Wall of Fame Inductees
The Wall of Fame program is designed to ensure that the lives and achievements of Great Valley’s most accomplished graduates will be forever known among fellow graduates, current and future high school students, and the Great Valley community. The Wall of Fame program celebrates the ongoing success of Great Valley alumni: to their community, their profession, and our world. Inductees serve as role models for current students and their lives are a testimony to the strong foundation built by a Great Valley education.
Wall of Fame Inductees
June 2012 (Inaugural)
Mark Barenberg, Class of 1973
Mark Barenberg is a tenured law professor at Columbia University, NY, where he earned the “Professor of the Year” award. A graduate of Harvard Law School. Mr. Barenberg serves as an advisor to the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Labor in international labor rights in the global trading system. He is also an advisor to United States Senators, House Representatives, governors, and city councils on legislation to promote international human rights within our domestic legal system. He is a lifelong advocate for workers’ rights and fair labor practices at home and abroad.
Sharon Ann Chiccino, Class of 1981 (deceased)
Sharon Ann Chiccino was not only a Great Valley graduate, but worked at Great Valley High School as a secretary for 15 years. Diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 24, Ms. Chiccino modeled for the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good Feel Better” campaign and volunteered as a patient liaison for other women diagnosed with breast cancer in what is now the Main Line Health System.
David G. Concannon, Class of 1983
David G. Concannon is a practicing attorney in the areas of commercial litigation, intellectual property, sports and recreation law, product liability and trade secret litigation. He is a member of various legal and professional organizations and is a former Fellow National of The Explorers Club and a past Chairman of the Club’s Philadelphia Chapter. In 2001, he was recognized as “Explorer of the Year” by the Chapter for his multiple expeditions to explore the R.M.S. Titanic and the deep ocean. He shares that love of expedition and the ocean by speaking annually to students in schools and camps all over the country.
D. Brian Peterman, Class of 1968
D. Brian Peterman entered the United States Coast Guard after graduating from West Chester University. He retired from the Coast Guard in 2008 after earning the rank of Vice Admiral. In his retirement, Vice Admiral Peterman is a member of Seaport Sertoma where he leads several charity fundraising events that provide assistance to our troops, disabled children and the hearing impaired. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Sertoma Youth Ranch and serves on the Coast Guard Foundation Tribute to the Seventh Coast Guard District.
2012
Jack Scott, Class of 1963
Mr. Scott earned his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania. He served as a U.S. Navy supply corps officer and was stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He also served as a member of the Marines ground defense force, and was active in the Navy Reserves for five years. Mr. Scott worked professionally for 25 years with DuPont, starting in international finance and corporate finance, and then in sales and operations. Mr. Scott also worked as the president of a long-term care company and for the last 10 years has been a board member and vice president of business development for Materials Sciences Corporation, working primarily with the Department of Defense. Mr. Scott has played a leadership role in support of our military and veterans: expanding reimbursement for courses taken while on active duty; increasing overall GI Bill benefits; and coaching and counseling those leaving active duty and seeking civilian employment. He is a past volunteer on the Board of the French Foundation for Alzheimer’s Research, a former protocol officer with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, and a board member and treasurer for the Kennett Square YMCA. He currently serves as an assistant track and field coach at Unionville High School.
Thomas A. Fillippo, Class of 1965
Tom Fillippo is President of Devault Foods, one of the largest employers in Chester County. A graduate of West Chester University, Mr. Fillippo is a recognized business leader who has been profiled in Forbes magazine, Philly.com, and on Executive Leaders Radio. Mr. Fillippo serves as Chair of the West Chester University's Council of Trustees and as a board member of the West Chester University Foundation and Sturzebecker Foundation. Mr. Fillippo is past chair of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, past chair of the Chester County Industrial Development Authority, past president of the Great Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, and past chairmen of Paoli Hospital.. Mr. Fillippo remains connected to his alma mater, serving as president of the Great Valley Alumni Association and as a member of The Foundation at Great Valley’s Board of Directors. A former football and wrestling coach in the Great Valley School District, Mr. Fillippo is also a recipient of the Chester County Council Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizenship Award in recognition of his service to local children.
