Mayor Yemi presented the 2025 Spirit of Colorado Springs Lifetime Achievement Award to local philanthropist David Lord during the State of the City event on Thursday, Sept. 25 at The Broadmoor.
“David Lord has used his professional experience in finance and education to become an impressive philanthropist and community advocate,” said Mayor Yemi. “It is my honor to present him with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his humble, compassionate and impactful leadership.”
David Lord, 80, served as Business Manager at Rollins College in Florida and then at Colorado College. During and following his professional career, Lord has been deeply involved with community organizations focused on downtown development, affordable housing and senior advocacy. Lord co-created the Innovations in Aging Collaborative and serves as a board member and volunteer for Silver Key Senior Services.
“Every time I turn around, I’m hearing that he’s involved in another initiative,” said Howard Black, Silver Key Senior Services board member. “He loves this community, and he loves the mission of helping and assisting our seniors.”
He also helped found the Pikes Peak Housing Network. He has donated money through his family foundation along with his time and talent to many causes related to housing, aging services and education. He currently serves in many volunteer roles, including as Chair of the Downtown Review Board for the City of Colorado Springs.
Video Tribute to David Lord
Mayor Yemi's Comments
Mayor Yemi shared the following remarks when presenting the award to Lord at the 2025 State of the City event:
"It is my great joy and honor to award David Lord with the Mayor’s Spirit of Colorado Springs Lifetime Achievement Award.
Before I invite David on stage, allow me to brag about his impressive service:
David is a retired college administrator with 35 years of experience, including nearly two decades at Colorado College. But the title “retired college administrator” hardly captures the depth of his impact on Colorado Springs.
Among his many accomplishments, he has co-founded the Pikes Peak Housing Network to expand housing solutions, served on the Downtown Review Board to revitalize our city’s core and advanced senior well-being through the Innovation in Aging Collaborative.
His philanthropy and influence extends far beyond our city limits. David has carried the spirit of Olympic City USA across the globe—including to my own continent of origin, Africa—using the game of basketball to ignite hope, build connection, and create opportunity.
What truly sets David apart is his character: his humility, kindness, compassion, generosity, servant leadership, and unwavering integrity.
David, long before I became mayor, and throughout my time in office, your leadership and friendship has been steady, encouraging, and deeply meaningful.
On behalf of the City of Colorado Springs, and with gratitude from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your selfless service."