Marvin Wolf ('54), a Denver attorney and philanthropist who was a longtime benefactor of the University of Colorado Law School and other organizations, died March 15 in Denver. He was 89.
Wolf and his wife of 37 years, Judi, are among Colorado Law's most dedicated supporters of student scholarships and academic research. Wolf was instrumental in establishing the law school’s Natural Resources Law Center, now known as the Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment, through a challenge grant in 1981. Together with his brothers and their spouses, Wolf led the campaign to build a new building for the law school. The Wolf Law Building, which was completed in 2006, is named after his parents, Leon and Dora Wolf.
Wolf also established several scholarships that benefit Colorado Law students and faculty members. The Wolf Scholarship assists law students who are members of the University of Colorado Law Review, the Judi Wolf Scholarship supports law students committed to advocating women’s issues, and the Jules Milstein Scholarship, named in memory of Judi’s father, is given to faculty for excellence in published legal research.
Wolf also provided generous discretionary support for fellowships and professorships under the names of Deans Gene Nichol and David Getches.
"Marvin Wolf’s sustained dedication to the University of Colorado Law School and to the legal profession have had profound and lasting effects in Colorado," said Dean S. James Anaya. "His family’s generosity has helped ensure a bright future for Colorado Law and future generations of law students."
Marvin and Judi Wolf watching the topping out of the new Wolf Law Building in 2005.
Wolf was "extraordinarily proud" that his daughter Wendy Kaufman ('84), stepson Marco Chayet ('97), and grandchildren William Kaufman ('17) and Meredith Kaufman ('18) are Colorado Law graduates.
In addition to their leadership philanthropy to Colorado Law, the Wolf family are generous supporters of the arts and other causes in Colorado, including Opera Colorado, the Denver Symphony Orchestra, the Denver Art Museum, Temple Emanuel of Denver, and the Anti-Defamation League.
Marvin Wolf is survived by Judi, his wife of 37 years; his daughter Wendy Kaufman, her husband Bob Kaufman, and their children, John, William, and Meredith; his stepsons, Lance Chayet, his wife Barbara Chayet, and their children Grant and Logan; Victor Chayet, his wife Susan Chayet and their son, Devon; and Marco Chayet, his wife Paige Chayet, and their son, Caleb.
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