Class Notes
VOLUME 42.2 | SUMMER 2020
1950s
1953
“Joan and I are pretty fortunate to still be pretty mobile, so we have been able to do some traveling — twice to Plymouth, Massachusetts, to spend time with our daughter Anne (Opre) Carroll ’83. Plus she joined us on one of two Caribbean cruises. We also spent a week at our family island in Canada.”
— Robert K. Warmeling, Beachwood, Ohio
1954
John T. Seaman Jr. writes that he and Barbara are enjoying a comfortable life at The Garlands of Barrington, Illinois: “Good food, good friends and interesting conversation. We were delighted to have Kyle W. Henderson ’80 come to call and bring us the latest news from Kenyon.”
1957
James D. Morgan, New York City, celebrated his 85th birthday by leading a symposium last year at Brooklyn Friends School titled “Yes, a Better World Is Possible!” Jim explains that he “wanted to help younger folks feel more hopeful in these challenging times.” A hundred friends attended the morning session, “an original theater/multimedia piece exploring the twin global crises of climate change and economic/social inequality. After a sumptuous vegetarian lunch (noting the role of animal protein production in environmental destruction), participants spent the afternoon in small groups. A lively closing session offered drawings, skits, songs, even raps, that edified and delighted those present.” Marna Herrity ’77 teaches there and contributed to the event’s success.
1958
David F. Taber, Winfield, Illinois, and his wife, Jennifer, downsized two years ago. Their daughter, Madeline, visits from Denver.
1959
Raymond L. Brown, Hadley, Massachusetts, serves as treasurer and statistician of the 56-team New England Prep Soccer League. “Always a couple of players from this league on the Kenyon squad,” Ray writes. “I also do the standings for NE prep girls soccer and field hockey, and work out at the Williston Northampton School, where I taught and coached for 40 years.” He and Cathleen spend winter months with two dachshunds in North Fort Myers, Florida.
1959
Roger C. Smith, Moneta, Virginia, took a trip last July to Russia. “Red Square, the Kremlin and St. Petersburg cannot compare to our own America!” he writes. “Still enjoying our antique boats and home at the lake.”
1960s
1960
David J. Gury, Ocean Ridge, Florida, married Elias Baez III on Sept. 28. Last summer they visited Paris and took a river cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow. In August they stopped by Gambier to visit granddaughter Cameron J. Peters ’20. “All the buildings on campus and other Gambier developments are amazing,” he adds.
1960
Edward Hirshfield has lived in Cupertino, California, for 56 years, and he and Claire have been enjoying their beach home at Pajaro Dunes. Lots of family close by. “I have expanded my mental acrobatics,” he writes, “by bringing my ‘System to Alleviate Congestion on Our Roads’ — along with multiple inventions — to prospective partners who might be willing to take on its development.”
1960
This year Philip C. Levering, Yaphank, New York, has visited Peru, Holland, Belgium, Niagara Falls, Toronto, the Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn and the Kenyon campus. “I hope to live long enough to see the new library when it’s finished,” he adds.
1960
“Alive and well except for a lingering lower back problem. Reno is quickly becoming a sophisticated high-tech city, but still not too large. We have a wonderful view in the foothills of the mountains going up to Lake Tahoe. Seven hours drive from our cabin in Oregon, and two more to Corvallis and three lovely grandchildren. We just bought a Tesla Model 3, which will use up some of our excess electricity generated by our solar roof panels.”
— Richard M. Schori, Reno, Nevada
1961
John E. Baker, Erie, Pennsylvania, is “15 years into retirement and missing a lot of dear friends,” he informs. “I continue to shoot for nonprofits and, for the first time, exhibited in one event for the Arboretum at Frontier Park. Sold a few prints and felt very famous. When I die, those prints will be worth millions!”
1961
Dale S. Bessell, Rochester Hills, Michigan, toured Spain and Portugal with his wife, Betty. “We flew into Barcelona,” he notes, “spent a few days there, then toured several beautiful, historic cities in Spain before flying out of Lisbon. The highlight was two days in Seville, where we visited our oldest grandson, who is in his junior year at Loyola University’s campus there. Made our trip even more special.”
1961
Daniel O. Holland and his wife, Patty, “successfully escaped winter” to Waynesboro, Virginia. “I suspect our classmate John C. Clark and I would be extremely glad to welcome you to the Commonwealth. I have finished the rough draft of my next novel (the seventh).”
1961
Richard E. Wintermantel enjoys his downsized residence in Paradise Valley, Arizona. “Almost fully retired,” Dick and Betty now travel the world at leisure — “so much less demanding than business.”
1962
Stewart D. Brown, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, lost contact 63 years ago with his only surviving cousin, whom he last saw in 1956 before “he headed to the Sahara to find oil for Esso — now ExxonMobil,” Stew writes. But “thanks to 23andMe,” he explains, “I found him in London. He’s 89 and very rapidly walks the sidewalks of London. He’s been married to his fifth wife for 30-plus years! Judy and I just returned from visiting him. We brought along family and genealogy pictures of our mutual grandparents in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, dating back to before 1890. What a great reunion!”
1963
Alan W. Beck, New Albany, Ohio, recounts his response when his new friends at the Wesley Woods retirement community describe their problems finding parking on “game day” in Columbus: “I simply tell them a few Kenyon-OSU football scores (from the 1890s) and then drive up to the Kenyon football field and park just a few steps from a free seat. Go Lords!”
1963
Robert W. Goldman, Sugar Land, Texas, now chairs the advisory board for Kenyon’s Center for the Study of American Democracy. “The board will assist Director David Rowe, professor of political science, in developing the focus and content of the Center’s programming,” Bob informs.
1963
Theodore L. Walch, Studio City, California, still teaches cinema studies and philosophy at Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles. “It’s the best place on Earth to work,” Ted writes. “Extraordinary colleagues; exceptional kids. I’m a lucky guy. I hope to keep doing this as long as I’m able and as long as they let me.”
1964
Philip J. Harter, Decatur, Georgia, laments downsizing: “Fifty-five years of accumulating treasures, storing them in a large house with a two-car garage, only to require that they be weeded and pruned to fit in a graduate school-sized apartment. The pits. Oh, the agony. But we did it.” Phil adds, “We are, remarkably, still married; we even usually speak.” The farm in Vermont where Phil and Nancy spent much time over the last 30 years absorbed some of the overflow.
1964
Edwin L. McCampbell, Surfside Beach, South Carolina, retired from general medicine after 51 years as a primary-care physician. “To celebrate,” he announces, “I am the proud owner of a brand new Tesla. What a spectacular car!” He continues to serve as medical director of Amedisys Hospice in Myrtle Beach.
1964
Ronald E. Wasserman, Allentown, Pennsylvania, and his wife traveled last year to the Czech Republic. “Near the Charles Bridge,” he writes, “wearing his Kenyon sweatshirt and Kenyon polo shirt was Thomas H. Fancher ’72. Tom and I reminisced about our different times at Kenyon.”
1965
David F. Banks, London, U.K., describes last summer as “a blur — with a great deal of hard work. Too much for a fat old man.” David is involved with a Hollywood-based independent filmmaker and a Vancouver-based playground equipment company, both of which demanded his time when he expected some summer relaxation. Also: “Getting myself ready for David H. Lynn ‘76 P’14 retiring from The Kenyon Review. He’s been brilliant, and I wish he would stay for five more years.”
1965
John A. Lynn, Indianapolis, reports that he and Elizabeth “survived our 53-day maiden RV voyage” last summer, then a “63-day Western ministerial itinerary” from October to December. “As for my now 65-month battle against bone marrow cancer,” he reports, “on paper my blood numbers still need to improve significantly, but I don’t feel sick at all.” A highlight was a San Francisco trip to see a Golden State Warriors game in which their friend, NBA star Kevon Looney, played.
1965
Richard E. Passoth, Denver, sold his condo in one day and moved into “a very nice retirement community. Great market in Denver.” He’s not pushing a walker, though, he reports: “Hiked 12 miles on three hikes with a 2,500-foot elevation gain last weekend. So sympathies are not expected or required.”
1966
Richard A. Cantine, Rancho Palos Verdes, California, approaches 53 years of marriage to Liz, whom he met during his junior year abroad in Beirut. Dick took a cruise last summer down the Snake and Columbia rivers with three friends from the UCLA Graduate School of Management. “Focused on the history of the Lewis and Clark expedition to reach the Pacific,” he explains. “Especially enjoyed the trip up the Snake into Hells Canyon.”
1966
William B. Gibson, Akron, Ohio, made his first visit to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he “walked the course taken by my great-great-grandfather’s Georgia regiment as they attacked the Union lines on Cemetery Ridge, July 2, 1863. He was badly wounded, captured, imprisoned and eventually exchanged.” Bill recommends the national park as “instructive, thrilling and sobering: combined Union and Confederate losses were over 53,000 killed, wounded, missing or captured.” Less historically, as he puts it, “Dolly just became a great-grandmother, which, I guess, makes me a great-grandfather. Time flies.”
1967
“Gail and I have happily retired (semi-) to Aiken, South Carolina, a horse community with great charm and hard-working folks. We loved our life in L.A. but don’t really miss it. Much energy is consumed by Gail’s health challenges, which so many of you can understand. Meanwhile, I am slowly resuming my psychotherapy practice. The world needs our prayers. Be well.”
— Reverend William C. Scar, Aiken, South Carolina
1967
Charles Schwarzbeck is going on three years now in San Miguel de Allende, central Mexico. “My work here with couples is exciting, and our International Couples Retreat is getting good exposure,” Chas announces. “Chandra’s additions of cultural, athletic and culinary experiences give our guests lots of cool choices.”
1968
Peter L. Arango, Medford, Oregon, reports that Fredrick D. Linck ’69 visited last summer to drag him “back out on the golf course for ritual dismemberment, made tolerable only by Fred’s humor, wisdom and tales of a past not even dimly remembered. Glad no videos exist. Still able to neither confirm nor deny.”
