Giving in Action

Mortenson family gift strengthens global engineering education and community impact at CU �Ǹ�Թ�

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 21:16:38 +0000

Mortenson family gift strengthens global engineering education and community impact at CU �Ǹ�Թ� Megan M Rogers Thu, 09/24/2026 - 15:16

From left: Mortenson Center Director Evan Thomas, College of Engineering and Applied Science Dean Keith Molenaar, Alice Mortenson, Mark Mortenson, Katie Mortenson and Peter Mortenson

Around the world, access to safe water, reliable infrastructure and sustainable resources can shape lives. At CU �Ǹ�Թ�, the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering & Resilience works alongside communities to address these needs and improve lives globally.

A new $10 million gift from Alice Mortenson, the Mortenson Family Foundation and Mortenson Construction will help the center continue and expand this important work.

The gift builds on a longstanding family commitment to CU �Ǹ�Թ� and the Mortenson Center by funding two new professorships and adding flexible resources to the center’s endowment.

Together, the investments will help advance the center’s mission to improve development tools and practices in ways that benefit vulnerable people and their environment.

“The Mortenson Center represents the very best of CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s mission in action, combining education, research and partnership to address critical needs,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “Philanthropic support is a powerful catalyst for accelerating this kind of world-impacting work, and the Mortensons’ gift will allow us to expand the center’s reach and advance solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing communities around the globe.”

A legacy of service, education and giving back

Alice Mortenson’s connection to CU �Ǹ�Թ� originally stemmed from her husband, Mauritz “Mort” Mortenson Jr., a CU �Ǹ�Թ� civil engineering graduate who passed away in 2019.

Mort was a deeply engaged supporter of his alma mater and received several CU honors, including the Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award, the George Norlin Award and the University Medal. As chairman of Mortenson Construction, he also helped strengthen CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s built environment through projects including the Champions Center, Indoor Practice Facility and Visual Arts Complex.

In 2009, a gift from Mort and Alice endowed and named the Mortenson Center, then known as Engineering for Developing Communities. The program has since expanded to 30 countries and more than 80 global partners, working with communities to improve water security, sanitation, energy and sustainable infrastructure.

Alice said the new gift honors Mort’s legacy and builds on their family’s past support.

“It was a combination of our backgrounds that taught us it is more beloved to give than to receive, and what our responsibility was to others,” said Alice. “The University of Colorado takes that very seriously when designing its programs.”

Earlier this year, the CU Board of Regents recognized Alice with an honorary degree for her contributions to education, public service and global development. She celebrated the moment alongside her grandson, Peter, who earned his undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering.

“It gives me goosebumps,” said Alice. “To be reconnected with students’ excitement and dreams, their hopes, plans and struggles, is so lovely and heartwarming. And to have the means to affect someone’s life—it’s a privilege, and it gives back in abundance.”

Investments for global impact

�Ǹ�Թ� the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering & Resilience

The Mortenson Center in Global Engineering & Resilience at CU �Ǹ�Թ� combines global engineering education, research and partnerships to improve development tools and practice. The center trains engineers to recognize the issues at the core of development challenges and collaborate with partners across campus and around the world to create sustainable, scalable, evidence-based and equitable engineering solutions.

Its vision is a world where everyone has equitable access to safe and reliable water, sanitation, energy, food, shelter and infrastructure. To date, over 500 alumni from the Mortenson Center have worked in global engineering in 30 countries around the world, and 10 million people have received access to clean water thanks to their work.

The gift will establish two $1.5 million endowed professorships: the Alice Mortenson Endowed Professorship in Global Resilience and the Mort Mortenson Endowed Professorship in Global Engineering. The positions will help the Mortenson Center attract and retain faculty who prepare students to work with communities on complex global challenges.

The center has announced that Assistant Research Professor Denis Muthike will hold the inaugural Alice Mortenson Endowed Professorship, and Associate Teaching Professor Carlo Salvinelli will hold the Mort Mortenson Endowed Professorship. Dedicated resources will allow both faculty members to deepen their teaching, research and partnership work.

The endowed positions will strengthen the center’s ability to support faculty who bring research, teaching and field experience together across areas such as water, food, energy and resilience. Their work will help prepare students to carry practical engineering solutions into communities around the world.

The remaining $7 million will support the Mortenson Center’s endowment, giving the center flexibility to respond to emerging needs, pursue practical research and expand hands-on learning opportunities.

