The Spirit of Western College Continues Today from the WCAA Director

Fall 2008

The Spirit of Western College Continues Today From the WCAA Director

here were you 35 years ago? W I challenge you to take yourself back to that fall, the fall of 1973. Preparing to teach happily at the Aegean Institute on the island of Poros in Greece, said our loyal class rep from 1929, Frances Hall King. Judy K. Waldron, Director, WCAA Finishing the last year of high school and wondering about college was the priority of those who would eventually form the first class of the Western College Program. I was running to keep up with a 3-year-old while gaining inspiration from the student group I was directing … the student YWCA on the Miami campus … But, across the street and just down Western Drive, students and faculty were living with the knowledge that their beloved college would no longer exist as a separate institution at the end of the school year. What would their last Western year be like? Where would they go next year? How would they stay in touch with each other and with those who had graduated before? How would they keep the Western spirit alive? The Alumnae Association sought many ideas, presented them to the alumnae and, in June of 1974, became a separately incorporated association, dedicated to the mission of maintaining in close association the alumnae of the Western College and raising funds for scholarships and other educational programs that continue the heritage and tradition of The Western College. Thirty-five years later your Association is still doing just that, thanks to the dedication and loyalty of alumnae, former faculty and friends of Western College. This we will celebrate, beginning at Reunion in June of 2009 and culminating at Reunion 2010. I challenge EACH of you to actively participate in this yearlong celebration to show that the Western spirit still lives in you! Vol. LXXXII, No.2 Fall 2008

Western College What’s on Your Mind? 4 Alumnae Association, Inc. Board of Trustees Dubai 11 — Women as Global Leaders 6 President Stevie Bentzen Snook ’69 New Trustees 11 1st Vice President/Treasurer Doris Ning Wong ’62 Class Notes: 1929-1977, Faculty 13 2nd Vice President Barbara Williamson Wentz ’68 Secretary Reunion 2008 29 Jocelyn Woodson-Reed ’74 Chair, Nominating Committee In Memoriam 47 Carol Stone Lehman ’67 Trustees Luci Bilsland Galloway ’59 Western Program 48 Rita Ellen Greene ’73 Susan Berryhill Hill ’63 Class Notes: 1979-2007 49 Eva Nortvedt Humbach ’63 Sally Derby Miller ’56 Marcia Randlett Oder ’64 Nota Bene 60 Shirley Small Osepchuk ’55 Sylvia Stanfield ’65 From the Archives 61 Anne Adkins Weissenborn ’61 Diane Wright ’86 Gift Shop 62

On the cover: Here are 10 of the self- Mission of the Association: proclaimed “Dubai 11” — Miami students who participated in Dubai’s Women as Global • to preserve and encourage communication Leaders 2008 conference. Front row (l to r): among and with alumnae, Jessica Plechaty, Tho Nguyen, Erica Wirtz, • to support education and human values Kirby Broadnax, Rachel Rudwall; back row: that continue the heritage and tradition Elise Seiwert, Ashley Adkins, Caitlin Leach, of The Western College. Carrie Almasi, Stephanie Sterling. Not pictured: Caitlin Fitzmaurice.

Credits: Cover photo, MU News & Information Office; Back cover design, Debbie Baker

Bulletin Staff Publications Committee Office Staff Editor Members Director Catherine Bauer Cooper ’60 Shirley Small Osepchuk ’55, Chair Judy Waldron Design/Technology Consultant Rita Greene ’73 Senior Program Assistant Milburn Cooper Susan Berryhill Hill ’63 Debbie Baker Sally Derby Miller ’56 Accounting Associate Sylvia Stanfield ’65 Kaye Wolke Doris Ning Wong ’62 Diane Wright ’86

Published in the spring and fall and copyrighted 2008 by the Western College Alumnae Association, Inc., 325 S. Patterson Ave., Oxford, OH 45056-2499; telephone: 513-529-4400; fax: 513-529-7400; e-mail: [email protected]; website: www.muohio.edu/wcaa v Printed on recycled paper What’s on Your Mind?

Please tell us! So many Westerners are doing interesting things and thinking interesting thoughts that we’d like to share them with our readership as a whole. Often we hear in the office of an alum or friend involved in a particularly exciting activity or significant project. Many times a bit of news in Class Notes cries out for expansion. Our hope is that this space in the Bulletin will give more readers a greater voice.

David Christof, former First Year Adviser, Peabody which strengthened my body, and then experiencing Hall, shared this reflection with the WCP listserv. We Western, which certainly strengthened my heart. Water asked for (and received) his permis- and Western are life! sion to share it with the rest of the Western family. David grew up in P.S. My 2nd place in “Shore to Slimy Shore” cer- the Czech Republic and holds an tainly ranks high in my athletic achievements. :) M.S. from the State University in Prague. He’s a long-distance run- ner and during the summer of 2007 was one of 20 who ran around the Lyn Miller Neely ’73, speaking for her class, gave this David Christof world — crossing 16 countries and toast at the June 2008 Reunion: three continents in 100 days — to promote safe drinking water. Currently, he is an assis- mong the women of the world, we who attended tant director of residential life and area coordinator at AWestern College are part of a privileged few who Whittier College, a small liberal arts college in Whitti- have had the opportunity for an education. As I was er, California. getting ready to leave this place 35 years ago, I remember hearing a ear Western! I just finished a 5-miler here on West- charge to use the education I had ern, and as I ran through the quietness of the nightly D received in the service of others. student-less campus, I couldn’t but reflect on the past Judging by the stories I’ve been lis- year in Peabody. I am really glad I had the opportunity tening to here this weekend, we to experience a true community — Western. I have tru- have responded well to that charge. ly enjoyed the Western spirit both personally and pro- We are and have been mothers, fessionally. It was heart-warming to be part of some- teachers, physicians, diplomats, thing real, meaningful, and authentic. And the Western Lyn Neely managers, and much more. graduation? Well, I can’t deny that it brought tears to my eyes. I was humbled that I got to be part of it, al- We form a community of positive influence across though wishing that I had been in Peabody longer. this country and around the world. We each contribute strength to and draw strength from this community. My In a few weeks I will be moving to California for friend and classmate, Joan Campbell, and I represent my new job at Whittier College in the LA area. Visitors the class of 1973 in toasting this inspiring community are, of course, welcome, but I do ask for at least a 23- and affirming our membership in it. hour notice. Soon I will unsubscribe from this listserv, thus in the future please contact me on my personal e- mail: [email protected]. The students and administrators in WCP showed me what true community is. Undoubtedly I will bring the spirit of Western to California, and to all my future endeavors for that matter. It has certainly been one hell of a year for me — first circumnavigating the globe

4 The Bulletin Bobby Cox ’83 was one of three members of the 25- Western was the place that gave us a foundation for year class who attended the June 2008 Reunion, but he the rest of our lives and for each of us we took what we gave the banquet toast for all Western Program alums: needed from what was offered. We loved the Western we attended and we carry memories in both our heart n behalf of the WCP alumni, I want to express our and head of all we learned and experienced while we gratitude for the gracious reception we have had O were here. from the Western College Alumnae. We feel part of a long legacy and our contact with the But the best part of all, from my perspective, is that generations of Western alums has I have found in returning that who we were and what given a sense of history that far sur- we felt is still here. It is not the fact that the college was passes legends of Helen Peabody’s all women, or an independent small college or a small ghost. close-knit part of the larger university; it is the spirit that seems to engulf everyone who spends time on this Indeed, as we face the prospect campus. ... of our own beloved program under- going an uncertain transformation, Bobby Cox we hope to embrace the challenge with the same spirit as have those who faced the challenge of the closing of the original Western College. Tim Matune graduated from the Western College Pro- And, as for you, we look forward to seeing the phoenix gram in ’81, has served on the Dean’s Alumni Advisory rise from the ashes and to play our role as alumni to Committee (DAAC), and returned in September with help shape a vibrant educational experience for future words of praise for MU President Hodge “for perceiv- students who manage to see the trees and the forest. ing and honoring the loyalty of the Western alumnae Long live the Western spirit! and alumni and thus preserving the connection with our school.” He continued with a challenge: e are here ... because Western taught us to think, Wto be critical of ourselves and our ideologies, but Barbara Williamson Wentz ’68, WCAA trustee, called most of all: to care. Western is our her remarks at the closing ceremony of the September intellectual family. Such sense of WCP 35-year reunion “Some Dreams Come True.” Here family motivated us to come to her is part of what she said: defense when she was attacked. The graduating classes and the new en- hat did the world expect each of us to dream as tering freshman class have and will Wwe left this Garden of Eden with its beautiful receive an education in the very buildings and dramatic bridges? same place as we received our ed- This was the Western College ucation, by some of the same teach- Tim Matune Seminary, then Western College for ers, with a curriculum similar to Women, then Western College, and ours. We owe them and as many high school seniors as then the Western College Program we can recruit for Western, the blessings of a self-di- of Miami University. For each gen- rected interdisciplinary education in a vibrant, tolerant, eration of graduates the dreams, living-learning community. They are part of the family. expectations, and opportunities ... were different as was the institution we left. ... Barbara Wentz

Fall 2008 5 Women as Global Leaders

In March of this year, 11 Miami students traveled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to participate in the Women as Global Leaders Conference sponsored by Zayed University. There, each young woman presented an original research paper for panels on Functional Contexts of Women’s Leadership and Women in the Media. Approximately 1,800 participants, representing some 100 countries were invited to meet with internationally renowned women leaders, share ideas and engage in debate on “Learning Leadership.”

WCAA Director Judy Waldron tells how Western became involved: In the fall of 2007, a Miami student stopped in the office. She explained that 11 women had been invited to present papers at a women’s leadership conference in Dubai but they needed financial assistance. Knowing that Western College was founded to provide an excellent education for women and that an international focus was part of that excellence, she hoped the WCAA might help. Fortunately, some of the Annual Fund’s undesignated gifts are allo- cated by the board to support campus needs that continue the heritage of Western College … so the WCAA was able to help. Read on, knowing that your WCAA has made a great difference in the lives of these young women.

Jeanne A.K. Hey, MU Director, International Studies Program and Professor of Political Science, describes how the Dubai 11 came to be, and seven of the participants share their personal reflections.

iami’s participation in the Women as Global Leaders The following weeks and months filled quickly with Mconference began with an e-mail that the Dubai con- fund-raising, research, writing and meeting. We were able to ference organizers sent out to many listservs around the raise enough funds to cover all their world. It made its way to my in-box via Mark Peterson, an registration and air fees, with help associate professor of Anthropology and International Stud- from many Miami offices and espe- ies at Miami. I sent the invitation on the International Stud- cially the Western College Alumnae ies (ITS) Majors listserv, thinking I would get a handful of Association. The self-named “Dubai semi-interested responses. Was I wrong! I quickly received 11” quickly revealed itself as one of over a dozen e-mails from students who were genuinely ex- the most impressive groups of students cited about the opportunity. Soon at least 10 more e-mails I’ve worked with over my 16 years at came from students who learned about the conference via Miami. Rain, sleet and even airport- word of mouth from ITS majors. closing blizzards, not to mention term papers, lab reports, all-nighters and Although I understood that the conference was an ex- Dr. Hey boyfriend dramas, did not deter them citing opportunity, I was wary that many of the young wom- from their goal. When they arrived at the conference, they en who expressed interest would follow through with a com- found they were unquestionably the most prepared and qual- mitment once they learned they had to organize and formal- ified of all the undergraduate participants. Most other dele- ly propose panel sessions, write papers and prepare oral pre- gations did not even prepare papers. sentations, raise funds throughout the university and Oxford communities, attend the conference for a full week, and make I remain enormously proud of the Dubai 11 and enriched numerous presentations to different constituencies upon their for having gotten to know and spend time with them. Thank return. It’s important to note that all these tasks were on top you to the women of the Western College Alumnae Associa- of their already very full class, work and extra-curricular tion for their support of a project that exceeded my wildest responsibilities and that they would be receiving no formal dreams. academic credit for the conference work. Many of the stu- — Jeanne Hey dents were seniors and carrying heavy course loads that included capstone seminars. A number of those who inquired dropped out, but in the end I ended up mentoring a full 11 young women as they prepared for the conference in Dubai. Never would I have imagined that so many students were ready to commit to this type of hard work in exchange for one of the most fascinating experiences of their young lives. I’m delighted to say I was very wrong.

6 The Bulletin Ashley Kapri Adkins MU ’08, anthropology and Latin Amer- ica studies major, from Cincinnati. Ashley completed Teach for America training in Phoenix over the summer and has begun teaching in Indianapolis (IN) Public Schools. shley: Going to Dubai was a life-changing journey for A me. It was not something I had ever actually planned ... it just happened one day that I woke up in the Middle East surrounded by female leaders. But I know it was real because even today, some six months later, I am still receiving e-mails from Manar, one of the Emirati college students (and women leaders) I met at the Women as Global Leaders (WAGL) conference. When the idea of traveling to Dubai was presented to Ashley and Carrie, on the road to the conference me, I must admit I had no clue where to find it on a map. It new language, and have my comfort-zone tested, all free of wasn’t until I did a Google Earth search that I even realized charge and free of fear. This trip is not something you lock it was a Middle Eastern city. But even when I learned of the away in a photo album. It is the type of experience you will distance from the United States, I had no reservations or judg- live to remember, day in and day out, always referencing the ments. I simply had a strong curiosity about what women need for unity, understanding, and strong women who are really had to say about leadership in a part of the world where not afraid to take risks… women are often looked upon as subservient and second rate. It soon hit me, as the idea of going to Dubai became more real, that my own preconceived notions about the Mid- Carrie Almasi MU ’10, an international studies major/ dle East were uninformed and unreliable. I decided to write French minor, from Painesville, OH, will spend next semes- a paper for the conference on female presidents around the ter studying in Rabat, Morocco — thanks in part to her Dubai world, their role in politics, and the impact that they have experience. made on their countries. This would definitely give me some arrie: I chose to become a part of the 2008 Women as insight about women in leadership positions, how media CGlobal Leaders conference delegation because as an portrays them, and the failures and successes they have ex- international studies major it seemed like a great opportuni- perienced. I thought it would be an even greater idea to com- ty to experience and learn about Middle Eastern culture. My pare this topic with the presidential campaign of Senator expectations about the Dubai and women’s leadership in the Hillary Clinton, to show just how flawed the United States Middle East were quite different from what I actually per- actually is, that such a progressive nation is still struggling ceived. with the social constructs of gender and race, while other “third world” and developing nations have already recog- My particular presentation was entitled “Minorities in nized the need for change. the Media: Gendered Stereotypes of American Women.” In my paper I explored the American media industry, stereo- It turns out (which I had no doubt) that the paper I wrote, types of American women based upon what type of media and the WAGL conference itself would teach me more about they occurred in as well as what type of woman they por- being a woman, possessing leadership, and being politically trayed, and solutions for change within a biased media. Yet conscious than 22 years of being a woman, college-educat- during my time in Dubai I recognized that I had my own ed, and voter-registered could have ever taught me. This stereotypes about diversity and women in the Middle East. I notion of political correctness (more like politically censored) learned that the world is a much more diverse, varied place was challenged, and I was able to ask some of the toughest than we often encounter with the “Miami Bubble.” There questions one-on-one with some of the brightest, most life- were women from over 100 different countries at the confer- experienced women leaders (yes, Middle Eastern women are ence alone. At one table during lunchtime you were able to and can be leaders) this world has ever known, and get some find women from six or seven different nations often with of the most authentic, most sincere answers I could ever dissimilar native languages and beliefs. dream of. Issues of race, class, and gender were all discussed, the American point-of-view challenged, constructive criti- Previously, I had considered the Middle East to be a cism given, lasting friendships and networks created. place of conflict and anti-westernization. Yet Dubai was a very westernized, modern, thriving city. Everyone spoke I was truly blessed to see the desert and the Gulf within English, and American products from food to clothing to a few miles of each other, try new food, begin learning a music were very prevalent. Also, before I attended the con-

Fall 2008 7 ference, I considered leadership to be mainly defined as an to the people. For example, when discussing the Middle East, active and public position. The WAGL conference helped we must remember that these societies consist of thousands me to discover that leadership actually comes in many, often of years of Arab and Islamic culture that remains a strong more subtle forms. While some may consider the women of influence in the region. In addition, the United States was the Middle East to be generally oppressed and subjugated, founded with a Constitution, yet every other country has had at the conference I encountered many Arabic women who to work to get to that point and some are not ready nor will feel empowered and consider themselves leaders within their ever be ready to achieve this. own spheres. In countries such as Dubai, women are even progressing to become leaders in the public sphere as well, holding positions and political sway in organizations such Tho “Annie” Nguyen, MU ’10, finance and international as business and the government. studies major, from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. nnie: The conference Women as Global Leaders was truly an eye-opening experience for me. I had a great Caitlin Leach MU ’10, international studies major/anthro- A opportunity to travel to a Middle Eastern country and meet pology minor, from Medina, OH, spent the summer serving with many other women from different backgrounds to learn an internship at the World Trade Center in Chicago and at- more about leadership and culture. tempting to adjust to the Windy City. However, there was a small activity that became memo- aitlin: One of the most interesting things I learned was rable and valuable. On the last day at the conference, I de- that what Western society believes are undeniable free- C cided not to attend a panel discussion but instead a work- doms that all desire, others feel are limitations. Several young shop: Leadership: Knowing Oneself and Knowing Others. Emirati women explained that they are quite happy with the The workshop was very different since it had a smaller num- expectations of their dress and freedom of speech and press. ber of attendees and closer focus on each individual. During One asked me how can I be judged on my intellectual ability the workshop, I had a chance to talk to another delegate, alone when I wear clothes that show my womanly shape. Samya, who was covered up like every other young woman While we were looking at the dark shadows moving around from Zayed University, Dubai. Due to her appearance, I the conference, they said they were interested in our skirts thought she was from the UAE, and so I started a conversa- that bared legs, tight-fitting shirts and jackets, and exposed tion about how beautiful Dubai is and how well organized hair and face. By wearing the hijab and burqa, they are judged and impressive the conference was. To my surprise, she told solely on their skills and knowledge, not on their appear- me that she was from Morocco and it was her first time in ance and are more comfortable to appear as just figures with Dubai. A little embarrassed by my assumption, I pressed on minds. in the conversation and found that we actually have a lot in In addition, they explained that the press is not allowed common. to talk negatively about the leaders and their families. While After my talk with Samya, I had learned not to make they may gossip about what the sheik’s wife was wearing or assumptions about a person based on his/her appearance. what policy he should have talked about, these leaders were Furthermore, I realized that I still have so much more to learn elected by them and are honored and respected. They brought about the world. In such a diverse environment like the con- up the issue of Hillary Clinton’s cleavage and couldn’t be- ference, it is important for a participant to be involved and lieve it was all over our news because we should have been open to others. focusing on her ideas and policies. Having a chance to travel to Dubai and learn about its I found these notions from the young women so inter- culture and people was a valuable experience, but it was up esting and thought-provoking that I do believe I have changed, to each individual to make that activity priceless by really in a sense, when I consider what to wear and what to say. I stepping into the social context, being a part of it and trying realize that there is a way to dress to impress, yet modestly, different things. Had I not decided to join a workshop, I would and sometimes lessons of respect must be remembered in not have had a chance to talk to Samya and learn more about this country that prides itself on the freedoms of speech and Morocco. press. The conference definitely built up my personal and pro- In conclusion, it became apparent that not all countries fessional experience in international studies and business by desire the freedoms that the U.S.A. was founded on and con- providing me a chance to interchange knowledge with wom- tinues to promote in other parts of the world. We must work en around the world. It also made me a braver and more hard to understand the cultures and societies we want to help thoughtful individual. and truly see if what we are doing is desired and beneficial

8 The Bulletin strength in themselves and in each other. These women had banded together and found ways to give back to their communities, whether through education, community service, or entrepreneurship. They had used the challenges of their lives as means for personal growth, and they had succeeded in bettering the world for generations to come. I can now say with conviction that the human spirit is unbreakable if only we band together and learn from the obstacles before us.

Stephanie Sterling MU ’08, international studies major/ Spanish minor, from Kirtland, OH, is in Lisbon, Portugal, All work and no play? Not exactly ... Rachel, in the teaching English — her “first adventure as an adult.” Even desert outside Dubai in a country where she barely speaks the language and has trouble understanding “social norms,” she is confident that she can depend on the help of women in any part of the world. Rachel Rudwall MU ’08, international studies and Spanish tephanie: I did not know what to expect from the Wom- major/European area studies minor, from Dayton, OH, has en as Global Leaders conference, or from the women just completed a three-month journey around the U.S. and S there, or from the city of Dubai. I was lucky in that respect, Canada and is moving to Los Angeles to work in television because so often we enter new situations with preconceived production. notions of what a person, place, or event will be like. But achel: Following months of planning and hard work, considering that I had met very few Muslim women previ- R 11 Miami students prepared for a springtime visit to ously, and had never attended a conference, and that Dubai the United Arab Emirates. We women had written papers was supposedly the strangest city on the planet, I arrived and composed presentations to share at the Women as Glo- ready to observe and absorb. What I learned from my expe- bal Leaders conference in Dubai, raised adequate funding to rience was this: reach the other side of the world, and convinced our parents Women are limitlessly powerful. It does not matter what that a visit to the Middle East was both safe and smart. We society we live in or what our culture expects of us. We con- were well versed in Middle Eastern culture and basic Ara- nect; we listen to each other; we empathize; we reflect on bic, and we were ready to immerse ourselves in a world that each other’s thoughts; we encourage and embolden each oth- would challenge us greatly. er; we offer to help; we join together. Women who seek However, we did not expect a blizzard in Ohio, delayed change in their lives or communities or countries thrive with and missed flights, lost baggage, and a debilitating stomach this kind of support. bug that would affect two of 11 conferees. We did not plan to be separated in various airports around the world or to lose our business attire in transit, and we certainly did not expect to have to rush to the conference jet-lagged and wearing other conferees’ heels and blazers in order to arrive at our own presentations on time. Yet, even with a myriad of travel complications, the Dubai 11 recognized that obstacles provide great lessons when regarded as teachings instead of negative experiences. It took only a short time for me to recognize just how trivial our travel complications were when compared to the obstacles faced by some of the other conference participants. Students, educators, and presenters from countless nations recounted their life experiences, many sharing tales of war, poverty, sexual abuse, and repression. While their tales wove tapestries of tremendous loss, their voices carried little trace Stephanie, across from the spectacular Burj al-Arab of distress; for, the women of the conference had found hotel, which stands on its own man-made island

Fall 2008 9 women to construct such an undertaking, and am excited to play even the tiniest of parts in the process.

Erika Wirtz MU ’08, political science and marketing major, from Wyoming, OH, is now working at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, in the North Amer- ica Hair Care Division, living in East Hyde Park and “loving it!” She was looking forward this fall to returning to campus for P&G recruiting interviews. rika: [In an interview before the conference for E the Miami “Report” ...] I have had leadership experience at Miami as president of the Panhellenic Association, and I have a passion to engage with other women from around the world, to learn their Erika — along with all the conference participants — was welcomed with experiences of leadership, and I also look forward native Emirati songs and dances at the Desert Extravaganza! to being out of my comfort zone. We may be shocked at each other’s perceptions of freedom ... I encountered so many women at the conference who have done incredible, impactful things in their lives. Most [Reflecting on her experience after her return home ...] can name several women or groups of women who went out One of the most empowering lessons that I learned while in of their way to guide, encourage, mentor, or support them. Dubai was the fact that we are all the same. Despite our ob- vious differences in dress, language, faith, and ethnicity, we For example, the Miami delegation met a group of So- all have similar aspirations, goals, and dreams for the future. mali educators who are developing a leadership training net- All of the women that I met at the conference wanted to work for women in various African countries. Their ultimate positively impact the world and the people who live within goal is to facilitate women leaders at the government level it. I met women from Somalia, Pakistan, Belarus, Lebanon, in countries which suffer from poor governance at present. Saudi Arabia, and even Argentina, to name a few. All of us For now, they are connecting with anyone who is interested became friends and quickly learned of our similarities. I am in the project and gathering information about how to get so thankful for the experience to attend the Women as Glo- the project in action. So I, a young college graduate from the bal Leaders Conference, as I have come away with new con- U.S. with barely any knowledge of women’s leadership in nections, colleagues, and friends that I continue to keep in Africa, have offered to do some research online for them. touch with to this day. Just like that — a plan, a connection, an offer to help. And across continents! I am amazed at the power of these few

To obtain a copy of any paper written by one of the Dubai Eleven,* contact Dr. Jeanne Hey: [email protected].

“The Face of a Lady Leader: Female Presidents as They “The Female Impact on Business and Media,” Jessica Are Seen in the Media,” Ashley Adkins Plechaty

“Minorities in the Media: Gendered Stereotypes of Ameri- “The Internet as a Tool for Women’s Leadership Develop- can Women,” Carrie Almasi ment,” Rachel Rudwall

“Profiles of a Woman Empowered: An Issue Analysis of “Reclaiming Power for Political Change: A Historical Account Cosmopolitan and Bitch Magazines,” Kirby Broadnax of South African Women During Apartheid and Other Glo- bal Initiatives,” Elise Seiwert “Effects of Media’s Portrayal of Changing Women’s Roles in Western Society,” Caitlin Leach “Independent Income, Independent Women,” Stephanie Sterling “Women in a Secondary Educational Context: Single Sex Education and Leadership Development,” Tho Nguyen “Real Experiences from Real Women: Reflections on Liv- ing and Learning Leadership in a University Setting,” Erica * One participant, Caitlin Fitzmaurice, graduated early and could Wirtz not be reached for this article.

10 The Bulletin Introducing Your New WCAA President ... Stevie Bentzen Snook ’69 Dear Fellow Alumnae, sorship. And we are looking into a Western College In- estern College Alumnae teractive Learning Museum, to be established in Patter- WAssociation — 35 years and son Place by the time our last graduating class gathers still going strong! Thanks to the to celebrate its 50th reunion! great Western spirit which we share, These goals, our legacy, are within our reach. To make the WCAA has faced and overcome them happen, we need the continuing generosity of your challenges in the past and will con- support of WCAA scholarship endowments, Reunion tinue to do so in the years to come. gifts and the Annual Fund. Our Association now faces the chal- In the Spirit of Western, Stevie lenge of establishing our legacy, thereby assuring that Western College will live on, long after the last of us are gone. A 15-year WCAA Legacy P.S. Please also consider the gift of your time and tal- strategy is underway. Years 1-5 will see us working to- ents by running for the Board of Trustees to help forge ward making sure that existing WCAA scholarships are our future and continue our legacy strategies. (Turn to adequately endowed. The ambitious goal of years 5-10 page 12 to see the happy faces of trustees currently serv- is the creation of a Western College endowed profes- ing on the Nominating Committee.)

... and Five New Trustees

Luci Bilsland Galloway ’59 grad- many areas, including the Pennsylvania Governor’s uated from Western with a major Committee on Human Relations, Retarded Citizens and in Art, then spent nearly 40 years Group Home Boards, Altoona Hospital Mental Health in the home fashion business before Unit, ACLU and various local philanthropic and peace retiring; she continues to “help out” groups. her daughter-in-law with her home Sally Derby Miller ’56 fulfilled her decorating store. Luci is involved long ambition to finish her college in her church, civic and fraternal or- education by graduating with West- ganizations and sings bass in her Luci ern’s class of 1972, with her hus- church choir and a community cho- band Karl and her six children in rus when not attending grandchildren’s activities or trav- attendance. An English major with eling with her husband, Paul. a minor in education, Sally was Susan Berryhill Hill ’63 graduat- awarded the senior English prize.

ed from Western with a major in After graduation she taught and tu- Sally history and a minor in religion and tored, while continuing to raise her art history before heading for grad- own family along with several foster children, two of uate school at Case-Western Re- whom have become permanent family members. In 1993 serve, then Pennsylvania State Uni- her first children’s book was published and she contin- versity, where she earned a double ues to write and publish — she has nine published chil- degree. She has taught art history dren’s books, with two more under contract. She and at Penn State and published in the Karl are active in their church, and she has served as Susan areas of Italian Renaissance iconog- class representative for several years. Sally’s apprecia- raphy and Baroque architecture. Susan has served in tion of and commitment to Western have never wavered.

Fall 2008 11 Marcia Randlett Oder ’64 gradu- nei Darussalam. She completed her ambassadorial tour ated with a degree in political sci- and departed Brunei Darussalam in late summer 2002. ence but credits her entire Western Since then, Sylvia has served as diplomat in residence education for giving her a broad at both Florida A&M University and Spelman College range of interests which led to a and as the State Department’s senior advisor for Men- variety of careers as she followed toring Coordination. A career member of the Senior her physicist husband around the Foreign Service with the personal rank of Minister country. Over the years she has Counselor, now retired, she continues to be involved in Marcia been a technical editor at MIT; a mentoring and international affairs programs. city planner in Macon, GA; a para- Jocelyn Woodson-Reed ’74 completed a one-year ap- legal in San Francisco, on the staff of a private school pointment to fill a vacancy on the board and in April in Pittsburgh, PA; and finally manager and director of was elected to serve a three-year term (2008-2011). Her her husband’s research companies. She has always biography and photo appeared in the Fall 2007 Bulle- maintained her interest in international affairs which was tin. Anne Adkins Weissenborn ’61, president from piqued by her Western experiences; since graduation 2000 to 2002, has accepted a one-year appointment to she has traveled in Europe, South America and Asia and fill a vacancy. spent some time working in England. Now that she is semi-retired, she is beginning to become involved with volunteer activities. She and her husband live in Ex- The Nominating Committee Wants YOU! port, PA. Sylvia Stanfield ’65, after graduation from Western, earned an M.A. degree in Asian studies from the Uni- versity of Hawaii and studied further at the University of Hong Kong School of Oriental Studies and Linguistics, where her specialization became Asian affairs. She first went to work with the De- partment of State in 1968, and her first overseas assignment was vice consul with the then-American Em- bassy in Taipei, Taiwan. Later as- signments included tours with the Sylvia U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. In Washington, she served as a watch officer in Members of the Nominating Committee (from left) Shirley Small Osepchuk ’55, Anne Adkins Weissenborn ’61, Barbara Williamson the State Department Operations Center; as political and Wentz ’68, Jocelyn Woodson-Reed ’74 and Carol Stone Lehman economic/commercial officer in the Office of the Peo- ’67, chair, take to the phones for their favorite task — calling to congratulate nominees and place their names on the ballot. ple’s Republic of China and Mongolian Affairs; as country officer for Malaysia and Singapore Affairs; and as The Nominating Committee, one of seven trustee com- country officer for Zambia and Malawi Affairs. She was mittees, is charged with the task of finding new mem- director of the Office of Australia and New Zealand bers for the board. They need your help! Although they Affairs, 1990-1993, and headed the Taiwan Coordina- seek candidates representing many classes and for whom tion Affairs Office, 1997-1998. Thereafter, she was traveling to Oxford is not a burden, the most important chargé d’affaires, ad interim, and deputy chief of mis- qualification is a desire to serve! The board welcomes sion of the U.S. Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand. volunteers — please nominate an enthusiastic fellow A Chinese language officer, Sylvia was selected to at- alum you think would make a great trustee. Or, nomi- tend the Department of State’s Senior Seminar. In Sep- nate yourself! Send recommendations to: tember 1999, Sylvia was named U.S. ambassador to Bru- [email protected].

