DENVER – In a storybook ending to several chapters of his life that saw him first step on the University of Denver campus as a student-athlete 50 years ago this month, Pioneers' Athletic Director
Ron Grahame has announced his retirement for September 1, 2019.
"
Ron Grahame had a tremendous impact on the University of Denver long before I arrived on campus, but I will always be thankful for his leadership and guidance during my first 18 months as a Pioneer," Vice Chancellor for Athletics, Recreation and Ritchie Center Operations
Karlton Creech said. "His ability to lead the athletic programs to the success this university has managed over the last few decades, while standing by the integrity Ron practices and preaches everyday makes his career truly amazing and one that sport administrators here and around the country should strive to replicate. We will miss Ron greatly, and we look forward to celebrating his 50 years in Crimson and Gold next week. We wish Ron, Charlotte and their family the best in this next chapter of their lives. They will always be Pioneers."
Creech will announce a reorganization of the Division of Athletics and Recreation next week.
The Division of Athletics and Recreation will host a retirement party for Grahame on Tuesday, August 27
th from 3:30-5 p.m. MT in the Gottesfeld Room on the fourth floor of the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports and Wellness.
Grahame and his wife Charlotte have been long-time Denver residents, have two sons and are proud grandparents of five. John Grahame was a former NHL goaltender, winning the Stanley Cup in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Lightning, while Jason Grahame played his collegiate hockey at the University of Denver (2003), making him and Ron the first father/son combo in hockey to don the Crimson and Gold. When John signed with the Bruins, they became just the second father/son goalie tandem to play for the same NHL team.
Ron Grahame's Statement
It has been my honor to represent the University for more than 40 years as a student-athlete, coach and administrator. During that time there have been many changes that have afforded me the opportunity to grow as a person for which I'm extremely thankful. Watching this great institution and athletic department grow from what it was in 1969 to what it is today has been truly remarkable.
There are so many people I would like to thank – too many to mention in this short space. I would like to specifically acknowledge Murray Armstrong, my coach and the man who first brought me to Denver as a student-athlete which began my long association with the University. Jack McDonald, who wanted a former Pioneer on his staff in Athletics and took a chance on an old goalie.
Peg Bradley-Doppes for all of her unwavering support despite knowing nothing of me or the staff she inherited. Chancellor's Dwight Smith, Dan Ritchie, Robert Coombe and
Rebecca Chopp who we all owe our thanks for their leadership and guidance. Board of Trustee members Joy Burns, John Miller, KC Gallagher, Cappy Shopneck and Jane Hamilton for their unwavering support for Athletics. I also can't thank my family enough - my wife, Charlotte, and my two sons, John and Jason, for always being there throughout the adventure and growing our family with the wonderful additions of daughter-in-laws Sandra and Niki as well as five grandkids, Jack, Violet, Colton, Knox and Luke.
It has truly been a privilege to serve the University of Denver and work with so many wonderful staff, coaches and students. I feel fortunate to have been a Pioneer for most of my life and Denver will always be home for the Grahames.
Grahame's Timeline (1969-Present)
1969-73 - University of Denver – Student-Athlete (HKY & MLAX)
- 1973 WCHA Championship Team
- 1973 First Team All-American
- 1973 NCAA Runners-Up
- 1973 WCHA Player of the Year
- 1973 University of Denver Student-Athlete of the Year
1973-1981 Professional Hockey Career
- Houston Aeros, WHA, 1973-1977, WHA Champions 1974; 1975
- Boston Bruins, NHL, 1977-1978, NHL Stanley Cup Finalist 1978
- Los Angeles Kings, NHL 1978-1980
- Quebec Nordiques/Binghamton Whalers 1980-1981
1982-90 – University of Denver – Associate Hockey Coach
- WCHA Champions, NCAA Finalist, 1985-1986
1990-91 - St. Cloud State Assistant Hockey Coach
1993-99 – University of Denver - Assistant AD for Operations and Compliance
1997 – The Hockey News 50
th Anniversary All-WHA Team
1997 – Inducted into the University of Denver Hall of Fame
- Second class in the department's history
1999-2005 – University of Denver – Promoted to Associate Athletic Director for Intercollegiate Sport Programs
2000-04 – Served on the NCAA DI Men's Ice Hockey Committee
- Chaired the committee in 2004.
