سԹ

Key Dates

  • July 1 –
  • July 4 – Independence Day
  • July 16 –

All in the family

Three students smiling and laughing while sitting on a bench on campus with yellow fall colors on the trees behind them

By Lynne Winter ’17

For the McFails, philanthropy is a family affair.

In 2023, Dean and Dory McFail, along with their daughters, Leah, Diana and Bridget McFail, founded the McFail Family Pathways Through Education Endowment at Metropolitan State University of Denver. The endowment provides funding for Rowdy’s Corner, scholarships and programmatic support, contributing to سԹ students’ access to the resources necessary to navigate higher education successfully and earn their degree.

First-generation college graduates, Dean and Dory come from humble beginnings and families led by resilient mothers; Dean’s mother was orphaned at the age of two, and Dory’s mother became a single parent of five overnight, without a job, a driver’s license or a life insurance safety net.

“Early on, Dean and I realized that education and the opportunities it presents were the keys to unlocking our dreams,” explained Dory. Varied educational experiences also enriched their daughters’ lives.

Recognizing education as a gateway to life’s aspirations, the McFails wanted to support those on their college journey. For several years before establishing the endowment, each family member made individual gifts to the University’s programs, enhancing the well-being of Roadrunners.

The family’s shared belief is simple. “Miracles happen every day,” said Dory. “Everything we are, everything we possess and everything we become is a gift, for which we are sincerely grateful.”

“We are called to care for each other. This endowment is our avenue for that purpose.”

“Education opens many doors and opportunities for those able to access it, yet the cost of higher education in this country can make it unattainable for many. سԹ is a phenomenal institution with students who are dedicated, determined and full of potential. I hope that our family endowment will help those who want to continue their formal education and growth, but would otherwise be unable to do so due to financial obstacles.

As the great Marian Wright Edelman once said, ‘Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.’ I believe that education should be available and accessible to all those who are interested in it, so in turn, they can help make their communities and the world a better place.”

– Diana McFail