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It is with great pride that the Owl Club has presented a group of extraordinary women every year as debutantes since 1951.

It is with great pride that the Owl Club has presented a group of extraordinary women every year as debutantes since 1951.

The Owl Club of Denver 74th Cotillion

Our Story

The Owl Club has helped create opportunities for Black youth, primarily, but not exclusively, through the Debutante Cotillion, a formal event that introduces young women to society. The Debutante Cotillion began in 1951, the first recorded in the City of Denver. It was the first event in the city solely dedicated to providing high-achieving young African American women with the opportunity to showcase their talent. 

Our Values

This significant tradition, the Debutante Cotillion, provides young high academic-achieving women who have displayed excellence through pride, character, leadership and community service, an opportunity to showcase their talent. Former debutantes report that the event provided them with the tools for success at a pivotal time in their lives.

The Owl Club has presented over 1,600 debutantes in 73 years from the Denver metropolitan area. In 1979, member William Kirk and Owlette Ruby Kirk-Gray founded the Owl Club Scholarship Fund and was chartered in 1994 by members Mr. Penfield Tate III and Mr. Skip Riley, to provide academic scholarships to the debutantes and help young women overcome financial barriers. The scholarship fund has awarded over $120,000 in scholarship funds to these debutantes to help alleviate post-secondary educational expenses.

Positively Colorado with The Owl Club of Denver

Gary Shapiro interviews Owl Club President Mr. Alonzo Butler and Owl Club Historian Mr. Ronald Washington

Moments From the 2025 College Experience and Expectations Workshop

    Legacy of Excellence Exhibit Closes at History Colorado

    The History Colorado yearlong Legacy of Excellence Exhibit: The Owl Club of Denver ends Friday, April 11, 2025.


    This captivating exhibit showcases the history of the iconic Owl Club and its impact on Denver’s cultural scene. From historical photographs to fascinating oral stories, it’s an experience you can't miss! 

    Find out more

    Owl Club Members' Social Media Interviews

    Matt Hinderman with Elevating Denver

      

    Elevating Denver: Owl Club

    For over 80 years, The Owl Club of Denver has been empowering African American youth to soar high by providing invaluable support and opportunities through brotherhood and community service. 

    The club also works to elevate and highlight young women in the community through their annual Debutante Cotillion, their signature event of the year. 

    Their legacy is immense, and count many

     local and national leaders amongst their membership. 

    Join us to hear about their significant impact they've made on Denver over the years. Don't miss it! The Owl Club Members latest social media appearance is with Matt Hinderman, Multiplatform Producer for the City and County of Denver.
    https://youtu.be/wevazLDX2Bc

    Janelle Finch & Anne Herbst with 9News

      

    9News Recognizes The Owl Club of Denver Legacy of Service. 

    Please click on the link below to watch the first of several Owl Club members' interviews by 9News Janelle Finch and Anne Herbst as we celebrate 83 years of community service.

    https://www.9news.com/video/news/local/storytellers/historic-owl-club-in-spotlight-after-83-years-of-service/73-871df87a-5d40-4a1d-9605-551e2865f11c 

    Jessica Porter with Denver 7 News

    Jessica Porter with Denver 7 News

      

    In the spotlight this Black History month: The Owl Club of Denver. 

    Please click on the link below to watch Jessica Porter's interview with Owl Club member Mr. Ronald Washington and Terri Gentry, History Colorado's Engagement Manager for Black Communities. 

    https://www.denver7.com/news/black-history-month/in-the-spotlight-this-black-history-month-the-owl-club-of-denver551e2865f11c 

    Legacies of excellence Opening celebration

    Thank You For Spending Time With Us!

    The evening was a busy one and we heard from many of our guests that they were looking forward to visiting when they had time to see the rest of the museum.
    Thank you to members of the Owl Club and past Owl Club debutantes for joining us.

