Philanthropy 2019 University of Denver
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Philanthropy 2019 University of Denver
A Word from
the Chancellor
Through visionary philanthropy, the University of Denver has provided generations of students
with an exceptional education and, by doing so, helped build a better world. Everything we have
accomplished together—our impactful research, athletic achievements, influential institutes
and initiatives and, of course, our exceptional student experience—has been made possible by
individuals and families who deeply believe in our grandest aspirations.
It is with tremendous pride and gratitude that I say 2019 was the most successful fundraising
and engagement year in DU’s history:
• Through over $86.5 million in support, we are further strengthening our strategic priorities.
• We connected with more than 31,000 alumni, friends and families here in Denver, near our
regional offices, and around the world.
• 70 percent of our undergraduates and 44 percent of our graduates are using our robust career
and professional development resources to build their futures.
• 2,400 students personally donated to DU—a powerful acknowledgment of this institution’s
value and impact on their own lives.
• And on this year’s 1Day4DU, 4,300 members of the DU community gave to projects and
causes across campus—many of which meaningfully serve the public good.
And our momentum doesn’t stop there. Earlier in the year, through a monumental gift, we established the
Scrivner Institute of Public Policy. Through this institute, DU, its students and faculty, will make long-lasting
contributions to society, develop the next generation of leaders, and solve pervasive, global challenges.
For the past few months, we have excitedly witnessed the construction of three new buildings on campus,
the first step of the Denver Advantage Campus Framework Plan. The Burwell Center for Career Achievement,
the new Community Commons, and the Dimond Family Residential Village all use cutting-edge design to
reimagine the power of our spaces, encouraging connection and belonging at DU like never before. Each will
offer unique opportunities to learn, dine, congregate and ultimately create stronger community—an outcome
desperately needed in our world today.
The future asks a lot of us—and it most certainly asks a lot of today’s students. To continue to prepare
tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and change-makers, we must rise boldly to the challenge. We must continually
evolve, pursue ideals guided by our values, attract top talent, increase access for a diverse and dynamic student
body, and provide opportunities and experiences designed to strengthen every dimension of our students’ lives
and careers. We must connect deeply within our state and region while maintaining a global perspective. We
must conduct transformative research and, as always, stay true to our unwavering commitment to serving
the public good.
The story of 2019 is the story of DU’s entire history: through collaboration, engagement, enthusiasm, grit,
and innovation, we can meet our most ambitious goals. We are defining and modeling a global, engaged
research university fueled by creative expression and focused on international impact. Our students, alumni,
donors, faculty, staff, parents and friends play a vital role in keeping the University of Denver in a state of
forward progress.
In the following pages of this report, you will see a sampling of the many ways that philanthropy—your
philanthropy—is building DU’s future. I am deeply grateful for your partnership.
Sincerely
Jeremy Haefner
Chancellor
I n 2 0 1 9, 2 1 , 3 5 5
individual donors
$86M
made gifts totaling
$86,565,592
in support of DU,
helping create
4 4 e n d ow m e n t s
and 31 scholarship
funds - impacting
c o u n t l e s s l i v e s.
Gift size:
$10M+: $14,843,333
3
FOR
KNOWLEDGE
CREATION
Innovation in the institutes
and programs of DU is creating
knowledge that strengthens the
impact of a DU education – for
our students and our world.
4
Changing the prepares DU graduates for rewarding
careers and engaged citizenship.
World Through
“The University of Denver has long
been an important part of Mary’s
and my life, from meeting and
marrying here to serving on the
Public Policy Board of Trustees and in numerous
other ways,” said Doug Scrivner. “We
recognize that this university has a
Doug (JD ’77) and Mary Scrivner have long unique interdisciplinary excellence
considered DU home – from their student days and an ability and opportunity to
and wedding at Evans Memorial Chapel to their affect real change in some of the most
decades of volunteering and investing in the crucial arenas of our society. We are
university’s future. So as they considered the thrilled to emphasize our legacy here
future of this great university and the strategic at DU through the Scrivner Institute,
resources that would propel our faculty and knowing that the knowledge created
students to make a significant difference in the here, combined with an exceptional
world, they chose to support interdisciplinary student experience, will impact
public policy solutions. our world in countless ways for the
years to come.”
The Scrivners’ $14 million gift in
support of public policy will lay critical The Scrivners’ visionary gift reflects
groundwork for creating and growing their long-standing love of the
leadership in collaborative, innovative University of Denver. Doug and Mary
solutions to some of the largest married in Evans Memorial Chapel on
societal issues and challenges of the his graduation day from law school.
day. To honor their transformational Doug has served the university in
support, DU named the Scrivner a number of leadership capacities
Institute of Public Policy in their over the years, including serving on
honor. Their generosity in establishing the university’s Board of Trustees for
the Scrivner Institute represents a many years and chairing the Board
visionary leap forward in connecting from 2014 to 2018. During his tenure
academic excellence across disciplines as Board Chair, he worked closely with
with practical expertise to solve the Chancellor Emerita Rebecca Chopp
greatest issues facing our society. to pursue and begin implementing
Doug and Mary are also pledging the university’s strategic plan, DU
an additional $1 million to support IMPACT 2025. Doug has been a
Mary and Doug Scrivner
at the announcement of program and initiatives that advance our mission. champion of transforming the student
their $14 million gift. These generous gifts are part of a $16.2 million experience and better connecting
commitment from the Scrivners in support of DU’s our campus community to the city of
upcoming comprehensive campaign. Denver and Colorado.
