
TRANSFORMING THE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Collaboration + Laboratory = Collaboratory
The Collaboratory is a networking center where students in the Burns School will learn by connecting, engaging and interacting with DU alumni and real estate and construction professionals from anywhere in the world without leaving campus.
It will make the difference between students who have simply earned a degree and those who can hit the ground running to bring greater value and readiness to the companies and agencies they go to work for.
Who better to demonstrate the effect and influence the built environment has on the learning environment and student experience than the Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management?

Above: The Liquid Galaxy is a key feature designed to encourage innovation, collaboration, communication and creative problem solving in an age of information and ever-changing dynamics.
THE EXTRAORDINARY VISION
In September 2013, as Barbara Jackson, PhD, took the helm as director of the Burns School, she began meeting with recent alumni from the program who had been working in the industry for 1–8 years. One of the common themes, especially among those who had graduated, worked for a number of years, and were now starting their own companies, was the desire to better connect with seasoned alumni. Many mentioned that starting a new company was “scary business,” and they all recognized the value that having greater access to experienced professionals would provide.
Consequently, Dr. Jackson started meeting with more senior alumni, particularly donors who had supported the program over the years. In one such meeting, the donor, reminisced about what he would have given to have had access to the “wisdom” of veteran professionals when he was trying to navigate the trials and tribulations of the business and avoiding pitfalls over the years. It was in that conversation that the idea of the Collaboratory was born.
WE BELIEVE IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE ONE STUDENT AT A TIME
CONNECTING LIKE NEVER BEFORE
YOUNG MINDS + TECHNOLOGY + WISDOM
Key Features
Five key features combine to make the Collaboratory a unique and vital space for learning and growth in the 21st century.
A New Kind of Classroom Made Possible by You
LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY, ELEVATING RELATIONSHIPS
The Collaboratory will facilitate the connection between the wisdom and experience of seasoned real estate, property development and construction professionals with the enthusiasm, energy and imagination of our students and younger alumni—nurturing true innovation and advanced thinking among our students.
Help make the vision a reality!
COLLABORATORY PARTNERSHIPS
Naming Opportunities
These are the premier opportunities to make a high-profile gift in our state-of-the-art physical space. Your name or company name will be included in the Collaboratory feature of your choice and artistically embedded in the space—a consistent reminder of your enduring gift. Every named partner is also considered a founding partner with the acknowledgement that these legacy gifts make the Collaboratory possible. Please note that these gifts can be pledged up to a 5-year period.
Become a Partner
Nothing speaks more strongly to an institution’s quality and effectiveness than those who choose to affiliate with it, and your support demonstrates your enduring commitment to our mission.
This is one of the most exciting initiatives the School has seen in our 80 years! It is our goal to break ground in spring 2021, and we thank you for your consideration in helping us get there. Donate today.
Founding Partners
$50,000
Lump sum. Founding Partners are the cornerstone of the M.J. Crean Collaboratory and will be prominently, and permanently, recognized as founders of the Collaboratory. Their gifts will be used to build out, fully equip and furnish the Collaboratory.
Founding Contributors
$10,000 x 5
Pledging 5 annual payments of $10,000 each. The first installment of Founding Contributor gifts will be used to build, equip and furnish the Collaboratory through the construction phase. Subsequent installments will be used to enhance the facility and/or support the growth of the endowment to ensure the ongoing operations of the Collaboratory into the future.
supporting partners
$25,000
Supporting Partner gifts will be used to build, equip and furnish the Collaboratory through the construction and launch phase.
Sustaining partners
$10,000
Lump sum. Sustaining Partner gifts will be used to build, equip and furnish the Collaboratory through the construction and launch phases.
Your donation of any amount is welcome and greatly appreciated.