Tag: 1965

The big news remains our upcoming 50th Reunion and hope everyone will make the effort to be there! Even for a day, it will be worth it, I’m sure. In the course of the Reunion planning and outreach we’ve received a lot of information on classmates, much of which will be in our Reunion book (to be distributed at Reunion) and in the addendum to be distributed later.

Here are a few tidbits:

Gar Hargens writes: “Great to read about the work going into our Reunion. Thank you all. I still have my head down, cranking out the work. Unfortunately, several large projects may be peaking in late May but I hope to join you. The two ($4 and $30 million) are both trying to meet LEED, Passive House, and Living Building Challenge standards. As Bill Blakemore and Jerry Melillo address global climate change, I’d be glad to comment on what’s happening (or not) at the local project level.” Gar is president/owner of Close Associates (architects) in Minneapolis.

From Peter Babin: “After graduating from Wesleyan, went to law school, and then briefly practiced law before time in the military. Then I migrated into the world of commercial property, casualty and health insurance. Positions held include: vice president, risk management, May Department Stores, St. Louis, and CEO for insurer sponsored health/HMO plans in Denver; Dayton, Shreveport, and Helena. Retired in 2005 as CEO of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Montana. Married in 1972 to Barbara Ellen Makinen, have three daughters and four grandchildren (with a set of twins ‘in development’). Currently living about half of each year on the northwest coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, and the remainder on our small ranch south of Helena. Have kept my hand in business with property development activities in Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Hawaii. Unfortunately, I’m unsure if I can work around scheduling conflicts with the 50th Reunion, but best to all and thanks for the memories!”

Bill Brown writes: “Mr. Excitement never left town. I ride by Wesleyan every day. In our senior year—February 1965—I was hired by the state of Connecticut, to teach emotionally challenged children at Connecticut Valley Hospital. I stayed for 32 years and retired at 53, in 1997, the day before my first granddaughter was born. Had fun babysitting her and her little sister, for years…. I was disappointed to see that Dean Barlow left Wesleyan when we did. He was the most important faculty member for me. The Argus cover featured me receiving my diploma from him at graduation time—the shortest graduate at 5 feet, 3 inches, and the second youngest. They should have chosen the student behind me, handsome Donald Brown!”

Bruce Patterson writes briefly: “Still married (tolerant wife). Two kids. Son lives in Stamford, daughter lives in NYC, so our plans are to stay in Stamford for the time being. Semi-retired. One day a week at West Marine. Rest of the time self -employed as a marine surveyor (seasonal in New England). My hobby is sailing.”

Update for Carl Calendar: After receiving his doctorate, Carl became a teacher and has been dean of humanities at Brookdale Community College on the Jersey Shore where he has worked for 44 years. Carl says: “Teaching the students in a community college has always been my passion—I love the diversity.”

He and his wife, Jody, have two sons, Bart, 46, in Montpellier, France, a journalist; and Shane, 29, an attorney in New Jersey. They live in a 200-year-old farmhouse in Moultonborough, N.H., where they spend summers and a few winter weekends. Jody is the editor of the Asbury Park Press.

In the 1990s, Carl worked for the State Department in Singapore, Malaysia, and Borneo, doing training for journalists. In 2005, he walked 204 miles on the Camino de Santiago on a pilgrimage to the grave of St. James.

Carl’s best Wesleyan Memories: “touch football and volleyball before dinner, party weekends, sensational teachers, and wonderful students who taught me as much as the professors.”

Marsh Cusic writes: “I’m retired from medical practice and the Navy and spending more time with our family farm in Illinois. Wow, farming has really changed over the years. It’s sure not ‘Old MacDonald’s Farm’ anymore. The challenge is to operate a business with a heart for the land. I crossed paths with John Hall, Don Crampton, and other Class of ’65 members at the Chicago area WesU alumni event last fall. I’m still a big bike rider and will do the 460-mile RAGBRAI Iowa ride in July, the GRABWAAR 480-mile ride in Wisconsin in June and a 120-mile Illinois ride in September. Our three kids and five grandkids live in Wisconsin and Minnesota, so we keep busy trying to keep up with them. Georgeanne (Conn ’67) and I look forward to catching up with ’65 classmates in May.”

From John Wilson: “After 25-plus years at the University of Arizona, I retired in 2010. Now, my adventure-action novel is in draft, and I met an agent who said she wanted to see the first 50 pages. I love learning to write and am even beginning to understand sentences. Potential for further entertainment is infinite.

