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After some fine updates from classmates, I will have more information regarding our—gulp—50th college reunion, May 20–23, 2027.
Don Ryan sent along a great photo from the wedding of his son, John ’14, which included Cal Dysinger. Lorraine Schwarz sent along news about master carver Bob Yorburg, who recently completed an amazing piece for a presentation at Coney Island Jewish Immigrant Carvers. Jane Goldenring returned from Mexico City where she taught a master class at Escena Animation School. Jane is working away on a textbook on writing film and TV coverage and script analysis. The book will be published in fall 2027 by the Taylor & Francis division of Routledge. She also just returned from a hiking trip in Ireland with friends, including fellow alum Wendy Giardina.
First-time notes contributor James Porter writes that he lives in Rowayton, Connecticut, has been married for 39 years, and has three adult children and one grandchild—the “love of his life.” James is in touch with Jeanine Basinger and Neely Bruce. His film studies led him to a job working with an educational filmmaker, which then led him to starting his own company, StressStop, which produces and distributes programs on stress management and wellness.
Cindee Howard has been traveling throughout France and has incredible worldwide travel plans in the upcoming two years: from New Zealand to North Africa and Scandinavia. Cindee continues to be in touch with Lisa Brummel, attending many musicals and plays with their partners. Cindee has an extensive list of former dorm and roommates while at Wes who she wants to connect with next May.
Amy Marshall writes stating that her Wes friends continue to be a source of joy, including Carla Sheele ’78, Juannie Eng, Steve Mahrenberg, Alex Kotlowitz, James Adler, Susan Pereira,and Debbie Adler Chalfin. Hope all these folks attend our party next May. John Fink has been in touch with classmates Scott Director, Peter Guenther, and Rick Dennett recently. John has been completing work with the University of Hawaii Athletics Department and is the happy grandfather of a “full volleyball team” of grandkids (six) with twin girls arriving in April.
Scott Siegal was forced to relocate from Altadena (California) due to the devastating Eaton Fire and has settled in San Clemente, in walking distance to the beach. Scott is enjoying being a grandfather to his daughter’s baby girl. His son got married this past April in Manhattan. Scott is appreciating “the best of times” on the heels of the “worst of times.”
Iddy Olson and I got to visit the new Obama Presidential Center in Chicago this summer. Iddy enjoyed a Wisconsin family reunion where her three grandchildren met 52 aunts, uncles, and cousins for the first time. Hope Neiman is living in Ventura, right at the beach between LA and Santa Barbara. Hope’s Wesleyan grad daughter got married and is expecting her first child this October. Steve McNutt, in New York attending the USATF National Championships Track Meet in July, met up with Steve Gold in Brooklyn.
Our 50th Reunion will be a very special time. Judging from so many of the notes sent to me by people mentioning and expressing how important the Wes connections have been, I hope people will make a big effort to make it back to campus in May. I have always felt that at the end of the day, what matters most in life are the people in our lives who have had a big impact on each of us and, conversely, whom we have had a major influence on as well. This is clearly the sign of a life well lived.
Festivities kick off with a special dinner on Thursday, May 20th, for the Class of 1977 only. Details to follow. The Courtyard by Marriott Hartford Cromwell, in Cromwell, is our hotel and is only 10 minutes from campus. On campus, Bennet Hall (fully air-conditioned) will be available for folks who want to relive the dorm experience. Plans for gatherings, special seminars, and a reunion yearbook are just beginning to take shape. A request to all: If anyone has any old photos that we can compile into our book, please send along by year’s end. In addition, if folks have any special requests for the weekend, please let us know. And please spread the word to friends and those who may never have attended a reunion or have some reluctance in attending. Any fears people have of “not knowing anyone” or “who will I recognize?” should be put to rest immediately. From personal experience, I have made some of the strongest friendships with people I got to know better at our reunions than I did when we were young pups on campus. Stay tuned for more information coming later this year.
GERRY FRANK | gerarddfrank@gmail.com