Daniels 2011 DU Founders Day Award Recipients
Each year, the University of Denver recognizes outstanding alumni at the annual Founders Day Gala. These awards are the highest alumni honors bestowed by DU and include the Evans Award, Professional Achievement Award, Distinguished Service to the University Award, Community Service Award, Randolph P. McDonough Award for Service to Alumni and Ammi Hyde Award for Recent Graduate Achievement.
Three Daniels Pioneers will be honored at the 2011 Founders Day. We are proud to announce that Patrick Grant is the 2011 Evans Award honoree, the highest honor bestowed by the DU Alumni Association. Also recognized for their outstanding achievements are Brad Busse with the Community Service Award and Carol Tome with the Professional Achievement Award.
2011 Evans Award
Patrick A. Grant (MBA 1973) led Denver's National Western Stock Show as president
and CEO for two decades. During his tenure (1991-2010), Grant directed funding and
construction of the Events Center, Expo Hall and Hall of Education; increased ticketed
events from 23 to 43; and oversaw the most successful stock show in history - the
100th anniversary 2006 National Western Show that drew nearly 750,000 guests. A former
legislator in the Colorado House, Grant continues to serve the National Western Stock
Show Association as a member of its executive committee. The Evans Award, named for
John Evans, principal founder of the University, is presented annually to a distinguished
alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated achievement in his or her profession, offered
humanitarian service to the community, and demonstrated continuing interest in the
University. It is the highest honor that the Alumni Association bestows. Recipients
must hold a degree from the University of Denver (earned or honorary). First awarded
in 1951.
2011 Community Service Award
Brad Busse (BAcc, 1980) is president of RBC Daniels and regarded as one of the most
innovative investment bankers in the telecommunications industry. Busse is the chair
of the Daniels Executive Advisory Board. He is active in the community, serving on
the boards of Mile High United Way and the Governor's Commission on Early Childhood
Leadership for the State of Colorado. Busse is also active in Colorado Concern, an
association of business owners and CEOs that focuses on Colorado's economy and lifestyle.
Recipients of the Community Service Award must have been heavily and continuously involved in major community activities and charitable causes either as a professional or volunteer. Contributions of time and/or money must have earned a considerable level of recognition. Recipients must qualify as an alumnus or alumna of the University but need not be degreed. First awarded in 1973.
2011 Professional Achievement Award
Carol Tome (MBA, 1981) has been with The Home Depot since 1995. She has been the company's
CFO since 2001 and was also named executive vice president in 2007. She is the recipient
of numerous awards, including the Forbes' 2008 World's 100 Most Powerful Women and
the Wall Street Journal's 50 Women to Watch (2007). Tome is an active volunteer, serving
as chair-elect of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, chair of the Atlanta Federal Reserve,
and as a member of the boards of directors of UPS and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Tome has also remained involved with Daniels, regularly returning to the College to
speak to students and professionals.
Professional Achievement Award honorees must have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in his or her field, and be considered unusually successful or innovative by colleagues in the field. Recipients must qualify as an alumnus or alumna of the University, but need not be degreed. First awarded in 1973.
Join us to honor our alumni at the Founders Day Gala on March 3, 2011. Visit DU Alumni on the web for more information.