Duane Milne, Class of 1986
Dr. Milne graduated with honors from William and Mary and earned a doctoral degree from the University of Delaware. Subsequent accomplishments include an education career at West Chester University as an award-winning political science professor and as director of an organizational management graduate-level program. A published author of articles as well as opinion pieces for publication, he also provides expert commentary for the media. He has worked internationally on projects in multiple countries. Long dedicated to community service in the Malvern area, Dr. Milne has filled leadership positions in dozens of campaigns and elections at the local and state levels. In addition, he has volunteered extensively with local youth activities through church, sports leagues, scouting, and GV school activities. An Army officer, he has served our nation in uniform, an experience which includes rotations as a commander and earning achievement medals in the discharge of his duties. In 2006, Dr. Milne was elected to the PA House of Representatives for a seat that includes the Great Valley School District.
2013
John Whitelock, Class of 1963
Mr. Whitelock is a member of Great Valley High School’s first graduating class and was Great Valley’s first senior class president. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg State College and his master’s degree in educational administration from Villanova University. Mr. Whitelock was a highly respected teacher, first in the Norristown Area School District, and then at Great Valley High School for 37 years, where he was also an athletic coach, student activities director and business department chair. After his retirement, Mr. Whitelock returned to Great Valley in 2006 as interim athletic director. In the early 1980s, Mr. Whitelock was honored as the Business Education Teacher of the Year by the Pennsylvania State Future Business Leaders of America. He was inducted to the Conestoga Football Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Great Valley Football Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2009, he became an adjunct professor at Immaculata University, teaching business computer applications. Mr. Whitelock was a Cub Scout den father and troop leader and volunteered as a little league and Babe Ruth baseball coach. Mr. Whitelock was the first teacher of the Desmond Project at Great Valley High School, a program he helped develop. Today, he continues to volunteer for the Great Valley School District as an eighth grade softball and football coach. Mr. Whitelock’s motto has always been: “There is more to being a teacher and coach than what you do in the classroom or on the practice field.”
Chester Darlington, Sr., Class of 1964
Judge Darlington is a decorated Vietnam Veteran who also served his local community as a volunteer firefighter in Malvern Borough. A graduate of the Pennsylvania State Police Academy and Penn State University, he was a police officer for 20 years in East Whiteland Township. In 1990, he became the elected District Justice for Malvern, with his judicial area extending into East Whiteland. In addition, Judge Darlington was a coach for various sports teams and is a past president of the Great Valley High School Gridiron Club. Judge Darlington’s community involvement also includes Board of Director positions for several organizations, including the Paoli Memorial Hospital Advisory Board for Addictive Diseases, the Paoli Memorial Association, and the Malvern Institute. He is a member of the Malvern Civic Association and the Boy Scouts of America, Willistown Troop 78. He is currently an adjunct professor at Delaware County Community College where he teaches criminal justice in the municipal police academy.
George R. Jensen, Jr., Class of 1966
Mr. Jensen earned his bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Tennessee, where he received a track and field scholarship and was the South-East Conference Champion and All American in the shot put. He is also a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. He is currently president of new business at Lloyd Bancaire, a global $32 billion private equity firm, and is founder, chairman and CEO of Jensen Expansion Capital, Inc., and Jensen Ventures, Inc. His other professional endeavors include various leadership positions, including CEO and founder of several companies. Mr. Jensen is included in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in Finance, and has been featured in numerous TV, radio, and print interviews. In 1989, he was named by Earnst & Young LLP as Entrepreneur of the Year for the Philadelphia area. Over the course of his career, Mr. Jensen raised over $650 million for various ventures and created more than 2,600 jobs. His philanthropic interests focus on Christian organizations, the Boy Scouts of America, and helping disabled people.
