Tag: 1977

Who would have imagined that at the tender age of 62, attendance at so many weddings would become such a big part of my free time? The combination of folks’ second or third marriages and children of friends or relatives marrying means that there is a steady flow of celebration and travel. Not that I’m knocking it in the least! At a time when there is a lot to be concerned or saddened by, having occasions to be in the presence of others to have fun and to share in the love is something I cherish.

September took me to two great destination weddings: Squaw Valley, Calif., and Jackson Hole, Wyo. In California, I was honored to officiate at the wedding of my nephew, Michael Frank ’08. As necessitated by the Golden State, I became an ordained minister in order to perform my duties. There was a wonderful turnout of Wesleyan graduates, with a photo taken at mountain top. At the end of the month I made my way to Wyoming for the wedding of my godson, Desmond Jennings, the son of Iddy Olson. Both events were in spectacular surroundings and had lots of emotion packed in to full weekends of activities: dancing, eating, hiking, not necessarily in that order. One leaves these weekends with a great sense of fulfillment at participating in such crucial turning points in people’s lives. On a personal note, a shocking turning point for me is that my architecture firm is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, which seems totally impossible to me. As I have described so often, it is the people (staff, clients, and consultants) who have made the ride so worthwhile.

On to the news from those who responded to my request for news:

Will Sillin wrote in that Chester “Chet” Arnold (director, UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research) introduced his artwork to the Benton Museum at UConn. The result is that two of his paintings are included in their current show about water, Unfiltered. Will is justifiably thrilled that his work is hanging with numerous outstanding contemporary artists as well as masters from the 20th century who are represented in their permanent collection.

First time contributor Robin Cleveland writes: “Having spent a long career in Washington, 16 years on the Hill with McConnell in many roles, then the White House and World Bank, I began a degree in school counseling, which led to my being a doc student in counseling at 62.” Robin loves teaching at GW: “When all was said and done the truly great story is not the headlines you get to write but the lifelines you weave.” Finding her way back to very good people like Seta Nazarian ’79, Virginia Torczon ’78, Chris Harned ’89, and Rich Middlebrooks, Robin welcomes all to reconnect.

Hank Rosenfeld ran into Joan Goldfeder at the downtown LA public library on a Lenny Bruce panel. Joan was much missed at our May Reunion.

Continuing on the wedding theme, Jay Kilbourn writes that his Wesleyan daughter was married this summer, and she lives happily in Portland, Ore., practicing permaculture. Jay is a volunteer lobbyist at the nonpartisan Citizens Climate Lobby, doing his best to mitigate climate change and pass a bill in Congress to implement a carbon fee and dividend.

Jim Lyons wrote to express how happy he was to have attended our May Reunion. Back in Germany, he hit the road running with two productions planned for the fall at a theater near Stuttgart: a musical revue premiered in September and a second show on the story of Elvis’ 1968 comeback special to premier soon.

Jane Goldenring came back East for—what else?—a family wedding in the Hudson Valley region. Jane caught up with new grandmother Sharon Adler, as well as Jane Eisner and Mark Berger while in New York.

Michael Foxall is an elementary school principal in Fairlee, Vt. His wife and family enjoyed 20 years of overseas international school service, both as teachers and administrators, before returning to home in Canaan, N.H.

Bob Rees caught up with Marcy Neuburg in the Twin Cities while she was visiting her son and granddaughter. Marcy is off sailing somewhere between the North and South Poles. Bob is collecting poems from Earl Phillips and Lee Arnold in hopes of getting them published in Minneapolis.

Tom Roberts and Vanessa Burgess each wrote in to say what a great time they each had at our Reunion, echoing a sentiment expressed by many.

I wish all a happy and safe season leading up to the end-of-the-year holidays!

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

NEWSMAKERS | 1970s NEWSMAKER MICHELE ROBERTS ’77 Adweek named Michele A. Roberts ’77, executive director—and first female leader—of the NBA hotlayers Union, to its “30 Most Powerful Women in Sports” list, which featured outstanding executives, athletes, and journalists, among others. Previously an attorney with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, Roberts had begun her career as a public defender in Washington, D.C. In the June 26 article, Adweek’s Tim Baysinger noted that Roberts would be negotiating across the table from league commissioner Adam Silver when the two worked on a new collective bargaining agreement—and Roberts would be trying to avoid a lockout, something her two predecessors were not able to do. A government major at Wesleyan, Roberts earned her JD from the University of California at Berkeley. The negotiations now completed, Roberts noted, “The deal we worked out with the League contained a number of favorable provisions for our players, including a 45 percent across the board salary increase for those players whose salaries are pre-set. And, no lock-out!”

NEWSMAKERS | 1970s NEWSMAKER RICHARD MELCHREIT ’77 Richard Melchreit ’77, P’19, MD, is the recipient of the 2017 Charles G. Huntington III Award for his 30-year career in public health. The Connecticut Public Health Association presents this award annually to a Connecticut health care practitioner who has demonstrated public health leadership and a commitment to the health and well-being of the population. Beyond his career in positions with St. Francis Medical Center and the Connecticut Department of Health, Melchreit mentored dozens of undergraduate and graduate students and held leadership roles in the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, most recently on the Healthcare Associated Infections Subcomittee. Melchreit was a biology major at Wesleyan, and received his medical degree from the University of Connecticut.

Had someone asked me in my youth what a 60 (plus)-year-old would look and act like, I would never have imagined it to be any of the group assembled for our attendance-record-smashing 40th Reunion. It pleases me to be among folks who were happy to just be present in order to connect with fellow alumni. Gone are the days when we felt the need to impress with our professional and personal accomplishments. We all enjoyed hearing about the twists and turns in our individual histories. It was affirming to speak with those folks in our lives with whom we shared another pivotal developmental time in our lives: starting our college days in our late teens.

For most of us, Reunion began Friday evening with a reception that would soften the blow of a nasty commute to Middletown from just about everywhere. Driving into our Reunion class hotel lot, I was greeted by Felice Burstein and John Roxby, a perfect start to the weekend. Both are smitten with their granddaughters, and like most of us, are considering the next move after retirement. At hotel reception, I came across Arlene Lappen and Sue Rappaport Guiney. If meeting up with these two doesn’t put a smile on your face, I don’t know what does. Next I rode with Iddy Olson, soon to be the mother of the groom (my godson), to campus to formally check in. We attended President Michael Roth ’78’s reception and met up with Vanessa Burgess, Jerry Caplin, Sean McKeown, Bob Glasspiegel, Kathy Mintz ’78, and Steve Beauchamp. We then headed over to meet arrivals at the Reunion class reception. Wendy Brown Giardina and Laraine Balk Hope immediately greeted us. Enjoyed seeing Jim Lyons, Jim Melloan, and Mim Wolf at the reception. It was fun hearing Jim’s German inflection and was really impressed by his, as well as Wendy Giardina’s and other alums efforts, in making their way back to campus from far away. I celebrated a mini Newton High School reunion with Richard Parad, Sarah Kendall, and Paul Sheridan. Other notables at the party were Mike Coffey, Jane Goldenring, Claude Greengard, Betsy Hecker, Mary Jo Wade, Ron Bloom, Dave Levy, Jim Dowling, and expert t-shirt designer and graphic designer, Bonnie Katz. Also on hand were Lee Arnold, Lisa Brummel with son Noah, Cindee Howard, Helen Taenzer Lott, Earl Phillips, Lenny Stamm whose music I missed, Miki Saraf, and the first person I met my freshman year, Richard Swanson.

Saturday got rolling with seminars on campus led by many in our class. Sue Rappaport Guiney, Jane Kurz Klemmer, Michele Roberts (our well-deserved class Distinguished Alumni recipient), and Alan Steele held a panel discussion on mid-life and mid-career changes. Following this was a seminar on “Fake News and Real News: Journalism Today” led by Jane Eisner and Alex Kotlowitz, among others. This well-attended offering featured many classmates including: Doug Green, Susan Berger, and Rachel (Helfer) and Mike Balf. Heading over to the lunch tent I got to catch up with Janet Malkemes and Sharon Adler. A few folks arrived solely for lunch, needing to honor conflicting family weddings and such: Danny Ruberman and world-traveling educators Louise Hazebrouck and Steve Rome, who shared stories from their time in Asia. Photographer extraordinaire, Rick Dennett, was busy capturing shots of the assembled gang throughout the afternoon and evening. Kate Seeger and I got to share a fine walk through the art center. It is quite the head-scratcher that I need to return to Middletown to catch up with so many of the Boston-based alumni.

A short while later, a visit with the fine gentlemen of DKE took place at their house on High Street. The usual suspects there included: Jim LaLiberty, Steve Imbriglia, Don Citak, Jeff Gray, Ted Stevens, and Mike Coffey and Iddy. This led to our class dinner at Usdan, which was a great venue to celebrate the 100 participants who turned out. New folks with whom I got to visit included: Wes trustee Jeff Shames, Mark Beamis, Don Spencer (who survived his new house construction), Jerry Stouck, Dave Thomas, Tom Roberts, Liz and Will Sillin, Jim Udelson, and Dave Zabar. We all enjoyed Vanessa Burgess MC’ing the evening’s salute to our class that included a well-deserved Wesleyan Service Award to a very modest Don Ryan. Though regretting not chatting much with some, I saw from across the crowded room John Fink and his wife from Hawaii, John Gaebe, Jonathan Kliger, Don Lowrey, Marx Brothers aficionado, Hank Rosenfeld, Brad Burnham, Susan Shaw, Bob Rees, and Steve McNutt.

As expected, this was a memorable gathering which nourished the soul as we got to celebrate Friendship in its truest form: old and new. As I have recounted the weekend from memory after almost a week, I am sure that I may have left out other important names who attended. Please let me know that you were present so that I may give a proper shout-out in the next issue. In advance accept my sincerest apologies. To those classmates unable to join in for part of the weekend, we hope that you’ll find a way to meet up five years from now. If this Reunion was any indication, we all just keep getting better and better.

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

It has been great receiving many RSVPs to our Reunion this spring from all around the world. Micha Balf and Rachel Helfer, from Israel, plan to attend. Jim Lyons from Germany and Wendy (Brown) Giardina from Switzerland are also looking forward to returning to campus.

I had a chance to spend quality time with Wendy last November. We met up in Paris where I was visiting with my family and friends in honor of my mom who passed away last summer. We spent a few days museum viewing, walking the grand boulevards, and joyfully eating fine French food. Wendy was a great sport for being part of my family for the whole time.

Back to Jim Lyons: He is living happily in Frankfurt these days, and is still active writing and directing in the German theater scene. Recently he directed the European premiere of Dinah Was, a musical biography of the singer Dinah Washington. Jim’s e-mail: jamesedwardlyons@gmail.com.

Louise Hazebrouck and husband Steve Rome ’78 are currently teaching English in Dajia, Taiwan, after having traveled around Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand for six weeks. This is the first of many adventures for the retiring public school teachers.

Jerry Caplin is the proud parent of three kids who will be attending Duke University next year. The three are accomplished fencers. Jerry remarked that, while thinking of three kids in college at the same time is a bit numbing, at least he will not have any issue surrounding parents’ weekend.

Janet Malkemes in Charlotte is busy hosting a bevy of friends and family.

Bob Glasspiegel is thankful for many good things this past year. Bob and wife Sue are especially thankful for traveling to see many friends/relatives. They began a new tradition of spending Januarys in another part of the world. They had a fabulous trip to New Zealand and Australia recently.

John Fink, from Hawaii, writes asking for good, danceable, 1970s music at our Reunion event(s). I certainly second this sentiment. The month prior, John will be visiting with Peter Guenther and Rick Dennett in New York. Otherwise, John makes sure to visit Oregon to spend time often with his grandson, as well as his son and daughter.

Speaking of Hawaii, Jason Baron and his wife celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary there.

It is always fun when you run into a friend when you least expect it. That was the case when I visited with Sarah Kendall at an art exhibit opening at the deCordova Museum in Lincoln, Mass., last fall. Sarah came south from Nelson, N.H., to support an artist friend who was featured in the show.

Wes Protheroe and wife Robin are enjoying what they are calling their “pre-tirement.” Wes serves on two Boards—the advisory board of a Research Triangle-based pharma firm specializing in developing Alzheimer drugs, and the Atlanta Humane Society. He is also executive coaching and consulting with private equity and venture capital firms focused on direct-to-consumer financial services. I am intrigued to learn that Wes and Robin participate in “team trivia” weekly with friends. Jeopardy! cannot be far behind.

Doug Green met up with Iddy Olson before the holidays in Chicago (Evanston precisely). Doug and wife Katie were in town to celebrate the graduation of their son from Northwestern.

By the time we read this, Susan Jacobson will have attended the Women’s March in January in D.C., connecting with many friends there from WesU. Susan’s great quote: “Our class was always told we missed the glory days of student protests. Well, what do you know? Now we have another chance!”

Doug Hauschild, Jody (Cosgrove) van Geldern, and James Udelson each expect to be at Reunion. Everyone is looking forward to being together in May. Just a reminder, Reunion is over the weekend of May 26-28. We are expecting a record number of classmates in attendance at our 40th. You won’t want to miss out!

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

It was great to receive so many requests for our 40th Reunion dates in 2017. Please note Reunion is scheduled for May 25 to May 28. As they say, book early and often. On to the notes:

Carol Cooper will be teaching a class at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music this spring. This is in addition to her teaching journalism duties at the Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics.

Iddy Olson is going back to grad school to get her executive coaching for organizations certificate; she very much enjoys learning from school, as well as making new friends and colleagues.

Doug Hauschild will be taking to the stage at the Asheville Community Theatre’s production of Sweeney Todd in North Carolina. He plans to be visiting family in Connecticut this Thanksgiving.

Hope Neiman sends salutations from the Tuscan villages, enjoying a two-week vacation through Spain and Italy. As many of us have been considering retirement spots, Hope has, true to form, taken action, and is purchasing a home on Vashon Island (near Seattle). As a true sign that this was meant to be, it is located on S.W. Wesleyan Way. The setting bears a striking resemblance to the Italian hilltop villages she is experiencing.

Joan Goldfeder sent her son, Eli, off to college and is making her plans for Reunion.

Keith Stern, a former client of mine, is celebrating his 20th year as rabbi at Temple Beth Avodah in Newton, Mass. He celebrated 36 years of wedded bliss with his wife, Liza. Keith’s assessment: “Getting here was hard, I ain’t gonna lie. But worth it? No doubt.” His children all appear to be a source of great pride: Jonah ’05 is in Brooklyn, along with his wife and two children. Aaron ’11 is attending the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Molly ’14 lives in San Francisco and is working for the Jewish Federation. Keith’s non-Wesleyan kids, Sara and Zoe, are doing fine, too.

Mark Slitt went on a trip to China through the Hartford Jewish Community Center. He dusted off his freshman year Mandarin textbooks to re-learn Chinese. His trip included stops in Beijing, Xian, as well as Jewish communities in Harbin, Kaifeng, and Shanghai.

Micha Balf sent along a reflective note from Israel, with regards from Rachel, which certainly had a focus on numbers (with an eye to our 40th Reunion). The Balfs are enjoying their 33-year tradition of celebrating Saturday night dinners with now four generations of family and of 34 years of Kibbutz life since their arrival 40 years ago. I was thrilled to hear that Rachel and Micha have registered to vote in the U.S. elections. The American elections provide an added perspective of how tough the political situation is in Israel, as much as one may find the situation here troublesome.

Marcy Neuburg chimed in from Milwaukee; she is a new grandmother and plans to visit Bob Rees soon while visiting her newest family member. Marcy got married to Wayne Oldenburg. Though she may not like it, the idea that she could be referred to as Mrs. Wayne Neuburg Oldenburg is quite something. Marcy is reducing her work hours and travels extensively. Highlights have been fishing trips to Cuba and British Columbia.

Paul Jacobsen and Marcia Israeloff have moved to Bethesda, Md. Paul joined the National Cancer Institute as its associate director. Marcia practiced law in New York and Connecticut before joining Paul in Tampa. She volunteered at Title I schools, Trinity Café, and the American Cancer Society, and will undoubtedly seek new opportunities in the D.C. area.

Always happy to hear from Paul Meisel. Paul’s son, Peter, works in player health for the NBA. Peter and Paul have collaborated on a number of children’s books, with Paul doing the illustrations: Good Night, Bat! Good Morning, Squirrel! (Boyd Mills Press) about the unlikely friends with different sleeping habits was released in September. Stinky Spike the Pirate Dog and Stinky Spike and the Royal Rescue (Bloomsbury) will be available in March.

Robin Curtiss won a bronze medal (men’s veteran’s division) at the National Marathon Canoe and Kayak Championships in Northfield, Mass.

Sue Guiney alerted me to the fact that I will not be able to visit her and husband, Don, in London, as they have taken up residence, half-time, in Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. (closer to home for me). Winter months will be spent in Cambodia. Sue and Don have married off both sons: Noah is in law school in California along with his medical school-studying wife; Alex and fellow actor wife have moved to New York City. Sue won an international Freedom Through Literacy award. She is working on her last novel in her Cambodian-based trilogy, as well as her poetry collection.

That’s all for now from Lexington. Given the speed in which time passes, it will be in no time that we gather together in person for our 40th Reunion. I very much look forward to next May.

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

Well, folks, there is much excitement already as we look ahead to 2017 and our 40th Reunion. Please mark your respective calendars, be it paper or Outlook, the dates of May 25th–28th. This is such an exciting time in our lives, full of lots of transitions, many good, others not-so-good. It will be great to share them with friends who knew each of us “way back when.”

For now, I have the following updates to report:

First time contributor Alan Steele recounts his amazing career ranging from physical chemistry to medicine to intellectual property law. Currently a Wellesley, Mass., resident, happily married, Alan can be found sculling on the Charles River. He has three grown sons (one is Wes grad Taylor Steele ’14).

Joel Backon remarried two years ago. Joel and his bride are both teachers, passionate about working with high school students, preparing them to tackle the challenges in the upcoming years. Joel is enjoying the recent arrival of two grandchildren, which has had a major rejuvenating effect.

Bob Giges has been awarded the Pavel Machotka Chair in Creative Studies at Porter University in California, Santa Cruz. The three-year appointment allows for Bob to teach and produce long form theatrical improv at UCSC. Cheryl Cutler MA ’71 inspires Bob in dance to this day—in the form of an eclectic mix of African, Samba, and hip-hop, called Worldanz.

Don Ryan’s son John ’14, released his first album: Petunia’s Room. I like what I heard.

Don Spencer has entered my world, in that he is building a new house in Westport: comes with the million decisions you have to make from beginning to end. By the time we read these notes, he should be all moved in. Don’s kids: Jocelyn ’13 is in London completing a graduate program and Alyssa is a theater and entrepreneurship student at Clark.

Iddy Olson happily writes about a new romance in Chicago and the sunny effects on all aspects of her life.

Hank Rosenfeld compared notes with me about Jackson Hole, Wyo. He went slogging through the rain last summer with Bob Rees, hiking and enjoying the antlers adorning the town square, as well as restaurants with bears inside. It is quite the place. Hank and fellow Butterfield Hall mate, Byron Washington, met up with Hank’s nephew Harrison, introducing the lad to his first Bob Dylan concert in Clarkston, Mich.

Jay Kilbourn is running for the Maine State Senate seat in District 34. Jay is a clean election candidate, a Democrat, with focus on renewable energy, jobs, and growing the farm base.

Jane Goldenring was back at Wesleyan teaching graduate film production majors: how to prepare to hit the LA/NYC job markets.

Kate Seeger came by to catch up with Jane during her three-day teaching gig.

Janet Malkemes is now dean of a new program: Center for Global Engagement at Central Piedmont Community College. The change is bittersweet, given that Janet leaves Cato, where she recently completed a major building project.

Joan Goldfeder proudly writes about her son, Eli, graduating from high school and heading off this fall to Bucknell. Like Joan, I remember a young 9-year-old at our 30th Reunion; I’m so happy, but not the least bit surprised, to hear what a good guy he has become.

Joe Tringali visited in LA; he seems to be enjoying retirement.

Lisa Brummel wrote that Cheryl Sucher has moved back to the US landing near Princeton, N.J. Carol and Lisa caught up with former roommate Juannie Eng. Lisa’s son is graduating high school and will be attending Dickinson College this fall. Son number two is beginning his college visits this fall. Lisa plans to visit friends, myself included. Lisa had a tough start to the year with the passing of her mom.

Vanessa Burgess touched base that Susan Webster graciously hosted a Wes Women’s Networking event at Cravath this past April. Vanessa was on the planning committee along with Diana Diamond ’70 and Melody Oliphant ’13.

Yoriko Kishimoto writes that she continues to be involved in local policy and politics as the President of the Mid-peninsula Regional Open Space District, where they passed a $300 million bond measure; they are busy buying land, restoring watersheds, and opening new trails. Yoriko is vice chair of the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s water commission.

I close by hoping everyone is having/has had a fine summer. Remember next May 2017: we can do all this in person.

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

It appears that each New Year seems to be moving at a faster pace than the previous one. For 2016, it may have to do with this being an election year, complete with the bombardment of debates, ads, and unrelenting commentary (mostly negative) on everything. I am writing to you all from the chilly Northeast (minus-5 degrees this morning) by a nice fire with these updates:

Cindee Howard writes about her big year of anniversaries and changes: turning 60, celebrating 15 years with her partner, Jon, moving her 99-year-old father into assisted living, consolidating real estate.

Dave Levit writes about being a father of two Wesleyan grads. Dave and wife Ruth are enjoying life in Amherst Mass.; he writes about cutting back work to “full-time” (seriously?) in private practice of psychologist/psychoanalyst and teaching.

John Fink wrote in about connecting with Scott Director and his wife in Oregon while John was visiting his kids and grandson. John will be in NYC later this year and plans to visit with Peter Guenther and Rick Dennett. I appreciate John’s observation that with technology, a whole generation will never own a landline telephone nor subscribe to a newspaper. People’s continued interest in various screens makes it appear that his work in the television industry is safe for some time to come.

I received Janet Malkemes annual personal update of the comings and goings in her world. At her Community College of Charlotte she has been involved with the realization of a new building on campus. Janet has been enjoying some significant travel and meeting up with friends and family, both at home and away.

Jason Baron recently returned from Cambodia working with children in a remote village in Kampot Province. Jason created a nonprofit organization in his mother’s name with goal of building the first freestanding library at a high school there. After spending the better part of 35 years as a lawyer focused on preserving White House e-mail, this project has been life-changing. See thechellyfoundation.org for more information. Jason would love to hear from classmates, starting with his old gang at Foss Hill 5; reach him at jrbaron3@gmail.com.

Jim Melloan’s Radio Free Brooklyn (Internet station), which he began last year, made the UK Daily Telegraph’s list of best Internet radio stations. Jim has a weekly show Tuesday evenings. He also does some performing as a singer/songwriter in NYC.

Jody Friedman has moved, after 21 years, from Sylva, N.C., east one hour, to Asheville. Jody teaches adults with developmental differences at Asheville Buncombe Community College and is an urban-style homesteader growing edible and medicinal perennials, foraging, duck-keeping, water saving, etc. on the weekends. Her son and daughter live nearby and are doing well.

Joe Mabel sent an intriguing note that he is doing fine in Seattle, and that any other comments would have to wait until things settle out.

Lisa Nelkin has retired to a log cabin, along with a “completely spoiled rotten dog,” in the Colorado Rockies after living on her sailboat for four years: sailing from Baltimore to New Zealand with husband Bret. Lisa’s daughter and son-in-law live in Tampa.

Vanessa Burgess consoled me after the Patriots lost to Denver in the football playoffs. She joined Dave Thomas, Don Lowery, and Don Citak for dinner in New York (PJ Clarke’s). Vanessa mentioned that there will be a Wesleyan Women’s event in NYC in April. Stay tuned!

Will Altman wrote from Brazil that he has a new book expecting to be published this February: The Guardians in Action: Plato the Teacher and the Post-Republic Dialogues from Timaeus to Theaetetus (Lanham, Md.: Lexington Books, 2016). Will has two grandchildren, Eliza and James.

A few mentions were made that folks are looking forward to our next Reunion, only a year away in 2017. It is never too early to plan!!

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

With autumn in New England comes spectacular foliage colors and a new set of class notes updating us on the goings-on of fellow 1977 grads. I am glad to report on so many fine professional accomplishments. Congrats to all!

Arnie Alpert sent along a note announcing his receipt of the Bill of Rights Award from the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of New Hampshire. The executive director summed up feelings that most of us will read with nodding agreement: “Arnie has served as a resolute champion for fairness and equality in New Hampshire for over 30 years. He has fought for immigrant rights, racial equality, and economic justice with unparalleled persistence.” Congratulations, Arnie!

Cindee Howard recently caught up with friend Penny Tuerk ’78 in Vermont. In addition, Cindee has returned to her love of partner dancing, through ballroom and Latin dancing.

David Schreff sends regards from the teaching pulpit: expanding his college teaching, lecturing on “Entertainment Management” at Iona College, and “Strategic Management” at Parsons School of Design in New York.

Eric Simons is hoping Louise Hazebrouck and Steve Rome ’78 include a stop in Colorado to visit in their retirement travels. Eric reports that Lee and Danuta Brown settled in Woodland Park, Colo., after many years in Texas and that they have been getting together a bunch.

Jay Kilbourn writes that after a two month seat-of-the-pants trip (with wife Molly) to New Zealand, Australia, Bali (Indonesia) and Myanmar, he is focusing daytime hours on the climate change/carbon challenge, renewable energy as a consultant and volunteer using his new BioEnergy Revisioning LLC firm, and in his role as president of Kennebunk Light & Power (a muni electric utility).

Jerry Caplin writes that former rugby teammate Steve Imbriglia visited. In fact Jerry got two Steves for one, because he was traveling with his son Steve, and the three spent a couple of beautiful hours together, reminiscing and solving the world’s problems. Steve the elder mentioned that one of his greatest hopes is that he will get to watch a Wesleyan football game one day alongside another lost buddy, Hank “Rosey” Rosenfeld. Both of Jerry’s daughters are at Duke, on the women’s fencing team.

Marian Appelloff is now a freelance book publishing editor for a number of institutions including Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Morgan Library & Museum.

Neal Osherow delivers occasional guest lectures to social psychology or law classes on “How One Might Confess to a Murder One Didn’t Commit.” This summer, after six years of dialysis, Neal was fortunate to receive a kidney transplant, which thus far has been successful. Neal lives in Los Angeles and welcomes any contact from friends and classmates at noshtp@aol.com.

Sue White Simonoff writes of her work at Boston University School of Medicine in the physician assistant program as the academic coordinator. She enjoys being in the Boston area.

Steve McNutt has been duly recognized professionally. In the spring, the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Volcanoes was published; he is one of the associate editors as well as author on five chapters. Over the summer, Steve was named an honorary fellow of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics.

Susanna Peyton writes that the Yale School of Nursing, her alma mater, is trying a pilot of her Operation House Call program this fall. As Susanna had originally wanted to receive schooling in the topic of intellectual/developmental disability care and couldn’t find it, this is a real happiness for her.

Wendy Brown Giardina has been traveling between Arizona, where her mother and sister live, and Switzerland. Wendy will be spending an extensive time in Geneva studying French literature at the university.

Iddy Olson has developed keen interest in the hospice system. She now sings in a threshold choir for hospice patients near her in Chicago. She describes this as a stunning international organization and invites us all to support and take advantage of it: thresholdchoir.org. Iddy and I had a tremendous trip out to Jackson Hole, Wyo., to visit Iddy’s two lovely kids, as well as soak up the splendor of the Tetons. And with any gathering with Iddy and her gang, a great deal of laughter was involved. Thanks to all for the updates. I hope everyone enjoys a peaceful fall/winter season.

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

For much of our Class, 2015 marks our 60th birth year anniversary. Congratulations and best wishes to all for making it to this point. Many of our notes arrive from folks planning or having recently celebrated the big year.

From the looks of it on Facebook, Doug Green had a wonderful celebration for his birthday. Also, Doug attended a memorial gathering for Jean Redpath for which Iddy Olson did the lion’s share of organizational work. Both Doug and Iddy described how very moving and uplifting the event was.

Speaking of Iddy, the two of us celebrated our 60th birthday together in Lincoln, Mass., with an appropriately ’60s-themed dance party. Mike Coffey and Lisa Brummel participated in the festivities.

Deb Mercer celebrated the year with a European arts-architecture-garden focused trip in Belgium and Holland in May. How amazing the tulips must have been!

Louise Hazebrouck wrote on behalf of husband Steve Rome ’78, and herself, that they are celebrating the year by both retiring from teaching. They plan to travel abroad, along with lots of hiking, kayaking, reading and visiting with old friends. Can’t wait to see you in Boston!

Mark Beamis is taking a sabbatical from the world of work, beginning the summer of 2015. He’s planning a road trip across the USA visiting hometown friends and classmates from both Wesleyan and Exeter. Mark’s wife will be joining in for parts of the excursion and happily there will be regular updates on social media chronicling his adventures.
Sue Guiney is spending a quarter of the year in Cambodia. Out of this experience has sprung the charity “Writing Through,” teaching language fluency, conceptual thought, and self-esteem through creative writing. Living in London, Sue’s two sons are newly engaged to be married.

Cindee Howard has parlayed a biology major and MBA into a successful career as a copy editor. She recently returned from a Hawaiian trip with her partner, Jon. Like many, she is looking at turning a healthy 60 as a very fine option.

Susan Jacobson wrote from San Francisco where she married a native and has two grown sons living in nearby Portland. She would be delighted to cross paths with other Cardinals who are “out saving the world.”

Bob Giges sends greetings from Santa Cruz, specifically the UCSC Slugs, where he teaches acting as well as an impressive amount of fitness dancing such as Zumba and WorldDanz.

Paul Meisel wrote in that he is illustrating a story, authored by his son Peter, about a pirate dog named Stinky Spike. It will be published in 2016 through Bloomsbury.
John Fink got to visit Vancouver, Canada, to be with his six-month-old grandson, Alexander Churchill Fink. The whole family attended two nights of the U2 concert tour.
Steve Beauchamp has been all over television as he has appeared, post hospital, on episodes of Person of Interest, Black List, and the one I came across by surprise, House of Cards.

Wes Protheroe writes to us about his life post retirement: he serves on the board of directors at the Atlanta Humane Society and as a board advisor to a pharmaceutical company specializing in Alzheimer drug development.

Rick Dennett enjoyed watching Wes baseball’s great success in winning both “Little 3” and NESCAC this year. Rick’s son, Jonathan ’15, graduated this spring and has moved to Boston to begin his job.

Susan Shaw Webster hadn’t written to us since our graduation. She is a Manhattanite who with her Williams grad husband had two children: one a Williams grad, the second a current Wesleyan undergrad. Susan is a partner at Cravath, Swaine, & Moore specializing in corporate governance, M&A, and securities law.

David Schreff wrote us that his sports media and entertainment technology businesses are thriving. He has found time to teach at UMass-Amherst Isenberg School of Business. All members of his family are doing well!

Barbara Dicker Garii has moved back to NYC and lives in Jackson Heights. She is dean of the College of Education, Information, and Technology at LIU Post. Carol Cooper is deep into her research and dissertation working towards her Ph.D. in Jungian psychology.
Francis Rath is working for the Loudoun Health Department in emergency preparedness and response. Francis’ wife, Denise Thompson Rath, owns a successful horse business in Ocala, Fla., (www.greyfoxfarm.com).

Jonathan Kilbourn has been elected president of the Kennebunk municipal utility, the Kennebunk light and power district, building renewable power infrastructure.

Jim Melloan is now part of a new Internet radio station called Radio Free Brooklyn.

