Bill Daniels'

was a remarkable individual who achieved success through a combination of vision, perseverance and hard work. ill Daniels was born in Greeley, As one of the pioneers in cable television, Colorado in 1920. As a child, he Bill went on to own and operate hundreds Blived with his family in Omaha, of cable TV systems across the country. Nebraska and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Later, The fi rm he founded, Daniels & Associates the family moved to Hobbs, New Mexico. (now RBC Daniels), is a nationally When Bill was a teenager, he attended recognized leader in providing investment the New Mexico Military Institute in banking services to media and nearby Roswell. As a young man, he was technology companies. His an undefeated New Mexico Golden leadership helped attract many Gloves Champion. high-tech and communications companies to the Front Range. Bill was a naval fi ghter pilot in World War II and was An avid sports fan, Bill was one of awarded the Bronze Star for the fi rst cable leaders to focus on his valor during an enemy sports programming, giving impetus attack on the aircraft carrier to today’s highly popular regional USS Intrepid. He also served sports networks. He sponsored during the Korean Confl ict a number of professional boxers, and retired with the rank of served as president of the Commander. American Basketball Association, was a founder of the United States Shortly thereafter, Bill was Football League, and was an owner traveling through Denver on of several professional sports teams, his way to Casper, Wyoming including the Utah Stars and a where he ran a small insurance stake in the Los Angeles Lakers. business. It was on this trip that Bill encountered television for the While Bill was widely known and fi rst time and was captivated by the respected for his sports and cable technology. He learned that many achievements, he became even more small towns—including Casper—did admired for his humanitarian endeavors. not have access to it. As a result, Bill Bill long believed that people fortunate started his fi rst cable TV business in enough to succeed have a responsibility Casper in 1953. to help others who may not have had the same advantages. Over the years he made countless charitable contributions needing help. While money was an and supported the community in important part of his contributions, his innovative and meaningful ways. visible support of charitable causes also served as a model for others. For Bill, With his plane, he set a world speed the strength of a community could be record for business jets while raising measured by the success and $300,000 for a local charity. He happiness of all its citizens. donated his $7 million mansion, That’s why he devoted so much Cableland, to the City of Denver time and attention to helping its as the offi cial mayoral residence. most disadvantaged members He provided major support to lead happier, healthier, and Denver organizations serving more productive lives. As young people and those in need. he once said, “I am for the Among Bill’s most notable underdog, for those in ill philanthropic projects were his health, the homeless, the pioneering efforts in education. hungry, for guys who need a Recognizing the value of learning second chance.” fi nancial responsibility at a young Bill established the Daniels age, Bill founded the Young Americans Bank Fund to provide grants to in 1987 to provide a full range of banking outstanding organizations services to children and young adults. It and scholarships to deserving remains the world’s only chartered bank students in Colorado, New exclusively for young people. Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Bill then turned his attention to another When he passed away in the personal concern. He felt greater year 2000, his estate transferred educational focus—particularly at the to the Daniels Fund making it college level—should be placed on ethics one of the largest foundations in and integrity. He collaborated with the the Rocky Mountain Region. University of Denver to incorporate Bill Daniels believed that ethics, values, and social responsibility boundless opportunity can into the business school curriculum. The exist for each and every one school was named the Daniels College of of us. Throughout his lifetime Business in 1994. of generosity and through the Bill had a very personal concern for—and organizations that now carry on his involvement with—individuals in need legacy, he ensured that many more and the organizations that serve them. individuals will realize their full He did more than just sign checks—he potential. sought out and interacted with those 303-393-7220/1-877-791-4726 (toll free) 101 Monroe Street, Denver, CO 80206 w w w . d a n i e l s f u n d . o r g.

Load more