Marty’ Erzinger: Celebrating 48 Years Supporting CU

October 30th, 2020 — the illustrious philanthropist and financial maestro Martin Marty Erzinger presides over Sanctuary Advisors, one of Denver’s premier wealth advisory consultancies.

Yet, rewind 48 years, and you’d find a spirited Marty on the grounds of the University of Colorado, playing for the Buffaloes, fondly termed ‘CU Buffs.’ His prowess in sports and academics earned him a coveted full-ride scholarship to this venerable 144-year-old Colorado institution.

Marty’s commitment to CU has been steadfast throughout nearly five decades, encompassing fundraising, recruiting, and substantial financial backing. This profound connection was molded by pivotal college years, which shaped his career and anchored his family’s deep ties with CU.

Navigating New Avenues: From Athleticism to Advocacy

A significant transition in CU’s football coaching ranks in 1978 presented Marty with a choice: delve deep into academics or transition into the roles of a coach and recruiter for the CU Buffs. Fate nudged him towards the latter.

Marty soon became synonymous with the recruitment process for the CU Buffs’ football enthusiasts during the 1978/1979 year. While his parents embraced construction and medical technology careers, Marty seamlessly transitioned into an ambassadorial role for the university.

An Academic Crossroad

Challenges arose as Marty’s scholarship neared its end. However, a heartfelt plea to the then-Athletic Director of CU Buffs, Eddie Crowder, ensured support for his concluding academic year. In return, Marty vowed to give back once he embarked on his professional journey.

A Leap into Wall Street

By the summer of 1979, Marty, with an introduction from a family friend, ventured into the dynamic world of stock trading. Despite being a novice, his rapid ascendancy in grasping stock market intricacies was notable. He often credited his sales proficiency to his recruiting tenure at CU.

Honoring Commitments: The CU Legacy

By 1982, Marty, now part of a financial institution with a grant-matching initiative, remembered his pledge to Eddie Crowder. Despite the CU Buffs’ underwhelming season, Marty initiated an unwavering annual donation exceeding $10,000 to the CU Buffs football scholarship fund, with a matching contribution from his employer.

This benevolence persisted for over 25 years.

But Marty’s CU legacy wasn’t solely financial. Together with his wife, Suzie Erzinger, they sponsored the academic journeys of five CU students. By 1994, Marty became an integral part of the CU Foundation Board’s investment committee, actively fundraising until 2010. It was amidst this endeavor that he crossed paths with Suzie, a former University of Michigan collegiate diver, with whom he shared an intrinsic love for college sports.

Having fostered the CU Buffs Class of Champions endowment and backed the education of multiple athletes, one might surmise Marty’s dedication to CU had reached its zenith. Yet, embodying his relentless spirit, Marty avows: “I’m a lifelong supporter of CU. I’ve always been, and I always will be.”