Graland Loyalty Society Judge Richard Hart ’54
Judge Richard Hart ’54 has philanthropically supported Graland, its students, and its teachers each and every year, for well over three decades. He is a member of the newly named Graland Loyalty Society, which recognizes donors who make philanthropic gifts for five or more consecutive years. “Graland was a great place for a child to grow up,” he stated. “The friendships I made, and the teachers from whom I learned, prepared me and set me up for success throughout my life.” Judge Hart most fondly remembers the experiential learning at Graland. “The trips and the on-campus experiences outside of the classroom were most memorable. As were the teachers.” He especially reflected on classmate Tim Wirth ’54’s mother, Virginia Wirth Wiebenson ’32, who was an alumna herself and a faculty member from 1944 to 1975. After his time at Graland, Judge Hart attended The Frederick Gunn School (formerly called The Gunnery). He then attended Yale University for two years, majoring in physics, before attending the University of Munich for a year under a Wayne State University junior year program. Following his time abroad, he returned to Yale and pursued a degree in English for two additional years. Judge Hart received his law degree from the University of Colorado, continuing a multi-generational family interest in law. Following a successful private practice, Judge Hart was appointed by Governor Richard Lamm to the Fifth Judicial District Court bench, which includes Eagle, Summit, Lake and Clear Creek counties, in 1980. For 26 years, Judge Hart served in this capacity, retiring in the spring of 2006. At that time, the Eagle County Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution in recognition of his service, citing “...Judge Hart has served with ability, character, and fine judgment. His wisdom and understanding have been a constant benefit to the people of Eagle County.”
After he retired, Judge Hart was active with Judicial Resolutions, a state supported alternative to more formal Court action as well as Alpine Legal Services, a private group of lawyers providing services at reduced fees. Judge Hart resides in Carbondale with his wife, Jane. His children, Peter and Sacha, are married and live in Grand Junction and Carbondale. Judge Hart and Jane are proud grandparents to four wonderful children. He currently enjoys spending time with his family.
Graland is incredibly grateful for Judge Hart’s long-time and loyal philanthropic support. For more information regarding the new Graland Loyalty Society, please contact Jessica Goski at jgoski@graland.org or 303-336-3705.
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