ILLUMINATING IMPACT
PHILANTHROPY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
FISCAL YEAR 2025
JULY 2024–JUNE 2025
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends, as well as invaluable support from foundations and corporations, DU surpassed $80 million in philanthropic support during fiscal year 2025 (FY25), marking one of the top-three fundraising years in DU history.
Donor support reflects a strong vote of confidence in DU’s vision to reimagine higher education. With investments spanning scholarships, the 4D Experience, faculty excellence, free expression and pluralism, interdisciplinary research, athletics, and state-of-the-art learning spaces, 2025 philanthropy charted a new course for innovation, transformation, and excellence.
A NOTE FROM
THE CHANCELLOR
Thanks to your generosity and engagement, the 2025 fiscal year was remarkable, marking one of the top three fundraising years in DU’s history. Simply put, we could not have achieved this without you.
Your investments are more than financial contributions — they are resounding votes of confidence in our shared vision to reimagine higher education. At a moment when colleges and universities are facing unprecedented challenges, ranging from financial pressures to shifting demographics, philanthropy has never been more important.
Through your support, you are fueling The Denver Difference, our historic one billion dollar campaign that celebrates and supports our strengths: the people, programs, and places that make DU unique. As you review this report, you will see your incredible influence brought to life. You will read about the brilliant people in our community, from first-generation scholars stepping into new opportunities to faculty pushing the boundaries of interdisciplinary research. This report captures the dynamic programs that enhance our signature 4D Experience, solidifying DU’s preeminent campus life and ensuring all graduates are ready to lead careers and lives of purpose. You will see the transformative places we are building, like the Integrative Life Sciences Complex, which will foster groundbreaking discoveries for generations to come.
Every scholarship funded, program expanded, and space created is a testament to the strength of our community. You are helping us chart a bold new course for innovation, transformation, and excellence across our Denver campus, the Kennedy Mountain Campus, and beyond.
Thank you for your belief in our students, faculty, programs, and educational mission. Your generosity continues to brighten our path forward, proving that when we join forces, our potential is limitless.
With gratitude,
Jeremy Haefner, Chancellor
Donor generosity is funding the next generation of difference-makers, expanding access for first-generation scholars, and supporting academic excellence across disciplines like art history, library science, and business. When it comes to philanthropy, DU alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff are the power behind The Denver Difference.
Empowering Entrepreneurial Innovation
The Tomé Foundation has made a generous gift to E@DU, supporting student entrepreneur stipends and mentorship initiatives, advancing innovation and entrepreneurship at the Daniels College of Business.
Opening Doors: Scholarships for First-Generation Students
DU Board of Trustees member Denise O'Leary and her husband Kent Thiry established the Thiry-O'Leary Family Scholarship Fund, which awarded over $360,000 to 17 first-generation undergraduate students across six colleges in 2024–25.
A Brush with Impact:
Investing in Art Education
An estate gift from Ruth Klein (MA '57) and her late husband Roy (BFA '52, MA '55) has established endowed scholarships for students in DU's Morgridge College of Education and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Honoring the legacy of a leader who shaped the University of Denver’s future with heart, humor, and generosity
Dan Ritchie — Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Denver; lifetime champion of DU’s mission and values; and beloved friend, colleague, and mentor to many — was a legendary leader in the DU community.
At his memorial service in February of last year, Dan Ritchie was recognized at center ice in Magness Arena at the Ritchie Center, his namesake sports complex on DU’s campus. Yellow roses were arranged in a pair of Ritchie’s cowboy boots, and guests sported wide-brimmed hats — homages to the “cowboy ethics” he often credited as guiding his life and leadership.
Ritchie served as DU’s chancellor after serving on the Board of Trustees. During his tenure, he spearheaded an impactful fundraising campaign for new facilities, infrastructure, and programs that promoted student success and advanced the university’s mission. Remembered for his kind smile and sense of humor, he had a talent for making meaningful connections with people from all backgrounds and inspiring profound generosity among donors. Garnering support from the Denver community, he successfully secured transformational gifts from foundations and individuals who understood the value of having a great university in Denver.
