Distinguished Alumni
2025 Distinguished Alumni
Molly Hamer, Class of 1976
Molly Hamer, a third-generation Geneseoan, was born and raised in Geneseo, the daughter of the late Bill and Phyllis Neuleib. A 1976 graduate, she was active in cheerleading, sports, and choir.
With a passion for recreation and community, Molly dedicated her career to building spaces for play. She served on the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Board, earning the 2023 Professional of the Year Award. Her leadership in Rotary Clubs and Chambers of Commerce fostered collaboration and development of meaningful recreational spaces.
Molly earned her Bachelor’s in 1981 from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in Leisure Studies (now Recreation, Sport, and Tourism). She competed on the women’s track team, performed with the Marching Illini color guard, was a varsity cheerleader, and a Delta Gamma sorority member.
Her parks and recreation career began with 11 years at Schaumburg Park District, where she advanced to Superintendent of Recreation, contributing to the district’s rapid growth in the 1980s.
After the birth of triplets in 1992, Molly and her husband Mike returned to Geneseo, where she served on the Geneseo Park District Board of Commissioners for ten years before becoming Executive Director in 2007. Under her leadership, the district achieved Illinois Distinguished Accreditation, developed its first Comprehensive Master Plan, and received a GFOA Certificate for Financial Reporting Excellence.
Molly’s most notable achievement in Geneseo was leading the redevelopment of the town’s aging outdoor pool. Through a capital campaign supported by a generous donation from John and Carla Edwards and grant funding, a state-of-the-art aquatic facility opened in 2016.
In 2016, Molly became Executive Director of the Northbrook Park District, leading the five-year “New Places to Play” initiative. Major projects included the Techny Prairie Activity Center, a net zero energy facility opened in 2021, and the transformation of Northbrook’s 90-year-old golf course into the Heritage Oaks Golf Club, a year-round destination.
Molly’s strategic vision, fiscal responsibility, and commitment to community recreation have left a lasting impact in Schaumburg, Northbrook, and her beloved hometown, Geneseo.
Cephas B. Hunt, Class of 1862
Cephas B. Hunt was born on May 20, 1844, and lived an adventurous life in the Midwest and Western U.S. He served as a Union soldier in the Civil War, a U.S. Marshal in Oklahoma, a county sheriff and postmaster in Iowa, an early settler in Kansas, a farmer, and an Iowa State Senator.
The Hunt family lineage traces back to John Allen and Priscilla, Mayflower passengers in 1620. In 1854, the Hunts moved to Geneseo, Illinois, where Cephas’s father purchased a farm. They relocated to Kansas in 1858 but faced hardships and briefly moved to Massachusetts before returning to Geneseo in 1861.
In July 1862, at 18, Cephas enlisted in Company I of the 112th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, though he claimed to be 19 on enlistment papers. He and his unit saw action in Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Battle of Atlanta under Sherman. Of the 101 men in his company, only 25 survived the war, including Hunt. He documented his experiences in a diary, later published by his great-granddaughter as Bluecoats: The Civil War Diary of Cephas B. Hunt.
Returning to Geneseo in 1865, he worked at a local clothing store before marrying Sue Cady on May 23, 1867. The couple settled on a farm near Grinnell, Iowa. In 1873, Hunt was elected Adair County Sheriff, serving six years before returning to farming. In 1881, he became an Iowa State Senator for the 18th District, serving one term before declining re-election. He then edited the Greenfield Transcript newspaper before becoming postmaster of Greenfield until 1894.
The Hunts moved to Perry, Oklahoma, where Hunt ran a grocery business from 1898 to 1900. In 1910, they relocated to San Diego, California, where Sue passed away on January 4, 1918. After her death, Cephas returned to Oklahoma to live with his daughter, Hattie, in Oklahoma City. He passed away on September 30, 1922, after a life rich in adventure and public service.
John Cady Lough, Class of 1934
John Cady Lough was born in Geneseo on November 22, 1915, to Mr. and Mrs. George W. Lough. He graduated from Geneseo Township High School in 1934, earning a place on the second honor roll multiple times and serving as class president his senior year.
Lough attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois, affiliating with the Alpha Epsilon Delta honorary pre-medical fraternity and serving as president of Phi Sigma Epsilon. In 1940, he won the award for the best pre-medical essay and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.
By December 1940, Lough joined the U.S. Naval Reserves and began flight training at Lambert Field, Missouri, followed by instruction at Naval Air Stations in Pensacola and Miami, Florida. He received his commission as an Ensign and Navy pilot on November 7, 1941.
Lough was first assigned to the U.S.S. Wasp in Norfolk, Virginia, where he trained for carrier landings and takeoffs. He later joined Squadron VT-6 aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, flying SBD-3 Dauntless dive-bombers in the South Pacific.
On June 2, 1942, while near the Midway Islands, Lough flew a scouting mission searching for the Japanese fleet. His logbook entry on June 4, 1942, recorded his mission to bomb Japanese carriers—his final entry. What happened to him remains unknown—whether he successfully hit a target, was shot down, or ran out of fuel over the ocean. On June 19, 1942, local newspapers reported that his parents had been notified of his missing-in-action status.
For his valor at the Battle of Midway, Lough was awarded the Navy Cross, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Purple Heart, the American Defense Service Medal, a Fleet Clasp, and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal. His medals and memorabilia are displayed at the Geneseo Historical Museum.
On January 22, 1944, his sister, Rose Anne Lough, christened a new U.S. Navy destroyer escort, the U.S.S. Lough, in his honor. The ship saw action in the South Pacific in 1945 and was decommissioned on June 24, 1946.
Ted McAvoy, Class of 1960
Ted McAvoy is a dedicated educator and community leader whose six-decade career has left a lasting impact on vocational education, school administration, and civic engagement.
Born and raised in Geneseo, Illinois, Ted graduated from Geneseo High School in 1960 before earning a degree in Industrial Arts with a minor in History from Illinois State University. In 1964, he returned to teach at Geneseo High School, instructing students in welding, machine shop, woods, electricity, and mechanics for 26 years.
Beyond the classroom, Ted expanded his influence by joining the coaching staff in 1966 and earning a master’s degree from the University of Illinois in 1968. He helped develop a Metal Trades curriculum for the Illinois State Board of Education and, in 1970, launched the COOP (Cooperative Occupational Education Program), guiding students in work-based learning for 20 years. As Vocational Director from 1971 to 1990, he introduced innovative programs in building trades, power mechanics, agriculture, and FFA. He earned an Educational Administration Certificate in 1973.
Ted shaped educational policy by serving on state and national boards, including the Illinois Industrial Educational Association, the Illinois Vocational Directors Board (President, 1989-1990), the Illinois Vocational Association, the Illinois Principal Association, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
In 1990, he transitioned into administration, serving as Dean and later Principal of Geneseo High School until retiring in 1999. His commitment to education and community service continued as Chairperson of the Geneseo Foundation Activity Center and the Geneseo School Facilities Enhancement Foundation. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Geneseo Athletic Hall of Fame and played a key role in founding the Geneseo Education Foundation in 1988.
Ted McAvoy’s career exemplifies a lifelong commitment to empowering students, advancing vocational education, and strengthening his community. His leadership and vision have left an enduring legacy in Geneseo and beyond.
George Pinks, Class of 1939
George Pinks was born in Geneseo on July 5, 1921, to Edward and Alice Pinks. He graduated from Geneseo High School in 1939, actively participating in various clubs and sports, including football, track, basketball, and FFA.
After high school, Pinks served in the Army as a medic from 1943 to 1946 during World War II. Upon returning home, his parents encouraged him to enter the medical field, but he was drawn to transportation. Following his father’s advice, he purchased two buses and founded Pinks’ Bus Service on April 18, 1946. By 1948, his fleet had expanded to 14 buses, providing transportation for the Geneseo Community Unit School District—a service that continues today.
Community service was a priority for Pinks. He provided transportation for Maple City Apartments residents and organized trips for seniors at Hillcrest Home, Good Samaritan Center, and Hammond-Henry Hospital to enjoy seasonal outings. In recognition of his contributions, the Geneseo Jaycees awarded him the Distinguished Service Award in 1977. He was an active member of the Geneseo American Legion, VFW, Moose Lodge, Isaac Walton League, and Kiwanis Club.
Pinks played a key role in youth programs. In 1952, he helped the Geneseo Rotary Club transport over 100 children to the Kewanee Municipal Swimming Pool. In 1958, he and seven others established the Geneseo Youth Football Program, which continues to teach young athletes the fundamentals of football, sportsmanship, and citizenship.
