Bob and Bonnie Phelps Family CAP Awards
Championed by UNC friends Bob and Bonnie Phelps Family, the CAP Awards recognize students
whose lives demonstrate an exceptional and exemplary personal commitment to:
- Contribute… by volunteering time and personal skills, talents, abilities, experience and passion
around issues in service to the community.
- Achieve… by displaying a bias toward action and performance, overcoming obstacles and setbacks,
and accomplishing goals.
- Pay-it-forward… by impacting the lives of others in meaningful and positive ways through random
and planned acts of kindness, caring, and “giving back.”
The Bob & Bonnie Phelps Family CAP Awards will recognize up to 3 students annually
who meet the aforementioned criteria with a $5,000 scholarship and award plaque presented
at the annual Community Engaged Scholars Symposium.
2021 Bob and Bonnie Phelps Family CAP Awards Recipient
The University of Northern Colorado through the Office of Academic Community Engagement
is proud to announce the 2021 winner of The Bob & Bonnie Phelps Family CAP Awards.

Tomas Estrella
"I am a junior at UNC and I have received the Dean’s List of Academic Distinction
for the past five semesters. I have earned a 4.0 GPA and I am pursuing my Bachelor’s
degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and a minor in Nutrition.
I enjoy doing volunteer work and I try to recognize opportunities to help others.
Most recently, I had the opportunity to feed and talk with the homeless in Downtown
Denver. Volunteering has taught me how a simple action can have a significant impact
on someone’s day. Many people find community service to be a burden but once you get
out there and spend time helping others, community service benefits both the person
you are helping, as well as yourself. Additionally, I have an aftermarket resale business.
I acquire limited items like rare shoes and use marketing strategies to sell at a
premium price which has helped me support myself through school. I am excited to graduate
without any college debt. After earning my degree, I plan to work within the marketing
department of a healthcare company. This will allow me to get the best of the worlds
- marketing wellness and helping others".