This support will help students and faculty turn knowledge into practical solutions that advance the center’s vision of a world where everyone has safe water, sanitation, energy, food, shelter and infrastructure.

“The Mortenson Center has helped prepare generations of engineers to work on some of the world’s hardest challenges, from clean water and food security to climate resilience and infrastructure,” said Evan Thomas, director of the Mortenson Center. “This gift recognizes the power of engineering education to create practical, lasting impact.

“Alice’s generosity will be felt at CU �Ǹ�Թ�, in the careers of future engineers and in communities around the world where Mortenson Center students and alumni put their education to work.”

A $10 million philanthropic gift to the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering & Resilience will support its mission to improve development tools and practices in ways that benefit vulnerable people and their environment globally.

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Donor generosity powers another record-breaking fundraising year at CU �Ǹ�Թ�

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 20:17:46 +0000

Donor generosity powers another record-breaking fundraising year at CU �Ǹ�Թ� Megan M Rogers Tue, 09/22/2026 - 14:17

CU �Ǹ�Թ� donors made history by contributing more than $282 million, marking the university's strongest fundraising year to date. With nearly 28,300 donors, including 2,780 first-time supporters, the milestone reflects a growing community united by belief in CU �Ǹ�Թ� and its future.

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Roe Green's generosity takes the stage

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 19:19:43 +0000

Roe Green's generosity takes the stage Megan M Rogers Mon, 08/31/2026 - 13:19

Five years ago, Green donated $5 million to support renovations for the Roe Green Theatre. Today, her influence has transformed the Department of Theatre and Dance, creating opportunities for students and helping prepare the theater to welcome audiences for the 2027 Sundance Film Festival.

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Where �Ǹ�Թ� meets CU: A legacy of connection inspires new $5M civic impact initiative

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 07 May 2026 13:21:07 +0000

Where �Ǹ�Թ� meets CU: A legacy of connection inspires new $5M civic impact initiative Megan M Rogers Thu, 05/07/2026 - 07:21

At table, left to right: Vice Chancellor for Advancement Katy Herbert Kotlarczyk; Chancellor Justin Schwartz; donor Heidi Wagner; CU Foundation President and CEO Jack Finlaw. At back, left to right: Members of Heidi Wagner’s family attend the signing ceremony—Mary Ann Wagner Keatley, Ann Wagner, Riley Hayduk.

For alum Heidi Wagner, �Ǹ�Թ� has never been just a place on a map. It represents part of her family’s history and a lifelong connection to CU �Ǹ�Թ�—one that began generations ago.

In the 1950s, Wagner's great-grandmother served as house mother for the Sigma Nu fraternity on campus, and her great-grandfather hauled red stone to �Ǹ�Թ� to help build the university’s iconic campus. Years later, her father, Clay, studied geology, chemistry and math at CU �Ǹ�Թ�; her mother, Ann, was raised by local ranchers and eventually brought up three young children in CU’s student family housing.

Wagner herself graduated from CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s journalism program in 1986. Though her career took her beyond �Ǹ�Թ�, her connection to the city and university never faded. Now, that lifelong bond is coming full circle through a new initiative that will bring the university and city even closer together.

The Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative is a new program designed to bridge campus and community through student-led engagement and problem-solving. Supported by a $5 million endowment gift from Wagner, the initiative embodies a simple but powerful idea: The challenges facing the city of �Ǹ�Թ� don’t stop at the edge of campus, and neither should the solutions.

“I am beyond excited to launch the Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative at a time when engagement, collaboration and action are sorely needed at all levels of government and community,” said Wagner. “By working directly with the city of �Ǹ�Թ� as well as local businesses and nonprofits, students will be given practical experience as well as an appreciation for complex, real-time problem-solving that benefits the �Ǹ�Թ� community.”

Connecting campus and community

Hosted within CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s Center for Leadership, this initiative will immerse students in real-world projects alongside local partners, giving them the opportunity to work directly on challenges and opportunities facing the �Ǹ�Թ� community, including issues such as sustainability, mental health or workforce development.

“CU �Ǹ�Թ� and the city of �Ǹ�Թ� are deeply interconnected, and our successes and challenges are shared,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “This initiative is about strengthening that town-gown connection in meaningful ways, giving students the opportunity to contribute to the community that surrounds them while learning what it means to lead with purpose and responsibility.”