2002 – 50
th Anniversary All-WCHA Team
2005-13 – University of Denver - Promoted to Senior Associate Athletic Director
2013-16 – University of Denver – Promoted to Associate Vice Chancellor for Sports Supervision and Internal Operation
2013 – DU Distinguished Service Award during Founders Day Gala
- Given to those who have demonstrated outstanding and lengthy dedication and service to the University by serving as a faculty or staff member, trustee, volunteer or friend.
2015 – Inaugural Recipient of the Unsung Hero Award
- Presented to the staff member that most influences the organization behind the scenes with a positive attitude, commits true willingness to help whenever needed, sets a leadership example based on a strong work ethic and demonstrates a continuous commitment to excellence.
2016-17 – University of Denver – Promoted to Deputy Athletic Director
2017 – National Collegiate Hockey Conference Distinguished Service Award
- Second individual to receive the award given for service and contributions to the conference.
2017-19 – University of Denver – Promoted to Director of Athletics
Impact and Short Stories that Ron Grahame Had on the Lives and Careers of Others:
Lindsay Kuhle, Women's Golf Head Coach
Ron helped hire me back in 2005 as a 22 year old. He has been nothing but supportive of me and our program my entire time here at DU.
I have wonderful memories of him traveling with us to conference, regionals and nationals and to Baltimore in 2009 when our team finished the highest we've ever finished in program history, 5th place! He was the happiest and proudest I have ever seen him of our student athletes. We couldn't have done it without his loud cheering and clapping and wonderful support.
We will miss Ron so much and personally, I will miss his support and approval. Ron was my "go to" at DU with thoughts, questions and new ideas I had for our program and athletic department. He was always so professional and had the right words to say in time of need. Whatever he was talking about always made sense to me and was so simply explained.
I'll never forget when I was hired back in 2005, my first week as an employee here, walking to my office through Magness Arena hearing "good morning Lindsay" from 20 yards away. He knew my name and who I was and greeted me with energy, enthusiasm and a passion for this athletic department every day I saw him from this very first day. This is something I will always hope to share with others when they walk into Magness Arena. These memories are how I'll always remember Ron.
Jamie Franks, Head Men's Soccer Coach
The first thing that comes to mind about
Ron Grahame is his integrity, consistency, and his love for people. I feel indebted to Ron because he was always there for me when I needed him. He was there during the best moments of my young career, and he's been there during the down moments. He's always been a mentor and supported me, teaching lessons from his wealth of experience as a coach, a parent, a grandparent and administrator. I think the one thing that I respect the most about Ron is that his strong moral compass never seems to be misguided. As a young coach, that gave me a lot of confidence. Ron put his neck out on the line to hire a 28-year-old soccer coach and I can never thank him enough for providing that opportunity and believing in me. He will forever be a Pioneer.
The House That Ron Built, by Liza Kelly, Women's Lacrosse Head Coach
Once upon a time there was a little boy who played hockey. He grew up on the great north woods that we now call Canada. As he grew big and strong he was asked to play hockey all over the world. One day his travels took him to the University of Denver. When Ron arrived at DU, he was a young man full of spunk and energy and he looked at Denver and thought to himself, "I could build a house here." And so he did.
First Ron built the basement. He built a foundation that was so strong it could stand many storms and floods. This floor was based upon all the lessons he learned as a student athlete. He showed up on time to get his work completed. He put maximum effort in every nail he hammered. He helped others along the way but never lost sight of his mission.
Next he built the first floor. On this floor he thought about all the players he coached. He built this floor to be welcoming and approachable, but honest and demanding. He built a study so that he could continue to learn and a big kitchen to celebrate with family and friends.
The first two floors were so magnificent that Ron could have stopped there. But he thought to himself, "My house is not complete yet."
