The year 2022 represents a milestone year for the Boettcher Foundation. Since 1937, we have believed in the promise of Colorado and potential of Coloradans. Through the people, programs, and organizations we have supported, the ripple effect of our investments has shaped Colorado.
On December 15, 2022, we celebrate with the Boettcher community as we reflect on our history and share our vision for a future of transformational impact in Colorado.
To view and download all of the photos from the evening, click here.
We will also honor our longtime trustees Cile Chavez, Kenzo Kawanabe, Sharon Linhart, and Judi Wagner for their dedication and lasting impact they have made on the foundation.
In recognition of Cile, an education thought leader and retired superintendent, the Boettcher Foundation partnered with Colorado Education Initiative to launch the Rural Superintendent Academy (RSA). The RSA advances the leadership skills of administrators in rural districts to include skilled systems expertise, economic and talent development, and an engaging, inclusive mindset. Additionally, underrepresented applicants selected to participate as Dr. Cile Chavez Fellows receive financial assistance for costs related to participation in the RSA program.
KENZO KAWANABE (Term: 2014-22)
In recognition of Kenzo, a 1990 Boetcher Scholar and one of only four Boettcher Scholar Alumni to serve as a Trustee, his Trustee Retirement Grant will go back into the Boettcher Scholar Program. Paying it forward is one of Kenzo’s life mottos and he has chosen to do just that with his award. Kenzo is a proud, fourth generation Coloradan from the San Luis Valley who is a partner at Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP, one of Colorado’s oldest and largest law firms. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder and Georgetown Law School.
SHARON LINHART (Term: 2012-21)
In recognition of Sharon, a champion of entrepreneurship, financial acumen, and creative confidence, the Boettcher Foundation awarded a grant to support the construction of Junior Achievement’s Free Enterprise Center. The center aims to foster those skills in Colorado students through the construction of a state-of-the-art learning lab that will expand the organization’s influence by an additional 90,000 students by 2025. Spaces within the center, which will also be the future home of the Colorado Business Hall of Fame, will be available for community use.
JUDITH BUCK WAGNER (Term: 2014-22)
In honor of Judi, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado will establish an endowment fund in Judith Buck Wagner’s name that will support nonprofit capacity building in Colorado. In addition, the Boettcher Foundation is awarding support for a comprehensive campaign feasibility study. Judi is the founder of an investment management firm, a national bank, a bank holding company, and a state bank, as well as a consultant to high-net-worth families and a community volunteer. She founded Wagner Investment Management in 1975, and the firm grew to managing over $1 billion in private assets. In 2010 she merged the company with Cobiz Investment Management LLC, and in 2012 she retired from the firm.
