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An epic plan
By Lynne Winter ’17
When Rebeca Saavedra graduates in spring 2027, it will mark the culmination of a hard-fought higher education journey that began two decades ago.
After years of working various jobs while taking college courses when she could afford to, Saavedra found her path forward at Metropolitan State University of Denver, enrolling part-time in 2021. Two years later, she faced a pivotal moment in her academic career when financial pressures threatened to once again derail her dreams of earning a degree.
“I first heard about the Epic Scholars program when I was about to drop out,” said the Criminal Justice and Criminology major. “As an independent, non-traditional, Latina, first-generation student, I really needed that support.”
Thanks to a generous planned gift from alumnus Elliot Morgan and his husband, Doug Earhart, future MSU Denver students like Saavedra will also have access to opportunities and resources that empower them to succeed. Upon the couple’s passing, their entire estate will be bequeathed to the University, establishing a lasting legacy that will help sustain the Epic Scholars program.
Founded in January 2018, Epic Scholars goes beyond a scholarship, providing a “comprehensive, holistic student support program designed to nurture academic success and professional development for independent students who have experienced foster care and other challenging backgrounds.”
Elliot Morgan (center), Doug Earhart and Rowdy the Rowdrunner with Elliot's alumni award.
Each semester, students receive a stipend and academic advising, participate in personal and professional development activities, and set goals. “It’s not like, ‘oh, here’s some money because you have a three-point something ’; they’re your friend along the road,” said Saavedra, a student office assistant in the Office of the Vice President of Administration.
The program’s mission resonates with Morgan and Earhart. Growing up, Morgan’s parents were foster parents, opening their hearts and homes to newborns and young children needing a safe, loving environment. “We saw how much care it takes to help a child feel valued,” said Morgan.
Morgan graduated from MSU Denver in 1986 with a degree in Management after what Earhart calls a “shared six-year team effort,” with Morgan working full-time during the day and taking classes at night, while Earhart managed life behind the scenes and offered emotional support.
“It was challenging and exhausting,” said Morgan. “But the University provided the flexible, welcoming environment non-traditional students like me needed to succeed.”
“We learned firsthand how vital a strong support system is when you are trying to build a better future,” added Earhart.
Upon learning about the struggles foster youth face when they age out of the foster system and their safety net vanishes, Morgan and Earhart wanted to take action.
“If navigating a six-year night-school journey was tough for Elliott, having a steady partnership, it is exponentially harder for a young person doing it entirely alone,” said Earhart
Epic Scholars program manager Amanda Cusson said that when a student enters Epic, the goal is to walk alongside them from day one until they graduate, offering everything from financial and academic guidance to professional development, assistance with housing and/or food insecurity, developing interpersonal skills and more.
“Life is complex and messy. Whatever you need to succeed in college, we can help you with. Anything related to life we can help with,” said Cusson. “And if I don’t have an answer, we’ll get you connected to the right people.”
According to Cusson, more than 300 MSU Denver students qualify for Epic; the program is currently at capacity, supporting 63 students.
Morgan and Earhart’s gift will transform lives by expanding the program’s reach and impact, with their goal being that students “feel a profound sense of belonging on campus, thrive academically and cross the graduation stage knowing that someone is standing behind them, cheering them on to a bright future.”
Cusson views that sense of belonging as one of the most powerful elements of Epic, fostered by being among those who share lived experiences and backgrounds.
“I really preach that this is your community,” she said. “Just show up authentically as yourself – you don’t have to explain.”
Saavedra is thankful for the encouragement and guidance she’s received, allowing her to thrive without worrying about being judged. “My journey has been so extensive, and Epic is still there for me,” she said.
Looking toward the future, Saavedra is pursuing law school and a career in criminal law with the same determination that has gotten her where she is today.
“When I tell people I want to go to law school, they say, ‘Oh, really? That’s hard,” Saavedra said. “It’s taken me so many different lifetimes to get here – I don’t care if it takes five, 10 more years.”
“Dreams don’t expire.”