)

FLOW provides place-based education through interdisciplinary studies of nine FLC programs and majors, delivered via specialized river trips. With continued donor support, FLOW has enhanced students' learning through real-time, on-the-water experiences emphasizing knowledge in action. The program also includes a FLOW Guide School, offering professional training that exceeds industry standards, enabling students to become certified river guides.

Outdoor Pursuits

Outdoor Pursuits has garnered significant donor support this year, reflecting growing interest in supporting students' outdoor experiential learning. While student fees cover OP membership, donor contributions have expanded opportunities and access to OP programs. 

Indigenous Adventure Fund

A generous grant from the Cahuilla Band of Indians Tribe supports FLC's Native students in accessing outdoor activities. Although OP’s trips and programs are affordable, costs can still be a barrier. The Indigenous Adventure Fund removes this obstacle, making outdoor experiences accessible to all. 

Outdoor Pursuits Impact Fund

This fund supports various needs within the OP program, including funding for programs, purchasing necessary supplies, providing scholarships, and addressing emerging needs. It enhances participants' overall experience and opportunities by ensuring essential resources and support are available. 

Give an Adventure Fund / Seek Your Adventure Award

This inclusive fund ensures all Fort Lewis College students can participate in OP programs and trips, ranging from local day excursions to multi-day global adventures. Each semester, students can apply for grants to help cover trip costs. The $1500 Seek Your Adventure Award also supports students in pursuing their dream adventures.

Center for Southwest Studies

CSWS thrives thanks to the generosity of donors who support its mission. Contributions to archives, collections, and educational programs enable FLC students, faculty, and the community to connect with the Southwest's rich cultural heritage, history, art, and traditions.

Janice C. Sheftel Internship Endowment 

One of the key initiatives this year has been the Janice C. Sheftel Internship Endowment, which was established to emphasize the critical role of internships in bridging academic knowledge and practical experience. This endowment and other fellowships have supported the development of emerging Indigenous museum professionals. Through these internships, students gain invaluable hands-on experience, working closely with museum staff on projects that include exhibition planning, educational outreach, and creating interpretive materials that engage the public with the Center’s collections. 

CSWS Fellowship

Thanks to robust donations from Richard Ballantine and Alice and Eric Foultz, the CSWS Fellowship was established to further support student opportunities at the Center. Malorie King, a Fort Lewis College alumna and member of the Mescalero Apache People, was selected as the first fellow in December 2023. Malorie’s work at CSWS has been instrumental in exhibition planning, programming, and developing online educational resources. Her contributions have enriched the Center and furthered her personal and professional development, highlighting the importance of philanthropic support in fostering cultural representation and community engagement. 

Enhancing Archives and Collections 

Generous donations, including valuable Native art, textiles, and other cultural artifacts, have significantly enriched the Center's archives and collections of artifacts. The contributions have supported the Center’s ability to host a variety of exhibits and educational programs that connect the community with the rich tapestry of the region’s history.

Community Concert Hall

Philanthropic support continues to enhance the programming and operations of the Community Concert Hall (CCH), the premier performing arts center in Southwest Colorado. This year, donations supported diverse talent on stage, updated equipment, and provided for the reupholstering and padding of seats, ensuring a modern and comfortable experience for audiences.

KDUR Radio

KDUR bridges Fort Lewis College and La Plata County with diverse music, alternative news, and local public affairs programming. KDUR offers invaluable educational and training opportunities for FLC students and community members.

Katz School of Business: Transforming Business Education

This year, Fort Lewis College received its largest gift ever—a generous $10.4 million pledge from esteemed local entrepreneurs and philanthropists Marc and Jane Katz. In recognition, the School of Business Administration has been named the Katz School of Business. This transformative gift will fund scholarships, establish a Faculty & Student Development Fund for professional growth, and create a Business Learning-in-Action Fund to enhance students' career skills. Additionally, a Community Engagement Fund will support entrepreneurial and small business development in the Durango and Four Corners region. 

JSF Scholarship Program 

The Johnson Scholarship Foundation has been pivotal in supporting Native American Business students at FLC. Their dollar-for-dollar matching program, up to $1 million, amplifies every donation, providing vital financial aid that empowers Native American students to pursue business degrees and become leaders in their communities, promoting economic development in Indigenous areas. 

FLC Student Marketing Agency 

The FLC Student Marketing Agency, supported by a $10.4 million gift from Marc and Jane Katz, offers students hands-on marketing experience while providing local businesses with expert services. Housed in the Center for Innovation, the agency has significantly expanded its capacity, working with five businesses this year: Pine Needle Mountaineering, J.Bo's Pizza and Rib Company, GeekPack, O-Bar-O Cabins, and Local First. Students, guided by faculty, apply their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, gaining tangible portfolio assets and professional experience. 

School of Education

Susan Holt Reese Endowment for Education 

Thanks to Susan Holt Reese's generosity, the School of Education has established its first-ever dean’s endowment, the Susan Holt Reese Endowment for Education. This versatile fund will address the School’s most promising priorities and opportunities, supporting a range of needs, including equipment, supplies, and support for students, staff, and faculty. It will also fund programming, professional development, travel, honoraria, and more. Susan’s planned gift commitment will leave a lasting impact on FLC’s School of Education and the field of teaching. 