“Linda and I met 50 years ago on Halloween at The Sancho Panza in Monterey. Fifty years. Most of you were seniors, I was a Spec 4 at the Defense Language Institute, and the coffee shop later became a Thomas Kinkaid gallery. Our Sancho Panza gets a few inches starting paragraph eight at theava.com/archives/21180. Linda has been a movement educator for over 20 years, and I have the best posture and easiest movement I’ve had since I was five years old. That’s cool but a long story.

“Last year, Heidi and I took our first daughter-father trip of any length: a week in Nashville. We walked to music, history, and Nash Trash and drove less than 40 minutes to the Parthenon and the site of the Battle of Franklin, and we got on well as fellow travelers. I must have been a good person in a prior life to get this trip. Heidi is still a preferred and student-centered high school English teacher and teaches a film class.

“Life is good and often fun. Avoid the front page and/or TV news and treasure your friends and the things you like do.”

From Bob Schmidt: “In October, Susan and I hosted Betsy and Tom (The Aleman) Elliman, Joan and Fritz Faerber, Tim Lynch and his lovely Rose at our Cape Cod cottage in Chatham, Mass. Joining us were Chris and Paul Lapuc ’64, who live full time in Chatham. We had a rollicking good time! On Saturday afternoon, we went to a Bluegrass Festival at Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod Winery. We sampled in earnest the wines, which were quite good. A few weeks later at a planning meeting for our upcoming 50th and Joseph’s Robe presentation we were treated to Truro wines that Hal Gorman hauled out of his car trunk. Turns out that Hal is the attorney for Truro Vineyards and is on their board of directors. Hal has offered to supply more wine for our Reunion—and gratefully, I say, ‘Bring it on, Hal!’”

PHILIP L. ROCKWELL | prockwell@wesleyan.edu

The big news remains Thursday, May 21–Sunday, May 24, 2015-—our 50th!

A growing group of us are formulating plans, and we are eager to include everyone who’d like to be part of that activity. Just let me know and I’ll pass on your name to Dave Dinwoodey, who is serving as our convener.

In that regard, we had a very well-attended and productive meeting on Sept. 30 at John Hall’s law firm in New York City. In attendance were:

Rob Abel—Ophthalmologist, teacher, author, and educator. Rob has founded a vitamin company; he is helping start free eye clinics in low-income communities; and he is also helping to foster peace among Palestinians and Israelis. Rob planned to come to Homecoming and our 50th Reunion planning sessions instead of his academy of ophthalmology meeting, where a lecture on three ophthalmologists-turned-mystery writers was to be presented. The three ophthalmologists: Arthur Conan Doyle, Robin Cook ’62, and Rob!

Bob Barton—Retired fund development professional/consultant; now, mainly farmer and senior basketball star, along with teammate Jay Clapp.

Bill Blakemore—Still at ABC News after nearly 50 years covering the Vatican, volcanos, wars, politics, and just about everything. Also, he’s doing a great deal of lecturing and writing on global-warming and its effects.

Win Chamberlin—Nearly-retired NYC real estate developer; involved in Community Services Society in NYC and other charities, including rebuilding efforts in New Orleans. Wife Lee is retiring from her work as an attorney for NYU Law School.

Don Crampton—Retired insurance executive in Chicago, but still does some consulting. Also, tireless Wesleyan Fund leader for our class.

Dave Dinwoodey—With law and teaching careers behind him, he is now back working full-time with a smaller law firm and enjoying it. However, he and Mary Ellen make plenty of time for four Boston-area grandchildren, travel, biking, and racquet sports.

Mark Edmiston—Career in publishing now has him founding a digital food magazine. Has served on Wesleyan’s Board and recently finished his term as chair of the Children’s Aid Society of New York.

John Hall—Senior partner at Debevoise & Plimpton. Spending time with the firm’s associates helping low-income defendants in Alabama and Texas. Very involved with several nonprofit schools in NYC. Stays in shape biking and hiking with wife Annie; recently returned from China and Tibet.

Kirt Mead—Now with Leading Edge Forum in London. Firm’s mission is teaching high-tech folks to communicate with business folks.

Tony Schuman—For past 35 years professor of architecture, New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark. Specializes in solutions to community challenges and is very involved in the Newark community.