Beyond Geneseo, Pinks served in national and state organizations. He was vice president of the National Contract School Bus Association, earning its prestigious Golden Merit Award in 1971. He also served two years as president of the Illinois Contract School Bus Association.
Through his dedication to transportation and community service, George Pinks exemplified how one person’s contributions can create a lasting impact.
Marv W. Peterson, Class of 1956
Marv was valedictorian, class president, student body president, and a National Honor Society member. Excelling in sports, he broke school records in basketball before an ankle injury curtailed his senior-year participation. He then engaged in theater and vocal performance.
Marv attended Trinity College (1956-60) on an Illinois Scholarship, serving as class president, Student Senate president, and a Medusa Honor Society member. He earned Phi Beta Kappa honors as a junior and was listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges. Later, he was a Trinity Board of Trustees member and received the Alumni Medal of Excellence.
At Harvard Business School (1960-62), he earned an MBA in Human Behavior and Management and was later appointed Assistant Dean and Faculty Member (1962-66). Harvard recognized him for his exemplary “Perspective on Success.”
At the University of Michigan (1966-68), Marv completed Ph.D. requirements in Higher Education and Organizational Behavior. He then joined the faculty at Michigan’s Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education (CSHPE), where he became a full professor and served as Director for 20 years. Under his leadership, CSHPE was consistently ranked as the top U.S. higher education program, doubled in size, and secured major federal research grants.
Marv chaired 110 doctoral dissertations, mentoring students who became university leaders. His research focused on organizational behavior, governance, and institutional research. Notable works include Black Students on White Campuses (1978) and Improving Academic Management (1980), both highly influential in shaping higher education policies. He authored over 30 books and 150 articles and served on multiple editorial boards.
Marv was president of ASHE, AIR, and SCUP, earning multiple distinguished service awards. His expertise extended internationally, consulting on higher education transformation in numerous countries. The University of Michigan honored his legacy by establishing the Marvin W. Peterson Graduate Student Fellowship and the Marvin W. Peterson Chair of Higher Education upon his retirement.
Larry Schrof, Class of 1993
Larry (P.) Schrof, born legally blind and raised in Geneseo, overcame early challenges with the support of preschool teacher Rebecca Rowe and thrived in the Geneseo public school system. He later earned a computer science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was recruited by the National Science Foundation as an early web developer. He then secured a prestigious role managing the university’s central computing clusters, serving over 70,000 users.
Larry’s tech career soared—at 24, he launched his first tech consulting company. His expertise led him to Facebook (now Meta), where he joined a pioneering team of engineers that defined modern Production Engineering. This role expanded into a global industry standard, growing to over a thousand engineers at Meta within four years. Today, Larry is a sought-after speaker on technology, AI, engineering leadership, and career development.
Larry’s passion for music began at age two with a glockenspiel and flourished when he discovered the electric guitar. He played in numerous bands with childhood friend Kelly Smith and later pursued music professionally at Berklee College of Music. There, he became an accomplished session guitarist, wrote a groundbreaking guitar method book, toured, and studied with renowned musicians. He received his diploma from Aretha Franklin herself.
Larry’s adventurous spirit extends beyond tech and music. He holds a first-degree black belt in Kuk Sool Won, a real estate license, and has passed the FINRA Securities Industry Essentials exam. He has mentored countless students in math, science, music, programming, and martial arts, believing in the power of education and service to others.
Now semi-retired, Larry lives in Barrington, IL, with his wife Amanda and their children, Eli, Zoe, and Poppy. He balances tech consulting, musical projects, and family life, embodying optimism, altruism, and a belief that anything is possible.
James Floyd Smith, Class of 1902
James Floyd Smith was born in Geneseo, Illinois, in 1884. Before discovering his true passion, he worked in various occupations, including as a cowboy, machinist, orange grower, and sugar factory worker. However, he eventually found his calling in the world of entertainment as a circus aerialist and trapeze artist.
Smith toured the country for years as a member of the Flying Sylvesters, performing breathtaking stunts in circuses and vaudeville shows. It was during this time that he met and fell in love with his co-star, Hilder Youngberg. The two daredevils married in 1907, sharing not only their personal lives but also their passion for high-flying performances.
Their adventurous spirits led them to aviation, and in 1912, Smith and Hilder built and flew their own biplane. Their interest in aviation went beyond just flying; it inspired Smith to innovate. One particularly perilous jump by his wife pushed him to develop a new parachute design, ensuring greater safety for those who took to the skies.
Smith’s contributions to aviation were widely recognized. In 1916, he was awarded the Aero Club of America Medal of Merit for setting three new world hydro altitude records in a Martin seaplane. The highest of these achievements reached an impressive altitude of 12,333 feet, cementing his status as a pioneer in the field.
Beyond his personal accomplishments in flight and aeronautics, Smith was a prolific inventor, holding 33 U.S. patents. His innovations and contributions to aviation technology had a lasting impact on the field, ensuring safety and progress for future generations of aviators.
James Floyd Smith passed away in 1956 in San Diego, California, leaving behind a legacy of daring feats, technological advancements, and a deep passion for flight. His life’s journey—from cowboy to circus performer, from aviator to inventor—embodies the adventurous spirit of early aviation pioneers. His work and achievements continue to be remembered as integral contributions to both the entertainment and aviation industries.
Tim Renihan, Class of 1983
Tim Renihan lives in Washington State with his wife and two daughters. He has many memories from J.D. Darnall High School where he participated in cross country, track, and basketball. He learned valuable life lessons about planning, persistence and hard work that provided a guidebook for his success from his coaches Jeff Quick in track and cross country and Mike Kiss in basketball.
With a distinguished career spanning military service, law enforcement, and corporate threat management, Tim is a seasoned investigator with expertise in assessing and mitigating risks of targeted violence.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma, where he also earned accolades as a Big 8 Conference champion in indoor track.
His law enforcement career began in the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (1995–1998) as a Special Agent, investigating felony crimes against U.S. Army personnel to include homicide, robbery, and sexual assault.
Following his military service, he joined the Seattle Police Department in 1998, serving until January 2022, when he retired from the Homicide and Assault Unit. Tim served in patrol, the anti-Crime team and was awarded the Officer of the Year award before becoming a detective. Tim was in the Homicide and Criminal Intelligence Units for most of his career. He led high-profile investigations, including murder, murder-for-hire, stalking incidents, terrorism, and threats against public officials. He played a crucial role in safeguarding the mayor and other dignitaries, working with the U.S. Secret Service, and collaborating with the U.S. Capitol Police on threats to members of Congress. Additionally, he spearheaded the creation of the Seattle Shield, a public-private intelligence-sharing initiative between law enforcement and the business community. Seattle Shield assisted in identifying numerous individuals conducting operations in the furtherance of terrorist acts. He also held a top-secret clearance with the FBI for almost 20 years while working on multiple task forces.
Transitioning to the private sector in 2022, Tim joined Pinkerton Comprehensive Risk Management where is a Certified Threat Manager through the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals. He was responsible for assessing and managing threats against executives at Fortune 500 companies and is currently the Program Manager for Executive Threat Management for a Fortune 100 technology company.
Donald Gene Wright, Class of 1941
Donald Gene Wright, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Wright, graduated from Geneseo High School in 1941. During high school, he was active in sports, playing basketball as a freshman, football for three years, and track all four years. He served as junior class secretary-treasurer and was a member of the Booster Club and “G” Club.
Wright enlisted in the Armed Services on July 28, 1942, and trained as a B-24 Liberator Bomber gunner at various bases in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. He was assigned to the 344th Bomb Squadron, 98th Bombing Group, 9th Air Force.
In February 1943, Wright and his crew began flying missions from Libya. His plane, Tagalong, sustained heavy damage during a mission over Greece but returned to base. During one mission, shrapnel from flak wounded his arms, legs, and head, earning him the Silver Star.
On August 1, 1943, Tagalong was shot down over Ploesti, Romania, during a low-altitude bombing raid. Five crew members, including Wright, were captured by German troops. Wright suffered a broken arm, leg injuries, and burns but survived. He was treated in Romania before being sent to a POW camp, where he remained for 13 months before being liberated by American forces.
Wright returned to the U.S. on October 10, 1944. After a brief stay at home, he continued military service as a physical training instructor at Chanute Field in Illinois. He was honorably discharged on September 15, 1945, as Henry County’s most decorated World War II soldier.
His honors included the Silver Star for gallantry, the Distinguished Flying Cross for achievement, the Air Medal for meritorious service, four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and a Purple Heart.
