Remembering Former Dean Richard Brandenburg

Brandenburg led the College of Business Administration from 1980-1987

Richard Brandenburg, a generous mentor and sage leader at the University of Denver’s College of Administration (CBA), died on Jan. 13, 2023. He was 87.

Brandenberg served as dean of the CBA from 1980-1987, where he was also a professor of management at the Graduate School of Business and Public Management.

“During his tenure, Dick no doubt approached his leadership role with the integrity and strong sense of responsibility that he applied to all of his endeavors,” said Suzanne Brandenburg, Richard’s daughter. “He was a builder of programs and, first and foremost, a mentor in service of others. He built genuine relationships enabling those around him to be the best, most complete version of themselves.”

According to his obituary, Brandenburg was born in Oak Park, Illinois on Feb. 21, 1935, to George and Florence (Ream) Brandenburg. He graduated from Oak Park High School and earned a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree from Cornell University. He was an educator, administrator and leader with a focus on engineering, management, business administration, health care and biomedical ethics.

In addition to his tenure at the University of Denver, Brandenburg also held positions at Carnegie Mellon University, SUNY-Buffalo, the University of Vermont, Dartmouth College and Arizona State University. Brandenburg was widely published, served innumerable boards and agencies, received many awards and accolades, and remained active in his professional fields well beyond retirement.

He his survived by Maxine Newman Brandenburg, his beloved wife of 65 years; daughters Suzanne and Cynthia; grandchildren Kurt, Sarah, Maria and Joey; and his great-granddaughter Vivienne.

“Throughout his life, Dick modeled leadership, integrity and service,” his obituary reads, noting his mutually supportive marriage, that allowed the Brandenburgs to work and raise a family at a time when dual career families were rare. “Together, they were a role model for their children and grandchildren as to what is possible when two people commit their lives to better themselves, each other, and the world.”