Hugh Wilson—Professor emeritus, York University, Toronto. Specializes in vision and brain function and imaging. Wife Fran also retired professor. Both travel widely and are still working on research papers, books, and speaking engagements. Also, wine experts! (Hugh was ill, so participated by conference call.)

Bob Leonard—Professor of Theater Arts at Virginia Tech, as well as part of our outreach team. He is also director of their MFA program and primary adviser in the stage management, directing, and public dialogue MFA programs.

We discussed programing for Reunion, such as seminars on global-warming and its effects. Looks like Jerry Melillo, presidential advisor, will be able to participate, along with Bill Blakemore and others from the Wesleyan family.

A main focus will also be plenty of time just to reconnect with classmates and to discuss whatever comes up! Our Outreach Committee is active in contacting everyone and encouraging everyone to return.

There are Wesleyan seminars being scheduled in Chicago (12/2/14), Boston, New York, and Los Angeles on various topics for our class (and other alumni in the area). Stay tuned for your invitation.

Further to the Reunion, our Outreach efforts are resulting in some good conversations and information concerning the activities of our classmates such as John Hall’s contact with Drew Hult. Drew hopes to attend the Reunion, which is great to hear. He is married to Kaye and has three children, two sons and a daughter; the sons are married and have produced four grandchildren; his daughter is single. Drew is a CPA in Huntington, N.Y., and enjoys his work very much.

Had a terrific visit to Chappaquiddick (Martha’s Vineyard) over Labor Day weekend at the home of Brad and Dick Morash ’64. Joining us were: Marie and Mike Angelini ’64, D. Anne and Rick Atherton ’64, and Arlene and Rusty Messing ’64. (I was included because they needed an underclassman to beat on!) Judging from the levels of activity and engagement of everyone in the group, it’s clear there is lots of achievement, energy, and involvement post-50th.

In October, the Hartford Courant carried a story on the great coaching achievements of Bob Michalski. In 38 years (1967–2005) as head coach of cross country and track at Xavier High School in Middletown,Bob’s teams won 58 state championships and five New England titles! Amazing, particularly because these were two sports he did not participate in himself in either high school or college. Congratulations, Bob!

PHILIP L. ROCKWELL | prockwell@wesleyan.edu 860/693-1832

One of the benefits of living in Connecticut is being able visit our beloved campus on a regular basis. That was the case on a beautiful day in early April when I watched the Cardinal baseball team beat Williams 4-1. (The next day Wesleyan traveled to Williamstown and swept the Ephs 7-2 and 12-2.) During the game in Middletown, I had the pleasure of chatting with head football coach and athletic director Mike Whalen ’83, and head baseball coach Mark Woodworth ’94 (and his lovely wife, Robin ’97). Both Mike and Mark are doing a superb job, but always need our help in letting them know of outstanding student-athletes in our communities for whom Wesleyan would be a good fit. No need to do any recruiting: just give them a name and they’ll take it from there.

At the game also had a good chat with fellow Deke Pat Dwyer ’67. Pat was a standout football and baseball player and was the first of three brothers to graduate from Wesleyan, the other two being Kevin ’68 and Tom ’72. Pat’s son, Dan, didn’t get the memo and ended up at Williams where he was an outstanding quarterback, golfer, and student. Dan now practices law with his father and Pat proudly proclaims, “I now work for him!”

John Dunton sent a great holiday letter. Here are a few excerpts: “2013 included a lot of family and travel. To escape the cold winter we traveled to Belize and Guatemala on a small ship tour, visiting Mayan ruins, snorkeling and touring the countryside. Later, we gathered with two sons, their wives and five of the grandchildren and went skiing in New Hampshire, a gift of my mother to the family.

“Our 1973 Volvo 164 was driven to two Concours d’Elegance shows. Our second Concours appearance was at a very prestigious show in Saratoga, N.Y. We were surprised she was accepted: ‘Lucille’ was really out of her class; to the left was a 1952 Jaguar roadster and to the right was an Aston-Martin DB4, collectively worth perhaps $600,000, but she showed well and had many admirers. She also won ‘People’s Choice’ in class for the second time in three years at a Boston show.

“We took a 10-day trip to Memphis, Tenn., and saw Elvis Presley’s house (Graceland); Sun Studio where Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison got their start, and Stax soul music museum, a very interesting place to visit. We then went to Little Rock, Ark., and visited with the drummer in my band (yes, you can find YouTube clips by searching Gary and The Wombats; we were filmed at the 50th reunion of the band). In Bentonville, Ark., we visited the spectacular Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and we also visited Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs—a simple but elegant wood-and-glass place of great beauty, peace and serenity. Christmas found us along the Main River on a river­boat cruise from Frankfurt to Nuremberg.

