The curtain rises as Jennifer Gordenev, an ICA student, and the cast of Riordan’s 1988 production of Man of La Mancha take the stage.

In this production, Riordan has members of the band as part of the orchestra. As the band walks into the room, a particular trumpet player catches Jennifer’s eye. This trumpet player’s name is David Dorantes ’88, who is a senior at Archbishop Riordan.

As the show progressed, the cast began collaborating closely with the orchestra, uniting the musical and theatrical elements. Jennifer, however, was only thinking of David during their duration of time working together.

“I thought he was cute and impressed that he could play an instrument because I could never play anything,” Jennifer said.

David said, “I was in the orchestra and it was Jenn who noticed me first.  I played the trumpet and sat in the back of the pit, which was on the side of the stage.  Jenn would pat my head as she walked behind me in between scenes.  I had to say something. So I did and after that it was over.”

Susan Sutton, who currently teaches at Riordan, went to ICA with Jennifer. “I remember after she met him, she couldn’t stop talking about him, even though the rest of us begged her to stop,” Sutton said. “We knew they were meant for each other instantly.”

After the preparations for Riordan’s production of Man of La Mancha were over, David and Jennifer officially started dating on May 5, 1988. David graduated from Riordan in 1988, and a year later, Jennifer graduated from ICA in 1989. The couple was married in 1998 on Valentine’s Day.

Before that, in 1995, a large wave of law enforcement hiring occurred as a result of the Clinton Crime Bill, which led to an increasing number of police presence in response to rising crime rates.

Jennifer and David joined SFPD together—David in the 177th class, and Jennifer followed a few months later in 179th class. The two have only worked with one another in the SFPD a few times, due to David being assigned to the Northern Station and Jennifer assigned to the Park Station.

“We are on the same radio channel so we hear what each one is doing,” Jennifer added. “I love working with him or being in the same profession with him.”

After many years of marriage and a shared profession in public service, the Dorantes family’s relationship and bond remains as strong as ever. Together, they raised a son who graduated from Riordan, David Dorantes Jr. ’21, and two daughters who graduated from Sacred Heart Cathedral.

“My son really had no choice,” David said.   “From the beginning he was taught to wear the purple and gold and to root for the Crusaders.”

He added, “Some people believed he was going to just follow in my footsteps, but he had a completely different and exciting experience and education at Riordan. He is proud to call himself a Crusader.”

David Jr. concurred, saying, “I was destined to go to Riordan because I have been going to basketball games and the camps since I was little.”

He explained that he always felt at home as a member of the Crusader Family because his family was so entrenched in the fabric of Purple and Gold.

“My parents’ connection to Riordan allowed me to feel more welcomed and at home at Riordan. Some of the staff knew me because they knew my parents.”

The story behind their courtship is legendary, and one he cherishes.

“I wasn’t surprised when I heard how they met but I still think it’s a cute story,” David Jr. said.  “I also had a teacher that pretty much put my parents together, which was cool to hear.”

Their journey together, both in life and in their careers, shows true love, commitment, and dedication toward each other, their family, and their community.

David said, “My Riordan connection stayed strong due to the Alumni Association and activities that involved alumni, like the Downtown Luncheon, pre-game bbq, plays/musicals, and fundraisers. They helped me to remain a part of the larger Crusader family and maintain the friendships I developed during my time there.”

“They’re both really wonderful people,” said Michael Vezzali-Pascual ’88, a current English teacher at Riordan, who went to high school and college with David.

“It’s been a while since we’ve chatted, but it’s always great to see them. And when I see them, it’s like we’re still in high school, college. It’s like nothing’s ever changed.”