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Nominating
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Committee
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Safrrford ScottiB2
Saint Louis, Missouri
AAVC
Board members
are
nominated by the AAVC Nominating Committee and elected by the alumnae/i body
Alumnae/i during the Presidents' Hour
identify alumnae/i
a
with the
experiences
at
reunion
(Saturday,
website at www.aavc.vassar.edu.
Nominating
diversity
at
the Annual
Meeting
of
committee members review all recommendations and
and skills that best match those needed in the board
board that is balanced in its talents and reflects the
our
June 6, 2009).
positions
of Vassar alumnae/i. Further details
on
to
be filled in the next year. We aim for
this
year's
board slate
can
be found
on
.|
contents
features
8
Love and Loss:
Living with Alzheimer's Disease
As partners, Elisabeth Barrett Schalk ’63 and her husband David
Schalk, professor
careers,
emeritus of
history,
have spent
years
juggling
raising children, and sustaining a loving marriage. Today,
the Schalks
are
again united,
they cope with Elisabeth’s battle
as
with Alzheimer’s Disease.
By Elizabeth Kaledin 'B4
12
Making History: 40 Years of Africans Studies
at Vassar
Born
of student protest and
out
’6os, Vassar’s Africana Studies
sary
this
year.
Take
and learn about
a
of the
marks its 40th anniver-
Program
look back
some
commitment in the late
college
at
the evolution of this
celebratory
program
events,
by Joshunda Sanders 'OO
Special College
Insert:
Multidisciplinary Programs
at Vassar
departments
on
the
cover
2
Letters
4
President's
5
Vassar
Page
Today
16
Beyond Vassar
20
Vassar
21
Class Notes
59
Announcements
60
The Last Page
Yesterday
Clockwise from top left: Summer’s-Grace Green ’O9, Professor
and Chair of Africana Studies Ismail Rashid, Rachel Tetteh ’ll, Professor of
Sociology
Diane
Harriford,
Professor of
Gebert, Ilena Robbins ’O9, Kyle
Al-Haddad.
Hispanic
Studies Lizabeth Paravisini-
Nelson ’O9, Professor of Africana Studies
Tagreed
Photography by Jim
Smith
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
1
Vassar
The
*
Quarterly
Alumnae/i
of the Vassar Quarterly. I
copy
know the dedication would have
In Memoriam: Eric
SPRING
VOLUME
2009
105
Smith '92
2
ISSUE
SEPTEMBER
Vassar, the Alumnae/i Quarterly is to
in touch with the living,
keep alumnae/i
working Vassar, so that even the most
alumnae/i know of the changes
Alumnae House
161
College
dedication of several
York
New
Poughkeepsie,
equipment, in curriculum, in regulations, in student thought and life, and
www.aavc.vassar.edu
thus realize that the
may
static but progressive,
college is not
meeting new
problems as human beings do, and that
on its success in solving them depends
its value
to the
mission
is
coming generations, Its
also to
give to alumnae/i a
thought, a place where
in
meeting place
may learn of each other's
we
interests,
and
opinions, and achievements,
through them of the world's work and
of the dynamic
thought, and so judge
value of the Vassar spirit.
AAVC TRUSTEE
Venecek Johnson
GOVERNANCE
Odom
Tanya
'92,
Steven
845.437,5445
Venecek Johnson
'B4, president
Lichtenberg '9O, executive
Patricia Duane
AAVC
Downing '77, Ohio
Judith Axenzow Lewittes
845.437.5448, fax 845.437.7425
Jean Bronson
Jean McKee
College Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Nicky
DIRECTOR
Samantha Trautman
AND
EDITOR
CHR.
Carpenter '57,
Karen Strain
Soper '9l
EDITOR
were
shocked and devastated
by the
of Eric’s death. He
was an
news
Baumann '63, New York
McPhillips
Karen Dowd
and
Joseph
Mindy,
Malty Anderson 'lO
Sarah E.
Brown 'O9
Heissan 'B7, New York
+
Lise Nussbaum O'Haire '79,
New York+Toronto
VQ
ADVISORY
Alex
Bhattacharji '92
Mary
COMMITTEE
Leslie Cranston 'BB
AAVC
Staff
Executive
Director
Patricia Duane
Sally Kilbridge '7B
David McGoldrick
Holi Oldshue '73,
person.
who lost not only her
'9O
son
Eve
and soul-searching
year.
learned
strength,
Articles reflect the
and
not
Vassar
officio
for
opinions of the writers
those of the
magazine, AAVC,
Assistant
Vassar, the Alumnae/i Quarterly, USPS 657-080,
is published in the winter, spring, summer, and
by
the Alumnae and Alumni of Vassar
College
(AAVC), Unsolicited
manuscripts
accompanied by
self-addressed, stamped
a
must
be
envelope. Copyright © 2009 by AAVC.
POSTMASTER:
to
Central
124
Send address
Box 14, Vassar College,
Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY
Nonprofit Periodical postage paid at
Poughkeepsie, NY, and additional entry
12604.
post offices. Yearly subscriptions $l5.
Single copies $3.
VASSAR
on
to
recycled paper
SPRING
-
2009
it, she
everyone
tiful and
murals
and his
book
Moody
Assistant
Director, Alumnae/i
Education
is
would
inspira-
an
who knows her.
Kathy
room
Wanzer
Associate
areas
to
scrap-
where parents and
Assistant
a
what we
new
Eric’s
library was
specifically in Eric’s
includes all
manner
memorabilia,including
old
tennis
ap-
have, our
family and friends, for all of the
lives. I am
so
good in
grateful for the
time Eric and I had
together at
Vassar. And I know Eric lives
role model for many of us
a
friend, husband, and
I also wanted
on
—
son.
call attention
to
the fact that Mindy has initi-
ated
a
scholarship at
Vassar in
the
Eric M.
memory:
Smith ’92 Memorial
ship. The
first
Scholar-
scholarship will be
granted in September 2009.
goal is
raise
to
at
least
The
$100,000,
of which $62,500 has been raised
already
date.
to
appreciate any
We
would
donations made
Vassar in Eric’s
name.
ROSS
San
THOMAS
[Editor's
Smith
do
so
'92
Francisco,
a
note:
California
Alumnae/i wishing to
contribution to
'92 Memorial
the Eric
Scholarship
M.
may
c/o Perry Liberty, Box 14, Vassar
124
College,
Poughkeepsie,
Avenue,
Raymond
NY
126034-0014.]
keepsakes
something
jacket and
Tiffanie Duncan
Manager
develop
preciation for
Winter 2008
of Vassar
Barry 'B6
good people
their children. The
Susan Brkich 'B6
to
are
Re: "Headliner" and
"A Breed Apart,"
—
joy
years
Eric’s wife Christi did often with
honor, and
Director, Communications
Hood
that Eric
to a
can create
Alumnae/i Web Services
Martha Gouse
When
lives and
our
send
loved
mementos
renovated
Director,
building
a
beau-
the walls in the
Knauss
Director, Alumnae/i
Nancy
family
in
from us too soon,
away
the loss causes us to take stock in
to
a
moving testament
covering
children
and
Alumnae House
Printed
tion
admit
and other outdoor
Director, Alumnae/i
Information Services
changes
Records,
Raymond
her, and though she
never
Relations
Mariah
fall
from
perseverance
dining area depicting Mt.
Programs
Catherine Lunn
or
College.
and
hard work: from the incredible
Director, Alumnae/i Relations
ex
lot about
for
Nina Feldman
Meg Venecek Johnson 'B4,
a
Mindy’s love, dedication, and
Mary Peacock '64
Smiley '73
on
taken
to
Director, Alumnae/i Relations
'75
Newhouse '5B
live
families in the
many
come.
For
band, stepdaughter, and two
grandchildren, it’s been a painful
The renovations were
Operations
Willa McCarthy '92
Nancy Riley
2
Georgia
Oregon
Lichtenberg
to
incredibly
an
caring
character,
Baumgarten '9B, Washington
Jason
Nesnadny+Schwartz,
Cleveland
'BB, New York
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE
DESIGN
legacy will
that will provide comfort and
Eric’s
'B4, New York
Leslie Cranston
terribly bitter-
difficult for many of us, his
com-
COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
at Vassar.
event was
While Eric’s death is still
sweet.
and best friend but also her hus-
ALUMNAE/I RECOGNITION CHR.
EDITOR
Hyde '92
The
as
but also
petitor,
fiery
a
—
well as his fond memories
as
of his four years
as a
amazing person
'B2, New York
donors
completely
all
a mem-
good and even the not
Minnesota
ADMISSIONS ADVISER
[email protected]
CLASS NOTES
We
Eric, given his serv-
community as
Ronald McDonald House Char-
our
NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHR.
Hopkins
from
around the country.
sweet
Ellen
ASSOCIATE
Smythe
accident,
the
$120,000
over
HOUSE COMMITTEE CHR.
[email protected]
Rebecca
Florida
Mahoney's2,
OF ALUMNAE/I
COMMUNICATIONS
Thomas
'63, New York
'5l, Connecticut
FUND ADVISORY
Benz
August 16,
spearheaded the project, raising
'74, Louisiana
EDITORIAL OFFICE
161
survived
plane
a
Mindy Mayer,
2007. Eric’s mom,
who
Hospital
the result of
lot to
the
to
ber of the Board of Trustees for
The dedi-
David Mayer. All died
on
ice
ities
Allison; and his
'94, New York
TRUSTEES
Brooke Duncan
Alumnae House
stepfather,
and
meant a
cam-
their two chil-
wife, Christi;
tragically as
Virginia
the
goodfriend Eric Smith;
New York
Williams '94,
Mangle
on
in honor of our class-
accident inAlaska
director
Diane
his
was
and
dren, Trevor
Eric Ort 'B6, Connecticut
DIRECTOR FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING
FINANCIAL ADVISER
AAVC
cation
Pennsylvania
BOARD
the Ronald
Portland, Oregon.
'B4,
Ufasaha Matthews Yarish
PUBLISHER
in
mate
DIRECTOR FOR
rooms at
of Legacy Emanuel
pus
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT AND
Meg
remodeled
McDonald House
SECRETARY
1916; reaffirmed 1992
Meg
12603
845.437.5445
AAVC
recently
Avenue
distant
in
HAD
24,
ONthe honor of attending
2008,1 the
AAVC
MISSION STATEMENT
last
that made
me
of
two
finally
vassar
articles
feel like
“one of the crowd”— something
squash racket along with pictures
I
of the Vassar campus and
at Vassar.
even a
issue
The
Quarterly had
never
felt during my
two
years
There, in 1963-65,1felt
letters
very, very different. I was
when that word
pered.
The
rumors
long
destructive
to
excitement,
they
run,
own
my
whis-
and secrecy
had their own weird
but in the
lesbian
a
only
was
were
budding
sexualityand certainlydestructive
to
my relationship.
So to have Ann Northrop high-
been here ever since, with some
prolonged stays in the countryside of France and
Even
on
the
lessons have
of the best
England.
farm,
come
in
my
Vassar
handy.
One
learning how
was
learn, especially
how
to
to
research
and learn from books. What we
couldn’t find in
existing books
we
WRITING IN RESPONSE TO THE
lAM
query
at
the end of the article
about Sima Sarrafan ’B6
ventional
Wisdom,”
initially
elected
an
gate from New
was a
Vassar
“girl.”
of the
to
to
of the stage
being “wooed”
called
to
by
chat: Bill
I once lived in
Princeton, and Governor Sibelius
in the
in front
right
Invesco Field the
photos
pick myself
I
as
Not bad for this
out
behind
was
Reid.
public school
teacher.
film called Free-
a
BACON
NELSON
'75
Marry. It was noted
Hanover, New
Hampshire
VQ. The film aired nationally on PBS stations and was
licensed
Free
to
Ann and
Speech TV.
USA and
especially, liked
become
Correction
Andy spoke about
Gay
on
seat
a
at
Nancy Pelosi and Harry
inthe Summer 2005 issue of
it
incredibly honored
be offered
DEB
dom
have foryou
the New Hamp-
primary.)
I was also
Laurie York, and
teen years,
Ireleased
movement
early ’7os coincided with the back-
won
nomination. I can
Bradley, who knew
she
In 2005 my spouse of fif-
feat, in case
night Obama accepted the party’s
the women’s
knowing that
never
shire
support
(This was
had the fun of
folks who
Ann,
small
Winter
Hampshire, but
delegations that
then-Senator Obama.
gotten who
were
state
endorsed Obama in late May. I
information ourselves. Because
with
paths
write the
unanimously to
no
Edwards dele-
crossed
beganto
only
voted
other alumnae/i delegates. I was
solicited from
country, and we
of the
[“Con-
You asked if there
2008].
lighted in such a well-written profile made me feel proud. I have
women
all over the
Conventional Success
a
The
she,
it. It has
ci.
bittersweet film
because itrecords the
Daytime
for
Emmys,
decades, snubbed Susan Luc-
joyful
Harrison Ford has
won
an
that
we
never
Oscar. Was the fact
neglected
to
include
time when we could
Elizabeth Daniels in
in California
faculty emeritae/i ["Where
Francisco
(the
marry
first San
an
Four years later, we
again without the right
2004).
are
to
we are
havmg
nowhere
federal
I was
of
to
Ann
thinking about
measurable
near
explains
the direction
in the West. I don’t have
huge
cattle
work
to
I started
preserve
a
a
ranch, but I do love
the land and the
animals,
nature.
and I
to-the-land movement,
about how feminists
the land. We started
on
the
we wrote
can
a
conscious-
weaving
And
had
we
journal, Country
a
Women which
was an
important
earlyfeminist publication. A
Thomas
try Women: A Handbook
Vassar
were
women
many
living
different
here
nearby: Jill Henry ’66,
Rhodes
’6B,
for
’67. We
early stages of
our own
was
Anne
Susan Wadsworth
’67, Kathy Kilgore
all in the
or
unique
clearly here
on
came
out
of that: Coun-
for
the
(Doubleday, 1976).
VQ, for finally
writing about people close to my
New Farmer
So thank you,
life. We all contribute in our own
unique ways.
of Kansas, who knew I am
were
CARMEN
GOODYEAR
Albion,
California
'67
a
pub-
—
our
which perhaps
error, in that al-
When I endorsed Obama, it
made the AP
pal
as
the school princi-
and head custodian turned
my plan
to
lot into
endorse in the parking
some
faculty emerita, having taught in
the
English department for almost four
lic school teacher.
political
theater.
a podium set up in the
invited the whole school,
decades, she has only
ever
been out
of the college's employ for two days.
(In 1985, Professor Daniels told President Virginia Smith that she would
agree to
give uptenure
on
one
con-
dition: that she be allowed to begin
They had
work full-time
gym,
historian, the position she has held
and rolled
the
out
the red
carpet from
previous weekend’s
prom.
The inflatable prom palm
that flanked the
special
podium
trees
were a
I was
lucky
ever
since. The
Friday,
June
as
to cast
my
vote
in
former happened
ter, the following
Daniels says,
Monday. Thus,
although
was
she techni-
just "for the
weekend.") The Quarterly regrets
the
to
error.
endorse
President Obama
unanimously,
and I am
be part of
to
on
place before
Hillary Clinton moved
proud
Vassar's official
28, of that year; the lat-
cally "retired," it
touch.
the roll-call that took
our search
life. Mine
book
by Jeanne Tetrault and Sherry
other Vassar
Tetrault ’67. During those first
on
had a
group. We
had a festival.
co-op. We
north coast of California with an-
dropout, Jeanne
live
ness-raising
,
In 1969
small farm here
years there
magni-
Daniels's
though she is indisputably
Northrop,
when I came
my own activism,
the story about Vassar ranch-
ers
so.
contribution to Vassar is im-
rights.
Reading about
omission of similar
tude? We think
California
marry in
and
list of
Are They Now?/' Winter 2008]
in
weddings
our
one
the land. I’ve
Unfortunately,
VQ In-Box
not
all submissions
can
be
included in this
www.aavc.vassar.edu/vq/departments/letters/
to read all
space.
Please
visit
letters to the editor.
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
3
president'spage
An Education
the Road
on
important part of my first
An
road, listening
central
to
you
in
and
two
community that extends
Vassar,
to
it is
only
even
a remote
most
campus
tantly,
place when campus
I
Vassar
to
alumnus, the college can
or
is hundreds
bringan
to
to
listen
to
sense
as
diverse
New
as
the
England,
are
Rockies, the Southwest, the
(all
where I have traveled in the last three
years
areas
In the
of these
question-and-answer sessions,
visits,
one
message
comes
consistently
than
Lately that’s
been particularly
how the
been
which
through
less
weighty,
means to
but
less significant in
generations of graduates
the chance
to
talk about whathas
often, what has remained
For
example,
expresses
concern
when
to see
my
clearly
those
matters
may seem
questionsthat give me, in turn,
changed
from
the
college and,
same as
of
one
more
you remember it.
our
older classes
about whether the library still gets used in
an
age
of electronic communica-
tions,
it is
to
I am able
more
to
vast
with
some
questions
as
rigorous
classes and
as
has
and young
the
certainly have,
President
the
library
when exams
see
at.
midnight
are
looming!
gram
at
ing a
at
Hill
the best and the
universities
primarily Vassar alumnae/i,
students mixed
again, that allows
and I
a
of
hiring our
why.)
Are the
top choices for open facarts
still
important? (Vas-
a
improvements, the
new
a
2007
alumnae/i pro-
Rose
Hall at Jazz
hood, or, of
students?
reporting
a
a
as
place
bit about your college’s
to
looking
your
nearly 7,500.)
matters to
president as
opportunityto relate
as
course, on campus here in
I
well. For those of
hearing from
Poughkeepsie!
catchVas-
of the Arlington neighborhood,
you
to meet
me
you when
of the world, and your neighbor-
Catharine
ongoingrevitalization
at-
time when other
Lucinda Franks Morgenthau '6B.
nostalgia for days gone by of
the
to
in Vassar’s Class of 2013
and what
forward to
corner
home
Vassar still
drop in student applications,
the past
year, to
are
(At
a
(They
athletics fields
those of you who’ve had the chance
my travels bring me
and dance
productions, concerts,
lot about who you
hope
program
the college? (Yes, and Vassar’s small
applying for
over
the
in,
me to reassure
is still there. Is the academic
brightest
are
to
who live in
Center, speaking with writer
the Juliet Theater, Ihave the
sar’s role in the
at
in the Frederick P.
Lincoln
When another alumna
expresses
movie
with the latest
I’ve yet to meet, I’m
you
will
I add that you should
at
are
Field, celebrating their inaugural season
I’ve learned
al-
give a knowing laugh when
opportunity
Have athletics facilities gotten better?
ever.)
actually has increased
source
grads
than
stu-
to more recent
graduates
prospective
once
student theatrical
more
Prentiss
when I was
are two reasons
performances
at
and
they love
impressive record
ulty positions
sar
my travels
pointed, but
them that the Vassar
have learned
to
be
can
Vassar
each other!
to
students,
parents,
travel,
going
are
married
Because the audiences in
keep Vassar students,
ways,
I use that
Vassar
their area and
and other materials that
as
generations of
dents,
the number of students
hold-
of the “Yale
and wonders what the
introduce them
colleges and
ings of print, electronic,
4
quent
tracting
ever
the intellectual life of the
with its
campus,
days
college’s baseball, field hockey, and lacrosse teams.) Is
say that
central than
spouse in tow,
social life has been like for subse-
about
challenges.
that
Trail”
more
college constituents
transform the
to
graduate, with her
part
economic
to
bookstore. When a Vassar
talks about the
you).
and
telephone
face.
new
Asia
about Vassar.
job. As
old Juliet space into the college’s
Mid-
favorite
the
have many
we
including plans
shaped by their
care
to meet
at
to
to
underscoring what Vassar
pretty much the
someone
have
questions I field
keeping
through in questions about
are no
impor-
faring in the current worldwide
up to date about the steps that we’re taking
comes
are
more
the
apparent in
crisis, and the thanks that I’ve received for
But it also
more
Coast, Europe, and
other: it’s how much
any
you
college has
on our
Southeast, the
west, the
West
face
seem
of life
what our graduates
college, reflecting perspectives that
lives in areas
you
on
larger Vassar College
from print and
nowadays,
thousands of miles
or even
immediate
alumnae/i, parents, and friends. Even
gain the opportunity
about the
own
devoted alumna
My travels allow me
away.
say
the
part of the
one
nothing quite like hearing from
email and the Internet, there is
essential aspect of my
an
the country, and around the world. While
across
wonderful and effective forms of communication
For
of Vassar has been spent
president
as
hometowns. In fact, travel is
your
the campus community is
as
half years
a
Hill, President
vassartoday
Roellke's Role Made Official
This
February, Associate Professor of Education Chris Roelike offi-
cially
the
to
filled the
acting dean role
become vice
Kentucky.
in
July
2008 when
“Chris has been
a
an
College.
at
scholar
the
on
accepted
Vassar
University of
the
outstanding member of the
highly respected
He
J.J. Jackson left
president for institutional diversity
since 1998 and is
of
Dean of the
position of Vassar’s
faculty
Vassar
and economics
politics
education, teacher education, and secondary school reform,”
President Catharine Hill in
be able
to
continue
to
an
email
the campus. “I
to
work with Chris
as
lege
responsible
overseeing the
tions of the
pleased
very
senior officer of the
a
The Dean of the Colis
am
for
wrote
college.”
portunities at Vassar and believe
ing faculty engagement
to
is the
that
promot-
key to being
successful in these areas,” he says.
opera-
Roellke has served in numerous admin-
collegethat
capacities at Vassar, includingchair
affect the academic
istrative
and residential lives of
of the Department of Education, Director
students, including the
of Academic Facilities
studies,
the
students,
and
dean of
dean of
offices that support
student life and
ex-
tracurricular activities.
Roelike
plans
build
significant
the
on
to
accomplishments
of
tor
Development,
Direc-
of the Ford Scholars Program,and Dean
of Studies. He is also the founding director
of the Vassar
tiative,
an
College Urban
Education Ini-
urban education outreach and
professional development project funded
by
the Arthur
Vining
Davis Foundations.
Roellke earned his B.A. degree in
science from
political
Wesleyan University and his
M.S.
former Deans of the
and Ph.D. degrees in educational administra-
College Colton John-
tion from Cornell
son
and
“Particularly exciting
to me
to
to
is the
potential
play a central role
the
in
college’s efforts
promote diversity,
equity, and
access.
I am also eager
hance
to en-
community-
based and
The Roellke
Jackson.
residentially
narian);
three
University.
family
Kim
(a local
veteri-
daughters Emma (14), Julia
(11), and Eiv (4); and three dogs, Jeter, Keegan, and
Gullaby—will be moving into Pratt
House this
summer.
College reside
in
bridging
“Having the
on campus
the
gap
is
an
Roellke.
important step
between the academic and
residential lives of students
notes
Dean of the
at
the college,”
©
S.S.
centered learning op-
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
5
beyondvassar
Serving Locally
When Vassar Student Association (VSA)
student office every
he
day,
Mahatma Gandhi. "I like to think
by what they've done." At just
ments that seems to grow
and is
self-effacing when
what I have,
so
attending
ley.
While working at a local
was
he
grocery store,
shoppers kept coming in
they keep
the
Martin Luther
watch over me/'
he is the last
day, though
says. Tm driven
Kelly
old, Kelly himself has
list of
a
to
one
Jr. and
King
accomplish-
flaunt his resume
asked about awards. 'Tm very fortunate and thankful for
high school in nearby Pleasant Val-
noticed that
by
giant posters of
21 years
I feel like it's my
Kelly’s anti-poverty work began while he
two
sees
'O9 walks into his
president Jimmy Kelly
with
duty
to
back however I can."
give
credible and saw how it could help local agen-
club had raised $17,000 worth of groceries for
cies. So I went back
local
club
junior year
bulk,
and then
to
school and
to start
cutting
buying tons
of
organized a
coupons
in
groceries each
in the
organizations, spending only $Bl
is when I knew I wanted
process. “This
involved in social
Determined
during his first
tion
the
he
easy!”
and the
group
money
helping people
coupon program
had
to
find
eventu-
phased
was
a new
and collect food. At
students donated
Dona-
Vassar. “One of
explaining how
says,
ally the double
raise
at
year
be
program’s
Operation
I’ve learned is that
things
isn’t
out
started
to
says.
maintain the
to
Kelly
momentum,
he
change,”
tactic
one
to
point,
from their meal
points
plans to help buy over 4,000 pounds of rice.
Now the group, which has
members, holds
awareness
hunger banquets to
and encourages
year-round and
not
people
over
pantries, hitting
bang,”
reach
a
a
says
record-breaking
he
food
year,
hopes to
keep
May through August
the members of
more
ily Partnership
Operation
at
Poughkeepsie’s
Center to
during the
with low-income individuals
“They’d
come
up
of groceries that
to me at
were on
the coupon and walk
of
groceries for
VASSAR
-
at
little to
we were
sale, and they’d
week.”
10 dollars
SPRING
week
checkout with a pile
out
for free,” he explains. “I
6
double coupons.
with
or
an
less,
entire
cart
sometimes
thought this
2009
use
was
in-
no cost.
just wiping
out
to
be
so
the shelves
crazy;
every
Eventually, the group started working
with store
managers
eration Donation
year
It got
to
put
was
an
in full
order aside.
swing, and
Opthe
Kelly graduated from high school, the
help
themfill
for
special credit.
a
Last
year,
tionwide
lobby
bied
to
the
their tax
group
travel
to
on
winter
to meet
weekends
returns
and
to
apply
organized students
na-
Washington, DC,
Bill.
congress on the Farm
senators to
Fam-
help distribute 5,000
residents in need
out
of this
Donation
last year. They also trained volunteers
books of coupons and
one
involved in hands-on vol-
unteering, working
coats to
with
pantry’s shelves completely
stocked from
also became
out
SIOO,OOO before graduation.
Aside from donating enough to
local
Last
$31,000 for local
Kelly, adding that
total of
donate
to
$71,000 in total giving. “I want to go
a
raise
just at the holidays.
year, the group raised
food
35 active
over
to
Kelly lob-
change policies against small
farmers and also
to
Ainsley
address issues surround-
Spencer
beyondvassar
climate
ing
in
lack of affordable
a
Poughkeepsie.
syl abus
housing
At the request of
a
local
he testified in front of the mayor
nonprofit,
city council.
and
He has also voiced his
change.
about
concern
“I’m
waiting until
not
I
graduate to start doing these things,” he says.
“People need help now,
it’s best
ple that
to start
and I always tell
peowherever
are to
you
to assume
sleep is
that
is also the
Kelly, who
a
rarity
for
Taught By: Seungsook
president
class
was
junior year, he was elected
the vice
edly oversee
president
single-hand-
to
organizations, signing off on
126
student
every
at
In his
president.
for activities, where he had
event and
answeringa hundred
food
ing
complex
day. As
a
helping
a
students off
incredible
Vassar has
At
the Vassar
campus.
he
campus,”
given
Vassar,
we
me
so
have
a
where everyone has
a
product. Everyone
at
opportunities.
shared
say in
the table has
final
stake,
a
gree in
en-
Chocolat, Fast Food Na-
shaped the
that
Like Water
ethnic and
late, and Supersize Me.
regional iden-
has correlates in both
degree in
get his master’s
transna-
First
tional production, circu-
2007
of
plores
“This is
like
my
my
passion,”
understand how
form
to
try
to
people are connected and
to
a more
to
mutual understanding and
inequalities and injustice in
wall
pays
homage
to
the
the leaders
by maintainingan infectious
hope.
“A lot of
devolving,” he
a
lot of
going to make
world,
on
his
sense
interests,
meanings of
that
says. “After
being around
people
at
hope that
a
—
us.
We’re
big things.”
Beth Trickett
going to
go
shaping ethnic/racial,
are
several disciplines represented
I see that
in the world
out
including
neuroscience.”
philosophy and
in the midst
approaches in the classroom, this
course
in-
experiential learning components,
including a collaborative cooking
exercise.”
Required
Texts Include: Lizzie
Curry:
Tale of Cooks and Conquerors;
a
Melanie
Collingham,
DuPuis, Nature’s Perfect Food: How
Milk became America’s Drink ; Carlo
Slow Food: the Case
around
it exam-
the
there
Why Professor
“Food is
life, but
been
a
its
very
Moon Created the Class:
fundamental
production and consumption have
always
nomic
thing in human
mired
by
various
political and
political and
entanglement of food
has become
eco-
quite
so
generation is
huge difference
inequalities. Finally,
globalization. To complement analytical
corporates
Moon says.
preregistration list,
status
very
give priority
I checked
“When
humanity is
Vassar,
our
of
of
Professor
images
national, and gender identities
I
sociology majors,”
to
economic interests. This
people fear
many wonderful
there’s
and
and
has been
course
popular,
of food
ines the role of food in
cooperation.” At the end of each day, with all
Kelly
tastes
distinction and
motivation in this world is
this
ex-
invested with corpo-
NGO.
“I feel
he reflects.
Spring
Who Enrolls: “Because
areas
the cultural poli-
tics of how
interna-
an
Offered:
lation, and consumption
rate
tional developmentand work for
Choco-
Semester Course Was
vestigates the political
are
hopes to
for
tities of food. Then it in-
of food in various
comparative politics and political science), he
do
tion, The Future ofFood,
making and remaking of
graduates in May with a de-
sociology (he
Films
Recommended
un-
of the world. It also
When Kelly
the
larger
of
justthe administration.”
not
try
Coffee, Deconstructing
Eat Drink Man Woman.
and other
economy
governance,
creatingthe
Supper, and
an
“I feel like
says.
many
“This is
Up
Include: Black Gold: Wake
and Smell the
cross-cultural
conquests
community liaison,
community shuttle
course
Required Films
Include: Babette’s Feast,
part of student government,
organize
to
bring
to
as
power,
this
the examination of the
historical processes
counters
he worked
material culture that reveals
as
social relations of
begins with
even
emails
(8.A., Yonsei University; Ph.D., Brandeis University)
Description: “Approach-
From the Course
when he
Moon
of the VSA
and has been active since his first year
Vassar,
Culture, and
Globalization (Spring 2009)
do what you can.”
It’s safe
216: Food,
Sociology
there and
lan, In Defense
Petrini,
for Taste; Michael
Pol-
ofFood: An Eater’s Manifesto;
©
and
James
L.
Watson, ed., Golden
Arches
East: McDonald’s in East Asia, 2nd ed.
alarming in the
past
four decades with the
cessive commercialization of food
globally.
Inparticular,
despite
ex-
production
the abundance
of food in American society, the quality of
food and
eating here
has been
riorated. Educated citizens
seriously
this complex politics of food
dete-
know
now must
production and
consumption in the U.S. and in the world.”
VASSAR
SPRING
-
O
2009
7
8
LOS
LOVE AND
LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
ELIZABETH
BY
PHOTOGRAPHY
KALEDIN
BY
Elisabeth Barrett Schalk '63 has always been
whose keen
woman
Vassar
as
under their
friends, took
me
I took
history classes,
lar
of David’s
one
called The
course
the kind of course
you get
tion
the
to
History
instructive
was a
in
my
so
much
out
of
to me
of Art. But Elisabeth
in
a
you
was
different way. When I
guest from time
home, she
popu-
like Art 105-106: Introduc-
forget it,
never
a
History of Justice. It’s
time in the Schalk
to
unfailingly kind and interested
was
life. I found her
complement to
her
to
more
be the
perfect
buttoned-down,
left
feeling bereft.
see
how
It is
me
but
I had
as a
just had
feel
sobering and
quickly change
commonly known
ness.
charismatic presence:
a
intimidating
and made
wing
MUIR
ironic
to
I found Elisabeth
warm
and
According
dates back
lunch withthe
of them
two
She
and followed the
that this
markedly changed. While
she seemed
gracious,
ing and unsure.
so
laughed in the right
halt-
places
but it was clear
conversation,
independent and utterly capable
relying on David
woman was now
gregarious and
her through the afternoon. The interview was
easy
talk
lege girl, she embodied
and
elegance
to
have memories of
Paris,
and
one
To a
young col-
combination of wit
emulate. I loved her teased
steel-gray hair and her
talk about
a
to.
twinkling
listening
to
blue eyes. I
her and David
of their great mutual loves,
seeing how discussions of their
meant to
questions directly
along the
But
today the Schalks
kind of journey, and the
eyes,
although
still
there,
are on a
with Alzheimer’s
what
to
room.
anguish and
soft-spoken
words.
have
a
per-
disease, and
end. I spent
sorrow
David
it has turned
The official
Schalks in Poughkeepsie in mid-October and
ties that
day
In
was
fact, when
experiI
men-
was
are
diagnosis came in
indigni-
the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s
far
up
as
City.
were
for
This
In-
globalleaderwoman
who
while enrolled in
at
the
same
time
Her boss
being overlooked.
grew frustrated. David says that he
and
was
paperwork challeng-
finding routine
ing. Details
of trouble
sign
development for
a center
juggleda full-time job
started
much earlier.
2001, when Elisabeth
the head of
as
her
David, the first
in New York
was
“sad
The
very, very worried.”
spouse always
knows first, he told
me,
and
though he knew
something was terribly wrong, Alzheimer’s
disease
was
simply not on his
Rather than do her
radar.
job anything
perfectly, Elisabeth quietlyresigned.
less than
At the
time,
her father was in his nineties and in frail health,
leaving her work created
—
an
excuse, really—to
David knew it was
not
a
good opportu-
care
for him. But
what she wanted.
“She loved her work. She would be in New
York City right
ness,”
2006 when
only 65, but the small
as
tripping
intensive M.B.A. program
nity
only imagine
it, it’s probably beyond imagining.”
Elisabeth
a
an
so
encing every single day.
diagnosed
once
feel somehow that she
tioned this to David, he said, “Unless you live
more trou-
ship
I could
reflects
with the
on
few
working
to
ternational House,
could
way, she
glint in Elisabeth’s
ble than joy. Elisabeth has been
their world
different
but it
point of shooting
thing it was to
sitting there and
in the
a
Elisabeth’s
only answer with a
What an awkward
was not
navigate
evident that that would be
impossible. When Imade
son
to
three-way discussion,
a
quickly became
travels there lit her eyes up like the lights
Seine.
be
disease started
protracted ill-
scholarly husband: lighthearted and funny,
to
first arrived at
I
welcome.
in what is
can come
long and
instantly
in Manhattan last spring, but six months later
still
When
inviting.
lively
and
a warm
1980, she and her husband David, both old family
freshman in
wide-eyed
a
is not
intelligence
'84
MICHELE
he told
another
ten
now
me.
years
if it wasn’t for this ill-
“She could have worked
at
least.”
After resigning from International House,
Elisabeth did take
on a
few other short-term
9
jobs. Scientists
ligent people diagnosed with
disease somehow find away
loss.
ory
that
so
They work
they
around
know when it starts, how it starts,
Alzheimer’s
it starts.” Marchesi says that tremendous
continue
can
conceal
to
mem-
progress
it, compensating
function. And
to
Elisabeth functioned well for
long time,
a
but
“I knew in my heart of hearts that work
was
just too hard for her,”
Elisabeth formally retired
he says. In 2003,
at
this disease in the last
ally begins,
virtually impossible
the
age 62.
Elisabeth
part of what
now
epidemiologistshave officially labeled
epidemic.
an
Americans
A quarter
the
are
most recent
hoping that
boomers will
a
under
read
like
Alzheimer’s
seconds,
spinal
when it is
develop the disease
approach one
way
well:
up
already progressing.
genetic?
causing Alzheimer’s disease?
Is it environmental? How do
it? There
are
described
no
by
German
Alzheimer back in
psychiatrist
1906, today
form of dementia:
common
we
comforting answers.
a
Is it
most
degenerative
body
often remain
and
strong
can
while the mind
frequently
ous,
slowly deteriorates.
used
and cruel. David Schalk
the years that the
loid
to
the
according
10
determine
Yale
SPRING
-
in the brain that
Marchesi, a professor
University,
2009
details
are
and
“We don’t
early
a
New
compounds
and vaccines
are
in the
pipeline. But the brain is notoriously difficult
to
study, and
progress is
There has been
no
painstakingly slow.
“eureka” moment, and to
drug available
no
this disease. The
is bound
Future
to
yield
generations may
generation will
have
The handful
to
can
stop
optimistic view
that with so much research
thing
that
a
going on, somepositive
be in
rely
is
on
hope.
of medications
currently
available do little more than temporarily slow
going
much
disease
but
on
being
is
the
care-
to
reach the painful conclu-
that he could not take
a
day,
days
seven
on
this
a
of
week.
analyze
he delved into books and arti-
topic
far from his field. He
so
comfort in
particular
as
care
goal,” he
harmonious as
comfortable
as
book about
a
called The 36-Hour
Day.
told me, “is
as
to
unpainful as
possible, as peace-
possible;
but I also
know that if I devote every hour of that 36hour
day to looking after her, I will fail.”
Schalks
The
sought the
advice of social
worker Cynthia Epstein
York
role
was
ence.”
to
help
Epstein
success
are
is
both
so
her
experi-
managing
caregiving.”
lucky in that, although they
profoundly sad, neither
particularly
says
difficult medically,
informed
are
Center.
from what she calls “nu-
comes
The Schalks
“process the
says that because
anced, sensitive,
the New
dementia, she
them
Alzheimer’s disease is
the
at
Medical
University
An expert in aging and
result.
luck, but this
cannot
bouts of breast
historian trained to research and
hypotheses put to work,
the world.
remember.”
“magic pill,”
make Elisabeth’s existence
news releases
over
two
patient,
“My fundamental
Theories
being tested
or
science and research into
the
on
on
caregiving
literally hundreds of studies.
both in this country and all
do
This is where the story becomes about
found
website
over
of Alzheimer’s is
not
information,
Association
or reverse
with brain function. But
Vincent
pathology at
VASSAR
to
the Alzheimer’s
date there is
buildup of what are called amy-
gradually interfere
of
cause
plaques and tangles
to
Elisabeth
than cancer.
worse
Scientists have been able
linked
Adjectives
“evil, nagging presence.”
believes it is
healthy
describe it include insidi-
to
unforgiving,
calls it an
personalities. The
on
there will be another
with Alzheimer’s
ful and
through the archived
do,
that
the last decade. Cancer patients
cutting-edge
possible, as
A scroll
one
to
generallyexcluded from drug trials.
cles
Alois
disease of the brain that ultimately robs its victims of their memories and
As
you can.”
stop
he]
be able
to
in any of the clinical trials
his wife 24 hours
long as
as
used
because she has had
sion
on
“If the
little while and does
cannot
person
participate
a
power-
says.
A further frustration: Elisabeth
giver.
First
it is the
thing the
a
intellectually and rationally
David, who had
to the person
tick-
a
fairly soon afterward
living
you have
to hold
ing time bomb.
What’s
[she
know
or
In the absence of that
away the person,
so
for
patient plateaus
thing that
for
eventually outsmarts
of irreversibility,” David
sense
focused
develops
ticking sound,
disease that
on
disease steals
33 seconds.” The idea of diagnoses marked in
conjures
only reveal the disease
help
the best medication. “There is
of the
“Every 71
a
this is
ful
to
Alzheimer’s experts
many
say,
time; but,
one
dietary supplement.
a
they seemed
as
“Alzheimer’s
disease,” it says; but by mid-cen-
a
David says that
even
of the newest
successful drugs to date: Razadyne,
Namenda, and Foltx,
battery of tests, imagingscans,
a
most
you
tools for
taking a cocktail
beth Schalk is
and
are
tury, “someone will develop Alzheimer’s every
seconds
can
marker, perhaps
most accurate
taps that
expresses
in America
someone
and he
early detection
as
million. The
site
as
up,
ten
the inexorable progress of the disease. Elisa-
cancer over
scenario: Ten mil-
Association
these statistics another
Alzheimer’s
diagnosisare
and
of
to
Alzheimer’s disease in its in-
Currently, the
fancy.
most
a
million new cases every year; by 2050,
that number will
to treat
begin five
ever show
blood
—a
might show
almost
year 2010, there will be
they age. By the
half
are
some sort
developed
that
actually
before symptoms
actu-
statistics from
Association
Alzheimer’s
baby
5.2 million
half a million of them
to a
doomsday science-fiction
lion
as
living withAlzheimer’s disease.
The
age of 65.
the
As many
it and when it
Marchesi says, that
possible,
could
process
years
is
be
Schalk is
yet without
triggers
it is
where
understanding
decade,
knowing what
effective. It is
and new technology became overwhelm-
ing.
been made toward
or
patients early, when therapies might be
sophisticated comput-
eventually, David says,
ers
highly intel-
have found that
Elisabeth is
angry.
situation with great
and
grace
is the word David
uses to
one
of them
handling her
bravery;
valor
describe it. And
David,
his
as
students
friends, colleagues, and
is
know,
a
patient and gentle soul
who has the worldview of
“Angerfor
can have a
positive purpose
he says. “But if I am angry
head
your
seling, she always invites
banging
wall.”
She
anger.
set
system of
cate
where it
coun-
it as
sees
Both emotions
situation,
In the
as
the
ing and
day-to-day lives,
the
a
still be
seen.
impact any
an
cam-
way
on
You Tube,
The Schalks
are
cannot
they can.
be left alone. She has trouble
things we all take for granted, like
of tea
or setting the right
in the shower. Once
she
can no
tells
David
two
were
cleaning up
years ago, he and Elisabeth
melancholy song played
“You take the
a
gets
to
road,”
be
again
on
Lomond.”
Schalks
because
collapse
longer navigate the
New
into
dislikes.
called
they would
never
and
did
pursue
his
do
treat
them
their
much
awareness
or
But
raise
was
ing with it
as
York Times. David
the disease
more
“high-
Ronald Reagan’s
case
mainstream consciousness.
Away from
Her
attention:
nominated for
an
even
At this
me
a
does all the
now
cooking.
pointin our conversation David tells
modestly,
“I’m
a
fairly decent cook”
which makes Elisabeth
big smile, “You’re
times, flashes
a
wonderfulcook!
”
ment,
Some-
as
images
Michele
Academy
of her old self rise
to
the surface.
sons
son,” David says, “so you have
to
hold
on to
of Elisabeth
Muir's
photo
portrayal
of
toiling away
It is still
derstood.
Early
traveled
Albany,
to
support group
to
could argue that
the
one
blessing of
a woman
suffer-
in loneliness and
the
person
the Schalks
the
as
long
are
things they
as
you can.” Inthat
determined
still love.
continue
spirit,
their
to
do
They see friends,
go
to
on
stigmatized
in her
and misun-
illness, Elisabeth
New York, with her local
lobby lawmakers for
more
to
movies, enjoy
art
greatest regret is that
and
concerts. Their
they
can
no
longer
travel, something they had long planned
do
once
to
800.872.0994
or
are
part of
71 Seconds:
Muir, whose father has
open
and how
For
they
June 20 with
a
cope.
more
An
reception
The exhibit will
Poughkeepsie.
con-
information, call
845.471.7477.
Kaledin 'B4 is
working
Prior to that she
CBS
"Every
stages of the disease and caregivers,
through July.
sion anchor
©
and David Schalk
relationships
exhibit of her work will
tinue
mo-
disease, has been spending time with per-
in various
exploring
live in the
to
essay
Memories of Alzheimer's."
Elizabeth
anonymity.
between
trust
the past can’t be remembered and the
future can’t be imagined.
The
perk up and add, with
“Alzheimer’s disease steals away the per-
Julie
disease. But most families deal-
are
one
people
as
at Mill Street Loft in
ing from the
deep
power with which it forces
Hollywood paying
Award for her
and
Maybe
looming toll,
movie called
Christie
tolerate
this dreadful disease is the
illnesses.
recent
had
way
says. Elisabeth
maybe it’s better that way.
Alzheimer's
A
a
since
observing the profound
them,
about Alzheimer’s disease
broughtit into the
them in
upsetting conversations.
love
not
haven’t
about what’s
to
longer
can no
remains in the shadows of other
profile”
Schalks
then, David
to treat
Despite its
can.
about
philosophical
the
dignity.
to
porch,
happening
In addition, the Schalks
have decided
front
long talk
really spoken
such would take
as
away
are
a
The
that people with
children, and that
the
on
their lives.
a
great respect.
Alzheimer’s disease
marriage.
it would mean for the rest of
concerts,
dancing, and
the
Elisabeth’s illness and what
facility,
been
over
they made coffee,
and had
regressing, Epstein em-
they
regularly
Then
caregivers there
picnics,
phasizes
honeymoon in
45 years of their
Although their abilities may
be
their
on
intri-
both of them.
patients with
they re-
again walk along the
that David
Daybreak, has
arrange
embrace,
1964, and have continued
But the
The trained
the
banks of the Seine together—something they
how much she
godsend for
tearful
a
of Loch
that moment, David
says,
at
sharply communi-
cates to me
Scotland
made
instantly
song
“daycare center,” a
term she
to
bonny, bonny banks
The
temper-
lifelong “news
the
sat
an
adult
I’lltake the low
high road, and
interests. She attends
own
dinner, when a
the radio. It was
caregiving
so
break
on
the song goes, “and I’ll get
to
for Elisabeth
after
the old Scottish ballad called “Loch Lomond.”
alized
a
heartbreaking story about
a
how,
before you, and me and
true love will never
my
meantime, Elisabeth is no longerdriv-
making a cup
junkie,”
similar
a
the
DC. The video has had
thousand views
can
with simple
ature
an
up
than
making
that in her
produced by
Alzheimer’s Association for
more
alternative is denial.
Schalks have
and
David)
disease that is
in this
To cope with their
from
at a
“the other side of sadness.”
inescapable
mony
paign in Washington,
like
Her poignant plea was
videotaped (along with equally moving testi-
positive goal,”
unstoppable, it’s
against a stone
funding and publicity.
or a
Still, Cynthia Epstein says
seem
intellectual:
an
sentiment is useful when it
me as a
incurable and
former
was
currently
a
journalist
for NYI News
the
and televi-
in New York
City.
medical correspondent for the
Evening News.
they retired.
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
11
Clockwise
and
from
top left: Summer's-Grace Green '09, Professor
Chair of Africana Studies Ismail Rashid, Rachel Tetteh 'It,
Professor
of Sociology
Studies Lizabeth
Diane
Harriford, Professor of Hispanic
Paravisini-Gebert, llena Robbins '09,
Kyle
Nelson '09, Professor of Africana Studies Tagreed Al-Haddad
Smith
Jim
12
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
MAKING HISTORY
40 YEARS OF
AFRICANA STUDIES AT VASSAR
BY
Africana
The
Studies
Program
at
comes at a
this
year.
It’s
a
person of African descent
with guest lectures from
far away
as
versity
in
campus.
as
moment,
begins
United States. Celebrations
from
milestone that
pivotal historical
to
began in the fall
leading
scholars
Cheikh Anta Diop Uni-
Senegal addressing students
The festivities will continue
hibition in the
College
program
students
a
lead the
on
through
the end of 2009, culminating with an
The
as
art ex-
past four
decades, creating
community for many students of color and
fostering
ics
an
through
curriculum.
of Vassar’s
understanding of racial dynama
rigorous, multidisciplinary
(Africana
Studies is the oldest
multidisciplinary programs.
college currently offers twelve
ing
the
nitive
culture, cog-
and international
Professor Joyce Bickerstaff
sion of Africana Studies
alize
in total, includ-
programs in American
science,
The
once
was to
studies.)
a
SANDERS
While there will
that the
a more
college
diverse
a
range of disciplines.
always remain
room
acknowledges
has made progress in
hiring
faculty and recruiting diverse
students. He also
notes
that “we have
good cooperative relations
with
very
other
Africana Studies and Women’s Studies
port Sistah
girls
to
sup-
Power!, a mentorship program
who live in
Poughkeepsie.
Other
academic collaborators have included the his-
tory, film, art, and Hispanic studies
ments, all of which have
faculty
to
teach
or
Africana Studies, or
with us,”
Rashid
cross-list
a
reach, Africana
part of
Stud-
groundbreaking
endeavors like the Green Haven Prison Program,
led
by Professor
Lawrence
Mamiya. The
“institution-
oppor-
tunity to
learn about life
on
an
the outside of
intellectual and cultural traditions of the
African-American and the African Dias-
in structured
students
workshops designed by Mamiya.
“The Africana Studies Program helped
make Vassar
more
Spare Life.
Thomas was
diverse,
and it
brought in
one of
several students who participated in a student
protest that
was
partly responsible for
lege’s sustained support of what
the col-
was
then
called the Black Studies Program.
Black-studies programs nationwide have
a
history tied
to
student protests in the wake
of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr.
others
vate
in 1968. Vassar’s program
were also
starting
universities,such
as
up
at
began as
public and pri-
San Francisco State
in the fall of 1968 and Cornell in 1969.
early
as
the fall of
Faculty
1967,”
Nell Eurich
December 1969 issue of this
provides
being
memoir God
co-sponsored programs
says.
author of the
orthopedic surgeon and
“As
soon-to-be released prisoners with
director, says that that mission is
black
of the
courses
backgrounds,” says
Claudia Lynn Thomas ’7l, the country’s first
with
Further extending its
ies has also been
depart-
“generously released
said the mis-
Ismail Rashid, the program’s
students from all ethnic
programs,” and cites the alliance between
prison by communicatingwith Vassar
pora.” Professor
for
Green Haven Pre-Release Center
within the Vassar curriculum the
current
'00
racially and academically di-
faculty drawn from
further advancement, Rashid
for
Center.
has been transformative for
over the
fulfilled with
verse
Vassar celebrates its 40th anniversary
JOSHUNDA
sar
students
more
were
then-Dean
wrote
in the
magazine, Vas-
beginning to organize for
black-oriented
courses
on
campus.
“The Students’ Afro-American Society (SAS)
held informal
seminars,” Eurich wrote, “and
prepared bibliographic materials which they
hoped would lead
Dr. Thomas
the
formal class offerings.”
to
was one
SAS, which
was
of the first members of
Vassar’s first black
stu-
dent
organization. The SAS devised
help
create community for the few black
students
on
campus.
(In
VASSAR
plans to
the fall of 1969,
SPRING
-
2009
13
Thomas
memoir, there were 42
in her
says
black students
Vassar
at
During the winter
mittee
of a
out
for
ering “a proposal
an
wrote
in her
or
velopment of
a
new
studies in a range
that
year,
tional
of
Eric
scholars,
Hodges, and
the
to
cre-
black
departments. In April
an
a
center
cultural
for black
center
or
African-American descent. “The
[came in] knowing about
cessful in whatever you decided
that
important than just taking
more
he said. “There
classes,”
would
study.
argue
But that
was
were
a
of
know, so
therefore you
had
to
battle. You
don’t
inline
ought to be first
The Urban Black Studies Center
’B2,
had
now an
an
early impact on Ed
was
a
Pittman
he and his friends
there
to
play and
Vassar students
“They
minibus that
October 31, 1969, article from the New York Post covering the
takeover of Vassar's Main Building.
budget
on
activities, according
the history of the black experience at Vas-
sar
written
by psychiatrist June Jackson
Christmas ’45-4 for the
this magazine. By the
of these
to
Spring
summer
1988 issue of
of 1969, many
proposals were officially on their
way
being realized.
now the
Africana Studies Program, the Urban
Black Studies
Center, opened in
the fall of
1969 in a storefront in downtown Poughkeepsie.
Professor
black,
Inside
Fierce, the
first
colleges
were
October 22,1969,
of the program’s foundational prin-
VASSAR
were also other
SPRING
-
2009
important aspects
differing estimates, from
in
to
“about
sym-
days
of meetings and negotiations, the protest
ended peacefully, with amnesty for all
dents involved.
letter
act
or
Simpson wrote
all
sent to
alumnae,
of the black students
encouragement
was a
make it
(“We want to
to
in
a
November 4
“that no word
gave
or
the least threat
their part-
violence
of
stu-
clear,”
an
immaculate
daisies.”)
The vice
faculty
presi-
“had signed
mind that there
ted the college “to fulfilling most of the nine
culture
he
the
was
which I
to
says.
1969-70
agreement,” Simpson wrote, that commit-
requests which the students had made.”
“Now the black studies
ular part of the
courses
curriculum,”
academic year, Black
“not
Studies
the students
one cause to
gram would
not
under-
was
but due
not
as an
to
its
“experi-
necessarily en-
“The overall
pace
slow for students
students,
and universities
justan ‘experiment,’
a
will be
a
reg-
Eurich wrote,
word which
gave
fear that their pro-
be continued.”
Maybelle Bennett ’7O, now director
of the
Howard
University CommunityAssociation,
was one
of the students who
the takeover of Main
participated
Building.
She
in
was
a
senior and in charge of cutting off communication
at
the
college’s switchboard.
Whileshe
across
Milfred Fierce, first director of Vassar's Black
a state
of
unrest.
On
Studies Program
the SAS
administration,
Thomas writes in God
They presented President
ter
that included
a
Alan
President
Spare Life.
Simpson a let-
list of nine demands, and
deadline of three business
Thomas says, that
ciples, there
the country —gave
[fallowing established guidelines for griev-
fundamentals of getting
good education
the
the
an
representatives of
ance.
a
at
bols cemented in my
with members of the
ances,”
a
(Newspapers
occupationmade headlines across
dent, and the dean of the
in her article. Vassar’s black
at
on
was
little happening,” Dr. Christmas
director of the
while the
program, said that
werepart
14
Milfred
saw too
the country,
“
barri-
women
chairman of the board of trustees, the
implementation
met
One of the earliest incarnations of what is
black
masks and other
it was
program,
like many
the
made
pig
burned in
the first floor of Main
over
Building. Thirty-four
time
a
was
center, “the African
ongoing funding.
wrote
protest
morning of October 30,
bouquet
was too
who
the
Main,
status
of
on
students took
ing souvenir,
way,
article
effigy.) Early
pillowcases,
recalls.
In
to an
of stuffed
when they left
belonged,”
for
out
and green,” Pittman
a
sured
administration, represented by
President
arrived
painted red,
a
a
Times.) After three
a
counselor; and
held
gone, students
in front of Alumnae House in which Vassar’s
Daily News
in the afternoons.
black
three-day deadline
35” in the New York
meet
operative housing; a
were
says,
block from where Pittman
grew
center was a
mental”
the
32 in the New York
up;
African-Americans; black co-
process that he
associate dean of the college. The
went
would focus on
and
and
president,
SAS, Thomas
(Before
caded themselves inside.
broaden your own horizons.”
place that
come
—a
take months.”
The members of
was
who
people
our
projected “would
“incensed.”
nothing there
was
part
do
the vice
dean,
suc-
bunch of
make that argument because you
only
to
that there
be
to
to
“with the
various committees”
history
your own
and yourself and the building blocks
of
number of addi-
urban
on-campus
an
announced
classes related
students made
proposals:
studies;
black
two
C. Lincoln and Norman
eight
approved the de-
college also
appointment of
ation of
black studies,”
multidisciplinaryprogram in
black studies.” The
the
began consid-
article; by February of
1969, she said, “the faculty
of the curriculum, particularly for students of
African
confidence, motivation, and inspiration that
interdepartmental
minor in social minorities
Eurich
1,600.)
of 1968, Vassar’s Com-
Curricular Policies
on
total of
days for compli-
Simpson wrote a
letter
“expressed no
back,
intention
of meeting our deadline,” and recommended
instead that the SAS continue is discussions
Libraies
Colege
Vas ar
Colections,
Special
felt that takeovers like the
in was “one of
participated
contributions”
colleges all
generation’s
over, she said that the
strength
their
son
offerings. The religion department, Nel-
points out, has offered classes
at
including Yoruba
of
of Africa and the African
Program would not have
commitment from
possible without “a
Vassar
that she
African-Americans
to
the Africana Studies
been
one
our
Black
ogy of
proud of
At
time when
of the 450
many
Africana- and black-studies
to
diaspora, respec268: Sociol-
Religion
Religion.
depart-
forum for intellectual candor, Brew-Ham-
mond says. “I felt comfortable
opinions and trading
without
are
the college’s continued commitment
professors’ role
helping students understand the
global
in
con-
are
students,”
like how
faculty
to
responsive
Vassar’s
well. In the 2008-09 academic
year,
on
there
Over
majors,
program
ent
as a
and
students chose the
seven
correlate
or
Africana studies courses,
Africana studies
to
the
away from
speak
interests while
lenging
who took
a
them
to
trips to
amazing
educational
killed. We also
moments
where four little
were
gone, and in fact
sified ads in
Kyle
major,
papers
to
reminded
Nelson ’O9,
a
were
“was
not
girls
were
that
trip
were
placing clasmembers.”
presented a
he
says.
After he
taught in
at
truthful
European his-
graduates,
hopes to “expand the scope
tive of what is
or
very
Nelson
and the
perspec-
American schools
man,
to
Bickerstaff,
who
faculty
tain number of
and
are
program
departmental
tenured faculty members
on
new
attain
some, like Ismail
that the
Africana Studies has four
white Africana studies
representation of American
live,
Rasha
believes that before he arrived
Vassar, he
tory,”
still
recruit
all
that stood
that hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan
not
we
eventually
church in Birmingham that was the site of the
bombing
in which
Rashid, express hope
an
for me,” says Hamid, “was visiting the
1963
text
South, was
experience for
Hamid ’97. “One of the
out
Metropolis:
class in which
the
in addition
Mamiya
contracted
to
professor
Lisa Collins and
ies
professor
Lizabeth Paravisini-Gebert.
Rashid
Hispanic stud-
points out that the number of white
students who major or take correlates in the
program
changes
from
year
to
to
be African
or
Nana Brew-Hammond
African-American.
’9B,
Ghanaian American who
a
first-generation
majoredin Africana
studies with a concentration inAfrican-American
only
ies 354:
one
course on
he
sees
role in
African politics
Africana Studies
have
more
expanded,
playing a bigger
perpetuating diversity
his opinion, other
porate
as
on
campus; in
departments should
incor-
Africana studies classes into
year,
but the
majority of students participating in the program tend
favorites of his have included Africana Stud-
Longman’s
a cer-
art
politics,
says
she felt
empowered
one of the few spaces where she
and Video and Professor Tim
teach
in the program, like
courses
adds that while the
Contemporary African Photography
status.
Rashid, Long-
Africana studies classes because
offerings
will
jointly appointed,
and prioritized by administrations.” Nelson
program
pointed
offerings
have
ings
on
America,
narrowly
time, the Chronicle of Higher
black student in
who had her
on
out
in
2005
a
and
ar-
expanded
reflect
to
a
a more
a
they
was
“not the
classroom.” As
own
in her
created
some-
“assumptions and
tural and
areas,”
to more
crop of courses
ignorance.” A class “led
by
a
shed my
Caribbean pro-
fessor” with fellow students
“hailing from
America, the Caribbean, and Africa”
created
“We also have
says.
the
at
these
a
good
of the curriculum
core
that bring out the organic connections between
these various
nections with the
regions,
Summer’s-Grace Green
with Kyle Nelson
’O9, serves
majors committee,
and their
con-
of the world.”
rest
’O9, who, along
on
the
program’s
hopes the celebrations for
the 40th anniversary of the Africana Studies
Program will send
body about the
a
events
decade it
next
long “legacy of
celebratory
the student
to
message
program’s importance, so
that well into the
from
a
students.”
draw
can
Upcoming
include: the 30th Anniver-
sary Conference for the Green Haven Prison
Program, during which
ment
New York
Lischer will
speak
at
the Aula
the Africana Studies 40th
with a
on
April
subsequentfaculty seminar
Professor Eva
Woods-Piero; and
at
17
Con-
to
offered
an
19,
by
exhibi-
Vassar,” scheduled
to
©
Joshunda Sanders 'OO is
a
writer and
Austin, Texas. She has been
at Vassar,
April 4;
Anniversary
ference and Reunion from
junior
Depart-
of Corrections Commissioner Brian
open October 28.
Gray’s African-
courses
political perspectives of
Rashid
Hammond
says that “Obika
Caribbean, in
traditional
black America, “bring out the cul-
tion titled “Africana
politics class helped me
Rashid. Course offer-
says
prejudices about African-Americans,” BrewAmerican
now,
balance of
good
very
Africa and the
addition
Professor Norman Hodges (left)
intellectually.
students took field
time,
same
initially focused
courses,”
on
simultaneously chal-
a
programs that
the
global perspective. “Right
we
them and their
Africana Studies 330: Black
Like
college.”
the American black experience.
their
kind of home
Caste and Class in
the
changed their names
or who were
home, offering classes
that
topics
as
dynamic
a
ticle, black-studies programs have
majors, have referred
program
and
Education
minor. Pres-
students
past
build
to
the needs of students,
to
around
began
twelve Africana studies
challenges,
new
similar black-studies
Vassar’s program is still alive and
and
“We
says,
harness the wealth of talent of our
faculty,
theirrelevance in academia,
prove
myself in
to censor
evolves, Rashid
and continue
program
voicing my
lively debates
she adds.
constantly faced with
flagging and continually seeking
were
ideas in
feeling pressure
front of white
As the program
Africana Studies and its
to
a
around the country
ments
are
religions
While students and administrators
College.”
a
and Santeria
and cross-lists
tively
topics
on
Her work
a
journalist living
reporter
has
since she
appeared
in
was
in
a
several
anthologies, encyclopedias, and textbooks.
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
15
beyondvassar
Operatic Behavior
From Chuck Jones's
Opera!
take
on
our
to the lowbrow.
the old
singer
go
culture, from
give "Ridi,
can
but how in the world
How does an
pro?
aspiring
was
possible
and
we were
free
to
discover ourselves.”
her freshman year,
studying
Aspen Music Festival.
she
as
get started?
even
anything
Brillembourggot hooked the
Anyone
college try
actually
does someone
Rents
to
Wagner
,
Pagliaccio!"
opera
on
La Scheme opera saturates
highbrow
the
spin
says,
a
the
profession
course:
thing
singing.”
together
ful alumna had
the
class,
that I loved most,
Back in
her
Poughkeepsie,
operatic
own
German. “And
given
Metropolitan Opera
a
to
crash
part of my
students,”
she
things have been
was,
member of the ensemble
ater, where she sang
to
Continued
clearly
wonderthe
preparation for being
singer.” Brillembourg
in Carmen
one
subscription to
Vassar
“All these various
says.
is
at
a master
English literature, drama, acting, art
history, French,
a
voice
after
“I had the realization that I could do
music and
she put
During
summer
at
for
an
many years,
the Bremen The-
everything from
Marguerite in
the lead
Berlioz’s Faust.
study—a lifetime of study, even
crucial.
