Remembering Daniel Ritchie
Remembering Daniel Ritchie
The day we raised the roof
This photo is the day we raised the roof on the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science. I met Dan originally in New York, when I negotiated with him on behalf of GE/NBC to try and buy Westinghouse Broadcasting. He was kind and attentive—and said 'no'. Decades later he helped recruit me to become Dean, often over our breakfasts at Zaidy's. We worked on so many civic projects together—he was one of Denver's greatest benefactors.
- JB Holston, former dean, Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
He related to folks from all walks of life
Dan Ritchie was one of the most important people in my life. He was a visionary, and he led by example. He inspired me to be the best version of myself. He believed in me and trusted me to help transition the athletics program from Division II to Division I. He trusted me to help open the Daniel L. Richie Center for Sports and Wellness and ensure it met the needs of the University and Denver communities. He related to folks from all walks of life. He had a way of making you do more than you ever thought possible. We were very close and even when I left Denver for Columbia University we stayed in close contact. When he visited NYC, we always had dinner and attended a Broadway play. When I was going through chemotherapy, he visited me and we had dinner together. He was always in my corner. We won and lost games together and he was a fierce competitor. He loved the University with all his heart. We talked often and we talked two weeks ago. He was my friend, mentor and role model. I adored him.
- M. Dianne Murphy, director of athletics, ’98-’04
Sitting with a rowdy group of fans
Such a profound loss for the University, the City of Denver, and the State of Colorado. I remember well Chancellor Ritchie sitting with a rowdy group of students, alumni, parents and other DU supporters in the stands at the ice rink at Ohio State as we all cheered the hockey team on to a back-to-back national title in 2005. Seems like just yesterday. He impacted the University like no other and will be missed, but his spirit will never leave DU.
- Gary Schleuger (BSBA ’95, JD ’01), alumni advisory council
A world class institution
Dan Ritchie is by far the reason for the University of Denver is one of the world's best universities! His vision and support of the students, staff, faculty, alumni and community were incredible. The University of Denver is now a world class institution because of Dan Ritchie and Heaven is now an even better place! Rest in peace, Dan!
- Jack McDonald, athletics director ’90-’95
He deferred credit on all things to others
I first met Dan Ritchie in the 1990s, when I was a teenager. I remember being impressed by his humble and kind demeanor. His approach seemed entirely different than the flamboyant style I’d associated with charismatic people in charge of important things. I later used to run-in to the Chancellor while I was a night student at DU. Almost without fail, I’d see him humbly surveying the grounds on his evening walk. He’d pick up small pieces of trash, while impeccably dressed, in the old-fashioned way. He always offered a greeting, like a tip-o-the-hat, and an endearing smile. He acted the part of a humble servant to the institution that he had helped restore. Most recently, I’d see Dan Ritchie at his namesake Ritchie Center, where his monogrammed coat hung in the Gold Club locker room, while he exercised. My locker stood nearby, and on every visit, I’d stumble over my words to express gratitude for everything he’d done for our community. He deferred credit on all things to others. I saw him at the Ritchie Center just a couple weeks before his passing. He was preparing to work-out and was as affable and modest as ever. For all of the things that Dan Ritchie accomplished in his lifetime (and the list is very long) he reminds me of Maya Angelou’s beautiful observation:
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
- Josh Cashman (JD ’05, MBA ’06), adjunct professor of finance
So humble
A few years ago, I was invited to give awards at a home gymnastics meet. I had several gymnasts in my writing class that year. When I took my seat on the awards panel, I noted the man next to me looked like Chancellor Ritchie. He was dressed casually and wore a DU hockey hat. I introduced myself and asked about his relationship to DU. So humble, he said, "I'm an old guy from the past."
After further chit chat, he admitted he was, indeed, Dan Ritchie. I was struck by his humility and charm, and remained grateful for the chance to interact. At the end of the meet, we took a selfie.
- Heather Martin (PhD ’11), teaching professor in the University Writing Program
The day we raised the roof
This photo is the day we raised the roof on the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science. I met Dan originally in New York, when I negotiated with him on behalf of GE/NBC to try and buy Westinghouse Broadcasting. He was kind and attentive—and said 'no'. Decades later he helped recruit me to become Dean, often over our breakfasts at Zaidy's. We worked on so many civic projects together—he was one of Denver's greatest benefactors.
