For Life After 50

The 2019 CSHS-Palmer Alumni Association Hall of Fame Inductees are Norman J. Peterson, Class of 1965 and Beth (Morrison) Klein, Class of 1979. They will be inducted into the HOF at this year’s Homecoming Celebrations on Saturday, Oct. 12 with the annual Alumni Brunch beginning at 9 a.m., followed by the Induction Ceremony in the Palmer H.S. Auditorium at 10 a.m. All CSHS-Palmer Alumni are invited to attend as many events as possible.

Hall of Fame Biographies—by Michelle Elstun ’70, Director

Norman J. Peterson, a 1965 graduate of PHS, also attended Ivywild & Columbia elementary schools, South Jr. High and graduated from the University of Colorado with a doctorate!

He began his career as an Associate Director of the International Student Exchange Program at Georgetown University in the early 1980’s and soon stepped into the Executive Director position for the Liaison Group for International Education Exchange.  Using his expertise and experience Norman founded and directed the Alliance for International Education and Cultural Exchange, a major international education coordinating/policy coalition in DC.

His second career began in 1994 at Montana State University serving as their Vice Provost for International Education, accomplishing over 40 years of professional leadership in the International Education arena. He retired in 2015 and resides in Boise Idaho.

To quote one of his many references “Norm has become a legend in the field of international education, innovating and launching important programs in multiple arenas and insuring that international educational exchange has influence at the highest levels of leadership……His influence has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of professionals and those who’ve themselves been exchange students or scholars all over the world…”

Norm has been a prominent leader in international education associations – (National Association of Foreign Student Advisers); leadership roles – Association of Public Land-grant Universities and his work toward higher education cooperation in development.

His nomination was submitted by his niece Angie Fountain, daughter of the late Barry (1955) and LeEtte Peterson (1957) Farris, both CSHS graduates and Charter members of the Alumni Association.  Barry was also a past president of the Alumni Association.

Beth (Morrison) Klein graduated PHS in 1979, celebrating the 100th class to do so.  Upon graduation she began working with child abuse situations as a para-professional for the El Paso County District Attorney’s Office, bringing to the public forefront needed legislation and updated education about signs of child abuse.  She earned a First Class Honor as a Rotary Scholar from the University College in Ireland, continued on to receive her BA from Truman University in MO, and in 1987 received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Denver.

Awards are many, but those that set her apart include being a top 500 Plaintiff Lawyer in the US for 2007 Lawdragon; a top 25 women lawyer and top 100 lawyer in Colorado; continuing to reign as a Colorado Superlawyer from 2006 – present.  Most impressive among all her recognitions, Beth is celebrated as a Women Who Changed the Heart of the City of Denver and from More Magazine – has been included in the 50 Women in the World You Want on Your Side.

She has trained nearly 1000 lawyers in the trial and advocacy arena as well as those who serve abused and neglected children in Colorado and California.  She founded Children’s Angels with her husband to battle child abuse.  By creating The Klein Frank Foundation, it has made it possible to successfully combat exploitation and slavery.

Beth’s remarkable ability to train, educate, defend and prosecute extremely sensitive, intense and problematic topics proves her value as an inductee into the CSHS-Palmer Hall of Fame – where her passion for change began.

 

Hall Of Fame Schedule:

Wednesday – Oct. 9^th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm ~ Broken Circle Ceremony & Powderpuff Game

at Gary Barry Stadium – Soccer Field

Friday – Oct.11^th,  6:00 pm – Model T – Inductee Caravan to Garry Berry Stadium, leave from Palmer Auxiliary Gym parking lot

7:00 pm – Homecoming Football Game

Saturday – Oct. 12^th, 9:45 am – Breakfast Meeting – Complimentary for Alumni,  Palmer HS Eagle Wing, 10:45 am HOF Induction Ceremony, Palmer HS Auditorium, Followed by HOF Portrait Unveiling, 1^st Floor Hallway and HOF Bell Ringing Ceremony, Palmer HS courtyard, 1:00 PHS Tour, 5:30 pm Alumni Get Together with HOF Inductees at Fargo’s Pizza (no host).