Download This Issue As A

Home , 3rd Tank Battalion, Abbe Lowell, Aerobraking, Bill Persky, Carmine DeSapio, Donald Keene

Columbia College TODAY

Winter 2011–12

Japan After the Storm hoose as many a s you like. C o Business networking o Social mixers for all ages o Lectures and presentations o Meet the author o Concerts o Special meals and wine tastings o Young alumni events o Events with other Ivy clubs o Private museum tours o Family fun events o Sporting events o Special interest groups o Broadway shows and of all kinds… backstage tours o …or start your own group

It’s always your choice at the Columbia Club. Come see how the club’s many stimulating activities and events could fit into your life. For more information or to apply, visit www.columbiaclub.org or call (212) 719-0380.

The Columbia University Club of New York in residence at 15 West 43 St. New York, N Y 10036

Columbia’s SocialIntellectualCulturalRecreationalProfessional Resource in Midtown. Contents

JAPAN AFTER THE STORM

20 Tohoku Diary 28 Sensei and Sensibility 34 Cultural Exchange A firsthand account of the devastation After 73 years, University Professor From city to country, Ashley Hayes ’06 caused by March’s earthquake and Emeritus Donald Keene ’42, ’49 GSAS tries many sides of Japanese living. tsunami along Japan’s Northeast Pacific leaves Columbia for Japan, his adopted By Shira Boss ’93, ’97J, ’98 SIPA coast, and the challenges that lie ahead homeland. for the region’s people and government. By Jamie Katz ’72 By Gerald Curtis, the Burgess Professor of Political Science

COVER: Boatmen crossing the Tamagawa River, Musashi Province. From 36 Views of Mt. Fuji, no. 39, 1831. PHOTO: NEWARK MUSEUM/ART RESOURCES FEATURE DEPARTMENTS ALUMNI NEWS

3 Message from the 48 CCAA Board Dean President Kyra Tirana After three months, Interim Barry ’87 describes board Dean James J. Valentini efforts to improve the says the College is doing student and alumni great, and faculty and experience. Plus, how all alumni are working to alumni can get involved. make it even better. 49 Obituaries 4 Letters to the Editor

6 Within the Family 96 Alumni Corner 37 Power Player 8 Around the Quads Michael Garrett ’66, ’69L, Five alumni will be honored ’70 Business shares his Abbe Lowell ’74, ’77L, with 2012 John Jay Awards collection of lions great Washington’s go-to lawyer, for distinguished profes- and small. also regularly defends sional achievement. celebrity clients. By Alex Kingsbury ’04J 40 Columbia Forum: 52 Bookshelf The Bauhaus Group: Featured: Lightning People Six Masters of by Christopher Bollen ’98. Modernism 54 Class Notes Wassily Kandinsky’s creative journey from Alumni Profiles figurative realism to 59 Joe Sirola ’51 abstract painting. 75 Mark Allen ’71 By Nicholas Fox Weber ’69 85 Linda Appel Lipsius ’93 93 Jared Hecht ’09

WEB EXTRAS 5 More Minutes with Courtney Bender Alexander Hamilton Dinner 2011 Photo Album Tour the Leonine Collection of Michael Garrett ’66, ’69L, ’70 Business Students and Alumni Celebrate Homecoming 2011 college.columbia.edu/cct MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN Alumni, Faculty Work To Help Students

ear Columbians, in undergraduate research programs such as the Rabi Fellows In my first three months in Hamilton Hall, I and the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowships and through have spent much of my time meeting with and the Faculty in Residence in our residence halls. Faculty members talking to students, alumni and faculty. Every take students on all-night bicycle trips around New York City, en- conversation reminds me how special Columbia courage them to do urban ethnographic research and take them College really is. In every interaction with Col- to New Mexico for archaeological digs or trips to Los Alamos Na- Dlege students, they prove to be ever-more intelligent, perceptive tional Laboratory. about themselves and the world, and engaged in life on campus Our alumni are increasingly reaching out to students, especially and in New York. At every event with alumni — whom I prefer in areas such as career development and mentoring. In speaking to call simply “previous students” — I see further evidence of with students, I’ve realized that they are feeling increasingly un- their dedication to and generosity toward their alma mater, and certain about their futures, considering today’s economic situa- their continuing interest in the lives of students. And after every tion, and feeling pressured to take the first career opportunity that meeting with faculty, I am impressed with their commitment to comes along, even if it’s not in their main area of interest. Alumni our students, both in the classroom and outside. All of these stu- are working with students in several ways to help ameliorate this dents, alumni and faculty are eager to work very, very hard toward concern. This fall, we launched the Columbia College Alumni- achieving our goal of keeping Columbia Col- sponsored Internship Program, which will lege the greatest college, in the greatest uni- provide our undergraduates with access to versity, in the greatest city in the world, and high-quality internships hosted or facilitated to continue strengthening the College and en- by College alumni in a wide range of indus- hancing the undergraduate experience here. tries. We also have initiated the Columbia Ex- As I talk with current and previous stu- ploration Externship, which will allow first- dents about their experience with the Core year students to observe and shadow alumni Curriculum, I am increasingly aware of its at work during spring break. We have seen significance in their intellectual development tremendous growth in the Columbia Col- while here, and in their personal lives after lege Women Mentoring Program, in which they leave. It is the signature experience in alumnae provide insight, support and career the College, and the core of our identity. It is guidance to Columbia undergraduate wom- what makes Columbia College unique, and en. This year, we had a 300 percent increase what makes our graduates unique. It is what in mentee applications over last year. We cur- unites all students, both current and previous, rently have 180 seniors matched one-on-one as members of an enduring and cross-gener- with alumni mentors, and an additional 150 ational intellectual community that connects juniors matched in groups. We are committed every Columbia student to every other. to expanding the reach and impact of all these Interim Dean James J. Valentini speaks As a chemistry professor for more than 20 with College alumni at the Columbia network and mentoring programs. years and director of undergraduate studies in Alumni Leaders Conference on October 22. Indeed, what I’ve realized in my first three chemistry, I taught and got to know hundreds PHOTO: EILEEN BARROSO months as dean is that Columbia College is re- of students, and many enjoyed their courses ally, truly doing great. Students can study just with me a great deal. But when I ask students about their favor- about anything in our 75 majors and 52 concentrations, ranging ite class, they don’t automatically say, “Well, Professor Valentini, from philosophy to sustainable development, or can create a major of course it was your course in … ” Instead, even science majors of their own. They can participate in one of more than 200 study point to the Core as having made the greatest impression. The abroad programs, conduct cutting-edge scientific research on cam- answer has been so consistent as to be entirely predictable. Oh, it pus or at one of our research institutes, or intern at a global corpo- varies a little bit — Lit Hum, CC, Art Hum or Music Hum — but ration or a New York City arts institution. And we are dedicated to it is invariably one of the Core courses. This is, of course, under- increasing the number of internships and research opportunities standable. The Core introduces students to great books and eter- for students both domestically and internationally. We want stu- nal ideas, encourages them to ask big questions and wrestle with dents to be able to apply what they have learned in the Core and in grand themes, and, equally important, transforms the way they their majors, and expand their academic training through research read, write, think and see the world. and professional experience. We want to ensure that Columbia But the Core also is the first part of a complete and rich under- College students continue to have the best possible undergraduate graduate education; it transitions to one of our many majors and education and have access to an unlimited number of opportuni- concentrations that allow students to explore their individual ties on campus, in New York City and around the world. and specialized academic interests. The tradition of close interaction between students and faculty, which starts in the Core, con- Roar, Lions, Roar, tinues throughout every year a student is an undergraduate here,

WINTER 2011–12 3 Letters to the Editor

ROTC Stern is certainly right Volume 39 Number 2 David Stern ’66 may well that the Vietnam War was Winter 2011–12 not be “stuck in a ’60s mind initiated and managed by EDITOR AND PUBLISHER set,” as he claims in his letter civilians with the highest Alex Sachare ’71 opposing ROTC’s return to educational qualifications, including degrees from Ivy EXECUTIVE EDITOR Columbia (Fall 2011, college. League institutions. Indeed, Lisa Palladino columbia.edu/cct/fall11/ letters_to_the_editor). the invasion of Iraq was pro- MANAGING EDITOR However, he is not in com- moted by civilian advisers Alexis Tonti ’11 Arts mand of current facts about with the same qualifications, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT the new relation between almost all of whom escaped Karen Iorio Columbia and ROTC. military service during the For decades before the Vietnam War while pursu- FORUM EDITOR ing advanced degrees. Mili- Rose Kernochan ’82 Barnard Vietnam War, ROTC officers were routinely, often tarized civilian intellectuals CONTRIBUTING WRITER thoughtlessly, granted faculty status, and are more dangerous than a professional Shira Boss ’93, ’97J, ’98 SIPA academic credit was given for courses that military that knows firsthand the strategic and personal nature of war. EDITORIAL INTERN did not meet academic standards — a re- Benjamin W. Gittelson ’15 sult of Cold War culture and legislative It is a good idea to have an officer corps requirements. ROTC is returning — not that includes those educated at excellent DESIGN CONSULTANT civilian universities in addition to the ser- Jean-Claude Suarès only to Columbia but also to Stanford, Yale and Harvard — on wholly differ- vice academies. It also is a good idea that ART DIRECTOR ent grounds. These universities have full students who never enter military service Gates Sisters Studio control of faculty appointments and the have firsthand experience of fellow - citi zens who do serve in the military. Mutual CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER award of credit for courses, as stated in Eileen Barroso newly rewritten agreements with the De- comprehension between these groups is partment of Defense. Drill in uniform — better for the nation than the reciprocal certainly with weapons — has long not stereotyping and suspicious ignorance Published quarterly by the been held on campuses that do not wish that has prevailed. ROTC at Columbia is Columbia College Office of it. Uniforms are not routinely worn. Co- a contribution toward those goals. Alumni Affairs and Development for lumbia students in ROTC programs are Allan Silver alumni, students, faculty, parents and Emeritus Professor of Sociology friends of Columbia College. not under military discipline. They enter the military after graduation, when com- New York City SENIOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS AND missioned as officers. In all relevant re- COMMUNICATIONS spects, they are indistinguishable from fel- Jenik Radon ’67 Sherri Jones low students and have all the formal and informal rights enjoyed by other students. I have known Jenik Radon ’67 (Fall 2011, Address all correspondence to: college.columbia.edu/cct/fall11/alumni_ Columbia College Today Columbia Alumni Center profiles3) and some of his students since 622 W. 113th St., MC 4530, 1st Fl. 1993. The breadth of his interests and New York, NY 10025 concerns remains jaw-dropping. His dis- 212-851-7852 Manage Your cipline and focus in getting things done is E-mail (editorial): [email protected]; awe-inspiring. But I would commend him (advertising): [email protected]. Online: college.columbia.edu/cct. Subscription most for his devotion to his students. He is if anything devoted. I am certain that in ev- ISSN 0572-7820 f you prefer reading CCT online, you can help us go green and save ery city and country he travels to he finds a Opinions expressed are those of the money by opting out of the print student to help. authors and do not reflect official I Bohdan A. Oryshkevich ’68 positions of Columbia College edition. Click “Manage Your Subscrip- Founder, USA/USA Program or Columbia University. tion” at college.columbia.edu/cct and New York City © 2011 Columbia College Today follow the domestic instructions. We All rights reserved. will continue to notify you by email when each issue is posted online. You Piero Weiss ’50, ’70 GSAS may be reinstated to receive the print Piero Weiss ’50, ’70 GSAS, an immensely edition at any time by sending a note talented pianist, musicologist and teacher to [email protected]. at Columbia from 1964–85, passed away on October 2 at 83. I was privileged to

WINTER 2011–12 4 Only the other day my medical student class interviewed a 54-year-old woman (the objective was to teach the students the biopsychosocial model). Her leg had been amputated. Why? Because her income was above Medicaid and she wasn’t old enough for Medicare. She had gone to a city hospital where there was no continuity of care, no education for diabetes. Her depression was missed. She ate candy for lunch. Her sugar (glucose) was 400mg (normal ought to be 90–120). The consequences are ampu- tation, end-stage kidney disease, blindness. She did not have insurance, as she couldn’t afford it. Photo ID In Belgium, she would have been followed; a nurse would have visited her re- Thanks for taking the time to send an peatedly; and her physician, called “doc- enlarged copy of the photo on page 4 of tor,” not “provider,” would have been the Fall 2011 issue. I now am quite certain engaged with a patient, not a “consum- that the midshipman to the left is me and, er.” There would be no CEO of an HMO while the other midshipman and student getting $20 million a year and attempting in civilian dress are harder to clearly to stop physicians from treating patients identify, I believe they are Joe Smotzer ’57 Piero Weiss ’50, ’70 GSAS in order to save money for his salary and and Ken Skivington ’57, ’58E. investors. Paul Frommer ’57 was, I think, correct have Professor Weiss (who later joined As for new drugs, Salamon appears in identifying Smotzer as the other mid- the faculty of the Peabody Conservatory) mistaken. Insulin came from Canada. shipman. as my instructor in the Music Humanities Psychopharmacology medications (Thora- I sent a copy of your enlarged print to survey course in the spring term of 1968, zine) came from France. Anti-depressants two classmates to see if they could cor- when he was a teaching assistant and doc- came from the Swiss pharmaceutical in- roborate my identification. Dick Guiton, toral candidate. dustry, along with dozens of drugs used my former roommate, and Kel Thomson I was then a teenager whose knowl- in cancer and so on. The cost of drugs in ’57, who was a fellow midshipman, both edge of music was confined to the rock the European single payer system is half agreed that I was identifiable in the pho- and pop genres, but Weiss opened up a the amount we pay in this country. Sal- to. Neither had any difficulty identifying miraculously entertaining and incredibly amon needs a vacation in France, Germa- Alexander Hamilton. diverse world. Beginning with the awe- ny and/or Switzerland to experience real I would date this photo about Novem- inspiring power and grace of massed, un- medicine dedicated to the ill. ber 1956 and am still trying to get my accompanied human voices in Gregorian Dr. Jay Lefer ’51 mind around the concept of being in a chant, Weiss unveiled a panoply of West- Larchmont, N.Y. “historical photo.” ern music ranging across the baroque Richard A. Drever Jr. ’57, ’63 Arch. and romantic eras. His insistence that our Sebastopol, Calif. class avail itself of music venues in New Climate Change CORRECTIONS York City and report on our experiences I was dismayed to read Dr. Aaron Gleck- resulted in my first visit to Carnegie Hall man ’88’s letter (Fall 2011) attacking Mi- Frederick C. Stark Jr. ’51, whose letter was and a lifelong love of baroque orchestral chael Gerrard ’72, subject of an earlier published in the Fall 2011 issue, was listed works. profile in CCT, as both a “hypocrite” with an incorrect class year. Weiss’ class that semester was one of and “enviro-statist” (whatever that is). The island in the title of the book by Mar- the defining experiences of my time at Co- The science of climate change cannot tin Margulies ’61 listed in the Fall 2011 lumbia, and I greatly mourn his passing. be dismissed by personal attacks, espe- Bookshelf was incorrect. The correct title Peter H. Jacoby ’71 cially when those attacks are launched is Mhòr and More: Hill Walks in Uist. Bedminster, N.J. against someone such as Gerrard, who is widely acknowledged within his professional and academic community as a CCT welcomes letters from readers about Real Medicine true expert. While the letter-writer trum- articles in the magazine but cannot I was puzzled by a letter from Dr. Samuel pets his exposure to Plato in freshman print or personally respond to all letters M. Salamon ’74 (Fall 2011). He returns to CC class, it’s unfortunate that he never received. Letters express the views of the writers and not CCT, the College or the old “socialized medicine” as a club to learned the value of supporting one’s ar- the University. Please keep letters to 250 obscure the tragedy and crisis in the health gument with facts and logic rather than words or fewer. All letters are subject to delivery system in the United States. He ad hominem. editing for space and clarity. Please direct repeats the philippic that this country is Ed Scarvalone ’81 letters for publication “to the editor.” the mecca of medicine. Brooklyn, N.Y.

WINTER 2011–12 5 WITHIN THE FAMILY Building Bridges and Rebuilding Lives

onald Keene ’42, ’49 GSAS came to Columbia from gess Professor of Political Science who concurrently is visiting Brooklyn, Ashley Hayes ’06 from Atlanta, separat- professor at Waseda University and senior research fellow at the ed by some 64 years. On Morningside Heights, a International Institute for Economic Studies in Tokyo and the To- passion for the culture of Japan — a country some kyo Foundation. He directed Columbia’s Weatherhead East Asian 6,760 miles away — blossomed in both. Institute for 12 years and has held appointments at the Royal Insti- Keene (page 28) was browsing the discount tute of International Affairs, Chatham House, London; the College Dshelves at a bookstore when he came across a two-volume edition de France, Paris; the Lee Kwan Yew School of Public Policy in Sin- of The Tale of Genji. He invested 49 cents and became fascinated by gapore; and in Tokyo at Keio and Tokyo Universities, the Research the story and its hero. He went on to study under cultural histori- Institute for Economy, Trade and Industry, the Graduate Research an Ryusaku Tsunoda and developed a close friendship with Wm. Institute for Policy Studies, and the International Institute of Eco- Theodore de Bary ’41, ’53 GSAS, with whom nomic Studies. he helped build Columbia’s program in East Curtis visited the disaster zone on Japan’s Asian languages and cultures. Northeast Pacific coast in May to prepare a docu- Keene spent summers in Japan during the mentary for Japanese television, and he returned early part of his teaching career, then developed there numerous times in the subsequent months. an arrangement where he taught fall semesters In our cover story, “Tohoku Diary” (page 20), in Japan and spring semesters at Columbia. He Curtis describes the devastation he saw on his became far more famous in his adopted home- visits and takes us to the towns and villages and land than he was in the United States. “You can’t inside the evacuation shelters and temporary go anywhere in Japan and utter the words ‘Don- housing to hear of the impact the disaster had on ald Keene’ and not have everybody know him,” people in the region. says Carol Gluck ’77 GSAS, Columbia’s George Some of the stories are heart-wrenching. A Sansom Professor of History. woman says her only possession is the cell phone After Keene became ill last winter, he an- she had with her when she fled the tsunami, yet nounced his retirement from teaching and his she still manages to smile and say she will be OK. plan to become a Japanese citizen and live full- Another woman speaks of her husband, who time in Tokyo, where he has kept a home for PHOTO: EILEEN BARROSO was swept away by the tsunami, the tears in her more than 30 years. When he taught his final eyes betraying the smile on her lips. class at Columbia in the spring, the classroom was overflowing Yet in the face of disaster, there is hope. Mayor Sato of Minami with Japanese journalists and camera crews. Sanriku speaks of consolidating ravaged fishing ports into larger Hayes (page 34) spent two weeks in Japan while in high school centers with more modern equipment. The owner of a fish packing and became intrigued by its culture, past and present. She was at- plant in Ofunatu wonders where he will raise the $5 million–$10 tracted to Columbia because of its outstanding East Asian studies million he says it will take to recover from his loss, but adds that he program. She learned Japanese and spent her junior year in Japan. is determined to get his plant up and running again and to rehire After graduation, Hayes worked in Nagano and later in To- employees he had to let go. kyo, which is where she was when the earthquake and tsunami Curtis describes the excessive government regulations and hit on March 11. With the U.S. and other countries urging its citi- segmented bureaucracy that often hampers recovery efforts. But zens to leave Japan, she returned to Atlanta for about 10 days, he also says the story is “one of resilience, community solidarity but her heart was still in Japan and she knew she had to return and self-help,” of a people determined to rebuild their lives. as soon as possible. She spent the next four months there, and al- What does this have to do with the College? In this age of global- though she again returned to Atlanta in August, she says she still ization, what affects one part of the world often impacts the rest of it, loves Japan, reads Japanese newspapers and blogs every day and or at least carries global implications. The November economic crisis would live there again if that is how life unfolds. in Europe is a perfect example, its impact being felt by the U.S. and Hayes says, “I’d like to be one of those Americans like Donald other countries around the world. We all can learn from the trag- Keene who’s a bridge between Japan and America.” edy in Japan and the response of that country’s people, companies and layers of government. And Curtis and Keene are examples of ne of the great things about a large research univer- the quality of faculty members who have taught, and in Curtis’ case sity like Columbia is the vast array of possibilities it continue to teach, these lessons to Columbians throughout the years, affords. Wherever you go you will find a renowned something that should never be taken for granted. Oexpert on something or other. One of Columbia’s experts on Japan is Gerald Curtis, the Bur-

WINTER 2011–12 6 “I’m looking forward to helping other students enjoy the same opportunities I received at Columbia.” campaignimpact.columbia.edu

Javi Plasencia ‘11CC Kluge Scholar

Individual stories. Indelible impact.

Thanks to the generosity of its donors, Join over 170,000 alumni, parents, and friends who Columbia University is doing more to: are helping to shape Columbia—and our world— through The Columbia Campaign. • train leaders in digital media • unlock the biology of the mind Strengthen tomorrow’s Columbia by supporting • transform diabetes care financial aid, faculty, facilities, and programming that reflects the University’s global reach. • shape skylines • educate generations of scholars to come Visit campaignimpact.columbia.edu. Every gift counts. FALL 2011 7 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY AROUND THE QUADS Five Accomplished Alumni To Receive 2012 John Jay Awards

B y K a r e n I o r i o

n Wednesday, March Bollinger, Interim Dean James J. Valentini Programme’s School Feeding Program 7, five accomplished and the honorees. through the sale of its iconic “FEED” bur- alumni will be pre- As president and producer of Plan B lap bag and other products. Gustafson’s sented with 2012 Entertainment, Gardner oversees a wide work has provided more than 65 million John Jay Awards for range of the studio’s films. Her recent pro- meals to children around the world. distinguished profes- ductions include The Tree of Life; The Time Horowitz is co-founder and general sional achievement Traveler’s Wife; and the Academy Award- partner of the venture capital firm An- at the annual John Jay Awards Dinner at nominated drama The Assassination of Jesse dreessen Horowitz. He began his career OCiprani 42nd Street in New York City. James by the Coward Robert Ford. Previously, as a software engineer after earning a This year’s honorees are Dede Gardner Gardner was e.v.p. of production at Para- master’s in computer science from UCLA. ’90, Ellen Gustafson ’02, Ben Horowitz ’88, mount Pictures. Horowitz quickly rose to v.p. and general Daniel Loeb ’83 and Li Lu ’96, ’96L, ’96 Dedicated to fighting hunger and manager of Netscape and is credited for Business. malnutrition, Gustafson is founder the company’s revenues of more than $100 Proceeds from the dinner benefit the and executive director of the 30 Project million. He founded the software com- John Jay Scholarship Program, which aims (30project.org), which addresses the cur- pany Opsware, which he sold in 2007 to to enhance academic and extracurricular rent crisis in the global food system that Hewlett-Packard. In June 2009, Horowitz experiences for outstanding first-year Col- has led to both hunger and obesity. She co-founded Andreessen Horowitz, which lege students. John Jay Scholars are invited also is co-founder and a board member holds stock in high-valued tech companies to participate in panels, discussions and of FEED Projects and the FEED Founda- including Facebook and Twitter. outings. A John Jay Scholar will speak at tion, a nonprofit that raises money to Loeb is CEO of Third Point Manage- the dinner, along with President Lee C. benefit the United Nations’ World Food ment Co., an employee-owned hedge fund managing more than $7.5 billion in assets. Also an activist, Loeb is known for his public letters to other financial executives — and government leaders — denouncing their financial misconduct. Before founding Third Point, he worked at Citicorp. Prior to simultaneously receiving three Columbia degrees, Lu was a leader of the 1989 Tiananmen Square demon- strations, organizing protestors to encourage political reform in the People’s Republic of China. He is chairman and founder of Himalaya Capital, a fund focused on publicly traded securities and venture capital. Lu was named a global leader for tomorrow by the World Economic Forum in 2001. For more information on the dinner, contact Robin Vanderputten, associate Leeza Mangaldas ’11 spoke on behalf of John Jay Scholars at the 2011 dinner. A current John Jay director, events and programs: robinv@ Scholar will speak at the 2012 dinner. columbia.edu or 212-851-7399, or go to PHOTO: EILEEN BARROSO college.columbia.edu/alumni/events.

WINTER 2011–12 8 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY AROUND THE QUADS Gergiev Speaks at Core Music Event

enowned Russian conductor Valery Gergiev spoke to a group of Music Humanities students R and other members of the Col- lege and University community at Miller Theatre on October 7. The World Leaders Forum event was sponsored by the Center for the Core Curriculum, Pricewater- houseCoopers and Miller Theatre. Gergiev is the director of the Mariin- sky Theater in St. Petersburg, home to the Kirov Opera and Ballet. Under his leadership, the Kirov Opera has come to be recognized as one of today’s great opera companies. Gergiev is also principal conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic and principal guest conductor of the Met- Elaine Sisman, the Anne Parsons Bender Professor of Music and chair of Music Humanities, ropolitan Opera. He was in New York to hosted a one-hour discussion with noted Russian conductor Valery Gergiev for Music Humani- conduct the Mariinsky Orchestra at Carn- ties students and others at Miller Theatre on October 7. egie Hall’s Opening Night Gala. PHOTO: EILEEN BARROSO Gergiev participated in an hour-long discussion with Elaine Sisman, the Anne tentive students. He asked many students required part of the Core since 1947. “Con- Parsons Bender Professor of Music and their names and interests when they asked cert and opera attendance is a rich part of chair of Music Humanities, followed by a him a question. “He packed the house, the Music Humanities experience,” said question-and-answer session and a recep- with many hundreds in the audience, Sisman, “so for students to hear such a tion at Faculty House. Students from Saint and it is clear that music excites him to his vivid musician and personality and to be Petersberg State University also took part core,” she said. “He is genuinely interested able to ask him questions is an exceptional in the discussion via video conference. in communicating with and encouraging opportunity. He told wonderful stories Gergiev spoke of the emotional quali- young people.” and revealed details about the ‘miracles’ ties that draw audiences all over the world The event was geared toward students that can happen in a concert hall.” to the music of Tchaikovsky and of the in Music Humanities, which has been a Sydney Schwartz Gross ’05J emotional connections and happiness people feel when they hear the powerful voices and moving performances of opera singers. He also answered questions about getting along with opera directors, conducting different genres such as symphony and ballet, and pursuing a career as a conductor. He said he did not understand the concept of a “career” before he had one, but that he knew he wanted to be a conductor when he first heard a great We’ve got you covered. orchestra as a teenager. “For me, being 18 years old, 19 years old, it was a total shock to hear great orchestra, great conductor for the first Through Columbia Alumni Association, time in a great hall … to hear great opera life insurance is available in amounts up to and ballet performances,” he said. “So $1,000,000, underwritten by New York Life my destiny was clear. I knew even then, Insurance Company (NY, NY 10010). in 1972, that I will never change course. I will go and become a conductor. “You learn and learn, and suddenly For details about eligibility, coverage amounts, you have a career,” he added. “Because rates, exclusions and renewal provisions, please I learned something, my destiny helped me. At some point I was standing in front visit alumni.columbia.edu/insurance or call of the Vienna Philharmonic saying good the plan administrator at 800-223-1147 morning.” At Miller Theatre, Sisman said, Gergiev was “in his element” surrounded by at- AROUND THE QUADS COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

ALUMNI IN THE NEWS n Alisa Weilerstein ’04 has jointly commissioned by ently, John was affected by what he read as been named a 2011 MacAr- the New York Philharmonic a freshman.” thur Fellow by the John D. and the Shanghai Symphony The College honored Corigliano in 2003 and Catherine T. MacArthur Orchestra, presented a with a John Jay Award for distinguished Foundation. The founda- unique challenge for the professional achievement. CCT profiled tion’s website calls the Pulitzer Prize-winning him the same year: college.columbia.edu/ renowned cellist “a consum- composer. “So many in the cct_archive/sep03. mate performer, combining audience of this piece will technical precision with have images of the fright- n Beau Willimon ’99, ’03 Arts’ play Far- impassioned musicianship.” ful day itself burned into ragut North (college.columbia.edu/cct/ Chosen for her exceptional their retinas,” Corigliano may_jun09/alumni_profiles2) has been creativity and promise, Wei- wrote in the program notes. adapted for the screen as the film The Ides lerstein will receive $500,000 “How can one hear music of March, starring George Clooney and across the next five years of any dramatic surges Ryan Gosling. Originally an Off-Broadway to pursue a project of her without imagining these hit, Willimon’s show tells the story of a choice. Weilerstein made her Alisa Weilerstein ’04 events accompanying the Presidential candidate and his press sec- PHOTO: COURTESY THE JOHN D. professional debut at 13 and, & CATHERINE T. Ma c ARTHUR music? Obviously, then, retary on the eve of the Iowa caucus. Wil- as a student at the College, FOUNDATION I needed to write a piece limon was inspired by his own experience was both a soloist and cham- with words. I needed other on the campaign trail — he volunteered ber musician. She has performed with images both to refute and complement for Charles Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) senate run prestigious orchestras including the New the all-too-vivid ones we’d bring with us during his senior year and later worked York Philharmonic, the Orchestre National into the concert hall.” for Hillary Clinton and Howard Dean. de France and the Boston Symphony. CCT For his words, Corigliano profiled Weilerstein while she was stu- chose four poems, including n George L. Van Amson ’74 dent: college.columbia.edu/cct_archive/ a section of Homer’s The Iliad was confirmed on October 22 may02. To see a video of her performing chronicling a massacre led by as the new head of the Co- today, go to macfound.org and search for the Greek prince Patroclus. lumbia Alumni Association. “Weilerstein.” “Each kill is described in detail; Van Amson is a trustee emer- the music, too, strives for the itus and a board member of n John Corigliano ’59’s One Sweet Morn- brutal and unsparing,” Cori- the Columbia-based nonprof- ing, an orchestral song cycle that com- gliano wrote about that section. it Community Impact, which memorates the 10th anniversary of the Edward A. Weinstein ’57, who aids disadvantaged members attacks of 9-11, had its world premiere on attended one of the debut per- of the Morningside Heights September 30, with Alan Gilbert conduct- formances, describes the music community. Formerly a fi- ing mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe and as “electric, powerful and George L. Van Amson ’74 nancial analyst for Citibank the New York Philharmonic. The work, intense” and suggests, “Appar- PHOTO: EILEEN BARROSO and Goldman Sachs, Van Amson now is a managing director of Morgan Stanley. As chair of CAA, which serves nearly 300,000 alumni from all University schools, Van Amson succeeds James Harden ’78 Business, ’83 PH.

n William H. Roach Jr. ’66 is chairman of the American Heart Association for its 2011–12 fiscal year. He is responsible for the overall administration of business affairs, public relations and fundraising and presides over meetings of the Board of Directors and administrative cabinet. Roach is a retired partner with the law firm McDermott, Will & Emery in Chi- Ed Schlossberg ’67, ’71 GSAS (far right) participated in a panel, “Innovation: Columbians Break cago, having been named to 17 consecu- Through,” with (left to right) Kelly Golnoush Niknejad ’06J, Charles Renfro ’94 Arch. and Anna Lappé ’01 SIPA at the Columbia Alumni Leaders Weekend on October 21–22. The Columbia Alumni tive annual editions of The Best Lawyers in Association event featured a lunch discussion between President Lee C. Bollinger and Trustees America, and has been a heart association Chair Bill Campbell ’62, ’64 TC and the awarding of alumni medals to Mark Momjian ’83, ’86L; Neil volunteer since 2001. Roach has guided Selinger ’75 (in memoriam); and nine others at the Saturday gala. The event also included the an- the association in governance and corpo- nual Columbia College Fund Volunteer Leadership Conference featuring best-practices discussions on topics such as “Making the Ask for Young Alumni,” “Peer-to-Peer Fundraising” and “The Power rate affairs and has been a leading fund- of Reunions,” plus a lively talk on the state of the College with Interim Dean James J. Valentini. raiser for Chicago-area events including PHOTO: EILEEN BARROSO Heart Walk and Heart Ball.

WINTER 2011–12 10 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY AROUND THE QUADS

n Kai-Fu Lee ’83, a v.p. at Google from House, a nonprofit literary center housed Mood: A Novel? and Philip Connors’ nature 2005–09 and original head of Google China, in the boyhood home of author, humorist memoir Fire Season: Field Notes from a Wilder- founded Innovation Works (en.chuangxin. and New Yorker cartoonist James Thurber ness Lookout. Weiland said of Norton in The com), a firm dedicated to supporting in Columbus, Ohio. It first was presented New York Observer, “It’s a firm I’ve hugely China’s next wave of high-tech companies. in 1997. Previous winners include Com- admired for 20 years and whose books line Lee, who earned a Ph.D. in computer sci- edy Central host Jon Stewart and humor- my shelves.” The feeling was mutual and ence at Carnegie Mellon, hopes to encour- ist David Sedaris. Norton’s president W. Drake McFeely told age young Chinese entrepreneurs in Inter- the Observer, “Matt first captured every- net, mobile Internet and cloud computing n Danielle Evans ’04 has been named one’s attention here as the exceptionally start-ups. Thus far, Innovation Works has one of the National Book Foundation’s talented young editor of an anthology we raised $180 million to support start-ups “5 Under 35” outstanding fiction writ- published in 1997. It’s a thrill to bring him and also offers advising ranging from mar- ers. Evans also is a co-winner of the 2011 into the fold as an editor, at last.” keting strategies to legal assistance. PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for her Karen Iorio debut story collection Before You Suffocate n David Rakoff ’86 won the 2011 Thur Your Own Fool Self (college.columbia.edu/ ber Prize for American Humor for his cct/nov_dec10/bookshelf1). She earned 25 Years of third collection of essays, Half Empty a master’s in creative writing from the (college.columbia.edu/cct/sep_oct10/ Iowa Writers’ Workshop and her stories Coeducation bookshelf1). Rakoff, a writer have appeared in The Paris n May 1987, the first fully coed and humorist who was born Review, A Public Space and class graduated from Columbia in Montréal and now lives in The Best American Short Stories I College. As we approach the 25th New York, has described him- 2010. anniversary of this occasion, we want self as a “New York writer” to hear from alumni about this turning who also happens to be a n Matt Weiland ’92 has been point in the College’s history. Share “Canadian writer,” a “Jewish named senior editor at W.W. your memories of the transition on writer,” a “gay writer” and an Norton. He previously worked campus and in the classroom, and let us know about the impact that Colum- “East Asian Studies major who at the Ecco imprint of Harper- bia has had on your life. has forgotten most of his Japa- Collins, where he edited books Please share your memories at nese” writer. The $5,000 prize David Rakoff ’86 including Padgett Powell’s con- college.columbia.edu/coeducation. is sponsored by the Thurber PHOTO: PAUL ROOSIN ceptual novel The Interrogative

COLUMBIACOLUMBIA COLLEGECOLLEGE AALUMNILUMNI RREUNIONEUNION WWEEKENDEEKEND

Make plans now to return to New In an effort to reduce costs and be environmentally-friendly, Columbia College Alumni Affairs and your class’ Reunion Classes York City and the Columbia campus Committee will communicate with you via e-mail as much 1942 for Alumni Reunion Weekend 2012. as possible. Be sure you don’t miss out on reunion details! 1947 Update your contact information at http://reunion.college. 1952 The weekend will feature: columbia.edu/alumniupdate. BIA C 1957 Class-specific panels, cocktail receptions and dinners MBI COL LU LE Watch your mail and email OL G 1962 planned by each class’ Reunion Committee; O E C 1967 “Back on Campus” sessions featuring Core Curriculum for details. 1972 lectures, Public Intellectual lectures and more as part Questions? Please contact 1977 of Saturday’s Dean’s Day; Fatima Yudeh, [email protected] 1982 New York City entertainment options including or 212-851-7834. 1987 Broadway shows and other cultural activities; ALUMNI REUNION 1992 All-class programs including: Wine Tasting and 1997 Starlight Reception with dancing, champagne and WEEKEND 2002 sweets on Low Plaza; and Camp Columbia for little Columbians, ages 3–12. 2007 SAVESAVE THETHE DATEDATE THURSDAY,THURSDAY, MAYMAY 31–-31–- SUNDAY,SUNDAY, JUNEJUNE 33,, 20122012

AROUND THE QUADS COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Katherine Marshall ’12 Nurtures Passion for Japanese Culture

B y N at h a l i e A l o n s o ’08

or Katherine Marshall ’12, Abroad Program. In Kyoto, she took speaks with fervor of the student-led tour thrills often take the form of un- courses on language, sociology and reli- of Columbia’s campus that prompted her conventional challenges, such gion and signed up for cooking classes to apply early decision to the College. Fas mastering Japanese as a fifth at a community center. Having stayed “As the tour guide was describing language or taking to the skies behind with a local family for part of her first the Core, I had this epiphany that even if the controls of a Cessna 172 aircraft. trip, Marshall lived in an apartment the business was what I wanted to do down Marshall, an East Asian languages second time. the road, there was still so much I didn’t and cultures major and licensed pilot, “It is more challenging because you know,” recalls Marshall. “It came down has accomplished both feats. But while have to fend for yourself in terms of to the Core and being in the city.” she knew from a young age that she getting food, taking yourself to the doc- To Marshall’s good fortune, in 2010, wanted to fly a plane — a hobby her tor, everything,” she explains. the College introduced a special con- father inspired and cultivated — she The summer before her semester centration in business management. did not foresee her undergraduate ca- abroad, Marshall conducted research “It’s exciting to have the ability to fulfill reer revolving around a passion for all on East Asian economic policy at the my intellectual interest in East Asia things Japanese. Business School’s Center for Japanese and gain more practical knowledge as Marshall already was fluent in Span- Economy and Business. Since April, she well,” she says. ish and French and advanced in Italian has been editor-in-chief of the Columbia At press time, Marshall had accepted when she opted to learn a non-Romance East Asian Review, an undergraduate re- a post-graduation offer to join the New language as a College first-year, York City office of The Boston a decision that set her current Consulting Group, a global man- trajectory. agement consulting firm where “I wanted to try a more in- she worked last summer. tensive language at Columbia In her spare time, Marshall and chose Japanese, which was enjoys running, skiing and, of way more intense than I ever course, flying. Having flown in had imagined,” says Marshall, small aircraft for years as a pas- for whom acquiring languages senger with her father at the con- became “addictive” after she trols, Marshall became a private studied in Mexico and France as pilot at 17 after logging approxi- a high school student. mately 60 hours of flight training. In her sophomore year, The certification process required Marshall took two courses that Katherine Marshall ’12 has used her time in the College to a solo cross-country flight without cultivate her interest in Japan and prepare herself for a busi- cemented her choice of major: ness career. a GPS or other modern equip- “Colloquium on Major Texts, PHOTO: BARBARA BENTON ment. Marshall references the East Asia,” with Paul Anderer, mixture of trepidation and pride the Fred and Fannie Mack Professor of search journal that publishes annually. she experienced when she found herself Humanities, and “Millennial Futures: Her senior thesis examines the evolu- in the air alone for the first time. Mass Culture and Japan,” taught by tion of Japanese fashion from the ’90s to “I often think about that before ex- associate professor of anthropology the present. Colin Jones, Marshall’s the- ams,” she says. “You can find it within Marilyn Ivy. sis tutor and a Ph.D. candidate in the yourself to do what you need to do, “It was language-driven for me, but history department, notes the discipline even if it is literally life or death. then I found that I was fascinated by with which Marshall has approached “That’s why I chose to be a pilot and Japanese history and Japanese culture,” her project. why I chose to study Japanese. These Marshall says. “Katy is dedicated to her work and challenges are fun. They are fun to Marshall first traveled to Japan in preternaturally organized,” says Jones. work through and they are even more summer 2009 as an American delegate “Her ability to set deadlines for herself fun when you can look back and say, to the Japan-America Student Confer- and to meet those deadlines astonished ‘Wow, I did that.’” ence, a monthlong cultural exchange me when we met, and it has made program run by the nonprofit Inter- working with her an absolute pleasure.” Nathalie Alonso ’08 is a freelance jour- national Student Conferences (iscdc. Initially inclined to pursue a degree in nalist and an editorial producer at LasMay org). She returned for the first semester business elsewhere, Marshall, who was ores.com, Major League Baseball’s official of her junior year through the Kyoto born in New York and moved to Min- Spanish language website. She also writes a Consortium for Japanese Studies Study neapolis with her family when she was 9, career blog for women, herfabcareer.com.

WINTER 2011–12 12 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY AROUND THE QUADS Food, Fun and Football at Homecoming 2011

ore than 1,200 alumni, students, family members and friends of Mall ages gathered on October 15 at the Baker Athletics Complex for Home- coming 2011 under bright, sunny skies. The Big Tent was livelier than ever with a gourmet barbecue and carnival, music and camaraderie. The Cleverest Band in the World, supported by the Columbia cheerleaders, got the group singing such Columbia favorites as “Roar, Lion, Roar” and “Who Owns New York?” and even a rousing non- Columbia tune, Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child o’ Mine.” Alumni had more time than usual to mingle with classmates and friends, as the football game against Penn at Robert K. Kraft Field started at 3:30 p.m. instead of the usual 1:30 p.m. because it was televised on the Versus channel. A bois- terous crowd of 9,124 saw the Lions lead most of the way before succumbing to the Quakers 27–20 on a touchdown with just 25 seconds left to play.

To view more Homecoming photos, go to Web Extras at college.columbia.edu/cct. PHOTOS: EILEEN BARROSO

“For the majority of us who Join Michael Garrett in the will not be creating or 1754 Society, a group of alumni collecting rare books for and friends who have made future generations, planned bequest, life income, and other planned gifts to the University. giving to Columbia Libraries is a meaningful way to Planned gifts support students, support their sacred role in faculty, and more. Visit the continuum of education, www.columbia.planyourlegacy.org research, and collection at our or call 800-338-3294. University.” Michael Garrett, Esq. ’66CC, ’69LAW, ’70BUS Friend of the Columbia Libraries AROUND THE QUADS COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

Courtney Bender is an associ- spent my senior year writing spiritual, or about the institu- What do you do to unwind? ate professor and director of an ethnography of the split-off tions — secular or religious I hang out with my kids in undergraduate studies in the group. By then, I was hooked — that support them. As the New York. We try to take one Department of Religion. She on both ethnographic method percentage of Americans in day a week out of the neigh- is the author of several books, and religious studies. this category continues to borhood and if possible out of including The New Metaphys grow, the questions about Manhattan. I also garden in How did you end up at icals: Spirituality and the how spiritual identity comes the corner outside my office Columbia? American Religious Imagina- to make sense, and how it on 120th and Claremont — I tion, which won a 2011 Asso- I was living in New York and comes to be connected to guess I haven’t fully given up ciation of American Publishers finishing my dissertation when particular social and political my interest in digging! PROSE Book Award. She was I received a call from a friend aspirations, seem important co-chair of the Social Science in Columbia’s sociology de- If you could be anywhere in to pursue. The questions that Research Council’s Initiative partment who was going on the world right now, where this research posed to me on Spirituality, Political En- leave. His department needed would you be? have subsequently led me gagement and Public Life and someone to teach his “Mass I’d be nowhere but here. I in a number of directions, will chair SSRC’s new interdis- Media and Popular Culture” appreciate the opportunity to including explorations into ciplinary research initiative on course. I had never taught a leave the city sometimes, but the legal and political impli- prayer. Bender earned a B.A. class, but I said I would do it, this place has such wonder- cations of American religious from Swarthmore and a Ph.D. and they agreed to let me. One ful, challenging energy. pluralism and the role of from Princeton. hundred undergraduates ap- mid-century art museums What’s your favorite spot in peared on the first day — they Where did you grow up? in shaping certain secular- New York? thought they were getting Until I was 11 I lived in the spiritual dispositions. This will be different in a few him. Most of them stayed, and Shenandoah Valley of Virgin- months, but right now, Gov- I learned how to teach pretty What are you teaching these ia, and then my family moved ernor Nelson A. Rockefeller quickly. The year after that, a days? to Lancaster, Pa. Park on the Hudson, which job opened up in religion. This fall, I’m teaching an un- is always cool and has a gor- What did you want to be? geous vista. I wanted to be an architect or an archaeologist. I Five Minutes with … Courtney Bender What’s the last book you wanted to build things or read for pleasure that dig things. What have you been work- dergraduate seminar on reli- you really enjoyed? ing on? gion in urban life, “Religious Great Expectations, which I How did you become inter- I’m starting up some projects Worlds of New York.” Each read for the first time this ested in studying religion? and finishing some others. student is conducting a study summer, and Teju Cole’s By the time I went to college My most recent book, The of a religious site or communi- novel Open City. I had abandoned my archi- New Metaphysicals, asks how ty; we are primarily concerned tecture plans and thought I What are you most proud of spiritual identities take shape with investigating how the city would be an English major, on your resume? in the United States. Scholars shapes religious practice, and maybe write poetry. I needed My most recent book. It’s of all types have tended not in some cases how religious a fourth course to fill out my won some awards, and it’s to ask good questions about action impacts city life. In the first semester, so I took a being read in classrooms and people who call themselves spring I will teach “Sociology course called “War and Peace” discussed publicly, so I am of Religion” and a graduate in the Department of Religion. glad that the ideas are getting field methods class. The professor lectured standout there. But more impor- ing on one leg, which kept What’s your favorite food? tantly, I felt truly alive when our attention. He was a very I will eat almost anything, as I was researching and writ- brilliant, very odd man, and it long as care and attention has ing it — I hope each of my was gripping material. gone into its preparation. students has that experience Religion also interested at least once, and hope I will Where do you live? me personally. I grew up in a again, soon. Claremont Avenue. Mennonite community that Interview and photo: went through a rather big Are you married? Do you Ethan Rouen ’04J, ’11 Business schism when I was a teen- have kids? ager, which effectively split I am married. My husband To watch videos of Bender discuss- a community that had been is an associate professor ing additional topics, including tightly tied together by fam- in the microbiology and her upcoming Mini-Core class, ily and cultural traditions. immunology department “Religious Pluralism and Secu- “How could this happen?” uptown. I have two kids, lar Society,” which will be taught I wondered. With encour- 13 and 7, who attend the in February, go to Web Extras at agement from professors, I School at Columbia. college.columbia.edu/cct.

WINTER 2011–12 14 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY AROUND THE QUADS

CC Fund Welcomes New Executive Director Help Support CCT llen Rosso has joined the Alumni 25. He managed the college reunion olumbia College Today brings you Office as executive director of the program, launched a revamped class- news of your alma mater and AColumbia College Fund (college. based volunteer program that resulted Cprofiles of its people you won’t columbia.edu/alumni/fund). in a threefold increase in the find anywhere else. Wherever you are Rosso is an industry leader in number of volunteer solicitors — Los Angeles, Louisville, London or the Lower East Side — CCT is the best way annual giving with 17 years and made major strides in to stay connected with your classmates of experience. He started at increasing participation from and with Columbia. Columbia in mid-October alumni and from seniors. At Your tax-deductible contribution after working at Mindframe, a Vanderbilt, Rosso managed helps make all this possible. CCT re- startup that develops technol- the annual giving programs mains free of charge — no donation is ogy and social media solutions for eight schools and the required to receive the magazine or to to enhance relationship-based library system, increasing access our website (college.columbia. fundraising. Prior to joining annual fund dollars by 27 edu/cct). But if you choose to support Mindframe, Rosso was execu- percent and participation by us, you may do so online (college.col tive director of annual giving PHOTO: MERIDETH KERBY 9 percent; managed a faculty, umbia.edu/cct/giving), by phone (212- ’04 GS 851-7852) or by mailing a check, made at Chicago and Vanderbilt. staff and community giving payable to Columbia College Today (Co- At Chicago, he managed the col- campaign; created a consistent donor lumbia College Today, Columbia Alumni lege’s and the university’s annual stewardship program; and managed Center, 622 W. 113th St., MC 4530, 1st giving campaigns, raising in excess of recruitment and renewal for an annual Fl., New York, NY 10025). All donors are $18 million annually, and led a staff of giving society. recognized each fall, after the close of the fiscal year on June 30, on theCCT website (college.columbia.edu/cct/ Contact CCT Online fall11). We greatly appreciate your support, t’s easy to get in touch with CCT via the web (college.columbia.edu/cct/contactus). and ask that you stay in touch and Update your contact information, let us know what you think in a letter to the editor, share news at college.columbia.edu/ I send us an email or submit a Class Note, Class Note photo, information for an obitu- cct/contactus. ary or a classified advertisement.

Travel with Columbia Wild AlAskA Journey June 25–July 2, 2012

Experience Alaska firsthand as we travel from Fairbanks to Anchorage on an eight-day exploration of the state’s rugged coasts, temperate rainforests, and rolling inland tundra. Travel with alumni and friends as expert local guides lead hiking, kayak, and canoe excursions through the wilds, or relax and soak in the wildlife-rich scenery. This exclusive Columbia Alumni Travel Study program is limited to just 16 guests, allowing intimate access to Alaska’s wilderness and a more personal experience in the far north.

For more information about any of our trips, visit alumni.columbia.edu/travel or call 866-325-8664.

Learn more. Stay connected alumni.columbia.edu AROUND THE QUADS COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

R o a r , L i o n , R o a r Injury to Agho Clouds Men’s Basketball Picture

B y A l e x S a c h a r e ’71

oach Kyle Smith, in his several times before finally beating second season at Columbia, Brown in double overtime 35–28 in the had planned to take men’s season finale. In six seasons, Wilson’s basketball back to basics. teams compiled a 17–43 record. Prior to the start of the Highlighting the fall season, Colum- C2011–12 campaign, he declared, “When bia’s men’s soccer team finished just in doubt, we’ll go back to our ABCs — one point away from the Ivy champion- that’s Agho, Barbour and Cisco.” ship. After Brown and Dartmouth had Smith’s plan took a huge hit in the battled to a scoreless draw on the final second game of the season, the home day of the season, Columbia needed a opener against Furman on November win over Cornell to leapfrog both and 14, when defending Ivy League scoring capture the crown, but could only man- champion Noruwa Agho ’12 suffered age a 1–1 tie at Ithaca on November 12. Columbia’s basketball fortunes could hinge on the prog- an injured left knee. He is expected to ress of center Mark Cisco ’13, seen here boxing out for Columbia finished 8–7–2 overall and miss much, if not all, of the remainder a rebound against Connecticut in the season opener. 4–2–1 in Ivy play, its best league record of the season. “We’re planning on not PHOTO: GEOFFREY BOLTE since 2002, but one point behind Brown having him anytime in the near future, and Dartmouth, who were 4–1–2. or the late future,” Smith told Spectator. 16.8 points per game. “There’s an emo- Volleyball and field hockey both Agho had been expected to team with tional shot that your team takes,” Smith enjoyed winning seasons. Volleyball was fellow guard Brian Barbour ’13, the team’s said of losing his star player. “We just have 15–10 overall and 9–5 in the league, while top two in scoring, assists and steals last to bear down on the fundamentals — the field hockey finished 9–8 overall and 5–2 season, and center Mark Cisco ’13, who little things — because that’s really what in Ivy play, missing the league title by just showed flashes of talent while battling a you can control.” one game. Women’s soccer did not fare as string of injuries and illness last year, to The Lions, whose 70.8 ppg last season well, going 6–10–1 overall and 3–3–1 in form the core of this year’s Lions. Without were the most for a Columbia team in 18 the league. Agho, it will be up to Barbour and Cisco years, will begin the Ivy League portion The men’s and women’s cross country to provide the nucleus if Columbia is to of their schedule on Friday, January 13, by teams fared well, both finishing second in improve on the 15–13 record it posted in hosting Penn. the Ivy League Heptagonal Champion- Smith’s debut season, including an impres- Barbour emerged as a starter last season ships and placing third and fourth, respec- sive 10–4 at home. Columbia was 6–8 in Ivy and averaged 13.3 points and 3.2 assists tively, at the NCAA Northeast Regionals. play and tied for fifth place in the league. per game. But with the departure of last While some teams look for easy op- season’s leading rebounder, Asenso Am- For the latest news on Columbia Athletics, ponents for the non-conference portion of pim ’11, and 7-footers Max Craig ’11 and visit gocolumbialions.com. their schedule, Columbia went the other Zack Crimmins ’11, a key to Columbia’s way, opening its season by traveling to success could be the play of Cisco, a 6-foot- n COACH JONES: Joe Jones, who Storrs, Conn., to face defending national 9, 245-pounder who was hampered last coached Columbia’s men’s basketball champion Connecticut on November season by appendicitis, a knee injury and team from 2003–10 and spent last year 11. “It’s always good to play against the a concussion. Despite being limited to 17.1 as the associate head coach at Boston best,” said Smith. “For the players, it’s minutes per game, he averaged 6.8 ppg College, is now the head coach at Boston an awesome atmosphere. For the head and 4.6 rebounds per game. University. Jones inherited a Columbia coach, it’s terrifying.” As for the Ivies, Smith downplayed the team that went 2–25 and was winless in The Lions fell behind early, trailed preseason media poll in which the Lions Ivy play in 2002–03 and built it to respect- 25–10 midway through the first half and were picked to finish seventh, saying, ability, compiling an 86–108 record in never really caught up, although they cut “You could throw a blanket over teams 2 seven seasons as the Lions’ head coach. the deficit to single digits before bowing through 7, they’re really that close.” The 70–57. “We competed,” Smith said after team everyone will be chasing is expected n RUGBY @ 50: The men’s rugby club held the game. “There were a lot of positives for to be Harvard, last year’s co-champion, a reunion to celebrate the 50th anniversary us. This should be a confidence builder.” which received 16 of 17 first-place votes of its founding as well as the women’s Three nights later, Columbia led most from the media panel. rugby club’s 20th. A three-day event, it of the way against Furman before Agho commenced with a reception on April 15 suffered his injury with 6:19 to play. The n FALL ROUNDUP: Football coach Nor- at the Dodge Fitness Center where club visitors rallied to beat the Lions 62–58, but ries Wilson was relieved of his duties af- president Thomas Timberlake ’12, captain the bigger loss was Agho, an All-Ivy First ter the Lions completed a 1–9 season, one Derek Lipscomb ’11 and women’s captain- Team selection last year after averaging in which the Lions came close to winning president Juliette Conte ’12 introduced their

WINTER 2011–12 16 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY AROUND THE QUADS teammates to about 50 attending alumni, Mangion ’01E; Christopher Miller ’01, ’08 ’62, ’64 TC in a reprise of their initial including Friends of Columbia Rugby GSAS; Dr. Daniel Wetmore ’01; Nicholas match at the old Squadron A Armory a Alumni Board members Brian Murphy ’84, Elkins ’02; Augustin Llona ’02; Michele half-century earlier. As in their inaugural Lewis Fischbein ’72, Richard Coppo ’69 and Connolly ’01; Jessica Grodstein-Kennedy encounter, Columbia emerged the victor. Richard Luthmann ’01. Among others in ’01; Becca Parks ’01 Barnard; and Rebecca Heavy rains could not dampen spirits as attendance were John Sidtis ’73; Bradford Brafman ’04. the Old Blue RFC, the club’s alumni bene- Higgins ’74, ’78L; James O’Donnell ’74; A match was played the next evening factors, hosted a post-match barbecue in Dr. Luke Vaughan ’76; Dr. Peter Beller ’77; against Yale RFC at the soccer stadium to the shelter of Wien Stadium. The weekend Christopher Sheridan ’90 GS; Peter Hatch commemorate club founders John Wel- concluded on a sunny Sunday with the ’92; Stuart Dearnley ’01; Mathew Hughes lington ’57; Patrick Moran ’63, ’64 Busi- traditional social match between the club ’01, ’07 Business; Ikenna Ibe ’01E; Jeremy ness; William Smith ’57; and Bill Campbell and its alumni.

IN MEMORIAM n Kathleen McDermott, a senior admin- mott’s friend and deputy v.p., and his wife, Kathy, and Jim istrator known for her kindness, laughter strategic planning in the Vice and his wife, Pam. and wisdom, died on October 16 after a President’s Office for Arts and Memorial contributions four-year battle with ALS, also known as Sciences, said in a Spectator may be made to the Kath- Lou Gehrig’s disease. She was 67. article. leen McDermott Scholarship McDermott was born in the Bronx and In 2010, the NAFSA: As- Fund, c/o Eleanor L. Coufos earned an R.N. degree from St. Clare’s sociation of International Edu- ’03, Columbia College Fund, Nursing School in New York, graduating cators selected McDermott as Columbia Alumni Center, 622 first in her class, as well as a B.A. from the recipient of the Education W. 113th St., MC 4530, 3rd Lehman College and an M.A. and Ph.D. Abroad Leadership Award, Fl., New York, NY 10025 or from UC Berkeley. She spent many years which recognizes one member Kathleen McDermott 212-851-7483; or to the Elea- teaching and working in Hong Kong, each year for “distinguished nor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ Wales, Vermont and England. service to the education abroad profession.” ALS Center, Office of Development, 100 Among the highlights of her 21-year Beyond her professional achieve- Haven Ave., Ste 29D, New York, NY 10032. tenure with Columbia, she was the Col- ments, McDermott was admired for her A memorial service was held at St. Paul’s lege’s first residential dean in 1991, hired commitment to family and friendship. Chapel on November 5. by then-Dean of Students Roger Lehecka “She’s known for having been unaffected, ’67, ’74 GSAS; she was an adviser for tough — in a good way — wise and ex- n Tian Bu ’13, from Greenville, S.C., died study abroad and fellowships; and she traordinarily energetic with a good sense on October 23. Known to friends as Tina, was on the board of Community Impact of humor,” Mary Dooley, public safety Bu studied psychology. She also was a from 1991–2006. In 2007 McDermott administrative coordinator, told Spectator. talented writer and a gifted artist and was named a.v.p. and director of global “She was known for her loving and car- musician; in a Spectator article, former programs, a position from which she had ing heart and her ability to reach anyone floormate Jason Han ’12 recalled hearing recently retired. A trained psychiatric in time of need.” her practice violin when he walked past nurse, colleagues said McDermott spent McDermott was predeceased by her her room. “I’d stop and appreciate it for a many late evenings at St. Luke’s Hospital, son, Paul Grandpierre ’87, and a nephew, moment,” Han said. “That’s how I got to tending to students. Michael. She is survived by her daugh- know Tina, moments in passing.” “She was one of those individuals ters, Claire Grandpierre and Caitlin Bell; Bu also was involved in Quest, a na- whose life was her job, and hundreds and granddaughter, Charlotte Soubirous; tional leadership organization, and was hundreds of students benefited from her sister, Eileen; and brothers and sisters-in- active in a campus bible study group. commitment,” Susan Mescher, McDer- law, Gerry and his wife, Eleanore, Dan Alexis Tonti ’11 Arts

Have You Moved? DATE SMART! To ensure that you receive CCT and other College infor- Join the singles’ mation, let us know if you network exclusively have a new postal or email for graduates, faculty address, a new phone num- and students of the ber or even a new name. Ivy League Click “Contact Us” at MIT, Stanford and few others. college.columbia.edu/cct or call 212-851-7852. www.rightstu dating.com 1-800-988-5288

WINTER 2011–12 17 AROUND THE QUADS COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

CAMPUS NEWS n ON THE RISE: Columbia’s endow- News’ ratings are based on peer evalua- spend a full semester or academic year ment rose 23.6 percent, to $7.8 billion, in tions, graduation and freshman retention off-campus.” Fiscal Year 2010–11, the second year in rates, faculty resources, student selectiv- a row that the University has achieved ity, financial resources, graduation rate n REPRIEVE: A freak snowstorm blan- the largest percentage increase in the Ivy performance and alumni giving rate. For keted the Northeast on October 29 and League. Harvard announced an increase more information, go to usnews.com and knocked out power for more than one of 21.4 percent, to $32 billion, while Yale search for “best colleges.” million people in the region, among them and Princeton announced increases of 22 many high school students who were fac- percent apiece to $19.4 billion and $17.1 n GLOBAL CENTERS: Columbia has ing November 1 deadlines for their early billion, respectively. Columbia was the opened two new Global Centers, in San- decision applications to many schools — only Ivy to surpass the S&P 500’s 22 per- tiago, Chile, and Istanbul, Turkey, and including the College. As phrases such as cent gain for FY11. “For every measurable plans to open another center in Nairobi, “nervous breakdown” and “if the power period, since the Investment Management Kenya, in early 2012. They join existing doesn’t come back I’ll cry” began to ap- Co. was established in 2002, Columbia has centers in Beijing, China; Amman, Jor- pear on social media sites, Columbia and produced excellent returns,” said Senior dan; Mumbai, India; and Paris, France. about 75 other schools responded by ex- E.V.P. Robert Kasdin, who sits on the board According to a University statement tending the deadline, in Columbia’s case of the company that manages the Univer- announcing the opening of the center to November 4. Columbia also extended sity’s endowment. For example, during in Istanbul on November 1, “Columbia the deadline for early decision financial the past decade, Columbia has had an- Global Centers provide flexible regional aid to November 18. nualized returns of 9.9 percent, just behind hubs for a wide range of activities and Yale’s 10.1 percent but ahead of Harvard’s resources intended to enhance the quali- n TRUSTEE: Rolando T. Acosta ’79, ’82L 9.4 percent. ty of research and learning at the Univer- was elected to the Board of Trustees, the sity. They establish interactive partner- University’s 24-member governing body, n NO. 4, AGAIN: For the second con- ships across geographic boundaries and at the trustees’ meeting last June. He began secutive year, Columbia placed fourth in academic disciplines by bringing to- his six-year term at the start of the 2011–12 U.S. News & World Report’s annual rank- gether scholars, students, public officials, academic year in September. Previously, ing of national universities. Princeton private enterprise and innovators from he was on the boards of the College and moved up one spot from a year ago into many fields. … The centers also support the Law School alumni associations. a tie with Harvard for No. 1, with Yale a significant expansion of opportunities Acosta was elected as a New York State remaining third. Five schools tied for for Columbia students to do hands-on Supreme Court justice in New York Coun- fifth: Caltech, MIT, Stanford, Chicago and research and service-learning abroad, ty in 2002. He was selected, along with Penn. Duke completed the top 10. U.S. particularly those who may not want to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor,

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held at Homecoming on October 15 for the 48,000-square-foot Campbell Sports Center at the Baker Athletics Complex. Wielding the shovels (left to right) are President Lee C. Bollinger, lead architect and faculty member Steven Holl, Athletics Director M. Dianne Murphy, Trustees Vice Chair Philip Milstein ’71 and Trustees Chair Bill Campbell ’62, ’64 TC, the facility’s lead benefactor. PHOTO: GENE BOYARS

WINTER 2011–12 18 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY AROUND THE QUADS as a 2004 Judge of the Year by the National Hispanic Bar Association. A star varsity baseball player at the College, Acosta has long been active in the community development of Upper Manhattan. He was a founding board member of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, where he spearheaded human capital and quality of life proposals.