1968
Last May, Geoffrey J. Hackman, Palo Alto, California, and Kathy Weiss toured the Scottish highlands and islands; Wales; Dublin, Ireland; and the Scilly Islands “en route to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of D-Day,” he updates. David Eisenhower (Ike’s grandson) and Julie Nixon Eisenhower traveled with their group. Geoff appreciated David’s presentations on Operation Overlord and memorial remarks at the American cemetery.
1968
Timothy R. Holder is enjoying retirement with wife Sue and daughter Holly in “Wilmington, North Carolina, not Delaware.” Four years ago they adopted Holly, whose Afghani name is Khalida Yaar. Holly works various jobs and sends money back to her now 13-year-old sister, Nigina, to pay for schooling, Tim informs. “Trust me, this is a very big deal for a girl to go to school in rural Afghanistan. We couldn’t be happier about Holly and Nigina.”
1968
Michael C. Johnston, Stratham, New Hampshire, collaborated with Joel A. Fisher ’69 on a project involving video interviews with artists who “reflect on the increasing rigor that experience brings to one’s work, as well as the possibility that later work might be inaccessible to a younger audience.” Mike explains: “When we were both in Paris in 2008, Joel asked me to video his interview with Irving Petlin, an artist activist during the Vietnam War.” At the time, Petlin had been planning his painting “The Eleventh of January (2009),” now at the Kent Gallery in New York. Mike adds, “It is thrilling to reconnect with Joel and move this effort forward.”
1969
“I am enjoying retirement after 45 years of active ministry in the United Methodist Church (West Ohio Conference). It may seem a little ironic that we chose Granville, Kenyon’s perennial adversary in sports and other endeavors. Both Gambier and Granville are gems among central Ohio communities.”
— Stacy A. Evans, Granville, Ohio
1969
William J. Murray summers in New Hampshire and winters in Oro Valley, Arizona: “Playing as much golf as possible in both locations,” Bill writes. “And volunteer work. Celebrated 40 years of marriage and 50 years since Kenyon.”
1969
Jeffrey W. Zoller, Thomasville, Georgia, reports: “50th reunion was a great event and well worth the travel — much thanks to the planners. Kenyon looks great. Our Deke crew is already looking forward to our 55th!” Jeff has enjoyed “smelling the roses” in the decade since his career concluded, visiting children and grandchildren. “Sincere thanks to Brackett B. Denniston III,” he adds, “on beginning his second term as Chairman of the Board of Kenyon. He has made a very positive contribution to Kenyon College.”
1970s
1970
James P. Finn, Columbus, Ohio, sends his first update in some time: “I continue to be quite involved with the College, currently serving on the Board of the College and the Kenyon Review. Ongoing for many years now, these activities provide me a window to the goings-on in Gambier. Enjoyable and rewarding.”
1970
John K. Morrell, River John, Nova Scotia, Canada, is retired from full-time ministry and enjoying a beachfront home. “A planned motorhome trip last winter didn’t pan out,” he informs, “as our used vehicle needed extensive repairs, but we took a trip to Vermont and Montreal with our oldest granddaughter. Survived six days without power during Hurricane Dorian — between the motorhome generator and a neighbor with power, we fared very well. Took a three-day motorhome trip to Prince Edward Island the following weekend.” John was appointed to serve four churches on the north shore, committed to two Sundays a month.
1970
Anthony W. Olbrich, Boise, Idaho, writes that he is “making a concerted effort to reinvent myself as an active person” six years into retirement from banking. “Meetings and conferences have been replaced by tennis clinics, friendly matches multiple times a week, plus competitive league play.” Tony walks a lot, too, after getting hooked on trekking the Camino de Santiago. He’s hiked the Camino de Invierno, a 200-mile journey through forested mountains and vineyards in northwest Spain, the “classic” Camino Frances, 500 miles through southern France and crossing Spain east to west, and the Camino Portugues, 400 miles heading north from Lisbon. “All of these Caminos end in Santiago de Compostela,” he describes, “a place that even a jaded person will find spiritually inspiring.”
1970
William F. Paraska, Alpharetta, Georgia, traveled to London last year to “retrace the planning and execution of D-Day, ending on Omaha Beach and attending the 75th anniversary ceremony at the U.S. cemetery,” he updates. In France, Bill and Susan visited Randolph Giarraputo '70. Last fall in Aspen, Ouray and Telluride, Colorado, they did some fishing and hiking with Thomas G. Bentson Jr. '70. “Ended the trip,” Bill adds, “with Susan doing her second pack burro race up in Frederick, Colorado.”
1970
David S. Thompson, Tucson, Arizona, reports that he was in neurology/neurosurgery in Connecticut for 25 years before traveling as “a locum tenens neurologist, providing primarily acute stroke hospital care for 10 years. I fully retired five years ago.” Dave and his wife now divide their time between Tucson and their summer home in Taos, New Mexico. “I have kept in touch with my roommate Jim Nininger '70 on a regular basis.”
1971
Glenn W. Fritz, Chesapeake, Virginia, reports that he “had the pleasure of attending one of Kenyon’s greatest football wins ever, a 32-31 double-overtime victory at Catholic University last Sept. 7. Coach James Rosenbury’s first game will be long remembered as a coaching masterpiece.”
1971
Norman E. Schmidt, Cleveland, enjoys regular visits with Susan Paley Weaver ’73, John H. Emack ’72, James F. Loomis ’73, Arthur B. “Chip” Sansom ’73 and a few other northeastern Ohio alums. He and Roger J. Kalbrunner ’70 visited the Baseball Museum at League Park, where early 20th-century Cleveland clubs played. With another friend, Norm also attended a Nobel Committee–sponsored conference on the changing climate at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota.
1971
William J. Williams, Laurel, Maryland, visited Gambier last September for the first time in 25 years. “I met with two impressive professors, Wendy Singer and Bruce Kinzer, and a group of bright, articulate history majors,” Bill writes. “I hope to return in 2021 for our 50th — it’s still a very special place.”
1971
Robert A. Penney Jr., Middlesex, Vermont, submits that his first-ever update to the bulletin “will attempt to encapsulate almost 40 years”: “I left dear old Kenyon for the Vermont College of Medicine,” he begins, followed by a residency in Buffalo, New York, and a stint with the National Health Service Corps in southern Arizona. “The next six years were spent in Utah. Bobbie and I married; one of the ushers was Larry S. Stuart ’70.” After three sons joined the family, Rob returned to Vermont and practiced family medicine there for 33 years, retiring in April 2019. “Enjoy having the time to pursue a lot of long-neglected interests, but still doing some occasional medical volunteer work.”
1972
Thomas R. Moore, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, attended the 50 Years of Women at Kenyon ceremony last fall, seeing Pegi Goodman ’73 P’09, ’18, Jan S. Guifarro ’73, Julia Miller Vick ’73, Ellen Pader ’73, Donna Kantey Parker ’73, Caroline H. Nesbitt ’73 and classmate Susan Emery McGannon '72, among many others. Tom writes: “Pegi and her son (Samuel Leeds ’09) and daughter (Maia Leeds ’18) presented a great fashion display in Colburn Gallery. William R. Wallace '72 and Samuel Barone '72 were both there with their wives. John T. Ryerson Jr. '72 was also there. The Black Box Theatre was dedicated in honor of Harlene Marley H’05.”
1972
In August, Todd J. Rosenberg, Akron, Ohio, caught up with retired Professor Reed Browning over lunch at the Granville Inn. “Driving home, we swung by Kenyon,” Todd recalls. “It was startling to see two construction cranes towering over the Hill. Very un-Gambierlike. Hopefully the finished product will be a beautiful addition to campus.” In September, Todd walked his daughter down the aisle. “She looked radiant; we’re still smiling.”
1973
Stephen H. Huber Sr. retired last year after a 26-year career with the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, concluding it as director of alternative investments. He reunited with freshman roommate and fellow Phi Kap John A. Davis '73 at their 50th high school reunion. Steve is now “concentrating on exercise, getting the most out of our cottage on Lake Erie and being the best granddad I could be to eight energetic grandchildren, ably assisted by my wife, Annette (47 years married). We are beyond fortunate that all three of our children and their families appreciate the Midwest quality of life in Worthington, Ohio, and have settled near us.”
1973
Mitchell L. Jablons, Watchung, New Jersey, and his wife spent a month skiing in Park City, Utah, “fulfilling a top priority on my bucket list,” Mitch reports. “In June, we welcomed the birth of our second grandchild, Avery Ruth. Continue to work occasionally as an anesthesiologist but am having more fun getting a chance to enjoy my third childhood with my grandchildren.”
1973
Shirley J. Leow, Lakewood, Colorado, reports she “enjoyed seeing many of the first class of Kenyon women during September. Met some of the chemistry department staff and students on Friday afternoon. Good to see the expansion of science majors and talk with students interested in pursuing a scientific career.” Shirley also spent time with Jayne (Holmes) Arnold '73 and her husband at their lake home in southwestern Ohio: “Was fun to kayak and be on the water, as Colorado is rather landlocked.”
1973
Lucinda H. Peterson, Maineville, Ohio, enjoyed an outdoor art fair in Loveland, Ohio, where she has an art studio. She describes the Kenyon celebration of 50 years of women at the college as “energizing, exciting and emotional in a positive way! And two weeks later I had my 50th high school reunion, so I really traveled through time. Wonderful to reconnect with old friends.”
1974
Alva G. Greenberg updates: “After 45 years living in five of the six towns in the Lower Connecticut River Valley, I am packing up and moving to New Haven. Excited for the opportunities, but a bit apprehensive about going urban after so many decades. I will still have plenty of room for my three children, their spouses and four grandchildren. Plus a good backyard for the two Scottish terriers.” This fall Alva will co-curate an exhibition called “Sound Visions” at Lehman College, and was “thrilled” last summer to visit with Janet Noakes McGannon '74.
1975
Douglas B. Anderson, Middlebury, Vermont, received the Arthur Williams Award for Meritorious Service to the Arts from the Vermont Arts Council. “I’m now officially a big deal in a little state,” Doug jokes, “though it’s odd to get a lifetime achievement award when I feel I’m just getting started. It makes you think, ‘Well, maybe I should get out while they still like me!’ I don’t actually get anything—no free parking space, no drink tickets — but there was a ceremony, and of course it’s good to know that what we’ve accomplished in Middlebury is making an impression throughout the state.”
