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Impact Report 2024: Kaleidoscope
Together, we're creating something extraordinary.
Last fiscal year, more than 70,000 gifts totaling
$429 million powered transformations that will help CU students, faculty, researchers and health care professionals make a lasting impact on our state and the world.
Like facets in a kaleidoscope, each gift made to CU
helps create our big picture. One that's vibrant, dynamic and all about changing lives for the better.
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Gifts totaling $48 million will help ensure the success of students at all four CU campuses, today and well into the future, by funding a broad array of scholarships like these:
Military Support
HEROES Scholarship supports active-duty service members.
Active-duty service members face unique challenges when it comes to pursuing higher education, including frequent deployments, limited access to resources and the need to balance military duties with academic studies. UCCS’ new HEROES Scholarship eases those burdens by providing financial support for tuition and other educational expenses, ensuring that those who give so much to our country are given the opportunity to advance their lives and careers in return.
Active-duty service members face unique challenges when it comes to pursuing higher education, including frequent deployments, limited access to resources and the need to balance military duties with academic studies. UCCS’ new HEROES Scholarship eases those burdens by providing financial support for tuition and other educational expenses, ensuring that those who give so much to our country are given the opportunity to advance their lives and careers in return.
Finishing college was very important to me, especially after I became a single parent of four kids with no financial support to help me raise my family. The Tepper Scholarship was an affirmation that all my hard work was paying off, and that I would continue to succeed at school with this type of financial support to remind me of my goal of graduating."
Finishing college was very important to me, especially after I became a single parent of four kids with no financial support to help me raise my family. The Tepper Scholarship was an affirmation that all my hard work was paying off, and that I would continue to succeed at school with this type of financial support to remind me of my goal of graduating."
Sports Industry
An estate gift helps UCCS students tee up for the future.
UCCS alumnus Gary Loo turned his passion for golf into a legacy with the establishment of the Gary Loo Professional Golf Management Scholarship. His gift helps students prepare for golf industry careers by participating in UCCS’ PGA Golf Management Program, one of only eight programs in the world–and the only one in Colorado–to receive both PGA and AACSB accreditation. In addition to learning from the nation’s leading professors and golf professionals, scholarship recipients form lasting bonds with others who share their passion and benefit from a strong sense of community, which Loo strove to achieve in his personal, business and philanthropic endeavors.
UCCS alumnus Gary Loo turned his passion for golf into a legacy with the establishment of the Gary Loo Professional Golf Management Scholarship. His gift helps students prepare for golf industry careers by participating in UCCS’ PGA Golf Management Program, one of only eight programs in the world–and the only one in Colorado–to receive both PGA and AACSB accreditation. In addition to learning from the nation’s leading professors and golf professionals, scholarship recipients form lasting bonds with others who share their passion and benefit from a strong sense of community, which Loo strove to achieve in his personal, business and philanthropic endeavors.
Lots of people give up on school because it’s just so expensive. I wish I could tell them there is a way to get help. Thank you [to the donors funding my scholarships] for giving me the opportunity to become someone in life and make a difference in the world. I hope to have made you proud.”
Lots of people give up on school because it’s just so expensive. I wish I could tell them there is a way to get help. Thank you [to the donors funding my scholarships] for giving me the opportunity to become someone in life and make a difference in the world. I hope to have made you proud.”
Engineering
CU Boulder alumnus’ national firm invests in Colorado’s future engineers.
When CU Boulder alumnus Marco Campos founded his energy infrastructure firm Campos Companies at age 30, he made it a priority to support the CU system. “Even then, I was giving back to the university because I understood the impact that had on me personally and others,” he says. Nearly 20 years later, his now-national firm continues to support CU, most recently by creating internships and a scholarship fund for engineering students at CU Denver. “I’m hoping that this is a [philanthropy] model other companies will take from the get-go,” Campos says.
