SENIOR WISDOM INTERVIEWS

As part of the Colorado150 celebration, IM Education and Fulcrum Publishing are proud to present Senior Wisdom—a growing collection of video interviews featuring remarkable Coloradans who have led extraordinary lives. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds and professions, but they share a common thread: a deep commitment to their communities, their work, and the values that shape Colorado.

Through personal stories and reflections, Senior Wisdom captures lessons learned, histories lived, and legacies worth preserving. Once complete, the full collection will be archived with History Colorado and the Denver Public Library’s Western History Department, where it will be available for researchers, educators, and anyone curious about the people who helped shape Colorado.

Below is a selection of interviews from this ongoing project.

VIEW SENIOR WISDOM INTERVIEWS

Federico Peña—Mayor, Cabinet Secretary, and Civic Visionary

Federico Peña served as Denver’s 41st mayor and went on to hold cabinet positions as U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Energy. From launching Denver International Airport to helping bring Major League Baseball to the city, his leadership helped shape modern Denver. In his interview, he reflects on his Spanish heritage and his journey from Texas to Colorado, his work with César Chávez, and his lifelong commitment to public service.

Dana Crawford—Developer and Historic Preservationist

A visionary preservationist, Dana Crawford saw possibility in the neglected streets of downtown Denver when others saw only decay. Beginning with the revitalization of Larimer Square in the 1960s, Dana launched a career that reshaped Denver’s urban identity. In her interview, she shares captivating stories about Larimer Square, Union Station, the Oxford Hotel, and more—all delivered with insight, humor, and a spark that continued to inspire.

Lee Everding—Educator, Connector, and Community Builder

Lee Everding has spent her life bringing people together through shared curiosity, learning, and creativity. Founder of the Denver Eclectics, a lecture and discussion group, Lee has also worked as a social worker and lifelong advocate for civic participation. In her interview, she reflects on the barriers women faced in the past, shares personal anecdotes, and celebrates the power of connection—with warmth, wisdom, and humor.

Dick and Eddie Robinson—Dairy Entrepreneurs and Storytellers

Brothers Dick and Eddie Robinson represent generations of a Denver-based dairy legacy that dates back to their great-grandfather’s arrival in the late 1800s. In their interview, they share the story of the family business—complete with fascinating details, laughter, and memories of growing up in a multigenerational enterprise that helped feed a city.

Ellie Caulkins—Opera Advocate and Arts Patron

Affectionately known as “Denver’s First Lady of Opera,” Ellie Caulkins has been instrumental in elevating the vocal arts in Colorado. Her passion helped establish Opera Colorado and contributed to the transformation of the historic Denver Municipal Auditorium into the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. In her interview, Ellie shares her journey from the East Coast to Colorado, her deep love for opera, and the story behind the venue that now bears her name.

Judge Gary Jackson—Jurist, Historian, and Legacy Keeper

The Honorable Gary Jackson comes from a legacy of resilience and excellence. His ancestors—including an enslaved builder, a pioneering grandmother, and early Black landowners in Lincoln Hills—paved the way for his distinguished career as a judge and historian. In his interview, Gary reflects on family history, racial justice, and his efforts to preserve Black heritage in Colorado through public exhibits and education.

Rose Keating—Tech Advocate and Nonprofit Founder

Rose Keating was the founder and director of Tech For All, a nonprofit that reconditioned donated computers and distributed them to those in need. Before her passing in 2019, Rose and her team had given away more than 14,000 computers to students, veterans, schools, and libraries. Her interview, filmed in 2016, is a moving tribute to what one inspired person can achieve with vision, compassion, and community support.

Ed Benton—Attorney, Educator, and Civic Leader

Orphaned at a young age and raised by his grandmother, who never learned to read, Ed Benton defied the odds to become an attorney, a member of the Denver School Board, and a respected community leader. His interview is filled with insightful stories, innovative problem-solving strategies, and reflections on leadership, all delivered with sharp wit and humor.

Bill Tutt—Hotelier, Olympic Advocate, and Civic Connector

Bill Tutt made his mark in the hospitality industry with Westin Hotels before returning to Colorado Springs to join his family’s efforts in shaping the city’s and the Broadmoor Hotel’sfuture. From helping relocate the U.S. Olympic Committee to supporting local development, Bill played a key role in elevating Colorado Springs on the national stage. His interview includes memorable stories—from working with Olympic leaders to growing up next door to Albert Einstein.

SENIOR WISDOM: STORIES THAT ENDURE