The St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation has added three names to the ranks of its “Distinguished Alumni.
The word came this week from Bob Ehrenberg, Distinguished Alumni Chair and member of the SJPS Foundation Board of Directors.
“The SJPS Foundation is proud to add three more names to the exclusive list of alumni who have been honored with a St. Joseph Public Schools Distinguished Alumni Award. The honorees are a tribute to the educational excellence that the St. Joseph Public Schools offers its students, past and present.”
2023 honorees:
Pictured: Christopher Thomas ’68 Kent Vanderberg ’79
Jeff Hoover ’84
For the record, honoree Jeff Hoover is also an ‘alum’ of ours here at Mid-West Family. He worked in our sales and marketing department, creating campaigns for advertisers in Michigan’s Great Southwest, before climbing the ladder of success that brought him to Chicago’s WGN TV and their number one rated WGN Morning News for many years.
MOTM Publisher Pat Moody, who has been taking a few weeks off this Spring, shared a personal reflection on Hoover’s success and this honor from the Foundation.
When Jeff Hoover began his great career in electronic media, he was a shining star and unbridled talent for us at WSJM. Always a sharp wit, always a prankster, and always willing to offer up crazy voice talent and writing skills for the marketing team. It was clear from the get-go that Jeff was going to advance well beyond his hometown, due to his drive to excel, to continually push the envelope and his desire to achieve more. With his hysterical stunts, and never-ending effort to entertain everyone within earshot, Jeff earned my nickname for him of Happy Hoover, he was always upbeat. While his eventual departure from the SJM team saddened me, I certainly knew we hadn’t heard the end of this comedic talent, and her has unequivocally fulfilled that prediction! I’m very proud that he was continued to soar, and delighted that we still communicate regularly as lifelong friends. Welcome to the Hall of Fame, Jeff! You have earned it!!
The Award Criteria
The St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation honors alumni who have excelled in their professions and/or made significant contributions to their community. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes exemplary St. Joseph High School graduates. No one actively employed by the school system or currently serving on the School Board or Foundation Board may be considered.
Distinguished Alumni achievements, strength of character and citizenship serve as a valuable model to inspire and challenge current students. Nominees will be accepted in the following categories: Professional Achievement, Community Service and Volunteerism.
Selection is based on the following criteria:
Graduate of St. Joseph Public Schools of ten or more years.
Demonstrates a high level of achievement in his/her category and has made significant contributions.
Exhibits inspirational leadership, character, and service.
Learn more at www.sjpsfoundation.org
