Connecting Carlson Meets Fundraising Goal

With incredible thanks to generous benefactors, the fundraising total for the Connecting Carlson building project was met this winter. The philanthropic effort to achieve the vision of this project, which enhances the school’s strengths in experiential learning, convening community, and fostering a sense of belonging for students, began in 2022 with the support of lead donor Marilyn Carlson Nelson.

Dean Emerita Sri Zaheer launched the campaign for the project, and Dean Jamie Prenkert has brought the project to completion with more than $40 million in gifts, allowing the project to be fully funded by philanthropy without support from the University, the state, or student fees. This impressive outcome is a testament to the generosity of the Minnesota Carlson network investing in the future of the school and the impact that the updated spaces will have on the student experience and outcomes.

Students, faculty and staff have already started utilizing some newly refreshed areas, including the new Enterprise suite, and look forward to the project’s completion in Fall 2026.