11/3/2026 9:17:00 PM | Athletics
Denver’s athletic department hosts annual event with programming targeted at having an impact on both the remainder of their student-athlete experience and life after college
DENVER – The University of Denver athletic department hosted its fourth annual Leadership Institute last month, an event designed to benefit student-athletes by providing them with different leadership strategies to enhance both their remaining time as a student-athlete and to prepare them for life beyond the DU campus. Â
"Our Fourth Annual Leadership Institute will have a direct impact on our student-athletes for years to come, and it is exciting to give our Pioneers the opportunity to be exposed to some of the most exceptional leaders in both our athletic department's history as well as leaders in the greater Colorado community," Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Ritchie Center Operations Josh Berlo said. "The Leadership Institute provides a learning experience outside the classroom, giving real world perspectives from a wide variety of fields and positions to provide insight to our student-athletes on a success path in life after college. I'd like to thank all that joined us, donating their valuable Sunday to our student-athletes' future."
Following an intro from DU's athletic director, a sports leadership panel highlighted the morning session. Returning to campus for the second-consecutive year were four-time men's lacrosse First Team All-American and 2015 national champion Trevor Baptiste ('18), 1,000 point women's basketball scorer and current University of Denver employee Brianna Culberson ('11), former Denver hockey All-American and athletic director Ron Grahame ('73) and current DU administrator and former Bucknell women's basketball student-athlete Kate Dougherty. The returning quartet were joined on the panel by former Notre Dame baseball student-athlete Eric Jagielo and former DU women's volleyball player and current DU executive director of development Kacie Dohrmann ('11).
Later in the day, the Professional Leadership Panel included returning visits from University of Denver donor and Closet Factory owner Polly Lestikow, former Denver Post editor (2002-16) Greg Moore, Pepsi Beverage Company GM and Market Director in Colorado Shawn Early and University of Denver Associate Vice Chancellor for Government and Community Relations Stephanie O'Malley. The four leaders were also joined by gynecologic oncologist Dr. Neil Phippen.
DU's Athletics Leadership Institute also included individual presentations from Associate Director of Career and Professional Development Dr. Sarabeth Wolbrom and a presentation on the importance of mental health from Dr. Brooke Lamphere.
Business leaders interested in volunteering for future sessions are encouraged to email Kate Dougherty at kate.dougherty@du.edu. Â
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