The ISD 88 Foundation and its Alumni Committee are pleased to announce the selection of six individuals for the 2016 ISD 88 Hall of Fame. This is the Hall of Fame’s third year of induction. The Hall of Fame seeks to honor individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their lives or vocation and who have made a difference in the communities in which they live, or lived.
The ISD 88 Hall of Fame allows current students an opportunity to understand the value of their education and the possibilities to which it may lead. The Hall of Fame is a way for the school and the community to honor exceptional individuals who, through example, inspire a new generation of students and staff.
An induction ceremony and banquet will be held Saturday, October 1st, 2016 at New Ulm Turner Hall beginning at 5pm. More information on the ISD 88 Hall of Fame and the October 1st event can be found at isd88foundation.org.
The inductees are:
Chris Contag – A 1978 graduate of New Ulm High School where he was involved in sports and academics. Chris received his undergraduate and PhD degrees from the University of MN. He is currently a professor and researcher at Stanford University and he is credited with inventing BLI (Bioluminescence Imaging), a tool used by major research institutions around the world for studying cancer biology and exploring new therapeutic strategies. Chris is also a Scout Master and he is a Board Member of many organizations including the World Molecular Imaging Society, Lynbrook Excellence in Education, and 4 Elements Earth Education.
Henry Epp (deceased) – A beloved High School teacher and coach in New Ulm for 30 years (1952-1982), where he began a state-of-the-art Industrial Arts and Electronics program similar to the STEM curricula we see today. In addition, Hank was a WWII Navy Veteran and was active in many New Ulm groups including the Union Hospital Board and the Vocational Trades Co-Op in Hanska. He was dedicated to youth and he and his wife Elvira were foster parents to 21 children from 1968 to 1981. Hank was an individual whose impact on those he interacted with is still being felt today.
Gene Forstner (deceased) – A 1943 graduate of New Ulm High School where he played baseball and was an active member of the FFA. After serving in the Navy in WWII, he returned to farm in Lake Hanska Township. Gene was a respected member of the Sigel Creamery Board, the Sioux Valley Hospital Board, the Farm-City Hub Club and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Gene believed strongly in education and the youth of New Ulm, which he demonstrated during his two terms, and almost 20 years, on the ISD 88 Board of Education.
John Marti – A 1981 graduate of NUHS where he was active in football, track, golf and other activities. John is a MIT graduate, Marine Corps officer, and a University of Oregon School of Law graduate. John began his career as a Judge Advocate in the Marine Corps and later served as federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota. He was recently Minnesota’s Acting U.S. Attorney before joining the international law firm of Dorsey and Whitney LLP in Minneapolis. For the past 30 years, John has been a selfless, dedicated, and committed public servant.
Mary Moriarty – A 1982 graduate of New Ulm High School where she excelled in academics, music, and athletics. Mary is a graduate of Macalester College and the University of Minnesota Law School. She has had a successful career as a litigator and legal educator and is currently the MN Hennepin County Chief Public Defender, the first woman to hold this position. Mary is a tireless advocate for social justice and is involved in many efforts, including Gideon’s Promise and the Innocence Project, to assist those in need in our criminal justice system.
Franklin Stuckey (deceased) – An esteemed High School teacher of Agricultural Education in New Ulm for almost 30 years (1966-1993) where he became an icon in the field of agriculture. He led the largest High School Agriculture program in Minnesota and it, along with the New Ulm FFA Chapter, was respected locally, statewide, and nationally. Frank was active in Sertoma, Our Saviors Lutheran Church, the New Ulm Baseball Association, and was one of the founders of the Farm-City Hub Club, all of which benefitted greatly from his involvement.