12 The Bulletin See You in Oxford, June 19-21, for Our 50th!

tion with her about various fudge recipes. It tural events, a great beach, coffee houses, all had something to do with a fund-raiser interesting talks, a good bike trail, etc. Sue for something or other. Eleanor was special would love to see ’59ers who want to stop and the fudge was delicious. by. Of course, if you would like to relocate, she knows a beautiful condo overlooking a After 50 years, an unbelievably short mes- harbor that is for sale. Any takers out there? sage from Gordon Garrett, the husband of The sad news is that Sue’s husband died at Penny Boudreau the end of October 2007. Garrett arrived in my e-mail. They Yeah! We have gotten word from Barbara have retired to Sa- Gordimer Roth. She quickly brings us up rasota, Florida, to date — three grown children (two attor- where she is active neys and one pho- in quilting (she has tographer), plus a won several rib- granddaughter bons for her work) and retirement with and jazz (Sarasota much travel time. has the most active She and her long- jazz club in the time beau, Joel, U.S.). They enjoy Penny will make their third several cruises a trip to China this year and had just returned from Norway. fall. Barbara notes Penny, you need to come to our 50th. I am that our world has sure that there is a lot more in between the certainly changed lines here that we need to know about. since the ’50s! Barbara Thanks, Gordon, for your update. A big hello to the very special ladies of ‘59. This year found Mary Jo Porter Brown Here we are 50 years later and looking bet- Speaking of those beautiful far away plac- working again with the Cystic Fibrosis Foun- ter every day! It is time to “catch up” and tell es, Bjorg “Unni” Roiri lives in Kolbotn on dation of Indiana for the local Great Strides it like it is — I am so grateful to get the good/ the outskirts of Oslo. Her two children and walk. They raised over $41,600, a record! bad news from so many of you and thrilled four grandchildren She also orga- to know that so many of you are making also live there. nized a yearly trip plans to travel to Oxford for our 50th reunion Unni retired from to Shawnee Sum- in June. teaching four years mer Theater to ago and enjoys her benefit CF re- Sis Moeller Horst asks when we gather for freedom. She skis, search. As Out- that special weekend of celebration and walks in the moun- reach chair for her hoopla, “Will we be tains and goes to church, she man- doing anything sat- the theater and vis- aged a mission trip isfyingly outland- its art exhibitions. for 19 to help re- ish?” I certainly She also loves to build New Orleans. hope so! Nothing travel. The high- They almost didn’t seems to stop Sis light of this year Unni get out of town due Jo these days. She was her visit with to some of the and Eric have tak- Sue Marquis Gordon in Sarasota, Florida. worst flooding in local history! Their com- en a few trips and They had a great time together. She has munity organizations have come together from time to time also visited southern Spain and Greece. to help those in a five-county area who are can still be found There is so much to see and learn. So, Unni, in need of disaster aid. on various camp- we hope you will make more travel plans grounds enjoying Sis and join our 50th reunion in Oxford — it will Keeping the mind active is fun especially their retirement be a great time. with a membership in the Osher Lifelong and those famous golden years. Their most Learning Institute where weekly lectures on exciting news is that their eldest grandson, And speaking of Sue Marquis Gordon, she various topics, trips to the opera, theater and Cory, was married in July 2007. writes that she is pretty much on the road ballet, and numerous classes are offered at these days trying ISU for a nominal fee. The two that Mary Jo Sadly we need to to help care for her especially enjoyed were a class on religion say good by to mother, who is do- and culture and another on current events. Eleanor Inman ing remarkably The Browns will take a Mexican Riviera George, who died well at 103! She is cruise in November and also visit two of January 6, 2008, trying to get her Ralph’s children who live in California. Jan- at her home in home in Beverly uary and February will find them in Ft. Wal- Traverse City, MI. I ready for sale while ton Beach, FL; if anyone plans to be in the remember many also dealing with area then, let them know. She expects to years ago in a one too many con- be at the 50th and looks forward to seeing “smoker” some- dos in Sarasota. It many other classmates there. where having an is a great commu- Eleanor in-depth conversa- nity with lots of cul- Sue

Fall 2008 13 Ann Ferguson Zeigler says that they have Son, John (aka “Tiger”) has changed ca- est sister at the end of October and her old- had a “Grandchildren Summer” and it has reers and is now the owner of four Burger est brother at the end of June. She is grate- been wonderful. They took care of Bobby’s King franchises. Being his own boss takes ful for the loving support of her Western Col- Mckenna (7) and Hayden (4) for 10 days untold hours — seven days a week, and that lege family which has been steadfast while their parents is with Carol helping with the office duties throughout and thanks them from the depths enjoyed Hawaii. — but they love running their own business of her being: Rosalind Chu (Concord, NC); Actually Ann thinks and don’t seem to mind the time it takes, Judith Conant (NYC); Susie Kitagawa that she and Mike since it is for their family. Daughter Dana (Kamakura, Japan) Ruri Kawashima (To- had the better deal. still lives in D.C. and is about to change jobs kyo, Japan); Peggy Mayer Hill (Greer, SC); Their parents wor- to something very exciting that involves lots Nancy Hsieh Kuo (West Lafayette, IN); ried about the of travel to Africa. Di is really proud of those Hanna Nylander Lutterodt (Accra, Gahna); length of time they granddaughters of hers with the success of and Thalia Crane Sudnik (Poughkeepsie, would be caring for their Packs With Love project. 240 gently NY). The friends marvel at how providence the children, possi- used backpacks were donated to a nearby brought them together at Western College ble temper tan- school district where the kids were going and that they have been so close now for trums, picky eat- without. The school district was ecstatic with over 50 years. Ann ing, not wanting to Madison (11) and Mackinsey’s (8) hard go to bed, etc., but work. June 20th will find Di joining us in Ox- She included a very interesting NY Times no problems — they had a fun time with ford for our big 50th and also her 50th wed- article from the Real Estate Section of March them. Isn’t it interesting how well-behaved ding anniversary, June 20th. (I think our par- 16, 2008, which describes her long search grandchildren can be? Much time was spent ty just got bigger!) and eventual purchase of a more accessi- in the pool and so everyone slept well at ble co-op apartment that is just a short walk night. All is well in Flori- from her former Victorian home. Unfortu- da with the Lakers. nately Earl passed away before the move A week after they left, Laurie and her girls, Julia Althoff Lak- but she enjoys the convenient location of Rylee (12) and Lexi (9) arrived from Colo- er and husband her new home and especially the sense of rado. They had a week together and then Don are planning community where she often runs into former all piled into the van and drove to a fantas- to return to Oxford students. There must be quite a few of those tic reunion with Ann’s brother and his family next June for that because she taught English for 38 years at in Isle of Palms, South Carolina. Beth and big celebration. By her alma mater, New Rochelle High School. her family joined them there. Beth’s Evan the way she is still (9) and Meredith (6) were so happy to see riding the bicycle We learn from their Colorado cousins. Of course they had she took to West- Peggy Mayer Hill a biology lab on the dining room table in Julia ern in 1955! that she is having their beach house ... hermit crabs and var- a busy time as ious sea worms and other living creatures Susan Gessford Spicer sends word that president elect of were a part of the family until they were re- Joe and she have had some wonderful times the Guild of the turned to the sea the day they all left. The touring the U.S. in the past two summers Greenville Sym- children explored the Internet for more in- and spending time phony and next formation on the creatures — Dr. Rother- with their kids and year will be the mel would have been proud! Meanwhile grandkids in El president. She is their busy lives continue with trips to the Paso, Florida, and amazed at how gym, teaching Sunday school, book club Flanders, New Jer- much time both Peggy and other volunteer responsibilities for which sey. They are jobs take. It is hard they are blessed and grateful. keeping busy with to get away, but with her sister, Sue Mayer activities in The Falter ’57, and husbands in tow they head- There she goes again! Of course I am talk- Parke at Ocean ed to Wadmalaw Island (near Charleston) ing about Diana Koch Mascali, who writes Pines. Joe was op- for a wonderful visit with their brother this of another busy erated on at Johns summer — a real treat since they don’t get year with lots of fun Hopkins on August together often enough. In October, the Hills trips. They took the Sue 22 for a brain tu- will be going to Japan to visit their son, Andy, children and two mor. It all went very and his wife, Lyn, and to delight in their little grandchildren to well and Joe is recovering, grateful to have granddaughter Vivienne (2 in September) Hawaii for Thanks- had an outstanding surgeon and excellent and grandson, Julian, who was born in July. giving. Enjoyed an care, thanks to the expert help and advice The computer video chats every now and Alaskan cruise in of their daughter. They also spent 12 won- then are difficult because of the 12-hour time June and visited der-filled days on a tour of Greece and the difference, one party is either asleep or Sunriver (OR) in islands in May. Sue awake. The jet lag August. Next, just was fascinated to will be hard but the two of them see the ruins of all Peggy is eager to cruised in Tahiti Diana the areas she see those babies! and the Marque- taught about for 25 She is already sas, then attended a Pan Am (remember years. Hopefully, making plans to be that fabulous airline?!) reunion in Coeur we will see Spicers at the Reunion and d’Alene. Talk about memories! They are in June. hopes you are all going back to South Africa and will visit the coming along too! family Di stayed with in ’58 with the West- Mary Ellen Tho- ern College African Seminar, so they will add mas Forte mourns Lucretia Bilsland to the three generations of memories there the deaths of her Galloway reports too. husband, Earl, in that almost all of November, her old- Mary Ellen her grandchildren Luci

14 The Bulletin are now in college and heavily into various I received an interesting note from Karla No- sports. Caitlin is a senior at Washington Uni- ell Galantay. She started Western in the versity (St. Louis), engineering/math, and class of ’58, but, when her father became captain of the soccer team; Amanda is a ill, she returned home to help take care of sophomore at University of Evansville, nurs- him. In 1959, she resumed Western stud- ing, soccer, spent five weeks in England ies and graduated. Hence, she has been comparing medical systems; Christine is a considered an alumna of both ’59 and ’58. I sophomore at Purdue, accounting, econom- can pass along this exciting information, she ics, education; Tayler is in the eighth grade, now has eight grandchildren, five of whom football, basketball, baseball; Chris is in the live upstairs in her house in Cassonay and sixth grade, basketball, baseball, golf, soc- three who live in Geneva, Switzerland. She cer; Amanda is in pre-school and Aunt Car- wishes us well but now plans to stick with ol is teaching fifth grade. Paul and Luci will the ’58ers with whom she started. OK, Kar- be spending their weekends cheering on all la, but we ’59ers have much more fun and these athletic pursuits. you will be missed! [Editor’s note: See page 61 for a picture and note on Karla’s recently Hats off to Luci, who serves on the WCAA published book, a collection of musings and Board of Trustees, where among all her oth- stories.] er important duties she is helping to plan for our 50th Reunion. So if you have any Finally, here is the latest Thomason news ideas (especially the outrageous ones) con- from Brooklyn. We will become great-grand- tact her ASAP. parents for the second time on or around New Year’s Eve! Can’t wait for that second Hatsumi Takena- beautiful little girl to ka Whitehead or arrive! I have had “Sumi” as we know a quiet and peace- her, has been re- ful summer, much tired for 10 years. of it spent in the Her last assign- Catskills in a love- ment was as a lan- ly home with a Jane guage officer with Depicting a poem that she composed heated swimming the American Em- herself, this piece of Sumi’s calligraphy pool and a divine bassy in Tokyo, a was recently exhibited in the new screened-in porch, rewarding end to a National Museum in Tokyo. It was the where I read and Sumi rewarding career. fifth time in the prestigious annual relaxed while tend- Her husband, Japanese Calligraphy Competition that ing some beautiful John, already had retired earlier, but came her work was selected for exhibit there. flower gardens and along as her dependent (and man of lei- Entitled “An Impromptu Poem on a entertained various family members from sure). Spring Day,” it may be loosely time to time. Meanwhile, my 80-year-old paraphrased: “On a leisurely spring day, husband, Robert, toured Berlin and East After leaving Tokyo, instead of returning to one can appreciate the enjoyment of a Germany on his bicycle. (This was the 11th Washington, DC, they decided to settle in few moments without worldly trip of his round-the-world bicycle journeys “the real Washington,” WA. They are now distractions, even including the since his retirement in ’87). See you in Ox- living in a very pleasant, small, across-the- butterflies, fragrant flowers, weeping ford, June 19-21, 2009. Many thanks for all river (Columbia) suburb of Portland, OR. willows moving in the wind, misty cherry your priceless blue card news. Cheers! The area offers some of nearly everything blossoms ...” The background for the people enjoy. Sumi has become even more framed work is an enlargement of a Jane Toy Thomason ’59 involved in personal pursuits. One of them portion of the basic text. 305 Lefferts Ave. is Japanese calligraphy. She hopes to see many of us at our 50th Brooklyn, NY 11225 Reunion. [email protected]

Head shots from ’58, ’57 and ’56 Multifarias; stunt and band shots from ’59 and ’58 Multis, respectively.

Fall 2008 15 Getting a Little Older, Getting a Lot Better

mond, Indiana, and Mary Emeline Eaton, Honolulu.

World traveler Elinor Griffith Green visited Nova Scotia, Greece and Turkey.

May Egerton Fyfe is at home (temporarily) Celebrating 80 years! but bought a new car — a 2008 Honda hatchback sport model! New Bern pedes- Of the Class of 1929, three of us at least trians, watch out. are back in a “dormitory” (read “retirement center” or care center”), pleasantly lazy and Ruth Harry Hathaway reports Janet McIl- cared for. Sounds a bit like the “old West- vaine Hutchinson looks amazingly good. ern.” The “dormitory” is not very full, howev- Jane Noble Miller. demonstrating the When she is awake, she has “her usual er. After all, we are near 100 or more years Meily Society “WAVE,” Reunion ’08 smile and clear eyes.” Ruth has “shifted” old. Cheers! from six to four cylinders, but keeps on with Marj Lloyd Liggett is living happily in a Cin- family visits and summer concerts. Frances Hall King ’29 cinnati retirement center, where she has just 600 Carolina Village Rd.#262 acquired a new neighbor: Helen Christo- Mary McDonald Stragand says she is Hendersonville, NC 28792 pher Barnett ’37, who had lived all her life “pretty good for 89 and still driving.” on the outskirts of Cincinnati in Terrace Park. Although they were sister classes, Marj Dorothy Adkins Ansari didn’t expect to live didn’t remember Helen, but as they talked to 88, so is grateful to still be here. they named many others known to both. Marj keeps busy knitting, doing sewing and Frances Foorman Dorton spends sum- mending for people who can’t — “It’s free, mers in Indiana and winters with family in just give of my ‘talent’!” — and keeping up Florida. with family. Two daughters, both of whom From Harriet Doll Van de Water: “Am in live in Cincinnati, take her to do errands Harriette Conn Frank remembers Western great good health and still living an active since she doesn’t drive any longer. Her two often, especially Miss Gibbons, who taught life. Five of my six children are alive and sons live in Honolulu and Naples, Florida, her to love history. very well. Elli lives on a ranch in Kenya, Af- and visit at least once a year. Guest rooms rica; John lives in beautiful Mackinac Island, are available, if classmates would like to visit Marguerite Young Currie writes her health Michigan; Anne, a retired M.D., is in Texas; — “If you know early enough, you can have is good though she suffers macular degen- Elizabeth, back from Kenya, lives with me one ... of course holidays are taken early.” eration. She lives in her own home and to my great joy! Charles works in California cares for herself. A daughter lives within 15 and his daughter lives in New Zealand. I “Life goes on,” for Bee Burkholder Sund- miles. She has seven granddaughters and guess that comes from our work in interna- strom. “So far I’ve had a very good year two great-granddaughters. Traverse City, tional relations. Greetings to any of my ’37 health-wise.” She celebrated her 90th birth- Michigan, is home and she used to see Mary friends! Love to hear from you!” day in October 2007, after going to Romey Emmy Eaton every summer. Wilson Colby’s 90th in September. They get WCAA, Inc. together for lunch and visit by phone. Bee At 88 years, I just renewed my New Yorker 325 S. Patterson Ave. didn’t get to see Mary Lou Lynch McCol- subscription until November 2011. I’m be- Oxford, OH 45056 lum this past summer, but her daughter ing optimistic. Would love to hear from more [email protected] sees her often as they both have homes in of you, so if blue cards are difficult for ar- Grand Beach, Michigan. ”Love and best thritic fingers, my phone is 214-357-3148. wishes to all ’39ers for a healthy year ahead.” Suzy Allburt ’41 5003 Elsby WCAA, Inc. Dallas, TX 75209 325 S. Patterson Ave. Oxford, OH 45056 [email protected] Celebrating 70 years!

“It’s hard to believe that next week my family gathers to celebrate my 90th birthday,” wrote Harriet Sheldon Brakken in early August. She still lives in her Seattle home It seems that in this year’s Class of 1943 alone and drives a little — 10 blocks to her notes, half of the news is sad, and my ques- church, two to the drugstore. Otherwise, her tion is — should I share that first or last? If son and family pick her up, friends drive to New address: Susanne Poage Hale has you have started reading the class notes at lunch and appointments — and the library! joined her son at 1111 Travis Court, South- the first of the Bulletin, you have found that “What would we do without books?” Harriet lake, TX 76092. it took no time at all to reach 1943 and this says she stays in touch with her Alaska report! The question I pose should not be a roots. In memory: Jean Phillips Drexel in Colum- surprise — age is taking its toll. My last list- bus, Ohio; Martha Mueller Davidson, Rich- ing of known 1943 alumnae is dated 7/7/

16 The Bulletin 08, and contains 39 names. I received four hours a week at Denton (Texas) Christian She sent pictures of all her grandchildren blue cards this year, and two notices of what Pre-school (35 years!); co-directing the but none of herself. They had a lot of rain in I’ve called sad news — expected at our Meals on Wheels program and driving a February, which flooded many of the homes ages, but still, sad. route each week; time to play bridge twice along the lakes and rivers. Luckily, her home a week and get to water aerobics, same is on high ground. She keeps pretty much Alice Kimball Spooner’s daughter, Becky time! Wow! There may be other ’43ers as at home lately due to saving her energy. She Spooner, sent an e-mail to the Alumnae active, but they do not get blue cards to me! has talked to Betty Jones and Virginia Association, notifying the office of Alice’s I must not forget to add the biggest news — Martin Daw, but she didn’t give me any death March 17, 2008. She described the the arrival of first great-grandchild, Caden news of them. She’s been cleaning house memorial services of April 19 as “celebrato- Lee Wardlaw, born in July 2007 to Fran’s as if she were getting ready to move, but ry,” and the description she gave of Alice’s granddaughter Jennifer and husband. Trav- she didn’t mention that she was really mov- 85th year was in the same tone: “... she el to Williamsburg last August completed ing. passed swiftly, painlessly, and peacefully at Fran’s busy year. a time when she was in fine fettle, good Toni Von Lengerke Kimm made three trips spirits and in pretty good health for an 85- So, your class rep, Margaret Null Bell, con- to see her sister in the Bahamas, Harbor year-old. She had finished her New York cludes with just a small note of thankfulness Island. One of her grandsons has been in Times crossword puzzle and was hoping the that life continues well, albeit considerably Afghanistan, where he is a helicopter pilot. ASU Sun Devils would be playing in the slowed down! A wedding here, a new baby Toni has a granddaughter getting married NCAA tournament.” there, a family get-together — all inter- any day now, and her grandson is in gradu- spersed with the inevitable visits to the doc- ate school. She says “They’re all so much An e-mail from George Pfleger concerning tor — made up a satisfying life of almost 67 smarter than I was.” Janet Kirshman Pfleger, contained news years with husband, Marion. (as of July 29) of Janet’s lengthy illness in Virginia Cook Marquett, another of my the past year, which culminated in hospice Margaret Null Bell ’43 faithful correspondents, is, as all retirees care. I have been kept informed of Janet’s 801 Huntington Ave., Apt. 5 seem to be, very busy. She went to North problems for several months, as has Hedy Warren, IN 46792 Carolina to visit her son-in-law, her grand- Holt Bancala; we had talked frequently by daughter, Kathryn, and her 1-year-old great- phone about Janet and have had occasional granddaughter. In August, she took a river- phone chats with her. Janet and George’s boat cruise on the Rhine and Mozel rivers. large family have visited frequently from She started in Antwerp to Basel, Switzer- West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan and Califor- land. She’ll be back in North Carolina for nia. Sadly, later news arrived that she had Christmas. passed away on September 26. Janet Heinz Philips said that this was not Now for the blue cards: The alumnae office notified me in March of a good year for her. She had a broken hip the death of Anne Campbell Buettner and in August last year, a knee transplant in De- Amy Fleming Chatfield is still living in Le- sent her death notice. I realized that we cember, and a fractured pelvis in May of land, Michigan (northwest lower peninsula) shared a birthday, but she was a year older 2008. She went to Florida for three months and has 10 grands (five boys, five girls). She than I. She left her daughter and two grand- and attended her granddaughter’s gradua- says she spends much time gardening and children. Her husband died a few short tion from Eckerd College. Her son, Vol Jr., “board meetings” (never bored!). (That’s a months after their marriage. She traveled died in January of 2008 of complications direct quote — Amy, if that word in quotes is all over the world during her lifetime and vol- from kidney failure. During the year, she actually “board” and you aren’t “bored,” unteered to bring loads of basic necessi- wrote her memoirs. The book is 312 pages you’re a wonder!) Amy invites Western ties to orphans in Russia and China, volun- long, with many pictures. friends to stop by if we are in Leelanau, teering nearly 9,000 hours at her local hos- which I remember as a lovely area. pitals. The best letter-writer of you all, recently, has been Lucy Hittle Jackson Teeter. After a Mary Moffat Finkbeiner, in Gambier, Ohio, And Milly Walker Elberfeld notified me of 49-year Jackson marriage, she married a is seeing Kenyon College students as they Josephine Howell Tipton’s death in May friend named Carroll Teeter, a fellow writer return for fall semester and hopes they re- 2007. I think that this is the first time she — he, a journalist. Between them, they have member their current days as fondly as we has written. Even after all these years, she 10 kids and 10 grandkids to keep up with or remember our days at Western! She finds said, “I have no news of any consequence track of. Lucy is busy writing the Jackson life still good — full of books, quilting and as usual.” family history, assisted by all of the family crossword puzzles. letters that her sister had saved. Carroll’s We didn’t have a very good collection of health requires him to stay in Florida where Hedy (Betty) Holt Bancala has enjoyed fall news this year, but I’ll give you what I have. there is more oxygen than in their summer activities of a visit from her “baby” sister, who home in the mountains of North Carolina or lives in Tucson (remembering the startling Jane Harris Bugnand finds it hard to be- their family compound in Michigan. So news that arrived in December 1941, when lieve that the class of ’45 has been around they’re spending their time in Florida, close Hedy was a Western College junior) — and for so long. She still attends two reading to family, doctors, and 911. an even bigger reunion of family from New groups, a study group at church, and trav- Jersey and Pennsylvania. She is feeling els to Mexico to see her sister and to Colo- I (Ardis Dechman Coninx) continue to love better, from her long bout with shingles, and rado to see her daughter. As you may re- my retirement home. I see this move as ready to entertain! member, she shares half of her son’s du- God’s plan for my life, as the quadrupled plex. space for our library was ready for me to Frances Judy Du Chemin reports a good take care of less than a year after I moved year and good health, with a startling num- I can count on hearing from Marilyn In- here. My townhouse is about four or five ber of activities — school volunteering four skeep Fischer each year. Thank you, Inky! blocks from the library, so I get a good walk

ALL classes come and celebrate WCAA’s 35th at Reunion ’09 ... June 19-21!

Fall 2008 17 a couple of times a day and have joined a coming up for the kids. balance class, two Yoga classes, and a new- News of other class- ly formed Zumba class (aerobic exercise to mates comes from Latin music). My kids come to see me oc- Anne, too. She spent casionally, but they are all busy with their time in the spring with own families, so my friends here have be- Ellen Pletcher Marsden. come my family. I also do data entry for the alumni association at my former high school, Dene Stern Mayer has and this connection got a friend of mine and a guest room that she me to start an alumni club of over 50 ETHS would love to share with graduates here on our campus. This year any Western comrades. will be our seventh year party, with gradu- To stay in the historic/ ates from 1926 to 1947. political mode, she sug- gests nearby Philadel- I don’t know whether any of the members phia is a wonderful his- of our class will be at Reunion this year, but toric experience. She’s I’m still hoping to be alive to go to our Re- also only a quick bus A Dean (that’s Anne Mack Dean) family reunion! union in 2010. I hope you are too. That will ride to New York. Any- be our 70th! Love to you all, Dickie. one want to meet for lunch? After six days a the Danube, but their life is filled with volun- week exercising with a bunch of 30-year- teering, exercising regularly, and (you won’t Ardis Dechman Coninx ’45 olds, she’s ready for any activity! be surprised) frequent trips to the theater 606 Trinity Court taking in repertory from Hamlet to Gypsy to Evanston, IL 60201 While our daily calendars reflect current po- Hair. Just in case they didn’t have enough [email protected] litical events, the class travelers are keep- to do, a major storm bashed roof, deck, and ing us in touch with much earlier philoso- skylights, creating a mess that took six phies. A windfall came to Jane Alexander months to fully repair. Durrell by way of a commission from her former employer, the Cincinnati Art Muse- However, life is not all about exotic travels um, to write a history of the museum, com- for the class of ’47. At the time of her writ- bined with an offer from a bicycle tour orga- ing, Gene DeScherer Popkin was surviv- nization to create their web site to make a ing hurricane jitters well, ignoring the ab- big trip possible in the fall. A quick visit with sence of water bottles on supermarket The politics of 1947 were a long time ago, her son, Jeff, in London preceded a tour in shelves, grateful for ordinary thunderstorms but, from the news of many of our class- Greece, which Jane felt had an appropriate and lightning shows. She took her annual mates, 2008 keeps many of us involved in Western connection through Narka Nel- breather in the north to visit family and en- the affairs of the world. A long letter from son’s devotion to the classics. After the tour, joy mountain greenery. Her first great-grand- Anne Mack Dean, written on vacation in her daughter, Amy, met her for another week child will arrive in November, a true gift of Hendersonville, NC, with Peter, Charlotte, of exploring in Greece. She topped off the Thanksgiving. Gene herself is still “playing Julian (5) and twins Clara and Jack (2½) adventure with another stop in London to with clay,” creating plates and pots. says that she and her sister Mary will take a relate travel tales and details to her family fall “lobster” tour up the East Coast and one there. Just to add to her London connec- Maxine Murray Long reports that all is well of the highlights will be spending a few days tions, grandson Matthew spent several in her part of the world — children and with Mary Lou Feller Epremian. Mary Lou weeks with her in summer while he worked grandchildren all busy and thriving. She is is very active in Democratic politics in New at King’s Island. His verdict: London is bet- taking the view that a new political season Hampshire, but Anne and Mary Lou will also ter. Could that opinion reflect the tedium of is interesting but a wait-and-see approach share their disappointment that Hillary Clin- the American election campaigns? is also necessary. ton lost the nomination. “It’s time for a woman to run for president,” writes Anne. She A long e-mail from Mary Tillinghast brought After 25 years of volunteering at the Art In- also had a busy summer with a big family news of a very special trip in March 2007 stitute of Chicago and loving every year of reunion in Washington, DC, enjoying each with a Peace Corps buddy working in Mex- it, Jody Farrell Vogel is ready to try for another and exploring the historic beginnings ico. They went to see the Olmec heads at other 25! Tai Chi and swimming, some trav- of our government and the current land- the archeological museum in Villlahermosa el, and the enjoyment of family and grand- marks, adding illumination to the election and from there went to Palenque to see the children occupy her time away from the In- “most complete” Mayan ruins. After viewing stitute. That family produced a rousing cel- this ancient form of government, she moved ebration of her birthday! to the Medieval era with a visit to Croatia, Slovenia and Dubrovnik. Mary has decided The Kirkhoff family had a wonderful time to travel in the future with travel agencies together in June. We went to two college who will assume some of the responsibility graduations and spent the rest of the time in support of her adventurous spirit. She on Cape Cod where our Embassy family has recommends Grand Circle and would love a home. They had a little longer vacation to have a companion who also is interested because they were changing posts from in out-of-the-way locations.When not trav- South Africa to India so everyone wanted to eling, Mary lives in Raleigh where she fills stop by for a reunion with them. Great for her time with books, helping to produce a Jim and me! Nothing very historic about it monthly newsletter, and bridge. She also unless you count the elder relatives (us) and “A trio with much catching up to do”: Anne had a visit with Barbara House Crenshaw. our proximity to Pilgrim landmarks, but lots Mack Dean (left) received a call from of fun. We even had a great early celebra- Barbara House Crenshaw (middle), which Elaine Kramer Millman leads a busy life, tion of our anniversary with champagne, lob- prompted a meeting in Baltimore with still seeking to make the most of every day. ster, and dancing in the livingroom by all Marilyn McKasson Pletcher (right) as well. She and Herman enjoyed a river cruise on ages. It’s been a good year, filled with some

18 The Bulletin new hobbies and sharing them with new and out of Cincinnati weather. If you like rafting old friends. My latest is trying to ring bells. in Class VI water, her two sons own and are Jim does wonder when he sees me waving expanding their business in W. Va. to make spoons in the air to practice at home and it it an adventure center. In September, she does make it very hard to stir the soup! will make her annual visit to three high school friends in Seattle. You will all be grieved to hear of the death of our classmate Georgia Voorhees Muel- Ruth Ault Hadley and her husband, David, ler on April 3, 2008. We will all remember continue to be involved in medical and vol- her marriage to Konrad in March 1947. It unteer activities. He has been appointed for seemed the ultimate romantic event when another four years as Hendricks County, they took vows under a tree near Oxford with Indiana, health officer, and does not know the blessing of a local minister. Georgia and how to be retired. Ruth is involved in the Konrad lived many years in Washington, Friends Meeting in Plainfield, Indiana, does D.C., with the exception of seven years over- sewing for newborns in need, and reads seas in London, Puerto Rico and the Pana- Class of ’48 “hitched their wagon to a star”! once a month to residents of their local nurs- ma Canal Zone. Georgia served many vol- ing home. She took three trips east for var- At Reunion ’08, left to right: Ellen Siddall unteer organizations including a term as Zimmerman, Alice Crabb Brandon, Marge ious meetings, including the wedding of her Maryland state president of the American step-granddaughter in Teaneck, New Jer- Hoerres Kalkoske, Nancy Fleetwood Association of University Women. She is McKinney sey. A highlight was being invited by the survived by Konrad, son Stephen, daugh- present owner of the house where she grew ters Margaret and Marianne, as well as up to come inside and see what changes grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. ley has three children and eight grandchil- had been made. They went twice to Free- dren — Pat has two children, four grand- port, Maine, to see Dave’s sister and had We also regret to tell you that travel difficul- children, and a great-granddaughter on the lobster at her beachfront cottage. ties have made it necessary for Anne Mack way. Both are always interested in hearing Dean to resign from her position as a WCAA from classmates and Western friends. On Nantucket Island they call Jane Carpen- trustee. She has represented us well, bring- ter Jones and her husband, Bill, “washing wisdom and devotion to all her activi- Highlights of a sort for Jo Moore Becker ashores.” They have lived there since 1987 ties. Such service is exceptional and we, and were a bad fall in September ’07, followed and take advantage of swimming and boat- all the alumnae classes, will miss her con- by a disastrous storm in December in the ing. They love to travel, and in the past year tributions to the present and future of the Northwest. The fall broke her left wrist, nose, they have taken trips to Australia, New Alumnae Association. However, Anne will glasses, and badly damaged her knee. The Zealand, Fiji, Canada (trans-Canada train continue to be an active member and Re- storm left her with no power or phone in her trip), Florida, Texas and Egypt. On Nantuck- union visitor and urges all of us to join her all-electric house for eight days. Luckily, her et, Jane keeps busy with DAR meetings, in Oxford in June. She reports that the staff place sustained no damage, and friends church committees, book club, and as a is planning very special events for the 35th came to her rescue with food and TLC. docent at the Nantucket Lightship Basket Anniversary and that it should be a great Museum. She would enjoy hearing from mix of many classes, and a chance to see Following her children north to Leland, Mich- Western friends. old friends and to make new ones. igan, her previous summer hometown, proved to be a good move for Peg Kreh- Greek Islands called to Elizabeth Mitchell Thank you all who wrote, but we’d love to biel Meeker. She keeps busy through Baker, who visited there with her children hear from the rest of you. We don’t all trav- church, friends and community. She sees last spring. Later, she sold her old condo el all of the time and we would like to know Mary Jane Liggett Matson, whose broth- and moved onto one floor in Peoria, Illinois. what you are doing on normal days, what er-in-law attends the same church. Of Peg’s Bixie writes that her children are all married you are reading and thinking, what activi- 16 grandchildren, three are married, and her and happy. ties you enjoy most. first great-grandchild is expected in Septem- ber. She would very much like to show the Lynn Trimmer Collins’s blue card got Anne Eberhart Kirkhoff ’47 area to any Westernites. caught in a cookbook when she was trying 3907 Calvin Ct. to cook Brussels sprouts — we hope she Burlington, NC 27215 Elderhostel trips to East Aurora, New York, was successful! She still spends five months [email protected] Annapolis, Maryland, and Duxbury, Massa- in Michigan, where by now all her children chusetts, were taken by Mary Jane Liggett have their own cottages. She still does some Matson. In late June, she went to Ohio for canning, but not as much as in the past. the annual family reunion, and from there She enjoys reading and walking (when her went to Lake Leelanau, Michigan, to see legs let her). Cliff’s brother. She also visited her sister, Lucy Liggett ’54, while there. Grace Sherman Streb and Greg miss travel with their big motor home. They hate flying, Betty Huttenbauer Heldman was our so drive to visit in the Southeast states, the Celebrating 60 years! class’s sole representative at the Reunion West and the North. They have added a Meily Society Luncheon. Both she and Mary loving little dog to their lives. Their oldest The Lawrence twins — Shirley Conyers Jane say that ’49ers can do better than that! grandson and wife, who had a civil marriage and Pat Chowning — want classmates to Betty says that our class flag replica looks service, decided to redo it with a big mod- know that they are doing well. Jim and Shir- as good as it did when first displayed. ern renaissance affair in August, complete ley have their own vineyard and make their with period costumes! Grace wonders who’ll own wine. They are still active in Sonoma, Bunny Bartizal Proctor continues to be ac- be coming to our 60th reunion next year. California, where Jim works as a tasting tive as a lay reader and chalice bearer in room rep. Pat is still in Noblesville, Indiana. church, and is also on the altar guild. She Ruth Perrill Sheridan has lived in Naples, Both gals are avid mahjong players and enjoys gardening, walking, and working out Florida, for many years, and has occasion- teachers, and phone each other often. Shir- at Curves. Sanibel in the winter gets them ally met Western girls there. Her life has

Fall 2008 19 been busy with trips, volunteer groups and to Fenway Park to cheer the Red Sox, with supporting the Naples Philharmonic Cen- wonderful seats provided by son Bob. ter, etc. Call her if you are in the area. Jane Osgood Tatge ’49 We offer heartfelt sympathy to Dorothy 11 Eltinge Pl. Davis Kruse, whose husband, Freddie, died Glenville, NY 12302 in May after 59 years of marriage. He had [email protected] congestive heart failure and was home after many months in a rehab facility. She is doing OK, with the help of her five children and 10 grandchildren.

