Peter J. Detloff, Ph.D. - Class of 1981
Peter Detloff graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences (Phi Beta Kappa). Mr. Detloff earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology from the University of Chicago in 1991. He continued his research training as a post-doctoral associate at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
Mr. Detloff established an independent research laboratory at the University of Alabama Birmingham Medical School in 1993. His work in the laboratory focuses on the cause and cure of the inherited neurological disorder Huntington's Disease. The laboratory has produced several animal models for Huntington's disease that are currently being used in therapeutic trials in laboratories around the world. He has published dozens of journal articles and book chapters, presented his work at national and international meetings, and has served on several national grant review committees. Six students have received their Ph.D. under his mentorship, and all have been actively contributing to science in both industry and academia.
Lawrence A. Venere - Class of 1944
After earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering and a brief career in the aeronautical industry, Lawrence Venere spent the next 35 years as a mechanical engineer designing and developing heavy duty earthmoving construction machinery. Mr. Venere holds several patents relating to inventions in the construction equipment industry and has designed and developed unique suspension systems for military construction machinery still in use today.
A resident of Wood Dale since 1939, he has been an active volunteer in the community and served the City of Wood Dale in various capacities, such as Alderman of Ward One, Chairman of the Planning Commission, Chairman of the Building, Zoning and Development Committee, and past Chairman of the Wood Dale Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. Mr. Venere is currently an active member in the Wood Dale Lions Club; the Knights of Columbus; the Robert D. Clark Post 1205 of the American Legion; and he serves as President of the Elizabeth Park Condominium Association in Wood Dale.