Distinguished Alumni Award - Past Recipients
2005 - Suzanne Inzerillo, class of 1994 - A member of ROTC at Notre Dame University, where she received her Bachelor's in Government and International Relations in 1998, Suzanne has always demonstrated her commitment to excellence, tolerance, and generosity. These qualities have earned her numerous awards for her humanitarian efforts in the United States Army. It's no surprise that she cultivated these traits as a student at ICHS. And, it is also no surprise that her talents and efforts have earned her yet another award as a Distinguished Alumna.
2006 - Michael Hogan, class of 1994 - With a passion for science in high school, Michael was destined for great things. He attended Benedictine University for his undergraduate work and continued his education at Loyola University for his doctorate in biochemistry and biophysics. His studies were diverged, but not derailed when he followed his mentor/professor to the College of Staten Island in New York. Michael received his doctoral degree in 1990 and spent the next 15 years researching and publishing his results. We at ICHS honor him as an exceptional student and one who would pursue his passion and set a wonderful example for future alumni. Sadly, Mr. Hogan passed away in 2005.
2006 - Julianne Arient, class of 1990 - As as student at IC, Julianne was busy playing softball and making the grades. Unknowingly, she was setting an example for all those around her. This trend continued as she went through Triton College and Elmhurst College where she won several athletic and academic honors. Receiving a Master's Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Chicago, Julianne continued to set examples for her peers. She credits principal, Pam Levar, with giving her the knowledge on how to work hard and succeed. She continues to help others and set examples as a teacher, being a positive role model for all those with whom she comes in contact.
2007 -
Dr. Kathleen Boris-Lawrie, class of 1977 - Dr. Boris-Lawrie is a Professor of Molecular Virology and Veterinary Biosciences at The Ohio State University in Columbus. She received her Bachelor and Master degrees in microbiology from Southern Illinois University and received her PHD in molecular genetics from George Washington University Medical School. Dr. Boris-Lawrie's research has lead the way to many accolades and awards for the professor. It has also led to her becoming a Distiguished Alumna of ICHS.
2008 - George Hartmann, class of 1960 - Mr. Hartmann is a retired businessman who has led a life of charitable giving and service to others. He graduated from St. Norbert College in 1964, where he currently serves on their Board of Trustees. George also serves on the Board of Directors for the Green Bay Packers. He had a very successful 38 year career in the paper industry that saw him receive numerous industry awards. Since retiring, he has dedicated himself to his family, his church, his community, and helping the less fortunate live a better life. George's involvement with countless charities, including the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Libertas, and the United Way have paved the way for him becoming a Distinguished Alumnus of ICHS.
2008 - Dr. Douglas McCabe, class of 1967 - Dr. McCabe is a Professor of Labor Relations, Human Resource Management, and Organizational Behavior at Georgetown University's School of Business. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Marquette University in 1971, went on to receive his M.S. from Loyola University in 1973, and continued his education at Cornell University where he received his Ph.D. in industrial and labor relations in 1977. Doug is considered an expert in his field and he has won many awards, made hundreds of TV and radio appearances, and been appointed to numerous editorial boards because of his expertise. Dr. McCabe's commitment to and excellence in education has led to him becoming a Distinguished Alumnus of ICHS.
read Dr. McCabe's speech
2009 -
Dr. Edwin Feulner, Class of 1959 -
Dr. Feulner is the President of The Heritage Foundation, a position he has held for over 30 years. It is Washington's leading public policy organization, or think tank. Their mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. Due to his work with The Heritage Foundation, Dr. Feulner received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Ronald Reagan in 1989.
Furthermore, Dr. Feulner has served on and continues to serve on many political, financial, educational, and philanthropic boards. He has also written 6 books, with his most recent being Getting America Right (2006). He has edited and contributed to other books, journals, and periodicals throughout his career. Currently, Dr. Feulner writes weekly columns about issues of special interest to financial markets, and his columns appear on the internet and in dozens of newspapers across the country.
Dr. Feulner has studied at the University of Edinburgh, the London School of Economics, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University, and Regis University. In addition to his formal education, Dr. Feulner has received honorary degrees from universities around the world.
read Dr. Feulner's speech
view photos from the Mass
2010 - Hon. William J. Bauer, Class of 1944 - Judge Bauer currently has senior status on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which is one step removed from the U.S. Supreme Court. This court hears appeals from federal district courts in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. He maintains an active caseload on the court, and was the chief judge of the court from 1986-1993. He was nominated for the court by President Gerald Ford.
