History
Iliff was originally founded in 1889 by as a seminary and school of religious studies of the University of Denver. In 1892, it was named the Iliff School of Theology after John Wesley Iliff (1831–1878) who had wanted to establish a school for training ministers in the territory of Colorado. After he died, his wife Elizabeth Iliff Warren and her second husband, Bishop Henry White Warren, succeeded in starting the Iliff School of Theology. The cornerstone of Iliff Hall was laid on June 8, 1892 and construction was completed in 1893. While the construction was taking place, the first classes began on September 23, 1892.
In the summer of 1900, Iliff closed for various financial and organizational reasons. On August 27, 1903, Iliff School of Theology was incorporated as an independent institution, separate from the University of Denver. It reopened on September 10, 1910 as a freestanding school of theology and Methodist seminary.
In September, 1981, Iliff and the University of Denver inaugurated a joint Ph.D. program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in Religious and Theological Studies.
Iliff has hosted a number of important leaders for special events, including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, the Little Rock Nine, and others. From February 24–27, 2008, Iliff honored the Little Rock Nine in a series of events called "A Celebration of Courage."
In 2011, Iliff established "The Courage Award." The is given out as a means "to acknowledge and celebrate individuals or organizations whose courage, persistence, and determination has changed an unjust situation in the world." The first slated recipient of this award is Judy Shepard for her work in telling the story of her son, Matthew Shepard, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime. Mrs. Shepard has since dedicated her life to replacing hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance through education and advocacy.
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