1975
Philip B. Olmstead, New Hartford, New York, shares the wonderful experience he had on a “glorious fall weekend” with the 45th reunion planning committee: Constance Chapman Dillon '75, Steven C. Durning '75, Pamela A. Martin-Diaz '75, Kevin D. McDonald '75, Elizabeth Lerch Oxley '75, Elizabeth K. Parker '75 and Philip R. Purdy '75. “The brief, halcyon days of my Kenyon experience were enhanced and renewed by the happy three days’ work! Beyond rekindling friendships, there were walks along Middle Path, trails through the woods and along the Kokosing, which inspired me to break into the anthem of the same name,” Phil recalls. “We lounged in Wiggin Street Coffee, chatted with undergraduates who shared their aspirations and politely heard us out, and met with retired and retiring professors over lunch at Peirce. We marveled at the cranes and construction. My Welsh corgi, Aidan, happily submitted to hours of belly rubs from students and passersby. We listened to President Sean Decatur paint a promising and ambitious picture of the way forward for Kenyon, but for me the true epiphany was Sunday morning worship at the Church of the Holy Spirit, where singing ‘Amazing Grace’ brought it all home!”
1975
Alice Cornwell Straus, who retired from the Admissions Office in June of 2018, updates, “Have spent the past year enjoying Gambier and traveling abroad.”
1976
Stephen W. Grant, Thomaston, Maine, spent a month last summer in the Philippines before returning to his job in special education at his local middle school. “Working with all grades this year,” Steve informs, “which is interesting. Best regards to all ’76ers and especially to all Kenyon alums in Maine.”
1976
“I guess the big news for me is that this spring I’m stepping aside as editor of The Kenyon Review after 26+ years. It’s time, and I’m so ready! But I’m not actually retiring — can’t quite afford that yet — but will be doing special writing projects for our great president, Sean Decatur. So I’ll still be in Gambier.”
— David H. Lynn, Gambier, Ohio
1977
Madia R. Barber and Timothy G. Barber celebrated their 41st anniversary: “Thank you, Kenyon, for introducing us!” she writes. “We have a new granddaughter, Sutton Claire; our eldest granddaughter is 3 now. She and her parents live nearby, so we are blessed to see them often.” Madia and Tim divide their time among Charlotte, North Carolina; Atlanta and the North Carolina mountains.
1977
Jerome Mindes, Rockville, Maryland, reports: “Hosted my third dinner of classmates traveling to and living in the D.C. area. October 2019’s dinner featured visiting guest Michael J. Spetrino '77, Diane K. Braunstein '77, Amy (Kirshbaum) Harbison '77 and John H. Harbison ’79, John J. Bogasky '77 and Sarah E. Allen ’79. All welcome at Chez Jerome.”
1978
Mindy Roffman Eads, Los Angeles, updates: “After a few months as art director on ‘Magnum P.I.’ in Hawaii, I am now back in L.A. working on a new legal drama called ‘All Rise,’ which airs Mondays on CBS. We designed and built over 10,000 square feet of sets in a short six-week time frame, and with an additional 4,000 square feet now complete we finally slowed down to a manageable pace! Both my children are moving ahead in their careers, one a successful artist and the other getting a master’s at NYU in musical theater composition. Now if only humanity can work together to get the climate crisis under control … well, at least that is a start!”
1978
Julie S. Jacobs, Tiburon, California, celebrated the wedding of her daughter Elizabeth R. Jacobs ’12 to Ryan P. O’Connor ’11. “Our dear friend and my almost sister from freshman year in Mather, Millicent N. “Penny” Simmelink '78, very kindly flew across the country to greatly sweeten our celebration,” Julie notes. “The groom’s younger brother Alexander J. O’Connor ’17 and many of Elizabeth’s and Ryan’s Kenyon friends joined us as well. Two sons (whom we adore) of my favorite professor, Allan Fenigstein, also added to the joy. Allan tells me that Elizabeth was his first grand-student. We so appreciate the many blessings which Kenyon has bestowed upon us!”
1978
Jeffrey G. Spear, Quincy, Illinois, took an eco-cruise to Greenland and northern Canada, where he met and dined with expedition staff member Alexandra J. Hansen ’17, a Chinese and anthropology major. “She and I shared some tasty sea urchin at a reception in Havre-Saint-Pierre, Quebec,” Jeff adds. “Lords and Ladies are everywhere.”
1979
Jeff Day, Kensington, Maryland, enjoyed his second season as a youth soccer referee, reporting, “I think I’m getting more time on the field than I did playing off the bench for the varsity Lords team way back when! Many thanks to Thomas S. Gross '79 for roping me into this fun gig.”
1979
David M. Switzer, Lake Worth, Florida, writes that his wife, Laura, now understands why Kenyon was so special, after she attended the 40th reunion last year: “With Christopher C. Raker '79 and Susan T. Raker ’80, we cavorted on and off campus and loved every minute. A highlight was Chris seeing his favorite professor and adviser J. Kenneth Smail when we all ventured out to Quarry Chapel.” David is a social worker, active in his local church, Calvary Chapel, and “enjoying our empty nest as our working years wind down.”
1980s
1980
Andrew T. Bowers, Littleton, Massachusetts, describes this life moment as “a period of transitions — family, work, etc. It’s nice to have the constant support of my partner, Ivan. After many years working at WGBH Boston, and then even more teaching high school French, I am currently teaching middle school French and Spanish — but only when I’m not out in the flower garden.”
1980
Roger O. Fillion, Evergreen, Colorado, is managing editor of Marijuana Business Daily, overseeing its U.S. and international websites and magazine. He “couldn’t resist” noting that the company has been “growing like a weed — head count has jumped around fourfold in four years. Our son John came ever so close to attending Kenyon, but in the end opted for Macalester — in part for an urban setting. Our daughter Jane is a legislative aide in Congress. Joanne and I continue to hike, backpack, mountain bike, camp and quaff craft brews.”
1980
Quentin R. Hardy, Berkeley, California, is at Google; his wife is reconstructing 16th-century books. “One kid is a data scientist in L.A.,” he informs, “the other is a theologian in Boston, may become a Franciscan monk. Totally at peace with contradiction.”
1980
Karl J. Shefelman, New York City, continues to pursue his pledge to make a film a year ever since “Looking for the Jackalope” (shot at Kenyon). His latest, a short film called “Man on the Tower,” is a “fictionalized account of my memory of witnessing the 1966 Charles Whitman sniper shooting on the University of Texas campus,” he writes. From his backyard in Austin, Karl saw the event, fearing for his father, who was teaching an architecture course at that moment. “While the film is not intended to be overtly political,” he explains, “it will hopefully generate conversation about what to do about the horrible mass shootings that have plagued our nation ever since. Hoping to hit the festival circuit hard, followed by online distribution. Stay tuned!”
1981
Ronald J. Link shares that his school, TAPCo 10X225, in the Tremont section of the Bronx, is “the first school in New York City to have a rooftop garden soundstage.” Ron informs that further development of the space will occur through collaboration with the New York Botanical Garden’s education arm to offer customized classes for students, parents, faculty and staff. TAPCoTV will livestream and record children’s performances, and “all student work will be digitally memorialized as a record of their growth and progress.”
1981
Wendy A. MacLeod, Gambier, updates: “My play ‘Slow Food’ was a hit at Dorset Theater Festival this summer, featuring actors Peri Gilpin and Dan Butler from the television show ‘Frasier.’ ACT in Seattle has announced they will be doing my newest play, ‘The Laugh Track,’ which was inspired by the true story of Lucille Ball’s female head writer. But the really big news is that we have a new Lab puppy, Posy.”
1982
Elizabeth O’Heaney, Morris, Connecticut, opened “the first-of-its-kind community center for middle and high school students diagnosed with learning and attention issues,” she reports. Deploying her new doctorate in education — “thank you, Kenyon, for instilling in me academic motivation and a love for learning!” — Elizabeth’s center, staffed with volunteer mentors with similar learning profiles, is at empowermentlab.org.
1982
Joseph G. Parini, now in his 33rd year of teaching/coaching at Denison University, sees fellow Kenyon alums regularly, he reports. “Life is moving along for the Parini family. Five of our six ‘men’ have moved out of the house — one works in Fiji, another in Anchorage, two currently serve in the military, and the fifth is an attorney in Columbus. Our youngest (still at home) keeps us young.”
1982
The Rev. Brian K. Wilbert concluded a 23-year tenure as rector of Christ Church in Oberlin, Ohio, last August. That meant Brian, his husband, Yorki, and their Jack Russell terrier, Sancho, moved from a 10-room rectory to a one-bedroom faculty apartment, a residence they “affectionately refer to as their Fifth Storage Unit,” he writes. Joining the festivities on Brian’s final Sunday was Robert E. Blythe '82. Brian will serve parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio as an interim priest and is interim assistant rector at St. Paul’s Church in Cleveland Heights.
1983
Timothy J. Englert, Valley Cottage, New York, reports that although he hasn’t made a guitar in decades, the guitars he made as a rising senior in 1982 are now being played by his daughter Isabella, who graduated from music school and moved to Nashville to make her mark as a singer/songwriter. “She records with the steel string one,” Tim explains, “which I named Sleeping Beauty after it sat in a guitar case under various beds for nearly 30 years before her fingers got hold of it.” Tim’s woodworking talents now contribute to historic restoration projects in Harlem, New York City. Younger daughter Piper loves ultimate Frisbee, so Tim sent her “what has to be the dorkiest picture ever taken of me, playing ultimate, that made it into one of our Reveille yearbooks. To be young again...”
1983
Ian B. Lane relocated from Westchester County to New York City with his partner, Mari Kelman, and her daughter Alexia. Ian helped his daughter Edith move into Swansea University; celebrated his son Max’s summer experience at “extreme military challenge camp,” and welcomes suggestions for good places where son Emmett can continue the hiking, rock climbing and kayaking he’s taken up. Finally, Ian recently started an Upper West Side French conversation group.
