UCCS alumnus, former student body president and U.S. Army veteran Michael “Axel” Brown shares what philanthropy means to him. 

Q: Tell us about your experience with philanthropy at UCCS. 

A: During my years at UCCS, I saw firsthand how philanthropy makes a difference. The HEROES Scholarship was a major support for several of my friends who were serving while attending school. The Army’s Tuition Assistance program covers only part of the cost of tuition, and those in the Junior Enlisted ranks don’t make enough to cover the remaining amount. The HEROES Scholarship closed the gap so they could stay on track.  

I also saw philanthropy support friends who were student athletes. When last year’s Giving Day brought strong support for athletic scholarships, it showed how invested the community is in helping UCCS students succeed.  

As UCCS’s student body president, I had opportunities to meet major donors and saw how deeply they care about enrollment, the university’s direction and the well-being of students. It showed me what a strong, committed community UCCS has behind it.    

Q: Share a favorite memory made possible by philanthropic support.  

A: I first learned about the HEROES Scholarship before I even transferred to UCCS. A friend of mine—who later became my fraternity brother—was receiving it while he worked toward becoming an Army officer. He often told me how UCCS’s Military and Veterans Affairs Division supported him and how the university helped him find ways to continue his education. That had a real impact on me.    

Q: UCCS Giving Day features several funding priorities. Which matter most to you, and why? 

A: Mental health and wellness is a major priority. As a student leader, I saw how some students struggle—especially first-generation students—and how important it is to have enough counselors and social workers on campus. After a tragic loss in our community, I saw UCCS come together and strengthen those supports. That was movement in the right direction.  

I also feel strongly about study abroad scholarships. Studying abroad is something I wish I could have done, but as student body president, I didn’t have the chance. For many students, the cost of applying is a barrier. I would love to see donors support opportunities that allow first-generation and lower-income students to experience the world.    

Q: What would you say to someone considering making a gift to UCCS?  

A: I’d thank them. Students may never know your name or why you gave, but they absolutely appreciate you. 

UCCS has helped me in countless ways, and as I move forward in my career, I’m already thinking about how I can give back too.  A lot of UCCS graduates stay in the region and continue contributing to the community. CU does great work in communities statewide, and it’s important to support all campuses—not just the largest ones. UCCS and CU Denver are doing incredible things, and philanthropy helps keep that momentum going.    

Q: What has been your greatest takeaway from your UCCS experience?  

A: Serving as student body president meant a lot to me. In high school, the student body president got to read the morning announcements—so standing at the graduation podium at UCCS felt like a full-circle moment. Before I could even say a word, someone shouted, “That’s my president!” I wanted to make an impact at UCCS, and it was so nice to hear that the work I did mattered. 

UCCS alumna, Chancellor's Leadership Class scholar and future physician Sara Khammash shares what philanthropy means to her. 

Q: Tell us about your experience with philanthropy at UCCS. 

A: A big reason I give back to UCCS today is because I benefited so much from the generosity of others while I was a student. Being part of the Chancellor’s Leadership Class (CLC) meant receiving financial support, but it also meant joining a community that shaped who I am today. Some of my closest friends and favorite people came from CLC, and the experiences and mentorship I gained there were invaluable.  Because I know how meaningful that support was, I’ve always wanted to give back in a way that helps other students the way I was helped. I participate in Giving Day, and I also donate throughout the year when opportunities arise. I still volunteer with CLC by reviewing applications and participating in interview days. Staying connected to that community is incredibly fulfilling.     

Q: How has giving or receiving philanthropic support made a difference in your life or work? 

A: Scholarships gave me time—something students rarely have enough of. Having that financial cushion meant I didn’t have to work as many hours on top of school. I still held two on-campus jobs, but the scholarship gave me more space to be involved, spend time with friends and family, and make the most of my college experience.  Now that I’m in medical school, I appreciate it even more. Medical school is expensive, and graduating from undergrad with less debt really helps me today.  

Philanthropy has also helped me keep things in perspective. Giving back—whether through time or money—is a powerful way to stay connected to a place that shaped me so much. It reminds me of the people and opportunities that helped me grow. When I look back, my years at UCCS were some of the best of my life.   

Q: Can you share an experience that stands out because of this support?  

A: My senior year, I was nominated by CLC for the Colorado Leadership Alliance Student Leader of the Year—and I won. That recognition introduced me to a mentor who has now been part of my life for five years. We’ve done research together, I’ll be rotating with her this winter, and the professional and personal advice she’s given me over the years has been priceless. That relationship is one of the most meaningful connections in my professional life, and it was made possible through CLC. I never expected that a scholarship would open a door like that. Nor would I have thought this relationship would still be going strong five years out of college.   

