Top, L-R, Samuel Alexander, Hugh Zettel Bottom, L-R, Thomas Berns, Patricia Vickman. (Photos courtesy of Southern Door School District)
BRUSSELS, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Southern Door County School District is honoring former students for their contributions to their professions and communities.
The Southern Door Alumni Association announced four distinguished individuals who will be inducted into the Southern Door Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
These honorees have been selected for serving as inspiring role models for current and future students.
The Alumni Hall of Fame ceremony will be held on Sept. 26 during the school day, with a follow-up recognition announcement at the football game that night.
- Samuel Alexander, Class of 1976 – Military and Government Service
Southern Door graduate Samuel Alexander is being inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame for his distinguished career in military and government service. After graduating, he went on to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Secret Service, and the United States Attorney’s Office. His work included protective, investigative, and intelligence assignments, where he held a Top Secret security clearance for 34 years. In response to the September 11, 2001, attacks, he became an Intelligence Specialist to combat terrorism, ensuring information sharing among local, state, and federal law enforcement officials to better protect citizens.
- Dr. Thomas F. Berns, Class of 1968 – Healthcare Radiology
Dr. Thomas F. Berns, a distinguished radiologist, is being inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to healthcare. A Southern Door valedictorian, he was named one of Milwaukee’s “Top Doctors” in Milwaukee Magazine. Dr. Berns served as President of the Wisconsin Radiological Society, and was elected as a Fellow to both the American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America. His professional career included serving as Chief of Radiology Resident at the Medical College of Wisconsin and establishing an MRI Screening program to detect cancer at Columbia St. Mary’s.
- Hugh Zettel, Class of 1976 – Healthcare Diagnostic Imaging
Hugh Zettel is being inducted into the Southern Door Alumni Hall of Fame for his significant impact in healthcare and diagnostic imaging. During his 36-year career with GE Healthcare, he was instrumental in developing the world’s first high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. He was also granted eleven patents in the U.S. and internationally for innovations in radiology imaging, remote service management, and computer-assisted surgery. Additionally, he served on Governor Doyle’s eHealth Quality and Patient Safety Board and is currently a Door County Supervisor.
- Patricia Vickman, Class of 1972 – Educational Leadership
A distinguished alumna and valedictorian, Patricia Vickman is being inducted for her lifelong commitment to education. After beginning her career as a teacher, she served in high-level administrative roles in the Oshkosh Area School District before returning to lead the Southern Door County School District as Superintendent. Vickman is also a leader in her community, serving as Chairperson for the Door County Medical Center and Door County Big Brothers and Big Sisters. She received numerous accolades, including the Volunteer of the Year and School Administrator of the Year awards, and is the founder of the Southern Door Alumni Hall of Fame.
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