Supporters Like You

During his teen years Matt played bass guitar in a “garage band.” He says, “We thought we were professionals; we were paid $20 per show.”

He taught upper-elementary students in Arizona, California, and, for 20 years, in Jefferson County, Colorado. He spent the last 12 years at Edgewater Elementary. Matt nearly always had music in the classroom (usually jazz) and even musical theater, believing music is vital to child development, “right up there with food and oxygen.”

Matt became an avid KUVO listener, then a member in the late 1990s. After retiring in 2012, Matt started to connect with KUVO as a volunteer working with Volunteer Coordinator, Arvida Rascón.

Over the years, Matt discovered meaningful ways to support KUVO through his philanthropy.

In 2017, with a promise to Tina Cartagena, Matt enhanced his support of KUVO with gifts of $4,965 that would be used as an on-air challenge during KUVO pledge drives. He chose this special gift amount to honor his late parents who left an inheritance. His parents were married in 1949 for 65 years.

Matt’s passion for KUVO grew throughout the years and in 2021, Matt’s generosity launched the Carlos Lando Musician and Event Fund to support local artists performing at the Buell Public Media Center. In addition to supporting local artists, Matt funded the KUVO Jazz-mobiles, making a gift to truly share jazz music throughout the state. Matt has played a critical role in KUVO’s reach, making jazz available to all. “Music needs to get into the ears of everybody, I like that KUVO is public radio.”

In 2022 Matt informed KUVO that he made the organization the sole beneficiary of his estate. “I want to leave the planet better than when I got here by pushing good music to others. KUVO does that so well.”

Though Matt has made incredible financial contributions to KUVO, his volunteer work with the station speaks to his commitment to spreading culture, community, and music. Rocky Mountain Public Media and KUVO Jazz is honored to have such a strong partnership with Matt who continues to actively volunteer his time, generously give his financial support, and provide a legacy through donating his estate to ensure the KUVO Jazz inspires and reaches generations to come.

Chapter Two

Flash forward thirty years. By then Suzanne had finished her doctorate in education, written many books for teachers and children, and was working in publishing. While serving as Editor in Chief and VP at LeapFrog, an educational toy company, she spoke on a panel about the controversy surrounding claims that certain media products could increase a child’s IQ.

An attending representative from PBS invited her to serve on the PBS Next Generation Media Advisory Board, and suddenly she was sitting alongside such greats as Dr. Milton Chen (George Lucas Educational Foundation), Mo Willems (author), Rosemarie Trujillo (Sesame Street), and various media and research experts. The Board met for ten years, and each year the staff reported on the changes made and programs developed based on the board’s recommendations. PBS listened. They changed. And they made sure the volunteer board knew how important they were to the process of their program development.

Chapter Three

During these decades, it never occurred to Suzanne to financially support PBS. She contributed her time, of course, but she admits she gained more than she gave while on the board. Meanwhile, her sister, with whom she emailed daily, would tell her about all the PBS events she and her husband attended in central Florida. “You need to donate to them,” she’d say. “There are so many events, and the programming is outstanding.” And so, she did. Membership opened so many opportunities to attend those special events her sister had raved about, which led to chapter four.

“While all my experiences with PBS have been meaningful, my fourth chapter with PBS as a legacy partner will never end. And for that, I am grateful.”

Chapter Four

Suzanne continues to work in the world of children’s education, serving as chair of the educational advisory board for Lingokids, an app used by millions of children around the world. And when it became time to update her estate planning, it was surprisingly easy to incorporate a gift to RMPBS into her will. She consulted her family and attorney and submitted relevant documents to PBS to demonstrate her intentions. Suzanne hopes that others will be inspired to make PBS part of their lives now and forever. “While all my experiences with PBS have been meaningful, my fourth chapter with PBS as a legacy partner will never end. And for that, I am grateful.”

Suzanne’s journey illustrates the enduring influence of Rocky Mountain PBS on her life and the countless children who have reaped the benefits of its educational programming. Her unwavering commitment shines brightly, and her choice to include Rocky Mountain PBS into her estate planning ensures that her legacy of supporting education will endure for generations.

Patty Pacey

Patty was born in Minnesota, and at the age of 10, her family moved to the west coast of Florida in the Sarasota area. Patty attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she earned her PhD in Economics.

