WELDON J. SMITH, a finance attorney, died Aug. 5, 2014. He was 74. A member of Chi Psi, he received his law degree from the Washington and Lee University Law School and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He was self-employed. His wife, Nancy Bryan Rhodes Smith, predeceased him. Survivors include two children, his sister, and his brother-in-law.
ROGER W. CYRUS, M.D., a family practice physician for 35 years, died Dec. 17, 2014. He was 75. After receiving his medical degree from the State University of New York College of Medicine Downstate, he finished an internship and then entered the U.S. Air Force as a commissioned medical officer. After his discharge he completed a fellowship at Yale New Haven Hospital and then established a family practice in Westbrook, Conn. He was certified by the American Board of Pathology and the American Board of Family Practice. Among his many interests were music and opera, books, art, and travel. He is survived by his wife, Ann Elaine Pothin Cyrus; her four children and their families; and two cousins.
“Time just keeps on clicking by!” reports Eric “Swede” Wilson, who claims he’s “still alive, kicking, and working. My daughter, Avery, got married three years ago, and is now living in San Diego, Calif., with her husband Conan. My son, Eric, his wife, Julie, and grandson Ethan live in Tuscaloosa, Ala., with us where he has a solo bankruptcy legal practice. He is a big Alabama Crimson Tide fan, and drags me along to a lot of the home games. My third son, Martin, still lives in NYC, where he is employed as a publicist with Harper Collins. He has just completed his second young adult novel, and it is undergoing editing. Health remains good with all of the family.”
“Well. We are a year older!” claims (or is it complains, or maybe proclaims) Bob Carey. He goes on to describe his “trips to Israel with some students to study boundaries and identity,” and his visits with the Littles and the Woodburys. Bob continues to explain: “I have become very much involved with a Lumina project here at Empire State College. It has to do with how we work with adult students who are finishing their degrees. Although very college specific, it raises all sorts of interesting questions about how we, in fact, come to know things. Of course, when I start talking about it, I find myself alone at the chip and dip bowl. Such are the vagaries.”
Here was an unexpected note from Brad Beechen, presented in his own words. “Brad writes regarding a small world encounter. His fraternity brother, George Kangas ’60, mailed him to say he and his wife had attended a program at their Bradenton, Fla., church where they listened to a highly enjoyed concert performed by ‘very accomplished musicians,’ a fellow named Jon Magendanz and Jon’s sisters, Donna Guarino and Felice Farrell. The program notes enclosed with George’s letter indicated the siblings have performed internationally.” In response to Brad’s encouragement for more explanation, your class secretary’s exposure to music has been lifelong, a result of being raised by musical parents. During attendance at Wesleyan, instruction continued, a benefit from a music scholarship, on the violin with three years study in Hartford and one year at Yale. Ensemble concerts were given at Honors College with my sister, Donna, and Ray Rendall, and, of course, there was the chamber orchestra and the pep band. That’s enough promotion, but do look for me at the 75th Reunion Parade!!!
An additional bit of Wesleyan history presented by Foster Morrison: “It was interesting to read about the renovation of that ancient 20-inch refractor at Wesleyan. I had some limited experience with it and other telescopes on Foss Hill, since I had three semesters of astronomy, an intro course and a research seminar with Prof. Thornton Page, and a summer job after graduation. He got me into Sigma Xi and as a co-author of a publication in the astronomical journal. I did dabble a bit in satellite orbits and satellite geodesy. In retrospect, I should have taken Prof. Eichhorn’s celestial mechanics course and learned programming on his first-ever-at-Wesleyan computer. I crossed his path again at the Army Map Service, where he had a summer sabbatical and I was programming a Honeywell mainframe and adding a curve-fitting capability to an obsolete satellite orbit theory.”
Congratulations are in order for Paul Dickson’s continuing accomplishments in the literary field. Rave reviews have been published in the UK’s Authorisms, The Guardian, and the Times of London, all which came out in the month of Paul’s 75th birthday. Also, with additional pieces later published in the Guardian and in the Daily Mail, as well as a promise of a second printing of his book, Paul was very excited about his 75th year.
Finally, on a sad note, the passing of Weldon John Smith Sr., on Aug. 5, 2014, is noted. Classmates are referred to the online obituary section of this publication for more complete coverage of Weldon’s family and graduate work.
