A mother’s perseverance inspires generosity and transforms student lives
Jeremy May, Yvonne Kristy
Yvonne Kristy arrived at a small liberal arts college in Minnesota in 1965, full of excitement for her future. But college quickly became overwhelming as she navigated social anxiety alongside the social and academic demands of college life. Unable to find the support she needed, she left during her first year, pausing her academic journey.
What could have been the end of her story became the start of something far more powerful.
Moving to Boulder to continue her education at the Թ of Colorado, she learned to balance coursework with the realities of adulthood, and 15 years later, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology at CU Boulder. In the years between, she built a life defined by persistence. She raised two sons in Boulder as a single mother, working multiple jobs and relying on public assistance when needed, all while holding fast to her belief that education mattered.
Her sons were watching.
They saw the late nights, sacrifices and unwavering commitment to building a better life. That example would come full circle decades later in the form of a gift that not only honors Kristy’s journey but also ensures students facing similar challenges have the support to redefine what’s possible in their education and lives.
Honoring a mother’s determination and resilience
Kristy went on to earn her master’s degree in social work from the Թ of Denver. Then she began her career at CU as a systems analyst in the early days of computer technology, eventually overseeing computer labs across campus. Her son, Jeremy May, drew inspiration from her determination and ability to use her intelligence to achieve meaningful outcomes.
He carried forward her belief in the power of education, graduating from CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business, an experience he says changed the trajectory of his life. Like his mother, he worked his way through college, relying also on Pell grants and student loans.
“She was able to create an environment that allowed me and my brother to be successful even in really difficult situations, and we knew how much she valued education,” May said.
In 2023, May honored his mother with a gift to CU Boulder, creating the Yvonne Kristy Endowed Chair at the . The position advances the Crown Institute’s innovation and impact through scholarly work focused on compassion, mindfulness, altruism and the greater good.
The investment reflects May’s values while addressing the very challenges that once made his mother’s college experience so difficult.
Sona Dimidjian, director of the Renée Crown Wellness Institute, Yvonne Kristy, Jeremy May
A full-circle moment through research
Professor Joanna Arch was named the first recipient of the Yvonne Kristy Endowed Chair in 2023. As chair, she led the development of the in collaboration with graduate and undergraduate students, which focuses on reducing social isolation and disconnection among CU Boulder students.
Social anxiety is one of the most common challenges faced by undergraduate students, with more than a third experiencing an anxiety disorder. Socially anxious students are more likely to fail classes and drop out of college.
The OASIS study creates research-based, co-designed programs to help students address social anxiety and build meaningful connections at CU and beyond. In the initial study, 140 students participated in self-compassion and social anxiety workshops, where they connected through shared experience.
Six student participants helped co-design the next phase of the program, expanding it into a three-session model to deepen its impact. As the study has evolved, it has produced tangible outcomes, like students speaking with professors, raising their hands in class, attending office hours and forming new friendships, all of which strengthen their sense of belonging.
“It has been an incredibly creative and uplifting process to work with students and see social anxiety improving,” said Arch. “It’s powerful to see students moving forward in their lives in ways that help them get the most out of their college experience.”
Students echo that impact. “The OASIS study has been an unexpected yet wildly rewarding experience,” said Charlie Misraje, a CU Boulder student and OASIS project research assistant and co-facilitator. “Since joining OASIS, I’ve gained co-facilitation skills, invaluable knowledge and even friendships. I can confidently say that the experience has shaped who I am today.”
After the first year of the study, Arch shared the initial findings with Kristy and May. Both found them deeply moving. Kristy reflected with her son that this type of support would have made a meaningful difference in her college experience.
“Seeing the results was hugely impactful for my mom,” May said. “The connection has been life-fulfilling for both of us. It’s a beautiful, full-circle moment.”
The OASIS study will continue through the 2026–27 academic year, with the hope of securing the funding needed to continue advancing the science and to scale access across CU Boulder and to other universities.
“At the Crown Institute, our science begins with what’s whole in people — not what’s broken,” said Sona Dimidjian, director of the Renée Crown Wellness Institute. “We don’t overlook inherent capacities; we see and strengthen them. It gives me hope and confidence to see this approach guiding impactful and innovative studies like OASIS in which young people are learning and supporting one another.”
A legacy of excellence and impact
Kristy’s determination and curiosity have continued throughout her life. She became a member of , a global organization whose members have IQs in the top 2% of the population. She also pursued her passion for travel, visiting 96 countries and learning about cultures around the world.
At the same time, May’s education positioned him to give back in meaningful ways. He is the founder and CEO of and previously served as president of ALPS Fund Services and ALPS Distributors. His commitment to CU Boulder includes serving as an advisory board member for the Crown Institute and having served 18 years on the CU Foundation Board of Directors, the last two as chair.
“My mom is smart, strong and courageous,” said May. “With these qualities and sheer will and determination, she built a remarkable life, and she did it her way.”
Kristy’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring influence of a mother’s example. Through May’s generosity, her legacy now extends far beyond her own journey, helping CU Boulder students find connection, overcome challenges and thrive.