2011 Distinguished Inductees

Larry Connor '68

After graduating from Alter in 1968, Larry Connor went on to Ohio University, where he graduated Suma Cum Laude with a degree in English. He was an Honors College student, a member of the J Club, which honored the top 22 students in his class, president of his fraternity and treasurer of the student government.

In 1991, he started The Connor Group with two business partners, which has now grown to $1.4 billion in assets. The Connor Group owns and operates more than 16,000 apartment units in six markets around the country. As a result of this success, Larry began The Connor Group Foundation, which benefits children in markets in which the company operates and involves the company’s associates. In 2010, Larry flew more than 900 pounds of donated medical supplies to earthquake-ravaged Haiti. The project helped more than 2,000 children.

Flying is one of Larry’s varied interests. He competed in the national 2011 Aerobatic Championships – a competition for the country’s best stunt plane pilots, is a two-time sports car racing national champion and mountain climber who has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Rainier. Larry also has whitewater rafted in South America and Africa, and was on the first-ever descent of the Dangme Chhu River in the Himalayas.

Dr. Dan Berger '70

Dr. Berger attended the University of Kentucky after graduating from Alter High School. With a degree in pre-med, he then attended the University of Cincinnati Medical School where he received his medical degree. Dr. Berger completed his residency in Dayton at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and a 2007 fellowship in Geriatric Care at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. He was: Chief Resident from 1981-82 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Family Physician Of the Year in 2010 for the Miami Valley Academy of Family Physicians, Daily Advocate Physician Of the Year for Darke County in 2007, 2008, 2010, & 2011, and Wayne Health Care’s Employees Doctor of the Year in 2010.

In 1974, Dr. Berger married his high school classmate Ellen Wiedemann. However, in 1980 she and their young son were killed in an automobile accident while on their way to Sunday Mass. Rather than become bitter he turned to his faith and continued to pursue excellence in his career. Then, at age 34, Dan was diagnosed with a malignant tumor but following numerous surgeries and treatment returned to his practice. His cancer reappeared in 2011, but through all the medical challenges, Dan’s faith in God has remained steadfast.

Rob Suttman '78

After graduating from Alter, Rob attended the University of Notre Dame where he graduated with a B.B.A. in finance.   He is currently the President and a Principal with EBS Asset Management which he helped found in 1993. Prior to that, Rob was a Vice President and Director of Consulting Services at Dean Investment Associates. Active in many civic causes, Rob served on the Board of Trustees at Alter High School from 2005-2009, serving as president the final three years. He also served on the boards of Wright State University, Young Life, and the United States Air Force Museum.

Due to his tremendous business success and passion for helping his fellow man, Rob has been involved in numerous endeavors that have helped thousands of people, world-wide. He has been involved with the Lusubilo Community Based Orphan Care Project in Malawi, a comprehensive outreach program in sixty-six villages of Africa. He also created the Young Life Growth Fund that assists Young Life, a national youth ministry for high school students, overcome budget hurdles as they grow their ministry. Rob has coached youth sports, made several mission trips, mentored college students, and has given of his time, talent and treasure to Alter High School.

John White '78

John was elected to represent the 38^th District in the Ohio House of Representatives in 2000. During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the Health Committee for the House, as well as Chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee. In 2003, John authored legislation to establish and was the founding chair of the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. He also served as Chairman of the Ohio Correctional Institution Inspection Committee; Chairman of the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund and was a member of the Ohio Fatherhood Commission. During his last three years in the Legislature, John led efforts in Ohio to advance ex-offender reentry programming, sponsoring and helping to pass three pieces of legislation to assist both offenders and their families overcome barriers.

Since leaving the Ohio General Assembly, John partnered with Think Tank Inc. to co-found the Dayton Circles Campaign. This national anti-poverty initiative aims to lift families out of poverty through intentional relationships. Currently the National Campaign Manager, John and Think Tank are working with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections and Montgomery County leaders to adapt the Circles principles to assist incarcerated individuals as they transition back into their communities.

Prior to joining the legislature, John worked full-time for the Reynolds and Reynolds Company; was the Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman and also served the City of Kettering as Councilman and Vice Mayor. He is a graduate of Wright State University, with a B.A. in marketing.