“For Carol it was another year of work; somewhere in the future she will agree to retire. I continue to work as well; Carol’s singing continued, with participation in concert performances with several groups, including singing the Canadian and American national anthems at Fenway Park.

“We’re looking forward to meeting more friends and experiencing more travel in 2014. Our big trip will be a boat journey which the tour company calls ‘In the Wake of the Vikings’ from Copenhagen to the islands off the coast of Scotland. We will then tour Scotland.”

For a great article by Steve Badanes on the value of his Wesleyan education, click on “This is Why” on the Wesleyan home page, and scroll down until you see his Fremont Troll. Wesleyan invites each of us to write a paragraph or two on why Wesleyan was important in our lives—something to consider!

Steve Rhinesmith has his own company and is also senior adviser at Mercer Leadership Development in Chatham, Mass., a firm specializing in professional training and coaching. Steve earned his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh and has been a leadership consultant with numerous major companies around the world. He is the author or co-author of four books and 30 articles on leadership development. Steve has many years of senior international management experience, including 15 as president of the AFS International Student Exchange Program and Holland America Cruise Lines. He also served for 10 years as a senior leadership consultant to the World Bank and was President Reagan’s coordinator for U.S.-Soviet Exchanges with the rank of U.S. Ambassador.

Bill Trapp (and wife Marilyn)—Wesleyan’s greatest baseball fans—recently went from their home in West Hills, Calif., to Tucson to watch the Cards play four games during their Arizona spring training trip. Bill’s still a top producer at his insurance agency, but finds time for golf and even plans to play in the alumni game at Wesleyan in May. At that time, the college will be honoring the inaugural Baseball Hall of Fame inductees, including Jeff Hopkins ’66. Jeff was an outstanding baseball and football player and was drafted by the New York Yankees.

Finally, had an exchange of e-mails with Tom Elliman (The Aleman) around a recent speech in Portland, Maine, by Morrie Heckscher ’62, chairman/curator of the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum in New York City. Morrie’s keynote address (a big success), was part of the 50th Anniversary celebration of Greater Portland Landmarks, a nonprofit of which Tom is a trustee. Tom noted that “as students of Art Professor Sam Green, Morrie and I were joined by Paul Stevens ’59, a local architect and great­grandson of John Calvin Stevens, a nationally known architect.”

Asked Tom about his career and life and he replied: “I retired from Ford Motor Co. (Ford racing program—12 years) in 2006 and by October, Betsy and I had left Detroit in a 20’ RV for a trip around the perimeter of the country. Seven months and 17,000 miles later we landed back in Maine which was our target. Along the way, at church in Santa Barbara I accidentally re-connected with Denny Bacon ’68, whom I had not seen since Commons Club days nearly 40 years earlier. Anyway, we bought a house overlooking Portland Harbor and immersed ourselves in a community we had lived outside of in the ’70s and ’80s. Much different being in an exciting small city. Tons going on, and we have tapped into most of it. My major focus has been Greater Portland Landmarks (and related preservation activities), where I am scheduled to become board chairman in the fall. Lots of Wesleyan folks around here, as you can imagine. In fact we have a Commons Club mini-reunion here each year around Labor Day. Our two girls both live along the Connecticut shore and we have four grandchildren whom we see as often as possible. We love to travel, and since moving back have visited Italy, Australia, Scotland, Israel, and Russia. Plus we like to hang out in Key West, too. Looking forward to our 50th!

Chuck Hearey writes: “Living in Orinda, Calif., and working full-time as chief-of-pediatrics at the area Kaiser-Permanente facility. I thoroughly enjoy my practice and administrative work. We have accomplished a lot in setting quality care and access standards and increasingly are being looked upon as a national model for health care delivery. I was also appointed to the medical advisory committee for the statewide California Interscholastic Federation, which oversees high school athletics…. Had my second knee replaced and feel great—even have enjoyed playing some doubles and light skiing. Two of our three children (Ray, child psychiatrist, and Katy, marketing/architect) have moved back to California with their spouses and live nearby. Sarah works in fashion design in New York City. Dede is still working part-time in school law, and we are enjoying our three darling grandchildren.”

