Honoring a Dean

Colorado School of Public Health honors founding dean Hamman

Dr. Richard Hamman, dean 2007-2010

Founding Dean, Richard F. Hamman, photo courtesy of the Colorado Health Foundation, photographer Phil Mumford

On July 1, 2008 Richard F. Hamman, MD, DrPH gathered with community leaders, faculty and staff to celebrate the official opening of the Colorado School of Public Health. As founding dean, he led the efforts to develop, open, operate and accredit the school – the first of its kind to be founded in the Rocky Mountain West.

After more than two years as dean, many of the same community leaders and faculty gathered to recognize Dr. Hamman’s contributions as founding dean – a celebration that followed his decision to return to a full time role as a professor of epidemiology.  On January 25, 2011, the Colorado School of Public Health proudly hosted community representatives, donors, faculty, alumni and students for an evening reception in honor of Dr. Richard Hamman’s legacy as founding dean.

Among the celebratory presentations was the announcement that Dr. Hamman will receive the designation of University of Colorado Founding Dean Emeritus.  The designation was supported by the school’s leadership, faculty council, and endorsed by the university’s provost.

“Although we lose him as an acting leader we will always remember his legacy as founding dean,” commented University of Colorado Denver Provost Roderick Nairn, PhD, speaking of Dr. Hamman.

Also announced was the establishment of a new scholarship, endowed in Dr. Hamman’s honor.  Created by the generosity of Dr. Hamman’s long time friend and colleague, Dr. Richard Hoffman and the Caring for Colorado Foundation, the Hamman-Hoffman Scholarship in Epidemiology will support future students enrolled in Dr. Hamman’s home department of epidemiology.

“The scholarship will be established to support the learning and research of students enrolled in our epidemiology programs. It is exciting to offer students this valuable assistance since I know that it complements the quality of instruction that you provide to them in the classroom,” said Interim Dean Judith Albino.

Throughout the evening, Dr. Hamman’s colleagues expressed kind words of appreciation and recognition; many of the comments were recorded as a formal video presentation or displayed as quotations throughout the evening.

Individuals interested in learning more about the Hamman-Hoffman Scholarship in Epidemiology may contact Melanie Ulle at Melanie.Ulle@cufund.org.

The leadership of the Colorado School of Public Health express their appreciation for the legacy and contributions of Founding Dean Richard F. Hamman, MD, DrPH.

Featured comments:

• Interim Dean, Judith Albino, PhD
• Associate Dean for Public Health Practice, Tim Byers, MD, MPH
• Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Jack Barnette, PhD
• Former Director of Finance, Brian Davis, MBA, MSHA
• Dean of the School of Medicine, Richard Krugman, MD