- JB Holston, former dean, Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Sitting with a rowdy group of fans
Such a profound loss for the University, the City of Denver, and the State of Colorado. I remember well Chancellor Ritchie sitting with a rowdy group of students, alumni, parents and other DU supporters in the stands at the ice rink at Ohio State as we all cheered the hockey team on to a back-to-back national title in 2005. Seems like just yesterday. He impacted the University like no other and will be missed, but his spirit will never leave DU.
- Gary Schleuger (BSBA ’95, JD ’01), alumni advisory council
He related to folks from all walks of life
Dan Ritchie was one of the most important people in my life. He was a visionary, and he led by example. He inspired me to be the best version of myself. He believed in me and trusted me to help transition the athletics program from Division II to Division I. He trusted me to help open the Daniel L. Richie Center for Sports and Wellness and ensure it met the needs of the University and Denver communities. He related to folks from all walks of life. He had a way of making you do more than you ever thought possible. We were very close and even when I left Denver for Columbia University we stayed in close contact. When he visited NYC, we always had dinner and attended a Broadway play. When I was going through chemotherapy, he visited me and we had dinner together. He was always in my corner. We won and lost games together and he was a fierce competitor. He loved the University with all his heart. We talked often and we talked two weeks ago. He was my friend, mentor and role model. I adored him.
- M. Dianne Murphy, director of athletics, ’98-’04
A world class institution
Dan Ritchie is by far the reason for the University of Denver is one of the world's best universities! His vision and support of the students, staff, faculty, alumni and community were incredible. The University of Denver is now a world class institution because of Dan Ritchie and Heaven is now an even better place! Rest in peace, Dan!
- Jack McDonald, athletics director ’90-’95
He deferred credit on all things to others
I first met Dan Ritchie in the 1990s, when I was a teenager. I remember being impressed by his humble and kind demeanor. His approach seemed entirely different than the flamboyant style I’d associated with charismatic people in charge of important things. I later used to run-in to the Chancellor while I was a night student at DU. Almost without fail, I’d see him humbly surveying the grounds on his evening walk. He’d pick up small pieces of trash, while impeccably dressed, in the old-fashioned way. He always offered a greeting, like a tip-o-the-hat, and an endearing smile. He acted the part of a humble servant to the institution that he had helped restore. Most recently, I’d see Dan Ritchie at his namesake Ritchie Center, where his monogrammed coat hung in the Gold Club locker room, while he exercised. My locker stood nearby, and on every visit, I’d stumble over my words to express gratitude for everything he’d done for our community. He deferred credit on all things to others. I saw him at the Ritchie Center just a couple weeks before his passing. He was preparing to work-out and was as affable and modest as ever. For all of the things that Dan Ritchie accomplished in his lifetime (and the list is very long) he reminds me of Maya Angelou’s beautiful observation:
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
- Josh Cashman (JD ’05, MBA ’06), adjunct professor of finance
So humble
A few years ago, I was invited to give awards at a home gymnastics meet. I had several gymnasts in my writing class that year. When I took my seat on the awards panel, I noted the man next to me looked like Chancellor Ritchie. He was dressed casually and wore a DU hockey hat. I introduced myself and asked about his relationship to DU. So humble, he said, "I'm an old guy from the past."
After further chit chat, he admitted he was, indeed, Dan Ritchie. I was struck by his humility and charm, and remained grateful for the chance to interact. At the end of the meet, we took a selfie.
- Heather Martin (PhD ’11), teaching professor in the University Writing Program
Sleeves rolled up greaser style
I want to share another side of Dan few people ever saw. In either 2006 or 2007, Dan and I, with others, participated in Dancing with the Denver Stars with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. As we prepped, I was looking for Dan but didn’t see him. A man with a tee shirt, sleeves rolled up greaser style with a pack of cigarettes, jeans and a black cap appeared—it was Dan doing his best John Travolta imitation in preparation for his dance!
- Donna Lynee (Hon. PhD ’14), trustee
Let’s Dance
Fondly recalling my first close-up encounter with Chancellor Ritchie at a Founders Day event. I attempted to introduce myself to Chancellor Ritchie right before the band began to play. Chancellor Ritchie stopped me mid-sentence and stated "Roz, I know who you are—no need for an introduction, LET'S DANCE!" What a heartwarming feeling from the leader of the University. Chancellor Ritchie, from that point on, never failed to say hello and offer a warm word no matter if it was in a board meeting, in the gym or at an event. I'll be forever grateful and in awe of Chancellor's Ritchies profound leadership and tutelage.
