Maroon Award Recipients

Carole Gudgeon Lemen / Class of 1958

Carole Gudgeon Lemen / Class of 1958

     Carole Gudgeon Lemen was involved in sports during her high school years. She participated in field hockey, basketball, softball and tennis on the advanced and honors team. She was a Varsity cheerleader her Junior and Senior years. She was also a Student Council Officer, President of GAA and was the co-recipient winner of the All-Around Girl Award. She played softball for “Industrial Rope” a women’s team from ages 9-22. After graduating in 1958, she attended the University of Cincinnati. Carole taught at several different places before moving with her husband Jim to St. Louis, Missouri where he accepted his coaching position at John Burroughs School. They enrolled their children at Community School and by 1973 Carole began her 41 year elementary teaching career there. Carole taught children in grades two, four and kindergarten. Besides teaching children how to read and do math, many have commented on “her dedication and understanding of each child she taught.” Because of her many years at Community School, she was selected as a “Life Member” of legendary teachers in Community School’s history. Carole was the Director of Young Camper Program for Burr Oak Camp, and a little league, as well as high school softball coach. For the past three years, she has volunteered two days a week in a kindergarten classroom at Central Elementary School in Ferguson, Missouri. Carole continues to remain active by playing golf, attending the sporting activities of her grandchildren and she is an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. Her husband Jim believes she has attended more athletic contests than any other living woman. Her love of athletics is long and she was inducted into the Western Hills Athletic Hall of Fame. She and Jim are both active in the Grandparents Association at Burroughs and dedicate as much time as possible to their children who all live in different parts of the world. They have five children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Though they have been married for 56 years, they actually started dating following a Valentine’s Day dance while freshman at West Hi. They have been together for 64 years. Is that possible?

Jim Lemen / Class of 1958

James Lemen / Class of 1958

     Jim Lemen is a true sports enthusiast who was involved in many sports activities during his years at West High. He played football where he was the captain, played basketball, baseball and ran track. He became the president of both his Junior and Senior class as well as his fraternity. He was selected as the All-Around Boy in his class. Jim graduated from West High in 1958 and attended Dartmouth College where he played football, was elected Captain, played basketball as well as rugby and graduated as a history major. He continued his schooling to earn his Masters at Harvard Graduate School of Education. He began his career at John Burroughs High School in 1963 as a history teacher where he also coached football, baseball and basketball. Between his two stints at John Burroughs, Jim was an Assistant Football Coach at Cornell University for four years. At John Burroughs, Jim was chosen to teach geography but felt that he should teach something that would be worthwhile and touch on other subjects relating to prejudice. In 1985 Jim was chosen to travel to Israel to visit and study at Yad Vashem where he attended a program to train educators on how to teach the Holocaust. The Holocaust curriculum he began at Burroughs later expanded to be become multi-cultural studies. He and his wife Carole, who are both teachers, adopted a bi-racial child in 1971 and an African American child moved in with them in 1999 which has expanded their family to five children. He and his wife Carole have devoted their lives to teaching, coaching and mentoring children both professionally and personally. During his time as Head Football Coach, Jim won eight state titles. As the Head Baseball Coach, Jim took four teams to the final four. Jim has received numerous Coaches of the Year Awards, Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of fame, Western Hills Athletics Hall of Honor as well as the Jewish Light Unsung Hero Award. He co-authored a book on the History of Sports at John Burroughs School. Jim really enjoyed his days at Western Hills and is really looking forward to coming back to see the school on Alumni Night. Perhaps his greatest joy was coaching and teaching his own children and grandchildren.

Carole Forster Conatser / Class of 1960

     Carole Forster Conatser says that being active in extra-curricular activities was important and gave her a sense of team work and being an integral part of something that made a difference in her West Hi experience. Carole was involved with Student Council, was the Publicity Chairman, Annual Staff member, Art Editor, Breeze Staff member, Feature Co-Editor, Quill and Scroll member, GAA-Officer, 5 year Letter Girl-Advanced Basketball, Pep Club, Pidel Historian, Treasurer, Band and 4 years performing in Bandwagon as an accordion player. Starting at age 15, she taught piano at a private music studio. She credits her Grandmother for her love of music and later studied Voice privately as an adult, becoming a soloist for her church and other special events in her community. She attended the University of Cincinnati’s DAA (now DAAP) and earned both a BS in Art Education and a Fine Arts degree. After graduation from UC, she implemented an art program at the North Dearborn H.S. in Indiana where she taught high school classes as well as teaching art at the middle school. Marilyn Goodfellow, her art teacher at West Hi was a wonderful mentor and Carole gives her full credit for inspiring her to want to become an art teacher. Her other studies include jewelry making, painting, needlework, photography and ceramics.

     In the fall of 2014, Carole had the idea of starting a community garden. Since her church is located in an urban area of Youngstown, Ohio with several  empty lots across the street, it seemed reasonable to organize an outreach program to help the community of residents in need of healthy, fresh produce. After writing grant proposals and obtaining two grants, they were set to do just that. Carole became a 4-H leader working with these children who come from many family challenges and situations. The empty lots were turned into the community garden and it thrived with the help of the area residents and their children. They were able to offer free, amazing produce every Saturday to the residents. To meet and get to know them, to hear their stories, to involve them in the garden, even trading recipes, has been an incredible experience for Carole and the other church members. They have also held yoga classes, aerobic dancing, and games that called for physical activity. The Youngstown police are now involved in coming to the garden and church for an exercise program every week with them. It is a wonderful way to have the families interact with those who help to keep them safe and establish a positive relationship. Carole has been married to Ken, a1958 graduate for 53 years and they live in Youngstown, Ohio. They have one son named Dean who is a retired Marine. His wife DeDe and their four children live in Loveland, Ohio where he is an analyst for the Kroger Company. Carole was nominated by her good friend Bonnie Brueggemann Stone, class of 1960. (Inducted in 2017)

Dr. Ronald Dieckmann / Class of 1969

     Dr. Ron Dieckmann was involved in many activities during high school. He was student council president, Maroon W President, tri-captain of the football team and news editor of the Breeze. During his Senior year he received the “That’s My Boy” Award from the Southwestern Ohio Coaches Association, an honor presented yearly to the outstanding academic athlete in the region. He joined Chi Omega Sigma (COS) fraternity, along with most of his classmates even though it was not yet approved. He says that he formed some lifelong friendships through the fraternity so it was well worth the pushback they received from administration. Ron’s brother Art Dieckmann, who nominated Ron for the this award, graduated in 1967 and his sister, Debbie Dieckmann Brater was class of 1972.