2024 Distinguished Alumni
Edith Dunham Foster, Class of 1882
Edith Dunham Foster, a member of the Class of 1882, left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and education. She was an American educational filmmaker who played a pivotal role as the editor of the Motion Picture Community Bureau. This bureau was instrumental in providing the films that were watched by American armed forces during World War I.
Foster’s journey into the world of cinema began through her association with the General Foundation of Women’s Clubs. In her role as an editor and programmer for the Motion Picture Community Bureau, she contributed significantly to the wartime efforts. The Bureau supplied an astonishing nine million feet of film per week to the YMCA War Work Council and the Committee on Training Camp Activities in the United States, along with an additional two million feet per week for international use. The films reached soldiers from the United States and its allies across the globe.
One notable innovation overseen by Foster was the development of a projecting machine that could display pictures on the ceiling. This ingenious device allowed injured soldiers, confined to their hospital cots, to experience the joy of watching films. It was a thoughtful and impactful contribution to the well-being of those recovering from injuries sustained during the war.
Even after the conclusion of World War I, Edith Dunham Foster’s dedication to the realm of cinema and education persisted. She continued to collaborate with her son, a patent attorney and inventor, working on the production of educational films and contributing to the ongoing evolution of motion picture apparatus. Edith Dunham Foster’s legacy stands as a testament to the transformative power of film and its ability to bring comfort and education, even in the most challenging of times.
Gilbet J. Pritchard, Class of 1922
Gilbert J. Pritchard, a member of the Class of 1922, made substantial contributions to the community of Geneseo throughout his life. From 1928 to 1975, he served as an International Harvester dealer, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the local business scene. Beyond his professional endeavors, Pritchard played a crucial role in education, serving on the school board during the establishment of the district post-World War II. His commitment extended to the realm of telecommunications, where he not only contributed to the Geneseo Telephone Co. as a past member and president of the board but also made his mark in banking on the Central Trust and Savings Bank Board.
In addition to his business and financial roles, Pritchard actively participated in community organizations. His involvement in the Hammond Henry board, Geneseo Chamber of Commerce board, and service on the board of directors of the Geneseo Country Club underscored his dedication to the overall well-being of the community. A member of the Geneseo Masonic Lodge, Pritchard also contributed to the social fabric of the town.
Moreover, Gilbert J. Pritchard was a trailblazer in sports philanthropy, being one of the original sponsors of Little League baseball in Geneseo. This initiative reflected his commitment to the youth and the community’s recreational activities. Pritchard’s life, marked by diverse and meaningful engagements, exemplifies the spirit of service and community building, leaving an enduring legacy in Geneseo.
William Ogden Farber, Class of 1928
William Ogden “Doc” Farber was an American political scientist, professor emeritus at the University of South Dakota, and founder of the South Dakota Legislative Research Council. Notable protégés that credit his teachings as influences include Tom Brokaw, Al Neuharth, Dennis Daugaard, Dusty Johnson, and Pat O’Brien.
Farber graduated from Geneseo Public High School in 1928 as valedictorian. In 1932, he received a B.A. cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Northwestern University, in Chicago. He continued on at Northwestern for another year while he earned his M.A. and distinguished himself as a Harris Scholar. In 1935, Farber completed his formal education when he received a Ph. D. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Farber began his career as a professor of political science at the University of South Dakota in 1935. He accepted a chairmanship at North Dakota State University in 1936 but returned to the University the next year, where he served as chair of the Department of Government (now the Department of Political Science) until 1976. During his tenure at The University of South Dakota, he founded several organizations dedicated to advancing research in government. Farber created the University’s Government Research Bureau and founded the South Dakota Legislative Research Council, serving as its first director. In addition, Farber served as chair of the Vermillion City Planning Commission and was a leading member of South Dakota’s Constitutional Revision and Local Government Study Commissions.
He served many roles outside of the university setting including:
- Office of Price Administration;
- Warrant officer with the U.S. Army Air Force serving in the Pacific theater during World War II;
- Regional Loyalty Board,
- U.S. Civil Services Commission;
- Minority counsel for the United States Senate Subcommittee on National Security and International Operations (chaired by Sen. Henry M. Jackson)
- Secretary of the North Atlantic Assembly’s Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs
Farber was the author of several articles and books.
Robert E.P. Cherry, Class of 1942
Robert E.P. Cherry, a distinguished graduate of the Class of 1942, dedicated his entire life to the sporting goods industry. His journey began at the age of 15 when he joined his father’s business, Cherry’s Sporting Goods, in Geneseo in 1939. Following his father’s passing in 1950, Mr. Cherry assumed ownership and continued at the helm until he decided to sell the business in 1986. However, his connection to the industry remained strong, and in 1989, he repurchased the business, ultimately passing it on to his son Kevin. Since 1986, Mr. Cherry served as an independent consultant to the sporting goods industry, bringing his wealth of experience and expertise to the field.
In 1951, Mr. Cherry made a significant mark in the industry by founding the commemorative gun industry with the introduction of the Colt Geneseo, Illinois 125th Anniversary Deringer. This pioneering creation marked the inception of commemorative guns and solidified Mr. Cherry’s reputation as the foremost authority on the subject worldwide. Over the years, he expanded the concept, becoming recognized for his endeavors in commemorative guns. His influence extended beyond creation, as he published a comprehensive book on commemorative guns in 1973 and contributed numerous articles to magazines and periodicals.
Mr. Cherry’s commitment to the industry was further evident in his role as a member of Colt Firearms’ 11-Man Commemorative Committee since its inception in 1965. His expertise was not limited to creation and appreciation; he was widely acknowledged as an appraiser of fine firearms. In 1987, he appraised the Smith & Wesson factory museum collection for Smith & Wesson, showcasing his enduring impact on the world of sporting goods and firearms. Robert E.P. Cherry’s legacy is one of innovation, expertise, and a lifelong dedication to the sporting goods industry.
Marvin Kleinau, Class of 1948
Marvin Kleinau, a member of the class of 1948, was involved in all activities, including football, track, golf, debate and individual speech contests. He was a state finals qualifier finishing second in debate and fourth in extemporaneous speaking. He was one of four students selected for the National Honor Society and the only boy. He was president of his class and president of the NHS.
Mr. Kleinau attended Illinois State University in Bloomington, Illinois and was active in debate, extempore, and theater. He then served two years in the United States Army, assigned to the Intelligence school at Fort Riley, Kansas.
Returning to Geneseo, Mr. Kleinau taught speech and history, winning the sectional tournament for the first time in the history of the school. He had state finalists in several events and one state championship. His speech and debate teams won the North Central Conference each of the years he was there.
In 1961, Mr. Kleinau accepted a scholarship to begin his Ph.D. studies at Southern Illinois University. In addition, he taught for two years at the University High School organizing a speech competition program combined with an existing debate program. In 1963 he became a faculty member in the SIU Department of Speech and was made the SIU Director of Forensics. A position he held for seven years.
Mr. Kleinau was the first faculty member to be elected president of the Faculty Senate three times. He was awarded the Mobile Outstanding Teaching Award as a result of student evaluations. He was appointed by the Chancellor to chair the Program Evaluation Committee and was also appointed by the Chancellor to chair the North Central Accreditation Team. Mr. Kleinau was awarded the Board of Trustees Distinguished Service honor in 1993. He chaired the Speech department for ten years and was named the interim dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts in 1989.
Mr. Kleinau was the recipient of the Amoco award as the top SIU undergraduate teacher in 1977. He has written debate books with Dick Hunsaker and nine debate manuals while he directed workshops that turned out five future national champions. He also served many years in ISTA leadership positions.
In 1977, Mr. Kleinau was ordained an Elder in the Community of Christ church. In addition to pastoring the congregation, he was elected to serve as President of the Southeast district, serving for ten years. In 1984, he was ordained a High Priest and in 1991 was ordained an Evangelist.
Greg Hinrichsen, Class of 1970
A distinguished member of the Class of 1970, Greg Hinrichsen’s journey has been marked by a series of notable achievements and contributions. In his high school years, he served as a page in the United States Senate, setting the stage for a life dedicated to service and education. Greg’s academic pursuits led him to graduate from Harvard College and subsequently earn a doctorate in psychology from New York University. Over a span of 45 years, he carved a niche for himself as a psychologist specializing in aging, engaging in a multifaceted career.
