Mullen High School Receives Transformational $5.85 Million Gift from RJW Charitable Fund

Mullen High School is proud to announce a historic and transformational $5.85 million gift from the RJW Charitable Fund, established by the late Denver attorney Robert J. “Bob” Welter. This extraordinary act of generosity will profoundly shape Mullen’s future, advancing its mission of academic excellence, faith-based formation, and service leadership.

“This donation is more than a dollar figure — it’s a bold investment in human potential,” said Raul Cardenas Jr., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mullen High School. “It affirms our shared belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to grow in knowledge, faith, and purpose.”

Robert J. Welter, a respected attorney, lifelong learner, and man of deep Catholic faith, left the majority of his estate to the RJW Charitable Fund with the purpose of benefiting Denver’s children and elderly. His commitment to education as a path to human flourishing lives on through this legacy gift.

To honor his memory, Mullen will dedicate its newest academic building as Welter Hall, a state-of-the-art facility featuring classrooms, student collaboration spaces, and administrative offices. The gift will also establish the Robert J. Welter Endowed Scholarship, ensuring that Mullen remains accessible to students regardless of financial circumstances, a reflection of the school’s Lasallian commitment to serve all who seek an education.

“This gift reflects Bob’s belief in the advantages made available to those who fully engage in their educational opportunities,” shared a member of Welter’s family. “His generosity is intended to inspire others to support the life-changing opportunities that a Lasallian education provides.”

Since its founding in 1931, Mullen High School has carried forward the Lasallian charism of Saint John Baptist de La Salle and the Brothers of the Christian Schools. At the heart of this tradition is the conviction that education should be accessible, transformative, and rooted in service to others—especially the marginalized.

“This gift not only honors Mr. Welter’s memory but also accelerates the realization of our ambitious vision for the future,” said Catherine Planes, Chief Development Officer. “We are excited to welcome our community to be part of this historic era.”

Mr. Welter’s generosity underscores a timeless truth expressed in Scripture: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give… for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) His gift demonstrates how one life lived with purpose and generosity can transform the lives of generations of students to come.

As Mullen celebrates this extraordinary blessing, the school invites alumni, parents, friends, and the greater community to join in building upon this foundation. Through gifts of all sizes, donors can help ensure that Mullen continues to provide an excellent, faith-centered education to every student who seeks it.

To learn more about Mullen’s campus master plan or to support the school’s mission, please visit Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future.

If you are interested in learning more about adding Mullen to your estate plans or making a gift today in support of Catholic education in Denver, contact Catherine Planes, catherine.planes@mullenhigh.com or 303-761-1764 ext 4014.