As Ron built the last floor of his house, he was reminded of all the student-athletes and coaches that he helped as an administrator and he built a bed. He understood the importance of taking care of his own mind, body and soul. This floor was Ron's space. Here he stores his keepsakes, his memories and his dreams.
Ron built a house not for himself but for the rest of us. We have learned to cherish where we work and who we surround ourselves with. We understand loyalty, dignity, pride and passion.
We live in the house that Ron built.
Bill Tierney, Head Men's Lacrosse Coach
When I was hired at DU, the first person
Peg Bradley-Doppes told me about was
Ron Grahame. He was a great hockey goalie at DU and in the NHL, he loved DU and was the guy I should go to for any help I might need. The more I learned about Ron that first year, the more I understood why everyone looked up to and respected him so. The stunning thing about this DU icon is his humility. The first time Ron traveled with our team to an NCAA Tournament game, he came along to our pregame practice. I figured he would just sit and watch, but quickly and much to my surprise Ron had picked up a stick and was chasing errant shots and returning them to our players. (He looked great doing so)! I soon found out that Ron had played box lacrosse in Canada and actually played a bit on our DU team during his college years.
Ron has been a great mentor and friend and will be missed by all of us very much.
Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart, Head Gymnastics Coach
Ron was instrumental in DU Gymnastics' continued success every year and in our historic 2019 season. He's had an impact on everyone: our programs, our student-athletes and on me as an individual. I appreciate his character, work ethic, commitment and passion for Denver Athletics. He trusts everyone to do the jobs they were hired to do. He's been an inspiration and mentor to me personally and professionally. Ron – along with a team of special people – took a chance hiring a young assistant coach in 1998 and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime here at the University of Denver. I'm so thankful that my journey included him. I will miss him terribly. His legacy will last forever.
Tom Hogan, Head Volleyball Coach
In the Fall of 2015, I was the associate head coach for the DU women's volleyball team and we were in the conference tournament finals competing against Omaha. After the second set, we took the team into the locker room down 0-2. Omaha had reached the finals by defeating South Dakota the night before in five sets, and we knew that if we could come out and take the next set, we had a good chance of winning the whole match...Omaha would eventually run out of gas (altitude was on our side).
We came out in the third set, battled off a couple match points, and ended up winning the championship in five sets. Shortly after the celebration had subsided, our staff saw Ron running onto the court to give us all huge hugs. Ron, filled with jubilation exclaimed, "I was in a Stanley Cup Finals, and that match was more amazing and exciting than that!"
Ron's support, passion and excitement for our program, and all of the teams at DU, has been a major reason for all of our success.
Christian Bass, Women's Tennis Head Coach
Ron has been an incredible role model and mentor to me over the past six years. I started out as a young head coach and I am indebted to him for allowing me to direct our program. I have always been able to go to Ron for advice and his door has always been open. The advice and guidance that Ron has given me over the years has been instrumental to the success of our program.
Jeff Hooker, Women's Soccer Head Coach
Ron has such great "discipline thought" and "discipline action", and I'm not sure that I have seen anyone do what he did with great humility and no bravado. He's the definition of humbleness, not taking credit for any success, when much of it could be attributed to him.
My favorite
Ron Grahame story is from the Summit League Tournament two years ago. We arrived at a less than favorable hotel with carpet squishing as you walked through it. There was one place to go within walking distance, so I invited RG, and he was an adventure. Great chicken wings, super tator tots…etc. After we won in the semis, we all walked to this marvelous dive again, and again, Ron was in for the adventure, as we all continued to enjoy each other's company.
After we won in the Summit Final, we got back to the hotel, the staff was exhausted, and RG says, "hey, we're going to Sickies, right?" We of course followed Ron's lead, and he was generous enough to buy that night. I'm thankful for how much Ron has cared about all of our teams and staff over the years.
P.S. Women's Soccer loves Charlotte!
Angel Field, Associate Athletic Director for External Operations and Service
RG's quiet manner may surprise you but lessons shared professionally and personally speaks loudly and will live within us always. He has taught us to lead with passion and heart for the betterment of all.
