Colorado College launched a comprehensive fundraising campaign on Oct. 14, during the dedication of the renovated Charles L. Tutt Library. The $435 million campaign is the most ambitious fundraising initiative the college has undertaken in its 143-year history, and is among the 15 largest fundraising campaigns launched by a liberal arts college.

“We are embarking on this campaign because a Colorado College education is more relevant today than ever,” says President Jill Tiefenthaler. “The academic rigor of our pioneering Block Plan, and our unique place in the Rocky Mountain West have positioned our students, alumni, and faculty to make a difference in the world. Through the campaign, we will invest in the extraordinary potential of a
Colorado College education.”

The campaign focuses on raising funds for scholarships, innovation programming, support for faculty and coaches, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. Through the campaign, the college has raised nearly $20 million for the library renovation.

“Our new library has been made possible by generous gifts from donors who believe in Colorado College,” says Tiefenthaler. “It’s the first library built for the Block Plan and has quickly become the intellectual hub of our campus, bringing people across all disciplines together.”

The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College will transfer to the college as a gift valued at more than $175 million. It is the largest gift in Colorado College’s history and the second-largest gift received by a liberal arts college.

“The real value of the Fine Arts Center and its collections — and the center’s potential to enhance our educational mission — cannot be quantified,” Tiefenthaler says. “We envision an arts renaissance that engages the entire regional community. The center also complements the strengths of Colorado College’s Block Plan, and adds considerable breadth to experiential opportunities we offer our students.”

Financial aid is another campaign priority and the college plans to establish 180 newly endowed scholarships.

“Our goal is to increase access to Colorado College for qualified students from lower- and middle-income families,” says Tiefenthaler. “We are making every effort to move toward not having to consider prospective students’ financial situations when deciding admission.”

Hear questions alumni, parents, and friends of the college asked President Tiefenthaler about the campaign during an Oct. 16 phone call discussion, and learn about the importance of Colorado College’ $435 million fundraising campaign at www.coloradocollege.edu/campaign.