Throughout his professional tenure, Greg has played pivotal roles in various domains of psychology. He has not only offered clinical services but also delved into research, directed psychology internship and fellowship programs, and made significant contributions to public policy. His leadership roles in professional organizations underscore his commitment to advancing the field. Greg’s impactful career extends to his former position as the national director for Community Mental Health in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, highlighting his dedication to addressing mental health issues in the veteran community.
Currently, Greg holds the position of Clinical Professor of Geriatrics at Mt. Sinai Medical School in New York City, where he has resided since 1977. This role showcases his ongoing commitment to education and geriatric care. Greg Hinrichsen’s life story is one of continuous dedication to the betterment of mental health services, research, and education, making him a notable figure in the field of psychology and aging.
Gary Stahl, Class of 1978
Gary Stahl, a member of the Class of 1978, has led a distinguished career in international development and humanitarian efforts. His journey with UNICEF began in 1994 when he assumed the role of coordinator for Emergency Operations in Southwest Rwanda, overseeing vital program activities for 400,000 displaced individuals. His commitment and leadership were evident as he subsequently moved to Kigali in 1995, taking on the role of Chief of Field Operations.
In April 2000, Gary transitioned to a significant position as the Chief Operating Officer, VP of Programs, and Treasurer at the Net Aid Foundation in New York. Here, his responsibilities expanded to encompass a broader spectrum of programs and operational functions, showcasing his versatility and dedication to global causes. His impact was not confined to a single location, as he went on to serve as the UNICEF representative in Managua, Nicaragua, and took on the role of Deputy Director of UNICEF’s Public Alliances and Resource Mobilization Office in New York until August 2009.
A pivotal moment in Gary’s career came in September 2009 when he assumed the role of UNICEF representative to the government of Chile. This position underscored his diplomatic skills and ability to navigate complex international relationships for the betterment of children’s welfare. Gary Stahl’s trajectory reflects a commitment to humanitarian causes, showcasing his leadership, versatility, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those in need on a global scale.
Tom Holtz, Class of 1986
Tom Holtz, a member of the Class of 1986, embarked on a remarkable musical career that spanned over two decades with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. His musical journey began in elementary school in Geneseo, setting the stage for an illustrious path in music. After graduating from Geneseo in 1986, Holtz pursued his passion at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ.
Sgt. Holtz faced an initial setback when he wasn’t selected after his first audition in 1989. Undeterred, he persevered, auditioning again in 1991 and securing a coveted spot as one of six tuba players in the prestigious Marine Band. Established in 1798, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band stands as the nation’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization, based at the Marine Barracks in Washington D.C.
Throughout his tenure with the band, Holtz showcased his musical prowess at countless concerts in the Washington D.C. region and more than 3000 concerts across the country during seven national tours. Additionally, he participated in over 1000 full honors funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, demonstrating not only his musical talent but also his commitment to honoring the nation’s heroes. A pinnacle of his career included performances at Presidential inaugurations, marking moments of national significance. Tom Holtz’s journey exemplifies a dedication to musical excellence and a profound contribution to the cultural fabric of the nation.
Andrew J. Nash, Class of 1993
Col. Andrew J. Nash is the Director of Operations (A3) at the Arkansas National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Camp Robinson, Arkansas. With 23 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, he coordinates military and emergency response operations for the Arkansas Air National Guard.
Col. Nash was born and raised in Geneseo. He played on the 1992 State runner-up football team. After graduating college in 1998 with an engineering degree, he received his Air Force Officer Commission in 2001 and has held various command positions, including the 33rd Fighter Wing Detachment 1 Commander and the 188th Wing Detachment 1 Commander.
As a Command Pilot with over 2,000 hours in various aircraft, including T-37, T-38, F-16, A-10, and KC-135, Col. Nash has flown numerous combat missions in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He served as an Instructor Pilot in the A-10, Aircraft Commander in the KC-135, and has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, NASA Aircraft Operations Top Engineer Award and Combat Readiness Medal.
Col. Nash holds civilian credentials as an Airbus 330 First Officer with a major commercial airline. He has pursued extensive education, including completion of Air War College in 2022, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University.
2023 Distinguished Alumni
Ella Hume Taylor, Class of 1871
On Thursday, June 15, 1871, the first class graduated from the Geneseo High School. This was also the first class to graduate in Henry County and Ella Hume Taylor was named the valedictorian.
Ella Hume Taylor is best known as an author and Geneseo historian. She collected valuable data concerning the pioneers of Henry County and places of historic interest. Her data is stored in the county courthouse in Cambridge, together with the World War service records of veterans from Henry County.
The major portion of the collection is made up of letters, reminiscences, town and township histories obtained by Ella Hume Taylor in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Among these are autobiographical and biographical sketches of the ‘Old Settlers of Henry County’ Theodore Davenport, George Brandenburg, and others. Also included are programs and by-laws of the Old Settlers Association of Henry County and the Henry County Historical Society dating from the same period. In addition, there are two record books for the Henry County Sunday School Association which date from 1912 to 1939. The material has since been transferred to the library at Western Illinois University.
The Geneseo Chapter of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution was organized February 6, 1899 as chapter 465. Mrs. Hume Taylor took the initiation steps and served the chapter as regent during the first twelve years of its history.
For more than seventy years, Ella Hume Taylor was a loyal member of the Congregational Church which was founded by her ancestors. To her it represented the foundation of the religious and social structure of this entire community. In addition to her many leadership roles, Mrs. Hume Taylor went above and beyond to publish eloquent and unprecedented accounts of early life connecting us to the unique core beliefs on which Geneseo was founded.
Ella Hume Taylor was the daughter of Dr. Stephen T. Hume and Permelia T. Stewart. Ella’s grandfather Roderick R Stewart was one of the 38 pioneers to found the city of Geneseo in 1836. Ella Hume Taylor passed away on February 26, 1933 at the age of 81 and was laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery.
Harold Neumann, Class of 1924
Harold Neumann, a farm boy from Geneseo, Illinois, was an aviation pioneer during the “Golden Age of Flying”. He learned to fly in 1926 at Moline, and honed his skills in a Jenny that he kept in a hangar on his parent’s farm. In 1928, Neumann traded the Jenny for a Travel Air and entered his first air race the following year at Kewanee. In 1929, he moved to the Chicago area where he began teaching at flight schools while participating in air shows.
In the early 1930’s Neumann barnstormed the nation with a daredevil flying group called the American Air Aces. A 5,000-foot dive at 350 m.p.h. was one of his specialties. This was an amazing feat for a man that was afraid of heights before learning to fly. His reputation as an outstanding airman grew and by 1933 he was flying competitively for Benny Howard, the Chicago-based designer/manufacturer/racer. Neumann competed in the 1933 American Air Races held in conjunction with the Century of Progress in Chicago. In 1935, he flew two of Howard’s planes in the 1935 National Air Races in Cleveland taking both the Thompson Trophy and the Greve Trophy. He was then awarded the Collier Trophy for outstanding aviation accomplishments and named “Air Race Pilot of the Year.”
In 1936 Neumann temporarily put aside show flying and accepted a position with TWA which he held for thirty years before his mandatory retirement. He began as a DC-2 copilot and moved up to captain flying the DC-3, Constellation and Boeing 707. Harold Neumann flew the first international flight from Paris to Chicago making O’Hare airport an International Airport.
Following his retirement from TWA, he became active in the International Aerobatic Club (IAC), flying his 1941 Monocoupe, Little Mulligan. He won IAC competitions well into his 80’s. Mr. Neumann is acknowledged in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum “Golden Age of Flight” exhibit in Washington DC, for winning the 1935 Thompson Race in Cleveland Ohio and other aviation accomplishments. He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Hammondsport, New York, the International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame and the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame.
Throughout his career, Neumann was known for mentoring and collaboration with younger pilots. Not only would he freely share his aviation and mechanical skills but he would impart to them his philosophy of determination and hard work to achieve their goals. Harold passed away July 5, 1995, at the age of 89. We salute him for his contributions to aviation, air racing and aerobatics.
Earl Horn, Class of 1936
Earl Horn graduated from Geneseo Township High School in 1936. He went on to serve our country after working a short time at the Midland Coal Mine near Atkinson, IL. Horn was stationed in an infantry division at Fort Sheridan, Illinois at the beginning of his service. When war was declared after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Horn enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a mechanic. He would continue his training at Chanute Field at Rantoul, Illinois. A short time later, Horn entered cadet training in California and by January 4, 1943, he had earned his wings, which is the aeronautical badge meaning he has earned the right to fly plans. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant and was trained on the B-17 bomber.
Lt. Horn was attached to the 388th Bombing Group and to the 560th squadron in the United States Army Air Corps, based at station 136, Knettishall, England.