IN LUMINE TUO n HISTORY: Professor of History Eliza- beth Blackmar is the winner of the Ameri- can Historical Association’s Nancy Ly- man Roelker Mentorship Award for undergraduate mentoring. Blackmar, who specializes in social and urban history, will receive the award at the AHA’s meeting in Chicago on January 6. “This prize honors not just innovative pedagogy but Richard Sun ’13 has received Ireland’s prestigious Undergraduate Award for academic excellence and innovation. The economics major’s paper, Triple Bottom Analysis of Sustainable Urban Devel- also mentoring long after the classroom opment, earned him a trip to Dublin, where President of Ireland Mary McAleese presented him experience is over,” noted Merlin Chowk- with the Oscar Wilde Gold Medal in the sustainability category at Dublin Castle on October 28. wanyun ’05, who was among a group of As a recipient in the Undergraduate Awards’ new international category, Sun was selected from two dozen former students who wrote students at top universities in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. He became interested in environmentalism when he served on the city council’s recycling advisory committee letters on Blackmar’s behalf and orga- in his hometown of Summit, N.J. in 2006–09; he also is a 2011 Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall nized a campaign for her. Scholar for excellence in national environmental policy. PHOTO: MARC O’SULLIVAN

Were You Married in St. Paul’s Chapel? very year, about 60 couples get Emarried in Columbia’s St. Paul’s Chapel, and in more than 90 percent of the cases, one or both members are alumni of the College, Barnard or Engineering. If you were married at St. Paul’s, please share memories of your wedding — we look forward to hearing from you (chaplain@ columbia.edu). St. Paul’s is a historic NYC landmark and an architectural gem, with original furnish- ings including an Aeo- PHOTO: EILEEN BARROSO lian Skinner organ, one of the finest examples of 20th-century organ building. For inquires about weddings in St. Paul’s, please contact Robert Doyle, assistant director, Earl Hall Center: rd2521@columbia. edu or 212-854-6242, or visit columbia.edu/cu/earl. Jewelnel Davis, University Chaplain

WINTER 2011–12 19 A woman whose house was washed away stands amidst debris in the Shinhamacyo area of Japan following the earthquake and tsunami of March 11. PHOTO: KUNI TAKAHASHI/POLARIS

Tohoku Diary

B y G e r a l d C u r t i s T h e B u r g e s s P r o f e s s o r o f P o l i t i c a l S c i e n c e

JAPAN AFTER THE STORM COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

A member of the Columbia faculty since 1968, Gerald protect people and property in the event of a major earthquake. For example, Japan’s bullet train system has a network of 97 Curtis is the author of numerous books on Japanese earthquake detectors; about 15 seconds before the earthquake hit the tracks, automatic brakes stopped all 27 bullet trains that were culture and politics, written in both English and Japa- running. There was extensive damage done at many places along the route to stations, bridges and tunnels — but no lives were lost. nese. He was director of Columbia’s Weatherhead East In Tokyo, high-rise buildings swayed — and did so for so many minutes that it made some people feel as though they were sea- Asian Institute for a total of 12 years between 1974 sick — but none collapsed. In the north, the earthquake knocked out electricity, gas and water lines, but power was restored rela- and 1990. In 2004, he was awarded the Order of the tively quickly in areas that were beyond the reach of the tsunami, and deaths and injuries were relatively few. Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by the Emperor of If there had not been the tsunami, the lead story about March Japan, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Japa- 11 would have focused on the remarkably successful earthquake disaster prevention measures Japan has adopted. nese government. Curtis visited the disaster zone on arthquake damage to the train station at Sendai, Miyagi pre- Japan’s Northeast Pacific coast in May to prepare a fecture’s capital, had been repaired by the time I got there on EMay 4, a few days after bullet train service resumed along documentary for Japanese television and he returned the entire Tokyo-Aomori route. Neither at the train station nor anywhere else in the city center was there evidence that Sendai had there numerous times in the subsequent months. been violently shaken by the strongest earthquake in its history.

The landscape had been turned into an endless vista of debris punctuated by the occasional presence of a boat or car perched on the roof of some concrete structure that somehow did not collapse.

here are towns along the Pacific coast in To- As soon as I arrived in Sendai, I headed to the airport. Driving hoku, the region northeast of Tokyo, with toward the ocean from the city center, everything looked normal names like Ofunato and Rikuzen Takada for the first 10 kilometers or so. Then the scenery suddenly turned in Iwate prefecture and Minami Sanriku bizarre: a smashed car sitting in the middle of a rice field, wood, and Watari in Miyagi prefecture, that until metal and other debris scattered here and there. The closer I got March 11 of this year meant little more to to the ocean, the more destruction I saw: a two-story building, for most Japanese than the names of towns example, whose walls were still intact but without any windows along the Maine coast mean to most Ameri- on either the first or second floor. The tsunami had blown them cans. Many people knew these towns only as places from where out, washing away most of the things that had been inside and TJapanese got a lot of their fish, and that they have a harsh winter drowning people who were living there. I could see large charac- climate and hard-working people of few words. ters painted at the top of what had been the building’s entrance. The 9.0 magnitude earthquake and the ensuing tsunami that They indicated that this had been a community old-age home. struck Tohoku on March 11 changed all that. Now the names of There was an incredible number of cars tossed about helter- these towns — towns that I visited over several days at the be- skelter throughout the area along the coast, many so crushed and ginning of May — and others on the northeast coast evoke im- mangled that it looked as though they had been involved in head- ages of miles upon miles of devastation where houses, ports, on collisions. One car was perpendicular, with the front half of its fishing boats, merchant shops and small factories, rice fields and hood buried in the ground as though someone had tried to plant hot houses for vegetables and strawberries have disappeared. it. Others were upside down; one looked as though it was trying to The landscape had been turned into an endless vista of debris climb a tree. The Self Defense Forces (SDF) had been collecting and punctuated by the occasional presence of a boat or car perched sorting the debris and piling it up — wood here, scrap metal there on the roof of some concrete structure that somehow did not — for eventual disposal. Every so often along the side of a road collapse under the incredible force of the tsunami that left more there would be a stack of ruined automobiles piled on top of each than 20,000 people dead or missing. The tsunami damaged or other and taking up the equivalent of half a New York City block. destroyed 125,000 buildings and spread an estimated 27 million Since automobiles are virtually the sole mode of transportation for tons of debris over a wide expanse of the northeast Pacific coast. people who live in this coastal part of Sendai, it is not unusual for a In Miyagi prefecture alone, the debris tonnage was the equivalent household to have several cars for family members to commute to of 23 years of the prefecture’s garbage. work. Never have I seen so many ruined automobiles. Few lives were lost as a result of the earthquake itself. Japan The area around the airport, the large Sendai shipping port, has gone to extraordinary lengths to adopt strict building codes, the Wakabayashi ward that suffered the most death and destruc- early warning systems, evacuation drills and other measures to tion in Sendai, and everything in between was a scene of utter

WINTER 2011–12 22 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY JAPAN AFTER THE STORM

The tsunami, measured at one location at 128 feet, washes away cars as it approaches Miyako City. PHOTO: HITOSHI KATANODA/POLARIS devastation. It is going to take imagination, money, bold plan- damaged that there was only one small area being used for ticket- ning and strong political leadership to rebuild this area. The rice ing and passenger check-in. fields have been inundated with salt water and the land in many The Japanese press and television coverage of the activities of places has sunk 70–80 centimeters. Restoring this land to agricul- the American troops no doubt reinforced Japanese public support tural use will be difficult and expensive. The port will be restored for alliance with the United States. U.S. military personnel, in addi- and airport repairs will be completed, but in the absence of some tion to their work in opening the airport and ferrying in supplies, development scheme, the population of this corner of Sendai and worked with the SDF in the offshore search for victims. They also even more so in the affected towns along the coast undoubtedly cleared the debris at one of the many damaged train stations. will decline, leaving behind mostly elderly people who cannot or American participation in efforts to help people in Tohoku has do not want to leave the only place they have ever known, even not been limited to the military. There are American and other if there is nothing there. foreign volunteers working with Japanese and international The tsunami had rolled across the Sendai airport, washing NGOs throughout the disaster zone. One of these is an interna- mud and debris onto the runways and doing extensive damage tional disaster relief organization, All Hands, which is active in to the terminal building. With the bullet train system down, the Ofunato city in Iwate prefecture. What the American volunteers airport not functioning, boats unable to enter the Sendai port and working with All Hands are doing is a reminder that the U.S.- roadways cracked and covered with debris, it was a monumental Japan relationship is far more than a military alliance. task to get relief supplies and rescue workers into the region. The great majority of Americans working in Tohoku with All In the days immediately following the earthquake, the U.S. Hands and with other NGOs are people living in Japan. A typical military in Japan launched Operation Tomodachi (tomodachi case is that of a businessman who has been in Kanazawa for more meaning friend), ferrying supplies by helicopter from the air- than 15 years, who took time off from work to volunteer with All craft carrier U.S.S. Ronald Reagan, which had changed course to Hands, saying that after all Japan has done for him he could not go to Japanese waters to assist the stay away and do nothing. humanitarian effort. A team of Air Another American there turned Force special forces flew from Oki- out to be a student of mine from 20 nawa to a Japanese SDF airbase near years ago. (Teach long enough and Sendai and then traveled to the air- former students show up in all sorts port in Humvees they had brought of unexpected places.) Having gone with them. Within a few hours the from Columbia to a successful career team had enough of one of the run- as an investment banker, he became ways cleared for C-130s to land with prosperous and was enjoying retired emergency supplies. When I got to life in Tokyo until the earthquake the airport 1½ months later, the run- struck. Able to set his schedule as ways were open for limited domes- Professor Gerald Curtis visits the disaster zone as part of a he likes, he decided to do volunteer tic civilian traffic but the passenger documentary for Japanese television. work with All Hands, and this subse- terminal building had been so badly PHOTO: COURTESY GERALD CURTIS quently became his calling. He heads

WINTER 2011–12 23 JAPAN AFTER THE STORM COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

the All Hands operation in Tohoku, and when he is not shoveling able to grab onto a steel pole and hold on as the tsunami washed mud and debris along with other volunteers, he gives financial ad- over him. Most of the others were pushed to the other side, where vice to government leaders as well as to businessmen and fisher- there was only a flimsy metal fence. The fence broke under the force men trying to get their businesses up and running again. of the water, and they were swept away to their deaths. Only 10 When I caught up with the All Hands volunteers, they were people working in the town office, including the mayor, survived. working on a house that had been badly damaged by the tsunami. Photographs and television footage do not do justice to the in- Mrs. Chiba, the owner of the house, was watching them work when credible scale of the devastation that struck Minami Sanriku town. I got there. She was staying in an evacuation center with her hus- There is almost nothing left of the homes and businesses that were band, who is confined to a wheelchair, and her son. She said that a there. The fish market, the seafood processing plants and canneries couple of nights earlier she had slept soundly through the night for along the wharves, and almost all the boats that had anchored in its the first time in the nearly two months that she had been at the evac- harbors were badly damaged or destroyed. According to the Miyagi uation center. “I went to bed thinking that in the morning those nice prefectural government, about 90 percent of the 13,400 fishing boats volunteers would be back at my house,” she said. “I felt so relieved.” in the prefecture were damaged or destroyed. Most of the boats that survived were those that fishermen sailed out into the open ocean as here are countless uplifting stories about the foreign volun- soon as the earthquake struck to ride out the tsunami. teers and the reception they have found, but there also have When I visited evacuation centers in Minami Sanriku and other Tbeen problems with government bureaucrats telling volun- towns, the first thing that struck me — and which is immediately ap- teer organizations that their help wasn’t needed or that there were parent to anyone who has seen television footage of the evacuation no accommodations for them. These frazzled functionaries seem centers — is how orderly they are. This is Japan, after all, and people incapable of doing anything for which there is no precedent, to think are incredibly — that is, incredibly to someone who is not Japanese “outside the box,” and they find dealing with NGOs, Japanese or — neat and polite. Shoes are taken off before entering the room, foreign, to be more trouble than it is worth. there are special slippers to wear at the immaculate bathrooms, there All Hands got lucky in Ofunato. The mayor, who had worked is no one playing loud music that might disturb someone else and for the Shimizu Corp. before deciding to run for mayor of his people keep their voices down so as not to bother their neighbors (in

One woman told me that her only worldly possession is the cell phone she had with her when she fled the tsunami. But she smiles and says that she will be OK.

hometown, had spent time at the architecture school at Harvard. this case, people living on the other side of a cardboard partition). He met with the representative of All Hands, discussed the situa- Whatever meager belongings they have are arranged neatly along tion with him in English, and not only welcomed the volunteers the outer perimeter of the small space that these people have had to to his city but also found a place for them to live. Although there live in for the past months, ever since their homes and possessions have been glitches, on the whole the Japanese government and and, in all too many cases, their loved ones perished. local communities have welcomed foreign volunteers and have At the end of June there were still nearly 90,000 people living in been grateful for their help. evacuation centers. By September the government had completed There has been an outpouring of sympathy for Tohoku’s vic- the construction of temporary housing, leaving only a few people tims from across Japan. Innumerable ad hoc groups have emerged still in evacuation centers. But moving homeless and elderly peo- to collect donations of money, clothing and other needed items. ple — an estimated 30 percent or more of the population in the More than a million people have traveled to Tohoku to volunteer tsunami-affected areas is more than 65 years old — into temporary their services. Many companies made special arrangements to housing was not a simple matter. make it easier for their employees to take time off to do volunteer One elderly lady drove the point home to me. When I talked work. Mitsubishi Corp., for example, has established an employee with her in May, she said that she did not want to leave the evacu- volunteer program whereby employees go to Tohoku in groups of ation center if it meant moving to temporary housing somewhere 20 for three nights and four days, and receive their regular salaries where she would be separated from her friends in the village during this time. Other companies also have programs to make it where she has lived all her life. She would prefer to stay there until possible for employees to volunteer. all the people in her village could be resettled together. She is afraid of the loneliness and worries about becoming entirely dependent met many people and heard many terribly sad and terrifying sto- on her son to drive to wherever she might be relocated to take her ries. I spent a couple of hours with Mayor Sato of Minami Sanriku to her doctor. She was not alone in this view; I heard the same la- Itown. He was in the town office with more than 30 town officials ment from others. But the government, anxious to move people when the earthquake struck. They all ran up to the roof, anticipating out of the evacuation centers as quickly as possible, used a lottery that a tsunami would come. What they could not know was that this system to relocate them into temporary housing, where the condi- tsunami would be so powerful — it was measured at one location tions also were problematic. at 128 feet and it wrought its destruction as far as six miles inland Although there are variations in the quality of the housing across — that it would be higher than the town hall. Sato and a few others the region and in the size of the units, the rule of thumb is that a were thrown by the wave toward one end of the roof, where he was couple or a family of three gets two rooms that are each 4½ mats in

WINTER 2011–12 24 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY JAPAN AFTER THE STORM size, about 70 square feet. A person husband and asked what his oc- living alone gets a “lK,” a 4½-mat cupation is. “Oh, my husband,” room with a refrigerator and two- she said very gently, “he got swept burner stove in the entranceway away by the tsunami and died.” As that doubles as the kitchen. The she spoke she strained to keep her government was in such a hurry smile on her lips, but there were to erect the housing that it did not tears in her eyes and every muscle use sufficient insulation or double- in her face seemed pulled taut. paned windows. Now, with winter approaching this cold and snowy n May I visited an evacuation part of the country, the government center in Watari, a town about 30 is spending an estimated $30,000 Ikilometers south of Sendai that per unit on winterization. is famed for its strawberries, ac- The government’s stated goal Homes were reduced to rubble in Arahama in Sendai, Miyagi, companied by a local town assem- to move people into permanent one of the hardest hit prefectures. blyman whom I had met through housing within two years seems PHOTO: KUNI TAKAHASHI/POLARIS a mutual friend. It was the middle unrealistic. In Minami Sanriku of the afternoon and there were town, for example, the plan to move everyone who had lived in perhaps 100 people sitting around chatting quietly, napping or just the tsunami zone to new housing on higher ground is still be- staring into space. ing discussed rather than acted upon. Given this reality, the gov- The assemblyman went over to three men who were sitting to- ernment needs to do more to create a community structure for gether, introduced me and asked one of them to talk to me and people living in these probably less-than-temporary housing fa- tell me what he thought the government should be doing to deal cilities. Having a common room where people could meet for a with their situation. The man said that he did not have anything to cup of tea, having a nurse on site, a community garden and so on say and turned away. I would have given up but the assemblyman would help make life more bearable for people while they wait persisted. Being friends from the same village, he asked the man to for the opportunity to move. do him a personal favor and just answer a question or two. Many observers have noted the bravery, stoicism and resilience I sat down on the floor next to him and tried to engage him of the victims of the Tohoku earthquake. They have a dignity about and his companions in casual conversation. For the first few min- them, an instinctive readiness to band together to help each other, a utes all I got were short, guarded replies and a kind of when-are- courage and an inner strength that has impressed the entire world you-going-to-get-out-of-here look from the three of them. But in but that perhaps has impressed no one more than the Japanese this and other interviews I had in Tohoku, it was not uncommon themselves. People who thought that cherished core traditional for people to spend the first few minutes trying to figure out who Japanese values had weakened or disappeared stared at their tele- this Japanese-speaking American was and deciding whether they vision screens, transfixed, as they watched people forming long wanted to talk to him. lines to wait patiently for water and for a single rice ball for din- It did not take long before their guard came down. Usually ner; as tens of thousands of people who had crammed into evacu- it was sparked by some innocent question, as happened when I ation centers got themselves organized, chose leaders and formed asked the lady what her husband’s occupation was. In this case, groups to perform the various tasks needed to make their refuge I asked the man sitting next to me what he did for a living before as civilized and comfortable a place to live as possible. The pic- the tsunami hit. He said that he was a strawberry farmer. When I tures and stories coming out of Tohoku were heartbreaking and at asked whether he planned to go back to strawberry farming, the the same time inspiring. They have given the Japanese a renewed floodgates opened up. “How can I?” he said. “I am 70 years old, sense of pride. my house is gone, the strawberry hothouses have all been de- It is important, however, not to exaggerate and idealize the stoic, stroyed, the land is full of salt water and has sunk 75 centimeters patient, resilient Tohoku victim. You do not have to spend much time and I still have a loan on equipment I bought that is ruined. I have talking with people in the evacuation centers before you are over- no income and no way to take out another loan on top of the one whelmed by how frightened they are and how hopeless they feel. I already have.” They are disappointed in their government’s inadequate response The other two men were sitting across the table from us. One of to their predicament and desperate them had been sitting there stone- about their future. These are brave faced, but suddenly he too became people who have nothing and have animated and chimed in to tell me no idea what the future holds. that to buy a new thresher costs One woman told me that her more than 8 million yen, or roughly only worldly possession is the cell $85,000. He does not have that kind phone she had with her when she of money and at his age he is not fled the tsunami. But she smiles going to get a loan. So he sits there and says that she will be OK. An- with little more to do than contem- other lady, perhaps in her mid- plate the dead-end predicament he 60s and with the sweetest, softest finds himself in. smile, told me that she shares her The third man told me that he is small space in the evacuation cen- Damaged cars were swept together at the port of Hitachi in 43 years old and also is a strawber- ter with three other people. I as- Ibaraki Prefecture. ry farmer. His facial expressions sumed that one of them was her PHOTO: KYODO NEWS/XINHUA/POLARIS and body language left me with

WINTER 2011–12 25 JAPAN AFTER THE STORM COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

the disquieting feeling that he was perhaps the most stressed and and everything else is gone, and in many cases they have loans on depressed person of all I had met. I tried to be encouraging and no-longer existing homes and on factories and machinery that are said that he was still young and physically fit and what did he beyond repair, with little or no insurance to cover their loss. think about moving to Sendai or somewhere else where there There are local political leaders who have innovative ideas were job opportunities and getting a new start? He answered that about how to rebuild their communities. The mayor of Minami he has lived his whole life in the village where he was born, that Sanriku, the man who barely missed being swept off the roof of he never wanted to move away and does not want to now, that the town hall, would like to turn this disaster into an opportunity growing strawberries is all he knows how to do and is the only to reshape the fishing industry that is the heart of the economy of thing that he loves to do, and that he has no idea what is going to this town. Minami Sanriku has 23 ports, which means that there become of him now that everything is gone. is a port in just about every inlet with just a few fishermen in There is no place for him to turn for well-informed advice. He many of them who eke out a meager income. Mayor Sato would can get a temporary job cleaning up debris or fill out an applica- like to consolidate them into two or three ports equipped with tion at one of the “Hello Work” employment centers. He might modern equipment and have the fishermen band together in a have the opportunity to talk with a psychiatrist or one of the oth- corporate structure that could buy and lease a modern fleet of er mental health specialists who have been going to Tohoku from boats and equipment. around the country to offer their services. But since they stay for The owner of a fish packing plant in Ofunato showed me the only a few days at most and are not familiar with local conditions, battered remains of a machine for smoking fish that he purchased it is questionable how helpful their counseling is. More than a the previous fall for $1 million, and other now-useless machinery. psychiatrist, what this strawberry farmer and others like him He said that it would cost somewhere between $5 million and $10 need are government policies that give them some reason to have million to recover from his loss. He is determined to get his busi- hope about their future. ness up and running again and hire back the employees whom There was a lively old lady at the Watari evacuation center who he had to let go. He is investing what money he has and getting started out our conversation by saying with a chuckle that she got bank loans wherever he can, but getting back into business with- divorced when she was 37, raised her children by herself, made out government assistance seems like an almost insurmountable

The first thing that struck me — and which is immediately apparent to anyone who has seen television footage of the evacuation centers — is how orderly they are. This is Japan, after all.

a living all these years growing strawberries and that she would hurdle. He and other local businessmen have been urging adop- survive this tsunami disaster, too. But after several minutes the bra- tion of a program through which the government would pur- vado disappeared as she told me, in a very heavy Tohoku dialect chase the equipment that is needed and lease it to people like him known as zuzuben, that she has no hope. “You have no hope?” I re- who want to restart their businesses. peated, partly to make sure that I did not misunderstand what she The opportunity to create a new Tohoku development model had just said in her Tohoku accent. “None,” she said, “no hope or exists. The key is to designate Tohoku as a special economic zone anything.” She added that she is 80 years old and strong and was and transfer power and money to the prefecture and local gov- planning to work until she is 100. But she was afraid that just sit- ernments. Domestic and foreign businesses would be offered tax ting here in the evacuation center day after day with nothing to do holidays and other incentives to invest in the Tohoku SEZ and pre- except worry about the future was going to kill her. When I asked fectural governments would have the authority to decide whether what was most important to give her hope, this country woman’s to apply or suspend ministerial rules and regulations and whether answer echoed what the other elderly lady had said to me about to impose restrictions of their own, for example on rebuilding in moving to temporary housing. “There are so many things, but the tsunami danger zone. The people who best understand what is what is most important is that all of us [from her village] can live needed are those who are there on the ground, not politicians and together and bring our farmland back to life.” their advisers in Tokyo who fly in for a few meetings with local officials and fly right back to Tokyo again. had planned to be at this evacuation center for about an hour but The three Tohoku prefectures of Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate ended up staying for almost three. These brave people are neither account for only about 4 percent of Japan’s GDP, and the areas di- Ias stoic nor as resilient as others who do not share their plight rectly affected by the tsunami for less than half of that. The truth is might like to believe. They try their best to be positive but cannot that if nothing much is done to give Tohoku a new start, Japan will hide their stress and the grief that lines their faces. Nor are they as not suffer appreciably as a consequence. That, of course, is a good reticent and reserved as many people seem to think they are. Give reason to make a bold and radical policy shift. The downside risk them an opportunity to talk with a sympathetic listener, Japanese is small, and if it were to succeed, a Tohoku development model or foreigner, and they give eloquent expression to their fears. Their would become a beacon for Japan’s future. homes are destroyed, the land has sunk 70 centimeters or more so they cannot rebuild where they once lived even if they wanted to have returned to the disaster zone five times since making the and many of them do not want to rebuild where a tsunami might trip in early May. During these visits, I have met with many hit again. They have no jobs, their fishing boats, farm equipment Imayors, the governor of Miyagi prefecture and other politi- WINTER 2011–12 26 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY JAPAN AFTER THE STORM cians. These local leaders wrestle with what is a crisis situation When I traveled to Tohoku at the end of July, I visited with the day in and day out. They do not enjoy the luxury to engage in the owner of the fish packaging plant whom I had met in May and who kind of political squabbling and gamesmanship that consume the at the time was despondent about his ability to recover without gov- energies of so many politicians in Tokyo. ernment assistance. This time, he was all smiles. He had secured Japan has a parliamentary system at the national level but a bank loans to repair salvageable equipment and was proud to tell system of direct election of government leaders in the localities, me that he would begin operating again at the beginning of August. where governors and mayors are elected directly for four-year What was most telling was that he did it without any government terms. They have local assemblies to contend with but are not be- assistance. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has a pro- holden to their legislatures for their very existence, as is the prime gram to provide financial support to local businessmen. He has filed minister. There is great variety among them in terms of personality the necessary paperwork to receive assistance but as he told me, if he and political skill but in Tohoku and around the country there are waited for the government to act he would be out of business. increasing numbers of governors and mayors who are not hesitant Entrepreneurship, risk taking, individual initiative and com- to express their views and criticize the central government. They munity cohesiveness are bringing hope to people in Tohoku. have their own ideas about how to rebuild their communities, There are other examples of local companies getting back on their administrative experience as their government’s chief executive feet and of some large companies making new investments in the and a realistic appreciation of what is doable. Since they are there region. But these actions will be the exception to the rule in the working on the ground, they understand what the issues are in a absence of government policies to foster investment in the tsu- way that bureaucrats and politicians in Tokyo do not. Observing nami zone that would create jobs and keep young people from the situation in Tohoku has given me a new appreciation of the fleeing the area. There is a pressing need for the government to advantages of decentralization and of the disadvantages of Japan’s create an incentive structure that will attract private investment overly centralized governmental system. to the region. That is what local political, business and commu- It is the private sector that responded quickly and decisively nity leaders are asking for. What is impressive about the situation to the disaster in Tohoku. Within days of the earthquake and tsu- in Tohoku is how much local communities are fending for them- nami, Japanese automobile manufacturers sent upward of 2,000 selves and how much support they are getting from the private engineers to Tohoku to assist companies that they depended on sector and from volunteer groups around the country. for parts to get them back in operation. Electronics companies NGOs that had been accustomed to operating on a shoestring responded with similar speed to get companies that had been and managing a small number of volunteers suddenly have found knocked off-line back in business. The severe disruption of sup- themselves inundated with cash and people. They are struggling ply chains in Tohoku has lasted for a much shorter time than to recruit managerial talent and strengthen their organizational in- many observers anticipated; they are expected to be resolved be- frastructure and to better coordinate among themselves and with fore the end of the year. local governments. These are the inevitable growing pains of a Humanitarian assistance by companies large and small has newly vibrant civil society. been of unprecedented scope, and continues. Several firms have The Tohoku story is one of resilience, community solidarity set up funds in the $100 million range, and many others have and self-help. It is also the story of weak and divided politics and made large contributions as well. Having no faith in the ability of of the difficulty of fostering innovation and quick response in the the bureaucracy to distribute their funds quickly and efficiently, face of excessive government regulations and a segmented bu- businessmen have been channeling their funds through various reaucratic system. And herein lies the story of the promise and nonprofit organizations or have taken their contributions directly the perils of Japan in the aftermath of the Great Eastern Japan to the mayor of the town or city they decided to help. Individuals Earthquake Disaster. as well as companies have provided money and supplies.

An evacuation center in Kahokucyo in Miyagi. The centers were closed as temporary housing was built. PHOTO: KUNI TAKAHASKI/POLARIS

WINTER 2011–12 27

Sensei and Sensibility After 73 years, Donald Keene ’42, ’49 GSAS leaves Columbia for Japan

Donald Keene ’42, ’49 GSAS (far right) received the Order of Culture from Emperor Akihito during a Culture Day ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on November 3, 2008. Other honorees included (left to right) Makoto Kobayashi, a winner of the Nobel physics prize; maestro Seiji Ozawa; novelist Seiko Tanabe; Hironoshin Furuhashi, chairman emeritus of the Japan Swimming Federation; and Toshihide Masukawa, a winner of the Nobel physics prize. PHOTO: KYODO VIA AP IMAGES JAPAN AFTER THE STORM COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

Donald Keene ’42, ’49 GSAS arrived eene certainly has not lacked for recognition on the western side of the Pacific. He has received a number of Japan’s on Morningside by subway as a shy K most distinguished prizes, most recently the Order of Cul- ture (Bunka-Kunsho), which the Japanese government awards for 16-year-old from Brooklyn. He leaves significant contributions to the nation’s culture; he was the first the Columbia faculty 73 years later foreign national to be so honored. “He’s almost the most famous man in Japan,” says Carol Gluck as a globally renowned scholar and ’77 GSAS, Columbia’s George Sansom Professor of History, her- translator of Japanese literature, and self a well-known scholar and commentator there. “You can’t go anywhere in Japan and utter the words ‘Donald Keene’ and not a beloved figure in Japan, where he have everybody know him, whether you’re in the middle of the paddy fields or the mountains in the north,” she says. “Intellec- has now chosen to live as a citizen. tuals and scholars are media celebrities in Japan and always on television. Even I’m always on television.” B y J a m i e K at z ’72 Fred Katayama ’82, ’83J is a news anchor for Thomson Reuters television in New York and a former student and longtime friend n the wake of the Tohoku earthquake, tsunami and of Keene’s. Katayama remembers switching on NHK — the BBC nuclear disaster last March, it came to light that the emi- of Japan — and watching in awe as his teacher interviewed then- nent Columbia University professor Donald Keene ’42, Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone one-on-one. Keene so en- ’49 GSAS had chosen to retire to Japan. gages the Japanese public, Katayama observes, that his memoirs His decision became a ma- were serialized in Yomiuri Shimbun, the jor news story there, cheering nation’s (and the world’s) leading daily a nation that appreciated the newspaper, with a paid circulation of gesture of solidarity from a re- I thought about more than 14 million. “I think they feel vered sensei — teacher — at a time when that he knows and understands Japan Imany foreigners were leaving Japan. more than perhaps any foreigner,” Ka- how I was going Ever faithful to truth, however, Keene tayama says. notes that he had actually formed his in- A third-generation Japanese-Ameri- tention many weeks earlier, as he lay in to live the rest can from Los Angeles, Katayama spent a Tokyo hospital bed. On December 31, a number of years in Tokyo as a cor- Keene had been stricken with an unusu- of my life, and respondent for Fortune, the Associated ally severe case of gout, which eluded ini- Press and the program Japan Business tial diagnosis. “It was serious enough to I decided it Today, seen on CNBC in the United be life-threatening,” Keene says. “When States; he sits on the board of the Japan I came back to myself, I thought about Society and the U.S.-Japan Council, in how I was going to live the rest of my life, would have to Washington, D.C. Yet it was Keene who and I decided that it would have to be in inspired him to embrace his own cul- Japan. I also decided I would take Japa- be in Japan. tural ancestry. nese citizenship.” His choice was deeply “Japan didn’t have the greatest im- personal, born of an attachment that goes age when I was growing up,” Katayama back to his student days at Columbia more than 70 years ago. But says. “It was mocked — ‘Made in Japan’ and all that stuff. I didn’t after the earthquake he felt even more committed, and when letters want anything to do with the country.” But as a student in the Col- of gratitude poured in from Japanese admirers, he says, “I was, of lege, Katayama recalls, he happened to read Keene’s Landscapes and course, pleased.” Portraits: Appreciations of Japanese Culture, and a spark was ignited. A modest, soft-spoken scholar and teacher, the 89-year-old “He talks about Japanese aesthetics in daily life — the beauty of Keene is virtually unknown to the broad American public. In irregularity. The misshapen tea bowl is more interesting and some- the realm of Japanese letters, however, his reputation could thing to behold than a perfectly symmetrical piece of porcelain.” hardly be more stellar. As a teacher, essayist, literary and cul- Katayama followed his curiosity and signed up for Japanese tural historian, critic, anthologist, memoirist, editor and transla- classes, gradually committing to a major in East Asian languages tor — with some 25 books in English and another 30 in Japanese and cultures. Eventually he landed in Keene’s famed course, “In- — he is perhaps the quintessential figure in his field. troduction to Modern Japanese Literature.” Keene, who began teaching at Columbia in 1955, was named “The amazing thing about Professor Keene is that he does the Shincho Professor of Japanese Literature in 1981 and attained not use notes,” Katayama says. “His lectures are all in his head, the institution’s highest academic rank, University Professor, in and he’s extremely passionate. You can feel it in the tenor of 1989. The University’s prestigious Donald Keene Center for Japa- his voice, his mannerisms, the way he holds himself. There’s a nese Culture, named in his honor at its founding in 1986, spon- Japanese sensibility to him — modest, quiet, extremely diligent, sors instruction, research, exhibits, prizes and other public pro- but never patronizing or condescending. He always came in a grams. Somehow the major College alumni awards have eluded suit; he was old-fashioned in that sense. You’re not going to see Keene, however. Perhaps he feels as Duke Ellington did in 1965 him in a polo shirt. And he ended perfectly on time — he would when the Pulitzer Prize board denied him the award its music be out the door.” jurors had recommended: “Fate is being kind to me,” Ellington Katayama feels deeply indebted to Keene. “I was a Japanese- dryly remarked. “Fate doesn’t want me to be famous too young.” American who had an identity crisis at a Jesuit prep school and

WINTER 2011–12 30 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY JAPAN AFTER THE STORM

swore he would never go to Japan,” he says. “And I wind up life. One of Keene’s chief regrets in leaving New York is giving up spending a good chunk of my career tied to Japan. What if I hadn’t his Met Opera subscription. read Landscapes and Portraits?” It was also in 1938 that he graduated from James Madison High School, a Brooklyn public school that also has produced four Nobel eene’s approach to teaching and writing bears the imprint laureates, three U.S. senators and a Supreme Court justice — Ruth of his freshman Humanities instructor, Mark Van Doren Bader Ginsburg ’59L (not to mention Judge Judy, songwriter Car- ’21 GSAS. “He was a scholar and poet and above all some- ole King and comedian Chris Rock). Thanks to a Pulitzer scholar- Kone who understood literature and could make us understand it ship, Keene was able to attend Columbia. with him,” Keene writes in Chronicles of My Life: An American in the Heart of Japan. “Van Doren had little use for commentaries or part from his studies, college proved to be rough going specialized literary criticism. Rather, the essential thing, he taught for the commuter student. “I had no campus life,” Keene us, was to read the texts, think about them, and discover for our- Asays. “Other people were living in the dormitories or near selves why they were ranked as classics.” the University. But my mother was pretty hysterical at that time; The experience of taking the College’s general education cours- she depended on me, and I had to make the long journey every es was “incredible,” Keene says, and he fondly remembers the day. The subway cars were badly lit and I ruined my eyes. I knew great teachers he encountered as an undergraduate. Among them very few people, had almost no friends.” were the “learned and gentle” classicist, Moses Hadas ’30 GSAS; His closest acquaintance was a Chinese student named Lee who Lionel Trilling ’25, ’38 GSAS and Jacques Barzun ’27, ’32 GSAS, happened to have been seated behind him in Van Doren’s class. who led Keene’s Senior Colloquium; and Pierre Clamens, a French The following summer, in 1939, they took to swimming together at instructor “who was very stern, but gave everything to his stu- the Riis Park beach in Rockaway, Queens. Lee taught Keene some dents,” Keene says. Chinese characters, which he practiced His chief mentor, however, was cul- drawing in the sand. It was his introduc- tural historian Ryusaku Tsunoda, a pio- tion to Asian languages. For the next two neer of Japanese studies at Columbia years, they ate lunch together every day whom Keene often refers to, simply, as at the New Asia restaurant at Broadway Sensei. “He was a man I admired com- and West 111th Street, which became pletely,” Keene says, “a man who had Moon Palace. more influence on me than anyone else One day in fall 1940, Keene was I can think of.” browsing the remainder shelves at a As a senior, Keene enrolled in Tsu- Times Square bookseller when he spot- noda’s course in the history of Japa- ted a two-volume edition of the classic nese thought. Fifty years later, in a CCT work The Tale of Genji, selling for just 49 interview (Winter 1991) with David cents. He bought it and was so enchant- Lehman ’70, ’78 GSAS, Keene remem- ed by the story, and by Arthur Waley’s bered: “The first class, it turned out I elegant translation, that he yearned to was the only student — in 1941 there read it in the original Japanese. was not much pro-Japanese feeling. At a time when news of mounting I said, ‘Wouldn’t it be a waste of your violence overseas dominated the head- time to give a class for one student?’ He lines, the tale offered a more peaceful vi- said, ‘One is enough.’” Keene accepts flowers upon arriving in Japan on sion. “The hero, Genji, unlike the heroes September 1. of European epics, was not described orn in 1922, Keene speaks with PHOTO: THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN VIA AP IMAGES as a man of muscle . . . or as a warrior some sadness of his boyhood in who could single-handedly slay masses BBrooklyn’s Flatbush section. In 1934, he lost his sister, which of the enemy,” Keene wrote. “He knew grief, not because he had left him an only child. Keene’s father, who sold radio parts and failed to seize the government, but because he was a human be- later real estate, left his mother “under very unpleasant condi- ing and life in this world is inevitably sad.” Keene says today: tions” when he was 15, Keene says. “And then he disappeared “The book became, literally, my salvation from the newspapers, from my life altogether for a period. I didn’t even know where he from the horrible things that were going on in the world.” was.” Keene himself has never married. Chance continued to play a part in Keene’s turn to the Orient, Lonely and, by his own reckoning, exceptionally unathletic, as it was then commonly called. In spring 1941, a stranger ap- Keene found solace in stamp collecting, which opened his eyes proached him in the East Asian Library, housed in what is now to a wider world of nations and languages, and in movies, which the Faculty Room in Low Library. He introduced himself as Jack opened his eyes even wider. Years later, as a professor, Keene es- Kerr, and mentioned seeing Keene often at the Chinese restau- corted Greta Garbo, a friend of a friend, to the Broadway produc- rant. Kerr was forming a small group to study Japanese that sum- tion of The Diary of Anne Frank. “After emerging from the theater, mer at his house in the North Carolina mountains, and wondered we waited briefly for a taxi, and the drivers of passing cars halted if Keene might care to join them. Keene accepted. It was Kerr — their vehicles for a better look at the famous face,” he later recalled. who went on to teach Japanese history at other universities — In 1938, Keene attended his first performance of the Metro- who recommended that Keene register for Tsunoda’s class for the politan Opera; it was Orfeo ed Euridice. The following year, as a Fall 1941 term. birthday gift, his mother gave him a subscription to 16 successive On December 7, 1941, Keene went hiking on Staten Island. Friday nights at the Met. The teenaged Keene sat in the last row When he returned to lower Manhattan, he saw the news: The of the uppermost tier, where tickets cost $1, and was hooked for Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. Tsunoda was detained the

WINTER 2011–12 31 JAPAN AFTER THE STORM COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY next day as an enemy alien. He was accused of espionage, but a who asked me to get him a pair of Japanese ears.” judge dismissed the charges a few weeks later and Tsunoda re- Keene does not minimize the extraordinary cruelty the Japa- turned to teaching. nese visited on so many during that era. “I can’t justify it,” he Keene graduated the following spring, wondering what the says. “The Americans in Hawaii, where I spent much of the time, war would bring. He had been a pacifist since childhood; he re- treated the Japanese extremely well. But the Japanese didn’t. members how he felt visiting a Vienna museum with his father in They were proud of the fact that they had their own traditions, 1931 and looking at the automobile in which the Austrian Arch- which did not include mercy towards foreigners. There’s no way duke Franz Ferdinand and his wife had been assassinated in of excusing that. I think almost any people are capable of it. It Sarajevo in 1914, touching off WWI. The sight of the archduke’s depends a great deal on their strength of belief — whether in re- blood-stained uniform and the white plume in his ceremonial ligion or in decency — that leads them to say no when they’re helmet “crystallized my hatred of bloodshed,” Keene wrote in asked to do something under orders.” his Chronicles. So when he learned that the U.S. Navy needed intelligence officers and was training Americans to speak Japanese eene returned to Columbia after the war to study with as well as shoot guns at them, he signed up. Tsunoda, earning an M.A. in 1947 and a Ph.D. in East K Asian Languages and cultures in 1949 (sandwiched m. Theodore de Bary ’41, ’53 GSAS was just a year around a year of graduate study at Harvard). He then earned a ahead of Keene at Columbia, but they met at the Navy’s second master’s at Cambridge University in England, where he WJapanese Language School in Berkeley, Calif., which lat- lectured from 1949–55. er moved to Boulder, Colo. The pair became roommates and close On Keene’s first night at Corpus Christi College — inthe friends. “We just took to each other right from the beginning,” says “coldest rooms in Cambridge,” he was told — a porter brought de Bary, the John Mitchell Mason Profes- him a dinner of whitefish with a white sor Emeritus, Provost Emeritus and Spe- sauce and white potatoes and white cial Service Professor in East Asian Lan- cabbage on a white plate. “I had never guage and Culture, who still teaches in There’s a Japanese realized before how important color is the Asian Humanities and Civilizations to food,” he later wrote. program of which he was the principal sensibility to him He found sustenance in other ways: architect. “I think we were soul brothers, in the splendid architecture, the library, because we shared a Columbia soul.” the sound of proper English, and of When they finished their training — modest, quiet, course, his scholarship and teaching, in 1943, both men were assigned to the which he pursued despite a marked headquarters of Adm. Chester W. Nim- extremely diligent, lack of encouragement. At one point, he itz, commander in chief of the U.S. Pa- considered abandoning Japanese in fa- cific fleet, at Pearl Harbor. They rented but never vor of Russian literary studies, a notion a house in Honolulu to serve as home he dropped when he found that “the base while they were sent out on dif- vocabulary refused to enter my brain.” ferent missions, in different campaigns. patronizing or One who did encourage him was de Keene and de Bary crossed paths in Bary. In 1948, College Dean Harry Car- the Aleutians and at Okinawa in 1945, condescending. man ’19 GSAS had asked de Bary to and they remained in touch as their develop an Oriental Studies program, tours wound down after the war. (Their which spawned Columbia’s ground- correspondence later was published in War-Wasted Asia: Letters, breaking courses in Asian Humanities and Civilizations. When 1945–46, edited by the late historian Otis Cary, who served with the real work began in 1949, de Bary sought out Keene to pro- Keene in the Pacific.) De Bary’s postwar plan was to continue duce translations of significant Japanese texts. “He was a key graduate work at Harvard, but Keene had a better idea. “Donald figure, because we couldn’t have done it without the transla- persuaded me not to return to Harvard,” de Bary says, “but to tions,” de Bary says. “He’s extremely gifted, both in Japanese come back and join him and study with Ryusaku Tsunoda.” As and as a writer.” a scholar, teacher, academic statesman and defender of principle, Those gifts earned Keene increasing renown in the years that de Bary has become one of the most significant figures in the his- followed. While teaching at Columbia in the 1950s and ’60s, he tory of the University; now 91, he has taught at Columbia in eight spent summers in Japan coming to know many of the country’s different decades. leading literary and cultural figures — among them Yukio Mishi- During his service in the Pacific theater, Keene acted as an ma, Kanzaburo Oe and Kobo Abe — while deepening his own interpreter, translated documents and conducted prisoner inter- knowledge and appreciation of their world. rogations. He was moved by some of the diaries of captured or “Japanese are always saying Donald Keene knows more about killed soldiers he encountered, and felt empathy for some of the Japanese culture than they do,” says Gluck. She recalled a New POWs he questioned. Year’s party at which Keene’s good friend, Abe, raised a toast: “I had to fill out a form — color of hair, color of eyes . . . idiotic “I’d like Keene to make a resolution,” Abe said. “I want him to questions to be asking a Japanese,” he says. “But then we could forget one thing he knows about Japanese culture every day for start on other questions, and I discovered these people had read the coming year.” the same books that I had — the kind of books one got in the Fortunately for Japanese studies in the United States, de Bary Humanities course at Columbia. They knew them very well. And was able to persuade Keene not to emigrate in the early ’70s. In I felt they were closer to me than some of the rough-and-tough a unique arrangement, Keene taught in New York each spring Americans I had to deal with, like the lieutenant commander while spending the fall semester in Japan. By now, two genera-

WINTER 2011–12 32 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY JAPAN AFTER THE STORM

When Keene taught his final class at Columbia last spring, it was a major event for the Japanese news media. PHOTO: EILEEN BARROSO tions of Keene’s Columbia graduate students have gone on to “The Japanese language is characterized among other things prominence in Japanese literature, among them such leading by evocative vagueness,” he says. “You try to avoid being too pre- lights as Karen Brazell ’69 GSAS, Susan Matisoff ’73 GSAS and J. cise. I used to write to a Japanese friend, and he would send back Thomas Rimer ’71 GSAS. Students of Keene also were among the my letters with things crossed out or changed. If I said ‘I’ve been first female tenured professors in the field, Gluck points out. Not sick for four days,’ he would correct me: ‘You should say “about that Keene was inclined to make such distinctions. “He encour- four days,” or “four or five days.” We Japanese never say “four.” aged all of us equally,” she says. “So as women we didn’t feel at We never say “five.”’ And it’s true. There’s a liking for a fuzziness, all disadvantaged.” which the Japanese find more exciting because it leaves space for Keene’s passion and feeling for the subject, his depth of un- the imagination.” derstanding and his prodigious hard work all contribute to the Having witnessed Japan’s rebirth after the catastrophes of respect and warmth so many feel for him. “He’s very close to WWII, Keene has faith that his adopted country will heal from you when he speaks about Japanese literature,” Gluck says. “You this year’s natural disasters. don’t feel like it’s a kind of knowledge. His generosity and spirit, “In 1955 I took a journey to the northern parts of Japan, which combined with his delight in Japanese literature, generates affec- was the same one that had been taken in 1689 by the great Japa- tion even in people who are very shy and think he’s a great man. nese poet Basho,” Keene says. The haiku master was particularly There’s no space between him as a teacher and his subject, and inspired by Matsushima Bay, with its hundreds of tiny, pine-clad you as students.” islands. After the Tohoku earthquake of March 11, a monster tsunami fter a round of tributes and symposia last spring — cov- wreaked destruction along that coast, killing thousands. When ered by dozens of Japanese reporters and camera crews Keene heard the news, his first concern was for the well-being of A — Keene spent the summer preparing to move from spa- his many Japanese friends. But his thoughts also turned to Mat- cious faculty digs on Riverside Drive to a modest Tokyo apart- sushima’s delicate islands. ment, where he’s finishing a book about 19th-century poet Shiki “I wondered what had happened to that,” Keene says. “And I Masaoka. “My apartment is in a quiet neighborhood where I’ve was told that the tsunami cut the pines down, but their roots are lived a long time, so people are accustomed to seeing me there. still there, and they can hope that in 20 years or so, the islands will These streets are narrow and they’re not meant for cars, and you be covered with trees again.” can walk pleasantly,” Keene says. “And having become very Jap- anese in my attitudes, I feel happier there.” The subtle virtues of Japanese culture — and the challenges of Former CCT editor Jamie Katz ’72 has held senior editorial positions at translating and communicating its beauty — continue to animate People and Vibe magazines and now writes for Smithsonian Maga- Keene. zine, among other publications.

WINTER 2011–12 33 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY Ashley Hayes ’06 Embraces Cultural Exchange From city to country, alumna experiences many sides of Japanese living

B y S h i r a B o s s ’93, ’97J, ’98 SIPA

shley Hayes ’06 was working at a translation agency in Tokyo in March, after working in the countryside for four years. After she felt a small tremble, she asked her coworkers, “So, what’s the evacuation plan for this building?” They laughed at the question, she recalls, then pointed to a box con- Ataining a drop-down ladder. They worked on the sixth floor of an eight-floor building. Two days later, when the big earthquake hit on March 11 and the leaking unknown amounts of radiation, the American government office’s rooms started shaking and bookshelves toppled, Hayes’ followed other countries in advising their citizens to evacuate, and boss, usually unflappable, cried, “We need to get out of here!” Hayes reconsidered. She was surprised to get a flight home just “We ran down the stairs — forget about the evacuation ladder, two days later and returned to Atlanta for 10 days, during which nobody even looked at that,” Hayes says. “We piled out onto the she worked remotely and followed the situation closely. street — cars had stopped — you could see buildings literally She took flak from some Japanese people, including her boy- swaying. It was frightening and surreal. friend, and even some expats, who told It’s the only time in my life I thought, her she was overreacting and asked why ‘This is it, I could die right now.’” she was abandoning the country. “It was Cell phones didn’t work for calls but one of the larger cases of culture clash I the Internet was enabled, and Hayes had there,” she says. “I didn’t feel I had reached out to her family and friends to question loyalties. I was concerned for by posting on her Facebook page that personal safety; I wasn’t trying to under- she was OK. Once at home, she packed mine Japanese authority.” an emergency backpack with clothes, Despite being safer and more at ease nonperishable food and a motorcycle in Atlanta, Hayes spent the whole time helmet to use as a hardhat like the ones feeling torn and decided to return. “I she’d seen in the emergency kits sold in had responsibilities and people I cared Japanese stores. about in Japan,” she says. “I had to get Hayes and her boyfriend, who is back as soon as possible to minimize the from Nagano, where Hayes had lived gravity of my faux pas.” for the previous four years, considered When she got back, she was per- retreating back there while things set- plexed by the cross-currents of infor- tled down. They awoke to news of an mation from the government and local earthquake in Nagano. There’s no escape! Japanese about the extent of the radia- Nowhere is safe! she thought. Despite the tion leaks. “My biggest concern was ra- urgings of her mother to get out of the diation in the food and how that would country, Hayes initially felt more like impact my health over the long term,” a local, one who had to stay and per- she says. Some locals bought Geiger severe through the country’s recovery Ashley Hayes ’06 (above) at a traditional inn in Otaru counters to check the food for radiation; built on the site of a natural hot spring, and (facing from the disaster. page) with a friend on the way to a tea ceremony at others told her they were drinking local Several days after the earthquake Zenkoji Temple in Nagano. water by the gallon and had no concern. and tsunami, with nuclear power plants PHOTOS: COURTESY ASHLEY HAYES ‘06 The government “slipped up” sev-

WINTER 2011–12 34

JAPAN AFTER THE STORM COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

eral times, Hayes says, not reporting elevated radiation in certain fellow American working in Nagano. “Then after seeing her belt areas and in the food supply. “They released information late — out a beautiful song at a mutual friend’s wedding, and seeing her there was a lot of fumbling around,” she says. “There was an aura perform a dance routine at an international event, I was amazed of calm, but news stories popped up that upset people.” She cites to keep finding all of these hidden talents Ashley possessed.” the example of the announcement that school lunches contained Hayes was a karaoke singer, “then when I went to Japan, all of a potentially radioactive produce from Fukushima; an ensuing ar- sudden people started asking me to sing for real!” she says. “I’ve gument that the country needed to support the people and farms actually sung at three weddings now courtesy of my karaoke of that region; and a rebuttal that that couldn’t involve endanger- performances — and I’ve also danced in public when asked to. ing the health of the nation’s children. I guess I don’t like to let people down. If someone asks me to do Unusual for Japan, anti-nuclear energy protests were held something, I try to rise to the occasion.” nearly every weekend in Tokyo. “Before, I didn’t even think In Nagano, Hayes lived in a traditional apartment with tatami about how electricity was produced — I assumed Japan was very rooms and sliding doors — and no central heating, which the environmentally conscious,” Hayes says. “Only afterward did Southerner never did get used to. Although she initially ques- we find out how vulnerable the country was.” tioned whether Nagano, a city of 381,000 in a largely agrarian region, was exciting enough for someone who grew up in East ayes’ interest in Japan stems from a two-week visit when Atlanta and went to college in New York, Hayes came to love she was in high school and stayed with a host family in apple-picking, riding her bicycle around town and appreciating HFukuoka, the sister city of her hometown of Atlanta. En- locally grown food. “Almost everyone had a rice paddy or a veg- tranced by the country’s history and its pop culture exports, she etable garden,” she says. “It wasn’t just Old MacDonald on the knew she wanted to learn Japanese and live there after college. farm, it was your coworkers.” The Japanese reverence for nature, She was drawn to Columbia by its stellar East Asian studies she says, gave her a new perspective on rural living.

Entranced by the country’s history and its pop culture exports, Hayes knew she wanted to learn Japanese and live there after college.

program and the legacy of scholars such as Ivan Morris and Ed- fter four years working in Nagano in the JET program ward Seidensticker ’47 GSAS. She started taking Japanese lan- (which allows renewals up to five years), Hayes decid- guage classes her first year and became active in the Japan Club ed to move to Tokyo, which she’d always wanted to (now the Columbia Japan Society), of which she became v.p. in A experience. She started work at the translation agency her senior year. “It was awesome to be in a city with Japanese in summer 2010. While she had thought she craved urban living speakers and Japanese cultural events I could attend regularly,” again, she says the 9–5 grind left her feeling more like a belea- Hayes says. She adds that there also were plenty of Japan-relat- guered worker bee: “You get on a very cramped train and work ed events on campus, such as the annual spring Matsuri festival all day and take the train home. People on the train during rush on Low Plaza, with its noodle-eating contest, mock wrestling in hour disregard all concepts of personal space. People think of the inflatable sumo suits and thunderoustaiko drum performances. Japanese as very polite and noble, but they also push you and jab For her junior year abroad, Hayes studied in a yearlong pro- you and step on you.” gram run by the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies and Following the chaos and uncertainty of the earthquake and lived with a local host family. its aftermath, Hayes eventually decided to return to the United Following graduation, she joined the Japanese Exchange and States. She arrived in Atlanta in August, and is moving to San Teaching (JET) program, which places recent college graduates Antonio, Texas, to teach high school ESL as part of Teach for from around the world in schools or government offices. Hayes America. To further her own language abilities, she is studying was posted as coordinator of international relations at Nagano Chinese and Spanish. City Hall. “I loved living in Japan and still love Japan and would con- In that job, she acted as an interpreter for local foreign resi- sider living there again,” she says. She reads Japanese newspa- dents who didn’t speak Japanese, helped plan cross-cultural pers and blogs every day, and plans to get a rice cooker to try to events and arranged visits for Americans from Nagano’s sister make rice the same as it is in Japan. Her boyfriend, who won’t city of Clearwater, Fla. She wrote an essay on the importance of finish undergraduate studies until 2014, might come to graduate international exchange that won her a local contest to run with school here. Hayes adds: “I’d like to be one of these Americans the Olympic torch when it passed through Nagano in 2008 on its like Donald Keene [’42, ’49 GSAS; see feature in this issue] who’s way to the summer games in Beijing. (Many people asked her, a bridge between Japan and America.” “Are you training?” “You walk briskly and wave,” she says. “It wasn’t a marathon or anything.”) Shira Boss ’93, ’97J, ’98 SIPA is a contributing writer to CCT. Her “She’s about as smart as they come. When we met, I was pret- most recent feature was a profile of environmental lawyer Michael ty blown away by her Japanese ability,” says Grant Peterson, a Gerrard ’72, in the May/June 2011 issue.

WINTER 2011–12 36 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY POWER PL AYER Abbe Lowell ’74, ’77L is Washington’s go-to lawyer

B y A l e x K i n g s b u ry ’04J

bbe Lowell ’74, ’77L has a modest office defense lawyers on the National Law Journal’s Most Influential by Washington standards. That’s sur- Lawyers list and referred to as the “go-to lawyer when it comes prising considering that he is one of the to constitutional issues stemming from leak investigations and most high-profile lawyers in a city that prosecutions.” is saturated with high-profile lawyers: Lowell is practiced at keeping numerous balls airborne. One the head of the White Collar Defense, day in October, he was simultaneously arguing that the criminal Regulatory Investigations, and Litiga- case against former presidential candidate Edwards should be dis- tion Group at the prestigious firm of missed in a North Carolina courtroom (he lost that motion); filing a Chadbourne & Parke. lawsuit in Boston on behalf of the spouses of gay military service- The office walls are adorned with the standard Beltway accou- men denied health and other benefits because of the federal De- Atrements: pencil drawings of the advocate arguing before the Su- fense of Marriage Act; and arranging logistics for the return from preme Court, political cartoons in which he Egypt of his law student client, American appears, tokens from appreciative colleagues Ilan Grapel, who had been held there for five after his service with the United Nations, months on charges of spying for Israel. framed family photos. There’s a special name It’s hard to find a high-profile spy case in in the nation’s capital for such collections of Washington that hasn’t somehow involved personal and professional memorabilia: the Lowell. In 2009, after four years in court, pros- power wall. ecutors dropped charges against two Lowell To the left of Lowell’s desk is a small book- clients, Steve Rosen and Keith Weissman, lob- case holding a few dozen binders, his notes byists for the American-Israel Public Affairs from cases involving the likes of President Committee (AIPAC), who’d been accused of William Jefferson Clinton, actor Steven Sea- passing classified information to journalists gal, lobbyist Jack Abramoff and former Sen. One journalist describes Abbe Lowell ’74, and the Israeli government. Ever the advo- John Edwards. “Those are what I would grab ’77L as “high-octane and incredibly loyal cate, Lowell had harsh words for the Ameri- if this place caught fire and I had to escape,” to his clients.” can Jewish community for not backing his cli- Lowell says with a grin. “There are copies of ents more forcefully. “Everybody was worried the family photos at home, but not those notes.” that this is [convicted Israeli spy] Jonathan Pollard again,” Lowell Those binders are the tabulation of a professional life spent de- said in a radio interview in 2008. “Everybody was worried that we fending the powerful, either from the consequences of their own would stick our neck out and get it chopped off like the kosher actions or from others in power who are out to get them. And duck. Well, we know better now, and the public knows better.” wildly successful work it has been. It was a case that was closely followed by both government of- Lowell is best known for his service as Chief Minority Coun- ficials and journalists because it was the first time that the Justice sel during impeachment proceedings against President Clinton, Department had launched a prosecution under the Espionage but he’s represented dozens of other high-profile clients as well Act of 1917, which criminalized the receipt of classified informa- in cases dealing with spying, public corruption and racketeering. tion. Were that act enforced, many journalists and politicians in- In 2011, he was named one of the country’s top five white-collar side the Beltway could face prosecution.

WINTER 2011–12 37 ABBE LOWELL ’74, ’77L COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

In the wake of the AIPAC case, Lowell has been more forceful Lowell studied political science at Columbia but it was the in his defense of clients accused of leaking information, asserting classics that caught his interest. He had his “moment of truth” that it is inconsistent to punish some leakers while the leaking is during his junior year, when he shifted his focus from politics to encouraged. Elizabethan literature after a series of particularly engaging class- “[The] Executive Branch leaks classified information often to es with Professor Edward “Ted” Tayler. “Even then he had real forward several of its goals and then prosecutes others in the same intellectual integrity,” recalls Tayler. “He never wrote cacozelia, branch for doing the same thing,” he wrote in a filing in defense the great vice of both undergraduates and those in my profes- of Stephen Kim, a State Department contractor accused of leaking sion.” Lowell wrote for Spectator, too. information about North Korea to a journalist. The 1970s were a time of upheaval and social unrest, coming Lowell, the consummate insider, explained to the court the way after a decade of even more unrest. Lowell remembers that he that Washington really works: “As the government has imposed ev- couldn’t wait to start doing something with his career that could er-more stringent restrictions on information, while simultaneously help make a difference. “It wasn’t that radicalism or demonstra- broadening its definition of what constitutes classified information, tions had lost credibility, but I was looking for something else,” he leaking has become essential to provide context for messages deliv- says. “The idea was to work within the system to change the sys- ered to the public through official channels. Although reliance on tem. The law allows people a chance to do that. But it doesn’t come a ‘leak system’ is counterintuitive for a nation that prides itself on easily. It is hard work.” open government and places immense value on democratic tradi- Lowell graduated Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude before tions, it has become a necessary practice, facilitating the exchange of heading to the Law School as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and serv- information between the government and its constituency.” ing as editor of the Columbia Law Review. Perhaps predictive of a ca- That case was only Lowell’s most recent brush with the Espio- reer that would see him defend politicians from both parties, Lowell nage Act, a statute that he’s been grappling with since his time says he split his time between The Gold Rail (the bar favored by ath- as a special assistant to the Attorney General in the early 1980s, letes and more conservative students) and The West End (preferred when he helped draft some of its associated language. His back- by the more liberal crowd) during the early 1970s. And then there ground put him on the short list of expert witnesses called before was the iconic Tom’s Restaurant: “I remember those ageless wait- Congress as it grappled with how to deal with WikiLeaks, when resses who served breakfast to weary students like us,” he says. an Army soldier was accused of leaking hundreds of thousands Lowell is an equal opportunity lawyer. Throughout his career, of classified military reports to a website. he has split his time between Democratic and Republican col- Lowell’s background put him on the short list of expert witnesses called before Congress as it grappled with how to deal with WikiLeaks.

In December 2010, Lowell appeared before the House Judi- leagues. They include Democratic Rep. Gary Condit, Republican ciary Committee. “A meaningful debate about the Espionage Rep. Charlie Wilson, ImClone CEO Sam Waksal and actor Sea- Act and changes to the law are long overdue. However, a current gal. When the GOP swept into office in 2010, Lowell went onThe scandal or crisis is not the time to act too quickly,” Lowell warned Colbert Report television show and joked that he’d ordered ample lawmakers. “There is often an urge to address the clamor of the amounts of blue and red business cards. crisis to show that Washington is listening and doing something But for all his celebrity, the case he’s most known for is the and taking a problem seriously. This can lead to ill-conceived defense of President Clinton during his impeachment hearings. laws that have unintended consequences that infringe on rights In the case’s final days, Lowell delivered an impressive closing and cause decades of needless litigation.” statement, surely bound for inclusion in some legal textbook. “Impeachment is not a means to punish the President,” he said nlike other Beltway insiders, but like many veterans in December 1998. “Impeachment is not a means to send a mes- of the Core Curriculum, Lowell lives up to the Renais- sage to our children that the President isn’t above the law. There sance Man ethos. He still reads Shakespeare and sits are better ways to do that. Impeachment is not a vote of confi- Uon the board of trustees for D.C.’s Shakespeare The- dence for independent counsel [Ken] Starr. Impeachment is not a atre Company. He’s an officer at the Jewish Community Center of penalty for the President not answering the 81 questions as some Greater Washington. And he’s run four marathons, the quickest in of you would have wished.” Lowell urged the House of Repre- four hours. sentatives to find another way to sanction President Clinton for “I describe him as high-octane and incredibly loyal to his cli- his misdeeds, but the GOP-led House pushed for impeachment ents, whoever they are,” says Anne Kornblut ’94, a White House anyway. Two of four articles of impeachment passed the House correspondent for The Washington Post who has known Lowell by narrow margins, but both were defeated in the Senate. for years. They met when Lowell interviewed her when she ap- For Lowell, defending the rich and powerful has been a “fas- plied for admission to Columbia in 1989. cinating experience.” In front of the cameras, celebrities and poli- For a young, Bronx-born Lowell, there wasn’t much of a choice ticians are enlarged beyond their stature, but when they are in when it came to college. He knew that he wanted to be in the Na- trouble and discussing their cases in his modest office, “they are ked City, and he knew that he wanted to be at the center of the ac- just as scared and insecure and worried about what will happen tion. Even before he enrolled in 1970, he’d organized anti-war rallies, as anyone else. And everyone’s entitled to a fair trial.” worked for politicians and come to the conclusion — somewhat an- tithetically for a young man of his era — that one of the best ways to Alex Kingsbury ’04J wrote for US News & World Report from fight The Man was to don a suit and join forces with him. 2004–11. A native of Maine, he currently lives in Washington, D.C.

