Mary A. Dempsey, DePaul College Prep

“I married a successful and notable attorney who believed passionately in me and loved nothing more than to see my work appreciated.”
Mary A. Dempsey

Mary A. Dempsey, President of DePaul College Prep, shared the story behind her title with us on Sunday, February 13, 2022.

Ms. Dempsey served as the first Chair of the Board of Directors at DePaul College Prep from 2014 – 2016. In 2016, Ms. Dempsey was elected President of DePaul College Prep and President of the DePaul College Prep Foundation. She remains a member of the Board of Directors. Ms. Dempsey is an attorney and President of the Philip H. Corboy Foundation. From 1994 – 2012, she served as Commissioner of the Chicago Public Library where she was responsible for the construction of 44 neighborhood branch libraries, the introduction of rich book collections and technology system wide, and the creation of innovative programs such as One Book One Chicago and the YOUMedia digital technology initiatives for teens. Prior to her appointment as Commissioner of the Chicago Public Library, Ms. Dempsey practiced law for 12 years in Chicago focusing principally on legislative and land use issues, which was preceded by her first professional job as a public librarian in suburban Chicago.

Ms. Dempsey is a Trustee and former Chair of the Board of Trustees of DePaul University, a member of Executive Board of the Big Shoulders Fund, a trustee of Frances Xavier Warde School, a member of the Board of Misericordia, a member of the Board of Directors of the Polk Bros. Foundation and the founding Chair of the Leader Council of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.

Ms. Dempsey holds a BA from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, a Master of Library Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a JD from the DePaul University College of Law.

She has received 5 honorary degrees and numerous awards for her work.

Mary’s career has spanned life as an attorney, a commissioner of the Chicago Public Library System, an Administrator and now President of a college prep high school. Throughout her life she has continually connected the dots back to her upbringing and the focus on education that her parents instilled in her. The world is for the taking if you educate yourself and take advantage of the connections you make along the way.

SUE SAYS

Mary’s career has spanned life as an attorney, a commissioner of the Chicago Public Library System, an Administrator and now President of a college prep high school. Throughout her life she has continually connected the dots back to her upbringing and the focus on education that her parents instilled in her. The world is for the taking if you educate yourself and take advantage of the connections you make along the way.