DSF Annual Homecoming Gala 2025 | A Night of Inspiration & Impact

Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) hosted an unforgettable evening on September 26th for the 2025 DSF Annual Homecoming Gala, creating cherished memories and celebrating the achievements of DSF Scholars, Alumni, and the Denver community. 

DSF Alumni Jesus Torrones-Pulido (left) and DSF Scholar Michael Borne (right).

Denver Public Schools graduates shared their educational journeys to and through college graduation and into career, beginning with DSF Alum Jesus Terrones-Pulido, who attended Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College. Thanks to support from DSF, he graduated from the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health and a minor in Philosophy. He went on to complete a master’s degree in Health Administration from Metropolitan State University of Denver. Today, he serves as an Engagement Specialist at Kaiser Permanente and as a member of the DSF Alumni Advisory Committee. 

Alongside Jesus, DSF Scholar Michael Borne also shared his story. A graduate of Denver South High School, Michael is currently attending CU Denver, majoring in International Studies with a certificate in Latin American Studies. He highlighted the importance of DSF’s support, especially from his DSF Campus Advisor at CU Denver, Alyssa Diaz – a DSF Alum herself – who has been a constant guide and voice of encouragement. 

DSF Alum and Campus Advisor Alyssa Diaz speaking at the podium.

Alyssa also shared her own unique story. She spoke about the value of her college degree and how it shaped her career and commitment to helping fellow DPS graduates navigate their educational journeys. Alyssa graduated from Denver North High School and went on to earn both her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Ethnic Studies and her master’s degree in Leadership for Educational Organizations with an emphasis in Higher Education and Student Affairs, both from CU Denver. Today, Alyssa continues to give back by working directly with DSF Scholars at her alma mater. During the evening, she introduced a DSF Alum and first-generation college student she supported—who, like herself, graduated from North High School and CU Denver, Diego Burciaga. 

DSF Alum Diego Burciaga speaking at the podium.

After graduating from Denver North High School, Diego earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology from CU Denver. Throughout his educational journey, Diego gained valuable experience through internships, including the Denver Public Safety Cadet Program at CU Denver and roles at Denver Health. These opportunities ultimately led to his current career at the Denver Crime Lab. He emphasized the importance of DSF’s eight years of support, which began at his DSF Future Center at North High School with his DSF College Advisor Zulema Sierra, continued with the financial assistance of the DSF scholarship, and the guidance and support at CU Denver with his DSF Campus Advisor Alyssa Diaz. Today, his younger brother Justin, a sophomore at North High School, is also preparing for college—continuing the ripple effect of DSF’s support. Their stories are powerful reminders of how a college degree shapes careers, families, and future generations. 

Dr. Nate Easley, CSU System Board of Governors, Danny Wetmore, Vice President Operations Innovation at DaVita and DSF Board Member, Neisa Lynch, Principal at Montbello High School, and Don Daboub, Senior Vice President of Sales at Entravision, and DSF Board Member

DSF also proudly honored its 2025 Partners of the Year, whose invaluable contributions elevate our work: 

• DSF College Partner of the Year: Colorado State University 

• DSF District Partner of the Year: Montbello High School  

• DSF Corporate Partner of the Year: DaVita 

• DSF Community Partner of the Year: Entravision 

DSF Gala attendees enjoying the silent disco.

The night concluded with community members, DSF Scholars, and Alumni celebrating with an after party that included a silent disco, 360 photo booth, and delicious snacks—dancing the night away! 

This year’s Annual Homecoming Gala raised over $1.2 million in support of DSF Scholars. If you missed the event, we invite you to continue supporting Denver students. Every dollar you give will go directly to scholarships and will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI). Your gift will also be multiplied through the Prosperity Denver Fund, ensuring even more students are served. 

From left to right DSF gala committee co-chairs Brian Dorfman and Dr. Jeanne Sullivan and Barry and Dana Dorfman speaking at the podium.

DSF extends heartfelt gratitude to our 2025 Annual Homecoming Gala sponsors and dedicated event committee, co-chaired by Dana and Barry Dorfman and Dr. Jeanne Sullivan and Brian Dorfman, as well as our DSF Board of Directors, led by Board Chair Luella Chavez D’Angelo, our DSF Associate Board, led by Associate Board Chair Clement Asante, and our wonderful Mistress of Ceremonies, Anne Trujillo. 

On behalf of all of us at DSF, thank you for your invaluable partnership in helping to expand access to higher education and create opportunities for Denver students. We look forward to celebrating with you again at next year’s DSF Annual Homecoming Gala.