WINTER 2011–12 38 High-profile clients are routine for Lowell, who has defended accused spy Steve Rosen (top right) and former lobbyist Jack Abramoff (far left), among others. He is perhaps best- known for serving as Chief Minority Counsel of the House Judiciary Committee during the 1998 impeachment inquiry against President Clinton.

PHOTOS: (FIRST PAGE) SCOTT J. FERRELL/CONGRESSIO- NAL QUARTERLY/GETTY IMAGES; (THIS PAGE, FIRST ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT) LUKE FRAZZA/ AFP/GETTY IMAGES, WIN Mc NAMEE/GETTY IMAGES; (SECOND ROW, BOTH PHOTOS): LUKE FRAZZA/AFP/ GETTY IMAGES; (THIRD ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT): TOM WILLIAMS/ROLL CALL/GETTY IMAGES, AP IMAGES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

[ COLUMBIA FORUM] The Bauhaus Group: Six Masters of Modernism Wassily Kandinsky’s creative journey from figurative realism to abstract painting

Nicholas Fox Weber ’69, longtime director of The Josef hortly after the Bauhaus moved to Dessau, Wassily Kandin- & Anni Albers Foundation (albersfoundation.org), de- sky wrote a letter to Lily Klee. This was in the period when Lily preferred to remain in the pleasant apartment in Wei- veloped an important friendship mar rather than move to temporary digs near the school’s with Josef and Anni Albers while new location. Lily had given Kandinsky some polenta. Addressing her studying art history in graduate with a Russianized version of her name, he wrote, school at Yale. In the 1920s and ’30s, the artist couple had been SDear Elisaveta Ludwigovna, the only husband-and-wife pair For years I have wanted to eat polenta — so you will easily understand what pleasure you have given me. My heartfelt thanks. of artists at the Bauhaus, Ger- For me polenta is a synaesthetic delight, for in some strange way, many’s pioneering art school. Nicholas Fox Weber ’69 it stimulates three senses perfectly harmoniously: first the eye PHOTO: MARION ET- After grad school, Weber went perceives that wonderful yellow, then the nose savors an aroma TLINGER that definitely includes the yellow within itself, at last the pal- on to write numerous acclaimed ate relishes a flavor which unites the color and the aroma. Then books on art, including Balthus: A Biography and The there are further “associations” — for the fingers (mental fingers) polenta has a deep softness (there are also things which have a Clarks of Cooperstown: Their Singer Sewing Ma- shallow softness!) and finally for the ear — the middle range of chine Fortune, Their Great and Influential Art Col- the flute. A gentle sound, subdued but energetic . . . lections, Their Forty-Year Feud. Now he has trained And the polenta which you served me had pink tones in its yellow color . . . definitely flute! his art historian’s eye back on the Bauhaus and six of its Kind regards to you, dear Pavel Ivanovitch, and dear Felix main protagonists: architect Walter Gropius, Paul Klee, Pavlovitch, with best wishes for you all, the Alberses, Mies van der Rohe Yours, and the great Russian painter Kandinsky

Wassily Kandinsky. Kandinsky’s paintings of the period have elements of the marvelous Ital- In this excerpt from The ian cornmeal. The word “synaesthetic” was key; the Russian invented it to Bauhaus Group: Six Masters describe the commingling of the various senses that was one of his artistic goals. The soft explosions of polenta cooking, the repetitive popping noise, of Modernism (Yale Univer- conjured a realm that increasingly obsessed him: the sonic effects of visual sity Press, 2011 in paperback), experience. Beyond that, the abstract forms that appear to be in continu- ous motion — growing, bursting, and condensing — are like polenta when Weber follows Kandinsky on his it is being cooked, with the delicate grains absorbing water and air and adventurous artistic journey from the familiar world of transmogrifying. Inevitably, too, Kandinsky’s oils and watercolors have a figurative realism to the unexplored frontier of abstract sphere of the same vibrant yellow that the painter admired in the cornmeal, which evokes a spiritual force. painting. The smells and tastes of food were less directly connected to Kandin- Rose Kernochan ’82 Barnard sky’s art, but his alertness to their subtle unfolding in the polenta reflects

WINTER 2011–12 40 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY THE BAUHAUS GROUP: SIX MASTERS OF MODERNISM

Murnau, 1907

Improvisation XIV, 1910

PHOTOS: © THE GALLERY COLLECTION/CORBIS

WINTER 2011–12 41 THE BAUHAUS GROUP: SIX MASTERS OF MODERNISM COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY his priorities. Sharp observation of everyday experience was fun- andinsky’s face rarely came into focus behind the damental. A keen appreciation for the processes perpetually oc- cloud of smoke from the cigarettes he puffed all day curring in the kitchen, the human body, and the wooded parks long. The screening served him well. By the time he where he and Klee and Albers took their daily walks, governed Kwas at the Bauhaus, he had effectively excised from his his life. What was essential was to stop and look. In his pervading story the woman who had been his truest partner, the brilliant appreciation of existence and his overwhelming desire both to painter Gabriele Münter; all that one could glean about Münter celebrate and to add to the world’s store of beauty, he was pos- from the elusive Kandinsky was that, in her bitterness over his sessed by a determination to make the most of every source of having left her and, shortly thereafter, taken up with the young wonder; he would rest only in order to gain strength for action. playgirl who was now his wife, she had refused to return a lot of the art he had left in her care a decade earlier. hose same desires ruled the lives of several of his col- But even if Kandinsky would not discuss the details of his leagues, but Kandinsky was distinguished among them past, students and teachers of every level and a range of styles in bringing to the mix “the Russian soul.” He had the admired him immensely. He was the voice of reason in Bauhaus T particular intensity that fired Pushkin and Tolstoy, that disputes, where his ability to keep his personal reactions hidden permeates the chants of the steppes and the icons of the Russian set him apart, and he was respected for his balanced perspec- Orthodox Church, and that has characterized an entire people tive on complex issues. While establishing careful perimeters through all the transformations of their nation. Will Grohmann, around his private self, he was open to infinite approaches in who observed Kandinsky firsthand at the Bauhaus, writes, “His most matters. Anni Albers recalled, with a broad smile, “Kan- uncompromising attitude to life and art, his faith in the uncon- dinsky often said, ‘There is always an and.’ ” Grohmann refers querability of the human spirit, came with him from Russia.” Al- to Kandinsky’s wish “to express mystery in terms of mystery.” though Kandinsky spent most of his life in Germany and Paris, There were layers beyond and beneath the layers; that complex- he not only retained his fervent belief in Orthodox Christianity, ity inspired extraordinary thinking and completely original art. He was possessed by a determination to make the most of every source of wonder. remained immersed in Slavic literature and music, and contin- assily Kandinsky was born in Moscow, on De- ued to speak his native language with his wife; he also guarded cember 4, 1866 — in the same decade that Tol- his secrets, and relished a sense of inexplicable mysteries. stoy’s War and Peace and Dostoevsky’s Crime and Of the Russian types, he was a nobleman out of Turgenev. He W Punishment were published, and Mussorgsky’s looked every bit the aristocrat, and struck people “as more like Boris Godunov was first performed. His earliest memories con- a diplomat or a widely traveled scholar than as an artist.” While sisted of shapes and colors of the sort that would eventually Johannes Itten wore his outlandish costumes and the Bauhaus become the substance of his art. When he was three years old, students flaunted their bohemianism, Kandinsky dressed with the family’s coachman would strip spirals of bark from thin meticulous elegance. This was true not just in society but also branches, “cutting away both layers of bark from the first spiral, when he painted. Unleashing his furies as he brazenly applied and from the second only the top layer.” Little Wassily saw the vivid pigments to canvas, he wore, at his most casual, a bow tie forms as abstracted horses, with the outer bark a “brownish yel- and jacket. “I could paint in a dinner jacket,” he once quipped. low . . . which I disliked, and would gladly have seen replaced,” But Kandinsky was marked by correctness and reserve rather and the second layer a “juicy green . . . which I loved most par- than dandyism. In his appearance and demeanor, he had no ticularly and which, even in a withered state, still had some- wish to attract attention; he “spoke quietly and attentively, and thing magical about it.” The wood of the now-naked branch was never wounding. He behaved impeccably even in painful was “ivory-white . . . which smelled damp, tempting one to lick situations.” He had genuine style; he was not a showman. it, but soon withered miserably and dried, so that my pleasure His propriety teetered at the edge of aloofness. For his stu- in this white was spoiled from the outset.” Colors would induce dents and colleagues, there was always the sense that Kandin- intense emotions in him for the rest of his life. sky, however amiable and cheerful he might appear, had some Bright hues made him rapturous; black induced fear. At age very private issues he was deliberately keeping from view. He three, he also went to Italy with his parents and his Russian gov- was older than everyone else by at least a decade, but it wasn’t erness, and retained an impression of a frightening black carriage just age that kept him apart. What was that veneer meant to in which he and his mother crossed a bridge over “dirty yellow” guard? Grohmann thinks it was masking an overriding in- water in Florence when he was on his way to kindergarten. Even stability. “The more Kandinsky became aware of his psychic more terrifying were “steps leading down into black water, on constitution, the more he developed a capacity to control him- which floats a frightening, long, black boat with a black box in the self . . . to save face.” Kandinsky was so eager to conceal the middle. . . . I . . . bawled my head off.” vagaries of his mind that he preferred “chance acquaintances When Wassily was five, his family moved to Odessa, where he to half friendships.” The person at the Bauhaus to whom he spent the rest of his childhood. He had not been there long when was closest was Klee; this suited him in part because Klee, too, he painted a watercolor of a horse. His aunt — his mother’s older eschewed intimacy. It was like befriending a flock of birds or sister, Elizaveta Ivanovna Tikheeva, who lived in the house and an image of St. Christopher — highly rewarding, but without helped him with his art — had asked him to hold off doing the threat to the privacy Kandinsky guarded so carefully. hooves until she was there to advise him. Initially, the boy was con-

WINTER 2011–12 42 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY THE BAUHAUS GROUP: SIX MASTERS OF MODERNISM

tent to comply. Then, suddenly, he couldn’t wait a moment longer. with a deep sound of mourning, with defiant power and resis- He loaded his brush with black paint and globbed it onto the tance, with submissive suppleness and devotion, with obstinate bottoms of the horse’s legs. “I thought, if I make the hooves re- self-control, with sensitive, precarious balance.” He “longed to be ally black, they are bound to be completely true to life. I put as a painter” and “loved art above all else.” Yet when Kandinsky much black on my brush as it would hold. An instant — and I left Odessa at age nineteen for the University of Moscow, he de- was looking at four black, disgusting, ugly spots, quite foreign to cided that “art was an unallowable extravagance for a Russian.” the paper, on the feet of the horse. I was in despair and felt cruelly He studied economics and law, even though he painted in his punished.” The repulsion fascinated him. “Later, the prospect free time. The “intricate, conscious, refined ‘construction’ ” of of putting black on the canvas would still put the fear of God Roman law “enchanted” him, but left him unsatisfied “as a Slav into me,” he said. That fear carried an excitement. In the night because of its far too cold, far too rational, inflexible logic.” He scenes and landscapes he would start making when he was in turned to the old peasant code in Russian law, which was un- his twenties, and in the abstractions he crafted at the Bauhaus, he usual for its flexibility and the way it treated the same crimes dif- would often slather black on — perhaps deliberately to conjure ferently according to a measurement of the good or evil at their what was disturbing, or else because he relished a certain victory root. This less rigid approach fascinated him, and when Kandin- in having overcome his fear of it. In sky was twenty-three, it inspired him the house in Dessau where the Klees to go on a trip to Vologda, a northern occupied the other half, he and his province full of monasteries and me- young Russian wife painted a wall of dieval towns, so he could write a re- their dining room pure, unadulter- port on peasant laws and paganism ated black. in the Syryenian tribes. The journey was funded by the n a portrait painted in Rome, Society for Natural Science, Ethnog- Kandinsky’s mother, Lidia Iva- raphy, and Anthropology. Kandinsky novna Tikheeva, has a majestic traveled from village to village study- Istare. Her face is perfectly pro- ing folk art and sketching peasant portioned, with aquiline nose and architecture and people dressed in rosebud lips framed by a complex traditional costumes. Visiting the col- chignon, and her gown and jewelry orfully carved houses with profusely are splendid. “Characterized by in- ornamented furniture and icons, and exhaustible energy and marked ner- traveling through the woods, marsh- vousness,” Lidia was a force to reckon es, and sandy desert, he felt as if he with. Wassily, however, did not have were “living inside of pictures.” to deal with her most of the time, be- Kandinsky’s report was published, cause when he was a small boy she and he had the rare distinction of be- divorced his father, who was left to ing elected a member of the society. In bring him up. In a memoir he wrote 1892, now twenty-six, he passed his in 1913, Wassily Vasilevic Kandinsky law exam and married a cousin, Anja portrays his father as “a deeply hu- Shemyakina, one of the few female man and loving soul.” Wassily Sil- students at the University of Moscow. vestrovich Kandinsky, a tea merchant, The following year, a paper he wrote fostered his son’s interest in making on the laws concerning workers’ art. He hired a private drawing tu- Kandinsky dressed with meticulous elegance, not just in wages won him an appointment as tor for young Wassily and let him, at society but when he painted. instructor at the university. age ten, choose between a school that PHOTO: © BETTMANN/CORBIS What Wassily Vasilevic Kandin- emphasized the humanities and one sky desperately desired, however, that focused on science. When Wassily picked the former, his father was to paint “the most beautiful hour of the Moscow day. . . . To was delighted. paint this hour, I thought, must be for an artist the most impos- Wassily’s maternal grandmother, a Balt who spoke German, sible, the greatest joy.” He was fixed on the moment when the sun and Elizaveta Ivanovna indulged him in Lidia Ivanovna’s absence. is “getting low and has attained its full intensity which it has been The boy had a penchant for a horseracing game and loved being seeking all day, for which it has striven all day.” read fairy tales — mostly in German, his first language. It was a That craving to make paintings of comparable force would even- magical childhood, except when he suffered from “inward trem- tually provide the basis of his teaching at the Bauhaus. “The sunlight bling” and terrifying dreams. To escape, and go “beyond space grows red with effort, redder and redder, cold at first, and then in- and time” — his words — he latched on to drawing as the sole so- creasing in warmth. The sun dissolves the whole of Moscow into lution. Like the young Paul Klee, he made pictures as instinctively a single spot, which, like a wild tuba, sets all one’s soul vibrating.” as he breathed and ate. In Kandinsky’s mind, there was not just “always an and”; there At age thirteen, Wassily bought a paint box with money he had was often a however. saved up from his allowance. He later described the sensation of the pigments being extruded from their tubes: “One squeeze No, this red fusion is not the most beautiful hour! It of the fingers, and out came these strange beings . . . which one is only the final chord of the symphony, which brings calls colors — exultant, solemn, brooding, dreamy, self-absorbed, every color vividly to life, which allows and forces the deeply serious, with roguish exuberance, with a sigh of release, whole of Moscow to resound like the fff of a giant or-

WINTER 2011–12 43 THE BAUHAUS GROUP: SIX MASTERS OF MODERNISM COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

chestra. Pink, lilac, yellow, white, blue, pistachio green, “Every still and every moving part (= line) became for me just flame red houses, churches, each an independent song as alive and revealed to me its soul. This was enough for me to — the garish green of the grass, the deeper tremolo of ‘comprehend,’ with my entire being and all my sense, the possi- the trees, the singing snow with its thousand voices, or bility and existence of that art which today is called ‘abstract,’ as the allegretto of the bare branches, the red, still, silent opposed to ‘objective.’ ” ring of the Kremlin walls, and above, towering over ev- In the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the young lawyer came erything, like a shout of triumph, like a self-oblivious to believe that “the great divisions of light and dark” in Rem- hallelujah, the long, white, graceful, serious line of the brandt’s paintings resonated like “a mighty chord.” They evoked bell Tower of Ivan the Great. for him the trumpets in Richard Wagner’s Lohengrin, a performance of which he attended at the Court Theatre. Listening to In the limited time Kandinsky could devote to painting given Wagner, Kandinsky envisioned the Moscow twilight as he want- his obligations as a law professor, he did his best to evoke those ed to paint it: “The violins, the deep tones of the basses, and es- sights. But it would be a while before Kandinsky’s art could begin pecially the wind instruments . . . embodied for me all the power to live up to what he saw in his mind. “These impressions . . . of that pre-nocturnal hour. I saw all my colors in my mind, they were a delight that shook me to the depths of my soul, that raised stood before my eyes. Wild, almost crazy lines were sketched in me to ecstasy. And at the same time, they were a torment, since I front of me.” was conscious of the weakness of art in general, and of my own He still was not ready to let those forces determine his life’s abilities in particular, in the face of nature.” It would require him course, but he recognized that his internal storm needed an out- to have a totally different approach if his art was to match the let. “Even as a child, I had been tortured by joyous hours of forces inherent in the universe. inward tension that promised embodiment. Such hours filled Two decades later, Kandinsky would develop a form of paint- me with inward tremors, indistinct longings that demanded ing that completely eliminated the idea of representing known something incomprehensible of me, stifling my heart by day sights. Abstraction “put an end to the useless torment of the use- and filling my soil with turmoil by night.” In 1910, Kandinsky painted a watercolor that went one step further than his previous work . . . possibly the first entirely abstract painting.

less tasks that I then, despite their unattainability, inwardly set Then Kandinsky experienced a powerful moment of re- myself. It cancelled out this torment, and thus my joy in nature lief from his suffering. He was in front of a Monet in a show and art rose to unclouded heights. . . . To my enjoyment is added of French impressionist painting in Moscow. Standing close to a profound sense of gratitude.” As the senior figure in Weimar the canvas, he could not recognize its subject as a haystack, al- and Dessau, he would invoke that redolent sense of gratitude though the catalogue listed it as such. Initially, he “found this and the specter of those “unclouded heights.” nonrecognition painful.” But then “I noticed with surprise and Such intense feelings had a hefty price. In his reminiscences confusion that the picture . . . gripped me.” He succumbed to about his craving to express his feelings through art, Kandinsky “the unexpected power of the palette, previously concealed alludes to the inner turmoil that Will Grohmann considered the from me, which exceeded all my dreams. Painting took on a clue to his comportment at the Bauhaus. “My soul was kept in a fairy-tale power and splendor.” state of constant vibration by other, purely human disturbances, The law professor abruptly decided to start anew and to head to the extent that I never had an hour’s peace,” Kandinsky ac- to Munich to throw himself full-time into painting. “At the age of knowledged. The slightest visual event triggered either over- thirty, the thought overcame me: now or never. My gradual inner whelming joy or intense anguish in him: “Everything ‘dead’ development, of which until now I had been unconscious, had trembled. Everything showed me its face, its innermost being, progressed so far that I could sense my artistic powers with com- its secret soul, inclined more often to silence than to speech — plete clarity, while inwardly I was sufficiently mature to realize not only the stars, moon, woods, flowers of which poets sing, with equal clarity that I had every right to be a painter.” but even a cigar butt lying in the ashtray, a patient white trou- ser-button looking up at you from a puddle on the street, a sub- nja accompanied her husband to Munich in 1896, but missive piece of bark carried through the long grass in the ant’s she disliked the artistic life. She left Kandinsky in 1903, strong jaws to some uncertain and vital end, the page of a calen- although they did not divorce until 1911 and always dar, torn forcibly by one’s consciously outstretched hand from A remained on perfectly civil terms. Kandinsky, mean- the warm companionship of the block of remaining pages.” while, began his new life. He studied art in a traditional academy, with the same Franz von Stuck who had taught Klee and would n that period in Moscow, even if Kandinsky did not feel en- teach Josef Albers, and about whose teaching of figure draw- titled to devote his life to art and release that extraordinary ing the three would commiserate at the Bauhaus. Kandinsky responsiveness, to enjoy rather than repress his fiery nature, also studied art at the Munich Academy, but often cut class and Ihe was developing the sensibility that would determine his worked at home or outdoors, painting with such intense colors life’s course and become the substance of his Bauhaus teaching. that, over a quarter of a century later, when the Bauhaus moved

WINTER 2011–12 44 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY THE BAUHAUS GROUP: SIX MASTERS OF MODERNISM to Dessau and he needed to describe his credentials to the Munic- ünter and Kandinsky’s apartment on Munich’s Ai- ipal Council, he told the officials that he had been in deep trouble nmillerstrasse was two houses away from where at the Munich Academy for being so “intoxicated by nature” that the recently married Paul and Lily Klee were liv- he tried to express “everything through color,” and that he failed Ming. The moment that Klee and Kandinsky met, a drawing test there. He believed that this conflict with the estab- they enjoyed a remarkable rapport. Each was delighted to meet lishment in Munich a quarter century earlier was one of his main another person who cared so deeply about making art, and who qualifications for teaching at the Bauhaus. was so bent on exploring new means to imbue that art with vi- Between those confrontations with the hidebound art estab- tality. The rare sense of comfort and pleasure Kandinsky experi- lishment and his joining the Weimar Bauhaus in 1922, Kandinsky enced with Klee, in spite of Klee’s apparent remoteness, would altered the course of world art. In 1901, he founded “the Pha- over a decade later be a lure to the Bauhaus. lanx,” an organization to advance new artistic methods that was There were halcyon evenings when Kandinsky and Münter named after a word invented by Homer for the battle line in an- would go over to the Klees’ to hear Paul and Lily perform violin cient Greece, where heavily armed soldiers, working in unison, and piano duets. Kandinsky adored little Felix, who, starting at vanquish their enemy with heavy swords and twelve-foot-long the age of two, in 1909, would spend time in the Russian’s stu- pikes. The Phalanx showed work dio when his parents were busy. by Monet as well as other impres- Felix Klee would never forget sionists, while Kandinsky pushed Kandinsky’s and Münter’s apart- his own work into a new realm by ment, which was larger and more using tempera to create vibrant elegant than his parents’ and dis- colors. tinguished by its white doors. Teaching a breakthrough ap- Once they were based in Mu- proach to painting and drawing, nich, Kandinsky and Münter spent the Russian led his students to Ba- their summers in the Bavarian varia by bicycle and summoned Alps, in the picturesque country them for critiques with a police town of Murnau, where Münter whistle. In 1902, one of the students bought a house in 1909. There, who cycled in agreeably when Münter’s natural skill as a painter the whistle was blown was Gabri- became all the more evident. Her ele Münter, a quiet and thoughtful exuberant renditions of idyllic life twenty-five-year-old woman, of in the countryside seemed effort- slight build and almost Japanese less, spontaneously evoking the looks with her smooth dark hair sweet local church, apple trees and porcelain skin. The mutual at- bursting with fruit, and farm- traction was immediate, and once houses bathed in summer sunlight. Anja moved out, Kandinsky and Kandinsky was more of a struggler, Münter began to live together; they perpetually intellectualizing and traveled to Venice in 1903, and, in pushing himself to the next step, the winter of 1904–5, to Tunis. Kan- although he benefited immensely dinsky returned to Odessa and from his exposure to Münter’s Moscow on his own, but afterward forthright style. Kandinsky and he and Münter moved to Sèvres, Münter were both affected by the near Paris, for a year, then for near- hinterglasmalerei — small folk art ly another year to Berlin, before re- In his early abstract paintings, such as Improvisation XXXI, 1913, pictures with the images painted turning to Munich. Kandinsky pushed the limits and produced artworks that seemed on the reverse side of glass — that In this period, during which to convey sheer energy. they collected together. With their PHOTO: © THE GALLERY COLLECTION/CORBIS Kandinsky became one of the simplified forms and vibrant- col principal painters in the Blue ors, these anonymous works had Rider movement, his work went from animated woodcuts a charm and an immediacy that both painters sought to retain in based on Russian folk art and fairy tales to landscape paintings their more sophisticated work. in unprecedented combinations of saturated colors. Münter But the Russian could not stop his inner wheels from turn- worked similarly: there are paintings from 1908 and 1909 where ing. By 1910, he was determined to explode the boundaries of it is difficult to tell who painted which one. She had extraor- painting. He started to improvise compositions that convey sheer dinary natural gifts, and was one of those rare people who energy. Their charged, dark lines of scant representational value, could spontaneously make dazzling art, almost primitive in its and their sequences of fantastic yellow, red, indigo, and mauve untutored freshness yet revealing complete competence, that biomorphic forms, pulse in deliberate dissonance. With these evoked natural sights with unequivocal joy. Kandinsky learned paintings simply named Composition or Improvisation, Kandinsky an immense amount from her approach — more than he would unleashed a way of painting that was unlike anything that any- ever acknowledge. At the Bauhaus, he would be with a woman one else had ever done or even considered. who had no such artistic skill, who worshipped him giddily; While Kandinsky’s fellow Blue Rider artists — Auguste Macke, it would be as if there was something intolerably threatening Franz Marc, and Klee — adhered to figurativism, they admired about having once been with a fellow artist who had direct ac- his independence as well as the consuming zeal with which he cess to her own brilliant instincts. approached the task of painting. As Grohmann observed, “Kan-

WINTER 2011–12 45 THE BAUHAUS GROUP: SIX MASTERS OF MODERNISM COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

Colors affected Kandinsky profoundly, like pure emotions. Even at an early age, bright hues made him rapturous; black induced fear. Above, Dunaberg, 1909. PHOTOS: ABOVE, © CHRISTIE’S IMAGES/CORBIS; RIGHT, COURTESY GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM/ © BETTMANN/CORBIS

dinsky himself was a very unusual, original type, uncommonly such art would have major ramifications. At the same time that stimulating to every artist who came in contact with him. There he bravely accepted the reality of the mind’s tortures, Kandin- was something uniquely mystical, highly imaginative about him, sky had “an absolute faith in the onset of a new era, in which linked with rare pathos and dogmatism.” It was impossible not the spirit will move mountains” and in which painting would to respond to him and his work. defeat materialism “by asserting the primacy of inner values, and by directly appealing to what is good in man.” n 1910, Kandinsky painted a watercolor that went one step In On the Spiritual in Art, Kandinsky conceives of a “spiritual further than his previous work by eliminating any reference triangle” divided into three tiers, with atheists in the lower seg- whatsoever to known subject matter. This is possibly the first ment, and, in the layers above, “positivists, naturalists, men of Ientirely abstract painting — as opposed to objects with ab- science, and art students.” This middle category does not have stract decoration — by anyone, ever. That same year, he wrote an easy time; “they are dominated by fear,” for they grapple On the Spiritual in Art. This book, which declared painting “a with “the inexplicable” while remaining unable to accept it, and spiritual act,” embraced the supernatural and irrational as valid thus suffer great “confusion.” He writes of the plight of these components of art. In advocating what was sensory and intuitive people as if he were narrating the plight of the damned at the and opposing materialism, On the Spiritual in Art liberated many Last Judgment: “The abandoned churchyard quakes, the for- readers; following its initial publication at Christmastime of 1911, gotten grave yawns open. . . . All the artificially contrived suns it went through two more printings within a year. have exploded into so many specks of dust.” Observing Kandinsky firsthand, Grohmann had the opinion Denizens of this middle tier suffer from their illusion that it that the artist’s beliefs derived directly from his own mental is possible to create or live in an “impregnable fortress.” The oc- state. cupants of the highest realms of Kandinsky’s triangle recognize the fallacy of that assumption. Among this select group of “seers” According to all who knew him, his was a complex and “prophets,” creative geniuses who have entered the realm of mind, given to violent contrasts, and his deep-rooted “light” and “the spiritual,” Kandinsky names Robert Schumann, mistrust of rationalism drove him in the direction of Richard Wagner, Claude Debussy, Arnold Schoenberg, Paul Cé- the irrational, that which is not logically graspable. We zanne, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso, explaining how each know that he suffered from periodic states of depres- eschewed superficial beauty in preference for a true representa- sion, imagining that he was a victim of persecution, and tion of “inner life” as well as “the divine.” that he had to run away. He felt that part of his being Kandinsky considered music the ultimate art form, which is was closely tied to the invisible; life here and now and why he included more composers than painters in his pantheon. in the hereafter, the outer world and the inner soul, did But he attributes to color some of the same transformative effects not seem to him opposed. he cherishes in music. To chart the process of the impact of color on the viewer, he draws an analogy to the workings of a piano: Although the stated goals of the Bauhaus stressed the prac- “Color is the keyboard. The eye is the hammer, while the soul is a ticality of objects and the utilization of modern technology for piano of many strings.” aesthetically worthy results, Kandinsky’s presence there would cause many people to explore mystical realms and to accept the From the book: THE BAUHAUS GROUP: Six Masters of Modernism by inevitability of neuroses as an aspect of creativity. Kandinsky Nicholas Fox Weber. Copyright © 2009 by Nicholas Fox Weber. Published declared his purpose to be the creation of “purely pictorial be- by arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of The Knopf Double- ings” with their own souls and religious spirit. He believed that day Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc.

WINTER 2011–12 46 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY THE HIDDEN REALITY

48 Message from the CCAA President Alumni 49 Obituaries 52 Bookshelf 54 Class Notes News 96 Alumni Corner

PHOTO: COLIN SULLIVAN ‘11

COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

CCAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Message from the President

ellow Columbians, Council as well as advising the development staff. While we were at Columbia for only four years, The CCAA currently has five working committees. Through we are part of the Columbia community for life. We robust discussion on these committees and close counsel with all benefited tremendously from our time at the Col- College and University administrators, faculty and students, lege, and an important part of the Columbia College CCAA board members are able to help advise the dean and his Alumni Association mis- staff on priorities. Recent initiatives sion is to ensure that today’s students include the new workout facilities in receive the exceptional education we dormitories and the establishment of Fdid as well as to constantly improve a pilot program of alumni-sponsored experiences outside the classroom. summer internships. This is a powerful responsibility that Throughout the coming year, we our board members take seriously as will focus on improving alumni com- we establish our agenda and work munications, advising on alumni pro throughout the year. gramming for alumni 10–25 years Board members keep themselves from graduation, deepening our un- up to date and educated about what derstanding of alumni achievement is happening on campus. Most re- in their professional careers, and meal cently, CCAA leadership worked plan/dining services on campus as closely with the administration on well as supporting a smooth transi- the transition in the Dean’s Office tion for College leadership. and will continue to support Interim If you have questions or would like Dean James J. Valentini in his leader- more information about the Columbia ship of the College. College Alumni Association, please The board’s ongoing efforts also contact us at [email protected] include leadership of and support or 212-851-7488. for the Columbia College Fund and We hope to hear from you and see board committees that strive to im- you at Columbia soon. prove the student and alumni experience. We support the College Fund by leading the Class Agents Pro- Kyra Tirana Barry ’87 gram and the Fund Development PHOTO: EILEEN BARROSO

Get Involved & Stay Connected! Your connection to Columbia College does not end with your graduation. There are many great ways that you can stay connected to Columbia, no matter where you live, including:

COLUMBIA COLLEGE YOUNG ALUMNI n COLUMBIA COLLEGE WOMEN n REGIONAL CLUBS CLASS AGENT PROGRAM n MENTORING n INTERVIEWING PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS REUNION PLANNING n STUDENT-ALUMNI PROGRAMS n CLASS NOTES n AND MORE …

Get more information on these programs at college.columbia.edu/alumni/getinvolved.

Like Columbia College on Facebook

Follow @Columbia_CCAA on Twitter

WINTER 2011–12 48

COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY Obituaries

1933 retired as president in 1974. Olnick chairman from 1960–2003. In 2003, Clarence S. Barasch, attorney, New and his first wife, Praise, were avid Marwell received the Order of the York City, on August 31, 2010. A golfers and members of the Idle Madara Horseman (First Degree) 1935 alumnus of the Law School Hour Country Club. She, and his from the Republic of Bulgaria. He and a member of the New York Bar son, Richard, predeceased him. He is is survived by his wife of 67 years, since that year, Barasch was a WWII survived by his wife, Doris; daugh- Grace Glass Marwell; sons, Stuart veteran stationed at Bletchley Park, ter and son-in-law, Jane and Terrance ’70 and his wife, Vicki, David and United Kingdom; he was commend- Lightbourne; daughters-in-law, his wife, Judy, and Joshua and his ed by Her Majesty’s Government Mary Irvin Paz and Helen; brother wife, Chitra Bopardikar; daughter, in 2010. He was a lecturer and a and sister-in-law, Jay and Catherine Emily; eight grandchildren; and frequent contributor to the New York Olnek; six nieces; one nephew; five one granddaughter-in-law. Memo- Law Journal. Barasch was a member grandchildren; six stepchildren; and rial contributions may be made to of The Real Estate Board of New four step-grandchildren. Memorial George C. Thompson ’42 Mount Kisco Day Care Center, 95 York for more than 42 years, where contributions may be made to the Radio Cir., Mount Kisco, NY 10549. he wrote numerous articles for the American Cancer Society. and was best known as an expert in 1947 Annual Diary, including the “Outline taxation. He also taught account- 1940 of Real Estate Broker’s Rights ing for lawyers at the Law School. Edward B. Gold, retired writer and and Duties.” Each year, Barasch Robert Benjamin, retired textile Thompson was recognized both by editor, New York City, on September reviewed and updated the articles executive, New Rochelle, N.Y., on students and peers as an outstand- 9, 2010. Gold was born in the Bronx. as changes in the law occurred. He August 27, 2010. Benjamin was ing performer in the classroom. He At the College, he was editor-in- is survived by his sons, Lionel and born on June 6, 1919, in New York co-authored a number of law books chief of Spectator, associate editor of Jonathan ’88 P&S; daughters-in-law, City. He served with the 5th Air and had a private investment, the Columbian and secretary of the Lili and Lisa; four grandchildren; Corps in the Pacific and returned taxation and consulting practice for Student Council. He earned a degree and many nieces, nephews, grand- from Japan in 1945. He is survived more than 50 years. He also was on in 1948 from the Journalism School. nieces and grandnephews. by his wife, Betty K.; sons, John the boards of the Greenwich Coun- His first job was as a caption writer and Richard; and one grandson. try Day School and the Ellis Phillips for Acme Newspictures. In 1949 he 1936 Foundation. Thompson was the joined the staff of the Gallup, N.M., 1941 Herbert M. Olnick, retired radi- longest-standing active member at Independent, where he was a reporter, ologist, Blue Ridge, Ga., on July 25, Cecil H. London, magazine execu- Indian Harbor Yacht Club, having sports editor and columnist. Gold 2010. Olnick earned a degree from tive, Greenbrae, Calif., on August joined in 1945. He is survived by his returned to New York in 1952 and P&S in 1939 at 21 and specialized 21, 2010. London was born in 1920 wife of 48 years, Barbara Churchill joined Fairchild Publications. From in radiology at Emory University in North Georgia. He was inducted Thompson; daughters and son, 1960–65 he specialized in manage- Grady Hospital in Atlanta. He began into the Navy Air Corps and Elizabeth Baird and her husband, ment news for all the Fairchild practicing radiology in Macon piloted blimps, conducting coastal Jay, Annie Masillo and her husband, papers and from 1965–91 was in 1949, then went to the Middle surveillance on the East Coast and Chris, and Stuart ’87, ’89 Business manager of Fairchild Books. He then Georgia Hospital, from which he in South America, retiring in 1945. and his wife, Tiffany; and four retired but wrote first-person pieces London went to San Francisco as grandchildren. for The Villager. Columns by Gold an advertising salesman for Time twice helped The Villager win Best Obituary Submission magazine. When Time introduced 1943 Editorial Page in the New York Press Guidelines Sports Illustrated, London opened Edward M. Marwell, business Association’s annual Better News- Columbia College Today and managed the office. He later executive, Mount Kisco, N.Y., on paper Contest. Gold was a leading welcomes obituaries for managed the San Francisco office September 7, 2010. Born on June member of the Reform movement College alumni. Deaths are of National Geographic. He is sur- 16, 1922, in Brookline, Mass., Mar- that wrested Democratic leadership noted in the next available vived by his wife, Nancy; daugh- well grew up in New York City, from Carmine DeSapio, the last issue in the “Other Deaths ters, Dana and her husband, Kevin, where he graduated from Stuyves- head of the Tammany Hall political Reported” box. Complete and Barrie; son, Terry, and his wife, ant H.S., and then from the College machine to be able to dominate mu- obituaries will be published in Teri; and six grandchildren. and Engineering, simultaneously nicipal politics, more than 50 years an upcoming issue, pending earning degrees. During WWII he ago, and a member for more than 40 receipt of information. Due 1942 to the volume of obituaries served as an officer in the Army years of the community board that that CCT receives, it may George C. Thompson, retired Air Forces and was chief engineer covers Greenwich Village. He was take several issues for the Columbia professor of business law of the Fifth Air Force Factory in predeceased by his wife, Annalee complete obituary to appear. and accounting, Greenwich, Conn., Showa, Japan, as part of the Army Kram, in 1998. Word limit is 200; text may be on October 12, 2010. Thompson was of Occupation. Marwell settled in edited for length, clarity and born May 3, 1920, in New York City. Mount Kisco and during the 1950s Robert H. Marshall, retired busi- style at the editors’ discretion. After graduating from the Business became active in local government. ness executive, El Paso, Texas, on Click “Contact Us” at college. School in 1943 with honors, he was In 1968, he was elected as a Mc- August 20, 2010. Marshall was born columbia.edu/cct, or mail materials to Obituaries Editor, recruited by Arthur Andersen and Carthy delegate to the Democratic in New York City on July 11, 1923, Columbia College Today, Co. to open its Paris office, then National Convention in Chicago. and resided in White Plains, N.Y., Columbia Alumni Center, earned a J.D. from the Law School Marwell worked at General Preci- until he moved to El Paso in 2002. 622 W. 113th St., MC 4530, in 1949. Thompson held the James sion Laboratory prior to co-found- He was a decorated WWII veteran, 1st Fl., New York, NY 10025. L. Dohr Chair of Business Law and ing, in 1960, Curtis Instruments. He serving as a military intelligence Accounting at the Business School was president from 1960–2000 and interpreter doing liaison work with

WINTER 2011–12 49

OBITUARIES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

French counter-intelligence units as sign it, as it was not a condition of worked variously as coach, school- a member of the 6th Armored Divi- employment; he retained his job master and headmaster. His love for sion during the combat campaigns but lost his next union election and sailing drew him to Pensacola Yacht in Normandy and Northern France. abandoned a union career. Schlaff Club, where he was fleet captain and He later earned a B.A. and then an then earned an M.A. in 1962 from secretary in the 1980s. Vaillant also M.A., from Johns Hopkins, and SIPA, worked for the International was involved with the Gulf Yachting pursued an advanced degree at Confederation of Free Trade Unions Association in the 1990s, becoming Harvard. He retired in 1988 after 35 and the International Labour Orga- commodore in 1998. He is survived years at IBM Corp. but continued nization and in 1965 joined the U.N. by his wife of 59 years, Susan; working with a private contractor. Secretariat. After retirement, Schlaff children and their spouses, Frank Marshall is survived by his brother, worked part-time as secretary of the and Patty Vaillant, Michelle and Richard; niece, Abigail; and neph- joint appeals board/disciplinary David Bell, and Madeleine and Jim ew, Stanley. Memorial contributions committee, the UN’s internal justice Simmons; eight grandchildren; and a Eugene C. Thomas ’52 may be made to the Alzheimer’s system. He is survived by his wife, great-grandson. Memorial contribu- Association, PO Box 96011, Wash- Marcia; children, Elizabeth, Antho- tions may be made to Manna Food law clerk. He next worked in the ington, DC 20090-6011 or alz.org/ ny and Abigail; sister, Ruth Meyers; Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Christ Ada County prosecutor’s office, join_the_cause_donate.asp. and four grandchildren. Memorial Church Parish or Covenant Hospice. first as an appointed chief deputy, contributions may be made to the and later, at 24, was elected to the 1948 New York Public Library (nypl.org/ 1952 office of Ada County Prosecuting Thomas E. Murray Sr., retired ad- support). Attorney. In the early ’50s, Thomas vertising executive, Venice, Fla., on and Willis Moffatt began the firm August 5, 2010. Murray was born Irwin F. “Woody” Woodland, re- of Moffatt Thomas, now known October 27, 1924, in the Bronx and tired attorney, Seattle, on August 25, as Moffatt Thomas Barrett Rock & graduated from Long Beach H.S. 2010. Woodland was born in New Fields. Thomas was elected presi- He served as a tech sergeant in the York City on September 2, 1922, and dent of the Idaho State Bar at 40 Army Air Corps, flying 35 missions graduated from Benjamin Franklin and in the 1980s was the State Bar over enemy territory during WWII. H.S. in 1940. He served in the Army delegate to the American Bar Asso- He was a master radio operator Air Corps as a navigator, flying ciation House of Delegates; he rose and bombardier on B-17 Flying missions over Germany and Italy. to chair of the House of Delegates Fortresses. Murray was a retired He was a POW at Stalag Luft III and in 1985 and was elected president of advertising executive of Thomas E. was released in 1945. After earning a the ABA in 1986–87. He held honor- Murray Preprints. He was a pioneer degree from the College, he gradu- Donald J. Bainton ’52 ary LL.D.s from the University of in the field of newspaper free-stand- ated from the Law School of Ohio Idaho and the College of Idaho. He ing inserts. Murray was a member State University in Columbus in Donald J. Bainton, business execu- is survived by his wife of almost 60 of Epiphany Cathedral of Venice, 1959. Woodland joined the law firm tive, Boca Raton, Fla., on June 13, years, Jody; sons and their wives, the VFW and the American Legion of Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher as an 2010. Born in New York City, on Mike and Martha, and Steve and and was a lifetime coach and associate in 1960 and retired a part- May 3, 1931, Bainton was a naval Maureen; five grandchildren; and advocate of children’s sports and ner in 1992. He became a member of officer during the Korean conflict. a great-granddaughter. Memorial the CYO. He is survived by his high the California State Bar Association After the war, he married Aileen contributions may be made to St. school sweetheart and wife of 63 in 1960 and the Washington State Demoulins and began his corporate Mary’s School, Mountain States years, Joan; daughter, Susan Snyder Bar Association in 1991. Woodland career with Continental Can Co., Tumor Institute, the Boy Scouts or and her husband, Will; sons, Tom Jr. was predeceased by his wife of 50 eventually becoming president. the Idaho Humane Society. and his wife, Jane, and Don and his years, Sally Duffy, in 2005, and is Following the sale of the company, wife, Louise; eight grandchildren; survived by his children, Connie Bainton acquired the name and Harold H. “Hal” Wanamaker, and one great-grandchild. Memo- Woodland and her husband, Robert formed a second Continental Can. retired otolaryngologist, Syracuse, rial contributions may be made to Peterson, Patrick and his wife, Lisa, In 1998, with sales nearing $600 mil- on August 29, 2010. Born on May Venice Hospice House, 210 Wexford Joseph and his wife, Katherine, lion, he sold the company to Suiza 18, 1930, in Suffern, N.Y., Wana- Blvd., Venice, FL 34293 or tidewell. Rev. Stephen, William and his wife, Foods (now Dean Foods). Bainton maker went to Syracuse for medical org/donors/how-can-i-give. Linette, David, and Duffy and his again acquired the name, and a school and stayed for his internship wife, Tricia; 12 grandchildren; and third Continental Can was formed, and residency in otolaryngology Marvin A. Schlaff, United Nations sister, Catherine Howley. Memorial resulting in a recent acquisition in (ear, nose and throat). Following a official, New York City, on August contributions may be made to Music the United Kingdom. Bainton was a fellowship in otology at the House 18, 2010. Schlaff was born in New Department, St. James Cathedral, Knight of Malta. He is survived by Ear Institute in Los Angeles, he York City on August 14, 1926, and 804 9th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104. his wife of 56 years; children, Kath- was director of ENT at the military educated at public schools and ryn Sarka, Stephen and William; hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, Birch Wathen. He spent two years 1949 and three grandchildren. Bainton for two years before returning to at Engineering, then joined the Francois D. Vaillant, teacher, was predeceased by a daughter, Syracuse to join the ENT practice Army as a radio/radar mechanic. Pensacola, Fla., on September 14, Beth, in 1998. Memorial contribu- founded by his mentor, Gordon D. Under the G.I. Bill, he earned a B.A. 2010. Vaillant was born in 1926 in tions may be made to Catholic Hoople. Wanamaker was a pioneer from the College. He next studied in New York City. He graduated from Charities USA (800-919-9338). in the combined surgical approach Paris and spent two years in the La- the Edgewood School in Greenwich, with neurosurgery for acoustic neu- bor Division of the Marshall Plan. In Conn., served in the Air Force at Eugene C. Thomas, attorney, Boise, romas. He practiced for 30 years at 1952, Schlaff returned to the United the end of WWII and then attended Idaho, on September 13, 2010. Crouse Hospital and was a clinical States with the intent of becoming Columbia, where he earned an M.A. Thomas was born in Idaho Falls professor at Upstate, where he was a union leader. In 1953, he refused from GSAS in 1953. He enjoyed the on February 8, 1931. He earned a instrumental in establishing several to sign a loyalty oath as required teaching profession in independent degree in 1954 from the Law School endowed chairs. He retired in 1993 by the Bell System and told union schools in Connecticut, Massachu- and began his legal career as U.S. and enjoyed gardening, collecting members that they did not have to setts, North Carolina and Florida; he District Judge Fred Taylor’s first and repairing antique clocks, root-

WINTER 2011–12 50 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY OBITUARIES

ing for Syracuse and spending time on the American language, and in in anesthesiology. Wallace was a a law degree from Harvard and at his cottage on Gananoque Lake 1998, Hill and Wang, the publisher member of the faculty of Stanford worked briefly as an attorney but in Canada. Wanamaker is survived of Wilson Follett’s Modern American University Medical School and sub- made a career as an irreverent and by his wife of 55 years, Barbara; Usage, selected him to revise and sequently practiced anesthesia at El sharp-tongued comic. He was a four children; 11 grandchildren; and update the book. Wensberg was a Camino Hospital. He was president judge on the NBC reality televi- two sisters. Memorial contribu- longtime Greenwich Village resident of the California Society of Anes- sion show Last Comic Standing and tions may be made to the Crouse who, as a founding member of the thesiologists and for two terms was was a frequent guest on Comedy Health Foundation, 736 Irving Ave., West Village Committee, worked president of the Northern California Central’s celebrity roasts. He per- Syracuse, NY 13210 or the Barbara with the late Jane Jacobs in the suc- Anesthesia Society. Wallace was an formed more than a dozen times on and Harold Wanamaker Scholar- cessful efforts to prevent the destruc- avid sailor, stunt kite flier, gardener The Late Show With David Letterman ship Fund at the Upstate Medical tion of the neighborhood some 40 and supporter of the arts. He is sur- and Late Night With Conan O’Brien Alumni Association, 750 E. Adams years ago; he later joined her in the vived by his wife of almost 60 years, and became a radio regular on St., Syracuse, NY 13210. successful effort to block an urban Flora; and daughter, Linda. The Howard Stern Show. Off-stage, renewal project that would have Giraldo was nothing like his caustic 1953 destroyed 14 blocks of the Village. 1962 on-stage persona, according to John William M. Bason, pediatrician, Wensberg also was part of the fight Lawrence I. Lubkin, retired high Trueson, a comic and a promoter at Chesapeake, Va., on September 18, to block Robert Moses’ 1963 plan for school teacher, Tucson, Ariz., on Sep- Governor’s comedy club, who said 2010. Bason was born in Yonkers, the Lower Manhattan Expressway tember 27, 2010. Lubkin was born he had known Giraldo for about 20 N.Y., on March 19, 1932. He went from river to river on Broome Street. in Brooklyn, N.Y., and graduated years: “He treated everybody with to Downstate Medical School and His brother, Peter, died in 2006. from Stuyvesant H.S. He earned respect, like they were his friend. earned an M.D. in 1957. Follow- In addition to Wensberg’s sister, a master’s in biology from North He certainly wasn’t a performer ing an internship at the Naval Eleanor Pelcyger, six nephews and a Carolina Agricultural and Techni- who had any attitude with anyone. Hospital in Philadelphia, Bason niece survive him. cal State University. Lubkin taught He was a brilliant man, one of the had a brief tour of duty in Camp high school chemistry and biology smartest guys I ever met and one Lejeune, N.C., with the Fleet Marine 1954 in New Jersey until his 1996 retire- of the funniest guys I’ve ever met.” Force, then went on to a residency Daniel R. Thompson Jr., retired ment. In 2002, he and his wife, Alice, Giraldo owned a home in Hampton program at the Chelsea NH and insurance executive, Queensbury, vacationed in Tucson and decided Bays and enjoyed boating. He is tours of duty in the United States N.Y., on June 17, 2010. Born on to stay. It was in Tucson that Lubkin survived by three sons. and abroad. As chairman of the December 31, 1932, in Port Chester, could enjoy his favorite pastime, Department of Pediatrics at the N.Y., Thompson graduated from cycling. He is survived by his wife 2002 Philadelphia NH, he established the Mamaroneck H.S. and earned a B.S. of 27 years; daughters, Jennifer Irina Shekhets, attorney, Fair Lawn, first military neonatal and pediatric in economics from the College; he Lubkin and her husband, James N.J., on August 24, 2010. Shekhets intensive care unit and received the was active in the Air Force ROTC. May, Margaret Lubkin, and Andrea was born in Kiev, Ukraine, and came Presidential Medal for Meritori- Thompson had a long career work- Maricich and her husband, Mitchell; to America in 1989, settling with her ous Service. Bason completed his ing for Continental Insurance Co., one grandson; and brothers, Saul family in Brooklyn, N.Y., and later 26 years of military service in 1979 formerly Glens Falls Insurance and Elihu. Memorial contributions Fair Lawn, N.J. Upon starting col- as a captain. He then assumed the Co. He was an innate woodsman, may be made to the Leukemia and lege, Shekhets was awarded a spot position of director of Ambulatory Boy Scout leader, camper, skier, Lymphoma Society, Donor Service, in the prestigious J.P. Morgan Schol- Care at the Children’s Hospital of snowshoer, boater and fisherman, PO Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202. ar Program. She double-majored in The King’s Daughters, Norfolk. He and was ahead of his time recycling economics and computer science, later became medical director for and repurposing “nothings” into 1964 and after graduation joined J.P. Sentara Medical System. Bason was “somethings.” Thompson was Leslie M. “Les” Pockell, publishing Morgan-Chase, where she was an active in education throughout his active in the Catholic Church, executive and literary anthologist, a.v.p. in the Competitive Intelligence career and published in a number spending many years affiliated with White Plains, N.Y., on July 26, 2010. Department. Shekhets graduated of journals. He is survived by his St. Alphonsus in Glens Falls. In Pockell was born in Norwalk, Conn. from Brooklyn Law School in 2010; wife of 52 years, Elizabeth; twin retirement, he and his wife traveled He was a v.p. and associate publisher she earned her J.D. while working sons, Keith, and Kent and his wife, more; they took cruises, visited at Grand Central Publishing during full-time. At Brooklyn Law she was Yvonne; daughter, Kimberly, and Maine annually and, in 1999, drove the decade before his death. In a long associate managing editor of the her husband, J.P.; four grandchil- to Alaska to visit their son Dan III publishing career, Pockell worked Brooklyn Journal of International Law. dren; and brother, Robert, and his as he worked on an archeologi- at St. Martin’s Press, Doubleday Shekhets died on her 30th birthday. wife, Paula. Memorial contribu- cal dig site at Sitka. Thompson is and the Book-of-the-Month Club She is survived by her husband, Guy tions may be made to the American survived by his wife of 52 years, before joining Warner Books, which Beider; parents, Boris and Tatyana; Heart Association. Ellie; children, Brian and his wife, became Grand Central, a division of and sister, Marianna Shamis, and her Tammy, Annie Thompson Murphy, Hachette Book Group USA. He ed- husband, Felix. Memorial contribu- Erik D. Wensberg, writer and Chris and his wife, Maria, Kevin, ited a diverse group of authors, from tions may be made to ZAKA (zaka. editor, New York City, on June 5, Katie Elazar and her husband, Don, mystery writer Donald Westlake to org.il/index_e.php) or Chabad 2010. Wensberg was born May Dan III and his wife, Margan, and literary critic Harold Bloom to actor House of Kathmandu, Gha-2-516-4 16, 1931, in Omaha, Neb. He was Elizabeth Bott and her husband, and children’s writer John Lithgow. Thamel, Kathmandu Nepal, 977-980- an editor of the Columbia Alumni Eric; and four grandchildren. Pockell also compiled numerous 324-1294. News and founding editor of The anthologies, including 100 Essential Lisa Palladino Columbia Forum, a quarterly of 1956 American Poems and The 101 Greatest fact and opinion. He returned as Seymour Wallace, anesthesiologist, Business Principles of All Time. editor of Forum in 1971 and stayed Los Altos, Calif., on August 25, until 1975. Wensberg reviewed 2010. Born in New York City on 1987 To read the “Other Deaths books and wrote articles for The New June 4, 1929, Wallace was a naviga- Gregory C. Giraldo, stand-up Reported” box, go to college. York Times Book Review, Vogue, Com- tion officer in the Merchant Marine comic, New York City, on Sep- columbia.edu/cct/winter11/ mentary and other magazines. He from 1947–53. He earned a degree tember 29, 2010. Giraldo was born obituaries. developed a reputation as an expert in 1959 from P&S and specialized in New York in 1965. He earned

WINTER 2011–12 51

COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY Bookshelf

Jacques Barzun [’27]: Portrait of Franklin and other foreigners who the best FBI agents at the Fearing- Almond and Coconut Flour by a Mind by Michael Murray. This used French as the political and ton Institute, becomes a suspect Elana Amsterdam ’89. These reci- biography, written by a longtime intellectual language of Europe in a murder that leads her and the pes offer an alternative that fits friend, offers an affectionate (NYRB Classics, $18.95). national security adviser, Jack Mc- into many dietary lifestyles and account of the life and work of Clure, to a secret international slave still satisfies anyone’s cupcake fix legendary Columbia professor, his- The Fate of Greenland: Lessons trade run by a powerful Albanian (Celestial Arts, $16.99). torian and critic Barzun (Amazon from Abrupt Climate Change by crime lord (Forge Books, $25.99). Digital Services, $7.99). Philip Conkling, Richard Alley, Wallace Earthquake Season: Poems by Broecker ’53, the Newberry Professor The Essential Belloc: A Prophet Jessica Goodheart ’89. Through her Finding Wisdom in East Asian of Geology, and George Denton. Due for Our Times edited by Scott Bloch, poetry, Goodheart explores how Classics edited by Wm. Theodore de to periods of acute climate instabil- Rev. C. John McCloskey ’75 and Brian copying machines, dry cleaners Bary ’41, the John Mitchell Mason ity, Greenland’s ice sheet has been Robertson. Belloc was considered and other things have come to be Professor Emeritus, Provost Emeri- melting. The country’s warming one of the champions of the the way they are (WordTech Com- tus and Special Service Professor in is shown here with vivid color Catholic faith, and in his writings he munications, $18). East Asian Language and Culture. photographs and is accompanied addresses topics such as the limits This collection of essays about the by the authors’ investigations into and dangers of science without faith The White Devil: A Novel by foundational texts of East Asian the effects abrupt climate changes in God and the love of good food Justin Evans ’93. American teen An- civilization and culture focuses on have had on the world (The MIT and camaraderie (Saint Benedict drew Taylor is enrolled at Harrow, their central role in the shaping Press, $29.95). Press, $17.95). a British boarding school, where he of Asia’s history and the humani- is haunted by a ghost as he tries to ties at large (Columbia University Rethinking the Other in Antiq- Harlem: The Four Hundred Year figure out a centuries-old literary Press, $29.50). uity by Erich S. Gruen ’57. The History from Dutch Village to mystery that involves Lord Byron author challenges longstanding Capital of Black America by (Harper, $24.99). Athletes by Kirby Congdon ’50. This notions that Greeks, Romans and Jonathan Gill ’86. Beginning with collection of poems goes beyond Jews contrasted themselves with Harlem’s early days of Dutch Inside the Insane by Erica Loberg the notion that sports is only a foreigners and shows instead how settlements and farms, Gill docu- ’99. A depiction of the life and physical excursion and focuses on they found connections and shared ments how Harlem transformed minds of people living with mental the fragility of the human form, roots with diverse peoples (Prince itself into a major site of influ- illnesses in a psychiatric crisis with a healthy dose of spirituality ton University Press, $39.50). ential music and literary works, ward in Los Angeles, this book also (Presa Press, $9.95). especially for African-American features episodes from Loberg’s A March of Liberty: A Consti- art and intellectual development personal journey with Bipolar II The Hydra Chronicle by Charles tutional History of the United (see “Columbia Forum,” Fall 2011: (Chipmunkapublishing, $21). Young ’50. Set during the occupation States, Volume II: From 1898 to columbia.edu/cct/fall11/colum- of the Greek island Hydra during the Present by Melvin I. Urofsky ’61 bia_forum) (Grove Press, $29.95). Living Music Conversations With WWII and its aftermath, this novel and Paul Finkelman. This compre- Pandit Dinkar Kaikini by Priya Pu- follows characters Ido and Philip hensive overview of the American Racing in the Rain: My Life as a rushothaman ’03. This book explores as they go to Hydra to find the last Constitution discusses in detail Dog by Garth Stein ’87. In this kids’ Pandit Dinkar Kaikini’s theories of man and a huge treasury of Jewish not only how the Supreme Court adaptation of The Art of Racing in sound, melody, rhythm and creativ- assets (Cosmos Publishing, $19.95). handles major cases but also the the Rain, Enzo, the dog of a racecar ity while following him during his impact these cases have on society driver, dreams of racing against cars life of uncompromising devotion to When the World Spoke French by and on American culture (Oxford and learns that life isn’t simply about music and constant spiritual enquiry Marc Fumaroli, translated by Rich- University Press, $49.95). going fast (HarperCollins, $6.99). (Popular Prakashan, $34.95). ard Howard ’51. In this first English translation from French, Fumaroli Blood Trust by Eric Van Lustbader Gluten-Free Cupcakes: 50 Ir- Palaces of Time: Jewish Calendar profiles Francisco Goya, Benjamin ’68. In this novel, Alli Carson, one of resistible Recipes Made with and Culture in Early Modern

WINTER 2011–12 52 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY BOOKSHELF

Christopher Bollen ’98’s Love-Hate Letter to New York City

B y E t h a n R o u e n ’04J, ’11 B u s i n e s s

oung, smart, creative people continue spent childhood summers in New York City with rela- to flock to New York City like the Lost tives who lived there. Generation did to Paris, seeking the ex- “New York was like a book to me, a way to escape

hilarating success they fight each other and think outside my dull suburban surroundings,” a novel a Yfor and often encountering the painful heartbreak he says. that may inspire that success. Columbia was his first choice of colleges, and from In his first novel, Lightning People (Soft Skull the moment he arrived, “I don’t think I slept,” he says. Press, $25), Christopher Bollen ’98 captures that He threw himself into his studies. An English and quest by populating his post–9-11 Manhattan with American literature major and self-described nerd, ambitious, jealous young adults who attempt to he spent his waking hours reading and writing,

cling to their moral compasses while competing Christopher Bollen worshipping poetry professors Kenneth Koch and with their closest friends for what they most desire. Colette Inez and University Professor Gayatri Spivak. Lightning People is a love-hate letter to the city “She taught comp lit like it was as important that shaped Bollen from his childhood, a city that as a U.N. resolution,” Bollen says of Spivak. “The remains a stranger yet is filled with so many coinci- lessons I learned from that were as much about life dences that it sometimes seems almost caring. as about these texts on literature. Years later, I would “The city dominates the characters,” Bollen says. quote her and pretend they were my own insights.” “They are all trying to get free of this bigger beast prey- After graduating summa cum laude, Bollen hung ing on them.” around the Lower East Side for a year, waiting tables The novel follows Joseph Guiteau, a somewhat suc- and working at an art gallery to cover the rent. The cessful and handsome actor from Ohio who is dealing gallery job led to an internship in Italy with the Peggy with a difficult marriage, an enraged best friend and his Guggenheim Collection.

31st birthday, the age at which every Guiteau male has PHOTO: DANKO STEINER He returned to New York soon after and started died for generations. a career in magazines, rising through the ranks at a He finds solace in conspiracy theory group meetings and variety of publications as a writer and editor before becoming spends long hours in a dark hotel room talking to a mysterious editor-in-chief of Interview in 2008. and paranoid older woman whose dead husband he resembles. “I was too young and didn’t have the ability to write novels Joseph’s wife, a Columbia College graduate, is trying to escape an at that time,” he says. “It was the only way I knew how to make unhappy job while dealing with the death of her best friend, who is money writing. I regret that I waited so long.” one of two characters in the book who relish their lives and morality, In his 20s, Bollen had taken notes to prepare to write Lighting even though her job saving the world has also made her rich. People, but when he turned 30, he realized that he needed to “I didn’t want it to be about the coolest people in New York,” start the serious process of completing the book. He spent four Bollen says. “I wanted it to be more honest. I wanted interesting years writing after work and on weekends. characters that actually could exist.” Two years ago, he stepped down from his position at In- As the characters encroach on adulthood, their successes terview, taking the title of editor at large, a part-time position and failure intermingle, often with violent and tragic results where he still does interviews and writes articles but which as they fall out of love, face failure and harm those who most allows him to spend more time focused on writing fiction. care about them in fits of uncontrollable rage. As the characters Although Bollen does not plan to give up magazine writing fall deeper into despair, it becomes more difficult to find any completely, he will continue writing fiction, striving for the cre- redemption, but Bollen is able to successfully pull off an ending ative and commercial success that would drive so many of his that leaves the reader satisfied even though many characters characters insane with jealousy. remain unsaved. “My agent made me start writing my second book before the Writing a book about such morally ambivalent characters was first one came out,” he says. “I didn’t want the reviews to influence a risk for Bollen, both professionally and personally. He shares or terrorize me.” similarities with Joseph, to the point that the author has had to repeatedly make clear to family and friends that the similarities Ethan Rouen ’04J, ’11 Business is the former associate editor at stop at a superficial level. CCT and now works in strategic communications for Columbia. A Raised in suburban Cincinnati, Bollen, the son of a college former crime reporter at The New York Daily News, he is a regular professor and the owner of a flooring installation company, contributor to Fortune.com, American Way and other publications.

