CU gala raises money for scholarships for combat veterans

The Wildlife Experience and the University of Colorado raised more than $170,000 to fund scholarships for combat veterans attending CU Denver and CU Anschutz Medical Center during Friday’s annual gala at The Wildlife Experience in Parker.

This year’s theme was Combat to Classroom in honor of military veterans. Nearly 500 attendees celebrated the new CU South Denver Facility at The Wildlife Experience in Douglas County.

Dave and Gail Liniger have given the museum building and land to the University of Colorado. Valued at $40 million, the gift is the largest real estate donation in the history of the university. The building will now be known as The Liniger Building at CU South Denver.

“Gail and I are making this gift to CU to provide more services and more value to our south Denver community,” Liniger said. “The museum remains open, events will be held and the public spaces will be available for rental. The added value now is the easy access to a quality CU education right here in south Denver.”

The Liniger gift builds on the collaboration that began in April when the Linigers teamed with CU, converting 11,000-square-feet of the 151,000-square-foot facility to classroom and lab space. CU began offering classes at The Wildlife Experience in August, while the Douglas County wildlife art and natural history museum continues its museum services to the community.

Notable gala attendees included: Furniture tycoon Jake Jabs, Chancellor Don Elliman, Gail and Dave Liniger, Max the Liniger’s dog, CU Regent Sue Sharkey, Chancellor Jerry Wartgow, guest speaker Sgt. Greg Stube and Chancellor Lisa Douglas and husband Bob Douglas.

Above, CU-Denver Chancellor Don Elliman presenting Dave Liniger with the CU Denver Boots to Suits challenge coin. Below, Jake Jabs and Renee Green.