The power of philanthropy to change lives took center stage at CU Denver's annual Donor Celebration on October 14, 2026, as students and university leaders gathered with supporters to recognize the generosity that makes educational opportunity, discovery, and student success possible.

The evening offered an opportunity to celebrate the people behind CU Denver's progress and reflect on the growing impact of ELEVATION, the university's comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Graduate students Yessenia Vinueza and Tess Nychay-Noyes (pictured at right), both pursuing master's degrees in public policy in CU Denver's School of Public Affairs, served as emcees for the celebration. They welcomed guests on behalf of the student community and expressed gratitude for the many ways donors invest in students' education and futures.

For many CU Denver students, the path to a degree includes balancing coursework with jobs, families, and other responsibilities. Philanthropic support helps make that journey possible by providing scholarships, opening doors to research and hands-on learning, strengthening academic programs, and connecting students with faculty mentors.

Those opportunities were brought to life through the story of student speaker Omar Mendoza.

A Student's Story of Possibility

A former professional chef who returned to school in his late twenties, Omar (pictured at left) is now pursuing a degree in physics. At CU Denver, he has discovered a passion for research, found encouragement from faculty mentors, and benefited from scholarships that have allowed him to focus on his education.

Through CU Denver's EURECA undergraduate research fellowship, Omar gained valuable research experience, while a Reisher Scholarship has enabled him to pursue his academic goals without the burden of worrying about how to pay for college.

Now a TRIO McNair Scholar preparing for graduate study, Omar represents the transformative potential of access, student support, and investment in human talent, which are the three priorities at the heart of ELEVATION.

His experience offered a powerful reminder of what donor generosity makes possible: the freedom for students to discover their potential and pursue opportunities that can change the course of their lives.

Philanthropy Fuels Progress

CU Denver Chancellor Ken Christensen (pictured at right) thanked donors for their partnership and emphasized the essential role philanthropy plays in advancing the university's mission at a pivotal moment for higher education.

As universities nationwide navigate changing enrollment patterns, shifting student needs, and growing questions about the value and affordability of a college degree, CU Denver is focused on strengthening student outcomes, expanding access, and deepening its connections to the communities it serves.

Christensen highlighted several priorities shaping the university's future, including increasing opportunities for local learners, supporting working adults and lifelong learning, improving student retention, and expanding career-connected educational experiences.

He also pointed to the university's progress through ELEVATION, which launched publicly in February 2026 and is focused on expanding access, advancing student success, and investing in human talent.

That progress is reflected in several significant milestones:

• 15% increase in fundraising year over year, reflecting growing philanthropic momentum.
• 35% growth in scholarships awarded, helping more students overcome financial barriers to earning a degree.
• 4.3-percentage-point improvement in first- to second-year retention, supported by investments in student success.
• 10 new faculty support funds, along with gifts establishing two endowed chairs and an endowed professorship.

These investments are helping CU Denver build on its position as Colorado's top university for social mobility and expand opportunities for students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Celebrating the People Behind the Impact

The evening also showcased the talents of CU Denver students, including singer-songwriter major Hannah Lubell (pictured at left), who provided musical entertainment for guests.

Throughout the celebration, the message was one of gratitude and shared purpose. The generosity of CU Denver's donors reaches far beyond individual gifts, touching the lives of students, strengthening the university, and creating ripple effects throughout the communities its graduates serve.

As CU Denver continues to advance ELEVATION, the university's philanthropic community remains an essential partner in turning ambitious goals into meaningful results.

For students like Omar, that support opens doors to futures they may never have imagined. For CU Denver, it creates the opportunity to reach higher, serve more learners, and make an even greater impact.

And for the donors gathered in celebration, the evening underscored a simple but powerful truth: behind every opportunity made possible through philanthropy are people who believe in the potential of others.