2004 Inductees into the Grayling High School alumni Hall of Fame

Dr. Michael Burkley
Class of 1988
Career Pathway: Health Services

Mike Burkley, a GHS honors graduate, was a member of the band and ski team. He graduated cum laude with departmental honors from Oakland University in 1994 and a bachelor of science degree in biology. During undergraduate school, he served as the alumni association's student affiliates treasurer, was awarded a university research grant and was a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society. He then attended the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Services in Des Moines, Iowa, where he was active in the Student Osteopathic Medical Association.
Dr. Burkley graduated in 1998 with a doctor of osteopathy degree, then did his internship at Mt. Clemens General Hospital and his residency at Bay Medical Center in Bay City. Upon completion of his residency in 2001, he returned to Grayling to join his father, Dr. Donald Burkley, and his partners in the practice of family medicine at Grayling Family Practice Clinic. Dr. Burkley is a member of the Scientific Research Society, American Osteopathic Association, Michigan Osteopathic Association and American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. He is also an avid fly fisherman.

Dr. Patricia A. Duley
Class of 1978
Career Pathway: Health Services

After graduating from GHS, Patricia Duley attended the University of Michigan, where she received a physiology degree in 1982. She then attended Wayne State University, where she received a doctor of medicine degree in 1986. Dr. Duley completed her internship in internal medicine at St. John Hospital in Detroit, continued at St. John for her residency and also was a faculty member there. She now has a medical practice in Gaylord with her husband, Dr. David Gast.
Several Duley family members also graduated from GHS, father James Duley served on the CASD school board, and mother Rose Duley was the Grayling Elementary School librarian for many years.

Dr. Wendy Gee
Class of 1975
Career Pathway: Human Services

   At GHS, Wendy Gee served as the class salutatorian, was the inaugural winner of the Viking Award for athletics and was named a University of Michigan Regents Scholar. She attended the University of Michigan, where she was designated a distinguished alumna of the School of Education. She earned an master of science degree at the University of Arizona, a master of arts degree at the Naval War College and a Ph.D. at Old Dominion University.
   An honor graduate of Officer Candidate School, Dr. Gee was commissioned a Navy Ensign and served on active duty for 20 years, ultimately attaining the rank of Commander. She received three meritorious service medals from the President of the United States, three joint service commendation and achievement medals from the Secretary of Defense and five Navy commendation and achievement medals from the Secretary of the Navy. She has also received numerous awards for inspirational leadership, as well as being named outstanding woman of the year, administrator of the year and outstanding executive of the year.
   In the Navy, Dr. Gee was directly responsible for the safety and well-being of thousands of sailors and conducted operations that dramatically contributed to national security. She was commended for heroism in the wake of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, where she was among the first to respond during the rescue efforts and was sought as an escort for the families of victims in the weeks that followed. After a successful naval career, Dr. Gee served as an associate superintendent for the District of Columbia Public Schools.

Judge John Hunter
Class of 1969
Career Pathway: Human Services

   John Hunter was his GHS class valedictorian, played football and acted in many plays, including The Diary of Anne Frank, Oliver and Oklahoma. He attended Hillsdale College, where he was a member of Lambda Iota Tau (literary society) and Omicron Delta Kappa (honorary fraternity) and graduated magna cum laude in 1973. He then graduated from Wayne State University Law School, cum laude, in December 1976. While in law school, Mr. Hunter worked for the personal recognizance program in Detroit Recorder’s Court. He passed the bar shortly thereafter and was sworn in by Justice Patricia Boyle. He then worked for one and a half years as a law clerk for Damen Keith, Chief Judge of the Eastern District of Michigan's Federal Court, and taught classes at Detroit College of Law.
   John and his wife Barbara moved to Grayling in 1978, where he was in private practice until 1988, when he was elected probate judge. In 1996, the Michigan Supreme Court appointed him as one of only four judges in the state to sit in a combined circuit/district/probate court. He also served as regional president of the Michigan Probate Judges Association and was appointed to numerous committees by the Michigan Supreme Court. Judge Hunter started the teen jury and community liaison officer programs in Grayling.
   He has taught in the criminal justice program at Kirtland Community College, coached a Grayling Redskins team and served on the program's executive board, was a member of Trout Unlimited and served on its local board of directors and on the state council, is a past president of the Grayling Youth Booster Club, served on the Grayling Fair and Hanson Hills boards and was a member of the Rotary, Knights of Columbus and Eagles Clubs. He has three sons: Andrew graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy in 1997 after two years at GHS, Colin graduated from GHS in 1999, and Eric graduated from GHS in 2003. John’s mother, Eleanor Gorman Hunter, three sisters, one brother and numerous nieces and nephews are also GHS graduates.