When Ritchie became chancellor, DU was on the brink of financial crisis and facing an uncertain future. Dedicated to the university’s survival and growth, he famously agreed to work for a salary of just one dollar a year, and he never asked for a raise. Through his selflessness, intuition, and business acumen, he not only stabilized DU’s finances but also set the stage for its remarkable growth.
Ritchie, who was also a successful cattle rancher, built and operated the Grand River Ranch in Kremmling, Colorado, which he eventually donated to DU. This unprecedented gift led to the creation of the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports & Wellness and boosted DU’s regional prominence in the Rocky Mountain West.
Ritchie left an indelible mark on nearly every aspect of DU life. He expanded the university’s red-brick footprint into a vibrant community hub, enhanced academic programs to meet evolving student needs, developed scholarships to make DU more accessible, and elevated both DU’s athletic and arts programs.
“Dan Ritchie transformed the University of Denver in ways that will be felt for generations through his leadership and incredible generosity. His visionary support strengthened academic excellence, elevated our athletic and community spaces, and deepened DU’s commitment to leadership and service. His legacy is felt in every facet of DU, and we are grateful for the many ways in which he curated the future of our great institution.”
Building a Legacy of Growth and Excellence
Integrity, fairness, and respect were at the heart of Ritchie’s chancellorship. Among his strategic priorities was expanding the teaching of ethics at the Daniels College of Business and co-founding the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System.
Motivated by the belief that higher education should teach young people to be responsible, curious, and empathic global citizens, he founded DU’s Cherrington Global Scholars international education program, which financially supports students who study abroad.
A lover of performing arts, Ritchie honored his late mother, a singer, by establishing the Jessie Dee Ritchie Endowed Graduate Scholarship Fund for Music. In the same year, he donated his Santa Barbara ranch to support construction of a new facility for the Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, named in honor of his father.
Whether funding initiatives personally or inspiring others to give generously, Ritchie’s philanthropy was driven by a desire to improve lives.
Despite his immense influence, Ritchie was known for his humility. He led with a warm smile and a sense of humor, always quick to credit others. A story fondly remembered by the DU community captures his spirit perfectly. When asked why he was often seen picking up litter on campus, Ritchie replied, “If you don’t love a place enough to pick up its trash, you don’t deserve to be its chancellor.”
As DU students and faculty walk across a campus made beautiful by his efforts, they carry forward Ritchie’s legacy of love, dedication, hard work, and empathy. The university was forever changed by his generous spirit and visionary leadership. We bid our “cowboy chancellor” a fond farewell — and tip our hats in his honor.
Elevating Impact: DU Volunteers Set New Record
At DU, every act of service highlights what it means to be a difference-maker. In fiscal year 2025, 1,771 dedicated volunteers — our highest annual total yet in The Denver Difference campaign — proved what’s possible when passion meets purpose. From mentorship and board leadership to regional network coordination, guest lecturers, and more, over 5,500 volunteers to date have shaped a brighter future for DU and the world.
Meet Two of DU’s Star Volunteers
DU alum Taylor Bennett-Begaye (MA ’22), Diné citizen and chair of DU’s Indigenous Alumni Affinity Network, exemplifies the spirit of service by volunteering to support DU’s Native Student Alliance. Guiding the Native Student Alliance’s powwow and community events, Bennet-Begaye’s dedication and leadership shine. Part of her work includes leading a Blanket Wrapping Ceremony, a tradition that honors Native graduates.
“I’ve always found joy in supporting and serving our DU Indigenous/Native alumni and community because it allows me to connect with others and create a space for future generations of leaders and alumni.”
Another standout volunteer, alum Corey T. Nyman (BSBA ’99), leads DU’s Las Vegas Alumni Network, cultivating connections among alumni, prospective students, and friends in the Las Vegas area. In addition to his network leadership, Nyman served on the Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management Executive Advisory Board, mentors students, and hosts events that strengthen the DU community. He also continues to support Men’s Lacrosse as a proud alumnus of that program.