It was graduation time for Nancy Suter Hull and her family. Her oldest granddaughter, Rachel, graduated from Washington and Lee, and will enter Emory University for her Ruth McVicker Rhodenbaugh: Our lives master’s this fall. Mike graduated from high continue to be busy, enjoying our time in school and will enter Bridgewater College Vero Beach during the winters and Cincin- in the fall. Rebecca will be a junior in high nati during the summers. We took a trip out school. Steven still lives in Hagerstown, west this summer to visit my cousin and Bill’s Mary Shenefield ’51 and Bushy Maryland, and is a lawyer. Daughter Donna cousin, and enjoyed seeing Monterey. We lives in Florida; they visit her each Febru- took a trip down to see Hearst Castle while to be in good health. We still hit the fitness ary and she comes to Maryland in July. They we were there. We will head back down to center regularly in order to keep up with the enjoyed two cruises — the first out of Balti- Vero Beach in October. I hope to see ev- dogs and look after yard and garden.” more to Bermuda, and one out of Ft. Lau- eryone at the 60th reunion in 2011. Please derdale. save the date — June 17-19, 2011, and no Grete Stern Wrede: “I was sorry to miss excuses, ladies, you can put this on your this year’s Reunion. At that time, I was in Martha Roop Coleman loves her new as- calendar three years in advance!! the middle of a six-week drive, which includ- sisted-living home. She had cataract sur- ed a company retiree reunion at Niagara gery, but does not note much improvement. Nancy Hon Krauth: “The big news here was Falls; visits to sons in Saugerties, New York, She has been having a lot of fun reading the historic flood of June 13, 2008. I live just Torrington and Stratford, Connecticut; and her old diaries from 1938 on — she says outside Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and wasn’t di- a friend of 65 years in Orange, Connecti- they read like fiction, although she can’t al- rectly affected by the rising water, but have cut. Lastly, I saw my daughter in Walnut- ways recall the events and cast of charac- been in many ways since. Norm was sched- port, Pennsylvania, before returning home, ters. For any of these she makes up a glori- uled for a colonoscopy at Mercy Hospital some 3,800 miles later. Also saw grandchil- ous past! on the 13th, but had to cancel when the flood dren and great-grandchildren’s baseball swamped Mercy and put it out of business games and class music recitals, Memorial Betty Alling Atwood lives in her home in for several weeks (Fortunately he canceled Day parade with four family members par- Surry, Maine, not far from Acadia National before he began the prep! He is a 12-year ticipating as Scout Master, Cub Scout, Indi- Park. She loves gardening, and is program colon cancer survivor). We bought a new an and Miss Liberty. Ten days after return- chairman of the Surry Garden Club. She black Lab pup last fall, so the winter and ing home, I attended a church conference also belongs to a neighborhood book club spring were spent raising and training Tripp. in Los Angeles and touched based with a and for years has served as a “friendly vis- We and the three dogs spent the month of grand-niece I haven’t seen in 10 years. Met itor” at the Blue Hill Congregational Church. March in Fairhope, Alabama, to get away her husband and enjoyed their two young She is a docent at the Jonathan Fisher from Iowa’s severe winter weather. Spring sons. Stephen McSwain makes custom House, an historic home in Blue Hill, and is here was wet and summer is hot. It’s the steel guitars and has many well known rock on the board of the Hancock Democratic same all over the Midwest. We are looking stars as his customers. Great trip!” National Committee where she does can- forward to a week’s visit from son Steve in vassing and calling. August. He lives in California and usually Mary Peterson Shenefield: “Bushy, my pet spends Christmas with us, but couldn’t get shih tzu, goes with me nearly everywhere. Jane Osgood Tatge and husband Bruce away this past December so we have not Phoenix to visit Eric and Linette is as far as stayed close to home this summer, but we seen him since 2006. Norm and I continue I roam from Prescott, although last year I did enjoy a train trip to Montreal with my did go to Ohio for my 60th high school class brother, John, and his wife to celebrate three reunion. I have stepped back into some of 80th birthdays. The ride along Lake Cham- my volunteer activities, primarily AAUW and plain was beautiful, as were the botanical my church. My granddaughter Joni writes a gardens in Montreal and dinner in the Old blog every week with the adventures of Jas- Town. In June, we went to Cape May, New per, my 18 month-old great-grandson. She Jersey, for Bruce’s cousin’s 93rd birthday. brought him with the rest of the Georgia Family came from near and far, and rented family to Arizona to see my other grand- a big beach house for the occasion. We daughter, Christy, receive her Ph.D. in busi- were fortunate to get a Victorian B&B right ness management. She is now assistant across the street. Cape May was Bruce’s professor at her alma mater, University of mother’s home town, so the trip brought Georgia.” back many fond memories. The last week in August saw us headed north to Vermont Natalie Christopher Connelly: “Nancy and Maine. One of those we visited was McCudden Osgood flew down to Phoenix Betty Alling Atwood, with whom we spent on April 19, and on the 21st, Nancy, my hus- two lovely days before coming to Cumber- band, John, and I drove up to the Navajo land, Maine, for our youngest grandson’s ’51 classmates Natalie Connelly and Country to Monument Valley, Canyon De 7th birthday. Before returning home we went Ruthie Rhodenbaugh Chelly, the Petrified Forest, points between

20 The Bulletin Visit our web site directory to register your e-mail address: [email protected] and back to Phoenix. It was fascinating and Amtrak this spring to our grandsons’ activi- Yvonne Beaumont Mc Cullough: “All is always fun. We did not make our annual ty. I thought it was fun, John not so much, well in Maryland. It has been a good year trip to St. Paul and Wisconsin until July, so especially since the train was three hours with our health holding up enabling Jim and we did not see Nancy until the last day be- late getting into Chicago and one hour late me to have a lovely trip to the Hawaiian Is- fore we flew home. We had lunch with the returning to Detroit. The trip recalled for me lands in April. My garden at home flourished entire family, and then Nancy drove John, all the B&O train trips I took from Hamilton and the one at the day care center where I son Mike and me to the airport. Nancy is to Detroit while at Western. At that time the volunteer also provided some beauty for the the honorary grandmother to Brigid and trains were crowded because of returning people to enjoy. I gave my husband an 80th John B. I am flying back to Indiana on Au- servicemen.” birthday party (at home) with 25 guests. I gust 20 to join other high school friends for don’t think I’ll do that again but it was a fun my 61st reunion. I can say that to you all Alice Merwin Tweedy: “I continue with vol- time. One granddaughter married in Sep- since we are all the same age!” unteer work and enjoy visits from the chil- tember and another gave birth to a boy, [email protected] dren. I keep more busy than I think I wish to!” making me a great-grandma! I try not to think of getting old. Blessings to all ...” Jane Donaldson Buswold: “As a result of Jeanne Owen Buhler: “In the summers we a hip replacement in May 2007, I can now are constantly back and forth to Smith Mt. Sixtieth Reunion, June 17-19, 2011 ... NO claim a flat stomach and no love handles. Lake and the piles of mail grow on my desk! excuses! Physical therapy and daily exercises will do Frank and I are fine with the usual old-age the trick. Physical movement has never stuff that seems to come to all of us. Our Ruth McVicker Rhodenbaugh ’51 been high on my list, but the wish to walk family is all doing well —the oldest grand- 4725 Burley Hills Dr. did give me incentive. I went to Forth Worth son, Owen, just graduated from the College Cincinnati, OH 45243 to see my sister who lives in an assisted of Charleston, South Carolina. Our son-in- living place and for the first time we did the law, Tom, is heading the School of Business ‘remember when’ thing. She is 13 years old- at Sweet Briar College now. I am president er, and I learned a lot from her that I had of the Lynchburg Adult Care Center Board never heard before. Good fun. Life is on an of Directors, which keeps me busy during even keel right now. I wish the same for all.” the week.”

Barbara McGill Benson: “We keep mov- Josselyn Bennett Winslow: “Greetings ing on, although we’ve had to stop playing from Bellingham. Frank and I had an ad- Here it is the week after Labor Day and I tennis. Jack se- venture this summer. Our 25-year-old am trying to finish these notes so that you verely pulled a granddaughter, Jessie, is attending design can possibly read them before Christmas. leg muscle and I school in New York City. We asked if she tore my left would be willing to act as a tour guide for First, let me tell you that nine people attend- shoulder rotator us, her brother (age 24, from Phoenix) and ed all or some part of the Reunion Week- cuff. So we walk four other cousins (ages 14-20). She end. I was sorry not to make the trip to Ohio, a lot to try to keep agreed, so planning began. When we ar- but here’s the group that did: Barbara body and soul to- rived at the airport, our 20-year-old grand- Johnson Wright, known as “Long John,” gether. This past son from Montana managed to make res- Barbara Johnson Mecklenborg, known as July, we took a ervations for our ride into the city — which, “Johnny,” Mary Ann McCain Lynch, Lee wonderful trip due to a generous cabbie, included a great Ann Prendergast Curry, Sheila Prender- through the night time trip from LaGuardia, in a loop gast Luetkehans, Marita Lakonen Judge, Northwest to see down through Brooklyn, along the river and Ginny Wells Weiss, Joannie Willitts the beauty of Mt. up into lower Manhattan to the hotel. The Glatte, and Pris Strand Berry. Bensons, on their 50th Ranier, the Cas- three boys and Frank and I stayed in the cade Mountains, hotel suite and the two girls shared a tiny The Reunion got off to a good start at a Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton na- New York apartment with Jessie and her Coffee Brunch put on by the Knolls and tional parks. Thank goodness such country roommate. We had subway passes, New Johnny, who was so excited to show off her is preserved for us to all enjoy. Jack’s still York City passes for the major tourist sites new home. Her address is: 23 Ivywood working full time, but as for me, I’m thor- and got tickets for South Pacific. While the Square, Oxford, OH 45056. Phone: 513- oughly enjoying my retirement.” sites were fun, the best part of the trip was 524-7418. To quote her most recent e-mail, [email protected] seeing the cousins having the fun of being “There are so many friendly people here, together and enjoying the experience. and something to keep you busy from morn- Helena Fiesselmann Zabriskie: “Greet- ing until night, or at least after dark. What a ings, one and all! This September 2008, “On our way back to the West Coast, we life! Please come and see me if you are in John and I will have celebrated our 57th stopped by Minneapolis for a Korean War the area, particularly at Reunion-time.” Does wedding anniversary and will have lived in reunion. It was a get-together of the individ- she sound happy or what! our home 48 years, though if the housing uals who were members of the Korean Mil- market improves in Birmingham, we will be itary Advisory Group. I am still volunteering Mary Ann McCain e-mailed that the party out of here in a flash! We are thankful for with the Alzheimer Society and in my spare at the Knolls was wonderful and included a our children and delight in our two grand- time, trying to get some old pieces of furni- cake with frosting that looked like a replica sons. We continue our volunteer work at our ture which we had in our basement refin- of our class flag. After Reunion she went church, in our community and at the Detroit ished and moved into our condo. Downsiz- home to celebrate her granddaughter’s 10th Zoo. One note of interest, perhaps: For ing from a big house to the condo has been birthday, then off to Mammoth and Yosemite. many years two of our children have lived challenging, but enjoyable. It has encour- in the Chicago area and we have always aged me to see if it is worthy of the space I had a nice note from Lee Ann Prender- driven over to see them. Because of age and fits into our lives these days. My best to gast Curry, who had gone to the Reunion and unexpected bad weather, we took the all Westerners.” with her sister Sheila Prendergast Luet-

Fall 2008 21 Lyn Dixon Present It was fun to hear from Sandra Packard writes that she is still Cleveland after a number of years. She enjoying her “old” age, writes that she “has many happy memories playing golf, volun- of Western, though she only attended for teering and having one year. She graduated from Syracuse fun with her grand- University. After leaving the East Coast and and great-grand chil- NYC, she lived in Bozeman, Montana, and dren. She went to Ox- then in San Diego before her new husband, ford for a Miami event Jack Cleveland, and she moved to Bend, and enjoyed seeing Oregon, in 1994, Sandra has three daugh- Western’s beautiful ters: two in Portland, Oregon, and one in campus again. Portland, Maine.

Lyn keeps in touch An e-mail from Cynthia Barnes Stokes said with Vesta Peters how much she would have liked to be at the Philbrick, just as I do. Reunion and seen Johnny’s new home at I chatted with her just the Knolls. She knows she will visit Oxford before writing these now, as she will have a place to stay. She is notes. She has had to still working full time for a Dallas Law firm. put her husband in an “Let’s Go Crazy,” sang the Class of ’53! At Reunion ’08, left to assisted-living facility, A long letter, as promised last year, came right: Mary Ann McCain Lynch, Pris Strand Berry, Sheila nearby. It was a nec- from Audrey Palmer Jones. She and her Prendergast Luetkehans, Barbara Johnson Wright, Lee Ann essary move, as Ves- husband, Bob, have done a bit of traveling Prendergast Curry, Barbara Johnson Mecklenborg ta was unable to give him the constant care kehans. Pris and Johnny showed off their that he needed. Their grandson Ryan, a homes on Friday, and on Saturday they vis- sergeant in the ACR (Armored Cavalry Reg- ited Miss Peabody, and went behind the iment?), is leaving momentarily for his third scenes at the Miami Art Museum, viewing deployment to Iraq. He has been wounded new acquisitions before they were displayed twice already by lUD’s and has been award- for the public. To quote Lee Ann, “The cam- ed two Purple Hearts. pus looked great and surprisingly the people who work in the kitchens and around There were two nice notes from Mac Cul- the campus buiIdings, etc. have a strong ver Daniels, always a loyal correspondent. feeling for the college and were very proud She has two sons in the service, one in the of keeping it up. The Meily Society luncheon, regular Army and one in the National Guard. the Annual Meeting and the Banquet were He too expects to be returning to the Mid- interesting too. And, as always, the food was dle East in early 2009. Their oldest grand- delicious.” daughter is attending the University of Wis- consin, in Eau Clair. Mac is very involved Traveling Joneses I spoke on the phone to Marge Ashton with her church and family. Ruby, who had attended our 50th. She re- since she last wrote to me. They spent a gretted not making this last Reunion, but I hadn’t heard from Pat Brandenburger week in Cincinnati attending Bob’s 50th Re- was preparing to go on a trip, flying to Po- Green in several years. She writes that she union at the University’s College of Medi- land and eventually to Israel. Marge lives in and Frank are still enjoying retirement, liv- cine. It was fun seeing old friends and the Denver, has six kids, 10 grandchildren, and ing six months in Florida and six in Pitts- many changes in the college since 1957. three great-grandchildren. It keeps her busy burgh. Their daughter lives in Wellesley, Just two weeks after returning home from just remembering birthdays. Massachusetts. the reunion, they left on an Elderhostel trip to Wales. Their grandchildren are either in, Eva Franceschi Stanford sent me an e- Sally Trowbridge Blackwelder sent along or graduated from college. They are off the mail with her new telephone number: 914- this wonderful picture of her and her hus- end of September to enjoy New England’s 214-834. (After seven rings, if no one an- fall foliage, beginning in Maine. Here’s a swers, it will go to e-mail. handsome picture of two Joneses.

Doris Jeanne Mclntosh Webb writes that Beryl Wallman Bennewith sent along a she still enjoys meeting people from all over blue card, hoping it would escape Gustav the world, who visit her B&B, the Ebanezer and its followers this hurricane season. They House in Rochelle, VA. Not long ago she are planning a trip in October to Philadel- co-authored a book, Self-Esteem and Em- phia, followed by trip to Nova Scotia to visit powerment, published by the Professional friends. Women’s Network. Her youngest grandson has recently been accepted at the Pennsyl- One Sunday in August, Debbie Cohen vania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. Cruising Blackwelders Kalodner and her daughter, Liz, made their annual visit to Cape Cod. As always it was Faithful Marty Wilson Rowan writes that band taken last November on a cruise. Sally fun to see her, even if it was only for a short she has just returned from a family cruise was honored last year by receiving an hon- visit. Our daughter, Avery, joined us along on the Baltic Sea. She keeps busy and in- orary degree from Lenoir Rhyne College, in with a Cape Cod girl who roomed with Liz in volved between her church, her book club recognition of her work in education and graduate school. I might say we couldn’t get and many friends. starting the Catawba Science Center in a word in edgewise; but we all, including 1974. Her family will be celebrating her my husband, Paul, had a lively visit. Deb- granddaughter’s wedding in December. bie looked wonderful, as you can see from

22 The Bulletin Wendy Hurrell Hughes did not have any Minnesota was not the only place that I vis- great vacation adventures this year, but she ited this past year. I wanted to be able to and husband Jerry did have adventures. take advantage of my new knee and went Jerry had both knees replaced in October exploring canyons in Death Valley, hoping and they had puppies born in February. to see spring flowers. (They were better in “Both adventures took much patience and Prescott.) A memorial service for my first restructuring of time. Jerry is doing well as cousin took me back to Indiana. Afterward, are our shepherd mom and two puppies. I spent a week with my sister and niece, vis- Recently, we had our 17th grandchild with iting favorite places I had known: Clifty Falls number 18 due in October. And my article State Park (remember our Howl there?), about Sally Miller Ihne’s and my growing- New Albany and old family houses there, up interest in horses was published in the the covered bridges of Parke County, Tur- November 2007 issue of Equus magazine.” key Run, and finally West Lafayette. I even found time to drive my niece through West- Way to go, Wendy! How come it is the non- ern, although it was Sunday and everything Class Rep Cary (right) with Debbie English majors (Wendy and Kay Williams) was closed. I went to Maine hoping to be Kalodner, catching up in Cape Cod who are being published nationally while we there for the birth of my second great-grand- English-writing majors (Sally and I) are not? son (he is here now) and then to Georgia, where I shared in a grandson’s first week- the picture. Can’t say the same for the one Another non-traveler this year was Sara end family pass from basic training at Fort of me. Babcock Burneson. Husband Greg fell and Benning. broke his ankle and ended up in a non-walk- I just want to say how sorry I was to miss ing cast. They used a wheelchair mostly and Along the way I urged friends and family to the Reunion festivities in Oxford — espe- a walker for transfer. He is now in a walking read my favorite book of the year, Three cially Johnny’s new home, the camaraderie boot but is still limited in his ability to get Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson. It is the of old friends, and seeing the campus in the around. Naturally many things were can- inspiring true story of a man who fails to spring. There is no startling news from this celed or postponed. However, Sara keeps reach the summit of K-2, gets lost hiking end, but we are well and hoping all hurri- busy (in addition to caring for Greg) by con- down, and finds his true vocation: building canes stay way out at sea. We spent sever- tinuing her work in charitable missions and schools, especially for girls, in the remote al weeks in Maine before the mountains had foundations. And she participates in walk- regions of Pakistan. I urge each of you to tremendous rains; we’ll be going back soon ing marathons where her children join her. read it too. to enjoy the fall foliage, and eventually the And I think with my new knee that I am do- winter. Keep well and thank you for your loy- ing well to walk a mile! Mary Sicer Moore ’55 alty, sending me your news. 14 Broadmoor Carolyn Dunkin Schulte says her only Prescott, AZ 86305 Cary Kimbark Revere ’53 news is that she retired on June 30 after 14 Box 35 years at the Phoenix Art Museum as tour Barnstable, MA 02630 coordinator. Perhaps now, she adds, she [email protected] can accomplish all the projects piling up around home. Good luck, Caroline, and congratulations on a job well done.

Pris Strand Berry ’54 forwarded the sad news that Sharon English Blake died sud- Just a year ago we were celebrating our 50th denly on June 30, 2008, in Woodland Hills, Reunion. In that year, life has changed for California. some of us and for the Western College Program. We who live in the area are fortu- Instead of writing about herself, Charlene Since her retirement in 2001, Sally Miller nate to meet and know the people involved Ashing Barry sent several questions about Ihne has visited me, Mary Sicer Moore, with the program. We are protective of any the progress of the organ fund and offered every spring for a few days on her way to changes and hope the spirit of the college suggestions which I have not included here an annual meeting in the Palm Springs of survives. I know from the lists of Class of because the next card I received was from California. But this year I visited her for a ’57 donors to the Annual Fund that many of Shirley Small Osepchuk, who has made week instead. Sally had promised that Min- you remember your alma mater fondly and seven trips to Oxford since 2004 (and cur- nesota was “paradise” in early May, but due that you appreciate the quality of your West- rently serves on the board of trustees). She to Global Cooling, Minnesota was still a bit ern educations. Some of the “old” Western says “All is well with the WCAA AND the icy in May. It didn’t matter. We still had a continues in the spirit of the Western Col- Kumler organ is being fixed!!!” In between great time visiting. lege Program. her trips to Oxford, Shirley also managed her seventh trip to Japan. [Editor’s note: See This summer Sally is competing at shows Last spring the Miami University Women’s “Nota Bene,” page 60, for an update on with her Shetland sheepdog, Odyssey Ern- Studies Program sponsored a panel discus- progress of the organ restoration.] ie of Wyowind, CD RE, to earn his Rally sion entitled “No Men Allowed, Women’s Advanced Excellent (RAE) title. So far they Colleges: A Good Idea?” You would have Lucile Robinson Allen has also been trav- have been to shows in the Twin Cities, Du- been so proud of the Western women who eling: Greece a year ago, Charleston, South luth, and Bismarck, North Dakota, and were participated. They talked about their “terrif- Carolina, a river cruise to Holland, Germa- planning to go to Des Moines, Iowa, after ic role models,” about enjoying the “company, and Austria, and Nova Scotia this fall. Labor Day. For vacation some people trav- ny of women,” about faculty who valued what She also went to San Diego, where she met el to Europe. Africa, or the Orient. Some they thought, about “finding my voice,” about with Margie Stackhouse Flickinger and people take cruises. Sally and Ernie go to high expectations. It was a small group that Barb Giles Grant several times. They hope dog shows. heard the discussion but it made me very to meet again to celebrate their 75th birth- proud of my Western education. days.

Fall 2008 23 plan to find more new and dle School After-School program at our exciting places to go in the church with all volunteer workers. Last year coming years.” we had 298 on our roster (averaging 70-80 students each Monday and Wednesday).” From Akron, Ohio, Ione Sandberg Cowan: “Was From Athens, Georgia, Charlotte Knox it really a year ago that we Eberhard: “This year, varied activities have were celebrating our 50th? kept us busy and close to home in Georgia. Bill and I continue to be I plunged into several classes here in Ath- blessed with no more ens — Writing Biographies, Memoirs, and aches and pains than ex- Autobiographies, Psychology of Music – pected at our age. We’re Music’s Effect on the Brain, and Preparing still living in our house and and Eating Raw Foods (many new ideas, still talking about downsiz- which among others, emphasized many ing. It’s probably time but ways to eat spinach and broccoli daily!). I it’s hard to clear out 35 have been participating in a Yoga class — years of memories. Our stretching muscles I don’t even remember travel has centered knowing about — but enjoying it very much. around our family — Hil- Work on history and family history research ton Head with daughters for myself and others, church activities, and Alexandra and Nora, their community arts programs have been impor- spouses and five of our tant also. Wally accompanied me to the grandchildren. We had National Genealogical Conference in May, Most of Sandy Grimes Surico’s family, summer 2007 beautiful weather and a where he immersed himself in German his- great time and plan to re- tory and genealogy, while I learned about Now, a little update from the blue cards — turn next year. Bill and I went to Bogota, new computer programs and web sites for From Seattle, Washington, Mary Ann Fich- Colombia, to spend Easter with Nora and research. As an unofficial delegate, I’ve ac- tner-Mountain: “Since I haven’t written in her family — husband Johannes and Math- companied Wally to several state meetings ages I thought I would let you know that I ias (10), Santiago (8) and Hanna (3). We of his literacy and state friends of libraries am still alive and kicking!! If you are expect- also went to Greenville, SC, in March to vis- boards and sat in on their programs which ing an exciting travelogue, read no further. it Alexandra, Doug, Matthew (15) and Sa- are very interesting. This takes us all over After two visits to Greece I have no desire rah (11). We’re planning another trip there Georgia and has been a great learning ex- to go elsewhere. Not to mention the dollar in October. Tod and his son Charlie (8) vis- perience. September will find me in Kansas exchange against the Euro!!!! I’ve been ited us in June. Tod, Kitty and Charlie live in City for my 55th high school reunion. Hope hanging around the “estate,” doing the usu- Cambridge, MA. One thing about having our all is well for all of you!” al planting etc. It was a very cold spring — children so spread out is having good plac- into Juneuary!!! Late bloomers! I have gone es to visit. At Christmas I heard from some of you . . . “green” too, and planted a veggie garden and am already eating some of it. Just wait- “We had a milestone of sorts when Matthew From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cecilia ing for corn on the cob! Going to eat the got his driver’s license last month. Matthew Segawa Seigle: Cecilia went to Japan for beets at Thanksgiving! This week I plan to plays trumpet in the high school marching an emotional memorial service for her moth- make Oregon grape jelly from my yard and band which will be performing in the Gator er; then traveled with her sister to Hokkaido a secret stash I discovered in the neighbor- Bowl on New Year’s Day. We’ll miss the and other cities. In spite of sciatica and os- hood! My dog, Clio, and I walk every day Gator Bowl as we’ll be in Chile over Christ- teoarthritis, she goes to lots of concerts, and have now met all the dogs and their mas and New Year’s.” theater, art exhibitions, lectures and semi- owners in three blocks! Makes the trek more nars and traveled last October to the Adri- fun!!! I could go broke feeding the birds, but From New Hampshire, Sandy Grimes atic coast. She credits excellent therapists it paid off in several pairs of gold finches Abouzeid-Surico: “Here is a picture of my for keeping her going. At Christmas time she and now their offspring. Their brilliant yel- family as of last summer, minus my daugh- said she is writing another book. low color brightens the feeder. I am still ter-in-law, Kathy, and new grandson, Max. painting and have switched to pastels. I am Stephen and I are enjoying good health with From Newton Square, Pennsylvania, Joan doing well and still loving it!! Kids are good many activities and projects. We travel reg- Mueller McInally: Joan and Mac enjoyed a and the granddogs and all the other fur peo- ularly to see my four children and 10 grand- busy year of travel and also as grandparent ple are great!!! Till next year???” children living in Boston, NJ and Italy. Life spectators for grandson John’s football and is good!” soccer athletic events. They write that they From Columbus, Ohio, Ellyn Talbott are in the throes of a big life change. After Bogan: “I’m so glad Linda, Eric, Marissa and From Dayton, Ohio, Mary Kay Droste 23 years with their company, son Steven has I attended Reunion Weekend this year. It Feller: “This has been a travel summer: taken another position. Mac plans to close was fun to see everyone from the ’58 class. Seattle (twice), Hawaii, Hilton Head. This his company in 2009 and Joan will also re- I often think about the “good old days” and was the year for our entire family (21 of us) tire from her many duties with the company wish we could all be together again. We to be together for a summer vacation, which they have run for the past 26 years. were in TN for a week in July. We had a we did in Hilton Head. This was also our cabin near the Natchez Trace Parkway. We 50th wedding anniversary year and our chil- From Sanibel, Florida, Nancy Lakamp (Sin- did some sightseeing along the Parkway, dren planned quite a celebration for us. It clair) Simpson: Nancy writes that she had lots of info on Meriwether Lewis. A week af- took place in one of our historic parks’ trans- a chance meeting with Joan Mueller McI- ter we got back, my sister and her daughter portation center, complete with antique rail- nally and her husband while dining out with and Linda and I had a girls’ weekend away. way cars — celebrating our 50 years’ trav- friends in Sarasota. What a nice surprise! We went to W.Va. and toured the Fenton eling through our marriage. They did not Nancy reports that when she is in Sanibel Art Glass Co. Then crossed back over the leave a stone unturned and we enjoyed she has a steady stream of welcome guests. river to Marietta, OH, and went through the every minute of it with family and friends. She is busy with children and very young downtown shops. We had a great time and We will continue this year yet with our Mid- grandchildren who live out west, and with

24 The Bulletin maintaining houses in Dover, Massachu- For Class of ’59, see pages 13-15. setts, and in Florida. Alaska was on her travel agenda for August 2008 . From Cincinnati, Ohio, Liz Beatty (Forg) Lee: Liz and husband Bob planned to cruise the South American coast, including Antarc- tica last winter. Daughter Betsy has moved back to Ohio, Bill and family are living near Watch out: The Class of ’61 is on the run! Chicago, and John has joined a firm with 2011 and fun, fun, fun! two other lawyers practicing in the greater Cincinnati area. Life is good. Jane Miller Brooks sends greetings from Toronto, Canada. “Things are good up north. From Ironton, Ohio, Mary Kay Staley Rad- Ontario is cottage country and this summer er ’56: Kay is busy with the Lawrence Coun- I spent time with friends on several lakes Mary Obuchowski ’61, with hubby, sons ty Historical Society. She has studied the and a special week with all of my family: and new daughter-in-law personality of Nannie Kelly Wright, one of son Mike and family from Vancouver, Doug the area’s ironmasters (mistresses?) at the and family, daughter Linda from Ontario. In- time of the Spanish-American War, and has cluded, of course, were my four special Cindy Ackerman Horne agrees: Yes, girls become her impersonator. In 1900 Nannie granddaughters and step-grandson. Keep- just want to have fun! “I’m well and enjoying Kelly Wright was the second wealthiest ing up with the next two generations tubing, the summer at home. My sister and I took a woman in the world. (Queen Victoria was kayaking, and somersaulting off the raft is two-week trip to Alaska — land tour and the richest.) Those iron furnaces in South- getting harder, but we had fun and I didn’t cruise. We had a wonderful time and loved ern Ohio must have been very productive! get hurt. As well in August, I traveled to Nor- our 49th state. We have decided, however, Kay is reportedly an excellent Nannie and way for a hiking trip north of the Arctic Cir- that the next cruise will be to somewhere is invited to speak all over the area. Bob is cle. What a beautiful, peaceful and environ- warm. June in Alaska is sunny but cool. Of very ill but Kay is an excellent nurse and mentally conscious country — I’ll go back. course, everyone told us we should have has the biceps to prove it. They’ve moved For now, back to school and as I say in Sep- been there last year — it was warmer! Sure. to a lovely home overlooking the Ohio River. tember (one more year). Life is good in This was the first trip for us without kids or Canada. Come and visit.” We’d love a pic- teenagers (hers) and we had a lot of fun From Dayton, Ohio: Here we are, in the ture of that somersault, Jane … together. I’m looking forward to a female- same house for 46 years! I can’t believe it! only trip to Disney World in October — my I enjoy being with Western friends from all Gretchen Zimmerman Crawford: Girls just nieces are all grown and we are leaving classes who live in this area. (Jim and I were want to have fun! “Johnnie, I just wanted husbands and children at home. I’m doing among the many guests at Mary Kay Droste you to know that Kitty McKee Chretien, well, getting re-involved with activities I put and Allan Feller’s fabulous 50th anniversa- Marcia Poston, Corinne Tietjens Som- on hold while I took care of Dick. I still have ry party. We were also at Mary Kay and Bob mers, Bobbi Alman Lee and I met for the a few bad days and I miss him, but for the Rader’s river home in Ironton when I cele- weekend of September 12-14. We had not most part I’m coping. Hope all is well with brated my 55th high school reunion.) We are met in many years. Of course we took some you.” Bless you, Cindy. Take care and keep both busy and pleased to be able to have pictures and will send something for a later on “a-movin’.” active lives. Until next time ... newsletter.” Pictures will speak volumes! Great to hear from you … Marcia Jones Friddle: Happy retirement. Sue Mayer Falter ’57 “Everyone in our family is well. Peter, Kathy, 4112 Tonawanda Trail A new title from our Mary DeJong Obu- Sean (almost 5) and Ryan (3) are now liv- Dayton, OH 45430 chowski: mother-in-law. “This has been a ing in a Chicago suburb, and we get to see [email protected] busy year so far for the Obuchowskis. Tim them more often than when they were in married Autumn Smith Peoria. Philip still lives near San Francisco, in April, Mary visited but travels to Dresden often for his job. My Phyllis Hoyt in May two main activities in retirement continue to and enjoyed the Re- be docenting for the Lincoln Park Zoo and union in June, Au- volunteering in the Lutheran elementary tumn’s 6-year-old son, school where Pete and Phil went to school.” Ty (who lives in Cali- Marcia, lucky, lucky kids at that elementary fornia) spent the school. Time well spent. Thank you! month of July with us, and this fall, John Flora Zimmerman Cohen: Western’s bion- plans to attend Wash- ic woman. “My news is that I turned 68 in tenaw Community April and solidified. I’m getting a new left College in Ann Arbor. hip on August 4 (2008) and will probably be We hope to catch our getting a new right knee sometime after the collective breaths first of the year. After becoming bionic, I’ll sometime in the fu- be able to leap tall buildings with a single ture.” More happy bound. We did get to New England in June memories on the ho- and have plans to spend Thanksgiving at rizon, 2011! Thank Disneyworld with our children and grand- Reunion 2008: The 50-year class wins the Peabody Cup! children. But the big trip we had planned to Row 1 (from left): Kathy Piper, Judith Weir Vandergriff, June you for keeping in touch with Dean Hoyt take to the Galapagos has been put off until Regan Young, Jennie Lou Fredley Klim; row 2: Cay Kawallek I have new parts. Other than that, things are Manildi, Gretchen Wampler Mousetis, Sally Raub Alkire; row 3: and for the special session in June on her quiet here. We’re still enjoying retirement Juli Beasley Kinchla, Marty Nichols Koehler, Anne Walthart and keep very busy with our volunteer work.” McMains, Joan Brooks Lennox, Jane Smucker Fryman book, Where the Pe- onies Bloomed. Leap away, Flora. See you at our 50th!

