University of Denver Morgridge College of Education Receives $10 Million Gift for
New Building Construction and Creation of Institute
The University of Denver Morgridge College of Education, long recognized for its innovative community partnerships and emphasis on faculty-student collaboration, has received a $10 million gift from philanthropists Carrie and John Morgridge. The gift will be used to construct a new education building and create a University Training Center for Reading Recovery, part of a planned Institute for Early Learning and Literacy. In recognition of the Morgridges' lead gift for the College's building and endowment campaign, the college will be re-named the Morgridge College of Education.
The Morgridge Endowed Professorship will be established and funded through the institute's endowment. Carrie and John Morgridge also will co-chair the Morgridge College of Education campaign, which has a $35 million goal - $25 million designated for the new building and $10 million for the college's endowment. The new building will be located on Evans Avenue between Race and High streets.
"The Morgridge College of Education is sharpening its focus on the critical issues that impact America's future, like early childhood education, multicultural education and access to higher education," said DU Chancellor Robert Coombe. "The Morgridges' generous gift will help the college fulfill its vision to be a global leader in innovative and effective approaches for promoting learning."
Carrie Morgridge serves on several Denver-area boards and foundations, including the University of Denver Board of Trustees. Along with Marc Holtzman, John previously co-chaired the Colorado Technology Alliance, which was an initiative of former Governor Bill Owens to serve as a clearinghouse for high-tech companies seeking to expand or re-locate in Colorado. Carrie and John Morgridge have donated to many local charities, including the Denver Public School Foundation, Mile High United Way, Children's Hospital and the national Reading Recovery program. The couple lives in Colorado.
DU's Morgridge College of Education has a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and trains leaders and practitioners capable of spearheading educational change, building community and fostering social equity. It has long-standing relationships with local school districts, educational organizations, libraries, businesses and mental health agencies to ensure access to high-quality student teaching. Since 2001, enrollment at the college has grown by nearly 50 percent, going from 495 students in fall 2001 to 735 in fall 2006.
"We intend to become a major force for positive change in schools and communities throughout the nation," said Dean Ginger Maloney. "The Morgridges aren't the type of philanthropists who give money to a project and disappear. They stay invested and 'roll up their sleeves' to help in any way they can. We are most grateful for their commitment to the important work of preparing educational professionals for the future."
The Morgridge College of Education has numerous graduate-level programs. In addition, the college administers DU's Teacher Education Program, the Fisher Early Learning Center and the Ricks Center for Gifted Children. Research and scholarship at the college has led to the creation of several innovative programs in recent years, including the Boettcher Teachers Program and the Ritchie Program for School Leaders. Graduates from the college have the skills necessary to tackle some of today's most important issues, including early childhood education and educational administration.
