Hall of Fame Class of 2013

Thomas R. Nides

A Birchen Award winner from the Class of 1979 and a graduate from the University of Minnesota, Nides was the chief of staff to Rep. Tony Coelho and Rep. Tom Foley. In 1994 he served as chief of staff to U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor. He has been in a senior officer position with Fannie Mae, Credit Suisse, and Morgan Stanley. In 2000 he was the campaign manager for vice presidential candidate, Senator Joseph Lieberman. Following nomination by President Obama, Tom served as Deputy Secretary of State from 2011 until 2013. He is currently a vice-chairman at Morgan Stanley.

Nick A. Srdar

Srdar served as principal of East High School from 1970 until his retirement in 1987. He began his career in education as a teacher in Floodwood, Minnesota in 1956 where he became principal in 1959. Prior to his appointment as East principal, Srdar served as principal at Keewatin, Woodland, and Washington. Nick believed in the potential of all young people and set high expectations for students and faculty. He took great pride in the scholarly achievements of students and in the Good Sportsmanship Award East’s student body consistently received at state tournaments. Nick passed away on November 25, 2009.

Tom Little

A teacher at East from 1965 to 1978, Little taught social studies and advised several groups at the school. He taught in Duluth for thirty years. In 1977 he received a Bush Fellowship for his passion about learning and improving the quality of life in his community. Little was appointed as a lecturer for the Staley Foundation in 1981. Tom was the recipient of Minnesota’s Terrific Teacher Award in 1992. He served as a delegate to the first City of Duluth’s Sister City Delegation to Petrozavodsk, Russia, and was a frequent lecturer and guest speaker for numerous educational workshops and conferences. Tom passed away on August 12, 2002.

Eric Eskola

A Birchen Award winner from the East High Class of 1971, Eskola began working at Duluth’s KDAL radio and TV station while attending UMD. Following his graduation, Eskola continued working at KDAL until 1980 when he began his work with WCCO Radio in Minneapolis. Eric served the last 21 years of his career with WCCO as the radio’s political correspondent where he was often referred to as “one of the best political reporters in Minnesota.” As a member of the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame, Eric retired from WCCO in 2010. Eskola continues to co-host Almanac on Twin Cities Public Television which he has done since 1986.

Dick Skogg

A teacher at East from 1963 to 1997, Skogg taught math and chemistry. He served as Activities Director during his last five years at East, during which 84 different teams participated in state tournaments, and he was named The 7AA A.D. of the Year. He coached track for 32 years, cross country for 26 years, and five consecutive State Girls’ CC Championship teams. Dick was named State Cross Country Coach of the Year for both boys and girls. He co-managed the Swain Cross Country Meet for 24 years. Skogg is a member of the State Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame and the State Coaches Hall of Fame.

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