Brian T. Moroney Endowed Scholarship

The Brian T. Moroney Endowed Scholarship was created on Nov. 4, 2004, by the estate of Brian T. Moroney.

Brian was born April 17, 1942 in San Francisco, California to Harold E. and Ramona (Mullen) Moroney. He attended St. Vincent’s High School in Vallejo and Santa Clara University where he received his baccalaureate in 1964 and then his Master’s degree in business in 1966. He moved to Fort Collins in 1970 to enroll at Colorado State University. Brian received a Master’s of Arts in History from CSU in 1971.His first position after graduating from Colorado State University was working in their Art Department. Brian was Director of the Fort Collins Museum from January 1978 to July 1991. His tenure was the second longest in the history of the museum.

He took great pride in the Museum and its collection, and was always seeking to obtain new and significant items. Brian collaborated with local historians to greatly enhance the museum collections including several additional paintings. He significantly increased the holdings related to the military post of Fort Collins and acquired historic and contemporary artworks of regional importance for exhibit and research purposes. During his many years of service he was instrumental in the placement of visitor signage and information in the original locations of the Fort Collins military post’s parade grounds as well as development of the Museum’s annual Skookum Day Celebration which highlighted many activities related to pioneer skills and experiences. Other programs developed during his tenure included the Rendezvous, and the Museum Tour program.

He was a long-time member of the Colorado Wyoming Association of Museums where he served two terms as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Brian was also a member of the council of the Mountain-Plains Museum Association. Many individuals who worked with him were inspired to go on to careers in the museum field (including two Directors and several curators). Brian was a dedicated runner. For many years he could be seen on his daily run around the campus of CSU with his two loyal German Shepherds: Zoe and Urs. His yellow Labrador, Jack, had accompanied him around town, head hanging out the back of Brian’s SUV. Brian ran marathons in Denver, and San Francisco, inspiring friends with his stamina and willpower. Running was Brian’s way of “thumbing his nose” at the disease that eventually took his life. Brian’s favorite retreat was Indian Creek in Encampment, Wyoming at the ranch of his dear friends: John and Judy Andrikopoulos. It was there that his passion for Western art and culture inspired his historical collection “Indian Creek Exhibits.” These exhibits toured museums in the Rocky Mountain Region during the 1990’s.
Brian’s path was started with his history degree from SCU and he wanted to give future students the same opportunity he was provided.