CU Foundation appeals to faculty, staff

CU Chancellor Don Elliman (right)

In a time of decreased state funding, the university must seek support elsewhere to continue to pursue and fulfill its mission.

A cross section of nearly 60 faculty and staff from Denver Campus schools, colleges and departments met Friday in the Terrace Room at the Lawrence Street Center with Chancellor Don Elliman, CU Foundation Vice President Matt Wasserman and others to talk about fundraising.

Elliman recalled his earlier career experiences helping to raise funds for building the new Children's Hospital Colorado, as well as the university's recent partnership with funding for the J.P. Morgan Commodities Center at the Business School.

"I consider fundraising an important part of my role here," said Elliman, adding that he's looking forward to working across the university on additional efforts.

Elliman reminded those assembled, "The real assets that we have here at the university, are you."

CU Foundation Vice President Matt Wasserman

Wasserman echoed that in his comments about the process of fundraising and the role each faculty and staff member can play in "building partnerships. It's a process; it takes a lot of time and work,"

While Wasserman also joked that the image of fundraising often is portrayed as 'spending time on the golf course or holding bake sales,' he emphasized the importance of building trust with our donors. "You're the best people to tell our stories to donors," Wasserman said.

Similar conversations are planned for the Anschutz Medical Campus.