Founders Medal
Established by Chancellor Rebecca Chopp for the 2016 Founders Celebration, the Founders Medal is the University’s highest honor, bestowed upon individuals or families whose transformative leadership and engaged philanthropy represent the pinnacle of DU’s mission and values.
2018 recipient: Joy Burns
Honorary PhD 2009
Chair Emerita
Honorary Life Trustee
2018 recipient: Dan Ritchie
Honorary PhD 2008
Chancellor Emeritus
Chair Emeritus
Honorary Life Trustee
Past recipients
- Ralph J. & Patricia M. Nagel, 2017
- Robert & Judi Newman, 2016
- Donald L. (LLB ’77) & Susan M. Sturm, 2016
International Achievement Medal
Established in 2017, the International Achievement Medal is presented to an alumna/us who has had an immeasurable impact on the world and whose leadership and civic engagement on the global stage exemplify our values at the University of Denver.
Past recipients
- Dr. Condoleezza Rice (BA ’74, PhD ’81, HDR ’96), 2017