Funded Projects2024 Funded Project: Western Colorado University

July 28, 2025

Establishing a Strong Community

Western Colorado University is a Colorado-based university offering students the professional guidance necessary to build successful careers. The University’s Wilderness Pursuits (WP) program aims to make the outdoors more affordable and accessible for college students. With student-led WP trips designed to accommodate a wide range of ability levels, these outdoor adventures are an excellent way for incoming students to build community and forge new connections at Western, while also fostering citizenship, environmental stewardship, and healthy living.

“I want to offer my greatest and abundant gratitude to the people who made this opportunity available to me. I am so excited to use what I learn during this experience and apply it to my time at Western.”

—Mazzy Hatch, Western Colorado University Student

Bridging the Transition

In addition to WP trips, the University’s Wilderness Based Orientation (WBO) program offers a unique opportunity for incoming students to familiarize themselves with the recreational opportunities that the Gunnison Valley has to offer. The five-day adventure provides new students with a chance to build friendships, explore Gunnison’s incredible outdoor environment, and acquire skills that will set them up for success at Western. Each trip is led by experienced instructors who guide students through adventure activities, teach them about the local environment, and help them transition to college life.

“As an avid hiker, I am extremely excited to try backpacking for the first time, and this scholarship has made that much easier to accomplish. This will be a wonderful opportunity to discover all Western Colorado University has to offer, and a chance to make lasting friendships before the year starts.”

—Evin Sturn, Western Colorado University Student

Transforming Student Lives

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 Pursuits (WP) program by supplying several Wilderness Based Orientation (WBO) scholarships, enabling more students to attend this exceptional orientation experience. Funding has also enabled the program to make equipment and safety purchases for items such as Black Diamond ice tools, backcountry and water training, static ropes, inflatable kayaks, repairing ice boots and camp stoves, and Trek mountain bikes.

“We are grateful to be able to continue Chris’s legacy through the Foundation’s support of Wilderness Pursuits initiatives. We see Chris’s spirit in so many Western students; this funding enables experiences, learning, and memories that are invaluable and unique to the Western experience.”

—Mackenzie Bode, Director of Donor Relations and Outreach

To see a comprehensive history of organizations and causes the Foundation has supported, see all Funded Projects.

View All

hidden-text