Josef Korbel left a legacy of turning adversity into success. A two-time refugee from his homeland–escaping the Nazi invasion in 1939 and fleeing the Communists’ takeover in 1948, he came to America and eventually founded the University of Denver’s international school. His daughter learned valuable lessons from him and went on to become one of the most respected political figures in history. Her name is Madeleine Albright.
Not only does the Korbel school spawn famous and talented alumni, but it is also known for values and teachings that are unparalleled. The Korbel Dinner is the school’s premier event and honors Josef Korbel. Each year, the Korbel Dinner features an internationally-prominent keynote speaker and honors people who have made a global impact. That tradition was perpetuated Thursday night as VicePresident Joe Biden came to share his thoughts about the global state of affairs.
Audience members gathered in the DU Ice Arena–Biden joked that he would talk fast so guests wouldn’t freeze–but attendees didn’t seem to mind. Being given an opportunity to hear first hand the thoughts of our nation’s Vice President was paramount.
After the Vice President’s address, Kent Thiry was awarded the university’s International Bridge Builders Award and Carrie and John Morgridge were bestowed the Josef Korbel Humanitarian Award.
Welcome and introductory remarks were given by Chancellor Rebecca Chopp and Ambassador Christopher Hill (Ret.), dean of the Korbel School of International Studies.
The philanthropic impact of the Korbel Dinner benefits the school’s programs, scholarships and research centers, which are designed to serve the students and the community at large.
To read more about the Korbel school, its history, programs, famous alumni and other information, log on to www.du.edu/korbel/
Aaron Harber and Judi Wolf
Tryg and Vicki Myhren (he’s a trustee), left, with Bob and Judi Newman
Laurie and Chris Romer, left, Cary Kennedy, Saurabh Mangalik
Anca and Jeffrey Call
Denise Smith and Colonel Chris Smith
Beverlee Henry and Bob Fullerton
Mike and Etta West, left, Kendall and Geoffrey Bailey
Andrew Thompson, left, Reed Thompson, Dale Penney and John Parker
Louise Atkinson, left, Sandi May and John Wharton
Doug Cain, left, Earl Wright, John Riess, Sid Brooks, Jim McGibney, Michael Zink
George Sparks, left, Christine Benero and Sen. Michael Johnston
Andrea Matousek, left, Lori O’Flaherty and Mary McBride
Essie Perlmutter, left, and Vicki Dansky
Nancy Petry, right, with her group of friends and family
Sunny and Norm Brownstein
Rita Dimond, left, Margot Gilbert Frank (trustee), Anna Sie and Nancy Sevo
Trustee Jim Griesemer and his wife Carol with Dr. Eric and Diane Gould
Shannon Turner, left, Terri Sullivan-Lutz, Dan Lutz and Dianna Sclavenitis
Rebecca Stuart, left, Robyn Loup and Lisa Woods
Leah Jordan, Dr. Sarah Burgamy, Anne Munch and Emily Hassler
Claire Brownell, left, Elizabeth Waldeck, Lisa Binkowski
Greg and Cathy Clarke, left, with Svenja and Enno Henze
Susan McIntyre, left, and Liane Clasen
Jennifer Thompson, who has flawlessly been planning this event for 19 years, with Ernie and Sharon Magness Blake and Arlene and Barry Hirschfeld
Barbara Grogan, left, Ryan and Mary Rhinehart and Enno Henze
Christine Benero, left, Brad Busse, Brent Chrite (dean of the Daniels College of Business), Anne Munch
Frieda Leason, left, Dan Ritchie, Joy Burns and Bernard Leason
Mahmoud Jibril, former prime minister of Libya, left, with Ambassador Christopher Hill (Ret.) (dean of the Josef Korbel School) and Julie Hill
Tom and Betsy Blumenthal, left, with Anna and John Sie, donors of the Sie International Relations Complex
Katie Henderson, left, Emily Hinga and Peter Van Arsdale
Becky Takeda Tinker, left, John Morgridge III, Hillary Marsh and Geof Rochester
Paul Heitzenrater and John Farnam (newly married, congrats!)