- Rosalynn (“Roz”) Feagins, assistant treasurer for 25 years
I think of Chancellor Ritchie’s example often
Dan was a transformational leader who saw the university’s great potential and selflessly gave his time, effort, and financial resources to achieve it. I was a history major and most of my classes were on the first and second floors of May Reed, so I saw Chancellor Ritchie often. Shocking as it was to the undergraduate me, Dan knew my name and always said hello. I later worked in the office of admission at DU. Dan ensured that our offices were the finest on campus, as they were where first impressions from prospective students were shaped. He was a kind and thoughtful supervisor who never missed a chance to greet new students. Today, I am a college president, and I think of Chancellor Ritchie’s example often. During one of my early conversations with my board shortly after being named president, I mentioned Dan Ritchie as the example against which I model my presidency—kind, meaningfully engaged, deeply connected to the welfare of the institution and its students, humble and selfless. As I look at Dan Ritchie’s signatures on my diplomas from DU, I am reminded of the great good fortune I had to know him and follow his leadership. In some small way, I hope that my successes as a college leader are a reflection of the example Dan Ritchie left for people like me. There will always be a place in my heart for Chancellor Ritchie.
- Matt Gianeschi (BA ’95, MA ’98), member of varsity men’s lacrosse team, assistant director of admissions, ’96-’98
That last hug
Dan was like a brother, father and friend to me. He always told me to leave out the father part. He brought me on as a Trustee because of my educational and business background. He also knew my dad from the corporate world. Allan and I started doing monthly dinners with him in 2000. I am blessed to have had dinner with him 10 days ago and spent a little time with him Wednesday night. I will always remember that last hug. I miss him because he was a close friend. I was one of the few that he knew loved him as a regular person. He is at peace and was worn out from these trying times. He is in heaven smiling because he knows how much he was revered and respected.
- Margot Gilbert Frank (BA ’71), trustee
He inspired thousands of students
Usually when you think of a chancellor of a university, it’s some ivory tower academic that you never actually see or interact with. That wasn't the case with Chancellor Ritchie. You'd see him around campus. He actually cared about the status of the University in the city of Denver, its appearance, its reputation, its students, its academics and its sports. You could literally watch DU's reputation grow during the time I was there and since then as well, and it was largely due to his guidance. He's inspired thousands of students—that's an amazing legacy.
- Marc Wasserman (BS ’95)
A vision for excellence
When I started at DU in 1993, Dan was an amazingly powerful force on campus for change. He was regularly seen walking the campus, picking up trash and encouraging every employee to follow his lead. As a hall director, I thought he was equal parts inspirational and scary, as he would not hesitate to fire staff who did not support DU appropriately. Over the years, as I held positions in student affairs, AHSS, and the provost's office, I saw his impact shape the campus into a stronger, more beautiful and vital organization. His emphasis on increasing enrollment (with a direct line to Tom Willoughby's desk) and phenomenal fundraising (no bonds for Ritchie Center, Newman Center, and so many others) —and a vision for excellence that spread through the community. His leadership, passion for the arts, and business acumen shaped DU through its renaissance of the 1990s and into the 2000s. Even after becoming Chancellor Emeritus in 2005, he continued his influence through the board and meeting regularly with University leaders to continue his legacy.
- Linda Kosten (MA ’95, PhD ’06), employee for 31 years and parent
How humble this man was
I recall seeing Chancellor Ritchie a few times over the years. One of these times we were walking towards each other on one of the many brick covered walkways (that I am guessing were his idea). He was by himself, and I was alone as well. I was struck by several things. First, no one was trailing beside or behind him. He was just out in public like a regular person despite the fact that much of the campus was by then the direct result of his leadership as a “builder.” Second, we exchanged "Hello's," but he seemed so at ease just being by himself. His body language did not suggest to anyone else that he should be treated as a hero, or emperor or anything of the sort. In other words, he could have walked right by me or been on his cell phone or simply not acknowledged me at all. But he didn't do any of these things. He simply recognized me as another person, said hello with a smile, and continued on his way just as I did. Finally, in the years since then I have often thought about how humble this man was. Here was someone with his name all across the campus, someone who had contributed tens of millions of dollars. I suppose that with that level of contribution he had a right to have everyone know who he was and be recognized as a celebrity. But that did not seem to be his objective at DU or in life more generally. He represented a role model for what it means to really give back as well as to respect with simple kindness those he came across in his daily life. Chancellor Ritchie and I never knew each other. But seeing him that day has remained in my mind. It was a very simple gesture on his part, but in my mind, it was something I remember to this day.
