Press Releases

Naropa University Receives Million-Dollar Bequest
Money Donated by Anonymous Individual

BOULDER, Colo. (February 26, 2008)—Naropa University is the chosen recipient of a one million dollar bequest from the estate of an anonymous donor.  The bequeathed funds come to the university without restrictions.

"The power of this gift is that the donor’s precise connection to the University is unknown," says Vice President for Institutional Advancement Christopher Dwyer. "Clearly Naropa's existence and contemplative ethos—as well as its faculty, staff and students—touch others in profound ways." 
The university has only one record of a previous award from the donor during her lifetime, a single $2,000 gift made in September of 2004.

The fund distribution began last July and will continue through 2011.  In 2007, Naropa’s board of trustees, acting on the recommendation of President Thomas B. Coburn, placed the first installment of $171,540 into the university endowment. The board and president will internally restrict future installments on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the university’s highest needs and priorities.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Naropa University is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian liberal arts institution dedicated to advancing contemplative education. The university comprises a four-year undergraduate college and graduate programs in the arts, education, environmental leadership, psychology and religious studies.

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Reporters seeking information about Naropa University can contact:
Jane Rubinstein
Director of Marketing and Communications
303-245-4643
jrubinstein@naropa.edu