Four Named to Distinguished Alumni Awards

STILLWATER, Minn. -- May 13, 2025 -- Four individuals will be honored for distinction after graduating from Stillwater Area High School as 2025 Distinguished Alumni award winners. They join more than 100 others who have been named Distinguished Alumni since the award was first given in 1987.

2025 Distinguished Alumni:
Jane Dickinson - Class of 1961
Colonel Benjamin M. Gerds - Class of 1996
Kris Schwartz - Class of 1984
Eric Thole - Class of 1984

Recognizing individuals that have placed a high priority on education and service to others, the Distinguished Alumni Award honors those that become role models for this and future generations. To be eligible, alumni must have graduated 10 years prior or more.

Since the award's inception by former Stillwater Area High School principal Dr. Jon Swenson in 1987, a committee selects honorees through a nomination process. Chosen Distinguished Alumni are honored annually at a reception prior to graduation and at the commencement ceremony. 

Celebration of this year's Distinguished Alumni begins with a banquet on Friday, June 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lake Elmo Inn Event Center hosted by the Partnership Plan. Get tickets for the banquet, which takes place prior to the celebration of Distinguished Alumni at SAHS's Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 7.

Jane Dickinson 
Following her graduation from Stillwater in 1961, Dickinson has dedicated her life to education and the arts. For 50 years, she served as an elementary teacher and volunteer in the Stillwater Area Public Schools, instilling a love of learning in generations of students. A lifelong advocate for the arts and literacy, Dickinson was a founding member and President of the St. Croix Friends of the Arts and served on the Stillwater Public Library Board. Dickinson has played a vital role in preserving Stillwater’s history as a student, when she initiated the creation of the Stillwater Historical Homes Tour Guide, featuring her own hand-drawn illustrations. This enduring contribution continues to showcase the beauty of Stillwater’s architectural past.

Colonel Benjamin M. Gerds
Exemplifying a life of service, leadership, and perseverance, Colonel Benjamin M. Gerds has made an impact since his graduation in 1996. Starting his military journey as an enlisted Airman, he has risen through the ranks to become Commander of the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard. Col. Gerds ensures his unit of over 1,000 personnel remains ready to fulfill both state and federal missions, protecting communities at home and supporting vital operations abroad. Over his distinguished career, he has held key roles including Weapons Officer and Squadron Commander, and has deployed multiple times in support of global missions, while his dedication to public service extends beyond the military through meaningful community engagement.

Kris Schwartz
Since her graduation in 1984, Schwartz has made an enduring impact on the St. Croix Valley through her leadership in social services and community support. For over 15 years, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that individuals and families have access to life’s essentials as Client Support Services Manager at Valley Outreach. Schwartz implemented a more comprehensive wrap around client support services program providing food, clothing, housing, and transportation assistance with compassion and dignity to thousands each year. Her collaborative approach has strengthened ties among local nonprofits and service providers, creating a resilient network of care that uplifts the entire region. Schwartz's commitment to equity and empathy continues to transform lives and inspire others.

Eric Thole
A lifetime investing in the Stillwater community—as an athlete, attorney, civic leader, and passionate historian, Thole has been a pillar since graduating with the Class of 1984. A three-sport athlete at Stillwater Area High School, Thole has served as a prosecuting attorney, built a respected private defense practice, and held leadership positions including on the Washington County Bar Association and Stillwater City Council. Thole’s devotion to Stillwater athletics is extraordinary, where he co-founded the Ponies Touchdown Club, preserving and advancing the program’s success as team historian. His impact extends beyond the field through decades coaching and speaking engagements, all reflecting his deep-rooted commitment to strengthening the St. Croix Valley community.

Read more on the 2025 inductees' impressive accomplishments and about past Distinguished Alumni on the alumni webpage. 

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