
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 Vice President 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
- KSue Anderson, left, Katherin Howell, Duane Howell and Vicki Adler Gray
- Annie Thompson, left, Hilary Langston, Jeanie Conzemius
- 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)