South High School in Downers Grove has named six graduates as recipients of the “Distinguished Alumni” award (detailed biographies follow):
- Tushar (Tony) Ambegaoker, Class of 1987
- Dr. Alexander J. Gallan, Class of 2005
- Heather Hathaway Miranda, Class of 1990
- Major Matthew A. Krempel, Class of 2004
- Mary Lou O’Grady, R.N., Class of 1972
- John C. Robak, Class of 1985
An induction ceremony and unveiling of the Distinguished Alumni plaques will be held on Thursday, September 15, which is during Homecoming Week. The public is invited to the event.
“We at South High are thrilled to resume our tradition of recognizing the exceptional alumni of our school,” said Arwen Lyp, who is starting her first year as the school’s principal. “Our Distinguished Alumni award recognizes those people who have made a significant contribution to society and have honored the legacy of excellence we have established here.”
The Distinguished Alumni program, which began in 2014 and coincided with the school’s 50th anniversary, was also held in 2016 and 2018. The school has recognized 21 alumni since the inception of the program. For more information about DGS alumni as well as reunion information, visit the alumni website. For more information about the 2022 alumni awards and celebrations, please contact South High’s Student Activities Director Jennifer Martinez at jmartinez@csd99.org.
2022 South High Distinguished Alumni
.png?mask=4)
Tushar (Tony) Ambegaoker, Executive, Entrepreneur, & Philanthropist, Class of 1987
Tushar (Tony) Ambegaoker is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with a graduate degree from MIT. Ambegaoker has successfully founded, grown, and sold multiple companies. He has served as a CIO, COO, and CTO for large publicly traded companies. Ambegaoker is an FAA Commercial Pilot with multiple jet type ratings. Ambegaoker combines his passion for flying with his philanthropic objective to give back to the community by volunteering to fly children and veterans for cancer treatments and specialized care. He is a devoted husband and father to his wife of over 25 years and his two children.
Dr. Alexander J. Gallan, MD, Physician and Medical Educator, Class of 2005
Dr. Gallan is a renal and genitourinary pathologist at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, specializing in the microscopic diagnosis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases of the kidney as well the diagnosis of rare subtypes of kidney cancer. He speaks at national conferences, and has published several dozen scientific articles and numerous textbook chapters. He teaches a medical school pathology course, mentors medical residents, and serves as Director of the Pathology Observership Program aimed to support aspiring pathologists across the globe.
Heather Hathaway Miranda, Speaker, Educator, Consultant, Racial Healing Practitioner, Class of 1990
Heather Ana is an award-winning, international speaker specializing in the intersections of identity, equity, & social justice. Heather is a leading educator and voice in advocacy for and empowerment of youth, women, and marginalized communities. In her work as a transformational speaker, racial healing practitioner, professor, consultant, & coach, she raises consciousness about the power of history, oppression, and liberation. As a bilingual/bicultural Latina scholar-activist, she is a fierce chingona owner of Hathaway Miranda LLC.
Major Matthew A. Krempel, Marine Commander, Class of 2004
After earning his Bachelor's degree from Marquette University, Major Matthew A. Krempel joined the Marines. Quickly climbing the military ranks, Major Krempel held a variety of leadership roles and was stationed throughout the world. Upon return from deployment, Major Krempel was assigned as the Company Commander in Spain. While assigned to the unit, he completed a Masters Degree in Business Administration through Naval Postgraduate School. Major Krempel’s personal decorations include the Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Mary Lou O’Grady, R.N., Nursing Consultant, Class of 1972
Mary Lou O’Grady, R.N., has more than 30 years of consulting in healthcare and malpractice review and is the president/owner of O’Grady Network. Her experience surrounds clinical and non-clinical arenas working with not for profit, profit, private and teaching hospitals. Additionally, she has authored several nursing journals. O’Grady was the first registered nurse to design surgical instruments for adult/congenital cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgery that are marketed and in use today throughout the country.
John C. Robak, Business and Civic Leader, Class of 1985
John C. Robak is known and respected for his active board leadership and engagement in business organizations and many non-profits that uplift, protect, beautify and unite Chicago and its people. He is Chairman & CEO of global civil and environmental engineering firm Greeley and Hansen, which has improved the quality of life for millions worldwide through water infrastructure, safety and equity. Mr. Robak is well known for his passion for promoting diverse, equitable, and inclusive cultures, best practices, and opportunities for others.
###