(Between productions,
“I still take lessons whenever I
can,” Brillem-
bourg says.) After graduating, Azrieli spent
BiSliBSSjL
mmMi.
year
at
a
opera
the Manhattan School of Music;
a
later,
she got into Juilliard (after three auditions
Soprano Alizon
buffs, began by
opera
chorus
years
old. “It
own
was a
was
about nine
magical introduction
says. “I was hooked.”
world;
separate
friends that she’d
if she
just been
in
ask,
bragged
Kanawa,
says,
and
“‘Who?’”
gift
that
Hull was
study?
to
you
analyze
use
an
Soprano Sharon
Vassar,
and
though at
art
in your
analysis
she
with an
time, she
caught the bug
a
cappella
says,
of ‘do this
after her
junior year, she
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2
a
of
says).
’Bl, on the other hand,
history. She studied
sang
the
Azrieli
English
literature is
everything, including opera scores,”
majored in
master
as a
009
voice
at
or
die’
spent
a
yet.”
But
summer
in
I found
Bechi.”
She
opera,”
she says. “I credit that
with
changing my
Vassar is
“I
“absolutely
not a
come an
opera
fell in love with
When she
strong
was
conservatory;
says
mezzo
not
us to
be
was a
Night Owls and
“The
feeling
with private voice teachers in New York,
were
music
the
be-
soprano
MarthicklesPo©27
was a
she says. “It
me
major,
feel free
'B2;
same
a
even
interest.
member of
Madrigal Singers, and
classical music show
at
deter-
Juilliard, and her work
individuals,” a push
freedom,”
if none of her friends shared the
a
was so
somewhere else.”
very open place, and it made
the host of
study
at
“because
pursue my love of classical music”
the
”).
says. “I
years,” she
Ffer
nevertheless,
Brillembourg ’B2,
that included “artistic
was a
three
experience
in Poughkeepsie, “there
push for
“yes,
mined!
whole life’s direction.”
singer,”
Fredrika Rhodie
to
myself
always felt that it was possible for me to
Brillembourg
group
she “hadn’t
yet
fluke,
class with the great baritone Gino
I went to Vassar and
one
major (“Learning
great
Florence. “Almost
in a
to
show with
a
people would just shrug,” she
What does
16
to
Opera was
Luciano Pavarotti and Kiri Te
“most
were
singing in the children’s
the Met when she
at
opera,” she
its
Hull ’9l, whose parents
on WVKR.
that time,” she says, “was that
where she really prepared for the life of a professional
singer. Azrieli, based
recently played
Turandot;
in
Montreal,
Liu in the New Israel
she has also
Opera’s
played Juliette
in the
Brilembourg
Rhodie
Fredrika
of
Courtesy
beyondvassar
Frances
Spotlighting
Canadian
Opera Company’sRomeo
et
Juliette,
among many other roles.
Hull also studied
Manhattan School
at the
of Music, where she got her master’s
her husband Giovanni
She,
their
degree.
five-year-old daughter, Camilla,
live in Washington, DC. Giovanni is
ductor for the
Alizon
be
“You
a con-
is
one
easy
spent
on
be resolved
must
one.
National
ordinarily, an
an
the
opera
Hull says;
road,
life in a suitcase.”
to
singer, all agree,
opera
Hull’s boss
at
the
is
not
Washington
Opera, Placido Domingo,
has
a
motto, she says: “If you rest, you rust.” The
job
“is the hardest
place
be
to
enormous, the
Azrieli says. “The pressure is
competition crazy,
“We live
the
expectations so high!
by the fees that
make for
we
performances,” Brillembourg says,
judged only by
are
our
out?
“caught
the
our
“and
in the
the Boston
at
to
but
the
film
path
been
circuitous,”
or
career
she
says,
traditional
path.”
okay
Enu is
her second bachelor’s
to
be
was narrow as a
tightrope, so
wouldn’t dare try
walking
a non-
that the timid
—but
maybe
the opera is already that daunting? “I’m
sure
I would
pursue
like
any
it,”
encourage
says Hull
other
Thomas
too
many
“unless, of
life, you must.”
Hopkins
©
not
others
Obies, and
two
stage, you
on
or as
alum
Jon Tenney
Carter’s
recently she
Closer, also
to
a career
a
been
Drama
into
peers,
sar
to
accept
a
or
visited and
for
Sternhagen.
Vassar
Vassar,
to
be
and her
inspiring.
as an actor
have
we are
all
so
community is now celebrating them,”
Heissan.
her
pleased that the Vas-
Sternhagen spent
two
days
adds
on cam-
meeting with drama majors, lecturing
in
classes, and performing an all-campus reading.
“I
am so
touched and thrilled with this
amazing honor,”
she
nitely
slowing down
at
this
says.
(as
“My career is defi-
am
I!),
so to
be
recog-
pointin this way is humbling.”
©
Samantha Soper ’9l
six. Vassar is close
well; she
request from
the college.
and
’B4.
husband Thomas
family of
as
for
profession,
recognized by audiences, critics, and
in the performing arts,
Sternhagen’s heart
her craft and her
Her remarkable achievements
forget her as Bunny
£R? Most
on
Sternhagen and her late
is
always
Read
a
hagen
2001 VQfeature interview with Frances Stern-
'5l online at www.aavc.vassar.edu.
She has
performed readings
many
times
over
the
recently as part of
inaugural celebration
to
course,
of
President Catharine Hill.
my
that the stage
on it
can
just about acting
While forging
AAVC is
proud
honor such
artist. In
that
an
it,
too,
esteemed
February, Sternhagen
accepted the
AAVC Award for
Distinguished Achievement,
honoring an alumna
nus
famously wished
her
garnered
Awards Committee found Frannie’s dedica-
nized
has
University of
the
on
the TV show The
seen on
years, most
currently working
at
has
at
helped
pursue
missed her
television. Who
family matriarch
this time in voice.
Maryland
Goethe
but Vassar
Miss T. Muse
and she hasn’t
MacDougalon Sex and the City,
can
her realize “that it was
on
operatic
an
two
pus
says
time, and
me some
pursuit of
to
as
always enjoya Sternhagenperformance
can
something
majored in science, technology,
and society. “It took
1955
of Our Teeth
eigner. But in case you
quick
do.” Enu took voice lessons
Wash-
Steel Magnolias, Equus, and The For-
Seascape,
the
Vassar,
career at
looked back. Other Broadway credits include
at
I needed
Tonys,
Broadway
ongoing affection
Broadway in
on
in The Skin
her class
was
acting
got
serious about music. “I realized what my
“singing professionally
and off
debuted
University Tan-
she
on
two
we
of 1996,
spirit had been telling me for years,”
audience’s attention anymore. Ffer
an
tion
just
school, that she
under-
an
’5l doesn’t need
Sternhagen
ington, DC’s Arena Stage in the mid-fifties. She
Institute. But it wasn’t until 2005,
after having finished law
her
Sternhagen started
to
glewood
as
the American Theatre Hall of Fame.
Carlin raised
studying voice
accolades:
numerous
But it isn’t
summer
compete for
to
starring fellow
someone
actress, Frances
list of acting roles
long
can
Chinwe Enu ’Ol
Soprano
bug”
”
last shows.”
Where does this all leave
starting
earth!”
on
“shameless scene-stealer”
self-proclaimed
graduate
'51
Desks; the honor of the Helen Hayes Tribute; induction
Washington National Opera;
settled
The life of
an
now
sings in the chorus. They are happy to
relatively
career
and
Reggioli,
A
Sternhagen
est
or
alum-
who has reached the
level in her
only
has
her
noteworthy,
such
or
high-
his field. “Not
acting been
but it has been of
consistently high quality
throughout
ing career,”
a
vast
and continu-
Alumsays AAVC
nae/i Recognition Chair
Heissan
’B7.
“The
Joseph
AAVC
t
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
17
beyondvassar
The Phil Griffin Show
2008 Phil Griffin ’79
July
In
was
named
of
president
MSNBC, the network where he’s worked since its
launch in 1996. He returned
November 18,2008,
Mr. Griffin kindly took
with the
Quarterly
schedule got
a
few minutes
to
chat
before his back-to-back
in a talk
underway, culminating
Sanders Hall titled “Politics and the Media
at
in 2008.” We discussed
Phil
a
Donahue, the O.J. Simpsontrial,
Maddow’s meteoric
whether
or not
shark”
the
rise,
Fox News has
was
the lessons I learned
Rachel
n’t
change
So
“jumped the
to
eager
his time in Poughkeepsie.
we're
But
all those issues of
greed, deceit, lust, power—ldeal
are so
with it
every
curious to
hear
end
lish
riculum,”
happy
lish
who
will
be
very
to hear
you say that.
always
scary
when
you’re
said,
“Screw
Did
it,
PG:
way
Oh, good,
let’s talk about that. That
stuff and
great
about it.”
I can’t get into trouble.
not
talk
I
somebody is, because
PG: I was
car
that’s important
English major. Shakespeare.
an
English
an
served
VQ: Who did you
cur-
good experience the
was
fantastic.
at
on
you have any favorite
campus?
the
Mug.
Eng-
in col-
Main,
which
was
room
on
second floor. It had the
Fm gonna read
got
so
one
of them. I lived
I loved the widow’s walk
on
top
my senior year in
the
corner
on
the
high windows. The
much light. I used
to run
all
over
hope
you're in
did you study here?
a
in the
the
I’m
Now,
great
Vassar? What
I had
at
designing the next
VQ: How did you get to the world
now from
no.
Well, the Mug was
room
PG:
but
City. But
I looked
“Oh,
of Main. I loved my
an
major! You think you just had fun
You
New York
day I came up. And George
VQ:
definitely some Eng-
majors
to
I could say
spots
lege.
about your Vassar days.
relatively close
valuable. I would-
thing.
a
VQ; There's
PG: It’s
VQ:
through doing it. Obviously Fm
reading Shakespeare every night now.
question of
but what we were really
hear about
I picked it up
day. All those lessons
number of topics
on
AAVC’s Executive-in-Residence.
as
not
the Vassar campus
to
but
degree
well.
me
study with?
VQ:
PG; Eamon Grennan. Is he still here?
Why
did you
choose Vassar?
VQ: He retired
a
few years ago.
But he's still around.
PG : Love him. You know
tonight
as an
English degree?
”
are you
speare.
leg
of
no
and
know how
up
with
better under-
And Ireally do think that’s
once
you
to
most
given me a
human
you understand
understand the
understanding human
pick
going to do
of human behavior than Shake-
up. Because
nature
this
But I
Look: there’s no
say,
better background, there’s
standing
say
English major,people will al-
ways ask you, “What
an
and I’ll
nature
importance
then
deal with
everyone. You
other stuff.
Coming
VASSAR
know, I was
thinking
about
coming up here today.
I
met
with first
great. He
was
he
place.
He
admissions
was
passion-
And
ate.
this
loved
was
Crowell,
think
his
was
an
officer
George
was
name.
I
He
justinspiring. And
then I saw the
can
out
that
Life’s funny. The
guy
you
campus,
1
of
school, I didn’t fully understand business, but
18
PG: You
and I liked the
and
'1
campus,
I wanted
to
be
Schuster
Gabriel
SPRING
-
2009
beyondvassar
Sighting
Maria Mitchell
campus
there
—
I’m
a runner
a
study, and
to
that
town
there
go out
was
bottle of wine late
into
about the
something sweet
was
and the hill. I used
and
and I do think
—
the
place you’d take
night.
at
lake,
and read,
I used
to
walk
what was the bar?
—
VQ: The Dutch?
PG: The Dutch! The Dutch
liked the communal
could
you
go
on a
cold night. I
atmosphereof ACDC, that
in and find 50
people that you
could sit with. I loved the bookstore
The bookstore is where I hung
VQ: One final
ever
be
question:
Vassar
a
out
as
every
well.
day.
Will there
alum
in
the
White House?
Yeah! Why not? Look, the beauty of
PG:
the election of Obama is that for the first time
in
a
time I think
long
body
can
to
grow up
everybody feels
be President. I know
that’s what we’ve always
we
fight
wars,
any-
said, and that’s
but I’m not
sure
why
everybody
believed it. But nobody else could have done
Last fall, the Smithsonian Institution's Na-
lunch counter, famous for its significance in
tional Museum of American
the civil
after
an
museum
holds
And
we
just did
anybody
So I’m
hoping
—
can
—
what America
to
grow up
soon!
—
a
be President.
Vassar
ends up in the White House.
just did.
graduate
than three million ar-
more
tifacts in its collection, including the 1865
refracting telescope
Mitchell used
what
History reopened
extensive two-year renovation. The
telescope
at
that Professor Maria
Vassar. Vassar donated the
to the Smithsonian in the 19605,
and it has often been used in
tions. But today, it is touted
special exhibias one
museum's six landmark artifacts, to
O
light
—T.H. and S.S.
an
archive of Phil
Griffin's talk at
Sanders,
high-
are
used to
rights movement; the Horatio Gree-
statue of
George Washington; and
1955 car from the Dumbo the
ride from
for many
a
Flying Elephant
Disneyland. "Maria
the role model for
Mitchell was
so many American women
generations,
and we wanted to cel-
ebrate her and her students," said Curator
Deborah Warner. Mitchell
first female
was
the nation's
professional astronomer and the
first Vassar faculty member. About three million visitors tour the National Museum of
the theme of the Science and Innova-
tion Wing. Other objects that
To listen to
of the
nough
American History annually.
introduce divisions include the Greensboro
©
S.S.
visit www.aavc.vassar.edu.
NONFICTION
Colections,
University of
Minnesota
Press,
Special
Guyland; The Perilous World
At Home Inside: A Daughter's
by David Bergen Brophy '76
tures, 2008
Tribute to Ann Retry
Collins, 2009
i
rected by Dylan
Everyone Is Beautiful
Bank '01
by Katherine [Pannill] Center'94
IFC Films, 2009
Filippo and the Art of Life
by Jennifer Gargiulo '91
Underwear: What We Wear Under
FO£T8¥
There
Vernacular Poetry and Arab-
|
by Ruth Freeman Swain'73, with
Jewish Symbiosis
i
illustrations by John O'Brien
by Mark S. Wagner '96
|
Holiday House, 2008
Brill Academic Publishers, 2008
I I
Outside the Lines
I
Smithsona'
j
Letting Go
by Lynn Hickernell '94
by Raphael [D'Oiivio] Kosek'75
self-released, 2008
j
National
Like Joseph in Beauty: Yemeni
Ballantine Books, 2009
|
Muse m
VDM Verlag Dr. Mueller, 2008
Nightmare
written and di-
2008
|
of
rected by D.W.
Young '95
University Press of Mississippi,
Vivere sul serio: Eduardo De
Fence
First Run Fea-
by Elisabeth Petry '70
Harper, 2008
a
written and di-
Lady
University of California Press, 2008
Where Boys Become Men
A Hole in
'74
Michelle Obama: Meet the First
I
American
by Christopher G. White, assistant
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009
professor of religion
by Michael Kimmel '72
History;
by Elizabeth Spires
I
Vas ar
2008
by AlisaS. Lebow '85
Stone Carvings
Assurance, 1830-1940
|
First Person Jewish
WilliamEdmondson and His
the American Search for Spiritual
|
Libraies
Colege
Unsettled Minds: Psychology and
;
Mixed Media
Finishing Line Press, 2009
Heard God Talking to Me:
The
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
19
vassaryesterday
Libraies
Colege
Vas ar
Colections,
Special
of
gentleman standing here on the landing of the stairs
according
The
to
the
notes we
have for this photograph,
he and his three companions analyzing the heel of
is
"showing
an
Indian
axe
head
found in the
is
an
vicinity
"John
ancient shoe?
excavation must
—
young scientists
20
VASSAR
SPRING
was
have been in either
housed in
New
England
1938
or
1939. (Vassar's
2 009
we
Mr.
are,
left
to
natural history collection
to know,
England building,
—
of
Hennessy,
participate
right,
don't have a date for the
from 1918 until the late seventies.)
heading? And what did they find there? If you happen
-
new
archaeologist
Apparently not;
enthusiasts
Martha Getty Wallender '41, and Eleanor Livingston '41. Unfortunately,
of the college
amateur
to three Vassar students who will
the Hudson Valley this summer." His fellow archaeology
summer
Hennessy,
please drop
the
in
photograph,
the excavation in
but
Per-Lee
were
'39,
logically, the
which dates back to the
line. —T.H.
Are
note continues,
Louette Steeves
Where in the Hudson Valley
us a
Poughkeepsie."
founding
these
intrepid
Multidisciplinary
Programs
at Vassar
09
SPRING
VAS AR
AT
PROGAMS
MULTIDSCPNARY
The hardest
part is
to allow an intellectual
to
enterprise
change, rather than keeping it in old furrows.”
Sarah
Barringer
Gordon 'B2
■wuSISSSiSI
Sarah
Barringer
Gordon 'B2, chair of the committee
demic affairs for Vassar’s Board of Trustees,
literature
and
major who decided
theology to better
went to
demic
interplay
“the world’s
Gordon’s
in three separate
only expert on religion, history
multidisciplinary programs.
to
us
from late-19th century
“From my
perspective,
Vassar has been
disciplines for at
plinary
program, Africana
programs
defines
as
—a
own
-
account,
are
Germany?”
Today,
Studies,
and the law.”
thinking about
systematized
she
asks;
our
comes
then she adds,
connecting otherwise
College
was
started in the 1968-69
is home to 12
term that Dean of the
Faculty
“bringing people together who
nary homes, to study a
topic that can
multidisciplinary
Jonathan Chenette
have their
be viewed
per year
are
multidisciplinary
own
discipli-
through multiple
100
courses
Our
model the
multidisciplinaryprograms
thinking essential
to liberal arts education.”
The programs
based in
programs.
lure for
powerful
are a
that “A lot of colleges across the
faculty can
ance so
homes
their
faculty.
Part of the
applied for the post that he assumed last
country
problem of figuring out how to do
least four decades. The first multidisci-
the
kinds of
an aca-
it’s time for the Berlin Wall to come down,”
distinct
academic year.
disciplines
“Did you know that the way
experimenting with
disciplinary lenses.
Chenette
informs her
different kinds of intellectual endeavor
she
Eventually,
ultimately made her, by her
background uniquely
on aca-
German
study history, philosophy
understand her field.
graduate school
that
also to
was a
reside in
simultaneously, and
potential?
Vassar decades
But these
are
struggling with
departmental and multidisciplinary
take fullest
questions
advantage
were
already
of
developing
worked out at
Rashid,
Associate Professor of
History and
Director of the Africana Studies
program, also found that
College appealing. “One
about Vassar, which made
tutions,
me
me
me
is that the established
to do
of the
my
core
things I feel
take the
aspect
is very attractive
job initially over other
insti-
multidisciplinaryprograms enabled
interdisciplinary work I
grounded in
the
this: How do you achieve bal-
ago."
Ten years ago, Ismail
of the
reason
summer was
love very
discipline, history,”
the best of both worlds in terms of my
much,
while
remaining
he says. “Vassar offered
teaching.
33%
ofthe Class of 2012 enrolled in introductory-level
multidisciplinary courses
in theirfirst
year.
“There’s not
really
way of
a
when we’re
stereotyping majors
constantly thinking in different
disciplines.”
‘I get students from
Mixter '09
Katy
Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics,
more,”
tal Studies, Political Science, Education, and
“Africana Studies remains very much focused
adding,
experiences of people of African descent
broughttogether people
Despite
agree there
mental
multidisciplinary programs long ago,
are
challenges.
obligations and
to coordinate
When
faculty
ciplinary
to the
concurs
of
a
“Students
our
Katy
I
are
majors
the
students about what
questions from
in
sure
one
there’s
of the
program. “1
she
though
even
was
not
was
major,”
and
I
she says, “but
became
initially attracted
planning to major in
Canada’s
I
had
an
epiphany. I was
relationship
incredibly excited. I
get
a
perspectives
solid basis for
to
comes
perspectives ranging from Navajo Indians
Seeger.
Pete
Mixter’s work
from
equally diverse, ranging
a
a
cate with both
groups,”
experiences have
been
sustainable macadamia nut
pre-crash internship on Wall
Goldman Sachs.“The greater
point
Street with
being able to communi-
is
she observes. “I feel better able to take
broad range of things and find connections and relate to them.
a
haven’t been isolated in
to
war and
basicallyfought
will always be
problem.”
justone way
of
thinking.”
Mixter
hopes
changes
show it’s
can
logical
equal
can
everything
most
peace
wars are
distribution
a
space where really power-
work with
to work with environmental
companies that
thinking,”
have been such
of the Vassar culture for
long that they require periodic
re-examination, says
our
at
so
Chenette: “There’s
roster vibrant, and up to
need to be not too
that the energy in
tragedy,
date,
dispersed. I
some cases
and that
we
a
an
essential part
challenge in keeping
to avoid ossification. We
would love to be able to say
has
run
its course, that that’s not
should follow the
new
interests of
our
constantly evolving faculty.
“Multidisciplinary
lectual and social
thing.
tion to
An
depend on
programs
strong
a
community, so they’re
important part of
people with
a
different
not
just an
perspectives
see
-
people
the
of intel-
academic
liberal arts education is
grow. Ten years from now, I'd like to
even more
Vassar.
of tenure-track
VAS AR
AT
sense
connec-
who
help
dynamic than they are
faculty taught
us
multidisciplinary
PROGAMS
now.”
27%
multidisciplinary
years
I want to
Multidisciplinary programs
programs here
of the Class of2ooB took at least one
because that’s
be made.
cor-
I wanted
82%
during their four
porate and nonprofit,
ful
a
economic, politi-
which informs
resources, and fair and
over
course
“Contemplation in the American
which gave Mixter and her classmates firsthand
Benedictine Brother, from Tibetan monks to the renowned
a
folksinger
in
Kyoto
environmental issues, you
interpreting life,
else, especiallywhen it
a
on
with the
realized that
environmental issues to be my focus here. From
cal and scientific
Studies,
thinking of maybe Sociology or Political
Library reading about
Protocol,
majors,
different areas of inter-
enough staffing.”
fastest-growing multidis-
to Vassar for that reason, and did not arrive
as a
has been
courses
Landscape,”
I
drawn to Vassar in part due
programs of the past decade, Environmental
such student,
Science
multidis-
multidisciplinary programs,” according to
Dean to make
Mixter ’O9, who
a
a
people with
many
because
to work in environmental finance, “on the border between
goingtodoas
such
pull faculty together.
they are essentiallydoing double duty.”
am
one
and to
thorny “simplytry-
department contribute to
Chenette. “I get many, many
is
he and Rashid
biggest is staffing depart-
that it can be
teaching schedules
faculty,
strength
ciplinary
how
“funny how
est, coming from science, women’s studies, art.” Among her
favorite
multidisciplinary programs,”
interests in
members in
program,
In addition to
pro-
different types of
farm in Guatemala to
Chenette says. Rashid
ing
“One of the
made her decision, Mixter found it
exposure to diverse
figuring out
Chenette’s observation about Vassar
to manage
diaspora,
beginning, the
students.”
faculty and
Having
of my friends became Environmental Studies
they’re all
the racial divide. It’s always
across
been very diverse in terms of its
the
on
and the African
in Africa, the U.S. and the Caribbean. From the
gram
EnvironmenRashid says,
courses
in
multidisciplinary programs during 2008-09
MULTIDSCPNARY
09
The College’s
SPRING
history of multidisciplinary programs now encompasses
TWO GENERATIONS
OF
VASSAR
STUDENTS.
studies had
“Multidisciplinary
direct
a
impact
my life
on
it honed my critical thinking and
problem solving skills.”
—Beth Burnam ’77
his
Midwaythough
sophomore year at Caltech,
Michael
Burnam-Fink ’lO realized thatthe lack of any real humanities in the curriculum didn’t square with his interest in “how
technology changes
which it affects
tions.” As he discussed
not to
Beth
VAS AR
and
the Burnam
program is much
on
transferring
known
Dianne
were
Policy and
owe
Vassar
robust and
Power
as
College
•
on
77,
she
was
had
•
careful
College’s website,
third
a
generation attending
relevant”),
Capitol
mom
were five
summer as a
helped
to create.”
in the program and
competitive edge.
science and
were concerned
he cites Professor
us
MBA at Wharton; in the
where she directed grants that focused
U.S. industries that had lost their
Hill last
of
an
with technology transfer,
His ultimate
Shelley
a
Hurt’s
public policy
Development
Fax 845.437.7008
•
•
124
goal
is to teach
course
in
or
do
Avenue
•
so we
policy work
Science, Technology,
great deal for my
Raymond
Web
Michael
intern for Senator
mom
and my
would not have gone here if it wasn’t the strongest STS program that
Office of
Phone 800.443.8196
’49,
Beth Burnam got
his favorite at Vassar. “Vassar has done
I
Beth Burnam
multidisciplinaryapproach besought,
Department of Commerce,
something back”);
mother,” he says, “but
and the ways in
lives, especially its political implica-
mother,
in the then-new program (“There
technologies to
looking into programs my
I
think,
Michael checked out the
program.”
notes that “Several of my classes
Feinstein,
we
major in Science, Technology and Society.
more
Burnam-Fink, who worked
the way
which also includes Marcia Burnam
she interned in the U.S.
(“I do feel
MULTIDSCPNARY
family,
taking her Vassar degree
summer
PROGAMS
“Vassar has that kind of
Vassar-and the second to
today's
with his
her alma mater. But when Michael described the
simply noted,
soon
After
AT
push
possible places to transfer
our
I
grand-
looked at.”
Poughkeepsie, New
development.vassar.edu
York 12604
classnotes
Sara Lee Fletcher Luther
40
ory
601 N. McDonald
Mount
book of
important days
bom, my graduation day,
St, Apt. 410
son, the birth of my
Dora, FL 32757
picture ofthe
(May-October)
60 S.
Watch your
mailbox for
registration
information
visit the AAVC Reunion 2004 Web page at
www.aavc.vassar.edu.
a
The forsythia will be
Greetings to all!
time you read
it’s being written during
this—though
holidays of 2008.
the Christmas
from California via her
columns to
Vassarare three months in
advance of
For
given issue,
the VQ office
the
on
sure
or
publication
to have your
to your class
We extend
children,
to
correspondent
warm
and
Spera,
two
to
Michael and
whom
children, grand-
John, and four grandchildren,
extend heartfelt sympathy. She
we
her
predeceased by
husband, Alfonson
G.
was
Spera of
Februaryl
Tillinghast died on May 7,
2008, at her home in Pisgah Forest, NC. Rose came to
Fall issue
Vassar from
Mayl
lences to her two
Winterissue
Rose
Saunderstown,
was a
RI. We send
our
And
Correspondents'
addresses appear
above their respective columns.
For classes without
a
house.
here in
now
I have a
classy class
special treat for
you, a poem from
Jones Brooks:
poet Peggy
so
visit to
a
anthropologist
on
poor that I don’t travel
plenty
to
right
me
occupy
CDs.” She sends regards to all classmates
as
do I.
McMillan
Molly Bigelow
41
2925 Lincoln Drive #713
Roseville, MN 55113
[email protected]
Frances Levison Low
1755FilbertStreet#38
San
Francisco, CA 94123
415.440.6462
fra nceslow@sbcg lobaI. net
old, cold shriveled, dulled
sunk in
bold—l don’t like old.
no
sea
coast
she had memorialized in her prize
photography books.
miraculously saved by
of dislocation as well as
fat, Rubens bulges,
most
I don’t like fat.
I don’t like
from the
lame, twisted, hurting,
limping with pain.
sea on
Eleanor
I don’t like lame.
the
sense
of words. I don’t like deaf.
fear, the blank
at
wheelchair but saddened
the once pristine beaches of her By the
Water.
Kearney
Penniman
has sent in
huge scholarship,
on a
mother was
I don’t like
a
a
delightful
$llOO of $l2OO. My
uncle gave me $lOO. He was a graduate of MIT.
Neither parent was a college graduate or student. My
deaf, soft voices leaving
out
house, which was
sea-wall, after sharing weeks
shelter with family. She is cheera
reminiscence of her first years at Vassar. “I went to
Vassar
I don’t like
art
Burdened with Parkinson’s
that when thewaters ebbed they lefttons ofdebris
Shining Big Sea
NY 12603-2804
[email protected]
Campbell lived through the tempests
on the
ful aboutmoving around in
I don’t like
Avenue
Harris
Eugenia
and floods in Galveston that wreaked havoc
disease she moved back into her
Old
I don’t like
rolling, pillow flab.
email:
making
an
IN. And I listen to lots of
Bloomington,
reading this,
lovely
correspondents,
to:
Poughkeepsie,
or
is
“My eyesight
of Rosabelle Himes Matte-
Quarterly
College
be
may
far afield any more. I find
Chapel Hill.
Rowena Mason of
granddaughter
Assistant Editor
161
and his wife is
retired from the U. of Nebraska), is building
(recently
and
Vassar
truly
historian, teaching political
a
where her son,
condo-
born in 1852, whose diaries are preserved in the
archive of the Rhode Island Historical Society Library.
our
notes
was
son,
November 1
send
is
“Food for Peace.” Perky
Gordonsville, VA,
Harriet Goodrich of
daughters:
Columbus, NC, and
issue
a
historian in the State Department. Her granddaugh-
Rosabelle Matteson
Spring
even
651.628.3873
Bethesda,
1
where appropriate. It
family
MD.
Summer issue
August
was
labor of love!”
books
of the death of Agnes Collins
come
There
Jan. 17, 2008. Agnes is survived by her
on
sons,
sympathies
her
to
great-grandchildren.
News has
in a
news
schedule.
following
of the death of Geraldine
Goldman
Deadlines for submission of Class Notes
be
announcement
in St.
Silberman, Sept 28. Geraldine lived
Louis, MO. She was predeceased by her husband, Ivan.
classnotes
publication.
an
greetings
Gary Newton, and
son,
etc.
history in Mount Vernon High School,
a
was
ter-in-law is about to publish her first scholarly book,
Dotty (Dorothy) Fairbank Newton sent
included
the
day I
marriage, the birth of my
grandson,
Perky’s grandson
blooming by
my
procession, and a copy
graduation address! Throughout were
of my
pictures
[email protected]
or
life, highlighted by
my
1940 graduation
of the Dean’s
Randolph Ave
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Save the Date!
of
headlines from the New York Times: the
(IMovember-April)
the end
read
a
a
very good student but had
good deal
as
my
no
money. I
family had friends who gave
and wondering when. I don’t like fear.
me
I asked Jenny (Jeannetta) Wilson Black how things
school except in geometry. Read, read, read.
“At Vassar I tried to do too much and eventually
going in Washington, DC, —with the inauguracoming. She responded with enthusiasm about
unusual books. I
were
flunked
tion
becoming
the
transition to
anticipated
gence
added personal
she is “carrying
ters, Becky, is
from
a
with intelli-
“president
and resolve”—an enthusiasm I fully share! She
a
a
about
news
on as
some
recent
surgery, but
to
India and
now
stationed in D.C.,
finally persuaded
this moment I
me
to
acquire
a
loathe...; however
computer
everyone
which at
news
with a report
a
A
on a
fabulous
birthday gift.
“For my 90th in July, my grandson made
me a mem-
Marine
pilot.”
special thanks to Eleanor Morss
son
Paul.
English for her
and sundry gifts from classprompt thank yous to all
mates to Vassar. Eland Connie remain in reasonably
good
health.
A nice picture of Sally Ferguson and her
rug has arrived. The
Perky (Elisabeth) Perkins Myers responded to my
plea for
high
year, after Daisy Chain and
Eleanor lives in N.Y.C. with youngest
assures me
I will love it in the end.”
in
active in SDA. I tried to know the family life
and later married
foreign service officer recently returned
posting
sophomore
out
challenged
of every fellow student. (I was) sociallyawkward, especially with boys. In 19431 joined the women Marines
usual.” One of Jenny’s daugh-
“which is wonderful.” Jenny adds: “My children have
was never
a
1925 drawing
ily events
that you
on
are
needlepoint
design of the rug was copied from
by her father of Fisher’s Island and fam-
the island. We hope it is a wall hanging and
not
walking on
it, Sally!
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
21
classnotes
We report with sadness the loss of two classmates:
Lithgow Paul had two
Jean
with husbands surnamed Paul
the Rev.
first,
New York
James Paul,
City who
an
died in
ologist, Dr Oglesby Paul,
long-term marriages
(but
not
related!), the
Episcopal clergyman
1957,
the second
whom she
in
cardi-
a
Cape Cod,
met on
married in 1981, and with whom she moved to the
area. He died in 2007. Jean served as executive
Boston
director of the Ladies Christian Union in New
which
fessional
women.
end of sophomore
Jean lived in North, leaving at the
year to marry. She maintained her
interest in Vassar and kept in close contact with
friends. She is survived
and Patricia
glas,
dren,
two
college
by three children (James,
Dou-
Olive), their spouses, four grandchil-
stepchildren,
and
step-grandchildren.
two
Marilyn McGlaughlin Liljeholm
journalist
was a
who credited the Women’s Movementfor helping her
move
up from “women’s
ries with
pages”
general
to
She moved from local
bylines.
news
sto-
reporter in
Maine to national storiesand then internationaltravel.
A
scholarship
and found her old room
on
the
Chevron. More
at
ground last fall.
the clothes
She joked that it made it that much easier to
She left
no
my
political outlook for life ... dismayed by
the
present administration... we must turn out for the
next presidential election—Mabel Newcomer would
have been proud of us.”
nephews
numerous
5517 Paseo Del
Lago#3D
happiest of holidays
Anyway,
thinkof Christmas
you can
in retrospect and enjoy the memory all
Louisa
Harrington
Louisa lived in
knee replacement and is
over
doing well. After
ble with her shoulders, she really
Well,
you can’t
again.
must
be
and summered in Peake’s
a
great sol-
is still
insects. Her latest triumph
making and dis-
was
an
exhibition
of 20 sterling silver bugs with gems and drawings at the
Nassau
Gallery.
Community College Firehouse Plaza
She is
represented
in
private collections
museums, the National Portrait
Gallery of the
Art
and
Smith-
sonian, and the National Art Museum of Cracow,
Poland; has received the
International Women’s Year
Award for outstanding culturalcontributions towomen
and the U. of New
lege (1940)
was
a
as
Employees
Association until her retirement in 1980.
Subsequent
to her
in
PL. She
Lady Lake,
husbands,
M.
Butcher,
and
No
ofkin
next
retirement,
husband being
our
nice note from Linda Marlor Pick-
She writes: “With
ens.
my
a
an
me
being a
math major and
electrical engineer;
we
assumed
children would be of the
two
’computer age,’ but no,
librarians and technical director ofthe Theaters at
Rutgers University, NJ,
that, a grandson who is a
in New York
City,
by
a
grandson,
was
is
project
a
are
what
we
got. Added to
chef for five-star restaurants
and
a
received the official
granddaughter who’s in
obituary from
Infirmary in New
2008, from pneumonia. She
Orleans,
and after
Vassar.
Orleans
was a
on
Olga
Sept. 24,
lifelong native of
graduating from Vassar she
work for Chevron in that
city (then Standard
Oil ofCalifornia) tracking Chevron’sreserves in the Gulf
of Mexico. She was kept
Chevron’s policy
was
in order to make
VASSAR
to
room
SPRING
Vassar, I
architects; the third is
of the architects,
one
Angeles Unified School
manager at Los
managing
Mitchell, who also practices
designed
and
design and construc-
on
after the
Vassar
is the
’68,
among
Angeles and has
in Yerevan,
war even
though
others. Melody, who is
independent editor.
43
a
who, due
fall,
lots of
to a
help.
difficult year for herand her husband
cannot
get around easily and needs
MM
When John
remembering
peared.
on
A new
a
Wolf. Bernice Lorber Litton
one was
Tom Hopkins, the
hoping for
part of the weekend.
Levy didn’t recognize anyone in the picbut said she would like to think that she would
a
Three hurricane scares
to start
a new
the cottage Ruth built 20
salvaged from
a
rehab facility,
ues
to
ment
appear. At long
now
to
a
a
small, delightful apart-
Puget Sound near her children in the spring,
old family home in Duxbury, MA, in the summer,
and her Bethesda, MD, home for 50 years in the
an
fall. Aggie forwarded her letter and added a
own
telling of
a
recent
Cape Cod weekend
morning
island off Wellfleet Harbor.
sail to
see a
of her
note
with her
three sons that included harvesting oysters and
for returning Gls. Thus she
years
ago.
the oldest
Several windows
family home that
family members painting exterior
all work
be completed by now. Probamay
bly few of the rest of us can match involvement in such
so
exciting projects. (I, for one, couldn’t get
out of
bed in
time to greet the arrival of construction workers.) But,
whatever
how
doing or
you
you are
interest to all of us. Please communicate.
are
faring is of
Diana Klemin
65TH REUNION 4
huge collection of seals
a
brisk
on an
(fall and winter)
26 Anderson Road
Greenwich. CT 06830
[email protected]
Shirley Kloepfer Long
(spring
and
summer)
15 Clover Hill
Poughkeepsie,
NY 12603
845.462.6213
[email protected]
I’m
lookingforward
to
seeing
you at
our
65th reunion
in June. We will be housed in Alumnae House
as
ofAAVC. Transportation willbe provided for all
travel plans. Mary contin-
occupy three residences:
on
last, we
the hospital and then
canceling all
to
were to be incorporated into
dwelling. A November pictorial account of
book but is finding, at
wrong combination of blood pressure
to
struc-
destroyed by Katrina
new
cleared up a mystery. Sheand her
daughter had reservations at Alumnae House for the
simply did not
new
city single-family requirements, by a breezeway
Lowell Boland
reunion but
back Ruth and Caroline’s
for Caroline’s family to be connected, in order
85, thatgetting things in order is difficult. A letter from
Mary
set
plans to “build a house to her addition”—a
to attend in 2013, while Anna Ingersoll Roberts
simple “thank you.” Sue Davidson Lowe added
that she is trying
associate editor. Ruth East
new
a
be able
sent
disap-
she contacted
said the heat would have
Nell Kuhn
tures
as
1943 Vassar ion.
walls,
disabilities” hadn’t prevented travel anyway. But
Bernice agreed withthe rest that the pictures made her
a
as soon
sent
similar response from this request
of you—she would very much like a copy of the
is
done her in “if the need for her walker, cane and other
feel almost
behalf of peace and
table somewhere and it
public
progress showed
write thank-
on
left her fall issue of the Vassar
Barbara Adler Zeluck
Quarterly
[email protected]
to
Behr
environmental protection measures. Two other sons,
one of whom attended Vassar for one
year, and a
grandson also paid tribute to John.
the
Agnes Strauss
thriving.
stressed her husband’s
by son John,
efforts while in the US. Senate
was
president,
are
him at the memorial service. Leezie’s
memories, read
231.386.5794
and her co-class
future reunion.
a
Seiberling, husband of Elizabeth
Northport, Ml 49670
bits ofnews from classmates motivated
attend
Seiberling, died in August, his sisters, Dorothy Seiberling and Mary Seiberling Huhn ’41, were among those
and doors
Ruth Hackett East and her daughter, Caroline, not
only delighted recipients but garnered the following
to
beautiful and all of their plants
to
sent
plans
In the meantime their California weather has been
Mary (Liz) Armstrong Lyons
photographs
no
An email from Mary Middlebrook Knight said that
this has been
ture
by
ing Ruth
year make up for the fact that she
travels alone.
7303 Gills Pier Road
The wonderful collectionofreunion
Trudi
Campbell,
Baker, and Cynthia
women’s golf group which keeps her a part of it
although she no longerplays. Bridge and many visitors
meet
dismiss female technical staff
-2009
in Los
project-managed buildings
medicines took Mary
went to
at
and two out of Bill’s and my
careers as
independent editor. Roberta,
District where she is
Although I,
math major
was a
architecture,
Olga Frances Trepagnier’s death was briefly mentioned in this column in the September Quarterly. I have
New
officer Jeremy Charron.
A word about the Lawrence menage:
like Linda (above),
an
two
Donald C.
reported.
know that
died in Touro
predeceased by
was
Leighton Childs, Jr., and
stage management.”
now
Louisa spent her winters
Lee
Moulton
Naylor Gillispie. Mary Louise Goodson Drennen
ME. She attended
She
Kay
appreciation
Cruikshank, Lovel
added that she is still Rules Chairman for her local
longer
Hampshire (1942).
Priscilla
Perkins,
Thannhauser Beyer,
throughout the
member of the New Hampshire State
a
Price
Carol
Brigham Mack,
Sept. 24,2008.
social worker for the State of New Hampshire,
and served
in the arts; and is listed in Who’s Who in the East.
Just received
Island,
Anne
and Bow, NH,
Vassal but graduated from Colby SawyerJunior Col-
allthe trou-
keep Franny down.
Judith Lieberman Pestronk
playing
Butcher died on
Pembroke, Concord,
Word came from Franny Prindle Taft that she had
dier.
and nieces, but we have
record of next of kin.
Bangkok, Thailand,
and the best of New Years. Of course, you won’t read
this until March 2009, but my deadline for this column
a
move.
Others who sent newsless notes of
were
Armenia, Sydney, Australia, Honolulu, Hawaii, and
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
I would like to wish you all the
is Dec. 20,2008.
purse, and her
back, her
tion of many schools. The other architect is son,
Roberta (Bobbie) Leventhal Lawrence
42
her
on
three children chose
claimed,
“Ec 105
that she had escaped with
me
cane.
minored in
65th Reunion she
survived
only
computers. At
changed
22
She told
third floor of Raymond undergoing wiring for student
our
recently, she
Katrina with little damage, but her house burned to the
student at Vassar she returned after her
daughter’s graduation
of the few women then holding technical
one
positions
York,
for young business and pro-
provided housing
became
The mini-reunion in September
by six hardy souls
Margaret
K.
Burke
was
guests
events.
only attended
and one husband: Joan Huth
Collier,
Howe,
Anne
Millar, Jessica Rattray
Meigs Larkin, Florence
and her husband,
Nussdorfer
Adrian, and me, Shirley Kloepfer Long. We were
housed in Alumnae House and transportation was provided for us. The college
sar
was
celebrating VIEW(
Inspiration and Education Weekend).
several talks
by professors,
groups, and tours of the
Vas-
We enjoyed
a performance by music
farm, greenhouse, and Arbore-
classnotes
We went to visit our class tree and
turn.
because it didn’t look like
that it is an oak, complete
me
a
upset
were
oak tree. Jeff Horst assured
an
to
acorns.
However, it is
leaves. At every reunion we have a ceremony at our tree
and in all those years we never noticed that the leaves
smooth.
the marriage ofher
reported
daughter, Janet, professor of biology
Joan Mann Friedman
U,
Thomas DeMuth
to
in St.
community
Georgetown
Aug. 2,2008.
on
plans
Marjorie Maddox Patton
ment
at
Louis,
to move to
a
retire-
MO. She will have
an
apartment with her own outdoor patio and lawn, so
will be allowed to keep her dog with her. Phyllis
McPheeters
is
already residing in
this
their 60th
Lake Mohonk withtheir
One of our
professor
at
at
Wesleyan, and her husband.
Shelton, cele-
brated their 50th year in the same house in Bethesda,
MD. They gave a party for the neighborhood with
living
Meigs
glad to be in the same loca-
Peggy Burke Howe felt after our
mini-reunion that
the college was in capable hands. She and her husband,
were
went to
Berlin in October, when the Germans
celebrating
Arthur
was
their 60th
anniversary
formerly president of the AFS.
The Millbrook Club did
as one
of their
brother,
a
profile on Diana
Klemin
more
with included
Andy Warhol, for
his creativity and avant-garde views; Paul Rand,
Legacy ofAshes,
Al, who
1939. He
World War II and afterward
Patsy Raymond
one
Taylor,
Eugenia Whitney
Friedman and Diana Klemin
Hotchkiss, Joan Mann
are
part of a book club thatread and enjoyed The Man
Who Loves China by Simon Winchester and
must
recom-
read.
We are sorry to report the death of May Coors
Looker, who died in Golden, CO, on April 7,2008.
Halpern
Hall
died Oct.
1,2008,
in Irvine,
CA. She
was active in liberal political causes and furthering minority and women’s rights. She was the first
for Congress for a major party (Demowas also the
cratic) in Orange County in 1976. She
First National Vice Chair of the National Women’s
Political Caucus
one
(1975-77). She
is survived
by
two
grandchild.
Lafayette Nursing Home in Marblehead, MA. Her first
newspaper reporter.
she continued with her writing
a
teacher. She taught fourth
Throughouther
career, and
life
later became
grade, eighth grade,
and
English literature at North Shore Community College.
She
was a
traveled
a
devoted
to
Francophile and after retirement
France almost
every year
for
Al high praise
Taylors
died Oct. 1, 2008,
Salisbury, CT. She was
in
Hartford, retiring
than 25
later life
years. In
remained
deeply engaged
read widely and loved
She is survived
by two
to
sons
an
at
and
one
of the
several critical
in Indonesia and
operations
listed only
modestly
Blanche
Foreign
to
in
“Although
says:
Japan, but
Service as his career.
a
I believe the agency acted
Greece. The country
who infiltratedand
from their homes
even
rough
to
in
threatened by communists
took
thousand-plus children
a
indoctrinate them
as
future bear-
of the
party line. During this time, their majesties,
King Paul and Queen Frederika, and the Greek governers
cooperated closely with the
“Al,
arranged
station chief, and the CIA worked to main-
strengthen
to
have them sold in the United States. She
predeceased by her husband, Caleb Johnson (Jon)
Massee; and two daughters, Marny Johnson Massee
was
and
Massee Patterson.
Jeanette
Caleb Massee
Jr.; and
Massee of
Orange
CO. Shortly after
New York
sound and
lively discussion.
NBC. In
57
Greenwich, CT, for the next
years. She spent
much of her life ministering to the learning-disabled
and was one of the founders of the Greenwich Association for Retarded Children. At age 50 she enrolled at
Manhattanville College, receiving
degrees in education,
and then was
a
two
advanced
special education
teacher in the Fairfield County and Westchester County
school systems until her late 70s. Surviving are five children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Tufty of Washington,
BarbaraJean Taeusch
died July 30 in Washington. Though she
for only
year, she
one
in
kept
was
at
DC,
Vassar
touch, contributing
to
grad-
in 1945. She had a decades-long association with
Scripps Howard News Service, and for more than
uating
the
10 years
was
conservation editor for the Audubon Nat-
uralist Society and
an
editor and writer with the
National Science Foundation and National Academy
of Sciences. Surviving are her husband, Hal Tufty, three
and four grandchildren.
children,
There
for a
do
are
too
many classmates who haven’t written
long time. If you’re one ofthose,
Nobel Prize
care
or seen
penguins
even
in
if you haven’t
Antarctica,
we
and we’d be delighted to hear from you.
They
Frances Wood Gillett
popular choice, who was in office more
during which Greece prospered and was
45
safe,” Blanche says.
23112-D
Heritage
Condos
Woodstock, VT 05091
802.457.3591
Dorry Given Kee, who had surgery early in the summer, is back playing bridge, swimming
every morning,
probably
[email protected]
on the tennis court again.
fit, and certainly looks it, says
Blanche. Dorry’s in Highlands, NC, frequently as her
I
has a summer home there. Dorry left New York
City and Long Island for Dallas when her surgeon hus-
spent Feb. 2008 in Hawaii including 10 days on Kona
with a fascinating tour to Mauna Kea. She also saw
band “carried her off 60 years ago.” Now she report-
Mariajane (Rye) Clarke Mee. Recently she and Dean
had a wonderful cruise to Alaska includinga train ride
now
Reportedly,
she feels
son
edly
has a Southern accent.
Another member of the
Lewisohn Eisenstein.
tennis, made for
three days
a
a
triple bypass club
Fortunately
quick
is Betty
her fit condition, due
recovery.
week, and even played
She
a
now
works out
few games of ten-
nis outdoors before the cold weather set in. The heart
surgery, in
Betty
and
August,
Julian
anniversary.
took
place only
a
few weeks after
had celebrated their 60th
In October Julian
wedding
fell, fracturing his right
elbow and for six weeks could
only
use
his left hand.
To
comply with my 690 word limit for this column
am
resorting
to
condensation. Please bear with me.
TRAVELERS: Marion (Kim) McKinney Ramstad
up the side of a mountain to
see
stroke in October resulted in a
Let’s
as
to
to
end on
the
a
publisher. The family had
a
wonderful
so
cheerful note.”
Frederica McIntosh Massee
Constance
band died
two
sailing
among
died July 17 After graduating from Vassar she received
a master’s degree from the U. of Florida. Frica and her
husband, Jon, restored his family’s 1920s Italianate
”
(Connie) Kepke Rawson, whose husyears ago,
2008. The highlight was a
cruised with friends in Feb.
three-day trip
to Antarctica,
icebergs, penguins, seals, whales, and
into the cauldron of a volcano still active
enough to
heat the water.
Maryellen (Gouldie) Gould Hadjisky traveled to
a friend who sings in the Berkshire Choral
Austria with
Group. They performed at the cathedral in Monsee,
Ellen
of Jacksonville, FL,
the goldfields. A minor
compressed fracture in
her lower back, but Kim ends with “No complaints!
mountains south ofVienna.
grandchildren.
son,
she moved
City, where she worked for
time. Betty says, “I’ll steer clear of financial
reports
pursuits. She
are a
Ferguson
died Oct. 2 in Aurora,
graduating from Vassar,
followed
more
Karrie
Park.
in
than 10 years,
and by
Surviving
daughter,
a
Elizabeth P. Meek Petersen
won a
the Democratic Party.
airplane. She was keenly interested
Constantine Caramanlis in as prime minister,
brought
a
CIA to preserve
independence and free elections.
as
an
reunion publications. She transferred to Duke U,
wisely and constructively
was
fly
to
helping Haitians, supporting schools, and teaching in
Haiti. She also brought back Haitian products and
most
managed
the CIA has had
Orange Park High
learn
reunion in their Washington home at Thanksgiving
in 1993 after
two
enjoyable,
at
School. Her adventurous spirit led her to traveland
Noble
despite failing health, she
engage in
and
CIA officers he had known. Al also
capable
Club Continental in
now
taught
hope that by now he’s pretty well back to normal.
Betty’s book on the reception ofprinting in the West has
associate at Lord
in intellectual
bright, intelligent, dedicated,
as
aggressive, personable
just gone
Louise Hurd Mead
and
posted to
high-level
of these positions.
gave
and she
than
more
dozen years.
Horizons in
was
responsibilities, serving as chief of operations in several
to
McAvoy Kennedy died Sept. 4,2008, in the
as a
in
joined the CIA, created
with
John’s River,
1948, she married William Prentiss Jeffery Jr. and lived
Services in
Strategic
Vienna, Madrid, Athens, and Paris,
rock garden and is very active in her community.
job was
graduated from Princeton
in the Office of
tain stability and
Louise
brother,
recently
written by Tim Weiner of the
was
died in 2000,
was
Greece’s
children and
a
reviews.
tury; and Ken McCormick, the vice president and ediof her
tor in chief of Doubleday. Diana is
very proud
woman
Greek Naval
marrying
Pavlis. Blanche’s
New York Times and received serious attention and
ment
to run
(Tony)
published history of the Central Intelligence Agency,
reported in the Princeton Alumni Weekly. The book,
of the most famous graphic designers of the 20 th cen-
Vivian
a
drubbing in recent years, much of it perhaps deserved,
distinguished citizens. She worked
people Diana worked
as a
and then
Alfred Conrad Ulmer, Jr., is featured in
in the AFS.
than 50 years at Doubleday as senior book designer,
art director, and editor. Some of the most interesting
mend it
Pavlis, had
In a recent lecture in Darien, CT, the book’s author
Larkin is
tion, Middlebury, with family and grandchildren nearby.
Arthur,
with her
Commander Anthony
70 friends.
Anne
classmates,
under the direction of Allen Dulles. Al
F. K. Millarand her friend, Emma
over
Hills, KY 41017
Blanche Ulmer
St.
on
Orange Park, FL,
unique vantage point for observing a politicalscene in
the early 1950s, spending many months in Greece,
good
wedding anniversary
a
home
to
community.
daughter,
Legends Way, Apt. 131
859.344.3033
Jessica Rattray Nussdorfer and her husband,
Adrian, celebrated
(Jeff) Jefferson Klein
2625
Crestview
the usual oak-like
shingle oak, which doesn’t have
were
45-4
Jean
tryside
by a
concert
in
Salzburg and hiking
in the
(Sudie) Zinsser Green loved the varied coun-
their Morocco trip including seashore,
mountains, and the desert where they rode
on
the Atlas
camels—not recommended! Next is
the Panama Canal and
up
the
coast
VASSAR
a
trip through
of Costa Rica for
SPRING
-
2009
23
classnotes
Feb. 2009. Sudie added the sad
John’s death
Sudie
feet,
with
news
inJune 2008. Troubled
has
replaced
of her brother
FDR’s
arthritis in her
in the Main
by
walking
distance
any
swimming!
a
Brownsville, VT, where her family has had
second home for several years.
Mary Wetzel Klingensmith
Amarillo to
She
saw
Kim Ramstad in
the
attending
when she
Festival and visiting
a
family
moved from Wappingers Falls
NJ.
retirement
community
near
Greenwich to
Stamford,
CT.
ifornia in 1996.
her mother and father while in
their 80s authored and
donated
to the
published
a
wonderful book
Vassar
Library.
Potter Harriman
in
Washington, DC, and
talked for hours.
Carolyn also turned up
Joss
in a message from Phyllis
Salisbury, who reported
Field
reunion that is enjoyed
on
the annual
by Carolyn, Physsie,
Edna
(Eddie) Dawley Strnad, and Dorothy Matheis Thorn-
This year their get-together was saddened by the
loss of Ellen Blass Laner, who lost a long battle with
Physsie lives in
cancer.
her daughter, Anne, whose
standing the Power of
released
to
Denver suburb near
book Eureka! Under-
Your Intuition has
just been
bookstores.
Raymond also has
ularly. Marjorie
Hilda
new
a
a
group
Carolin Bradford
IMancie
and her roommates
—
Elizabeth
Bellinger Gewin,
Bouton, and
that keeps in touch reg-
(Betty) Gatchell
Coan—all have news this quarter.
Marjorie enjoyed an early Christmas present from her
three daughters—a trip
the
to
Cirque du Soleil, followed
by a Thanksgiving visit to
her daughter Susan’s (1970)
home in
Mamaroneck,
nostalgic walk
a
set, and lunch at “The Dutch.” Hilda is
new
smaller home, but there
things to
“Haven’t
a
we
Gallery
the
back
many choices of
trouble—Marjorie adds,
all?!” Nancie had
Katharine
day at
enjoying her
do that she doesn’t have time for them all.
Betty
has been having
from
are so
around Sun-
a
visit in
(Andy) Campbell Watson.
September
They spent
wonderfully renovated National Portrait
count!) and
one
grows orchids (500 at recent
she submitted to the Massachusetts
Orchid Society show recently took
A very
McCollum
a
family
(Johnnie) Thomas Purnell who died Nov.
13,2008,
in
cessful
46
For
notes
for a
(Betty)
more
career,
including
same
a
junior high for 20
a
at
eling to visit her
and
two sons
Feb. 2,2008. Peggy
California. She lived for 40 years in Houston, where
was active in the First Presbyterian Church; she
her last 10
Palm Harbor.
years in
died in 2001. She is survived
daughter and three grandsons,
appeared
in
emailfrom her
our
was
class
very
SPRING
-
2009
Peggy’s hus-
by a
son
and
47
sends sympathy.
IMancy (N.E.)
of Naples, FL, died
Baxter Caldwell
23,2008. N.E. grew up in Sioux
Sep.
City,
lA, and
later lived there with her husband for 30 years. The
Caldwells moved in 1984 to Naples, where N.E. was
active in the first Vassar Club to be formed there and
helped
run one
Naples in
of
our
1992. N.E.’s
first mini-reunions, held in
husband, Andrew, died earlier
in 2008, and
one daughter died in 1958.She is survived
by three daughters, one granddaughter, and two sis-
ters, to all of whom the class sends
Cornelia
sympathy.
(Nene) Cowan Davis of Omaha died
Sep. 29,2008.
Nene
was a
tireless contributor
civic and volunteer life of Omaha. She
of,
among
was
to
Doctors’ Wives
Vassar Club and
was on
on
president
Club, and Nebraska
the boards of various organ-
izations, including Colonial Dames, Legal Aid Society,
and Immanuel
Hospital Auxiliary.
the Altar Guild of St. Andrew’s
Nene and her husband enjoyed
riding, and
and
one
two
She also served
son, two
daughters,
great-grandsons,
to
on
by her husband,
seven
grandchildren,
all of whom the class
sends sympathy.
Wyman
Mystic, CT, died
was
in
science,
Kaufmann
on
Oct.
of Block Island, RI, and
16,2008. Ruth’s first career
in genetics and
1952, Ruth earned
was
a
as a
research chemist.
to
Wilmington, DE,
secondary school
an
math
the Tatnall School in Wilmington; in 1975
named head of the
Upper School.
business as
an
by her husband
ter, and three
courses
becoming a
an
on
real
estate
Block Island. She
expert
bridge player
in bridge. Ruth is survived
of 60 years, Carl,
grandchildren,
sends sympathy.
start-
educational consultant and
and then
avid tennis player and
who for a time taught
After she
right on,
to
two sons,
one
together another fine mini-
reunion lunch in Manhattan
us
gathered
iniscences,
at
Oct. 21. Nineteen of
on
the Junior League to
news
of the college,
cious lunch; all in all
idle chat,
savor
many
laughs, and
rem-
a
deli-
great occasion. We have a good
thing going here and let’s hope more will come next
a
year! Intelligence gleaned by your correspondent
luncheon follows;
Margaret
daugh-
all of whom the class
Smith
(Ann/ Smitty) Adams is
with three ’M’s’—mail,
Enjoy
at
the
a
New
shore house
Jersey
in which she’s
things
math,
sometimes
“busy
medicine, money—-every day!
of Atlantic City.” Evelyn
“advanced old age” she
looking over the back
Brand Boxer
no
says
that in her
longer chairs any
of the
involved, but does still tutor
privately and
in
sometimes for die Scars-
dale School system.
Jean Marshall Crabtree retired
Museum of Art
phia
took
a
course
so
as
in botanical
to
from the Philadel-
have time to paint,
drawing
at
Longwood
Gardens in Delaware, and got so far as doing Christmas cards but has “not
gotten around to all the other
grand projects....”
Suzanne
sort
Sayre
McFarlane must
of record with three
from
and
college
this
be
breaking some
grandchildren graduating
year —Middlebury,
Pepperdine.
absolutely
Alden
Duer
Georgetown,
Cohen
retired from Newsweek but
says
doing
she’s
some
work editing MSS of aspiring writers, and “Joy from
children and grands.”
Helen
(Chou-Chou) Minton Farley claims: “lam
slightlyashamed
ing
a
good
to
say that
at
present I
am
mainly hav-
time! Am
learning bridge, playing tennis,
hiking, and doing yoga, being with eightgrandchildren
(six steps)
and three
at
great-grands.”
work again is
Go for
it, Chou
Edith Scott
(Scotty)
Bouriez, teaching needlework for the Nantucket Historical Society. She has just completed
design project recreating
kits in the
M.Ed. from the U. of Delaware
a new career as a
own
[email protected]
The New York group put
Chou! Back
After she and her husband moved
at
202.462.0180 (fax)
Episcopal Church.
golf, tennis, horseback
travel. She is survived
D.C. 20008
Washington,
202.462.4462 (phone)
the
others, the Junior League, Visiting Nurses’
Association,
(Liz) DeLong Kuhl
2029 Connecticut Avenue
a
all of whom the class
to
agent and broker in Delaware and
an
two
graduatedfrom the U. of Southern
pcfo rcey@y a hoo.com
so
daughter and
she
in
Elizabeth
trav-
With sadness, I report the deaths of five classmates.
Harbor, FL, died on
guidance counselor,
long time,
was
grandchildren.
ing her
hasn’t
sends sympathy.
photo-
years and later did
one
303.926.3103
Cole
of 60
nice
some
volunteer work. Widowed since 2004, she enjoys
on
intrepid
an
by her husband
three daughters, nine grandchildren,
years, Bill,
and two great-grandchildren, to all of whom the class
Opera
house in Hinsdale, IF, for 40 years. Barbara
band, Ted,
and
is survived
fly-fisherwoman. Joanne
special education teacher of children with learning
spent
passionate student
elizabethcole.tripod.com.
to
retired from Tatnall in 1982, Ruth went
welcome. Commenting on
my mentioning in the Fall
setting tables in Main when I heard of
VASSAR
her
private
a
a
accomplished golfer,
an
voice studio.
Artistic Administrator of the
now
on
and suc-
and teach-
performing
Louisville, CO 80027
issue that I was
24
both
singer,
long
a
whileis Barbara Bierce Coley, who has lived in the
she
Forcey
Drive, #306
she dedicated herself
Temple Emanuel, UJA-Federation, and the
Another classmate who hasn’t been heard from in
a
was
Elizabeth
career as a
She is
ing.
teacher
1331 Hecla
were
of opera,
and began
AZ.
Pamela Cottier
widowed at 35,
Anti-Defamation League. She was
Ruth
of Joan
honored with the titleof Life Trustee.
York, Joanne was
ofdifficulties, she pursued what became
blue ribbon.
interesting note from Audrey Talmage
must wait for the next issue.