2014
Jason Brennan, Class of 1994
Mr. Brennan is partnered with fellow Wall of Fame Inductee David Regn in ownership of Stream Companies, an award-winning ad agency, based in Malvern. A graduate of Saint Joseph’s University, Mr. Brennan is recognized as one of Philadelphia’s brightest entrepreneurs. His company is recognized as one of the fastest growing, privately held entrepreneurial companies by the Wharton School and Inc. Magazine. Through his business ventures and his volunteer work, Mr. Brennan is committed to enriching the lives of those in the local community. He formerly sat on the Board of Directors for Key Impact Sales and Service of Odington, MD, and on the Saint Joseph’s University National Alumni Board. He is currently a board member of the Friends of St. Malachy School in North Philadelphia and plays an active role in the Special Olympics. He and his wife Colleen have two children: Katie and Jack.
Larry Buchholz, Class of 1979
Mr. Buchholz earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Clarion University of PA. He worked for 24 years in the child welfare private sector and is currently the CFO for Tabor Services and Affiliates. He has been responsible for developing new programs for at risk youth, securing public and private funding, and managing the fiscal operations of a $20 million non-profit organization. Mr. Buchholz has stayed very connected to Great Valley by serving as the Class of 1979 reunion committee treasurer for the past 25 years, past president of the GVHS Wrestling Booster Club, and current GVHS Gridiron Club board member and volunteer. His community involvement includes Great Valley Wrestling Association past board member and treasurer, past cub scout and church treasurer, a 10 year term as President of Chester Valley Little League (CVLL), currently in his 17th year as a CVLL board member, a District 27 Little League volunteer, and current member of the Malvern Memorial Parade Committee. Mr. Buchholz has been very active in youth sports for the past 17 years, including the Malvern League, Great Valley Basketball League, Chester Valley Little League, Greater Chester Valley Soccer Association and Great Valley Youth Wrestling Association.
Andrew J. Ewald, Class of 1993
Dr. Ewald earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biophysics from Caltech and conducted postdoctoral research in cancer cell biology at the University of California, San Francisco. In 2008 he joined the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he holds appointments in the Departments of Cell Biology, Oncology, and Biomedical Engineering. His laboratory studies metastasis at the cellular and molecular level, with the goal of improving outcomes for metastatic breast cancer patients. Dr. Ewald is the recipient of many awards for his work around breast cancer, has lectured in nine countries, published more than 40 articles, and advises governmental and charitable organizations on cancer research priorities. He and his wife Shannon live in Baltimore, Maryland with their two children: Eleanor and Michael.
David Regn, Class of 1993
Mr. Regn is partnered with fellow Wall of Fame Inductee Jason Brennan in ownership of Stream Companies. He achieved recognition as a Philadelphia 100 Hall of Fame CEO by being named seven times to the Philadelphia 100 fastest-growing companies and to the Philadelphia Business Journal 40 under 40 in 2011. His company was named one of the Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania and is now an eight-time Inc. Magazine winner of the nation’s fastest growing private companies. He is the secretary of the Cabrini College Board of Trustees and a board member for the HEADstrong Foundation. David's latest professional endeavor is Stream Ventures, a business he also founded with Jason Brennan that invests in early-stage digital and media companies.
2015
Hugh J. Murray, Sr., Class of 1964
Upon his graduation from Great Valley High School, Mr. Murray entered the United States Air Force where he served for five years, completing tours of duty in California, Spain, and Germany. Following an honorable discharge in 1969, Mr. Murray worked briefly for the Chester County Police Radio Emergency Services before being hired by the Willistown Township Police Department. Mr. Murray spent 33 years with the Willistown Township Police Department, rising to the rank of Chief in 1998. Upon his retirement from the police department, Mr. Murray was named Township Manager for Willistown Township, a position he held until December 2011. As an appointed member of the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission, Mr. Murray was responsible for the curriculum of yearly police officer training.