- Don Smith, professor of the practice, Sturm College of Law
A handful of trash
I was walking across campus one day when I was a faculty member and saw in the distance this small figure which caught my eye because it was intermittently stopping and bending over. Curious, I kept watching. As I approached closer I recognized our Chancellor Dan Ritchie and saw that he had a handful of trash. I grinned and said, "Dan, have they got you picking up trash now?" He smiled his big smile and said, "Well Ruth, the way I see it if you don't love a place enough to pick up its trash, you don't deserve to be its Chancellor." Walking on and smiling to myself about this remarkable man, I began to pick up the trash in my path. That is kind of leader and mentor he was.
- Ruth Parsons (MSW ’71, PhD ’25), professor emerita
He sat in the corner throughout class
I will always remember meeting Chancellor Ritchie during one of my last classes in my MBA program. He sat in the corner throughout the class smiling at us all. I didn’t know what he was doing or why he was there because I didn’t recognize him. After the class was over I walked up to him and introduced myself and I asked if he worked for the university. When he told me he was the Chancellor, I was really embarrassed! He laughed it off, and we ended up having a nice conversation about life-long learning.
- Anton Camarota (MBA ’91), adjunct faculty at University College
Moving the law school to the main campus
I met Chancellor Ritchie as a new law student at the law school campus in Park Hill in 1992. He led a focus group of law students with the goal of moving the law school to the main campus as the Park Hill campus made the law students feel disconnected from the University and unable to access services offered on the main campus (not to mention the area was rife with crime at the time). He fulfilled his promise to us and raised the funds to create the law school as we know it now. I was impressed that the Chancellor would take time himself to personally engage with the law students and listen to our concerns.
- John Roberts (JD ’96)
Forever blessed by what he accomplished
Dan had the greatest impact on DU of any individual in the school's history. He transformed a failing enterprise to the vibrant place it is at the time of his death. We graduates are all proud to be part of the institution he helped recreate. The Athletic Program blossomed under his leadership and the facility is unrecognizable from the place I graduated from in 1968. His memory will be held in highest esteem by all how knew him and forever blessed by what he accomplished.
- Jeffrey H. Jennings (BA ’68), member of the NCAA national championship hockey team
His kindness shaped those of us lucky enough to know him
I had the privilege of getting to know Chancellor Ritchie during my time at DU from 2001 to 2005. As an active member of the Alumni Association and DU Programs Board, and as Founders Day Chair, I often found myself in his presence. No matter how busy he was, he always greeted me with a smile and, to my amazement, always remembered my name. That personal touch meant so much to me, as I’ve never been great at remembering names myself. One of my favorite memories was when I dressed up as Boone and approached him, fully masked. Without knowing who was inside the costume, he played along, embodying the warmth and spirit that made him such a beloved leader. Eventually, I revealed myself, and we laughed about it. Beyond the personal moments, his support for student initiatives left a lasting impact. When I launched the May Days Music Fest and helped bring back the DU Homecoming Parade, he made a point to find me and express his gratitude. There was something about his smile—it wasn’t just kind, but filled with a genuine appreciation for the people around him and the legacy he was building at DU. Fittingly, my last memory of him was at the very top of the Ritchie Center during an event, near the spiral staircase leading up to the carillon. In a way, that moment feels symbolic—he spent his life lifting DU higher, and his presence is forever woven into its foundation and future. Chancellor Ritchie’s leadership shaped the University of Denver in countless ways, and his kindness shaped those of us lucky enough to know him. His dedication to DU’s growth and spirit will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Dan. Your impact will be felt for generations to come.
- Kevin Friduss (BA ’05)
His sincere commitment
Chancellor Ritchie’s passion for DU and his personal humility are memorable, as was his sincere commitment to seeing DU students have every opportunity for success. Whenever you saw him walking across campus, you could say hello but couldn’t shake his hand because he was always picking up trash along the way. He wanted everything to be beautiful, and because of him, many beautiful things have happened at DU and will continue to do so for generations to come.
