University of Colorado Denver and J.P. Morgan Launch Academic World’s First Comprehensive Center for Commodities

J.P. Morgan and the University of Colorado Denver today announced the opening of the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities, a first-of-its-kind partnership in the academic world that will provide innovative programs and academic work in the field of commodity finance, economics and policy.

The J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities is supported by the firm’s $5.5 million gift to the University of Colorado Denver Business School and aims to solidify Denver as the world’s hub for this field of study.

Don Elliman, University of Colorado Denver chancellor said the partnership between J.P. Morgan and the CU Denver Business School will create a "vital intersection for commodities education and the industry. This partnership will not only prepare future leaders in the industry but also will help the public better understand the important role commodities play in our local, national and global economy.”

Blythe Masters, head of J.P. Morgan Global Commodities and a member of the JPMorgan Chase Executive Committee, said, “We don’t see this as simply a gift to the school; it is an investment to better prepare our future and existing talent and improve public understanding through exciting new research.”

The J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities will offer students and the industry innovative courses and research on commodity markets, sustainable development, regulations, investing and trading, risk management and ethics.

The J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities features a state-of-the-art Finance and Commodities Lab, using industry-standard financial software and technology tools that will provide students with hands-on experience and a better understanding of how trading can help commodity producers and consumers alleviate some physical risks and financial uncertainty in these industries.

Faculty and staff at the Center will collaborate with the commodities industry to develop relevant course work and research in industries such as agriculture, energy and minerals. Courses will feature internationally-renowned professors and guest speakers from the industry. The firm’s gift will also support The J.P. Morgan Endowed Chair for Commodity Finance, Economics and Policy, as well as several scholarships for high-achieving students earning degrees related to commodities with plans to enter the industry.

The CU Denver Business School is the largest accredited graduate school of business in the Rocky Mountain West, with 1,400 undergraduate and 1,500 graduate students, and is known as an innovator with strong business partnerships. It has programs that are the building blocks for commodities, including programs in finance, risk management, energy, sustainability and international business. Flexible class schedules, a focus on academic rigor and real-world application made the Business School a top choice for students, faculty and business. Located in Denver on the Downtown Campus and on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colo., the University offers more than 128 degrees and programs in 13 schools and colleges and serves more than 28,000 students.