Barbara Grogan could easily impart wisdom when she speaks at Metropolitan State University of 丹佛’s Spring 毕业典礼 ceremony. Instead, the pioneering businesswoman plans to celebrate the success of 密歇根州立大学丹佛’s graduates.
“To see the impact that 密歇根州立大学丹佛 has on families and the quality of our students is quite remarkable,格罗根说. “I don’t inspire them; they inspire me.”
Grogan will give an address along with receiving this year’s 马拉松比赛奖, 密歇根州立大学丹佛’s highest honor, during 毕业典礼 on Friday. She first connected with the University over a decade ago after former 密歇根州立大学丹佛 President Stephen Jordan, Ph.D., and the 校董会 committed to providing accessible in-state tuition for residents regardless of immigration status.
Inspired by what she called the University’s “courage and conviction” on the issue, Grogan made a significant charitable gift to fund 密歇根州立大学丹佛 scholarships for undocumented students. 晚些时候, she was introduced to students who benefited from the donation and started meeting them for lunch regularly.
“I got to know MSU through the eyes of students,格罗根说. “They give me hope in our future.”
In recent years, Grogan got more engaged with the University. As the former chair of 密歇根州立大学丹佛’s 校董会, she was instrumental in the appointment of Janine Davidson, Ph.D.，作为总统. Grogan now serves on the board of the 密歇根州立大学丹佛基金会.
格罗根的人生旅程
格罗根出生在圣. 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.
“Life sort of threw me a curveball,” she said of the end of her marriage. “I thought it was the worst thing that ever happened to me, but it catapulted me into this life that I could have never imagined.”
Western Industrial Contractors flourished with help from Grogan’s 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’s success, Grogan was named the first female chair of the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City (丹佛 Branch) and the 丹佛 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 密歇根州立大学丹佛 to be among the most fulfilling accomplishments of her life.
“密歇根州立大学丹佛 is such a marvelous place that feeds my soul,” she said. “I am profoundly honored to receive this award and grateful for my ability to participate there.”
That sentiment is reciprocated by 密歇根州立大学丹佛’s top executive.
“Barb is one of the most passionate, mission-driven people you’ll ever meet,” Davidson said in a video celebrating Grogan.
Watch for the video soon and tune in to 密歇根州立大学丹佛’s livestreamed 毕业典礼 to watch Grogan accept the 马拉松比赛奖.