El Pomar Foundation’s Elevating Leadership Development (ELD) program annually recognizes individuals of color from Southern Colorado for their leadership and legacy through the Milton E. Proby Cultural Heritage Room Induction Ceremony. This year, El Pomar is honoring Gene A. Keluche (1933-2022) in a ceremony on Friday, August 16, 2024, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Penrose House Garden Pavilion (1661 Mesa Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80906).
Gene A. Keluche was a member of the Wintu Tribe of Northern California. He served as a Naval FJ-3/4 pilot, earned a B.S. in Applied Engineering Science from California State University, Chico and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He is perhaps best known locally as the founder and CEO of International Conference Resorts Inc. and part owner of the Cheyenne Mountain Conference Resort. He established the Native Communities Development Corporation, a coalition of Native American professionals who assisted tribes’ economic and community development initiatives. Additionally, Keluche founded the Native American Sports Council with his wife, Freita, under the United Stated Olympic Committee, which supported Native American athletes in achieving their Olympic goals. Keluche served on many boards during his life, including the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian International Founders Council, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), and was an advisor to American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES).
The event will include a performance by Honoring Our Mother Earth Drummers and Native dancers, and a buffet dinner, as well as remarks by Kyle Hybl, President & CEO of El Pomar Foundation; Stella Hodgkins, SVP & Elevating Leadership Development Program Officer; James Proby, ELD Black Advisory Council member; and Brandi Adakai and Kateri Kerwin, both ELD Native American Advisory Board members. The program will also feature a tribute video, and reflections from a family friend of Mr. Keluche, Tara Hess. The event will conclude with the unveiling of the plaque honoring Gene A. Keluche.
El Pomar established the Milton E. Proby Cultural Heritage Room in 2006 as an extension of the ELD program, which advances the skills, knowledge, and network of leaders of color in Southern Colorado. The room is dedicated to preserving and documenting the contributions of African American/Black, Asian Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American individuals from Southern Colorado. Through the Milton E. Proby Cultural Heritage Room Induction Ceremony, ELD celebrates and honors the legacy left behind by those who embodied the ideals of civic involvement and leadership.
The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited, and registration is required. Registration and more information about the event can be found at: https://www.elpomar.org/events/2024-milton-e-proby-cultural-heritage-room-induction-ceremony/