In addition to serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Judge Bauer has been a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois after being nominated by President Richard Nixon, a U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, a Judge of the Circuit Court for the 18th Judicial Circuit, a State's Attorney of DuPage County, and an Assistant State's Attorney in DuPage County.
Prior to serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Judge Bauer was appointed to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois in 1970. This was his first federal appointment, and it was followed by a nomination by President Richard Nixon to sit as a Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 1971.
Judge Bauer’s accomplishments in the legal profession reflect excellence, commitment, and service. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees for Elmhurst College, DePaul University, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, and Elmhurst Hospital. He has also been on the Law Advisory Boards of Loyola University and University College. Judge Bauer has received Honorary Doctor of Law degrees from DePaul University, The John Marshall Law School, Elmhurst College, and Roosevelt University, and an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from DePaul. He has received many awards, including the 1989 Catholic Lawyer of the Year Award from the Catholic Lawyers Guild, the Award of Distinguished Service to Law and Society from the Illinois Bar Foundation in 1992, the President’s Medal of Excellence from University College in 1999, the Professionalism Award from the American Inns of Court in 2002, the Rotary One Distinguished Community Service Award in 2003, and the Cardinal Bernardin Award from the Chicago Legal Clinic in 2006.
Upon graduation from ICHS, Judge Bauer spent 2 years in the U.S. Army. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst College in 1949 and his juris doctor from the DePaul University College of Law in 1952. Judge Bauer currently resides in Elmhurst, and he continues to be an active member of the community.
View Judge Bauer's speech
2010 - Mr. Charlie Priester, Class of 1956 - Mr. Charlie Priester is currently the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Priester Aviation, LLC. The firm manages and charters 35 corporate jets nationally, and provides a broad range of aviation-related administrative and management services. Mr. Priester has been a leader in the aviation industry for nearly 60 years. He led the development of what is now Chicago Executive Airport, the third busiest airport in Illinois. That development included the construction of hangars, runways, and infrastructure, as well as the establishment of businesses to serve both private and corporate users of the airport. Twenty-five years ago, Mr. Priester engineered the sale of the private family-owned airport, then known as Palwaukee Municipal, to the towns of Wheeling and Prospect Heights.
Mr. Priester is not only heavily involved in the aviation industry, but he is also heavily involved with many philanthropic endeavors. He has greatly supported ICHS through various fundraising activities. His trip donation annually generates the highest bid of any auction item. In addition to supporting IHCS, Mr. Priester runs the Prospect Height’s Chapter of Dollars for Scholars. He has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships for local students through this venture.
Mr. Priester also demonstrates his service to others through the many boards he serves on. He serves as the Chairman of the Board on the ICHS Board of Trustees, and is a member of the St. Norbert College Board of Directors. He has served on numerous aviation-related boards. Most recently, Mr. Priester was appointed Chairman of the Air Charter Safety Foundation, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the safety and security of air charter travel. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. Mr. Priester also holds an Honorary Doctorate from St. Norbert College. .
View (part 1) (part 2) or read Mr. Priester's speech
2010 - RADM. John Messerschmidt, Class of 1975 - Rear Admiral John Messerschmidt is a 2-star Admiral in the Navy. He has been the Commander of the Navy Reserve Forces Command since November 2008. He is responsible for the over 65,000 Navy Reservists around the world. Prior to assuming command, RADM Messerschmidt also served as vice commander, Submarine Force, and deputy chief of Navy Reserve. Additionally, RADM. Messerschmidt has commanded 5 Reserve Units.
Rear Admiral Messerschmidt has shown great excellence and leadership in his service. While in command, his units earned 2 Navy Meritorious Unit Commendations and 5 Captain Leo V. Bilger awards for outstanding mission effectiveness. Furthermore, his personal awards include 2 Legion of Merits, 4 Meritorious Service Medals, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, 5 Navy Commendation Medals, and 2 Navy Achievement Medals. RADM. Messerschmidt also received 2 Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals for significant service in his community and is actively involved in Boy Scouts of America as an assistant scoutmaster.
Upon graduating from ICHS, RADM. Messerschmidt attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated with Honors in 1979. He served in various positions within the Navy until 1986, when he transferred to the Navy Reserve. RADM. Messerschmidt earned a Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering from George Mason University. In his civilian career, he has worked for the MITRE Corporation, a non-profit corporation chartered to work in the public interest, since 1986. RADM.
View or read RADM. Messerschmidt's speech
View photos from the 2010 Mass and ceremony