The Scrivner Institute of Public Policy will “Doug’s service to the university,
continue DU’s longstanding practice of infusing particularly as Chair of the Board of
ethics and leadership into curriculum. It will Trustees, is a source of inspiration
combine an academic research focus with to many,” said Chancellor Jeremy
practitioner experience and contribution, and it Haefner. “Through this gift, he and
will incorporate data sciences and analytics to Mary are demonstrating a remarkable
broaden the ways in which public policy issues are commitment to the university’s vision
studied and addressed. of designing an education that meets
the issues of the day with smart,
The Scrivners’ commitment will endow the current informed solutions.”
public policy program at DU by providing funding
for an endowed chair, professorships, fellowships,
scholarships and programmatic priorities. It will
enable the Institute to attract, retain and grow
top teaching and research talent and ensure an
exceptional, wide-ranging student experience that
5
W.M. Keck
Foundation Grant
Advances Quantum
Computing at DU
Thanks to a highly prestigious $1 “Light with such detailed architecture
million grant from the W.M. Keck has a complicated fluid-like
Foundation in support of an inter- behavior reminiscent of many small
university research project, the whirlpools interacting on the surface
University of Denver and Colorado of a pond,” Lusk said. “We’re calling
School of Mines are building a new this topological fluids of light (TFL)
path toward quantum computing. because the laser whirlpools are
topologically stable, a key property
The work of Mark Siemens, associate for the storage and manipulation
professor in the Department of Physics of information.”
and Astronomy at the College of TFL), while Lusk is a quantum
Natural Sciences and Mathematics Their investigation seeks to determine field theorist who will focus on the
at DU, and Mark Lusk, professor and control the fundamental working fundamental properties of TFL.
in the Department of Physics at properties of TFL to explore room-
Colorado School of Mines, explores the temperature quantum sciences “We at the College of Natural
possibility of using a laser beam as the using laser light. Sciences and Mathematics are
medium for quantum science. extremely proud of our faculty and
Jasmine Andersen, a condensed their interdisciplinary collaborative
“This new connection is really matter physics graduate student at DU, research,” said Andrei Kutateladze,
exciting for us,” Siemens said. “It could credits this project with deepening dean of the College of Natural
launch a new age of accessibility for her understanding of a successful Sciences and Mathematics. “With
quantum science and, ultimately, academic research process. “I saw the this generous award from the Keck
computing. Imagine doing quantum evolution of the material, including Foundation, Prof. Siemens and his
measurements and calculations with a lots of progression in both our collaborator at Colorado School of
glorified laser pointer!” understanding of the science and how Mines, Prof. Lusk, will undoubtedly
to effectively communicate that,” said move science and technology forward
Emerging quantum technologies Andersen. “Knowing what it takes and have major impact on one of
rely on creating, preserving and and what it looks like to be successful the most pressing areas of quantum
manipulating very delicate states in this aspect of academic research information science. This partnership
of quantum matter. Unfortunately, will have a lasting impact throughout between two of the region’s great
these states only exist at ultra- my career. I am grateful for what I universities is a new norm; it elevates
cold temperatures, a substantial have learned in this process and look both schools and the visibility of
impediment for widespread forward to working on this research fundamental sciences programs
technological application. for the remainder of my Ph.D.” at DU and Mines.”
Siemens and Lusk realized, though, The project is a result of a “Innovation and collaboration lie at
that they could leverage the advanced collaboration between physicists at the heart of the DU experience,” said
state of laser technology to make the two Denver metro institutions, Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. “This
similar optical architectures that are creating a sound environment for grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation
robust even at room temperature. rigorous scientific exploration. recognizes our collaborative work
Their idea is to engineer very small Siemens is an experimental physicist around complex topics with real-
structures right into the laser beam whose laser lab at DU will be doing the world impact. At the University
that behave like the exotic particles precise manipulation and propagation of Denver, we are proud to create
currently being considered for use in of designer laser beams (including the knowledge that will solve some of
quantum computing. optical whirlpools needed to generate society’s greatest issues.”
6
Students participate in restoration and
maintenance of the Madden art collection,
donated to DU in 2015.
Elevating Faculty Innovation
DU’s College of Arts, Humanities The Madden Center for Innovation for a large number of CAHSS
& Social Sciences (CAHSS) is in the Liberal and Creative Arts students to engage in immersive
reimagining liberal and creative identifies and supports passionate, experiential education.
arts education. In the John Madden entrepreneurial faculty members · Focused on problem-based learning,
Center for Innovation in the Liberal who have already invested their a student-centered pedagogy in
and Creative Arts, faculty members own time and energy to begin a which students learn by solving
find an academic venture capital firm promising early-stage project whose open-ended, real-world problems.
that is investing in faculty-driven scope is limited by existing resources · Committed to creating community
projects that develop innovative, of time, funding and program partnerships, including
new approaches to scholarship, development expertise. supporting course proposals and
teaching, creative work and scholarship/creative work that are
community engagement. The Madden Center supports community engaged.
projects that are:
Named in honor of local real estate “We are thrilled that Mr. Madden
developer and philanthropist John · Multidisciplinary, connecting committed to support a signature
Madden, Jr., in recognition of his faculty and students across DU project in our Keystone Strategic Plan,”
$5 million gift, the Madden Center regardless of their degree program said Daniel McIntosh, dean of the
strengthens the connection between or academic home. College of Arts, Humanities & Social
the liberal arts and innovation. · Transformational, changing Sciences. “His generosity provides the
It advances faculty innovation the way students learn and long-term financial support needed
by providing critical funding and faculty conduct research and to amplify the tremendous work
resources for research and programs, creative activity. of the Center, our faculty and our
such as the recent cross-discipline · Committed to developing Keystone students, providing a model for higher
DU Prison Arts Initiative. Experiences, opportunities education innovation.”
7
“It is impossible to overstate
the significance of Mr.
Madden’s transformational
gift... this gift will change the
way faculty and students
work, learn and create.”
