Spring 2025

Navin Dimond HeadshotCopford Capital Management LLC was founded by Navin Dimond. Named after his beloved boarding school in England, Copford is the home of Dimond’s family business. Over 30 years ago, Navin and Rita Dimond co-founded Stonebridge Companies, a hotel-management enterprise with 160 hotels in its portfolio and over 5,000 employees. As founder and chairman, Navin Dimond leads corporate investments. Under his guidance, Stonebridge Companies has paved the way in hospitality management.

In honor of his achievements, Navin was the recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2007 and the prestigious Hilton Hotels Multi-Brand Developer of the Year Award. Additionally, he served as chairman of the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association.  In 2008, Navin was inducted into the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association Hall of Fame. He earned his place in the Denver and Colorado Tourism Hall of Fame in 2015.

Education is paramount to Dimond. In 2014, in appreciation of the Dimonds’ generous donation, Metropolitan State University of Denver named its hotel-management program after them. A portion of their contribution also went toward establishing the Dimond Fellowship Program at MSU Denver, offering annual scholarships and internship opportunities to students. Equally noteworthy is the Dimonds’ 2020 gift to the University of Denver, which facilitated the construction of a new freshman residence hall. A true steward of the city, Navin has served on the board of directors for Visit Denver as well as the board of trustees for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Navin is a graduate of Washington State University and the University of Denver, where he earned his MBA in Real Estate and Construction Management. He serves on the Washington State University Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture Executive Leadership Board, the Dean’s Advisory Board – Cornell School of Hotel Administration and the board of trustees for the University of Denver. Navin also sits on the esteemed board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

The Dimonds have been married for 38 years. Both were born in England and are the proud parents of two daughters, Ashley and Sonja. Apart from his work, Navin enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.

MSU Denver’s Marathon Award is Metropolitan State University of Denver’s most prestigious honor. The Award is bestowed on individuals, families, or organizations whose contributions, service, and leadership, exemplify the Roadrunner Difference. These individuals have a meaningful, transformative, and enduring impact on the University and its progress. MSU Denver’s Marathon Award celebrates our mission and the collective impact of our students and scholars on the communities and people of Denver, state of Colorado, nation, and world.

A flock of roadrunners is called a marathon. Honorees personify the spirit of determination our students display and in particular, in the early days of the University, as they navigated and sprinted across Denver’s busy streets to attend class. It’s the Roadrunner Difference. Marathon Award recipients reflect our diverse, purposeful, and tenacious students at the highest levels.

MSU Denver’s Marathon Award is given annually, during Spring Commencement ceremonies.

Past Marathon Award Winners