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- The centerpiece of the address was an update on the Sustainable Excellence Initiative. George announced that the University has secured over $72 million in philanthropic gifts and strategic corporate sponsorships.
- George announced "The Drive For $105 Million", the public phase of the SEI. The University's goal is to raise $85 million in capital funding and $20 million in endowment funding.
- Alumni Ariel and Kristen Solomon will serve as co-chairs of the SEI. Ariel Solomon (class of '92) started at left tackle for CU's 1990 national championship team before being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1991 NFL draft.
- Chancellor Phil DiStefano: "I think people now, other chancellors and presidents and A.D.s are looking at Colorado very differently than when we first joined the Pac-12, because of the investments that we're making, the quality of the coaches that we have, the athletic director. It's a solid team now at Colorado, and I don't see that all the time at other institutions."