Joy Burns

Joy Burns
Philanthropist
INDUCTED 2000

Real estate developer Joy Burns’ name pervades the University of Denver campus. She served on the University’s Board of Directors for 28 years, including several years as Board Chair where she helped shape the campus.

Her philanthropy and vision brought about the Joy Burns Ice Arena, the Joy Burns Center housing the Knoebel School of Hospitality Management, and Joy Burns Plaza in the Newman Center for the Performing Arts. Joy has been a builder of foundational women’s organizations as well, as co-founder of the Women’s Bank and the Women’s Foundation of Denver and many others.

“I really do think that good things happen to you when you are out there working hard trying to make something good happen for yourself and others.” — Joy Burns