LAKEWOOD, CO- Colorado Christian University (CCU) is pleased to announce a transformational anonymous gift of $5,000,000, one of the largest private contributions in the University's history. This investment propels CCU's Athletics Facilities Campaign significantly forward and enables the University to begin phase one of its first-ever dedicated athletics facility.

This gift marks a historic moment for CCU and Cougar Athletics. For the first time, CCU will build purpose-designed, competition-ready athletic facilities that reflect the University's mission and support its student-athletes.

The anonymous donor made this transformational gift after recognizing a shared pattern: many of CCU's top graduates across various disciplines were also student-athletes.

The long-time donor expressed a strong hope that the new athletic facilities will immediately elevate the University's ability to recruit some of the top Christian student-athletes from across the nation — young men and women who will come to CCU to compete, learn, and grow in a Christ-centered environment, and who may ultimately choose to remain in the state long-term.

"This moment is nothing short of historic for Colorado Christian University," said CCU President Eric Hogue. "Our student-athletes compete with exceptional heart, discipline, integrity, and grit. This extraordinary generosity allows us to build facilities that match their dedication. We are profoundly grateful to our anonymous donor and to every partner investing in CCU's future. God is blessing Colorado Christian University, and this project represents a historic step forward in fulfilling our mission of being a great Christian university."

Campaign momentum has been shaped by several significant gifts, including a $2 million challenge match from former CCU athletes and alumni Scott and Donna Miller and Interstate Batteries, which spurred broad donor participation. Their contribution followed a $2.5 million anonymous lead gift, previously the largest in the athletics department's history.

"Athletics play a vital role in shaping our Christ-centered campus culture," said Dr. Neal Anderson, vice president of Student Life and Traditional Enrollment. "These new facilities will strengthen recruitment and attract student-athletes seeking a community where competitive excellence and spiritual formation go hand-in-hand."

Phase one will deliver enhanced outdoor athletics spaces that improve training, strengthen recruitment, and support the ongoing expansion of CCU's athletic programs.

"Our coaches and student-athletes have been praying and preparing for this day," said Jon Poag, CCU athletics director. "These facilities will transform how we train, compete, and build high-caliber programs, while also shaping student-athletes as leaders and followers of Jesus."

With $4.4 million remaining, CCU invites additional donors to help complete the campaign and fully fund these transformational facilities. This is a rare opportunity to impact the future of Christ-centered higher education and Cougar Athletics for generations.

"The heart of this philanthropic investment is about attracting the best and brightest. Athletes who come to CCU are natural leaders — leaders who become nurses, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs and business executives who impact our culture," shared Daniel LaBry, vice president of University Advancement. "This has been a team effort, so we need alumni, family and friends to join the other 125-plus donors, at all levels, to get us to the finish line!"

As momentum continues to build, CCU looks forward to a future groundbreaking and dedication of these facilities with students, alumni, donors, and friends as this historic vision becomes reality.

About Colorado Christian University

Founded in 1914, Colorado Christian University (CCU) exists to provide Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. CCU is home to the CCU Cougars, which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). The University fields 13 varsity sports teams (6 men's and 7 women's) and is committed to developing student-athletes who pursue competitive excellence while growing in character, leadership, and service.