Colorado State University Honors Donors and Launches New Fundraising Initiative Oct. 26

Colorado State University will recognize major donors and announce fundraising successes of the past year at the annual 1870 Recognition Dinner set for Oct. 26. The university also will kick off a new fundraising initiative at a luncheon earlier that day.

The 1870 dinner pays tribute to 1870 Club donors, private donors who contribute gifts of $1,870 or more annually to the university. The 1870 Club was named in honor of the university’s founding in 1870. Club members include alumni, corporations, foundations, organizations and friends of the university.

The event also honors members of Colorado State’s lifetime giving societies and the Frontier Society. The university’s three lifetime giving societies recognize cumulative gifts of donors. They include the President’s Society, recognizing cumulative commitments between $25,000 $99,999; the Morgan Society for contributions between $100,000 $999,999; and the Lory Society for gifts of $1 million or more. Frontier Society members have made planned gifts to Colorado State.

During the evening, major donors of the past year will receive special recognition. In addition, the university’s fundraising achievements for the 2000-2001 fiscal year will be reported.

Earlier that day, the university will introduce a new campaign initiative aimed at increasing membership in the 1870 Club and at expanding the role of volunteers in university fundraising efforts. The kick off luncheon will be led by Colorado State alumnus Larry Buckendorf, chair of the 1870 Club Initiative. The 1870 Club Initiative will become an integral component of the annual giving program at the university, with the initial goal of reaching 1,200 club memberships by June 30, 2002-an increase of about 200 memberships.

During the first phase of the initiative, which will run Oct. 26 through Dec. 31, current 1870 members and members of the university’s Development Council will volunteer to make personal contact with individuals that may be interested in becoming 1870 Club members. University advancement staff will continue the initiative in January 2002.

The 1870 Recognition Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. in the newly renovated Main Ballroom of the Lory Student Center on campus. The evening will include a reception and dinner with entertainment provided by student musicians, a recognition program with remarks by President Albert C. Yates and performances by a several student groups from the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance.