CCU Announces Sam Reese and Vistage as Sponsors of the 2026 CCU Leadership Award
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Colorado Christian University (CCU) is pleased to announce Sam Reese and Vistage as the sponsors of the 2026 CCU Leadership Award, a prestigious annual honor recognizing one outstanding junior or senior in the College of Undergraduate Studies who exemplifies the University’s core values of Christian leadership, character, and service.
Backed by a $1 million-plus endowment established by former CCU trustee Hal Krause and additional donors, this gift guarantees that CCU’s most exemplary student leader will receive a $25,000 cash award in perpetuity.
"When it comes to leadership, there is no better partner than Vistage and Sam Reese to come alongside CCU to inspire and honor our top student leaders," said Daniel LaBry, President of the CCU Endowment Foundation and Vice President of University Advancement. What a blessing to have them be part of the CCU Leadership Award story God is continuing to write."
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, Vistage has been helping CEOs solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families, and communities. Vistage is proud to serve small and midsize business leaders throughout the world who create jobs and build communities.
Reese is the longtime CEO of Vistage and a Colorado native and resident. He has many connections to Colorado Christian University and shares a commitment to developing principled leaders who will impact their communities with grace and truth.
“CCU is shaping leaders who understand that character and service are inseparable from leadership,” said Reese. “It’s an honor to support an award that celebrates students who are leading with integrity.”
The recipient of the 2026 CCU Leadership Award will be announced on May 8, 2026, during our College of Undergraduate Studies Commencement Ceremony.
About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization. Since 1957, we’ve been guiding CEOs and owners of small and midsize businesses to greater success. It’s why Vistage member companies average 21+ years, while most U.S. businesses fail within five. Today, 45,000 members in 40 countries turn to Vistage to become better leaders who drive better outcomes. Learn more at vistage.com.