Scholarship Cocktail Hour
At the heart of the Denver Press Club’s mission is supporting the next generation of journalists: students who feel the call to join our profession, speak truth to power, and tell the stories that would otherwise stay hidden.
Through the John C. Ensslin and Bruce Goldberg Scholarship Fund, the Denver Press Club awarded 10 scholarships totaling $18,000 in 2026. On Oct. 24, we’re honoring those students at the oldest press club in the country — And you need to be in the room.
This is the Club’s marquee fall evening. Working journalists, editors, longtime members and friends of the Club will gather under one roof to welcome the people who will be covering our communities for years to come. If you attend only one Denver Press Club event this season, make it this one.
You’ll hear about our partnership with The Denver Foundation and how student applications keep growing year after year, a testament to how much this fund matters. You’ll also meet members of the Club’s Scholarship Committee, who work every year to lift up the best and brightest student journalists and their work.
Why this matters
From Nathan Fernando-Frescas, President
One of my favorite parts of serving on this board has been sitting on the scholarship judging committee. Reading those applications reminds me why this work matters. Local journalism is under real pressure, and the students who choose it anyway deserve more than a check. They deserve a community. This evening is how we show them they have one, and that we welcome them with open arms and ongoing support.
Meet the 2026 scholars
John C. Ensslin Scholarship ($3,000)
- Elizabeth “Lilly” Asano
Cynthia Hessin Scholarship ($3,000)
- Katya Arzubi
Damon Runyon Scholarships ($1,500 each)
- Ainsley Coogan
- Madeus Frandina
- Madison Shaw
- Sydney McGarr
- Peighton Lemp
- Lila Nuttle
- William Flockton
- Emma Lorene Parton
Your ticket
General Admission: $50
Your first drink, heavy appetizers, and an evening with this year’s scholars and the people who make Colorado journalism happen. Cash bar after your first drink.
Scholarship Patron: $100
Everything above, plus recognition as a Scholarship Patron at the event. $50 of your ticket goes directly to the John C. Ensslin and Bruce Goldberg Scholarship Fund, so next year’s class starts with your support behind them.
[Get your tickets]
Of the $100 Scholarship Patron ticket, $50 is a contribution to the John C. Ensslin and Bruce Goldberg Scholarship Fund and may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The remaining $50 reflects the value of food and drink received.