the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood High School celebrated its annual homecoming by honoring four distinguished alumni, each having made remarkable contributions in their respective fields. The honorees included a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, an AI innovator, an award-winning producer, and a “Jeopardy!” champion. The ceremony highlighted the impressive achievements of Alan Miller, Robert Hoffer, Libby Geist Wildes, and David Madden.
Alan Miller (Class of 1972): Pulitzer Prize Winner and News Literacy Advocate
Alan Miller, a graduate of the Class of 1972, was recognized for his extraordinary career in journalism. After earning his bachelor’s from Wesleyan University and a master’s in political science from the University of Hawaii, Miller worked for The Times Union, The Record, and the Los Angeles Times, where he spent 21 years primarily in the Washington bureau. Miller’s investigative reporting won several prestigious awards, including the George Polk Award, the Goldsmith Prize, and the Pulitzer Prize for his work on the dangers of the Marine Corps Harrier attack jet.
In 2008, he founded the News Literacy Project, the leading provider of news literacy education in the U.S., which he continues to be involved with. His efforts have earned him recognition as one of the Washingtonians of the Year and multiple awards for his impact on journalism.
Robert Hoffer (Class of 1981): AI Innovator and Chatbot Pioneer
Robert Hoffer, a pioneer in the AI field, could not attend the ceremony but was celebrated for his revolutionary work in artificial intelligence. After briefly attending Columbia University, Hoffer co-founded Colloquis, where he developed SmarterChild, the first commercially viable AI chatbot for instant messaging. SmarterChild laid the groundwork for today’s digital assistants like Siri, Alexa, and ChatGPT, making Hoffer a foundational figure in the evolution of AI technology.
Libby Geist Wildes (Class of 1998): Award-Winning Producer
Libby Geist Wildes, a 1998 graduate, has left her mark in the world of documentary filmmaking. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, she spent 12 years at ESPN, where she worked on notable projects like The Last Dance and O.J.: Made in America, the latter earning her an Academy Award. Now president of Word + Pictures, Geist Wildes oversees documentaries and docuseries for major platforms like HBO, Netflix, and ESPN, continuing to shape the future of storytelling through film.
David Madden (Class of 1999): “Jeopardy!” Champion and Academic Innovator
David Madden, Class of 1999, achieved national fame as a 19-time “Jeopardy!” champion, earning him the eighth-longest winning streak in the show’s history. After graduating from Princeton University and earning a master’s in international relations from the Free University of Berlin, Madden founded International Academic Competitions. His organization reaches over 50,000 students worldwide, offering competitions such as the National History Bee and the International Geography Championships.
The homecoming event highlighted not only the individual accomplishments of these alumni but also the impact Ridgewood High School has had in shaping future leaders in journalism, technology, entertainment, and education. The school’s proud tradition of excellence continues to be reflected in the achievements of its graduates.
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