Thirty New Full-Ride Scholarships Offered as Part of Gift

More of the brightest students from Colorado and the nation will be able to attend Colorado State University on a full-ride scholarship following the announcement today of a major gift from the Monfort family to the university.

The innovative Monfort Scholars program, endowed in 1999 by the late Kenny Monfort and his wife Myra, was bolstered by an additional $2.25 million as part of the $5 million gift from the Monfort Family Foundation announced today.

"It is truly an honor to be a Monfort Scholar, and to be given such a generous award," said Justin Moninger, one of the first recipients of the scholarship and current Colorado State student. "It has inspired me to work hard, to look for ways to give back to the community and the university and to strive to affect positive change with my life and my career."

The program was created to offer annual full scholarships to Colorado’s top students. Monfort Scholars receive full tuition and fees; a room and board stipend; and a book allowance for four years, if they maintain academic standards. Selection of scholars is based on superior scholastic ability, leadership, service to community and school, and outstanding character. The scholarships are focused on Colorado students, but are now also available to students from around the nation as part of the expansion of the program, thanks to the gift announced today.

Today’s announced gift will fund the 30 new Monfort Scholars (three new scholars will be selected each year for ten years), bringing the total number of Monfort Scholars to 70 students over the next decade.

The $5 million gift also will enable Colorado State to create 10 new named professor positions, add a faculty-in-residence program as well as a distinguished speaker series.