Through their family foundation, Leslie and Gary Howard strengthen DU’s culture of generosity, helping students achieve their dreams and inspiring them to do the same for others.
For more than 20 years, Leslie (MBA 2003) and Gary Howard have treated giving back to the community as a personal calling. Since establishing the Howard Family Foundation in 2001, they have created life-changing opportunities for over 100 DU students, combining financial support with personal engagement to help them thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
Leslie says, “Education is the basis for everything. It’s a stepping stone for the future. By supporting these students, we help them gain knowledge, confidence, and the tools to move forward with purpose.”
The Howard Family Foundation supports students attending DU’s Daniels College of Business and Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) through scholarship assistance and direct mentorship. During their time as DU students, Howard Scholars maintain ongoing relationships with Leslie and Gary, writing an annual essay and attending quarterly coffee meetups, a winter luncheon, and a yearly scholarship dinner. All of these opportunities are designed to nurture connections outside the classroom.
“To us, it’s not just about writing a check,” Leslie says. “We want to know our students, to really understand who they are. The money makes a difference, but the connection—hearing their stories, offering perspective, celebrating successes—is just as important.”
Above and Beyond
Most scholarships provide financial aid. What sets the Howards’ scholarships apart is that they also enable access, growth, and possibility in the form of meaningful networking. The Howards open doors to internships, study abroad opportunities, and hands-on experiences that help shape students’ futures in lasting ways. Although awards are need- and merit-based, Howard scholars exhibit drive, integrity, and a strong commitment to community — qualities that reflect the Howards’ own values of philanthropy and community building.
For many students, being a Howard Scholar is a life-changing opportunity. Combined with DU’s financial aid packages, these scholarships often determine whether a student can attend DU, pursue their dreams, and access opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach.
“We want our scholars to grow into leaders who make a difference wherever they go,” Gary explains. “It’s a big world out there, and we hope they carry forward the cycle of giving. It doesn’t have to be money — it can be time, mentorship, or service. The key is choosing something meaningful and making it count.”
A Lasting Partnership
The Howards view their relationship with DU as a true collaboration. Over the past 20 years, they’ve worked closely with faculty and staff to ensure their support aligns with the university’s mission and needs. At the same time, they have created a future-focused model for giving that is about much more than money; it is also about relationships, opportunity, and inspiring students to give back.
“DU is a true partner in every sense of the word,” Leslie says. “The team understands our vision and, together, we make things work for everyone. That collaboration is what makes our giving so rewarding.”
Although Howard Family Foundation scholarships support Daniels and GSSW students, their impact can be felt across campus, in the local community, and beyond.
GSSW Dean Henrika McCoy notes: “Gary and Leslie’s enduring partnership reflects vision and a belief in the importance of education. Their generosity opens doors for students, fosters growth and resilience, and inspires the type of local and global engagement and service that define DU’s aspirations.”
The Next Generation
As the Howard Family Foundation approaches its 25th anniversary, Gary and Leslie are reflecting on their 20-year partnership with DU — and on what the next 25 years of student support and engagement will resemble. Their twin daughters, Genevieve (BSBA ‘24) and Alexia, are now involved in the foundation, working with their parents to help shape its future.
“The Howards make a real difference at DU,” says Naomi Boyd, dean of the Daniels College of Business. “Their support goes beyond scholarships — they nurture the next generation of leaders, helping students become changemakers and inspiring them to give back. That’s the hallmark of The Denver Difference and the Daniels strategic vision, Elevate 2035: people coming together to open doors, foster potential, and create opportunities for everyone to leave a positive mark on the world.”
Your generosity changes lives. By supporting scholarships, you empower students at GSSW and Daniels to pursue their dreams and shape a brighter future for our communities. Join us in making a difference for GSSW and Daniels. If you have questions, contact Ashley Haliko, GSSW Executive Director of Development or Emily Boone, Daniels Director of Development.