In Memoriam: Sharon Lassar

January 28, 2026
Dear colleagues,

Our community is mourning the loss of Sharon Lassar, PhD, the John J. Gilbert Endowed Professor and longtime director of the Daniels College of Business School of Accountancy (SoA), who passed away on Thursday evening.

From the moment her tenure began in 2010, Sharon worked to elevate the SoA's prominence, strengthened support for students, uplifted its faculty, and engaged its alumni. Within her first week as a DU employee, she worked with the Colorado State Board of Accountancy to adjust education requirements—immediately making our programs more competitive while maintaining academic rigor and reducing barriers.  

She championed a modern curriculum and a faculty model that balanced research productivity and high-quality classroom teaching for the School of Accountancy. Sharon forged countless corporate partnerships and played a lead role in designing a STEM-designated Master of Science in Accounting, Technology, and Analytics, a degree that attracted an influx of international students and prepared Daniels alumni to lead in an increasingly globalized industry.

Sharon grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia. She received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from West Virginia University, a master’s in taxation from Bentley University, and a PhD from the University of Southern California. She began her professional career at the University of Arizona before taking roles at Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University.  

Over the course of her career, Sharon became known for her ability to improve industry culture and advocate for the underrepresented and disadvantaged. Perhaps more than anything, Sharon will be remembered as a great connector, whose passion and dedication brought people together.  

In her honor, DU honorary life trustee and Accountancy Advisory Board member, Margot Gilbert Frank, has renamed the John J. Gilbert Endowed Scholarship to pay tribute to the woman who meant so much to many. The Sharon Lassar Endowed Scholarship Fund will support undergraduate accounting students with need-based and merit-based financial aid. Her family has asked for donations to this fund in her memory in lieu of flowers.

As you process this difficult news, please remember that DU offers a number of helpful resources:

The Employee Assistance Program is always available to support you through anxiety, depression, grief, loss, stress, and other daily challenges.

The Health & Counseling Center (HCC) provides many in-person and virtual medical and mental health services. All University of Denver students have access to free crisis services at the HCC, regardless of insurance coverage. Visit  the HCC website or call 303-871-2205.  

Student Outreach & Support, a department in the Dean of Students Office, uses trained staff members to connect students to support resources. You can activate these services by  completing an SOS Referral or by emailing sos@du.edu.

The Dean of Students (DoS) Office serves as a central hub to connect students to supportive campus and community resources. Email  DoSoffice@du.edu, call 303-871-4261, or visit Community Commons suite 3001.

We are keeping Sharon Lassar’s family, friends, and loved ones in our thoughts as we mourn her death and celebrate her life.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth G. Loboa
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor