GOLDEN, Colo., Sept. 30, 2013 -- Colorado School of Mines announced last Friday the launch of the most ambitious campaign for private support in the university’s 140-year history. Transforming Lives: The Campaign for Colorado School of Mines will garner $350 million in private philanthropic and non-government research support for the institution. The university has raised more than $93 million in gifts and commitments and $61 million in private industrial research since the campaign began its silent phase in July 2010, and has broken records in dollars raised and in research volume for two consecutive years. The campaign will continue until the goal is reached.
“Our vision has been to transform Mines into a top-tier research university, and we’re well on the way to achieving that goal,” said Mines President Bill Scoggins. “Private support is critical to our success, and there are many examples of the impact donors and corporate partners are having on the university. You can see that in terms of the diversity of the students we are attracting, in the growth and stature of our faculty expertise, and in the press we are getting from around the country.”
Transforming Lives will leverage that momentum by investing in student scholarships, faculty chairs, academic programs and upgraded facilities, and by garnering continued private support for research through Mines’ multiple centers, institutes and consortia. “The evolution of Mines into a broad-based research institution is proceeding at a fast clip,” said Vice President of Research and Technology Transfer John Poate. “More than 40 percent of our research is sponsored by industry, and that support is vital to the strength of our growing research portfolio.”
Mines alumni Timothy J. Haddon ’70, member of the Mines Board of Trustees, and Charles E. Shultz ’61, member of the CSM Foundation Board of Governors, will co-chair the campaign. “Chuck and I are pleased to serve as co-chairs of this historic initiative,” said Haddon. “By leveraging resources in four strategic areas of innovation, student enrichment, global reach and core strengths, we will ensure Mines’ vitality today and for years to come.”
Priority initiatives during the campaign include securing resources for undergraduate and graduate student support, establishing faculty chair positions in each of Mines’ 14 academic departments and three colleges, constructing a state-of-the-art cornerstone academic and research facility, completing the Clear Creek Athletics Complex, advancing Mines’ K-12 outreach programs, enriching leadership opportunities and academic advising services, and expanding international partnerships.
“While we have a goal regarding the amount of money needed to fund the vision for Mines,” said Executive Vice President for University Advancement Brian Winkelbauer, “this campaign is truly about the impact that individuals, foundations and corporations can have, not only on sustaining Mines’ excellence but also propelling the university to new heights.”
“This university has made tremendous progress, but I believe its best years lie ahead,” said President Scoggins. “We’ve grown a lot and have to make our way on our own now more than ever before. This campaign sets the stage for our ongoing success.”
Colorado School of Mines is a uniquely focused public research university dedicated to preparing exceptional students to solve today’s most pressing energy and environmental challenges. Founded in 1874, the institution was established to serve the needs of the local mining industry. Today, Mines has an international reputation for excellence in engineering education and the applied sciences with special expertise in the development and stewardship of the earth’s resources. Learn more at mines.edu.
The Colorado School of Mines Foundation advances the university’s mission by maximizing private support and managing resources to fund the present and secure the future of Colorado School of Mines. Learn more at giving.mines.edu.
Contact:
Karen Gilbert, Colorado School of Mines | 303-273-3541 | kgilbert@mines.edu
Trisha Kendall, CSM Foundation | 303-273-3526 | tkendall@mines.edu