1983
Dale H. Marsh, Brecksville, Ohio, enjoyed working with Sean R. Smith ’16 (a med student at Case Western Reserve) on the interventional ICU team in the cardiothoracic surgical ICU at the Cleveland Clinic. “He did an outstanding job,” Dale reports. “It’s good to see Kenyon is still a good starting point for a medical career.” Dale also notes that he connected with a good friend of Julia M. (Marlowe) Kirby '83 to share advice about interviewing for medical schools.
1983
Nancy R. Powers bought a house in Gambier. “I’ve come full circle!” she writes. “I continue to love teaching and working with the Center for the Study of American Democracy and have enjoyed teaching several classmates’ very smart kids.”
1983
Pamela J. Slotsky, Delmar, New York, mostly sees Kenyon friends via Facebook, but alongside Greta R. Kaemmer '83 she toured Boston’s Taza Chocolate Factory and had dinner at a Moldovan restaurant. “And my 43022 hat traveled with me, my husband and my mother to Casablanca in September,” Pam adds, “where we had an amazing experience with Moroccan hospitality — and yummy food.”
1984
Elizabeth Honea Buckles and her husband, Greg, both took new jobs at the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey. “We’re enjoying living together again after 12+ years of a commuter marriage!” she adds.
1984
Nancy Ferguson Huddleston, Alexandria, Virginia, “continues in her quest to try to translate science findings for policymakers and other decision makers,” she updates, “although D.C. is a tough town these days!” Nancy also sings her heart out as part of the Congressional Choir and “tries vainly to get the kids to call.”
1984
Anne Rock, Philadelphia, describes her “swell” life as a teacher — “entertaining high school audiences and fantasizing about fantastic summer vacations we likely won’t take.” She also races bicycles and coaches a National Interscholastic Cycling Association team. “Kenyon seems like 100 years ago. Wow.”
1984
Joseph Caperna, San Diego, thanks Theresa Lammers '84, Gail Cleveland Hamel '84, Kristen M. Richardson '84 and others for making the 35th reunion great. Joe, who continues to travel, “tested 1,000 Masai in Tanzania last year” and hopes to help with a TB outbreak on his next trip. “As I age,” he adds, “I believe more that liberal arts will save democracy.”
1985
Wilfred C. “Bill” Ahrens III, Esmont, Virginia, calls it a “watershed year” in which he joyfully celebrated his daughter Cassie’s wedding, attended by Elizabeth Markham McLanahan '85, Michael L. Cannizzaro '85 and Malya S. Alperin ’87. In “other watershed news,” Bill writes, he and his sons Frankie and Wilfred H. Ahrens ’15 have begun growing industrial hemp on their small farm. “We have produced a fragrant organic crop of CBD hemp that we are converting to full spectrum oil and marketing,” he explains. “It’s been a fascinating ride plumbing the depths of the cannabis market. We are seeking to expand our production for specialized cannabinoid profiles and markets.”
1985
David N. Sheehan, Pelham, New York, calls his “most thrilling day as an educator” the Oct. 3 visit of President Sean Decatur to the Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics. The “first college president to come and meet our scholars in the 13-year history of the school,” Decatur attended an AP environmental sciences class and then spoke about his career in science and education before a student assembly. David described Decatur’s visit as “a day of magic and wonder for our students.”
1985
Kathleen Waller, Hilliard, Ohio, proudly rejoices at the graduation of daughter Laurel J. Waller ’19, a double major in classics and drama. “We took a three-week trip to Italy and Greece in June to celebrate this and our 30th anniversary,” Kathy updates. Husband Chris is “counting down the months to retirement from the Upper Arlington Police Department, and I’m still busy teaching English as a Second Language to 130 students at Columbus Preparatory Academy.”
1986
Elyssa Ramsey Doub, Keedysville, Maryland, an empty-nester now, informs she is “involved in preserving local history and singing in local choirs, most recently an interfaith choir. It was fun reconnecting with Chamber Singers on tour. My time at Kenyon contributed to steering my kids to their own ‘true north.’”
1986
Charles R. Needle, Irvine, California, married Melissa Fraser on Sept. 8 at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, Massachusetts. “It was a magical, enchanting Monet-themed wedding,” he reports, with 150 guests, including Ruth J. Staveley '86 and Jan E. Klamer ’84, freshman roommate Andrew W. Chapman '86 and Alison W. Smithers '86, who “traveled all the way across the pond from the U.K. to join in. Missy lives in Massachusetts while I reside in California; we’re in the process of deciding where to settle, so stay tuned!”
1987
Beth Welty Dreyfuss, Los Angeles, “upped the distances to four- to six-mile races” in her summer of open-water swimming challenges, she reports. “But my best challenge was coming back to my home state and swimming across the Straits of Mackinac along the Mighty Mac suspension bridge joining the Upper and Lower peninsulas of Michigan. The fun thing about open-water swimming,” she adds, “is that it’s never the same race twice.” Beth also enjoyed visits from Tara L. Griffin '87, whose daughter is now at Harvey Mudd College.
1987
Clara A. Porter is “happily ensconced” in Portland, Maine, with “a house full of young adults and furry creatures,” she writes. “My work in violence prevention and response is growing, with a great team of trainers and a wide array of offerings — from active bystander and empowerment self-defense training to sexual harassment prevention and response, and a healing series for survivors.”
1988
Joshua W. Barton, Bangalore, India, updates: "Have lived since 1995 in India, where I own a project management firm, and also Image India, which provides photographic art to corporate, healthcare and educational spaces. I am also a partner in Picture Adventure, taking clients to swim with blue whales, orcas and humpbacks in wonderful remote locations all around the world.” Josh is married to a teacher at the Canadian School.
1988
Tara L. Jones, Eugene, Oregon, and her daughter visited Amy B. Malkoff '88 in Marblehead, Massachusetts, “repeating a similar trip we made when Sophia was a little girl,” she informs. “We ate yummy food, visited the beach (we swam; Amy made sand cat sculptures), went for walks and talked, talked, talked. Always good to spend time with my former roommate and musical director (Owl Creek Singers and ’Jesus Christ Superstar’) and lifelong friend.”
1988
Justin Lee V lives in Berkeley, California, commuting about 50 miles by motorcycle three days a week to Los Altos, where former mayor Courtenay Cochran Corrigan '88 is on the city council. “My daughter Marnie attends UC Davis,” Justin writes. “Small liberal arts school's not for her, I guess.” Justin is a track coach for a youth running club: “I blame everything on soon-to-retire Coach Duane Gomez.”
1988
Janet E. Lord, Baltimore, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Honors Day. “I am incredibly excited and bowled over by this honor,” she writes.
1988
Kevin B. Richardson, Marietta, Georgia, started his own practice, Enable Coaching and Consulting LLC, offering executive, life and career coaching as well as HR and talent consulting. “Would greatly appreciate referrals in Atlanta and the Southeast (kevin@enablecoaching.com),” he submits. His third grandchild, a girl, arrived last year. One of his two daughters is newly married and now living in Tampa; the other is in school full time in Tokyo. “Not to name-drop,” he adds, “but it’s the same college the Japanese royal princesses attend! My wife and I are enjoying empty-nester status, but it’s awfully quiet now!”
1988
Beth Miyashiro Vivio and her husband survived their first year as business owners in St. Petersburg, Florida, she updates. “Our company, Corporate Fitness Works, is doing well,” she writes, “and more important — we still like each other. Our son Carter M. Vivio ’21 continues to love being on the Hill. We can’t believe it’s time to start convincing our son Anthony that his destiny is also at Kenyon.”
1989
Frances V. Carr is back home in Columbus, Ohio, after traveling across the country last February, April, June and July. “Looking for work and thinking about starting my own company,” Fran informs. “The support of the K80s page has been a lifesaver through these many months of family travail and change.”
1989
Sarah F. Cassidy, Duvall, Washington, and her husband, Luke Woodward, started a farm-to-table restaurant in the Snoqualmie Valley region outside Seattle. Called The Grange, its wood-fired dishes showcase the produce and meat they raise at Hearth Farm, which the family has run for 20 years now. “Pondering the next arduous, non-lucrative (but exhilarating) business venture we can embark on,” Sarah writes. “Canadian yarn art, perhaps?”
1989
Christopher K. Eaton and Colleen R. Siders Eaton ’87, Powell, Ohio, report they are settled into life in Columbus and welcome alumni and parents to the Our Path Forward local campaign events they help organize. “Any wayward K80s who need lodging, reach out,” they submit. “We added a new member to the family — Patrick, a Wheaten terrier adopted on dog rescue day. He’s growing and hopefully will stop chewing the woodwork soon.”
1989
Abbe Jacobson, an adjusting empty-nester who sold the family home and moved to downtown Seattle, proudly celebrated the graduation of son Sam from the Naval Academy last year. Daughter Ellie is a junior at Santa Clara University. “I wanted her to go to Kenyon, but she wanted sunny and 70 degrees every day,” Abbe explains. “Hard to argue with that.” Abbe sees Kyla K. Carlson '89 a couple of times a month; their husbands are now good friends. “We have a view of the Space Needle, mountains and Lake Union,” she adds.
1989
Ansel Jason Sears II, Rye, New York, partnering with friends in tech and advertising, has left Mastercard and started a group called Team Daya, which will “build primary schools in some of the most impoverished places in the world,” he updates. They broke ground in Nepal in October, with schools in Malawi and Guatemala underway in 2020 (see SupportTeamDaya.com). He’s traveled to Borneo, Portugal, Iceland and Tanzania “having the time of my life,” he writes, including a “trip of a lifetime” ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro with son Noah, a first-year student at Tulane.
1990s
1990
Sonya D. Broeren concluded 15 years of working at Kenyon: “The time has come for a change,” she writes. “I am now the admissions dean for West Coast and international for Union College (in Schenectady, New York). The change in jobs brings a bonus to my life: After 30+ years, Sean Ward '90 and I are back together and living in Newport Beach, California. It’s funny how life makes full circles.”
1990
Julia Griner updates: “Not much has changed for us here in Rome. Our little school continues to fill up with fabulous students from all over the world and Italy.” Julia hosted professors Claudia and Jack Esslinger’s semester-abroad students for a class on filled pasta, and enjoyed visits from Margaret G. (Sellers) McGowan '90 and Thomas P. McGowan '90 and Randie (Rellin) Collier '90 and Shelby D. Collier ’91. “So good to reconnect!”
