Funded Projects2021 Funded Project: Western Colorado University

June 1, 2022

Education Enriched by the Community

Western Colorado University is a Colorado-based university that helps foster the path towards a purposeful future by offering students the professional guidance necessary to build successful careers. The University’s distinctive character, emerging from its unique environment in the mountains of western Colorado, emphasizes unity among academic and professional disciplines and experiences high standards of scholarship. For over 40 years, the University’s Foundation has championed student scholarships, campus improvements, and the advancement of academic offerings, allocating donated funds to such initiatives.

Advancing Academic Excellence

To honor Chris’ adventurous spirit, passion for travel, and love of people, the Chris Mikesell Foundation regularly supports Western Colorado University, Chris’ alma mater, through grant awards. This past year’s $7,000 grant will further support the University’s Wilderness-Based Orientation (WBO) and Wilderness Pursuits (WP) programs, dedicated to education, promoting intellectual maturity and personal growth in its students, and preparing them to assume constructive roles in local, national, and global communities.

...we are beyond grateful to work with the Chris Mikesell Foundation to continue supporting our students...

“Through generous gifts, courageous passion, and the heart and mind of a mountaineer, private support is stewarded through the Foundation to provide financial assistance to students and programs at Western Colorado University. The Mikesell Family provides many Western students with scholarships to continue their pursuits and passions, and we are beyond grateful to work with the Chris Mikesell Foundation to continue supporting our students.”—Mackenzie Bode, Western Colorado University

Extending a Lifetime of Support

At Western Colorado University, Wilderness Based Orientation programs offer an opportunity for incoming students to meet other new students, make meaningful connections, build friendships, and familiarize themselves with the incredible recreational opportunities that Gunnison has to offer before beginning their first semester. Each Wilderness Based Orientation course is led by qualified student instructors who provide instruction both on the adventurous activities available and what can be expected moving forward. Additionally, Wilderness Pursuit trips are student-led and designed to meet the needs of a broad range of abilities and interests while developing outdoor skills and fostering community, citizenry, environmental stewardship, and healthy living. The Chris Mikesell Foundation is continuously happy to support such programs and looks forward to partnering with Western Colorado University for many years to come, including our upcoming planned donation for 2022.