CLASS OF 1965 | 2014 | ISSUE 3
The big news remains Thursday, May 21–Sunday, May 24, 2015-—our 50th!
A growing group of us are formulating plans, and we are eager to include everyone who’d like to be part of that activity. Just let me know and I’ll pass on your name to Dave Dinwoodey, who is serving as our convener.
In that regard, we had a very well-attended and productive meeting on Sept. 30 at John Hall’s law firm in New York City. In attendance were:
Rob Abel—Ophthalmologist, teacher, author, and educator. Rob has founded a vitamin company; he is helping start free eye clinics in low-income communities; and he is also helping to foster peace among Palestinians and Israelis. Rob planned to come to Homecoming and our 50th Reunion planning sessions instead of his academy of ophthalmology meeting, where a lecture on three ophthalmologists-turned-mystery writers was to be presented. The three ophthalmologists: Arthur Conan Doyle, Robin Cook ’62, and Rob!
Bob Barton—Retired fund development professional/consultant; now, mainly farmer and senior basketball star, along with teammate Jay Clapp.
Bill Blakemore—Still at ABC News after nearly 50 years covering the Vatican, volcanos, wars, politics, and just about everything. Also, he’s doing a great deal of lecturing and writing on global-warming and its effects.
Win Chamberlin—Nearly-retired NYC real estate developer; involved in Community Services Society in NYC and other charities, including rebuilding efforts in New Orleans. Wife Lee is retiring from her work as an attorney for NYU Law School.
Don Crampton—Retired insurance executive in Chicago, but still does some consulting. Also, tireless Wesleyan Fund leader for our class.
Dave Dinwoodey—With law and teaching careers behind him, he is now back working full-time with a smaller law firm and enjoying it. However, he and Mary Ellen make plenty of time for four Boston-area grandchildren, travel, biking, and racquet sports.
Mark Edmiston—Career in publishing now has him founding a digital food magazine. Has served on Wesleyan’s Board and recently finished his term as chair of the Children’s Aid Society of New York.
John Hall—Senior partner at Debevoise & Plimpton. Spending time with the firm’s associates helping low-income defendants in Alabama and Texas. Very involved with several nonprofit schools in NYC. Stays in shape biking and hiking with wife Annie; recently returned from China and Tibet.
Kirt Mead—Now with Leading Edge Forum in London. Firm’s mission is teaching high-tech folks to communicate with business folks.
Tony Schuman—For past 35 years professor of architecture, New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark. Specializes in solutions to community challenges and is very involved in the Newark community.
Hugh Wilson—Professor emeritus, York University, Toronto. Specializes in vision and brain function and imaging. Wife Fran also retired professor. Both travel widely and are still working on research papers, books, and speaking engagements. Also, wine experts! (Hugh was ill, so participated by conference call.)
Bob Leonard—Professor of Theater Arts at Virginia Tech, as well as part of our outreach team. He is also director of their MFA program and primary adviser in the stage management, directing, and public dialogue MFA programs.
We discussed programing for Reunion, such as seminars on global-warming and its effects. Looks like Jerry Melillo, presidential advisor, will be able to participate, along with Bill Blakemore and others from the Wesleyan family.
A main focus will also be plenty of time just to reconnect with classmates and to discuss whatever comes up! Our Outreach Committee is active in contacting everyone and encouraging everyone to return.
There are Wesleyan seminars being scheduled in Chicago (12/2/14), Boston, New York, and Los Angeles on various topics for our class (and other alumni in the area). Stay tuned for your invitation.
Further to the Reunion, our Outreach efforts are resulting in some good conversations and information concerning the activities of our classmates such as John Hall’s contact with Drew Hult. Drew hopes to attend the Reunion, which is great to hear. He is married to Kaye and has three children, two sons and a daughter; the sons are married and have produced four grandchildren; his daughter is single. Drew is a CPA in Huntington, N.Y., and enjoys his work very much.
Had a terrific visit to Chappaquiddick (Martha’s Vineyard) over Labor Day weekend at the home of Brad and Dick Morash ’64. Joining us were: Marie and Mike Angelini ’64, D. Anne and Rick Atherton ’64, and Arlene and Rusty Messing ’64. (I was included because they needed an underclassman to beat on!) Judging from the levels of activity and engagement of everyone in the group, it’s clear there is lots of achievement, energy, and involvement post-50th.
In October, the Hartford Courant carried a story on the great coaching achievements of Bob Michalski. In 38 years (1967–2005) as head coach of cross country and track at Xavier High School in Middletown,Bob’s teams won 58 state championships and five New England titles! Amazing, particularly because these were two sports he did not participate in himself in either high school or college. Congratulations, Bob!
PHILIP L. ROCKWELL | prockwell@wesleyan.edu 860/693-1832