Europe by Elisheva Carlebach, the EyeMinded: Living and Writing Perspectives on the Performance of Scribble, Scribble, Scribble: Writing Salo Wittmayer Baron Professor of Contemporary Art by Kellie Jones, the Continental Economies edited on Politics, Ice Cream, Churchill, Jewish History, Culture and Society. associate professor of art history and by Edmund S. Phelps, the McVickar and My Mother by Simon Schama, This book examines how sifrei ev- archaeology. Jones brings awareness Professor of Political Economy, University Professor. In this collec- ronot, European Jewish calendars/ to the work of women, African- and Hans-Werner Sinn. Leading tion of essays and speeches, Schama almanacs of the 15th–18th centuries, American, African and Latin artists economists use various methods to writes about an array of topics from reflected both Jews’ values and who have created their own art explain Europe’s economic under- art to history and everything in beliefs and their interaction with practices, through selections of her performance in productivity and between (Ecco, $27.99). Christian society (Belknap Press of writings from the past 20 years other metrics against real-world Samantha Jean-Baptiste ’13 Harvard University Press, $35). (Duke University Press, $27.95). data (The MIT Press, $40).

WINTER 2011–12 53

COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY Class Notes

Columbia College Today ber/December 2009: college.columbia functions. He and I met on the After earning a B.S. in biology, Columbia Alumni Center bia.edu/cct/nov_dec09/features.] freshman track team and had been Benacerraf earned his M.D. at the 25 622 W. 113th St., MC 4530 Jerome Kurshan ’39, of Prince friends ever since. Bob served in Medical College of Virginia in 1945 40 New York, NY 10025 ton, N.J., wrote, “The Latin inscrip- the Army during WWII, graduated and later served as a medical officer [email protected] tion on my Columbia diploma from the Law School and worked in the Army in Germany and says I received honors in math and for North American Philips for France in 1946–47. After leaving Armen Matigan ’35 is 99 years physics. I earned a Ph.D. in physics almost 40 years. He was e.v.p. and NYU School of Medicine in 1966, young. He retired from dentistry in from Cornell in 1943 and spent the general counsel. Benacerraf was chief of the immu- 1986 and has a son, Robert. Armen next 44 years at RCA Laboratories John McDonald passed away nology laboratory at the National spends much of his time relaxing at in Princeton, first doing research in June in Allentown, Pa. Jack had Institute of Allergy and Infectious home in Glendale, Calif. He recalls in electronics and then in various practiced law in Pennsylvania dur- Diseases in Bethesda, Md. He then a favorite Contemporary Civiliza- management and administrative ing his working days. became chairman of the Depart- tion professor, Walter, whose last positions. Since retirement I have This kind of column is depressing. ment of Pathology at the Harvard name he can’t remember, whom remained active as treasurer of the How about forcing me to write an Medical School in 1969 and from Armen says became president of Princeton Macintosh Users’ Group, interesting one by sending me info 1980–91 was president of the Har- City University. as recorder for 55PLUS, as librarian and news about yourself that we can vard-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Can anyone help with the pro- for the Jewish Center of Princeton distribute to your classmates? Oth- Institute until his retirement. fessor’s last name? and as president and board mem- erwise I might start writing about This correspondent met Benacer- Irwin Grossman ’36 wrote from ber of the local Jewish Federation. my 12 great-grandchildren, two of raf in 1946 at Fort Sam Houston Roslyn, N.Y., “I noticed that my “My wife, Phyllis, and I celebrat- whom are now away at college. in Texas, where we were assigned oldest friend, Arnold Saltzman ed our 65th wedding anniversary to adjacent bunks in our barracks ’36, carried the 1936 banner at the this year. We have two children; five while training as medical officers REUNION MAY 31–JUNE 3 Alumni Parade of Classes at Class grandchildren, including Ariella for overseas assignments. Also ALUMNI OFFICE CONTACTS Day in May. The ‘perfect ’36,’ as we Kurshan ’06; and three great-grand- in our barracks was my former ALUMNI AFFAIRS Nick Mider used to say. On October 1, Arnold children. Livingston Hall roommate, lifelong [email protected] celebrated his 95th birthday. He “I had some excellent instructors friend and my predecessor as CCT 212-851-7846 is still going strong and goes to at Columbia and it is hard to single class correspondent, the late Dr. DEVELOPMENT Allen Rosso work in New York every day. He is out any one. Instead, let me men- Herbert Mark. The three of us spent [email protected] active in the local museum and lots tion Dr. Edward Hodnett, who was considerable time together before 212-851-7947 of other matters. He comes to visit the faculty adviser and director of departing for our overseas destina- me, as I can’t get around anymore. the Debate Council, of which I was Melvin Hershkowitz tions (Benacerraf to Germany and “The only other classmate I hear manager in my junior year. He took 22 Northern Ave. France, and Herb and myself to from is Sol Fisher ’36. We went to over after the death of longtime di- 42 Northampton, MA 01060 Japan). At that time, I spoke fluent high school, college and law school rector Arthur W. Riley and guided 42 German, after intensive studies at [email protected] together. He lives in California and the group to new heights of activity. Horace Mann and Columbia, and keeps the lumen lit. He bombards He also gave me personal assistance On August 3, The New York Times requested duty in the ETO, where the world with wild email, semi– in crafting my address as class salu- reported the August 2 death of Dr. I might have joined Benacerraf, but left-wing. He was that way in high tatorian at Commencement.” Baruj Benacerraf ’42 GS, Nobel Lau- the Army, in its wisdom, sent me to school and hasn’t changed though Share your memories and news reate in Medicine, at his home in Japan. We had only occasional con- he became a corporate lawyer. with friends and classmates by Boston. Benacerraf won the Nobel tact with Benacerraf in subsequent “I am past 96, beat-up and biode- sending a Class Note to the postal Prize in Medicine in 1980, with Dr. years as our careers progressed. grading at a rapid pace. However, or email address at the top of the George Snell of the United States After Benacerraf won the Nobel I feel better when I recall the rainy Prize, Herb and I sent him our con- day we beat Stanford in the bowl gratulations and good wishes. He and Al Barabas ’36 made the sole The U.S. Court House in Newark, N.J., honored responded with a gracious note of touchdown on a Statue of Liberty thanks, which typified his modesty play with Cliff Montgomery ’34 as Judge Leonard Garth ’42 by inscribing his name on and fine character. QB faking. Them wuz the days.” With sadness and great respect, From class president Arnold the atrium entrance of the building. we say farewell to our friend and Saltzman ’36 himself, “I marched distinguished GS ’42 alumnus, at the head of the procession of Dr. “Benny” Benacerraf, and we the past classes carrying our ‘1936’ column, or, even easier, by submit- and Dr. Jean Dausset of France, for send condolences to his daughter, banner honoring the current ting it online through CCT’s easy- their discoveries of how the human Beryl; brother, Paul; and his two graduating class. I was wearing the to-use webform: college.columbia. immune system enabled people to grandchildren. sweater with our class numerals edu/cct/submit_class_note. defend themselves against infection On August 2, I received a note awarded to those who played on and why others were susceptible to from Clara Carli, judicial assistant a freshman team. The second class autoimmune diseases such as mul- to Judge Leonard Garth, report- was 20 years later than I. Robert Zucker tiple sclerosis and lupus. Benacerraf ing on the June 24 ceremony at the “A roar of approval from the 29 The Birches discovered what he called immune U.S. Court House in Newark, N.J., seated graduates greeted me, with 41 Roslyn, NY 11576 response genes while conducting which honored Len by inscribing fists raised and kisses blown, as I 41 research in the 1960s in his labora- his name on the atrium entrance [email protected] moved by their ranks. We were, as tory at the NYU School of Medicine, of the building. Supreme Court you remember ‘the perfect ’36.’” A loyal classmate and good friend, where he was a professor of pathol- Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., Third David Perlman ’39, of San Bob Dettmer, died at 92 in August ogy. His father, born in Morocco, Circuit Chief Judge Theodore Francisco, wrote, “I’m still working at home in Kendal-on-Hudson. Bob and his mother, born in Algeria, McKee and Third Circuit Judge for a living — science editor at the and Suzanne, his bride of 63 years, had settled in Paris to conduct his Maryanne Trump Barry escorted San Francisco Chronicle — daily and were regulars at our annual Arden father’s textile business and then Len to the bench and spoke of his sometimes nightly.” [Editor’s note: House reunions, at the irregular emigrated to the United States at exceptional career during his 40 CCT profiled Perlman in Novem NYC lunches and at other Colum- the start of WWII. years on the Federal Court. More

WINTER 2011–12 54 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES than 170 guests attended the pro- lege.columbia.edu) and mark your Sad news: AAF sent me to MIT — a plus for ceedings. (See my prior comments calendars now. More information Leon Komoroski’s wife of 67 a math and physics major. After about Len in the Fall 2011 issue, will start to arrive during the spring, years informed us from Brightwa- I was commissioned, I forecasted page 67, or college.columbia.edu/ so be sure Columbia has your correct ters, N.Y., that he died on April 22. weather for the Air Transport cct/fall11/class_notes.) postal and email addresses. Leon was 90 and had served as a Command and later worked with In addition, more than 100 of I can be reached at the addresses radar officer in the Navy during a P38 photo squadron on Leyte. Len’s present and former law at the top of the column or at 413- WWII. He returned to teach math- Claim to fame: lucky me, I never clerks met in New York City to 586-1517. ematics at Bay Shore H.S., where he lost a pilot or plane for which I did celebrate his 90th birthday (April also was the football coach. Charles the forecast. 7). At this gathering, Alito spoke C. Cole Jr., of Columbus, Ohio, died “After much transfer credit from of his clerkship with Len and his G.J. D’Angio on June 18, 2010. He was a retired MIT, I got my B.A. from the Col- service as Len’s colleague on the Department of Radiation professor and past president of Wil- lege and an M.A. and Ed.D. from Third Circuit Court of Appeals as 43 Oncology son College in Pennsylvania. Alvin Teachers College. I taught math for well as his current service on the 43 Hospital of the University Lukashok, of New York City, died eight years and I got into school United States Supreme Court. of Pennsylvania, Donner 2 on June 20. Theodore E. Plucinski, administration for seven years. The We send warm congratulations 3400 Spruce St. a physician who lived in Brooklyn, next seven years I spent with an and good wishes to Len, a truly Philadelphia, PA 19104 N.Y., died on April 1. And Sidney educational consulting firm serv- distinguished member of our Class [email protected] Warschausky, a teacher from Ann ing more than 100 school districts of 1942, and his wife, Sarah. Arbor, Mich., died on April 9. at the time. Finally, I spent 17 years I have kept in touch via phone I first read of Boalsburg, Pa., in a as a superintendent. calls, email messages and occasional Columbia publication decades ago. “My wife of 61 years, Joan, and old-fashioned snail mail with Bob It is near the Penn State University Henry Rolf Hecht I have three children, nine grand- Kaufman (Scarsdale, N.Y.), Dr. Ger- campus. The justification for calling 11 Evergreen Pl. children and five great-grandchil- ald Klingon (New York City), Don attention to the town in this column 44 Demarest, NJ 07627 dren. Joan swims laps at YWCA Mankiewicz (Monrovia, Calif.), Dr. is this: It contains a direct tie to the 44 every weekday and volunteers at [email protected] William Robbins (Grand Island, word “Columbia.” In Boalsburg are the church and library. She’s also Fla.) and Dr. Arthur “Wizzer” to be found the chapel, desk and September saw publication of found time to write four cook- Wellington (Elmira, N.Y.). Despite other accouterments of Christopher prolific writer Joseph Cowley’s books. I play golf twice a week numerous and varied physical Columbus himself. It is well worth ESL adaptation of Dostoyevsky’s with a large local senior group, ailments, all are cognitively intact a visit. Crime and Punishment as well as a shoot handguns in matches and and actively interested in Columbia The town has other claims to separate Japanese version (with raise bonsai. affairs. Bob, Gerald, Bill and Art fame: the remarkable Boal family, cover and intro copy in Japanese, “So there you have a quick sum- already are members of the Nona- descended from Columbus. It is but contents in English). It involves mary of much of my life.” genarian Club and Don will join in also said to be where Memorial January. As Shakespeare told us in Day was started by concerned King Lear, “Ripeness is all.” ladies. They feared the Civil War My plans to attend Homecom- dead were being forgotten. Go to Joseph Cowley ’44 published an ESL adaptation of ing on October 15 were derailed the web for more information. Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment as well as a by Middlebury College’s Family On a trip to the Hudson Valley Visiting Day on that same date. I visited Clermont, the Livingston separate Japanese version. My grandson, Sam Hathaway, is estate and grounds in Germantown, a senior at Middlebury, major- N.Y. R.R. Livingston (Class of 1765), ing in physics. This was my last one of the founding fathers, lived “basically abridging and simpli- Albert Rothman, also ’44E, opportunity to see him on that there. fying the novel,” primarily for wrote: “It is gratifying at my late pristine campus, and so there I My wife and I have been travel- foreign students coming to study age to continue to be published. was, watching the Middlebury- ing; first to England in early Sept- here, “but any student — and, for Recently, I was informed that End Williams football game, while my ember to attend the funeral of her that matter, any adult — interested of the Affair, a poem, was published thoughts and good wishes were sister. We then doubled back to in literary works might find it in the online July issue of Front with friends, classmates and CCT’s Amsterdam later in September for interesting and helpful. And that Porch Review (frontporchrvw.com/ fine staff under the tent at Wien a medical meeting and extended includes my grandchildren in col- issue/july-2011/article/end-of- Stadium and at our game versus our steps to Sittard in the South to lege and high school.” Next for Joe the-affair). My story A New Traveler Penn on Kraft Field. I’m hoping to revisit her brother Pat’s grave. He is an adaptation of Hawthorne’s in the Adventure of Love has been see some of you at Homecoming is buried in the British War Cem- The Scarlet Letter. The tasks are accepted for publication in the in 2012, the 70th anniversary of our etery there and was but 21 when “challenging, but interesting.” anthology Heartscapes: True Stories graduation from Columbia. the tank he was commanding Share your memories and news of Remembered.” Speaking of our graduation was destroyed. It was during the with friends and classmates by Your class correspondent has anniversary, our Alumni Reunion 1944 Battle of Geilenkirchen in Ger- sending a Class Note to me at the moved. Please note my new ad- Weekend is scheduled for Thursday, many. We later went to Auckland, postal or email address at the top dress, at the top of the column, and May 31–Sunday, June 3. Take a look New Zealand, for another medical of the column, or, even easier, by my phone number: 415-888-3715. at the reunion website (reunion.col meeting, after all, funds for the trip submitting it online through CCT’s having been secured. It’s a great easy-to-use webform: college. country, particularly the southern columbia.edu/cct/submit_class_ Bernard Sunshine Class Notes are submitted by island, but a long way all the same. note. It will come right to me. 20 W. 86th St. Please send me a note regarding 46 New York, NY 10024 alumni and edited by volunteer whatever you think might interest 46 [email protected] class correspondents and the our classmates: your trips, hobbies Enoch Callaway or maybe discovery of a notable 87 Barbaree Way Peter Rogatz continues a distin- staff of CCT prior to publication. Columbia graduate. Challenge: Can 45 Tiburon, CA 94920-2223 guished career in medicine and Opinions expressed are those of anyone top my 1765 King’s College 45 public health, and I asked for his [email protected] individual alumni and do not alumnus mentioned earlier; in other thoughts on issues that are particu- words, find an earlier grad? James Boyd wrote: “We last got larly relevant to our generation. reflect the opinions ofCCT, its Sending a note is easily done together in the Delta Phi house on They follow. class correspondents, the College either through this link: college. 116th Street. Tracy Scudder recom- “After my retirement from a columbia.edu/cct/submit_class_ mended that I get into the Army career in health care administra- or the University. note or directly to me through my Air Force meteorological program, tion, I became actively involved in email: [email protected]. so I enlisted on January 6, 1943. issues that had been a matter of in-

WINTER 2011–12 55

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY creasing concern to me throughout lems, I co-founded Compassion & tinguished Columbia CV includes literature); Rose Raskin and Leon my professional career: end-of-life Choices of New York (compassion University Provost and University Stilman ’52 GSAS (Russian language problems faced by patients and andchoicesofny.org), an affiliate of Professor (emeritus). Author of and literature); André von Gronicka their families. Scientific and tech- the national organization Compas- highly regarded works on Germany ’42 GSAS (Goethe and Schiller); nological advances in medical care sion & Choices (compassionand and Europe, he continues globe- Meyer Schapiro ’24, ’35 GSAS (20th- have altered the dying experience choices.org). A small team of profes- hopping for lectures and confer- century painting); and John Herman for many patients. Death, which sionals and volunteers, supported ences and keeps adding to his list of Randall Jr. ’18, ’22 GSAS (history of often came almost unheralded by a dedicated board of directors, awards and honors. philosophy). Von Gronicka, born in after an acute medical episode, is is helping to make a difference. We I received a note from Paul Moscow of a Russian mother and now more likely to be postponed work with patients who are nearing Rotondi, who now is retired as a Baltic German father, taught my for many years. This is a welcome the end of their lives, helping them CEO and chairman of Washington first college course in Russian. Later development when it means added and their families to cope with Savings Bank in Hoboken, N.J. both Randall and von Gronicka were years of vitality and enjoyment of many problems they face. helpful members of my dissertation life. In some instances, however, “What does the patient under- committee. I was happy to be able REUNION MAY 31–JUNE 3 the technical skills available in stand about her/his illness? What in 1967 to contribute an essay to ALUMNI OFFICE CONTACTS the medical armamentarium take does she feel about it? What practi- Randall’s Festschrift. ALUMNI AFFAIRS Nick Mider the patient beyond these enjoy- cal problems must be addressed? “Another Columbia professor [email protected] able added years into a prolonged Has she completed an advance whom I recall warmly and admir- 212-851-7846 period of difficult-to-control directive (health care proxy and a ingly, though I never took a class DEVELOPMENT Allen Rosso symptoms and what has come to living will)? Is she suffering pain, from him, was F.W. Dupee. We [email protected] be known as ‘existential suffer- shortness of breath, nausea, vomit- co-taught Senior Colloquium in 212-851-7947 ing.’ How society deals with such ing, anxiety, fear? Has she sought 1958–59 and took turns introduc- problems has become a major issue hospice care? Occasionally a patient Columbia College Today ing the works to be discussed. in end-of-life care. in an advanced stage of disease Columbia Alumni Center Thus, Dupee, the English professor, “The confrontation with death experiences distress that cannot be 47 622 W. 113th St., MC 4530 would introduce Hegel, and I, the can be difficult for all of us in our relieved even by skillful palliative 47 New York, NY 10025 philosophy (assistant) professor, various roles as physicians, nurses, techniques and will seek to hasten [email protected] would introduce Dickens. We had a parents of children and children of the moment of her death. What can brilliant group of students, among parents — uneasy at best and ter- be done within the limits of the law Merton Reichler, of East Setauket, them David Rosand ’59, ’65 GSAS, rifying at worst. I have been struck to advise and help such patients? N.Y., writes, “At 85, after a career now the Meyer Schapiro Professor by the observation that persons These are among the problems that of college teaching (since 1962 at of Art History Emeritus at Colum- nearing the end of life may come to our organization seeks to address. SUNY Stony Brook), I now teach bia, and Erwin Glikes ’59, alas no terms with death more readily than “Beyond one-on-one relation- Roman history and the early U.S. longer with us, who was president family and friends — more readily ships with patients and families, Supreme Court in our large (800- and publisher of Basic Books. even than nurses and physicians. Compassion & Choices is active plus) senior citizen organization, “The Core Curriculum was a “Is it always in the best interest in community education and in which used to be called The Round treasure. As a returning veteran, of the patient to do everything pos- promoting legislation in New York Table but is now (due to a large I fell in love with the sweep of sible to extend life? Are there some that will strengthen society’s ability grant) called the Osher Lifelong Humanities A (from Homer to occasions when our energetic efforts to address these problems. We were Learning Institute. Dostoevsky). Teaching that course with ventilators, dialysis and tube instrumental in developing the Pal- “I have had three wives (all several times between 1950 and feeding are merely prolonging the liative Care Information Act and the deceased) and have three adult chil- 1959 was for me a tough but excit- dying process, rather than extend- Family Healthcare Decisions Act, dren and six grandchildren, plus a ing ‘learning experience.’ ing life in a way that is meaningful both of which became New York wonderful companion; she is retired “As for my current work: 1) I’m for the patient? Such questions State law in 2010. These current from college teaching of English and trying to complete the Kline Archive are being asked with increasing multi-pronged efforts, including American literature. So far, as you at Yale’s Beinecke Library: corres- frequency. The answer is different individual counseling, legislation can see, my health is good enough pondence with Joseph Brodsky for every patient but, whenever and education of the public and to permit these activities, so I need (Nobel laureate 1987) and with possible, the answer must come not health care professionals, represent no others. other Russians, drafts of talks and from those who love the patient or significant steps toward a more “My favorite professors at Co- translations and so forth; 2) I’m are providing professional care but thoughtful and humane approach lumbia were Larry Chamberlain, revising my Joseph Brodsky: Selected directly from the patient. to end-of-life care.” Dwight Miner ’26 and Lionel Trill- Poems (with foreword by W.H. “Even the best physicians us- Join the discussion and send your ing ’25. In essence, they taught me Auden, 1973) for republication by ing the most advanced technical comments and thoughts on this to read critically. When I was at the Farrar, Straus and Giroux; and 3) tools cannot defeat death, but the subject to me. They will appear in College, there was no ‘Core’ — or, I’m working on the 40th article I’ve instinct to hold death at bay as this column. in a way, it was all Core.” produced since retiring from Bryn long as possible is strong in the Irving Ackerman wrote from CCT also heard from Charles Mawr College in 1991. Meantime, medical profession; some of us Los Angeles: “I listened to the con- (Chuck) Greenwood Wootton of my patient wife, Virginia, has put want to fight to the bitter end — an versation (on TV; also available San Diego. “I’m a retired American up with me for almost 69 years.” end that may indeed be bitter for online: video.pbs.org/video/2008 diplomat and Chevron internation- Former CCT correspondent Bert some patients. Happily, in recent 416709) with Richard Heffner and al public affairs coordinator. I’m Sussman’s wife, Shirley ’46 GSAS, years, a more nuanced approach former Dean Michele Moody- an active volunteer, currently as an passed away on October 30. She has evolved. The growing number Adams and found it most interest- Oasis Reading Tutor of second- earned a master’s in public admin- of hospice programs represents ing. I, too, felt the four terms of the graders, and was honored to be istration from Columbia, and her a major resource committed to Core Curriculum were eye-openers named 2011 Volunteer of the Year mentor was Professor McMahon. caring for patients at home and and mind-enhancers that I thoroug- by the San Diego Unified School In 1946, Shirley was administra- helping them to get the best out hly enjoyed taking and that have District. tive assistant to first-term Rep. of their final months and weeks. made a great and good difference in “I consider the Core the high Jacob Javits (R-N.Y.) and at JFK’s Hospitals are developing palliative my subsequent thinking and how I point of my undergraduate experi- request set up his office as she did care programs that offer control of view the world.” ence.” the Javits office across the hall from symptoms at a stage when persis- Irv practiced medicine at Mas- George L. Kline ’50 GSAS wrote: JFK. She was part of the team that tent efforts to combat disease may sachusetts General Hospital and for “I can’t pick a single favorite Colum- wrote the Marshall Plan. Says Bert, result in pointless suffering. many years with Kaiser Perma- bia professor. Let me rather mention “Understatement of the century: It “More than a decade ago, shortly nente in Los Angeles. He recalls half a dozen professors whose was my privilege and pleasure to after my official ‘retirement,’ seek- medical school at P&S with Warren courses I recall with special warmth have loved her.” ing an opportunity to contribute Glaser and Martin Silbersweig. and gratitude: Joseph Wood Krutch Share your memories and news to society’s approach to such prob- I ran into Fritz Stern, whose dis- ’24 GSAS (18th-century English with classmates by sending a Class

WINTER 2011–12 56 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

Note to the email address at the top tion Ribbon with Metal Pendant as an illustrator and painter with landscape.” of the column, or, even easier, by for meritorious service. numerous distinguished awards Showing no inclination to retire, submitting it online through CCT’s In addition to his wife, Harry is and presence in major museum Buddy has been active with nu- easy-to-use webform: college.col survived by their children, Harry E. collections.” merous professional associations umbia.edu/cct/submit_class_note. Jr. of Wellesley, Mass., Maryann E. We are all in debt to Burt for his and continues to strive to improve If you are interested in becom- Cudd of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Neil contribution to our last reunion as the lives of his clients and the legal ing CCT’s Class of ’47 class cor- H. of Ridgewood, N.J.; eight grand- well as for the work of his career, landscape in which he operates. respondent, please contact Alexis children and one great-grandchild. now currently on exhibit. We offer Ed Kessler writes from Oklaho- Tonti ’11 Arts, Class Notes editor, at Please share your memories and our congratulations. ma to report the death of his wife [email protected] or 212-851- news with classmates by sending Winter is nigh and with it, the of nearly 61 years, Lottie Catherine 7485 for more information. a Class Note to me at the email ad- promise of spring. That allows Menger, last May. Ed and Lottie Please mark your calendar for dress at the top of the column. the class’ 65th Alumni Reunion Weekend, scheduled for Thurs- day, May 31–Sunday, June 3. Take John Weaver The New York Real Estate Journal designated Hubert a look at the reunion website 2639 E. 11th St. (Buddy) Brandt ’50 in May as its “Executive of the (reunion.college.columbia.edu) 49 Brooklyn, NY 11235 for some preliminary information. 49 Month.” [email protected] More information will start to arrive during the spring, so be sure Writing in September for Decem- Columbia has your correct postal ber perusal presents an interesting ample time for all of you to send me were classmates in high school in and email addresses. platform. As you read this, events your notes, scribbles, pictures, what- Corpus Christi, Texas, where Ed about which there is speculation ever … CCT is now on schedule lived during WWII while his father may have found resolution. At the with the seasons, so get on board! served in China under General Eric P. Schellin very least, the weather will provide Claire Lee Chennault, who com- 2506 N. Harrison St. us with more or less ammunition manded the famed “Flying Tigers.” 48 Arlington, VA 22207 for the arguments regarding cli- Mario Palmieri Bernie Prudhomme reminisces 48 mate change. And with respect to 33 Lakeview Ave. W. that his four years at Columbia [email protected] that matter, let us hope that politics 50 Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567 were among the more memorable I’m sorry to say that the only news I takes a back seat to science and 50 events in his life and he sends best [email protected] have to share this time is an obituary. also that a new iceberg, larger than wishes to all classmates. Retired Harry E. Ekblom, a banker, some countries, crumbles to less Special recognition was accorded since 1991, he noted that there attorney and management con- ominous bits of floating hazards. Hubert (Buddy) Brandt as the New have been ups and downs but he sultant, died on August 28 at his Perhaps the most interesting York Real Estate Journal designated is grateful for good health that has home in Osterville, Mass. He was news of the new school year has him in May as its “Executive of allowed him to remain active. 83 and the husband of Elizabeth been the situation regarding the the Month.” Buddy’s professional Rudy Weingartner’s second H. (Betty) Ekblom for 61 years. Dean’s Office. While there has been status is that of partner in the law edition of his book Fitting Form to Harry was born in New York considerable on-the-record inquiry firm Brandt, Steinberg & Lewis Function: A Primer on the Organiza- City. He graduated from the NYU and testimony, the consequences of in Manhattan, but his connection tion of Academic Institutions, re- School of Law and was admitted the changes will only be clear over with real estate is based on his ferred to in a previous Class Notes, to the New York Bar in 1957. He time. We wish the interim dean firm’s concentration in property- was published in June. Readers can attended the Advanced Manage- success in his efforts. tax appeals and condemnation. It check out rowmanlittlefield.com; ment Program at the Harvard Most significant is the interest is a path he has followed since 1954 enter keyword “Weingartner.” Business School in 1970. and email exchange among our with the firm founded by his father Sadly, we report three deaths: During his 33-year banking career, class members. It is so very heart- in 1932. The Journal’s citation reads: Dr. Arthur S. Campbell of Upper Harry spent 20 years as a senior of- ening to note that regardless of “Attorney Hubert Brandt has Saddle River, N.J. (July); William J. ficer at The Chase Manhattan Bank, graduation having been more than been molding the legal landscape Hill of Weston, Conn. (September now known as JPMorgan Chase 60 years ago, we remain strongly in Manhattan for over 50 years.” 2010); and Rev. S. Neale Morgan Bank. At Chase, he held a number of attached and involved. Those four And he has been, the Journal went of Shepherdstown, W.Va. (April diverse positions including general years as undergraduates gave us on, “a staple in the ever-changing 2010). manager, London Branches, and offi- a gift that we continue to repay cer-in-charge of Western Europe, as enthusiastically with interest and well as leading the bank’s business concern. I thank Bill Lubic and Joe in the Caribbean and Canada and Russell in particular for their lively head of the Commodities Lending and informative exchanges. Help Support CCT Division. Following his career at A “first ever” submission to this Chase, Harry was elected chairman, column arrived in my email from the olumbia College Today brings you news of your alma mater president and CEO of European CCT website (college.columbia.edu/ and profiles of its people you won’t find anywhere else. American Bank in New York in cct/submit_class_note) submitted by Wherever you are — Los Angeles, Louisville, London or the 1970. Upon the bankruptcy of the an “anonymous user.” The vagaries C Lower East Side — CCT is the best way to stay connected with Franklin National Bank in 1974, EAB and mysteries of our digital age your classmates and with Columbia. purchased the branches and other have created a new language among Your tax-deductible contribution helps make all this possible. viable assets of Franklin from the many other alterations to our per- Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and ception of events. I certainly would CCT remains free of charge — no donation is required to receive thereby became the largest bank on never have tried to hide my identity the magazine or to access our website (college.columbia.edu/cct). Long Island. EAB was later acquired in submitting the following: But if you choose to support us, you may do so online (college. by Citigroup. “Burton Silverman, whose por- columbia.edu/cct/giving), by phone (212-851-7852) or by mailing a Harry retired from EAB in trait of now-deceased Dr. Robert check, made payable to Columbia College Today (Columbia College 1983 and became an independent Butler ’53 P&S was presented at the Today, Columbia Alumni Center, 622 W. 113th St., MC 4530, 1st Fl., contractor to A.T. Hudson, a man- 60th class reunion in 2009, will be New York, NY 10025). All donors are recognized each fall, after the agement consulting firm in New having a retrospective exhibition of close of the fiscal year on June 30, on theCCT website (www.col Jersey, where he spent 10 years as a his work at the Hofstra University lege.columbia.edu/cct/fall11). non-executive adviser. Museum. The exhibition will run He fought with the 40th Infantry until December 16 and includes 28 We greatly appreciate your support, and ask that you stay in Division in Korea during 1951–52 works executed over the last de- touch and share news at college.columbia.edu/cct/contactus. and was awarded the Commenda- cade. Burt has had a 60-year career

WINTER 2011–12 57

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

George Koplinka ball coach, Kyle Smith, presented Bollinger and U.S. Navy Secretary College in Vermont, he is writing 51 75 Chelsea Rd. plaques honoring the members Ray Mabus signed an agreement and performing one-man shows on White Plains, NY 10603 of the Class of 1951 “Columbia of their intention to reinstate the various quintessential Americans 51 Hall of Fame” basketball team. NROTC at Columbia for the first including Nathaniel Hawthorne, [email protected] Recipients included John Azary time in more than 40 years. It’s a Theodore Roosevelt, Jackson Pol- The resignation in August of Dean and Robert Sullivan, who are no start. Midshipmen would begin lock and Dr. Benjamin Spock. Michele Moody-Adams, after her longer living, as well as Frank training at SUNY Maritime Col- Here’s a guy we haven’t heard relatively short tenure at the Col- Lewis, Tom Powers Sr. and Gerry lege and hopefully the NROTC from in a long, long time: Don lege, surprised many in our class. Evans, team manager. In his com- program would return to the Roemermann, who for the first During last June’s campus activi- ments, coach Smith discussed the Morningside campus some day. two years at Columbia did the ties, the dean delivered a presenta- opportunities to lift the Lions to the Jim, from those of us who under- commute to 116th Street in his 1930 tion on “Morality and the Claims next level and move ahead of Penn stand that the rift between American Model A Ford! While Don majored of History.” She explored some of and Princeton as perennial Ivy citizens and the military is neither in geology and went on to gradu- the most serious moral obligations League champions. Hopefully, his preferable nor permanent, thank you ate from Indiana with an M.B.A. in that we have as members of our successful tenure at St. Mary’s on for your perseverance. petroleum geology, he ended up communities and what arises out the West Coast, along with some Columbia College Today is now in the NYC suburbs as a v.p., com- of choices made not by ourselves 20 years of coaching experience, published quarterly, with the mercial lending, with The Bank of but by others. Her thought-pro- will continue to invigorate future seasons. You are reminded that New York. He retired in the late voking conclusions will no doubt basketball activity in Levien Gym. you now have more time to submit ’80s and has kept himself busy further her successful career in Here is a short story about Rob- information to your Class Notes playing lots of bridge and doing the field of education. We all wish ert Sullivan, who died on April 12. correspondent. If you would like some volunteer work. For many her well in her future endeavors “Sully” was an ardent Catholic and to have a photograph of the 60th years, Don was an instructor in and thank her for her significant supposedly this anecdote could be reunion attendees, please send me AARP’s safe driving class. Feeling contributions to Columbia. called “Sin and Redemption.” Dur- an email, or download and print it lucky to have continued to live in Here are some concluding ing the championship year, in the from here: college.columbia.edu/ the beautiful Hudson Valley region comments and reflections on our final seconds in the game against cct/fall11/reunion#classphotos. A near West Point, Don, with his wife 60th reunion. At the Friday cocktail Princeton, when the Lions were few 60th Reunion Directories are still of 56 years, Betty, spends much party at the Columbia University protecting a narrow lead, Bobby available, too. time with their two daughters and Club, David Zinman staged a mistakenly called for a timeout Please support Columbia College sons-in-law, who also live in the reading of an original work, “Pig- when Columbia had none. The ref- Today. Send a check, made payable Northeast. Of four grandchildren, tails in the Outfield.” The story de- eree’s penalty gave the Tigers the to Columbia College Today, in care of one is married and another will scribed a Little League coach who opportunity to score the go-ahead Karen Iorio, Columbia College Today, take the vows next year. Betty and gets a young girl on his team and points to win the game. During Columbia Alumni Center, 622 W. Don are looking forward to being they go through a baseball season the ensuing in-bound pass, Sully 113th St., MC 4530, 1st Fl, New great-grandparents. Let’s hope it that changes both their lives. The stole the ball, ran the length of the York, NY 10025, or give online: happens soon! cast included David as the coach, court and scored the winning field college.columbia.edu/cct/giving. John Krajcir writes, “In 2002 I Elliot Wales as a kibitzer in the goal as time expired. Redemption It would be helpful in covering the received a surprise gift in the mail audience and Elliot’s wife, Fran, as at last! expenses for this great publication. from Chicago. It was a beautiful the “pigtailed” Little Leaguer. Da- In a recent letter to CC ’51 Every little bit helps! album, titled Columbia Fencing: The vid’s books include The Day Huey alumni, Robert Snyder, class Meanwhile, holiday greetings Golden Years 1951–1955. Teammate Long Was Shot and Strom in Limbo, president, reported that 106 class and best wishes for the New Year! Ted Reuter ’54 painstakingly put a story about the late Sen. Strom members together contributed together copies of all the articles Thurmond of South Carolina. more than $102,500 to the Co- on fencing published in Spectator REUNION MAY 31–JUNE 3 On June 4, the ever-popular lumbia College Fund, placing us from 1951–55. I was honored to be ALUMNI OFFICE CONTACTS Austin Quigley, a former dean of second among all previous 60th part of those golden years in ’51 ALUMNI AFFAIRS Nick Mider the College and now a member of anniversary classes in this regard. and ’52 as well as in ’48, when I [email protected] the faculty, served as our after- Congratulations to the donors. In was awarded a full scholarship to 212-851-7846 lunch speaker. His reputation for addition, gifts to the class treasury Columbia. In 1951, we won both DEVELOPMENT Allen Rosso keeping an audience spellbound is have covered incidental expenses the Eastern Intercollegiate and the [email protected] world-renowned. Once again his related to the reunion and left a NCAA in Champaign, Ill., with 212-851-7947 remarks about his tenure as dean, balance of $337 to use as a kitty for Bob Nielsen ’51 (foil), Dan Chafetz campus life, the Core Curriculum our 65th reunion in 2016. Can we Sidney Prager (epee), yours truly (saber) and our at Columbia and conclusions about increase the attendance at the next 20 Como Ct. great coach, Joe Velarde, who re- the future of education in America reunion from the 123 classmates, 52 Manchester, NJ 08759 cently was named to the US Fenc- were philosophical and thought- family and friends who attended 52 ing Coaches Hall of Fame. It was a [email protected] provoking. When asked if he this year? great trip down memory lane. But ever thought about becoming the Dean’s Pins are given to mem December 22, and the winter solstice the best was yet to come! president of a college or university, bers of each class’ Reunion Com- arrives. The Northern Hemisphere “Ted informed me that coach Dean Quigley was quick to point mittee who have demonstrated ushers in winter. The cold winds Velarde was living in Northern Cali- out that such a position would re- particular dedication and involve- blow, the snowflakes fly. Hats, coats fornia, just 70 miles away. I called move him from close contact with ment in their reunion. The members and gloves we must apply. The him, and my wife, Nora, and I got his students and deprive him of who received Dean’s Pins this days are short, the nights are long. together for lunch with the coach what has really given him the most reunion were Joseph Ambrose Jr., It seems more difficult for people to and his lovely wife, Carol. This was satisfaction in his career. David Berman, Willard Block, Jo- get along. our first meeting in 50 years, since During reunion festivities, class- seph Buda, Robert Flynn, J. Mason We spend much more time we both left Columbia in 1952. mates and friends enjoyed a Satur- Gentzler Jr., Mark Kaplan, George indoors and we turn up the heat. “We spent three wonderful hours day afternoon panel discussion as Koplinka, Harvey Krueger, Robert However, reading a good book, catching up and reliving some of members of the class shared their Osnos, George Prozan, Stanley in a warm easy chair, is hard to those great memories Ted put professional talents and led lively Schachter, Robert Snyder, Leonard beat. Many of us love to ski, and together. We plan to meet again and discussions. Many thanks to panel- Stoehr, Elliot Wales, Myron Win- ice skating is really a lot of fun. My continue the journey. ists Ralph Lowenstein, Myron ick and David Zinman. wife and I have decided to run, to “Thanks to Ted for bringing us “Mickey” Winick, Andrew Sarris Jim Lowe has worked diligently Florida. together. and J. Mason Gentzler Jr. for since the Vietnam War for the Everybody “keep cool” and stay “I am retired after a 38-year ca- their leadership and participation. return of the NROTC program to warm. reer with DuPont as a West Coast Later in the evening, following the the Columbia campus. On May Geoffry Brown: Retired after 35 marketing manager in the Polymer class dinner, Columbia’s basket- 26, Columbia President Lee C. years teaching theater at Marlboro Products Department. Nora and I

WINTER 2011–12 58 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

Joe Sirola ’51 Is an Actor for All Seasons

B y T h o m a s V i n c i g u e r r a ’85, ’86J, ’90 GSAS

he lights come up. my luck hasn’t been too good.” The gravelly voice Actually, it has been very rumbles from behind good in another area: The Wall the curtain. Street Journal once dubbed T“All the world’s a stage,” Sirola “King of the Voiceovers” intones Joe Sirola ’51, stroll- for his ubiquitous narration of ing into view, black pullover radio and TV commercials. He and dark slacks highlighting his has pitched for Mobil, Ford, rough-hewn, tanned face and GE, Hertz, Vicks, Boar’s Head, silver hair. “And all the men and Wendy’s and many others. He women merely players ... ” is even the voice of the Empire It is, of course, Jaques’ solilo- State Building Tour. He broke quy from As You Like It. Before through, he says, by eschew- the evening is out, Sirola will ing the avuncular tone that deliver 23 monologues from other pitchmen had used. “Not 11 of Shakespeare’s plays, knowing any better, I used the assaying characters as diverse mic as a person. I spoke to the as Caliban, Petruchio, Hotspur, audience rather than at them. Macbeth, Hamlet, Lear and Actor Joe Sirola ’51 (left) with fellow actor David McCallum (NCIS, I went from $3,200 a year to a Prospero. For good measure, The Man From U.N.C.L.E.) on Sirola’s terrace in Manhattan in June at million a year for 20 years.” he will dispense three sonnets his annual “Champagne and Roses” party, where guests greet the “Joe, as far as I know, is the as well. blooming of his 18 bushes. most successful voiceover This is Ages of Man, a solo PHOTO: RUSS WEATHERFORD artist ever,” says Morrow piece first performed by John Wilson ’61. “I met him 30 or 40 Gielgud in 1957. Today, Sirola under what was then called the actor. She had it written into her years ago when we were both does it for free in school audi- professional option; outside of contract that during her rehears- doing voiceovers for Prell. He toriums, libraries, private clubs class he was on the swimming als, she had to stop working had the 60-second spot and I and other venues for students, and freshman baseball teams. between 3:00 and 3:30 so she was doing the 30-second one. scholars and anyone else who He also played football; his could watch the show.” Enter Joe with a box full of craves a dose of the Bard. position, he recalls, was “on the Since then, Sirola’s motion every kind of imaginable muffin (Those who can’t catch him bench.” pictures have included The and donut, plus coffee. In that live can always get the DVD.) After a 15-month stint in Greatest Story Ever Told and effervescent way of his, he It is the culmination of some Korea, Sirola joined Kimberly- Hang ’Em High; among his offered it to everyone in the 50 years of acting, during which Clark as a sales promotion small-screen roles have been room. I remember thinking, ‘My time Sirola has worked with manager. But the work was two villains on Get Smart (no- God, no wonder this guy works Clint Eastwood, Rock Hudson, boring and his girlfriend told tably the evil Bronzefinger, who all the time. Apart from having Eve Arden, Ed Begley Sr. and him, “You’re much more than paints his victims to death) and this wonderful, sonorous voice, Gina Lollobrigida, and appeared a salesman.” So at 28, he quit the voice of Dr. Doom on the he gives everyone breakfast!’” in such familiar fare as NYPD and took several arts courses animated The Fantastic Four. These days, when not de- Blue, Rhoda, the original Hawaii at Hunter College, including Sirola is proudest, though, of claiming as Richard III or serving Five-O, The Untouchables and one in acting and directing. two appearances on Steve as VW spokesperson “Sluggy The Man From U.N.C.L.E. “We worked eight hours a day Allen’s talk show, Meeting of Patterson,” Sirola can often Ages also is a sly evocation and my instructor said, ‘Make Minds, which depicted histori- be found holding forth with of Sirola’s undergraduate days. your mistakes on stage.’” cal figures engaging in verbal Wilson and other friends at the “At Columbia they said to me, And he did. In 1958, Sirola sparring: He played both Tom Players, a private theatrical club ‘Go home on Wednesday, read debuted Off-Broadway for $15 Paine and Sir Thomas More. on Gramercy Park. When he is Julius Caesar, and come back on a week in Song for a Certain One thing that has eluded dressed up, he often sports a Friday,’” he recalls, laughing. “If Midnight. “It was terrible. One him is a continuing TV series. red rose in his lapel that he has I’d had this DVD in class, I would reviewer called it Song for a Sirola had high hopes for his clipped from one of the bushes have appreciated it more.” Wrong Key. But Brooks Atkinson part as the patriarch of an in his penthouse garden on East Sirola was not a natural-born said, ‘Attention should be paid to Italian-American family in the 66th Street. “I wear one all the thespian. In fact, he says, “I had Joe Sirola, who combined brut- 1975 series The Montefuscos, time,” he says. “Except when I no desire to act in my life.” The ishness with tender remorse.’” the brainchild of Bill Persky and do cowboys.” son of Croatian immigrants — Almost immediately Sirola’s Sam Denoff, who created That his father was a carpenter and career took off; within two years Girl. “I thought it was a sure Thomas Vinciguerra ’85, ’86J, his mother ran a 15-room board- he was on Broadway in The thing. We did eight shows and ’90 GSAS is a regular con- ing house at 363 W. 19th St. in Unsinkable Molly Brown while got great reviews. But they put tributor to The New York Times Chelsea — Sirola graduated also starring in the CBS soap us opposite The Waltons. Then and editor of Backward Ran from Stuyvesant H.S. At the opera The Brighter Day. “Tallulah in 1989 I was in Wolf and they Sentences: The Best of Wolcott College he majored in business Bankhead said I was her favorite put us opposite Roseanne. So Gibbs from The New Yorker.

WINTER 2011–12 59

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY have three sons, Mike, Steve and ever many reunions we have left. Rolon is survived by Diana and well. “I guess I am retired, not hav- Paul, and three grandchildren, We know he will be there in spirit.” by his children from his previous ing a series to write or produce after Chris, Kaylee and Ryan.” Howard’s vibrancy and enthu- marriage to Ann, Rolon A. III of 50 years, but I am still writing free- Our 60th Alumni Reunion Week- siasm will be sorely missed at our Athens, Greece; Hillary Yeo of lance — a novel and memoirs. Send end is scheduled for Thursday, 60th reunion in 2013. Cary, N.C.; and Jennifer Simon of my best wishes to all classmates. May 31–Sunday, June 3. Take a look I’m terribly sorry to also report Camden, Maine; by sister Marilyn Can’t think of one I didn’t like.” at the reunion website (reunion. that at the age of 80 one of our Mellor of Flowery Branch, Ga.; by Ed Cowan and his wife, Ann college.columbia.edu) and mark distinguished, and highly articulate, grandchildren Samuel Reed, Jordan Louise, have completed their cam your calendars now. More informa- classmates, Rolon W. Reed, passed and Molly Yeo; and Ella Simon; and paign (which began in 2000) to see tion will start to arrive during the away on September 18 near his by his beloved dog, Jesse. a baseball game in each of the 30 spring, so be sure Columbia has home in Lake County, Fla. Rolon I’m certain we’ll remember Ro- Major League ballparks. They are your correct postal and email ad- was always famous for his one- lon as a towering, talented, exciting both great fans of the sport and dresses. liners, and he is reported to have classmate. Life was always alive as Ed says, “The collateral benefit Your reporter thanks you for your said that he wanted the following when he was in the room! was that we took in a great deal contributions and wishes you good carved on his gravestone: “I had a If you have stories about How- of America on side trips, such as health. ball.” ard or Rolon, would you take a Minneapolis and Lake Superior, Quite a few years ago, Rolon re- moment to email your anecdotes? Houston and the Texas Hill Coun- tired as a partner in the prominent I’ll be delighted to insert them into try, Atlanta and a stunning museum Lew Robins Manhattan law firm of Simpson the next column. display of quilts from southern 1221 Stratfield Rd. Thacher & Bartlett. For nearly 10 Alabama.” 53 Fairfield, CT 06825 years in the 1970s and early 1980s, Ed adds that they enjoy summer- 53 he also served as the mayor and Howard Falberg ing in northern New Hampshire. [email protected] trustee of the Hudson River village 13710 Paseo Bonita While back in Washington, he plans Our exuberant, musically enthusias- of Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., until New 54 Poway, CA 92064 to continue his occasional pro bono tic and talented classmate Howard York Gov. Mario Cuomo appointed 54 writing about D.C. government [email protected] Pettebone passed away at his home him as a Westchester County Court as well as editing. “In D.C. I see on July 28 surrounded by his wife, judge. I have been so pleased to hear from a several classmates — chiefly,David Barbara, and his health aide and Rolon will always be remem- good number of our classmates, who Bardin, Don Crabill and Herb friend, Sam Agebese, after an 18- bered as the crusading, hard-work- responded to a survey I sent out. Hagerty. I am pleased to note that year battle with transverse myelitis ing, dedicated classmate we knew Bob Schaefer went on to P&S the youngest of our three children, and Lewy body dementia. as undergraduates. Who could and then interned at Stanford Hos- Rachel Cowan Jacobs ’90, writes her After graduating from the Col- forget that as the managing editor pital & Clinics. After completing class’ Class Notes for this maga- lege, Howard served three years in of Spectator, Rolon participated in military service, he went to Switzer- zine.” the Navy as a supply corps officer the controversial editorial decision land and “while there got married I was pleased to hear from Norma and then became a C.P.A. at Arthur Dallal, wife of George Dallal. Young & Co. In 1959, Howard joined George had a fall and broke his the First National Bank of Central left hip. He has been active in the Jersey as an installment loan officer. Ed Cowan ’54 and his wife have completed their Albuquerque community, inter- In 1966, he was named v.p. He campaign to see a baseball game in each of the 30 viewing applicants for the College retired as the president of Bank of and serving as board member of America in 1991. major league ballparks. the Albuquerque International Howard and Barbara had been Association and the New Mexico married since 1955 and their family Symphony Orchestra. Norma includes Elaine Ford and her hus- to endorse Adlai Stevenson against to my wife of 49 years, Doris.” After writes, “On his behalf I send band, Edwin; Charles Pettebone; and Dwight Eisenhower in the 1952 military service, Bob did advanced regards to all his classmates of the Bonnie Carden and her husband, presidential election? Those of us medical work in both California Class of ’54. Our daughter, Melissa, Tom. They have six grandchildren. who were members of Phi Gamma and later in the state of Washing- is a member of the Class of ’93.” At our 55th reunion in 2008, our Delta will never forget his superb ton. He was on the faculty of the Get well soon, George! classmates were thrilled to hear a intellect, quick wit, passion and University of Washington for seven Jack Bloom responded beauti- recording of Howard’s blowing his creative thinking. He told us then years and then went into the private fully to my request for fond memo- trumpet at the class dinner under a and throughout the years, “There practice of radiology in Bellevue, ries of his experiences at Columbia. tent and the stars in Van Am Quad. are two types of people in govern- Wash. Bob retired in 1994. He has “My freshman year, I was walking His triumphant sound recalled ment: those who want to do good, been involved with volunteer work with Nick Poulos, who was only happy memories of football games and those who want to do well.” with the Seattle Opera. His fond at Columbia for his freshman year, at Baker Field. Even as an undergraduate, Rolon memories at Columbia are “some along 116th Street toward Morn- One of Howard’s many friends, showed signs of becoming a “char- really excellent professors — Jack ingside Drive and we were both Jim Higginbottom, sent me the ismatic contrarian” who thrived on Stein (German) and Douglas Moore wearing our freshman beanies when following email about our special crusading and controversy. (music) and laughing my head off who should come by but Dwight D. classmate. As the mayor of Dobbs Ferry, in geology class while listening to Eisenhower, at that time the presi- “Howard’s service was well at- Rolon set out to fight corrup- Saul Turteltaub.” dent of Columbia, who upon seeing tended by friends from all stages of tion and championed reasonable David Williams retired in 1998 our beanies stopped and solicitously his life, including from Columbia. development and the preserva- and is professor emeritus at the inquired of us how we were doing, As you might have guessed, he tion of open space. Never losing University of Memphis. He wrote and so on. The whole thing took occupied a huge space in the lives his endearing sense of humor, a book that was published in 2007, only a few minutes and ended with of all who knew him, and his townspeople fondly remember and he collects information on the his wishing us well … this event has trumpet will resound in our ears as Rolon presiding over board meet- history of music theory (his special- stuck in my mind all these years. I long as we are alive. My wife, Patti, ings wearing a navy blue T-shirt ty). David wrote, “I have many fond was never bored at Columbia. Who and I and our family were tightly that said “Irate Taxpayer” in large memories of Columbia, but I have could be with teachers like Fritz bound to him and his family all of white letters. Voters appreciated drifted apart from my roommates: Stern ’46, ’53 GSAS, Charles Frankel our lives, and we all were there to his courage and far-sighted leader- Larry Gartner, Mike Naver, Brian ’37, ’46 GSAS, Jacques Barzun ’27, be with them. I visited Howard a ship by overwhelmingly reelecting Tansey and Dan Wakefield ’55.” ’32 GSAS, Andrew Chiappe ’33, ’39 month before and all he wanted him to two additional terms. I know that David would love to GSAS and Douglas Moore, among to do was sing Columbia and SAE Following his court service, in hear from those four. others? It has been a good path. songs. We should be glad he came 1989, Rolon and his wife, Diana, relo- Speaking of Saul Turteltaub, Thank you, Columbia.” to our 55th via telephone and gave cated to their country home in the he recently had his second knee Hank Buchwald continues to us a memory we can carry to how- Lake Jem area outside Mount Dora. replacement, and things are going work “full time as professor of sur-

WINTER 2011–12 60 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

gery and biomedical engineering institutional pharmacy, originally a Andalusia & the Imperial Cities of a senior faculty member in the at the University of Minnesota – subsidiary of W.R. Grace. I am now Morocco” cruise. It should be an Department of Dermatology, Twin Cities. I have cut back on my a director of International School invigorating time for all (depending Mount Sinai Medical Center. For operating room time and increased Services, a nonprofit in Princeton who you go with). [Editor’s note: many years Norm practiced his my dedication to research, writing, where my wife, Ana, and I live. ISS Learn more about alumni Travel trade in Honolulu. Jack Freeman meetings and other academic operates schools in China and the Study Trips here: alumni.columbia. reports on the “Annual Boys of activities, avoiding administrative Caribbean. edu/research-learn/travel-study- Summer” festivities held in the late responsibilities. “Ana and I have four children trips.] summer. Attendees (who brought “I have fond memories of all — all attended Columbia. Two Back in warmer New York, Presi- their mitts) were John Naley and my academic studies at Columbia sons graduated from the College, dent Lee C. Bollinger’s annual “Fun George Raitt. Absent were Ron and continually reminisce about one from GS and our daughter Run” kicked off the new academic McPhee and Tom Brennan. Where my time on the swimming team. graduated from Barnard. They year. Despite a strong finishing kick, was Tony Palladino? All missed I have one major regret about my also attended Columbia graduate our president could not overtake their late teammate Don Schap- time at Columbia; namely, that I schools. Our grandson is now a the leaders. pert. Some members of the Class left after my third year on profes- freshman at Engineering.” The Columbia University Club of 1956 also made it to the event. sional option to attend P&S, and John adds, “One of my fondest was the venue for a special event Walt Deptula was on the West then returned to graduate with memories was a conversation with hosted by the Columbia Alumni Coast finishing his autobiography, our class. That fourth year, which Jacques Barzun ’27, ’32 GSAS in fall Association directed toward entre- which makes for some interesting I would have devoted solely to 1950 in Hamilton Hall. We talked preneurs. More than 300 got advice, reading: The Path Less Followed: non–pre-med studies, would have about the British cardinal, John offered help and made connections Walter Deptula — A Short Biogra- represented a year of pleasure. My Newman.” with Columbia alumni entrepre- phy. It includes a lot of interesting advice to Columbians today would If you haven’t read John’s book, neurs. The event was more than pictures from days gone by. be to enjoy the full four years and From La Paz to Princeton, I strongly outstanding. We heard from the perennial not be in such a hurry to start a recommend it. If you want a copy, Another success for our class: traveler, Don McDonough, who professional lifetime.” please let John know; he’ll send it We were informed by the College stopped off in Bethesda, Md., to see If any classmates either live in by “snail mail.” that our Class of 1955 Scholar- Lew Mendelson before embarking or near Minneapolis, I would sug- I feel sad about ending this class ship Fund recently generated a for Paris (France, that is). Other news gest that they contact Hank. He is report by having to tell you that one-time increase in income — a from the D.C. area: Sven Johnson extraordinary in many ways. George Fadok passed away on tremendous benefit in meeting the continues to follow Columbia athlet- Serge Gavronsky is semi-retired July 17. He was a warm, caring in- financial needs of the student body. ics from afar, especially the football from the faculty at Barnard. He dividual and will be missed greatly The University Senate will be team. will teach a final semester in the by his family and friends. quite active this year with various In New York City, former Lt. spring. He is the author of several I have a good number of respons- items at the top of its agenda in- Gov. Richard Ravitch was honored novels, poetry in French and in es to my request for information. If cluding the review of the “Conflict on September 15 by Friends of the English as well as a translator of you haven’t responded yet, please of Interest” policy, the finalization Upper East Side at the group’s Louis Zukofsky’s A. Serge also has do so. If there is not enough room in of bringing ROTC back to campus annual Upper East Side Award been involved with painting. His one issue of Class Notes, I will add and the opening of several Global Dinner. Much toasting and glasses daughter graduated from Barnard. the responses to the next issue. Centers (globalcenters.columbia. held on high. Jack Stuppin is not He remembers with satisfaction edu). There is always something only a terrific artist but he also has “seminars with Lionel Trilling [’25, emanating from Morningside become a great marketer of his ’38 GSAS] and Jacques Barzun [’27, Gerald Sherwin Heights (and the Medical Center, paintings. His latest endeavor was ’32 GSAS] ... working on WKCR 181 E. 73rd St., Apt. 6A farther uptown). used in a calendar (2012) called and tiny roles in the CC theatrical 55 New York, NY 10021 What’s going on with the guys “Songs of the Earth.” production ... and I mean tiny.” 55 in our class, you may ask? As The “Class of Destiny” contin- [email protected] Tom Paonessa has a full life de- reported a couple of issues ago, ues to have monthly gatherings spite being retired. He is involved As most of you already know, CCT Norm Goldstein is back east as in restaurants around the greater with “investments; listening to has become a quarterly publication classical music; an interest in wines — “new and improved,” as they including visiting wineries, tasting call it. Don’t think that Columbia and collecting; and travel. We have has forgotten you. The other “hot Columbia School Designations been to New Zealand, Australia, news” on campus during the past Alaska and Israel. Through the few months was the resignation of In Class Notes, these designations indicate Columbia years we have visited most of the Michele Moody-Adams as Dean degrees from schools other than the College. National Parks in western United of the College. James J. Valentini States and Canada. We have been has settled in quite nicely as the Arch. School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation east once to see a childhood friend interim dean. Before assuming his Arts School of the Arts in New Jersey and visit relatives in new position, Professor Valentini Barnard Barnard College Virginia as well as historical sites in was chair of the chemistry depart- Business Graduate School of Business Pennsylvania and Virginia.” ment and was one of the faculty CE School of Continuing Education Tom’s fond memories of Colum- members of the Columbia College Dental College of Dental Medicine bia include “being manager of the Alumni Association. varsity baseball team, working in If you are making plans for 2012, E The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and the College cafeteria and a snack have your “Experiences of a Life- Applied Science bar at Baker Field during football time by Private Jet” — an unforget- GS School of General Studies seasons, and enjoying going to table adventure in Egypt, Rwanda, GSAS Graduate School of Arts and Sciences classical music concerts at Carnegie the Maldives and the Kingdom of J Graduate School of Journalism Hall.” Bhutan among other lands. The L School of Law It’s always good to hear from plane is leaving shortly — in late Nursing School of Nursing John Timoney, who now is fully February. Also in February, don’t retired. He writes, “After more miss “Expedition to Antarctica” P&S College of Physicians and Surgeons than 20 years with W.R. Grace & through Buenos Aires in February PH Mailman School of Public Health Co. in South America and in the (bring your parka) — penguins SIPA School of International and Public Affairs United States, I joined Applied galore! In April, you can travel to SW School of Social Work Science International, where I was the historic cities of Southern Spain TC Teachers College employed until 1997. From 2000–11 and Morocco with General Studies I was a director of Omnicare, an Dean Peter Awn on the “Fabled

WINTER 2011–12 61

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

New York City area. Don Laufer vorites, and you would like to share stars of Columbia’s swimming light of their real-life experiences has done a great job in coordinat- recommendations, please contact me team. That experience appears to and encourages dialogue between ing these get-togethers. We even with details. have come in handy, as Dave is a several generations of Columbia have gotten Jeff Broido to fly in As the new College school year retired SEAL, retired Navy captain alumni. Class space is capped at 30 from the West Coast, plus we have now has been under way for three and, most impressively, served as participants to create an intimate regulars Ron Spitz, Herb Cohen, months, it may be a good time to a nuclear regulatory team leader in setting that inspires discourse and Chuck Solomon, Larry Balfus, Bill reflect on last year. We had a suc- terrorist protection. Axel Heyman debate reminiscent of the under- Epstein, Bob Schiff and Alfred cessful 55th reunion (as you have joined our loyal band of support- graduate Core Curriculum. In fact, Gollomp, and from time to time read in previous Class Notes). We ers. He was in the construction and classes seem to be even livelier in Anthony Viscusi, Bob Brown, Ro- had a successful Columbia College construction lending business and this alumni version, since students land Plottel, Dick Ascher, Aaron fund drive, reaching the goals we now is retired. are not examined or graded and do Hamburger, Tony DiSanto, Alan had set, and in fact funding the Another of our merry band of not necessarily feel compelled to Hoffman and Marty Dubner. We Dr. Alan N. Miller Class of 1956 stalwarts was Ed Villanueva, who impress or agree with the profes- cannot forget our Hood Marshall, Scholarship. We had two of our has been a regular at Columbia sor. All instructors are current or Allen Hyman, who recently re- monthly get-togethers, one in July events. As he himself put it, he former teachers in the undergradu- turned from Israel, where he biked and one in August, both at Daniel still is pushing forward, albeit a ate Core Curriculum. 250 miles in a charity race for Alyn Link’s country club, Bonnie Briar, little slower. Stanley Klein was “Each course consists of three Hospital. which a number of our class mem- an attendee, fresh from his weekly two-hour sessions held every other Some sad news to report: Ferdie bers attended, including Gerald Saturday tennis game at Colum- week on the same weekday evening Setaro passed away a couple of Fine, Mark Novick, Lou Hem- bia’s Dick Savitt Tennis Center. from 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Reading months ago on Staten Island. His merdinger, Jack Katz — the tennis- Stan continues to practice law in assignments are carefully limited to good friend Abbott Leban from playing attendees — along with Al New York and New Jersey and accommodate the busy schedules Wilmington, Del., attended the Franco ’56E, Alan Broadwin and talks about retirement. of working alumni. Supplementary funeral. Ferdie will be missed by all. Ron Kapon. In that regard we con- Leonard Wolfe was in atten- materials are provided for those Beloved classmates. Although tinued these monthly luncheons dance, having just completed his with more free time. Generous U.S. News ranks Columbia as No. 4, beginning in October at Faculty book Easy Economics: A Visual Guide alumni host these Mini-Courses in we definitely know better. The best House (check your email for exact to What You Need to Know, which their midtown offices and provide and the brightest entered the College time and details), and will con- he produced with a former Fortune food and beverages. Midtown in fall 1951. Nothing has changed. tinue through the winter at either magazine colleague. The book locations allow attendance by those You guys are still the best. Remem- Faculty House or the Columbia was scheduled for publication on who work or live in the area and ber, the 60th is rapidly approaching University Club for our midtown November 22 and is the hot item cannot conveniently travel to up- — 2015 is your lucky date. attendees. It is always good to see on Amazon. It also is scheduled town campus sites in the evening. Love to all! Everywhere! new faces at our luncheons, so for to be featured in Barnes & Noble “Alumni in the New York any of you who are in the New bookstores. metropolitan area receive email York area and have never attended, The weather was perfect and it invitations with course descrip- Stephen K. Easton or who will be traveling to New was great for all who attended to tions for the various Mini-Core 6 Hidden Ledge Rd. York at some time, please email me catch up on recent developments. Curriculum classes. Some previous 56 Englewood, NJ 07631 and I will make sure that you will Sadly, Homecoming this year was Mini-Courses have had relatively 56 get the time and location of our little different from so many others traditional Literature Humanities [email protected] next luncheons. to which we in the Class of ’56 and Contemporary Civilization Hello Classmates, Further, we had a Class of ’56 have grown accustomed since our formats. Samuel Moyn (his- Traveling seems to be an activity table at Homecoming, where freshman year some 59 years ago. tory) has taught ‘Individual and that many of our classmates (retired Columbia nearly defeated Penn on We managed to snatch defeat out Society’ featuring Constant, Mill, or otherwise) are enjoying. My wife, October 15. We had an after-game of the jaws of victory and lost to de Tocqueville and Nietzsche. Elke, and I have recently returned dinner at a well-recommended Penn to keep our winless record Other courses have transcended from a tour of the Adriatic that New York restaurant. intact. the conventional boundaries such startied in Istanbul and included More classmates attended Mike Vozick wrote in an email as Christia Mercer’s ‘Crossroads of visiting eight ports in 12 days. Homecoming this year than they that the dialogue that we have with Literature, Philosophy and Art.’ Istanbul, Turkey, and Santorini in have done in quite some time. classmates regarding changes at “Still other presentations have the Greek Isles were particularly Nick Coch was in attendance, Columbia, including the resignation attempted to bring music and art impressive. We finished by going to just back from Italy where he has of Dean Michele Moody-Adams into modern perspective such as Munich for five days and managed been representing a Swiss client. and the naming of an interim dean, Chris Washburne’s ‘Jazz in the to attend the last day of Oktoberfest. Nick, who is a patent lawyer, has James J. Valentini, is a good thing Core’ and Robert Harrist’s ‘Art It was like going to Walt Disney been spending a great deal of time and shows how each one of us has Humanities and Beyond,’ which World with lots of great beer drink- flying back and forth to Europe a stake and a caring interest in our included recent Columbia neuro- ing. We all remember that from our and at his homes in Rhode Island alma mater. Mike’s key words were science research into the esthetic College days … Skol. Larry Cohn and Florida. He was staying in “creatively critical,” “self-criticism” experience and the human brain’s and his wife, Judie, recently returned his New York apartment just long and we as “stakeholders,” all things empathic response to art. from four-plus weeks in Italy and enough to attend the game, but I we have learned from our Colum- “Science is the newest addition two weeks in Croatia, Montenegro suspect it will be quite some time bia education (I trust). to the Core and has been represent- and Bosnia/Herzegovina. He was before he decides to suffer through One of the things that Columbia ed by such presentations as David looking forward to spending two any more defeats. offers for its alumni is the New York Helfand’s ‘Other Worlds: The Fron- weeks in Nuevo Vallarta, hopefully Some of the regulars were there City Core Curriculum Mini-Course tier of Extrasolar Planets,’ Terry attending our Florida get-together in as well as some classmates we Program, which Columbia initiated Plank’s ‘The Birth of the Earth’ and early March and celebrating his 50th hadn’t seen for a while. Ron Kapon in January 2007. Ralph Kaslick, Peter deMenocal’s ‘Understanding wedding anniversary in June with remains busy teaching about the who is an active member of our the Global Warming Forecast.’ a trip to Alaska. Now that is some pleasures of wine; Jesse Blumen- class in using these worthwhile “The mini-courses in New York travel schedule. thal ’60 P&S is still working part- programs, writes of his experiences City have met with great success, In that light, it would be interest- time as a surgeon, having recovered as follows: and the Alumni Office looks to culti- ing to hear from any of classmates as fully from heart surgery. Murray “The Columbia College Alumni vate interest outside the metro area. to their travels and their recommen- Eskenazi, who has retired from the Association implemented the first Alumni interested in more informa- dations for any of us who are retired business world, told us something New York City Core Curriculum tion about this innovative program (or not) and who may be interested of which we were unaware — that Mini-Course Program in January fostering intellectual curiosity should in spending their remaining years he invented Super Scrabble. Dave 2007. It allows College alumni to contact Jennifer Freely, assistant visiting interesting places. If you Orrik also was in attendance. You reinterpret Core Curriculum topics director, alumni affairs: jf2261@col have any trips that are particular fa- may remember Dave as one of the from their undergraduate years in umbia.edu or 212-851-7438.”

