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Three Outstanding Leaders Recognized for Unique and Inspiring Contributions to Colorado
Bonfils-Stanton Awards Colorado’s most prestigious prize for Contributions in Arts and Humanities, Community Service, and Science and Medicine.
Denver, May 4, 2009 – The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation today announced the 2009 recipients of the annual Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Awards: Hugh A. Grant, Senator Hank Brown, and Dr. Henry Claman. Each year, the awards recognize one outstanding Coloradan in each of three disciplines – arts and humanities, community service, and science and medicine, – for contributions made to enhance the quality of life for residents of Colorado.
“Colorado is home to some of the country’s most accomplished and talented individuals, and it’s our privilege to recognize the Centennial State’s very best,” said Dorothy Horrell, president of the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation. “Hugh Grant, Hank Brown, and Henry Claman provide inspiration for Coloradans and we are pleased to honor them for their accomplishments.”
Award recipients for 2009 include:
- Hugh A. Grant established the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art in 2003 to preserve the work and collections of Denver artist Vance Kirkland, best known for his watercolors, abstract oil and water mixtures, and vibrant “Dot Paintings.” As the museum’s founder, director and curator, Grant saved and added to the historic Kirkland studio building, created a showcase for Colorado art, expanded Kirkland’s modernist decorative art collection, and formed a repository for one of the country’s top displays of 20th century decorative arts. A driving force in the arts for over 30 years, he collaborated with Colorado Ballet to present Dreamspace (originally titled The Artist and The Muse), a theatrical ballet based on Kirkland’s life, and won a Heartland Emmy Award as producer of The Artist and The Muse, when the ballet that aired on PBS stations.
- Hank Brown served Colorado as a leader in government, education, business and philanthropy for more than 30 years. Following 11 years as an executive with Monfort of Colorado, he joined the U.S. House of Representatives and then the U.S. Senate. Brown served as president of the University of Northern Colorado from 1998 to 2002, and as president of the University of Colorado from 2005-2008 where he is widely credited with improving the University’s accountability, diversity and reputation. Between tours as university president, Brown joined the Daniels Fund as president. Currently, he serves as senior counsel at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, teaches political science at the University of Colorado, and chairs the board of the Daniels Fund.
- Dr. Henry Claman made a major discovery in how the immune system works. His breakthrough research found that the immune system depends on two different kinds of cells to create antibodies against infectious disease. This discovery made significant contributions to the studies of immunology and genetics and vaccine development. His later research opened the door to better understanding autoimmune diseases and their management. For 25 years, Claman served as head of the Allergy and Immunology Division at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and the University of Colorado honored him in 1990 as a Distinguished Professor. He currently serves as director of the University of Colorado’s Medical Humanities Program, which integrates the humanities into the education of medical students and faculty.
To acknowledge and reward their accomplishments, Bonfils-Stanton will recognize the 2009 honorees at an awards luncheon on May 7 and provide a cash reward of $35,000 to each of the recipients.
About the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Awards
Established in 1984, the awards honor individuals for significant and unique contributions – a vision of Charles Stanton’s. Each year, the foundation recognizes outstanding Coloradans to bring acclaim to their efforts, and motivate others to greater accomplishments on behalf of Colorado and its citizens. The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Board of Trustees and past honorees evaluate nominations submitted by colleagues and community leaders and make a final decision on each year’s honorees. With such a rigorous and highly competitive selection process, it can take several years of nominations before candidates receive an award.
About the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation
The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation created to enhance the quality of life for residents of Colorado. Charles Edwin Stanton established the Foundation in 1962 following the death of his wife, Mary Madeline (May) Bonfils Stanton. Mrs. Stanton was the daughter of Belle and Frederick Bonfils, a co-founder of The Denver Post newspaper.
The Foundation continues the legacy of its benefactor through grants to Colorado nonprofit organizations. The mission of the Foundation is to advance excellence in the areas of Arts and Culture, Community Service, and Science and Medicine, through strategic investments resulting in significant and unique progress in these fields and across the nonprofit sector. Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded more than $44 million to nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado.
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