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What is the Wall of Fame? This year's recipients Past inductees Nomination form Contact Person

ALUMNI WALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Past Inductees

         

2007

Leyden celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Alumni Wall of Fame. There were no new inductees this year.

 

2006 Inductees

Dr. Peter D. Chemello (Class of 1978) is a board certified oral surgeon with the Northwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Center located in Arlington Heights and Elgin . In addition, he is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and lectures at the University of Pennsylvania . He was one of the original founders of the mobile dental clinic which gives dental care to needy people in the Wheeling , Palatine , and Elk Grove Townships . For the past fifteen years, Dr. Chemello has participated in the Elgin Dental Survey sponsored by the Junior League. He treats children in the U-46 school district that are identified to be in need. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Chicago Dental Society, and a Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He attended Loyola University and the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. His message to Leyden students: “Any success starts from within. It is incumbent on each individual to seize the opportunity and make his best effort. Thinking that there is no chance will only insure you will have no chance. Opportunity exists everywhere.”

Mrs. Sence Wagner Feldmann (Class of 1978) is currently a certified nurse midwife at the Center for Women's Health at the University of Illinois Medical Center. She is a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. She earned her Bachelors and Masters of Science degrees from the University of Illinois , College of Nursing . In 1983, she received the Alumni Association Outstanding Leader Award. In addition, Mrs. Feldmann is the First Ward Alderwoman in the City of Northlake . She has served as the Treasurer and President of the Whittier School PTA. Over the years, she has been extremely active in the Leyden Bears Football and Cheerleading program and coached the Northlake softball team for girls. Her message to Leyden students, “If you think you can, you will. Believe in yourself!”

Mr. Ruben Melesio (Class of 1955) is the president and owner of the Highway Safety Corporation, which furnishes and installs traffic protection equipment. He is a member of the Illinois Road Builders Association and in the past has served on their Board of Directors. In addition, he has served as one of the founders and president of the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association. He has received national awards for being the Association's minority contractor of the year. He is also a member of the Shriners since 1971. Mr. Melesio is a long-time member of the Leyden Old Timers. His message to Leyden students is, “Choose your words wisely. People will judge you by them.”

 

 

2005 Inductees

REBECCA DAWSON KUNTZ (Class of 1979) is currently vice-president of Harris Nesbitt­Harris Bank's investment bank. She is responsible for selling new issue corporate loans to financial institutions. She manages the Firm's relationships with a diverse set of buyers in the loan market. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Loan Sales and Trading Association. In addition, she speaks frequently at industry conferences.

Smith College , Rebecca's alma mater, benefits greatly from her involvement. She has helped to raise $1 million for Smith College in the past ten years, working as Special Gifts Chairperson. Also, Rebecca is an active member of the First United Church of Oak Park.

Rebecca's message to Leyden students, "Hard work is never wasted. Don't be afraid to reach higher and don't listen when people tell you to scale back your expectations."

TERRY A. PIPER (Class of 1963) started working at Franklin Park-based Precision Steel Warehouse, Inc. in 1961 on a high school work study program. In 1999, he became its' CEO and President. His company has 220 employ­ees and $60 million in revenues.

While working at Precision Steel, Terry earned his Associate of Arts degree from Wright Junior College and his Bachelor's degree from Elmhurst College .

Terry, for the past 29 years, has been a football official for the IHSA. In addition, he has officiated for the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin for 12 years. Terry is also an active member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Lafox , Illinois .

Terry writes, "Finish high school. Don't go to college if you don't really want to. Learn at least one other foreign language. Get along with people."

The Village President/Mayor and Historian of Franklin Park, DANIEL PRITCHETT (Class of 1965) , is one of Leyden 's own! He has been in these two roles since 1996. He also serves as a member of the Franklin Park Chamber of commerce, and the co-founder of the Franklin Park Merchant's Association. He has brought to fruition many initiatives in the area, specifically, Franklin Park 's Veterans Memorial, October Fest, Classic Car Show, and Railroad Daze. He is instru­mental in the construction of the Grand Avenue Underpass project and the revitalization of downtown Franklin Park .

