Larry A. Mizel Selected as 2027 Citizen of the West
Sept. 1, 2026, Denver, CO — The National Western Stock Show proudly announces Larry A. Mizel as the 2027 Citizen of the West. This prestigious award, selected by a committee of community leaders, recognizes those who embody the spirit and determination of the Western pioneer – a true representative of Western lifestyle, ideals, agricultural heritage, and traditions.
Larry A. Mizel embodies the spirit of the American West through the enduring frontier principles of integrity, determination, and self-reliance—seeing opportunity where others see obstacles and measuring success by what is left behind for future generations. An entrepreneur from an early age, Larry grew up in Tulsa, graduated from the University of Oklahoma, and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver College of Law in 1967, when he chose to make Colorado home. In 1972, with a $50,000 investment, he founded what became M.D.C. Holdings, growing it into one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, with Richmond American Homes delivering more than 250,000 homes across America. For Larry, homebuilding was always about helping families put down roots and achieve the American Dream.
Believing strong communities depend on strong economies, Larry co-founded Colorado Concern in 1986 and served as its inaugural Chairman. His commitment to Colorado agriculture includes serving as a founding member of The Denver Rustlers, supporting scholarships and youth livestock programs at the Colorado State Fair. Through the Mizel-Mandarich Foundation, the Mizel Institute, and The CELL, Larry has advanced education, leadership, and public safety. He also co-founded and chairs the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem and served more than two decades as Chairman of the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Board of Trustees. Larry and his wife Carol, a Colorado native, built their lives around work, family, and service. Parents of two and grandparents of six, they believe the most meaningful legacy is measured by lives touched, not what is accumulated. Larry A. Mizel is a builder, pioneer, and man of his word—a true Citizen of the West.
Mizel will be honored as the 48th Citizen of the West during the annual award dinner on January 11, 2027. Proceeds from the event support the National Western Scholarship Trust, which awards nearly $800,000 annually to 120 students attending colleges and universities in Colorado and Wyoming for studies in agricultural science, rural medicine, or veterinary medicine.
To support the 2027 Citizen of the West event honoring Larry A. Mizel, please consider making a donation via Citizen of the West. If you are interested in purchasing a table or have questions about table opportunities, please contact [email protected].
About the National Western
The National Western is a Denver-based charitable organization dedicated to strengthening American agriculture through youth education, scholarships, and livestock, equestrian, farming, ranching, and animal stewardship enrichment programs. Best known for producing the annual National Western Stock Show (the 121st show is Jan. 9-24, 2027), the organization also operates The Legacy, a premier year-round destination for events, exhibitions and western experiences that celebrate the culture and future of the American West. For more information, visit www.nationalwestern.com.
