Class Notes | 1970s2016/04/07

CLASS OF 1976 | 2015 | ISSUE 3

Newsmaker: Michael Greenberg ’76, PhD
	Michael Greenberg ’76, PhD, the Nathan Marsh Pusey Professor of Neurobiology and chair of the Department of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School, was the co-recipient of the 2015 Gruber Neuroscience Prize. The Gruber Foundation cites him for spending “the last 30 years unlocking the mysteries of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the effects of experience on the brain, thus elucidating how nature and nurture are intertwined during brain development.” Most recently, his work has explored the ways that neural activity expresses itself in the wiring of the brain—and that disruptions of those pathways can lead to neurobiological disorders. His co-recipient, Carla Shatz, is professor of biology and neurobiology at Stanford University and former head of the Harvard Medical School Department of Neurobiology. In a statement, the chair of the Gruber Foundation selection advisory board for the neuroscience prize, Robert Wurtz, described Shatz and Greenberg as “extraordinary researchers… leaders in the neuroscience community…and exceptional mentors.” The Prize citation noted that “[T]heir groundbreaking studies have provided new insight into how neural circuit function regulates brain development and plasticity and how dysfunction can contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.” A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wesleyan with a major in chemistry, Greenberg earned his PhD at Rockefeller University and pursued post-doctoral research at New York University.

Newsmaker: Michael Greenberg ’76, PhD

Michael Greenberg ’76, PhD, the Nathan Marsh Pusey Professor of Neurobiology and chair of the Department of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School, was the co-recipient of the 2015 Gruber Neuroscience Prize. The Gruber Foundation cites him for spending “the last 30 years unlocking the mysteries of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the effects of experience on the brain, thus elucidating how nature and nurture are intertwined during brain development.” Most recently, his work has explored the ways that neural activity expresses itself in the wiring of the brain—and that disruptions of those pathways can lead to neurobiological disorders. His co-recipient, Carla Shatz, is professor of biology and neurobiology at Stanford University and former head of the Harvard Medical School Department of Neurobiology. In a statement, the chair of the Gruber Foundation selection advisory board for the neuroscience prize, Robert Wurtz, described Shatz and Greenberg as “extraordinary researchers… leaders in the neuroscience community…and exceptional mentors.” The Prize citation noted that “[T]heir groundbreaking studies have provided new insight into how neural circuit function regulates brain development and plasticity and how dysfunction can contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.” A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wesleyan with a major in chemistry, Greenberg earned his PhD at Rockefeller University and pursued post-doctoral research at New York University.

Dear Class of ’76, There’s no hiding it. In a short time, we will be having a big Reunion year. Classmates are coming together to make plans and think of things that will make it special.

Jamie Beck Gordon says hello and wishes everyone well.

Rob Cox and his wife, Maggie, had dinner with Steve Goldman in Greenwich Village in September. Rob asks all the CSS class to do their best to make it to the Reunion. I second that.

Elisa Serling Davis writes that, after many years of being in the Empire State, she and her husband, Seth Davis ’72, have moved back to Connecticut. Older son Mark married in April and is waiting for his master’s thesis in economics to be approved. Elisa’s father helped get Empire State College started while we were at Wes; her younger son Kevin is now finishing his degree there!

Oliver Griffith is still working in Paris as head of communications in Europe for IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group. He’d be happy to welcome old Wesleyan friends visiting Paris.

Debra Haffner has announced her retirement from Religious Institute, which she co-founded in 2001, and is looking forward to a new vocational chapter.

Byron Haskins is a two-time grandpa, with Harriet and Solomon born late last year. Byron is still with Social Security, in disability policy. Let’s try not to bug him for too much advice at the Reunion.

Libby Horn and Mary Barrett are going to Las Vegas in October to compete in the International Sweet Adelines Competitions. They both are baritones and family nurse practitioners.

Jim Johnson is traveling all over the world as part of his work with Bike.Tours.com, a company that he started. Jim is an avid cyclist and has completed several triathlons.

Marty Leinwand is living and working in the Nashville area with his wife, Eileen, and contemplating where to go next. They have two daughters and five granddaughters. Marty says hello to Paul, Ray, Julie, Robbie, Stuart, and Greg. No last names, but you know who you are.

Jack O’Donnell’s youngest child just began her freshman year at Wesleyan, has made the crew team, and has joined numerous clubs. Jack will be at the Reunion.

Matt Paul, David Cohen, Mike Greenberg and Stewart Shuman know how to keep the fire burning. They had their annual summer get-together on Long Island with wives and significant others. Matt and his wife, Lisa, also welcomed a new granddaughter this year.

Joe Reiff has a book coming out this fall from Oxford University Press titled Born of Conviction: White Methodists and Mississippi’s Closed Society.

Steve Schwartz, who is doing forensic work and economic counseling, passed through Chicago a couple of weeks ago, and we had a good visit.

Let’s get together in the spring.

Mitchell Marinello | mlmarinello@comcast.net

CLASS OF 1979 | 2016 | ISSUE 3

CLASS OF 1972 | 2018 | ISSUE 3

CLASS OF 1971 | 2022 | SPRING ISSUE