In addition to his numerous duties in Franklin Park , he is pres­ident of Omar Electric.

His message to Leyden students, "The four years at Leyden go by so fast, but the lessons and memories will last a lifetime. Go for all you can.

LUCIA KAMM-STEIGELMAN (Class of 1965) is a Distinguished Scholar and Associate Professor of Women's Wellness in the Wellstar Department of Nursing, at Kennesaw State Universiry in Georgia . She earned her B.A. degree from Dominican Universiry, a M.S.N. from Rush Universiry, an M.B.A. from Bowling Green State Universiry. and a Ph.D. from Emory Universiry. She is a member of numerous profes­sional organizations and has been involved in several research proj­ects in nursing. In addition, she is a motivational speaker and runs a transition planning business for mid-life women.

Her message to Leyden students. "Maintain your dream of the person you want to be. and the goals you want to achieve. Believe in something larger than yourself."

 

2004 Inductees

Jonathan Cain (John Friga - Class of 1968), longtime member of the band Journey, has been performing, writing and recording music since the eighties. As a song writer, his songs have been recorded by Michael Bolton, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Rogers, the band Heart, Greg Allman, Maria Carey and many others. He co-authored the songs, "Who's Crying Now," "Don't Stop Believin,'" "Faithfully" and "Open Arms." Jonathan has a successful solo career as well, as he has written a series of well received new age albums. In 1999, he received the RIAA Diamond Award for selling over 10 million copies of Journey-Greatest Hits. He was also the recipient of many Bay Area Music Awards and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Journey's song, "When You Love a Woman." Jonathan's message to Leyden students is "to take education seriously, to make the most out of every class and every assignment, to evolve and to improve as a student."
Matt Janz (Class of 1988), has been cartooning since the age of 8. When he was 11 years old his collection of cartoons, "Dumbells," was published by the Franklin Park Library. He is currently a syndicated cartoonist with the Washington Post Writers Group. His cartoon, Out of the Gene Pool, appears in newspapers worldwide, including the Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, New York Daily News, Seattle Times, and The Taiwan News. Syndicated cartooning is an extremely competitive field, as syndicates receive thousands of comic strip submissions and syndicate only a few each year. In addition, Matt works part-time as a graphic artist and art director at BSA Advertising in Chicago. Matt's message to Leyden students is "you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it; persistence does pay off!
Manuel Flores (Class of 1990)- The youngest member of the Chicago City Council, Manuel "Manny" Flores, was sworn into office on May 5, 2003. Manny has built an impressive career, demonstrating his dedication to public service and to crime prevention. Prior to being elected Alderman, Manny served as Cook County Assistant State's Attorney. Manny also served as an aide to Congressman Luis Gutierrez. Manny is a member of the Hispanic Illinois State Law Enforcement Association, and an active participant in the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) program. He also founded Fuerza, a not-for-profit educational advocacy organization that works with Chicago high school students. Manny earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Rosary College and a law degree from George Washington University Law School. His message to Leyden students is "to work hard and commit to intellectual development and other extra-curricular activities that will provide broader experiences outside the classroom."
Robyn Chavarrie McCluskey (Class of 1984), is currently the Senior Manager for the Restaurant Business Services with eMac Digital, McDonalds Corporation based in Oak Brook, Illinois. She has worked with McDonald's Corporation for the last ten years in a variety of positions with increased levels of responsibility. Robyn's dedication and hard work has earned her numerous recognition awards during her career at McDonalds. She earned the most prestigious McDonald's President's Award in 2000, only given to the top 1% of employees.
Robyn earned her Bachelor's Degree and Master's of Business and Administration from DePaul University with high honors. Robyn's message to Leyden students is "to get involved in the activities and events offered in high school. These very experiences will benefit you later in life."

