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1947
Donald Ambler began studying and playing the clarinet at Washington Elementary School. After high school graduation, he was accepted at Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois, a major step to achieving his dream: to become a member of a symphony orchestra. While at Vandercook, he played in the first clarinet section of the band for five years. He also performed with the Chicago Civic Orchestra, a training school for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the championship CYO Band of Chicago.
In addition to his studies, Ambler taught private lessons at several elementary and high schools in the Chicago area and continued that teaching for two years (1953-1955) after graduating. The pursuit of his dream took him to New York City, where he delivered groceries and worked as a doorman on Park Avenue to finance his way. While in New York City, Ambler formed a chamber orchestra that included the best young performers in the city. He helped organize, acted as a personnel manager for, and performed in the New York Orchestral Society from 1960-1962.
In April 1962, Ambler's dream was fulfilled when Maestro Saul Caston appointed him bass clarinetist with the Denver Symphony Orchestra. He played with the orchestra, now known as the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, for 30 years. During that time and seven years since leaving the orchestra, he has taught clarinet and bass clarinet lessons to students of all ages, some of whom have gone on to perform in such organizations as the U. S. Marine Band, the Boston Symphony, and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Ambler's current activities in music include playing bass clarinet with the Central City Opera and the Colorado Ballet Company, judging student music competitions, giving master classes, and making personal appearances in concerts with numerous bands and orchestras.
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1967
After graduation from Purdue University in 1971 as an electrical engineer, Doug Mansfield joined Kirby Risk Corporation as the Service Manager for the Electric Motor Repair Division, which consisted of one branch in Lafayette with six employees. In 1982 he became Division Manager, overseeing the Electric Motor Division and the newly created Wiring Harness Division. He was promoted to the position of Director in 1987. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was promoted to Vice President of Manufacturing for Kirby Risk Corporation and Executive Vice President of Kirby Risk Service Center in 1997. Currently Mansfield is responsible for seven plants with over 400 employees and is an officer of the Kirby Risk Corporation.
Mansfield is an active community member. He has been a member of the Board of Directory for Greater Lafayette Progress and the YMCA. He was Industry Chairman of the United Way campaign in 1995, and in 1997 he was chairman of the United Way Campaign which raised close to four million dollars for charity. He also chaired the TAP (Technical Assistance Program) Council for the Engineering School at Purdue University. Currently, he is a member of the President's Council at Purdue, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and the Indiana State Chamber of Commerce.
Mansfield has done many things for Lafayette Jefferson High School. He has been President of the Golden Broncho Club, a member of the Board of Directors of the Booster Club, and a member of the Community Advisory Council. In addition, he has been a member of the School-to-Work Committee, working closely with the high school. He also taught Applied Economics through Junior Achievement at the high school for many years.
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1936
After graduation from Jefferson High School, Henry Rosenthal entered Purdue University to study electrical engineering, the course of study which at that time would lead him to the realization of his childhood dream: to become a radio broadcaster. However, one year later, Rosenthal had to leave college to take over the family's clothing store business after his father suffered a stroke. In October 1942, he was drafted into the infantry and sent to Europe, where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. While in the service, he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and received the Purple Heart and three battle stars. In January 1946, Rosenthal returned to the clothing business, but he hadn't given up his dream of becoming a radio broadcaster. He left retailing for a broadcasting career as a TV time salesman with WFAM-TV in 1955. Two years later, Rosenthal and three business partners purchased WFAM, Inc., and Rosenthal was named General Manager of television station WFAM and radio station WASK. The corporate name was changed to Lafayette Broadcasting, Inc. In 1959, he became the sole owner of Lafayette Broadcasting, Inc. In 1961, he sold WFAM-TV and put WASK-FM on the air. His childhood dream had been achieved. From 1961-1983, he was the play-by-play announcer for all Purdue football and basketball broadcasts. Rosenthal remained General Manager of Lafayette Broadcasting until he sold the AM and FM stations in 1983. Currently he is a business consultant in the areas of sales and promotions.
Over the years, Rosenthal has been involved in a variety of community groups and activities. He has served as a board member for the Lafayette School Corporation, Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Home Hospital and Indiana Broadcasters Association.
Since 1996 he has provided yearly radio broadcasts of Senior PGA Tour events in Indianapolis and Naples, Florida. Currently he is the Promotions Director for Coyote Crossing Golf Course.
1940
Charles G. Ross has truly distinguished himself in times of war and peace. In recognition for his distinguished service during three wars, Charles G. Ross was inducted into the United States Army Ranger Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Georgia, in June 1997. During World War II Charles was promoted from private in a rifle company to platoon sergeant to rifle company commander. In 1944 he was wounded in action during the Bougainville Campaign, and in 1945 he participated in the invasion of Leyte Island where he was wounded a second time. During the Korean War, he served three tours and commanded four different companies in combat; the Eighth Army Ranger Company, the First Airborne Ranger Company, the Second Division Reconnaissance Company, and Company "A" in the 31st Infantry Regiment. During the Vietnam War, Charles served two combat tours, twelve months of which were spent with Special Forces (i.e. Green Beret). Charles was awarded the Triple Combat Infantry Badge for infantry combat in all three wars. Among the numerous awards he has received are the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), and the Purple Heart. He retired from the military after thirty years of service to his country.
Although Ross attended Purdue and Indiana Universities after graduating, World War II interrupted his education. However, in 1964, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland. He continued his studies, earning a Masters of Education from Western Maryland College in 1969, and an MBA from the University of Georgia in 1975.
In addition to his outstanding military achievements, Charles has also been honored for his active role in the community. In 1997 he was presented with both the Distinguished Public Service Award by the Kiwanis Club of Rockdale County, Georgia, and the Humanitarian Award for "distinguished and unselfish service to the community" by the Rockdale County Board of Realtors.
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1958
Tom Rush graduated from Indiana University in 1962 and obtained his M.B.A. from Indiana in 1963.
He began his career with Cummins Engine in 1963, and in 1967 he joined National Homes. In 1973, starting from scratch, he founded Jonathan Homes which became one of Indiana's largest home builders. In 1986, he sold Jonathan Homes to a Florida bank but continued as President. In 1991, he formed Trinity Homes and served as President until 1997, when he sold his stock in a leveraged buy out arrangement with Crossman Communities.
In 1996 he received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
In 1998 he formed a partnership that currently owns several golf courses in the Indianapolis area. Currently, he serves as managing partner of Rush Investments, which involves investing in various entrepreneurial activities.
He serves as chairman of the Indianapolis Colts Advisory Council and is on the Board of Union Planters Bank, Artistic Media Partners and Junior Achievement. He is a member of St. Luke's Church, Rotary Club, Children's Museum, and St. Mary's Child Care.