Q: UCCS Giving Day features several funding priorities. Which matter most to you, and why? 

A: Scholarships and research and innovation are especially close to my heart.  Scholarships reduce financial barriers and give students opportunities they might not otherwise have. They also create communities—like CLC—that offer mentorship, friendships and lifelong connections.  

In the field of medicine, research and innovation is essential. It’s how we find new ways to approach diseases, improve outcomes and advance care. I’m interested in emergency medicine or pediatric practice, and so much progress in those fields comes directly from research. My sister is earning her PhD in immunology at CU Anschutz, and we talk often about how vital research funding is. It shapes the future of every field.    

Q: What would you say to someone considering making a gift to UCCS?  

A: You absolutely should. Education is the future, and investing in someone’s education is one of the greatest gifts you can give because it opens up so many opportunities.   

I loved my college experience at UCCS. It was the perfect size, with great professors and the resources I needed to succeed. I still use things I learned in my biology and anatomy classes in medical school today. When you give to UCCS, you’re helping create those experiences for someone else—you really are making a difference in someone’s life.   

Q: What has been your greatest takeaway from your UCCS experience?  

A: The relationships. My best friend came from CLC, as did many other meaningful personal and professional connections in my life. UCCS gave me a community of amazing people who continue to be part of my journey.

UCCS alumnus and supporter Steve Parker shares what philanthropy means to him. 

Q: Tell us about your experience with philanthropy at UCCS. 

A: I earned my undergraduate degree in sociology and my master’s in public administration from UCCS, and over the years I’ve contributed to individual colleges, scholarship funds, and food and clothing drives. I like supporting a variety of needs because our student population represents a true slice of the population in this country—we all have needs, and helping to cover them is important to me. 

I care deeply about public and private sector leadership in Colorado Springs, southern Colorado, and across the state, and most of my contributions go to the College of Public Service, where I completed my graduate degree. 

Philanthropy is something I deeply believe in. My mother taught me the importance of giving time, treasure and talent to improve the lives of others. We’re all capable of contributing at different levels to make the world a better place. I’ve seen philanthropy change students’ lives through scholarships, travel opportunities, basic-needs support, and programs like Clyde’s Closet that help students prepare for entering the job market. I have also benefited from the generosity of philanthropic individuals and organizations who have supported facilities and programs—like the Ent Center for the Arts—that I’ve enjoyed and learned from. 

Q: How has philanthropic support impacted your life or work? Can you share an experience that stands out? 

A: I once had a friend who was going through some difficult circumstances—she became the sole provider for her family with two small children. Scholarships made it possible for her to stay in school and complete a degree she was passionate about, and she eventually became gainfully employed and was a success story. That experience showed me that there are many people who need just a little bit of help to pursue their lifelong dreams. What we may consider a small amount of help can be monumental to them. 

I participate in the UCCS scholarship review process, which has allowed me to learn about students’ lives, dreams and challenges. Reviewing these stories has made me more appreciative of the encouragement I’ve received in my own life, and it motivates me to offer the same support to others. 

Q: UCCS Giving Day features several funding priorities. Which matter most to you, and why? 

A: It’s hard to choose because each area meets a critical need. But if I had to highlight a few, I’d point to scholarships, first-generation student success, and mental health support. 

For a long time, higher education has done a good job of addressing physical health, and I’m glad to see more attention now going toward students’ mental and emotional well-being. Many students are away from their families for the first time and need support to thrive in all aspects of their lives. 

Last summer, I had the chance to meet several first-generation students at UCCS’s anniversary celebration. Many came from rural parts of Colorado, most were from minority families, and many had parents who didn’t graduate from high school. They spoke candidly about how college had never been encouraged or financially possible, but thanks to scholarships and special programs, they found an opportunity at UCCS. Their gratitude and determination were inspiring—they took what could have been seen as disadvantages and turned them into motivation to create change. 

Q: What would you say to someone considering making a gift to UCCS? 

A: I would encourage them wholeheartedly. The benefits of philanthropy might not always be immediately visible or measurable to the donor, but they are transformative for the people who receive them. I like to share the story of the person tossing starfish back into the ocean one at a time. When someone asked why—given how many starfish there were on the beach—the person replied, “It made a difference for that one.” That’s what philanthropy is: trying to make a difference for someone else. 

Q: What has been your greatest takeaway from your relationship with UCCS? 

A: UCCS has enriched my life in countless ways. I grew up in a single-parent household, and we didn’t have the means for me to attend college anywhere but locally. UCCS provided an excellent education that has shaped my professional and personal life and allowed me to be very successful. Had it not been for UCCS, I don’t know what my path would have been.