Terry J. Cappelen
Class of 1975

Terry J. Cappelen was a stock brokerage clerk for Becker Securities for two years before working at Tom’s Decorating from 1977 to 1985. After graduation from the Chicago Police Academy in l985, he was assigned to the Rolling Meadows Police Department, a position he has held for 12 years. He was decorated for acts performed in the line of duty seven times and was instrumental in setting up the Police Neighborhood Resource Center, a major force in reducing crime and improving community relations.

In addition to serving as Field Training Officer, Terry is currently a participating officer in the “Kids and Cops” Program. Other leadership positions Terry has held include President of the Rolling Meadows Police Association, President of the Rolling Meadows Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, and President of the Rolling Meadows Police Benevolent Fund.

Terry contributes a great deal of time to his community with dedication and enthusiasm. For eight years he coached Rolling Meadows Youth Baseball in addition to coaching Youth Football, Park District Basketball, and Park District Girls’ Softball. He is also Past President of the Board of Directors of Meadows Community Services. Father of three children; Terry Jr., Melissa, and Michael. He resides in Rolling Meadows with his wife, Cecelia.

Gary M. Cole
Class of 1974

Gary M. Cole received a talent grant to attend Illinois State University majoring in theater. His acting career started in Chicago at Victory Gardens and branched out to Wisdom Bridge, University of Chicago Court Theater, and other off-loop companies. With other theater majors from ISU, he was a founding member of the Remains Theater, which earned critical acclaim in Chicago. Gary joined the Steppenwolf Theater Company where he performed on a regular basis. Gary was nominated for several Joseph Jefferson awards and received the award for his performance in Bang.

The television mini-series Fatal Vision gave Gary his first big break. Other television shows he appeared in include Miami Vice, The Old Man and the Sea, Son of the Morning Star, and Midnight Caller, a dramatic series which ran for three years. Gary was also seen as Michael Brady in the film The Brady Bunch.

Gary continues to be active with Steppenwolf’s Educational Outreach Program for high school students. As Ron Raben, his drama mentor and director at RMHS says, “His patience, tenacity, genuineness, lack of arrogance, talent, and artistry have brought him a long way.” Gary, his wife Teddi, and his daughter Mary reside in Studio City, California.