Reprinted with permission from The Republic newspaper
The Bull Dog Alumni Association is postponing its annual Hall of Fame celebration due to the pandemic, but has announced its 2021 class of honorees.
The Hall of Fame is inducting these new members in absentia/posthumously this year with the hope that a ceremony can be conducted in person in 2022.
This year’s class includes:
Jane Dutton, Class of 1984, a professor of music at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
The late Xenia Simons Miller, Class of 1934, spouse of J. Irwin Miller, who shared a vision and left a legacy for philanthropy, fine arts, contemporary architecture and preservation for Columbus and beyond.
The late Jeanne Lewellen Norbeck, Class of 1929, accepted into the Woman Air Force Service Pilots Program and appointed group commander of her class, the restored Chapel at Bakalar Air Base was named in her honor.
The late U.S. Air Force (Ret.) Col. Jerry Records, Class of 1956, who in his military career served as base commander at Hanscom Air Force Base and Eglin Air Foce Base.
Eric Stark, Class of 1984, professor and director of choral activities at Butler University Jordan College of the Arts.
Kay Nichols Stepp, Class of 1963, first woman to be selected as president and chief operating officer of an electrical utility in the U.S.
In 2012, the Bull Dog Alumni Association established the hall of fame to recognize Columbus High School/Columbus North High School graduates for their professional achievements and personal contributions to enhance the lives of others and society. In 2013, the inaugural class was inducted and since then the Hall of Fame has inducted 35 members.
The 2020 ceremony was postponed due to the pandemic, and Hall of Fame officials had hoped to continue it this year during Homecoming, the pandemic has once again put it on hold, officials said.
“We, of course, are disappointed,” said Hedy George, association executive director. “This is one of our biggest events of the year and we are proud to honor our alumni for their lifetime achievements. Public health must be a priority, however, so we are postponing again with the hope we can induct multiple individuals next year with a very special event.”
Nomination criteria include all who are graduates of Columbus High School or Columbus North High School for at least 20 years at the time of nomination. Nominations include a statement about how a candidate demonstrated the Bull Dog way: Respect, Responsibility, Relationships and a Generous Spirit.
The six new members will have their photos placed on the wall of prominence with other members.