Celebrating new endowments that create lasting legacies The FLC Foundation established new endowed funds this year that will benefit Skyhawks for generations. These gifts, invested forever, provide lasting support for scholarships and programs. The newly realized endowments support a wide range of priorities across campus, including: Scholarships to increase access and affordability for deserving students. Programmatic support for academic departments, athletics, and student services. Equity and inclusion initiatives that promote a welcoming, supportive campus environment. Faculty excellence to support scholarship, teaching innovation, professional development, endowed chairs, and professorships that help attract talent. Research to support faculty and student funding for scientific, technical, and human-centered investigation and projects—advancing solutions and discovery. These permanent funds represent powerful investments in Fort Lewis College's future. We are deeply grateful to the generous individuals and families whose vision and philanthropy made them possible. New endowments for 2024-25 FLC Forever Scholarship Endowment The FLC Forever Endowment is Fort Lewis College’s first unrestricted endowment, established by visionary donors to help recruit and retain students and provide support that ensures they persist to graduation. This enduring resource allows the college to respond to evolving student needs and opportunities for years. Jesse Lopez Entrepreneurship & Small Business Endowment Established by Jesse Lopez (’86), this endowment fuels future Skyhawk entrepreneurs and campus leaders, providing resources to spark innovation and strengthen the business community at FLC. Art & Design Excellence Endowment This endowment, created by the Schnitzer-Novack Foundation and Ashley French (Business Administration, ’06), expands opportunities for artistic exploration and strengthens the visual arts program, empowering students to create, innovate, and share their work. AAUW Sandy Brown Scholarship Endowment In honor of Sandy Brown’s legacy, the American Association of University Women created this scholarship to uplift non-traditional students from the Four Corners region, ensuring access and opportunity for those following in her footsteps. Marchell Fletcher Foundation Support Endowment This endowment empowers the future of Fort Lewis College by supporting the greatest needs of the FLC Foundation and college leadership, fueling strategic initiatives, bold ideas, and growth that benefit students and faculty alike. Jack Llewellyn Athletics Excellence Endowment Established by Jesse Lopez (’86) to honor his classmate Jack Llewellyn (’86), this fund celebrates Jack’s devotion to Skyhawk Athletics and supports the success and well-being of student-athletes. Phyllis E. Lucero Education Scholarship Endowment Created by Michelle Lucero in tribute to her mother’s lifelong dedication to education, this scholarship empowers rural students pursuing careers in teaching, extending Phyllis’ legacy of service and leadership. Harper Family Skyhawk Athletics Excellence Endowment Celebrating Mr. Al Harper and the Harper family’s decades of extraordinary philanthropy, this fund strengthens student-athlete achievement while addressing the greatest needs and opportunities within Fort Lewis College Athletics. Dr. Duane Smith Athletics Legacy Scholarship Endowment Inspired by Duane Smith’s passion for history and athletics, this scholarship ensures transformative educational experiences for student-athletes, carrying forward his legacy of mentorship and excellence. FLC Chemistry REMEMBERS Endowment Established by Paul Bernatis, Ph.D. (’86), this endowment supports hands-on research opportunities for chemistry students and honors beloved faculty members, Drs. John Ritchey, Ron Estler, Doreen Mehs, Jim Mills, and Ted Bartlett, whose dedication to teaching and mentorship shaped generations of scientists. Stephanie Lynn McCoil Athletics Legacy Endowment Created in memory of Stephanie Lynn McCoil (’91), this fund celebrates her enduring love of sports and invests in the success of Skyhawk student-athletes. Biology Undergraduate Research Endowment Established by Jack Burk (’64) and his wife Patricia, this endowment offers biology students transformative research experiences that prepare them for graduate studies and meaningful careers in science. Jenna Gilbert Memorial Scholarship Endowment Honoring Jenna Gilbert (’13), this scholarship celebrates her adventurous spirit by supporting out-of-state first-year students who share her love of exploration and the outdoors.