Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome
Anna Sie
Anna M. Sie, co-founder of the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation, is active in serving the needs of people with Down Syndrome, neglected and abused children and other members of the community who are at risk; the elderly, and women.
Anna, a native of Italy, immigrated to the United States in the 1950s and later grew up in New Jersey. Her passion for the welfare of children was forged through her own experience in coming to America. As a young child who did not speak a word of English, she was abruptly thrown into the difficult role of caring for her father and two older brothers, while her mother, sister and two younger brothers remained in Italy until enough money was earned to send for them.
As a result Anna is also involved in many Italian related endeavors in Colorado including endowing a Chair in Italian language and culture – the first endowment in languages at the University of Denver.
Anna and her husband John moved to Colorado in 1984 when he took a position with Tele-Communications, Inc. Together they raised five children – Susan Sie, Dr. Debbie Sie, James Sie, Michelle Whitten and Allison Sie. She has four grandchildren that she spends most of her free time with – Benjamin Sie, Shaela Sie Hoffman, Sophia Whitten and Patrick Whitten.
The Anna and John J. Sie Foundation supports the sharing of knowledge amongst peoples and cultures throughout the global community, with an emphasis on Down syndrome, international security and diplomacy, education, media, business and technology. The foundation is a supporter of the The Children’s Hospital, the University of Colorado’s “The Sie Family Down Syndrome Break-Through Research Initiative,” the University of Denver’s Korbel School of International Studies, the Denver Art Museum, the Starz Film Center, and numerous other civic, social and educational institutions.
