The Boettcher Foundation has committed funds to help complete Colorado Mountain College’s Climax Molybdenum Leadership Center building, currently under construction at the college’s campus in Leadville.
Boettcher Foundation President and Executive Director Tim Schultz said that Boettcher trustees approved a “conditional” grant of $75,000 to fund the project. What this means is that the balance of the funds to finish the building must be raised from other sources by mid-March 2011 in order for CMC to receive the Boettcher grant.
“We are honored to have had a longstanding relationship with the Boettcher Foundation, and are grateful for their continued support of our students,” said Alexandra Yajko, CEO of the Colorado Mountain College Foundation.
The need for the nearly 15,000-square-foot building, which will house conference rooms and classrooms, a climbing wall and exercise areas, among other facilities, arose out CMC’s evolution as an integral part of both college and community life.
“Colorado Mountain College’s Timberline Campus has grown and changed with the Leadville community, with added programs and facilities that serve students and area residents,” Yajko said.
According to Yajko, the leadership center’s total cost is $2.5 million.
Freeport McMoRan, which owns the Climax Molybdenum mine near Leadville, contributed a lead gift of $1 million through its foundation.
Additionally, CMC has committed $1.3 million of its reserve funds to the project, and more than $35,000 has been raised from the Campaign Cabinet – a local community fundraising group – including money from Leadville foundations and individuals. The Timberline Campus Student Government has raised $20,000.
To help raise the balance of funds needed, Campaign Cabinet members continue to seek out major gifts, and in addition, community members are invited to purchase custom-inscribed bricks that will be incorporated into the building. The Campaign Cabinet is focusing on potential donors to assist with the remaining funds.
The Timberline Campus opened in Leadville in 1967, and now also serves students in Chaffee County.
For information on how to contribute to the Climax Molybdenum Leadership Center, contact CMC Foundation CEO Alexandra Yajko at ayajko@coloradomtn.edu, or visit cmcfoundation.org.
