Join us for CU Denver Business School's 2027 Celebration of Success, a fundraising gala benefiting student scholarships. For 30 years, Celebration of Success has been opening doors and lowering barriers to success for students with the support of our business community. Thousands of students have reached their educational goals thanks to our sponsors' support. As CU Denver's premier fundraising event, the gala hosts world-renowned speakers and raises more than $3.5 million in student scholarship funds.
This year, we welcome Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind person to summit Mt. Everest and co-founder of the non-profit organization, No Barriers. As an American athlete, adventurer, author, activist and motivational speaker, Erik focuses his efforts on empowering people who are traditionally swept to the sidelines of life. Through his non-profit, Erik helps people with challenges tap into the human spirit, break through barriers, and contribute to the world.
We invite you to attend an unforgettable evening as Erik takes the stage to show just what it means to live a "no barriers life" and learn how you can lower barriers to support student success. With the power of the community, we can reach this year's $400,000 goal to help students advance their education.
About the Speaker
Erik Weihenmayer
When Erik Weihenmayer stood on the summit of Mount Everest in 2001, becoming the first blind person to reach the top of the world, it was just the beginning of his astonishing trajectory. The sage advice from his team leader to “not make Everest the greatest thing you ever do” has propelled him on adventures and challenges around the globe, expanding beyond summits of rock and snow and into rivers, books, movies, and his empowering nonprofit organization, No Barriers.
Beyond the mountains, Erik continues to shine, focusing his efforts on empowering people traditionally swept to the sidelines of life. He founded No Barriers USA, a nonprofit organization which helps people with challenges tap into the human spirit, break through barriers, and contribute to the world.
Erik’s past career as an English teacher has been parlayed into a canon of literature and associated films. He is the author of the best-selling memoir, Touch the Top of the World, which was made into a feature film, as well as The Adversity Advantage, which shows readers how to turn everyday struggles into everyday greatness. His latest book, No Barriers: A Blind Man’s Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon is more than an adventure story; it illuminates how we move forward in our lives towards growth and purpose – despite the barriers that get in our way. He is an internationally recognized motivational speaker and brings his message of living a No Barriers Life to audiences around the world.
2027 Impact Awards
IMPACT AWARDS NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
Help us choose the next recipients for the 2027 Impact Awards from our large and talented pool by nominating a deserving CU Denver Business School alumnus and community member who qualifies for one of the following categories:
- CU Denver Business School alumnus who graduated 10 or more years ago (2015 or before)
- CU Denver Business School alumnus who graduated less than 10 years ago (2016-2026)
- An outstanding Community Member who is actively involved in the CU Denver Business School's community.
The awards recognize alumni and community members who have made outstanding contributions to the Business School, CU Denver, and the community. The awardee should demonstrate the CU Denver Business School’s vision ‘To build a stronger Denver and a better world’ and embody the school’s core values. Read more about our past Impact Awardees.
Nominations are due by November 1st, 2026. Awardees will be honored at the 2027 Celebration of Success event on April 8, 2027.
