May / June 2025

Find out what your fellow alums are up to—new jobs, marriages, and more—in the Class Notes!

1950s

1950

Did you know that one of our classmates invented the implantable pacemaker? According to a recent Cornellians article, “Wilson Greatbatch matriculated on the Hill after military service in World War II (recalling in his memoir that ‘after all that time in the dive bombers, it was such a joy to wander around the campus, to go to class and to learn something’). The electrical engineering alum went on to save untold lives through his invention of the implantable cardiac pacemaker, which regulates the heartbeat via an electrode. First used in 1960, pacemakers are now implanted into more than 500,000 patients annually.”

Wilson is one of some two dozen Cornellians who have been inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Born in Buffalo, NY, he received his master’s from University at Buffalo and went on to patent more than 325 inventions. These included a long-life lithium battery, tools used in AIDS research, and a solar-powered canoe—which, according to the New York Times, “he took on a 160-mile voyage on the Finger Lakes in New York to celebrate his 72nd birthday.” Wilson died in 2011 at the age of 92. ❖ Class of 1950 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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1951–53

While we don’t have any news to share from these classes right now, we hope that changes in the future! Be on the lookout for the News & Dues mailing that should be arriving in your mailbox soon. Please take a moment to fill out the included Share Your News form so that we can fill our future columns with news from all of you! If you prefer to send your news virtually, you can do so here. ❖ Classes of 1951–53 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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1954

Robert Friedman enrolled in the New York University Medical School shortly after leaving Ithaca, earned his MD in 1958, and interned at Mt. Sinai Hospital. He was drafted on the day he finished his internship and assigned to work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on the vaccines for poliovirus. On that assignment he also did research in immunology and interferons.

Bob then had a residency at the NIH in pathology, which, when completed, led to an assignment at the laboratory of Alick Isaacs (the discoverer of interferons), after which he again returned to the NIH to continue his research on viruses. Bob’s final position was chair of the Pathology Department in the newly created Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, a job he held for 33 years, training physicians to serve in the armed forces.

He retired in 2013 and has lived happily in Garrett Park, MD, with his wife, Harriet. They are proud parents of four children and 12 grandchildren. Bob says he manages to retain at least some of what he learned at Cornell by taking courses on literature and history at a local community college.

Our inbox needs refilling. We urge all ’54 classmates to send in news or memories. That will make all of us smile. ❖ Bill Waters, MBA ’55 (email Bill) | Ruth Carpenter Bailey (email Ruth) | Class website | Alumni Directory.

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1955

Phyllis Birnholtz Melnick continues volunteering as a tutor in a women’s prison and with court community service, both of which she has done for more than 33 years. About attending Cornell, she writes, “It was a wonderful experience and encouraged me to keep on learning. I still stay in touch with several classmates and I encouraged my granddaughter to go to Cornell, where she met her terrific husband.”

Gordon White shares that he is “keeping on doing what I have always done,” which mainly consists of sailing and writing. He adds, “The Cornell Daily Sun gave me needed experience that led to a career as a newspaper correspondent.” Arthur Yelon writes, “I was an engineering physics professor at Polytechnique Montréal for 31 years. Now I have been emeritus for 21 years and I’m doing research and advising research students.”

Ken Carlson, BCE ’56, retired to Ocala, FL, in 2020 after a career as a master builder of 11,750 homes. These days he is enjoying his great family and friends and his wonderful wife. Of Cornell, he says, “It was the greatest five years of my early life.” Elizabeth Burroughs Miley and her husband, George, enjoy walking around the pond at their senior living apartment, viewing ducks, geese, redwing blackbirds, and more. They also love attending musical events and movies nearby!

Joan Groskin Promin writes, “As of this year, well along in retirement, I remain in my home in Ocala, FL, and enjoy the beauty of this area of North Central Florida. Our community flourishes with wildlife that is encouraged by streams and waterfalls. Birding, which has always been a great part of my family’s interests, occupies part of my time. Art as well, which I do for myself and as part of community programs offered by my church. Music is perhaps most important to me. I sing solo with our church choir. It is a joy. I served on the Straight’s Music Room committee while at Cornell and also shared in the wonderful ornithology courses.”

James, MD ’59, and Mary Martin Van Buren ’56 sent this note: “We are doing okay for 90 and 89 years old! While we have several age-related health problems, we still live in our home of 52 years and are enjoying 66+ years of marriage. No significant travel, such as to Ithaca. We had a rough winter with the death of a daughter-in-law from a progressive neurologic disorder and of our son, David ’83, from a stroke and heart problems. Our other four children, seven grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter keep in touch and are doing well.”

