The Pendill Wall of Excellence serves to honor graduates of MSHS who have distinguished themselves in their professions or chosen career paths, demonstrated a commitment to others through public engagement or community service and demonstrated both time and philanthropic contributions for the betterment of humankind.

Marlene Skowron, who had submitted a nomination for her brother Dan Trudell, explained that Trudell’s prolific career as a musician and his ability to connect with others through his music is what inspired her to submit a nomination for his recognition.

“Sometimes when Dan would come (to visit,) (we’d) end up at the Landmark (Inn) and play piano there or whatever, and people walking by, they’re taking videos, you know? And I’m like, ‘Does Marquette really know what happened to Dan when you left?” Skowron shared with the audience on Thursday. “So, when I did see the Pendill Wall some years back – I came to the high school for some reason – I saw the wall and I thought, ‘I think my brother should be here.’ So, it was a dream of mine. It’s happening today, and he’s well deserving of it.”

Trudell’s career as a jazz musician led him to perform beneath the stage lights of Chicago, playing alongside some of the greatest names known in jazz and touring both nationally and internationally, receiving acclaim for his talent and skill. After spending his childhood playing weddings, church services and NMU hockey games, Trudell left the Upper Peninsula but still comes back to visit when he can, and now plays at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin several times a week.

Dan Trudell, renowned jazz musician and one of the honorees at this year's Pendill Wall of Excellence Induction Ceremony, addresses the audience last Thursday evening. (Journal photo by Abby LaForest)

“My first reaction (to finding out I was nominated) was ‘Okay, I’ve been to school with so many brilliant people. Do I really deserve this?’ That was my first reaction, but then I started thinking ‘You know, the more people I talk to about it, I have done a lot,” Trudell recalled. He says that if he were to provide advice to young students about their careers, he would tell them to follow their hearts and see what happens.

“You have a lot of chances to figure out how to make a living (or) what you should try at least,” said Trudell. “Don’t have regrets that you didn’t try (something,) because if you really want it, you’ll find a way…if you’re doing what you love, it’s not work.”

Dr. DesJardins was unable to attend this year’s ceremony in person, but does plan on attending the one happening next year. He is the Marvin W. Peterson Collegiate Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan after serving time as a policy analyst, professor and administrator at the Universities of Iowa and Minnesota earlier in his career. While completing his graduate work at the University of Minnesota in 1987, Dr. DesJardins served as a policy analyst tasked with studying why the university’s undergraduate graduation rates were so low, which began career-long research into factors that explain student college choices and what determines whether or not they’re successful upon entering college. His most current work includes working on projects in other countries and helping make the research methods used by education researchers more rigorous so educational policymakers have accurate information when making decisions.

Karen Ogle, the Chairwoman for the Pendill Wall Selection Committee and a previous Pendill Wall inductee, also encouraged community members to submit nominations for MSHS alumni who have developed distinguished careers across their lifetime.

“We encourage nominations to the Pendill Wall, if you or anybody you know have met the criteria that the Pendill family has set out – which is to honor alumni who have distinguished themselves in their chosen work throughout (their) lifetime, who have demonstrated service to others and who have given either time or contributions (for) the betterment of mankind,” Ogle encouraged.

More information about nominations for the Pendill Wall of Excellence can be found on the MAPS Education Foundation’s website at mapseducationfoundation.org.

Abby LaForest can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 548. Her email address is