Fall 2008 25 tion of belongings, she is the year has again been filled with fabulous trav- ‘queen of clutter removal.’ Paul els. I spent the end of December and all of and I are looking forward to a January in Australia and New Zealand. couple of short trips in October What beautiful countries! I got to dive the and November.” Keep that sense Barrier Reef and rode a camel in Alice of humor along with your smile! Springs on our way to Uluru. In February, I went with Jackie and family to Puerto Rico Anne Adkins Weissenborn: We for more diving and warm weather. In July, I thank our trusty trustee. “The returned to Costa Rica to dive the Cocos 2008 Reunion was great fun. I Islands on a live-aboard dive boat. I am highly recommend returning to happiest in the ocean, I believe. My parents campus even when it isn’t ‘our’ are doing well. We are planning a road trip turn. It was great fun being able to Jackie’s farm in upstate New York … it’s to room with Mary DeJong Obu- hard to believe they are 96 years young! chowski and Gail Howell Litwil- Jane, Judy and I plan another NY visit in er. Mary led a very interesting the fall. I worked the beginning and ending session based upon Dean Hoyt’s of the 2007-08 school year, subbing for wonderful book, Where the Peo- deans on maternity leave and really enjoyed nies Bloomed. I also volunteered the time there, but am not expecting to re- Corinne Tietjens Sommer, with her son and his family to be part of a smaller group turn soon. Sean and family are still in Brook- whose memories were recorded lyn, so I have added incentives to spend for posterity by Miami and found that espe- time there.” We are expecting to see you Gail Howell Litwiler: “‘We are the Holyoke cially worthwhile. Hopefully, many others will again, Sharon, in Oxford 2011 for more of of the West; buttons burst from our chest.’ volunteer for similar sessions at future Re- the good old times! It has been a busy year for the Litwilers. Tom, unions. My own life ‘in retirement’ has been in May, received an honorary doctorate in full. Exactly a year ago we visited our daugh- Ann Bronaugh Kyle: Family, friends and public service from Alderson-Broaddus Col- ter, Elizabeth, and several longtime friends the U.S.A. “With high school 50th reunion lege in West Virginia, where he is a trustee. in Oregon. Christmas was spent with ex- this past year, I guess the Western 50 will Our daughter, Trish, Dave and granddaugh- tended family at my sister Louise’s (Louise be coming along soon. It would be good to ter Sara moved in August from the eastern Adkins-Ellis ’69) farm outside our home- make that one in 2011. This is a reminder shore of Maryland to Greenville, North Caro- town in Ohio. In June, Elizabeth was with for me to organize my time. This year so far lina, where Dave accepted a tenured track us for two whole weeks while she happily has brought two grandsons’ graduations faculty position at East Carolina University. volunteered as the assistant to the director from high school — one, close to home in Son T.J. is still in Chicago, lawyering at his of SilverDocs, an increasingly well-known North Carolina; the other, in New York. One own firm and doing lots of church work. I documentary film festival here in Silver grandson is now working as a manager at a continue on the Hamptown Township School Spring. Earlier, in January, I began a semes- Tae Kwon Do school and getting ready for Board — in my 19th year — and truly enjoy ter-long assignment as a long-term substi- college education in early childhood devel- it. Also, lots of church involvement. Had a tute teacher of 10th grade English at the larg- opment. The other is in basic training as a great conversation with Suzie West Negron est high school in our area. Now that was new cadet at West Point. Having saved this recently. She sounds wonderful. I enjoyed an experience, shall we say! I knew I was hard-earned money of today, I was able to my time on the (WCAA) board of trustees. crazy going in; little did I know! But I sur- enjoy a wonderful visit to Germany, to friends The Western campus continues to be a vived and hopefully the students learned made through family student exchange pro- special place. Hope many are planning to something, if only the importance of docu- grams. The association was started when attend our 50th in two and a-half years.” menting one’s sources for a research pa- Egon, a high school student from Germa- Thank you for your service on the board of per. Now I’ve returned to largely church-re- ny, came to spend a year with the Kyles trustees. lated volunteer activities, plus one addition, during my college years. My son spent his appointed year on the WCAA board … I look junior year of high school with Egon and Ann Kendrick McCrillis: Lessons learned forward to helping formulate a legacy project family. We have now shared visits across — no to black ice! “Just a short not to say for the Association. Let me hear your ideas the Atlantic and have a real close friend- everything is good here. I fell and broke both in this latter regard! I can be reached at ship. So many blessings I continue to en- bones in my lower right leg January 29th. [email protected].” Blessings to joy, working, being with family and church, Had surgery and got the air cast ‘boot’ and you for your love and dedication to our and just being an American citizen. I hope went home three days later. Spent five Western, Anne. you all are enjoying many blessings also.” months in the cast, then graduated to a cane Ann, we can’t wait to see you in 2011! and now am cane-free unless I am walking Barbara Alman Lee: Keeping in touch from over rough ground or long distances. Les- West Coast to East Coast. “We have spent We Duvalls are well, busy (thankfully so), sons learned: Black ice is treacherous; the last two years getting the boys married. and enjoying our new island home on Vi- handicapped placards are a godsend if only Cory, our youngest, married a year ago in nalhaven, Maine, spring to fall. Harry con- temporary; people are either very helpful Maui. He and his wife are still there, teach- tinues service with the homeless through our when you are in a wheelchair or using a ing science in a local junior high. We took church’s shelter cooking ministry; and I con- walker, or you are invisible; and family and them on a cruise to Alaska this summer. tinue as Eucharist minister, Sunday school friends are wonderful. I have a great deal of Casey, our older son, was married this April storyteller and Bible study co-leader. We equipment that I am storing … Needless to to the love of his life. He is now in Virginia, both enjoy youth sports, especially hockey; say, we haven’t been traveling — in fact, for going to FBI school. We are so proud of and we travel the States (early April) for the a couple of months going to the grocery him. Hope this note finds all of you in good Frozen Four (colleges’ final four hockey store was an adventure. … My daughter health.” Thank you, Bobbi — hope you’ll be teams). Last year we enjoyed Denver and moved back home for three weeks with cat east, to Oxford, in 2011. area as we cheered on Boston College to and computer. She had an agenda … orga- victory. This spring the Frozen Four will be nized my closets, pantry, linen cupboards Sharon Botsford Moyer: Around and in Washington, DC, hosted by the Naval and boxes of school ‘junk.’ If you need a around she goes. “I hope this finds you and Academy. (Anne and Sandy, here we come tornado to clean out your years’ accumula- your loved ones happy and well. This past again.) All our kids are back East/Midwest

26 The Bulletin from California. Duvie is executive director didn’t move to Rhode Island of the South Boston Boys and Girls Club. (smiles). Sue is keeping herself Michele and family moved to Falmouth, occupied on the road by partici- Maine. We visit frequently — to “babysit,” pating in the Guidelines Knit for to enjoy Kayla’s sports and activities at North Kids program. Knitters in the Yarmouth Academy. She is in seventh U.S.A. and other countries have grade, class president and honor student. knitted almost 500,000 sweaters Amber is a second-grader, loves school, full for chilly children around the of energy. Suzy and family live in St. Louis, world. Keep up the good work! MO. Their little guy, Joey, is 2. Donny and family remain New Yorkers, now in Delmar, Sue Nave Wilson wrote from Mi- outside of Albany. He earned his M.A. in amisburg, Ohio, that since she public affairs and policy last year and works has retired, she and husband in the governer’s office, budget division, Dick have been busy with volun- concentrating on energy and the environ- teering at church (sounds famil- ment. He and wife Corrina also bless us with iar to me), Bible study fellowship, grandkids: Dylan (3) and Arielle (1). grandchildren and biking. In the fall, Dick and Sue plan to go on a Blessings to Class of ’61. See you in 2011! mission trip with their church.

Johnnie Kirkpatrick Duvall ’61 Anne Keller Hufford, who lives 24 Willow St. in Plano, Texas, was really excit- Needham, MA 02492 ed that her granddaughter, Kate, Their 45th! Front row (from left): Loretta Ryder, Ella [email protected] is attending Austin College in Brown McMahon; back: Eva Nortvedt Humbach, Joan Sherman, Texas, this year be- Kowalski Jordan, Nia Jones Terry, Susan Berryhill Hill cause Austin has the same international emphasis that Western had. Anne’s roommate, Anne Anderson Susan Berryhill Hill kept her promise Letson, visited her last year and they had a and was present at our 45th Reunion. She great time together. Anne (Hufford) had the really enjoyed herself, but she wished that opportunity to visit Oxford a few years ago more of the class members could have when her husband had a fraternity reunion. attended. She was elected to the Board. Libbe Dennard sent greetings from Alas- Surprised to see how the town had grown, Congratulations! Susan would like to be ka. She and husband Lee continue to do a she felt it would be difficult to find her way a representative of not only our class, but lot of traveling. Lee had never been to San to downtown Oxford anymore. of Western as it is today and will be in Antonio, Texas, the birth state of Libbe, so the future. Susan stated, “I am not senti- they had early morning walks on the River Bonnie McGowan Sammet wrote that she mental about anything and believe that and John retired in 2007 and moved from we can never, never, never go back, but Westport, CT, to Venice, FL, in April 2008. only look to the future.” Susan wants you They love the small town of Venice on the to know that if you have any ideas, prob- west coast with one of the best beaches in lems, etc., let her know and she will try to Florida. They happily left their snow shov- act on them. Susan’s e-mail address is els behind, but kept their gardening gloves [email protected]. and bathing suits. Next March, will hopefully bring roommates Brenda Litchfield Ben- Ella Brown McMahon attended our 45th son and Jill Hartley Fulton, and Liz An- Western Reunion and wants to catch us up. drus Schoeberlein to Venice for a reunion. After Western, Ella earned a master’s in zoology at Miami, where she met Joe, her hus- Flo Firjanian McGurk wrote that she and band of 43 years, who also got an M.A. in husband Link have had a great year. “Our zoology. They moved to Chillicothe, OH, 45th anniversary in May brought back hap- where they obtained teaching positions. py memories of Western and Kumler Chap- Later Ella went back to school at OSU and el, where we were married. We continue to graduated with a B.S.N. Joe had a heart at- Libbe Dennard and brother divide our year between Wisconsin and Flor- tack in 1985 and had to take disability re- ida. This fall we are planning to make a trip tirement in 1989. He is now 61, post-polio Walk and toured the Alamo. They also had to Newfoundland/Labrador and a trip to New still able to get around the house with bra- an opportunity to go to Chicago, Illinois, Zealand.” ces and crutches. Ella retired in 2005 and where Libbe was able to strengthen family they both volunteer at Hopewell Culture Na- ties with her younger brother — her only sib- Marj Keppel Gross wrote that “after essen- tional Historical Park. Their foster daughter ling. Libbe has spent several months writ- tially ‘camping’ for the last 28 years, I finally and family live in Aberdeen, NC, and their ing a personal essay, which she plans to have a real house to live in and enjoy, youngest granddaughter just graduated submit to a literary magazine soon. We’ll shared by my stepson, Tom. Thanks to the from NC State summa cum laude with a B.A. look forward to hearing more about the persistence of my kids, who insisted that it in zoology. They have three granddaugh- progress of your book. was possible, and to the help and encour- ters and five great-grandchildren. Ella is agement of many good friends. I had the looking forward to a mini-reunion with Au- Sue Humberstone Spahr wrote from Geor- joys and frustrations of building on the lot drey Hughes and Susan Berryhill in Pitts- getown, Texas. Her husband John has been right next to the property we lived on all burgh in the near future. They thank the Lord campaigning for a state office in the Veter- these years.” Marj shares this quote: “No for all their blessings every day. ans of Foreign Wars. This is taking them to one gets out of this world alive, so the time every part of Texas — which we know is a to learn, care, share, and love is now!” This Nia (Billie) Jones Terry and I have been in very big state. John often asks why they is certainly good food for thought. touch throughout the year. She wrote that

Fall 2008 27 ing. God bless you and keep you is my prayer.

Debbie Hunt Perrin ’63 P.O. Box 1195 Cedar Hill, TX 75106 [email protected]

Brooksie Jones-Harrison ’65, at her July wedding, with Phyllis Hoyt Sophia Karayannides Browne writes: “My Debbie Perrin (front) organized her family and I went to Europe with lots of fam- own mini-reunion with roomie Audrey ily members. We first visited relatives in Vi- even have a small one his mother did of Hughes (right) and a friend. Note enna, Austria. We then went to Bulgaria’s rabbits. I still live in East Chatham, NY, in official Reunion t-shirts! Black Sea area to the site where my mater- the house we bought on our honeymoon in nal grandparents grew up. There were large ’72. My son Will, now 30, still a red-head, she was going to Europe this fall to spend areas of Greeks in the early 1900s who were lives in Brooklyn and sometimes walks to time with a Swiss friend of 37 years as well driven away by the Bulgarians and the Com- work in Manhattan at MeetUp.com, a web as to visit a relative while she is in Geneva. munists. We were able to find two local his- site that helps people of similar interest con- She will also spend some time in Paris, vis- torians who were able to give us some in- tact each other so that they can eventually iting Esther Oteo Calfan, sister of her friend, sight to the times and conditions there. We meet face to face. My father has celebrated Isabel Oteo-Bautista de Martinez ’60 and even found an old Greek school house his 103rd birthday with a party he planned also Kate Van Houten, who attended West- which was built with funds provided by the for immediate family and a close friend and ern for one year. Kate is an artist who has ‘Greek Americans.’ While we were in Bul- his wife. He spent three weeks on vacation resided in Paris for the past 40 plus years. garia, we also visited Plodiv, enjoying its old with my sister and/or me, and we saw over Jasmine, Nia’s granddaughter (13), took colorful structures and archeological sites. two dozen relatives at the family reunion part in the parade of flags on the Saturday Greece was next on our itinerary. Athens across the street in the big house that our of the Reunion Weekend. She was quite was crowded and hot. We did visit the is- grandfather built for his eight children. I am enchanted with Peabody Hall and the West- land of Samos for the first time, which was sometimes amused about the ‘old ladies’ ern campus setting. a delight. Our day trip to Ephesus in Turkey that I saw walking on the beach that my topped all expectations. One of the largest mother told me lived in the house (the house Joan Kowalkski Jordan, one of my room- archeological sites that I have ever been to we stayed in this summer) across from the mates senior year, also attended our 45th in all my travels. Unfortunately, everyone Big House where we were staying then. Reunion. We talk on a regular basis. Joan from everywhere decided to go there that They were so old, with grey hair and every- traveled to Santa Fe, New Mexico, earlier day. New York subways are less crowded. thing. Now I am probably that age. Have this year with friend Susan Vitucci ’71. This The only other news is that Allen and I are you noticed that people keep getting young- fall Joan is visiting Czech Republic and will moving back east next year. Smile.” er, the doctors, the mothers, etc.? OK, so see the teachers involved with the Miami I’m an exception. ;-)” University exchange program. From Meg Warnock Carlough: “I have opened a new, better, cheaper office in Pitts- From Maryam Daftari now living in the U.S. Loretta Ryder, my freshman roommate, field, MA. When I finally figured out what to ([email protected]): “I have been here attended the Reunion, too, and sang Sun- do when I grew up, I made a good choice. I in Fairfield, Iowa — where my son and fam- day morning in Kumler Chapel. She got a love being a chiropractor, even if I don’t do ily live — since February. I have a little house chance to visit Marj Keppel Gross this past the usual things. I do Network Spinal Analy- of my own here, where I am close to my summer in North Carolina. Loretta plans to sis and NeuroModulation Technique son, Ali, and grandson, Sam (who is 14 and retire from teaching at the end of the school (NMT.md), neither of which uses a lot of in the ninth grade). I spend my time writing year. She is still singing and supporting the force, which is good for me and for the pa- and researching on China. I am working on arts scene in Detroit. Loretta stays busy all tients. Look for me under the sign of Light a book — in fact, my memoirs. I am having the time! Touch Chiropractic Center in Pittsfield, MA. great fun with that! I have been travelling (I live 5 miles from the Mass. border.) I have quite a bit this year: a wonderful three-week Audrey Hughes, my sophomore roommate hung some of my father’s paintings, mostly reunion in France in June — in Avignon, Vil- and I were unable to attend the Reunion due seascapes which add to the peaceful feel. I leneuve, and areas around them as well as to illness. Consequently, when we both got Paris. I was in Tehran for better, Audrey and her friend Jennifer Con- awhile before returning to ley flew down to Texas and we had a mini- the U.S. in February. I was reunion. It certainly was good seeing her able to see the Weissen- after 45 years. borns when I went to D.C. in April. My son, grandson I feel truly blessed to be retired for these and I also had a great 10 past two years. Tom and I are still very ac- days in Boulder this sum- tive with our church. The highlight of the mer. I have been in touch summer for us was when Tom became an with Ann Walton ’66 all ordained minister. the time. I did go visit her Sophia Browne ’65, with (from left) her nephew, cousin and in Michigan last year. She Please make every effort to attend our 46th cousin’s husband is doing well. My son, Ali, reunion next year. See you there, Lord will- and I try to do presenta- Class Notes continued on page 37 28 The Bulletin Play It Again, We Did ... at Reunion 2008!

Business was brisk at the Chocolate Fountain.

The 50-year Class sat for the photographer — a “Golden Girls” chorus line!

Barbara Williamson Wentz ’68 (center) made sure to connect with WCP alums, faculty and Miss Peabody mingled at the Social. students.

Kathy Piper ’58 performed Turkish Shadow Theater for Mary DeJong Obuchowski ’61 and the daughters Nothing breaks the ice of Bobby Cox ’83. like a little jazz guitar.

University Ambassador Valerie Hodge spoke at the Welcome Dinner.

Class rivalry between Doris Ning Wong ’62 (left) and Nia Terry Jones ’63 is a thing of the past, but Nia’s granddaughter, Jasmine (center), enjoyed their stories just the same.

Act I ... Friday Night

Fall 2008 29 Act II ... Saturday Director Judy Waldron reiterated the WCAA mission at the Annual Meeting, and new Trustees were Evie Small Hohler ’64 led the Parade (and the Weekend!). WCPers introduced. (See page 11.) Karen Gotter ’09, John Obrycki ’08 and Genevieve O’Malley Knight ’04 “signed” their approval.

Morning

Jane Noble Miller ’38, Betty Sipe Gerber ’52 and Sue Off Schrope ’52 lifted voices and spirits at the Meily Society Luncheon.

Kibitzers sipped and snacked to the strains of steel drums at the Patterson Place Reception.

Noon

Retiring WCP dean Bill Gracie (below) and outgoing WCAA president Renée Night Harris Yates ’72 (bottom) were among the many Banquet honorees. Bea Low Notley ’42 gave the Banquet toast on behalf of all non-anniversary classes; Bobby Cox ’83 did the same for all WCP alums.

30 The Bulletin Act III ... Sunday

At the Closing Ceremony (above, left to right), former WCP dean Curt Ellison HA made sure the “Circle will be unbroken”; Jennie Lou Fredley Klim ’58 led the choir, Gretchen Wampler Mousetis ’58 presided, children’s author Sally Derby Miller ’56 spoke (then received fans at Brunch, below right), Loretta Ryder ’63 sang, and Eleanore Vail FF accompanied.

Catch the sequel, June 19-21, 2009! At the Farewell Brunch, Class of ’68 mates didn’t seem to mind being Peabody Cup runners-up.

Fall 2008 31 WESTERN COLLEGE ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION 2008 SERVICE AWARD presented to Kathleen Hayes Ransier Class of 1969 In Honor of Community and Humanitarian Service Through Her Professional Accomplishments

he Western College Alumnae Association Board of Trustees wishes to acknowledge the outstanding Tachievements of Kathleen Hayes Ransier with the 2008 Alumnae Service Award. Kathleen was born in Huntington, West Virginia, and began elementary school there at a time when schools – and many other institutions – were still segregated. The schools were integrated when she was entering fourth grade. Her parents gave her the choice of attending the newly integrated school, or staying in her neighborhood school, and Kathleen made the choice to take the road less traveled, and transferred to the integrated school “for the adventure.” That spirit of adventure prompted great achievement, and sustained her as she went against the wishes of her father and decided to attend Western College on a presidential scholarship, becoming the first in her family to leave town and complete college. The challenging but nurturing environment at Western provided a perfect setting for Kathleen to enhance her academic and social skills. When she graduated from Western, she took a job in Huntington in computer programming and then went on to receive her J.D. from The Ohio State University. Since becoming a lawyer, Kathleen has become active in countless professional and community service activities. She works now in the Columbus office of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease. She has served as special counsel for the Ohio Attorney General, and for the Franklin County Probate Court. She has received appointments to boards and commissions by the Ohio Supreme Court and has served on many other boards, including The Board of Directors of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, Huntington Bancshares, The Columbus Regional Airport Authority, The Franklin County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, The Columbus Bar Foundation and the Western College Alumnae Association Board of Trustees. She is the winner of the 2004 YWCA Women of Achievement Award, the 2002 Community Service Award from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, The Minority Business Advocate Award from Society National Bank, The Columbus Bar Association Community Service Award, and The Constance Baker Motley Award from the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. And, this evening, we add to that list by awarding Kathleen Hayes Ransier the Western College Alumnae Association 2008 Alumnae Service Award.

32 The Bulletin WESTERN COLLEGE ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION 2008 SERVICE AWARD presented to Patrick Callahan Class of 1983 In Honor of Community and Humanitarian Service Through His Professional Accomplishments

he Western College Alumnae Association Board of Trustees wishes to acknowledge the outstanding Tachievements of Patrick Callahan with the 2008 Alumnae Service Award. Pat was elected student body president of Miami University in 1982 when a junior in the Western College Program. He graduated in 1983 and began working in economic development and then real estate in Cincinnati. In 1990, Pat moved to Cleveland and joined Equity Office Properties (EOP), which was then a moderate size company of 12 million square feet of office space. As EOP grew into a Fortune 500 company, Pat moved to Columbus, then Denver, and finally to Seattle. Through that journey, Pat helped spearhead the acquisition and assimilation of more than 30 million square feet of real estate in the western United States in nine different metropolitan markets. He also led regional business units with approximately $400 million in annual revenues. In 2006, Pat founded Urban Renaissance Group, a cutting edge real estate company that seeks to encourage urban community, economic vitality, environmental conservation and transit-oriented development. Pat based his company on the core belief that America is poised for the re-urbanization of its major cities, and for the creation of urban villages in its suburbs – a distinct departure from land use trends marked by sprawl and de-centralization over the last 50 years. Consistent with his calling, Pat’s Senior Project in 1983 was focused on urban development. Patrick has a long history of civic engagement. He is immediate past chair of the Downtown Seattle Association and was just recently named Chair of the Puget Sound’s regional Quality Growth Alliance. He is an active member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), where he serves on the national Office Development Council, and previously served as chair of ULI Seattle. This evening we recognize this engagement by awarding Patrick Callahan with the Western College Alumnae Association 2008 Alumnae Service Award.

Fall 2008 33 And the WCP Reunion, September 19-21!

Happy to be together ... wish you were here! Mike Conaway ’90 plays it cool on Peabody porch (left), Grant Thomp- son ’80 obliges the photog with a story about an Alumnae Hall artifact (below), mom Becky Hils and daughter Abby Hils ’10 chow down at the WCAA 25th anniversary bench site (bottom).

At organized class lunch meetings (’80s, above) and impromptu breaks (mostly ’07, below), lively discussion ruled.

34 The Bulletin It’s Tree Day all over again! With a little help from Barbara Williamson Wentz ’68 and Betty Sipe Gerber ’52, Kevin Hils ’85 and Karen Gotter ’09 plant an American beech tree on the hill below Peabody Green. Beech Woods, anyone?

Back by popular demand — the traveling WCAA Gift Shop!

Future alumni at the Saturday banquet heard from presider Ben Gibbons ’94.

Contemplating the future: Will there be yet another version of WCP when the daughter of Shaina Horner ’06 (above) begins looking at colleges?

Contemplating the past:’82 classmates Irene Dvoraczky Bell and Margaret McLaren (right) recall bygone mornings in Ernst.

Fresh from the June reunion, WCAA friends Anne Weissenborn, Sean Boda ’04 explains the intricacies of close-up Barb Mecklenborg, Judy Waldron and Betty Gerber made the scene. photography to Denise Cheng ’07 and Anne Towne ’09.

Fall 2008 35 At right: Classmates Neal Cantrell (left) and Jeff Payne ’81 model official WCP t-shirts, complete with tree logo.

At left: Janey Drexler It’s a bird ... it’s a plane ... it’s Super Alums ’78-’80! Sharpe ’80 (right) recited her poem, “Western Memo- ries,” intended for the 20th reunion, still apropos at the 35th. Pal Caroline Quine ’79 lent moral support.

Above: Former deans Mike Lunine, Curt Ellison and Bill Gracie bade adieu ... till the 40th. Genevieve O’Malley Knight ’04, new WP staffer, welcomed the audience and Right: Three speakers anchored the Sunday introduced the speakers. morning Closing Ceremony in Ernst Nature Theatre: Western College graduate Barbara Williamson Wentz ’68, Western Program senior Anne Towne, and Western Program graduate Tim Matune ’81.

WCAA director Judy Waldron and Jim Boyer ’83 practice the Alma Mater. It went just fine! “Will the circle be unbroken?”

