Championing Bold Ideas: The Barbara Kreisman Community Impact Fund Will Empower Research, Discovery, and Innovation in Higher Education
A sizable gift from Barbara Kreisman, PhD, will fuel discovery at DU’s Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW), Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, and beyond.
Barbara Kreisman, PhD, is known for asking, “What if?”—and empowering others to find the answers. Through her creation of The Barbara Kreisman Community Impact Fund and a pledge she and her husband, Scott McLagan, have made to the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, DU faculty will gain the freedom to explore bold ideas that spark discoveries and create future opportunities for students and the broader community.
“Faculty are the heart of a university,” Kreisman says. “When they have the freedom to test ideas, continue meaningful and impactful research, and take risks, they model curiosity and courage for students. By establishing this fund, faculty can explore innovative solutions, collaborate across disciplines, and address some of society’s most pressing challenges.”
Investing in the Future
Barbara Kreisman has dedicated her career to championing innovation, leadership, and organizational effectiveness. With expertise spanning technology, artificial intelligence, higher education, social impact, and purpose, she has consistently worked to create opportunities that encourage exploration and forward-thinking solutions. Her latest gifts transform this commitment into action.
The first installment of her gift is already advancing education and research at the Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) Institute for Human Animal Connection (IHAC), where a focus on human-animal-environment interactions highlights the interrelationship of human, animal, and environmental health. The additional pledge, made by Kreisman and her husband, will support emerging, impactful work at the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging. These two areas reflect Kreisman’s passion for animals and purposeful aging—advancing research that deepens understanding of the human–animal bond and fostering health, purpose, and engagement as people age.
“Barb’s generosity will ripple across generations,” says Dean Henrika McCoy. “Her commitment will support GSSW faculty’s commitment to generate new knowledge, deepen community partnerships, and advance courageous ideas and actions that unlock human potential, promote equity, and foster thriving, sustainable communities. She is providing us all with a powerful example of The Denver Difference—where research, innovation, and compassion come together to create lasting social change.”
Kreisman’s connection to DU runs deep. She began her journey at the Daniels College of Business as a lecturer, eventually serving for 15 years as Associate Dean, where she oversaw the Executive MBA program. Today, she holds the title of professor emerita at Daniels and serves as professor emerita and part-time faculty member at the Knobel Institute for Healthy Aging. Beyond teaching. She also plays a pivotal role in shaping the university’s future through her service on the GSSW Board of Advisors and Dean’s Circle, as well as the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging Board, where she helps guide strategy, research, and innovation.
Creating Space for New Ideas
The Barbara Kreisman Community Impact Fund stands out for its flexibility, allowing DU faculty to direct resources where they can make the greatest impact. It encourages research, experimentation, collaboration, and meaningful student engagement. Kreisman’s gift extends this vision across the university, connecting faculty innovation with student learning. By involving students in research—from shaping methodologies to analyzing findings—faculty provide hands-on experiences that prepare students for their future careers.
Inspiring Connections
Kreisman’s commitment to DU and the wider community extends beyond philanthropy. She regularly convenes “Wise Women” gatherings—a social and educational network of women aged 52-80 who meet monthly at DU’s Knobel Institute for Healthy Aging. Guided by a vision of a more humane and sustainable future, the group engages in deep discussions, shares wisdom, and cultivates connection and purpose.
Additionally, she and her husband developed and teach “Retirement Reimagined,” a College of Professional Studies enrichment program in collaboration with the Knoebel Institute. This program helps Denver-area retirees explore their purpose while building meaningful connections. These initiatives, along with Kreisman’s service on the GSSW and Knoebel Institute boards, strengthen ties across DU’s schools, disciplines, and the local community.
To learn more about how to support faculty innovation, contact Executive Director of Development Ashley Haliko at ashley.haliko@du.edu or 303-871-2675.
