the people who find western
For anyone who has made Western part of their story.
Those who advance Western Colorado University make it possible for every new class of students to experience what Western has to offer the next generation. Foundation & Alumni Relations exists to steward that generosity and ensure it reaches the students, programs and community that make Western what it is.
BY THE NUMBERS
The power of our community.
For generations, Mountaineers and friends of Western have chosen to invest in the students, programs, and community that make Western Colorado University what it is.
50
Years of Impact
$9.8 Million
Raised in FY 2025-26
28,474
Alumni Across All 50 States
FOUNDATION
Invest in the next generation of Mountaineers
The WCU Foundation directs private support to the scholarships, programs, and campus improvements that make Western possible.
ALUMNI
Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer
Stay connected to the people, places, and programs that shaped you. Find your class, attend events, mentor current students, or just come back to the valley for a weekend and remember why you chose this place.
Stories of Impact
-
One class at a time: How Doug Hankins turned an uncertain start at Western into a lifelong love of learning
It was the first day of her first class teaching communications at Western Colorado University, and Toni Todd looked out at a room full of…Read More -
Celebrating Excellence: 2026 Alumni Awards Honor Western’s Outstanding Graduates
Western Colorado University is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Alumni Awards for Excellence. Each year, this prestigious honor is given to a…Read More -
Cam Smith’s Journey from Western to the World Stage Comes Full Circle
With parents who were both Western alumni and a sister enrolled, Cam Smith (’18, ESS) was pretty sure he would spend his college years somewhere…Read More -
Western receives $2 Million Gift to Support Creation of Student Success Center
Western wasn’t on Ty Petway’s radar when he found a tri-fold pamphlet advertising what was then Western State College in his friend’s Clemson University dorm…Read More -
Marisela Ballesteros is Still a Bridge Between Two Worlds
Like many first-generation Americans, Marisela Ballesteros grew up blazing a trail. As the oldest child of Cora natives who emigrated to the United States from…Read More -
Western launches alumni magazine website
Western is proud to announce the launch of its latest digital endeavor, the Westerner Alumni Magazine website. The website showcases stories that both highlight individual…Read More -
New Scholarship Fund Memorializes Alumnus, Supports Western’s Aspiring Geologists
Western Colorado University is proud to announce the Gary Christopher Memorial Geology Scholarship, started as a testament to a remarkable alumnus and a lifelong student…Read More -
Two Western Grads get Top Teaching Honor from the State
I can hardly put into words how wonderful it feels GUNNISON, Colorado: The Colorado Department of Higher Education chose Western Colorado University alumni Shelby Alm…Read More