Title
Expressing immense gratitude for Doug Hennes’ pursuit of the common good, and honoring his memory.
Body
WHEREAS, Doug Hennes served the Saint Paul community for decades as a journalist and editor at the St. Paul Pioneer Press where he led teams that won the coveted Pulitzer Prize twice, and as the Vice President for Government Relations and Special Projects for his beloved alma mater, the University of St. Thomas; and
WHEREAS, Doug Hennes was a passionate ambassador for St. Thomas at City Hall, among neighborhood leaders, in civic organizations such as the Saint Paul-Area Chamber of Commerce, and at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Doug Hennes always sought and found common ground on contentious community issues, balancing his love for the University of Saint Thomas with his appreciation for the communities that make Saint Paul unique and special; and
WHEREAS, Doug Hennes was a lynch-pin in problem-solving efforts such as the Citizens League’s “PILOT” and minimum wage projects, willing to ask tough questions and propose innovative solutions that moved the groups toward solutions; and
WHEREAS, Doug Hennes was not just a representative for St. Thomas; in numerous initiatives he represented the interests of all of Saint Paul’s private colleges and universities; and
WHEREAS, Doug Hennes was a quintessential Tommie who dedicated his career to telling the story of the university, whether it was reporting on the successes of Tommie students in the classroom, on the athletic field or court, or in the community; sharing the Tommie story with alums, families, and the community through his countless articles in university publications; or writing a biography about university benefactor I.A. O’Shaughnessy; and
WHEREAS, Doug Hennes advocated for and mentored the young people of our community as a founding board member of ThreeSixty Journalism, by advocating to increase teachers of color and by securing funding for countless programs to help students; and
WHEREAS, Doug Hennes always put the good of the community ahead of his own ego or personal interests, and could authentically relate to everyone he encountered; and
WHEREAS, Doug Hennes consistently showed generosity to those in need by making connections to help colleagues and by leading volunteer efforts with Meals on Wheels, Loaves and Fishes, Adopt a Family, Habitat for Humanity, the Children’s Program of Northern Ireland, and even raking the Summit Avenue median; and
WHEREAS, Doug Hennes had multiple monthly West Summit Neighborhood Advisory Committee (WSNAC) meetings for over a decade, some of them quite spirited. His fellow WSNAC members and many other community members believe he deserved more than a few good years of peaceful retirement, surrounded by his beloved family and with a scotch in hand; and
WHEREAS, the City Council typically names a specific date to honor an individual, though in this case one day seems insufficient;
SO NOW BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council expresses immense gratitude for Doug Hennes’ pursuit of the common good, and honors his memory.