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Hummel Family Foundation: Building a Community of Scholars

On a snowy spring morning in Boulder, a cluster of Leeds students pulled on gloves, packed sandwiches and snacks, tucked fresh socks into paper bags and slid handwritten notes inside with short messages of hope for neighbors they might never meet. Then they fanned out with Circle of Love, a local nonprofit serving people experiencing homelessness, to deliver 30 lunches across town. It was the first-ever Hummel Scholars Day of Service—a simple idea with an unmistakable message: at Leeds, a scholarship isn’t just support; it’s belonging and shared responsibility.

That spirit is exactly what the Hummel Family Foundation set out to spark. Through need-based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students at Leeds, the Foundation helps reduce financial pressure so recipients can lean into high-impact experiences—internships, treks, case competitions—without the undertow of cost. The result is a growing community on campus. ��

“We always hoped that by telling our story, we will inspire others to give,” said Jennifer Hummel Ostenson, who serves as an advisor of the Hummel Family Foundation and carries forward her father’s legacy alongside her brother, Robert C. Hummel II. “For our scholars, it’s more than tuition—support means time to join clubs, study abroad, and be part of a community that lifts each other up.” ��

The focus is intentional. Every Hummel Scholar demonstrates significant financial need, ensuring awards reach those for whom the support is most transformative. As one scholar said, “This scholarship lifts a real weight and lets me focus on class instead of constantly feeling stress. It opens doors to leadership, internships and the confidence to aim higher.” Another scholar added: “With this support, I can pursue my goals and build a community to share that help with others.” ��

The legacy behind the Hummel Scholars traces to Dr. Robert C. Hummel, co-founder of Animal Health International, whose own path was shaped by a small gift with a big charge: pay it forward. Today, his children carry that promise forward at Leeds and far beyond. ��

The Hummel commitment is national, with the Foundation supporting students at institutions including Rockhurst, University of Missouri, Ohio State (DVM, Dental Hygiene and Education), Colorado State (DVM), the University of Northern Colorado (Business, Nursing and Education), and the University of Denver. Across these campuses, the throughline is consistent, focusing on need, leadership, service, and a call to give back. ��

“Giving back isn’t only about money—it’s time, talent and showing up,” Jennifer said. “We want students to learn early how meaningful it is to serve, and to carry that forward in their lives and careers.” ��

Back in Boulder, those lunch bags told a larger story. Scholars didn’t just complete a service project; they named the kind of community they want to build. It’s one where support becomes courage, and courage becomes action. As the Hummel Scholars cohort grows, so does the legacy of generosity and creating a community at Leeds that multiplies opportunity and models what it means to give back.��