Each year during the Alumni Weekend luncheon, we have an opportunity to continue with a 54-year tradition to recognize individuals and families who have made significant contributions through their professional lives and service, as they have led lives of purpose with distinction.
At Alumni Weekend 2025, we were honored to recognize two outstanding alumni – veterinarian Dr. Keith Huston ’85 and IT exec and ‘Berg benefactor John Kratz ‘63. We also recognized 3 generations of the Shearer Family as this year’s honored Legacy Family.
Check out their profiles below to learn about their many important contributions to their professions, their communities, and Heidelberg University!
Alumni of Distinction Award – Dr. Keith Huston ’85
Dr. Keith Huston ’85 has spent his life devoted to the care and well-being of animals and to the communities and humans who love them like family. As the Owner and Medical Director of The Village Veterinary Clinic in Mayfield Village, Ohio, Keith leads a practice that exemplifies excellence in veterinary medicine, compassion in service, and a deep-rooted Heidelberg pride.
He is being recognized for his leadership in his profession, for mentoring future veterinarians, and for his lifelong commitment to animal welfare advocacy.
A biology/pre-med graduate of Heidelberg, Keith was more than just a student – he was a standout athlete and campus leader. He earned four varsity letters in soccer, served as team captain, and helped launch the University’s lacrosse program. As a proud member of Sigma Tau Nu fraternity and the Dean’s List, he also served as an RA and was a member of Tri-Beta, balancing academics, athletics, and leadership with distinction.
Keith’s journey in veterinary medicine spans over three decades. After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 1990, Keith launched his career as an associate veterinarian at Royalton Road Animal Hospital in North Royalton, Ohio, where he honed his skills in both medical and surgical care for companion animals. From there, he brought his passion and expertise to Mentor Veterinary Clinic, where he took on responsibilities in animal care and the day-to-day operations of a single-doctor practice.
His heart for service extended beyond private practice as well, volunteering at the Lake County Humane Society from 1995-2002. In addition to treatment of sick or injured animals, he consulted on abuse, neglect, and hoarding situations, and was instrumental in developing and launching an early-age spay and neuter program – a testament to his commitment to addressing the overpopulation crisis and ensuring better lives for animals in need.
In 2000, Keith took a bold step forward, becoming the owner and medical director of Village Veterinary Clinic in Mayfield Village, Ohio. Over the past 25 years, the clinic has flourished into a large, thriving practice. Managing a team of 8 veterinarians – including his daughter, Samantha – and nearly 20 support staff, Keith has guided the clinic to become a model of excellence, not just in medical care, but also in practice management, marketing, and social media outreach.
Keith’s legacy goes beyond medicine. His practice has employed many Heidelberg alumni, and his passion for mentoring others mirrors the values Heidelberg instilled in him. He also comes from a true ’Berg family: his younger sisters, Larraine ’88 and Jennifer ’90, are also ‘Berg alumni.
Outside the clinic, Keith and his wife, Patty, enjoy time with their daughters, Samantha and Alyssa, and her husband, Austin, Labrador retrievers Hazel and Josie, and Devon Rex cats Rudy and Reese. Whether he's boating, skiing, or cheering on the Buckeyes, Keith brings the same energy and integrity to everything he does.
Dr. Keith Huston is a proud example of what it means to live Beyond the Berg. We proudly recognize him as a skilled veterinarian, a compassionate leader, a mentor to colleagues and staff, and a champion for the animals who depend on us.
Outstanding Alumni Award – John Kratz ’63
This year’s recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award — John Kratz ’63 – is a man whose career, leadership, and generosity have left an extraordinary legacy both in the world of technology and here at Heidelberg.
John’s entrepreneurial journey began as a pre-teen in Erie, Pennsylvania, cutting lawns and shoveling snow. Even then, he learned two lessons that would guide his career: get to your customers before the competition, and always do a good job — or you won’t be invited back.
These simple, powerful principles fueled a career that spanned over 30 years in the information technology sector — a career that started when computers still ran on punch cards! John navigated an industry defined by rapid change — from the rise of software development to enterprise networks, from mergers and divestitures to the ever-expanding access to information.
John is perhaps best known as the President and CEO of Information Control Corporation (ICC), the largest privately held information technology services firm in Ohio. What began as a small, three-person partnership in Mount Vernon grew under John’s leadership into a powerhouse firm employing over 400 software professionals. Through his vision and dedication, ICC consistently ranked as a leader in software consulting and development in Central Ohio. John retired from ICC in 2013.
