COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. — A University of Colorado at Colorado Springs alumna has donated $1 million to benefit its theater and public policy research program.
Elizabeth Cushman, a 1983 graduate, donated the funds to the CU Foundation as part of her estate. She died Aug. 14, 2003 at age 85.
“The generosity shown by Mrs. Cushman will mean more people will have the opportunity to enjoy Theatreworks programming and will also fund public policy research that is important to the future of our state,” Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak said. “Her legacy in both these areas will be ever-lasting.”
A portion of Cushman’s bequest will support an internship for a student engaged in public policy research as well as the research of Daphne Greenwood, professor, Economics. The funds will support continuing work of the Center for Colorado Policy Studies on quality of life and sustainability as well as health and education policy.
The remainder will support Theatreworks. Founded in 1975 as a central outreach program of the university, Theatreworks is a unique blend of students, regional talent and national guest artists working together to create theater for the region.
Born Elizabeth Gergely Nov. 25, 1917 in Gary, Indiana, Mrs. Cushman graduated from Horace Mann High School and attended Gary College. For many years, she worked for the Social Security Administration, retiring in 1978. Following her retirement, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in economics at CU-Colorado Springs, graduating at age 65 in 1983. Her first husband, William Penniman, died in 1959. Her second husband, Charles Cushman, died in 1972.
A 30-year resident of Colorado Springs, Mrs. Cushman served on the board of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Friends of Pikes Peak Library District, Friends of Tutt Library of Colorado College, Friends of Pikes Peak Hospice and Curiosity Unlimited at CU-Colorado Springs.
“Thanks to Liz Cushman, Theatreworks has the real beginnings of an endowment which is crucial to the health of any arts organization planning for the future,” Murray Ross, director, Theatreworks, said. “We hope her gift will encourage further generosity, so that we can continue to create one of the finest theatres in the west right here at UCCS. Every show we do from now on will have a little bit of Liz Cushman in its bloodstream. I think she would like that.”
“Liz Cushman was a delight to be around,” said Greenwood. “Her graciousness and intellect will missed by her many friends. Involving students in public policy research is what Liz wanted and her gift makes it possible for us to do more of that.”
CU-Colorado Springs, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in northeast Colorado Springs, is the fastest growing university in Colorado and one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The university offers 25 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s and two doctoral degrees. The campus enrolls about 7,800 students annually.