Colorado Judicial Institute to Honor Judicial Excellence at 2025 Gala
The Colorado Judicial Institute will recognize four judges for their exemplary service and leadership at its annual gala, highlighting the importance of judicial excellence in maintaining public trust in Colorado's court system.
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 event serves as CJI's largest fundraiser and celebrates judges who exemplify excellence, fairness, and leadership across Colorado's courts. The recognition of judicial excellence matters because it reinforces public confidence in the legal system at a time when trust in institutions faces increasing challenges.
This year's Judicial Excellence Award recipients include District Court Chief Judge Susan Blanco from the 8th Judicial District, County Court Judge John Mochel from Las Animas & Huerfano Counties in the 3rd Judicial District, and Magistrate Melissa Annis from Denver County Court in the 2nd Judicial District. Additionally, CJI will present a special Judicial Leadership Award to Chief Judge Ryan J. Stuart of the 23rd Judicial District for his pivotal role in establishing Colorado's newest judicial district. Judge Stuart has been tasked with building the district from the ground up, shaping its administration and ensuring access to justice for the communities it serves.
Jeff Rupp, Executive Director of CJI, emphasized the significance of the event, stating that it 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 draws leaders from Colorado's legal, business, and civic communities and directly supports CJI's mission to promote excellence and public trust in the courts through its judicial education programs.
The event will feature Chandra Thomas Whitfield of Colorado Public Radio as Master of Ceremonies, with welcome remarks by Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez. Entertainment will be provided by Chilly Jazz during the cocktail reception, and the evening will include a paddle raise fundraiser benefiting CJI's judicial education program. For more information about CJI's programs and mission, visit https://coloradojudicialinstitute.org. The organization maintains social media presence on platforms including https://linkedin.com and https://facebook.com to continue community engagement beyond the gala event.
The recognition of judicial excellence carries significant implications for Colorado's legal landscape. By highlighting judges who demonstrate exceptional service, CJI reinforces the importance of impartiality and fairness in the judicial system. This public acknowledgment serves as both motivation for current judges and inspiration for future legal professionals, while also educating the public about the critical role judges play in maintaining justice and equity. The gala's fundraising component directly supports ongoing judicial education, ensuring that Colorado's courts continue to operate at the highest standards of excellence.