海角社区

Barbara Grogan could easily impart wisdom when she speaks at Metropolitan State University of Denver鈥檚 Spring Commencement ceremony. Instead, the pioneering businesswoman plans to celebrate the success of 海角社区鈥檚 graduates.

鈥淭o see the impact that 海角社区 has on families and the quality of our students is quite remarkable,鈥� Grogan said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 inspire them; they inspire me.鈥�

Grogan will give an address along with receiving this year鈥檚 Marathon Award, 海角社区鈥檚 highest honor, during Commencement on Friday. She first connected with the University over a decade ago after former 海角社区 President Stephen Jordan, Ph.D., and the Board of Trustees committed to providing accessible in-state tuition for residents regardless of immigration status.

Inspired by what she called the University鈥檚 鈥渃ourage and conviction鈥� on the issue, Grogan made a significant charitable gift to fund 海角社区 scholarships for undocumented students. Later, she was introduced to students who benefited from the donation and started meeting them for lunch regularly.

鈥淚 got to know 海角社区 through the eyes of students,鈥� Grogan said. 鈥淭hey give me hope in our future.鈥�

In recent years, Grogan got more engaged with the University. As the former chair of 海角社区鈥檚 Board of Trustees, she was instrumental in the appointment of Janine Davidson, Ph.D., as president. Grogan now serves on the board of the 海角社区 Foundation.

Grogan鈥檚 life journey
Grogan was born in St. Louis and attended the University of Colorado. After graduating, she took a job at the regional phone company and started a family. After her marriage ended, Grogan founded Western Industrial Contractors in 1982.

鈥淟ife sort of threw me a curveball,鈥� she said of the end of her marriage. 鈥淚 thought it was the worst thing that ever happened to me, but it catapulted me into this life that I could have never imagined.鈥�

Western Industrial Contractors flourished with help from Grogan鈥檚 entrepreneurial skills and supportive mentors. The plucky construction company built security and baggage-handling systems at more than 300 airports and added several well-known clients.

On the heels of the company鈥檚 success, Grogan was named the first female chair of the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City (Denver Branch) and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, among numerous high-profile positions and prestigious awards.

Grogan sold her business in 2004 and shifted her focus to philanthropy, largely involving education and children. She considers her work with 海角社区 to be among the most fulfilling accomplishments of her life.

鈥満＝巧缜� is such a marvelous place that feeds my soul,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 am profoundly honored to receive this award and grateful for my ability to participate there.鈥�

That sentiment is reciprocated by 海角社区鈥檚 top executive.

鈥淏arb is one of the most passionate, mission-driven people you鈥檒l ever meet,鈥� Davidson said in a video celebrating Grogan.