Dear Colgate Community Members,

I write this morning to share news of the passing of Denis Cronin '69, H'16, P'09,'10, who died yesterday, surrounded by friends and family, after a long battle with cancer.

Denis was a member of the Colgate Board of Trustees for more than 14 years, first joining the board in 1999 and later serving as its chair from 2010 to 2014. His time on the board saw significant improvements to the campus and included a multiyear partnership with the Village of Hamilton to spur more development in the village.

Denis was a recipient of both the Maroon Citation and the Wm. Brian Little '64 Award for Distinguished Service for his record of volunteerism and support for Colgate. He also received an honorary doctorate from the University in 2016. Beyond Denis' clear love for his alma mater, represented in these formal roles, Denis' ties to Colgate might best be seen in the strong friendships he formed with so many on this campus and among the alumni community.

Denis served on the Alumni Council and was a member of the Parents' Steering Committee with his wife, Linda. Together, they recently gave a leadership gift of $4.5 million to name the main competition court in the new Carey Center, solidifying their place in the James B. Colgate Society, which they joined in 2006.

While a student, Denis earned his bachelor's degree in history, was president of Lambda Chi Alpha, and was captain of the varsity basketball team. He went on to earn his law degree from Fordham and rose to partner at the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz and a senior partner at the law firm of Vinson & Elkins in New York City.

At every board meeting, at every gathering of the Alumni Council, and at every Colgate event he attended both on campus and off, Denis brought his energy, his keen mind, and his deep commitment to Colgate and its future. He was a tireless steward of his alma mater, a graduate whose dedication to his university was a sustaining force - for him and for Colgate - for decades. He will be missed by so many in this community, even as we celebrate all the ways he gave back to Colgate and its people.

Denis is survived by his wife, Linda, and children Maureen, Denis '09, and Megan '10.

Sincerely,

Brian W. Casey
President