“DU gave me so much during my undergraduate years, so I’ve made it my mission to support a place I truly love. It’s all about sharing your time, effort, and energy.”
The Denver Difference thrives on teamwork. Every hour and act of volunteerism contributes to making DU and the world a better place. From enhancing students’ on-campus experiences through thoughtful outreach to organizing events that strengthen alumni networks, DU volunteers find creative ways to give back. As volunteerism expands, so does DU’s capacity to make an impact.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved!
Advancing Student Success
Empowering Future Media Leaders Through Internship Support
An endowed fund from the estate of Lance Clem (BA '72), bolstered by a $1 million contribution from his partner Douglas Tippin, supports Media, Film, and Journalism Studies students in pursuing internship opportunities at DU.
Ascent Program
A First-Gen Law Grad’s Mission to Pay It Forward
Erik Estrada (JD '09), a first-generation Chancellor's Scholar turned law firm co-founder, has invested in Sturm College of Law's Ascent Program to support students from communities historically underrepresented in the legal profession.
Public Service and Purpose
Turning a Simple Gesture into a Legacy
Inspired by his transformative DU education, Jack Kleinheksel and his wife Georgia established an endowed prize honoring faculty member Gordon von Stroh and supporting future public servants.
A Decade of Impact
Celebrating 10 Years of 1DAY4DU
May 2025 marked the 10th anniversary of 1DAY4DU, a dedicated 24 hours of fundraising that celebrates the generosity of the University of Denver community. Over the past decade, this tradition has made a powerful impact on DU, fueling transformational scholarships, exceptional athletics, groundbreaking research, and vital student support programs. Raising $1.2 million in just 24 hours, this total reflects a shared commitment to drive meaningful change and a belief in DU’s mission to serve the public good.
Celebrating 10 Years of 1DAY4DU
$10 million and 26,000+ donors in the past decade
In just 24 hours, 1DAY4DU's 10th anniversary brought together 2,014 donors — including 502 first-time givers — to raise $1.2M for DU's mission.
Scholarship support topped $100,000, and the DU Board of Trustees showed up in full force, achieving 100% participation on 1DAY4DU.
Athletics was a standout on 1DAY4DU, raising $526,589 to support all 18 of DU's varsity programs.
Central to the 4D educational journey, DU’s places foster creativity and innovation, define the distinctive DU student experience, support new and unprecedented discoveries, and improve the well-being of people on our campus and beyond. Philanthropy is broadening these horizons even further, creating new spaces for research excellence, innovation, and distinction.
Kennedy Mountain Campus
WHERE GROWTH MEETS ADVENTURE
James C. Kennedy’s (BA ’71) extraordinary generosity has continued to provide DU students — as well as faculty and staff — with life-changing opportunities. Located in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, the 750-acre Kennedy Mountain Campus (KMC) is more than just a retreat; it’s a space for holistic growth, meaningful connections, and challenges that inspire resilience and purpose. For many students, their KMC experience is a turning point that equips them to thrive and lead in their communities and beyond.
Integral to the 4D Experience, KMC focuses on programming that supports students by deepening intellect, developing well-being, discovering character, and designing careers and lives of purpose. KMC is a classroom, a playground, and a home for exploration, growth, and discovery.
KMC remains a hub for exploration, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning, providing technical skills and leadership strategies that build the confidence to lead, compassion to care, and courage to contribute. Participants return to their communities more grounded, capable, and inspired to make a difference.
