CU through and through

Outgoing Regents Kroll, Ganahl and Sharkey honored for dedication and service

The University of Colorado (CU) is the third largest employer in our state and has a $13.3 billion impact on our economy. The governing board of the university - the CU Board of Regents consists of nine members serving staggered six-year terms, one elected from seven congressional districts and two from the state of Colorado at large. The board is charged constitutio nally with the general supervision of the university and the exclusive control and direction of funds of and appropriations to the university, unless otherwise provided by law. What makes University of Colorado Regents different? “Our Regents are not based on need,” said Patrick O’Rourke. “The people of Colorado determine who serves us!” Under the direction of Associate VP – University of Colorado, Office of the President Elizabeth Collins, a Celebration of Service was held to honor three whose terms were completed. The ballroom at Hilton Denver Inverness was appropriately set in black and gold.

Jack Kroll, Sue Sharkey and Heidi Ganahl were celebrated with their families, friends, fellow regents, chancellors and President Todd Saliman sharing the festivities. There was plenty of spirit, mutual accolades and accomplishments of the regents whose combined years of service to the prestigious university equals decades.

Each honoree received a framed piece of art commissioned by now-local artist Joanna Hall. Each piece presented represented a special interest of the honoree. Jack Kroll’s was the Tivoli Building on the Auraria Campus. Jack (often mistaken for an undergrad) is an alum of CU Denver, has worked in admissions and made sure CU took care of its own. He was introduced by Regent Emeritus Stephen Ludwig who served on the board from 2007-2019. With humor, Kroll expressed that he would miss his colleagues and the learning experiences.

Patrick O’Rourke was animated while introducing the humble Sue Sharkey who served with honor and distinction. “She cares so much about CU, had the courage to seek office - accomplish the mission of CU and give voice to others such as rural students, people in prison and veterans.” “I wanted to turn my campaign rhetoric into action,” said Sharkey. She emotionally recounted her history of never wearing a cap and gown until her regent regalia. Her framed art, parting gift, was a depiction of the Fitzsimons Building on the CU Anschutz Medial Campus. She had a resolution passed to make the official naming of the building.

Emeritus Regent Steve Bosley (founder of the Boulder Bolder fame) had preceded Heidi Ganahl and introduced her. The entrepreneur, author, founder of charities and former candidate for Governor of Colorado was elected in 2016. She was described as a ceaseless advocate for affordability, accessibility, always asking what’s the best for our students and unrelenting in the protection of freedom of speech. “She never gives up!” said Bosley. Ganahl praised her friend and mentor. “The purpose of CU is represented on the seal – a lantern in the hand of youth,” she said. Ganahl is an alum of CU and received the depiction of CU Buffalos Mascot Ralphie and Ralphie handlers.

Of the many decisions to be made in the last few difficult years, the Regents were thrilled to have participated in the search for a new CU president and their proud decision to hire Todd Saliman and… lastly, the signing of Deion Sand- as new football head coach.

Regent Heidi Ganahl guestsMarcus Fotenos (former CU student body president), daughter Tori Ganahl, CU Regent Emeritus Steve Bosley, Heidi Ganahl, husband Jason Ganahl and her parents Susie and Harvey Haight