Students pursuing a career in real estate will soon find that their learning opportunities are greatly appreciated: On Thursday, CU Boulder announced a groundbreaking $15 million donation by CU Boulder alumnus Michael Klump to establish the Real Estate Center in the It also supports important health and wellness programs for students in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“This transformative gift underscores the power of philanthropy,” said CU Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “It will support students, faculty, staff and research activities in the vast and dynamic real estate space, spur innovation and enrich the educational experience on campus. In addition, it will provide critical support for wellness programs and student mental health.”

The investment will provide $13 million for improvements to the newly renamed Michael A. Klump Center for Real Estate – formerly known as CU Real Estate Center. This portion of the gift, one of the largest ever given to a real estate center in the United States, will strengthen the center’s academic activities, industry partnerships and career advancement for years to come.

The Real Estate Center, led by Professor Christophe Spaenjers, who serves as Faculty Director, and Julie Gibson, who serves as Sherman R. Miller Executive Director, is one of six Leeds School Centers of Excellence dedicated to helping students translate, integrate, and implement classroom concepts into real-world insights. “This donation is critical to CU’s real estate program and provides important resources that will advance the center’s leadership, enhance student programs, and provide financial support to students,” Gibson said. “The endowment portion of this donation ensures that CU’s commitment to real estate education will continue for many generations to come.”

A further $2 million will be used to support programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, which supports the mental health and well-being of CU Boulder students. Through the Hellems Fund for Collective Belonging and the Hellems Fund for Fostering Success, this donation contributes to mental health programs, resources and student support, as well as welcome programs and outreach initiatives for first-year and transfer students.

Promoting academic excellence and industry contacts

Klump’s investment in the Leeds School will expand cutting-edge programs with world-class real estate faculty and industry partnerships that prepare students to become experts in the dynamic real estate field. The donation represents a major step forward for the center, which was founded in 1997 by passionate alumni and industry leaders to support future real estate professionals and promote important research in their field. Thirty years ago, the center supported 10-20 students per year; today, it provides opportunities to nearly 450 students annually.

The $13 million donation to the center will fund three faculty positions in real estate finance at the chair and professor level. In addition, four funds will be established to encourage innovative academic achievement, endow a scholarship, improve students’ career opportunities, and strengthen the center’s reputation in the business and alumni community.

Klump’s significant contribution underscores the profound impact community support has on the mission of CU Boulder and the Leeds School of Business. “The donation will provide great opportunities for CU Boulder students and contribute to Leeds’ legacy of excellence. The strong support of the real estate community is a hallmark of our connection with the industry,” said Vijay Khatri, the Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean of the Leeds School of Business.

A gift that inspires the future

With a Klump has had a successful career in real estate spanning over 30 years and is the founder and chairman of RCG Ventures, a leading commercial real estate investment firm. He also co-founded Equity Investment Group, a private real estate investment fund focused on residential shopping centers, and founded Argonne Capital Group, a private investment firm specializing in hospitality, retail and service companies.

During his sophomore year at CU Boulder, Klump got his real estate license and began selling homes on The Hill. Between his third and fourth years, he interned at a commercial shopping center development firm and found his niche.

“I owe much of my success to my studies at the University of Colorado, where I had the privilege of meeting inspiring people and making lifelong connections across the country,” Klump said. “These experiences have deeply motivated me to give back and set an example. I hope my contribution to CU Boulder inspires others to join in the spirit of generosity and make a meaningful impact.”

In addition to being a real estate entrepreneur, Klump is also a dedicated philanthropist who has generously supported a variety of organizations over the years through the Klump Family Foundation. He said his commitment to giving back reflects his deep belief in the power of philanthropy to create positive change.

“I hope this donation will provide students with a comprehensive look at the diverse opportunities available in real estate, whether they want to launch a career immediately, pursue further education, or explore different facets of the industry,” said Klump. “The real estate world is large and dynamic, with the potential to make a local, regional, national, and even international impact. I’m excited to support a program that opens doors and inspires future leaders in the field.”