CLASS NEWS 2016/17

A Class News Magazine for Alumni and Friends of International School

Margaret Eddy Award 2016 Sandra Schoeninger AN INCREDIBLE AN EXEMPLARY COMPOSER LEADER Dr. Larry Nickel Schauna Chauhan Saluja

Class News Magazine • 1

Kodaikanal International School 115 years in global education Class News Magazine

Editor FEATURES 02 Principal's Message Yvonne Dovlo 03 Life at KIS Layout & Design 06 Alumni Officer's Message Rohit Benjamin 07 KIS Archives Editorial Contributions 09 Incredible Composer KIS Global Alumni 11 Marget Eddy Award Cover Photo 12 Conserving the Grassland 14 Missionary Kid Schauna Chauhan Saluja '95 16 Exemplary Leader 19 Kodai Experience Picture taken by Birla 21 Dhanapal Family 22 Class News 88 Former Staff News 91 Rural Preventures 93 Pippa Chronicles KISCo Publication 96 Reunions

Class News Magazine • 1 Principal's Message

KIS ...more than a school

Beloved Kodai Family,

For years, up until about 2011, one of the staples of the Kodai alumni experience was the Alumni Magazine, which featured class news and reunion updates on a fairly regular basis. In some sense, this publication was replaced, and quite effectively in most ways, by Facebook and other forms of social media; It is likely that we as Kodai School and KIS alumni are more in touch with each other than ever before. Nevertheless, there remains something special about holding a non-virtual compendium of Kodai class news in your hands. It provides a sense of both wonder and perspective, to see the wide range of Us across the years and across the globe. Since 2016 marks the 115th year of our journey as an institution, we have decided to celebrate by printing this special edition of the Alumni Magazine. We hope you enjoy it, and we welcome your feedback.

This magazine would not have been possible without the efforts of Yvonne Dovlo, our Alumni Officer, Rohit Benjamin, who is volun- teering in our KISCo department and our Class Representatives around the world. Thank you! Furthermore, I want to take this op- portunity to underline the special relationship that KIS has with Kodai Friends International (KFI). KFI continues to do tremendous work in North America, sharing the news about KIS and helping in so many ways to further our mission. We are so grateful for the efforts of Julie Stengele, Dr. Jeetu Nanda, and the KFI Board of Directors as we continue to find ways to enrich the ties that you have with this wonderful school and community.

My personal request to each one of you is to find ways to stay engaged with both KIS and KFI. Bequeathed from our history and our proud heritage, and woven into the fabric of our identity, is a distinct vision that is so relevant to these times: “We are a school the world needs: Our students leave KIS with the vision, knowledge, compassion, and cross-cultural understanding to be thought- ful, caring and transformative individuals who endeavour to make the world a better place.”

God bless! Corey

2 • Class News Magazine LIFE AT KIS

ACADEMICS: Kodaikanal Internaional school is a full IB school. reflect the rich history of Kodaikanal and the KIS century old The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for students mission foundation. Students have unique opportunitiesto aged 3 to 12. belong to a community of young people where ideas, cultures and faiths from all over the world meet. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) caters for students aged 11– 16 (grades 6 – 10) who are in an important age of transition. CAMPING: KIS has a 108 acre wilderness campus at a rural The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a location called ‘Poondi’. It’s a well–established outdoor and two year pre–university course, to facilitate the mobility of camping program. Surrounded by a national reserve forest. students and to promote international understanding. HIKING: Hiking brings out the best of Kodaikanal: the views, The full Diploma Programme (DP) is comprehensive and designed waterfalls and jungles are all beyond the confines of the school to provides students with a balanced holistic education in campus and town. Students are encouraged to sign up for hikes preparation for tertiary study in colleges and universities to get a taste of the vistas and countryside. around the world.

MUSIC: Music has been a unique feature of the KIS academic SOCIAL EXPERIENCE: The KIS SEED program aims to blend a life for a 115 years. This is evident amongst KIS alumni in the comprehensive classroom teaching environment with a variety number of distinguished composers, professional musicians, as of community oriented activities. Classroom teaching focuses well as those with a lifelong appreciation of music. KIS presents on ‘Thinking globally on issues of Economy, Environment, its instrumental students for the Royal Schools of Music (RSM, Society and acting locally to bring about change in ourselves London) examinations. and our communities'. The emphasis is on sustainability and empowerment of individuals and societies. SPORTS: The Physical Education curriculum at KIS provides a program of instruction for the development of the whole COLLEGE & CAREER COUNSELLING: We provide comprehensive individual through physical activities. careers & college placement services to all students from grade 9 to grade 12. KIS is also a centre for the SAT and ACT exam and DORMS: KIS has comfortable student residences and their names we help students prepare effectively for these aptitude tests.

For direct enquiries contact: Admissions Coordinator tel: (91) 4542 247 218 email: [email protected] www.kis.in

Class News Magazine • 3 Welcome to the Class of 2016

Sourish Adhya Apeksha Chauhan Abilash Lekshmanan Aashiq Jawahar Razee Anshul Agarwal Rhea Chavda Shah Faiyaz Byeongyun Jeong Yash Agrawal Daryl Chhangte Alan George Drishti Jindal Walunila Aier Changhyeon Cho Kevin George Georgey Maya Jindal Rashad Ali TaeYoung Choi Abhijeet Henry Siranart Jitsard Abeneaya Arul Roy Maia Colah Abhishek Henry Joshua John Arul Roy Sharan Damodaran MinHo Heo Kevin Joseph Mithran Arvintha Kumaran Anush Devadhasan Quomel Imani Areesh Jungalwala Khushi Barjatya Manjari Devkota Seoyeon Jang Akeela Kader Mohamed Triyansha Biswas Vasudha Devkota Sonam Tshering Jattu Apisaya Kaewsook

4 • Class News Magazine Tanay Kanodia Krutarth Mehta Sharika Santhosh Sidharth Subramanian Ashmank Karki Rahil Momin Ishika Shahi Aashrayae Tamrakar Anand Krishnamoorthy Tanya Murphy Thiruvikram S Wangda Tenzin Jae Hyuk Kwak Yosel Nadik Seonghyeok Shim Hriday Thakker Ngawang Lobzang Ikram Nagani Adhrit Shrestha Gul Thakur Mohit A Lohia Teddy Nam Yukta Sinha Hussain Ukani Metemsola Longchari Glitzn Nedumbakaran Madhu Srinivasan Omar Vakharia Vaibhav Malla Chanisara Ninnernnon Saranya Srisukajorn Ezekeil M Wallang Zak McLeod Devansh Rai Sasiprapha Srisukajorn Sung soon Yim Aviva Mehta Sanskriti Ravi Till Stanisch Sungmin Yoon

Class News Magazine • 5 Alumni Officer's Message

Editorial Team: Rohit Benjamin, Pooja Agnihotri, Yvonne Dovlo, Kim Samuel & Renee McLeod

Kodaikanal International School has evolved since its inception note to your Class Rep or to the Alumni Office (alumni@kis. in 1901. It has metamorphosed from its small beginnings with in). In conclusion, I will like to thank all Alumni who have just 13 missionary children to an Internationally acclaimed generously donated to KIS over the years. We appreciate Residential school in and abroad. In its over a century your support and commitment to this great institution. of history, KIS has remained dedicated to creating academic and residential programs for people of all ethnic, religious, socio-economic and national backgrounds. And as new gen- erations of students have joined, the school has adapted to serve new interests and emerging areas of study. Certainly, KIS is not only a prominent school for its academic prowess and holistic approach to education, but also for its ethos as a school ‘to recognize and encourage the distinctive differ- ences in persons, nations and cultures, and at the same time, affirm the unity of mankind’. This philosophy has shaped who we have become in the world stage and we owe it all to the leaders who have steered the course of this great Institution throughout its history.

As we mark the 115th Anniversary, we wish to recognize and appreciate the fortitudes of these individuals, starting with the very first Committee which was commissioned to estab- lish the school, the very first Principal, Margaret Eddy, to the Council Members and Principals whose astute governorship of the school has brought us thus this far. I believe that KIS will continue to build on its remarkable legacy, endowing future generations with the best it can offer.

We invite you to visit the campus with your families and also attend reunions both in Kodai and in any Chapter that's near you. Build on your legacy by enrolling your children for a se- mester or two (Legacy Children). Follow us on Facebook, Twit- ter and LinkedIn. Become an Alumni Ambassador by assisting Yvonne Dovlo ‘88 us to recruit students to KIS. Update your profile by sending a Alumni Officer

6 • Class News Magazine KIS ARCHIVES Preserving our History

tings bear evocative testimony to the life of American mis- sionaries and their influence on the development of education and medicine to which the schools and hospitals in the region bear witness. The archival materials document the history of a unique sub- culture of pre-industrial India - that of the American mission- ary in and the world of evangelism, education and medicine. This subculture lived in relative isolation, devel- oped its own norms and practices and became an integral, sometimes central, part of the life of the school and the town. The lives of these early missionaries were set against the backdrop of the growing town, the disappearing tiger and bi- son, the arduous climb up to Kodaikanal, the sinking of the Titanic, (one of the school’s students numbers among its sur- vivors), the internment of Germans during World War II, the visit of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister in 1962, and in 2003, the death (in Kodaikanal) of Adam Osborne, the inventor of the world’s first portable computer. These- vi gnettes of local/social history, if available to scholars, will Suvidha Sadasivan - KIS Head Librarian and Archivist become foundation stones for research or provide the missing The KIS Archives houses a unique collection of documents and links of their work. photographic material that pertains to the development of the school. The Archives tracks the history and evolution of Kodaikanal and KIS from its origins as Kodaikanal School. The Archives also houses information of the American Missions of South India, their influence on education, medicine, health and the social history of the eclectic population who settled in this Hills region from the mid 1800’s.

Both Kodaikanal and KIS are unique in a way that the outcome of American interests and needs, unlike other hill stations in India which were the outcome of British colonial needs. A sig- nificant collection of the history of this school and its environs is to be found in the KIS Archives. A large amount of books dating back to 1899, old maps (including hand-drawn ones), student’s work on local and global issues, and newspaper cut-

Class News Magazine • 7 ARCHIVES REPOSITORY KIS MUSEUM

KIS is hugely thankful to the Class of 1961 for their support The KIS Museum (mezzanine) inaugurated on September 18th towards the Archives project. The archives will help in keep- 2013 by Mr. Charles Menahem Kanafi, Israel Consul General ing the history of the school alive and create a living history at KMU Hall. The Museum presents the history of KIS from its for the future generations. origins and the evolution of Kodaikanal. The museum opens to share the passionately assembled collection of Archives. KIS Archives collection includes school correspondences, pub- It is launched with a photo exhibition of more than 50 aes- lications, memorabilia, photographs and other materials per- thetically compelling photographs of KIS (since 1901) and the taining to the School, staff and students. So far, we have had Kodaikanal township since the mid-1800s. enquiries mainly for family history and historical information Along the periphery of the KMU main hall, a mezzanine mea- of the School and Kodaikanal. suring 8 feet width has been built to house the KIS museum. The space will be used to create a visual display of the history The users are Alumni, Staff from Administration and Depart- of the school, history of Kodaikanal, the Palani region, private ments and research scholars – writers, Doctoral/M. Phil. collections of alumni, pictures of early day Kodai and other These queries are received in person, via emails, phones and information of relevance. It is our intention to change the website contact forms and responded to, within 48 hours. An displays periodically, thereby refreshing the museum experi- archives donor form has been developed to enable Alumni ence of visitors. and others to send their (archival) contribution to KIS. Other forms being developed include a request form for students and staff to access information housed in the archives. Five books were reported as published using material from KIS Ar- collection.

The collections are segregated and put it in labelled custom folders for easy retrieval. It is stored in durable archive boxes and kept on compressed shelves. These run on rails that are fixed on the floor and this has the advantage of providing closed storage in less space as it does away with the need for aisles. Closed shelves not only keep dust out but retain the lower temperature and humidity and provide fire protection to an extent.

The KIS Archives has digitized approximately 150,000 images, which represent about 70% of its holdings. All the available Eu- cy’s are digitized and available on the Alumni portal (http:// alumni.kis.in/eucys). The digital contents that are currently being indexed based on various information and fields to orga- nize and help in quicken the document search and retrieval. The photographic collection with captions will be stored very soon in a centralized repository for accessiblity through the internet.

A Dehumidifier is installed to avoid the fluctuations in relative humidity (RH), but the temperature still fluctuates between 8 and 22 degrees. False ceiling have been made with the gyp- sum board, which is a weather and mould resistant; sealed windows and extra doors to avoid direct sunlight which con- tains damaging ultraviolet rays to maintain the environmental control standards. The most effective method for maintaining a constant environment is through air conditioning. Tempera- ture, relative humidity, light, and air quality all affect the longevity of archival collections.

80% of the documents in KIS Archives need conservation treat- ment. Of these nearly 300 items need immediate attention. As and when the materials are taken for reference, a code is given to the item to denote whether it is less or more brittle. Substantial funds are required to work on this. The main prob- lem is the non-availability of the materials/equipment used for conservation work in India. The conservation materials such as Japanese tissue, acid free materials etc., have to be imported and therefore become expensive.

8 • Class News Magazine Alumni Heroes

An Incredible Composer Dr. Larry Nickel ‘70

Dr. Larry Nickel (Class of ’70) is a Canadian composer, five years. While continuing education at the University of conductor and writes music for a wide array of genres: string British Columbia, we had gigs nearly every weekend. We made quartet, symphonic wind ensemble, solo art song among two LPs and often worked in recording studios - writing and others. He has written and arranged a variety of compositions singing backup vocals and jingles. These were formative years for choirs around the world. In 2007, he obtained his PhD in for me, writing songs and learning to arrange vocals in four- Music composition and his thesis involved writing a Requiem for part harmony. Peace in 13 languages. The Requiem for Peace has been widely performed in great halls around the world. He is currently the While working on my education degree in Alberta, I wrote owner and co-editor of Cypress Choral Music Publishing in his a cantata for the church choir called “Oasis” (1977). Some hometown of Vancouver. Here is an interview with him: of that music is still being performed today. People were so gracious to me, performing music by a novice composer who You are an accomplished Composer, please tell me about had much to learn. I taught music for 25 years, while raising your career. a family with Edna, and was continually writing music for the choirs, wind ensembles and jazz bands. It would be impossible to talk about my career without talking about my life in general. I began singing in a choir when I was In 1989 I nearly died of viral encephalitis. I emerged from a three years old. I was singing alto with my mom in church when comma after 15 days. During a long convalescence, I wrote I was six. I was the eldest among approximately 14 boarders and arranged 22 compositions which came to be known as while living at Bruton from 1965 until 1970. After seeing “The “Songs My Father Taught Me”. Director Tony Funk and I formed Sound of Music” and falling in love with Julie Andrews, I made a stellar choir, which we named “The West Coast Mennonite a set of puppets out of paper maché. People will recall “High Chamber Choir”, to record the complete set. The CD had an on a Hill was a Lonely Goatherd”. We put on puppet-shows such amazingly positive response, so the choir stayed together for as “The Grinch” every Christmas and everyone got involved another fourteen years and produced another 13 CDs. I was producing the shows for our missionary parents. I improvised privileged to have 120 compositions recorded by incredible theatrical incidental music on an accordion! “I’m a composer” musicians. Our CD sales totalled more than a million dollars did not cross my mind at that point. and we donated all the proceeds to a charity for mentally challenged people. After graduating from Kodai, I returned to British Columbia and went to Bible College. One day I was improvising on the I returned to University in 2003 to complete a doctorate in piano and a cute girl poked her head in the door. She said, composition. This old dog was determined to learn new tricks. “Did you write that?” - and then sat beside me on the piano In 2005 my thesis was premiered by 330 musicians. “Requiem bench. I hesitated and gulped, “Yes, I suppose I did”. I formed for Peace” is a major work-a call to disarmament in 13 a band in 1971 called “The Sound of Light” - in the style of languages for chorus, soloists and orchestra. Since then it has “Starland Vocal Band” - and we performed our own music for been performed 20 times - most recently in Sweden, Germany

Class News Magazine • 9 and . Requiem for Peace opened for the World Choir Games in Magdeburg last summer. I’m looking forward to performances this year which include Corfu, Chicago and Carnegie Hall.

I became the owner of Cypress Choral Music Publishing in 2010. What a privilege to edit, promote and distribute the compositions of over 90 Canadian composers. I still direct choirs and give clinics at festivals. I have 12 publishers, including Oxford University Press, and approximately 70,000 musicians performed my music last year. This former puppet- show accordion player could not have imagined the possibility.

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?

Bob Granner and Keith DeJong had a huge impact on me in Larry Nickel with family Kodai School. I was really involved with the band, choir and I am a Christian, one who endeavours to follow the path of musical productions. Once Mr. Granner asked me to direct a Christ, and most of my music is permeated by convictions chamber size group of singers - and I still have a photo of about our awesome loving God. You may have heard the adage that group with me leading from the piano. In grade 12, I “He who sings prays twice” (St. Augustine). For me, music goes was awarded “Best All Around Musician of the Year”. What a beyond that. One can communicate things with music that go shock. It was such affirmation that got me thinking about a far beyond words. future in music. You are a composer, singer, conductor and a publisher, how What kind of songs do you compose and where do you draw do you manage all these roles? your inspiration from ? You forgot clinician and adjudicator. Then - most importantly - Over the last 20 years, I have rarely written a piece of music husband, father of three and grandpa of five! Busy! It’s a good without a specific commission. Fortunately, people continue thing I love music and the people who create it so much. It to hire me. My specialty is writing music tailor-made for the does not feel like work. I wake up at 6 AM every day and get commissioning group. I do research regarding the group’s skill going. level and weigh the expectations of their intended audience - to insure a successful result. Some composers like to write What do you remember most vividly about your time at without any “restrictions” but I find that conditions and KIS? parameters help me to zero in on the task at hand. • The hikes! Climbing back to school from Tope in the moonlight.Johnny Meinzen emerging from So, my compositions range widely from piano solos, song cycles, with a hundred leeches sucking his blood. orchestral works to music for choirs at all levels (children to • Sleeping in the Kukkal Caves and scaring away the senior, professional to amateur). predators at night with fire-crackers. Our science teacher, Ed Reimer, took several of us on a hike to Inspiration comes from so many sources: Bach, Beethoven, base camp Mount Everest (a 30-day trek) during the Berlioz, Brahms, Basie, Brubeck to the Beatles. I’m still an Christmas break in 1969. We met Tenzing Norgay on avid Paul McCartney fan. He performed in Vancouver two years the trail. ago - and was still amazing at 72 years old. • Finally breaking 100 at the golf course. • Searching for a golf ball in the bush and coming upon a black panther’s fresh kill. I learned how to walk slowly backwards in an instant. • The Senior Sneak to Mandapam. • Listening to Iron Butterfly’s “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” in the chapel - full blast. • Making out with a beautiful girl in a punt; talk about inspiration for a song!

Do you have any advice for young alumni aspiring to pursue a career in Music?

There are 300,000 choirs in North America alone. The choral scene in Asia is exploding. If you are passionate about music, if you are hardworking and inventive, there is a job waiting for you.

Congratulations Larry! KIS is super proud of your achievements. Visit his website at www.larrynickel.com

10 • Class News Magazine Margaret Eddy Award 2016 Sandra Schoeninger - Former Staff

Ms. Sandra Schoeninger was the recipient of the Margaret 1. You have a great education which allows you to pursue Eddy Award for 2016. Sandy (as she is fondly called by her whatever path you have chosen. colleagues) served as a PE Teacher at KIS from 1968 to 2001. She was instrumental in the success of the Hiking program 2. You have become a multi-cultural person. You are part of at KIS and has the highest number of Tarh Pins. She was the your native country, part of India if this is not your native guest of honor at this year’s graduation of the class of 2016. country, and part Kodai culture which is a mixture of all. This In her speech she urged students to take advantage of the gives you an advantage in college wherever you go, because KIS experience to further develop their skills and talents. She you have become an international person. encouraged them that as they become part of the KIS Alumni community, they will find alumni in every part of the world who 3. Although this is a Christian school, many of you are of other are ready to help them find their footing. Here are excerpts religions and beliefs. You have lived with each other, learned from her speech: about the various religions, and learned to value your own while respecting the others. Keep your faith and don’t minimize the “To the Class of 2016 importance of this understanding in today’s world.

Here you are graduating from KIS. What an exciting day for 4. You have learned to manage your life away from home you. I’m sure some of you are jumping for joy—free at last and which gives you a real advantage in college over those who are before the day is over you will be weeping copious tears at away from home for the first time! You may not have always parting from your friends. managed well but you have learned and being away from home I remember at least one student who was very vocal about how will not be a new experience. he couldn’t wait to get out of here! But a few days later…who was the first student begging to get back on campus—yes! It 5. You have gone to a school which allowed and encouraged you was him. to participate in a variety of activities. Also you didn’t have to be professional at them to participate. It was great if you With your graduation today you become part of a larger host were skilled in the area but you could participate anyway and of Kodai alumnae all over the world and that is special. No develop your skills as far as possible. You were allowed to do matter where you are in the world you may meet a Kodai Alum music, drama, sports and many others that I don’t even know or someone who knows a Kodai alum—it gives you an instant about. A scheduling headache for the staff but advantageous connection. The Kodai experience and you will bond almost for you. instantly. That has happened to me several times. In my time at KIS, I experienced, 36 graduations and would you believe 6. You have learned to care about the environment and others it—here now volunteering on your staff is Lyn Krause the class less fortunate than you through your social experiences of 66…my first graduation experience and as I was going into program. Who knows, for some of you this might become your the airport last Sunday I heard my name called. A life’s work. And finally... graduate from 2001 my last graduation recognized me. It truly is a small world. 7. You have learned to live with and understand people who are different from you in culture and religion. In this global As I was thinking about what to say to you today I kept thinking society today you have a head start and the world needs you about all the ways you are blessed to have been a part of this desperately. school and this culture, things that will benefit you the rest of So follow your passion—use and better your present skills and your life. talents and stay true to your spiritual self.”

Class News Magazine • 11 Conserving the Grasslands of Ian Lockwood‘88

Ian Lockwood (Class of 1988) is an educator, photographer, In July I had a chance to participate in a four-day survey of and writer with a lifelong interest in the ecology, landscapes montane grasslands in the remote Palani Hills as a part of the and cultures of . He has a special interest in grasslands mapping project. For several months of this year tropical forests, obscure mountain peaks and conservation the grasslands mapping project has employed two young and themes in the / hotspot. energetic GIS/RS technicians: Arasu and Danish. They have He is a teacher and has taught photography, environmental been systematically classifying the Landsat data from 1973 science and geography at several distinguished international and 2014 and then “ground truthing” land cover across the schools in South Asia. His writing and photography have been Palani Hills. The result has been a series of computer-based widely published in leading Asian magazines including Asian maps and data sets that show historical grassland compared Geographic, Gallerie, Geo, Sanctuary Asia, Frontline and the to their current extent. It is an unprecedented enterprise in Indian Quarterly. His writing can be sampled on his blog at the Palanis and the results are startling. The data and maps http://ianlockwood.wordpress.com. Ian Lockwood is also a will eventually be available for key stakeholders and the wider Board Member of KIS. public once there has been a rigorous review process.

“Over the last year, a group of scientists, conservationists, Danish and Arasu had ground truthed most of the upper photographers and citizens have been working on a unique Palanis Hills areas by June but the high plateau between collaborative project to document and map the remaining Berijam and Vandaarvu was un-surveyed due to strict permissions grasslands of the Palani Hills. Montane grasslands and shola regarding access to this core area of the sanctuary. It is an area habitats are a distinct feature of the upper Western Ghats that I have been visiting on and off since I was a student at and have been the focus of my personal explorations, writing Kodaikanal International School in the early 1980s –thus my role and photography of/about the area. The grasslands mapping was to guide the group to some of the key places where there project, supported by INTACH, seeks to quantify the change in are still grasslands. We were joined by National Geographic montane grasslands and draw attention to areas that can be explorer Prasenjeet Yadav who has been contributing his time restored. Robin Vijayan, now on faculty at the Indian Institute and photographic talents to document the themes of the project. of Science Education and Research (IISERT,) in Tirupati, is the coordinator. Other key stakeholders are associated with ATREE, The Berijam to Vandaravu area has experienced significant NCBS and the Kodaikanal-based Vattakanal Conservation Trust. change as grasslands have been replaced with non-native plantations during the last 40 years. In the last two decades The Forest Department is a key partner and I have been more systematically documenting landscapes will be able to use the results to better plan restoration and key aspects of the ecology in the Palanis Hills and wider and management in the newly gazetted Kodaikanal Wildlife Western Ghats. Land cover changes are a particular interest Sanctuary. Regular readers of this space will see that there brought about by personal experience (several generations are familiar themes highlighted in past posts, notably the of our family have explored the ranges). I have traditionally post on the plantations symposium in December 2014 and the used a camera to document observations but increasingly “preliminary visual assessment” post from April that year. This I have been turning to remotely sensed images that can be post highlights efforts of the group and a visit to the southern used to monitor and measure land cover change. The visit escarpment to ground truth areas that had been mapped with to Kathcikiriodai and Ibex Peak in July gave our small party satellite data. a good sense of how little natural grasslands are left in the

12 • Class News Magazine Palani Hills while also appreciating the complexities that the plantation ecology have brought about. Initially we were delayed by fallen pine trees on the road (the old Kodai-Cochin road) and our team had to spend the night at the Berijam FD bungalow. On the second day Bob & Tanya drove us up to the road blocks and then we trekked into Kathcikiriodai.

On our walk to Kathcikiriodai it occurred to me that there are only two types of grasslands surviving in this area: marsh grasslands and patches of non-native grasses growing on areas that used to be coop camps for woodcutters (when the area was actively logged). Otherwise everything else is plantation with virtually no shola (Marion Shola has a healthy shola and there must be a few others away from the road).

We made several important observations over the course of our survey: Almost all the plateau’s montane grasslands area from Berijam to Vandaravu was planted with non-native timber plantations species in the last 40 years. This is supported by satellite evidence and terrestrial photographs from the 1960s and 70s. There are virtually no unplanted grasslands areas unless they contained shola or the soil was too thin.

There are several small grasslands patches on the road to Kathcikiriodai and Marion Shola. Remembering experiences from my school hiking days I am reminded that these are former coop shed camps that housed labor (often Sri Lankan The May 2012 restoration work by VCT arrested some of this repatriates) planting and harvesting timber. The patches do invasion in a limited area. However, it needs to be a regular not support native grasslands but appear to provide fodder for intervention if these critical grasslands are to be saved from herbivores (gaur, ). being overtaken by plantation trees.

Several large and medium-sized marshes in the area were left In conclusion, I want to put in a special word of thanks to VCT unplanted (for obvious reasons). These still exist, though there for organizing the permissions and the drop off and pick up. is some invasions of pine. One large marsh (10.168704° N, My colleagues Prasen and Danish were excellent company. We 77.366623°E) was dammed to provide (Konalar are grateful to the TN Forest Department for facilitating the dam) for Poondi and Kavanji villages. Its now extends all survey and providing us with the guards and accommodation the way to what used to be known as First Trout’s . at Kathcikiriodai. I am looking forward to making further contributions to the project and effort to protect this part of Shola regeneration in the plantations between Berijam and the Western Ghats.” Kathcikiriodai is extremely limited other than the beginning where plantations adjoin the Temple Shola near the Berijam FD camp. It illustrates the apparent fact that without a “mother shola” there is limited spread into plantations.

Plantations appear to have been planted to approximately 30 meters of the escarpment edge. These edges once supported remnant montane grasslands and were important for Nilgiri tahr and other herbivore populations. However, most of these edges have now been invaded by plantation species. The Ibex Peak cliff to Ullam Pari grasslands are some of the last remaining patches but these are experiencing invasion.

Ian Lockwood & his family

Class News Magazine • 13 Missionary Kid Margaret H.Essebaggers Dopirak ’54

“My parents were missionaries and I was brought up and Writing took place sporadically over a period of 15 years - schooled in India in the mid-1900s. I received my early sporadically, because, after all, I was retired and my writing education at what was then called Highclerc School, a board- spells kept getting interrupted by taking trips and cruises here ing school for children of missionaries; most of them American. and there. Finally, however, the feat was accomplished by writing furiously(!) during the past two years, and the fruit My time at Highclerc spanned 7½ years, from 1946 to 1953. I of my labors was published and released February 16, 2016. returned then to the United States with my parents, foregoing It truly felt like I had given birth when I held that book in my graduating with my class in 1954. Subsequently, in the United hands! States, I completed three years of nurses’ training at Illinois Masonic Hospital, Chicago, and attended Elmhurst College, “Missionary Kid: Born in India, Bound for America”, takes Elmhurst, Illinois, where I earned a BS in Nursing. I later the reader to the time and place of my childhood years. The received a Master’s in Public Health from the University of synopsis on the back cover of the book states: Connecticut School Of Community Health, Farmington, CT. “This story delves into the mind and heart of a little girl After a rewarding 40-year career in a specialty field of nursing, who lived in two different worlds- one, of her white-skinned Hospital Infection Control and Epidemiology - and during which privileged American missionary parents, and the other, of the time I raised my three lively sons - I turned my attention to brown-skinned Indian people in whose country they worked doing something I had always wanted to do - write! But what and into which she was born. The missionary lifestyle and the should I write about? Hmmm... my growing up years as the daughter of missionaries in India? Yes, I thought that was work of her parents are described through the eyes of the interesting enough to write a book about! author, who spent all but 3 years of her childhood in India. Tropical illnesses, a treacherous ocean voyage, and long separations from her parents were some of the things which this daughter of missionaries survived.

Living in America for three years during WWII opened up yet another world for this young girl - a world filled with wonderment and excitement, a world where her relatives lived and the place where many happy memories were created. But once back in India, America became a distant memory, a place she would not return to until she was sixteen years old. For seven intervening years she was sent away to yet another world - boarding school. It was here that she explored more than just books...

Take a journey into all the different worlds of this extraordinary child-hood!”

14 • Class News Magazine People who have already read my book remark to me that ignorant of the ways and culture of my teenage American they are amazed at my recall of detail. I will let you in on counterparts. The “sheltered” life I had led in India left me a little secret. I had help! I had my parents’ diaries and my vulnerable to feelings of inadequacy both in terms of self- Dad’s unpublished memoir from which to glean information confidence and self-esteem when making the adjustment to about their life and work experiences. Then, there were the the American scene. Eventually, I overcame these feelings, but boarding school letters I had written to my parents every the lack of self-confidence, as well as my naiveté, impacted Sunday afternoon during rest hour in Boyer. Seven years of rest many decisions I made in my adult life. hours produced quite a passel of letters which my parents, being savers, kept and eventually returned to me. My letters I found I was not alone in finding it a difficult transition to documented not only my boarding school experiences but also make. My siblings, as well as many of our Kodai classmates the impressions and feelings of a growing child - me! from that era, had similar experiences. The school at that time did not offer the students resources for learning about But my own memories about boarding school also served me contemporary American culture-music, mores, fashion, lingo, pretty well. There are so many of them to draw from - hikes, etc. And, in my case, neither did my parents - probably dances, Sunday night walks, excursions to the Budge or to the because they were ignorant of these things themselves. We, Carlton, misadventures in the classroom, to name a few. You the kids learned what we could from students who had been in will just have to read my book to find out which of those - and the States recently, or from relatives’ letters which imparted others - stood out for me! One very special memory was of newsworthy information to be passed along. Of course, we did the day India celebrated its independence, August 15, 1947. I not have the technology which today’s students have: phones was 10 years old. The school’s gates had been opened up, and and computers and the internet - instant information and the campus was flooded with Indians. Early in the morning the communication, photographs and videos. With accessibility student body and staff, along with the Indian crowds, were to all this information, today’s students making transitions to gathered around the school’s flag green to watch and cheer as other cultures are, no doubt, able to learn a great deal about first, the American flag was raised, and then the Indian flag. other cultures/countries. Despite, and perhaps because of, Previous to that historic day, the British flag had flown under increasing globalization, TCKs will continue to be a subset in the American flag. Shortly after the flag ceremony the skies the world’s population. My experiences as both an MK and a opened up and poured down, causing a mass scramble TCK are expressed in “Missionary Kid”. for the crowd to seek shelter under the covered stairs and the verandah of Kennedy Hall. In class that day, we each had to Many of my contemporaries who attended Highclerc School render a draw-ing, in color, of the Indian flag, and Miss Liddle will find themselves in my book, and those who have attended instructed us about what the colors meant. Another one of it since it became KIS will perhaps connect to my story from my very earliest memories of the campus (but not of boarding a historical point of view. We all share, and benefit from, the school) was going to kindergarten there when I was 5 years old. excellent schooling we received.” I was very aware of a red-haired boy by the name of David, who liked me. I knew this because he chased me around the room and tried to kiss me. I’m sure our teacher, Auntie Powell, “Missionary Kid: Born in India, Bound for America”, published Feb. didn’t appreciate the disruption it caused in the classroom! 2016. website: www.missionarykidfromindia.com That was the year the Japanese were threatening to invade email me: mkfromindia.net. Available in paperback and e-book and bomb India, and my family, along with many others, made versions from amazon.com, amazon.eu, barnes&noble.com, and for the choice to flee India and re-turn to the United States. all Apple devices from the iBook app Although I was only five years old, memories of that voyage in 1942 and crossing the Atlantic during wartime, remain vivid in my mind to this day. The treacherous voyage is detailed in my book.

We remained in the U.S. until the war was over, returning to India in 1945. That was when I, at the still-tender age of nine, got my first taste of boarding school, and experienced what it was like to be separated from my family. Separations from family - not just immediate family, but also relatives - and leaving one “home” for another “home” - was what we missionary kids had to accept as being our lot in life. Readers of my book have told me they were not aware of this aspect of the missionary lifestyle, and were moved to tears when reading about those separations that both the child and the parents had to endure. During the process of writing I was to learn a great deal about my parents and their work, my siblings, and about our family life and travels. But who and what I learned most about was myself, how spending my growing up years in India left me unprepared for life in the United States. I was now not just an MK (missionary kid), but a TCK (third-cultural kid)! Although I considered myself to be a well-adjusted and ‘normal’ teenager in India, I found that when I arrived in the United States at the age of 16, I was out of step with and

Class News Magazine • 15 An Exemplary Leader Schauna Chauhan Saluja ‘95

Ms. Schauna Chauhan Saluja (Class of 1995) is the CEO of How did you come to KIS? Parle’ Agro Private Limited, which is the largest Indian and beverage company. With brands that have won the hearts I joined KIS in the year 1989 in 6th grade (middle school) of consumers everywhere, Parle Agro is in almost every home and graduated from the 12th grade in 1995. Before joining across the length and breadth of India. Ms. Schauna obtained KIS I was in a school in . I believe KIS was the only IB her bachelor’s degree at Business School Lausanne, Switzerland school at that point in time. My previous school had 30 kids in and joined her father Mr. Prakash Chauhan, Chairman and a class. At Kodai, there were maximum 15 students in a class. Managing Director in the family business in 1999. Number of students in a class has a huge impact on a student’s Parle Agro’s foray into the category began with Hippo performance and that also played a key role. My family friends Baked Munchies being launched in 2009. had put their kids in KIS and that’s how I came to know of it which is when I went and visited. Schauna is the eldest of the other two sisters who have also joined in the family business she has received a number of What did you like most about your time at KIS? awards which include: • BV IMSR India’s Greatest Brand Builders Award. Social Experience, the culture of doing social work was built • Indira Super Achiever Award – September 2004. into us from a young age. I remember teaching kids how to • 4P’s Business & Marketing Award – Best Young knit as social work. Also, I had the opportunity to take part Corporate Leader in plays, choir and music. The academics in KIS was different • Award for The Most Powerful than in my previous school. Teachers related more with the Business in 2012 Business Today. students and that’s what matters. • Awarded as one of the ‘MOST POWERFUL WOMEN” in Indian Business, by BUSINESS TODAY in Sept 2016 I loved the whole experience of being in a boarding school because it helped me to become a more independent and With a strong presence in over 50 countries already, Parle Agro confident person. There was also a wonderful Arts program is all set to become the first Indian global Food & Beverage where I got to learn how to make ‘batik’ with Ms. Barbara company. Here is an interview with her: Block and Mr. Edwin.

16 • Class News Magazine What are your fondest memories as a student? hard together to build a successful company with growth every year. Creating this culture is by the constant, never ending the I remember eating on a banana leaf on Field Day and marching focus one applies on it. It’s built by a myriad of small actions down from the school to the Bendy field, screaming out our that are taken every day. It’s about “you”, “your team”, team colours! Everyone was cheering for their teams with all “your approach”, “your strategy”, “your passion” and “your the different competitions going on. involvement”.

P.E. classes where we had to run a mile is what I consider my I am a risk taker and a micro planner. I take risks when I’m fondest memory especially because it was the toughest for clear about the consequences, and when the subject and I me. Running that one mile, I think I came last every single know what I’m doing. I’m a micro-planner because if I don’t time! plan the details, the execution part will be bumpy.

Leaving for Ooty for interschool competitions in Hockey or People in India and the world over enjoy Parle products. Volleyball with team mates, camps and the hikes that we used Take us through your typical day at the office to go on. While we are a family-oriented company, we are also very The whole excitement of being a teenager and going to the professionally driven. We are a young, dynamic and progressive Formals and Proms wondering who’s going to the banquet with company that believes in keeping up with the changing times whom. and consumer demands.

The annual plays that we used to have, where I remember What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a once playing a lead in HMS Pinafore, were interesting too. I successful entrepreneur? had to sing a solo song. I completely choked on it during the performance! I could hear everyone giggling in the audience 1. By doing a couple of important and very simple things like and my whole family had come for that program. listening, being aware, knowing the details of the situation, understanding the complete issue... and then together as a How did KIS impact your life? team, we make a decision.

In so many ways. I’ve had so much exposure to so many things 2. You’ve got to have the guts to take on challenges and try I would not have had otherwise. I learnt the piano, I was very new things by being first in whatever new you try. sportive and loved competing. I learnt to knit as well. 3. You must always know what everyone else is doing in your Because of my independence I also learnt how to take decisions industry but you’ve got to spend time focusing on your goals on my own, being responsible and competitive. We had cultural as well. diversity; I could learn a different language, French/German/ Spanish… there were so many choices. As an entrepreneur, what are some the challenges you face every day? Getting ready for university, we were encouraged to reach our fullest potential. Being independent, trying to make my own In a company you are always dealing with people and that is the decisions and learning right from wrong really prepared me most challenging part. Egos, insecurities, politics, competition with all sorts of challenges. etc. these are some of the challenges you will deal with every day. Quite frankly, I find that more challenging than actually Please tell me about your Career as the CEO of Parle Agro dealing with those that come from a new formed strategy. This Pvt Ltd. is also something you will never learn about in school.

After my schooling in Kodaikanal International School, and How do you manage your time between family and work? clinching a Bachelor’s degree from business school in Lausanne, I got back into the rough-and-tumble of the business at Parle It’s challenging to strike a balance between work and family Agro. It was 1999 when I joined the company’s board as a life. For me, it changes with every stage in life - it was different director and later became the CEO in 2006… the rest is history. when I was single, it was a bit difficult after being a wife and it was pretty nerve-wrecking after I became a working mother. The group has diversified from being only a beverage major Something somewhere always gets compromised. But you must to being a leader in both food and beverage. Our brands have be satisfied in the end, that’s what really matters. grown exponentially expanding the company’s global presence, with exports to over 50 countries. Also it’s not about trying to be a perfectionist, but managing things in a better way. I find it easier when I micro-manage The company has seen great success under your leadership, my personal life as efficiently as I plan my work life. The rule what has been your guiding tool? of thumb is to leave work at work, only then the time spent at home is quality time. It is important to prioritise. I avoid Creating a healthy culture that would retain people and have getting into things that don’t really require my time and I people respect the key values of the organization. focus only on what’s important. Technology has its pros and cons; it is a distraction from family time, but at the same keeping focus on the goal which is to build a successful timegets work done faster. So, one must learn to use it to one’s company; it’s not about a title or position but about working advantage and not overuse it.

Class News Magazine • 17 Schauna with spouse Bikram Saluja I value my personal time and I love to drive. So, in my personal You have brains in your head time when I’m driving, that’s the most important part of my You have feet in your shoes day as I get time to think, relax and de-stresses. You can steer yourself What advice do you have for young Alumni aspiring for a Any direction you choose career in Business? You’re on your own and It’s very simple… you’ve got to love, enjoy and be happy with You know what you know what you do... I’d like to mention two verses of a poem from Dr. Seuss, something that I’ve learnt a lot from. The verse that And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go I’d like to share is about taking charge of your life, knowing You’ll get mixed up that you are in control of your destiny and that you already have everything you need in order to succeed. Of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. The rule is that you cannot always predict what other people and circumstances will throw your way to stop you from So be sure when you step. reaching your full potential. However, as long as you are sure Step with care and great of who you are and that you have the capability to use both your head and your feet to navigate through every situation Tact and remember that life throws your way, you will be fine. Life’s A Great Balancing Act.

Congratulations Schauna, KIS is Proud of your Achievements

18 • Class News Magazine I decided to give it a try. I admit to being pretty foggy on America’s story of war. The subtitle of this book is “What America Missed in U.S. History Class and What We (All) Can Do Now. It applied to me. I had the idea, as I suspect many Americans do, that my country had, with a possible glitch or two, used war as a last resort, after all other options had been My Kodai Experience exhausted, to bring justice, uphold freedom, and protect hu- Kathy Beckwith - Former Staff man rights. I was wrong. I was shocked by what I learned as I read, interviewed veterans, attended history classes, and At first I wondered if it would seem a bit arrogant to title my studied history websites. new book A MIGHTY CASE AGAINST WAR. I hadn’t called it that for five of the seven years I worked on it, but then a publish- It isn’t so hard these days to find what both sides to a conflict er said, “Tell me what it’s about.” I answered spontaneously, claimed, the background of the conflict, and what alterna- “It’s a mighty case against war. The more I learned, the more tives were known but not taken that could have avoided war. I I realized that’s what it is.” “Then that’s your title,” he said. researched the costs of war–both in human terms and dollars. “Let people know what they’re getting.” Patterns became clear. I saw how and why war is sold and the I had protested America’s preemptive war in Iraq – marches, myths we buy into, that allow us to continue supporting such vigils, letters to the editor, community meetings and discus- an ineffective, costly, counter-productive, wasteful, inhuman, sions, calls to Washington, DC. I knew I was one of millions who cruel means of resolving international conflict. were trying to stop that war before it started. And we were still at war in Afghanistan, a war that many felt could have I read about alternatives to war – things that were done, and been avoided by acknowledging the crime that was perpetrat- are available to us now, that aren’t given much attention. I ed on 9/11, and dealing with it as a crime. I felt compelled to found figures on how much we spend on military power com- do more. pared to the support we give these alternatives. Though first envisioned as a challenge for Americans, this book I knew I could write. I had published a school curriculum guide came to include those of all homelands, with an invitation in conflict resolution. My passion for writing resulted inmy to examine their nation’s story of war and alternatives taken teaching a writing class for KIS Middle School students in 1999. or passed by, and to see how much we hold in common and I challenged them to feel the power of words, of story-tell- “What We All Can Do Now” to create the world we long for. ing, and sharing their ideas with others. The KIS print room The identity I gained as a citizen of Earth, first in India as a published our book of poetry, and then our collection of short Peace Corps Volunteer and then living and working in Kodai, stories along the line of for the Soul (the stu- was surely a part of this desire to have us all re-examine our dents decided to title ours Masala for the Soul). Back home in path. Oregon, a few years later, I turned that challenge on myself to tell a story burning inside me, sparked by two girls in Iraq, and Our youngest son Kip was born at Van Allen Hospital in Kodai in kids I worked with in our local school who said they wanted to 1988 when we were on staff at KIS . Wayne worked in Industri- be in a war – a real war. These were young kids who seemed to al Arts, and I filled in as Acting Secretary for the Acting Princi- think war was a sport, a game. That story became the picture pal (John Woelfle) until Paul Wiebe arrived; then I worked in book, Playing War. Of course, I hoped it would impact adults Admissions. Our other three children – Tad, Bozeb, and Penny too but I began to wonder if I could do more, should do more. were students at KIS.

Class News Magazine • 19 Kodai changed, enriched our lives, and reinforced our under- standing of the goodness that diversity brings when we live and work together in a place like KIS. We returned to volunteer for a semester in 1999 and again in 2006. Kodai had become a major part of our lives. I remember in one of those protest marches, carrying a sign, thinking to myself: “If it were India that the U.S. government was threatening war with, I wouldn’t just walk along this side- walk, holding a sign. I’d be in the middle of the road, stop- ping traffic, telling everyone, absolutely everyone, about the people in India they were talking about bombing, and I would cry out that it was absolutely preposterous to think it could ever be justified! I would make them understand, and I would make them stop.” I still think I would have! I’d have told them about Field Day and all of us eating together on Bendy Field.

Barbara made. I’d tell them about students playing games at the orphanage for Social Ex, and how Sandesh played the piano, and what an amazing teacher Anjuli Kaul is, and how Sultan and Ismail and their families from from “our” village in came to see us in Kodai and we had a taffy pull. And then I’d cry out at the top of my lungs – don’t you dare hurt India! These are our friends! But I suddenly felt ashamed. Just because India had become a part of me, did I not think people in Iraq would be precious to me too if only I knew them? And shouldn’t I defend them with every ounce of my life? But I didn’t know them, and I didn’t know the stories to tell, so I just marched. And longed for something else to do to stop the madness. Perhaps I took the easy way out by writing a book. It didn’t I’d tell them about hiking to Dolphin’s Nose with Arun as he seem easy. It was hard work, over many, many months. I still talked about his little sister’s first birthday, and his family not must go on and invite people to wonder and learn what’s hap- wanting him to miss school to come home for the celebrations, pened, and question with me. But I believe, with knowledge so all of them loading into a bus and coming to Kodai to cele- and the bonds of friendship, we can change the world, and now is a very good time to do that. brate there, with him. I’d tell them about the stick dance we did in the gym and the ribbon dance that reminded me of our Soon I will return to another big writing project that’s in the May Pole at home without the pole, and the huge fun of Holi. works – a book about a girl from a town in Oregon, USA, who – in an attempt to leave behind the searing guilt she feels over a tragic accident – accepts a scholarship to study at a multicul- tural Christian school in a hill station in India. There she runs head on into a clash of religions and cultures, not easy for her, but it is the Clash that begins to make sense out of the struggle she left behind. I think those who have lived the Kodai experi- ence will understand why that is the one other big story I must tell. And as I carry on, I shall remain forever grateful for what is mine because of India and KIS.

Kip made us buy powdered colors so we could take them home, along with enough tops bought from MM Store, so all of his 4th grade classmates at home could throw tops like they’d done The Beckwiths at Elementary. I’d tell them about the batiks that Edwin and Wayne, Tad, Bozeb, Kip; Kathy, Alanna, Sky, Penny

20 • Class News Magazine The Dhanapals - Five Generations at KIS Karis Hilferty Mohl ‘98

Sitting at Opening Assembly in January 2015, this time as a her father Z. Samuel who was the original contractor for some parent of a KIS student feels reminiscent and yet so normal to of the buildings at KIS. I am not sure if he had foreseen that in me. I look over at my mother, now listening to beautiful guitar the year 2015, his mostly American, great-great granddaugh- music at the assembly, and I know without saying any words ter would be walking through a building that he had a part in to her that she shares the same feelings as me. I glance at my constructing for KIS. daughter, Elise sitting with her new class, and while I cannot In Elise’s academic career so far, she has had many interesting see her face, I know she is excited for her KIS adventure and influences. She grew up in Fairfax County which is known for is soaking in the energy of the Opening Assembly. The moment top public schools and its proximity to Washington DC. During only gets better for me when principal Corey Stixrud stands up Elise’s education, US politics have directly affected the schools to read a poem that I love. I feel very reflective and humbled in our town, with the ‘No Child Left Behind’ initiative, as well sitting there with my son in my lap, and my husband beside as the shake-ups and buzz generated by Michelle Rhee’s DC me, looking around at the school I know so well. I smile warm- school reforms. Also, even culturally, documentaries like ly at the familiar faces as well as the many new faces and I ‘Waiting for Superman’ and more recently the Ivory. understand that they are all experiencing their own emotions as well. I silently wish them all well on their own KIS journeys. Towers have generated thought and discussion for our fam- ily. We have also been involved over the past few years in It means something to me, that my grandmother taught Tamil the home school network. Elise has been able to experience to the current principal of KIS. And it matters to me, that a Christian Classical homeschool as well as a more eclectic one of the school cooks whose wedding I attended as a child Un-schooling homeschool. is still there and will be serving my daughter her meals every day; or when I have to go to Van Allen to get my son a rabies My wish for my daughter is for her to do well academically, but shot, it touches me that the nurse who happens to be on duty perhaps more importantly, to become a better citizen, and there recognizes me after many years. She remembers my take portray her experiences at KIS into the world. The learn- grandmother and mother and without me asking, proceeds to ing environment, good teachers, and staff shaped many of my pull out an innocuous notebook going back to the 1920’s. It’s own strengths which I’d discovered at KIS. They serve me well a birth register where someone’s cursive handwriting neatly to this day in my career and daily life. I am grateful that a records my birth. I have never seen that weathered notebook school like KIS has been in my life, and is still thriving. I look before and as I hold it, I can’t help but think about all the forward to being able to experience it again, this time through people whose birth dates are written in that book, and the a better version of myself! mothers who brought them into the world. I wonder what we share in common as human beings and mothers. I’m sure that And I will close with sharing that as we were flying to India, a they wanted the best for their children, as do I. new concern suddenly occurred to me- which House- (Orange, Blue, or White) would Elise be assigned to? I turned to my hus- Providing quality education to my children is a desire I share band wide-eyed, and expressed my very strong feelings about with my grandmother - Dayavu Dhanapal, who was the first why I believe Elise should be placed at least in Blue House or Indian faculty member at KIS. She educated my mother Pris- better yet, White House. I realized then for the first time, as cilla and my uncle Joel at KIS. My mother in turn, put myself, an adult, I still feel as passionately loyal to my sports House as my sister Dana and my brother Charlie through KIS. My cousin, I did when I was at KIS. It shows me that I have some growing Prema Junius taught Math at KIS, and my cousins Aditya and to do as a person and as a mother to not put my “Orange-is- Yukta Class of ’09 went there as well. The legacy branches sues” onto my daughter and influence her negatively. So here’s out further to many other family members, such as the Gal- to Elise embracing every moment in KIS even if she ends up lups, Sathyaraj family and Vidyasa gars. I clearly remember wearing an Orange T-shirt on Field Day! my grandmother talking to me about her father Z. Samuel who P.S. After I wrote this article, I learned that Elise had indeed been placed was the original contractor for some of the buildings at KIS. in Orange House! Go figure- so I will raise a glass of Orange juice, smile her father Z. Samuel who was the original her father Z. Samuel and toast to that! Class News Magazine • 21 Class News Class of 1941 days we live in our own home, have many recent broken knee cap has kind of ham- friends on our street and in church, where pered my goings and comings but not the BETTY UPDEGRAFF DYSON: I am 92 years I play the organ some Sundays. Our ad- enjoyment of guests, the beauties out- old, the last remaining Updegraff who dress: 4850 E. Rialto, Fresno, CA 93726. doors, garden, l9 canaries which enter- attended Kodai School in the 1930s. My By the way, a month or so ago I received a tain and provide daily, necessary work!! brother Dick finished high school there in totally unexpected phone call from Clara As you’ll most likely guess, it’s a much the early 40s. He died two years ago. I Cunningham--I hadn’t heard of her since slower pace but more time to enjoy doing am in touch with the local group of alum- we left Kodai in 1942. things I never found time to do before. My ni (Mrs. McCreary and Joe Rittman are ______three girls, one in LA, another in DC and among them). I enjoy life, walking out- the last in Wichita are 50 miles from me! side daily and going on “outings” with my Class of 1943 Guess who gets to answer emergencies! three children and friends of 20 years. I No, there aren’t many and I praise God. Still try to fix Andhra and rice which am a serious watcher of global and na- V. BIRCH (BUCH) RAMBO: class of ‘43, many of my fellow HIllsboroites really en- tional news, which is sometimes depress- M.D. Univ. of Pennsylvania, (Philadelphia) joy and expect when they come over, not ing, but I have a very good life, and I “live General Surgeon Boards, Presbyterian to mention myself... Life is good for as gratefully”. Medical Missionary in Central Congo from long as the Lord lends it to me and I do 1964-1992. Married to Peggy Gordon BS, Thank HIM for it. Wishing you all God’s HELEN CONSER MAYBURY: At 92 years of RN, MN. My General Practice continued in best in beautiful Kodai. age, I am still reasonably well and living South Carolina from 1992 to 2012. I had a ______with my husband in Goodwin House, a re- hip fracture in 2014 and live in a retire- tirement community at 3440 S Jefferson ment “Village” presently. Street, Falls Church, Virginia 22041, USA. ______Class of 1948 My husband Bob and I celebrated our 70th wedding anniversary on June 5 at Individual members of our class did get a luncheon here in Goodwin House to Class of 1944 together for mini-reunions during 2015, which 18 family members came - - these though we did not have a larger class re- ELINOR POTEE NICHOLS: Age 89, I am now included our daughter Rachel from Wis- union. Two of our classmates passed away living in a top floor condo in Lincoln, MA, consin, our son John and his wife Leslie in 2015 (TED FRITZ, in Columbus, Ohio one mile from our eldest daughter, KATH- from San Francisco, our daughter-in law and JANET STORM PENGELLEY in Perth, LEEN ‘68. My husband of 38 happy years, Suzanne together with her two daughters Australia), as did another former class- Dr. Roger Nichols, died in late 1987. Our all from Boston, etc. mate (JIM GOSSELINK, Class of 1949) who three grown children returned for his Me- For about 20 years I had been meeting had dropped back a year due to travel morial Service from their jobs in , a small group of wives of World Bank of- timing for parents’ furlough after World Bahrain and Swaziland. ficers in my home once a week to discuss War II and then graduated with the class After 42 years of living on our marsh/ short stories by well-known writers, but I behind us. The spouses of a couple of tidal Island, 27 miles south of Boston, concluded this when we moved into classmates died during the year, includ- I was joined by an old friend (now 97) Goodwin House in 2012. However, even ing DAVID EVANS’ wife, Paulie (in Oberlin, from his Florida home. The two families here in Goodwin House, I have continued Ohio) and MARGARET DEVALOIS VAN AN- had shared many years doing medical re- to meet 2 of these wives once a week. ROOY’s husband, John (in Woodland Park, search in Saudi Arabia where the Nichols’ About 10 years ago, I began writing a Colorado). book about the work of my parents who lived from 1956-1970. He is in charge of the kitchen and brings much laughter were Presbyterian missionaries in India ANNA MAE KNOERNSCHILD ASELTINE: It and love into our final years. I have en- for 35 years. I published this book in has been a long time since I have written joyed traveling since 1998 with our two 2011, entitled “For the Souls and Soils of anything about myself. I am 84 and am oldest grandchildren and recently spent INDIA,” available from Xlibris Corporation still upright. I do use a walker if I have two weeks in Denmark and Ireland with (www.xlibris.com) any distance to go. As you remember I am 29-year-old Katie, a Phil PhD candidate I have happy memories of my 7 years the girl who had polio. I went from ‘crip- in Pittsburgh while her 26-year-old broth- as a student at Kodai (1931 -1938). My ple’ to ‘walking funny’. Miss Mathews, er dances with the Louisville Ballet in high school years were spent in Wood- school nurse, worked very hard on me. KY. WENDY, class of 1972, now lives on stock School in Northern India. I would Now that I am old, I don’t even stand out our Island and son, Quaife, lives in Okla- love to see any of you here in Goodwin any more – all old people walk funny! I homa where they care for a 13-year-old House should you be in the Washington, am still active in my church – I do the they adopted from India 10 years ago. DC area. Women’s Bible Study and pray a lot. The My memories of Kodai days are rich even ______Lord has been very good to me. My hus- though I mourn the loss of siblings Carol band moved to heaven 9 years ago. All and Gale-leaving me the last of the India four of our children know the Lord and Class of1942 Potees. are serving Him, as are our grandchil- ______PHYLLIS MARTENS: Greetings from Fres- dren. I have been very blessed. I still live no, California, where my husband Elmer at home – one granddaughter lives with Martens and I have been living for 45 Class of 1947 me now because she goes to a local col- years. Elmer is Canadian, an Old Testa- lege. Three of our children live very close ment scholar, author of several books and ESTHER WIEBE: Really nothing of excep- so I see them often. I still swim, by the still writing articles and reviews. I have tional interest from here. I enjoying my way – it doesn’t hurt at all if you fall in written two books: Stories from an Old own home here in central Kansas with the water! With lots of ‘flab’ I float really Town, about my mother’s home town in two capable and great sisters near and well. I also took up Scuba and spent many Minnesota, and a nonsensical children’s occasional visits from other members of vacations on Hawaii. It is very pretty book, The Merry Adventures of Buzz- the family. They and friends, especially there, but nothing beats ‘Kovalam’ (Indi- er Bug. We have four children and nine old Kodai friends, are always welcome. an Ocean) where I learned to swim in the grand kids, who live in Fresno, Texas, Attend ‘Learning in Retirement’ classes first place. I was very sorry to hear about Denver, and Wichita. In these retirement given at the college just a block west of TED and JANET, but then many of our age me and some other of the programs. A will go to meet Jesus. Makes me pause 22 • Class News Magazine and reflect if I am really ready! God bless touch with DALTON), wrote: “Legs don’t GORDON WEBER, whose wife died a cou- you all. work so good but I am still living in my ple of years back, lives in southern Cali- home, driving, and attending happy hour fornia. He wrote: “I own a home in the MAISIE KORTELING VOTAW, whose hus- on Friday nights, so I guess I can consider quaint Danish town of Solvang, CA (Santa band, Chuck, died several years ago, still myself lucky. I am very much into Gene- Barbara County). My life revolves around lives in Johnson City, TN. She wrote (after alogy and have published a history of my my granddaughters: one is a Santa Barba- reading the letter from ANNA MAE): “So mother’s family in the US going back to ra Community College student majoring good to hear from you. I too am 84 (most 1608 in Jamestown, and I am now working in Marine Biology and on the girls’ water of our class is I presume) and my husband on another book going back to the Middle polo team which finished in the top four passed away 8 years ago. I too am still Ages in England, France and beyond. I in the state, and the other is a middle living in my home in the beautiful moun- have joined many Lineage and Hereditary school student who plays on the girls’ tains of Tennessee. I am healthy, except Societies, including DAR, Colonial Dames volleyball team which won the county for hearing which is going, teeth which 17th Century, American Colonists, Order championship. They live on a large ranch are forever needing upkeep, and vision of the Crown of Charlemagne, Order of which has 18 miles of private beach and which isn’t the best. I am still traveling the Merovingian Dynasty, Dames of the mountains up to 2,500. Beautiful place to in the states and abroad. Life is good.” Magna Charta, and just recently the De- grow up! Bless you all.” scendants of Lady Godiva. The new proj- DALTON MCCLELLAND, who lives in Tuc- ect has taken me back to 2000 BC. The DAVID KINCAID lives with his wife, Mar- son, AZ, with whom I had talked on the project will keep me busy for a long time, go, in Fulton, MD. He wrote: “Margo and phone, wrote: “Great to talk to you and as it seems to be never ending. Keeps me I are still living in the house we bought hope to be in contact with Kodai friends going!” in Howard County, MD 25+ years ago. and classmates. Here’s some of my CV. I Our surroundings are way less rural than graduated from Oberlin College in 1952, MARGARET BATCHELOR PURSSELL, liv- they were when we arrived. Caring for spent some time in the Army, including ing with her husband, Tony, in England, 2+ acres, along with bowling, kayaking, time in England, and then went to medical wrote: “Tony and I are in good health. He and water aerobics are plenty to keep me school at Case Western Reserve in Cleve- golfs twice a week and I go for a walk busy. We try to take an annual vacation land, OH, where I stayed for internship on GX Common daily for about ½ hour, trip each fall. Our latest was a 16-day and residency ending in 1965. I worked sing in the local church choir and the S. cruise up the Rhine and Moselle rivers, for 2 years with the Presbyterian Board Bucks Choral Society whose conductor is with a side visit to Bruges, Belgium. We of National Ministries at a hospital in New our organist. Our spare rooms are emp- enjoy the getaways – and enjoy getting , then went to a health centre in ty except at Christmas, so do come and back home almost as much. I’m sched- Denver, CO, and in 1973 moved to Tucson, visit. London is only 20 minutes by train. uled to have shoulder replacement sur- AZ, where I worked for 28 years at the El We love visitors! Martine lives in Bermu- gery in December, and I am hoping it will Rio Health Centre doing general internal da; Neville is head of a practice with 5 turn out as well as my knee replacement medicine with mostly Mexican-American doctors in London; and Gavin, married to did two years ago. Best wishes to you patients. I ‘retired’ in 2001, but kept my a French doctor, is father at home look- all.” license and volunteered for the last 8-10 ing after his two children, a boy, Edmond, years at Clinica Amistad in South Tuc- 12, and a girl, Constance, 10. They are JOANNA BROWN, who lives in Florida, son, serving patients with no insurance, bilingual, so easy when they visit usually wrote: “I’m blessed with good health no job, little or no money or income. I around Christmas.” and surrounded by a loving family here worked with Father Ricardo, a Catho- in Sarasota. My activities are limited as lic priest, and several other volunteer PAUL CURTIS, who lives with his wife, Sir- I have emphysema, but in spite of it, I medical personnel in this ‘free clinic’ je, in Bangor, ME, and has been dealing live by myself and am able to manage financed by generous donors. My pastor with the physical limitations of Parkin- quite well. I’m the proud great-grand- for many years at the Southside Presby- son’s disease for several years, wrote: “I mother of two adorable little boys, Eli- terian Church did much for the Sanctuary have health problems but I am hanging in jah and Samuel. My family is doing well, Movement in the 1980s. We now support there. How are you doing? This brings my prospering and working hard. I still edit a migrants from Mexico and Central Amer- greetings to you all.” daily e-mail message of hope to folks in ica and hopefully we can help refugees my Fellowship and post it to over 17,000 from Syria, etc. We all need to follow the HARRIET VARNEY HAYS lives with her hus- subscribers. The spiritual rewards of this Prince of Peace!” band, Marc, in a suburb of Indianapolis, service are enormous, keeping me in IN. She wrote: I’ve been reading the touch with people world-wide. I miss per- DALTON moved to a senior living centre in books from my parents’ library and am forming on stage, but continue to be an Tucson this past spring because of “phys- reliving the 17 years I spent in India, and enthusiastic audience. I love attending ical health problems of weakness and especially those in Kodai. We really had performances of the Sarasota Orchestra balance.” He’d love to hear from class- a good life. Our health is fairly good – each season. Music has always captured mates. just some memory loss. Marc is no longer my heart and lifter my spirits.” running marathons. Just recently he has JOHN GAULT, who lives in Bendigo, Vic- been diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s DAVE EVANS, whose wife, Paulie, died toria, Australia, wrote: “I have now re- disease, but is taking the recommend- a year or so ago, and who continues to tired from medicine – last September – at ed medication. We thank God for good live in Oberlin, OH, wrote: “Life is good the age of 81. Instead of starting the day doctors, a caring and supportive family. to me. I am in good health, having in re- reading ECGs, I start the day playing the With the help of our daughter, Mary, we cent years survived a couple of notable violin or viola – and I still take lessons in drive to Florida each February to visit storms, and dodged several loose bullets. both. Prostate cancer has been diagnosed our eldest son, John. The ‘golden years’ I live alone now in a nice ‘cottage’ which but it is under excellent control, with a seem not to be so golden, but we are very backs up to a lovely pond. But one can’t PSA of zero. Best wishes to all my Kodai thankful for the health we have. We are really say ‘alone’ in this wonderful, stim- friends!” still very active in church – choir, teach ulating retirement community. My new Sunday School, and work with the com- lady friend is, incredibly, a perfect fit in VIRGINIA CARRUTHERS HEGSETH, who munity meals. I look forward to reading all ways. We are making up for years of lives in Tucson, AZ (and is in occasional the news from other classmates.” staying close to our ailing former spous-