36 The Bulletin Class Notes continued from page 28 tions of the poetry of the two great Persian years that my siblings and I, and our fami- day and they will be with us until Septem- poets, Rumi and Hafez every month here lies, will all be together. South Carolina has ber 16.” — acquainting people with Persian poetry. changed remarkably since I left high school It is great fun! I really hope to hear from my in 1961! I extend my deepest sympathy to “Hello, Western alums,” from Nikki Tyler other classmates as well as my students Sylvia Stanfield , whose twin sister Eunice Williams: “I am eagerly looking forward to whom I taught for two years at Western in passed last winter.” this school year, my last one before a June the early 1970s.” 2009 retirement. I know if I had not been so Marie Iandoli writes that she celebrated her mobile in my youth this day would have Marie Pasquale Desch writes a very newsy birthday in March with a visit to Long Boat come a lot earlier. I celebrated my 65th birth- letter: “I traveled to NH to see Phyllis Hoyt Key Club & Spa. In June, she visited Ada day this summer with a mother-daughter trip briefly last fall. She called asking me to Tang Kwoh and husband David in San to Machu Picchu and Peru, and to the Gal- come pick up the Peabody dresser I pur- Francisco. During her time on the West apagos Islands and Ecuador. (I still have a chased at auction about 12 years ago dur- Coast, Marie toured California as well as bit of my youth left.) It was truly fantastic, ing class of ’65 reunion. I told Phyllis and Portland, OR. and Akilah announced that if the opportuni- Gail they were welcome to use it as long as ty presented itself to travel with me again they had need and then I would claim it when From Elizabeth “Brooksie” Jacobs she would be glad to do so. I am not in touch she decided it was time. She had just re- Jones-Harrison: “Am attaching a picture of with many Westernites any more; we all get turned from the hospital following a conges- Dean Phyllis Hoyt at my wedding receiving so busy, I know. I certainly am with the ad- tive heart failure episode. Her family was my bouquet July 12th. Already gave an up- ditional stresses that go with being active in there helping to clean her apartment. She date on the WCAA website.” 1759 Back the sandwich generation.’” was tired and looked frail but managed a Windham Rd., West Townshend, VT, 05359 smile. My only son and love of my life, Niles 802-874-4429 Fax 802-302-1004 Lucia McClintock Payne wrote a card (first Gold, married Jennifer Baccei last Aug time from her) saying she has been mar- (2007). It was an understated elegant wed- Kathy Martin Kaster writes that she has ried to Giles for 42 years. She spent 20 years ding in CT. They met at Skidmore. Guests been participating in a cutting edge tech- as a geriatric social worker at a Veterans included family and friends from France, nique of using her own blood platelets to Hospital. Her husband is a lawyer planning Russia and all over the U.S.A. My cousin regrow cartilage in her deteriorated hip joint. to retire soon. They had two sons when they Cathie Koutsogiane ’64 attended. Victo- This therapy has not kept her from her usu- were living in Seattle while Giles was in the ria Harris ’67 and son Tristan, (just gradu- al pursuits of walking, gardening, caring for Coast Guard. Their elder son died in his 30s. ated from Stanford) attended and visited her ponies and practicing yoga. She is very Younger son, Adam, graduated from Yale, with us for five fun-filled days. ...My husband, happy with the results of this new therapy has his Ph.D. from Princeton and four “de- Richard Gold, retired early from UMass psy- as an alternative to hip replacement surgery. lightful/challenging/beautiful” children. Lucia chology dept. to have more time to play and Giles are very involved in their commu- chess, help his son whenever called upon, From Peggy Gaebler Morscheck: “Our nity and enjoy hiking and backpacking. complete projects for me at the Vineyard family has had a very good year — I in my house, read, and enjoy his enormous wine partial retirement, with all its volunteer com- collection. He wrote a book How and Why mitments, and Rod working hard on a book To Build a Wine Cellar so he could justify to during his sabbatical. Daughter Heather and his mother that he had an educational fo- family are blooming and son Peter contin- cus which included more than just his love ues his love affair with living and working in of drinking wine! Rest her soul. After retir- Washington, DC. Last December, following ing from teaching I kept busy with all our a family wedding in Massachusetts, Rod and rental properties and then focused lots of I made contact with Nancy James ’66, and time restoring the house in Vineyard Haven. had a wonderful visit with her and her husband, Rick Frese. Nancy’s been running her “Via the grapevine I heard that Elizabeth own insurance agency in Concord, MA, for ‘Brooksie’ Jacobs was just married in July. years. It was delightful to recall the several ... Phyllis MacConnell and I were e-mail- ways our lives have intersected since our ing on a regular basis. She was living on LI, Western years and to find that we have so Pam, with daughter Karen and grandkids working in cancer research but now semi- much in common now. While attending my retired, still riding horses and looking seri- high school reunion in Oxford in July, I visit- Sam and I did not do much traveling this ously into heading toward Virginia.” ed the Western campus. It was still stun- year because his health has not improved. ningly beautiful, despite lots of construction We still attend a few antique auto shows From Janet Smith Dickerson-Stephens: in progress. I’m currently working to be the locally. Our ’51 Hudson, which was badly “I hope you and your family are well. I don’t most efficient Democratic ward leader in my damaged in a June ’07 wreck, is now back have much news to report, but just wanted township that I can be. We would love to together and very lovely. Our children and to say I’m still working at Princeton, and had see any Western ’65 alums here in Phila- grandchildren are well. I still spend a lot of the pleasure of seeing my classmate Meg delphia — for coffee, dinner, overnight.” my time playing bridge and managing our Warnock Carlough and her father, who is local club. I also write a small newsletter for Princeton’s oldest living alumnus, at our Kathy Fansher Parnell writes that she has our local antique car club — my 10th year. If Reunions last June! I still travel occasional- spent most of this year caring for her hus- Sam is up to it, we are planning a summer ly on business, and am looking forward to a band, who injured his back in March. Her ’09 trip with our 1926 Hudson fire truck to visit to Oxford in February for a speaking father, now 93, has had to be moved into Detroit, MI, for the Centennial of the Hud- engagement. I enjoyed seeing my grand- an assisted-living facility. Kathy spent a lot son Motor Car Company. I would like to wish daughter, Lucca, in July and am hoping to of time clearing out his house in order to you and yours a very happy and healthy see more of her in the months ahead. She sell it, with a marked lack of success. Holiday Season and a great New Year. will turn 2 in November. My daughters are all in Southern California, so I cherish the Shirin Kassam Velji: “I have been very busy Pam Eggers Gill ’65 opportunities to visit with them. We are this summer with family and friends and in 265 Turner Rd. meeting in Charleston, SC, for a family re- fact had not looked at my e-mails for more East Palatka, FL 32131 union in October — the first time in several than a month. I have friends from Paris to- [email protected]

Fall 2008 37 job offer at the Art Institute in Sunnyvale, as a child, finding only a favorite candy store California. With Marissa’s decision to remaining from those days. change jobs, Rosie found herself helping her daughter pack for the 520-mile move to This year in mid-March she took a Club ABC northern California, get her settled and then tour for a week to Dubai to explore the ar- return to San Diego for her flight back home. chitecture of this expanding area where Shortly thereafter, Rosie became ill with she’d swear 1/3 of the world’s construction A postcard from Ann Coleman Lynn indi- pneumonia and it was Amber and Joe’s turn cranes live. A side trip took her to Abu Dha- cates that she has moved to a new address: to help her out. Rosie notes that she is now bi, where most buildings seemed to be 18 37565 104th Place in Scottsdale, Arizona planning for retirement, which she’d like to stories or higher, the grass greener and the 85262. come sooner than later. With this in mind, malls filled with high-scale shops similar to she is sorting through her years of accumu- those here at home. A dinner cruise on the lated “stuff” so that she can downsize to a creek and a buffet at a Bedouin encamp- smaller house. ment where she got a henna design on her arm were part of the evening excitement. Diane Eby Ozbal’s Christmas and August Then in April, she spent a week in Paris and e-mails summarize her activities since our one in the chateaux country. In June, she class Reunion in June ’07. The highlight of headed back to Holland and Belgium where Diane’s summer wasn’t Rana’s PH.D. cer- she emphasized her interest in art and in emony the day before our Reunion nor the design. Her August travels were to take her Reunion but her 40th wedding anniversary back to Scandinavia, and at some point she celebration that August at a Club Med near wants to go to look at architecture in Seat- Antalya, Turkey, where the whole family tle and to visit family in Minnesota. gathered for a week. After reconnecting with Gunvor Fink Moeller at Reunion, Diane An e-mail from Martha Daily Alexander tells made arrangements to visit her in Denmark us that she now has custody of her grand- All the way from Thailand: Maria in November. Gunvor and her husband, daughter Erica, who is 11. As a result, Mar- Tamthai Scandlen ’67, with her Paul, met Diane and her mother in the tha spends a lot of time transporting, as- daughter and grandchild Copenhagen airport and entertained them sisting with homework, and living through royally, taking them all around Denmark as many “aha” moments such as when Erica Stephanie Smith Siegfried wrote in Janu- well as introducing them to their three decided to raise monarch butterflies from ary that she and husband Dave had a very daughters and all the grandchildren. eggs she found in the yard. Picking fresh comprehensive trip in October ’07 to Tur- milkweed leaves daily for the caterpillars key and Greece, where they spent three fun Winter break took Diane and husband Hadi was just part of this effort. Later, a school and educational weeks. After their return to Boston for a week with their son’s family science fair project involved varying the they kept busy with a new grandchild, Lily giving them some quality time with their 4- amounts of yeast in bread dough which Caroline, November 27, 2007. She joins two year-old granddaughter. This visit they re- meant time together in the kitchen. They handsome brothers and boy and girl cous- peated in July. Meanwhile, back in Turkey, also managed a Nebraska visit to Martha’s ins vying for her grandparents’ time and at- daughter Rana gave birth to her first child, tention. Since the cousins and their parents Berent Cemil Gerritsen who was born with live in Seattle, Siegfrieds use any excuse a cleft palate. Rana has put a fascinating to travel to the West Coast for a visit. Dave photo diary detailing how the family has is now chairman of the Princeton University been managing his birth problems on the Alumni Association which involves some Web at: ranafokke.blogspot.com. Fortunate- travel and for Stephanie this usually results ly his August surgery to correct his problem in meeting interesting people. Stephanie was successful! In addition to helping with reports that she still teaches ESL but that it the new baby, Diane continues to teach high is getting harder with all of her family activ- school English and to organize all kinds of ities and traveling. the American tests which take place in Istan- bul. She has set up SAT exams for 400 to Rosemary Gingrich Parks also wrote in 500 students and given the LSAT, GRE and January, a newsy letter centered on her TOFEL exams as well, which has kept her activities with her two daughters. Amber busy during the school year. married Joseph Turek on July 7, 2007, in a nautically themed wedding. After a10-day E-mails from Joan Barenholtz continue to honeymoon in London and Paris they re- be a delight — a wry, funny travelogue of turned to Hampton, Virginia, and purchased her year’s adventures. Since space doesn’t a condo, which they set about making liv- permit a verbatim report, here is a dry sum- Martha, in her Tyvek coveralls able with much help from Rosie and Joe’s mary: Since Reunion, Joan has been to St. dad. Amber is an elementary school art Augustine, Florida, where she searched for sister which included Erica’s first plane ride teacher and Joe works for Ferguson Enter- the Fountain of Youth but decided that Dis- and a camping trip. Martha continues to prises and also is working on a degree at ney had found it first, went out west to dis- enjoy her work in code enforcement in Lex- Old Dominion University. In November, Ros- cover what the National Parks were all ington, Kentucky, and has sent us a photo ie turned her attention to daughter Marissa about, and froze in Scandinavia in Septem- of herself in Tyvek coveralls that fortunately who was living in San Diego, California. ber but managed to find hotels and sculp- arrived the day before she had to go into a Upon her arrival in California, Rosie found ture parks there that she had visited when very dusty crawl space to check on some that her daughter was in Las Vegas attend- she was 11. At home in NYC during 2007, terribly inventive structural adaptations. Her ing a job-related convention so she hopped she contented herself with off Broadway other activities include bell choir at church, in a car and drove for over five hours to join plays, concerts, lectures and museum ex- occasional Sunday school teaching, and her for the weekend. Upon their return to hibits. She even explored the neighborhood gardening. She uses her lunch hour to get San Diego, Marissa found that she had a around Columbia University where she lived in some exercising.

38 The Bulletin Elisa Kessler Caporale has communicat- Xi’an, all fabulous places. However, the real ed with me several times. While we were highlight of the trip was seeing the people having fun at our Western Reunion a year and temples at 12,000 feet in Lhasa, Tibet, ago, husband John snuck off to a crafts fair just before the recent unrest there. After a in Oxford and purchased Elisa’s unique few months at home, they boarded the Star Christmas present — a piece of the Oxford Princess for a cruise through the fjords of water tower to hang on the wall. Later that Chile, then around the tip of South Ameri- summer she combined a wedding in Flori- ca. They made several stops including Ush- da with a visit to Penny Corcoran Decker. uaia, Argentina, which is the southern-most The summer of ’07 also provided an oppor- city on the planet. After visiting the Falkland tunity for her two married children and their Islands and Montevideo, Uruguay, they spouses to join Elisa and John at their shore spent a few days in Buenos Aires, Argentina. house. Fall found them doing some structural repairs to that house, which dates back Rested up, they went in April to visit coastal to the 1700s. In the dirt they found some Maine and the Boston area, where they were interesting artifacts including an 1800’s happy to meet with Western roommate Deb- Spanish coin and an Indian arrowhead. Em- bie Poor Warner and husband Jim in their Lois Coyle’s son, daughters and boldened by that success (and while John lovely Sudbury, MA, home. They had a mar- grandkids, on California vacation was away), Elisa later painted the wall along velous visit. Debbie is still teaching school, the stairway to the second floor of their home while she and Jim concurrently provide time Lois Dickey Coyle’s mother passed away in Summit, New Jersey, and successfully and effort to help their daughter, Ginger, get at age 96 in December 2007. She had been snaked out a backed-up laundry drain. new triplet grandsons through the infant living in a local nursing home. Lois misses (What can’t a Western woman do?) She stage. Joan and Andy’s next trip is to Dubai their lively conversations on everything from continues to teach art classes and to cre- and Turkey in September. Don’t be surprised the economy and the stock market to the ate things and this year won first prize in if they someday show up in a town near you. grandchildren, gardening, bird watching and the state Senior Art Show Professional so much more. Lois is just as busy retired Crafts Category. Jo Ann Brombaugh Wittmann reported as she was when she was working, due in she and husband Jack attended the Satur- part to her two lively grandchildren, Robyn Elisa reports that June ’08 was a Western day luncheon during Western’s Reunion (6) who began first grade on August 26th, month for her. She had a phone visit with Weekend in June. At her table was Carol and Logan (2), who now speaks clearly Diane Eby Ozbal, who was visiting her son Stone Lehman and husband Fred, whom enough to be understood. Lois finds that he in Boston. Next she met with Steph Smith she hadn’t seen for a number of years so is liable to repeat everything he hears so Siegfried for lunch and an overdue visit. they had much to catch up on. She also vis- she must monitor her conversational top- This was followed by a visit with Joan ited with friends from the class of ’68 and ics. Daughters Christal and Lois B. arranged Barenholtz in New York, who was excited with Eleanore Vail. From there she went to a family vacation to California this June for/ about seeing The Occupant (Edward Al- visit with her dad at the Trinity Retirement with Lois, Robyn and Logan. Disneyland bee’s play about sculptress Louise Nevel- Community in Dayton and also visited Betty was a must as was a trip to Irvine to visit son, who received an honorary degree while Brown Lembright ’32, to whom she gave Lois’s son. This was followed by a day at we were at Western). Still later she had a Reunion souvenir shirt. In July she and Laguna Beach and a day at Legoland. lunch with Sally Fliess, Betsy Solis, and Jack embarked on a 35-day Voyage of the Karen Kling Plumb, all of ’69. Now Elisa is Vikings cruise round trip from Boston to After last year’s Reunion, Rauni Pellikka adjusting to having John at home full time Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Greenland, went to Las Vegas — probably a once-in-a since his layoff from his job at Global Real Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Netherlands, -lifetime must-do. So it will stay for her since Estate for Monster World Wide. France, Wales, England, Scotland and Bar she doesn’t gamble. She felt all was too Harbor. They visited a number of new plac- grandiose and too make-believe, but she Joan Roderick Sosnicky decided not to es; met many interesting people; saw plen- did see Phantom of the Opera, which made wait another 40 years to write a second note ty of whales, dolphins, seals, arctic terns, that leg of the trip worthwhile. Then it was from Colorado. As she mentioned last fall, and puffins; and earned their 100-day me- on to the Grand Canyon where the high- husband Andy and she plan to make travel dallions from Holland America Cruise Lines. light for her was the helicopter ride. Unbe- a major part of his retirement. Since Joan’s Jo Ann reports that Jack continues to work lievable and unforgettable! In the summer one day a week making maps as a SAIC she usually returns to her native Finland to contractor for the U.S. Geological Survey, visit her sister and last summer and this and she continues golfing, playing the pi- were no exception. She reports that the ano and dancing for a senior group, plus weather was lousy, very unusual for July, actively pursuing deep water aerobics. and the climate change being seen everywhere was blamed for this. She reminds us Mary Newbold Brammall writes (from 143 that her hometown now is Brussels which Clover Court in Plant City, Florida 33565, has an excellent location in the very center bnbrammell@google mail.com) that she of Europe and offers opportunities to visit and husband Stephen have been full-time Europe’s very best cities. She says that she retirees/residents for 16 months now and can’t hang around by herself at Christmas are finding lots of things to do and places to time so she always goes somewhere new go, so much so that he hasn’t yet picked up during the holidays. Last year she went to the golf clubs! They have been putting a lot El Qusair in Southern Egypt by the Red Sea. of miles on the odometer and have filled up Her recent big adventure was at Eastertime Roomies Joan Sosnicky and many CDs with photos of their travels. Mary when she traveled through Costa Rica and Debbie Warner reports that they may relocate a bit further Panama. She found traveling in these coun- up north both for climate considerations and tries to be very safe and easy with the cur- last note, they went in September to China to be closer to her parents. That decision rency based on the American dollar. Next to see Beijing, Shanghai, and the excava- may be made when the “snowbirds” return port of call? Perhaps New Zealand. But in tion site of the Terracotta Warrior statues in to Florida. Stay tuned! the meantime Rauni has made a big finan-

Fall 2008 39 cial decision. In August she started to work of Mason Paul. After spending a few days While in Lancaster, PA, this summer I had part-time. She hopes that the long week- helping the new family get settled, they left the good fortune to lunch and to spend an ends will give her more time for those little only to return for Christmas and then again afternoon each with Barbara Zarfos Lan- getaways of which she is so fond. Of hav- for Mason’s Easter Eve christening. Other dis and Mary Brubaker Garman. Barb has ing less money, Rauni philosophically says than spending time with the grandchildren, finished writing her book on the history of nothing is ever perfect and time will tell if Judy says life is pretty uneventful. Gary still the country club to which she and husband she has made the right decision. deals with the renovations on the family Bob belong and plans to have it in mem- house in Ohio leaving her to hold down the bers’ hands by November. They both con- fort in Virginia and run the family business. tinue to enjoy golfing and travel to warmer climes in the winter to do so. They also travel to sightsee — this year to Greece.

My visit with Mary came unexpectedly through an invitation from a friend of my mother’s. We all lunched together at the Lancaster Country Club, where Mary also is a member. Well, our hostess once owned the home where Mary’s daughter, Victoria, and family now live, and after lunch Mary took all of us there to meet Victoria and to Gloria Molella and hubby Chick view the restoration she is doing to this lovely old historic home. Gloria Tumino Molella writes that she and husband Chick traveled west this summer While lunching on the outdoor patio, a wom- to visit their daughter, Danielle, and her hus- an approached Mary to talk about the next band, Kilmer, who live in Seattle. While there day’s golf tournament. To my surprise Mary’s she looked up Leslie Davis Yamada ’68 Carol Mandel and the gang teammate turned out to be Judy Woodruff (?), a pal from Western days whom she Smith, who spent her first two years at hadn’t seen in 30 years. Now back in touch Carol Hoexter Mandel sent us this update Western with us! In addition to being a golf- via e-mail, they vow to get together when- on her family. Grandson Jacob has entered er, Judy is an artist. It is my hope that dur- ever Gloria returns to Seattle. Then it was the first grade this year and the twins, Mat- ing my next visit to Lancaster we can renew on to Alaska via a cruise ship for a wonder- thew and Jordan, have begun kindergarten. our acquaintance and perhaps I also can ful trip with Dani and Kilmer. Returning brief- Granddaughter Shayna is in preschool. In see some of her paintings. Small (Western) ly to Seattle, Molellas then left for a three- May, Steve and Hex were in Florida for Dar- world, yes? day trip to San Francisco and thence by ren Kokalis’s wedding and a visit with his Amtrak to Flagstaff and Sedona, Arizona, mother, Carolyn Sparks Kokalis. In June, Thank all of you who helped write the class for a week of exploring the magnificent red the Mandels traveled to Australia to explore news. Thanks too for the marvelous photos rock and the awesome Grand Canyon be- that country. They also celebrated Steve’s which help decorate our pages. To the rest fore heading to Las Vegas for a week. So 65th birthday and his father’s 90th with a fam- of you, we need to hear from you! Any time, pleased with their Amtrak journey, Gloria ily cruise. any way. Letters and actual photos can be says they will travel that way again. Inciden- sent via snail mail or by e-mail which often tally, Gloria is a seven-year survivor of breast Life here in New Mex- cancer! ico continues at a sometimes too rapid A year ago Jan Chadwick was stewing pace since I often feel about a rumor, then a possibility and later that there are not the fact that a nearby university was going enough hours in the to buy out her condo building for expansion. day to accomplish ev- Litigation dragged on until mid-April of this erything that needs to year, when a June deadline was set for the be done. I should be condo dwellers to move out. Because the finished dealing with building of her new place was delayed, Jan Ted’s enormous col- found herself in temporary housing during lection of boxes of pa- July. Purchase closed on her new home pers this fall though I August 1st and by the time she e-mailed me expect my routine will September 1st, most of her boxes had been be interrupted by emptied though not everything was in its fi- some needed interior nal resting place. Sometime during this or- house redecoration. deal she broke a bone in her ankle adding Then in the new year to her joys. Moving meant she had to skip I plan to begin sorting the family reunion at their lake house but through my collection she intended to get there in October to help of “stuff” so that fami- with closing the house for the season. Jan’s ly members will not father celebrated his 90th birthday in June have to face what I and thankfully continues to thrive in his Flor- have. Days are light- ida retirement community. ened by visits with “Wine and Gray Lead the Way”! At Reunion ’08, row 1 (left to right): family and friends Hayat Imam, Pat Jayson, Ella Weingarten Iams; row 2: Barbara Judy Mason Betz’s daughter. Sarah, and both here and in Williamson Wentz, Karen Prah Voris, Cece Peabody, Brenda Lee husband Paul had their first child in Novem- Pennsylvania and Bell; row 3: Kitsy Dunlop, Susan Blake Rowland, Kathy Evans ber ’07. Judy and her husband, Gary, made short trips around both Findley; row 3: Jeanne Flowers Foster, Susie Williams Oblinger it to North Carolina just in time for the birth states.

40 The Bulletin ALL classes come and celebrate WCAA’s 35th at Reunion ’09 ... June 19-21! is easier since my scanner doesn’t always Stevie and I, Nancy Wilson Kobayashi, was living in the French Quarter of New cooperate by scanning photos. Have a great have been serving together on the Alum- Orleans at the time. Leslie (whose husband year! nae Association Board of Trustees for the passed away a few years ago) came through past three years. Stevie will complete her Katrina OK, but has since moved to Flori- Kathy Ehrgood Sturm ’67 sixth year of dedicated service, the last year da. Sally is retired and spends time between 7709 Midge NE as president, at the time of Reunion ’09. As her house in CT and her apartment in NYC. Albuquerque, NE 87109 for me, I completed one term in June ’08 Marjie’s husband, Cal, has also retired and [email protected] and decided not to continue for a second. It her daughter, Mary, is in graduate school. was a wonderful three years that gave me Sally and Rebecca have done some other an opportunity to be on our beautiful cam- traveling together, most recently to Kauai pus and meet Carolyn and Don Auble (FF) together with Gary in December ’07 to cele- on several occasions as well as be involved. brate Rebecca’s BIG birthday. When Sally left, Rebecca and Gary went on to the Kona I still live in Kamakura, Japan, and visit fam- area of Hawaii and visited with Betsy Sum- ily in California often. My husband, Kazu, mers Solis and her husband, Tom. and I bought a condominium in Maui last Celebrating 40 years! spring just down the road from Alyce Baum- Rebecca is also in touch by e-mail with gartner Haines ’47. In the summer we saw Carol Abarbanell, who lives in the Boston We ’69ers have certainly been on the move Suzuko Kitagawa ’59 in Yokohama where area. They reminisced about the good old traveling about and meeting each other she was exhibiting photographs she had days at Mac n’ Joe’s, listening to Nina Si- along the way. Three of us, Stephanie taken on a trip to India. With our daughter, mone, Bob Dylan, and Otis Redding. Bentzen Snook, Annette Bevan Gallagh- Christine, and family living in Yokohama we er and I, Nancy Wilson Kobayashi, trav- are frequently entertained by visits with our Rebecca recently spoke with Diana Wright eled to Oxford for Reunion ’08 in June. Read little grandson, Masato. Our son, Dean, lives Fleming who is living in Cincinnati with her on and you will find that there are quite a in California, and I see him and his wife husband, Joseph, and is currently doing number of us planning to be on campus in when I visit my mother in Monterey. And, in online teaching of ESL. They occasionally June ’09 for our big 40th Reunion, and by case you are wondering, yes, I will be at hear from Vesta Sedler ’68, who spends a coincidence it is also the 35th anniversary Reunion in June! lot of time in Florida. of the Western College Alumnae Associa- tion. Lots to celebrate and remember. Jane Walker wrote her greetings from her And finally, she keeps in touch with Eliza- home in Oregon. Jane had the pleasure of beth Winkler Morris ’73, who lives in Hamil- Stevie Bentzen Snook wrote that, a few having Rebecca Doherty, Sally Fliess, and ton, Ohio, with her husband Don; their health problems aside, she has enjoyed her Marjie Lewis Franklin and her husband, daughter, Lizzie, is in college. first year of retirement from teaching. She Cal, there for a reunion over Memorial Day. finds it wonderful sleeping in past 5 a.m. It was the first time they had all been to- Betsy Summers Solis has had a busy and especially during the cold, dark and snowy gether since 1986, when they got together active year. In January, she became presi- northern Ohio winter months! She does miss at Sally’s in Connecticut! Even with all the dent of their condo association, which has her students, but keeps in touch regularly years that had passed, they seemed to take been mismanaged for years so is a real with many of them by e-mail. October ’07, off right where they’d left things! They took challenge. Betsy and her husband, Tom, are they visited a former colleague at Green a trip to the coast to do some sightseeing, athletes. In April, Betsy finished fourth in her Mountain College in Vermont where the fo- and spent another day just shopping in Eu- age group at the Lavaman Triathlon. Then liage was gorgeous. This first vacation dur- gene. It was more like a slumber party than May was the Honu Triathlon, where she was ing the school year felt like cutting classes, anything else. One of the things they really registration director for 1,500 athletes and but they soon got over it! This fall they plan missed was a Mac n’ Joe’s steak sandwich. 150 volunteers. They stayed in Kona for the to head back to New England, this time to It was fun, and everybody had a good time, summer so that Tom could train for the Iron- Maine. but 22 years between gatherings was defi- man Triathlon in October. Betsy had signed nitely too long, particularly with everyone up for the Honolulu Marathon in December On September 23, 2007, Stevie attended now being in their 60s. ’08 and was thinking about the Maui Mara- the wedding of Annette Bevan Gallagher’s thon in September. daughter, Megan Gallagher ’02. There were Although Rebecca Vierling Doherty ’74 also trips west to Utah and Nevada for fam- returned to Western to graduate in 1974, Karen Kling Plumb and husband, Larry, ily events. Fred continues his coaching in she was originally a member of our class of had a fun year. They planned their dream forensics (speech and debate) and had a 1969 and considers it her real “home,” as trip to Hawaii and did a cruise around the national qualifier this year. He also serves she should. After she left Western in ’74, islands. They got to visit with Betsy and Tom on the OHSSL (Ohio High School Speech she moved to California and got an M.L.I.S. Solis who were great tour guides around League) state committee. Every morning (Master of Library and Information Science) Kona. They got to see Betsy again in July, Fred and Stevie take a mile walk, joining at UC Berkeley. For the past 22 years she this time at Plumbs’ home in New Jersey their neighbors for camaraderie and exer- has been working for the University of Cal- when she came for a school reunion. Karen cise, and then walk again in the evening; ifornia’s California Digital Library and plans and Betsy shopped all over Morris County Stevie has lost 10 pounds and had fun do- to retire next year. She and her partner, and had lunch with Sally Fliess and Elisa ing it!! Son Devon, will start his fourth year Gary, live in Alameda, California, and love Kessler Caporale ’67. Karen is busy sub- of teaching this fall. He teaches high school its temperate weather. stitute teaching and watching grandchildren. math, is the head forensics coach, and She hopes to make it back to for our 40th. coaches middle school track and field Rebecca has been in touch with several events and the girls’ golf team. In his “spare” classmates. A few years ago Sally Fliess Ann Noble retired March 1, ’08 and finds it time, he is working on his master’s. In July, (NYC and CT), Marjorie Lewis Franklin truly wonderful. She has no regrets about he threw Stevie and Fred a surprise 35th (Bethesda, MD ),and she visited former retirement, after almost 36 years working wedding anniversary party. ’69er classmate Leslie Dwyer Petty, who for the U.S. Department of Labor. The job

Fall 2008 41 offices, in Oslo’s 15 boroughs. paign reform finance laws. He is running for Her youngest daughter finished his fourth term this fall. He is on the Nation- medical school in August 2008 al Kidney Transplant list, but continues peri- and has had her internship in both toneal dialysis four times a day at home and southern and northern Norway. still works. Their daughter, Kate, has been Britt and her husband, Thor, vis- in London, England, for over two years, ited the north of Norway and trav- working in the IT-Pharmaceutical industry, eled along the coastline on a big and it looks like she will settle there. Dun- steamer — one of the most fan- can, their youngest, has just purchased tastic trips they have made, with George’s mother’s home, adjacent to their spectacular mountains and farm. It is nice to have one of the three still fjords. In August, the young M.D. interested in the farm that they have worked married Christian, an economist on as a family for so many years. Ted, their working in insurance. The wed- oldest, also lives in town and is dad to their WC friends in NJ: Sally Fliess, Karen Kling Plumb, ding was held in a big old castle “most loved” granddaughter, Abby, who will Elisa Kessler Caporale ’67 and Betsy Summers Solis in Sweden, a place they found on begin school this fall. the Internet! Her older daughter is a nurse in charge of a nursing B.J. Gibbons Bramlett went to the San she had was ideal until she realized she was home in Oslo and her partner works in drug Francisco Bay Area alumnae meeting at Su- working days, nights, and weekends; hadn’t rehabilitation in Oslo. san Blake Rowland’s (’68) house and read much for entertainment in years; and heard the news about Miami’s changes for was tired of figuring out what to wear to work! Thor is still head of a family counseling cen- the Western College Program. B.J. and Since retiring she has been to Hawaii, ter, which has over 50 percent of the clients husband Owen sold their boat five years to played lots of golf, read many books, visit- with non-Norwegian backgrounds — quite the day after they bought it and their search ed their cottage in Connecticut (and Lucy a challenge. Britt and Thor still travel a lot: for a new one took them to Virginia for a Boyle), exercised, worked on her house and Morocco, Spain, Denmark, Croatia, and new sailing adventure and a history tour with yard, and had Lyme disease. soon Hungary and Germany. And Britt is her 9-year old granddaughter. They toured coming to Reunion 2009, and hopes many the homes of the early presidents and Ann’s children are doing well. Mimi is a cloth- from the class of 1969 will be coming, too! learned some Revolutionary war history. ing designer in Manhattan (sajainc.com) and Cell phone: 0047 91628693, e-mail: They went to Annapolis and visited Joanne will soon be sharing rent with her boyfriend, [email protected] Blayne Linhard ’71, cruised down the Po- Zach. Ben is engaged and he and his soon- tomac and had a great visit. They also went to-be-veterinarian fiancée plan to be mar- Ginny Weckstrom Kantor loves teaching to DC for more history and museums, stayed ried in May and then move to Arizona so chamber music and collaborative piano at on their new boat in Virginia and did a little Ben can attend graduate school in mathe- The Cleveland Institute of Music and loves sailing on the Rappahannock. matics. Becky has accepted a job as pro- living in Cleveland. This fall she will also be gram and services associate manager for teaching at the Glenn Gould School of the While cleaning the garage, B.J. found her the Joint Council on International Family Royal Conservatory in Toronto. Toronto is a junior garb in a foot locker along with Owen’s Services in Alexandria, VA. Jae seems to great city too, she says, and she is looking air force uniform. It might be fun to see some finally have found his niche as a hair stylist forward to the challenge of helping develop garb reappear at the Reunion for some student at Aveda Institute in Denver, living a collaborative piano program there. Gin- laughs and tears and cheers. B.J. will defi- with Mom while going to school and work- ny’s last 31 summers have been spent nitely be there for our 40th. ing for a restaurant. teaching at the Aspen Music Festival. Her husband, Paul, is a violinist and also teach- Kathleen “Koke” Kibble wrote that she is In looking back over the last year Betsy es in Aspen and Cleveland and will teach semi-retired, but still substitute teaches at Philipson Kensinger has realized how in Toronto, too. a school where she used to work. Koke still blessed she and her husband, John, are to likes to teach but loves not having the daily have their family close by. They have five They have two children. Gwen (24) a stu- responsibility and grind, and it’s nice to be grandchildren all living within 45 minutes, dent at University of Rhode Island in King- able to be away for a few weeks at a time. so see children and grandchildren often. ston, was spending the summer in Rhode Koke travels some with her mother in her Island teaching swimming and lifeguarding. motor home. The motor coach company has John presented papers at several confer- Tim (23) attended a chamber music festival a major rally June 14 -19, 2009 (Reunion is ences this year, so they traveled to Prague in Italy this summer. He plays the violin and June 19-21), but Koke is going to try to do a and Rio de Janeiro. Betsy attended the Mar- is working on a master’s degree in perfor- little of both coming to Oxford with her moth- tha Pullen School of Art Fashion in Hunts- mance at Cleveland Institute. Ginny’s mother in the motor coach. ville, AL, something she had wanted to do er is still living independently in Massachu- for some years, and thoroughly enjoyed a setts at age 92. Ginny is in touch, with Elean- Lolita McDavid sent a photo of the “Fabu- week of heirloom sewing. On the way back ore Vail FF, who is as wonderful as always lous Four”: Jessica Lee ’69, Valerie Dick- they drove about 200 miles of the Natchez and serves as an inspiration for her. Ginny son-Horton ’71, Lolly, and Linda Watson Trace Parkway in Mississippi. Betsy is hop- will try to come to Reunion, though it always ’70, who gathered in Annapolis, MD, in June ing to attend our 40th and looks forward to seems to fall on the same weekend as the 2007 to celebrate Lolly’s son’s graduation seeing as many of our class as possible! Aspen convocation: “Our 40th will be too spe- from the United States Naval Academy. “It cial to miss.” is so wonderful,” Lolly writes, “to have friend- Britt Henne wrote from her home in Oslo ships that have lasted more than 40 years. that she is still working for the Department Gloria Jordan Wilber will return to teach We have supported each other in joys and of Labor and Welfare in Norway. A major family and consumer sciences in the fall of sorrows.” Lolly is in her last year of a nine- reform joined the social welfare, the labor ’08 for her 32nd year. All of her friends are year term on the board of trustees at Miami and the social security systems into one or- retired or retiring but she keeps at it! Her University — the first Western alumna to ganization so the client can go to one office husband, George, is still a state represen- serve. Her daughter graduated from Miami for information and help from the system. tative for the 63rd District in Connecticut and in 2002, two years after Lolly was named Britt’s job is to help establish the new local is busy raising money to meet the new cam- by the governor to the board. Lolly and her

