How long have you been involved with DUS? Since my son was 13, about 15 years. How did you first come to be involved with DUS? They actually chose my son, Gilbert, to be part of the program. I met Patrick when they did my son’s interview at my son’s school, Machebeuf. He wasn’t a …
When and how did Mile High United Way become involved with Denver Urban Scholars? Denver Urban Scholars became one of our investment partners in 2010. We are now in our sixth year of providing funding to Denver Urban Scholars. In addition to funding, this past year Denver Urban Scholars was selected as one of five organizations …
We’ve had a lot of “stars” in the past 20 years here at Denver Urban Scholars, and one who has shone brightly for nearly the entire time is Glenn Ortiz. As a past mentor, DUS board member, and friend to our staff he’s had a big impact on a lot of people. We want to …
When and how did the Fox Family Foundation become involved in Denver Urban Scholars? The Foundation learned about Denver Urban Scholars in 2010 and made its first grant that year. One of the trustees recommended consideration of the program, which was then called Byrne Urban Scholars. After a site visit and a report on the …
We’re letting the cat out of the bag a little early, so to speak, but there’s a reason why Justin Zuiker will be receiving this year’s Mentor Impact Award at our 20-year anniversary gala. It’s spelled out in this interview he did with us for the Denver Urban Scholars Walk of Fame. One thing Justin …
How long have you been involved with DUS? Since 2005, which was my freshman year of high school. How did you first come to be involved with DUS? I applied for a scholarship to go to Bishop Machebeuf High School. How has DUS impacted your life? Definitely a lot. They helped pay for my high …
How long have you been involved with DUS? I have been involved in some capacity since spring of 2005. I started as an intern and helped to develop what is now the Stepping Stones (middle school) program. After my internship finished in spring 2006, I was lucky enough to be hired on as the Youth …
How long have you been involved with DUS? Since 1994. I believe I was the first of the first seven students in the program back when it was the Byrne Foundation. How did you first come to be involved with DUS? I wanted to go to Mullen. I was trying to figure out how to …
In 1999 Denver Urban Scholars, then Byrne Urban Scholars, applied for a grant from the Donahue Foundation, a private Colorado foundation providing tuition assistance to the young and economically disadvantaged. We won that grant, but little did we know the long-term impact it would have on our organization and the Denver community. Over the last …
When Larry Byrne first began his foundation 20 years ago, he had no idea just how successful the program would be. A Chicago-born entrepreneur, Byrne made his way in the healthcare industry. He was always passionate about education, and sat on the board of his Alma Mater, St. Ignatius, in South Side Chicago. He started …
