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Laura Anderson, right, associate athletic director for performance nutrition, discusses fueling plans with a student-athlete. Credit: Matt Tyrie, CU �Ǹ�Թ�

The Crawford family is the fuel behind the energy and performance of student-athletes at CU �Ǹ�Թ�.

From top left: Jeff, Orsi, Dona, Jack, Gordy and CJ Crawford

The Crawfords' $3.1 million investment in the performance nutrition program announced Thursday will create a hands-on teaching kitchen, grow the fueling stations, and expand supplement and snack offerings for student-athletes. In addition, their transformational gift will support cutting-edge analyses of sports nutrition to pinpoint the nutritional needs of every athlete.

In recognition of the family’s investment, the student-athlete nutrition center will be renamed in their honor.

“Performance starts with food,” said Laura Anderson, associate athletic director for performance nutrition. “That’s the motto of the Performance Nutrition Department. We strive to implement and provide nutrition interventions that will contribute to our athletes’ health and success. The Crawfords'��gift provides tremendous support for this mission.”

With an unwavering commitment to CU Athletics and student success, the Crawfords have made CU a part of their giving legacy for almost 30 years.

The family’s Buff pride tradition extends from Gordy and his wife, Dona, to their late son, Brett, who attended CU from 1990 to 1993, and to their son, Jeff (A&S’90), his wife, Orsi, and their two children, Jack and CJ.�� ����

“We hope this gift will inspire others to give to the university, so that Colorado’s student-athletes can compete at the very highest level in collegiate sports,” said Jeff Crawford. “Go Buffs!”

“Through their continued dedication to this university and to our student-athletes, the Crawford family has created a significant legacy at CU �Ǹ�Թ�,” Chancellor Philip DiStefano said. “Their support will positively impact the health and excellence of our young athletes for years to come.”��

Taking an innovative approach to maximizing performance, the nutrition program develops individualized fueling plans for student-athletes to better understand the relationship between their nutrition and performance.

“The Crawford family has been a proud CU family for many years and has always been generous to our mission,” Athletic Director Rick George said.

“With this gift, they are permanently changing how our student-athletes view nutrition and its impact on performance. Their gift will give our student-athletes access to cutting-edge programs to maximize their ability.”