CLASS OF 1978 | 2026 | SPRING ISSUE

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Reports Bill Adler: “It’s hard to believe that I’m in my 11th year living in Japan. I’m

enjoying this place a lot, and I’d be delighted to show you around if you visit.”

John Herzfeld writes: “I was honored by the presence of our class co-secretary Ken Kramer and his wife, Robin, at our performance of Beethoven’s Ninth with the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra, for which my home base—the West Village Chorale—provided the vocal forces. Kathy Mintz and Noreen O’Donnell (sister of Brian O’Donnell ’79) turned out, as they have for nearly every West Village Chorale concert for the past couple of decades, and completing the party was my wife, Tatjana! Hope to make it up to New Haven to see Ken play his trumpet in the Yale Medical Symphony Orchestra.” I can report that the privilege was all mine: A stunning performance it was by John and his New York City choral group, and I can recommend to any and all within striking distance of the city to come hear ’em!

Dave Landman lives with his wife, Marian, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and continues his lifelong, extreme mountain-climbing and exploring activities, having now climbed all Seven Summits continental peaks. He is on track to complete the rare Explorer’s Grand Slam, which additionally incorporates treks to the South and North Poles—the latter of which is the only remaining leg for Dave and is planned for next year. Of note, Dave takes this on in support of the Juniper Fund, which provides financial support and skill-building opportunities for Sherpa families suffering loss from the casualties of that occupation.

Sam Liss writes: “Happy to relay that a group of outstanding WesTech folks joined together at the U.S. Open Tennis event in New York back in September—including Steve Greenberg, Don Rosenstein ’80, Ken Kramer, John Beresniewicz, John Herzfeld, Andy Simon ’80, respective spouses, including Gail Liss, and Liss daughters, Alix ’16, Emmy, and Jessica.” (Thanks for setting it all up, Sam.)

“Would add a shout-out—albeit not yet time to nominate University MVP or lifetime service awards in front of our approaching 50th (and clearly we have a few to whom we can raise a glass)—to express great and timely appreciation to Michael Roth for how he has led and represented our alma mater and its essence in the public domain throughout the unbelievably tumultuous 2025.”

Rich Order is busy following up on the publication of his 2025 book, Reimagining a More Perfect Union: A Better Constitution for Modern America, in which Rich brings his legal background to a treatise on recommending the rewriting of portions of our Constitution. During this past year he has been engaged in discussing the book at venues including television, radio, churches, Jewish community centers, political organizations, and book clubs.

Kevin Rose proudly announces the upcoming wedding of his son, Danny ’19, to Julia Kim ’20, this year in NYC. He looks forward as well to a subsequent wedding this year in Italy for another Wes couple, Nolan Webb ’20 and Stasie Litinsky ’20.

Julie Scolnik is now in the 29th season of her music series, Mistral Music. Her memoir, Paris Blue, continues its active presence in bookstores and book clubs, with a possible film version in the offing. Julie invites anyone traveling during the summer months through Provence—where she spends four months with her husband and cats—to pay a visit.

Dave Wilson continues his active jazz saxophone career with the Dave Wilson Quartet, having recently released his eighth recording, When Even Goes West. Says Dave, “I am grateful for my experience at Wesleyan in the mid-1970s, especially studying with the late Bill Barron; it helped shape my career in music to where I am today.”

Lastly, on a sad note, we mourn the June 6, 2025, passing of Kofi Osae-Kwapong. A link to Kofi’s obituary can be found online in the archived section of the ’78 class notes, at classnotes.blogs.wesleyan.edu.

Best regards to all,

Ken