Alumni will be recognized during DGN's Homecoming Week!
Downers Grove North High School has selected three alumni to receive distinguished alumni awards. DGN will be honoring these alumni at upcoming Homecoming celebrations in September.
The “Alumni Award of Excellence” program was designed to recognize graduates of North High who have contributed in an exceptional manner to society, whether in the areas of science, government, community, humanitarianism, athletics or fine arts. This highest of Alumni awards recognizes those who have exhibited outstanding leadership, character and service.
North High 2018 Alumni Award of Excellence Ceremony
Friday, September 28 at 2 p.m. (During Homecoming Assembly)
Purple Gym
4436 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL, 60515
North High’s Homecoming football game vs. Oak Park is Friday, September 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Below are the North High Alumni Award of Excellence honorees:
Staff Sergeant Kristin Bowers USMC, Professional Clarinetist, Class of 2002
Bowers earned her bachelor degree in music from Indiana University and master degree in music from Northwestern University. Bowers is currently a member of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band performing at the White House for events of national importance. Prior to 2017 as part of the United States Air Force Band, Bowers worked with flight officers and three flights creating music programs for 62 missions and combining inspiring music with key Air Force messaging. She led a 13-member section as the Concertmaster of the Concert Band on 156 performances, seven Concert Band recordings and 26 ceremonies.
Dr. Christine Todd, Doctor and Humanitarian, Class of 1985
With an English degree from University of Chicago and medical degree from Southern Illinois University (SIU), Dr. Todd has found a career that blends her passions of medicine and humanities. As the first woman and first medical doctor to have this position at SIU, Dr. Todd is the Head of the Department of Medical Humanities focusing on patient safety. Dr. Todd has received departmental and institutional teaching awards from SIU as well as national awards from the American College of Physicians and the Society of Hospital Medicine.
Dr. Thomas Wascher, Neurosurgeon, Class of 1977
Dr. Wascher earned his bachelor degree from Eastern Illinois University and doctorate of medicine from Loyola University. Specializing in neurosurgery, his training and experience consists of.complex neurosurgical conditions involving the brain and cervical spine. In 1992, Dr. Wascher opened his neurosurgical practice in Appleton, Wisconsin. He has received more than 30 awards for social and academic excellence, has authored multiple books and articles in the field of neurosurgery, and has founded the Fox Valley Brain Tumor Support Group with nurse practitioner David Bond.
For more information on District 99 alumni, visit the DGN alumni website. For more information about the 2018 alumni awards and celebrations, please contact North High’s Student Activities Director Mark Mirandola at mmirandola@csd99.org.