     After graduation, Ron attended Harvard University in Cambridge, MA on a full scholarship and at graduation was awarded a key to Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious honor society. In 1972, Ron won a fellowship to Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government to study in London, where he first fell in love with International travel. He received his medical degree (MD) from Stanford  Medical School in California. After finishing his residency in San Francisco he completed a master’s degree in public health (MPH) at Berkeley and became board certified in three physician specialties: pediatrics, emergency medicine and pediatric emergency medicine. In 1984 Ron joined the faculty at University of California, San Francisco Medical School and served as a Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics for 25 years. He has edited five first edition textbooks on pediatric emergency medicine, published hundreds of articles, lectured frequently and received multiple teaching and leadership awards. While at San Francisco General, Ron was responsible for the emergency care of several US Presidents and also assigned to provide emergency care to our Pope. In 2005, Ron helped to co-found a medical software company and created a first of its kind interactive, multimedia software program called PEMSoft which is a web-based and mobile application for doctors. It has become the most popular pediatric electronic decision-support database worldwide. Ron now serves as the Chief Medical Officer for PEMSoft.

     In 2006 Ron founded a California nonprofit global health organization called KidsCareEverywhere, which he considers his favorite lifetime accomplishment. The organization donates software technology to doctors to help support pediatric care in impoverished countries. His travels with the organization has taken him to many remote locations in 19 low income countries in South America, Asia and Africa. He provides the software trainings which have helped support thousands of physicians caring for millions of children. Ron lives in northern California with his wife Patty Gates, a labor attorney. He met Patty as a high school student, and they are celebrating their 43^rd wedding anniversary this June! Ron says Patty smoothed his rough edges and taught him the power of love.  He has three daughters: Lauren a California public health administrator, Marlowe a senior medical school student, and Hayley a veterinary school student. He also has a son-in-law David Gordon, a Sacramento water engineer, a daughter-in-law Dr. Allison Maffei, a physical therapist, and two amazing grand daughters: Audriana and Ava Gordon. (Inducted in 2017)

Gertrude "Trudie" Klose Seybold / Class of 1947

Gertrude Klose Seybold / Class of 1947

 Gertrude Klose Seybold, or “Trudie” as she is known by family and friends, was a 1947 graduate. She says she was supposed to graduate with the class of 1948 but was able to get enough credits to graduate early. She received a BS in Music Education from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in 1951 and a Masters of Education from Temple University. She taught in Norfolk, VA. and sang with the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra. Trudie was a Choral Director for the All City Choir in Philadelphia. Member of the SAI National Professional Music Fraternity, member of the Clifton Music Club, Historian for the Cincinnati MacDowell Society. Honorary member of the Cincinnati Opera Board. She received the Distinguished Alumni Award from UC and CCM in 1988 and established a scholarship Fund with the UC Foundation to support an outstanding operatic singer. The 2015 winner of the award, bass-baritone Christian Pursell, is heading to NYC to audition for the Met semi-final competition.

     Trudie is very well known in the area for her ownership and operation of Forest View Gardens Restaurant on North Bend Road along with her husband, Kurt Seybold. She was the second generation of her family to operate the restaurant, which was originally owned by her parents. It was known not only for its fine food and "old world" ambiance, but for the outstanding music provided as well as wonderful German food. The Forest View Gardens Dining Showplace was featured in Cincinnati Magazine and in numerous Cincinnati Enquirer features. Over the years, College Conservatory of Music students served both as wait staff and vocalists. Work there was considered a professional stepping stone to students who qualified for the positions as well as a way to earn income and have the opportunity for scholarship assistance. In many instances, working there proved to be a launching to professional accomplishments. Trudie became the mother figure and mentor of a large number of performers entering and becoming famous in their vocal careers. The restaurant hosted several generations of gatherings for civic organizations, Westside organizations, weddings, anniversaries and other special events.

     Presently Trudie is an active participant at Evergreen Retirement Community and assists the Activities Department as a liason for providing musical performances from outstanding performers from CCM. She is a member of the Evergreen choir and as a pianist, accompanies the Evergreen Choir and vocal performers as needed. (Inducted in 2016)

Powell McHenry / Class of 1944

Powell McHenry / Class of 1944

Powell McHenry’s activities while at West High included football, swim team, and the Chi Omega Sigma fraternity.  His proudest moment was beating Elder while playing center on the gridiron.  Most importantly, during his freshman year, Powell met the love of his life, Venna Mae Guerrea (Class of 1944). Following high school graduation, Powell served in the Navy during World War II, and then enrolled at the University of Cincinnati where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. After graduation, he and Venna married, and moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts where Powell attended Harvard Law School.  There, Powell was elected Editor of the Harvard Law Review, and graduated magna cum laude in 1951. Powell and Venna returned to Cincinnati, and Powell began practicing law with Dinsmore, Shohl, Sawyer & Dinsmore (now Dinsmore & Shohl).  The couple started a family of four children, each of whom graduated from West High (Scott ’69, Marshall ’72, Jody ’76, and Gale ’79). 

