Earlier this month, the Boettcher Foundation Board of Trustees visited Colorado Mesa University as part of their annual retreat. The visit was one of several stops during their retreat in town, and was an opportunity for the trustees to connect with CMU students and leaders.
The Boettcher Foundation is a Colorado-based organization dedicated to investing in the potential of Coloradans. Through scholarships, leadership programs and community partnerships, the foundation helps develop the next generation of leaders who can continue to strengthen communities across the state.
During their time on campus, the trustees toured the Asteria Theatre with President John Marshall before gathering for a reception and dinner. CMU also hosted a panel discussion on the first-generation college experience, led by three Boettcher trustees who were all first-generation students themselves.
Among the panelists were current board chair Greg Moore, trustee Jason Wheeler and Michelle Lucero, who will serve as chair of the Boettcher Board of Trustees in 2026.
“With CMU being a first-gen designated higher education institution, that means a lot to me. At the Boettcher Foundation, one of our signature initiatives is our scholarship program. It is 100% merit-based. We’ve seen a beautiful number of first-gen students applying,” said Lucero. “For any of us who are first-gen, you just want people to see you for who you are. For your merits, talents, dedication and hard work. That’s exactly what the Boettcher Foundation sees. For me, personally, I’m so proud that these students can achieve their dream.”
Throughout the panel, Lucero, Moore and Wheeler shared their first-generation success stories, showing how education and mentorship can open doors and transform lives. Their reflections highlighted the shared commitment of CMU and the Boettcher Foundation to help students reach their full potential.
“We love our partnership with Boettcher. As an organization, they really are statewide. They’re showing up for people in communities that don’t always feel seen, and that’s a big deal,” said Marshall.
To learn more about CMU and the Boettcher Foundation’s shared values, listen to President Marshall’s conversation on the Boettcher Foundation’s Colorado Leadership Stories podcast.