As the first in their families to attend college, Ferd and Christy Belz know what it means to move through the world without a roadmap.
A nontraditional student, Christy put herself through school. Later, as a social worker, she saw her own challenges reflected in others. Ferd, now president of real estate developer L.C. Fulenwider Inc., and member of the Metropolitan State University Denver Foundation Board of Directors for over 10 years, holds hardworking students such as his wife and those at the University in high esteem.
“MSU Denver students are all unique and trying to get through (school) and understand the value of education. Most of them are working jobs at the same time and need support. And some of them probably have children. It’s so impressive. The Roadrunners just have great attitudes,” Ferd said.
Ferd and Christy’s dedication to supporting students has earned them the Marathon Award, Metropolitan State University of Denver’s highest honor, given to people whose contributions, service and leadership exemplify the Roadrunner difference.
The couple have been instrumental to the University’s mission since 2012, and more recently as champions for the Roadrunners Rise campaign, which has surpassed its $100 million goal. Over the years, they’ve come to know MSU Denver faculty and staff members well and continue to be inspired by the power of education to change the world.
“Through their leadership on the Foundation Board, as well as their leadership on this campaign, they have changed MSU Denver for the better and for generations to come,” said Christine Marquez-Hudson, president and CEO of the MSU Denver Foundation.
The couple highlighted programs such as Call Me MiSTER, First-Generation Initiatives, Rowdy’s Corner and the Student Emergency Fund and noted that 77% of alumni stay in Colorado and contribute to its thriving economy.
“I’ve been blown away with how many MSU (Denver) grads are in different companies,” Ferd said. “They’re going to be transforming this city for the better.”
Back in 2023, the Belzes solidified their passion for education with a significant gift to MSU Denver’s Student Success Endowed Fund, which provides wraparound services and resources to nontraditional and first-generation students such as the ones MSU Denver serves.
“I think what inspires me most to keep going and to support MSU Denver is the understanding at a deep level, both academically and working in the field of social work, what an education means for people,” said Christy, president of Empowerment Coaching and Consulting. “This is a transformational step: to go get an education and to step forward into your culture and your world.”
