The North Platte Public School Foundation, in conjunction with the North Platte High School, has announced the winners of the 2016 NPHS Distinguished Alumni Award.
A committee of Foundation Directors, NPHS Administrators and NPHS Alumni and community members began the selection process in November, although the committee takes nominations year round. Three outstanding alumni of NPHS will be honored in North Platte on Friday, April 8th, at Harbor Lights as part of the Foundation’s Education After Hours event.
The 2016 NPHS Distinguished Alumni are:
Tyler Tysdal (Class of 1989), Outstanding Accomplishments in Business:
Tyler Tysdal was nominated by Matt Martin. Tyler is a 1989 graduate of NPHS and went on to attend Georgetown University where he received his Business Administration in Finance degree and was also the President of Georgetown University Student Body. He then attended Harvard Business School where he received his MBA, (Master of Business Administration). Tyler received Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award in 2009. Tyler is also an active member of the Greater Denver Business Community and is instrumental in helping Denver grow their chapters of Entrepreneurs Organization and the Young Presidents Organization. Since graduation Mr. Tysdal has grown to not only become a very successful entrepreneur, but to help people fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams as well; he is also a very successful financial advisor and leader in Denver.
Robert McFarland (Class of 1968), Outstanding Accomplishments in Education:
The late Dan McGuire started the nomination process with the help of his wife, Tia completing his quest to nominate Robert McFarland. McFarland graduated NPHS in 1968, also the year that he was won the Nebraska Gold Medal Champion sprinter for the 220 yard dash. He still holds records for the NPHS in the 100 yard dash and the 220 yard dash (now the 200 meter dash) and was also inducted into the NPHS Track Hall of Fame. Robert attended the University of Nebraska and played on the Nebraska football team which won the National Championship in 1970. Robert earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree from UNL and then went on to receive his Masters of Education. After college Robert has taught, coached, has been an Associate Principal and still substitutes. He was a successful business owner; operating McFarland Greenhouses for 35 years. Robert served on and held esteemed positions in his church and community boards and continue to giving back to our community and schools. Mr. McFarland has become a highly respected and revered individual in the North Platte community.
Dr. Ivan McMurtry (Class of 1961), Outstanding Accomplishments in Medicine:
Jim and Mary States, along with their family, nominated Ivan McMurtry. Ivan graduated in 1961 and then went on to attend the University of Wyoming to earn his Bachelor of Science in Zoology, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln to receive his Master of Science in the area of Physiology and then onto Colorado State University where he earned his PhD in Physiology. Ivan has held many notable positions and honors from college on, including Research Assistant, Research Associate, Assistant Professor, Professor, faculty Affiliate, Director of Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research, National Research Service Award and is currently the Professor for the Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine and Center for Lung Biology, USA College of Medicine. Dr. McMurtry has made a significant impact with his medical accomplishments, especially in the area of pulmonary vascular disease, where he is credited for the development of two therapies widely used today on patients with pulmonary hypertension.
The Foundation will be honoring their 2016 Distinguished Alumni and their 2015-16 Teachers of the Year, Administrator of the Year and Staff Member of the Year. “Education after Hours” is an evening to celebrate public education in North Platte.