While Bob StepnoMA ’83,MALS ’88, did not get to his double reunion in June, the former Hartford Courant education editor and journalism professor did invoke his Wesleyan studies while marking the 10th anniversary of his retirement from southwestern Virginia’s Radford University.
Bob, who once studied with ethnomusicologists Mark Slobin and David McAllester, gave a public lecture/concert at Radford’s university library, titled Dr. Bob’s Four-String Obession, playing and discussing a dozen mandolin and ukulele-family instruments. He did not bring his five-string banjo but reminisced about playing it as part of his last journalism lecture in 2013.
Since retirement, he has collected 13 ribbons (one of them blue) at old-time music conventions in Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, playing various instruments, and reported considerable “pandemic woodshedding” in the past three years on his first fiddle, acquired at age 70. Radford’s mayor, David Horton, attended and live streamed part of the modest event.
For those who might remember Bob, he received his MA in anthropology and music and performed in the Clean and Sober String Band with classmates. Bob went on to write for magazines, get his PhD from the schools of journalism and information science at UNC Chapel Hill, and taught at several colleges before retiring from Radford.
Welcome to your section of the Class Notes! If you have any updates to share, please email classnotes@wesleyan.edu. And, if any of you would like to become your Class of ’25 secretary, please reach out. It’s a commitment of twice a year and a great way to keep in touch with classmates as you launch into your lives post Wes.
I’m so delighted to share with you all the lovely notes from our peers. It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since we graduated. Whether you’ve moved to a new city, started grad school, or are still figuring out what post-Wes life looks like, it’s heartening to see that there are still threads connecting us all.
Briana Rodriguez-Castillowrites from Denver, where she’s been working as a substitute teacher and speech and debate coach. This summer she’s starting a dual master’s program in public health and social work at Columbia University, while her husband begins law school at the University of San Diego. Running all the way from high school, the two married shortly after graduation in a joyful celebration that also doubled as a mini-Wes reunion. Congratulations!
A group photo with fellow Wes alums and student at Briana’s wedding reception. From left to right: Zain Punjwani ’26, Rebecca (Becca) Dowd, Tessa Ury ’22, Carlotta (Lottie) Gidal, Briana Rodriguez-Castillo, Harry Bagenstos ’22, and Akaash Kapoor ’24.
Quin’s Marshall
Quin Steinmetz is based in Chicago, taking classes part time to prepare for a biomedical visualization program at University of Illinois Chicago. In addition to being a caregiver for elderly and physically disabled patients, Quin has also recently adopted a “super cute but pesky” cat named Marshall, who always brings over his feather wand toy each night as a gift.
Justin Nguyen is soaking in the culture and charm of Baltimore. He’s been exploring the city’s diverse and walkable neighborhoods, visiting arts and historical sites, and sampling standout eats—his must-try list includes Ekiben, Charmery, and Cypriana. Reflecting on his time away from Wes, Justin writes: “I’ve grown to appreciate the moments we spend at this present stage of our life. I hope that here, and in the future, I’m working toward a better future—one that positively impacts everyone around me. Take care.”
Dr. Silkfingers Will See You Now, an original musical written and coproduced by Scarlett Long, premiered at the Summer 2025 One-Act Festival in New York City. The queer, time-bending musical follows “Charlotte,” a spiraling college student who escaped into a surreal Victorian clinic, where she was diagnosed with hysteria and treated by the enigmatic masc lesbian physician, Dr. Silkfingers. The production featured Wesleyan alums and current students in the cast and creative team, including April Schwartz ’24, Noah King ’25, Liang Liang ’26, Kiera Moran ’24, Emma Bella Bass-Lawrence ’24, and Orlando Osgood ’26. “It felt like a mini-Wes reunion every rehearsal,” Scarlett said. “The show wouldn’t have happened without this brilliant crew.”
A photo from the musical, featuring Scarlett Long and Dr. Silkfingers.
A heartfelt reflection from Andrew Carroll, on behalf of the Rock Lobster Crew, a group of 20 alums from the Class of 2023 who recently reunited at Cape Cod: “When I first got the email about sending in a class note, I wasn’t sure I’d write anything. Nothing I could think of felt like an accurate reflection of what life has really been like two years postgraduation. But then the stars aligned [after the reunion].
“What I realized—maybe not even until I got home—is that every single one of us is in a completely different stage of life. Some of us love our jobs, some of us don’t, and some have even changed careers. Some are heading to med school, others are still in school—but all of us are just figuring it out as we go. Maybe that’s the whole point.
“What mattered most that weekend was that we made the time to be together. People traveled from all over the East Coast just for a few days, and once we were all in the same place, nothing else really mattered—just the joy of being in each other’s company, some cold drinks, and games on the beach.
“Everyone’s on their own path, but we can still carve out moments to reconnect—sharing stories about the ‘good old days’ and all the great things going on in our lives today. I think that’s the beauty of life.
“I can’t speak for everyone in the photo, and I’ll probably send this around and get a few laughs—some might even tell me not to submit it. But I’m willing to bet that 20 years from now, we’ll look at the photo (and maybe this note) and remember that weekend on the Cape. We’ll remember what it felt like to be young, uncertain about the future, and surrounded by the people who knew us before we had any idea what life after college would be like.”
The Rock Lobster Crew forming a human pyramid during their reunion at Cape Cod this summer. From the top row, left to right: Leah Ewers, Daniella Milovanov, Liv Lai, Audrey Lavey; Kate Balicki, Lois Schwartz, Danielle Slazas, Grace Devanny, Erin Trotta, Gil Horst, Diana Schwartz, Caroline Simpson; Kellen Fitzgerald, Mike Dunderdale, Harry LeGoullon, Andrew Carroll, Liam Devanny, Jake Lundberg, Sam Keenan, and Andrew Pratt.
At last, from me (Arthur Chen): Over the past year, I’ve worked on farms across Australia on working holiday, met people from all over the world, and, most recently, have been pursuing my culinary interests. I’m currently based in Melbourne, working at a super hip and delicious spot called Very Good Falafel, which really does live up to the name.
Like many of you have shared, it feels strange to realize it’s been two years since we graduated. Being away from those precious college days feels surreal and distant at times, but I also see how we’re growing into ourselves. Maybe we still don’t quite know what we’re doing, but we’ve come to appreciate the richness of experiencing so many different lifestyles and learning to embrace the unknown as part of the process of self-discovery.
Reading all your updates has been deeply meaningful. It reminds me that even though we’re scattered across the world—living different lives, chasing different dreams—we’re still connected in subtle but powerful ways. That’s the Wesleyan experience. It stays with us, even after we’ve moved on. Thank you to everyone who submitted an update—keep them coming!
The Class of 2022, as always, is making big moves and embarking on sensational adventures.
First up, we’ve got some wonderful news in the arts world from one of our class members!
This year, Esmé Maria Ng began a new position as the company management fellow at Wicked Broadway. They also brought Area D, a Palestinian pop musical, to Ars Nova for the 2025 ANT Fest, where it played to a sold-out house. You can stream the show here: https://supra.arsnovanyc.com/. They’ve also continued their playwriting practice and were selected for the Moxie Incubator this year, which culminated in a public presentation of their play, i know why iris chang died, at IRT Theater in September. Their short play, THE JADE RABBIT IS CRASHING OUT OVER EL*N M*SK, was also featured in two LGBTQ+ centered festivals—Cosmic Cherry Festival and T4T Theater Fest. Later this year, Esmé will return to Breaking the Binary Theatre Company in a new position as line producer at the fourth annual Breaking the Binary Theater Festival. You can always find out more about what Esmé’s up to by checking their website: https://www.esmemariang.com/ or their Instagram: @esmemariang.
Next up, we’ve got an exciting move coming up for a member of Wesleyan’s most phenomenal class.
After three years in New York working in mergers and acquisitions consulting for NERA, Thompson Knuth will be moving to Stockholm! He’ll be looking to continue his career in data analytics across a wide range of fields and reports already receiving some great advice from Wes alums in Sweden.