Class News Magazine • 23 es, by enjoying everything together, es- for my life as a missionary in . spiritual and physical, doing some writ- pecially travel. (I was sad to miss PAUL Greetings to all fellow Kodaites.” ing (about growing up, spiritual insights, CURTIS when our cruise ship stopped at and modern ‘parables’), and playing the Bar harbour recently.) NANCY THOMS BLOCK lives in Berkeley piano for hymn-sings at retirement and Heights, NJ. She wrote: “My husband nursing homes. Blessings to all!” RALPH DOERMANN, lives with his wife, Russ and I are well ‘for our age’, as they Laurel, in Columbus, OH. He is a retired say (85 and 84 respectively). Russ had a ROB STORM, whose wife, Dot, died a seminary professor while Laurel is a re- life-saving aortic valve replacement last couple of years ago, lives in Port Char- tired public school teacher. He wrote February, along with a pacemaker, and lotte, FL with his daughter, Karen, and that he is “still living at home, but with considers himself a ‘bionic man’, though granddaughter, Victoria, has not been limited mobility. We have the usual aches his stamina is quite limited. We are grate- in very good health. He has thought and and pains connected with getting old. ful for the life extensions we have been written to family and friends about trav- Three cats take care of us. I get older and granted repeatedly, and for still having els around the USA, but actual travel has crankier. Laurel remains her lovely self.” the use of our limbs and memories - the been limited of late. He was not able to It was Ralph who informed us of the latter requiring extra time for word-find- travel to Australia to visit his sister, JAN- death of TED FRITZ in September (2015), ing and mutual prompting. Russ’ main ET STORM PENGELLEY, during her final mentioning that in his will, TED “rented project has been writing a book about months of life (she died in September, an assembly hall to provide a curry din- the Christian ministry, the church and the 2015), though they were able to Skype at ner for the whole community.” In lieu of Bible in relation to our present world. (Is one point, which meant a lot. Janet’s fu- flowers, it was suggested that memorial that ambitious enough?) I have decided neral was conducted by her son, Richard, gifts be directed to KIS or to NAMI (Na- to retire in March, for the last time, from newly installed Dean of the Cathedral of tional Alliance on Mental Illness). part-time work in a public psychiatric St. George in Perth. clinic, but will continue with the NJ Psy- MARGARET DEVALOIS VAN ANROOY, who chiatric Association in advocating for bet- BOB FRYKENBERG, whom the rest of us lives at the edge of the Rockies near Colo- ter access to good mental health treat- remember as the tallest member of our rado Springs, CO, lost her husband, John, ment. Our three children, their spouses class back in the elementary grades (5’9” in September (2015) after a long illness, and ten grandchildren - the youngest is in 1942 – and he says he was 6’5” by 1944 with repeated hospitalizations over the 16, the oldest 37 - and 2 great-grands, in the US), lives in Madison, WI, where past year. John was an engineer. He and are pursuing their life goals. Bob’s family he served for many years on the faculty Margaret met while at Hope College in is in Rochester, NY, but Ken and Connie’ of the University of Wisconsin. He wrote: Michigan in 1949-50 and they got married remain in New Jersey, so we gather fre- “For the first time ever – in over seven- in 1952. (Their 63rd wedding anniversary quently, and all make time in the summer ty-three years since leaving India aboard was while John was in hospital.) John’s at our family cottage, our parents’ lega- the S.S. Brazil in 1942 – I am responding funeral and burial was held in Colorado cy, on pristine Stinson Lake, NH, within to the many notes being written by the Springs a few days after his death, but the White Mountains National Forest, our rest of you over the years. Pardon the in- a service to celebrate his life was held a ‘second home’.” trusion. While I have been back to Kodai month later, to which the whole family many times over the years, I have never and many friends from across the coun- RUTH MILLER JANNUSCH, whose husband, been to a Kodai reunion, and never di- try came. After that, Margaret has spent Merton, died three years ago, lives in rectly taken part in class affairs, even time with one of their daughters who southeast Wisconsin. She wrote: “I stud- though occasionally making contributions lives on a ranch in Arkansas. She would ied first in Loch End, and then attended to Kodai support. Why? Having finished love to hear from her Kodai friends. Highclerc for only one year of high school high school in Wheaton in 1947, perhaps in 1944-45. I didn’t get to know those I never felt quite properly qualified. Yet, BETTY LOU WOOD NELSON and her hus- from Highclerc very well, so no real re- thanks to BOB CARMAN’s many faithful band, Johnny, recently moved to Iowa. lationships were developed and at that letters over the years (as also thanks to She wrote: “Since we are blessed with time participation in extra activities by long friendship with Bob’s elder brother good health we are able to travel a lot. those from Loch End was not encouraged. JOHN (Class of 1947), I have always trea- Last year we downsized and moved from So I know my classmates mainly just by sured learning about what was happening Arkansas to a retirement facility in Des name. I was sent to the US in 1945. I at- to you all, and always treasured Kodai Moines, IA where we are living inde- tended a high school in Queens, NY for a connections. As a historian of India, my pendently. Our eldest child, Denise, and year, moved to St. Louis and graduated years have been consumed with research second, Tim, are living nearby with their from High School there, followed by nurs- and scholarship related to our natal land, spouses as well as 3 married grandchil- es’ training and getting my RN. I met my and with training chelas (aka seshiyas). dren and 4 great grandchildren. We spend future husband at Valparaiso University, India was ever in my blood, and is so yet. January to March in Singapore, during and then worked as a nurse for several Even as a boy in the mafassal villages of which time we visit our 5th child, Philip, years until the kids came along. My hus- Telengana, I was ever so. Now like many and his family in , as well as band was a high school teacher for two of us on the ‘western slope’ (at over 85), our 7th, Michael and family and grand- years until he felt the call to be a pastor. I miss India links. Especially lamented son, wife and daughter working in Shang- We spent four more years in in that prepa- are my research library and research ma- hai. June, July and August are fun time at ration, and for ten more years served in terial, a treasured part of which (some our cabin in Minnesota, with sisters SHIR- churches in Cleveland and Green Bay. 2,500 volumes) went off to India three LEY WOOD KOCHER (Class of 1949) and We came to realize that something was years ago (to the South Asia Institute for PAT WOOD REMIAS (Class of 1956) and all missing in our spiritual lives and in 1969 Advanced Christian Studies in ). our children and grandchildren coming Jesus came into our lives in a wonderful While still driving and walking (slowly), and going. In the autumn our travels take new way. We continued to minister to my wife Carol and I dwell quietly in Oak- us to California (6th child), Georgia (3rd people, opening up an understanding of wood Village (a Lutheran retirement child) and Nebraska (4th child). We three a new life in Jesus for the next 40 years. community) in Madison, WI. We have sisters have our own Kodai reunions all My husband went to be with Jesus eight been much blessed.” summer, and usually Lu and BOB CARMAN years ago. I’m doing well, with some of join us for more celebration. My days the usual aches and problems of getting HELEN NAUMANN SPITZACK, whose hus- in Kodai School built a solid foundation old; but am enjoying my family, both band died a few years ago, is in a se-

24 • Class News Magazine nior living facility in Faribault, MN. She na and thought it was time to cut ties, I walks like last year. I try to keep my hand wrote: “Since I am a Loch End kid, I only continue to take part in the Pediatric fac- in with the social work sphere by doing trotted over to Highclerc for the first ulty meetings, focused mostly on recruit- bereavement counselling at the local two years of high school, and I left In- ment. Otherwise I am still very active in Hospice and helping at the winter Night dia for Minnesota in 1946. You have al- our learning in retirement organization, shelter for the Homeless. I do still see ways called me a part of the Kodai School although no longer on the Board, and I fellow Kodai people. Roger Scopes, now Class of 1948 – Hooray! So being ‘loyal am the managing editor for its literary retired from being a United Reformed to you, Kodai School’, is a joy! I feel I and arts journal. I have begun volun- Church minister, comes to the church I had such an adventurous life and am glad teering with a Reading Buddies program attend and never looks any older: GILL that I could participate in acting in plays, at a nearby community center, helping NEWING (LEGG) is a close friend but lives learning square dances, learning biology kindergarten and first graders with read- the other side of Oxford and is not very with Dr. Kolb – and becoming friends with ing skills. I am still on the Board of the well; ELEANOR RADEILLI (WIGHTMAN) I MAISIE, NANCY, the GAEBLER girls and Friends of our campus natural areas, and don’t remember from Highclerc days as other classmates. I am much wiser now participate in several other conservation she is 5 years younger but we meet up oc- than I was then, but I still can’t conju- groups here. I remain in my condo, de- casionally and only this week went to an gate in Latin. I now live in assisted living, spite urging from friends and family to exhibition together. I am trying to write using a silly transporter that’s sort of like move to a retirement center - but, my up my memories of India because it was a wheel chair, and a small scooter when health is relatively good and I am a mem- such an important part of my life. I went I go out for short jaunts which I do like. ber of an organization helping seniors to Kodai among other places with a walk- I cannot walk due to knees conking out, remain in their homes, providing numer- ing group in 2003, only for 3 days, but it but I do laugh, talk, exercise, sing for and ous services and a daily call-in program was such a thrill again. I had only been with other residents, get to church each to assure that I am still alive and well, once before, in 1985 with my husband. week (daughter Becky lives nearby and and I have no inclination to move. Things This time I went to the school, walked helps me get out). I am fine. ‘God said go well for my daughters and grandchil- round the Lake and across the Lake in he would be with me every day’ (Haggai dren - Margaret in San Mateo leading the the ferry to Lakeside, the last house we 2:19) and he is!” computer program in a charter Spanish lived in and now almost derelict, and had immersion school, Carrie in St. Louis, a a lovely long walk to Dolphin’s Nose (too BOB CARMAN, living with his wife, Lucile diabetes educator, and Jennifer in Provi- much surrounded by touristy snack sell- (Lu) in a suburb of Minneapolis, MN, is dence, head of a middle school academic ing shacks). I got so excited in the days in pretty good health, though taking low support program. The two oldest grand- before reaching Kodai and talked about dose steroids from some muscle aches children graduated from college last May, it such a lot that the group had to forbid and weakness, eye drops for early glau- three are in college, and one is a senior me to use “the K word”!! That’s too much coma, and warfarin anticoagulation (on in high school. All are doing well. Most chatter so I send good wishes to anyone this for 60 years for an inherited throm- everyone got to Maine in July for the who remembers me. botic condition) and slowing down with usual family gathering - the Maine expe- some arthritis. Both he and Lu still sing rience remains an anchor for the family. DOROTHY BUEHNER GOLNICK: The high- in their church choir, and he still sings an So - greetings to you all! And let’s do get light of our year was a family reunion occasional solo, and in small ensembles. together. here in Ocean Springs to celebrate our He drove some 3600 miles in June going 60th wedding anniversary. We were de- east to Maine and back to Minnesota, MARGARET PERFECT DRIVER: I remember lighted that ALL of our offspring were and the previous summer (2014) Lu and that Don and I were the two most ad- able to be with us, as well as Merle’s sis- he took their daughter-in-law and three vanced pianists after you had gone back ter and daughter from Minneapolis. They grandchildren (son JIM’s family) to India. to the States, Shirley, and we got most of were from Alaska, Texas, California, Al- Lu has pretty well recovered from a se- the work playing hymns and voluntaries abama, Florida, Georgia, and of course, rious auto accident in December, 2013 – for Sunday service. I don’t play the piano Mississippi. We were 33 altogether. On she went on the India trip and this past much now for no reason other than I am a bright, sunny morning our two young- summer’s car trip to Maine. We still en- too busy playing my viola in quartets or est great-grandsons were baptized in the joy the use of our summer cabin on Leech singing in the small choir I still belong to. ocean by our local pastor. The ten grand- Lake in northern Minnesota – and enjoyed We never have more than 8 altos so it is children are doing well in their respective a curry meal and some wonderful man- hard work and there are lots of concerts. careers: navy pilot, engineer, T V station goes with BETTY LOU WOOD NELSON, Also this year we went to stay near our morning anchor, college counselor, pedi- SHIRLEY WOOD KOCHER (Class of 1949), conductor’s holiday home in the South atric nurse, editor, ophthalmologist, sci- PAT WOOD REMIAS (Class of 1956) and of France. It was very hot and there ence teacher, and one is still in college, their husbands in their summer place not were swimming pools and lots of eating making up her mind. We feel SO blessed far away. While visiting their son CHUCK and drinking as well as singing so great and grateful. (Class of 1976) and his wife Susy near fun as it is good to be with people of all Cleveland, OH over Christmas and New ages. Mind you, my grandchildren fulfill JOHN HELMS: There isn’t much I can re- Year’s, they met with DAVID EVANS and that role as there are 6 boys and one girl port. I enjoy the sunny weather here in his friend, Louise, for lunch at a Cracker between the ages of 9 and 23. Two have Mesquite almost year around with some Barrel restaurant south of Cleveland. graduated - in neuroscience and natural rain in the winter season. I was able to ______sciences (the latter spent a year at MIT), visit my daughter Joann and family in one is still studying history at Cambridge, Minneapolis for about 10 days in July. I 2 should be at university next year, and plan to spend Christmas with my daugh- Class of 1949 2 are younger. Two of my daughters are ter Heidi and husband in Park City, UT lo- professional musicians and one a teacher cated a few miles in the ski country west PAT THOMAS BECKER: News from Madison and they all live near me in London so I of Lake City. I am very active in our - I have made the big - for me - decision am very lucky to see a lot of them. I’ve church’s Pre-School and Childcare where to resign as Associate Editor of the nurs- had a peculiar knee since January which we have about 50 kids from the cradle to ing research journal, a position I have is not arthritis and is supposed to get bet- 4-5 year olds. I have my own computer held for many years and have thoroughly ter with not walking too much so sadly no to show them , fauna and animals. I enjoyed. However, I am getting more out visits to the Lake District hills or 10 mile participate in their Chapel devotions and of touch with the current research are- Class News Magazine • 25 Jesus time. I am on the Church and Child about an hour; on Sundays I drive up lectured to them.” Want to skip all that Care Councils. I also am in charge of the there to visit her; two days ago it’s been and just read about the Kodai people on Philosophers’ Club where we view videos exactly 8 months that she left us - time the ship? Near the top of the web site, of biblical and scientific interest during flies by so fast. So much for the nonce; perhaps one screen down, you can click the Fall and Winter months. In my spare my love to you all. on “Kodaikanal”, number 4 in the list of moment I communicate with my friends contents. In addition to the accounts that via e-mail and Skype who live in Lebanon, ALAN THOMPSON: Thanks to Shirley for we gave the web site about the Brazil’s Israel, Cyprus, France, England, Germany keeping us in touch with each other. I trip, you’ll see a detailed report of what and US. This keeps me busy. am in awe of Shirley’s and Bob’s exer- happened to RUSS JONES, class of 1942, cise regime, in addition to the gardening. who died when his bomber was shot down MEARL KEITHAHN has moved from I am constantly “running” up and down during World War II. Storden, MN to live with her sister, Ruth, stairs in my little house, and I do walk We, the WILDERS are not the active trav- in Albuquerque, NM. From her letter last around this part of Washington except in elers that some of you are. Our one spe- Christmas, it sounds as if she needs some the worst summer heat. But my backyard cial event of the year was to celebrate caring for. She continues to do a lot of is a jungle that I putter in rather than Alison’s eightieth birthday in March with reading. hack back to any semblance of order. I a Road Scholar week visiting St. Simons did a bus trip with ex-Foreign Service and other islands off the Georgia coast. SHIRLEY WOOD KOCHER: Bob and I have friends about a year ago from Lisbon Several field trips, some historical and been in the apartment here in Fremont through Andalusia to Madrid, staying in one on a boat that hauled nets full for three years now, enjoying going to Pousadas and Paradores, with an added of sea life as pelicans and laughing gulls the YMCA three times a week and walking visit in Barcelona. But the big trip was in our wake dove to scavenge. We had a 2 miles the days that we’re not at the in January this year to Singapore, where front row view of a heron rookery from Y, but also enjoying NOT shoveling snow my brother George and I spent some of our hotel room’s balcony. This summer and mowing the lawn. Bob has carved out our childhood until the Japanese attack we spent our annual two weeks at the garden spots along the fence and beyond in December ‘41, and on to Yogyakar- family farmhouse in Vermont, Alison and the car wash, so we’re still getting veg- ta, in central Java, and to Bali, where I alone there for the first few days before etables to eat and flowers for the table. George, his wife and I rented a villa, in children and grandchildren started to ar- And meanwhile, our daughter and fami- Ubud, for two weeks. Jakarta had been rive, first two more, then an additional ly are making all kinds of improvements my first Foreign Service post, in the early four. When the number reached seven- to our former place in the country, still ‘60s, and I flew to Bali several times then teen, Alison and I moved to a B&B for raising chickens and now keeping bees. in a two-motor prop plane of Air Garuda two peaceful nights before going home We’re doing our part to keep the high- that landed on a grass strip. How things to Rochester. Next month we’ll go to the ways of NE and KS in shape with a daugh- have changed! It was good to get back to annual family Thanksgiving reunion in a ter-in-law and grandson, both engineers, after all those years, but I’m rented house outside Lewisburg, Pennsyl- working for the Dept. of Roads in those not sure I’m up for any more extra-long vania. Last year thirty-five Wilders and two states. Two grandchildren are keep- flights. I will fly to Colorado this month descendants attended. Every two weeks ing us safe as they serve in the military in to meet George and see/hear one of my I spend most of a day as a volunteer, driv- Tacoma, WA and Anchorage, Alaska, both three grand-nephews in Boulder sing in ing mostly seniors who no longer drive West Point graduates. Another grandson an opera at the university. to doctor’s appointments and such. This is a Middle School science teacher and sometimes involves helping people with the rest are in the process of becoming DON WILDER: Hello 49ers, those of you their walkers, groceries, or a guide dog, who they want to be. Bob gave us a scare who were at our class reunion at Shirl’s and I now know the location of dozens of this summer just days after we arrived at and Bob’s place on the lake—was that doctors’ offices around the county. When our MN cabin and ended up in the Far- 2004? —may remember hearing me read my three-year term as secretary of this go hospital for numerous tests. The final my brother Charlie’s and best friend Gale retirement community’s Resident Council word was that his sodium level was way Potee’s accounts of their 1942 trip on the ended, Alison took the job and is still at too low. Now with extra sodium pills, he’s USAT Brazil from Bombay to New York it. I continue to put together a forty-page doing fine. Pat, do you remember that via Cape Town. That is now chronicled book-fold directory of residents quarter- your Dad was a strong advocate of extra at http://www.ssarkansan.com/home/ ly and every two months’ compile lists sodium? We enjoyed a bus trip to the New american-hawaiian-in-wwii/washingto- of books that Rochester’s central library England states last year to see the fall nian. That website focuses on a different loans to the community’s three libraries. foliage, but this year are enjoying being ship, the Washingtonian, which a Japa- I sing in our church’s choir and act as par- at home. nese submarine sank near the Maldives liamentarian at its congregational meet- in April 1942. (That sub was part of the ings. Our three children are really busy, HEINE MEYER: Hello Shirley and Bob and Japanese force whose threatened ap- either with their artist or musician work classmates, here’s a bit of news from my proach evacuated many of us from Kodai and their children, or in the third case a end, following up Shirley’s suggestion. School to an unanticipated vacation to really demanding job. Our oldest sells her I’m really feeling my age; the idea of two the north.) To make an interesting sto- art work for a living (see www.lauraw- - mile walks and workouts at a YMCA gym ry shorter, the 39 crew and two passen- ilder.com) and her two children live here sounds great but would mean murder for gers on the Washingtonian all survived, in Rochester and continue the artist line me. I’ve settled down to moving around eventually ending up on the USAT Brazil of work, one a subcontractor for Marvel with my electro-scooter (at 10 mph and a to make their way home to the United Comics, the other providing computer art range of some 38 km=24 mi before hav- States on the same voyage that Charlie and songs for Sesame St. and similar me- ing to load the battery again); I can do and Gale and their classmates of the Ko- dia. The other two granddaughters are in all necessary chores because the bank, dai class of 1942 took. Also aboard was high school and college in Kansas where apothecary, post-office and a huge shop- Pappy Boyington of the Flying Tigers in their jazz-pianist dad played in two pops ping-center with all kinds of stores are , with 177 Chinese cadets and offi- concerts this year with the Kansas City within a radius of 7 km of my home. The cers. The web site remarks, “DAVE WAR- Symphony. trip to the Burgtor (castle-gate)-ceme- REN, who was 18 at the time of the voy- tery, where Hilde, my parents and broth- age, and a recent graduate of Kodaikanal er are buried, and back again takes me School, recalls that Boyington actually

26 • Class News Magazine Class of 1950 of our Saviour. They are inspirational. operation between Kodaikanal Interna- tional School and North American Univer- BOB and FRANCINE SCHRAMM: Bob and BILL CUTTING: I am William Cutting, an sity Stafford, Texas. Kodai was more of an I are both of the class of ‘50. We have unspectacular member of the class of enlighten experience than my dedication greatly enjoyed the Kodai Magazine in 1950 of Kodai School. I actually left af- to studies, but the teachers stood by me the past and would definitely like to con- ter 7th grade and in 1946 returned to En- with determination for which I am deep- tinue receiving it. We have both been re- gland for the rest of my education first in ly grateful. It gives me great pleasure to tired for many years now, he as an engi- London and then at the famous Medical meet at the school that I look back in neer with Harnishfeger here in Milwaukee School of Edinburgh University - blessings time with fondness. I met Dr. Reg Pecan, and I as an RN in our local hospital. Until upon you all, and as the sub-title of my President of North American University at recently we travelled quite a bit, hitting last book declares - “Seniors; Make the a Warsaw conference in Poland in 2014. all our Wisconsin State Parks in our lit- Most of the Health You Have”. Now I am We both realised that companies world- tle RV. I am recovering from major back busy in retirement, part-time writer, oc- wide face a global frustrating paradox in surgery right now, so are (hopefully) only casional speaker at old folk’s meetings, bridging the gap between High End learn- temporarily restricted. Our three daugh- part-time career for myself and my wife, ing and industry. It gave us an opportu- ters, one who is nearby, another coming continuing disciple. Slow at everything!” nity to express our views as conference from Boulder, CO and the third from Van- Affectionate greetings to all. speaker on how to integrate education couver Canada, took turns helping us for and commercial interests in a common the month following my surgery. Some MICHAEL GASS: Carol and I live in Univer- goal to create skilled employees. time ago, we adopted a Yorkshire terrier sity Retirement Community In Davis, CA. This global frustrating paradox; compa- mix dog who definitely keeps us enter- We are both fully retired and just today ny employees are retiring healthy with tained and on our toes. We follow BARBA- we made reservations for next summer skills learned over their working life; the RA BLOCK’s posts on Facebook chronicling with Alaskan Dream Cruises. They oper- young are Tech-savvy unfamiliar with the activities at KIS and hike to places that ate small ships that provide a very inti- current workings of a company. Both are we never knew some 60 years ago, so feel mate experience. The one we will be on current with their skill sets; one acquired somewhat in touch with the school still. is for up to 60 passengers. The retirement over years on the job and the students Following tradition, we always welcome community in which we live has a con- with their newly minted degree. Students KIS people to stop by our home to visit. A stant stream of programs that keep us are looking for a career and retirees wish great South Indian restaurant just opened busy, including many exercise programs. to keep their minds active. Both are left near us too! Living in a town where the main “indus- in the dark and the companies lose their try” is the University of California has best teachers when not engaged. When BILL RAMBO: I married my first wife, Sara, many advantages. We belong to a very I returned home, the president of North during residency. Her family roots were progressive Episcopalian congregation. American University, Stafford, Texas in- what brought me to South Carolina. We vited me to visit the University to dis- had four children, now grown, who have HAROLD MONDOL: In my retirement I cuss the possibilities of implementing a blessed Lydia and me with 12 delightful make use of the second Master’s degree program that addresses the dichotomy. and interesting grandchildren. Shortly af- I received (in Television) from Michigan This program was Global High-Ed Learn- ter Sara’s death, I was blessed to meet State University in 2003 - to teach video ing. The idea was to have a hybrid on- Lydia Engelhardt at the medical school, production and to make documentaries line learning with onsite business course where she was doing her Ob/Gyn resi- about good service projects in various including an apprentice component. We dency training. After her residency, Lydia countries. In early January of this year, believed it could be successfully done joined friends in private practice, and I I was appointed a short-term missionary virtually, in a collaborative way if we continued on, teaching at the Medical for the Board of Global Ministries of the engaged industry. Current level of skills University. We’ve now been very hap- United Church of Christ, to make a doc- resided in long-term employees if they pily married for 33 years, and it was at umentary film of the Family Village Farm were given the ability to articulate their Lydia’s urging that we began our second in Kasam Village, South India (near Vel- knowledge as a teacher and mentor. careers as “long term short term medi- lore and also right next to Katpadi where Unfortunately, our present day student cal missionaries”. Two months after leav- Francine DeValois Schramm grew up). I graduates lack tactical experience spe- ing the medical school, Lydia and I were will be returning to India for six weeks cific to company’s working environment. already working in a mission hospital in Jan/Feb of 2017 to continue filming This is compounded by employees who in the Western Highlands of Papua New projects for the church and also finish do not have the opportunity to secure a Guinea. This hospital had Generalists but production of a major feature-length film formal education while on the job. We had been without a surgeon for about in with a PhD candidate in Film propose ways this can be accomplished in six months. For the next 15 years, with Studies. More about that next year. the following manner. The Global Virtual placement help from World Medical Mis- Company Network uses the Texas Alter- sion, we had the great privilege of work- LYDIA RITTMANN VOLZ: All of the Ritt- native Teacher Certification Program at ing in about 18 mission hospitals in 11 dif- mann siblings still living, gathered at the North American University. It simulates ferent countries. Usually we spent three family reunion at Camp Okoboji this last a real work environment augmented by months overseas and three months at July. Besides keeping in touch with Loch a web apprentice program called Appli- home, though in recent years we worked Enders at brother Joe’s Kodai gatherings, cation Component Training (ACT). The for shorter periods of time. Rwanda and I manage to keep busy with volunteering program provides the knowledge transfer Nigeria are the two countries where we at church and Luther Seminary, and a from experienced employees functioning have spent the most time, since we both number of organizations, including Parish as a Teaching Assistant to participating could function in French. In the course Nurse Association, Lutheran Deaconesses students. The employees who complete of these trips we have been blessed in and LWML. This year I celebrated 10 years the program are qualified teachers who many ways, but notably by the privilege of living in the Greenhouse Village Coop- work with the professional teacher. This of working alongside so many mission- erative. is in partnership with sponsoring compa- ary and national medical workers. They nies. Students participate in a simulat- presented the love of Christ so well, both ALAN MACLACHLAN: I am excited to have ed company division taking position in by delivering capable and loving medical the opportunity to visit my former school administration, accounting, production care, as well as by telling the Good News in India with a message of academic co- and marketing etc; students experience

Class News Magazine • 27 an active role in a division within a com- across the street from us in Pewaukee, own 83rd birthday in August. I Plan on pany. Thus enhancing their learning and WI. She also attended Valpo for several riding my 10th 100 km Ride for the Cure understanding how a company functions years but then started working in the Mil- of MS in August too. So, short term ought guided by the now trained company long- waukee Area. She now owns a condo, as to be fine. Anyway, love to you and a term employee. He is also qualified to do we across the street from each other. flood of precious memories came back to train in-house new hires or employees Previously she lived in Schaumburg, Illi- me again when you called. who wish to advance their career. The in- nois. When the family got together, she house trained employee gives the compa- still had a two-hour drive to get home LUCILLE ZIGLER ANKENMAN: Ralph and I ny two major benefits; a recruiting pool when living in Illinois. Now working for still live in Cedarville, OH, where we have of tested and vetted candidates and the Batteries Plus as accounting supervisor, it lived for the past 47 years. I retired from ability to train employees. The student’s is a short drive to work and she can tend providing medical coverage in my hus- gains valuable experience with an insider to the aging needs of her parents across band’s psychiatric practice in early 2009. advantage. the street. I now take care of Ralph who has Parkin- ______son’s Disorder. We recently had an early BOB ZORN: Not much new here. May- celebration of our 60th wedding anniver- be I’m repeating myself, but I have sary in which all of our six children and Class of 1951 moved (slightly), since I sold my home 2 all of our 15 grandchildren (including the years ago. Moved to a condominium on 3 that live in Russia) were together with EUNICE KRETZMANN KOEPKE: I came the same Del Webb property; new ad- great joy, fun and fellowship. The other back from India when I was 18 years old dress is 12963 Pennsylvania Ave, Hunt- recent exciting event was the Ankenman to attend Valparaiso University, Indiana. ley IL 60142. Still living singly, but have Family Reunion (every 5 years) at a camp I originally was in their music depart- made good friends, one of whom I took near San Diego for a whole week. Anken- ment, but switched to Nursing. Valpo did to FL last year, to my condo in Sebring, mans came from Canada, France and all not have a complete program so I spent FL, and she and I will likely go to Sebring over the USA, about 75 people. We had three years at Valpo and then transferred again this winter. It’s a lot nicer to play lots of activity, getting to know each oth- to Wagner College on Staten Island to get tennis and golf where the sun is shining, er better, meeting the younger genera- my nursing degree, graduating in 1956. and temperature is above 60 F. We were tion, and the honour of Ralph being the While at Valpo I met my now husband and up in St. Paul last month for a few days, current patriarch of the family. we are married 60 years on September visiting daughter Marybeth and husband 22nd. It was a shaky start as we first (and 2 Huskies). Will be heading out west PATRICIA MOORE BURLEE: lives near her went out on a date to a movie during ex- in Oct. for a bus tour of the G. Canyon, daughters in San Jose, California. She ams. Then my to be husband and I wrote and a few Nat’l. Parks... nothing excit- says “My life is dull compared to all the letters for two years with occasional vis- ing. I may be a great-grandfather again in other Kodai-ites, it is fine with me, how- its back and forth between Valpo & Wag- October…so, life goes on. ever.” ner. He was from Milwaukee, WI, where we then lived for about 35 years. The STEPHEN WHITE: With recurrent prostate NORM THOMS: Anna and I are still living Union produced five children. First a girl, cancer settling in the bone structure I at 5420 SE 37th St., Tecumseh, KS, on then a boy, then a girl, then a boy and had been paying attention to that detail our 160-acre farm which right now has 36 finally another girl. We thought that was more than anything. Pleased to report cow-calf pairs and 2 bulls grazing on the how you were supposed to do it. Three that a new drug (Enzalutamide) taken by “green grass”. They pasture here from of our children graduated from colleges mouth daily has been holding things at May 1 – October 31. The cows are not and another received a two-year cer- bay and thus I am a happy and thankful ours; we just lease our land to the own- tificate in forestry. Our oldest daughter guy. Lost most other things that make up er of the cows. Our youngest daughter, attended Valpo, but received her teach- the male counterpart because they give Gael, husband John, Sheriff Lieutenant, ing degree from the University of Wisco- me a female hormone (Lupron) to keep and 3 children, one in college and 2 in sin-Milwaukee and now lives in Salt Lake the testosterone from feeding the cancer high school, live next door on 3 acres out City, Utah with her husband. The second directly and thus permitting other treat- of the 160. Our middle daughter, Ali, lives child received his certificate in Forestry, ments to work. So, I have my bucket list 10 miles from us in North Topeka and but somehow got into the Plastic Molding made out and pulled out the first one has one daughter in 10th grade, and her Business and today is an engineer living in with a return to India for the umpteenth husband is a tug boat captain moving oil Osceola Wisconsin. The third child grad- time taking my only daughter and 2nd barges on the great in the summer uated from Carthage College in Kenosha, grand-daughter with me. Ellie has been and Atlantic Coast in the winter. Sharon, Wisconsin and presently is the Director of a staunch help to me and gives me more our oldest, 52 years old, has 3 children Communications at Divine Redeemer Lu- support than I probably deserve after 59 26 to 20 years old, all 3, one son and 2 theran Church in Hartland, WI, where we years. India was magical and great things daughters, in Christian ministry. Sharon’s also belong. She previously worked for happened with my daughter recognizing 2 oldest, 26 and 23 years old, are married, Kettle Moraine School District as Director that not only was she looking at my place but still no great grandchildren. Anna had of Communications. She has given us two of youth but places her grandparents 2 strokes in 2011, so cannot talk or walk, grandchildren and lives in Delafield, Wis- lived and worked and meeting people old but we communicate by eye contact and consin. Our fourth child graduated from as I was who knew them well and were touch and smiles. We have 9 hours/day of Valpo and after several positions moved full of praise. Kodai was a magical stop caregivers and 3 daughters in the area, to California many years ago and worked and we became tourists wandering the so I have lots of help and care for Anna. for Saddleback Church (Rev Rick Warren’s bazaar, bear-shola (which is a mess) and The kids in high school are 3 girls and church) for five Years. He then took a job the 30-mile loop around Kodai. So, it goes they keep me busy going to volley ball, with a Japanese Company who asked him on as long as God permits and I place my basketball, soft ball, and soccer games. to move to . They gave him a three- soul in His hands every day. He has sent I like to attend Topeka First Assembly of year contract and after about a year and me a magical angel from our Church. She God Church with the family and once a a half, they made him President of one just adores me and I her and I will men- month volunteer as a greeter. I enjoyed of the company’s global divisions. Sub- tor her as another bucket item. Her 11th ushering at “The Global Leadership Sum- sequently he travels the world and loves birthday is the 16th of this month (June) mit’’, put on as a worldwide conference living in Japan as he loves the people, and that will be happening as well as my out of the Willow Creek Association of culture and food. Our fifth child now lives 28 • Class News Magazine Bill Hybels Willow Creek Church in Chi- to return and take over their Industrial some classes and spoke at assemblies. cago; very inspirational good speaker. School and other projects, so I did for 3 We will soon have students extending I would like to get together again some years, studied Tamil, and learned a lot recycling of waste working with other time with you and the rest of the “gang”. about India (though didn’t convert any- schools in town. I have made it my mis- DAVE DEJONG & DOROTHEA ESSEBAG- one). I taught social studies and histo- sion to try to help students understand GERS live at West Shore, Wichita, Kansas. ry in Evangel University, the Assemblies climate change and earth warming, ocean of God College in Springfield MO for 5 warming and acidification and rise, biodi- MIRIAM McCREARY and husband Kenneth years, and had Tenure, and got married versity loss, groundwater depletion, de- Kauffman live in Mendota Heights, MN, and had 2 children, Kevin, and Rani. Af- clining yields of wheat and some other a suburb of St. Paul. Miriam’s 4 children ter my 5th year, I moved to the State crops with temperature rise, besides and 9 grandchildren live in the Twin Cit- University in Montclair NJ to teach An- population growth-- which will be dom- ies, and provide many activities and thropology. But I went every year to India inant factors affecting their future live- entertainment. Tennis and Golf are her to learn more about it and traveled all lihoods. In May 2016 I decided to accept hobbies (very poor golf, but one hole- over, and taught in Kodai School one se- another short assignment in Afghanistan, in-one). She enjoys Kodai reunions—at- mester. In 1975 I was invited as a visiting to evaluate a big EU funded 10-year tending Kirchenwald 3 times in the past Professor under Ford foundation to Ra- project for water resources and upper 4 years. Always happy to see or hear from jshahi University, , for grad- catchment management in the NE, in ad- fellow Kodaite. Was happy to have COREY uate Anthropology. After 2 years I was vance of another big ADB watershed and STIXRUD here on Sept. 6, 2016, for a local asked to join USAID in Dhaka for research water project, and unexpectedly had to Kodai reunion. We had 15 people includ- on some of its new projects, and was return there in July-August 2016. Now I ing two recent grads. there 3 years. So by chance I fell into counted 19 Afghanistan visas in my pass- ______consulting work (when enroll for high- port (some for extension in-country). er education we never think about be- Now I suppose I am finished with this kind ing professional “consultants”!) and for of consulting work, and though at age 82,

Class of 1952 the next couple decades I had many con- I am active and in good health, maybe I sulting assignments in development proj- will mostly relax in Kodai and sometimes JIM SWAVELY: Graduated from KIS in ects, with many NGOs and donor proj- in Rockville MD. My main contacts have 1952. Married in 1957, earned a BSEE ects, at first mainly in Bangladesh but always been and will continue to be Ko- from Case Institute in Cleveland Ohio in some in India and Pakistan and Nepal. I dai School and our Alumni groups. 1959. Worked for NASA for 40 years, re- worked some years with Euroconsult, tiring in 2002 in Northridge CA. “I am now a good Dutch company, in India and Pa- RICHARD SCHRAMM lives in Salt Lake City, very busy volunteering with the Los Ange- kistan, then had a three-year assignment Utah. His son lives nearby. les Police Department, and participating as Team Leader with USAID energy proj- actively (along with my wife) in the Can- ect in New , and other assignments DAVE DEJONG and DOROTHEA ESSEBAG- oga Park Elks organization (http://www. with Asian Development Bank and World GERS live at West Shore, Wichita, Kansas. elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?LodgeNum- Bank in development projects in the 80s, ber=2190). I am also President of the Val- most of them about water resources. PATRICIA MOORE BURLEE lives near her ley West Photography Club (http://www. Meanwhile I wrote and published 10 books daughters in San Jose, California. She valleywestphotographyclub.org/ ). You on the peoples and development proj- says “My life is dull compared to all the never get a day off after you retire... ects in South Asia. My first book was The other Kodaites, it is fine with me, how- Evil Eye (Columbia U. Press), and there ever.” CLARENCE MALONEY: I was put in Kodai were 4 books on Bangladesh, one on ir- School from January 1947, in 7th grade rigation management in India, and one ROBERT PHELPS : I’m not sure that I and in Kennedy dorm—later moved to on the Maldives (where I could study have much news to report from this cor- Block dorm (now music practice rooms). I the culture history in the mid-70s as the ner of the globe. It sometime seems that remember Independence Day on 15 country had then just opened up), from much of our lives these days is taken up Aug 1947. The British Union Jack flag on which I wrote People of the Maldives Is- with visits to some doctor or other. And the Kodai flag green came down, and lands (re-published in 2014 in ) THAT I suspect as we get into the senior the Indian Tri-color went up. Gandhi was which has become a source book for Mal- years is something not unique to any shot. We celebrated Republic Day in Jan- dives life and traditions as they were in of us. Still, the news from the Billings uary 1950. We all had almost the same the mid-1970s. In 1990 in Delhi I mar- Phelps’ is generally positive, and for that courses-- typing, 2 years of Latin, 2 years ried Shashi and then bought land in Ko- we are very grateful. Our paths have not of French, 3 of Math, some music, etc. daikanal overlooking the town and built a been crossing with any Kodai folk these Nothing Indian was taught in Kodai School house so I would have a base in India (we days. A close “miss” took place early this classrooms then, and most students were have some units where friends (you) can summer when we got news from a friend from American missionary families, with stay, 2 km from the lake, high overlooking that a young man from Montana who has only 5-6 or Indian students. Papa Phelps the town), and our children Janak and Iti been teaching in Kodai School was back had been Principal before the war, and attended Kodai School some years. After “home” for a few weeks. But although I he had returned on the same ship in more short assignments, in 2009, I went tried my best to make connections with 1946 with my family and some other Ko- to Afghanistan with Sheladia Assoc. in an him, it never happened. Like the rest dai families, to take on the Principal’s job ADB project and spent parts of 4 years of the world, Alita and I have been too again; we remember him walking up from in Herat working to promote farmer Wa- many hours glued to the TV watching the Benderloch with his cane every day. On ter User Associations and water resources Trump/ Hilary craziness. We can only graduation in 1952 I was put in Bible Col- policies, and then worked on some other hope that the general electorate is wiser lege in Waxahachie TX and finished in 3 training projects in Afghanistan. than so far but it appears to be in some years (paid for by the mission), and then In 2014 I joined Kodai School as a Volun- quarters. And weren’t the Olympics. got accepted in NY University for my teer for Environment, and we got solar marvellous? (especially Michael Phelps :) MA in Secondary Social Studies Educa- panels and solar water heaters put on, I’m not finding it very easy to read these tion, also working as cook and cleaner in set up a system for collecting recyclables days. It’s called dry eye syndrome but for a businessman’s house. My parents had with a Recycling Center where students me, it’s mostly symptomatic with blurry been in India 14 years without a furlough, help sort the stuff we sell, and taught in vision. I’ve picked up a NOOK to help me dedicated to their work, and wanted me Class News Magazine • 29 read with larger print. It doesn’t help on man & Chief Values Officer. the wooded property, including the lake. playing the piano, though. :) Enough for He has received several awards, among The group explored Winter Park one day, now. I look forward to reading comments them, the Thai Suan Luang Rama IX Com- including a boat ride, a visit to the Morse that will be sent to you from class mem- memorative Coin, presented by HRH Museum’s collection of Tiffany and lunch bers. Blessings on them all! Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in 1988; at an Indian restaurant. That evening a Miniature Cartridge Pouch Pin of the Chris Rolles played a CD he recorded of EUNICE NAUMANN NISSEN passed away, First Infantry Regiment, the King’s Own songs popular during our teenage years unexpectedly, in Chennai, India on Aug. Bodyguard in 2003; the “Phra Dulyathip- at Kodai, along with humorous commen- 19, 2015. She was traveling in India for 3 at” Badge, awarded by the Council of the tary. The next day we broke up and par- weeks with her daughter Christina, 3 chil- Judge Advocate General’s School in 2014; ticipated in several different excursions dren ages 12, 14, and 16, and her brother Apostolic Blessing imparted by the Pope, on the Atlantic coast, meeting again for Walter Naumann, MD, from Accident MD. His Holiness Francis, on the occasion of tea, supper and discussion. Our last day Eunice wanted to show her grandchildren the 25th Anniversary of the Father Ray together we stayed at the centre and our where she had lived and gone to school. Children’s Home in in 2014; and time was devoted to much discussion. She also wanted to see Tranquebar, the an award in 2016 bestowed by Thailand’s Of particular interest were written sto- Danish mission area where the missionary National Legislative Assembly for his de- ries submitted prior to the reunion about Zigenbalg had worked many years ago. votion to help and protect abandoned experiences during WW 2. The lives of The trip took them to Cochin, animals. many families were disrupted during that (elephant rides!), Nagercoil, Krishnagiri, David is acknowledged as one of the key time when it was feared that the Japa- Tranquebar, Kodai, and Chennai. Eunice leaders of the American business com- nese would invade southern India. Many was delighted to see all of these plac- munity in Thailand. He has held key po- families left Kodai and other southern es. Two days before the end of the trip, sitions at The World Economic Forum’s locations for places further north and/ in Chennai, at around midnight on Aug. Davos Annual Meeting for 18 years, in the or departed from India as transport be- 19, she became short of breath, and 1/2 International Chamber of Commerce’s came available. Those who were living hour later, collapsed. CPR was adminis- Commission on Corporate Responsibility in Burma had particularly difficult times. tered, 911 called and more efforts made, and Anti-Corruption since 1996, and on Our last evening together, we brought in but she expired in about I hour. She was the Advisory Council of the International food from an Indian restaurant and had brought back to the USA, where a funeral Crisis Group from 2003 to 2013. He now homemade mango mousse and “close to was held with her family in Prior Lake, lives in the suburb of Bangkok, Thailand, the budge ” for dessert. We were MN. She was buried in Fergus Falls, MN, with his wife, Thassaneeya, and their 6 joined at dinner by 3 guests, 2 of them near her husband, Norman Nissen, who dogs. Their elephant passed away 2 years alumni: RUTH CARNER RICHARDSON passed away from Alzheimers in 2011. ago of old age. (class of 1959?) and her husband, Alex, Eunice and Norman had 7 children, 14 and MARY JEAN LINN (from the late 80s? grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. ELIZABETH ELEANOR RADAELLI: My where- sorry Mary). Afterwards the “one prac- She had worked as a teacher, and her abouts remain the same as for many years tice choir” sang “Brother James Air”, in husband was a Lutheran Minister, working here in Chiswick, London, and my update tribute to Mario, and we had a small choir as penitentiary chaplain for many years. is much the same. My husband continues selection. Then we all sang Kodai favour- ______to run a small business selling wines from ites together, ably assisted by Meg Thom- the French Loire Valley. He now concen- as on piano. The next morning, we said trates mainly on organic/biodynamic and our goodbyes with plans to meet again in

Class of 1953 natural wines which are in vogue in Par- 1 ½ to 2 years. Those in attendance from is and are growing in popularity here in Class of 1955 were ANN (GIBBS) HEN- COLIN M. MACLACHLAN: I am now retired Britain. My role is back-room assistant DERSON, BEVERLY (ENGLAND) WILLIAMS, from Tulane University after a 30- year with, of course, the pleasure of enjoying JEAN (TOWLE) REED, CONRAD HEINS, academic career. To mark that personal the wines and travel to meet and nego- ALICE (GRAHAM) & TOM BYRNES, LOWEY milestone my latest book is--- Imperial- tiate with growers in France. The long (THOMS) & DAVE DICKASON, RUTH (VOSS) ism (Aztec and Spanish) and the Origins term effects this country’s vote to leave & DON HARRIS, MEG AND OWEN THOM- of Mexican Culture, Harvard University the EU will have on us is still unclear. We AS, MIGGIE (CARMEN) & ED TEGENFELDT Press, 2015. I live in Sedona Arizona. are noticing changes due to the shifts in (56), CAROL (ZIGLER) & RALPH KUSSE- rates of exchange for the pound, espe- ROW. THOSE FROM THE CLASS OF 1956 JOHN DE VRIES: Just now moving to a new cially with the euro and the dollar, and WERE JO (HEIBERT) SORENSEN, MOLLY house - don’t think of it at the age we are some people who moved to this country (SCHMITTHENNER) & ALAN LESNICK, PAT in. Blessed throughout life accumulating under the European Union freedom of (WOOD) & JOHN REMIAS, TONI & CHRIS too much stuff, and the children want movement between member states are ROLLES, MARY & FRANK EMERSON, DONNA only a piece here or there. Please stop by feeling insecure about their status here. & BRUCE CARMEN, RUTH (VASSAR) & STAN if in the Portland area. I think we will be holding our breath for BURGESS (54), RICHARD GARDEN. Class of ______some time to come. 1957 were JANE (GIBBS) CUMMINGS, GAIL ______(WHITTAKER) and JOHN WYNNE. Class of 1954 For more pictures go to: https://www. flickr.com/photos/sorensenjo/sets/ Class of 1955 and 1956 DAVID LYMAN graduated from Duke Uni- ______versity (BSEE) in 1958 and University of Kodai alumni of the classes of 1955 and California Hastings College of the Law 1956 held their 60/61st year reunion in (JD) in 1965. After a career in the U.S. Winter Park, Florida April 4th thru the Class of 1957 Navy Submarine Service, in 1967 he 7th, 2016. A total of 33 people attended joined his parents’ law firm, Tilleke & DIANE KIRKPATRICK: I continue to live in the reunion, 22 of whom were Kodai stu- Gibbins (www.tilleke.com), now Thai- Santa Barbara, CA with my super hus- dents for differing number of years and land’s oldest and largest independent law band, Lee and our two little dogs, Sophie several who had also returned to Kodai as firm with approaching 500 professionals and Charlie. My three adult children live staff. We stayed at the San Pedro Retreat in offices in 7 cities in 6 Southeast Asian in California. We are very active in First Centre, had the place to ourselves, and nations. He is currently the firm’s Chair- Presbyterian Church as Elders who have enjoyed the catered meals and exploring 30 • Class News Magazine contributed in numerous ways. I sing in Class of 1961 better at least) in its 45 years of indepen- the choir and also serve on Presbytery dence. It’s more crowded, jammed with Council. This year I will begin an online JANET CHELL FRIEDMAN: I had the plea- rickshaws, tuk tuks, pedestrians pouring study program through Union Presbyteri- sure of having Martha Thompson Wilcox into the city from the villages to hope an Seminary in Richmond, VA. This is a ‘61 and Nancy Nykerk Kleinheksel ’61 for and in some cases find work. Politics nine course program to prepare for being come down to my art show on Broadway dictate the day to day mood and its as a Commissioned Lay Pastor. In the past at La Cour Bar and Bistro in Denver Col- transparent as their lakes and rivers, and four years I have made two mission trips orado to view some of my 30 works that equally polluted. Today is independence to Chiang Mai, Thailand with a group were up. What a nice support that was. day and we are well aware of the obsta- from our church. We have been building Some of my pieces have even sold. Does cles in its way. Yet in contrast, the cele- a beautiful relationship with First Church that make me a professional??? Other brations are colourful, tasty, delightfully Chiang Mai. We are very happy with our than my children, their children, and organized and well attended. Streets are life. their children, I have spent my days on full of beautifully clad women and chil- ______the piano, for about 3 hours a day, and dren, food especially abundant and the with my art, about 3-4 hours a day. Con- parks decked out with shamianas, games Class of 1958 sidering I don’t get up until 10:30AM, for kids and music that almost drowns out takes me an hour or two to get ready… the recitations from the mosques. When I asked Rich via skype 7 years ago if he’d JULIAN P. DONAHUE: The year 2015 was then it is time for lunch and dinner, and like to come live in Dhaka, he asked what packed with adventure and change. In I am off to bed by 6:30PM, my days are it was like. I answered: “It’s awful, and April Kathy and I spent 27 days in India on a totally PACKED!! A couple of months ago you’ll love it.” And we have. As CFO of birding trip to western Arunachal Pradesh my son took some of my artwork to La the American Intl School he has been in near the Bhutan and Chinese borders, Cour and the owner loved it and hence a position to serve the whole community, one of the places where China invaded my art show. Dan as many of you know, and as a “trailing spouse” I’ve been free India in late 1962. We birded Eaglenest is a wonderful Guitar player and some to mix in and feel one with the school Wildlife Sanctuary, looking for (and find- of you have his CDs. He and I even did world of staff, teachers, aides and bear- ing) the recently described and very rare a duet. The rest of the hours in my day ers. By tutoring kids, and at times being Bugun Liocichla, along with several other have mostly been consumed with time on designated photographer for plays, con- long sought-after Himalayan birds. Day the web pages of the Veterans, especial- certs and other events, I’ve become part trips from Dirang took us up to Se La (Sela ly those with PTSD. I became involved, of the family of AISD, and departure will Pass), elevation 13,700 feet, where Blood and found the time I spent with them not be easy. In my other time, there has and Himalayan Monal Pheasants were very rewarding. I hope I have helped been such deep needs to fill that I’ve among the spectacular birds new to us. some of them, and with others we just been kept busy being involved with the We concluded the trip with a return visit become friends. Through these contacts, slum schools, and safe houses for women, to Kaziranga National Park, to see once I was put in touch with Steve Moon, who and even becoming entrepreneurial in so- again the spectacular Indian One-horned is releasing a new movie at the end of cial enterprise clothing designs! I’ve had Rhinoceros and Water Buffalo—and some the year about PTSD. He has sent me the a photo exhibit, written my first Person- birds. After living for 41 years in our first script and it will be great. Some pretty al Essay, and am now embarking on what and only house, the historic Pilot House famous actors are in the movie, “OUT will be my finale, a quilt. Such a pleasure in Los Angeles, California, we decided it OF THE FIGHT” too. Sunday night I have after the hard work of the other endeav- was time for a change—a big change. Un- planned a special night for the vets, their ours. We return to a newly rebuilt cot- like others of our age, we chose to upsize families, friends, etc. in the Denver area tage in the Oakland Hills. The same place rather than downsize—we needed more and beyond and will have a name drawn we were married in 40 years ago, long space for all our “stuff” that was too pre- so that one soldier will receive a piece of before we knew it would be our home. cious to part with. So in July we packed my art…Until next time…hope this finds Seems appropriate to complete the circle up and moved to the Sonoran Desert in you well, and happy and deep into plans of time, Asia to Asia, and Merriewood to the Catalina Foothills of Tucson, Arizona, for our next class reunion. You Washing- Merriewood. Our new address will be in where the air is cleaner, traffic conges- ton people, see you then. Oakland, California. We will have a guest tion is virtually non-existent, the views Kothi and welcome visitors! and weather are far more exciting, and DONALD BURGE: Sometimes I think it the resident wildlife more interesting should be against the law for one man to ANNE BETTS: I moved from Asheville NC and abundant: deer, javelinas, antelope have so much fun. And all at one time. to Augusta, GA on March 1 to be nearer to and ground squirrels, and lots of inter- After finishing the surgeries for my fourth my family – my brother Gene lives here esting birds. The native vegetation is also cancer in January I thought to take a with his wife Margie & family. I am at Au- appealing, with Saguaro and four other break, but instead was scheduled to have gusta, GA still working from home. Last species of native cactus on the proper- surgery to remove tumors (likely benign) week was my first experience of the Mas- ty. Landscaping and gardening are also in my parathyroid. Had to delay that, ters week when those that can rent their very different—no longer can we have all however, because I have a heart valve homes or just take vacation to get out the hibiscus and other subtropical that needs to be replaced first, but that’s of town. I live only 2 miles from the golf that graced our frost-free Los Angeles on hold as well because we have to take course and noticed much heavier traffic. property, for it actually freezes here in a closer look at the new brain tumor Since I was in the office working, it did Tucson! We’re now looking forward to that’s impinging on my vision. The worst not affect me much. Next year I hope joining Grace Bunker (’59) in planning part of it all is that I have severe trigger to be able to rent. Has been interesting and hosting the Kodai ’59 Reunion here thumb on my writing hand. Other than learning to get around in a new town af- in Tucson, November 11-14, 2016—this is that things are fairly well settled (expect ter so many years in Asheville. an open reunion for all classes, Kodaiite for the wind and dust) here in the desert or not, as well as people associated with southwest where a hum-drum life is to be CARLISTA HENRY RADLOVE: Nothing big Woodstock. expected. to report but I continue to share a home with my daughter and my two grandsons, Registration and additional information di- MARILYN STENGER WATSON loves being rectly from Grace: [email protected]; back in Asia for these past few years. Ban- ages 8 and 10 now. I’ve become a soc- phone 1-(520) 308-4329. gladesh has probably not changed (for the cer grandma as both boys are enthusias-