 

2003 Inductees

Karen Alber (Class of 1982), is currently vice president of PepsiCo Integration Management Office. She is responsible for a company-wide effort to standardize PepsiCo business processes and systems across four divisions: Frito-Lay, Quaker Food and Beverages, Tropicana and Pepsi North America. Prior to the merger with PepsiCo, Karen held positions of increasing responsibility with Quaker Oats in plant operations, production planning, purchasing, supply chain implementation, internal consulting, and enterprise systems. Karen's areas of expertise include supply-chain strategy, enterprise solutions, change management, performance measurement, process improvement, and supply- chain synchronization. Karen has been promoted 10 times in her 15-year career. She became vice president of this Fortune 500 company at age 37.
Karen is an internationally-recognized speaker at conferences, workshops and industry functions around the globe and is often cited in trade publications. She was recently portrayed on the cover of Consumer Goods Technology magazine in June 2002 as one of "The 25 Most Influential Executives" in the industry. Karen earned her bachelor's degree in Operations Management from the University of Iowa and an MBA from Loyola University.
Her message to Leyden students is "to take advantage of your high school years-participate-go above and beyond what you think you can do and make the most of it. It's the only chance you'll get."
Jim Fredrickson (Class of 1981), is the owner of Gym-Kinetics Gymnastic School, located in Mokena, Illinois, and recently a second gym has been added in New Lenox, Illinois. In 1985 he opened his school, working as president and head coach, while maintaining a job as a full-time carpenter. Enrollment which started at 60 students per week is now up to 2,000 students per week.
Jim was named Coach of the Year in 1993 by USA Gymnastics. He has coached 230 state champions, 24 regional champions, and 12 national champions. In 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990 he coached the state championship Boys' Team. He has coached numerous regional events and all- around champions. Over the past ten years he has coached Junior Olympic National Champions. In addition, he has coached four USA Junior Olympic National Team members. He has been the Region 5 National Team coach for the past 8 years. His coaching has taken him abroad to England and France. Many of his students have gone on to receive athletic scholarships at universities across the country.
Jim writes, "A goal is not a dream and a dream is not a goal. Do not wait for a dream to come true, but set goals that are attainable. Once you set a goal you must be relentless in your work habits until you achieve that goal. Take chances while you are young and don't be afraid to fail. Don't grow old saying I'm going to, or I should have. Goals-set them and get them!"
Steve Tanner (Class of 1982), is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. He is a fighter pilot currently stationed in Aviano Air Force Base in Italy flying the F-16. He received his flight training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. There he was named outstanding graduate, ranked # 2 overall, and was selected to fly the F-15 Fighter. In Okinawa, Japan while flying the F-15, he was named the Top Gun Wingman and the Top Gun Flight Lead. At Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, he was a T-38 Instructor Pilot and named the outstanding graduate from Squadron Officers' School. He has over 2600 of flight time in the F-15 and F-16. He has flown in combat over Iraq.
He earned his B.A. at the United States Air Force Academy, where he was ranked #1 in his class in Engineering Sciences. He went on to earn an M.B.A. at Midwestern State University, magna cum laude.
His message to Leyden students is simple," It's a tough world out there. You can either take your education seriously and have good opportunities in life, or you can dismiss your education and have limited opportunities. The choice is yours!"
Dr. Pam Kibbons (Class of 1984), has been the principal of Thompson Middle School in St. Charles, Illinois since 1999. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Loyola University and Aurora University. At the university level, she lectures graduate students in the areas of educational leadership and policy studies, school administration, and supervision.
Before her principalship, Dr. Kibbons was the Assistant Principal at Wredling Middle School in St. Charles, Illinois. She began her teaching career in District #87 in Northlake, Illinois. There, she taught general music and coordinated special holiday programs, choirs, and graduation ceremonies. She owned her own business, Studio 88, from 1986 to 1996, which was responsible for providing keyboard and instrumental instruction to 300 weekly clients.
Dr. Kibbons earned her B.A. at Elmhurst College, an M.S. from National Louis University, and a Ph.D. from Loyola University.
Dr. Kibbons wrote upon receiving this award, "this has boosted my energy level and encouraged me to seek new challenges in the future. Leyden is a place that supports diversity and a well-balanced academic and extra-curricular education."

