2026

Hall Of Fame Inductees

Victor (Vic) Peters - Class of 1950

Vic built a lifetime of service through education, military service, teaching, and volunteerism. After graduating, he worked on the family farm before attending Freeman Junior College in South Dakota in 1952. From 1953 to 1955, he proudly served in the U.S. Army, with assignments at Fort Riley, Camp Pickett, San Antonio, and the Panama Canal Zone. He married Pearl Marie Regier in 1957, and together they raised three sons: Brian, Bruce, and Duane. A lifelong learner, Vic earned university credits from numerous colleges and universities throughout the Midwest and Colorado. He dedicated 28 years to teaching at George Washington High School in Denver and also taught part-time at the University of Colorado and Metropolitan State College. After retiring from Denver Public Schools in 1990, he continued serving others by volunteering for 27 years at the Soups Kitchen and Project Angel Heart, where he washed dishes and prepared vegetables. His lifelong commitment to learning, education, service, and community makes him a deserving recipient of the 2026 Aurora Alumni Hall of Fame honor.

Gale Griess - Class of 1966

Gale dedicated his career to public service and law enforcement. After graduating, he attended Kearney State College before joining the Nebraska State Patrol in 1970 in the Traffic Enforcement Division. In 1972, he was selected to serve on the Governor's Security detail, protecting Governor J. James Exon and his family. He later transferred to the Criminal Division, where he advanced through the ranks from Corporal to Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Lieutenant, and ultimately Investigative Services Major, overseeing the Drug and Criminal Division for the State of Nebraska. During his distinguished career, Gale also helped create the Nebraska Law Enforcement Intelligence Network. Following his retirement from the Nebraska State Patrol in 2002, he continued serving the public by working for the Drug Enforcement Administration in Omaha and later spent ten years working for University of Nebraska President J. J. Milliken before retiring again. Gale and his wife, Rita Roblee Griess, have two sons, Jason and Aaron, six grandsons, and one granddaughter. His lifelong commitment to law enforcement, leadership, and public service makes him a deserving recipient of the 2026 Aurora Alumni Hall of Fame honor.