     Professionally, Powell’s primary areas of practice were business litigation and general corporate law. While at Dinsmore, Powell managed to serve as Procter & Gamble’s chief outside lawyer while concurrently practicing as General Counsel to Federated Department Stores (now Macy’s Inc.). In 1975, he left private practice for Procter & Gamble, where he was promoted to Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Since his retirement in 1991, Powell has been Of Counsel with Dinsmore & Shohl. Over the course of his career, Powell repeatedly stepped up to serve his community and profession. As a young lawyer, he served as Director of the Republican Club of Hamilton County, and was elected President of the Harvard Law School Association of Cincinnati. An avid fan and supporter of the Western Hills Mustangs, Powell co-chaired the committee to develop a permanent home playing field at West High in the late 1960s. Powell served on the Board of Directors of the Western Hills Country Club, as Secretary as well as Treasurer. In 1976, Powell began his more than two decades of service on the Hamilton County Public Defender Commission.  Elected to the executive board of the Cincinnati Bar Association , Powell also served as President of the CBA in 1979-80. In 1983, Powell had the honor of being elected a member of the American Law Institute, an organization of eminent lawyers, judges and law professors whose mission is to promote clarification of the law through scholarly works. Powell co-chaired the Corporate Committee for the Fair Compensation of the Federal Judiciary. In addition, he served the Association of General Counsel (a professional organization for chief legal officers of major U.S. corporations) by being its Secretary, Treasurer, and ultimately its President. Powell’s impact on his community did not stop after his retirement.  In 1991, Powell chaired the Hamilton County Financing Review & Strategies Commission. The following year, he served on the Jail Subcommittee of the Hamilton County Criminal Justice Taskforce.  From 1991 to 1997, Powell sat on the Board of Directors of Eagle Picher Industries. He joined the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board from 1992 until 1996.  From 1996 until 2000, Powell took on the role of Chairman of the Hamilton County Public Defender Commission. Additionally, in recognition of his accomplishments and dedication to the legal profession, Powell was the recipient of the Cincinnati Bar Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement in Law Award in 2004. Powell has many wonderful memories of his time at West High. As a proud lifelong West-sider, he is honored to be chosen to receive the Maroon Award. (Inducted in 2016)

Saul Marmer / Class of 1942

Saul Marmer / Class of 1942

Saul Marmer was active while at Western Hills High School. He was on the staff of the Western Breeze, in the Thespian Club and participated in all the plays. He was also head cheerleader and a Student Council Representative. Saul graduated in 1942 and was awarded a scholarship to Cincinnati College of Music for Radio and Television. He worked closely with WLW Radio and TV and had the opportunity to work with Red Skelton and others destined for stardom.

He enlisted in the Army Reserve Corp. 1941-1942. He attended Officers Candidate School in 1944 and was an Infantry Platoon Leader from 1944-1946. After the war ended he was put on occupational duty in Berlin from 1945-46. He was a 1st Lieutenant of the Officer’s Reserve Corp. from 1945-50.

At his parent’s urging, Saul then attended the University of Cincinnati where he majored in Business Administration majoring in advertising and marketing. During college he worked in his parent’s retail shoe store, Marmer’s Shoes and even though he originally had plans to head west and be a part of the entertainment industry he said, “I was hooked in the shoe business and the rest is history.” Saul would then go on to attend Ball State Teachers College, New York University and U.C.L.A. training for the Para-Medical Career as a Certified Pedorthist. He became instrumental in the establishment of a new Para-Medical Specialty which is now known as Pedorthics. In the 1960’s and 1970’s as a Certified Pedorthist he volunteered and treated wounded Viet Nam War Veterans. He was CEO,COO and President of Marmer’s Shoes from 1946- 1990.

Throughout his lifetime Saul has belonged to numerous committees, organizations and volunteer positions related to his military life, footwear industry and youth services. He is currently teaching at U.C. for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, for those who want to continue learning after retirement where he was awarded the Unsung Hero Award in Sept. 2014. (We are sad to announce the passing of Saul on March 16th, 2015. He was both excited and honored to receive this award). (Inducted in 2015)

Bonnie Brueggemann Stone / Class of 1960

Bonnie Brueggmann Stone / Class of 1960

Bonnie Brueggmann Stone kept herself busy with activities during her six years at Western Hills. She loved sports and was on the honor team in basketball, softball, tennis and hockey. She was on the swim team, a synchronized swimmer and a member of the Life Saving Corp. She said that, “The athletic program was the perfect complement to the academic curriculum, in that it challenged each individual to strive for excellence and achievement in physical growth and skill. It provided great individual confidence to continue to strive to realize one’s full potential.” Bonnie was involved in the music program under the direction of Mr. Andrew Brady. She was one of the pianists for the junior and senior orchestras, including the annual Bandwagon variety show.

After she graduated in 1960, Bonnie attended Duke University with an intention to major in physics but later switched her major to music which she had enjoyed so much in high school. She worked as a dancer in an outdoor drama group during the summer which is where she met her husband-to-be. Later he also attended Duke where he majored in music as a singer. He had a 35 year international opera singing career which she shared by helping to prepare his roles, rehearsing the music and attending performances with their children.

Meanwhile Bonnie also worked as a personal secretary for a research professor at the University of Illinois. When the Professor, Dr. J. McV. Hunt was named by President Johnson to chair a White House Task Force on early childhood education, she was brought to the White House to prepare the final version of what became ”The Bill of Rights for Children” in 1967. Bonnie continued to work for Dr. Hunt for 24 years.

Bonnie enjoys knitting for charities and makes baby blankets for many organizations in her area. She and her husband Bill have two children and four grandchildren of whom they are very proud of and try to visit with them often. (Inducted in 2015)

Brett Goodson / Class of 1969

Brett Goodson  / Class of 1969

The 2014 Maroon Award Recipient is Brett Goodson. Brett is a trial lawyer who represents injured victims in civil cases. While at Western Hills he was very involved in school activities. He played basketball, baseball and varsity football. He was the Annual Staff Boys Sports Editor, the Maroon W Vice President and High Y Vice President. He graduated in 1969 and attended Ohio University and  graduated in 1973. While there he met his future wife, Sherry Deskins. He then went on to law school at the University of San Diego and graduated in May 1976. He came back to Cincinnati to take the bar exam in July and to marry Sherry in August 1976. They have two sons, Ross and Hunter who he enjoyed coaching in youth basketball and baseball as they were growing up. Ross is married to his wife Renee and they have a son named Reece who all live in Florida. Since Brett has his pilot’s license, he is able to fly down  often to visit with them.

