University of Colorado Boulder, 1958
Hometown: Callaway, Nebraska
Inducted April 2021
Duane P. Chesley came from humble beginnings on a farm in Nebraska in 1936. After moving to Colorado and graduating from Longmont High School in 1954, he made the grueling decision on which area university to attend. In his own words (from a speech given at a June 2012 Heritage Society Dinner at CU):
“Fifty-eight years ago, after graduating from Longmont High School, I had to decide where to go to college. I could go north and become an Aggie, or possibly a Cowboy, or I could go South and become a Buff. Go South I did.”
Duane began his military, educational and professional training in the Army ROTC program at the University of Colorado Boulder, graduating in 1958. He had a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Army Reserve, earning the rank of Colonel, and served as Commander of the U.S. Army 1st Maneuver Training Command. He retired from the Army after earning numerous awards including the Legion of Merit Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Reserve Affairs) recognizing his “selfless service and significant contribution on behalf of those Reservists mobilized for Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR.”
He simultaneously progressed through his civilian career as a mechanical engineer with the Army Corps of Engineers, project manager for the U.S. General Services Administration, and later as a senior project engineer for two private companies.
Throughout his life, Duane was a fervent supporter of education, donating generously to the CU Engineering School (endowing a mechanical engineering scholarship in his name) and its Earn-Learn program, Colorado Academy, and the Colorado Boy’s Ranch. He also volunteered at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and was a supporter of the arts, donating to Swallow Hill Music, Foothills Art Center, the Arvada Center, and the Leach Center for the Performing Arts at Colorado Academy, where he funded an outdoor classroom and performance space. Again, in his own words:
“My Engineering degree and Army Commission gave me lifelong opportunities and rewards. Years ago, because of what the University did for me, it became apparent that I needed to give back – to become a donor, a loyal donor. In some respects, you could say that I feel an obligation to give back and where would I be without my degree? If there was ever a doubt about the rewards of giving, all you have to do is read the thank you letters I receive from my scholarship recipients or students in the Earn-Learn programs to know that I have done the right thing and will continue to do so! Go Buffs!”
COL Chesley passed away in Wheat Ridge, Colorado on February 10, 2020 at the age of 83. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and served as a role model for uncompromising work ethic, frugality, modesty, integrity, attention to detail, high standards, determination and always giving your best in every situation.