Class News Magazine • 31 tic “footies” and both play and watch as ship of Auntie Powell. Yes, we were Jan- high tenor. And now comes the request of much as possible. I’ve also learned more et Newbigin, Donald Thompson, Steven news for the 115th! In-between Uta Plock than I knew I wanted to know about Mine- Lowry, Alice Tegenfeldt and surely others. and I jubilee our class reunion 50th from craft, Star Wars, Star Trek, American Nin- I remember tutoring Donald in reading 1962 in 2012. Uta made photos and add- ja Warriors and other interests they pur- Spot and Sally running after the ball, that ed a text then, I will revise it for 2016! sue. They are both doing well in school little German guy from Penryn, just en- And David Piet visited me with Nancy in and are a joy to be around. I don’t travel rolled in June teaching Donald spelling in May 2013. We sure enough hadn’t seen as well or as much as I’d like but usually October. I am sure, in those first 4 years one another since 53 years! David said, get to the Maryland/ Delaware beaches we were more, but only you may be sure don’t wait that long again! We revisited once or twice a season. My interests con- about the exact times. We were Patrick them in North Carolina in October 2014 – tinue to be reading British cosy and other Jackson, Sharon Seamands, Kenneth De- just didn’t want to wait. I had tried our mysteries, listening to all kinds of music, long, Mike Hargis, Sylvia Zigler, Uta Plock class reunion 1962-2012, some of us did cooking Indian and other spicy foods, cro- (German), Elisabeth Gensichen (German) write, many addresses failed, Uta sim- cheting, colouring either on my Kindle or and surely others more. And Hans, from ply jumped from Munich to Hamburg, we in my collection of adult colouring books, downtown Penryn the youngest among 15 took a mini drink – and David popped up a and spending time with my siblings and other Germans from class 1 to 12. And all year later. But if you feel like or wish to their families. I try to walk as much as lady teachers in grade school from Auntie write about yourself for the yearbook to possible but still have some knee prob- Campbell, Mrs. Root and Miss Dennison the 115th Jubilee – or our 55th graduation lems and a little peripheral neuropathy of all downstairs classes in the quad. I jubilee i.e. next year, feel free. In Ger- from diabetes. skipped 5th and 6th grade back in Germa- man, there’s a saying that twin numbers ny due to the health of my father. Back of coming of age like 55 is a good reason SARA ANN EMERSON LOCKWOOD shared in 1957, Mr. Krause just slipped me back to have a good drink. Eine Schnapszahl. with me (Martha Thompson Wilcox) her into grade 7, upstairs finally! And then Cheers for 2017! 5-page Saga of their move from the fam- pop up new names: Judy Ford, Daniel Da- ily home in Milton MA to Whidbey Island vis, Elisabeth Dunderdale, Kathy Hagen, UTA PLOCK: After graduation from Kodai in Puget Sound – the selling of the house, Richard Johnson, Ted Adams, Peter Lars- I came to Germany and worked on getting the removal of their children’s thing, say- son, Don ide, Jo Scold, Daniel Davis, Di- integrated here. I found out that, coming ing good bye to long-time friends, pack- ane Davies, all the Davids Heusinkveldt, from India, you always remain a little bit ing the 28-foot u-pack truck, and settling Malaiperuman, Tenney, and last but not “different”. – I am physician and psycho- into a new home. least David Piet, Carol Wallin, Carol analyst (still working in private practice). Grubbs, Janice Wybourn. I am sure I for- I am married and have two daughters NANCY NYKERK KLEINHEKSEL continues to got someone. We knew a lot of each oth- (now 43 and 46) and one granddaughter live in the Denver area. As usual she says er, with deep friendships, some till today. (11 years old). – I visited India (includ- “I don’t have much news.” I do know that All in all, we had different times at Kodai: ing KIS) in 1996 and 2011. Over the years she has once again run one of the Denver a term, a year, grade school, junior high, I saw some of our classmates, teachers area 9 Cares Health Fair. This is a very high school. Some had almost the whole and former missionaries every once in a valuable program and requires a great stretch of 12 steps, like me. Then after while. Most “often” (maybe 4 or 5 times?) deal of work. She says she is not doing it 1962 we were all scattered or dispersed I met Alice Tegenfeldt and Hans Speck next year. We’ll see. or chased over the globe – and lost some (Hans-Martin). As a matter of fact, I met tracks. I corresponded with Judy Ford, Hans-Martin a few weeks ago (in 2012!) in MARTHA WILCOX has had a fabulous re- Richard Johnson, Uta Plock and David his house in Hamburg – our German 50th tired year working half time. She is the Piet. I picked up the connection to Ko- Graduation Anniversary! tech and teaches one class. She has done dai with a Volkswagen minibus 1970/71 a great deal of travel as well; however, cross-country from rich Germany to poor MAJ-KRISTIN SVEDLUND: I am happy to vis- that has come to a temporary stop be- South India. It is such a long way, ten it Kodaikanal for a few days. We left the cause her husband, John, had 2 torn ret- thousand km just from border to border, Swedish School in November 1958 where inas. We are booking trip for next fall. and all those languages, foods, temples I and my three sibling studied during the Over 2015 she has been to the Mediterra- of all world religions. It sparked me to years 1951-1958. We have been so very nean, Ecuador, Galapagos and Vienna for study religion all my life, till now back to lovingly received and guided. After grad- a few weeks just to name a few. We are the bible in the version of Odia – of my uation, I became a Physiotherapist and hoping to have a reunion next year. Are second resort Orissa in those long vaca- then a Christian school Principal in Swe- there any volunteers? tions, my vacation dialect. What was that den, and now I am retired. My brother saying? Once India always India! We were and his wife and my husband and I have HANS-MARTIN SPECK-RIBBAT: Dear class- invited by Paul Wiebe, Principal till 2001, started to support the work our parents mates, dear friends, as a German citizen one of those brutonites class of 1956 with started in Bihar. It is still a well-func- having been integrated into Germany my eldest brother Siem. Come over as tioning power “missionary station “with since 1962, I am used to capitalize ev- volunteers, share teaching with the mul- a school, a hostel, a church and an ag- ery noun like “Classmates” or “Friends”, ticultural international school staff. Fran- ricultural and village development work but writing to you brings me back to the ziska and I jumped on the (steam engine among the started people. India remains olden times in Kodai and good old English driven) train, took Jenny 15 and Martin 11 our second home land. spelling. Hello wherever you are, greet- along, lived at Furzbank January to June ______ings from Hans way off in Hamburg. A 2001, taught social education by guiding request from KIS for the next yearbook various newly created projects, English is my motive to send you some thoughts as a second language in middle school and CLASS OF 1963 about me. I was one of the younger ones Christianity for seniors. Jenny and Martin JOHN MALAIPERUMAN: My daughter, Al- in our class of 1962, but in terms of being enjoyed sports and music. Again, it was ice, in Germany, is pregnant with our ‘Kodaized’, I feel like one of the elder a jubilee, the 100th and sure enough, fourth grandchild - so we still have a lot ones. Yes, I really was taken up in 1st Alice Tegenfeldt, Jim Hestand and Cathy of catching up with you to do! Two of our grade 1951, the 50th jubilee of Highclerc Eicher joined the celebration. I joined in grandchildren live in Cornwall and an- School. I surely remember that little with a male quartet in the centennial, other nearby in Somerset. I managed to class with little chairs under the grandma myself since those days an enthusiastic catch up with Stanley Braisted after 56 32 • Class News Magazine years when he was passing by our neck of man and I keep in touch, both being in lie (son) and Tegan (daughter), and Elliot the woods. It was great to see him again the UK, but have been too busy to get and Rachel live in Los Angeles, about and meet his wife, Debbie. In his honour together lately. Hopefully we’ll get to- 30 minutes away with Harry and Simon I laid a tablecloth from my 12th birthday gether sometime this year. There’s noth- (twins). Penny and I are looking forward party on which my friends had signed ing much to add to last year’s update for to a European river cruise this fall. their names and my mother had hand em- me, other than my wife and I moved into MANN: I retired from my part-time broidered their signatures - Stan’s includ- a larger house in January a few miles teaching position with the department of ed...I am keeping myself fully employed north of Cambridge (UK), to make room electrical engineering at the Montgomery as a conservation architect surveying and for my growing library. I’m still working College at the end of last school year. It repairing ancient buildings for various cli- on my book about the British in the Mid- has been now almost a year of being fully ents. I am fully occupied on the conserva- dle East during World War I (including T.E. retired and a year of pure bliss. The first tion of historic buildings, and this week I Lawrence, et al), with ten chapters done thing I did was to take a 10,000-mile road had a very interesting day surveying Jane and 350 pages, and am working on what I trip across and around the USA. Stopped Austen’s house in Chawton, Hampshire hope will be the last chapter. My wife and briefly to visit Jeff Hewitt and hiswon- where she lived until 1817. Recent proj- I are looking forward to my finishing it, so derful wife, Pam, in Madison, then went ects have been Winchester Castle ruins, we can do some traveling and I can get north to Seattle to visit the Engelbrechts, a derelict brewery, various churches, and away from my computer. My three kids then down the coast to visit my sister and an old building in Portsmouth made from are getting older (35, 43 and 46), as are my son and family, through the Rockies, 18th-century ships’ timbers, including a my four grandchildren (8, 8, 11 and 14), across the Midwest, and back to the DC cannon ball rack! I love it - especially but I’m not. I turned 70 last September area. Such a great road trip; I may do when I climb up through the belfry to the and am looking forward to being 71 years another one this year. A few years ago I top of a medieval church tower like I did young this year. My how time flied when picked my old violin, fixed it up, and start- yesterday.... I am also working on a castle you’re having fun, eh? ed taking serious lessons. Now I play lots in Wales and Gilbert White’s 18th-century of music in orchestras, chamber groups, house in Selborne (he’s the man who has MICKEY IVY DAVIS: Surprisingly, I enjoy folk concerts, dances, and just in jams. I been called the father of ecology, ethol- being 70! I feel like I can finally do what have fond memories of Mario di Giorgio, ogy, and phenology - (ask me if you don’t I want and it doesn’t matter what peo- my Kodai violin teacher, and I feel that know what these are!). No plans to retire ple think. This past year my husband if he could hear me now, he would jump yet. Do you remember the time we were and I took our daughter and her family up, put on his dancing shoes, and shout on stage together? You were the waitress, on cruise up the West Coast and final- for joy. I was a terrible student of his. and I was the customer, and you served ly got to visit Alcatraz (the government Music has become a big part of my life. In me cat pie (actually pumpkin pie) which was closed the last time we were in San February I got back from a five-week trip made me collapse on stage. DBG was the Francisco, and so was Alcatraz). Then in to India. It has been 25 years since I have surgeon who apparently removed a live Dec. we went with my sister Diane (Ko- been there and that was a very short vis- cat (Mr. Hamm’s) from my stomach (be- dai class of ‘65) and her husband to the it. The five weeks even seemed too short, hind a sheet). Good performance by the south-western Caribbean. We saw the but a good start. My primary purpose was four of us if I remember!! new locks under construction at the Pana- to visit people of my past mission field ma Canal, heard howler monkeys in Costa life and spend time in Kodai, sort of an APRIL DENNIS LYON: A lot has been going Rica, and I swam with stingrays on Grand experimental trip just to see what may on in my life lately, most of it good! Af- Cayman. So great! At other times we happen. I spent a lot of time with Clar- ter I lost my husband of 42 years sudden- took local tours of the wind turbines near ence Maloney, who is volunteering at Ko- ly in Dec. of 2012 I spent the next three Palm Springs, went on a covered wagon dai School to develop and implement an years continuing to work and learning ride to the San Andreas fault (talk about environment management system for the how to cope without him. I have worked bumpy – how did those pioneers do it??), school and expanding the program to oth- as an international flight attendant first and went on a few day trips. Guess I’ve er schools, something that is really need- for Pan Am, 21 years, and then Delta for got the travel bug…bad! I’m still writing ed in Kodai. He is really doing a great job the last 24. I finally decided I had had articles for law enforcement magazines, in getting the kids to think about waste enough and have retired as of March 1. have finished another middle school-age and how to deal with it. While In Kodai I have not however lost my love of trav- book that I’ve just started sending out I also met up with the Class of 1966 on el! There are still many places left on to publishers, and am a senior volunteer their 50- year class reunion. They were my bucket list and fortunately I have with the local fire department (I have a very kind to invite me to share in some of lifetime free travel benefits! I also have uniform and badge so look out!). As far their activities. Recently Clarence got me met a wonderful man who wants to share as special occasions, my husband planned to be the Alumni Coordinator for DC Met- traveling, golf, volunteer work and life my 70th birthday in Las Vegas in a fancy ro Area and beyond. So, if you are local, with me. I am spending the winter near suite, and we celebrated our 50th anni- you may hear from me again soon. And Naples Florida and will be in Connecticut versary in a cozy cabin in San Francisco if you are in this area stop by and stay the rest of the year. I have 4 grandkids with both of our children, their spouses, awhile. I have space. now, my daughter has a 5- year-old and a and our four grandchildren. So yep, it’s 9-month-old and my son has 2 children, 3 been a good year, and I’m thankful for DAVID PIET: 2015 was a very good year! and 5 years old. All doing well! I was in every minute. While overseas work in public health India last March. I have a good friend who eluded us, we shifted our focus to trav- runs a school for poor village children in REG GIPSON: Penny and I will not be able el, both internationally and domestically, Bodhgaya. Also spent ten days touring Sri to attend the Kodai reunion this year, but as well as concentrating on a variety of Lanka, a beautiful country and people. for happy reasons. Lots of family and ex- volunteer opportunities here in our area Hoping to travel to India with my new tended family weddings, reunions, grand- of North Carolina. David’s 70th birthday friend soon. So, life is good for me, I have kids’ visits etc. which has more than was celebrated in style with a trip to his my health except for needing a knee re- strained my vacation days and our travel beloved “Mother India” in February. The placement, which hopefully will allow budget. We have three sons. Chris and Liz journey started in Tamil Nadu with vis- me to get back to tennis live in Dallas, Texas with daughters Sara its to Kodai; Kanchipuram; ; and and Emma (twins). Jonathan and Robin further south to Chettinad (the land of DR. MICHAEL BERDINE: John Malaiperu- live in Minnetonka Beach, MN, with Char- the Chettiar business men). We then

Class News Magazine • 33 flew north to Rajasthan to fulfil oneof ter, their spouses, and all six grandchil- more he sees the arts, culture and cre- David’s bucket list items – several days dren live close by right here in Wilmore, ativity as crucial in helping people make touring the world famous Ranthambhore so we get together often. My sister, Sylvia sense of their lives and combat extrem- Tiger Reserve. While a tiger sighting was Seamands (class of ’59) lives in a town ism - as an Honorary Professor at Hong not to be had, the variety of animal and just 5 miles away. Life is good. It doesn’t Kong university he helps run a ‘cultural bird life was incredible. An amazing and seem possible that it’s been 5 years now leadership’ program in that part of the memorable trip! since Sylvia and my younger sister Sandy world and, with some other colleagues, In May we were honoured to be invited to and I made our way back to India after has been running something similar in a Habitat for Humanity Carter Weekend 50 years. Such fond memories, of Kodai, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. After 50 years of (picture) where, with other invitees, we Bangalore, and Belgaum, where I grew living in inner London he recently moved shared time with each other and Presi- up. to a house in the country with a massive dent Carter. We have been drawn to their ______garden just outside Oxford so is also dis- work for many years. It is truly an orga- covering such joys of rural life as garden- nization that lives its mission of providing ing and mountain biking (well - hills, not affordable homes for people throughout Class of 1964 mountains). When he was the political the world. We were grateful for the time advisor in the government’s Department ESTHER (SAUNDERS) SMITH and her hus- we could spend with him as he continues for Culture he got to the west coast of band Jeff, now married for 48 years, have his life’s work. Consequently, we started the US a lot because of the film industry been in Omaha for the past six years, and working with our local Habitat Affiliate by negotiations and he still gets occasionally while there they enjoy being part of the building (David) and working the ReStore to the US, not least because his partner lives of their four grandchildren. They (Nancy). We have both enjoyed being in- Sarah comes from Colorado though, like are inveterate travellers: in 2015 they volved in a variety of “volunteer” oppor- many Kodaites, has spent most of her volunteered in for two weeks tunities here in Fearrington Village, join- life, both as a child and an adult, in far and more recently they returned from a ing clean ups of Jordan Lake (our drinking flung corners of the earth. In 2015 John cruise Istanbul to Venice. By the end of water supply). We sustain our interest was awarded an Order of the British Em- 2017, they hope to visit all the national in global health by attending area glob- pire (OBE) for “services to the arts and parks in the lower 48. When not on the al health seminars and workshops at the creative industries”. His elder daughter, road Esther stays busy with activities re- University of North Carolina and Duke Eleanor, is a senior lecturer at the School lated to being a Master Gardener, and a and by interacting with students from the of Oriental and African Studies in London Stephen Minister. Jeff recently returned area. Volunteering has been particularly - her specialty being Indian constitutional to work as the interim administrator for a rewarding. history, so is now the fourth generation of state veteran’s home. When not engaged We both stay very active with a variety his family to have succumbed to the se- in full time work he enjoys volunteering of physical activities and challenges and ductive charms of India. The last time he with the local Medicare help desk, keep- are happy to report that, thankfully, we was in Kodai (a few years ago) was with ing active with Rotary and their church, are staving off old-agedum. 2015 was his two daughters, but he also did a trip and helping a Karin refugee family. another good year for David who par- not long ago with his two surviving sis- ticipated in a number of triathlons. His ters, Margaret and Janet. JOHN NEWBIGIN has not been heard from year was capped when he spent a “guy’s for a long time, so his reported activities weekend” in Milwaukee, WI where he and GORDON BELL: “With oldest grandson include a lifetime! He was a street youth Mike competed in the Age Group Nation- driving and five more following fast worker in east London, a writer-in-resi- al Championships, the season-ending tri- behind, fiftieth wedding anniversary dence for a radical theatre company, a athlon which draws participants from all around the corner and Donald Trump speechwriter for assorted politicians and over the United States. 2016 promises to the “presumptive” GOP candidate for Prime Ministers, Head of Public affairs for provide further opportunities to keep him President, it ain’t 1964! Life has blown Channel 4 (the UK’s second public service challenged and in shape! Nancy continues by so quickly with so many blessings of broadcaster) and he did a lot of work for her gym sessions, hiking neighbourhood family, career and experiences we find Tony Blair’s Labour government on iden- trails and as much time as possible on her ourselves--Thankful!” He is very excit- tifying the ‘creative industries’ as a key new Specialized Vita Sports bike. ed about the chance to work with David part of the British economy. Since then 2016 is off to a fast start but we still ha- Yardy: classmate, Free Methodist Mission he has been on a bit of a mission about ven’t figured out how to slow time down! comrade and one-time roommate at Clan creativity and culture in the UK and in- Again, our calendars continue to fill with Cullen, in the continuing expansion of ternationally, and he is chair of an orga- new opportunities and exciting adven- Umri Christian Hospital in Yavatmal Dis- nization called ‘Creative England’ (www. tures. If any of you are down our way trict in India. The hospital, begun by Da- creativeengland.co.uk) that supports please stop by for a visit we’d love to see vid’s parents, Dr. Paul and Jessie Yardy, creative businesses working in film, TV, you. Health, happiness, joyful living and and where Gordon’s parents pitched in as video games, and digital media in gen- life’s little pleasures continue to be with Board members for many years, contin- eral. He still travels to India quite a lot each of you. ues to server over 30,000 people a year. – he’s on the international board of a bril- Gordon and David are involved with the liantly brave and innovative art, design SHEILA LOVELL, Class Rep: I turned 70 in Hospital’s “Arise and Build” five-year de- and technology university in Bangalore January but don’t really feel it. I’m still velopment plan. The goal is to put God’s and helped with the launch of a ‘South working half-time for Asbury Theological love in action through enhanced quality Asia Children’s Cinema Forum’ that’s sup- Seminary, doing lots of writing of donor of care and to expand the hospital reach porting the production and distribution letters, video scripts, press releases, to better serve the people of Yavatmal of high quality kids’ films in nine coun- dedication litanies, etc. etc., as well and Adilabad Districts. As Gordon writes, tries (but mainly India). Also involved in as heading up the grants office, writing this is “an exciting, full circle opportuni- a great epic, in Bengali, about grant reports and proposals. In addition, ty to link beginnings and twilight years.” the life of Hason Raja - a famous 19th I also work as Lovell Editing Services, co- century Muslim ‘zamindar’ who fell in py-editing books, and articles, as well as BETH (GRUMM) KROGER has been keep- love with a Hindu girl and became a sufi working a few hours a week for a local ing busy during her retirement by writing – a film that is particularly relevant to- non-profit start up, writing and editing and editing for non-profit organizations. day as Bangladesh threatens to slide into website articles, etc. My son and daugh- Currently she is on the small publications the grip of jihadis. The older he gets the 34 • Class News Magazine team for Bethania Kids (a Christian orga- TOM JOHNSON’s son Joel is the Associate Cultural Consultant for the Mission. Part nization founded by the Hennig, Granner Head Coach of the University of Minneso- of the purpose of the latter position is to and Dhanapal families for India’s need- ta Women’s Hockey team which recently help local churches meaningfully reflect iest children, with 18 care centres, or- won the NCAA Division 1 National Cham- the diversity of their community. He is a phanages, rehab centres and women’s pionship. This is the sixth time since 2004 Qualified Administrator of the Intercul- empowerment centres). She’s also clerk that they have won the championship and tural Development Inventory (IDI) which of her Episcopal church vestry, involved they have won four of the last five years. assesses and develops the intercultural with Villa International Atlanta, and an He has been part of the coaching staff for skills of individuals and groups. Sherrill enthusiastic planner for our Kodai class all six titles. Also he has been the Head and David make regular trips to India. reunions (including a 2013 reunion in Coach of the Under 18 Women’s Nation- In February Gordon Bell joined David in Kodai and an upcoming 2017 reunion in al Team (the pre-Olympic Development Central India and visited the city where Portland). Her son helps to keep her an- Team) for the last two years and has won Gordon spent part of his childhood and chored. Gold Medals in the International Compe- where Umri Christian Hospital is now tition both years. Tom and his wife Ei- opening an extension clinic. Gordon has CYRIL SCOTT-PLESSINGER writes that leen are enjoying retirement, with some become a valuable consultant for the de- her mother died on April 12, 2016, eight consulting work to keep Tom busy, trav- velopment of Umri Hospital. David writes days before her 98th birthday. Siblings eling and watching grandchildren play that he and Sherrill are “taking one year Cathy and Foster were both able to be baseball, hockey, lacrosse and volleyball. at a time and creating space to jump out with their mother when she died. Cyr- as circumstances may warrant.” il’s mother valiantly resisted attempts to DAVID JAMES lives in Audubon, Pennsyl- move her out of her home, but in late vania, at his family home. He had been MYRA (VOGT) DANIELSON is working on 2015 she suffered a stroke and the end of the primary caregiver for his father who a major family history project: creating March, 2016 she fell and had to move to a died on August 8, 2014 (Hiroshima Day), a Shutterfly photobook on her moth- nursing home. Cyril’s two boys and three about a year after he suffered a debili- er’s side of her family history. Myra and grandchildren remain an important part tating stroke. David continues his respon- husband Larry went camping in yurts at of her life and help keep her focused. sibilities to his family as executor for his Spruce Wood Provincial Park, Manitoba. father’s will. Other than it being a very hot week they STEVE DONALDSON: Since the release had a wonderful time and decided to go of “The Last Dark,” the conclusion of EILEEN (STAAL) WESTENBERG and hus- back the following year. They also spent “The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant,” band Harlan are enjoying retirement. a few days in Ontario and enjoyed a num- in 2013, Steve has published one book: They moved from California to Portland, ber of Shakespeare plays at Stratford. “The King’s Justice: Two Novellas” (2015 Oregon to be near their three daugh- Myra is donating her time to redesign her in the US, forthcoming in the UK in June ters and their families (including three church website which she finds keeps her 2016). They are two very different fan- beautiful granddaughters). Their grand- out of trouble for many hours. tasy novellas, “The King’s Justice” (of daughter Tatum attends the school where course) and “The Augur’s Gambit.” Now Vije Sathyaraj and his wife (former Ko- CARL SKOLD is still in the process of re- he is working on a trilogy with the provi- dai staff) teach. Eileen and Harlan enjoy tiring from his one-person business. The sional title, “The Library War.” Barring hosting friends and family when they person he is training to do his manufac- unforeseen editorial objections, the first come to Portland to visit, and look for- turing seems to be doing a good job, so book will be called “Seventh Decimate.” ward to their worldwide travels a couple he hopes soon to be out of the lab com- of times a year. pletely. As he eases into retirement, he MARGARET DUNDERDALE LAVER and hus- is getting to do more hiking and more band Tom continue to enjoy a relatively DON SQUIRES writes that he and his wife gardening, and some travel. He and his quiet retirement in , where there “continue to be happy in the State of wife Karen’s spiritual home is their local is always a wide variety of cultural events Grace commonly known as retirement.” Unitarian Universalist church, where they to keep them occupied. Their travel He has been housebound for three years both sing in the choir. They also spend these past two years has been mainly to tending largely to his mother who passed two weeks each summer in the redwoods visit their elder son, Mark and his family in the fall of 2015 at the age of 97 af- at a Unitarian Universalist family camp. in Grinnell, Iowa, where Mark is an assis- ter a full and happy life. Don’s eldest son For the last few years, they have been tant professor in the music department married in November 2015 and Don was celebrating their anniversary by going to at Grinnell College. They wish they lived honored to officiate. They announced a a national park for a week. They have closer to Iowa so they could see more of first pregnancy recently which will turn been to Sequoia and Kings Canyon a few their granddaughter Nora (3 1/2), and to Don into another State of Grace known as times. Last year they went to Zion and welcome Nora’s sibling in the fall. Their grandparenthood. His younger son works loved it, so they are headed back there younger son, John, just defended his PhD on a high-tech drone (photography/rec- in 2016. Carl has gone to the Caribbean thesis in the Department of Molecular reational and definitely not weaponized!) a couple of times for snorkelling, and he Genetics at University of Toronto, so they for a San Francisco Bay area start-up. and Karen are looking at Hawaii for their are now the proud parents of two Doctors With his wife Marsha he just returned next anniversary trip. of Philosophy. from a month in Mexico, seeing the Mon- arch Butterfly migration (just two days MARY (COLEMAN) LOWRY and her husband HELEN KLINE enjoys living in Vancouver, before a freak snowstorm killed approx- David have returned to New Orleans to British Columbia. Son Ryan and Ashley imately ten million!); then a couple of retire, knowing that their children (who expect their own first child at the end of lovely weeks in Guanajuato and two more grew up there) will always want to come May. All three sons, including Karl, live in Pasquaro for Holy Week celebrations. visit them. Mary continues to work during in Vancouver. Other interests are editing tax season as a CPA. She keeps busy the academic papers, gardening, and walking DAVID YARDY and his wife Sherrill con- rest of the time pricing books for the with friends. This summer she turns 70 tinue to live in Indianapolis and work for Symphony Book Fair, serving as Treasurer and is celebrating with a trip to Europe in Free Methodist World Missions. In 2013 for Kodai Friends International, reading, July with friends. This includes visiting in David stepped down from being the Area gardening, and practicing yoga. Prague with graduate students she taught Director for Asia and now his job is split English to, at the University of Minnsot between India and serving as the Cross

Class News Magazine • 35 Join the Shola Society

Ways to leave a legacy for KIS • Life insurance • Retirement Fund • Real Estate • Charitable gift annuity

36 • Class News Magazine Class of 1965 lie Eidus, Marsha Henry, Ron Mitchell, bond between people who have shared Ron Pennington, Richard Brooks, Radha such a unique experience as boarders in CAROLINE (HOLMES) SOMERVILLE, for- Chandrasekhar. We are grateful for these the beautiful setting of Kodaikanal. I was merly Carol Holmes, and her husband letters of regret and response on the oc- only there for 18 months but have dis- Richard feel blessed enjoying their eighth casion of our class 50th anniversary. tinct memories of that time, the experi- year of retirement in The Woodlands, ences that I had, and the people I met. Texas, north of Houston, where they love HELGA KOLB: I noticed that I was list- I too am delighted to be in touch with babysitting their two-year-old grandbaby ed as living in Germany, when it´s really Sherry Means via Facebook after all this who lives nearby. Vienna, Austria. I remember our world time. We both were living in Burma when Serving as an officer for the local, then history book (in 7th grade?) listed Bee- we first went there, and later I travelled district, Texas Retired Teachers Associa- thoven and Mozart as great “German” from Afghanistan. Thanks for keeping the tion for the last four years has also kept composers, and I was so annoyed I wrote news coming - it takes real time & effort her busy. Now she’s looking forward to my first formal letter in English to the to do that and it’s much appreciated! being president of the Women of the editor of that school book, requesting a Warmest regards. Woodlands club where she enjoys a vari- correction. Mozart was definitely Austri- ety of fun activities. an. Although the answer was disappoint- LUCY DAVID: So Sweet that regrets are ing, that letter was a big step for me. The forwarded to all. I’ve never been to Camp TIM LOMPERIS and his wife Ana Maria are Kodai environment made that possible - I K either because of my daughter’s birth- in their second year of retirement living don´t think an Austrian school teacher day. But this year she and her family are in Maryville, TN, where they are build- would have encouraged me. Just one of going out of town that weekend, so why ing a house close to their daughter and the things I am thankful for Kodai. not fly to PA ? Not flying thru Chicago so two grandchildren. Tim writes occasional maybe I’ll really get there. Having spent op-ed pieces for the local paper, and is CATHY SCOTT-KOCH: What a wonderful only one year in Kodai, I question my mo- working on a screenplay, with a Holly- experience we had in Kodai and that we tives for going, but every experience over wood producer, based on his memoir of all keep in contact (one way or another) the years with old Kodai friends has been his two tours in . so many years later. So sorry to say that positive and I think the diversity of what I will not be there for the next reunion people have experienced in their lives is ______over Labour Day. However, what a privi- very compelling. Plus, I loved all my Ko- lege it is to know that you will be togeth- dai friends. I question more going to my Class of 1966 er and that our thoughts will bind us (as Maryland 50th HS reunion. I have kept up always). with very few of them and feel not much Our class has 63 names. 27 graduated, of compelling to make me go back there. which 7 are deceased (Barb Ford, Irene There are times when we find our lives My parents died 20 and 30 years ago and Naumann, Mike Major, Judy Berthelson, drifting and need to appreciate the I have only been back once since then. Kathy Ide, Pat Vandegrift, Sandra Norris) fact that we will still remain in touch Living in Iowa kind of puts the damper so 56, of which 14 have not yet replied. and share all those experiences which on as well. But I’m really glad I decided We were pleased that 11 class members shaped our lives. I will be with you all in (finally) to show up! David Klontz, I can’t joined the 50th anniversary in Kodaikanal thought during the time of remembrance imagine being inserted into 6th grade and in February 2016 and we are looking for- and partings in those beautiful surround- baseball with no idea what was what. ward to meeting others at Camp K this ings which do remind us of days spent in Sorry for you. Guess those experiences weekend. We have announcements from boarding school. Mixed feelings for some are “character building”. I could have 12- Robert Hammond (NY), Lucy David to be sure! For myself, they certainly done with a few less of those, myself. (IA), Lyn Krause (CA), Charlie Franklin helped in many ways to never feel alone See the rest of you soon. I’m excited! (CA), Kris Riber (MN), Maureen AungTh- or doubt our capacity for success (or put win (NY), Bob Coleman (FL), Terri Oliver it off until tomorrow as we used to say). SHERRY PITTMAN: While I will not be join- (PA), Gabby Pagin (OH), Toni Stepanek Love to all. ing you for the 50 reunion, I think we are (MA), Sam Turner (MS) and Joe Rittmann all tied together in a unique way and are (MN) are coming. DALE GRONBERG: I am also to be placed so fortunate to have had a shared time We have regrets from 15- Cathy Scott on the “won’t be attending” list but together. Tonight watching the clos- (France), Adrienne Cotton (New Zealand), would like to add my affirmation that we ing of the Olympics I am thankful it has Steve Seamands (KY), Sharon Means (VA), are uniquely tied together by our shared closed peacefully. I think all of us know Einar Kvaran (AZ), David Carner (MS), Phil experiences of Kodai. I would also like to how our youth experiences abroad and Koszarek (MS), David Klontz (FL), David give a huge thanks to Joe for maintain- know how we lived with those differenc- Oberdorfer (KS), Anne Ferguson (OH. Ko- ing “the list” (e-mail addresses) and in so es and the influence of those years im- dai Feb), Lynette Shaw (OR. Kodai Feb), doing keeping us all within reach of each pacted our families and communities in Rani Vandeberg (TX), Kathy Schneck (FL), other. I particularly enjoyed Sherry’s PS which we live. I love that Adrienne and Ron Koepke (Monroe LA), and Helga Kolb regarding kids going to school today vs. I are FB friends 48 years later. A person’s (Austria). how we did it in Kodai. My own trips in- riches are in their friends and experienc- We haven’t heard yet from 11- Nita Fir- volved a train from Bandel (30 miles es. Class of 1966 is RICH. A big thanks to mage (OH), Bev Peck (PA), Jennifer Grant north of Calcutta) to start the trip, a nice those who keep our Kodai School link. PS. (CA. Kodai Feb), Roger Thompson (Ko- plane ride to Madras, more train time Can you fathom how we traveled to Kodai dai Feb), Margot Avey (MN), John Shirr- from Madras, ending up on a final bus leg School vs how kids go to school today! A iff (MN), Stan Bissell (CO), Chellie Eaton to Kodai. I think one trip ended in a lorry trunk full of stuff and Triple A Burma and (Canada), Nelson Hoffman, Carolyn Mor- ride. It wasn’t just a trip to school, it was India. gan, Kurt Johnson (FL). We have not yet an adventure!! Wishing you all the best. heard from two others in Europe- Nara- DAVID KLONTZ: Fellow Class of 66 mem- in Mahtani (UK) and Karen Speck (Ger- ADRIENNE WEDGWOOD (NÉE COTTON): Hi bers, so as not to allow myself to remain many). And no idea about 13 (no email) to you all from New Zealand! I wish you on the dreaded “not heard from” list: others: -Tim Lutz (GA) Judy Derr (AL), well for the reunion and can imagine the While I have fond memories of my time Andrea McDearmid, Elaine Josif, Eilene warmth & laughter that awaits those of at Kodai, I also have fond memories of Green, John Blee, James Berdine, Les- you who are attending. There is a special every school I attended (with the excep-

Class News Magazine • 37 tion of Keith Country Day School in Rock- biology and environmental health. We re- over to the next manager and head for ford, Illinois, where I was inserted into cently patented some unique molecular the cottage for a long summer vacation. 6th grade upon returning from India in biology teaching tools together. I enjoy the middle of the year and was expect- designing curriculum and I am particular- PAUL HEUSINKVELD: We began the year ed to play baseball, of which I was not ly interested in communicating climate in Brussels and moved back to Washing- even aware prior thereto, and to keep up change information, thinking about the ton DC in August. We have been blessed in Latin halfway through the school year planet and wanting the best for future to continue being a close family in spite when, again, I had no prior clue as to the generations. of our travels and many moves. We have existence of that language), and have been able to create a home - especially declined to attend any reunions or other BOB RUSHTON enjoys his summers while thanks to Michelle – wherever we are and post-school get-togethers of any kind. I sailing aboard the M.Y. “Hornblower Too” gather our brood to celebrate the holi- hope that all who do attend these get-to- as Skipper with his first class crew. When days or just be a family. Kristin, lives in gethers, including the upcoming Kodai not providing Sunday afternoon cruises Oslo, Norway and is currently working to one, have a great time. for local choirs, they explore the North set up a consulting business. Dana, is still Atlantic Coast of Nova Scotia with its in graduate school in Leuven, Belgium BOB COLEMAN: Great to hear from you abundant marine life, many unique har- and plans to graduate next summer. She Dale, Sherri and David . . . I agree that bours and rocky shores. Depending on the is primarily interested in sustainability we had many incredible experiences to- occasion, the crew has even been known issues and hopes to work for an NGO or gether in Kodai . . . and it’s so great hav- to break into songs. The “Admiral” says similar organization where she can pur- ing so many friends from 50-60 years ago! she is also pleased with the quiet at home sue her interest. Karl, a junior at Hope David, I remember rooming with you in while the Skipper is gone to sea. In ad- College, is taking courses that he hopes 3rd grade I believe it was - and I think dition to boating, Bob also continues his will lead to a career in the field of eco- your Mom was housemother at the time, musical life as Music Director in a large nomic agriculture. Holly is still at home right? That was around the time that Kirk urban church. Bob attributes his first with us and, this past summer, trans- Lawrence punched me in the nose and I class musical education at Kodai School ferred to George Marshall High School walked (ran?) the other direction. I un- as a major contributing factor to his suc- here in Washington for her senior year. derstand your reluctance to attend a re- cess in his career. Picture: The crew of Michelle is still working at the Depart- union, but it sure would be fun to see you the Motor Yacht “Hornblower Too”: (In ment of State and has promised we will again. Dale, I’m with you on thanking Joe the picture, 2nd from left, front row), retire this coming summer and move to (Pitts) for keeping this all going. It would Holland, Michigan until Karl and Hol- be great to see you again-any chance at LAURA SERVID: Living in Seattle, I am ly graduate from Hope College. I (Paul) another reunion? Sherri, it’s great that self-employed doing work that I love - continue to stay busy with all my various you’re staying in touch with Adrienne and helping people balance their bodies and projects, writing and drawing. the rest of us. I like your line “A person’s themselves for an easier life with less dis- Jennifer and CAM BARBOUR are back at riches are in their friends and experienc- comfort and effort. And I spend time re- GDQ International Christian School in Ti- es.” So true. Looking forward with great alizing the same goals personally. Always rana, Albania...... filling in for another six anticipation to the reunion in a week or open to having Kodai people visit months and leaving our eight grand kids so. Be happy. back in Canada until summer. ______STEPHANIE VANDRICK is a professor of Rhetoric and Language at the University PAUL ZORN and Janet Petri: Since July, of San Francisco, where she has taught Paul has kept busy chairing the math/sta- Class of 1967 for her whole career. She has published tistics/computer science programs. MSCS three academic books and numerous is among the largest departments at St. ELAINE LOMPERIS OLSON: I am retired journal articles and book chapters. She is Olaf, with accompanying bureaucracy from working as an RN now, and have currently working on a book in which she proportional to its size. Janet retired in enjoyed auditing some courses at a local analyses 42 memoirs by former “mission- June. Chief among the year’s pleasures college, having the chaperones for vari- ary kids.” Stephanie has been married is granddaughter Esme Andrea Parrott. ous foreign exchange students stay with for 37 years to Jahan, and has an adult We find Esme cute, charming, and bril- us, belonging to an active square dance daughter, Mariam, who is a lawyer, mar- liant, and marvel at the difference a year group, gardening, biking and friendships ried to another lawyer, and also lives in makes. Anne, Colin, and Esme moved through our local PA Nonbelievers group. San Francisco. from their lovely but tiny Minneapolis We are planning a Road Scholar trip to ______bungalow to pleasant, larger, and clos- Oman in October where we’re looking er to work digs in nearby Hopkins. Lib- forward to seeing Paul and Cecelia Bosch by completed her three-year paediatrics and Mrs. Eloise Bosch. We received our Class of 1968 residency in Cincinnati, moved back to first darling granddaughter last Decem- Minneapolis, and started a new stint as ber and are looking forward to our Ko- ELAINE DELONG MURRAY continues to a neonatology fellow at the University of dai class’ 50th Reunion at Loey Heibert’s enjoy life in the St. Margaret’s Bay area Minnesota. place in Montana next summer. I hope to on Nova Scotia, outside of Halifax. I cel- hear from others in our class who can’t ebrated my 65th birthday this year as did BARBARA DONALDSON and George Walk- attend the reunion through this magazine many in our class. We had family photos er: George works for Tektronix and medium. taken on our property to mark the occa- Barbara is retired but busy. Rebecca is sion and then held a drop in celebration volunteering full time at Rays of Hope KATHLEEN FINLEY VANDIVER (second of 5 at our favorite Indian restaurant in town. Ministries in Navi Mumbai, India. She will children of Ada and Lester Finley, chap- The other big news for now is that I am be there for a year and maybe longer. She lain at Kodai School): I live outside of now a proud grandmother. Phinean Jarvis is helping with office type needs and also Boston, MA USA in an 1830s farmhouse Murray was born on July 9, 2015 and has working with the children, mostly tutor- with a large barn in Lexington. I carpool brought such joy to our lives. (See pho- ing. Nathan is in graduate school at Duke with my engineer husband Kim Sandiver tos) I plan to continue working as Branch University, getting his Masters in Environ- into work at the Massachusetts Institute Manager of the Tantallon Public Library mental Management. of Technology (MIT) where he is profes- and J. D. Shatford Public Library until sor and I work as a scientist-educator in July 2016 and then will hand the reins 38 • Class News Magazine Class of 1962 Class of 1966

Ribbat Class of 1962 & Hamburg Speck David Piet Class of 1963

Robert Rushton Class of 1967 Paul heusingfeld Class of 1968

Class News Magazine • 39 REBECCA TRAUTTMAN: A year ago I met my husband Norm, a seminary stu- and friends, cook and bake. We have two closed my psychotherapy practice in New dent, in the summer of 1974. We were great kids, Frances who is a fire engineer York City, gave up on my 2-hour commute married in 1975 and shortly after that in London and Sandy who is a teacher in each way, and now am enjoying living and moved to Dulce, NM where I taught Edinburgh and a lovely daughter-in-law, working in the beautiful, bucolic town of school on the Jicarilla Apache Indian Res- Clare. If anyone is in the area, get in Kent in the northwest hills of Connecti- ervation. Norm was ordained into the touch. cut. I love being part of a small town Reformed Church in America in 1977 and where I am active with the ambulance we served four congregations before he RICHARD KOSZAREK: I attended Kodai- service of our local volunteer fire depart- retired in 2009. Along the way we had kanal School with both my brothers Philip ment and in the Episcopal Church, where three children: Matt, Annie, and Dan. I and Peter. I am still living in the fami- I can be an occasional substitute organ- stayed at home while they were little, ly home in Juhu Beach, Mumbai. After I ist. Going on long walks in the woods with then gradually moved back into educa- graduated from Kodai School, I attended my daughter Leila’s dog is another plea- tion as they grew older. Currently, I am the University of Richmond in Richmond, sure in living here. The call to return to a kindergarten teacher in North Muskeg- Virginia and returned to India to join India is strong and I hope, someday, to on, MI, hoping to retire in June 2017. We the family business in Bombay and was be able to spend longer periods of time live in a house in the woods where I enjoy posted to Kabul, Afghanistan to Indamer there than the few weeks I enjoy every puttering in my perennial garden and en- Afghan Industries returning back to India few years. tertaining our three grandchildren. For and Indamer Company in Mumbai after ______recreation, Norm and I like to hitch up the Coup in Kabul in 1978 or thereabouts. our T@B trailer and head out for some Whilst visiting my older brother in the sea kayaking trips on the Great Lakes. USA I joined Merrill Lynch in New Orleans Class 1969 Of course, I still have my nose in a book for 2 - 3 years and then returned back whenever possible! Kodai School has had to India (1984-85). I met my Indian wife, KAI BIRD: My wife Susan Goldmark and I a strong influence on my adult life. My Amrita and ran Indamer Company for the live in Washington DC and Miami Beach. experience there was not always positive next 30 years developing a distributor- Basically, I write in Miami and research but I learned independence and my world ship for Beech Aircraft and selling private in Washington DC. My last book was The view has been greatly enlarged due to aircraft and service and maintenance Good Spy and the new project is a biogra- my childhood experiences. I am grateful having trained over 300 engineers and pi- phy of President Jimmy Carter. I’ve been to the staff and students who helped me lots and having a nationwide service and working on it for a year, and perhaps it grow. support services. The business was sold will be done in another three years. Su- in 2008 and I retired and built a mango san is retired from the World Bank. Our ALANA JOHNSON: I continue to teach En- orchard in Alibag where I enjoy planting son Joshua just started a three-year glish at Idaho State University in Pocatel- various fruit trees and return to the City master’s program in industrial design at lo, where I live with my wife Margaret. of Mumbai where I still reside in Juhu. the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. He spent Our kids are all out of the home now. We Wishing Kodai School all the very best all of his high school years in Kathman- haven’t visited Kodai in many years, but and a successful future. Kodai School and du, where we lived from 2007-2011 and I’ll be doing research in India for nine Kodaikanal was a great experience in the then graduated from Skidmore College months (starting in Chennai, actually) 1960’s and I have some very fond memo- in 2015. Unfortunately, he never got to from this November, so I hope to get ries and still keep in touch with some of Kodai. back up to Kodai soon. It’s nice to see old the classmates which is much easier now ______classmates occasionally, though I wish it with the advent of the Internet and Cell were more often. Let’s see . . . We visit- phones. As I remember to call the USA Class of 1970 ed Barb [Murdoch] Henderson and Deane you would book a call sometimes 3 days in British Columbia last summer; Ahmad in advance and to call Kodaikanal School JERILYNG EMERICK MARLER: After many Fatehally and Zoya in Bangalore twice, as from Mumbai if and when my parents did years as a writer, editor, and program well as Param Bedi and Amy; stayed with on occasion would sometimes be thought manager in high tech, I’m now retired Michael Tarr, Aditya and their adorable of as an emergency!! As you were hauled and living in Beaverton, Oregon with twins in Delhi, most recently on a quick out of your class to go to one of the few my husband Dan. I keep my publishing trip in March; and, in 2014, had a mer- phones available on campus at the Bur- company humming (books for military ry meeting with Tim Ramer, Rafiq “Figs” sars office to talk to my parents wonder- children and parents coping with deploy- Yacub, and Dave Tomb at the Pennsylva- ing if there was some crisis. ment), and enjoy activities that involve nia reunion. We were all shocked and sad ______being outdoors: geocaching, hiking, bik- to hear recently of Sita Mehta’s passing; ing, and--yes, I admit it--Pokémon GO. I had a nice visit with her in Mumbai sev- Class of 1972 Our 10-year-old granddaughter lives close eral years ago, and will always remember by so we are a big part of her life, which her kindness. Some of you will remem- JOHN FREISEN - In May 2015 I took an includes swimming and rock climbing. ber my father, Rev. Gerhard “Gay” John- early retirement offer from HP, retiring I always delight in the memories I hold son, who passed away last October and as an IT Infrastructure Project Manager dear about my years at Kodai. Namaste, is greatly missed. My mother’s doing well after 30 years with EDS/HP. Although everyone! and continues to live in Tucson. I hope to still looking for opportunities for work or see some of you on my travels in India ______service, not having the work stress has this year; in the meantime, there’s al- been a welcome relief. Not working al- ways the internet. Class of 1971 lowed me to spend more time with my folks, who were in a nursing home near NANCY AKA LYN NEE RAMER RADFORD: Fresno (same facility as Millie Brandt – MELITA DEKKER SWIER: It’s hard to be- I’m living in Durham, North East England former housemother at Kodai, some may lieve it has been over forty-five years with my husband Giles. After a variety of remember her). My dad passed away the since I left Kodai. Although I am a mem- careers, I am now a mediator and con- last week of January. In 2014 my wife ber of the class of ‘71, I left in 1969 to flict coach, helping people stop argu- and I were fortunate to visit the area move to the Chicago area where I fin- ing and start talking. I love my job and near Hyderabad where my Dad and Mom ished high school and then graduated have enough free time to visit family from college with a teaching degree. I worked. We still live in Poulsbo, WA, but 40 • Class News Magazine now true empty-nesters as both our kids their Mom (Mary Moon Davis—Kodai fac- eternity become more relevant. have moved away; Andrew works for Con- ulty) got together. Their son-in-law ob- cur in Minneapolis and Bethany works in served, “It was just about more Moons TERRY SEATON: It was 2014 rather than accounting in San Francisco. than we could stand!” God is good! 2015 that was momentous for me and mine. In April, having left the BCBS sys- PATRICIA HOLLER: All is pretty much the REBECCA PENNER: Nothing exciting to tem after 33 years, I started at my long- same for me. I’m still in Durango, Colo- report in my “retirement lane”, but I sought position as Life and Health Actuary rado. Still the Catering Chef at the local keep busy. We were over in the big city for the New Mexico Office of the Superin- Hospital and still enjoying my time off of Vancouver, BC as Neil had a New Year’s tendent of Insurance - which also meant, with hiking, camping, back-roading, ex- Eve jazz gig over there. We were to stay significantly, that we finally came home ploring, snow-shoeing and making lots of 3 nights, but had to high tail it back to to Albuquerque after 25 years away. trips to nearby events and to visit grand- our quiet home on Vancouver Island af- Then on Mothers’ Day our daughter Elaine kids. ter two. Wimps or what! We would rather (Seaton Banerjee) had our first grand- hear seagulls than sirens! I’ve been to child - I won’t burden you with pictures; BARBARA KAPENGA: I have just moved London a few times to meet up with my suffice it that she’s both delightful and to Nkhoma, Malawi after ten years in sister Lois, and her kids and grandkids, beautiful. Of course, at this point she’s Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Nkhoma is about and to Ontario to visit with my brother one-and-a-half, which is a wonderful an hour’s drive from Malawi’s capital, Li- Bill. It has been a few years since I saw time. Last, the week before Christmas, longwe, and I’m teaching at a theological my brother George, but as he is living Barbara gained a new lease on life with institute here which is part of the new in Kodai, I see his picture in the Alum- the replacement of her already-dissect- Nkhoma University. ni magazine once in a while. Everyone is ed aorta at Johns Hopkins. Since then, doing well. she’s made a remarkable recovery, and is JUDY MICHALK: 2015 was a significant now preparing to resume her work as an year of career transitions, health and MATT RIESZ: Matt and Marita Riesz have attorney, probably in a government po- healing. I enjoyed working with Barry in recently moved from New Jersey to sition. Our son Bruce continues his out- Primerica, helped as an OB clinical in- Spring Hill, Florida (north of Tampa) standing work as a high school teacher of structor for spring quarter and was able where they both continue to work, most- just about anything here in Albuquerque, to spend more time caring for Mom, in ly from home offices. They miss family so we’re all enjoying our contributions to summer. In October I joined the Midwife- and friends in NJ, but are enjoying the life and civilization. ry practice of Group Health Physicians. I Florida weather and NO SNOW! Their or- have transitioned smoothly out of teach- chid collection continues to expand, and ing in Nursing School and am happy to de- the plants are very happy in their new DAVID VREELAND: Not much is new with liver babies at the same hospital (since home. Fishing in Florida is different than me; MernaLyn and I are still in Michigan. 1997) with new back–up Doctors and Mid- in NJ but it’s a whole new adventure find- In 2012, our middle son Erik and his wife wives. Barry continues to be in complete ing them and learning to catch them on Amanda had a beautiful daughter, Ruby. remission from pancreatic cancer. His the aptly-named “Nature Coast”. They They live in Maryland so we don’t see one strength and energy continue to increase. would welcome a visit. another as often as we would like. Our To celebrate our 20th Wedding and Bar- oldest son James and his wife Amanda are ry’s 4th survival Anniversaries, we made GARY ROOT: Wow, where have the years nearby in Oak Park, MI and our youngest a road trip to Yellowstone National Park, gone? My wife, Melita, and I have been son Billy is living with us. My dad and sis- the Grand Tetons and parts of Montana & married now for 36 years and we have 5 ter Martha are still in St. Louis and broth- Wyoming. Our last stop was Quinn’s Hot children ranging from 18 years old to 35, er Steve is in Springfield, IL. We are all Springs Resort, MT. for a rewarding 40th and 7 living grandchildren with two more healthy and thankful for that. year reunion, with three of my PLU nurs- on the way. We have been working in the ing school/house mates. We enjoyed and with Action International Min- SARAH WEDDINGTON: Sarah and Jack had appreciate the beauty of this country! istries for 11 years. I teach at a disci- a busy 2015. Jack had several medical We are happy to have the Engelbrechts pleship and vocational training school for bouts (kidney stone and cataract surgery) nearby, to celebrate the Festivals of the young men from poor backgrounds and during the year. Several trips to North Seasons with tasty feasts! Our most sig- Melita home schooled our two youngest Carolina to attend a wedding and 50th nificant family news is my mother, Kath- boys till their Senior year when they went wedding anniversary had them visiting erine B. Michalk passed away peacefully into boarding at Faith Academy. She also with Sarah’s brother Ray and his wife Liz, at home, on September 18th; 3 months works with the women in our communi- cousins, nieces and nephew in law. Jack, short of her 90th Birthday. Although she ty with health issues and helps school and various helpers, constructed a pergo- is missed, we know she is with her Lord children that we sponsor in school. Our la, garden arbour and garage during the & Saviour and reunited with her many youngest son just started College so for year. They hosted several school friends friends, especially Dad who died 2 years the first time it will be just the two of us and took several tours around Indiana ago. I’m sure she is making up for the 10 when we return to the Philippines in April- including: a Toyota , a WWII Tank years of loss in her ability to communi- (we are on furlough now in Washington Landing Craft the LST 325 and an apple cate fully, as she was the best story teller State). Life for us has been filled with orchard with honey production. Sarah we know! May 2016 see us all safe, as we both joy and sorrow and we are thankful and Jack made it to the Kodai reunion in continue to enjoy our blessings. to God for the opportunities he has giv- Pennsylvania and a Lutheran India mission en us. We have been enriched through reunion in South Carolina. Jack drove BOB MOON: Bob and Betty Moon continue our involvement with the people whom some of the local Amish (they helped to enjoy serving Jesus as Bob pastors First we serve and we are the ones who have them raise their garage) to a horse auc- UMC in Valdosta, GA. Betty just retired learned the most. The last 3 years have tion and then rang Salvation Army bells from teaching and is the poster child for been difficult with serious health issues during the holidays. Sarah and Jack are how to love retirement. Their children, for Melita involving 3 major surgeries and resting now and planning out 2016. Sarah and Joshua, have given them three we also have gone through a dark time grandchildren—Sophia, Madelyn, and Ca- following the suicide of a close colleague ROBERT BURRAL: Retired Police Sergeant leb. During Christmas, all 4 Kodai Moon and the death of a grandchild. God’s & living in Oklahoma City, presently being children (Ted, Jack, Bob, and Becky) and promises do sustain us and thoughts of a caretaker for my wife, Sharen. Keep-