When CU Boulder alumnus Marco Campos founded his energy infrastructure firm Campos Companies at age 30, he made it a priority to support the CU system. “Even then, I was giving back to the university because I understood the impact that had on me personally and others,” he says. Nearly 20 years later, his now-national firm continues to support CU, most recently by creating internships and a scholarship fund for engineering students at CU Denver. “I’m hoping that this is a [philanthropy] model other companies will take from the get-go,” Campos says.
Our reputation for fostering academic excellence is reflected in the $23 million that donors invested to attract and retain top-tier educators and researchers at CU.
Medical Breakthroughs
The Céline Dion Foundation powers the pursuit of a cure for autoimmune neurological diseases.
The foundation's $2 million gift to CU Anschutz endows a chair in autoimmune neurology that is held by Amanda Piquet, MD. For two years, Piquet and her team have worked tirelessly at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital to treat Céline Dion's Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) and overcome the rare, chronic and progressive disease. Piquet says the foundation’s investment represents a turning point in the understanding of SPS and other autoimmune neurological diseases.
The foundation's $2 million gift to CU Anschutz endows a chair in autoimmune neurology that is held by Amanda Piquet, MD. For two years, Piquet and her team have worked tirelessly at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital to treat Céline Dion's Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) and overcome the rare, chronic and progressive disease. Piquet says the foundation’s investment represents a turning point in the understanding of SPS and other autoimmune neurological diseases.
Global Health
Gifts exceeding $2 million establish the first endowed chair at the Center for Global Health.
The Stephen Berman, MD Endowed Chair in Global Health honors a distinguished pediatrician and professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz whose pioneering efforts sought to improve the health and wellbeing of underprivileged populations. With the support of the endowed chair, “we are poised to elevate the Center for Global Health at the Colorado School of Public Health to new heights,” says Cathy J. Bradley, PhD, MPA, Dean, Colorado School of Public Health. “The Center will be the leading hub for global health at CU Anschutz and further our efforts to address pressing global health challenges—providing expertise on maternal and child health, infection prevention, advising the WHO and CDC, serving as a leading voice for vaccine efficacy, and defining safe air for school children.”
Learn more about this new endowed chair
The Stephen Berman, MD Endowed Chair in Global Health honors a distinguished pediatrician and professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz whose pioneering efforts sought to improve the health and wellbeing of underprivileged populations. With the support of the endowed chair, “we are poised to elevate the Center for Global Health at the Colorado School of Public Health to new heights,” says Cathy J. Bradley, PhD, MPA, Dean, Colorado School of Public Health. “The Center will be the leading hub for global health at CU Anschutz and further our efforts to address pressing global health challenges—providing expertise on maternal and child health, infection prevention, advising the WHO and CDC, serving as a leading voice for vaccine efficacy, and defining safe air for school children.”
Learn more about this new endowed chair
The $244 million directed toward the advancement of world-class health care training, innovative research and cutting-edge treatments will shape the next generation of medical professionals and improve patient outcomes in Colorado and around the world.
Rural Health Care
A new nursing training facility for rural Colorado is funded by philanthropy.
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A renovated home for the CU Nursing Fort Lewis College Collaborative aims to keep nursing training and talent in southwest Colorado. The revamped 5,000-square-foot Skyhawk Hall, which is located on the Fort Lewis College campus, will include three different teaching environments where students will receive technologically advanced clinical training and instruction in rural and Indigenous health care perspectives. The $2.9-million project received $1.3 million from the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations and is also funded through the Anschutz Foundation, the Colorado Health Foundation, the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation and numerous individual donors.
Scholarship Support
Generosity fueled a CU Anschutz clinical faculty member’s journey to three nursing degrees.
With scholarship support, Salwa Bamba earned three degrees from CU: a bachelor's degree in nursing in 2011, a master's degree in nursing in 2020 and a doctor of nursing practice degree in 2021. Now, as a practitioner, clinical faculty member, mentor and organizer, she's made it her mission to serve patients, nursing students and community members from marginalized backgrounds. She shared with us a first-person account of how the generosity of others propelled her unlikely journey from civil war-stricken Liberia to the University of Colorado Anschutz.
