Your path: St. Mary's Executive Director Retires
St. Mary's Executive Director Retires
Excerpt from an article by Christina Lent in The Beaverton Valley Times,
April 3, 2008.
Marylhurst alum Emma Dennis found her calling as a champion for children.
For the past 46½ years, the Cedar Mill woman has devoted her life to helping troubled boys find hope and success at St. Mary's Home for Boys in Beaverton.
As its executive director for the past 22 years, she's also helped shape the future of the highly specialized, residential treatment facility as it continues its long tradition of providing programs designed to meet the evolving needs of its young charges.
Her leadership, dedication and passion for serving as a statewide advocate for children and families will be missed as she begins a new chapter in her life with her retirement.
"We have in Oregon a very special place to take care of troubled boys – to help them reunite with their families, finish school, be ready to work and lead happy, fulfilling lives," said Janet Arenz, executive director of the Oregon Alliance of Children's Programs. "St. Mary's is truly a very special place and it takes a very special person to run it and get the outcomes and successes Emma has earned.
"We've been lucky to have such a wonderful leader in such a unique and important place."
Those who have worked with Dennis on statewide committees to provide social and mental health services to children across Oregon say they are not surprised by the success she's had in creating a safe haven for young men to transform their lives.
"Her leadership has modernized her facility," said Chris Krenk, president and chief executive officer of Albertina Kerr Centers. "Ultimately, her legacy will be the thousands of kids who have gone through St. Mary's and who have better lives because of their experience there."
Emma Grosz-Dennis received a Marylhurst bachelor's degree in social services in 1979.