George L. Mutter, MD, Class of 1976
Dr. Mutter received his undergraduate degree in zoology from George Washington University (1978). He earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School (1982) before training in pathology and genetics at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. He has been a Pathologist in the Women's and Perinatal Division of the Department of Pathology at Brigham and Women's Hospital since 1988, and is currently a Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. He has an active basic and translational research program in the area of cancer biology, and is a practicing subspecialty gynecologic pathologist. Dr. Mutter also serves as Director of Imaging Informatics at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and is Medical Director of two sperm banks. Dr. Mutter is known within the pathology community for translational integration of molecular tools and data into improved patient diagnosis and management strategies. He is a popular lecturer and educator, giving many invited talks to professional and academic groups throughout the world. He has published extensively in his field, authoring over 120 papers and editing a popular pathology textbook. He is also an avid collector of historic photographic images, giving many public presentations on the subject.
Natalie Haney Tilghman, Class of 1998
Mrs. Tilghman is an accomplished writer whose work appears in TriQuarterly, Santa Clara Review, Cicada magazine, and Sudden Flash Youth (anthology of fiction). Additionally, she is the co-author of a young adult novel entitled A 52-HERTZ WHALE. She was selected for the 2015 Rona Jaffe Writer’s Award, which “identifies and supports women writers of exceptional talent.” She is also a first prize winner for fiction in The Atlantic’s 2010 Student Writing Contest and is a Magazine Merit Award recipient from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Mrs. Tilghman earned her MFA in creative writing from Rainer Writing Workshop at Pacific Lutheran University and her undergraduate degree from Boston College. She volunteers for the Women’s Guild of her church.
2016
Adam McKay, Class of 1986
Writer/director/producer Adam McKay is widely regarded as one of cinema’s most comedic modern filmmakers. Initially, McKay made his name in the comedy world as a founding member of the Upright Citizens Brigade, and later worked for six years at Saturday Night Live, where he became Head Writer and collaborated with Will Ferrell. That collaboration led to movies like Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004), followed by the hit Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006). In 2006, McKay and Ferrell formed their company, Gary Sanchez Productions, which is responsible for movies including Step Brothers (2008), The Other Guys (2010) and Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013). He also produced numerous others, including Get Hard (2015) and Daddy’s Home (2015), and independent titles such as Welcome to Me (2015). In 2015, McKay turned his focus to a more serious topic when he and Charles Randolph adapted Michael Lewis’s New York Times best-selling book, The Big Short about the financial crisis of 2007/2008. For that film, McKay earned Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for Best Director, and he and Randolph won Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards, BAFTA, WGA and Scripter Awards.
McKay is a long-time supporter of numerous charitable organizations including Amnesty International. He is a patron of Represent.Us, the largest grassroots anti-corruption campaign in the US. In addition, McKay supports The Brady Center, Homeless Healthcare LA, and Jail Guitar Doors. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Shira, and their two daughters, Pearl and Lili Rose.
Shannon Nutter-Wiersbitzky, Class of 1988
Mrs. Nutter-Wiersbitzky earned her undergraduate degree in economics and international studies from Macalester College and her M.B.A. from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. She previously worked for leading companies, including Deloitte & Touche and General Motors, and is currently a senior executive at Vanguard. In addition to her executive role, Shannon also originated and led development of My Classroom Economy, a free nation-wide program that enables K-12 teachers to create a mini-economy in their classrooms and teach children key life skills through experiential learning.
Shannon is also a published author of children’s literature. Her two middle-grade novels, THE SUMMER OF HAMMERS AND ANGELS and WHAT FLOWERS REMEMBER, have received national recognition, including two “best children’s book of the year” awards. She is a member of the board for Teach for America Philadelphia, regularly volunteers time with Home of the Sparrow, and actively blogs on the topics of Alzheimer’s and women in leadership.
Hillary Dunlop-Schmid, Class of 1994
Mrs. Schmid graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor’s degree in Special Education. She earned her master’s degree from Rosemont College in Curriculum and Instruction. She taught Special Education for 10 years in Chester & Delaware Counties.
