Nadine Henry, one of CSU’s most prominent and beloved alumni, died Saturday in Longmont at age 95.
Nadine (BS Home Economics ’41) and husband Jim (BS Animal Science ’40) were generous donors and tireless supporters of CSU. In 2000, the CSU Alumni Association named them “Alumni of the Century.”
”All of us at CSU join with the Henry family in honoring a remarkable woman, a stalwart Ram fan, and one of the most treasured members of our CSU community,” Colorado State University President Tony Frank said. “Nadine and Jim Henry together set the bar for giving back to their alma mater, and this university is a far better place because they loved CSU and did so much over their lifetimes to support it. I am so happy to have had a chance to know and learn from Nadine – I will never forget her.”
Ardent student supporters
Nadine was passionate about education. She and Jim funded several scholarships in various CSU academic colleges, and hundreds of students have benefitted from their generosity. They also helped pioneer the 1870 Club, which honors CSU’s most generous donors.
The Jim and Nadine Henry Award has been presented annually since 1988 to alumni who exemplify extraordinary service to CSU and its academic, athletic and alumni programs. (Their daughter, Kathleen Henry, received the award in 2007.)
The Henrys were a familiar presence on campus and around the state. In 2000, Jim estimated the couple had driven from their Longmont cattle ranch to Fort Collins more than 2,000 times to attend various campus functions and cheer on their beloved Rams at football and men’s and women’s basketball games.
Passionate Ram fans
They were proud to show off their “Ram Room” in their home, which included photos and memorabilia from eight decades of supporting CSU. Among the items is a blanket given to Dr. Duane Hartshorn, Nadine’s uncle, who was team physician for CSU football for nearly 30 years. CSU’s Hartshorn Health Center is named for him.
Jim, who died April 26, 2006, was inducted into the CSU Sports Hall of Fame for his many years of support and dedication to CSU’s student-athletes. He and Nadine became friends and mentors to generations of Rams coaches.
“Nadine and Jim were two of most genuine, honest people I’ve ever known,” said former CSU head football coach Sonny Lubick. “They’ve given so much to CSU – not just financially, but from a moral standpoint because they were such great people.
“If any couple epitomized CSU it was them. Nadine was always such a gracious and kind person who cared about people and the welfare of Colorado State. She was a great friend, and she will be greatly missed.”
Beyond CSU, Nadine and Jim were highly respected members of the cattle industry. They served in various leadership capacities with the National Western Stock Show for more than 30 years.
All four of their children graduated from CSU, plus three grandchildren. Daughter Kathleen Henry has been the President/CEO of the CSU Research Foundation (CSURF) since 1988, as well as serving as President/CEO of the CSU Foundation (CSUF) since 1990.
Funeral information
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the United Church of Christ, 1500 9th Ave., Longmont. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to support the Nadine and Jim Henry Family Food Science and Human Nutrition Scholarship Endowment in memory of Nadine. Donations will be accepted online or by contacting the Colorado State University Foundation, P.O. Box 1870, Fort Collins, CO 80522.
