Bremen High School Honors 2016-2017 BHS Hall of Fame Inductees

Congratulations to the 2016-2017 Bremen High School Alumni Hall of Fame inductees, Paul H. Patterson (1961), Mary Louise Pisone (1962), and Joe Nowak (2000). Bremen High School honored all three inductees at their annual homecoming pep assembly Friday, September 9, 2016.

Paul H. Patterson (Class of 1961) was recognized posthumously. He has been a role model since his young days as a student walking the halls at BHS. During his Bremen career, he excelled in the classroom, as well as earning varsity letters in track and field and leading cross country to an undefeated dual meet his senior year. After Bremen, Patterson continued his education earning a PhD working on prokaryotic membrane biology. While studying for his Master’s degree at Harvard University, he was promoted to Assistant Professor of Neuroscience. In 1983, Patterson joined the faculty at the California Institute of Technology. He continued his research of the peripheral nervous system that led to medical breakthroughs in battling some of the world’s top diseases. During this time, Patterson published writings which include: “The Origins of Schizophrenia” and “Infectious Behavior: Brain Immune Connections in Autism, Schizophrenia and Depression.”

In 2013, Patterson was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This only made him more dedicated to his work. He served as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science as well as participated on the scientific advisory board of the Hereditary Disease Foundation. Patterson was a recipient of many honors and awards. Throughout Patterson’s career he was always dedicated and committed to training students who would eventually follow in his footsteps. Paul Patterson is survived by his wife Carolyn and his son Paul. His legacy and work will move on through many people and his findings will not be forgotten; because of this Bremen High School honored Dr. Patterson as a 2016-2017 Hall of Fame Inductee.

Mary Lou (Daley) Pisone (Class of 1962) is the second Hall of Fame Inductee for 2016-2017. During her time at BHS Pisone was on the Echo Staff, Girls Club and the GAA devoting her time to the Bremen community. Pisone then continued her career at Northern Illinois University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. Pisone began her career as an elementary teacher focusing on early childhood development. Like many women, she left her full-time profession to focus on raising her family, but this did not stop Pisone from doing great things. She felt this was a great time to be an active participant in her community. Pisone said, “If you are going to live in a community, you must be an active part of that community,” and so she did!

Pisone began working in the insurance industry through Northwestern Mutual Financial Network recruiting and training new financial representatives using her skills as a teacher and motivator. It was there she increased production targets and consistently qualified for top insurance awards. Over the span of her time at home, she significantly influence the lives of many. Pisone served on the Department of Defense Grant Review Team, The Roman Catholic Archdiocese, Commissioner of the City of Countryside Fire and Police and was Vice-President of the National Association of Career Women providing opportunities for career development and a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences. She also volunteered for the LaGrange, IL Community Nurse and Service Association.

In 2001, she was faced with the challenge of her husband’s diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). When he passed in 2001, she did what she does best and volunteered her efforts for the greater cause of finding a cure for the disease. Pisone raised $100,000 for ALS research with her fundraiser, "The Rich Pisone Rock Around the Clock for ALS." Mary Lou continues to be a staple in the community by devoting her time and effort to the Class of 1962 Reunion Committee and being an example of what a Bremen education can do for a student. Congratulations Mary Lou Pisone on becoming a BHS Hall of Fame Inductee!

Joe Nowak (Class of 2000) was also being inducted to the BHS Hall of Fame this year. During his time at BHS, he was on the baseball, golf and basketball teams. He continued his education at the University of Illinois and currently works as a Manager of Field Implantation for Trumpf Medical.

Over the years, Nowak has devoted his time to helping other Bremen students. He is an active member of the Alumni Golf Committee and every year executes a golf outing fundraiser to assist students’ lives by raising proceeds towards student scholarships. He is also part of the interview and selection process of the recipients. Nowak has helped raise more than $40,000 that has been distributed through 16 scholarships for Bremen High School graduates. Nowak’s continued drive to volunteer and determination to help Bremen graduates be successful is what makes him a great addition to the Bremen High School Hall of Fame!

Pictured are BHS Principal Dave Kibelkis, Joe Nowak, Mary Lou Pisone, and Superintendent Bill Kendall.

Dr. Dave Kibelkis and the entire Bremen Community are proud to call these three inductees "Braves." Dr. Kibelkis thanks them for their services to Bremen and the community as a whole. To learn more about the Bremen High School Hall of Fame or the individuals and their accomplishments please contact Principal Dave Kibelkis at 708-371-3600 or dkibelkis@BHSD228.com.