Our sympathy is extended to the
Prescott,
was
Oct. 27,
the Board of Trustees
on
left with two children and two stepchildren. But in spite
John,
and the American Art Museum
Belle Krasne Ribicoff
work. Because of her service
on
philanthropic
of the Jewish Home and
Hospital for the Aged in New
to
hill.
ovarian
adding that she has had
Peggy Parsons Holcomb of Palm
Broyles Wright continues competitive
golf and traveling. She had recently met up with
(Physsie)
she says,
the
in that
devoted much time to
her children and to students. Betty
Custis
Carolyn
making a huge clatter
Joanne
Among the other organizations
titled Four Generations of Poets, two copies of which
were
dishes, when she heard
space,”
disabilities
NEWS: Anne Fezandie Goodwin’s
wrote that
tray of
the tray,
Troy of New York died
Joanne Joslin
2008.
trouble explaining the emotional
impact of that day to
graphs, go
Mary Goold Appelman moved from Illinois to Cal-
daughter
heavy
a
dropped
cavernous
(Elly) Gooding Hallowell and her husband
OTHER
“I
duty
was on
dining room, walking down that long aisle
Orchestra of New York and has
recently moved from their home in Old
Edgehill,
there
was
area.
Doris Spoor Diddell
Tinton Falls,
Eleanor
Oregon
Shakespeare
members in the
to
moved from
recently
retirement community in Abilene, TX.
a
carrying
news.
MOVERS: Connie Rawson moved from Connecticut to
death, Betty remembers that she too
More
museum
news
in the
a
research and
samples for teaching
and
shop.
from the New York lunch group
includes Virginia
are
1800
process
(VV) Martin de Margitay’s. They
of selling their get-away place in the
V.
Poconos, but are hanging on to their Florida pied-aterre in hope of
getting down there this winter. And
Edith
(Dedie) Sterrett Hornor spent the
Cape Cod. She has
a new
Carolyn Schorr French is still working
agent in New
York, doing
adult historical novels.
summer
on
granddaughter, Amelia.
a
as a
literary
lot ofart books and young
Theodora
(Teddy)
Simon
reports a lovely summer in East Hampton, is eager to welcome friends coming through New
York City in the winter and Long Island in the summer.
Greenbaum
classnotes
(Gibby) McLane Edson’s latest interest is life
Edith
She is in a
sculpture.
beginner’s class using a model. Her
great outdoor love is
kayaking, ultra-light kayaks
in
particular.
Three ’47 Elizabeths live at the Medford Leas retirement
community
nink,
Beth
Preston.
in New
Treadwell
Jersey;
Betsy Barclay Pen-
and Betty Johnston
Wray,
And another, Betty-Lisle Hathaway
Swan-
finished two years as Residents’ Council
son, has just
President of her Episcopal retirement community in
Connecticut. Marian (Maru) Morton Brown is
Board of
Staying Put in New Canaan, CT. Its
is
phy
in
“aging
on
the
philoso-
place.”
Class President
hopes that
Christine Vassar Tall
classmates will have some
letters written by them from
college that they would be willingto share (email:
[email protected]).
sent
to
good
come
Victoria
(Vickie) Hurd Shurtleff
wishes to all at the luncheon. She
her sister
as
was
gravely
was
unable
ill. Best wishes to
Vickie. Suzanne Sayre McFarlane waxed very
you,
enthusiastic on a rewarding and “divine” weekend
at
the college.
Halcyon Hughes Carroll and husband Joe were
to move last December to a retirement community,
They have
North Hillin Needham, MA.
two children
It is with great regretthat I must pass
classmate
our
Alice
reports that Lenore had been
few
years.
She
was a
living there
its condolences to her
A
thoughtful
in October.
past past
at
50th
has told me of the death of
Pointe, MI,
and in her
sional life an elementary school teacher for
an
active member of her
profesover
30
community.
I offer the condolences of the Class to all of
Margie’s
large family.
Oct. 30
(Buffy)
Briggs died on
of cancer in Vero Beach, FL. Her husband, Brad, died
days
for them
Buffinton
later. A
on
joint memorial service
Nov. 3. They
grandchildren and
Kerr Lee
called
me
one
was
held there
survived by three sons, 11
are
the firstof Richard
house,
tion offine
nishings.
our
great-grandchild. When Lydia
with this sad
news,
it
was
comfort-
ing to hear her reminisce over their many happyhours
after major renovations. En route back
two
of the Dutch Colonial post offices Bernice Lippitt
Offices in the Mid-Hudson
Valley. Katharine Stanley-Brown Abbott’s 49 father
expect the
College’s
seminars to be
those at our 50th. Problem
was
Saturday we
as
high quality
as
on
plays
both nights. For our Sunday wind-up we’ve reserved
of
a room
our own
for breakfast and
discussion. How better to celebrate
Somehow
apologies
news
to Louisa
a
48-49
our
panel
60THREUNION 48
(winter and spring)
9821
Katy Freeway #210
Houston, TX 77024
713.784.2445(Home)
832.204.1445(Work)
800.541.4380(Fax)
[email protected]
antiquity!”
of the death of her husband, Ed, in
ued Vassar classmates
to
Laurel Anderson
in Aug. 2007. A practicing attorney for
Bates
years, she lived the last year of her life in
Tuamotus
[email protected]
that she qual-
Patricia Shelden
Rogue Valley Manor. She
has been
longtime companion and bridge partner
October, so is looking forward to moving to
since
Medford where she has family and interesting people
to
enjoy.
Congratulations to Nancy Means Wright, whose
historical novel Midnight Fires has been accepted for
Press. It’s the first in
Mary
Wollstonecraft (mother of
Frankenstein).
grandson
at
a
pro-
persona of 18th century feminist
wrote
She’s
Mary Shelley who
having fun with her oldest
Middlebury College close by.
Bless all of
you
who
sent
Hope
news.
to
you at
see
Reunion.
a
over
60TH REUNION 49 (June-October)
24
40
followed in the
guin, Jacques
ener,
footsteps
a
and
paradise.
Ginia concurs. “Beautiful
worries about
eating
beautiful, friendly French
long
way
no
water,
and
drinking locally,
Polynesian people.
all kids and
fultime of life—good health, okay money,
grandkids doing well. Oldest granddaughter going
Roger Williams—not Vassar
as
hoped—did
the
Italianfarmhouse bit last fall, going to Texas for ChristSavannah for winter break, St Croix in June for
two
writing the village column for
crew on
grandkids.
Gave up
the local paper after
racing
catboats
as
eight
invited.
Jo Lewis.”
words when learning of Bob’s death. After two years,
to being single. She had a wonderful
to
South America,
on a
a
planning
a
trip
to
South Africa this year. After a long battle in the weight
is dating
many pounds and
very nice
man
who regrettably is not in Florida for
the winter as she is.
Dorothy Singleton is still practicing the Holistic
Health Alternative to Applied Kinesiology. She swims
in
a
group
home for
a
daughter
is
third year. She’s supplement-
Nancy Whittington Jacobsen boasts of an enjoylively life with seven grandchildren, three
able and
grandchildren-in-law, and four-and-a-halfgreatgrandchildren. She’s active in the local AARP
itis a lot to ask for your doings so close to
Christmas. A few
loyal classmates—one
former Class Secretary
task of
kindly
drawing
so
she is in
to
of whom is a
sympathy with
chapter; a long-
the
blood from the stone-hearted—have
taken the time to email
Marcia Scott Butterwick
me.
heeded the call from across
Atlantic, bless her. She and Johnfound a trip
be what she describes
as
“marvelous
a
to
Sicily
experi-
new
ence,” the high point of which were “the unbelievable
mosaics in the Montreale Cathedral in the hills above
Palermo
was
next
they knocked the socks off Venice,” which
...
on
the tour. The Croatian
coast
followed, with
splendors of Dubrovnik, the huge walls rebuilt
exactly as they were before the Serbian-Croatian war
bombed it to ruins. (I saw it in 1968 in its post-World
the
War II incarnation). Not done yet,
they toured
Bahrain, where the further attractionis their
son! Travelers that you are, I trust
some
son
of
in
11th grand-
you’ll jump the pud-
dle for reunion in June?
joyous granddaughter’s boat
Seattle Lake, and is
department, she has shed
a
Well, I guess
the chateaux of the Loire. The Butterwicks have a
Peg Stone Hesslein thanks those who sent kind
wedding
Myers, FL 33908
[email protected]
the
FromJo Anne Lewis Schreiber: “This is a wonder-
trip
Fort
from the East Coast (or any coast) but
well worth it!”
mas,
2514 HarborCourt
Melville, and James Mich-
flowers, sunshine, crystal-clear turquoise
to
(November-May)
of Captain Cook, Paul Gau-
Brel, Herman
justly be called
no
C63
18-day trip
all of whom thought that part of the world could
crime,
Blueberry Lane, Apt.
Falmouth, ME 04105-2809
Dallas
Islands, and the Marchesas. They
ing Social Security by substitute teaching.
612.332.2411
instead
her
missing
the South Seas with husband Hunt—the Society
Islands,
now
MN 55403
canes
[email protected]
writes of her
Midge Apt Loeffler
Place, #309
at
nursing home.
(summer and fall)
1201 Yale
place
a
be taller
grandsons
with two
Ellen Van Pelt Wells
know.
every day and does yoga. Her handicapped
Minneapolis,
happy note from
ifies for
(Nikki) Urey Murray.
she has adjusted
Carol Brown Hartland
time this is
from New
Oct. 2007 got lost between editors. She wanted her val-
in Moorestown, NJ, for
The
many years.
affectionate best wishes of 47 to you, Betty.
by the
senator
will her
walking
jected series using the
Love to hear from any who remember
respected
hay twists,
publication by Perseverance
munity after
a
A
to
Social times include two evenings ofpre-dinner drinks,
entertainment—classmate-scripted
new
York be bankrupt, will the
collapsed, will we have switched from
dinners, and
years, continue to
pediatrician
can
choosing among them.
Preston, died last fall at Medford Leas retirement comHe had been
Stamp of
oil
heating
will see
FDR: New Deal Post
high school graduation of
long illness.
sum-
mer
the architect of two of these. On
the
York, will the state of New
of one?
was
is wondering
Bibs Muhs Walker
published, who will be
ship with cousin FDR.
Thomas 49 writes about in her book The
sylph-
Met. “Life is good!”
than she is, will she be
we
member of
more
like. Enjoys many wonderful concerts by Richmond
Symphony and operas in live performance from the
diaries were discovered disclosing her intimate friend-
reopened last
a
wish to be
life-long
FDIC have
a
The house
book group, and
good
her
mid-19th century contrast, with turrets. Daisy
Suckley, the last resident, madenews this past year when
stein,
singing soprano parts in the Night Owls.
Ed Johnston, husband of Elizabeth (Betty) Johnston
a
Wilder-
guide. We’ll lunch at
TOPS, pursuing
fur-
period
by special arrangement and Mr.
It’s open to us
to be
collec-
Hampton Jenrette’s
with appropriate
houses, filled
Jenrette plans
A
Elizabeth
two
for the day before Reunion officially opens. We
will start with Edgewater, a colonnaded classical revival
to
her
Margie was an enthusiastic “birder,” skier,
well as
bus
tour
Eric.
golfer, gardener, fly fisherwoman,
years, as
our
an
The Class sends
in Crosse
time member of a
com-
schedule, including a
Another sad note, the death of
saddening email from
H. Watkins
great
Ginia Schauffler Allison
husband,
and
nephew, Warren Watkins,
Margaret (Margie)
the
speakers
one.
a
Lowenthal
writerof children’s books and
very interesting
a
of the
Blegvad in
Messinger
artist. She was one of the featured
Reunion, and
on news
Lenore Hochman
London last September.
mittees have lined up
Sincere
livingnearby.
death of
From Debby Stark Ecker; “Our 48-49 reunion
Finley is—yes —among the many
marking 80th birthdays with wonderful celebra-
Anne Simmons
of
us
tions. Hers
was
Brown Abbott
in St. Louis last fall. Katharine Stanley-
has been laboring in the vineyard of the
Reunion Book. I
hope she has
heard from more of us by
the time the Quarterly goes to press. She writes of the
comments she has received: “Everyone keeps paddling
and is glad
I’m
to
be alive
on
hardly surprised
the
increasingly high
to get
an
energizing
from our musically creative wonder, Joan
man.
Joanie
went to
meeting of the Florida
seas.”
message
Javits Zee-
London for the annual board
Theatrical Association
musicals
(which
Florida—thank you,
Joanie!) The trip included theatres, museums, and a
visit from a granddaughter for her 20 th birthday. She’s
bringsbigBroadway
to
VASSAR
SPRING
-2009
25
classnotes
studying
art in
France. A
“and the Prado, at
a
great 80th with
trip
to
Spain
there included
daughter studying
another
see
to
visit to Madrid
a
last, Miss Barber”! Joanie
a
too
had
Barbara
50
beach lobster picnic and “all my
gle
a
our
No rehearsal necessary, she
same.
She says, “We’ve traveled
and 3
to
the lower Florida Keys.
enough!
great-grands
”
Fler 6 children, 10
“come to our sunny island
to
play.” Health good, still boating,
us
for
but won’t be with
60th due to a family wedding. She sends love
our
and hugs to all.
and
Lloyd
took two weeks to
ing near
age of
is less
sophomore granddaughter, Madeleine
’ll. To my astonishment and
directly
Newbold
her
delight,
room
is
the hall in Main North from where I
across
care,
expensive for more
Charlottesville. She is
an
Almy!
both of
Monticello,
house and gardens. We had perfect weather and (for-
tuitously)
ried
on
anyone
hitthe
all the
heightof the foliage color, which car-
way
down the Blue Ridge
opening experience.
more
Parkway. If
hasn’t taken that route, I promise you
“Earth hath
not
an
anything to
eye-
show
fair...”
classmates this past fall. Marie
Louise (M'Lou) Carroll Escher died after a long illness
on
more
10 in Old Lyme, CT. While married to her first
Sept.
husband she worked as
and Garden
magazine.
House
Lyme.
M’Lou
avid
settling
paddletennis player, gardener, dancer, skier,
traveler, and supporter of local
art
was an
institutions.As her
friend Julie Owens Sanderson Lyman wrote of
her,
M’Lou will also be remembered for her outrageous
sense
on
ofhumor and her vitality and energy, particularly
the tennis
court.
Grace Beck Renner of
Grace used her
degree
Akron, OH, died
on
Oct. 21.
in education from Vassar to
work at the Henry Street Settlement Daycare Center
in New York City before her
ner.
Grace and
Charles
marriage to Charles Ren-
Charles, married for
predeceased her, had five
52 years before
sons.
She
was a
a
sent
postcard:
a
good. Psychotherapists
Forest, IL, died
Our
most
notice
ofLake
(Mouse) Roberts Connolly,
her Christmas cards when she died
Dec. 15. She had become
an
artist in her later life.
lived in Towson, MD, in
Blakehurst,
a
retire-
community where she had moved with her
band who predeceased her. She
was one
of a group of
six Vassar ’49er friends who regularly reuned
Polly
hus-
together:
Canada.”
She asks
Ellen
(Dodo) Ward, Jane (Catlett) Ballard, and
Mouse Connolly.
Onward and
an
work in healing
person
ten on
site,
her
VASSAR
SPRING
to
our
-2009
60th!
I
Professional
a
School,
Connie majored in
Early Childhood Education. For
taught children of all ages and, latlearning English. She quit just months
adults
before her death. She traveled
was a
wonderfulfriend
widely all
her life and
many, including Ann
to
’49 who sent a note to
son
Solberg died in
brief illness. A grad-
a
50 years, she
over
terly,
our
Class: “Connie
Hutchiwas one
of my best and oldest friends. We met at Vassar and
from that
daughter
Andrew
lasting friendship...
a
ofall, her
most
Solberg
Kristin
There’s
was
more,
She leaves
family.”
Gail Nicita ofFlorence,
Italy, and her
Solberg of Washington, DC,
daughter,
She
in many aspects. Connie loved her teach-
her travels and,
ing,
her
had
day we
special
very
son,
and her youngest
of Urbana IL.
but that will have
to
await the next
issue.
to
still
so.
It con-
Therapeutic Touch practitioner in
on the phone. A booklet she has writ-
Moody
website, which can
be
Rourke
googled
appears live
on
Seasonsßeverly-
as
making movies and puts
learningall sorts ofadvanced
camera
them on her website. She is
applications for moviemaking, such
as
By the
time this note appears she may
dream
camera
Dreamweaver.
you
even
that lovely mature
drain
person holding
Dev also studies TV commercial acting.
EASING INTO GEEZING: Marty McCully Cobbs
(Greenwich, CT)
8 pm. Not
sure
as we
promise
from
Jane Cal-
statue
friend of
ours
works by artists of the
“
was
Cobra
and Carl Hennessey Pedersen
Lester Johnson.
also given by the Arki
notebook paper by Joan
since the ’7os and several
on
”
0 group
as
well
Jane’s husband Leon
as
Asger John
-
a
drawing by
was
director of
the Carnegie Museum of Art from 1969-1980. He had
come to know
many artists during the course of his
career.
Jane has served with the Friends Coun-
cil of the FLL Art Center, since the
be nice to view these gifts when
early ’9os.
we
attend
It would
our
60th
Reunion in June 2010. Hint! Hint!
We have to say goodbye to
ine
(Kay) Kelley
Cremer
near
her son, John
some
friends.
Cleveland, OH, and
“Jack”
Kather-
died last August. She lived in
is survived
by
D. Cremer IV of Wooster, OH,
hurry to get
in.” Elsewhere,
long
by 9 p.m.” Party hearty, Marty.
died
Carolyn Cooney
suddenly last fall of
a
Burns
of
lung infec-
tion. The ever-gracious Ally Bean
Birney of Washing-
DC, kindly took
Cummings
a
place
over as
co-chair with Ruth
Mead.
Carol Burns
gifts to the
recent
“Swirl,” that sits at the rear entrance
hallway of Main. This
to leave
Class Fund co-chair
gouache by Jack Youngerman, who
Foundation. Two sketches
a
on
a
New Year’s Eve dinner “as
Sad news, with condolences to families.
have her
and Leon A. Arkus. A phonecall to Jane
a
she and Jim were “going to the
we’re in
they were invited to a
ton,
come
notes
retirement place for their Christmas dinner party 5 to
revealed that several gifts had
elicited this email: A rundown
studying acting after retiring from
recognize
cleaner,
ifSanta was good to her.
at
lomon Arkus
long.
occupational therapy, snagged the part of Marina the
nurse in Uncle Vanya at the Space Ensemble, N.Y.C.
Scituate, MA,
glance
says column wa-a-y too
Huzzah for the Nevertoolate Theater! Dolores
(Dev) Paul Rogers,
the publication Art at Vassar put out
,
by the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center last year,
A
VQ
make immortal prose read like telegram.
Sorry.
Hills. She is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her publication Seasons, which appeared for many years as a
Sundaysupplementin the Los Angeles Times. Martha
goes around with her
NEWS!
Required cuts
in Dec. ’08. Her stage name: Dev Rogers. Brava! PS: If
is her very attractive photo.
Martha McClintock
[email protected]
her
migraine pain control is available from the web-
as
Mendham, NJ 07945
across
as a
and even
51
Mundy-Hooper
13 Pembroke Drive
Bali,
her website
did
we
Marian Heath
BAD
U.S. and
out
am
is
field of
impressive amount of information about
Willoughby,
upward
check
to
us
so
new
taken me
www.therapeutictouch.com. And
Simpson Gorman, Cherry (Helen) Cassilly
Collery,
involved in the
Australia, England, much of the
museum
ment
Emma Willard
res-
good, life
have to retire,
never
totally
Energy Psychology. Teaching has
seeing
Mitchell,
loss is Alice (Tucky) Wainwright
to Allie
Tucky was writing
Tucky
Fanny,
in July 2007.
recent
Gary. According
on
Farwell Brown.
uate of the
PoliticalScience and
organization, has helped
“When health is
clients and
did the sculpture
why, but I only recently received
octogenarian”
Crystal (Connie) Croll Hawk, another Toronto
ident,
swim meets for both her children and
I don’t know
our
and North America.
Center includes
of the death of Fanny
than in the US. Con-
founder-member of Science for Peace and,
devoted cheerleader at countless baseball
and
games
grandchildren.
all
establish peace curricularin many universities in Europe
She lived in Europe for several
in Old
years before
tennis and
contributing editorfor
a
coverage
education director of that
tains
We have lost
cover-
who copes mainly with arthritis. Her “world-shaking”
husband suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease. He is
exquisite hostess to us in
docent at
a
Mini
are invisible in not-
nie writes that she is “a moderately active
Laverack, Sally Bankson Stenson, Jane Murray
was
another in Maine,
physiotherapy, eyeglasses and hearing aids
as
Speaking of Nini, she
or
semi-private hospitalization, all drugs and
renowned as
Thurston, June Goan Dunbar ’4B, and
in Montana,
provincialtaxes. Supplementalprivate
lived 59 years ago in 209-210 with Persis Gleason
Broeksmit, IMancy Sewell Woollen, Frisky Broeksmit
26
daughter
but after consideration decided to remain in Toronto,
November. The trip began with a stop
Vassar to visit
a
where most medical insurance costs
dental
my
Ruth Constance (Connie) Walton
Gardner, who wrote to say that she and her husband, Dr
L. Terrell Gardner, investigated the possibilities of mov-
drive from Maine to Florida the end of October into
at
through
early October in Urbana, EL, after
News from Canada: We heard from Constance Moore
onerous
I, being snowbirds,
comes
Hausfrau and saving the world in my spare time.” We
willmiss that attitude.
and husband Douglas have
permanently moved
grands,
Coppola
[email protected]
Talbott
Polly Snyder
15th Reunion Book: “After years as a Professional
Community Busybody, I learned that ’Fame does not
Bristol, Rl 02809
j oanj [email protected].
now
910.253.4344
97 Windward Lane
Email her at
says!
in this note from
Kay’s personality
Joanna Foster
Reunion show to volunteer for
A trace of
great-grandchild.
one
Southport, NC 28461
breathe warmly’ and turned to being
willing to raise voice in song and/or wig-
fanny for
and
grandchildren,
Drive, Apt. 601
[email protected]
Joanie is asking
progeny present.” Most importantly,
for anyone
and three daughters, Katherine, Martha, and Julia, five
Vesey Brown Reed
3350 Club Villas
was a
remarkable
woman
who forged
in male-dominated industrial science. She
described four sequential
careers:
once
Raising four children,
17 years teaching high school
chemistry; getting her MS; joining Stone & Webster
mostly alone; followed by
Engineering,
becoming
an
expert
in
emergency
decontamination processes for
nuclear and chemical plants. After retiring, between golf
response,
safety, and
volunteering, she created an environsafety consulting firm; was named
Elderpreneur of the Year by the South Shore (MA)
and community
mental healthand
Chamber of Commerce.
former class
president, said
Ruth Gordon
Hinerfeld,
“We will miss Carol’s
sense
of humor and the very efficient way she performed her
class fund duties.”
Last
lost
a
September
Ellie Braman Grasso
three-year battle with cancer.
(Niantic, CT)
Her full
name
roster: Anna Eleanor Roosevelt Braman McGraw
Jenkins Grasso.
Ellie, whose mother was Eleanor Roo-
classnotes
sevelt’s first cousin, grew up in CT,
Miss
went to
on
real paper with actual stamps, that she has written
not
had three
lived in N.Y.C. until his death in
Spiritual: Chretiens-Musulmans
Essex, CT; married Graham Jenk-
Muslim relations, reflecting Paulette’s strong involvement with interfaith activities.The other, a novel: Droit
eagerly awaiting
de Cite: Un Roman de Banlieue. Quel
qualifies for
children,
1966, then moved
to
ins in 1973. After his death she married Thomas A.
Grasso, widower of CT governor Ella Grasso. He
died in 1999. Books and choral music were Ellie’s
specialties. For
many years
found the
helped
Con Brio Choral Ensemble and the ConnecticutRiver
Museum;
with The New York Oratorio Society,
sang
The Hartford
her
Chorale, and
Episcopal choir
in
UNFINISHED THOUGHT SYMPHONY: Our
sincere Oak
Bluffer,
the
Vineyardite
Diana Barrows
Sundeen, emailed that her dear very elderly gentleman
Charlotte, FT, December
friend has died. She’s in Port
to
May (no relationship pun); seeking classmates... and
... and...
ribly
the rest of her email disappeared,
sorry. Seems I
tronic
my
Ter-
life apologizing for elec-
BLUE WHO?
Distinguished Long Island fiber
MrsWide
(her
nom
de plume electron-
a.k.a. Marcia Goldman Widenor,
Directors’ Prize at the
tion’s Blue Show.
won
Cambridge (MA)
Blue, whoo!
the 2008
Art Associa-
Marcia entered
a
blue
dress knitted of blue Japanese paper yarn, titled My
Alice Blue Gown. Petie Davis Hilsinger was there,
cheering.
has
Marcia says going through the holidays with-
Mac is very sad; feels lucky having children and
grandchildren around, collaborates on design with the
is
on
Christian-
accomplisse-
a
day
in the life of her
WHAT, NO COLORFUL NATIVES?
ney; “Took
families)
two
on a
Allyßir-
our
descendants, Niko-
saying that)
urges
our
signups for
the
upcoming May 21-24 Philadelphia phiesta of phabulous phun, with special cultural, scenic and
gustatory
Be there!
“GMX
next
through e-mails
of Heppenheim, Ger-
Marlis Baumunk Beutel
today’s
new
Trimble, Betsy Latimore Boyle and the
Jane
Imbs
Birneys, Ally,
Art and Bob.
Speaking
about
died in
Aug.
after
Base
of Alaska
requires
a
few belated words
our musical Alaskan, Lois Ford
Vochoska, who
2007. Lois
college,
taught
at
Elmendorf Air Force
married district
judge Virgil
time.
ADDENDUM: Once more, three death notices
appeared after this column was
won’t become
a
written. I do
hope this
tradition. Rachel Morgan Behnke,
Bessie Bocock Carter
and Dr. Sharon
Herman Mead
have departed. More info later.
52
(spring
and
Elise Stickles, ’O9, double major in Anthropology and
Language, Cognition and Computation, (Sounds like
lina quadruple major.) explores intersections
among
guistics, computer,
son
and cognitive sciences. LillianJacob-
10, urban studies major and house fellow intern,
tutors
children,
baseball. Send
a
works in the
check,
library, plays
OK? Needed
more
VC team
than
ever.
AUTHOR! AUTHOR! This time’s it’s really true.
Miss
Wentworth
Hungerford
the novella by Chary
Montpelier, VT, will really
Walking,
Gibson
of
really be published this spring. Really. We think.
Calling all francophones: Paulette Dougherty
Martin, longtime resident of France (Montreuil) writes,
sent a
note, which
special
very
sad to report that my
am
Margolin,
died
on
mother,
Nov. 2,2008, in
a short battle with cancer. My
retired school librarian, had been active in
Pittsboro, NC, after
mother,
a
Among other things she
teer and
would be
was a
Hill,NC,
area.
devoted Obama volun-
proud to know she helped turn North
I, her daughter, Vassar class of 1975, am the librarian
a
nice ’small world’ story, we
was a
student in
mother’s school in New Jersey. Since I have never
changed my name when I married, this connection was
my
readily apparent. Makes one wonder how many
other connections are undiscovered due to women
more
peaked with the classes
one’s
own
name
may
in the mid-19705. There’s
a
News has come of the death of Cynthia Reed Kel-
610 East 1st Street
Sept. 9,2008. Sheresided
New Castle, CO 81647
logg
[email protected]
NY. She
Mary
recently discovered
that I have three students whose father
on
was an
evangelization
Clark McCormack
vived
(fall and winter)
by a son
in
Whispering Pines,
active volunteer in Why
and
faith-sharing
and his wife, a
Catholic,
an
program. She is sur-
daughter
and three
grand-
children.
1145 Woodridge Drive
Ml 49770-8929
Petoskey,
Judy Mitchell Noyes
[email protected]
after 28 years left her post as musical
Lyova
director of a comedy troupe. She has been accompanying the talented teen-agers of the Performing Arts’
Rosanoff
Academy. They did
53
(spring
has
a
719.633.6345
[email protected]
Athena Vavuras Lord
(fall and winter)
great-granddaughter
21 Homestead Avenue
born April 5,2008. Joan writes that lucky for her, the
great-granddaughter does
not
was a
husband, Bob.
He wrote that Anne
suffered a major stroke in May of this year leavingher
paralyzedon her left side and unable to move her left
or
leg. He has been caring for her at home with
caregivers since the end of June. She has been making
slow but steady progress and has recovered her memarm
ability
to talk.
Cheers
to Anne
and wishes
for a speedy recovery.
In gathering informationfor this issue I found a
English.
Salve,
building
a
school and teaching
Her younger brother teaches adults and chil-
dren how to sail on Lake
1953! And thanks for
Michigan. Her 50-something
daughter, author of Special Kids Need Special Par-
giving me the opportunity
of your correspondents.
Betty (BJ) Coats Zimmerman and Steve have
moved from Sedona, AZ, to a
continuing care retireto serve
as one
ment
community
tured
two
in Tucson. Her Christmas card fea-
beautiful grandchildren.
You may have
ing in the Sunday
in
seen
Style
the
photo of Nancy
Bell Mov-
section ofthe New York Times
September. Gorgeously gowned,
she was shown
with husband Thomas, former director of the Metro-
politanMuseum
cant
of Art, in
an
article
“The Signifi-
on
Other.”
Happy
’57, hosted
with Didi Silliman Stockly
Marsh,
brown bag lunch at the Maine Historical
Prince
a
Museum in
note
from Elaine Gray Loseff with some interesting “grandchildren” news. Her granddaughter had gone to Tanzania to continue
NY 12203
[email protected]
from Anne Zimvery encouraging note
Louden’s
ory and the
Albany,
live far away.
much younger class.
merman
summer)
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
at
Joan Gradison Coe
and
1601 Constellation Drive
perform the Austin Lyric Opera,
whose lyrics she co-authored. It is a comedic,
an
opera
Texas-tinged version of Der Fledermaus.
There
reports current
“I
study for AAVC.”
summer)
several years of operations and physical therapy. However, she was delighted to be thought of as one in a
Dorothy Kittell (Kit) Hesselman
Class of 1951 Scholarship recipients:
James, daughter Sally Thomas, and
daughter
repeating.
Maxine Salzman
have
ladies that she is still alive and mostly “Bionic” after
car.
son
changing their names. Keeping
Ethel Jones
Gilbert and Sullivan, her favorite. She also sang in the
160 voice Anchorage Concert Chorus. Perhaps equally
BRAINIACS:
bears
P.S. In
and
in her
brief illness. She is survived by daughter Nancy
Humanity and in the elementary school library at which,
producing
performing in many productions, particularly
Lois survived the great 1964 earthquake
a
German words: “Ideal fur Modem.”
Supersurfer.” “Onlinekosten.” Study hard; quiz
her lifelong passion for music and theater,
remarkable,
after
Carolina ’blue.’ She also volunteered with Habitat for
We heard that some “cyberspace gremlins” put
Joyce Connelly Ghee in a different class than 1952.
However, she corrected that. She wanted to tell the ’52
Vochoska in 1968 and had two children. She nurtured
Margolin.
ad into each email. Here are
slips an
think about it), bald
Cox,
Maxine Salzman
Her husband wrote that Maxine died Nov. 2,2008,
many volunteer activities in the Chapel
SERIOUS STUDY; Learn German
boat, icebergs calving (not so great when you
McCullough, Joanie Williams
generation
well deserved cheers.)
some
Maxine’s
Vassar trustee (I love
wonderful Alaska small riverboat cruise
tis Personae: Twitch Crane Gruson, Jean Humason
need to be reminded that the younger
husband and daughter of
Jean Bohr.
THE MERRY MAY MINI: M. Jean McKee,
thirds of our family (two of three sons’
eagles, and amazing bits of icebergs, even one with seals on it, floating by our window.” No glimpses of the colorful Palins. In August,
Ally adds, some colorful Davison natives had a delightful mini-reunion in Cooperstown, NY, featuring
musical theater, and nonstop gabbing. Dramaoperas,
Sometimes
five grandchildren.
with
60th.”
am
(Editor’s note:
our
Color illustrations by her Danish
last June. Fantastic! Saw whales breaching almost
under
we
up with them.’ All’s well in Winnetka and I
Margolin ’75,
out
Vassar theater department.
keep
famous Boston terrier, and Mabel The Dog About
Town, a charming softcover book for young children.
treats.
of her life’s ambitions.
one
“As Anna wrote ’...it takes one’s breath
away to try to
Two very nice but sad notes were received from the
produced MabelKissed Me,
many! Her server
mishaps. Zut, alors!
artist/sculptor
ique)
spend
pfoof.
in French. L’Electrochoc
The abovementioned Ms. Hesselman of Nantucket
line and
Old Lyme.
books, both
fantastique!
ment
she owned and ran the Clip-
in Essex. She
Ship Bookshop
per
one
but two
ents, just earned her MSW,
Porter’s. In 1952 she married Dr. Thomas McGraw,
Portland, ME, for the area’s
The event, which
Happy
says
was
Vassar alums.
“really fun,”
included a tour of the museum’s MaineFolk Art exhibit
and the Longfellow House. (I looked up the exhibit on
the web—very impressive.) Happy reports that Betsy
Wakefield Doermann is now a full-time Maineiac liv-
ing at Piper Shores
pley
also
in
resides.
Scarborough, where Anne
She-
Lois
is
MacKennan
VASSAR
Earle
SPRING
-
in
2009
27
classnotes
Yarmouth, which is home halfthe
Jim. Happy’s watercolors
regional craft show.
year to Happy
and
featured recently in
were
a
restaurant
articlefrom the Bar Harbor
an
Times. It shows our
Alice
own
(Wheatie) Wheatland
of the Abbe Museum and
Wellman, honorary trustee
high bidder at an auction featuring Native American
art
the museum’s 80th anniversary celebration.
at
Funds
were
used to promote
understanding
the
of Maine’s Native American culture,
on
her Italian roots,
members and
May she’ll take one daughter
Mayor of Manchester, OH, Dr.
writes that the 174 meetings and
events
her schedule this past year included performing six
marriage ceremonies. Her
them. This
Gragnano, her grand-
to
father’s birthplace, for the third time. “Archives have
given
me a
trove
SOARSSS
organizations,
ing help.
writing, taking classes. After
assigned
nonprofit
to a
and they’ve started a book club and “guess what, I am
the leader.” Is there anything this woman can’t do!
’62 hosted VC alums from the 60s and 50s
How fortunate we
officers. We should
to have such dedicated
are
class
acknowledgeour Fund Co-Chairs.
Mary Pick Hines and Frannie Aaron Hess for their personal notes to contributors. (The many of us who have
been involved in
follow-up
can
fundraising know how effective that
be.)
With sadness
report the deaths of
we
passed
two
on
away
at Rome (NY) Memorial Hospital. Ellen was a
Child Study major at Vassar and taught nursery school
2008,
for many years. She also volunteered at the Jervis Public library in Rome and for many other
is survived
organizations. She
Helen
and
sons,
community
by her husband,
Don-
Mary (Terrie) Toth Lewis
passed
away
area.
new ones.
It
’s4s
was
[email protected]
(June-September)
and Doris Francis
great
to see
attending:
living in
914.276.0644
Gwill Linderme
Newman, Else Kirchner Folsom, Margie Gilstrap
By
Blewett, and me.
When Anne Bass
55th reunion is just over a year away. Here’s news
from the head honcho. From Frannie White Cohen-
ride
a
bicycle,
Fulk
asked if
could still
anyone
Jean Milholland Shriver
responded
that
teacher,
(our class baby),
two sons,
by
a
daughter, Linda
four grandchildren, and one
great-grandchild.
Please send
Lillian Henderson Miller
Peripatetic missionary,
us
you’re taking trips to the Grand Canyon, Grand Canal,
or
to
to
see
grandkids; whether you’re gardening or going
meetings,
we want to hear!
Hudson River
plans
a
three-week stay in
March,
then
week “teaching English” and “sharing” in Minsk,
one
Belarus. After 52 years, she recently moved into an
it! (Her address is available
apartment and loves
but I shall
sorry to miss reunion
Tessa Bowman Smith
an
amazing week-
cemeteries where every British soldier has the shadow
rose
no
falling
upon his grave. Unlike the Americans
soldiers
—
they fell.”
were
repatriated. All were buried where
Two years ago, wartime letters
father had written were discovered in
Old friends become
55THREUNION 54
(spring
and
fall)
Albuquerque,
more
Christopher’s
an
attic. “We
Flanders .”
seems
counter-
balance notices of joy. Didi Malafronte Lawless and
Mary
NM 87102
Ellen
Casey
Turner both
Diana Adams Nachbur.
505.766.5484
is with
[email protected]
Her
reported
on
the death of
husband, Peter,
that I need
wrote:
“It
IMorma E. Harrison
and
Marion
are our
three
children,
all
happily married, and
busy fun-filled weekend. Please mark
that you arrive
many
we
after
a
have???”
Margo Payne Leithead has
happy follow-up
a
to
her last News note. “My youngest son, Tim, and his
wife had
26 week premature
a
She remained in the
ago.
in
baby
hospitalfor
extraordinary care
Jefferson Hospital
in the fall
a
year
five months, but
from her parents and
Philadelphia, she
completely health 1-year-old—truly a
is
a
thriving,
miracle.”
Janet Drake Morris reports: “Writing at Thanksgiving Pm thankful for my friends and family who have
helped
through recent months ofchemotherapy
me
free time to be able spontaneously
help
to
Having recently received much
can
my attentions
doctor,
little companionship.
am
particularly aware
give.”
Ruth Bosch Becker
new:
give
to
a
I
and
give myselfenough
those who need to be driven to the
who need a pot of soup, or need
of what I
news: Susan Lowell Dineen died Aug. 13
long illness, leaving her husband, John, three
leave mid-
time progresses. How
come as
reunions will
more
your calendars
Thursdayafternoon and
More to
day Sunday.
More sad
973.345.3402
Roberta Karen
and
Beatrice Brewster,
Nieberg, Memorabilia;
Parade/Favors. We will be working together to provide
and
to
Bergen Bakoulis,
Stearns, Meals;
Jane Bird
Directory;
almost five year fight with Leukemia AML cancer.
We were married2/24/57 and had a wonderful marriage.
sorrow
eight grandchildren.”
Paterson, NJ 07504
in order—and Vassar said
recovery to better health. I resolve to
Surviving
351 East 41 Street
Valley was
by those in attenvariety of excursions in the
inform you that my
dear wife Diana Adams Nachbur died on Nov. 3 after
deep
an
(summer and winter)
a
Leithead, Budget/Co-chair; Lillian
Jasko, Reunion Theme and Program Assistant; Constance Smith Franklin, Program for West Point Visit;
with the
precious with time. It
each column now contains notices of loss that
1020 Manzano Court NW
so
Margo Payne
visited in Tunisia two weeks earlier—-
graves we
will be well into 2009
O .K.! The committee organizing the program include
Ruth Ransom Wilson
describes
school) honoring the hundreds of Winchester College
of a
we
this past June, it was felt
Pittsburgh
Iditarod and
published them as Letters from
Sherry Rabbino Lewis
this,
dance that extra time for
whose
your news, classmates. Whether
read
reunion will
Knoerdel, reunion chair: “Our class 55th
be June 3,4,5, and 6,2010. After the mini-reunionin
so
and is survived
you
took her annual two-week mission to Nome and the
Aug. 19,
was
the time
our
be in China May 5-June 25.”
corridor and campus. She
Hills
Heritage
Somers, NY 10589
old friends
a
retired
on
FL 34135
Springs,
239,947.6235
battle lines, walked the trenches—in the mud—visited
a
“John and
sends
notes
from someplace
I moved from the heart of the univer-
sons, five grandchildren. She was a gifted music/theater
teacher, writing and directing original musicals for ele-
sity/hospital/museum neighborhood
consults with individuals (mostly elderly) and nonprofit
on how to survive the ongoing financial
chaos. She is active in Rotary and enjoys time with the
mentary school children. She was also an equestrian
and an avid horticulturist, creating impressive gardens
miles north of the city. Instead of ambulance and police
wherever she lived.
jays.
Janice McHugh Long died of heart failure Oct. 14,
and is survived by her husband of 54 years, two sons,
been able to make the decision and choice while we
In Washington, DC, Joan Hoxie Bristol,
“retired,”
still
organizations
two
of her five
sons
and two
(of eight) grandchildren
who live nearby.
Sally Goodbody
Norris
celebrated the wedding of
her daughter. Four Vassar graduates attended: Luette
Goodbody
Maclean
Semmes ’47, Adele Arrowsmith ’5O, Lorna
Terhune,
and
Sally. She adds intriguingly: “I
will be moving to Colorado, with John Norris,
hopefully before the year is out.”
Last
October,
Liebowitz
Martin
and
Marion
my ex,
Siskind
VASSAR
five grandchildren. After receiving her Ph.D. from the
U. of
and
SPRING
-2009
a
Cincinnati, Jan taught
was an
ethics and criticaltheory
administrator there for
She and Paul,
a
more
than 30 years.
minister, devoted theirlives to address-
ing society’s problems—civil rights, drugs, teenage
promiscuity, and injustice in our prison system.
dined with Karolyn
Kirksey Holler and
husband Howard, viewing San Francisco from
28
Bonita
need-
boys killed in WWTI. “At Memorial Cloisters, we traced
had
sad season, Edra’s great-
(October-May)
I remember with great fondness and many smiles the
we
a
9847 Costa Mesa Lane #203
end with Winchester College (husband Christopher’s
times
still try-
keep busy,
Joby Kelly Stracka
55
2007, in Moreland Hills, OH. Terrie was my roomand
mate in Cushing freshman and sophomore
years,
good
am
is to
Reunion?
678A
through AAVC.) “...
eight grandchildren.
if to sweeten
as
but it’s fun! ”)
every year,
Jenkins Madden
the Santa Fe, NM,
class-
Oct. 17,
writing I
granddaughter; Ava, came into the world on Dec. 15.
We can all strengthen each other—See you at
com-
she bikes 30 miles a week! (Rock on!!)
mates. Ellen Howe Smith
ald, three
worse
fall, Peg
and meet
At this
which I do, leading my Fhspanic Ministry in Church.”
Blessedly,
Other classes include: Mozart, yoga, tennis
(“am getting
Last
with him, including the
was
Spain.
adapt, but the important thing
managing nonprofit
in
course
she’ll be
has a 12 percent unemployment rate; however the library has a new addition
area
to
Marge Hiatt Bernstein
pleting a
family
who still lives in
son
of information, including the name of
great-great-grandfather.”
keeps extraordinarily busy
my
2008. Our whole
ing
rediscovering family
being lovingly embraced by
with grandchildren,
Our class president,
the hall
Since 2006, Didi Malafronte Lawless has been
researching
history,
and archaeology.
Connie Dettmer
across
from each other in Cushing’s ’Maids Wing.’”
More news from Maine, thanks to Peggy Loizeaux
Engel who shared
became
high above the city. “Karolyn and I
close friends as freshmen while rooming
Edra Golan Alonso-Artieda
Dr.
writes:
Miguel Alonso-Artieda, passed
“My husband,
away
Sept. 16,
to
a
in Pittsburgh,
retirement community, Sherwood
sirens,
PA,
Oaks, about 25
hear cardinals, wild turkey, Canada geese,
getting used to. We were pleased to have
we
It takes
are
both still up and running.” A few months later the Beckers
ily
celebrated their 50 th wedding
anniversary withfamand friends. Pat Tulley McAuley,
a
bridesmaid,
celebrated with them.
Lanie Strode!
another
place.
Hunger
and her husband have moved
have three
area,
one
daughters
just five
is also coming from
Wolfeboro, NH, she
Bubar
After 20 years in
to
Arvada,
CO.
They
with families in the Denver metro
minutes away
so
they
are
pleased to
classnotes
be near
last
Sue McClintock Halstead
family.
came
to
visit
spring.
is
news
pits: “The bad
patient’s house, I tripped,
writes from the
that, while leaving a
found myself airborne, crashed
onto
concrete
a
path
and in the process managed to break both my ankles.
news is that I finally have some news to
The good
report.
You
think this is
may
but I’m
your column,
bizarre way to support
trying to find some crumb of
meaning in this senseless
Although I
destroy my
don’t have
leftankle
and I
cally repaired
another month.
a
accident. Every littlebit helps.
managed
I
osteoporosis,
to
completely. Both legs were surgiam
in
now
a
rehab
facility for
My mantra through all this is
This is
Liz Cushman Titus Putnam
had two weddings this
married Daron Lime in Tuc-
daughter,Phebe,
March 8, and her stepson (Bruce and Amy
son on
Stevens
Putnam’s son) Dale Putnam, married Mar-
lene Reyes in Miami on May 17. Phebe completed her
doctorate in psychology, became
gist, and is working
Kalispell, MT. Dale
wife a critical care
licensed psycholo-
establishing
on
is
a
now a nurse
a
in
practice
Weale
July
on
2 in Port
accounting and
her
reporting. She is survived by
Haddam, CT,
Aug.
P.O. Box
responded
to
are
back in the late
Evelyn shared a N.Y.C. apartdating their future spouses. The
reunion included travel to
Williamstown, MA, and
and then
Great
to
a
Albany for
play,
a
to
visitto the Clark Museum
Lake in
Sacandaga
Edinburg,
to
my email blast that
some
slack off; classmates do like
to
doing and
Schacht
I’ll do my best to keep
has
given
up her
concentrates
now
a
on
her
own
more
fun.
Vassar
trip
dogs, two cats, and six parrots (That had to be
unforgettable adventure!), and has welcomed
adopted Chinese granddaughterto the family.
brief
from
note
Mary
Times
owner
“Mr. Obama
For
ness.
for
ject made
was
was
present for the ceremony
the French Cultural Services in N.Y.C.
2008, when Kathy
Weil-Garris Brandt
Nov. 19.
on
was
awarded
Elly
Aaron
Langer actually emailed her
ter! The news that I
is that the
most
am sure
to
Mead
an
leveled. They feel
holidaylet-
only a couple of blocks
most
away
fortunate! Having done
bears.
and
Nantucket,
gathered
Nancy and
in Salis-
summer
MA. Last
in
September “the
Nantucket for a family
husband Bob
were
involved last
year in the
project of moving Sankaty Light back 400
ft. from an eroding bluff and this year celebrated
that accomplishment.
volunteering,
keeps busy with
Nan
lot of
a
gardening, reading, birding,
and
A phone callfrom fellow Mainer Amy Auerbacher
Gimbel
lege
LaMar
relayed that
roommate Ann
husband, Doug,
she had received word from col(Scottie) Richards Cook that her
had died in
September
that
field,
of
our
is still publishing sacred
recently Christmas Carols for Friends
Coyla Bell Barry has a small poetry
volume coming out in
of summers
on
my
Jeremy Warburg
early
,
is
is
deepening
compassion, leadership,
is nationally
as
after
a
long
recognized
mentions
Patterson Lord
time to write
adjustment
now
If I didn’t get
number of years and the
is hard.
to
your news,
issue. I made
summer
we
haven’t heard from in a long time.
an
I will
it in
get
keep faith.
effort to report
the
on
those
more
57
estate
the Upper East Side of Manhattan with Coldwell
Vassar graduation last May but then Virginia broke her metatarsal and missed our 50threunion;
Kunhardt’s,
she did manage to travel around Ireland for two weeks
in a wheelchair. Joan Goldsmith Rosen was home in
for her daughter’s wedding in
Michigan long enough
August but took off in October on
Rim cruise from Vancouver,
with dues. She and her
Mediterranean music cruise last September
to
Tampa,
Greece,
NY 11959
daughter
and
presently
is involved with quilting and Cordon Bleu
courses.
She is
grandsons. She
looking for
her academic library
on
in Pittsburgh. Margot Bell Wood-
joined them at “Falling Water” for
wrote
year-oldgrandsons on
memorable European
summer
a
and has another
to
anticipate
Friedman Been.
last
ran
into Natalie
Both classmates “looked great.” Patsy
and poets in SW
Fleming joined 12 painters
during July—a marvelous experience. She flew
rainy Ireland in September but had to content herself
at
sees
Gail Diamond Schwartz
the gym. Rosemary Klineberg
Coffey
marriage of her daughter; Megan,
Jennifer in California—just before the
her partner
of Proposition 8 making same-gender marriages
passage
ing
expectations for the
New Year. I was hoping we’d receive
tour
in 2011. Thea
visited in N.Y.C. by her old Main
Prager Cogen. She also
illegal in that state. Rosemary
or
grand tour.
husband took their 12- and 13-
to
FL 33609
aboutresolutions
a
Celia Crouse Orvis and
news
of another
“four
women, rangsays
in age from 38 to 63, two of them Caucasian and
two
one
appreciative recipient of
an
international development.
reports the October
[email protected]
No
adores retirement and
Doris Silliman Stockly was delighted with a reunion
of roommates Cynthia Harkness Hallahan and Mary
to
813.286.0338
grandson head-
ing off to college this year; but I think a lot of us do. Laurie McDonald Meigs writesthat her oldest grandson is
three month Pacific
fourth and
Carylmae (Tinka) Abrahams retired for the
last time in 2005. She’s moving to Austin, TX, near her
France
4522 Woodmere Road
Santorini, the lonian Islands, Albania, Montenegro,
a
BC, down to Los Angeles.
Stubbs
PO Box 874
(October-Aprii)
cultural and educational
full of children and
of her memoir of two grandchildren
Fuchs Benenson was
(May-September)
a summer
Ecklund Sweatt and hustry tackling memoirs. Virginia
band Harry attended their oldest granddaughter’s, Jessie
roommate Ruth
Post Rich
IDA’s mission.
who died in 2000 and 2001. She encourages all of us to
well
a
furthering
grandchildren, including newborn Charlie, but she found
Elizabeth Cori-Jones
caregiver for
for
Several messages missed the September deadline. Gay
regularly
a
experience
excellence, and
commitmentto
[email protected]
still selling real
and Croatia. She can’t believe she has
her Buddhist
received the Margaret Byrd Rawson Award from
with painting indoors. She
a
at home”
proBeacon Hill Vil-
student of Thich NhantHahn. Judith Rosenberg
Quogue,
news
Newton, MA,
a
“aging
pioneering
631.653.4151
took
leading
up an
ment here.
husband, Harold,
years
www.finishinglinepress.com.
Russo
gram similar to Boston’s
a
“inspired by 20
husband Edward’s cattle ranch.” It
exploring setting
lage. She also
called, Swimming
2009
Montana
from
Woman:Poems
and Family through Darcy Press. No plans for retire-
Banker when she wrote
sub-
culture willbecome the dominant culture
Washington.”
been his
Marguerite (Margie)
Adrienne Mead Tindall
on
a
lively book sales” {but} for another she
illness. Scottie wanted classmates to know. She has
an
littlegrandsons.
was
bad for busi-
the Bush administration as
best customers to land jobs in an
expects some of her
Obama White House. “We feel that we’re in center
want to hear
their home in the Santa
Langers didn’t lose
Barbara wildfires. Houses
of you
finally has grandchildren: three
Phyllis Swarzman Stock
Nov. 6 New York
good for morale but
thing
one
group in
Comly Ellis
a
Barbara
Morgan Meade, coof the independent bookstore Politics & Prose:
do it again!
Connie
carbon
buzz about a
was some
Ramsay Bower sent
clipping quoting
will be available from
landscap-
two
announced that she
last year there
NY, where Annalisa and Pete have a vacation home.
They decided they shouldn’t wait another 50 years to
reunion.
few years ago, has driven cross country from
to Albuquerque with daughter Allison,
most
were
west, Arizona in the winter and the
Rhode Island
music,
and they
whole clan”
She wrote that she took advantage of
A very
ment
bury, CT,
grounds—lots less work and probably lots
a
met Peter
genealogy research.
business and
Italy
of the husbands joined them.
Nancy (Nan) Dempster Longley writes that she and
are dividing their time between east and
wait until summer! Please don’t
an excuse
Wagner
graduation. Two
together
her husband
Harbor, ME 04662
informed.
Faith
ing
since
Evelyn’s husband, Henry, had
polar
722/13 Sinclair Road
Northeast
hear what you
you
have kept in touch, the four had never been all
the Antarcticathing, this past year Jim and Elly visited
the Artie and experienced the midnight sun as well as
[email protected]
to
Although they
Mauro, and Evelyn Kwok Canilang.
were
207.276.4205(fax)
as
Shirley Giorgio Galbraith-Baker,Norma Stark
help improve the college’s
can
fervent advocacy for people with dyslexia. Judy’s work
Dr.
time.
next
will have
Jean
Avery wrote of a wonderful
“mini-mini”that she shared with her college roomAnnalisa Badt Van
—
project
N.Y.C. mini-reunion.
now! She and Gilbert still travel a lot.
mates
class
our
footprint? Also,
early work of Michelangelo.
brother-in-law,
207.276.5498
take that
Laurie? It’s their turn
another mini—this time on Vassar campus to plot how
the InternationalDyslexia Association for exhibiting
Kathy Suminsby
news
what,
guess
and birth-
cupcakes
plan
not
Birsh
Lee Salerno.
So many of you
Well
mention
mini-
DC,
well attended. Why
by the French government. It was there that Kathy
identified a sculpture a few years ago as probably an
daughters, Deborah Lee East and Kate
56
not to
class. The Washington,
was
the insignia of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters
and subject coordinator in the Haddam schools and is
more
you
and went to endless school conferences
and PTA meetings
day parties!!”
ate
sure
our
NY.
I must also report the death of Marilyn Lonergan
26. She was a teacher
on
of
Lots
vegetables
jeans, made
mini-reunionfor
reunion in 2005
newspaper
Jervis,
Paul Horseman.
survived by two
your
at
in Boston.
nurse
Emma had worked in
Fowler
blue
you in
carpools, kept
anesthetist and his
I regretto inform you of the death of our classmate
Emma-Jane
turned 50, whichshe says is
son
awful thing to do to the mother who “drove all those
50s whenAnnalisa and
”
only temporary!’
year. Her
Colby. Their eldest
an
Ziff Wilson
Marcy
at
African-American,
who
said,
’We
are
were
Megan’s
introduced by the oldest,
sisters.’
(Thanks
to
her
”
father’s three marriages, that really is true!
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
29
classnotes
Margot Farr Baldwin writes about two
in her life. “Art and I
finally
have
a
big changes
child back in
our
area.” But then her youngest moved to Zurich with fam-
ily, giving
good
a
excuse
Renee Orlan Lerner and
to ski
in the
Alps in January.
Audrey Laibson Wolf
are
become and particularly enjoyed spending time with
Gillian
Moss, Sandy Borkum Bertman,
Macßain
Schlossberg and her beautiful and
Bobbe Greene
Barbara Pois
Schupack has become
The
the economy”
ture and
area.
passed along information about
as
people’sbook
art, build
About Judaism by Celia Sirois. Classmate
one’s
Fleischman Towvim
for
Spanish language
reporter
dailies in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Finally she is taking time
new arson
a
out for
dog shows with her
Russell puppy. She’s excited that
Frances
Bailey Pinney was coming soon for a sunny visit following a nasty bout with breast cancer. Martha Heef ner
Keller
reports the sudden death of her
sadly
Ann M.
Bailet, 44,
leaving
her
in Switzerland on
husband, Yves, and three
“She embodied love and
daughter
Aug. 31,2008,
children.
a studio for herself, begin showing, and, anydream, selling her paintings. She works in oils and
book. Myra found the book informative and enjoy-
and
the
a
house
cat.
provide the light
seasons
at
Lynch
to her sons for helping with that
task of downsizing and the dispersion of
Joan has
making
and fall)
It is
Square
important than ever this
donation if you have
a
always profoundly sad
communicate
Lou’s class notes in the winter issue
meaningful and memorable
a
it was for all who attended that great event
worked
you, Winkie and 8.J., and all who
event.
on
expressed regret
was not
able
We wish them both well. Julia
does valuable work with illiterate adults, “...heart-
seeing illiteracy’s effects
thrilling
her nice
as
they begin
be made
They
out
are
to
the lava-rich soil of
dren in Mexico City. “It will be
the program, sent to her
Sen-
by
Clare
available for $l5, and checks should
to
alumnae office. Elbe’s law
continues to grow and she has been involved
in arbitrations for retirees who
sadly have been victims
of the financial crisis. Helpingwiththe environmental
crisis is
one
of her
sons
who is manufacturing “green”
expresses the enthusiasm
and joy of reunion and mentions the emotional experience it was for her to drive under the “Welcome
Home
Alumnae/i” sign
“delighted
the Main Gate. She
in the great bunch of warm,
and mellow women” she
VASSAR
at
SPRING
saw
affectionate,
that her classmates had
-2009
watch-
ing the humpback whales, loving the ethnic mixes of
people, basking in the joy of having one of our own,
of us
now,
she is trying
tion to TV news.
to the
well. Congratulations, Naomi!
into music.” She sings in two choruses and took
semester
solo is really fun.” East
in whichshe found
she spent
summer
a
“singing
week in
British Columbia with a group participating in a choral
well
a
great time singing as
hearing fabulous choirs from around the world.
festival, where she had
as
to cure
her
Marilyn loved
pre-election
families in their yurts, bathed in hot springs, drank
fermented mare’s milk, and ate dumplings. An amaz-
ing trip!
Brunie
new friends from the fragments of old relationships.”
She has provided
me
four
with the perfect
ending for these
ford
50THREUNION 59
Since my last
in
man
ing—and we
have elected
a new
president. The day
after the election Cristina Biaggi wrote
“Today
well
citizen of the world. We have sent a message
am
especially proud
to
be
ecstatically:
I
an
American
as
are
based in Seattle, where they
2008 she finally left N.Y.C. and settled in Philadelphia.
A
but
big move
not
much of
months later she moved to
in
same
a
a
weather change! Six
“larger better
Center City Philadelphia
granddaughter
at
apartment
building.” She has a
Vassar and gets to Poughkeepsie
love to hear from Philadel-
occasionally. She would
phia
area
classmates.
Debby Owen Turner writes from London that “we
busier than ever in
working (Pat is)
ter
is
’retirement’—travelingand
in the U.S. and
chaplain to the
Europe.”
Her
daugh-
med/vet students of University
College’s Medical School and Royal Veterinary Colin London. Her
lege
Paula
are
Swiss
belonged
a
son
and his family live in Suffolk.
Epstein Huguenin and her retired hus-
residents, they have
to a
a
book study group for over 30 years.
mixed group of 20-25 whose
discussions
condo in Sara-
daughter lives and practices. Paula
discusses two books
our
so we
Mary Whorton Craw-
to
groundis that they all
world. Our economy is faltering, unemploymentis rising, gas prices at the pump are plummet-
changes
50 years
have webbed feet.” Kay Olson Freemoved not once but twice in six months. In Jan.
going
802.476.7281
column, there have been some dramatic
nearly
and her husband love living in Socorro, NM, but
“are all
It is
[email protected]
climes. Sue
in the Northeast
possible.”
as
the rest of their family
has
Barre,VT 05641
in location
changes
warmer
Hughes and her husband of
sota, FT, wheretheir
69 Pine Hill Road
find
or
grandchildren “still live
band
Talmadge
downsize
live in Vero Beach, FT. Their three children and
Though
Susan B.
to
trade visitsas often
addic-
reunion, “making
to make
Classmates continue
they look
are
our
Her intrepid
camels, stayed with
long planned Mongolian expedition.
Like many
Presidency.”
a
only
common
read in English. The group
week sessions. The
year in 8-10
can
“bring outlooks from
many different cul-
tures, which is the best thing about the
group.” Paula
finds that longer stays in Florida are making it difficult
to be part of these annual sessions.
Barbara
Wooldridge Moon is retired
husband is still
an
though her
active Federal District Judge. Her two
around the world that everything is possible in Amer-
grandchildren are her “life’s delight.” They are athleticallygifted and very active, which Barbara enjoys. She
ica.” However
sorely misses being
as a
one
feels about the outcome of the elec-
tion, it is evident that we all need
homes and cabins.
Barbara Alderman Stein
sea,
Most of
Park South- PH 3704, New York, NY 10019. She will
practice
slow move.” In
a
Hawaii, she is “singing in the choir by the
breathe the same air.”
CDs from
reports that she has
sent to her by Sandra Borkum
to the
a
crack the
Vassar Class of 195 8 and mailed
the checks on
and where she lives in
Maui,”
lovely spa called “Healing Waters,” and Desert Hot
Springs, CA, where she will be closer to her grandchil-
to
Eleanor Pavlo Vale, Hampshire House, 150 Central
pass
was
get to the reunion, and she did.
Marilyn Trail writes that she is torn between staying in Hawaii, where her “feet seem to be attached to
class notes: Aloha! I learn from her that it means, “We
Julia is also still writing a column for
even
died in November. I
their lives
ior Women Web.
Whitfield.
as
singing class last
as
tell of the deaths of
to
tribute to Vassar—though ill, she
a
experience.
summary
those she tutors are the products of pre-integration
class’s Junior Party,
already.”
on
of the
Eleanor Pavlo Vale
so
to
Barack Obama, elected
Carolyn Brown Sneden has
Bertman, and
a
now
determined
that because ofher husband’s ill heal th she
our
“deep
Please consider
not done
Susan Williams Workman
can
year.
the 50th reunion
urge you to read her moving entry in
handwriting.
of what
“education.”
“As class co-fund chair
us:
Carrington ) I would like to remind
classmates:
Vassar ’sB’s 50th Reunion!!!).
code,”
message for
a
classmates that contributions toVassar’s Annual Fund
As I write, it is still 2008 and our 50th reunion year.
up to now —and
adult
and
group of 10 rode horses
[email protected]
have email addresses. We
in
City
71st and West End Avenue. She is
(along with Georgia
Before I begin, I’d like to note a request from both Mary
Lou and me. We want to hear from those of you who
breaking—as
to
writes thatafter 45 years liv-
she has moved six New York
address,
one
book. What
June
Thomas
973.746.5429
[email protected]
the
inspiring
an
Since her retirement Carol Williams finds herself
a
215.545.1835
to attend
so
memorabilia.