- Charles Bass, former director of alumni and parent relations, ’98-’03
“Find a place you are excited about”
I experienced the difference that Chancellor Ritchie made firsthand. I started at the University of Denver in 1989 as a freshman and I saw the impact he had from the beginning. From fundraising, to naming the college of business, to elevating the standing of the University, Ritchie started it all and made a tremendous difference. There is no question for me, the university would not have the status and standing without Ritchie’s leadership. I recall him driving his Audi A4 around with the license plate “GO DU” on it and him being at every event possible. He didn’t just talk about things, he was approachable and made a difference. I remember, after graduation we had the reception in the area open area near where the business school stands today. He came by and wished me congratulations. As I was still figuring out my future, I asked him if he had any recommendations. He said something like “find a place that you are excited about and take any role… then you can grow from there. That is what I did.”
- Michael Gersack (BSAC ’94, MACC ’94)
A role model and mentor
I was fortunate to meet Dan Ritchie while the DU Business School was planning on renaming the Daniels College. They were also constructing a new building at the time. Dan made several trips to Miami to visit alumni, and I always looked forward to hosting him with my family. It was during those visits that I learned of his early life, business contributions, work at the University of Denver and philanthropy. He became a role model and mentor to me. We often chatted about my business, Spec’s Music. After Spec’s Music merged with Camelot Music, he provided encouragement and thoughts on my next chapter in life. Because of his leadership at the University of Denver, my family endowed The Spector-Lieff Scholarship at the Daniels College. I’m proud to have known him and to have been part of the full life he lived.
- Ann Spector Lieff (BA ’74)
Moving the law school to the main campus
I met Chancellor Ritchie as a new law student at the law school campus in Park Hill in 1992. He led a focus group of law students with the goal of moving the law school to the main campus as the Park Hill campus made the law students feel disconnected from the University and unable to access services offered on the main campus (not to mention the area was rife with crime at the time). He fulfilled his promise to us and raised the funds to create the law school as we know it now. I was impressed that the Chancellor would take time himself to personally engage with the law students and listen to our concerns.
- John Roberts (JD ’96)
Forever blessed by what he accomplished
Dan had the greatest impact on DU of any individual in the school's history. He transformed a failing enterprise to the vibrant place it is at the time of his death. We graduates are all proud to be part of the institution he helped recreate. The Athletic Program blossomed under his leadership and the facility is unrecognizable from the place I graduated from in 1968. His memory will be held in highest esteem by all how knew him and forever blessed by what he accomplished.
- Jeffrey H. Jennings (BA ’68), member of the NCAA national championship hockey team
His kindness shaped those of us lucky enough to know him
I had the privilege of getting to know Chancellor Ritchie during my time at DU from 2001 to 2005. As an active member of the Alumni Association and DU Programs Board, and as Founders Day Chair, I often found myself in his presence. No matter how busy he was, he always greeted me with a smile and, to my amazement, always remembered my name. That personal touch meant so much to me, as I’ve never been great at remembering names myself. One of my favorite memories was when I dressed up as Boone and approached him, fully masked. Without knowing who was inside the costume, he played along, embodying the warmth and spirit that made him such a beloved leader. Eventually, I revealed myself, and we laughed about it. Beyond the personal moments, his support for student initiatives left a lasting impact. When I launched the May Days Music Fest and helped bring back the DU Homecoming Parade, he made a point to find me and express his gratitude. There was something about his smile—it wasn’t just kind, but filled with a genuine appreciation for the people around him and the legacy he was building at DU. Fittingly, my last memory of him was at the very top of the Ritchie Center during an event, near the spiral staircase leading up to the carillon. In a way, that moment feels symbolic—he spent his life lifting DU higher, and his presence is forever woven into its foundation and future. Chancellor Ritchie’s leadership shaped the University of Denver in countless ways, and his kindness shaped those of us lucky enough to know him. His dedication to DU’s growth and spirit will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Dan. Your impact will be felt for generations to come.
- Kevin Friduss (BA ’05)
His sincere commitment
Chancellor Ritchie’s passion for DU and his personal humility are memorable, as was his sincere commitment to seeing DU students have every opportunity for success. Whenever you saw him walking across campus, you could say hello but couldn’t shake his hand because he was always picking up trash along the way. He wanted everything to be beautiful, and because of him, many beautiful things have happened at DU and will continue to do so for generations to come.
