Honoring the Legacy of Dr. H. Dalton Conner – The Spark That Ignited Peak Education
- Tabitha Hart
- Aug 11
- 4 min read
A photo gallery is below.
Co-Founder, Mentor, Visionary, Friend
Peak Education honors the life and legacy of Dr. H. Dalton Conner—our beloved co-founder and the unwavering heart behind everything we do. Dalton passed away in June 2025, leaving behind a legacy built on deep compassion, fierce advocacy, and tireless commitment to ensuring that no student’s talent is ever wasted.
Dalton was a periodontist by trade, a mentor by calling, and a change-maker by design. His path to founding Peak Education didn’t start in a boardroom—it began in quiet moments: around kitchen tables, on school campuses, and in heartfelt conversations with students who needed someone to believe in them.
In the late 1990s, a tragedy shook the southeast Colorado Springs community—a devastating shooting that touched many lives. But instead of walking away, Dalton chose to act. On his morning runs around the Broadmoor lake, a sacred space for reflection, he heard a call: “Think south.” Whether it was divine guidance or runner’s high, that moment ignited a fire. Dalton reached out to community leaders Steve Mullens and later Rick Price, and together they answered the call to serve the children of Southeast Colorado Springs.
Jim Chapman, Dalton’s longtime friend and pastor, reflects on his core belief:
“Dalton believed that healthy societies were built on healthy relationships. That was his driving force—to help young people learn to connect with each other, their families, and their communities.”
From the very start, Dalton’s approach was personal and relational. He didn’t just build a program—he built a family. He interviewed every scholar himself, learned their stories, and celebrated every victory, big or small.
Joe Woodford, an early supporter, remembers:
“Dalton poured himself into this work. He talked with kids, took them on trips, and worked side-by-side with Rick Price to make the vision real.”
Dalton’s faith was a quiet but steady compass guiding his every step. As a deeply religious man, his work was not just a mission—it was a calling.
Vennita Browning, who worked closely with Dalton for over 15 years and serves as Peak Education’s Program Director, says:
“Dalton wasn’t just the founder; he was the keeper of the dream. He made every scholar feel seen, loved, and capable of greatness.”
Vanessa Alvarez, a Peak Ed alumna, speaks to the personal care Dalton showed every scholar:
“He was my mentor—more like a grandfather, really. We talked about everything: family, goals, even impossibilities that he helped me see as possible. He made you feel like you came up with the idea, even when he was guiding you all along. That was his gift.” “He showed up at my football games and bragged about me like I was his own child. Even when I didn’t feel proud of myself, he made me feel worthy of pride.”
Dalton built Peak Education one relationship at a time—remembering names, families, struggles, and dreams. He passed that care on to every staff member, ensuring students always knew they mattered. Vennita recalls:
“He walked the talk. He didn’t just hand me a list of names. He visited homes with me. He introduced me personally to families. He was the flame of this organization.”
Over the years, hundreds of scholars found themselves buoyed by Dalton’s steady belief that they could—and would—achieve greatness. Jesse Perez, an early scholar and now an advocate, shares:
“Dr. Conner is a big reason I do what I do today. I remember telling him I wanted to take his job one day. And in some ways, I have—because of him, I now advocate for equity in education for others.”
Susan Pattee, who helped Dalton in the earlier days of Peak Education, admired his humility and attention to detail:
“He kept detailed records and remembered every conversation because every detail mattered to him. Dalton worked quietly, always focused on the kids.”
Jon Stepleton, who succeeded Dalton as CEO and carried forward his vision, reflects:
“Dalton gave Peak Education its heart. His passion was personal—about one kid at a time. That flame still burns bright because of him.” “He was searching for a way to give back, and that voice telling him to ‘think south’ was the beginning of something extraordinary.”
Jesse Perez adds:
“Dalton didn’t see me as a kid; he saw me as a future leader. That belief gave me the courage to lead.”
Kavada Larzo - Peak Education Alumna, inspired by Dalton’s example, sums it up simply:
“He taught us that leadership is about compassion, about showing up with your whole heart. That’s the real legacy.”
Today, the Peak Education family carries Dalton’s spirit forward—his passion, his faith, and his belief in every scholar’s potential.
As Vennita Browning beautifully puts it:
“Dalton gave everything he had to these kids and to this mission. His heart and his hope live on in every scholar who walks through our doors.”
Dr. H. Dalton Conner didn’t just start a program—he built a community. He gave us all a reason to believe. And his legacy will forever light the path for generations to come.
We will continue to do our best to carry the flame on.
—Your Peak Education Family
Obituary & Memorial Service Information
A full obituary is available online from his family, honoring Dr. H. Dalton Conner’s life, service, and contributions to Colorado Springs and beyond.
Memorial Service 🕐 Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) 📍 Broadmoor Community Church 315 Lake Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Reception to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that donations be made to Peak Education, continuing the mission Dalton so passionately began.
