Dennis Schreiner Service Department Endowed Scholarship
Born March 2, 1954 in Richmond, Virginia, Dennis attended Southern Missionary College (now Southern Adventist University) studying for a degree in Theology while working at the Village Market. In 1987, he attended Memphis State University pursuing a degree in Social Work while working nights at a Suicide Crisis Center. He spent the first portion of his working career in the construction industry honing his craft to "measure twice, cut once" as a master craftsman.
In 1997, he returned to Southern Adventist University as the Director of the Service Department and spent the next 23 years serving and working with students from all walks of life. To generations of student workers, he was known as “Boss, Boss.” Under his leadership, the Service Department became far more than a job. It became a family.
Dennis built a culture with “his crew” that extended well beyond setting up and tearing down events. He created a space where students were known, supported, challenged, and cared for—a place that felt part family, part counselor’s office, and part classroom for life. Long after graduation, former student workers still return to visit, often crediting Dennis with shaping their work ethic, character, and practical life skills, and, for some, even their life’s direction.
The Service Department does its work quietly and faithfully – preparing spaces long before anyone arrives and staying long after the crowd has gone home. The hours are often unconventional, the work demanding, but under Dennis’s leadership, students found belonging, purpose, and pride in what they did. He modeled hard work, initiative, and attention to detail, and he taught by example what it meant to serve others well. The culture Dennis established lives on today, continuing to present Southern Adventist University with excellence to both campus and community.
His spare time was filled with travel, photography, biking, hiking, family, and enjoying his woodworking craft. He was rarely stationary, unless sitting beside a roaring campfire. He was an excellent teacher, wonderful husband, loving father and opa, a hilarious companion, and an ever competitive hiker and biker. He passed away December 20, 2025 after a brave 15-month battle with cancer.
This endowment is established by Kathy, his wife of 35 years. In his memory, this scholarship exists to support students who work in the Service Department – especially those who may fall between the cracks of federal aid and other scholarship opportunities – honoring a man who never let anyone feel overlooked.