February 01, 2005

Dean A.Sempert ’49

2004
Donald G. Balmer Citation
Dean A. Sempert began his college education in 1942 at the University of Oregon, but left after his second term to volunteer for the U.S. Army. He served in France and Germany with the 328th Engineer Combat Battalion of the 103rd Infantry Division and was awarded the Purple Heart.

Dean A. Sempert began his college education in 1942 at the University of Oregon, but left after his second term to volunteer for the U.S. Army. He served in France and Germany with the 328th Engineer Combat Battalion of the 103rd Infantry Division and was awarded the Purple Heart.

Following his recovery from wounds received in action, Sempert enrolled at Lewis & Clark College, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education. He was captain of the 1948-49 basketball team, winners of Lewis & Clark’s first conference championship in any sport.

Sempert went on to earn an MA from the University of Southern California. He taught high school before returning to Lewis & Clark in 1963 as coach of the men’s basketball team. Sempert continued in this role for 26 years, retiring in 1989 as an associate professor.

Sempert continues to be engaged with the College, volunteering in support of the Athletics Hall of Fame, the Board of Alumni, class reunions, the admissions office, and commencement. He has also been active in his community as a Wilsonville City Council member and as a volunteer chaplain for the Oregon State Correctional Institution and the MacLaren Youth Facility.

Dean and his first wife, Mary, had three children, Martha Sempert ’81, Sarah Nicholas, and the late Craig Sempert ’86. Dean is now married to Madge Sempert, and the couple resides in Wilsonville.