Giving to MSU Denver

Record-setting $10 million pledge establishes Gina and Frank Day Health Institute

A Colorado couple known for decades of success in the hospitality industry is also making a mark on the future of health care in the state.

Gina and Frank Day have pledged $10 million to Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Health Institute, which is expanding to address the state’s critical shortage of health care workers.

The largest philanthropic gift in the University’s history will help train students in a wide range of in-demand fields, including nursing, nutrition, behavioral health, speech-language pathology and social work.

“Both hospitality and health care are team sports — it takes people working together to coordinate and make it happen,” said Frank Day, founder of Concept Restaurants who has operated more than 80 properties, including chains such as Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom and Rock Bottom Brewery.

“(MSU Denver) is doing great things, and making this contribution is an opportunity to have a huge positive impact,” he added.

Ferd and Christy Belz, MSU Denver's 2026 Marathon Award Winners

Ferdinand (Ferd) and Christy Belz are community leaders, philanthropists and advocates for education whose shared commitment to opportunity, leadership and service has made a lasting impact across Colorado. As recipients of the 2026 Marathon Award, they are honored for their enduring partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver and their dedication to expanding opportunity for students and communities.

Ferd Belz is a respected real estate developer and civic leader whose career has helped shape some of Colorado’s most transformative urban projects. Over several decades, he has played a leadership role in developments that have become landmarks in the region, including the Tabor Center in downtown Denver, the Pepsi Center (now Ball Arena) and the redevelopment of Denver Union Station — projects that helped catalyze economic vitality and reimagine how people live, work and gather in the city. Ferd’s work has consistently focused on thoughtful development that strengthens communities while contributing to the long-term growth of Colorado. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is widely recognized for his philanthropic leadership and his commitment to supporting educational institutions, nonprofit organizations and initiatives that invest in the future of the region.

Christy Belz is an award-winning coach, leadership consultant, author and founder of Empowerment Coaching & Consulting. She holds a Master of Social Work, which helped shape her lifelong commitment to service, leadership development and empowering others to reach their full potential. Through her coaching, speaking and writing, Christy works with individuals and organizations to cultivate courageous leadership, deepen self-awareness and create meaningful transformation. She is the creator of the UPROOT™ framework and host of the podcast “Second Chances with Christy Belz,” where she shares stories of resilience, purpose and leadership.

Ferd and Christy are first-generation college students, an experience that deeply shaped their understanding of the power of education to transform lives and expand opportunity. Because of this, they feel a strong connection to the diverse student population at MSU Denver, many of whom are also the first in their families to pursue higher education.

Together, they remain committed to supporting MSU Denver’s mission of access, opportunity and student success, helping ensure that future generations have the support and resources they need to thrive.

See MSU Denver’s past Marathon Award winners