Ron Grahame (BA ’73) knows the University of Denver from just about every perspective possible. Since the 1960s, Grahame has been a student-athlete, hockey coach, parent and administrator. He once skated on a campus ice rink that no longer exists, and more recently, he has shoveled snow off of the lacrosse fields.
Today, Grahame serves as assistant vice chancellor and senior associate athletics director, overseeing 17 varsity programs. He is the recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Service to the University Award.
Grahame’s commitment to DU runs broad and deep. He has participated in the Ammi Hyde Interview program and represents the University on a national level with his conference committee work, including service on the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Committee. He also has been tournament director for the Sun Belt Conference volleyball and swimming championships.
But Grahame says his real passion is in providing the best opportunities for student-athletes and their coaches.
“I hope that our student-athletes get an opportunity to understand more about who they are,” Grahame says. “They are put in situations that challenge them athletically, academically and socially. I’m hoping that once they get to the end of their DU career, they’ve experienced situations and people and opportunities that help them to come out a better person.”
Peg Bradley-Doppes, vice chancellor of athletics, recreation and Ritchie Center operations, says Grahame is a great resource for coaches and players alike.
“In a time when many have adopted a win-at-all-costs attitude, Ron’s concern always is for the students’ welfare and the integrity of our university,” she says.
Grahame, who hails from Victoria, British Columbia, says that in his current position as assistant vice chancellor, he continues to realize the goals he set for himself as an undergraduate.
“My major was physical education, and my minor was education,” he says. “I always dreamt of playing hockey professionally, but I didn’t know how realistic that would be. I really felt that with a degree in physical education, I would have an opportunity to be part of the educational system and teach physical education and sports.”
Even after so many years at his alma mater, Grahame reports that he never loses his passion for his work.
“The kids keep you young,” he says. “We have new kids coming in every year. It’s sad to see the seniors leaving, but the expectation is that they are leaving as better people. The new kids come in, and we get to see them grow, having an impact on their team, the institution and their sport. That would keep anybody young.”
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