Last, but not least, we’ve got some stellar academia-related updates!
After completing three years of educational advocacy work for students in foster care at the New York Foundling nonprofit, Sela Adegbile will be pursuing her JD at the University of Michigan Law School this fall and is excited to move to Ann Arbor, where she aims to further develop her advocacy skills on behalf of young people.
Keanu Bryan will be starting graduate school this coming spring, pursuing her master’s in public health with a concentration in community health sciences.
And while William Woodhams “regrets not going to more Sunday Argus meetings,” he reports “that everything has a way of working out,” as he will be starting his second year at Berkeley Journalism School this fall.
Hyped to be y’all’s new class secretary and can’t wait to hear more updates on what everyone’s up to! A bit of info about me: I was an English and government major at Wesleyan with a REES minor, and I’m now working as a paralegal in Washington, D.C.
And while we are all extremely fortunate to be moving forward with our lives postgraduation, I’m very sorry to report the devastating news that Belle Brown died by suicide in March of this year. If you knew Belle and would like to send in a remembrance for our next class note, reach out. Also, if you or a loved one is in need of support, call or text 988. You can find more resources at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention.
Langston Morrison recently graduated from Fordham Law School with a concentration in international, foreign, and comparative law. Langston is also the vice president of a nonprofit called Abóbë Cultural Institute and Learning Center; is a certified human rights consultant with the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights; and is the author of a book on language learning called The Economics of Language Learning. Since graduating from law school, he has been studying for the bar exam and will go onto practicing law at Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP in Kansas City, Missouri.
Andrei Pinkus writes, “In 2024–2025, I traveled to Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Peru, and New Zealand. I earned my PADI Divemaster certification in Koh Tao, Thailand, and made unforgettable friends and memories along the way. Now, I’m settled back into the D.C. area working in the environmental field, so reach out to me at andrei.pinkus@gmail.com if you want to connect or grab a bite!”
Andrei taking a dive
Kaya Gayon Yang decided to move to Ulanbaatar, Mongolia, where she will be a grade four homeroom teacher at English School Mongolia. If anyone visits Mongolia, please let Kaya know! Kaya can be reached by gyang01@wesleyan.edu.
As for me, I graduated from University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School in May. I will be moving to New York City to start a career in litigation. Please let me know if you are around. I am always happy to catch up with Wes alumni.
Thank you for reading! May you stay well and enjoy the rest of 2025.
Saam Niami currently lives in New York and works as an arts and culture writer for publications such as The New York Times,New York Magazine, and Interview Magazine. Last year he founded Ward Gallery, a curatorial project dedicated to young New York artists, from emerging to museum represented, across all mediums.
From Luke Forsthoefel: “After five great years in Boston, I’m moving out to the Bay Area with my partner, Ava, and our cat, Aflie! I will be starting business school at Stanford GSB in September 2025 as a member of the Class of 2027, while Ava will continue her data science job in tech. We are both very excited about moving to California and this new chapter ahead. I’m always excited to connect with Wes alums, so let me know if you’re in the area!”
Emmy Hughes received her PhD in planetary geology in June from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. She’ll stay on at Georgia Tech for the next year or so, working on Mars analogue science! Congrats, Emmy!
From Huiqin Hu: “Five years after graduating, I’ve lived in New York City, San Francisco, Nairobi, [and] Bali. And I’m currently studying Taiji and Qigong in Wudang Mountain, China.”
Sawyer Tennant just graduated from Boston University with an MFA in creative writing (fiction), where he was awarded a Leslie D. Epstein Global Fellowship to write abroad in Istanbul this fall. Congrats, Sawyer!
Lars Babbott-Ward is now the proud dad to a bearded dragon named Banjo and an axolotl named Silly. Teaching elementary music, hosting open mics, and coaching high school rowing has been filling most of their days with laughter and community. “Sending love to all and show up where you can for each other.” <3
Happy five-years postgrad to all, and thank you to those who submitted updates! I am still chugging along in Chicago, enjoying all the Midwest has to offer. Roll cards and let me know if you’re ever in town!