The Cornell Daily Sun gave me needed experience that led to a career as a newspaper correspondent.

Gordon White ’55

Paul Hyman is active writing for his retirement community newsletter. He shares that he greatly enjoys the adventures of his son and daughter with their kids, his four grandchildren. Paul proudly shares that his first great-grandchild, Margo Elaine, was born May 1, 2024, a daughter to his grandson Don and his wife, Kelly, in Alexandria, VA.

Sally Stephens Logan writes from Virginia Beach, VA: “Hi, classmates. I am getting excited about the upcoming Reunion, our 70th! I made my reservation at the Statler (finally). There is a waitlist, but they will try to get as many of us in as possible. If you are able to come, please consider it—one more time! I know we have lost many friends and classmates—all the more reason to think about coming, to share experiences and make some new friends. I hope to see you there.

“I enjoy watching my family grow, now 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grands! I finally retired from actual work at around 85, so now am doing volunteer stuff. I serve with Stephen Ministries, a non-denominational lay organization, individually caring for people going through tough times, and am active in my P.E.O. chapter raising money for women’s education. I am also playing the piano for a couple of small senior groups.

“I’m very fortunate to be able to travel occasionally. Last year it was a wonderful music cruise on the Danube, and this year a tour of things I missed in Scotland and Ireland. And, of course, I am planning a return to Ithaca for Reunion. It’s so ‘women of the ’50s’ to say I met my husband there—but true. And it gave me the education I needed for later graduate studies and my later career after my children were older.”

Richard Shriver writes, “Well, I send along a report with trepidation … or, more to the point, superstition. I coached girls’ varsity lacrosse through last spring at Old Saybrook High School in Connecticut. It was such a gas that I wrote a book about our last season, 2024: So You Want To Coach Girls’ Lacrosse. Lacrosse at Cornell has grown to be such a power that when I say I played lacrosse at Cornell, people say, ‘Wow.’

“Our coach freshman year was Ray Van Orman, a pioneer of the sport in Baltimore and a Lacrosse Hall of Famer, who seemed ancient as our coach when he was merely 69. I still publish a quarterly magazine about the Connecticut River Watershed called Estuary. Lastly, we correspond with our great friends in Ukraine, where we lived and worked from 1990–2002. At this instant, March 2, 2025, life there is extremely difficult. Much love to the Class of 1955.” ❖ Class of 1955 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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1956

Leland Mote shares that he greatly enjoys gardening and spending time with his local friends. He has done some travel recently, including a trip to Alaska and Denali, plus a British Isles cruise in 2023. “I turned 90 in April 2024. Family met in Laughlin, NV, at Edgewater Hotel and Casino for celebration.”

Mary Ann “Polly” Whitaker Dolliver writes, “I’m keeping up with the activities of a large extended family that consists of four daughters and spouses, 12 grandchildren (all college grads—one from Cornell), and 13 great-grandchildren and counting. I’ve been a contributing member of a large retirement community in Spokane—on the resident council as secretary and now treasurer. I’m also very active in my Episcopal church, where I have been a member for 56 years; I’m also involved with adult education there.

“I help my daughters and their husbands maintain and manage a large lake property on Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho. We are also refurbishing a 100-year-old apple orchard there, as part of Washington State University’s Lost Apple Project Committee.” When asked how Cornell changed the trajectory of her life, Polly wrote, “I met my husband there! Cornell gave me the basic post-secondary education I needed for a successful career as a special education professional. I still have friendships that began at Cornell.”

Roy Curtiss shares that great-grandchildren Elliott and Marigold were born in February 2024 and April 2024, respectively. “As I tell folks, I’m not dead yet! I am a full-time University of Florida professor and research scientist. My four-year experience as a student at Cornell gets recalled and described in many ways on many occasions. I derive motivation and pride from my Cornell years.” ❖ Class of 1956 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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1957

Books, books, books! Yes, our classmates write books. Sam Hall Kaplan sent news in the fall. He has been a prolific writer, print and broadcast journalist, activist, urban planner, and teacher. He is also an Emmy Award winner. Sam lives in the Point Dume section of Malibu, CA, with wife Peggy, is the dad of four grown children (two PhDs, a lawyer, and a poet), and has three grandchildren.

