Leaving a Legacy for DU Veterans

A phone call would change the lives of students for generations to come. James C. "Jim" Warren ('62 Business), a fourth generation Coloradan, called to let DU know that he and his wife, Georgia, have committed a $1 million legacy gift to DU in support of veterans. They want to ensure that veteran students like Jim have the resources they need for a successful college experience.

Not your typical student, Jim applied to DU after serving two years in the Marine Reserves and almost four years in the Army. Then Dean of the Business School Theodore Cutler appreciated Jim's military service and gave him an opportunity to attend DU with two caveats: He had to maintain a 3.5 GPA and he had to meet regularly with the advisor known to students as "the Bear," Esther Dimshevsky, whom many described as the glue that held students together.

Jim began his studies at DU in 1958 at the downtown Business School campus, using the GI Bill as part of his funding. According to Jim, "I always knew I wanted to give back to DU because my education is what led to my success. By letting DU know about our intentions, we've been able to plan for an endowment that reflects our wishes and meets the needs of veteran students."

Like so many experiences in their lives, this has been a joint effort by Jim and Georgia, his wife of nearly 50 years. A trained pilot, Jim began collecting and flying vintage airplanes and continued to fly to air shows until his 70s. When Jim decided to hang up his pilot's hat, he and Georgia took up a new passion: restoring and showing classic cars.

They created a classic car museum on their property in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where they exhibit beautifully restored cars that they take to shows and drive in classic car cross-country races. They have done all of the rebuilding and repair work on-site as a team, and have filled their display cases with mementos and photos of their experiences.

Their passion for the past has also led to the restoration of the original homestead farmhouse on their property and the repurposing of materials from the old barn to create their car museum.

Jim and Georgia see the value in things old and new and believe in lifetime investments. That is why they are investing in DU's veteran students, restoring opportunity to those who gave theirs in service of our country.

"I always knew I wanted to give back to DU because my education is what led to my success."
—Jim Warren

When asked what excites them most about the legacy they will leave at DU, they agreed: "Veteran students will be drawn to DU because they will recognize it as a place that values them and honors the sacrifice they made."

Each student that benefits from the James C. and Georgia R. Warren Endowed Scholarship Fund for Veterans will carry forward their legacy, leaving an enduring mark of the values and generosity they have instilled through their commitment.

Like the Warrens, you can support students and programs that are close to your heart at DU through a gift in your estate plan. Start planning your legacy today by contacting Jon Kraus at jon.kraus@du.edu or 303.871.4619.