Donald Buhrmann, class of 1938

After graduating from East Aurora High School, Donald Buhrmann enlisted in the Marine Corps in May 1942. He saw early action in the Battle for Guadalcanal, where he sustained serious injury to his leg and ankles. He continued serving with his unit until Guadalcanal was secured. He later was reassigned to intelligence.

Buhrmann honed his artistic talents drawing large war maps of the Pacific area during World War II. His natural artistic ability resulted in a successful career in commercial art and watercolor paintings. He went on to design advertisements for household brands like Coca-Cola, General Mills and Pillsbury. He became a recognized visual artist, and his watercolor paintings and wood carvings have been displayed in 14 states and two countries. Buhrmann died in 2012.

Dr. Richard Foth, class of 1948

Richard Foth never strayed far from his alma mater, even as he rose to prominence in the medical field. An Army veteran and Aurora resident, he practiced medicine in the Chicago area for nearly three decades, spending two of those years as chief of staff at Rush-Copley Medical Center.

He graduated fifth in his medical school class from Northwestern University Medical School and was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society in 1956. He entered the Army as a captain and served in a military hospital in El Paso, Texas, for two years. Foth completed his residency in internal medicine at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital and practiced internal medicine at Dreyer Medical Clinic in Aurora from 1962 to 1997. He was president of Dreyer from 1982 to 1987. He was chief of staff at Rush-Copley Hospital in 1988 to 1989 with 30 doctors reporting to him.

He also served as the team physician for the East football and basketball teams for 10 years and never missed a game! Foth continues to practice medicine in Aurora.

Maureen McDonough Gillette, class of 1971

Maureen McDonough Gillette graduated from East Aurora High School in 1971, and her presence continues to be felt in public schools across the country.

She served as dean of the College of Education at Northeastern Illinois and University of Chicago. She received her Bachelors Degree in 1974 and Masters Degree in 1980 from Northern Illinois University. After 13 years of teaching elementary and middle school in Aurora and Wisconsin, she received her doctorate from the University of Wisconsin in 1990.

Gillette has presented more than 30 papers on urban education and has advised state and city schools officials on education matters. She now lives in Chicago. 

Paul Meisch, class of 1983

Meisch retired after more than 20 years of Naval service.

He entered the Naval Academy in July 1983 and received a Bachelors Degree in history. He was commissioned an ensign in May 1987. He served in the first Gulf War and was stationed at the Pentagon in 2002 to oversee the upkeep of amphibious ships.

In 2006, he became a commanding officer in St. Louis, where he retired. His awards include three Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and numerous Campaign Medals.