Each cohort of Wagner Family Civic Impact Scholars will form small, interdisciplinary teams and partner with local nonprofits, businesses and government agencies to identify challenges and co-create innovative solutions. In the process, students will gain hands-on experience while contributing tangible benefits to the community they call home.

At a time when relationships between universities and their surrounding communities are more important than ever, CU �Ǹ�Թ� is taking an approach rooted in collaboration.

“As CU celebrates its 150th anniversary, we’re reflecting on how �Ǹ�Թ� community members came together to help fund the beginning of the university,” said Lori Call, associate vice chancellor for local government and community engagement.

“�Ǹ�Թ� is home to so many of our students, faculty, staff and alumni, and this is a wonderful opportunity to engage students more deeply in this community—working alongside leaders who can help them understand the issues and challenges, and helping to identify opportunities and solutions.”

Civic learning in action

In addition to the tangible benefits for the �Ǹ�Թ� community, students will gain meaningful experience themselves.

“This initiative brings learning to life in a way that simply isn’t possible within the walls of a classroom,” said Chancellor Emeritus Philip DiStefano, senior executive director of the Center for Leadership. “It will help students develop not only critical skills but a stronger sense of responsibility, collaboration and connection. By partnering with the city of �Ǹ�Թ� more intentionally, we’re creating a shared pathway for innovation, impact and long-term community benefit.”

In addition to project-based work, scholars will receive scholarships and mentorship support as part of the program. The first cohort is expected to begin in fall 2026.

“Building on the Center for Leadership’s strong foundation of investing in student leader development, this initiative will create new pathways for students to practice leadership in real-world contexts,” said Stefanie Johnson, director of the Center for Leadership. “By working alongside community partners to address complex challenges, students will deepen their capacity to lead with empathy, collaboration and purpose, preparing them to make a meaningful impact long after they leave CU �Ǹ�Թ�.”

A �Ǹ�Թ� legacy

For Wagner, the new initiative is about carrying her family’s legacy forward.

From mining, ranching and farming in the area to raising children in CU housing, the Wagner family’s lives have been intertwined with the university and the city in ways that reflect their values of connection, respect and belonging. Now, those experiences continue to influence how Heidi thinks about giving back.

“Growing up in �Ǹ�Թ�, I never distinguished the city from the university, so it made perfect sense to design and endow a program that focuses on their shared interests,” said Wagner. “My own career in advocacy at the federal level has only impressed upon me the need for civic engagement to start early and start local.”

Over the decades, several other members of the Wagner family have attended CU �Ǹ�Թ� and other Colorado institutions, pursuing careers in healthcare, public service and higher education. Wagner herself recently retired after a successful career in healthcare legislative and regulatory policy and law in Washington, D.C., and credits CU �Ǹ�Թ� with helping to fuel her momentum.

Through every chapter and generation, the Wagner family embodies the spirit of �Ǹ�Թ�: open-minded, welcoming and deeply committed to education and community. Now, Wagner is channeling that history into an investment in the next generation.

“By sending me to Washington for an internship on Capitol Hill, CU changed the trajectory of my life, both professionally and personally,” said Wagner. “My great hope is to do the same for CU students participating in this initiative by facilitating and prioritizing engagement, collaboration and action.”

The Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative reflects CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s and Wagner's shared belief that the campus and the city are strongest when they work together. In this way, this new effort is not only a continuation of their family legacy but an expansion of it—one that invites students to become part of �Ǹ�Թ�’s story and help shape its future.

Donor and alum Heidi Wagner with her family. Back row (left to right): Riley Hayduk, Heidi Wagner, Amy Wagner Eichelberger. Front row (left to right): Kimberly Wagner Doody, Mary Ann Wagner Keatley, Clay Wagner, Ann Wagner. Photo edited to include all family members.

CU �Ǹ�Թ� has received a $5 million endowment gift from alum Heidi Wagner to launch the Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative. The new program will connect students with �Ǹ�Թ�-area partners to address community challenges through student-led engagement and problem-solving.

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Here's what CU �Ǹ�Թ� students say about philanthropy at CU �Ǹ�Թ�

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:01:12 +0000

Here's what CU �Ǹ�Թ� students say about philanthropy at CU �Ǹ�Թ� Megan M Rogers Wed, 03/18/2026 - 10:01

March is Buffs All In, when CU �Ǹ�Թ� celebrates the impact of collective giving. Read stories from student leaders—some involved in the CU Special Olympics, others in Letters of Love at CU and more.

