Centennial Institute Honors Former Senate Leader Mark Hillman with the 2025 John K. Andrews Award 

December 15, 2025  

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University is proud to announce that former Colorado Senate Majority Leader and State Treasurer Mark Hillman has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the John K. Andrews Award for Colorado Leadership in Fidelity to Biblical and Conservative Principles. 

The annual award honors individuals who demonstrate principled leadership, strength of conviction and a commitment to the ideals that sustain a free society. It is named for John K. Andrews, a follower of Christ, former president of the Colorado Senate, founder of the Centennial Institute, and a respected voice for biblical and constitutional values. 

“The beginning of wisdom, civically and politically, is to insist that government is not God,” shared Andrews. “This, Mark Hillman has done with unflagging fidelity throughout his distinguished career in Colorado’s public arena. The award could not be more deserved.”  

Hillman, a Colorado native, farmer, and former journalist, served two terms in the Colorado State Senate, representing the largest legislative district in the state and covering 12 counties. Over seven years in the legislature, he served in both majority and minority leadership roles and was appointed Colorado State Treasurer in 2005. His tenure earned statewide and national recognition, including honors from the American Legislative Exchange Council, Colorado Union of Taxpayers, Colorado Farm Bureau, and the National Federation of Independent Business. 

“John Andrews set a high bar for principled leadership: steadfast in conviction, charitable in engagement, and unwavering in his devotion to the ideals that sustain a free people,” said Centennial Institute Director Greg Schaller. “Mark Hillman embodies that same model of statesmanship. From his service as both majority and minority leader in the Colorado Senate to his tenure as state treasurer, he demonstrated uncommon integrity and courage. The Centennial Institute is proud to honor him with the John K. Andrews Award.” 

Throughout his public service, Hillman championed private property rights, tort reform, school choice, rural economic opportunity, and personal responsibility. His commentary has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and major Colorado newspapers. Today, he operates his family farm near Burlington, serves as executive director of the Colorado Civil Justice Leagu,e and remains active in local education and water management leadership.  

“As a young man elected to the state legislature, I was fortunate to share an office with John Andrews for four years,” remarked Hillman. “He always sought to exemplify humility and integrity. Even to be considered for an award named for him is a tremendous honor.” 

Previous recipients of the John K. Andrews Award include former Colorado State Senator Mike Kopp; businessman Jeffrey H. Coors; Rep. Bob Beauprez; former Colorado Lt. Governor Jane Norton; businessman James B. Wallace; Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila; former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson; former State Senator Kevin Lundberg; Mike and Brenda Baller; Donald and Joyce Siecke; Doug and Linda McDonald; Roger and Kathleen Chandler; and last year’s awardee, Brittany Vessely. 

To learn more, visit: https://centennial.ccu.edu/. 

For press inquiries, contact Jon D. Wilke at Jon@alarryross.com.   

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