Irv Brown Endowment Fund

Scholarships
Professional Development
About Irv Brown
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The Irv Brown Endowment Fund (IBEF) honors legendary sports broadcaster, coach, and official Irv Brown by supporting MSU Denver students in Sport Management and Journalism & Media Production through scholarships, professional development, and networking opportunities, including an annual conference.

Sofia Nazarenus professional portrait, standing with arms crossed.

Rene Dominguez, standing with arms crossed

“As the first person in my family to go to college, it means so much to see all the hard work pay off – this scholarship really means a lot.” Sofia Nazarenus, scholarship recipient. Photo: Alyson McClaran

“It’s an honor just to have my name associated with someone like Mr. Brown … I hope it can be an example for small-town kids like me that you can succeed in a city like Denver.” Rene Dominguez, scholarship recipient. Photo: Alyson McClaran

Scholarship Details

The Irv Brown Scholarships provide critical financial assistance for students pursuing careers in sport business and media production. Each year, a minimum of two $3,000 scholarships are awarded, empowering students to achieve academic excellence and professional growth.

The application opens December 1 and closes March 1. Community donations are accepted year-round.

Apply for Scholarship Donate Now

Sport Management Image Gallery - Students & Faculty

Welcome! IBEF Advisory Committee Chair Mark McIntosh kicks off the conference. Photo: John Leyba

Person leading workshop at Irv Brown Conference

Award-winning TV sportscaster Marcia Neville leads a breakout session. Photo: John Leyba

IBEF Advisory Committee Chair Mark McIntosh networks with students. Photo: John Leyba

Social media expert and MSU Denver adjunct educator Anna Mills leads a breakout session. Photo: John Leyba

Broadcaster, coach, official, and mentor. The conference honors Irv Brown’s legacy. Photo: John Leyba

Scholarship recipients Rene Dominquez and Sofia Nazarenus with IBEF reps Mark McIntosh and Jim Epstein. Photo: John Leyba

Events + Professional Development

The annual Irv Brown Sport Business Conference provides unparalleled networking opportunities, professional mentorship, and real-world insights from industry leaders and recent MSU Denver graduates. The event includes the Steve Sander luncheon, workshops, and interactive sessions designed to equip students with the tools to succeed.

Conference highlights include:

Expert panels and industry networking
Interactive mentorship sessions
Real-world career guidance and connections
No-cost professional headshots for all attendees

Read more about the 2024 Conference here

Laryss Rodriguez, Journalism and Media Production student

“The conference just opened endless opportunities, endless connections. Just to be able to connect with real people and hear their stories. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

2025 Conference Registration - NOW CLOSED

About Irv Brown

Irv Brown broadcasting a sporting event Irv Brown, a beloved figure in Colorado sports history, left an indelible legacy as an accomplished baseball coach, iconic sports broadcaster, and respected NCAA basketball official. The fund carries his name to honor his lifelong commitment to sports excellence, education, and mentorship.

Career Highlights:

Baseball Coach: First baseball coach at MSU Denver, successful tenures at CU Boulder and Arvada High School.
Broadcaster: Known as the “godfather of Denver sports talk radio,” announced ESPN’s first-ever college football game, and covered diverse sporting events for more than four decades.
Basketball Official: Nationally recognized NCAA Division I official who officiated six NCAA Final Fours and multiple championships.

Legacy & Honors:

MSU Denver Roadrunners Hall of Fame (2012)
Colorado Sports Hall of Fame (1997)
Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame (2003)

Irv passed away in 2019, and his family’s generous contribution established the IBEF to ensure ongoing support and opportunities for MSU Denver students, perpetuating his spirit of mentorship and excellence.