Western Colorado University Foundation

A nonprofit organization

Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Western Colorado University delivers career preparation, engineering, computer and other sciences and a liberal arts curriculum to 2,900 intellectually adventurous students. Here, students can explore their field of study, gain leadership experience and discover extraordinary adventure in western Colorado.

Elevate Western Campaign goes public

Western has launched the public phase of the Elevate Western Campaign 80% of the way to the $80M goal. Learn more about the Elevate Western Campaign at https://western.edu/elevate/

Campaign Pillars

Engineer Colorado's Future

Promote Student Access and Success

Foster Academic Excellence

Build Our Competitive Edge

Dedicated to education, enriched by our community.

Western Colorado University promotes intellectual maturity and personal growth in its students and prepares them to assume constructive roles in local, national and global communities. Western’s distinctive character emerges from its unity among academic and professional disciplines, high standards of scholarship, and a unique environment in the mountains of western Colorado.

Western’s size and setting promotes exceptional educational experiences.

Our university’s small size and unique setting ensures students receive personalized attention, gain hands-on experience and become better leaders. We are proud to serve our state and country by preparing our students to make meaningful contributions in Colorado and beyond. From cybersecurity experts to social workers and teachers, Western graduates become preeminent leaders in their fields.

The following statistics reflect the most recent stable data compiled by the institution encompassing retention, graduation rates, institutional research, common data sets, student outcomes, and student achievements. For more information, visit Western’s profile on the National Center for Education Statistics website.

Mission

The WCU Foundation, founded in 1975, is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization overseen by a Board of Directors (see below). The Foundation Board of Directors work collaboratively with the Development Team to inspire investment, manage and direct gifts, ensure donor intent and provide stewardship. Private donations to the Elevate Western Campaign are managed through the WCU Foundation.

Background Statement

The Western Colorado University Foundation (WCUF) was incorporated on August 22, 1975 as the "Western State College Foundation," with the generous bequest of former Colorado Governor Dan Thornton and his wife, Jessie. The Thorntons' gift created one of the finest undergraduate biology programs in the country.

The Founder of the Western Colorado University Foundation was L. Richard "Dick" Bratton ('54), an attorney in Gunnison. To this day, the Foundation Board of Directors still conducts, manages and controls the business and affairs of the WCUF. The purpose of the Foundation is to promote and support Western Colorado University, including any activities which are directly or indirectly related thereto. The Foundation serves as the depository of funds raised by the Foundation and the University.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Western Colorado University Foundation

other names

WCUF, Western State College Foundation, Western State Colorado University Foundation

Year Established

1975

Tax id (EIN)

84-0709935

Category

Education

Organization Size

Large Organization

Colorado State Tax Credits

Colorado Enterprise Zone Credit

Address

909 E Escalante Drive
Gunnison, CO 81230

Mailing

PO Box 1264
Gunnison, CO 81230

Service areas

Gunnison County, CO, US

Phone

970-9432-237

Fax

970-647-2239

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