Oxford Area School District

Distinguished Alumni Class of 2012

Pictured from left are members of the Oxford Area High School Distinguished Alumni Class of 2012: Dr. John L. Gallagher, Nancy Gilbert Pedrick, Julia Gilbert Farber, Jerome Griffith and Dr. Amy L. Holford. Inductees were presented with handmade wooden bowls created by former teacher Scott Gold.

John L. Gallagher, Class of 1953

Dr. John L. Gallagher, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of Marine Biology and Biochemistry, and the Co-Director of the Halophyte Biotechnology Center of the University of Delaware at Lewes. The focus of his work has been salt tolerant plants, specifically halophyte, which he believes has the capacity to aid in many of the environmental and societal concerns of our world. Throughout his career, Dr. Gallagher has served on various state and national committees and boards, lectured globally and contributed to numerous publications.

Nancy Gilbert Pedrick, Class of 1971

Following her years as a student at Oxford Area High School, Nancy Gilbert Pedrick earned degrees in music from Lincoln and West Chester universities. She used her talents as a teacher in the Chichester School District at the middle and high school levels.

Currently Mrs. Pedrick serves as organist and musical director at the Oxford United Methodist Church. However, she is more widely known in our community as a founding member of the Oxford Trio, a chamber ensemble which initiated the Patriot Day Remembrance following the September 11 tragedy. Besides this program, the Trio also presents an annual community Christmas concert.

Julia Gilbert Farber, Class of 1974

Julia Gilbert Farber has been involved in various musical endeavors during her life in Oxford. Besides teaching music in the Oxford elementary schools, she founded the children's choir at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Also, Ms. Farber has helped organize and direct many community choir concerts, including the community Thanksgiving service. Most notably, Ms. Farber has lent her talents as a founding member of the Oxford Trio. Through this ensemble's programs, not only is tribute paid to veterans and active members of the armed forces, but local organizations or families in need are the recipients of free will offerings made at the concerts.

Jerome Griffith, Class of 1975

Jerome Griffith's business acumen has helped him become internationally known in the fashion and accessories industry. With a degree in marketing from Penn State, Mr. Griffith began his career with Lord and Taylor.

Later Mr. Griffith was employed not only nationally but internationally by such well known fashion giants as Gap, Tommy Hilfiger and Esprit. In 2009, Mr. Giffith became President and CEO of Tumi, a company which designs and sells luxury accessory items, and in 2016 was named Chief Executive Officer of Land's End.

Amy L. Holford, Class of 1992

After graduating from Oxford Area High School, Amy L. Holford earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Because of the quality of her work, she has earned the Small Animal Clinician of the Year Award annually since 2003.

Presently, Dr. Holford is a faculty member of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, where she not only supervises students but continues research for the benefit of dogs. She also contributes articles which are published in various periodicals and journals.