Distinguished Alumni Awards Recognize Excellence and Community Impact
During Alumni & Reunions Weekend, May 15-17, 2025, the University of Denver will recognize four remarkable alumni with the Distinguished Alumni Awards. This year’s awards honor individuals whose professional achievements and societal contributions reflect a dedication to excellence across the fields of education and information technology as well as community service and student success at DU.
Join the Celebration
On Friday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m., these extraordinary alumni will be honored at a Champagne Toast prior to the All Alumni Celebration at Hotel Clio in Cherry Creek. All alumni are invited to join this special evening to celebrate the honorees’ achievements and connect with the DU community.
Distinguished Alumni Honorees
Michael Earl Atkins (MA ’16) is a proud product of Denver Public Schools (DPS) and dedicated advocate for student success and equity. His career has been anything but conventional, starting his professional path as a school custodian before becoming a paraprofessional, teacher, assistant principal, the celebrated principal of Stedman Elementary and now a director. He earned his Principal Licensure Certificate through the Ritchie Program in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the Morgridge College of Education, equipping him to drive meaningful educational change. Today, as director of Black Student Success for DPS, Atkins leads district-wide efforts to strengthen learning communities and improve outcomes for Black students.
K. Kayon Morgan (PhD ’17) is a distinguished educator, scholar and advocate for inclusive excellence and social justice. Serving as vice president of inclusive excellence and belonging at the University of Hartford, she leads institutional efforts to foster diversity and equity. A U.S. Fulbright Global Scholar to South Africa and Jamaica, Dr. Morgan extends her expertise internationally, addressing deficit-oriented narratives in education through research and advocacy. With more than 20 years in higher education, she has shaped programs, policies and future leaders, including mentoring multiple students in the Morgridge College of Education’s Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program, preparing the next generation of education leaders. Recognized with honors like the MLK Beloved Community Faculty Award from the University of Hartford, Dr. Morgan remains deeply committed to creating transformational and inclusive learning environments.
Maria Alford-Suehnholz (BA ’84) built a remarkable career in information technology over the course of 30 years. She worked as a senior IT project management consultant with Kelly Mitchell with AT&T’s Enterprise IT Project Management Office and as principal of Alford Consulting, which specialized in project management and web development. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Alford-Suehnholz has consistently supported DU students and the Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science (RSECS). She chairs its Industry Advisory Council and created a scholarship for RSECS students. Her support also extends to the Learning Effectiveness Program, where she established an endowment to support students with learning differences. Among her many community volunteer roles, Alford-Suehnholz has been an active member of DU’s Parent Leadership Council, further showcasing her commitment to elevating the DU student experience. And as a proud and dedicated supporter of the university, she’s, of course, an avid DU hockey fan.
Dan S. Whittemore (BSBA ’63, JD ’72) worked for over 30 years in key financial leadership roles with the State of Colorado, Chicago Public Schools, Maricopa Colleges and the Colorado Community College System. Beyond his career, Whittemore and his wife, Beth, have championed expanding educational opportunities for Native and Indigenous students at DU. Their enduring dedication and support to these communities has left a tangible legacy, driving scholarships and important initiatives across campus. Their contributions have advanced programs in the Sturm College of Law, Daniels College of Business, Graduate School of Social Work and Lamont School of Music, underscoring their commitment to DU as a whole. As an engaged volunteer and leader, Whittemore has also devoted significant time to DU’s Pioneer Alumni Legends. His dedication to social justice and education reflects a lifelong mission to create opportunities and strengthen connections across the DU community.
Learn More and Register for Alumni & Reunions Weekend
Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect, celebrate and create lasting memories at DU’s Alumni & Reunions Weekend, happening May 15–17, 2025. From the golf tournament and Beyond the Classroom seminars to the Champagne Toast and All Alumni Celebration at the luxurious Hotel Clio, there’s something for everyone. Explore the full schedule of events, secure your spot and be part of this unforgettable weekend. Register now!