Brett’s first job was with the Public Defender’s Office where he tried criminal cases. He then went into private practice in 1978 in an office on 9th street. In 1999 he bought a building on 8th street where his office is now currently located. He has had many jury trials, bench trials and lots of successful settlements. His clients come from all walks of life and he has represented thousands of clients in both state and federal court. He now mainly handles civil cases in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

He has been an associate professor at the College of Mt. St. Joseph, teaching classes on legal principles and even hired one of his students to be his first paralegal. He was a Mock Trial Legal Advisor for Oak Hills High School for 10 years and took several teams to compete at the State level and a couple to the National level. He said this was very rewarding and he still sees some of the students who say the skills they learned from him have helped them in other areas of their lives. Brett is a member of the Ohio Trial Lawyers Association, The Ohio Bar Association, The Kentucky Bar Association, the Indiana Bar Association and the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers. He is the founding member and former President of The Volunteer Lawyers for the Poor Foundation. He is the supporter of many charitable organizations including Tender Mercies. Brett is an active golfer and a big sports fan. His favorite teams are the Reds, Bengals, UC Bearcats and OU Bobcats. He has fond memories of working at Riverfront Stadium during the days of the “Big Red Machine” and attending the World Series! He is also a member of our own AWHAA (Association of West High Alumni Athletes). He is honored to receive this award. (Inducted in 2014)

Donald B. Poynter

Donald B. Poynter / Class of 1943

Donald has been working hard and enjoyed being creative since he was young. In 1937 he became the youngest member of the “Puppeteers of America” organization. While in high school he received his letter in track, ran the 220 hurdles and pole vaulted. In 1940 he became the lead actor on the radio show “Father Flanigan’s Boys Town” and performed on other radio shows with Doris Day, Donald Nash (voice of Donald Duck), Rosemary Clooney, Andy Williams and others. He joined the army and put on many shows for the troops. He performed as a ventriloquist, a magician and twirled batons. After discharge from the army he attended the University of Cincinnati, where he received his BS degree with a major in marketing and was the class president. He also became the Drum Major of the band and during the halftime shows he would perform on stilts, unicycle, and tight wire all while twirling batons or a machete knife. “Life Magazine” photographed these halftime activities. During his college years he secured his first patent on a toy he designed. A “Giant Lincoln Log” like set which he sold via mail order for over 10 years.

After graduation he was asked to join the Harlem Globetrotters to perform during halftime. For the next three summers he toured the world with them and also served as assistant tour director. He produced, directed and filmed 13 children television shows in a new technique he developed. The President of Disney at the time, flew him to CA to share his techniques with their film technicians. In 1954 he formed Poynter Products, Inc. to produce his first novelty product, “Whiskey Flavored Toothpaste” which became a “gag” that sold for 17 years. Over the years he created, copyrighted or patented about 100 novelty items including the “Jayne Mansfield Shaped Water Bottle”, “Uncle Fester’s Light Bulb”, and “The Thing Coin Bank” which were both featured on “The Addams Family” television show. With no signs of retirement in sight, he is currently working with a large Toy and Novelty Company in New York. He is grateful for his wife Mona Castellini and their four children, Donald, Amy, Tim and Molly. He is also the President of Triple Crown Country Club in KY. (Inducted in 2013)

Mike Horton

Mike Horton, Class of 1972 

For over 30 years, Major Mike Horton has served the citizens of Hamilton County with pride, courage and distinction with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. After graduation, Mike set his sights on a career in law enforcement.

Following a brief career with General Motors in Norwood, Mike enlisted in the United States Army Reserves in 1981 and attended basic training at Fort McClelland, AL where he enrolled in the United States Military Police School. Later that year he was hired on to the Sherriff’s Office. He changed his service branch to the United States Air Force and was assigned to the 906 Weapons Security Flight Wing in Dayton, OH.Mike was honorably discharged from active service in 1992, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

For the next 28 years, Horton rose through the ranks of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office, serving with not only his fellow deputies, but served in conjunction with other local and federal law enforcement officers. In 1987 Mike was appointed to RENU (Regional Enforcement Narcotics Unit), a combined agency of local, state, and federal officers for the sole purpose of stopping narcotics trafficking in the tri-state area.

From 1988 to 1993, Mike was appointed to the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) Task Force.

Later Mike was appointed to the FBI Task Force to help stop the flow of illegal drugs. Horton was selected to serve with outside agencies that included the Los Angeles Police Dept, Chicago Police Dept. and the New York Police Dept. He was later promoted from Deputy to Corporal (Detective)  where he investigated theft, fraud, white collar crimes and many high profile cases. He was then promoted from Corporal to Sergeant and from Sergeant to Lieutenant. He retired in Nov. 2009 but was asked by the new sheriff to return.

Because of his loyal and faithful service to our country, Mike was promoted in January 2013 to the rank of Major (3rd highest rank in the department) He is currently in charge of the Enforcement Division of the Sheriff’s Office, supervising approximately 225 uniformed and non-uniformed personnel including the Uniformed Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Section and the Organized Crime Division. He has had many accomplishments and honors over the years; 1983 Corrections Officer of the Year, 1985, 1990 and 1991 Hamilton County Police Association award nominee and was the winner of the award in 1991.

In 2000 he was the Cincinnati Citizens Police Association Officer of the Month and in 2007 he was named Patrol Supervisor of the Year. His volunteer services include teaching training sessions for Citizens on Patrol from 1993-2005.

Mike and his wife, Patti Rich Horton, a 1972 West High Graduate, just celebrated their 39th wedding Anniversary together. They have two children and two dogs. Mike is also in his 5th year as a Major League Baseball Authenticator and organizer of the World Class Championship Baseball League which was held in Japan this year.

Mike fondly remembers his days at West High where he played baseball and did gymnastics. (Inducted in 2013)

Donald P. Smith / Class of 1958

Donald P. Smith, Class of 1958   

Donald P. Smith has spent 31 years in the Education Profession. He received his Bachelors Degree from Youngstown University in 1962 and his Masters Degree in Administration from the University of Cincinnati in 1967. He continued with his residency toward his Doctorate during his Administrative Internship at U.C. Donald has held many positions within the school system which included teaching grades 4-6, Assistant to the Principal, the District’s first Administrative Intern, Assistant Principal at the 6-9 grade Junior High School, Elementary Summer School Principal and Principal of Anderson Middle School for 7 years. He then spent 4 years in the Curriculum Department working with teachers and counselors for grades K-12.