Class News Magazine • 41 ing busy in a cabaret, network acting, Joy looks forward to meeting her in San into the agriculture and good governance & missing all my Kodai friends. We’ve Diego in April. Joy is still involved with sectors. Our daughter KRISTA (volunteer raised two handy-capable ladies now in The Freedom Project in Bangalore, rescu- staff in the 90’s) and her family are leav- their mid-forties. Please contact us at ing women and children from trafficking, ing Tanzania after almost 12 years, and [email protected] & we’ll keep in touch. but has no trips home to India planned at moving to Hawaii! She got a job teaching Peace be with you! this time. 2016 finds VINCE O’CONNOR at a private IB school in Kailua. We are Submitted by Sarah Weddington AND PAT HERBICH (Class of 1974) in a new sad to see them leave, but at the same ______home on a 3.5-acre parcel of land further time excited at new prospects for them, up in the Sierra Nevada foothills. After a and of course, a beautiful new place for 2-year renovation of a 1959 house, they us to visit! Jordan and Debora remain Class of 1973 finally moved in a few weeks ago. Pat here in TZ, and STERLING ‘03 and Joslin was able to flex her design skills. Vince are based in Washington DC. I wanted to start out by thanking PAN- remains quite busy in the natural gas Submitted by Louise Heineman Riber DY BHASKERAN and his wife, Gowri, who business, having recently added account ______hosted a small, but fantastic Class of ’73 responsibility for a Northern Italian man- reunion in Yercaud at their coffee estate. ufacturer that he represents in the West- Class of 1974 PRISCILLA (DHANAPAL) MOHL was the only ern USA. Their daughter Kaya, is now in other one who made it, but we had such the seventh grade, plays basketball and The big news for our class is that we have a nice visit and tour of all the area, in- has surpassed her mom in height and shoe finally started to raise funds to honour cluding all of Gowri’s old haunts. They size. Priscilla (Dhanapal) Mohl says of the Maj Stormo-Gipson and our other class- have created some beautiful guest hous- reunion, “It was a treat to see Louise and mates who are no longer with us. The es, which are in a gorgeous setting simi- Johnny, Pandy, Gowri, and two of their Class of 1974 Poondi Project aims to ex- lar to what I remember of the “good ol’ three sons - Kamalesh and Yohan at their pand KIS’s outdoor facility at Poondi and days” in Kodai. We were sad more people resort in beautiful Yercaud early this focuses increased attention to environ- couldn’t make it, but understand that year. Thanks for hosting us so graciously mental education. Thanks to all of you distance and expense can be prohibitive. Pandy and family. Priscilla lives in Kodai who have contributed to this project so BRUCE CAMPBELL acknowledged 60 years now, with her granddaughter Elise who far. If you’re interested in contributing, of incredible good fortune by walking the is in Grade 10 at KIS. JANET (HAYWARD) please go to this website: http://kfi-us. 350 km John Muir Trail from Yosemite BINGHAM did manage a big trip to India org/partner.html. Here are the bits of south to Mt. Whitney together with his with her 3 daughters, but other than news I received from individual class- wife, Ellen, two of their children (Lau- that, has stayed in Vancouver. Being a mates: ra-Bethia and Galen) and their partners. stay-at-home Mom with 5 kids meant Bruce says “All along the 22-day journey their yearly adventure was camping, or SHER EMERICK SAFRAN: By the time this we were stunned by the natural beauty a week at a family cabin. When she went goes to press, my husband Rob and I will of the High Sierra. Alas, there was no back to work outside the home, she tu- have launched Share Wisdom Network Thar pin waiting at the end!” The other tored reading, and eventually took on the (ShareWisdom.tv), an online network of big event for Bruce and family was the job as their church administrator... Her live TV talk shows hosted by People of wedding of their son Daniel to his bride 5 kids – in her words, her biggest accom- Wisdom. It’s an exciting fulfilment of a India, in a marvellous 3-day ceremony on plishment! All work pretty ordinary jobs, decade long dream of mine to provide a Monhegan Island off the coast of Maine. but make a living, work hard, and enjoy mainstream platform for these gifted and Daniel is now working on the manned what they work at. Four of her children wise people who are dedicated to making Mars mission for NASA, and India is doing still live in Vancouver, and one daughter our world a better place. Jennifer (34) an 8-year MD/PhD program at Vanderbilt teaches in Germany. Janet and her hus- is working toward her PhD in psychology in Nashville. INGRID HAHN recently has band have one grandson, whom they see research, Mike (32) is a recent college moved along with her Mom and Dad, into several times a week, and are expecting graduate and the new Technical Director the countryside close to her brother Raja a granddaughter in early May! After 20+ of the Kirkland Performance Centre and (ERNEST HAHN ’74. ALFRED PICKARD and years, SYLVIA (TRAUTMAN) ROGERS has Jordan (19) is in his first year of college BONNIE BELLE had an exciting year with quit her job and is presently travelling with an eye on the Firefighter program. the addition of two granddaughters, Har- with her college roommate through New For the first time in 34 years I am without mony Louisa Kraft to Amanda (Pickard) Zealand and Australia. MARK KLEINIG a child in the home! I am lucky to have Kraft class of ’00, born in July in Santa graciously invited them for dinner at his my kids living nearby and Rob and I are Monica; and Hope Elizabeth Hester born place and an educational tour through loving our new adventure together - in in January 2016 to Lauren (Pickard) Hes- Adelaide’s vineyards. Sylvia’s daughter work and play! If you’re ever in the Seat- ter class of ’98 in Hiram, Georgia. The Tess graduated and is gainfully employed tle area, stop by and say hi! proud and happy Grandparents were by the World Bird Sanctuary working with there to celebrate both families! PE- raptors of all shapes and sizes. Sylvia’s EILEEN FRIESEN REIMER wrote that her TER REBLE is making sure his wife Terri husband Mark sits at home suffering the son, Adrian, was married to Charlene lives the retirement life for at least six fate of Kodai Kid husbands whose wives Ourwerkerk on January 23, 2016. Adri- months every year. She is in the Philip- simply must travel. A new career awaits an is now working with Paul at their Or- pines until the end of April or so. Peter is Sylvia when she returns from her travels… namental Tree Nursery in Yarrow, B.C. still hoping to end up working outside of still to be determined! As for us, JOHN Canada. Sarah (daughter) and husband Canada in yet to be defined places! He AND LOUISE (HEINEMAN) RIBER – we had Liam and live and work in Germany, and doesn’t see retirement plans any time a wonderful visit to Kodai over Christmas Karl (son) will be graduating from Biola soon. CAROLE LACHANCE is in the Mon- where we met up DOUG CHIN ’72 and his University this May. He spent last fall in treal area, working full time for an in- wife Kathy. We also spent some quality Oxford, England with ‘Scholars’ Semester ternet technology firm which she helped time with my brother TIM HEINEMAN and in Oxford.’ He was best known for the to start 16 years ago. JOY (JOHNSON) his daughters, Rose and Lioba class of medical centre he established near Hy- PICKARD is still running her private coun- ‘04(BRINDA). We continue our film and derabad, Telangana, India in 1952. selling practice, and her husband, Mike, radio work in Tanzania. We have recent- is Pastoring North Point church. Their ly started a few new projects, which are RUTH GILSON FOX writes - Chuck and I 4th grandchild, Hannah, is due soon and straying away from the health sector and have been living and working in Chiang 42 • Class News Magazine Rai, Thailand for almost 17 years now, low citizens of the “Energy Capitol of the and they won’t be that age for long! I still with some periods of time spent in the US World” that if we wish to retain that title work my “day job” at Maritz, and we still every 3 or 4 years. Our ministry to the we will need to eliminate the grip that do parties on our Landship, so we keep Akha people has kept us busy and gone the fossil fuel industry has on us all. On our pirate lives afloat, but we’re having in several directions.... everything from Saturday, December 12th, twenty-some fun on the weekends instead of working Bible teaching, to drug rehab, to clean of my compatriots and I were escort- all the time! :-) I do hope to make it to water projects, to training, to an Akha ed out of the upscale Galleria shopping the reunion one of these days now that handicrafts project, and establishing a mall just for walking around with vari- I don’t work every weekend during the scholarship program for students’ edu- ous forms of the message on our t-shirts summer, I need a Kodai fix! cation. In the meantime, because our (mine read “Support our Troops - Protect three children needed to be schooled, I our Climate”). It is clearly going to be MATTHIAS WAACK: I enjoyed the Ko- got involved in the Family Learning Cen- a steeply uphill battle here. For the dai-reunion in Berlin some weeks ago. I tre home school co-op when there were sake of all of our children and theirs, I thought, I might be the oldest, but I was only three other families. Over time, I encourage everyone to join us wherever nearly the youngest! Our son is learning became full-time there, eventually be- and however you can. If you need some to become manager at Hollisters in Dort- coming the principal for 5 years as we additional information on why the issue mund. The elder daughter is looking for moved towards becoming an internation- is critical, watch the films “This Changes a job, and is helping voluntarily at a Kiel al school. Today we have about 150 stu- Everything”, “Merchants of Doubt”, and refugee-camp in meantime. The younger dents, and have been registered and ac- “Racing Extinction”. daughter is studying IT - Systems - Engi- credited as the Chiang Rai International neering near Berlin. My wife and I are still Christian School. I am currently serving ELLEN LUEDERS TERWILLIGER and hus- working as doctors, she as a general prac- as the Director of Resource Development, band, Steve continue work with solar en- titioner, me as a paediatrician. Volunteer Services Coordinator, Hospital- ergy advocacy in their community. Since ity Coordinator, and the 2nd grade teach- retirement 5 years ago Ellen has become PETER SCHMITTHENNER: I continue to er! Life is not dull. Our three children a Master Gardener Volunteer and enjoys live in Blacksburg, Virginia, and profes- have all completed university and are working with families at a school garden. sor at Virginia Tech, specializing in Indian now living and working in the US. Ra- Daughter, Erika will graduate from St. history and culture. I spent two weeks chel is a middle school English and SS Olaf with a degree in art and Hanna is in India in January 2016, working to es- teacher in Philadelphia, married to Mi- half way through a Master Degree in En- tablish a VT study abroad program based chael. Rebecca is a nurse in Harrisburg, vironmental Public Policy from the Hum- in Visakhapatnam (Vizag). My wife PAM PA and Kenny is working for his church, phrey Institute at U of Minnesota. Steve FORSYTH (Volunteer staff, 2001-2) con- Liberti, in Rosemont, PA, although much and Ellen continued their bad habit of va- tinues in the nursing profession and our of his work involved inner-city ministry in cationing with natural disasters with our daughter HILLARY class of ‘09, recently downtown Philadelphia. I remember my fellow Lutheran Missionary families last quit her job and is attempting to hike time in Kodai fondly, and probably am re- fall by Charleston, SC when there was ex- through the Appalachian Trail. I joined minded of more than some, just because treme flooding. Our gardens continue to her for her first five days on the trail. of my involvement in developing an in- give us both food and pleasure. I’m sure most of you heard the sad news ternational school here. It makes me ap- about the passing of my father, Samuel preciate the work that must have gone DONATE (“DONUT’) PUESCHEL GALDE: class of ‘44 in May 2015, at the age of into KIS! I’d love to hear from anyone With my boys out of the house - or al- 87. If any of you are ever in southwest who still remembers me - Ruth Gilson to most anyway - my husband Swen and Virginia, please stop by for a visit. Best most of you...:) Oh, and Mom and Dad I are enjoying the freedom of a young wishes in 2016, especially as most of you are doing well, living at Penney Farms in couple again. Can’t believe I’m turn- turn 60 this year! Florida. ing 60 this year! Grateful for every day. ______Anybody around southern Germany, Lake JOE HOBBS: I’ve been back to the Middle Constance or in Switzerland around July East for the first time since 2010, giving a please pass by to celebrate life with me. Class of 1975 keynote at an environmental conference I’m spending time in recovering ASHLEY DOUGLAS: Aloha from Hawaii! in the UAE in March. My newest textbook from a year of serious health problems I moved here as a flight attendant with is out: Fundamentals of World Regional and plan to travel through Myanmar with Pan Am (remember them?) in 1981 after a Geography, 4th Edition. Everyone in the my youngest son April/May. Getting a year in New York and a year in LA. After family is well, including my Mom who is taste of what retirement will feel like. graduating from Duke University, I had no 97. Live long and prosper! idea what I wanted to do with my life, JAMES RUSK: Work continues at the farm but still had that travel bug in me. So STEVE HOLLER: The Hollers are “empty and house in Western Belize. Really love what better way to see the world? I left nesters” now, with Alex in her junior year this place and happy we chose such a Pan Am before they went under and be- at Trinity University and Alyssa in her fascinating and beautiful place to retire. came a stockbroker in LA for a few years. freshman year at the University of Hous- (Retire? It’s a lot of work). See www.the- Didn’t like that much and moved back to ton. They are both majoring in Environ- goatladyshouse.com for updates!!! Hawaii to marry Dianne who I met flying. mental Studies (yay!!!); Alex is focused [add picture 3 of James holding a giant After coming back to Hawaii, I joined Xe- on policy. I am still doing programming leg; caption: “Chef James Rusk at work rox Corporation where I have held vari- for ACAD-Plus, Inc (18th year!) and Mar- in Belize” ous sales and management jobs since garet still works at the mothers’ day out 1989--that’s 27 years! 3 more years to program at Jersey Village Baptist Church MARTHA VREELAND IFLAND: After 5 years full retirement! Dianne and I adopted a (in her 17th year!). Last month we had of doing pirate cruises every summer, this wonderful boy, Ian, at birth in 1981. He solar panels installed on our home, so I year we decided to cut back on the cruis- certainly has been a blessing. Ian is now can now recharge the all-electric Nissan es, focus on building and selling pirate in Scottsdale, AZ working for JB Hunt. LEAF that I bought 18 months ago with ships, and spend more time building sand We do miss him and hope he can make clean power. I have also recently joined castles on the beach with the grandkids! Hawaii home one day. the local Houston chapter of 350.org, and Tim has 6 grandkids, and 3 of them are am trying to do my part to advise the fel- between 2-4, so they are at a fun age,

Class News Magazine • 43 Jerilyn Emerick Marler Class of 1970 John Riber Class of 1973

Joe Hobbs Class of 1974 Class 1976 with Sandra Schoeninger

Class 1976 Reunion at Camp K

44 • Class News Magazine Class of 1976 CHUCK CARMAN - “It was great that so still very busy doing all the northwest has many of our classmates could get to- to offer. My wife and I love to camp and The Class of 1976 celebrated their 40th gether at the reunion. I enjoyed catch- I spend quite a bit of time with fly-fish- Anniversary Reunion at Camp Kirchen- ing up with people I hadn’t seen in 30-40 ing archery and windsurfing. Would love wald, PA. A wonderful turnout with 18 years. I found it amazing how much was to go back to Kodai and visit some of my class members attending. Teresa cooked the same and how much was different favourite haunts-especially the hiking Sri Lankan Shrimp Curry Thursday lunch, in our interpersonal interactions after ones like Gundar and Munjampatti. Will Ron Cooked his famous Egg Curry Fri- 40 years. One thing for certain, we all have to wait till Kim retires and we can day. The A-Team men of the class got seemed comfortable with ourselves and find a sitter for our chocolate labs. My out of bed early Saturday morning to our places in life.” fall season is so busy chasing deer, elk cook, setup and do clean-up for break- and pheasants that I can only dream of fast. (I heard it was fabulous! Yes, I slept RON NUNN - “There were a few more that now or even for going to the re- in.) The Class of 76’ hosted Canteen on grey hairs and a few more wrinkles but union. Wish you all the best with Kodai, Friday night with a playlist of all the old basically the same old friends that we a place deep in my heart. I enclosed a songs we listened to at school. Everyone knew 40 years ago” few pictures. Most of my interests were in the class got up to dance. Michelin of course sparked by my teachers and played DJ. Our class totally were the LISA RICH - “What great memories of Ko- activities in Kodai especially hunting and best dancers. Fun was had by all. There dai we all have! And so fun to share again fishing.” were late nights re-counting events as with friends, like it was yesterday. “ we all remembered or didn’t remember, Paul Vander Aarde - “It was great to talk Submitted by Teresa Teves with much laughter. Excerpts; recalling to my classmates. Getting to know them ______funny Kodai experiences...including the again and finding out how their lives have motorbikes...the cemetery...the old man progressed helped me understand mine. Class of 1977 on the hill...watching recycled movies The curry was pretty good too” at the town cinema...the sound of mu- RUTH MEINZEN-DICK: lives in the St Louis, LARK STEINMETZ - “Reunion was great sic...not getting enough food...the mon- MO area and works for International Food this year seeing my classmates!!!” goose...Phelps night...be safe, girls and Policy Research Institute. Her research ring the doorbell...paddle boards with on a range of issues related to how peo- GRACE JONES - “Memories of things long strategically placed holes...the swing... ple manage land, water, and other natu- forgotten, reminiscing with people - world map targeting in study hall…gin- ral resources regularly takes her to India some of whom I have not seen for over tang...rotating thru cold showers.... silk and other countries. 40 years - sharing experiences that you lined burlap, sneaking out of dorms...and ______others. There was also time for reward- don’t have to explain. They lived it too. ing one-on-one deep conversations and New memories of going for a walk. We’re exploring camp. Rumour has it, Wendall now older, making it harder to climb the Class of 1978 went swinging through the trees! (zip lin- tower. Sitting sipping wine, renewing ing) . At Sunday service Wayne Alloway friendships.... A good time.” SIEGLINDE SUNDERMEIER QUICK: I was in gave a heartfelt sermon, “My heart is Kodai from 1976 and graduated in 1978. very full. So glad to be with all of you RAY WEDDINGTON - “Despite being a bit After finishing my London, A Levels, I this weekend…” There were tears and under the weather this year it was worth studied Theology in Germany and be- laughter as there should be in a good ser- the trip to see the regulars (you know came a Pastor. Before and after my Kodai mon. He is quite the story teller. Thank who you are) and especially those of you school time, I grew up in Sri Lanka, where you Wayne. who had come for the very first time.” my parents were missionaries. About It was the best turn out ever for our their work and the marvellous time, I had class! In attendance were Jim fletcher JODY RAMER-CHRASTEK - “It was so good there and in Kodai, one can read in the -Stanwood, WA, Zuhair Gafur - Hillsboro, to see everyone - thank you for making book: Almost like in Paradise (transla- OR, Ed Rogers - Severna Park, MD, Tim the effort and thank you to your loved tion of the German Version: Fast wie im Amstutz - Chicago, IL, Ron Nunn - Wash- ones at home who supported you in this Paradies). Copies are available in Kodai. I ington, DC, Wayne Alloway - Lincoln, blast from the past!’ got married in 1986 to Andreas Quick and NE, Kim Root - Battleground, WA, Chuck we have four sons. Carmen - Aurora, OH, Ray Weddington BARBARA GAIL BLOCK : I attended Kodai - Yardley, PA, Wendell Wiebe - Elkhart, School up to ’71. I returned to KIS in 1988 CARRIE (GRANNER) WIEBE: Since 1995 IN. Paul Vander Aarde - Martinsburg, WV, to teach art, thinking it might be a 5 year I have been a professor of Chinese lan- Grace Jones - Pasadena, CA, Micheline stay (and possibly move on following, guage and literature at Middlebury Col- Poulin - Brossard, QC, Lark Steinmetz - with an eventual return to Kodai) …and lege in Vermont. A few years ago I mar- Santa Rosa, CA, Lisa Rich - Smithville, have stayed since, apart from Sabbati- ried Rolly Wiebe, Kodai class of 76. I TX, Marsie Long - San Antonio, TX, Tere- cal years (traveling and drawing around spend my summers at his home in Califor- sa Teves - Clayton, NC and Jody Ramer Asia). I have taught art at every grade nia. Recently, we took a wonderful trip - Minneapolis, MN. We had all been so level, and still teach Grade 10 VA. I am to China and India, to plan for my 2018 eager to have Sri and Niru join us - but currently High School Coordinator, Act- sabbatical leave year, where we will be alas it was not to be so. However, we are ing HoD for Visual and Performing Arts, in India to learn Tamil. talking about a 45th reunion in India! So and Hiking Coordinator. I enjoy living at keep posted! Lochend, with green space and room for NATHANIEL DANE: I went to Kodai in 1970 A few thoughts from those in atten- my two dogs, two cats and assorted birds and 1971. My friends were Tim Make- dance… (Budgies, Cockatiels, Diamond doves, peace, Miguel Jewett, Cheryl Bracht, Booted Bantams to Rhode Islands, plus and Keith and Randy Doorenbos (sp?) KIM ROOT - “Having grown up in Kodai Guineas, Turkeys and Geese). and I was in the Kodai Choir kids with Mr. with many of you from kindergarten Bjornstad. I have been making music ever through 9th grade, it was a pleasure to TOM FERGIN : Time is screaming by. I just since. I was resident music therapist at reconnect and share memories.” retired from teaching high school chem- the Perkins School for the Blind in Wa- istry and Biology here in Tacoma. I am tertown Mass from 1992-1999 and I have

Class News Magazine • 45 Class 1976 Tom Fergin Class of 76

Tom Fergin Class 1976

Tom Fergin & Kim Class 1976

46 • Class News Magazine continued to work as a music therapist them. So, you may be wondering why I’m First Baptist Church of Delavan, WI. She and music teacher through these years. here now. God let me to do a spur of the was installed as the pastor in October. I have recorded six CDs of my own songs moment mission trip to Rwanda where I David also started a new job based out and do many concerts all around New En- helped to facilitate a two-week MAST Bi- of Madison, WI. They are enjoying their gland and beyond, under my music name ble Translation Project for Wycliffe Asso- new home and welcome Kodai friends “Oen Kennedy”. I love and will never for- ciates. And, since I didn’t know if there and visitors! get Kodaikanal and have many amazing would be another time that I would be stories from that time in my life. this close to India again, I checked to see CARL ENGELBRECHT: lives in Columbia ______what it would cost to add India on to my Maryland with his wife MARIA (NICHOL) trip and it was only $300 more! I’m very ENGELBRECHT (‘81) and their daughters thankful that my dream has come true. I Gillian and Erin. Carl works at the Johns Class of 1979 have made it back to Kodai! On the home Hopkins University - Applied Physics Lab front (US)…. I enjoy living with dad and where he is the Deputy Program Manager HYMA SCHUBERT SUBBARATHNAM: I live Mom (Dalton and Deanne Noack) in Hous- of the New Horizons Mission which flew and work in Geneva, Switzerland. I am a ton, Texas. Thankfully they are both in past Pluto in 2015 and is now on its way biologist at the Geneva Cancer Registry. good health and very supportive of my to fly by a Kuiper Belt object, current- It is one of the oldest registries in Swit- mission adventures. I currently work for ly called 2014MU69, on January 1, 2019. zerland. I collect and code detailed in- a mission organization called LINC Inter- He is also the propulsion lead for the formation on the diagnosis and treatment national. I am the mission service coor- Europa Clipper mission which will study of cancer in the canton of Geneva. I’ve dinator in Houston and connect (LINC) Jupiter’s icy moon Europa early next de- been working at the Registry for 26 years established churches and youth groups cade. Maria is volunteering many hours and enjoy my work. with our multi-ethnic mission churches at the Maryland Food bank and also at I have also lost a good friend and fellow in Houston in order to facilitate their the Roving Radish, an organization which class-mate, Sita Mehta, class of ‘79. She growth and Christ-centered Outreach to provides healthy meals to low income passed away on the 29th of May 2016. It the communities. Proud and thankful to families. Gillian is a junior at Elizabeth- is a great loss. be a KIS alumni. town College in PA studying to be a high

______school social studies teacher, and Erin is PAUL A. FOLMSBEE of Sarasota, Flori- a sophomore at the University of Mary- da was nominated to be Ambassador to land, College Park, studying to become a the Republic of Mali by President Barack Class of 1980 librarian. Obama on September 18, 2014 and con- firmed by the United States Senate on STEVEN GUNASENA: After Kodai, I studied RICHIK GHOSH : After Kodai, I got my BS, May 23, 2015. He is the recipient of Economics in the UK, and worked inter- MS and PhD in Applied Physics from Cor- four Department of State Superior Hon- nationally in Finance (PwC, oilfield ser- nell University, did Cell Biology research or Awards, four Meritorious Honor Awards vices, technology). I am now located in as a post-doctoral scientist at Columbia and a medal from the Polish Government Paris, France and married with 2 young University, and then was on the faculty for service in Afghanistan working with adults! in the Biochemistry Department at Cor- Polish troops. He is married to Angelika nell University’s Medical School. I left Chin. They have four grown children be- BARBARA RUDD DEGENHARDT: Gerald and academia in 1998 to join a start-up bio- tween them. I have been living in Beijing since 2014 technology company, Cellomics, where I with one more year to go (with the Gov- led various R&D groups. I am currently a DORINDA (NOACK) WERNER: I am beyond ernment of Canada). Spread out on three Principal Scientist at Thermo Fisher Sci- excited to be here in Kodai for the next continents, with our Kiera in Dubai and entific doing R&D work at the nexus of few days! As with most KIS alumni, it’s Cary is in Ottawa, we are getting used cell biology, physics, chemistry, and bio- been my dream and prayer to be able to to being empty nesters at a distance. I medical engineering. I live in the suburbs return to this beautiful place in God’s am working in psychotherapy, both at our of Pittsburgh, PA with my wife, Shimanti, world. After 44 years of life after leav- expat church and via skype, and writing a clinical dietitian specializing in patients ing in 1972, after 5th grade, I am finally on the topic of Theory of Emotion. with eating disorders, and two daugh- back! Thanks to God! This turned out ters, Ahiri (age 14) and Sohini (age 8). to be the perfect time, since Pricilla Da- JIM DEJONG: Currently I live in Redding, Life comes full circle as my Kodai class napal Mohl is now living in Kodai and is CA with my wife Dawn and daughter of 1980 was the first full diploma IB class able to be my personal tour guide! As Noelle. I teach part-time tutoring ESL, in Kodai school (and in all of South Asia), you can imagine - everybody knows her Spanish, and French at the local com- and now my daughter Ahiri is planning to and she know everyone – so it’s a bless- munity college. My wife is teaching part do IB at her school! ing to be in her shadow and meet lots of time in an elementary kids as an aide people. I have found the KIS staff to be working with improving kids’ reading PRASANNA GHOSE: I live in Kodai and I run very friendly and welcoming! Although and language skills. Our daughter Noelle a pastry shop. Will be happy to welcome Kodai has certainly changed a lot in 44 teaches voice lessons and runs the busi- any alumni. Please drop by. years…. (Much more of a big –city feel) ness side of Harris Music Studio here in ______once I stepped foot on Loch End or the Redding. We attend Bethel Church and KIS campus, I felt right at home and ev- lead small groups geared toward helping erything was very familiar; the buildings, Internationals create lasting friendships Class of 1981 the grounds, the school spirit etc. During and feel connected. We love the moun- my visit, I will see the elementary cam- tains and California coast. Annalise, our LISA LINDELL HOH: I am a nurse and I pus (on another property in Kodai) and youngest daughter, is working in Dallas as work as a clinical specialist for a medi- will get a tour the lake and Coakers walk an Intern with Intervarsity at Southern cal device company. I serve as a clinical and other Kodai sights. I will get to visit Methodist University. resource to many different departments some of the Bethania homes-oh, this trip (marketing, sales, regulatory, and R&D). was also timed well because unexpected- BETSY CARMAN PERKINS and DAVID PER- My favourite part of the job is helping the ly, I discovered that the US Board mem- KINS recently moved from Arizona to human factors engineers on the usability bers for Bethania were going to be here Wisconsin, to be closer to family and so testing that we are required to perform at the same time and I was able to meet Betsy could accept a pastoral call to the during the development of new products. Class News Magazine • 47 I live in St Paul, MN with my husband, Pe- So I commute from the KSA to the UAE 1993. We have 2 sons, Max (21yrs, Biology ter who works as a teacher at the Science as often as I can, which is almost every student at CSUF university) and Samuel Museum of MN and my son, David who weekend. Sadly, our Father (Dr. Johannes (17 yrs, High School Senior). I changed works as video editor for a small company Pueschel) past away in May of this year at professions in 2009 and became an X-ray that makes corporate training material. the age of 86. He suffered a rather rare technologist. My husband is a computer My daughter, Sarah, is starting her senior sickness affecting the lung. However, he programmer and works in Disneyland. We year in college where she is doing a major died very peacefully and without pain spend a lot of time on the beach and en- in nursing and a minor in anthropology. and we are very thankful that his mind joy parties with his garage band. The biggest event for me this past year was working clear and he always partici- was in January when my mother, Mary pated and contributed to things happen- SHEELA DAVID: I am delighted that KIS is Lindell, passed away. It has been an ad- ing around him, up to the last moment. celebrating its 115th year. My memories justment to living life without her here. Visiting him was always interesting and of Kodai school, my teachers and friends inspiring and I remember traveling to remains evergreen. It is great to be able MAJOR FRANCES RADER: Serving as a pas- Germany in April, shortly he had been ad- to connect with you all through this tor for The Salvation Army in Bethlehem, mitted to hospital the first time, sitting brief write up. I work as Manager (Pub- PA. at his bed side and discussing the situa- lic Relations) at SBOA School and Junior tion in the Middle East, or the elections College, Chennai. Until July this year, I BOSE GEORGE: Lives in and in the USA with him. We are not sure how was working as Personal Assistant to the works for Keefe Bruyette & Woods (In- long we will stay in the region, but work Principal at SBOA Mat. & Hr. Sec. School, vestment Bank). He is married to Anna is ongoing and the projects are challeng- Madurai. I have been promoted to work Upton and has two children: Jacob (8 ing like nowhere else. What I do know is, at our Chennai campus with effect from years) and Naomi (6 years) that I would like to make use of the prox- 1st August. I’m married and my husband imity to South East Asia more, especially Eugene is a teacher at a Govt. School in PATRICIA NABERT-BRUCE: After twenty India and already have planned a journey Madurai. I have two sons.... Jason, my years of working in the printing industry, to Kodaikanal in the short future. eldest son works as a Systems Engineer at I went to teacher’s college and began a ______Infosys, Chennai. My other son, Jensen is brand new career at the E.C. Drury Sec- doing his undergraduate studies in Com- ondary School for the Deaf in Milton, On- merce at Bishop Heber College, Trichy. tario. Finally, after eleven years of using Class of 1982 My mom who is 81 years old stays with us. American Sign Language, I have become My prayers and best wishes for the 115th DR. SUNIL VENUGOPAL: I’m from the somewhat proficient in the language, but year celebrations. class of 1982.I currently live in Chilliwack still have lots to learn! I teach Commu- ______1 hour east from Vancouver, BC, Canada. nication Technology, Marketing, and Arti- I work and have a clinic in Chilliwack and san Crafts to high school students. I live am a Dentist. I’m married to Angeline and in Cambridge and have downsized to a Class of 1983 have a 12-year-old daughter, Nithara. We nice, small property, as my two kids are would love to hear from other people Bonjour from Chicago! I must start off grown and gone. However, thanks to my who were in Kodai. My sister, Ericka, lives with an apology. Last year, for the first daughter, I have two cats and two dogs, 4 hours east in Salmon Arm and has 3 chil- time in ~ 20 years, I failed at my duty as so home life continues to be interesting. I dren. We are well and have warm memo- class rep in writing up the annual class am enjoying time to explore the arts and ries of our time in Kodai. news! My excuse is that I was still reeling to participate in different classes. Valu- from the death of my father (GEORGE K. ing lifelong learning and curiosity of new KELLY RUSSELL: This year marks the be- OOMMEN, Staff mid-70s) in July 2014, and things is a legacy that I treasure from my ginning of the 4th year that my husband life was disrupted even further by our de- days at Kodai. and I have had the wonderful opportunity cision to spend a year away from home to live and travel outside of Canada. With immediately afterwards. Je suis désolé. THOMAS PUESCHEL : In January, Julia and our children either finished university or (Any guesses so far as to where we were I will complete our 13th year in the Mid- thinking about what to do we figured that living? More on that later.) On the plus dle East, which is truly hard to believe this would be the time to go adventuring. side, there is even more class news to re- for us! Looking back, it is quite amazing We spent 2 years in Bangladesh where I port this year than last so I hope the wait to have been part of so many changes and taught high school Math and Science. We will have been worthwhile. developments in the UAE; seeing cities had the pleasure to meet up with my first grow but also seeing immense efforts to roommate at KIS, Natasha Malhotra, her First, NOORESHA BASRAI BIABANI has improve the cultural life, whether the re- lovely mom and cutie pattootie daughter taken it upon herself to organize a class cently opened Opera in Dubai, the annual in Singapore. Had a great crab dinner in reunion for all of us this coming July in Art Fair in Abu Dhabi, or the Abu Dhabi Colombo with Chanaka Ellawala and his Houston! Why? Because it’s been 1/3 of a Classic Festival, where we have had the wife. Now we are in Turkey loving the century since we graduated from Kodai! chance to hear and see people like Anne history that is everywhere! Since Europe The response has been quite enthusiastic Sophie Mutter, or Daniel Barenboim. Rock isn’t too far we get to see a few coun- and we have many so many classmates and Pop legends have performed here, tries. And my kids get to adventure with who have booked tickets already! If you’d from Tom Jones, Prince, Rolling Stones us. like to join in, please do. You know ev- and many others. End of last year, I ac- eryone would love to see you. Past class cepted a job in Saudi Arabia as Head of KATALIN HEILIG (AKA CATHERINE LANGI): I reunions have been so much fun. This re- the Construction Department of a Private went to Kodai from 3rd grade (1971) till union is officially from July 22-24, 2016 Holding Company. Although the main of- 7th grade (1976) My classmates were Lisa at Norry’s home in Katy, TX (a suburb of fice in Riyadh, my projects are mainly Lindell Hoh, Sharon Chamberlin, Anita Houston), though if you’d like to arrive a in Jeddah and consist of a few hospital- Stewart and Nisha Miller, to mention a day early and/or leave a day late, that ity and retail projects. Julia and Niclas few. My family returned to Hungary in would be fine. She has kindly offered to stayed in Abu Dhabi where Julia is Ger- 1976, where I went to a Mechanical En- provide accommodations at her place for man teacher at the Sorbonne University gineering College, then 10 years later I those coming alone – but it’s on a first- besides perusing her PHD, and Niclas is met my American husband, Greg, and I come, first-served basis, so hurry! Offer happy with the school he is attending. moved to the US, Southern California in good while supplies last (of beds or bed- 48 • Class News Magazine sized floor space)! Norry’s latest news a nuisance of myself in Bombay. I’ve now for not double checking her source, or is that her daughter Zahra is graduating been back here 16 years; I thought I was me - Wendy - the source, who would be from high school and will be off to college only coming for 2 years when I left the in trouble?” Hmm… let’s see now… let’s this fall. Congrats to her… and to all of States in 2000! The city has certainly take a guess! Wendy goes on to eluci- our classmates’ kids who may be in the kept me on my toes.” date her other ideas for this newsletter same boat! Speaking of congrats, how such as putting together a giant collage about some self-congratulations… last JEETU sent no news of himself but did ask of photographs of classmates, headed by year and this year saw most of us turning us, as KFI president, to consider fundrais- a haiku (written in group collaboration) 50. Half a century! Let’s give ourselves ing for KIS during the class reunion. about the greatness of the Class of ’83, or a pat on the back, ponder for a moment maybe just a picture of a giant Bonne Bell about what it means to be fifty, and then RUPAK NAG gave the entire class this lip gloss (the obsession of us girls when quickly change the subject, shall we? update via email: “jppk Ytttttttt.” He we were in 8th grade). Wendy, by the very hastily followed up and wrote, “My way, is planning to come to the reunion The Class of ’83 is proud to continue goodness, a butt email. Never done that so you know more of this is guaranteed, to have a presence on the KIS Council before (calls, yes, but not emails). How or your money back. I actually love the (a.k.a. the school board). KAI WEISE has 2008! I’m living in the Bay Area, in Marin idea of a class haiku. Maybe we can come been on it for a couple of years and he is County, just north of San Francisco. I up with one in Houston though I suspect now the Chairman of KIS Council. The late have my own law practice. My wife Wen- that we’ll only come up with unprintable breaking news says that AVANTIKA “TIKI” dy is a website developer. The kids are limericks. AKERKAR joined the Board in September still around and a handful. Ranjana is 10 2016! Wonderful news! Congrats! JYOTIR- years old (4th grade), Oliver is 9 years JONATHAN RUDD, who clearly hasn’t been MAYA “Jeetu” NANDA has also been on the old (3rd grade) and Parvati is 6 years as frequent a visitor to the neighbour- KIS Council since 2011, on the KFI board old (1st). They’re fun to be with when hood LCBO as others in Ontario (a-hem!) since 2013 (that’s the fundraising arm) we’re doing fun, agreeable things. We gives us this update: “My wife, Esther, and KFI president since 2014. go to New York sometimes, India not very and I have been living in Cambridge, On- Kai tells us the following about his life often. I try to avoid Minnesota as much tario (about an hour WNW of Toronto) for in Kathmandu: “I have been involved as possible but the kids and Wendy still over 10 years now. That’s stability for a with recovery of cultural heritage in Ne- like to visit.” I forgot how much fun it Kodaiite, I think, and certainly the lon- pal after the Gorkha Earthquake of 25 is to compile these bits of news! Another gest we have been in one place. We have April 2015, but have continued working one that’s pure reading pleasure: “Hello three kids, one finishing 3rd year in ki- as an architect and UNESCO Consultant Mona Ji, you take too much trouble, dear. nesiology and playing soccer, one finished for World Heritage management of the It’s too hard to get our generation off our 2nd year in engineering and playing vol- Mountain Railways of India and Bagan, butts. [That’s SANJAY HARMAN talking leyball, and a third finishing grade 12 and Myanmar. I am still on the board of Kodai about me nagging the class for news]. going into engineering and playing volley- School and have been involved with the What do you want to know that you don’t ball. Esther is working part-time in the Infrastructure Committee. My wife Abha- already know in such hi-tech times, Ji? finance group at a local hospital, and I am ya is still touring with her rock band the You being very nice and posting lots of in- trying to survive another downturn in the Steam Injuns. My son Raydn is at Kodai in teresting stuff on Facebook always makes mineral exploration industry. Two years 9th grade.” me want to read it, so thanks. We are do- ago, I started a new company with some ing great, but looking at the state that new technology for mineral exploration, AVANTIKA lives and works in Bombay and the world is in, bracing for another issue environmental and engineering, and oil writes the following, “I never thought I that could topple the apple cart. And this and gas applications. So far, so good. The could consider acting as a potential ca- Trump bugger is not helping one elfin bit industry I work in affords me the oppor- reer after my stint as Eliza Doolittle at in our quest to see a future of hope and tunity to scratch my international trav- Kodai. But it seems to have paid off. fellowship in one world. I’m dabbling in el itch fairly regularly. We enjoy serving Over the past few years I have had the this and that but the furniture business in our local church and are bracing for privilege of working with Dames Judi is great and continues to indulge my pas- an empty nest next year... although one Dench and Maggi Smith, Bill Nighy plus a sion for lifestyle and design. Headed to of our three kids may be back at home whole host of amazingly talented British a show in HighPoint. Have a few product because of a redirection in educational theatre actors when I landed a small role lines to explore. We’re watching Maia as interest.” He’s thinking of coming to the in the film, “The Second Best Exotic Mari- she grows too fast to take on life. Son reunion as well. gold Hotel.” It was such a treat, almost Schiel living on his own. My parents live like a master class, watching them weave real close by with my brother [SIRISH MARTHA JEAN EASTER BRODHEAD was their magic for the camera; but the most HARMAN, ‘86] so l get to see them every among the first to book tickets for her- amazing thing about this august group day. Can’t really ask for more. I’m the self and her husband Brian to Houston! was how gracious, generous, friendly happiest clown around. Hope to come to She tells us, “Basically I am doing well. and approachable they were. (So very the reunion on a whim, so no real plan- I am enjoying my job at the St. Albert different from when I did a small role in ning, just playing it by ear.” Sanjay, you’d Public Library in Alberta, and am in a “Rockstar”, a big blockbuster Bollywood better show up this time! Otherwise one new position there as a customer service film where the stars sat in their trailers of us will have to come to Vancouver and representative. Other than work, I en- and ate separately rather than engage drag you over by said ear! Oh, here’s an- joy my walking and reading activities. I with common folk like us!) Next came other contemplative classmate: am really looking forward to the Houston Season 1 of Sense 8, a Netflix production Reunion and am excited to see so many directed by the Wachowskis (of the Ma- WENDY HAMILTON writes, or rather, classmates!” As are the rest of us! trix trilogy fame), where a few episodes threatens, “I would like to make up a lot And the last of the Canadian contingent, were shot in Bombay. And now I’ve just of nonsense to put in the Kodai magazine finished a few episodes of Season 2… – are we allowed to do this? What hap- GITA MEHRABANI, says, “As you know I keeping fingers crossed for Season 3! But pens if for instance it was found out that live in Montreal, Canada. My girls Anita really this is just icing on the cake. Work I am not the world’s leading specialist of and Negeen are 23 and 17. Anita is work- and family keeps me busy, as do the oc- the bacterial flora colonizing the nails of ing on Vancouver Island with two special casional night hikes, travel, and making the East African aardvark? Is it Mona - needs kids. Negeen is graduating high

Class News Magazine • 49 school this year! I am a general family Naturally our visit included a pilgrimage Houston & maybe get to see a bunch of dentist and have been working in my den- to Kodai, where we enjoyed meeting KIS our classmates.” tal practice for the past 26 years. I still alumni coordinator Yvonne Dovlo amongst love my job and hope to be working for others; Chris and I also climbed Perumal! NIKHAT FATEHALLY POWELL also hopes to years to come.” Fantastic!” Our deepest condolences to make it to the reunion. She writes, “My you, Ruth, on your loss. It was wonder- two sons immigrated to the US from In- MARTIN MESSICK, the very first among ful to see your parents during our 30th dia this past year. They have taken a gap us to book a ticket to Houston, gives us anniversary class reunion in Edinburgh year off from studies to get to know the this update on his life in Greensboro, in 2013, and to hear your dad’s stories country and just ‘chill’... they’re both North Carolina: “After nearly 10 years of of India. Speaking of Scotland, STEFANIE working two jobs and learning how to hard work and dedication, my employer DAMM shares the news that her daughter fend for themselves. My husband, Mel- informed me that we were “mutually Brigid is now engaged to Richard! Con- vin, came out of retirement to help out agreeing to a parting of ways”. Totally grats! Stef adds, “Brigid turned 24 not a friend so I moved to St. Louis, MO with unexpected and a very new experience two weeks later. She is the apple of our him. At present, I’m not working a job, for me. So I am considering what the next eye, now entering into her sixth season but working hard on my thesis film, which phase will be. Really more of, “What do I singing at Prestonfield House, Edinburgh. is to be shot in India in June (the final want to be when I grow up?” I am excited She is also working for a young clothing leg of my MFA in Digital Cinema). I also to be attending my first reunion this year. company, White Stuff, during the day. My became a member of the Sweet Adelines My family is doing great: my wife Jac- folks [ANITA & TOM READ, KIS staff - late International and now sing with a cap- queline is a Duke-trained Wellness Coach; 70s, early 80s] are in France, house-sit- pella choir here. Am having a fabulous my eldest Zachary is trying to make it in ting for homeowners who are away for time. That’s it... in a nutshell!” Do share New York City as an actor; my middle is an extended time. Tom & Anita were details of your film with us when it’s out, studying neuroscience at Appalachian in the Poitiers area until Christmas and Nikhat! State and my youngest Anna is a junior then spent the winter in Provence which in high school. I got to see Anna sing at they love. I am still making videos. I’m BERIT DENCKER’s news: “I am living in Carnegie Hall with her school choir last still working with projects which inter- Sant Cugat (still), a suburb of Barcelona. I year; this year I’m heading to Rome to est me, a lot of which revolve around work at IESE Business School in Barcelona hear her sing at the Vatican.” Hey Martin, music of course! I am also still working (still) in Executive Education. I am now sorry you had to go through the lay-off with Google’s YouTube as an expert with an Associate Director in the Department experience. Let’s hope new and better a cute undercover name based on an old of International Open Programs. I really doors open up for you! TV series about a CIA/KGB team I used enjoy my work and I love working in an to like. It keeps me busy making videos international team with international MAYA NANAVATI DAYAL pens this update: and helping YouTubers with their account program participants. My son, Pascal, is “The kids and I are living in Zürich, Swit- issues. Google is a formidable “concept” 14. Wow. He is a Barça fan, of course. zerland and I’m working as an automa- which constantly challenges and frus- If you want to know his current haircut tion test engineer. My daughter is study- trates users. But it keeps me puzzling you just have to check out the haircuts ing law and my son is in high school. Life and exercising the grey matter, so it’s not of key Barça players. My partner in crime is busy but I do get time to travel within all bad. Besides that, I am renovating our is a jazz musician. His work environment Europe and the highlight being: getting to old wee cottage and restoring furniture makes for a nice contrast to mine. It is experience the northern lights in Finland for it. One day I might even complete my similar in that it is very international. I (-40 C!). I have Florida and Mumbai on diploma for interior design to add to my try to keep up with family and friends via the radar this year as well....” Maya has other qualifications. Andy and I recently social media and face-to-face whenev- sent in a photograph of herself, Nikhil & moved the motorcycle business to larger er possible. Face-to-face is hard. Thank Natasha, taken on a recent trip to Barce- premises. We are still trying to find the goodness for social media.” lona. Many others of you sent in photo- happy medium between work and home- I had to chuckle at RIYAZ RAHMAN’s graphs as well which should be included life but not always managing. Andy is on email: “I have nothing new to add… nei- with this newsletter. One was from RUTH his own in the business now and I am hop- ther a new wife nor a newborn. Life is the MACK ing that we will one day be able to move same. So I have attached a picture of my- somewhere warmer to spend a bit more self. Regards to one and all.” From Down ENZIE DALE in Scotland: “I am sending time enjoying life.” Stefanie adds that Under, KATHY COOPER sent in a photo you a photo of Chris and me taken in July her health has much improved, thanks in and wrote, “The past year has been diffi- 2015, when we were back in sunny Viet- part to cycling 3 miles a day with her dog, cult for us as no doubt you may have seen nam for the umpteenth time to visit some and to finding an acupuncturist. That’s on Facebook. My sister-in-law passed of my many Vietnamese friends who be- great news! away in Feb 2015 after a difficult battle came like family to me when I lived and with cancer. In January this year my Mum worked there as a volunteer teacher with GAIL NICHOL MOYER tells us, “I am busy passed away, and that shook my world! VSO/OXFAM for more than 4 years. In the at the moment preparing & tax returns Three months later we are still adjusting photo we are with former pupils of mine [early April]. I’ve been married to Tom to life without her, and miss her more ev- who live in the heart of the Me Kong Del- Moyer an electrical engineer for 21 years. ery day! Thankfully my beautiful father is ta where their families have been rice He works at a small company a mile from well and still living with us! My girls are farmers for generations. The area is very our house so walks to work every day. His great. Bonny is 26 soon and engaged to lush and around their homes are what company has developed brain scan equip- a lovely guy, getting married next year! seems like every type of fruit tree you ment that measures the brain activity of Taylor is 21 and about to start a teach- could imagine! I am particularly fond of patients while under anaesthesia. I work ing degree, still with her boyfriend from the unique, pungent but surprisingly deli- part-time in a small public accounting of- school! My baby Holly is 19 and engaged cious, spiky fruit. Travel is always fice. We have two boys Josh (16) & Tim to her school sweetheart also! Paul is a highlight in my life (a welcome break (14). They are a sophomore & freshman busy running 2 businesses and we cele- from my primary school teaching job), in high school & are part of the marching brated an amazing 20 years of marriage not least when I returned to India with band. We’ve lived in the same house 1/2 this year and are incredibly happy. I am Chris in July 2014, 6 months before my hour outside of Philadelphia for 18 years. still working in Community Health, nurs- very dear father, Murdoch, passed away. Not very exciting. I’ll check out flights to ing people in their home. I love its chal-

50 • Class News Magazine lenges and every day is different! Nursing visit India every year and mostly meet surviving in a village with just one bak- for 33 years now and feel so blessed to be some Kodai alumni there.” ery, one butcher shop, one very inconve- working in a job I love and get great sat- nient convenience store, no restaurants isfaction from! Looking forward to a hol- SANDRA GASS sends her greetings from (and no car – with my bad back), was to iday to Hawaii in May, and still dream of North Carolina: “I have just returned to take the train to Paris as often as pos- getting back to India some day!! My life the US after a little over five years spent sible! I loved it. 30 minutes, and I’d be is really busy, and I must mention all my directing DKT’s program in the Dem- in the heart of gorgeousness. My mom feathered and fur babies that make me ocratic Republic of Congo. Although a visited me for a few weeks which I was happy! I am very blessed and content.” challenging assignment, I left with sad- so happy about, and so did my old Ko- Our deepest condolences to you too on ness but also plenty of good memories dai BFF, FERZANA “Fuz” MOOSAKUTTY your losses, Kathy. and a certain level of satisfaction that NIZAR ’82. She came for about 10 days we are contributing to improved repro- from Dubai and every day was a blast! No prizes for guessing who penned this ductive health related outcomes in the I’ve included a photograph of the two of next reliably chatty, newsy update. “I DRC. Now, for the first time in 16 years us taken not far from Les Halles. ZUBIN have had an eventful 4 months. Covered of working with DKT, I am taking a sub- BAMJI ’84 was in Paris for a conference the ATP Chennai Open tennis for Mid-Day stantive break. I look forward to resting, in May and we spent a lovely day wander- newspaper in January. During the same recharging my batteries, catching up ing around the city with him. Five months trip I had a mini reunion with RIYAZ UR with family and friends and otherwise in Paris seemed too short, yet after 13 RAHMAN and ARIF RAZACK at Sea Shells doing things for the soul rather than the or 14 months away from home, I was so restaurant. The legendary Arif invited me bank account for the next three months glad to be back in Chicago. Last October, to stay in his house in Kodai, so I whizzed :-)! Ever suffering from itchy feet, I will after a 4-year gap, I returned to work, off to Kodai. Flew to Madurai and took a embark, in August, on a new adventure back at University of Chicago’s college taxi to Arif’s humble abode (that’s what with DKT in West Africa. I would welcome admissions office where I used to work, he calls it) at Munjikal. On the way I visitors! Hope to reconnect with many of but this time working from home for just stopped near Vatlagundu --that’s what you in Houston in July.” half the year -- which suits me perfect- it’s called nowadays. Had the world fa- ly! Reading & evaluating college applica- mous Thalapakatty ; it was pretty And from England, MUSTAFA GULCIMEN tions from some of the best young minds good. It was not around during our days. breaks his long silence! “The attached around the world is thoroughly rewarding In Kodai, of course I loved pulling Arif’s picture was taken in Venice last week work and I hope to continue doing this leg. Arif has undergone a sea change since where Karen & I went for our 29th Wed- next admission cycle too. In December I his halcyon days at Kodai School. Had tea ding Anniversary. As you can see in the went back to India for 3 weeks and spent with EMILLY VARGHEESE’ 84. She told me picture we’re all getting older, but still Christmas with my mother in Kochi. Right she is now Assistant Dean. Wow! Principal able to use a selfie stick. LOL!!! We now, I’m off for 6 months and am looking COREY STIXRUD ‘86 was away on one of now live in Cheshire, South Manchester. forward to immersing myself deeper into his many jaunts to Bangkok. On the last Andrew is now working as a Chartered my photography, into my self-assigned day, which was incidentally Pongal, I had Accountant at Greenergy and Melissa is reading project (reading a book a week; a traditional Pongal banana leaf lunch at in her second seat at Shoosmith’s Law I was doing well in the beginning!) and Kodaikanal Club (formerly English Club), Firm, both in Manchester. I’ve just been to a 3-week trip to France in May. That’s where I bumped into Minoo Avari and Sam in touch with ABDUL HABSY and ROBIN what’s been going on with me. and Lalitha Balachander. ABDUL HAMEED PERERA recently on WhatsApp.” Congrats “Jeetu Nanda ‘83, Avantika Akerkar ‘83, ‘85 and his wife graciously invited me for on the anniversary! JYOTI KOMANAPALLI, and Kai Weise ‘83 - in Kodai, April 2016” lunch. Before I forget, AFTAB AHMED ‘84 who plans to be at the Houston reunion, The rest are selfies taken in Kodai and invited Arif and me to a delicious Kash- was in Kodai in December and said it was you could put them in a general section. miri lunch (rista and rogan ghosh) cooked totally wild to be visiting with his kids! wonderfully by his wife. Went to for My news is that I spent the spring & Submitted by Mona Oommen Republic Day, and in Feb-March visited summer of 2014 in Kochi, with ______my sister Shireen (who incidentally had my parents in what turned out to be my ______a short stint at Presentation Convent in dad’s last months. I was so glad to not Kodai) in Delhi and made a fleeting trip be working at the time and to have had Class of 1984 Chennai for the Invitation Cup horse the opportunity to be there. Immediate- racing. At the beginning of April, I went ly after that, Donu had a sabbatical year DR ANIL HENRY: is a missionary with to Calcutta for the World T20 cricket fi- off, and, as we had earlier planned, we Global Ministries, a missionary branch of nal at the iconic Eden Gardens. Carlos spent 4 months in Princeton, NJ (he was United Church of Christ, Cleveland, USA. Brathwaite’s four towering sixes clinched at the Institute for Advanced Study that As General Surgeon, he is presently the the title for West Indies. The onslaught Fall) and then 5 months in a village right Director of Christian Hospital at Mungeli, left England shattered. That’s all folks outside Paris, France (at a similar math a 110-year-old mission hospital in Chhat- from muggy Bombay. Love, Noffy.” Yup, research institute). While in Princeton, tisgarh, India. Until recently, he served NAOSHIRVAN “Noffy” VAKIL. He was hop- I was glad to have lots of family around on the KIS Council as Board Member and ing to be able to make it to the reunion, me and to see various Kodai alumni in Chairman. but his trip to the US for his niece’s grad- NYC too (including of course, my broth- uation from Harvard is two months too er GEORGE OOMMEN ’86 who by then had ANGELA HUNTINGTON: I have been living early unfortunately. moved back to the US from several years in Minneapolis Minnesota for the past 20 in Singapore and India). I saw FIRDOUS years. I work at 3M as a Data Analyst. My From Germany, SARITA PATEL writes, BAMJI in the off-Broadway play by Tom son James will be starting his Sophomore “With my 9-year-old daughter, Puja, my Stoppard, “Indian Ink.” It was fabulous, year at St. Oaf College this September. life is all about her school, her activities as was having dinner with him after- etc. What I do for myself is my work. I wards. He traces his interest in theatre KRISHNA DEVANANDAN: I live in Auro- work for a biotech company, specialized to way back in 6th grade when Wendy Ri- ville, studying and learning Tai Chi Ch- in market access. I am a full time working ber cast him in the lead role in the class uan, working with the Auroville Art Ser- mum and dealing with all the challenges play, “Virtue and Justice Triumph Again!” vice and enjoying organizing events and that brings on a daily basis. Otherwise we In France, I discovered that the key to being involved in the cultural life here.