Both Peter Guenther and Jonathan Gertler have sons who have been involved in the relief effort in Nepal after the earthquake. Jonathan writes further that, in addition to his expanding business, he has his second CD of original songs (Sadetar Records, on iTunes, etc.) due to launch this year. Jonathan states that no matter how hard he works, “there is always time for music.”

Bob Nastri has been confirmed as a judge of the Connecticut Superior Court. Bob is currently running the criminal docket in Bristol.

Jane Goldenring is shooting a movie, Just in Time for Christmas, this summer in Vancouver. Jane taught a Skype class about work opportunities in LA and NYC for graduating film seniors at Wesleyan.

Will Altman has recently published a book, and the link can be found in the online edition of the Wesleyan class notes.

Dan Zegart has taken a full-time job with the Climate Investigations Center based in Alexandria, Va. Still working out of his home in N.J., Dan’s work focuses on big energy companies that are impeding the fight against global warming. Dan would love to hear from classmates, particularly those with an interest in climate and the politics of same: dzegart@yahoo.com.

Vivien Blackford is retired with her husband in Guilford, Conn. She founded Phoenix Association, an organization whose members were all formerly incarcerated folks who fought their way through the trials of prison and post-prison re-entry and are now eager for civic engagement.

Well, with what I have read in these notes, one must say that 60 never looked so good! Best regards to all!

Seriously, nearly eight feet of snow in one month? Warming by the fire at home between tours of duty shoveling during this latest blizzard, I take great comfort in the many notes of support as well as updates from fellow classmates, and, of course, the Patriot’s Super Bowl win!

I am so pleased to have gotten a note from Marcy Neuburg. Marcy has just completed 25 years on the faculty of the Medical College of Wisconsin; she is working one week a month and divides her time between St. Croix and Wisconsin. Daughter Abigail is attending Hamilton and son Max is moving to Minneapolis-St. Paul this summer where he will be married. Marcy has reconnected with Bob Rees, as Marcy will have many more opportunities to visit. Richard Parad updated that daughter Rebecca is following in his medical footsteps (completing her second year) and son Matthew is making inroads as a successful songwriter. In addition to his clinical care and research responsibilities, Richard is now co-director of the Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine Clinical and Translational Research Program. Peter Guenther expressed his pleasure at the outcome of the Super Bowl, especially in view of the grief all had to endure up to the game. Richard Shulman wrote in regarding the “Volunteers In Psychotherapy” and an upcoming UCLA conference on innovations in mental health, examining the Connecticut program where people don’t pay for their therapy but earn it through volunteer work at a charity or nonprofit of their choice. Susan White, who recently moved to Boston, works at the BU School of Medicine teaching in a new physician assistant program, as well as practicing at the Boston Medical Center. Vanessa Burgess touched base regarding a number of folks: Doug Green’s son will be at Wesleyan this fall playing football (we all have a date to meet at Homecoming), Dave Thomas’ son is a senior at Wesleyan, Dorothy Crenshaw, Marianne DiOrio, and Vanessa got together earlier this year. Dorothy’s PR business is thriving, and Marianne is a senior VP of global communications at Estée Lauder. Vanessa focuses on investments in the health care sector. Her daughter, Jill, is in the Boston area (so, you haven’t called?), and her second daughter, Marjorie, is a freshman at Wesleyan. Wendy Roylo Hee met up with a visiting Yoriko Kishimoto when she was in Honolulu last fall. Yoriko was introduced to Wendy’s new grandchild. Afterwards, travels took Wendy to California and Europe on a river cruise. Bruce Kaplan writes about life in Chattanooga, where his neurology career took him and his family some time ago. In addition, Bruce and his wife, Ann, created “Barking Legs Theater,” where he curates music performances focusing on jazz, bluegrass, and more experimental type music. He built a home on the island of Dominica, where he plans to spend more time in the future. It is available for rent at villapassiflora.com. I am told discounts for Wesleyan folks are available. Carol Cooper is finishing classes for her PhD in Jungian and archetypal psychology; dissertation begins this spring. The experience has been a fine enhancement to freelance and creative writing with her students of Manhattan Center for Science and Math. The Super Bowl brought some family conflict in Hope Neiman’s home: husband and wife splitting allegiances. Hope has been traveling extensively for work, with largest chain restaurants her primary focus. Janet Malkemes sends regards from Charlotte in her annual newsletter, as she hopes to lure more classmates for a visit down south. Jeff Gray enjoyed the company of many classmates at the wedding of his son, Jeffrey, to Emily Gittes last November, including: Bob Nastri, Paul Fichera, Dave Matteodo, and Ken Langley. Heartiest congratulations!! As with most of us, the intense snow couldn’t dampen Jeff’s spirits after the Super Bowl. Judy Allen echoed the sentiments. Joan Martin is enjoying a very active life. While not traveling by air as much (airports are indeed no fun), Joan proudly stated her adherence to most all liberal causes. A number of folks wrote in disbelief at the idea of turning 60 this year: Joe Mabel enjoyed a reunion gig of the Seattle band “The Squirrels” in his living room. Michael Rittenberg is still in medical practice and has four grown children and two grandchildren. One son and daughter seemingly plan to enter the “family business” of urology. Michael works with Cal Dysinger, who is chief of anesthesia at the same hospital. Dave Levy visits yearly to check in on his own parents. David Loder enjoyed playing golf with Barry Raebeck, Jeff Shames, and Andy Silverman ’76. David states, and we all should agree, that we need to do a lot more of this as we move into our 60s…and by “this” I am sure David means getting together with good friends and old acquaintances. Best regards to all!

