Wall of Honor Members

For eight decades during the 1900s, Milton and Milton College had within its midst one of the most uniquely talented individuals of diverse skill and intellectual curiosity in George Hubert Crandall.

Crandall’s 1991 obituary in the Milton Courier noted “Driven by curiosity and a creative mind he had diverse interest and skills which led him into many pursuits and friendships over his lifetime, which included teacher, athlete, farmer, musician, artist, biologist, physicist, and mathematician.” Crandall was the first full-time coach and athletic director at Milton College; was a veteran of World War I; a civilian instructor in the U.S. Army signal corps during World War II; taught math and physics at Milton College; was part of the University of Wisconsin Physics Department and served on that department’s High Nuclear Energy Staff through age 88.

The remarkable accomplishments of George H. Crandall resulted in his receiving the Pillar of Milton Award in 1953, an annual award given by the college recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the school and community. Crandall is also one of just seven individuals to have been enshrined into both the Milton-Area Athletic Hall of Fame and the Milton College Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 1910 Crandall graduated from Milton High School – located on the site of the current  Milton East Elementary School. Crandall played high school baseball and basketball, edited the school’s Golden Arrow yearbook and performed the lead in the senior play. Following high school, Crandall enrolled at Milton College where he starred on the baseball and basketball teams and performed with the school’s renowned Glee Clubs. He then received an MA from the University of Wisconsin before serving as an artillery officer during World War I.

In 1921, Crandall was hired as the first full-time athletic director and coach at Milton College. He twice held the position, first from 1921 through 1926 and then from 1932 through 1942. Crandall founded the non-student organized football program at Milton College in 1921. Crandall coached football, basketball, baseball and women’s basketball. He also taught full caseloads of math and physics at the college.

During World War II, Crandall served as a civilian instructor in the U.S. Army Signal Corp. Following the war, Crandall joined the faculty in the physics department at the University of Wisconsin and served on the department’s High Nuclear Energy Staff until age 88.

Crandall died in Janesville in 1991 at age 97.

Richard Dabson was the band director at Milton High School, spanning two buildings and more than three decades during a time in which the quality and reputation of the band reached unprecedented heights and destinations.

Dick Dabson, affectionately called “D” by his colleagues and students, for 33 years was a respected force in the school’s music department and headed a band that marched its way across the United States. A 1952 graduate of Janesville High School, Dabson received a bachelor’s degree from Coe College in Iowa. He served two years in the United States Army and taught band at the Fort Bragg, NC, military base school system. In 1957 Dabson became band director

at Milton Union High School in the school’s original building along Madison Avenue.

Dabson’s teachings drew upon his Army background and military-style uniforms and disciplined marching styles became a hallmark of the school’s band over the next three decades.  Dabson also brought to Milton schools an ambitious vision to offer his students expanded learning experiences to heights and places never previously considered. In 1961 the Milton Union High School band marched in the John F. Kennedy inauguration parade in Washington D.C. Subsequent trips became a staple of the school’s band experience and took students to places such as the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX, as well as events in St. Petersburg, Florida and Indianapolis, Indiana -- among many other festivals, events, and locations.

Closer to home, Dabson supervised the music department’s move to a new building with the construction of the current Milton High School along High Street in 1965. Dabson helped showcase the building’s new auditorium by teaming with the school’s choir directors – most notably Margaret Davidson -- to produce some of the school’s most memorable musical productions.

The civically minded Dabson was also involved in local government, serving more than 30 years on various city boards and commissions, including the city council. He served 17 years as Milton’s mayor during two separate tenures.

Ivan FitzRandolph lived a life grounded in faith, defined by intellect, and guided by his commitment to the service of others. A nearly lifelong resident of Milton, he graduated from Milton Union High School in 1939 and enrolled at Milton College shortly after. 

While still a student, he began working as a radio announcer for WCLO in Janesville and WROK in Rockford. In that role, FitzRandolph had the solemn task of being the first to deliver the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor to the citizens of Rock County.

In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with distinction in the Signal Corps as a Cryptographic Technician in Europe during World War II. For his service, he received the American Theater Service Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to Milton College and graduated in 1947 with a major in accounting and a minor in music.

After beginning his career with the Chevrolet Division of General Motors, FitzRandolph accepted a teaching position at Milton College in 1954. This decision marked the beginning of his enduring legacy in education and public service. During his three-decade career at Milton College, he taught economics, business administration, and accounting. He also served in a variety of administrative capacities as needed, including as comptroller, business manager, division chair, and coordinator of computer instruction. 