Class News Magazine • 51 I am getting married on November 20th on the boat relaxing and fishing. As many proud parent of a 5-year-old boy, Saransh to Christoph Pohl at the Bodhi Zendo in know, I am one of the coordinators for the Sanyam. I tried to get into medical school Perumal Malai. Labor Day reunion at Camp Kirchenwald, here in India but unfortunately, the sys- PA. This will be the 32nd year I have at- tem of evaluating a prospect for medical CHRISTIAN FAVRE: I’m living in Munich tended (I was 15 the first year back when school is very defective with a syllabus with my wife and 4-year old twins. A it was in Ohio). Hope to see more of the that has unnecessary topics. They also warm invitation to any Kodaites passing class of ‘86 attending in the future! don’t care whether you have worked in through to get in touch and meet up. a lab with high standards, unlike medical ______STEPHEN (TOMMY) THOMAS: My fami- schools in the US. So, I tried for the med- ly and I are still living on the banks of ical school in Manipal but was rejected Lake Geneva. We are 4kms away from by the unfair system. I then graduated Class of 1986 Switzerland (in France) and it is only a in English as I could gain admission on the

short 20km drive to Geneva town centre basis of my good grades in Kodai. from our house. I moved to France some ______SALLY NICHOL REINDEL writes : Class of 22 years ago after finishing my studies at ‘86 had a wonderful time reuniting with University in London. I have degrees in 12 classmates in Kodai over Alumni week Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering Class of 1988 in August. It’s nice having COREY & NANDI- as well as in Natural Resources Science. TA STIXRUD, and MALINI DEVANANDAN on MARION GREENE: I serve as a county I am an environmental engineer spe- the staff, and SORUBAN SANTHAGUNAM, commissioner (elected role) in Hennepin cialized in environmental management SIDNEY PETERS, and CAROLINE KARKADA County, MN, USA - a large urban county. systems, regulatory compliance etc. for JUNIUS living in Kodai, so we always have I live in Minneapolis, and my district also industry, notably in the mining, chemical people to host us. The other 86ers that includes the suburb of St. Louis Park. and oil & gas sectors. I have currently attended were SUNNY JAMSHEJI, BAS- finished a contract as environment man- ANTHI GOPALAKRISHNAN, SALLY NICHOL LYNN TEGENFELDT UMPHRESS: Have been ager for the construction of 210km of REINDEL, RUTH MABRY and SHYAMA PILLAI currently living outside of Portland, Ore- gas pipeline that crosses Albania. Once ROSENFELD. We always adopt a few oth- gon for the past 8 years. Moved from Min- an international traveller, always an in- ers like Gayatri Reddy ’87, Abdulrahim Al neapolis along with my 4 kids back out to ternational traveller! Over the years, my Bahlani‘82, Millie Varghese ‘84, Shanki the West Coast to be closer to my Folks. work has allowed me to work on projects and Rehka Mahendra ‘90 and Alok Auro- Edwin and Margaret Tegenfeldt, who are in many countries in Europe, N. Ameri- villian ‘87. It was so nice to catch up with doing well. Have been at the same job ca and Asia. My family and I had the op- each other again. Some of the highlights for the past 12.5 years. I am a Produc- portunity of living in Melbourne Austra- were a trip to Berijam, a hike to Jerry’s tion Supervisor for an Anodizing company lia for 4 years (I missed / crossed paths point, speedy walks around the lake led called Pioneer Metal Finishing. We have with Dorte by about 6 months when out by Nandita and Malini, lunch at Bethania 12 plants across the country from Oregon there). Anybody that needs advice or orphanage, and wonderful food, mostly to South Carolina and Mexico. Current- consulting in the industrial environment, provided by “the super guy” Soruban. It ly, have kids aged from 22, 19 and twins please don’t hesitate to contact me. I was also fun for Sally and Basanthi meet- that just turned 18. Feel really old listing have been following from afar the devel- ing up with Mai in Mahabalipuram after those ages but that goes with the terri- opments in solar energy use at KIS and the week in Kodai. tory. :) Hope to get to one of the many the work that Ian Lockwood has been un- The second 86 reunions at camp Kirch- reunions that we have for Alumni one of dertaking regarding the safeguarding of enwald over Labor Day weekend was a these years. Was crushed when I missed the Palani Hills ecosystems. I met Fran- big hit with Rani, Corey, Basanthi, Sal- our 25th anniversary for “88” that was coise my French wife in London and we ly, Rebekah, and Bernadette Bradbury. held on Catalina Island and was not able have two fine boys, Alexandre and Jack Basanthi is getting involved with helping to see classmates that I was looking for- who are both growing-up far too fast! with registration for next year in hopes ward to see. Hopefully next time!!! All Mme Puginier and Favre would be proud that more of our classmates will come. is well and hope to see classmates and of me as I am almost a French bilingual. Thanks to all who organized the fun time, friends thru the next couple years. I was last in Kodai a few years ago where and special thanks to Yvonne for organiz- I was graciously received by Corey, Nan- ing alumni weekend and getting us all to ABRAHAM OOMMEN: I am living in Trivan- dita and Tarun. What fun it was to stay go. drum, Kerala together with my wife rais- at Benderloch. Sorry I could not make it ing our three daughters. Primarily sup- out to the reunion this time around. I’m SHYAMA PILLAI ROSENFELD: I’m living in porting a real estate back-office in the sure everyone present had a tremendous Winchester, VA., with hubby Scott and US, volunteering at a regional missions’ time in meeting-up, exchanging life sto- three kids. My oldest, Ruthie, is starting hospital, and distance educating myself ries and reminiscing. her freshman year at UVA. Joseph is 16 in a Bachelors program in Christian Stud- ______years old and Adam is 9. Recently left ies are the three primary things I am cur- private practice and now I’m a family rently involved in. doctor with the local hospital system. Class of 1987 Highlight of my year so far was the trip JACOB ISAAC: I live in Chicago with my Joseph and I took to Kodai for our 30th NIHAR PATNAIK lives in Bangalore with his wife and 4 kids. I work for GE’s Health- reunion! wife, Neetu and twin daughters (Naina care division in the IT group. I continue & Dia). He works at Mphasis as a Senior to (try to) play soccer! NIK SEKHRAN: lives in New York where he Manager - Projects. He enjoys going to works for the UN as the Director for Sus- Bangalore’s art exhibitions and attending YVONNE DOVLO: Three years on, I’m still tainable Development at UNDP. a vintage car rally. the Alumni Officer at KIS. So far, it has been a rewarding experience. In my in- RANI MALONEY: I am in Basking Ridge, ABHISHEK PRASAD: I am living in the cap- teractions with alumni, I’ve observed NJ and am a project manager in a major ital of the state of Bihar, that is Patna that, they still hold KIS dear to their pharmaceutical company. My long-time and work for a non-profit organization as heart and endeavours to support its de- boyfriend, Jeff, and I spend our spare an academic consultant. I am married to velopment efforts. time going to shore and spending time a Patna girl, Manisha and I am also the 52 • Class News Magazine Class Of 1986 Reunion in Kodai Class Of 1986

Class Of 1986 Basanthi cuts her Birthday cake

Class Of 1986 Class Of 1986

Class News Magazine • 53 Nooresha & Khaishoon Class of 1983 Tim Miller Class of 1988

Kelly Russell Class of 1982 Udani Rahman Class of 1988

Sandy & Sanjay Class of 1983 Norry & Sanjay chopping Class of 1983

54 • Class News Magazine can Airlines and continues to live in Dal- TIMOTHY & BEA MILLER: My wife Bea and las with her husband and two daughters, As usual, JEEVAN SIVASUBRAMANIAM pro- I live in Playa Del Rey, California with 10 and 7. Her family enjoys the chance vided me with a great update on himself two senior cats and a three-year-old dog to travel globally by taking advantage of and several of our classmates. Thank you, named Lucky. I work as a freelance Flame her flight perks. Most recently, NISHA’s Jeevan! Of note, DAVID ESTES fulfilled a artist, which is a type of software that family saw the Northern Lights from an lifelong dream of Jeevan’s when he took does digital compositing for movies and ice hotel in Finland over Spring Break. David to see RUSH with VIP seating. This commercials. You can always check out Sounds beautiful! NISHA travels annually was no small feat, as the concert was sold my work Demo at https://www.youtube. to visit her family in Chennai as well but out. Oh, to be a fly on the wall during com/watch?v=KEWMSIF-ToQ . Bea does hasn’t made it to Kodai in over 15 years. that event. Those two guys never cease stock trading, holds down the fort and NISHA recently attended a local KIS re- to crack me up with their banter. keeps us healthy. I like my job but I don’t union which attracted about 112 students like the hours so I’m looking for career and their families with classes from 1959 Jeevan is still living in San Francisco and change to try something different, I’m - 2005. It was graciously hosted at the working in publishing. He doesn’t have well suited for a creative director, cre- beautiful home of ex- Kodai staff member children but has an 18-year-old cat, ative management or communication if Mr. Plymale and his wife Isabella. NISHA which is older than most of his class- anyone knows of anything that pays well. says that it was fun to connect with alum- mates’ children. Jeevan shared that DA- :). Recently we took a fun twelve-day ni, especially Gwen, a cousin of Principal, VID ESTES has moved from the Bay Area road trip with Lucky to Sedona, mon- Dr Paul Wiebe, who had just returned to Occidental, CA, with his girlfriend. ument valley and ended up in Vegas… from a visit to Kodai. David continues to create music with his Lucky did not help us win, so we are still Kirtan band Ananda Rasa and also imports working. MIRANDA BABY writes from Shanghai, harmoniums from India. In August 2015, where she has been living for 18 months. Jeevan says that ARUN MUKHERJEE vis- RAJANI MALLICK: I spent only two years in Her husband, Asok, was posted by Volvo ited the Bay Area and was able to meet KIS, but those two years I learned many to Shanghai from Sweden. MIRANDA and with Manjula, Ram and Sanjeevan. skill sets, I still use in life as a Physi- their 11-year-old son, Liam, followed Jeevan hears from SANJAY PINGLE when cian. Multicultural taught me tolerance along for the experience of a lifetime. he is in San Francisco but they usually do towards different race and religion, ev- MIRANDA says that “every day is a new not have the opportunity to meet. ery individual who comes to my office I adventure.” She is happy that they have am able to provide them care as a fel- the opportunity to travel and that Liam DIVINE DOVLO: I live in Accra, Ghana low human being and not as a black or gets to experience ex-patriot student with my family. I work as a Travel and white, rich or poor. As you may know, I life. Her family will be in Shanghai for 2 Tour consultant and currently contribut- am a family physician in Massachusetts. years, so they have been taking advan- ing my quota to humanity by assisting to After school, I did my MBBS in Bangladesh tage of the chance to explore China as provide safe drinking water to deprived and came to USA in 1997. I was fortunate much as possible. communities through the construction of enough to work in Dana Farbar Cancer safe and sustainable underground water Institute while talking USMLE exams. I I got a nice update from OLIVER RAJAMA- wells. did my residency in Sacred Heart Hos- NI this year. OLIVER is living in Austin, pital in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Work- Texas, with his wife. He is still making SANJAY wrote from NYC, where he lives ing with patients in USA was a complete great music and is about to drop a new with his wife, Alicia, and their two chil- shock compared to Bangladesh. I guess I CD called Flamenco India featuring top dren, Amaya and Arman. Sanjay says that managed well, as I was also a recipient artists from Spain. Check it out! OLIVER he sees SAMEER SHARIFF as he travels of some awards. During my residency, I tells me that he is still in contact with through NYC often. Sanjay says he tries was also blessed with beautiful daughter, classmates KHOSROW VAKSHOURI and to get out of the city regularly to enjoy Nidhi. After residency I moved to Michi- DAVID ESTES. He also said that he had a mountain biking and surfing. gan, worked there for 6 years. I missed chance to spend some time with GABY the multicultural environment and rest VALERI, who we hear now lives in Oak- A little closer to my home is NALINI JEW- of my family, so I moved to Boston. With land, CA, with his family. ETT, who continues to run the ESL pro- blessings from God, I have been able to gram for a high school in the Denver area. live great life. Despite many difficulties, ADIL KHAN wrote that he and his family NALINI loves the teaching part of her job I have found more love and peace. Thank will be relocating to Chicago from Con- but isn’t a fan of the administration por- you KIS for making me a strong person. necticut this summer. ADIL and his fam- tion. NALINI moved out of her condo 2 ______ily lived in Connecticut for 12 years, so years ago to buy a town home where she they are expecting a big change with the has a garage for her new Toyota Rav4. upcoming move. ADIL discovered another After a year in the town home, NALINI Class of 1989 classmate recently. MURALI ‘89 has been rescued a wonderful dog that she named in his area for a few years. Class of ‘91 Bindi, a beagle mix. NALINI and Bindi will If you missed submitting an update, alumni ZUBIN and YASSER also live nearby be taking a road trip this summer to vis- please ensure that your data is current and he has enjoyed seeing them after al- it friends and family across the Midwest. in the KIS database, so that you can be most 27 years. I talk with NALINI regularly and we are included in next year’s update. It can be planning a mini-reunion with JEEVAN difficult to track classmates down, and MANJULA HARIHARAN writes from North- in May. We have invited other Colorado I’m hoping that we can find a better way ern California. She and ASHAN ‘88 relo- alumni, including Matthew (‘88), Laura to make sure everyone gets a chance to cated from Southern California about a (‘90), Binah (‘87) and John (‘88). submit their updates, if they so wish. On year and a half ago. She says they are still that note, here’s the news from the Class adjusting to the cooler weather. MANJU- As for me, KATE FUCCILLO HEMINGWAY, of 1989! LA is happy running the PTO at both of I am back in Colorado, loving life in the her children’s schools. Her daughter foothills outside of Denver. My husband, I heard from NISHA PASHA within minutes Avantika is playing competitive tennis Matt, is VP of Sales for a company here. I of sending out emails to the class. Thank while her son, Ashwin, enjoys both soc- am working as a content writer and just you for your prompt response, NISHA! NI- cer and tennis. passed the Colorado Real Estate Exam. SHA just completed 21 years with Ameri- Class News Magazine • 55 Our daughter, Asha, is going to be 13 lucky enough to meet up with RAVI ABRA- at Munjikal in search of Kothu Parottas; in June and plays competitive soccer, HAM. It was two years since we last caught walk around the campus, visiting the among other sports. We are living on ½ up. Ravi is still based in Singapore and gym, library, piano blocks, science block, acre land and are raising hens, sundry has been painting and exhibiting in vari- dish and flag green, and lunch at the din- pets and vegetables. My parents, Pat and ous parts of the world. His paintings and ing hall; meeting with the Principal and Dom, who lived in Hyderabad when I at- sketches are just breath-taking. I’ve also other alumni who have joined the school tended Kodai, and my brother Michael seen wedding cakes that Ravi has deco- staff; some of the kitchen staff were still and family, live a few miles away. We rated for friends’ weddings, and I would around from when we were at school; would love to hear from you if you pass never have guessed a professional cake visited the Elementary School; meeting through Colorado! decorator didn’t make them! Similarly, this year’s graduating class and interact- ______on an artistic and creative note, MEENAK- ing while sharing ideas and experiences; SHI DASH, who is based in New York, has Dinner at the Kodai Club which included been doing a number of exciting things. local and visiting Alumni and other Alum- Class of 1990 She works for the mayor’s office and is ni working at the school; visit to Poondi the co-curator of Jersey City’s public arts camp site; and evening at the Kodai Golf Hi Everyone, I hope this finds you all program. Most recently, Jersey City used Club. It sounds like everyone had a won- well. This is YOJANA CHADHOKAR, I am Meenakshi’s owl designs as a backdrop for derful time – I certainly wished I could still in Sydney and my two little ones are some environmental messages. She has have been there when I saw the photos 5 and 8. They have both settled into a also been commissioned by Jersey City posted on Facebook! Well done to Ajay new school this year and are involved to paint street murals – and the photos I Parekh and others for organizing it! with various sporting and outdoor ac- have seen are absolutely fantastic! Some tivities. They, along with my work as an of the other things that she has been do- On their way to the reunion, Mark and his Environmental Scientist at SMEC, keep ing include a range of stunning jewellery, family stopped in Delhi and visited KARIN me pretty busy. My work involves prepar- paintings (most recent themes include LOCKWOOD. Karin continues to work for ing environmental impact assessments, Indian tribal women and wildlife). I know the American Embassy School in Delhi and mainly for government infrastructure several classmates who are proud own- she also keeps busy with her two sons. projects. A welcome break from work ers of Meenakshi’s and Ravi’s work. Both After their stop in Delhi, and before the was a family reunion with my sister Chi- Ravi and Meenakshi amaze me with their reunion, Mark, Bala and their families got tra Chadhokar (’83) and her husband in creativity, and it’s just wonderful seeing together at Jungle Retreat (Masinagudi) San Francisco, and a quick trip to Los them do what they love to do every day. for 2-3 days. From there, they drove to Angeles to visit Disneyland. During that I really do recommend you have a look at Kodai together for the reunion. After the holiday, I had the chance to catch up their work [Ravi: “RP Abraham” on Face- reunion in Kodai, Mark, Kathrin, Shanki, with a few Kodai friends, including Sar- book, and Meenakshi http://munubug. , Chris and Bala got together for a ah Sekhran (’91), Karthik Vasudevan (’91) myshopify.com/. Meenakshi was recently coffee at Bala’s office in Chennai. and his family and SWAROOP ARADHYA in Singapore for work and visiting fam- and his family. Swaroop and Kerry hosted ily, and caught up with Ravi and MANU Bala says that work and life is pretty a lovely evening at their place where we CHOPRA. hectic and involves travelling between could all catch up. I had not seen Sar- Hyderabad, where his wife and daugh- ah or Karthik since 1990 and it was just Another visitor to Sydney during the ter live, and Chennai, where his mother amazing how we were able to catch up Christmas break was MARK TEGENFELDT lives. His daughter has just completed and talk non-stop as if no time at all had and his family, who were stopping in Syd- 3rd grade at an IB school in Hyderabad passed. Unfortunately, I just missed see- ney after a holiday in New Zealand. It where his wife also teaches PYP. Just ing KOUROSH KIANPOUR who flew to San was terrific seeing them here and being recently, Mark and his daughter Maya Francisco to visit Swaroop the week af- able to show them a bit of Sydney. Ruth visited Chennai for Maya’s inter-school ter I left. I had hoped to meet up with Lockwood was here at the same time, athletic meet, at the American School in BLOCK LARSON (Block) while in and along with my mum, Maria Lockwood Chennai, and they stayed with Bala while LA but Disneyland took up most of our and her family (’88), and Anna Lock- they were there. Ashley also wrote to me time there. Swaroop is hoping to meet up wood (’85) and Viki, we had a big catch and said she “had a blast” at the reunion. with Urvashi, SHEPHALI GUPTE and other up dinner at a south Indian restaurant. She lives in Bangalore. He son turned 18 classmates in the coming months while Mark and his family are based in Bangla- last years and has joined an engineering travelling. He has caught up with sever- desh but will be moving on to Africa this firm. Her daughter is 15 and has finished al Class of ’91 friends in the Bay Area, year for a USAID post there. While Ruth 10th grade. Ashley is in regular contact he caught up with Sarah (’91) and RAVI Lockwood was in Sydney, she celebrated with Shanki and Rekha, Amit and FAISAL ABRAHAM in Singapore, BALAKRISHNAN her 85th birthday. It was very special for RAHMAN. She met up with VEENA RA- VENKATRAMAN in California and MONCHO me to join in the celebrations at Anna’s JKUMAR when ATIYA SHAH was in town. FERRER in India. Swaroop has been work- apartment (which has a beautiful view of Faisal and his wife have just become par- ing at a startup company in San Francisco Sydney harbour). ents to twins!! Their son’s name is Umar for three years and he has been enjoying and their daughter’s name is Umama. his role as medical director. He says that Mark and his family went to our class CONGRATULATIONS! I’m sure the twins this firm has been trying to make genet- reunion (25 years) in Kodai last year. will keep you busy and bring you much ic testing more accessible worldwide. Others who attended included BAL- joy. Faisal is on the governing body of a Swaroop says that Moncho continues to AKRISHNAN VENKATRAMAN, SHANKI MA- healthcare company and private universi- lead the Vicente Ferrer Foundation with HENDRAN, REKHA ACHUTAN MAHENDRAN, ty in Bangladesh. his mother. VFF now serves 3000 villages ASHLEY IDICULLA, ATIYA SHAH, SAHIR PA- and has impacted millions of people. The TEL and his wife Trupti, VINOD MATHEWS Another reunion took place in Mumbai Foundation has extended his presence to and his wife Shanti, AJAY PAREKH, MANU at the end of last year. MAUSHUMI SHAH, the US with an office in Washington DC. CHOPRA, GAGGANPAL SIDHU and CHRIS YOGESH MELWANI, SAMUEL ISLAM, GAG- Moncho received a major award this year SYKES. Bala gave me a summary of the re- GAN, AJAY, AMIT CHAKRABORTY, SAHIR from the Indian community in the US for union, which I have further summarised: and SHAHEED SULTAN caught up one eve- his humanitarian work. Reminiscing about school life; unsuccess- ning. Maushumi lives in and ful midnight excursion to Darling by Night keeps pretty busy with her children and Back in Sydney, in late December, I was 56 • Class News Magazine helps her husband Shaan with their fam- her family. Her son Armaan is 13 ½ years iar with our class Facebook page, you ily business. She was recently in Singa- old and her daughter Saira is seven years should join it: Kodaikanal International pore where she was able to meet up with old and just finishing 1st grade. Shephali School – Class of 1990. Till next time… MEENAKSHI DASH. returned to work in the financial markets There are a few Kodai classmates on after a break of 13 years. She says it’s ( insert picture )Armaan and Saira (Shep- the west coast of the US. As mentioned amazing to be back at work and she is hali Gupte ‘90 kids) with Riyan Nanavati above, Swaroop lives in San Francisco, enjoying the energy of it, and feels fortu- (Sabina Nanavati ‘90 son) in August 2015. and Urvashi lives in LA. JESSICA DODGE nate that she was able to spend so much lives and works in the Bay area and is lov- time with the kids and now able to re- JENNIFER REEDER: My husband Chaplain, ing it. She works in a veterinary office and turn to the workforce. Shephali continues Major, Christopher Reeder and I (Jenni- has a number of pets, including a horse. to meet Kodai classmates on their visits fer Ollis Reeder) are currently stationed Her son Luke has just turned 20 and is liv- to New York. Most recently, she bumped with the Air Force at Davis Monthan Air ing and working in Portland, Oregan. She into VENKATESH GOPALAKRISHNAN (Babu) Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. He serves is looking forward to him moving to the at the Natural History Museum on his as a chaplain and I am involved in service Bay area at the end of the summer. RAJIT brief visit from Seattle with his fami- through various opportunities in ministry. MALHOTRA is in LA. He decided to leave ly. She couldn’t believe they recognised McKinsey to go back to his roots build- each other, having seen each other for MYRIAM PUGINIER VON OPPEN: I live in ing companies. After taking the summer the first time since 1990!! What a coinci- Berlin with my husband Joachim and off to travel around Europe, he will be dence too! She also met Bala on his visit our two children Anna (11 years) and returning to his portfolio of angel invest- to New York last summer and regularly Benjamin (7 years). I work for a Jewish ments, with the intent to spend a good meets JILL STEMPEL, AURALICE GRAFT, non-profit organization in the Chabad chunk of his time at one in particular, JESSICA (WYNNE) and Meenakshi in New Jewish Educational Centre Berlin. a pharma biotech company in Southern York. Jessica is a Professor of Photogra- California. His children are 8 and 10 years phy at the Fashion Institute of Technology SHOBA ANAND: I live in Portland, Oregon, old and growing quickly. AJIT NINAN lives in New York and has a daughter Molly (8). working for US Bank as a Senior QA Ana- in San Jose, California. He has been work- Auralice lives in Auroville with her two lyst. I am married to my husband, Philip ing at Dolby Labs for the last four years, sons, Aman and Emil, and husband Akash and we have 2 children, Susanna who is “getting HDR TV technology to stick”. He Kapur. She visits New York twice a year to 12 and Ethan, who is 8. We love to go says “it’s come a long way from meet- see family. Jill has two daughters, Elodie hiking, biking and walking and spending ing with JJ Abrams showing him displays and baby Simone, and lives in Brooklyn time enjoying the outdoors in the beauti- we made and getting him to make Star with her husband Ben. Sheph says she is ful northwest. Wars with our technology to bringing my looking forward to seeing SABINA NANA- inventions for local diming Quantum Dot VATI on her next visit to Mumbai. Sabi- RAJIT MALHOTRA is the Managing Partner TVs that manufacturers are now adopt- na had a baby boy (Riyan) who has just of McKinsey & Company’s Southern Cal- ing” (there’s no way I could have put that turned one. She meets Ajay Parekh on ifornia practice, one of the oldest and in my own words!). Ajit is Vice President visits to India or when he travels to New most established practice regions with- of Technology Incubation where he gets York. in McKinsey, having celebrated its 65th to start new businesses and “play all anniversary recently, and with over 100 day”. Ajit has two children, Mirium (9) In Europe, GORM GRONNEVET lives near consultants and 20 partners. He is also and Madiline (5). His wife is a teacher Oslo and is working as an Economist in leader of the firm’s healthcare, public in Los Gatos. Their children enjoy sports the research of the telecommunications sector and EPNG practices. Rajit lives in and academia. Ajit runs into Ajit Abraham company Telenor. That company has a Los Angeles with his wife and two chil- (’91) every now and then. He encourages large Asian presence with the brands dren. He is actively involved with sev- other classmates to contact him if they Grameenphone in Bangladesh, Telenor/ eral civic and charitable projects. He is are in the Bay Area. With the number of Uninor in India, Digi in Malaysia, Dtac a Board member at the Southern Cali- classmates (and Kodai alumni generally) in Thailand and Telenor in Pakistan and fornia Leadership Council, a member of on the west coast, there should definitely Myanmar. Gorm has two children - daugh- the Board of Trustees at the Saban Free be a larger get-together over there some- ter Stella (5) and son Storm Johannes (7) Clinic, on the Board at the CAFAM Muse- time! (what a cool name!). During the last few um, and spent time as a member of the years, they have had holidays in South Af- Dean’s Alumni Leadership Council at Har- Working my way across the US, SEEMA rica, near Mosselbay, where Gorm’s par- vard University’s Kennedy School. WADIA (Patel) is in the Chicago area. ents have an apartment. MANI MELCHI- ______She is pretty busy with work and her OR lives in Switzerland with her husband two children. Then, onto the east coast. and two daughters (5 and 7). They had a FAMIN AHMED lives in the DC area. She great time with Meenakshi and her hus- Class of 1991 has been busy with work. Last year, she band who visited them in November 2015 LOCKEY E. WHITE is an attorney living in went to Dhaka and was able to meet up and Mani also met BHANU NALLA and his Hawaii working in the field of real estate, with a bunch of friends from Dhaka and family while on a short trip to Toronto. property, trust, estates, and general civil Kodai, including SHAHEED SULTAN, Amina litigation. On her off-time and on a vol- Rahman (’91), Nazim Farhan Choudhury Most recently, in Sydney, I caught up with unteer basis she also represents native (’91), Nashrid Kibria, Naheed Kamal and Ajit Singh (’91) for a coffee – turns out Hawaiians pro bono on issues of property others. She is also hoping to see CHRIS he works about 200 metres from where I law and indigenous rights/ access to sa- SYKES, URVASHI BLOCK AND NAHIA HU- work! Other Kodai friends we see in Syd- cred areas and serves as Vice President of SAIN when she visits LA next month. Kou- ney include Anna Lockwood (’85), Maria her local Buddhist temple. As the Found- rosh lives and works as a dentist in DC. Lockwood (‘88), Satish Mehta (’89), Ran- er of Earth Day celebrations at Kodaikanal He said he enjoyed his trip to San Fran- jit Voola (’88) and when in town, Ranjith International School in 1990, Lockey has cisco in October last year when he caught Phillips (’89). been working in the field of international up with Swaroop and Kourosh Vakshouri environmental law and sustainability as (’91). It has been absolutely wonderful hearing a volunteer for numerous organizations from all of you, so please keep writing since. Her focus now is living the spirit of SHEPHALI GUPTE lives in New York with throughout the year. If you’re not famil- Aloha, so that she can help the world and Class News Magazine • 57 humans in it to live within their means, runway and it soars into the sky. cided to take a nap. Bobby is working out heal their souls, and find peace. In the early morning KARUNA MORARJI of Rangoon, Burma and Bangkok and runs wakes up in a small village in southern his own business exporting teak products. ALI MIRZA: I am living between Singa- India. As the plane swoops down near Bobby got married and we congratulate pore and HK and running two data and the paddy fields to pick her up, she says him and wish him a blessed married life consumer intelligence businesses focused ‘I’ve just finished my PhD in Development Next stop Malaysia where we pick up ANU on Asian consumers. Spend a lot of time Sociology from Cornell University. And RAMACHANDRAN She says ‘I am doing travelling for work and get to meet class- am trying to live a low-impact life in a good this year, Ms. Anitadon Lazarus from mates like Sasha, Hemant and Faiz re- village in north-western Karnataka with KIS and she was talking about having a cently. my husband, Vinish, and our five-year old reunion/ get together of KIS alumni’s and son Naman, whom we are educating at ex staff sometime this year. I am looking JOANNA MANECKJI lives in Singapore and home.’ Within Karnataka we head into forward to this. We are sad to remember works for Philips in the area of learning the bustling city of Bangalore. MALTESH Sohrab Khan who passed away last year and development. She has a 13-year-old SOMASHEKARAPPA boards the plane. His in Bangladesh. God bless him!! MIKAEL son, Mikko. In her spare time, she does wife Shivali is a lecturer there and both HUQ is in Bangladesh too and says he collages and is about to publish a sto- graduated from the London School of would love to visit Kodai and catch up. ry she illustrated called ‘Letters to my Economics. Opening up some packed do- Next stop Seoul, , where we Grandfather’. sas and for everyone he says ‘I have get two passengers, CHANG CHONG HYUN ______moved on after a decade of working for is living in Dubai working in construction Wipro. I have started my own startup and we also pick up YONG TAE BAE. KALA company in Singapore along with a sub- GURUNG lives in Kathmandu, Nepal with Class of 1992 sidiary in Bangalore which will be using husband George and daughters Diya and. 3D Printing technology to manufacture She works as a consultant. SHRADDHA BARBARA (CHANDLER) RACHMAN: I have patient specific implants. We are also BASNYAT is in Nepal and she gets some just moved back to the USA from Ecuador working on creating artificial organs - us great hiking done in the mountains. We where I lived in Cuenca with my children ing this technology but we are still years also pick up SAROSH and RUBESH PILLAI for almost 2 years. I am teaching Span- away from being able to venture to clini- who is married and lives in Sri Lanka. ish at a middle school in Roseville and my cal trials.’ Way to go Maltesh!! Good luck children are starting 6th and 5th grade. with your new venture!! MAYOOR BAL- SHIRAZ PANTHAKY lives in Auroville, SARA is also in Bangalore with his wife and spends a lot of time in ADNAN N. RAHMAN : It has been a de- Amba, partying and hitting the social the Auroville community activities. PRIYA cade already since we moved back to circuit and also diversifying his business SIVASUBRAMANIUM lives in Agartala, Tri- Bangladesh. Dhaka has been great for from hair exports to mobile technology pura with her husband and daughters. . us although very different from the years to fat loss methods and products. IMRAN She celebrated Shreya’s’ 9th Birthday on in the US east coast. Working in the old AHMED and his wife Sameera are in Ban- June 30th, and her daughter Sahana is 6 family businesses in jute and tea man- galore. They have a wonderful girl, Zara 1/2 yrs. old. ufacturing has of course been very dif- who keeps them busy. Imran keeps him- ferent compared to the high tech world self busy in free-lance design work, and In Mumbai, MARUSHKHA SHAH I was involved in previously but building working on his family real estate busi- (THANAWALLA) says ‘With an extremely new businesses in IT and corporate skills ness, designing and building commercial heavy heart I wish to inform you of my has been exciting as well. Hena is also and residential projects. REKHA NAIR is husband’s sudden demise on the 4th of enjoying teaching at a local school which married and teaching at an international June this year. My boys Vivaan (11 years both our boys attend. We are planning to school in Bangalore and might be open to next week) and Varun (7.5 years) are, by make a trip up to the hills this month to a teaching job in the future. the grace of God, coping better than ex- spend some time in the beauty of Kodai pected. Time remains the only healer and and soak in the magic of KIS once again! I In , SHREEDHARAN CHANDRAN we pray to God to give us much strength hope to see some old faces out there and is involved in his tea businesses. SUNITHA to cope with this very tragic loss.’ Let us make some new friends! We are super SUBRAMANIUM in Chennai says ‘Me and take a moment to pray for her tragic loss, excited about it. -Adnan Rahman (‘92) my son Vedantha are still living in Chen- at times like this I always think of how nai. I am on a year’s break from running the best of us, the good are taken from NEETA BHAT POLLARD: I left Kodai in my leadership development business and us early. God bless you Marushkha and we 1992 but would have been class of 1995. focusing on yoga, travelling, and gen- pray for your loss. I moved to Australia with my family and erally relaxing from a few hectic years. AJUNGLA IMCHEN lives near Mumbai and 20 years on I am living in Perth, Western HEERA RASOOL is also in Tamil Nadu and enjoys her work in Public Relations. LISA Australia. I am a veterinary surgeon and lives in Chennai. BALAJI also lives SCADRON is a multi-media artist and work part time while raising my 2 daugh- in Chennai. Thwack, wack, crack! goes native of Tucson, Arizona, USA. She di- ters aged 4 and 7 with my husband. Kodai the sound of APAS PONG shins pounding vides her time between Tucson, Arizona was a very important time in my life and the boxing bag, each kick aimed precise- and Mumbai, creating spectacular mixed I will never forget those years. ly and executed with tremendous pow- media paintings, giclee prints, and sto- ______er, as he works out in his Bangkok gym. ries built from art and text. http://www. He checks the clock and he sees that its lisascadron.com MANIKA KHOSLA lives in Class of 1993 time. Shower, crisp new shirt and shorts Mumbai working as an architect. SHILPA and 15 minutes later he’s heading to meet MUKERJI is in Mumbai, an amazing art- In Thailand, GUY APICHART VONGSANARA Guy at the airport. Once he hops in Guy ist and avid photographer and has been is busy getting ready to take off. There’s takes control and the jet begins taxiing exhibiting her art there. Her company a long flight ahead for the Class of 1993 down the runway and soars into the air. Tattwamasi Designs markets and sells jet. Guy who spent his elementary years Both are startled to hear a loud drone, her art and designs. http://www.greet- in Kodai as part of our class now lives in that eclipses the sound of the purring ingcards-tattwamasidesigns.blogspot. Bangkok, married and is a helicopter pi- Jet, they look back and they see its BOB- com NAKUL TOSHNIWAL with got married lot but he is flying our jet today. A short BY KWYE snoring, sleeping comfortable in recently and we congratulate him!! He while later he smooths the plane onto the first class. He arrived way in time and de- returned from the States where he was

58 • Class News Magazine Suren, with Daniela and Eva ‘93

Ranjit ‘93 and family Daniela ‘93 with Jon and Jack

Allen ‘93 and family Navin John ‘93 with his daughter Nia

Class News Magazine • 59 studying for a year. He is running his fam- Holistic counseling. She is now looking end. Congrats on your wedding Daniela ily business, which is in the field of high to write a book and follow one of life’s and wishing you continued happiness al- technology instruments. He is also an ac- many creative pursuits. MARC ELLIS also ways!! Welcome Jon to our class family!! tive angel investor in start-up companies. lives in Sydney. GAJAN VARATHARAJAN is SANVARI ALAGH is married and lives in also in Melbourne with his wife Gurdeesh Dr. PUSHKIN REZA is married and lives Mumbai. She started an online retail por- Kaur and is working in the automobile in- with her husband and daughter in En- tal for Luxury Home Decor and Imported dustry. gland. RENEE SHAH and husband Arun Kitchen called www.houseproud.in three Mukherjee’89 are in England and they months ago and getting a real taste of on- SARAH WALLIS (McCowan) is elated ‘I’ve have two children Tara- Sofia and Aiden. line success. DEEPIKA HARIVALLABDAS is just had my third daughter on 14/10/13 married and lives in Mumbai with her hus- and adjusting to life with three kids! We NISHA MALANI and her husband Claude band and children. I ran into her and her are still living on the Gold Coast in Aus- are still in Luxemburg where she teach- daughter, after 22 years of graduation at tralia, and we moved house just over a es. RADHIKA MODY been living in Antwerp a mall in Mumbai. It was wonderful to see month ago. Life has been a bit hectic Belgium for the last 12 years, she is mar- her. LEENA DATWANI moved to Delhi late and we’re still settling in. I haven’t tak- ried to Ishan Dayal, and has two boys last year and while they miss their life in en any recent family photos, but there AryamaN (10) and Shiv who is four years San Francisco, they are enjoying life here are plenty of the kids on Facebook. Con- old. TANYA MALANI is married to Scott for the most part. She’s still a stay-at- gratulations Sarah on the newest addi- who I’ve actually met in Kodai and played home mom to her two boys (5 and 7) and tion to your family from all of us. After ultimate Frisbee with and they both live volunteering her time on various events a complete refuel, the KIS93 jet engine in London. They have both enjoyed many and projects as they come around. She hum reminds me that there is much more barbeques with friends this summer and would love to see anyone in the area. traveling left, more friends to meet. Our have been working on their garden and ANUSHA LALL is also based in plane rockets off the Australian runway growing their own vegetables. Nothing and is traveling around the world doing and turns northward to Europe. On the beats home grown veggies, she says. virtuoso dance performances. BHARAT way we stop in the Middle East and pick SUREN GUNARATNAM is in France with his PAL SIDHU says all is well at his end and up more friends. NAJDA HUSSAIN at the wife Muriel and their two kids, Theo and he has had the good opportunity to meet time of submitting the last write-up had Sanya. He is working for a company which several of our friends in different places passed away and I’m very sorry to bring sells nets to prevent rock falls as well as and events in the year gone by - Sohail, this news to our class. We pray for her para avalanche kits. He says he’s looking Alex, Jai, Teymour, Xavier, Shree, Navin husband and her two children. ALEX younger every day! Sanya the last one Bhat, Sanvari, Leena. He says it’s always PACHIYANNAKIS and his wife Leela live is three and a half now, Théo turned 10 great meeting our class friends and hope in Abu Dhabi with their daughter Suma- in Oct, time does fly!! Muriel and he are to catch up with several others this year. ya and son Amin. He is an environmental keeping well. POORAV has a three-year- UMESH SAHARIA is in the loan syndication engineer working for an Oil and Gas Ser- old son and has moved to France and he business and based in Kolkata. His wife, vice provider. Soon after, our jet lands in and Suren meet up often. ROBY MUN- Nidhi and he have a eight year old son, Europe’. DACKAL is Switzerland. ANNA MANSON Dhruv. I met up with him in Kolkata on lives in Sweden. the way to Sohail’s wedding in Bhutan. BRENDA MORIN started her own Account- SOHAIL REKHY got married to Woodstock ing & Auditing Firm in Seychelles since Europe was fun but also tiring, we all drift Alumni Dechhen Pelden (‘2000) in Bhutan January 2016 called BGM Accountants off to sleep and woken up by the intercom this year and has moved to Bhutan. The (www.bgmaccountants.com); ‘I’ve been of Guy’s voice that we’ve arrived in North celebrations were attended by several back in Seychelles with my son William America. MOHAN MAHIMTURA and his Kodai and Woodstock Alumni. They are since year 2012 after spending 18 years beautiful daughter Nora live in New York, expecting their first child. Double con- in the UK. William is 5 years old now. It is as well as ANIL REDDY and PRASHANNA gratulations Sohail and Dechen welcome great to be back in my home land with all GURUNG and their lovely baby girl Asha, to Kodai Class of 1993 family. the family and doing my own business’. they had a wonderful new addition to In Bhutan I met JIGME CHETRI who works Congrats on the new Firm Brenda. If I their family a baby boy. RAHUL KARTHA for the government of Bhutan. The KIS93 need any accounting help I’ll be sure to has shifted to California with Ebay- his Jet loads all our friends from Asia and get in touch !! work keeps him on the road quite a bit heads past Singapore to Australia. As XAVIER PLEASANCE and his wife Mia are and during recent work trips to India, the jet lands in Melbourne we are met living in London, England with their two London, Philadelphia and Chicago he was by AJITH PHILIPS, who says ‘I currently sons Cory and Finn and he works as a con- able to meet up with Nakul, Xavier, Navin live in Brisbane, Australia with my wife, sultant in the banking industry. He spent Bhat, Ranjit Voola, Stan Kuruvilla and Tyrrilly and our three kids, Luka, Aliya most of 2015 partying with NAVIN BHAT Nishq Mody. MEHER D MELLO has moved and Sam. Co-owner of “The Color Nine” a who moved to London for a year with to New York and loves the city, she still café on the north side of Brisbane.’ his wife Rebecca, daughter Asha (5) and runs marathons and is probably the fittest RANJIT VOOLA is an academic at the Uni- son Kiran (7) from Perth, Western Aus- member of our class. Kudos to her. ATIQ versity of Sydney and is loving life with tralia. He is working as a lead process NABI is back from England and is a senior his two daughters, Leela and Charvi. He engineer with iron ore. Navin Bhat has technology vice president with Citibank. meets up with Ajith Phillips quite regu- recently shifted back to Perth and had a PIYUSH BHARGAVA is working in banking larly, and we mostly come to the conclu- beautiful baby boy his third child which is and spends his free time watching Feder- sion that those days were the days of our amazing!! YASHODA is also in London. EVA er games and playing and coaching ten- lives! REHMAN and family are still in Brighton. nis whenever he can and travels across She heads up tendering and communica- North America on frequent holidays. He ADELE ALMEIDA is living in the beauti- tions for a consultancy firm and met up recently gave Rahul a coaching session, ful Northern Beaches of Sydney. She has with Daniella for a weekend in Paris in and Rahul was surprised at his strictness been working with her fiancé in the cof- the Spring. DANIELLA TURNEY and hus- and definitely wasn’t going to pay him a fee industry for a few years, as well as band Jon, live near Geneva with their cent for it. Mohan hosts a wonderful meal other various projects. She is passionate 11-month old Jack. Life is good and we for us at his beautiful brownstone build- about alternative therapies and hav- just met up with Eva, and Suren and fam- ing overlooking Central Park. Guy takes ing owned her own business focusing on ily for our wedding reception last week- rest and naps while the rest of the gang

60 • Class News Magazine explore Manhattan. JOHN KOLLURI, his wife and two daugh- ifornia, working at the Aquarium of the REEHAM NIZAM is married to Aref and has ters have settled down just outside Indi- Pacific Life is beautiful, exhausting, and two wonderful boys Raeed and Zidaan anapolis and works for the federal gov- fun with husband Sourojit, little cra- and lives in New Jersey. Dr. SACHIN ernment. zy girl Sirana, and dog Oskar (her first DHEER lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, child). Her highlight of the year was a working as the director of musculoskele- ANUPAMA SURENDRAN and her husband trip to NY a few months ago to catch up tal imaging, in the department of radiol- Roy are living in the US and have two with Jyotshna, Anil, Prashanna, Piyush, ogy. AROHI PATHAK lives with her husband sons Ishaan and Aakash. VISHWAS KAD- and the kids. ASHAMAN GRAY is living in in DC. AM is married and lives in Birmingham, Maui with his wife and two German shep- Alabama. Mathew Abraham lives in the herds, practicing and teaching massage, HASIB IKRAMULLAH is also in New York U.S. Dr. ALLEN ANGRADE says ‘we live in enjoying the beach and participating in and he lives in Brooklyn. AMALIE YOUNG Scarsdale, NY with my two kids, Alyson an EMT training. If you are in Maui, be LEANO lives in Princeton, NJ. She’s en- (7) and Ian (3) and my wife Tanya. I work sure to look him up, he says! joying her first year as mother to Helena. as a physician at the Mt. Sinai Hospital, JYOTSHNA BUYYALA and her husband Mike NYC in Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine. SAJU ABRAHAM after spending more than live in New Jersey. Zara Malik is married We wish u all happiness and good health! 10 years in Bangalore, has recently moved with two children and lives in downtown ‘Thanks Allen and we wish you a wonder- to Vancouver, BC, Canada and he works Manhattan. ful life!! Glad you are all well. in the mobile and digital media space. His wife Raaji and he are busy with their ZARA DEE and SHIRAZ VAKARIA love life NISHQ MODY is in the US and involved in three beautiful daughters: Julia (10), Eva in Pennsylvania. They are continuing to ecological and environmental work. SHA- (5) and Aleya (3). JENNIFER WALDEN is enjoy life with their daughter, Mia Skye, FAYET IMAM lives in Cleveland, Ohio. OS- living in the Northwest Territories in Can- who is two and half years now. Busy has CAR AUSTEGARD, graduated from Rice in ada’s far north. She is working full time a whole new meaning. She gets the plea- ‘97, married his college girlfriend, Lisa in as an artist from her home based studio. sure of staying home with her and Shiraz ‘99, and now live in Maryland with their Her son Kai Natee is 4 1/2 and her second is still working away for us and life is just two kids, Erik and Charlotte where he child is 2 years old. She loves living in the busy. Never a dull moment around these works as an IT consultant. Aditi Menon north, right on the edge of wilderness un- parts. DHUSHYANTH RAJU is married and and her husband Neil live in the US. TE- der the midnight sun and spends a lot of working as an economist in Washington. HSIN SYED lives in the US and works in time with her boy out on the land or bring STAN KURUVILLA got a chance to visit the Healthcare technology industry. Af- him into studio to work with her. Kerala his home state and is a lawyer and ter finishing up Grad School in Texas in lives in Philadelphia, he is married and Mechanical Engineering, NEHAL RAHIM is DR JAI JAYARAMAN is working in a hospital has a son and a gorgeous baby girl Kath- still working for an Auto supplier in Motor in Toronto, and spends his time between erine. Dr. ELANGO VINJIRAYER also lives City, USA (working on Automatic Trans- working in ER, blazing the asphalt in his in Philadelphia and he and Stan catch up missions). He and his wife, Emily, and sports car, revving his super bike and con- often. two boys, Zain (8) and Kian (5), live just tending with his droves of fans. TEYMOUR outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Around HAIDER is living in Toronto. Earlier this JORNA DODGE (HOCHSTEDLER) says hel- this time of year, he starts to wonder why year he got married to Loba in Bangla- lo from Portland, Oregon. Over the past he still lives in Michigan as 5 months of desh, which was attended by Bharat and several years she has been providing cri- snow awaits!” Alex. I had a chance to meet him recently sis management and intercultural educa- after 18 years, in Toronto and it was great tion for a high school exchange and study PAUL CHRISTIANSEN, went to Kodaikanal to catch up. SUNITHA GINGRAS is also in abroad organization. Their lovely daugh- in the early 80’s when his parents Paul Canada and lives in Ottawa. ter is Jameela Ray and their son is Na- and Margret Christensen taught. He also den Henry. Since this time she is enjoying returned to Kodai after attending col- MEGAN FORD LEMAK continues to reside being a full time stay at home mom and lege in Minnesota, USA. He volunteered in Chatham, Ontario with her husband Dr. getting out to all the parks and other rec- in 1997 for six months and enjoyed visit- Stephan Lemak and their three children reation Portland offers to their kids. They ing the school once again. He is currently JP (11), Kara (8) and Nolan (5). She spends continue to enjoy the Pacific Northwest. working for the State of Minnesota in the much of her time in arenas for hockey Department of Human Services. He is a KUNAL KAPOOR is still in Chicago working supervisor for the organization and works and figure skating as well as volunteering at Morningstar, he has been promoted to as a designer. SHAKTI NARAYAN is in Cal- at her children’s school. After 10 years the CEO!! What a fantastic achievement ifornia with his wife Sandhya and has a of working at the local Children’s Mental and we congratulate you on this amaz- year-old baby. He is a lawyer. POORAV Health agency, Megan opened her private ing news!! He says ‘Not much new on practice in the Fall. She provides clinical my end. Still in Chicago and still work- CHOWDHURY lives a mile away in the Bay counselling to children, adolescents and ing in the same place. Things are good Area and works for a technology firm and their families. and the kids are getting older too fast. has moved to France. He has a baby boy. I think you likely saw/heard the news SAMYA SATTAR lives in San Francisco with As for me, my time is between Kodai and yesterday about my job switch that was her husband and 1 and a half year old Mumbai where I spend it with my pre- announced yesterday--it was nice to get daughter and works as a product manager cious five-year-old daughter Nia who is so many texts from classmates that they at a consumer website about healthcare my life!! She is very affectionate like her were so proud. Nice thing. (Here is the called healthline.com. BRINDA SARATHY father and a big clown I am involved in news on the off chance you are unaware: is now Director of the Robert Redford my businesses of real estate, construc- http://www.chicagobusiness.com/ar- Conservancy for Southern California Sus- tion (bio architecture), eco-tourism, and ticle/20160906/NEWS01/160909923/ tainability and a Professor of Environ- organic farming. www.organicbrooklyn.in morningstar-names-ceo-to-succeed-man- mental Analysis at Pitzer College in Cla- I recently started a small café restaurant sueto remont, CA. Her two kids (Omji, 9 and in Kodai as a small token of love for my Millan, 7) are as rambunctious as ever daughter, its called Nia’s Treats Café. Our YASMIN MOIDEEN also lives in Chicago and all are doing well in the Southland. around the world trip comes to a close with her husband and her son. EDWIN FAHRIA QADER is still in Long Beach, Cal- for now until our next holiday. Wishing all

Class News Magazine • 61 of our KIS 93 family, happy holidays full of great city again, and mostly managing to the summer in Europe but hopes that he love, life, happiness and success for all stay on the straight and narrow… She is gets enough projects in Asia during the of us. working with Dropbox at the moment and winter. He is hopeful now that he is in ______hoping that her ship will come in soon. Europe he will have time to meet up with Just out of London, RAHUL SHUKLA lives more people. Up to Sweden now, and Class of 1994 in Windsor with his wife and two girls, ASA KAGEDALlives in Stockholm with her Aanya (8) and Anika (2). They moved last husband Daniel and three kids Arvid (11), It’s been a couple of years since the last year which was a busy period as their Ester (8) and Brita (5). She works at the Class of 1994 newsletter, and a lot has house was being built, but they are final- ENT clinic at Karolinska University Hos- happened since then. In August 2014 ly settled now. He says his girls keep him pital as a consultant in rhinology. She we had a fantastic 20th reunion in New busy, tired and happy. Also in London, VA- loves to go running by the lakes in Stock- Hampshire. Seventeen of our class at- NESSA RALTE lives with her husband Da- holm and hanging out in the garden with tended along with families, and we had vid and daughter Aviva (13). Vanessa is a friends and family. We have a number of a fun weekend filled with lots of laughter professional dance instructor and has her other classmates in Sweden who we ha- and even a few tears. It is never too early own dance studio. Elsewhere in England, ven’t heard from in a little while - PAUL to start thinking about our 25th reunion; ABHA DATWANI lives with her husband Raj DHILLON, REBECKA SUNDELOF, JOHANNA as a placeholder, I’d ask everyone to keep and daughters Anouk (9) and Amaani (6) CABRERA (STIGHALL). I hope you are all a weekend in late summer/Fall 2019 free, in Reading. Further west, NEERA - well. Elsewhere in the Nordics, CAMIL- and we’ll be in touch in due course with WAL lives with her husband Vikas and LA STRAND AMDI lives in Oslo where she more details over email or on the Class of daughter Aashi (8) in Cardiff, where she moved three years ago with her family. ’94 facebook page - https://www.face- works as a doctor. SHREE GHOSE lives in She works as a freelance consultant with- book.com/groups/752889674772143/. a town called Rugby in the midlands of in organizational development, though is Please join if you haven’t already done the UK with her husband James and son shortly about to go on maternity leave so.In the meantime, it’s really good to (also) James (3). Shree and James have expecting her second daughter. Good hear that people have been managing been are about to celebrate their fifth luck! Moving southwards, ANDREA BA- to connect and meet up with each other anniversary – congrats! Shree works for RANYAI is in Budapest where she works quite regularly in different parts of the Workforce Software, project managing in advertising for Saatchi & Saatchi as a world. We’ve also had a few mini re- and implementing time and attendance digital project team manager. She loves unions here and there. Last June I was in software, which takes her across Europe her job though the hours are long, but Toronto and met up with Kaezad, Dinesh and sometimes America. She and the there is always something new to learn (visiting from Portland), Yohu (visiting family are off on holiday with her 95 year every day about digital platforms. She from Montreal) and the four of us crashed old grandma – four generations together. lives with her husband Peter, her daugh- Shruti’s 40th birthday party. Shruti had no ter Dora who is nearly 6 and her son Erno idea we were coming so when four dudes Moving across to the continent (which we who is 3. She tries hard to balance work in masks showed up, she was more than are no longer part, I’m not bitter…), in and family, sometimes with success and a little surprised… Mushfiq continues to Switzerland we NEYSHA DIAS who lives in other times less so… don’t worry, we can travel the world in the name of research Zurich, with her two dogs, Damien and all empathise! She says still loves Bon and education (yeh right…) and has met Bailey. Neysha works for Swarovski. DE- Jovi and traveling. To the Middle East up with many Kodai folks along the way BOLINA KANJILAL lives in Geneva with her now, and SIMONE MUKERJI, who lives in – he was recently had a fun night out in husband Jan and daughter Arya (2), who Dubai with her husband Ben and their Chennai with Vinod, Abhishek and Rajan. has keeps her thoroughly occupied. She three lovely children who are 14, 12 and Most recently, Kaezad and Dinesh joined says that being a mum has been an ad- 6. She says it has been crazy busy al- Neysha in Zurich, and the three of them venture so far, fun but totally knacker- though now it is a little less manic now and Neysha’s two dogs did a week long ing. The newest challenge is Arya starting that they are a bit older (it gives us all road trip in Italy filled with food, laugh- preschool, and Deb hopes that it will give hope…). RAJEEV DASWANI is also in Dubai ter and good times. I also managed to her the much needed time to catch up with his wife Aarti and son Raul (4). show up for a day (uninvited once again) on everything (and with everyone) she’s and surprise them, which was fun. missed over the past few months. To India next. In Mumbai we have SAUMYA LASHKARI, SHAAZ KHAN, RAHUL So on to the updates. Starting with me, JERRY EASO is still Oldenburg, Germany NIGAM, PIYUSH GADKARI, and URJA SHAH DUTTA, I’m still living in London (where it is still raining), where he works (SHETH). Urja lives with her husband with my wife Nanda and kids - Anika, who as a consultant cardiac surgeon. He is Harshal and son Hrehan (8). There are a is 5, and Shyam, 3. Anika started school happily married with two kids (Iria and couple of people currently living in Ko- last year and is growing up fast, while Avin). He is looking forward to joining dai. MANU GOUR’s sons, Aatish and Kabir Shyam is getting cheekier by the day… future reunion(s). KANNA DHARMARAJA are both at KIS, in grade 2 and KG re- As always, I am fortunate to see many of has just moved to Brussels for a project spectively and are loving it. Manu’s wife our classmates who pass through London, with the Joint United Nations Programme Kirandeep teaches the IB Business Man- and over the last couple of years Kaezad, on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the Interna- agement and TOK courses at KIS. Manu Neysha, Mushfiq, , Priya and Rob tional Planned Parenthood Federation says it’s quite exciting to have the next have all come through. I am also very (IPPF). He will be there for the next two generation start out at Kodai as well. As fortunate to see ROSHINI PAHLAJANI very years, so is busy apartment hunting and for Manu, in the last year he has started regularly as she lives five minutes away. buying furniture and is confused by how a media firm focused on automotive jour- After all her globetrotting, Roshini is now complicated it is to buy a bed (hint - go nalism and events for auto manufacturers settling back in London and enjoying this to Ikea). He misses Asia but is enjoying with operations in India. Check out his

62 • Class News Magazine Class Of 1994

Class News Magazine • 63 portal - Motorscribes.com. It has a lot of life in Canada for a new adventure and tralia including RASHNE TALEYARKHAN, road trips! Also in Kodai is SITARA NICK- a change of scenery. He took up an ex- PRIYA MASCAREHNAS, IREM RIZVI, GIDE- ODEMUS (SOMASUNDRAM) who lives there citing role as head of digital marketing ON JAMES and NEERAJ SUBRAMANIAN. with her sons Liam (7) and Nathan (4) who for a leading advertising agency, but has Not too many updates this year from the also attend KIS. Staying in South India, already managed to change jobs and Aussie crew, though I hear that Rashne over in Chennai we have VINOD SRINI- has just started a new role as a regional is now a corporate hotshot and country VASAN, RAJAN MANIMOZHIAN, ABHISHEK head. Next year he will be a global head. head of compliance for a big investment DHINGRA and MILI GEORGE (CHANDY). Vi- Just don’t make him StudCo president… bank. Neeraj is still works as IT manager nod and his wife Mahathi recently adopt- Despite finding it unbelievably hot, he’s for The Langham hotel in Melbourne. He ed a baby girl, Sahasra. Their son Skanda settled well into Singapore life and is en- has two kids, Rahul (9) and Anisha (4). is 5 and is now in kindergarten. Vinod lost joying all the perks of being single, but his father this past year and it has been at some point he’d be open to settling PRABU BOSE has been on an extended a difficult time coping with his absence down. Being in SE Asia has given him the global trip over the past five months with – many condolences Vinod. Rajan lives opportunity to do a lot of travelling in the his new wife Tonia, and they are now with his wife Yoga and daughter Kama- region, which he is absolutely loving. De- back in Washington DC and expecting la. Vinod, Rajan and Abhishek recently spite that, the long term plan is to head their first child. On their travels they met met up with Mushfiq when he was pass- back to Canada in a few years. It’s been Neeraj, Lindsay (Almeida), Rashne, Irem, ing through. When I last checked VAS- great to reconnect with PRIYA GUPTA Bo Ram, Abhishek, Anitha, Sitara, myself, ANTH SANTOSHAM was also in Chennai, (MOORTHY) after so many years. Priya Roshini, Priya and Yohu. He spent a few and possibly GOVIND KUMAR as well, but has been living in Singapore for the past 8 weeks in Kodai and met a number of our I don’t have any recent news. ANITHA years, with her husband Sachin and her 3 old teachers, the highlights including REDDY recently moved to Hyderabad her kids Maya (9), Anika (7) and Arjun (3). She Mrs. Lawrence (Grade 5), Mrs. Selvaraj husband Varma and son Viraaj (4) and is has been a full time mom for the past few (maths), Mr & Mrs Jeyaprakash (Lochend busy settling into a new city. She visited years but has been working on an online dormparents), and Mrs. Block (Art). You Kodai this year and where she met with portal for boutique kids products, which may have heard that Prabu is looking to up with Sitara after a long time. She says is about to launch – exciting! The whole set up a Class of ’94 scholarship endow- she noticed many changes on campus family recently did a round the world trip ment – you can reach him directly for and in town, though the ‘Kodai ethos’ re- and it was nice to catch up with her when more details. mains intact. Also in South India, AYESHA she came through London. Now back in PANTHAKY lives in Auroville. Singapore, she manages to meet up with To US now and there are a number of Kaezad as well as MAYA THIAGARAJAN. people in California. After many years we I was fortunate enough to visit Sri Lanka Maya lives with her husband Ritwik and have heard from our long lost friend HA- earlier this year and met SHANYA ABEY- their son Rishi (11) and daughter Lekha YOUNG (CHRISTINE WOO). After leaving NAIKE (VIRASINGHE) and SAMORAH (RAN- (8). Maya teaches IB English at the Unit- Kodai Ha-Young went to college in Ko- JINI) DURAIRAJAH. Shanya and her hus- ed World College. She also published rea, then worked for a number of years band have two sons who are 9 and 5, and her first book, “Beyond the Tiger Mom: in Seoul. She then moved to California a daughter who is 2. She says their lives East-West Parenting for the Global Age”, where she met her husband David, and are filled with love and laughter. Ranjini earlier this year. Despite the title, it is they now have three daughters: Abigail works in the fashion industry and trav- not an endorsement of ‘tiger parenting’, (6), Audrey (3.5) and Adelle (1.5). Fan- els frequently for her job. Elsewhere in but looks at how to blend the best of tastic to reconnect with you! ROHAN South Asia, HRIDESH SINGH lives in Kath- American and Singaporean approaches to VERMA is still in LA, while the Bay Area mandu with his wife Deepti and their two education and parenting. Given her expe- contingent includes PRITESH SHAH, NAINA children. riences of teaching in both environments, KHANNA, ROB JENKS, DEEPA CHATTERJEE she was struck by how differently parents and MANJU GEORGE. Manju still lives in Moving to now, and we and educators approached education and the ‘drought ridden’ suburb of Dublin, have a growing contingent. JAE-HUK child-rearing. The thesis is that both ap- and says there is never a dull moment (MARTIN) CHOI is still living in Bangkok, proaches have strengths and a global par- with the twins, Ymaan & Zaakr who are where he has been for the last 10 years. ent can learn from both. In addition to nearly 8. Manju says her husband Arun He is single, no kids and says he is per- writing, she loves doing teacher-training. is finally starting to show signs of ageing haps enjoying single life too much, and She recently ran a workshop for over 100 with his first gray hair – Manju that’s a maybe it’s time for a change…He is still local Singaporean teachers and really en- sign of wisdom. She says they have a daily with the same company and travels fre- joyed it. battle with unmentionable hours on the quently for work and pleasure – he re- highways with mind numbing traffic but cently met up with Rajeev in Dubai and To Korea next. YOUP HAN moved back to is thankful for their jobs, health and life. enjoyed reminiscing about Kodai days. Seoul earlier this year after a few years in He looks forward to meeting up with Australia. He and his wife are expecting Further up the coast, DINESH DHESA- other classmates (get in touch if passing their first child in April next year. Youp. BANDHU is in Portland where he is happy through Bangkok) and asked if anyone He enjoys meeting classmates when they and enjoying life and spending as much had heard from Asim Rahman and Mohit have come through, and recently met up time as he can with his daughter Faith Mathur – anybody? with Vanessa and her family, and they (5). Also in Oregon is BRIHAS SARATHY, had a great time. BO RAM LEE also lives who lives with his wife Marta in Camp Down in Singapore, it’s been a hectic 6 in Seoul, and he and Youp recently met Sherman where he volunteers and helps months for KAEZAD NALLASAETH since up with Prabu when he visited. to run Vipassana meditation courses. he moved to Singapore, wrapping up his We have a number of people down in Aus- They also have a small place in Igatpu-

