Reach for the Stars
2016 Honoree

The J.K. Mullen Foundation

John Kernan Mullen emigrated from Ireland in 1847, and after a stay in New York; settled in Denver. He was successful in the milling and elevator business, as well as land and cattle. Mr. Mullen was one of the founders of the Denver Foundation and its first donor. He had 5 daughters (one died as a child) and the current board of trustees are descendants of his daughters.

Among his notable gifts before the foundation was started were:

• J.K. Mullen Memorial Library at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
• The land and a donation for the J.K. Mullen Home for the Aged in Denver – now known as Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged
• Funds for the building of St. Cajetan’s Catholic Church
• Funds to construct The Immaculate Conception Cathedral
• Funds to purchase a farm that became J. K. Mullen High School

The foundation was established in 1924 and has been contributing to the Denver community for 91 years. 

More recently the Foundation has supported independent and Catholic school education, including:

• Denver Academy
• Colorado Academy
• Graland Country Day School
• Havern School
• J. K. Mullen High School
• Kent High School
• Regis Jesuit High School
• Regis University