Learn more about the impact of philanthropy at CU Denver.
Subscribe to Elevation, our quarterly digital publication highlighting the many ways our community of donors helps CU Denver reach new heights.
Your Impact
Every gift to CU Denver makes a difference, whether in helping our students succeed, opening avenues for innovation, funding research that benefits our communities, or in numerous other ways that matter most to our donors, our students, and our faculty. Below are just some of the ways philanthropy at CU Denver helps us fulfill our educational mission. Our sincere thanks to the many generous donors who accelerate success at CU Denver.
Student Success
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Turning Professional Drive Into Academic Success
Feb 20, 2026 byOnce a professional chef, Omar Mendoza returned to college to pursue a career in physics and engineering. With the mentorship, scholarships, and undergraduate research opportunities available to him at CU Denver, he is building a future rooted in hard work and creativity.Full story -
Investing in Futures: CU Denver and the Gates Scholarship Empower Students to Thrive
Oct 30, 2025 byA new partnership between Gates Corporation and CU Denver offers more than financial support. It eases burdens, opens doors, and helps students like first-year marketing major Jabez Brown grow in confidence, balance, and purpose.Full story -
Articulating a Commitment to Student Success
Jun 9, 2025Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen recently sat down with Film and Television student Jamie Chenhall to share his impressions since joining the university and offer his thoughts about CU Denver’s opportunities and future priorities.Full story -
The Posner Family Kitchen: Nourishing Students and Building Community
Apr 4, 2025Ten years ago, students voted to fund a wellness center on campus to create a greater sense of community. Today, the Posner Family Kitchen serves up this essential ingredient of student success.Full story
Programs & Initiatives
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CU Denver Launches ELEVATION
Feb 18, 2026CU Denver publicly launched ELEVATION: The Campaign for CU Denver, a comprehensive fundraising initiative designed to expand access and opportunity, strengthen student success, deepen community impact, and accelerate innovation.Full story -
Transformational Gift Advances Psychedelic Mental Health ResearchOpens in a new window
Feb 3, 2026The Whiteman Family Foundation today announced a $2.125 million donation to the University of Colorado Denver Center for Psychedelic Research, the state’s first transdisciplinary hub that investigates the use of psychedelics to treat a variety of conditions.Opens in a new window Full story -
CU Denver Launches Affordable Housing Certificate Program with Support from Colorado Housing Finance Authority
Jan 15, 2026CU Denver launched an Affordable Housing Certificate Program, designed to address one of Colorado’s the pressing challenge of housing affordability. This program is made possible through a generous gift from CHFA.Full story -
CU Denver Hosts Second Mary E. Guy Distinguished LectureOpens in a new window
Oct 17, 2025On October 14, 2025, CU Denver’s School of Public Affairs hosted the second annual Dr. Mary E. Guy Distinguished Lecture Series, a signature event that brings world-renowned scholars to campus to explore ideas that shape public service and advance social equity.Opens in a new window Full story
Donors & Giving
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Donors Gather to Celebrate Their Impact
Oct 28, 2025On October 15, 2025, CU Denver hosted its annual Donor Celebration, bringing together campus leadership, generous supporters, and inspiring students for an evening of gratitude and connection.Full story -
Healing Forward: Dr. Marsha Wiggins Honors Her Son by Supporting Future Couple and Family TherapistsOpens in a new window
Aug 14, 2025Rooted in her own family journey, Marsha Wiggins has made a legacy gift to support students pursuing master’s degrees in the Couple and Family Therapy program.Opens in a new window Full story -
Paula Budzak’s MA '99 Transformative Gift Will Empower Future ESL TeachersOpens in a new window
Jul 16, 2025A generous $200,000 endowed gift from Paula Budzak (MA in Curriculum and Instruction, ’99) will provide support for students in the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education program at the University of Colorado Denver’s School of Education & Human Development.Opens in a new window Full story -
Thank You! You Came Through for Our Students Like Never Before
Jul 9, 2025The generosity of our philanthropic community helped CU Denver reach new heights in fundraising during the 2024-25 fiscal year, contributing more to the success of our students and faculty than at any time in the university’s history.Full story
Elevation
Elevation is our quarterly digital publication highlighting the many ways our community of donors helps CU Denver reach new heights.
Elevation: January 2026
New Affordable Housing Certificate Program Powered by Philanthropy. CU Denver wins Food Fight. Our students are exceptional and committed, proving your investments are effective.
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Elevation: October 2025
Meet Gates Scholarship recipient Jabez Brown. Donors gave more than $7.2 million to scholarships. CoorsTek partnership inspires future engineers. Annual Donor Celebration features Reisher Scholar.
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Elevation: July 2025
Thank you for the record-breaking year of fundraising. Chancellor Christensen shares his vision for student success. Dr. Terry Larsen support of education leaders.
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Elevation: April 2025
Davisons honor a son. The Posner Family Kitchen is creating community for students. Thank you for supporting CU Denver Giving Day. Business School celebrates students and donors.
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