Colorado Judicial Institute to Honor Judicial Excellence at 2025 Gala

The Colorado Judicial Institute will host its 23rd annual Judicial Excellence for Colorado Gala Dinner on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. This signature event serves as CJI's largest fundraiser and celebrates judges who demonstrate exceptional commitment to excellence, fairness, and leadership throughout Colorado's judicial system.

Jeff Rupp, Executive Director of CJI, emphasized the significance of recognizing judicial excellence, stating, "This special event shines a light on judges who make a real difference in Coloradans' lives. Their commitment to the rule of law reflects the values that keep public trust in our courts strong." The gala brings together leaders from Colorado's legal, business, and civic communities to support CJI's mission of promoting excellence and public trust in the courts.

This year's Judicial Excellence Award recipients include District Court Chief Judge Susan Blanco from the 8th Judicial District, County Court Judge John Mochel serving Las Animas and Huerfano Counties in the 3rd Judicial District, and Magistrate Melissa Annis from Denver County Court in the 2nd Judicial District. These honorees represent the diverse judicial landscape across Colorado and exemplify the standards of judicial conduct that CJI seeks to promote statewide.

In a special recognition, Chief Judge Ryan J. Stuart of the 23rd Judicial District will receive the Judicial Leadership Award for his instrumental role in establishing Colorado's newest judicial district. Judge Stuart has been tasked with building the district from its foundation, shaping its administrative structure and ensuring access to justice for the communities it serves. This achievement represents a significant milestone in Colorado's judicial evolution and demonstrates the importance of strong judicial leadership in adapting to changing demographic and legal needs.

The event will feature Chandra Thomas Whitfield from Colorado Public Radio as Master of Ceremonies, with welcome remarks by Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez. Attendees will enjoy cocktail reception entertainment by Chilly Jazz and participate in a paddle raise fundraiser benefiting CJI's judicial education program. For more information about CJI's programs and mission, visit https://coloradojudicialinstitute.org.

The recognition of judicial excellence carries broader implications for Colorado's legal system and public confidence in the judiciary. By highlighting judges who demonstrate exceptional commitment to fairness and impartiality, CJI reinforces the foundational principles that underpin public trust in the courts. The establishment of new judicial districts and the recognition of leadership in judicial administration reflect the evolving nature of Colorado's legal landscape and the ongoing need for judicial excellence across all levels of the court system.

Founded in 1979, the Colorado Judicial Institute operates as an independent, nonpartisan, statewide community organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting excellence, equity, impartiality, and public trust in Colorado's courts through outreach, education, and engagement. The organization maintains active communication channels through platforms including https://linkedin.com/company/colorado-judicial-institute and https://facebook.com/coloradojudicialinstitute to continue conversations about judicial excellence and court improvement initiatives.