Grogan grows legacy in education

By Bob Mook

Barbara Grogan could have easily imparted wisdom when she spoke at Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Spring Commencement ceremony. Instead, the pioneering businesswoman decided to celebrate the success of MSU Denver’s graduates. Why?

“I don’t inspire them; they inspire me,” Grogan said before her speech.

At the ceremony in May, Grogan received the Marathon Award, MSU Denver’s highest honor.

Grogan first connected with the University over a decade ago after former MSU Denver President Stephen Jordan, Ph.D., and the Board of Trustees committed to providing in-state tuition for residents regardless of immigration status.

Business pioneer and philanthropist Barbara Grogan received MSU Denver’s highest honor at the Spring Commencement ceremony.

Inspired by what she called the University’s “courage and conviction,” Grogan made a significant charitable gift to fund MSU Denver scholarships for undocumented students. Later, she was introduced to students who benefited from the donation and started meeting them regularly for lunch.

“I got to know MSU Denver through the eyes of students,” she said. “They give me hope in our future.”

In recent years, Grogan has gotten more engaged with the University. As the former chair of MSU Denver’s Board of Trustees, she was instrumental in the appointment of Janine Davidson, Ph.D., as president. Grogan now serves on the board of the MSU Denver Foundation.

Grogan was born in St. Louis and attended the University of Colorado Boulder. 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 (Denver Branch) and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, among numerous high-profile positions.

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

“MSU Denver 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.”