- Charles Bass, former director of alumni and parent relations, ’98-’03
“Find a place you are excited about”
I experienced the difference that Chancellor Ritchie made firsthand. I started at the University of Denver in 1989 as a freshman and I saw the impact he had from the beginning. From fundraising, to naming the college of business, to elevating the standing of the University, Ritchie started it all and made a tremendous difference. There is no question for me, the university would not have the status and standing without Ritchie’s leadership. I recall him driving his Audi A4 around with the license plate “GO DU” on it and him being at every event possible. He didn’t just talk about things, he was approachable and made a difference. I remember, after graduation we had the reception in the area open area near where the business school stands today. He came by and wished me congratulations. As I was still figuring out my future, I asked him if he had any recommendations. He said something like “find a place that you are excited about and take any role… then you can grow from there. That is what I did.”
- Michael Gersack (BSAC ’94, MACC ’94)
A role model and mentor
I was fortunate to meet Dan Ritchie while the DU Business School was planning on renaming the Daniels College. They were also constructing a new building at the time. Dan made several trips to Miami to visit alumni, and I always looked forward to hosting him with my family. It was during those visits that I learned of his early life, business contributions, work at the University of Denver and philanthropy. He became a role model and mentor to me. We often chatted about my business, Spec’s Music. After Spec’s Music merged with Camelot Music, he provided encouragement and thoughts on my next chapter in life. Because of his leadership at the University of Denver, my family endowed The Spector-Lieff Scholarship at the Daniels College. I’m proud to have known him and to have been part of the full life he lived.
- Ann Spector Lieff (BA ’74)
Our chancellor
It is my honor to hold the position of Daniel L. Ritchie Endowed Chair in Gifted Education in the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver. I have held this position, made possible by the generosity of the Considine Family Foundation in recognition of our friend and mentor, Dan Ritchie, since the inception of the position in 2016. I still remember my feeling of awe when I was told about this role with the named chair and humbly recognized the responsibility it brings. Since Chancellor Ritchie’s passing, I feel as if the world has shifted and that it is even more important, if humanly possible, to bring forward his vision to our work, to our university and to those we serve.
I had the privilege of working alongside Chancellor Ritchie during his tenure at the University of Denver. While previous to his arrival, ideas or innovations were met with a resounding “no,” Dan brought energy and commitment and a “together, we can do this” attitude. As the founder of the Ricks Center for Gifted Children in 1984, formerly known as the University Center for Gifted Young Children, I was prompted, encouraged and directed by Chancellor Ritchie to raise funds not only for our building, but for endowed support to assure the sustainability of programs. Many early morning phone calls were received in our home as Chancellor Ritchie would call to check in on progress related to funding and to direct me to request specific tangible support for those who had expressed interest in our programs. He expected me to do more, to act more boldly and to accomplish goals beyond those I had considered. The Ricks Center building was the first building completed following Chancellor Ritchie’s arrival, and the expansion of the building occurred under the design work of Cab Childress and Mark Rodgers. Chancellor Ritchie met numerous times with William Buchtel Collister and his wife Alice, counselor to Alta Merle Ricks, who gave the initial naming gift for the building of the Ricks Center for Gifted Children. With the assistance of Scott Lumpkin, Office of Institutional Advancement, many others were inspired by Chancellor Ritchie’s own investment in the University of Denver and his commitment to the University’s youngest students. Not only was the building fully funded, but an endowment established at the Ricks Center through the bequeathal of Alta Merle Ricks on her passing, at 100 years old, in 2005. Chancellor Ritchie would visit the school regularly and the children knew him by name…. only occasionally calling him “Mr. Ricks”. I was again honored by Dan when he arranged for a bronze bell to be cast and hung in the tower at the entrance of the Ricks Center building. The bell has my name and “Founder” in cast and is tuned to the Carillon at the Ritchie Center. This bell is rung at the beginning of the school year and to honor graduates each spring. I was also honored to receive the Outstanding Service Award at the University of Denver, presented by Chancellor Ritchie in recognition of the Ricks Center’s 20th anniversary in 2004. Even recently, when visiting with Dan, he inquired, “How is our school?”, always interested in the students and in education.
Chancellor Ritchie remained a friend and advisor. Many Ricks students, now successful adults, think of Dan Ritchie as “our chancellor” as he would inquire regarding the successes of the graduates and the direction which they were in turn influencing their own environments. He was delighted in the work of our Morgridge College of Education doctoral students in gifted education, leading initiatives in gifted education locally, regionally and across the nation. He would generously provide direction and recommendations regarding education and sustainability of programs.
