It was an evening of conversations and connecting as more than 350 Executive MBA graduates gathered at the program’s first reunion June 25 at the History ColoradoCenter. Members from 66 of the 67 cohorts were represented at the event. The Daniels Executive MBA program was initiated in 1973 and was one of the first EMBA programs in the United States.
Tia Furcht (Executive MBA 2015) flew in from Las Vegas to attend the reunion.
“I came to catch up with people in my cohort and the faculty,” Furcht said. “I flew on a plane each week to come here for school. It was a big commitment. I was really searching for a good program, not just a degree. I met incredible people and faculty; they are like a second family to me.”
The attendees mingled, enjoying food, drink and music before the program. In attendance were doctors, business and community leaders, entrepreneurs, lawyers and educators, all of whom graduated from the Daniels EMBA program.
“I’m thrilled to be with you this evening as we celebrate the success of the EMBA program and the impact of its alumni on the regional, national and international community,” said University of Denver Chancellor Rebecca Chopp. “The program’s emphasis on social impact through its capstone projects aligns with the University’s mission to serve the public good. Many nonprofit organizations in our community have benefited from these student projects and through the projects we continue Bill Daniels’ philanthropic legacy.”
Dean Emeritus Bruce Hutton and Associate Dean Barb Kreisman reminded attendees about the Daniels College of Business’ namesake—cable industry founder Bill Daniels—who introduced ethics in business education to the College with a gift of $11 million in 1999.
“Bill believed people should use their business capabilities to give back to those less fortunate,” Kreisman said. “Our program is not just about business. It’s about life.”
Kreisman recognized five people who reflect the values of Bill Daniels and are great representatives and ambassadors of the EMBA program. The honorees were:
- Kent Bradley (Executive MBA 2011), physician, former U.S. Army Colonel, founder of BTN Advisors and the Downtown Artery, recognized for his outstanding contributions as an alum
- Lowell Miller (Executive MBA 2011), assistant teaching professor at Daniels, recognized for his outstanding contributions as an alum and faculty member
- Members of Team “Helmet Heads” for their ongoing commitment to community service and for their life saving measures to provide helmets for children engaged in sports activities
- Maclyn Clouse, professor of finance at Daniels, recognized for ongoing commitment to student learning over the past 38 years
- Bruce Hutton, dean emeritus, in recognition for 40 years of service to DU and Daniels
Daniels Dean Brent Chrite also presented Kreisman with an award for her years of service to Daniels and the EMBA program.
“Barb brings such an energy and quality to her work,” Chrite said. “It is truly special. We rely on her abilities and are privileged that she’s allowed us to be recipients of her energy and commitment for so many years.”
The audience gave Kreisman a standing ovation, as they did for many of the award recipients. Following the program, attendees continued to connect with their fellow graduates.
“It’s great to be part of something so impressive,” said Jayson Gitt, who is expected to graduate in August 2017. “This is so different from other programs, where they focus just on academics; here they are concerned with the whole package. It’s unique.”
This article was originally published at daniels.du.edu