Horn and his crew were captured in 1944 and held as prisoners of war until 1946. Horne and several other prisoners attempted to escape several times. One such escape attempt had 76 POW’s making their way out of the camp. The escape would become the basis of the 1963 movie “The Great Escape” starring Steve McQueen.
After liberation by General Patton, Lt. Horn was processed and sent back to the United States. After his release, Horn would leave the Air Force with a Purple Heart and the rank of Major.
Earl Horn passed away on April 15, 1989 in Chico, California at the age of 70. He had ventured off from the green fields of Geneseo to serve our country with honor and will always have a special place in the flying history of the Maple City.
Robert E. Ford, Class of 1941
Robert E. Ford graduated from Geneseo High School in 1941. He served in the US Army in India during World War II. He then went on to graduate from the University of Illinois in 1948 where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.
Mr. Ford carried through on the purpose of the fraternity he was a part of at Illinois. The Purpose of Alpha Gamma Rho is to Make Better Men, and through them a broader and better agriculture: a broader outlook on the part of agricultural men through fellowship in a national organization that stands for the best social, mental and moral development.
Mr. Ford retired as President of C.D. Ford & Sons, Inc, in 1986 C.D. Ford & Sons is now a 5th generation family business specializing in corn, soybean, alfalfa, wheat, lawn products, sod and cover crop seed.
He also built and operated Ford Hills Golf Course (now Sugar Maple). Bob loved to play the game of golf and in 1978 began the construction of a 9-hole golf course on some of the company owned farm land. The golf course opened for business in May of 1979. After opening, it became the home course for the GHS boys golf team. The golf course was sold in the early 90’s With Bob remaining as a consultant to the new owners until his death in October of 1997 and is now operating as Sugar Maple Golf Club.
Bob was the “Voice of Maple Leaf Football from 1963 until 1973. He served 12 years as a member and past president of the Geneseo School Board. He was past president of the Geneseo Little League, served on the Geneseo Junior High School Task Force, Geneseo Christmas in April, Geneseo Zoning Board, former member of the Geneseo Development Board, Geneseo Chamber of Commerce and was the general chairman for the Geneseo Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1986. All things Geneseo.
Mr. Ford was also an active member of First Congregational Church, past president of Kiwanis, a member of the Richmond Hill Players and had acted in several of their productions. He was a Hammond Henry Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer.
Robert E. Ford passed away on October 13, 1997 at the age of 74. In 1944, he married Moneta Lewis and together they had three children, Linda (Michael) Minnaert, Carolyn (Chris) Gillet, and Jeff (Penny) Ford and six grandchildren. They also have an AFS son and daughter-in-law and proudly called their two children their grandchildren.
Jack Brown, Class of 1965
There was no telltale sign that Jack Brown would end up as a zoo director. As a child he dreamed of being a paleontologist. After graduation, Jack attended Western Illinois University. He earned a Bachelor’ degree in Earth Science with an emphasis on paleontology. His Master’s degree was in zoology, covering all the science with those two degrees.
In 1974, he joined the staff of Santa Fe College in the then called Biological Parks Program, a program for training students to work with wild animals in captivity. In 1985 he became the senior professor in the program (now called Zoo Animal Technology program) as well as the Director of the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo. He was able to assemble a team that made the program into a nationally recognized course of study, as well as leading construction and renovation in the zoo so that it became nationally accredited.
In 2004, he was chosen as Santa Fe’s Professor of the Year. That meant that he would take part in a series of lessons that he presented before a board of judges (a state-wide competition). After these competitions Jack was chosen as the 2005 Florida Professor of the year.
Jack Brown, the man synonymous with the Teaching Zoo for decades, retired from the Santa Fe College June 30, 2010. Since retiring, Jack has volunteered at the Florida Museum of Natural History in the paleontology lab, identifying and cataloging fossils for several sites in Florida.
He married his college sweetheart, Barbara. They have two grown children, Meredith and David and four grandchildren.
Jack spent over 25 years doing home repair/home building missions in Appalachia. He worked on the Appalachia Service Project through his church.
Barry Snodgrass, Class of 1973
Mr. Barry Snodgrass graduated from Geneseo High School in 1973. While in high school he was involved as the President of the Cooperative Education Program, Student Council, wrestling, golf, student library assistant, band and was a member of the Black Knights Drum and Bugle Corps. After high school he went on to Western Illinois University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree.
After college he came home to Geneseo and worked in the family road construction business, Snodgrass Inc. Having aspirations to own a business that was year-round and not seasonal, he purchased the established Becker and Becker, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling business in 1991.
Mr. Snodgrass has been very active in the Geneseo community serving on the Geneseo Rotary as past president and youth exchange officer, the Izaak Walton League, as the National Wild Turkey Federation banquet chairman for the Geneseo Chapter, and as a Chamber of Commerce member.
He has memberships with the Masons – Stewart Lodge and the Scottish Rite Lodge, Moline. He has been involved with Grace United Methodist Church on various committees and has volunteered his time to coach youth, middle school and high school soccer.
Mr. Snodgrass has served the Geneseo school district on the Geneseo Endowment for Excellence in Education board and as President of the Geneseo School Facility Enhancement Foundation. He has served on the Geneseo School Board from 1997 to present.
His Words of wisdom: “Everything is worth working for. There are no perfect jobs,
marriages, or lives that do not require work to be the best. If you do it, make it your best,
have pride in what you have done. Make your word the same as writing in stone. Give
back those things that have gotten you to where you are, and become part of what put you there.”
Mr. Snodgrass is married to Lorrie (Betcher) Snodgrass, he has two daughters, Hilary Snodgrass, graduated from GHS in 1999, and Ashley Snodgrass, graduated from GHS in 2003. Now retired, Mr. Snodgrass spends time in Green Valley, Arizona and enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.
Colonel Moon Mark Milham, Class of 1978
Colonel Milham graduated Geneseo High School in 1978. Following graduation he attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale on an Air Force Scholarship with a pilot candidate selection post-graduation. After achieving a Bachelor of Science at SIU in May 1983 he entered the Air Force as a commissioned 2nd Lieutenant and began Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base in Enid Oklahoma. Earning his wings in August 1984, he was then assigned to Holloman Air Force Base for Fighter Lead-In Training, earning the Distinguished Graduate Award. Fairchild and Homestead Air Force Bases for Land, Resistance and Water Survival Training, then MacDill Air Force Base for F-16 Viper training. Moon graduated F-16 training, again earning the Distinguished Graduate Award for Top F-16 Pilot in an 18 man class. Air Force assignments for the next 33 years: Kunsan Aire Base, Korea, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada. While in Nevada, he attended F-16 Viper Fighter Weapons Instructor School, earning what is called a Target Arm or “Patch,” equivalent to a Doctorate degree in weapons, tactics, and instructor pilot. Following Weapons School, Moon moved to Luke Air Force Base, Phoenix, Arizona, then Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany before transitioning to the Air National Guard at the 162nd Fighter Wind in Tucson, Arizona for his final 16.5 years of duty. In 1997 Col Milham earned a Master Degree in Aerospace Science from Embry-Riddle University.
Awards Earned by Colonel Milham Include:
– United States Air Force Europe Fighter Pilot of the Year 1992.
– 56th Fighter Wing Luke Air Force Base Instructor Pilot of the Year 1996.
– North America Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Fighter Pilot of the Year 2010.
– Numerous Top Gun Awards for bombing and gunnery skills.
Colonel Milham participated in combat operations including: Operation Desert Storm, Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Northern Watch, Operation Allied Force, and Operation Noble Eagle.
In May 2016, after 33 years of military service, Colonel Milham retired from the United States Air Force and Air National Guard, achieving a grad total of 5,569 flying hours, of which, 4,569 hours were flown in the F-16, and of those, 180 hours were flown in combat. This 33 year involvement earned Colonel Milham:
The Air Force Meritorious Service with three Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Commendation Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Achievement Medal, Combat Rediness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal.
On April 28, 2016, surrounded by family and friends, Colonel Milham performed his final flight in the impressive F-16 Viper. The lifetime of experience enabled him to transition into AVTECH Research Corporation, rising to the position of Chief Operations Officer. This new career has enabled him to continue to serve the United States of America as a Subject Matter Expert in air-to-air weapons, air-to-ground weapons, the F-16 Viper and the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter. As Chief Operations Officer, he oversees the writing, editing, and publishing of over 84 Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures volumes for over 42 countries, in support of the Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs. These volumes enable strategic and coalition partner support and facilitate commonality and integration across planning and execution of national and international defense objectives.
