Celebrating 50 Years of Impact

Thanks to the generous bequest from former Colorado Governor Dan Thornton and his wife, Jessie, the Western Colorado University (WCU) Foundation was founded on August 22, 1975. Their gift laid the foundation for one of the nation’s finest undergraduate biology programs.

L. Richard “Dick” Bratton (’54), a long-time Gunnison resident, attorney, and former Foundation Board member, was instrumental in founding the organization. The Board of Directors continues to oversee the Foundation’s activities, supporting Western Colorado University and its initiatives.

The Foundation’s headquarters, the Aspinall-Wilson Center, was dedicated on August 4, 1984. Named after Joan Adams-Wilson, whose family donated the land, and Wayne Aspinall, a former Colorado legislature and U.S. Congressman, both families made lasting contributions to WCU and the Gunnison community.

Since the Thorntons’ initial gift, many donors have further transformed the University. Key accomplishments include the Mojo Field at Mountaineer Bowl and the Katy O. Rady Field at the Rady Family Sports Complex, the Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering, the Borick Business Building, the University Center, and the Tracy Borah Mountaineer Sports Hall of Fame Room.

Today, the WCU Foundation remains the primary depository for private gifts supporting the University, and core business includes managing and disbursing charitable contributions in line with donor wishes. It is a tax-exempt entity under IRS Section 501(c)(3).

Over the last 5 decades, support through the WCU Foundation has had an impact that has touched:

• Student access and affordability through scholarships
• Academic Programs
• Facilities and Infrastructure
• Student Services and Support
• Faculty Support