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Oral History

A Renaissance in Crimson and Gold

The University of Denver's rescue and renewal 1984-2014

Renaissance in Crimson and Gold is a University of Denver Oral History project that chronicles a pivotal 30-year period in the University's history—1984 to 2014. It is not one story, but many; a series of interwoven narratives created by men and women who were personally involved in saving the University and undertaking an extraordinary process of renewal. To remember and record these achievements, the University of Denver has produced a series of video-recorded interviews to create an oral history chronicling this pivotal period.

Photo of Jim Griesemer

The series is organized and moderated by Dr. James Griesemer who served the University in a number of roles during the period covered by the Oral History. Dr. Griesemer joined the university in 1990 as the University's chief financial officer during the height of DU's financial crisis. In that role, he had a front row seat to observe the challenges and influence the future direction of the University. In 1994 he was named dean of the Daniels College of Business. During his tenure as dean, he led the College through a period of rapid growth, the construction of new buildings and national ranking as a top 50 business school by the Wall Street Journal. Most recently, he has directed the University of Denver's Strategic Issues Program, a non-partisan public-policy program dealing with complex issues such as immigration, campaign finance, Colorado's constitution and state financial issues. He also serves on the University of Denver Board of Trustees.