University of Denver Josef Korbel School Hosts 18th Annual Korbel Dinner

The University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies is honored to announce that 24th U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel will be our special guest at the 18th Annual Korbel Dinner. The dinner is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sept. 8, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center.

Hagel, who served as Secretary of Defense under President Obama from 2013 – 2015, will take part in an onstage keynote conversation with Ambassador Christopher R. Hill, the dean of the Josef Korbel School. The pair will discuss international affairs and Hagel’s prominent career. Hagel’s full biography can be found on the U.S. Department of Defense website.

“We’re delighted about Secretary Hagel’s visit,” said Hill. “The Josef Korbel School is committed to bringing world leaders to Denver. Indeed, the 18th Annual Korbel Dinner will be an incredible opportunity for the community to hear from a world-renowned individual. Secretary Hagel has served his country in many roles starting as an enlisted man in the Vietnam War to most recently as the Secretary of Defense.”

In addition to the evening’s keynote conversation, the University will honor two esteemed community leaders:

• Jacqueline Hinman, Chairman and CEO of CH2M, will receive the University of Denver’s International Bridge Builders Award for her and CH2M’s work building ties between Colorado and the international community.
• Grant Wilkins, past Rotary International Director, will receive the Josef Korbel Humanitarian Award in recognition of his extraordinarily generous philanthropic work, particularly his efforts in support of eradicating polio around the world, a disease he has personally dealt with. 

“Both Jacqueline and Grant have done incredible work bettering our local and global communities,” said University of Denver Chancellor, Rebecca Chopp. “We take great joy out of recognizing individuals dedicated to enriching the lives of those around us. Grant is also a DU alum, which adds an even greater sense of pride for the University community.”