Margaret Gawrysiak, Class of 1997
It’s not surprising the path that the former Margaret (Maggie) Gawrysiak took has led her to making a debut at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Maggie graduated from GHS in 1997. While in high school, she was involved in the speech team, theater, choirs and Madrigal. She studied piano and voice with instructor Pam Edwards. After high school, Maggie attended Black Hawk College for two years where she sang in the Madrigal, a Jazz Combo, and in choirs.
The most influential and important time for Maggie’s musical development was probably at Western Illinois University in Macomb. She studied and earned a degree in music therapy while on scholarships to sing in the choir. Ms. Gawrysiak completed her degree at WIU and spent a year interning in the Music Therapy Department at a school for kids with special needs in upstate New York.
She earned a Master’s Degree in Music Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY, in 2005, and then went on to study in training programs with the San Francisco Opera, Seattle Opera, the Steans Institute at Ravinia, Glimmerglass Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Wolf Trap Opera Center, and Aspen Opera Theatre.
Previous to her debut at the Metropolitan Opera House, Maggie was in New York City for more than a month rehearsing the opera “Peter Grimes”. She was covering the role of “Auntie so it was her responsibility is to be prepared to jump into musical or staging rehearsals and performances with little or no notice. She has had the chance to work with a conductor and vocalist from Australia, a tenor from Britain, a baritone from Czechoslovakia, as well as American vocalists.
Maggie met her husband, Sean Sandys, in 2015 while she was in Seattle, WA. The couple was married in 2018. Maggie and her husband have careers that take them to both coasts so they split their time between Seattle and Brooklyn, NY.
Maggie said in a story written by Claudia Loucks, “When I’m singing in a new city, I love to explore, try the local food, check out the museums or areas of interest. Having frequented donut shops in every city I’ve worked; I can confidently say that the Geneseo Donut Shop is the absolute best!”
2021 Distinguished Alumni
Jamie Blackburn Rhee, Class of 1985
As the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, Jamie L. Rhee manages one of the largest and most complex airport systems in the world, with direct oversight of O’Hare and Midway International Airports. At the same time, Rhee maintains close ties to the community, and is a fierce advocate for children.
Over the course of 26 years with the City of Chicago, Rhee has held a number of critical positions, including the city’s chief procurement officer for nearly a decade, where she oversaw the purchasing of more than $2 billion in goods and services. Under her guidance, thousands of small and diverse-owned businesses were certified and entered the talent pipeline, and Chicago’s procurement reform efforts received national and international recognition. Rhee has been recognized with a dozen awards from industry organizations for her contributions, and is the author of articles and industry publications on aviation safety and security, as well as increasing the accessibility of municipal contracts to minority, women, disabled, and veteran-owned businesses.
With an emphasis on equity and inclusion, Rhee has broadened the reach of certified and community-based Assist Agencies, which help connect residents and businesses of all sizes to opportunities across the city. She has worked extensively with Chicago Public Schools and Chicago City Colleges to engage more young people from diverse backgrounds in aviation-related curriculum and is a sponsor of the After School Matters’ AeroStar Avion Institute, which provides direct experience and education in aviation for at-risk youth. Rhee is active with the March of Dimes SOS Children’s Villages Illinois – through which she and her husband have fostered children in need.
A small-town girl at heart, one of the things Rhee most enjoys about Chicago is its close-knit neighborhoods. She and her husband, Mike, live in the Humboldt Park community and are parents to an adorable and precocious five-year old.
Rhee earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from DePaul College of Law.
Charles G. Davis, Class of 1898
Charles G. Davis (1879-1944) achieved rank of Brigadier General, one of the highest ever attained by a resident of Henry County. Mr. Davis was a veteran of the Spanish-American War and World War I. He was a benefactor to his whole country in his brilliant military service, recognized by reception of the Distinguished Service Medal, des Anciens Combatants de Verdun, a French military order.
Davis, a graduate of Geneseo High School in 1898, was awarded his diploma in absentia while he was serving in the Spanish-American War. After returning from service in Cuba and Puerto Rico, Davis attended the University of Iowa, graduating with a law degree in 1904. He then completed a year of law work at Harvard University and was admitted to the bar in 1905. In 1911, he was appointed city clerk for Geneseo and held that post for one year. In 1921, he was elected Mayor and served for three years. Davis was elected county judge in 1928, re-elected in 1930, 1934, 1938, and 1942. Davis also served 28 years as a member of the Geneseo Public Library board.
Beside his immeasurable service for sixteen years as Henry County Judge and his placing of historical markers and inscriptions in Henry County, he was a benefactor of the local Episcopal Church and made valuable material gifts to the Geneseo Public Library, Geneseo High School, and the Geneseo Soldiers Memorial Association. His will provided a fund for worthy soldiers and their widows and orphans.
Edwin W. Deming, Class of 1879
Edwin Willard Deming (1860-1942) was an American painter and sculptor. He studied in New York and Paris and painted scenes from his visits with Native American groups in the Southwest and West of the U.S. His works as a painter, illustrator, and sculptor, specialized in depicting Native Americans.
Edwin Willard Deming was born August 26, 1860 in Ashland, Ohio. At a young age he went to live in Geneseo, Illinois, an area which had formerly been a part of the Fox and Sac reservation. As a child, Deming knew natives of the Winnebago tribe and this early exposure shaped his later career. Deming had a life long close association with various native tribes. In 1883 Deming went to New York for a year of study at the Art Students League. In 1884, he went to Paris and studied at Julien’s Academy under Boulenger and Le Febvre and took a course of lectures at the Beaux Arts.
After returning to America, Deming spent nearly two years painting cycloramas (curved theater backdrops). In 1887 Deming went to the Southwest and studied Yuma Apache and the Pueblos, and to Oregon where he concentrated on the Umatilla. Deming spent the summer of 1889 at Little Big Horn among the Crow. He then spent the autumn of 1889 and part of 1890 among the Sioux. He was present at Standing Rock when Sitting Bull was killed during the “Ghost Dance Outbreak.”
Deming married in 1892. He and his wife spent a year of study in the Southwest with the Zuni, Hopi, Apache and Navajo. In 1893 Deming went to Mexico and studied the native tribes there. He spent the summer of 1898 among the Piegan and Blackfoot. In 1914, Deming returned to the same area with his family and they were all adopted into the Blackfoot tribe. In 1918 at the age of fifty-eight, Deming was commissioned as a Captain in the Army and served at Camp Benning, Georgia, and the Springfield Armory. He was responsible for a major change in the Springfield ’03 Army Rifle – adding a pistol grip to the stock. In 1920, Deming was a member of an expedition to Colombia, where he studied with the Matolone. Edwin Deming died in 1942.
David Kolb, Class of 1939
David Kolb was born in 1939. He graduated from Geneseo High School in 1957 and earned his undergraduate degree in 1961 from Knox College. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. in social psychology from Harvard University.
David Kolb is a psychologist and educational theorist who is perhaps best known for his theory of experiential learning. In addition to developing a theory that outlined how experiential learning takes place, Kolb is also known for his learning style inventory that remains quite popular among educators today. His main contributions to the field of psychology include: Experiential Learning Theory, Kolb’s Learning Styles, and Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory.
According to Kolb, Experiential Learning can be defined as “the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. Knowledge results from the combinations of grasping and transforming the experience.” Experiential learning theory differs from cognitive and behavioral theories in that cognitive theories emphasize the role of mental processes while behavioral theories ignore the possible role of subjective experience in the learning process.” He believed, according to Kolb’s Learning Styles, that our individual learning styles emerge due to our genetics, life experiences, and the demands of our current environment. In addition to describing four different learning styles, Kolb also developed a theory of experiential learning and a learning style inventory.
Today, he is Emeritus Professor of Organizational Behavior in the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.
Lisa Nanni-Messegee, Class of 1987
Lisa Nanni-Messegee was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in the small town of Geneseo, Illinois. She discovered her passion for acting in high school and majored in theater at Western Illinois University, performing over twenty roles in four years.
She continued her acting studies at Kansas State University, receiving a Master’s Degree with honors. From there, Lisa acted, directed, and wrote plays for various theater companies throughout the country. Wanting to learn more about directing, Lisa went back to school, completing her MFA in Directing at Minnesota State University and earning a fellowship in directing at the Kennedy Center.