WINTER 2011–12 62 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

Those who are interested may doors. My [other] indoor matches also contact Ralph Kaslick or Jerry were called off because of flooding Fine. By the way, wives are welcome roads. With the weather forecast to attend. remaining gloomy, my wife, Diane, Unfortunately, I’m sorry to report and I decided to get back to sunny that James Vincent (Jim) Cuff Jr. California. passed away in August at St. Paul’s “We did enjoy two days at the Health Care Center in San Diego, US Open the previous week. I look where he had been since suffering forward to 2012 as I move up to the a stroke in 2004. Jim had been a 75 and over tournaments and will beloved member of our class as well be one of the ‘young guys.’” as class president during our senior Marty Fisher: “School was year. We send our condolences to finally out on June 28 in NYC as I his family members. walked north on Park Avenue past With the 2011–12 fund year now the Waldorf on my way to our class at the halfway point, I’m sure you luncheon. The air was warm and will hear about Columbia’s fundrais- humid; another New York summer ing activities. In that regard, Dan had finally arrived. I made my way Link, Stan Soren and Al Franco ’56E past the Villard Houses (built in have agreed to continue acting as 1884 by McKim, Mead, and White Class Agents for the year. Our class’ for the president of Northern Pacif- Several members of the Class of 1957 met in July at the Columbia success in fundraising is a direct re- ic Railway) and the Helmsley Alumni Center to begin planning for their 55th Alumni Reunion Week- sult of each of our class participants Palace Hotel, which nestles between end (sitting, left to right): Paul Zola, Rabbi Alvin Kass ’58 GSAS, Martin and the work of our Class Agents, in them and which brought to mind Brothers and CCT class correspondent Herman Levy; and (standing, left conjunction with the Alumni Office. the ever-present shade of Leona to right) Michael Gold and Steven Fybish. If you have an interest in being a Helmsley on guard. Then [I passed] PHOTO: NICK MIDER Class Agent, please contact Allen the rear of St. Pat’s on the day after Rosso, executive director, Columbia New York’s legislature had passed College Fund, [email protected] the Marriage Equality Act (gay mar- thin ties were marked down to $55, a week with our best man and his or 212-851-7947. riage). I stopped in the welcome air and in Saks Fifth Avenue, where wife, then to a student wedding in This year, I suggest that all our conditioning of the Olympic Tower more fragrances were being sold Berkeley, where I recited poetry for gifts be directed to the Class of atrium, where wall-size TV screens on the main floor than one could the occasion. We drove to Mount ’56 Scholarship Fund, where we showed the destruction wrought shake a stick at. Rushmore and the Cascade Moun- currently have more than $600,000 by Greek anarchists demonstrating “That day’s news from Wimble- tains in Washington State, where (this is separate from the Dr. Alan against government austerity mea- don carried the twin disasters of the we settled into a wilderness retreat N. Miller Class of 1956 Scholarship, sures brought on by the three- to losses by both Williams sisters in the center, and we just came back from for which we have $150,000). By four-year-old economic downturn. third round. The women’s competi- our first cruise to Alaska with two adding to the Class of ’56 Scholar- If one knows where to find them, tion whetted my interest in taking of our teenage grandchildren. Next ship Fund we continue to support the public atria and mid-block ‘cut- in the US Open tennis tournament on our list (for many years, actu- financial aid for worthy students throughs’ can make a summer stroll in late August or early September, ally) is to tour the autumn leaves of attending Columbia. through noontime midtown bear- which would have bookended New England. Let’s make 2012 a special year to able. My destination, the University another summer for me. “We have duplicated what we keep in touch. That means updated Club, was almost in sight. “All in all, [it was] a lovely late could from our days of courting emails and letting Lou Hemmer “Fifteen old friends and acquain- June day among old friends in the and made our season tickets to the dinger ([email protected]) or tances met there for our long- heart of the world’s greatest city opera and theatre into romantic myself know what part of your life postponed luncheon. We divided (owned by OUR alma mater!).” events with cozy dinners before- you may want to share in our Class into two tables. At table No. 1 were Notes. Dave Kinne, Jim Barker, Pete An- Wishing you all continued good ker, Carlos Muñoz, Mike Lipper, Ken Bodenstein ’57 competed in the USTA National health, successful investments and Alan Brown, Ed Weinstein and pleasant times with the children Stan Barnett, who traveled from Grass Court Tournament for men over 70. and grandchildren. Rhode Island on the very day that Whitey Bulger was arraigned. At table No. 2 were Ted Dwyer, George Marty then reported on the CC hand. Depending on how you REUNION MAY 31–JUNE 3 Lutz, Paul Zola, Bob Klipstein, ’57 luncheon held at the University count, Jackie says we are up to 75, ALUMNI OFFICE CONTACTS Marty Fisher, Sal Franchino and Club on September 7, also attended one for each of our ages. It’s been a ALUMNI AFFAIRS Nick Mider Mark Stanton. The latter two came by Mark Stanton, Sal Franchino, great year so far. [email protected] together and survived the Lincoln Joe Feldschuh, Mike Lipper, Stan “Jane and Ed Heiser have a 212-851-7846 Tunnel. We missed Alvin Kass, Barnett, Alan Brown, Art Meyer- lovely retreat on Green Lake, DEVELOPMENT Allen Rosso who was detained at a funeral, and son, Bob Klipstein, Neil McLellan, Wis. For the last few years Gary [email protected] Martin Brothers. Dave Kinne, George Lutz, Ted Angleberger, Ed and I have gotten 212-851-7947 “We hope to see other regulars Dwyer, Jim Barker and Ed Wein- together to reminisce about our Herman Levy like Steve Ronai, Joe Diamond, stein. Marty said, “We all had a Columbia days, but also to keep 7322 Rockford Dr. Neil McLellan, Art Meyerson good time and are looking forward our intellectual, aesthetic, theologi- 57 Falls Church, VA 22043 (who was enjoying Shelter Island to our BIG 55th in June [and] hope cal, and magical minds tuned up. 57 breezes), Bob Lipsyte, Ron Kush- to hold one more luncheon before “Reverend Doctor Gary brought [email protected] ner, Joe Feldschuh, Steve Fybish winter sets in.” CC and Hum Core into Union Ken Bodenstein “[competed] in and Bob Flescher as well as the Mac Gimse, professor emeritus Seminary years ago and continues the USTA National Grass Court vaudeville team of [David] Fink of art at St. Olaf College in Min- to carry a keen interest in develop- Tournament for men over 70 at and [Jerry] Finkel (or is it Finkel nesota, sculptor and poet, writes: ments in the world of religion. the Philadelphia Cricket grounds. and Fink?) later in the fall. “Jackie and I are celebrating our When he is not behind a pulpit, Unfortunately the weather did “Have I missed anyone? Un- 50th wedding anniversary in 2011, Gary commutes with his pastor not cooperate, with rains playing doubtedly, for which I apologize. so we decided to do 50 romantic wife, Judy, to Geneva or Minneapo- havoc all week. I lost to the No. “My trip back to Grand Central events, one for each year, about lis for sessions of the World Council 1 ranked player from the East featured a stop at Versace’s Fifth one a week. We have been to our of Churches and on Presbyterian Region, the match being played in- Avenue boutique, where men’s 50th state, Hawaii, where we spent governance.

WINTER 2011–12 63

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

ter to begin planning for our 55th success in raising funds for our reunion. [See photo.] Present also 50th reunion class gift. Paul Zola were Alumni Office staff members noted that we are ahead of other Nick Mider, events coordinator, classes in view of one especially and Paul Staller, then-director, large contribution. Paul said that reunion giving. Ken Bodenstein fundraising activities will approach and Dan Davidson participated by all classmates. He would be glad to telephone. provide lists to volunteers, who in Nick discussed a summary of turn would call 10 classmates. the 55th reunions of the Classes of Those present tentatively agreed 1955 and 1956. On that basis, he to meet again in the fall. estimated that attendance at the Take a look at the reunion 55th reunion would be about one website (reunion.college.columbia. half of that at the 50th. Nick further edu) and mark your calendars noted that the Class of 1955 had now. More information will start to six events running from Thursday arrive during the spring, so be sure evening to Saturday evening; the Columbia has your correct postal Class of 1956 had three events and email addresses. running from Friday evening to Ronald H. Boorse, a retired Saturday evening. Both classes held business owner in Houston, died a Friday dinner, Saturday luncheon on July 6, 2010. Class of 1958 members (standing, left to right) Rudy Hradecky, Stu and Saturday wine tasting and din- Huntington, Ira Carlin ’64L, Rick Brous ’60 Business, Jack McGroarty and ner as well as the Saturday Starlight Irv Michlin and (sitting) Hal Wittner got together on July 23 at the home Reception, all on campus. The Barry Dickman of Carlin and his wife, Jane, at a party they hosted for their Southern Class of 1955 also held a Thursday 58 25 Main St. California classmates and their guests. cocktail reception at the Columbia Court Plaza North, Ste 104 University Club, a Friday tour of 58 Hackensack, NJ 07601 PHOTO: CHERYL HRADECKY the American Museum of Natural [email protected] History and luncheon at Citrus, and “Ed has created an impressive list by updating his or her Alumni a Saturday discussion on campus. We are sorry to report the deaths of array of magic tricks, which dumb– Directory profile and choosing Nick said that available on-campus two classmates. founded us, and he performs mainly Columbia Alumni Singers on the sites included Casa Italiana, Low Joachim Neugroschel died on for children … hmm. Yes, he goes first available email list (alumni. Library, SIPA and Faculty House. May 23. Joachim was a well-known to hospitals, camps and even Alz columbia.edu/alumni-directory).” He also said that the Alumni Office and prolific translator who trans- heimer’s units to bring smiles to Tony Vlahides tells us, “We probably could obtain tickets to lated more than 200 books into Eng- folks without much hope. Ed and have had a place on Longboat Key Broadway shows or the Philhar- lish from Yiddish, French, German, Jane are engaged in a wide range of (Sarasota, Fla.) for seven years. monic at about half-price. Russian and Italian. He is survived charitable organizations. It’s always Sold our house a year ago May The discussion then turned to by his former partner, Aaron Mack fascinating to hear how they devote and moved to an apartment in suggestions for speakers. Sugges- Schloff. their time and resources to worthy New Jersey, which we use in the tions included Robert Alter, Mac Joachim followed a family tradi- causes. summer. We have now made the Gimse, Erich Gruen, David Kinne tion of sorts; his father was a Yid- “I piled bronze sculpture into decision to give up the apartment and Bob Lipsyte; former provost dish poet. Born in Vienna, Joachim my car and also rehearsed/recited and just rent something short-term Alan Brinkley, former dean Austin immigrated with his family to the my latest poetry, a test run for when we come up … Quigley, professors Eric Foner ’63, United States via Brazil, and he Cambridge and D.C. … I’m glad “I am working with a partner ’69 GSAS, Fritz Stern ’46, ’53 GSAS, graduated from Bronx Science. to be creating sculpture and poetry in Europe representing a couple of Henry Graff ’49 GSAS (2012 elec- Joachim didn’t speak Yiddish at at my age. companies; so as long as I have a tions), Walter Metzger ’46 GSAS, home; he was self-taught. He trans- “The three of us went through laptop and a phone, I am in busi- Samuel Moyn (human rights) and lated works by authors such as our CC ’57 yearbook page by page ness. I still make five or six trips a James Shapiro ’77; and ABC news Sholem Aleichem, Isaac Bashevis for most of the evening and pulled year.” correspondent Claire Shipman ’86 Singer, Sholem Asch, Chekhov, precious memories from ancient Gene Wagner: “Celebrated (transition to coeducation). Dan, Dumas, Hesse, Kafka, Mann, Mo- history. I hope to see classmates our back-to-school luncheon on Alvin, and yours truly volunteered liere, Maupassant, Proust, Albert in Cambridge or D.C., or both, or September 10 at beautiful Parkers’ to serve on the subcommittee to Schweitzer and Nobel Prize Win- at least next spring. It sounds as Lighthouse, on the water in Long select speakers. Subject matter ner Elias Canetti. His Yiddish though we all plan to journey to Beach, Calif. Attending were Lew suggestions included our activities translation of S. Ansky’s play, The our reunion in May–June 2012. Schainuck, John Taussig, Ken in our middle ’70s; Nick said, how- Dybbuk, was widely produced. He “Several young composers Silvers, Gerry Werksman, Jon ever, that classes have not wanted developed a sub-specialty in Yid- [have set] my poetry to music … Lubin, Mike Gold, Bernie Lynch panels or lectures on health. In any dish folklore; his published books for a performance where I recited and myself. event, Ken recommended against included The Golem; Great Tales of new poetry written for a bronze “Mike, our program coordina- having a too-crowded agenda; Jewish Fantasy and the Occult, The sculpture at a music program on tor, led the discussion of current out-of-towners want to visit friends Dybbuk and Thirty Other Classic September 24, which was Home- events pertaining to the financial and go to shows as well as to attend Stories; The Dybuk and the Yiddish coming at St. Olaf. I love doing this crisis and the economy. It’s so good reunion events. Imagination; Radiant Days and sort of thing with young people … to be among so many bright and Steve then suggested inviting Haunted Nights: Great Tales From the The poetry recitation and music intelligent classmates conversing widows of deceased classmates, Treasury of Yiddish Folk Literature performance seemed to go well.” comfortably on subjects that could which Paul Zola thought was a and The Shtetl: A Creative Anthology Nick Rudd ’64 tells us, “Colum- be construed as controversial at good idea. Ken recommended that of Jewish Life in Eastern Europe. bia’s newest alumni group, Col- times and still walk away with a such invitations be done through Joachim also was a critic and umbia Alumni Singers (columbia strong feeling of companionship. classmates who have known the poet and co-founded and edited alumnisingers.org), performed at “Columbia taught us how to widows. Alvin suggested that the the poetry journal Extensions, which Alumni Reunion Weekend in June. think rationally, and we still know reunion include a moment of re- was published from 1970–75. He [Among them were Robert Klip- how to do it.” membrance to deceased classmates. won three PEN Translation Awards, stein, Jerry Weale and Paul Zola.] On July 12, Martin Brothers, Paul Staller then discussed our the 1994 French-American Transla- Anyone interested in getting news Steve Fybish, Mike Gold, Alvin Class Gift to the Columbia College tion Prize and the Guggenheim of other activities from this new Kass, Paul Zola and yours truly Fund. He said that he would speak Fellowship in German Literature. In group can sign up for its mailing met at the Columbia Alumni Cen- to Carlos Muñoz, noting Carlos’ 1996 he was also made a Chevalier

WINTER 2011–12 64 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. of the United States this summer]. Anthony Tobin Layng died on But, Paradise is not without its risks June 12 in Winston-Salem, N.C. He either. Four years ago, the Carlins was a professor emeritus of anthro- had to evacuate their home for three pology, having taught at Washing- days while a wildfire destroyed ton University, Tougaloo College, a huge swath in nearby Rancho Rollins College, Oberlin and Elmira Bernardo, then came to Ira and College, from which he retired in Jane’s Rancho Santa Fe neighbor- 1997, and was an adjunct professor hood and incinerated several homes at Wake Forest. He is survived by close to theirs. They suffered some his wife, Donna; daughter, Kristin smoke and water damage, but their Szakos; stepchildren, Maria Greer, beautiful home survived and, No. 1, Ben Bodewes and Andy Bodewes; so did they!” and six grandchildren. Speaking of Rick Brous, he Tony was a Korean War vet writes “Marcia and I left directly for and was awarded a Purple Heart the airport from our 50th reunion as a Marine. He transferred to the celebration for a new life in Los College from Rollins and earned Angeles. We [joke] that we moved an M.A. from Indiana and a Ph.D. here because our three children Spending time together at the “Dining in the Dark” fundraiser for the from Case Western Reserve. A tried to get as far away from us as Foundation Fighting Blindness, held on May 17 at the Palace Hotel in tennis enthusiast and a lifelong possible, by resettling here in Los San Francisco, were (left to right) Alan Kahn ’59; his wife, Linda Parnes religious skeptic, Tony devoted his Angeles. They are all happily mar- Kahn ’71 Barnard; their daughter, Amanda Kahn-Kirby ’95; former San professional career to promoting ried and have presented us with Francisco mayor and former Speaker of the California Assembly Willie critical thinking and challenging six grandchildren. But we fooled L. Brown Jr. and Kahn-Kirby’s husband, Mason Kirby ’94. Kahn is a biblical literalism. He was the au- them, and we came out here to be longtime member of the foundation and a major force in its growth and thor of a book on the Carib Indians with them. The good news is that fundraising, and Brown was the evening’s honoree. of Dominica and numerous journal we see a lot of our grandchildren; PHOTO: LUIGI LUCACCINI ’59 and magazine articles. He served the bad news is that we see a lot on the Winston-Salem Human Rela- of our grandchildren. All three of Wall Street Journal, recently wrote for someone who never flew until tions Commission and was a board our kids have Columbia degrees: an article for Imprimis magazine, coming to New York for our 50th member of Americans United for Sharon ’95, ’01 GSAS; Michael ’98; “The Floating Dollar as a Threat reunion. Last summer, I went to Separation of Church and State. and Devorah ’01 GSAS. And I’m the to Property Rights,” in which he Germany, France and England, and Congratulations to Ed Feige executive director of the Columbia argues that the legal tender law this May to Russia, spending 5½ on the marriage of his son David University Alumni Association of (established during the Civil War), days each in Moscow and St. Peters- to Robin Gail Steinberg. Ed is a Southern California. As you may requiring that paper money must burg with a high-speed train ride in professor of economics emeritus recall, I had been president of the be accepted in payment of debts, is between. Found the Russians amaz- at the University of Wisconsin. Columbia Alumni Club of Northern the “greatest threat to property in ingly candid. They have some of the David is a Hollywood writer and New Jersey for many years. So my America.” same concerns as we do: a growing producer who has been involved Columbia affiliations now stretch And bringing us to Bernie’s case, concentration of wealth, a lessening with several TV series. Robin is from coast to coast.” Lipsky asks: If judges are paid in of democracy, an increasing anti- the executive director of the Bronx Rick was interviewed by NBC paper money that has decreased in immigrant feeling, a consolidation Defenders, a legal aid organization News on the stock market’s gyra- value against gold, is their pay being in the media that limits dissent, a where David was formerly the trial tions. The producer of the 1½ hour unconstitutionally diminished? So growing religious right that aligns chief. He proposed to Robin under session (about a minute of which he called Bernie to ask why he didn’t with the economic oligarchs, a a full moon in the Sahara Desert. aired) was a College grad. challenge the legal tender laws. “Too rising pollution problem (especially Joe Dorinson’s latest published As readers of this column (and heavy a lift,” replied Bernie. Too bad from automotive congestion in work is O’Neill and Paul Robeson: of The New York Times) may recall, he didn’t respond, “According to Jim the cities) and so on. Arrived in Climbing Jacob’s Ladder, which is a couple of years ago Bernie Shenton ’49, William Jennings Bryan Moscow at the international airport, included in the anthology Eugene Nussbaum represented Judith said, ‘You shall not crucify mankind where damage from a Chechnyan O’Neill and His Early Contemporaries: Smith Kaye ’58 Barnard, then the upon a cross of gold.’” bomb was evident. On the drive Bohemians, Radicals, Progressives and chief judge of New York’s highest Please note: CCT is now on a into town, saw a large wall graf- the Avant Garde, edited by Eileen J. court, the Court of Appeals, in a quarterly schedule, which means fiti proclaiming ‘White Power’ (in Herrmann and Robert M. Dowling. suit against the state legislature to a longer wait before you see your Western, not Cyrillic, letters). At Joe included a reference to a increase judicial salaries. The legis- notes in print. Over the next year the subway entrance across from criticism of O’Neill’s writing skills lature had decided that the judges issues will appear in March, June, our hotel, we passed a memorial by Eric Bentley; both Joe and your could not have a raise until the leg- September and December. to victims of another Chechnyan reporter took his “Modern Drama” islators received one. Bernie’s claim The Class Lunch is held on the bombing. At the site of the 1980 class. Joe also sent us a preview that this violated the separation of second Wednesday of every month, Olympics, our guide commented copy of an as-yet unpublished powers was upheld in court, and in the Grill Room of the Princeton/ wryly: ‘You didn’t come to the 1980 article, The Premature Sanctification the legislature has now delegated Columbia University Club, 15 W. Olympics because we were fighting of Steinbrenner. the determination of judges’ pay to 43rd St. ($31 per person). Email Art in Afghanistan; now, you are fight- From Stu Huntington: “Jane an independent commission. Ber- Radin if you plan to attend, up to ing in Afghanistan.’ and Ira Carlin threw an afternoon nie’s argument did not mention the the day before: aradin@radinglass. “The Russians have a rather garden party for their CC ’58 Declaration of Independence, which com. grim sense of humor. As an exam- Southern California friends: Stu includes in its list of grievances ple, do you know what the tallest Huntington; Cheryl and Rudy Hra- against King George III that he had building was in the Soviet Union? decky; Marcia and Rick Brous; Jack “made judges dependent on his will Norman Gelfand Answer: the KGB (secret police) McGroarty and his friend Patty alone, for the tenure of their offices c/o CCT headquarters. Can you guess why? Kelly; Harriet and Irv Michlin; and and the amount and payment of 59 Columbia Alumni Center Answer: from its basement, you Helen and Hal Wittner. [See photo.] their salaries.” As a result, both the 59 622 W. 113th St., MC 4530 could see Siberia. They also have We all enjoyed the delicious salmon federal and New York state Con- New York, NY 10025 some rather strange customs. On dinner and bountiful refreshments, stitutions provide that judges’ pay [email protected] the subway, men actually get up but most of all the camaraderie of may not be diminished during their and give women their seats. You our classmates and their partners. terms. However, Seth Lipsky, the Kenneth Scheffel writes, “I’ve don’t see that [often] in New York. The weather was balmy, especially founding editor of The New York Sun become a world traveler in my “Of the cities, I liked St. Peters- compared to the oven [in the rest and a former senior editor of The old age. Quite an accomplishment burg better. It’s far more cosmopol-

WINTER 2011–12 65

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY itan and has the magnificent sum- histories about the Albacore subma- P&S, was on the Columbia fencing and I drove to St. Louis to rendez- mer and winter palaces, including rine, the prototype for the nuclear team for a couple of years during vous with my daughter, Elizabeth, all that great art at the Hermitage. fleet, and to visit several friends. By my fencing days, so I have known and her family, who live in Spring- The architecture also is far nicer the time this is published, we will him for 50-plus years. He is great. field, Mo. We had a grand time (none of those ugly Stalinist struc- be back to snows of Connecticut. It’s My family is doing well. My wife, together but the weather was aw- tures like Moscow). Even the Mari- been fun, and continues to be.” Karen, works at Tiffany in New ful — the lowest daily maximum insky Theatre was more impressive From Michael Marks Cohen York, and loves it. My three children THI [temperature humidity index] than the Little Bolshoi (the Big still we hear that he “is still practicing are all eminently successful in their was 115 degrees! undergoing reconstruction after admiralty law in New York” and careers, and have brought us two “I am an active member of the an error in diverting the Moscow still with his wife, Bette Cohen, delicious granddaughters. [It is faculty at Case Western Reserve River). Still, I wouldn’t like to be the cantor emerita of a Long Is- forbidden to eat children! NMG] All University. It was a productive in St. Petersburg during the winter land synagogue; the couple dated in all, I feel greatly blessed. I will be and satisfying summer in research when instead of the 20 hours of throughout his years at Columbia happy to hear from any classmate because I shepherded toward pub- daylight (we were there during the and hers at Juilliard (which you will at [email protected].” lication some work on the logical ‘white nights’), it has 20 hours of recall was only a few blocks away Stephen Trachtenberg wants foundations of preferences regard- darkness. in the 1950s). They celebrated their you to know that “I got a personal ing risk and timing. This topic has “I headed back to Ann Arbor golden wedding anniversary earlier trainer and work out three times a fascinated me for more than 20 to attend Michigan’s major home this year. And their son Daniel, who week. Becoming buff in a 74-year- years and the research results chal- football games. But in mid-October was elected in 2010 as a member of old way — 70-year-old women lenge the orthodoxy. (between the Little Brown Jug and the Democratic State Committee, is come on to me. My wife, Francine, “As you see, I remain preoccu- Homecoming games), I took a di- engaged to be married in January. laughs.” pied with family, outdoor pursuits version by going to Prague, Vienna Robin Motz has “written a blog You may have been following and research.” and Budapest. for more than two years that is Steve’s remarks in The New York Times Allan Franklin let us know, “My best as always.” published at ghthomas.blogspot. in its section “Room for Debate.” “The highlight of our summer Bruce Stave writes, “The two com and has more than 350 Paul Winick writes, “My wife involved classmates. First a quick years since I had to miss the 50th subscribers. It discusses current of 48 years, Dotty, and I had a trip to New York for the wedding reunion because of serious surgery medical issues and problems from wonderful, hectic summer. In of Stephen, the son of fellow physi- have been good ones. My wife, the point of view of a practicing June, I was ward attending on the cist Joseph Krieger. Bob Nelson Sondra, and I recently celebrated internist. My home web site is pediatric ward at the University and his wife, Pam, joined my wife, our 50th anniversary with family drrmotz.com.” of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hos- Cyndi, and me for a dinner in and friends at a leading restaurant Jay Neugeboren’s recent short pital, where I am a full professor Boulder. The food was great and near our home in Coventry, Conn. story collection, You Are My Heart of clinical pediatrics. In July we the company even better. My usual Sandye, as she’s known, who and Other Stories, was reviewed spent time with my daughter and bike trip took me to the Canadian attended the Bronx H.S. of Science in Columbia magazine (magazine. her 15-year-old daughter and Maritime provinces for a 600-mile and City College, spent a great deal columbia.edu/reviews/summer- 12-year-old son, and then spent a ride. The scenery was spectacular. of time on the Columbia campus 2011/online-only-jay-neugeborens- week at Club Med with my son, I’m now back to teaching history between 1957–59 and should be an latest-short-story-collection). I daughter-in-law and 7-year-old and philosophy of physics here at honorary class member. We have a read the review, and it is highly triplet grandchildren. We had a the University of Colorado.” granddaughter, Sabrina Eden (21 laudatory. blast. In August, my wife and I Perhaps Matt and Al can get months), who joined her brother, Jay also has a new novel, The visited family in New York and together for a bike ride. Stratton, (8). On a recent trip to Other Side of the World, scheduled London, then took a 16-day cruise Mike Tannenbaum moves in NYC, driving past Columbia on for publication in fall 2012. He also around the Atlantic Ocean and the exalted circles. “I was asked to Amsterdam Avenue, our son, is an adviser to grad students in Mediterranean Sea. We stopped in present the great contributions Channing ’92, and I sang a terribly the Writing Program at the School France, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, made by the United States in the off-tune version of ‘Roar Lion of the Arts. Monaco and Italy. The stops were field of subnuclear physics at Roar.’ As we pointed out where From Ben Janowski we hear, “I fascinating and illuminating. While Brookhaven National Laboratory we had lived, Stratton wanted to am keenly aware that many, if not we were gone, my second passion, and its Relativistic Heavy Ion Col- know if he could go to Columbia most, of our classmates have retired creative writing, bore the fruits of lider. The talk was at a symposium also. We told him he would have to by this point. I understand the urge, my labor. My second book, Cancer of the Pontifical Academy of Sci- be a very good student! as the body no longer can keep pace Dreams, was published, as was my ences on the subject of ‘Subnuclear “As part of our 50th anniversary with fantasies of the mind. We can seventh story in the Chicken Soup Physics: Past, Present, Future,’ and celebration, Sandye and I traveled no longer do what we imagine. For for the Soul series. This one was in discussed the origin, the status and to Brunei, where we had never me, life as a consultant proceeds Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration the future of the subnuclear world, been, Malaysia, where we were at a manageable pace, a very nice for the Young at Heart: 101 Stories in other words, quarks and gluons. relatively recently, and to Singapore, mix of work, time with family and of Inspiration, Humor, and Wisdom It was held at Pontifical Academy of which we had not visited in 40 plenty of quiet days. I have been about Life at a Certain Age. I hope all Sciences, Casina Pio IV, Vatican City, years. It has changed! In Singapore a consultant in the diamond and my classmates had as rewarding a October 30–November 2. I stayed at at the National University, we did jewelry business for almost 20 years summer as we did.” the Domus Sanctae Marthae inside a presentation on oral history. We now, after 20 more as a jewelry From Matthew J. Sobel, “Dur- the Vatican, which is where the operate a consulting firm, The Stave manufacturer. I do not pursue work ing successive weekends this cardinals stay during the conclave Group (oralhistorybythestave at all, but it keeps coming in the summer I drove into high heat when they elect the pope.” group.com), and I am co-general door. Some I reject (or find a way to and humidity southwest of my Mike, perhaps you can tell us editor of the Palgrave/Macmillan gently refuse) and other, interesting home, which is east of Cleveland. what it was like, as we are unlikely Studies in Oral History series, which projects are accepted. The major First, I traveled to Terre Haute to to visit the places that you do. has published more than two dozen piece of work over the last couple bicycle 160 miles across Indiana the On a personal note, Linda and books to date. I keep my office at of years has been assisting in the following day to Richmond. This Gene Appel invited my wife, the University of Connecticut, conceptualization and merchan- annual event (‘RAIN’) draws more Yona, and I to join them at their although I am not teaching. My in- dising of a new jewelry website, than 1,000 bicycle zealots, and condominium in Puerto Vallarta. stitutional history of the university, Jewelista.com, that recently opened. this year the afternoon tempera- We spent a delightful week with Red Brick in the Land of Steady Habits: (No promo intended here!) That has tures varied from 100 degrees on them and with Billy Host ’60 and Creating the University of Connecti- involved travel all over the world concrete to 105 degrees on tarmac. Billy’s family. I also had breakfast cut, 1881–2006, continues to attract to seek out unknown, high quality Although it is not a race, finishing with Steve Trachtenberg in Chi- interest after publication in 2006. I designers. My mobility has been times are recorded up to 9 p.m. cago and lunch with Joe Krieger at am writing from San Diego, where helped by a full knee replacement I squeezed under the wire and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden — all we are beginning a trip through last fall, which has been successful. finished at 8:59 p.m. very pleasant occasions. southern California, to conduct oral The surgeon, Bart Nisonson ’62, ’66 “A week later my wife, Susan, On a sad note, Dick Donelli

WINTER 2011–12 66 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

has died. His obituary will be pub- classes, Terrence never listened that knowledge. He assembles Regional Art Exhibition at the Rob- lished in a future issue of CCT. to them. “The play,” he said, “is the telescope that arrives in a kit erson Museum in Binghamton, Please note that my class email my projection of Callas’ life, not a and affixes it to its wooden tripod. N.Y.; the Albany Center Gallery Re- list does not include everyone, and documentary.” Sky-map in hand, he focuses on an gional Competition; the Woodstock some addresses are invalid. If you Doug Morris assumed the post object in space. The object appears, Artists Association and Museum do not receive email correspon- of chief executive of Sony Music a pinpoint of light in the eyepiece. in Woodstock, N.Y.; and the Van dence from me, chances are you fit Entertainment in July. After serving Adjust the lens to draw it closer ... Brunt Projects in Beacon, N.Y. Ivan into one of those two categories. If as chief executive and then as chair- but it’s gone. Focus again, sight the advised some months ago that he you want to be included in class man of Universal Music Group, object ... the waft of the gentlest of was working in collaboration with emails, please send me your email the label he helped found in 1995, breezes seems magnified through published author Lenny Mintz on address; only with your permis- Doug was granted an early release the lens to the intensity of a gale, a book to include Ivan’s Brooklyn sion will I share it with Columbia. from his contract at Universal to and multiple images in the eyepiece paintings and his collaborator’s Or, you may send it to CCT at join its biggest rival. Doug has been are in violent motion; perhaps it is Brooklyn stories. Check Ivan’s web- [email protected] (subject line: regarded as a skilled manager of ex- only that single point of light, but site (brooklynplaces.com) for more “CC’59 email”), and the CCT staff ecutives as well as an artistic talent. it refuses to hold still. The necklace information as to its availability. will update your record and then In his tenure at Universal its roster lights of the bridge, the beacon A somewhat belated advisory share it with me, but again, they will of artists has included U2, Eminem, of the Empire State Building, the to classmates from Nathan Gross share only with your permission. Jay-Z, Kanye West, Amy Wine- brilliant nightscape of Manhattan that the souvenir compact disc of house, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and the glow from the stadium all the “Sweetest Sixty Suite,” received and Rihanna; it has commanded compete with and overwhelm the after Nathan’s cabaret at our 50th Robert A. Machleder the industry’s largest market share, sparkling specs in the firmament. A reunion, will indeed play on a 69-37 Fleet St. with about 31 percent of sales, and succession of futile efforts and the computer even if a regular CD 60 Forest Hills, NY 11375 generated revenues exceeding $6 telescope is retired to a place that player refuses it. Nathan spent his 60 billion a year. The eyes of the indus- time has forgotten. summer, as he has through the [email protected] try are on Doug to see whether he The man, now much closer to years, “teaching French in Paris Terrence McNally’s play Master can achieve the same success for the the end of his string than its begin- for the University of San Diego In- Class had a Broadway revival this Sony label. ning, smiles wistfully at this mem- stitute on International and Com- summer starring Tyne Daly as parative Law. My students in the Maria Callas. Considered by critics past several years have included, to be Terrence’s finest work, it was beyond the usual Californians and first presented in November 1995 Hillel Halkin ’60 appears in the critically acclaimed Midwesterners, young lawyers and won the Drama Desk Award documentary Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the from Russia, Italy, Mexico, Spain for Outstanding New Play and — from all over the map. They the 1996 Tony Award for Best Play. Darkness. are culturally savvier than our Two members of the original cast, homegrown varieties; they enliven Zoe Caldwell (in the role of Cal- the class atmosphere and keep las) and Audra McDonald (in the Hillel Halkin, author, scholar ory as he reads Tom Hamilton’s me returning. I also carry out the role of a student), won 1996 Tony and translator, appears as one of latest book, Useful Star Names: With duties of a guide — my training as awards for acting. The play, based several distinguished talking heads Nebulas And Other Celestial Features. a 17th-century specialist comes in on a series of master classes held in a critically acclaimed documen- Tom, a professor of astronomy for handy during walks, especially in by Callas at the Juilliard School in tary released this summer, Sholem 32 years, now retired, says that his the Marais neighborhood where the early 1970s after her voice had Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness. students always preferred to learn the institute is located. I conduct faded and her career had come to The documentary examines the a star by its name, rather than its a favorites tour of the Louvre in an end, integrates opera selections, life of the humorist and storyteller catalog number. “Teegarden’s Star English, encouraging discussion as the diva’s penetrating dissection (born Solomon Rabinovich) using is so much nicer sounding than SO we stand before objects of special and reshaping of the performances archival material and, as a Los 0255790.5.” The book is a wonder- interest to lawyers — the Code of of three aspiring opera singers, and Angeles Times film critic put it, “per- ful, useful guide for any stargazer; Hammurabi, for example — and lapses into reflections on her own ceptive interviews with some of the a compendium in four parts, list- paintings that have grown on me rise, fueled by her intense ambition, best thinkers in the Yiddish world, ing, alphabetically, the 88 constel- over some 40-very-odd years. from a performer criticized for including academics Dan Miron, lations, providing the names of the Humanities A comes in handy as being overweight and unattractive David Roskies and Ruth Wisse; stars, nebulas and galaxies within we examine a Rubens based on at the beginning of her career to the translator Hillel Halkin; the Na- each, their brightness and their Herodotus and one of Rembrandt’s triumphant pinnacle of achieve- tional Yiddish Book Center’s Aaron location according to the two co- Bathshebas. (We used to read ment, acclaimed as La Divina, the Lansky; and author Bel Kaufman, ordinates of Declination and Right extensively in the Old Testament most brilliant and glamorous sop- Sholem Aleichem’s 100-year-old Ascension. This old man enjoyed in my own Humanities sections, rano of an era. Callas’ desires, granddaughter.” In the words of perusing the lists and finding the including the Books of Samuel as insecurities and vulnerabilities, a another critic: “Hillel Halkin proves brightest star, Sirius, which has a an example of historiography.) I burning hatred of her rivals and to be the movie’s sharpest, funniest, -1.46 magnitude and is one of the am constantly reminded of how of a press that derided her early most Sholem Aleichem-like com- closest stars to us at a distance of Philip Gould taught how to look performances, and an exposition of mentator.” 8.6 light years; that it is in the con- and to see in that one class in Art the commitment and sacrifices that A young man’s gaze moves in stellation Canis Major (one of the Humanities I took. We also visit are the price of achieving excellence, an arc, west, south, east, over the smallest constellations — 71st of Reims where somehow (hardly are exposed in impassioned and oft- Hudson River, the George Wash- the 88); and, that its Declination is somehow, of course: it all comes times humorous monologues. ington Bridge, on to the spires of -16^42’58” and its Right Ascension from listening closely to the guides Terrence fell in love with Cal- Manhattan, then the Bronx with its is ... but I’ll let you have the fun in many past visits, and, mostly, las’ voice when he was a youth bank of lights from Yankee Stadium of finding that out in Tom’s book. from my good friend the Internet) growing up in Corpus Christi, that illuminate the field as the night Tom advises that he is now at work I have become an expert, amateur Texas; he found himself moved by game progresses; he scans the sky on his next astronomy book. And but knowledgeable nonetheless, its haunting and unique beauty. from the terrace of his new apart- this old man, inspired by Useful on the history and sculptural At a time when he was teaching ment high above the palisades of Star Names, is contemplating the programs of the gothic cathedral playwriting at Juilliard he stopped Spuyten Duyvil. His knowledge of purchase of another telescope. and the basilica of Saint Rémi. It in to observe a master class being the stars and nebulas, informed by Ivan Koota sends his regards to seems a far cry from Molière and conducted by Leontyne Price, visits to the Hayden Planetarium all and advises that his work was Racine, but in essence observing and the idea formed from which and overnight hikes with the Boy exhibited in several group shows and asking the right questions is Master Class evolved. Although Scouts as a youngster, is limited. in 2011: The Albany Institute of Art the practice I learned in college, at recordings existed of Callas’ master Now, an opportunity to expand Regional Exhibition; the Roberson graduate school and while leading

WINTER 2011–12 67

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY humanities and French literature diagnosis. Robert is survived by his to Las Vegas to provide company is most important that the reunion discussions (all of the French lit wife, Emilie, whom he married in on the drive to New Hampshire, provide uninterrupted opportuni- courses considered an extension 1964 and with whom he celebrated a great act of friendship. He also ties to talk and laugh with class- of Humanities A); I continue that more than 46 years of marriage, two rode back to Las Vegas with Gerry mates. But I worry that the enticing practice for five weeks each sum- sons and four grandchildren. and his dog and then flew back to attractions of Morningside Heights mer. During the autumn, winter Ronald was a certified appraiser Leominster, Mass., via a side flight and NYC will tempt us to scatter. and spring months I also devote a of antiques and real estate. He was to Denver to see his brother. (The usual events, such as formal full academic year to a single major a generous benefactor of museums, Harold Cohen was a regular dinners, lectures and campus tours, project, such as the Proust novel to which he donated antiques. He attendee at class reunions but often do not lend themselves to (again!) and Hugo’s incomparable died on May 30 and is survived missed our 50th. Stuart Newman casual interaction.) So it occurred to Les Misérables (for the first time). by his sister, Louise Trotman, and attempted to track Harold down me that we could have a wonderful I recently completed a painfully nephews Adrian and Julian. after the reunion but couldn’t reach time together by chartering a boat slow and happily most rewarding The class sends its sincerest con- him by phone or email. In July, and taking a cruise for two or three reading, with the help of two excel- dolences to the families and friends he received a letter from Harold’s hours, during which time we could lent dictionaries, of Doctor Zhivago. of Robert and Ronald. Please for- wife, Karen, informing him that mix and mingle and also enjoy As for September … Something ward your recollections of our late Harold passed away on March 12. unique views of Manhattan. Other will turn up. The Janáček operas? classmates for inclusion in Class Harold was an All-State basket- classes have done this. Does this You never know.” Notes. ball player in high school, an active idea appeal to you? Bill Tanenbaum and Ira Jaffrey member of AEPi and one of the Hal Watson ([email protected]), spent several weekends together most enthusiastic scholars in our Horace Spaulding, Carl Rauh and hiking and enjoying the Colorado Michael Hausig class. He sought out the best lectur- Richard (Dick) Evans had a one- outdoors in Aspen, Glenwood 19418 Encino Summi ers, inhaled their courses and was day reunion in 2008 in Denver and Springs and Beaver Creek. Bill 61 San Antonio, TX 78259 transformed by professors such as resolved then to attend our 50th. continues his mountain conquests, 61 C. Wright Mills. In 1961–62 they lived together on [email protected] gaining an altitude of 10,200 ft. on Riverside Drive. Hal advises us to Beaver Creek Mountain; then white Dr. Jeffrey Rudell’s book was pub- wear our reunion nametags. “None REUNION MAY 31–JUNE 3 water rafting on the Arkansas River, lished in August: Exercise Physiology of us look like we did in 1962,” he ALUMNI OFFICE CONTACTS a nine-mile ride in category 4–5 for Swimmers & Divers: Understand- says. [Editor’s note: All reunion ALUMNI AFFAIRS Robin Vanderputten rapids, water at 55 degrees breaking ing Limitations. It is available on attendees and guests are provided [email protected] over the bow. Bill attended a wed- Amazon and Barnes & Noble. with lanyards and nametags.] 212-851-7399 ding in Arkansas and met a friend Rich Mace’s granddaughter Hal has retired from Southern DEVELOPMENT Allen Rosso for lunch in Tulsa, Okla., and that Ahrielle Felicity Mace is appearing Methodist University, where he [email protected] now closes the ring, visiting every as a principal dancer in Footloose, the was a professor of mechanical 212-851-7947 state. 1980s movie remake that came out engineering. He consults on cases At the memorial service for this fall. She also appeared at half- John Freidin involving patent disputes. Horace Joe Coffee ’41 held at the campus time at the Atlanta Falcons’ Septem- 1020 Town Line Rd. is a retired investor in TV cable on April 28, three members of ber 17 game. Parents Richard Riurik 62 Charlotte, VT 05445 programming and lives in Califor- the class were in attendance: Bob Mace and his wife, Jen, are rather 62 nia. Carl practices law in Washing- [email protected] Berne, Richard Friedlander and proud, as is Rich. Rich spends his ton, D.C. Dick is a retired Air Force Art Delmhorst. “Joe,” Art writes, time playing piano ensemble music You will receive this in December. colonel and aerospace engineer; “was the first or nearly the first with a fine bunch of pros, playing But as I write on September 20, he now works in private military director of alumni relations and bridge twice a week under the tute- the late summer sun is glowing on contracting and lives in Denver. founded the Columbia College lage of a grandmaster and tending Vermont. A week ago, my sweet- Howard Felperin (hfelperin@ Fund, the Alexander Hamilton to every wish his still–hard-working heart, Kathryn, and I returned live.co.uk) is “keen to attend our Medal, the John Jay Awards for United Nations International School from a sensational bicycle tour in 50th class reunion.” He recently distinguished professional achieve- teacher wife, Ingeborg, requires to Hungary with my old firm, VBT. moved to the Isle of Wight. From ment and CCT. I thought it was be fulfilled. Of such pleasures is The highlight of the trip was being 1977–95, Howard taught English neat that he had touched three the stuff of retirement made. The infused with the sad history of literature (mainly Shakespeare) at members of our class in different couple recently returned from a Hungary, especially the recent his- two Australian universities, the ways. In my case, he was a fellow two-week vacation to Norway’s tory of Hungarian Jews. Time and University of Melbourne and Mac- trustee of the Columbia University four major cities, where the people again I stumbled onto local citizens quarie University. In 1996 he re- Club Foundation.” are still in shock from their own and places that impelled me to see tired to England, where he’s lived We mourn the passing of Dr. Rob- particular brush with tragedy. The and feel more about those heart- ever since. He’s published several ert J. Capone and Ronald Kane. scenery was magnificent. wrenching times. During the trip books on Shakespeare and literary Robert, who was diagnosed with Joyce and Stuart Newman cele- I read Joseph Kertes’ fine novel, theory and now spends much of leukemia in 2008, died peacefully brated their 50th wedding anniver- Gratitude, about the Hungarian his time walking the beach and on June 29 at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn sary in June. They married weeks Shoah. I am still filled with visions writing poetry — both his own in Albany, N.Y. He earned his M.D. after their respective graduations of that horrendous time. and translations from Latin, most at Cornell, did his internship at from Barnard and Columbia. Joyce The most important news is that notably the Aeneid. Vanderbilt and completed his resi- maintains her ob/gyn practice in our 50th Alumni Reunion Weekend Barry Leeds ([email protected]) dency at the University of Vermont Manhattan, and Stuart is as busy as — Wednesday, May 30–Sunday, writes that he, too, is “looking for in Burlington. Robert served in the ever practicing corporate law, also June 3 — is only a few months ward to seeing many old friends” at Navy as a lieutenant commander in Manhattan. away. Your classmates are working our 50th. and practiced at the Oakland Naval Gerry Brodeur’s wife, Judy, died to create a wonderful experience. Anthony Valerio’s new e-books Hospital from 1968–70. Thereafter, on April 1 after a long illness. A But the key to the occasion is your include Lefty and Her Gangsters: A he spent two years at UC Davis, 19 memorial service was held at St. participation. The more of us who Novel of Sex and Power; The Little years as a professor of medicine at Jude Parish, Londonderry, N.H. attend, the more each of us will Sailor; Toni Cade Bambara’s One Brown and a cardiologist at Rhode Gerry visited with Sue and Jack enjoy it. Take a look at the reunion Sicilian Night; and BART: A Life of Island Hospital, and four years as Kirik in Moline, Ill., on the drive website (reunion.college.columbia. A. Bartlett Giamatti. a cardiologist at Strong Memorial from Las Vegas to New Hampshire edu) and mark your calendars In early August, John Boatner Hospital and a professor at Roches- with Judy’s ashes. Bob McCool and now. More information will start to wrote, “Here in Tennessee we are ter University. In 1994, he became a Wayne Hatfield attended the ser- arrive during the spring, so be sure living in hell after hell with record- cardiologist at Albany Medical Cen- vice with their wives, Pat and Fran. Columbia has your correct postal breaking temperatures.” John ter Hospital and was a professor at Wayne and Gerry developed and email addresses. recently produced five new CDs of Albany College of Medicine until a close friendship while playing I have an idea about our reunion his compositions: a concerto for cel- 2008, when he retired due to his football at Columbia. Wayne flew I’d like to ask you about. To me it lo and orchestra, two choral works,

WINTER 2011–12 68 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

a children’s choir performance of can check a brief published letter relationship. So, around noon on away on April 2. While at Columbia his original settings of three poems that nets things out, and has links July 29, we went downtown to get he played football, ran track, was a from Alice in Wonderland and his to the presentation and correspon- a license with the intent of getting member of Delta Phi and met Helen solo piano performance of several dence with officials: aidspetition. married in September. However, Warwick, whom he married on popular tunes. John muses: “It org/letter. A documentary, House of when the clerk told us we could do June 9, 1962. Robert was first in his seems that, somehow, the older I get Numbers, also may be helpful. it the same day if we got a waiver class at the Fort Knox Armor School to be, the more I actually am able to “On the fun side, we live in a of the one-day waiting period from and then pursued a career in the accomplish. Is there a moral in that great area in a partially passive the judge, we said, ‘Why not?’ So, Marine Corps. In 1967–68 he served realization?” solar house, with a large garden as of 2:55 p.m. July 29, John and in Vietnam, where he commanded Have you experienced such that I enjoy. We have three great I are spouses in the state of New A Company, 3rd Tank Battalion, recent spurts of accomplishment? grown children, a wonderful York. Until recently, we spent most 3rd Marines in Que Son Valley. From Red Hook, N.Y., Frank granddaughter in Australia and an weekends away from the city at Stateside he was an instructor at Stoppenbach (frankst@attglobal. upcoming wedding.” our home in Millbrook, N.Y. How- The Basic School for Marine Corps net) writes: “In a career as a strate- After graduation, John Phillips ever, as part of a long-range retire- officers in Quantico, Va. He retired gist at IBM, several times what ([email protected]) remained on Morn- ment plan, we decided to sell that from military service in 1982. seemed like ‘Mission Impossible’ ingside Heights to earn an M.Arch home and expand our Manhattan After that Robert and his family jobs came my way. from the Architecture School. He apartment. To our minds, Gotham settled on the eastern shore of “After retiring, I worked on then spent two years in the Peace is still the best.” Maryland. An avid bicyclist, he several advocacy efforts, not real- Corps in Micronesia. After that and Bernie Oxman spent the sum- medaled in the Maryland Senior izing at the time that they, too, had three years of apprenticeship, John mer at his newly built vacation Olympics and rode regularly with a bit of ‘Mission Impossible’ about became a licensed architect. How- home overlooking the Oregon a local cycling group. Helen, his them. ever, his Peace Corps experience coast. He is a chaired professor of wife of 48 years, daughter Leigh, “More than one actually got led him to realize that he was not law at the University of Miami and and sons, Robert and Michael, done. In 1994, the government as interested in designing build- is halfway through his second five- survive him. approved the use of an artificial ings as in designing the fabric of year term as co–editor-in-chief of Brian O’Gorman, a retired attor- growth hormone, rBGH, in milk the city. As a senior urban designer the American Journal of International ney and past president of the Schol- and also approved rules permit- — first with the Mayor’s Office of Law, widely regarded as the lead- arship Foundation of Santa Barbara, ting manufacturers to sue dairies Midtown Planning and Develop- ing professionally juried journal in died in San Diego on May 24. that labeled their products with ment and then with the New York its field. Recently the International Please make your plans to come language saying they were made City Department of City Planning Tribunal for the Law of the Sea to our reunion and let me know without the use of that technology. — John, in his own words, “was appointed Bernie as judge ad hoc your suggestions for it. “That seemed unfair, and led actively involved in the plan to on a maritime boundary dispute to a 10,000-signature petition. The save 45 landmark Broadway the- between Bangladesh and Myan- labeling law we sought never came aters while allowing development mar. Hearings were scheduled Paul Neshamkin about, but thanks to many similar that preserves the vibrant character for September at the tribunal’s 63 1015 Washington St., efforts nationwide, and informed of Times Square and the theatre headquarters in Hamburg. This is Apt. 50 consumers who voted with their district. When I retired as director the second time Bernie has been 63 Hoboken, NJ 07030 feet and dollars, the manufacturer of the Bronx office, I was proud to appointed to this tribunal. Previ- [email protected] eventually sold the business, and have been part of the borough’s ously he served as judge ad hoc at major grocery chains now carry rebirth.” the International Court of Justice in Tons of news this issue! I’ve had to rBGH-free milk. He continues: “My work pro- The Hague, the principal judicial brutally edit to get it into this space, “That advocacy led me to a run vided a framework upon which organ of the United Nations, in a so go to cc63ers.com to read full for Congress on a platform of re- I’ve built a full life: one part a love maritime boundary dispute in the copy (and see pictures). You’ll also newable energy jobs (non-nuclear) of public service and another a Black Sea between Romania and find notes fromHoward Spodek, and single-payer/Medicare for All passion for food. On a couple of Ukraine. He is the only American Paul Lehrer, Harley Frankel, Ezra health care. My borrowed $15,000 occasions, work coincided with to have served on both courts. Cohen and Jerry Kessler, which, versus $1 million for the incum- passion as when I co-founded the Armando Favazza reported that because of space, I’ve had to hold bent took ‘Mission Impossible’ to 9th Avenue International Festival, Sylvain Fribourg passed away for the next issue. even higher levels. which brings millions of foodies suddenly on April 24 in California. David Alpern won a $25,000 “Indirectly, it also led to one more to the city’s annual, mile-long Armando wrote: “Sylvain was my grant from the Nathan Cummings effort, surely the gold standard for movable feast. Also, almost on a closest college friend, and we spent Foundation, matching a $25,000 impossibility — seeking an open lark, I earned a degree in hotel and many happy hours putting out challenge grant from the Carnegie review of AIDS policy and the ques- restaurant management, which issues of Jester. He had a long and Corp. of New York, to continue and tions surrounding it. That didn’t led to my creating and teaching a successful career as an ob/gyn at expand the hour-long For Your Ears sound so difficult, because most course in hospitality planning and Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles Only weekend radio and podcast policies get reviewed and science design at CUNY. I love to share the and was an avid writer of letters to program that he has produced normally resolves concerns through joys of cooking, whether through the Los Angeles Times. Through the and hosted since 1982 and which debate and experimentation. But private lessons or in crowds on the years we shared long, monthly tele- up until last year was known as HIV/AIDS has transcended sci- National Mall as part of the Smith- phone conversations during which Newsweek On Air. The new funding, ence and is now almost beyond sonian Folklife Festival.” we solved many world problems. along with promised support from questioning. This is due to HIV/ John has been featured in several In our last call we discovered that The Paley Center for Media in New AIDS’ dual role: 1) as an explana- cookbooks, including two by Joan each of us was reading a new trans- York and the Council on Hemi- tion for certain illnesses and 2) as a Nathan. Through the years he has lation of Herodotus! Sylvain was spheric Affairs in Washington, will cautionary tale to promote sexual traveled widely in the Pacific, Asia, a kind and brilliant person. After permit efforts to continue opera- responsibility. Questioning the first Central America, the Caribbean retiring he was a docent at several tions for at least another six months. undermines the second, so we are and the United States, but mostly museums and was president of his But more donations and grants are caught in what might be termed in Europe. While on a trip to France Kiwanis club. More than a decade required to add new stations, more a policy trap, doomed to continue in February, he joined Algernon ago he was fortunate enough to college interns and new presence on spending, in New York state alone, Phillips ’64 and his family to visit meet his soul-mate, a lovely woman Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. $500 yearly for each resident on Algernon’s daughter (John’s god- named Michelle Rodrigues, with Zev bar-Lev (né Rob Lefkowitz) HIV/AIDS alone. daughter), who lives in Lyon. whom he shared his life and trav- writes, “My challenging year, too “Two years ago, I put what I John continues: “On a personal eled the world. We all shall miss good to keep private: In December had learned about HIV/AIDS note, after New York state passed him greatly.” of last year, after a difficult open- into a presentation and took it to its Marriage Equality Act, my part- I must also report the sad news heart operation — complicated by policymakers. It seemed to get a ner, John Green, and I decided that of the deaths of two other class- my asthma, a long-standing chron- good reception. Those interested we would formalize our 36-year mates. Robert Maddox passed ic cough and my corpulence (225

WINTER 2011–12 69

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY lbs.) — I had a stroke and went Peter Slocum writes that he Queen Mary 2.” The course con- ‘Richardson Grove — Our Future,’ into a coma. My wife, Shoshana “was married between freshman tinued on land in London, where but underneath each panel are the (née Jane Wirth ’63 Barnard), sat and sophomore years at Columbia they were able to live what they separate captions: Tourism? Lum- by my bed, urging me to wake College. Went to Cambridge Uni- had learned aboard ship. Henry ber? Development? Inspiration?, up. And I did … just five months versity for grad degree and stayed reports that his Columbia class in asking viewers to decide what these later! It’s rare enough to wake up in England with Merrill Lynch. modern drama with Bentley and ancient trees mean to them. For after one month in a coma. I had Subsequently was CEO of three Brustein stood him in good stead more information about the move- ‘slept through’ my final semester banks in London, Beirut and the on the trip. ment to protect Richardson Grove of teaching, but had also lost 55 lbs. Bahamas. Now working in invest- Robert Smith writes, “I am and other ‘Redwood Curtains,’ … and my asthma and cough were ment business in Carefree, Ariz., active in psychiatric research please contact EPIC: wildcalifornia. mysteriously gone. After several with oldest son. Portfolio consists and practice. I continue research org. Anyone wanting a copy of the months of rehab, I’m almost as of four children, nine grandchil- in biological mechanism and compilation CD (for a $10 donation) good as when I was 30: I can walk dren and one great-grandchild.” treatment of schizophrenia and or copies of my other two CDs, The upstairs and down. My mind and Peter, great name for a town. I autism as a research psychiatrist Baby and the Bathwater and Jefferson’s memory were miraculously unaf- hope it is. at the Nathan S. Kline Institute for Laments, please contact me at jeffer fected by the coma and stroke; I’ll Carey Winfrey retired on Sep- Psychiatric Research, where I lead a [email protected]. Class of ’63 discounts be teaching my adult-ed Hebrew tember 30 after 10 years as editor research group, and I am a research available!” course, for which I recently wrote of Smithsonian Magazine. Asked his professor of psychiatry at NYU Yoshiharu Fujisawa writes, “One a new version of my textbook plans by The Washington Post, Car- Langone Medical Center. I also big change took place recently. On (this version brings my innovative ey replied: “Something between have a part-time private practice June 20 I relinquished my chair- ‘key-letter’ system to the begin- writing the Great American Novel in Woodmere, N.Y., where I live man and CEO position at Internix, ning of elementary Hebrew study). and a lot of emails.” He was only with my wife, Sultana. I recently which I founded in September Although fully retired now, I’ll also the third editor in the magazine’s retired from clinical and research 1970, and got listed in the First Sec- teach my ‘Language & Politics’ 40-year history. duties at Manhattan Psychiatric tion of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in course at San Diego State Univer- After more than 35 years in the Center after 20 years and was chief 2004. I retain the honorary chairman sity in the spring.” Washington, D.C., area, David of psychopharmacology consulta- title but basically am retired and no Peter Gollon and his wife, Abby Chessler Ph.D. ’74 GSAS is mov- tion from 2000–11. I have current longer am a board member. I plan Pariser ’67 Barnard, are delighted ing to Waltham, Mass., to be closer research grants from the Stanley to concentrate on the nature and at the birth of their daughter Kate’s to his children and grandchildren Medical Research Foundation and biodiversity preservation activities son, and their first grandson, and farther from hurricanes and other philanthropic sources and am that I have been involved in for Blake. Being retired allows them earthquakes. working on studies of metabolic almost two decades. After David to travel between Kate’s family in David Orme-Johnson writes, side effects of antipsychotic drugs; Cohen passed away, I have not kept Rhode Island and their son, David, “We are spending summers in biological and clinical studies of in touch with any classmates and I and 3½-year-old granddaughter, Fairfield, Iowa, where some of our smoking in schizophrenia; effects of certainly look forward to knowing Olivia, in Burlington, Vt. kids and many friends live and varenicline in schizophrenia; and how they have been doing.” When not visiting friends or where the university we helped effects of yoga on metabolic, epi- You’ll find pictures of Yoshi and family or otherwise on vacation, found, Maharishi University of genetic, hormonal and psychopa- his family on our website. Peter continues to advance his Management, is located. Winters thology changes in schizophrenic After eight years of serving the liberal politics through activity are in the Florida Panhandle, our patients. I am a member or fellow of U.S. Department of Justice as a in the New York Civil Liberties main residence, between Destin prestigious organizations including pseudo-special master, monitoring Union, on whose Board of Direc- and Panama City, a beautiful area. the International College of Neuro- and enforcing Microsoft’s compli- tors he served for 25 years and was “I write papers, mainly reviews Psychopharmacology/Collegium ance with the 2002 final judgment recently elected director emeritus. and meta-analysis of research on Internationale Neuro-Psychophar- in the long-running antitrust case, He’s also putting his physics transcendental meditation, and macologicum.” Harry Saal is “retired” once again, background to good use as the en- paint. I learned pastel painting this Jeff Parson (alias Jefferson seeking the next big thing. Having ergy chair of the Sierra Club: Long past summer and now am taking a Parson) writes, “My companion, two young grandchildren living Island Group, from which position watercolor class. What a joy. We do Lauren Oliver, and I recently helped nearby in Palo Alto seems to be fill- he’s trying to move the local long, daily meditations with a group to organize a successful musical ing all his free time in the interim. electric utility to faster implemen- of about 2,000, working on personal benefit for the northern-California- Harry’s wife, Carol, has had quite tation of its energy efficiency and enlightenment and ostensibly creat- based Environmental Protection a challenging year due to multiple renewable energy projects. Peter ing coherence for the United States, Information Center (EPIC), which rounds of chemotherapy and a is motivated by his knowledge and go to a lot of concerts and musi- is taking California Department of stem cell transplant for mantle cell that “climate change is real, and is cal events. Yes, in Fairfield, popula- Transportation (Caltrans) to court, lymphoma. She is participating driven by human-produced carbon tion 10,000. I tell my New York and contesting its plans to widen the in a clinical trial of personalized dioxide in the atmosphere. What West Coast friends that this is where highway (101) through Richardson immunotherapy that promises we and other countries do or don’t the action is!” Grove, a state park just south of lifelong immunity against a recur- do to limit it will have a profound Jack McMullen writes, “I am on Garberville, Calif., that has one of rence of MCL. effect on the world we leave to our the boards of three venture-backed the most beautiful remaining stands Ira Malter’s wife, Cynthia, re- children and grandchildren.” companies and also on the boards of ancient redwoods. We raised cently completed a set of five murals Michael Bumagin writes, “I of three civic organizations in around $7,000 for EPIC’s legal fund. for the new Sarabeth’s restaurant in have 36 hours left in my seventh Vermont. I was in New Zealand for The event included well-known Tribeca at Jay and Greenwich Streets. decade, and my favorite birthday adventure hiking last November environmental troubadours such “Have a look,” Ira says. “We live in present so far is a scrub suit em- and in a few months plan to go to as Joanne Rand and many local Arizona in the winter and Vermont broidered with the Columbia Lion! Patagonia for another outdoors- musicians, including my band, in the summer.” If I’d known I’d live so long I’d oriented trip, this time with my Raspberry Jam, which performed Lee Lowenfish turned summer have taken better care of myself!” fellow J.D.-M.B.A. classmate, Ed 12 of my original songs, five of into a paradise of baseball travel Byron Cohen writes, “I have Savage. I’ve attached a picture them specifically about Richardson and baseball writing for his blog had a contemporary art gallery from the New Zealand trip. I’m the Grove. We also made a compilation (leelowenfish.com) and also the for 16 years. We have closed our one in the green shirt in the fore- CD of Richardson Grove-inspired booktrib.com and lovemyteam. physical space and now do all of ground.” (Visit our website to see.) songs. Concurrently, I came up com blogs. our shows on the Internet. We ad- Benita and Henry Black recently with the concept for a billboard He made two trips to Coopers vertise in ARTnews and represent returned from a trans-Atlantic that we installed on Route 101, near town, N.Y., once to speak about his some great contemporary artists. crossing on the QM2, where they Richardson Grove. The sign has new project on baseball scouting, Our new website is byroncohen were enrolled in a Road Scholar four identical panels of artist Marc “Competitors and Colleagues,” gallery.com. I would love to hear course, “An Insider’s Perspective Arceneaux’s rendering of giant and the other to attend the annual from my classmates.” of London Theatre Aboard the redwoods, with a headline that says late July Hall of Fame inductions.