1990
Daniel C. McGuire, Mendham, New Jersey, is in his 15th year (and third as CEO) with Homeless Solutions Inc., “the largest provider of homeless shelter and services in Morris County, New Jersey,” he informs. “Every day at the helm is different. For stress relief, I have ‘geeked out’ on disc golf, playing in more than half a dozen tournaments last year.” Dan notes that his wife, Meredith Beever McGuire ’91, enjoys teaching preschool.
1990
Michele L. Petrucci updates: “Still at Indiana University of Pennsylvania—yeah, it’s a confusing name—a public university about an hour northeast of Pittsburgh.” Michele is associate vice president for international education and global engagement. “It’s cool that I get to meet/travel/work with interesting, intelligent and diverse people from all over the world,” she explains. In addition to three weeks with her 10-year-old son and mother on a trip to Japan, Michele spent “four fun-filled nights” in San Francisco last summer with E. McAllister “Callie” Towne '90 and Anne Christine Seiler '90.
1991
Edward C. Benyon celebrated five years of residence in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. He’s busy with his two middle schoolers — “lots of camping, rowing, soccer, music and activities with their friends,” he informs. His wife, Jenny, plays violin with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. “I missed seeing James P. Snyder '91 and Jennifer L. Taylor '91 when they visited last year — holiday plans didn’t overlap.”
1991
Thomas S. Dilsheimer, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, married Susan Miller on Aug. 3 in Philadelphia. Attending were J. Chalmers Browne '91, Peter G. Delaplane '91, Jonathan K. Roman '91, William C. DeVane ’92 and Eric S. Grodsky '91. Tom updates that he also “merged The How Group, his real estate brokerage, with Compass Real Estate, giving us an amazing slate of marketing and tech tools to better help consumers buy and sell real estate.” Daughter Samantha (19) is at Boston University, son Danny (16) a high school junior. “Time sure is flyin’ by!”
1991
Holly Hatch-Surisook writes about sending her first-born off to college: “If you’ve been through this already, you know that it’s heart-wrenching. We first went on a trip to Thailand, visiting family and experiencing the place of my husband’s early life. The kids are now inspired to learn Thai, and my son has found some new favorite snacks — like Tom Yum-flavored Lay’s potato chips.” Holly has two Minneapolis restaurants, Sen Yai Sen Lek and Dipped & Debris.
1991
Dabney S. Moncher, Middletown, New Jersey, spent a “lovely weekend in Maine celebrating 50 with some beautiful Kenyon ladies,” she informs. “Great view, conversation and lots of wine.” She and her husband and twin eighth-graders plan to relocate to Sarasota, Florida, where they are building a new home and Dabney is seeking a new position — “please send ideas and contacts!”
1991
Alexander A. Novak and Angie Karnosky Novak ’89 left Bethesda after 20 years and moved 40 miles up the road to Frederick, also in Maryland. “I’m still publisher of a history book imprint called Regnery History,” Alex writes, “still running long, slow ultramarathon events,” including his first 100-miler in Texas in 2018. At a 50k in Black Rock City, Nevada, Alex ran into Kai P. Schoenhals ’88. Around D.C., he also sees David N. “Chip” Carter Jr. '91, Owen J. Pinkerton ’92, Mariam M. Bahrami '91, Kathryn A. (McElvein) Firmin ’96 and — with Michael J. McElroy '91 — Edward M. “Mike” Schauerte '91 during his visit to D.C. from Japan.
1992
Jacob M. Adler, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, reports having endured a third hurricane evacuation in as many years: “My 7-year-old threatened that if the hurricane destroyed her bedroom, she would put herself up for adoption,” Jack writes. “Fortunately, our home again held up, and our family has stayed together!”
1992
Alden L. Senior and Kristen A. Senior ’91 sent their oldest, Ben, off to study film at Syracuse. “He left for college right after finishing his first feature-length film, which debuted here in Chicago,” Alden writes. “It’s weird to have the first birdie out of the nest, but we’re coping (sort of).” Daughter Amelia is considering Kenyon, while 10-year-old Topher enjoys musical theater. A fun trip to L.A. included good food and sightseeing, which, Alden adds, “unfortunately meant a TMZ tour.”
1992
Lainie Thomas updates: “After moving around for the first 17 years of my career to six different countries, it came as a surprise to hit the 10-year mark here in Manila and feel settled for a change.” Lainie enjoys challenging and interesting work in the NGO and Civil Society Center of the Asian Development Bank, which sends her to Mongolia, (Republic of) Georgia, Myanmar, China and around the Philippines. She recently adopted two yellow labs “who snore incessantly and are fabulous company — except in the cats’ opinions!”
1993
Jennifer P. Jakubowski, Lambertville, New Jersey, had “an exciting whirlwind of a year,” she updates: “a trip to Mongolia for the annual Golden Eagle Festival, launching a fun new business and a surprise hip replacement. As we all get older, I know more and more of us will be joining the ‘bionic club.’” Jen enjoyed a long weekend in wine country with Sara S. Fousekis '93, Allison Hilberg Bunker '93 and Eleanor B. Jewett '93, as well as a summer visit from Daniel L. Lerner '93 and family.
1993
Matthew K. Seeley, Cleveland, celebrated the wedding of daughter Haley on Sept. 21. Attending were Devin J. Oddo '93, Edward F. Kilbane '93, Matthew J. McGeary '93, Kenneth P. Danzinger ’94 and John-Marc Berthoud ’94. Matthew’s eldest son, Benjamin, works for his wife Amy’s business, Seeley Test Pros, as an ACT/SAT tutor; Matthew has opened his own practice, The Seeley Law Office. “All in all a very exciting year.”
1994
Surrounded by many Kenyon friends and classmates, Scott R. Baker married Marc Bragin, Jewish chaplain and director of Hillel at Kenyon, in Lake Placid, New York, on June 29, 2019. Family attending were Richard Baker Jr. ’69, Lynn Baker P’94, ’96, ’99, Timothy N. Baker ’71, Laura Baker Wilkinson ’99, Shannon B. Wilkinson ’95, and Neil A. Butler ’95. Classmates present were Marshall W. Chapin, Sarah E. Hall, Robert M. Herzog, Adam K. Kline, Steven C. Waterfield, Chad J. Withers, and Erik R. Zinser. Fellow alums and friends included Eli W. Thomas ’93, James A. Brady III ’69, Mary M. Mason ’95, Michael S. Epstein ’95, Margaret E. Darrow ’95, and Benjamin B. Williams ’95, Peter M. Bloomfield ’73, Prof. Benjamin Locke, Prof. Howard and Judy Sacks, Rebecca A. Barth ’93 and Christopher D. Barth ’93, and Stu and Lisa D. Schott ’80.
1994
Sheila Ortona enjoyed a visit to Gambier during the 50 Years of Women at Kenyon celebration with Darnell P. Heywood '94, Mary C. “Marcie” Hall Mennes '94 and Aline Thompson '94. “We were proud to listen to our fellow classmate Sonya Pryor-Jones '94 speak on a stimulating panel, admire the beautiful photographs of Alexandra Rowley '94 in an art exhibition, and cheer for Aline after she spoke at the athletics breakfast. A memorable, fantastic weekend!” Sheila lives in San Francisco and “loves her walks on Ocean Beach with Claire Laverge Petitt '94.”
1994
David A. Pilgrim and Lauren Johnson Pilgrim ’96 live in Chicago—“in the city, not the suburbs” — with son Andrew, a high school freshman. At Publicis (Sapient), Dave is leading business development for retail in North America, while Lauren is active with the Chicago Waldorf School. Dave writes that the cover band he formed a few years ago would be happy to play your next party or event. They’re called “Mostly Dave,” because four of the original five members were named Dave (check out his photos and song catalog at mostlydave.com).
1994
Ravana Wijeyeratne, Hanthana, Sri Lanka, will be leaving his post as CEO of a 40-year-old family-owned financial institution. “Looks like I will see what doors open,” Ravi writes, “or hopefully take some time out and focus on my work as a representative of the local University of Peradeniya and my honorary work for the French Consulate in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Met up with Phi Kap brother Glen A. Feder ’96 in Manila, Philippines, in July.”
1995
Matthew R. Leaf and Heather M. (Steiner) Leaf send greetings from Greenfield, Massachusetts, where Heather is an early interventionist “driving all over this part of creation, visiting kids under 3 in their homes and daycares,” Matt updates. “In one of life’s more random moments,” Matt writes, “I was able to connect with Genevieve Raymond '95 while in Oregon after she deduced where I was from postings on social media. I continue my work as dean of students at Four Rivers Charter Public School,” he informs, “with the past three years bringing a focus on restorative practices with kids in grades 7-12."
1995
Emma Melo, Louisville, Kentucky, updates: “Still gardening, still doing my asanas, still walking the same dog and still trying to reverse time while living fully in denial as a student of the Louisville Ballet in the studio classes as often as possible.” Emma says her job as arts and environments specialist at Highland Presbyterian Nursery and Weekday School is “a fancy title for ‘art teacher and play worker with no studio of my own.’ I enjoy getting to say I am a professional player!”
1995
John M. Zolidis writes that two years into the family relocation from New York to Paris, France, “things are going well.” His two daughters are pursuing the international baccalaureate at a bilingual school, and the elder is planning for college: “The lack of direct Paris-Gambier flights is not helping!” John adds. His French improving, John sums up: “I’m appreciating the slightly contradictory combination of a more chill Parisian backdrop, the excitement of novelty and the edginess of daily life adapting to a (modestly) different culture.”
1996
Christopher C. Ellsworth, Mount Vernon, Ohio, marked year 18 on the Hill in the Dance, Drama and Film Department. On top of building sets, he’s designing scenery for two stage shows: “When We Were Young and Unafraid” and “Glass Menagerie.” Chris jokes, “What doesn’t kill you and all that … Abby (9) and Marin (5) are both in elementary school this year. Anne Higby Ellsworth ’04 and I are still trying to figure out what to do with all the extra day-care money.”