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com

Another Labor Day weekend in Boston: Navigating the minefields of moving vans in the already congested streets makes one a bit less nostalgic for going back to school. The updates from our illustrious gang allows me to experience one of the best parts of September, being back in touch with so many classmates.

Here goes: New Manhattan residents Jane Eisner and Mark Berger ’76 have been able to reconnect with all sorts of Wes folks, including Don Lowery, Rachel Balf (visiting from Israel), Cliff Chanin ’75, Vanessa Burgess, and Ethan Bronner ’76. Rachel enjoys her new role as grandmother, which is a recent prevalent theme in these notes. Don Lowery also connected with Iddy Olson while on a recent trip to Chicago. Congratulations go out to Felice Burstein and John Roxby, who are new grandparents to a baby girl. The girl’s dad is Gabe Roxby ’06, so there is a lot of Wesleyan DNA floating around the family.

John Fink sent along an update from his trip earlier in the year: He was in Chicago (watching his son playing in the Western Amateur golf tournament), and connected with a former Wesleyan roommate, Dan Brugioni ’78. John attended a high school reunion, as he grew up in nearby Highland Park. While home in Hawaii is great, all three of his kids are finished with school and reside in Oregon, with a first grandchild due to arrive in mid-November. So, there are early discussions about possibly down the road spending more time on the mainland, perhaps in Oregon.

John Jackson sent along a couple of nice stories about Michele Roberts, who has been voted in as the new executive director of the National Basketball Players Association, making her the first woman to head up a major North American sports union. Fantastic! Jim Lyons sends along regards from Germany. Jim continues as a freelance writer and director: most recently of a new musical about the escape artist Harry Houdini at a larger, subsidized regional theater in Bavaria, as well as writing a WWI musical revue for a small Berlin venue, using original songs, letters, and documents from the era. He has been in touch with Rich Shulman, Mim Wolf, and Jim Melloan, and would like to hear from Phil Stern and Jeremy Caplin. It warmed my heart to hear that Jim is planning to attend our Reunion in 2017; it is never too early to plan! As it turns out, Jerry Caplin wrote in as well, about his first daughter leaving home for Duke University. Now Jerry, with a bit more free time, contact Jim Lyons!

Wendy Giardina wrote in about a wonderful trip to the U.S. earlier this year connecting with Laraine Balk Hope and Jeff Kahn ’76. Wendy has been spending a good deal of time reading 16th- and 17th-century French literature, as well as enjoying hiking and bird watching near her home in Switzerland. Don Ryan wrote in reporting on his son’s May graduation from Wesleyan: Don jokingly brought up the idea for a class contest rewarding the first grandchild to be accepted to Wesleyan. In keeping with a theme from these notes, there will be some serious competition.

Steve Beauchamp wrote about a near-death experience earlier in the year, including some very detailed photographs from his hospital bed recovering from staphylococcal bacterial spinal meningitis. Ugh!!! Luckily, Steve had great support from family and the Wesleyan community including: Dennis Robinson ’79, David Thomas, Vanessa Burgess, Paul DiSanto ’81, Don Citak, Kathy Mintz ’78, Bob Nastri, Jeff Gray, and Bill Belichick ’75. Steve is truly delighted to have made it through to continue experiencing life in his inimitable “go-for-broke” fashion.

Don Spencer and his wife bought a waterside house in Westport to settle into. They plan to build on the site so they won’t be moving from Darien for a couple of years. Daughter Jocelyn ’13 is working in Shanghai and will be starting grad school at the University of London in January. Younger daughter Alyssa is a sophomore at Clark University. Don arranged for Arnie Alpert to present the Oakwood Friends School’s annual Carolyn Dash Davis Gleiter Social Justice Lecture in May. Received a fine note from Ted Stevens, who has been continuing the visits to all the American baseball parks with a trip this past year to Milwaukee’s Miller Park. Ted is looking for updates from Mike Coffey and Iddy Olson. Joan Goldfeder wrote about her work as account director with Taproot, a not-for-profit whose mission is to engage professionals in pro bono service that drives social change. Joan is also launching a new marketing and creative content business with two partners. The company, Grace Creative, will specialize in reaching and motivating women in our demographic group: relentlessly young baby-boomers. Susan Jacobson sent along that in the past year she has joined a consulting firm, Robert Glavin, Inc., as a senior consultant. The firm works with nonprofit organizations on fundraising, governance and management. Richard Parad has a new position at work: co-director of the new Pediatric Newborn Medicine Clinical and Translational Research Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Daughter Becca ’09 just finished her first year of medical school. Son Matthew, the singer/guitarist/songwriter, has moved to LA to become a songwriter. Over the past 12 months he has written three songs that have hit the charts, and just signed a publishing contract with a company called Pulse Recording. Richard enlisted Jane Goldenring to help serve a role as a West Coast surrogate parent. Francis Rath no longer practices law but is still with the Loudoun County (VA) Health Department—as a member of the emergency preparedness group and the MRC coordinator. He is an active volunteer paramedic and assistant chief of the Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad. Wife Denise runs a successful horse training and sales farm in Ocala, Fla.

Well, that about does it for now. My sincere thanks go out to all who sent along news. It means a lot to me and, so I hear, from so many of our classmates. My best wishes go out to all for a fine remainder to 2015.

Gerry Frank | Gfrank@bfearc.com