He served on the Milton Board of Education for 16 years and was a deacon at the Milton Seventh Day Baptist Church. In 1982, he received the prestigious “Pillar of Milton” award in recognition of his unwavering service to education and the community.

A lifelong learner, his passions and pursuits reflected his curious mind and creative spirit. He was an unforgettable singer and performer, avid genealogist, fisherman, bonsai enthusiast, and photographer. 

Ivan FitzRandolph lived each day in service to others. His legacy is one of enduring kindness, a passion for education, and the pursuit of knowledge. He was a steady leader who could always be depended upon to offer wise counsel and model quiet strength. Above all else, he was a man who wanted his actions to be those that his family and his community could be proud of. We can confidently say that he succeeded in every way. 

A proud graduate of Milton Union High School (Class of 1953), Dr. Sally Shadel Hasselbrack is a groundbreaking scientist whose innovations in textile and fire science have revolutionized safety standards in the aerospace industry and beyond. Dr. Hasselbrack earned her BA in home economics from Emmanuel Missionary College, her Master of Science in textiles and clothing from the University of Wisconsin in 1962 and her Ph.D. in Textile Structures from the University

of Minnesota in 1977.

Hasselbrack began her professional life as an educator, but was ultimately recruited by Boeing to spearhead their new textile flammability department in response to the FAAs call for industry- wide improvement in aircraft fire safety. Using her unique expertise in textiles and textile creation, her department pioneered developments in flame-retardant fabrics that have since been integrated across various industries, enhancing safety standards on a global scale.

Dr. Hasselbrack was the first woman to be named a Boeing Senior Technical Fellow in 1996, and she holds a patent for a Low Heat Output composite, which has been instrumental in saving lives during aircraft emergencies by reducing the intensity of fires, allowing passengers crucial time to escape.

Beyond her professional achievements, she has been a passionate advocate for public safety education, collaborating with the Seattle Fire Department to produce awareness films and engaging in volunteer efforts that focus on protecting children and the elderly from fire hazards. Her inventions, rooted in her early love of sewing and honored in her home economics classes at Milton Union High School, demonstrate how the lessons learned in the halls of this high

school can go on to inspire inventions that will change the world for the better. 

Despite her global impact and decades of residence in the state of Washington, Dr. Hasselbrack proudly calls Milton her “hometown,” cherishing her roots in this community for having fostered her initial curiosity and inventiveness. In turn, the community will forever be grateful for Dr. Hasselbrack’s immeasurable positive impact, as a scientist, a researcher, a scholar, and an inspiration to us all.

For 32 years as an educator at Milton High School, Robert Johnson had a positive influence on a generation of students and transformed the school’s agricultural education department, FFA programs and elevated its wrestling teams to state-wide dominance. Johnson’s vision and leadership inspired a culture of community volunteerism and advocacy for youth organizations and education that will continue for generations to come.

From an early age, Johnson became deeply passionate about agriculture and by extension agricultural education. His childhood involvement in 4-H and FFA extended into a lifetime commitment to both organizations on local, state, and national levels. His enthusiasm and energy galvanized the community to support agricultural education programs and opportunities. While serving as advisor to the Milton FFA and FFA Alumni, both organizations earned national recognition, being named the nation’s top affiliate five times.

Locally, with Johnson’s vision, zeal, and ability to rally broad community support, the Milton FFA Alumni took the lead in completing numerous projects, including the construction of a new high school ag building and greenhouse; the 1995 renovation of Carl F. Anderson Athletic Field; and the construction of Schilberg Park.

Johnson is also recognized for his efforts coaching the Milton High School wrestling team. Supporting the team for 21 years, 13 as its head coach, Johnson mentored countless student athletes. Johnson’s varsity squads won 11 consecutive Southern Lakes Conference championships, made seven state WIAA state team appearances and won the state’s Division 1 championship in 2002.

Following his retirement from education in 2012, Johnson devoted more time to his second career, having founded Badger State Auction and Real Estate. As part of an on-going personal commitment to advocate for youth organizations and charitable causes, Badger State has orchestrated countless community fundraisers for worthy causes. These fundraisers have generated tens of millions of dollars for local families in need, youth organizations, youth athletic teams, and local charitable organizations.

In recognition of his innumerable accomplishments, Johnson has been inducted into the Milton Area Athletic Hall of Fame; the Wisconsin FFA Hall of Fame; and the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Johnson has also received the Milton Kiwanis Citizen of the Year Award and the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award.

In thanks for his more than 30 years of service to the state fair, 4-H, FFA, Wisconsin youth and agriculture, then Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker declared August 10, 2016 to be “Bob Johnson Day.”

