A Tribute to Generosity

The Founders Medal is the highest honor the University of Denver bestows, reserved for individuals and organizations whose vision, commitment, and generosity have forever shaped the DU community. This past spring, in a ceremony held at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Chancellor Jeremy Haefner presented Founders Medals to Trygve and Victoria Myhren, Margot Gilbert Frank and the late M Allan Frank, and El Pomar Foundation.  

In addition, the event celebrated DU Loyal donors who have supported the University for 35 years. These donors were recognized by DU faculty members Sandra Eaton, PhD, and Gareth Eaton, PhD, who are themselves members of that generous group. This recognition underscored the enduring impact of consistent generosity on the University’s continued success. 

Trygve and Victoria Myhren

The Myhren family has been an enthusiastic supporter of DU for more than three decades. Trygve Myhren joined the Board of Trustees in 1996, serving as chair for five years and as chair emeritus for an additional 10 years. During his tenure, the University launched the ASCEND campaign, which raised almost $500 million, far more than any previous campaign. DU also hosted a 2012 presidential debate between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama, which brought significant national recognition. 

Victoria “Vicki” Myhren, a lifelong arts advocate, earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from DU in 2000. The following year, she and Trygve established an endowment to create the Vicki Myhren Gallery, DU’s premier exhibition venue. Since opening in 2001, the gallery has presented over 100 exhibitions and welcomed more than 100,000 visitors.  

“We are deeply honored and touched by our recognition as Founders Medalists,” says Trygve. “It was a truly delightful evening, and we felt so much love being surrounded by our family and so many longtime friends who joined us in celebration.

“For more than 30 years, we have been personally enriched through our affiliation with the University of Denver and the meaningful and lasting impact it makes on countless lives. As we look to the future and the incredible new programs taking shape around DU—the 4D student experience, the John and Sandy Miller National Academy for Free Expression and Pluralism, the Kennedy Mountain Campus, the dynamism at the Vicki Myhren Gallery, and our move of a number of our sports to the West Coast Conference—Vicki and I are even more committed to our role as champions and supporters of this special and distinctive university.” 

Margot Gilbert Frank and the late M Allan Frank

As an Honorary Life Trustee and a proud alumna, Margot Gilbert Frank has been dedicated to DU for many years. Margot earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1971; she went on to teach American history for 24 years. Her late husband, M Allan Frank, attended the Sturm College of Law and practiced for many years, after which he had a long career with the Small Business Administration.  

Margot joined the Board of Trustees in 2001 and served for 25 years. She played an important role in the campaign that led to the development of the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, which opened in 2003; today, the M Allan Frank Box Office stands as testament to the Franks’ dedication to the arts.  

The Franks gave generously to DU in many other ways as well, supporting capital projects, programs, and scholarships in the Daniels College of Business, the Sturm College of Law, the Morgridge College of Education, and more.  

“Every major philanthropic gift my late husband Allan and I have made has been guided by our belief in measurability, accountability, and sustainability,” says Margot. “As a result, our support for DU has centered on naming spaces across campus that generate revenue or create meaningful gathering places for students.

“In addition, the scholarships we’ve established help DU attract exceptional, deserving students. Our giving principles ensure that our philanthropy has the greatest possible impact. 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 John and Sandy Miller 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 John and Sandy Miller 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.”