64 • Class News Magazine ri, India which is 3 hours from Mumbai, school of female appreciation. ALISON Zurich. I believe SEENA MATTHEWS and where they are based from December TIMMERMANS is still in British Columbia SHARMILA LAWRENCE are in New Jersey. to March. Marta recently threw a 40th last time I checked. birthday for Brihas to which Dinesh came Finally, down to DC. AMIT MANSUR lives and he says it was great to meet up after Down the East Coast now. SHAKER KARIM with his wife Sonya and their two kids a long time. SHAKIB KAMAL is in Olym- moved to Boston earlier this year from DC Leena and Shawn. NEHAD CHOWDHURY pia, Washington where he lives with his due to a workplace merger and a subse- and his wife Ashna welcomed their son wife Anushe. quent promotion. He is in the corporate Ardeen earlier this year. He hasn’t been HQ now which he says means there is in touch much of the last few years but Across the Midwest now, and CHERI never a dull moment. Shaker says he is wishes everyone his best. ELSA MATHEW KRAUSE is currently doing a Clincal Men- single and has had a rocky 40 so far, but (VARUGHESE) is in in Virginia, where she tal Health: Mindfulness-based Transper- is hoping 41 next year will bring new hori- and her husband Mathew are busy with sonal Counseling masters program at zons his way… Also still in Boston (though their three kids Sarah (12), Anya (8) and Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. he has been threatening to leave for sev- Caleb (6) and all of their hectic extracur- She is single with no kids, and is actively eral years) is KARAN TALWAR and his wife ricular activities. This is Sarah’s last year engaged in social justice advocacy and Sophie. TARIQ MOHAMMED is in Andover, of middle school and she’s ready to make privilege interrogation, she volunteers Massachusetts, where he maintains a rou- the most of it - as the excitements of one for the local domestic violence crisis line, tine of volunteering, library visits and ex- adventure fizzles out, the blueprint of and she has started her practicum in the ercise. VIJAI MUTHUKRISHNAN also lives the new one has already been made. Boulder County Jail. Sounds like fascinat- in Massachusetts with his wife Candice ing work! and two children. Thank you everyone who sent in their up- dates this year. I know it can be hard Up in St. Paul, Minnesota, BETH SCUDDER MUSHFIQ MOBARAK is still working as a to find the time but it doesn’t very long works at the Center for Victims of Tor- Professor of Economics at Yale Universi- to drop a couple of lines and it is nice ture. She and her husband Joe welcomed ty, where he recently got tenure. He says to hear how everyone is and what they a daughter last year, Muneera (“Neera”) the lifetime job security that provides is are doing. For all those that didn’t write who is 9 months now. They also have a useful because it gives him the flexibili- in this year and who I haven’t otherwise son, Niko, who is now 3. Between her kids ty to focus on work he finds meaningful. mentioned (SEUNG YEUN CHO, BINITA and her job, she doesn’t seem to have For example, a solution he devised and AMIN, BUANAO KONYAK, SABARISH BABU, time for much else but she enjoys seeing tested to counter the seasonal dimen- ZAID AL-NAHI, BRYNN PERRINE, DANIELLE folks & cooking for them when she can. sion of poverty has now been scaled up HOELTER, SHUBHA GOPAL, SALIMA PENK- She would like to attend one of the Twin to benefit over 300,000 landless Bangla- ER, SMITA RUZICKA, UDAY KAMATH), drop Cities Kodai alum lunches but hasn’t ac- deshi households, and getting replicated me a line anyway when you get a chance, tually made it yet. She has a guest room in Indonesia and Africa. Mushfiq enjoys it will be nice to hear from you. And it and always welcomes guests passing the travel this work requires, and often makes my task easier when I get around through! JEYA PAUL is also in the Twin takes his wife Anna and children Anya to doing this again. Cities, where she lives with Marek and and Coyan along as a way to manage their twin daughters Maia and Ania who the work-life balance. Happily, that also It’s been a milestone year for many of our have just turned 1. gives him opportunities to catch up with class as a lot of us turned 40 in 2016 (or Kodai friends all over the world. 2015). Personally I feel I have even less Up across the rapidly freezing lakes and time to reflect and think about my life into Canada now. Since the last update, Down to NYC now where GAUTAM NARA- and my place in the world and all that SHRUTI JOSHI (PARMAR) has gotten back SIMHAN and his wife Sweta live most of kind of good introspective stuff. Between to doing some of the things that she has their time although they also spent most work and home life and endless personal always loved, like singing and performing of the summer in Bangalore. They wel- admin, it’s hard to find a quiet moment – at various local events around Toronto. comed their son Rohan last September. any time that I may have is usually inter- She especially enjoys performing with Gautam continues to work in the energy & rupted by one of the kids jumping on my her parents. She is active in the local environment sector (now with more of a back or screaming or some other mini cri- Gujarati and South Asian communities, focus on financing and valuation) and has sis. Nevertheless, I do find time to think and got a chance to host and introduce been an independent consultant for the about some of the things that I take most Justin Trudeau at the local mandir during last couple of years. His work is broadly pride in, and a significant one is all the his election campaign. She continues to split between the private sector and in- incredible people I have had the opportu- enjoy traveling, but her kids Moksha (13) ternational development. Since turning nity to meet in my life, and in particular and Ashrum (7), and her teaching job 40 in September he is made a resolution those, including all of you, who I have leaves limited time. SHABBIR SULTAN has to do a better job of keeping in touch known as friends. also moved to Toronto now where he lives and reconnecting with old friends, and with his wife Mona and their two children. would love to meet up if anyone is pass- Anyway that’s all from me for this year. YOHU PONNAMPALAM is still in Montreal ing through NYC. ANJALI PINGLE is still in Stay safe, keep healthy, and be happy. with his two boys Sibi (10) and Akil (4) Brooklyn with her husband Ram and son and his wife Priya. Yohu says that while Avik (3). Anjali is working as a part time there are no major changes, his boys are vet, and says life is good (though not su- Love, growing up too fast, but Priya is growing per exciting). Though she did have a fun Kutty old even faster… Yohu, you old romantic, trip to Switzerland earlier in the year you clearly come from the Donald Trump and managed to catch up with Neysha in

Class News Magazine • 65 Class of 1995 chester, UK and I and my Amal have a Class of 1997 little 4-year-old boy, Eshan and we are LAVANYA KANNAIYAN: I live in Hyderabad expecting our 2nd child very soon. Both SATHYENDRA NANDULA: I now live in Dal- and work as a Paediatric Surgeon. I and Amal are very busy with our medi- las, TX and have been happily married for cal careers and research. I will soon finish the past 5 years, working in the field of BALAKRISHNAN PERUMAL: I am currently my specialist training early next year and aviation network planning consulting. working with McKinsey & Co in Chennai qualify as a Consultant Pulmonologist. Whilst I have recently picked up an in- FUMI YAMAMOTO NASU : I live in Osaka, KATHERVEL DAYABARAN MURUGANAN- terest in endurance bicycling, my pas- Japan. Staying at home, and taking care THAM: I studied right throughout from Gr sion for my childhood first love, football, of three precious kids with my beloved 1 till I graduated in ‘95. I am presently remains unchanged. In between being husband. Sometimes, gardening, hiking, living in Sri Lanka with my wife Lawanya a parent and a fulltime medical career, traveling, embroidering, etc... who works for the State Bank of India, I still manage to play football once or Colombo branch and my two sons Yatish twice a week. AVINASH ADVANI : I’m currently the Se- (7 yrs) and Arjun (5 yrs). I was a banker nior Vice President of Strategic Alliances with American Express and a couple of AASHI VEL: I live in San Francisco and and International Markets at StarLink, other local banks. In 2010, I moved out am loving it. I founded a company called the largest and fastest growing “True” and started my own business with a col- Traveling Spoon - we connect travellers Value-Added IT Security Distributor glob- league of mine. We are into the tuition with private, authentic meals and cook- ally. StarLink is recognized as a “Trusted business providing extra classes for stu- ing classes in people’s homes around the Security Advisor” to over 250 partners dents in most subjects from Gr 6 to Gr 12. world. In December of last year, I married and 1000 enterprises and government my business school classmate. customers assisting them to identify key AMIT SHARMA: I live in Delhi (NCR) for risks and define priorities for addressing the last 20 years. I currently work with PARVATI KAKODKAR: I currently live in At- IT Security gaps relating to compliance Price Waterhouse Coopers as an Associate lanta with my husband Satya. We have a and next-generation threat protection. Director in the Learning and develop- home decor company here called Surya. I oversee the strategic expansion of ment team. In PwC; I lead the Leadership In April, we were blessed with twin boys, StarLink’s geographical footprint, the Pipeline Development team. My job is to Arjun and Akshay, who are keeping us enhancement of the company’s product identify and develop potential leaders for very busy and happy! portfolio, the further development of the firm. I am based out of the PwC Gur- existing markets where the company is gaon office. MAYUR BHATNAGAR: I live in New York already present both in terms of num- City. I am CEO & Co-founder of ARLO SKYE ber of customers, as well as, the reseller SHOUVIK PAUL: CRO and co-founder at (a new direct-to-consumer travel start channel, and the driving of continuous MAZ, world’s leading mobile app and up) www.arloskye.com customer satisfaction initiatives. wearable tech platform. I live in Manhat- tan with two daughters and a very large JAMPA MONLAM TOPGYAL.: I live in Long VAIBHAV GULECHHA: I recently shifted to St Bernard dog. Island, NY about 35 minutes from Man- Kochi with my wife Anita and our kids, hattan and 10 minutes from the beach. ______Aarav 4years and Purvi 3 years. We have I work as a Clinical Informatics Specialist our own real estate development firm and love working in the rapidly evolving there. I also manage our homestay Mit- Class of 1996 world of Health IT. I live with my partner stycove right by the lake and opposite to Keith Green. the Claverack entrance. I guess I am one ALAN MATTAMANA: I live in West Hart- of the lucky ones who gets to visit Kodai ford, CT with my wife, Shiji, and two NINA WACH: I currently live in my home very often. I recently hosted Alumni for daughters, Maya (6) and Nina (4). With town Zurich (Switzerland) and work as a tea during the Alumni weekend reunion in two young ones, spare time is scarce, but Senior Global Brand and Marketing Man- August at Mitstycove. It was wonderful to I enjoy spending it with a couple of local ager for a global cocoa producer. I have a meet up with so many alumni. So do drop non-profit boards, including the Greater five-year old daughter. in the next time any of you visit Kodai. Hartford YMCA and the Hartford Stage website is www.mistycove.net Theatre company. I am also working on BISWANATH DAS: I live in Nairobi, Kenya ______developing a line of “Contemporary-Ker- with my wife and son where I work as a ala-fusion” recipes - they are currently research scientist for the CGIAR (Consul- completely inedible but I anticipate big tative Group on International Agricultural Class of 1998 breakthroughs shortly. On the career Research). I lead maize product develop- front, I am a partner at a venture capital ment for East Africa. VENKATESH SAHA recently relocated to investment firm with the majority of our Coimbatore to be closer to family. He is investments in California and Boston, so ROHAN PAI: After spending the past seven doing independent consulting and work- lots of travel. It has been great to keep years living in the beautiful isles of Ber- ing on some start-up ideas”. in touch with so many Kodai alums, al- muda, I have just relocated back to New SHREEN SHARMA KAPIL: She is mother of though I wish it could be more frequent. Jersey with my wife Simmi and daughter two children and working in Symantec as Please stop by when you folks are in the Avantika. I worked in Finance for the past senior manager in Mountain View in Cal- neighbourhood - I promise my recipes will 16 years, largely related to the insurance ifornia. be further along by then! industry. Prior to moving to Bermuda, I was involved with planning and coordi- DR. NOEL SUKHJIT SINGH: Joined St. Ste- HANSON KANAGARAJ: I run a Media & nating alumni events for KIS NYC region. phen College Delhi for about 6-7 months. Marketing Consultancy firm. I’m based in I am eager to reconnect with alumni on Then was selected for medical studies Ooty and serve on staff at Hebron School. returning to NJ. In my spare time, I have at Christian Medical College Ludhiana. I I am married and have two children - Kev- continued to play squash and badminton completed MBBS and joined the Mission in (7) and Kristin on a fairly regular basis. Hospital at Khariar where my parents are working to complete my 2 years of spon- JETHIN RAFIQUE: I have settled in Man- sorship obligation. Again, he was Select-

66 • Class News Magazine ‘Nahia Hossain, Urvashi Block-Larson, Famin Ahmed, Chris Anita,Sitara and Prabu Bose Class of 1994 Skyes - Class of 1990

Jenifer Reeder Class of 1990 Laurie Pickard Class of 1998

Dr. Noel Class of 1998 Hanson Kanakaraj Class of 1996

Class News Magazine • 67 ed for doing specialties in Orthopaedics Oxford. I’m working for an environmental the culture, food, travels around Asia and at Christian Medical College Ludhiana. consultancy carrying out environmental their new life there! They’ve also just Leading to a degree of MS orthopaedics. assessments, mostly for renewable en- welcomed their second baby boy, Ishan, He also worked in the department of Or- ergy schemes, but also wide variety of to join big brother Krish in all his antics. thopaedics at CMC Ludhiana as a junior schemes such as housing, transport and KARAN GOUR IS into helping the stray lecturer and then as assistant professor. agricultural. Outside of work, I have been animal population of Goa. For money, he He got married to a very nice girl, Dr. keeping busy, volunteering for Amnesty as makes movie background scores – “inde- Soumya Pallavi Lall. She also got admis- well as for the Oxford Playhouse, a local pendent stuff, not Bollywood.” sion in Christian Medical College Ludhi- theatre. I’ve recently got back into art ana to do specialty in Microbiology. They and am attending an evening art course. AKANSHA GUPTA is married and living in have a two years old daughter named ______Rajasthan. She works at the Allen Coach- Avika Angela. In 2014 he was selected in ing Institute as a teacher. Christian Medical College Vellore to do

Spine surgery. This is super specializa- Class of 2000 QUASAR ‘Q’ HAMIRANI finally got married tion in spine surgery a 2 years’ fellowship and is in Chicago. He has cycled through program. And God willing he hopes to various startups of his own and is now a Submitted by Mihra Rittmann complete by next year around the month Director of Global Human Resources at of June 2017. So at the present time his The Warranty Group in downtown Chica- AMONG ANJO moved back to wife is in CMC Ludhiana and he is at CMC go. and is currently an entrepreneur in the Vellore but our daughter is being cared retail business. He lives in Kohima with for by my parents. GITANJALI (HARJANI) HADARSANI is cur- his wife. rently living in Hong Kong with her hus- EMAN HUSSAIN: My husband Vaail and I band, Pavan, and son, Aryan. She is free- SHANTI BERLIN is living in Vancouver with have been living in Singapore with our lance consulting in Corporate HR but also her son Tristan. three boys - 8-year-old twins Zaidan and spends a lot of time managing HR & Op- Alhan, and 7-year-old Kiyan. A full time erations for Enrich, a growing non-prof- SUMIT BHATIA has been married for three mum at the moment, I am taking a break it organization that empowers migrant years – no little ones yet, but “hopefully from work to look after the children and women in South Asia to become financial- soon!” He lives in the suburbs of Mary- thoroughly enjoying it. ly healthy and debt free. land and works as an Architect of Clinical

Analytics for Johns Hopkins Hospital in LAUREN PICKARD HESTER: I am living in SARWAT HASSAN is living in Minneapolis Baltimore. Sumit hopes to visit Kodai ear- Hiram, GA with my husband John and with his wife and four-year-old son. He’s ly next year – he hasn’t been back since sweet 9-month old baby girl Hope. I am working as a Process Development Engi- graduation and misses it. a Licensed Professional Counsellor and neer at Boston Scientific, a medical de- school based therapist with Tanner Hospi- vice company. ABHIJEET CHAUDHARY & ALKA NANDA re- tal and counsel kids from ages 5 through cently moved to Atlanta, Georgia from 19. My husband is a gifted teacher in the MOHAMMAD (JAHID) HAQUE is living in New York City after spending some time same schools that I work in and we are Perth, Western Australia with his wife travelling, and are looking forward to ex- enjoying working so close to each other. and two children. He works as a Region ploring their new home. My sister Amanda Pickard Kraft, class of Key Accounts Manager for Philip Morris In- 2000, lives in the area with her husband ternational. “Sports, road trips, beautiful WANFORD DeMELLOW HAS been living and Keith and 15-month old Harmony and we beaches and family” otherwise keep him working in Mumbai since 2008 as a sport enjoy getting together. occupied. sponsorship/marketing professional. He’s ______worked on major hockey and cricket ARIF IQBAL is currently in Adelaide, South tournaments as well as the four biggest Australia, working as head chef. He’s international distance running events been married for five years to his wife, Class of 1999 in India. In his spare time, he teaches a Kulsum Ali. They have a beautiful baby couple of Masters Level courses for Sport girl, Eliza. management students. He’s still happily ROHIT GIRI currently lives in Brooklyn, single, with “no children he knows of!” NY, USA. He’s married with a 3-year-old KRIS & NAOMI JACOB and their two-and- daughter, and is expecting his second a-half-year-old son, Noah, moved to REVADHI DOWLING WYLESALEK is in Lon- child in December 2016. He’s been work- Calicut, Kerala last year to expand their don at the moment, where she’s been liv- ing for over five years at Squarespace as fledgling real estate development busi- ing for the last four years. She’s working Director of Finance. ness. Since then, they’ve gutted and re- at a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit and designed three luxury rental properties, will finish up an MSc in Psychology in Au- ANJOO ARADHYA BAHADUR: Is located in and started doing contract construction gust this year. Bangalore, Karnataka and runs her own work. This spring, they launched an ventures in the Power Sector and Pre- American-style cookie company that is SONIA GEORGE is living in Greenville, School Education. She says, “I am always being met with lots of enthusiasm, and South Carolina and working at a “pretty happy to connect with KIS Alumni any- have entered into retail with a line of cool” veterinary specialty practice as a time they are in town!” artisanal textiles and a café space that vet tech. She does a lot of animal res- will open this summer. Their “proudest cue/rehab work and is “always living in NAMRHEN LYNGDOH: Is currently living in moment last year” was welcoming their a zoo!” No kids, but lots of fur babies. Emmaus, PA USA. He is married to Karen second son, Remy. She’s also joining a little jazz band that and they have two boys. He is working as will play at local venues. a Physician Assistant. SHUBHA JANARDHAN cofounded Nidara, a digital education and child development NISHA GOKLANEY and family have taken NISHA REHM : After many years in Oxford, initiative with her father, Dr. Janardhan, on a new adventure, moving to Singa- UK, a few years ago I moved with my boy- in 2012. Today it serves more than 5000 pore from NY for a work assignment for friend to a small market town south of children across India. Nidara stands for a couple of years. So far, they’re loving 68 • Class News Magazine being fearless in one’s pursuits, and ac- and minimal brand identity to making santoshrajkumar.blogspot.com/. cordingly, Nidara’s mission is to inspire different types of boutique cheeses. It After spending five years on the beautiful children to realize their potential, do “feels good” being amongst leading pre- west coast in the Bay Area, USA, Cyril Ra- well in academics and in life. You can find mium cheesemakers. Hari’s son is in first mathal moved back to Chicago and start- out more at nidara.in. grade at KIS, and it’s great having him ed working in drug development in the grow up in Kodai. “One life to live make BioPharma industry. He and his wife got a MIN-HO JANG lives in Incheon, South Ko- it King size.” new golden retriever puppy last July, and rea where he works as Procurement Man- are “having a blast in the city.” He re- ager at a total construction company. He KARL MEHTA is a qualified Pulmonologist. grets being unable to reunite with more and his wife welcomed their second child, He’s now living and working in Mumbai. Kodai folks in person, but looks forward a baby girl, in March. He’s now a father of Thanks to his “Kodai roots and connec- to our next meeting - maybe in Chicago! two, and “is feeling two is enough.” tions,” his transition there has been a smooth one. SAMEEP RANA is living in Kathmandu NIKHIL JOHN moved back to India in late and just got into property development. 2011. After a tough year in which his dad REKHA MENON is still with the United He’s been married for seven years with a suffered a stroke and Nikhil spent most Nations High Commissioner for Refugees daughter who turns five this August. of it caring for him in Cochin, he moved (UNHCR), now in Iraq. back to Kodai and met Michelle Roy (‘01) KIM SAMUEL and her two-year-old son are and “fell in love!” In 2013, Nikky got a RASHI MITTAL-NAIR has been married to back in Kodai, where Kim works in the KIS job at IFMR in Chennai working in finan- her husband, Anoop, for almost seven Admissions Office. cial inclusion. years now. They are very settled in Mum- bai, where Rashi runs a marketing con- YOUJIN SHIN is currently in Seoul, Korea He and Michelle did long distance for two sultancy. Rashi and Anoop got a Labrador and works at Hyundai Motor Company as years, before she too moved to Chennai a year and a half ago, their first ‘son’ a business strategy and planning manag- to work at the American International Logan, who is “the cutest and most ador- e r. School. They got married in a small cer- able thing in the world.” They’re expect- emony in Chennai this year. Classmates ing their first (human) baby. PARUL SHUKLA is in London working for Kris and Naomi Jacob, Ashley Koshy, Vi- HSBC and is “just enjoying life really.” gnesh Krishnan, Santosh Rajkumar, Kir- DANA MOHL is married with a son, Joa- She’s trying to squeeze in as much travel timan Sherchan, Hari Shankar Mani, and quin, who is nine, and a daughter Ariana, as possible and is slowly becoming ob- Shekinah Truman, were in attendance. who is five. Dana works as a Nurse Practi- sessed with circuit training. tioner and lives with her family in north- After living in Bangalore for a while, VI- ern Virginia. ARUNODAY SINGH is living in Bombay and GNESH KRISHNAN decided to get an MA working as an actor - movies and theatre in business administration in the US and ROHAN MOORTHY and his wife, Prapti, mostly, but he just finished his first Brit- work in a related field. “So far so good!” live in Mumbai. Rohan works as an Ac- ish film as well. He’s engaged to be mar- He tries to travel as much as he can, and count Director at WE, a company focused ried to a beautiful Newfoundland girl for to keep up with as many people as he can. on integrated communications and is a whom he “fell hard as a rock in a stream.” He recently met some of our classmates, faculty member at the Xavier Institute She’s a chef and an Ayurveda specialist, including Cyril Ramathal after 16 years! of Communications. Rohan still seeks ad- and owns a cafe in Goa called Puttu Café. Unfortunately, (or fortunately), he’s not venture and loves the great outdoors. As such, Arunoday’s life is pretty up and playing football or cricket anymore. down from Goa and Bombay mostly. SHIBANI MURLIDHAR continues to live in SHEKINAH TRUMAN BAKRID: I’m still in Bangalore with her husband Harsha and After years of rolling around Shiv Singh Kodai and loving it. I teach English B for five-year-old son, Kabir. She works at the has “gathered moss in the city of Mum- grade 9 to 12 students. This year I am Bangalore International School as the bai,” where he indulges as a screenwrit- the HOD for two departments, ESL and Early Years Coordinator. e r. Second Languages. I am also on the NHS Faculty Council, serving as the chair. My SIOBHAN O’DONOGHUE is back in Dublin SHALMALI TALWAKAR is living in the DC daughter Shifra is in grade 3, the same after several years in Australia. She lives area with her husband. She works as a grade I joined KIS as a little girl. with her partner Stephan and is a mar- physical therapist at a children’s rehabil- keting manager for EMEA in Facebook’s itation hospital in Maryland. SUDARSAN KUMAR and his wife, Anju, are Dublin headquarters. currently in Atlanta, Georgia. Anju is an LISA VANCHHAWNG moved to Philadelphia HR professional and Sudarsan is in regu- BHUMI PATEL-AMIN and her hubby reside five years ago for her Medicine Residen- latory compliance and risk management in the DC area, where Bhumi works as an cy and specialized in Infectious Diseases. for banking. The “best news” they have RN at a local hospital in Virginia. Bhumi She is now a physician at Albert Einstein to share is that they just had a baby girl and her husband have a two-year-old Medical Center. Her husband is a Nephrol- in late April. Her name is Tara and “she and are expecting another one in June – ogist at the same hospital as well. is perfect!” they’re both “really excited!” Their lit- SATYA VEL is working at Microsoft in Seat- RICK (SEUK) KWON is living in Seoul, Ko- tle one keeps them busy and they know tle. He and his wife have two kids named rea, working as a shipbroker. He deals in they’ll be even busier over the summer Arjun and Shreya that keep them busy. the sale and purchase side of big mer- with the newborn. chant vessels. His brother, Young Kwon, NAKUL VENGSARKAR is living in Mumbai similarly works as a shipbroker in Seoul, SANTOSH RAJKUMAR decided to settle for with his wife of three years. He has his and is a father of three! cleaner air and leaner fare after Banga- own architecture firm called NA Designs, lore wear. Now an independent auto writ- and has worked on several high end res- HARI SHANKAR MANI is having fun build- er and artist dependent on Kodaikanal’ s idential and commercial projects. Nakul ing the brand Kodai Cheese, with focus tiny economy, but continuously trying to also works as a professional photographer on quality at every step. Kodai Cheese expand reach beyond the confines of the and has exhibited locally and internation- has moved away from mass production Palani Ghats. Do check out his stuff at ally.

Class News Magazine • 69 RIBHU VOHRA and his sister, Chandrah two little Jack Russel Terriers, and a bit of a career transition though, that (’95), are running a non-profit that edu- Rafa.” Shaibya recently started up a ca- could seem me moving abroad, or piv- cates children to reduce waste and recy- tering company called from Udayan’s oting into something completely new. cle more. The Garbology program, which Kitchen, in honor of her father who was Watch this space! currently reaches over 16 thousand stu- a great cook, who she lost in 2012. Shai- dents, will be launched at KIS soon. You bya is saving up to pursue her dream of LINDA EDWARD OWENS: I currently reside can learn more about it on wastelessin- developing an eco-friendly textile unit at in Tampa Bay, Florida and I am the mar- dia.org or facebook.com/wasteless. her farm in and continuing her keting manager for Nestle. passion for fibers and design. SAMIR WHITAKER looks forward to our SELVI PAULRAJ : I live in the San Francis- twenty-year reunion and “is consider- And I, MIHRA RITTMANN, your class rep, co Bay Area. Still following in my broth- ing a purchase of Rogaine to ensure he’s am still adjusting to the idea that after er Kavin’s (Class of ‘99) footsteps, I am looking his best.” He’s getting married the better part of the last ten years, I no currently working on a PhD in Neuropsy- on July 30 and while super excited, he longer live in the post-Soviet space, even chology. and his wife-to-be are “also terrified and as I continue to work at Human Rights losing sleep.” Samir continues to work in Watch as Central Asia researcher. These AMRITHA PERUMALLA: I still live in Ger- Cambridge on conservation issues in the days I’m resting my head in Istanbul, many and continue to bring together mining sector, although now based out of Turkey. I still spend more time travelling my passion of faith and politics at the the University, which has its perks – main- than I do in one place, but when in town, World Communion of Reformed Church- ly the free coffee. In short, “marriage – I’ve hugely taken to running along Istan- es (WCRC) in Hannover, Germany as nuptials impending, promotion – nope, bul’s gorgeous waterfront. Programs Coordinator. After my Bache- adventure – almost danced in Cuba.” ______lors at Ohio Wesleyan University (2005), I worked for a while with Bread for the THOMAS WILLIAMS is now living in Edin- World on the ONE Campaign in Atlanta, burgh, working as a Pediatrician, and is Class of 2001 Georgia and later with the United Church about to start a PhD in Evolutionary Ge- of Christs’ Public Policy and Social Jus- netics. He and his wife, Lindsay, recent- tice Office in Washington DC. Finished PAUL JEYARAJ : I have been living in Min- ly celebrated the birth of their daughter my Masters from Jacobs University (2008) neapolis, MN since 2008 and working at Blaise on March 11th; her older brother and working on the finishing touches of Ameriprise Financial. I got married in Fraser is three. my doctoral dissertation - just being side- April 2016. tracked by being a new mom!! Our lit- TENZIN YANGDON and her husband have tle one Nathan Johann Jeevan Haas (not DAN HALLWOOD: I’m now teaching Ele- moved to three different states in the so little anymore) is 10 months now and mentary Art KG-6th at the American Pa- Midwest in the last three years, and have walking! So right now just spending my cific International School in Chiang Mai now landed up in Chicago. time running after the little walker!! Thailand. BENPRAMAR LAITFLANG: I’m current- Tenzin worked at the county election of- ly in Buenos Aires, Argentina in culinary RISHI MAHAJAN: I currently live in New fice during the recent primary election school, training to be a chef. I moved York, NY and am working for a telecom- and hopes to work with them again for here in August from Mumbai, where I was munications company called Communica- the general elections in November. She’s a home cook and did numerous pop up tion Technology Services (CTS). I help to mulling going back to school and becom- events and other food related activities design and deploy cell phone networks in ing a student again. over the course of last year. I’m here indoor facilities like stadiums, airports, for 5 months and am looking to secure a hospitals and skyscrapers. I have lived in SIMON YOUNG is living and cooking in Col- job or an apprenticeship at a reputable New York for the past 4 years and enjoy orado. restaurant either here or elsewhere after it very much my course is over. SHIRLEY BOBBY works for Hand of Hope, a ______AKSHAT SHAH: Based in Mumbai, Ak- Hyderabad-based humanitarian organiza- shat heads strategy and partnerships tion that works all over Asia to minimize as well as fundraising and investor re- the number cases of malnutrition, human Class of 2002 lations for Philadelphia headquartered trafficking, leprosy, preventable diseases socially driven medical device compa- and other areas. In her free time, Shirley ny, UE LifeSciences. Previously, during DONALD LYNGDOH: I’m currently finishing is contemplating getting a dog. his 8-year career with UBS’ Healthcare up 11 years in Qingdao, China. My wife

Investment Banking team in New York, has gone back into elementary teaching ASHLEY KOSHY is in Chennai, running an Akshat advised many global life scienc- and she’s loving it! I’m busy being an Ath- organic food business called Trader Koshy. es companies on corporate finance and letic Director, coaching soccer and run- Ashley and his wife welcomed their first M&A. After New York, Akshat returned to ning soccer programs for kids all the way child, a baby boy, in May. India to work with disruptive healthcare to adult leagues. Our 3 kids are growing SABINA MALIK HADI and her husband hap- start-ups. He mentors early-stage start- up fast and it’s hard to believe they are pily reside in Dubai. They welcomed a ups and has served as a mentor and judge going to be 9, 7 and 5 soon! As a family, beautiful baby boy, Aydin, this year (who for a few international start-up competi- we continue using our hobbies to raise threatened to arrive the day of Sabina’s tions. In 2011, Akshat co-founded Black- money for different charities and help sister-in-law’s wedding, but thankful- Boxers Productions, which has produced in any community development projects ly waited until after celebrations had three critically acclaimed stage plays and that exist. As much as we love Qingdao ended). With their new baby, Sabina has an independent, award-winning feature and China, we are looking to start fresh taken some time off work, but remains film, The Threshold. somewhere else in the world! We visit- involved in a few community projects ed Kodai in February of this year after 14 which keep her busy. JAI KHARBANDA : I’m currently living in long years; so that my family could see London, working in the exciting world of where I grew up. They fell in love with SHAIBYA PATEL lives and works in Mum- tech start-ups with a focus on the F&B, the place and people. If anyone is ever bai, “by the sea with [her] mother and hospitality, and wine industries. I’m in coming through China, let me know! 70 • Class News Magazine also been enjoying teaching courses in some time; it is what I call home.” ABHISHEIK SHARMA: Working as senior En- Geography and Women’s & Gender Stud- gineer with Thai Com in Bangkok Thailand ies at Clark for the past several years. I ANDREAS ATTARWALLA remains reassur- live in Worcester with my partner Alex ingly cryptic. “Die antwoord is the answer ALYSSON THICKE : I live in Seattle, WA Sphar, who is also a geographer. In my to whatever,” he says. (Reports place him currently and married Ryan Thomas in non-academic life, I handcraft jewelry somewhere in the vicinity of Mumbai.) March 2015. We travelled to KIS in De- and run a small business out of our home! cember 2015 to visit Kodai and attended ______ANGELA JOSEPH is in New Zealand. She KETAKI PANT’S wedding in and TIKKI notes that she caught up with Kathy Paul- KOCHAR’S post-wedding celebration in raj in the US last year. “Regardless of time

Jaipur. I graduated with my MA in Coun- Class of 2004 and distance we have kept in touch and seling Psychology, and work in Seattle as stayed close mates,” she says. “I would AARON WALLANG is in Shillong, Megha- a Mental Health Therapist. love to catch up with Kodai people if they laya, taking care of his family business. ______come down for a visit to New Zealand.” He works at “the bottling unit and is di- verging into the line of hospitality like ANSHUL MADAN is in Canada, working for hotels and catering.” Class of 2003 an import beer company that specializes He says: “That’s work wise on my end. in beers from the discovery regions (Bel- INDIANA GORDON: I have recently moved No wife and no kids so life is fairly peace- gium/Bavaria/UK) of beer. He works with back to India after lived in Australia for ful.” brands such as Erdinger Weissbier, Stiegl, 11 years and working as a lawyer. I am Delirium, Badger, and O’Hara’s. His plans now in Goa overseeing the expansion of ABHIROOP GHOSH has been “fighting with for 2016 include Spain in August, and ide- Rangeela Goa, a concept store. I am lov- bad software code” ever since he moved ally Ireland around that time, too. He ing life by the beach!” to Somerville, outside Boston, in the says he would love to see anybody who’s United States. He drolly adds that when in Toronto or close by. He adds: “Miss all JITESH BAHL: I am the Chief Pilot of IAS- he isn’t at work, “he enjoys watching you mugs!” CO FLIGHT TRAINING where I manage paint dry to preserve his sanity.” instructors and train airline pilots. I cur- ANUPAM AMROHI completed his MBA from rently reside in Redding, California. It’s ADITHYA JOSEPH CONNERTON is loving the UK in 2013, returned to India, and great to fly every day for work! spring in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and will started working in his company called Co- be graduating from law school in May. She pal Amba, a financial services firm that is TARIKA MANSUKHANI: I realize this is past is hoping to visit Kodai in the near future. also a Moody’s organisation. He is in the the deadline, but I live in Mountain View, corporate learning and development de- California working in Marketing for a ADITI NAGARAJAN VISHWAS is a freelance partment, and also handles another one Medical technology company. Even if my graphic designer and a happy mother, of his company’s learning needs, called blurb does not get added, I would really based in Bangalore. Exevo. Other than work, he says he has appreciate a copy of the magazine. My “been travelling and getting into shape,” address is ADITYA PATHY been working on an and adds “Overall life is blue! Take care agri-biotech startup for the last two everyone and God bless.” PRITESH SAMUEL: I presently live in New years and is managing the challenges of Delhi, working for business consultancy scaling up its distribution across India. ANURAG AGARWAL is an industrialist run- specialising in FDI investment and at- ning a rice mill in Chhattisgarh, the rice tracting foreign businesses in south and AKSHAY TANDON is living in Mumbai and bowl of India. south-east Asia with a firm called Dezan running his company, Skarma. He is think- Shira & Associates. ing of giving up city life and shifting work ANVAR VARADARAJ says that his “first and home to Goa. “Life is good, can’t year back in India has been fantastic. STERLING RIBER: After spending three complain,” he adds. It has been about learning our business years working for his family’s media and reconnecting with old friends.” He company in Tanzania, Sterling Riber is AKSHAY TYAGI is working and living in adds, “I look forward to turning thirty currently living in Washington DC where Mumbai as a fashion stylist for celebrities this year!” he is working as an information and com- in Bollywood, and also tinkering with de- munications technology manager for the sign projects and collections. ARJUN RISHI and his wife, Aditi, have Famine Early Warning Systems Network been blessed with a two-year-old daugh- (FEWS NET), a leading provider of early ALEC BIEBER reports that he is “slowly re- ter, Anushree. warning and analysis on food insecurity. turning to his American rural roots in the Sterling lives with his fiancé Joslin. New England region.” He says that regu- ASHLEY HINDE says that he is “surfing larly crosses the border to Montreal, Can in the islands, and just doing what he ada because he misses idlis and . loves.” ZAIF DABESTANI:: I moved to the UK after graduation and now live in London. I have ALISHA MALIK is scouring the world for AVINASH REDDY is enjoying the sunshine my own consulting company which deals better boots from China to Brazil, build- of Dubai and working as a marketing in data analytics. ing an omnichannel platform. manager in the hospitality industry, mar- ANAND RAJKUMAR : I am currently an of- AMRITA PAIS is in Bangalore working as a keting hotels for Landmark Hospitality ficer in the Merchant Navy designer at Myntra. Group. He says that he has been settled in Dubai since 2009 and enjoying all it has PADINI NIRMAL : I am currently finishing ANDREA MENDONCA is a senior marketing to offer. up my PhD at the Graduate School of Ge- communications consultant at Starcom ography at Clark University in Worcester, MediaVest Group in Dubai. She has been Massachusetts. My doctoral work exam- in Dubai for around 10 years now, and has AVIVA GOEL has been a New Yorker for ines the nature of indigeneity and indige- worked in the media industry for the past eight years now, and will be graduating nous resistance in India through a decolo- five years. She says that she’s “settling with a PhD in developmental and stem nial feminist political ecology lens. I have here and planning to stay for at least cell biology this year. She and her fiancé Class News Magazine • 71 are busy figuring out where they want to PhD from University of Cambridge. I did with Ray, to occasionally relive the glory do their postdoctoral training, and are my post-doctoral research work on Nano days of KIS soccer. He works as director of also busy planning their wedding. She Mechanics at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg in communications for a seminary in Cam- wishes everyone well. Germany. I was married in April 2013, bridge, also outside Boston. and in 2014, I returned back to India, and BIBASNA DEWAN is a fashion and food decided to leave the research life and KENAN WARJIRI is dabbling with music stylist and photographer based in Mel- join the family business. I am now help- production, photography, videography, bourne, Australia, travelling the world ing with the management of my father’s and horticulture in Shillong, Meghalaya. every chance she gets. She says that she companies, mostly involved with the avi- KESANG CHOPHEL has a ten-month-old recently met up with Emi, Akira, and Eri- ation, advertising, and oil trading busi- daughter, and has recently started work- ka (KIS class of 2002) in Tokyo. nesses. I do miss the old days at KIS, and ing at the Khesar Gyalpo Medical Univer- I try and keep in touch with one or two of sity of Bhutan. BYRON KNOLL is a software engineer at our classmates. It would be great to find Google, and lives with his wife in Moun- an occasion where we could all meet up. KEVIN ROEDER is in the southwest region tain View, California. I am sure there are great stories to hear of the US completing graduate school. from everyone.” He fondly recalls Kodai days and hopes CASEY CLARK is working on his Master’s in to have a chance to connect with Kodai Aquatic Ecology in Seattle, Washington. HO HAN who is in South Korea, says that people. He is hoping he can get out to visit a few he doesn’t have much of an update, but people soon. wants us to know that he misses every- LIOBA (FORMERLY BRINDA) HEINEMAN, is one, misses Kodai, and would really like a second-grade teacher at the American CINDY MUNDACKAL was working in Zu- to catch up on any future reunions. International School of Kuwait. She’s lov- rich, Switzerland, as legal counsel for ing it so far, and says that it’s been “a Hewlett-Packard Switzerland. She says IMRAN KARMALI is living in Uganda, where great experience teaching at an interna- that she resigned and is now travelling. he has been for the past eight years, do- tional school and meeting the challenges ing real estate development. He says he of a PYP school. Also, being located in the DAVID MOSES lives in Cleveland, Ohio, misses everyone and hopes to do a re- Middle East makes it easy to access both and is doing well. On weekdays between union soon. countries to the East and to the West— 9am and 5pm he works for PNC bank as a lots of travel opportunities! It’s a two- lead software engineer. Outside of those IRENE IDICHERIA and her husband, Nate, year stint here, perhaps longer.” She’ll hours, he flies for Air Z Charters, and live north of Boston. Irene teaches music see where the wind blows her thereafter. independently as a pilot. Aircraft fleets in the Public Schools and at the Boston include Boeing 777, Boeing 737, Piper Conservatory. She says, “Come visit!” MAHIMA GYAWALI says that she works in Cheyenne, Cessna 340, Aerostar 700, and her “dream workplace.” She is an ac- others. He wishes everyone well. ISHAN SAKRANEY is based in Singapore. count executive for a long-term-care EHR He says, “It’s humid here, but I’m still provider in Canada. She says she’s been DEEPA BHANDARI is serving the commu- cruising’ down the streets in my 64.” promoted three times in the last three nity of Nepal working for UN FAO with a years, and is doing pretty well in her ca- smile! JASHNEET CHEEMA DUFFY and her hus- reer. She just celebrated her eighth-year band live in Toronto, Canada. They got wedding anniversary in April and says EMI NISHIBASHI NAGATOMO says that “it’s married last year in Udaipur in a small that she “couldn’t be any happier...no been a crazy year” with the birth of her and intimate ceremony. She graduated kids yet though.” She has also been trav- son. She has recently returned back to with an MBA from University of Toronto elling extensively in Europe, Asia, North work in the finance department at Hilton last year and is now working as the se- and South America, and would love to re- Tokyo. nior manager of data strategy in TD Se- connect with Kodai folks. curities. GAURI GUPTA has just moved to Beijing, MANAV DARYANANI is pursuing his MBA at where she works as an editor of an online JIGME SITHER is working as a business London Business School and is slated to publication. She says that she is learn- analyst for an asset management firm in graduate in July 2016. ing to speak Chinese, is happily married, London. Every once in a while, he says and enjoying exploring the world with that he meets up with Raleigh, Moon-Li, MATTHEW FADDEGON graduated from the her husband, Varun. She adds that she is and Manav for dosas. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Academy “very excited about the possibilities of in January 2015 and is now posted in Fort ‘glamping’ in the Mongolian countryside JILL SAMUEL BERGEON is working in St. John in Northern British Columbia. He and seeing the Potala Palace in this year! Barnes school in Nashik. She says she is would like to extend an invitation to old Connect with me and follow my journey “happily married with one son. Cheers.” friends and classmates “who are interest- on Instagram: @gaurie203.” ed in visiting a real redneck community.” JUDITH THANZAUVA MATTIE and her hus- GAUTAMI RAMACHANDHRAN and her hus- band, Jordan, live in Saint John, New MEHGA MODI is based in Mumbai, doing band, Karthik Jeganathan (KIS class of Brunswick, in Canada. Judith is working strategic consulting with non-profits and 2002), had a baby boy on May 23rd, 2015. with a non-profit settlement agency in working on a mental health project. HANS DEJONG is a graduate student at welcoming and assisting immigrants to MERRI CRANSWICK has been in Adelaide, Stanford University in California, study- settle and integrate to the city. Togeth- South Australia, for a year now. She says ing the impact of climate change in the er, Judith and Jordan also run a wedding she moved over to be closer to her broth- oceans around Antarctica, and in the photography business (www.jordanandju- er, who has just started a family, adding tropical . dith.com). that she “really loves being an on-site auntie.” She works as a marketing coor- HARSHAL MATHUR says, “After KIS, I went JUSTIN AIER lives in Somerville, outside dinator for a curated online platform that to the UK and graduated with a master’s Boston, all within a few miles of Abhi- promotes south Australian craftspeople, degree in Aerospace Materials from Impe- roop, Irene, and Ray. He is grateful to designers, and artists, connecting them rial College London, and then received a have these Kodai friends around, and with larger audiences for commission op-

72 • Class News Magazine portunities (see more at wellmade.com. the Kodai folks nearby. ning to visit Kodai sometime this year and MOITRI GHOSH and her wife, Nekisa Coo- is hoping to get a bunch of fellow alums per, live in New York City. Moitri works in RICCI MANDELIA recently completed two to join him. advertising and has fond memories of her years of being based in Kuala Lumpur, VIDHAN MITTAL is married and working childhood at Swedish House. Malaysia. He works for the Essar group, in his family business in Visakhapatnam, and says that he enjoys living in Kuala . MOON-LI CHRISTIAN says that she doesn’t Lumpur. have much of an update, other than the VINCENT BUTTMAN lives in Berlin and fact that she’s “still on the island where RIDHI KAPOOR SHANGHVI is moving from Hamburg in Germany. He works part time the sun doesn’t shine, AKA London!” Mumbai to Delhi, and continuing as a con- in the art collection sector and sends his sultant for the hospitality sector in India. best to everyone. NAMRATA BHANDARI is in Panna, Madhya She says that she’s “looking forward to Pradesh, working with Taj Safaris as a new beginnings.” VIR SINGH BRAR says that has been sober naturalist. She says that she’s having a for a year and nine months. He helped blast out in the jungle, and hopes to see SAM MUTUQUMARASAMI is in Chennai, run a rehab center for a few months to everyone around soon, adding, “Make a where he manages corporate communi- assist others dealing with similar issues. trip here!” cations for the technology operations of He reports that he is “sober, happy, and Standard Charted Bank. productive” and has been back in Delhi NAMRATA PATEL lives in Bangalore, writes SAM CAMPBELL NELSON and his wife and since last year. Vir attended the Univer- about fashion, and recently “got bit by enjoying life in Vermont. He works in the sity of East London to study Film & Vid- the marriage bug.” environmental field, and wishes everyone eo: Theory & Practice. He worked as a NEEL PATEL has been living in the beau- well. video editor with Riverbank Studios, a tiful French-Canadian city of Montreal SAMARTH ARADHYA is an internal medi- prominent document film studio in India, since he moved there to attend college cine resident at Montefiore Medical Cen- and also worked as a freelance producer at McGill University in 2004. He does ter, in New York state. Him and his wife, and editor for documentaries, promos, business development and licensing for a who is soon to join pediatric residency, and music videos for four years. He has pharmaceutical company. “are expecting their little one this July.” been playing drum kit and percussion with bands that have been featured on NEIL RAMCHANDANI finished his MBA at SANKALPA KATIWADA is enjoying married the largest stages in India, including the the University of Chicago last year, and life and living in Toronto. He says, “If NH7 Weekender Festivals, Escape Festi- is now in a leadership development pro- anyone from my Kodai days gets to Toron- val, and Holi Moo Festival. gram at a chemical company called Eco- to, let’s catch up.” lab. ZACHARY CHOWGULE checks in from Nag- SARIN SAMSON is in Bangalore, where he pur, , and informs us that he NISHANT CHANDRA is busy with his re- works with a production house. “working on [his] tan in the middle of In- newable energy projects across India, dia, pursuing black gold.” acquaint. and hopes to be “domesticated from the SCOTT SCHAFFTER is running a web de- nomadic traveler” he is now. velopment company, Bivee, focused on Submitted by : Soyeon Lee & Team international organizations like World ______PIER LUIGI BUTTIGIEG lives in Bremen, Bank, IFC, and UNICEF and is living in Germany, where he researches the mi- Washington, DC, with aspirations of crobial ecology of the Arctic deep sea, heading back to Asia. He adds, “Hope Class of 2005 investigates the semantics of sustainable everyone is enjoying life and if you pass SHWETA NATARAJAN got her bachelors development, and teaches multivariate through DC, drop me a line!” and masters in mechanical engineering statistics to unsuspecting graduate stu- from Georgia Tech, and spent some time dents. SHERIN OBAID IBRAHIM lives in Dallas, at Apple and 3M doing a combination of Texas, and works as a UX/UI designer for Product Management, R&D and Opera- PRIYA CHEEMA moved to Los Angeles, Cal- rewardStyle, a fashion publishing compa- tions. Shweta is currently a management ifornia, last year to continue her career ny. consultant with McKinsey & Company, and in external audit after taking a one-year part of McKinsey’s Product Development career break to travel around the world. SNEHA CHRISPAL heads campaign plan- and Advanced Industries practices. She She is engaged and getting married in De- ning and strategy for a real estate com- helps clients in the healthcare, energy, cember 2016 in Punjab, India. pany in Bangalore. semiconductor, and consumer electron- ics sectors strategize and execute like RAHUL CHANDRASEKHAR just finished a SOHRAB NICHOLSON moved back to Mum- true product managers. When she’s not PhD in pharmacology at the University bai three years ago, and has been writing at work, she can be found hanging out of Rochester in chilly western New York and performing both commercial and in- with her husband Ashok (who happens to State and is moving south to Duke Univer- dependent music since. be a consultant for a rival firm!) and vis- sity for a post-doctorate. iting sunny places. They spent a week in RALEIGH PICKARD is building websites SOYEON LEE recently committed to pur- Bermuda this summer, and are choosing with Deloitte in London, although half his suing a Master of Industrial and Labor Re- between Thailand and Maldives for the team is now in India. He recently real- lations degree with a focus in Organiza- winter. They’re both based out of Atlanta ized that he has been working around the tional Behavior at Cornell University. She but travel extensively for work. Shweta corner from Jigme and Moon-Li, and has is excited to get started and a bit nervous is also a big fan of hardboiled literature been enjoying catching up with more and to move away from Manhattan, New York, from all over the world. She just finished more Kodai people. after living there for the last eight years. Yrsa Sigurdardottir’s excellent series on Icelandic crime fiction, and is ploughing RAY LYNGDOH and his wife are presently VARUN BHAGAT has been living in Mumbai through Book 2 of Miyuki Miyabe’s 5-part in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and he’s for seven years now, and is following his murder mystery set in Tokyo. Shweta and back in the private security sector. He passion for designing and manufacturing her sister Angshu ‘11 both miss Kodai wishes everyone well and is thankful for jewelry for his brand. He says he is plan- dearly and are perennially planning vis- Class News Magazine • 73 its, one of which will hopefully come to JOANNA UDAYKUMAR: I am in Bangalore ZAIN CALCUTTAWALA: After being an fruition soon. pursuing my PhD in Psychology. artist manager for a couple of years be- AKSHAYA VARGHESE lives and works in AARTI CHAWLA: I am living in Indianapo- tween venue/promoters, The Blue Frog Boston. He travels frequently for work lis, Indiana in the US. I got married this and NH7, Zain switched to music pro- as part of Deloitte Consulting. His recent year, and my husband and I live with our duction and sound engineering two years leisure travel included a raw food vegan adorable puppy, Oberon. I will be gradu- ago upon completing a music course in retreat in Yucatan, Mexico. ating with my PhD in neuroscience from London back in 2013. He composes music Indiana University in June, and am not for ads and short films, while at the same CHARLOTTE HAEUSLER: I am living in New sure what the future holds for me career time produces and engineer’s indie bands Zealand working as a policy analyst. Cel- wise quite yet. in the Bombay circuit. He still plays the ebrated one year of marriage to Neil Hut- drums now and again too. ton in October. Unfortunately, we lost my ANNA CHRISTOPHER: I have been doing dad John Haeusler to cancer in January. Interior Designing for the past few years. RAOUL NANAVATI is founder and CEO at My mum and brothers and I hope to get I am settled in Mysore as of now. I did get a mobile gaming company called BYOF back to India sometime in 2017. married on January 23rd, 2016 to Noel C Studios based in Mumbai. Over the years, who is an Interior Designer as well. the company has released a number of RIZWAN JAFFARULLAH: I live in Vancou- games; most notably, BYOF just released ver, Canada and work as a project engi- ANISH GANESH: After working in various Bluff Party, a multiplayer version of the neer for a construction company. software development roles for an en- bluff card game many remember from gineering simulation company in Water- their childhood. BYOF is always on the VISHAL PULIKOTTIL : I’m currently in loo, I decided to take the next step in lookout for young talent. Feel free to Bangalore working as a producer for an my career and completed an MBA from contact Raoul for internships or a job as Australian short-form production house. the Smith School of Business at Queen’s an artist. I also got married to the lovely Aswathy University. After completing the program Wilson, who’s a doctor and an alumni of in 2015, I started working as a Business ADITYA SEKHRI has been in Canada since Hebron in Ooty. I met her at my church in Analyst for an automotive software pro- starting college at McGill in 2006, clos- Hyderabad and, despite her being a He- vider in Toronto. In my spare time, I men- ing in on 10 years in Montreal, Vancouver bronite, we fell in love. :-) tor Canadian startup companies, helping and now Toronto. He currently works in them develop their marketing strategies. advertising at Rogers Media as a Digital SHWETA NATARAJAN: I took the plunge Sales Manager, and plans to do a Masters/ into consulting and joined McKinsey & Co. AANCHAL ANEJA: I am currently in the MBA next year. last October - I focus on product develop- United States, finishing up my MBA from ment and procurement, which are very the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. RISHI THADANI is living in Bombay as a exciting spaces. I’m based out of Atlanta home maker and working in digital mar- at the moment and am looking forward ANNA PERKINS lives in Norristown, PA and keting. to a beautiful east coast summer with my recently completed a Masters of Social husband! Work at U.Penn. She now works as a Case JUDSON PECK earned his Master’s in En- Manager for the local Homeless Shelter vironmental Policy from Bard College in NAMRATA HINGORANI: Namrata is living while completing a M.Div. at Palmer Sem- New York last year. His thesis assessed in New York City, working for a London inary. the profitability of drought and flood re- based economic research firm. Submitted by : Aanchal Aneja sistant rice seed in Laos, which increased ______farmer’s profits 78% according to field tri- NISHANT DAS: I currently live and work in als. This work came out of his internship Bangladesh, with an INGO called the Men- with the United Nations Development nonite Central Committee (MCC) with my Class of 2006 Program in Bangkok, Thailand. Since then wife Erin and 8-month old son Eli. he has been a consultant for UNDP’s Cli- SHAISTA BHARWANI recently moved back KUNAAL SEOLEKAR currently lives in mate Change Adaptation Programming, to Mumbai after completing an MBA with Pune, but tends to travel a fair amount using his graphic skills to highlight UN- a specialization in Marketing from the as he manages two careers. Most of his DP’s global portfolio of adaptation proj- National University of Singapore. time is devoted to design, he runs an ar- ects. Judson is also transitioning to a new chitectural and product design studio in job that works with farmers to address PETER PAUL just completed his MBA from Pune called studio HAUS. They follow a resource concerns, such as erosion and the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hy- design and build philosophy which means manure runoff, to protect water quality derabad, where he was the President of that we build a majority of what we de- in Vermont. He continues to enjoy pho- the class. He is now set to join Hindustan sign. Kunaal has a state of the art pro- tography, hiking and biking when not in Unilever Ltd. as an ASM from where he totyping workshop in which they design the office. will move into Brand Management over and build furniture, specializing in wood, the course of 2 years. metal and fiber. Later this year he will be ASHRA KOLHATKAR is currently living in WEIBKE MÄRCZ: Wiebke is living in Berlin, launching a brand of online home design Vancouver, Canada. She is working as a working as a Social Media Manager for an which will include furniture and home- Research Coordinator at the UBC Centre ecommerce startup. ware and they plan on going global with for Health Services and Policy Research. the brand. Her work focuses on pharmaceutical pol- SHEHZAR DOJA is currently residing in Additionally, he has a passion for acting icy with an interest in investigating and Luxembourg City. He is writing and pub- and simultaneously he tries to work in informing policy around access to and lishing whilst being active in the literary Hollywood movies. He has acted in two pricing of medicines in Canada. Ashra has scene there and in Paris. His first book is films and has appeared in various TV recently become engaged to her long- due out later this year. He also founded commercials. He recently acted in a big time partner, Keith Stewart, whom she his own literary review 2 years ago in The budget film, Fitoor amongst some of In- met while at Mount Allison University in Luxembourg Review which is gearing up dia’s top actors and currently he is look- New Brunswick, Canada. Ashra and Keith towards its own print publication soon. ing for his next acting project. will be getting married in a small, inti- mate ceremony in Vancouver in August.