With three college degrees, Lisa made the move to Los Angeles. She worked in casting for Heidi Levitt Casting then shifted to television producing. She was a segment and field producer on daytime television for five years and became a member of the PGA, working on such shows as Smart Solutions (HGTV), Great Day America (PAX) and the Emmy nominated Good Day Live (syndicated). All the while, Lisa made time to continue her acting, writing, and directing projects. Her directing work on the play Tainted Blood with The Road Theater Company garnered her an LA Weekly Award.
Lisa met Todd Messegee in 2000 and the couple were married a year later, but it wasn’t until 2012 when Todd and Lisa began writing together. Since then, Lisa and Todd are a co-writing team, best known for their Hallmark TV movies, Holiday for Heroes (2019), Christmas Homecoming (2017), and Romantically Speaking (2015).
2020 Distinguished Alumni
Linda Bergendahl-Pauling, Class of 1969
Linda Bergendahl-Pauling’s only child Chris died when he was 7 years old. His death gave birth to an international organization that has made more than 480,000 wishes come true for terminally ill children.
Ms. Bergendahl-Pauling, a 1969 graduate of Geneseo High School, is one of the founders of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that has grown to include chapters in 84 U.S. cities and 15 foreign countries. Make-A-Wish is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona; Ms. Bergendahl-Pauling lives in nearby Scottsdale.
Linda’s son, Chris, dreamed of being a police officer when he grew up. On April 29, 1980, through police officers and friends, Chris was made an Honorary Policeman with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, complete with hat, badge, uniform and motorcycle helmet. A few days later, on May 3, 1980, Chris passed away.
Two of the Arizona officers Frank Shankwitz and Scott Stahl attended Chris’ funeral in Illinois. On the way back to Phoenix, the two officers talked about granting wishes for other children. They called Ms. Bergendahl-Pauling and the Make-A-Wish Foundation was born.
Dubbed “The Mother of Make-A-Wish,” Ms. Bergendahl-Pauling visits chapters worldwide and continues her work to create new chapters.
Gib Cady, Class of 1958
Elected in 1978 at age 38, Sherriff Cady was the youngest sheriff ever elected in Henry County. He retired in 2010 after 32 years and holds the title of the longest-serving sheriff in Illinois.
Sherriff Cady is known as Henry County’s “Father of 9-1-1.
Sheriff Cady oversaw the “I Live Alone” program that checked in on senior citizens. The program was such a success that the department was able to provide hundreds of food baskets to the elderly at Christmas. Sherriff Cady flew to Washington DC to meet with members of the federal government to explain how “I Live Alone” worked without any tax funds.
Sherriff Cady also had a hand in the local “TRIAD” organization, a program that promotes safety for older adults. With the help of the Department of Aging, TRIAD is instrumental in enacting legislation that benefits senior citizens.
In 1988, Sheriff Cady began the original Child Photo ID Program. This program, implemented each year in Henry County schools, provided current identification cards for children and is credited with saving 3 lives.
Sherriff Cady assisted in securing a grant and additional funding to bring Med Force to the area, now located on Wolf Road in rural Geneseo. In 2019, Med Force flew over 552 flights, saving many lives.
In addition, Sherriff Cady was instrumental in the establishment of the Mounted Search and Rescue Unit, the Sheriff’s Auxiliary, the Neighborhood Watch programs, and the Senior Cell Phone program. Cady is also a past president of the Illinois Sheriff’s Association.
George B. Dedrick, Class of 1890
Mr. Dedrick, a leading figure in Geneseo for decades, said in his will, “It has been my long cherished aim and purpose that this portion (1 million dollars) is to be employed for charitable, civic, education and benevolent purposes.”
In 1902, Mr. Dedrick served as president of Geneseo’s first Retail Merchants Association. After the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1922, he served as a director and was president in 1930-1931.
Mr. Dedrick served 10 years as president of the City Telephone Co, known today as the Geneseo Telephone Company.
Mr. Dedrick was a board member for the Geneseo Public Library from 1898 until his death in 1960. The library is now named in his honor.
When Central Trust & Savings Bank opened in 1907, Mr. Dedrick was one of the original shareholders, and served as vice president. He also was president of Central Bank for 39 years.
The $1 million left to establish the Geneseo Foundation when he died in 1960 has a market value exceeding $20 MILLION and has distributed more than $12.1 million to many organizations. The majority of the funds have remained in Geneseo.
Dan Pearson, Class of 1979
Mr. Pearson began working as a television sports journalist at KWQC in July 1987. Previously, he worked at an NBC affiliate in Springfield and an ABC affiliate in Peoria. Mr. Pearson has been in the broadcast business in some capacity for more than 37 years.
Mr. Pearson has won dozens of AP, UPI, Illinois and Iowa broadcasting awards for sports anchoring and reporting. He was inducted in the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in the Media Division and was awarded the media award by the Iowa High School Athletic Association.
Before retiring from KWQC, Mr. Pearson was the first Quad City Journalist to win an Emmy Award in 1996 for his work on the Highlight Zone. During his tenure at KWQC-TV, the “Highlight Zone” was unmatched locally in popularity. For decades, Mr. Pearson has made season highlight tapes for schools across the area — tapes he has made on his own time with nothing but appreciation from coaches and kids in return.
In 2011, Mr. Pearson traded in all of his successes with the Highlight Zone and TV-6, picked up the cross, and followed his calling with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as the area director of the ILLOWA chapter, covering 20 counties along the Mississippi River, reaching from Dubuque, Iowa, to the Western Illinois University campus at Macomb, Ill.
Today, he is still behind the camera, documenting the many wonderful stories of various athletes through video. His FCA features are staples on local TV station WQAD and the ILLOWA FCA website.
Mr. Pearson is a friend, mentor, and role model to so many, both young and old. He and his wife, Gina, remain active at Geneseo Evangelical Free Church, including serving as a HS Sunday School teacher for 25 years. They are the proud parents of two daughters and grandparents to five grandchildren.
Robert Reese, Class of 1949
In 1794, the original Springfield Armory was designated as our national armory by General George Washington and began manufacturing muskets for the defense of our young, free Republic. This monumental institution went on to serve as a think tank for developing innovative firearms concepts and producing some of the most storied rifle platforms in our country’s history. The Armory functioned as a firearms supplier for every major American conflict until 1968 when the government sadly closed its doors.
Mr. Reese was a dealer of Army surplus with a surplus store in Geneseo when he learned the US Army at Rock Island Arsenal needed 20,000 BAR machine gun parts and 20,000 magazines to equip the troops. Having a large stock of military vehicles, gun parts, and surplus weapons, Reese had a jump start to fill the order. Once he did, it would lead to many more opportunities to arm American servicemen and women.
In 1974, Mr. Reese acquired the Springfield Armory name from Texas gun maker Elmer C. Balance. Two centuries after its inception, Mr. Reese seized the opportunity to trademark the name “Springfield Armory” and in doing so, resurrect some of the most historically significant firearm designs.
Since 2001, Springfield Armory has enjoyed a strategic, collaborative partnership with a state-of-the-art factory in Croatia working hand-in-hand to develop and engineer the multiple award-winning line of XD® polymer pistols that have become staples in the US marketplace.
Mr. Reese, his wife, Carol, and their son, Dennis were the first employees of Springfield Armory. They were joined by sons Dave and Tom, and together the Reese family grew the business to be a global force in the firearms industry. Mr. Reese left behind a legacy that made him a renowned figure, not just locally, but across America and around the world.
Joe Sichta, Class of 1988
Joe Sichta is an American director, writer, storyboard artist and producer.
Most of his notable work has been in the Scooby Doo franchise.
Mr. Sichta is an Annie Award-winning and Emmy-nominated writer, director, and executive producer of animated films and TV series for Warner Bros. Animation, Dreamworks Animation, and The Walt Disney Company.
Mr. Sichta’s credits include Scooby Doo for Warner Bros., Bob’s Burgers for Fox Television, Dragons: Riders of Berk on Netflix, Legend of the Three Caballeros for Disney Plus, and Muppet Babies for Disney Jr.
In 2013, Mr. Sichta was awarded the Humanities Prize for Children’s Animation and a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Animated Program.
In 2017 he launched Fortress of Focus Media, an independent digital publishing studio devoted to entertainment, education, and optimal health and wellness. Mr. Sichta is passionate about Creative Leadership, Arts-Informed Education, and Transformational Storytelling.
Mr. Sichta holds a B.A. in Cinematography from Southern Illinois University and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.
2019 Distinguished Alumni
John Edwards Jr, Class of 1967
John Edwards Jr. was president of JF Edwards Construction Company (JFECC) in Geneseo, which is an outside electric construction company specializing in underground installation. He has traveled throughout much of the Midwest working on outdoor lighting systems, fiber optic cable and wind energy.