Respectfully submitted,
Jon K. Magendanz, DDS | jon@magendanz.com
902 39th Avenue West, Bradenton, Fl 34205
A recent communication from Sandy McCurdy states: “I can report that Larry Wiberg is charging ahead in Denver, still doing medicine, still working at his Episcopal church, erecting fine memorials to his late and beloved wife, Katie, and visiting with me and Patsy in East Blue Hill, Maine, in the summers for a few days. I continue to breathe regularly and whack away as associate rector at St. David’s Church—the largest Episcopal parish in Pennsylvania and 10th nationally.”
Another “Sandy,” the wife of Pete Drayer, is included in a note from Pete: “Jon, I can report that my wife, Sandy, and I are celebrating our 50th anniversary. To add to my rather cryptic message, I continue to serve as a senior judge about 10 days a month.”
John Rogers and his wife, Carolyn, have moved from Greenwood, S.C., to an over-55 adult Del Webb community, Carolina Lakes. in Indian Land, S.C. He jokingly mentions that any classmates who understand early bed times and have limited memories of last week’s events are welcome.
Ed Knox and his wife, Huguette, continue to split their time between Middlebury and Paris, with an occasional visit to Tucson. They would be happy to catch up with classmates one place or another. Meanwhile, Ed continues to write about how Americans look at France, a topic that, he says, keeps on giving.
Bob Owens has been busy over the past few years. He writes: “My significant other and I went on a trip to Peru in October of 2013. Machu Picchu is amazing, as were several other places we went. I would never try to drive in any of the cities—chaos. I worked on trying to get people elected to the school board who would be more reasonable and accountable than the bunch that was in, but the Republican-backed slate won. Their attempt at instituting vouchers for mostly religious private schools will be reviewed by the Colorado Supreme Court in the coming months. Vouchers make no sense at all in this very wealthy county, which had an excellent school system until a few years ago. Good teachers and principals are leaving in alarming numbers. I continue volunteering for three hospice organizations, visiting elders with dementia, and working with grief groups for kids who have lost a loved one.”
Bob Patricelli says life is good! “Still working hard and enjoying it, plus four grandkids (including son Thomas ’88’s first just a few months ago). Still living on Folly Farm in Simsbury, Conn., but wife Maggie won the argument over buying a little winter getaway in San Jose, Calif. It’s a long commute but domestic harmony is restored.”
Glenn Hawkes revealed his interest in American education by highlighting the work of a fellow classmate: “Ed McClellan is another Wes-mate I’d love to have coffee with, as we’ve recently shared some thoughts via e-mail on progressive education, or the lack thereof, in America’s schools. While he was department chair of educational leadership at Indiana University, Ed had written a very fine historical survey, Moral Education in America (Columbia University, 1999). It ought to be required reading for anyone interested in how America has sought to shape the character of each new generation of citizens. My first born, T. Elijah Hawkes ’97, and I have done some writing together about failed education reforms—in the context of John Dewey’s progressive philosophy. (Miracles and Monstrosities: John Dewey the Fate of Progressive Education; Schools: Studies in Education, Spring 2013, U Chicago Press.)
“Late in ’13,” Glenn continues, “I had an opportunity to visit with Al Williams and meet his wife, Wendy, up from Maryland on some family business in the Boston area where I live. Al and I have corresponded a bit, but not seen one another for five decades. He’s in better shape than I—it must be from the mild winters down there in the DC area! I remain in touch with Bob Hausman, who keeps plenty busy swimming, playing basketball, and constructing snow castles with his grandson in the abundance of Minnesota snow and cold.
“Classmates, please know that my second home in Rwanda (where we stay from May to September) is open to anyone wanting to visit in that part of the world, where the Nile and the human species both have their origin, not to mention the mountain gorillas, and the amazing regeneration of a people who lost so many and so much in 1994. (e-mail me at wardbrook@yahoo.com; also see centersforsocialresponsibility.org.)”
Brad Beechen has retired again, this time from a five-year stint as an usher at Wrigley Field. “More time for golf and travel in the plan,” he explains, “Mary Jane and I will drive to Louisville in late May to visit Vicki and June Prince, and to renew an annual golf-trophy competition that began in 1989. We’re grateful every day for continuing good health; 75’s not so bad at all.”
Phil Rodd is still working at a second career as travel director for an international travel company. Last year he took tourists to see the sights in locations as far flung as San Diego to Bar Harbor, Maine. “Yellowstone is still my favorite spot to visit…I encourage all of you out there to see it at least once.”