Mrs. Schmid and her family are the founders of Zane’s Run, an event held annually in September. Founded in memory of their daughter, Zane, who passed away from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in 2009, all proceeds from the event go toward helping newly diagnosed families and children with SMA throughout the world. She received an award from Cure SMA for her fundraising and awareness efforts, and worked closely with a Pennsylvania State Legislator to have August declared as Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month. Mrs. Schmid serves on the Family Support Committee for Cure SMA, and frequently volunteers for community activities and events. She lives in Malvern with her husband, Keith, and their children, Avery, Brennen, and Braxton.
2017
Carolyn Wentzel Bernstorf, Class of 1974
Mrs. Bernstorf graduated from Gettysburg College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics, and earned her Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Akron in 1991. Initially a high school teacher of Calculus, Physics and Advanced Chemistry, she transitioned to the engineering discipline, focusing on computational mechanics and structural analysis. Her work experience included Fortran coding for the Nuclear Equipment Division of Babcock & Wilcox, composite material analysis of the combustor liner for a supersonic airliner while at NASA Lewis Research Center, and the utilization of specialized finite element codes for “virtual” tire analysis at both BFGoodrich and Bridgestone. While working at Bridgestone, she became the first female manager in its technical division, and was granted four utility patents. A cancer survivor, she has held numerous leadership positions within American Cancer Society fundraising organizations. She currently paddles competitively with the Dragon Dream Team, Ohio’s first all breast cancer survivor dragon boat team. After her recent retirement, she completed the requirements through The Ohio State University extension to be certified as a Master Gardener, providing research-based horticultural information and programs for the public. She lives in Wadsworth Township, Ohio with her husband, Allen.
Nancy G. Rosoff, Class of 1974
A graduate of the class of 1974, Dr. Nancy G. Rosoff returned to Great Valley High School where she taught social studies and coached field hockey and lacrosse from 1981-1999. After leaving Great Valley, Dr. Rosoff became associate dean of the faculty of arts and sciences at Rutgers University-Camden. In 2001, she became dean of graduate and undergraduate studies at Arcadia University.
Dr. Rosoff earned her Ph.D. in history from Temple University, her M.A. at West Chester University, and her A.B. at Mount Holyoke College. She presents her research on women’s history widely at conferences in both the United Kingdom and the United States, and is a visiting research fellow at the Centre for the History of Women’s Education, University of Winchester (UK). Dr. Rosoff has been heavily involved in the work of the Alumnae Association at Mount Holyoke and recently became a Board member of The Foundation at Great Valley.
Jeffrey Albert McQuiston, Class of 1980 (deceased)
An Eagle Scout and president of his class for four years, Mr. McQuiston graduated from Great Valley High School in 1980. He received his B.S. in Business Administration and History from Georgetown University, while simultaneously working as a Congressional Aide for Congressman Schulze of Pennsylvania’s 157th District. Upon graduating from Georgetown, Mr. McQuiston joined his family's business, McQuiston Insurance Agency of Paoli, PA, where he became partner and then president, and earned industry designations of CPCU and CLU. A member of the Paoli Business Association, Mr. McQuiston believed strongly in supporting local business and entrepreneurial opportunity.
One of Mr. McQuiston’s legacies is his passion for giving back to his community through his engagement with Malvern Troop 7, one of the oldest Boy Scout troops in Chester County. As a den leader and then as scout master, Mr. McQuiston led the troop to new heights and milestones, including high adventure trips, community service outreach, and the coordination of the troop's 90th anniversary celebration. Mr. McQuiston was a mentor for many Eagle Scout projects and also oversaw the renovation of Malvern Memorial Cabin.
Finally, as a PATC (Potomac Appalachian Trail Club) member and guardian of the Appalachian Trail, Mr. McQuiston is remembered for his deep appreciation of the outdoors and nature preservation.
