The St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation has announced four St. Joseph High School graduates will be honored with its Distinguished Alumni Award at the school’s commencement on May 17.
The foundation’s Bob Ehrenberg tells us they started the illustrious Distinguished Alumni list in 2012, adding three or four names to it each year in most years. Anyone can make a nomination, and the foundation considers a variety of factors when making selections.
“We look at career, we look at public service, volunteerism,” Ehrenberg said. “All those factors go into our selection. You don’t have to be a tremendously successful business person or a notable celebrity in order to win the award. If you’re just a very involved, voluntary person who has proven that you deserve to be honored as a distinguished alumni, we’ll give the award.”
Among this year’s honorees is Charles T. Goodsell, from the class of 1950. Ehrenberg says Goodsell was a distinguished professor of public administration and public affairs who published multiple books and scholarly articles.
“He was nominated by one of his classmates several years ago, and he is one of the nominations that we kept for several years and followed and decided to give him the award this year. His two surviving daughters are going to return to accept the award on his behalf.”
Hunter Hughes III, from the class of 1961, is a leading legal mediator who served as lead trial counsel in hundreds of cases.
“He’s one of the best in the nation. He’s very much high in demand. In fact, he’s going to be conducting a mediation from St. Joe the day following the presentation of his honor.”
Suzanne Burgoyne, from the class of 1964, is an artist, teacher, and scholar whose work has included teaching, research, publishing books and
articles, theatrical directing, journal editing, play translation, and leadership roles in national organizations
“Suzanne was very active in fine arts in high school, and she went on to Ohio State and the University of Michigan and ended up teaching at the University of Missouri, where she has led many of their theatrical productions and has actually presented five of her productions at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. for a national convention.”
And last but not lease is Phil Maki, from the class of 1969. Ehrenberg says is the retired CEO Southshore Companies and has been active in a variety of organizations that have improved life in St Joseph.
“I’ve known Phil for many years. I’m thrilled that he’s been awarded this honor. Phil is a local businessman. He’s a CPA, and he’s a perfect example of somebody who gives back.”
Ehrenberg says the awards for all four honorees will be presented at a ceremony.
“It’s on graduation Sunday. We gather at 4 o‘clock and the actual presentation begins at 4:15. We will honor all four alumni at that point and then present them to the graduating class at commencement.”
Ehrenberg says when the foundation invites honorees to come and accept their award, they almost always attend in person, even if they live out of state. The St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation considers the Distinguished Alumni Award its highest honor.