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When broker Ron I. Martinez lost his good friend in a mountain biking accident in 2001, he and several other friends turned their pain into purpose and started the Sean “Ranch” Lough Foundation (SRLF), which hosts the Denver Derby Party. The event raises funds to award four-year scholarships to Colorado State University (CSU) to students who would otherwise not be able to attend college. The foundation has helped local students achieve their dreams and aspirations to make college a reality. 

Photo Credit: Gabriel Rovick

Sean Lough, known as Ranch, touched many lives with his spirit, aspirations, humor, and kindness. He completed his undergraduate degree at CSU and the purpose of this scholarship program is to commemorate Lough’s life and accomplishments. Scholarships are awarded to students who exhibit the same qualities Lough possessed including having an excellent grade point average, an economic need, and a hearty personality with a love for life. 

In honor of the foundation’s contributions to CSU for over 20 years, President Amy Parsons recently hosted SRLF current and former scholarship recipients, founders including Martinez, sponsors, and supporters for dinner on campus at the home of the President. The scholarship recipients talked about how the foundation has changed their lives and how without the financial burden of college being removed, attending a university would not be possible. 

Every Sunday, Ron calls several of the scholarship recipients to ask them three questions – Are you happy? Are you healthy? How are your grades? He’s invested in their futures and offers mentorship and guidance to the young adults who in many cases have little to no family. 

“I’m so happy to have a role in these kids’ lives while they continue the legacy of our great friend Sean,” said Martinez, who has been dedicated to 22 years of public service.  “As a CSU alum, it’s so nice to stay engaged with my alma mater and fraternity brothers in a socially meaningful way.” Also in attendance at the dinner was State Senator Rhonda Fields, who has been a supporter of the SRLF for several years. 

Photo Credit: Gabriel Rovick

The Denver Derby Party has grown to become the largest derby party in the U.S. outside of Kentucky, welcoming over 3,000 guests from all over the world. This year’s Denver Derby Party takes place on Saturday, May 4^th at McGregor Square. Over the years, the party has raised $7.5 million, sold 152,000 tickets, and given out over 60 scholarships. 

Meet the Scholars

To Nassr, an immigrant who started working full-time at a young age to support his family, education was always a dream that seemed out of reach. As a sophomore in high school, Nassr decided to join the swim team where he met a lifelong friend in a teammate. This friendship would change his life, as the friend’s mother worked at a law firm with Brad Hanson, SRLF member. When she relayed Nassr’s story to Hanson, he encouraged Nassr to apply for the scholarship. 

“It’s moments like these—chance encounters and the kindness of others—that can change the course of our lives in ways we never imagined. And for me, it was the catalyst that opened doors to opportunities I once thought were beyond my reach,” said Nassr.

Receiving the scholarship represented hope, opportunity, and the chance at a better future for Nassr and his family. It gave him a sense of validation and worth, which in turn created confidence. 

Photo Credit: Gabriel Rovick

“It also afforded me the opportunity to connect with mentors, peers, and communities, fostering valuable relationships and expanding my opportunities,” said Nassr. With Martinez as a mentor, offering guidance, support and wisdom has helped him navigate challenges and uncertainties in his life. “Ron’s mentorship means more to me than words can express. It’s not just about the practical advice he offers or the doors he opens—it’s about the unwavering belief he has in my potential, even when I may doubt myself,” he added. 

Nassr encourages those who may be struggling with the financial burden of going to college, to not be afraid to apply for scholarships because there are opportunities out there. He graduated from CSU and is currently working as an attorney in Denver. 

During Molly’s senior year of high school, she was the sole caretaker of her mother who was suffering from Alzheimer’s. Struggling to come up with the money to attend college, her science teacher recommended she apply for the SRLF scholarship. “I really couldn’t believe when I made it to the final interview round, much less actually winning the full-ride to CSU. It feels surreal to this day,” says Rosales.

She credits the SRLF for making her feel important and seen and says Martinez has gone above and beyond in making her feel supported throughout her time as CSU. She struggled with leaving her mother, but knew this was necessary to follow her passion and go to college. Rosales excelled, earning a Bachelor of Science in Zoology with a minor in Global Environmental Sustainability and landing on the Dean’s List. “Being back during the president’s dinner earlier this month brought back a flood of memories. Fort Collins has a special place in my heart, and I’m thankful every day for the opportunities I was blessed with,” said Rosales. 

Photo Credit: Gabriel Rovick

COVID cut her in person college experience short, but even so she was able to meet some of her best friends who cared about the same things she cared about. Today, she is an educator at The Denver Zoo teaching visitors about the animals and the conservation efforts we can all do to support the wildlife here in Colorado and elsewhere. She loves her job and hopes to pursue further education and become an animal care specialist. “Every time I go to work, I get to do what I love, and I get to feel my mom’s spirit since she used to take me to the zoo all the time when I was younger,” said Rosales. 

Born in a refugee camp in Nepal, Samir Mongar struggled in school while growing up in the camp. When he complained about not being able to hear to his teachers, he was met with cruel comments and little help. In 2007, the United Nations set up an establishment in the camp and in 2013 Mongar and his family received word that they would be placed to Colorado. 

Once he started school in the United States, he was diagnosed with hearing loss. When he received hearing aids, his entire academic life changed and his grades improved. He thrived as part of the student senate and the track team in high school.  

Mongar heard about the scholarship in a meeting with his high school counselor when he mentioned he would like to attend CSU. Even though he was aware of another South High School student (Nassr) who received the scholarship, he wasn’t thinking of it for himself. 

Earning the scholarship has meant the world to Mongar as a first-generation student and person of color. 

His parents were not in a financial position to send him to college, so the scholarship is everything. He enjoys having Martinez as a mentor and says he doesn’t know of any other scholarship recipients who receive calls checking up on them. “He holds me accountable. When he asks me about my grades, I don’t want to let him down,” he added.

He is currently in his second year of college pursuing a degree in Business Finance. He is enjoying life at CSU saying, “I love it! I recently joined a fraternity and I have really found a home at CSU.”  

Photo Credit: Gabriel Rovick

This year’s scholarship winners will be announced at the Denver Derby Party. Advanced ticket purchase is required. For more information, please go to denverderbyparty.com.