Welcomed 682 students to the First Ascent Initiative, piloting a summer pre-orientation and via ferrata climbing routes, with 90% reporting meaningful social and emotional growth
Completed infrastructure upgrades including new trails, a mountain bike network, an emergency services building, and a water rights plan
Rebranded DU Outdoors, uniting six student-led clubs and securing a $90,000 grant to expand services
Engaged a total of 6,000 participants, including 2,045 in KMC-specific programs, with the remainder in DU Outdoors activities including clubs, the ski bus, and more
Raised over $15,000 for the KMC Mile Makers Fund during 1DAY4DU
Hosted 205 students, faculty, and staff in immersive academic programs across arts, business, leadership, and environmental conservation
Provided professional development for 47 faculty members in partnership with the Provost’s Office and Faculty Senate
Building the Next Era of Barton Stadium
Generous donor support is fueling Barton 2027, an ambitious renovation of Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium, designed to elevate the experience for both student-athletes and fans. This project, which will be fully donor-funded when fundraising is complete, strengthens DU’s legacy of excellence while upgrading infrastructure for the Pioneer men’s and women’s lacrosse programs. Phase one of construction is already underway to dramatically enhance the iconic venue and prepare it for the next 20 years of competition.
Integrative Life Sciences Complex
Advancing Scientific Discovery and Innovation
At the heart of the University of Denver’s mission to solve real-world problems is our commitment to groundbreaking scientific research. The Integrative Life Sciences Complex, opening in fall 2027, will be where DU researchers will advance discovery and foundational research on some of science’s most urgent mysteries — from the molecular roots of diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes to the mechanics that drive cellular health and breakdown.
Rooted in DU’s culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, the Integrative Life Sciences Complex is designed to bring together principles from physics, computer science, and engineering with biology and chemistry. By enabling faculty and students to integrate diverse scientific principles, the building will foster the development of innovative discovery tools across the spectrum of life sciences.
Whether investigating how Tau proteins form fibrils — a process linked to neurodegenerative disorders — or pioneering methods for growing reliable blood vessel systems to better understand the fundamentals of cancer and vascular disease, DU researchers are expanding the boundaries of foundational science. The new Life Sciences Complex will empower them to accelerate these efforts, speeding the translation of discovery into future medical breakthroughs.
DU’s reputation as Colorado’s only private university with the prestigious Carnegie R1 classification — a distinction reserved for the nation’s top research institutions — underscores our dedication to research excellence. Over the past decade, DU has tripled its research volume, and the Integrative Life Sciences Complex will further solidify the University’s role as a leader in scientific innovation.
Located at the south end of campus, the 87,000-square-foot facility will include 23 advanced research labs and 5 undergraduate learning labs, significantly expanding DU’s research capacity. With transparent glass walls and immersive educational spaces, the discovery process will be both visible and accessible. The facility will be a cornerstone of a DU education, offering every undergraduate the opportunity to engage with the scientific process.
Philanthropy is driving meaningful change, supporting groundbreaking academic and athletic programs that build understanding, inspire leadership, enhance the 4D Experience, and create pathways toward a brighter future.
Redefining the Human–Animal Connection
A legacy gift from IHAC Executive Director Kevin Morris and his wife Kristin Des Marais will ensure the Graduate School of Social Work's Institute for Human–Animal Connection continues its research linking animal welfare and human well-being.
Building Future Careers in Real Estate
A landmark gift from the TOLD Foundation has established the John B. "Jack" Gilbert Student Experience Fund, expanding access to hands-on, career-focused learning opportunities at DU's Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management.
Making Waves in Pioneer Athletics
A transformational gift from the Watson family — the largest in DU Swimming and Diving program history — has launched a head coaching endowment to elevate the program's national standing and enhance the student-athlete experience.
Advancing Justice, Legal Skills, and the Public Good
Founded with an anonymous six-figure gift, Sturm College of Law's Immigration Law and Policy Clinic provides critical legal representation to detained immigrants while giving students hands-on experience in immigration and criminal law advocacy.
Leading with Legacy
DU Hockey’s Next Chapter
With a new multiyear contract and a landmark personal philanthropic pledge, Richard and Kitzia Goodman Hockey Head Coach David Carle strengthened his commitment to sustaining DU Hockey’s national dominance. As the first coach to join DU’s Gold Standard Society, Carle will secure lasting support for the most decorated program in college hockey history.
