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
-
CU Denver Receives $3.25 Million Grant from The Denver Foundation’s Reisher Scholars ProgramOpens in a new window
Aug 3, 2026CU Denver announced today it has received a $3.25 million grant from the Reisher Scholars Program at The Denver Foundation as part of a landmark $25 million initiative marking the 25th anniversary of the program. The funds will be directed to CU Denver’s students over the next two academic years.Opens in a new window Full story -
Meet Layla Blair: Student Researcher and Future Biomedical EngineerOpens in a new window
May 4, 2026Blair was part of the Reisher Scholars Program, the MARC U-STAR scholarship program, And she’s presented her research nationally at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists.Opens in a new window Full story -
Meet Angel Lupian Alvarez: How This Accounting Major Found Belonging and Landed a “Big Four” InternshipOpens in a new window
May 4, 2026Angle found his place at CU Denver and in the business community, thanks to resources like the First-Generation and Multicultural Business Program (FaM) and TRIO Student Support Services.Opens in a new window Full story -
Meet Laura Zabaleta Arias: How This Graduate Found Community, Confidence, and New Opportunities at CU DenverOpens in a new window
Apr 28, 2026Zabaleta Arias’ journey at CU Denver started with a scholarship offer. She was accepted to the University Honors and Leadership Program, which provides students with funding for tuition and classes.Opens in a new window Full story
Programs & Initiatives
-
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
-
The Languages That Shape Us: Laura Marasco’s Dedication to Family, Education, and ConnectionOpens in a new window
Jun 24, 2026Through her support of the School of Education & Human Development, including the William Goodwin Scholarship, Marasco invests in diverse students as they navigate higher education, careers, and parenting.Opens in a new window Full story -
Investing in Potential: Helping Students to Dream Big
May 4, 2026 byFor nearly a decade, Pattie Money has supported CU Denver students through mentorship, classroom leadership, and direct giving, helping students build the professional skills and confidence they need to succeed in their careers.Full story -
Business School Celebrates Scholarship Donors and Recipients
Apr 3, 2026 byStudents, donors, faculty, and staff gathered at the Jake Jabs Event Center for the CU Denver Business School’s annual Scholarship Luncheon to celebrate the impact of scholarships and the generosity of the donors who help make these opportunities possible.Full story -
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
Elevation
Elevation is our quarterly digital publication highlighting the many ways our community of donors helps CU Denver reach new heights.
Elevation: July 2026
Students are reimagining the future of Colfax, building better fire stations for Denver, and innovating Colorado's outside industry.
40 KB
Elevation: April 2026
Lumina Foundation partnership expands career pathways for students. CU Denver launches ELEVATION campaign. Omar Mendoza's journey from kitchen to classroom.
38 KB
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.
37 KB
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.
40 KB