CU Engineering celebrates record-breaking year for fundraising & alumni engagement

Undergraduate students attend a graduate school fair in the Campos Student Center, which has been renamed in honor of donor Marco Campos. 

The College of Engineering and Applied Science’s donors went above and beyond in fiscal year 2026, giving more than $60 million that will benefit the college’s student success, faculty support and inclusivity initiatives. 

The fundraising total tops the college’s previous record of $47 million. 

“While we are proud to celebrate our most successful fundraising year to date, this achievement truly belongs to our donors,” said Assistant Dean of Advancement Kristen Gallagher. “Their vision, generosity and belief in our mission are transforming lives and expanding what is possible.”

Dean Keith Molenaar said the support will strengthen the college’s ability to attract and retain world-class faculty, expand “life changing” opportunities for students, and advance research and educational programs that address society’s most pressing challenges.

“This milestone reflects far more than a successful year of fundraising — it represents the extraordinary trust our donors place in our students, faculty and the transformative power of higher education,” he said. “We are deeply grateful for their generosity and confidence in our mission.”

The college is also celebrating an impressive milestone in alumni engagement, which includes volunteering, event participation and other ways that alumni choose to stay connected to their alma mater. Nearly 9,000 engineering and applied science alumni engaged in at least one event last year, besting the previous record of 7,167.

The college’s alumni engagement team plans to continue many of its signature events — including Leading with Impact and the popular Homecoming Tailgate — in 2026, said Lauren MacKay, director of alumni and donor engagement.