Saying 'Yes' to CU Boulder: How a $1M Gift from Clark and Amy Jones Crowns Decades of Giving
The latest commitment from Clark and Amy Jones reflects more than three decades of service, mentorship and philanthropy.
Clark (Acct’91) and Amy (Comm’92) Jones have spent decades supporting CU Boulder in countless ways—sharing their time, mentoring students, offering professional expertise and giving philanthropically. From their days as students to being recognized as Forever Buffs, they have built lasting friendships and meaningful connections across campus.
Reflecting on a life that has taken them from Colorado to California, from Florida and now to Japan, the Joneses say their path has come down to two things: sacrifice and a willingness to say yes to opportunities.
“The university means a lot to us. We are deep believers in the importance of education and connection,” Clark said.
Whenever students reached out for support, Clark and Amy made time for a conversation rather than simply sending a check. “Every time we answered calls, I would ask students: ‘What’s happening on campus? What are you studying? What excites you?’” said Clark. “Every time we answered, we ended up having a real conversation. I honestly don’t remember ever being disappointed,” he added.
Those conversations became a hallmark of their relationship with CU Boulder, building connections one conversation at a time. Every time CU called on the Joneses, they graciously gave back to their alma mater. And every "yes" along the way has added up to a lifetime of giving back, culminating in this year's transformational $1 million gift.
“One of the most important things for us is making sure people understand what Boulder is all about and how important this university is to Colorado,” Clark said.
Follow their inspiring “Black & Gold” timeline.
1990
Say yes to hello.
Who knew a meeting at the end-of-year band banquet would become the beginning of a lifetime together? Clark was studying accounting while Amy was studying communication. Amy was the featured twirler for the marching band, and Clark played saxophone and served as the band's saxophone section leader. They still like to say Amy’s twirling is more memorable than Clark’s saxophone playing.
1993
Say yes to building a life together.
Three years after meeting, Clark and Amy married on May 29, 1993. Notably, they also made their first alumni gift to CU Boulder: $20 for the university library, paid in two installments.2000
Say yes to family.
Their daughter, Morgan, was born. “She is part of why we do what we do—to teach her the value of philanthropy,” Amy said.
2013
Say yes to putting yourself out there.
Amy shared the couple’s story in response to an Instagram call for Leeds’ love stories. As they approached their 20th anniversary, she recalled Clark spending two years trying to get her attention before introducing himself. She waited patiently for their first date, which aptly included watching Disney on Ice—a fitting beginning for Clark’s more than 30 years of service as a Disney cast member (and he has the prestigious Jiminy Cricket bronze award to prove it!).
2018
Say yes to staying connected.
Clark delivered the keynote address at Leeds’ Winter Commencement. Later that year, he and Amy celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary at a CU football game. Chip made a special appearance.2019
Say yes to providing support.
Clark and Amy were recognized by the CMDI Dean’s Leadership Society, one of many years they were honored for their generosity. They established the Garman/Jones Endowment to provide scholarships to CMDI and Leeds students and to support Athletics.
2020
Say yes to leading.
Clark joined the Leeds Advisory Board and continues to serve as a member.
2022
Say yes to uplifting student-athletes.
Clark and Amy became members of the new Buff Club Flatirons Society, supporting a world-class experience for more than 350 CU student-athletes.
2022-2024
Say yes to serving.
Amy served for two years on the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information (CMDI) advisory board for Founding Dean Lori Bergen.
2023
Say yes to Buff magic.
When ESPN’s College GameDay came to Boulder, Clark and Amy knew they had to be there. They saw an opportunity to invest in one of CU’s most recognizable ambassadors: Chip. Together with CU Athletics, they established an endowment dedicated to Chip’s ongoing development, starting with an updated costume and five backups. While watching a national Heisman House commercial featuring Travis Hunter, Chip looked better than ever. “Amy and I looked at each other and said, ‘That’s why we did that,’” noted Clark.2024
Say yes to bringing people together.
Clark and Amy hosted a magical evening for fellow Buff Club Flatirons Society donors at Walt Disney World in support of the Buffs playing University of Central Florida in Orlando.
2025
Say yes to coming home (even from halfway around the world).
Clark was named senior vice president and managing director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan and Walt Disney Imagineering Japan in October. That same month, Clark still made the time to participate in Leeds’ inaugural Business Leaders-in-Residence program. The Joneses also made Boulder their U.S. home base in 2025, enabling them to regularly visit campus.
June 2026
Say yes to investing in the future.
Clark and Amy made a $1 million commitment to support excellence within CU Boulder Athletics and the Leeds School of Business. The gift will fund the Chip Jones Family Mascot & Spirit Program and the Garman Jones Scholarship Endowment Fund.
The Next Yes
Looking back, it’s tempting to see the Joneses’ story only through its milestones, but they see it differently.
“We would have never been as successful as we are without all the little steps along the way,” Amy said.
Those steps often began with simple conversations.
Over the years, Clark and Amy have mentored numerous students, and two in particular have become like family. Molly, a recent graduate now working at Nestlé, and Elle, a current Leeds junior studying finance and fashion, are among the many young people whose paths remain connected with theirs. The Joneses have spent years offering advice, encouragement and introductions to other mentors, building relationships that extend far beyond graduation.
In many ways, their latest $1 million commitment is an extension of that same philosophy. For them, philanthropy has never been only about funding programs; it’s about investing in people.
After all, the conversation that began at a CU Boulder band banquet more than three decades ago is still going strong. Every opportunity Clark and Amy Jones embraced led to another one, and every conversation opened the door to new connections.
This gift is not the culmination of their journey. It’s another conversation starter, creating opportunities for future Buffs to discover where their next yes might lead.