42 The Bulletin husband celebrated their 38th anniversary years and it seems as if it’s only this past summer and Dee Newell Banks been a few years, not 37!! Those ’70 was with them. Yet another 40-plus-year from whom I have heard have friend! done such interesting things. So, let me begin. I hope that next year Nancy Galbraith Karoll married Richard there will be more of you to write Karoll in April 2007. They had a small wed- about. ding in a park near their house in Palm Har- bor, Florida, followed by a reception at I was so glad to be back in touch home. Her two children, Mark and Nicole, with Lynn Erstein after all these flew in from Denver and Vancouver and all years and she writes: “In March I had a great time. They continue to live in took an 18-day trip to China and Palm Harbor (near Tampa) where Richard Tibet with two other women. One works as a financial planner for Wachovia had been there many times, and Securities. Mark, works in airport planning the other had been three times “Fabulous Four”: Jessica Lee ’69, Valerie Dickson- at the Denver airport and Nicole is a senior with her. I was the newbie, as it Horton ’71, Lolly McDavid ’69, Linda Watson ’70 commercial loan analyst for a Canadian was my first trip to Asia. I have bank in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Nancy now been to every continent ex- and Richard spent a few weeks in Paris and cept Antarctica. What an experience! We arctica to work as a mechanic at the airfield Switzerland in September ’07 and had a started in Beijing, went by overnight train to for the American station there. I still get teary wonderful time. She recently had a reunion Xi’an and then took the new cross-China when I think of the beauty I have seen and in Washington, DC, with some old friends train to Lhasa, Tibet. China was interesting the experiences I had there. I have watched from eighth and ninth grade in Tehran, Iran. and very different from anything I had ex- whales from my bedroom window, touched Nancy no longer works at Macy’s but is very perienced before, but Tibet was like anoth- the actual South Pole, and driven a bulldoz- involved at the local YMCA and various other er world. Such a spiritual place. We left er in a howling Antarctic storm. I am now projects. She was looking forward to a visit Lhasa none too soon. We heard about the faced with trying to find a job at home that from Betsy Solis and her husband in No- fires and riots in Lhasa (which were right can follow an experience like that. Home, vember. Life is very good! where we were staying and had been wan- for the last eight years, has been four miles dering around in the markets) when we were down a dirt road in the California mountains Robbie Smith Hurley and her husband, at the airport waiting to depart. We were where I built a cabin and live without elec- Tom, are still in Columbus. She retired from some of the last tourists to leave the coun- tricity and I get my water from a spring. college teaching 10 years ago but is a “re- try. In fact, of the four places we visited, we Guess I never got over the ’60s. Anybody employed retiree,” working part-time in clin- would not be able to go to two of them to- know of an interesting job anywhere in the ical dietetics with a home infusion company day — Lhasa and Chengdu. world for an aging mechanic with a B.A. from and a home care company. Great work, Western College?” great schedule with time to enjoy their con- “I accomplished another life goal in the first do in Port Clinton, OH, on Lake Erie. Their half of this year. I am listed on Amazon! I Kathy Staubach Robison writes that re- children are grown: son Patrick (30) is a fifth- co-authored a book by Arcadia Publishing cently her Western roommate, Janny Had- grade teacher in Upper Arlington and daugh- about Upper Arlington, the Ohio community inata Morelle ’70, and she met face to face ter Liz ( 27), engaged to be married in April we live in. It is published using my middle for the first time in almost 38 years. The last 2009, is living in Charleston, SC, and hopes name — Kate Erstein — and has been well- time they saw each other was her Western to find work in her area of graduate studies, received by the community. The project was graduation. The years quickly faded away. hospital administration. Robbie finds it hard fun: starting with collecting photos from peo- And they were gabbing just as they did late to believe that all of us are over 60 and our ple in the community, organizing, research- at night in their dorm room. This beside the 40th reunion is coming up. ”I hope we all ing and writing the captions and now doing fact that Janny settled in France with her have the good sense to take care of our- local book signings. husband and raised two daughters while selves!” she writes. Kathy stayed in the States and raised two “Another huge accomplishment this year sons. Yet they have faced many of the same To quote Janie Walker: “It seems that my was the graduation of our son, our young- issues and now both of them are dealing Western friends are still my closest friends, est. Hurray!! He graduated from the Fisher with the aging parents challenge. Now it is and always will be! Western is alive and well School of Business at The Ohio State Uni- Kathy’s turn to travel to France for their next in our memories!” and, I’ll add, in our friend- versity. And even better ... he is employed!! visit. Kathy’s one-person consulting busi- ships. See you in June! He is currently in a management training ness continues to do well. It allows her flex- program in California. Daughter Ashley ibility to balance family, interests, friends and Nancy Wilson Kobayashi ’69 graduated from architecture at the Univer- work. Much nicer than the corporate world. 422-6-715 Tokiwa sity of Southern California last year and Kamakura, Japan 248-0022 works for a small, cutting-edge firm in Los Her oldest son, Capt. Sam Robison, U.S. [email protected] Angeles. She is starting to apply to grad Army Special Forces, returned to Iraq for school on the East Coast for next year. My his third tour of duty the end of May this year. husband had surgery to correct, or at least They look forward to his return February stop the progress of spinal stenosis in mid 2009. Ben, their youngest son, and his wife July.” are now back in Knoxville close to them with his new assignment at Fort Loudoun Hos- Several years ago I got back in touch and pital as a nuclear medical physicist. They with Martha Hibschman Collins. We met continue to enjoy the Knoxville area with the in Albany and as I listened to her, I thought vast waterways to boat and fish and the The news from our class this year is small her life was so interesting. Only Martha Smoky Mountains to explore. Life is good. but interesting. I hope it will encourage oth- would end up in Antarctica. She writes, “For ers to write about their lives next year. Be- the last three winters I have had the experi- Pamela Waldron-Moore, who was an ex- ing back in touch with our classmates has ence of a lifetime. Not sure how I did it, but change student from Guyana, wrote that she been interesting and inspiring after all these I talked Raytheon into sending me to Ant- couldn’t spend much time writing as she was

Fall 2008 43 preparing for yet another evacuation as The first person to reply was actually re- Gustav is threatening New Orleans. She sponding late to last year’s submissions. wanted to mention the fact that she is living Ann Beardsley Meeker sent the following: and serving as professor of global studies “Yeah, yeah, I’m late. I’m finally digging at Xavier University of Louisiana and wish- down into my to-do stack and found the blue es all alumnae well. Sorry, too, that she can- postcard. So ... save this for next year! Al- not make it to the Reunion because of a though my e-mail address will stay the time conflict with academic engagements. same, my physical address is changing — She is also looking to get back in touch with to Georgia for a two-year exile. About 15 Pamela Knowles, Janny Hadinata, Sadie years ago, my husband and I bought a home Davis and Minna McLeod and would love down there for his father. We fixed it up, put to hear from them. a lot of sweat equity into it, and eventually his father died. Now we’re looking to sell it Marilyn McCoy Norwood writes that she — and find we’ll owe more in taxes than we is busy attempting to complete her disser- ever paid for it. Doesn’t seem fair, so we’re tation in time for graduation in spring 2009. moving there for two years to avoid the cap- Millie Adongo, modeling some of the It is certainly a difficult task and she asks ital gains taxes, plus the 3 percent Georgia fashion accessories from her catalog, for your prayers! nonresident transfer tax. And maybe sell it “Proudly Kenyan,” which markets native FSBO. And it will be an exile. The house is African clothing, accessories and jewelry On a sad note we received notice from her lovely, but I just don’t ... fit in. So, I’m de- internationally husband that Janet Tyree Clark passed claring this my two-year house party and in- away on June 25, 2008, after a three-year- viting everyone and anyone to come visit “So, Christy, I hope we can count on getting long battle with ovarian cancer. (you included!) and relieve me of the tedi- YOU here in 2013 — because that will prob- um (it’s 25 miles to a grocery store...). ably mark 35 years since I last saw you!!!!!! I continue to split my time between Ames- [Yes, something like that! Ouch again!] And bury, MA, and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin “Other than that, Elliott is still with LasikPlus, I do hope we can drum up a lot more partic- Islands. We still fly our Comanche back and Kelly transferred to UNC Chapel Hill ( phys- ipants from our class five years hence, be- forth with the cat in the back seat. It’s a four- ics and philosophy), Margie is graduating a cause it’s always fun to have a crowd. day trip each way but it’s usually fun. We semester early and starting at the Universi- use the plane in the islands to get to know ty of Advancing Technology in Tempe, AZ “What’s up with you? I couldn’t help think- the rest of the NE Caribbean. I have recent- (game design), and I’m still editing. Hope ing of you a couple of days ago when the ly taken up tennis and love it. My life is full all are doing well.” [email protected]. local newspaper had a feature on a preg- of great friends in both places. I continue to nant belly dancer. No, no, I’m not sug- make glass beads in my spare time and try Ann, make sure the WCAA has your new gesting you’re pregnant! Any news would to stay healthy and happy. I love living in St. mailing address. Sorry for the exile, but be welcome. Today’s one of those days Croix even if it is very third world in many maybe it will be an adventure and a joy af- that should make you glad you left Ohio ways. The power goes out, the phones don’t ter all. Good luck! — it’s pushing 90 and HUMID. Joan” always work, but somehow I don’t really [email protected] care. The weather got me there but the peo- Joan Campbell from Reynoldsburg, Ohio, ple keep me there. If you get there, I’m in wrote to chastise us a bit — deservedly so, Since Joan asked ... I think pregnancy would the phone book. it appears. “Lyn Miller Neely and I were the be a medical miracle, but I HAVE been bel- ONLY people from our class to attend Alum- ly dancing! Never really stopped. In fact, I Laurie LeGrand ’71 nae Weekend, and it was pretty sad to have often teach private classes in the Womanly 289 Main St. the lowest turnout of any of the other recent Art of Belly Dancing. It’s WAY fun, and very Amesbury, MA 01913 Reunion classes who were represented. So good for cardio-vascular health, as well as [email protected] the most important thing for me to say to for your Inner Goddess! As I probably in- our classmates is: START PLANNING NOW formed everyone in earlier class news, I was TO RETURN TO OXFORD FOR OUR 40- ordained a Minister of Spiritual Peacemak- YEAR REUNION IN 2013!!!! Seriously. We ing by the Beloved Community in the sum- need to do much, much better than we did mer of 2006 after an intensive seminary, this year. which included a spiritual retreat in Assisi and peace walk to Rome in September “As far as updates go, as in other recent 2005. I have done a few house blessings years Ben and I are fine and traveling a lot. and one funeral so far, and am scheduled Greetings to everyone! I know we all have In May we took a trip in Wales followed by a to perform a wedding this coming spring, such busy lives that it’s difficult to keep up small-ship cruise up the west coast of the but so far I have not done much with my with our classmates. I am as guilty as ev- British Isles and Ireland, as far north as the pastoral life. eryone else in this regard — especially since Shetlands. In July, we returned yet again to I wasn’t even able to attend our (gasp) 35th the Canadian Rockies, and as I write this, Margaret “Millie” Odede Adongo was the Reunion this summer! So it’s a bit of, “do as we’re preparing for a short trip to Churchill, next to write, conveying her disappointment I SAY, not as I do!” LOL. I heard from five of Manitoba, in early August with a small group that she couldn’t attend our Reunion. Don’t our class this time, and visited with a fifth. of nature-lovers. I’m hoping for a visit this feel bad, Millie, you weren’t the only one. So come on, people, we are an awesome fall from Lissa Cook Coady and Linda Li Maybe you can manage to join us in five group, and should share our continued tri- Ng. Note that getting the three of us togeth- years, and make Joan proud of us! Here’s umphs and adventures! Next time around, er will be a 50 percent better turnout than what Millie says: “I always dream that one PLEASE drop a note. You can always do it we had for our Western Reunion. [Ouch, day God may make a way for me to come by e-mail or phone. Photos would also be Joan! Point taken!] to one of these dream trips at Western Col- very lovely. lege. I am at the moment having two funer-

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44 The Bulletin and I have had some great reunions with other Westerners. In May, we headed east to Madison, WI, to attend the wedding of Lee Esterly Richter’s (’74) son Brody. The wedding was delightful and the mother of the groom looked gorgeous! I didn’t get to spend as much time as I would have liked with Lee, of course — but typical of her always-generous nature, she had arranged for a reunion of five couples, (including us), who all lived in Findlay, OH, in the mid-70s. It was great to see everyone again. Christy with Beniko Tsubaki, in between massages “After that, we dashed to Denver to meet my sister and attend an REM Concert be- when she comes to San Diego for a confer- fore we came home to prepare for a way- ence. Last month I was able to go up to Los too-short visit from Tina Shatuck ’71 and Angeles to see Mohammed Al-Barwani, her husband, Richard. They traded in their (who was originally in the Western class of house in Connecticut for an Airstream trail- ’75, but graduated from Miami in ’74), and er and a gypsy life, which brought them to his wife. We pored over my Western year- our doorstep for a fabulous evening togeth- book, reminiscing about everyone we knew Representing the 35-year class at er — unfortunately, way too short, as I was from those halcyon days! He and his family Reunion 2008: Joan Campbell and Lyn off to Georgia the next morning. Tina and I of five talented, multi-lingual and multi-cul- Miller Neely. [Read Lyn’s toast, page 4.] want to know — where is Connie Wong? tural children own and operate a large in- Otherwise, I’m still writing with two books in ternational business in Oman and are als to cope with and hopefully can view the process, and busy trying to build the non- blessed to travel all over the world for busi- website in a week or two when we have profit Alliance for Historic Wyoming. Larry ness and pleasure. I was hoping to have a buried the two — one of my younger sis- and I are great — still love Wyoming. Come photo of that luncheon, but he hasn’t sent ters’ husband and a son of my brother — visit us!” 712 S. 2nd St., Laramie, WY 82070; them to me yet, the slacker! Contact me if both who passed away a few days ago here 307-742-5449; [email protected]. you’d like his e-mail address. in Nairobi. I pray regularly and hope that all will be well at this year’s Reunion. My best Last, but not least, I was pleasantly sur- I am still in touch with Agnes Lafitte (who regards to Margaret Barrier, Phyllis Hoyt, prised to hear from Beniko Tsubaki from was my roommate at Clawson Hall in our and to all Westerners, especially those who Japan ([email protected]). She freshman year), and who just became a graduated in 1973 with me. God bless.” called me from a hotel in San Diego because grandma of an adorable baby girl! I also [email protected]. she was in town with her husband while he occasionally hear from Maria Ligia Galar- attended a conference. Although we both za-Simmons ’71, who lives in Kansas, and Millie, please extend our deepest condo- were booked to the gills, they came to Chu- who recently suffered an unexpected di- lences to your family on their loss! I still la Vista’s Farmers’ Market where I provide vorce from her husband of 30-some years. dream of a trip to Kenya! So be prepared chair massage once a week. We had a nice Eliana Hernandez is still in San Francisco, one of these days to find me on your door- visit, although people wanting a massage and I hope to take the train up to see her in step! kept interrupting us! But it was fun to see the spring. I’d love to hear from ANYONE her in person, and meet her very person- from any class and am eager for Western- Lynne Mueller Sweeney sent me the fol- able and friendly hubby! ers, who are coming to Southern California lowing news: “Hi, All! This has been a very for business or pleasure, to come spend busy week. My daughter and I had a won- My massage business continues to thrive some time with me in lovely San Diego! derful time planning her wedding, which took and I truly love my work! I occasionally teach Please stay in touch! place on June 28th. The weather cooperat- Taiji and Qigong classes as well as the bel- ed perfectly by the time we went to the ly dancing mentioned above in Joan’s let- Christy Wines ’73 church and on to the reception. Only a few ter. Gino is still at SDSU with a double poli- 5155 Cedarwood Rd., Apt. 56 things didn’t go according to plan, but only sci/history major, and my two kids in Flori- Bonita, CA 91902 Stephanie and I knew it! She and Josh drove da (Allegra and Hugo) are still weathering 619-267-1425 (h); 619-701-7264 (cell) back to Sarasota and took a Caribbean the storms of the economy as well as the [email protected] cruise the following week. [Lynne, please hurricanes! I’m making a swing to Ohio in extend our congratulations to Stephanie and October to see my mom and sister for a Josh, and to you, the mother of the bride as week, then will go from there to Naples for well!] I’m planning a trip to visit the newly- two weeks to see my kids and grandchil- weds in October, and hopefully next spring dren. I may try to go to the Santa Fe, New to Berlin to visit my sister and her family. Mexico, area for Christmas — I have a med- Now it is back to real estate, which is get- icine man friend at Nambé Pueblo (who ting much busier than it was this spring!” wants to do joint spiritual ceremonies with 8652 Washington Blvd. E. Dr., Indianapolis, IN me); as well as an Episcopal priest (-ess) So, here we are. Really there was nothing 46240; 317-439-5514; [email protected]. friend, who is my mentor in the pastoral field. except a quick note from Cris Arguedas. I also spent a long weekend in Sedona, AZ, She is Berkeley, CA, still practicing law with That’s good! I know a lot of people have in May at a Tantra healing conference — it her own firm; they do criminal defense. Cris been really suffering in this goofy economy, was awesome, and I continue to pursue says that she happily hosted a wedding re- especially with housing! Hope it turns classes and workshops in Kundalini Yoga, ception for Ada Harrigan and Mary Anne around rapidly for all of us! Tantra, and other spiritual modalities. O’Connor (“thank-you, California Supreme Court”). Diane Bratcher ’74 flew out from Another blue card came from Lesley B. I’m looking forward to hooking up with New York to attend. Cris would love to hear Wischmann, who writes: “Recently, Larry Renée Harris Yates ’72 in a few weeks from anyone from Western.

Fall 2008 45 As for me ... Well, life in the fast lane still hours away, he is able to see them quite moves on. Since my last Bulletin, we are frequently. He continues to teach guitar les- now an official family of four. In May, Sarah, sons and is currently rehearsing songs for who had come back into my home last Sep- his upcoming CD, which he hopes to start tember (2007), became a permanent ward. recording soon. So I am now the proud mom to three — girls ages 16, 4 and 3. Having Sarah has My year was fairly uneventful. I am still a been a blessing as well as a strain. She has I hope this finds everyone enjoying crisp licensed pyrotechnician, but my main func- come with lots of baggage, and the finan- cool nights. While summer is always too tion at American Fireworks still consists of cial burden has been quite overwhelming. short, it’s nice to leave the legendary heat managing the showroom where we sell con- We are struggling, but there is a light at the and humidity of Northeastern Ohio behind us sumer fireworks. I truly enjoy my custom- end of the tunnel (I hope). and sit by a bonfire toasting marshmallows! ers. Several of them come from out of state and make a mini-vacation out of it — we Not much else is new. We did take a trip to Branton Shearer found our Ohio summer have several B&Bs in the area and many Georgia this summer. (My mom and sister almost refreshing after a two-week trip to fine restaurants. now live in the mountains just outside of Puerto Rico in June. He is in the midst of a Atlanta.) On the way back I almost took the publishing frenzy: authoring and co-author- I continue to do a cooking show for my local girls to Oxford to see where I spent four ing several books, writing articles for aca- cable television station. If you are interest- years of my life, but it had been a long trip demic journals and editing essays. Even ed in seeing some of my recipes, go to and I wanted to get home. Maybe next year. though he used laymen’s terms to describe www.cable9.org and follow the recipe ar- Christine (the 4-year-old) has started pre- his various endeavors I think his website will chive link. While I was thrilled to hear from school and just loves it. Sarah — three days explain it much better than I possibly could. Branton and Dan, I couldn’t help but notice before school started — announced she Please visit www.MIResearch.org. to learn how many of the e-mails that I sent out were wanted to go to the Catholic school. We more about his fascinating profession. Don’t read, but never responded to. I didn’t re- moved a few mountains, got her enrolled. miss the link to a picture of him. ceive one blue card. Why are so many of She loves it. I have never seen her so excit- our voices silent now? If this page was the ed to go to school. Alyson, the youngest, is Dan Becker is still living in Oswega, Illinois, first one that you turned to when you re- just being Alyson, my little redhead (but she but is steadily pursuing his dream to walk ceived this issue of the Bulletin, please take is cute). the entire Appalachian Trail. This year he a few minutes and send me a note or give did several day hikes in the Connecticut and me a call — all of my contact information is That’s all for now ... hope to hear from more Massachusetts region; he only has 12 miles listed below. I wish everyone the happiest of you next fall, have a great year. of the trail in Massachusetts left to hike. of holidays and all good things in 2009. Recently, his brother moved to Maryland so Cyndie Cole ’75 he’ll be starting the Maryland and Virginia Kim Rotonto Dregalla ’77 2317 Parmater Rd. portion of the trail next. He only has 2,090 6971 Darrow Road Gaylord, MI 49735 miles left to go. His oldest daughter gave Hudson, OH 44236 [email protected] birth to her second child this past spring, 330-653-5000 and as Dan and his wife live two and a-half [email protected] It’s time to hear from our former faculty and staff! As we prepare for the year-long celebration of our 35th year of lively existence, we are making updates on our revered Western faculty and staff a top priority. Blue cards have gone out ... a few have come in. Eventually, we hope to hear from each and every one of you!

Margaret Barrier “moved across the street” College, in Richmond, Indiana — a job she In 1964, Dick had married Sandra Still, in 1974, to teach in Miami’s Department of enjoyed very much until her retirement in Western class of 1957, who had returned Sociology and Anthropology. After three 1994. For the past 10 years, she has had a to Western as assistant dean of students years, she joined the staff of the dean of small part-time job arranging concerts at under Phyllis Hoyt. Sakurais moved to the College of Arts and Science, where she Earlham, though she is giving that up now. Richmond, Indiana, in 1977; Sandy was worked with summer freshman orientation associate dean of students at Earlham, and programs and was responsible, most of Presumably, to travel more! Since the death Dick had adjunct and visiting professorships each year, for academic advising with un- of her husband, Paul, in 1999, she has trav- at two other colleges. By the ’80s, they were dergraduates. Since retiring from Miami in eled to Vietnam, New Zealand, Eastern Eu- in Maryland, where he taught five years in a 1992, Margaret has been involved with sev- rope and Russia. Eleanore, too, has re- Baltimore private school, then taught phys- eral nonprofit social service agencies, serv- mained in Oxford and lives at The Knolls, ics and math at Frederick Community Col- ing on boards of two Butler County mental where her neighbors include not only Mar- lege until retiring in 1994. health agencies, as well as Family Service, garet Barrier, but Will and Mary Lee Kee- and Planned Parenthood of Southwest bler and Don and Carolyn Auble. She When Sandy retired in 2000, they moved to Ohio. In 2000, she moved to The Knolls of writes, “I am still active musically in the com- Oregon, Dick’s home state, and settled just Oxford, a continuing care community, where, munity and practice nearly every day.” outside Portland, in Troutdale. Since, he has she writes, “I have a lovely home and enjoy been volunteering at “a left-radical book contacts with a number of Western col- store collective” and a Japanese American leagues and alums.” Her sister’s children “Life after Western” began in 1967 for Dick Historical Legacy Center. Two sons, a Jap- and grandchildren “continue to be a joy!” Sakurai, who taught physics from 1962 to anese daughter-in-law and grandson live in 1967. He then joined the faculty of Webster California. Says Dick, “We live at the begin- College, St. Louis, Missouri, for two years; ning of the Columbia River Gorge Scenic After teaching at Western College for 25 and was a faculty member at Shimer Col- Area, so visitors will be welcomed and giv- years, Eleanore Vail got a job at Earlham lege, Mt. Carroll, Illinois, from 1969 to 1977. en tours.”

46 The Bulletin In Memoriam

Helen Wilson Petscher ’24 Clarabeth Zehring Doyle-Heis ’39 Ruth De Martine Hardaway ’50 March 2008 March 2008 May 2008

Dorothy Hamilton Amato ’29 Elizabeth Brill Morrow ’39 Mary Ellen Higburg Johnston ’52 November 2003 May 2008 July 2008

Janet W. Cartwright ’30 Dorothy Fay Richards ’39 Joanne Bordner Telfer ’52 October 2007 November 2007 February 2008

Edith Snyder Evans Asbury ’31 Anne Tuthill Reynolds ’40 Patricia Valentine ’52 October 2008 May 2008 June 2007

Alice Phillips Scheleen ’31 Jean Phillips Drexel ’41 Marjorie Hamm Hanselman ’54 March 2008 January 2008 September 2008

Betty Wolfe Hale ’32 Mary Emeline Eaton ’41 Mary Gene Flowers Maher ’54 January 2007 March 2008 June 2008

Lois Bauman Leich ’32 Janet Kirshman Pfleger ’43 Sharon English Blake ’55 April 2008 September 2008 June 2008

Dorothy Hopple Buchholz ’34 Alice Kimball Spooner ’43 Eleanor Inman-George ’59 May 2008 March 2008 January 2008

Louise Coppedge Cunningham ’35 Anne Campbell Buettner ’45 Barbara Barrett Kendrick ’64 August 2008 March 2008 March 2008

Helen Pentzer Denny ’35 Jeanne Steward Ballard ’48 Janet Tyree Clark ’71 March 2008 August 2006 June 2008

Alice Janes Fowler ’35 Joan Cleveland Latta ’48 Ann T. Benson FF November 2007 July 2007 Associate Professor of English, 1960-63 Elizabeth Ann Shipley Bales ’38 Norma Jean Corey Postel ’48 September 2005 July 2008 September 2004 Kenneth Burke HA Virginia Ruth Charles ’38 Dolores Vogt Suess ’48 Vice President for University January 2008 August 2003 Relations, 1991-2000 June 2008 Emily Heinrich ’38 Lois Ann Piepho White ’48 June 2008 June 2008

Rebecca K. Coup ’39 Carol Cattrell Castle ’50 July 2008 April 2008

Fall 2008 47 The Western College Program

In April 2008, it was announced that Mary Jean Corbett, John W. Steube Endowed Professor of English and Affiliate in Women’s Studies at Miami, had been named interim director of the West- ern College Program, charged with guiding the transition from an independent program to a divisional one. Dr. Corbett graduated from Smith College in 1984 and earned her Ph.D. in En- glish from Stanford in 1989; she joined the Miami faculty in 1989. She is extensively published — particularly in the areas of Victorian literature and women’s writing. Her latest book — just out! — is Family Likeness: Sex, Marriage, and Incest from Jane Austen to Virginia Woolf (Cornell University Press, November 2008). We asked her to share her goals and plans for the new West- ern Program with Bulletin readers.

owever painful they may be, moments of tran- for what lies ahead. I have real confidence that third- Hsition also enable significant growth and change. wave Western, as I’ve taken to calling it, will be a dy- It may seem excessively optimistic namic, intellectually challenging program and a vital, to some, but I believe that in mi- diverse community of learners of which you can all be grating to its new home within the proud. College of Arts and Science, the As we complete the process of recruiting faculty to Western Program has such an op- the new program, we collectively begin the task of de- portunity at hand—and I am thrilled signing a curriculum that will draw students to West- to be part of it! ern, with a special focus on recruiting those who seek With the assistance of the tal- to design their own individualized courses of study in ented and energetic Kim Ernsting consultation with members of our faculty team. Design- and Genevieve O’Malley Knight ing and instituting a curriculum take time, and I do not (WCP ’04), the full support of Dean Dr. Corbett imagine that everything will be in place all at once, so I Karen Schilling, and the amazing efforts of faculty and ask for your patience — and your participation — as professional staff from across the university, we will the new program takes shape. Whatever the pace of our launch a living-learning community in the fall of 2009 progress, I certainly plan to draw on your passionate that builds on and extends the very best of the Western energy and enthusiasm for educating the next genera- College and Western College Program legacies even as tion of Western students, and to share more with you it introduces new ideas and fresh faces to Peabody Hall. over the coming months, whether in person or in print, Although the task is a bit daunting, I have been deeply about the new program. encouraged over the last several months on a number — Mary Jean Corbett of fronts. The outpouring of alumnae and alumni support has been tremendous, as evidenced by both the Western College Reunion in June and the Western Col- lege Program Reunion in September. The current projects and future plans of continuing WCP students have already begun to guide our thinking about the kinds of undergraduates we aim to attract. And the interest generated among extremely talented Miami faculty from three of the University’s divisions gives me great hope

48 The Bulletin me to be intentional about exercise instead of receiving it as a by-product of my day? I once commented to my mother-in-law that her 50-some- year-old diapers-now-rags were very white.‘Of course’ Celebrating 30 years! she replied, ‘you can’t hang out stained diapers for all the 1979 was anticipating a big showing at the neighbors to see.’ I don’t hang upcoming 35th WCP Reunion and we were our unmentionables outside. busy getting ready for that, but folks took I wonder what else my lifetime to write.... style allows me to hide? The homes in our area have un- Cindy Renz First is First (groan.....) She is attached garages. I like that; sorry she can’t make reunion, but writes: “I it causes us to rub shoulders am still practicing law in Everett, Washing- with the neighbors more. It ton, with one other person. I have a daugh- makes it harder to hide. It ter at Washington State (sorority member helps to offset the isolation Lynn Patterson Hessler ’79 and family of swimmers! and a fashion major — John and I cannot that comes with air condition- figure out where either came from!), and ing in the summer and cold weather in the and look for something good to come from another who is a junior in high school — an winter. All those years of training our minds the awful experience. Joey’s classmates athlete, honors student, etc. (can’t figure out in Leonard Theatre lead me to ponder what have initiated a Miami memorial scholarship where those genes came from either). I also America would look like if we all had unat- in his name. We need $25,000 to have an have a step-daughter who is a first year at tached garages and turned off our air con- endowed scholarship and we are only a small school in Belmont, California. I hate ditioners. I’m not sure; I need to hang out $8,000 away from meeting this goal. The to say it, but middle age does seem to be more clothes to explore it further.” scholarship will be awarded to a Princeton upon me so I am figuring out what I will do High School student (Joey’s alma mater) for the next 50 years. Big hugs to everyone Lynn Patterson Hessler sends an update: who brings ‘light and laughter to the class- at the Reunion — I would love to be there. “After Western graduation, I received a cer- room’ and also has some financial need. My P.S. I just represented a woman who went tificate in paralegal studies from College of hope is that the first scholarship will be to Western and graduated years after us — Mt. St. Joseph, then worked as a litigation awarded to the graduating class of 2009. I small world! We prevailed, of course. We paralegal for 12 years at a large, then a small would like to thank all my classmates who had two great brains on our side — how law firm in Cincy. Married Mark Hessler in have so generously donated to the scholar- could we lose?” 1987; we have four great kids, Charley, ship already. If anyone would care to make Rose, Robin and Colin! We have been a tax deductible donation, go to Katryn Inkley Renard writes in as a long home-schooling our kids for 15 years now. www.forloveandhonor.org and specify in the time reader, first time writer: “I hang my Our oldest, Charley, is a sophomore at U.S. other box — Joey Eger Memorial Scholar- clothes out to dry. It’s the green thing to do Naval Academy; only daughter, Rose, is a ship. Thank you for the love and support I and as a Western grad that should, and freshman at Xavier U. I’m still having lots of have received from my fellow classmates, does, please me. But I do it more for the adventures with eighth-grade son, Robin, Joey’s classmates, and the Western facul- calming influence it has on my day. In theo- and his first-grade brother, Colin! Our chil- ty. Peace to all.” ry I’m calm every day since for the past two dren are all involved in competitive swim- and a-half years I have not had the stress ming, which of course, means I am too; we I encourage everyone to give to the Joey of my job as a software developer. I loved get to Miami often for swim meets! I also Eger Scholarship Fund. That’s all for now. my job. But as we watched the company’s work part-time for Community Press News- Stay in touch! downward spiral, it seemed prudent for me papers as a district manager in the circula- to leave. It’s a terrible thing to lose faith in tion department. We still live in Cincinnati Peace, all! the company to which you’ve dedicated so in Springfield Township. many years. But I was fortunate and did not Tom “Walter” Gardner ’79 need to seek other employment. So now I Alas, Patty McGowan Eger has some very, 307 Constitution Ave NE have more time. Time to hang the clothes very sad news to share. Western is a pain- Washingon, DC 20002 on the line. Time to escape the technology- ful place for her right now, but she sends [email protected] driven world and let the sun dry the clothes her best wishes to all: “Dear Walter and my in its own unhurried and calm way. How odd fellow Western classmates. I write this with that I made a career by developing faster a heavy heart. My son Joey Eger was a jun- and better technology and now I rejoice in ior at Western College and died by suicide escaping the buzzer that says, ‘I dried these on Oct. 19, 2007. He was a kind, fun- lov- quickly for you; come and do something with ing, creative and generous young man and them.’ I use the clothespins my mother-in- his death took us totally by surprise. My law used. I think about her hanging out her husband, Willie, my son James (17) and clothes and her mother before her and her myself are struggling with our grief. As a Susan Mason Foster is pursuing a mas- mother before her ... It’s not long before I nurse practitioner at the VA Medical Center ter’s in multicultural special education from feel connected to the women who settled for the past 24 years, I am no stranger to Mount St. Joseph’s College in Cincinnati. on the prairies so long ago. Did they listen human suffering. I just never thought this She works at The Children’s Home; a satel- to the songs of the birds and attempt to iden- kind of tragedy would be part of my reality. I lite program for kids with ED in the Cincin- tify each one by call alone as I do? Did they ask less and less ‘Why me?’ and now try to nati Public Schools. Daughter Claire is 13, regard God with awe and their marriages ask ‘Why not me?’ My faith in God (the Great wise and talented beyond her years. Claire with joy as I do? Were they blessed with Spirit of us all) has comforted me and al- is studying violin and vocals at Cinci’s per- good health as I have been even though lowed me to believe that I will see Joey again forming arts school downtown. Susan and technological advancements have forced in another realm. I am hopeful for the future Bill run up and down between life in South-

