Bucksbaums’ $2.5 Million Gift Accelerates Adventure at Kennedy Mountain 校园

James C. Kennedy Mountain 校园

Just say yes to adventure. You never know what might happen.

Through the generosity of John (BA ’78) 和 Jacolyn Bucksbaum, students at the University of Denver will have the setting, 设备, 和 training to say yes to adventure at the University of Denver’s James C. Kennedy Mountain 校园.

The Bucksbaums’ $2.5 million gift establishes 和 equips the John 和 Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Outdoor Gateway at the Kennedy Mountain 校园. The hub of all 设备 check-out 和 entry point to trails 和 other activities, the Bucksbaum Outdoor Gateway opens the door to adventure for all students.

At the Bucksbaum Outdoor Gateway, students will learn how to use 设备 required for their adventures. Clothing 和 supplies for the 8,000-foot altitude will equip them to navigate the Kennedy Mountain 校园 in all seasons. No matter what level of skill or resources they bring, students will step out of their comfort zone to explore 和 learn. From their KMC experience, they will gain knowledge 和 skills to tackle challenges successfully.

“John 和 Jackie Bucksbaum, through their visionary commitment to the Kennedy Mountain 校园, are clearing the way for all students to access the opportunities of the outdoors,” says Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. “Their leadership serves as an inspiration 和 a catalyst for our students to thrive in outdoor leadership.”

For the Bucksbaums, spending time outdoors 和 gaining a lifelong education from those experiences are invaluable opportunities. From childhood summer camps to taking their sons on ski trips, they have long valued the lessons learned in the outdoors. This gift to the Kennedy Mountain 校园 unites their passion for the outdoors 和 their passion for DU.

“The Kennedy Mountain 校园 opens the door for students, 教师, 和 staff to experience something different from the norm,杰基说。. “Being outdoors gets you out of your day-to-day 和 improves mental health. And when you do something that takes you outside your comfort zone, you build character.”

The physical space of the Bucksbaum Outdoor Gateway provides a basecamp for adventure, with 设备 和 项目 that will scale up over time. Students will interact with experts – adding to the constellation of mentors of their DU journey – learning technical skills as well as interpersonal leadership skills. Courses in wilderness first aid, skill-building in backpacking 和 hiking, 和 outdoor leadership programming are some of the many options that students can pursue. Certifications 和 trainings will be available in the months 和 years to come, exp和ing the range of adventure options for students.

“A student’s DU experience is not just in the classroom,” says Matt Jensen, director of outdoor experience 和 项目 at the Kennedy Mountain 校园. “Often what students do outside the classroom is equally important to their development 和 pathway towards a career. 在KMC, students navigate challenges together, work towards a common goal, 和 complete the task despite challenges. This gift from the Bucksbaums enhances that experience, giving students more opportunities to build a well-rounded skill set for the future.”

John is a 1978 DU graduate 和 member of DU’s Board of Trustees, 和 he 和 Jackie served on the Parents Leadership Council, chairing the Council for several years, when their son Eli was a DU student. The couple’s positive experiences in leadership 和 as DU parents, along with the opportunity to exp和 the Kennedy Mountain 校园 experience to more students in more ways, inspired their gift.

“Most college campuses don’t offer a retreat-like experience where students can bond, go on high ropes for the first time, 和 share that space in nature,约翰说。. “Being in nature in this way shifts a person’s perspective, enhances the educational experience, 和 helps build leadership skills. DU students will learn skills there that they will take to their careers, helping to lead others.”

With DU’s vibrant urban campus complemented by the Kennedy Mountain 校园, the Bucksbaums hope that their gift will help set DU apart from other schools. In the adventures that follow from the Bucksbaum Outdoor Gateway, students will build grit, 韧性, 和弹性. Because of the Bucksbaums’ generosity, students from all walks of life will extend their learning through all that the Kennedy Mountain 校园 has to offer in adventure 和 leadership training – experiences that will prepare them for life 和 leadership. 

To make a gift in support of outdoor leadership at the Kennedy Mountain 校园, contact Am和a Stewart at Am和a.Y.Stewart@ospifse.net.