Sam said that when not at his desk, he has put his Ag School learnings to good use by landscaping his property. His latest book, An Urban Odyssey: A Critic’s Search for the Soul of Cities and Self, was published in October 2024. A quote from the publisher: “An Urban Odyssey traverses the award-winning author’s seven decades in the media and the public and private sectors, as well as his time teaching and advocating for a more equitable, livable city.” In this memoir, Sam shares personal tales of his time at the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, and Fox News. He also includes “anecdotes of a host of the famed and ill-famed.”

Elizabeth Hollister Zimmerman writes from Fort Atkinson, WI, where she is finishing a botanical reference book begun by her late husband, James Zimmerman. The subject is the Carex Sedges of Wisconsin, a mostly evergreen shade plant that blends naturally with most plants. Elizabeth also enjoys birding, working in the northern forest, studying sedges, bird painting, and reading. She and husband Jack Ferguson own a house in Florida, which fortunately escaped damage from the last three hurricanes. They are fond of spending winters there.

Elizabeth’s son Jay lives in North Carolina, where he buys and sells stamps for collectors. Her memories of the Cornell campus go back further than most of ours, as she grew up in Ithaca. When she was a student, she was an active participant in the Outing Club’s winter trips. She shares an especially treasured memory: being present at the founding of the Lab of Ornithology and attending meetings there.

Elizabeth Hollister Zimmerman ’57 shares an especially treasured memory: being present at the founding of the Lab of Ornithology.

Al Collard, BEE ’58, announces the publication of his book 1862: The Spy of Vicksburg. This narrative is about Al’s father’s grandfather, Edward Kretchmer, a German immigrant who, in 1861, just two years after he arrived in America, joined the Union Army. He volunteered to be a spy for General Grant’s army to enter the Confederate fortress of Vicksburg as a German Jewish peddler, selling needles, thread, and cloth. After getting into Vicksburg to gather information about the city’s defenses, he was caught and interrogated by General Pemberton, who was in charge of 30,000 rebel troops. Spies were summarily shot when caught, but somehow Kretchmer survived the interrogation. (Al wryly notes that had his forefather been shot, he wouldn’t be here to write the book.)

After Al earned his BEE in 1958, he earned a master’s in applied math from Adelphi University. Then, by taking courses at night, he earned his Doctor of Law degree from Fordham University. Al acknowledges that his Cornell engineering education taught him how to think numerically and with logical conclusions. His law degree broadened his range of thinking to not just reach numerical conclusions, but to consider all issues—social, legal, equity, long range, future, and past, for a better understanding of events. His Cornell engineering background allowed him to practice in patent law (filed over 6,000 patents) and trademark law (over 4,000 filed) and contributed to his understanding of the growing and expanding technology over the past 60 years.

Al set up his intellectual property law firm, Collard & Roe, in 1966. The firm, in Roslyn, NY, on Long Island, is now managed by his son Bill and daughter Liz Collard Richter ’91. Six in the family have attended Cornell and include Liz’s husband, Craig ’89, and their children Will ’23, BS ’22, ME ’23, and Sarah ’21, BS ’20, ME ’21. Bill’s daughter Katie ’28 is in her freshman year. Al’s son Tom is in real estate in New Jersey and owns more than 30 income-producing properties and a public golf course. Al’s wife, Julie, survived a heart problem and after surgery is recovering nicely. Al retired from his patent law practice in 2008 and retired from playing 18 holes of golf a week just recently. He truly enjoys watching his nine grandchildren as they grow. He also keeps busy working on a second book about others of his forebears, beginning in the 1730s in the pioneering days of Vermont and later in Iowa.

The In Memoriam section of Cornellians offers a nod to the passing of classmates. The following expands on that. Leonard Mindich entered Cornell from the Bronx High School of Science. As many students did, he took advantage of the low $500 per semester tuition and enrolled in the Ag School, with the goal of becoming a scientist. By adding as many as seven courses a term, he managed to complete his academic study of microbiology. With his profound and unshakable sense of ethics, he found a home in Watermargin. He followed his Cornell experience by earning his doctorate in 1962 in the second PhD class of the Rockefeller Institute.