    “The Owl Club of Denver set the stage for many Black Coloradans who became anchors of their communities. This exhibition gives us the chance to celebrate and honor these young debutantes as well as this vital organization that continues to uplift its community to this day."  
    Tyler Allen, Exhibit Developer and Public Historian for History Colorado

    The Owl Club Legacies of Excellence Opening Celebration was a wonderful evening filled with joy, fellowship, and fond memories with friends.
    We hope you can visit the exhibition and want to share some of the photos from the evening

    See Photos by Trevor Gass from the Evening

    The President's Message

    Mr. Alonzo Butler

      

    I am very pleased to represent the members of the Owl Club of Denver. This is an outstanding social club that has provided brotherhood, fellowship and community service for over 70 years. 


    One of the Owl Club's most notable programs is the Debutante Ball, which is a stellar event where we honor intelligent young women in a public forum for their character, scholarship, leadership and community service .


    The Owl Club of Denver is made up of members who are local leaders in the Denver area. This high profile membership and long history of community service has made the Owl Club highly regarded as one of the premier organizations in the state of Colorado. 

    Mr. Penfield W. Tate III

    Chair of History Colorado's Board of Directors

    Mr. Penfield W. Tate III,  has broken new ground as the first person of color to serve as History Colorado's Chair of the Board of Directors in the 144-year history of the organization. Mr. Tate has served on History Colorado's Board of Directors since 2020. Mr. Tate brings experience in public finance and municipal law from his time working in government and as an advisor to government fostering wide-ranging expertise in representing public entities, lenders, and underwriters engaged in the process of financing essential public improvements and advising local and state governments in the exercise of their administrative responsibilities.


    Mr. Penfield W. Tate III joined the Owl Club of Denver Social Club in 1994 and is currently a member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Membership Committee.  As a government official, Mr. Tate III was elected to both the Colorado Senate and House of Representatives.  He has also served as executive director of the Department of Administration for former Gov. Roy Romer, as well as on both the State of Colorado Banking Board and the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Board.

                  Please click on picture for link to 

                     History Colorado's Press Release

    The Owl Club of Denver 73rd Debutante Cotillion June 1 2024

    Our Story

    In 1951, the first Owl Club debutante Ball was held at the Park Hill Country Club. It was the first such cotillion in the City and County of Denver. From 1951 through the current year, The Owl Club of Denver has been pleased to present over 1,000 of Denver's finest African American young ladies as Owl Debutantes.

    Our Values

    Education has always been a high priority for the Owl Club membership. Recognizing the financial needs of many talented Owl Club Debutantes, William Kirk established the first Owl Club Scholarship Fund. Today, the Owl Club of Denver Scholarship Foundation annually awards scholarships to Debutantes who best meet the academic and financial requirements set up by the Foundation.

    Debutante Candidates

    The Debutantes are selected on the basis of academic achievement, morals, character, leadership and outstanding community achievements. The young ladies are not presented on the basis of their parents' social status or economic background, but rather, are required to qualify on their own merits.

    Our Values

    At The Owl Club of Denver, Inc., we are committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and respect. Our events and activities are designed to create a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of background or identity.

    The Owl Club of Denver 73rd Debutante Cotillion

      The Owl Club, Chi Phi Chapter Omega Psi Phi Frat & Delta Sigma Theta Youth Group Unlocking the Future: Exploring the Wonders of STEM for Young Adults

        Owl Club of Denver and Generous Volunters College Experience and Expectations Workshop Topics Finding Your Tribe, Financial Aid, and Mental Health

          The Owl Club of Denver, Inc.

          Our Values

          Volunteer Opportunities

          Volunteer Opportunities

          At The Owl Club of Denver, Inc., we are committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and respect. Our events and activities are designed to create a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of background or identity.

          Volunteer Opportunities

          Volunteer Opportunities

          Volunteer Opportunities

          Want to give back to the community and make a difference? Join our team of volunteers! We're always looking for passionate African American men to help us plan and execute events.

          Owl Club Members

          Volunteer Opportunities

          Owl Club Members

          The Owl Club of Denver is made up of members who are local leaders in the Denver area. This high profile membership and long history of community service has made the Owl Club highly regarded as one of the premier organizations in the state of Colorado.

          Honoring Our Past and Dedicated to the Community

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          Moments with The Owl Club of Denver, Inc.

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            The Owl Club of Denver, Inc. officer's installation dinner

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