Fall 2008 49 at 7:00 sharp at O’Bryan’s pub). The photo the program in the future, it will be up to is Rich and our fellow classmate Hank Stern those who live it to make it their own and to making a visit to Western. The visit was brief create memories and relationships that will as the Seekies still have several outstand- last a lifetime. We have given each other a ing warrants for their arrest…something unique and precious gift, friendship and fel- about statues and undergarments? lowship that have endured for decades now. [email protected] Nothing they can do to the current program can ever change that. Our Western will live Chris Kerosky writes: “After 12 happy years on as long as we gather for reunions, visit at our house across the bay from San Fran- the duck pond, see each other when we are cisco, my wife and I moved out to the coun- near by, call, e-mail or just pause from our try in West Sonoma County, California. We busy lives to remember a time when we found a dream home, at the end of a long were young and hopeful and full of energy; winding road, surrounded by oak and red- excited and angry and dramatic and so in- wood trees, in the heart of wine country. The credibly smart. That is the fountain of youth, closest town is Graton, which is really just a my friends, drink deep and let it rejuvenate crossroads, but our new address will be: your soul. Long live Western! Rego ’81 11050 Peaks Pike Rd., Sebastopol, Califor- nia 95472; phone: 707-874-2484. We are John Rego ’81 also losing our family e-mail address, so e- 6410 Timbers Ct. mail us now at: [email protected]. Mason, OH 45040 I will still be maintaining my office in San [email protected] Francisco, but trying to do more work from ’81 classmates Rich Kemmett and my home office. Mary will still be helping Hank Stern, visiting Western out in the office, but trying to spend as much time as she can with the dogs, the chickens ern Ohio and Bill’s business in Northwest and maybe even a goat. The kids will have Ohio while diverting to the beach around five acres to run around in, plenty of room Christmas time for a couple of weeks of R&R to chase after the animals. We hope to see before Bill’s hectic tax season. Look for Western alumni visiting often in this lovely Susan on Saturday of the Reunion, she part of the country.” Although there was no news from Class Rep hopes to join the festivities and share some Ann Rosenfield this time around, it can be of her work in Economics in Literature, a Jeff Schreiber is alive and well and living reported that three members of the class thematic unit that focuses on “standards in Leetonia, Ohio (near Youngstown). He got attended the All-Western Reunion in June from science, social studies, language arts married three years ago and has three and appeared to enjoy themselves: Patrick and math” … Interdisciplinary Studies Live! daughters. (He’s pictured here with his Callahan, Robert Cox and Jeffry Kir- [email protected] youngest, Grace, who turned 1 in July.) Jeff schner. And it’s fair to say the class is proud collectively of Pat, who received a 2008 Alan Kalish, Ph.D., is director of faculty & Alumnae Service Award from the WCAA. ta development at The Ohio State Universi- (See page 33 for a copy of the citation.) Pat’s ty and has been very active in helping to wife, Karen Kilbane — also a member of shape the “New Western Program” as a the class — was unable to attend. member of the Dean’s Alumni Advisory Council (DAAC). His mission has been to Bobby represented the WCP alums Satur- figure out how to keep WCP alums connect- day night at the banquet, toasting the West- ed and active in the program. Alan has at- ern spirit that sustained alumnae after the tended programs at the College of Educa- closing of the original Western College and tion in Portugal to further his interest in gives hope to WCP alumni as they face the teaching teachers how to teach and in some prospect of their “beloved program under- cases how to teach teachers to teach teach- going an uncertain transformation.” [Editor’s ing to other teachers who are involved in Jeff and his yearling note: Read the complete toast in “What’s teaching teaching to other teachers. As if on Your Mind,” page 4.] that wasn’t enough, Alan and Claudia have makes custom cabinetry and is interested opened the Lotus Center for Veterinary in American House Styles. He will not be The second Reunion of the year — the Medicine and Surgery. Don’t worry, Claudia able to make it down for the reunion (three WCP’s 35th, September 19-21 — brought will be handling all the surgery. daughters … he better make a lot of cabi- out even more class members: Jim Boyer, [email protected] www.Lotusvet.com nets) but sends his warmest greetings to who sang and played guitar at the Sunday everyone. [email protected] closing ceremony in Ernst; Dave Dorsky; Rich Kemmett is with a national advertis- Chris Jennings and Jan Montgomery; ing media company and hires sales contrac- As many of you know our classmate Jeff Steve Kanner; Chris Myers and Lynne tors. (Work from home-Make big money- Dovel has been battling with health issues Born Myers; Kathy Smith Rademacher; Must have Bachelor of Philosophy degree for some time. Please keep him and his fam- and Ann Rosenfield. or equivalent…boy I’ve been looking for that ily in your thoughts. [email protected] ad my whole life.) Rich retired as a captain Condolences are due Chris Jennings, who from the Hartford, CT, police department Western has been many things to many left Oxford before the closing ceremony in after 26 years of service in an urban area people, different things to different people, order to attend a family reunion — only to where 62 percent of the population is be- but it has always been a source of intense learn when he arrived that his mother had low the federal poverty line (story time starts emotional memories. Whatever happens to been killed in an automobile accident. Con-

ALL classes come and celebrate WCAA’s 35th at Reunion ’09 ... June 19-21!

50 The Bulletin Catherine now finds herself in the which came out in January 2008. Read more beautiful South Downs region of at www.billcameronmysteries.com. England, where she lives with her (relatively new) husband, Roger. Christine Rebera ’87 She reports having an interesting 418 Richard Pl. vantage point for this fall’s gen- Ithaca, IL 14850 eral election and is actively sup- [email protected] porting the “correct” candidate through Democrats Abroad …

John Haffner Layden is the associate director for publications for the New School in NYC and has posted on his Facebook page an amusing photo of himself bowling. Celebrating 20 years!

Loyal members of the Class of ’83 Jeff Kirschner Somehow, between home- New news from the class of 1989: (middle) and Bobby Cox (right) were on hand at the schooling her four children and June 2008 Reunion to enjoy activities and honor drinking chai at Starbucks, Anne From Kris Curry: “Hello, Westerners — Al- classmate Pat Callahan (left), who received the Meskey Elhajoui manages to ways nice to read about what everyone else WCAA Alumnae Service Award. find time to keep a very lively and is up to, thought I would finally write in with up-to-date Facebook page. She an update as well. I’m marking my 17th year dolences, too, to Chris’s brother, Tom Jen- also seems quite adept at playing online in LA working in television (wow, that sounds nings, Western ’86. word games. shocking) and last year moved permanent- ly out of freelance producing and took an Ann Rosenfield ’83 And, finally, when you find Ed Adams’ site, exec position as VP of development for Pie 66 Ellsworth you’ll see that he hasn’t lost his touch as he Town Productions so I could be home with Toronto, ON M6G 2K3 is “having lunch with the best legal report- my family more. My husband, Rich, and I Canada ers on the planet” and “talking with some of are renovating our 1920s craftsman bunga- [email protected] America’s smartest lawyers.” Oh, Ed. low (an unfortunate side effect of working for a company that does a dozen some Facebook has been great fun. I hope you’ll HGTV shows) and our daughter, Dusty, en- all join in and keep us apprised of your lat- ters kindergarten this fall. I’m always encour- est joys. aged to read about the socially redeeming work my former classmates are doing, as it Madeline Iseli ’85 seems like it cancels out my contribution to 38 Beverly Pl. the decline of civilization ... which is nice. Dayton, OH 45419 This is the Facebook version of a class re- [email protected] “Dana Lundell, what is your new e-mail union. A number of us have “found” each address?? Misun Oh, so great to see you other again on Facebook and it’s been a lot in San Francisco a couple years back — of fun. You are invited to join us! where are you now? And, John Vanek, is it true you ran into my sister-in-law in New York Through Facebook, I’ve learned that Heidi City at our film screening a couple years Fruehan Franscioni has “scored a solo art ago? I’m hoping to see updates from you show at a beautiful and big winery nearby, all in this edition of the alumni newslet- scheduled for July ’09.” Heidi and her hus- ter! For anyone visiting Southern Cal, band own a music school where most of the No one from the class of ’87 sent an update give us a shout out and we’ll take you out students study guitar. They like to play clas- to class rep Christine Rebera or, sadly, at- for the best taco ever. No kidding.” sic rock, which they call “old rock.” Of tended the 35th year Reunion on campus in [email protected] course, age is relative, isn’t it? September. But the WCAA office sleuths unearthed this news on one classmate From Richard McDonnell: “In February, I When you find Mark Damschroder on Face- who’s making quite a name for himself: moved to the D.C. area from Richmond, VA. book, you can see photos of him and his Still with the same company, Altria, doing two lovely teenage daughters, visiting sce- In the May/June 2008 issue of The Northwest the same thing, government affairs, but new nic wonders such as Arches National Park. Magazine (www.thenwmagazine.com), a fea- location. Actually, it was a return home as You’ll also see that Mark “is contemplating ture article tells the story of how Bill Cam- both Julia and I are from Northern Virginia. The Reluctant Fundamentalist recommend- eron, native Ohioan, followed his long-time We found a great, old house in Falls Church. ed by Laura McShane ... Good Book!” dream to move to the Northwest and ulti- We moved in just in time for the arrival of mately to pursue the writing life. He landed our twins — Jackson and Madeline — in Speaking of Laura, she has good cause to in Portland 18 years ago, and today he, his March. They joined an older sister, Grace, recommend or not recommend books, as wife and kids are still thrilled with the city’s who turned 4 two days after they were born. an employee of the Cleveland Public Library. easy access to “just about any environ- She thought it was quite a birthday gift!” When you go to her Facebook site, you’ll ment,” plus a multitude of family activities find a link to “Reading List 2008 by LMcS- and “an almost unending supply o marvel- News may be dated, but here is where some hane.” Looks like she has some great sug- ous restaurants.” A graphics designer by alums were a year ago! gestions! day, Bill writes mysteries in his spare time and published his first novel, Lost Dog, in Terry Eisele is married to fellow Miami alum- After Catherine Charlton and Sue Merri- 2007. He also contributed a short story, na Michelle Kozak. Terry is teaching ESL at lees’ trip to the Arctic a couple of years ago, “Slice of Pie,” to the anthology Killer Year, a Community College in Columbus, and

Fall 2008 51 writing a graphic novel based on interviews you already know her. It’s just one of those with a Czech woman who survived the Nazi hugely intangible assets that transcend decimation of her village. the (meritless) bottom line justifications for the program’s deconstruction. Alienat- I heard by e-mail from Heather Purkey- ing the some 1,500 people who’ve graduat- Wells. She is living in Fairfield, OH, and ed from Western in the past 35 years is tru- reports: “Three kids, a dog, cat, mortgage, ly Miami’s loss. etc. Just finishing up my M.S.W. at UC. My Two weeks ago, I sat in Ernst Nature The- kids are 16, 13 and 10. A boy and two girls. ater on a resplendent autumn Sunday morn- Ben Gibbons ’94 noted during deliberations I really enjoy them. It’s hard to believe my ing with nearly 200 Western College Pro- over how we as an alumni group should be son will be a junior in high school this year! gram alums who represented each of the organized in the future that we were still here I work in children’s mental health and have major eras in our alma mater’s storied and while President James Garland, the master for a long time. I’m thinking of doing some principled history. It was the finale of an in- of our demise, is gone. And to some de- contract work — therapy, mediation, train- tense week that was equal parts wake, bull gree, this is true. The current plan is for ing. But right now I’m going to just stick with session, and Reunion that somehow left all Western to rise from the ashes into some- my day job and relax. I spent the last two of us feeling … hopeful. At home, I realized, thing that shares many of the same philos- years working close to full time and going I would have been sitting in the pews of my ophies and goals. And it is headed by the to school full time. church at that very hour; the same sense of very capable Mary Jean Corbett. And we peace that I find in the sanctuary washed should all be relieved that Genevieve Cathy Flynn ’89 over me as we laughed, cried, and sang, O’Malley Knight ’04, whose connection to 443 9 Wells Pkwy. raising a chorus on the eastern edge of a Western is so strong those of us who at- Hyattsville, MD 20782 campus from which we had been viciously tended in late ’80s and early ’90s remem- [email protected] banished, as if to affirm that despite all of ber her climbing the trees outside Peabody Miami University’s most evil intentions, we as an 8-year-old, is Mary Jean’s deputy. And were still there and there we would remain. while I am hopeful, I’m also suspicious — the University is clearly committed to hon- But mostly, we sang for us. First, Joni Mitch- oring the alumnae of the Western College. ell’s anthem “The Circle Game,’’ then the Western College alma mater, and finally, But there are signs that if we don’t assert “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.’’ It was a fit- ourselves, our contributions as an academic ting collection of songs. When it was time program are in danger of being vanquished I had a bittersweet time at the Western Re- to bid adieu and begin a 10-hour drive back from the history books. Which is why we union. I think most of us came away from it to Washington, I looked around at a cohort must form a strong alumni organization feeling cautiously optimistic. This week I of fellow-alumni, and it struck me that I had rather than fade into oblivion. A post card had the good fortune to have lunch with more in common with Western graduates explaining a handful of options on how to Mary Jean Corbett, the new interim direc- from the early 1980s and members of the proceed is on its way to you; look for it. Vot- tor, and she is a true force of nature. I last two graduating classes than I ever did ing will continue online until December; vote. am confident she’ll do everything she can with the people in Miami University’s class Let’s show the university we will not be for- to ensure that the new WCP is a place of 1993. When Miami University hosts its gotten. where social justice, gender equality, cre- reunion weekends, people come back and ativity and intellectual integrity flourish. My seek out friends only from their own class. I did have the pleasure of seeing many of son, Leo, and I are very well. Now that I have At the Western Reunions, age is second- our classmates at the Reunion. Ted Wels- a tenure-track position at Miami (I teach ary because everyone you meet shares a er and Laura Black made the trek across social work on the Hamilton campus), we history and dedication to a program that the state from Ohio University, where they are happily ensconced in O-town. Leo is embraced all generations; you may never are professors. They had their delightful now attending the McGuffey Foundation have formally met that person who gradu- daughters Sydney and Anna in tow, which School, which is sort of like Western for el- ated a decade or more earlier than you, but made me wish I had brought my own girls, ementary school kids. He loves it. He finds their cussing policy quite reasonable and enjoys it that they don’t make the kids line up single file when they change classes. Our house has been taken over by Star Wars Legos. We’ve recently been reading End- er’s Game and Speaker for the Dead, two Orson Scott Card sci-fi classics, which kept us busy and enthralled for a few weeks. Leo and Jon Kopp ’93, who came back for the Reunion, had a profound philosophical conversation: “What is your favorite Star Wars planet?” “Do death stars count as planets?” I myself am firmly in the “no” camp, but clearly there are arguments to be made in the other direction. So these are the things that are keeping my family busy and intellectually occupied. Hope all is well with everyone!

Lara Osborne ’91 6066 Fairfield Rd. Oxford, OH 45056 Trekkers Laura Black, Ted Welser, Anna and Sydney, ready for rock-climbing! [email protected]

52 The Bulletin whose temperaments seem to me to match run my law practice and try to juggle moth- up perfectly with theirs. er/lawyer/business owner things. So far this year, my mother converted to Catholicism, Of course, two months earlier, Laura had and my father became a born-again vegan sent me a note for inclusion in this missive. after two coronary ‘events.’ True to her It is as follows: “After a long stint in Seattle, name, Stella is the light of our lives (though Laura Black, Ted Welser, and their daugh- she can’t figure out why everyone keeps ters, Anna and Sydney, have finally settled shouting her name). However, when she back in Ohio. Ted and Laura both complet- turns 16 and starts to catalog all of the ways ed their Ph.D. at the University of Washing- I screwed her up, I can say ‘I nursed you ton (2006) and spent a year in Ithaca, NY, until you were 15 months old, through two working as postdoctoral researchers at Cor- trials, 16 depositions, and pumped your nell University. After a wonderful, but cold, breakfast in an airplane bathroom at 30,000 year in Ithaca we moved to Athens, Ohio, Kristin Bowling, kayaking with Nicole feet in turbulence that would have made an where we are both assistant professors at astronaut upchuck!’ Actually, no one is more Ohio University. Laura teaches in commu- live amongst conservative ranchers and still surprised than I to find that the identity of nication studies and does research on pub- eat really good sushi, you must visit Kla- ‘Mother’ is not full of the Brechtian disso- lic deliberation, decision-making, and con- math Falls, Oregon. The outdoor opportu- nance I feared. Though every day with a flict in small groups. Ted teaches in sociolo- nities here are as diverse as they are won- toddler is full of the amusing, poignant, and gy and does research on social roles, net- derful, so I spend as much time as possible downright terrifying, I’m so tired that I forget works, and the diffusion of innovation in on the trail, on the water, and in the snow. these moments instantly, and hence, have online communities. He is also quite a poker nothing even mildly interesting, much less player these days and frequents the weekly “Though early last year brought the disinte- amusing, to write. So feel free to send me game at the local VFW. gration of my marriage and plans for adopt- funny things, and suggestions for fiction on ing a child, the transformative journey CD.” [email protected] “Anna (6) starts first grade this year. She through this year has brought me an amaz- likes soccer, reading, art, and rock climbing new family. Malcolm is an amazingly Finally, I received a single blue mailer from ing, and she recently declared that she is accomplished scholar, teacher, advocate, Jeff Sikorovsky with an update. Jeff, un- ‘not into princesses any more’ (much to writer, and outdoorsman, and most of all a fortunately, didn’t make it to the Reunion, Laura’s relief). Sydney (3) is a talkative, spectacular dad to 4-year-old Nicole, a pow- but does seem to be doing well: “Enjoying friendly, imaginative little ball of energy. She erhouse of physical activity and new initiate life in ‘wild and wonderful West Virginia’ with likes telling stories, keeping up with Anna, of camping — especially the consumption Jessica and daughter, Zoey Rose, who turns having Mommy read her lots of books, riding of roasted ‘smarshmallows’. Though we 3 in December. Traveled to Cleveland, Receive our e-newsletter . . . send your e-mail address to [email protected] her ‘like-a-bike,’ and eating dessert. She currently make the long trek between here Manchester, VT, and New York City this sum- often wears fairy wings to preschool. and the Salem area every week or two, I mer. Zoe Rose caught her first fish with am working on a transfer to a national park Grandpa and is an avid horseback rider. “Although we miss the mountains, culture, in that area in the next year or two so we ‘Mommy’ has bought a Morgan foal to raise and coffee of the Pacific Northwest, we are can all six (three dogs included) live under with ZoRo’s help. ‘Daddy’ is busy working, really enjoying the lifestyle of the small col- one roof. Though I never would have pre- working out, working in the yard, and walk- lege Ohio town. We have a house in a great dicted my situation a few years ago, I am ing the dog. Best wishes to all in the WCP neighborhood community (one block from overjoyed to start navigating the waters of class of 1993 — write or call, PEACE!’’ His the elementary school) and we walk or ride remarriage and parenting, along with all address: 685 Gordon Dr., Charleston, WV, our bikes to work most days. Ted built a the challenges and small accomplish- 25314; 304-389-7696; [email protected]. climbing wall in our garage, which is fun for ments of long-distance bonding and com- all four of us, and we are psyched to be in a plex visitation schedules. Cheers to ev- Finally, Scott Mongeau had a good reason place where we can get outside and hike, eryone as we all enter mid-life — yes, at for missing the Reunion: He was closer to camp, and climb easily. The photos includ- 37-38, it’s time to admit it and celebrate!’’ Oxford, England, than Oxford, Ohio. To wit: ed here are us carrying rock climbing pads ([email protected]) “Living in Leiden, The Netherlands with wife on our backs and having an adventure in Marloes and pursuing master’s in finance. the hills of Athens. Life is good. We would Noemi Margaret also made the journey to As brevity is the better part of valor, I’ll love to stay in contact with Western friends. Oxford in September with her son, Max — it point those interested in details to: E-mail us: [email protected] (Ted) or was great to see her. www.eyesky.com.’’ [email protected] (Laura).” We unfortu- As for me, well, it’s been an interesting year. Other ’93 grads at the Reunion included nately didn’t I finished my master’s degree in public pol- Kristen Bowling , who drove in from West get to see icy in May, which was a relief. I can’t be- Virginia, where she’d been attending a train- Amy Glesius lieve I even entertained the possibility of ing session. She had also filled me in on (who had pursuing a Ph.D.! Since then I’ve been try- her life before the Reunion, so in her own been plan- ing to get back into some semblance of words: “I am in my fourth year running the ning to make physical shape and have taken to commut- public services/interpretation program at the trip until ing to work by bicycle four to five days a Lava Beds National Monument in northern something week. This has begat the need to take a California. It is a strange thing to now be came up. Stella! course on bicycle repair, which starts in two supervising ‘kids’ 15 years younger and not She does weeks. I’m looking forward to it! really get the appeal of Facebook. Late last have an update on her life, however: “Rog- year I moved across the state border — if er and I welcomed Stella Grace Glesius into I’m still working for Bloomberg News and you’ve never been to a place where you can the world on April 10, 2007. I continue to have had a front-row seat to the economic

Fall 2008 53 Ryan’s girls “Three amigos”: Paul (center), meltdown of September (there was even a brother Mike and their dad photo of me interviewing Nancy Pelosi front and center of the Drudge Report one day). Western time, as usual. Anyhoo, I wanted Avery started kindergarten and lost her first to send you a short note with a picture of tooth the day after my 37th birthday. Both my son ... So, here it is with the update. ... I she and Zoe learned to swim this summer. gave birth to my first child, Evan Breece Bal- They continue to amaze Patty and me with lam on May 21, 2008. While my husband, their spunk, boundless curiosity, and capac- Paul and his beautiful bride Doug, and I find ity for adventure. And, I’m on Facebook now, caring for a new- along with a number of Western types. So, Here are a couple of updates from our class- born quite stress- if you ever needed an excuse to join, there mates Amy Hyatt and Sylva Miller: ful, I am also con- it is. Be well, love life, and please make your stantly entertained voice heard on Western’s future. Amy: “Hello, All. Thought I might actually and impressed by make it in on this year’s round of Bulletin Evan. Waiting un- Ryan Donmoyer ’93 Class Notes. Seem to miss the deadline by til my mid-30s to be 622 Putnam Pl. a couple weeks every couple of years! I’ve a parent was defi- Alexandria, VA 22302 been living in the Brattleboro, Vermont, area nitely a good move Sylva and Evan 703-683-3223 H; 202-624-1887 W since August 2001, working for Vermont on my part. As al- [email protected] Wilderness School and other sundry sus- ways, visitors are welcome if you’re travel- tainable community initiatives in the region. ing through Colorado.” And I’ve fallen in love working with children outdoors. This year I was hired as program Paul Broughton ’95 director for the 10th year of a nature aware- 1029 N. Peachtree Pkwy. Apt. 131 ness and earth living program for children Peachtree City, GA 30269 and teens that meets nearly every Thurs- [email protected] day from September to May in whatever weather, just as long as it is safe for staff Greetings Class of 1995! So many of you and parents to get there. I love it and I es- are busy working, earning a living, running pecially love the friendships I’ve developed marathons, saving the planet, and volun- with the children, teens and families involved teering to save the world, that you forgot to in the program. I’m also involved with run- e-mail me your latest update. C’mon, gang, ning a national and regional workshop called we need to hear from you! Don’t be shy. the Art of Mentoring, which we’re ramping Send us your latest and greatest update as up for this fall, combined with the release of It’s (almost) all about babies this year! Here to what you’re doing, where you’re living, a companion book, Coyote’s Guide to Con- are the birth announcements ... and what’s happening in your life. necting with Nature, due out in September. It’s exciting stuff. From Sarah Bernhardt and James Wise- What’s new here? In February of 2007, I man: “Dear Friends, James and I are very moved to Atlanta, Georgia, from metro-De- “On the home front, I live on 236 acres of excited to share the news that our son, Hen- troit Michigan, to work for a small communi- preserved land on a steep dirt road, 20 min- ry Praeger Wiseman was born on Friday, ty bank in Stockbridge, Georgia. (It’s hotter utes from downtown Brattleboro. I have a August 1st in Houston, Texas. He was 6 lbs. than Hades down here, gang. Sheesh!) I cat and a housemate (who I rarely see). I 13 oz. and 19 in. long. We are all home, got hitched in September of 2007 at a small am an ‘auntie’ to numerous children but with and healthy and are very happy to be home German Catholic church in Detroit to my a few I’m especially close to. I don’t have as a family. Welcome to planet earth, Hen- beautiful wife, Jacquelyn. My wife and our any children of my own. In the last three ry!!! We hope you are well.” two cats, Thatcher and Darby, recently months, I’ve hooked up with a girlfriend who moved to Peachtree City, Georgia, to be is quite wonderful. Yes, Jen Kenney, you From Hannah Ehrlich Hardy: “Our big news closer to my office. I presently serve as the were right all along but I was being honest for Western is the birth of Ezra. So we now Atlanta area president for a locally owned every time you asked me if I was sure I have Galen, who’s 2½ (January 2006), and community bank. (No Southern drawl yet!) wasn’t gay. I finally admitted to myself that I Ezra, who’s 9 months (November 2007). I It’s my way of saving the world one borrow- was gay five and a-half years ago as I was am still working at the PA Environmental er at a time. Just kidding! You can catch my working on my master’s degree (which I did Council and I’m still married to Tom (thought business banking blog at http:// finish satisfactorily in Feb 2004). Overall, I’m I would mention that). We’re still in Pitts- broughtonbanker.blogspot.com. I am volun- doing good and really have found ‘home’ burgh and Tom’s getting ready to finish his teering to teach a financial literacy class to here in southeast Vermont. If you are in the M.B.A., so who knows where that will take Bhutanese refugee immigrants through the area, give me a call and stop by!” us. As the boys get bigger I’m hoping to take local Catholic Charities arm of the Archdio- them out more on all of the trails that I work cese of Atlanta. If any of y’all speak Bhu- Sylva: “Hey, Paul, I noticed the deadline for so hard to build.” http://www.flickr.com/pho- tanese, then shoot me an e-mail! updates was yesterday ... operating on tos/hardyhome1240/

54 The Bulletin Babies of ’97! New mom Sarah and Henry with his dad, Class Rep Rebecca’s own Lucia Ezra and Galen, Hannah Bernhardt, with Henry ... James Wiseman ... Caroline Dingo-Early ... Erlich Hardy’s little guys From your Class Rep, Rebecca Dingo, projects paid off for both of them (WCP-ers, Megan Motil Olds sent an update to the “Here is the scoop on our new arrival: Lucia remember how much cardboard they went office last April. She has joined the Grand Caroline Dingo-Early was born on 9/11 — through our first year?!) … They designed Traverse (MI) Regional Land Conservancy already a rebel, she is taking back a not- and built the entire house themselves, it as director of development. Prior to that, she so-great date. She was 8lbs 1 oz and 19.5 has a porch that you reach by climbing was director of regional planning at the inches long.” out of windows, a partial green roof, and Northwest Michigan Council of Govern- many decks with perfect views of down- ments, where she managed a variety of land Of course there must be an exception, but town Seattle. use, transportation and economic develop- we’re still happy to hear from Jon Strange, ment programs, and “admired from afar the who writes: “I’m still in Philadelphia, the city “As for me, I’m still hanging out in Roches- conservancy’s efforts to protect northern with a chip on its shoulder, where I have a ter. I’ve been at the University of Rochester Michigan’s water quality, working farms and new job I’m excited about — in September I now for six years, as an assistant professor natural lands.” After Western, where her start work at the Defender Association of in studio arts. Just like at Western, I am focus was on local food systems, she went Philadelphia as a public defender. I’ll miss again volunteering at an animal shelter, on to earn an M.A. in organizational man- seeing everyone at the Reunion this year, working on rehabilitating a three-legged dog. agement. Megan lives in Traverse City’s Old but I hope you’re all doing well. Visitors and (Anyone want a three legged dog? He’s fab- Town neighborhood with husband Andy and friends, get in touch: [email protected].” ulous, and sweet, and the easiest dog ever.) daughter Eleanor. [email protected] My trip out west was also productive. Look And an update from the WCAA office ... for my work at Wall Space Gallery this win- The Coggins are still in Cleveland, enjoying ter in Seattle, and hopefully next year a lec- another year of hysterical parenting. We’re Molly Erin Hicks wrote, “After many-a-job ture and larger show in Seattle or Portland. looking forward to a trip to California in Oc- since 1997, mostly as an educator in one My house has plenty of extra bedrooms, if tober. We hope to see lots of Western kids form or another, I realized I really wanted to you don’t mind an obsessive compulsive who couldn’t quite handle life in the Midwest. be a professor. I am now a first-year Ph.D. schnauzer. I am close to Niagara Falls!” student in environmental studies at Antioch Hadley Schreiber Coggin ’99 University New England in Keene, NH — a From Karla Schneider we heard, “A bunch 1271 Ethel Ave. graduate arm of the Antioch College sys- of us got together for a mini-reunion last Lakewood, OH 44107 tem. (Yes, the main school being in Yellow weekend in Columbus.” [email protected] Springs, OH! :) ) I have three amazing cats and am still loving life as always.”

Rebecca Dingo ’97 1026 Westwinds Ct. Columbia, MO 65203 [email protected]

Celebrating 10 years!

Hello again, Western Alums. Happy to report news from class of ’99 grads this year.

Marni Shindelman wrote to us after a week out west visiting former roommate Megan Tremain (Architecture ’99). Marni tells us, “Megan and Lee have been working on building a house for six years now, and it is A mini-reunion of ’99 WCP and Architecture alums in Columbus, compliments of Karla well worth the wait. They hope to finally Schneider (left to right): Leah Wilson Trotta and husband Nick, Vickie Mathers Green and move up from the basement in late August daughter Bethany, Christina Heximer and husband Steve Greziack, Karla, Kristen von … All those late nights and cardboard Gruben, Heather Ane Brown Zeto and daughter Caelan, Molly Meyers and nephew Wesley.

