Parkway Local Schools “Academic Alumni Hall of Fame” Recipients for 2012

The goal for the Academic Alumni Hall of Fame is to recognize successful former students, who have contributed to their profession and community while practicing character qualities such as perseverance, self-discipline, curiosity, honesty, responsibility, etc. A committee made the final selection of no more than three recipients. Criteria are: graduate of Parkway Local Schools (including Willshire, Rockford, Mendon-Union, and Parkway), graduated at least ten years prior to nomination, given time to enhance their profession, and demonstrated leadership, citizenship, and volunteerism.

This year’s recipients are:

Ms. Jane Avery, Class of 1971

Current Employment: Executive Director of Community Harvest Food Bank in Fort Wayne, IN

Education: B.S.W. from St. Francis College in 1975, Non-Profit Mgt. Certificate from Ivy Tech in 2001, and MBA from Taylor University in 2004

Achievements: 1997 – Franciscan Spirit Award from St. Francis for Community service, 1998 “Tribute to Women of Achievement” from YWCA, 2005 Distinguished Alumni/Alumni Hall of Fame from St. Francis, 2008 awarded “Star Financial Business Leadership Award” by Taylor University & “Citizen of the Year” by Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, 2009 “Distinguished Hoosier Award” by Gov. Daniels, 2011 presented the “Key to the City of Fort Wayne” by Mayor Henry.

Mr. Michael D. Miller, Class of 1971

Current Employment: President & C.O.O. of Scottsdale Insurance Company, Scottsdale, Arizona

Education: 1975 Bachelors Degree from Defiance College in Bus. Admin & Accounting, 1981 Master’s Degree in Bus. Admin from Indiana University, Additional studies at the Center for Creative Leadership & the Chicago School of Business earning six Industry Certifications

Achievements: Board member of National Association of Professional Lines Organization, Board member & Treasurer of NAPSLO Education Foundation, Board member and Chair of Board of Trustees for the Scottsdale Cultural Council, one of the founders of the Scottsdale Forward Movement in the City of Scottsdale. Board of Trustees of the Defiance College, Chair of Board of Trustees of the Winebrenner Theological Seminary.

Past member of board of Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross. Scottsdale Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, Chamber of Commerce, & Meals on Wheels in Columbus, OH, and past member of the Parkway Board of Education.

Mr. Douglas Pontsler, Class of 1975

Current Employment: Vice President – Environmental, Health & Safety & Operational Sustainability for Owens Corning in Monclova, Ohio.

Education: B.S. in Business Admin with Accounting major in 1979 from Miami University.

Achievements: Currently serving on the Executive Board of the Regional Growth Partnership focused on economic development in NW Ohio, Executive board member of the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic golf tournament which benefits children focused charities in NW Ohio and serving as a World Class Team Member and Campbell Institute Advisory Board Member. Professional organizations include National Accounting Association, American Production & Inventory Control Society, National Safety Council, the Corporate Environmental, Health & Safety Roundtable. Community involvement includes Lions Club, church boards and committees, Junior Achievement, supporting the United Way as a Cabinet Campaign Member.