CLASS OF 1984 | 2021–2022 | WINTER ISSUE

Hello, Classmates!

Gail Farris and her husband, Jay, became grandparents at the end of March, when daughter Kim Farris Buckley ’14 gave birth to baby boy Killian. Killian already has Wes swag and with luck will be rolling down Foss Hill at future reunions.

Arthur Haubenstock is moving back to Washington, D.C., with his wife Nidhi, and their nearly two-year-old daughter. He is taking a job as a vice president in Regulatory Law with Bloom Energy, which has a national and international focus, enabling deployment of alternative energy solutions and helping develop hydrogen replacements for fossil fuel–fired power generation. Their hearts go out to all those who have endured tragedies during the pandemic.

John Tauxe has retired from his part ownership in Neptune and Company, which specializes in environmental decision-making support. Now under his own shingle, Tauxian Solutions, he will continue to consult internationally in radioactive waste management and environmental risk modeling. John majored in Earth science, and seriously considered the advice of Professor Jelle de Boer, who suggested that geologists had an important role to play in social issues like nuclear power and radioactive waste. John’s liberal arts background, combined with his PhD in civil engineering from the University of Texas, gave him the added skills to communicate through writing, illustration, and generally teaching clients about the work. He lives in Los Alamos and hopes people will look him up when traveling through New Mexico.

Michael F. (“Misi”) Polgar has been promoted to Penn State professor. He is developing his second book on the Holocaust, editing a collaboration of authors who are writing about remembrance, respect, and resilience, sharing perspectives from history, the arts, and social sciences.

Ophelia Papoulas reports from Austin that her son, who has struggled with ADHD, dyslexia, and OCD, has reached a milestone. Ophelia lost her husband to cancer some years back, and has raised her son through all these challenges. Now that he has turned 18, has his driver’s license, and has graduated high school, there is jubilation at the house in Austin. Ophelia’s latest venture (besides her career at the University) is dundysisters.com. Ophelia and her sister are sewing whimsical pincushions, sachets, and small toys, raising money for various causes. Due to rising home prices in Austin, Ophelia expects to remain in Texas for some time.