1996
Samie Kim Falvey, Los Angeles, loves serving on the Board of Trustees, she writes, “a role that has reconnected me with the school, professors, and brought me back to Middle Path. I’m comforted to see all the ways Kenyon has evolved and yet also stayed the same. As the world seemingly grows more turbulent, Kenyon steadfastly nurtures critical thinking and a deep sense of responsibility.”
1996
Christopher S. Frisby is president of the Daniel Island Historical Society in Charleston, South Carolina. Last summer, he celebrated his entire family’s birthdays during one week — his wife, Erin, both kids and the dog. He also attended the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington, D.C., where “he defied all courtside etiquette by yelling after Courtney A. Carlson '96 in the rows ahead of him in the men’s semifinal match!”
1996
Brian D. Kiscoe, The Woodlands, Texas, took a new position with SI Bone as regional sales director. His daughter, Alaina, started middle school, and his wife, Christine, began her photography career. “Wrapped up my triathlon season in September,” Brian adds, “with the Ironman 70.3 World Championship Race in Nice, France, where Jason D. Hann ’95 came with me to experience it all.”
1996
Julia M. Warga was elected to the city council in Mount Vernon, Ohio. “It was exciting to see my campaign yard signs all over town (including the yard of Chris and Annie Ellsworth). Really excited about this new challenge.” Julia, who has lived in Mount Vernon for 16 years, works in Kenyon’s Library and Information Services division, along with husband Brandon. “Yes, we are both currently working in the modular buildings on Ransom Lawn during the construction of the new Chalmers Library,” she adds.
1997
Marcella D. Fjelstad, Salt Lake City, passes along this “fun tidbit”: While on a quick getaway in Washington state’s San Juan Islands, she and her husband decided to hike a bit in Lime Kiln Point State Park, carrying along her purple Kenyon water bottle. “As we’re overlooking the water for seals,” Marci says, “a voice says, ‘Hey! I went to Kenyon!’ Of the only 15 people we saw in the park that day, I got to meet Lillian DiGiacomo ’98, up from Sacramento. By far a highlight of the day.”
1997
Emily D. Sprowls and David T. Kysela ’98 moved their family to Montreal, Quebec, in January 2019. “Lots of new jackets and boots,” she informs. “Dave is setting up fancy microscopes in a new lab at the Université de Montréal, and I have started a doctoral program in environmental education at McGill University. Our sons are settling into new schools and soccer leagues, and we are all trying to improve our French and winter sports skills!”
1998
Stephanie K. Blumer received tenure in February 2019 at Oakton Community College, where she is an assistant professor of biology. “Super-excited; I feel like I found my place,” she shares. “I’m focused on equity and engagement in science, anti-racist pedagogy and supporting first-generation and underrepresented students in higher ed. The husband is still awesome, and we enjoy life in Chicago.”
1998
Todd E. Kiziminski and wife Erin, Louisville, Kentucky, celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary. “I spend most of my free time kayaking and competitive trail running,” Todd adds, “when we are not watching Benji (11), Vivienne (8) and Hudson (6) play lots and lots of sports. Life is good in Louisville!”
1998
Ania H. Drejer Teel returned to the Hill in September to be inducted into the Kenyon Athletic Association Hall of Fame. “It had been 15 years since I set foot on campus,” she remembers, “and I didn’t want to leave. I am still living in New Haven, Connecticut, with my husband, whom I met while we were doctoral students at Yale, and four children.”
1999
Elizabeth G. Dunning, Washington, D.C., is now director of institutional giving for Brady United to End Gun Violence, one of America’s oldest gun violence prevention groups, Liz shares. “Bringing my professional expertise and personal experience together feels so good.”
1999
Kamille A. Harless, Mableton, Georgia, is serving her first year as Alumni Council president. “If you have any questions or concerns you would like to raise with the larger group, please feel free to contact me or any members of the Alumni Council.”
1999
Marjorie R. Hegstrom and Erik H. Hegstrom '99 reside in Minneapolis with their sons, ages 7 and 10. Marjorie works as an independent contractor on agriculture, food and farm-to-table projects. “In addition to many family adventures camping, sailing and hiking,” she writes, “I spent last summer managing a local café garden and developing community programs about local farms, school lunches and pollinators.”
1999
“While all my Kenyon stories are special, one of my favorites is now the one I get to tell about Dr. Locke inviting my wife, Katie, to rehearse and perform with Chamber Singers alumni during Reunion Weekend in May 2019. That I was able to share something so significant with Katie is a memory I will treasure. She couldn’t have had a better, more meaningful introduction to the place and family of Kenyon College.”
— Erich K. Kurschat, Chicago
1999
John F. Sherck, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, started a new career last fall. “After 17 years as a high school teacher and administrator,” he informs, “I’ve transitioned into the tech world as a software developer for PNC. Lauren E. Coil-Sherck ’02 is in her second year chairing the science department at the Hawken School, and our three daughters are absolutely loving life in Cleveland Heights.”
2000s
2000
Devin C. Bowles, Canberra, Australia, attended a conference in Vietnam last year, accompanied by his 4-year-old daughter. “Miren loved the cultural experience,” he writes, “except for the fact that her long, light hair seemed to invite lots of touching from strangers.” He informs that his son, now almost 2, “seems to have inherited my appetite.” Devin teaches at the Australian National University and is executive director of the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions in Australasia.
2000
Kelly P. Dillon, Grove City, Ohio, passed her third-year review as an assistant professor of communication at Wittenberg University. “I continue to be ridiculously happy here,” she writes. “I get to relive the liberal arts tradition every day with my students, who research such cool stuff.” Kelly, whose travels with students presenting at regional and national conferences recently included Montana and Baltimore, adds, “Just don’t tell them I still root for the Lords and Ladies whenever our Tigers play them!”
2000
Rachel I. Leber moved to Portland, Oregon, in August to begin medical school at the National University of Natural Medicine. “Huge transition for me,” she informs, “after spending most of my post-Kenyon life in Boulder, Colorado, diving into science after a lifetime immersed in music, humanities and the arts. (None of that stuff is going anywhere — musician and artist for life!) And soon to be a doctor! Love my cohort of wonderful classmates — not to mention all of the oxygen and moisture here that was harder to come by in Boulder!”
2000
Benjamin S. Smith and Kyra Whitson Smith ’01 live in Stuttgart, Germany, with their two girls (5 and 8). “I’ve switched jobs,” Ben writes, “and now work for Booz Allen Hamilton, although I still work in foreign affairs for the U.S. government.”
2001
Erika Plank Hagan, Ridgefield, Connecticut, started a master’s program in religious studies at Hartford Seminary, a nondenominational interfaith seminary. “There’s a Kenyon Street on campus,” she notes, “so clearly it was all very meant to be.”
2001
Beth A. Harrod, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, graduated from nursing school last year and is a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. “It’s very intense,” she notes, “but so rewarding. I am so excited to have my dream job!”
2001
Erika R. Snell, Chicago, was promoted to creative director at AbelsonTaylor. She was thrilled by her selection to judge the Clio awards. “I decided I wanted to do more writing,” she notes, “and am happy to report that my article on immersive data analytics was published. Other than that, I finished my first marathon and thank Kenyon every day for the education, friends and personal growth it’s afforded me.”
2001
Colin H. Yuckman, Morrisville, North Carolina, had what he calls “a year of firsts.” He completed his doctoral degree in New Testament and mission theology at Duke Divinity School and took a position as instructor and assistant director of its master of arts program. He also celebrated the appointment of Meredith L. (Weaver) Yuckman '01 as executive director of the Hope Center at Pullen, a nonprofit that equips young people aging out of foster care to make successful transitions to adulthood.
2001
Juliana Novic moved to Cleveland to be closer to family after 14 years in the Southwest. Julie updates: “Even though I enjoyed my career in archaeology and higher ed, I decided to make a career change. After up-skilling through a coding boot camp, I started a fruitful career as a data scientist at a regional data science consultancy. It’s been a grand adventure, and I am quite happy where I landed.”
2002
Emily H. “Amy” Peterson, Detroit, left the sports world to focus all her attention on running Rebel Nell, the social enterprise she founded in 2013 to help women with barriers to employment. Amy and her husband are restoring an old abandoned church in their neighborhood to make it a café and gathering space.
2002
Robert W. Sale had a big year purchasing and moving the family into the Washington, D.C., childhood home of his wife, Katherine M. Leland ’03. “Slowly making it our forever house,” Winston writes. “Both kids are now in D.C. public schools, which is kind of a big deal for us, having grown up in D.C. back when DCPS was a disaster zone. So far it has been great, though. I have become obsessed with playing pinball recently and drag the family to pinball arcades whenever possible. My current favorite game is Attack from Mars; my all-time high score is in the top 2,000 nationally (out of about 30,000). I am thinking about buying a few games for the house and trying to go pro, but Kate isn’t sure that is such a good idea. I can’t imagine why.”
2003
Erin K. McConnell, Erlanger, Kentucky, ran the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon last year. “While I hope to finish another one (or five or ten) eventually,” she writes, “my family is keeping me pretty busy. Now that the kids are 8 and 4, my husband and I are entering into the ‘big kid’ years. Both kids have big personalities and are turning into funny, creative, amazing people. Who knows? Classes of 2034 and 2038?”
2003
Julie P. Smith and Drew E. Seaman '03 continue to travel the world as expats, she informs. After two and a half years in Shenzhen and Shanghai, they’ve relocated to Singapore. Julie’s marketing research job made the moves possible, and Drew is pivoting from nonprofit management in China “back to his original love for hospitality in Singapore in the restaurant or hotel sectors,” she explains. “We’re looking forward to diving deep into Southeast Asia travel and adjusting to year-round summer.”
2003
Betsy J. Welch, Boulder, Colorado, reports that 20 years ago she “became best friends with a bunch of guys from the freshman dorm (Norton).” Reuniting in D.C. on Sept. 28 — to celebrate Jeremy A. Bauman’s marriage earlier in the summer — were Joshua A. Bauman '03, Keenan M. Hughes '03 and Jillian D. Howell '03, Robert T. Haile '03, Mark C. Lemon '03, Julian S. Quasha '03 and John L. Dutton '03. “Twenty years is a long time,” Betsy notes, “but we’re all still pretty much the same.”
