The CU Boulder Leeds School of Business has received a $500,000 donation from Leeds alumnus Gordon Trafton to support the school’s Professional Mentorship Program.
The gift is the cornerstone in a fundraising campaign to build a $1 million endowment for mentoring during the next year. It also supports the Creating Future Comprehensive Campaign that aims to generate $1.5 billion in private support for the University of Colorado’s four campuses. David Ikenberry, dean of the Leeds School, said Trafton’s investment will help establish the school’s mentoring program as a “national, industry leader.” He said it positions the school to be a model of mentoring excellence for business schools.
Trafton, who graduated in 1977, is passionate about the value of mentoring.
He was mentored as an undergraduate student in the CU-Boulder business school by emeritus Professor Jerry Foster. Foster gave Trafton career advice, connections to the business community and even helped him land his first job after graduation.
“That commitment from the top, from Dean Ikenberry and the school, convinced me to invest philanthropically in the program,” said Trafton. “I want mentoring to thrive at Leeds and want mentoring woven into the fabric of the Leeds experience to give that extra edge to all graduates.”
The mentoring program partners current undergraduates and MBA students with business professionals and corporate leaders.
Katie Connor, director of the mentoring program, said Trafton has a tremendous commitment and connection to the mentoring program.
“Now, with his investment, we have the opportunity to grow and provide mentoring to all Leeds students,” said Connor.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
