Colorado School of Mines in Golden has successfully raised $589 million in its Campaign for MINES@150, marking the largest fundraising effort in the university’s 150-year history. The campaign publicly launched in the fall of 2020 and closed on June 30, 2025.
Mines President Paul C. Johnson said, “This record-breaking campaign was founded on our unique history, the pride we have in Mines and an ambitious vision for our future – all of which resonated strongly with our alumni and external partners.”
The Campaign for MINES@150 has exceeded the average university fundraising benchmark, raising 42% more than the expected $1,150 per alum. The campaign’s funds will support four main areas: investment in students, enhancing student experiences, establishing an unmatched Entrepreneurship & Innovation Ecosystem, and promoting excellence within academic programs.
A total of $225 million has been raised for scholarships and fellowships, helping to alleviate financial barriers for students. In addition, $55 million has been allocated for programs aimed at enriching Mines’ educational offerings, while $103 million has been directed toward attracting and retaining top faculty. Donors also contributed $33 million to create a world-class Entrepreneurship & Innovation Ecosystem, featuring cutting-edge maker spaces and learning centers that support students, faculty, and alumni in turning ideas into commercial ventures.
The campaign has also inspired substantial participation within the Mines community, with more than 31,000 total donors, including 8,000 of its 40,000 alumni. Johnson noted the importance of adapting to a rapidly changing world to fulfill Mines’ mission of producing talent, knowledge, and innovations for industry and society.
As the campaign wraps up, Mines is already strategizing its future direction under the “Beyond MINES@150” plan, aiming to maintain its position as a leader in engineering and applied sciences.
