University Welcomes New Board of Trustees
New trustees elected to join the DU Board July 1
The University of Denver today announces the election of four new members to the Board of Trustees, effective July 1. The Board elected Denise O’Leary as chair-elect, who will succeed Doug Scrivner as board chair on July 1, 2018, and elected Catherine “Cappy” Shopneck and Kevin C. Gallagher as vice chairs for the upcoming academic year.
Board Chair Doug Scrivner said this is an exciting time for the University and for the Board as it guides and stewards the operations of the University and the implementation of its strategic plan, DU IMPACT 2025.
“Guided by the strategic vision of Chancellor Rebecca Chopp, the University is transforming the landscape of higher education,” Scrivner said. While the University already has a powerful impact locally and beyond, we are eager to further that impact so that we can change the world for the better and equip our graduates with skills and experiences to be successful, accomplished and contribute to the public good in a myriad of ways. We are delighted that these four accomplished individuals are joining our board at this exciting time.”
The new Trustees bring a breadth of expertise, from sustainable practices to innovation and entrepreneurship to community-engaged research and development. They are:
- Deborah DeHaas, a DU parent, currently serves as the Vice Chairman for Deloitte, LLP in Chicago. In her role, she serves as the Chief Inclusion Officer and national managing partner for the Center for Board Effectiveness.
- Mark Falcone is the founder of Continuum Partners, a Denver-based real estate development and investment firm where he is actively engaged in the advancement of sustainable practices for building environments.
- Gregory Moore is a career journalist and the former Editor-in-Chief of the Denver Post, having occupied the position from 2002 to 2016.
- Alumnus Raymond Robinson (BSBA ’70, MBA 71) retired as president of AT&T’s Southern Region in 2003. He now serves as Chairman of Citizens Trust Bank and corporate director for American Airlines.
In addition to new Trustees, four trustees are leaving the Board. The University community thanks outgoing Trustees Joseph Saunders (BSBA ’67, MBA ’68, HDR ’09) and Clara Villarosa for their guidance and commitment to the public good and the University of Denver. Saunders served nearly four years on the Board and Villarosa more than 20 years.
Outgoing Trustees Joy Burns (HDR ’09) and Scott Reiman (BSBA ’87) were elected Honorary Life Trustees in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the University.
Reiman was the youngest Trustee on the Board when he joined in 1998 and he served for nearly 20 years. He has continuously supported the University’s growth with the Reiman School of Finance, the Reiman Theater and the Reiman Fund class, which allows students to gain real industry analysis and stock selection experience.
Burns is the University’s sixth longest-serving Trustee, having served for 36 years—she was named Chairman Emerita in 2009. Burns was the University’s first female chair and served in that position for 17 years, working closely with Daniel Ritchie, chancellor emeritus, to transform the facilities, educational programs and athletics. Her legacy extends the full length of campus—from the Joy Burns Ice Arena, to the Joy Burns Center that houses the Knoebel School of Hospitality, and Joy Burns Plaza inside the Newman Center. The Franklin L. Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management was named for her late husband.