A Historic Commitment to Carry Our Mission Forward

On September 17, 2026, the University of St. Thomas announced a historic commitment of $82 million—payable within the next ten years—from the Ciresi Walburn Foundation and the Michael V. and Ann C. Ciresi Foundation. The announcement marks one of the largest gifts ever made to a Minnesota college or university and ranks among the state’s most significant investments in university student access and support.

The commitment reflects Mike Ciresi and Roberta Walburn’s long-term vision for sustaining and expanding the work they have advanced through the Ciresi Walburn Foundation for more than 25 years. Within the next 10 years, the Foundation’s assets will transfer to St. Thomas, creating an enduring institutional home for that vision and supporting new generations of leaders committed to strengthening their communities and advancing the common good.

“This commitment allows us to look beyond the life of the Foundation and ensure that the values at the heart of our work will continue for generations,” said Mike Ciresi, board chair of the Ciresi Walburn Foundation. “Roberta and I believe deeply in the power of education and in the responsibility each of us has to use our talents in service to others. St. Thomas shares that commitment and has the capacity to carry it forward in meaningful and lasting ways for all Minnesota youth.”

Mike Ciresi (UST ‘68) with Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellows Dylan Che Tita (UST ‘27) and Tobi Oluwole (UST ‘27)

The Foundation will remain independent and continue its grantmaking and other activities until transfer of the assets takes place. Current grants, reporting requirements, and Foundation contacts remain unchanged.

Central to that vision is the Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellows program at St. Thomas. Established through a partnership between the Foundation and the University, the program provides scholarships and comprehensive cohort-based support to students who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to advancing the common good. Fellows participate in mentoring, leadership development, internships, academic support, community engagement, and other experiences intended to help them thrive at St. Thomas and make a difference beyond it.

Roberta Walburn with Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellows

“The Fellows have shown us what is possible when talented young people receive not only financial support, but also the networks, experiences, and opportunities they need to become confident and effective leaders,” said Roberta Walburn, trustee of the Ciresi Walburn Foundation. “The Center will allow that work to endure and grow while creating new opportunities for students and community partners to learn from one another and lead meaningful change.”

For more than 25 years, the Foundation has had the privilege of partnering with organizations and leaders working to improve education and expand opportunity for Minnesota’s children and young people. To date, the Foundation has granted more than $45 million to more than 140 schools and nonprofit organizations to further its mission. Those partnerships have shaped our work and informed the long-term vision reflected in this commitment.

While this historic commitment establishes a lasting home for the Foundation’s mission, there is still important work ahead. Until the asset transfer takes place, we will continue investing in promising programs, supporting effective leaders, and advancing ideas that improve educational opportunities and outcomes for our youth. We enter this next chapter with both a clear vision for the future and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Minnesota’s youth.

We are deeply grateful to the grantees, educators, advocates, and community leaders, who have made this work possible. Together, we look forward to building upon that record of partnership and impact in the years immediately ahead—and to creating a legacy that will endure for years to come.

Read the announcement from the University of St. Thomas here: https://news.stthomas.edu/sept-17-2026-announcement/

To learn more about how this commitment will impact the Foundation’s operations, please see our FAQ document.