Lenny spent his more than 50-year career at the Public Health Research Institute. Working side by side with his small team, Lenny designed and executed some of the most creative and important studies in the history of virology. He dove into the most minute details of virus assembly, studying how simple viruses organize and propagate themselves. His pioneering work continues to inform research today on more complex pathogens and their treatments. Outside his laboratory, Lenny had a full life: self-taught in tennis, he played a longtime friend twice a week for half a century, taught himself windsurfing, and was an accomplished scuba diver. He married Margot, his high school sweetheart, and the two went on the Selma March in 1965. The long marriage thrived, producing three children and four grandchildren. Lenny’s pursuit of his passion was halted only by his long battle with Parkinson’s. He died at home surrounded by family on July 30, 2024. ❖ Connie Santagato Hosterman (email Connie) | Alumni Directory.

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1958

Louesa Merrill Gillespie lives in Ogunquit, ME. She is spending her retirement on nonprofit work for the Town of Ogunquit Marginal Way Committee, to coordinate with the Marginal Way Preservation Fund directors, whose missions are the same—that is, keeping the path along the rocky coast maintained. With Nor’easters, this work is never-ending, especially with 500,000 people annually on the path.

Louesa has retired from two terms on the board of the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. She is in charge of the music at St. Peter’s by-the-Sea summer chapel, which hosts a very successful annual jazz concert. Her activities’ purpose is to bring together her community, which is known for social justice, sustainability, the visual arts, and theater. She still has financial oversight of the Beachmere Inn, where her daughter, Sarah Diment, operates the business and her son, Martin Mace, is the chef.

For her retirement, Louesa designed and built a house that she can live in forever. It has accommodations for the handicaps of age, including wheelchair access. It is on the ocean, as is the inn, so has a beautiful view and is within sight of the homes of her children. Cornell changed the trajectory of her life by opening up many new avenues of learning and providing new friendships, including during recent years. For example, in November she went on a terrific Cornell trip with an outstanding guide to the Central Valley region of Costa Rica with 19 other travelers who became wonderful new friends!

In November, Louesa Merrill Gillespie ’58 went on a Cornell trip to the Central Valley region of Costa Rica with 19 other travelers who became wonderful new friends!

Eugene Ceglowski, DVM ’67, is living in Rupert, VT, and is married to Jean (Blume), DVM ’67. He became interested in Cornell after meeting a Cornell veterinarian while stationed at Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, NH. He was admitted after his four years in the U.S. Air Force and taking an organic chemistry class required by Cornell.

All of his children went to Cornell: daughter C.J., DVM ’98, daughter Sue ’88, daughter Laurie ’91, and son Bob ’93, DVM ’06. Eugene finds great satisfaction in two grandkids who graduated from Cornell in 2022, one from CALS and one from engineering, who is now working on his PhD in physics at Cornell. Another grandson, his youngest, in his sophomore year at American University, is a great soccer, baseball, and football player. During retirement, Eugene keeps busy raising cattle and putting up big round bales of hay from May to October. ❖ Barbara Avery, MA ’59 (email Barbara) | Dick Haggard (email Dick) | Alumni Directory.

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1959

“Phi Beta Kappa is considered the most prestigious honor society in the U.S.,” notes Ron Demer, who recently discovered that there has never been a single list of ’59 PBKs. “Only a handful were recognized in the PBK page, without class affiliation, or in people’s self-prepared bios in the 1959 Cornellian.” Ron went digging. Thanks to the help of Daniel Schwarz, Frederic J. Whiton Professor of English Literature and the current PBK advisor, we have learned that there were 77 PBKs in the Arts & Sciences Class of ’59. Ron and I have recently been in touch with some of these classmates, who share the following tales and news with us.

Alan Schechter writes: “I was an industrious student who quickly learned as a freshman—following the lead of several of my classmates, such as the recently deceased Steve Douglas, MD ’63—that I must study practically every evening during the semester for prelims and finals in order to get high grades. This was a big change for me as I had studied little in high school, always doing my homework in front of the TV and entering Cornell when I had just turned 16.

“Perhaps more important to my career was that I met the graduate students in the zoology courses, which led me to ask Prof. Howard Schneiderman if I could work in his laboratory during the academic year and the summer, something that was not very common at that time. Indeed, his acceptance of me and other students completely changed many of my perspectives and led me to become an instructor in his cell biology course in my senior year—and gave me an understanding of the essence of an academic career. I think that these new perspectives, as well as the Phi Beta Kappa election, resulted in my ability to conceptualize the career that I have since largely followed.”

Alan has worked at the National Institutes of Health since 1965; he heads the Section on Molecular Biology and Genetics in the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. His studies focus on sickle cell anemia; his article “Sickle Cell Anaemia Therapy in 2025” was recently published in the British Journal of Haematology.

