Metropolitan State University of Denver’s University Advancement team launched the inaugural comprehensive fundraising campaign, Roadrunners Rise, in fall 2020 with a goal to raise $100 million and solidify MSU Denver’s position as a national leader in social mobility.
On Nov. 17, 2025, the campaign surpassed its goal, thanks to a $30,000 gift from Christie and Ferd Belz supporting the cultivating inclusive excellence pillar, one of four fundraising pillars that also include facilitating student success, creating classroom-to-career pathways and advancing Colorado’s talent pipeline.
During 2025, 4,844 donors gave more than $23 million, with 19 gifts of more than $100,000, accounting for nearly $19 million. Some of the gifts that helped make 2025 a tremendous success include:
- A $212,000 gift from Food for Thought to support the Food for Thought Denver Annual Scholarship.
- A $3.05 million gift from Carla and Carl Hartman to the Industrial Design program, the University’s first real estate gift.
- An anonymous $10 million gift for student housing.
- A $10,000 gift from Marti Awad to the Institute of Public Service.
- Record-breaking annual fundraising days; Day of Giving and Roadrunner Tuesday brought in a combined $453,938.
Roadrunners Rise will conclude on June 30. It has raised over $101 million, made possible by the generosity of more than 13,000 donors, including 6,606 alumni and813 faculty.
“The outpouring of support throughout the campaign has been extraordinary,” said Jamie Hurst, J.D., assistant vice president for Strategic Engagement and the campaign director. “Our success is not a fluke. It is the result of an entire Roadrunner community dedicating years of hard work to uplifting the University to a position of excellence that is recognized in Colorado and across the nation.”
“Many of us already knew how special MSU Denver is — now, everyone knows.”
Keep an eye out for opportunities to share information and get involved as we head into the final months of Roadrunners Rise. And mark your calendar for the June 4 campaign wrap-up party.
For more information, contact University Advancement.
Attendees during the Hartman gift announcement, a $3 million gift to MSU Denver’s Department of Industrial Design from Carl and Carla Hartman.
Celebrating Rita and Navin Dimond, founders of the national hotel management firm Stonebridge Companies, established the Dimond Family Fund, providing funding for School of Hospitality scholarships, recruitment and retention efforts, and fellowships.
Annie Lee, president and CEO of Colorado Access and chair of the Colorado Access Foundation board of directors, understands firsthand the need for a health care workforce that reflects and represents its patient population.
Attendees break ground for the future Summit House and C2 Hub. The $117 million project, a partnership with Columbia Ventures, is being funded by philanthropic gifts and by bonds.
Ferd and Christy Belz are recognized for their transformational gift to the Roadrunners Rise campaign in support of student success.
The Roadrunners Rise campaign launch party at the Auraria Events Center on Feb. 19, 2025. Photo by Alyson McClaran