Donald also had the opportunity to teach future teachers in the Education Department of Johnson Bible College in Tennessee for 11 and a half years (1997-2008) where he was nominated for Instructor of the Year. While there, a Degree Completion Program called LAMP was started and he was able to teach 3 different courses. He continues to teach the LAMP program at the college. Donald has been involved in many community service and volunteer programs including a tutoring program at Beech Acres for grades 4-8, sign language course instructor, and worked with youth groups at 3 churches. He currently volunteers at an elementary school in the Kid’s Hope, USA Program and at the local assisted living center in the Alzheimer’s Unit.

He has held various positions at church from Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and Elder. He also served as Director of Christian Education as well as a Preacher for a small Tennessee church. He married his high school sweetheart Linda Sandman Smith c/o 1958 and they will celebrate 52 years together in June. They have 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. (Inducted in 2012)

Kenneth J. Eger, PhD

Kenneth J. Eger, Class of 1958

Professionally, Kenneth J. Eger, PhD, class of 1958, is currently working in Oak Ridge as a consultant supporting UCOR engineering. They are decommissioning the K-25 building that served as the country’s first gaseous diffusion plant. After graduation from West High, Ken attended the University of Cincinnati where he graduated in 1963 and began his career in the nuclear industry in Chemical Engineering. He continued at U.C. and in 1965 received a M.S in Nuclear Engineering with a specialty in Radiological Health. In his first professional assignment Ken taught in the Oklahoma State University’s School of Technology as an Assistant Professor, and Head of the Radiation and Nuclear Technology Department. He earned a PhD from this OSU in General Engineering, and moved to Illinois to participate in the start-up of GE’s nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in Morris. Dr. Eger served there as a Senior Engineer with responsibility for radiation safety, licensing, criticality control, and environmental monitoring. While in Morris, Ken earned his PE license and a Certification in Health Physics by the American Board of Health   Physics (ABHP).  When GE won the contract for the decommissioning of the country’s first nuclear plant in Shippingport, PA Ken became the Manager of Health, Safety, and the Environment (HS&E). He was also responsible for developing the program which led to the release of the nuclear reactor site for unrestricted use.

Ken has served since then in safety and engineering in an assortment of nuclear clean-up projects including a radium processing facility in Queens NY, the TRU waste processing plant in Oak Ridge, and the removal of the radium-bearing waste stored in three silos at Fernald. At Fernald his engineering was the basis for operation of a state-of-the-art continuously operating radon control system. Ken participates in the American Nuclear Society and the Health Physics   Society and has served as treasurer for the ABHP. In the community, Dr. Eger has been elected and re-elected to the Minooka Village Board and served on the Three Rivers Library Board in Channahon, Illinois. Ken has also served as an Elder in Christian Churches in OK, IL, and TN, and he taught Bible to teens and adults for more than 40 years. In     athletics, he coached little league baseball for nine years, and girl’s softball for two additional seasons. Two of his boy’s teams won community championships. Personally, Ken and his wife Dottie of 46 years have raised two children. Both kids are grown and have families of their own. They currently reside in Powell, Tennessee. While at Western Hills Ken earned seven athletic letters, in cross-country, track, and gymnastics, a band letter, and played top board on the chess team for two years. (Inducted in 2012)

Robert L. Moore

Robert L. Moore, Class of 1942

While Robert L. Moore attended Western Hills High School, he earned a letter in bowling and served as president of the Thespians. He graduated in 1942  and enrolled at Miami University in Oxford and enlisted in the Army at the same time. Bob was called to service before he completed his first year. He graduated from flight training as a pilot and was assigned to the Far East where he flew the “Hump” in India, Burma and China. He completed 650 hours of combat flying and received the Air Medal and the distinguished Flying Cross. After being discharged from the service, Bob met his wife Marion. They were introduced by a mutual friend of theirs named Lillian Rome Dartnall, also class of 1942. Bob then earned his BS degree in education from the University of Cincinnati. He later earned a Masters Degree from the University of Florida and a Doctor of Education from Nova University. Bob served as a school principal in Florida and California for a total of 24 years. During this time, he was elected President of the Florida Association of Secondary Principals. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of School Administrators, a member of the Board of Directors of the Florida High School Activities Association as well as a member of the National Advisory Committee on Junior and High School Education. Bob retired in 1981 but remained active with the school systems in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina setting up instructional computer systems. In 1986, he was elected to the Pinellas County School Board where he served as Chairman of the Board in 1989-1990. He and his wife volunteer as teachers of drivers education for Seniors over 50 and he arranges luncheons/meetings for Pinellas County School Administrators. He and his wife are devoted travelers who have been married for 63 years and have four children. (Inducted in 2011)

Mary Ann Altemeier Joslin

Mary Ann Altemeier Joslin, Class of 1958

Mary Ann Joslin attended four years at Western Hills High School and graduated in 1958. While here she was President of the Future Nurses Club and a member of the Glee Club. After graduation she attended Central Vocational School and became an LPN. She began her work at Christ Hospital and later moved to Clermont County Pediatrics where she remained for 30 years and did some work as a visiting pediatric nurse. She also held a position at Mercy Hospital for 21 years caring for people with cancer. She retired in 2001.

Mary Ann has been married for 52 years to Donovan Joslin. They have two children. Their daughter Julie, followed in her mother’s footsteps and went into nursing. She is currently at  Jewish Hospital as the Risk Management Director. Their son Tom owns his own construction company. Her friend and co-worker, Beth Ann Cosgrove Shannon, who is a 1976 Western Hills graduate, describes Mary Ann as “a person who touched the lives of people with cancer everyday. She always took a personal interest in their lives and her warmth and caring were felt by the staff members we worked with as well.”

