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A generous $200,000 endowed gift from Paula Budzak (MA in Curriculum and Instruction, ’99) will provide support for students in the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education program at the University of Colorado Denver’s School of Education & Human Development. Budzak, a retired English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, spent much of her career serving Denver’s diverse communities. Her gift reflects a lifelong commitment to education, equity and service.

“This gift will be truly transformative,” said Marvin Lynn, dean of the School of Education & Human Development. “I am grateful to Paula Budzak for her commitment to ESL teachers and her vision to give back in this way.”

Early Years and Education

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Budzak was raised by parents who both worked their way through college—her mother earning a business degree from the University of Pittsburgh while working as an executive secretary, and her father becoming a mining engineer after attending Penn State.

Her family later moved to southern Illinois, where Budzak’s academic talents flourished. A National Merit Scholar semifinalist, she initially pursued architecture at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign before switching paths. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Art Education with teaching certification from Eastern Illinois University.

Budzak taught adult ESL students across Denver, including at the Community College of Denver and New America Schools.

Finding Her Calling in ESL

The summer after graduation, Budzak worked as a ceramics counselor.  After that, she moved to Fort Collins, CO, where she explored various jobs—from baking cinnamon rolls at a local restaurant to working at the circulation desk at Colorado State University’s Library. Next, she earned a master’s degree in Religion from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. A chance recommendation led her to Emily Griffith School, where she taught GED classes to adult learners at night while working in tech editing by day.

Inspired by her students, Budzak enrolled in CU Denver’s Curriculum and Instruction program. There, she studied under faculty emeritus members Mark Clarke and Sheila Shannon and developed specialized skills in ESL instruction.

“At CU Denver, I learned how hard it is to learn a second language—and how long it takes to learn it well,” Budzak said. “I think it’s the best program in the state for teachers of second-language students.”

Her ESL teaching career continued at the Community College of Denver, then at the New America Schools, then back to the Community College of Denver, where she thrived in one-on-one tutoring and embraced international travel inspired by her students and colleagues.

A Gift Rooted in Purpose

Budzak’s decision to support future ESL teachers grew over seven years. Encouraged by a bilingual mentee and inspired by the growing need for culturally responsive educators, she worked with the CU gift planning team to establish a legacy gift.

Her contribution will support the Fernie Baca Endowed Scholarship Fund, which helps both aspiring and current teachers earn credentials to serve culturally and linguistically diverse students. Budzak will also support scholarships or wrap-around services at five other Colorado institutions.

In 2024, Budzak hosted international students at her home for CU at the Table.

Now retired, Budzak enjoys gardening, quilting, painting and baking. On occasion, she hosts university students at her home. She hopes her gift will inspire others to support CU Denver students and programs through their own estate plans.

Interested in supporting CU students through a legacy gift or learning more about the CU Heritage Society? Contact Susan Cleveland at [email protected].