The Geneseo High School Alumni Association recognized eight graduates Monday, March 9 during its Distinguished Alumni program, celebrating individuals whose careers and contributions reflect the values and legacy of Geneseo schools. The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed by the association, recognizing graduates who have reached the pinnacle of their careers while bringing credit to themselves and the Geneseo school district.
The program is part of the Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame initiative, which aims to recognize notable graduates, inspire current students to pursue excellence in their own careers, and foster pride in the school and community.
This year’s inductees represent a wide range of professional fields—from military leadership and agriculture to business, conservation, and the arts—illustrating the many paths Geneseo graduates have taken to make meaningful contributions.
Susan (Lodge) Backs – Class of 1963
Army Lieutenant Colonel Susan (Lodge) Backs built a distinguished career in military nursing and leadership after graduating from Geneseo High School. Initially hoping to join the U.S. Air Force, she ultimately entered the Army, where she served for 23 years across multiple medical specialties.
Backs served in Vietnam under demanding and unpredictable conditions, including work in a POW hospital early in her deployment. Her career later included roles in female surgery, newborn care, and the operating room. After leaving the Army, she continued serving others through nursing roles in Kansas. Today, the retired lieutenant colonel remains proud of her service and the resilience it required.
Brad Gericke – Class of 1984
Major General (Ret.) Brad Gericke is recognized as a visionary strategic leader whose career spanned decades in senior roles within the U.S. Army and Department of Defense.
Gericke earned a doctorate from Vanderbilt University and graduated from the National War College. He served as the Army’s longest-tenured Senior Strategist and Chief of Plans, where he led development of more than fifteen major joint and Army strategies, including components of the Chairman’s National Military Strategy and the Army Campaign Plan.
In retirement, Gericke continues to mentor future military leaders and contribute to national security policy discussions as a distinguished fellow and advisor.
Tony Vandemore – Class of 1995
Tony Vandemore has built an internationally respected career in waterfowl conservation and outdoor entrepreneurship.
After briefly playing professional baseball and working in the insurance industry, Vandemore co-founded Habitat Flats, a renowned waterfowl hunting and conservation operation managing thousands of acres dedicated to habitat management. Known worldwide among waterfowl enthusiasts, Vandemore emphasizes conservation, stewardship of natural resources, and sustainable outdoor traditions.
Habitat Flats continues to expand, reflecting Vandemore’s commitment to wildlife management and outdoor heritage.
Ramon Wirth – Class of 1953
Ramon Wirth’s legacy in Geneseo is deeply tied to the long-standing success of Wirth Plumbing & Heating, a family business he founded in 1965.
Wirth built the company through a commitment to craftsmanship, customer relationships, and community trust. The business became a Lennox “Premier Dealer” for more than 50 years—one of the longest tenures in Illinois.
Today, Wirth Inc. serves customers across a wide region and remains a family-centered company employing dozens of people while continuing its decades-long presence in downtown Geneseo.
Joshua Anderson – Class of 1998
Master Sergeant (Ret.) Joshua Anderson dedicated 20 years to the United States Army following his graduation from Geneseo High School.
During his service, Anderson worked in both conventional and special operations units, including assignments with the 3rd Infantry Division and the Army’s elite 5th Special Forces Group. He deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Later in his career, Anderson transitioned to leadership development, mentoring ROTC cadets at Florida A&M University. Today he remains active in the Geneseo community while continuing to exemplify service and leadership.
Thomas N. Anderson – Class of 1998
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Thomas N. Anderson also pursued a distinguished military career following his time at Geneseo High School.
A standout student and athlete, Anderson attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 2002 while competing on the Army wrestling team. Over two decades of Army service, he completed combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and served in leadership roles across the globe.
In addition to his military achievements, Anderson has contributed to leadership scholarship and remains involved in local youth activities and community organizations.
Warren Hadley – Class of 1956
Raised on a farm between Geneseo and Cambridge, Warren Hadley devoted much of his life to agriculture and community leadership.
After earning a degree in agriculture from Iowa State University, Hadley returned home to farm hundreds of acres and raise cattle while remaining deeply involved in regional agricultural organizations. His leadership extended to roles with Empire Equipment, the Henry County Beef Association, and other industry groups.
Hadley also served on the Geneseo Board of Education and the Black Hawk College Board, reflecting his strong commitment to education and civic engagement.
Scott Rokis – Class of 1998
Scott Rokis followed an unconventional path from corporate leadership to creative entrepreneurship.
After graduating from the University of Illinois with honors in Management Information Systems, Rokis joined General Electric’s Information Management Leadership Program, working internationally on global initiatives across multiple industries.
At age 35, he left corporate life to pursue photography full-time, spending several years traveling North America while living in a van and documenting endurance athletes and trail runners. Today, his photography inspires outdoor enthusiasts and endurance athletes around the world.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The Distinguished Alumni program serves not only as recognition for past achievements but also as inspiration for current Geneseo students. By highlighting graduates who have excelled in fields ranging from military service to agriculture, entrepreneurship, and the arts, the Hall of Fame reinforces the values of dedication, leadership, and community impact.
School officials noted that the honorees’ careers reflect the broader mission of the Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame: to recognize outstanding graduates, motivate students to pursue excellence, and strengthen pride in Geneseo schools and community.
The eight inductees now join the growing list of Geneseo alumni whose achievements continue to shape industries, communities, and the next generation of leaders.