Fall 2008 55 school with Eric’s wife. And Joey’s new name, Joey McNamee, is the same as one of my dad’s best friends. What a small world!

Jordan Tate: On August 10th, Jordan and his wife moved to Berlin, Germany, for a year on a Fulbright Fellowship. When Jordan Dan Corcoran married Kellie Riggs on Sep- returns, he will be taking a full-time position tember 27 in Seattle. at the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary, Canada. He has an opening in Vann Geondeff is engaged to Elizabeth Seattle in February if anyone happens to Greene ’02. The wedding hopefully will take live there. place next summer ... no date set, yet. Eric Johnson: Eric recently married Floren- cia Pezzutti. They were happy to see a few fellow Westerners were able to attend! He’s currently living in Fort Collins, Colorado, and working for Hewlett Packard as a software Eric Johnson ’03 and his new wife migration specialist. Eric is still working on finishing up his master’s thesis in anthro- were both serving their spring breaks, giv- pology through Kent State, but should be ing back to communities down there. done by spring of ’09. His free time is split between hiking the trails in northern Colo- Leah Kritzer: Leah is engaged to Frank rado and working on convincing his new wife Farruggia ’01, living in sunny Phoenix, Ar- that they need more camping gear! And Eric izona. Leah works for the Arizona legisla- is happy he can finally say “My wife is gon- ture as a fiscal analyst and is currently work- na kill me!” ;-) ing on her master’s in public administration at Arizona State University. Vann and his fiancée in Greece, Lyndsey Godwin: Lyndsey graduated with visiting family a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Univer- Jen Germano: Jenny has been living in sity this May and spent the summer job- New Zealand for five years now and bought And asked to comment on being the only searching (so frustrating) and working filler a house there with her Kiwi partner, Simon, member of the class to attend the Septem- jobs. She was offered a position with about a year and a-half ago. The house is ber WCP 35th Reunion, Nichole Sturm Planned Parenthood of Middle and East on a pretty cool spot on top a hill (more like wrote: “Yes, I was abandoned by the rest of Tennessee as a community health educa- a mountain by Ohio standards) overlooking my classmates ... apathy continues to reign tor. She started in late August and is really a gully full of native forest. Jen has one year from Class of 2001.” excited about it — it unexpectedly looks like left to go on her Ph.D. in zoology working she’ll be hanging out in Nashville for longer with endangered frogs. She’s not quite sure Vann Geondeff ’01 than she could have guessed. where they’ll end up after that (anyone out 1323 N. Pine St., Apr. 311 there with a postdoc or job for an amphibi- Seattle, WA 98122 Sean Collins: Since graduating from West- an/reptile specialist, please let her know!). [email protected] ern, Sean has been living in Baton Rouge, Jen is currently traveling to conferences (just Louisiana. In 2006, he finished law school went to one in Montreal, came back to Ohio at LSU and passed the bar exam. He’s been to visit family, and now off to the Amazon practicing law since then. Most of his work for the World Congress of Herpetology), but involves defending people accused of no doubt she’ll be back to chasing frogs on crimes and parents who have had their chil- offshore islands when she gets back to NZ. dren taken by the state. Highlights: Winning Overall, life is pretty good. If anyone is in a couple trials and watching, firsthand, the NZ, drop Jen an e-mail! Tigers beat the hell out of Ohio State. Michael Forrester: Michael married Mad- Drew Vankat: Drew Vankat is tying the knot rigal Stone on September 1, 2007. They had It’s been so great to have updates roll into this fall near Boulder, Colorado, his home a great wedding and bonfire! He is current- my inbox these past few weeks. I can’t be- base for the past several years. He met his ly working at COSI, the science center in lieve how many members of the class of lovely bride-to-be, Kara, in grad school at Columbus, Ohio, as a team leader for vol- 2003 are now married, finishing up gradu- Michigan. Any and all Western visitors to unteers. They also bought a house in Feb- ate school and just acting generally adult Boulder are encouraged to drop him an e- ruary. like. It’s been a busy year for me. My part- mail at [email protected]. ner, Dan, and I are now living together … Erica Bland: Erica is living and working in with a dog. I just left my position with the Nikki Rudnick Thorpe: Nikki is living in Chicago as the Northern Illinois regional University of Chicago, and have begun a Philadelphia with her husband (of almost homecare coordinator and has just recent- search for my next adventure. I plan to stay five years), James, pursuing a master’s in ly been promoted to vice president with her in higher education, so let me know if you city planning at the University of Pennsyl- union in April. She works for SEIU Health- hear of any openings! vania. She’s about to enter into the second/ care Illinois and Indiana, a union of 85,000 final year of the program focusing on trans- homecare, childcare, hospital and nursing I can’t believe it’s been five years. So many portation and urban design. She is also a home workers. She’s hoping to buy a house of you mentioned how great our time at graduate student representative, serving on by the end of the month! Western was. It’s good to know we share the executive board, as vice chair of stu- those feelings. P.S. I should also mention dent life for the graduate and professional Leslie Allen: Leslie married in September how surprised (in a good way) I’ve been by student body. Amazingly, Nikki ran into and now has two great step-daughters. some of the new marriages. I went to high Mikey Ernst in NOLA last March, while they

56 The Bulletin Jenea Sanders: Jenea currently works for Sabo’s wedding (she married a really, real- the Cincinnati Health Department. as a cus- ly great guy). tomer relations representative. She was set to marry on Sept. 30, 2008. She is very hap- New Addresses: py and blessed. Eric Johnson, 129 Dartmouth Trail #2, Fort Collins, CO 80525; Sean Collins, 17505 Rob Oldenburg: Rob is still working with Jefferson Highway, Apt. 1608, Baton Rouge, family for Castino Painting & Home Servic- La. 70817; Drew Vankat, 2993 24th St. Boul- es as the marketing/IT/HR person. He owns der, CO 80304; Nikki Thorpe, 1633 Spruce a three-flat in the city here (Chicago), which St., Apt 2R, Philadelphia, PA 19103; Micha- he rents out. He also recently finished a 190- el Forrester, 394 Moler, Columbus, Ohio mile bike race for lung cancer — called 43207; Erica Bland, 8235 S Paulina, Chi- Cowalunga. Unfortunately, he has given up cago, Il 60620; Leslie Allen, 472 Irving Ave., his life as an international spy and man of Dayton, Ohio 45409; Jenea Sanders, 2042 mystery :-) Highland Ave. Fl 2, Cincinnati, OH 45219; Sophia Cifuentes ’05 and raptor friend Melissa Raftery, PO Box 363, Deer Isle, ME Melissa Raftery: Melissa is currently living 04627, e-mail: [email protected]; North, south, east, west ... Western, West- with her partner, Billy Voisine, in Deer Isle, Joey Gomberg McNamee, 345 E Burton ern, we’re the best! Maine. Deer Isle is located mid-coast in Ave., Salt Lake City, UT 84115; Lauren Skir- Maine and has a year-round population of bunt, 1133 W. 9th St., Apt. 706, Cleveland, Laura Englehart is still working for Sena- 3,000 people. They have a bridge that con- OH 44113; Julia Housiaux, 280 E. High St., tor Sherrod Brown in Washington. Though nects them to the mainland, but come win- Apt 15, Lexington, KY 40507. she says nothing is new on that front, we all ter (after the tourists and summer residents know that D.C. is hopping with energy go back home) the remoteness of living on Joy Usner ’03 around the election. an island kicks back in as the majority of 1520 Trescott St. restaurants and stores close down. Melis- Mundelein, IL 60060 John Neborak lives out of wedlock with his sa has a couple of jobs going, but primarily [email protected] girlfriend in Chicago, works at a library, and works for a company called Guyot Designs. got an internship with Devil’s Due Publica- It’s a lovely small company of six people who tions (a comic publishing company) thanks design/sell products to the outdoor indus- to his Western degree. He continues to try. She is also maintaining her tour leader cause general mischief, floods his body with position for a travel company called Pacific innumerable substances, and listens to Discovery. In less than four weeks, she’ll rocky roll on a daily basis. The hole he digs head off to Bangkok to lead a 60-day trip is bottomless, as nothing else can set him throughout Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and free. Not much has changed ... Cambodia. She’ll have 14 participants be- In the days of Facebook, it is not nearly as tween the ages of 18 and 26. They travel hard to track folks down as it once was. The Katie Zeitler also lives in Chicago and with local cultures in thought — do lots of word got out that I was looking for alumni works for the American Cancer Society. volunteering and home-staying, and include updates and juicy tidbits started to flood my a good amount of adventure (rafting, trek- various in-boxes. And no real surprise, the Amanda Gibson graduated from OSU with king, scuba, elephant riding) in-between. class of 2005 — those who entered West- a M.S.W. and is working for the Franklin ern together, left Western together, and ev- County Children Services teenage unit. She Joey Gomberg McNamee: Joey is living in eryone in between — is just as feisty and just moved to Clintonville, Ohio ,where she Salt Lake with Greg, whom she married just active as we were when our presence first lives with her boy and a myriad of animals over a year ago. She is working as a pro- graced the hallowed halls of Peabody. that keep her busy. gram specialist for the state of Utah in the department that administers welfare, food We are scattered across the country and Jocelyn Ellis lives in Seattle and works in stamps and workforce investment train- around the globe. Close to Western in Ox- communications for the Nature Conservan- ing programs. Joey is also in grad school ford and Cincinnati: cy. She is having fun and claims to miss right now. Ohio. I am not sure I believe her. Sophia Turczynewycz Cifuentes is, in Lauren Skirbunt: Lauren is the property short, keeping busy with three jobs, mar- And have you heard that Ryan Pearl is en- manager for a downtown Cleveland apart- ried life — celebrating a blissful first year, gaged? (Can you believe that!!) Word on ment complex, and does theater in the photography, zoo life and some artsy fartsy the street is he proposed to his girlfriend, evenings. things here and there. She recently was Sarah Beiderman, in March... promoted at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Jess Kemp: It’s been a busy year, but things Gardens to an assistant coordinator for the Those are not the only wedding bells that have been going really well. Jess married Nocturnal Adventures program. She is so will be ringing soon. Lia Silver is engaged in June and started a new job in the same fabulous with animal handling that she is to David McNelly. week. She lives in Columbus with her hus- now trying her skill with the birds of prey. band, Kevin, and his daughter, Ava. She’s Bethany Weber is surviving the hot hot heat working for an IT company that develops Katie Gibson has moved up from resident of Texas — Denton to be exact, an hour out software for the Ohio Department of Job and librarian to information services librarian at of Dallas. She is currently working as a case Family Services. Jess was really hesitant King Library. Highlight of her job: helping manager with a child care assistance pro- to leave direct service, but so far she loves current Western students with that ominous gram. “Enjoying life and looking for adven- where she is. senior project. ture around every corner. If you ever feel like venturing down south give me a holler: Julia Housiaux: Julie is working as an in- Majida Al-Husaam is saving the environ- [email protected]” home family therapist for a community men- ment one door at a time working with Ohio tal health agency and getting used to life Citizen Action in Cincinnati. Bethany is not the only one in Texas. Aus- down south. She recently attended Lindsey tin Kleon is in Austin. Chez Kleon is wait-

Fall 2008 57 Visit our web site directory to register your e-mail address: [email protected] ing for October to hit, to remember what sub- Don Frederick is in the Windy City too. He ber 2008 and did a little of everything — an 90-degree temperatures feel like. Meghan finished his M.Div. from the Divinity School internship with a women’s foreign policy and Austin both work for the University of at the University of Chicago this past spring. nonprofit, a temporary position at PBS, a Texas: She’s in her second year of the mas- He is entering his second year as a Ph.D. stint of the bittersweet life of the unemployed ter’s program in sustainable design at the student in the department of psychology — before finally settling at the Antitrust Di- School of Architecture, and Austin is still in the integrative neuroscience program, vision of the Department of Justice, where I designing websites in a cubicle at the School and just presented his trial research. He have been working as a paralegal since of Law. The big news: HarperCollins has works in Prof. Kay’s laboratory (http:// March 2008. I have not been able to attend bought a collection of Austin’s Newspaper kaylab.uchicago.edu/) and designed the as many protests or radical statements as Blackout Poems (www.austinkleon.com) for website. Of that work he says... “I spend my previously envisioned, but D.C. has proven publication in September ’09! The rest of days training rats how to press a lever after to be a hotbed of political and personal re- the year will be a madness: Meg starting smelling an odorant. At first, I was ambitious, alizations. I have a big, comfy couch should her thesis, and Austin finishing the manu- and thought I might teach the rats Latin. anyone wish to see for themselves.” script. They never caught on, so it was back to odors. They smell better than they read.” Adam Brule: Medical school at LECOM Lisa Headen is living in her very own house (Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine) in Cape Coral, Florida, while teaching mid- Erica Govich is starting at Eastern New dle school. What a brave soul! Mexico University this fall, pursuing a mas- Nick Delphia: “I spent June 2007-May 2008 . ter’s in archeology. She’ll be an assistant to at Earlham in their MAT program, student- Jess Strange is living in Oakland with tons the department head ... but, more impor- teaching high school earth and space sci- of Western friends and loving it. She recently tantly, she will get to play with mammoth ence and middle school general science. started her dream job at a health clinic for bones and get kids excited about them! In June 2008, I moved to Pittsburgh, PA. (mostly) low income (mostly) Latinos. It is For the summer I worked with the Student super rewarding and she is learning lots and Amanda Swisher Krisby will be attending Conservation Association as a crew leader speaking Spanish daily. Jess is hoping to Cleveland State University for grad school! for a team of urban teenagers. We did trail go to grad school sometime soonish to do She is going to get her master’s in moder- construction projects in the parks of Pitts- a master’s in public health ... while day- ate/intensive special education. Husband burgh. In August I was offered a job as the dreaming about traveling and living in South Adam is also starting school at Ursuline upper level (grades 6-8) science teacher at America again. College for his bachelor’s in nursing. Of this Sacred Heart Elementary school in Shady- time in her life, she says: “Hooray!” side (a neighborhood in Pittsburgh). I ac- We’re even starting to take over the world ... cepted the job and will be teaching there at Lauren Bratslavsky is in graduate school least until June 5, 2009.” Maggie Perrino and Jason Harnish teach- at the University of Oregon. She will get out ing English in Seoul, South Korea — kin- in 2009 with a master’s in communication Seth Gresham: “I have done nothing of in- dergarten in the morning and then later and society. terest since graduating. However, I often use in the day working with students who take my philosophy degree to philosophize about school after school. And they are blogging We have taken the gift of our education and not having a real job. Love, Dr. Seth Gre- about it: http://strangeseouls.wordpress.com. exploited it as much as we could in the three sham.” Is there something magic about the three- years since we graduated. Just as I was year mark and going back to school? when we were in class together, each time I Justin Hendy: “I am currently working for a received a new update, I was inspired by laboratory, EMSL Analytical, which tests Some are continuing programs as well, so the passion that shone through these in- various things for asbestos. I work on a many Western peeps will be burying their credible stories. I am still puttering around transmission electron microscope which heads in books this fall ... the Bay Area, finishing a master’s program, costs more than my wages for a year ... or working at a church and occasionally run- two. I no longer reside in the great state of Sarah Arnason is living in Atlanta and start- ning into Western alums from our class — Ohio as I have moved to the East Coast in ing graduate school at Georgia State Uni- and others! If anyone is in the area, look the wonderful village of New Haven, CT, the versity to earn a master’s in public adminis- me up. And if you are on Facebook, look for home of Yale. I do not attend Yale. In my tration with a concentration in non-profit the Western College Program Class of spare time I enjoy visiting all of the sights management. Currently she is also work- 2005ish group to keep in touch or recon- New England has to offer. This coming Feb- ing at a market research firm, a coffee/wine nect. Sincerely ... ruary I will not only become 24 years old, I bar, and teaching ESL at the Latin Ameri- will be marrying another Miami alum (Megan can Association. “I’m ridiculously busy, but Abby King Kaiser ’05 Dinkelacker), not a Westerner. We shall see happy! Life is good. I LOVE Atlanta and 1511 Jackson St. #11 what the future has to bring.” encourage everyone to come visit.” Oakland, CA 94612 [email protected] Chris Kwarciany: “I am in Cleveland, Ohio, Kelly Blewett (formerly Kelly Markle) working as a youth mentor for a social ser- is starting a master’s program at the vice agency. I also rob banks for extra cash, University of Louisville, studying liter- which isn’t really true.” ature. She is a teaching assistant, di- viding her working time between the Kara Love: “After graduation I spent a year writing center (where she will be a tu- with AmeriCorps. I was stationed in Hamil- tor) and the Henry James Review, a ton, Ohio, and worked for Big Brothers Big scholarly journal published by Johns Sisters of Butler County. At the beginning of Hopkins University Press (where she Emily Brown: “After an intensive job search August I was hired on full time for BBBS will be an editorial assistant). Her e- post a stint of slave labor at a Washington, and am now in charge of all recruitment for mail is [email protected]. DC, nonprofit organization ... Okay, just kid- Butler County. I went through extensive ding ... I moved to Washington in Septem- training and began my work as a court ap-

58 The Bulletin pointed special advocate in June. I now have Thad Kerosky: Despite being half a world a hostel in the Pacific Northwest and —more three wonderful children whom I guide away in what many would probably think to importantly— be reunited with Denise. through the court process. I am their voice be a mostly fiber-and-wi-fi-free country, in court and their unwavering advocate to Thad is happily tweeting and blogging away I left Peace Corps back in January due to a find safe, permanent housing. It is one of at a teachers college in Mpwapwa, Tanza- combination of personal and health-related the most rewarding volunteer experiences I nia. He has started his second year as a reasons. Since then, I’ve moved to Portland, have had in a long time.” technology Peace Corps volunteer, and OR, and—surprise, surprise—started a CTC from the looks of it, become quite a chef. Vista position with Portland Community Zach Moning: “I’m living in Albany, NY, get- Most recent epicurean tweet: “Made hon- Media under the auspices of AmeriCorps. ting an M.A. in liberal studies (which pales ey-butr-coatd peanuts from scratch, gorged; The irony doesn’t escape me. Many of you in comparison to our dear interdisciplinary Water btle containing fermenting ginger will probably be surprised (or shocked) to B.Ph.). Also, as of the week of August 31, soda is reaching firmness after 38 hours.” know that I have actually used my senior I’m working as an editorial assistant at the project since graduating. PCM asked to see State University of New York Press.” Willi Lempert: After trekking up the Pacific it during my interviews and I’ve been regu- Northwest from Berkeley to Seattle, Willi larly coming back to it as I tackle New Me- Allison Plavecski: Working as an interior flew to Hawaii as an extra hand at what I dia curriculum, development and training. designer at EHS Design in Seattle, Allison assume to be a permaculture farm in ex- I’ve been helping with some workshops in has taken advantage of the laid-back, envi- change for room and board. In his last hur- digital storytelling and Internet media, and I ronmentally friendly West Coast vibe as well rah before starting his grad degree in an- enjoy feigning the academic much more as hanging out with the many Western/Ar- thropology at the University of Denver, Willi than I’d care to admit (although this really chie alums in the area. She recently enjoyed lay out on dried lava flows, had his first taste isn’t that bad as it’s hardly academic). In watching the world’s largest naked bike ride of poi and laulau, and learned to surf with- other news, I recently went backpacking for with fellow alums in Portland, zip-lining out once being bitten by a shark. I presume. the first time ever, and I’ve decided that fu- through the temperate rainforests of Alas- ture locations will be determined by a mos- ka, and having an alum reunion at Mt. St. Zoe Streicker-Howard: Following a Euro quito gauge. Helens. She has enjoyed all the amazing trot in May with her best friend, Zoe was Western visitors who have stayed with her proposed to in the midst of a tickle-fight by Denise Cheng ’07 in the Emerald City. fiancé Matt Maenpa. Following a spring 2207 NW Flanders St. Apt. 205 wedding, they plan to move to Portland Portland, OR 97210 Amy Pomante: “I’m still in Italy! Hope the where Zoe will realize her dream of starting [email protected] BFP is a lot of fun though! Say hi to everyone for me!”

Rachel Stern: “I’m in my second year of grad school at good ol’ Miami U. I’m in the clinical psychology Ph.D. program. I’m doing research on the experiences of individ- uals diagnosed with severe disturbances. I’m also interested in alternatives to the mental health system for those given severe diagnoses. My master’s thesis is up and running! I’m also doing individual psy- chotherapy in the psychology clinic on Mi- ami’s campus as well as teaching a couple times a week. In other news ... I’m in a wonderful relationship (to be engaged soon! I’ll let you know when that happens...) with a man that is in the same program as me. We live together in a great house in Oxford. I get to enjoy our little town when I can, but mostly, I’m busy with school work. Jacob and I try to travel as much as possible. We even managed to get to France last winter! Oth- er than that, I’m still just me ... being goofy and hanging around.”

Andrew Trout: “I’ve started my first year in medical school LECOM Bradenton — that is the Lake Erie College of Medicine in Bradenton, FL. It’s a sister school to their location in Erie, PA. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be able to make it to the reunion with my hectic schedule but I’m sure it will be a hell of a party. Send my regards to all.”

So for those couple of people who didn’t Here’s the WCP contingent at the 2008 All-Western Reunion, June 19-21! Row 1 (l to r): write in and have the bad luck of me having Stephanie Wagner ’84, Ass’t. Dean Kim Ernsting, Mike Conaway ’90, Karen Gotter ’09, an inkling of what they’ve been up to, here’s Genevieve Knight O’Malley ’04; row 2: Pat Callahan ’83, former dean Bill Gracie, Paula an update: Taschler ’90, Robert Cox ’83; row 3: Kent Ernsting ’78, Ben Gibbons ’94, Alicia Broderick ’90, Jeff Kirschner ’83; row 4: Professor Bill Newell, former dean Curt Ellison

Fall 2008 59 ComingNota Soon Bene ... the Kumler Organ! Clubs in Action — West to East

Instigated by the Class of San Francisco Bay Area 1955 and supported by other alumnae and friends, the original organ in Kumler is being restored! A contract has been made with the Aus- tin Organ Company in Northern Californians met at the home of Susan Blake Rowland ’68 to hear about the state of the Western Program from Dean Bill Connecticut — maker of Gracie (center) last March. Among those present were (from left): the organ that was in- Jee-Hee Haar Farris ’97, Blanche Kung ’67, Susan Rowland, Diana stalled in Kumler Chapel in 1918 — to restore the organ to Koch Mascali ’59, and Chris Kerosky ’81. its original capability (plus some enhancements) and include DC/MD/VA a new console. Plans are that the renovation will be complete in time for an organ concert at Reunion 2009. Future gifts to the organ fund will be used for the very important task of ongoing maintenance. Distinguished Visitor at Patterson Place

Wine tasting appears to have been involved at this gathering of Westerners at the Talula Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia, on May 31, 2008. In attendance (seated, left to right): Paula Moran ’04, Marty Hall Wedeman ’46, WCP dean Bill Gracie, Betty Buell Baldwin ’46; (standing): Ryan Donmoyer ’93, Renee Harris Yates ’72, Patricia Spokes Snowden ’64, Linda Li Ng ’73, Joanne Blayne Linhard ’71. Detroit

In June, Valerie Hodge (center), university ambassador and wife of MU president David Hodge, was invited on a guided tour of Patterson Place, the historical home of Western College presidents from 1914 until 1974, when it became the headquarters of the Western College Alumnae Association. With Mrs. Hodge in the Peabody bedroom are Judy Waldron (left), WCAA director, and Cathy Bauer Cooper ’60, publications editor. Arts appreciation (and lunch with WCAA director Judy Waldron) drew alumnae to the Detroit Institute of Art, October 25. They are (seated, Shalala Awarded Medal of Freedom left to right): Lucy Liggett ’54, Ellen Siddall Zimmerman ’48, Loretta On June 19, President Bush present- Ryder ’63; standing: Ann Walton ’66, Alice Crabb Brandon ’48, ed the nation’s highest civilian award Charlotte Klein Varzi ’57, Diana Forshew Kerber ’59, Judy Waldron. to Donna Shalala ’62, president of the University of Miami, citing her Details will come by mail! Meanwhile, mark your calendar: eight years’ service as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Dayton December 10, Dayton Country Club Services, her role co-chairing his Indianapolis December 13, Holiday Gathering at commission to study treatment of re- the home of Pam Watts Coates ’70 turning wounded war veterans, and NY/NJ/CT January 3, Open House at the home of her post-government career in aca- Janey Drexler Sharpe ’80 (Allentown, NJ) demia. Columbus March 21, location TBA

114 The Bulletin From the Archives Write to Read: Western Authors Reporting to the WCAA board of trustees, archivist Jacky Johnson reviewed last spring’s events in recognition of Karla Noell Galantay ’58 has just published a delightful Women’s History Month: lectures by Dr. Helen Sheumaker, “autobiography in the form of short stories, poems, and a Coordinator of Education, McGuffey Museum, and Stephen play.” Karla’s Shorts: Scenes of a New York City Childhood Gordon, Curator, McGuffey Museum; and a panel discus- and Other Stories features a cover sion on the value of single-sex education, featuring four West- picture of the Karla classmates will ern alumnae and two Miami students. (Both lectures and the remember, taken in Japan by her hus- panel discussion were covered in the Spring ’08 Bulletin; a band, Ervin Galantay, just a year af- tape of the panel discussion is available online.) ter graduation. Karla traveled extensively in the Far East and South Amer- Jacky announced that the university library system has ica after leaving Western and now expanded the online Western Round-Up Student Newspaper lives with her husband in Cos- Collection to include the 99 issues of the Western Weekly, sonay, Switzerland, near their published September 1971 to May 1974. The collection is two sons and eight grandchil- accessible through the Western College Memorial Archives dren (for and about whom some website: http://westernarchives.lib.muohio.edu/. of the stories are written). A his- Also available through the website are the oral histories tory major at Western, Karla collected from our alumnae at Reunion 2008. See and hear teaches English as a foreign lan- alums from classes 1952-68 recalling “the way Western was,” guage and says she began writing stories in the hope of mo- as well as former faculty members and administrators dis- tivating her students with fresh material. She has published cussing women’s education. in a number of magazines and written several plays. Her book is published by Inesa: www.inesa.ch. Ohio Archives Month (2008) was observed with a timely theme: The Electoral Process. A program presented October Penny Morgan Colman ’66 quotes Western alums (Evie 22 by the MU and Western Col- Small Hohler ’64 and Judith Vincze Quinn ’48, p. 112; lege archives featured Miami Jennie Lou Fredley Klim ’58, p. 79; Rhian Miller ’78, p. University Assistant Professor of 113) who responded to her survey for her latest young peo- History Nishani Frazier, speaking ple’s book, Thanksgiving: The True Story, published by Henry on the 1877 Hayes/Tilden Elec- Holt and Co., available now in book- toral Compromise. She discussed stores and at Amazon. In what the the controversial selection of publisher calls her “signature narra- Ohio native Rutherford B. Hayes tive nonfiction style,” Penny investi- to be the 19th President of the gates Thanksgiving traditions in or- United States, its ramifications Dr. Frazier der to give readers the real and relevance to the 2008 elec- history of — arguably — tion season. Americans’ favorite holiday. Upcoming event, March 24, 4 p.m. on campus: Panel of male An incredibly prolific alumni will discuss their experiences as the first men at West- award-winning author and ern College. Moderated by MU Women’s Studies Program. popular sought-after speaker, Penny is currently a Dis- tinguished Lecturer at Queens College, City University of New York. Her personal In Production ... 2009 Western Directory biography and blog are fascinating reading, and her website Coming soon — the new directory, with describes her many books: www.pennycolman.com. our five-year update of names, addresses, and e-mails. Published by Harris Connect, Do you have a book to tell us about? this edition is a compilation of stories and Would you like to have a club meeting? pictures — what you and your classmates Contact the WCAA office! have sent in. It is scheduled for release in April. For more information: 800-877-6554. 513-529-4400 or [email protected]

Fall 2008 115 Gift Shop Gifts for all occasions ... these are some of the Western items available at irresistible prices in our Gift Shop. View others on our web site: www.muohio.edu/wcaa.

Item 02: The Western Spirit Lives On! CD Recorded by Greta Pope Wimp ’74, featuring: Miss Item 04: Where The Peabody, Alma Mater, Item 01: Woven Throw Heavy, all-cotton, Peonies Bloomed Western College Alma Item 03: Hooded navy or ivory background, with building Phyllis Hoyt’s warm, Mater, The Prayer $10 Sweatshirt Champion cotton outlines, 50" x 60" $55 personal memoir of her max pullover, gray with navy years at Western $10 lined hood Size MD, LG, XL, XXL, XXXL $32

Item 06: Flashlight Mini Item 08: Across the aluminum, heavy duty, LED, Campus CD Item 05: laser engraved $9 Recorded by the Candle 8 oz. Western College Choir jar with lid, Item 11: in 1961, directed by Item 09: Coffee white paraffin Beverage Mug Richard Monaco, Mug 11 oz. Item 10: Pet wax, Lilac, 12 oz. clear glass some of the titles ceramic, white Leash 3/4" Rain, Tropical with royal blue featured: A Ceremony with royal classic leash, royal fragrance $6 blue with white Western College Item 07: Playing Cards of Carols, Sing Me a Western College seal $8 Song, Western Blue, seal $5 lettering, heavy Blue or white with WC seal, duty snap $7 large face $6 Alma Mater $15

Name ______Class ______Address______City______State __ __ Zip ______Credit Card Account #______/______/______/______/ Expiration Date __ __/__ __ Signature ______Date __ __/__ __/__ __ Please make checks payable to: Western College Alumnae Association, Inc., 325 S. Patterson Ave., Oxford, OH 45056 Qty Item No. Description Size Color/Scent Cost Total Shipping charges: Up to $14.99 add $3.00 $15 to $19.99 add $5.00 $20 to $49.99 add $6.00 $50 to $99.99 add $8.00 $100 to $149.99 add $10.00 $150 and up add $12.00

Sub-total ______Shipping ______Total ______

116 The Bulletin Gift Shop

Item 20: Umbrella Micromax mini, 40" Item 19: Desk Clock arc, folds to 6¼", royal blue with Western Heavy 3/8" glass and College seal, lifetime warranty $17 silver metallic mounted on wooden base, 5"W x 6"H x 2"D $25 Item 12: Alumnae Hall, 13: Western Stone Bridge, 14: Peabody Hall; 15: McKee Hall, 16: Kumler Chapel, or 17: Western Lodge Tree Ornament Wood, designed and hand-painted by the Barker family of Oxford $6 Item 18: Set of all 6 ornaments $30

Item 24: Chenille Blanket Custom embroidered, royal blue, large 62" x 48", super soft and Item 23: Mouse Pad 7½" x warm $18 8" featuring Western campus scene and space for personal photo insert $7

Item 21: T-Shirt Royal blue 100% cotton with bridge logo, short sleeve SM, MD, LG, XL, XXL, Item 22: Reunion 2008 XXXL $10 T-Shirt Royal blue and white tie dye 100% cotton with short sleeve SM, MD, Item 30: Crew Sweatshirt LG, XXXL $10 Champion Cotton Max 90/10 fleece, navy with white embroidered WESTERN SM, MD, LG, XL, XXL, XXXL $26 Item 28: Jacket Microfleece full zip, royal blue with black accent tipping and white embroidered Western College seal Women: SM, MD, LG Men (not pictured): MD, LG, XL, XXL, $42 Item 25: Water Item 26: Coffee Item 27: Baseball Bottle BPA Mug 15 oz. Cap Royal blue and Item 29: Colorblock Sweatshirt free, royal blue ceramic, cobalt white with royal Full zip, royal blue and white cotton/ with white blue and white embroidery poly blend with embroidered Western College with WESTERN WESTERN $10 Western College seal SM, MD, LG, seal, 24 oz. $6 stone bridge $8 $38 Western College Alumnae Association, Inc. NON PROFIT 325 S. Patterson Avenue US POSTAGE Oxford, Ohio 45056-2499 PAID PERMIT #8 45042