GOLDEN, CO, Aug. 14, 2014—Colorado School of Mines raised $47.8 million in philanthropic gifts and commitments for the fiscal year ending June 30, and garnered an additional $24.4 million in private nongovernmental research funding, making 2013–2014 the most successful year of fundraising in the university’s 140-year history. Nearly 3,200 alumni, friends and industry partners invested in Mines last year, building a solid base of private funding for scholarships, faculty, technology and programs. This is Mines’ third consecutive record-breaking fundraising year, and the institution was recently honored with a 2014 Educational Fundraising Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education for overall performance in recognition of these successes.

Through Transforming Lives: The Campaign for Colorado School of Mines, the university aims to raise $350 million overall, including $220 million in private philanthropic donations and $130 million in non-governmental research funding. This is the most ambitious fundraising campaign in Colorado School of Mines history, and so far, the university has raised just over $220 million total (63 percent of its overall goal). Additionally, the Mines endowment now totals approximately $271 million, up $105 million since the campaign began four years ago.

Mines is focusing its efforts on innovation, student enrichment, global reach and core strengths. By leveraging resources in these key areas, the university is securing funding for scholarships, faculty positions, leadership opportunities, facilities and more.

“Private support for Mines at the levels that we’ve seen over the last three years affirms that we head into the next 140 years stronger than ever. We’re pursuing ambitious goals and making the kinds of impacts today that will resonate for generations to come,” said Colorado School of Mines President Bill Scoggins. “Our donors continue to demonstrate the value they place on a Mines education and continue to raise the bar for private investment.”

Even though private donors fund about one third of every Mines student’s education, 68 percent of students graduate with some student-loan debt. Private support is increasingly important as demand for technically educated graduates in STEM fields continues to rise. According to a 2014 Payscale study, Mines continues to hold the nation’s top-ranked position among public universities in terms of return on investment for in-state tuition, and ranks 3rd for out-of-state tuition.

"The unprecedented outpouring of private philanthropic and research support we've seen this year is a testament to the importance of the school's distinctive mission," said Colorado School of Mines Foundation President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Winkelbauer. "This campaign is all about impact, and we are seeing a tremendous return on philanthropic investment every day, in our expert faculty, our innovative programs, and our hardworking students who graduate ready to transform lives worldwide as leaders in their fields."

Notable gifts from 2013–2014 include:

  • With a commitment of $4.2 million, Harold ’68 and Patricia Korell are supporting the Clear Creek Athletics Complex, scholarships and The Parents Fund.
  • A gift of $4 million from Patty ’83 and Mike ’83 Starzer is supporting construction of the Welcome Center, to be named for the couple.
  • A $3 million commitment from ConocoPhillips established the ConocoPhillips Center for a Sustainable WE2ST (Water- Energy Education, Science and Technology) at Colorado School of Mines.
  • A $2 million gift from American Bureau of Shipping established the American Bureau of Shipping Endowed Chair in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.
  • A $1.5 million gift from Alacer Gold Corporation is supporting the Timothy J. Haddon/Alacer Gold Endowed Chair in Mining Engineering.

 

 

Contacts

Trisha Bentz Kendall, Senior Director, Communications / 303-273-3526 / TKendall@mines.edu
Kathleen Morton, Communications Coordinator / 303-273-3088 / KMorton@mines.edu
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations / 303-273-3541 / KGilbert@mines.edu