John Dempsey

John Dempsey

John E. Dempsey graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1934. In 1935, John joined Bouck, Hilton, Kluwin & Dempsey (now known as Dempsey Law Firm LLP). John passed away in 1995 and is remembered for his generosity, understanding, and optimism.

John established the Edward J. Dempsey and Sadie A. Dempsey Memorial Teaching Scholarship in 1985, in memory of his parents. He established the award at his father’s alma mater – the school that provided the foundation for his father’s success. Like his parents, John valued education, not merely as a ticket for a job, but as a way to open doors. He believed in lifelong learning and in taking advantage of educational opportunities. Through this scholarship fund, John hoped to support students who come from large families due to the difficulty they often have in finding the financial resources to pursue their education.

Edward J. Dempsey graduated from Oshkosh Normal School in 1901. After several years of teaching, Edward pursued legal studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Chicago. In 1906, Edward joined the law firm Bouck, Hilton & Kluwin, which later became Bouck, Hilton, Kluwin & Dempsey. He served as president of the State Bar Association from 1928 to 1929. He was a member of the Oshkosh Normal School Board of Regents from 1914 to 1946 and served as board president from 1924 to 1946. UW Oshkosh’s Dempsey Hall is named in his honor. In testimony to his services in Wisconsin education and law, the University of Wisconsin-Madison awarded him an LL.D. in 1945.

Scholarships