DU Athletics Director Ron Grahame, who first stepped onto the University of Denver campus as a student-athlete 50 years ago, retired on Sept. 1.
Born in Victoria, British Columbia, Grahame played hockey for DU from 1969–73 before going on to a professional career with the Houston Aeros, Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings and Quebec Nordiques. He returned to DU as associate hockey coach in 1982 and in 1993 became assistant athletic director for operations and compliance. Grahame was promoted to director of athletics in 2017.
“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,” says Karlton Creech, vice chancellor for athletics, recreation and Ritchie Center operations. “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 every day, makes his career truly amazing and one that sport administrators here and around the country should strive to replicate.”
Grahame and his wife, Charlotte, have two sons and five grandchildren. Son John Grahame is a former NHL goaltender who won the Stanley Cup in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Lightning, while John’s brother, Jason Grahame, played collegiate hockey at DU, making him and Ron the first father-son duo 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.
“It has been my honor to represent the University for more than 40 years as a student-athlete, coach and administrator,” Grahame says. “During that time, there have been many changes that have afforded me the opportunity to grow as a person, and 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.”