Captain Edward O. “Bud” Shaw * Class of 38 Captain Edward Shaw attended WSC until his enlistment in the U.S. Naval Air Corps. In 1941 and became Spokane’s first “ACE” of World War II Bud began his flying career as a “grease monkey” at Felts Field International Airport, wiping the grease off of airplanes after they landed, for little or no pay until they finally put him on the payroll. 23 year old Lieutenant Shaw is officially credited with the downing of 13 enemy planes with the “Hellhawks” in the Bouganville Campaign in the Solomon Islands during WWII.”. During the 300 hours of combat flying, only once did he get a couple holes shot in his wing tanks. This he modestly attributes, not so much as his flying ability as to the healthy regard to in which Japanese pilots held the Corsair as a deadly fighter. In four separate engagements he shot down eight enemy planes. Married WVSH sweetheart Barbara Jacobson, December 25, 1943. Captain Shaw was transferred to the 213th Marine Fighter Squadron, in Mojave, CA., where in Dec. 11, 1944 he was killed as a test pilot when the plane he was flying failed to pull out of a power dive and crashed. His Commander Capt.Thomas, said “No matter the situation we might have been in, he always had a grin or a chuckle when it was over. I have never known, or hope to know a person who was more considerate of others. Because he was an engineering officer, he not only flew the planes, but he knew the peculiarities of every plane in the squadron. He was a great favorite with the ground crews, and he loved to sit and talk over others’ problems, regardless of whether they were young green pilots, ground crew, chiefs, mess sergeants, or others connected with the outfit.” His body was returned to Spokane by an escort of 17 Corsair Fighter planes.

Howard S. Dolphin * Class of 46 Howard Dolphin, Student Body President, Varsity Athlete Football, Basketball and Track. Served two years in the U.S. Army (Korea). Graduated Eastern Washington College 1951. He was hired onto the Otis Orchards School District in the fall of 1951. He became principal of Otis Grade School before moving to Otis High School (East Valley H.S.) in 1961. He was Athletic director, taught history and economics at East Valley H.S. from 1961 to 1981. He was inducted into the Washington State Track & Field Coaches’ Hall of Fame in 1995. He has coached track for 54 straight years after graduating for E.W.C. and continues today in 2007.

Captain Gregory J. Buchanan * Class of 72 Captain Gregory J. Buchanan (retired) served his country in the United States Navy for thirty years. (1972-2002). He was the first West Valley High School graduate (class of 1972) to graduate from the Naval Academy; he graduated with distinction from Annapolis in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1987 he received a Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. Greg is a registered Professional Mechanical Engineer in Washington and Colorado. Captain Buchanan’s first assignment was as the Navigator aboard the USS Glover and then he taught navigation and leadership in Ensigns. Greg transferred to the Civil Engineer Corps in 1984 and spent the last 18 years in various tours that included being stationed with the Seabees, and being in charge of construction or public works facilities. At his final duty station he served as Commanding Officer of Engineering Field Command. While with the Seabees he was the Executive Officer of the 650 man Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Forty which was deployed to Saudi Arabia during the 1991 Gulf Was. The Buchanan family lived in Alameda, CA, Adak, Alaska, C Amarillo, CA, Newport, RI, Yokosuka, Japan, Honolulu, Hawaii, and Mountain View, CA. Captain Buchanan’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Navy Commendation Medal with two bronze stars, Navy Achievement Medal, and the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze stars and Marine Corps Combat Action Device. Greg currently works for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, in charge of its construction in Denver, CO.

Del Blake * Class of 61 Del Blake graduated in 1961 and attended Gonzaga University. He pursued his musical career and moved to New York City where he was a page at NBC and worked with the Johnny Carson Show. He was noticed by Buddy Greco and was soon playing with his company. While playing with Greco he was admired by Sammy Davis Jr. and soon was touring the world. At age 23 he played Carnegie Hall in New York with Davis, who introduced him as “The Greatest Drummer in the World.” In his career, he has played with Mel Torme, Tom Jones, Woody Herman, Count Basie, Englebert Humperdink and many others. He has played the Los Angeles studio scene, where he appeared in the score of movies and television series. He became interested in computers, in the midst of his musical career, and he learned everything there was to know about this “NEW” technology. In less then 10 years he became one of the few computer trainers in the nation on a professional level, thus having 2 successful careers. He works with young children in multilingual schools teaching the language of music and sharing in the fun and wonder of music.