Mr. Richard E. Joseph
Class of 1975
Career Pathway: Human Services

During high school, Dick Joseph was on the ski team, class president and a member of the National Honor Society. After graduation, he attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in 1979. He received a law degree from the Detroit College of Law in 1985, then became a founding partner in Joseph, Corcoran & Telgenhof Law Firm in Charlevoix. Mr. Joseph has very actively served his community - as president of the Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce, an organizer in the East Jordan Downtown Development Corporation and a member of the Rotary and Lions Clubs. Also, throughout his career, he has been an active promoter and supporter of school bond and millage issues and was instrumental in making the construction of the new Charlevoix High School a reality.
Mr. Joseph’s grandparents, father William, sister Marilyn and brother Bill are GHS graduates. He is married and has two children.

Mr. Roger Kesseler
Class of 1954
Career Pathway: Business, Management, Marketing & Technology

At GHS, Roger Kesseler participated in track, football, basketball, baseball and the junior and senior plays. After he graduated cum laude from Central Michigan University in 1958, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves and completed eight years with a combination of active duty and reserve service. In 1966 he completed his military service at the rank of captain. Mr. Kesseler then began working for Dow Chemical Company, where he advanced through several positions, rising in rank to vice president in 1984. He retired from Dow in 1997.
Gov. John Engler appointed Mr. Kessler to the CMU Board of Trustees on January 3, 1991. His current term expires December 31, 2006. At CMU, the Roger L. and Phyllis J. Kesseler Finance and Accounting Resource Center was named in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Kesseler. He also serves as a member of CMU's development board of directors, which he chaired in 1989-1991. Mr. Kesseler received an honorary doctorate degree in commercial science from CMU in 1989. In 1990 he was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma; in 1992 he was initiated into Sigma Iota Epsilon, an honorary management fraternity; and he was a member of Beta Alpha Psi. In 1996 he received CMU’s first distinguished service award. In 2003, he was honored as the recipient of the Beta Gamma Sigma business achievement award. Also in 2003, a new residence hall at CMU was dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Kesseler “in honor of their long-standing commitment to the university and their ability to lead by example.” He is chairman of the steering committee for CMU's public broadcasting network and also leads the university’s multimillion dollar capital campaign, a five-year initiative that was kicked off last year.

Dr. Christopher Lepsy
Class of 1980
Career Pathway: Health Services

Christopher Lepsy, a GHS honors graduate, participated in football, basketball and forensics. He graduated cum laude from Michigan State University in 1985 with a bachelor of science degree and from the University of Michigan in 1996 with a master of science degree. He earned his Ph.D. in pharmacokinetics from the University of Michigan in 2001. Dr. Lepsy’s dissertation focused on biomolecular transport processes in the kidney. His research demonstrated, for the first time, that certain antibiotics can be significantly reabsorbed by the kidney, thereby extending their duration of action. Previously it had been thought that the kidney only eliminated certain drugs of this class. His research has also demonstrated that certain acid, base and dipeptide-like drugs handled by the kidney may have the potential for drug-drug interactions. As a senior principal scientist in the Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism Department of Pfizer Global Research and Development, Dr. Lepsy continues research on the discovery and development of new medicines, as well as on the biomolecular processes in the kidney that are key determinants of how drugs are eliminated from the body.
Dr. Lepsy’s grandmother, Eleanor Gorman Hunter, and his mother, Jackie Hunter Lepsy, graduated from GHS, and his siblings attended GHS. He is married, lives in Ann Arbor and has five children.

Mr. Allen Lowe
Class of 1969
Career Pathway: Business, Management, Marketing & Technology

At GHS, Allen Lowe played football - for which he won the Golden Helmet award - and basketball and also ran track. He earned an associate's degree at Kirtland Community College and a bachelor of arts degree in science and secondary education at Central Michigan University. He taught in public and private schools downstate until 1987, when he enrolled in Cooley Law School in Lansing, graduating in 1990 with a law degree. He practiced law for one year in Roscommon before running for the State House of Representatives, defeating long-time representative Ralph Ostling and serving three terms - as long as term limits allowed. In January 2000, he became Grayling’s city manager, a position in which he has been instrumental in the development of the newly constructed City Hall and other initiatives.
Allen’s wife Mary Ruth is a 1970 GHS graduate. They were married in 1972 and have five children.

