Tag: 1949

Bob Wylie shared: “A comment as to the age of graduates immediately following the war: As many were veterans, ages were in the mid-20s, which now reflects those in their late 90s. There are few of us left, indeed I know of only four. Fortunately, I have my memories of Wesleyan—the institution, the faculty, social life (even without girls), and my fellow students. They are all cherished.”

One note this time, from Bob Wylie: “After a career in the man-made fiber industry and 60 years residence in Greenwich, we moved to Meadow Ridge, a long-term care facility in Redding, Connecticut. Although we kept in touch with numerous classmates through the years, there are only two or three remaining. Fortunately, one of our children, a Wesleyan grad, makes sure we attend at least the Homecoming game.”

I received a couple of responses to my request for news.

Bob Wylie kindly wrote in with this update: “I was a World War II veteran at Wesleyan but doubt that there are any left. After Wesleyan, I entered the corporate world and eventually became a vice president of marketing at Celanese and Hoescht. My wife Karen and I and our four children lived in Greenwich for 50 years, but we recently moved to Meadow Ridge, a senior living facility in Redding, Connecticut. Over time I attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard, and as my interest has been in history, I obtained two master’s degrees at the New School and Western Connecticut State University. I ran for political office and was soundly defeated, but I successfully managed a number of successful candidates. I am 97, have given up driving, but not Scotch.”

Dick Steuart sent a note too. He said that he couldn’t recall which class he would have been in officially—1949 or 1950—but he attended Wesleyan for one year. He had some association with one of the fraternities, but not as an official member. He also competed on the swim team. Upon leaving Wesleyan, he joined the army and entered West Point, graduating in 1950 and, soon afterward, was in the Korean War. “During 27 years in the army, I served in numerous countries throughout the world, but still have fond memories of Wesleyan. One of my Wesleyan classmates was Chuck D. Stone. With regards, Dick Steuart.”

Greetings, Class of 1949 (and earlier years too)!

I’ve conditionally agreed to be the new Class Secretary for our class, as long as you have some news to share. You can call me or write to me—two or three sentences about what you’re doing would be great.

A little about myself: After Wesleyan, I raised a family and spent 10 years as a professional Boy Scout executive and World Book Encyclopedia manager, and 23 years selling high school textbooks in Connecticut. In the latter half of my life, I was an advocate for LGBTQ+ issues, especially as it related to the Boy Scouts of America and to creating open and affirming church relationships within the United Church of Christ. There was an article recently written about me that talks about this:

https://www.zip06.com/profile/20220302/speaking-out-for-positive-change-david-knapp.

Any Wesleyan alumni from this era who would like to talk with me about anything (other than politics), feel free to contact me by phone or email (see below). I have lived a very interesting, fulfilling, and unusual life since retirement.

Thank you,

Dave