Virginia Whitehead * Class of 38 Virginia Maxfeild Whitehead. Her drama teacher encouraged her to continue in stage and theatre drama after graduation. Within 6 months she was performing at dinners and floor shows around Spokane. She preformed with Howard Ross and they were billed as “Ross & Rita”. Ross and Virginia lived in Los Angeles, where she began her teaching carrier. She worked with Mouseketeer, “Cheryle” Holdridge and the Walt Disney talent scouts. She helped with choreographing of the Mouseketeers. She moved to Las Vegas, and opened her own studio, with classes for up to 200 Students. After 42 years of teaching she retired. Not one to sit still she worked as a make up artist and costumer for Show Stars Vegas. After 17 years she began donating her experience, assisting with the Debbie Reynolds Dancers, The Nevada Dance Theatre and The MGM. Many of her students went on to success including: Kathy Newberry: Jr. Miss Nevada, also played “Wendy” in Peter Pan, played the lead in “No No Nanette” and had her own show at the Hilton Reno, and Rio in Las Vegas. Susan Newberry: Played the lead in “Dames at Sea”. Sang and danced with the “Ambassadors” all over the U.S. and Japan. Ruth Ann Duckworth: Lead dancer at the MGM when it opened. Mary Jo Kincaid: Danced at “Circus Circus” in Las Vegas. Traveled with the USO Circuit and taught dance in Wyoming.

Roy Betlach * Class of 41 1941 graduate and Student Body President. Served two years in the U.S. Army. Attended Harvard University and the University of Oklahoma. Spokane County Sheriff for 3 years Chief of the Washington State Patrol 7 years. Also served as Postmaster in Spokane for 10 years. Was involved with the community as Chairman of the United Crusade Drive, Charter member of the Footprinters Association, Charter member of Big Brothers of Spokane, a member of the Muscular Dystophy Association, and Chairman of the Central Valley School Drive. Received the Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year Award.

Phillip Larson Jr. * Class of 51 Phillip Larson Jr. 1958 graduate of McGill University, Montreal Canada School of Medicine. Developed a technique for determining the solubility of Anesthetic in the blood and tissues. This technique became the standard analysis of all newer volatile anesthetics in blood and tissues since then. Was awarded the first American Society of Anesthesiologists Resident Research Award. Served 2 years in the U.S. Navy, including a stint in the Caribbean during the Cuban Missile Crisis, after witch he returned to University of California, San Francisco where he served as Vice Chair of the Department if Anesthesia, and as Chief of Anesthesia at San Francisco General Hospital. During this time his research work, in collaboration with Al Smith, focused on drugs and techniques to protect the brain from focal ischemia. This work received an award from the Stroke Society as the Outstanding research Publication for 1972. In 1972 he accepted an appointment as Professor and Chair of the Department of Anesthetic at Stanford University. During this same time he was president of the American Board of Anesthesiology, as chair of the ABA-ASA Joint council on in-training examinations, as secretary and president of the Association of University Anesthesiologists, as Editor in chief of Anesthesiology and as a member of the Surgery, Anesthesiology and Trauma Study Section of the National Institutes of Health. In 1986 obtained his masters of science in management degree from Stanford Graduate School of Business. In 1994 he retired from Stanford University as Professor Emeritus of Anesthesia and Neurosurgery and accepted an appointment as Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology at UCLA School of Medicine. He has won multiple teaching awards at all three medical schools where he has worked.

Michael D. Anderson, Ph.D. * Class of 52 Michael Anderson Ph.D., Salutatorian, Student Body President. Whitworth 1956 summa cum laude, Alumni Ideals Award, Student Body President, SF Theological Seminary 1960 Summa cum laude Master of Divinity. Oxford University and University of Edinburgh, Scotland on British Empire Scholarship, with a Ph D. in theology. Written over 100 articles in religious journals and authored 6 books. He has been appointed by 5 governors in 3 states (Washington, California, and Oklahoma) to 12 boards and commissions. He served on the board of trusties of San Francisco Theological Seminary, Whitworth College, and the University of the Ozarks. He was the Senior Minister at Westminster Church in Oklahoma City for 25 years. Prior to coming to Oklahoma he was Managing Director of Interpretation and stewardship of the worldwide mission of the United Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., Headquartered in New York City. He is a member of the Commission of Public Representation for the National Institutes of Health.