Honorees John and Carrie Morgridge with John’s parents John and Tashia Morgridge
Laura and Carl Fitch
Sen. Michael Johnston congratulates Carrie Morgridge
Tarrah Kehm D’Arenzo, left, Susan Keefe, Rich Herold, Sam Luoma, Elaine Dorward-King, Elena Herold
Sabrina and Bob Willis
Gerri Cohen, left, with Dr. Lynn and Lisa Taussig
Craig Woody, left, Bryan Haselden, JJ Rams and John Gudvangen
Chris Romer chats with Denise O’Leary
Honoree Kent Thiry with his wife Denise O’Leary
9News’ TaRhonda Thomas (DU MA’13) served as the emcee
TaRhonda Thomas welcomed everyone
Chancellor Rebecca Chopp gave opening remarks
Chancellor Rebecca Chopp thanked everyone for their support
Ambassador Christopher Hill (Ret.), Dean of the Korbel School, said a few words of welcome
Ambassador Christopher Hill (Ret.) makes a point
Vice President Joe Biden gave a resounding speech
Vice President Joe Biden was passionate about his points
Dean Christopher Hill congratulates honoree Kent Thiry (photo courtesy of Wayne Armstrong)
Kent Thiry accepts the International Bridge Builders Award as Dean Christopher Hill and Chancellor Rebecca Chopp look on (photo courtesy of Wayne Armstrong)
Ambassador Christopher Hill (Ret.), left, honoree Kent Thiry, Chancellor Rebecca Chopp (photo courtesy of Wayne Armstrong)
John and Carrie Morgridge accept the Josef Korbel Humanitarian Award (photo courtesy of Wayne Armstrong)
Ambassador Christopher Hill (Ret.), left, Carrie and John Morgridge and Chancellor Rebecca Chopp (photo courtesy of Wayne Armstrong)
Dean of the Korbel School: Ambassador Christopher Hill
Staff:
Richard Graw, executive director of development; Jane Bucher-McCoy, development coordinator; Andrew M. Chiacchierini, corporate and foundation relations associate; Ann Irving, director of development; Alicia Kirkeby, director of alumni relations; Joanne Napper, director of communications; Jennifer Keane, asst. dean of operations and finance; Emily Hinga, HR and operations manager; Aubrey Kray, Sie Complex building coordinator
Introductions:
Ambassador Christopher Hill (Ret.), dean of the Korbel School
Welcome:
Chancellor Rebecca Chopp
Speaker:
Vice President Joe Biden
Entertainment:
Ike Spivak Trio and Jeff Herring, Lamont School of Music
Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: Morgridge Family Foundation; Contributing: Anna and John J Sie Foundation; Bridge Builder: Weitz Company LLC; Global Sponsor: DaVita, DigitalGlobe, Newmont Mining, Debra Perry and Jeff Baldwin, Doug and Mary Scrivner; Heber Harper Community: Margot Gilbert Frank and M Allan Frank, Liberty Global/Fries Foundation, Trygve and Vicki Myhren, Saunders Family Charitable Fund, Frederick Waldeck; Korbel: AMG National Trust Bank, John DeBlasio, Melanie Grant, Johns Mansville Inc., Judith and Gary Judd, Lanny and Sharon Martin, Nancy Petry, ProLogis, Rifkin Foundation, John and Vivian Sabel, Tepper Family Foundation;
Menu:
Arugula salad with watermelon and Feta cheese; beef tenderloin with cherry demi; lemon-asparagus Risotto; balsamic sauteed grape tomatoes; sauteed golden potato and broccoli rabe; sea salt Focaccia with herbed olive oil for dipping; cinnamon cheesecake with grilled peaches with a chocolate cookie crust
Attendance:
750
Event Coordinator:
Jennifer Thompson
Board of Directors:
Social Science Foundation trustees: Floyd Cifuli, Ambassador Cindy Courville (Ret.), Robert Dean, John DeBlasio, Josiah Hatch, Bruce Heitler, Ambassador Christopher Hill (Ret.), Dean, Suki Hoagland, General Charles Jacoby (Ret.), John Korbel, Tilden LeMelle, James McGibney, Krishen Mehta, David Merkel, Trygve Myhren, James Polsfut, David Roberts, Ambassador Kathleen Stephens (Ret.), Michael Stopford, Toni Verstandig, Edgar Benton, Emeritus, Thomas Hughes, Emeritus, Catherine McArdle Kelleher, Emerita, Ved Nanda, Emeritus, William Olson, Emeritus, Michael Shifter, Emeritus