The University of Colorado Boulder's Parent Leadership Society (PLS), which formed in fall 2010, already is seeing great success, and has far exceeded initial projections for participation.

The group (a subset of the Parent Fund that raises more than $500,000 annually for CU-Boulder student-focused programs) has become a valuable forum for parents to connect with and advocate for the university, and to gain private support for projects such as an after-hours counseling support line and the new Center for Community that houses numerous student support services. Parents qualify as PLS members with a minimum annual gift of $2,500 or higher.

The PLS recently appointed its first board chair, Todd Rulon-Miller, a California parent of twin CU-Boulder students.

"Over 70 parents have stepped up to join this generous group of parents — our goal was 50 new members by the end of the school year," Rulon-Miller said. "I am encouraged by the positive response, and my goal is to grow this number to at least 150 parents who are as passionate as I am in supporting CU-Boulder."

Less than two-thirds of the way through the fiscal year, Parent Fund contributions have nearly equaled the total for the 2009-10 year. This encouraging parent participation comes at a vital moment for support for the University of Colorado as it aims to enhance value and services in a time of increasing financial need.

For more information on the Parent Fund and the Parent Leadership Society, go to parents.colorado.edu/parentfund, call 303-492-3440 or e-mail parents@cufund.org.