The man who literally “wrote the book” on accounting education at the University of Denver died on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Peter Firmin, a former dean, was 100 years old.
Firmin held many roles at DU, beginning with a five-year stint leading the College of Business Administration, from 1974-1979. During his tenure as dean, he expanded the school, raising the standard of its offerings and research in the process. He led the way in rectifying a shortage of accredited, full-time faculty.
“As a dean, Peter displayed, among other qualities, great intellect, diligence, patience and humor. He was accessible, and willing to listen and entertain new and different ideas,” said Glyn Hanbery, a former associate dean. “I believe he placed the college on a forward-facing trajectory that served it well for many years.”
Firmin remained on faculty after his deanship ended, teaching accounting until 1984. In 1986, a fund was established for unrestricted scholarships—money that can be used to address any unanticipated issues a student may face. To date, 182 students have benefited from the scholarship, which was named for Firmin in 2006.
“If a student is a recipient of a merit-based scholarship but suffers a drop in grades for a reason that we believe is recoverable (such as illness), it could endanger their ability to stay in school,” said Sharon Lassar, the John J. Gilbert Endowed Professor and director of the Daniels School of Accountancy. “Peter was all heart and he tried, every day, to make the world a better place. His unrestricted scholarship is a blessing.”
Firmin made fundraising his full-time job in 1996, returning to the Daniels College of Business to take a job as the School of Accountancy’s (SoA) inaugural director of development—a role he continued until 2010. Lassar still refers to a 39-page document on philanthropy Firmin put together when she became director in 2010.
In 2007, near the end of his long career at DU, he published, as a labor of love, the picture-narrative work, “Pioneering Excellence: A History of Accounting Education at the University of Denver.”
‘A model of respect, integrity and authenticity’
Peter Arthur Firmin Jr. was born in Meeker, Louisiana on Feb. 24, 1924. He earned a BS from Louisiana State University, an MBA from the University of California at Berkeley and a PhD from the University of Michigan. Prior to his work at the University of Denver, Firmin taught at St. Mary’s College and Tulane University. On Sept. 3, 1959, he married Jean Cameron Nash, with whom he had eight children.
Outside of the University, Firmin served as President of M&A International, a mergers and acquisitions firm. He and his wife also participated as volunteers in the work of the South Sundanese American Orphaned Rehabilitation Organization which has built a school for needy children in the village of what is now Pariang, South Sudan.
“Those who knew Peter were transformed by his passion and generosity,” said Jan Weiss (BSA 1979, MBA 1980), a good friend of Firmin’s. “He loved his family fully. He embraced life and the world wholeheartedly, traveling to six continents and all 50 U.S. states. He improved and enriched lives around the world. Whether he was in a boardroom, teaching in a classroom or building an orphanage and school in South Sudan, he was a model of respect, integrity and authenticity. It was indeed a privilege to know him.”
Honoring Peter Firmin’s legacy
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at St. Francis Cabrini Parish (6673 W. Chatfield Ave., Littleton, CO 80128).
Support Peter Firmin’s dedication to School of Accountancy students by donating directly to his fund for unrestricted scholarship, online or by mail. Make checks out to the University of Denver and send them to University of Denver, PO Box 910585, Denver, CO 80291. Ensure “In Memory of Peter Firmin” is indicated on the check or in the note that accompanies the gift. Include “Peter Firmin Fund for Unrestricted Scholarships” in the comments or in a note that accompanies the gift.
I got to know the whole Firmin family 45 years ago in France. It’s been so long since we had communicated when very suddenly “Peter Firmin” jumped in to mind 15 minutes ago. I saw his face, I heard his voice. I googled his name only to see he recently passed away. He became a father to me in France. Truly one of the kindest families I have ever know.
Thank you for your kind words. That truly was a remarkable year for all of us.
I did not have the privilege of studying under Dr. Firmin but when I first stepped foot on campus, he came up to me during registration and welcomed me to DU. It was a moment shared I will not forget.
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Firmin’s passing. I really got to know him when he was in his Director of Development role and would travel to Houston. He would always take the time to come visit me and update me on what was going on at DU and in the School of Accountancy. RIP Dr. Firmin, you will be missed.
I always enjoyed Peter’s annual visits to my office when he came to pick up my check in support of the orphanage and school in South Sudan. He was a wonderful and dedicated educator and a good professional friend.
To me, Peter Firmin is Mr DU and more. I got to know Peter long after graduation. I admire his passion for DU and other under served people in the world with his Sudan project. Peter’s passion in all areas was unstoppable. Witness the fact of his multiple DU retirements only to come back. Dean DU Firmin will certainly be missed by all that his life has touched, which is many.
I was a student at DU while Peter was Dean, but only met him later when he travelled the country in his Director of Development role. As others have commented, he really spent time with me discussing the school both past and present and I greatly enjoyed his visits. (I was living in Atlanta at the time). He was a great asset to the University and will be sorely missed.