Lieutenant Colonel Iva Christian Rumburg * Class of 34 “Chris” graduated from West Valley High School 1934. 1934-1938 Washington State college student. WSC student body president 1936-1938. Captain WSC Football Team 1938. The 6 foot 4 inch, 200 plus pound frame with great heart and strength also became a wrestler, winning 3 varsity letters as a heavyweight. Military service in WWII from 1941 until his death on Christmas Day 1944 when his transport ship was torpedoed in the English Channel, resulting in the loss of hundreds of men. Colonel Rumburg played a hero’s role in the tragic sinking. He worked for more than two and one half hours extracting trapped men from wreckage and leading others to safety. Every ounce of his enormous strength, which had become legend among his fellow men, who told of seeing him several times carrying two men at a time to safety. Because of his bravery at least 100 soldiers were saved. He worked to exhaustion and eventually weakened himself to a point where he could no longer help himself. Chris became known as “Earth Shaker” to his men a monumental inspiration to the lives of others in his division. Awarded the Bronze Star Posthumously for heroic service in action. In a letter to ESC President, Chris’s mother wrote; “If we had to lose him, we are happy he could use his great strength in saving lives instead of taking them.”

Elmer Johnson * Class of 37 Received a degree in education from Eastern Washington University. Was an Air Force officer in WWII. Enlisted in 1941; following flight training he was commissioned a second lieutenant bombardier-navigator and was assigned to the 391st Bombardier Group, flying B-26 Marauders. In 1943 he flew 65 missions over Germany and France and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and 12 Oak Leaf Clusters for Meritorious Service. Retired from active duty as an Air Force Captain in 1945 and began a teaching career. After earning his masters degree in education he returned to West Valley High as a teacher and football coach; was principal from 1971 until retirement in 1977.

Shirley (Harmon) Hanson * Class of 56 RN, PMHNP, PhD, FAAN, CFLE, LMFT Education: Initial nursing studies at St. Helens Hospital in Chehalis, Washington. Continued nursing and teaching career while attending Pacific Lutheran University, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, University of Washington, and University of Pennsylvania. Earned awards and honors as Outstanding Young Women of America, Who’s Who in American Nursing, Outstanding Teaching Award, International Directory of Distinguished Leadership and Book of the Year Award. A published author of books, journals, and book reviews, also a book reviewer for publishers, an editorial consultant, television/radio talk show consultant and interviewee as a family behavior expert. Has given to her community in her life’s’ work as a nurse and communicator.

Gary Nelson * Class of 54 1954 honors graduate was the Spokane area High School Tennis Champion in his senior year. Received Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from WSU while lettering in tennis and swimming; and his Master of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin. Served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1963 as a Communications & Radar Officer, retiring at the rank of captain. Received professional engineering license in 1964 and was employed for 27 years as a consulting engineering manager with a telecommunications company. Attended the University of Washington where he did graduate work in business administration. In 1966, contracted polio and was hospitalized for nearly a year. After hospitalization, continued a strenuous physical therapy program for two years to regain his ability to walk without braces and overcome the reduced use of his left arm. In 1968, shifted his focus to public services and was elected to the City Council of Edmonds, WA, serving two terms. In 1972, was elected to the Washington State Legislature, serving 14 years in the House of Representatives and 8 years in the State Senate. As a legislator he served as House Majority Leader, House Minority Leader, chair of the House Ways & Means Committee, chair of the Senate Law & Justice Committee, and Assistant Floor Leader of the Senate. Was instrumental in sponsoring and passing legislation that established public transit agencies, requiring Sunset action on Boards & Commissions, creating the Community Protection act on Sexual Predators, establishing the Edmonds Community College, and numerous laws concerning taxpayer access to government, child protection and support for senior citizens. Has twice been the recipient of the Outstanding State Legislator Award, Voice of Victims Award, Washington State Law Enforcement Sentinel Award, twice the Snohomish County Citizen of the Year award, National Senior Hall of Fame Award, and a four time recipient of the Guardian of Small Business Citation by the National Federation of Small Business. Serving as a Snohomish County Councilman (1994-present), and on numerous boards of directors.

Donald Fancher Wilkes * Class of 49 Graduated from WSC with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1954. An inventor of sensors for detection of earthquakes and nuclear explosions, quick release ski bindings, prosthetics for amputees, new concept wheelchairs for easier locomotion. During his lifetime and as owner of his company he also invented a safety device which prevents nuclear weapons from detonating if accidentally dropped. Rolamite was Wilkes well known invention as a device honored in engineering circles as the “First basic mechanical device of the 20th century” a nearly frictionless motion roller for wide range use including a switch which releases automobile air bags on impact. At the time of his death in 1996 Wilkes was designing an infinitely-variable transmission which he felt would revolutionize automobiles. Honors include: Recognition in “Who’s Who in America” as well as the WSU Alumni Achievement Award in 1987 for international recognition of his talent and achievements.