Hello everyone! Here are some updates from our peers:
Nikolas Ortega is relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area (again) to pursue his MBA at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, where he’ll concentrate on entrepreneurship, venture capital, and ethical technology deployment. Niko looks forward to connecting with fellow Wesleyan alumni in the Bay Area and helping strengthen our local community through events and gatherings. If you’re in the area or would like to reconnect, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Nicky Yeager is a biology department administrator at NYU and is beginning the interdisciplinary NYU Gallatin MA program to study writing, film, and American studies. They contribute journalism to the Cleveland Review of Books, the Texas Observer, and The Indypendent.
As for me, I recently started a new position as a policy analyst at the New York City Council, where I conduct policy research and analysis on issues related to housing, homelessness, and general welfare.
A huge thank you to all who contributed! And to everyone else, be on the lookout for an email from me about the next issue.
ason Mitchner shared a remembrance of Asa Masai Palmer, who passed away on May 29, 2025:
Asa Masai Palmer
“Asa Masai Palmer hailed from the Bronx, New York, where he was an avid member of Thessalonia Worship Center [and] the second oldest of six siblings. [Asa] attended Daniel Hand High School in Connecticut as a member of the A Better Chance program. At Wesleyan, Asa played football, shot for various sports teams, minored in film and majored in econ; and, moreover, was a beam of positivity and authenticity in Middletown, Connecticut. Upon graduating, Asa traveled the world through mission work with his church and won an Emmy with CBS Sports for Super Bowl LVIII. Asa also co-founded a Black multimedia company called Sable Kudzu Entertainment LLC; and created a universe for a project dubbed ‘Sentinel 6’ with Pat Stout, a friend from Wesleyan University. Together they raised $20,000 and produced a short film in 2022. The project recently received funding and is currently in preproduction!”
ason Mitchner shared a remembrance of Asa Masai Palmer, who passed away on May 29, 2025:
Asa Masai Palmer
“Asa Masai Palmer hailed from the Bronx, New York, where he was an avid member of Thessalonia Worship Center [and] the second oldest of six siblings. [Asa] attended Daniel Hand High School in Connecticut as a member of the A Better Chance program. At Wesleyan, Asa played football, shot for various sports teams, minored in film and majored in econ; and, moreover, was a beam of positivity and authenticity in Middletown, Connecticut. Upon graduating, Asa traveled the world through mission work with his church and won an Emmy with CBS Sports for Super Bowl LVIII. Asa also co-founded a Black multimedia company called Sable Kudzu Entertainment LLC; and created a universe for a project dubbed ‘Sentinel 6’ with Pat Stout, a friend from Wesleyan University. Together they raised $20,000 and produced a short film in 2022. The project recently received funding and is currently in preproduction!”
Josephine Jenks and Will Moss were married last month in Brooklyn, New York, with many Wesleyan friends in attendance!
Josephine and Will
Jade Ransohoff and Sarah Swenson celebrated 10 years of best friendship on August 24, 2025, after meeting their sophomore year on the volleyball team.
Molly Bogin released her debut EP, Attachment Cycle, on all streaming platforms in May, and she’d be thrilled if you listened to it and/or sent it to all your exes. <3
Adam Rochelle is still out in LA vibin’—playing jazz, dropping music, and wearing pants. He recently moved from Glendale to Highland Park and is adjusting to the new neighborhood. He and Johnnie Gilmore ’18 recently played hide-and-seek across LA; no one won.
Nisha Grewal has completed her PhD in astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh and is beginning her postdoctoral research career.
Jodi Almengor is enjoying life in her hometown of New York City and has recently enrolled in a graduate program. She spends her free time running long distances around the city and is always happy to connect.
Ali Felman will begin a PhD in management at NYU this fall, where she plans to research precarious work and job insecurity. This summer, she traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico, with Juniper Flurry. Her beloved dog, Ponyboy, remains perfect and invites anyone in NYC to stop by with cheese.
Sarah Mininsohn received a Fulbright grant in 2022 for artistic research in Italy. After an extended stay in Bologna, she moved to Chicago in 2024 to begin a PhD at Northwestern University.