“While the Phi Beta Kappa election is a great honor, and I went on to get my PhD in philosophy from another university, it was my Cornell education that was responsible for my successful career as an academic philosopher,” notes Ruth Chimacoff Macklin, BA ’58. “What was that success? Certainly not financial! Academic philosophers don’t receive the typical income of scientists, lawyers, and academic colleagues in fields such as science and engineering.

Alan Schechter ’59 has worked at the National Institutes of Health since 1965.

“My career as a bioethicist took me to more than 60 countries around the world—several of them on numerous occasions. I served on four committees at the World Health Organization (one of which I chaired for five years), chaired a committee at the CDC, worked with U.S. government ethics committees that dealt with HIV/AIDS around the world, received a grant award from NIH to create and direct an educational program in research ethics in Latin America, and served a term as president of the International Association of Bioethics, among many other positions and activities.

“I officially retired from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2016, but like many academics, I continued until the present with a variety of professional activities. At this point in my retirement, I’m catching up on reading novels; I attend concerts, lectures, and museums; and, most of all, I enjoy spending time with my daughters, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren.”

“I have two Phi Beta Kappa keys because my mother was also a member of the society!” says Judy Rosenbaum Franz. “I received my PhD in physics from the University of Illinois in 1965 and then spent two years at the IBM Research Lab in Zurich, Switzerland. Following that, I spent 18 years as a professor of physics at Indiana University. I was a visiting professor of physics at Cornell twice and once at the Technical University of Munich, Germany. For 15 years I was the executive director of the professional society of physics, and for the last six of those years I was also the secretary general of the international society of physicists. I have one son, Eric Franz ’89, a lawyer here in Atlanta, GA, and a 17-year-old granddaughter.”

“Phi Beta Kappa was a goal my family instilled in me and my brother at an early age, noting it was an achievement attained by the only members of my largely German-born family who attended college in the U.S., my mother and her sister,” says Carl Leubsdorf. “My mother added an additional incentive: she promised me a car if I made it. I achieved PBK as a senior, and didn’t even mind when my brother made it as a Harvard junior—he was always smarter.

“As for that car, since my mother wouldn’t go for my first choice, a Corvette, I went for its cheaper brother, a little red Corvair, only to discover while covering congressional auto safety hearings several years later that I was driving the most dangerous car on the road. I reluctantly scrapped it, but I still treasure the memory and what it signified in my life.” Carl is the former Washington bureau chief of the Dallas Morning News and author of Adventures of a Boy on the Bus: Five Decades as a Washington Journalist.

I’ll have more news from our PBKs in the next column. If you’re a PBK with a story to share, I’d love to hear from you. Indeed, I’d love to hear from all our readers! And if you’d like a copy of the list of ’59 PBKs, just send me an email request. ❖ Jenny Tesar (email Jenny) | Alumni Directory.

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1960s

1960

Barry Weintrob writes, “We now spend most of the year at a dream house in Boynton Beach, FL, that we purchased in 2020 at the start of the pandemic. We still spend summers at our house in Brooklyn, NY. We just returned from a wonderful Rhine River cruise, which was on our bucket list. I am busier than I ever was with four grandchildren and leadership positions in several nonprofit organizations. We are planning to attend our 65th Reunion in June!”

“Downsizing is my great challenge,” shares Logan Cheek, MS ’17, who is writing bio/memoirs for his granddaughters. “The world has certainly changed in our years!” Robert Wulf enjoys reading and meeting and dining with friends. He writes, “At Cornell, I realized what a big and wonderful world there is beyond my hometown experience.”

Kay Oppenheimer shares, “I am fortunate in finding deep satisfaction in a variety of activities—paying special attention to friends injured or ill, walking our dog in the woods, spending time with my spouse, and more. I have been retired from the practice of law for 11 years. I now spend time with family, exercise daily, horseback ride, listen to books, and maintain old friendships. Aging is a challenge, but I try to adapt as best I can. I am very fortunate in being healthy. Cornell introduced me to what we now call diversity and a multi-racial environment. Knowing students from farms, cities, and many countries was a great learning experience and heavily influenced my life.”

