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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (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