The University of Colorado Denver is pleased to announce a transformative $1.07 million gift from an anonymous donor to provide scholarships for students in the Department of Sociology. This generous contribution from a private individual to the WJS Keep on Truckin’ Sociology Endowed Scholarship Fund, will allow the department to award scholarships from the fund that can help cover tuition and fees for up to four students annually. Inspired by a deep love for CU Denver and the discipline of sociology, the donor’s remarkable generosity reflects a commitment to empowering students and advancing the study of social dynamics.

The Department of Sociology at CU Denver is dedicated to fostering a vibrant learning environment that prepares students to critically analyze the social world and contribute solutions to some of today’s most pressing challenges. This gift marks a milestone in the department’s ability to recruit, retain, and support talented students from diverse backgrounds while fostering a dynamic and impactful learning environment that benefits both students and faculty, further elevating CU Denver’s standing in the field of sociology.

A Transformative Force

“The discipline of sociology is unique in its attention to the forces shaping group dynamics and institutional outcomes in the world and preparing students to engage with these forces to promote justice and equity for diverse groups and individuals,” said Keith Guzik, PhD, Chair of the Department of Sociology. “This generous gift will enable our department to elevate its work in making sociology a transformative force in the lives of our students and our community.”

Studying sociology at the University of Colorado Denver offers students a deep understanding of the complex social structures and dynamics that shape human behavior and society. They benefit from the critical thinking and research skills the program promotes while examining contemporary issues related to health and medicine; crime, law, and deviance; and social and family welfare that continue to profoundly influence our communities. They are also enriched by Denver’s vibrant urban setting, which offers a living laboratory for sociological inquiry, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. 

Creating a Ripple Effect for Society

The financial assistance this gift provides will not only increase access to a CU Denver education for a broader population of students but will also help alleviate the financial burdens that can hinder academic success. By reducing these barriers, this gift will help students focus more fully on their studies, participate in enriching extracurricular activities, and pursue opportunities that might have otherwise been out of reach. The ripple effect of this generous support will be felt for years to come by helping foster a diverse and thriving community of graduates who are well-equipped to achieve their personal and professional goals and make meaningful contributions to society and the workforce.

“We are deeply appreciative of this extraordinarily generous gift, which reflects a strong belief in our students and their futures,” said Pamela Jansma, PhD, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “In CLAS, our commitment to an interdisciplinary and applied liberal arts education—with sociology playing a vital role—remains at the heart of what we do. These scholarships will empower students to pursue their dreams and contribute to the betterment of our communities, regardless of financial barriers. This aligns perfectly with CU Denver’s mission to be a place where education is accessible to all.”

Scholarships funded by this donation will be available starting in the Spring 2025 semester, with applications due by January 15, 2025.