 

2002 Inductees

John F. Kozlowski (Class of 1968), is currently a senior organic chemist for analytical development at Eli Lilly and Company, Tippecanoe Laboratories in Lafayette, Indiana. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry with honors from Knox College. He went on to earn two degrees from Purdue University: a Master of Science in Physical Organic Chemistry and a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry. He is published in many major scientific journals and received his first patent at the age of twenty-four. In addition, Mr. Kozlowski has contributed to research programs on five continents. His message to Leyden students is to "Enjoy this time in your life, but remember that, at any age or at any time, you can be a force to improve or change the world. Make somebody happy; make somebody strong."
Anita Dilillo Kuhnle, D.V.M.(Class of 1977), is an associate veterinarian at the Arlington Heights Animal Hospital in Arlington Heights, Illinois. She earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Science and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from the University of Illinois, where she graduated second in her class with high honors. She was on the Dean's List all seven years of her schooling and was placed on the National Dean's List. She did her externship in Southlake, Texas, at the Golden Triangle Animal Hospital, where she treated horses and cattle and performed a variety of surgeries on large and small animals. Presently she is an accomplished soft tissue surgeon; she is also proud of her training and experience with a variety of dogs. She provides medical care for exotic mammals, and in 1991, she was given the Nine Lives Veterinary Excellence Award. Dr. Kuhnle's message to Leyden students is "Times may change, but setting goals and working hard to achieve them will never be outmoded."
Deborah A. Miller, PhD. (Class of 1970), is a full professor and health coordinator at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. She earned both her Bachelors and Masters of Science degrees from the University of Illinois. Her Doctoral degree was earned in 1982 from the University of Oregon. Dr. Miller taught previously in Illinois at Niles North Junior High School and Nazareth Academy and coached at De Paul University. She is an accomplished author, having written and published many books, one winning the New York Public Library's Best Book Award, Coping With Incest. Dr. Miller won the Distinguished Advising Award from the College of Charleston, of which she is particularly proud. Additionally, she won the Founder's Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Professor of the Year Award. When notified of her selection to the Alumni Wall of Fame, Dr. Miller wrote, "I can hardly wait to walk the hallowed halls of East Leyden once again, as every hallway brings back very fond memories."
Kelle Zech Reynolds (Class of 1985), is a forest wildlife biologist and cave coordinator at the Hoosier National Forest in Bedford, Indiana. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife from Purdue University . She prepares wildlife reports and biological evaluations for vegetation, wildlife, recreation, engineering and special use activities that occur in the forest. She coordinates all of this with federal, state, and local governmental agencies and universities. She also oversees the forest cave program, including locating new caves, completing cave inventories, coordinating with volunteers, and completing cave management plans. Before her work in Indiana, Ms. Reynolds was a wildlife biologist and forester at the Deschutes National Forest in Crescent, Oregon. Her message to Leyden students is "Your years at Leyden form the foundation for the remainder of your life. Make those years productive and fun. After graduation, continue to build on that foundation. You can go anywhere and do anything."

 

2001 Inductees


Dr. Maria Ann Atkins (Class of 1985) is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in Portland, Maine. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from the University of Illinois in 1989 and a Degree of Osteopathy from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in June 1993. At her commencement in the Rockefeller Cathedral in Chicago, she delivered the graduation speech. She completed her internship at Rush/Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago where she held the position of Intern Representative to the Administration. She was the chief resident at Brighton Medical Center in Portland, Maine. Dr. Atkins has a simple and direct message to Leyden students - work hard!
Ms. Suzanne Elliott Belish (Class of 1969) currently is the Curriculum and Special Programs Director at the Sheridan County School District in Ranchester, Wyoming. She oversees curriculum, instruction, accreditation, assessment, staff development, special education, gifted education, federal programs and grants. She started her career at Rhodes School in River Grove, Illinois, as a third grade teacher. Before her present position, Ms. Belish was the Tongue River Middle School Principal in Ranchester, Wyoming. She won the prestigious Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award in 1995.
The Honorable Paul Sacco (Class of 1971) is an Attorney at Law in Greeley, Colorado and a Municipal Judge in the City of Ft. Lupton, Colorado. He has represented dependent and neglected children from dysfunctional families in over 100 cases over a period of six years. He has also created youth sentencing and diversion programs that alleviate the problems of young children. One of his
well-known accomplishments is his "music immersion" program, incorporating creative sentencing.
Dr. Dennis Pietrini (Class of 1963) has been a practicing dentist with the Franklin Park Dental Associates, Ltd. since 1978. He started his dental career in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps in 1970, and in 1972 he began his private dental practice. He was named the Man of the Year in 1988 by the Italian Cultural Center. He is listed in Who's Who in Dentistry and three times served as Chairman of the Department of Oral Medicine at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, where he has also been a member of the Credentials Committee. He is a pioneer in the field of laser dentistry and his work is known and respected in the industry.
Dr. Pietrini believes hard work and perseverance are the keys to success. The Alumni Wall of Fame award is extremely special to him as it is a 'birthday gift' to his father who will turn 80 in 2001.