He would challenge my thinking and approaches and encourage me to consider aspects beyond the typical. He attended our national conferences and inspired all of us to be better and to have greater impact. He expected excellence.
I was fortunate to have the influence of Daniel L. Ritchie on my work and my life. I am grateful. I truly hope we all now serve in the way he envisioned.
- Norma Hafenstein (PhD ’86), Daniel L. Ritchie Endowed Chair in Gifted Education at the Morgridge College of Education
"I'll never forget the adulation that was shown for Dan at the 2005 National Hockey Championship in Ohio (the 2nd of our ‘Back-to-Back'—thunder sticks and all) 'DAN RITCHIE, DAN RITCHIE...' Well deserved!"
- Duncan Tenney (BA ’74, MBA ’84), lacrosse player and coach
"Arguably one of the finest human beings to have lived - we are all so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be graced by his presence. We love you, Dan!"
- Navin Dimond (MBA ’86), trustee
"Dan was an inspired leader who could see all sides to a problem. He took care to remember your name even if he had only met you once. It was a privilege to know him and work with him. He will be missed."
- Jane Loefgren, senior associate university architect
"Chancellor Ritchie's contributions to the University of Denver are immeasurable! RIP Chancellor Ritchie."
- Marshall Johnston (BA ’63)
"Chancellor Ritchie gave me a job when he brought back skiing in 1992. It was an honor to win Championships for him."
- Kurt Smitz, former ski coach ’92-’06
"Chancellor Ritchie joined the alumni and supporters of the Pioneers at the many games here in Minneapolis-St Paul. He once shared a story of a new student and hockey player who had impressed the math department with his aptitude. Chancellor Ritchie asked the professor what more he could do for them, and they said, 'send me more hockey players.' I saw him last year when the Pioneers won the championship. He was his most cheerful self, sharing how his daily swimming and vitamin regimen kept him going. Besides his notable generosity, his spirit and enthusiasm for the University has set a high bar."
- Susan Hodges DeNuccio (MPA ’73), director of housing, ’71-’73
"Mr. Ritchie was a very friendly leader. My fondest memory of him is having dinner with him in the Bell Tower. He showed his love of DU to all the new students."
- Anita Pollock (BA ’04)
"Through six decades attending classes and observing DU's journey, it was Daniel Richie who became the glue and academic philanthropic leader that brought DU to its current level of excellence. Moments of personal conversation with Chancellor Richie will always be embedded in my University experience."
- Dan Whittemore (BSBA ’62, JD ’72)
"Dan Ritchie was most generous not only with his philanthropy but with his belief in people. My wife and I met with Dan every three months minimum over lunch or dinner. Primarily because he shared so much of his wisdom unconditionally. It is an honor to have had his friendship. We are grateful to him for all that he did to help in making Colorado such a great place."
- Marlo M. Carrera, friend
"Chancellor Ritchie helped and supported a real estate development that I completed adjacent to DU's campus. His support and encouragement enabling us to market the building to University employees, alumni and supporters helped make it a success. I'll be forever grateful to him for providing that assistance and vision. Dan purchased a home in the same development for his own use. He was a very detail oriented person and wanted (rightfully so) the finishes in his home to be just right and exactly to his liking. Joy Burns also was an owner in the building and working with both of them simultaneously kept me on my toes! On a personal level, Dan and I were alums of the same business school, graduating roughly 50 years apart. He provided sound advice and counsel to the occasional career and life questions I asked him. His locker was next to mine in the Coors Fitness Center for many years. I will genuinely miss seeing him and chatting. He always had a smile on his face and a friendly greeting."
- Daniel McCoy, friend
"Dan was a neighbor so we saw him on the elevator and as he did his exercise walks through the corridors of our building. Above all, for us, he embodied Jesus' admonition to show the light of God's love in the way you live your life."
- Mary & Victor von Schlegell, friends
"Every day I work at the campus. His fingerprints are all over campus."
- Juan Manuel Sanchez, employee
"Chancellor Ritchie was fully devoted to DU and Denver. It showed every day. Seeing Chancellor Ritchie on campus was not an uncommon sight. Impeccably dressed, but still able to take a moment to pick up the smallest piece of litter. Dedicated in every sense of the word and what wonderful places DU and Denver have become because of Chancellor Ritchie’s contributions."
- Adam Dunshee (MA ’09)
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