CLASS OF 1973 | 2024 | FALL ISSUE

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From Crystal Bay, Nevada, Chris Irvin writes that he missed our 50th “because of a fall that created a bubble in my lung. After putting a hole through my chest to clear the bubble, I couldn’t fly, though I felt fine.” He says he had hoped to visit Lloyd Mueller, who also had cancer, but he missed him, though he was able to talk to him shortly before he passed, around the time of our reunion. He says his son, Mathew, is doing well at our competitor, Amherst, following his father’s passion for music—mainly on the piano and mostly jazz like Lloyd. Chris adds, “My wrestling buddy, David Bong (also close to Lloyd, we both stayed with Lloyd at our 25th), was there to represent us. I’m enjoying semiretirement, taking care of my old key clients’ stock portfolios and publishing regular newsletters about the global economy and stock markets.” He is planning a trip to the Adirondacks with about a dozen high school classmates. He says, “Maybe I can get back to Connecticut one of these days, as I loved riding my bike along the high bluffs above the historic Connecticut River.” 

From South Phoenix, Arizona, Tom Kelly writes that he in enjoying a “blend of community work” and is involved with affordable housing and teaching English; and his fifth grandchild was born on August 11. He also says he is involved with Arizona politics and jazz and is a regular customer at “the Nash,” one of the area’s best jazz clubs. He is also in touch with Tom Lucci.

Michael Robinson, Bill Burke, and Jay Rose have done some amazing work. They write, “As Wesleyan class agents, we are so inspired by our class’s support and generosity. Each year, our gifts add up and make an enormous impact on today’s students and today’s Wesleyan experience. Take a close look below.

“This past year, our class raised $697,642 from 105 donors, including $176,849 for Wesleyan’s greatest needs. This means that we met our participation goal and Wesleyan will install a plaque on campus in our honor. More to come on that! We were part of a strong community of 11,680 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and students who gave back last year. Thank you to everyone who played a part in that.

“So, what did our gifts support? In a word, everything! From financial aid and first-generation student support to athletic equipment and summer grants, and everything else that defines Wesleyan for you. Because of our support, Wesleyan has been able to: 

Billy Burke writes that he and Barbara had a “great family-oriented summer. We spent most weekends watching our grandson play in baseball tournaments, including one in Lake of the Ozarks (cool place!). Additionally, this allowed for wonderful time with our daughter and granddaughter. We also get to see our son quite often. I had the opportunity to participate with him in a charity sporting clays event to raise money for a veterans’ support organization. Our team came in first place!” He adds that “on a nostalgic note, I recently saw a notice that retail-store chain Bob’s Stores has filed for bankruptcy. We knew it as Bob’s Surplus.” He said work on McConaughy: A Rock Opera continues. The soundtrack now includes three original songs as well as a host of top tunes from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s.

Bill Quigley writes that “Scott Schlieman and I worked together for the last year trying to organize swimmers from our era (and other athletes coached by John Edgar and Hugh McCurdy) to try to get the Wesleyan Athletic Hall of Fame to induct coaches John Edgar and Hugh McCurdy. Both coaches deserve it. While unsuccessful this time, it was wonderful reconnecting with athletes and friends from our era and keeping the memories of these extraordinary men alive. The last time the swim team won the Little Three was when Edgar was our coach, more than 50 years ago. Mike McKenna, one of the founders of the HOF, was very helpful in helping us understand the process.

“Also, Mike sent me a link to Tom Kelly’s blog [on Substack] about the Responsibilities of Citizenship, which is terrific.”

Bill says he has stayed in touch with Peter Cross, who lives in Austin, Texas, and celebrates Eeyore’s birthday annually. He says they often compare the actions of the governors of their home states. Bill and Dee live on the west coast of Florida and have two grandchildren in California. He is still involved with one of his sons in a CBD and cannabis manufacturing company in Puerto Rico.

Mike McKenna writes that “this 2024 fall season marks 100 years since the founding of varsity men’s soccer at Wesleyan. Hugh McCurdy, a young assistant football coach from Bowdoin, was asked by students to start a club team in 1922. The first varsity season in ’24 was highlighted by a 1-0 victory in Williamstown, and 1925 marked the team’s first Little Three title. Mac went on to coach for 42 years before becoming AD and retiring in 1968. A get-together is planned October 12 when the Cardinals host Williams at Jackson Field and there will be a Centennial Dinner at Fayerweather in April 2025. Hoping to see team star Mike Desmond back on campus, as well as co-captain Jon Corless and other classmates for the festivities. The class of ’73 had an undefeated freshman team, and later repeated as Little Three champs senior year.”

Mike adds that “Here in Vermont, this summer celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Middlebury New Filmmaker’s Festival, founded by Wes alum Lloyd Komesar ’74, which has become a wonderful event featuring more than 100 films and drawing enthusiastic crowds. This year will include the first Jeanine Basinger Prize for Student Film named in honor of the Wesleyan faculty legend.”

Bruce Kabel writes that “some of you may remember me as Bruce but I started my transition when I retired in 2020 and am now Brenda Kabel. Enjoying life in East Hartford with my wife, Laura—38 years and still going strong. My son, Jason ’05, just left Capital One after eight years to start his own AI company. Spending most of my time golfing, skiing, or playing pinball, and I was the 2022 Connecticut State champion in the women’s division. My daughter, Ariana, has recently started playing in the leagues with me. My niece, Hope Kabel ’14 got married in Cincy last week.”

Bill Corvo tells me that he has produced a docudrama on his father’s work with the OSS in Italy during World War II. It was produced in Italy with Ezio Costanzo—noted documentary filmmaker—and the Faeria Production company. He says they had the Italian premiere in Sicily at the World War II Museum in Catania, Sicily, in July of last year, and it was well received. Since then, they have produced the English language version with the documentary narration in English and English subtitles for the acting scenes. The docudrama is called Max Corvo for Freedom.”

And from Nashville we heard that Jim Powers, professor of medicine (geriatrics) at Vanderbilt and director of Clinical Innovation at the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, is pleased to announce his team is recipient of the Middle Tennessee Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

That’s our news for now.

PETER D’OENCH | pgdo10@aol.com