Mamie L. Williams (‘11)

2009 Hall of Fame Inductee

Educator.

One of three African-American graduates out of a class of 92 at T.H.S., the school annual noted about her: “description – small; occupation – studying; favorite expression – ‘do tell.’ ” She went on to Washburn winning honors in math and German. After college she began teaching in Topeka black schools Buchanan, Monroe, and Washington; principal at the latter. Linda Brown Smith remembered her as “a brilliant woman. A staunch, old – time teacher who really made you apply yourself. She explained a subject well and then stuck with you until she made sure you understood it thoroughly.” Miss Williams earned a Master’s degree from the University of Kansas and wrote four books on black history in Topeka schools; she passed away in 1986 at age 92. The Williams Science and Fine Arts Magnet School in Topeka was named in her memory. Photo courtesy of Kansas Historical Society

Nancy Jasperson Perry (‘59)

2009 Hall of Fame Inductee

Social Service Executive.

All-American; At T.H.S. her list of activities is very long: Homecoming queen; Head A-team cheerleader; Madrigals; play lead (Liza Doolittle) in “Pygmalion”; etc. After graduating from KU, she taught at Avondale East School but is best remembered as “Miss Nancy” on a local TV station’s children’s show “Romper Room” (1967-71). Mrs. Perry subsequently hosted noon time programs for WIBW-TV and was its public information director. In 1984 she was appointed President and CEO of the United Way of Topeka which she served until 2008. She also serves on various community boards including Stormont-Vail Hospital and Capitol Federal Foundation and is a past senior warden for Grace Cathedral. Nancy Jasperson married high school sweetheart Ken Perry; they have two children and four grandchildren.

Gerald W. Hart (‘67)

2009 Hall of Fame Inductee

Scientist. Biology and Chemistry.

“Jerry” Hart’s T.H.S. resume noted participation in sophomore year representative council and serving as a proctor; his scientific resume lists 228 publications in books and journals in the area of Glycobiology. He obtained his B.S. in biology and chemistry from Washburn and his doctorate in developmental biology from Kansas State University. Currently Dr. Hart is the DeLamar Professor and Director of Biological Chemistry at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His department “discovered a new type of protein modification…” or new form of protein glycosylation. This study has implications for research in diabetes, Alzheimers and cancer. He has lectured across the United States, in Britain and Europe. Dr. Hart has earned numerous awards including the 2006 Karl Meyer Award and currently is the President of the International Glycoonjugate Organization (IGO).

Mark L. Morris (1952)

2008 Hall of Fame Inductee

Veterinarian and animal researcher and nutritionist. (dec.)

Lutie Lytle

2007 Hall of Fame Inductee

Attorney

A late 19th century T.H.S. student, Miss Lytle was one of the first black women lawyers in the United States. (dec.)

Glenn V. Elmore (1934)

2007 Hall of Fame Inductee

Engineer – scientist

Mr. Elmore invented a fuel cell which was a vital component in the space program and Apollo lunar missions. (dec.)

Robert Ebendorf (1957)

2007 Hall of Fame Inductee

Artist

A college educator, Mr. Ebendorf specializes in jewelry whose works are found in many prestigious galleries.