Bonnie J. Albright Teacher Education Endowed Scholarship 

John Albright’s generous bequest has significantly supported the Bonnie J. Albright Teacher Education Endowed Scholarship. This substantial planned gift will benefit full-time students in the School of Education pursuing licenses in K-12/Secondary, Elementary, and Early Education. This bequest ensures lasting support for future generations of teachers, helping them achieve their educational goals and make a difference in the lives of their students. 

Sandra Mapel Student Teacher Scholarship 

Thanks to a generous donation from Don and Sandra Mapel, students majoring in Education who have been accepted as candidates for student teaching in K-12 classrooms will continue to receive essential financial support. The Sandra Mapel Student Teacher Scholarship is available to eligible undergraduate and graduate students and provides crucial financial assistance during their student teaching placements. The Mapels have been long-standing supporters of FLC’s future teachers, demonstrating their steadfast commitment to the School of Education. 

School of Arts & Sciences

Art & Design Excellence Endowment

Thanks to the generosity of alumna Ashley French (Business, ‘06) and the Schnitzer-Novack Foundation, the Art & Design Excellence Endowment has been established at Fort Lewis College. This endowment provides flexible funding to support students and faculty in the Art & Design and Art Gallery programs. The funding enhances opportunities for professional development, travel, career services, and essential equipment and supplies, ensuring the program remains a vibrant and innovative part of FLC. 

Field School in Clinical and Forensic Psychology 

Supported by donations to the Psychology Department through the FLC Foundation and led by Dr. Brian Burke, Professor of Psychology, the Field School in Clinical and Forensic Psychology offers students an intensive five-week experience working with mental health professionals at an outpatient psychology clinic serving a forensic population. Students gain hands-on experience in patient interviews, diagnostic techniques, treatment planning, and psychotherapy in individual and group settings. Thanks to an anonymous donor, students will pay tuition this year but will not be charged course fees for the 2025 Field School, making this unique educational opportunity even more accessible.

Undergraduate Research

Through initiatives like the Undergraduate Research Symposium & Awards Gala, students can share their research projects and be recognized for their exceptional work. The 2024 Undergraduate Research Scholar Awards honored students who tackled real-world challenges through their research, covering various disciplines such as Chemistry, Biology, Geosciences, Health and Human Performance, and more. 

One of the significant contributions to this effort came from the Intuitive Foundation to expand FLC’s Pay it Forward (PIF) mentor-based research program in STEM fields. This grant offers stipends to students and their mentors and emphasizes the importance of mentor-mentee relationships and effective research communication.

Skyhawk Athletics

Fort Lewis College Athletics reached new heights this year, driven by outstanding fundraising and unwavering community support. Scholarship funds ensured our athletes excelled both on the field and in the classroom. Record-breaking events like the Skyhawks Club Casino Night and a powerful Giving Tuesday campaign highlighted the community’s dedication. With a surge in corporate partnerships and ticket sales, the momentum behind FLC Athletics has never been stronger. 

CommonSpirit Sports Performance Center

The CommonSpirit Sports Performance Center is set to become the cornerstone of Fort Lewis College Athletics, providing enhanced, student-focused pathways and significantly upgraded training facilities. This cutting-edge facility will address capacity challenges, ensuring that all 450 student-athletes across 16 NCAA Division II sports can access top-tier resources supporting academic and athletic development. 

More than just a training facility, the Sports Performance Center is a hub for fostering excellence. It supports FLC student-athletes who consistently achieve high academic standards with a cumulative GPA of 3.27 and contribute significantly to the community.

Durango Industrial Development Foundation

The Durango Industrial Development Foundation, a long-standing community organization, donated nearly $1 million to establish an endowment at Fort Lewis College. The endowment will support workforce programs, entrepreneurship education, mentoring, and career readiness training. This gift will help FLC meet the needs of the modern economy and equip students with essential skills. 

In addition, DIDF provided $250,000 to launch workplace development programs and internships. These funds have already supported the creation of certificates in partnership with the La Plata Economic Alliance, including a Medical Assistant Certificate and an Educators on the Water Certificate, with more in development.

Hawk Tank Business Competition Expansion

This year, Hawk Tank expanded with the support of a $25,000 grant from the Kenneth King Foundation and a $60,000 three-year commitment from LPEA. These generous contributions enhance entrepreneurial skills across five counties in Southwest Colorado, benefiting FLC students, alumni, and high school participants. At the 9th Annual Hawk Tank Awards Gala, FLC alumnus and outdoor apparel entrepreneur Stephen Sullivan inspired participants, and the Grand Prize was awarded to "Odyssey Adventure Elopements," a business combining outdoor adventure with wedding planning.

Clean Energy Initiative

Fort Lewis College is leading the transition to clean energy through its Clean Energy Fund, which drives critical research, implements sustainable technologies, and addresses workforce development needs. By strategically investing in student-led research, infrastructure, and industry partnerships, FLC positions itself at the forefront of climate adaptation efforts. 

Moniker Foundation

The Moniker Foundation, through its Competitive Grants Program, awarded the FLC Foundation a $50,000 grant to support the Engineering Clean Energy Fund. This grant can be used for capital support, general operating expenses, program initiatives, or specific project funding.