Denver Athletics Mourns the Loss of Impactful Supporter and Philanthropist Jane Hamilton
10/13/2026 12:02:00 PM | Athletics
Hamilton served nearly 40 years on the University of Denver’s Board of Trustees
DENVER – The University of Denver Athletic Department is mourning the loss of long-time supporter and Honorary Life Trustee Jane Hamilton, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 94.
Hamilton, and her late husband Frederic Hamilton, made transformational gifts to DU Athletics that fueled the construction of the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports and Wellness, as well as supported the home of the University of Denver men's and women's tennis programs.
"On behalf of Denver Athletics, we are saddened to learn of the passing of Jane Hamilton, and we will continue to keep the family in our thoughts," Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Ritchie Center Operations Josh Berlo said. "The Hamiltons laid the groundwork for a facility that has served the Pioneers well over that last quarter century and one that we are continuing to elevate during our transition to the West Coast Conference. The Hamiltons' philanthropic impact towards our athletic department will continue to impact those who walk through the front porch to the University for years to come. I was able to spend some time with Jane shortly after my arrival in Denver and her passion for the University of Denver was clear and infectious. She will be missed and remembered."
Hamilton Gymnasium continues to positively impact both the student-athlete and fan experiences. Last summer's upgrades to Hamilton Gymnasium included new individualized seating, new lighting and a new bigger and brighter video board on the east end of the facility.
The Hamilton family also played a major financial role in DU's fundraising efforts for the Denver Tennis Park (DTP), making a 1-million gift to begin the construction of the $14 million public indoor/outdoor tennis facility.
They first got involved with the University of Denver in the 1970s, when two of their children began their collegiate academic careers on the DU campus. Jane Hamilton served on the DU Board of Trustees from 1976 to 2015 (39 years), and her and her husband donated more than $9 million to the University during that time.
Hamilton received an honorary doctor of higher education in 2016. She holds the distinction of Honorary Life Trustee and was a parent and grandparent of DU alumni.
The Hamilton family began the Fred and Jane Hamilton Endowed Scholarship Fund to benefit the entire University community, which annually funds scholarships on the DU campus. The family has also philanthropically supported a myriad of other units at the University.
In lieu of flowers, the family has setup this DU giving link in Hamilton's memory.
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