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7602
Julia
and shadows
creativity.” And she has grandchildennearby!! Aren’t
they lucky!
Joan
able for
back East, and
Between her music obligations, Carol managed to take
Apt.4os
(thank
us
extremely grateful
226 W. Rittenhouse
me
drew
seasons
enormous
(spring
experience
“The
to
are more
reminds
Naomi
interfaithedu-
joy of a barnyard.” She and her husband, Mel, have
sheep, five goats, chickens, ducks, dogs, a barn cat,
two
Sallie McKee Warden
Reading Mary
on an
Mary Lou Albright Johnston
Montclair, NJ 07043-2317
not
has worked
(winter and summer)
102In wood Avenue
with each other in
young
cational project and dialogue for many years and is
credited with writing much of the Jewish part of the
blocks south
do
a
A Young Catholic Learns
Jewish Friend:
titled My
pastels, has a weekly workshop for a small group, and
guild. Another focus is “the
ing
58
her
collaborates with a regional
caring for family, friends,
and community.”
Bay
more on
cul-
Myra also
writes.
ciated with Walter Wickiser Gallery in N.Y.C. Maggie
to focus
Magic
“supporting
are
well, she
Eng-
With the move, she has been able
has worked for 40 years as
lander after 40 years in the San Francisco
adding
are
iting the Galapagos in January. Renee exhibited her art
in several New Jersey shows recently and is also assoBrandsness Bobb
30
New
a
they
Flute at the Metropolitan Opera to their holiday schedule. Her son and his family will be treated to the Lion
King. We love these outings and
sophisticated roommate, Harriet Zuckerman.
vis-
Nutcracker. This year
bolster
our
democracy, heal
peace to our troubled world.
As I write,
we are
our
to
work together
economy, and
Hope
to
bring
is in the air!
in the midst of the
holiday sea-
Myra Kriegel Zuckerbraun has taken over a tradition begun by her mother—she is taking her
son.
daughters,
their families, and her father
to
the NYCB
a
participant, however, and
learning to do watercolors,
ity for this age,” she
“a
Graves
is now
appropriate
writes. “Oh to have
dom and the energy of our
McGuigan
more
activ-
today’s
college years.”
wis-
Jacquelyn
feels that “one of the great joys of
back and watching them
grandparenthood is sitting
develop
into
unique adults.” She has six grandchildren,
to graduate from Tulane with a triple
the oldest about
classnotes
In
major.
college, she writes, “I used
with ’tempus
end my letters
to
Now I know what that means.”
fugit.’
Indeed, time does fly!
It is hard to believe that
50th Reunion is just weeks away. Reunion
our
chairman,
Dewey Weiss Kramer, her committee, and our class
officers have planned a busy weekend that includes
lots of exercise, I
of it. I still have
and box lunch, and Sunday’s chapel
urday’s parade
service)
as
well
those just for our class. We will spend
as
Henry A. WalPresidential Library in Hyde
Saturday afternoon and evening at
lace Center at the FDR
Park where the
the
Night Owls willperform for
us
during
have worked my way
to
wear a
brace, but am back
to
out
to
finagle a
I
spotted
book,
even managed
days in Fiji on the way.”
listing of Vera Evans Blinken’s new
few
a
Vera and the Ambassador; Escape and
Return in the Mixed Media section of the last Quar,
terly.
A
phone call
tion about the
to Vera
brought
book, which is
more
informa-
personal story of
a
Vera’s
harrowingescape from Communist Hungary
1950, and her return to Budapest 44 years later as
in
entertain us after dinner. Best of all
the wife of the American ambassador. Vera’s book
planners have
left plenty of unstructured time for renewing friendin
ships, engaging
years of
to celebrate! We
try to be there. We want to
get! We have
reunion
Sadly,
two
only have
see
one —so
you! Don’t for-
longer weekend than others—our
a
begins
50
Our 50th Reunion is
post-grad experiences.
truly something
please
conversation, and sharing life’s
Thurs., June 4.
on
Mary Montgomery Schumacher died peacefully at
home on Sept. 7,2008, of cancer. She had been a teacher
and then director of admissions at Chapin School in
N.Y.C.
as
well
as
a
board member at St. Luke’s School
in N.Y.C. She leaves her
grandchildren,
on
away
Nov.
and
a
husband, Robert, two sons,
brother. Denise O'Brien
nizationally and
two
passed
as a
friend
to
some
time, both orga-
many of us. Well traveled,
she had been swimming in the Antarctic Ocean 10
months before! She had attended the long weekend at
Vassar in October where classmates met to make
our
reunion and
culinary school for
was
Donald, faced
interests in
open and
planneda
our
clear,
glad
plans
wonderful dinner at the
class participants
so
a
as
they worked
to
advance American
former Soviet satellite,
newly emerged
from behind the Iron Curtain. While in Hungary,
Vera established the American-Hungarian Friend-
shipForum to initiate reforms in nutrition and to procultural exchange. Her fluency in her native
Hungarian was
In
and
to
enjoy. “She
willing to share her
a
asset to her
great
1996, Vera founded
Prima
work in Hungary.
Vera, the first mobile
breast cancer screening program in Central and Eastern Europe. In 2002, Vera was awarded the Middle
Cross of the
Republic of Hungary for her services to
people.Vera and the ambassador, her
the Hungarian
husband, Donald, live
28,2008. Co-chairman of our reunion she
had been active in class affairs for
for
describes the historic challenges she and her husband,
mote
of our classmates will be missing.
more
Barbara Gale
in New York
Breger writesfrom
City.
Woodacre,
CA:
“When my husband and I retired in 2004, we moved
to Marin, from Los Angeles, with expectations of an
easier life....
rate,
we
Then,
as
my
moved her with
mother
us.
began to deterio-
Over the last
two
years
her health deteriorated, and she needed a
great deal
of care. I learned the ropes from Hospice about find-
ing in-home caregivers, then a good nursing home.
On Oct. 1, my mother died after a struggle that
...
knowledge,” writes Kezia Vanmeter Sproat. Denise
“a wonderful person, good
how
to
live well and
Holtzmann Kevles.
friend, and
compassionately,”
We will
an
was
example of
says Bettyann
certainly miss her
presence
in June.
Looking forward
lasted for weeks.... At this
in law was
MRI, and
seeing
you
on
June
4 at Vas-
60
838
High
to
state
live
tion,
to the
next,
dread. This
was
a
great
resource
married
for
holding body and
those of you who responded
to
my
50th reunion is mounting and
hope that many of you have already saved the date.
about the Studies
on
Hysteria and
the
well attended mini reunions in New York
the fun in Chicago, visit the AAVC website and proceed to our class page to view Ann Snyder Harrod’s
work
dren and their families in Israel. Meanwhile, members
of our class Reunion Leadership Gifts Committee are
our
50th Reunion
gift
to
the col-
Gauger writes from Benecia, CA:
“Since I retired as a teacher, I have been working part
Nora Easton
time in several local libraries. I have
difficult. With God’s help,
a
Vassar, Harvard, and the
hired by U-M in the mid-1970s
good neurologist, and
husband, who
U. of Michigan, was
as a
researcher. Her
naturallycomplementedher husband’s, and they
have published scientific papers jointly.A recent example is an article about blazers, far away celestial bodies, that was published in Nature. Margo and Hugh
met during a trip to study an
eclipse in 1963, and were
married in 1964. Although it is now more common
for couples to work together in the same department,
they remember a time when being hired as a couple
was
difficult.
The Class of ’61
campaign.
was
active in the 2008
Randolph, campaigning for Obama in Minnesota, wrote: “There is actu-
ally hope that
we
the best of who
may return to
are” and that in
spite of the
world news,
have
we
opportunity
an
we
economic crisis, and the
to turn
a new
page.
Deborah reports that she is no longer practicing
law but has kept her license, and gives advice to young
lawyers starting out in her field—juvenileand family
law. She devotes much of herfree time to Open Arms
of Minnesota, which is
feeding those
Lou
MS, and
non-profit organization
a
who have HIV/AIDS, breast
cancer,
disease. She is in the kitchen
Gehrig’s
working with the chefs, making soup for hundreds,
and
lovingevery minute of it. She belongs to a group
of 10 women (all over 70!) who meet
every two weeks
to discuss politicsand foreign affairs.
Finally, she notes
being
very healthy and very poor, and observes:
“Poverty has somehow set me free to take chances,
risks and
to learn how to be
tle resources —it has been
very
an
happy with very lit-
amazing realization.”
Patricia Grant Grossman,
writing from New Mexico, also volunteered for Obama. She is enjoying her
second year of retirement and is tutoring as a volunteer in two elementary schools. She and her
partner of
more than 26
years have three grandchildren. Pat’s
live withtheir families in the LA
sons
pily married; Adam
is pursuing
writing and video, and Jonathan
area,
a career
both
hap-
in freelance
in music.
livingin London for
the past 46 years. She is a professional artist, and has
just completed more than 40 paintings based on her
father’s family in early 20th
century North Carolina
(www.deborahglass.com). Her husband is a practicing lawyer, her son a single parent with a 17-year-old
daughter living in Berkeley, CA, and her daughter a
sculptor living in London. Deborah sees Anne Miller
Deborah Wall Glass
Bennett
has been
when Anne visits London.
In addition to being our class treasurer,
Mary Ellen
Weisl Rudolph is active with the VC Francis Lehman
Loeb Art Center and currently serves on its Friends
Council. On Oct. 15 she and her husband had the fun
of hosting a “Curatorial Salon” for the Center in their
apartment. About 20 alums, including Betsy Shack
Barbanell, joinedin a lively discussion withthe curator of
prints and drawings, about
as an
the
recent
FLLAC
academic executive recruiter a number of years
ago, Mary
Ellen’s current activitiesinclude continued
involvement with Goddard Riverside Community
Center, where she chaired the board for six years, and
the Women’s City Club ofNew York, an educational
and advocacy organization. “But best of all, this
year
Jim and
joinedthe
ranks of
proud grandparents—not once but twice. Our
daughter, Jane VC ’98, had
a daughter last February and our son had a little boy
I
in October.”
writes thatafter working for
bringing up her three children, she
went to law school. The family then moved to Florida,
Susan Mishler Lubitz
some
years,
and
where she worked as
an
assistant
Beach County, and then
Nada Ellend Glick
61
presidential
Deborah Alderdice
as
state attorney in Palm
the Environmental Con-
trol Officer of Palm Beach
just taken that
back up after almost a year off due to a nerve
injury
that made walking, standing, and even sleepingpretty
Hartsdale, NY 10530
[email protected]
show of German Expressionist Prints. Having retired
work together in the astronomy department at the U.
of Michigan. Margo, who pursued the study of astronomy at
will be spendingthe holgreat photos. Stephen and I
idays and the month of January with two of our chil-
beginnings of
An article in the the Ann Arbor News describes the
and Chicago, many of us cannot wait until we ALL
reunite on campus from June 4-6,2010. To visualize
working toward
lege.”
soul
has just finished the manuscript for his new book
work of Margo Friedel Aller and her
two
worse
a
“Enthusiasm for
After
made
patient, supportive husband has also been a lifesaver. My husband, Steve,
to
psychoanalysis.”
I
surgery,
of near exhaustion, it was my good fortune
center for teaching Vipassana medita-
emails with news for your classmates. First, a word
from our class president, Marilyn Dubin Kaplan:
our
one
hoping for the best,
near a
together. Being
[email protected]
to
a
Cabot
781.326.9462 (phone)
My thanks
my daughter
We have lived from
scan
feeling constant
Street
Dedham, MA 02026
cancer.
PET
time,
and aggressive form
because Vicki and my son, Steve, have an autisticchild
who needs her desperately.... Although I have been
in
Terry O'Berry
same
diagnosed with a rare
of ovarian
but
to
sar! Until then—Sue.
50 E. Hartsdale Avenue
New Zealand in January to celebrate. I
cocktails and Hope Christopoulos Mihalap ’56 will
our
Ellen Almoian Yuracko
hik-
ing, playing golf, working at the library, and generally enjoying my life. My husband and I are off to
all-college activities (Friday night’s fireworks, Sat-
some
seem
to
1015 Old Post Road
received
an
appointment
County.
as a
In
1989 she
Palm Beach County
Judge.Retiring about 21/2 years ago she continues to
periodically as a senior judge. Her husband is
Mamaroneck, NY10543
work
[email protected]
also
an
attorney. She writes that her family has been
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
31
classnotes
totally bossy.
cle in the Honolulu Advertiser (Oct. 19,2008) titled
to
“New Life in Retirement.” Barbara’s retirement as an
administrator
Shidler
at
College of Business, U. of
elry making.
asks that you Google
her—Annabel Stehli—to get the full story! (“I’m
proud of my mentions, particularly since Vassar
out after
me
my
sophomoreyear, which I richly
reunions
news
I might add.”) Annabel, the parent of a
with autism, has written several books
about autism and recovery from autism. Annabel
writes that her three wonderful kids and her
grand-
all. We have all been busy, I know, electing
our monies, and it is a lit-
at
challengingto be
more
Also, from Stephanie
so
went to
in
62
an
Dede Nieman
more
63
Rothenberg
Mt.
end, Reverend
Kisco, NY 10549
Louise Lauck
[email protected]
Spiller
Purcell
Scheu
don’t “do” email, send
a new
grandchild.I think there
Mariette
and
I
Pathy Allen, and
and
so
little time.”
loving classmate to see Wendy and Lucy. The director Kelly
Reichert and her dog Lucy stay with her weekly
when she is teaching at a local liberal arts college.
in
February
I’m off to Indiafor two weeks with
1965 friend.”
Sue
news
of the death in early
November of Judy Hickey Engelsmann, after a long
battle with lung cancer. Judy’s sister-in-law remembers
her: “Always with a big smile and
an
encouraging
word, Judy was concerned about others until her final
day. Her love of life was always present in her wit, her
humor, her many interests and projects. Judy was
devoted mother and
Joss
our
a
lifelongfriend; her wonderfully
spirit will never be forgotten.” Residents of
freshman
a
year
will remember
Judy’s bright
sympathyto
and bubbling personality. We extend our
her
family in St. Louis.
My granddaughterLeah
ond year
at RPI
Glover is now in her
sec-
and has decided against genetic engi-
in favor of teaching
VASSAR
see so
SPRING
-
2009
a
very
events
in
our
lives,
as
well as health
those we 10ve... .let’s do whatever we
support each other.
some
happier news (much
from class-
who have been “out of touch”): Jill Penderretired from teaching high
grast McKinley MacGlaflin
school and community college math in 2001, got an
Lewittes
the reality was
endar
now
to
Goheen
Crane,
and I—and
our
our
wonderful
good time planning it, and
a
better! Put June 2013
even
for
on
your
50th! And, in this regard,
our new
class
cal-
Anne
president, wanted
me
mention: “On the initiative of Ellen Rosen Hirsch
and
Benerofe, Class Regional VPs,
Froma Barron
small group of classmates [including Judy
Jill Spiller, Anne Crane, Ellen Hirsch, Diana
Northeast,
Lewittes,
out
Reunion,
as
well
to brainstorm ways to reach
leadingup
50th withthose unable to attend.” We’re hop-
ing for mini-reunions,
tact
as
and connect over these next five years
our
etc.
—if you have ideas,
con-
Anne!
I’ll
mates
classget the bad news over first: Several of our
died recently, and many ’63ers have experi-
enced losses in their families.
Deborah Pacini
Hilty
was a professor (retired), assistant
president, and board of trustees secretary at
Wooster College. She is survived by three children
to
no
was a
Dorothy Hodgkinson, died
photogra-
7/13/03,
other information. Condolences go
their families,
Soifer
ever
since. She’s married to
in Connecticut, loves
foreign travel,
and is very involved in the lives of her 10 grandchildren (2 in Connecticut, 8 in Massachusetts); she often
career as “traveling profesgrandmother. Life is good!” Judy Robinson
She is “living in Baltimore, retired from
Bond
agrees.
and science education at Towson U.
geology
teaching
but still actively teaching meditation, ikebana, and
sional
the creative process at the Baltimore Shambhala Center” and other centers around the country. Husband
Howard
“recently retired
from the Hubble Space Tel-
Institute but still does astronomy 24/7”
escope Science
Son Arthur is in publishing in Rochester, NY.
Marcia Getz Gerber
has been
promoted to Dean
College of Medi-
of Admissions for the Downstate
cine. She still
teaches, although she’s given up
her clinical work—“l’m enjoying
important thing!”
most
of
myself—that’s the
So true, Marcia! Susan Buck-Morss
named the first Jan Rock Zubrow Professor in
the Social Sciences at Cornell, and has a new book
was
coming
out
in
early 2009.
“That’s
more
recognition
than I expected in life, especially... when I was hanging out as a hippie in Crete in 1979! She worked for
”
Obama in L.A. for six months—“the election was
euphoria, but sometimes change looks all too
pure
familiar.”
Tess
Wishengrad Siegel thinks “Obama’s
of stuff and the details
classmate,
have
dairy farmer
Torres. We’ve been notified that another
Clyde movie,
for 45 years,
Khadija
2002, and has been counseling and teach-
Child Impact class
loved nature. She lived in New Canaan, CT,
and is survived by her daughter; Melanie
the Bonnie and
pher; and
a
a
hope for this world of ours.” She is awaiting herfirst grandchild via daughter Abby and husband Ming, professors of dance at OSU. Son Josh is a
producer at CBS News, and Michael a tech security
specialist. Husband Eli continues to teach at Tufts,
cooks, and he and dog Boaz have seen Tess through
some complicated health issues. “We all have our bag
the
and her partner, Carol Holland. Gail Porter died
7/17/08; she studied with Margaret Meade, worked
on
ing
a
Stern Goldin, and me] met to begin to discuss ideas
for maintaining the enthusiasm generated by our
recent
MSW in
describes her primary
was
thReunion and Preunion.
many of you at our 45
Cindy
public high school math.
I keeptelling her she’ll never get rich teaching, but she
neering
“snail mail”—we want
died 7/27/08; she
Twyman Targett sent
generous
news
If you
me.
I have to reiterate how wonderful it
Judy Axenzow
committee—had such
to
Sue also encourages every indie film
“And,
First,
to
isn’t in this col-
hear from everyone!
I do wish
boy, but may have it backwards.
news
future one from Jill or
a
to
lots of news: “Sally
if your
so
space,
206.548.0155
photography? Both look fabulous! We’re already making plans to galleryhop again
either in N.Y.C. or up here in the Hudson Valley. So
see
this job with Jill Spiller,
email request for news, was deluged
with responses, many from those who have never
an
to
[email protected]
than following in the ’jet stream’ of two classmates
much to
delighted to be sharing
I’m
and, due
will be in
umn, it
a
to
or
Now for
Seattle, WA 98103
Palmer,
art
can
[email protected]
given limited
spent an afternoon at the Whitney’s William Eggleston
photo exhibit. What more fun could someone have
immersed in
917.363.7798
4027 Burke Avenue N.
each have
girls and
two
in
(through 6/08). Abby Schmelkin Araten, our
class secretary, has extra copies of the program and
would be happy to send one to you if desired. Contact her at [email protected]. So many of us are
written—what an embarrassment of riches! We’re
Ropes Hinkle, Barb Symmes Gershey, and Amy Chase
are
us
mates
had! Maybe it’s my computer, which has
particularlywelcominglately.
Rummonds
Kingston led
mates
914.672.6705 (cell)
Katie Webb Johnson
Sue Peirce Hartshorn reports
I
meaningful service in memory of our deceased class-
914.666.2242 (home)
custody),
of you
been
not
died,
shocked, and
was
keep on recurring: do not trust
the ’stress test’ and, ’carpe diem’.” Our sympathy to
On the Saturday of Reunion weekyou, Stephanie.
34 Lakeside Road
CASA
exceptionally fine churchchoir
A wintry hello to all and thanks for writing.
see
still am. Two thoughts
and edits the
board member for the local League of Women
a
visithis brother where he
Even his doctor here
issues for us
Voters, and sings
to
Bade
England to
experiencing sad
two children in state
good
our
ing that there would be significant changes for
next Reunion. It happened to me in August. I went
on a tour to Peru while my longtime partner, Mark,
New York, NY 10022-2445
serves as a
“It was
’fast-forward’ hilarious
Monica Loose
English
adjunct basis
a
Goodman, and not enough
Jones, still ’super-bonding’from
the pre-reunion, which got me wistful. The wisest
final words were from Gerry Fitzgerald De Paula, not-
history from Lorna
from
45 Sutton Place South 1B
on an
Tevonian:
had
many at reunion. I
suddenly.
news....
Jill
volunteer (monitoring
32
It is very unusual for
days.
see
retired to Baltimore after years as
professorand college administrator; where
she teaches English
a
we
FOURTH winter
me that last news, and stressed the importance
of participating in the national organ donor program.
sent
Eleanor Green
D.H. Laiurence Review. She also
is
our
the white stuff, and very few people
have the remotest idea how to navigate in it. I expect
will also look forward to
a fine spring after this! I
to
her inspiration.
an
having
in the past five
Seattle
are the primary delight
her
her mother, Claudia Hatch Stearns ’29, and
grandmother, Anabel Wilson Hatch, class of 1899,
as
cheerful. As I write (Dec. 20)
are
of her life, and lists
children
no
leaders and managing
new
deserved,
daughter
job—engaging, pretty, and
I fully expected to get lots of news of 50th
include in this column, but alas I got almost
storm
Annabel Stearns Stehli
a
in the Northwest
estry and bead necklaces.
threw
really
tle
full-time
a
jewsegue into
Her “new passion” is one-of-a-kind tap-
Hawaii-Manoa, has been
is
natural for the
and she feels especially lucky to have
greatest joy;
worked in a profession that she loves.
artiBarbara Boxman Edelstein was featured in an
her
as
well
Lowe Palmer
on
to
but
out to
Butt Beeler
Selby
the loss of their fathers,
as
win restores
and
Jane
10/07 of acute
Blume, whose husband died
Laura Braverman Shannon, whose sis-
Judith Welles and
are not worth reciting.”
husband Tim Shank have three
grandchildrenwith a fourth on its way, and
are
the world and best
news
love and enjoy all of them. Her first book,
ter; Alice Braverman Haemmerli ’66, died in October
tory about
a
lung transplant.
Nancy Schadt
us
a
leukemia, and
while waiting for
“they
“step-grandchild”—an
distinction for Judy and most of us —we
agree! Judy’s newest will be
unnecessary
says
of all!” So many of
a
local his-
community called “Captain John,” was
published in June; she’s now working on a novel,
a
classnotes
writes for
a
trade magazine about health, and is
involved in issues about the
us
all!
Dale Anderson
elderly—she can advise
Finlayson and Niall have been
joined in their Edinburgh home by her daughter’s
family (including two young children—a different
lifestyle!), who moved back from Arizona. Dale’s son
lives and works in N.Y.C.
All for now...
“Hats Off!
but, as always,
”
Tinda renovated her basement arid garage so she
rent them out, makingretirement more comfort-
can
a
snowy
executive
delighted with the success of the AAAVC Triennial in
clopedia online
November. Linda lunches regularly in N.Y.C. with
class of 1882 and
Luisa LaViola.
On the other hand, Wendy
rhapsodized about her
first grandchild,John-John, who is
just over 1 year
old. The two daughters of Wendy’s ex-husband
spent
lots of their childhood with him and Wendy during
had
a
sad and
in November. Her husband of 44
198 Dedham Street
ney
shocking loss
Whityears, George
Rowe, died from complications of hip surgery.
Newton, MA 02461
Founder and builder of JPMorgan California after
617.969.3899
many years
as
had been
leader
ogy
Milwaukee evening,
rescues
an
from muggers.
3 0 -ish female PR
a
engaging professor of archeolWhen she joins his quest for a
Colombian codex in the Mayan rain forest,
and death await them. If you want
to
danger
know the rest,
A.Y Strat-
you’ll have to waitfor the publicationof
ton’s Buried Heart. That’s Anne Youngclaus Strat-
a
manager of the New York
at
JPMorgan for
office, he
40 years. He
actively on many charitable boards, including
the Episcopal Charities and the Bay Area Council of
the Boy Scouts. He leaves Kate,
daughter Nina Ward, and four grandchildren. May
a
blessing.
Jane Snyder
Campbell writes about something on
all our minds, the amazing and hopeful election of
Obama. She recalls in the same paragraph the day
that Kennedy died. I find these
top of her form.
in the box for all these
Anne did lots of freelance magazine work but used
to
“sniff”
at
writing
you didn’t need
to
a
romance.
literaryagent
to
we see
workshops, and meetings
Writers of America. And
much fun” under
now
contract
Anne,
on a
success
she’s
having “sooooo
from The Wild Rose Press,
with Buried Heart due in print
you,
through confer-
of the Romance
We
soon.
rejoice with
well earned! Who says life
begin again at 66!
speakingof first books by women far enough
English 105 to have forgotten the rude com-
from
ments
their papers: Stepping Out: A TenderGuide to the Principles, Practices, and
on
foot’s
Pleasures
of Countryside Walking,
cation of File Garrell Berger,
comes
the first publi-
to
derfoot Press, LLC, just in time! You
from Ten-
us
probablyhave
just put away your tap shoes or lacrosse stick and
decided to look for a new, more leisurely sport. Well,
File makes it easy for both seasoned ramblers and for
novices to take to the pleasures of English
country
walks in her lightheartedprimer. File shares her com-
fort-loving views on trying somethingnew and living
in the moment on some lovely terrain. Elle and her
partner, Mike DiNunzio, have walked a thousand
miles of footpaths (a few miles at a time) in Great
Britain and
beyond.
And there’s also
a
new
venture
for
Senecal, whose
charming portrait of a friendly
(almost smiling) white Alaskan husky, arrived on a
postcard recently.
pastels
to
Pat has turned her talent for
creating portraits of beloved pets from
photos. I’ll
be
happy to pass
on
her
contact
info if
you’re interested.
Jane Cohen Bergner
magazine piece
on
work in tax law. As
a
appeared in a recent
devoted fan of Hillary Clinton,
devoted feminist, and
Agenda,
women
she’s
Forbes
“Best Lawyers” for her very fine
a
a
founder of The New
watching closely to
Obama appoints
to
see
the
day after
she
can
now
Madonna of Leningrad
The
reading
she had
continue to travel. On her last cruise
our
eyes when
(partly WWII, pardy now).
has made Jane curious about her dad’s
time in WWIIand interested to leam her older
daugh-
ter’s memories of Jane herself in earlier years.
Jane’s remarks reminded
of Sophomore
me
Russian
proverb I’ve had occasion
in the col-
to quote
before.
umn
I close with an earnest
entreaty for you to come to
45th Reunion, June 5,6, and 7. I’ve begun read-
our
ing
our
write
reunion book entries and I love them all! I will
an
overview and introduction to the
book,
so
get your entry in right away. And come sing “Salve”
with all of us!
Mary
65
Jo
McDonough
915 Del Monte Boulevard
Pacific
Grove, CA 93950
[email protected]
Congratulations to Bonnie R,
married 08/08/08
Watertown,
MA.
at
Gray and Les Hellenack
the Commander’s Mansion in
Many classmates attended includ-
ing Bay Emerson Bancroft,
Ellen Wilson
Deborah Michaelson
Green, Jane Carney Scully, Julia
Kolb,
Brezina
Dunlop, Mary Mapes Watson, and Carlyn Marcus
Ekstrom ’64. Doris (Dorie) Smith Dedner called from
Fathers’ Weekend, when my roommates and I kept
fathers feverishly busy so they wouldn’t have to
Ireland
find something
Inspiration and Education Weekend: “It was
won-
derful seeing the other ’65 attendees:
Hahn
too
were
to
talk about with each other;
different from each other! But
they
Saturday
to
our-
Croog,
selves
they
Peterson
Alum withthem all. And
at
we
learned
had plenty to share about their experiences in WWII.
It turned out
were
the
they were
nervous
the cool grownups and
we
attended the Vassar
Ellen
Duncan, Julia Brezina Dunlop, Doreen
Elia, Anne Junek Fitzgerald, and Katherine
Louise
Major. And we can all personally attest
fully delicious Vassar Angels and Devils
be.”
kids.
congratulate the couple.
Edith Mendelson Gelfand
afternoon, unscheduled, came, and we found
Edith encourages
us
to
use
to
how sin-
continue to
the website
Spillman, busy as usual at the Corning Museum, found time to read and recommend
(www.aavc.vassar.edu) for class/reunion news
Southern Women at Vassar, The Poppenheim Fam-
Joyce Apelian Hirsch is a senior vice president
within Wachovia’s Wealth Management Group—-
Jane Shade!
ily
Letters,
1882-1916 about four
from
girls
Charleston who graduated from Vassar in the 1880s.
It’s
a
pleasure
to
keep getting lovely family news
like Marjorie IMathanson Keeler’s. Her son Danieland
his collegesweetheart, Courtney Wicher, marry in
UC San
Diego
together since. Now both are graduate students, he in physics, she in public health. Dan
hopes to go to law school, too.
Van and I had a wonderful visit
just recently with
Carol Posnock Marcus and husband Bob when
they
stoppedfor dinner with us on their way home toNew
Jersey. They’re enjoying their new life, full time on
and have been
what
was
a
weekend house
on
a
delightedto anticipate the marriage
lake, and
ofson Dan
sica Olshen. Itwas fun to talk about
to
ing
made
“Alumnae/i of Distinction.” Several classmates
in time to vote for Obama.
finally, a
classic response
Wells Fargo. Husband Jerry is active in real
County,
NY.
estate
Daughter Alison com-
pleted her Ph.D. at U. of Pennsylvania’s School of
landscapepreservation. Son
Architecture in historic
Paul is in the history Ph.D. program at UC-Santa Barhaving dinner with room-
bara. Joyce also
reports
mate Roberta
(Cookie) Dinaburg Shacket and her
husband, Mike. “Their three
she and Mike have
The Shacketts
Re
“
One
our
are
a
sons are
doing well and
growing band of grandchildren.
avid travelers.”
class BOOK, Lynn
challenge will be
Samuels comments:
how to make
room
for every-
and showcase all of the creativity, wisdom, and
wit of the
Greg, both retired,
as we
45th reunion.
in Westchester
Jes-
politics,families,
ley and recently returned from Spain. They went with
a
group of Greg’s Princeton friends, stayed on beyond
the group for three weeks of touring a deux returnAnd
now
one
and tales of the Marcus trips EVERYWHERE.
Cathy Otis Farrell and husband
approach our
are
throughBelgium, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and
Ireland, she saw everything from how Delft china is
Loch Ness and the Book of Kells.
produced
John-Johnlast year. His beautyand charm have won
Wendy’s heart entirely. “Sometimes perfectlove doesn’t come until the first grandchild,” according to the
our
,
to
about this member of the
the list.)
their 20-year marriage. Mary, the elder,
the
encouraged,
have had more time for their place in the Keene Val-
her last “Pension Consultation.” She’ll retire in June
so
go
Jane recently read and recommends The Thread
of Grace (Jews in Italy during WWII) and The
how many
his cabinet.
Linda McLean wrote to me
1963, and
to feel
January. They met their first week at
Pat Smith
presidents
to see
the dreadful, outrageous economic news in
the paper every day. May the force be with him!
doesn’t
And
years since
though we all would like to cover
even
Anne schooled herself in the craft
two
to learn
I feel that hope had been hidden
lid has lifted. It’s wonderful finally
But she learned
publishers.
ences,
together for me, too.
submit
romances
Will Rowe,
son
his memory be
an English major and writer of
many
mysteries with rejection notices to match, now at the
ton to us,
for us
says it
Aronson
discover that I have been omit-
the hell is Princess Omaya?” (The princess is indeed
quite a graduate of distinction. See the Vassar Ency-
her
served
On
to
ted from the list of Alumnae/i of Distinction! Who
Alice Keidan Lanckton
[email protected]
think Wendy
shocked
am
able. She hopes
Kate Munson Rowe
45THREUNION 64
all. “I
And she’s
near
to teach a course at a local
college.
thinking about buying a place in Virginia
family and one in Puerto Rico. She was
responded, but I
Let’s
group.”
get started!
Beverly Blatt reconnected with Joan Cadden who
has retired as professor emerita from the history
department at U.C. Davis.
prompted warm responses
This “connection”
from many in
our
California group.
hope you
Beverly gave all of
From Mauree Jane Bernstein Perry: “I
will join us when we gatheragain.
gift almost 20 years ago when she started the first
gatheringas away of generating interest in our
25th reunion... Truly, my life has been and continus a
to Vassar’s
list of
local
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
33
classnotes
by our friendships. The older I get,
meaningful our ties become. We
often joke about how our occasional gatheringshave
helped us cope with empty nests, changing careers,
and retirement
menopause, politics, professional
in
be enriched
to
ues
fact, the
more
“Welcome. I also just became
Ann Mason:
an
which took her
she earned
as
well
Doctor
was
Alice
grams
a
and Graduate
Legal Studies at
Columbia U.
she
all faced menopause. I expect we are in it
for the long run. As an historian (as am I), you can
appreciate the shared
all
of time that
sweep
we
have
experienced.”
For immediate release:
and
composer
Sara
Storyteller Beatrice
MacLaren
win
Bowles
prestigious
National Parenting Publications Honors Award for
Spark Catchers'., a new storytellingCD with original
exciting
Cunningham
on
to reconnect
with
near
sons
Burns
—Van,
her in Fairfax Sta-
tion, VA. She lost her husband, Van,
in 2001 to non-
“Vietnam came back to get us.
9/11 and the bombgot to witness
ing of his office two weeks before his death.” Priscilla
Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
he
Unfortunately,
St.
U. in
John’s
master’s
Annapolisto get a
great books program.
Kathryn Butler Hamill and husband John are liv-
went to
degree in
their
ing in Boston. John is working part-time
at
painting after
two
a
to four
in Beirut,
in
Leo
are
in
“sabbatical,” playing
grandsons. DaughterKate
“Granny”
family live
son
year
and her
Lebanon; Suzi, her husband, and
Boston; Amy, her husband, and baby
Hong Kong; Molly in Jamaica Plain. Kathryn
spend winter in Vero Beach, FL. “This year
and John
I
hope to get into watercolor painting, maybe
depicting the gorgeous sunsets and water views we
see so
often.”
poem,
a
publisheda book-length narrative
Degrees of Latitude, telling the geography of
woman’s life from Pole to Pole (Four
Way Books).
big sister Eloise in her
daughter’s family. Husband Leonard Todd published
Carolina Clay: The Life and Legend of the Slave
Grandson Charlie joined his
Potter Dave, the intertwined
story of Leonard’s
inter-
by the Supreme
Court
variety of intellectual
on a
Most recently, she worked in Pennproperty issues.
sylvania for Barack Obama’s election.
was
important
to
Alice, but she also took
huge pleasure in family, friends, and her pastimes,
travel, reading, music and riding her horse, French.
It was in Cambridge that she met her late husband,
Alfred Haemmerli, and they had a long, happy marriage until Fredy’s death in 2001. Their daughter, Justine, who
was
the
important person in their
family tradition as a dedicated
teacher. Alice will be
sorely missed by all
lives she touched. Our condolences
sisters, and
those whose
to her
Edgefield.”
Pittsburgh Jamini
on
reports
that she is secretary of the board of Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania and director-at-large
for the
Planned Parenthood PAC. Jamini spent
Election Day driving voters to the polls. She also
state
became part of the “locavore”
movement
with a
flock of six Rhode Island Red.
Think Website! Reunion! Class Book! News for
the Quarterly
buried in Chatham, MA, where,
she spent
number of years she
as a
girl,
with her family. For a
taught specialeducation in the Seattle public schools.
summers
Our condolences to her
husband, Peter,
son
us
802.872.5968 (phone and
all with a love of
learning,and
[email protected]
where
photograph!
to
to
”
Forsyth Platt has happily relocated to
upstate New York after more than 30 years in the
south. She welcomes visitors to Boscobel, in nearby
Garrison, NY, where her husband became
director
two
years ago. “It’s
Sydele (Syd) Epstein
67
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
480.391.3029
Jane C. Rubens
wishes
us
happyholidays and
week trip to Morocco in October. She is
MetropolitanMuseum of Art, and
York has
wants to
also retired
Garrett
on
July
do.
at
position
as
Virginia
Conference of The United Methodist Church. She
ing, renewing friendships, and moving to Berryville,
VA, once they sold their Richmond home. She adds,
regardless
classmates who recently obtained
advanced
degrees.
Bedford, Ph.D., writes that this fall she completedher doctorate in museum studies at Union Insti-
Leslie
and U. Her thesis, titled
tute
Subjunctive Mood: Exhibitions
“Working
in the
years of working in the
running
a
writes,
about
as
museum
field
as an
educator
well as the past 10 years
master’s program for mid-career museum
at
developer as
Bank Street College of Education. She
“Since senior year at
doing this
Vassar,
I have
thought
when my
advisor, Donald Olsen,
urged me to go on in English History. I am feeling
lucky and proud of myself.”
Last July, Wendell Hawken’s first full collection of
poetry, The Luck of Being, was released by The
Backwaters Press of Omaha, NE. The collection
on
cen-
her mother’s death and the birth of grandchil-
her rural lifestyle. Many of the poems
during Wendell’s time in the Program
Writers at Warren Wilson Collegein Swannanoa,
Vassar, she earned
an
years
after graduation from
M.F.A. in poetry
Thoughts of Vassar echo
copies of her book,
was a
Hillary supporter, I am really
possibilities for all of us under
the administration of President Obama!”
Karen Courtney Wilbanks and husband Dick traveled to four cities in Brazil and four cities in Korea this
spring and
summer
as
volunteers with the Founda-
tion for
Hospital Art, an organization that paints artwork in hospitals around the world. They also took
a
cruise with VC roommate Maryeliza-
week-long
beth Fox Blomster
and husband Roy. Since both the
Wilbanks and the Blomsters have winter homes in
to spend time together every year
stepdaughter, Paige, who is an airline
pilot, was married in September in Atlanta to another
pilot who was her flight instructor. (This sounds like
movie script: Meg Ryan as the student
a high
concept
as the flight instructor.)
Tom
Hanks
pilot,
Florida, they get
now.
Karen’s
Paula Weinberg Sabloff
lively”
group of ’67
reports that a “small but
met at the National
women
Museum of Women in the Arts in
on
Sunday,
Robin Gates
(2005).
abroad. Last October,
200
I
“Although
excited about the new
as
written
glorious time ever since—traveling, read-
Oct. 4.
Paula,
Elliott, Anne
Stevens
Zenn Goldberg, Anne Alexander
Sahli
savored
art
Washington,DC,
Karen
historian Sheila Ffolliott’s
The book
and
sent
me a
was
gratitude for
copy
of this beautiful book she
co-
born from Etsuko’s wish to express her
the “excellent” education she received
Vassar. One of very few
Japanese students in
our
at
class,
tour
Spigel Bralove,
Fishman,
Marion
Marshall, and Nancy
comfortable
2009
docent
Susan Schweitzer
1 from her
followed. Paula writes, “There’s
-
a
finds that New
much to offer that she has trouble fitting
so
things she
She also
SPRING
the best
of new years. She retired from practicing immigration law this summer and celebrated with a three-
authored withrenowned Japanese artist Fumiko Hori.
VASSAR
Golston
12667 East Jenan Drive
died waiting for a lung transplant. A lawyer, scholar, and teacher, Alice took great
delightin both legal argument and writing on intel-
lectual properties. She was a brilliant student who
won both a Woodrow Wilson
Scholarship and a Ful-
in this
part of the country.”
ful
Braverman Haemmerli
executive
lovely to be back
The Last Hour of Grace, to the Vassar Art Center.
news.
son
any-
Hope
On Oct. 25, Alice
begin with some sad
Roosevelt’s
know, “I’ll fly
cation
Etsuko Kameda Tanaka sent
We
Vineyard, Connie Rogers
has had a
of us continue formal edumany
of our stage in life. Kudos to two
NC, where not quite 40
fax)
Mary Pea-
it is impressive how
for
Drive
Williston, VT 05495
I got together with
Heath, Elisabeth Coleman, Gaylen
Director of Connectional Ministries for the
Douglas, and granddaughter Eva.
Barbara Weinstein LeWinter
Highlands
the
in all the
ing.
Susan
married.” She wants all
Portage Bay. She became a self-taught gourmet
cook, specializing in Italian, Asian, and French cookon
dren, as well
309
on
was
the
were
66
end
Whilethere she and her husband lived on a houseboat
ters
!
cock ’64,
April 14,2008,
after a long illness. She lived in Somerset, NJ, but was
educators
Vincent Davies
city almost two weeks: what a
[email protected]
TamaraChaikowski Wade died
and exhibition
to
in the
was
During my visit,
twin brother.
beautiful ceramic jars and jugs. Laurel says, “He is a
large part of the reason we left New York City and
From
Hanna. I
daughter,
Education, Imagination, and Aesthetic Experience,” drew on some 30+
moved
Troy writes from California: “Having been
photojournalist all my life, I’m now working as a
professional photographer. I came to N.Y.C. to photograph a Hamptons wedding during Tropical Storm
a
most
continues the
lives,
ancestors
who owned Dave and the story of this
extraordinary Edgefield, SC, craftsman, who made
wait
issue.
next
Moore, and June Sonnekalb Dwyer (but couldn’t
track down Liz Landis Nadler). The following week-
Alice’s articles were
great admiration and affection.
published in numerous law reviews and she was cited
Vassar imbued
Laurel Blossom
graduate and
to
the
the American system, and will be remembered with
Sovereign
Bank New England, and Kathryn is trying to get back
to
both the
this story, but it will have
to
me
treat!
Work
Priscilla
Facebook. Her three
Charles, and William—all live
responsible for
more
Vassar taught
national programs. In that capacity, she guided many
foreign post-graduate students through the rigors of
music, from Harmony Hill Productions.
It was
was
There is
until the
Carol
assistant dean of International Pro-
next
we
“My four years at
joys of learning and of life.”
Columbia.
granted by
was an
School of Law, from whichshe retired in 2006. There
professor—atBerkeley. We are all facing this
stage in our life together. We have been together
Etsuko notes,
second M.A. in international relations
her Ph.D. in international law. Her Juris
as
emerita
since
34
the London
to
School of Economics for herfirst M.A. At Harvard,
commitments.” And from
choices, community
Mary
bright Fellowship,
insight-
of the exhibitions—and the brunch that
as
no
gathering so
the sisterhood of growing up together
catching up now.” Contact Paula at
[email protected] to plan your own class-
mates’
gathering.
classnotes
This came from Viki
Feiner Roth
on
the UpperWest
Side of N.Y.C., who describes herselfas
virgin.” (Maybe my plea
“After
ing?)
positions
national nonprofit arts
a
“class
area
of
two
Music
Composer, both based in New
York City), I completed
three-year training as a
teacher of Alexander Technique. My lifelong love of
music and admiration for
and performers
composers
led
me
a
join the board of the Yellow
to
Barn Music
School and Festival in Putney, VT. I’ve been
for the past 15 years; I have
I am
grandmother
a son
who is
a
a
widow
writer and
feisty 4-year-oldgirl. I hope you
a
to
well and send you warm regards. For some, 41
lifetime—a long time not to connect.”
years is an entire
are
responded from North
Rowena Tilling hast Mason
Carolina
to
the email blast for
comments
on
our
national crisis. “These
are
esting is not the best,”
says Ro. She and her husband
to
interesting times and
that an immediate infusionof subsidies
hope
families, especiallythose of the poor
veterans, would provide
or
start to
the
She
economy.
or
inter-
directly
the disabled
compassionate jump-
a
her email from
sent
a
IBM
com-
You Know?” claims that
we are
movie titled “Did
training today’s
edge.
time retiree is
Still another part
Anne Gaud Tinker,
who has left the Save the Children’s Saving Newborn
Lives program, where she
was
the Director. She now
advises the World Flealth Organization, on whose
board she sits, in its Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. She has
January and
spends
more
sachusetts, enjoying
time in
prospects for conciliation and
Karen Drechsler Barron’s
said,
we
was a
Mattapoisett,
in
Massome
is thrilled with the
hopeful future.
political story took place
a more
primary day in Louisiana. “A
dent and I canvassed
grandson due
less hectic life. She did
a
campaigning for Obama and
on
a
young medical stu-
in New Orleans. As he
together
didn’t fit the Obama
demographics since
white female of Clinton’s generation and he
whitemale. The precinct
we
I
were
vacant.
were
covered, with streets
still in trailers. Some lots
Some houses had been restored with
plasticsidingthat gave
way when we rang the door-
bell. Some were still boarded up. In one house, a couple was frantically trying to finish flooring before
were
I
ful
everywhere we went, we
met with enthusiasm.” The flyers they
gave out
prized
can
as
Obama souvenirs.
only add
my
own
hopesfor a happy, peace-
2009.
confess
all, the great weather
68
Bowen
Campo
Menlo
Park, CA 94025
[email protected]
the
VQ staff,
fact-checking
a
correction: Somehow
process for the last
during
issue,
Joan
Walker’s class year
was
mistakenly changed. She is
indeed in the wonderful class of 1968. The VQ apol-
ogizes for the
error.
Cooper’s
note on
her
contrast to
days—and the fall
family nearby, we
at
home there. I still miss New York, and
our
are
eager to spend more time
friends from those ’formative’
tant
fully
the South is
interesting
col-
Charleston’s. With my hus-
band’s
impor-
but thank-
years,
mixture of natives and very
now a
and retirees—unlike the old
newcomers
days.Definitely an improvement—intellectually,culturally, socially,and lazily.”
Aboutthat pleasure,travel, combined with work,
Joyce Solomon Moormon wrote: “After reunion my
husband and I traveled to Vienna, Austria, where
my
was
July Ist and performedJuly4 th at the U. for
and the PerformingArts in Vienna Modern
Music
Masters’ 13th International Festival of New Music
time
visiting at least
a
great
of the residencies of Haydn,
one
Beethoven, attending a performanceof
the Mozart Requiem in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and
visiting the Hapsburg palaces. I tried to use my Vassar German, but
fortunately 50 percent of the Viennese speak English.”
With sadness, I must
report the death of one of
our classmates. I am grateful thatfour of her lifelong
friends composed the following: Leni Gurin writes,
with
Sara
Lane
Scribner,
Schulz, and
Martine
Minnis, that Laura Klein Feldbaum died
peacefully on Aug. 27, surrounded by her family. She
Richards
had lived withbrain
married
cancer
for four years. Laura
Carl Feldbaum (Princeton ’66), and
to
the mother of Mia and
Nicole Fraser,
was
was
Harley, mother-in-law of
grandmother of Maddox
She
amazing individual, but Laura
was always an
especiallyinspiring to herfriends and family these
past few years. Throughout her challenges she never
lost her trademark
sense
of humor: asked
at a
mini-
recent move, to
life-longlover of nature, travel, and art,and she
extremely happy there. Carl did a remarkable
was a
was
job caring for
Laura with great love
while still managing
to travel
on
tial, and family and friends old and
new were all
part
of the supportive community that surrounded her
during that time.
photo of Laura from her days living
graced the memorials held for her in
both Ketchum and Washington, DC, where
many,
many friends and family shared happy memories of
Laura. The
caption under the photo, from a letter
written by Laura to her family, read: “Remember that
I lived, and oh, I had myself a good time!”
A beautiful
the sailboat
on
Laurie Padolf Mokriski
40THREUNION 69
990 Centre Street
Newton, MA 02459
617.969.1199
[email protected]
By the time you read this Class Notes column, I
will have celebrated with Leslie Friedman the 25th
anniversary of The Lively Foundation, her dance theatre
in San Francisco. She is planning a
ance
and
reception
on
see
many classmates there to support her at
this milestone ofher dancing and teacher career. Leslie
to
has danced her way around the globeand represented
U.S. artistic endeavors for years for the State
I can’t wait
Department. Kudos, Leslie.
myself’Am I having brain surgery today?’ If the
is no, it’s a great day.”
Laura lived
ous
life. She
a
met
full, accomplished, and adventurCarl in herfreshman year, and
married right after her
graduationin
1970 s the couple took a
year
1968. In the
I look forward to staying with Sue Bessmer and
are kindly hosting me in the
Bay Area, and then I will be jetting down to L.A. to
spend time with Barbara Bonnema Kaufman and
are so
graciouslyhosting my son
band Hal, who
ing his
to
this New
some
news:
cabin. The first
was
the British Isles with
Le Havre and the second
had
a
was
a
family. In addition to raising two
(Harley, 33, is Associate Director, Global
Health and Foreign Policy at Johns Hopkins SAIS,
and Mia, 29, is currently an after-school curriculum
developer at U.C. Berkeley), Laura’s professional life
included working for the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowshipand the German Marshall Fund Fellowship
Program, where she put her gift for languages and
people to work managing U.S. exchange programs
for emerging leaders from around the world. Her
in clinical
receiving her Ph.D.
Fielding Institute a
before her death; herfocus was exploring
few weeks
accomplishment
psychology from
was
the
the Roma (gypsy) women’s dual culturalidentities.
a
day stop
in
We
blast but a very relaxing blast. A man approached
cruise and asked, ’Are you going to
’I remember
a
a
Norway and Iceland.
early in the first
surprised, he said,
from the Greek Isles.’ That was quite
nice compliment.” So don’t be surprised if
take a
you
you
cruise and find Sue aboard in her scholastic
Dawn
Makers,
glory!
emailed for the first time: “I
Claudia Stevens
Allen Shearer have created
and raised
“We had
marvelous experience last summer doing two 12-day
cruises back to back on the same ship and the same
(as librettist) and the
after which they settled in the Washington, DC,
dur-
Englander during this frigid season.
Sue Bessmer contributed
they
off from working to sail
hus-
gap year in L.A. California is very attractive
early
around the Caribbean and the Intracoastal Water-
you
husband Richard who
lecture on this cruise?’ When I looked
answer
to see
dance again.
home in April how she still went through the day with
I ask
gala performhope
March 1,2009, and I
me
smile, Laura said, “When I wake up in the morning,
during her illness
business when essen-
reunion with her above-mentioned friends at her
a
diagnosisshe
D.C. to their vacation home in Ketchum, ID. Laura
and Nora,
and sister of Susan Klein ’64.
brain tumor
and Carl accelerated their plans and moved from
Mozart, and
most recent
As you read this, we will have survived another
winter, and I thought you might be inspired by Anne
de la Morandiere
such a
least of
been intoxicating, however,
with cool evenings and clear
ors are
not
terrifickids
Bello Lane
650.619.3227
From the
pace, easier commutes,
3/4 of the
year! Our summers
recendy in Asheville have
area
145
loving the slower
to
amazing architecture and history... and
way,
Lucey
I moved back to Charleston
(where I’d grown up) for family reasons —and must
darkness descended. But,
were
N.Y.C.,
was
a
named Agriculture and Abundance, had little of
either. Some residents
20 years in
Shortly after Laura’s
near-
us,
for Chorusand Orchestra. Wilson and I had
students for jobs that don’t yet exist, withinformation
that is out of date in just two years. Ro must be on
the cutting
that for many of
recorded
System Storage Systems & Tech-
nology Group. The little YouTube
me
family remains an important consideration.
“I’d only say thatafter nearly 10 years in D.C., then
to
ness
composition ’Exposition’ from Dream Variations
puter address that shows that there are jobs that are
tough to wrap around the brain: eMarketing Web
Enablement,
the north! She reminds
in the last column is work-
in the program
organizations (Chamber
America and Meet The
notes
San Francisco
set to
area
composer
chamber opera, The
premiere this Feb. 4 at the
a
Herbst Theater in San Francisco. It includes
opera
leading
soloists, directors, and designers. (See link
www.composersinc.org/dwnmkrs.html).A Bay Area
Vassar Club event is being plannedaround this occasion (cocktail hour and ’meet the artists’), organized
by Dominie Garcia, the alumni rep. for this region.
The link includes info about this humorous opera
and a few lines about my own involvement with the
project.”
So much talent in the
Bay Area. Kudos
to
Claudia also.
Joan
Plastiras
emailed:
“Elizabeth
(Betsy
'Bounce') Agnew and I have gotten together in Cali-
fornia several times. Once
we
met at
the river (Russ-
ian River) and spent a few days together at my
brother’s house (formerly a bordello); we visited
wineries and antique
stores
and
VASSAR
laughed
SPRING
as
we
-2009
35
classnotes
recalled the math revolution
Another time, Betsy
we
started
RSA to
to
came
at Vassar.
give
a
talk
on
is
computer security. Betsy a big deal in the computer
security world as she and husband Joe started a little
company
that grew
that
subsequentlysold
they
to embarrass
you,
to over
national firm (sorry
Bounce!). Fm trying to talk her into
to
Alice
Kleinjan
sent me a beautiful silk scarf from Thailand, where
she is a resident for her last tour with the Foreign Serv-
lovely children, Caroline and Christopher,
ice. MA’s
both in
are
college. Finally, every Monday at
noon
I
attend my local Rotary meeting at Ming’s Restaurant
in Palo Alto; I look forward to sitting with Vicky
fellow
Ching, who is the restaurant owner, a
Rotarian, and a graduate of our class. I am very
impressed with the accomplishments of my classKwoh
emailed: “As for
Elizabeth
(Betsy) Young
’retired’ from full-time work and
I am
me,
doing
part-time
jobsthat I really enjoy—teachinga coupleof psycholclasses at the nearby juniorcollege and working
ogy
two
time at my church. My son Jeremy got married
part
in March 2008 to Jennifer, and they are expecting my
first
grandchildin March 2009! I’m very excited!
My
daughter Jill will be graduating from Texas A&M in
just a few days
and I’m very excited about
So, having survived
having both
doesn’t sink
Ann
too.
September,and
much further!
I sewed
ily news: “Betsy and
a
quilt for
Vermont. Bob and I both retired this
and
Alaska for
Russian
churches, getting
most
up close to
glaciers
cruising the inland passage. We ended our trip
ing friends on Whidbey Island near Seattle and
a
and
emails so that I can
She writes: “Itwas
a
wedding
of
I had lots of
fun. The only other Vassar alum in attendance
Ann’s sister
Peggy
“On the
Ann
Jim Goulka’s daughter, Sarah.
lovely wedding and
please send
there. So
the AAVC has
be
anything—and
me
current email
a
The
that
sure
address.
was
Levins
from
that took her life very quickly.
I have received are testimony to her curious,
neurologicaldisease
notes
and
kind,
Fiedler
generous nature. Judy
ture
AAVC
of the
thies
to
trip
a
a
pic-
that “when I
says
was
clue ofwhat it would feel like to be 60, and
keenly remember what
theme of
to hear
granddaugh-
born March ’OB.
finished an M.F.A. in creative
Ann Graham Walker
writing from Goddard College’s
in
a new
July. She has
a
West Coast campus
novel manuscript and loves the idea
of hibernating this winter on Vancouver, BC. Ann
surprised
all
to
learn that
girls school
in
recent VC
a
was
grad attended the
Sydney, Australia, that she
laugh
me
shared that she created
out
did
loud when she
end of month
an
diary
will lunch soon
She and husband
news.
same
summer.
idea.
It
Quarterly.
was
of the integrity of her convictions.
news.
Word
count
from including everyone but I promchatty summer issue. In the meantime may the
me
be kind and full of adventures for you and
year
those you love.
Bobbie Serii
71
985 Fifth Ave. #9A
New
York, NY 10075
212.988.0707 (tel)
212.472.5706 (fax)
[email protected]
Despite this muted holiday
season,
share the achievements and good
mates. Kathie Blakeslee Shutkin
I
pleased
am
news
of
our
to
class-
writes that M. Bryna
Sanger was honored at the 2008 Annual Benefit for
United Neighborhood Houses of New York. “She
spoke beautifully
dance, including
thoughtful
and much of her
her
family was
daughters—bothare
and
young women
in atten-
very bright,
obviously very proud
of their mother.” She also let us know that Judy Morris Keppelman was listed in Super
Lawyers again this
year, this time
Kelly Flynn made
more
Thanks to all of you who sent
orowich McKenna
ter
Iraq. She
Charles has
about Ann
you all read the fabulous story
60 Victoria Grig-
turning
son
and Liz Schwartz Zucker-
Northrop in the last issue of the
happy with the life
horse.
same
Co. sym-
Orange
her
Mediterranean cruise this
planning a
hope
I
the
new
I
it was like to be 20—how fleet-
now.” She is
seems
now
in
My husband and I have the
ise a
she has, especially her 24-year-old beautiful retired race
In the
Alan are
rules prevent
hadyoung I
tour
Becker Garzilli
I will hope for
so
man,
of them in front of the Taj Mahal with
two
ing everything
returned safely from a
heartening
to protect
Helen Wickes
n’t
India in 2005. She included
to
from the chill.We send our sympathose who loved her.
earmuffs
New
as one
of the top 50 female lawyers in
England.
Kathie continues to practice
to
family law
at
Cacace,
remind her of all the things that happened in 2008,
Tusch & Santagata in Stamford, CT, where
because otherwise she’d forget! She had
fabulous year
and describes scuba diving in
practice involves a more cooperative approach to
divorce, significantly reducing both the customary
like the steep and deep of Alta, UT, but
under water withcoral and tons of fish. She also lost
finds that “most savvy people would ratherretain their
of travel and
Cozumel
20
golf,
a
as
poundsand 20 inches, which ofcourse meant a new
Although her husband is retired, Kelly still
expense
assets
wardrobe.
works
17th, I
defended my second dissertation
prospectus in Tempe. The committee narrowed and
clarified my focus and I’ve revised the proposal. Now
sto-
heady days of
Patty Francomano Jasper
ing musician playing violin for
phony. The best news is that
’63
Topilow
took the time to write her memories of meeting Wendy
as an
keeping
’7l.
since the
gathering
share life
the economy putting a crimp in her retirement plans
(sound familiar anyone?) Her daughter Maia is a work-
with Jane
Sadly, I must report the death of Wendy
a rare
rest
Margaret (Peggy) Peterson Hotchkiss went to
Bachelder Goulka and
me
have something to offer and your old
many more
friends would love to know simply that you are still out
all those years ago.
”
15
class that send
our
write a column. But I know
that
same
living and teaching in Germany, and
Alessandra is doingthe same in London. Hope to see
VC in June at our 40th!
you at
Scottsdale, AZ, for the Nov.
actually
visit-
Andrew is
our
executive
coach, this
year
with the FAA
airlines safe.
Lee Martin
DeYoung
musings by saying,
“Comment
Hurray!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
I thinkshe
on
to
for
my request
the election?
speaks for
Gladly!
many
of us. I
me a new
—
Lexus....”
happy mistake—the
Melanie
some
’64
correspondent
erro-
of our flock in her email broad-
(Pamela)
RSVP’d, asking that her
Bingham-Hall
entry be forwarded to
politely
me.
She
is “still
practicing law (now part time) while husband
John Hall continues to be stay very busy in politics. In
know I
husband Bob isfree ofthroat cancer for 18 monthsand
where he represents New York’s 19th District, [cover-
and the ASU review board. The approval process
she is happy to still be employed as a first grade teacher.
ing]
Her
and
can
grueling as doing the actual data gathering! I
drove to Colorado Springs (eight-t- hours) for Thanksgiving. Berk and my dad joined me at my nephew’s
as
house. We had
a
great time!
“It’s been a
becoming 60,1
decided
ous
are
to
change
the
new
time:
brief pout about
my
attitude and
30s.’ With
numer-
years in real estate behind me, I have gone back
chemistryroots and am once again doingmarketing in high tech industries.”
1 hope to see you all at Reunion in June. Please do
to my
try to join us.
wonderful.
VASSAR
We’re all
SPRING
older, wiser, wittier, and
more
2009
November, John won
re-election to the US.
hosted
a
mini-reunion at her apart-
in New York in November.
dre Crowe
Richman
large portion ofthe lower Hudson River Valley
include[ing | all of lower Dutchess County and Vasa
College. Many thanks to everyone in the Vassar
Community who may have voted for him.” She’s
Beckett, Daryl
Attending
Deitz
were
Gutfreind, Betty Donovan Mitchell,
Marschner
Mann, Dosia Fire,
Judith Renner
Dei-
Maddi
Corcoran,
Willie
Broach,
thrilled to be living in the Vassar
in
they’re living in a condofied
calendars right
think about volunteering for
to
our
now.
Please
40th—be in touch
offer time and ideas. I’m jeal-
England
with
Maja Basioli, Jo Champlin Casey, and class co-presidents Bonnie Haber and Joan Secofsky. Several
attending offered to work on our 2010 reunion, which
on our
again, having
not-
Nancy Smith Friot and husband Steve will spend the
holidays
should all mark
area
spent many years in Nashville and Los Angeles,
ing “I feel like I’m home to stay.”
Fanny Gomez Greber, Bonnie Halpern, Jane Wong,
we
Congress,
sar
Laura Jones
with Bonnie and Joan
-
will graduate from Vassar in
May.
ment
busy year for me. After a
declare that ’the 60s
daughter Hannah
”
emailed, also for the first
Ann HowardPasiuk
was over
the moon when Ohio went blue. Her
a
neously included
cast
responded
ofher
and anger. She still does litigated divorces, but
than buy
Via
most
I’m waiting for my chair’s stamp of approval before I
tackle applying to the Navajo Nationreview board
be
36
Thanks to the faithful few in
were
of the gargrad student at Duke,
back in Vermont in time toharvest the
den. Our kids: Matthew is
My old Noyes pal
seen
fun
a
to
remains at UCLA in the office of general counsel with
and
summer
of
promptly
September,
catching a view of Denali on an absolutely perfect
day, touring the Kenai, fishing, visiting museums and
went to
the late ’6os.
ings of family and friends including
son
fun project in the middle of January in
a
614.766,9437
her
”
Young LaFiandra continued the
his bride,
ries with people I haven’s
Young fam-
a
too
Columbus, OH 43235
wonders “what the heck happened?” She adds, “Where else but this country could
a
geeky immigrant like myself fulfill the great Amerielected a
can dream.” She is so proud that our
country
presidenton the basis of merit and grateful for the bless-
good year overall. I hope to make
40th reunion in June—as long as the econ-
it to the
omy
Flurricane Ike in
that,
children reach milestones in their
my
lives—ithas been
like that—how interesting it would be
[email protected]
on an
mates!”
of the critical mass that allows for
ous
6838 Oakfair Ave.
a
Meanwhile, Mary
to reunion.
coming
70
hundred employees and
a
Vary
Sharon Bradley
son
Andy and his wife, Elena;
bam
on an equestrian estate,
complete with picturesque paddock views. Steve’s
involvement in exchanges between Russian and American
judges has
evolved such that he got the sister cities
to the Russ-
of Ulyanovsk and Oklahoma City admitted
ian American Rule of Law Consortium—followed in
classnotes
short order with a $4 million State Department grant
to
Lots of news
further their partnership.