 

2000 Inductees

Connie Frybarger Bretz
Class of 1945

  • Writer/Oral Storyteller for 33 years
  • Teacher/Consultant
  • 1,013 credits in publishing
  • Winner of numerous awards/honors in storytelling
  • Nominated for Pulitzer Prize
  • "Children that Care" volunteer

Laura Farley Erickson
Class of 1969

  • Currently working on Ph.D. through University of Minnesota-St. Paul in avian physiology
  • Ornithologist/Writer
  • Radio writer/producer "For the Birds"
  • Published For the Birds: An Uncommon Guide
  • Published Sharing the Wonder of Birds with Kids-- winner of the National Outdoor Book Award
  • Contributing writer--Minneapolis Star-Tribune
  • Winner of numerous awards/honors in research and rehabilitation of birds

Tom Dore
Class of 1975

  • Two-time All-State and one year All-American Prep basketball player
  • Center for University of Missouri--1976-1980
  • Play-by-Play Announcer for Chicago Bulls on Fox Sports Net
  • On-site host and play-by-play for NCAA Division One college basketball tournaments
  • 1994 Sportscaster of the Year Award given by the Illinois chapter of the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association

Dr. Mark Benedetto
Class of 1973

  • BS, Texas Wesleyan University, Forth Worth, Texas
  • MA, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
  • Ed.S and Ed.D, Loma Linda University, Riverside, California
  • University of Sioux Falls, President
  • East Texas Baptist University--Vice President of Student Services
  • California Baptist College--Vice President of Student Affairs, Athletic Director, Head Baseball Coach
  • U.S.A. Athletes in Action, Colorado Springs, CO

Daniel A. Netzel
Class of 1953

  • B.S. in Chemistry, University of Illinois
  • M.S. in Physical-Inorganic Chemistry, University of Missouri, Kansas City
  • Ph.D. in Physical-Analytical Chemistry, Northwestern University
  • Principal Scientist/Senior Research Scientist--Western Research Institute
  • Organizer and Developer of Denver Analytical Conference --national and international conference in the field of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
  • Published numerous studies and contributed to several books

 

 

1999 Inductees

 

Carl Amari is Chief Executive Officer of Radio Spirits, Inc., the company he founded in 1977. It has annual sales of $5.2 million, including catalog sales of old-time radio show tapes. He produces "When Radio Was," a nationally syndicated radio show. He hosts its weekend edition on WMAQ radio. The company also has an exclusive licensing and distribution agreement with the Smithsonian Institution.

 

Ruth Bradof Blaha earned a degree from the American Academy of Art in Chicago. For ten years she worked for sales promotion agencies, during which she launched the Happy Meal campaign for McDonald's. In 1982 she started her own agency with a $5000.00 investment. The company, which specializes in technology accounts, is now international with annual revenues exceeding $20 million. Her accounts include IBM and Kodak.

 

Richard Boubek graduated in 1954 as a Second Lieutenant from the Air Force's Aviation Cadet and Officer's Training Program. He spent six years in the Strategic Air Command, including being on alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Named a "Top Gun," he also served in Korea and Vietnam. He retired as a Major with 26 Military Awards and Decorations. Subsequently he worked for 20 years as a United Airlines pilot.

 

Glen Grunwald is the only four time All-Star player in the history of Illinois high school basketball. He was also the co-captain of the Indiana University NCAA basketball champions. Drafted by the Boston Celtics, injury prevented him from playing. After earning a law degree from Northwestern University, he was a lawyer for the Denver Nuggets for several years. Presently he is General Manager of the Toronto Raptors.