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WHOLE Student-Athlete program elevates Buffs on and off the field

Elizabeth Lock — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:47:17 +0000

WHOLE Student-Athlete program elevates Buffs on and off the field Elizabeth Lock Wed, 02/18/2026 - 09:47

Powered by philanthropy, CU �Ǹ�Թ�'s Crawford Family WHOLE Student-Athlete Program delivers comprehensive support for student-athletes' wellness, academics, leadership and career readiness, setting a national standard for holistic care in college athletics.

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Meadowlark Optics invests in CU �Ǹ�Թ�'s quantum scholars

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:42:22 +0000

Meadowlark Optics invests in CU �Ǹ�Թ�'s quantum scholars Megan M Rogers Mon, 02/02/2026 - 11:42

College of Arts and Sciences

Local company Meadowlark Optics, founded by alum Tom Baur, is generously supporting $70,000 in new scholarships for CU �Ǹ�Թ� undergraduates exploring the quantum field.

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When staff and philanthropy unite: A path to empower future engineers

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:38:26 +0000

When staff and philanthropy unite: A path to empower future engineers Megan M Rogers Mon, 02/02/2026 - 11:38

At the Campos Student Center, dedicated staff and visionary donors are transforming students' lives, proving that compassionate leadership and philanthropy can open doors to possibility, purpose and belonging.

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Buckley Center renamed SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:24:00 +0000

Buckley Center renamed SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education Megan M Rogers Wed, 01/21/2026 - 11:24

Left to right: Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock, alumnus and donor Spike Buckley, and Chancellor Justin Schwartz at the signing ceremony.

The Buckley Center for Sustainability Education at CU �Ǹ�Թ�, launched last summer with a transformative $10 million gift from alumnus Spike Buckley, has been renamed the SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education to reflect dynamism and its growing role as a hub for sustainability learning and leadership on campus and beyond.

Established with a $10 million, venture-style investment to accelerate sustainability education at CU �Ǹ�Թ�, the center was created to integrate sustainability concepts across courses and disciplines; support faculty innovation in sustainability teaching; and empower students with experiential learning, civic engagement and leadership opportunities. The center serves as an accelerator to expand sustainability curriculum, advance faculty impact and prepare students to address the urgent environmental challenges of our time.

“This support has allowed us to build a dynamic, collaborative space that will help students and faculty bring sustainability into every corner of campus,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability at CU �Ǹ�Թ�. “Renaming the center honors the vision and continued commitment of John ‘Spike’ Buckley as this work continues to grow.”

With the new name in place, the center is also unveiling updates to its suite of programs, which will now be branded under the SPIKE umbrella to strengthen identity and coherence across initiatives. These include:

SPIKE Faculty Fellows
SPIKE Curriculum Ambassadors
SPIKE Faculty Affiliates
SPIKE Student Emissaries
SPIKE Student Scholars

“Our SPIKE programs are designed to empower learners at every level, from first-year students to advanced scholars, to bring sustainability into their work, communities and careers,” said Max Boykoff, faculty executive director of the SPIKE Center. “By connecting teaching, curriculum and experiential learning through the SPIKE Center to partners in research and practice, we are helping CU �Ǹ�Թ� not just respond to the climate crisis, but to transform how education equips people to shape a more just and resilient future.”

The renaming coincides with a phase of strategic expansion for the center as it deepens partnerships across campus units and with community, state, national and international collaborators. The SPIKE Center continues to advance CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s leadership in sustainability education by supporting course development, teaching collaborations, and new tools and modules that help integrate sustainability into curricula across academic programs.

CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s ongoing focus on sustainability education builds on a strong institutional legacy of environmental leadership, from early achievements like launching the nation’s first campus recycling program, to maintaining a STARS Gold rating for sustainability excellence.

Looking ahead, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Sustainability and the SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education invite faculty, students, staff and community partners to engage in shaping the next phase of sustainability education, helping to educate the climate leaders of the future and advance solutions for a thriving, equitable and sustainable world.

Get more details on programs and opportunities to get involved.

The Buckley Center for Sustainability Education has been renamed the SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education to reflect dynamism and its growing role as a hub for sustainability learning and leadership on campus and beyond. The center launched last summer with a transformative $10 million gift from alumnus Spike Buckley,

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Reisher Scholars Program launches at CU �Ǹ�Թ� with $4.2M in scholarships

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:43:07 +0000

Reisher Scholars Program launches at CU �Ǹ�Թ� with $4.2M in scholarships Megan M Rogers Mon, 01/12/2026 - 09:43

Beginning this year, the �Ǹ�Թ� will become the 10th institution in the state to offer the prestigious Reisher Scholars Program through The Denver Foundation. With this milestone, CU �Ǹ�Թ� joins one of the largest scholarship programs in Colorado, serving a projected 914 students statewide by the fall of 2026.