Mr. Edwards’ father started the company after World War II. Back in the 40’s, JFECC was doing rural electrification and providing power to farms. In 1971, John earned an electrical engineering degree from the University of Illinois. More than three decades ago, he bought the company from his father. JFECC’s first major project was a new lighting system for the Eisenhower Expressway in Chicago.
JFECC’s projects include the Stevenson and Dan Ryan Expressways in Chicago, Balmoral Park Race Track in Chicago and overhead and outdoor lighting systems at Miller Park’s parking lot in Milwaukee. The company has worked on almost every Illinois airport lighting systems and automatic weather observation systems as well as in Iowa and Wisconsin. It also has installed hundreds of miles of fiber optic cable and, in recent years, seen a big push in wind farm electrical design and construction. JFEC has worked on 10 wind turbine projects installing underground electrical collection systems; transformers and switchgear; power and communication wiring to meteorological towers; and wind turbine wiring.
JFECC also has donated more than $1 million to lighting systems in Geneseo. Many sports facilities in the city have lighting systems installed and paid for by Mr. Edwards. He said it’s a way to give back to his community. Mr. Edwards said EIP will continue that community involvement with projects such as the parking lot lighting installation at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo and most recently the aquatic center at the Geneseo Park District.
Susan (Sue) Hinrichsen, Class of 1971
Ms. Hinrichsen was appointed an assistant executive director for the Illinois High School Association and said her time with the IHSA “is one of her greatest accomplishments.” She was the administrator for boys and girls volleyball, boys and girls golf, boys and girls bowling and girls badminton.
Prior to her tenure with the IHSA, Ms. Hinrichsen was an educator and coach from 1972-1992 at Rochester High School, Peoria Heights High School, Davenport Wood Junior High, Davenport Central High School, Davenport North School and the University of California San Diego.
Currently Ms Hinrichsen is retired…sort of….She is a 30-year golf instructor for LPGA golf clinics for women, a Special Olympics volunteer and a board member of the Tri-State Wind Symphony and also a member in the New Horizon Band, the Americana Band, Clark College and the University of Dubuque wind symphony, and Tri-State Wind Symphony.
Ms. Hinrichsen served 6 years on the Galena Territory Board Directors (GTA), serving on the original GTA Strategic Planning Committee. She is also the Chairperson for the GTA Long Range Planning Commission, Civic Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Strategic Planning Committee for Jo Davies Conservation Foundation, Jo Daviess County Leadership Forum and Jo Carroll Energy Advisory Board.
Currently, Ms. Hinrichsen is an IHSA Volleyball Official and YMCA volleyball official. She has 2 older brothers, Dan and Greg, 2 younger brothers, Mike and CJ, and her twin brother Mark. Her parents, Kay and Otto, no longer are alive, but were active in the Geneseo community and spearheaded the Geneseo Historical museum.
Donald (Don) Klavohn, Class of 1940
The late Don Klavohn was a long-time business leader and civic leader in Geneseo. He is the founder of the former Klavohn Furniture Store, which he owned and operated in downtown Geneseo for 56 years.
The store was a well-known fixture of Geneseo for many years. One of Mr. Klavohn’s objectives was to make Geneseo an attractive place to live, own a home, and raise a family.
He was proud to have an influential role in the development of the ‘Off Street Parking Project’ in downtown Geneseo. In his opinion, “the downtown business district leaves a lasting impression of the quality of the community.”
Mr. Klavohn was extremely proud to be a businessman in Geneseo, the city he loved, and it was his wish that the pride in the development and tradition of Geneseo be continued for many years to come.
Mr. Klavohn was also an active member, and longtime supporter, of the Geneseo Chamber and the Victorian Walk. In true businessman fashion, he loved to stay up to date on the investment markets.
George Kutsunis, Class of 1953
Mr. Kutsunis was born and raised in Geneseo. After graduating from Augustana College in 1959, and spending many years serving in the United States Army and National Guard, he made his dreams come true.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Mr. Kutsunis opened his very own store, Merry –Go- Round, in 1962. Four Season’s followed in 1970 and Leading Lady in 1976. In 1987 Mr. Kutsunis expanded his stores outside of Geneseo and now has locations in Davenport, IA, Princeton, IL, Cedar Rapids, IA and Peoria, IL.
Mr. Kutsunis had a vision about a lively character, Sophie, that would help get the word out about his stores. “TELL ’EM SOPHIE SENT YOU!” was the line the customers related to their stores, and it put Four Seasons on the map.
Mr. Kutsunis is the chairman of GWK Enterprises/Four Seasons. GWK Enterprises operates Four Seasons women’s apparel stores in Geneseo as well as six other stores in Iowa and Illinois; and the Four Seasons Outlet and Pegasus Fine Gifts in Geneseo.
In 2012, Four Season celebrated their 50th year in Geneseo. Mr. Kutsunis’ awards and achievements include: Illinois Retail Merchants Association Retailer of the Year in 1992 and 2000. In 2003, He was awarded the lifetime achievement award by the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Kutsunis was instrumental in the beautification of downtown Geneseo’s State Street and the expansion of customer parking by forming the Off-Street Parking Corporation which bought, paved and maintained parking areas behind stores to provide accessibility of the businesses. He also was the first to expanding shopping hours to Sunday from 12-4 pm.
Mr. Kutsunis has given much to the school district and to the Geneseo community. He and his wife Linda are the proud parents of 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
Susan (Schipper) Rezin, Class of 1980
Senator Sue Rezin was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in November of 2010, and was then appointed to the Illinois State Senate. She was sworn in as State Senator on December 14, 2010, and has continually represented the 38th Legislative District since then.
Currently, Senator Rezin serves as Assistant Leader in the Senate Republican Caucus, and has served in this role since 2015. She currently serves as the Minority Spokesperson on the Senate Energy and Public Utilities and Senate Revenue committees. She is also a member of the Education, Executive, and Government Accountability and Pensions committees, as well as a member of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.
On a national level, Senator Rezin is an active member of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), which is a bipartisan organization that brings legislators and staff from across the county together to collaborate and share information to help craft the best solutions to problems states face. Senator Rezin currently serves on NCSL’s 63-member Executive Committee and Task Force on Energy Supply and she has countless additional committee and task force appointments.
Community service has always been extremely important to Senator Rezin. For over twenty years, she served as a wish grantor and volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern Illinois. In recognition of Senator Rezin’s humanitarian work and dedication to bettering her community, she was inducted into the 2009 Illinois Lincoln Series. The Illinois Lincoln Series of Excellence in Public Service empowers, educates and amplifies the voices of women of leadership in government, business, and civic organizations.
Senator Rezin is a graduate of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program. She is also the recipient of the Partnership of the Year Award from the Grundy County Economic Development, the Illinois Farm Bureau ACTIVATOR Friend of Agriculture Award, and the Highest Voting Record Supporting the Agricultural County Award from the Will County Farm Bureau. In 2015, Sen. Rezin received the Illinois Valley Women of Distinction Award. In 2016, Sen. Rezin received the Women in Politics Making a Difference Award by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). In 2018, she received the Illinois Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture Award and the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Legislator Award.
As a graduate of Augustana College, Senator Rezin earned a degree in International Business and Political Science with a minor in Hispanic Studies.
Senator Rezin and her husband, Keith, reside in Morris and have four children.
Todd Sieben, Class of 1963
Senator Sieben was born and raised in Geneseo. He attended Western Illinois University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
From 1968-1972 Senator Sieben served as an officer in the United States Navy. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War and ended his military service with the United States Navy in 1972 with the rank of Lieutenant. Senator Sieben then became co-owner and vice-president of Sieben Hybrids, a family seed business and he operated a 400-acre livestock farm.
In 1986, Senator Sieben was elected to the Illinois House of Representative. During his time in the House he praised lifting the inheritance tax, attempted to shorten campaigning season by moving back Illinois’s March primary elections and was supportive of education reform with the exception of forced school district consolidation.
In 1992, Senator Sieben was elected to the Illinois Senate to represent the 37th district and later after the districts were renumbered, he represented the 45th district. In 2003, he was appointed an Assistant Republican Leader.
Senator Sieben resigned in 2008 to become a lobbyist for the ethanol industry. He worked on projects in his local community including helping to bring the idea of Patriot Renewable Fuels to reality.
Currently, Senator Sieben is very active with the Geneseo Rotary Club and can be found on the HS campus as he mentors our senior STRIVE student’s. He and his wife Kay reside in Geneseo and have 3 children and 3 grandchildren.