DU alum Pete Coors has been named Citizen of the West.
The National Western Stock Show recently honored DU alumnus Pete Coors (MBA ’79) as its 2011 Citizen of the West.
With a family history dating back to before Colorado’s statehood, Coors is a fourth generation Coloradan and the second in his family to receive the honor. William Coors, Pete’s uncle and one of DU’s Honorary Life Trustee members, received the honor in 1992.
The award is given annually by National Western to individuals who “embody the spirit and determination of the western pioneer and who are committed to perpetuating the West’s agricultural heritage and ideals.”
In announcing Coors as the recipient, Jerry McMorris, chairman of the National Western Stock Show, says, “without Pete, the Rockies and Coors Field would not be here. Our state, region and country are better because of Pete Coors and the leadership he has provided. He is a true Citizen of the West.”
This is the second year in a row the Citizen of the West has had a DU tie. Last year, Rebecca Love Kourlis, executive director of DU’s Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, and her husband Tom, a DU alumnus, received the award. Former DU Chancellor Dan Ritchie received the honor in 1998.
The awardees are selected by a committee of community leaders. Proceeds from the dinner honoring Coors, held Jan. 10, will support 74 scholarships awarded by the National Western Scholarship Trust.