Scott Mori graduated from Milton Union High School in 1960. As a child and young adult, Mori spent his free time studying, exploring, and interacting with the rich ecosystems surrounding Storrs Lake. Neighbors and classmates recall him taking daily trips to the lake to fish, hunt, and enjoy its natural wonders. Through involvement with the Boy Scouts, and later as president of Milton Union High School’s Conservation club, his lifelong passion for natural history and conservation was solidified.

A diversely talented student, Mori was a standout both in the classroom and in athletics. As a Junior, Mori was selected to represent Milton at Badger Boys State. He also served on the Student Council and was elected president his senior year. Remembered by his classmates as a natural born athlete, he earned his letters in football, basketball, track and field, and wrestling.

After high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he obtained his B.S. in Biology and Conservation. He went on to obtain his M.S. and Ph.D. in Botany at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Most of Mori’s career was spent at The New York Botanical Garden, where he served nearly 40 years before retiring in 2014 as Nathaniel Lord Britton Curator of Botany, and as Curator Emeritus until his passing in 2020.

Over his career Mori collected more than 27,000 plant specimens, described and named 125 plants new to science, and had at least 70 plants new to science named in his honor. He wrote more than 130 scientific papers and dozens of popular articles, authored or edited 18 books, was the major professor for 11 graduate students, and served as an educator or mentor to countless undergraduates, interns, and volunteers.

In 2007, he received the David Fairchild Medal for Plant Exploration from the National Tropical Botanical Garden and the Asa Gray Award from the American Society of Plant Taxonomists. Before that, in 2002, he was awarded the Engler Medal in Silver from the International Association of Plant Taxonomy for the best publication in systematic botany: the two-volume Guide to the Vascular Plants of Central French Guiana.

In part, due to the work of Scott Mori and his collaborators, central French Guiana is now included within a large protected zone that comprises most of the southern part of this territory’s pristine rainforest.

Theresa Rusch has long been viewed as a trailblazer within the School District of Milton, the Milton community, and in broader regional efforts to promote academic equity and excellence.

A graduate of Milton High School (Class of 1974), she was a standout academic and an active participant in student organizations, serving as editor of the yearbook and demonstrating early leadership skills that would define her career. After completing her postsecondary education, she returned to Milton and joined the school district in 1978 at the elementary level. She also served for several years as the District’s Summer School Coordinator, developing PreK–12 programming, scheduling, and districtwide transportation logistics.

As the District transitioned from a junior high to a middle school model, she moved to the middle school, initially as a teacher before advancing through a variety of roles. Her focus on meeting students’ needs beyond the classroom led to her involvement in developing the middle school guidance program, mentoring students, assisting in the creation of the District Alcohol and Drug Abuse (AODA) Prevention Program, acting as District AODA Coordinator, and serving on the Rock County Underage Violators (UAV) Committee.

Rusch later transitioned into administrative leadership with the opening of Northside Intermediate School and was soon after appointed Principal of Milton East Elementary. In her role at East, she worked closely with staff to implement Best Practice programs, including Response to Intervention (RtI) and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). As a skilled writer, she helped secure critical funding to support districtwide pupil services, AODA curriculum, and additional staffing to enhance student supports.

During her final year with the District, she was asked to serve as Interim Superintendent. She approached the role with characteristic calm and professionalism, helping lead the District through a time of transition. Even after stepping away from public education, her heart for service never wavered.

Rusch has continued to give generously of her time and talents—serving on the Milton City Council as both a committee representative and interim Alderperson, a role that grew into more than a decade of civic service from 2013 to 2025. In addition, she has remained deeply active in community organizations, including the Milton Lions Club, the Milton Fund, the CAMDEN Park Playground Board, the Gathering Place Board, and the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Her lasting impact can be seen not only in the schools she led, but also in the countless ways she has invested in the growth, spirit, and well-being of the Milton community.

There are few individuals who have had such a direct, positive impact on the School District of Milton and its surrounding community than Wally and Faye Schilberg. Having achieved personal success through their own Milton-based business, the Schilbergs devoted themselves to giving back to the community which they loved so dearly.

Wally and Faye Schilberg’s philanthropic accomplishments are vast. There are, in fact, few students or community members in Milton today who have not had their lives touched in some way by the generosity of the Schilbergs. Through their financial support of local student and volunteer organizations, to their steadfast dedication to Milton’s youth, they inspired a culture of civic engagement and community pride that continues in Milton to this day.

