Colorado School of Mines raised $35.4 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, making 2012-2013 the second consecutive record-breaking fundraising year in the university’s 139-year history. More than 3,760 alumni, friends and industry partners invested in Mines last year, building a solid base of private funding for scholarships, faculty, technology and programs.
“Our donors have once again demonstrated the value they place on a Mines education and set the bar high for continued private investment,” said Mines President Bill Scoggins. “The past two record-breaking years further accelerate the incredible momentum we are seeing at Mines today, and ongoing commitments at these levels will continue to be essential as we pursue ambitious goals for the future.”
Private support is more important for Mines now than perhaps ever before as demand for graduates with a comprehensive technical education continues to rise. Mines continues to hold the top-ranked position among public universities in the U.S. in terms of return on investment according to a 2012 Payscale study, and with an endowment of approximately $230 million, Mines ranks in the top 25 for endowment dollars per student.
“Support for the university translates directly into support for our students,” said Executive Vice President for University Advancement Brian Winkelbauer. “More than 80 percent of students rely on private funding, and our donors know that their gifts help offset the costs of higher education. With their contributions, our students graduate fully prepared to hit the ground running as capable leaders in an array of STEM fields.”
Last year’s successes have an impact all across the Mines campus. Almost $11 million has been raised for the Clear Creek Athletics Complex, which will offer modern facilities for Mines student-athletes, coaching staff, and the broader community, including a new stadium and athletics center and improved facilities for soccer and track & field. Leadership gifts to this initiative include $1 million commitments from Steve ’64 and Dollie Chesebro’ and from Robert E. III ’68 and Anne McKee.
Other notable gifts from 2012-2013 include:
- An anonymous $5 million contribution will support the Underground Construction and Tunneling Program and scholarships.
- A $3.5 million commitment from Denver-based Cimarex Energy Co. established the F.H. “Mick” Merelli/Cimarex Energy Distinguished Department Head Chair in Petroleum Engineering and honors Mines alumnus and former company CEO F. H. Merelli ’59.
- With more than $3 million, Jerry ’68 and Tina Grandey established the Grandey University Chair in Nuclear Science and Engineering.
- With a commitment of more than $2 million, Halliburton is supporting facilities, fellowships and outreach .
- A $1 million gift from Frank ’52 and Mary Labriola is supporting scholarships and The Mines Fund.