Dr. Peter J. Oppermann
Class of 1991
Career Pathway: Health Services

Pete Oppermann graduated in the top ten of his GHS class. During his senior year, he was class president, National Honor Society vice president and ski team co-captain. He was nominated for the Hugh O'Brien leadership award and Boys' State and received five different scholarships for his freshman year of college. In 1991, he was accepted into the pre-optometry program at Ferris State University, where he had earned a bachelor of science degree in visual sciences. He was then accepted into the Ferris State University-Michigan College of Optometry, from which he graduated, with honors, with a doctor of optometry degree in 1998. During college, he received the Elks National Foundation most valuable student award, the Grayling Rotary scholarship and the FSU Alumni Association scholarship. He was accepted into Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, received the Alcon Pharmaceutical Award and the Outstanding Achievement Award, and he was the only graduate to receive the Sunsoft Excellence in Contact Lenses award. He was named to the dean's list all seven years of his studies by maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or better.
Dr. Oppermann is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Michigan Optometric Association and Rotary International. He and his wife Angel (Hale), a 1991 GHS graduate, and two children live in Crawford County. He is owner of and a partner in Gaylord Eye Care Center.

Dr. Ralph C. Oppermann
Class of 1986
Career Pathway: Health Services

Ralph Oppermann attended Ferris State University, completing an associate's degree in dental laboratory technology, a bachelor of science in business administration and the prerequisites for dental school. He was accepted into the University of Detroit-Mercy School of Dentistry, where he earned a doctor of dental surgery degree in 1997. He was a tutor for the dental technology program, participated in Project Health-o-Rama in Detroit and provided dental exams for children in Head Start programs. In 1997, he traveled to Belize as part of Michigan's Partners of America dental program. There he provided dental care for people in Belize who otherwise would not have received it. Upon graduation, he received awards from the Detroit District Dental Society's prosthodontic section and from the International College of Dentists for outstanding achievements.
Dr. Oppermann worked in public health as a staff dentist and dental laboratory coordinator at the Bay Mills Dental Clinic from July 1997 to January 1998, then became a staff dentist for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians until 2003. In June 2003, he and his wife Cari (Longworth), a 1987 GHS graduate, and their two daughters moved back to Grayling, where they opened AuSable Family Dental.

Dr. Nathaniel Rosi
Class of 1995
Career Pathway: Health Services

   At GHS, Nat Rosi was active in theatre and was the valedictorian of his graduating class. After high school, he began his undergraduate study at Grinnell College in Iowa. During college, he did chemistry research in which he synthesized and characterized metal complexes designed to mimic naturally occurring biological enzymes. He spent one summer studying German at Middlebury College, where he was awarded the first year prize for excellence. He also hosted a college radio show. He graduated with honors in chemistry in 1999. then pursued graduate study in chemistry at the University of Michigan. His doctoral dissertation work on metal-organic framework crystals has been published in numerous internationally recognized scientific journals and has been highlighted in multiple scientific news magazines. At U-M, he was awarded a most outstanding second year graduate student award for excellence in research. He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry in May 2003.
   Dr. Rosi began research as a post-doctoral fellow at the Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University in Illinois. His research currently focuses on various biological applications of nanotechnology. In the fall, he will apply for both academic and national laboratory teaching and research positions.
   His sisters, Yolanda and Regina, are also graduates of Grayling High School.

Dr. Yolanda Rosi
Class of 1993
Career Pathway: Health Services

   In high school, Yolanda Rosi was very active in the band and theatre programs and was the valedictorian of her graduating class. She attended Swarthmore College, where she graduated in 1997 with a bachelor of arts degree in Latin. During college, she attended the Latin-Greek Institute in New York City to further her study of Latin and spent a semester during her junior year at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome studying Latin and Ancient History. She then entered the University of Michigan Medical School, where she was elected to the medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. She received her doctor of medicine degree in 2001. Her internship year was spent at U-M in the internal medicine department.
   Dr. Rosi is now finishing her second year in the dermatology residency program at U-M. As part of her residency, she is a sub-investigator in clinical pharmacology, working on drug trials for new therapeutic treatments for psoriasis, acne and other dermatologic diseases. She recently had a paper accepted by the Journal of Dermatologic Treatments. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology.
   Dr. Rosi's brother Nathaniel and sister Regina are also graduates of GHS.

Dr. Douglas Slater
Class of 1971
Career Pathway: Health Services

   Doug Slater graduated magna cum laude from Central Michigan University with a bachelor of science degree in biology. He then attended medical school at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine. His residency was at Hurley Medical Center in Flint from 1986 to 1990, where he also served as chief resident in internal medicine and pediatrics from 1988 to 1990.
   Dr. Slater is currently working toward his MBA with the American College of Physician Executives. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is currently the vice president of medical affairs at Mercy Hospital-Grayling, the physician network executive of Mercy Primary Care Associates, an active medical staff member in internal medicine, pediatrics and emergency medicine at Mercy Hospital and an assistant professor of pediatrics for MSU's College of Human Medicine. Prior positions include president, Crawford-Mercy PHO, vice chief-of-staff at Mercy Hospital and chief-of-staff at Mercy Hospital.
   Dr. Slater's wife Marcie is a 1971 GHS graduate, and their son Doug attends GHS.

