DU Oral History - Trygve Myhren Interview Highlights

Trygve Myhren, a long-time leader in the communications industry and member of the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame, has served on the Board of Trustees at the University of Denver since 1995. In this interview, Trygve shares how he got involved with the University of Denver and his perceptions of the organization when he joined the board. He discusses the structural, procedural and governance changes that were implemented during his term as chair of the board. He highlights faculty, staff and board superstars and their contributions to the success of the university. Trygve reflects on his relationship with Chancellor Bob Coombe whom he describes as a superb academician. He emphasizes the DU Strategic Issues Program panel report on higher education, its importance to the university in its planning efforts and how it helped to raise the stature of the DU around the country. He discusses the complex process involved in landing and hosting the 2012 U.S. Presidential debates and describes the selection process employed by the board of trustees to recruit a new chancellor when Bob Coombe stepped down. He highlights the successful Ascent Campaign chaired by Doug Scrivner that raised over $490 Million from almost 50,000 donors. Trygve discusses challenges he faced during his term as chair including when a local institution of higher education tried to lift the DU logo and image. Finally, he shares his thoughts on the board’s response to an ethical dilemma the board faced when a serious charge was leveled against a fellow board member.