Denise Reilly After a day in court — the kind of day that reveals how children are hurt by their parents’ cycles of failure and despair — Judge Denise Reilly ’75 says she wants to go home and hug her children. They’re too old for daily hugging, so whenever she can, she gives her six-month-old grandson an extra snuggle. “Some of the things I hear can break your heart.”

But Reilly, a Minnesota District Court for the past eight years, believes that human breakage — hearts included — can be prevented. As the presiding judge of juvenile cases, her mission is to direct the state’s attention to children who need protection from their parents’ chemical abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, poverty, and homelessness. She does so with resourcefulness and caring. For example, she found unacceptable the fact that in Hennepin County alone, more than 800 youth were in long-term foster care. Under her direction, regular reviews were conducted, resulting in reduced numbers and better transitional education and care for teens aging out of the system.

Judge Reilly’s job is less about judging than it is about justice. She speaks of respect, full hearings, and protection of rights. But she also says, “There are times when people need to hear what they did was wrong. I tell parents, ‘If you choose to use cocaine or methamphetamine, than you have chosen not to raise your children. It’s your choice. You have this responsibility, and by your behavior I will know what your choice is.’”

Reilly’s memories of her own childhood include plenty of love and a high respect for education. She graduated from the American High School in Japan and majored in religion at Wooster. High on her list of valuable Wooster student experiences was a trip to Israel, hosted by the late Art Baird, professor of religion, and his wife, Mary. “We did this at a time when most Americans only heard the Israeli side of things,” said Reilly.

“The Bairds made sure that we students were also fully exposed to the Palestinian side.

“There was a willingness at Wooster to acknowledge, recognize, and talk about the complexities of issues that face the world.”

Reilly, married to Wooster sweetheart Kevin Reilly ’75, has learned not to take cases home with her. “I used a spiritual director to learn how to be fully present and engaged in court, but to give to God those things, which I can’t control,” says Reilly. “ I see God reflected in people who love. Redemption can occur even in the worst situations.

“I feel like I’m doing what I’m called to do. I’m an ordinary person doing what I’m supposed to do.”