A Campaign Update
Dear community members,
Donor support is critical to the 91Ƶ. Many of our aspirations are made possible by the generosity of those who believe in DU and our mission, investing not just in what we do today, but in what we can become.
Donor support is critical to the 91Ƶ. Many of our aspirations are made possible by the generosity of those who believe in DU and our mission, investing not just in what we do today, but in what we can become.
Celebrating the Support of Our Community
On March 4, alumni, donors, and friends gathered to celebrate the founding of the 91Ƶ at our annual Founders Celebration, which honors all those who have made a difference for our institution. It was a powerful reminder of the strength, continuity, and heart of this community, especially at a moment when higher education faces significant challenges.
As part of the celebration, we presented the Founders Medal in recognition of donors’ transformational impact on the University. This year, three awardees were recognized at the event. You can view video testimonials demonstrating the impact each awardee has made on DU:
As part of the celebration, we presented the Founders Medal in recognition of donors’ transformational impact on the University. This year, three awardees were recognized at the event. You can view video testimonials demonstrating the impact each awardee has made on DU:
In addition, we celebrated DU loyal donors who have supported the University consecutively for 35 years, an honor presented by DU’s own Sandra Eaton, Ph.D., and Gareth Eaton, Ph.D.
An Update on Our Campaign
Since the 91Ƶ launched , our $1 billion campaign, we have received more than $715 million in commitments from generous donors. These commitments are advancing major initiatives and priorities that drive our vision for distinction—supporting scholarships, academic programs, faculty excellence, research, and the spaces where learning and connection happen.
I am deeply grateful to those who have given to DU; their support reflects a belief not only in our mission, but in the students, faculty, and staff who bring this vision to life every day.
I am deeply grateful to those who have given to DU; their support reflects a belief not only in our mission, but in the students, faculty, and staff who bring this vision to life every day.
A Note About Campaigns and Our Financial Reality
While the University engages with philanthropic partners as a part of our daily business, comprehensive fundraising campaigns, like The Denver Difference, occur less frequently.
Importantly, the vast majority of funds raised during a campaign are “restricted,” indicating they can only be used for the specific projects selected by the donor. This may include scholarships, a program, faculty positions, buildings or renovations, athletics facilities, etc. In some cases, gifts are “endowed” with the principal invested in perpetuity, and only a portion of the annual earnings is available for use.
As a result, most campaign funds cannot be used for operations, such as day-to-day bills or salaries. This distinction is especially important now, as DU and many institutions face significant financial pressures and a projected revenue decline. Our engagement with donors and the continued success of the campaign is vital to our long-term goals and moving DU Forward. We want friends, alumni, and others to see the 91Ƶ clearly and confidently: as a place worthy of investment and partnership. Within DU Forward, we aspire to many things, including robust scholarship opportunities, continued vibrancy within programs, and funded professorships. The heart and soul behind donor support make these aspirations possible.
Importantly, the vast majority of funds raised during a campaign are “restricted,” indicating they can only be used for the specific projects selected by the donor. This may include scholarships, a program, faculty positions, buildings or renovations, athletics facilities, etc. In some cases, gifts are “endowed” with the principal invested in perpetuity, and only a portion of the annual earnings is available for use.
As a result, most campaign funds cannot be used for operations, such as day-to-day bills or salaries. This distinction is especially important now, as DU and many institutions face significant financial pressures and a projected revenue decline. Our engagement with donors and the continued success of the campaign is vital to our long-term goals and moving DU Forward. We want friends, alumni, and others to see the 91Ƶ clearly and confidently: as a place worthy of investment and partnership. Within DU Forward, we aspire to many things, including robust scholarship opportunities, continued vibrancy within programs, and funded professorships. The heart and soul behind donor support make these aspirations possible.
With Gratitude
I’ll close by thanking the many colleagues across DU who are directly involved in advancing the campaign. We would not be in this position of momentum and promise without your hard work, creativity, and dedication.
During times of uncertainty, the strong network of supporters championing us renews my firm belief that we are doing something special here, an accomplishment worth celebrating.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Haefner
Chancellor
During times of uncertainty, the strong network of supporters championing us renews my firm belief that we are doing something special here, an accomplishment worth celebrating.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Haefner
Chancellor