74 • Class News Magazine ANJULA KANOUJIA is enjoying life as an on Nandita Das’ second directorial ven- XIOMARA HURNI-CRANSTON is currently adult; particularly her work, sleeping, ture based on the life and work of one living in Amman, Jordan working on set- and drinking cocktails of South Asia’s greatest modern-day short ting up a consultancy related to conflict story writers - Saadat Hasan Manto (1912 transformation and regional develop- DEEPAK RAMANATHAN is an Orthopedic - 1955). This project will keep her in In- ment/politics. surgery resident working at the Cleveland dia till next Fall at least, post which she Clinic in Ohio. will be leaving for LA to begin her MFA in ZAL BAHADURJI has spent the last few film direction at the California Institute years living and working in Bombay, Tex- OLA SITHER: I live in Kodai and I am the of the Arts (CalArts). It’s going to be a big as, and most recently, Amsterdam, in the Activities Supervisor at KIS. It has been and busy year! electric vehicle industry. In the Fall, he great working here. LANBANGLIU LULU KAMEI completed her begins the MBA program at NYU Stern studies in Bachelors in Social Work and School of Business. ARVIND HARIHARAN is currently living and a Masters in Women’s studies from TISS, working in Bangalore, recently complet- Bombay. She is currently living and work- Submitted By Zal Bahadurji ed his MDS (Masters in Dental Surgery) ing in Shillong, Meghalaya, a state in the ______in Oral Medicine and Radiology and cur- North East of India. She is working as a rently working as a specialist dentist for Gender Focal Person with the Meghalaya

Nightingales Home Health Services in state flagship programme “Integrated Ba- Class of 2007 Bangalore, providing dental treatment sin Development and Livelihood Promo- at the patient’s home. Soon he will be tion (IBDLP)”, a programme that centers POOJA KHIATANI: Completed my Master’s moving to Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland and focuses its work on Knowledge Man- degree in International Marketing from to pursue higher studies in Translational agement, Natural Resource Management, the European Business School, London in Oncology (Cancer research). Apart from Entrepreneurship Development and Good 2012. Worked with KPMG India and De- a very hectic lifestyle, he enjoys life in Governance of and for its rural poor. Her loitte India for 3 years as a Risk Manage- Bangalore after many years in the moun- role as a Gender Focal Person is to en- ment Consultant. Currently in progress of tains, but still misses Kodai and hopes to sure that Gender is mainstreamed at the starting my own Jewelry Brand in Pune, be back soon! programmatic as well as the systematic India. level. This work has given her the chance RIA SAKRANEY works in the social sector to work with international agencies such RADHIKA BHUYAN: After law school, I at The Lighthouse Project, an NGO that as IFAD, ICIMOD, World Bank and Inter- moved back to Bombay and worked for a pairs working professionals with children national Potato Center Peru. Her past Firm and then a Company for two years, from under-resourced communities, and professional life has also given her the till a month ago. I had been contemplat- one of India’s first mentoring programs. chance to work with CARE INDIA and NE- ing a lot of changes that I had been in- Ria is also co-founder of A Crane a Day; PAL on issues of migration between India, tending to make a year ago, but finally the project’s mission is to help inspire Nepal and Bangladesh and Bread for the had the courage to. I got into CEU for people to do and share good deeds every world Germany on issues of Sexual Vio- an LLM with a full ride, but gave that up day. Ria pursued her Masters in Human lence in the context of Meghalaya state. too, because I wanted to start something Resource Management and Organization- She is very happy and feels blessed with of my own. So starting the beginning of al Analysis at King’s College London. Prior how life has worked out. Working with April, I have been working with a silver to which, she worked at an educational the less fortunate and understanding jewelry start up, and I intend to do so for consulting firm specializing in interna- their realities is an experience that is a year, because I want to do something tional education. always humbling. It is her hope and as- design oriented, but think it is import- piration to someday work with men and ant to learn the business aspect to begin PADMA IYER has been living in Atlanta women affected by conflict. And if any- with. I hope to do an MBA come 2017 and since she graduated from Kodaikanal. Af- one is interested to visit this part of the take it from there. ter earning an industrial engineering de- world, let her know! gree from Georgia Tech in 2011, she has JOHNNY MARAK: I am teaching Political been working as a Supply Chain profes- PRANAV KAICKER has been living in Delhi Science in a college in Garo Hills, Me- sional for a warehouse distribution con- for a couple of years now. He is fully in- ghalaya. While I’m also trying to build a sulting firm. volved in his family jewelry business and couple of greenhouses to start an organic having a great time there! farming initiative in the Garo Hills. AAYUSH MISRA is a corporate lawyer working in Mumbai. VALERIE MATHIAS graduated with a Swiss RUHI BHATIA: I’m kind of successfully Degree in Tourism & Hospitality manage- growing my hair long again ALISHA MEHTA: Since Kodai she has ba- ment, from Cesar Ritz Colleges, she came sically been living out of a suitcase. The back to India & started working with var- ICCHYA GYAWALI is currently in London last place she called home was a small ious hotel chains. Gained a world of ex- doing an elective in The Royal London pristine island in the Cyclades, Greece, perience and memories that will last a Hospital in the Obstetrics and Gynecol- called Paros. She has been living there lifetime, and somewhere in the middle ogy department! Lots of babies guys :-) for the past 4 years studying Renaissance of all this, she fell in Love (she thinks Graduating medical school from Semmel- painting, silver and digital photography, it’s cliché) & got married. One fine day weis University, Budapest in June 2016 ancient Greek literature, figure drawing they decided to move back home (Pon- and looking forward to moving anywhere and printmaking. She returned to Mumbai dy), to revive her family’s 22 years old in the world! Budapest was home for 7 this past year where the transition from legacy (Rendezvous Café Restaurant). years, if anyone has a spare week- go vis- the visuals arts to film came quite natu- They rebuilt & re-opened 9th of October it!!! rally. She just finished her first ever film 2015, so please visit them when in Pondy! shoot as a direction Intern on Konkana They are also starting their new venture; JEET CHATTERJEE: I’ve been living in To- Sensharma’s directorial debut A Death in “Studio30” a multi-branding, designing ronto the last four years, working as a the Gunj that goes into post production & hospitality consultancy a project close senior advisor to the Ontario government this month and is about to embark on her to their hearts & will be launched in the on financial policy and infrastructure -fi next project, as Director’s Assistant (DA) summer. nancing. Trying to make the best of the Class News Magazine • 75 Faraz Wahlang (‘13) Karma Yangchen, Natalya Ratan-Eachus, Tenzin Wangmo (‘08) Narain Ratan (‘13)

Eutha, Remi, Aditya ‘11 Shrey, Aranka, Oona, Joash ‘11

Malli Gupta, Misol Kwon and Rohit Pothukuchi (‘08) Top row left to right: Jeet Chatterjee ‘07) Bottom Row left to right: Misol Kwon (‘08), Fareena Contractor (‘07) 76 • Class News Magazine limited time away from work I have, I en- knowing. He brings an infinite amount of ANISHA DOSSA is living in London and cur- joy going on mountaineering trips, having happiness into my life on a daily basis. So rently doing an MBA at London Business gone climbing in Bolivia, in Argentinean all in all, life is pretty good! I’m excited School with Gayatri Sarin. Anisha will be Patagonia, Africa and in the Canadian for the new adventures and opportunities funding the lives of her close friends. Rockies over the last couple of years. I that the next decade will bring... and I spend at least half my working hours CAN’T WAIT to catch up with many of you CAMELIA VAJIFDAR is living in Mumbai dreaming of quitting the corporate life next year at our reunion. Much love xxx while working for a travel research com- and living the life of a travel vagabond. It pany in London and generally killing it. would be great to see everyone next year TANVI SHANGHAVI VORA: Hi everyone! at the 10-year reunion and catch up. I miss all of you and looking forward to ISHITA PATERIA is currently living in Lon- meet each of you at the reunion next don and specialising in counselling psy- NAMZAY KUMUTHA: Well after university year marking 10 years of our graduation. chology. I’ve been working at His Majesty’s secre- So I got married last year on Christmas. tariat and it’s my 5th year now. Besides Have been working as a freelance fash- VIKAS MANDALIA has relocated to Mumbai work I’ve been engaging myself in sports. ion photographer since 4 years. Enjoying to pursue his passion for acting. He has Recently I’ve captained Bhutan Women’s both ends of the world. bagged a major role in an upcoming Bol- National Basketball Team for our first lywood movie as a body double and will ever successful international win. I am MAIA SETHNA: After university in the UK, commence shooting next year. He speaks also the co-owner along with Yiwang of I had a stint with modelling in the UK and Hindi and can be found ‘near Sanjay Dutt Thimphu FC, a men’s A Div Football club then in Mumbai. I now live between Mum- ka ghar’. in Bhutan. I’ve been married since No- bai and Delhi and work as a travel consul- vember 2013 to Captain Tshering Namg- tant in Luxury travel with Banyan Tours & NAKUL YADAV got married last year and yal, a police officer in Bhutan. Shakti Himalaya. I also work as a fashion has recently opened a pub and true to his and lifestyle influencer and endorse vari- nature, it is called Batli 29. He offers spe- YIWANG PINDARICA: I got married to Lieu- ous brands on social media. cial discounts to Kodai alumni. tenant Tshering Chophel from the Royal Bhutan Army and together we have a BUTOOL JAMAL: I’ve been primarily work- PRITHVI HIRANI: I am currently in the beautiful daughter who was born to us on ing in fashion magazines and freelancing third year of my PhD at Aberystwyth Uni- March 2016. I use to work as a journalist as a fashion and arts journalist. In the versity in Wales and cannot wait to be for a few years after university but now middle, I also did a stint as a curatorial done! I do not recommend a PhD. I own a travel agency called ‘Pindarica assistant at a museum in Bombay and my Tours and Travels’. I also own a Football next step I hope is to do my Masters and LISA PERKINS SENFTLEBEN and Daniel Team called Thimphu FC, an elite mens bring together my love for both fashion Senftleben ‘05 live in Aurich, Germany. A Division Football Team which has been and history. Daniel is an engineer for Enercon. keeping me busy these days. NERISHA BHANSALI: For the past 3 years Submitted by Prithvi Hirani LAURA TANAE SCHROY: This last year has I’ve been a kindergarten homeroom ______been quite a busy one!! We found out we teacher at Edubridge International were expecting our 2nd child. That in and School, in Bombay. This September I’ll be of itself would have been busy enough. I going to Columbia University in New York Class of 2008 decided to take an online health coach- for a Masters in Teaching in Elementary NISHANTH PALLE JUDSON VARAPRASADA- ing course. I have a love for learning School Education. After that, who knows! RAO is doing freelance music production, about nutrition so it seemed fitting. I am sound design and sound engineering for currently just over half way through that ZAINAB WAHEED: I completed my MA in music, 3D animation/ motion graphics now and am set to finish in August. I work interior design at UCA, UK, last year. work. He is based out of Bengaluru, but as a Med Tech and Certified Nursing -As Waiting for my graduation ceremony in I go where his work takes him. With a sistant currently but also work for a nu- mid-June. Planning to relaunch my de- website in progress, cloud based clients trition company on the side. I have been sign company again here in Maldives. Cur- are the direction he is going in. He has married now for 5 years. We live in Penn- rently doing a design consultation work his own personal Digital Audio Worksta- sylvania. I just delivered our 2nd child for a serviced apartment building. Guess tion (D.A.W.) and that is just the start. the end of February. :) Leap day baby - that’s all for now. He plans to continue his studies in Au- an adorable little girl! Shortly after that dio/Music science and therapy either in my husband deployed again. So I am busy VIDYA (BALAKRISHNAN) BETESH: I gradu- Scotland or Canada. He hopes everyone managing a preschooler and a newborn. ated in 2010 from Les Roches, Switzer- in our class has some epic tales to share Couldn’t be happier. Hope you all are do- land with a Bachelors of Business in Hos- and misses the misty breeze of the moun- ing great as well! I miss Kodai and hope pitality. I got married in 2014. In terms tains over yonder... (& the snow from Ben to see at least some of you in the future. of my career, I have worked in India and Nevis, ha-ha!) Thailand. I currently work in Hospitality MAELA OHANA: Hi everyone, I’m writing Sales and Marketing in the South Florida MISOL KWON, RN BSN is working as an from Montreal where I’ve been living for area. administrative staff and a program- co the past 4 years. I came here to complete ordinator at International Relations, Po- a degree at McGill and decided to stay on MAYA VARDARAJ: I hope both of you are hang University of Science and Technol- after graduating last spring. I work in real doing splendidly!!! I miss everyone and ogy (POSTECH), South Korea. She will be estate marketing, an unexpected career Kodai incredibly! I am currently getting a pursuing her PhD in Nursing at University change / new challenge that I’m enjoy- Master’s degree in Designed Objects from of Buffalo the Fall of 2016. She still con- ing immensely and learning a lot from. the School of the Art Institute of Chica- tinues to play racquetball and swim but On the side, I’m running an independent go. I’m showing my work in with Rossana really misses playing field hockey at KIS. art zine that I launched in 2015. I live and Orlandi’s gallery at Salone del Mobile in Last year she met up with several of our work with my boyfriend Yury who is one of Milan in April! I’m super excited for this! Kodai alumni in Toronto and NYC. the most genuine, adorable and rock-sol- I currently live in Chicago. id people I’ve ever had the pleasure of THINLEY DORJI is working at Etho Metho Class News Magazine • 77 Tours and Trek LTD. It is one of the oldest in beautiful, sunny Santa Barbara and donado on mercury toxicity in women travel agencies in Bhutan. been traveling a lot and is excited to go and children. It’s a joint project Cayeta- to Europe this year. no Heredia Peruvian Med School and Duke JOHN has been working as University. a Graphic Designer for the last 4 1/2 CHRISTOPHER BRAUNHOLZ is currently years, 2 of which were at Flipkart.com getting his Ph.D. in a cooperation of the PORNCHANOK KITTISURIN: Living in Mon- as a Senior Visualizer. He had his own University of Stuttgart and Audi. treal, Canada team of writers and designers, rolling in the deep! Prashanth decided to leave it NITHIN KARIVARDAN is currently complet- VANESSA (JUNGHYUN) KIM: In August, I all behind and join Raffles School of De- ing a two year course at Royal College of transitioned out of Singapore to the Unit- sign in June last year. He represented his Arts, he will compete his MA in 2017. He ed States to pursue an M.Ed. degree in department on Student Council and Raf- currently lives in London. Human Development Counseling at Van- fles at a college fair at K.I.S. He ended derbilt. I’ve been learning a ton and en- up leaving Raffles on New Year’s eve and AMRUTHA PULIKOTTIL says 2015 was a joying my time living in Nashville. All in started working with a friend’s design great year for Amrutha. She got married all, it’s been a fulfilling year thus far. studio. He still finds time to work on mu- in May. Graduated from Ball State with a sic and short-films. Master’s in Public Administration in July. ANDREA STEWART: My husband (Nathan) She started working as a Statistical Ana- and I are living in Massachusetts. He is PRIOSKA UKE is currently working as a lyst at Walker Information in August. the youth pastor at New Life Church, Senior Consultant at Weber Shandwick, Leominster, and I am currently a stay-at- Mumbai. After a stint of 3 years at erst- In December she traveled back home for home new mom as we are expecting our while PR agency, she decided to move on her brother, Vishal’s wedding. She lives in first baby boy any time this week! to Weber Shandwick and spearhead all Indianapolis, Indiana, if you’re ever visit- English Entertainment and Music Clients. ing, feel free to reach out to her. SAATVIKA KANTAMNENI ‘09: I am a pro- Her client list includes the likes of COL- duction and stage manager for theatre ORS Infinity, Vh1, Comedy Central, MTV PAVAN KOKA is living in San Ramon, CA and live events. I am currently based in and Remy Cointreau International’s co- and working as a Validation Engineer at London, having completed my MA Collab- gnac - Louis XIII. She will be travelling to Genentech. orative Theatre Production and Design Japan for my summer break. from Guildhall School of Music and Dra- RHYS FERNANDEZ is an integration engi- ma. Prior to this, I was based in Bombay, DALE CRASTO lives in the exceedingly neer at gulfstream aerospace in savan- working full-time with QTP Entertain- hot Dubai. (Though the rainfall has in- nah. ment Pvt Ltd, a theatre and arts manage- creased). He is an overworked Event ment company and as Festival Director Manager for a company that specializes MICHELLE VARGHESE is working in the of Thespo, a national-level youth theatre in City wide and Country wide shopping Oil and Gas industry in Houston, but will festival. promotions and Government events. be starting grad school in the fall. She’ll be getting her Masters in Structural En- DR. KRISHNAPRIYA BALANARAYANAN: I ANUJ IYER is currently finishing a Master’s gineering from Politecnico di Milano in graduated from Kodaikanal International degree in Education (Ed.M.) from the Italy. in 2009. I joined Kasturba Medical Col- Harvard Graduate School of Education, lege, Manipal, Karnataka. I recently grad- Harvard University. After being done in IRENE ALFRED just finished her Master of uated from college. I am living with my May 2016, he is going to launch a start-up Science in Biomedical Engineering at the parents in Saudi Arabia while i prepare in Mumbai called ‘A2Q Education’. The Leibniz University Hannover and lives in for my exams for my future studies and focus will be setting up or turning around Hannover, Germany. hoping to pursue surgery. preK-12 schools to provide a quality ed- ucation to all children, especially those MALLIMALIKA GUPTA lives and works in KARA PERKINS ROBBINS lives in Appleton, who are marginalized based on socio- NY. She is a Senior Associate in PwC’s WI and works for Humana. economic status, language, culture, geo- consulting practice. She will be moving ______graphic location, or disability. to Cambridge, MA and starting her MBA at MIT Sloan this fall. This summer, she TRISHA SATRA lives in Mumbai (Bombay), is looking forward to traveling in South Class of 2010 working in an advertising agency called America (trying to recall some of that IB TBWA\India. Her promotion in November Spanish) and spending time at home in TANAY JAIN : I live in Agra, India and gave her three designations - all at once India. working within my family-run educa- and her job has taken over my life. She is tional publishing business. I graduated in traveling to Singapore this year, exploring NATALYA RATAN-EACHUS completed her 2013 from University of Nottingham with the possibility of another long holiday. Masters in Sport Management from the a B. A. (Hons.) in Finance, Accounting & Send along all recommendations to her. University of San Francisco last May. She Management. continues to live in San Francisco and JABEZ PEREZ UDAYKUMAR is in Bangalore now works at TeamWork Online where SIDHANTH RIJHWANI : I work with TIAA as working as a Junior Game Artist. she is the Director of Business Develop- a business analyst. I live in Boston MA, ment. Last December, Natalya got mar- USA MICHELLE ABRAHAM completed her Mas- ried in Kovalam, Kerala. If you find your- ter’s Degree and worked for 2 years in selves in the beautiful city by the Bay, let NAMRATA LOKA : I’m currently based in Marketing in California, after this she her know!08) Narain Ratan (‘13) San Francisco, CA, getting my MA in Fash- moved back to Las Vegas and is currently ______ion Journalism from the Academy of Art traveling and enjoying down time as she University. I’m currently heading Creative looks into Doctoral programs. Class of 2009 Operations and Content Management for my recently launched e-commerce store SARAH SHEKHAR is still at Sonos, but is ANDRES MALLIPUDI DIEZCANSECO: I will for contemporary Indian jewellery and now a Senior Software Engineer! She lives be doing medical research in Puerto Mal- accessories, Shop Miraya (www.miraya. 78 • Class News Magazine us). I’m also working as an Editor for a finished an internship as a bartender for a her own lifestyle photography business, South Asian wedding website and maga- year at the Holiday Inn. and will be photographing weddings this zine, also in San Francisco, CA. summer. Ultimately, she hopes to move TANVEER HAQUE is 23 and he hangs out in to Kolkata and volunteer at a couple of RACHEL MONICA JAYAPRAKASH : I did dingy basements with his friends, playing charities, after which she will apply for my BBM in Christ University, Bangalore. music for fun. His band is called Mitchell an MA in Social Work and Social Justice/ Worked in Bangalore for a year and then Lips and they have over 400 likes on Face- Law. went to Dubai with a job opportunity book!! He will be graduating this year. ever since. Moved from operations, sales, TARINI SRINIVASAN is taking time off marketing to finally HR, and discovered MAYIN GUPTA is currently in the process school, doing an internship at a company my passion for HR. I currently work for of finishing her 5 year law course at the called Latitude Edutech as a quality asso- a media agency - MindSpace, as their HR ILS law college in Pune. She has her final ciate, and is hoping to go back to school Manager.” exams coming up, after which she will fi- in the fall. nally be done and become a lawyer. She NADISHA SAGAR : I am currently living in plans to also do an LLM (masters) in mari- SUBASH JAWAHAR has a clothing label Bangalore where I teach piano and vocals time law, but that will most likely be only coming out in May called MKE (website: full time at a music institute called Ta- next year. mkestore.com). He took a road trip down aqademy. I have had the privilege of per- the east coast of the USA, and has taken forming around the city at various venues SONYA MOORJANI graduated with a BA in a position as a project manager with a and am currently working on a few orig- Design and Media from Richmond Univer- marketing firm in Montreal starting this inal compositions which I will hopefully sity, London. She now works as a free- summer. record soon. I’ve been able to record lance filmmaker in Pune as well as a so- He goes to music festivals for leisure, and for a movie soundtrack as well and have cial media manager for a restaurant. One can’t stop hiking all the time because of started to collaborate on a couple of mu- of her media clients sent her to shoot re- those damn mandatory treks in Kodai. He sic projects, and I’m excited about where sorts around India so that has been quite thinks Kanye West’s “The Life of Pablo” it will take me. an experience for her. In her free time, will be the best album of 2016. He’s cur- ______she plays five-a-side football every week rently in Columbus, Ohio until he moves and is looking to go to film school next to Montreal, and ultimately plans to year. move to Austin, TX. Class of 2011 ANCHAL SHAMANUR graduated from New- ANDRY DEJONG is living in south Minneap- castle University last year with an ar- olis, Minnesota. She’s a full time English chitecture degree, and has now started teacher at Washburn High School since ADITYA VORA is in his final year of univer- working in Bangalore at an architectural January 2016. She spends her free time sity in the UK, following which he intends firm. with extended family in the area, adult to return back home to Bombay. coloring books, perfecting the art of sam- SADICCHHA DHAKHWA graduated from bar-making, and learning to tango. VARUN NAYAR graduated from Grinnell the University of Buffalo, majoring in ar- College with a degree in English last chitecture. She is currently working at UB CHIKU LOHIA is studying computer sci- spring. He currently lives in New York at the Communities of Excellence, Com- ence at the University of Kent. He’s in his City, working as an editor at a creative munity for Global Health Equity. final week, after which he will be done publishing agency. He’d like to take this with studying for life :) He will then look opportunity to apologize to Vora. Sorry HELENA DE ZOMER is living in Romania for work as a programmer. He’s looking at Vora, he’ll call you next weekend. right now and in the 5th year of studying job options Canada and India as of now. medicine. She’ll be done with that next KENJI KAKUMOTO is studying Marketing year. She doesn’t really know yet where CHAI NUPHET is about to apply for his OPT, at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in she’ll go after that, but she will be look- and trying to get a job in the New York Japan, after spending some time studying ing at her options as an intern. City or Boston in Web Development and at the Hong Kong University of Science Marketing. He is looking at his options in and Technology until last year. Thanks to DONG GYU LEE is in Virginia Tech, ma- online advertising, such as e-commerce, a number of KIS alumni who also attend joring in Chemical Engineering and mi- etc. He’s in his final year at Roger Wil- the same university as him, he has been noring in Chemistry, Math and Computer liams University in Rhode Island. able to meet other Kodai friends from Science. He’s trying to get masters in time to time. Computer Science and start a career in a JAMSEL GYALTSHEN is graduating in two programming related field. He currently weeks from the Culinary Institute of MATTEO BORG attended culinary school works at Starbucks to be the best barista America, and is living in New York City. in the South of France, and had the in my college town. He still plays soccer He will be looking for a job after he com- opportunity to work with some of the but not as much as in Kodai because he’s pletes his Bachelors in Culinary Arts Man- best chefs in Burgundy and St. Tropez in the middle of my Chemical Engineering agement. in France. He worked for 2 years as the semester, second semester of junior year. head pastry-chef in the French Riviera. JUN KYO PARK has travelled through 9 He now works for 6 months and travels JEAN MANNERS is graduating in May from cities in Europe recently and met (fellow for 6 months, and most recently moved Anderson University, after which she is Kodai classmates) Raitis and Giuliano! He to New Zealand, travelling along the hoping to get a job in holistic therapy, is now doing nothing for a year after mil- coastline and surfing. He is now working combining counseling with nature thera- itary service, but will apply for University as a chef at a new opened restaurant in py, yoga, focused meditation, music, art, for next year. He’s excited to hear about Auckland. and play therapy in the US. updates from all his classmates. Currently, she interns at St. Vincent’s VIVEK PAUL is currently in his final year Hospital as a Chemical Dependency and ARANKA HOOSEIN graduated with a de- at Plymouth University, studying Cruise Mental Health Therapist, while also co- gree in Adventure Education in 2013, and Management. He has a couple of jobs ordinating for the Student Peace Initia- has been working seasonal jobs in main- lined up after he graduates, but he is not tive on her campus. She has also started ly the US and Hong Kong. She focuses on sure about his plans as of yet. He recently Class News Magazine • 79 taking kids out into the wilderness and Japan, Hong Kong, and . He will and work in a village for a month. When camping, hiking, rock climbing, etc. This move to the UK in September to start his she’s not travelling, she’s living in Bom- summer she will be training staff to do MA in South Asian Studies at the School bay. the same at a summer camp in Pennsyl- of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in vania. When she’s not working, she tries London. RIDI KHAN is at the University of Toron- to travel as much as possible. Earlier this to (St. George), double majoring in En- year, she hiked a trail in New Zealand for ATMEEK SOHNI completed his Bachelors vironmental Science & Psychology. She 2 months! and then his Masters in Management. was also working with AIESEC, which is During this time his running career res- an international NGO that provides lead- OONA YADAV graduated from the Wharton urrected and he has started competing ership development and cross-cultural School of Business (UPenn) in May 2015, again. He started his own company during internships and volunteer exchange ex- following which she moved to New York college which organizes private parties periences across the globe. She plans City to join Morgan Stanley. She will soon only. He’s currently looking at going on going back to Dhaka for a short while complete a year with the firm in their In- abroad for a postgraduate degree. to work with Climate Change mitigation vestment Management business, within and adaptation strategies which she is the long-only equity group. SHWETA CHITALIA graduated from Ohio equally excited and anxious about, and State University in May 2015 with a Bach- most importantly...she’s remained a food FIONA DEAN is currently serving as a Min- elor’s in Finance. She currently works at enthusiast, mostly implying she enthusi- nesota Math Corps member tutoring math Goldman Sachs in the Financial District of astically continues to stuff my face with at a local Twin Cities elementary school. New York and plans to pursue an MBA af- different cuisines throughout my travels. She loves it and could ramble on and on ter two years of work experience. She is about her “kids”. She is also working to- perpetually in touch with her Kodi crew RAVI TEJA completed a degree in Sports wards passing a test and some classes and hopes to make a trip to the mother- Journalism from university in England. which will allow her to move to Missis- land next year. After graduating, he went on to live in sippi in June and begin teaching sec- Spain for a year before moving to Goa ondary mathematics in the fall of 2016. DIVIJA MOHAN is currently trying her last year. He currently works for FC Goa, She can’t wait, and is looking forward hand at stand-up comedy, whilst simulta- a professional football team who play in to the crazy scary adventure of living in neously juggling writing my own comedy the Indian Super League. He’s been in the south as a northerner, and the crazy for a YouTube show she is creating. She Goa for the past 7 months. scary adventure of being a middle school previously worked at Twitter at their NYC or high school teacher. offices and at a TV Show called The Secu- HEESUNG KIM is currently serving in the rity Brief with Paul Viollis. Korean Army. CHAYANKA MOHAN is in her final year at UC Davis, studying evolutionary an- ANDREW SELVARAJ has transferred col- DUGYEL TOBGYE studied film at the thropology with a focus on genetics and leges from Florida to San Francisco and is Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singa- communication studies with an emphasis currently studying 3D Animation. He will pore. There he got to work in productions on research and design. She has two job graduate in 1 year; after which he knows from school assignments to real produc- opportunities after graduation, she hopes not what will happen. tions for commercials and short films. to eventually return to Dubai. At UC Da- During his time in Singapore, he contin- vis, she has been served as president TAMKIN HALDER came to the Netherlands ued to create his own videos for fun or of the Anthropology Department Club, in 2013 to do her Bachelor’s in Environ- contests with friends. Now he’s back in participated in Model UN, and served as mental Science for Sustainable Energy Bhutan working with his brother to create teacher’s associate for two Communica- and Technology. She’s currently doing their own production company, shooting tions Courses. She hopes to own her own her graduation internship in an MEP en- commercials and ads in Bhutan. He still event management company with a focus gineering consultancy company, and she shoots shorts and draws whenever he on educational events and workshops. expects to graduate this fall. She plans can. He has plans to go for further studies ITI MALONEY graduated from Syracuse on doing my master’s there as well, pref- in fields other than film. University with a major in environmental erably working on sustainable develop- public policy and a minor in South Asian ment with either bio-based economy or JOASH CORNELIUS studied English and studies. She spent a summer studying water technology. Political Science at St. Stephens, Delhi, abroad in Madurai to improve her Tamil-- CYRIL CHERIAN graduated from NYUAD following which he worked for a year in this was one of her most cherished col- last year. He’s now working as a research a media firm before doing a post-gradu- lege experiences. Iti now works for PWN analyst at NYUAD currently, and will be ate course in journalism in Bombay which Health, a healthcare startup in Chelsea, going to Columbia University in New York ends in April. New York. Before applying for a Master’s City for his Masters in Economics this in Public Administration, Iti hopes to gain coming fall. ARJUN BISHT is a farmer, while also run- some experience working on water and ning a cafe and a hotel in Almora, Ut- environmental issues internationally. In KILP BARFUNGPA has been playing foot- tarakhand. He likes to grow blueberries, March she made a short one-week trip to ball in Shillong Royal Wahingdoh FC since strawberries, apples, and all sorts of Kodai to visit her parents, and was pleased 2015. vegetables. He has also been doing some to see how the school and changed and Paragliding and Mountaineering. progressed over time. She would like to HANGIL JANG is currently attending uni- recognize her father, Clarence Maloney, versity in South Korea after completing ANUSHKA MEHROTRA got a job with Scho- for his immeasurable efforts to make Ko- his military service. lastic in New York City, the world’s larg- dai School a green school. est publisher and distributor of children’s VRUSTI KANAKIA has been working and books. AMUL GYAWALI graduated from Grinnell travelling with different NGOs and College in Iowa last May. He’s current- non-profits, previously at Child Rights RINZOVA RENTHLEI is currently studying ly spending one year at home in Nepal, and You and most recently for IVHQ. As environmental engineering at the Univer- during which he’s had the opportunity part of her IVHQ internship, she will be sity of Notre Dame in Indiana, and hopes to travel around Asia, visiting Thailand, moving to Bali, Indonesia in few weeks to be done in Spring, 2017.

80 • Class News Magazine SHREY SANCHETI is in his fifth and final assignments to actual productions for by 2017. Upon graduation she will most year of law school, and will be taking his commercials and short films. During his probably get into litigation either in New bar exams in a few months. He hopes to time in Singapore he continued to create Delhi or Mumbai or go for an LLM course. secure a job soon after graduation as a my own videos for fun or contests with Her areas of interest are mainly tax and litigation lawyer. He enjoys being in Bom- friends using what he learnt from school. investment law so she will be doing her bay as it allows him to bump into a varied Now he is back in Bhutan working with his LLM course related to the said fields. bunch of Kodai alumni often. brother to create their own production company, shooting commercials and ads NIHAR SHAH is currently finishing a Bach- JULIAN MANNNING graduated from in Bhutan. He continues to shoot shorts elor of Arts degree at Colgate Universi- Goucher College, Maryland last May, and and draws whenever he can. ty in upstate NY. “My academic focus is now working back home in Austin, TX. is English with an emphasis on creative WENONA RAI is pursuing nursing in Col- writing whilst I’m also pursuing a minor AHILYA CHAWLA has transitioned to using orado and is grateful for the beautiful in educational studies. I’m forward look- her maternal family’s name and now goes Rocky Mountains as it reminds her of the ing to have an introspective year so that I by Ahilya Wallia. Since KIS, Ahilya has Palani Hills. can get a firmer sense of my identity and majored in Political Science at Wellesley consequently find out how to channel my College in Massachusetts. These past two ABHISHEKAN DAVIDAR studied at PSG Col- interests and passions in the most effec- years, she took time off school to work lege of Technology in Coimbatore, and tive way”, he says. at the White House as an intern for the will do his internship at CMC in Vellore. office of Intergovernmental Affairs. She When not studying medicine, he like to NIINA KAWARAZAKI: After KIS I attended returned to Wellesley and founded the play the guitar and basketball. the University of Massachusetts Amherst Wellesley Students for Hillary organi- where I pursued hospitality and tour- zation which has supported Secretary NAINA CHAUHAN is studying at the Emir- ism management. During my time there Clinton’s candidacy at her Alma Mater ates Academy of Hospitality Management I worked at the Marriott hotels catering through the primary elections. After and will graduate in one year. She has a for the White House, Sheraton New York graduating in December, she moved to well followed food blog on Instagram, as a VIP manager and the Sheraton Casi- the Hillary Clinton campaign full time as and recently competed in a restaurant no hotel in Puerto Rico as a Front Desk staffer serving in New Hampshire, Maine challenge where she won as the dessert management trainer. I graduated in 2014 and now Wisconsin. chef. with a Bachelor of Science in hospitali- ty, tourism management, and a minor MYTHILI SAYANNA is working as a research SEONGLO LEE is serving in the army as in French linguistics and translation. I assistant in NYC at a therapeutic prac- a KATUSA (Korean Augmentation to The worked in Dubai at the Sofitel Luxury Ho- tice, and pursuing a post-baccalaureate United States Army) and has about one tels as a duty manager and I now work for at Fordham University. She hopes to soon year left to complete my service. He says Etihad airways as the food and beverage apply to medical school. it is great working with the US soldiers manager. and he appreciates the dedication they TANVI AGGRAWAL did her undergrad in make to protect South Korea. ANNIKA MIRCHANDANI: I’m almost done Mass Media at Jaihind College, Mumbai. with my senior year at FLAME Universi- In 2014, she ideated her startup Click- TUSHAR KIM is a graduate researcher at ty in Pune, India. I’m trying super hard erhouse.com, an online portal that con- Chapman University in Irvine, California. to get a job at a startup, where I intend nects photographers to people who need He is working on his Master’s in pharma- to work for a bit before heading to the them. She is working on the startup and ceutical sciences. states for my MBA. planning to do a masters in Entrepreneur- ship and Marketing starting this fall. Submitted by Iti Maloney UTPALA MENON: I just graduated NYU ADITYA TAVORA attended Kodai for just a with an economic policy degree and I’m _ year, but the school holds a warm place ______going to spend my next two years in Bo- in his heart. He fondly remembers the logna, followed by Washington DC. I’ll be elementary campus and Westover dorm. doing a masters in economic policy, law At present, he works as a Management Class of 2012 and diplomacy at Johns Hopkins Univer- Trainee specializing in sales and key ac- sity’s School for Advanced International count management for Hilton Worldwide, ZAIN HIRANI is graduating from Ohio Wes- Studies. I hope to use these wonderful based out of Gurgaon - New Delhi NCR leyan University with a degree in Econom- experiences and scintillating interactions with a view of getting some solid work ic Management and is looking forward to with professors and peers for a career in experience before joining the family a career in the field. academia and foreign policy. business. MATTHEW GORDON is a soccer coach in VASHTI KALVI DANIEL - I’m graduating ANKITA HENRY has spent the past year as Melbourne for Melbourne city’s youth from St. Olaf (Northfield, MN) in May with a teaching assistant in Taiwan, teaching program and box hill United FC. He was an English major and a concentration in English to kindergarten through 6th grad- working in Bangalore for Paris St-Ger- Women’s and Gender Studies. I’m hoping ers in Taitung, Taiwan. She has really en- mains Youth Academy and Michael Phelps to find work as an editor or in publish- joyed being immersed in a different cul- swim school as a program director. ing somewhere in the US that isn’t below ture with a rich history, learning Chinese, freezing for more than 6 months of the and adapting to the way of life there. RAJ NAGDA is studying medicine at the year. She has found some great friends in the moment and has completed 3 and a half teachers she works with and of course, years at the Royal College of Surgeons in HAE JU HAN: graduated from Lady Shri the students who make each day a new Ireland. He was transferred earlier this Ram College for Women, did her major in and exciting adventure. year to RCSI Bahrain. Economics, and Interned as a researcher in Science and Technology Policy Institute DOOGIE TOBGYE studied film in Nanyang BHAGYA YADAV is currently enrolled in under the Prime Minister of South Korea. Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore. He got O.P. Jindal Global University and will She just got a job in the Industrial Bank to work in real productions from school graduate with a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) degree of Korea and will be a banker for about

Class News Magazine • 81 2-3 years. She is definitely going to do elor of Science, majoring in Psychology in a law firm next year. I’ll be on the West my Master’s program in Policy Develop- less than a month at the Women’s Chris- Coast for most of the summer. ment and hopes everyone is doing good! tian College, Chennai. It’s a 100 years old “I can’t wait hear about everyone else!’ this year and is one of the best for Psy- NILANI JAWAHAR: After we graduated, I chology in South India. I’m applying for took a year off and worked as an assistant SUSHANT GAYAWAL: I have been in Dubai, my master’s soon, and continuing with teacher at a local school in Nagercoil, UAE for the past 4 years and will be grad- Psychology. Tamil Nadu. I mostly worked with 2nd and uating in B.E (Hons) Computer Science 3rd grade classes, teaching English and from BITS-Pilani. I am hoping to work ABHISHEK DHAKHWA: I am getting my Social Studies, but also helped with other here in Dubai for a couple of years.” Bachelor of Arts in Management and Psy- classes occasionally. I was often responsi- chology with minors in Economics and Fi- ble for making lesson plans and correct- YASH MUNDHRA: I graduated from McGill nance in Webster University of Thailand. ing assignments, as well as substituting University with a major in Economics. Class of 2017. for absent teachers. After that, I got a BA I am currently working on a startup in Honors degree in English Studies at Christ Bombay - launching a B2B website for the University in Bangalore. distribution of electrical goods! REZA DEHYADEGARI: Alright well I’m on my final year right now. Doing avionics SIDDHATH SAWARKER: After school I came PRITY MALLICK: After graduating from engineering at Queensland University of back to Bombay where I joined Wilson Kodaikanal International School, I wanted Technology. I recently worked on a solar College to earn my degree in advertising. to chase my dreams to become a fashion UAV for agriculture. Ali is in same univer- After 3 years I joined an advertising firm designer. So, I have been studying in NIFT, sity. I finished my bachelors and now I’m as an intern. I am currently working as a Delhi for the past 4 years for my gradu- doing my Masters of Business. I worked copy writer for an ad firm. named ation. Recently I’d done an internship in for a bit in Deloitte as well.” Raymonds, Bangalore as a junior Creative YESWANTH KATRAGUNTA: I am presently VINAY A. RAMESH is graduating from the Designer. The most important thing I have in Delhi doing my BBA Hons in Marketing University of California, Berkeley with a learnt in my school days is patience and and Entrepreneurship in G.D. Goenka degree in Political Science and Public Pol- I hope it would help me in the future. I World Institute, which is a collaboration icy. During his time in Berkeley, he served MISS KODI a lot. with Lancaster University, UK. I’m about as a Student Senator and a Commissioner to write my final year examinations and for the Mayor of Berkeley, advising him ABHISHEK KRISHNAMOORTHY: Since grad- I’ll be done with under graduation. Next on crime and safety. Additionally, a few uation, I’ve completed my Bachelors I’m planning to do some trade along with friends and he have started a technolo- of Science in Mathematics through the my father and we also have a few start- gy startup, which he plans to pursue full years 2012-2015 and I’m currently doing ups lined up. time after college. my Masters, which is supposed to end by 2017. I finished my Bachelors in Madras ASHUTOSH KATYAL: I am graduating from JASON DESCHAMPS: I graduated from Christian College and I’m currently work- UIUC, Computer Science, entrepreneur, Knox College in June 2015 with a B.A in ing on my masters from the same College. getting into tech, and I’m moving to San- Environmental Management, and came ta Monica. I look forward to further inno- back to France to start my Master’s in ZENDEN DORJEE: I’m in Malaysia, doing vation and ventures. “Biodiversity, Land Use, and Environ- my final year for my psychology degree. ment” from the Pantheon-Sorbonne Uni- So if all goes well, I shall finish in March PRANABH BASNETT is currently an ac- versity in Paris. I’m still not ready to be next year. counting major but is seriously debating an adult, and I’m looking forward to trav- switching over to Development and Sus- elling once I get out of college! MATHEW JOSEPH: I Just finished working tainability for his Master’s degree. in Fiji for 8 months at an aerial mapping Submitted by Vinay Ramesh and media production company. After NOOR KAUR DHADHA will be graduating _ traveling to Australia and India to visit from Barnard College of Columbia Uni- ______family, I came back to Bermuda, where I versity with a degree in Political Science. work as a freelance cameraman and take In the near future she plans to be attend- Class of 2013 some online courses. I’m going back to ing graduate school and working within finish my last year of University in May. the United States government. SIDDHARTH GORE: I’m currently pursuing On a side note - we should have a 5-year a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engi- reunion in Canada! DEVAYU CHOWGULE: I’ve joined the fam- neering at the Georgia Institute of Tech- APARNA BALANARAYANAN: I’m currently ily business which is Construction in Goa. nology. I have been studying abroad at a finishing my B. Tech degree in Manipal I’ve been involved with work full time satellite campus in Metz, France for the University. I will be pursuing an MSc in and for my undergrad I did my bachelors Spring 2016 semester, and have been able Advanced Chemical Engineering in the in Business in Goa. to see how cultures and the engineering University of Melbourne this July! industry differs across the various - Euro ARJAN GILL: So my Spice Jet first officer pean countries. I’m EXCITED to get back MAHI GUJRAL CHOPRA: I am a senior at training has started and I’m probably go- to Atlanta and apply what I have learnt, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY. ing to fly from September. They’re also and to develop the concept of how cul- I am from New Delhi, India and excited going to send me to Ethiopia for my flight ture, science, and engineering have al- to announce that I will be interning in training. ways been intertwined. the human resources and operations de- partment with Plan International USA in SHONALI: I’m graduating in May with a YESHEY PALZOM : I am from Bhutan but Washington DC after graduation in May. BFA in Graphic design at MICA. currently at Switzerland studying at Les This is specifically because I am interest- Roches International School. I will be ed in pursuing a career within the field of ADITI LOHIA : Well I’m graduating from graduating in December 2016. the Human Resource Development. Grinnell College with a Liberal Arts De- gree in Mathematics. I have no real plans KEVIN LAWRENCE: I am currently in Syd- SARAH DEVAMANI: I’m finishing my Bach- for next year but I’m hoping to work at ney, Australia studying Bachelor of Busi-

82 • Class News Magazine ness and Commerce, majoring in Ac- for making sure I had great minds like the ing with my teammates helped me find counting at Western Sydney University. students of class of 2014 in my life. a family at NYU. Being an attorney on my team has helped me love the activ- MANYA MIRCHANDANI:I am currently ARYA DIWASE attends New York Universi- ity and it has taught me so much about studying Film Production at Parsons-The ty and she is pursuing a double Major in the legal system as well as the power it New School, in New York City. KIS and all Journalism and Environmental Studies. has and the change it can bring. Today, I the wonderful people that I met there Arya writes: When I left KIS two years know that I want to work towards pursu- have both continued to be extremely ago, I left with a tremendous support ing this passion of mine for the law and significant and important part of my life, group of fantastic friends and teachers as go to law school. Hopefully, I’ll be able even years after graduation. I am truly well as a yearning to keep learning and to give my environmental passion a voice grateful to KIS for giving me friends I now keep growing. It was this spirit that KIS through law. I cannot thank my KIS teach- call family and memories to cherish with nurtured in me that allowed me to em- ers and faculty enough for giving me the them forever. brace New York City and New York Univer- encouragement and support to make the sity. I was scared about attending a big most of my college experience. I’m still YOHALAKSHMI NETHI GOPALAKRISHNAN: university like NYU. I was scared about in touch with most of my classmates who I finished my UG program at Amrita Uni- leaving the cozy atmosphere I had at KIS. are doing amazing things in their lives versity, Coimbatore with a Bachelor’s I was scared about starting over in a new and adding a little bit of the Kodai mag- degree in Chemistry. Currently, I am at city, especially New York City. However, ic to all their college activities. It makes National Institute of Technology, Trichy after two years, my Kodi spirit coupled me proud to say that I had the honor of doing my Masters in Chemistry. It is really with a bit of New York City’s magic has studying at KIS because it truly has made an awesome place to be. I am hoping to allowed me to embrace that Empire state me who I am today and it continues to be successfully finish my degree and pursue of mind people talk about. Today, I can the support system I need. research as my career. proudly say that I have my own compa- ny, that I am an American Mock Trial Na- BANU GANESHAN : After graduating from AMAN JHUNJHUNWALA: I am currently tional Champion and a bold NYU Violet. KIS, a place that taught me it’s okay to studying at University of Northern British When I began my first semester of - col be emotional and let people become Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada. I lege, I was going in as a Liberal Studies an integral part of your life by living in am pursuing Environmental Engineering, student still trying to find her passion. a close knit community, I didn’t know a joint degree program offered by UBC/ It’s a scary experience when you have a what I would do without my family of UNBC. time cap on deciding what you want to two years. Starting at NC State in August ______do in life. But over two years, it’s sur- 2014, I hardly had an idea how much my prising how much I learnt about myself life was about to change. North Carolina at NYU. During my first semester, I was is beautiful and Raleigh has been really CLASS OF 2014 exposed to NYU’s Reynolds Social Entre- welcoming and homely. I have found my preneurship Program that sparked a deep place here amongst a diverse group of ALBERT GRAFFE is currently pursuing a interest of social entrepreneurship within like-minded students. Although we were B.Sc. in Economics at the University of me. Along with my classmate, I entered pretty independent in Kodai, studying Mannheim (´17). He takes a special in- a social venture competition in order to at university is a whole other beast. I terest in economic policy and finance. find a solution to . Going have been working as a photojournalist Albert has always been particularly sensi- through various staged of the compe- for Student Media at NC State since the tive to social injustice and the treatment tition, not only did I learn tremendous time I got here and being an editor for of minorities, which led him to found the amounts about running my own business, the past year at the campus newspaper Amnesty International Youth Group in his but it helped me give that business a opened my eyes to what real life respon- home town of Leipzig in 2012 and ulti- purpose. I was able to build Jazz Hands, sibilities are probably going to be like. As mately encouraged him to start the social which is a social entrepreneurship ven- a teaching assistant for a class filled with venture Connect. Connect aims to make ture aimed at teaching underprivileged freshmen, I explored a whole new side of a difference in the lives of refugees and children English using drama. Today, Jazz me I didn’t know existed. Mr. Varghese’s university students in Mannheim alike by Hands has won over $15,000 of funding talks on the importance of community bringing both groups together to learn from NYU in order to keep serving un- service have followed me across the seas and teach their native language and cul- derprivileged children in Pune, India. and in my free time, I volunteer at differ- ture to and from one another. Connect’ Last summer, we adopted a government ent organizations to do my part for this s goal is to build bridges between Ger- school and taught 150 children and this society. As we are all in the process of be- mans and refugees at a time when prej- summer we’re adopting our second coming adults, we learn things the hard udices persist and hostility is on the rise. school and doubling the number of kids way by experiencing a variety of differ- Albert’s personal long-term goal is to es- we teach. For two years, NYU has funded ent emotions and feelings as the weeks tablish his own financial consultancy in us and provided us tremendous support go by, but you know that all these little Germany aimed at educating the German in terms of improving our business and things are preparing you for the greater middle class to financial intelligence. expanding it to reach more communi- days to come. It was a little hard to get ties. Living in Kodaikanal made me fall in used to the time difference because your SARTHAK PATEL: I `now attend Indiana love with the nature around me. I knew friends are scattered across the globe, university, IN. I visited Kodai recently and I wanted to take this forward and create but even that added to the college ex- passing through the gates and corners of a positive change in terms of environ- perience of trying to occasionally keep in the school still feels very strange. It was mental awareness. NYU helped me find touch with your folks. I was reminiscent after graduating from KIS that I realised the medium that I knew would be able of the times we would all have lunch and how important this community and my to bring about that change. I was lucky dinner together in our cafeteria and felt classmates were to me. Even if I did not enough to be chosen as a member of the a little lonely just as I was starting off speak to you much in person, all of you NYU Mock Trial team which is currently with classes, but as time passed, all the did play an important role in my develop- ranked third in the United States. I have new people I met and friends I made have ment as a person. I will be forever grate- been to 10 tournaments and represented helped me feel more at home. It’s the ful to you for that. If anyone of you hap- my university at the American Mock Trial start of a second family here and the fact pen to be in Indianapolis or Bloomington, National Championship this year. Practic- that some of my closest peers are already please get in touch with me. I thank God Class News Magazine • 83 graduating just shows how different an been my heart and soul for my two years tion policy is feasible. experience change can bring about. No here and encompasses the part of me Furthermore, I have honed my love for matter where I go, I have Kodai to thank that goes crazy every time I hear Nashik education policy, amongst other activi- for molding me into what I am today and Dhol. Delving into an art form of a culture ties, by serving as the cabinet member I can already feel the intricacies that life different than mine has been enthralling for academic affairs in SU’s undergradu- as a part of the Wolfpack has begun add- and this team has given me the opportu- ate government, as an undergrad repre- ing to my outlook. nity to perform at really unique locations sentative on the university accreditation and platforms, one of them being TedX- committee as well as a student supervi- GODWIN SCOTT: After leaving Kodai to UCDavis. In addition to Taiko, I’ve been sor for a project at a correctional facility. come to Canada’s capital to study engi- involved in the Dead Arts Society which I wouldn’t have been successful at man- neering at a Carleton university, I real- is a student run theatre club on campus, aging my time to fit in all this or have ized that the world is more than just go- thus, the plays are written, acted, di- the skills to negotiate with the university ing to class or studying or playing indoor rected and stage managed by students. administration/prison administration, if I football and relaxing in the free time. I’ve come across some of the most tal- hadn’t learned how to adjust in a dorm Don’t get me wrong, those were one of ented people in this club, who taught me with many or not worked as the Eucy Ed- the best memories of my life, but what I to always be myself; the best version of itor and volunteered with NHS at KIS. KIS do mean is that, the end of your time in myself. Next, I had the amazing chance is what you make of it and I am so grate- High school is just the beginning of the of walking the ramp for the Student Fash- ful for the countless experiences that life adventure. The values you learn in school ion Association’s annual show, wearing an behind the stonewalls taught me to love is what is going to carry on to your day outstanding student designer’s work. In learning, face new challenges, be com- to day life and interactions. Personally spite of what Mr. Siraj may think, this was petitive and truly live by Eleanor Roos- speaking, starting university in a differ- completely out of my comfort zone which evelt’s quote, “Do one thing every day ent country with just about every being made it an amazing experience. As for my that scares you.” new to me, was not easy. Making friends professional growth, I got accepted to wasn’t as easy as saying “Hi” to some- serve as a staff member to a senator at AYMAN SIRAJ: It’s been two years since body at Gymkhana and not everyone is the Associated Students of UCD. Senator I’ve graduated from Kodai. Just like the going to be as down to earth as our Kodai Shaitaj Dhaliwal has ambitious platforms, two years I spent in Kodai, time has flown Ayah’s. But we Kodai people, we learn one of them is to create an annual music by really fast. Yvonne our lovely alumni quick, we learn to adapt, so in 2-3 days’ festival for UC Davis called Cowchella, coordinator has been trying for a year time, I had more friends than SAT vocabu- which all of you are very warmly invit- now to get me to write a piece for the lary I had to memorize. Slowly but surely ed to. This position has also given me the alumni magazine. This time I have decid- I realized the Kodaikanal International opportunity to represent UC Davis at the ed not to ‘forget’. So what have I been School prepared me for the real world. University of California Women’s Caucus up to since then? I’m currently studying I think most of my class of 2014 family of 2016. In addition to that, I’ve applied Chemical Engineering at the University will agree on the fact that if they could and interviewed for multiple jobs (it’s of Southern California. That’s all you get they would repeat the time they spent in become some sort of a hobby, really) and about my studies. More on life in gener- Kodai. That’s not only because Tibs/Tav- I recently got offered a paid job (for all al. Kodai’s nature and people gave me as/CCD were so awesome but mostly be- the food that I consume) as a sales asso- a love for photography which I continue cause of the relationship and memories ciate for the Book Store on campus! Jokes to practice till this day. I’ve been lazy in we made. I do apologize for making it apart, money is not my motivation. These creating a portfolio site but I hope to get sound so dramatic but all in all, I wish all two years have truly taught me how to one going soon. I’ve been fortunate to in- students the best and expect you to make make the most out of everything that I do tern in two different cities for the past the most of the time you spend in that and that comes from networking, being two summers - Bangalore & Cape Town. peaceful mountain. Go hiking, play in- able to present what I stand for to the This summer, I interned at Travelstart door/field day (even if its cheer-leading), people that I interact/work with and hav- (think yatra.com but for Africa). As a per- participate in drama, volunteer in Soex/ ing the willingness to learn, at all times. son who loves anything to do with trav- Peer program, take up leadership roles, KIS was a stepping stone to UCD and UCD el and planes, this internship was right ask that girl out for prom and most of all is going to be a stepping stone to my fu- down my alley and I thoroughly enjoyed have fun. ture. I’m excited for these next two years it. The summer before, I interned at MAC and to graduate and I can’t wait to see Machine Tools & Automation - this intern- RAHI SURYAWANSHI: UC Davis is situat- what my future has in store for me. ship was very challenging but rewarding. ed in Yolo County, California. The spirit I was taught to use Solidworks and then of the school stems from the name of SONIA SCHAK: Kodaikanal was the place made some designs on it. The hardest the county; everyone is trying to make where I fell in love with the idea of edu- part about going to a boarding school? the most of their college experience. cation policy. I became fascinated by the You never know when you’ll see your best From freshman 15 to freshman -15, col- methods utilized by KIS administrators to friends as everyone is spread out. I’ve lege has been full of ups and downs, and run our school successfully and efficient- been fortunate enough to sporadically I’ve had experiences that have fostered ly. Furthermore, the location and diversi- meet up with friends in New York & To- both, my personal as well as my profes- ty of KIS gave me an opportunity to juxta- ronto over the past two years but at least sional growth. As I was enthusiastically pose the idea of education policy from a once a week I’ll reminiscence about the collecting the different brochures and more cross-cultural setting. Moreover, my great times spent at Kodai. Whether it be signing up for multiple email LISTSERVs KIS IB Math classes taught me that data after dinner hangouts on Flag Green, gob- during the Welcome Week Student Fair signified truth and is critical to - formu bling up dosas at Hilltop or waking up on ‘14, I heard loud drum hits that instantly late any decisions. I carried my passion Saturday mornings for SoEx! If you would caught everyone’s attention. They came for education policy and data to college love to chat or get in touch with me, find from a performance by Bakuhatsu Taiko and enrolled as an Education Policy at the me online at facebook.com/ayman.siraj Dan, the collegiate Taiko team on campus Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public or linkedin.com/in/aymansiraj that I’m honored to now be a part of. My Affairs, Syracuse University. At Maxwell, I freshman year started off with me audi- have been challenged to analyze and col- tioning for something I’d no idea about lect complex data. Data which enables before I came to UC Davis. This team has me to resolve whether a certain educa-

84 • Class News Magazine Albert Graffe ‘14 Gaurav Dora ‘15

Ayman Siraj ‘14 Pavana Khan ‘15

Samridhi Rajbhandari ‘15 Chizuknok Longkumer ‘15

Class News Magazine • 85 Class of 2015 be the same. Although sadly differences dorm parent, Ms. Tandon, came to knock are going to come our ways and there’s on the door to wake me up. The culture RUCHITA THAKUR : Bachelors in Business no way one can stop them. shock in the States was very real but for Administration at Northeastern Uni- Being at SCAD has been a privilege in me, it was all about finding the right peo- versity, Boston I am currently pursuing terms of experiences. I got to learn a lot ple and not about changing myself to fit Business Administration at Northeastern of things. Making mistakes isn’t the same, in. High school to college is a journey University in Boston, Massachusetts. I as they were back at 7 Roads Junction. marked by maturity and accepting the graduated from KIS in 2015. I chose to You have to deal with them yourselves new freedom with the burden of more re- do Business Administration because I de- and most of all, to learn from them. If sponsibilities. I realized that even though veloped interest in business while I was you fall you have to be back on your feet I had more freedom in college, I still doing the IB program at KIS. I started my stronger than before, ready to make and missed the protected environment of Ko- freshman year of college in fall 2015. It learn from the new ones and there hasn’t dai and the close knit community. Kodai was a completely different experience been a person wiser to have learnt from gave me a sense of security because of and a sudden transition from high school someone else’s mistake so you have to my friends, my great teachers, my dorm to university. I had to start a new life make and learn from yourself. You can be parent and the lovely staff. I missed that right from my academics to making new your greatest teacher. feeling of togetherness and dependence friends. KIS has played a very important Before I bid my goodbyes there’s a little the most. On top of that being an inter- role in my life, as it has helped to be- advice for the ones that are soon going to national student was hard because I was come a person I now am. It has shaped make the transition from KIS to different part of a minority. Yet, I found out that my personality entirely and taught me parts of the world. Back on the hill we there is almost always a community out several values which I wouldn’t have got- had our boundaries but out there is an there for you. For me, this was the inter- ten sitting at home. Therefore, I thank open world filled with possibilities, back national student community. They were all my teachers, my dorm parent and my there you had everyone next to you, out a great help and I do not know where I friends for contributing towards such a there you have to learn to be the lone would be without this loving community. beautiful experience of my life. wolf, ready to defend yourself against To my Kodai community out there, I just Initially it was very hard for me to cope all odds. But regardless don’t forget your want to say, cherish the time that you with the curriculum but then later as the roots and to be around the right compa- have in Kodai because it is truly unique time passed with the help of my profes- ny. There’s a quote I’d like to share and and without doubt one of the best times sors and friends I managed. Apart from ac- hope for you all to remember, it is from of your life. It will all be over too soon. ademics, I explored quite a lot of Boston the poem ‘If’ written by Rudyard Kipling Most importantly, always keep Kodai in in my first semester. In the second semes- – “If you can keep your head when all your heart and keep in touch with your ter I got selected for the VFI (Volunteers about are losing theirs and blaming it on old friends because they will be there for for Israel) program on Campus. I went to you and if you can trust yourself when all you no matter what. Israel for 10 days and volunteered for the men doubt you, but making allowance for Israel army. It was a completely different their doubting too, the world is yours and SAMRIDHI RAJBHANDARI: Bachelors in experience. I got a chance to interact everything in it.” Arts and Sciences, University of Colora- with the soldiers who participated in the A final message for the class of 2015! Hope do, Boulder war of Gaza. It was a great opportunity you guys are all doing well just wanted to After a crazy two years of doing the full for me learn a lot of new things. I also let you know I am happy to have graduat- IB diploma in Kodaikanal International worked with the MIT media lab for the ed with you all. Miss you fam! School, I made my way to the other side program “Emerging Worlds”. of the world in Boulder, Colorado. From PAVANA KHAN : Bachelors In Science, Bi- the beautiful Palani hills of Kodaikanal GAURAV DORA: Pursuing Bachelors in ology and Biochemistry to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado...I Fine Arts, Animation at Savannah College My first year in Carleton College has been realized I’m a mountain kind of girl. I of Art and Design, Atlanta a year filled with great memories, lasting am currently studying International Re- “You cannot create experience. You must friendships and a lot of fascinating new lations and Economics at the University undergo it.” – Albert Camus. experiences. The liberal arts education of Colorado, Boulder. My first year of my Living with different people, from - dif gave me the opportunity to try class- undergraduate school in America was eye ferent cultures, on a completely differ- es in the art of mining, geology, poetry, opening and life changing in ways that I ent continent is not as easy as you might psychology and African dance along with would have never imaged. I can truly say think, and I believe most of you would many others. By the end of sophomore I have learned so many things, and not know that. You miss a lot of things while year, I plan to declare Biology as my ma- just academically but about practical day away from home; friends, family and not jor. However, Carleton has been a lot to day life. Although I felt independent to forget the most desired of all, food. more than just studies. I became part living without my family in Kodai, college There was yet another thing on my mind, of the synchronized swimming club and is a whole new level of independence. probably because I was trying to find I cannot explain in words how amazing There are no dorm parents to check if or recreate them here at college. They the sport is. Participating in inter-college you came back to your room on time or were the KIS memories. But unfortunate- competitions was thrilling and helped give you a monthly allowance. There are ly, I do not believe that, that is possible, me form a wonderful group of friends no teachers running behind your back for the bonds and memories you make at in the club. Along with this, last spring to check if you’ve finished your essay or KIS can only be relived with the ones you I performed as the lead in my second done your homework. No one tells you made them with. play in the Experimental Theatre Board. whether your back account has $100 or Kodai was probably the best thing that Sticking to my roots, participating in cul- $1 left. could have happened to me. I still meet tural shows and performing Indian clas- As fun as college sounds, which no doubt my friends, try to keep in touch with most sical dances were also truly memorable it is, it is also an incredible roller coaster. of them but after a while it does become experiences. Adjusting to Carleton was I learned about myself as an individual. a little tough, with the work load, new not smooth but I have always felt that I could focus on what my strengths and people and when you’re trying to settle the transition into college was made eas- weaknesses were. I learned about how to down in a new place. Then again years ier because of my experiences in Kodai. manage my time in a way where I could from now, when I do meet them, there’s Some habits of Kodai have still not left have a good social life but also complete only one thing I hope for, that it would all me and every morning, I wish that my my work on time and study for midterms