With scholarship support, Salwa Bamba earned three degrees from CU: a bachelor's degree in nursing in 2011, a master's degree in nursing in 2020 and a doctor of nursing practice degree in 2021. Now, as a practitioner, clinical faculty member, mentor and organizer, she's made it her mission to serve patients, nursing students and community members from marginalized backgrounds. She shared with us a first-person account of how the generosity of others propelled her unlikely journey from civil war-stricken Liberia to the University of Colorado Anschutz.
Research
CU’s dedication to fostering groundbreaking research is exemplified by the $178 million in gifts that fuel our ability to address some of the most significant scientific, social and environmental issues of our time.
Technology
CU Denver partners with Google to expand the study of quantum technology.
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An interdisciplinary micro-credential in quantum information technology at CU Denver has grown into a full certification, thanks to philanthropic support from Google, which funded the purchase of specialized quantum hardware for hands-on learning. “Students pursuing the Quantum Information Technology Certificate learn about and prepare for the vast potential and career possibilities in the quantum industry,” says Martin Huber, PhD, physics professor and director of the Master of Integrated Sciences program. “Because students are exposed to quantum computing algorithms and hardware and also get a unique hands-on component in the labs, we are preparing them for the quantum information science and engineering workforce.”
Learn more about quantum information technology at CU Denver
Climate Change Solutions
An endowed professor leads a $5.9 million marine carbon dioxide removal monitoring effort.
CU’s Boulder campus might be an unlikely place to pioneer marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) techniques, but that’s exactly where great strides are being made. Juliet Gopinath, the Alfred T. and Betty E. Look Endowed Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, is leading efforts to develop a system of optical underwater sensors that can detect and measure dissolved carbon compounds—a critical component of any mCDR technique. “If we want to limit the amount that the planet is warming, we have to be very aggressive about monitoring what is in the ocean and looking at mCDR,” Gopinath says.
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Projects and Programs
Your generosity this year also drove positive change by supporting transformative projects and programs that reflect our focus on fostering excellence and addressing diverse needs across our university system.
Crowdfunding
A friendly fundraising competition aims to knock out hunger on CU campuses.
Every month, hundreds of CU students struggling to balance the cost of food with tuition, transportation and other living expenses rely on the free food and hygiene items provided by on-campus food pantries. To ensure those shelves stay stocked, CU Denver and UCCS kicked off the inaugural Food Fight, a friendly fundraising competition that called on students, staff and communities to combat hunger with monetary contributions of any amount. Nearly 400 donors raised more than $35,000 in fall of 2024, allowing campus food pantries Milo's Market and Clyde's Cupboard to serve a growing number of students in the spring semester.
Every month, hundreds of CU students struggling to balance the cost of food with tuition, transportation and other living expenses rely on the free food and hygiene items provided by on-campus food pantries. To ensure those shelves stay stocked, CU Denver and UCCS kicked off the inaugural Food Fight, a friendly fundraising competition that called on students, staff and communities to combat hunger with monetary contributions of any amount. Nearly 400 donors raised more than $35,000 in fall of 2024, allowing campus food pantries Milo's Market and Clyde's Cupboard to serve a growing number of students in the spring semester.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Successful businesswomen help students navigate gender disparities in the workforce.
The Empowering Women in Business (EWiB) program at CU Denver's Business School is giving students the skills they need to navigate the workforce and pursue leadership roles on an uneven playing field. Launched with help from personal gifts from successful businesswomen Tribby Warfield and Pattie Money, who also informed the curriculum, the program offers scholarships, coursework, networking and mentorship opportunities in an inclusive and supportive environment. “For the first time in my entire life, I felt genuinely confident and proud of myself,” says program participant Karli Behrens.