Betty & Brian O’Donnell * Class of 46 Married in 1948 the O’Donnell’s became foster parents prior to 1964 for children and young men ages 13-18 years of age who were on probation in Spokane County. In 1964 established Shamrock Acres at Newman Lake, WA. For 35 years over 1000 boys have lived there with the O’Donnell’s and their children for the purpose of character development within a loving, disciplined structure. Are recognized also for their efforts in creating the group home designation along with the legislation in the state of Washington which regulates this type of group home.

Jerome F. Harrington * Class of 39 Boys Federation Press, Captain of Track Team and VP of Student Body 1939 Graduate of West Valley High School 1943-46 combat infantry platoon leader, 3rd Army, E.T.O. Graduate of U.C. Berkley, CA: B.S. degree in Agriculture. 1943-46 U.S. Army Bronze star for service in E.T.O. 1950 Graduate of Harvard University: M.B.A school of business. Technical advisor for International Basic Economy Corporation. C E O and Chairman of the Board for International Research Institute, dedicated to improving agricultural production and standards in third world countries. In this capacity Mr. Harrington has been instrumental in research and development for successfully growing crops in formerly nonproductive soils with fertilization and irrigation methods that improved economies and proved food and water resources for millions of people. President and Chairman of IRI for development world wide.

Charles W. Gadd * Class of 32 A salutatorian of West Valley High School class of 1932. a graduate of Massachusettes Institute of Technology. Had a 39 year career with the Research Laboratories of General Motors Corporation. Worked on development of diesel-electric locomotives for the railroads, high-output fighter aircraft engines built by GM and Rolls Royce, as well as engines for various naval craft, tanks, howitzers, and aircraft turbine engines. Initiated automotive crash injury research program and studies in biomechanics. Developed a measure of tolerance of head to impact injuries; used internationally as the “Gadd Serverity Index”. For his contributions received an award from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Published some forty-six international engineering, scientific, and medical articles in journals and books. Developed a now-widely used device, enabling catheters to enter previously inaccessible locations in the body, in turn, enabling diagnostic work, clearing of blocked heart arteries, introducing cancer killing agents, etc. Awards: U.S. Department of Transportation Community Service Awards, (AYH and the City of Detroit) American Society of Mechanical Engineers Life Fellow Violins and Violas-Tone and Workmanship Research

Jim Shiveley * Class of 60 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate. Georgetown University masters degree in International Relations. Tour of duty in Vietnam war; Completed 69 missions as a 2nd Lieutenant until capture on May 5, 1967. P.O.W. at the “Hanoi Hilton” May 5 1967 until February 19, 1973. Promoted to Captain following release from Hanoi prison Awarded two Silver Stars, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, seven Air Medals, two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star with the “V” design, the Legion and the P.O.W. Medal for his “inspiring courage, undaunted determination and selfless devotion” in the line of duty for his country. Assistant U.S. Attorney and interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington State at present time.

Tom Ventris * Class of 30 Outstanding high school and college athlete in football, track and basketball. Entered Whitworth College in 1930. acquired recognition as the “Most Inspirational Player” by the Pirate football team in 1932 as well as leading scorer in basketball that year. Captain of the football and basketball teams in 1932. Following graduation from Whitworth in 1936 began a high school teaching/ coaching career. In 1941 introduced the “T Formation” to Washington State high school football. West Valley High School track and football coach from 1942-1955. Inland Empire sportswriter and broadcaster 25 year service award in 1972 Inducted into the Whitworth hall of fame in 1993.

Maurice “Mac” McGrath * Class of 50 Served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955. Design Engineer and Management Operations Executive for Hewlett-Packard from 1959 until retirement. Initiated the first Hewlett-Packard division in Washington State at Liberty Lake in 1979 and is now a resident of Spokane and active in community service as Chairman for the Spokane Joint center for Higher Education. Has served as president of Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce; Board of Directors of Spokane Economic Development Council; Momentum Strategy Committee and Vice President of Spokane County United Way. Also State Board Chairman for the Spokane Joint Center for Higher Education; and a founding member as well as president of Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute. (SIRTI