“It is impossible to overstate the
significance of Mr. Madden’s
transformational gift to the Center,”
said Derigan Silver, faculty director Mr. Madden receives the
of the Madden Center. “This gift 2019 Founders Medal.
will change the way faculty and
students work, learn and create at
the University of Denver and will of John Madden’s own passion for
support hundreds of faculty projects supporting the arts.
over the lifetime of the Center.”
Mr. Madden donated his personal art
John W. Madden, Jr. is a pioneer collection, valued at $10 million, to
of commercial development in the University of Denver in 2015, and
the Denver area and founder that transformational partnership
of the John Madden Company. continues with his current gift in
Under his leadership, the John support of liberal and creative arts.
Madden Company developed more The university presented Mr. Madden
than 600 acres of land to turn with the Founders Medal in 2019 in
Greenwood Village into a nationally recognition of his transformational
acclaimed area in which to work, leadership and engaged
live and play. The company’s philanthropy.
award-winning developments are
instantly recognizable for their
use of outdoor art – a direct result
8
A New Locker
Room for DU
Hockey
If the eight national championships, Throughout the locker room, the walls
two Hobey Baker award winners, are covered with homages to former
nearly 50 All-Americans and 14 teams and players. Tribute is paid to
Olympians were not enough to previous national championships, to
attract the country’s best hockey the All-Americans and to those who
recruits, the University of Denver have won a team award. The walls
hockey team has a new incentive. are also covered in different phrases
The Pioneers recently moved into that have been made popular over
the new Miller Hockey Complex, a time. One of the more popular ones
state-of-the-art locker room that is “Trust the Proscess” from the 2017
can compete with any other hockey national championship season. It’s
program in the country. a nod to a speech delivered by then
assistant head coach David Carle,
At 4,464 square feet, the complex who delivered his remarks beautifully
is double the size of the old locker but misspelled the word “process”
room. The project took four years on the board.
to complete, cost $2.5 million and
was entirely funded by more than
150 former players and supporters
of the program.
The complex is named after University
of Denver trustee John A. Miller
(MBA’76, BSBA’75), his wife, Sandy
(BA’76), and their family. Both John
and Sandy graduated from DU and
have been longtime supporters of the
university and the hockey program.
The complex consists of three locker
rooms: a coaches’ locker room, a dry
locker room for student-athletes to
store personal items and change into
workout clothes, and the primary
locker room where the team goes
when coming off the ice.
There’s also a lounge area where Right: the new
student-athletes can relax before primary locker room.
and after a game or practice and Below: training room
complete with cold
where they can eat pre- and
tub and hot tub.
post-game meals.
Since hockey is a sport full of bumps
and bruises, the complex includes its
own training room with a cold tub and
hot tub for recovery.
910
Advancing Civil Liberties
and Civil Rights
The University of Denver and the “Throughout its distinguished history,
Arnold & Porter Foundation have long Arnold & Porter has been a national
shared a commitment to civil liberties leader in advancing justice for the
and civil rights work – a commitment underserved,” observed Sturm
that is making a significant difference College of Law Dean Bruce Smith.
in the training of future leaders in “So, too, has the University of Denver.
this vital area. We launched the American clinical
legal education movement in 1904
The Arnold & Porter Foundation’s and have been a leader in clinical
recent gift to the university creates education ever since. Arnold & Porter
two new endowed scholarships and the University of Denver share a
at the Sturm College of Law to significant and enduring commitment
support outstanding students with a to the public good, and we are
demonstrated commitment to civil tremendously grateful to the Arnold
liberties and civil rights. The gift also & Porter Foundation for its vision
supports a strategic litigation fund and generosity.”
designed to advance the nationally
recognized work of the law school’s “We are pleased to support the
Civil Rights Clinic, part of its No. important work of the Civil Rights
8-ranked clinical program. Clinic at Denver Law and those
students dedicated to devoting their
The Abe Krash Access to Justice careers to advancing the cause of civil
Endowed Scholarship Fund, rights and civil liberties,” said Richard
seeded with a $250,000 gift from M. Alexander, chair of Arnold & Porter
the Foundation, will endow — in and the Arnold & Porter Foundation.
perpetuity — scholarships for students “Our firm has a long-standing
with a demonstrated interest in civil commitment to public service, and
rights and access to justice. The fund our Denver office, opened in 1980, has
honors the contributions of Abe played a vital role in advancing these
Krash, currently of counsel to the pro bono efforts.”
firm of Arnold & Porter, who formed
part of the firm’s legal team that “Arnold & Porter’s remarkable
represented Clarence Gideon in the commitment recognizes the critical
landmark U.S. Supreme Court case of contributions of the Civil Rights Clinic
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963), which in protecting the constitutional rights
guaranteed the right to counsel in of people who are incarcerated,
criminal matters. including access to medical and
mental health care, the free exercise
The Arnold & Porter Civil Rights of religion, outdoor exercise and the
Endowed Scholarship Fund, seeded conditions of solitary confinement,”
with a second $250,000 gift, will said Laura Rovner, director of the
endow scholarships for students with Civil Rights Clinic and professor
a demonstrated commitment to public at the Sturm College of Law. “This
interest law and prisoners’ rights. momentous gift will help us to
impart the legal doctrine, skills and
An additional contribution of $187,000 professional values necessary to
will advance the work of the Civil forge the next generation of civil
Rights Clinic, with a particular focus rights lawyers.”
on litigation and advocacy on behalf
of incarcerated individuals — an area
of law in which the clinic has achieved
a well-earned national reputation.
Abe Krash at the gift announcement. Part of the
gift funds a scholarship in his honor.
