Redefining the promise of higher education

The Denver Difference

At the University of Denver, we took a good, long look at the future of higher education. And thought: we can do better.

We’re challenging conventional thinking.

We’re doing higher education our way. Holistically. Developing the whole person – focusing on intellectual growth, life purpose, character, and well-being.

We’re redefining the promise of higher education. Preparing a new kind of leader and world citizen for what’s ahead. Solving problems and creating new knowledge that directly improves the human condition. Because young people coming up deserve a better future. And what DU can do will help them to solve the toughest challenges they face.

Difference-makers

True to our Rocky Mountain West can-do spirit, we’re rolling up our sleeves to do the hard work of making a difference now.

With open hearts and minds, we’re actively solving societal complexities through visionary leadership, research and scholarship, and strong partnerships.

We’re grateful for your interest and support as we set the new standard for higher education in the 21st century. This campaign is the turning point that establishes our approach as the model to match. It makes transformation possible – and raises everyone’s hopes for the future.

We’re doing higher education differently.

This is The Denver Difference.

Let’s show the world what DU can do.

Campaign Priorities

DU is a university like no other. Our dedication to improving lives extends beyond our campuses or city. We’re knowledge generators. And the way we see it, it’s our responsibility to apply our research and scale our initiatives to benefit societal change and the public good.

This campaign will establish DU as the model to emulate. It will open opportunities for our faculty and students to achieve their aspirations and ambitions. It makes the full promise of DU’s 4D Experience a reality for all students.

To that end, our campaign priorities are our people – and the program and places that facilitate their work. We’re redefining the promise of higher education. Join us.

You make The Denver Difference.

 

Explore Priorities
By the Numbers

Goals of The Denver Difference 

Raise $1B to establish DU as the model to match and to open opportunities for our faculty and students to achieve their aspirations and ambitions.

DU’s people are a powerful force, and through this campaign, we will engage upwards of 135,000 difference-makers, including 7,500 DU volunteers.

Volunteers Amount Raised Difference-Makers

Impact Stories

At DU, we’re constantly proving our mettle as a world-class university for top faculty and high-performing students. Leaders come to DU to change lives and shape the future. Explore the impact of generosity and how The Denver Difference is coming to life.

Zak holding custom painted Chuck Taylor sneakers with "Behind the Sneakers" and The Denver Difference logo
Behind the Sneakers
October 29, 2024
aerial view of campus in the spring
Philanthropy in 2024 Sets Course for Dynamic Future
September 6, 2024
Students walking at the Kennedy Mountain Campus
Introducing the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus
October 5, 2021
Frederick Pardee with his honorary PhD diploma from the University of Denver
Pardee estate bequest brings total University of Denver giving to $24.5 million
April 10, 2024
2022 1GENU students gather on the DU campus.
First-Generation DU Students Benefit from Anonymous $10 Million Gift
March 6, 2023
Doug and Mary Scrivner on the University of Denver campus
$14 Million Gift Establishes Scrivner Institute of Public Policy
September 20, 2018
Barbara and Andy Taylor
Andy and Barbara Taylor Give $20 Million to Support Students and Operations at DU’s Kennedy Mountain Campus
January 28, 2022
Person in outdoor gear facing away from camera overlooking dramatic Colorado mountain sunset view
DU and The VF Foundation Launch New Outdoor Leadership Industry Program
April 5, 2024