The annual celebration and fundraiser for the Karen Possehl Wayfinder Endowment (KPWE) Scholarship took place on May 19, 2026, at the Pinery at the Hill. The event honored 10 graduating KPWE scholars.
Each year, just over two dozen students are named KPWE scholars. The $6,000 award is given to individuals who have overcome challenges and are beginning or resuming their educational path later in life. Endowed in 1998 by Karen and Jim Possehl, and continued thanks to community support, the program works to positively transform scholars’ lives.
Beyond offering financial support, KPWE empowers students by providing mentorship, interactive workshops, and professional development opportunities. The scholarship program proudly celebrates an undergraduate graduation rate of 95 percent.
“The award is more than a scholarship,” said Lee Ingalls Noble, chair of the KPWE advisory board. “I’ve witnessed first-hand how this scholarship positively impacts the recipient but beyond that – their families are transformed for the better because the scholar gained confidence and received the support they needed to pursue and accomplish their dreams.”
Melinda Hagemann, Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Engagement at UCCS, spoke on behalf of UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet. She emphasized how proud the chancellor is of every KPWE graduate.
“You are joining a community of graduates who have proven that determination can reshape a future,” Hagemann shared. “And as you continue forward, remember this: you have people cheering for you. In this room and far beyond it, there are supporters who believe in your potential and celebrate every step you take.”
The event also recognized C.J. Moore as the 2026 Unstoppable Leader. C.J.’s leadership, advocacy, and commitment to the Colorado Springs community have made a lasting impact. She embodies the values that the scholarship program seeks to advance. The recognition serves not only as a tribute to her contributions but also as an inspiration for the next generation of KPWE scholars.
“C.J. Moore is absolutely unstoppable in her pursuits to uplift this community,” said UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet, prior to the event. “I’m so pleased that the KPWE scholarship program is recognizing C.J. for her commitments to enriching both the campus and the Pikes Peak region.”
The celebration was made possible by generous contributions from sponsors. These partnerships help continue the work of the KPWE Scholarship. Their investments are immensely appreciated.
Presenting Sponsor: Winslow BMW and Phil and Ann Winslow
Sapphire Sponsors: Ent Credit Union (Wings Credit Union) and SCWCC Foundation
Opal Sponsors: Lee Ingalls Noble, El Pomar Foundation, Lyda Hill, Garden of the Gods Resort and Spa, and Peak Vista Community Health
Amethyst Sponsors: The Strub-Heer Fund, Medved Family Charitable Fund, Deb Hood, Goodwill of Colorado, and Nunn Construction
More than $50,000 was raised to support the scholarship during the 2026 Unstoppable Event. Gifts can still be made toward the overall fundraising goal of $70,000. Make a meaningful impact by donating to this scholarship today.
About C.J. Moore
C.J. earned a BA in English from Auburn University and completed postgraduate work at California State University, Long Beach. As an Army spouse for nearly 25 years, she held roles ranging from dental assistant to director of Army Basic Skills Education while moving more than 20 times. She later worked as a writer, reporter, and researcher for Faulkner & Gray’s Healthcare Information Center in Washington, D.C., and New York before joining Kaiser Permanente in 1997. She served as Public Affairs Director for Kaiser Permanente in Southern Colorado for 21 years until her retirement.
Today, C.J. remains an active community advocate, serving on boards including the Colorado Springs Conservatory, Colorado Springs Fire Foundation, Colorado Springs Police Foundation, and the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum Foundation. She has also served on the UCCS Chancellor’s Ambassadors Council, the UCCS Chancellor’s Leadership Class Board, the Colorado Springs Leadership Institute, and numerous committees.
C.J. was married to Mike Moore, who died in a snowboarding accident in 2002. She has two children: Matthew, who lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Alicia, and their children, Harper and Jerry; and Meighan, who lives in Tucson with her husband, Brad.
About the KPWE Scholarship
The Karen Possehl Wayfinder Endowment Scholarship (KPWE) established in 1998 by Karen and Jim Possehl, provides financial assistance and mentor support for nontraditional UCCS students who are starting or returning to college after having overcome significant personal adversity. In addition to providing tuition assistance, the KPWE Scholarship matches scholars with community mentors who offer encouragement and professional contacts. The program provides career-focused workshops, giving students the chance to gain skills outside of the classroom. Since the program’s inception, more than 200 KPWE scholars have graduated from UCCS. For more information on the scholarship program, visit kpwe.uccs.edu.