Dr. Paul E. Sojka
Class of 1972
Career Pathway: Engineering/Manufacturing
& Industrial Technology

At GHS, Paul Sojka played football and was on the ski team. He then attended Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in physics and mechanical engineering and a master of science and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. Dr. Sojka joined the Purdue University faculty in 1983 as an assistant professor. He was promoted to associate professor in 1989 and to full professor in 1999. He is currently chairman of the school's mechanical engineer research committee and co-director of the Purdue Center for Bio-Sprays. During the last 20 years, Professor Sojka has worked on a variety of spray-related topics with applications ranging from detergents, paints and coal-water fuels through more complicated substances that include consumer products and pharmaceutical/medicinals. He has also designed sprayers for 13 companies and consulted with an additional seven. He has given ten invited lectures at five universities in the U.S. and two in Germany. Since 1983, he has taught nearly 60 courses to over 2,700 students. Dr. Sojka was awarded the Harry L. Solberg Award as the mechanical engineering’s department's outstanding teacher in 1991 and was the recipient of an Associated Western Universities faculty fellowship that summer.
Dr. Sojka's mother, Barbara (Borchers) Sojka, brother Christopher and sister Tanya are GHS alumni. He and his wife Karole have three children.

Jordan Stancil
Class of 1992
Career Pathway: Human Services

Jordan Stancil attended the University of Michigan, where he was a regular featured columnist at the Michigan Daily and co-editor of The Michigan Independent. He presented his honors thesis in May 1996. In 1997, he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to the University of Vienna, Austria. The Fulbright is the United States' flagship international study program, funded by Congress and administered through the United Nations with a board appointed by the President and with a selection process that involves intense competition. Mr. Stancil attended the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., from 1998 to 2000. There he earned a master of arts degree in German-European studies. In 2000, he was a Congressional campaign co-coordinator for the Michigan Democratic state committee. In 2001, he was accepted into the foreign service as a member of the diplomatic corps for the U.S. Department of State. At the time of his induction, he was serving as a political officer/vice-consul at the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem.
Mr. Stancil's mother, Marilyn (Joseph) Stancil, father George, brother Nicholas, two uncles, two grandparents and several other relatives are GHS graduates.

Jason Thompson
Class of 1996
Career Pathway: Human Services

At GHS, Jason Thompson participated in football, basketball and baseball. He earned all-state honorable mention in baseball and won the Wendy's Heisman Award and Viking Award his senior year. He was in the academic top ten and a National Merit finalist. He earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Notre Dame in 2000. There he won the Jim Thorpe Award for outstanding leadership in intramural sports. He earned a juris doctorate at the University of Notre Dame Law School, graduating magna cum laude in 2003. During 2001-2003, he was an article editor for the Notre Dame Law Review.
He now practices law for Parsons, Ringsmuth PLC in Traverse City. At the time of his induction, he and his wife Brion (Davis), a 1996 GHS graduate, were expecting their first child. Mr. Thompson's parents, Jon and Ellen (O'Mara), graduated from GHS in 1975, brother Eric in 1999, grandmother Phyllis (Schmidt) Thompson in 1949 and grandfather Ross Thompson in 1943.

Dr. Trisha (Ormsbee) Wells
Class of 1996
Career Pathway: Health Services

At GHS, Trisha (Ormsbee) Wells was in the National Honor Society and finished fourth in her class with a 3.94 GPA. She attended Central Michigan University to major in music performance and optometry. Although her career plans changed, she stayed in the medical profession, and after three years at CMU, she had enough science credits to transfer to the University of Michigan's College of Pharmacy. She was admitted into the program one week after she submitted her application -- one of only 55 college students accepted out of more than 350 applicants. In college, her drive and determination paid off with numerous awards and honors. She was inducted into the Ro Chi pharmacy honors society, which selects only the top one percent of every class. She also received U-M's president's award for academic excellence for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or above for three or more semesters. Additionally, she participated in fund raisers and U-M's Drug Awareness Week and taught a class on drug and chemical safety at several elementary schools.
After four years in U-M's College of Pharmacy, she was awarded her doctor of pharmacy degree with honors. She ranked ninth in her class with a 3.89 GPA. Dr. Wells is currently a resident at Sinai Grace Hospital and looking for a specialty position. She and her husband Joshua, a 1994 GHS graduate, are working on a program for children in Nigeria in which they hope to take medical and school supplies to them next summer.