Bethel Park Alumni Hall of Fame Welcomes Five New Members

Bethel Park High School held its annual Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony in late March, welcoming five new members, including two physicians, an accomplished transplant unit nurse, a business leader and philanthropist, and an AIDS survivor and advocate for people with HIV.

N. David Campbell ‘74 is a 1979 and 1995 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. He was President and CEO of the West Penn Non-Destructive Testing Company and is a fellow of The American Society of Non-Destructive Testing. He served on the boards of numerous organizations and foundations, including the Make-A-Wish of Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He is the President of N. David and Janet Campbell Family Foundation has given countless financial grants to numerous community, arts, education, and medical organizations. Their mission is to “create a lasting and positive impact on our community.”

William J. Ceyrolles ’69 received his degree in social work from Duquesne University and became the first Director of Social Services at the Whitman-Walker Clinic, an HIV/AIDS Clinic in Washington, D.C. After helping countless individuals there, he was diagnosed with AIDS in 1986, which further drove his passion for supporting and helping others. Highlighted in a New York Times article, Bill testified before Congress several times in support of AIDS legislation and funding. He became an outspoken advocate for people with HIV and AIDS, even serving as the plaintiff in a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical industry to lower the cost of necessary medications and treatments.

Andrew Katlubeck III ’80 is a registered nurse who graduated from CCAC and Slippery Rock with a BS/MS in nursing. In the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Montefiore Hospital, he wrote the “Bone Marrow Donor Booklet,” a guide utilized by patients for many years. He then served on the West Penn and Children’s Hospital transplant teams and was known for his big heart, compassion, sense of humor, and selfless nature. He helped patients and families navigate through the darkest of times. Recognized by several newspapers when passing, his family created an initiative called “Andy’s Toy Box” which continues to deliver gifts to his beloved kids on Unit 9B in his honor.

Dr. Karl B. Kern, MD ‘70 is a Professor Emeritus of Medicine and was Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Arizona. Retiring from clinical practice in 2022, a graduate of Brigham Young University and Hahnemann Medical School, his research focused on CPR. Coordinator of the research group that developed the concept of Chest Compression-Only CPR, recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) as the preferred technique for resuscitation. Named an AHA “CPR Giant”, he received the European Resuscitation Council’s Honorary Membership for life-long commitment and leadership in Resuscitation and has published over 300 scientific papers.

Dr. Antonio Ripepi, MD ’81, graduated with honors from John Carroll University and Jefferson Medical College. Served as Chief Resident at Case Western Reserve University and was elected to a fellowship in laparoscopic surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. He was Pittsburgh's first board-certified minimally invasive surgeon and practiced in the South Hills for over 20 years. Not only an expert in surgery and a kind and generous man who mentored hundreds of medical students and residents. He took pride in donating his surgical skills, time, and gear to Pittsburgh Catholic Free Health Care Center and was a lifelong supporter/booster of BPHS football and wrestling.

The Bethel Park Alumni Hall of Fame was founded in 2013 to recognize and honor Bethel Park High School alumni who have personally or professionally demonstrated outstanding accomplishments since graduation. 

Honorees are selected because they have either significantly improved the lives of others, contributed significantly to volunteer or community service, or achieved substantial advancement in their professional field.

“We are always excited to welcome back our distinguished alumni and recognize them for all they have accomplished,” said Bethel Park High School principal Joseph Villani. “This group of Alumni Hall of Fame inductees represent the best in character, charity, and accomplishments in both their personal and professional lives, and they embody our school motto, ‘Built on tradition, focused on the future.’”

The annual Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony is held in conjunction with the National Honor Society’s (NHS) induction ceremony, and the honorees offer advice to their younger counterparts. 

“We pair this program with the NHS induction ceremony because the qualifications for each align closely,” said Villani. “It is an incredible opportunity for our current students to hear directly from those who preceded them as they reflect on what qualities it took for them to reach their goals.  It is extraordinary because the alumni have sat in the same seats and come from the same community.”

The inductees were each presented with a copy of the plaques now on display in the lobby and a Great Alumni Hall of Fame medal and pin.

The district's website provides more information on the Alumni Hall of Fame and how to nominate a candidate. Nominations are due by Jan. 10.

 

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