John’s management philosophy is simple yet profound, and one today’s entrepreneurs would be wise to follow: Hire good people and let them do their jobs. Build strong teamwork. Focus on customer needs. And keep your house in order.
John’s contributions have been recognized by many, including being named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Central Ohio.
But John’s impact doesn’t stop at his professional achievements. Since graduating from Heidelberg in 1963 with a degree in economics — following in the footsteps of his sister Jane ’59 — John has been a loyal supporter of his alma mater.
He has served on the Board of Trustees since 2007, including as vice chair for seven years. His committee work — including Student Affairs & Athletics (chair), Enrollment Management, Advancement, Alumni, and Community Relations, Governance, and the Executive Committee — has helped to shape Heidelberg’s future. For his commitment and leadership as a Trustee, John was chosen to receive the Trustee Distinguished Service Award in 2019. He has returned to campus as an Executive-in-Residence, mentored students, hired Heidelberg graduates, and frequently enjoys a good Student Princes athletic contest.
John’s philanthropy at Heidelberg has been nothing short of transformational. For many years, he has generously supported The Heidelberg Fund. He has left his mark on nearly every corner of campus through his leadership role in the Adams Hall campaign and personal giving to capital campaigns such as Gillmor Science Hall, Hoernemann Stadium and the Fox Den Alumni Center, and the Saurwein Health & Wellness Center. He has also participated in reunion class giving and such projects as the Academic Comprehensive Campaign for Excellence, track & field renovations, the Strike Up the Bands campaign, the Ralph and Sue Quellhorst Endowment for Student Community Service, and the Student Emergency Support Fund. Most recently, he has been a lead supporter of the new Student Athletics, Academics and Recreation Center. Always a forward thinker, John also co-chaired Heidelberg’s Strategic Growth Action Plan Campaign Steering Committee. Members of the Heidelberg Heritage Society, John and his late wife, Beverly, generously included Heidelberg in their estate plans. For their lifetime giving, the couple is currently listed in the Founders Circle of Builders & Benefactors.
Beyond Heidelberg, John has also given generously of his time and resources to organizations like the American Red Cross, Columbus Children’s Hospital, and the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.
John’s career is an inspiration, his service is a model for us all, and his commitment to Heidelberg is a pre-eminent example of what it means to give back.
Shearer Family – Legacy Family Award
Heidelberg University holds a special place in the hearts of the Shearer family, the recipients of this year’s Legacy Family Award. For the eight members of the family who are graduates, Heidelberg isn't just their alma mater. It's a shared thread that connects three generations of family members to a place they all have called home.
From the late 1950s to the Class of 2020, the Shearer lineage reflects a deep commitment to Heidelberg’s values, traditions, and community.
The Shearer Family Legacy began with Howard Shearer III, who enrolled at Heidelberg in 1958 and attended for two years, playing football and joining Nu Sigma Alpha. During his time on campus, Howard, a retired Ohio State Trooper and court administrator, met his future wife, Frances Keylor, Class of ’62, who was a cheerleader and member of the Euglossian Society. Their passion for Heidelberg set the foundation for generations to come.
Lance Shearer ’92 is the third of eight family members who have proudly worn the Student Prince colors, making the Shearers a true legacy family. He followed in Howard’s footsteps in more ways than one: in his career as an Ohio State Trooper and in meeting and marrying his wife, Sarah Voss ’91, at the Berg. Sarah, a member of Kappa Psi Omega, has built a career as a clinical counselor.
Also following suit are four other members of the Shearer family: Jodi Shearer Augspurger ’86, a multi-sport athlete in track, cross country, and cheerleading. Today, Jodi serves as Associate Dean of Students at Highland High School. Daniel Shearer ’89, a track and cross country athlete, is now a contract specialist for the Defense Logistics Agency. His wife, Kathryn McKeever Shearer ’89, also shares the Heidelberg legacy. Most recently, Garrett Shearer ’20 carried the torch into the modern era as a member of the track and cross country teams.
Eight family members. Six decades. One university.
The Shearer Family truly represents the spirit of the Legacy Family Award – a testament to the impact Heidelberg has on generations of students and the families who support them.