WINTER 2011–12 70 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

Lee continues to speak on many Future Presidents: The Science Behind social conservatism is uniquely and you can change the world.” campuses about his award-winning the Headlines (college.columbia.edu/ American because it is in reality an According to Publishers Lunch, biography, Branch Rickey: Baseball’s cct/jan_feb09/columbia_forum) outgrowth of American exception- David Denby is working on a new Ferocious Gentleman, and is slated and his college lectures to answer alism. It exists here because the book, set in a public high school, to talk baseball in December before questions about physics with the founding principles of the United about how reading and engaging Columbia alumni groups in Tampa use of color cartoons. States — centering on the belief with literature can build charac- and Sarasota, Fla. Steve Rosenfeld has retired that humanity receives its equal ter and create good citizens, and After 40 years, Burt Brody is re- from his New York law firm, where rights directly from God rather than what teachers and parents can tiring as professor of physics from he specialized in securities litiga- from government — retain a mass do to spark students’ passion for Bard College. He’s keeping his tion, and now devotes pro bono following among American voters, reading. We all recall how David’s home upstate (an 1817 farmhouse time to representing children in even in the wake of abandon- Great Books chronicled his return to overlooking the Hudson) but need of legal assistance. A former ment of belief in America’s theistic Columbia for the Core Curricu- spending most of his time residing president of the Legal Aid Society, founding by elites and institutions lum. We certainly look forward to in his apartment near Lincoln Cen- and a subject of a special New York that once espoused it. Jeff argues David’s next work. ter, enjoying New York City. Law Journal report “Lawyers Who that a worldwide upheaval in the Niles Eldredge was featured in Our regular Second Thursday Lead by Example,” in 2010, Steve 1960s set the stage for the rise of a recent blog by Ritchie Annand lunches are a great place to recon- contributed 630 hours to helping social conservatism, which had no (blogs.nimblebrain.net, search for nect. If you’re in NYC, try to make children. “Representing children earlier political existence. The 1960s “Niles Eldredge”). Niles is a propo- the next Class of ’63 lunch, sched- is about as different to what I had upheaval resulted in the triumph nent of “punctuated equilibrium” uled for December 8, and then on done in my career as you could of the social agenda of the left, in the evolution of species, mean- January 12 and February 9. Check imagine. I still wanted to be a law- particularly the sexual revolution, ing that evolution happens in fits cc63ers.com for details. yer when I retired, but I wanted among elite opinion in the United and starts instead of smoothly. In a In the meantime, let us know to do something entirely different. States as well as Europe, Japan and Los Angeles Times article, “Alternate what you are up to, how you’re Of all the things Legal Aid does, I elsewhere. In subsequent decades, Theory of Evolution Considered,” doing and what’s next. thought that children, and particu- according to Jeff, the global left has which appeared in 1978, Niles larly children in neglect cases, are sidelined its century-long drive for was quoted as saying, “If life had among the most vulnerable and socialism and returned to its late– evolved into the wondrous profu- Norman Olch most in need of representation.” 18th-century roots in the thought of sion of creatures little by little, then 64 233 Broadway Steve also is chair of New York Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the radi- there should be some fossiliferous New York, NY 10279 City’s Conflict of Interest Board and cal French revolutionaries known as record of those changes; that is, one 64 chair of the Board of Visitors at the the Jacobins, who believed human would expect to find transitional [email protected] CUNY School of Law. “For the sixth fulfillment depends on liberation creatures that were a little bit like I write as the first fall chills hit straight year, New York attorneys from most civilized institutions, what went before them and a little New York City. But the passing of have named me a ‘Superlawyer’ for particularly organized religion and bit like what came after them. summer has its rewards. appeals,” Steve says. “Because this the family. “But no one has found any evi- The informal, once-a-month comes from my peers, I am greatly Despite the many predictions of dence of such in-between creatures. class lunches have resumed. How- honored.” its demise, social conservatism has This was long chalked up to ‘gaps’ ard Jacobson, Fred Kantor, Beril In the late spring my wife, Jac- gained and held popular strength in fossil records, gaps that propo- Lapson, Steve Rodner and Allen queline, and I spent 10 days travel- in the United States because of its nents of gradualism confidently Tobias attended in September and ing through Virginia’s Shenandoah roots in a theistic version of the expected to fill in someday when we discussed everything from Valley. It was a wonderful trip filled European enlightenment of the rock strata of the proper antiquity Beril’s three weeks in China to the with history and beautiful vistas. 17th and 18th centuries, which were eventually located. resignation of the College dean, all We even learned that the Charlot- Jeff describes and analyzes as the “But all of the fossil evidence while enjoying the food and drink tesville area has many vineyards “conservative enlightenment.” It is to date has failed to turn up any at the Columbia University Club in (Thomas Jefferson purportedly a rich, optimistic belief system that such missing links, and there is a Manhattan. said Virginia wines could one day not only dominated the American growing conviction among many After lunch, walking toward the equal those of France). High in the founding but also transformed scientists that these transitional subway with Howard and Fred, Allegheny Mountains we bathed society in the English-speaking forms never existed. And if this I recognized Richard Heffner ’46, in Jefferson Springs, whose healthy world and remains an attractive is so, then the gradualist view of the host of public television’s long- 98-degree mineral waters have been alternative in the eyes of many of evolution is an inaccurate portrayal running and informative interview enjoyed for hundreds of years. It the world’s peoples — certainly of how life developed.” program, Open Mind, which first was all great fun. in comparison to the competing The blogger points out that cre- broadcast in 1956. As the crowds Send me a note. We all want to universalisms advocated by the ationists have quoted Niles’ article pushed past us on the street the hear from you. left enlightenment and by the four of us discussed Open Mind anti-egalitarian Islamic revival. and Columbia. The ability of social conservatism What’s Your Story? Remember, we meet for lunch at Leonard B. Pack and of its parent, the conserva- 12:30 p.m. on the second Thursday 924 West End Ave. tive enlightenment, to revive and Letting classmates know of the month (December 8 this 65 New York, NY 10025 spread this natural law-centered what’s going on in your year), so join us. 65 democratic vision could reshape life is easier than ever. [email protected] Ivan Weissman reports on Class the battle of ideas that increasingly Send in your Class Notes! Day: “On a rainy May day, Howard For some reason, this column has a defines our post-Cold War world. ONLINE by clicking Jacobson and I carried our class ban- particularly literal bent, as the items Last June, Jeff spoke before a ner during Class Day ceremonies. below were gathered from publicly Tea Party rally in Iowa. He said to college.columbia.edu/cct/ To our amazement, the flag carriers available information. Future ap- them, “The people of Iowa have submit_class_note. received loud cheers from the gradu- pearances of this column will be changed our politics. Iowa helps to EMAIL to the address at ates. We also were thrilled to receive enlivened if you would write to me shape the national debate not only the top of your column. Columbia College ponchos to help at [email protected] giving me news because you are the first state, but us survive the rain. Five members of your personal doings. because caucus-goers are extremely MAIL to the address at the of our class had signed up to march, Jeffrey Bell has a new book out, well-informed.” Jeff urged Iowans top of your column. but the downpour may have kept The Case for Polarized Politics: Why to get informed and learn how to Class Notes received by our classmates away.” America Needs Social Conservatism. organize and participate in politics. Monday, December 12, Richard Muller has published It is scheduled to be published by “It’s up to you. You are the type of are eligible for inclusion in The Instant Physicist: An Illustrated the time this issue of CCT reaches people who have changed politics Guide, which incorporates material you. According to the publisher’s in this country the past 30 years. It’s the Spring 2012 issue. from his previous book Physics for description, Jeffrey argues that urgent. You can change the country

WINTER 2011–12 71

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY dishonestly and out of context, Stuart Berkman technique, knowledge, vision, or 20 to begin the work of planning claiming that he admitted that “no 66 Rua Mello Franco, 580 alters perceptions that influence the for our 45th Alumni Reunion one has found any such in-between Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro nominee’s field in science, literature, Weekend, scheduled for Thursday, creatures … and there is a growing 66 25960-531 Brasil or the arts.’ This relates to the nearly May 31–Sunday, June 3. Bob Costa, conviction among many scien- [email protected] 300 editions of photogravure etch- Jonathan Kranz, Roger Lehecka tists that these transitional forms ings I’ve done since 1991, many of and I were the advance-guard never existed.” Of course, what Niles We have learned of the passing of which are in museums and private in attendance at this preliminary meant is that if evolution proceeds in Richard Thompson, retired psy- collections. They spring from a vi- meeting, but we got good advice fits and starts, the chances of finding choanalyst and program manager, sion nurtured by 30 years in Japan, from Alumni Office staff members fossil records from the relatively New York City, this past April. unique in both technique and style, Heather Hunte of the Columbia brief periods of time during which Other than that sad information, but accessible to all. I recognize, College Fund and Nick Mider accelerated evolution occurred are those who believe in the old adage from my own experience, that of the events team. This session remote, but that does not mean that that no news is good news will be many accomplishments are unac- marked the first step, and we the evolution did not occur. In any delighted to know that we have companied by overt recognition, plan to meet again and hope to be event, being misquoted by creation- abundant good news — in other titles, awards, and the like, and look joined from then onward — in per- ists is a back-handed acknowledge- words, absolutely no news at all to forward to reports of such ‘inner- son, online or through conference ment by them that Niles is a leading report on this go-around. Of course, directed’ achievements here.” calls — by others who are willing thinker in the scientific world of most of our classmates have been Jeff Newman wrote to express to help with this important event. paleontology and evolution. too busy to write, off somewhere his profound sadness at the pass- “Our 2012 reunion will coincide Steven Millhauser also has a collecting Nobel prizes, Pulitzer ing of his roommate and friend of with Dean’s Day, with its usual of- new book, We Others: New and prizes, Oscars and Palmes d’Or. No nearly 50 years, Don Krim. “Don ferings of classes and presentations Selected Stories, a selection from wonder they have no time to write and I met during our first week at (Saturday, June 2), so the program three decades of work. In a July 1 and to share with our classmates the College and became friends at offerings will be rich. We are seek- interview with Publishers Weekly, news about all their spectacular once. We were roommates during ing a good venue for an opening the interviewer noted that five of achievements! our last three years there and reception Thursday evening, May the seven new stories in the book We’ll be willing to overlook this during all three years at the Law 31. Many of you may remember use the collective voice or point of temporary epistolary lapse, as long School. We remained close. I spent the wonderful cocktail reception view. Steven responded: “What’s as you promise to make a signifi- much time visiting with Don in the hosted by the late Jeremy Epstein fascinating about ‘we’ is that it cant effort to write for the following hospital in the final months and at his home in Brooklyn for our 40th invites conflict. There’s nothing issue, OK? at home in the final weeks, after reunion. Issues to be decided are innocent about ‘we’ — it implies a Send a note to me at the email at he returned for hospice care. Don the number of separate programs not-we who … must be dealt with. the top of the column, or use CCT’s faced his final days with the same or meals planned for our class and Sometimes the not-we is a stranger, easy-to-use webform: college.colum courage and dignity that he always a speaker for a proposed closing like my knife thrower, who enters bia.edu/cct/submit_class_note. displayed. dinner on Saturday. As we have a community and causes trouble; Your note will come right to me. “Don was president for more done before, we’ll also be recruit- sometimes it’s a hostile group, like [Editor’s note: Brian Hesse ’71, than 30 years of Kino International ing class members to present talks the corporation in ‘The Next Thing’ who entered with the Class of and built it into a highly respected about their careers, experiences or that wants to take over the town. ’66, has passed away. Please see and acclaimed film distribution com- interests. And there’s another crucial thing the Class of ’71 column for more pany. Kino was acquired recently “We need enough class mem- about using a collective narrator information.] by Lorber Films, whose principal bers to work on preparations and — it’s uncommon. It’s liberating. If is Richard Lorber. In the past four to staff several committees: Events you read a story with an ‘I’ or a ‘he’ years, three of Kino-Lorber’s films (planning events/recruiting speak- REUNION MAY 31–JUNE 3 or a ‘she,’ you’re in familiar territory were nominated for Academy ers), Communications (getting the ALUMNI OFFICE CONTACTS — but ‘we’ is mostly unexplored. I Awards for Best Foreign Language word out) and Class Gift (fundrais- ALUMNI AFFAIRS Nick Mider think of ‘we’ as an adventure.” Film. ing). If any of you are interested in [email protected] The interviewer noted that the “Don’s funeral service was held participating in these preparations, 212-851-7846 earliest stories in the book seem to on May 23 at Riverside Memorial please let me know: mintonmc@ DEVELOPMENT Heather Hunte reflect the real world and realism Chapel. Don leaves his wife, Susan; gmail.com. Any class colleague [email protected] in a way that the newer work does daughter, Miriam; and son, Simon. wanting to help is very welcome.” 212-851-7957 not. Steven commented, “Strange as I spoke at his funeral service: ‘Don Please take a look at the reunion this may sound, I consider myself Albert Zonana once quoted Emerson in a letter he website (reunion.college.columbia. a realist. Or let’s say, I’ve always 425 Arundel Rd. sent me, “Always do what you are edu) and mark your calendars had a complicated relation to 67 Goleta, CA 93117 afraid to do.” Don took his own coun- now. More information will start to so-called realism. What I dislike is 67 sel. He chose to forsake a well-trod- arrive during the spring, so be sure [email protected] conventional realism — a system of den corporate path that potentially Columbia has your correct postal gestures, descriptions and psycho- My wife, Diane, and I were de- beckoned and instead to go the far and email addresses. logical revelations that was once a lighted to have dinner with Cliff riskier route: by audaciously launch- Your classmates want to hear vital way of representing the world Kern, who was in Santa Barbara ing his now universally acclaimed, from you, particularly as we ap- but has become hackneyed through for a Sideways trip with a group of but then modest, venture. … proach our reunion. Please do write. endless repetition. I’d argue that a friends. Cliff is the same charming “‘The same Don Krim who had Send a note to me at the email at the conventional realist isn’t a realist person who was my study partner been troubled by the injustices he top of the column, or use CCT’s easy- at all, but a falsifier of the real. The as we labored and laughed our saw in the ’60s was troubled by the to-use webform: college.columbia. ‘fantastic’ has no interest for me in way through obscure economics injustice he saw only weeks ago. edu/cct/submit_class_note. Your itself. Its justification is that it’s a problem sets during our senior During a hospital visit early last note will come right to me. way of getting at something real — year. He enjoys teaching economics month, Don spoke eloquently, if something that can’t be gotten at at SUNY Binghamton as well as softly, against one political party’s in any other way. In this sense, I’d Mahler concerts in New York and proposal to balance the budget Arthur Spector say that I’ve never broken my tie his gourmet experiences. on the backs of the poor and the 271 Central Park West to realism. As a reader, I revere the Peter Miller writes, “Inspired by elderly.’” 68 New York, NY 10024 classic realists, writers like Maupas- those who have recently written in, We will miss Don. 68 [email protected] sant and Chekhov and, yes, early I break a 44-year silence to report Mark Minton writes, “At the Hemingway and his American that I’ve been elected a member of invitation of the Alumni Office Greetings to the Class of 1968. descendants, right up to the present the Cosmos Club in Washington, and the Columbia College Fund, I saw Gordon Harriss, John day. My argument isn’t with realism D.C., for ‘meritorious original work a small group of your Class of Slattery and Seth Weinstein at — it’s with what passes for realism that introduces an important inno- 1967 alumni colleagues met at The my home in September for a little and is actually unrealism.” vation in approach, methodology, Korea Society in New York on June political event. I run into Seth at the

WINTER 2011–12 72 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

gym; he always looks fit. Gordon an aspiring film critic. We have College since 1985, and I’ve been Inquiries welcome, as they say: ecy. sounds like he is busy at Davis Polk our differences — her No. 1 film is chair of my department since 2003. wa.gov/biblio/0201008.html. Drop and Seth has been swamped with Thor, while mine is Kung Fu Panda I worked until mid-August, and me a line: [email protected]. Be all kinds of activities. And John is at (Part 1 of course). Isabel is a bud- then Abby, who retired in 2005, well!” Corcoran and is doing well. I heard ding pianist and ardent devotee and I began to enjoy ourselves. We From Steve Silberblatt: “I am a from Ken Tomecki recently; he of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, are looking forward to traveling supervising attorney at the Criminal was off to Heidelberg, Germany, to especially the elf archer Legolas. when school is in session and have Defense Practice of the Legal Aid do some lectures. He sounded full A few months ago she donated scheduled a trip to Italy for next Society in Queens County. Three of energy and spirit. I also spoke 12 inches of her hair to the Locks October. Both of our children are years ago I was assigned to repre- to Jim Shorter, who was off to a of Love program, which provides married, but there are no grand- sent a defendant named Kareem conference in Panama. I heard from hairpieces for kids suffering from children yet. As we see it, another Bellamy, who had spent 14 years in Gregg Winn, who sounded like he long-term medical hair loss. whole life is ahead of us.” prison for a crime that most now was still teaching and enjoying the “I’ve been in touch with band Jeff, great to hear from you. believe he did not commit. He had west coast of Florida. Hollis Pe- alumni and others from various Congratulations to you and Abby. I other counsel who worked tirelessly tersen reported that he and his wife classes, including Richard Fried- keep hearing about our classmates for his release, as did highly expe- were off again to Key West (now, lander ’60, Mike Tracy, Steve moving into new chapters … sounds rienced retired law enforcement there is a great place for a class re- Bachenheimer, Cliff Andrew, Dan great to me. I sing at my piano and officers who became convinced that union). I received a long note from Carlinsky ’65, Frank Mirer ’66, Stan enjoy it. I hope all our classmates another person had confessed to Ed Brennan, who seems unenthusi- Adelman ’67, Neil Harwayne ’67 are singing, laughing — my favorite the murder for which Bellamy had astic about domestic political events and Dick Menaker ’69. activity — and enjoying their Kindle, been convicted. Unfortunately, prior but sounded in grand spirits. David “For some reason, I have not Android or other device, Galaxy Tab counsel made the mistake of need- Shapiro continues to write poems run into Art on the street in quite or other similar wondrous product, lessly introducing into evidence a and do his artwork. I suspect his some time. For years, every couple and exercising a little or more than tape recording that turned out to be art talents will be well recognized of months I’d encounter Art at the that daily. faked, thus giving the Queens DA in the future. Paul Brosnan — Ed Columbus Avenue Häagen-Dazs, Please write. Send a note to me the opportunity to argue the court Brennan’s roommate — constantly Fairway or Zabar’s, the movies at my new email address, at the top had been victimized by fraud. Prior sends me great thoughts on the or even on Broadway in Saratoga of the column, or use CCT’s easy- counsel was forced to withdraw. It present administration. He seems Springs. Where are you, Art? I’m to-use webform: college.columbia. therefore fell to me to convince the less ebullient each day. Bob Brandt sure this will change as our 45th edu/cct/submit_class_note. Your court to vacate Bellamy’s convic- sent me a great series of notes — his reunion approaches. (By the way, note will come right to me. tion, which was originally based warm memory of David Sidorsky’s it’s not too early to send your on seriously questionable evidence. philosophy classes is exceptional. updated autobiographies to me at After a three-year struggle, we I, too, wish I had a DVD of some of [email protected].)” Michael Oberman prevailed in both Supreme Court those classes. Talking to Gordon, Peter, I am looking forward to Kramer Levin Naftalis & and the Appellate Division, and I wish I had a couple of lectures seeing you and your wife and the 69 Frankel the Queens DA wisely declined to from his late dad’s classes (college. twins sledding in the park this 69 1177 Avenue of the further prosecute Bellamy. In Sep- columbia.edu/cct/cctmar_apr10/ winter! And yes, our next reunion Americas tember, the case was dismissed and around_the_quads6), as I am a is near at hand, but it is the 70th New York, NY 10036 sealed, and Bellamy is now a free public finance banker 36 years and reunion that we should all plan to moberman@ man. Since the Legal Aid Society is counting. attend (and do that 10K walk). kramerlevin.com not compensated by the city for this Paul de Bary and I were with And Jeff Kurnit wrote: “On June kind of work, and our labors are not his dad, Ted ’41, at the first football 4, I was on campus for Dean’s Day John Erickson emails from the state commonly recognized, cases of this game of the year. I saw men’s head and participated in the first reunion of Washington: “Hello from the kind are not widely reported. But I basketball coach Kyle Smith there event of the recently organized Pacific Northwest! Drop-in visits think it’s a dramatic and interest- and we talked for a while. I am Columbia Alumni Singers (colum- from classmates have dropped off, ing story, particularly in light of the convinced we have a great coach biaalumnisingers.org), the newest so it must be time for an update. For recent execution of Troy Davis. and recommend your going to lots affinity group of the Columbia those of you who have not visited, “Last year I attended convoca- of games. What he did last year Alumni Association. I am part of I live just outside Olympia with an tion at the Law School to commem- was superb. This year he has six the organizing committee of this old Lab on a quiet cove across from orate the founding of the University first-years, so good luck coach, group, and we had a wonderful the Evergreen State College beach. Senate, in whose creation I evi- and go Lions! When I said 1968, day. We rehearsed in the morning, There’s an old refurbished Pocock dently played a role in 1969. To my of course, he bowed with august took a lunch break, rehearsed a little double wherry in the carport, avail- delight, one of my favorite teachers, appreciation for what we had our more and then gave a concert in the able for a row on short notice. My historian Walter Metzger, was pres- senior year. late afternoon. Last year there was daughter recently started at Lewis ent and spoke eloquently. Oddly, I am keeping busy at work, but I a similar event, but it was aimed at & Clark College in Portland, Ore., though he said he didn’t remember do promise to reach out to you more alumni of the Glee Club. Columbia and my wife and I are separating me visually, he said he remembered during the next few months. Happy Alumni Singers is open to anyone after 20 years, so I am entering a my voice! Upon learning that I had to finally hit 65, along with some who sang in any organization at period of relative solitude. My time spent my life as a legal aid lawyer, of our classmates. We represent the either Columbia or Barnard. This with Kenneth Koch is still paying he was so enthusiastic and support- vanguard of the new 45 crowd. year my wife, Abby ’68 Barnard, off: a good poem should bring a ive that I became, for the first time I was pleased to received these and I both sang. Other members of twinkle to your eye. If not a patch. in my life, embarrassed.” next two wonderful notes. Enjoy our class who attended were Jon Professionally, I am a senior envi- Fredric Fastow reports: “It has them as much as I did! Bauman and Mas Taketomo. We ronmental planner with our state been an eventful year. My daughter, Peter Janovsky: “I enjoyed sum- had the opportunity to meet up Department of Ecology. It remains Ramona, who serves as a captain mer in the city, biking to and from with friends and make new friends good public service and always is in the Army at the Grafenwoehr work every day on my Dahon from other classes. challenging. Most of my work these base in Germany, on March 27 folder, ending with a tour around “Anyone who is interested in get- days is budget-related. This year, married Capt. Chad Jones, who the Central Park loop on the way ting involved in Columbia Alumni I am chairing our cross-program also is stationed at Grafenwoehr home. I do commercial litigation Singers can check out the website Sustainability Team. About 10 years (last time I looked, the coverage by and bankruptcy at Zeichner Ell- and/or get in touch with me or with ago I led a state-of-the-art project The New York Times could still be man & Krause. My twin daugh- Nick Rudd ’64, who is the head of called ‘Pathways to Sustainability’: found on its website). My daughter ters, Geena and Isabel, are in the the organization (RuddNick@aol. a strategic planning model for Hélène continues her career right fifth grade at the Calhoun School com). how an organization can become here in New York City, where she on West 81st Street and West End “I am preparing to retire after environmentally sustainable. Ironi- works for the Daisy Fuentes line of Avenue. Geena is a very talented 43 years as an educator. I’ve been cally, we’re well on our way, but fashions at Regatta, a division of Li artist and singer, and, like her dad, at Queensborough Community Pathways is still state-of-the-art. & Fung. On a rainy spring day, my

WINTER 2011–12 73

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY daughter, Sara, graduated from The career. Occasionally, students from chase after classmates. I ask those son Joshua ’10’s graduation with Hartt School, the performing arts other dorms would sit in, includ- who are not receiving emails from honors as a philosophy major. conservatory of the University of ing an African-American student the College to provide me with their Joshua now is in his second year at Hartford; she recently left the rain who spoke dreamily about classical email addresses, and I ask those NYU Law School and is fluent in behind and relocated to Las Vegas, music. Unfortunately, my room- who are solicited to send in news or Chinese. where she will be dancing in the mate and his buddy from several views on how the College experi- The Columbia Alumni Singers, show Jubilee! at Bally’s Las Vegas doors down did not participate. ence has influenced their lives to at Columbia’s newest affinity group Hotel & Casino. My wife, Judith, They both had plenty of personal- least respond to my emails. Better (columbiaalumnisingers.org), in- continues her social work career ity, but they were more interested still, readers of the column should cludes among its members James at Edenwald residential center, in trying to find dates at Barnard or send in news without having to be Marsen. The Alumni Singers where she works at placing dually the other all-women colleges in the individually asked. performed at this year’s Alumni diagnosed teenagers in adoptive or area (usually a doomed effort) than Apart from missing email ad- Reunion Weekend. foster homes. I am still at the Port in playing cards. For some reason, dresses for many classmates, the I am proud to report that my Authority of New York and New no one in the running bridge College has no contact information three children all completed col- Jersey Law Department, where game picked up that I was Jewish. at all for some two dozen members lege and all are gainfully employed I review and edit construction Possibly as a result, from time to of our class. Here is a list; if you in different parts of the country. contracts and related documents. In time, there would slip out minor can help us locate any of these Now that my wife, Merle, and I are my little free time I compose music ethnic slurs. Having grown up in classmates, please send me an empty-nesters, our children feel and play occasional solo fingerstyle Minnesota, I said nothing. Then email: David B. Alger, Leslie Bar- compelled to send their friends guitar gigs.” during one game, the player from ta, Steven C. Berger, Martin P. Bid- and their friends’ families to New From Doran Twer: “Every- Florida made an unusually graphic mead, John M.L. Bryan, Hussein York to stay with us. thing I know about football (not remark. Something must have F. Chalabi, Renee Chinquapin, Keep the news coming in. Send a that much) I learned from Jimmy registered on my face. Everyone Joseph J. Delisa, Hugo Fernandez, note to me at the email address at the O’Connor, Ron Tarrington, Marty froze. There followed a humble Walter R. Gelles, Gary R. Gunas, top of the column, or use CCT’s easy- Domres et. al., which has stood me and heartfelt apology. That put an Steven W. Hecht, John S. Lenart, to-use webform: college.columbia. in good stead as my now 19-year- end to the ethnic slurs.” William T. Lewis, Stephen M. edu/cct/submit_class_note. Your old son, Aden (yes, I have a kid Thanks to Dan Carlinsky ’65 Mark, Frank R. Nelson, Michael note will come right to me. that young), has developed into a — a longtime friend of CCT — for P. Owen, Joel K. Rabkin, James A. standout wide receiver. Although alerting me to a concert listing Robins, Louis H. Rowen, Philip Columbia showed great interest for Cam Brown, appearing at the S. Slabosky, Roderick G. Smith, Jim Shaw in him for the Class of 2014, the New York Society Library. Cam William T. Taylor, Rene B. Wilson 139 North 22nd St. academic hurdle was just a little performed on bass along with and Richard L. Wilson. 71 Philadelphia, PA 19103 too high. However, I am happy to jazz vocalist Sheila Jordan. The Finally, I refer classmates to the 71 [email protected] report that as a sophomore at Get- program announcement tells us Obituaries section of the Fall issue, tysburg College, after three games, that Cam has appeared on more which sadly reports the passing Brian Hesse M.Phil ’73, Ph.D. he leads the Centennial Athletic than 125 recordings (each one, ap- of Joseph Okon and Joel Ouellet. ’78 passed away on April 2 at 66 Conference in receiving with 21 parently, a missed opportunity for Full obituaries will follow in a (legacy.com/obituaries/centre receptions, 430 yards and five CCT news), and the list of jazz leg- future issue. daily/obituary.aspx?n=brian-c- touchdowns, including a 32-yard, ends with whom he has performed hesse&pid=149994844). Brian game-winning reception as time is truly remarkable. Cam was the appears to have entered with the expired versus Ursinus on Septem- founder of the Don Pullen/George Leo G. Kailas Class of ’66. ber 10 (which has gone viral on Adams Quartet, and he currently Reitler Kailas & Rosenblatt Excerpts: “An anthropological YouTube). I am sure my classmates performs with his own group, The 70 885 Third Ave, 20th Fl. archaeologist, Dr. Hesse was direc- in the football program would be Hear and Now. 70 New York, NY 10022 tor of the Jewish Studies Program surprised that I produced a football As you probably know by now, [email protected] at Penn State’s College of the player. I certainly am. Maternal CCT is being published on a quar- Liberal Arts. He was a professor genes often rule.” terly basis instead of bimonthly. First, I am happy to report that of Jewish Studies, Classics and Mark Wattenberg writes: “After This means, as class correspondent, during Columbia’s 2010–11 fiscal Ancient Mediterranean Studies, graduating from the Law School I have four deadlines per year year ending on June 30, our class and Anthropology. While at Penn (’73), I began working for a legal instead of six, which is a positive. contributed $132,979 of unrestrict- State, Dr. Hesse chaired the Col- aid office in very rural Western However, it means each column ed money and $220,000 in total lege of Liberal Arts Committee on New York. In one form or another, counts more, putting pressure on contributions to the Columbia Col- Undergraduate Studies, served on I’ve been there ever since. I mostly me to use the allocated space so lege Fund. We helped make 2011 the Committee on Academic Integ- handle landlord-tenant, land that our class can stay in touch. For a record year for contributions to rity and the School of Languages contract and mortgage foreclosure this column, I sent out individual the College Fund. Thank you to all Outreach Committee, and was a cases. My wife, Elizabeth, works emails to almost 50 classmates who helped to make this possible, member of the Faculty Senate. ... with volunteer EMS squads. Our soliciting news by my deadline and keep giving to the College “For more than 35 years, he son works at an art gallery in Chel- and, at least, a response to let me (college.columbia.edu/giveonline participated in extensive field sea. My favorite activity is chess.” know if news would be sent. I have or call the Alumni Office: 212-851- work in the Middle East and South Mark also shared some recollec- a list of our class members, but the 7488). America, excavating and analyzing tions of College life: “Every week- contact information includes email On the news front, Phil Russotti material from many sites, most no- end in my freshman year, I looked addresses for less than half the class; checked in and we had lunch. He tably in Ganj Dareh in western Iran forward to the bridge games that I selected from that part of the class is proud of his son, who works and at Ashkelon and Tel Miqne- took place at the end of my floor. It for which I have email addresses with a maritime/shipping firm Ekron in Israel. Dr. Hesse brought was a diverse group that included some 50 classmates who have not in London and apparently will be his compendious knowledge to a rising academic star, destined for been recently mentioned in the marrying well! the classroom and conveyed his Oxford, who also belonged to an column. John, Steve, Fredric, Doran Dennis Graham updated me on enthusiasm for the study of animal elite college senior society, and his and Mark answered my call and the success of former football Lions bones to hundreds of appreciative plain-spoken, good-natured, very sent in some news; two other class- Terry Sweeney, Peter Stevens, Bill students. A devoted, gifted, and loyal half-Hawaiian roommate. mates responded to say they would Poppe, Bernie Josefsberg, Frank multi-talented public educator, In a nearby room was a classics not be sending news. But most of Furillo, Dick Alexander and Jim Dr. Hesse developed the exhibit, scholar from a devout, traditional the group did not respond to my Wascura, who all urge class mem- ‘Western Civilization: Origins Catholic family and one of his suite email, making it difficult to produce bers to attend Lions football games. and Traditions,’ at the Smithson- roommates, who was from Florida, a column classmates will enjoy I attended last year’s Homecoming ian Institution of Natural History. very earthy, and had come to the reading and leaving me to wonder game and had a wonderful time. Through his research, Dr. Hesse college thinking about a military whether it is worth my time to Dr. Barry Franklin reported on his greatly advanced knowledge

WINTER 2011–12 74 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

Mark Allen ’71 Guides NASA to Mars Research

B y R o b e r t E. C a l e m ’89J

t takes nine months for a spawned one of his own. a mission proposal to NASA for tributed to Allen’s successes, spaceship from Earth to “In my senior year, I learned orbiting Venus and studying the especially in the late 1960s, reach Mars, but don’t let about the discovery of molecules chemical composition of that when Columbia was engulfed that fool you into thinking in interstellar space (the region planet’s middle atmosphere, in the societal and political Ithe two planets are really so between the stars), an environ- which bears much resemblance turmoil of the times. far apart. What actually sepa- ment where conventional wis- to Earth’s middle atmosphere. “We were at Columbia dur- rates one from the other, says dom at the time would suggest Although NASA subse- ing all the turbulence, [but] he Mark Allen ’71, is a measly that molecules shouldn’t exist,” quently did not undertake the was a serious science student 25 miles; that’s the distance he says. “I chose this burgeon- Venus mission, Allen says, the and he didn’t let any of that above Earth where the chemi- ing field of astrochemisry as my experience was instrumental in distract him,” recalls his friend cal and physical composition of future research interest.” shaping his work. Building on and dormmate in what was this planet’s atmosphere most Columbia led to a Ph.D. in that mission proposal, 10 years then known as Livingston Hall, closely resembles that of Mars. Richard Fuhrman ’71, a former Allen, principal scientist at member of the Columbia Col- the Jet Propulsion Laboratory lege Alumni Association Board (JPL) of the California Institute of Directors. “He took the indus- of Technology (Caltech) in trial-strength courses, and that’s Pasadena, is the NASA chief frankly what got him to what scientist behind the planned he’s doing today. But, despite 2016 launch of the ExoMars the pocket protector, he was Trace Gas Orbiter, a spacecraft a regular guy who had a sense whose mission is to study the of humor. He was very sweet, chemical composition of the very thoughtful.” The two get Martian atmosphere and to try together once a year when Allen to find evidence of primitive returns to Long Island, where he life, or of magma and geother- grew up and Fuhrman now lives, mal processes, in the planet’s to visit family and friends. subsurface. Allen gives the most credit It is a tremendously ambi- to his parents for setting him tious pursuit –– the first truly in the right direction. “I was joint planetary mission be- admitted to MIT, but my par- tween NASA and the European Mark Allen ’71 chairs a meeting of the joint European Space Agency/ ents really didn’t want me to Space Agency –– and it would, NASA mission to Mars. go because they thought it too if successful, herald the first PHOTO: THOMAS (DUTCH) SLAGER specialized,” he remembers. “I detection of life or a habitable think they were remarkably on region outside of the Earth. All chemistry from Caltech in 1976, ago he was the first to create the ball.” evidence to date has marked where Allen completed one of the concept of a Mars trace gas When it launches in 2016, the Mars as a dead planet, both on the earliest research papers to mission and led a team (includ- ExoMars orbiter will travel for its surface and in its interior. present “model simulations” ing Chin) to write a new mission nine months to reach the outer Outcomes aside, though, of the molecular clouds in proposal to NASA. Through a limits of Mars’ atmosphere. for Allen the ExoMars mission interstellar space, which was variety of twists and turns, this “Aerobraking,” reducing its represents something more: published in 1977. proposal gave rise to the Exo- orbit radius to where observa- the culmination of a long and Not staying away from Co- Mars orbiter project last year. tions can commence, will add impressive career first formu- lumbia for long, he returned to In hindsight, Allen credits the another seven months. Those lated amidst the turbulence of New York for a two-year fellow- College for the foundation that observations, once begun, will Columbia in the 1960s. ship at NASA’s Goddard Institute made it all possible. The Core stretch the mission out another “The story starts with my for Space Studies, a Columbia Curriculum “honed my skills in two “Earth years,” Allen says. entering Columbia knowing I collaborator, where he met articulation of points of view “That takes me to [age] 71” and wanted to be a research chem- Yuk Yung, a visiting researcher orally and in writing,” he says, may make this the last project ist,” yet not having much more from Harvard, and Gordon Chin adding, “I was told by a very he undertakes –– the zenith of a than a vague notion of a career, ’70, ’78 GSAS. Both would later senior JPL program manager journey that began in Morning- Allen says. Guided by people play key roles in shaping Allen’s that I prepared the clearest side Heights and extended to such as physical chemistry career. mission proposals he had ever the heights of outer space. professor George Flynn ’64 GS, In 1978, Yung drew Allen to read.” Four years on the Ferris ’66 GSAS, “the strong Columbia return to Caltech as a postdoc- Booth Hall Board of Managers, Robert E. Calem ’89J is a chemistry department allowed toral fellow in planetary sci- of which he was president in freelance journalist based in me to see what world-class ences, preparing him for a move his senior year, taught him lead- Hoboken, N.J., who has cov- research was like” and, with to JPL in 1981. In the mid-1990s, ership skills that he still uses ered a wide range of technol- graduation looming, a scientific Chin resurfaced with a new today, he says. ogy and business subjects for breakthrough in space finally opportunity: to jointly develop Great study habits also con- 25 years.

WINTER 2011–12 75

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY of animal domestication and its time at the 40th [reunion]!” about caffeine, the most popular Greg, the sculptor-in-residence at significance for the development From a press release from Yale psychoactive drug in the world. the Cathedral Church of St. John of civilizations. He published University Press: “On October 15, “And I have written The Case of the the Divine, bases his work on the hundreds of articles and manu- Yale University Press will publish Missing Rembrandt, the first of The philosophy of “spiritual realism,” scripts in professional journals. Leon Trotsky: A Revolutionary’s Life, Columbia Mysteries. These novels merging realistic images and Many of these works, along with the newest book in Yale’s highly feature a Columbia philosophy abstract masses of form, space and his book, Animal Bone Archaeology: praised Jewish Lives series. Author professor who becomes an amateur energy. From Objectives to Analysis, were Joshua Rubenstein is a leading detective and are largely about The Class of 1971 gave a Reunion co-authored by his wife, Paula expert on human rights and the Columbia professors and largely set Class Gift, through the June 30 Wapnish Hesse. ... former Soviet Union and an ac- on the Columbia campus. The first end of the 2010–11 fiscal year, of “But most of all he was devoted claimed writer. In his hands, Trotsky novel is centered around the theft $1,243,799 in unrestricted money for to his wife, Paula, and his daugh- emerges as a brilliant and brilliantly of the Rembrandt that hung in the the Columbia College Fund, break- ter, Arielle. ... flawed man. University president’s office. I would ing the record previously set by “From 1967 to 1969, Dr. Hesse “Trotsky was both a world-class like to hear from any agents or edi- ... the Class of 1971. The class also served with the U.S. Army in intellectual and a man capable of tors interested in seeing this book: gave $8,024,800 in total contribu- Vietnam as a communications the most narrow-minded ideologi- [email protected].” tions to the University. specialist. ... cal dogmatism. He was an effective Steve Ross: “Left the East Coast Classmates can submit eNews/ “In lieu of flowers, please direct military strategist and an adept dip- 32 years ago for a job teaching Class Notes items directly to me by inquiries to the Penn State Jewish lomat, yet he staked the fate of the history at USC. All my New York responding to my emails such as Studies Program, 814-865-1369.” Bolshevik revolution on the meager prejudices about the West Coast the eNews, or writing to my email David Harrah: “I’m retired after foundation of a Europe-wide Com- disappeared very quickly. Los address at the top of the column, 30 years in the computer industry; munist upheaval. He was a master Angeles is a great place to live and or via CCT’s web submission form: 15 years with IBM in New York, politician, yet he played his cards work. After 10 years of research college.columbia.edu/cct/submit_ then Apple, the late Sun Microsys- badly in the momentous struggle and writing, I finally published class_note. Please always include tems and HP. The last 20 were all for power against Stalin in the Hollywood Left and Right: How Movie your name as you would like it to in press relations. Now living near 1920s. He was an assimilated and Stars Shaped American Politics. The appear, and the email address at Santa Cruz, Calif.” indifferent Jew who was among the book offers two counterintuitive which I should correspond with Gary Rotenberg: “Having first to foresee that Hitler’s triumph arguments: first, conservatives have you regarding editing or follow- recently relocated to London with would mean disaster for European a longer history in Hollywood than up questions. If you refer to other my wife, Jane J. Dickson ’74 Bar- Jews, and that Stalin would attempt liberals, and second, even though alumni, please include their last nard, I could not, unfortunately, at- an alliance with Hitler if Soviet the Hollywood Left has been names (even if they are your chil- tend the reunion. Jane’s company, overtures to the Western democra- more visible and numerous, the dren) and include their class year if MetLife, asked her to relocate in cies failed. . . . Hollywood Right has had a greater they are not our class. If you refer order to assume responsibility for “Joshua Rubenstein is the North- impact on American politics. to other Columbia degrees than the legal oversight of all transac- east Regional Director of Amnesty “I’ll be in New York doing a talk from the College, please include tions emanating from Europe and International USA and a longtime at the 92nd Street Y on January the specific degree and year. Asia. Our daughter, Eloise Dickson associate at Harvard University’s 25 and would love to see any old As for me, I do thank those Rotenberg ’12 Barnard, joined us Davis Center for Russian and Eur- Columbia friends who might be who include thanks to me in their in London for the summer, and asian Studies. He is the author of interested in hearing more about emails, even as I edit out those our other daughter, Emma Page Tangled Loyalties: The Life and Times the relationship between Holly- thank yous (and usually without Rotenberg ’09 Barnard, visited us of Ilya Ehrenburg and is coeditor of wood and politics — from Charlie acknowledging them) before for three weeks in July, capped off The KGB File of Andrei Sakharov and Chaplin to Governor Arnold.” publishing the senders’ items in by a well-coordinated meeting of Stalin’s Secret Pogrom: The Postwar From a news email from NYU, the eNews and CCT Class Notes. the four of us in Paris and dinner at Inquisition of the Jewish Anti-Fascist Matt Santirocco: “On August I don’t want it to seem that such Laurent. Our son, Thomas Dickson Committee, both published by Yale 1, 1994, I arrived at New York comments, although appreciated, Rotenberg ’07 NYU-Tisch, visited University Press. Stalin’s Secret University as the new dean of the are necessary or even helpful in us in August before heading to Los Pogrom received a National Jewish College of Arts and Science. On getting items published. However, Angeles in the fall to further his Book Award.” August 1 of this year, I [stepped] I do include the following item be- career in the cinema. Somewhat Ed Wallace: “With both sons — down from that position to take cause it is from my CCT boss (and miraculously, he obtained a job Richard ’12 and Will ’14 — nearly on new responsibilities as senior colleague on the Reunion Com- writing and directing commercial grown, I have resumed my volun- vice provost for undergraduate mittee), who could cut my class videos. teer participation in NYC civic life. academic affairs. The intervening correspondent salary in half with “In the meantime, I pursue New Yorkers For Parks (NY4P), the years have been exhilarating and the snap of fingers at any moment corporate advisory work in the former Parks Council, on whose transformative, both for the college he chose, without needing to even energy sector and expert witness board I served in 1985, has asked and for the university. They have draft, edit or file any paperwork. assignments in investment banking me to serve as chair. Phil Milstein also been deeply rewarding for me Alex Sachare: “It was wonder- and corporate finance and help was quick to support our Fall personally. But 17 years is a very ful to see such a great turnout at to get our house, in Highgate and Gala and I hope other classmates long time — both for the college reunion — great to see old friends dating to 1830, in order. The house who value our underfunded city and for me — and I had been and make some new ones. Kudos has provided lodging for a number parks will also help, either by considering for a while other ways to Dick Furhman, Richard Hsia, of visiting friends and family, at volunteering in an NYC park or by to contribute to the university’s Phil Milstein and the other mem- one stretch accommodating visi- contributing.” global agenda. bers of the Reunion Committee for tors for nine straight weeks. I have Bennett Alan Weinberg: “As “So it is with great enthusiasm planning a terrific weekend, and to also reconnected with colleagues co-author of The World of Caffeine: and excitement that I have agreed Jim Shaw for helping get the word from my various investment firms, The Science and Culture of the World’s to take on this new role, in which out. As CCT editor, I was especially including Smith Barney, NatWest Most Popular Drug, the definitive one of my primary responsibilities pleased that Jim was feted at our and Merrill Lynch, and London- book on caffeine, which has been will be to lead the development of Saturday dinner for his service to based law firms. In light of all translated into Italian, Spanish and the liberal arts curriculum for NYU the Class of 1971 as our correspon- the education expenses we have Japanese, I have recently become a Shanghai, the latest addition to our dent since day one. Think about assumed (Tom and Emma went to media consultant to The Coca- Global Network University.” it, that’s 40 years in one job, at the Loomis Chaffee and Eloise to In- Cola Co., handling media issues Greg Wyatt had a solo sculpture same salary he was making when terlochen, and then Emma did her and contacts relating to caffeine. exhibit, “Muses and Creators,” at he started! Special thanks to Greg graduate work at Johns Hopkins) I have also launched a website, Kouros Gallery, in Manhattan, Oc- Wyatt for arranging for our Friday through the years, we foresee the worldofcaffeine.com, featuring tober 6–29. By now you all know of dinner to be at the National Arts need for continued employment. the latest, greatest scientific, health Greg’s work, but for anyone from Club, a truly amazing venue.” “I hope everyone had a great care, and cultural information another class reading this column, Congratulations to Dawn Queen,

WINTER 2011–12 76 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

a member of the Class of 2015 and for Thursday, May 31–Sunday, would have been totally different The times they are a-changin’! daughter of Cary Queen, and to June 3. Take a look at the reunion without it.” Michael Vitiello has We haven’t heard much from Dr. recent alumni Hannah Lepow ’11, website (reunion.college.columbia. been elected chair of the NIH’s Joel Halio, a family practice and ge- daughter of Les Lepow, and James edu) and mark your calendars Sleep Disorders Research Advisory riatrics doctor in Great Neck, N.Y., Mueser ’11E, son of John Mueser. now. More information will start to Board, which makes recommenda- in quite a while. Then I received a A heartfelt welcome! (And to any arrive during the spring, so be sure tions on research priorities and letter saying, “I may be one of the other classmates’ children entering Columbia has your correct postal develops long-range plans for the last few solo practitioners in New or graduating from schools other and email addresses. diagnosis, treatment and prevention York, but I find it quite rewarding.” than the College or Engineering.) Looking for an even easier way of sleep disorders. He is a professor He then added the motivation for Remember 45 Septembers ago, than emailing me to send in your (of too many disciplines to name coming forth. “I had a patient last and the feelings we had, including class notes news? Now you can here) at the University of Washing- week who was my student 20 years of adventure, as we entered Colum- submit it online via CCT’s web ton in Seattle and a co-director of ago. I made enough of an impres- bia College. We are still connected. submission form: college.columbia. the Northwest Geriatric Education sion on him to remember me. So I edu/cct/submit_class_note. Center and of the Center for Re- started thinking about teachers I’ve search on the Management of Sleep had who made a lasting impression REUNION MAY 31–JUNE 3 Disturbances. Michael’s research on me. The one person at Columbia ALUMNI OFFICE CONTACTS Barry Etra focuses on the causes, consequences who affected me most was Peter ALUMNI AFFAIRS Jennifer Freely 1256 Edmund Park Dr. NE and treatments of sleep disorders Pouncey, even before he was our [email protected] 73 Atlanta, GA 30306 and cognitive decline in the context dean. So I’m sending a check to 212-851-7438 73 of aging. the Columbia College Fund in his DEVELOPMENT Heather Hunte [email protected] Last and somewhat late, Lorin honor.” (Which College professors [email protected] This issue’s notes, in order of Walker has had a busy last five had the greatest influence on you? 212-851-7957 appearance: Bill Pollack is v.p. of years: moved to Kansas City, Mo.; No check necessary — but it doesn’t Paul S. Appelbaum global development and marketing became chief learning officer for hurt! … college.columbia.edu/ 39 Claremont Ave., #24 at NIKSUN, a leading supplier of Tercon, an international leadership giveonline.) 72 New York, NY 10027 cyber security and network perfor- consultancy; added five grand- From Beverly Hills we learn that 72 mance appliances headquartered in kids (for a total of seven); went on Isaac Palmer is involved in a new [email protected] Princeton, N.J. Chuck Weger and 20 backpack trips, mostly in the venture. Isaac is a managing direc- This summer, my wife and I his wife, Vicki Hayes ’74 Barnard, Rockies; wrote a self-help book on tor of MESA Global, a boutique crossed the George Washington are doing well in rural Vermont, personal change; wrote three songs investment bank that specializes in Bridge to see a wonderful perfor- having moved three years ago from that were performed locally; and, media and entertainment transac- mance of Bye-Bye Birdie, produced the D.C. area, despite “floods, mi- unfortunately, lost his wife of 40 tions. He is now launching a “capi- by SummerStage in Leonia, N.J. nor earthquakes and the occasional years. tal raise” for a new Broadway musi- The company, which puts on a bear in the backyard.” Chuck does There you have it, gents. May cal, Finding Neverland (it is about full-scale Broadway musical each computer consulting and “hopes your sails always be full. the fellow who invented Peter Pan, summer, is the brainchild of Frank to retire soon if the economy isn’t not about Michael Jackson). This is Livelli, who founded it 12 years sold to the lowest bidder.” His new expected to be the first production ago. Every winter, Frank (who hobbies are sailing, hiking and Fred Bremer in a slate of new musicals produced also does the sound design) and wood-splitting, and he is just now 532 W. 111th St. by Harvey and Bob Weinstein his colleagues select a musical and giving up his dreams of being an 74 New York, NY 10025 based on their Miramax film library. begin the long process of casting astronaut. David Weinstein is a 74 If you’ve got a spare million or two, [email protected] and staging it. Cast members come freelance writer in El Cerrito, Calif., give Isaac a call! from Leonia and nearby towns, where he (mostly) writes about Are you starting to notice a “gen- Spanning the two coasts is an and each play is chosen with an modern architecture for CA-Modern eration gap” between you and the update on Peter Sullivan, who eye toward ensuring lots of parts magazine and its website (eichler younger workers around you? It’s abandoned NYC for his native Los for children and teens. Beginning network.com/camodern.html). He not just that they don’t relate to Angeles. He and his wife, Mary with its initial production of The founded El Cerrito Trail Trekkers, much about what the hippie move- Krueger ’74 Barnard, moved to Wizard of Oz in 2000, SummerStage which leads hikes on local trails ment was all about or why it was southern California in 1981 to raise has produced such classics as and urban paths and also leads a big deal that JFK was Catholic. a family, but after twin daughters Oliver!, The Music Man and Annie Green Team cleanups for the city’s It is more than that. I recently saw (Hilary ’07 and Caroline ’07) were in Get Your Gun. In the fall, Frank Environmental Quality Committee. on CNN.com (on my iPad) a Time New York, they gave in to their de- oversees the distribution of the sire for the diverse culture of New profits from the shows to school York City. It didn’t hurt that the law arts programs and other cultural Michael Vitiello ’73 has been elected chair of the firm he was/is a partner at in Los groups in Leonia — more than Angeles, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, $80,000 so far. Frank, who is a NIH’s Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board. wanted him to move to New York cardiologist and clinical professor to bolster its antitrust practice here. of medicine at Columbia, plays Among Peter’s career accomplish- many other roles in town, includ- David’s also v.p. of the El Cerrito magazine article called “Top 10 ments is his 10-volume treatise on ing serving on the board of health. Historical Society and chair and Things Today’s Kids Will Never antitrust, Antitrust Laws and Trade But it was obvious from the way founder of the Friends of the Cerrito Experience.” It said, “The Class of Regulation, which the U.S. Supreme his fellow townspeople responded Theater. 2014 doesn’t wear watches, doesn’t Court has called “authoritative.” In to him that founding and running Thom Harrow lives in New write in cursive, and has no idea addition to being admitted to the SummerStage has made him very Canaan, Conn., where he owns and why Nirvana is awesome.” It goes New York and California bar, Peter dear to many of their hearts. runs a network of airport businesses on that today’s young adults don’t also is a qualified English solicitor This fall, the Armen Donelian that serve private aviation; his know about camera film (let alone and a member of the Brussels bar Trio played the Pittsfield City businesses are located in Florida, mailing it off and waiting two (which allows him to practice com- Jazz Festival (Mass.), Small’s Jazz D.C. and California. Thom worked weeks for your pictures to return), petition law before the European Club in Greenwich Village and on Wall Street for 30 years after getting lost in the pre-GPS world, Commission). the Cafesjian Center for the Arts graduating from the B-School. He or having a 26-volume World Book A belated “welcome back,” Peter for Yerevan, Armenia, among is remarried, to Kristen, and has encyclopedia whose data is three and Mary! other venues. Having gone to see two stepchildren in addition to his years old. I was recently referring A few years back we learned that SummerStage, getting to one of own sons. He muses that “the more to a spreadsheet I had done on Abbe Lowell had left New York- Armen’s performances is next on time passes, the more … I see that one of those green pads and an as- based Chadbourne & Parke for the my list. my entire adult journey has been a sistant said, “What do you mean? Chicago mega-firm McDermott Our 40th reunion is scheduled path that began with the College. It Spreadsheets are done on Excel.” Will & Emory. Then a few months

WINTER 2011–12 77

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY ago, I got a call from a classmate Steve Blumenthal has a special der, Steve Jacobs, Walter Ricciardi to become the Jewish Alliance of saying he had just read that Abbe challenge. The good news for the and Ira Malin. They confirmed my Greater Rhode Island. He recently had returned to Chadbourne. I Portland, Maine, pediatrician is expectations, but the best response was awarded the degree of doctor finally was able to catch up with that all four of his kids are out of came from Bob K. — “Malin is not of pedagogy honoris causa by the our busy “white collar criminal at- the house. The bad news is that a lawyer, so he is the best quali- Jewish Theological Seminary. torney” between what he described three are in college and one is in fied to answer.” Gave me a good Charles Martin’s Hong Kong as a “fun trial on Long Island” and law school. Steve is surely working chuckle, and it was good to hear suspense novel, Neon Panic, was preparing motions in the John Ed- extra hours these days! from all. (Cards and emails from published in October (neonpanic. wards case, and learned the reason A last note to put some salve other classmates are invited and com). Charles lived for 17 years in for his boomerang move. “Bigger on those of us facing the daunting welcome on any topic!) Hong Kong, first as a musician and was not better for my practice. A event of turning 60. I was checking While this won’t appear until then as a writer and broadcaster, somewhat smaller firm, where I the spelling of sexagenarian in winter, I’m writing this at the end and now lives in Seattle with wife, know my partners, was more satis- the Webster’s New Compact Office of the summer. The mid-Atlantic Catherine, and son, Toby. fying.” Looking on the Chadbourne Dictionary next to my computer region has had an earthquake and Michael Musto’s new book, & Parke website, I saw what Abbe at work. I was pleased to find the two major hurricanes in the last Fork on the Left, Knife in the Back, failed to mention: he was recently word is right between “sex” and three weeks. I know classmates appeared September 1. It’s a collec- honored as one of The National “sex appeal.” Not a bad place to and others up and down the coast tion of some of his most memo- Law Journal’s 34 “most influential spend the next decade! had issues as well. I’m ready to dry rable Village Voice columns about lawyers.” There you have it. Classmates out! I’m also looking at the stack of celebrity, nightlife and politics. Abbe gets a few extra benefits exploring the arts on both coasts, books I’ve read (or have waiting) After a 30-year career as a trial now that he comes to New York lawyers continuing to redefine and many of them remind me lawyer, mostly in criminal defense, (from his home in Washington, their careers and our children of classmates. I recently finished Vincent Briccetti was sworn in D.C.) each week. He is now able showing us the way to the 21st Neil Selinger’s A Sloan Product: A as United States district judge for to see daughters Alizath (30), century. Couldn’t be better. Memoir of a Lost Boy, picked up just the Southern District of New York a licensed social worker and before he passed in July (college. in April. He was nominated by therapist at the New York Psychi- columbia.edu/cct/fall11/obituar President Barack Obama ’83 and atric Institute (part of NewYork- Randy Nichols ies2). On one of my antiquing and confirmed (unanimously) by the Presbyterian) and Elana (26), who 734 S. Linwood Ave. shopping adventures, I found sev- Senate. Vinnie will preside at the is in her third year at the School 75 Baltimore, MD 21224 eral of Elaine Pagel’s books, which White Plains Courthouse, and says of Dentistry. His third daughter, 75 make me think of Terry Mulry and he’s excited about starting a new [email protected] Reilly (10), is back home in D.C. Sigmond Wissner-Gross. After career at the advanced age of 56. when he returns. A second benefit Randolph M. McLaughlin recently seeing it reviewed on the front page We’ve lost two classmates. Jo- of the weekly trip is that he can was named of counsel at Newman of The New York Times Book Review, siah Greenberg, an attorney, died teach a criminal law class at the Ferrara, a New York firm specializ- I picked up Absolute Monarchs, a on January 5 in a tragic commuter Law School. [Editor’s note: Read ing in real estate transactions. wonderful history of the papacy. So train accident in Montclair, N.J.; he more about Lowell in the feature in Several members of the class many seemed like old friends, as I was a founding partner of Green- this issue.] have communicated condolences came across many in my Columbia berg & Oser and was admitted Also having spent a lot of time to Henry Bunis and family at the studies in religion. I read it around to practice in the Supreme Court. running between New York and passing of his father. the time I saw Fr. John McCloskey. Dana Brand, chair of English at Washington, D.C., is portrait pho- Walter Ricciardi of Paul, Weiss, I think he would approve of it more Hofstra, was famous as a Mets tographer and film documentarian Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, New than the Michael Baignet books I blogger and author of Mets Fan Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. His York and former deputy director, also purchased! And Bob Schnei- and The Last Days of Shea: Delight 2008 The Black List Project, a travel- Division of Enforcement, U.S. der and I do like an occasional and Despair in the Life of a Mets Fan; ing exhibition of large-format color Securities and Exchange Commis- James Patterson or other mystery/ he died of a sudden heart attack portraits of politicians, musicians, sion, was a member of the faculty of thriller. Daniel Silva’s Portrait of a on May 25 in Sandy Hook, Conn. actors and other well-known black the ABA’s American Law Institute’s Spy was particularly chilling in light Condolences to both the Greenberg personalities (and two-part HBO seminar “Accountant’s Liability: of this summer’s events in Europe. and Brand families. documentary on what it means to Litigation and Issues in the Wake of I haven’t read anything new from be an African-American in our con- the Financial Crisis.” He is an invet- Fernando Castro, but know he REUNION MAY 31–JUNE 3 temporary society), moved to the erate traveler — he returned from continues to do public readings of ALUMNI OFFICE CONTACTS National Portrait Gallery in D.C. London the week before the quick his latest, Redeemable Air Mileage: A ALUMNI AFFAIRS Jennifer Freely as of October 28. While this was trip to D.C. for the seminar. (And Collection of Poems about Travel and [email protected] being staged, he also was prepar- I am happy to report that no hur- Other Journeys, up and down the 212-851-7438 ing for the late September opening ricanes or earthquakes marred his West Coast. DEVELOPMENT Matt Marsallo of The Latino List, a parallel group trip.) His wife, Clara Ricciardi ’75 What was on your summer [email protected] of portraits of prominent Latinos Barnard, recently was honored at reading list? 212-851-7452 along with another documentary the UJA-Federation of New York’s on HBO. Volunteer Recognition Ceremony David Gorman From New England comes news for her work and dedication to Clyde Moneyhun 111 Regal Dr. from Stuart Offner, who is a part- New York Legal Assistance Group’s Boise State University 77 DeKalb, IL 60115 ner in the Boston law firm Mintz, LGBT Law Project. A volunteer 76 Department of English 77 [email protected] Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and attorney for NYLAG since 2009, 76 200 Liberal Arts Building Popeo doing commercial real estate Clara’s involvement has helped 1910 University Dr. And we are back . . . During the work (a lot of which brings him to the project expand the number of Boise, ID 83725 longer-than-previous-year’s break New York). He tells us that his son, individuals assisted. Perhaps her clydemoneyhun@ between this issue and the last, I Theodore, is an economist with the greatest contribution to the project’s boisestate.edu have heard from a number of class- Analysis Group, an expert witness success has been enhancing its mates, including Virgel Aquino, firm run by Paul Samuelson’s ability to draft wills and other life Larry Katz was close to the reunion Norman Back and Gairy Hall. Nor- daughter-in-law. Ted is applying to planning documents through its but not at the reunion. He had a man and Gairy are M.D.s, Gairy in business school. Daughter Olivia LGBT Life Planning Legal Clinic. conference on the Upper West Side Atlanta, where he has been, on and lives in Manhattan and does corpo- There was a great picture of Walter on June 2, but had to go home to off, during the past 20 years. Gairy’s rate communications. I didn’t catch and Clara in one of the announce- Providence as soon as it was over. wife is a nurse in the public school what his other daughter, Sophia, is ments. In July, Larry finished his 14th year system there; their daughter gradu- up to, but I bet she is still in school. I had a legal question that I at the Bureau of Jewish Education ated from Auburn in 2009 and son These are challenging economic posed to a few of my classmate of Rhode Island, which recently Gairy Jr. from Columbia in 2011. times for most of our class, but Dr. buddies: Bob Katz, Bob Schnei- joined with two other organizations Gairy Sr. was pleased to march in