86 • Class News Magazine and finals. I tried out different clubs and tional Development. I have to say it’s not and thoughts. I would not say more but made friends who I would have never where I pictured myself but I couldn’t it was indeed an interesting experience. met if I didn’t expose myself to differ- have asked for it any other way. I really Now I am planning on a business firm with ent student groups on campus. Speaking enjoy the place (not so much the snow). a student from India, with full support of friends, I made friends with such dif- The people here are welcoming, and the from our business school (Kelley School ferent lives than mine, that just sitting international community is much bigger of Business). It will that few cases where and talking to them about our life ex- than I expected. I truly have settled in a freshman opens up a business support- periences was a form of entertainment. well here.In terms of my future, there is ed by the business school. This sort of a Coming from an international student nothing specific in mind; but I hope to in- braveness that I got was not attained here background really gave me a head start in teract closely with others. I have a huge in Indiana, it was Kodai that developed college. Everyone was interested to know heart for helping people, and I want to go me as the real leader. I hope to speak for why a Nepali girl, who’s changed schools out into the world and make a change for our school as a successful entrepreneur. internationally more times than they’ve those who have nothing. My parents are changed in their city, came to Boulder missionaries and who knows, I might even MADHU SRINIVASAN: I will be attending out of all places in the world. Everyone follow in their footsteps. However, I still Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Med- was interested in how I was able to fit have a bit more time to decide. College ical University of Bahrain (RCSI-MUB) and in so well when I’ve never stepped foot is not cheap, and I’d like to ask the Kodai will be pursuing medicine. The university in America before deciding to move to community to pray for financial support starts early September, so I haven’t had a this country for the next 4 years. Every- for both me and my family. Kodai holds a chance to visit it yet. one was interested in how I had a perfect big place in my heart, but my time there American accent. It was actually quite has passed. I’m so grateful for the plat- ______funny to see how all this was confusing form it has given me in life; Kodai has people. I had a great time explaining to shaped me into the person I am today. If people that I moved countries so often you’re ever in Grand Rapids, feel free to because of my dad’s job in the UN and pop by. that I have the accent I do because of the ______schools I went to. Although I got pathetic questions such as “is there Wi-Fi in Ne- pal”, “so you’ve been to Mount Everest Class of 2016 right?” and “they have this kind of mu- sic there?”, I still got a laugh out of it by JOSHUA JOHN: One thing I’ve realized teaching them that south east Asia is not after graduating from KIS is that, ev- at all what they think. ery single comment about missing Kodai Anyways, all in all, I’m glad I chose this school after graduating is unfortunately university and I’m glad that it’s in a loca- true. After graduating, I started realiz- tion that allows me to explore different ing things about Kodai that were obvious people, places and ideas. The way I think without understanding how important is different in terms of being more open they were. I came as a rather bland per- minded and accepting of situations and son and Kodai showed me so much and people. So to all the students in Kodai, said to me “Here, this is what I can of- don’t try to rush out of Kodai and move fer; it’s everything and anything. You can on the next chapter too fast because Ko- pick what you want to make of yourself. dai is definitely worth making the most If you try something and don’t like it, try of. Nothing matches up to the things Ko- something else, but don’t stop figuring dai teaches you. You’ll really miss it when out who you are and most importantly, you’re gone! don’t forget that we’ll help you do it.” It’s not that Kodai made me who I am, CHIZUKNOK LONGKUMER (CHAZ): Bach- but it helped me to make myself the way elors in Arts and Sciences, International I want to be. That’s something you can’t Relations at Calvin College, Michigan find elsewhere; the freedom to find your Hi Kodai Alumni! my name is Chizüknok identity. I will be attending Sunway Uni- Longkumer, but I’m commonly known as versity in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for my Chaz. I’m from Nagaland, India; howev- Bachelor’s degree in Business Manage- er, I spent a good five years of my life in ment and I have further plans and oppor- Kodai. I graduated Kodai in the class of tunities after university. I don’t think I 2015, so I’m still a fresh fish in the big deserve the credit for my achievements; blue world. My time in Kodai was unfor- would the situation I am in now be so gettable and nothing less than amazing. I if I hadn’t come to Kodai school? Not a left Kodai not knowing where I wanted to chance and I don’t see anything topping go and what I wanted to pursue. I got ac- the experience and life that KIS gave me. cepted into a bunch of Universities, how- ever due to financial reasons, they were MINHO HEO: My transition from high all out of the picture. Towards the end of school to college was pretty dramatic. I the summer, I ended up going to Calvin was all around the campus doing several College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. different things, after I went on my first Calvin College is basically Kodai outside of day of college I was nothing. Everybody Kodai. There are so many parts of Calvin here on campus are busy with their own that give off the same vibes and feelings life not attempting to communicate with of Kodai, and I just fitted like a glove. I others. It was different from Kodai. Since entered College with a major in Interna- I was a student there I had to adapt. I tional Relations with a minor in Interna- made several friends with my interest

Class News Magazine • 87 MISTYCOVE An Exclusive Lakefront Homestay - Kodaikanal

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BRAD KLEIN: We left India in May of 2014. in the music department at KIS from 1990 the USA who have great difficulty access- We spent two months at our home in to 2000. Those 10 years at KIS were the ing medical care. I continued with this Washington state, then we headed to Ber- best in my career. I now live in the beau- type of work in Washington State near lin, to the John F. Kennedy school. When tiful city of Muscat, Sultanate of Oman in Seattle until retirement in 2004. After we finally arrived back in Washington the Middle East. I am the Head of Music retirement Maggie and I moved out to state, Brad was able to pick up the job at the Al Sahwa schools here in Muscat. a small village in Washington State on he left before we went to India 3 years My wife teaches at the Indian school here the Pacific coast. Then over the next 10 prior. We are just about finished with our and my daughter is doing her Master’s De- years we volunteered for a month or two wrap around veranda on our 122-year-old gree in Bangalore. I have been living in once or twice a year in both Nepal and house. With the age of our house being Muscat for the past 10 years. where I was doing surgery and similar to KIS, I smile when I tell people teaching some surgery to family practice how old our house is, because I also think RAJKUMAR DURAISWAMY: My painting was doctors in remote areas. All of our chil- of KIS. After the veranda is finished, ski selected for the 40th National Lalit Kala dren graduated from KIS and we have a season will be upon us. We ski at White Akademi exhibition, India in 1997.Since granddaughter (Steve’s Kori) who spent Pass ski area in Washington state. We are then, I was listed in the National Direc- the 2011-2012 academic year at KIS. It looking forward to the day we can return tory of Contemporary Artists in New Delhi was a great experience for her and I’m to Kodai, and also, to swing through Ar- India. I received the state award from the sure I can speak for her in highly recom- ambol, Goa. Tamil Nadu Lalit Kala Akademi in 1998. mending a year abroad in Kodai for others I am currently freelancing as an artist from the US or Europe. We continue to VERA VINCENTE: Dear friends who re- in Bangalore, India. I am also an IB on- enjoy traveling to visit all of our children member me and friends who haven’t line examiner for Visual Art & Design. My and grandchildren who live far from us. known me, I’ve somehow landed in Goa, works can be found online here: Our youngest, Mark, is with the USAID a year ago. Somehow, defined: In other www.saatchiart.com/rajkumard (Aid for International Development) as an Indian states people don’t rent to a wom- agricultural development officer. So we an alone in rural areas, and I am not a ED TEGENFELDT: Although my training have enjoyed visiting him and his family townie. I am renting a room 100 meters and qualification was in general surgery in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from the sea, in Galgibag, the Southern and I used that training in India when and then in Bangladesh, and in the future end of Goa, at the so-called Turtle Beach. working in Andhra as well as after mov- look forward to visiting them at their new I am very much into Yoga and Meditation, ing up to Kodai. I also spent much time posting in Ethiopia. Our last trip to Kodai and recently did a 30-day meditation in general medicine like I did at the was in 2012. We look forward to getting retreat. Right now, I am actually in Put- school. Also, I continued to work at get- back for another visit soon. taparthi, Andhra Pradesh, taking care of ting health care to the poor and those a friend’s cats (4), dogs (2) and villa (1). in the villages through Van Allen Hospi- SUKANG LEE: I’ve worked as a Korean I’ll be here for about two months, since tal and in the village community health teacher in KIS from July 2010 to June she went to Europe to see her family. program. So when we left in 1991, I de- 2013. I’m living in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon With lots of love and laughs. cided to continue the aspect of trying to State, Mexico. I’m currently working as a help the poor with their health problems. teacher in Mexico. I’ve been teaching Ko- DAVID GEORGE: I was a ‘Strings’ teacher And there are many poor people here in rean language in the University of Nuevo

Class News Magazine • 89 Leon (Centro de Estudios Asiáticos, Uni- Kodai I returned to the US to study Nurs- ing a graduate program in Student Affairs versidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon) since ing. The rest of my career was spent Administration. She enjoys biking and November 2014. working as an RN and later, teaching kayaking and works part time for the City nursing. I am married and have 3 sons of Portland Water Bureau. Kip has been ZAI WHITAKER: I live at the Crocodile and 5 grandchildren. Now at age 87 I am working for the National Park Service for Bank near Mamallapuram, and work retired, and living in an apartment in a several seasons, but recently returned to there. This is a fulfilling and interest- small town north of Milwaukee. I keep school and graduated as a paramedic in ing job, with a great team. I visit Kodai busy with the things retired people keep June. He did some climbing and hiking often and have a place in Palangi near busy with- volunteer teaching English as and then volunteered at Grand Canyon the Potters Shed. I continue to write for a second language, church activities, etc. National Park in the summer. He will be children, mostly about conservation and on staff as a paramedic for a hospital in indigenous people. Fort Collins, Colorado, as of September. We agree 100% that our days at KIS and ANJULI KAUL: After KIS I moved to the in India have been one of the life’s good UWC in rural Maharashtra where I taught gifts to us each and all. History and Human Rights. In 2009 I moved to Goa where I continue to live. JOAN LUND IRVIN: I am now retired from I read, write and take long siestas. Last teaching full time, but still do some year, along with Nandita Deosthale (also substitute teaching for Seattle Public former KIS staff) I helped start a non-for- Schools. My husband, Philip, and I still mal learning centre in north Goa. I also live in Seattle, but travel quite a lot. Our enjoy spending time with my (now grown- older daughter, Lois, and her husband up) children who too live in Goa, enjoying and three children live in Australia. Our their cats and music. younger daughter, Mary, and her husband ALICK MENDONCA: I live in Mauritania are in Oklahoma. GAIL (SCHROEDER) SMITH: My husband west Africa and work for a company here and I are about to move to Nanaimo, BC, as an Asst. Manager Operations. This is JOHN FRANCIS AND CAYE POE: John Fran- from our current address in North Van- a 100% Muslim country and very peace- cis taught video production in 2007 and couver, BC. ful and it’s on the western side of the his wife, Caye Poe, taught English to staff, Sahara Desert. People are simple and plus organizing a workshop on mediation. SHEHZARIN AVARI: I do not have much to nice. They follow the Maliki form of Is- John and Caye live in Oregon, USA, and write. My husband and I are retired and lam (I don’t know much about it). We have travelled fairly widely since leaving reside in Kodai. are a small group of Indians here, about KIS. A few years ago they supplied some 30 and 8 RC Nuns (from Mangalore, Ker- sewing machines to a private school in NEERU SHARMA: Staff Alumni 1998-2004, ala and Chhattisgarh.) My Regards to the rural Madagascar, then helped the school worked as Economics teacher, Activities staff that knows me and the Maintenance establish a sewing program. Students Coordinator, AS Coordinator, Housing Co- staff. Cheers! and parents also used the machines for ordinator. From 2004-2008 worked in Am- making clothing for sale. Two years later ity International School Gurgaon as IBDP THE BECKWITH FAMILY: We are mostly they took a batch of sewing machines to Coordinator and Headmistress and from back home in Oregon, USA. Wayne has an orphanage in Tanzania. They helped 2008-2011 worked in Oriental English retired from high school teaching and, women in a collective at the orphanage College, Shenzhen, China as IBDP Coor- together with his five mules, helps lead set up a sewing business aimed at the dinator. From 2011-2014 worked in G D the 4-H Oregon Trail Wagon Train re-en- tourist industry. The women now earn a Goenka World School, Gurgaon as Vice actment every summer. He also loves to small salary, and income from sales helps Principal and from 2014 till now working help keep history alive by volunteering at the orphanage. We have tentatively lined as Principal in Kimberley-The Interna- the local Historical Society Museum with up two similar projects, one in Kenya tional School. a variety of animal-powered farming ac- and one in Moldova. They will learn in a tivities, for adults and school children. few months whether these projects will NAVAM AND JYOTI PAKIANATHAN: Are Kathy is still working with mediation come to fruition. They are active in civic working at the International School training at school and volunteering as a affairs in Dayton, Oregon, which isbe- of Dongguan (ISD) in South China near community mediator and school medi- tween Portland and the Pacific coast. For Guangzhou. Navam is the DP Coordinator ation coach. She normally has a writing the past two years, they have organized and teaches DP Physics. Jyoti teaches DP project underway, her most recent book a program of travel talks, using veterans Chemistry and Math. Their children Joel being A MIGHTY CASE AGAINST WAR. Both of various travel techniques for speakers. (Class of 2013) is a senior at Crown Col- she and Wayne volunteer with Friendly lege in Minnesota, Namita (Class of 2016) Water for the World, an international Bio- SHONA BAGAI: I revisited KIS after 11 is a freshman at Oral Roberts University sand water filter project. Tad returned to years and even though some things have in Oklahoma and Pratiti (Class of 2021) is India in 2001 on his Peace Bike journey changed, the warmth of the people re- in Grade 8 at ISD. They are enjoying this around the world, and Penny joined him mains unchanged. It was a first-time visit part of China which is a great place to biking there. He and his wife Alanna just for some in our group but we’ve all come live and work and enjoy life! celebrated the birth of a daughter, Jade, back with beautiful memories of the fresh in August; she joins 2-year old brother mountain air, the scent of the ERIC HENRY: is now living in Seattle and Sky. Tad is a part of a local cooperative and wood smoke. Shona is currently the teaching in the Highline District and working on environmentally sound ener- Chapter Rep for Alberta, Canada. spending time with anyone who comes to gy-saving projects. Bozeb is a firefighter visit. for the city of Portland, and also volun- LUELLA FLAMING MCCOMBS: I was part of teers with the local Search and Rescue, the Kodaikanal School community 1964- ANNA STEVENS HSU: I was on the Ko- as well as a mountain rescue unit. He is 1967 as an elementary school teacher. dai staff from Sept. 1949- March 1953, active in local progressive politics. Pen- After returning to the States, I taught in teaching high school English one year and ny has just begun an assistantship with the Primary grades for 5 years in Fresno, Grade 4 for 2 1/2 years. After teaching at Lewis and Clark College where she is do- CA. My husband and I were married in

90 • Class News Magazine 1972 at which time I moved to San Luis 42 with seven children of their own. All University in Newark, New Jersey. Obispo, CA where I continue to reside. are teachers and all married to teachers! This spring, I completed the Masters in My husband was a professor at Califor- Social Work and Addiction Counselling nia Polytechnic State University until he RUPEN AND MAMTA DAS: Mamta and I Degree and passed the national exam to retired in the mid-90’s. We decided one spent 5 years in Beirut setting up the be a licensed clinical therapist. This is to teacher in the family was enough and I humanitarian relief response for the further my goal of combining profession- became a stay-at-home “mom” with our Baptists inside Syria and in Lebanon, and al counselling, ministry, peace and social 1 daughter. also setting up the Master’s program at justice. By God’s grace, I was also able to the seminary there. In 2015 we moved to travel to Cuba where I spent time visit- DIA DE HAAN: I am a former student and Amsterdam to coordinate the Baptist re- ing churches and social service agencies staff, I am doing great, by the grace of sponse to the refugees across Europe, in and meeting with Christian faith-based God. Four of my five children are off and Turkey and Ukraine, while also teaching leaders. exploring life and I have just one daugh- at the seminary here. Finally, this summer, we both spent a ter still at home yet, who is a sophomore month living in Japan with global lead- in H.S. I opened a day-care in my home PENNY FIDLER: I am now living in the UK. ers from marginalized communities who this year and have my hands full with five I was looking after my mother for the came from more than 15 different coun- precious little ones. Just loving it! I think last four years who was suffering from tries, including India. During our visit, of you often and sincerely miss life in Ko- advanced dementia and now she has we learned about organic farming, sus- dai. God’s blessings to you all! passed on I will be working during the tainability, community building, world summer here and travelling in the win- peace and servant leadership. As we re- DAVID CHANDLER: Retired after ~35 years ter. This year I will be visiting Mexico to flect on all of these experiences and our of teaching, married to Constance (Tip- assist a friend in setting up a volunteer / time at Kodai, it is clear that we truly pett) Chandler, living in Portland Oregon. educational programme for his glamping serve a loving God who is present all over I have two daughters: Barbara, born at site and animal welfare centre that are the world. Because of God’s love, we will Van Allen Hospital, student at Kodai in situated south of Cancun in a beautiful cherish the amazing friendships and re- 1989-90, teaching Spanish in Roseville, area that is also known for its turtle sanc- warding experiences we had during the CA and Brenda, student at Kodai in 1990, tuary and conservation work. The link to year we spent in Kodai and in other parts working as a physician assistant (specialty the site is below and any members of KIS of the globe. in orthopaedics) in Salem, Oregon. During who would like to visit will always be my last years of teaching I worked with a welcomed: https://www.youtube.com/ SHUSHA AND RAJA SEN: We came to KIS in charter school that supports home-school watch?v=b_Vu3r1aTFU 2004 and left in 2014 after having spent families. I started recording the entire My work here in the UK is selling hand a wonderful 10 years at Kodaikanal. Our high school mathematics curriculum, now crafted wild life pendants, the produc- entire family of 4 is now at the Interna- complete from Algebra 1 through Calcu- tion of which is centred in a small village tional School of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, lus. (I have now “taught” more students close to Chennai. We are proud to assist and we are in our third year here. Raja in my retirement than in my career!) See the sculptors in keeping alive their local is teaching English Language & Literature my web site, http://mathwithoutbor- traditions so they may continue to work (MYP/DP) and TOK, while Sushma is the ders.com. I am also an active researcher in their village. Our intention is to en- Inclusive Education Coordinator for Sec- on the events of 9/11, specifically how courage both ondary, in addition to her teaching du- the three buildings at the World Trade ties as a MYP/DP Math teacher. Both our Centre were (provably) demolished with PADMINI ISWARIAH: I was part of the mu- children have fond memories of KIS and pre-set explosives. I am a board member sic dept. of KIS as a piano teacher, from Kodaikanal and returned to meet their of Scientists for 9/11 Truth and maintain 1985-1997. It was a thoroughly enjoyable former classmates in the summer of 2015 my own web site with the research of time and very rewarding. I now live in and 2016. Anushka is currently in her last several independent scientists and engi- Chennai and still have a few piano stu- year of the MYP and Aadit will graduate neers on this topic at http://911speak- dents. this year. Despite the severe winters out.org. 9/11 occurred 15 years ago, but (-40°C last November), we are enjoying it continues to define US policy in terms the experience here but have fond mem- of foreign interventions, the so-called ories of Kodai, where we have spent more “War on Terror,” the total surveillance time than anywhere else! state, etc. Critical inquiry into the truth of 9/11 is generally considered taboo in ______the media, academia, and scientific jour- nals, but the significance of 9/11 and the need for truth have not gone away. I am active in the Multnomah Friends Meeting (Quakers).

JOHN AND ALICE ENGSTROM: Nice to LISA ROBINSON AND LACI: Two years ago, hear from you, Yvonne. We are located we had the wonderful opportunity to at 1 Fox Hill Road, Durham, NH 03824 spend time living, working and fellow- and enjoying our work at Portsmouth shipping with the beautiful people of the Christian Academy in Dover, NH. Alice KIS community in Southern India. Since is teaching some health classes and I am that time, God has continued to bless serving as Head of School. I am entering us in numerous ways. Upon returning to my 50 year of teaching/administration the US, I completed my Master of Divinity and still excited about my calling. We Studies at Princeton Theological Semi- loved our time at Kodai in 1982, living in nary and also became a licensed Bap- Furzbank next to the Alfred and Bonnie tist Minister at Hamilton Square Baptist Bell Pickard, when our children were 4, 6 Church in New Jersey. Laci also started and 8 years old. They are now 38,40 and her studies in Graphic Design at Rutgers

Class News Magazine • 91 RURAL PREVENTURES CHARITABLE TRUST Providing Rural Public Health Care in Kodaikanal Bob Granner - Former Staff

holistic health care and education for as patients are referred to specialists in many rural communities as possible with- Kodaikanal, some twenty kilometers dis- in the Kodaikanal Taluk. Free medical tant, or to a hospital in Madurai or Batala- clinics are conducted weekly. Our first gundu on the plains. Our nurse, Victoria, major project was to build a Health Clin- and our project manager, Jay, welcome ic in the village of Poombarai. An agree- each patient, help the pharmacist dis- ment was reached with a local landowner pense medicines according to their diag- to lease a plot of land where we could nosis, and keep accurate records. construct the Clinic. The Clinic is a me- We have been fortunate to have several morial built in honor of Dr. Ramaraj Ku- volunteer doctors for Rural Preventures mar, a well-known doctor in the Kodai Charitable Trust. Dr. Sethu wins the con- Community and husband of Jayashree Ku- fidence of every patient who comes to mar who continues to active as a leader see him at the Clinic, either in Poombarai in the project. on Thursdays or Gundupatt on Mondays. He works tirelessly from early morning to It was about ten years ago that my wife The official Trustees are Anil Choud- mid-afternoon on these days, never stop- (Betty Swavely) and I decided to host hury, Sunayana Choudhury, Vasantha ping until every patient has been given a meeting of local NGO leaders in the Sethuraman, and Arun Lakshminarayan. his full attention. garden outside Kavithalayam, our home Jayashree, Philippe Cauvet, and Bob near Pallangi. We wanted to discuss the Granner are unofficial advisors, providing idea of starting a public health initiative support whenever necessary. to better serve the needs of villagers in the Upper Hills communities. As a result ESTABLISHING A VILLAGE HEALTH CENTER of that meeting, a group of community A journey to the ancient village of Poom- leaders formed what is now known as barai, located in the heart of the Palani RURAL PREVENTURES CHARITABLE TRUST. Hills, about twenty kilometers outside of Sadly, Betty passed away just two years Kodaikanal, is breathtaking for its natural after that meeting. But the idea of the beauty. The clean sight of the valley with project originated with her. As a child the village surrounded by sloped farming born and raised in India and as a student with different soil colors and wonderful at Kodai School (she graduated in 1943) patterns created by terraces and vegeta- Betty had always had a soft spot in her tion are some of the most appealing ele- heart for those in need in rural areas. ments of this region. Health Education includes a wide spec- This project was a dream come true for Poombarai has a population of about trum of important subjects for consider- her, and it would make her very happy to eight thousand, most of whom are farm ation: Environmental Awareness, Clean know how it is flourishing today. families. Villagers from such communi- Water and Sanitation, Women’s Empow- ties rarely make the trip into town, even erment, Education of Teachers, Critical The project was named RURAL PRE-VEN- for health reasons. In front of the Rural Thinking for Students, Career Counsel- TURES because the Trustees wanted to Pre-Ventures Clinic, seventy or eighty ing, Good Parenting & Cultural Heritage. combine the idea of ‘Prevention’ and patients will line up on the steps every Rural Pre-Ventures tries to touch on all ‘Venture’. If you take a look at our web- Thursday to see Dr. Sethuraman for a these issues and more, and our connec- site (ruralpreventures.com) you will see variety of ailments. If it isn’t a common tion with the national group called IN IN- that our major objective is to provide ailment that can be treated on the spot, TACH. INTACH means India National Trust

92 • Class News Magazine basket making but also helps these young sible for over five hundred kids from the women to develop skills in marketing and Poombarai School to have brand new money management. Chappals. Rural Pre-Ventures pays close attention to all aspects of Health Care for children.

helps a lot. for Arts, and Cultural Heri- tage and through our affiliation with this group, professional music teachers have come to Kodaikanal to teach kids how to play the Veena and other Indian classical instruments. The baskets are sold both in the local SPECIAL CAMPS FOR OUTREACH village of Poombarai and in The Potter’s Professional Dentistry in a Rural Village Shed Shop in town. All the proceeds Teams of Dentists from the Sri Ramach- above and beyond the cost of produc- NEW SKIPPO VAN HAS ARRIVED!! andra Dental University in Chennai have tion are divided on a profit-sharing basis It is a brand new Tempo Traveler com- visited the village of Poombarai twice in among these young women. It is “their” pletely outfitted with all that is necessary the last year. About a dozen dentists and project, and each basket exhibits not to conduct medical examinations ‘on the technicians come for each visit. Over only the loving hand-made touch of each road’ so to speak. Trustees and Project 1000 patients have been examined and artist but also the pride of a young wom- Leaders are proud of this new acquisition treated in this one village alone. Records an who has earned the respect of her and ready to expand our Outreach even are kept for each patient. When the den- family and community. further out into the Upper Hills rural tal team returns, they know immediately communities. Pictured here are Anil and what to do, and the work continues seam- MILK PROJECT Sunayana Choudhury, Tiku Cauvet, Bob lessly. No one seems to fear the dentist’s NUTRITIONAL INSTRUCTION AND MILK FOR Granner, Vasantha and Dr. Sethuraman, drill. Kids come directly from School still KIDS. School children from the village of and Philippe Cauvet. The Old Skippo was wearing their uniforms, eager to see what Poombarai receive a glass of warm sweet a similar Outreach Program sponsored by the excitement is all about. Besides fill- milk each day. One day recently the first Van Allen Hospital and members of the ing cavities, the dental team takes time standard children lined up at the Rural Staff at Kodai School. It was initiated first to distribute tooth brushes and tooth- Pre-Ventures Health Center to receive of all in the 1950’s and continued on, in- paste and dental floss. Then they show the delicious treat. Sixty-seven children termittently, into the 1990’s. Hopefully, their audience how to use these useful are enrolled in first standard in the Poom- once the services of another doctor are gifts for long term health benefits barai school, but that day Jay counted secured, RPV can send the New Skippo SIXTY-EIGHT little ones lined up outside out to a different village each day of the VISITS BY PROFESSIONAL EYE DOCTORS the Clinic, all waiting patiently for their week. The need is endless, and we are A team of ten professional eye doctors milk. This project has become so popular all excited about the possibilities of ex- and technicians from the Krishnan Kovil that it’s not just appetites that are in- pansion. Eye Hospital near Madurai volunteered creased. CLASS SIZE seems to grow larg- to come out to this rural village twice in er, too...at least on “milk days.”. Here, the past six months. Over fifty patients, project leader, Jay, gives tangible evi- either from Poombarai or surrounding vil- dence of care and concern given by Rural lages, appeared each time for consulta- Pre-Ventures for the basic health needs tion and vision tests. About a dozen older of these little ones. Teachers in the local adults were diagnosed with cataracts or school take part, too, following up with some advanced eye problem. Pictured lessons on the importance of good nutri- here are nine of those who traveled a dis- tion. tance of about a hundred kilometers to the hospital along with Jay as their Guide and Counselor. The doctors had promised free surgery and other specialized treat- ments for those who would dare to make the trip.Though it was somewhat intimi- dating for these folks, many of whom had never left their village, they survived the For more information or you will like to journey, and all of them benefited. volunteer or donate to Rural Pre-Ven- tures, to please visit their website: WOMENS EMPOWERMENT ruralpreventures.com or write to Bob Women’s Empowerment: Basket Making. Granner at: [email protected] A dozen or so young women between the ages of sixteen and twenty-two gather weekly to work with Jayashree Kumar, a leader and a trustee of Rural Pre-Ven- NEW CHAPPALS tures, who not only teaches the craft of A Generous Donor recently made it pos-

Class News Magazine • 93 Pippa’s Chronicles

CAPPADOCIA AND ANTALYA A PLACE NO ONE SHOULD MISS

An all night flight from Gatwick to Anta- Outside the Amphitheatre the view movement and that is why the whirling lya on the South Anatolian coast. Leav- spanned a hill rising steeply behind the dervishes became so well known. These ing the car, with great difficulty, at the theatre with rough paths leading upwards followers have to train for many months Gatwick long term car park. (Could not to a 6th Century Christian basilica and to attain the ability to meditate while find the car park). beyond, views of the fields and crops and whirling and we were very lucky to see Arrived at Antalya 4.0 am (two hours part of an ancient aqueduct with great this religious ceremony later in the trip, ahead of Greenwich meantime) and then carved stone pillars and bridges descend- which I found very moving. The museum our group, had to be driven to the ho- ing down in a wave from the mountain and mosque were extremely interesting tel, which was enormous and took ages to provide water for the people on the and the mosque tiles are beautiful and to check in and find the rooms, which left plains below. intricately designed and brought from very little time for sleep. the city of Izmir. Not much chance of rest really so I got From Aspendos we drove back to the ho- The museum also gave a glimpse of life up and went down for breakfast, getting tel via a good fish restaurant and that was in the 13th Century with many items of lost enroute, and realising that the hotel our outing for the day which was good as practical use and books of the period. was really very empty due to Putin’s new we were tired the 30 of us. Konya lies in the middle of a barren regulation not allowing the millions of The next day we started early as we had Anatolian steppe with miles of flat land Russian tourists to visit Turkey. a long drive through the Taurus Mountains devoid of any interest but important Feliz, our Turkish guide decided to get us to Konya and onwards to Cappadocia. I for vegetable growing, and aluminium walking after a long night, so we drove to was glad to leave the hotel as although and cement factories. Now,an industrial the Roman bridge at Aspendos over the it had huge grounds with a golf course part of this country but once a centre river Eureymedon and we walked towards reaching down to the sea it had no soul of the Silk route used regularly by cara- the beautiful Greek Amphitheatre dedi- and was practically empty. vanseries. cated to Dionysius (Bacchus) and dating back to the 6th Century BC. The walk was We travelled for two hours into the moun- We drove steadily onwards across this interesting, over the river where the wa- tains with views of fascinating sedimen- barren plain with a magnificent view of ter was glacial pale blue and translucent tary rock structures with weird pillared mount Erciyes and the extinct volcano with lovely views of the Taurus Mountains shapes and crevices everywhere. On mount Hasan both peaks around 4000 and the day sunny warm and with blue the horizon all the time were the snowy metres in height. (It reminded me of the skies, in fact one of the only warm days mountain peaks, and the landscape was Andean plateau in Peru). As we started of the two weeks. . The walk took about towering and stark. to climb into the hills we approached 40 minutes and when we reached the am- We stopped in Konya where we visit- Kapadokya (now spelt Cappadocia) and phitheatre I was astounded by the fact ed the Mevlana museum; this ancient the strange chimneys and rock forma- that it was completely enclosed with the city was once the capital of Anatolia tions that are so much a part of this area most amazing acoustics. under the Seljuks and also the home of began to be evident all around us. We Climbing up to the top tier of the the- Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi the legend- stopped at a little village called Gardak atre the views of the stage were stunning ary Persian poet whose writings are, as to visit a newly discovered set of under- as was the decoration and stone carving relevant today as when they were first ground dwellings rather like catacombs on the back drop with even some faded penned. (Mevlana means master). Rumi which were very interesting and full of Selcuk wall paintings. Originally the the- was also responsible for the Mevlana Sufi practical ideas for those making their atre was constructed of wood and later movement in 1284 which developed af- homes inside. An amazing idea to close of stone and marble and in the 10th Cen- ter his death, although Sufism was much the doorways was to have a stone wheel tury AD the Selcuks used the theatre as older and was an order that followed a which could be rolled to securely shut a caravanserai to keep their animals and life of asceticism and the repetition of any opening. From here to Goreme a goods safe after the long trek along the the words of God through meditation. World Heritage site and a delighful town, Silk route. Mevlana Sufism includes meditation in but, by now it was getting late and so we 94 • Class News Magazine area arrived to merchants and their animals and protec- tion for their goods against raiders and also from animals like wolves. We got back to the hotel quite late but excited by a wonderful day. The following day we left for the Asiklar valley and walked for some time which was very interesting as the landscape was different and spanned several small- er valleys. We had time to wander for an hour which was lovely and the weather was also good. Finally we got back to the bus and drove to another village high on a hill with a magnificent castle perched on a cliff edge. There we had lunch and then went onto Mustaphapasa a sadly run down vil- lage that was inhabited by Greeks until 1923. The stone work here is Greek and there is some lovely architecture, and nearby a large and beautiful monastery that has been used from the 6th to 20th drove straight onto our little hotel made have their share of the goodies. It was a centuries. We were able to enter several entirely out of stone with arched rooms spectacular trip which I would not have houses, now empty and see how people carved out of larva and basalt. Dinner missed and we were lucky as the days be- had lived in the dwellings. (looking up and rest were next and we prepared to fore and after our trip were wet and not Mustapha Pasha as a person was bewil- get up at 4.45 am the next morning. suitable for the balloons. We then were dering as there are many and I am still 1st of March an amazing day with so taken back to the hotel for breakfast. not sure which Mustapha Pasha the vil- much to see and do. Early morning a few After breakfast we drove to the open air lage was named after) of us drove to a balloon centre where we museum in Goreme which is a huge Chris- had some coffee to sustain us before be- tian complex built into a cliff of monastic An evening of Turkish entertainment was ing taken to the actual hot air balloons. It and church buildings. Many of the build- organised for us but it had been a long was a fine morning and we were so lucky ings contained frescoes and magnificent day and although it was interesting I was as on wet or misty days the balloons do Christian carvings over doorways and in- glad to get back to the hotel at about not ply. We watched them first being in- terior pillars and walls. The houses had 11.0 pm. flated and then stepped into the basket many niches in the doorways which were The next day we started the drive back at the base of the balloon before being for pigeons who protected the inhabi- to Alanya and the weather had changed given safety instructions and then watch- tants. and was full of rain clouds, rainbows, be- ing as the pilot manoeuvred the balloon The entire rest of the morning was spent tween the rain, and sleet and snow on into the air. It was still quite dark when here and as a Unesco World Heritage site the higher ground. But interesting views we started to rise but soon the light it is superb and reminiscent of Ankhor of the snow clad mountains and other brightened and the sun began to appear Wat in the climbs and steps but not in the landscapes so a fascinating drive. over the horizon making the view even architecture. A quiet evening in a rather large and ugly more magical. The landscape of strange Later we drove back to Gardak village hotel outside Alanya. larval and sedimentary rock formations high on a hilltop overlooking the volcanic formed after many volcanic eruptions scenery and wandered around watching Next day was wet and quite chilly and dating back to Mesolithic times make hundreds of pigeons revered here whirl- we left early for Antalya to spend the the entire area almost unbelievable and ing and turning in flight. day visiting the old harbour. Here is an more like a Martian landscape. Cappadoccia almost defies description old harbour full of charm and charac- From the balloon, which was expertly with its huge carved out larval chimneys ter with a maze of tiny lanes lined with guided by the pilot, we were able to drift and after lunch we visited the Monks Val- shops and leading down to the sea where from almost the tops of the pillars and ley which is amazing and here many of the restaurants and cafes abound. It is chimneys to 500 metres. Each chimney the chimneys have basalt hats on top of a steep walk down and the city has in- and pillar have been carved into dwell- them which seems to be an incredible stalled a lift for those who cannot walk. ings with often intricate designs on win- feat considering how heavy basalt is. We had most of the day here and there dows and door frames and have been In a nearby Caranserai we were lucky to were so many things to see in and around homes to thousands of different groups be able to witness a religious ceremony the harbour that we could walk all day of people over hundreds of years. A large by the Mevlana Sufis. The monks whirl admiring the old city wall towering above part of this area was Christian for a long to music played by a group of musicians us and the tower outside the harbour period. and under the control of the master who wall. Also a plethora or boats and ships As the sun rose the views became more walks slowly around the whirling Sufis on the water. magnificent and it was wonderful to see controlling their movements and watch- What I find lovely about the Turks is their everything in such fine detail for over an ing to see that they are meditating. I love of animals, no dog is allowed to go hour when we started to return to the found this entire service moving as did hungry and small children will always go ground. We landed amazingly on a large most of the audience and at the end many towards a dog and pet it without fear of field and into a small trailer towed by a were affected by the religious fervour. aggression. jeep, which showed the prowess of the (we could only take photos at the end for At the top of the harbour is a tram line pilot as usually landing can be a rough af- a few minutes). Caravanserais were very and the trams chug along the main road fair as I was told later. Then we were giv- useful for those using the Silk Route as every hour or so and are very much part en a champagne and cake welcome and they were fortress like with large open of the city. We waited at the top of the medals all around and three dogs in the courtyards and plenty of space for the harbour after watching a spectacular

Class News Magazine • 95 some lovely waterfalls and pools to see and amazing moss and lichens on all the rocks and trees.

Next day just a few of us left early for An- talya for a day out visiting the highlights of the lovely city. As we drove we passed the Expo 16 site which is due to open in April, and is way behind in construction with a new rail line barely begun. They are anticipating 6 million tourists over the six months but I do hope that they come with all the problems in Turkey at the moment. It is sad that Turkey is hav- ing such a tough time and now so many people in Europe are scared to come to Turkey because of the war in Syria. I think that many do not realise the size of the Asian part of Turkey and are worried un- sunset over the sea before being taken to on the sand before a fish lunch on the necessarily. an affluent area of Antalya where there boat. It was interesting (Minerva). was an attractive hotel which we were to Then we had a river boat trip down Our first visit today was the magnificent stay in overnight. stream on the Manavgat river to the sea museum of Antalya which is one of the and a long walk on the sand before a fish best I have ever seen. I am so glad we The next morning very early I walked out lunch on the boat. It was interesting went to Perge the day before as many of the hotel and had an hour in a park to see the towns along the river and the of the statues in the museum came from nearby with lovely views over the rocky scenery on either river bank with agricul- Perge and the lay out of the museum is shoreline towards the snow-capped Tau- ture and fruit trees everywhere. (sadly amazing. The history displays start from rus mountains and the coastline of An- the vegetables and fruit usually going to Neanderthal times and keep a clearly his- talya.We then were driven to our last Russia now cannot leave Turkey so there torical time line through to modern times hotel in Alanya which is near the beach will be a surplus which probably cannot with excellent artifacts. We had three and has large gardens and lots of walking be sold). hours here and then had the opportunity opportunities. The weather held and it to walk through the city to Hadrian’s gate was sunny and warm but still too cold to Today we visited a Canyon in the Tau- near the centre and onto the harbour. (It swim outside in the pool but it was a good rus mountains and from the top of the is surprising to find out that Hadrian was opportunity to have a quiet day walking mountain walked down through the from a Spanish family) on soft sand on the beach and talking to canyon over ancient bridges and little Through the maze of tiny alleys and friends. settlements looking at the spring flow- around the harbour area we walked and ers, the junipers, cedars and pines on finally down to the sea where we had On Monday a few of us went to Side a all sides. This was with constant views lunch at a small café and then spent Hellenistic and Roman village with a su- of the mountains and the lovely glacial another couple of hours just wandering perb but ruined Apollo temple right on blue water of the river running through around the area into the parks and gar- the sea shore with a long history of Greek the canyon. Lovely sunny weather and a dens and over a small wooded peninsula and Roman occupation. There was also a great day for a long walk and some Turk- at the end of the harbour. I think that An- Seljuk hospital in the grounds which was ish pancakes as a snack. talya is a lovely city and well worth a vis- interesting and the spring flowers were So the next day another excellent vis- it. We then drove back to the hotel and lovely with anemones and asphodel ev- it this time to Perge an hour and a half then walked on the beach for a while be- erywhere. from Alanya and an ancient and import- fore watching a spectacular sunset over ant city of Pamphylia between two riv- the sea. Side, meaning ‘pomegranate’ and was ers the Catarnhactes and the Cestrus re- probably founded in the 7th century BC nowned for the worship of Artemis. In 46 Friday I did not go anywhere but walked by the inhabitants of Kyme near Smryna. AD according to the Acts of the Apostles, on the beach swam in the indoor pool It was conquered by Alexander in the 3rd St Paul came to Perge and visited sever- and generally worked on the book proofs century BC but a version of Greek was al times. Under Constantine the Great, I had brought with me. A lovely evening in spoken in Side for a long time although Perge became a centre of Christianity the hotel talking to all the friends I had the town remained friends with Rome in and it also became the official religion of met during the trip. the 2nd and 3rd Centuries AD and became Rome until the 6th century AD. Last day and we had to leave at 11.0am prosperous. This prosperity remained and but our bus driver got lost and we had the Romans built an aqueduct to bring This is a magnificent old city with roads to speed through the roads to get to the fresh water to the town. The pillars are leading off in all directions, a superb set airport in time. But I was impressed by Doric, ionic and Corinthian representing of roman baths with the four chambers the superb security at the airport with all the Roman architectural types and the clearly marked from the fridgedarium to three thorough search checks before we imposing theatre dates back to the 2nd the caldarium. Fresh water runs through checked in for the flight. century AD. the centre of the city from an aquaduct A wonderful two weeks in Turkey and stretching from high in the hills above. Cappadocia is a place that no one should Interestingly Romans and Christians lived Altogether a fascinating city to visit but miss. together in harmony in the town during too large to be able to see in entirety al- Pippa Mukerjee the 4th to 6th centuries dominated by though the mosaics along the roads were the deity Athena Then we had a river well worth studying. boat trip down stream on the Manavgat From there we visited a National Park river to the sea and a long walk which was interesting as there were

96 • Class News Magazine REUNIONS

Class of ’66 Reunion in Kodai

“By ones or twos we launched our long-awaited voyage, drawn As we neared Kodai though, and got close up to some of our by the power of our experiences together at Kodai School, to dearest landmarks, time and change has asserted themselves. reach the magical place that had sent us out 50 years ago. Silver Cascade is littered with trash and surrounded by garish Those with more time made their way at a leisurely pace, and souvenir and refreshment stalls. Tour buses and taxis com- those still tied to jobs and schedules, more expeditiously. As pete for parking everywhere. Ditto for Pillar Rocks and Dol- paths converged, we joined up with each other to complete phin’s Nose. Brick and concrete buildings festoon the hillsides the journey in groups and clumps. where once there were only green . There is trash ev- erywhere we look. Some of us had not been to Kodai in 50 years. Terri Oli- ver-Crabbe and Anne Ferguson Mowell met at JFK and con- Hidden among the litter, though, we found remnants of the tinued on together. Charlie Franklin and Bob Coleman met Kodai we knew. Villa Retreat at the beginning of Coaker’s at the airport in Chennai, where they paused to decompress Walk, and Prospect House at the end of it are examples. Ko- for a day before meeting Terri and Anne at Egmore Station for dai School remains shielded and constant behind its walls, the evocative train ride to Madurai. Jennifer Grant Busam though there have been updates and improvements. The Ko- and friend Jay took the western route through Asia. Lynette dai Club, formerly the English Club, and the dining room at Shaw and Malcolm came south from Agra and Delhi. Kris and the Carlton remain unchanged. The lake is now fenced off Wendy Riber came east from Harare where they had been with wrought iron, but still looks the same. The walk around visiting kids and grandkids. Maureen Aung Thwin took advan- it in the early morning is still a treat. A few of us were grate- tage of a business trip to Myanmar, and flew into Madurai. ful to Bruce Peck who guided us down to the top of Pam- Joe and Marty Rittmann seem to pop up anywhere they want. bar (Snake) Falls, to experience Kodai the way we once did. Lyn and Naomi Krause landed in Bangalore after their route There are more hidden treasures for us to find on our next through Asia. Roger Thompson and Carole arrived a few days trip. after the rest of us from the Maldives. The logistics of our reunion tour were intricate and compli- cated, and were all arranged and orchestrated by Joe and Mr. We were not ready for the chaos that India has become. Chen- Saleem at Tips and Trips, Kodaikanal. We spent five days and nai traffic had never been orderly, with bullock carts, bicycles nights in Kodai. Joe kept us moving constantly to be able to and rickshaws competing for the left shoulder of the road. take in all the experiences we hungered for. Even so, mem- But motor traffic back then was nowhere near as heavy as it is bers of our group were able to find enough free time to go now. Bullock carts, bicycles and bicycle rickshaws are mostly shopping, take hikes, walk around the lake, and more. Unfor- gone, but replaced by motor rickshaws, scooters, motor cy- tunately, Perumal was closed due to “animal activity” and we cles and millions of cars competing fiercely for every inch of were not able to climb it. roadway. Some things were close to the same: standing in the door- Our first event was dinner at the Golf Course, generously way of the Vaigai Express as it hurtled through paddy fields hosted by Lyn and Naomi. We started with a walk up to Sui- and villages; veg meals at train stations; masala dosai; stop- cide Point (now a tourist attraction called Green View Point), ping before climbing the ghat to consume green at and discovered that wherever tourists flock, so do troops of a roadside stall; honking at every curve of the ghat; ladies in monkeys. The walk was followed by lavish libations and a din- saris with water jugs on their heads; views of Rat Tail Falls. ner of Biriyani and other Indian dishes.

96 • Class News Magazine The following day, after breakfast on our own, we visited es, and the Crocodile Farm and snake serum cottage industry. Kodai School. We were met at the KMU by Yvonne Dovlo, We stayed at the Ideal Beach Resort before ending our trip at KIS Alumni coordinator, who greeted and welcomed us. Then the Chennai airport. we bussed over to Ganga Campus to tour the new K thru 8 Our appetites sated, our memories filed, our hearts filled, we classrooms and facilities, which capture many of the qualities rejoin the lives we interrupted to make this pilgrimage. We that made Kodai so special to us, while interweaving Inter- have affirmed the bonds that we have to Kodai and to each national Baccalaureate curriculum. This was followed by a other. The Kodai of today is different, but the Kodai that tour of the main campus. In many ways, it is familiar: The matters, the Kodai in our souls, lives on.” Flag Green, the church, Kennedy Hall, the Quad, the gate to Seven Corners, Mrs. Aung Thwin’s cottage, the stairs down to Wissy (now a girls dorm), and so on. There have been many improvements and expansions that keep the character of the Kodai we knew.

Following the school tour, we were hosted for lunch by the Vice Principal, Liliana Gomez Murillo and her husband, Gus- tavo Gomez. She seemed delighted to find out that Char- lie and Jennifer spoke Spanish, and that Charlie was familiar with her native country of Colombia, and had attended the same university there that she had. They had a spirited con- versation in Spanish for much of the meal. Following that, she graciously thanked the Class of ’66 for its contributions to the solar power project at Poondi, and for donating accessories for band instruments that had been needed.

Just these events would have made our trip a success, but over the next 4 days, many more awaited us:

• Dinner at Bruce and Ann Peck’s house at Prospect with a bonfire overlooking the plains. • Lunch at Villa Retreat hosted by Maureen. • Dinner at Bob Granner’s home in Palangi, with a tour of the ceramics shop, and a bonfire with Dr. Kolhatker’s 60s sing-along. • A demonstration of the new church organ for the class by Bob Granner. • Shopping in the budge during market day. • Lunch at the Kodai Club sponsored by Maureen and Charlie. • High tea at Clarence and Shashi Maloney’s home on Bear Shola Road with the Kodai alumni chapter, that included an extended - tour of a rainwater reclamation system. • An excursion to Berijam Lake with a school-packed biriyani lunch, and a drive by Pillar Rocks. • Dinner at George Penner and Vera de Jong’s off Up per Lake Road, including a tour of George’s bakery and Vera’s studio.

This was the end of our Kodai sojourn. Principal Corey Stixrud wished us well after his return from a trip to the Mumbai alumni chapter. Maureen headed off to Yangon. Roger and friend left us to go to Coimbatore and on to Rajasthan.

The rest of us headed down the ghat to , the start of our “culinary tour” (meaning an excuse to eat as much Indian food as possible) where we had biriyani lunch at the original Thalakkapatti Restaurant. We continued on to Karaikudi that afternoon to the posh Bangala Hotel, where we toured Chet- inad homes and antiques, and sampled a 5 course Chettinad meal. The next day we drove to Madurai, where we toured the Meenakshi Temple and had dinner at the rooftop restau- rant of the Supreme Hotel. Bruce and Ann drove down from Kodai with Basil Manns Class of 63 and joined us. Kris, Wendy, Lyn, Naomi, Terri, Lynette and Malcom, left us the following day, leaving some to extend the road trip through the Cauvery Delta and up the Coromandel Coast.

Joe, Marty, Bob, Charlie, Ann, Jennifer and Jay continued on to the Tanjore Big Temple, Pondicherry, and Mamalapuram with the Shore Temple, Arjun’s Penance friez-

Class News Magazine • 97 Class of ‘83 Reunion in Houston

“The Class of ‘83 had a reunion this year. Why, you ask? rienced, we were truly impressed with Sanjay’s culinary skills. It’s 2016 and that isn’t a significant anniversary year. When And Mayura’s too! Not to mention his mixology skills. Needless NOORESHA BASRAI BIABANI ‘83 came up with this idea, I to say, after such a truly amazing time together, filled with (MONA OOMMEN, class rep) asked her the same question. “I so much love and affection after all these years, we’re all just want to see everyone,” she replied. “Plus it’s our 1/3 currently in talks about when/where the next class reunion century anniversary!” That immediately resonated with ev- will be. 2017 or 2018 perhaps. No one wants to wait 5 years eryone even if the latter part did shock us mildly. You know anymore.” that the bond of Kodai classmates is real after 33 years when nineteen (19!) of us book our tickets and fly into the heat of Submited by : Mona Oommen Houston, Texas in July! That’s 30% of our graduating class! Nooresha, Aqil and their daughter Zahra (just weeks before she was to start college) very graciously hosted almost all of us at their home.

Here’s who attended: MARTIN MESSICK, TINA HINGORANI aka VIVEKA MALANI, KHAISHOON BASRAI, SANDRA GASS, SANJAY HARMAN, MARTHA JEAN EASTER BRODHEAD and her husband Brian, DAMAYANTHI NILES, SHARON MORRIS BILSBOROUGH, WENDY HAMILTON, SHANTANU MUNDKUR, SUNEETA JAGTIANI RANGWANI, SHAHRAM GHANDEHARIZADEH and his wife Fa- ranak and daughter Shideh, MAYURA SARDESAI JAIMAN, JYOTI KOMANAPALLI, NOI VONGSNARA TOROELLA, myself, and... as a total last-minute surprise, CHITRA CHADHOKAR and SUNIL DESAI! For about 4 days, it was like dorm life all over again! With canteen every night! And during the day, when we weren’t swimming or being pushed into the pool, we were playing Scrabble (don’t mess with Norry, Martin, or Sandra), or playing table tennis (don’t mess with either of the Bas- rais), or just sitting around “flag-greening” (don’t mess with me... or Sanjay! Who am I kidding, don’t mess with Tina! Or Noi, or anyone else! We were all so well-trained in Kodai at sitting around and shooting the breeze that we retain those skills to this day). Oh, what a time it was! Adding to the fun was Nooresha’s and Khaishoon’s mom Aunty Razia, who hap- pened to be visiting from Mumbai, as well as RON KRISHNAN ‘82, our older and more responsible (a-hem) chaperone and canteen DJ! Did I mention the food? Apart from Houston’s di- verse restaurant offerings that Nooresha made sure we expe-

98 • Class News Magazine Class of ‘06 Marks 10th Anniversary

The class of 2006 visited for their 10th Anniversary reunion. They were here during Field Day in March and joined in the activites. They also met with the Class of 2016 for info seesion. Present at the Reunion are: Zal Bahadurji, Ria Sakraney, Raoul Nanavati, Nakul Jambotkar, Ruby Walker, Eden Hing, Imran Chitalwala, Aayush Misra, Zain Calcuttawala, Daniel Fernandes, Kartik Sarin, Kaustabh Kalla, Samir Shah, Rohan Kadam, Aliasgar Shakeer, Sandeep Bakshi, Kunaal Seolekar, Abhijith Shamanur, Padma Iyer, Abhinav Kumar, Ashra Kolhatkar, Karishma Valia, Julian Fernandes, Aritra Ghosh, Nikita Nanik, Karishma Valia, Aftab Lall, Sajo Joseph, Pranav Kaicker.

Class News Magazine • 99 Alumni Weekend Reunion 2016

In attendance at the reunion were Len Betz ’71, Divija Mohan ‘11, Sieglinde Quick(FS), Zain Calcuttawala ‘06, Sonya Moorjani ‘11, Vaibhav Gullecha ‘97, Kai Weise ‘83, Alok Aurovillian ’87 & Leslie, Rekha ’90 and Shanky Mahendra ‘89, Jakob Senftleben ‘07, Josh- ua Iype ‘10, Navin John ‘93, Nandita Stixrud ‘86, Shyama Pillai Rosenfeld ‘86, Malini Devanandan ‘86, Souruban Santhagunam ‘86, Sydney Peters ‘86, Caroline Karkada ‘86, Sally Nichol Reindel ‘86, Ruth Mabry ‘86, Sunny Jamshedji ‘86, Abdulrahim Al Bahlani ‘82, Barbara Block ‘76, Bansanthi Gopalakrishnan ‘86, Shankar Pillai ‘88, Gayatri Reddy ‘87, Benjamin Rohit ‘08, Renee Macleod ‘13, Milly Varghese ‘84, Barbara Block ‘78, Priscilla Mohl ‘74, Maureen and Joe- Former Staff, Kevin Jayaprakash ‘02 & Kim Samuel ‘00.

Chapter Reunion in Edmonton, AL Canada

Kathy Harvey ‘69, Martha Jean Brodhead ‘83, Martha and John Easter (staff alumni 1978-97) and Shona Bagai ( staff alumni 2002-2005) along with their families.They were joined by Helen Arnott, the Chapter Rep for Woodstock.

100 • Class News Magazine Atlanta Chapter Reunion

KIS Alumni in Atlanta met with the Principal during his visit to the US. Thanks to Anand Srinivasan for organizing the reunion. In attendance are Alice Joseph Limer ‘87, Amarjit Vel ‘92, Anand Srinivasan ‘91, Gaurav Dora ‘15, Paulomi Mukerjee ‘15, Preetha Prabhu ‘87, Sarah Limer ‘18, Sewa Fields ‘99 and Sidharth Gore ‘13. Classes of 1955 & 1956 Reunion in San Pedro

Kodai alumni of the classes of 1955 and 1956 held their 60/61st year reunion in Winter Park, Florida April 4th thru the 7th, 2016. A total of 33 people attended the reunion, 22 of whom were Kodai students for differing number of years and several who had also returned to Kodai as staff. We stayed at the San Pedro Retreat Center, had the place to ourselves, and enjoyed the catered meals and exploring the wooded property, including the lake.

Class News Magazine • 101 Kodai Reunion at Camp K

An absolutely awesome Kodai reunion has just concluded. of left overs. A huge THANK YOU goes to Shashi and Rajani!!!!! Everyone I have talked to has affirmed that it was worth the Clean up crews did their job extremely well. Thanks to the Ri- “pain” of every chopped, every dish washed, every ber family and various class “clean up projects” for this huge piece of chicken and fish patiently turned on the grill, and effort. every dollar spent. I want to also thank Emily, Beth and Wendy Oesterling for or- ganizing the Sunday service. Wayne Alloway delivered one of Such an event as this can not exist without a huge body of the most touching homilies I have ever heard. Wendy whipped people contributing to this enormous effort. I write this to our choir into shape, and we delivered some pretty good mu- summarize this huge effort and to thank everyone for their sic... participation. This is how the reunion works: I want to thank our presenters from India: Principal... Corey First of all, thanks to Bob Coleman for keeping the books as Stixrud, Alika Khosla... Admissions and exchange coordinator. well as taking registration as people arrived. Rani, Teresa Clarence Maloney, Joe Rittmann... KIS environmental issues. Teves and Joe Kessler also took registration and took in money Julie Nichol... Our KFI Director. Thanks to all! You kept the as people arrived. THANKS!!! attention of your audience, and you succeeded in generat- ing some nice cash for KFI and environmental projects. Well Rani Maloney and her boyfriend Jeff Maegerlein stored a lot done!!! of reunion merchandise in their basement, and then rented a UHaul van to transport everything to the reunion. Otherwise, we enjoyed wine and cheese supplied by Bob Traut- mann, played Jenga, swam in the large pool, took walks in the Fourteen people arrived on Wednesday and they helped us woods, went on the zip line, did rock climbing, tried the tree unload everything when it arrived. Jack and Sarah Smith were walk, and just enjoyed the beauty of the whole place. What a there even before Rani and I arrived. Sarah is a huge help grand time we had!!! It was sad to see everyone depart as we in organizing the kitchen. Mario Bellido brought 2 propane closed the camp on Monday noon, September 5, 2006. See burners, and his fireman’s axe to chop wood when needed. you next year! One “reunion starter” included Ted Hahn. Ted produced a de- licious chicken biriyani for us. We were starving from all our Bob Edwards ‘69 exertion during loading, unloading and running around, and were extremely grateful for his excellent cooking. So that is how the reunion actually gets started.

I want to recognize and thank the following people for their enormous contribution to cooking: Ted Hahn -- biriyani, sam- bar, , sambar, and veggie dishes. Teresa Teves for Sri Lankan shrimp curry, and for arranging / cooking breakfast with Jody Chrastek. Mike Kolumban did his consistently ex- cellent Dosai production. Ron Nun. For an excellent egg and tomato curry! Rani Maloney for made idlies, , aloo gobi, and beef keema. Her keema was a hit at every lunch we served! Shashi Maloney and Dr. Rajani Malik pro- duced a constant supply of excellent veggie dishes which EV- ERYONE enjoyed! I was grateful that both of these ladies were resourceful in finding “uncooked veggies” hiding in the walk in refrigerator. They were successful in using up all our pro- duce, so none was wasted!!! This was an amazing accomplish- ment, since so often at the end of the reunion we have a lot

102 • Class News Magazine

Kodaikanal International School Seven Roads Junction, PO Box 25 Kodaikanal 624 101, Tamil Nadu, India tel: (91) 4542 247 500 email: [email protected] www.kis.in

Alumni website: alumni.kis.in email: [email protected] tel: (91) 4542 247 287

KIS... over 115 years in global education A non-profit, multicultural, Christian organization registered # 181-6970 of 1996 under section 25 of the Companies Act 1956