Two inducted into Wall of Fame

The newest inductees onto the "Bison Wall of Fame" at McCook Senior High are Patricia W. Burgher Gillespie, Class of 1959, and W. Thomas Cook, Class of 1950.

The "Wall of Fame" recognizes MHS graduates of at least 10 years who have contributed significantly to their profession and community.

Engraved plaques featuring photographs and descriptions of Burgher Gillespie's and Cook's accomplishments will be on permanent display on the wall near the senior high auditorium.

PATRICIA

BURGHER GILLESPIE

Patricia Burgher Gillespie has spent her professional life caring for the seriously injured. A leader in the area of comprehensive care and rehabilitation for burn patients, she has shared her knowledge through training programs and seminars in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Australia.

Gillespie has written many professional articles.

Gillespie has worked in burn trauma units in hospitals in Nebraska, Colorado and Illinois for more than 30 years. She has served as president of the Nebraska Burn Institute and the North America Burn Society, and is on the board of directors for the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.

Mrs. Gillespie and her husband, Dr. Robert Gillespie, live in Blair, where she is active in the Methodist Church. She shows reining Quarter Horses and sings in the vocal group, "Hand in Hand."

W. THOMAS COOK

W. Thomas Cook began his career in radio as an on-air DJ and in sports and sales at KBRL Radio in McCook in 1948. This job led to a life-long involvement in broadcasting and telecommunications.

Professor Tom Cook was a charter member of the faculty of Metropolitan College, which opened in Denver in 1965.

Under Cook's guidance, the school established a broadcasting curriculum and broadcasting/telecommunications major with baccalaureate degree. He also implemented an extensive telecommunications internship program throughout the United States.

Cook's honors include a "Distinguished Faculty Award" and "Metro State College Distinguished Service Award," and membership in the Colorado Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame.

Cook was the first educator inducted into the "Silver Circle" of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, which presented him with a special "Emmy" award.

Cook hosted "Denver Showcase," a local talk show during which he interviewed leading figures in politics, arts, sciences and sports.

Cook served for 32 years on the board of directors of Rocky Mountain PBS.

Cook died in 2002, following a 20-year fight with cancer.