Another one of Mary Ann’s many talents is her gardening. While at Mercy Hospital, photos of her beautiful flowers were taken and displayed there to help brighten everyone’s day. Since retirement, Mary Ann volunteers at her church, Trinity United Methodist, as worship support staff. She helps around the office, cleans the sanctuary and provides assistance with funeral luncheons. Her and her husband own a farm with some horses and this is where they go for relaxation even though she says it is a lot of work to upkeep. She still enjoys gardening as her hobby. (Inducted in 2011)

James A. Young / Class of 1950

James A. Young graduated from Western Hills in 1950 and from there went on to attend Ohio Wesleyan University, George Washington University and Case Western Reserve Law School. He was admitted to the bar in 1960. In addition to corporate clients, he served as council for numerous non-profit groups. Community service includes serving as trustee for, committee chairman of, or officer in Shaker Heights Citizens, Greater Cleveland Goodwill Industries, University (Ohio Wesleyan) groups, day care centers, numerous church organizations and tennis affiliations. He was the recipient of many honors including an OWU Alumni Award, the Applause Award for significant contributions to the Cleveland community, the J.C. Penney "Golden Rule" Award for volunteer community service. He is listed in the "Who's Who in International Tennis", "Who's Who in the Midwest" and "Who's Who in the World." (Inducted in 2010)

Richard (Dick) Stohr / Class of 1957

Richard Stohr / Class of 1957

Richard (Dick) Stohr graduated from Western Hills in 1957 and afterwards he attended the University of Cincinnati where he received a BS in Architecture. Through Naval Postgraduate School, he received his Masters Degree in Management. Serving as a Naval Flight Officer, he flew throughout the Atlantic and Mediterranean. He also held a variety of positions in the Navy, such as Officer of the Deck for the Apollo 16 and 17 astronaut recoveries and VIP Bridge Tour Guide for the first SKYLAB recovery. In 1975, he became a Department of Defense support contractor and later joined the Naval Reserve reaching the rank of Captain.

In 1997, he left his role as support contractor to become, "That Yo-Yo Guy." He has taught thousands of elementary school students the principles of science and safety using yo-yos and spin tops. Serving on the Board of Directors of the American Yo-Yo Association since 1998, he has judged local, regional, state and world yo-yo and spin top contests. He has also been active in church, choir, community and youth organizations. (Inducted in 2010)

Thomas G. Peters / Class of 1963

Thomas G. Peters / Class of 1963

Thomas G. Peters, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.N., class of 1963 is currently a Professor of Surgery at the University of Florida Health Science Center, founding Director of the Jacksonville Transplant Center, a member of the Florida Board of Medicine and a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, a national and international visiting professor and researcher regarding all phases of organ donation and transplant services. Tom earned an AB degree from Miami University, graduated from the U.C. College of Medicine and received a Department of Anatomy research fellowship award.

A Clinical Fellow of the American Cancer Society while pursuing postdoctoral general surgical training, he next completed a fellowship in clinical organ transplantation surgery. Rising to the tenured rank of Professor of Surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine he continued clinical and research endeavors in transplantation and general surgery. Dr. Peters next became Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine and founding Director of the Jacksonville Transplant Center. He has served as Chairman of Methodist Medical Center Department of Surgery, Co-chief of Surgery at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center where he continues as Chief of Transplant Services. Dr. Peters has published or presented over 500 scientific, educational and professional works primarily focusing on all phases of organ donation and transplant services.

He has lead a number of professional organizations as committee chairs, officer or president and continues his community service through the National Kidney Foundation. Tom retired as a Colonel from the United States Army Reserve with over three decades of commissioned medical service and three active duty war time tours. He remains an Adjunct Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. While a student at Western Hills, he was his Senior Class President and he lettered in swimming. (Inducted in 2009)

William J. Seitz, Class of 1972

William J. Seitz / Class of 1972

William J. Seitz is a current partner in Taft Stettinius and Hollister, LLP and an expert in constitutional law. Mr. Seitz serves on the Ohio Senate, currently as Vice Chair of the Judiciary-Criminal and Civil Justice Committee. In 2008 as a member of the committee, he sponsored legislation clarifying the asbestos litigation process and a proposal to ensure bills legislated are explicit about private rights of action eliminating confusion in the courts and needless litigation. His primary legislative interest has been in reforming Ohio civil justice laws, limiting frivolous lawsuits and restoring a stable and predictable business climate. As a practicing attorney, he is especially experienced in business law-antitrust, mergers, franchise/dealer relationship laws, general contracts, zoning and real property litigation, RICO and business tort litigation.

While a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, Bill served as assistant Majority Whip and on numerous committees including House, Civil and Commercial Law, Criminal Justice, Commerce and Labor, Human Services as well as Ways and Means. Other standing committees on which he serves are Insurance, Commerce and Labor, Correctional Institution Inspection, State and Local Government, Veterans Affairs Committees as well as the Senate Committee on Government Oversight.

Prior to serving his constituents at state level, Bill was extremely involved in local community concerns serving as a Green Township Trustee for 7 years, President of the Hamilton County Township Assoc., the Westwood Civic Assoc., The Western Economic Council, and the District 3 Police / Community Relations Commission as well as Chairman of the Black Wolf District / Friends of Scouting. Former Member of the House of Representatives, he was also a member of the CPS School Board for 4 years and on the St. Antoninus Parish Education Commission. He shared his knowledge and expertise with active membership in many additional educational, recreational, political, religious and civic groups. He graduated Suma Cum Laude with a BA in History from the University of Cincinnati in 1975, a JD degree in 1978 and received honors in Order of the Coif and Law Review. At Western Hills High School, Bill was the 1972 All Around Boy, Annual Editor, Student Council President, Jr. Class President and lettered six times in Cross-country and Tennis. He also won an award as Guy of PiDel. (Inducted in 2009)

Fred W. Haeussler, Class of 1950

Fred W. Haeussler / Class of 1950

Fred W. Haeussler is a class of 1950 graduate. While he was a student at Western Hills High School he lettered in track and cross country as well as playing guitar in the production of Bandwagon. He is currently a Registered and Certified Forester who has served as an Air Force Special Agent, managed land and forest usage in Southern states, been president of the National Society of American Foresters and a contributor to numerous organizations overseeing natural resources.

