GOLDEN, CO, Sept. 4, 2015 — Colorado School of Mines raised $40.6 million in philanthropic gifts and commitments for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, and secured planned gift commitments totaling more than $31 million. In addition, private, nongovernmental research funding supported $18 million worth of projects on campus during that period. As many as 3,100 alumni, friends and industry partners invested in Mines last year, building a solid base of private funding for scholarships, faculty, technology and programs. The last four fiscal years have been the most successful fundraising years in the university’s 140-year history.

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. More than $50 million in committed planned gifts have been generated, providing sustainable funding for the future of Mines. The university has raised more than $286.6 million to date, putting the overall goal $35 million away. Additionally, as of June, 30, the Mines endowment totaled approximately $273 million, up $107 million since the campaign began four years ago.

The campaign has focused on innovation, student enrichment, global reach and core strengths. By leveraging resources in these key areas, Mines is securing funding for scholarships, faculty positions, leadership opportunities, facilities and more. As the university heads into the final phase of the campaign, the focus is on the people who make Mines an unequalled global leader. By investing in faculty positions and student scholarships and fellowships, donors are helping Mines build the human capital for innovative approaches and technologies to cultivate the earth’s resources and enhance the quality of life worldwide. 

“The level of private support that Mines has garnered is nothing short of remarkable, and we are so grateful for the generosity of the many individuals, corporations and foundations who have invested in the university,” said Mines President Paul Johnson.

As college costs continue to climb, return on investment is more critical than ever to families in Colorado and across the country. According to the 2015 PayScale College ROI Report, Mines continues to hold the nation’s top-ranked position among public universities in terms of return on investment.

"This campaign is all about creating the capacity for impact as we prepare exceptional students to solve today’s most pressing global challenges," said Colorado School of Mines Foundation President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Winkelbauer. "Thanks to the 3,100 donors who made gifts to Mines this past year, the university is poised for further academic excellence.”

Notable gifts from 2014–15 include:

  • A $5 million gift from Jim and Arlene Payne named the Payne Institute for Earth Resources and bolstered its growth.
  • A $4.2 million gift from Harold and Patricia Korell supported the Clear Creek Athletics Complex, scholarships and The Parents Fund.
  • A $2.5 million gift from Fred Banfield established the Distinguished Endowed Chair in mining engineering.
  • A $2 million commitment from Apache Corporation provided support for students, equipment and facilities in petroleum engineering, geology and geological engineering, and geophysics.
  • A $1.8 million gift from F. Steven and Gayle S. Mooney was added to their endowed scholarship fund through the Galena Foundation.

 

Contacts

Rachelle Trujillo, Senior Director of Communications, Mines Foundation / 303-273-3526 / RTrujillo@mines.edu

Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations, Colorado School of Mines / 303-273-3541 / KGilbert@mines.edu