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John D. Putnam (CO '89) passed away on October 25, 2025, at the age of 83. At the time of his Milken Educator Award, Putnam was a seventh through ninth grade math teacher at Washington Irving Middle School in Colorado Springs. A recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) in 1990, Putnam devoted 31 years to middle school mathematics education and continued his passion for teaching after retirement as a math teacher at the University of Northern Colorado. He also served on the university’s College of Natural and Health Sciences Advisory Board, contributing to the preparation of future educators.

Putnam’s commitment to service was lifelong. In retirement, he volunteered more than 2,000 hours at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and is survived by his five children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. His legacy lives on through the many students, educators, and community members whose lives he touched.