2004
Cassandra D. Nelson Craig enjoys life in Indianapolis and her work as the upper school counselor at Park Tudor School. Cassie’s daughter, Iris, is in kindergarten there. “It is special to be able to share the same community,” she notes. “I’m reminded how the days are long but the years are short.” Last year she and Kyle celebrated their 10th anniversary, and she got to share Kenyon with her family at the reunion.
2004
Elizabeth Galloway Schaffer, Mendota Heights, Minnesota, updates that after 15 years with Wells Fargo she is “excited to be back in the pool.” Beth is now assistant coach for the men’s and women’s swim teams at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. The new job is exciting and allows for more time with her husband, Bill, and Elise (7) and Graham (3).
2005
Daniel Z. Epstein, Washington, D.C., was nominated to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. He has served for the last several years in the White House as a senior associate counsel to the president. He and his wife, Yael, live on Capitol Hill with sons Felix (4) and Emmet (2).
2005
Becky L. Grajeda, Claremont, California, is the facilities scheduling and rentals coordinator at The Colburn School in downtown Los Angeles. It involves, she reports, “mostly staring at a computer, but working with world-class musicians and hearing live music from the practice rooms and concert halls every day,” which reminds her of being a Kenyon music student. “Really low-key co-workers, too,” she adds. “Love it.”
2005
Megan L. Harvey, Houston, works at NASA’s Johnson Space Center on the International Space Station program. “This summer I was the lead Russian liaison for Increment 59,” she informs. She recommends the podcast “The Adventure Zone” and a Bill Bryson book titled “One Summer: America 1927,” which was “part of a syllabus listed in one of the Kenyon Alumni Bulletins.”
2006
Jack A. Cerchiara, Seattle, is in his 11th season with the University of Washington’s men’s lacrosse team, his seventh as head coach. “I’ve just finished an NSF Fellowship studying how college students learn physiology and how instructors can assess the progression of their students as they master biology,” he reports. “I published a few papers in the past year, including co-authoring one with Kenyon biology professor Bob Mauck, my comps adviser back in 2006!”
2006
Kathryn C. McMillan and Robert D. McMillan ’07, Chicago, welcomed a third son, Carl David, a “delightful human who thankfully enjoys sleeping” and joins brothers George (5) and Peter (3). “We are handling the expansion well, considering we still reside in a two-bedroom condo with cats. We are also about to welcome another No. 3—the third retail location for our Chicago-based American-made denim company, Dearborn Denim. We are lucky to have Rob’s family, including his sister Heather M. Hoeppner ’05, nearby.”
2006
C. Hayes Wong had dreamed of joining Doctors without Borders since her freshman year when she ran between pre-med and international studies classes. Now a board-certified emergency physician based in New York City, she worked with the organization in South Sudan for much of 2019, overseeing “the emergency department and the malnutrition unit of a large field hospital in a camp for South Sudanese who were displaced by civil war,” Hayes reports. “Exhausting but incredibly fulfilling work."
2007
Jeffrey N. Gardner, Chicago, completed his master’s in sound arts and industries at Northwestern University and founded Audacious Machine Creative, an audio and narrative consultancy, Jeff informs. They produced “Guardians of History,” a voice-first “choose your own adventure” game for Encyclopedia Britannica, and are busy working on the second season of their audio fiction podcast “Unwell: A Midwestern Gothic Mystery,” about ghosts and memories in a small town in rural Ohio.
2007
Brendan I. McCarthy married Colby Bishop at Seneca Lake, New York, last June. Attending were Robert R. Warnock IV '07, Zachary J. Shapiro ’08, Michael A. Schnapp ’08, Joseph G. Gavin '07, Patrick A. Leonard ’06, James B. “Bo” Williams ’08, John N. Stewart ’06, George C. Williams ’06, John M. Cheever IV ’08, Edward B. Hourigan ’05, Theodore S. Eismeier ’08, Colin J. MacLauchlan ’08, Christopher E. Arnold ’08, Maggie Kempner ’08 and Victor T. Lamond ’08 and Kathryn M. Tumen ’08. The couple honeymooned in Vietnam.
2007
Lauren Z. Steele and John W. Steele IV '07 reside in Eureka, California, with their son, Ansel. Their dog, Bailey, “from Kenyon years, is still kickin’ it,” she reports, “although he is now deaf as a doorknob.” Lauren is a pediatrician at a community health clinic, and John is a professor of cellular and molecular biology at Humboldt State University. “The redwoods up here are beautiful,” Lauren adds, “and the rural location feels a lot like Gambier!”
2008
Thomas Dickson, Soquel, California, and Brian H. Dow '08 climbed Mount Kilimanjaro last year. While scaling the mountain, T.D. reports, Brian thought of a new kind of Keep Cup, whose design pattern he promised to unveil this year.
2008
Suzannah K. Rosenberg and Andrew A. Cunningham '08, Philadelphia, welcomed a son, Henry, in July. Andrew is a writer and editor for The Wirecutter, and Suzannah is a social worker at Jewish Family Services. “We enjoy seeing our East Coast Kenyon family whenever we can,” she adds.
2009
Jennifer L. Howard returned to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to finish her doctorate after a summer in Washington, D.C., writing science news stories for National Geographic. She was awarded an American Association for the Advancement of Science Mass Media Fellowship. Jenny notes, “The fellowship places science and engineering graduate students at media outlets across the nation to improve their ability to communicate complex science topics for a general audience. I even interviewed William J. Joiner ’90 for one of my stories!”
2009
Emily O. Prager and Daniel T. Prager '09 are enjoying introducing their new baby daughter, Abigail, to Minneapolis. Emily is a school psychologist, and Daniel is a management and technology consultant at Slalom consulting.
15 Years Out
International education pro Ted Samuel '05 shares the twists and turns of his post-Kenyon years.
Read more2010s
2010
Theresa C. Hardcastle married Anthony Mantegani last August in western Massachusetts. Attending were Katherine A. Guerard '10, Monica L. VandenBerg '10, Janae A. Peters '10, Ninah de Ruijter Van Steveninck '10 and Elaine C. Dicicco '10. Tess sums up: “It was wonderful to be able to share the day with so many friends and classmates and bring a bit of Gambier to the Berkshires.”
2010
“Hello everyone! I have been living in Astana, Kazakhstan, since August 2018. I am an assistant professor of French and linguistics at Nazarbayev University, a partner university with the University of Wisconsin. My spouse and I plan to move to Europe within the next two years.”
— Alexandra C. Shaeffer, Astana, Kazakhstan
2010
Pratima R. Shanbhag and Robert D. “Derek” Barbato ’13 delightedly announce the arrival of son Aden — “an absolute dream come true,” Pratima writes. “After I complete my fellowship this fall, I am happy to say I will be staying on as an attending physician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.”
2010
Natalie E. West works for the World Food Programme and, after three years at headquarters in Rome, has relocated to Niamey, Niger. “I’m really happy to be in the field and working in French full-time,” she reports. “I work on analysis of economic access to nutritious foods, and I’m learning tons about markets, agriculture and resilience programming in the Sahel. Along with Niger, I lead analyses in Mali and Mauritania.”
2011
Julia R. Billings married Nicholas A.C. Kessler '11 in August in Bath, Maine. Julia and Nick, West Lebanon, New Hampshire, report that they were happily surrounded by Kenyon family from classes ’05 to ’15.
2011
Laura A. Paul completed her doctorate in agricultural and resource economics at the University of California, Davis, and began a postdoctoral research fellowship in the Center for Experimental and Applied Economics at the University of Delaware. “I had a fabulous time at the wedding of Margaret J. Higby ’12 and Kurt Erickson.”
2011
Lauren M. Brady Crook, Hanover, Massachusetts, is a PICU nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital. “Besides my rotating schedules and home fixer-upper projects,” she updates, “I’ve been inspired by so many of our classmates to travel more. Checked Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Malta off my bucket list. I run with my two dogs, but neither are as impressive as V-Dogg (Victoria Lederer ’11).”
2012
Katherine English Galloway married Arlen S. Galloway ’06 on May 11, 2019, in Richmond, Virginia. Sharing the day were bridesmaids Amelia D. McClure Dunbar '12, Elizabeth R. Jacobs O’Connor '12, Ciara C. Sanchez '12 and Leanna D. Burckley Watt '12, opposite groomsmen Adam C. Exline ’01, Matthew A. Formato IV ’06, Christopher M. Matthews ’07 and Daniel W. Troutman ’06. Many more Kenyonites attended, Kate reports. She recently joined Verrill Dana LLP as an associate in the private clients and fiduciary services group. Arlen is in his seventh season as head men’s basketball coach at Wentworth Institute of Technology. With their bulldog, Bailey, the couple reside in Boston.
2012
Kelly A. Heilman defended her doctorate on long-term environmental changes to Midwestern savannas and forests, then relocated from South Bend, Indiana, to Tucson for a research postdoc at the University of Arizona. “I am really enjoying running and hiking the desert and sky island trails,” Kelly updates.
2012
Elizabeth R. Jacobs O’Connor married Ryan P. O’Connor ’11 on Aug. 25 “in a ceremony officiated by our siblings under the northern California redwoods,” she writes. “We were surrounded by Kenyon friends and family across generations, from my mom Julie S. Jacobs ’78 to Ryan’s younger brother Alexander J. O’Connor ’17. It was the best day!”
2012
Nicolyn V. Woodcock completed her doctorate at Miami University and took a position as a visiting assistant professor of multiethnic American literature at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. In between, she spent last summer in Gambier teaching writing in the humanities as part of the KEEP Scholars program. That meant “opportunities to catch up with a lot of wonderful Kenyon folks, including L. Michelle Dunavant '12, Hope K. Boyd '12, Tristan J. Neviska ’13 and Jaqueline Neri Arias ’13.”