His career in forestry was preceded by a tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force, Office of Special Investigations. There he was involved with conducting criminal counter intelligence and security investigations. With a BS from the University of Georgia and a MF from Duke, Fred has been a forester and/or land manager for regions of Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. His responsibilities for the land use and forest practices has covered well over a million acres of our natural resources. As speaker, author and committee task force member, he has addressed issues concerning water regulations, herbicide use, logging and forestry at regional and national levels. Having served on numerous state, regional and national committees, Fred was elected 1985 president of the Society of American Foresters and was an official State Department delegate to the ninth World Forestry Congress. Inducted into the Alabama and Georgia Foresters Halls of Fame, Elected Fellow of the Society of American Foresters, outstanding alumnus of Duke School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, distinguished alumnus of U.G. Warnell School of Forestry “Wise Owl”, Fred remains active in addressing forestry and natural resource concerns. (Inducted in 2008)

Robert H. Eckel, M.D. / Class of 1965

Robert H. Eckel / Class of 1965

Robert H. Eckel, M.D., class of 1965, was a member of the Western Hills marching band and orchestra. He is currently a professor at the University of Colorado, chair of atherosclerosis, leader in the study of LPL, authority on health concerns of obesity and past president of the American Heart Association. Graduating with honors in Bacteriology from the University of Cincinnati and from U.C. Medical School as an Alpha Omega Alpha member, Robert trained in internal medicine at the University of Wisconsin. Completing a fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism at the University of Washington, he joined the faculty at the University of Colorado. Currently Dr. Eckel holds the position of Professor in the departments of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics as well as the Charles A. Boettcher Endowed Chair in Atherosclerosis at the University of Colorado Health and Sciences Center, Denver. His research focuses on the impact of nutrition and hormones on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.

      Dr. Eckel has chaired, directed or been president of innumerable centers and associations related to research and study of his fields of interest, i.e. Chair of the Nutrition Study of NIH, the program director of Adult General Clinic Research Center at UCD and HSC, vice chair of Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism of the American Heart Association. Among awards that Dr. Eckel has received are the Full Time Facility House Staff Teaching and the Excellence in Teaching Basic Sciences Awards from the University of Colorado College of Medicine, Moses Baron Award of the Minnesota Affiliate of American Diabetics Association and an Award of Excellence from the Colorado Dietetic Association. He was listed among the Best Doctors of America from 1994-2004. Appointed to the National Board for his strategic vision and passion for their cause. Dr. Robert Eckel served as the American Heart Association President in 2005 and 2006. (Inducted in 2008)

Mary Ann Jacobs / Class of 1975

Mary Ann Jacobs / Class of 1975

Mary Ann Jacobs was a Senior Class President at West High and went on to receive her BA in Economic Political Science from Miami University. She is also a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, College of Law. She is currently a partner at Ritter and Randolph, LLC, Attorneys at Law, who specialize in estate planning with an emphasis on elder law and senior issues. A member of the Cincinnati and Ohio Bar Association and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, she is a frequent speaker on estate planning, elder law and charitable giving.

One of the youngest recipients of this award, Mary Ann has a penchant for involvement in community activities. She is currently President of the Alzheimer Association, an active Kiwanian, trustee of the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation, the Cincinnati Law Library and Cincinnati Area Senior Services, Corporate lawyer for and board member of the Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services which oversees all Presbyterian retirement centers in the state. She was formally the Director and Secretary Vice Chair of the Government Relations Task Force and the Continuum of Retirement Care Communities Board Trustee and chairman of Llanfair Retirement Community. Some of her previous volunteer activities include serving as past President of and trustee for the Western Hamilton County Economic Council, member of Cincinnati Bar Association Judicial Rating, Contemporary Arts Center Planned Giving and Wesley Hall Annual Fund Drive committee. (Inducted in 2007) 

Bill Nimmo, Class of 1935

Bill Nimmo / Class of 1935

Bill Nimmo attended the College Conservatory after graduating from West High. He joined the Army's "Big One" to get his year in. After Pearl Harbor, Bill served his country throughout World War 2, serving over five years and earning a distinguished "Purple Heart". Bill is a broadcasting legend. His work at WLW in the late 1940's lead to an outstanding career in New York and Hollywood. For years Bill was "Bill the Bartender" for Pabst Blue Ribbon's Wednesday Night Fights. He worked with and was friends with Jackie Gleason, Milton Berle, Groucho Marx and many other show business legends. Among his many accomplishments, he was Johnny Carson's first TV sidekick before going on to host his own show and introducing Ed McMahon to Johnny. Bill cohosted TV programs with a young Regis Philbin and even interviewed "Dutch" Ronald Reagan.

In the 1960's he accepted an invitation to "come home" to Cincinnati and host a local TV program. He was always proud of his Alma Mater and sung the school's fight song on Channel 5 many times. Bill followed his TV career with teaching at the University of Cincinnati and later as a guest lecturer at UC's Institute for Learning in Retirement.

Even in "retirement" Bill has been an extremely active volunteer at WMKV 89.3 for the past 13 years. He hosts the popular "Two on the Aisle" and "Cincinnati Goes to the Pops". He is serving on the Board of Trustees of many area cultural organizations. He continues to hold today's broadcasters to the high standards of proper use of English, pronunciation and dictation that stem back to his days at Western Hills. His teachers would be proud! (Inducted in 2007) 

Charles Reusing / Class of 1958

Charles Reusing / Class of 1958

Charles R. Reusing, Class of 1958, devoted over twenty years to national corrections accreditation. He not only served on the staff of the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections during its formative years, but was also involved in accreditation efforts for the state level in both Tennessee and Ohio.

1979-1985 he was the Director of Operations for the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections in Rockville, MD, supervising conduct of all accreditation audits in the U.S. and Canada during the commission’s formative stages. He was staff liaison on the first national accreditation audits of an adult local detention facility, adult probation and parole agency, juvenile training school, juvenile community residential program and juvenile probation and aftercare agency. As Director of Operations for the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections, he represented the Commission in conferences of the National Sherriff’s Association, American Jail Association and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

In 1985, Charles became the Director of Accreditation for the Tennessee Department of Corrections. In 1995 he received the first National Accreditation Manager of the Year Award. In 1996 he became the Administrator of Internal Management Audits for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. He played a major role in the development of the Correctional Accreditation Association of Ohio, the first state-based accreditation organization in the U.S., serving as its first President from 1998 to 2002. He received the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Leadership Award in 2001. In May 2002 he was conference chair for the Correctional Accreditation Managers Association.

