Lissy Brenner Photography: Mizel Museum Honors Glenn R. Jones with 2012 Community Enrichment Award

On May 23, 2012 we had the pleasure to be part of the Mizel Museum Annual Dinner honoring Glenn R. Jones the 2012 recipient of the Community Enrichment Award, given annually to an individual who makes outstanding community contributions. This year marks the 30th anniversary since the museum was founded and the 22nd annual dinner. As the 2012 honoree, Jones joined the list of notable past recipients including Sharon Magness Blake, Dean Singleton, Norman Brownstein, Anna and John Sie, and Governor John Hickenlooper.

Glenn R. Jones is the founder of Jones International University and chairman and chief executive officer of Jones Knowledge Group, Jones e-global Library, and Jones International, Ltd. Jones is a pioneer in the world of distance and online education having spent four decades extending the reach of technology, first by bringing cable television to American homes and later by fusing education with the internet to deliver educational opportunities to students worldwide. Jones is the founder of Jones Intercable, which he established in 1967 by borrowing $400 against his Volkswagen to purchase a cable system in Georgetown, Colorado. This purchase was the genesis of his cable television company, which when sold in 1999, was one of the ten largest cable operators in the United States.

In 1993, Jones founded Jones International University, coupling his expertise in communications technology with his desire to “democratize” education by making it as widely available as possible. The first fully online university to receive accreditation, Jones International University has garnered recognition including a ranking as one of the top five of the best online universities in the world, according to the Global Academy Online.

As one of the founding members of the James Madison National Council, a private advisory board to the Library of Congress, Jones now serves on the Steering Committee and is Chair of the Education Committee. Additionally, he is the author of several books including Cyberschools, An Education Renaissance, and Free Market Fusion.

“I’m thrilled to be in the good company of those before me who have received the Mizel Museum’s Community Enrichment Award,” stated Jones. “Each honoree of this award is united by the desire to make a positive contribution to the world, each in our own way.”

“Glenn Jones’ contribution to our community and the world is incredibly unique,” said Ellen Premack, executive director for the Mizel Museum. “Through his truly pioneering vision he has literally created industries that have educated and entertained millions. We are excited to honor his achievements at our annual Gala event.”

The mission of the Mizel Museum is to present the continuum of the Jewish people within a multicultural context through the arts providing visual, performing and literary arts, to the Jewish community and the community at large. The Mizel Museum is a portal to the contemporary Jewish experience. Its exhibits, events and educational programs inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate diversity. The Mizel Museum seeks to heighten awareness in Colorado about the power of the arts in creating tolerance for diversity and understanding of our common humanity. Each spring, the Mizel Museum hosts a Gala event to honor individuals in the community who exemplify this mission.

The event was held at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum.

Visit the Mizel Museum at 400 S. Kearney St. Denver or online at MizelMuseum.org

A B-52 Bomber graces the entrance to the Wings over the Rockies Museum the site of the 22nd annual Mizel Museum dinner.
©2012 Lissy Brenner Photography