A Legacy of Giving
The Monfort Excellence Fund is an inseparable part of CSU’s learning, teaching, research, campus culture, and public mission. There is scarcely a part of CSU that hasn’t been positively influenced by the unique partnership between CSU and the Monfort Family Foundation. Dozens of Colorado’s most outstanding high school graduates have earned Monfort Scholarships and proudly carried on a tradition of academic excellence throughout their careers at CSU. Through Monfort Professor Awards, CSU’s most talented young faculty have a truly unique opportunity to advance their research and teaching in ways that propel their careers and attract subsequent research funding. Additionally, thousands of CSU students and residents of Northern Colorado have the opportunity to hear and interact with some of the most important figures of our era through the Monfort Lecture. These events enhance the lives of our citizens and bring national visibility to CSU and our community.
An Extraordinary Family Legacy
Collectively, no single family has done more for CSU than the Monforts. Across generations, the Monfort family has been intrinsically linked with CSU. They have consistently provided leadership, support, and advocacy to advance CSU’s land-grant mission and secure its place as an educational leader for Colorado and beyond. “The Monfort name represents the success that grows from hard work and commitment; the Western character of independence and innovation; and the importance of giving back to the society that sustains us all,” said President Tony Frank. “I believe it is the Monfort name and legacy that have allowed this fund to have such a tremendous impact at Colorado State and in Northern Colorado – and that have made the Monfort scholarships and professorships the most prestigious awards we offer.”
Matt Lenyo, a Monfort Scholar majoring in biology and theatre, will graduate this weekend [more]
The Monfort Scholars program, established by the late Kenny Monfort and his wife, Myra, in 1999, was created to offer full four-year scholarships to the very best high school graduates. Monfort Scholars are among Colorado State’s pre-eminent scholarship recipients. Selection of scholars is based on superior scholastic ability, leadership, service to community and school, and outstanding character. Monfort Scholars receive full tuition and fees, a room-and-board stipend and a book allowance. Monfort Scholars have put their skills to work and are counted among leaders in the local, national and global communities.
Monfort Professor David Thompson was named one of the “Brilliant 10” young scientists by Popular Science magazine [more]
The Monfort Professors award is one of CSU’s top faculty honors. This program is funded by the Monfort Family Foundation to support CSU’s very best young faculty in the advancement of their teaching, research, and careers. Faculty are nominated by their colleges and selected by a committee chaired by the Provost.
Goodall delivers the Monfort Lecture to a capacity crowd on April 25.
A World-Class Lecture Series
The Monfort Lecture Series provides students, faculty and community members the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s most powerful, engaging and influential leaders. Previous speakers brought to Colorado State by the Monfort Lecture Series include United Nations Messenger of Peace, Jane Goodall; Ernesto Zedillo, President of Mexico from 1994 to 2000; Mikhail Gorbachev, former Soviet leader; Madeleine Albright, first female United States Secretary of State; Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu; Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf; 2009 – Greg Mortenson, author of ‘Three Cups of Tea’; Condoleezza Rice, 66th secretary of state of the United States; and George F. Will: Pulitzer Prize winner, Washington Post columnist.