Todd Rinehart, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment
Ron Grahame is one of the finest individuals the University of Denver has ever had – few love this campus and our great community more than Ron. He is one of the kindest, most humble people one could ever meet, and he is admired and respected by all on campus. Ron is simply one of the best ambassadors DU has ever had, making significant contributions in three distinct roles – student-athlete, coach and administrator. Ron has touched the lives of many athletes and coaches as a stellar mentor and supervisor. He has overseen many successful coaches and their respective programs – teams that have found great success and have represented DU with class, academic excellence and integrity. Ron's leadership and integrity have no doubt shaped the values of coaches and teams at DU, and he can take great pride in their successes.
Julie Campbell, Associate Athletic Director for Pioneer Health and Performance
Many years ago, Ron traveled with the women's gymnastics team to Park City, Utah, for a competition. The night prior to the gymnastics meet, we had dinner hosted by the Johanson family in snowy Utah. As we were departing for the hotel following dinner, I heard 'look out', followed by excited screams and laughter.
Ron Grahame started the most epic snowball fight. The gymnasts were running, diving into snow banks, and returning fire on Ron. It seemed so out of character for the Athletic Director, but anyone who knows Ron, knows that it is exactly his character. Ron's fierce competitiveness, love of all sports, and genuine compassion for the student athletes is an absolute joy. I feel so fortunate to have shared my DU career with Ron's mentorship, kindness and empathic character. Ron will truly be missed by the staff and student athletes alike.
Nicky Bruckhart, Business Office Manager
There are so many great moments over the years!
I think I really got to know a little more about Ron when we were at the 2000 NCAA Skiing Championship in Heber City, Utah. I drove one of the ski vans out for the ski team and helped out with logistics on that trip. Hauling gates and checking out per diem or whatever was needed. I borrowed my brother's camera which was one of the first digital cameras on the market. It was this huge clunky thing and it had a delay of about 5-7 seconds per shot. This was problematic for any sort of action shot on the race hill. Ron was at the races and knew I was struggling to get any kind of shot of the skiers with this camera. I took a lot of pictures of snow that trip! Ron being ever helpful asked if it would help if I had advanced warning of a skier. I said yes so he hiked up the hill and around the bend and would yell out at me to let me know a skier was incoming so I had time to press the button and hope to get a photo of that skier going 70 mph in my photo frame. Think of it like yelling Fore! And waiting to see where the ball lands. Teamwork at its finest!
This started a camaraderie that continued on through many other ski invites and championships since then. Ron, Nancy Sampson and I would go out with our cow bells and cheer the team on and I would attempt to take photos now with my own slightly more modern digital camera. I am not sure which race it was, I remember that Ron, Nancy and I had hiked out into the woods to watch the Nordic skiers race and we were just kind of waiting for them to pass along the trail. And we waited and waited. As we waited Ron got this mischievous look in his eyes and just flopped down and started making a snow angel. We all laughed since we were all tired of standing and waiting for the skiers that hadn't materialized yet. It was one of those moments where you got to see another side of Ron. His normal quiet stoic nature at work was replaced by the fun loving slightly mischievous athlete I guessed him to be in his playing career. One of the quotes I do remember was from a talk he gave to the ski team in Middlebury when we were set up nicely to potentially and ultimately win the NCAA Championship in 2001. Ron had told the team if we did win it to remember to be gracious to the other teams. After that he said, I don't mean don't go out there tomorrow and be nice. Go out there and kick their butts! But be gracious as winners.
Dr. M. Dianne Murphy, Former Director of Athletics
Ron Grahame is Mr. DU! A stand out hockey player, a caring athletics administrator, a wonderful life partner to his wife and a fabulous father to two great guys. Most of all, Ron is a person who truly loves the University of Denver and has served her well. I wish him a great retirement. It is much deserved.
Nancy Sampson, Former Faculty Athletic Representative
Ron Grahame's teammates were in my class the first year I taught at DU, but I did not know him then. When I began serving as the University's Faculty Rep to the NCAA, I decided to look in on study hall for athletes to get a sense of academic integrity. What did I find when I walked into a tiered classroom in what is now Sturm Hall one evening? Ron at the podium desk in front of student athletes with books open and papers out, and Ron's own sons studying in the front row. I never doubted Athletics' commitment to academic integrity again.
