Four named to Alumni Hall of Fame

The Jamestown College Alumni Association has inducted four distinguished alumni into the Jamestown College Alumni Hall of Fame for 2012.

 From left to right: Peggy Foss, Sherry Cox, Elmer Schindel, Muriel Peterson

Colonel Sherry (Andersen) Cox '82 was born in Fargo, N.D., and entered active duty in January, 1983 after graduating with her bachelor's degree in Nursing from Jamestown College. She is presently serving as the Chief Nurse Executive at Malcolm Grow Medical Center, Andrews Air Force Base, Md. She was previously assigned as Inpatient Squadron Commander at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and before that spent time as Air Force Chief Nurse at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. Prior assignments included Aviano Air Base, Italy, and several bases around the United States.

Col. Cox is dual board certified in both medical surgical nursing and nursing administration. She holds a Master of Science degree in Nursing Administration and is a graduate of Air War College. She oversees Air Force critical care nurses working at Walter Reed and Fort Belvoir Medical Centers in Washington, D.C., who provide care for the acute war wounded, and she oversees nursing staff caring for patients traveling through the aero-medical evacuation system in the D.C. area, coming from the battlefield, to various medical facilities throughout the nation. Her major commendations include eight Meritorious Service Medals, four Air Force Achievement Medals, and Air Force Nurse of the Year.

Col. Cox is married to Lewis Franklin Cox, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Retired), and they have a son, Hunter who is currently attending Air Force Navigator training.

Dr. Peggy (Meister) Foss ’58 is originally from Wolf Point, Mont., and holds a bachelor’s degree from Jamestown College, a master’s degree from South Dakota State University, and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University. She retired in 2004 after serving for 24 years as the Director of Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Prior to her career at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dr. Foss was a professor/administrator of recreation and athletics at Luther College, University of Iowa, University of Michigan, and Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Foss has received numerous awards from the University of Michigan – Dearborn and service awards from the Association for Fitness in Business and the NAIA. She was elected to the Jamestown College Board of Trustees in 1998 and is currently Second Vice Chair.

Dr. Foss’ husband, Dr. Merle Foss, is also a member of the class of 1958. The $2.5 million Foss Wellness Center and the Peggy (Meister) Foss Physical Education Wing opened at Jamestown College in 2008. The Drs. Foss have also provided a substantial endowed gift to support ongoing improvements to the academic program in Physical Education.

Muriel Peterson ’63 is originally from Steele, N.D., and received degrees in Christian Education and Psychology from Jamestown College as well as a degree in Business Administration from the University of Mary. She spent her career as an advocate for low-income elderly and disabled persons and, as a program administrator with the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Aging Services Division, developed non-traditional approaches, now being adopted nationally, for delivery of in-home and community-based services to the elderly and disabled.

Ms. Peterson has received numerous awards for her work and advocacy including the Francis T. Ishida Award for Excellence in Customer Service, the Your Women-Community Achievers Award, an Appreciation Award from the North Dakota County Social Service Directors Association, a Certificate of Appreciation from the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Thumbs Up Award from the North Dakota Head Injury Association. In retirement, she is the volunteer State Coordinator for the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program.

The Peterson Technology Wing in Jamestown College’s Unruh and Sheldon Center for Business and Computer Science, which opened in 2006, was a gift to Jamestown College from Ms. Peterson.

Elmer Schindel ’63 was born on a farm near Melville, Saskatchewan, Canada, and graduated from Jamestown College with a degree in music. He taught music and German in public schools around North Dakota before beginning his career as an investment broker. He joined Dain Bosworth in 1972 and worked as broker, manager, and finally Senior Vice President Branch Manager before forming the Investment Management Consulting Group in 1991.

A member of Jamestown College’s Board of Trustees since 2002, Mr. Schindel is chair of the Institutional Advancement Committee and previously served as chair of the Investment Committee. He has played an integral part in overseeing the College’s endowment nearly double in size. He oversaw the reorganization of the Alumni Association into what has become a strong and vital board of 15 members who work to engage the alumni in the areas of enrollment, development, and alumni relations.

Mr. Schindel has established three scholarships at Jamestown College, including those in memory of his wife, Bonnie (Prochaska) ’64, and daughter, LoriAnn. He has a son, Jay, and a grandson, Jacob.

The Jamestown College Alumni Hall of Fame honors alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their alma mater and humanity. Admission to this Hall of Fame is the highest honor presented by the Jamestown College Alumni Association.