11Engineering and
Music: Passions
Steve and
Suzanne
Johnson
for a Lifetime
When Steve Johnson (BSME ’67) campus, he found the engineering
chose the University of Denver for curriculum so demanding that he
his undergraduate education, two set music aside—until some 30
factors mattered most: He sought years later when he was drawn to
a good program in mechanical the sound of the classical guitar. He
engineering and, as a first-generation began attending recitals at Lamont,
college student from a low-income where, he said, “The people were very
family in Portland, Oregon, he needed friendly, and it was a very positive
significant financial aid. He also had a environment.” Before long, he became
minor interest in music. a volunteer for the Lamont Society
Council, eventually serving as the
Today, Johnson’s formula for group’s president. He also bought a
philanthropy is similar. While he guitar and began taking lessons from
and his wife, Suzanne, support the Lamont students and occasionally
Denver Scholarship Foundation and from Jonathan Leathwood, the chair
other educational and environmental of the guitar and theory program.
organizations, their recent significant
estate gift to DU is split evenly “I’ll always be a beginner,” he said.
between the Ritchie School of “But that’s okay. I’m content with
Engineering and Computer Science my musical limitations.” He said he
and the Lamont School of Music. loves to be around the sounds of the
Both gifts are allocated to the deans’ instrument, as well as the students
discretionary funds. “It’s a leap of and staff at Lamont. Some of his
faith,” he acknowledged, “but I’m teachers are 50 years his junior.
relying on the good will and judgment
of the administration and faculty to Today, the couple are in their 70s and
steer the money to where it will be the retired. They have no children, and
most effective.” their closest relatives are financially
secure. So they decided to give away
After graduating from DU, Johnson the majority of their wealth, some to
earned a master’s degree in the University of Denver, which had
engineering from Stanford, and profound influence on Johnson. He is
he went to work at the Stanford pleased to be able to pay back some of
Research Institute. In Palo Alto, he the generosity he received.
met Suzanne, who was in nursing at
Stanford Medical Center. In 1978, the “In the case of engineering,
couple moved back to Denver. Johnson the education I got at DU was
worked at a medical equipment foundational for my career and helped
company and later co-founded me throughout my life,” Johnson said.
Evergreen Research, a company “And music remains a refuge against
that specializes in medical product the chaos of the modern world.”
design. Suzanne became a nationally
known expert in professional
development for nurses.
While engineering became Johnson’s
livelihood, music has remained
an interest. When he arrived on
12FOR
OUR
STUDENTS
Philanthropy directly
transforms the student
experience at DU through
scholarships, leadership
opportunities and a
campus designed to help
students succeed.
13The Proof
Is in the
Giving
With the rising cost of higher students’ $2 and contributions from If the proof is in the giving, DUSF is
education gracing national headlines donors who are able to give higher doing a great job of inspiring.
over the past several years, “student dollar amounts.”
philanthropist” may seem like a bit of “My hope is that DUSF will continue
an oxymoron. That’s why the The Student Emergency Fund, which to build on their momentum and that
University of Denver Student relies 100 percent on donations, more and more students will see the
Foundation’s (DUSF) achievements in is a great example of the power value of giving back through their
student giving, especially during the of student giving and collective university,” Florez said.
2018-2019 school year, are all the impact. The Fund, which helps
more remarkable. students with unforeseen financial
hardships, has raised over $100,000
DU Advancement started DUSF since DUSF started fundraising for it
in 2016 with the goal of involving three years ago.
more students in philanthropy, both
through giving and through the Chris Florez, DUSF’s outgoing
hands-on experience in fundraising president, said DUSF’s student trustees
and development. strive to connect with their peers
and listen to what they need before
While only about 11 percent of the asking students to consider donating
undergraduate student body made a to a cause. “At the end of the day,
Student trustees, Zoi Johns and Isaiah Jakab, broadcast
financial contribution in 2016-2017, students want to give to help other on the Magness Arena jumbotron, celebrate student
in 2018-2019 more than 30 percent students,” Florez said. “DUSF tries to donors at a DU gymnastics event.
of DU undergraduates contributed inspire them to give.”
to causes on campus. Students most
often gave to causes such as the
Student Emergency Fund, the Food
Pantry, the CAPE Survivor Fund and
the Health and Counseling Access
Fund – four funds that DUSF has
played a role in creating or promoting
to the DU community.
“Often faculty, staff, parent, alumni
and community donors ask, ‘What do
the students need?’ When students
give to a cause, they communicate
to the rest of the DU community
what they care about,” said Nicholas
Bowlby (Ed.D ’19), Associate Director
of Community Philanthropy and
Activation and DUSF Student Advisor
(and a DU alumnus).
Students volunteer at the
“We (DUSF) talk a lot about collective DUSF hosted “Spread the
impact,” Bowlby said. “A student’s Love” event addressing
$2 donation can go a long way when food insecurity.
it’s combined with hundreds of other
14Investing in
Scholarships
to Strengthen
Colorado
Communities
Bob Follett has been invested in likelihood for success of
education for more than 60 years, interventions,” explains
including serving as chairman of Western Colorado MSW
textbook publisher Follett, lecturing for Program Director Rachel
the Denver Publishing Institute (hosted Forbes, noting that
by the University of Denver) and educating “locally grown”
operating his own small publishing social workers is key
house. As a civic leader, philanthropist to meeting the region’s
and volunteer, he also has invested in needs since they’re most
the well-being of the communities he’s likely to stay in the area.
called home, including Keystone, “Bob Follett’s generosity
Colorado, where he retired. will go a long way toward
ensuring that members
When Follett had an opportunity to of the Western Slope
support University of Denver graduate community—especially
students to benefit the Colorado those that are farthest
mountain communities he loves, he removed from the services
was quick to say yes. He is funding most take for granted—
stipends for 10 new students enrolled will receive treatment in
in the Graduate School of Social Work their time of need.”
Western Colorado Master of Social
Work (MSW) program. Recipients are Longtime Avon, Colorado,
local residents who commit to providing resident and fluent
behavioral health services or working Spanish speaker Alma De
with immigrant and Spanish-speaking Lara already works as an advocate in her community and continue working
populations in the region. for domestic violence and sexual with children and families while she
assault survivors, but she says a pursues her MSW.
