Alta Merle Ricks (1905-2005) was a benefactress for the Ricks School of Gifted Children.Her generosity supported the Ricks Center building project and an endowment fund. She was a regular visitor to the school and attended many events. This collection contains items collected and created by Ricks, unconnected to the school, including family photographs, personal paintings, and various trophies and awards.

This collection contains the personal papers of Dr. Norma Lu Hafenstein. Her professional papers can be found in U338, Ricks Center for Gifted Children Records.

Ricks Center at the University of Denver was founded in 1984 and was then known as the University Center for Gifted Young Children. The program has grown into a school serving approximately 250 children from three years of age through the eighth grade. The collection consists of historical records, photographs, and other memorabilia related to the founding and operation of the school.