Retiring to Williamsburg, Virginia in 2002, he has volunteered in the Public Relations Department for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, as Alumni Advisor for Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity at the College of William and Mary, as a board member and president of the Carriage Home Owners Association and has volunteered for “Jamestown 2007-America’s 400th Anniversary.” (Inducted in 2006)

Myron "Jack" Leistler / Class of 1947

Myron "Jack" Leistler / Class of 1947

Myron “Jack” Leistler, Class of 1947, served in combat in the Korean War with the First Marine Division of the US Marine Corps. From 1948 to 1952. He was discharged in the rank of Staff Sergeant.

He graduated from the Southern Police Institute, University of Louisville in 1964, National Executive Institute, FBI National Academy in 1976 and the Program for Urban Executives, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received a B.S. in Criminal Justice in 1974 from the University of Cincinnati.

In April 1953 Myron became a Cincinnati Police Division Recruit. Assignments included District Police Officer in Districts Five and One; District Relief Supervisor for District One; District Relief Commander for Districts Five and One; Intelligence Section Commander for the Crime Bureau; Night Division Commander; Patrol Section Commander and Criminal Investigation Section Commander.

He became Assistant Police Chief from 1973-1975. He served as Acting Police Chief from 1975-1976 and then became the Police Chief 1976 until 1985 when he retired from the Cincinnati Police Division, ending a 32 year career in law enforcement.

After retirement, Myron did some consulting. Now fully retired, he enjoys serving as an elder in his church, fishing, boating, camping, reading, gardening on his mini farm, the Bengals, Chosen Few veterans organization and watching his grandchildren grow. Myron and his wife Joyce of 44 plus years, have four grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.  (Inducted in 2005)

Jule Huffman / Class of 1943

Jule Huffman, Class of 1943, a forty-six year veteran announcer, weather reporter, entertainer and children’s show host, is first and foremost an incredible vocalist. Beginning in the early days of television here in Cincinnati, he directed, produced, ran camera and boom, emceed, worked on a children’s show and sang!

After graduation, Jule served in the U.S. Army Air Corp, then attended Cincinnati Conservatory of Music for four years of classical training. His first job was as a pop singer on WCPO-TV, then he honed his announcing skills on the radio in Ashland, KY before finding his niche at WSAZ-TV Huntington, West Virginia. Still in the exciting days with live television, he had many duties- weather reporting, announcing, directing and singing.

In 1969, Jule became “Mr. Cartoon” and entertained the tri-state area children of West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio while teaching them kindness, goodwill and manners. “Stop, drop and roll” a song learned from his children’s show, saved the life of a young boy who had caught on fire. Aired over a quarter century with well over a quarter million children attending the “Mr. Cartoon” Show, taught two generations to be better people, better citizens and to love one another. Jule Huffman has been honored with placement in the Huntington Hall of Fame, was formally named Mason of the Year and the Ohio University Southern Campus Jule Hoffman Scholarship is a lasting tribute to him. While at West High, Jule sang in 10th, 11th and 12th grade operettas with leads in The Mikado, My Maryland and The Student Prince. Despite lettering in both swimming and baseball, he opted to forego sports and concentrate on his vocal talents. (Inducted 2004)

Judy Kulstad Van Slyke Turk / Class of 1966

Judy Kulstad Van Slyke Turk, Class of 1966, has been a journalist, bank officer, public relations director, educator, faculty member and a director of numerous universities.

Judy is presently the Director of the School of Mass Communications at Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to joining VCU she was the founding dean at the College of Communication and Media Sciences at Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates. Previously she was the first female and youngest dean at the University of South Carolina College of Journalism and Mass Communications, director of the J and MC program at Kent State University and a faculty member at Oklahoma, Louisiana State and Syracuse Universities.

Judy is past president of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, she chaired the teaching standards committee and the AEJMC Council of Divisions and its Public Relations Division, a past chair of the Public Relations Society of America’s College of Fellows, and a steering committee member of PRSA’s commission of Public Relations Education. She was co-editor of Journalism Studies, a member of the advisory board of Journal of PR Research and the Journalism and Mass Communications Quarterly plus she co-authored “This is PR: the Realities of Public Relations.” Dr. Van Slyke Turk has also co-edited a collection of international PR case studies, has consulted and lectured on public relations and journalism/mass communications in Eastern Europe, the Newly Independent States, the Baltics, Russia, Middle East and Asia. (Inducted 2003)

Will Radcliff, Class of 1958

Will Radcliff / Class of 1958

Will Radcliff is a successful entrepreneur, CEO of Cincinnati based Slush Puppie, also owns Jet Air, Inc. Charter Service, the Radcliff Company, a ranch in Central Florida and has interest in numerous other local business properties.

Intrigued by a slush machine he saw at a trade show, Will visualized creating a marketable, colorful, icy drink. His drive and initiative guided this product, Slush Puppie, to the success it knows today with sales in over 40 countries and on six continents. With corporate headquarters now located in Lower Price Hill, current plans are to expand and relocate this facility to an industrial park being constructed on 29 acres of undeveloped land in the area.

Will plans to keep his 4000 acre Florida ranch in a natural state, improving only for the preservation of area wildlife. This property is now home to the cattle and ostriches he raises, as well as to many endangered species such as the bald eagle and the sand bill crane.

Remaining closely tied to the community of his youth, Will has provided employment opportunities for many fellow West High graduates, has donated a building for use by the South Fairmount Council, provides medical organ transportation, is a volunteer speaker at area colleges, maintains a database and facilitates reunions for his class and serves on the Franciscan Development Board. He recently contributed most generously to the building of the Wellness Center at the Franciscan Western Campus. Will also contributed to the design of the facility names the Thelma Radcliff Building, in honor of his mother.

While at West High, Will was vice president of the Junior Council on World Affairs. (Inducted in 1998)