Colorado Mesa University announced its largest documented donation ever on Wednesday, Sept. 16: a $10 million check from Denver-based philanthropic group ZOMALAB. School officials said the gift would fund construction for the Formation Commons, a 288-bed dormitory that recently broke ground on CMU’s campus in front of Asteria Theatre. The announcement came shortly before a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Centennial Apartments, a new 310-bedroom student complex that opened this year and is also located on campus. Both residential developments are expected to help ease strain on Grand Junction’s local housing market for students and residents alike.
ZOMALAB representatives did not attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony but offered a prepared statement. Ben Walton, principal of ZOMALAB, stated the gift "celebrates the innovative and unique ways CMU is meeting students’ needs," adding that the university's "willingness to think differently is driving growth and expanding opportunity in the region and across the state." CMU President John Marshall expressed gratitude for the significant investment, noting, “It’s so humbling to see some of these large foundations with significant resources see Grand Junction as a good bet, and see CMU as a good bet.”
The Centennial Apartments, an on-campus, year-round complex, offers leases exclusively to CMU juniors and seniors. Lori Buck, a member of the Colorado Mesa University Board of Trustees, joined other community leaders to cut the ribbon celebrating its completion and opening. The building, located on the west side of campus, is intended to provide options for upperclassmen who have historically sought housing off-campus.
President Marshall highlighted the long-standing tradition for CMU freshmen and sophomores to be served on campus, while juniors and seniors often moved off-campus to find rental homes or apartments in the community. However, he noted that "As the cost of living in Grand Junction has gone up, we’ve seen juniors and seniors saying, ‘I don’t think I can afford to live out in the community.’ ” The new on-campus developments aim to address this challenge directly.
The benefits of these new student housing options are expected to extend beyond the university, according to local economic development advocates. Candace Carnahan, President and CEO of the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce, stated that the additional lodging could significantly impact Grand Junction’s off-campus housing demand, which has consistently surpassed the local supply of affordable homes. Carnahan underscored that "The cost of living is a major impact to business success across Colorado and right here, in Mesa County, and our competitive edge has slipped."
Curtis Englehart, Executive Director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP), agreed, emphasizing the multifaceted advantages. Englehart pointed out that the construction itself represents a substantial capital project, generating local jobs and economic activity for trade and construction businesses. He added that, in addition to this immediate economic boost, the new housing options would "really allow more housing affordability for our current workforce."
Back on campus, CMU officials emphasized that the influx of funds and new housing would support the university's continued growth in student population. Lori Buck, also Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, remarked, “Today is an opportunity to pause and celebrate the genuine momentum of this institution.” She added that CMU's adherence to its values has garnered recognition, even as "others struggle to find their way." The new residences are designed to make it easier for students new to Grand Junction to find suitable living arrangements.
