PUEBLO, Colo. — The Colorado State Univerity Pueblo Foundation has announced the
addition of two new leadership roles designed to strengthen philanthropic support for CSU
Pueblo. Dillon Martin has joined the foundation as director of athletic philanthropy, and Lamech
M. Mbise, PhD, has joined as director of academic philanthropy.
The newly created positions reflect the foundation’s and CSU Pueblo’s continued investment in
expanding donor engagement and advancing both athletic and academic priorities across the
university.
As director of athletic philanthropy, Martin will lead fundraising efforts in support of CSU
Pueblo Athletics, focusing on donor relationships, alumni engagement, and community
partnerships that enhance student-athlete success.
Martin comes to the foundation from Otero College, where he served as director of foundation
and auxiliary services. He previously worked as the foundation and communications director and
served in the president’s office. His experience includes fundraising, communications, and
organizational development.
Martin earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in economics and
finance from Colorado State University Pueblo in May 2019. He also holds an Associate of Arts
degree and a leadership certificate from Otero College, completed in May 2017.
As director of academic philanthropy, Mbise will oversee fundraising initiatives supporting CSU
Pueblo’s academic programs, faculty priorities, and student success efforts.
Mbise brings more than 20 years of fundraising experience in the nonprofit and higher education
sectors. He joins the CSU Pueblo Foundation from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical
Campus, where he served on a philanthropic team generating between $150 million and $250
million annually. In that role, he facilitated gift conversations involving large and complex
contributions from the university’s most prominent benefactors.
In addition to his work in higher education, Mbise is the founder of Funzeleo Inc., a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization focused on inspiring and preparing African youth for careers in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics through innovative teacher training and hands-on
learning approaches.
A dedicated educator and nonprofit leader, Mbise holds a doctorate from University of Colorado
Colorado Springs. He earned a master’s degree from Ohio University and a bachelor’s degree
from Capital University.
Together, Martin and Mbise will play key roles in advancing the CSU Pueblo Foundation’s
mission by strengthening philanthropic partnerships and supporting opportunities that benefit
students, faculty, and the university community.