Bob Lawrence is a senior counsel at Cadwalader, one of the nation’s oldest law firms and the oldest continuing Wall Street law practice. He is still actively practicing law and is considered a leading authority in international and domestic tax, trust, succession, and personal planning matters. He is also an author, including of a seminal treatise, International Tax & Estate Planning: A Practical Guide for Multinational Investors. Bob has a fascinating history, including having served in the Army as well as being elected as the mayor of Shrewsbury, NJ. ❖ Class of 1960 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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1961

Your friendships at Cornell may have started some years before our time on campus, as Judy Reamer Cox’s and mine did. Friendships bloomed during Cornell years, surviving ups and downs until we were all blasted out of our safe and lofty environment. Then friends separated and went many various ways. But we kept in touch by phone or visits … and now, cherished friends, we come to our 80s, remembering and being grateful for the years we had together at Cornell. We are the Cornell Class of 1961.

Written in memory of my dearest friend, Judy. Your class correspondent and friend: ❖ Susan Williams Stevens (email Susan) | Doug Fuss (email Doug) | Alumni Directory.

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1962

“We continue to be in good health for the most part, for which we are grateful,” writes Don Juran from his home in Rockville, MD. “I completed ‘Two Loops of Ribbon,’ a poem I set to music, and am looking for another text to also set to music. My wife, Carol, continues singing with her two choirs: Kolot HaLev and Encore. She is also engaged in a book group, a mahjongg game, and a few volunteer activities. We did a good amount of traveling, including to Colorado and Sint Maarten, attended the 30th Reunion of son Adam ’94 (our first off-year Reunion), and celebrated our 55th anniversary in 2024!”

From Stephen Adler: “My wife and I lived in Jerusalem’s Old City Jewish Quarter for about 40 years. About five years ago, we moved to a retirement village in Shoresh, just outside Jerusalem. After retiring from the court, I did arbitrations and mediations until a few years ago. I am still an appeals judge for Holocaust survivors and chief judge of the Zionist Supreme Court (a tribunal deciding disputes between various Zionist organizations). For about eight years, until 2015, I taught a half-semester course at ILR, comparing American labor law and labor relations to those in Israel and Europe.”

Stephen continues, “2024 was a difficult year, beginning with missiles from Gaza, lately missiles from Yemen, and three grandchildren in the army. However, our normal life continued. We took grandchildren on a cruise in the Mediterranean, vacationed in Israel, and try to keep healthy. I wrote two articles about antisemitism at Cornell in the Jerusalem Post and keep in touch with events there. I meet with Cornell classmates and students when they visit Israel. Two grandchildren began studying law at Hebrew University, one studies computers at Ariel University, and one studies teaching at David Yellen college.”

Nancy Schlegel Meinig (Tulsa, OK) must be one very proud mom these days. Daughter Anne Meinig Smalling ’87 (a third-generation Cornellian!) was elected the 18th chair of Cornell’s Board of Trustees in February! Through the years, the Meinig family have been generous donors with a long tradition of service to the University. Anne’s father, Peter ’61 (who died in 2017), served two terms as chair of the board.

In 2015, a $50 million gift from the family endowed the Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, expanding and elevating what had been a department into a school within Cornell Engineering. Additional endowed positions and programs include the Meinig Family Professor of Engineering, Nancy Schlegel Meinig Professor of Maternal and Child Nutrition, Meinig Family Investigatorships in the Life Sciences, Carl H. Meinig ’31 Head Coach of Women’s Tennis, and Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars. Last fall, the University broke ground on the Meinig Fieldhouse, named in Peter’s memory.

Frank “Mickey” Robbins (Signal Mountain, TN) writes that he and wife Eloise took a short trip to Cuba this year. Frank has coordinated the local history column for the Chattanooga Times Free Press for the past decade. He’s president of McCoy Farm & Gardens (historic gardens and event venue), serves on the board of National Park Partners, and is exercising more and playing more tennis than before!

Marianne Mattucci Escaron and husband Pierre live in San Diego, CA, where, despite the usual aches and pains, she still enjoys her walks along the Pacific Ocean and getting in an outdoor swim, even when it is cold. Her first grandchild, she proudly notes, is studying to be a mechanical engineer like his grandfather Pierre.

Barry Proner (London, UK) is a Jungian psychoanalyst with adults, children, and adolescents. “I trained first as a psychiatrist and a child psychiatrist in Boston. I came to London for my psychoanalytic training in 1972 and just stayed. My two sons and my granddaughter were born here. It continues to be a rewarding and fulfilling life.”

The Johnson Museum of Art is hosting a special exhibition on the works of deceased classmate Suzi Nudelman Ferrer ’62.

An exhibition called “The Contemplative View,” comprising eight recent paintings (oil on linen) by Alice Dalton Brown (Peekskill, NY), was on view at Harper’s Chelsea 534 gallery in NYC from January 16 through March 1. Check out this link to see the paintings.