2018
Mike Green, Class of 1970
Mike Green - “Greeny” - earned his B.S. in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from West Chester University in 1974, and M. Ed. in Health and Physical Education from West Chester in 1983. He became a teacher of health and physical education following graduation, and also worked as an assistant football coach and athletic director. He returned to West Chester as the defensive line coach from 1977-78, and became a drug and alcohol counselor in 1984.
Green founded Collegiate Consultants on Drugs and Alcohol in 1986, and has since traveled the country educating and implementing preventative techniques to over 2,000 universities, as well as to professional sports teams on drug and alcohol abuse. Green has addressed numerous audiences as a keynote speaker, most notably at the NACDA conference, and has presented to many noteworthy universities. Green currently serves as a consultant to the Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Organization, a role he assumed in 2011.
Because of his dedication to alcohol education, Green has received an “Outstanding Young Men of America” recognition, the West Chester University Distinguished Alumni Award, the William J. Napier Memorial Award from Hobart College, and is a member of the West Chester University Sturzebecker Health & Sciences Hall of Fame. Green is published in The Chronicle of Higher Education, Athletic Management, Scholastic Coach, and The Rattle (Theta Chi). He has given expert testimony before the United States House of Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control and has served as a consultant to Medical Society of New Jersey Alliance and the Medical Society of Virginia.
An accomplished athlete himself, Green was inducted to the West Chester University Glenn Killinger Football Hall of Fame in 2008. He competed in the Boston Marathon in 1983, as well as the Philadelphia Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon. He is married to Barbara Green and has three children: Mariah, Michael, and Amanda.
Tony and Debbie DiAntonio, Class of 1974 and Class of 1975
Tony and Debbie DiAntonio were nominated and are recognized together because of their combined dedication to the Great Valley community.
Tony DiAntonio’s dedication to local youth sports programs over 31 years includes many roles and responsibilities. He coached Chester Valley Little League Baseball for 15 years, served as League president for 13 years, and has umpired for the last 28 years. He was also active with the youth wrestling and football programs before becoming involved with their high school counterparts at Great Valley. Tony served as Great Valley Wrestling Booster President and Gridiron Vice President. He continues to run the scoreboard and game clock for all Great Valley home games and meets, and was instrumental in spearheading the installation of permanent lighting at Valley Stadium.
Debbie DiMarino DiAntonio has been involved with school programs for over three decades. She was a homeroom mom for 11 years, published hundreds of original student books in the Sugartown Elementary Writing Center, served the PTO as secretary and vice-president, and completed 10 years on PTO committees, including the Sugartown Fair Committee. She was a Pack 98 Cub Scout den leader and committee chair and co-organized six annual day camps. Debbie was also involved with Chester Valley Little League where she held a variety of positions. As a Booster Club officer for the cross country and wrestling teams, she organized many wrestling tournaments. Debbie is a founding member of the All Night Prom Committee at Great Valley High School, and brought the Relay for Life event to GVSD, raising over one million dollars during her term as treasurer.
Celeste McMichael Rohlfing, Class of 1976
Dr. Rohlfing graduated from Duke University in 1979 with a degree in chemistry and earned her Ph.D. at Princeton University in 1983. She conducted original research in physical chemistry at Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, publishing 66 peer-reviewed articles. Later at the National Science Foundation, she became Deputy Assistant Director, overseeing the world's leading research portfolio for the physical sciences and mathematics. Dr. Rohlfing also served as the Assistant Director for Physical Sciences in the Obama White House. Her last position before retiring was Chief Operating Officer at the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Dr. Rohlfing has had a passion for mentoring and diversity throughout her career. After founding the Sandia Math/Science Awards for high school girls, she was invited back as the plenary speaker at its 25th anniversary celebration. She led the National Science Foundation's development of its broadening participation plan to increase representation of women and minorities in science. She organized a forum for scientific publishers and grant-making agencies on implicit bias in peer review, and currently serves on boards of organizations that support women and minorities pursuing careers in science.
