A news media executive instrumental in Utah landing the 2002 Winter Olympics and the building of the Salt Palace, Abravanel Hall, Capitol Theatre and the Bicentennial Arts Center was recognized Thursday for his commitment to the local tourism industry.
John W. "Jack" Gallivan, 94, was awarded the 2009 Tourism Achievement Award during the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Trustees' second-quarter board meeting.
His son, Mickey Gallivan, accepted the award on his father's behalf, joking, "A 7:30 a.m. start is just not in the vocabulary of 94-year-old bones."
Mickey Gallivan said his father's role in normalizing liquor laws ?— one of the reasons he received the award — was part of what "he always has called 'a love story.' "
Jack Gallivan's purpose has been a "story of a man in love with a place," according to his son, who said his father didn't try to fool him when he said, "I don't understand getting awards for the lifelong love I have pursued."
The award was presented by Scott Beck, president and chief executive officer of the bureau. An executive committee composed of 14 members decided on the award recipient. Typically, the committee asks for names and recommendations from the staff, but this year was a bit different with Jack Gallivan's name being the "first name and the last name brought up," Beck said.
Beck said Gallivan was a natural pick for the committee this year after his involvement with the liquor law changes, which Beck said is "a huge thing for us." Beck also said Gallivan worked to rename the Salt Palace Convention Center after former Gov. Calvin L. Rampton.
"He raised the awareness and impact of our industry," Beck said. "He is such a marvelous role model," Mickey Gallivan said. "I'm privileged to get to share him with the community."
Growing up in humble beginnings as an orphan at the age of 5, Jack Gallivan graduated from Notre Dame University and went to work for The Salt Lake Tribune, where he started out as a journalist and eventually became chairman of the board. He served as president of the Newspaper Agency Corp. for 24 years. In 1960, he co-founded Tele-Communications Inc., one of the largest cable TV companies in the U.S. He also helped pave the way for the 2002 Winter Olympics with a role in the initial 1972 bid.
Mickey Gallivan said his father has no intention of slowing down just yet. "He spends most of his time now promoting housing for the homeless," he said.
Before the meeting was over, plans were put in place for Beck, Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Carroon and Steve Lundgren, the executive committee chairman, to meet Jack Gallivan and personally present him with the award.
"To be that passionate about where you live and what you do," Beck said, "is something I aspire to do every single day — now that I have met Jack Gallivan."
E-mail: cneugebauer@desnews.com