Alta Ricks

Alta Merle Ricks, the major benefactress of the Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the University of Denver, died Tuesday, November 8, 2005 at her home in Denver. She was 100. Mrs. Ricks was born January 6, 1905 in Oklahoma to Argyll and Ethel McMahan. She attended the University of Oklahoma. In November 1927, she married oilman Francis Maurice "Cappy" Ricks in Oklahoma City. She gave birth to their son Jerry in 1932. The couple moved to Denver in 1952, and Ricks became involved with the Petroleum Club, and the Cherry Hills Country Club. She was also a dancer, an avid golfer, and an accomplished artist. In 1986, she founded the Cappy Ricks Fund in memory of her late husband. The fund provides financial assistance to help relieve the financial burdens of aged, infirm, or incapacitated members of the Denver Association of Petroleum Landmen. Mrs. Ricks was introduced to then University of Denver Chancellor Dan Ritchie by her lawyer and dear friend, DU Law School alumnus William Collister. At the time, Ritchie and Norma Lu Hafenstein, the founder of the University Center for Gifted Young Children, were raising funds for a new building to house the innovative school for gifted students. The school serves children from age three through the eighth grade, offering a unique thematic approach to education. "Mrs. Ricks just fell in love with the concept of the school and the children, and then they fell in love with her," says Hafenstein. The Ricks' son was killed in a bicycle-car accident when he was eight years old, and the young students reminded her of him, Collister said. Mrs. Ricks was the major benefactress to the building campaign, and the school was re-named in her honor when the building opened in 1991. Her generosity supported the Ricks Center building project and an endowment fund. "The Ricks Center for Gifted Children is one of the best schools of its kind in the United States," says Ritchie, now chairman of the DU Board of Trustees. "Mrs. Ricks' generosity made it all possible." She was a regular visitor to the school and attended many events. She celebrated her 100th birthday in January with a party at Ricks Center, featuring songs, skits, and presentations by the 270 students, and a 100-inch cake. Groups of children from the school took turns visiting Mrs. Ricks in her home, most recently on Halloween. "She was a kind and gentle woman, who brought great joy to all she was around. She became part of our family," Hafenstein says. Ricks is preceded in death by her husband and son. Memorial contributions may be sent to the University of Denver Ricks Center Endowment Fund, 2190 S. High St., Denver, CO 80208. A private celebration of life service will be held on December 1st at the Ricks Center. "Her generosity impacted the lives of many children by allowing them a special place to think and learn and express themselves," Hafenstein said. "This is a legacy that will last for generations to come."