2013
William E. Braff returned to his hometown, Cincinnati, “primarily for the chili,” he writes, “but also to start a judicial clerkship.” Billy recommends to any graduate students the program he participated in last year called the Fellowship at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics: “Traveling with an interdisciplinary group over a three-week trip to Berlin and Krakow, I studied the breakdown of the German legal system and civil society during the Holocaust. Also, I published an article with the Ohio State Law Journal discussing the relationship between judicial citations of literature and natural rights. It was a relief to finally put my liberal arts education to use!”
2013
Wyn C. Evans, Chicago, updates on what a “joy to work with kids” it’s been at the day care center job he’s had for three years, “knowing that the love, acceptance and kindness I provide them is setting the stage for their happiness and flourishing later in life.” He still performs improv comedy with his teams BlackCat and Rainstick and hosts an experimental podcast called Wynprovisation. More of his comedy, music and blogging “about spiritual awakening and the end of suffering” are at wynevans.com.
2013
Stella A. Naulo, Richmond, Virginia, serves as website committee chair for the Virginia Association of Law Libraries. She “lives in the capital of the Confederacy, moonlights as a stand-up comedian and campaigns for social justice through satire,” she informs. “My goldendoodle, Eddie Allen Poe, turned 2 and got the gift of a lifetime — his very own backyard (and house) downtown, minutes away from the Edgar Allen Poe Museum!”
2013
Lauren H. Schick O’Connell was married in March 2019. Attending were Laura C. McHenry '13, Kendra J. Lechtenberg '13, Ryan J. Eick '13, Noah S.G. Detzer '13 and Nicholas W. Lehn '13. Lauren and Dan moved into their new home in Washington, D.C., and she began a new job in arts administration at The Washington Chorus.
2014
Brandylyn L. Arredondo completed her year on a refugee resettlement project with AmeriCorps in Charlotte, North Carolina, then moved to Tampa, where she began a master’s in applied anthropology at the University of South Florida. Currently, Brandy’s writing a policy brief on denial of K-12 education to refugees, she writes. “To pay for food I work at Florida’s health department to connect the community to much-needed resources like housing, food and mental and physical health providers. I love it all!”
2014
Michael L. Burten, Amherst, Massachusetts, married his longtime partner in November. “Out of a 16-person wedding party (oy!),” he writes, “four groomspeople and three bridesfolk are members of the Class of 2014.”
2014
Olivia L. Sabik completed her doctorate in biochemistry and molecular genetics at the University of Virginia and moved to Boston, where she works for a biotech startup. She’s also “playing Frisbee and exploring with once-again roommate Molly R. McCleary '14 and once-again teammate Tracy M. Curtin '14!”
2015
Edgar F. Arceo, in the company of Andrew L. Parmelee ’14, road-tripped last summer from California to Massachusetts, visiting along the way Samuel A. Justice '15, Lewis C. Williams Gray ’14 and Lindsey E. Corbett ’14. “Naturally,” he reports, “a pit stop in Gambier was in order. Highlights included a Kokosing Gap Trail run, staying with Professor Johnson and her lovely family, as well as seeing Fred Linger, Professors Rhodes and Murnen, and ‘D-Kitty,’ who is officially taller and smarter than me.” Edgar is a language teacher at Deerfield Academy in western Massachusetts.
2015
Maria Julieta Guzman now goes by her middle name and “is finally beginning to understand how to bring together her passion for languages with that of serving displaced people.” After working in Washington, D.C., she is now pursuing a master’s in applied linguistics with a focus on second/additional language acquisition at the University of Oxford.
2015
Michelle C. Schulte teaches English as a Fulbright English teaching assistant in Ukhta, Russia. “Super-excited to be here and so grateful to everyone at Kenyon who helped me lay the groundwork which would eventually make this possible — especially to Natalia Olshanskaya, whose strength and unfailing love and support for her students changed my life so dramatically for the better.”
2015
Hannah F.L. Cooper Stoyel has lived in London, U.K.. for five years and updates: “Alexander E. Stoyel ’08 and I are enjoying our first year of married life. I started my second year of my doctoral studies and also work as a sports psychologist in private practice, and for England swimming and Women’s Super League (professional soccer).”
2015
Henry E. Upton married Katherine V. Markey ’16 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Aug. 17 — “just shy of seven years after they first met on Peirce Lawn,” he writes. “Best man Kyle R. Aaronson '15 delivered a chef’s kiss of a speech that predictably left all friends and relatives with permanent scars.”
2016
Sarah K. (Ash) Fariash reports three major transitions: graduating from grad school, getting married, and starting a new job as a hospital chaplain at the UCSF Children’s Hospital in San Francisco. “Honestly, it’s incredible,” Sarah explains, “that as an introvert I survived all this extrovert activity and am able to write this note at all.”
2016
“I searched for my passion for years after graduation, and I think I finally found it. I’ve been working as a UX/UI designer since 2018 in Budapest, Hungary, and I love it. Studying in a liberal arts school was great preparation for what I do today in UX/UI, a multidisciplinary field combining arts, computer science, business and psychology.”
— Adam G. Marjai, Budapest, Hungary
2016
Katherine V. Markey married Henry E. Upton ’15: “So many wonderful Kenyon friends present, including enough Chamber Singers to form a mini-choir,” Kate writes. “Also, this summer marked Aislinn R. McKeown’s move to Ann Arbor, successfully fulfilling our dream of reuniting post-grad! We now spend 100 percent of our time together plotting ways to get more Kenyon friends to move here.”
2016
Alexander S. McQuiston is a fourth-year doctoral student in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He studies how pre-existing autoimmune diseases affect lung transplant rejection. Alec lives with Alexander R. Oles '16, who is in the same department and studies molecular mechanisms behind a rare and deadly childhood cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma.
2017
Gabriel M. Avis, Concord, New Hampshire, is in his second year as a teaching fellow at St. Paul’s School while completing his master’s in education at the University of Pennsylvania. Gabe enjoyed fall in New England with his new furry companion, Wiggins (named after the famous street).
2017
Katherine L. Connolly, Portland, Oregon, started her service term with AmeriCorps at Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare, providing youth mental health first-aid training. She happily lives with roommate and best friend Megan E. Otto '17 and is “more determined than ever to continue the mental health advocacy she began in college,” she reports.
2017
Pankti V. Dalal completed her master’s in education and works alongside Gabriel M. Avis '17 at St. Paul’s School, now as a full-time teacher in the math department. She and Gabe “have a great time going to Trader Joe’s and exploring the downtown farmers market to eat cider doughnuts,” she reports.
2017
Eleanor J.B. Lopatto enrolled in the master’s program for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. She and Ian S. Edwards '17 are pleased to announce their recent adoption of two kittens.
2018
Julia N. Josowitz started her first year in the physician assistant program at Stanford School of Medicine. “Having a bit of culture shock moving to California after five years in the Midwest,” she reports, “but I cannot complain about the weather or the proximity to Trader Joe’s. Cadaver lab has been a bit of an emotional challenge, to say the least, but anyone who was in my freshman year biology lab and remembers how I cried during the rat dissection would be very proud of my progress.”
2018
Charlotte B. Lee shares her excitement that freelance work doing makeup for film and music video has led her to a job in the production department at the Juilliard School in New York City. She builds wigs, does theatrical makeup and runs shows for the undergrad and grad conservatory students in both theater and opera. “I recently built an entire beard for ‘Cosi Fan Tutte,’” she writes. “After my time at Juilliard I hope to pursue work on Broadway as well as continuing my work in film.”
2018
Juliette S. Moffroid taught gardening and cooking to New York City elementary school kids for a year, but now has “turned tail and run” to Basalt, Colorado, a 2,700-person town in the Rocky Mountains. “I share a bedroom with five other ladies,” she updates. “My day and night job is leading high schoolers on 18-day backpacking trips and teaching them about poetry. A little different than the Bronx and Manhattan, but it’s working for me!”
2019
Kaylin R. Allshouse worked her 10th summer as a camp teacher at the Columbus Center of Science and Industry before taking a position at the Ohio State University as an assistant director of leadership annual giving. She’s fundraising for the Colleges of Public Health, Optometry and Veterinary Medicine, which involves lots of travel and meeting donors around the country. Also since graduation, she’s worked on several film productions, including a web series directed by William O. Nichol '19, and a production surrounding substance abuse recovery that filmed in Mount Vernon.
2019
Taaj-Udeen Y. Davis started a two-year program as a Kenan-Lewis Fellow at Woodberry Forest School in central Virginia. He teaches two sections of 10th-grade U.S. history and coaches football and lacrosse. “I am already putting my Kenyon knowledge to use,” Taaj writes, “as the final piece of the Kenan-Lewis program is my coursework from the University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education, which goes toward my master’s in curriculum and instruction. The learning never stops!”
2019
Miriam J. “Mia” Fox, Leetsdale, Pennsylvania, has been living and working at the Brown Family Environmental Center as its post-baccalaureate fellow. “Much to my chagrin, I still sleep on a twin XL bed; much to my delight, I have the best job in the world.”
2019
Taylor A. Hazan has been spending what one of her new co-workers called “the freshman year of life” in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as a Newman’s Own Foundation Fellow at RefugePoint, a nonprofit advancing lasting solutions for vulnerable refugees. “I’ve been getting shout-outs fairly often when I wear my Kenyon singlet to run,” Taylor notes, “so I’m sending some spirit your way! I am honored to serve the Class of 2019 on the Alumni Council, so please do feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions.”
2019
Hannah E. Orbach-Mandel moved to Indianapolis and works for the NCAA as part of its post-graduate internship program. “My position is in administrative services,” she informs, “so I get to rotate through internal audit, HR, championships finance, operations and finance. I’ve also started swimming again with a master’s team in Indianapolis, which I love!”
2019
Schuyler S. Stupica has been working as a technical and legal writing specialist at an immigration law firm in Pittsburgh. “I draft recommendation letters, petition letters, employment letters and first author contribution letters for immigrants seeking EB-1 visas and EB-2 national interest waivers in the United States,” she explains. “The job involves synthesizing research summaries, implementation evidence, and publication and citation records to demonstrate the substantial merit and national importance of clients’ research and to argue in favor of the national benefits of their continued employment in the U.S. It’s challenging work, but I feel grateful to be able to advocate for immigrants on a daily basis during this political climate.”
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