In Memoriam: Judi Wolf
It is with a profound sense of loss that we share news of the passing of Judith 鈥淛udi鈥 Ellen Milstein Wolf, a cherished member of the University of Colorado Law School community. Judi was a Denver arts patron and philanthropist who was a longtime benefactor of the University of Colorado Law School and other organizations. She died March 25 in Denver, surrounded by her family. She was 85.听听
Judi was born and raised in Denver. She graduated from East High School before pursuing studies at the University of California-Berkeley, Boston University and ultimately earning her Spanish degree from the Universidad de las Am茅ricas in Mexico City. Judi later completed a master鈥檚 degree and extended doctoral studies in international relations at the University of Denver, all while teaching Spanish at Graland Country Day School often in dramatic periodic costumes as she taught Spanish language and Latin American culture.听听
Judi and her husband of 37 years, Marvin Wolf, Colorado Law class of 1954, 听were among Colorado Law's most dedicated supporters of student scholarships and faculty research. 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鈥檚 issues, and the Jules Milstein Scholarship, named in memory of Judi鈥檚 father, is given to faculty for excellence in published legal research.听听
The Wolf family was also instrumental in establishing the law school鈥檚 Natural Resources Law Center, now known as the , through a challenge grant in 1981. Marvin and Judi, alongside their family, led the campaign to build a new building for the law school. The Wolf Law Building, which was completed in 2006, is named after Marvin鈥檚 parents, Leon and Dora Wolf.听
In addition to their 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. One of Judi鈥檚 most influential roles was as a , the first endowment of its kind in the nation to support female playwrights and directors. The fund now supports dozens of productions and continues to grow, a living embodiment of her values.听听
Judi was preceded in death by her husband Marvin and son Victor Chayet. She leaves behind her sons Lance Chayet and Marco Chayet, Colorado Law class of 1997; her beloved grandchildren Grant (Colorado Law class of 2023), Devon, Logan, and Caleb; and her daughters-in-law Susan Chayet and Paige Chayet, as well as other family members and friends.听