Colorado is among the nation’s social work degree will help her to
fastest-growing states, and in some better meet the needs of those she “There is so much need here, and it is a
western Colorado counties, Latino/ serves. “I just want to help my own growing population,” Peterson says. “I
Hispanic residents comprise more community,” she says. “People are want to create a stronger community
than 25 percent of the population. more comfortable opening up not so as it does become bigger, it’s a
There is a shortage of social workers just because I speak their language, healthy community.”
in rural Colorado, and the need for but because I can relate culturally.
bilingual and bicultural social workers It helps to build trust and relieve
to provide services for the growing some of that fear.”
Spanish-speaking population is
particularly acute. Kaylee Peterson thought she would
have to leave her hometown of Silt
“Offering culturally responsive services to attend graduate school, but the
in one’s native language increases the stipend has made it possible to stay
15The First Carol
and Ramon Tomé
Scholars to
Be Named
Starting in 2019 and continuing teams are powerful. Diverse teams
annually, The Carol and Ramon make a difference. We are delighted to
Tomé Endowed Diversity Scholarship provide scholarship funding to support
Fund will support underrepresented diversity at the University of Denver,”
undergraduate students Ms. Tomé said.
who are pursuing degrees
“The University in finance, accounting or Dean of the Daniels College of
business analytics at DU. Business Vivek Choudhury said, “The
Tomés’ gift helps open the door for
of Denver An anonymous and ensure the success of a diverse
donor matched the population of students in these critical
Tomés’ generous gift, areas of business. This is a very
empowers establishing a total of $1 significant gift for the Daniels College
million in endowed funds of Business, and it speaks volumes
to support students who about the Tomés’ commitment to the
students who have historically been university and to creating opportunity
underrepresented in for all. We are very grateful to the
these areas of study. Tomés for their generosity.”
want to make
Carol Tomé (MBA ’81) and
her husband, Ramon,
a difference. have a deep commitment
to helping create a
pipeline of diverse,
We know what talented students in
finance, accounting and
business. Carol recently
it means to retired as chief financial
officer and executive vice
president of corporate
be different.... services from Home
Depot after a career
Diverse teams
there that spanned more
than 20 years. Fortune
magazine has recognized
are powerful.”
her three times as one
of the most powerful
women in business. Carol Tomé
“The University of Denver empowers
students who want to make a
difference. We know what it means
to be different. I was one of just a few
female CFOs in the Fortune 500 and
Ramon is a native Honduran. Diverse
16Scholarship Gives With Reena’s encouragement, the
couple established a significant
scholarship to benefit DU Lacrosse
Momentum, and
through the Momentum Scholarship
Challenge. This matching gift
program, which concluded in 2018,
allowed donors to make a future
Memory, for commitment through a bequest while
seeing the impact of their gift now.
The University of Denver matched
Lacrosse
25% of the gift with its own resources,
making those funds available for
immediate use in benefiting students.
Rus and Reena Peterson had recently Reena especially appreciated being “When these kids finish at DU, they’re
moved to Denver when they learned embraced by the team because as not going to have a career in lacrosse
that Bill Tierney was coaching the a young girl she was adopted from waiting for them,” said Rus. “They’ve
University of Denver lacrosse team. India and brought to live in the United got to rely on academics, and so I’m
This was big news for them because States. “So she knew what adoption hoping that our gift will keep some
they were avid fans of the sport, and was like,” said Rus. “She came out students in school through the whole
Rus had attended Johns Hopkins here to Colorado and fell in love with four years, or maybe it will inspire
during Tierney’s winning tenure there the way people treated her, and it them to continue with their own
as assistant lacrosse coach. The couple really started with the DU program.” contributions to the program.”
immediately
bought tickets to The couple’s
the next DU game, favorite lacrosse
where they were player was Trevor
introduced to a Baptiste. At an
team that would event in late 2017,
become like he noticed them
family to them. and came over to
talk. Rus snapped
They went a photo of Trevor
from attending and Reena, which
individual turned out to be
games to buying the last picture
season tickets to ever taken of
becoming Gold her. She died
Club members. unexpectedly
Soon they three days later.
were attending In her honor, the
every game and team dedicated
knew all of the Reena with lacrosse player Trevor Baptiste the DU Lacrosse
staff, coaches documentary
and players. “Rush for
They especially enjoyed hanging When Rus updated his will in 2016, the Gold” to Reena. She was as
out in the Gold Club at Peter Barton he wanted to do something to support much a part of the team and the
Stadium while cheering on a team lacrosse. He had initially planned sport as they were.
that was dominating the sport they to make a gift to Johns Hopkins, but
loved. Everyone at DU Lacrosse Reena suggested another idea. She “It tears at my heart to know that she’s
knew Reena and Rus. wanted to do something for the team not here to see this,” said Rus. “She
that had been so welcoming to her. would be ecstatic knowing that this
“These people pull you in and they money finally did get to the lacrosse
make you feel like you’re part of the “There was something about lacrosse program. Reena was instrumental in
family,” said Rus. “It’s just the Pioneer that struck a chord with her, and she making us part of the Pioneer Nation.
way. This is what was so special to wanted to see if we could make a little The legacy that she left behind will
Reena. The program at DU brought her bit of a difference in some students’ never be forgotten.”
in with open arms.” lives over the course of years to come.”
17Making the Dream of DU
a Reality: The Rebecca
Chopp Scholarship
Endowment
Rebecca Chopp, the 18th chancellor Chopp Scholars will participate in With a focus on creating intentional
of the University of Denver and DU’s cohorts in order to maximize their community and constructing a
first female chancellor, left a legacy DU experience through increased student-centered culture, the Rebecca
of impact by focusing her mission exposure to opportunities, resources Chopp Scholarship Endowment is
around supporting students and and connections while allowing committed to rewarding the most
transforming the student experience them the freedom to explore their driven, passionate and hardworking
in the 21st century. personal and academic pursuits and of scholars.
pathways for success toward the
As a collective reflection of futures they desire.
appreciation for her leadership and
commitment to students, in the
spring of 2019 members of DU’s
Board of Trustees, academic deans
and senior staff committed more
than $2 million to scholarships in
honor of Chancellor Emerita Chopp,
thus creating the Rebecca Chopp
Scholarship Endowment.