Patty began her time at the University of Florida as an education major, planning to teach high school math, but professors saw her potential in the field of economics and motivated her to pursue her PhD. An inspiration to women, Patty was at that time the only female pursuing her PhD in economics at the University of Florida, and upon her completion of the program, Patty moved to Washington DC to work for the Congressional Budget Office in its second year of existence.

After some time in DC, Patty ventured west with the plan of spending a year or two in Colorado before returning to Florida. Within a month, Patty fell in love with the state of Colorado and called her mother to say, “sell my spot in Florida, I’m never coming back.”

Upon settling in Colorado, Patty began teaching at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs and eventually moved to its main campus in Boulder. Patty would spend her Friday nights with other students and professors watching PBS NewsHour. Each of them would encourage each other to give during the pledge drives, which began Patty’s 42-year giving history with Rocky Mountain PBS, after making her first gift of $25 in 1979.

Patty’s dedication to Rocky Mountain PBS expanded beyond giving, as she served on the board of directors from 2014 to 2020 in leadership roles as both the treasurer and vice chair.

Patty enjoys the Rocky Mountain PBS programs MASTERPIECE, the British produced mysteries, nature, and history programming and encourages others to watch Rocky Mountain PBS.

Chuck Neinas

Chuck, who was born and raised in Wisconsin, served in the navy before graduating from the University of Wisconsin. Chuck, who feels like he never really had a job due to his love for his work, dedicated his career to college athletics, specializing in football.

Chuck was a leader in the world of college athletics, serving as assistant executive director of the NCAA to commissioner of the Big Eight Conference to executive director of the College Football Association. In addition to Chuck’s leadership in the world of sports, Chuck has worn many hats sharing his leadership skills on the board of directors and guiding other nonprofit and for-profit organizations to great successes.

Chuck, who is a history buff, enjoys the Rocky Mountain PBS programs FRONTLINE and American Experience as well as the PBS NewsHour, which he believes provides a broad coverage of important stories. Chuck jokes the only thing PBS is lacking is football!

Patty and Chuck: A Legacy of Phlanthropy

Patty and Chuck enjoy how Rocky Mountain PBS captures the interest of people in all stages of life from the children’s programming to the news. The two grew up on different sides of the political fence, which draws them to the PBS NewsHour as they enjoy hearing unbiased stories; this is what they believe democracy is all about. PBS gives them a political balance, as they are self-described news junkies.

Patty and Chuck believe in the power of education and public media, where their philanthropic interests lie, and believe their legacy would be the opportunity for others to learn. As stated by Patty, PBS entertains while it educates children and informs adults.

In addition to Patty and Chuck’s incredible annual support and estate contribution, they also played an integral role in Rocky Mountain Public Media’s historic capital campaign by making a transformational gift.

They continue to live their life to its fullest every day. Avid travelers, Patty and Chuck have visited every continent in the world and hope to get back to travelling as health and safety allow. On any given day, they enjoy spending time with their two children, six grandchildren, Patty’s siblings, the Neinas family, and their beloved Samoyed husky, Scarlett.

The legacy of Robert and Rosemary Metzler will live on, as their generous gifts allow Rocky Mountain Public Media to continue to serve all of Colorado through thought-provoking and educational programming.

Robert Franklin Metzler
September 5, 1923 – July 6, 2020

Mr. Metzler truly lived a life of service through education. A graduate of the University of Denver, Mr. Metzler also received an honorary doctorate degree from Columbia University for his unmatched contributions to the field of education.

In 1944, he began teaching in classrooms where he shined as a children’s educator. He was a natural in the classroom, but leadership was also in his blood. He quickly became school principal, was elected as County Superintendent of Douglas County Schools in 1952, and Superintendent of Schools for Clear Creek County in 1964.

Mr. Metzler’s incredible passion for education and his groundbreaking classroom concepts landed him national recognition at the 1964 World’s Fair, where he presented his ideas and transformational educational practices with a team from Columbia University. Before taking his career internationally, Mr. Metzler was part of the administration of Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs.

Education played a leading role in his life, but other passions, that likely stemmed from being a third generation Coloradan, included ranching, fishing, and cross-country skiing, as well as art and service through philanthropy.

Rosemary Margaret Metzler
July 18, 1928 – February 15, 2017

Rosemary Metzler’s passion for education encompassed a love of literature and the arts, as she spent 33 years of her life teaching AP English, Shakespeare, and Creative Writing.

