COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. A Denver-based family foundation will provide $1 million toward the construction of a new science and engineering complex at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, university officials announced today.
The trustees of the Gates Family Foundation, Denver, have agreed to grant $1 million to UCCS in support of the university’s effort to construct a new, $38 million science and engineering complex. The grant is contingent on the university raising $9 million in other private donations toward the project goal.
“We are greatly appreciative of the Gates Family Foundation’s support of our efforts to improve education in the areas of science and engineering,” Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak said. “The foundation’s recognition of the importance of building infrastructure for future discovery is testament to its forward thinking.”
Tom Kaesemeyer, executive director, Gates Family Foundation, said:
“The grant is considered a challenge grant and is intended to encourage additional private donations to assist the university’s goal of improving science and engineering education and stemming a looming national shortage of professionals in these areas.”
The university’s effort is called “Partners for Change” and aims to create an interdisciplinary focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
UCCS has identified several goals for the project including increasing the number of science and engineering graduates, providing life-long learning opportunities for individuals currently working in science and engineering fields, and helping middle and high school teachers excite students about careers in science.
Construction of a state-of-the-art science and engineering complex is a cornerstone to the effort to improve education by bringing together leading educators and researchers in such fields as biology, chemistry, computer science, physics and mathematics. The proposed location for the new complex is adjacent to the university’s existing Engineering Building on what is now a parking lot. Construction may begin in late 2006.
In addition to creating space for new ideas, the science and engineering complex will add instructional capacity for current and future students. Current UCCS science laboratories were constructed in the early 1980s, prior to the addition of the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences and rapid enrollment growth.
The Gates Family Foundation is a private grant making foundation incorporated in the state of Colorado on November 6, 1946 by Charles C. Gates, Sr., and members of the Gates family. The purpose of the Gates Family Foundation is to aid, assist, encourage, initiate, or carry on activities that will promote the health, well-being, security, and broad education of Coloradoans. Because of a deep concern for and confidence in the future of Colorado, the Foundation invests primarily in institutions, projects, and programs that enhance the quality of life of those who live and work in the state. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded grants totaling over $101 million. For more information, visit http://www.gatesfamilyfoundation.org
UCCS, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in northeast Colorado Springs, is the fastest growing university in Colorado and one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The university offers 25 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s and two doctoral degrees. The campus enrolls about 7,800 students annually.
UCCS
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway i P.O. Box 7150 i Colorado Springs CO i 80933-7150