CLASS OF 1977 | 2016 | ISSUE 2
Well, folks, there is much excitement already as we look ahead to 2017 and our 40th Reunion. Please mark your respective calendars, be it paper or Outlook, the dates of May 25th–28th. This is such an exciting time in our lives, full of lots of transitions, many good, others not-so-good. It will be great to share them with friends who knew each of us “way back when.”
For now, I have the following updates to report:
First time contributor Alan Steele recounts his amazing career ranging from physical chemistry to medicine to intellectual property law. Currently a Wellesley, Mass., resident, happily married, Alan can be found sculling on the Charles River. He has three grown sons (one is Wes grad Taylor Steele ’14).
Joel Backon remarried two years ago. Joel and his bride are both teachers, passionate about working with high school students, preparing them to tackle the challenges in the upcoming years. Joel is enjoying the recent arrival of two grandchildren, which has had a major rejuvenating effect.
Bob Giges has been awarded the Pavel Machotka Chair in Creative Studies at Porter University in California, Santa Cruz. The three-year appointment allows for Bob to teach and produce long form theatrical improv at UCSC. Cheryl Cutler MA ’71 inspires Bob in dance to this day—in the form of an eclectic mix of African, Samba, and hip-hop, called Worldanz.
Don Ryan’s son John ’14, released his first album: Petunia’s Room. I like what I heard.
Don Spencer has entered my world, in that he is building a new house in Westport: comes with the million decisions you have to make from beginning to end. By the time we read these notes, he should be all moved in. Don’s kids: Jocelyn ’13 is in London completing a graduate program and Alyssa is a theater and entrepreneurship student at Clark.
Iddy Olson happily writes about a new romance in Chicago and the sunny effects on all aspects of her life.
Hank Rosenfeld compared notes with me about Jackson Hole, Wyo. He went slogging through the rain last summer with Bob Rees, hiking and enjoying the antlers adorning the town square, as well as restaurants with bears inside. It is quite the place. Hank and fellow Butterfield Hall mate, Byron Washington, met up with Hank’s nephew Harrison, introducing the lad to his first Bob Dylan concert in Clarkston, Mich.
Jay Kilbourn is running for the Maine State Senate seat in District 34. Jay is a clean election candidate, a Democrat, with focus on renewable energy, jobs, and growing the farm base.
Jane Goldenring was back at Wesleyan teaching graduate film production majors: how to prepare to hit the LA/NYC job markets.
Kate Seeger came by to catch up with Jane during her three-day teaching gig.
Janet Malkemes is now dean of a new program: Center for Global Engagement at Central Piedmont Community College. The change is bittersweet, given that Janet leaves Cato, where she recently completed a major building project.
Joan Goldfeder proudly writes about her son, Eli, graduating from high school and heading off this fall to Bucknell. Like Joan, I remember a young 9-year-old at our 30th Reunion; I’m so happy, but not the least bit surprised, to hear what a good guy he has become.
Joe Tringali visited in LA; he seems to be enjoying retirement.
Lisa Brummel wrote that Cheryl Sucher has moved back to the US landing near Princeton, N.J. Carol and Lisa caught up with former roommate Juannie Eng. Lisa’s son is graduating high school and will be attending Dickinson College this fall. Son number two is beginning his college visits this fall. Lisa plans to visit friends, myself included. Lisa had a tough start to the year with the passing of her mom.
Vanessa Burgess touched base that Susan Webster graciously hosted a Wes Women’s Networking event at Cravath this past April. Vanessa was on the planning committee along with Diana Diamond ’70 and Melody Oliphant ’13.
Yoriko Kishimoto writes that she continues to be involved in local policy and politics as the President of the Mid-peninsula Regional Open Space District, where they passed a $300 million bond measure; they are busy buying land, restoring watersheds, and opening new trails. Yoriko is vice chair of the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s water commission.
I close by hoping everyone is having/has had a fine summer. Remember next May 2017: we can do all this in person.
Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com