Recognizing Daniel L. Ritchie

Floor Speech

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Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Daniel L. Ritchie. Former Chancellor of the University of Denver, Ritchie was beloved in our community for his commitment to the University, to philanthropy, and to his role as a civic leader in Denver.

Ritchie wore numerous hats in his professional career, but he was always guided by values he called his ``cowboy ethics.'' These values included:

Live each day with courage.

Take pride in your work.

Always finish what you start.

Do what has to be done.

Be tough, but fair.

When you make a promise, keep it.

Ride for the brand.

Talk less and say more.

Remember that some things aren't for sale.

Ritchie lived by these principles, but he was also a person who was quick to demonstrate empathy, to lift up others, and to listen to those people and those causes in need of attention. He served the University community as Chancellor from 1989 to 2005, and helped raise over $400 million in investments to university infrastructure and facilities, including tens of millions of dollars of his own money. The University's athletics complex, the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports & Wellness, bears his name and thousands of Coloradans walk through its doors each year to watch Division I teams compete in college athletics.

A passionate supporter of athletics, Ritchie also knew that well- rounded students benefited from diverse perspectives. He created the Cherrington Global Scholars program at the University, a program designed to facilitate participation in study abroad programs and grow a student body prepared for ``global citizenship.''

Daniel L. Ritchie was a steady force of nature and a leader who earned the respect of those he represented. His contributions to our state, whether through positions at the University of Denver, Denver Center for Performing Arts, Daniels Fund, Denver Art Museum Foundation, Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation, or one of his many other commitments to our community, are a legacy we're grateful he leaves behind.

I honor these achievements, send my gratitude to his loved ones, and thank the ``Cowboy Chancellor'' for his service to our state.

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