Vassar
Last
of the Washington, DC, Vassar Club.
event
October,
Fest, featuring
tant
has been helping launch a
Rubin Schwartz
Joyce
new
it held its Fourth Annual Vassar Film
a
documentaryby Kathleen Man, assis-
professor of film and drama; a thriller by Benjamin
a documentary about Israeli and Pales-
Busch ’9l; and
mightilyover
grown
hopeful that it will serve
students, and alums making
the film
its short
life, the
for themselves in
names
philosophical mantle. “With regard
to
wearing
for-
own
my
tunes, The Unseen One has altered the path
once
a
again.
principal of our parochial school needed a
fifth grade religion teacher. As a deacon withfree time
new
my hands since the
passing of my wife, I volunteered. Then the eighth grade teacher, a
re-entry teacher
on
after 20 years, left. I volunteered to teach World History to the combined seventh and eighth grade class.
my free
(There went
for.)
time,
so
be careful what you ask
It is very challenging; I find that the influence of
the Electronics Age is detrimental
each
day
do
we
Cities. Since
our
reading skills,
to
so
dramatic reading of Tale of Two
a
other class work takes them from the
Age of Monarchs through The Enlightenment and on
up to the Democratic
Revolutions,
having
we are
a
He notes this commitment to
teaching
is somewhat
temporary, as he continues his search for a seminary
that looks favorably on older candidates, though fears
look outside this country for that. Some
to
of Roger’s reminiscences:
“... .1 remember serving with
LaFleur on the Board of Trustees; I remember
Mr. Fred Brown into
ing
committing
first major institution of learning
talk-
us
Vassar to be the
dis-invest in
to
I remember Eleanor Holmes Norton call-
Apartheid;
ing our class the first to truly reject racism; and I
the country has
what
years.
we were
Progress
“Finally,
like the
I
finally,
37 years
some
talking about
a
boyfriend,
up to the dorm with an
a
junior and
our
to
see
senior
One of
day.
incredibly loud,
too
are
you
open
why he could
campus but I couldn’t ride my
motorcycles
Cush-
in the animation
ner
in the airline
in
Katrin
loud.
was
My protests about
the basis
on
you to remember that I got them to approve
these troubled
hope
good wishes,
all,
by taking
and faith,
and ask
a
heart the
to
light and
blessing
Colamarino has
embarked
on an
It is not funded or sponsored
a
separate
the rubric ofIvy
by Vassar College or AAVC,
nonprofit organization—under
Ventures, Inc.—whose
together entrepreneurially
mission is
minded alums with
soned alums in the business world
foster
to
bring
more sea-
new
issues at
a symposium at the UN on Feb. 7. Katrin is
seeking sponsors, mentors and advisory board members,
and says that the membership fee is low. To be eligible,
a
person must have attended Vassar for at least
a
year.
Katrin is also vice president of the Pacific
Repertory
Opera board.
During a
holidaymessages
miracles. Let me add
on
can ease
Roger’s words: “I
ping date with Karen Gantz
year, Katrin had
Zahler, a
shop-
a
lawyer and liter-
each and every
one
my
own
of
you.”
honored
as a
20-year board
York City at The Jewish Museum. Also honored
Karen’s
and
Kerry
fall)
in New
career as a
singing lessons, performs
(summer and winter)
Osos Road
CA 93422
805.286.7480 (cell
new
in the New Haven Chorale
appeared in the choofYale opera productions. In her spare time, she is
part of a pottery group with husband Paul, who still
works
as
an
organizational development consultant.
Daughter Sarah,
computer game developer; was married in May in Big Sur and Tracy is a photojournalist
a
Liz Moffitt
phone)
[email protected]
Herr
and husband
Andy moved
the Napa Valley. Daughter Lucy is
at Duke and Alex a senior at Cal.
After her husband’s retirement,
a
from
Arizona and be
near the ocean with four seasons and
the eastern US.” Three oft-missed grandchil-
are still in Phoenix with daughter Julie
and sonin-law Will, but daughter Jennifer works at Harvard
Medical School, so she is often in Boston, especially at
VC
are
Frankfurt,
at
the US
Consulate. Daughter Katharine graduated with honors in both her majors from UC Davis in June, while
two
sons are
living and working
in California.
Beauchamp sent her news from a cabin on
boat in the Danube, where she and her family were
Danielle
She is still
freelancing; daughter
English in Shenzhen,
Become Men
on
lished in
Elizabeth
China (across the bor-
Today Show or
professor of sociology
promoting his
on
Good
Morning
the radio. The book, pub-
good
got
at
SUNY-Stony Brook, also
a
co-
introductory sociology textbook with
an
wife Amy Aronson that is also doing well. Son Zachary,
10, “is
a
happy kid, plays competitive
soccer
and bursts
Beutler’s son Pete works for the US
John
makingher
is
Navy,
way in the technical the-
ater business in Philadelphia after graduatingfrom
Temple University last summer, and wife Emily still
doing
social work. “A
highlight of the
5-day solo backpacking trip
land),
in the
of Utah. Still living in
house
organizing
touch and share pictures...only
have done so, so far.”
Finally,
a
gardening,
for the feds in cancer
as
away to
keep in
handfulof VC ’72ers
Adela Betancourt Jabine
itively,” after 29
was a
cohousing (in Mary-
research. I recommend Facebook
and husband Tom
summer
High Uintas wilder-
concerts,
woodworking, etc.,and working
reports that she
divorcing, “amiably but defin-
are
years.
Daughter Susanna graduated
from the University of Maryland with a double major
in
“and is
psychology and family studies
same
thing I
did
istrative assistant at
73
at
her
age:
now
working as
Georgetown
an
doing
admin-
U.”
commission for stone mosaics at St. Peter’s
Independence,
MO 64052
Withthis column I finish up all the news there wasn’t
for in the past few issues. Many thanks to every-
room
who responded to the e-blast and then waited so
patiently for their news to appear!
Lucille Gates Weiss wrote
in March: “Life
keeps
quite busy. My daughter (’Ol Villanova) lives
Houston with her husband. She is
an
account
in
manager
for CIGNA. My son (’99 Stanford) manages the Asian
office for a financial services firm, lives in Shanghai, and
is
planning a
November wedding in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia. When I’m
my
husband,
a
not
spending
time with them
consulting engineer, I
manage my
or
exec-
utive recruiting firm in Houston.”
Wendy Dockray reported: “Havingplantedmyself
firmly in suburban life, I keep extremelybusy working
preservation
in Santa Fe. And she is work-
(Carrie) Bryan
1809 S. Cedar Avenue
CarrieEß[email protected]
Segal completed her first free-standing, sixfoot stone sculpture, which can be seen at the Laßoche
Fran
CA.
from “Hot-
film deal with Dreamworks! Michael,
a
Conservancy,
Anglican church on Oakland,
news
September by Harper Collins,
reviews and
as
on a
the
America or heard him
Michael posted via video Skype and her blog.
ing
is full of Vassar
Son Edward Honkisz graduated in ’O4.
grads.
der from Hong Kong) and keeping her and husband
Gallery on Canyon Rd.
is at Officer Candidate
book Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys
me
where she is the Deputy Principal Officer
writes for Forbes in
son
You may have seen Michael Kimmel
Fenway Park.
to
impressive
elegant din-
most
Jekyll Island with Stephanie Willson and Judith
and Judith’s sisterPenny, whose two daughters
Fifer
one
has moved from Bern
a
tion at
dren
Doria Rosen
older
Caroline
Susan "Dutch"
moved from Phoenix to Sandwich,
Cape Cod, “thus satisfying a longtime ambiheat and pollution in
get out of the gridlock,
to
by
where she spent the weekend before the elec-
on
tion to
by the townhouses,
junior
GoodenGalbraith
MA,
led
City and the second
Catherine Binns
lanta,”
the
to
the dedication of
saw
over
School with the Marine Corps.
rus
is teaching
Atascadero,
on a
and in her temple’s choir and has
a
Colamarino
New York
ness area
and husband Paul still live
singer! She is taking classical and cabaret
[email protected]
8231 Los
were
former President and
Haven, where she has embarked
vacationing.
Belenky
Zahler,
Marshak Boulian
215.242.1485
Katrin
Eric
CEO of Loral Communications.
Mezzacappa
(spring
husband,
athletic fields
in Main. The old school is flourishing.” She is still
daughter Kate
was
campus in
and heard from President Hill at
an
important and high profile authors such as Today
Show host Janice Lieberman., A busy mother of two
teenagers, Karen
back on
was
friends from her time on the
tour of the art museum
with energy.”
her
Dale
new
ary agent who represents Alec Baldwin and other
of
miss you
a
authored
visit to NYC last
see some
Charlottesville; her
enter-
Ventures addressed economic and business
prises. Ivy
access
pets.”
times, perhaps we
and end with
72
Belenky
as the co-executive director of an
AJumni/ae Venture Network called Vassar
Ventures, Inc.
cars
from the campus. Once again, I apologize; I thought I
was striking a blow for freedom. In
my defense, I ask
burdens
industry, while her oldest is working
industry in Atlanta.
exciting journey
exhaust
I
spectacular
student,
2008 and is now in L.A.
to
AAVC Board and
reports: “We
had
Berkeley
of the Porsche Factor resulted in the banning of all
our
Pennies
graduated from Vassar in May
just
drive that
motorcycle,
the noise rules being enforced seemingly
During
a
with the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.
It looks
Yalie I believe, who drove
RSK Porsche. When I asked
told that
later; come
motorcycle.
a new
I rode back in the
one
ing ladies had
on
in
that
see
is slow but wonderful.
bought
in starting up
local schools (explained in the
member of ELEM/Youth in Distress in Israel in New
grande olde tyme.”
he’ll need
two
Bruner
McTigue
September
book Three Cups of Tea). Her youngest daughter Sally
but is instead
industry.
From Roger Fernandez-Rojo his news,
The
club is
vehicle for Vassar faculty,
as a
reports that she is still work-
ing and has also been involved
for Peace Drive in
tinian peace activists by Ronit Avni ’OO. Because this
event has
Bobbie
Bonnie Batter Slade
the part-time executive director of the Water Works
a
nonprofit which
advocates for the
and restoration of the historic Hacken-
sack Water Works in Oradell, NJ. I also teach classes
in
grant-writing
Paterson U.
toric
and
fundraising through William
Continuing Education,
preservation
at Drew
U,
and
VASSAR
take classes in his-
am
very active in my
SPRING
-
2009
37
classnotes
church. My husband, Bob Trobe, and I are now emptyof our daughter Heather
nesters, although we see a lot
home, we’ve
had a very interesting autumn, and our
to be the same. How
Trobe ’O5 (she graduated with honors in English, which
who remembers my experience with
will make
at
English Department smile broadly). While at
Vassar, Heather founded a standup comedy troupe,
has your life changed
Indecent Exposure, which became a small independThe group recently
ent film company, IE Productions.
campaign
anyone
Vassar’s
produced
Heather
short film, Chords, based
a
on a
has “been
help),
learning
today suggests, but I do find that practicing is one good
thing that happens every day. Learning an instrument
doesn’t seem to be any more difficultat this age than it
when I was 9. My advice is, just try it! I found my
teacher byway of a list from the local middle school
was
music
In
August,
terrific time at
that she “had
our
35th reunion. Robyn Reeves
and Joan Bogdanowicz Bogden, my drama
buddies,
ment
in
went
out the
checking
We
Avery.
with me, and we had
campus, our
even
a
Travers
depart-
lovely day,
a
old dorms, allthe changes
stood on the stage. What a flood of
memories! We loved the restoration of the theater’s
facade, and
department
of
ure
the fabulous film
were blown
away by
facilities.At the class dinner I had the pleas-
sitting
next to
freshman roommate, Catherbit as beautiful and
every
Paulo, who is
accomplished as she always
tonic in what has been
a
The visit was
was.
real
a
difficult year. My hus-
most
band Jerry died suddenly of a brain aneurysm in Janufeel quite
ary. I am coping, and on many days actually
well. I credit my daily practice of T’ai Chi Chih, my writing life, and the love and presence of friends and family. Our son Oliver graduated from the U. of Chicago
on
Father’s Day weekend; it was
a
true
be home with
despite the timing. He’ll
sey this
celebration,
me
in New
Jer-
In September, Brion Bickerton
“It is with great
sent
in heart-break-
anguish that I
know that Catherine L.
write to let you
Morrissey 72,
my
Vassar
sweetheart and wife, died in June, losing her fight
against
a recurrence
of breast
cancer.
us,
me
your news
good and bad,
something
to
Almost40 years
Melinda
35THREUNION 74
ine’s
poetic sensibility would always
moment
and
through
countries and
crises
a
living through
car
in a
was
coma
in New York
foundly deep
our
daughter
so
have wanted nothing else in
Car-
being
hit
love remained pro-
our
and beautiful. We
found each other at Vassar
different
many difficultmedical
years ago after
two
City),
Cather-
From that
note.
living apart in
(including keeping vigil over
oline who
by
times
as
were
early
our
in
blessed to have
our
lives and to
lives but
each other. After Vassar, Catherine entered
to
an
be with
English
Mark your calendars for Reunion 2009 —June 5-7!
is looking forward
to
It will be her first-ever official reunion.
attending.
Marie had been back to visit after
graduation but until
the only Vassargathering she attended was in Paris
Catherine GermannBriest
years ago with her sister
some
’69 and where she reestablished contact with James
“This
upcoming reunion is very
Mundy. Marie wrote,
important to me as I will now be able to stock up on
happy
years
college
marred by personal difficulties. After fresh-
were
year, Marie left for
man
year
associate with Vassar.” Her
moments to
where she spent
Bordeaux,
a
participating in an experimental program teaching
English
to
children. She lost her mother the
after she returned
summer
campus
very young
for
to
the States and lived off
while before returning
a
senior year. After
to
dorm life
graduation Marie returned
during
to Bor-
deaux, where she has lived ever since except for a sevenworks in the wine trade,
year stint in Cognac. Marie
start a new job based
export sales. She will
Petrus in January and invitesall wine lovers to visit.
in
mostly
The
current
us
at
Reunion but his consolation is the
a
join
screening of
Catnapping, an indie movie in whichhe played
plays a
at
financial crisis will probably prevent
Kirby Thayer Hall from leaving home in Belgium to
a
role.
comedy, and Kirby
video producer. Shot in Belgium, the movie is
in English withFrench and Dutch subtitles. A definite
participant is
Reunion
ing forward to seeing
in
Cushing.
He is
Richard
Gleiner, who is look-
friends from his freshmen
happy
in Chicago,
to
having
attendance
reported
at Janie
Marr
year
be back in “civilization”
moved there in 2004 after
10 years in Dallas. Richard volunteers as
a
psychother-
Creative Arts. His
wedding
Werum’s
in the Winter issue of the
was
Quarterly.
across
from her house near the Vassar Townhouses. She
reports that Raymond Avenue has been transformed
withroundabouts and park benches, which she describes
as
“lovely for taking
a
walk but
not for
driving.”
I
30s. We have three
and 21, and a
the
children,
13-year-old son.
two
daughters aged
26
She led her life commit-
campus
looks
as
Gilda Karu
-
2009
it
It is
be accessed
can
at
online newsletter offer-
an
entertainment
Service in
to
laugh, which help strengthen
think
or
make you
ties with family and
friends.” Subscribers also receive emails with
new
Judith Brisman wrote that
she is leading “multiple
lives” in N.Y.C. She is founder and director ofthe Eat-
ing Disorder Resource Center, a psychologist, a writer
importantly—programdirector, coordi-
and—most
joy-filled audience for
nator, and
Senna and
daughters,
Julia.
11-year-old
her twin
The third edition of her
book, Surviving an Eating Disorder: Strategies for
Family and Friends, published by Harper Living, is
due out in
February.
attended the ninth Triple-AVC Tri-
Richard Roberts
ennial
on
campus Nov. 7-8,2008, with Paula Williams
William
Laila Bramwell
Madison,
and Donna Knight. “It was
Yasin,
a blast!” he
Terri Gershon Minford
switched
Plapinger,
wrote.
continues to ride and has
disciplines from jumping to dressage.
a
She’s
enjoying
Reunion.
On
a
her sister and brother-in-law in Vermont last
trip
October she and her husband drove through Troy, NY,
to see
which brought back memories of the time Terriand I
went
there during our sophomore year (exam week,
to see Lipizzaner stallions perform their
up
too, I
think!)
stately dressage movements.
Nota bene: Now and
addresses
or
other
I can’t
mates.
give
to
me
for
information for other class-
out
of that information but the
any
help by forwarding messages
AAVC is happy to
classmates
then, classmates ask
contact
let them know you want
with them. Contact the AAVC:
to get
to
in touch
845.437.5445
or
www.aavc.vaassar.edu.
I’ve been asked
why
no news
—
appears about me
but it does! Some of you who read this column with
sharp eyes will now and then see news of me interI bet many readers
the boldface
checking
nize.
I’d
Heck,
sends
news.
names
probably do
ing the column!
in this very issue).
just run their eyes down the
But
to see
whom
column
they recog-
that too, if I weren’t writ-
seriously, thanks to
It’s fun to see what
everyone who
everyone’s been
up to.
Lucy W. Reckseit
75
You’re reading this
Lreckseit@POßox.com
as
Spring emerges, we’ve got
I
as
ideas
three times a week.
however,
federal
Regional Civil
Director at the USDA Food and Nutrition
Chicago.
projects, and “ideas that make you
walk near Skinner Hall. It’s worth
civil servant. Gilda was the Midwest
looking forward
SPRING
3,
website
a
Ginny Day.
and we’re wellinto his first 100 days in
celebrated both her birthday and her
Catherine died
VASSAR
with friend
2008,
President,
ever.
retirement last Dec. 1 after over 34 years
Rights/EEO
June 8,2008.
Nov.
And enter another
wonderful as
nature
ted to helping everyone who encountered her, always
free with her time and always wise in her thoughts.”
on
written but
ever
can
confirm that, having visited the campus last October on
a fall outing. If
youcome to Reunion, you’ll know exactly
the entire visit!
baby at
the hardest book he’d
Metropoli-
by Doubleday-
he hopes the effort will have been worth it.
spersed withother items (for example,
Houghtaling won’t have to travel far for
Reunion. She is enjoying the view of the new sports field
Christina
concludes: “With great
a
was
12
published May
blogs, money-saving hints, travel and
Marie Elisabeth Germann Jaubert
world in the
she had
Broadway,
to be
suggestions, shopping, volunteer and other charitable
took the opportunity to write about her battles.” Brion
courage,
Museum,
History of the
That Made the
[email protected]
that tangled up traffic along Raymond will have been
completed by then. But never mind the “outside”; the
first bout with breast cancer in her late
tan
Money
ing informationfor discerning readers about—well,
just about everything: noteworthy websites, videos and
what she’s talking about. Hopefully, the construction
a
the
201.224.0453
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Barnard and wrote much poetry, which I will seek to
age of45 after
The Secret
book, Rogues’ Gallery:
Moguls and
www.asharpeye.com.
Lit. Ph.D. program at Harvard. She later lectured at
get published. Shereceived the Vassar Time-Out Grant
20 years ago after her first bout withbreast cancer and
children’s book by Eliz-
a
Spires, will be published in Feb. 2009 by Farrar,
Straus & Giroux. Michael Gross says his forthcoming
Called “A Sharp Eye,”
2 HorizonRoad, #Bl7
apist and lawyer for Lawyers for the
tree, grown male and female
Me: William Edmond-
Nancy Roosevelt Ireland launched
(Mindy) Maidens
under
holly
Talking to
and His Stone Carvings,
abeth
on
(his term)
as a
a
sympathize
I Heard God
son
cheer about. Write!
to
transfer student, my path literally crossed with
Catherine’s on a moonlit night in front of Cushing,
ago,
you to
your classmates,
Filmed in black and white, it’s
fall, looking for jobs in film production.”
ing news:
and give
my
ine
reading this column inspire
fire off a little email. Send
now
department.”
Roselee Blooston wrote
trail? Let
result? What opportunities
as a
Do you have any stories from the
opening for you?
the
at
article in the Wall Street Journal
as an
are
early spring promise
to
end of high school. After two years of very moderate
study, I’m now playing with a community orchestra. I
can’t tell whether it helps my memory (which could use
some
winter and
with, something
violin again. I’d stopped taking lessons
play the
story
thesis.”
part of her senior
as
wrote
Ann Deane Harrison Braid
38
What with the presidential campaign and election,
meltdown, and other crises abroad and
the economic
her freedom and
a new
office;
writing this column in December during the holiday season. Political proclivities aside, as I
am
search
notes
mind is
gratitude. The
its toll
submitted for
on one
which I serve
matters.
Michael
a
theme,
what
comes
to
downturn in our economy took
of the venture-backed companies for
as
in-house counsel
on
general corporate
The company drew its last breath
Richman,
a
partner
at
Foley
by year-end.
& Lardner in
classnotes
N.Y.C., graciously provided his
able at
no
time and
matters, making himself
bankruptcy
charge,
to our
expertise in
generally avail-
board ofdirectors. Thank you,
Michael. Sherry Greene-Starr wrote last
June to say
that her eldest
daughter, Chloe,
had
from
graduated
Tufts with a degree in environmental engineering and
was
working with an ecological design firm on Cape
Cod. Her second daughter, Megan, is
juniorat
in environmental science and
vard, majoring
policy. “Looks
a
like
we
Har-
public
have the beginning of our
environmental firm going here!” Her
own
Luke,
son,
is in
ninthgrade and lives for computers like most guys his
She and her husband, Gordon, celebrated their
age.
25th anniversary, and, says she, “I am eternally grateful.” And, I’m sure many are grateful for Davis Allen,
who is the director of an adult day center. For those of
sandwich generation who, like Davis himself, are
caring for aging parents, this type of program is a blessour
Davis
ing, indeed.
“Last year my father
writes,
suc-
cumbed at age 93, and my mother (Nancy Brandon
Allen ’39, age 90) is literallyhanging on for dear life. At
the adult
day center, we give families the option of
bringing their loved one to a homelike setting to enjoy
stimulation, socialization, and safety. A lot of families
op”
that helps students start their
program
early.
“Let’s
careers
hope that when Adam graduates there will
still be work in
Massachusetts, which has
not been
hear
from AlisonElliott ’76, Deborah Thomson
news
Follows ’76, Mark
David
Schlesinger ’73,
Jonathan
Ross,
it
was
in: “I
run a
trade association that
Our
in D.C.
family of four lives
Justin, is a freshman
Chelsea, is a
at
My
Colorado College. My
senior at Hamilton
son,
College.I’ve
adopted
which fills the
dog,
a new
goes withDavis to work every
of loss.
sense
Skip
day.
when I had the
good fortune of becoming
books. We built it up to about 60 magazine titles before
selling it in 2005, and
since then I’ve been
see
’76 and
Jed Mark
and
periodically
been
mates, I
haven’t
seen
my C-3
Adam
see
Joe
days,
my years
as a
I
I
Marilyn MartinMark ’74 often,
in
Keenan
Bob Machinist
so
often, but
long while. From
a
frequently during
VC Trustee. I’ve talked
briefly
Ron
to
Strom ’76 and have tried to connect with Stu Lipton.
I’d love to hear from the rest of those
We have
only fifteen months
make
a
commitmentto attend
gangs.”
until
class
next
our
our
calendars?
from other classes
to
is, so
attend reunion along with us.
183 Homestead Avenue
Albany,
appreciate how important that is).
to
I’ve been
[email protected]
again
at
Main
(old
to those
dining hall,
of
us
who remember it
life. She graduated from Princeton and has joined
rible illness. Sadly, too many of those listed are our classmates and those from our neighboring classes. There
muting between Cincinnati and
nearly every week, and
we’re
in Rhode Island.
summers
So,
York, which I do
New
spending
I’m in all three
with frequency and would welcome calls
anyone
He
nearby.”
Brooke Duncan ’74,
stays
most
or
in touch with
Michael
a
of
our
places
made
side’
[last]
summer.
ends in
journey before
no
cific legacy, but a
path would be
growing his
daughter
is
this year
a
good legacy for all.”
own
a
just society set
vegetables. “My
source
on a
He’s
into
the dark
my
career
a
spe-
sustainable
healthy, and
sister’s
a
small gathering of friends and family
ber those
we
have lost, followed by
a
discussion by alumni and friends. We
were
old friend Rick Teller ’74 there, as well
our
Wilson, who
visiting the
to
glad
to see
was
classmate
as
come
back
campus for the first
more
often!)
6-year-old
of joy. I re-did my static website
I’ve been digitally
John
McCabe, and Tim Vode. We also remembered
Steve
Hueglin ’74, Lew Katoff 75, Henry Cohn 74, and
Paco De Zela 74, Chris Oakes 75, Alan
My thanks
to
whatever computer glitch caused the
class of ’64’s request for class
of our classmates!
some
notes
news
Thea
is
to
go out to
Gutman
Schell
living and working
selling residential and
com-
“friended”
was
And while you’re
on
Facebook, check
out some
of
the Vassar groups that have sprung up. We were contacted recently by Mary Beth “MB” Caschetta ’BB,
who
loud alarm about recent
was sounding a
very
developments at Vassar. The downturn in the economy
has certainly affected everything, including Vassar’s
overall
across
cut
in
are
considering
faculty, particularly
in
an
adjunct
MB’s worry was that the cre-
writing program in particular
ened,
are
operating budget. They
the board
part-time professors.
ative
as
it is
was being threatmostly taught by these part-timers, who
themselves writers and
her initial conpoets. Since
Gardiner 72, and Robert Hays 77. Good
and all taken too
harder
to
keep
medicine, and
soon.
We
were
inspired
men
all
work
to
AIDS research
in the forefront of
appreciate all
that much more the
to
(Mimi) White Blackwell writes that her son,
is a freshman at Northeastern U. in the
College
of Computer Science. N.U. is well known for its “co-
have been assured
by the
the best,
powers that be at
hopeful that despite a rough
Vassar remain true to its
most
economy, we
mission,
to
provide
well-rounded, intellectually vibrant,
academically challengingeducation anywhere!
So write and let me know how your Vassar education has made your life better,
more
well-rounded, more
intellectuallyvibrantand challenging! Don’t wait for a
computer glitch to remind you—sit down and send me
a
note
right
now! Yes, now! Go
We continue to remember Ruth Cleveland Robertson,
who also left
75 forwarded
a
eulogy for Ruth.
column due
to
us
much too
copy
soon.
Burt
of his beautiful and touching
I can’t include it in its
space
Flickinger
ahead, I’ll wait...
limitations, but here
to
struggle
years of co-education
are
sometimes in the
... transformed Vassar
vibrant... college community attracting great
lectures,
concerts, and dances
...
As
a
Jodi Bornstein
77
in this
entirety
6557 NW 32nd Terrace
Boca
Raton, FL 33496
[email protected]
some
the college seemed
ways.”
we
friends who do survive.
in new
www.CityofArt.net.
tact,
Goldberg
processing images from the past and playing with them
Marian
home.
way
and
remem-
fascinating panel
excerpts: “...Ruth’s tremendous enthusiasm, energy,
and leadershipsuccessfullyrevolutionized Vassar when
Adam,
freshman! These salmon of ours do manage to swim
upstream, don’t they? Congrats to Joe on finding his
see
family and children to leave
more
wasn’t quite to his liking, so he has managed to transfer into the Vassar class of 2011. Elizabeth
reports that
Joe is living in Cushing on the same hall she did as a
we are
10
country. I have
go elsewhere.
he had selected
will
years.” Larry IMeilson writes: “I am definitely pumped about opportunity for change in the
~
to
program
and
Don’t know where this road will
lead but decided to take the
Joe had opted
son
realizedthat the
tiful it is, Eric, do
to
over
2005, her
soon
news! Elizabeth Rada
daughter Ruth graduated
Vassar that the arts programs will always be protected,
career move
I decided to ’cross
Well, he
family and friends.
time in 32 years. (Now that you remember how beau-
as associate dean of Graduate Studies
for Grand Valley State U. in Michigan. “After 27 years
faculty member,
to
happier
few folks:
Wolff, Jason Isaacson ’74,
mid-life
for some
Eric
administration
as a
was
We remembered Kirk Hoffmeier, Danny O'Keefe,
a
condolences
visitsfrom
Sarah Nash Sylvester ’74.
John Stevenson
our
Carver writes that whileher
Vassar,
that way). Every few years, Vassar adds the names of
classmates and faculty who have succumbed to this ter-
the Teach for America corps. Several years ago, my wife
and I settled into a somewhat crazy routine of com-
a psychiatrist. She leaves behind
sisters, three nephews and a niece.
recently, was
now
Vassar in
nieces,
yours too, Steve!
On Dec. 1,Laird and I found ourselves
married for 25+ years and the time has passed too
quickly. We have a terrific daughter and the center of
my
And
numerous
who lived in the Boston
place to find news turns out to be Facebook!
by Steve Rothman recently, who
at
my
enjoyedlooking
family photos! And I’ve enjoyed
the AIDS memorial plaque located in the Villard Room
enough
We send
I
think we’re good, but I know we’re lucky (and I’m old
some
most
Carol,
another
NY 12206
518.482.4508(phone)
this time to observe World AIDS Day and to rededicate
impacting
Silpa
mercial real estate. Thanks for answering the call, Thea,
for whatever reason! Besides computer glitches,
other publishing companies. I
turn
cousins.
in the New York City area,
Risa ShererScranton
76
the Amnuay
at
responded with an update—she
and write to me.
Oh,
area
35th. Save the first
our
weekend in June 2010 and, invite those you’d like to
and the
support of a private equity firm. We’re having a great
run, working hard, and seem to be dodging the down-
2008, had been Head of Foreign Languages
five siblings, her mother, and
’74. Of my D-10
Bergmann every
(Benjy)
saw
frequent touch with Larry.
Larry Steinberg
see
acquiring and
building magazines, with former colleagues
in July
and Assistant Head of School
her mother and two
in
am
involved in
old line publisher of enthusiast magazines and
an
cer
Honor (Nonie) Cottam du
and Carol Widrow. Honor, who died of can-
and Larry Vogel. I
see
Stephen Kent wrote to me back inJune 2008. “The
publishing business captured me about 10 years ago
day with family and friends....” Thanks,
nephews, and
We’re continually reminded how short life really
as they
They had just
her last
Burt, for sharing your thoughts and memories with us.
And the last of our sad news to report is the
married for 24 years to Susan Stockdale, a children’s
book author/illustrator I met through Dana Younger
last Fall, he and his wife became empty-nesters
West to college.
to
stopped
never
great heart from the first day at Vassar
School in Bangkok, Thailand. She leaves two children,
daugh-
reunion in June 2010. Have you marked
son
giving from her
Chatellier
industry.
aware
their younger
Cleveland, Ruth Cleveland Robertson
untimely passing of both
chip
”
sent
multi-generational group of
great-granddaughter of President
a
time to
represents the commercial and industrial construction
ter,
great Vassar
a
Robertsons and
Chapman, and Brian Kinahan and Cami Sacco
After reading my APB, Todd Mann realized
Kinahan.
of this option; I wasn’t when my parents
needed it most. Spread the word! He also tells me that
aren’t
the
since the dot.com crash.” Marian would like to
same
from
early
...
to
a
art, film,
vibrant leader
Hello everyone. Let’s start with the New York Post:
bad time for
“It’s
a
ting
back
authors,
Post reporter
now
Lagnado’s acclaimed
father, The
with publishing houses cut-
but not for Lucette Lagnado, the former
at
The
Wall Street Journal.
memoir of her
Egyptian-Jewish
Man in the White Sharkskin Suit, was
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
39
classnotes
optioned by producer Anthony Bregman ( Eternal
Sunshine of the
Spotless Mind).Plus,
do
contract to
a
was
offered
sequel companion volume for
a
Ecco/HarperCollins titled The
Young Girl’s Quest for Her
am
Lost Youth which picks
,
death.’”
simply thrilled to
Then
on
Eggers Carroll, who reports:
to Erica
“Well I finally have good
news
771 doubt many remember
year
me
in
residency
Forces
of
Washington,DC
not
uncommon
years
what seems
and I
’9os?
I have
Ames,
“free
regained
’played’
78
in
a
but were
We
were
by
in India
over
days of
Thanks-
did track
me
down,
to ensure I was okay, which I appreciated. I
speak highly enough of Smithsonian Journeys
me
4418 Buffalo Lake Court
Beau
mates
STILL havin’
“
—don’t
things,
developing
a
least
not
on
I admire muchabout several of their religions. We vis-
school in Rajasthan, (where girls
having
more
in a few
are just now
opportunity for formal education), dined
private homes in small groups in what I believe
learning, as well as seeing
is more human-to-human
tourist attractions. I must
an
elephant,
camels and
admit,
I also
enjoyed riding
to
pres-
and you willsee... “We’re
says,
at
“midlife crisis.And
son
apt., where she
staying
Kalish, Anne Dayton Buxton
76, Burt Flickinger 75, and Peter Raymond 76.
John
It was great to hear from Nancy Mendillo Dorsey.
Research Center (the
the empty nest that son Anson left whenhe went off to
in Silver
Spring,
MD I did research in before I went off to do the resi-
dency). My husband, Joe,
is starting his own law prac-
tice (bankruptcy) and he is
infinitely patient as I explore
my four-year-old
now
to
chat with
who shares my enthusiasm for dressage and
trails, as I am only a little beyond novice and looking
anyone
forward
to
owning
David Nash
a
horse before the end of 2009.”
will serve
as
founding dean of ofthe Jef-
school-based occupational therapist. To fill
Cornell, Nancy
and her husband
adopted
puppy!
Nancy supports the Rhode Island Vassar Club scholarship fund by selling pecans each fall.
infatuation withall things equestrian,
that I finally have free time. I’d love
a
There’s lots of
catching
Benenson Aronson
up to be done with Amy
! Amy lives with husband
the women’s
Carter
was
winning
recently
NCAA Division 111 team.
to
take classes together to
and understand
help
them better
of health policy,
areas
prepare
for
population
health, and healthcare quality and safety.
Finally some
a
year
of recovery for
giving in 2007,
none
news
of
us was
ings to fire and
to move to
a
we
The
us.
suffered
hurt, but
a
we
Sunday before Thankshouse fire. Fortunately,
lost many of
smoke damage. We
rental house while
were
our
our
also
compelled
enjoying the changes
their
own
we
are now
made. Our three children,
a
graduated from
UC
Berkeley and teaches Hebrew
Point, just completed their first CD! Felicia recently
reconnected with her hall-mate from Noyes, Carol Balgaroo
Petrow.
Maureen Monroe marveled at
grade daughter is
omore
a
facing
Brownie and their high school
for Vassar. Maureen is still teaching
an
active
at
a
soph-
aiming
nonprofit, has
continues
private studio, and
performing.
Tulipan writes from an icy cold and
not-so-sunny Chicago. B and David Tulipan 79 are
celebrating 25 years of marriage. Son Jake is a senior
B Greenfield
Yale and bound for medical school next fall.
DaughMolly is a freshman at Vassar, living in Main, and
enjoying college. David continues to practice hand
and editor for the marketsurgery locally. B is a writer
ing wing of a high-end tour company based in New
at
ter
York. She’s in touch with Matt Grayson, Diane Norman-Lentz, who was also her best friend in high school,
and Rob Maass, a photographer based in Brooklyn. B
also sends
a warm
hello
to
20 years,
Amy
Amy has been the
program
never
at
Maritime
had more funand
an
Kim Beneski
adult and child
Wynne.
psychotherapist, specializing in
year-old boys. Daughter (24)
international journalism,
relations and
history at
ronmental geosciences
is at school and
at
Russell Cohen
led about 50 alums
“wildly”popular foraging walks through
of the official Reunion activities. Follow-
&
(19)
studies envi-
a
went
back to
lovely wander round
philosophy dept.—brought back
cam-
some
Stein, of Brooklyn, is a litigation partner at
Gray, and is clearly entranced with his
adorable 2
have
10-
M.A. in
memories.”
Adam
larly
cam-
an
studies international
son
rugby mad. Cynthia
Ropes
rowing team.”
U,
doing
U. of Edinburgh, and son (14)
women’s
pus and the
is
(22)
son
Essex
good
part
are
is involved in music and theatre and is
titles during my tenure at the club. I even followed
Chloe to Trinity, teaching a few seminars to the
as
how we
our
Vassar last year and “had
pus,
become
docent at the San Francisco Zoo. Her oldest son, Ben,
sees
a
1/2-year-old daughter, Molly.
Ed Hollander 76 in
house, and enjoys
“a
Adam
regu-
Sag Harbor, where they
vintage
bedrooms. Having disposed of six 30-yard
Wild Plants I Have Known...and Eaten, in the VC
75, Marian Findberg 76, Peter Raymond 76, Dale
book store. I haven’t read it yet, but I’ve ordered
Rubin 77, Bill Keegan 76,
we
have a renewed
appreciation for our friends in the community who
helped us through this crisis by donating their belongand providing financial assistance and emotional
SPRING
-
2009
signed
copy
of
my
own
Miriam Sobel Litvak
has worked for Fackawanna
County Aging Officefor nearly
in
TempleIsrael, singing
a
from Russ!
soprano
10 years. She’s active
for the Holiday Choir.
She and husband, Mikhail (Mike) (a Russian Jewish
Cosman
coterie of Vassar
alums, including Hugh
fortable before the fire. Most of all,
VASSAR
varsity
She says, “I’ve
This past June,
fellow with
pursuing her passion for animals by training to
reward from teaching in my life. I’ve watched many
kids on the team rise to national and international
two
a
American Med Assn for the year to
ing the walk, Russ signed copies of his foraging book,
Mikayla (10),
dumpstersof personal property, we’ve eliminated much
of the clutter that made living in our home so uncom-
ings,
for the
yoga instructor
on
Carolyn
each have
(12),
and
and Pilates. For the
six
past
years,
home the restored.
We returned to our home two months
and
ago,
Doriana (14), Ezra
belong-
saw
Carolyn sold her
for the last 28 years has lived in Windsor, England. She’s
figure skating,
the practice of law to teach movement. Eater
gave up
she taught skiing in Vail, then switched to teaching yoga
Rowing Club.
from Andrew Hyman: “It’s been
summer.
art, and wants to act
(Amy’s thinking Vassar already). After
gram allows medical, nursing and allied health students
that she
wrote
Great to hear from Cynthia Masters-Waage, who
Fiona (10) loves
The interdisciplinary curriculum design of this new pro-
Elson
Chicago this
recruited to Brown. High-spirited
which will begin
2009.
Cliff and
loving Trinity College
where, aside from majoring in English, she’s a rower
ferson School of Health Policy and Population Health
enrolling students for September
a
their three children. Chloe is
on
class-
belief that growing old doesn’t require growing up!!
She and husband Bob live in New Jersey; their third
Bob and Elissa Gretz Friedman ’BO,
saw
to
in touch with,
two
and reporting on, the greatest number of classmates!
She attended a party at Margie Levin Van Dercook’s
Feigh Butler 77,
shout out
college
home and
at
Nancy is
building
in
a
Facebook.
or
“hemi-centennial” (50s) yet as a class we haven’t
aged! I maintain that it’s all a case of us buying into the
into my follow-on assignment at the Naval Medicalsame
MySpace
school and Sunday school. His rock band, Melting
Wake Forest).
Bonnie wins the award for
Am settling
bicycle-rickshaws.
you
for entrust-
comedy performingwas a focus,
Bonnie is divorced, living in
aged children (both
a
Facebook and is putting
on
Former social worker Felicia Bendit Kramarz is
sincerely
purpose.”
Greenwich, CT, with one
writerand has her sights
med education.
at
nation. India’s 5000 years ofculture is fascinating. The
Emily is a
Princeton. Debbie found Debbie Le
or
learn the medical publishing biz. Marygrace is enjoying the challenges of working towards a master’s in
excellent preparation for many
was
I can’t say
in a suburb
daughters Kerry (17) and Emily (15).
plans to study engineer-
solo practice in Baltimore and is now
is still performing stand up
ask,” she
food is delicious; the music and dancing beautiful and
ited
on
Journal of the
’cause we’re still the one!”
fun,
Bonnie Block Levison
comedy,
while Vassar
about
either Yale
Marygrace
again with the wonderful opportunity
on
neighbors of mine
Oral Roberts U.
Richmond, IX 77469
Class Notes. Read
are
will graduate in May and
[email protected]
cannot
in-depth education
and home-schools
at
703.799.6432
ent our
communication arts
as a
Faura is 7.
Kerry
on
Alexandria, VA 22308-2522
ing
honors,
of Houston! Debbie is the children’s pastor at her church
set
begin by thanking
a
that Debbie Baughman Kammerlohr
just learned
ing
8625 Fort Hunt Road
minimally affected by the tragic events
embassy
I
Susan Whitacre
evenings
17
with
and husband Frank
(spring and fall)
Wang
the U.S.A. in 1979), have
to
came
major; Henry is 15; and
since
(summer and winter)
I want to
who
wonderful family. Son Karl recently married. Ross
Hildreth
though,
away to get
not
at
LA in
adorable
on
immigrant
[email protected]
considerable
in Vermont
horseback-riding
in Mumbai. The US.
as
graduated? How about
Probably
Anyway, after
pass the exam.)
to
family vacation in India.
40
or
3-day exam and
Icelandic horses for five days, followed
giving
is
since notification of the exam results. Friends
went
we
least a few hundred of you
out there in that category. Please send me an email so I
this column.
can
get some new names into
the ’Bos
47% pass rate this year.
have to return to
to
eternity,
an
a
and weekends” and have
amount
class notes since
there who hasn’t been mentioned in
Pei Hsin
that I took the
announce
subsequent
the Armed
at
which
Pathology
passed, first time. There was
(It’s
out
Center. I
Army Medical
being able to
love of our
graduated
Anyone
the campus of the Walter Reed
am still almost incredulous at
on
next to the
love of our friends is the
greatest
gift of all.”
from school: I’m what
veterinary pathology
Institute
realize that,
now
share with class of
to
might call a late-bloomer. But, I finished a three-
some
support. We
family members, the
Years: A
Arrogant
where her last book leftoff. Lagnado told a friend,
up
‘I
she
75,
Burt
Flickinger
Lisa Roth, and, of
course,
Ed’s brother, Alvin (aka ’Butch’) 75.”
Laurie
Josephs is excited
Fogan, transferred
to
Daniel attends Maristand
middle school
next
to
report that her son,
now class of 11. Son
Vassar and is
year.
10-year-old Bennett begins
After
a
nine-year break from
classnotes
the
law, Laurie
returned to work at the firm founded
David Boies. I
by
am
saddened
close. She said, “Losing
the
report that Laurie
with whom she
recently lost her father,
age, makes
to
extremely
was
adored parent, even at this
tremendous hole in your life.” Laurie, may
a
an
memories you shared with your father
precious
be your comfort.
Val Ellicott has enjoyed his
D.C., where his reporters cover
stories and online multimedia projects that
databases
use
supposed
central theme. Val said: “This
as a
I doubt my team will exist after
office will be
a
more
January, when our
in the latest round of Gannett
targeted
buyouts and layoffs. Hope
ing
was
be the Next Big Thing in journalism, but
to
other 78
grads
are
enjoy-
employment future.” Val, stay
secure
in
HOT! We
Gov.
enjoying my work
am
where
Chicago,
are
are
Blaggo to
at
the Soci-
ety of Architectural Historians and had a recent occasion to correspond with Noel Knille.” She also saw
with Gannett
career
politics
sending Barack to the White House, and
the slammer! (I hope). I
Marianne
News Service in
national
From Anne Hill Bird: “Hello from
the weather is cold and the
Begemann at
74 volunteered
campaign.
“Recently my then employer B’nai B’rithInternational
announced their decision to
contemplating
wildly versatile
and at the
marketability.
in one’s
same
strangely narrow
time
I remain
optimistic about
and husband Neil are
around and meeting with all kinds of fascinating people. When will I have the time for that again?! I’d love
more
at
graduating from NYU,
Michael is
a
sopho-
U. of Rochester, and Elizabeth is a senior in high
I’m
now
a
really interesting
enjoying
next
career
network with other cultural-arts job
to
Westchester County. She plans
means, contact AAVC.
spring
Alex (12). “I work
were
neighbors
on
our
freshman
the “quiet pari-
etal” fifth floor of Jewett.
that her
proudly
announced
Matthew, got into the class of 13 early
decision, yesterday. “We are so excited. It’s wonderful
to be
son,
able
pass the torch.”
to
Please note the
Looking forward
new
hearing
to
from each and everyone!
Salve my friends. Susan
to return to
the swat team arrive he decided
where it was safe. A very
as a
bishop of our local
room
in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterwas
able
to officiate
in the wedding of
the ABC station in Idaho Falls, ID.” Glad your
publishing Yona
Zeldis McDo-
802.578.6841
classmates,
our
out in
30th reunion
Sept.
13.1
writes that he is looking forward
this spring. For fun he runs half marathons,
miles, with 17-year-old daughter Leah.
son was
lookingforward
to the
His
5K “race for the cure”
in January.
Maxine Leeds
they
to
Lauri
Warner Masur
and
Craig. I mixed their notes up last time
told me with great grace.
Maxine writes: “I
position
as an
am
associate
a
professor of Women and
the U. of
From Laura Laffrado: “I
Gender Studies
at
continue to live in
Oakland, CA, and plan
California,
Davis. I’ll
to commute
college professor
am a
in
beautiful Washington State. I teach early American literature
delighted to be starting
Budget
Committee mem-
looking for-
reunion.
And I
am
also hoping
make it to reunion. Until
to
then, keep writing, and enjoy the small things.
and
just finished writing
Uncommon Women.
women
(Among
who cross-dressed
in the US. Civil War. Too
in
my latest
other
Rose Gelrod
80
357 West 20th Street
New
York, NY 10011
212.352.0570
[email protected]
Genevieve
10832
McSweeney Ryan
Alloway
Drive
Potomac, MD 20854
[email protected]
CHARLES DIETZ
years
(Jan. 5,1958-Nov. 11,2008): Three
after being diagnosed with cancer, drama major
Charles Dietz died of respiratory failure. Classmate
Tony Adler reported: “Charles managed an operation
in 2007 which kept him
going and this past summer
attended a wonderful dinner in N.Y.C. with his wife,
Tina, fellow classmates
Bill Block, Joe Gardner, Robin
Lipsky, and best pal George Petit ’B3. There were
numerous calls and emails withall his drama buddies,
including
in order to
as men
interesting.)
Pernice.” Tony and Nick attended the
Charles worked
fight
It will be out
2008
Amazing
Person
as a clinical psychologist in the
Department of Adult Psychiatry,
He lived in San Francisco
treating chemical dependency.
with his wife
son
(they met in acting class in N.Y.C.) and
Christopher, who is 14. In the Kaiser press release,
Charles was described
as
given
dancing, quoting
to
spontaneous
“an
outgoing, gregarious man
the Bard, and
known to compose poetry to celebrate life, his own and
others—he was a larger than life figure.”
WHERE WE WERE ON ELECTION NIGHT:
Bob Annibale
the day,
The
in Delhi: “I
was
up all
night and
From
late into
hours ahead ofthe States.
as we were so
news
were
just won the
and his best pal and former
Neil Samuels
beyond belief.”
book,
things, it’s about
May 2009.”
via Amtrak.”
Eric Marcus
Kaiser Permanente
2009.
Daniel Hellerstein
and I wish the
of
vis-
Dec. 7 memorial in San Francisco and “were moved
safe, Candy.
Pocket Books is
[email protected]
towards
to
roommate Nick
be
as we move
ward
and
her synagogue Sisterhood. She is
son
nough’s third novel, Breaking the Bank , which will
First, apologies
new
junior at Vir-
oldest daughter, Anne, which was wonderful. Our
other daughter, Melissa, is the producer of the local news
was
year.
and
a
freshman during the mass
Williston, VT 05495
Year to all my
best to you all
a
our
to reunion
Happy New
saw
his dorm
Saints. He
Day
3594 South Road
79
there as
wise decision. Walter is serving
at
Kathleen Balcezak Bruce
was
shootings. When he
congregation
address: Scitodeo@gmailcom.
selling Husqvarna Viking sewing
machines part time....Our son, Max, is
ginia Tech. He
Marguerite Karter Elisofon
couple ofin-person
a
301.983.5577
reminisced that it
like forever since
recording secretary
at
by any other
Candy Wright Chester writesfrom Richmond, VA,
where she lives with husband Walterand
youngest son
seems
ber
stop. For
for the Vassar/ Rochester baseball game. You’llfind her
across the diamond
... rooting for Rochester! Arlene
year, whenshe and I
also
searchers....
visitme at linkedin.com.” To reach Diana
VC this
and
and almost
the wonders
to
itshome.”
kind of guilty pleasure in running
a
school. Arlene continues practicing family law in
to be at
phones, Ichat, email,
home
Georgetown,
phenomenally happy
touch, thanks
(the paying kind, that is). I find
having been the director of a small museum makes one
prospects for
Leora is
cell
in
returns
my life’s next adventure
touch and let us know where this leads
you.
It’s great to catch
with Arlene Gold Wexler. She
up
proud parents of three children:
where she has been
constantly
of the museum busi-
go out
and so I have
spent several months
ness,
My oldest, Larissa,
her first semester at
Bernice is co-president of her high school PTO, and
and husband Richard Altman
for Barack Obama’s
economy.
tomorrow from
Vassar function this fall.
a
Diana Cohen Altman
current
many
in India covered the election as
though they
US. domestic networks.”
From Rick Lazio in New
York: “I spent a bout three
hours providing election night politicalanalysis on tel-
Sedgwick Coble’s work can be seen in several shows in October as part of the “All Fired Up”
Award for N.Y.C.
Ceramic Celebration in Westchester
Dance. “I also learned I’ve been nominated for the
more
American Alliance of PE, Recreation and Dance’s
sliding toward defeat while delivering commentary.”
Sarah
County. Congrat-
ulations, Sarah!
Phil Diamond
I
apologize, Phil,
has
a
partnership to be proud of, and
if I did not include this earlier. “BAL-
as
a
member of the NY State
Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and
Teacher of the Year K-12 Social
Justice and
Award. I’m just honored
to be nominated.
evision.
From Moira Tamayo in Puerto Rico: “I
Diversity
Thirty
years
Toughest part of the night was watching yet
talented moderate congressional Republicans
myself
TIMORE, Jan. 4,2008, Gallagher Evelius and Jones
pleased to announce that three attorneys have been
is
elected
freshman
friends in Miami, and
in
US. but have
a
is
to
practicing
the firm’s
partnership. Philip F. Diamond,
in the Gallagher’s Real Estate and Business
Transactions Group.” Congratulations!
Susanne
job
as
now on a
number of corporate and nonprofit boards. “I also
volunteer at a wildliferehabilitation center where I
get
to satisfy all the
urges I used to have to a) become a vet-
erinarian, and b) be
a
time.”
pre-school teacher.” She saw Larry
Berney and Gwynn Jagoda Berney in N.Y.C. and
had fun catching up.
writes:
“My oldest daughter is
a
middle daughter is a junior
at UCLA,
my
high school, and my youngest daughter is still a
toddler! Since
Daisley Lyons retired last year from her
chief marketing officer at Visa and is
long
Carin Warner
1997,
I
run
accounts.
own
public relavariety of corporate
my
tions/marketing firm, working
a
We live in
a
side community, North of Boston, and
beautiful
sea-
keep in touch
withfellow classmate Carolyn Wright.”
Bernice Feuer Garbade
“Life is good—my
says:
husband works
York,
as
close
to
at
a
the Federal Reserve Bank of New
100 percent
secure
job
as
any
in the
by
around the world, including my French husband in
Peru, an Irish friend in the Philippines, Colombian
people like
personal
and
me
who
professional
vote
in the
ties to other
countries and know that the US. election results will
impact the entire world for
That, along with my dear husband and four
dogs, keeps me quite busy!
was
in my apartment, online with
expat friends
a
long time to come.”
From David Hart in Frankfurt: “I
viewed
by the local
newspaper
was
because
actually
inter-
they wanted to
find a local angle to the election
As an American
story.
I told them that I was very proud of
living in Germany,
Obama and our electorate. It was
and
an
an
inspiring
moment
indication that the American dream is stillalive
and well.”
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
41
classnotes
Seiler
And from Andy
in
so
much pain
in
Washington, DC:
I
Election Day that you could say
But with
on
my
spending it at Neuralgiapalooza.
two or three blocks
wife’s help, I managed to stroll the
81
(spring
Hours later,
station and vote.
my polling
began to trickle in, I settled back for
an
as
Framingham,
Fern
over.
? That
they keep saying ’President-Elect Obama
summoned sevweird, very Twilight Zone—unless... I
peeked at
eral shards of my courage and
was
the clock
front
through the trembling fingers I found glued to the
of
face. The clock said 5:45 a.m. I had slept through
my
the entirething. So where
body was
was
I on Election Night?
My
Capital, but my soul was
in Our Nation’s
in
married her partWEDDING BELLS: Laura Berkson
“in the rose garden of Golden
Penney Weishaar,
Gate Park last June 29
ner,
...
and
we
chuppah ceremony and reception
was
attended by
IA,
on
celebrated with a
with
our
congrega-
Oct. 18. Our June wedding
small group of cousins and friends,
Lubow ’82.” As a bonus, Laura and
a
“provide a
estate
whenPaige comes
to
spend time
hopes
Pm loving life... I took
&
one
of my sons
Daughters weekend and had
in
August and
to Vassar
s
Sons
I
great time. finally
a
class myself. I
had a chance to check out an art history
touch with Stuart Gollomp, who is a financial
stay in
consultant in Westport, CT”
In case you were
wondering, the photo that accom-
December’s blast email was a wedding
photo from Robert Ryan. Here’s the official account:
attend the
A dozen Vassarians crossed the border to
panied last
Martin Methot
June 21 wedding of Robert Ryan and
Fellow graduates Beth
in Mont Tremblant, Quebec.
Katie Reade
Foster, Marni Geist, John Kefferstan,
Rosenblatt,
man
Hannah Rockwell
attended,
zie Anderson
as
Brion, and Susan Sher-
did Class of 1981
graduates Macken-
of 1979 members
Jane
were
who sang
den love from The King and I. Seven guests —all forChoir—also sang
mer members of the Vassar College
the Vassar hymn “Peace I Leave With You.” Robert
Martin by singing “My Romance” from the
surprised
musical Jumbo.
QUICKNEWS;
Schmidt)
Emily Schmidt Andrews
wrote
in to tell
us
(formerly
that her oldest
child,
fall “leaving
James, left for Kenyon College this past
unior, Isabel. She is very interested in Vasme with
my j
visitsoon. I continue to teach 16 3- and
sar; we plan to
4-year-olds
at
a
of both worlds
preschool.
with teens and preschoolers!” Alix
raising
to London in the summer and
native state of mind in California
hope
one
of these years.”
City, Gastinger Walker Harden
Architects. It is working out great for them and me!”
Only
one
VASSAR
year
Investment
fortunate
to
by
a
well spent.
receive the gift of
presidential election on my birthday,
celebrated her
a very good year.” Evyn
49th
being
Joseph Bertolozzi
untilreunion! Salve!
SPRING
-
2009
stayed
come...” by the
Washington Metropolitan
Philharmonic in Washington, DC.
Stacy Pettit’s son
sion,
so
was
accepted
Vassar
Institute
Polytechnic
(RPI)
a
Junior
next
at
contin-
Rennselaer
Fall. Lucas who is in
Sarah
eighth grade will be the only left at home.
be starting college in the fall
Wolfenden's daughter will
and Vassar is on the list.
and her daughter spent two
Lynnette Cobun Fallon
days
at
Vassar attending the Sons &
minute on
Daughters Program
the Alumnae/i House. “I loved every
at
says her
20-year-old
jobs to avoid college”
as
IT
Help
slip
the ice and a shoulder fracture that may require
on
applicants from Ohio, “both
faith in youth.”
sar
Judd Allen
is
on a
prospective Vas-
of whom restore my
his
12-month sabbatical with
in Ottawa where his
five-year-old
published
Helpful Friends and
two new
is
studying
books: Healthy
Wellness Leadership.
remembers growHe is eager to support Obama and
Movement.
the
Civil
during
Rights
ing up
Johanna
as
Kelly got married
and has a great new job
the Sandra
associate dean of external relations at
Law at Arizona State U. She
Day O’Connor College of
AZ.
between Denver and Tempe,
director position at
Alan Paris landed an executive
commutes
early deci-
legacy of Eric Molho ’B3 and Stacy
the
Their oldest will be
ues.
to
two
she interviewed two
surgery. For fun,
Habits,
withKate Rivers and her
in Decemhusband Steve Minning and their daughter
“An
ber during a performance of his symphonic poem
Age Will
working
French. He just
nimble.
more
“is
family
by working
campus,” she said. “The college looks great
Ernst &
panies
son
servicescomYoung, consulting with financial
His
risk, regulatory, and technology issues.
on
gradeand the family visited Austria
Republic, driving from Vienna to
is now in sixth
and The Czech
Salzburg to Prague. “Whatbeautiful country.”
where
Jan Kurth relocated to the Kansas City area
winters
she grew up to escape the western New York
and the $4.30 gas prices. Aging parents also factored
2009 with a job
into the equation. She will be starting
stuff...” She was very impressed with
and its content. “Probably the best part was
program
Becca off to two classes —one in British Lit and
Johnson County Community College. Her daughas her
junior and is considering Johns Hopkins
first choice. Shewants to be an orthopedicsurgeon. Jan
the other Single Variable Calculus (Mom’s idea).”
Gisser Shyer also
Carol Goodman and Marsha
attended the Alumnae Sons & Daughter weekend with
admits “I was nowhere
lots of
the
new
sending
their
daughters. Carol just published her sixth novel
husband, a poet.
and lives in Great Neck, NY, withher
Aileen
already
ready
a
can’t believe her
Casanave
sophomore
to start
Michele
at
Cal Poly
daughter
SLO and her
son
is
is
driving.
husband will
Levy Spycher and her
soon
be empty-nesters with a son at Bentley in Mass, and a
daughter who is waiting to hear. “Nerve wracking to
If you
to
are
at
ter is a
Her son in fourth
Karen
Eva
near
that focused
grade enjoys karate and
at
that age!
chess club.
Kehoe and
O'Leary Johnson, Betsy Stuart
Wypijewska
Clarke
year, they met near
get
together every
Betsy’s home
planning
to
visitIsrael, Ken Spiro wants
hear from you. He has been
living there for
27 years.
book A Crash Course in Jewish His-
Look for his new
He’s still teaching, guiding and writing. The oldtory.
15 year old
est of his five children, ages 21,20,17 and
Israeli paratwins, was a sniper andcombat medic in the
troopers. His son,
Daniel, will be going into the
army in
This
year.
in Atherton and had
fun in San Francisco. These roommates from TA-7
are
still very close and Betsy reports they are all “happily
have
kids and
married to the original husbands,
great
but we still like to get out there
a happy family life...
and paint the town RED.”
Jeff Wallach
say the least.”
to return to
For the last two years Inez Pennington has been busisuccessful architecture firm in
ness manager “for a
downtown Kansas
on
gained from money
withfamily and friends in N.Y.C., including
to ride
Birnbach. She works in advertising and plans
smarter and
the “economic roller-coaster”
I have the best
small local
“and
Christie is writing fiction and magazine articles
kids in Berlin, Germany. We’ll
two bilingual
move
was
playing golf.
Italy and
which
and stayed
serenaded by John Kefferstan,
“We Kiss in a Shadow,” the hymn of forbid-
Ami
Obama’s
bodes for
Sholtz, Amy Eilers, Sarah Jelley, and
Cathy Morgan, and Class
Sanville and Tracy Vogler.
The grooms
Return
measure
Hackensack, NJ,
Desk support for an auto industry parts supplier and
at the US
for a small airline. She also has a daughter
who
Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT,
“loves every minute of it.” Kathleen is recovering from
her 50th in
to celebrate
the
at
Sworden
Kathleen Canfield
son
Jonathan
“got married again
Michael Reiss
#2:
suggested, he prefers option
Evyn Zell
Barak Obama
tal in N.Y.C.
joy.” Although the reces-
real estate business, rather
sion has hit the commercial
in real
than “assume the fetal position” as one peer
Elizabeth Sandler, the daughter of Penney’s youngest
thrilled to be able to spend
son. Laura said, “We are
withher hubbies.”
42
He loves
friends with whom he has lost touch.
home who
in Seattle and still has small childrenat
constant source of
and under-
volunteer
lot of kudos for being the youngest
got a
have hisBar Mitzvah in 2009 and
there.” Her son will
Senior Social Worker in
Alice received a promotion to
York
New
Presbyterian Hospiat
Pediatric Psychiatry
tunity
She writes “I
qualitytime
to
better.
make their communities
an opporGregg Renkes said turning 50 presented
to all those
for reflection. He sends “a big hello”
living
protection
Election Day
100 voters in North
headquarters. They both phoned
who
Carolina. “It was a great experience for my son
100 calo-
as
part of the
trip to Hollywood inJune
celebrating women who do things
won a
proposes that we
gauging the enjoyment
real
paigned for
She
rie snack contest
including Cynthia
with the birth of Paige
Penney became grandparents
some
of 100 women to win
was one
Clarke
Wypijewska
the Kraft Foods Extraordinary Women contest.
good
The Land of Nod.”
tion in Des Moines,
Eva
on
work for
scored the critical need for all to get out and
candidates you believe in—the only way to a truly rep“did their
resentative democracy.” Katia’s daughters
”
VA blue!
part to help turn
camAlice Greenfield Gold and her 12-year-old son
PA 19053
speech? Why did
they referring to McCain’s concession
voter
(which) reaffirmed my faith in democracy
Sanford
Langhorne,
[email protected]
were
Pettit and Cliff Wachtel, also in Israel.
