Investors Circle
The Investors Circle is an annual giving society that recognizes the most ardent and committed philanthropic supporters of Minnesota Carlson who give $1,000 or more in a fiscal year (July 1–June 30). Investors Circle donors make it possible for Minnesota Carlson to deliver a transformative education, one that empowers students, faculty, and industry leaders to work together to solve complex challenges, push boundaries, and make a lasting impact on the global business landscape. Investors Circle members not only help shape the future of our University, but they also contribute to a vibrant community of alumni, friends, and benefactors who are dedicated to making a difference.
"Thanks to the generous support from donors at Minnesota Carlson, I've been able to fully immerse myself in invaluable experiential learning opportunities. From working with Gopher Athletics to consulting with refugee-owned businesses abroad, using my Carlson education to help others has been made possible through philanthropy. What truly sets Carlson apart from other business schools is our ability to use what we learn in the classroom to enact real change in our communities.”
- Niko Vasilopoulos, ’25 BSB, GOLD Board Member
See the Minnesota Carlson through Niko's eyes at z.umn.edu/Niko
Impact
Your support at the Minnesota Carlson is transformative.
The Dean's Excellence Fund, powered by the annual generosity of Investors Circle benefactors, is vital to Minnesota Carlson's success. This flexible funding pool allows the school to swiftly address its highest priorities and most pressing needs as they arise. By supporting a range of critical initiatives, the fund ensures the Minnesota Carlson remains agile and committed to excellence in business education. In the past year, the Dean's Excellence Fund has had far-reaching impact, including:
- Easing financial burdens for undergraduate students by providing expanded tuition support
- Creating the Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion Hub, a lobby in Hanson Hall where students can gather to study, rest, and build community
- Providing scholarship support for students in the Masters of Marketing and Finance programs
- Sponsorship of the hands-on Master of Science in Business Analytics Trends Marketplace
Your investment at the Investors Circle level allows us to strengthen our ability to lead, innovate, and uphold our commitment of using business as a force for good.
Changing Lives
1 in 3 first-year undergraduate students receives scholarship support, which helps attract the highest caliber prospective students from Minnesota and beyond, regardless of their financial means.
Developing Leaders
Minnesota Carlson hosts four Enterprise programs for students to address the real-world challenges of client businesses through experiential learning opportunities that provide practical experience.
Supporting DE&I
From scholarships to events, identity-based visit days to recruitment fairs, and pipeline programs to affinity networks, we are committed to supporting our diverse Minnesota Carlson community.
Global Reach
Minnesota Carlson has over 39 international partner business schools across the globe, supporting education abroad as a cornerstone of the Carlson student experience.
Driving Innovation
Minnesota Carlson faculty are field-shaping researchers, thoughtful, caring teachers, and leaders locally, nationally, and internationally. Carlson is proud to hold 49 endowed chairs and professorships.
Leading Change
The alumni, corporate partners, foundations, and friends who invest in Minnesota Carlson support the bold leadership to work towards the vision of business as a force for good.
"I thought it would be tremendous to find bigger ways to give back and make a bigger impact. I thought I owed it to the school because of the success I’ve had in my career. It all has roots back to Minnesota Carlson.”
- Craig Schmidt, '03 BSB, Head of Regulatory Reporting, Controls & Oversight - Controllers at Wells Fargo
Investors Circle Recognition
In appreciation of the support of our alumni, faculty, staff, and friends, the Investors Circle recognizes donors with a variety of privileges at distinct giving levels:
Maroon ($1,000 - $2,499)
Join the community of alumni and friends whose generosity fuels student success and innovation at Minnesota Carlson.
- Recognition in Investors Circle giving society
- Annual Impact Report highlighting the difference you make
- Insider updates from Minnesota Carlson leadership
- Invitations to exclusive Minnesota Carlson events
Silver ($2,500 - $4,999)
Deepen your connection to Minnesota Carlson and enjoy a more personalized experience.
Includes all Maroon benefits, plus:
- Dedicated Investors Circle Concierge for personalized assistance and event support
Gold ($5,000 - $9,999)
Engage at a deeper level with the people and ideas shaping the future of business.
Includes all Silver benefits, plus:
- A personal coffee or lunch with your Investors Circle Concierge
- Priority seating at signature Minnesota Carlson events and programs
Platinum ($10,000 - $24,999)
Experience Carlson's leadership community up close through exclusive access and thought leadership.
Includes all Gold benefits, plus:
- Complimentary registration at 1st Tuesday event
- Invitations to exclusive Minnesota Carlson faculty and thought leadership gatherings
Diamond ($25,000 and above)
Lead with vision and partnership at the highest level of Carlson philanthropy.
Includes all Platinum Circle benefits, plus:
- Personalized concierge service for University and Minnesota Carlson engagement
- VIP assistance for Carlson School-related initiatives, events and connections
Recognition is based on total gifts and matching gifts received by Minnesota Carlson in a single fiscal year (July 1–June 30). Couples are recognized for their combined household contributions.
"I am proud to be an alumnus of a school that is intentional about developing responsible leaders who can transform business and society. I volunteer and give back to Carlson to help ensure that the school has the resources and support to carry out this critical work.”
- Steven Kibaya, ’19 MBA, Senior Validator at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
Investors Circle Events
Your generosity fuels Minnesota Carlson's future
You can support our students in any number of ways, whether you’re an alumnus, student, parent, friend or member of the faculty and staff.
Give today!Your generosity fuels Minnesota Carlson's future
You can support our students in any number of ways, whether you’re an alumnus, student, parent, friend or member of the faculty and staff.
Give today!
Join Us
Whether by nurturing the next generation of visionary leaders, driving forward innovative research, or creating transformative experiential learning opportunities, benefactors of Minnesota Carlson help support our mission to create a brighter future for Minnesota, the nation, and the world.