Establishment of Endowed Scholarship Highlights Retirement Reception for Colorado State University President

The surprise announcement of a new endowed scholarship highlighted an afternoon retirement reception held today to honor Colorado State University President Albert C. Yates and his wife Ann E. Yates.

The establishment of the Albert C. and Ann E. Yates Scholarship was announced as hundreds of Colorado State University students, faculty, staff and community members came together to celebrate President Yates’ 13 years of service.

Doug and Jill Schatz, long-time community leaders and university benefactors, are the founding donors who established the scholarship endowment with a lead gift of $25,000. Another $175,000 for the $200,000 total endowment fund came from other private donors.

"This was a way that we could recognize Al and Ann for their innumerable contributions to this institution," said Doug Schatz, "This gift will benefit generations of students, and will appropriately be named in honor of a couple who have dedicated their lives to education."

Jill Schatz added, "Both Ann and Al have given countless hours to benefit community organizations throughout our city and state."

The campus and community reception for Albert and Ann Yates took place in the Lory Student Center Main Ballroom following a daylong celebration, which included a dedication ceremony to name Colorado State University’s state-of-the-art Chemistry/Biosciences Building after Yates. Albert C. Yates Hall was dedicated to Yates in tribute to his leadership of the university, enduring commitment to excellence in teaching and research, and appreciation for the importance of science in higher education. The announcement of an endowed chair in Yates’ name also was announced today at an annual luncheon (see attached sidebars).

The luncheon, dedication and reception were part of "Celebrate Colorado State!" a month-long series of events that recognizes Colorado State students, faculty, staff and alumni for outstanding achievements throughout the year.