University of Denver Spring 2026

GIVING BACK

Chancellor Jeremy Haefner (far left) and DU Board of Trustees Chair John Miller (BSBA ’75, MBA ’76, far right) presented Founders Medals to Margot Gilbert Frank (BA ’71, Honorary Life Trustee); Kyle Hybl, president and CEO, El Pomar Foundation; and Trygve Myhren (Trustee, Chair Emeritus) and Victoria Myhren (BFA ’00).

on spaces that generate revenue or create meaningful gathering places for students. The scholarships we’ve established help DU attract exceptional, deserving students. We have enjoyed seeing the difference our contributions make each year.” El Pomar Foundation One of the largest and oldest foundations in the Rocky Mountain West, El Pomar Foundation was founded by Spencer and Julie Penrose in 1937. Ten years later, in 1947, the foundation began working with the University, and that philanthropic support has continued for nearly 80 years. At DU, the foundation has made over 100 grants totaling more than $9 million. These grants supported the Penrose Library (now the Penrose

Collection, housed in the Anderson Academic Commons); El Pomar Natatorium, which has hosted everything from community swim programs to NCAA All-American athletes; and leadership initiatives such as the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System and the National Academy for Free Expression and Pluralism. “We’re deeply honored to celebrate the legacy of our founders, Spencer and Julie Penrose, through this award and recognize a long history with DU, beginning with scholarship funding in 1947,” says Kyle H. Hybl, president and CEO of the foundation. “Programs like IAALS and the National Academy for Free Expression and Pluralism continue to build on DU’s mission to cultivate critical thought and contribute to a sustainable common good.”

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UNIVERSITY OF DENVER MAGAZINE | SPRING 2026