Denver Urban Scholars Walk of Fame, 20 Years in the Making: Margaret Byrne

How long have you been involved with DUS?

Since the beginning, in 1995.

How did you first come to be involved with DUS?

Larry and I started the program at St. Ignatius in South Side Chicago. We took the torch from Chicago to Denver, then passed it to Patrick and he has taken it and continues to run with it.

How has DUS impacted your life?

It’s made a world of difference in our lives. You become much more aware of the need in the community. And without others caring about this need or taking it to another level of having something to help, it wouldn’t happen. They have to have help, they can’t do it on their own.

What are the ways you see DUS impacting the community?

The networking involved is huge, with everyone sharing their time and talent and generous contributions, we couldn’t do this. It takes a village. It has impacted the community and the lives of people who are involved: students, and the mentors that make such an impact. The mentors’ lives are impacted and the difference is made in the lives of the students.

Why do you think it is important for community members to support DUS?

Because everything starts with education, and the quality of education, and mentoring to make them great citizens and to pay it forward. To impact the community in a very positive way gives them the confidence that they need to give back. They have been given wonderful opportunities and they are able to give them back.

Any fun or significant memories about DUS that you’d like to share?

The memories of watching it grow from a handful of people and now we have this wonderful board, and staff, and Patrick. For him to have put all this together and made it happen is mind-boggling.