1998 Inductees

 ARTHUR STEVEN ARRIAGA
CLASS OF 1966

PATRICIA CUPURO, RN-CS,ACNP,MSN
CLASS OF 1984

 
Arthur Arriaga served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1970, including a tour of duty in Viet Nam. Trained in the military, Mr. Arriaga worked as an electrician after the Air Force. In 1992, he started his own business -- A and C Electric Company, Inc., which has gross annual sales of $1.2 million. Mr. Arriaga, owner and president of this MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) in Elk Grove Village, received the 1994 Electrical Contractor of the Year Award from the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and also 4th place for Contractor of the Year from the U.S. State Department.

Arriaga met his wife-to-be at West Leyden. Married 30 years and with two sons, Mr. Arriaga has been very family and community oriented. He coached Little League and Soccer League and was a Chief in the Indian Guides and Trail Blazers programs.

Presently he is a Board Member of the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, trustee at his church, director of a softball league, an officer in his local electrical union, and associate founder of Adult Children of Alcoholics in Arlington Heights. A Junior Achievement Instructor at East Leyden for three years, he received a J.A. Service Award. Busy and productive, Art Arriaga is a fine role model for Leyden students and for his grandson.

 
Patricia Cupuro earned a B.S. degree in Nursing in 1988 from Northern Illinois University and a Master's degree in Nursing, Trauma/ Critical Care, with an Advanced Practicum in Trauma, in 1994, from Loyola University. Sine 1995 she has been a Trauma Nurse Practitioner at Good Samaritan Hospital. She helps to manage trauma patient care beginning in the Emergency Room, then into Intensive Care, and on through post discharge follow-up in the trauma clinic. She worked for one year at Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center as a Pediatric Critical Care Nurse. Prior to that she worked at Children's Memorial Hospital for six years as a Family Care Coordinator in the Emergency Department of a Level 1 Trauma Center.

Certified in Advanced Burn Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support, she also teaches courses in trauma medicine at such hospitals as Christ Hospital, Loyola University Medical Center, and Rockford Memorial Hospital. She has also made presentations on Violence in Adolescents, Community Violence, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Ms. Cupuro has made Trauma Case Study presentations to the paramedics at many area Fire Departments, e.g. Addison, Lisle, and Villa Park. She has also published in the Journal of Trauma and Critical Care. She stays current in her field by attending workshops -- over 50 since 1990.

JUDGE MELANIE L. CYGANOWSKI
CLASS OF 1970

JAMES R. SLOWIAK, M.F.A.
CLASS OF 1973

 
Honorable Melanie L. Cyganowski is a federal judge appointed under Article I of the Constitution. She earned her bachelor's degree with honors in Anthropology from Grinnell College in Iowa. She did graduate studies in urban development at Cornell University and then earned her doctorate of law, manga cum laude, from State University of New York at Buffalo where she was Senior Editor of the Law Review.

Cyganowski began her career as a Program Planning Coordinator for Buffalo's Department of Community Development and Human Resources of Buffalo from 1974-1978. She coordinated East Buffalo's comprehensive development plan, i.e. its designation as the first nationally recognized Small Business Administration loan program are; its implementation of $1 million EDA commercial beautification program, etc. While completing her law degree, she directed a CETA Title I program and was a law clerk from 1981-1982. She then became a Litigation Associate with Sullivan & Cromwell in New York City for seven years. Prior to being named a federal judge, she was Senior Attorney, Litigation, for Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy, also in New York City. Since 1993, she has served as the United States Bankruptcy Judge, Eastern District of New York. She is Admitted to Practice: Courts of the State of New York; Supreme Court of the United States, etc.

 
James R. Slowiak earned his B.A. in Anthropology, French, and Dramatic Arts, magna cum laude, followed by his Master's of Fine Arts in Directing from the University of California-Irvine in 1985. He is Associate Professor of Theater Arts at the University of Akron and also the Co-Artistic Director of the New World Performance Laboratory which he founded in 1982. In 1994 Slowiak was presented with a Kennedy Center/ American College Theater Festival Meritorious Achievement Award.

