Celebrating Sustained Commitment to CSU
The Spirit of Philanthropy Award is given annually by the Division of University Advancement to a current, emeritus, or retired faculty or staff member. Recipients of the award demonstrate exceptional leadership and a sustained commitment to increasing public understanding of the mission and programs of the University while working collaboratively with a development team on fundraising activities. A modest honorarium accompanies the award.
For information about how to nominate someone, please contact Katy DeJonge, engagement strategist.
Past Recipients
2022 – Linda L. Carlson
Linda L. Carlson (M.S., ’88), curator emerita of the Avenir Museum, enjoyed a 22-year careering caring for the Department of Design and Merchandising’s costume and textiles collection, teaching history and textile courses, and creating exhibits. She also played an instrumental role in establishing the Avenir Museum.
2021 – Doug Max
The remarkable coaching and leadership career of Doug Max (B.S., ’75) spans 45 years during which he built strong relationships with hundreds of donors and fans, and helped cultivated the resources CSU’s Department of Athletics needed to remain competitive.
2020 – Wayne McIlwraith and Stephen Withrow
Dr. Wayne McIlwraith is an international pioneer in equine arthroscopic surgery, a University Distinguished Professor, and the founder of the Orthopaedic Research Center at CSU. The construction of the $70 million Translational Medicine Institute, named in his honor, is a crowning achievement. Dr. Stephen Withrow, a surgical oncologist, a University Distinguished Professor, and founding director of the Flint Animal Cancer Center, was instrumental in securing a $4 million gift from the Flint Foundation and played a critical role in establishing five endowed University and Presidential Chairs.
2019 – Fred Haberecht
Two years before his retirement, Fred Haberecht received the 2019 Spirit of Philanthropy Award for his steadfast commitment to enhancing the beauty of CSU as its landscape architect.
2018 – Karen Rattenborg
As assistant professor emerita and executive director of Colorado State University’s Early Childhood Center for a decade, Dr. Karen Rattenborg (B.S., ’87; M.S., ’91; Ph.D., ’09) not only provided CSU’s youngest Rams with quality care and education, she also advocated for the ECC as a committed donor.
2017 – Linny Frickman
The Gregory Allicar Museum of Art would not exist at Colorado State University without faculty emerita Linny Frickman. As the museum’s director, Frickman’s passion for art, donor-centric focus, and dedication to strengthening donor relationships culminated to establish the Allicar as one of the best college art museums in the region.
2016 – William (Bill) R. Wailes, Jr.
Throughout his 30+ year career, including serving as the Department Head of Animal Sciences, Bill Wailes (B.S., ’69) was a passionate ambassador, representing CSU, the dairy industry, and animal agriculture, where he touched and influenced countless young lives and supported them with his philanthropy.
2015 – Mike Ellis
Throughout Dr. Mike Ellis’ distinguished career, he has provided leadership and guidance to dozens of campus groups and student organizations, as well as overseen several multi-million-dollar renovations to Lory Student Center during the past 15 years. Mike currently serves as the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Executive Director of Lory Student Center.
