Dennis Schaumann graduated from Roosevelt in January 1966. He was President of the Eights’ and the Sevens’, Vice President of the Sixes’ as well as playing baseball and soccer. He then attended Southeast Missouri State College, graduating in 1970, with a B.A. degree in Political Science and History. He then attended St. Louis University’s School of Law, graduating in 1973 with his law degree.

Mr. Schaumann went to work as a Legal Officer for the Juvenile Division of the City’s Circuit Court from 1973-1975, then went into private practice handling wills and probate matters until 1994. During this same period, Mr. Schaumann served as a Municipal Court Judge for St. Louis hearing cases involving various alleged violations of City Ordinances. Judge Schaumann was the Presiding Judge from 1981 to 1993.

In 1994, Governor Mel Carnahan appointed him as an Associate Circuit Court Judge in St. Louis and then as a Circuit Court Judge in 1997. He retired from this position in 2018. During this time, Judge Schaumann presided over 450 criminal and civil trials along with approving many criminal plea agreements and out of court civil case settlements.

Two cases stand out to Judge Schaumann. In 2009, he presided over the murder trial of a 15-year-old accused of killing a 22-year-old St. Louis Police Officer. After the jury found the defendant guilty, Judge Schaumann sentenced him to life in prison.

In 2011, he presided over the longest trial in St. Louis’ history. Lasting over three months, a jury considered a civil suit accusing a local lead smelter of illegally emitting toxic lead emissions into the air poisoning sixteen children and babies living nearby, causing physical and cognitive problems. The jury awarded the plaintiff’s $38.5 million in compensatory damage and $320 million in punitive damages. The award was reduced in a later settlement agreement. The lead smelter closed in 2013.

Mr. Schaumann has been married to his wife, Patricia Ann (nee Singrun) Roosevelt Class of ’66, for 54 years. They have two children and two grandchildren.

As can be seen by Judge Schaumann’s body of work in the Judicial field, he exemplifies what a true Rough Rider represents and is a credit to the Roosevelt High School community. The Alumni Association is honored to induct him into the Hall of Fame.