2019
Kathryn J. Barrett, Class of 1972
Kathryn Barrett is an Emmy-award winning television journalist and former medical news anchor at WVEC-TV, the ABC News affiliate in Norfolk, VA, and a television personality, voiceover artist, producer and writer.
Kathryn graduated from Penn State University with a B.A. in Speech Communications-Broadcasting. Her work has taken her to two war zones and 10 foreign countries. During the Iraq war, she was embedded with the U.S. Air Force in the central combat tent hospital in Iraq, which was under mortar attack. She accompanied severely wounded service members out of Iraq. She also reported on a United Nations combat hospital during the war in the former Yugoslavia. Kathryn received an Emmy for her coverage of Operation Smile’s work in Honduras and an Emmy nomination for Combat Hospital Iraq. Her awards include the Association of Health Care Journalists, the American Women in Communications Clarion Award, the Virginia Association of Broadcasters, Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters, and the Pennsylvania Associated Press. She is a 2006 recipient of the Hampton Roads Women in Business Award.
Kathryn’s volunteer work has included the Alzheimer’s Association of SE Virginia as a celebrity champion; Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters; the American Heart Association; the American Cancer Society; and Prevent Child Abuse-Hampton Roads. She served as a board member for the March of Dimes and on the development committee of the Howard and Georgeanna Jones Institute Foundation. Kathryn is a current board member and former president of Penn State Alumni-Hampton Roads Chapter, and is serving her 11th year as a judge for Inside Business’ Health Care Hero Awards. Her passion for tennis, which led to volunteer contributions to the USTA (United States Tennis Association) website and an award as USTA’s Mid-Atlantic Journalist of the Year in 2009, began when she played as co-captain on Great Valley’s Ches-Mont Championship Girls’ Tennis Team.
Kathryn and her husband Ross live in Virginia Beach. They have one son, David.
W. Eric Shrader, Class of 1975
W. Eric Shrader was a National Merit Scholar and became Great Valley High School’s first 1,000-point basketball scorer. After graduation, he accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of Maryland where he lettered three years on nationally-ranked teams and served as co-captain during his senior year. While at Maryland, he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and the ACC Honor Roll, and was appointed to the Chancellor’s Student Leadership Committee.
Dr. Shrader received his medical degree with high honors from Jefferson Medical College. He completed a residency in family medicine at the University of Virginia, where he was given the Mead Johnson Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education.
For the past 34 years, Dr. Shrader has practiced as a coal miner’s doctor in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia where he cares for patients of all ages, makes house calls, delivers babies, coordinates the Intensive Care Unit, and seeks to improve public health. He speaks regularly to youth, and works with young athletes on the sidelines as team physician and football coach for Tazewell High School. He is a deacon, teacher, and assistant pastor at his church, and is on the Board of Directors for Mercer Christian School in West Virginia.
Scott C. Hennessy, Class of 1977
Following his graduation from Great Valley High School in 1977, Scott Hennessy attended The University of Delaware where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration from The Lerner College of Business and Economics. He then joined The Black and Decker Corporation where he began a successful 18-year marketing and management career that culminated with him being named a corporate officer and division president at the age of 36.
In 1998, Scott led the successful buy-out of Black and Decker’s True Temper Division, a large multi-national recreational products company employing over 1000 individuals in 10 global facilities. He served as the company’s chief executive officer and chairman of the board until his retirement in 2017.
Throughout his career, Scott actively supported numerous charitable causes and served on a number non-profit boards. In 2002, Scott and his wife, Carol, established The Hennessy Charitable Fund. The Fund provides financial resources to organizations supporting the less fortunate, with particular emphasis on children, education, community health and the arts. The Fund has successfully provided resources for hundreds of scholarships, capital for building projects, and the operating funds for more than 50 organizations and institutions throughout the United States.
In addition to financial support, Scott continues to serve on the Board of the Orpheum Theatre and Education Group, The Memphis Opportunity Scholarship Trust, and the Board of Advisors to the University of Delaware Lerner College of Business.
