Leader. Mentor. Public Servant. Philanthropist. Friend. Susan Kirk. This month the City of Denver and the University of Colorado lost one of its great advocates with the passing of Regent Emerita Susan Kirk.

Susan served on the Board of Regents from 1992 to 2004 and she commanded the respect of all who encountered her: from colleagues of both political parties on the board to the faculty, staff, students and alumni of the university who she frequently engaged. Her intelligence, passion and insight earned her the respect of all.

Susan was a trailblazer for men and women alike. As a Democrat, she served with a Republican majority on the Board of Regents, and yet she was elected chair. Thus, when I accomplished the same position ten years later (Democratic leader of a GOP majority Board), one of my first calls was to Susan. She was wise and generous with her advice about how to work across party lines to serve our state and university.

She understood how to put a personal agenda aside and, particularly when serving as chair. She also knew her job was to make the board function well. And she delivered. She helped guide the board and the university through many challenging issues, including divisive presidential transitions and the contentious move of the CU Health Sciences Center from 9th Ave. and Colorado Blvd. to the CU Anschutz Medical Campus.

While some people come to the Board of Regents with a particular issue to promote, Susan was the antithesis of a “one-issue” regent. Her guiding star in twelve years of service was “What is best for the University of Colorado.” Make no mistake, she was a passionate advocate for many issues and would argue her case with informed vigor. But if an issue didn’t go her way, she would move on to the next challenge, always keeping an eye on the larger prize. Throughout, she had a wonderful partner who supported her and her passion and love for the University of Colorado, Dick Kirk.

Susan was passionate about advancing women at CU and beyond. Susan was instrumental in establishing the CU Center for Women’s Health Research, which she remained active with until recently. She also remained engaged in local politics and campaigns. As recently as late January, we met over lunch to share her advice and support on my next political challenge. I will always treasure our time together.CU, our city and state are better places because of Susan Kirk. We are all poorer for her passing.

Michael Carrigan currently serves on the University of Colorado Board of Regents, representing District 1. With 5 years experience as a prosecutor, he works as a senior litigator and partner at Holland & Hart and is running as a Democrat candidate for Denver District Attorney.