Daniel L. Ritchie, 1989 July-2005 June

Daniel Ritchie served as the University of Denver’s 16th chancellor from 1989 to 2005. However, Ritchie’s involvement at the university preceded and succeeded his chancellorship through his role on the DU Board of Trustees. Ritchie served as a trustee, vice chairman, and chair of the development committee before his chancellorship. He also served as board chair and trustee emeritus after his chancellorship. The DU of today was Ritchie’s vision. He helped fund and create the physical spaces of work, academics, and play on campus. Under his leadership, DU built many new buildings, beginning with Olin Hall in 1997 and expanding to include iconic buildings such as the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Nagel and Spruce Halls, and, of course, the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports & Wellness. Under Ritchie’s leadership, DU entered NCAA Division I athletics where DU continues to dominate as a non-football institution. During Ritchie’s tenure as chancellor, DU also advanced academically under the stewardship and guidance of competent and dedicated leaders. As a former businessman, Ritchie led with a business mind and instilled a deep, institution-wide commitment to ethics and a high moral standard that persists today.