Ed Estlow — a 1942 graduate of the University of Denver who was recognized by the institution as an honorary life trustee in 2014 — has died at age 95.
A standout athlete and scholar during his time at DU, Estlow went on to a long and successful career in the newspaper industry, working as an executive at the Rocky Mountain News and serving the E. W. Scripps Co. as its CEO. Estlow retired from the media giant in 1985 and returned to his home state of Colorado, where he chaired DU’s Board of Trustees for five years, ending his term in 1990.
In addition to service on the board, Estlow and his wife, Charlotte, whom Estlow met when they were both DU students and who died in 2013, founded the Edward W. and Charlotte A. Estlow International Center for Journalism and New Media at DU.
“He was a steady hand when DU needed a steady hand,” Chancellor Emeritus Dan Ritchie said about Estlow’s leadership of the board in a University of Denver magazine article. “I think his blood is crimson and gold.”
In a message to the University community, Chancellor Rebecca Chopp paid tribute to Estlow’s professional accomplishments and service to the institution.
“The entire University community is deeply saddened by his passing, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the entire Estlow family,” she wrote.
Estlow is survived by four daughters — Susan, Nancy, Sally and Mary — and their families.
Read more about Estlow’s remarkable life and enduring contributions to his alma mater in this 2012 University of Denver Magazine story.