History
West High School, Denver - where it all began in 1985.
Dr. Dan Lutz launched the idea of “international” schools in Denver back in 1985, when he introduced a globally focused program at West High School. His vision was bold for its time: schools that offered multiple world languages, a globally minded curriculum, and real opportunities for students to travel and experience cultures beyond the classroom.
The idea took hold. As momentum grew, civic leaders and globally minded volunteers partnered with DPS to turn the concept into a full school. In June 2005, DPS approved a new campus in the historic Baker neighborhood, and the Center for International Studies (CIS) at West High School became the foundation for something much bigger.
Over time, four magnet schools (K–12) emerged from this vision— collectively known as the Denver Center for International Studies (DCIS)—serving central and Northeast Denver. By 1997, a dedicated group of volunteers established the DCIS Foundation, an official 501(c)3, to ensure that educational travel would be accessible to more students in DPS. At its peak, the four DCIS campuses served more than 2,400 students, and the love and legacy of global learning began to spread across all DPS.
On September 1, 2024, the Denver Center for International Studies Foundation officially became the Denver Center for Intercultural Scholars—a change that reflects our commitment to serving students across all of Denver Public Schools. The new name honors our origins by retaining the familiar “DCIS Foundation” acronym while allowing us to broaden our reach and impact. Today, we continue to champion immersive intercultural learning and fund educational travel opportunities throughout DPS.
DR. DAN LUTZ: Dr. Lutz launched his education career—and his lifelong passion for international learning—as a high school teacher with the Teacher Corps in New York and later with the Peace Corps in Afghanistan. After earning a Master’s degree in Cross-Cultural Education from the University of Denver and training new Peace Corps Volunteers in Iran, he returned to Denver Public Schools, where he created and led a pioneering international studies magnet program at West High School.
Dr. Lutz went on to earn his Ph.D. in Curriculum Leadership from the University of Denver in 1992 and later taught graduate-level global education courses for teachers. He was also one of the founders of Korean Heritage Camp for families with children adopted from Korea and served on the Board of Directors for Colorado Heritage Camps. In 2000, Dr. Lutz co-founded the International Studies Schools Association through the Center for Teaching International Relations.
Building on the success of the high school program he led, Dr. Lutz spearheaded the creation and development of the Denver Center for International Studies (DCIS), a 6–12 magnet school, and served as its first principal. Merci, Dr. Lutz!
MR. EUGENE LEVIN, West High School Class of 1944, was known to many as wise, soft-spoken, and blessed with a wonderfully subtle sense of humor. He led a remarkable life alongside his wife, Barbara.
In high school, he edited the school newspaper and participated in the Latin Club. His passion for journalism continued in college, where he wrote for the University of Colorado newspaper and The Denver Post. During his military service, he wrote for Stars and Stripes and later became bureau chief and news editor for the Associated Press in Rome, London, Tokyo, and New Delhi.
After his military career, Mr. Levin returned to Denver to manage his father’s business, but his lifelong commitment to philanthropy and education never wavered. He raised funds for numerous organizations, including the Denver Symphony and the Denver Art Museum, and helped establish the Asian Art Association. He was also an early and generous supporter of student travel at West High School—where DCIS was ultimately founded—serving faithfully on the Scholarship Committee.
Just before his death, the DCIS Foundation and the DCIS community created a fund in his honor to ensure that more students could travel—regardless of background—and to champion long-term study abroad, homestays, and authentic cultural immersion. This fund became a protected endowment for the DCIS Foundation and grows every day with the help of our donors. Gracias, Señor Levin!
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