PHILIP L. ROCKWELL | prockwell@wesleyan.edu 860/693-1832

Dear Classmates, Members of our class gathered on campus over Homecoming weekend and had an enjoyable and productive two days. Attending were Dave Dinwoodey (and Mary Ellen), Rob Abel, Bob Barton (and Prudy), Jay Clapp, Win Chamberlin (and Lee), Mark Edmiston (and Lisa), Bill Knox (and Carolyn), John Hall, Kirt Mead (and Susan), and Hugh Wilson. We had a pleasant Friday dinner in the spacious and attractive Usdan Campus Center, a wonderful addition to the campus. For those of you who haven’t been on campus lately, Usdan is located just beyond center field of the baseball diamond. On Saturday morning we met first with the Alumni Association and heard from several faculty members and President Michael Roth ’78, who spoke about Wesleyan’s involvement in a new online education initiative, Coursera, which offers courses from many leading universities. Coursera gives people of all backgrounds and ages from around the world the opportunity to learn from Wesleyan professors and gives the university positive global exposure.

We then met for several hours to discuss early planning for our 50th Reunion (May 20–24, 2015). In that regard, please e-mail me if you’d like to be involved in the Reunion in any way or would like more information about opportunities to help with the Reunion itself, class seminars, outreach, publicity, our class “book” or gift, etc.

Following our meeting, we all enjoyed the football team’s exciting victory over Williams to capture the Little Three Championship! Mike Whalen ’83 has done an amazing job of building the football program in the four years he’s been head coach. The team finished 7-1 and, despite a disappointing final game loss to Trinity, shared the NESCAC championship with Amherst and Middlebury who were also 7-1.

Earlier in the day, there was a well-attended ceremony at which the Phi Nu Theta (Eclectic) House was named a state and national historic landmark. Dave Dinwoodey and other loyal Eclectic alumni were in attendance.

Further news: Hugh Wilson writes: “Well, I’ve finally taken the plunge. As of Jan. 1, 2014, I have decided to become professor emeritus, the academic equivalent of retirement. I get to keep my university office and lab, but I will no longer have to teach or serve on university committees. Thus, I’ll have a lot of time for research plus time to write and travel extensively. The Centre for Vision Research (of which I’m former director) held an international conference in my honour last June. The speakers included my wife, Fran, (a scientist in the same field) and colleagues including two former students who are now professors at Columbia University and Glasgow, U.K. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, including a hilarious roast by one of my closest colleagues from Vanderbilt. Hope to see everyone at our 50th Reunion in 2015.” Congratulations, Hugh!

Bedford Bonta is professor, division of neonatal medicine, at Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, Tenn. Bedford is a graduate of the Medical Center of Vermont and previously at the naval hospitals in Portsmouth, Va., and San Diego.

Ellen and Ted See sent a welcome and informative card and family letter early in the year. They are busy and happy in their Connecticut and Rhode Island communities: volunteer and church activities; racquet and water sports; travel to visit their four grandchildren in Seattle; birding trips (Ellen had 80 sightings in Arizona) and a visit to Nova Scotia. Ted reconnected in Gabon (Central West Africa) with a Peace Corps buddy with whom he served 45 years ago. They built a school, teachers’ houses, and a brick kiln. (Ellen saw some photos of them at the village and remarked that they were certainly “hunks”!) Their children are doing well: Kevin is restoring salmon in the Columbia River basin; Virginia is pursuing her master’s in speech therapy while working for an environmental consulting firm; Greg is building and restoring various structures in Seattle; and Tyler is teaching at a Quaker-based alternative school in Nevada City, Calif., that focuses on global awareness, peace studies, and sustainable living.

A recent seminar at Wesleyan, Narrative in the Age of Distraction, featured Molly Barton ’00, daughter of Prudy and Bob Barton. Molly is global digital director for Penguin Random House. She leads digital business relationships with global partners for Penguin and oversees their digital publishing efforts, including apps, deluxe eBooks, and more. She will teach a course in Wesleyan’s Writing Certificate program this spring.

Steve Badanes continues to be in the news as he was featured in a new movie about Seattle’s Freemont Troll, known as one of America’s “five strangest roadside attractions.” It’s a great example of unusual public art (a huge troll under a bridge) and is typical of Steve’s cutting edge and witty creations. (For more on it, simply Google “Freemont Troll.”)

PHILIP L. ROCKWELL
860/693-1832; prockwell@wesleyan.edu