The Rebecca Chopp Scholarship
Endowment will have a lasting impact
on students for decades by granting
scholarships to high-achieving
students, providing them the freedom
and ability to pursue their educational
and professional goals, regardless
of socioeconomic status. Closing
financial gaps through scholarship
aid will mean that recipients of
the Rebecca Chopp Scholarship
Endowment will have the opportunity
to make their dream of attending
the University of Denver a reality.
Rebecca Chopp was the first person in
her family to attend college, and that
experience has echoed throughout her
career and in her passion to make a
college education possible for students
of all backgrounds, including first-
generation students. This scholarship
endowment will honor that passion as
it paves the way for countless first-
generation students to thrive at DU in
the decades to come.
18
Rebecca Chopp, the 18th chancellor
of the University of DenverProjects
Internship Awards represent a few of Chancellor Emerita Chopp
the initiatives that garnered support (top left) and Chancellor
during the day. Haefner (bottom left) at
the 1Day4DU celebration.
Across The gifts made on 1Day4DU will
have direct and immediate effects
on the students involved in those
DU
and other projects, as well as on
DU’s community collaborations like
MotherWise Colorado and the Bridge
Project’s Early Literacy and Writing
Benefit
Program, which were also highlighted
during the day of giving.
Social media, telephone outreach and
from online giving provided opportunities
for alumni and friends around the
world to get activated and play a
Record
part in building the future of 1Day’s
projects. Alumni from as far away as
New Zealand, United Arab Emirates,
United Kingdom, Alaska and other
Day of places made gifts in support of the
causes that held the most meaning for
them. The university’s trustees also
Giving
played a significant role in 1Day4DU,
once again getting behind the day
with strong participation.
Marking its fifth year in 2019, 1Day4DU featured not only digital
1Day4DU is traditionally the and telephone outreach to activate
university’s largest single day of the DU global network but also on-
giving. Responding to the 1Day4DU campus festivities that drew more
campaign, DU community members than 1,000 people to Carnegie Green
from nearly every state and multiple for food, live music, carnival activities
countries gave in record numbers to and the opportunity to converse with
projects across the campus, both the project leaders whose programs
online and in person. benefited from the event.
More than 4,000 donors contributed The festivities of 1Day4DU followed
over $2 million to 34 crowdfunding the excitement of Alumni Weekend
projects and 160 other areas of the happening just a few days prior.
university, providing record-breaking Alumni traveled to campus to
and meaningful impact for the future celebrate and welcome graduating
of vital community programs at students into the alumni family
DU. This year’s 4,000-plus donors during Alumni Weekend, and that
far exceeded the goal of 3,200 and engagement of the DU community
nearly tripled 1Day4DU’s first year, paved the way for record-breaking
signaling the strong support of support of students on 1Day4DU.
the DU community.
The 34 crowdfunding projects
featured during 1Day4DU spanned
some of the university’s highest
priorities. Scholarships for first- A record breaking 4,325
generation students, Native American
student support, varsity athletics, club
sports, the Learning Effectiveness donors contributed over
Program for students and Summer
$2 million in a single day.
1920
DENVER
ADVANTAGE
The Denver Advantage is
about designing a campus
to fuel the collaborations
and relationships proven to
help students succeed, now
and throughout their lives.
It grows out of our strategic
plan, DU IMPACT 2025,
demonstrating our
commitment to educate
students holistically and
prepare them to lead
diverse organizations and
communities.
Community
Commons
Built on the footprint of Driscoll Center North, the Community Commons will
provide an energetic center of critical resources for students, faculty, staff and
the community. It will house spaces for classes, programming, studying and
collaborative opportunities. Co-location of critical support services under one
roof will give students a more integrated, comprehensive and effective learning
experience, making delivery of holistic support services seamless. A central
dining hall featuring cuisines from our students’ countries of origin will beckon
the DU community to dine, socialize and find a place of belonging.
Above: architectural rendering of the
Community Commons
21Scale model of the
campus master plan
Dimond Family
Residential Village
Creates an On-
Campus Home for
First-Year Students
The Dimond Family Residential
Village, named in honor of the Dimond
Family Foundation following their
$5 million investment in residential
life at DU, is one of three buildings
being rolled out as the first phase
of the Denver Advantage Campus
Framework Plan. The Residential
Village will provide student housing
designed to create a strong sense of
belonging and community among the
The Dimond family
university’s 1,500 first-year students.
Navin and Rita Dimond have been Opening in fall 2020, the
supporters of the University of Denver 130,000-square-foot residence hall
for many years, and the Dimond will provide housing for 500 first-year
Family Residential Village represents students as well as a series of campus-
their commitment – and that of their serving programs. While DU has a
whole family – to creating community two-year live-on requirement, the
and meaningful experiences university is finding that more upper-
for our students. level students are also wanting to live
22Architectural rendering of the Dimond across the nation under Involvement in the local communities
Family Residential Village the Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt that Stonebridge serves remains a
and Four Seasons brands. core value to Dimond and his family’s
foundation. Dimond has a long-
Navin Dimond has a standing passion for and history of
strong history with the supporting education, also serving on
University of Denver, the Foundation Board for Metropolitan
having earned his MBA State University of Denver and having
from its Franklin L. established the Rita and Navin
Burns School of Real Dimond Hotel Management Program
Estate and Construction at Metropolitan State University of
Management in 1986. Denver in 2014. This program provides
on campus. The Residential Village Dimond is also an active member of students preparing for careers in
is one step in helping to create more the university’s Board of Trustees. the hospitality industry with access
openings for those students. to training and apprenticeship
“Our family continues to be inspired opportunities.
