Setting the Stage for the Arts at UCCS

As newlyweds stationed by the US Air Force in England, Ed and Mary Osborne found their passion for theater ignited by an unlikely candidate: their landlord. “Our landlord was an actor on the London stage,” Ed reminisces. “He adopted us into his extended family and gave us a three year education in theater that has enriched our lives. He would recommend the plays he thought we should see. Through his kindness and passion, we developed our love of theater.”

Since then, Ed and Mary Osborne have become fervent supporters of art and culture in Colorado Springs. By investing in the development of the “Bon Vivant” theater at UCCS, they were able to contribute to this special cause in a very direct way. The Osbornes also created a charitable remainder trust through the University of Colorado Foundation. They will receive income from the trust for their lifetimes, after which the principal will transfer to the Edward A. and Mary F. Osborne Fund to benefit the THEATREWORKS Program at CU-Colorado Springs. “Theatre has enriched our lives tremendously,” reflects Ed Osborne. “We want to make this available to others.”

Returning the Favor

Al and Bobbie Knott graduated from the University of Colorado with the help of generous scholarships and grants. After pursuing advanced engineering degrees and founding a successful engineering firm and laboratory, Al wanted to give back, and so did Bobbie.

“We’ve been lucky over the years,” says Al. “Bobbie and I both received financial support for our education. Now we’ve been able to return the favor.”

The Knotts have established a charitable remainder unitrust at the CU Foundation. The unitrust will provide an income to the Knotts for the remainder of their lives. Eventually, the fund will benefit students and fellows at both UCB and UCDHSC’s colleges of engineering.

The Gift of Hope

With $250 and a dream, Mary Mercer enrolled in college and later went on to the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Several times, Mary “put her medical education on hold” as she earned money to continue. Through the help of several “angel mentors,” however, she persevered earning her degree in 1943.

Mary’s CU education was an investment in her future. Following internships in internal medicine and pediatrics, Mary was awarded a Commonwealth Fellowship in pediatric psychiatry and subsequently appointed to head the Division of Child Development in the Pediatric Department at Cornell Medical Center.

In her book, The Art of Becoming Human, Dr. Mercer explores the profound influence that hope plays in human development. Through her generous bequest, Mary intends to repay those who gave her hope at a critical time. The Mary E. Mercer M.D. Endowed Family Fund provides assistance to students with financial needs so that they may continue their education.

Dr. Mercer’s gift extends hope to a new generation of students.

A Looney Return on Investment

Mary Ann and Doug Looney met at CU in a freshman English class where she earned an A and he earned a C. That was the beginning.

"CU gave us each other, an education, careers, hundreds of wonderful friends and fun times. With CU having done so much for us-everything, really-we wanted to do something in return,” reflects Doug.

So the Looneys established a Charitable Remainder Trust to benefit the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. "Why establish a Charitable Trust?, asks Mary Ann. “Simple. Given what we owe this spectacular university, we could not in good conscience have done otherwise."

“CU truly is the gift that keeps on giving for a lifetime,” adds Doug. “Why we even receive quarterly checks from the Trust!”

For Trudee Hembree, seeing her gift in action was a gift in itself

A legacy gift to CU was always part of Trudee Hembree’s plans. As a graduate of the School of Nursing at UCDHSC, she believed passionately in the value of a quality education and knew first-hand the importance of capable, well-trained nurses. Trudee wanted to support CU and she didn’t want to wait until after her death. As far as she was concerned, the sooner the better.

“When I found out I could give a gift using my IRA assets, I was so thrilled. I immediately established an endowment in the School of Nursing because I can watch young minds grow and participate in their success. This is such a great way tjo give. Not only does it benefit CU, it allows me the gratification of seeing my donation at work now.