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Academy of Distinguished Alumni Second Class



Murphysboro Academy of Distinguished Alumni is proud to introduce their second class of inductees




Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 Education Foundation  is proud to announce that it has selected its second class for the Academy of Distinguished Alumni. The Academy was established to recognize alumnus of Murphysboro CUSD 186 who have made extraordinary contributions to their vocations, professions or communities.

Murphysboro CUSD 186 Education Foundation (Honoring our Past, Improving our Present, Preparing for the Future) requested the community to submit nominees for the Academy of Distinguished Alumni. The inaugural class comprised nine individuals and these individuals selected from the submissions nine more. An induction ceremony is being planned for Saturday, October 8, 2016.

The 2016 class includes (in alphabetical order)

Ron Barger Class of 1973

After graduating Ron Barger attended the University of Illinois and then obtained his Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.  Practicing in the areas of litigation, real estate, corporate and banking transactions he became a Managing Director of Goldman Sachs serving as Global General Counsel.  Currently Mr Barger serves as Executive Vice President of Operations and General Counsel at ORIX USA.


Michael Bost Class of 1979
Enlisting in the Marine Corp after graduation Michael Bost began his service to his country.  In 1982 he left the Marine Corp and immediately ran for public office.  Serving at the county level, and then over two decades in the Illinois House of Representatives Mr. Bost was then elected into the 114th congress where he still serves.  
Dennis DeRossett Class of 1973

Leaving MTHS and then graduating from Southern Illinois University Dennis DeRossett began his career in journalism.  Working for many publications including The Southern Illinoisan he currently serves as the Executive Director of the Illinois Press Association Illinois Press Foundation and Illinois First Amendment Center in Springfield Il.  


Michael Ellis Class of 1964

Continuing his involvement in student government organizations at Southern Illinois University Michael Ellis continued his political career assisting politicians both in Illinois and Nationally.  Beginning as a government career trainee in the administration of Illinois Governor Richard Ogilvie, he was also active as the Illinois Director of Communications for President Gerald Ford.  Leaving public service in 2003 he returned to Southern Illinois and became active in the Southern Illinois University Foundation.


Sandra Borgsmiller Kerns Class of 1967

Continuing her involvement in student performances at the University of Illinois, Sandra Kerns moved on to Hollywood where she went on to perform in more than thirty productions.  A regular for four years on “Charles in Charge”, a well known sitcom she also appeared with Walter Matthau in “House Calls” and started in “Solo”, a true story.  Her complete bio can be found on IMDb.


Matthew & Brian Monahan Class of 2002 and 2005
 In 2006, these brothers begin an internet company named Inflection.  With the goal to build trust on the internet so people can connect with confidence online and in person, Inflection provides services to verify backgrounds, protecting identities,while providing access to accurate public records.  Ultimately this company was purchased by Ancestry.com

Gary "Alan" Nehring Class of 1988

Attending Southern Illinois University Alan Nehring studied architecture and interior design.  After working for several design agencies in the St. Louis area he began his own company Nehring Design.   A full service design company preparing space plans, design development documents, construction documents as well as the selection of finishes and furniture they have received numerous awards and been highlighted in various trade magazines.


Gary Pinkerton Class of 1987

Gary Pinkerton (1987)  After graduating he received a congressional appointment to attend the US Naval Academy graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  It was then he attended the University of Illinois for a Master’s in Nuclear Engineering.  He went on to complete his submarine officer training serving on USS Archerfish and WSS Michigan Blue as Engineer Officer.  Following this he commanded USS Tucson.  After earning numerous commendations and decorations he is currently the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of the US Naval Academy.


By Chris Grode

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