Distinguished Alumni

Glenbrook South High School
Distinguished Alumnus Award
2026
Marissa Perlman
Class of 2008

Marissa Perlman, Glenbrook South class of 2008, is an Emmy-winning investigative and general assignment Reporter and Anchor for CBS Chicago. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, she reported in various national markets before returning to her hometown in 2022 to join CBS Chicago. 

At CBS Chicago, she focuses on impactful community issues and critical investigative work regarding systemic failures. Her reporting has earned prestigious honors, including Edward R. Murrow Awards, a Gracie Award for women in media, and recognition as a national DuPont finalist. Beyond journalism, Marissa serves her community by emceeing nonprofit events and participating in local charity fundraisers. Her passion for storytelling began at GBS, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Oracle and performed with the Titan Poms.
 

Glenbrook South High School
Distinguished Alumnus Award
2025
Eric Carlson
Class of 1997

Eric Carlson, Glenbrook South class of 1997, has been a Social Science educator and curriculum designer for over 20 years. After studying history and education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he developed expertise in inquiry-based, experiential learning focused on civic action. His career has taken him from Springman Middle School to schools in Tegucigalpa, Beijing, Lisbon, and across Chicago, including Brighton Park and Englewood. Inspired by the power of food and community, Eric and his wife began to think about the power of great food and beautiful spaces to bring people together. This led them to open Cadinho Bakery, a Portuguese-inspired cafe in McKinley Park praised by NBC and The Chicago Reader. He now designs Social Science curriculum for Chicago Public Schools and serves on the McKinley Park Development Council. At GBS, Eric played soccer, was in Key Club, and co-founded the Film Students Club. 
 

Glenbrook South High School
Distinguished Alumnus Award
2024
Dr. James Klausner
Class of 1980

Dr. James Klausner,  a Glenbrook South class of 1980 graduate, is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of the long-duration energy storage company, RedoxBlox. Additionally, he is the MSU Foundation Professor at Michigan State University. Dr. Klausner serves on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Thermal Fluid Engineers and the International Titanium Association Foundation. He has written more than 175 referred publications and is the author of more than 10 patents and four provisional patents. While at GBS, he participated in wrestling, football, track and baseball. During Dr. Klausner’s senior year of high school, he was honored with the co-most valuable player for both football and wrestling. He continued playing NCAA football for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Marine Systems Engineering. Dr. Klausner received his Ph.D. in 1989 from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in Mechanical Engineering. 

Glenbrook South High School
Distinguished Alumnus Award
2023
Matthew Ferraro
Class of 1983

Matthew Ferraro is an American composer, producer and director. He has written and orchestrated original music for Academy Award-winning films “The Insider” and “The Incredibles” and the Emmy-winning TV shows “The Muppets,” “Dune,” “Futurama,” and more. His music is licensed in television and media productions worldwide. Additionally, Ferraro has written, arranged and performed with various Grammy-winning artists such as Buddy Guy, Barbara Streisand, members of the Tonight Show Band, and The London Symphony Orchestra. Ferraro is one of the few composers who the Vatican commissions. While at GBS, he participated in marching band, orchestra, jazz band, master singers, variety show, musical, breakfast club, key club, and football. Ferraro holds a bachelor of arts in music from DePaul University. He attended the Guildhall University of Music in London and has a visual and performing arts diploma from the University of Kent at Canterbury. He participated in a composition study with Morten Lauridsen and Witold Lutoslawski from the University of Southern California.