The CVMBS Scholarship Gratitude Event at Colorado State fostered a culture of gratitude and belonging. The audience included undergraduate, graduate, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students who received college-administered scholarships. The initiative aimed to strengthen students’ awareness of donor support, while generating student stories to share with scholarship donors. Recipients were invited to a complimentary dinner and welcomed by the college dean, whose remarks highlighted the transformative role of donor generosity in expanding educational opportunity. The program featured four interactive stations, each designed to provide student benefit and produce stewardship content. Students received a “passport” and collected stamps at each station to encourage full participation. Stations included a professional headshot session; a handwritten thank-you card station for personal messages to donors; a scholarship survey station used to develop student profiles; and a video recording station, where students shared how scholarships shaped their academic and professional goals. Of approximately 250 scholarship recipients, 117 attended. The event generated dozens of donor messages, detailed student profiles, and video testimonials. These materials will also anchor a scholarship video distributed to all college supporters, extending the program’s impact.
From the Judges
This event was very interactive for students and donors alike. Judges liked that it was not the typical dinner format and that it emphasized gratitude. The judges are eager to see where this initiative goes from here.
