The career school where I work is the CTC of Lackawanna County located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The building is the Henry J. Dende Center, named after a truly incredible man. He was an admired community leader and he laid the groundwork for the school which opened its doors in September, 1973. Henry actually left public office in 1970, but he passed the torch to another proponent of vocational education, Alfred Sporer (my Dad). He and my Dad were very close friends. Henry Dende passed away in 2001, and my Dad passed in 2006. This was a wonderful generation of people, and Henry Dende was no exception!
I had the pleasure of knowing Henry and his family. His wife, Prospine Dende (PK) is present at many CTC functions and maintains a keen interest in the school her husband made possible. I reference 2 articles that were published in the Polish American journal here. Like many true leaders, Mr. Dende was humbled by public service and always had the student’s he served foremost in his mind.
Henry was a printer and journalist, and he understood the importance of hands-on learning. He was a man who truly loved education, and he followed his passion for helping others throughout his life. His life serves as a great example for all of us.
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