The St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation will honor Erik Peters, Class of 1959, Greg Lancelot, Class of 1982 and Charles Grandy, Class of 1983 as recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award at the school’s May 19 commencement.
According to Bob Ehrenberg ’71, SJPS Foundation Board Secretary and Distinguished Alumni Chair, the Foundation has honored distinguished SJHS alumni since 2012. These individuals have excelled in their professions and made significant contributions to their community. The achievements, strength of character and citizenship of the Distinguished Alumni serve as a valuable model to inspire and challenge current students. Nominees are accepted in the following categories: Professional Achievement, Community Service and Volunteerism, with selection being based on the following criteria:
- Graduate of St. Joseph Public Schools for 10 or more years
- Demonstrates a high level of achievement in his/her field and has made significant contributions
- Exhibits inspirational leadership, character and service
Erik Peters, Class of 1959
Erik Peters came to St. Joseph from Germany, when he was selected by the US Consulate in Hamburg, Germany to be an exchange student. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1959 as class valedictorian. He then attended the University of Calgary and has received a Canadian Chartered Accountant designation (U.S. CPA equivalent) in 3 Canadian provinces
From 1960 to 1978 Erik advanced in the accounting firm Price Waterhouse in Canada and England. He then served as Assistant Auditor General of Canada; as Regional Comptroller for Alcan Aluminum Ltd. in Europe, Africa and the Middle East; as Vice President, Internal Audit for the Canadian Broadcasting Company; and in 1992 was appointed Auditor General of Ontario, Canada, where he served until his retirement in 2003.
Following his retirement, Erik served as Vice-Chair of the Audit and Evaluation Committee of the Canadian Department of Public Works and Government Services, and as External Advisor to the Minister of Transport of Canada. He has been named as an Elected Fellow for both the Institute of Chartered Accountants for Ontario and the Institute of Chartered Accountants for Alberta in Canada, as well as for the Bertelsmann Stiftung Foundation in Germany.
Erik has been married to Patricia for 60 years.
Greg W. Lancelot, Class of 1982
Greg W. Lancelot graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1982, and he continued his education at Indiana University, Kelley School of Business, graduating in 1986.
Greg has worked at Tyson Foods, Inc. for thirty-four years in sales and sales leadership and is currently Vice President of the McDonald’s Business Unit for Tyson in Springdale, Arkansas. Tyson Foods is the largest producer of protein in the country, with brands including Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farms, BallPark, and Wright. McDonald’s is Tyson’s largest client, and Greg’s business unit has been recognized by McDonald’s as its Global Supplier of the Year. Greg was also instrumental in developing the deli division for Tyson.
Greg has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma, Inc., serving the charities in both Arkansas and Oklahoma. He has spearheaded fundraising projects for the football boosters for his sons’ high school and one that provided free comprehensive dental treatment for underprivileged children.
Greg is married to Tracey, a middle school teacher, and they are parents of two sons Cody and Grant.
Charles Alan Grandy, Class of 1983
Charles Grandy graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1983 and continued his education at Duke University majoring in electrical engineering, graduating in 1987. He obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Duke University School of Law in 1993, and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Ball State University in 2023.
Beginning in 1987, Charlie worked at G.E. Aircraft Engines where he provided technical expertise for Boeing 747 and 767 aircraft engines. After obtaining his law degree, he joined Baker & Daniels in private practice for 5 years, handling product liability defense, and then joined Eli Lilly in human resources, eventually becoming Assistant General Counsel, Human Resources. Since his retirement from Eli Lilly, Charlie has represented individual clients and businesses in Indiana and Michigan on a broad range of strategic legal considerations in areas involving HR law.
Charlie has been on the Board of Directors for the American Benefits Council; In-House Benefits Council Network; Child Advocates, Inc.; OrthoIndy YMCA; and Traders Point Christian Academy. He has participated in Ride Across America, and he partnered with his daughter, Leah, to complete a bike ride covering 1,900 miles along three Great Lakes dedicated to his parents, Carmen and James Grandy.
Charlie is married to Lori and they have two children, Leah and David.
