A message from Kim Tobin,
Vice President for University Advancement
April 26, 2021
Here in Colorado, the vivid transformation of spring is underway, as snow gives way to buds of bright green, a hallmark of this season of renewal. Just as it awakens the splendor of the natural world from its winter slumber, spring also ushers in an annual season of celebration at Colorado State University, as we recognize the triumphs of an academic year nearing its end. As with much of the past 13 months, these celebrations look a little different this year, but their purpose remains unchanged — an opportunity to reflect upon what we’ve accomplished together and, as with the gardens we plant, a chance to look hopefully toward the future.
With you at our side, we have much for which we are grateful and much to which we are looking forward. There are moments that we’ve missed — catching up in conversations at events, traveling together to cheer on the Rams. Yet there also is much we have gained from the disruption of this past year, from efficiencies in how we work to new ways of connecting with you across miles, time zones and geographical borders. In University Advancement, we’re looking forward to a reemergence that captures the best of both — a return to some of our cherished traditions on campus, invigorated with innovations that sustain and strengthen our connections with you, regardless of circumstance or distance between us.
It’s in this spirit that we launch EverGreen, an inside look at philanthropy at CSU, designed exclusively for members of our donor communities. Named in honor of your stalwart commitment to CSU, this new quarterly communication will highlight stories of the difference your generosity makes in our campus community and around the world. Released in tandem with our redesigned Giving website, EverGreen is a dynamic platform to bring you relevant news and videos, information about upcoming events, and stories of the hopeful future your philanthropy creates.
In this inaugural edition, you can discover how scholarships are catalyzing opportunity through investment in our students, reflect on the incredible life and career of our 2021 Founders Day Medal recipient, Dr. John Matsushima, and join President Joyce McConnell in the Courageous Strategic Transformation of CSU (and provide your feedback here).
I hope you’ll find inspiration in these stories, in the same way your gifts have inspired the CSU community to remain steadfast and resilient throughout the challenges of this past year. It’s because of your support that we look optimistically toward tomorrow, and with you, we will continue to carry CSU’s mission of excellence, access, and opportunity into that bright future.
With gratitude,
Kim Tobin, Ph.D. (’18), CFRE
Vice President for University Advancement