WINTER 2011–12 78 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

the Alumni Parade of Classes on so-cleansing rant, you can now just Campbell ’62, ’64 TC, who — along also CAO since 2008. Prior to that, Class Day, May 17. Meanwhile, go to college.columbia.edu/cct/ with his then-wife Roberta ’69 he was a partner at the Denver law Norman writes, “I thought it might submit_class_note. TC— certainly was a dominant firm Sherman & Howard and an be interesting to see how many fixture on campus during our time associate at Rosenman & Colin, a of our classmates really went into at Columbia. In addition to his role New York law firm. Rich earned a medicine or law, how many have Matthew Nemerson as the leader of Intuit software, as a J.D. from Duke. retired and how many pursued 35 Huntington St. major benefactor to the College and Robert Klapper: “I guess you more sane occupations.” 78 New Haven, CT 06511 as a leader of Columbia’s Board of can say a hobby of mine is trying This is a good question, and 78 Trustees, Bill actually is one of the to find the Columbia College con- [email protected] while it would certainly be impos- most influential and trusted figures nections in my life. Here’s a recent sible to collect this information via A light news issue this time. Please in the entire technology world. one for me. My father fought in the column (though I can assure send in something before the end While some of the future greatness WWII and, typical of his genera- you that, sane or not, CC ’77 in- of the year for the next issue. You we rubbed shoulders with while tion, never went into much detail cludes lots of doctors and lawyers can reach me through the email ad- at Columbia may have blossomed while I was growing up about the — just really lots). But it seems like dress above or through CCT’s easy- unexpectedly, I think any of us battles and heroic actions that he there ought to be statistics kept on to-use webform: college.columbia. who got to know coach Campbell and his buddies perpetrated. He these things, somewhere. edu/cct/submit_class_note. (in my case, through interviewing brought back three souvenirs after Virgel hosted a barbecue at his Vet and attorney Christopher him for the pre-game shows for the war: a Nazi helmet, a German home in southern New Jersey in Allen and his wife, Mary, have WKCR) always knew there was Walther pistol and his corporal August attended by Jose Leites as been working furiously toward be- something remarkable and “large” uniform that hung in the closet and well as Domingo Nunez ’76, Fer- coming empty-nesters. Son Chris about his humanity and ability to was never worn again. When he nando Ortiz Jr. ’79, Rafael Padilla Jr. (24) is working his way up the bring his philosophy and perspec- passed away in 2004 at 89, it was ’80 and Walter Rivera ’76. “All corporate ladder at Subway Corp., tive to any situation. Now it turns only at his funeral that I saw the of these Columbia graduates at- while Mike (22) is in medical out that the very people who have medals he won and photos from tended with their spouses,” Virgel school at Tel Aviv University. (Dad created much of the modern world his time in the Army. One of the says, “and we plan to make it an has always told the kids that he at Apple, Google and elsewhere felt photos was taken on November 10, annual event.” Incidentally, Virgel keeps seeing emergency veterinary the same way. That’s neat. [Editor’s 1945, in Paris in front of the Louvre has been v.p. and chief compliance cases in the middle of the night “to note: For more on “the coach of Sili- museum, as his troop, after fight- officer at MetLife since 1997. make a few extra shekels.” Now con Valley,” go to college.columbia. ing in Germany, was one of the I don’t know how I dropped the Mike really understands what that edu/cct_archive/may05.] first to free the city. (My daughter ball on this, but I meant to report means!) is studying for her master’s in in- last winter that, in February, Sam James (17) is in a hotly contested ternational business. If those guys Sweet was named executive direc- competition for valedictorian of his Robert Klapper didn’t win the war, there would tor of the Atlas Performing Arts high school class and is looking at 8737 Beverly Blvd., Ste 303 be no such opportunity for my Center in Washington, D.C. Sam every Ivy except the one in NYC. 79 Los Angeles, CA 90048 daughter in France.) earned an M.B.A. from Virginia Go figure. 79 “About a month ago a patient [email protected] Tech. He has been managing direc- Mary is in the process of launch- of mine, one of Hollywood’s iconic tor at the Shakespeare Theatre (in ing her own remedial education Bob Klapisch was voted among stunt men, visited me after his Washington) and the Signature company to assist school districts the nation’s Top-10 columnists shoulder surgery. He saw a photo Theatre (in Arlington, Va.) and, in compliance with constantly for the third consecutive year by of my dad hanging in my office more recently, COO for the Corco- more demanding student remedia- Associated Press Sports Editors. and asked me where in Germany ran Gallery of Art and College of tion requirements. “I cover the Yankees and Mets for my father fought. I told him he Art + Design. He is an adjunct Chris is in his 20th year of the Bergen Record and FoxSports. was in the Battle at Remagen. He professor in the M.A. management practicing law exclusively for vet- com (I was with ESPN.com for 12 then tells me of the many movies program at George Mason Uni- erinarians and veterinary-related years before joining Fox in 2009). It he worked on. He was the stunt versity and also has a consulting companies. “I sort of have my two all started at Spectator, where I was coordinator for a movie made in practice, aptly named Sam Sweet veterinary hospitals on auto-pilot sports editor in ’78–’79. 1969, The Bridge at Remagen. The Consulting, which helps nonprofits so I can keep up with the legal case “I’m still playing baseball in New following week he brought me a build organizational capacity. work,” he says. His favorite part of Jersey, pitching for the Hackensack DVD of this movie. Updates department: Peter Rose, the corporate clients is the junkets Troasts, an 18-and-up team that was “During Memorial Day week- whom I mentioned in the last col- to board meetings. Last one was in ranked fourth in the country last end I sat down and watched the umn, was recently (September 12– Buenos Aires and another one will year. I’m married with two kids (8 movie. I got to see for the first time 18) in residence at the MICA MOCA be in Havana. and 7) in Westwood, N.J., just a few my father’s uniform with the same project space in Berlin, where he He adds, “I can’t wait for the blocks away from Paul Fernandes, army patch actually being worn by directed as well as performed in Cuba trip, although the paperwork who was my varsity baseball coach a live person. It sent goose bumps Main Street. And David Paterson, for Americans is brutal. I went to at Columbia. Small world. That’s up my spine. The movie portrayed whom I may also have mentioned, China as an undergrad, when the the last 30-plus years in a nutshell.” the bravery and the life-risking is now on the air as an afternoon only private vehicles were black Steven H. Shapiro, general battles fought by these brave men. drive-time radio host. I haven’t bicycles. No secret how that place counsel and corporate secretary The leader of this troop, the corpo- heard him since I don’t live in the has changed; I am excited to see at Cole Taylor Bank, received the ral (in my mind the role my father New York area, but if you want to, Cuba before relations are inevitably Governance Professional of the played) was played by none other just tune to WOR-AM (710). re-established with that country.” Year award, presented by Corporate than George Segal ’55! Wow!” Our 35th reunion is coming up, Our classmates’ prominence in Secretary Magazine. Steven was rec- Thursday, May 31–Sunday, June 3. journalism and print continues with ognized for orchestrating changes Take a look at the reunion website word that John A. Glusman now is that protected the company, helped Michael C. Brown (reunion.college.columbia.edu) and v.p. and editor-in-chief of the pub- improve shareholder communi- London Terrace Towers mark your calendars now. More lishing house W.W. Norton & Co., cations and reduced the bank’s 80 410 W. 24th St., Apt. 18F information will start to arrive dur- and Dean Baquet has become the overall legal budget. 80 New York, NY 10011 ing the spring, so be sure Columbia managing editor for news operations Rich Baer recently joined United [email protected] has your correct postal and email of The New York Times. CCT reported Health Group as e.v.p. and chief addresses. both of these appointments in the legal officer. He will be responsible I saw some familiar faces this fall P.S.: I don’t think that I’m hard Fall issue (college.columbia.edu/ for overseeing the company’s at Robert K. Kraft Field. While our to find or anything, but if you’re cct/fall11/around_the_quads10). legal, regulatory and compliance Lions football team has taken it looking for a quick way to submit a The early October death of Steve matters. For the past decade, Rich on the chin, the fans still hope for note, update, mature reflection on Jobs brought to light the remarkable was general counsel for Qwest brighter days. life’s meaning or senseless-but-oh- relationship he developed with Bill Communications International and Super lawyer Dave Maloof and

WINTER 2011–12 79

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY his son, David, joined me at the Kevin Fay health care reform and family life/ his veto, Governor Cuomo shows Albany game. Dave is running 81 3380 Darby Rd. respect life issues. He writes a blog that he understands how excessive his transportation practice out of Glenmore for the archdiocese called Stepping government regulation can cripple Westchester and still rooting on his 81 Keswick, VA 22947 Out of the Boat: blog.archny.org/ industry. beloved Jets! Young David is an kfay@northridgecapital. steppingout. With the implosion of the hous- up-and-coming wrestler at Fair- com ing market, millions of Americans field Prep who hopes to be a Lion. out of work, unprecedented fed- REUNION MAY 31–JUNE 3 Steak dinners are abundant in Classmates: It’s been an exception- eral, state and consumer debt, ex- ALUMNI OFFICE CONTACTS NYC, and Bruce Paulsen and I ally quiet six months since the treme stock market volatility, talk ALUMNI AFFAIRS Robin Vanderputten had a great night at Ben Benson’s reunion and three months since of a double dip recession and shat- [email protected] Steakhouse. Over a New York strip our last column. Perhaps some of tered consumer confidence, this 212-851-7399 steak, Bruce and I discussed the you have been on extended travel country desperately needs small DEVELOPMENT Matt Marsallo state of Columbia College, pirates (please tell us about it). Or, you business to create jobs and invest [email protected] and his daughter’s equestrian wanted to send a letter but forgot in our infrastructure. In spite of the 212-851-7452 riding. to buy stamps. (Note: You can challenging economic climate, I Bruce runs his litigation practice send Class Notes to me via college. Andrew Weisman have started a new company, Fun from downtown at Seward & columbia.edu/cct/submit_class_ 710 Lawrence Ave. King. In January, we are launching Kissel, where he handles complex note.) In any event, we want to hear 82 Westfield, NJ 07090 a 75-product line of party supplies. commercial disputes. He lives what you’re up to. 82 We hired outside lawyers to file the [email protected] near Columbia with his wife and One sad report: Michael Steven- articles of incorporation and regis- daughter. [Editor’s note: CCT son passed away following a long Greetings Gentlemen, ter our trade name. Our accoun- profiled Paulsen in May/June illness. If you knew Michael and After such a fine set of contribu- tants will be filing a separate tax 2009: college.columbia.edu/cct/ would like to contribute something tions last quarter, I got bupkis . . . return. Our computer consultants may_jun09/alumni_profiles0.] about him to the next column, Oh, well. As a reminder, our 30th will be upgrading our systems. Homecoming weekend found please contact me. I certainly Alumni Reunion Weekend is com- We hired a merchandising and QC the Eric Blattman family, the remember seeing Michael around ing up, Thursday, May 31–Sunday, person who was unemployed and Browns, the Shawn FitzGerald campus, although the passage of June 3. This will be a great oppor- formerly affiliated with a major family and the AJ Sabatelle family, time has erased details such as tunity to meet up with old friends. retailer. We will be adding ware- along with Joe Ciulla, at the Class classes we may have taken together. Could get awkward, though, if you house, design and sales people to of ’61 kickoff dinner. For those of And one happy report: Edward haven’t sent in a submission. So our payroll. Ads have been placed you who have not visited Faculty T. Mechmann is the Guild of do yourself a favor and drop me a with both Barnard and Columbia House, I urge you to do so. The Catholic Lawyers’ Charles Carroll note to the email at the top of the career services. facility is renovated and the food Award recipient for 2011. The column, or use CCT’s easy-to-use We also continue to expand is good. The night is always filled award is named after the American webform: college.columbia.edu/ our baby and pet businesses. We with fun and great laughs about patriot Charles Carroll of Carroll- cct/submit_class_note. Your note recently acquired the rights to our playing days. AJ has promised town, the only Catholic signatory will come right to me. Disney Princess and Toy Story in to join us at the golf outing next to the Declaration of Indepen- Take a look at the reunion website the infant category. We will market May! dence. It is presented annually to (reunion.college.columbia.edu) and these alongside our other Disney David Walker, with whom I a Catholic lawyer who has earned mark your calendars now. More properties — Pooh, Mickey and am on the East Harlem Scholars distinction in the profession or in information will start to arrive dur- Cars. We were named one of the Academy (ehtp.org) board, and I public service by exemplifying ing the spring, so be sure Columbia three finalists for Fisher Price’s attended the opening ceremony integrity and the highest standards has your correct postal and email Licensee of the Year, and have ex- this fall of our new charter school. of professional conduct in the addresses. panded our distribution rights for NYC Schools Chancellor Den- promotion and advancement of Cheers. this license into India and Canada. nis M. Walcott greeted the 108 justice. I firmly believe that business enrolled children. The organiza- Ed graduated from the College (especially small business) is the tion has been around for 50-plus magna cum laude and from Roy Pomerantz engine that creates jobs and drives years as an after-school tutoring Harvard Law cum laude in 1984. Babyking/Petking this economy. Government needs program, and we took a bold step He was an assistant United States 83 182-20 Liberty Ave. to offer incentives for business and created an NYS-approved attorney in the Eastern District of 83 Jamaica, NY 11412 owners to take risks, invest their K–5 charter school. It is currently New York from 1984–93, when he [email protected] capital, create jobs and stimulate K–1, and the young scholars are and his wife left to serve as lay mis- the economy. flourishing in one of the most sionaries in West Virginia. He earned Greetings, classmates. I am writing I attended the last two Columbia economically and educationally an M.A. in religious studies from this column while returning from College Alumni Association Board challenged neighborhoods in the the St. Joseph’s Seminary Institute Kentucky, where I was attending of Directors meetings. The College city. We are giving these children of Religious Studies in 1994 and a juvenile industry trade show. had 29,393 applicants and a 6.4 a wonderful opportunity to excel since then has been employed by the The featured musical group at the percent selectivity rate. Columbia is and expect to see them on campus Archdiocese of New York, first as the industry party was KC and the exploring the possibility of Global one day. coordinator of the Public Policy Edu- Sunshine Band. Great nostalgia trip Core Curriculum requirements. Un- It was great to see Columbia cation Network and now as assistant through their hits from the ’70s and like other Core Curriculum classes ranked No. 4 in U.S. News & World director of the Family Life/Respect ’80s. I received many congratula- such as Art Humanities, Global Report, and we should all be com- Life Office. Ed has three children and tions at the show for successfully Core classes can be applied toward mended. Jim Gerkis and I, both is a Fourth Degree member of the leading the fight against the passage a student’s major. Reunion atten- on the Fund Development Coun- Knights of Columbus. He and his of NY State bill S5317 mandating dance was up 15 percent over last cil, remind you that through your wife teach marriage preparation and warnings on baby bottles and cups year. This spring’s College Career commitment to the Columbia Col- natural family planning, and volun- regarding sugary liquids causing Night was well attended by stu- lege Fund (college.columbia.edu/ teer in the church and community. tooth decay. As the largest manu- dents and alumni, with more than giveonline) we are able to provide Ed is the author of God, Society facturer of baby bottles and cups in 86 alumni from myriad industries. students with the best education and the Human Person: The Basics of New York state, I personally lob- I had the pleasure of meeting in- possible in a very competitive Catholic Social Teaching and assisted bied Gov. Andrew Cuomo to veto terim Dean James J. Valentini at the environment. Thank you! in the development of the marriage this bill, which was passed by the most recent board meeting. Dean Drop me a line at mcbcu80@ preparation booklet Partners in Life New York State House and Senate. Valentini, who arrived at Columbia yahoo.com or use CCT’s easy-to- and Love. He has written several Non-uniform, state specific warning in 1983, was appointed the interim use webform: college.columbia. articles on religion and law and has requirements are anathema to busi- dean on September 2. Since Dean edu/cct/submit_class_note. Your appeared before several state and ness, and issues like this one need to Michele Moody-Adams resigned note will come right to me. federal legislative committees on be federally regulated. By exercising when the students arrived this year,

WINTER 2011–12 80 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

a quick transition was critical. Inter- From Mark’s firm’s website ing my own shingle, I spent parts Watchers magazine. Esme is a sev- estingly, Dean Valentini noted that (momjiananderer.com/profiles_ of my career as a computer scien- enth grader at Salk School of Science. his parents never graduated from mark2.html): “A graduate of Co- tist, as a strategic consultant, as an I was looking forward to seeing high school. Currently, 15 percent of lumbia College and the Columbia antitrust and valuation economist, many of my Columbia friends at College students are first-generation University School of Law, Mark and as an intellectual property law- Homecoming.” college students. A former chair of Momjian’s family law practice yer. These experiences allowed me the chemistry department, Dean encompasses all aspects of divorce, to combine expert witness work Valentini’s interaction with students support, child custody, and ap- (in both valuation and computing/ Dennis Klainberg helped him prepare for his current pellate litigation. He writes and software/Internet industry issues) Berklay Cargo Worldwide role. He described Columbia as be- lectures frequently about trends in with strategic advising of small 84 14 Bond St., Ste 233 ing the greatest college in the great- domestic relations, with a special businesses and startups, while 84 Great Neck, NY 11021 est university in the greatest city in emphasis on biotechnology’s pursuing my research interests at [email protected] the world. He noted that the 29,393 impact on family law. A member the intersection of technology, busi- applicants this year were second to of the Board of Editors of The ness, law and public policy. Michael Ackerman, in his own Harvard. Dean Valentini’s goal is to Matrimonial Strategist since 1994, “Rimon lets me continue working words: “After working as an figure out what kind of college we Momjian has published dozens of on all of these topics. In addition, it entertainment lawyer forever, want to be and then determine how articles on specialized aspects of provides me with colleagues who with the music industry in freefall to raise the money to get there. family law, some of which have ap- can help me augment my valua- and thoughts about how I could President Lee C. Bollinger also peared in the National Law Journal¸ tion, IP, business planning, strategy afford college for my 9-year-old spoke at the board meeting. He the American Journal of Family Law, and negotiation services with a full son, Landon, keeping me awake at stated that he was surprised to and Divorce Litigation. His articles suite of services critical for corporate night, I looked for an escape lad- receive Dean Moody-Adams’ res- on family law have been cited growth. Of equal importance, how- der. I fortunately found one in the ignation, referred to it as a “painful in numerous law reviews and ever, is the extent to which the firm’s class action claims administration moment” and said he tried to per- journals, including the Yale Law philosophy mirrors my own. One business. I recently joined Heffler suade her not to resign. President Journal, the Virginia Journal of Social of the reasons that I hung my own Claims Administration — a pioneer Bollinger described there being a Policy and the Law, Law and Psychol- shingle was my desire to work with in the industry, virtually inventing “sense of mistrust,” which he is ogy Review, Law and Inequality, and clients large and small, on a variety claims administration in the 1960s determined to overcome. As a law the American University Journal of of matters, in ways that are simply — and became its first employee student at Columbia in 1968 and Gender, Social Policy and the Law. not possible under a standard outside of Pennsylvania (the com- having learned about the firing and “Listed in Best Lawyers in Amer- billable-hour arrangement. Through pany is based in Philadelphia). So rehiring of Dean Austin Quigley, ica, Who’s Who in American Law, the years, I crafted a variety of agree- if you know any lawyers who have President Bollinger understands and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, ments with my clients, including class action cases requiring notice the historical context for disputes Momjian has handled family law reduced hourly rates, success or provision or claims administration, between the University adminis- cases in over a third of Pennsylva- contingency fees, equity arrange- I hope you’ll send them my way: tration and the College. But after 10 nia’s judicial districts. Momjian is ments and fixed-fee-for-fixed-task [email protected].” years as president, he felt we had co-author with his father, Albert agreements. Rimon prides itself A bit closer to home, Rich Mack- moved significantly beyond these Momjian, of Pennsylvania Fam- on its preference for alternative, soud: “Hurricane Irene threatened differences. There is an extraordi- ily Law Annotated, published by value-driven fee arrangements as to disrupt things, but I dropped off nary amount of attention focused Thomson/West and currently in its appropriate to the needs of the cli- my son, James ’15, for New Student on the College, as evidenced by his tenth edition. Momjian has argued ents. As a result, I can continue to say orientation on what turned out to teaching a class at CC. He stated major appeals before the Penn- what I have been telling prospective be a beautiful morning. James is a emphatically, “Columbia College sylvania appellate courts, and in clients for years: If you believe that graduate of Montclair (N.J.) H.S., students deserve the very best the 2006 he successfully defended the I can make a positive contribution where he was involved in Model University has to offer.” President constitutionality of Pennsylvania’s to your business’s growth, to your UN and Model Congress. He also Bollinger strongly endorses the Grandparents’ Visitation Act before negotiations or to resolving your was part of the national champi- Core Curriculum and maintaining the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. dispute, we will find a compensa- onship team in the annual Fed need-blind admissions. He is com- He also successfully argued the tion structure that lets us work Challenge economic competition mitted to improving the commu- first appellate case in the country together. Along these same lines, I sponsored by the Federal Reserve. nication between Low Library and in which a non-biological parent am particularly excited about our James plans to focus on the social the College and finding real solu- was directed to pay child support forthcoming launch of a program sciences (economics, anthropology). tions for any mistrust. President to her former domestic partner. that combines mentoring and legal He is taking Lit Hum and is thrilled Bollinger also thinks the University Momjian has been quoted on fam- concierge services, targeting small that he got a single in Jay versus a is as great today as any point in the ily law topics in newspapers across companies and tech startups. Watch double in Carman (which, by the last 50–60 years. A great University the United States, including The for that announcement soon!” way, looks shockingly the same needs space and resources. The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Bruce holds a Ph.D. in computer after more than 25 years). Rich also Manhattanville expansion is a and The Wall Street Journal, and science from Columbia and a J.D. noted he “was thrilled at the oppor- tremendous opportunity to create he has been interviewed by Larry from Georgetown. His clients have tunity to actually drive and park on a new campus during the next King on CNN’s Larry King Live, as included The World Bank, the College Walk during the drop off.” half-century. The $4 billion capital well as by Matt Lauer on NBC’s governments of Greece and India, Rich recently joined uTest, a start- campaign goal, the second highest The Today Show.” Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, up that provides “crowd-sourced” amount in the country, was met A more complete description of Procter & Gamble, HotJobs, AOL, web and mobile testing, and is a early and has since been raised to Mark’s credentials can be found on RealNetworks, Bandag, Pitney Bow- major account manager. Rich and $5 billion. the same site. es, IBM, Northrop, Duke Energy and his wife soon will celebrate their Mark Momjian was a 2011 Bruce Abramson ’87 GSAS: Neopost. Prior to joining Rimon, he 20th anniversary. They live in Mont- Alumni Medalist at the University “This summer, following nearly developed a practice through his clair with their other son, John. Commencement. Alumni Medal- seven years flying solo, I brought two firms that he founded, Infor- And even closer to home, in ad- ists are Columbia alumni selected my practice in to become a partner mationism and Gordian Solutions. dition to the office address change to receive this high honor for their at Rimon. All of my old contact Bruce has published five books and (which you may note at the top of distinguished service of 10 years or information will continue to work, more than 40 scholarly articles. the column), Dennis Klainberg is more to the University, including but please add bruce.abramson@ Eric Epstein: “I live with my wife, proud to announce the recent (and its schools, alumni associations, rimonlaw.com to your list of safe Michele Shapiro ’85 Barnard, ’91J, final!) bar mitzvah in his immediate regional Columbia Clubs and email addresses. Rimon’s firm and daughter, Esme, in Manhattan. I family, that of Jacob Philip. With University-wide initiations. Mark structure provides me with the au- am a manager and senior counsel for No. 1 son Adam enjoying a success- is chair of the Philadelphia ARC tonomy to continue and to expand the New York City Law Department ful freshman year at SUNY New and a tireless supporter of Colum- my practice in some powerful and and Office of Corporation Counsel. Paltz, and daughters Emma and bia College. exciting directions. Prior to hang- Michele is a senior editor for Weight Sydney shining as thespians and

WINTER 2011–12 81

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

Kingsmen leaders … I had the plea- son found his passion — aviation, sure of meeting David Zapolsky in which he’s pursuing as a freshman Seattle for a Mariners game, along in Purdue’s world-famous aviation with his fiancée, Lynn, and her son, program. Sam. David recently completed a Eric Fromm is chief revenue cross-country trek with his son Ian, officer and managing director at culminating in their arrival at Car- SPORTIME, which operates 12 man for New Student Orientation fitness clubs in Long Island, NYC, just as Hurricane Irene arrived. Westchester and the New York And because I intruded on the capital region. Eric has been mar- ’86ers’ space in my last column, ried for 24 years to Lori. They have it’s only fair to go the other way three children: Daniel (21), Carly and congratulate Charles Lester ’84 (19) and Alana (16). upon his appointment as executive Congrats to Bennett Gordon on director of The California Coastal the birth of his daughter, Mira Rose Cathy Webster ’87 (left), with her children, Meredith and Thayer, spent Commission. Dr. Lester was unani- Jay-Gordon, on April 26! time in Paris this past summer with Ilene Weinstein Lederman ’87 and mously voted to the position after Here are some notes from ’86ers her children, Hannah and Max. Their family trips overlapped so they being acting executive director since in their own words. met in the Luxembourg Gardens and shared a wonderful afternoon. August. Charles has been with the Meir Feder: “I live in Manhat- Coastal Commission since 1997 and tan with my wife, Abbe Gluck, has been senior deputy director and 4½-year-old twin boys, Ollie star students at Manhasset H.S., I’m of Trustees of FASNY. The school since 2006. The commission chair and Ryan. Abbe is a professor at also most proud of my wife, Dana, recently purchased a 130-acre site cited Charles’ “unique experience, the Law School. I’m a partner at now an assistant registrar at Teach- in White Plains that will serve as unwavering integrity and clear vi- Jones Day, specializing in appellate ers College. the future home for our campus sion” that he brings to this position. and complex litigation. I recently and also will become a unique Finally, at my 30th high school argued and unanimously won a 60–80-acre nature preserve, thereby reunion this fall (what a concept, case in the U.S. Supreme Court, Jon White doubling the publicly accessible but tons of fun), I bumped into Goodyear Dunlop Tires Operations 85 16 South Ct. green space in White Plains. This is Howie Kaye and Stephen Mang- S.A. v. Browne.” Port Washington, NY 11050 a fascinating and transformational hisi. Howie lives in Dix Hills with John Featherman: “Doing well. 85 project.” his wife, Toby, and has worked for Lost the Philadelphia Republican [email protected] For Daniel Wolf Savin, “the big many years in IT infrastructure mayoral primary by 64 votes Denis Searby is contracted as the news in my life is that I got married at Morgan Stanley. Steve lives in citywide! The moral of the story visiting professor in ancient Greek on June 26 to Fryda Villars. Fryda is Closter, N.J., and is a radiologist is your vote always counts. To at Uppsala University for three an architect who lives in New York in New York City (affiliated with quote the Terminator, you can bet years, ending in June, when he City but works outside of the city. West Side Radiology Associates, St. ‘I’ll be back!’ I don’t mind losing if returns to Stockholm. “I am run- My lab also is located outside of the Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center people understand how impor- ning an EU project called Sharing city, at Columbia’s Nevis Labora- and P&S). tant their vote is. Check out my Ancient Wisdoms (Greek-Arabic) tories in Irvington, N.Y. We met on video — it was on the front page in Uppsala, King’s College London the Marble Hill Metro-North train of the Drudge Report, and we got and Vienna, Austria. The third platform commuting to work. After Everett Weinberger national coverage.” volume of my translation of The many months of seeing one another 50 W. 70th St., Apt. 3B Google John and you’ll see lots Revelations of St. Birgitta of Sweden is on the platform, we started talking 86 New York, NY 10023 of press and videos. being issued by Oxford University one day. Two-and-a-half years later 86 Paul Dauber: My wife, Emily, [email protected] Press in December. What else? Yeah, we got married at Harkness Memo- and I recently had a son, Sam. He’s I am ‘chairman’ (probably being the rial State Park in Waterford, Conn., A flurry of updates from our 4 months old and weighs 18 lbs. only choice) of the Alumni Represen- in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater classmates! Eats a lot! We also have three girls: tative Committee (studentaffairs. overlooking Long Island Sound. Our After leaving Lazard in late 2009 Rosie (6), Chloe (5) and Lily (3). columbia.edu/admissions/alumni/ marriage is definitely part of the up to run for the United States Senate I’m a partner at PWC in business volunteers.php) here in Sweden, side of public transportation.” in his home state of Nevada, John development and live in Chap- and we have been active for a num- Congratulations, Daniel! Chachas chose to start something paqua, N.Y. I still do triathlons and ber of years. The number of Swed- A couple of job change announce- new rather than return to a larger recently finished the Toughman ish applicants has been growing ments: Brian Cousin has joined the banking firm. Together with several Half Iron triathlon in Croton, N.Y.” for the past 10 years, so they have law firm of SNR Denton, where he former colleagues, John now runs Ted Kenney: “In a triumph of been keeping the few CC alumni represents companies, partnerships Methuselah Advisors, a merchant science and perseverance over here busy. It’s fun to interview and executives in a variety of litiga- banking group focused on digital infertility, my wife and I welcomed them, especially because I have the tion, employment law, executive and media enterprises. The firm is our first child, George Yimpakorn perspective of a faculty member of contract and real estate workout headquartered in New York and Kenney, on March 1, 2010. At this a Swedish university.” matters. “the cloud,” according to John. point he’s speaking about equal Mischa Zabotin and his wife, Ni- And Tom Scotti now is a man- He continues to work with the amounts of English and Thai.” cole ’87 Barnard, live in Larchmont, aging director of Consensus Ad Republican Party in Nevada as Joel Berg: “My biggest news N.Y. Their boys are in 11th and visers in Boston. Consensus has well as maintain an active speak- is that the organization I run, the 12th grade at the French-American broad experience advising retail ing calendar on domestic economic New York City Coalition Against School of New York (FASNY), a and consumer products companies policy matters. Hunger, which previously worked bilingual, multicultural school in undergoing significant transforma- John Brynjolfsson continues to only in NYC, recently expanded lower Westchester. “Time will tell if tions to their business models. The be a booster of the stellar Columbia to run a nationwide program in they hear alma mater’s call and if company has significant industry Lions men’s golf team, and their 18 states, helping families obtain she’ll answer. … As a result, I’m experience representing and advis- star coach, Rich Mueller, who food stamp benefits and summer taking a two-year leave from the ing companies, entrepreneurs, has kept them in contention for meals. See nyccah.org/our-work/ Alumni Representative Committee investors, creditors and lenders in the Ivy’s top spot for three out of national-americorps-anti-hunger- that I’ve served on for many years financial and brand equity transac- the last four years (and ready to program.” and will sorely miss interviewing tions. Tom’s daughter, Anne, is a bounce back from their impressive Scot Glasberg: “I live on the Up- [more of] those bright applicants high school senior and preparing second place this past spring). John per East Side with my wife, Alisa, I’ve had the pleasure to meet. When her college applications. manages Armored Wolf, a success- and my children, Alex (11), Evan I’m not a banker by day at Credit In recent months I have crossed ful global macro hedge fund in (5) and Chloe (1½), our newest Agricole Securities, I chair the Board paths with several of my former Orange County, Calif. He’s glad his addition, born May 28, 2010. I am

WINTER 2011–12 82 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

president of the New York Regional peaceful life. I work on my small Society of Plastic Surgeons and v.p., business, A Little Peace (alittlepeace. finance, for The American Society of com), a jewelry company. I love Plastic Surgeons and Plastic Surgery designing and making jewelry and Foundation.” running and growing my business. A Little Peace is currently in 10 retail shops. I spent many, many years REUNION MAY 31–JUNE 3 in corporate marketing at Evian ALUMNI OFFICE CONTACTS Water and then on my own as a ALUMNI AFFAIRS Kenneth Catandella consultant. Now I run my company [email protected] and donate a portion of my profits 212-851-7844 to public education . . . a passion of DEVELOPMENT Grace Lee ’02 mine.” [email protected] Teresa is in touch with some of 212-851-7492 her Columbia tennis pals as well Sarah A. Kass as her former suitemates Christine PO Box 300808 Jamgochian Koobatian (the tough- 87 Brooklyn, NY 11230 est chick I know), Lauren Alter- 87 Baumann and Michelle Estilo [email protected] Kaiser. Teresa added, “The move With less than six months to our to Westchester hasn’t been so bad 25th Alumni Reunion Weekend because [these friends] come up to (Thursday, May 31–Sunday, June our house almost every weekend, 3), the excitement is growing pal- and I love it (and so does my hus- pable, as I am hearing from both band, actually). Alexandra Wallace frequent column contributors as Creed ’88, Leslie Gittess ’88 and well as first-time contributors, all Steven Kantor ’88 also are among A group of CC ’91 classmates got together for a mini-reunion in Ridgewood, of whom I hope to see in May! my regular houseguests. Between N.J., on August 1. Celebrating were (left to right) Kieran Corcoran ’94L, Take a look at the reunion my brothers (Doug Saputo ’81, Derek Manwaring, Paul Kuharsky ’93J, Kamran Ahmad and Julio Cuevas. website (reunion.college.columbia. littlefamilyfilms.com, and Paul PHOTO: ATHENA (LENAS) MANWARING ’91 BARNARD edu) and mark your calendars Saputo ’83) and I, we live quite the now. More information will start Columbia existence.” Erik Goluboff ’86, “are thrilled to there for more reunion informa- to arrive in the spring, so be sure Teresa saw other tennis alums report that our son, Justin ’15, is tion. And please let me know as Columbia has your correct postal during the summer including Sue loving the College!” soon as possible if there is someone and email addresses. DeLara ’90, Radhi Majmudar ’90, Jennifer Insogna Donarski is you are trying to track down to I am so pleased that Jim Mc Holly Turchetta Lee ’90 and Howie an active member of the Celiac see if he or she is coming to the re- Knight, a first-time contributor, sent Rappaport ’85. Disease Center at Columbia. Her union — we may know! The more in the news that he and his wife, She has been involved with son, James (10), has celiac disease, of us who come, the merrier our Betsy, recently had their first child, Columbia for the last few years which is a complete intolerance to reunion will be! Guaranteed! Katherine Elizabeth. Jim said, “The and recently hosted a reception at gluten (wheat, rye and barley) and newest member of the CC Class her Bedford home for alumnae in is treated by following a gluten-free of 2033 entered the world on April the Northern Westchester/Con- diet. Jennifer was active in planning Eric Fusfield 29 at 4:28 p.m., weighing 6 lbs. and necticut area. the center’s 10th anniversary gala 1945 South George measuring 21 in.” Jim, a partner at Ilene Weinstein Lederman wrote, this past October in New York 88 Mason Dr. Mintz Levin, a New York City law “I had the great fortune of meeting City and would love to hear from 88 Arlington, VA 22204 firm, lives with his family, including up with Cathy Webster in Paris this other gluten-free members of the [email protected] their chocolate lab, Mack, in Atlan- summer. Our trips overlapped so class. Sharing tips on how to raise tic Highlands, N.J. our families met in Luxembourg a gluten-free child in a Dunkin’ Our latest overseas update comes After nearly 20 years of living in Gardens. We had a wonderful after- Donuts world is one of her favorite from Beijing, where Michael Langer London, Richard Kramer relocated noon together.” [See photo.] hobbies! In fact, Jennifer and I have to Singapore in August for one year Eli Kavon presented a paper at already been trading stories about to travel Asia with his family (twin the International Symposium on good gluten-free vacation cities sons and a daughter) and further Monotheism and Postmodernism in in Europe because I have family expand his company, Arete Resarch. China in June. Professor Xu Xin, the members with celiac disease and I 25 Years of Now in its 12th year, and with of- driving force behind Jewish studies also am always on the lookout for fices in London, Boston and Hong at the University of Nanjing, invited good gluten-free food. Coeducation Kong, Richard founded Arete in him to present at the conference, And in late-breaking news, Lee n May 1987, the first early 2000 as the first independent which included scholars from the Ilan and her husband, Peter Engel, fully coed class gradu- research firm, helping investors United States, Australia, Canada, are proud to announce the birth ated from Columbia understand future technologies free Israel and Japan. Eli’s presentation of their daughter, Mavis Irene Ilan I College. As we approach from the conflicts of interest that was titled “Abraham Geiger and Engel. She was born October 8 and the 25th anniversary of came to public attention a few years Abraham Isaac Kook: Messianism’s weighed 7 lbs., 2 oz. Lee wrote that after he founded Arete. In addition, Return to History.” He said that both mother and baby are doing this occasion, we want to Richard helped organize a reunion what was most impressive was the great and Mavis is a sheer joy to be hear from alumni about in New York City last autumn of the dedication of Chinese professors around. “We feel truly blessed and this turning point in the Columbia Ultimate Frisbee team and doctoral students to their study are very thankful for the incred- College’s history. Share that twice competed in the Nation- of western religion. He added ible love and support of friends your memories of the als in the late ’80s. that the growth of Judaic studies and family in helping us get to this transition on campus and Teresa Saputo-Crerend wrote in in China is an important one that wonderful place,” she said. in the classroom, and let with this update: “I live in West- bodes well for an emerging China If you haven’t already, please us know about the impact chester with my husband, Bill on the world scene and for relations check out the Columbia Class of that Columbia has had on Crerend ’84 Princeton, and kids between the People’s Republic and 1987 page on Facebook for up-to- (two girls and a boy, 11, 9 and 6). the State of Israel. the-minute reunion updates. I also your life. We moved out of the city five years And following up on our previ- will post updates on my Twitter Please share your mem- ago and, while I miss it every single ous note, Nicole Belson Goluboff feed at @SarahAKassPhD13, so ories at college.columbia. day, I am getting used to this more wrote that she and her husband, you are welcome to follow me

WINTER 2011–12 83

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY now runs his own consulting firm, I have two children, 7 and 5, who are Thank you, Scott Hall, who a remote location you’ve been to, Cross-Border Communications. both looking forward to attending writes: “OK, after seeing so many perhaps based on a vacation expe- “Since 1997, we have been help- Columbia one day. The brainwash- issues where only one of us wrote rience, let us know about it. ing clients from all over the globe ing has already begun! Of course, in, sandwiched between years with My Carman hallmate architect develop essential skills to achieve they are still at an age where they many more updates, I finally made Isaac-Daniel Astrachan’s latest personal, team and organizational believe the words I say and do not the decision to devote 30 seconds of masterpiece as principal at Stephen goals,” CBC’s website reports. Sam discount them out of hand.” A busy my time for an update. If I can get B. Jacobs Group was the design Bloom, who visited Michael in single dad, Filic keeps in touch with my 3-year-old to turn the volume and completion of the new Gan- China a few years ago, writes, “I a few friends from college and got down on Scooby-Doo maybe I’ll sevoort Park Avenue NYC hotel teach French at Barnard and Ford- together with Michelle Chung-Han even extend it to 45. I am married that opened in February. He’s on ham (I got my Ph.D. from Columbia last summer in New Jersey with the with three children (10, 9 and 3), the board of son Aidhan’s soccer some time back) after having taught kids. You can find Filic on Facebook, living in Long Valley, N.J. I own a club, Downtown United Soccer in Israel for eight years.” where he has enjoyed reconnecting spice-importing business, dealing in Club, and also is involved in the Claudia Kraut Rimerman writes, with fellow Columbians, such as a wide range of bulk spices, herbs club’s inner-city program, City Soc- “I wish I had excitement of global Dave Kooby. and seeds we import from India, cer in the Community, in partner- proportions to report, but I guess the It’s been a long time since my Spain, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, ship with Manchester City Football globe is exciting enough right now, husband, Dave Terry ’90, and I Honduras and China, selling bulk Club. I’d say that’s a lot of soccer so I’ll just report on the small doings listened to Paul Greenberg ’90 on product to manufacturers and know-how for a former member of in Stamford, Conn. I live here with 1010 WINS, but Paul hasn’t slowed spice-packers throughout North the JV Columbia tennis team. my children, ages 8, 10 and 12, and down any. He is the CEO of Col- America. Business has been great, Anita Bose has left the agency my husband. I run a small consult- legeHumor, which is owned by IAC growing steadily over the years.” side of public relations after many ing firm that advises health- and in New York, responsible for the German Gomez has left the pri- years. Since June, she’s been v.p. insurance-related entities on strategic leadership, strategic development vate sector and returned to work- of external communications at issues, legislative and regulatory and day-to-day management of ing for Uncle Sam. You can find inVentive Health, a global clinical, matters, and new products and CollegeHumor.com, Dorkly.com, him at the Department of Justice, commercial and consulting services distribution. I have recently begun Sportspickle.com and TodaysBigTh- where he is an assistant general provider to the pharmaceutical, bio- Muay Thai kickboxing, which I do ing.com as well as their related counsel in the General Counsel’s tech and life sciences industries. She enthusiastically three times a week; mobile and social applications. Office Executive Office for United lives in New York but spends a lot I’m up to my orange belt with one Together, the sites reach a combined States Attorneys. As German of time in Boston, at the company’s stripe. I am going for black belt. This 15 million monthly unique visitors. describes it, they are “the lawyers’ global headquarters. She passed summer, some kickboxing buddies Previously, as president, digital, of lawyers” in that they represent along the happy news that Arlene and I ran in the Warrior Dash in Time Inc. Lifestyle Group, Paul was and provide counsel on a variety Hong, Darren Duffy and their son, New York state. It’s a wild, 3 ½-mile responsible for 10 digital proper- of issues to the attorneys working Colin, welcomed son Spencer to the course up a mountain, with 12 obsta- ties (including RealSimple.com, for the United States Attorneys’ world on September 1. cles, such as climbing over cars and MyRecipes.com, CookingLight. Offices across the country. Jim Barkley is the CAO and trucks, scaling walls, crawling under com and AllYou.com) and in 2009 Justin Abelow is a managing managing director in charge of barbed wire and jumping over fire. I was named one of The Hollywood director at Houlihan Lokey in New Global Compliance Risk Manage- finished in the top 22 percent, which Reporter’s “Top 50 Digital Power” York. He has a pre-school-aged ment at Citigroup, where he has was pretty cool, since the bulk of the executives while serving as e.v.p. daughter, and a son in second been for the last 10 years. He lives contestants were men between the and general manager of TV Guide grade who already is a big Lions with his wife, Pam, and 13-year- ages of 20 and 35.” online. Paul has two girls (7 and 4). football fan. Justin runs into Regine old twin daughters, Hope and Claudia has maintained contact I should have a lot more in our and James Stone frequently. Sarah, in Tarrytown, N.Y. Pam and with a number of classmates. “I next column, as Dave and I and Sandra Garcia reports that “after Jim recently were in Virginia for keep in touch with Diane Bauer our three kids planned to go to 20-plus years in Student Financial the wedding of Filippo Ghia ’92E Orlinsky and planned to visit her Homecoming on October 15. Planning at Columbia’s medical to Elizabeth Cosby, where they all in Baltimore this fall,” she says. Hope to hear from more of you campus, I now am assistant dean celebrated among friends and Pi “[Diane]’s a high-profile derma- soon! of admissions and student affairs at Kappa Alpha fraternity brothers. tologist, and she was going to help the College of Dental Medicine. I’ve Sometimes, the news I report make my skin beautiful in advance been doing this since August 2010. comes to me from the University, of my son’s bar mitzvah this fall. Rachel Cowan Jacobs My daughter, Chloe, started her such as with the updates that follow. Laurence Holzman has finally left 313 Lexington Dr. third year of college at Clark Univer- Janice Min now is editorial direc- the city but continues to write musi- 90 Silver Spring, MD 20901 sity in Worcester, Mass. Columbia tor of The Hollywood Reporter. If you cal theater with Felicia Needle- 90 has been my home for all of my life read the May 29 article on Janice in [email protected] man and also manages the White … it educated me (M.A. from Teach- The New York Times, you will see that Plains Performing Arts Center. He In August, I was in New York and ers College in 2007) and employed she has hit another home run. lives with his wife and two sons in walked from West 104th Street to me most of my adult life.” Dr. Warigia Bowman, assistant Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. Johnny Roskes College Walk. What fun to relive Jeffrey Berk wrote to me from professor of public policy at the has been in New York City for a few some memories as I passed by California, I think. “For much of University of Mississippi and visit- years, after a decade in Hong Kong. Koronet, Famous Famiglia and the last few years, I’ve been working assistant professor at American He lives right near Columbia and Amir’s, but I also experienced a ing abroad. I recently returned University in Cairo, Egypt, has boasts a phenomenal art collection touch of melancholy to discover from four months in the Cordillera been named assistant professor at and an enviable social life.” Café Pertutti is no more. (I’m sure Blanca mountain range of Peru and the University of Arkansas Clinton Please keep the updates coming! I did more than eat in college the Bolivian Amazon producing a School of Public Service. Email me or friend me on Facebook. but these are the neighborhood series for History Channel. In 2010, According to Crain’s New York places I remember best.) The best I spent much of the year in the Hi- Business (June 13 issue), Jared I. newcomer to the neighborhood, malayas. Next month, I’m scouting Sandberg has become an editor Emily Miles Terry though, is the Columbia Alumni some particularly remote locations at Bloomberg.com. He previously 89 45 Clarence St. Center at 622 West 113th Street for another series. While the work was a banking and finance editor Brookline, MA 02446 (between Broadway and Riverside is physically challenging (often in at The Wall Street Journal. 89 Drive). It’s a lovely space that extreme weather conditions) and Jan Castro, CEO of Pala Invest- [email protected] offers alumni wonderful hospital- requires long hours (often seven ments in Switzerland, recently joined Filic Chung ’89E, who has been in ity (water, coffee and tea, work days a week), it’s also tremendous- the board of Capstone Mining Corp., land development for about 15 years stations, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, ly rewarding and fun. I may never a Canadian mining company. in Florida, wrote, “[I] have been very comfy couches), so if you’re in the go back to producing shows in a As for the rest of you, if you have fortunate in having dodged the bulk neighborhood, stop by and check it cushy soundstage again.” news, let me know. And happy 2012 of the economic meltdown since ’05. out. And now, onto the news: If any of you has a story about to everyone!

WINTER 2011–12 84 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

Linda Appel Lipsius ’93 Redefines Sustainable Business

B y L au r a B u t c h y ’04 A r t s

hile many busi- OxiClean, Kaboom and Orange nesses have been Glo. Since OGI was about to revising practices be sold, and she was inter- during the last ested in the mission of Teatulia Wseveral years to become more (named for Tetulia, the region green and sustainable, Linda in Bangladesh where the tea is Appel Lipsius ’93 has helped grown), she offered to analyze to launch a business that was the potential U.S. tea market. sustainable from the start. Though she quickly discovered Teatulia (teatulia.com) not only the most formidable chal- sells black, green, white and lenge — the average American herbal infusion teas grown in doesn’t know a lot about tea — a single garden and shipped Lipsius realized the company’s directly to the store, but also unique focus on organic tea aims to protect the environ- and corporate social responsi- ment with everything from or- bility had potential. ganic production to eco-friendly A partnership was born, and packaging. now Lipsius works from Tea As co-founder and CEO of tulia’s office in Denver, manag- Linda Appel Lipsius ’93 in April in the Teatulia organic tea garden in the international tea company, ing sales and operational issues. Northern Bangladesh. Lipsius believes in the com- In April, she visited the garden pany’s organic tea as well as all in Bangladesh to see firsthand Days on Campus, Lipsius de- with Teatulia, Lipsius recently aspects of Teatulia’s sustainable the expanded operations. In cided to attend the College and produced her first independent approach to business. Teatulia’s addition to providing workers majored in political science. film,16-Love, the story of a junior teas are grown in a single with a living wage, the Teatulia She also kept busy helping tennis champion who has to ad- garden in Northern Bangladesh, Cooperative also offers educa- with Columbiafest as well as just to normal teenage life after the only tea garden in Ban- tion, health and cattle-lending being an RA in Schapiro and a injuring her ankle. Released this gladesh to be USDA certified programs for the garden’s campus tour guide. She spent year, the film was a partnership organic, according the com- workers and neighbors. her junior year in Ireland. with her husband, a longtime pany’s website. The garden was “Linda has been absolutely After a few years in the filmmaker. Lipsius also is kept started in 2000 by Lipsius’ busi- crucial to the growth of Teatulia nonprofit world, Lipsius worked busy by their 4-year-old daughter ness partner, Teatulia founder in the U.S.,” Ahmed says. “From for Roche Laboratories directing and 2-year-old son, and she is and president K. Anis Ahmed. ideas to the patient day-to-day marketing campaigns. She then involved in the local alumni club. “We wanted to create jobs in nitty-gritties, she’s given her earned an M.B.A. at NYU in 2001 Leaving the day-to-day op- this remote and impoverished heart and soul and all her exper- and joined OGI, her family’s busi- erations of the movie business rural area,” Ahmed says. “But tise to it.” Teatulia began selling ness, in 2000. While at OGI, she to her husband, Lipsius con- we also wanted to do it in a to Whole Foods Rocky Mountain spent a few years setting up the tinues to focus on expanding socially responsible manner, Region in 2009. Since then sales European business in London, Teatulia’s presence in the U.S. hence organic tea.” have increased 1,700 percent, where she drank her fair share “The product is exceptional,” Ahmed, a friend of Lipsius’ and Teatulia products now are of tea. However, it was her first she says, “and the mission is husband, Adam, was discussing sold at specialty and health food taste of Teatulia tea at home spot-on and directly relevant a possible move into the U.S. stores in five regions in addi- one day that really sold her on to the Tetulia community. I tea market with Lipsius during tion to through the company’s marking tea in the U.S. hope that what we are doing a visit to the United States in website and at its home store in “Now I am a pretty serious at the garden will be able to 2006. Lipsius had a background Denver. tea drinker,” Lipsius says. “I love positively impact how other in marketing and had been G.M. Although happy to be living trying different teas prepared companies run their business.” of Orange Glo Europe, v.p. of in her hometown again, Lipsius and packaged in different ways. international sales and manager appreciates her years spent in And I find good tea refresh- Laura Butchy ’04 Arts is a of Western U.S. sales at Orange New York while attending the ing — something that wouldn’t writer, dramaturg and profes- Glo International (OGI), where College. After being impressed have occurred to me.” sor of English and theatre she launched products such as by a Columbia recruiter and In addition to working based in Brooklyn.

Margie Kim Della Pietra and her husband, Chris to my girlfriend of several years, Paul Kuharsky and his wife, 91 1923 White Oak Clearing Della Pietra ’89; and Rema Serafi ’91 Chrissie Hines. There were several Teresa, live in Nashville, with their Southlake, TX 76092 Barnard also were in attendance. CC ’91 grads in attendance includ- son, Simon (2). Mom and Dad are 91 We’ll all be in Miami in a couple of ing Jim Burtson, Ken Shubin working hard with the boy to avoid margiekimkim@ hotmail.com months to celebrate Elise’s son’s bar Stein, and Cece and Mike Murray. a Southern accent. Paul’s in his mitzvah. It’s hard to believe that Additionally, and much less sig- fourth year as an NFL blogger for Hello, all! I recently returned from we’re old enough to have children nificantly, I recently left my job as ESPN.com and is a regular radio New York to help celebrate Julie celebrating bar/bat mitzvahs! a state prosecutor and became an presence on Nashville’s top-rated Levy’s older daughter’s bat mitzvah. Cory Flashner sent in this up- assistant United States attorney in sports talk show. Paul recently met Elise Scheck; Annie Giarratano date: “I was married this past July the District of Massachusetts. up with some CC ’91 friends at the

WINTER 2011–12 85

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY home of Derek Manwaring and his wonderful animal collections. In an associate professor of sociology hear from Richard Carrick, who wife, Athena (Lenas) Manwaring ’91 March, I will travel to the remote is- at UCLA. While Mignon was returned to Columbia this fall to Barnard, who hosted a Carman 13 land of Papua New Guinea, where I a faculty member at Columbia teach the graduate composition reunion of sorts. Derek and Athena will dive pristine reefs, discover new (2000–06), she collected data for seminar in the music department. have happily settled in Ridgewood, marine fauna and explore WWII her 2011 book, Invisible Families: As you may have guessed, Richard N.J., with their children, Leandros naval wrecks. Warm regards from Gay Identities, Relationships and is a composer. His works have and Eleni, after their most recent the Windy City!” Motherhood among Black Women. been performed internationally assignment in Switzerland. Derek Sara Armstrong and her family Congratulations! by the New York Philharmonic, is global marketing director for Col- live and bike-commute in New I heard from Eva Graburn Vienna’s Konzerthaus and the gate-Palmolive. Also in attendance Haven, Conn. They recently were through the CCT website. (If you Tokyo International House, among was Kamran Ahmad, who met An- featured in the September/October haven’t tried submitting news there, many others. He also conducts, gela Grinstead in London (where she edition of Momentum Magazine. it’s quick and easy: college.colum plays piano and guitar, co-founded was an attorney with his brother). You can see the digital edition bia.edu/cct/submit_class_note.) and co-directs the New-York based They were married in 2006 and now here: momentum-digitalmag.com/ Eva enjoys running her active contemporary ensemble Either/Or live in Orange County with their SeptOct2011. Sara writes about her tour company, Terracotta Journeys and teaches “20th Century Music” boys, Aden and Alec. Kamran works family’s bicycling adventures at (terracottajourneys.com), which at NYU. This fall he released his in corporate finance and M&A at fullhandsx3.blogspot.com. offers cycling and walking tours of first CD Richard( Carrick: The Flow Corinthian Colleges but really works Carl Marci switched from aca- Spain and Portugal. Eva told me Cycle for Strings), and the release harder at wrangling the gang for its demic medicine to co-founder and that “things are picking up but we’d concert took place in October at the annual Columbia reunion in Vegas CEO of a neuromarketing firm, love to host some Columbia alums. Austrian Cultural Forum. for March Madness. Julio Cuevas Innerscope Research. He recently Come join us!” Congratulations, Richard! is an assistant district attorney in celebrated his ninth anniversary, I received a long email from Jen- As for family news, Richard and NYC who wanted desperately to be but has no kids as of yet. nifer Madrid, who wrote, “After his wife, Nomi Levy-Carrick ’92, cryptic here and gave Paul creative Adam Barrison wrote that six years raising three beautiful have two children, Hannah (4) and license. Paul shares that Julio has Claude Mattessich was married children (Nico, Alexa and Isabella), Claude (3), and enjoy life in NYC. extended his wardrobe beyond earlier this year to Sabina Blaskov- I reinvented myself as a corporate Best wishes to everyone this black, no longer buttons the top but- ic. The wedding in St. Catharines, events manager at the Bedford Post holiday season and I hope you have ton of his shirts, has run a marathon, Canada, was attended by a proud Inn (bedfordpostinn.com) in Bed- a healthy and happy New Year! is still an awful golfer and likes to group of his Fiji brothers including ford, N.Y.” Jennifer says she loves vacation in Montréal. He lives on the Adam, Tony Alessi ’91E, Shereef working “on behalf of such kind, Upper West Side with his longtime Anbar ’91E, John Hopp, Eric Hopp hip, forever young owners” and at Leyla Kokmen girlfriend, Kerry Kiang. And finally, ’98 and Jamie Mendelson. a place that “feels like more than 440 Thomas Ave. S. also at the gathering was Kieran Don’t forget that we have a a meditative eating experience.” 94 Minneapolis, MN 55405 Corcoran and his wife, Alyssa, who Facebook page — Columbia Col- She is reconnecting with many CC 94 [email protected] have clung with desperation to the lege Class of 1991. It’s a great way friends seeking a romantic day in Upper West Side. But with toddler to keep up with classmates. And, the country. Jennifer also told me Saskia Traill writes with the happy (Kieran II) in tow, they are planning you can always submit updates that her best news is that her three news that she had twins, Penelope a move to nearby Tenafly, N.J. directly to me via CCT’s web children “think the Columbia quad and Timothy, on May 25. “The twins Kieran is a partner at a nontradi- submission form: college.columbia. is an extremely cool place to visit. and their dad, Josh Weinberger, tional, blended contingency-oriented edu/cct/submit_class_note. I’d love to say it’s the academic enjoyed a hot, sticky summer in complex litigation boutique. Kieran Until next time … cheers! aura and that they are future intel- Harlem,” she writes. “Our apart- and family attended the “Carman 13 lectual Lions but I think they like ment is just a few blocks from Co- reunion” as Carman 12 interlopers. chasing the pigeons, as we don’t lumbia, and I can see East Campus REUNION MAY 31–JUNE 3 [See photo.] have any such urban activity up from my building’s roof (not quite ALUMNI OFFICE CONTACTS Daniel Balsam wrote: “I’m the here.” the same as seeing Russia from my ALUMNI AFFAIRS Jennifer Freely chief foodie of the Epicurean Circle Finally, on the personal front, it’s house, but you get the idea). I’ve [email protected] of the Columbia University Club been a summer and early autumn enjoyed getting back in touch with 212-851-7438 of Chicago. Each month, I organize filled with travel. I can add Venice, Community Impact alums at a DEVELOPMENT Amanda Kessler prix fixe dinners at Chicago’s trend- Italy; Anchorage, Alaska; and even couple of events this past year, and [email protected] setting restaurants for a devoted, Split, Croatia, to my places visited. encourage any Community Impact 212-851-7883 multi-generational group of food For now, I can safely say, it feels supporters to look out for the CI aficionados representing all of Co- Jeremy Feinberg good to be home and sharing all Alumni Organization.” On the lumbia’s schools. Since the event’s 315 E. 65th St. #3F of our classmates’ news with you. career front, Saskia is v.p. of policy inception two years ago, we have 92 New York, NY 10021 Keep it coming, and be well. and research at The After-School explored cuisines from Ethiopia, 92 Corp., a nonprofit dedicated to jeremy.feinberg@ Nepal, China, Italy, Germany, Spain, verizon.net giving all kids expanded learning Greece and the United States. We Betsy Gomperz opportunities that support, educate had two more events lined up for Hi out there! Let’s get right to the 41 Day St. and inspire them. the fall. Going forward, I welcome news. 93 Newton, MA 02466 In other baby news, Josh Shan- any out-of-towners who would like I spent a summer evening with 93 non and his wife, Rona Marech, [email protected] to partake in our culinary cornuco- Eric Garcetti in Southern California, welcomed their second child, Mae, pia. Weekdays, I wear the engineer- taking in a high school football I received a nice note from Down in August. The family, including son ing hat that I earned so diligently game, having dinner and catching Under when my McBain floor- Jasper, live in the Mount Pleasant in Columbia’s history department, up. Eric, who is president of the mate, John Callaghan, responded district of Washington, D.C., and and design and assemble cloud- Los Angeles City Council (college. to a recent plea for news. John Josh teaches contemporary art his- enabled information infrastructure columbia.edu/cct/mar_apr10/ has been living back in Australia tory at Maryland. “Now and then for financial services companies. features0), had some big news to since 1994 and is married with two we get to see Kay Bailey, Eric Roston Weekends, I don my marine biology share — he’s running for mayor. No daughters, Missy (5) and Piper ’93 and his wife, Karen Yourish ’98J, cap, which I also earned in Colum- doubt during the months leading (3). After leaving Morningside for a collaborative afternoon of true bia’s history department, and enter- up to the election there will be more Heights, John received another kid chaos,” Josh writes, adding that tain and educate children from to report, but for now, know that undergraduate degree in electrical they’ve also spent time with John around the globe at Chicago’s Shedd one of our own is taking a shot at engineering from the University Mathews ’93, his wife, Linda, and Aquarium, where I am a volunteer being the leader of a major metro- of Technology, Sydney. He also is their kids since they moved to D.C. a docent. Every other winter, I lead politan area. a kung fu instructor and speaks couple of years ago. Columbia alumni and their families Sticking with Los Angeles- intermediate-level Mandarin. Lola Rephann earned her 200- on a private tour of the Shedd’s themed news, Mignon Moore is I also was fortunate enough to hour yoga teacher training certifica-

