Irv Brown Scholars was established to provide financial assistance, mentoring, and networking opportunities to students pursuing a Sport Management, Journalism & Media Production or Sports Exercise Science degree at Metropolitan State University (MSU) of Denver.
The business side of sports is an industry that continues to grow and is becoming more diverse. Most of the students at MSU Denver come from communities of color with economic challenges that can make pursuing a college education difficult.
The Irv Brown team walks beside these students while offering financial assistance, mentoring and networking opportunities in the business side of sports. MSU Denver has respected programs providing the unique business skills and knowledge required for success in the sports industry. The Irv Brown team is a value add encouraging these young minds to dream and pursue career goals.
“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
Sports Management
“It’s my 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 suceed in a city like Denver.”
Rene Dominguez
Sports Management
Scholarship Details
The Irv Brown Scholarships provide critical financial assistance for students pursuing a degree in Sport Management or Journalism & 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.
Irv Brown Sport Business Conference
About Irv Brown
Irv Brown was the first coach of the MSU Denver Roadrunner baseball team! He is a beloved figure in Colorado sports history who left an indelible legacy as an accomplished 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: MSU Denver’s first baseball coach. Second-winningest coach all-time at CU Boulder. State championship coach at 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 1 official who officiated six NCAA Final Fours.
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 Irv Brown Endowment Fund to ensure ongoing support and opportunities for MSU Denver students, perpetuating his spirit of mentorship and excellence.
Colorado Sports Legend
The Irv Brown Scholars program commemorates the life and legacy of Irv Brown, MSU Denver’s first baseball coach and Roadrunner Athletics (2012) Hall of Fame member. The Denver native was a Colorado sports legend as a coach, administrator, media personality and official. Brown officiated six NCAA Basketball Tournament Final Fours. His career epitomizes the “business side” of sports and inspires students to follow in his footsteps.