Foundation,
Garrett, who directs the DC Bar
had “an amazing experience doing
work in a rural county in Virginia
627 Sweetwater Drive
but all the
Not
Stacy
Katia
(summer and winter)
suddenly
just the Presidential race,
Congressional and Senatorial contests too. Why
bang was
Hawk,
[email protected]
Vas-
of
sar-style (without the dank Davidson basement,
The
almost
instantly.
A
course).
strange thing happened
were
speakingas if the whole sheannouncers
Dallas Staikos, Teri Herman
Caust Brazda, Deedee
MA01702
508.904.1048
the results
all-nighter;
ing
fall)
55 HoweStreet
was
to
and
March. Ken visits the States three times a year on speakwith Jon Frenzel, Leslie
tours and still keeps in touch
Calzolari
Boguski
Monica
I was
82
(spring and fall)
St.
2519 SE Madison
Portland, OR 97214
503.236.1793 (office)
971.242.9454(home &
503.236.0112 (fax)
[email protected]
cell)
classnotes
Adele Hars
Delay on
(winter and summer)
Daniel
Les Souffrettes
man
France
only hope
can
who’s note
last column
or
for this col-
responses
two, I
placed you
on
more
to
my
in the
inter-library loan,
and your current note will appear in the alumni mag
of another good college. (Actually, I’ll pass them along
to Adele for the next
Kelly
begins by asking
high-pressure sales,
in
a career
column). Please don’t be discour-
further news, though—a drought
Welsh Ellis
my notion that the correct
begging worked.
tice for
landed
an
job at
a
ing 20 th
if I’ve considered
proportion of threats and
big
news:
small high school in Vermont teach-
a
century world history and creating a psycholAt home, she and husband Steve are
course.
ogy
outnumbered by three teenagers. She concludes, “I
don’t think there’s ever been a better time to be alive.”
DebbieDenowitz Leon
sistible and
daughter
is
wrote for
a
also found my charms irre-
the first time in 20
years. Her
sophomore
at
Vassar, living in a Joss
gle.
Her son,
ing
Vassar unless the school builds
a
high-school junior, will not be
stadium. She’s married
she
to
a
Bob Leon,
sin-
attend-
huge football
an
Englishman
in Israel on Junior Year Abroad, and lives in
Jersey, where she’s now executive director of an
met
New
adult
literacy program,
after briefly and unhappily
Kimberly
with
“good
news
weighs
for Victorian Studies majors, if they
still exist.” Kimberly just inked
Atlantic
to
in from London
a
deal with Grove
write three Victorian adventure stories. Look
for The Queen MustDie in 2010. She also mentions,
with
kids sing “God Save the
Queen,” but don’t know the “Star Spangled Banner.”
dismay, that her
two
brevity award goes to: “Kevin Sara lives
in London, is happily divorced, and builds solar farms
This edition’s
in France,
Italy, Greece,
end of the spectrum, I
Zanetto-Weaving’s
and Tunisia.” At the opposite
must
greatly condense
missive. Diane is
mid-life, having just finished
a
changing
master’s in
Diana
careers
Spanish edu-
cation and ESL certification. She stays connected to Vassar
by interviewing potential students, whom she
describes
as a
13 years
was
work, trying
On the
Michael Letendre for
sold. He’s spent time recently
new
looking for
recipes, reading, and playing EQII.
subject of new careers,
Pamela Thompson
left
her hometown newspaper after nine years to work as
interim marketing director for the Lied Center for the
the U. of Nebraska campus. “I
while I still had a choice and before I would
Performing Arts,
wanted out
on
be forced to comply with management’s compromised
direction,”
Pam
explains.
She and husband Peter vis-
ment
consultants Mercer in Boston.” Formerly
investment manager, he
the
in Vassar’s
joined invest-
now
busy and
psych and ed departments. Nick also teaches
psychology and does research on children’s developing understanding of humor. He continues as Nick
an
researches how others do
work. He’s divorced, has
same
two
kids, and keeps
Screenwriter Katherine Dieckmann,
an
Koman’s note describes
reunion in Franconia
Notch, NH,
a
professor
film,
at
Columbia,
is
at Marcia Herbert
and Karen Margolis Griswold.
Liz observes that it was much like being back in the
TA,
but with nicer accommodations and booze. After three
years in
broadcasting sales
at
Martha Stewart Living
Omnimedia she’s retreating from corporate life and help-
ing daughter
Tess with
apps. Liz lives in Short
college
Hills, NJ, with husband Roger, Tess, and son Dean.
Frank
Edgerton Martin says after many years in his
hometown of Minneapolis,he’s returned
tic
landscape of
between Lake
the majes-
in summer/fall and Wash-
in winter.We have
ington/Baltimore
find him in spring. His work as
takes him
to
New York. He divides time
upstate
Champlain
to flatter
places such
border where the civil
war
a
as
idea where to
no
landscape historian
theKansas-Missouri
began.
wrote
and
working
recently built a house that she
during the
Hillary Davis-Tonken (who long-ago cooked the
delicious holiday meal I’ve ever consumed) is full
private chef for
CT, and with being
a mom
a
family in
to two
sons.
Greenwhich,
She and hus-
band Wade share “A VERY SMALL house” in Yorkwith
NY,
Aggie (Jack Russell terrier), Billy
(lab-shepherd mix), and Boomerang, the world’s greattown,
est cat
it).
(my own cat, Mr. Boot,
Hillaryalso
pursues
icals and has been in
contains
a
he wouldn’t bet on
says
drawing and painting of botan-
few shows. Her Facebook page
hilarious video of her kids.
a
David Christenberry
shouts
out from
Park
Slope that
he has been in the “AV Club” (corporate meeting/event
production business) for
now
22 years, and married for 21,
with two kids. He worked all
over
the US. and in
Mexico, Asia, and Europe before getting downsized
and
beginning to freelance. He also plays in a
band, the Art Vandelay Experience. On a recent visitto
VC for the Sons and Daughters
moved
Program, he
by the beauty and vibrancy
minished
by the years
Finally,
says, “I was
ofthe campus, undi-
since we called it home.”
I’m sorry to
relay the following. Remy
her
sister,
reports the passing of
Elizabeth Fisher-Koppel ’BB, who will be
Fisher-Baumann
Cybele
remembered for her humor, warmth,
zest
for life,
strong family values, and loyal friendships. Vassar
instilled in her an inquisitive nature, a commitment to
and her love oftravel,
outside Cushing,
on
theater,
and the arts.
donations for her memorial tree
contact
[email protected].
David Rosenbaum
83
38 Derwen Road
Bala
Cynwyd,
visits on weekends and
James Haft
and his wife, Simone Genatt Haft,
founded the leading producer and touring company for
live Broadway musicals in Asia. During the past 18
months, they toured throughout
PA 19004
Asia with The Sound
West Side
of Music, 42nd Street,
Story, Spongebob
Squarepants: The Sponge Who Could Fly, Hairspray,
Swing!, and Cindrella. James also
runs a
boutique mer-
chant bank, Pacific Alliance Limited, LLC, which
focuses
on
media and digital on-line businesses and
border opportunities. Jim is an avid
sons,
Jacob (11) and
contact
Harrison
with Demetrios
plaquewas
(7).
soccer
’B3 Intramural Football
He remains in close
and wonders if a
Diakolios
League Championship.
Actress and Performer Lisa Zane has been
Paris for the past two years,
traveling,
etc.
her
in
She
living in
singing and songwriting,
recently returned to Los Angeles
acting career. Any
’B3ers
Lisa perform every Thursday
can see
cross
dad for his
erected in honor ofthe STALKING HEADS
Hollywood, CA,
to
the left coast
on
night
at
10:30 pm
Club Bardot. Lisa’s website:
at
www.lisazane.com.
Another ’B3
performer with
most
as a
Uma
stars
and MinnieDriver. The
with her children, Caroline (11)
summers
on a
Landscape Architecture and other pubs.
with work
Motherhood,
and which
directed,
Village (where she lived since
graduation) and southern Albany county, where she
resume
He’s
National Heritage Area project that tells this story, and
writes for
called
autobiographical comedy
an
assistant
her third feature
finishing
movie will be released in 2009. Katherine divides her
TA 32
cottage. Otherattendees included
summer
Daniela Gottfried-Rosen
teenagers
and Nathaniel (6).
limber with soccer and yoga.
Liz Silverstein
at
Vassar’s graduation in May. Julie is in her 15th year as
director of WimpfheimerNursery School and teaches
or
time between the West
excellence,
had the surreal
younger
effected by newborns
are
(go figure).
“after 18 months of’entrepreneurship’ I
For information
Nick de Leeuw and Julie Riess
those whose lives
Thurman, AnthonyEdwards,
Griffin Bid
experience of handing their son, Josh, his diploma
he lives with Nat and
from classmates who previously have
in a big
way
’B3ers involved in the performing arts, fine arts and
which she
ited recently with Martha Frey in Wisconsin and Mary
inS.F.
by
notes
appeared in this column was answered
Willett, whom I’ll be meeting for breakfast
here in
Stumptown during the holidays, reports that
recently
“very impressive crop.”
The company that employed
My plea for
not
beautiful
a
equally beautiful
Peter
practicing law.
Solomon Quinn
to
Sam.
Roosevelt's
only reinforces
which
she left her law pracintensive teacher training program and
Her
Burlington, VT, where
son
ignored—if you appeared
seems
aged from sending
is predicted.
admissions process. He describes
college
fall weekend capped by returning
the volume of
Vassar fresh-
a
dorm his dad did (Raymond).
same
[email protected]
pathetic appeal for your sympathy. Apologies to anyone
living in the
+33 2 33 27 99 58
is due less to the economy, and
umn
also report two other children.
They
Younger son John can’t wait to apply. Charlie Hays
recently took his son Natto a seminar at Vassar on the
61500 LE CERCUEIL
I
WVKR.
Lobel’s son Zachary is currently
(www.Annaßergman.com),
a
cool website
Anna
Bergman wrote to
say the she will perform her acclaimed new cabaret
“My Heart Stood Still; The Love Songs of Richard
Rodgers” this April 18-29 at the Metropolitan Room,
N.Y.C.
Proving that lawyers can be
turns out that
a
little oblivious, it
I failed to notice thatfor two weeks last
February, Anna performed a
two act
the Prince Music Theatre in
cabaret show at
Philadelphia,which
about a block from my office.
From the Performing Arts to Fine Art,
is
Mitchell Mer-
ling, writes that he is the Paul Mellon Curator and the
Head of the European Art Department at the Virginia
Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond. After
his Ph.D. from Brown, Mitchell had
National
and the
Gallery,
obtaining
gigs
at
the Montreal Museum of Fine
the
Arts,
Ringling Art Museum.
Another ’B3er
hanging out
in a
museum
isTodd Bur-
dick, who for the past 25 years has been the director of
education at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield MA,
which I visited years ago in elementary school. Todd
to thank their Vassar friends who
and his family want
have kept in touch and
nosis
and
helpedthrough their son’s diag-
weekly chemotherapy for
Leukemia, which is now
entire
a
form
of
in remission. On behalf of the
class, we wish the Burdicks well
at
this trying time.
The “joy” of having a teenager has been experi-
by Irena Jug-Weiss and her husband, Ted Weiss
daughter just had her Sweet Sixteen, enjoys
playing tennis for the high school, and just got her driver’s permit! Irena and Ted look forward to taking their
enced
(’B2), whose
daughter
to
visit Vassar soon!!
One classmate who
is
teenage years
already survived
Charlotte Yochem,
610.664.1237
two
sons
[email protected]
one
of her sons at
are now
her children’s
who reports the her
22 and 25 years old. While visiting
Loyola,
Charlotte reconnected with
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
43
classnotes
and practices medicine in the
Kaufman, who lives
works at her own small law firm,
Big Easy. Charlotte
and proYochem & McKain, practicing estate planning
Combate law. As a member ofthe AAVC Nominating
invites any ’83ers interested in staying
mittee, Carlortte
contact her.
involved with Vassar through AAVC to
life
changed
by a child
whose
has
been
’83er
Another
who along with his wife,
is Christopher Langhoff,
the birth of their son Alexander this
Corinna, celebrated
as a headhunter remains
August. Chris reports that life
but the joys and work
exciting in these turbulent times,
”
groups,
ent
capitalof the world, doing probate,
by
Carol enjoys the
mal shelter. In her limited spare time,
beautiful nearby beaches and studying plants and
old Vassar friends are coming to the cennature. If
any
tral Florida area, she would love
to
see
them
again.
’83er who appears
Fitzgibbon is another
Balhere after years of silence. Pam has been living in
as a sintimore since 1991 and spent the last nine years
fabulous
gle parent for “four mind-blowingly
will
children,” the oldest of whom, ChristinaRickman,
Pamela
starting
be
at
Vassar next year after
finishing her
84
Cabin
Pamela finished
a
in psychology and wants to
degree
families.
practice with adolescents and their
Pam has
which
prospective students for Vassal;
she “mightnot
confesses she still loves even though
also interviewed
she
have behaved very well while she was there.”
Speaking of bad behavior, Andrew Sperling, spent
teaching “unwilling adolescents at a start-up
five
years
Andrew
charter school.” When the school shut down,
decided to take a month off work and pay attention to
before contemplatinghis next
himself(or a change
path. During what became
an
career
joys of social life, hobbies and
and started to address all the personal projects
those years of
paperworkthat had piled up over
politicallycorrect lesson planning, deciphering poor pen-
and
manship and
a
steady diet of 10-hourworkdays.”
Another ’83er who changed
careers
is Dave Kaplan,
who after practicing law for 10 years, works with atand
risk teenagers, including gang members, runaways
homeless teens. David is now the executive director of
and runs
the Chinatown YMCA in lower Manhattan
seven
school-based programs and manages the instilarge health-and-fitness facility.
that exercise can sometimesbe an adven-
tution’s
Proving
Rand McDonald got lost at reunion while
ture, Stacey
with Eddie Bernosky Kocis.
running
was
rescued by one of the physics
returned to campus, she
Luckily, Stacey
professors. Whenshe
enjoyedseeing
Nilufer
Ozizmir
lost Sue Diller
Ann Morton and the long
Stacey is enrolled at the U. at Albany, where she
DeScherer,
Benett.
is
education and litearning a second master’s in special
Her son, Jonathan, is a freshman at Syracuse Uni-
eracy.
versity and her daughter, Emily, reportedly
grader who has become a rowing junkie.
is an
eighth
Finally, for those ofyou who are up late reading this
column because of difficulty sleeping, you could consider making an appointment with Carla Paganelli who
is
a
in
psychotherapist specializing in psychodiagnoscognitive-behavioral insomnia treatment in
tics and
chilPleasantville, NY. Carla and her husband and three
dren have
enjoyed going to Vassar for
Founder’s Day
has a big childevents. Carla reports that die event now
oriented component —this past year it was a Candyland board game theme complete with the game
44
VASSAR
SPRING
-
John, MD 20818
Greetings from Washington.
As I write this
preparing for the Inauguration,and thecity
It is hard to believe that when
the
we
Carter Experience,”
exciting
tunes
2009
of down-
wife),
is all abuzz.
arrived
not to
an
Wiener ’B5, and, of
“Box” Scherer ’B6, Josh
David Plotkin ’B2. Hilarity ensued.
we are
at
John,
there is
soon
no
place...
indy alternative
Peter Schindelman
be confused with the
will
be able
85
listen
to
(spring
34
or some-
and
fall)
Longfellow
West
of “Flock of Obama”
course,
And so, exhausted and well-fed, I returned to Cabin
Be it ever so humble,
and the embrace of family.
Vassar,
are now
“Virginia Smith Explosion,” whose best years
to
sea
and I returned
one meal was not enough,
Manhattanfor yet another mini-reunion,this
time at the venerable Ear Inn (where I met my lovely
with Christopher Muto, Larry
to break bread
Jimmy Carter was still the President, as was Virginia
willreveal the existence
Smith. A quick Internet search
assume we
in a
For me,
[email protected]
I
occupied prime seats
to lower
Lafayette, CO 80026
us.
the five of us
Cebert, Karl, and Alex call Manhattan home.
1316 Lambert Circle
long behind
The wine and conversation
village”).
wife Amy
Manhattan’s youth. Andrew and
least of
Mizrahi Zorn (who combines many skills, not
the snatch,
which are lace knitting and a mastery of
while
clean and jerk) are ensconced in North Jersey life,
[email protected]
band in Lexington, KY,
a
town
Drive
Springfield,
MA 01089
[email protected]
thing like that.
Inkeeping withthe national
focus, this season
s
col-
Mari Hirai Yuro
at our
will have nationwide sweep, beginning
east. I have decided to
western shores and
(summer and winter)
umn
1 Calam Avenue
moving
ignore both Alaska
begin
We
ing
in Seattle, which
chilling
a
reading,
’lease like
and Hawaii, for obvious reasons.
Ossining, NY 10562-3711
I write is, I am sure, endur-
914.373.4278
begin
[email protected]
Trappenburg, (“pronounced
house’ and bet like ’on a horse ), the proud
with
a
as
rain that will continue until you
Liesbet
Alas, another short column...
for the
Deborah Hertz has worked for 14 years
proprietor of Windmill Worldwide, which provides
of audiences.
inspirational speaking to a wide range
Her mantra—work life balance. Liesbet still
plays
her
(sometimes), and can be seen online at
(go
married
National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She’s been
live in
a 6-year-old son. They
and
has
10
for
years
northern Westchester County, NY. Debbie has enjoyed
soc-
website.
of the
Down the coast, but still on the shores
is Claire Zrimc, who is in the soap business
look it up, former
rather than sulfactant
—
Andrew rediscovered “the
exercise
as
fall)
Jon Rizzi
cer
extended sabbatical,
“it takes
(summer and winter)
of the “Jimmy
City’s Greenwich Village (motto:
flowed,
dinner in New York
7707 MacArthur Boulevard
gap
South Africa giving safari tours in Kruger
year in
National Park. After teaching upper school history,
and
(spring
plan-
estate
evictions. Carol still loves animals
ning, litigation, and
the fact that her house doubles as an anias evidence
says
Steven Cash
in perspective.
of a newborn have put everything
Gardnerreported that
In her first class note, Carol
the shark
she is a paralegalin New Smyrna Beach, FL,
bite
few short
Gustatory adventure was mine, just a
Cebert
weeks ago, when I joinedKarl Shmavonian ’B6,
Zorn and Alex Kopelman for
S.J. Noonan, Andrew
and
re-created life size, unlimited candy for all, crafts
and run by differseveral jumping castles—all planned
was “really a blast!
which she
students
■
Josh
Pacific,
playing
Elizabeth and
chemistry
scheduling and
some
majors). In addition to “planning,
acquiring” for the SOAPnet channel, Claire is affianced
mother(a state that may have evolved by press time),
many of
vides business affairs
we
reach
guidance to
of most of the Internet-based cards you receive.
fit. [Note to
So thank him, or blame him, as you see
I just received your home-made verAlex Kopelman
of
sion of Frank’s product, along with your profession
—
unfamiliarity with this “Internet thing” —you may
I think
want to get in contact. And, for what it is worth,
this Internet thing is going to be very
popular].
Frank’s
wife, Dora, has been fighting
the good
registration on behalf of the
Democratic Party, and
to
not know
good life has,
paragraph, above).
me, his
fight for
in
we
in fact, been made better (see
kids
at
-
have
synappears to
Vassar (at least worth
daughter
Samantha would encourage
expect
their trencher, and eat it too.
a
I
visitor to have
event
ingly out
add
some
to
Friends, which
mine.”
Face-
a son
with
is
status
applying
to
quo
here, though
my
colleges, including
old-
Vassar.
she attended. My other daughter, seemrequested a ukulele. My son
of the blue,
midst of
remains content withtrombone. He is in the
a
via a drama
play, with both child and adult actors,
at which he takes an acting class.
ing
as
high
She plays trumpet and piano but has requested a banjo
after being enthralled by someone playing one at a
and food. Whilethe target audience is clearly gourmet,
characterized
I have some hope that those of us better
welcome and satisfied,
to
Life’s pretty much
studio
gourmand will be both
’Bsers to her Facebook
me
four daughters withhis first wife, and
are
learning). Samantha and husband Don Lindgren
the owners of Rabelais, which focuses on wine, books,
as
go to
Cindy, his present wife.
school
learned
take
Bronxville,
est
it when he wrote the note
marriage and business,
thesized all that
now
the community college, she writes,
at
through
Indeed I heard from Debbie and
’B6. He
book (Leighton too), as well as Todd Schiffer
a masFordham
U.,
he
to
transferred
got
reports that
Medical School, and
ters in genetics, went to Einstein
and
became a pediatrician. He runs a private practice
in
is a chair of pediatrics at Lawrence Hospital
and has five
NY. Todd’s been married twice
voter
Maine is where we find Samantha Hoyt Lindgren,
who,
13-year-old
they
Lisa
Fink, who proAG Interactive, the
Frank
source
first
us
encouraged
of the Sudetenland.
Moving eastward,
Since
“maybe I’ll skip the whole ’should they
Wappingers Falls need not fear the fate
although Frank did
classes
still home-schools
11-year-old Teddy.
school’ dilemma and just send them straightto college.”
Lisa enjoys getting together with April Riley Robbins
added so
for lunches. She loves “that Leighton Powell
She sees visual, if not
ing (three stepsons), and traveling.
Berlin
and Poughkeepsie
between
historical, parallels
in the fall. I trust
in a folk/rock type of band for the past 15 years.
Lisa Harris Dean
operatic
That’s it for
now.
I guess I’llrest up for
later today in the midst of
an
twelve inch downfall. As I alluded
Facebook,
well
as
so
messages
can
to
above,
be sent to
e-mail address listed
my main
the column.
snow
clear-
expected eight-tome
near
I’m
on
there
as
the top of
classnotes
Leslie Kline
86
Ah, Spring has
will have
we
flurries
or
Capelle
here. We
with
sprung.
a new
By the
time this makes
print,
and there will be
President,
snow
about
that weird freezing sleet persisting just
in Southern California—so
everywhere (except here
come
visit. Line forms to the east of the Califor-
nia/Arizona
I will have
border!). Hopefully, by this time,
stopped singing the Requiem
Mass for my 401 (k) and
will be thinking Resurrection.
In
our
last batch of
Monica Koval
sonally.
news was a
long
email from
I
Monica,
am
not
me
crushed. I am
per-
glad
and
you sent news,
your ruminations on
worth reprinting in their
ageing are
entirety (see what happens
when you “vent” in
your
quoted
me
in
a
emails!)! Besides,
you
still
positive way!
Monica writes: “I had
a
last issue.... I had
on
aging in
the
laugh this morning enjoying my
to
very fattening breakfast at a wonderful Southern estab-
lishment here in Atlanta called the Flying Biscuit with
futurehusband. I found some really good reasons
my
why I
am
in
fact, getting old. Reason 1; I now
league of women who
am
old
dry run
...
Alas marriage number 1 was
except for my
Elizabeth Patricia
am
in the
I
their ’second marriage’
are on
apparently a
perfect and wonderful children
(10
years
graduatingclass of
old,
2019) and Nathaniel Paul (8 years old). Reason 2: My
baby girl has already asked me if she is well-rounded
and smart
needs
enough
be doing
to
more
Anyway, Jeff asked
me
volunteer work.. .1
ifI had
spoken
am
to my
old.
cousin
coming nuptials.. .my response, ’geese I forgot I have
been so busy with the new job.’ Reason 3: Cynical
about embarrassing
have
a
myself (I
am
44 years old and I
fiance ???)... Terrified that I’ll take it all too seri-
ously and make
fool
a
out of
myself
and not
pull
off
I am
old.
he
’have
ple think?!
0.K.,
says,
called David?’ (Thaler ’B4) I say, Tim, forgot that
you
too, I am sure the family grape vine has gotten to him
surely getting
by now.’ Jeff says, ’I really
to
Oxford
grad... the one who is two years younger than
you.. .THAT KID?’ Reason 4: Only old people call
other people ’kids.’ I laugh and look at Jeff, more in
gushy in love with him than ever, and
remind him that
he has four children and is 47 years old! Reason 5:
What idiot at my age decides thatthe life of her dreams
involves
a new
anyone?
I must be getting old because I MUST be
family with a total of
six kids, anyone,
We stand up,
desperate or something right??!
about our ’food baby’ because
we
ate too
of January; this in
as
time with my sons
family
friends from Vassar for
am
GETTING
older... a
10 years, so I have
over
in
on
vet.
Glenn,
shots and stuff? [O.K., I
four kitties in
house
my
and rule the
can
I
sent
I FedEx you my cat for
really, really kidding—all
are cherished, spoiled rotten,
am
anything in for class
veterinary practice that I
own
with my
say...l
to
got
and energy
job as counselor
and
who
men
little brother.
enjoying her
perseverance, and
degree
at
most
formerly incarcerated women
to
pursuing college and graduate
are
school. The students inspired
me
gratitude and
Susan adds that she often
nity.”
My
is
Kronen-
law
a
is
counseling, holistic psychotherapy,
healing work. I was recently laid off from
career
with their courage,
I miss that
commu-
into Joe Heissan
runs
the CUNY Graduate School where she worked and
he
pursuing his degree.
was
I’ve lost touch
one
Susan says, “Hi to every-
with, which is most everyone.”
My Evanston, IL, buddy,
Steve
Eskilson,
finally
I’ve been in full-time
lovely boys David and
private practice
as a
M.S.W.
an
psychothera-
pist and divorce mediator in Manhattan for about seven
years
now.
I’ve also been
bers and their families
working
on
with service mem-
and has been
not
privilege
a
immensely rewarding. Lastly, but certainly
least, I got
married almost three years ago. I’ve been
in touch with Deborah Newman-Pochne and had the
of spending
pleasure
a
day with her oldest daughter
when she visited N.Y.C.
recently
had
a
cele-
to
brate the 50 th wedding anniversaries of my father and
My brother Paul
More
there. Who knows, perhaps
to-be
was
nephews,
there,
one
and
niece,
anniversary—can
married that
also
generation VCers-
we
our own
you
20th
really be old enough
wedding
to have been
the time has flown.
That’s it for Spring 2009. And one
don’t email
me
more
public
your FULL
serv-
name
addresses don’t count), I can’t include you in the
notes! If you think you sent me
not
was
eight young cousins!... And
long?!How
ice reminder: if
Liz Biddle, class
of ’B3)
(class
third
a
as
as
(Eliz-
too, amongst my two sons, two
Neil and I also celebrated
(email
Vassar
at
class of’s3) and my uncle and aunt
abeth Emmett Barrett, known at VC
of ’5B).
seen
itin
something, and you’ve
print yet, this was why.
Include your FULL name! Print
can
New
It
was
Michele
to
Gavin. Steve has
published by Yale University
Curry
writes, “My husband
finally simplify our
lives and head
and I decided
two
children,
and Willa (8).” Both Steve and Michele
(10)
in touch with Marni Kessler who is
keep
Mas-
to western
sachusetts where we’ve settled with our
Lucas
Press.
an
professor of nineteenth-century European
associate
art at
the
(spring
and
4349 N.
Alpine
Email
I
me
again!
me
Liz
Greenstein,
Hopps
Freddie Toro
that he
me
until he finally
the 25 year Bronx Science High School
at
enjoying
some
this time he’s also
During
Frejka
with
and Jayne Lee
downtime between
jobs and seriously considering starting his
ness.
wrote
recently caught up
Michelle DeFossett
reunion. Freddie is
’B6 and spent
hung
own
busi-
with Michal
out
time with my sister in
some
Florida, Rosalia Padilla
’92. Freddie writes that he is
still “married to the girl I
during
met
abroad in Spain, with two
my
junior year
15and 20.”
boys, ages
George Day is living in Italy, in
a
small
village
between Padova and Vicenza, with his wife, Susan, and
their two children, Aidan (4) and Emma (6), who
attending
an
are
internationalschool. George writes: “For
left academia
my part, I
try far behind. I’m
way
happen!
cyber-stalked
back. He told
a
and, later, the software indus-
stay-at-home dad, working
my
dad, while navigating
the
through, well, being
a
shoals of Italian bureaucracy and wiping bums
Elizabeth Muslin
87
book
History.
summer
huge family party in Blue Hill, ME,
Kitty Biddle,
a new
graphic design called Graphic Design: A
U. of Kansas.
We heard from Libby More Pratt: “This
we
out on
military bases throughout
Germany and the US. My work feels like
needed.
Wagner
Susan
Padova and
winter)
is
Avenue
an
avid
at
a
runners
[email protected]
as
in
practices and teaches anesthesia
US.
runner.
military clinic in Vicenza.” George
“Being
a
passionate runner
is contrarian,
try of cyclists
Milwaukee, Wl 53211
in
a coun-
it
put mildly, but Italian
are tough, successful, and hilarious. I ran the
to
Venice and Florence Marathons this year and have
Joy
Machelle Williams
never
(summer and fall)
same
4 Francis
Way,
#204
laughedso much,
Work in
from another snowstorm. The
available
is the love I’ve been
Vassar Class of ’B7 friends
on
thing that’s keeping
getting from
Carl Shane Parven
my
fellow
our
on
40s, which
many
Vassar
The
know that it’s
networking site and am happy that
peopleare also members. I’d love to hear
wife, Lia,
has
and let
me
be
just me,
your
Liz Muslin from
friend!
at
the
perfectly good
Keep the cards and
on
out
Love, Sex and
in
is
emails coming everyone!
Facebook! I recently dis-
from all of you but I spastically signed
under my marup
ried name. So, ifyou see a note from Elizabeth Wagnei;
notes.
a
August and
Congrats, Cari!
came
Amazon.com.
covered the online
so
damn hard
contributed an essay to
the book Knowing Pains: Women
Hello from Milwaukee, WI, where we’re digging out
one
run so
drink.’”
Finally,
[email protected]
and
time, in my life. And, yes, wine is
’recovery
Bloomfield, CT 06002
me warm
friendly
universe...] Glenn writes: “Well, it’s been
quite a while since
Maria
Times are
We also heard from Glenn Book, your
neighborhood
bit
recent
from NYU Graduate School of Social Work in 1997.
to
only make
journey
a
got in touch. Steve is an art historian living in Chicago
withhis wife Jordi Friedman (Brown ’93) and their two
laugh
certainly clued
can
a
from Brooklyn Law School in 1992, and
much. I take
quite there...
the notion that experience
the old part, better.”
me
a
with, and she
my
some
to
weekend in June:
We heard from Lisa Haberman; “I haven’t written
it. I’ve decided that I
often confusing but getting older has
more
Glenn, as payback for my kitty remark, you can
FedEx me a horse—l’ve always wanted one. You pay
the postage.
class of citizenship in transi-
tion. Not unlike tweens, not
get some
Plummer, Erica Leventhal, and Judy
berg Mars and theirfamilies.
like,
that he is looking forward
growing old with me. Well that’s
to
flock of sheep.” They opened their home
reading glasses and he holds my shoulders
and dreams into my yet-to-get botox eyes (but I am
me
effort
house (and 118 acres) where I grew
Our barn
up.
houses a horse, a donkey, a couple peafowl, and a small
off my
damn close) and tells
an
Miles, now 7, and Avery, now
4. We have finished most of the remodeling
necessary
to the farmhouse we moved into nine
years ago —the
like thatkid.’ Monica turns
Jeff and says, ’That neurosurgeon/stroke specialist...
know again is
to
loving being with him and parenting him with my husband, Josh. His step-sister, Emily, is 16, a joy to be
we
a
tasteful second wedding. I actually care what other peo-
getting
Susan writes; “After
animals
us
mother (Katharine Grinnell More, known
Paul (Thaler, class of ’8 3) yet to tell him of our up-and-
One person I’ve been
Susan Kasloff-Wotman.
of seven years, I began my third career, that of mom to
a newborn. Our son Gabriel was born July 2 and I am
into Vassar! She thinks she
to get
and
the nine years that we have been
have two other veterinarians who work
have about 13 other support staff. I
have, however, had to stop treating horses and farm
in
I read
good laugh when
Leslie’s ’public service announcement’
now
Maratta
Champion. She can’t remember
It’s 0.K.,
substantially in
grown
[email protected]
Noyes House,
Andrea
88
(spring
Braslavsky
and
Kane
fall)
336 Peachtree Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30305
404.869.8660
[email protected]
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
45
classnotes
Mary
lunching together
three of us are
Beth Caschetta
keep in
Barney Greengrass
at
in Beverly Hills reminiscing about Main, Raymond,
(summer and winter)
27 Dana Street
There’s just somethe Mug and everything in between.
Northampton, MA01060
thing unique
413.584.0355
correspondent, Chris Rowthorn (who
11
technically graduated with the class of ’B9 but we
about
a
Vassar
certainly
person.”
Our far-flung
-
[email protected]
forgive
’88ers! As Mary Beth Caschetta
Greetings fellow
men-
tioned in the last column, it’s our honor to serve as your
limited number of
new correspondents. Since I have a
words and much
straight
to
news
(yay!)
I’ll get
squeeze in,
to
business.
Let’s start with
congratulations :
in Decatur,
wedding
to
GA, where she has been living
a lovely backyard affair,
for the last five years. It was
daughter running the
with their almost-3-year-old
meet Jesse’s famous dad Roger and
show (I even got to
sister Asha-Roos).
Jessica
writes: “I
still busy seeing
am
at the Hospital for
patients as a rheumatologist
ical education for residents
Special
at
the
hospital.
I was very
Clinician Scholar Educator Award
to receive a
research for the
help support my educational
three
a
lothas
next
Underwood admits that she’s been pretty rot“but this year has been
ten about sending in updates,
for me,
so
it
1992 and have been
Japan, in
seems
about time
for a report. This year I and my husband (Brian
both got tenure at Florida State U, where we
both
Ecology and Evolution group. Much more importantly, we also welcomed our first child, Miyoko Under-
by
our
are so
offices
wonderful that
frequently just to
our
get
colleagues
therapy/ to cheer them up.”
style
the island of Borneo. I got
insists “I
to
hillin Kyoto. I also
rumors
was
my
run
at reunion! I
was
really hot.” (I can attest
having run into the
college store). He con-
reserve a room on
ft with a cot. Wasn’t
that
room
going
to
also admits she hasn’t writtenin ages, sent this in. “This
was
good year for
a
Juliana
Bettina
I had
Fulton,
months old. Now I
rience, and
me.
am a
baby,
a
our
first, named
April, and
born in
7
now
pediatrician with real life
expe-
it has been transformative! I now have the
home
highest respect for working moms, and stay at
moms. It’s a tough job! And the kid isn’t even walking
yet. I
am
still working
at
Kaiser Permanente in
San Francisco, half time in clinical
practice and half
time as assistant physician-in-chiefof the Medical Center.
I am super
busy, and fortunate enough to have
(Class of ’59) temporarily living with
mom
’nanny’ My fiance Regan Fulton and
my
us
as
I live in Sausal-
a
see
the baby—it
was
years.”
Congrats to all of you! Now
great
to see
her after
many
for the
“regular”
news:
Shapiro reports he’s back on the East Coast.
family and I have just moved from Tucson to Her-
Dan
“My
shey, PA, where I’m running a
at
humanities
So I took the
medical
wrap
independentmajor
cameras
students—and I’m
only 20
to
beth
regretfully
Fisher-Koppel,
friendships.
a
Vassar instilled in her
commitmentto
an
excellence, and her
ater, and the arts. A
inquisitive
nature,
love of travel, the-
Francophile, Cybele lived
in France
junior year and frequently returned there. Donations
in Cybele’smemory can be sent to the attention of Perry
Liberty for her memorial
tree at
Cushing dorm (for fur-
therinformation, write to [email protected]).”
record your
Deborah ask that
Remy and
you
reminiscences at
legacy.com. AAVC
online memorial
guestbook
for
set
up
an
Cybele
at
www.aavc.vassar.edu/mboards/fisher-koppel/.
20THREUNION
4010 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
512.451.6767
46
graduated.
though, to put one plus
together and, lo and behold, next thing I know the
Leave it to one of my associates,
one
even
VASSAR
SPRING
-2009
awesome
kids
godfather) and a pretty
in periodic touch with Ivan Wasser-
and others in the
area.
I visited Dan Epstein in
digs.
ball, ski patrol, and remember
to
enjoy life...cuz it’s just
”
writes in: “Fm
a
Vice Presi-
& Co., and
dent of Human Resources at D.E. Shaw
I live on the Upper
Paul
’9O,
and
Freitas
my husband,
West Side in Manhattan. We have two kids, Caitlin
who is 8 and in third
grade, and
Connor who is 5 and
kindergarten. Paul is a partner/owner in an archihas been really busy
tecture firm here in the city, which
is in
(knock
I
our
on
wood) despite the poor economy.”
recently took
a
trip
offices in Delhi and
to
India for work and visited
Hyderabad. We also took
a
Mexico this year; vacationed with
Jonathan Karl ’9O, his wife Maria Catalano Karl ’BB
and their girls in Duck, NC; saw Dave Almy ’9O and
’BB and their kids on their vacation to
family trip
to
Stacey Spencer
his
Washington, DC; and visited Pete Belafsky ’9O
wife Sherri Davidowitz Belafsky ’92, and their family
Avalon, NJ.
Sickinger-Harris
From
Highway
am
not
come
203.966.9599
we
Germany,
Ben
Horsbrugh writes: “I assume I
the only member of the Class of ’B9 having
to terms
may
that
we
really are no longer
as
to
young
as
feel. Twenty years is a generation away and
big difference between the first Macintosh com-
[email protected]
there is
Sarah O'Brien
As if to underline this perception,
puters and an I-Phone.
wife Cori and I are starting to find out what life in
my
Sargent
Mackey
Street
I’ve
the reinsto
a new
feels like. Our eldest daughter,
Emily
is currently
ofOldenburg
away from the German town
group ofclass
thoroughly enjoyed the excuse
nest
spending her first sixth-form year in
England. Although London may only be a short flight
[email protected]
turn over
a
emptying
(16),
Noelle here with what is likely to be the last column I
we
is my son’s
Palm Springs this year and gotta say—I would not have
been surprised to see Sammy, Frank, and Dean walk
I climb, coach rugby and footinto his retro desert
an
correspondents.
bear markets). 1 have three
good ex-wife. I keep
man
New Canaan, CT 06840
115
lead before
two
(Andrew Benkard ’BB
Valerie Kay, Phil Poppinga ’9O, Ed Gilman, ’9O
and Pete Teitelbaum ’9O in N.Y.C. all the time.”
617.584.6080
we
Gaskins Financial Group in 1999 (just in time for
past
games every
Newton, MA 02458
up.
her since before
the
grads
[email protected]
265 Dan's
Eliza-
and got married. I have been in the insurance
area
I somehow ended up becoming a Brownie co-leader
for my daughter’s troop of 24 girls and a class parent
kids’ socfor my son’s kindergarten class. Paul refs the
Vassar
weekend.
with
We
out
hang
cer
Boyle
Claudia
see
and investment business since 1989.1 co-founded Bow-
in
Noelle
Jorge Flores writes that he recently had the opporto reconnect with Tessa Kaganoff. “I hadn’t
seen
metro
to
Karen Purtell-Freitas
tunity
heard of or
neighborhood we
”
her
Lawler, Kimathi Marangu and Jill Burgess espe-
cially need to sign
a
I craft curriculum and
lots of you there!
Next we hear from my fellow Joss and rugby alum,
the D.C.
Bob Gaskins: “After graduation I moved to
Deborah A. Gold-
loving
by
medical
on.
the Fisher
Todd Koppel. “She will be remembered for her humor,
warmth, zest for life, strong family values, and loyal
discovyears too late. I’ve
hope more of you will get
to
for
Elizabeth
report the passing of Cybele
husband, Dr.
survived
her
ered Facebook is a terrific way to stay in touch with my
Vassar-mates and
in
Oakland, CA,
psychotherapistand
gettin’ shorter!
Remy Fisher-Baumann ’B2 and
department
thesis atVassar —it involves giving
news
family and friends:
the Penn State College of Medicine. I’ve finally fig-
ured out what I want to do for my
a
ties, and we hope
man
sq
seven-year hiatus to raise the
producing/writing
ito, CA. Visitors are welcome! My freshman roommate
Pam Andrews Sheffield and her husband came down
in July to
swear
maybe 45
was
happen.
going
to
home) work after
am
was
the city.” Can’t blame you, Evan.
I’ve returned to full-time (read: outside
7:00 train back
I
time and
with Alex IMhancale in a —l
former broom closet of a
the
Japanese-
statements
totally-buff Evan twice in the
tinues, “I didn’t
a
Buddhist tem-
the contrary, Evan Orensten
to
the veracity of both
As for me,
wife in
adjoins a lovely ancient
house that
on a
berg
My freshman-year hallmate, Alison Niederer, who
little house in
we’re
Meg Tinsley ’9O). Last, but definitely not least,
heading to Vassar in June to join in the reunion festivi-
to
married last year and live with
little ’baby
a
a
we now
private tours of Japan,
guide
a
wood Inouye,
come
two
own
Jon Gilbert ’B7 and
adds that he can be
Hong Kong ,and Bangkok.” Chris
reached through his blog (www.insidekyoto.com).
completed
year I
CNNhealth.com (a shameless plug).
heart-felt condolence
I’ll
up with
and her smiles
beautiful
coordinate educational programs for Oakland teens on
probation. It’s offered me a chance to be quite creative,
with
but it’s also pretty chaotic. To stay sane, I hang out
a bunch of other moms,
take
class
with
art
an
’my guys,’
and I’ve justfinished my sprint distance triathlon (with
last
Philippines, Victoria (Australia), Southeast Asia, and
girls.
the world Oct. 7. Miyo is growing fast
have
boys—Gabriel is 2 and Nathan is 5. We
love. I’m
Malaysia, the
in the
to
g0....
Guidebooks. I’ve written guides about
Inouye)
are
who haven’t yet exploredthis frontier, join us!
This column is packed with updates, so here we
Laura Robertson Gilbert writes in, “Seven years
married
ago I
to have to stay
years.”
Nora
particularlynewsworthy
happenedsince gradu-
as of December, have discovfun and easy
ered the joys ofFacebook, which makes it
For those of you
to keep posted on fellow classmates.
150 members of our class,
based there ever since. I started by teaching English, then
became a correspondentfor The Japan Times. In 1997,
travel guidebooks for Lonely Planet
I started
Despite
from the American College of Rheumatology this year
to
“As with everyone else,
medin N.Y.C., where I’m heavily involved in
Surgery
excited
last 20 years.
summary of his
ple
Berman
member of
a
a
writing
In October I attended Jesse Rattan’s
Josh Keen,
him since he still considers himself
the class of ’88) sent in
ation.I moved to Kyoto,
closer touch with those who touched my life, in
both big and small ways, during our time at Vassar, and
to meet so many new classmates as well. Technology
made it easier to get and stay in touch. Over
has
to
have lived for the last 17 years),
(where
we
Emily is already voicing
sisplans of completing her studies there. Her younger
with eagle-eyes.
ter Faye (14) is observing developments
classnotes
Even if our youngest
daughter, Claire (9),
vinced that home is the best place
reveal
is still
con-
be (whew!), I
to
can
bitter truth to those of you with younger kids:
Watch out! Once a kid leaves home, you suddenly
shared with us too. If we haven’t heard from
you lately,
again through Facebook, renewed my friendships with
it’s time
lots of Vassar people, most notably
our
those
always posing
were
be in touch!
Some of
a
understand why
to
shared
recently
classmates who have touched base
our
exciting
news.
parents
irritating questions about our well-being, when we left
home all those years. I also have a sneaking suspicion
(no slave
that
deserving of congratulations
also
parents
“At the
never
really get
time, I
same
can
this event.
over
confess that it is extremely
Congratulations
to Matt
Frankel, who related that “our third, Raquel Frankel
was born on April
16,2008. Her
myself, couldn’t be prouder.” Also
fashion),
to
parents, Alene and
told
“I’m
us:
is Baynard Bailey, who
in to my
settling
position
the Media
Manager at Vassar.
result life is
lege Ave.
and moved in over the summer. We
pretty good. I spend my working life managing quality
for the German operations of the Univeg Group of
our new
neighborhood. The highlight of the summer
see
one’s kids
sorted individuals and
pendent, and
Companies—one
what this
of the world’s
Since many
companies.
entails,
growers all
developing into healthy, inde-
it
I
means
spend
producing safe and healthy food
German retailers that we
competitors. Although
I have
I’ve learnt
a
sure
and
doing
are
quite
understand
lot of time visiting
a
the world to make
over
agronomist,
largest fruit-trading
don’t
people
as a
a
that they
are
and draw
on
the
tory. She wanted
not
make
delight
an
agriculture
many social, conceptual,
and
com-
a
Sesame Place and
to
place on Colreally love
(and bring her friends),
that it was
six-hour
a
can see
at
student orientation
new
mediacloisters.vassar.edu. It
the class of 12 when
to meet
have going
we
nard also shared the
and other
here at the Cloisters.”
on
bigger
even
Aliyah Bailey
Zinnia
was a
toured the
they
library and I’m very excited about workshops
projects
and
trip
car
Dec. 7,
on
2008,
7
”
(10 months). My husband and I are still living in
Berkeley but thinking about other locations for the
long
Facebook has been
term.
finding other Vassarites.
has a baby girl.”
Ian Heller shared:
term
serves
am
still
a
arts
Professor of Religion
I learned at
Vassar,
in Carlisle, PA, where I hold the Asbell Chair in Jewish
Studies. Dickinson is a school very much like Vassar,
so
there’s hardly
a
reminded of my own
on
day that goes by when I’m not
college experience. I teach courses
Kabbalah, Women, Gender and Judaism, and Jew-
ish Environmental Ethics,
to
only, this time around, I have
do all the reading! I recently had the special honor
of collaborating with Vassar Professor Lynn LiDonnici
(religion) on
a
book project in honor of my teacher,
Professor (emerita) Betsy Halpern-Amaru. The book,
Heavenly
Tablets: Interpretation, Identity
dition in Ancient Judaism
,
was
and Tra-
published by
Brill
Academic Publishers in 2006. Now that I have tenure,
though, I’m turning my research toward some more
contemporary subjects. I’m working now on a book
that studies the way Web 2.0 technologies are impact-
ing Jewish
communities (think
“I live in
Merwin
Harrisburg, PA,
(Amherst ’9O), and
with
our
passing
Again,
so
my
three daughters,
all who have
you to
your stories with us
Han-
We live 10 minutes
I’d love to hear from anyone
through The Sweetest Place
thank
husband, Ted
so
on
Earth!”’
graciously shared
the past five years. No mattakes you, you will always be
ter where
your journey
a part of this community!
baby
a
on
Thanksgiving!
Also still enjoying the Vassar life is Patricia
”
Duane
Lichtenberg, who shared: “I’m a classmate and also
executive director ofAAVC. I was a ’non-traditional’ student
(read —OLD)
class
note
at
Vassar and have
never
entered
time out ofAAVC duties to visitmy
who is JYA
at
daughter, Emily 10,
the U. of Edinburgh. My husband and I
Highlands (in November!) and agreed
that, except for the roiling water everywhere, it felt like
we were
driving on the moon.”
we
maintain
a
Rachel G.
Algenio
looking forward to
“I
wrote:
the
farmers markets this
I have been
Lastly,
Oregon
law school in
moving
Texas,
Rob
D'Emilio!”
to
outsidefrom
to
great cost of liv-
up for the fact that you can’t go
November because it is
too
and that itis the target of occasional hurricanes
power in my house for TWELVE
practice
at
and it is
a
a
go
always thought I
York, but somehow I ended
Houston, which has a
May
to
writes: “I
back to New
move
ing that almost makes
no
hot
(I had
days after Ike).
I
small firmthat does commercial litigation,
good fitfor
four days in
at
my
level,
a
me—I would have lasted about
I
’big’ firm setting. Unlike a lot of people
actually get to do things, whilethey are
just now getting
out
of the document
review hamster
wheel. I
90
Johnson Mickler
(winter and spring)
10114 SW 38th Place
Gainesville, FI. 32608
Brooklyn,
I
me.
tons
saw
itas
NY 11215
my
Greetings, Vassarites! The
group of
things. Hopefully
news, as always, indicates
people doing lots of different
YOUR different
made to be
a
I
was
in New York
homeowner. Cynthia
over
of people, thanks in
freshman
year ago, and
a
Thanksgiving, and
large
part to Facebook.
roommate Gwen
and Karen Purtell-Freitas
generic
busy
not
Korbel,
things
Paul Fre-
’89, Jim (I refuse
are
getting
for a
bar, where we developed
new use
soon,
of
Dish
our
and,
as
of botox that I
usual, closed
advanced ages. I
am
am sure
the
a
to call
’89,
Segal, Stefani Janicki ’89, and Rob Bates ’89
[email protected]
we are a
was
him James) Norman ’89, John McCormick
718.965.9077
a new
practice.
It’s been hard work
the opportunity to have a great
ofcolleagues that includes Michelle
Bishop, who
group
is branching out from the world of research/academia,
and
exploring the world of private practice. I am
to be working with her and look forward to
delighted
interesting
Take
and fun times ahead.
care,
everyone!
Francesca Gutierrez Amann
91
(spring
and
fall)
1807Octavia Street
San
Francisco, CA 94109
[email protected]
Matt
Soper
(summer and winter)
[email protected]
Greetings Friends! It’s
rumors
not
easy
being green....
The
about San Francisco are true; we compost food,
recycle everything—cookingoil, batteries, clothing—and if we’re not on foot or bike, many drive hybrids
and bio-diesel operated
cars.
BMW no
longerrefers
to
the car, it’s
“Bart, Muni, or Walk.” So, although this
column will be printed and mailed to you, we hope you
recycle
the
it
or use
it for
wrapping paper. This
year, I’m
for my son’s first grade class which
means I’m part organizer,
part therapist in dealing with
all my new “colleagues.” And, by the time this column
room mom
prints,
my
daughter will have been accepted
kinder-
to
garten for next year. Ifthere are any creative types out
there looking to do a humorous skit/story about
time. Daisy Moore Lalwani writes: “On Oct. 19, Cathy
saw
(summer and fall)
393 14th Street
I decided to partner with
buy office space, deal with con-
wrong. I
from
Kristin Krase
busy as
to
stressed
although we talk about getting together a lot, it never
seems to
happen even though she only lives a few miles
[email protected]
the AAVC website
bought a much-too-big-for-one-person townhouse ’inside the loop’ in 2006, and long for the days
of beingable to call the landlord when something went
Coleman ’89 moved here about
352.332.3440
on
me
Coast and Portland’s
Hello to
summer.
over
Tanya
but has afforded
in my fifth year
am
Schadle, who left New York in 2002
Carrie
up
presence
under CLUBS.”
working as an ob/gynfor Kaiser. Our sons Neil (2) and
Ian (6) keep us busy. We love the Northwest and are
would
He
Island. If anybody is interested in
a
also toured the
to
My two-year
June 30,2010.”
but I thought it’s time.... In November, I took
J.Date!).
nah, 7, Sarah, 4, and baby Leah.
from Hershey Park,
Sonya Shoptaugh had
at Dickinson College
Vassar Club.
and ends
and plan social functions for Vassar alums on Long
becoming part of the
sar,
struction, and begin
I
May 17,2008,1 was named
that the best-educated high school students attend Vas-
that “I just finished my master’s degree in education
(focus on instructional technology) from UMUC, and
shared this report with us: “Contin-
“On
Suffolk counties, NY. “My goal is to educate high
as to what Vassar has to offer, ensure
800769641/). And
Andrea Lieber
is also local and
the Vassar alumnae/i that reside in Nassau and
it to reunion, but will be thinking of you all in June.”
uing the passion for the liberal
incredible tool for
school students
lbs,13ozs
if that wasn’t enough, he related
an
Michael Hall
begins June 1,2008,
Best wishes to the Class of ’89.1 won’t be able to make
as
and
them both
Also singing the praises ofFacebook
another psychologist
my Vassar education.
gained during
see
Baughn: “Taking time away from the world
of public radio to raise two kids—Max
(4) and Owen
(www.flickr.com/photos/baynardbailey/sets/72157610
municationskills
to
Sarah
was
LIVC,
Bay-
of the birth of
news
in person soon!
Anne Adelson
’89, and I hope to get
president of the Long Island
Crayola Fac-
go right back
lovely library video for
a
bought
had used up all her vacation time. I helped
mommy
that you
great deal about
to
really getting
trying toconvince
and food production after 15 years in the organic business
taking Azalea (4)
better job than the
official training as
no
was
We
as
Cloisters
rewarding to
Marie Goodwin
at
Heidi
some
business plan
will be available
place down despite all
happy
to say
that I have,
out 40-year-olds trying to get their kids into
private urban elementary schools, give me a call!
I heard from two classmates for
Gillespie,
1991
Los
on
Lara
our
column this
Cohen, and I represented the class of
the Seven Sisters Alumni Team for AIDS Walk
Angeles.
It was
an
amazing experience for all of us.
Lara, Cathy, and I are all involved with the Vassar Club
of Southern California, which helped recruit Vassar
alums
to
participate in the AIDS Walk.
to report. I too
am a
stay-at-home
rately, out-in-the-world mom).
my son’s
I
mom
am
Not much else
(or, more
accu-
very involved in
public school, co-chairing the auction,
serv-
ing as VP of the parent fundraising group for the
school, and working in the library. I also am the moderator
of a book club and recently started taking karate
classes. I saw Laura Stoland and her beautifulchildren
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
47
classnotes
over
the summer, when she was visiting her parents in
California,
sar
and I’ve reconnected with a number ofVas-
tion. “I have
write about the last 17 years all at once.
away
from Obama in Hyde Park, an
I
freelance Latin teacher at
for
before-school program. I
a
a
and kindergarten.
lin again after
sing
in
of Chicago.
area
married with two
in second
quitting it for
20 years. I
am
happy
to
I
better at the than I was
report thatafter just a year, am
when I stopped! So all of you who dropped your instru—don’t despair. Just pick it up and
time
ment a
long
ago
playing again.
start
It is still there in your brain
some-
Anderwhere! I’d like to say hello to Irene Lopez, Betsy
Marisa
and Rob Tatum. I am still in touch with
son,
We’d love
me
to
hear from you. Please email Matt
with Class Notes! Not later... right
The big
a
or
slew of Vassar
people in attendance, including
Jen
Bostwick ’93, Callie Hershey,
Kalmus, Alyssa
Joe Wagner ’94, and HowardFishman, whose quartet
playedthe wedding.” Sara and Jeffrey met in Juneau,
was
producing director
Drive
Theatre. About a year ago, they moved to
Company.
[email protected]
Atlantis Cranks Need Not Apply,
about a
Mulberry Avenue
2009. You
Notes when
Quarterly arrives. But before you recycle this
issue, please read Ross Thomas’s letter in the front of
your
beautiful tribute to
has created
a
scholarship
making
at
Vassar in
donation in
a
Eric’s name.
Natasha Gordon
at
Chipembere is
an
assistant pro-
College, part of
second Fulbright through
Medgar
print
their son, Tristan Alexander. Sarah
Evers
to
more
time at home in
stepson, Henri,
Brooklyn with Tristan and her
and doing
freelance writing.
some
for sharing your news, and
remember that you can e-mail Laura Escamilla-Fouratt
for the next
or me anytime, and we’ll keep your note
Thanks
to
everyone
issue.
Flavie
93
comes
out
Lemarchand-Wood
(spring and fall)
5 West End Court
Old
Greenwich, CT 06870
[email protected]
Leila Nichols
(summer and winter)
as an
1463 Morton Place
printableformat at
the Class of 1992
Los
CA 90026
Angeles,
[email protected]
By
the time this Class Notes is published, spring willbe
swing. That means, spring cleaning, weddings,
graduations, and babies but more on that in the next
in full
column.... I
am
pleasedto
the class officers
announce
for the Class of 1993; President, Angela David Beatty;
Cradle Roll!
Joanna
delighted
out
find the e-books at Fictionwise, in
publisher’s website.
Speakingof gestating, it’s time for
was
Hull ’93. Sarah recently left her job as a writerfor the
Natural Resources Defense Council. She is spending
on
a
of my
Pearlstein and her partner, Tara Marc-
hand, are proudparents: Benjamin Saul Pearlstein was
They recently introduced Benjamin
Vice
President,
Emmanuel
Eryc Eyl; Secretary,
(Manny) Naval; Treasurer,
Kristen
Gallagher; Webmaster,
Leila Nichols
The Pearlstein-Marchands also get much-needed child-
Angela Bowman; Co-Correspondents,
and Flavie Lemarchand-Wood; Annual Fund Chair,
Kat Mills Polys; Nominating Committee Chair, Wendy
rearing advice from Meredith Steiner, her partner Lauren Black, and their two children, Ari and Elijah. 2008
and Sharon Lungrin.
born
June
Pascal St.
was a
30.
their
Gerard, his wife Trina, and
productive year for Joanna’s
son
to
Roman.
Freeman
TH-mates: Deus
Rood; Reunion Co-Chairs, M.
What have our
new
J. Momot Price
officers been up to?
Angela
establish
the Scholar Exchange program. She hopes to
daughter Phoebe
David Beatty and her husband, Tom, continue to raise
their kids Ben (11), Sam (7), and Kate (3) in Haddon-
and teach the first African Women’s Literature Course
in sumat the University of Malawi, Zomba District,
band
field, NJ. Angela
CUNY. Natasha
2010. She
mer
just got
plans to
attend the World
Another
a
son,
Jabulani,
that he
can
traveling academic,
Patti Duncan, just
teaching for Semester at
Sea. Patti’s travels took her to the
Bahamas, Brazil,
Namibia, South Africa, India, Malaysia, Vietnam,
Cambodia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, and CostaRica.
Patti is back in Portland, where she is an associate pro-
fessor of Women’s Studies
is a
at
Oregon
and wife Susan Teeden-Cielo welcomed their
in August, and Cindy Lee and husJonathan Blazon are new parentsto Zooey, born
in November.
Rachel
Benjamin-Alves
Maximiliano, welcomed
State. Liena Vayz-
photographer and curator in the San Francisco
Bay Area. She teaches in the photography department
San Jose State U. and organizes new media installa-
at
nity leave, and
de Lima
and her husband,
Beatriz into the world
on
July
is enjoying motherhood and mater-
was
Today Show/NBC
planning to return to work
News in Jan. ’09. In New
at
frequently sees
ily
their
daughter Emma,
while traveling in Napa Valley
in Nov. ’08.
Susan Berel
July 20,
Thompson gave birth to
son
be delivered on July 21, but he decided to arrive a day
early. Susan and her husband, Matthew, “are the happiest we have ever been (and also exhausted!).” Susan
Bay Area. When she’s
lives in Atlanta and works
time
part
art, Liena
dates on
experimental art projects
in the SF under-
hiking, biking, or making
cheerfully dispenses advice to Ph.D. candinot
www.dissertationdiva.com,
sented a workshop
on
“Writing
Rebecca Ballard
Lubelczyk
at
was
Manny Naval is
of my projects
are
group
an
in
on
also invites
Facebook.
architect in New Jersey. “Most
and I have photos of
Jersey City
of them in my Facebook album. Our firm does
primarilyaffordable housing all over the state ofNew
some
in cities like Newark, Jersey City, Orange, East
Orange, Camden, Franklin, and Trenton.” A few weeks
Jersey
after getting married on Aug. 8,2008, to Cora Austin,
they moved into a new house that Manny designed.
Kristen
Gallagher’s big news
is that she is
a new
mom,
Perry George Spall, born Oct.24. Kristen
works for Bangor U. in Bangor, Wales, UK, as head of
to
Thomas
development and alumni relations.
“I have lived and
worked in the UK for nine years, and formerly worked
at Royal Holloway, U. ofLondon—which coincidentally
enjoyed working
annual fund chair for
Northwestern U.
Lucas, who is 4.1 still
able
Goldhammer ’91 regularly, and also
the past few years, and am pleased
serve our class as secretary.”
to
catch up
and Jen
(back fromAntarctica) and Eve
Jenk-
was
Jane
see
Ellin
writes:
Daphne Kalotay and
“My
Hilary
Erika Moldow
and
Degenhart, all here in Boston, and Amy Cacciola
McClintock in New York City. I also recently
Curt
-2009
psychologist
practice.
From
Mary Reed ’91 in San Diego, and her two boys
loved playing with Mary’s son. Rebecca also talked to
SPRING
a
(durangela.blogspot.com). She
join the VC93
Brookline, MA,
daughter, Rose, was born in July. She joins big brother
with
VASSAR
happy that her Phillies phinally
by itsfounder, a wealthy Victo(like Matthew Vassar!). I greatly
in private
with old friends from Noyes in 2008. Rebecca stayed
Rebecca Watson
so
rian entrepreneur
and recently pre-
and Time Management
for Graduate Students and Faculty”
to
as
you to
Simon on
viac-section. Simon was breech and scheduled
ground art/film world. Liena has reconnected with Eve
the
Morgenstern and Victoria Mycue, who are also in
tions and
her blog
the
York,
Sarah llchman-Hollinger, Odile
and Mel Sibblies, who
Weissenborn, Paul Frank ’91,
also had a baby boy in Fall 2008. Rachel and her famhusband Rob, and
saw Faith Wilson-Grove, her
Rachel
is
the World Series again! Angela is doing freelance
editing/marketing/PR/photographywhile maintaining
won
22,2008. Rachel
Cup in SouthAfrica
returned from four months
man
Cielo
her husband and chilgo with
dren, and promised her
48
the
Eric
died last year in a tragic plane crash that
Smith, who
also claimed the lives of his wife and children. Eric’s
Eric’s memory—please consider
a
can
Vassar!
share these milestones with Megan Mclsaac, Jong Kim
Kozman ’93, Monica Johnson Macer ’93, and Hilary
supernatural comedies
Kindle format at Amazon, and in
flip straight to Class
a
plans
Press
I efo u ratt@ya hoo.com
wrote
to
the Jersey Shore. Drollerie
volume of three novellas in mid-
ofwitches
coven
at
half my life ago,
closest friends from then
June, she
exciting
Bright
married Edward Emmet, a social worker at New York
Presbyterian Hospital. And in September she gave birth
e-book from a small press, and its sequel,
are
freshmen
was
still some of my closest friends.”
