On February 20, 2026, students, donors, faculty, and staff gathered at the Jake Jabs Event Center for the CU Denver Business School’s annual Scholarship Luncheon. The event brought together members of the university community to celebrate the impact of scholarships and the generosity of the donors who help make these opportunities possible.

The luncheon offers scholarship recipients a chance to connect with the people whose support helps shape their academic journeys. It also highlights the importance philanthropy plays in expanding access to education and supporting student success.

In the 2025–26 academic year, the Business School awarded more than $460,000 in merit and need-based scholarships to over 550 students. The average scholarship award was approximately $1,300. Throughout the event, speakers emphasized that scholarships do more than provide financial assistance, however. Scholarships also create opportunities, strengthen confidence, and allow students to focus on their education and future goals.

A Transfer of Opportunity

Guest speaker Pattie Money, a business consultant, longtime Business School donor, and Advisory Board member who also teaches in the Empowering Women in Business program, emphasized that while scholarships help reduce financial barriers, they also send a powerful message that others believe in students’ potential and future success. Reflecting on the mentors, teachers, and leaders who supported her own journey, she explained that belief from others often plays a critical role in helping students succeed. “Scholarships are powerful,” Money said. “Yes, they ease financial burden, but they do something even more important. They communicate belief.” She encouraged donors to view their contributions as an investment in the next generation of leaders. “Your generosity is more than a transaction,” she said. “It is a transfer of opportunity.”

Room to Breathe and Freedom to Grow

Two scholarship recipients shared how that belief has shaped their educational journeys.

Unsu Mwambo, a sophomore majoring in Information Systems with an accounting specialization and a minor in computer science, described how CU Denver’s support began even before she arrived on campus. “Before I even stepped onto campus, I already felt welcomed,” Mwambo said. Through mentorship programs and campus involvement, she has built strong connections with faculty and industry professionals. Receiving a $5,000 scholarship helped relieve financial pressure and allowed her to focus more fully on academic and professional opportunities. “Scholarships did not just reduce my tuition,” she said. “They gave me the freedom to grow and pursue opportunities without hesitation.” 

Freshman Jabez Brown, majoring in Marketing, shared a powerful story of perseverance and determination. Raised in Denver as the oldest of three brothers, Brown faced significant challenges growing up, including housing instability and family hardship. After a sports injury changed his direction, he discovered a passion for entrepreneurship and marketing while running a small business in high school. Receiving scholarship support allowed him to focus on his studies and long-term goals. “Receiving this scholarship changed everything for me,” Brown said. “It gave me room to breathe.” As a first-generation college student, Brown hopes to use his education to create opportunities for others in his community. Inspired by his grandmother, he hopes to use his education to help others in his community build opportunities of their own.

A Community That Expands Opportunity

The luncheon served as a reminder that scholarships represent more than financial assistance. They affirm potential, strengthen community, and create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

CU Denver currently ranks as the number one university in Colorado for economic mobility, reflecting its commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting students from diverse backgrounds. By bringing donors and students together, the Business School continues to strengthen partnerships that support student success and expand opportunities for future generations.