Milton Hershey School® (MHS) has named LaSalle University full professor of biology Gerald P.H. Ballough, Ph.D., of Drexel Hill, as the 2008 Alumnus of the Year. Ballough is also a research scientist with the Neurotoxicology Branch of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense. This year marks the 54th anniversary of the award.

Recipients of this award have demonstrated humanitarianism and exemplary service to others, achieved distinguished service in their careers, and exhibited high standards of achievements both personally and professionally. The Alumnus of the Year serves as a role model for MHS students and an example of achievement to which they can aspire.

The oldest of five children, Ballough, a 1976 MHS graduate, entered the School in 1973 at age 15. After his father's death, his mother, Juanita, moved the family to Harrisburg from Daytona Beach, Fla., in the summer of 1972. She enrolled all three of her sons, Gerry, William, and Glenn, in Milton Hershey School®. Younger sisters, Linda and Gina, remained at home with their mother.

"The single most important academic event in my life at MHS happened when Mr. William Fisher '50, then principal of Senior Hall, did something that had never been done before," Ballough said. "He allowed me to change into section 10-2, College Prep - French, after I had completed the previous year in 9-7, [a general education track]. I was absolutely determined to go to college. And, believing in me, Mr. Fisher gave me a chance."

Ballough did well academically and was active in athletics and music programs. He was a swimmer with the 1975 championship Swim Team under Coach Thieler, a member of the Glee Club under Mr. Alexander, a Sergeant of the Drill Team under Col. Prescott, and a member of the National Honor Society.

Following graduation from MHS, Ballough earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Millersville University in 1981, and master's and doctorate degrees in physiology from The Pennsylvania State University in 1986 and 1990, respectively.

Ballough is the primary author of the Neuroprotection Chapter appearing in the most recent Textbooks of Military Medicine. In addition, he has more than 25 publications, open and limited access combined, and has delivered more than 35 presentations around the world.

Last summer, he was invited by the National Institutes of Health to serve as one of 13 expert panelists to identify the most viable neuroprotectants against seizure-related brain damage resulting from nerve agent exposure, aimed at protecting soldiers and civilians, from military and terrorists' threats, respectively.

Ballough has been married to Daryl Unger Ballough for the last 25 years, and they have two sons, Dorian, age 17, and Denny, age 15. The family resides in Drexel Hill, Pa. His mother, Juanita Ballough Raudabaugh, and his stepfather, Richard Raudabaugh, reside in Mechanicsburg.