Gov. John Hickenlooper last week awarded the inaugural Colorado Governor’s Citizenship medals to five individuals and organizations to recognize “meritorious contributions to strengthen Colorado communities and develop new opportunities for Coloradans throughout the state,” his office announced.

Recipients of the medals, bestowed by Hickenlooper at a ceremony last Thursday at the Governor’s Residence, included Colorado Springs Mayor and former Attorney General John Suthers, University of Denver Chancellor Emeritus and Denver Center for the Performing Arts Chairman and CEO Daniel Ritchie, ViaWest President and CEO Nancy Phillips, Home Advisor President Craig Smith and the Zayo Group, a networking firm.

“From remarkable economic growth to hosting one of the country’s most highly educated workforces, Colorado is at the forefront of creating new opportunities and inspiring future generations of proud Coloradans,” Hickenlooper said. “This success would not be possible without the generous and collaborative contributions within our business, government and nonprofit communities. This medal honors their commitment to making Colorado a great place to work, live and play.”

Suthers, honored with the Public Service medal, was cited for his innovative and progressive vision as a government official. Ritchie, recipient of the Vanguard legacy Award, has made “transformational contributions to the community” to educational, arts and community organizations. Phillips received the Growth and Innovation medal for leading with ingenuity and inspiration. The Emerging Community Leader medal went to Smith, who has worked with Children’s Hospital, Colorado’s Corporate Leadership Council and the Beanstalk Foundation. And the Boulder-based Zayo Group was recognized with the Corporate Citizenship medal for promoting entrepreneurship and helping groups access STEM fields.

— info@coloradostatesman.com