Irene Mlejnek Cordes

A Tribute to the Past, A Hope for the Future 

Raised in Oakland, Irene Cordes attended University High during the World War II years, graduating in 1945. Irene and her friends were active in many scholastic and social clubs and helped raise money to support the troops, many of whom were classmates. “We loved our school. I have many fond memories and lasting friendships from those days,” says Irene.

Sadly, University High closed in 1946 and was underused, then left to decay for years. Irene, active in the Uni High alumni society, was delighted when Children’s Hospital renovated the structure for its research institute in 1998, preserving the wonderful mission-style architecture. “We were all so thrilled to see our school looking like it did back in its heyday,” explains Irene. “I think Children’s Hospital is just wonderful. They saved my daughter Cindy’s life when she had spinal meningitis. I am so proud that Children’s is doing research in my old school to save kids’ lives. It seems appropriate that the building continues to help children grow.”

Searching for a lasting way to support the hospital’s innovative research efforts while allowing the University High legacy live on, Irene decided to include Children’s Hospital in her will. This bequest will make a permanent statement of Irene’s values by both honoring her alma mater and helping Children’s stay on the forefront of pediatric research that strives to change the world.