WINTER 2011–12 86 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

tion in June 2010 and has been near Westerly, R.I., and headed to teaching regularly since then. She Providence. Scott found a restau- also started an independent record rant for dinner, and soon after we label, Plan B Recordings (planbre sat down Ike began talking to a cordingsnyc.com), about three years little girl at the table next to us. I ago with her business partner, DJ looked up to talk with her dad, and Spider. Not only does she release it was Ari! music regularly, but Lola also works “How serendipitous! Sitting at on her own music production as abutting tables with Janet at the dakini9. “I make electronic dance only restaurant in Providence to music,” Lola writes, “mostly deep stay open throughout Irene,” Ari house and techno. Anyone interest- writes. “I was taking the family ed in my yoga practice or music can (wife and trio of kids) on an Eastern view my blog dakinisbliss.com.” seaboard road trip (Chevy Chase- A group of CC ’94 classmates, all mothers, vacation together yearly “to David Robbins went on to style), with stops on the Vineyard reconnect and share the wonderful joys of motherhood. Nine kids in medical school, settled down in (hanging out with Christine Lai total between all the ladies, so that’s a lot of complaining … err, excuse Battery Park and is “happily single and her family), in Providence and me, celebrating how hard we work all year,” shares Sharene (Barnett) in the city.” He works at Lenox in Boston. Even splurged on a Sox Wood. Relaxing in Miami Beach at The Palms Hotel in mid-May 2010 Hill Hospital in a field known as game (though we had to endure were (left to right) Annys Shin, Wood, Kemba Dunham, Nicole (Johnson) interventional endoscopy. “I was typically awful pitching courtesy Sanders and Leslie De Lara Luck. The group has traveled to Mexico, trained as a gastroenterologist, but of John Lackey). The kids were Miami, Scottsdale and Las Vegas. most of my work relates to early psyched as long as they could order cancer detection and treatment of cotton candy.” digestive cancers,” he writes. “I get Ari’s kids are Logan (6), Gabby the executive session on domestic professor in the Department of Ur- to do some teaching and clinical (4) and Brynn (2). He is still in New preparedness for a few years. ban Affairs & Planning at Hunter research as well — good times!” York, is a copyright/entertainment She married Corey Sassaman in College. Welcome back, Matt! He Laurie (Galluzzi) Reid lives in lawyer and digs for good music. 2002, and they moved to Kalama- reports that Bekah Burgess works Syracuse, N.Y., with her children, 5 Ari and his wife, Gwen, have been zoo, Mich. While they were living in the Department of Drawings and 7, and teaches ecology at Bry- married for nine years. The couple in the Midwest, they adopted two and Prints at The Metropolitan ant & Stratton College. “I still have met at business school. Gwen went children from Kazakhstan: Hayden Museum of Art. fond memories of Bacchante, Fiddler to Michigan and was in brand (7) and Kathryn (5). She freelanced Don’t let the momentum from on the Roof, The Wiz and The Varsity marketing at Kraft. for The Kalamazoo Gazette, writing our reunion subside — please Show,” she writes. “I keep thinking I’ll magically a weekly column and editing a send in more notes! Write to me Miranda Pinckert lives in Menlo run into someone from our class monthly magazine, while staying directly or use CCT’s easy online Park, Calif., with her husband, on the street,” he writes. “But it home with the kids. form: college.columbia.edu/cct/ Christian, and their 2-year-old somehow almost never happens. The family now lives in Wood- submit_class_note. daughter. Miranda worked for Only in Providence.” Ridge, N.J., outside of New York, For now, I leave you with this: Yahoo! for many years and now Ari’s mention of Christine was a and for the last three years Robyn “Dwell in Possibility.” is finishing a doctorate in clinical good reason to check in with her. has been working for the New York —Emily Dickinson psychology. After graduation, Christine County (Manhattan) District Attor- And finally, my own update: worked in equity research on the ney’s Office as director of legislative REUNION MAY 31–JUNE 3 After almost three years working sell side, first at Sanford Bernstein affairs and special projects. ALUMNI OFFICE CONTACTS for the Minnesota Department and later at JPMorgan, covering Danny Ackerman writes from ALUMNI AFFAIRS Patricia Carchi of Health in communications, I property casualty insurance compa- the West Coast that he started teach- [email protected] recently started a new job as associ- nies. She left to join her then-boss at ing a white-collar crime seminar 212-851-7807 ate director of public relations for the insurance company Chubb. She at Loyola Law. “I’ve been living in DEVELOPMENT Harrison Kobb OptumHealth, part of the health moved over to the buy side — first South Pasadena for 10 years, still [email protected] services arm of UnitedHealth at Chilton Investment Co., where single, no kids and enjoying life,” 212-851-7444 Group. I am in charge of leading she followed European financials, he writes. strategic planning for external and then later at Carlson Capital, I ran into Eric Roston ’93 at Sarah Katz communications and media and where she traded global insurance Bloomberg, where I have worked 1935 Parrish St. public relations for OptumHealth’s companies. for 3 ½ years. Eric lives in D.C. with 97 Philadelphia, PA 19130 Care Solutions division, which Christine left the buy side after his wife, Karen Yourish ’98J, and 97 [email protected] provides a broad range of health her son, Spencer, now 7, was born. their daughter Madeline (4). Karen and wellness services including Two years later, she had Wesley, is deputy graphics director of The Plans are under way for our class’ tobacco cessation, disease manage- now 5. From 2006–09, she was CFO Washington Post. 15th Alumni Reunion Weekend, ment and diagnosis support. A big of Dr. Bobby, a dermatological-lev- Eric is the sustainability editor Thursday, May 31–Sunday, June 3. change from the public sector, but el skincare line for children created of Bloomberg Businessweek (busi Take a look at the reunion website very interesting so far. by a pediatric dermatologist. In nessweek.com), which is a website (reunion.college.columbia.edu) Thanks to everyone who wrote 2002, she married Craig Elkind ’91 about the global race among coun- and mark your calendars now. in! Until next time. Business. tries and companies for resources More information will start to “Since 2009 I’ve been a full-time, — energy, commodities and ideas. arrive during the spring, so be sure stay-at-home mom,” Christine Columbia has your correct postal Janet Lorin writes. “We live in Greenwich (since and email addresses. Hope to see 95 127 W. 96th St., #2GH 2001) and spend summers on Mar- Ana S. Salper many of you there! New York, NY 10025 tha’s Vineyard. Periodically we have 24 Monroe Pl., Apt. MA Congratulations to Alex Gross- 95 mini Columbia gatherings at our 96 Brooklyn, NY 11201 man, who was recently named [email protected] house that include the Abramowit- 96 creative director at Bon Appetit! [email protected] While Hurricane Irene ruined our zes, Robyn Pangi Sassaman, Sura Also, congratulations to Naveena family vacation in August, it brought Alammar Rathore, Kelly Dailey and Greetings, classmates, and happy Ponnusamy, who has been named a nice reunion with Ari Abramo Kevin Dailey ’95 GS.” winter. Only a bit of notes for you executive director of development witz, who also lived on Carman 10. Robyn earned a master’s in this time around. at RAND Corp. My husband, Scott, our 3-year- public policy from Harvard’s John I am happy to report that my Jeanette Brown is writing about old son, Ike, and 1-year-old daugh- F. Kennedy School of Government good friend Matt Lasner has early childhood education for ter, Charlie, evacuated the beach in 2000 and stayed on at the Ken- returned to New York from Atlanta Delaware Valley Association for the house where we were vacationing nedy School as a researcher with to accept a position as an assistant Education of Young Children. Her

WINTER 2011–12 87

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

Herman ’98, who is married to Mike’s sister, Joanna Herman ’98, submitted the nearby great picture with plenty of people from our year. [See photo.] Is it ethical to write about one’s own wedding as class notes writer? Probably not, but I’m still going to do it. Sophie Anderson and I married in Brussels, Belgium, on June 18. I said yes at the altar and everyone danced the night away to the Macarena and ABBA. Please don’t hesitate to email me more baby, wedding or job-related updates, and I will make sure to include them in the next edition of CCT, which is now published quar- Mike Erman ’99 married Sinead Carew on April 4 in Durrow, Ireland. Joining the newlyweds were (front row, left terly rather than bimonthly. Send to right) Jen Song ’99; Catie Zeidler ’99 Barnard; the groom; the bride; Vikash Jain ’99; the groom’s sister, Joanna a note to me at the email at the top Herman ’98; and Miranda Stamps ’00 Barnard; and (back row, left to right) Lauren Becker ’99; Emmy Pointer ’99; of the column, or use CCT’s easy- Dan Sorid ’99, ’09J, ’10 Business; Babi Pal ’99E; James Boyle ’99; Jay Cosel ’99; Ben Hall ’99E; Ethan Davidson ’99; to-use webform: college.columbia. Konrad Fiedler ’99; Matt Paige ’99; the groom’s brother-in-law, Brooks Herman ’98; and Jay Albany ’99. edu/cct/submit_class_note. Your note will come right to me. Thanks! columns can be found at promising Harlem and, based on Adina’s Face- been asked to resign yet. So thank kids.org/author/one-smart-mom. book photos, often can be found you! Lots of updates from our class: Prisca Bae Lauren Goodman completed her playing in Morningside Park. Abe Lee married his college 00 344 W. 17th St., Apt. 3B first Ironman-distance triathlon this Justin Garrett let his friends sweetheart, Jennifer Chu ’99 Bar- New York, NY 10011 summer at Ironman Lake Placid. know his baby news via Facebook: nard, in December 2010, and they 00 [email protected] She had so much fun that she’s “Say hello to Roxanne Lily, born had a daughter this fall. He noted already signed up to do another one today, June 1, at 1:51 p.m. (6 lbs., 14 that Andrew Chen recently moved Last October, Abigail Shrier (née in Mont Tremblant, Canada, next oz., 19.75 in.), perfectly cute. Mom- to Shenzhen, China, as an entre- Krauser) and her husband, Zach, year. Lauren is a trusts and estates my, daddy and big sister are all preneur. Andrew’s entrepreneurial welcomed twin boys into the lawyer at Katten Muchin Rosenman healthy and psyched.” “Mommy” notoriety includes popularizing world: Raphael Milton and Jack- and lives on the Upper West Side. is Garrett’s wife, Rachel, and big aqua massage machines throughout son Zvi. Abigail writes, “Every John Dean Alfone valiantly sister is 3-year-old Jane. California’s malls. Sarah Holst day for the past year since, the trudges along with the production Reena Russell Maldutis and Alloy shared the wonderful news boys have surprised us, delighted of his first motion picture, Substance. her husband, Lex Maldutis ’91, ’93 that she and her husband, Jonathan, us and kept us laughing. We The crew shot a trailer for the movie SIPA, ’94 Business, announced the welcomed their first child, Samuel looked forward to celebrating in March in New Orleans and rural birth of their daughter, Sloane Zoe, William, in April. They reside in San Rafi and Jack’s first birthday, on Louisiana. After spending the sum- who was born on February 27 at Francisco. October 11, with aunt Lindsay mer in Los Angeles “talking up the 5 lbs., 7 oz. The double-Columbia More baby news to share! Kay Bourkoff (née Shrier) ’03, uncle movie,” he now is back in New couple lives in Manhattan. Rokhsar and her husband, Yaron, Natan Bourkoff ’03 and aunt Orleans gearing up for production Lea Goldman is the deputy recently welcomed a new addition Lizabeth Shrier ’03.” once again. He is seeking business editor of Marie Claire and has a little to their family, Jamie. Brother Juliet Ross and Dan Burstein partnerships/equity. More about boy named Ozzie, who was born Oren (3) is very happy but wants hosted a 4th of July weekend in the project can be seen here: spon April 25, 2010. Lea is married to Ofer more attention from his parents. the Catskills with Don Saelinger, sume.com/project/substance. Goldstein and lives in NYC. Lea sees While juggling two children, Kay Katherine Dube ’00 Barnard, Endre Tvinnereim was elected a couple of alums on a regular basis: works at Morgan Stanley as a v.p. Sander Cohan and his wife, Katie to the Bergen (Norway) City Coun- Tony Maciulis, who is producing a in the municipal investment bank- Connolly. This visit was very dif- cil on the City Air List (“Byluftlis- new syndicated talk show for Katie ing group. ferent from previous gatherings, as ten”). He started in October and Couric at ABC, and Claudia De- Continuing with the baby theme, each couple brought along a baby will serve four years. Endre and Simio ’99, a v.p. at BNP Paribas. Nancy Kim Lin recently published this year. Andrew Nathan (Nate) friends created the party list last I had the pleasure of staying with her first book, Dear Milo: Outrageous Saelinger, Don and Katherine’s winter during a smog episode, Anne Pordes Bowers and her hus- Stories from Your Foul-Mouthed Mom- son, will be 2 in December. They re- as Bergen briefly became one of band, Pete, when my husband, Hans my. It’s a humorous book about life cently moved back from D.C. after Europe’s most polluted cities. His Chen ’97, and I were in London for lessons for any would-be-parent. nearly two years in San Francisco, election represents the first time our 10th anniversary last summer. The book already is receiving rave and Juliet and Dan are thrilled to since 1947 that a candidate not Anne and Pete live in a very reviews for its rip-roaring humor. have them back on the East Coast. associated with any of the national Brooklyn-ish part of South London, Any publishers in our class should Pete Connolly Cohan, Sander and political parties enters the Bergen and they took us on a fab tour of the feel free to contact Nancy at nancy@ Katie’s son, turned 1 in June; they City Council. city. Anne is a freelance government joeclin.com, as she is looking for a live in Boston. Dan’s and Juliet’s consultant, and Pete is a tutor and new publisher for her second book, son, Jack Baxter Burstein, turned 1 teacher. If you find yourselves across Dear Milo Volume 2. Nancy saw in July. Like Juliet, Jack is an Upper Sandie Angulo Chen the pond, give them a ring! Fabian Sy a few months ago. He West Side native and, like Dan, he 98 10209 Day Ave. lives in Connecticut and has a is a big Red Sox fan. They recently Silver Spring, MD 20910 recently born daughter, Adriana. caught up with Laura Weber, who 98 Laurent Vasilescu On to weddings now! was celebrating her engagement to [email protected] 99 127 W. 81st St., Apt. 4B Mike Erman married Sinead Noah Finn. Hello, classmates. We have more New York, NY 10024 Carew on April 4 in Durrow, Ire- Mark Neighbors and his wife, baby announcements! 99 land. The wedding was a real hit, Christina Chong ’01 Barnard, laurent.vasilescu@ Adina Berrios Brooks and her gmail.com with many classmates able to make recently moved to Beijing, where husband, Ross, had a daughter, the trip. The celebrations kicked Mark is embarking on his first tour Clara, on June 25. Clara joins sister This is my third submission to off at 2 in the afternoon and ended as a Foreign Service officer at the Nola. The Brooks family lives in Columbia College Today and I haven’t well past 2 in the morning. Brooks U.S. Department of State. Mark

WINTER 2011–12 88 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

and Christine will be in Beijing until August 2013. Nadia Carter and Benoit Busseuil were married in France on Septem- ber 10 at the Chateau de Bagnols and spent their honeymoon in Hawaii. Nadia has been a senior manager at Accenture.

Jonathan Gordin 01 3030 N. Beachwood Dr. 01 Los Angeles, CA 90068 [email protected] I hope everyone had a great summer and is gearing up for a great Jessica Atrio ’01 and Jason Wooten ’01, ’06 Business, who started dating when they were undergraduates, tied holiday season. I cannot believe the knot after 13 years on May 28 in New York City. The day before, at the rehearsal dinner, other alumni joined how quickly fall zoomed by. This them to wish them well: (left to right) Kirsten Harlow ’01 Barnard, Alexandra Steele ’01, Elizabeth Farren ’01, month, I am passing along lots of the bride, Abhilash Patel ’02, the groom and Jane Lynch ’01. Eight other alumni attended the wedding: Dorianne joyous baby news from the Class of Steele ’99; Rebecca Roses Harrison ’01 and, her husband, Travis Harrison ’01; Colleen O’Malley Goldberg ’01 2001. I will continue to have more and, her husband, Andrew Goldberg ’00; Benjamin Cahan ’01, ’06 GS; Tamer Makary ’01 and James Sullivan ’01. news on this front for months to come, as I know we have lots of classmates in early to late stages of tary film, Burning in the Sun: “Prob- tions. In addition to overseeing the son, Aarav Hirdaramani, was born pregnancy! ably the best source of news on the global corporate finance business, I on July 31 in NYC! As always, Rebecca Bradley (née Siegel) and film is our blog, burninginthesun. also am a member of the manage- please send me your updates at her husband, John, are excited to wordpress.com. Recently our main ment committee. This past January [email protected] or use CCT’s announce the birth of their son, Paul character was featured in a Wired we advised on the first Middle easy-to-use webform: college. Albert, on October 4. He weighed UK article for his work. We also Eastern majority acquisition of an columbia.edu/cct/submit_class_ 7 lbs., 9.5 oz., and was 19 in. long. recently signed with an educational Indonesian bank and are working note. Your note will come right to Congratulations to Becca and John! distributor, Bullfrog Films, are on several other ‘milestone’ cross- me. Elisa Tustian (née Melendez) planning a small theatrical release border deals.” Albert Lee ’02E is in banking at and her husband, Andrew Tustian, for the fall in select cities across the Lest you think I only report on Barclays after getting his M.B.A. welcomed their son, Charles Mi- United States and are anticipating baby news … I love hearing from from Columbia in 2007. He lives in chael, on May 20. Congratulations a national TV broadcast in 2012 on classmates about anything — new Union Square in NYC. to Elisa and Andrew! PBS on the Afropop series. I started jobs, volunteer work and so on. Su Ahn is studying at Insead Karl Ward and Jaclyn Strassberg work on my next film this summer, After bumping into Vanessa Buia between France and Singapore. welcomed Annabelle Elizabeth in a personal documentary about my at reunion a few months back, she Alison (Ali) Gold relocated to the early morning hours of July 4. mother and sister.” provided an exciting update. Washington, D.C. (again) in Janu- She weighed 6 lbs., 5 oz. and was Jordan Fischbach and his wife, After owning her own ground ary. She now is a program manager 19 in. Yael Silk, recently relocated from floor gallery in Chelsea for six years, at Living Cities, which aggregates Jonathan Lemire and Carrie Santa Monica, Calif., to Pittsburgh. Vanessa has reopened as Vanessa dollars and influence of 22 of the Melago ’04 GSAS welcomed their Here are the highlights from Jor- Buia LLC, an art advising firm world’s largest foundations and son, Beckett Robert, into the world dan: “I earned my Ph.D. in policy based in Chelsea specializing in financial institutions to invest in on July 18. Their boy was born at analysis from the Pardee RAND post-war and contemporary art. innovative approaches to connect Beth Israel Medical Center in Man- Graduate School (as of April 2010) She closed the gallery in April low-income people to economic hattan, arriving at 7 lbs., 5 oz. and and now am employed full-time 2009 and opened her new business opportunity and strengthen Ameri- 20½ in. and, much to everyone’s at RAND as an associate policy this past May after doing a couple can cities. surprise, he seems to have red hair. researcher. I work primarily on of years of freelance advising for Ben Letzler has joined SJBerwin In his first six weeks of life, Beckett policy challenges related to climate past clients. She curated the first in Munich as an associate in the lived through a record-setting heat change adaptation, with a focus on show of Richard Massey’s new Investment Funds Group. He hopes wave, an earthquake and a hur- long-term water resources plan- foundation in 2010. Massey is a everyone passing through Munich ricane, so his parents expect he’ll ning nationwide and flood risk MoMA board member and a New will say hello ([email protected])! be a hard kid to impress. mitigation in Louisiana and other York Stem Cell Foundation found- Rich Feistman writes, “Got Jon is a reporter at The New York coastal areas.” ing board member. married in May. Working on a Ph.D. Daily News’ City Hall Bureau and Tamer Makary and Effie Ad- Best wishes to all for a wonder- in the Human Development and is the paper’s FDNY beat reporter. amopoulos welcomed “an Emirati- ful holiday season. Stay in touch. Family Studies Department at the Recently, he has covered the city’s born, half–Australian-Greek and University of Missouri.” budget crisis, the start of President half–Egyptian-American bundle Clea Bowdery married Tory REUNION MAY 31–JUNE 3 Obama’s re-election effort and the of joy named Alexandros (Alec) Marinello in June 2010 in New ALUMNI OFFICE CONTACTS Anthony Weiner scandal as well Makary on June 25, weighing in Paltz, N.Y. In attendance were ALUMNI AFFAIRS Sarah Trimmer as the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 at 3.625 kg.” Congratulations to Amanda Luken ’03, Alan Den- [email protected] terrorist attacks. Carrie, who has Tamer and Effie! niberg and Charles (Sandy) 212-851-7977 briefly put her career on hold to be Tamer was married in October London. DEVELOPMENT Donna D. Desilus ’09 home with Beckett, is an assis- 2010 in Greece. His best men were Looking forward to seeing [email protected] tant city editor at the Daily News, Courtney Reum and Jason Wooten. you all at our 10-year reunion, 212-851-7941 overseeing the paper’s transit and “We got married in Sounio, Greece. scheduled for Thursday, May 31– education coverage. The couple Among the alumni attendees were Sonia Dandona Sunday, June 3. Take a look at the continue to make their home in Emeka Ofodile, Eric Albin and Hirdaramani reunion website (reunion.college. their beloved Brooklyn neighbor- Tamer Obied. 02 2 Rolling Dr. columbia.edu) and mark your hood of Cobble Hill. “Also, I recently was promoted 02 Old Westbury, NY 11568 calendars now. More informa- Cambria Matlow and her part- to managing director and head of [email protected] tion will start to arrive during ner, Ben Bach, had a son, Forrest corporate finance at my firm, Arqa- the spring, so be sure Columbia Emmanuel, in early fall. She pro- am Capital, specialized in mid cap Happy holidays CC ’02! This time, has your correct postal and email vided an update on her documen- cross-border mergers and acquisi- I have an update to report. My addresses.

WINTER 2011–12 89

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

Sheref Hassan writes, “I am Harvard and joined the depart- finishing my residency in orthopae- ment as a lecturer in physics. Alisa dic surgery in the Albert Einstein Weilerstein is one of the 2011 College of Medicine/Montefiore MacArthur Foundation “genius” Medical Center program. In August grant recipients. Kelley Remole I started my fellowship training in earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience orthopaedic surgery sports medi- at Columbia this past spring. She cine at Union Memorial Medical married Lucas Bejar in 2009. Center.” Defne Amado graduated Congratulations to you all! with an M.D./Ph.D. and is doing a Liz Mulaikal finished medical residency in neurology at Penn. school and an internal medicine Alfred Chung writes, “I’m in my residency at Georgetown. In July, second year in the M.B.A. program she came back to New York City at USC Marshall School of Business. to begin a three-year fellowship in I’m also working on a new startup pulmonary and critical care medi- idea called Site Unseen. I enrolled in cine at NYU. She also reports that a Startup Weekend event recently, there was a mini Columbia reunion pitched my idea, formed a team, with some of the lacrosse girls in Many Columbians gathered in Cooperstown, N.Y., for the June 30 wed- built a product demo and pitched May at Adrienne Moll’s wedding. ding of Katie Day Benvenuto ’03, associate director, athletics develop- the business plan and product Congratulations to Daniel ment, and Dan Benvenuto, associate director, events and ticket opera- demo to a panel of judges from the Wise, who married Laura Gee ’04 tions for Columbia Athletics. The ceremony was held at Christ Church startup community here in Los An- Barnard. Daniel teaches 10th grade Episcopal and the reception at the famed Otesaga Hotel. Several of geles. After 42 business ideas were humanities at High Tech H.S. in San the bride’s suitemates were in attendance, including (left to right) Amy presented, then eight final pitches, Diego. He has a master’s in second- Schultz ’03, Samantha Lee ’03, Emily Doyle ’03, Stephanie Reeder ’04 we won! You can find more infor- ary English education from Pace and Debbie Kaplan ’03. Also on hand were numerous colleagues of the mation about Startup Weekend and and is pursuing a master’s in school couple from the athletics department. Site Unseen here: uscnews.usc.edu/ leadership at the High Tech High PHOTO: THE CLASSIC IMAGE business/entrepreneurs_in_action. Graduate School of Education. html and here: siteunseenla.com.” Last, but definitely not least, Sam Arora writes, “My first bill congratulations to Blake Wallach Michael Novielli to have Nicole Washington as a in the Maryland General Assembly ’04E, who married Lina Tipo- 03 World City Apartments bridesmaid. The reception took became a law — it was a law to grafshik in September at Oheka Attention Michael J. place at the Mandarin Oriental, close a loophole in Maryland’s gun Castle in Long Island. Bernadine 03 Novielli, A608 where guests danced late into the laws so that criminals trafficking Goldberg ’04 Barnard, Angela Block 10, No 6. Jinhui Road, night. Other Columbia alumni in in illegal guns would have to serve Georgopoulos and David Neis- Chaoyang District attendance included Bram Alden, their sentences. It went into effect tadt were on hand to help celebrate Beijing, 100020, People’s Andrew Brill, Tito Hill ’05, Jamal October 1.” the happy couple. Republic of China Trotter, Hanoi Veras ’03L, Brendon A.J. LaRosa has relocated to [email protected] Pinkard ’02L and Leah Threatte Burlington, Vt., where he will Bojnowski ’04L. The couple resides join the firm of Burak Anderson Peter Kang Season’s Greetings to you and in Manhattan. Nyssa is an associ- & Melloni. His practice will focus 205 15th St., Apt. 5 yours. As we approach our ninth ate general counsel for Hudson on environmental, land use and 05 Brooklyn, NY 11215 year since graduation, more and Heights IPA and Chris is a princi- complex civil litigation. In 2009, A.J. 05 [email protected] more members of our class have pal at Apollo Global Management. teamed up with a number of skiers husbands, wives, domestic partners Ben Casselman writes, “The to found famousinternetskiers.com, Lauren Mancia and Adam Gidwitz and children with whom to cel- biggest and best news off the top: a web-based publication dedicated ’04 were married this past June in ebrate the holiday season(s). More In May, I married the beautiful Erin to inspiring back-country skiing ad- Lenox, Mass., and a gaggle of Co- news on that in this column. If you White in my parents’ backyard ventures. A.J. is the weatherman for lumbians were there to cheer them have an update to share with me, on Cape Cod. Spectator was well the site and publishes detailed and on. Adam and Lauren now live in I encourage you to do so through represented: Adam B. Kushner accurate forecasts for mountain lo- Brooklyn Heights, where Lauren is the CCT website: college.columbia. was a groomsman and gave a stir- cations across the Northeast. If you working on her dissertation in me- edu/cct/submit_class_note. ring toast, and former Spec editors are ever in Vermont and want to ski dieval history from Yale, and Adam Jessica Macari (née Slutsky) Amba Datta, Megan Greenwell some powder, drop him a line. is writing his second middle-grade and her husband, Ariel, welcomed ’06 Barnard and Maggie Gram ’05 Don Lee went on a weeklong novel, which is due out in August their first child, a daughter, Layla were in attendance. sailing trip in Turkey/Greece with from Penguin. His first, A Tale Dark Hannah, on June 30 at 10:43 p.m. She “Erin and I met in Dallas, where Nadim El Gabbani, Vanessa Karlo and Grimm, was featured in CCT in weighed 6 lbs., 6 oz. and was 19½ in. I’ve been a reporter for The Wall ’03 Barnard, Ian Coogan ’02 and the March/April 2011 issue (college. Phillip Chu writes, “My wife, Street Journal covering the oil and Alison Traweek ’03 GS. columbia.edu/cct/mar_apr11/ Flor, and I had our first child, Isa- gas industry. That turned out to be bookshelf1), was named a New York bella Mai, on January 12.” an interesting beat last year, when Times Editor’s Choice, and came After getting married in a barn Russell Gold ’93 and I led the pa- Angela Georgopoulos out in paperback this past August. in Iowa, Julia Green and her hus- per’s coverage of the Gulf of Mexico 200 Water St., Apt. 1711 In January, Lauren’s dissertation band moved to Chicago; he is an oil spill. Our coverage was honored 04 New York, NY 10038 research will bring them to France, actuary and she is finishing up her with a Gerald Loeb Award and was 04 where they will live in Paris and [email protected] first novel.Eric Kriegstein writes, named a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize. Rouen for eight months. If you’re “I am completing my M.B.A. at “After surviving the hottest sum- Hello, CC’04! interested in subletting their apart- UCLA this year. I married Brielle mer in U.S. history (no joke), Erin I hope you are all doing well. ment from May–August, contact Anderson this September in Ver- and I are preparing to leave Texas Just a friendly reminder to send in Lauren at [email protected]. mont. Columbians present at the to move back to New York, where your news and updates — don’t On September 4, Rebecca Weber wedding were Doug Imbruce ’05, I’ll cover the U.S. economy for the be shy! Feel free to email me at married Ben Carver in Brecken- Daniel Goldman ’04, David Brum- Journal and Erin will look for op- [email protected] or contact me ridge on a bluebird Colorado day. berg ’04 and Joey Fischel ’04.” portunities in journalism and public via CCT’s web submission form: Several Columbia alumni attended, On October 16, 2010, Nyssa relations.” college.columbia.edu/cct/submit_ including Rebecca’s father, Joseph Fajardo married Chris Lee at St. Polly Auritt lives in Venice Beach class_note. On to the news: Weber Jr. ’81J, bridesmaid Lindsay Patrick’s Cathedral in New York with Chris Kosfeld ’02 and works at Jacob Barandes earned a Ph.D. Joelle Glabman and friends Rena City. The couple was honored MTV in scripted television. from the Department of Physics at Rudavsky, Isaac Kohn ’04, Cara

WINTER 2011–12 90 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

Rachele, Maggie Gram, Nick Ill. They are both teachers and some news about our classmates: Summers, Telis Demos ’04, Kelly work on the Lower East Side of “Hi to the class from San Francisco! Rader ’10 GSAS, Adam Kushner Manhattan in a K–12 public school. Wanted to give a shoutout to Matt ’03 and Ajay Vashee. Rebecca and Some of Johanna’s dearest Colum- Del Guzzo, who recently became Ben met at Stanford Law and are bia friends traveled to Chicago for a certified private investigator in attorneys at firms in New York. the wedding. addition to completing medical They live in Boerum Hill. Lianna Heidt and Andrei Marks school. Chris Belz returned to On August 1, Jessica Hollinger were married in Bloomington, NYC after two years in Texas and and her husband became the proud Ind. on June 4. The wedding party he looks forward to maintaining parents of their first child, Nolan included Bernardino Allegretti, his vegan eating habits at amazing Joseph. Musetta Durkee, Josh Flinn, Katie New York restaurants. Lastly, Shelley Diaz recently started McGerr and Roopa Vasudevan. Jimmy Mark has started a candy at the School Library Journal as an Also in attendance were Christina company in his spare time. Great assistant editor of book reviews Massey and Natasha Marks ’13E. friends doing great things! Hope and managing editor of the Extra The couple met while working in a the class is doing well!” Helping newsletter. neurobiology lab at the Columbia Emily Jerome is excited to share Elizabeth E. Hall earned a J.D. University Medical Center. Lianna her new fashion line: emilyjerome. from Emory University School recently graduated from the Indiana com. It was recently called “the of Law in Atlanta on May 9. She University School of Medicine and label to watch” in Harper’s Bazaar. was awarded a Pro Bono Publico is starting her pediatric residency at Victoria Baranetsky writes, Award for volunteering more than the Children’s Hospital of Philadel- “Dear ’06ers, Reunion was great! 100 hours of legal public service phia. Andrei earned a law degree I am going to Oxford for one year and was selected by a committee from the Indiana University Maurer to do research on a fellowship. If of deans and faculty to receive the School of Law and is pursuing a you happen to be jumping over Lianna Heidt ’06 and Andrei Marks Robert Beynart Award for Profes- career in game development. [See the pond as well please drop a line: ’06 were married in Bloomington, sionalism and Ethics. After taking photo.] [email protected].” Ind., on June 4. The wedding party the bar exam, she will return to Nattha Chutinthranond and Her note was accompanied by a included CC ’06 classmates Bern New York City as a first-year associ- Philip Fileri were married on haiku: ardino Allegretti, Musetta Durkee, ate at Arent Fox. June 4 in Nattha’s hometown of “Just finished J.D. Josh Flinn, Katie McGerr and Roo- Evita Mendiola moved back to Syracuse. The celebration included “I absconded 9 to 5 pa Vasudevan. Also in attendance her hometown, San Antonio. With a wonderful reception at her “For some tea and tweed!” were Christina Massey ’06 and her master’s in social work from parents’ restaurant, Lemon Grass. As always, thanks to all for Natasha Marks ’13E. The couple Columbia, she recently was promot- Many friends from Columbia were sharing! met while working in a neurobiol- ed to director of intake at Haven for in attendance: Paul Fileri, Kinara ogy lab at the Columbia University Hope, a nonprofit, transformational Flagg, Ashvi Sivapalan, Laura REUNION MAY 31–JUNE 3 Medical Center. campus and shelter for homeless Regensdorf, Meredith Humphrey, ALUMNI OFFICE CONTACTS PHOTO: LISA WALKER men, women and children. Evita Katy Steinmetz, Micah Springut, ALUMNI AFFAIRS Sarah Trimmer is a newly appointed committee Bill Verigan, John Jadzcak, Solo- [email protected] member of the San Antonio Art mon Kahn ’06E, Mira Siegelberg favorite NYC spots by limo with 212-851-7977 Museum’s Contemporary Art and Asher Mullokandov. Nattha their closest Columbia friends. DEVELOPMENT Amanda Kessler Department. She also is learning and Phil live in Boston, where she Mike Martinez writes, “I am [email protected] how to weld. is assistant director of finance at thrilled to announce that I married 212-851-7883 Graham Donald is in his third the Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge my high school sweetheart, Laura, year of surgical residency at UCLA and he is writing his dissertation in David D. Chait on May 20 in Montclair, N.J. It was and is doing research in pancreatic history at Harvard. 07 1255 New Hampshire Ave. an amazing day and a most memo- cancer. He lives in Venice Beach and Sarah Tarasevich writes, “My N.W., Apt. 815 rable reception thanks in large part recently reconnected with Holly husband, Nick, and I welcomed our 07 Washington, DC 20036 to my 20-plus best friends/Colum- Gaglio (née Holly Miller, married to adorable, dimple-cheeked son, Ga- [email protected] bia classmates, who kept the dance Ryan Gaglio) in Long Beach. briel, on April 4. Virginia is thrilled floor popping all night long.” And lastly, I was very lucky to to be a big sister, and I’m loving life Columbia College Class of 2007, Additionally, Christine Kwak be married to Melanie Lee this as a stay-at-home mom!” I hope that everyone had a great and Edward Kim ’08 were married past summer in Doylestown, Pa. David Ferris recently was ac- fall and is looking forward to our this past May. Columbia alumni in Several Columbia alums were in at- cepted into the French Foreign Le- fifth-year Alumni Reunion. Save the attendance included bridesmaids tendance: Sally Huber, Selena Ali gion. He will serve his tour of duty date — Thursday, May 31–Sunday, Michelle Kwak ’12 and Jane Park Taliento, Sarita Konka, Joyce Kim, with the 13th Demi-Brigade in the June 3. More information is avail- as well as groomsmen William Matt Fisher ’05E, Shantanu Jani African nation of Djibouti and is able at reunion.college.columbia. Kim ’08E, Michael Lee ’08E, Brian ’05E, DJ Park ’06E, Michael Novielli excited for this new adventure! edu. Until then, here are some excit- Kim ’08 and Benjamin Koo ’08E. ’03, Jay Mung ’04E, Stephanie Lung Kate Caruselle graduated from ing updates from our class: [See photo.] ’04, Eric Wang ’05E, Sei-Wook Kim Brooklyn Law (Class of 2011) and Love is in the air for CC ’07 … Congratulations and wishing ’07E, Sol Park ’06, Diana Finkel ’05 moved back uptown after three Elizabeth B. Epstein and Jona- you all the best! Barnard, Louise Che ’05 Barnard, years in Brooklyn. She began than S. Miller were married on July In July, Andrew Russeth began Newman Sund ’95 and Vivian Sund working in October as an assistant 4 and were featured in The New York writing for The New York Observer, ’95. It was a very nice time. district attorney for the Bronx Times on July 10. The Times notes, where he covers art. Also, Andrew’s Hope all is well! County District Attorney’s Office. “Elizabeth Barbara Epstein and award-winning blog, 16 miles of Stephen Kunen took the New Jonathan Seth Miller were married string, can be found at 16miles.com. York and New Jersey bar exams Monday evening at the Greentree After 3½ years of working in Michelle Oh Sing this past July and took his bar trip Country Club in New Rochelle, Broadway general management 06 9 N 9th St., Unit 401 with his girlfriend in China, where N.Y. Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, the and producing — most recently on Philadelphia, PA 19107 they visited about 10 cities during principal of the Ramaz School in the Tony Award-winning The Book 06 a month including Chongqing, Manhattan, where the couple met of Mormon — Geo Karapetyan is [email protected] Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong. in a ninth-grade English class, led pursuing an M.B.A. at NYU Stern This past year, many of our class- He started work at Wilson Sonsini the ceremony.” School of Business. While he’s mates tied the knot! Please read Goodrich & Rosati’s New York IP Thomas Weldon ’08 and Marissa enjoying the Village, he is looking their joyful announcements. litigation group in September and Doyle, who reside in Columbus, forward to returning to Morning- Johanna Berger married Chad is excited to be back in N.Y. Ohio, were engaged in NYC on July side in May for our reunion. Cinquegrana on July 3 in Elmhurst, Jacob Rubin writes to share 3. The two spent the night at their Margaret Bryer shares, “I spent

WINTER 2011–12 91

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

Christine Kwak ’07 and Edward Kim ’08 were married in May. Columbians in attendance included, among many guests, bridesmaids Jane Park ’07 (front row, third from left) and Michelle Kwak ’12 (front row, fifth from left) and groomsmen (front row, to the right of the groom, left to right) Wil- liam Kim ’08E, Michael Lee ’08E, Brian Kim ’08 and Benjamin Koo ’08E. PHOTO: CLY CREATION the summer in Kibale National Park messages you would like me to gerly awaiting the publication of his Tanzania. The official ceremony was in Uganda collecting data for my include in the next issue. We love article, “Next Millennium Falcon: on July 16. There were many friends master’s thesis on redtail monkey hearing from you! Redefining Loss-of-Chance,” which and relatives present, including a nutrition and behavior. Now I’m Jason Bello completed a Ph.D. sadly is more about legal loss-of- whole group from Columbia. Three back in New York finishing my mas- in political science at Oxford and chance doctrine and less about groomsmen were from Columbia: ter’s program at CUNY Hunter.” is moving to Washington, D.C., to Wookies than the title might imply. Ralph DeBernardo, Gene Kaskiw Joyce Hau is now a Googler join McKinsey & Co. In July, Elizabeth Grefrath left the and Stefan Savic ’08. A great time in Beijing. She writes, “If anyone Caroline McNamara says, Columbia Center for Oral History to was had by all, especially when the comes by this way, let me know!” “Although my fellow Columbians take a position at the national head- bride and groom were serenaded Negar Kordestani spent three may be disappointed in my fickle quarters of the American Civil Liber- on stage with a special presentation years as a program coordinator for allegiances, I swapped my Colum- ties Union. She will be the special of the Temptations’ “My Girl” sung the National Center for Learning bia Blue for Violet this fall. I started assistant to the legal director, Steven by Ralph, Gene and Stefan with Disabilities in Washington, D.C. She an interdisciplinary masters at NYU Shapiro ’72, and will focus primarily the ladies as backup dancers! [See now is attending Villanova Law through its Draper Program. I’m on the ACLU’s work in the U.S. Su- photo.] and looks forward to becoming a excited to continue the studies that I preme Court. Although she will miss In June, Maxime Glass got en- practicing attorney. began at Columbia.” Columbia and Morningside Heights gaged to Evan Harnick. The happy Kasia Nikhamina shares, “I’ve Satjot Sawhney has a special (especially Thai Market!), Elizabeth couple plans to get married in July been volunteering at Compost for message for our classmates: “It is looking forward to working in 2012. Brooklyn (compostforbrooklyn. took me four years at Columbia to downtown NYC. She celebrated her Dan Blank completed a master’s org), a community compost garden figure out that I wanted to be an one-year wedding anniversary in in English at Oxford and began a in my neighborhood, Kensington/ entrepreneur. It was a better-late- October. At some point she will do Ph.D. at Princeton this fall, focus- Ditmas Park, Brooklyn. The garden than-never moment. I’m writing the necessary paperwork to legally ing mainly on Shakespeare and is now in its second year. In July this note because the most helpful hyphenate her last name. the early modern stage. The past alone, we diverted nearly 3,000 people after college in my entre- Rachel Belt is the logistics coor year has been filled with travel, pounds of organic waste from land- preneurial endeavors have been dinator for a trauma and critical mostly Down Under: In February, fill. Our garden attracts local pol- fellow alumni. Thank you all!” care hospital in Port-au-Prince, he gave a paper on a fragmentary linators, and we use the resulting Carmen Jo Ponce graduated Haiti. “I began work here in March manuscript in the Bodleian Library compost for neighborhood planting this past May from Duke Law. “I and even as we approach the sec- at the 2011 ANZAMEMS Confer- projects. Check out our website recently took the bar exam, and I ond anniversary of the earthquake, a ence in Dunedin, New Zealand. and feel free to get in touch with us am preparing to move to Houston, large number of the people who lost He returned to the Southern ([email protected]) Texas, to begin my new job at Baker housing in the earthquake still live in Hemisphere in May, traveling in if you’re interested in starting a Botts law firm. It has been a busy tents, and although there is a newly Australia through Sydney, Mel- similar project in your area!” and exciting year for me!” elected president, the prime minister bourne and Brisbane. Dan’s excited Thank you all again for your Chenni Xu is a guest researcher still is not approved and there is no to jump back into academia, though submissions! at Tsinghua University in Beijing, functioning government.” he probably will spend much of his working on an environmental gov- time at Princeton trying to find a ernance project, especially focusing theater company that’s at least half Neda Navab on women’s roles in environmental Alidad Damooei as much fun as the King’s Crown 08 7 Soldiers Field Park, protection. She also writes for 09 c/o CCT Shakespeare Troupe. Apt. 7C womensworldwideweb.org. Columbia Alumni Center Jeff Petriello is producing his 08 Boston, MA 02163 At Michigan Law School, Maxi- 09 622 W. 113th St., MC 4530 first feature film, Druid Peak. It’s [email protected] milian Bulinski has been accepted New York, NY 10025 set in West Virginia and Yellow- as a fellow with the Australian Law [email protected] stone National Park. With the Hey, Class of 2008! I have a num- Reform Commission. In addition to help of Josie Keefe and executive ber of exciting accomplishments rewriting outdated laws in the land Gary Mesko and Feryal Hirji ’09 producer James Franco, this tale and updates to share from our of marsupials, he looks forward to Barnard were married in a beautiful of a troubled teen and a bunch of classmates. I hope you enjoy read- living in Sydney for six months and wedding, which took place over wolves surely will be a beautiful ing them, and please send me any learning to SCUBA. Max also is ea- four days, on the island of Zanzibar, testament to the practical applica-

WINTER 2011–12 92 COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY CLASS NOTES

Jared Hecht ’09 Reinvents Mobile Communication

B y Y e l e n a S h u s t e r ’09

ared Hecht ’09 does Martocci had raised another to develop management skills The political science major sleep. Some nights. As for $10.5 million of financing from through student-operated oversaw finances, managed a how many hours a day he investors. Then, almost a year businesses. “I was running a core staff of 20 daily as well as works? “All of them,” he after the launch, and with business with real revenue 30–50 freelancers, built a sales J says. competitors such as Facebook, and a real product that was team and entered new markets. Many 24-year-olds living in Google and Apple working on distributed with sig- Under Hecht’s leadership, Inside New York would sympathize. their own group messaging nificant impact,” Hecht says, New York evolved into the in- But few can say they’re running services, GroupMe was acquired reminiscing about receiving his tercollegiate guidebook to NYC their own start-up valued at a by video phone giant Skype for own copy during freshman year with writers contributing from reported $80 million. a reported $80 million. “What orientation, which he referenced schools such as Fordham, Pratt In May 2010, Hecht co-found- was most important to us was throughout college. Dean of Ca- and NYU. In addition, Inside ed GroupMe (groupme.com) making sure people all over the reer Education Kavita Sharma New York finally developed a with 29-year-old Steve Martocci world can experience GroupMe, and senior associate director digital presence beyond a static as a group text messaging ap- and we wanted to take every Beth Vanderputten served as Contact Us page. For the first plication that allows any time, all reviews were pub- phone (smart or otherwise) lished online, along with to function like a chatroom. a blog that was refreshed Users form groups and can throughout the academic see and respond to all the year. “We wanted to be text messages sent to each competitive with Spectator other. A year-and-a-half and Bwog — something later, the app boasts users students paid attention to in more than 90 countries day in and day out — and with at least 100 million not just Columbia stu- messages sent per month. dents,” Hecht says. Like many inventions, Aside from inspiring him GroupMe was inspired by to one day start his own love. Hecht’s now-wife, business, the experience had Carrie Weprin, didn’t have a more direct effect: Hecht a good way of keeping was personally recruited by in touch with friends at Tumblr president John Malo- a concert; festivals are ney to join its tech start-up notorious for shaky phone after Maloney heard about and Internet service. Hecht Hecht’s leadership with the knew they could solve the publication. After a year of problem over basic text. accumulating tech savvy as He enlisted his good friend Tumblr’s business develop- Martocci, the lead software ment manager, the idea for engineer at Gilt Groupe, GroupMe came along. and a few weeks later, they Since then, the life of this developed a group messag- GroupMe co-founder Jared Hecht ’09 at his sleek Flatiron office. young entrepreneur has ing prototype. PHOTO: GROUPME been both exhilarating and Within a week, the app exhausting: “Some nights had changed the way Hecht and competitive advantage we had mentors. “They were the safety you are on top of the world and Martocci communicated. By Au- to make sure that happened,” net, and that was a rare op- think you’re building the best gust, they had quit their jobs at Hecht says. portunity to have in business,” thing ever, and then other nights Tumblr and Gilt Groupe, respec- Though his baby face and Hecht says. you think that some horrible tively, met with venture capital typical sweatshirt-and-jeans at- Vanderputten was not sur- competitor is going to knock investors and raised $850,000. tire suggest an amateur, Hecht prised at all that Hecht achieved you off the face of the earth.” In September, they launched has been honing his entrepren- success so quickly after graduat- Even so, he would never trade the beta version of the app eurial skills since college. Work- ing. “The level of maturity he the inherent risks for a typical and users skyrocketed beyond ing his senior year as manag- brought as a manager usually office job. “We’re helping change what they ever imagined. What ing director and publisher for takes a lot more coaching,” she the way people communicate,” started out as a convenient way Columbia’s student-written and says. Hecht’s editor-in-chief at Hecht says. “That is the best to keep in touch with friends at produced guidebook, Inside Inside New York, Joseph Meyers feeling ever.” music festivals evolved into a New York, provided him the ’10, seconds that opinion: “Jared life-changing system for stop- foundation for running his own possesses a rare combination Yelena Shuster ’09 is a free- ping crimes in a neighborhood company. As part of the Center of traits — a gleeful, boyish lance writer whose work has watch and coordinating relief for Career Education’s (CCE) enthusiasm and a hard-nosed been featured in Manhattan efforts after natural disasters. Student Enterprise program, pragmatism — that made him a magazine, The Fiscal Times and By December, Hecht and Inside New York was founded great publisher to work for.” Cosmpolitan.com.

WINTER 2011–12 93

CLASS NOTES COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

“I have friends who are going through a rough time right now in jobs that don’t really thrill them, and I don’t want any of my classmates to feel like they have to stay in a professional situation that isn’t exactly what they want out of life!” Emelie Kogut spent the spring in Geneva working for an NGO that helps strengthen legal institutions in developing countries. Aside from working, she spent her time skiing, wine-tasting and traveling around Europe. Now, she is back in New York City and has started a new job at an intellectual property law firm in 30 Rock (which has also become her favorite television show!). She hasn’t gotten too far away from Gary Mesko ’09 and Feryal Hirji ’09 Barnard were married on the island of Zanzibar, Tanzania, over four days. Columbia, however, as she’s still The official ceremony was on July 16. Among the many friends and relatives who joined in the festivities living in Morningside Heights. were (left to right) Chantal McKay ’09, Ula Kudelski ’09, Katrina Cragg ’09, Clark Koury ’09, Jade Smith ’09 Bar- Even over a year after graduation, nard, the bride, the groom, Kaitlyn Busler ’10, Stefan Savic ’08, Ralph DeBernardo ’09, Erin Conway ’11, Gene she still feels nostalgic seeing all of Kaskiw ’09, Andrea Derricks ’07 and Cody Steele ’09. the freshman with their big, blue carts during move-in weekend! tions of a Columbia College degree energy, reduce operating costs and met there, but he will not miss the Nellie Bowles is using her in philosophy. help tenants save on utility bills. East Coast’s humidity. Fulbright scholarship in 2011–12 to After two years of consulting in In her spare time, Grace has been Laura Taylor is performing with write for a newspaper in Johannes- the Middle East, Josh Mathew re- an active member of the Columbia the Metropolitan Opera for the burg on witch doctors in Swazi- turned to the majestic Jersey shore University Club of New England, 2011–12 season. She has some excel- land. She and Laura Seidman went in August. He enjoyed working and she has had a great time get- lent information and advice for the on a romantic vacation together to in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria, ting to know local alumni through rest of our class: “Don Giovanni will Ravenna, Italy. and he is excited for new paths its events. She now has moved to be directed by Michael Grandage, A few of our classmates aren’t ahead. Also, while living in Jordan, Washington, D.C., and is looking who won the Tony for Best Direction quite done with school yet. Ve- he had the pleasure of meeting six forward to connecting with Co- of a Play for the play Red in 2010. ronica Couzo is attending Notre wonderful Columbia undergrads lumbia alumni in the D.C. area! Don Giovanni is arguably one of Mo- Dame Law and will be studying interning in Jordan through the And, finally, Yelena Shuster is a zart’s best operas, and the integrity law in the hopes of practicing Center for Career Education. He copywriter for Saks Fifth Avenue. of this production and its cast makes entertainment law in New York recently went camping with Phillip me proud to be a performer at the City or California. Ben Freeman Fletcher ’13 and Amirah Sequeira Metropolitan Opera! For more infor- is in his second year at Harvard ’12 in the Wadi Rum desert, where Julia Feldberg mation on the Met Opera season and Law. Pin-Quan Ng started in the they woke up to a beautiful sunrise 4 E. 8th St., Apt. 4F tickets, check out this link metop- Ph.D. program in government at and a Ford Taurus stuck in the sand. 10 New York, NY 10003 erafamily.org/opera/don-giovanni- Harvard and misses New York Also, after some persuasion from the 10 mozart-tickets.aspx. (and Columbia) terribly. [email protected] fantastic Dominique Jean-Louis, “For alums who are students Kate Redburn and Sarah Leon- who has been working for the Office Since it likely will be snowing by at other institutions or still have ard haven’t left the house since Hur- of Undergraduate Admissions, Josh the time you read these notes, I will their student IDs, they should be ricane Irene. Their hobbies include interviewed about 10 Jordanian high not say that I cannot believe an en- able to sign up for the Met Opera canning and growing their own school students for Columbia under- tire school year has passed without student tickets program (signifi- water. They’re adapting to Brooklyn graduate admissions. He enjoyed us at Columbia. No, I will not say cantly discounted tickets for the just fine. the experience because he could that. Instead, I will dive right in to 2011–12 season and beyond). More explain why he chose Columbia the updates: information on that at this link: to many students who had never Colin Sullivan visited the campus or the United 11 c/o CCT States. Through that process, he met Laura Taylor ’10 is performing with the Metropolitan Columbia Alumni Center an extraordinary young man, Thaer 11 622 W. 113th St., MC 4530 Al-Sheikh Theeb ’15E. Opera for the 2011–12 season. New York, NY 10025 Finally, in March, Josh attended [email protected] a potluck mini-reunion in Brooklyn with Dominique, Nhu-Y Ngo, Ga- After working at a New York- metoperafamily.org/metopera/ Season’s greetings to the Class of brielle Apollon, Courteney Ervin, based consulting firm for a year, students/register.aspx. 2011! Now that summer is behind Maryam Parhizkar and Sumaiya Joe Saia got bored and decided “This year has taught me that us, we each seem to have entered Ahmed. to take the next logical step in his you can actually do anything that a new rhythm, whether it’s an in- The summer after graduation, career — move to Silicon Valley and you set your mind to. Upon gradu- ternship, a first job out of college or Grace Park lived and worked as sell robots. He now is a business ating from Columbia, I wanted to continuing on to graduate school. an environmental educator on the development analyst at RoboteX, a dance and I wanted to teach, but I To begin, Amanda Olivo is AJ Meerwald, New Jersey’s historic robotics startup in Palo Alto, Calif., didn’t want to choose between the working on campus as a research tall ship. Since then, Grace moved that designs, manufactures and sells two. As a Met Opera performer and technician in the [Virginia] Cornish to Massachusetts and has been surveillance robots to police, SWAT a Kaplan Test Prep teacher/tutor, [’91] lab completing work in bio- administering grant programs and military organizations. Joe’s ex- I’m able to do both of the things I chemistry. During the summer, she for renewable energy and energy cited to work in an entrepreneurial love and still pay rent/eat/live/ spent a month traveling Europe efficiency. Most recently, she has environment, and he hopes to curry go out. Sure, it took some hard (Dublin, London, Paris, Venice, managed a grant program that favor with the human race’s future work and difficult balancing acts at Florence and Rome). Throughout helps multi-family housing own- robotic overlords. He will miss New first, but the trial and error was so her travels she met up with many ers retrofit their buildings to save York and all of the great people he worth it. Columbians including Doug Yolen

WINTER 2011–12 94

Classified Advertising CI Connect! We are looking for you!

If you volunteered during your time at Columbia, you Community Impact ADVENTURES might have been a CommunitySERVICES Impact (CI) Volunteer! RUNNING TRIPS NORTHWEST leads all-inclusive trips in WA state. Check us PROMOTE YOUR BOOK on tv, radio talk shows, print. Columbia alum offers If you volunteered during your time at Columbia, you out at runningtripsnorthwest.com! freeSend consultation. us your Frank contact Promotion, information 561-737-2315, and [email protected]. we will tell you might have been a Community Impact (CI) Volunteer! about a fantastic complimentary reunion party in RENTALSDecember! Send us your contact information and we will tell you Historic Jekyll Island, Georgia. 4BR cottage near beach. Weekly. Bingham ’65 about a fantastic complimentary reunion party in CC. 732-571-0552,Email Us jekyllrental.com. at: [email protected] December! Website: www.communityimpactatcu.org/ci/ CLASSIFIED AD INFORMATION Tel:PERSONAL (212) 854-2617 Email Us at: [email protected] DUTCHESS COUNTY, N.Y. CC grads contact Fred Ripin ’54 for reminiscences at Website: www.communityimpactatcu.org/ci/ REGULAR CLASSIFIED RATES: $3 per word for one issue, [email protected] or call 845-876-3592. Tel: (212) 854-2617 discounts for four consecutive issues. Ten-word minimum. Phone (including area code) and PO boxes count as one word. Words divided by slashes, hyphens or plus signs are counted individually. Email and web addresses are priced based on Community Impact Connect! length. No charge for Columbia College class years or ampersands (&). We boldface the first four words at no charge. We are looking for you! Additional boldface words are $1 per word. If you volunteered during your time at Columbia, you Display Classifieds are $100 per inch. might have been a Community Impact (CI) Volunteer! PAYMENT: Prepayment required on all issues at time of order. This December, we are planning a fantastic Check, money order, MasterCard, Visa and Diners Club with MasterCard logo only. complimentary reunion party for you, our alumni! No refunds for canceled ads. Send us your contact information to find out more. 10% discount for Columbia College alumni, faculty, Email Us at: [email protected] staff, students and parents Website: www.communityimpactatcu.org/ci/ Mail or email orders to: Columbia College Today Tel: (212) 854-2617 Columbia Alumni Center 622 W. 113th St., MC 4530, 1st Fl. New York, NY 10025 Email: [email protected] Online: college.columbia.edu/cct/advertise_with_us Telephone: 212-851-7852 Deadline for Spring 2012 issue: Thursday, January 26, 2012

’11E, Keshal Patel, Ben Gaston, dies. He went to Coney Island for Bryan Kipp ’11E, John McGovern, the first time with Ian Kwok and Alumni Corner Flan Gallagher and Felix Vo. his cousin. He highly recommends (Continued from page 96) Thomas Rhiel is a technical ac- it. He is attending Georgetown count manager at Google in New University Law Center (alas, not yet the years, dealers have sworn with ward to continuing both my service York. He lives in leafy, pleasant, in the real world). straight faces that the cows, dogs, to alma mater and expanding and Fort Greene, Brooklyn. He’s not a Last but certainly not least, cats, tigers and even one frog they deepening the Lion Collection. huge fan of the C train. George Mu has entered the warm had in stock were in fact lions. A Betsy Morais lives in Washing- and fuzzy world of consulting at few close friends with exquisite To view more of Garrett’s collection, ton, D.C., on a fellowship at Atlan- Booz & Co. (along with me!). He taste have spotted, and occasional- go to Web Extras at college.columbia. tic Magazine. She has been working wishes he had all the frequent flyer ly even bought for us, some of our edu/cct. with the editorial staff and writing miles before he spent this past favorite pieces, while other friends pieces that are available online. summer traveling around Asia. have had to be forcibly restrained Michael Garrett ’66, ’69L, ’70 Busi- Having celebrated graduation Thank you very much to those from continuing to shower us with ness has lived for decades in Park Slope, aboard a bicycle in France and of you who submitted notes, and I well-meant leonine kitsch. Brooklyn, and Shinnecock, Southamp- Italy, Joey Shemuel is counseling look forward to hearing more ex- Building and enjoying our lion ton. He spent his legal career as general homeless and at-risk youth in San citing updates from the rest of the collection has informed and inspired counsel of global financial services busi- Francisco and learning how to class in a few months! Send a note my active Columbia involvement at nesses and has devoted himself to a mix pickle everything he can get his to me at the email at the top of the the College, the Business and Law of legal, consulting, coaching and board hands on. column, or use CCT’s easy-to-use Schools, the Libraries, the Society of activities; Columbia; photography; During the summer, Eric Rosen- webform: college.columbia.edu/ Columbia Graduates, the 1754 Soci- piano; gardening; fine-woodworking; berg spent time at home in Boston cct/submit_class_note. Your note ety, the Columbia University Club and family, which includes his son, while making frequent trips to NYC will come right to me. of New York and most recently, the Justin Graham Garrett ’98, his son’s to hang out with Class of 2011 bud- Columbia Alumni Singers. I look for- wife and two grandchildren.

WINTER 2011–12 95

COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY

A l u m n i C o r n e r Hoard, Lion, Hoard Obsessively collecting the King of Beasts

B y M i c h a e l G a r r e t t ’66, ’69L, ’70 B u s i n e s s

n the mid-1960s, the captain of the all- on paper; four lamps; 20 bronzes; a sterling male cheerleaders had the option of be- dinner service for 12; 40 Christmas ornaments; ing the Lion mascot. I became captain in innumerable stuffed and other toys; an 18th- fall 1964, and at the first football game century pub sign; nine medallions; 17 military donned the fierce and lifelike — as con- medals; and large prides of lions in base and trasted with the Disneyish “Roar-ee” precious metals, glass and crystal, all kinds of Iof current years — Lion suit. As in the movie wood, simple and semi-precious stone, resin, The Mask, a quiet English major was suddenly plastic, cloth, paper and soap. The specific list- transformed into a wholly different aggressive ing of objects within and beyond these catego- leonine character with complete anonymity ries is a work in progress that currently runs to and unlimited license. I never looked back, two volumes. and wore the suit for every football and bas- There are myriad stories of the provenance ketball game and alumni event until I graduat- and purchase of many of our lions. The cared. Among many other adventures in the Lion ousel figure and dining room set came from suit, I met and spoke with President Kennedy scouring the merchandise listings in The New in the Harvard stands three weeks before his York Times. We found the silver service in part life was cut short; pawed the girl who became on eBay and in part in a most unlikely catalog. my wife, Sandra Lief Garrett (we’re both Leos In Venice, we discovered a glass sculpture of and were married in August) and began 45 The collector at home in Park Slope, Brook- the Lion of Venice undusted for 25 years in a years of collecting not wives but depictions of lyn, with a newel post. dark corner of Salviati. In London, at Gray’s the spirit of Columbia — the King of Beasts. Antique Stalls, a friend outbid a duke for an Our collection of lions from every culture, country and century early 19th-century rampant lion silver inkwell. A dealer bought and in every style and medium, including jewelry and clothing, my favorite pocket watch for me in Paris moments before an auc- exceeds (perhaps by quite a bit) 4,000 items. Through the decades, tion likely would have increased its price tenfold. In that vein, in the course of our extensive travels around the world and virtual much of the jewelry, watches and art was carefully conjured travels on the Internet, we have amassed leonine representations away from folks who did not understand the value of what they including a 14th-century (and a dozen other) inkwells; a 19-cen- had — a process that has become much rarer in its application tury carousel figure; an elaborately carved Victorian dining room since the universality of the Internet and other enemies of igno- set; six different meerschaum pipes; 100 or so lion boxes; a work- rance such as Antiques Roadshow. When I paid a sculptor in Ja- ing porcelain lion toilet; 16 door knockers; 22 pairs of cufflinks; 10 maica with a large denomination bill, he tried to give me change sets of earrings; 30 stickpins and tie tacks; 50 broaches, pins and in hashish. Leaving Egypt, we were stopped and surrounded by pendants; 90 ties; seven belt buckles; six antique pocket watches; armed soldiers when a large marble head buried in our suitcase a dozen silk scarves; countless knobs, pulls, handles and hooks; appeared on the security monitor to be a large bomb. Through 14 mugs and steins; hundreds of 18th- and 19th-century images (Continued on page 95)

From left, a working porcelain toilet, or “Still Life with Water Feature”; the collector’s kitchen, or “Lions on and over the Range”; and a special collection of small match safes, boxes, pipes and more. PHOTOS: MICHAEL GARRETT ’66, ’69L, ’70 BUSINESS

WINTER 2011–12 96 COLUMBIA COLLEGE FUND

Support the Columbia College Fund this year.

Help maintain our tradition of excellence by sending your gift today.

To make a gift, call 1-866-222-5866 or give online at college.columbia.edu/giveonline.

THANK YOU! COLUMBIA COLLEGE TODAY Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Columbia University PAID 622 W. 113th St., MC 4530 Permit No. 724 New York, NY 10025 Burl. VT 05401

Change service requested