Path to the Summit

Ritchie School Strategic Plan 2025-2028 

At the Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science, we transform learners into leaders. We are preparing students to lead, innovate, and shape the future. This plan reflects the culmination of over a year of collaborative effort by numerous individuals, both within and outside the University of Denver. 

It outlines the Ritchie School’s commitment to bold transformation aimed at meeting the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce. We are focusing on four key strategies that will drive student success and research impact, ultimately improving post-graduation outcomes, doubling student demand for our programs, and expanding the positive effects of our research on the community.

Our Strategies

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Focus on Career

This aim of this strategy is to ensure the students can gain relevant hands-on experience so that they are fully prepared to contribute effectively in the workforce and move seamlessly into their dream career.

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Design for the Learner

We aim to make the curriculum more flexible, student-centered, and relevant so students can align their degrees with their passions. As a result students can receive individualized learning opportunities that align with their goals.

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Invest in Research Anchors

We aim to increase our research profile by committing to impactful research in three interdisciplinary areas of strength and opportunity. This will result in research resources being focused in the areas where we can make the most impact.

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Market and Recruit Strategically

This strategy aims to sharpen our value proposition, align offerings with market trends, and target our message to attract interest from a broader student population.


Key Outcomes

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Elevate Student Success

We will have improved retention, higher graduation rate, and improved post-graduation outcomes.

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Amplify Research Impact

We will have growth in external funding, student support, and research visibility.

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Double Student Demand

We will see increased demand for our programs which in turn will improve  our rankings and recognition.

Projects You Can Fund at the Ritchie School

  • Launching Careers

    Help students take the critical first steps into their professional futures.

    Internship Scholarships

    Remove financial barriers so students can pursue out-of-town internships and co-ops.

    • $25K–$50K current use (4-10 students/summer)

    • $100K–$250K endowed (supports 6-8 students/summer)

    Dedicated RSECS Internships

    Guarantee paid internship or co-op opportunities for RSECS students each year.

    • $12K per student annually

    • $300K endowed per student

    Career Classes

    Fund one-credit courses at every academic stage, ensuring students graduate career-ready.

    • $50K–$100K idea stage to implementation program support

    Professional Mentor Program

    Connect alumni and friends with students through a structured mentorship initiative.

    • $50K annually

    • $1M endowed

    Career Services Center

    Establish a one-stop hub in the Ritchie School dedicated to career advising and employer connections.

    • $135K annually

    • $3M endowed

    Innovation Labs Endowment

    Sustain DU’s makerspaces with full-time staff, cutting-edge equipment, and creative resources.

    • $5M endowed

  • Driving Research Excellence

    Fuel discovery, innovation, and leadership in research that changes lives.

    Undergraduate Research Scholarships

    Open doors for students to gain research experience that propels them to graduate studies and careers.

    • $25K current use minimum (2 students/year)

    • $50K endowed minimum (1 student/quarter)

    Research Excellence Fund

    Provide funding for early-stage faculty projects with the potential for transformative impact.

    • Any amount

    • $1M endowed

    Endowed AI Center

    Champion the ethical and applied use of artificial intelligence while preparing students for an AI-enabled workforce.

    • $3M (1 full-time and 2 part-time staff/faculty)

    • $5M (1 full-time and 2 – part-time staff/faculty, 3 graduate assistants) endowed

    Endowed Research Faculty

    Support leading scholars and their work by endowing faculty research positions.

    • $1M (1 faculty member subsidy)

    • $3M (1 faculty member full salary + discretionary funds) endowed

    Named Chair of Biomedical Engineering

    Recruit a visionary leader to launch DU’s Biomedical Engineering department.

    • $5M endowed

  • Designing for the Learner

    Ensure every student thrives with support, mentorship, and scholarships.

    Teaching Endowed Faculty

    Attract and retain faculty who excel in teaching and elevate the student experience.

    • $1M (1 faculty member subsidy)

    • $3M (1 faculty member full salary + discretionary funds) endowed

    Peer Mentor Program

    Match incoming students with peer mentors to build belonging and improve persistence.

    • $150K–$225K annually (staff support + 100 mentor/mentee pairs)

    • $3M endowed

    E-STEM Program

    Provide academic and emotional support for holistic student success in STEM.

    • $100K annually

    • $750K–$900K endowed support packages

    Named Endowed Student Success Director

    Create a permanent staff role dedicated to holistic student success.

    • $5M endowed

    Student Scholarships

    Relieve financial pressures so students can focus on their education and futures.

    • $25K current use minimum ($5k/student/year)

    • $50K endowed minimum (any amount welcome)

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Make an Impact Through Your Donation

Your gift to the Ritchie School helps students unlock their potential, supports faculty innovation, and drives forward a bold vision for engineering and computer science. Together, we can prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, leaders, and changemakers. 

Contact Asha Holsopple, Executive Director of Development and Alumni Engagement to support a project or set up your endowment.

Email Asha

Other Ways You Can Help

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Learn more about our Strategic Plan.