Hall of Fame
The Jenkintown Alumni Hall of Fame honors graduates who have achieved significant distinction in their professional fields and made meaningful contributions to society. Spanning decades of school history, these inductees represent excellence in the arts, sciences, public service, and beyond. Their diverse paths demonstrate the versatile foundation provided by a Jenkintown education and serve as a lasting inspiration for the students of today.
RADM Carl J. Seiberlich, USN
Class of 1938
Rear Admiral Carl J. Seiberlich, a member of the Jenkintown High School Class of 1938, enjoyed distinguished careers in both the merchant marine and the U.S. Navy. He became the first graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy to attain flag rank and served in the Pacific during World War II before becoming a naval aviator, flight instructor, and test pilot. Admiral Seiberlich later commanded Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 26, the USS SALAMONIE, the aircraft carrier USS HORNET, and Task Force 74 during the Vietnam War. As commander of the USS HORNET, he directed the recovery of the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 astronauts. His distinguished service earned him six Legion of Merit awards, the Air Medal, and the Harmon International Trophy.
Rev. Betty G. Campbell
Class of 1947
Rev. Betty G. Campbell, a member of the Jenkintown High School Class of 1947, was a pioneering community leader, educator, artist, and Baptist minister. After graduating from Jenkintown School District, she built a career with the United States Marine Corps Supply Activity and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School before earning degrees from Arcadia University and Palmer Theological Seminary. Ordained as a Baptist minister, she also became the first African American elected to public office in the Borough of Jenkintown, serving on the Jenkintown School District Board of School Directors for 20 years from 1995 to 2015. A gifted artist and dedicated public servant, Rev. Campbell inspired generations through her leadership, faith, service, and lasting commitment to the Jenkintown community.
Geoffrey Scott Rehnert
Class of 1975
Geoffrey Scott Rehnert, a member of the Jenkintown High School Class of 1975, is the Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Audax Group, a leading middle-market private equity and private debt investment firm managing more than $40 billion in assets. Before co-founding Audax in 1999, he helped build Bain Capital as a Managing Director and General Partner and also worked at Bain & Company and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company (now JPMorgan Chase & Co.). Mr. Rehnert previously served as Chairman of Artisan Entertainment, overseeing the release of successful films including The Blair Witch Project and Van Wilder. A graduate of Duke University and Stanford Law School, he also serves on the boards of the American Enterprise Institute, the Hoover Institution, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Miles for Military.
Linda Davis Harrar
Class of 1967
Linda Davis Harrar, a member of the Jenkintown High School Class of 1967, is an award-winning documentary producer whose career has focused on science, global health, and environmental storytelling. After graduating from Cornell University, she joined GBH Boston and became a producer for the acclaimed PBS series NOVA, filming in 35 countries across all seven continents. Her notable productions include documentaries on the Antarctic ozone hole, Race to Save the Planet, Rx for Survival: A Global Health Challenge, and WildWays: Corridors of Life. Throughout her career, she collaborated with renowned narrators including Meryl Streep, Gregory Peck, and Brad Pitt. She has also served in leadership roles with the President’s Council of Cornell Women, the Filmmakers Collaborative, and World Education, advancing education and global development initiatives.
Rodney Nordland
Class of 1968
Rodney “Rod” Nordland, a member of the Jenkintown High School Class of 1968, is an award-winning foreign correspondent and author who has reported from more than 150 countries and covered major conflicts around the world. During a distinguished journalism career, he served as chief foreign correspondent for Newsweek and reported for The Philadelphia Inquirer from Asia, the Middle East, and Central America. A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, he has also received two George Polk Awards, multiple Overseas Press Club honors, and the 2013 Heywood Broun Award. Mr. Nordland is the author of The Lovers: Afghanistan’s Romeo & Juliet and the memoir Waiting for the Monsoon, which chronicles his career as a war correspondent and his journey living with glioblastoma.
James Daniel Burke
Class of 1991
James Daniel “Jim” Burke, a member of the Jenkintown High School Class of 1991, was an award-winning chef, educator, and mentor whose culinary career earned national recognition. A standout student-athlete and Student Council President at Jenkintown High School, he graduated from Franklin & Marshall College before training in acclaimed Philadelphia and Michelin-starred Italian restaurants. In 2006, Jim and his wife, Kristina, opened JAMES in Philadelphia, where he received numerous honors, including Food & Wine‘s “Best New Chefs” award and multiple James Beard Award semifinalist nominations. He later served as Executive Chef at leading restaurants, taught in Drexel University’s Culinary Arts program, and became Culinary Director for Method Co. His legacy also includes raising more than $105,000 for lung cancer research through the LUNGevity Foundation.
Read more about the Jenkintown Alumni Hall of Fame recipients here: Jenkintown Alumni Hall of Fame