Meet the District 206 Alumni Hall of Fame honorees

The Alexandria School District 206 fifth annual Alumni Hall of Fame recognition luncheon and celebration is set for Friday, September 23 from noon to 1:15 p.m. at the Broadway Ballroom in Alexandria.

The Alexandria Public Schools Education Foundation established the event in an effort to honor outstanding alumni who have earned distinction or achievement in their chosen field.

Three individuals will be honored at this year’s luncheon – Jodi Hills, Patrick Redig and Roderick Nordell.

Nominees must be a graduate of District 206 with a graduation date of 1991 or earlier, or be a former or retired staff member who served a minimum of 10 years who made an impact on the lives of students.

Final selections of honorees are made by the all-volunteer Education Foundation board of directors.

The luncheon is open to the public. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by contacting Susan Scarborough, Education Foundation treasurer, at (320) 762-3310, extension 4271.

The honorees have also been invited to serve as grand marshals in the Alexandria Homecoming Parade on Saturday, September 24 at noon.

JODI HILLS

1981 graduate

Author/illustrator

• Author and illustrator of seven books.

• Creator of cards, motivational posters, journals, jewelry and clothing line.

• Motivational speaker.

• University of Minnesota, Morris graduate.

• National Living Now Awards, 2009 and 2011.

• Two Midwest Independent Publisher’s Book Awards, 2008-2010.

• Two National Independent Publisher’s Book Awards, 2009-2010.

• Chicago’s Newest Best in Show Award, 2007

• Featured in Guideposts magazine.

• Featured on TV show So You Think You Can Dance.

• Shown work around the country, from New York to San Francisco.

HANS RODERICK NORDELL

1942 graduate

Journalist/author

• Harvard University and University of Dublin graduate.

• U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. 1943-1946. Marine Air Wing, Pacific Service, WWII.

• Rotary Foundation Fellowship 1950-1951.

• Editor (retired) at Christian Science Monitor. Positions held – New York correspondent, book editor, assistant feature editor, arts/entertainment editor, assistant chief editorial writer, Home Forum editor, feature editor, executive editor of World Monitor.

• Served on committees for the Community Music Center of Boston 1970-94 (currently chair of the corporation); Berklee College of Music 1970-97 (currently trustee emeritus); board of directors Young Audiences 1970-88; Harvard Theatre Collection 1977-91.

•Journalistic travels took him to Libya, Australia, Cyprus and Liberia, among others.

• Plays drum in a jazz band.

DR. PATRICK REDIG

1966 graduate

Professor

• Professor, University of Minnesota, avian physiology.

• Co-founder, Raptor Center and director from 1986-2007.

• Author of numerous publications, veterinary medicine.

• Considered “the most knowledgeable expert on birds of prey in the world.”

• Coordinator of peregrine falcon restoration project in nine Upper Midwestern States (1984-1998).

• Appointed member of California Condor Recovery Team.

• Earned Lifetime Service Awards from College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Minnesota.

• Included on University of Minnesota’s Wall of Discovery for pioneering work in the development and teaching of orthopedic methods unique to avian species.

• Received numerous awards and honors for his work.

• Member of numerous professional and scientific societies.

Tags: hall of fame, district 206, life