Alumni Couple Commits $5 Million to Support Student Scholarships

Mike and Patty Starzer have committed $5 million to support student scholarships at Colorado School of Mines. The Starzers, both 1983 graduates, credit Mines as the catalyst for many of their personal and professional successes, and want to give back to help others achieve the same level of success that they have.

“Our engineering education at Mines provided the starting block for our careers and business ventures,” said Patty Starzer. “An education from a premier college like Colorado School of Mines is much sought after, especially in these times of high unemployment and economic uncertainty. Our hope is that by giving to the university, Mines students, faculty and programs remain secure and continue to thrive so that future generations may prosper and the business and economics of our nation remain strong.”

The $5 million investment will establish a scholarship fund to support undergraduate students. The Starzers have been giving to Mines for more than 20 years, providing unrestricted support for scholarships, technology, student life and faculty support, and, recently, contributing to the construction of Marquez Hall, a state-of-the art academic building that opened on campus this fall.

“The Starzers’ generous support helps to ensure that Mines’ promising young students have the resources to focus on their education, so that they can graduate from Mines as the capable leaders and problem-solvers who we need to address the Earth’s complex resource and energy challenges,” said Mines President M.W. “Bill” Scoggins.

With two daughters of their own, the Starzers are all-too-familiar with the current state of higher education funding and the struggles that many face trying to afford a college career.

“Even when a student has the drive, determination and talents to attend college, finances are often an insurmountable obstacle toward completion of their degree,” said Patty Starzer. “Mike and I have a desire for excellent standards in education and assisting in providing educational opportunities for those who aspire to it.”

“Private support from loyal donors like Mike and Patty helps students who cannot otherwise afford a Mines education,” said Executive Vice President for University Advancement Brian Winkelbauer. “More than 80 percent of Mines students receive some form of private support, and the Starzers’ philanthropic leadership helps the university bridge that gap for our students.”

Mike Starzer is co-founder, president and CEO of Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc., a Denver-based independent oil and natural gas company concentrated in the Rocky Mountain and Mid-Continent regions of the United States. The company went public in December 2011, and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BCEI”. On Aug. 29, Patty will ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

August 2012