Joel Daly * Class of 52 A veteran of more than thirty years in Chicago television journalism, Joel Daly has anchored the 4 pm EYEWITNESS NEWS for ten years. With his late co anchor Fahey Flynn, Daly pioneered the most copied news format in the country. This more humanistic approach to news reporting earned the Flynn-Daly team the first of many Chicago Emmy awards in 1968, only three months after the partnership was formed. Among Daly’s Chicago Emmy awards is a citation for nightly commentary “highlighting the genuine humanity and humor in the day’s happenings,” and, an award for excellence in writing. His commentaries also were honored with the 1974 Human Relations award from the American Jewish Congress, and the 1973 Liberty Bell Award given by the Chicago Bar Association. In 1989, the Chicago Bar Association honored Daly with its first annual Herman Kogan Award for his weekly series, “Law Review.” A certificate of “Meritorious Achievement” was added in 1995. Daly’s broadcasting career began with an Idaho radio station when he was seventeen years old, and includes professional sojourns in the Panama Canal Zone and Cleveland, Ohio. Since joining WLS-TV in 1967, Daly has covered major news events in the Philippines, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, in addition to local and national election coverage. Daly graduated magna cum laude from Yale University in 1956. Daly moved on to law school thirty years later. He graduated in 1988, with honors from I.I.T. Chicago Kent College of Law, where he was a member of the mock trial team that won the national championship. Daly is a member of the Bar, both in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Jennifer James * Class of 60 Earned her Master’s Degree in history and psychology and her Doctorate in cultural anthropology. Was a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington Medical School for twelve years. Is a lecturer, writer and commenter, who is well known around the world for innovative ideas. Is a specialist in areas of cultural change, diversity and marketing intelligence. A published author of “Windows”, “Success is the Quality of Your Journey” and “Thinking in the Future Tense”. Also writes a newspaper column for the Seattle Times and Spokesman Review and has Hosted and been a guest on national radio and TV programs. Has filmed two PBS specials “Thinking in the Future Tense” and “A Workout for the Mind”.

Donald Rapp * Class of 53 An accomplished student, education and author. Education: as a blind student from 1960 until retirement in 1997. 1961 B.A. in education, Eastern Washington College of Education. 1963 Perkins School for the Blind and Boston University Teaching and Training diploma. 1968 Masters in Education, Boston College. 1975 Doctorate in Education, Administration at Boston College. Career History: Teacher at W.E. Fernald State school. Educational coordinator at W.E. Fernald State School. Lecturer, Boston College. Program Development Specialist, Mass. Dept. of Education. Professor at Fitchburg State College, special Ed. Dept. Retired for Fitchburg, Dec. 1997 Publications: 1976-“Trends and Issues in Education for Visually Handicapped and Multiply Handicapped children relating to special education in Massachusetts.” 1977- “The effects of motor training an a sample population of blind, severely and profoundly mentally retarded males.” 1992- with his wife, Audrey (Polhemus W.V. 1950) authored “A New England Survey of the Current Status of Visually Impaired Students in Secondary Mathematics. 1988- with Audrey, also authored “A Teacher’s Guide to the Crammer Abacus & Nemeth Code for Algebra and Geometry.”

Betty Jo Burton Dupin * Class of 38

Graduated in 1938. Graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1942 and received a Master of Music Degree from Northwestern University in 1945. Was an Assistant Professor of Voice at Drake University. Was a professional singer in radio, recital, sacred music, and opera in New York City. Was a professor of music at Central Washington University for eighteen years. Among many honors and awards, received the Distinguished Teacher Award; Central Washington University Alumni Association Certificate of Appreciation for 18 years of service from the state of Washington. Is still active in statewide musical circles as teacher, composer, pianist and singer.

Kim Momb * Class of 74 Mountaineer and Skier. Began climbing career in 1976 in the U.S. and Canada. 1980-1985: Made five expeditions to the Himalayas, successful ascent of Makolu as part of four man party. In 1983 became the first person ever to climb the east face of Mt. Everest. 29,028 feet without the aid of high altitude porters or sherpas for a party of six members to reach the summit; the most successful American expedition to attempt Mt. Everest. Expertise qualified him as a Certified A.P.M.C. Mountain Guide, Helicopter Ski Guide in Canada, Nordic and Alpine Ski Instructor, Back Country Skiing Guide, Rock and Ice Climbing Instructor, Professional Motocross Racer. Died in 1986 as a result of a skiing/avalanche accident.

Gene Rieger * Class of 46 U.S. Marine Corps 1946-48. Washington State College 1948-52. Cougar football team captain. B.A. and M.A. degree: Education. West Valley H.S. teacher/ coach 1952-62. Leavenworth Washington H.S. Principal 1963-65. Freeman Washington, Superintendent 1965-74. Dean of Extension/Continuing Education 1974-93 Washington State Community College, Dist #17. State “B” basketball tournament manager 1975-93. Washington State N.W. Adult Association President and Continuing education Assoc. President.