Russell Robertson wrote: “Had a nice lunch with Ernie Marino about a month ago. Great discussion re: value of a Wesleyan education, our shared participation on the football team our senior year, and when we were roommates at Penn Dental School in 1962. Arthritis is limiting my trekking efforts and will end with a trip to Slovenia and Bhutan. Biking, strangely enough, does not bother my knees too much—hope to participate in the Mass. Challenge—Jimmy Fund event this August.” As a side note, Russ adds: “In the early 1980s I removed a large cancer of the parotid gland in a 10-year-old boy. The five-year survival for such a tumor is pretty grim. Today he is 45, has three kids, and is a successful IT person! I plan to be next to him at the Mass. Challenge in August.
To all classmates who have kindly submitted messages to your class secretary, please be patient, keep tuned, and your generous words will eventually be published. To all others, start tapping those computer keys!
Jon K. Magendanz, DDS | jon@magendanz.com
Recent literary contributions from classmates have enhanced this class notes report, providing us with sufficient and gratifying updates. Pete Dybwad shows his own personal ecstasy, writing: “Life remains great. Still working, because I love what I do, and still living in Berkeley, because it’s 70 degrees outside in mid-March.”
Who could have guessed, as your class secretary is scratching away at his viola while viewing the audience before him, that a familiar Wesleyan face would appear? In his own words: “Bob Johnson writes that he has seen Jon Magendanz several times in Venice, Fla., as a violist in the remarkable Venice Symphony. A man of many talents, Jon contributes his musical talent to this renowned southwestern Florida symphony of more than 70 instrumentalists. Bob is also planning to see Jan Westerman, in Long Beach, Calif., during a visit to California later this year. Bob and his wife Suzanne live seven months each year in Nokomis, Fla. (just north of Venice), and the other five months in Pocahontas, Pa. (Two American Indians maidens—quite a coincidence.) They are both members of their Florida church choir, where his wife also solos and assists in directing as requested. He is vice president of his country club and is co-chairman of Men to Men, the organization for men with prostate cancer, providing support, guidance, and education. This September, Bob and Suzanne are planning a 16-day safari trip to Tanzania and Kenya, after which Bob will have visited 48 countries (mostly on business). He reports that ‘retirement is good. Only those who do not go outside their doors are not busy and active. Here’s to the future!’”
Terry Allen just cannot seem to capture the concept of retirement. In apology, he writes: “I know I should be retired, but I am now running three companies (Terry’s Tips, Da Vinci Body Board, and Coffee Can Investing) and just finished writing a book called Coffee Can Investing: Why Everything You Believe About Financial Planning Is Probably Wrong (in 2014).” Terry plans to take two two-week hiking trips in Europe this year, because he cries: “Otherwise, I’m just bored. Life is good!”
Dan Elliott writes: “Great time in the past year visiting my daughter, Maggie ’06, in Boston while she pursues her juvenile justice PhD at Tufts and my niece, Jessie Morris Adams ’04, and her husband Bryan ’04, in Nashville, while Jessie pursues a Vanderbilt PhD. Other (non-Wes-kid) visits have been to Germany where my son, Tim, works for Fuji Health Systems assisting roadside bomb victims from Iraq and Afghanistan; my son, Peter, in Nashville as a Vanderbilt athletic trainer and my son, Dan III, who is Obama’s chair of the Surface Transportation Board. Old age is fun with all of these accomplished progeny.”
Nancy and Paul Dickson’s son, Alex, was married last July 4th to Caitlyn Schnure. “Wesleyan celebrants at this wonderful event,” writes Paul, “included Tim Bloomfield, Doug Evelyn ’63, and Brian Murphy ’64. Alex’s brother Andrew Dickson ’95 was the officiant who performed the wedding ceremony.” Paul’s latest book Authorisms—Words Wrought by Writers was published by Bloomsbury USA on April 23, 2014, William Shakespeare’s 450th birthday.
Robert Hammond writes: “Still enjoying retirement, seven months in Florida, five in Rhode Island. Carol and I are enjoying Vermont’s late snow. We Nordic (cross country) ski on community trails that cross our back field, and Alpine (downhill) at Pico and other areas. We have a seasonal ‘camp’ in the Adirondacks.”
