Dear Friends,
This academic year, the University of Denver community took visionary steps toward creating a bold future for our students and DU. I am grateful for the partnership we have with you, our most trusted friends, in making so much possible and in opening so many doors for our students. I am delighted to share with you some exciting happenings at DU this year—many of these made possible through the power of philanthropy.
Philanthropy is transforming the student experience and the knowledge creation that impacts our communities. Through the newly created Scrivner Institute of Public Policy and the John Madden Center for Innovation in the Liberal and Creative Arts, DU leverages cross-disciplinary excellence to create innovation and solutions for society’s complex issues. Across DU, scholarships are opening the doors for students who otherwise could not attend this University. The community transformation continues to unfold with the Dimond Family Residential Village, the Burwell Center for Career Achievement and the Community Commons, which will provide spaces and programming that foster connections for students and alumni.
This transformation can be seen in the entire DU community as together we forge a culture of engagement and philanthropy that will sustain DU for decades to come. The 2018-2019 academic year was record-breaking on many fronts, signaling the strong support of our global network.
- It was the most successful fundraising year in DU’s history, with over $86.5 million given to help strengthen priorities across campus
- We connected with more than 31,000 alumni, friends and families locally, nationally and internationally—including in our regional markets—engaged 70% of undergraduate and 44% of graduate students with career and professional development resources, and inspired over 2,400 student donors to make a difference through their personal philanthropy to DU.
- On 1Day4DU, our annual day of giving, more than 4,300 donors contributed over $2.4 million to 34 crowdfunding projects and 160 other areas of the University, providing meaningful impact for the future of vital community programs at DU.
- 88.4% of undergraduate students, 90.2% of master’s students and 95.2% of doctoral students from the class of 2018 had their post-graduation plans secured within 6 months of graduation. DU historically exceeds national averages in postgraduation outcomes, and we expect this to be true for the class of 2018 when national data is released this fall.
I have had the honor to see DU’s bold vision transform into an ever-clearer reality here on this campus, thanks to the partnership of our most trusted friends. I look forward to seeing all the ways that DU’s new chancellor, Jeremy Haefner, will lead this University to new heights of excellence and impact. As I anticipate my departure from the University at the end of July, my gratitude for that opportunity is both deep and profound. Thank you for the many ways you continue to change lives of our students and of many individuals in our community. Thank you for your confidence in the University of Denver. Together, we learn, lead and transform our world.
Armin Afsahi
Vice Chancellor for Advancement
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