“Dukes of Distinction” Returns to York
Celebrating York alumni whose impact reaches far beyond Elmhurst
A York Community High School tradition is back.
This fall, York is recognizing 10 graduates as Dukes of Distinction, bringing together the 2025 and 2026 classes and reviving the York Distinguished Alumni Program for the first time since 2021.
The return has been led by the York Community High School Alumni Association, an independent, volunteer-led organization dedicated to connecting alumni, supporting current students and preserving York’s history and traditions.
According to Secretary Lisa Fanelli ‘79, the association is free to join and has more than 8,000 members, with nearly 2,000 active on social media. Its work ranges from purchasing gift cards for York’s Duke the Halls program and providing financial support for students attending conferences to hosting alumni mixers, assisting with reunions and producing a monthly alumni newsletter.
For Fanelli, the connection among York graduates is what keeps the organization going.
“There is a special connection that exists from the shared experience of having been a York Duke,” Fanelli said. “It is satisfying to provide networking opportunities for alumni, and witness the joy that comes from bringing them together.”
Established more than a decade ago in collaboration with District 205, the York Distinguished Alumni Program recognizes graduates for significant accomplishments or service, contributions to society, and their embodiment of York traditions, including teamwork and selflessness.
After a multi-year hiatus, the Alumni Association took a leadership role in reviving both the program and its nomination process. This year’s recognition brought together two classes of honorees: four selected for 2025 and six for 2026.
The program also provides an opportunity for honorees to meet with current York students, share their career journeys and answer questions. Fanelli believes those interactions can be especially meaningful during a formative time in students’ lives.
“Exposing students to successful adults (not all may have been top students) that once walked the halls of York and sat in those classrooms may help to motivate and inspire them and to feel positive about their futures,” Fanelli said. “These special alumni also convey valuable lessons about the ups and downs of life’s journey and an important message about following your passions and dreams.”
2025 DUKES OF DISTINCTION
Julia Schmitt Healy ‘65
Artist and Educator
Healy’s work is represented in permanent collections including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Her career includes more than 20 solo exhibitions, 120 group exhibitions, and decades as an art educator.
Roberta Larson Duyff ‘66
Nutritionist and Author
A nationally recognized food and nutrition author, consultant, and educator, Duyff has authored or co-authored 20 books. Her work has also included nutrition education initiatives connected with Head Start, the U.S. Department of Education, and USDA programs.
Robert C. “Robb” Knuepfer Jr. ‘70
Attorney and Pastor
A former federal prosecutor and senior partner at Baker McKenzie, Knuepfer’s career has spanned international law, business, and higher education. He has taught at Northwestern University and currently serves as a pastor at Union Church of Hinsdale.
Désirée Baron, Ph.D. ‘82
Foreign Service Officer and Violinist
Baron’s diplomatic career spanned more than 25 years and included assignments in Europe, the Middle East and the United States. A former York concertmaster, she continued performing as a violinist throughout her diplomatic career.
2026 DUKES OF DISTINCTION
Bruce Karr ‘55
Paralympian
After polio left him paralyzed from the waist down, Karr became a pioneering adaptive athlete. He competed in four Paralympic Games, won 12 gold medals, and later founded the National Wheelchair Sports Fund. In 2026, he was posthumously inducted into the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Hall of Champions.
Carl Landwehr, Ph.D. ‘64
Computer Scientist and Cybersecurity Specialist
Landwehr’s career included 23 years at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and development of the National Science Foundation’s first Trusted Computing research program. He was among the first 11 inductees into the National Cybersecurity Hall of Fame.
Bonnie Grabenhofer ‘67
Women’s Rights Advocate and Consultant
Grabenhofer combined a career in instructional design and consulting with decades of advocacy for women’s rights. She served as Illinois NOW president from 2003 to 2009 and National NOW vice president from 2009 to 2017.
Jenny Cloud Riddle ‘82
Actress, Storyteller and Communication Coach
A former York English teacher, Riddle founded a storytelling business before expanding her work into communication and leadership training. She and her husband, Bill, also co-founded LIFT, an intergenerational community learning center in Elmhurst.
Tefft Smith II ‘94
Visualization, VFX and Animation Supervisor
Smith has spent more than 25 years in visual effects, animation and cinematic visualization, with a career spanning more than 120 film and television productions. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and has also taught and mentored future visual effects professionals.
Dr. Jenna Weglarz-Ward ‘96
Educator and Early Childhood Specialist
An associate professor of early childhood and special education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Weglarz-Ward specializes in education and inclusion for young children with disabilities and their families. She has secured more than $4 million in external funding for related projects.
Together, the 10 honorees span more than four decades of York graduating classes and an unusually wide range of careers and contributions. With Dukes of Distinction officially back, the Alumni Association is already looking toward the next class.
