The 11 KPWE graduating scholars were recognized during the event. 
Karen and Jim Possehl, founders of the KPWE scholarship program. 
Chancellor Venkat Reddy presents the Unstoppable Woman Award to Sally Hybl. 
Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce presented a $5,000 check for the KPWE scholarship program during the VIP reception. 
Sally Hybl performing “Light” from Next to Normal alongside vocalists Nathan Halvorson, Miranda McCauley, and Jennifer DeDominic, with Jerry McCauley on piano. 
KPWE current scholars, graduates and mentors pose for a photo outside. 
The KPWE Unstoppable Women’s Event was held at the Ent Center for the Arts.
“Unstoppable” was the theme of the evening for the 17th Annual Karen Possehl Women’s Endowment (KPWE) Unstoppable Women’s Event. Supporters and friends of the scholarship gathered at the Ent Center for the Arts on May 18 to recognize the 11 KPWE graduates and celebrate Sally Hybl as the 2022 Unstoppable Woman.
The energy in the room was felt by all, and several remarks left audience members teary-eyed and inspired to make a gift to the KPWE scholarship program.
Becca Tonn, UCCS alumna and 2005 KPWE graduate, was the emcee for the event. Audience members heard from UCCS Chancellor Venkat Reddy and KPWE graduate and current mentor Deandra Sanders, along with a message from Karen Possehl, founder of the KPWE scholarship program, and Sarah Possehl, daughter-in-law to Karen and Jim Possehl.
“Scholars, we acknowledge you for your passion and bravery. It gives me comfort knowing that unstoppable women like you are changing our communities for the better,” Reddy said. “We are also here today to celebrate Sally Hybl. Sally is a community advocate and change agent who has a heart for all corners of our city. She is a leader, and a philanthropist, who gives her time, talents and gifts to others.”
Guests at the event had the privilege of witnessing Sally perform “Light” from Next to Normal alongside vocalists Nathan Halvorson, Miranda McCauley and Jennifer DeDominic, with Jerry McCauley on piano.
“Sally’s performance was truly a remarkable moment and the song’s message allowed attendees to reflect on their personal resiliency,” said Christine Noack, Assistant Director of Development. “The evening was certainly a memorable night, and we were thrilled to inspire the support from guests who better understood how this transformational scholarship empowers women.”
The annual KPWE event raises critical funds for the KPWE scholarship program. This fiscal year, the KPWE program raised over $250,900.
A milestone was also achieved: for the first time in KPWE history, KPWE sponsor support helped to surpass the scholarship funding gap for the next academic year.
This year’s KPWE sponsors included a combination of corporate and family sponsors and the first-ever beverage sponsors.
KPWE Event Sponsors
Amethyst Sponsor:
Ruby Sponsors:
- Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Lyda Hill Philanthropies
- Rotary Club of North Colorado Springs
- UCHealth
- Winslow BMW of Colorado Springs
KPWE Longstanding Community and Family Sponsors:
Karen and Jim Possehl, the Bloom Foundation, Kathy Loo and the Loo family, The Daniels Fund, Mayor John and Janet Suthers, Charles Hinkle, Mike Lanagan, The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Ent Credit Union and the Zonta Pikes Peak Area Club.
Beverage Sponsors:
- Bristol Brewing Company
- Distillery 291
- Sovereignty Wines
About the KPWE Scholarship
The KPWE scholarship 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, KPWE 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 KPWE Scholarship program, visit kpwe.uccs.edu.
If you are interested in learning how you can support the KPWE scholarship, contact Christine Noack, Assistant Director of Development at 719.255.5703 or email [email protected].