CU �Ǹ�Թ� will offer $4.2 million in scholarships through a new partnership with The Denver Foundation and the Reisher Family Foundation. This transformative program at CU �Ǹ�Թ� will connect transfer and continuing students to scholarships and wellness resources to help them complete their degrees.

“We are deeply grateful for the Reisher Scholars Program and its generous support,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “This investment directly addresses students’ real challenges to help them stay on track, graduate and thrive. At CU �Ǹ�Թ�, we believe that access to education should lead to degree completion. The Reisher Scholars Program strengthens our commitment to student success and ensures that more Buffs can finish college ready to achieve their next steps.”

Expanding access to education

Many scholarships help students gain access to college through funding during their first year. While vital, students also need ongoing support throughout their educational experience. The Reisher Scholars Program specifically targets students after their first year by offering financial support for students to complete their undergraduate degrees.

The program focuses on highly motivated students with financial need who are likely to contribute positively to society as demonstrated by their community service, leadership activities, work experiences and other distinctive accomplishments.

Colorado residents who attend or plan to attend CU �Ǹ�Թ� may apply for the program as a rising sophomore or transfer student from a community college. Each selected student may qualify for up to $22,000 per year to cover their cost of attendance. Recipients can also access free mental health support through Talkspace, an online therapy provider.

“Receiving this scholarship will be truly transformational. It will allow some of our hardest-working students to complete their degrees when financial barriers might otherwise have forced them to step away,” said Jennifer Fisher, director of the Office of Scholarship Services. “The Reisher Scholarship provides more than just financial support. It fosters a community of driven individuals dedicated to building a better future for themselves and their communities, both during their time in school and as engaged alumni.”

A legacy of generosity

Roger and Margaret Reisher started the Reisher Scholars program in 2001 because they credited their education for their success and wanted to expand that opportunity to others. Roger graduated from CU �Ǹ�Թ� with an accounting degree in 1950, and Roger and Margaret Reisher were the first in their families to earn college degrees. The Reisher Scholars Program at The Denver Foundation is now one of the largest scholarship programs in Colorado. In 2025-2026, the Reisher Scholars Program is on track to give nearly $10 million in scholarships to 712 undergraduate students.

The Reisher family established the program at The Denver Foundation in 2001. This year marks The Denver Foundation’s 100th anniversary, with Nov. 30, 2025, recently named “The Denver Foundation Centennial Celebration Day.” Adding CU �Ǹ�Թ� as a partner university of the Reisher Scholars Program demonstrates the Reisher family’s and The Denver Foundation’s longstanding commitment to higher education.

“With the addition of CU �Ǹ�Թ� to the Reisher Scholars Program as our 10th partner institution, we are continuing to expand our reach to Colorado students and help them complete their degree,” said Sharon Harper, senior director of scholarships for The Denver Foundation. “Our hope is that more Colorado students see themselves as belonging in the higher education landscape, and this partnership with CU �Ǹ�Թ� allows the Reisher Scholars Program to reach even more students engaged in a wide variety of educational pursuits, while making college accessible and achievable for Colorado learners.”

Building the first cohort of CU �Ǹ�Թ� Reisher Scholars

The program will launch at CU �Ǹ�Թ� this fall with 40 students in the first cohort, with a plan to grow to 80 students in the second year and 100 in the third. Starting in the fourth year, the Reisher Scholars Program will provide $1.8 million in annual contributions to sustain the program.

To be considered for the scholarship, interested students can apply by March 15 for rising sophomores and June 15 for transfer students.

Through initiatives like the Reisher Scholars Program, scholarship support makes a college education accessible to high-achieving students with financial need — helping Colorado’s best and brightest students reach their full potential.

Read more CU �Ǹ�Թ� impact stories.

CU �Ǹ�Թ� will become the 10th institution in the state to offer the prestigious Reisher Scholars Program through The Denver Foundation, funded with a $4.2 million commitment to connect transfer and continuing students to scholarships.

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Giving in Action

Mortenson family gift strengthens global engineering education and community impact at CU �Ǹ�Թ�

A legacy of service, education and giving back

Investments for global impact

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