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. (Payne) Campbell, a member of the Jenkintown High School Class of 1947, devoted her life to education, public service, ministry, and the arts. After careers with the U.S. Marine Corps Supply Activity and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, she pursued higher education later in life, earning three degrees, including a Master’s in Theological Studies, before becoming an ordained Baptist minister. In 1995, Rev. Campbell became the first African American elected to public office in the Borough of Jenkintown, serving on the Jenkintown School District’s Board of School Directors for 20 years. A gifted artist who participated in Jenkintown Arts Festivals, she was remembered for her warmth, generosity, humor, and devotion to her family and community.
Geoffrey Scott Rehnert
Class of 1975
Geoffrey S. Rehnert, a prominent private equity executive and co-founder of Audax Group, has enjoyed a distinguished career in finance and investment. He co-founded Audax in 1999 and serves as Co-Chief Executive Officer of the firm, which manages more than $40 billion in investment capital through its private equity and private debt businesses. Prior to founding Audax, Mr. Rehnert helped launch Bain Capital in 1984, serving as a General Partner and Managing Director and contributing to the firm’s growth. He previously worked at Bain & Company and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company. He also served as Chairman of Artisan Entertainment, overseeing the studio during the release of successful films including The Blair Witch Project. Mr. Rehnert serves on several prominent boards.
Linda Davis Harrar
Class of 1967
Linda Davis Harrar, a member of the Jenkintown High School Class of 1967, has enjoyed a distinguished career in television production and environmental documentary filmmaking. After graduating from Cornell University in 1971, she joined Boston PBS affiliate GBH and later became a staff producer for NOVA. Her work took her to 35 countries and all seven continents, producing documentaries on subjects ranging from the Antarctic ozone hole and biologist Stephen Jay Gould to environmental and global health issues. She originated and served as Senior Producer of PBS’ 10-part Race to Save the Planet series and held leadership roles on World in the Balance and the Emmy Award-winning Rx for Survival. Linda has also served on the board of World Education.
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
Jim Burke, a member of the Jenkintown High School community, was an award-winning chef, teacher, and mentor who made a lasting impact on Philadelphia’s culinary scene. A Student Council President, three-sport team captain, and Scholar/Athlete award recipient, he graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in 1995 with a degree in Economics. After apprenticeships at acclaimed restaurants in Philadelphia and Italy, Jim and his wife, Kristina, opened JAMES in Philadelphia in 2006. The restaurant earned numerous honors, including recognition from Food & Wine, Philadelphia Magazine, and the James Beard Foundation, and Jim competed in the 2010 Bocuse d’Or. He later served as Executive Chef and Culinary Director at several restaurants and taught culinary arts at Drexel.
Read more about the Jenkintown Alumni Hall of Fame recipients on The School District of Jenkintown website.