Athletics: DU Rules Division I
DU Athletics plays a pivotal role in the 4D Experience, fostering leadership, discipline, community, and personal development. Through donor support, DU’s student-athletes are not only achieving excellence in competition but also in the classroom and beyond. With historic programs, championship-level teams, and bold investments in infrastructure and coaching, DU Athletics is building a future defined by excellence, opportunity, high performance, and innovation.
Donors contributed over $9M to DU Athletics in FY25, fueling competitive excellence and expanding opportunities for student-athletes.
On a single day of giving, the DU community rallied to raise $526,589 for Athletics through 1DAY4DU.
DU competes across 18 varsity Division I sports and has claimed 35 NCAA National Championships, building a legacy of excellence on the national stage.
DU student-athletes excel beyond competition, achieving a 96% graduation success rate that reflects their commitment to excellence in the classroom.
DU Endowment Performance
In fiscal year 2025, the University of Denver’s endowment generated a net return of 11.3% with a total market value of $1.2 billion. The endowment’s value increased by approximately $65 million from the previous fiscal year, attributed to a combination of investment earnings, new gifts, and standard operational withdrawals that support the University’s mission.
11.3% net return
$1.2 Billion total market value
$65 Million FY25 increase in value
DU Students and Scholarships
5,700+ undergraduate students
6,100+ graduate students
90+ countries represented on campus
DU’s Class of 2029
1,180 first-year students represent 47 states and 28 countries
~45% of undergraduate students receive need-based financial aid
$6,500 average financial aid gap to cover full attendance cost
4% international students
Career and Professional Development
Empowering students to design lives of purpose and successful careers
At DU, students are not just being prepared for the future — they are actively shaping it. By setting the gold standard in career development, DU ensures that every student receives personalized support, real-world preparation, and the tools needed to thrive in a competitive world.
Ranked #24 Best Career Services by Princeton Review
95% of undergraduates actively engaged with Career Services
66% of master’s students actively engaged with Career Services
DU bachelor’s degree holders earn $17,428 more on average than graduates from comparable four-year institutions
Students with internships are 2.5x more likely to secure a job post-graduation
89% of alums achieved successful outcomes by being employed, in grad school, or in military service within six months of graduation
2,200+ alumni participated in Crimson Constellation DU’s mentoring platform
1,100+ mentoring connections fostering invaluable career support relationships
78% of undergraduates participated in internships
82% of master’s students participated in internships
156,000 alumni worldwide
70% of undergrad alums stay in Colorado
$2.3 Billion DU’s contribution to Colorado’s economy in 2024
$1 Billion average annual economic impact by Colorado-based DU alumni
PRINCETON REVIEW
Rankings 2025
#1 Most-Loved Colleges
#7 Best College Library
#13 College City Gets High Marks
#15 Best-Run Colleges
#18 Best Health Services
#21 LGBTQ-Friendly
#22 Town – Gown Relations Are Great (based on student ratings of how well they get along with the local community)
#23 Happiest Students
#24 Most Beautiful Campus; Green Matters; Everyone Cares About Conservation
The Denver Difference
Fiscal Year 2025 Impact
Shaping the Future of DU
Through the remarkable generosity of the University of Denver community — along with vital contributions from foundations and corporations — DU surpassed over $80 million in philanthropic support during fiscal year 2025. This milestone represents one of the top three fundraising years in the University’s history. Focused on DU’s three campaign priorities — people, the programs that shape their work, and the places that bring it all to life — donor gifts drive meaningful change by transforming lives and redefining the promise of higher education.
Donors rallied to push DU past its fundraising goal, contributing $81.1M in philanthropic support in fiscal year 2025.
FY25 giving was led by Programs at $42.8M (53%), followed by People at $27.3M (34%) and Places at $10.9M (13%), reflecting donor investment across all three of DU's campaign priorities.
DU's donor community grew and gave generously in FY25, with 10,245 total gifts, 2,500+ new donors, and a 13% increase in giving over the previous year.
A total of 17,662 alumni and friends engaged with DU in FY25 through volunteering, giving, and sharing their expertise.
University of Denver | Advancement | 2199 S. University Blvd | Denver, CO 80208 | advancement@du.edu
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