2008. In
Sarah
had an
Gareth’s first
in June
the magazine. Ross
are
where
fiction. Her first book, Closing Arguments, came
San Antonio, TX 78201
English
D.C.,
is managing director of Woolly Mammoth The-
as an
as
Perseverance
Sarah
Laura Escamilla-Fouratt
fessor of
at
Boulder, CO 80305
I know many of you
Ian
Jensen
e-book in Feb. ’09. Both
mother, Mindy,
were
303.861.4437
929 W.
on
Sara
arrived
we
It certainly doesn’t feel like that
Avery recently celebrated son
birthday, but has also been busy gestating works of
Madeline Cohen
SOOToedtli
from Jeffrey Herrmann is that
and Joanna Oltman Smith,Lara Fischman ’93,
Kalmus ’9, Julie
Krasinski, Matt Patterson, Ted
atre
92
news
Smith
Jeffrey
now.
a
live in Phoenix.
Aug. 31,2008, he married longtime girlfriend
there
Waisanen, in Seattle. “It was a great day and
AK, where he
after all these years. Cheers to all.”
Voli
years).
Shila, whoalso
grade
chorus and play the vio-
a
Phoenix Vassar Club
and her husband, Perry Herst, live in
year ago. Wendy
Scottsdale. They have two children (ages 3 monthsand
3
Wendy sees Dave Wasserman and his wife,
children, Camilla and Russell. They are
I
with Wendy
Pronin-Herst, who started
a
been 20 years since
especially since some
to connect
I live five blocks
nearby public school
am
sure
”
before, so I will
written to the notes
never
in Phoenix, be
If you’re
Austin-Schmidt has the following contribu-
Sasha
Yancy!! Hi, Greg!
it up,
“Keep
classmates thanks to Facebook.”
am a
Craft always sends her postins. Rebecca says Yancy
cards from wherever in the world he is. She writes:
from Germany
saw
Woods, who was visiting
with her
their two kids. I can’t believe it’s
partner and
Dorian
modeled
on
Vassar
as
to
our
class for
be continuing
to
Angela Bowman loves Chicago, where she’s been
working in educational publishing. [I] am starting to
sustainable homes, building, and
pursue an interest in
“
design (soon launching
a
blog
on
the subject,
nest-
classnotes
I’ve continued to
blog.typepad.com).
sing
all these years
Sujata Tejwani
and about 10 years ago made the switch to folk music.
I
play
now
Chicago
And
in
old-time string band and relish in the
an
ing Vassar in
our
online—just
go
see us
to
in the habit of includ-
get
yearly giving plans. It’s easy to donate
to vassar.edu and click on ’Make a
Kat would be
happy to answer questions or
example,
brainstorm ideas at [email protected]. For
did you know that Vassar’s need blind
gram is threatened
President Hill
Times article
by
was
on
the
current
quoted
in
a
acceptance proof our economy?
state
Nov. 2008 New York
the subject.
in N.Y.C. to the smart and hand-
May 10,2008,
on
Louis Lana. After
some
where
we
Kyoto, and bunked for
Mt. Koya,
on
honeymoon
a
in
sampled sushi in Tokyo, toured
we
a
night
celebrated
at
Sarah
our
Judd Ehrlich
marathon
to
raise funds for the race
City
Kettering’s
against cancer.
writes in: “Life is
good. My
and I live in Houston, where he works
neuroradiologist,
and I work
as a
specializing in children and families.
psychotherapist
Life
pretty
much
revolves around our 2-year-old son, Phillip, who is an
absolute blast. I keep up with Kate McConnico (we live
a
few blocks away from
nill Center ’94
is
(who
an
one
another),
Katherine Pan-
in Houston), and Sarah
(also
M.D. in San Francisco and
Cherny ’94
just had the
named Cerys). I’ve been enjoying
ing lots ofVassar classmates on Facebook.”
baby ever,
cutest
Last summer, I had
with
Susan
Price
a
see-
Kerb, and
Lynch, Kaiya
Hope
Springs, CO,
Chris, and their three beautiful chil-
dren. Little Megan joined siblings Kieran and Kelly in
Jan.
2008. Susan is the business manager for
who writes that he is back in D.C.
Mexican border affairs at State
topped off assignments
at
working on
Department.
He
embassies in San Salvador,
in southern Spain in May 2007 and then con-
winery
vincing the lovely Madrileha
family and career)
Hope,
to
explore
be there. Here’s
to
leave Spain (and her
the world with him.
who lives in Seattle, wrote in to Class Notes
when
you
are
busy. College seems
and of course,
on
After 14 years inN.Y.C.,
like it was just yes-
NY.
am working doing business develChinese IT outsourcing company and am
loving putting my M.B.A. to work (2004), and learn-
ing about Chinese business culture.”
Anna Arnedt
15TRH EUNION
Ring
(winter and spring)
Sharon, MA
[email protected]
was
born
on
are
you
and her
the kitchen was
redone with the help of Gale Kramer Goldman ’63.
Once
the Vassar
they realized
them—so all
are
all knew it
connection,
The Blocks
now
have room for
to cook
for
welcome. So fat; visitors have included
Myhre, and Stephen Liss ’97 with
his wife, Maya, and daughter Annika. Felicia has also
Alice
Lane,
Marina
into Jennifer Malone-Seixas, who works at
run
program at ÜBC. Jessica’s new book,
enLlGHTened: How I Lost 40 Pounds with a Yoga
Mat, Fresh Pineapple, and a Beagle Pointer from
West
in Scarsdale!
Zachy’s
Virginia (Skyhorse)
junior semester abroad
buy
Beautiful
the elections and then
the
notes
for
me
are
and
traveling
and the Maldives post
in safe hands! 2008
going
to
Mada-
election, I feel like
was a
great year work
India for the first time in 12
years
to
wonderful, although marred by the Mumbai
was
attacks; luckily we
safe. I
am
is
yet and our family
looking forward to spendingthe early part of
not there
were
2009 at home in N.Y.C. and
continuing
progressive politics nationally!
enjoying
are
life in Davis, CA, with their incredible 3-year-old
Aram is
saw
Adam Aberman
in Los
Angeles. Adam and his wife, Karlene, have
daughter and
adorable 2-year-old
at
just had
the beginning of December. Both Karlene and
baby
are
new
doing well.
is
living in Tacoma,
WA. He
Amaya
sons
been
Ormazabal
Julen
together
spending
and
and Luca
a
lot
this spring. Katherine’s first novel, The Bright Side of
Disaster,
was
that the kids
ing much
sushi. He says:
“I like to say that if you’ve
in the last five years, then nothing has
nine years
small
news
Group for the
Flash Platform in Los Angeles. Taking my design and
language
theories/principles into the realm
of human-
interaction and motion design.
Recently
computer
founded Scribwib™—an online literacy tool that
enables people to read out loud together over the web.
geeking out, I continue
to
make my regu-
lar stops in London, Amsterdam, and the San Francisco Bay Area... and keep in close touch Kenny Davis
a
beautiful
bouncingbaby boy recently:
Ilan Paul”
nominated and confirmed as the
Amber Shaw was
treasurer for
the Clark County Women’s Democrat
Club for the second
she is
vice-president of the
year,
Association of Southern Indiana Criminal Defense
Attorneys and she finally joined Facebook!
Jonathan Cole
is still
working at Orrick, Herring-
ton
Brooklyn.
changed.
to report.
am
a woman
keeping
grateful for
job with health insurance and
(beside my mom).” Thanks for
a
who loves me
it real, Eddie!
95
Doug
Herbek
(summer and winter)
[email protected]
After
Christine Garcia
(spring
website for the National Trust for
changed jobs
writes in with another life-lesson
Eddie Gamarra
gem: “I
running a training program and managing
an e-commerce
eat-
“Recently, I became the man-
ager of LA.FO, the online Adobe User
before he moved back East.”
some
CA. He’s
creating original short (and animated) films, and
in
see
Halpern, who was a Seattle area local until earlier this month, but never actually caught up withhim
finally have
Beach,
infrastructure development. He is living in ClintonHill
They also
Jack
seen me
in from Venice
the beach, working in interactive animation,
all in school
time with
for brunch every couple of months.
Sebastian writes, “I also traded lots of emails with
jokes:
third novel to her edi-
website, www.katherinecenter.com.
Tim Harris wrote
Brooke Stabbert
Alison Hinchman
a
Random House, and she’s now working on a
fourth. For more about what Katherine’s up to, please
tor at
’93 and their
are
and live close to each other.
optioned by Varsity Pictures last fall.
Katherine recently turned in
& Sutcliffe as a corporate lawyer with a focus on
project finance work for renewable energy sources and
more
Jonah Givelber
now
novel, Everyone Is
February of this year and she
the Dallas Museum ofArt’s Texas Bound reading series
and his family (wife Emily and daughters Rose and
Maggie) have
in
,
an
a new son
from another class author.
news
out
came
’93, who’s had
finishing his fourth year ofmed-
ical school. He recently
in Nepal. Jessica says, “Please
Center’s second
,
In addition
and his wife, Christa,
Aram Millstein
my work in
”
2009.
daughters called Because I Love Her: 34 Women
Writers Reflect on the Mother-Daughter Bond on
sale in April, and had an essay read and performed at
living at
on
June
spent the month of March on a book tour. Katherine
also has an essay in an anthology about mothers and
taking my place during the last half of2ooB—between
India,
for
now
Katherine Pannill
visit her
gascar,
in
copy!”
a
Sujata Tejwani says; “I am writing my class notes
this year from India and want to first thank Anna for
working
out
comes
It includes stories about her time at Vassar and her
And
Funny enough,
Thanksgiving Day.
a
you will
all the “what
little 1931 Tudor house in Scars-
to a cute
dale, Westchester,
Historic Preservation, I have
opment for
a
cam-
husband, Matthew, moved their family (Sydney, 4, and
But I
I
the
see
Felicia Liss Block
of us look any older. I have
been married for 15 years to Frederic Vimeux, and we
have two daughters, Margot, 4, and Charlotte, 1, as of
none
Lucien
writing
now?” conversations. Enjoy.
doing
for the first time with “Hello classmates! Time sure flies
terday,
to
Hoping that many of
head start
a
Sebastian Bacchus
Baghdad, and Madrid by marrying Paloma Gomez in
a
reunion in
June.
pus at
an
audio/visual company and part-time chauffeur to and
from her kids’ many activities. She heard from Rob Allison,
little bit warmer and getting me excited
daughter Julia.
mini-reunionin Connecticut
Youngs-Vimeux. Susan lives in Colorado
with her husband,
around these spring notes. I
Vassar’s beautiful campus in bloom. It’s making me
family to visit—and a kitchen
freelance editor.”
first
our
am
friends and
temples
in the 2008 New York
ran
Vaillancourt
husband, Clark,
as a
a
part of Memorial Sloane
as
“Fred’s Team”
Veronique
as
experiencing
are
trying to put my mind
am conjuring visions of
I
out great!
Dwyer, Alex
in New York
we
season.
would turn
Peltier,
Cancio, John Mulkeen, Brian McLendon ’92, and Dave Nidus ’9l. After
spending several years in book publishing, I am cur-
rently working
nor’easter of the
in
party with close friends, including many Vassar grads:
Michelle
As I write these notes,
Japan,
Buddhist monastery
union at a cocktail
a
son
Columbia and Jessica will be teaching in the creative
Maxwell, 2)
Speaking of weddings, Jen Rappaport reports that
she “was married in an intimate family-only ceremony
Berger Gross’s
joined the sociology department at the U. of British
[email protected]
lastly, Kat Mills Polys mentions that as annual
gift counts. I’d like
”
New York, NY
country and roots music scene.”
fund chair her “#1 goal is to increase participation over
the next five years leading up to 20th reunion. Every
Gift.’
Jessica
Christmas Eve, 2007 In May, she moved withher husband, Neil, and Lucien from Boston toVancouver. Neil
(summer and fall)
and
and
fall)
252 Mount Lucas Road
am
Princeton, NJ 08540
website project manager... for the National
Trust for HistoricPreservation. OK not the most monnow a
umental change in the world but at least I’m
now
in
a
whole different department and different part of the
building. I made the change on Oct. 1 and so far so
good.
a
I’ll let
you
know in another nine
years ifit was
good decision.”
Alison was working in Astoria, OR, during our last
and is looking forward to
seeing everyone and
reunion,
“probably a
bunch of offspring.”
[email protected]
Here
we
go,
Class Notes fans!
Stroup Carter reports that she is still in
London and in May 2008 she and her husband, Steven,
Melinda
had their first
reports
me
child,
that “she is
wonder
why we
pletely loving being
tus, I
am
a
so
girl called
Victoria Rose. Mindi
amazingly angelic that it makes
didn’t do this years ago. I am
a
Mum. After a
finally returned
to
work
VASSAR
seven
at
com-
month hia-
GAM and
SPRING
am
-2009
49
classnotes
enjoying the new challenges that the, well frankly, completely changed
economic
backdrop
has thrown
125
left.”
way since I
wedding
...
added that Victoria is absolutely
Nicky
and Mindi and her husband
are
doing
REALLY well.
in South San Fran-
cisco. She finished the 2008 triathlon season
peting
the 1/2 Ironman World
at
by com-
Championships in
Clearwater, FL, in November. She followed this up by
Christmas Eve to repair
surgery on
having arthroscopic
cartilage
torn
so
that she
and remove
bone spur in her right hip
a
little faster and prepare for the
can run a
teaching at
Tugade says that, “Life is good
Michele
Vassar.:-)” Michele gave
talk at the Vassar VIEW
a
(Vassar Inspiration and Education Weekend in Sept.
2008). She said it was nice to meet withalums return-
ing to
Vassar for
also gave
2008
as
our
version of
“homecoming.” She
talk for the Michigan Vassar Club in Oct.
a
the Vassar “Alumnae/i College
part of
Road” lecture series. Her talks
were on
on
the
her research
on
and health. Justin Adams
positive emotions, coping,
attended her talk in Michigan, and she said he is doing
well. He is a
he’s
Hills, TX 78209
210.474.6119
Biology—a relief after
[email protected]
Naho
grad
student at the U. of Michigan, where
completing a
dual M.8.A./M.S. degree in the
seem
to
be working
wrote
FL, babe bears a striking resemblance
Biern
Louis Dorff
lets (as I like
to
call them) very soon.
is living in Sun Prairie, WI,
Jennie Deuster-Loesch
with her husband, Robert. She is
stay-at-home
a
daughters—Babette
that Tracy Heydweiller works in Publishing in New York City and lives
started
in
preschool. Jennie reports
Irvington, NY, and
Naomi
to reconnect
Katrina Knudson is
her final year of
was
Prez
daughter
to
a
(much
party held by
Yasmina Zaidman
is doing
They
serve
new
Greenberg ’93.
live in Manhattan, and Mina works with Acumen
organization that invests in businesses
an
the
poor
that
with critical goods and services. In her
work, she looks for sustainable businesses that
are
Gesser
and
East Africa. Mina
Brook’s
two
sees
Brook Moshan
beautiful
little
girls.
reports that he and his wife, Sarah,
living in the Heights in Houston. Speaking of the
Mark Camfield
are
South, during my recent travels I enjoyed beignets and
coffee the morning of New Years Eve in the Big Easy
with Melinda Rothouse. Other highlights from
my
recent travels
include numerous great meals in Port-
land, OR, touring Graceland,
TX, in the evening
on
First Night in
New Years Eve, and
Austin,
descending
always
into Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. And I
enjoy catching up with my pal Ruby Tugade when I
back in San Francisco. Please write to
something
about
festival,
are
to
be
van
Spronsen had
Hethcoat
attending
a
busy
Rachel
City. Also in
atten-
Pearson, Lecy Goranson,
presented
people
at
InfoCamp,
an
“unconfer-
user
us
am
and tell us
yourselves!
She would love to hear from other classmates
involved in user-centered urban design
Ariel also
design.
signing her
is still teaching
history and corruptHigh School (the
young minds at LaGuardia
FAME
school). Although her small
keeps her from getting
dream
by
nephews
pet
sitting.
this year,
Trina Smith
last summer,
the
a
apartment
full-time dog, she lives the
Sara has three
new
under the
family.
spent several days with
and her partner, Karl, in Rhode Island
playing
games,
sailing, and catching
Rachel
was
most
so
much work! I connected with
IT media company. Earlier this year he
league with Seth
watched the Celtics beat the Lak-
and his wife, Erica, in Chicago.
same fantasy baseball
Granger and his
Granger ’97, for about
wife, Emily Flahn
10 years.
Amy Chinitz is thrilled to report from Eugene, OR,
that she and her husband, Steve, welcomed Jessica
Padma Chinitz-Mital on Nov. 5, who
headlines of
newspaper
doing great and gets
Jason, who is now 3
Jennie Swantz
greeted by
was
Obama victory! Jessica is
an
from her
many kisses
big brother,
1/2.
Stokum’s husband had emergency
open
heart surgery in June for
ment.
After that, things calmed down, and they
to
life
as
a
double valve replace-
normal. Jennie works
as a
are now
development
director and grant writerfor Ramapo for Children, a
chilcamp and retreat center in Rhinebeck, NY, serving
dren with
special needs.
She has
two
girls,
ages 4 and
8, and spends the majority of her non-working time
doing things with her family. Tier husband, Jeff, is an
acupuncturist and stay-at-home dad, working out of
their home in Red Hook, NY. They enjoy visiting with
Jason Marin, Cherette
Smith,and Trina Smith.
An alert reader notified me that our very own Survivor champ Ethan Zohn made it to the Man
page of OK!
Magazine this past
the magazine, Ethan spent the
soccer
money
ball from Boston
for his
summer.
summer
Candy
According
dribbling
Washington, DC,
to
a
to raise
Grassroots Soccer. He also
organization,
bought a butterfly
farm for his
girlfriend,
and released
the butterflies when they hatched.
As for me, I’m
working
living the busy life
as a
full-time
mom, while my
with Stella
We
as
enjoyed
husband, Paul, stays home
he finishes his graphic design certificate.
visits this past
summer
from Emily
Weis-
Nielsen, Paul Goldberg ’O3, and MeredithHerr ’03.1 think Joe Szwartz put it best whenhe said
grau,
Jasmine
that work is OK, but he’d rather be at home
trying
to
make Sydney laugh. Agreed!!
Mikie Benedict
97
(spring
51
and
Grange
winter)
Street
Burnley, Lancashire
up
BB114JZ
Milligan Ferat,
excited
to
England
[email protected]
hear from
Christine Beers Weston
(summer and fall)
301 E. 87th
is making ceramic art and pottery at his home
a
residency and
Shamus has also been in the
Mountains in Maine. Jesse is married to Echo Low-
studio that includes
her
completed
private practice.
a
into Jeremy Kaplan at the TD Bank North
ited Neal Agran
“Uncle” Jesse Stevens, who wrote in to Class Notes
for the first time from the foothills of the White
ell, and
a
at
a
in game two of the NBA Finals. In October he vis-
Flax, and Holli Ross Arnold ’9B.
This time around, I
had
Monahan
nieces and
to six
Sara
past decade. She still sees
Sanford
N.Y.C.
bringing the total
age of 4 in her
on
was
Crafternoon.
Sara Falkove
ing
ers
service
into Maura Madden ’97 at Urban
ran
Craft Uprising in Seattle, where she
book
or
in
Garden, where they
to
the intersectionbetween traditional web/software
ment.
danger-
McGillicuddy is living in Boston and writa news editor for
TechTarget, an
bumped
in the user-centered information
design field. More recently, Ariel has been pondering
ded-
icated to
serving the needs of low income people in India,
Pakistan, and
appropriately-
Ariel also went to the Shambhala music
Erlitz.
and
now a
teaching
experience design and design for the built environ-
really well with her
littleboy Elia and her husband Marlowe
dance were Amy
and Jill
Shamus
back
good life.
a
in New York
wedding
ence” for
Pardes, who is
and to live
of traveling, whichincluded
at
with her spouse and
Bronwen
L.A. to settle in the
Avid writer-inner Ariel
Abrams’s
he likes Barack).
as
out to
people
summer
still in touch with Jenna Marshall Korff.
Fund,
moving
love
classroom, she will
named Los Feliz, where her only aspirations
the Vassar days, and he added that he still wishes Ted
Miriam Richter Matz went
Jennie would
with other old friends.
Like Ginger Rogers,
divorcee, and is finishing up
most
teaching
ing about the technology industry as
Nottingham works in
interior design and lives in Boston.
where she is
Facebook recently, and learned she
on
working
was
kind to
working
Mom
born this past October; Lauretta is in kindergarten; and Maggie just
to three
freelance
named Milo.
is still living in N.Y.C. and
were
born in
November. I’m looking forward to meeting the Biern-
He’s married to Kristen Anderson
son
Nate
and his wife, Rachel, have their hands full with
His url is
The New School. He said he often feels nostalgia for
Kennedy
her daddy.
to
is now
everyone who
Szwartz in August. Photos attest that this Jacksonville,
be
ZWyear-old
notes
and his wife, Kim, welcomed Sydney Faye
Szwartz
& Environment.
jonathanliss.com.
these
of four residents of my TA senior year had babies in
2008! In addition to my 8-month-old baby, Stella, Joe
in Boston. After nine years in the
and has a
on
delightedto reportthat three out
in. First off, I am
School of Business and School of Natural Resources
Jonathan Liss has been working as a
designer and illustrator in Evanston, IL.
Taguchi
is still in Brooklyn and has
Hi everyone! I always
Pakistan, the
great
fall since she earned National Board Certification in
twins Elliot Lee and Zoe Jane Biern, who
2009 triathlon season.
world,
school and university. Kerryane
during holiday crunch time, so thanks to
Nicky is still living and working
country in the
ous
Hill
Aylesbury
Terrell
Nicky Barberreports that she got to meet Victoria
while visiting the UK in September for a mutual friend’s
adorable,
Zehra Raza wrote from
Butler Domine
Abigail
(summer and winter)
our
Street, #4D
New York, NY 10128
recently finished wood-fired
[email protected]
kiln. His industrious homesteading adventures have
Amanda Eisen
96
(spring
and
fall)
4028 Hamilton Street
Hyattsville,
MD 20781
[email protected]
included a food garden, laying hens, cutting firewood,
raising pigs, and subsequently smoking bacon and
curing hams, sausage, and pancetta. Previously, he
and
a
friend
start
a
pizzeria
supplied the dough recipe.
50
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
in
Portland, ME, called
Bonobo. Jesse built the wood-fueled brick
oven
and
It’s hard to believe that a full year has gone
I’m
sure
that time
you will agree
seems
byalready—
to
move
faster
lives seem to be
get older. Alas, the pace of our
affecting thisround of class notes, so we’re a bit “skint”
as we
new compatriots would say) this time around,
hopefully the holiday malaise will have remedied
(as my
so
classnotes
itself by the time spring
news
share,
to
We had
a
so
around. But there is some
comes
363
few mix-ups with Class Notes going
other class mailboxes (so if
don’t
you
this column, but
send them
certain you submitted
are
directly
address listed
to
the beginning of the column, and we’ll
at
include them in the
next
did make its way
us,
to
some
Fabian
living with his “old part-
in crime,” Tim Ott, trying to “shatter the boundaries
constraining us
and reach our artistic dreams.” Fabian
editing, or working on film scripts while Tim
ispainting,
is
being said,
including an update from
Lijtmaer who wrote that he’s
ner
That
column).
completing an “amazing baseball screenplay.” Fabian
also writes that he is in touch with Brett Olenick, who
sends him “spiritual wisdom from the holy
that he
Josh Weinstein
sees
his career
as an
who is continuing
often,
and writer.
actor
As for classmates
email
mix-up allowed for Fay
Gambee ’62 to send in an update about
recently
Lorenzo
Pisoni,
stage in the Broadway production of Equus with Daniel Radcliffe. It also
reminded
me
saw on
that I
saw
Lorenzo’s
in the
performance
South Coast Repertory’s production of Tony Award
winning playwright Richard Greenburg’s Injured
I
Party while
was an
was
visiting California last summer.
inspiring performance, with Lorenzo deftly
traying multiple characters in
I
with
spoke
in the
performing
the comedic production.
globetrotting
recently returned from
Kelly who
Jessica
stint in Brazil where she
a
It
por-
amazing Fuerza Bruta—a
was
Broadway sensation,
performed, Jes
and then
pany
some
for
was
De La Guarda, in which she also
in the New York
packed her bags
a
to
join the Brazilian
few months late last
com-
year. She also spent
in aerial shows. In the Johan-
nesburg show, she and fellow
of towers
on
“jumped off
cast-mates
bungees pretending
to
be ’Bond girls! ’ ” Jes
silly and fun... and then we got to go
with baby lions on a game reserve.” Jes is now
said, “..
play
City production
time in South Africa and Italy last year choreo-
graphing and performing
back in N.Y.C. and has rejoined the
cast
Square home—be
of Fuerza
sure
to check
show if you’re in the neighborhood!
Congratulations
are
in
order for Emily Hahn
Granger and her husband, Seth Granger ’96, who welchild, Lola Shepard Granger, in
comed their first
November.
Emily writes, “We
want to thank all
Vassar friends for their well-wishes!
of our
”
since I don’t think she’s
ever
let
me
graced
include an update,
us
with her presence
in Class Notes! Meribeth is living withher husband,
Tim,
and their two gorgeous sons in Santa Fe, New Mexico
(and we
want to
but certainly
hear
not
more
least,
writes to say that she is
ment
next
time, MB!). And, last
Rachel Weimerskirch
“busy working on
of reading interventionprograms
cation and
3-year-old
Until
spending lots
at
at
summer
called
of time with my amazing
98
114 President
an
I spent part of the
independent producer.
in S.F. where I worked on
Harimaya
Bashi with
independent
an
the
Hairspray
set.
and
petition
Fm also
Itwas
Danny Glover.
film
consulting for
social
movie
a
great
a
movie
com-
website:
networking
www.MovieHatch.com. Come sign up and add me as a
friend. I attended Tahl Raz’s wedding in October in New
at
the
was
married to
photographer
Gillian Laub
Angel Orensanz Center in Manhattan with the
reception
at
Cipriani’s. Rabbi Matt
Street, #2
NY 11231
917.991.1377
[email protected]
frequent
laptop
Reimer ’96 co-offi-
ciated the ceremony, impressing all with his beautiful
voice. Other Vassar classmates who attended included
visitor. We’re still
enjoying
San
Diego and
“Though itseems
Angela Mazaris reports:
cliche
to
almost
add another birth announcement to the
ever-
growing list, this August I welcomed the
daughter,
Ocean Rae. She
in the
amazing thing
parenthood.
arrival of
is, quite simply, the
and I
world,
am
my
most
greatly enjoying
Ocean has benefitted from the
über-hip
wardrobe of my former roommate Alexis Wynne’s
twins, Amelia and Jonah. Boxes of incredibly stylish
baby gear have made their
cisco home to
my
way from Alexis’s San Fran-
Providence, RI, digs,
bit of how I used
and itreminds
permanently ’borrow’ pieces
of her wardrobe back when we lived together in
Noyes
and then the TAs. I’m also working on
my dissertation
in the American Civilization departmentat Brown,
writing about gay and lesbian public history projects.”
me a
Miranda
to
Beverly-Whittemore has had
writ-
good
this year. “My second novel, Set Me Free,
(Warner Books) won the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize
ing
news
Mike Keenan ’96, Brandy Murphy Keenan, Josh Weinstein Alexander ’97, Michael Merlo, Carrie Palmisano
for the best book of fiction
Merlo ’97, Kenny Smith, Isaac Fine, and John Spagna.
Itwas a lovely affair with tons of food and dancing. And
published in 2007, and my short story, Pertussis, was
picked by Ha Jin to win the Crazyhorse Fiction Prize.
of course it was the Vassarites who stayed
the dance
on
floor until the last song ended at 2 a.m.
Graham Ericksen attended the wedding of Ben
ogor and
Gol-
Bari Katz in Manhattan in mid-December
and reports that “it was awesome.”
In
September Eevin
Riehl. At the wedding
perform
Rebecca
Light Makes The Baby
Go
Blind (30 Plays in 60 Minutes) with the New York
also reports that he ran into me this
the boat to Saltaire, Fire Island. His wife, Lisa
Jason Bartow
fall
on
Annis
Bartow,
was
Elisa Strauss
summer,
was
in
or
Like
Any Other which
,
in N.Y.C. to full audiences and
2009, I’ll be looking
tour that
Bella
I have
for
some
opportunities
nice
notices;
to re-mount
show.”
Shah
been
Patel
September arrival of
“My husband
reports:
adjusting
our
to
parenthood
since
and
the
Vishaan. I have
baby boy,
enjoyed maternity leave and will be returning to work
we
got off.
spending time in
Saltaire this
as
she
off shooting a segment for Rachel Ray’s TV show.
Elisa’s new book,
play called (Not) Just A Day
also
but she wasn’t around that weekend
in November.
ran
the dock when
at
was
Neo-Futurists in N.Y.C. at the Kraine Theater and I
full-length
taking meet-
their documentary film.
on
also produced, co-wrote, and performed in
a
Lobenstine, continues to work
therapy and freelance editing.”
Miranda and I ran into each other during Independent
Hartsough was married to Carl
were
David
American woman
an
Film Week where she and her sister were
ings
Andrews, Brock
Savage, Tammy Scozzafava, and Christine HenryAndresen ’99. Graham writes: “In 20081 continued to
Too Much
My husband,
by
hard in both massage
Confetti Cakes for Kids,
came
out
Makeda Tlye Smith
reports: “My mom died in late
October and we’ve been trying to deal withthat. My
dad died when I was 9
so
my
had been carrying
mom
the torch for both parents, raising not only me but
three brothers who all went on to be successful
my
men
and fathers. At the time of her death she
taking
care
of
my
was
97-year-old great-grandmother,
Bernice. Bernice is alive and kicking and under the care
in January.”
of my Aunt Gilda in Detroit. I
reports: “On March 20,2008, my
daughter Tessa Marlowe Sclafani was born. She and
full obituary for the memorial service (she
my wife, Emily, have been doing fine. I also switched
teaching jobs and am teaching history at Riverdale
www.webfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2o7
Country School
Arlease Tatum-Smith. She
Mike Sclafani
in New York.”
Andrea Fernald McGuinness
a
had
reports: “We’ve
busy couple of months. We’ve added
our
son,
Gavin David,
worldthat he decided
was so
to our
excited about joining the
to come out five
is doing great, and 2a/Yyear-old
weeks early. He
Sophie
is
cremated)
getting used
being a big sister. I have so much admiration for
ple who have a lot of kids. We’re done at two!
to
peo-
Gabe Peterson
on
Dec.
reports: “My wife, Sarah
named Tobias Isaac Meerts
Meerts
’01, and I had
a son
14.”
Dylan,
short
Monje
Deisseroth
name
was
paper.
Theda
was
born Sept. 22,1952,
in
reports: “Pm continuing
year abroad in Switzerland. I
Sion, Switzerland,
as
a
through Fulbright and
teaching French at
finding
am
part of
my
a
teaching English
teacher
exchange
my school in
exchange
teacher is
Peekskill,
NY. I
am
the differences between Swiss schools and
American schools very
interesting. I am having fun
sharing the American culture by having a Thanksgivwhich they
students A Christmas
fully enjoyed.
I
also
have
a
Story,
blog:
hs.peekskillcsd.org/blogs/jmichel.”
Suaye Banigo is engaged and will be moving
to
getting his first tooth.”
Indonesia in January.
had a baby boy named
Also abroad is Dinah Roe, who last October celebrated 10 years of living in London. She is working on
a
biography of the Anglo-Italian Rossettis, a family
Alexander in June and
reports, “I
hood.”
Eva Marie Hansman Evans
my mom’s
for the
one
was
Jennifer LoDolce Michel
my
ing dinner and showing
is almost walking and is
Michelle
a
wrote
and died Oct. 20,2008.”
”
Meerts
and
483&fh_id=11030. My mom’s
family—-
“We lost our second dog,
reports:
Robin, exactly five months after the first. It would be
much quieter around our house except that the baby,
Freimark
Brooklyn,
my
Richelle Hanson
time...
Daryl
on
experience working 18-hourdays and helping in any way
I could. Far removed from
sitting behind a monitor on
the develop-
Scholastic Edu-
home in Brooklyn.”
next
Stack
a
would welcome visitors.”
writing this on a frigid day in Brooklyn
I left to be
With a little arm-twisting, I convinced classmate
Meribeth Nishan Densmore to
Baby.’ Nicole Meer Wills and family visited
shortly after Cate was born and Beck Goldberg ’97 is
shop. Yes, I have become one ofthe laptop cofshop people.After seven-and-a-half years at New Line
fee
Mayo Baby! She was 8 lbs, 11 ozs and 21
long. Big brotherJack is completely smitten with
his ’Sister
NY 11238
in a coffee
.it was so
Bruta in their Union
out the
I’m
“non-
stop collision of dynamic music, visceral emotion, and
kinetic aerial imagery.” From the creators of the off-
inches
[email protected]
York. Tahl
making headlines in the perform-
ing arts world, another
who she
land,” and
#3F
917.754.6353
them, please
my and/or Christine’s email
Sterling Place
Brooklyn,
to
your notes in
see
“Cinco de
Sarah Parvis
let’s get started!
am
loving Mommy-
and husband Matthew
welcomed Catherine Claire Evans
on
May 5,2008.
whose literary and artistic activitieshelped shape the culture
of Victorian London. She also is selecting, editing,
VASSAR
SPRING
-2009
51
classnotes
and introducing a collection of Pre-Raphaelite poetry for
me
the background knowledge and
only
not
experience
undertake these projects,
to
but
to
where she is
a
Fulbright
(spring
10THREUNION
grant. “I
UC-Irvine
still in the Ph.D. program in German at
and in Vienna working on my dissertation. I hope to finam
235 S.
spending time abroad
is Paul Miller. “I
music
giving
am
to
earn a
667 Tenth Street,
Brooklyn,
the Eastman School of Music in
theory from
May and
finally going
am
Melissa Walker
Ph.D. in
awarded her Ph.D. in
history from
art
lA,
convisiting assistant professor of modern and
as a
at
Without further ado
in the
goodbye
tional security
“I
laughter
speak to the Vassar
to
family
turnout and
There
it was
are more
a
great
truly powerful, meaningful event.
a
than a few
upcoming
Vassar grads who
are
seriously considering joining the military, mostly
out
of
desire
a
nation
participate and contribute
to
during what they
see
as a
campaignedfor Obama and
was
cratic National Convention
Obama campaign. “It
The
or
highlightwas
a
was a
toss
up
as
to
Gruenwald Gunby
denotes.” Jessica is at home with
name
learn
critical time.” John
together.” Benjamin Shalva, “the rabbi
known
as
as a
rabbi. “Feel free
Pam
ber. Pam also sends
who with her
stop by and schmooze
Constantinou Papadopoulos and hus-
news
daughter Mariain Octo-
shows
—
lots of TV
reports: “I’ve been editing
ery), and Made (MTV).
Chasers (Discov-
seeing a lot of Eric
Been
team,
Chaikin
who
with
Jonathan
Brady; hanging out
Howard ’97, whose wife Robin is my best friend, and
their two littlekiddies; saw pictures of Brandy Tipton
and
Atticus
Morgan’s (’97)
new
baby boy!”
November. “We love
sey in
it is keeping
us
very
ropoliTones, had
a
the 2008 holiday
Cipriani, Essex
events
season.
throughout
holiday
CD.”
And I
N.Y.
make
performance
querque, and has
ever,
We also released
I
am
our
a
an
MM
first
(or M.Mus.)
Albuat the U. ofNew Mexico in
a
battle against
a
sunny side
my
brain. Since
my
diagnosis
VASSAR
of
-2009
his Ph.D., Tommy Figura,
consequence of finishing
who has happily simmered with the
in March of
me
to
the most fantastic
his
I
burlesque
no,
to
bar in
she did
reunion,
not
as
I
missed the last one.”
forget contact information is available
Don’t
at
aavc.vassar.edu. See you
at
online
reunion!
Merritt Birnbaum
00
(spring
and
311 E. 81st
fall)
Street, Apt IRE
New York, NY 10028
[email protected]
Pope
(summer and winter)
[email protected]
turning our first N. YC. snow into
pile of slush—and oddly, by the time you read this,
the last snow of the season may already be dissolving.
As I write, the rain is
a
In deference tothe
fleeting winter; I’ll start off with news
is living in Manhattan with her
law
Mogan, whom she met whilein
school at American U. in D.C. The couple married in
is
School, Ryan
employed at
a
Foster
moved
law firm down-
boxer puppy. Heather Kelly finished her M.A. in classics at the U. of Arizona and has been teaching at the
community college in Tucson,
which she
loves, despite
the salary. Heather writes: “As luck would have it, I
also fell in love with a visiting scholar who had to go
back home
so
I’ve decided to
Shady Cosgrove
fencing
showing
move
to
Sydney while
applica-
in
on
relocating from
’96 and look forward to
exour
reunion of two down in Wollongong.”
we are
our
all welland that we make
a
good
reunion year contribution to the col-
the development office appreciates her
fundraising cheerleading! Gabe Anderson and Jen
I
lady, and,
new
warmer
Ryan bought a house with his brother Andrew
spends his time fixing it up, with help from his new
lege.
of his thir-
onset
who is my beloved brother
ties, Graham Campbell,
from another mother, saving the world and upping my
admiration for him by the day, and Brian Grosz, who
as
Dallas, where he
Vassar
Bagshaw,
girlfriend, Gina Grandi ’96. After graduating
agent,
which will help him
pat
Tim
pocketbookdogs
from fellow East Coasters and end with those in
Heather hopes
a
SPRING
as a
interest in
a severe
expects go get rich shortly,
he travels often to San Francisco
tions. I’m getting sound advice
large low-grade
partial surgical resection, and I am currently trying to decide whether to do chemotherapy.
2008 I’ve had
’OO, who’s writing away in L.A.,
who’s developed
Mike
an
I wait to hear back from my Ph.D. program
glioma (brain tumor) occupying much ofdie right hemisphere of
Hannah Bos ’OO and Paul Thureen ’OO
The Debate Society. Mike just finished Cape
union
at P.S. 122. As the owner of a
card and
and
begun teaching cello privately. How-
waging
as
town.
special mention of Christian
just earned
man
missus, Clare, in
I’m still in regular contact withJohn New-
Peter
Disappointment
to
We sang at the Bronx Zoo,
Christienreports: “On the less
as
things,
townhouse, and
Market, and several charity
City.
are
well
from U. of CincinnatiLaw
(www.MetropoliTones.com)
want to
Beeuwkes’s note. He
in cello
our new
Jer-
busy! My singing group, the Metbusy performance schedule during
Street
as
with his
Carolyn Kiel and her husband moved to New
Anchorage.
Mike
the offices have moved.”
Wife Swap (ABC), Storm
unendingly charming
and his
son
of Colleen Cook Stonbely ’OO,
are now the
parents of a
Riggs lives in Brooklyn, designing lighting for
theatre and opera in N.Y.C., and dance and special
world. He still works with
events in other parts of the
lanthe Demos ’OO and the rest of the One Year Lease
once
Stephen
be
the hopes of finally having an official imprimatur to
Joe Morrimore insufferable than usual. Recently saw
husband, Ted,
baby boy named Henry.
Alanna Yudin
lawsuit against
a
Colbert and his kind. I’m applying to return to law
school and become a constitutional law professor, in
Fairfax, VA,” where he
to
horizon
Jhung reports, “There’s a lot on the
with the MLB Productions inJanuary. Hopefully more
come
elite, having recently settled
in the D.C. area, he would love to say
Rob Riggle and Jason Jones.”
to
happy to report that I’ve just returned from a jourof slaying sacred cows amongst the liberal media
ney
Truly looking forward
hello,
I’chaim, and show them around “the
am
“I’m
work there.
a
who I
correspondent duties:
both doing fine, and big brother Lev, almost 3-yearsold, is very excited. Ben writes that ifany fellow alumni
band William welcomed their
members
Conor Corcoran,
class
over
meet
anytime.”
between seeing Bill Clinton
take
the world to
works
fascinating experience.
from
news
brought
very groovy synagogue in
Vets for
part of the
is thrilled to
Benjamin Schudson,”
to
let everyone know that his daughter Avital was born
and her mother, Sara, are
on Thanksgiving Day! Avital
get together for
Jason
52
can
are ever
the
invitedto the Demo-
drinking beers with The Daily Show cast
his
as
formerly
commu-
nity about my experiences in Iraq. We had
and
family, including 5-year-old Alexander and 2-yearold Charlotte, and “exploring all the ways a growing
Vassar by the chair ofthe International Studies Department, Dr. Pinar Batur, to
City
her
Washington Quarterly. John also
fortunate enough to be invited back
was
2-year-old sons,
Jessica
An
thesis, titled “The Anbar (Iraq) Awakening:
Alliance of Incentives,” was published in the Jan. 2009
reports:
lives in New York
works part time as a lawyer.
and her husband welcomed their third child, Isaac
Auberon Gunby, in May. Jessica writes, “He is full of
Georgetown
version of The
than
to
have lots of baby news!
with husband Chris and twin
spring.”
his master’s in internaMcCary finished
U. in Dec. 2007, and his
at
John A.
nominating
...
Claudia Villanella Murdoch
surviving!
say
less excited
post-graduationlife where we
“I am here in IA on my own, with my
temporary art.
husband and daughter in MN. We miss each other, but
I love working at the college; it will be
are
difficult to
And finally,
be finished with
am no
graduate school, somewhat gainfully employed, and
back in the Northeast! We seem to be in that phase of
the U. of Min-
She is
of
slightly colder in Philadelphia
Miami, but I
Grinnell College in Grinnell,
nesota.
teaching
I’ve noticed it is
will be
Bidler
In Dec. 2008 Tiffany Johnson
runner,
congratulations ... and here I was feeling proud
myselffor not having a heart attack after my first SK!
[email protected]
music in Germany this summer.”
distance
a
ing
Apt. 1
NY 11215
347.668.0250
lectures about Stockhausen’s
two
Saratoga Springs. Jen completed
Gabe has racked up about 1,500 miles and 13 races,
including 3 half-marathons and 2 marathons, includDecember. Big
a 3:19:34 personal record in early
(summer and winter)
and earning his Ph.D.
home in
in Albany. Still in his first year as
lege
[email protected]
ish it next year, whereupon I can
doctors—fake and real—from the Class of ’98.”
at
assistant
her master’s degree in library science and is an
professor, Serials and Collections librarian at Sage Col-
PA 19102
216.970.7429 (phone)
then join the ranks of
Also
summer
Street, Apt. 1004
15th
travel-filled 2008, with trips
a
five
City, Philadelphia, and Puerto Rico (to celebrate
with an action-packed
years of marriage inJuly), along
fall)
Philadelphia,
enjoyed
San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego,
Atlanta,
Nashville, both Portlands (Maine & Oregon), Atlantic
Nicole Zahka
and
DeaneAnderson
to
help
from Vienna, Austria,
spending the year on
words of advice from Vassar alumni who
enjoy
to
them as well.”
Rebecca Schuman wrote
any
have been through similar experiences.”
“I remain grateful toVassar for giving
Penguin Classics.
me
welcome
am sure
climes.
Emily
husband,
Friedman
Grant
April and honeymooned in Mauritius
and South
Africa. Corey Langenbach Kelly, Ben Kelly, Carolyn
Wall Sakata, and Derrick Sakata all attended the wedassociate at
ding. Emily is an
specializing in employment
Weil, Gotshal & Manges,
law. Tamara (Tea) Fougner
editing comics at King
Syndicate, working with lots of great comic
is also in N.Y.C. where she is
Features
strips.
years
after three
Penney Vachiraprapun reports that
as a
DA’s Office in
prosecutor, she left the Bronx
is now an agency attorney for the
September, and
N.Y.C.
Department of
planning her Aug.
sweetheart,
Consumer Affairs. She is also
2009
wedding
the wedding of Kieran Keating
Nicholson ’Ol
reception
at
to
her law school
Andrew Rafalaf. Moira Chapin attended
at
Nicholson
and Charles
the Vassar Chapel, followed by
a
Alumni House. Judith Belasco, Kellie Boss
classnotes
’Ol, and Allison Winningstad ’Ol also attended. Moira
“The
adds,
night before
we
reminded of how
were
strong the drinks
are at the Dutch, but
fortunately had
ample time to recover before the ceremony.”
finished
Emilie Baltz
at Pratt
ing at
master’s in industrial
a
in Paris workspent a year
design studio for furniture and decorative arts.
a
While there she discovered
to Fort
returning
upon
love for
a
industry. She collaborated withchefs
rants
and
bicycling
and
Greene, Brooklyn, opened her
and
consulting business for the food
own
design
Institutein 2005 and
hospitality
in
the N.Y. Parks Department, called Picnick. Emilie is
brand strategy consultant for
while
occasionally recording
small N.Y.
her kazoo.
on
songs
Flaherty and her family moved back
Susan
after
a
and is continuing to work for hospitality clients,
agency
two
years in
Pennsylvania.
just turned 1, and
her
Her
Paris
to
daughter Ondine
Casimir is
son
already 4 and
in
school. Susan is working in investor relations for
French
In
May 2008,
“getting settled
in
a
little apartment, missing the sunny East Coast winter, and hoping to run into more Vassar alums in Paris.”
company,
our
Alison Albeck Lindland
maid at Alexandra Relias’s
wedding
in
was a
heart, Jon Cifonelli. Vassar
included
Howard,
drick, and
attendees
Nora Die
Claudia Aleman.
ance
Rose, Nick KinTrue to her VRDT roots,
2009
on
performing
rousing rendition of “New York,
a
New
Nepal
and is
now
in N.Y.C.
product development for Clinique
ward
to
Bardavon 2009.
Jennifer
she returned from Australia and is
and
Milt ’Ol and Lauren Joseph ’OO
Shaenon
on
Cape Cod,
husband, Andrew, and works
book publisher Viz
2009 about
“the revival of authentic
a
Emery
Dan
season
hung out with a
bunch ofVassar
Lee, Jocelyn Brown ’O2,
and Lisa
McManus
low
at
Tina Tate
2008-9 Fiction
a
the Fine Arts Work Center in
Writing Fel-
Provincetown,
a
performed by Ian
ceremony
Gabe Meerts ’98, and Arianna
the
wedding. Finally,
his wedding
announce
Joshua
Ross-
Berkson ’00, Dan Dorman, Sarah Meerts,
’03 attended
Schlegel
Jonathan Stern
to
Gessin on
Kyla
wrote
in to
May 3,2008.
Blank, who introduced Jonathan and Kyla to
each other, spoke
the wedding.
at
weeks prior
to the
Nicholas Coblence
wedding
job at JER Partners,
as
well. Two
started
wedding, Jonathan
a new
private equity firm, working for
Brent Feigenbaum ’82. Congratulations to all of
you!
Now
some
he is
from world-travelers.
news
dropped
Kabrawala
a
line from southern
us a
Ameet
India, where
traveling with Genevieve Stamper ’99. Writing from
the Democratic
working
Republic of Congo,
Liana Bianchi
is
for the NGO Africare in Kinshasa. Liana was
about to travel to Zanzibar for the holidays and hoped
up with Arie Rubenstein. Michael Brenner
to meet
mittee and the German government to foster transat-
Finally, Shuvo
after
Dastidar
breakinghis
sends thanks
to
neck
is starting physical therapy
playing Ultimate Frisbee and
all his Vassar friends who wrote, called,
and visited while he was
recovering.
Alexandra
01
(spring
Hill
fall)
joint program of the
lantic relations. He is back in Manhattan, working
Elena
moved
Cavallo
to
Rome
Haw-Wen
And, finally,
I turn to those ofus who
been awarded the APA’s
Class of2001! Thanks to those of
who
you
it
this
just
(Advertising Photographers
campaign shoot for Toto.”
Monica N. Chheda
and Matthew Hureau ’02
Tait’s
joined the
photographs:
I received word that
New
Jersey law firm
were
Alumnae House. The number of
gave
Hannah-Murphy writes with
big news: “I
Hannah-Murphy on
birth to Nathaniel Thomas
Oct. 10,2008. He was 8 lbs. 11 oz., 21 inches.
and I
Jennifer
are
My wife
thrilled.” For pictures of Nathaniel:
www.picasaweb.com/nate.hannahmurphy. Congratulations,
Lauren! News from another Lauren: Lauren
graduated from ART/Harvard’s
Roper, Alec Raia ’02, Lauren Hunter ’02, Sarah Gomez
Roberts
graduated from Northeastern U.
in ’O6 and is relaunching a
Law in
nonprofit production company with Bradford Louryk,
Katragadda, Chizoba Ezeh ’02, Ed Gross ’02,
Clayton Childress ’02, Hayden Brown ’02, Mike Cast
Studio 42 Inc., which has several other alums
’02, Brett Lampiasi ’02, Mollie Ring ’02, Ryan Phillips
Market. She is
happyto be
reconnecting
with Vassar friends. From further
up
MA. Devon Berkshire
M.F.A. program for
board, including
man,
acting
Jackie
Dan
Kristel,
on
Golub, Jen
and Conor Corcoran ’99. Devon often
who is working hard in Yale’s M.F.A.
the
Wine-
sees
Jen,
directing pro-
gram, and Paulo Carminati, who is a wine
importer for
Palm Bay Imports in Boston. In other
acting news,
Jorge Ortiz writes that he shot a leading role in a 10
episode web
series and booked
a
feature film that will
shoot in Pittsburgh in April 2009.
Thoth Weeda
his residency
at
visited
Tulane,
Kaveh
and in
’02,
graduates
Sadigh who is
doing
to
’02, Calvin Wong ’00, and
ley married
Emily Ryan
occasionally
on
Nov. 14 at
a
beachside
emony with a candlelit reception at the
cer-
in attendance
were
Dan
as a
to
Brooklyn,
their honeymoon,
where Zachary is work-
supervising producer
Sept. 2,2008,
on
on
Made at MTV. On
Jennifer Kronholm Clark
CT. Their reception
Mathews, and
Inn in
Lakeville, CT, where Jennifer
she is
in Boston, where he works for Converse and
an
interior
designer.
Jeannie Nash
reports that
after spending a few years in N.Y.C. as a makeup artist,
she graduated from the U. of Arizona
College of Law,
legal department
north in West Pawlet, VT,
ton
announces
at
Fairway
back in New York City and
Elisabeth Schlussel
that she and her husband
Hazel-
just bought
house: “It’s got fruit trees, raspberry bushes, about
paneling produced in the 1970s,
and a wood stove with two settings—’off’ and ’Sahara.’
a
30 percent of the wood
We couldn’t be
Roberts
call
it our very own.” Emily
happier to
and her husband, Aaron Springe:; have moved
tains, “is underrated.” Emily works for the law firm of
Thailand and Japan
at
Joe live
in the in-house
from
to
Clark
all attended. Allison and
Sam
working
School of
the New York bar exam, and is
Shweisky, and John Inerfeld ’02. Zachary and Elyse
isbury,
Beth Kronfeld
Kramer,
May, passed
traveled
House. Elisabeth Harris, Chris Wood,
George (Burgin)
Hemingway
Evan Kind-
to a Theater Near You. Zachary Behr writes
that he married Elyse Steinberg on Oct. 11, 2008.
ing
Miller in Key West, FT,
Beletsky ’00.
Coming
before returning
to Allison
Leo
Lerner at the Brooklyn Botanic
writes film reviews for the website Not
Homa Rastegar’s ’Ol fairytale wedding in Tuscany with
married
15!: Elizabeth
Gardens in New York City. Evan is in the fourth year
of a Ph.D. program in English at Princeton U. He also
Kristen Graeper ’O2. Joe
Spies
was
was
Sri
Among those
September he went
in attendance
Lauren
seems a
recent months. P.
Shakespeare Garden on Aug. 2,2008,
at
on
Parker McCay.
Katatikarn
with a reception
Vassar
still
series of images I created in Iceland
category (for a
last year). I’ve also recently completed an advertising
PA 19107
with news.
married in the
are
of America) 2008 Photography Award in the ’Fine Art’
Street,#6l7
number of you have married in the
Jasmine
live with her
to
and she is teaching
continent. Tait Simpson wrote in to say, “I have
starting withthe weddings, because
I am
Com-
for the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor.
www.apanationalcontest.com.
wrote in
Jewish
VISIT ME IN ROME!”
[email protected]
Greetings,
where he took
American
Muri-Rosenthal,
Chai, Gabriel
Woolever, Terry Park, Session Mwamufiya, Rebecca
Gebhardt ’02, Greg Mulkern ’03. She says, “COME
(summer and winter)
Philadelphia,
a
Adam
Road, Apt. 3
Doucette
111 N. 9th
in
English to children in private schools and adults in
language schools. She is going
back to Turin for Christmas and hopes to hear from
Williamstown, MA01267
Amanda
part
boyfriend,
Merley
and
181 Knolls
after
relaxing holi-
a
Kelly
enjoying the Southern California sun.
617.549.0312
helping
Christine Olexa in
man.
recently returned from Berlin, Germany,
is finishing the final semester of an M.S.
selected as
Mike
absinthe
to look
geology, accepted a teaching posiCollegein Pennsylvania, and married
graduated from U. of San Diego Law School and is
working as a civil litigation attorney in San Diego, while
is excited for
home in Somerville, MA, where she sees
wife, Shira, often. In literary news, Sophie
was
friends, includingAlli-
Aurigemma ’9B. Also in California,
Ph.D. in
a
tion at Keystone
in
Stutzman, Mee-Lise
Robinson ’9B, Karoline Gostl ’9B, Mike Benedetto ’9B,
son
and dis-
at
Rosan’s
out
413.230.8933
“working
in nutrition and is looking forward to
day
coming
[email protected]
ofconservation
Barish
book
looking for-
parcel
land, upkeeping the trails
watching for signs of encroachment. Ellenor
and
a
all-women manga artist team titled
CLAMP in America. Shaenon visited N.Y.C. and
an
working on
Franco-Suisse-style
in the U.S.” This winter, he will be
small
editor at comic-
and he is the curator of the
Media,
finished
and Farah Mehta attended the
bridesmaids.
as an
Cartoon Art Museum. She has
Epley reports that
Wendell Edwards
as
Garrity is living in San Francisco with her
sertating” at the U. of Michigan, having fun when possible, and trying to stay warm during a Midwest winter.
Up
wed in Nov.
the beach in Todos Santos, Mexico. The recepCalifornia, with Amber
York!”). Nicole Howard recently traveled through
India and
to
tion will take place at the Hotel
the bride danced
impromptu
the night
away (including an
kick line of all ot her bridesmaids on
stage
and white collar criminal defense. She is
defense,
converting to Judaism and planning
brides-
Chicagoto her
law school sweet
Nicole
college. Jeannie is an associate at Kravitz, Schnitzer,
Sloane, Johnson & Eberhardy in personal injury, insur-
develop restau-
to
co-opened the first sustainable food kiosk
currently a
where she met her fiance, Michael Schwartzer. The couple moved to Las Vegas with a goldenretriever and the
same black kitty “Missy Meow” that Jeannie had in
married James
the Salisbury Congregational Church in Salwas
held
at
the Wake Robin
works as
an
edi-
The Lakeville Journal Co. and James is a production coordinator. Jennifer and James honeymooned in
tor at
Malaga, Spain.
Elizabeth McGrath
and her husband,
Dale Kosevski, attended from California. Ian Saginor
Brooklyn to Philadelphia, which, Emily main-
Cozen
O’Connor, where she
tronic Content
is the Reference and Elec-
Manager for the law library. This
is
a
fitting job, as Emily graduated from both Pratt and
Brooklyn
Law in
May. They regularly
’02 and others. Ellia Bisker started a
publisher Peermusic,
knowledge
and she
will further her
see
new
violin) performs regularly
on an
album. Ellia
was
with music
hopes that
own
music
Soubrett & The Regrets (which includes
on
Sam Franklin
job
her
career.
new
Sweet
Heather Cole
in N.Y.C. and is working
the winner of the “Mizz Green-
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
53
classnotes
her
reported on
trip
’OO and her
Daigle Kuca
She
Laura Gladstone.
the wedding of
my!
new
son,
saw
Owen,
as
Loanzon
Nicole
Nishimura
well
a
as
Trentinella, Luke Riservato, and
Mike Armer. She
Jenniferherself is newly engaged to
“in this small group
of her friends
that,
is proud to say
we
have
doctor,
a
a
teacher,
a
are
a
pleasure
Ph.D., a scientist,
the city
lawyer-in-training, and me,
It is always
near
to
a
doing and where in the world they
my
are.
classmates
Sending you
all best wishes from the Berkshires, where my husband,
the middle of a
and I are snuggled down in
dog,
02
91 NW 45th
03
Street, Apt. 1B
New York. Yaniv
Judy
Lem
2651
16th Street
NW, Apt. 310
a
17 Bow Street
it is a busy time
climates a little warmer. Though
of year, I managed to get some informationout ofsome
have to say:
of our classmates. Here is what they
in New York City and is in
Alathia Barnett is
warmer
living
days to volunteer in Cusco, helping
for families with
with reforestation and building stoves
other students from N.YU. Also, Alathia mentions that,
Across
much like me, she is still single with no children.
Karb recently started
the bridge in Brooklyn, Maureen
willbe moving to Sunat Workman Publishing and she
Park in Brooklyn in February.
I also heard from Luis Marcial who is
operations.
working for
senior coordinator of facility
as
He says it’s a lot of fun and only 10 minbe going off to
once
from home. He
will,
the Netherlands to see
he’ll
enjoy
Africa to see his sister-in-law where
some
scuba diving with the great whites. His daughter just
celebrated her 10th birthday in October and this Febhe and his wife willcelebrate their fourth wed-
ruary
Curtis,
who
Osterweville, MA,
a
is also in order for Jenny
big congratulation
got married
on
Oct.
Car-
11,2008,
in
Jack Curtis. Rachael Teel ’03 was
happy couple honeymooned in
to
bridesmaid. The
Speaking of Massachusetts, our very own
David Ambroz was recently honored by Community
Hawaii.
Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
I was very happy to hear from one fellow A5er.
Brooke
me and mentioned that she
school in Santa Cruz. She has been
Crowley wrote to
is still in
graduate
productive and has completed a lotof important steps
along
the graduationpathway. In January she will have
returned
to
Madagascar
to collect
the final round of
housesamples for her dissertation. Another former
mate, Dr. Audrey Kesselring,
gery
54
service and is
VASSAR
now
SPRING
reading this, I’d like
just finished her burn sur-
working
-2009
on
to
congratulate you for
Senator Obama
general surgery
Representative McKinney,
or
bers
I’m
our
well
Sann,
Cessi
Caroline
who
at
sent
as
Vanna
Messier, Kenan Rubenstein, Jed Lazar,
Fanning ’04,
Chris
their love from
a
Cutter
Asta, and Christen
motel room in Worcester,
MA. Jillian Buckley broke from
editing documentaries
them. She’s
in Astoria to join
just started a master’s at
master’s. She’s studyColumbia. Brady is also starting a
at the U. of Chicago after travel-
ing anthropology
in
Portugal with
wedding were
Heather
Aaron. In attendance at their
Cohn, Katherine Maas,
Will
Shapiro and
Ethan Lobdell
have taken to the
Ethan has
hiked the John Muir Trail in California, while
in
bivying
Brooklyn
at
Tetons. Heather Axford
the
is
Central American Legal Assistance as
a
will be in the Living Theatre’s Eureka. He’s
Scranton
Gray and Anine Booth ’06. In
the Victorine-Ellis wedding were
seen
anthropology and environmental studies at Yale. Isaac
are
Andy
as
God Genes Decoded. She’s recently
Rachael
and Liz Ellis, Brady G'sell and Aaron SeaGrifChristine Wegner and Joanna Harps, Mary
man,
Krone, Rustum Jacob and his
fin Krone and
spouse
just moved to
“loose
education or marriage. Sasha
London. She’s buying for net-a-
staff attorney. Molly Powers recently saw
her field work in
Teel in Fiji. Rachael just finished
Joe Victorine
attendance
to
mountains. Will lives in West Philadelphia and recently
in
knowing
classmates for real change.
Recently embarked on the good ark Matrimony
Dave
pleased to report the following
Rubin-Smith and Joanna Miner. Land-lub-
been
sure
know what to
more change than
you
you’re enjoying
do with. As we begin this magical journey of deceptions
look to
take comfort
we can always
revealed,
also
publish The
Julia
the pursuit of a new administration.Whether
erty, and
under the reign of Senator McCain,
are suffering
ing
ding anniversary. Congratulations!
A
are
again,
his in-laws and then off to South
done
If you
our
surviving another presidential election! This year,
made a leap in strides toward life, libgreat nation has
Emmett
been working on As the World Turns and Rescue Me.
back
He writes that the Tuxedo Renn Faire brought
is
wonderful NSO memories. Melissa Langdell
in Berkeley and
at ChurchDivinity School ofthe Pacific
is a candidate for ordination. She is a seminarian at
Redwood
sia Episcopal El Buen Pastor in
der Gilbert
is
prosecuting
unmarked police
car
City.
Igle-
Alexan-
Queens, complete with
in
and Chihuahua. Julian Smith is
home in Jamaica after two months in Bangalore,
for an internship. He’ll be back at Northwestern
India,
U. to finish up his M.B.A. at
has
and
ence
been
blogging
working
at
Lise
Fracalossi
her master’s in computer scia strategic research ana-
on
Fitchburg
Kellogg.
