CSU-Pueblo On the Move Campaign Exceeds $10 Million
Release Date: September 02, 2014
Press Release
PUEBLO – The Colorado State University-Pueblo Foundation announced that in the first year of its On the Move capital campaign it has added more than 650 new donors and raised $10.3 million, more than one-third of its three-year goal.
In August, 2013, CSU-Pueblo President Lesley Di Mare and CSU-Pueblo Foundation President/CEO Todd Kelly announced the start of a three-year, $25 million fundraising effort to strengthen the University through additional scholarships, facility enhancements, and the addition of six new sports. Since the start of the silent phase of the campaign in May, 2013, the CSU-Pueblo Foundation reports donations, pledges, and anticipated gifts of $10.3 million, or more than 40 percent of the goal.
“I am grateful for the significant dollars raised through the first year of the CSU-Pueblo Foundation’s On the Move campaign,” said President Di Mare. “The indirect benefits of such an initiative are equally impressive. The campaign has engaged new donors, and new alumni donors in particular, who are considering the future of this institution and how they can best support and contribute to its success down the road.”
Of the 1,504 total donors contributing to the On the Move Campaign thus far, 650 of them are first-time donors, who have given more than $175,000. The funding raised thus far has been earmarked for the following areas: Academics ($4,595,594), Athletics, ($2,862,505), and Occhiato University Center, ($2,867,789). The Campaign aspires to raise $15 million for additional student scholarships as more than 80 percent of CSU-Pueblo students receive some type of financial assistance.
"I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our campaign,” Kelly said. “We accomplished a lot in the first year, but we still have a long way to go. The individuals who will benefit the most from the campaign are our students with increased scholarships and upgraded facilities."
One of the Campaign’s largest gifts came from a long-time University supporter and community philanthropist. Former city councilman Mike Occhiato and his sister, Joyce, pledged $1 million toward the renovation of the Occhiato University Center. The $30 million Occhiato University Center project will address the 90,000-square-feet of space built in 1974 and construct a 76,000-square-foot addition that will result in a dynamic, technologically-modern facility with residential dining and retail functions, study lounges, conference rooms, and grand ballroom.
The renovated building will be designed and constructed to a minimum of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Standard.
The On the Move campaign totals include 356 alumni donors pledging just over $1.1 million.
“The donors are taking to heart the message we’re sending that no gift is too small because together we are impacting the lives of future generations while establishing a solid base of resources to help sustain this institution’s progress,” Di Mare said.
For more information on the campaign, call the CSU-Pueblo Foundation at 719.549.2380, visit the staff in Administration 324 on the CSU-Pueblo campus, or give online at www.csuponthemove.com
Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.