As dedicated members of Milton’s chapter of the FFA Alumni, the Schilbergs led by example. Known for their “hands on” volunteerism, their dedication inspired others to become actively involved in other community events and youth-oriented projects. 

The many enduring gifts of the Schilbergs to Milton students include the renovation of Carl F. Anderson Athletic Field; the construction of the high school’s agricultural education building and green house; and the development of the 40-acre Schilberg Park. In 1999, Schilberg Park was gifted to the School District of Milton as a turnkey donation for the use of all students and community members residing in the School District of Milton.

Willard “Bill” Shadel was a 1926 graduate of Milton Union High School. Following graduation, he attended Andrews University in Michigan. Shadel was well known for his exceptional talents as a musician. So much so that in 1929, he assumed direction of the Andrews University’s band while still a student. He also worked as an assistant program manager of the school’s radio station where he was responsible for music presentations that included his performing as a soloist on the marimba, saxophone, clarinet and trombone. He graduated from Andrews in 1932 with a degree in journalism and history. 

After earning his master’s degree from the University of Michigan, his professional life started in education when he began teaching political science at Andrews.Two years later, he took a position leading the band, orchestra and choirs at Washington Adventist University in Washington DC. 

His career in journalism began shortly after his arrival in DC, when he became a correspondent for the National Rifle Association in 1936. Within a few years, he became editor of the group's magazine, the American Rifleman. In 1943, while with the Rifleman, he was assigned (or some say assigned himself) as a correspondent in Europe. He was quickly thereafter recruited by legendary reporter Edward R. Murrow to help CBS Radio cover World War II. 

Over the course of his broadcast career, “Bill Shadel” became a household name as he reported on some of the most monumental moments of the mid 20th century.  As a reporter for CBS Radio, he covered the D-day Invasion of Normandy from alongside US Servicemen during the storming of the beaches of France. Shadel and Murrow together were the first reporters onsite following the liberation of the Buchenwald Concentration Camp in Germany on April 12, 1945.  His coverage of the atrocities at Buchenwald and documentation of the survivors’ experiences earned him the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s “Witness to the Truth” Award in 1990.

Following the war, Shadel transitioned to CBS’s television news division working alongside Murrow, Henry K. Smith, and Walter Cronkite.  According to Cronkite “He [Shadel] was one of those who lived the principles of our craft. …Just to be listed on that team was a mark of a particularly successful journalistic practice, and he [Shadel] was certainly one of the very best. He was a very bright reporter and a darn good writer.” 

Shadel was the first host of the CBS Sunday interview show Face the Nation and later went on to anchor ABC’s evening news program. In that role, he was selected to moderate the third Kennedy-Nixon debate prior to the 1960 election.  And in 1962, Shadel broadcasted minute by minute updates to a riveted nation for 12 hours straight as John Glenn made his orbits around the Earth. 

Shadel left the news business in 1963 and returned to education as a professor of communications at the University of Washington until his retirement in 1975.

A proud graduate from the School District of Milton, Doug Welch has devoted his career to preserving and promoting the history, culture, and traditions of the Milton community. 

Following his graduation from Milton High School in 1973, Welch pursued his passion for community journalism and earned his degree in Mass Communications from Mankato State University in 1982. His career brought him back to southern Wisconsin where he was a reporter and regional editor for the Daily Jefferson County Union in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. 

In 1991, Welch became the Managing Editor of The Milton Courier, a position he held through 2012. His steadfast commitment to fair and accurate reporting of local issues earned him, and his reporting team, the respect of the Milton community and beyond.  For his weekly Courier column, “Welch’s Grapevine,” he received the Robert Wright Award from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association for local column writing. 

Following a 30-year career in newspaper journalism, Welch devoted his “retirement” to researching and preserving the unique histories of Milton and Milton’s community members. Serving as the assistant director of the Milton Historical Society and as the president and later curator of the Milton College Preservation Society, Welch’s research produced several works chronicling the histories of Milton’s founding families, the community’s extensive ties to abolitionism and ideals of equality, and Milton’s deep commitment to educational opportunities for all. 

Welch’s dedication as a historical documentarian is rivaled only by his enthusiasm for athletics. An advocate for adult sports participation, Welch played softball and recreational basketball in Milton for most of his adult life, serving as the president of the Milton Softball Association for a dozen years through 2004. In 2010, he revitalized adult baseball in Milton by guiding the Milton Junction Pub Raptors team into the Rock River League. The Raptors brought championship-caliber amateur baseball to Milton, appearing in back-to-back league grand championship series and 10 consecutive league playoff tournaments. In recognition of his efforts, Welch was named Rock River League South Division Manager of the Year in 2012.