Dick and Linda Bateman
BRECKENRIDGE – Dick and Linda Bateman might say they “retired” to Breckenridge in the late ’90s. But what the couple has accomplished since they moved here couldn’t have occurred without their continual, concerted effort and giving attitudes.
Now the two, who both hold doctorates in chemistry, are being honored through The Summit Foundation’s Philanthropy Awards, which are being presented at a celebration on Nov. 20 at Copper Mountain.
Among 10 categories receiving recognition, the Batemans have been selected to receive the Dr. Oliver Stonington Outstanding Philanthropist Award.
It’s easy to see why. Both have given countless hours to Colorado Mountain College in Summit County. Dick is on the college’s elected board of trustees, and both have taught at the college, strengthened the math and science curriculum, instituted scholarships and raised capital for the recently opened Breckenridge Center of the Summit Campus.
“They walk the walk and talk the talk,” said Judi LaPoint, a fundraising consultant for the college. “They understand the needs of their community and give of their time and wisdom.”
Throughout the county, they’ve served on numerous nonprofit boards and given to many organizations. Besides Colorado Mountain College, they’ve contributed to the Summit County Library, the Breckenridge Music Festival, The Summit Foundation, the National Repertory Orchestra and the Family & Intercultural Resource Center.
LaPoint said that both Dick and Linda set examples which inspire other Summit County residents.
“They encourage others to do the same,” she said. “They act as role models for the community.”
Linda served as president of the Breckenridge Music Festival’s board of directors from 2001 to 2003. From 2004 to 2009, she served as the Summit County Library Board president and on its board. Now, she is an active member of Applause!, which raises funds for the Breckenridge Music Festival. And Linda is currently the president of the board of the Family & Intercultural Resource Center.
As one of the college’s seven trustees, Dick is elected by voters throughout its six-county district to set policy, approve the budget and monitor the college’s overall progress. Dick is now in his second, four-year term.
Not only are the Batemans giving, but they also acknowledge volunteer efforts in others. In 2005, when Linda broke her ankle hiking back from Keystone and was rescued by volunteers of Summit Mountain Rescue, she wrote a thank you letter that appeared in the Summit Daily News.
“We citizens of Summit County are so fortunate,” Linda wrote, “to have dedicated, skilled volunteers who so professionally help us out when we need it.”
It seems the same can be said about the tremendous contributions Dick and Linda Bateman make to Summit County, its people and its philanthropic, humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations.