John Abel, professor emeritus in Cornell’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, sends word that he and son Bill “continue to live together in Ithaca. Our life consists of watching movies, shows, and sports; attending Cornell hockey and lacrosse games; and each having other interests. I regularly meet with retired colleagues for weekly coffee and monthly poker and attend an occasional lecture on campus. Bill remains active in NA meetings a few times a week, serves as treasurer of his group, and helps to bring NA meetings to the jail and hospital twice a month.

“A highlight of our year was a two-week trip to Switzerland to attend the annual IASS Symposium in Zurich, where we each caught up with friends. After the symposium, we visited four other cities by train—Lucerne, Interlaken, Lausanne, and Bern. We explored the old cities by foot and took a boat trip on a nearby lake.

“Daughter Britt Abel ’91’s new position at Macalester College entails directing the writing program and advising students applying for fellowships. She is currently president of the Coalition of Women in German. Son-in-law Scott Burglechner ’91 continues at U.S. Bank and is about to finish a two-year national program in banking school. Grandson Will continues at least three jobs—substitute teaching in high schools, teaching theater arts, and doing some dog daycare. We are all eagerly looking forward to granddaughter Natasha Burglechner ’25’s May graduation from Cornell. She already has a job with a software company for their training systems.”

Here’s the link to the second edition of Judith Shulman Weis’s book, Marine Pollution: What Everyone Needs to Know (Oxford University Press), which was incorrectly noted in the January/February column of Class Notes.

The Johnson Museum of Art is currently hosting a special exhibition on the works of deceased classmate Suzi Nudelman Ferrer, on view through June 8. This exhibition traces Suzi’s career, influences, and artistic evolution—from her time as a Cornell BFA student to her emergence as a critical avant-garde artist in Puerto Rico. It features newly discovered works alongside archival materials—including articles from the Cornell Daily Sun and Cornell Alumni News, exhibition catalogues, photographs, and personal annotations—offering insight into her conceptual concerns and creative processes. In connection with the exhibition, the museum also hosted “A Conversation on Suzi Ferrer” (in person and online) in April, with art historian Melissa Ramos Borges and Suzi Ferrer’s son, Miguel Ferrer ’91, who shared their research and personal insights of the accompanying exhibition and artist.

It’s official! The Class of 1962 baseball scoreboard has been permanently planted in the new Booth Field, located about a mile and a half southeast of the former Hoy Field, which now has a computer science building under construction. An article on the players accompanied by a photo of the scoreboard (both by Zeinab Faraj ’28, Sun staff writer) appeared in the Cornell Daily Sun (February 17, 2025).

It appears that the generosity of the Class of 1962 knows no bounds. Giving update: year-end total for 2024 is $20,561,135 and lifetime giving totals $318,808,279. Wow! ❖ Judy Prenske Rich (email Judy) | Alumni Directory.

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1963

Marjorie Walker Sayer sent the following news from Sarasota, FL: “The Gallery at the Varsity Club is excited to announce a one-month exhibit of Marjorie Sayer’s wonderful paintings. Marjorie paints—not with a brush, but with a palette knife, which renders a marvelously textured and impressionistic image that will delight your eye.”

Harold Nathan wrote from New York City that he has a full-time law practice there. “My family is small, but the next generation is doing well. Attending Cornell changed the trajectory of my life because it influenced my career choice. I am grateful for my good health.”

Bob Freeman and his partner, Andrea, live in Sausalito, CA. He is still traveling and enjoying grandkids. He is owner of the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco and of the Trident restaurant in Sausalito.

My high school sweetheart, Betsy, and I married at the end of my sophomore year in 1961 and are still married. She continues to be my sweetheart.

Allan Lines ’63, MS ’69

Allan Lines, MS ’69 (Worthington, OH) writes, “My high school sweetheart, Betsy, and I married at the end of my sophomore year in 1961 and are still married. She continues to be my sweetheart. After my MS at Cornell in agricultural economics, I completed my PhD at Purdue in 1968. I retired from the Ohio State University in January 2004 as emeritus professor after joining the faculty in 1974. We are proud to announce that two of our grandchildren are Cornellians: Daniel Lines ’25 will graduate in May with a BS in engineering and his sister, Rachel Lines, is a first-year student in the Veterinary College. I can’t thank Cornell and Stan Warren 1927, PhD 1931, enough for creating the opportunities for my career path. I have spent about five years working in most of the old Soviet Union countries for the USDA during my retirement.”

