Statement from CU President Mark Kennedy , May 7

I recognize that the contract milestones that allowed me to reach my full salary distract from our work on the difficult budget situation COVID-19 is causing the university. Therefore, I will contribute or forgo the $200,000 in contract payments. This is in addition to the 10% salary reduction to which my leadership team and I committed.

While I appreciate that the regents recognize the importance of honoring the contract, I intend to donate $100,000 (in addition to the $50,000 already donated) of the contract payment I have received to the endowed scholarship fund for first-generation students from rural communities that Debbie and I have established. Additionally, I will not accept the outstanding $50,000 contract payment.

We have considerable work to do to ensure the University of Colorado meets the challenges ahead and continues to fulfill its mission of serving our students and our state, and I look forward to working to that end with all of those who care about CU and Colorado’s future.