About Bob Mesko
A
dedicated fundraiser committed to his profession and the causes he
represented, Bob used his strong work ethic, ability to establish
personal relationships, and innovation and creativity to succeed. A
lifelong learner, Bob was not afraid to seek out new challenges and
opportunities for personal and professional growth. The recipient of the
Bob Mesko Scholarship should embody these qualities and serve as an
example to others the impact that one individual can have on their
community.
Robert
“Bob” Z. Mesko was a beloved member of the nonprofit community in
Denver before his passing in November 2012. As part of the inaugural
class of the Institute for Leaders in Development (then known as
Emerging Leaders in Development), Bob added a level of intellectual
curiosity, life experiences, and smart wit to the “pioneers” of this
first group. He remained a proud alumnus, encouraging other aspiring
leaders to join the program.
Bob
had a wonderful smile, a quick sense of humor, a tremendous intellect,
and a passion for family, life and career. Born in Bratislava, Slovakia,
he immigrated to the United States with his family when he was 6 years
old. He grew up in New York City and was a proud alumnus of Regis High
School in New York City, and from Columbia University. In 2006, he
fulfilled a life-long dream of appearing on Jeopardy and became a
seven-time champion.
From
1997 to 2002, Bob founded and served as Executive Director of the
Bratislava Dance Theater in Slovakia. He returned to the United States
and served as an Arts Management Fellow at the John F. Kennedy Center
for the Performing Arts. In 2004, he moved to Denver where he continued
his work for the advancement of the arts as Director of Development for
the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. From there, Bob went on to work at the
University of Denver as Director of Development for the performing arts
program and the Newman Center.
Bob
was an avid patron, enthusiastic advocate and appreciator of the arts,
with a particular passion for modern dance. Just months before his
death, he performed with the AXIS Dance Company at the University of
Denver, despite being in the midst of chemotherapy treatment.
Bob's
love for his family and passion for life sustained him during his long
and difficult battle with cancer, and his memory will live on with his
many colleagues, friends and family.
Learn more about the Bob Mesko Scholarship