Just how does one write a story about someone totally accomplished who has no ego and wants little or no recognition? Athletics and the University are blessed that
Ron Grahame was overlooked as a head hockey coach, to his overwhelming disappointment. Had he been chosen for that job, he would be long gone and only one sport would have prospered from his expertise. As it is, all 17 sports teams, the entire Ritchie Center, the University and many related athletics organizations have had the benefit of his wisdom, expertise and ability to look beyond the immediate while keeping student welfare at the forefront.
A family man first with many accomplishments that he does not tout,
Ron Grahame has attended more Pioneer athletic events than any other 2 or 3 people over the last 25 years. The hockey community has but an understanding of his hockey contributions. The rest knows he cares deeply about the whole student experience at the University. Most teams also know he can compete competently in their sport, sing along to country and western songs and drive a team van.
In meetings around the country that I attended with him, when there was a significant question, it was rare that there was not a pause to ask "what does Ron think." What Ron thought was usually enacted.
Jim Bain, Former Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Coach
I have great memories and longevity with
Ron Grahame. From his days as goalie for the hockey teams at DU (I became DU's Swimming and Diving Coach in 1971) to the present. Ron is proof positive that an individual can work their way to the top - and become Athletic Director.
Ron oversaw many athletes and coaches through the years. He always made our swim team feel as important as any other sport at DU. One year we went to Florida for a Christmas training trip and Ron came along to observe. Our teams swept out the ice arena after hockey games to fund raise those trips. Being an ocean guy from California I included ocean swims as part of our training schedule. We did a night swim (I was the buoy) and Ron jumped in and completed the swim. It was said that most of the team was in bed by the time Ron finished! (kidding as he completed the swim in an impressive fashion). Oh yea, we beat University of Miami on that trip and it was one of our bigger NCAA Div. I victories.
Ron Grahame was a natural leader and myself and staff appreciated his overseeing our program through many years. Best of luck to Ron and Charlotte in their retirement.
Jim Montgomery, Former Head Hockey Coach
Ron Grahame was a great role model for me as a coach at DU. As my boss he taught me how to be humble, a great team player on campus, how to lead student-athletes and to trust my instincts. He impacted my life in such a positive fashion that I never wanted to disappoint him with how our team, staff and I represented DU at all times. He made us want to be great by doing things the right way.
Bobby Muuss, Former Head Men's Soccer Coach
The word I think of when I hear the name
Ron Grahame is integrity. Ron and Peg gave a young soccer coach an opportunity to lead the Pioneer Soccer Program in 2008. I am sure there were plenty of days that Ron regretted that decision. Ron guided me, mentored me and supported me to be the man and the head coach I am today. I certainly learned from my mistakes but more importantly from support from Ron. I never felt judged but felt supported. Ron knew every player's name and created relationships with all the players that had come through our program. I loved having Ron on the road and spending time with him in conversation. I miss being around him daily and I will certainly miss him on my visits back to Denver. I just want to thank Ron for the opportunity he gave that resulted in the man, the coach, the husband and the father I try to be each and every day. I wish Ron and Charlotte nothing but the very best in the next chapter on their lives. Know Mel and I are indebted to you always.
George Gwozdecky, Former Head Hockey Coach
"Ron was one of the all-time great players at DU, perhaps only behind the legendary Keith Magnuson. As a DU athletics administrator, Ron was defined by his unwavering loyalty to the University of Denver, which no one could ever question. Ron had a tremendous impact on the University as a whole, and I wish Ron and his family all the best."
Fans interested in making a donation to the Division of Athletics and Recreation can do so by clicking here. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.
– PIONEER TOGETHER –
Visit
DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 17 of DU's NCAA Division I sports.
Like
Denver Pioneers on Facebook
Follow
@DU_Pioneers on Twitter
Follow
@DenverPioneers on Instagram
