KUCIMAT Summer 2006 Newsletter - Dena Laurent Sorenson

Recently, Dena Laurent Sorenson, KU MPA 1991, passed away after battling cancer.  In 2001, Dena received the KUCIMAT Profile in courage Award because of her courageous battle with cancer.  Below is an essay written by Brent McFall, City Manger, Westminster, CO reflecting on Dena’s life and much more.

You never know the impact that you have on the lives of others.  Back in 1992, I was the City Manager of Federal Way, Washington.  I had an opening in my office for an Assistant to the City Manager.  I hired a young woman named Dena Laurent (yes, of course, she was a KU MPA graduate).  Dena had been out of grad school for a couple of years, and was ready for the next step in her career.  What a find!  Dena was bright, passionate about public service, and ready to tackle any challenge I could throw her way.  I coached and mentored Dena, but frankly, she didn't need much from me.  At least I didn't think so.

I left Federal Way in 1994, and went to Kent, Washington.  Within a year, I had an opening.  You guessed it, I hired Dena.

I left Kent in 2001 to come to Westminster.

Dena stayed behind in Kent.  By this time, Dena had met and married Michael Sorenson and they had a son, Luke.

Within weeks of Luke's birth, Dena was diagnosed with breast cancer.  By the time the cancer was discovered, it had already spread.  The prognosis wasn't good.  But, true to her spirit, Dena fought.  She never was in remission.  She lived through almost 7 YEARS of chemo.  The hope was always that the next new drug would be the one that worked.  It didn't.

Dena's mother called me this week.  Dena is in the hospital.  She won't get out.

The family is making plans.  Dena's husband has asked me to speak at her funeral.  I said I would.  I don't know if I can.  But, I will.

Dena's mom told me that I had been the most significant influence in Dena's life in terms of her profession and her commitment to a life of public service....about living one's life with purpose.

I didn't know.

My point is that you never know the impact that you have on others.  It behooves us all to treat those with whom we interact with respect, and to try to share not only our knowledge, but our passion for what we do. It is important work that we do that has the ability to impact more people on a daily basis than any other type of organization.  It's the water that comes out of the tap as if on cue.  It's the streets we drive on and the parks in which we recreate.  It's the beauty of the built environment, and the safety that we take for granted.  And, it's all those support functions that make it possible for the services out on the street to be delivered.

Never apologize for not making millions in the private sector.  What you do is important.

You never know the impact that you have on the lives of others.  Right now, there is a Dena somewhere that is watching you; learning from you. Someone is learning not just technical skills, but greater gifts like commitment and passion.  It is an awesome responsibility.

Thank you for letting me share this little essay.  This is mostly cathartic for me, and that is selfish.  But, I hope that it at least gives you pause, and makes you think about how we impact the lives of those around us.

I don't know when the call will come, but I may have to make a hasty trip to Seattle to be there for Dena and her family.  I'll try to keep you posted.

Brent