Rosemary’s teaching style was thoughtful, enthusiastic and completely unmatched. She opted for a hands-on approach with her students, as their success was her ultimate goal. Rosemary understood the value of well-rounded individuals and acted on that belief. Outside the classroom, she was known to support her students’ endeavors, including their extracurricular activities of sports and theater. She encouraged the development of her students in all facets of their lives.

Rosemary’s educational efforts and philosophy made waves beyond borders, as she taught in Europe and Africa. She also lectured at the collegiate level at the University of Denver and made administrative impacts by serving on teacher evaluation committees.

Retirement did not end Rosemary’s love of education. Upon ending her career as a teacher, she published multiple children’s books, which captured a unique look at rural and ranching life.

Rosemary’s dedication to student success has left a lasting impression that is beyond measure.

Robert Franklin Metzler Words of Wisdom 1970:

“A kind word, a kind deed—both are understood the world over. They are a universal language, a password and open sesame to friendship and success. Happy is the individual who has the tact, the grace and the good sense to recognize the dignity and the importance of respect of a fellow human being. His life is thereby made more pleasant. People are more anxious to help him and thus to reciprocate the kindness he has extended to them. Strive to speak more kind words, for they are far reaching and like ripples circle on and on in our lives and in the lives of others.”

There is no question that Robert and Rosemary Metzler brought passion and purpose to education, and we are fortunate to have their legacy part of Rocky Mountain Public Media.

Peter continued working in the banking industry until 1993, when he was named the Chairman of the Colorado National Bank of Denver and Colorado National Bancshares. During this time, Peter became acquainted with Don Johnson, President and General Manager of KRMA (Rocky Mountain PBS). 

Public television was close to Peter’s heart, as his father and other associates purchased, managed, and owned KOA radio and television. Peter was also a personal advocate of education and believed public television offered unmatched educational messages.

With a heart for philanthropy and the power of community, Peter became involved with Rocky Mountain PBS and worked to expand listenership and membership by organizing a series of events titled, Information Breakfasts. He invited business leaders and contributors to these events at the station, allowing them to meet leadership staff and learn the importance of programming. During this time, Peter was elected Chair of the Board and served from 1993–1995.

Peter was also part of the campaign committee and cabinet that raised $15 million to move the station from its location on Glenarm Street to Bannock Street. In addition, Peter and his wife Rhondda played an integral role in helping us complete Rocky Mountain Public Media’s most recent $35 million capital campaign to build the Buell Public Media Center, our new home on Arapahoe Street.

Peter’s favorite programs on Rocky Mountain PBS included Masterpiece Theatre, NOVA, Frontline, American Experience, and the MacNeil/Lehrer Report.

Peter passed away on December 12, 2020 and left Rocky Mountain Public Media as a beneficiary of his Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Peter’s generous planned gift and support during his lifetime will leave a lasting impact on our community.  His legacy and philanthropic spirit will forever be remembered in the Buell Public Media Center, as a seat in the Masterpiece Studio is named in his honor. 

During his life, Peter’s leadership and service to Rocky Mountain PBS shaped public media in the state of Colorado. His legacy gift continues to serve the mission of Rocky Mountain Public Media and strengthen the civic fabric of our community.

During this time, Deanna and Don were preparing for the arrival of their first child, while Don was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. In 1971, six months after the birth of their son, Don passed away. Deanna and Joe supported each other during this sad time, and they fell in love. In 1972, they were married, a marriage that would span 46 years.  

Throughout their joyful marriage, Deanna and Joe were dedicated to youth and education, among other pursuits. Deanna was a first-grade teacher and completed an advanced degree as a reading specialist while raising her son. In the 90s, Joe and Deanna worked at The American School Foundation in Mexico, and later they served as educators for two years in Kathmandu, Nepal.  

They spent their life in service to education, students and most importantly, their family, while active in hiking and daily walks. Deanna was diagnosed with cancer and unfortunately passed away in January 2019. 

Together, Deanna and Joe enjoyed PBS programs such as NOVA, Nature and Colorado Experience. Deanna made Rocky Mountain PBS a beneficiary in her will. It brings Joe great comfort that her legacy and passion for philanthropy will live on at Rocky Mountain PBS!