The Dimond Family Foundation by the next generation of leaders
represents the steadfast philanthropic and we very much appreciate the Dimond also received the Colorado
pursuits of Navin and Rita Dimond, the opportunity to give back to the entire “I Have a Dream” Foundation’s
founders of Stonebridge Companies, University of Denver community in Dream Maker Award in 2014, earning
and their two daughters, Ashley and this way,” said Navin and Rita Dimond. recognition for his commitment to
Sonja. The Denver-based, privately “Our family believes giving is much quality education and its enduring
owned, innovative hotel owner, better than receiving, and one of our impact on area youth.
operator and developer is one of the most important responsibilities is
nation’s leading hospitality companies to support students as they pursue
and features a portfolio of 60 hotels their education.”
The Burwell Center for
Career Achievement
Revolutionizes
Career and Alumni
Programming
Within the changing landscape of
Adam Gross,
Principal higher education and career
at Ayers trajectories, the University of Denver
Saint Gross, is re-imagining services that are
presents the oriented toward the career needs of
campus plans
current students and the requirements
to the DU
community. of contemporary work.
DU has taken a bold step forward,
23Rod, and their three sons – Peter “The University of Denver has great
(BSBA ’11), Blake (BSME, MBA ’15) physical beauty,” said Barbara. “The
and Michael (BA ’16, MBA ’17) – have campus itself, the mountains nearby
deep ties to DU thanks to the sons’ – we are so fortunate to spend time
experiences as in this stunning environment. But
students here. With the most important thing is that it
Architectural rendering of The Burwell
Center for Career Achievement varied interests and works. The magic is in the programs
choosing DU for and initiatives that happen within
different reasons these buildings. And it will only get
– Peter earned his better as we create new spaces to
undergraduate degree facilitate the learning and preparation
at Daniels College of that our students and their future
Business, Blake earned employers demand.”
his undergraduate
degree at the Ritchie Innovative place-based programming
School of Engineering that complements the architecture and
and Computer Science design will enhance the university’s
as well as an MBA strong track record of student
from Daniels, and engagement in career activities – a
Michael earned key factor in students’ satisfaction
his undergraduate with their educational experience
degree and MBA at and their lifelong alumni connections.
thanks to a $5 million gift from Daniels – all of the sons contributed Over the past few years, DU’s Career
the Rodney and Barbara Burwell to campus life through involvement and Professional Development team
Family Foundation that will in the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Rod has nearly doubled the estimated
revolutionize the university’s was a guest speaker at Daniels, and student engagement rate at other
career achievement activities for Barbara served on parent councils universities, reaching nearly 70
both students and alumni. The new in Advancement and in Campus Life percent of undergraduate students
building that will house career throughout her sons’ time at DU. and 40 percent of graduate students.
and alumni programming will The Burwell Center will position DU to
be named The Burwell Center for “Being involved as a parent, I was able attain the goal of engaging 90 percent
Career Achievement in honor of the to get to know the heart and soul of of students annually and 100 percent
Foundation’s gift. DU,” said Barbara. “I see how much of students by the time they graduate,
DU offers the students, both in the solidifying the university as a national
The Burwell Center will be a classroom and far beyond the campus. leader in the landscape of career and
welcoming home for students, alumni, There are so many opportunities professional development. Following
potential employers and everyone in beyond Evans and University – and their commitment to the Burwell
the DU community as we support the that is what DU is preparing students Center, the family expanded their
global DU family in their careers and for. With the programs that will support of students by establishing
their lives of purpose. happen in the Burwell Center, DU will the Pioneer Venture Group, a venture
become an over-the-top resource capital investment fund that is run
It is a key element of the Denver to equip students for what the by students and designed to provide
Advantage Campus Framework Plan, world needs.” educational, practical and networking
and it will serve as the center of experiences to students focusing on
career development at the university. The Burwell Center will showcase entrepreneurship, venture investing
Located at the former site of the Leo the university’s commitment to and general business practices.
Block Alumni Center, the Burwell sustainability and to creating spaces
Center will provide innovative and that serve students’ needs, both now
flexible spaces for students, alumni and well into the future. Among its
and employers to build connections numerous sustainability elements will
and explore opportunities for be rooftop solar panels and native
collaboration. Alumni returning to Colorado features in the landscape.
campus will find the Burwell Center The Burwell Center is aspiring to
the ideal place to connect with each become the first LEED Platinum
other, with faculty, with students – building on the DU campus and one of
and with DU’s history, which will be the first v4 LEED Platinum buildings
showcased through an interactive in the state of Colorado. It will also
electronic display in the building. be one of the first all-mass timber
Barbara Burwell, her late husband, buildings in Colorado.
The Burwell family at The Burwell Center for Career
Achievement groundbreaking
24FOR OUR
COMMUNITIES
In Denver, rural Colorado
and beyond, DU is
investing in communities
and implementing the
knowledge creation to
make a tangible difference
in people’s lives.
25Preparing
“The Marriott everything,” says Maryi Martinez, a
Foundation is proud 2018 RAH graduate who is currently
to support this enrolled in training with Denver
important program Public Schools. “When you come from
Refugees and with an endowed
fund,” says Mieka
Wick, executive
another country, it is difficult and you
don’t feel like a real person of this
country. After the class, you feel like
Immigrants
director of the you belong here.”
Marriott Foundation.
