A UNC nursing student wearing a white jacket and a stethoscope, smiling at a patient

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July 1, 2025

Written by Tamsin Fleming and Clare Buttry

Leave Your Mark on the College of Osteopathic Medicine

Investing in UNC's proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine is supporting the future of health care in Colorado

Philanthropy plays a vital role in shaping the future of any institution, and the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and its proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNC COM) is no exception. Thanks to the immense generosity of the UNC community and the state of Colorado, construction is well underway for new state-of-the-art facilities that will house the first public college of osteopathic medicine in the state. While physical infrastructure is well-funded, the most critical opportunities for impact now lie in the areas that will distinguish UNC COM’s student experience and academic excellence.

Donors can help the college prepare to welcome its first cohort of students by supporting three priority areas: attracting top-tier staff and faculty, program enhancement, student recruitment incentives and ensure that the UNC COM becomes a leader in medical education in Colorado and beyond.

These critical investments will include high-impact items such as advanced simulation manikins that offer realistic, hands-on training and, equipment upgrades for labs and classrooms, such as downdraft anatomy tables. These investments help raise the bar for medical training and create a foundation for long-term success. Additionally, investments into UNC COM will help the college enhance its recruitment and outreach through a strategic marketing plan to help spread awareness of this new college to prospective students.

The UNC COM will offer incentives to attract and retain the best and brightest students to college. Academic resources such as subscriptions to specialty exploration tools and national board preparation materials will differentiate the UNC COM, highlighting its dedication to putting students first. This support not only gives our students a competitive edge, it also demonstrates the college’s commitment to their long-term success and placement in impactful medical careers.

Graduate Medical Education (GME) program development is another crucial piece in differentiating UNC COM from its competitors. Expanding residency opportunities ensures that our students can remain in Colorado to complete their training and serve in local communities experiencing the greatest need. There is a strong correlation to doctors staying in the communities where they conduct their residencies, which makes this initiative particularly impactful for rural communities throughout Colorado that are currently facing physician shortages.

When supporting these areas, donors directly impact curriculum development, student and faculty recruitment and retention, and an innovative and collaborative educational setting. Your generosity today will not only help UNC COM become a frontrunner for medical education in Colorado and the surrounding region, but ensure future physicians are well-prepared, compassionate, and ready to meet the healthcare needs of tomorrow.

Every gift, regardless of size, reinforces the financial foundation of UNC COM and fuels its mission to train the next generation of medical professionals. As we move closer to welcoming the first class of UNC COM students, there will be additional investment opportunities – including naming for spaces both inside and outside of the new facility. Together we can build futures, communities, and a healthier Colorado.

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