Colorado State University Announces Gifts, Dedicates Building and Celebrates President Albert Yates’ Accomplishments

Hundreds of Colorado State University students, faculty, staff and community members came together today in a daylong celebration that included the announcement of more than $3 million in gifts, a building dedication and a reception for Albert and Ann Yates as President Yates retires after 13 years of service.

The establishment of two new endowed chairs, each in the amount of $1.5 million, was announced at the "Celebrate Colorado State!" Luncheon today. The Albert C. Yates Endowed Chair in Mathematics was established through a $1.5 million gift by the Fort Collins-based Bohemian Foundation. The surprise announcement was made today by Bohemian Foundation President Pat Stryker. The second $1.5 million chair was established in honor of Albert Meyers, a University Distinguished Professor Emeritus who served at Colorado State for more than 30 years. The $1.5 million Albert I. Meyers Chair in Synthetic Organic Chemistry recognizes his outstanding contributions to the Department of Chemistry and ensures that his tradition of outstanding leadership continues at the university.

Other highlights of the luncheon included the announcement of five new University Distinguished Teaching Scholars, all known for innovative teaching and research at Colorado State. The new scholars are Richard Feller, School of Education; Kathleen Kiefer, Department of English; Edward Redente, Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Watershed Stewardship; Wayne Viney, Department of Psychology; and Lawrence Ray Whalen, Department of Biomedical Sciences.

The university also announced two new recipients of the prestigious Monfort Professor Award, an award established through a gift from the Monfort Family Foundation to help the university recruit and retain top-quality faculty. Monfort Family Foundation Trustee Dick Monfort helped present the awards. John Belisle, associate professor of microbiology and a leading expert in tuberculosis research, and Kathleen Pickering, assistant professor of anthropology who is known for her significant work in economic anthropology, each will receive $75,000 yearly for two years to support innovative teaching and research activities. The award is provided in addition to the salary and support the professors already receive from the university.

During the afternoon, Colorado State University’s state-of-the-art Chemistry/Biosciences Building was named Albert C. Yates Hall at a dedication ceremony. The advanced facility, devoted to undergraduate education, is being 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.

Following the dedication, a campus and community reception for Al and Ann Yates was held in the Lory Student Center Main Ballroom.

The luncheon, dedication and reception all are 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.