In the early '90's Slowiak was guest artist at the Cleveland Public Theater which resulted in his becoming Resident Director of that Theater. Concurrently he became an assistant professor of Theater arts at the University of Akron. For four years he conducted a morning actor training session called Body Lab which was rigorous work for young actors. That core group became Mr. Slowiak's New World Performance Lab which is associated both with the university and the Cleveland Public Theater, which allows student actors to have professional acting experience.

Mr. Slowiak teaches a variety of Theater classes, has directed plays in Europe and South America, has given professional presentations at universities and theaters in locations around the world, and has directed a cadre of challenging plays from Shakespeare to Peer Gynt, The Misanthrope, and Man and Superman.


 

1997 Inductees

 

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

 

  Richard Martinez, M.D.

 1982

  family practice medicine

 

 

 Jim Johnson

 1962

 broadcasting

 

 

 Thomas J. Kapusta

 1972

 architecture

 

 Diane Webber Eden

 1964

 business and computer sales

1996 Inductees

 

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

Eric Wasowicz

1975

business and computer science

 

 

Richard G. Mork

1953

business management

 

Lori Drummer Truitt

1981

biology and engineering

 

Dr. William A. Bookless

1970

physics and scientific research

1995 Inductees

 

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

Aguinaldo Valdez

1977

corporate and international law

 

 

Janet Kamien

1966

museum administration

 

Mary Anne Barcellona Navratil

1974

music and drama

 

Robert Perry

1962

sociology and education

1994 Inductees

 

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

Rear Admiral James C. Cario

1960

military service and engineering

 

Mayor Reid M. Paxson

1964

local government

 

Linda Lemieux Wiatr

1974

literature

 

Dr. John D. Markese

1963

business and finance

1993 Inductees

 

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

Judge Clifford L. Meacham

1963

Law

 

 

Douglas W. Eden, M.S.

1963

Government Service

 

Robert B. Leeper

1965

Business and Entrepreneurism

 

Kathrine Edwards Callahan, M.S.

1970

Government Service

1992 Inductees

 

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

Brenda Czajka Barnes, M.B.A.

1971

Corprate Management

 

 

Richard Zielinski, M.S.

1965

Television Production and Education

 

August F. Battaglia, AIA

1970

Architecture

 

Donald Jerina Ph.D.

1958

Biomedical Research

1991 Inductees

 

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

Dr. John Bingham

1966

Music

 

 

Carol Ditchkus

1966

Business and Marketing

 

Dr. Karen Marie

1976

Medicine

 

Ned Colletti

1972

Professional Sports Administration

 

 

 Paul Froelich

 1963

 Community Service

 

 

 Jeff Hernandez

 1962

 Business Administration

1990 Inductees

 

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

Captin Richard Lavergne

1977

Military Services and Engineering

 

 

Tim Setnicka

1964

National Park Service

 

Joan Vercillo Nelson

1978

Air Traffic Control

 

Richard Agness

1963

College Coaching and Administration

 

 

 Louis Rende

 1947

 Television Production

 

 

 Mary Kozy

 1967

 Social Work

1989 Inductees

 

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

Marian Leonard Tompson

1947

Public service

 

 

Diane Doll

1970

Computer Programming and Music

 

Donald Hester, Ph.D.

1960

Career Diplomacy

 

Michael Shanahan

1970

NFL Coaching

 

 

 Bruce Pugesek

 1969

 Research Biology

 

 

 Tom Lynch

 1968

 Watercoloring

 

 

 Frank Fultz, Ph.D.

 1969

 Health Education and Professional Coaching

 

 

1988 Inductees

 

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

NAME

CLASS OF

FIELD(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT:

 

James Bradof, M.D.

1966

Oncology

 

 

Beverly Kedzierski, Ph.D.

1971

Computer Science

 

Mary Ann Ruzecki

1951

Meteorology and Computer Science

 

Harold Kelley

1954

Business Managrment

 

 

 Diane Ryndak, Ph.D.

 1970

 Special Education

 

 

 Donald Stephens

 1952

 Business and Politics

 

 

 John Nester

 1964

 Art Education