Gulbrand named new development head for CU Buffs athletics

Kurt Gulbrand

The University of Colorado Foundation has named Kurt Gulbrand as an assistant vice president and associate athletic director for development, effective Nov. 7. Gulbrand will lead fundraising efforts to support the Buffaloes’ 16 Division I teams and manage the foundation’s Boulder athletics development staff of 14.

Gulbrand comes to the CU Foundation following 11 years at the University of Michigan; as assistant athletic director/development, he successfully solicited more than $67 million in gifts and served as department representative in Michigan’s $3.2 billion capital campaign. Gulbrand has been in collegiate athletics development since graduating from Oregon State University in 1995 with a degree in organizational sports management.

“Kurt will make an immediate impact as a leader of the Buff Club due to his proven experience, talent and expertise,” said CU Athletic Director Mike Bohn. “Development efforts and fundraising results are high on our list of priorities to ensure long-term viability in the Pac-12 Conference. Our donors and fans will connect with his genuine personality and skill set, which is consistent with our Shoulder to Shoulder efforts. He has contagious energy and unequivocal passion for student-athletes and their on- and off-field success. He inherits an enormous opportunity to engage new prospects, and understands the sense of urgency to capitalize on our historic move.”

Gulbrand comes to CU at an exciting and vital time for Buffs athletics development. In CU’s first season in the Pac-12, the Buffs won the first two championships sponsored by the expanded league, the men’s and women’s cross-country titles, on Oct. 29. The move broadens CU’s reach in West Coast markets with a high proportion of successful alumni and supporters — four times as many as those in Big 12 states — as the Buffs pursue development priorities including growth in their scholarship pool, support for a new court-sports practice facility and execution of other capital upgrades.

“My family and I are humbled and honored to be joining the CU Foundation and Buffs families,” Gulbrand said. “The opportunity to join one of the finest academic and athletic institutions in the country is extremely exciting. I am thrilled to be part of a highly motivated, well-respected team dedicated to maximizing the student-athlete experience.”

Born in Southern California, Gulbrand enjoys spending time with his family (wife, Deborah, a registered nurse; Colton, 6; Bryce, 5), golfing, fishing and skiing.

Founded in 1967, the nonprofit CU Foundation partners with the University of Colorado to raise, manage and invest private support for the university’s benefit. The Foundation is currently undertaking Creating Futures, a $1.5 billion fundraising campaign to enhance University of Colorado education, research, outreach and health programs benefiting citizens throughout and beyond Colorado. Visit www.cufund.org for more information.