“We are inspired The culminating event for RAH has its
by its humanitarian students working side-by-side with
for Careers in and practical
impact. In addition
to helping refugees
Fritz Knoebel students to produce a
food and wine pairing dinner each
fall, winter and spring quarter. In
Hospitality
and immigrants winter and spring, these events are
begin successful collaborations across RAH, the human
lives in Denver, RAH capital course and Fritz Knoebel’s
helps Fritz Knoebel pop-up restaurant course. These
For the past seven years, the Ready for students build the management winter/spring dinners are part of the
American Hospitality (RAH) program skills they need to be tomorrow’s school’s Guest Chef Series. In winter,
has trained refugees and immigrants, hospitality leaders.” the dinner is called the Public Good
preparing them for jobs in hospitality Gala, and in spring it is the food and
while giving DU students experience RAH is a 100-hour training program wine pairing dinner that is part of
in hiring and developing human designed to make the most of the Fritz Knoebel’s DU Vin Festival, a
capital. The award-winning program active job market in Denver and featured event in the university’s
is a partnership between DU’s Fritz respond effectively to the training annual Alumni Weekend.
Knoebel School of Hospitality needs of refugees and immigrants.
Management (Fritz Knoebel) and the The program is also instrumental This year, Fritz Knoebel welcomed
Ethiopian Community Development in participants’ integration into the two James Beard Award-winning
Council’s African Community Center, Denver community. chefs: Jen Jasinski, chef-owner of
and it just graduated its 21st refugee/ several of Denver’s great restaurants
immigrant class. Fritz Knoebel students enrolled in the (including Rioja, Bistro Vendôme,
school’s course on managing human Euclid Hall, Stoic & Genuine, and
The program has received a capital in hospitality are paired Ultreia), and Charles Phan, chef-
transformational $500,000 grant with RAH refugee protégés; these owner of the Slanted Door in San
from The J. Willard and Alice S. relationships are diverse in terms of Francisco, and a Vietnamese refugee
Marriott Foundation. The gift was age, race, ethnicity, class
in response to a matching challenge and citizenship. Over
grant made possible by a generous the course of several
anonymous donor. weeks, hospitality
students meet with
“Funding for RAH has fluctuated their protégés during
over the program’s seven-year life, and outside class time
but the need for the program has to complete required
never been greater,” says Fritz assignments, conduct
Knoebel’s Director, David Corsun. job interview training
“These gifts ensure that we will be sessions, and serve
able to assist refugees and immigrants as mentors. The RAH
as they build productive new lives students’ relationships
here in Denver. RAH is mission- with DU’s hospitality
critical to Fritz Knoebel and has students expand their
garnered several international respective networks
awards for the school, along with and worldviews as both
recognition from the U.S. Department groups learn to trust those who are himself. Jasinski was the guest chef
of State. The experience our very different from themselves. for the Public Good Gala in February,
students have working with the which sold out in five days. Phan
refugee/immigrant communities “The class is very useful for the was the guest chef for the DU Vin
uniquely prepares them for their language and for work practice, and Festival dinner in May as part of
management careers.” it is a good opportunity to help with Alumni Weekend.
26Increasing Support
for Underserved
Children and
Families Through
Philanthropy
Children and families in Denver’s for You and Baby, an initiative of
underserved communities will soon the Graduate School of Professional
benefit from expanded resources that Psychology — recently joined forces
range from crisis psychological with MotherWise to realize a vision
support to diversity in for prevention, early intervention
literature and more. and access to deeper resources of
psychological care for children and
A gift from Taylor Kirkpatrick (IMBA families who visit Rose Andom Center.
’04), president and chief executive
officer of Babson Farms Inc., will “My time at the Daniels College
benefit multiple divisions at the of Business instilled in me a
University of Denver and establish profound appreciation for ethical Know Your ABCs: Alternative Books
a broad range of support for leadership, and, to me, this extends for Children Diversity Collection
disadvantaged families. In reinforcing to my practices as a philanthropist,”
cross-campus collaborations Kirkpatrick says. “Drawing this
throughout the university that thread throughout the tremendous literature authors or experts with
advance the vision of DU IMPACT academic bench strength across DU knowledge on diversity topics to
2025, Kirkpatrick’s generosity mirrors for the benefit of the entire Denver campus over the course of two years.
his commitment of service as he community, from books to art to A partnership among faculty in the
leads the board of advisors for DU’s engagement with mental health GSPP’s Infant and Early Childhood
Graduate School of Professional resources, has become an important Mental Health Specialty and
Psychology (GSPP). The gift North Star. I am humbled by the University Libraries faculty librarians,
strengthens connections between the opportunity to serve others in this this community-facing learning series
university and the Denver community, way.” The experience of authoring will provide a relevant, engaging and
leveraging campus expertise to a children’s book, “Worthwhile,” is positive learning environment for
make a difference in the lives of another reason the program inspired children and families.
underserved individuals. Kirkpatrick to make this gift.
Utilizing that series as an entry
The families who will experience Because of Kirkpatrick’s gift, point to more profound community
the impact of this gift are those nearly 100 additional families per engagement, the Know Your ABCs:
receiving services at MotherWise year will be served by the CUB Alternative Books for Children
Colorado, focused on the promotion Clinic through an increase in the Diversity Collection will be established
of family and relationship well- professional counselor’s weekly hours. as a content and reference guide to the
being during pregnancy and into the Additionally, several initiatives will series. It provides a physical collection
postpartum period. MotherWise is a begin on the DU campus as a result of of books and online materials that
DU partnership with Denver Health, Kirkpatrick’s generosity. moves beyond the mainstream infant
housed at the Rose Andom Center, that and early childhood bestseller’s lists to
provides educational and relationship The Caring for You and Baby (CUB) represent families across a spectrum
support for 300 to 500 expecting and Lifelong Learning Series promotes of inclusion and diversity, from race to
new mothers along with their babies early childhood wellness, education sexual orientation to gender identity
each year. DU’s CUB Clinic — Caring and literacy by bringing four children’s and disability. Compiled by the
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