George Little provides us with a multi-faceted update: “I retired from clinical medicine when I reached 40 years of attending call as a pediatrician/neonatologist at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. I miss the clinical and teaching team care of babies and their parents, but not the night and weekend call. It was time to step aside for those younger. Carol retired from her clinical and faculty position as a child development specialist. We are now enjoying our first grandchild and commuting to Oregon from Vermont to provide granny-care. Ellis was born in October. His mom is a pediatrician. I continue to have more than enough to do and am very involved in global pediatrics through and with the American Academy of Pediatrics. Helping Babies Breathe (HBB), a neonatal resuscitation program for resource limited areas is my main focus. I’m bookending my career in Malawi, where I served as a Peace Corps physician in the 1960s and now mentor the HBB program there. I’ve been to many countries, mainly in Africa and the Middle East. Carol and I have done training together in Mozambique, Sudan (Khartoum), and Kenya, as well as Malawi. Bob Carey, Jack Woodbury, and I, along with spouses, have enjoyed getting together since our last Reunion. We’re planning on Montreal via the Adirondacks this summer. I see Dom Squatrito and Carla quite regularly. Enough. Thanks, Jon, for getting us to submit info.”
Classmates’ submission of material that did not appear in this column’s publication will appear in the next issue. Thank you for your patience and please, keep writing.
Jon K. Magendanz, DDS |jon@magendanz.com
902 39th Avenue West, Bradenton, Fl 34205
EDGAR D. MANN, an international marketing executive, died Mar. 6, 2012, at age 72. A member of Alpha Delta Phi, he received his degree with distinction in economics and later received an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He was involved with international sales and marketing for the Ford Motor Company, Cummins Engine Company, and Parker-Hannifin Corporation. Among those who survive are his wife, Dorothy Smith Mann, three children, two grandchildren, and a sister.
Foster Morrison has regularly updated your class secretary with a variety of subjects. This Class-Notes edition is dedicated to Foster for his continuing support and creative delivery of timely news bits ranging from science to math to religion. One recent topic was based on the NASA studies on warp-drive technology, as reported in the Sigma Xi SmartBrief (8/21/2013): “The dream of warp-drive technology in space travel may become a reality, thanks to research at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. In small-scale experiments, the scientists imagine a football-shaped spacecraft encircled by two large rings, which would contract space-time in front of the craft and expand it behind it. These experiments are the first step in determining if these concepts can be applied practically, according to NASA physicist Harold ‘Sonny’ White. Space.com (8/21)” Foster queries: “Will this work? Does it explain UFOs, which already have it working?”
On a later theme, Foster writes: “There are at least three kinds of logic in current use in math, so it certainly is not the case that the ‘truths’ of mathematics cannot be erased. Math must be used carefully. For example, rational and irrational numbers have very different kinds of ‘existence’. You can keep approximating the square root of 2 for as long as you wish, but you will never get it right. God knew this, so He made the universe out of discrete particles so he could get the job done in six days.”
Jon K. Magendanz, DDS
902 39th Avenue West, Bradenton, Fl 34205
jon@magendanz.com
THOMAS M. STEPHENSON, who was associated with Bennett Brothers, a corporate employee rewards program, died May 1, 2004. He was 64 and had earned his bachelor’s degree from Ramapo College in 1992. Survivors include his wife, Janet Hanzalek Stephenson, his mother, three children, four grandchildren, and a brother and sister.
ARTHUR F. STAUBITZ, a philanthropist and former Baxter International executive, died May 28, 2009, at age 70. He received his degree with honors and with distinction in government, and received his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He started his legal career with Sidley and Austin, later moving to Sperry Univac (Unisys), where he became director of operations for Japan. After 20 years with Baxter International, he retired in 1999 as Baxter’s senior vice president and general counsel. He was also president of the Baxter Foundation. At the time of his death he was a trustee of both Arizona Opera and Carthage College, and as founder of the Staubitz Charitable Trust, he saw the trust fund seven Habitat for Humanity houses, as well as establish both a Stroke Registry and a Cerebral Palsy Registry at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Survivors include his wife, Linda Miller Staubitz, three children, and five grandchildren.
ANTHONY M. SCHWARZWALDER, a former Agency for International Development mission director at the forefront of USAID strategy development, and a longtime leader in international relief and development, died Feb. 3, 2012, at age 71. He was a member of Eclectic and received his degree with distinction. He received an MPH degree from Johns Hopkins University and was a graduate fellow at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School. During his 23-year career with USAID, he served overseas in Bangladesh, where he was the first mission director following the Bengali war for independence, in Jordan, and in the Philippines, in addition to his base in Washington, D.C. He received the Arthur S. Flemming Award for Government Service and Leadership in 1972. After leaving USAID he worked for several Washington, D.C.-based organizations focused on HIV/AIDS prevention programs. He is survived by his wife, Cecilia Javier, three children, four grandchildren, his sister, and a niece.