(www.frugalfruitlands.net)
State. She’s
lives withher
Sprecher, and Cora Levin. Disembarking a graduate
clinical psychologyis Anansa Brayton who
program in
lyst at an educational marketing firm and
husband, Matt LeVan ’OO. Timothy Sekk finished
postdoc fellowship in forensic psychology
St. Elizabeths Hospitalin Washington, DC. She was
national
started a
the Harps-Wegner
at
at
marriage after Christine flew in from
finished
Japan, where she coaches basketball. Mary
switched fields from chema doctorate and immediately
istry
ric
to
finance. She and
Andy
hiked in the Marin Met-
Century for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and
an
tour
adjunct professor at the U. of Montana-Western. He
played Sting
in An
Englishman
in New
derful.”
deis
Rahsheda Smith
Lisa
Lee
is in
Brooklyn with
Hayes,
She is teaching, writing
Nii Tackie.
play. Sasha
Andreev
is in Minneapo-
He co-hosts Curb
is teaching at Johnnie L. Cochran middle school in L.A.
Rico. Casie Smith
recently left N.Y.C.
Independent School Support Systems
College, where she
directs the
helped
lis
Bran-
Wachong, Krystal Tribbett, and
her thesis, and work-
the Spanish Steps in Rome last June.
On the other side of the educational coin, Rustum
start
York and
writes that “life in Brooklyn with Bryn Thorsson is won-
shopping
He
a
with The Acting Company, and became
MS. Christine
rode from San Francisco to Sonoma for
BU and got engaged on
Perpetua finished an M.B.A. at
■
(US. Open)
[email protected]
i
the USTA
master’s in orchestral
Like Tim, she’s looking to meet-up with
porter.com.
Shakur just
other alumni in her new city. Radiyah
launched casadiculture.com with her sisters and helped
508.728.8713
;
gone to Peru,
in January, for 10
utes
Sarokin
Somerville, MA 02143-1738
you
semes-
graduate in May
prints she will have
2009. By the time this
set
Place,
am
change,” unrelated
Unit 2
...
in the M.S.W. program and will
a
architecture program at SCI-Arc in L.A.
I
Anthony Baldor
myself
this column
home, where it is colder than I could have remembered.
should be turning
By the time you get this the weather
for those of us in
back to some sort of less cold—or
ter
just started
the U. of Michigan. If you’re in in Paris,
program
an
one more
at
Tim Reno, he’s pursuing a master s
France, contact
Sciences
affairs
Po, but wants to meet up with
at
public
Ithaca to start
fellow alums. Lastly, Josi Ward moved to
Handelman has started
at Cornell and Nina
[email protected]
here workOut in the West Texas town ofEl Paso... I sit
am back
As I write this I
NYU. She has
After three years in Tokyo, acting
Dillon Font moved to
Andrew Cohn in July
Arbor where he had coffee with
to
before Andrew graduated law school and moved
well in whatever part
always, be in touch, be
ones
Washington, DC 20009
[email protected]
graduate program at
crew.
He’s been studying improv while working at
be starting at the
The Second City box office, and will
in Ann
Chicago Portfolio School soon. Yaniv Segal is
Astoria, NY 11105
a
teaching
in
(summer and winter)
on
PA. Amy Brand is still
Chicago.
conducting
Elliot Villar
ing
adjunct
and ministering weddings,
[email protected]
20-74 Steinway
ambitious
an
by
ofthe world you
safe, and be fabulous. Loves.
Avenue, #202
as an
last August.
Continuing our cheesy yet unabashed seafaring-asis
change metaphor, moored alongside Matrimony
has
Matriculation
than
clippep
ark
Less
Matriculation!
great
... but I promise I’m a changed man.
match for all those
of my time finding the perfect college
impressionable minds. I also like to spend my time sunfind yourthe beach or
my pool. If any of you
yourselfand your loved
U.
continuing to work
Temple and is renovating
Brooklyn
deal
a
Temple
She continued reunion over board games
in
with Elizabeth (Liza) Boyle and Tiffany Abreu
living
may be in. As
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
at
She is
art.
and have been working as a college guidance counselor
School in Boca Raton. I know, I know
at Saint Andrew’s
find
and fall)
(spring
course
Narbeth,
home in
a
self in my part of the country or feel like a quick trip
air mattress (or if
bask in the sun, my couch and/or my
available.
a list of hotels) is always
you prefer
This is it for now—short and sweet. I hope you all
Juan Salvador Acosta
a
summer.
toward her Ph.D. in history at
to
Please stay in touch!
taught
professor this
do it; I
Speaking of me, and really you all made me
Florida
in the big suburb known as South
still
ning at
cat,
snowstorm.
me
Shannon
this March for
I spend
planner.”
hear what
am
(busy busy lawyer) and
girl’s reunion.
mini
Mike Scimone.
Rose
Dr. Sheila
(busy busy graduate student),
Lauren
doctor),
busy
(busy
Payares
nifer Petersen
the East Coast in October for
to
low-income students attend elite
to support
the country, Dave and
schools. On the other side of
Anine teach at Wild Blue and live in Brooklyn. Kelly
(isss-la.org)
and hemorservice. She says: gallbladders, hernias,
She is looking forward to seeing Jenrhoids—oh
afterward
the summer but shortly
point” pageant over
moved to Park Slope. She would love to reconnect with
Jennifer Cutler
other Brooklynite Vassarites. Finally,
a
working
one-act
at
the GuthrieTheater and the MN Fringe.
Appeal on
doing production design for
HGTV and will
a
soon
be
feature film in Puerto
for Hampsire
laboratory
at
the Early
classnotes
Childhood Education Center. Sam Marquand, Justin
Bogardus,
in
and Matt Miller are
living and/or freelancing
Brooklyn.
and Dr. Cristina Mariani Burkett of
Brian Burkett
Queens celebrated their one-year anniversary
Brian is in the clinical
Anthony Baldor is in
Somerville, MA,
with Yair
psychology doctoral
Long Island U.—CW Post
7.
July
on
program at
campus. Cristina received her
Keshet, Conor Shankman ’O4, and others. He spends
too much time in a lab at a start-up pharmaceutical com-
medical degree from Upstate MedicalU. last May. She
pany to turn in the class notes
prestigious Long Island Jewish Hospital.
on
time and reminds you
was
that change is good. It will retain its value better than
paper currency!
accepted
to
position as
a
Adrienne Weisner started
in the fall. She likes
psychiatry resident
a
Harvard
at
the East Coast but
on
5TH REUNION 04
Megan
last
(spring
and
2675 SE
Thompson
fall)
lottesville, VA.
department
Corvallis, OR 97333
[email protected]
59 Leicester
serves as
Brighton,
This column
with
starts
a
are
Chris Vaccaro
for
in
ter
ried to Amanda Scott Vaccaro ’O6. Also, Stefanie works
a
lot of other
news.
Thanks
all who wrote!
to
trip
the US.
to
a
few months ago, and visited with
a
for six
center
a
and three
year
job sending high school students
left N.Y.C., where she
St.
to
was
acting professionally,to relocate
Augustine,
the
wedding by
Returning to
to
teach and
act.
N.Y.C.
a
Kathy Alcoba, fresh off
was
in Australia. She’s
working
Obispo, CA, to
Cal Poly. She’s seen
(who got her master’s in communicamanagement from USC) and Piya Bose.
Shaina Hinton
tions
Melissa Riebe
at
is in New
Sotheby’s and finishing up her
ter
master’s. This
she’s writing her thesis (which necessitates
week “research” trip
Rebecca
on
York, working part
time
semes-
a
Kraley and Philip Putter ’O3 were engaged
on
the first
day of
Rebecca’s freshman year. Philip proposed on the edge
of a candlelit Sunset Lake, serenaded
Rebecca’s for-
by
cappella
working
Mona Roberts
Training
shoot
completed
Institute in Las
a
at
geous
day
Nathaniel
in
June ’OB,
(Natty)
Sarah
Davies,
Tova
Snydacker married
Bruhn ’O3 at Bourne Farm in Mas-
sachusetts.” In attendance
were
Laurel
Eskra, Megan
Grunes, Annie Connor, Tara Murphy,
Kate
Lucy Amory,
Morgan Twain-Peterson, Mike Chu,
Fink,
Matt Braun, Tim
and Michelle Schackman.
Ashley Lukens is living in Honolulu, pursuing her
Ph.D. in political science. In Nov. 2007, she married
Matthew Shannon. Attending the wedding were Scott
Reitherman,
Dave
Jacob
Blumenfeld, Conor Shankman,
Amiton, Kyle Bellows, Nate Sandler, Rohan
Kalyan, Cessi Hessler ’O3, Marissa Neiman ’O5, and
’O5. She gave birth to a daughter,
Audrey
Jessie Maffia
Jay Shannon,
ward
to
in December;
seeing
everyone
at
Vegas. She learned
walking
and
undergoing extensive physical therapy.
Lauren Reber
Kelley is pursuing her M.P.A. in
planned
a
month-long trip
to New
Zealand for Pebruary.
Lauren Gloster
Consultant for
a
is
working
green
the Senior LEED
as
building consulting firm
in
helping write a Senate bill and assisting
NASA to green their
portfolio.
She
hoped
team
hook up
to
for ski trips,
including Erica Hunter, Emily Loose ’O3, Nate Fuller,
and Dan Flynn ’O4. Lauren celebrated Halloween in
N.Y.C. with Alan
Best, Nick Schretzman, Sean
Solomon, Cyrus Dowlatshahi, Sarah
Cole Plakias ’O5,
The
wrote
costumes
Wiencrot.
ter’s in
were
saw
done,
at
a
play
least in part, by
public health. Justin
allowed him
to
also
presented
in Orlando in
a
as
part of
mas-
poster at
November,
which
hang outwith Jackie Rubio, and
invitation to present his thesis
Anna
a
led to
sympo-
sium at the conference in N.Y.C. this year!
Finally,
1431 Ist
summer)
Avenue, #4FN
Jessica Rod
(fall and winter)
2404 Deer Creek Drive
[email protected]
Hi all! The column is a little sparse this time around, but
it’s about
Reunion!
and
two
stayed
in true Reunion
others:
not
quantity, right?
writes in for the first time to say that
there’s been much news since she
was
last spotted in
the Vassar notes “chillin’’ with Vivek
Mahapatra in
Since then, she received
Chicago.
ism, moved
to
New York
a
master’s in
City, and
business reporter. She is also engaged
’O4.
landed
to
journaljob
as a
Daniel Tucker
and Daniel!
Congratulations,Kunur
a
She adds:
“If I may, I’d like to be a super cheeseball and
say a
quick thank you to Anna Wiencrot ’O4: Girl, we love
you. We may have
never
met
if it weren’t for you and
Flash Taco.” Vivek met the VC basketball team when
Sean
Frey visited
Chicago (who
He is still
idency).
meeting
is interviewing for reswith the
up
regulars.
He
sends “much love for all the messages he received for
the name-dropping stint (see above) he pulled in the
last quarterly. It’s fun to see your names in bold right?
’O9 will rock! One more year til reunion, please reach
tions or
ifyou’d like to get involved and/or have ques-
suggestions...”
Aryela Levy recently earned her master’s in psychology “en route” to her doctoral
degree at
the Massa-
chusetts School of Professional Psychology.
intern at Wellesley
reminds
me
seling might
Collegeand
She is
of Vassar days... Looks like college
be
a
possible
an
isloving it. She says, “It
career
path!
”
coun-
She is still liv-
in Boston with her girlfriend from Germany and
hoping that with the new presidency, she might be able
ing
sponsor her for permanent
many
or
Canada
Peter
residency.
If not, to Ger-
they may go.
Hazen’s
business, Local Sprouts, has really
taken off this year! It includes catering, community food
Marissa worked for
Boston
quality of submissions
Kunur Patel
to
Ashley and Audrey look for-
the U. of Connecticut and lives
and
(spring
New York, NY 10021
in
Universe,
Anna is set to graduate in
May with a
psych conference
an
Manette Sandor
Dave DaVinci Saves the
Birnholz
spirit, Marissa Caputo gave
what-I’ve-done-since-graduationupdates for herself
in West Hartford.
mar-
[email protected]
out to me
Frank
that he and
and the
Schupak ’O3,
Sharpe, and more.
inexplicablyFacebook-less Justin
Chicago called
ofresidency in
ob-gyn at
cre-
writing at Goucher College; she and
her husband had
entering
boyfriend
how to
ing from his accident. As of mid-December he was
a
05
on
It was good to hear that Michael Mazik is recover-
Dr. Abigail Proffer graduated from Dartmouth
Medical School last spring. She’s now in her first year
with her
seminar
Clock 9mm handgun with precision and says
she loves it.
Morris, Jakub (Jake) Maslikowski,
and Aaron Brookner, and ’O3 members Steve
Rappold
gor-
Egypt,
He returned to Chicago
See you at Reunion!
a
with had the VC ski/LaGrange
a
Northwestern U.
to
began law school at Northwestern. Last
he interned with the ECCC in Phnom Penh,
summer,
a
two-day
administrator for The Columbus Foundation.
withthis report: “On
the labor-side
at
Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Atlanta. She’s
Marissa Wolf wrote in
gradparalegal, first at a
in 2007 and
County.
group, Matthew’s Minstrels. They live
in Columbus, OH, where Rebecca works as a grants
mer a
as a
Outten & Golden LLP. In
keting fair-trade handicrafts.
hedge fund
was looking forward to relocating to
in marketing and
ative nonfiction
Nov. 28,2008. The couple met
working
Law School and spent six months livingin
Hall, Tec Han ’O3, Jon Hershaff ’O3, Cambi Evers-
Everette ’O5. Hannah is still
two-
Italy).
to
Vassar
personal trainer in Manhattanand regularly sees Han-
nah
defensive handgun training at the Pront Sight Pirearms
at
philos-
Marwan Sehwail spent the first few
after
years
uating from
a
Sarah Short.
city planning
in touch
stayed
his Ph.D. in
earning
UCLA.
as
Westchester
moved to San Luis
at
is
Sara Pawlowski
win-
her parents’ home.
at
Boon, Sarah Zarrow (who is dutifully plugging away at her Ph.D. at NYU), Carolyn Chabot, and
Nina Bellucci
ophy
Meadow, who
with her
Rebecca
get her master’s in
with Ari
training
They had planned
PL.
fireplace
backpacking adventure
a
Morgan Leichter-Saxby is a researcher and playworker living and working in East London. She made
a
meditation
a
exam
month.
a
Cambodia.
Joanna continues
Independent from Vermont.
had
and
acting
fiance
to 2003 Culinary Institute of Amergraduate Chris Hutcheson, while Vaccaro is mar-
an
in Australia. She
studyabroad.
Joanna Horton
Stefanie is married
we
living
still there after
was
months. She’s gotten
ica
In other news,
is still
for the bar
associate at the firm
as an
2005, he deferred his admission
say hi!
drop by and
to
live in
to
months—and
and Ste-
NOT married to each other. In fact,
for Senator Sanders,
area
moved there
correction: Contrary to what
his post
employment law firm of
encourages
to
Yturri Rose LEE
small firm in Chicago and later
family. Megan
MA 02135
the Winter column reported,
fanie Ackerman
librarian, archivist,
to
money ran out, Ted headed back to
to take
and file manager, and manages a database of
many mate-
Claire Cummins
[email protected]
sat
Europe for
went to
rials related to the Madison
anyone in the
Street, #3
and then
when the
Oregon
Montpelier, home of fourth president
at
Lauren Giunta
(summer and winter)
Char-
to
She works in the research and curatorial
Madison. There she
James
summer
Over the past few
years, Ted has
left Scotland and moved
Brett
by attending
years
and graduated in May of2ooB. He
does miss the SoCal sunshine.
Rachel Beck
more
Willamette U. in Oregon to study law and business.
Much to Ted’s dismay, he completed his J.D.-M.B.A.
Alas,
dental school
being back
at
After graduation, Theodore Reuter
managed
put off adulthood for a few
a
year as a paralegal before
College Law School in 2006. She has
in touch with Sami
Theodore Reuter,
Majeed ’O3,
and Marwan
Ari
Sehwail.
Meadow,
learning projects, and the Northeast’s first “Community Supported Kitchen” (CSK). He encourages
&
check them out at
everyone to
tive.com.
And,
as
always,
localsproutscoopera-
he continues to rock n’ roll
VASSAR
SPRING
-2009
55
classnotes
with Houseboat and
plan cool
events at
The
Meg Perry
Center.
is
Kates
Jesse
VanTieghem
Brooklyn
in
living
’O6 and their wonderful
with
Julia
For
dog, Spencer.
income and entertainment, he works
as
a
writer at
an
ad agency in Manhattan. When he’s not working
is
he spends his time listening to Radio
(which
rarely),
Life
Lab and This American
finishing
his
screenplay
and
procrastinating
ter’s
degree
in arts management. Her theater company,
The Henge, which she co-founded with Geoff Roecker
’O6, Jen Lagasse ’O6, Christopher Hardy ’O6, Mandi
Cynkin, and Meghan Jarpe (University of Michigan
but will be
’O5) is on hold whileshe pursues higher ed,
back in business
Barbara
City and
York City Teaching Fellows. She is livin Manhattan and teaching sixth grade ESL in the
Friberg is
Christina
and Ean FonAlbertson, Mark Stuart-Smith,
Brooklyn.”
news
[email protected] anytime
classmates. We look forward
(Eliza Langley-Wilbur) ’O5,
’9B
trip
to
In
Vassar-
you want to update
hearing from
you!
to
Aug.
2006
Peace
a
environmental
clubs with an .Armenian counterpart, and last summer
organize
mental camps in rural communities all
“We trained
more
more
over
environ-
Armenia.
than 50 young volunteer counselors
than 300 youth this summer.”
Kalyani Iyer is in China
working with the country’s
biggest microfinance institution, meeting with microentrepreneurs who are in agriculture and stock-breeding businesses. She just got back from a field visit
close to the N. Korean border and is looking for her
Ryan
is in the middle of his third
season
at
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station working in facilities maintenance. This
and
spring he’ll be traveling
backpacking around New Zealand and Australia. In
May he’ll be moving to Baltimore and attending Johns
Hopkins
perfect
’O5
Ogio
a
New York
City
has just graduated with distinc-
tion from his MSc in the Conservation of Historic
Buildings Program
at the
U. of
Bath, UK, and
was
awarded the RICS South West Prize and the Oculus
Prize for the
highest performing
Association
the ice, he’s spending
recipe for sunken muffins with
not on
dren escaping
domestic violence. Over the summer he
signed
Big Brother.
on as a
are
Family Equality
the national organization working to
equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender families by building community, changing hearts
ensure
and minds, and advancing social justice for all families.”
He spends time with Lydia Sisson, who has been farm-
ing and teaching youth about farming.
Tom Akie is still hanging out in Boston with such
characters
as
Becky
Cantor ’O7, Kristin
Mikolowsky
’O7, and Emma Peterson ’O7. He recently published in
the journal Science for work done at Children’s Hos-
pital Boston
tion
on
day fun,
ing
hematologic disorders.
now
For some elec-
Annie Adams ’O5 flew out from San
spectacular time tour-
a
Beantown. Annie and Tom
annual spring trip
to
plan
on
repeating
some
skiing and
local brews.
Anne Walker
has
an
student coursework
performing lead roles
with Boston
fant
et
les
April she’ll be
Opera Collabora-
the title role of L’En-
tive; in March she’ll be
performing
Sortileges with Metro West Opera; and
Kelsey Smith ’O7
Massachusetts, and are attending grad school at
is in
cation and video
Pougkeepsie, teaching media edu-
production
Media Project. In
through Appalachia
backpacking
on
at
the nonprofit Children’s
September he
to
an
Nashville and spent
a
week
music, a long walk,
beautiful wilderness.
SPRING
-2009
and
Michael
are
working
are
at
a
Steam-
bar,
Eliza Dodd
Springs, where they often meet up with
reminisce about their days in their favorite class,
boat
and
Ivan A. Cedillo
is in his second year
teaching high
school Spanish. He is still coaching baseball and is now
a
football coach
too.
After coaching the Hornet Base-
last year to within three wins of the Texas
State 2A Baseball Championship, he spent this past
that travsummer coaching a high school baseball team
ball
team
throughout the
eled
in
Southwest. He is teaching and
Carrollton, TX,
a
Dallas suburb.
Phillips married Jessica Harriman
Paul
08/08/08, and they bought
He works for
a
house in
Hampden,
on
ME.
Connectivity Works installing whole
house audio and home theater systems, structured
wiring, lightingcontrol systems, and more.
He has also
become a certified automotive technician.
Kent
Radio, and
earned her master’s in Television,
Film from the S.I. Newhouse School of
Communications at
Syracuse
U. She’s working at MTV
Networks in production.
After working for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Center year, Laura Avery
degree
in
began pursuing
nursing
her
this fall
sec-
in
an
accelerated program at the U. of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She’ll graduate in Dec. 2009 and
become
a
RN.
from Duke
U.
Worthington will graduate
School of Law in May. She took a job in D.C. with the
law firm Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey and will start
Rebecca
next
fall.
Chris Kieran
Divinity School,
started his master’s degree
at
entered the Yale
Kieran Walsh
nomics Ph.D. program, Adam Caplan
Yale
eco-
began study at
School, and William Chang started his
Brooklyn Law School.
Ashley Manning Hart earned her master’s degree
Tuft’sFletcher
J.D.
at
in forensic molecular biology and discovered
for the law. Now she’s
breathing
a
a passion
sigh of relief after
finishing her first semester of law school at Albany Law.
These notes are a
great way to stay connected
the college and our class, so keep them coming!
to
Deborah Temkin
07
(spring
State
Elias Repka moved to
Campbell, Alex Corby, and
California to start a circus and fire arts performance
dan
called A Different Spin. They performed together
group
at colleges and festivals in California, collaborated with
fall)
College,
PA 16801
[email protected]
Judy Jarvis
(summer and winter)
Brown
(Mooch) Mucciolo, Jor-
and
185 Wiltree Ct
in
Providence Roller Derby team!
Several years ago
They
the nearest local town with more than one
215.264.6344
Harvard, respectively. They got a
beautiful hound named Harriet and have joined the
excursion
the Appalachian Trail in the Smoky
Mountains in search of good
VASSAR
took
CO.
Clark,
winter season as backcounguest ranch for the second
to make it out to happy hour in
try ski guides. They try
have moved to
and med school at
Tyrone.
in
June she will make her professional singing debut in
Providence, RI, withEnterprise Opera Co.
Ellie Leonard and
Jeremy Warren
continue A Different Spin
exciting line-up of
for Counties Antrimand
some
their
Lake Tahoe with Kirsten
Naito ’O5 and Sarah Powelson ’O5 for
Hilary
to
’O7
Courtney Gugliuzza and Dana Kennedy
livingtogether
ond bachelor’s
(Dustin) Knight works at the
Council. “We
Spina-
the East Coast.
Shana
jobswith at-risk youth
and dissertation. James works on the Northern Ireland
Environment Agency’s second survey of built heritage
Josh Baum
’O7, and Ricky Hawkins ’O7
and
Museum. Adam
is working two
with the Vulcan Crew and
Boston with fellow alums Tim Ellis ’O7,
coaching
Feb and
opera roles in the New Year. In
U.
James Russiello
56
fashion public
a
Royer, Tessa Cedar,
Asia
Francisco and the two spent
next adventure!
Mason
Cup
—AMAZING!
City Gay Hockey
Amena
performer
a
and Alex are still in Oakland as residents of
gogue. He
The Vulcan Warehouse while Mooch has moved to
backpacking
Society
busy by playing for the Tigers of
at
become
supervisor
runs
to
a
in Boston, one as a residential counselor and advocate
for The Home For Little Wanderers, and as a child care
chilat a transitional home for women and
Corps volunteer living
worked with an Armenian NGO
York
Chad Baker
who submitted notes for
of Armenia. He
an
is keeping
time trying to
this edition.
Jason Chandler is
as
New
lan
and reached
editor
Alice
the Dreamtime Circus in India in March. Jordan has
Environment and Culture of the Caribbean.
job at
living in
(NYCGHA). When he’s
[email protected]
Republic
is
Bell
978.379.0014 (fax)
you to everyone
Allison Lee ’OO and
Angeles.
the
fall)
his
York. In October Ryan visited
and Amy Lapides in Los
978.273.5949 (phone)
Bronx, NY 10462
in the
won
Ryan started
Knoerzer
and
St.
graciously hosted him
they were in the town
the World
working
1915A Radcliff Avenue
big thank
family and
(summer and winter)
(spring
on
relations agency, Paul Wilmot Communications, in New
Jennifer Dilorio
A
Sisson
Sarah Porter
[email protected]
with the
also members.
are
Europe. Lydia
across
Elizabeth
06
digging
the MetropoliTones, and Kate Marvin ’O7, Eliza Ruth
Carolyn Kiel
a
on
Catherines Island, GA. Christina also sings with a
N.Y.C. Seven Sisters Alumni Acappella Group called
Watson
nonprofit called the Dreamtime Circus,and received
contract at Club Med in Florida. Alex was able to join
a
the American
at
Archaeology department
North American
ing
your
in Astoria with
out
She is working part time
Museum of Natural History and
when Italy
square
your
hanging
seca.
in Padova with her
Bronx. She says, “It’s great but I miss
graphic
design and multimedia. And she just sold her first piece
in the Wynwood Project Space during Art Basel!
joinedthe New
send
and taken contin-
Parsons School of Design. She
After graduation Ryan Pleva went on
Phillips moved back to New York
Please
at
is now back in Miamiin an M.E A. program in
enough.
soon
Overground Dance Company,
with
Gerrit
three years in
Neal, having spent the past
New York City making theater starving-artist-style, is
Mellon getting a masnow in grad school at Carnegie
Corinne
as a
uing education classes
on
thesis for Columbia.
Lynn Londonohas lived in the East Village,
bartender on the Lower East Side, danced
Bianca
worked
[email protected]
Ah, spring. Soon, we’ll be celebrating
two
years out in
the
into our post-Vasget settled
Before I report
sar lives, the emails have started dwindling.
“real world.” As
more
of
us
the news, hear my plea: keep sending your news! I
don’t want to become that correspondent who barely fills
on
the column. Let’s
keep
the 2007 column strong,
even
if
classnotes
you
just need
thinking
to
share
funny anecdote about
a
So who did writein this
in about her
pursuing
East
Bay and working
cycle? Sarah Harrier wrote
field
ket research while planningher
Shvarts, who is now
Electronic Arts.
Andrew
Always
handler
at
CSU
ernmost
Station,
continent, she
of
state
and is
Daily News. Before
dairy farm,
in
saw
columnist for
a
leaving for the southin her
Janine Parziale
Maine, where Janine is working on
a
bit of respite after extensive travels
Asia. Meg also reports that Katie Barnett has
recently
a
moved to Seattle.
“an STD debt collector
York
track down people who have tested
to live
cycle, Katya Gaynor
be in New York for much longer. She has
been doing Alzheimer’s research at Mt.Sinai School of
Medicine for the last year, but plans to
go
study Spanish
adventurous enough, Chase spent his
spare
Grand
Canyon
nearby
to Juliana
in Arizona. Chase will be
moving
Morris, who is working on health,
education, and advocacy projects with migrants
Tapachula, Mexico.
Frequent contributor Will
report that he
designation
in
also wrote in to
Kieffer
finally took that last test for achieving a
Thoughwe can’t
in his industry in January.
and work at
Jordan
ME), and working for
a
state
reports
on
Monica
Whitcher, one of our New York ’o7ers, travels from her home in Manhattan to her
job at a non-
profit
in White Plains, the American Council
on
she calls her job “wonderful,” she’s
her liberal
arts roots
consideringleaving
behind her and is actively explor-
ing the idea of going down
a
different path and
begin-
ning
a post-bacc pre-med
program next fall. Though
-he’s probably already heard if she’s gotten into this
pro-
gram
(or
will hear
shortly),
her pre-med classmates
on
she seeks
what she
any
Vassar people in
see
Miranda
a
call, he
so
advice from
this is the right path for her.
Also in New York, Benjamin
(Benjy) Sarlin reports
that he “jumped ship” from the New York Sun, where
he was a
politics
where
to the
city
he
covers
two
reporter,
national politics.
housemates,
one
Daily Beast,
He lives in
Brooklyn
with
of whom is Nina Feinberg ’OB.
so
if
Rape
you’re
in
you!
wants to see
Hicks-Courant is still in Boston
the Boston Area
coordinator
D.C.,”
Crisis Center
as
a
working
volunteer
looking for anyone volunteering in
ifyou’re there and want to
volunteer, let her
is
as
know! She has also fulfilled her dream to get a dog, an
Ibizan Hound named Daphne. Daphne and Miranda
spent Halloween with Kelsey
’O6, and their dog Harriet.
Smith
and Ellie Leonard
As for me, Deborah Temkin, I
Israel
on
the
was an
will be
just got back from
Taglit-Birthrightprogram.
amazing experience,
to
It
and I encourage any of my
take
advantage of the free
you turn 27! Hey, by the time we
five-year reunion time!
are
27, it
08
Finkelstein
a
year? Scary. Ugh).
changed since the last
gainfully,
are
given
best
at
or
class
notes.
parents
Lots of things have
For one, most of us
least, marginally employed, which
the state of the
economy
our
out, it’ll
can
(i.e. shit-tastic),
is the
our
fourth month lag time is a bitch. Some of
you have predicted your impendingemployment. Sam Rosen-Amy,
we’re sure
If not,
one
to
we
you’ll have a job by
the time this
comes
out.
hear College Relations is
take
lookingfor somesemi-arty pictures of girls lounging on the
Quad. Other corrections from
lasttime:
“By
press time
“watching [her] neighborhoodgentrifyaround [her].”
whenthis quarterly is published.” Additionally,
Radar,
the magazine where Meg Prossnitz and
Molly Finkelstein were interning, went out of business
shortly
before Allie Ames was set to become their fellow
the Foundation for
working
at
the
Creative Time to working for
Contemporary Arts,
which gives
grants to contemporary artists. She has also
recently
unpaid media elite.
received visits from Caitlin Sweeney, Deb Bergman,
and reports that these visits “have
been exciting, amazing, and everything that
seeing good
friends is supposed to be... absence
really does make
the heart
fonder...” I
this is
I
and Sarah Kraemer
grow
can’t wait for
our
Looking towards
agree,
Anna,
reunion in just three
the future, Anna
sees
why
years!
“grad school
more
arts
majors
burg figured out howto
N.Y.C., doing digs
managed to
use
in the real world. Leah Weissuse
her
study of archeology in
and lab work in
Brooklyn and
Staten Island. And Becca Marcus is
pus
job at
store
in
recreating her camthe Media Cloisters by working at an Apple
Westchester, NY, and doing freelance
video
literacy
assistant in the Conflict Resolu-
of the
Tanenbaum
world who’ve been responsible for
deals in
Center
for
brokering peace
of the world’s craziestconflictzones.”
some
Even more of our classmates have set
up shop in the
N.Y.C. metro area: Aviva Michelman is
living in Brook-
lyn, working for the N.Y.C. Department
is in
Tara Klein
Long Island for
about the
but
working
Island, a nonprofit that
Vision Long
is in Manhattan
Danielle Sporkin
good old days
Danielle has been
Nikki
at
Rosard, “remi-
Vassar when they
worry about things like
to
of Healthand
Queens,
digitalmedia planner.
as a
employment,
rent.” A bunch of
our
haven’t even left Poughkeepsie. Chelsea
class-
Katzen-
berg is the assistant sports information director in the
athletics department, “living vicariously through current
student athletes” and “pretending I’m important
with such 2008 student
by association by hanging out
government
Colin
Jess
as
Cho, Sam Charner, and
our
classmates
are
hiding out from the
by hitting up grad school. Good
recession
Ausikaitis
to
names
Sanders.”
is in
grad school for school psychology.”
names
is in
Nick
are
an
call.
Chicago, “living in Boystown
other classmates with
Ashley
and going
Several of
incrediblydifficult to spell
also still in school.
our
last
Peter
Papachronopoulos
M.EA. program at the U. of Texas at Austin.
Jozefczyk is at UC Santa Cruz getting an M.A. in
in finance. Also in
CA, Anna Payne-
applied economics
Tobin
at
as
is
getting her Ph.D. in cell
UCSF. She’s
a
lab assistant at the
brates.” Back East,
paleobiology lab
at
stupor
working at
in
Will Bailis
our
Stanford
size in inverte-
is getting his Ph.D. in
post-Obama-elec-
capital,
on
Nina Blustein
Foreign Relations
Workplace
Assistant at The National
Alex
at
biology
working
is
and
is working for Media Mattersfor Amer-
ica. Kesia Brown is the
Families.
body
with the
nation’s
the Council
Nathan Tabak
of
is
U. Penn.
Among those coping
tion
and molecular
living with Adam Jost, who
“researching the evolution
immunology
A few of our other classmates have
their liberal
as an
program
Some of
class notes, but the
a
Interreligious Understanding in New York, researching and getting to meet peacemakers from all over the
expect of us.
We strive for accuracy in
with
Charmaine Chua did not get deported and is “will-
mates
we’ve made it past the six month
playing Ulti-
it: www.tidalpowerus.com). Jessie Kun-
commuting, and paying
post-grad mark! (and when this finally comes
and
Ocean Renewable
doing Americorps, serving
nonprofit in Boston.
didn’t need
[email protected]
be like what,
studying
hangingwith Margaret Files and
(summer and winter)
Congratulations,
VA.
is
hardt
niscing
of the last quarterly, Margaret Files was in fact
gainfully employed. She hopes this will still be accurate
public arts organization
lowship (Check
working
Acacia O'Connor
you
2nd Lt.
in the Northeast for her Compton Mentor Fel-
Energy
does urban planning.
[email protected]
a
Corps enrolled in the Basic
Quantico,
at
Libby Murphy is
mate.
in
Molly
now
is
Tannenbaum is living outsidePhiladelphia, work-
Mental Hygiene.
(spring and fall)
of his
who works
Bill Kloth
ing as paralegal “extrodinaire” (sic)
”
traveling to
Rebecca Roche
system.”
Seth
tion
Vassar kids? It can’t be!
until
Betsy Wieand is
home in Allentown, PA, “working for a local
agency
thathelps teens transition out ofthe foster care
writes that she is
ple from all over the world! Really Julie? Nerdier than
we,
equally horrified.
fully employed
Just around the corner, Anna Muessig is still living in
South Carroll Gardens/Gowanus
Brooklyn, and is
She has recently switched jobs, from
are
Mahoney is studying for a master’s in mathematics education at the U. of Cambridge in the UK. She
the absolute nerdiest peo-
I willbe forced
or
horrific festering wound which
a
in the United States Marine
Julie
“... meeting
column in Misc.
historical society in Maine, told us. And
a
I
you have that doesn’t
sitting down for the remainder
to pee
Officer’s Course
expect and if
can
forced him
at
basically.
know that Major General Joshua L.
“thrilled
the
Teaching of Foreign Fanguages (ACTFF), where she is
the
project coordinator, and working on several language test design and linguistic research projects. While
you
know and
trip before
Willalso
did
Chamberlain had
he is finishing up at the Maxwell School and is working at the Woodrow Wilson Center. He also says he is
to
job
involve syphilis and don’t get an STD
to find you.”
life? Neither did
nation in his
unspecified industry.
Clearly these people didn’t read Jina’s
Say,
delegatein Annapolis. He
Department of Public Health’s
“Be thankful for whatever
also reports that he spent the summer ’OB in Senegal.
Nearby in Washington, DC, Matt Morse reports that
fellow Jewish Vassarions
probablya common experience for most of us this
year—his five-year high school reunion. He says that
the first thing his high school classmates said to him
was, “Will, you’ve become... bigger.”
Costa Rica
to
women’s health center
Cooper writes that he is living in Baltimore,
report how Will did on this test, let’s hope the next news
cycle Willsends news about how he’s
this desig-
using
a
as
positive for STDs
don’t leave them alone until they
get treated.”
and I
doing holistic therapies and advocacy.
Boston,
hiking and camping. After leaving Alaska in
November and spendingtime with
family, Chase made
a complete climate shift in
February, moving to the
co-op in Ft Greene with her.
a
not
planes doing climber
not
in
Our last New Yorker this
might
at
were
and tech
support. Jina Ashline is in Philadel-
editing
the
Chase Berenson also experienced the
freezing cold.
Chase spent this past summer working in Talkeetna,
AK, where he worked for an airline flying small ski-
rime
Hudson-River-School-
more
City STD clinic
so
D.C., give Matt
and expedition support. As ifthis
little
she is thinking about moving away from
New York soon, unless someone wants to move toNew
to
loyal news-sender, Margaret (Meg)
Antarctica, working as a Cargo
South Pole
the Bangor
across
at
ethnographerin marJuly 2009 wedding to
video game writerfor
a
landscape a
a
phia, working for
isstill down in
Adams
home
a
multi-tasking diva is
applied anthropology
as a
and
esque,”
busy agenda. This
master’s in
a
someone
girls’ school.
Vassar is a
Stanczyk
Fairness
Partnership for
went
on a
VASSAR
date.
Program
Women &
Jamie Rosen
SPRING
-
2009
57
classnotes
is just outside the
as
beltway
in Rockville, MD, working
communications officer for the Aeras Global TB
Vaccine Foundation. Ben Demers is also
living in his
“ancestral home” in Baltimore and commuting
for his job as
a
paralegal
at
Ben and Peter Chesney
an
immigration law
firm.
(among others/all of us) volteaching seventh and
unteered for Obama. Peter is
ninth
to D.C.
had
”
and it
erinary
ducting
assistant
at an
Hamptons, climbed Mt.
shank, raised sled dog pup-
pies and drove
ous
dubicross-country to Cali among other
achievements. He is also on a search for the
proverbial
“Holly Grail.” (also sic)
Leslie Couvillion
each
wrote
Chong and
Allen
in to
announce
their
impendingengagement. “Through the good times and
the bad, through trials and tribulations, and a brief
imprisonment, we
will be
that I
the eternal knot
“tying
Solstice. We
have finally set a date!
are
on
Dec.
”
The
21, the
was
taking
jealous untilhe
nap
was
as an
village
lucky
under some
getting another stomach infection.”
Reed Handley is doing similar work (minus tigers) in
N.Y.C. at the Matthew Marks Gallery. She spends her
Mondays watching Gossip
Weishaupt
are
totes
’O7, Bernie Wu
the
new
Girl with
“Big”
Tom
’O7, and Tina Castellan. Arts
finance. Hannah Segrave has been
with her two bands since graduation,
the
U.S.A. and Europe. Ottavia De Luca is working with
interiordesigner
as a
across
an
designassistant and selling Jamin
a
castle in Flatbush,
BK, with Leslie (of Allen and Leslie) and their turtle,
Sally Slade is making movie magic in L.A.
Heidi
January 6,2009
1940
December 30,2007
1940
June MalinCanosa
Ann Doherty Dike
Klum.
Virginia Herrick Deknatel
1930
Helena Mallay Lesk
1931
Josephine Breneman Buchanan
1931
1932
Margaret S. W. Drew
Anne Bradley Rogers
1933
Mildred Barnes
1933
Lucy Stone Field
Frances Jones Poetker
are
Faber
and Nadia Jomo,
(marginally)
where
sunny in San Francisco,
Max Kaye all of
Braddock, Tristan Jemiolo, and
whom are —no surprise here—“H-ing themselves off
properly” and Martha Knauf is avoiding them untilshe
finally moves to Brooklyn. And not to be one-upped,
should report that
he is, in
As for us,
major
Mike Becker
fact, going back
to
use
Molly Finkelstein is putting
October 27,2008
1940
Doris
December 20,2008
1940
November 28,2008
1940
MargaretHanauer
Emily Jones
Wright Donovan
English
“Should you ask your crush to prom?” quiz for Sevenand interning at NYMag.com. She moved to
Williamsburg (a.k.a. VC 2.0),
mate Caitlin Mae Burke
relatives.
ing
Acacia O'Connor is
into mush from
near
her freshman
room-
and her long lost Hasidic Jew
staring
convinced her brain is turn-
at
the internets all
day. One
of the products of which is the Post-Backpage, (post-
backpage.blogspot.com) a co-correspondent
Correspondents 4 lyfe! <3
collabo-
ration.
April 21,2008
December 1,1984
1940
Morton Wells
1949
J. Leigh Scott Garrison
1949
Alice Wainwright Gary
January 20,2009
1950
Ralph
1950
1951
Nancy Edwards Slanetz
Rachel Morgan Behnke
December 1,2008
1951
Bessie Bocock Carter
April 15,2008
Scofield
1941
Jane Eustis Suydam
1941
Priscilla de Forest Williams
November 7,2006
October 18,2006
Dorothy Walsh Mary Ignatius
Margaret Cushman Merrill
September 15,2002
April 1,1996
Dorothy Lippincott White
1942
Joan Taylor Ashley
Lillian Lowrey Power
1935
Katherine Warden Lee
1935
Katherine Gesell Walden
1936
Charlee Breneman Blaine
Frances
1934
Elizabeth Elfreth Hathaway
Theobald Brainerd
1936
Helen Waid Hoylman
1936
Jane Crocker Joslyn
1936
Janet Dingle Kent
Virginia TrussellMenzies
1936
Virginia Pierce
1936
LucileUmbreit
1937
Smith
1942
LoCascio
Sharon Herman Mead
November 13,2008
1952
Mary Ditmore Mathews
December 3,2008
January 7,2008
1952
CamillaVanDyke Thomas
February 28,2008
May 26,1999
January 21,2009
1952
Sarah Watters Yudelman
Marion Stearns White
1953
Cynthia Bullock Woodger
December 1,1999
1943
Rozanne Garrett Epps
November 16,2008
1954
Barbara Kessler Amay
June 5,2004
1954
Inez Pryor Maddox
December 24,2008
1954
Diana Adams Nachbur
November 12,2008
1954
Doris Steinman Sydney
December 1,2008
December 9,2008
1956
Mary Rathbone Acker
December 18,2008
October 1,2008
1956
Cornelia O'Reilly
July 1,1981
1958
Susan WilliamsWorkman
December 30,2008
1959
Denise O'Brien
November 28,2008
1959
Lucy Williams Wyckoff
1961
Lucinda Brown Lanman
November 28,2008
April 23,2004
August 15,2008
1962
Judith Hickey Engelsmann
November 11,2008
1963
GeraldinePolack Waldorf
December 11,2008
1963
Priscilla Weston
December 21,2008
1943
November 26,2008
1943
Jane Layton Kesel
Edith KinnicuttPierpont
February 27,2002
1943
Ann Smith
August 1,1981
1944
Shirley Fingerhood
December 18,2008
1944
Vivian Halpern Hall
November 2,2008
1944
Frances Mishkind
March 8,2002
December 5,2008
1944
Lucille
1937
ValeriaPenrose
Hodges
November 5,2008
1944
Scratchley Smith
Lucy Bagley Tinker
1937
Katharine Smull Smoot
January 26,2009
1944
Sonia Usera Wall
1938
Ann Gooch Bradford
April 1,2008
1945
MaryJanneyHuisman
August 13,2001
1945
Ellen Blass Laner
September 28,2008
1966
Alice BravermanHaemmerli
July 19,1995
1945
Joan Thomas Purnell
November 13,2008
1971
Jennifer JewittLippert
January 16,2006
January 16,2009
1945
October 28,2008
1973
November 8,2008
1974
Cynthia Holloway
Janet Sue Davis Solomon
July 30,2008
January 28,2008
1977
Elisa Pierce Lynch
1938
Frances Leon Quintana
1938
Barbara Peters Reyelt
1938
Barbara Johnston Rogers
1938
Sarah Savage Wason
Barbara Taeusch Tufty
January 16,1995
1946
Helen Belknap Tupper
January 1,1993
Marguerite Lindemann Burghardt January 28,2009
McAdams
Juliet
March 30,2008
Carey
Cora Peabody Emlen
December 26,2008
1947
LenoreHochmanßlegvad
September 5,2008
1947
Elizabeth Buffinton Briggs
October 30,2008
1947
Marjorie Hamilton Irwin
Holdemess Ridley
1939
Marjorie Whitmarsh Young
1940
Virginia Lively Bacon
VASSAR
SPRING
-2009
November 13,2008
Jean Reed
1945-4 Faith Higgins McCurdy
April 16,2008
1945-4
Eunice
October 24,2008
Jennie Newsome Smythe
1942
Eleanor Fry Decker
1938
October 24,2008
November 13,2008
1942
Mary Chapman Shearer
Sarah Greifer
January 5,2009
October 11,2008
Ann Hackett Hutchinson
Carol Houck Smith
Barbara Hay Jewell
December 15,2008
November 23,2008
1952
1944
1938
October 10,2003
December 16,2008
1951
1944
1938
August 9,2008
September 18,2008
December 2,2007
October 1,1985
1939
her
teen.com
January 19,2000
June 1,2000
January 8,2008
Karylßubidge Atherton
1934
1939
jail—-
writing literary masterpieces like the
Janet Saxon
October 29,2008
1934
1939
is still not in
to school.
Maud Tsien Chow
Ruth Stansfield Peterson
1939
we
each soaking up the sun in Florida.
1949
1941
1936
It’s also
they
1948
1941
1934
as
October 28,2008
March 4,2008
1934
presume,
December 8,2008
January 11,1994
Rebeckah Dußois Glazebrook November 16,2008
1934
fabulous tans.” As do Lily
Memoriam
1929
1933
Andrew Wood, Rox-
Zuckerman, David Dunne ’O7, and Dima
Otvertchenko ’O6. “We all have income, housing, and
anne
we
ended with me
and Adin Nelson
Brin
a
“I
a
concluded: “the trip
Puech bags in SoHo. She lives in
tell—Sasha
went to
tiger-spotting.
go
tiger—it
were
India, working
recently
touring
Speaking ofengagements —those of the factual vari-
In
see a
to
and is surrounded by Vassarians
Phil
couple
very much in love.” It’s not the love part
we can
Lidiya
Winter
so much doubt...
ety so far as
trees.” We
He
gallery.
enough to
zebra
(respectively).
is in Kolkata,
art
six months he has lived in the
a
a
various ensembles.
by elephant-back
ate
time for
Yankovskaya, also in Boston and recently engaged to
Dan Schwartz ’O7, is singing, playing piano, and con-
Clancy "Toofpick" Philbrick wrote in that in the past
Kilimanjaro,
was
and medical school
Charles Kim
Verity,
dating for nearly eight years “they’d
change... so they got
They’re living in Boston and attending vet-
enough
engaged!
grade history.
In the category of Class Notes of Dubious
58
decided that after
1947
Franceska Cairns Morrison
April 8,2007
1948
Elizabeth Wright Colton
January 19,2009
1948
June 9,2008
1948
Nancy Pratt Rhoads
Margaret Hewitt Robinson
January 31,2009
December 20,2008
January 3,2009
November 3,2008
April 23,2006
November 2,2008
November 28,2008
March?, 1996
January 28,2009
August 5,2008
October 25,2008
January 8,2009
November 14,2008
December 13,2008
August 4,2008
GailLundgren
Barbara Mydosh-Burrage
December 19,2008
1980
Charles B. Dietz
November 11,2008
1984
Hilary Dunst
December 11,2008
1984
Deborah Kehle Dwyer
December 7,2008
1990
January 9,2009
1990
Jean Carlson-Pietraszek
Randall G. Updike
November 29,2008
June 28,2001
1977
August 31,2008
September 10,2008
January 18,2009
January 15,2007
announcements
Reach. Guest
mooring may be possible.
Rent for
oldest women’s college club in Amer-
Contact
month. Beautiful
ica has
[email protected]. Please put
equipped. Sandy beach, pool, barbe-
“Maine Rental” in your
cue.
The
College Club of
tion
Boston The
recently completed
of its Back
Guestrooms and
a
restora-
Bay townhouse.
gathering
spaces
Judy Mathewson
’Bl at
judy-
subject line.
have
been named in honor of the schools of
the 19
who founded the club in
women
including
1890
Room. For
more
the Vassar
College
information,
visit
thecollegeclu bofboston.com.
Premed
subdivision. 3
bedrooms,
1.5
baths.
Near
days,
golf
by the
or
week
[email protected]
’6l
914.631.7996.
or
ple who: 1) played for
were
For book
against
or
50
and tennis
Beach 5 to
town.
10 minutes from
courts.
10
Cape Cod
house
minutes
away.
sl,Boo/week. August 21th and August
28th. Contact Joan Denton ’46 at Miz-
on
the Cape’s
vacation
south shore. Com-
fortable and spacious, with large living
room
and
dining room. Well-equipped
kitchen. 5
[email protected].
Waterfront
bedrooms,
4
baths. Porches
and large yard. Water and dock
Available for rent
SWISS
Alps
km from the
1- Dec.
Oct.
village
Bernese
Oberland,
ment
ground floor
on
a
1
2009. 3
and
garden
Mountain
in
authentic
an
Central heat10-minute
walk to local train. Rent for 2-month
dog.
dog, $3,500
Contact Alison
von
with-
Clemm
Dominican
Cabarete.
Republic
snorkeling, boating
room
scuba/
sleeps 2-6 with
maid
serv-
service, restaurants. Contact
Witmer ’B2 at kris-
Carney
USA,”
(ravel).
3
bedrooms,
tifully landscaped
Near Harlem
utes
.5
1.5
acre.
Valley Rail
Budget
garage.
Trail.20 min-
from Metro
North, 2-hour ride to
703-533-3138; Audrey L. Ruge 73,202362-8346, [email protected].
Wedgewood Plates
plates
with
scenes
1929. If interested,
Pitt ’56 at
11
green and
Wedgewood
of the
please
dinner
college
[email protected]
Maine coast
designed by
Thompson available to rent
mer
of 2009.
Steps from
beach; spectacular
rustic farmhouse in
Midway
our
lovely
southwestern
between Dordogne
and Lot rivers. Quiet picturesque farm-
ing village
minutes to
near
at
St. Cere; 45
Sarlat, capital
dogne Valley;
its
Figeac
vineyards.
70
of the Dor-
km to Cahors and
jorg-
sleeps
5.1-2 yr
our
lovely
1910 house.
house
Easily
lease available immedi-
ately. Washer/dryer, backyard, porch,
walk to Van Cortlandt Park. #1
[email protected].
Contact
subway.
or
#4
Julia Sabangan
at
Truro, Cape Cod
the Blue Ridge Parkway and
Appalachian
people.
birders,
Great
and
deck;
layabouts. Easy
Cape
bedrooms, sleeps
5-7, 2.5 bathrooms. Well-appointed
kitchen, bright
or
ideal for writers,
and
airy
rooms.
cluded location, private road.
drive to
Ashville, NC, Johnson City,
Historic outer
vacation house. Three
Trail in NW NC. Not
but very comfortable for 1
deluxe,
2
3-room
Smokies,
Se-
Expan-
sive view of Pamet Harbor. Convenient
TN. 2
canoe
launch site,
adjacent hike/bike
hours from Charlotte. Available mid-
paths. Depicted by Edward Hopper
May through Sept. Contact Cecelia
his 1931
Burokas ’67 at [email protected]
or
per
773.771.4025.
Captain Kelly's
Danny
Field ’OO at
or
in
House. $2,200
week, discounts for longer
Contact
stays.
danny-
917.860.4684.
house
in the
sum-
private
view of Eggemoggin
New
Tuftonboro,
in the heart of
Hampshire's lake region. Cottage
is small and secluded in the woods.
Lakeside deck,
canoe
slide. Sleeps
at
[email protected].
845.437.5210,
or
visit
nadal.objectis.net.
on
bedrooms,
feet
Kaanapali
Vassar
Condo 2-bed-
on
West Maui. Bet-
Beach and
Kapalua.
to
1.5
mov-
pursue
sublet. I
am
keeping my
am
looking
for
condo
some-
my time in
private, spring-fed
Zolper
Memphis. Excellent refer-
Contact Liza
Johnson
’OO
at
[email protected].
baths, living room with
Linekin
boating.
covered
Bay
for
porch.
150
fishing and
Celebrating William Appling
Riverside
Church, NYC, June 21,
Walk to town. Contact Pat
2009. A concert in memory of Vassar’s
[email protected]
former director of choral activities.
’5l
at
or
302.652.5849.
faculty, students, alumnae/i,
Publication is
Maine
lake with sand beach swimming. 2
fireplace, heat,
room, 2-bath condo
Memphis in June 2008 to
thing quiet, safe, comfortable during
medieval
Professor
wanted.
in Boston and
ences.
contact
Sublet
pediatric oncology fellowship at
Jude in need of reasonably
priced
Hutchins ’O5
Secluded cabin
at
a
to
Available June-Sept. Contact Karen
For information
ween
to
ing
St.
Boothbay Harbor,
Geoffrey Jehle
up
Memphis, TN
Responsible, professional alum
4. Easy drive into White Mountains.
history, gastronomy, hiking, canoeing.
Maui Beachfront
a
Winnipesaukee
rental in
Summer
Well located for those
interested in prehistory,
or
the late Ben
a
Rent
Elena
contact
Maine Spectacular 3-bedroom
French Provinces
circa
760.753.7767.1 have 12, but one has
brown stain in the center.
on
Furnished, spacious
or
1945.
Lake
France.
NYC. $255,000. Karen J. Lewis ’6B,
white Vassar
know Asian
904.501.9590.
of
baths. Beau2-car
in the Bronx. Rooms will start at $825.
renting
in the
NE
10 Coolest Towns
Frommer’s
alums would be
or
not)
Contact Jorge Ribeiro 75
near
excursions. Our
complete kitchen facilities,
ice,
we
interested in
professional basketball before
Velero
Beachfront condo/hotel.
Full Ocean View Suite
Vassar students
Before
wondering ifany
we were
who
played college
at
it,
[email protected]
County Located
of Millerton, 35 miles
in the
or
to sell
617.492.8829.
Windsurfing, kiteboarding,
or
Village
are
Americans who
or
646.234.7329.
[email protected]
Poughkeepsie (“Top
before 1945; 3)
or
try
week. Con-
Beach Resort, northern coast, town of
Kristeen
Curtis ’59 at [email protected].
Dutchess
played basketball (at Vassar
Smoky Mountains Tiny
ing, washer/dryer, parking,
mt
women
cabin in the heart of the
and adult Bernese
with
Patsy Chappell
’54 at
know
4-room apart-
dog Auggie!
period: $2,000
by the
are or
of Lenk in the
Simmental farmhouse with fenced-in
yard
tact
access.
years; 2)
[email protected]
at
House for Rent in NYC
all-female traveling basket-
an
request. Contact Sue Jacobson
on
or
ball team that disbanded in 1985 after
pool
to
Vineyard.
617.763.6450.
fans of the All-American Red
Heads,
to
prices
able
projects, I would like to hear from peo-
PremedAdvising.com
grill. Easy walk
Dock access. 2-, 3-, 4-wk. rentals preferred. June-Sept. Photos,
avail-
at
714.848.7809.
advising. Professional counseling
Levine at
the
bedrooms, bath,
May Siegrist ’53
or
Basketball Research
Judy
2
pristine beaches. Ferry
provides private, personal premed
for
On
cottage.
deck,
outdoor
laundry,
medical school directorof
admissions,
vet, or dental school. Contact
Hole/Falmouth, Cape Cod
boathouse
water, covered
Rates from
courses.
Outdoor shower. All amenities. Large
Use of subdivision
Estate
$2OO/night for 4 persons. Contact Ruth
fenced
yard.
Woods
or
view, fully
ocean
Levine ’6l, Vassar alum and former
medical,
Nantucket Located in Naushop
Advising Services Judy
few
a
More info: muzen.com/waso.html.
and staff
are
invited to submit items to announcements.
space permits. Submissions may be edited for length and style. Deadlines for
announcements are Dec. 20 for spring, March 20 for summer, June 20 for fall, and Sept. 20 for winter.
as
Fax: 845.437.7425; email: [email protected]. More
and Discussion
Groups.
listings
can
be found
Visit www.aavc.vassar.edu and click
on
or posted to AAVC's Classifieds
"Connecting with Alumnae/i."
VASSAR
SPRING
-
2009
59
thelastpage
A Mash Note for Class Notes
MELISSA
BY
Promotions, travels, weddings, babies
a
little
in this
wave
of
digital-media-killed-the-print-stars
that Class Notes
journalists have argued
some
like the
in the age of Facebook. Several schools
ifornia at Los
alumni
Class Notes
are
irrelevant
University of Cal-
have eliminated Class Notes from their
Angeles
magazines’ printed pages entirely, choosing
to
student
post
updates online in favor of more editorial space in the book. Of course,
UCLA does have
grads,
bit of
so
over
Page Six
coherent
us
column, a
constantly
that focuses
on
full
picture. In
100 miles per
at
what’s
we’re
up
quite
the
updates online,
down
for
reasons
are
very
In
addition, there’s
allows. On social
what music
and whether the cake
hour,
networking sites, you need
the
this
was
ing
in
any
to
their
new
to
danced
mer
to
classmates
college
other’s cubemates’
We’re
At
plugged in, it’s
so
least,
I
am.
magazine writer
books,
annoying habits
I am
a
a
In my
and author of
social
as
so
using those
way
too
site
ple
teen
of them
anytime
say,
former
1996,
I’m
after all, I can
I feel like
remember the details of
from,
my classmates’ spouses and babies and
vacations look like
an
justa
on
me
if I
away
want to
from several
Jewett
people,
recall it all. The online world is
certainly handy—and fast.
low
wave of
of social
nature
but in addition
networking creates
a
information that changes every second
ond, really,
and doesn’t
rumination.
Reading an update of
context
of the
stuff—the
VASSAR
same
rest
big
as
give much
opportunity
in Class Notes.
fantastically
every
shal-
from
women
SPRING
-
from
2
009
who
about the 100th
journalistfrom
came
millisec-
connection,
our
us
the class of
in the
1930,
history
never a
in
print
I’m
to
I always read
a
glimpse
notes
from the
of Vassar girlfriends. And
the
updates
I loved
reading
curiosity for
Anna North
Coit,
mention the
not to
impor-
just a nosy busy-
in Poughkeepsie.
a
a
peo-
necessarily choose
Maybe
couple
of
hold
though they’re
us to
I’d have
was
close friend.
most
“Bicky,” “Binny,”
Notes,
your
a
pioneering
women
with
and “Pose” from the class
slighter
connection
to
the
school I still adore. And isn’t
end, what an alumni magazine is
for?
©
for attention and
one or two sentences
turn to
before
in
mysterious girl
the drama kid who
alone in
my
birthday party of
of ’42. Without Class
that
not
“know”
Notes allow
eras.
a
keep track
formally
names
for-
re-entering
also
can
your
finally—perhaps
column,
had
year my father
students of Vassar and the
that stands
absorbing a bigger-picture “life update” in the
of your class. We
news
the ’99
to
I’m fairly confident that I’m
Melissa Walker '99 is
lives in
alone isn’t the
’57,
the
glorious nicknames like
Despite my virtual proclivities, though, I still believe
The informal
body,
class of
hundreds of pho-
the seventh floor of
few keystrokes
hallmates, who can help
see
procrastinating. And
incident
It’s away
even
tantly—Class
other
an
Twitter.
on
And
justified in
about
a safe zone.
without
wouldn’t
you
follow
verbs. Iknow
much about what
most recent
tos
names as
the
draw,
certain
a
networking fiend.
often that I feel
you
But
virtually.
old rival’s
you
Their boldfaced
I facebook, I myspace, I twitter. And I
do it all
news...
or an
thanlife but
larger
are.
daily life
up with
perhaps
didn’t
English class,
littleridiculous.
“follow”
and that
least
at
there’s
their lives. And
good. We
or
passively learn things about
wedding,
and what each
JFK,
get their full
lives,
job
in
delayed
very,
keep
you want to
ex-boyfriend’s marriage
sta-
shows our classmates watched last night,
at
“friend”
to
reading print
people
updates
lives is
letting them know you’re watch-
of
who got
60
people
inorder
a
about which TV
see
informal
people
at
the editorial filter of Class Notes
certain distance that the Class Notes section
a
presumably
we
know all about the
to
,
welcome.
clear. If
keeping track of each other’s
already
Weekly albeit
world where information flies
a
means
of Class Notes
devaluing
US
or
truly important in our classmates’
room.
In any case,
tus
own
very
25,000 under-
imagine that freed
I
are our
'99
down-to-earth, most of the time.
more
Lately, however,
panic,
WALKER
Class Notes for the meaty
classmates written and edited into
a
Brooklyn. Visit
AAVC is
on
a
magazine writer and author of
her at melissacwalker.com
Facebook! Find
& Alumni of Vassar
us
College"
or
teen
novels. She
iheartdaily.com.
by searching for "Alumnae
on
facebook.com.
Mercer
Ralph
by
Photo
Reflecting
a
on
transcendent
experience
Shari Lehrer Thurer ’69 credits Vassar for
of critical thinking, of asking
her well throughout her
a
the author of
two
This perspective has served
psychoanalytically oriented
why”
career as a
professor for
psychologist,
“instilling in me the idea
two
decades
at
Boston University, and
books.
Shari and her husband, Dr. Robert Thurer, share
and beliefin Vassar that led them to create
charitable gift annuity at the
a
an
affection for
deferred payment
College, a vehicle which provides
Vassar with a significant gift, while also providing the Thurers with
a
sizable tax deduction and
income in the
future,
Robert
now,
explains, “With the annuity, we can enjoy giving it away
knowing we can give Vassar more money and receive income
after the deferral period. Education for both of us
was a
transcendent
experience.”
Shari adds, “It
I
care
important to me.”
is very
To read
very easy thing to do. These are values which
always had a soft spot for the liberal arts, and Vassar
was a
about. I’ve
more
about Shari Thurer’s story, go
to
development.vassar.edu/plannerfall08/
To learn
contact
or
more
about whether
a
charitable
Alexas Orcutt in the Gift
gift annuity is right
Planning
for you,
Office at (845) 437-5487
[email protected].
VASSAR
COLLEGE
SOCIETY
KEERNGYOU
CONNECTED
s
/
your
AVC
Vassarlltumrilae/i association.