Paying it Forward with a Donation for the New Business School Building
The year 1905 marked the beginning of Van Gilder Insurance Corporation in Colorado. Four generations later, the insurance brokerage company continues to thrive. Today, CEO Michael Van Gilder, BA CU-Boulder ’90, carries on the family tradition. He dedicates long days to managing the firm’s 250 employees. Evenings and weekends he devotes to family and friends. “I have a deep network of friends through CU that I enjoy socializing with,” comments Van Gilder.
In the area of supporting his alma mater, Van Gilder sets an excellent example. He recently pledged a generous donation via vangilder|enrisk LLC, a joint venture providing risk management services to the energy sector. Proceeds of the donation will go toward the renovation of the new Business School building.
“During my volunteer work at UC Denver, I’ve witnessed the ying and yang effect between the business school and the Denver community. I’m a firm believer in what the Business School is doing here and wanted to contribute to its continuing success.”
One such initiative is the development of niche programs that set the business school apart from its peers. Van Gilder serves as the chair of the Business School’s Industry Cluster Committee. “Our strategy to create industry-specific niche programs makes us competitive with other prominent business schools and helps us get brand recognition.”
Van Gilder demonstrated his passion for the energy sector by investing in the school’s global energy management (GEM) program, which will be housed in the school’s new building.
“In recognition of our donation, a vangilder|enrisk area in the new building will honor the hard work and success my family has enjoyed through our business in Colorado, while allowing us to give back to the educational system that helped make that possible.”
“We greatly appreciate the contributions that Michael Van Gilder has made to the University of Colorado Denver Business School,” says Dean Sueann Ambron. “That includes the years of volunteer service he’s given to the school in addition to the donation his company made to help build the new Business School building.”
“The relationship we’ve had with the Business School has been a win-win in my view,” reports Van Gilder. “They’ve given me the chance to help build a vibrant business education environment while creating many opportunities to interact with other businesses and leaders in the city.
Reprinted from Fall 2009 14th St Journal