The Empowering Women in Business (EWiB) program at CU Denver's Business School is giving students the skills they need to navigate the workforce and pursue leadership roles on an uneven playing field. Launched with help from personal gifts from successful businesswomen Tribby Warfield and Pattie Money, who also informed the curriculum, the program offers scholarships, coursework, networking and mentorship opportunities in an inclusive and supportive environment. “For the first time in my entire life, I felt genuinely confident and proud of myself,” says program participant Karli Behrens.
Conservation
A philanthropy-funded archiving project puts Big Band icon Glenn Miller back in the spotlight.
For years, the vast collection of CU Boulder alumnus Glenn Miller's personal papers, photographs, music and other ephemera has been tucked away in the University Libraries' archives. Now, thanks to a gift from committed jazz supporters, the historically valuable collection will be arranged, described, digitized and made accessible to students and faculty by a professional archivist.
For years, the vast collection of CU Boulder alumnus Glenn Miller's personal papers, photographs, music and other ephemera has been tucked away in the University Libraries' archives. Now, thanks to a gift from committed jazz supporters, the historically valuable collection will be arranged, described, digitized and made accessible to students and faculty by a professional archivist.
Giving By The Numbers
alumni
parents
faculty and staff members
friends
corporations and foundations
Gifts that establish and support endowments produce reliable funding for the students, faculty and programs on CU's four campuses for decades to come.
$2.2 billion endowment value
CU’s endowment was valued at $2.2 billion to end fiscal year 2024. Here are the endowment’s values in recent years. (Values are in billions as of June 30 each year.)
• 3,560 total active endowments benefit CU.
• 132 new endowments were created by donors last year.
• $67.9 million was given to endowments last year.
$2.2 billion endowment value
CU’s endowment was valued at $2.2 billion to end fiscal year 2024. Here are the endowment’s values in recent years. (Values are in billions as of June 30 each year.)
• 3,560 total active endowments benefit CU.
• 132 new endowments were created by donors last year.
• $67.9 million was given to endowments last year.
How the endowment is invested
The endowment is invested in the Long Term Investment Pool, or LTIP, which is broadly diversified across asset classes with a long-term horizon in mind. Here’s how the LTIP was invested in fiscal year 2024.
How the endowment is invested
The endowment is invested in the Long Term Investment Pool, or LTIP, which is broadly diversified across asset classes with a long-term horizon in mind. Here’s how the LTIP was invested in fiscal year 2024.
CU investments vs. policy benchmark
Here is the LTIP's return compared to its policy benchmark. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the LTIP returned a gain of 8.67% (net of fees) compared to a gain of 15.90% for our policy benchmark.
The Policy Benchmark, effective FY 2018, is a blend of 80% MSCI ACWI (equities) and 20% Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index (fixed income). Depending on the return period presented, historical benchmarks of 40% Russell 3000, 40% MSCI EAFE and 20% Barclays US Agg (FY 2009 – 2017) and 50% Russell 3000, 30% Barclays US Agg and 20% MSCI EAFE (fund inception – FY 2008) are components of the policy benchmark as applicable.
CU investments vs. policy benchmark
Here is the LTIP's return compared to its policy benchmark. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the LTIP returned a gain of 8.67% (net of fees) compared to a gain of 15.90% for our policy benchmark.
The Policy Benchmark, effective FY 2018, is a blend of 80% MSCI ACWI (equities) and 20% Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index (fixed income). Depending on the return period presented, historical benchmarks of 40% Russell 3000, 40% MSCI EAFE and 20% Barclays US Agg (FY 2009 – 2017) and 50% Russell 3000, 30% Barclays US Agg and 20% MSCI EAFE (fund inception – FY 2008) are components of the policy benchmark as applicable.
Transfers from the CU Foundation to the university
$256 million was transferred to the University of Colorado from the CU Foundation in fiscal year 2024. Here's how that amount was allocated to various areas of our institutions.
Transfers from the CU Foundation to the university
$256 million was transferred to the University of Colorado from the CU Foundation in fiscal year 2024. Here's how that amount was allocated to various areas of our institutions.
Download our Financials
Find out more about philanthropic investments in CU by downloading our audited financials for fiscal year 2024.