Patricia Rykiel sent me the following from West Sussex, England: “I am writing to tell you about a fictional memoir one of your graduates wrote. Robert Dodd, my late father, attended Cornell in the 1960s. He received a BS in biological and agricultural science. He wrote a manuscript in the 1980s, and now we have four formats published: hardcover, paperback, eBook, and audiobook. The book has its own Instagram page if you want to look. I am one of the co-authors. The book is called Don’t Break My Rice Bowl and is widely available, including at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible. It is the 50th anniversary of the ending of the Vietnam War this April.”

Please send me news of what you are doing these days. I want to keep the Class of 1963 going in Cornellians and I need news from you to do that. ❖ Nancy Bierds Icke (email Nancy) | 12350 E. Roger Rd., Tucson, AZ 85749 | Alumni Directory.

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1964

A year has passed since our 60th Reunion, yet your news keeps coming in a newsworthy manner. For example, our last president, Ken Kupchak, JD ’71, is still in demand, as he describes: “I was elected president of the Friends of the O’ahu National Wildlife Refuges. (Actually five locations on O’ahu from sea to mountaintop.) The O’ahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex is located on the Island of O’ahu, within the State of Hawaii. The complex consists of the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Pearl Harbor NWR, and O’ahu Forest NWR. Also I was once again voted one of the ‘Best Lawyers in America’ in a half-dozen categories, including ‘2025 Lawyer of the Year in Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law.’ Heady stuff or longevity? But I am not complaining.”

Martin Seldman, who lives in Berkeley, CA, also sent an update. “I’m continuing to work as an executive coach and organizational psychologist. Currently finishing my ninth book, Everybody Gets a Coach.” Alan Larris, MBA ’65, who lives with wife Pennie in Copley, OH, reports, “I retired as CFO of a mid-sized privately owned chemical company. Still doing some consulting and also tutoring in college accounting. I had previously taught at the University of Akron and Cuyahoga Community College.” Alan notes that Pennie is a retired nurse and that they have three children, one of whom moved to Australia, and four grandchildren.

Charles Oliver, who lives in Canaseraga, NY, writes that he’s retired part time. “I moved business from Canaseraga to Hornell.” Charles’s farm machinery business is in a new location and is, he says, “very attractive and very busy, run by my two sons.” Charles also enjoys a winter home in Fort Myers, FL, where he spends five months a year. Peter Stauder now lives year-round in Clermont, FL. “I retired in 1995 from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years’ service. I do genealogical research on my family and my wife’s. I also enjoy cooking for family and friends. I’m busy helping raise five great-grandchildren, ages 4 months to 6 years. I will never grow old with them around!”

I’m busy helping raise five great-grandchildren, ages 4 months to 6 years. I will never grow old with them around!

Peter Stauder ’64

Janet Warren Fatherley, who lives in Bradford, VT, writes, “I retired in 2005 after working 20 years at Dartmouth Medical School. I was the administrative assistant for the endocrinology division. I teach a conversation course for a German weekly at the local library. I like to read Scandinavian thrillers! I am always maintaining my 1849 Vermont farmhouse and vegetable garden. In March 2023, I spent three days in Boston at the Sheraton with my daughter Marisa and grandchildren Alana and Liam.”

Stephen Abramson, who lives in Hauppauge, NY, writes, “I am still working, as president of Adult Protective Services’ pension and financial services. I’m also on the Family Service Legal Board of our Chatham Synagogue.” Stephen enjoys tennis, pickleball, reading, and travel, especially cruises: riverboat in the south of France and in the U.S. cruising the Upper Mississippi, plus the river routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He also enjoys a country home in New Lebanon, NY, and adds, “I still enjoy the beauty of upper New York State.”

Sonia Kosow Guterman, MS ’67 (Belmont, MA) writes, “Total retirement is a goal I hope to accomplish as soon as I transfer a few remaining clients to Boston attorney Adam Schoen ’99. Tufts University’s math department continues the Martin Guterman Lectures my family started.” Sonia goes on: “I’m still learning violin and playing flute as my elderly hands permit.” Sonia’s recent travel has been to Nova Scotia, plus Vermont this coming summer “to see all five of my grandchildren!”

We end this column with a plea: if you lately sent in a filled-out news form but don’t see your news here, please re-send your news. Reason: we had a processing foul-up and lost two or three filled-out forms, any and all of which we would like to use.

Otherwise, that’s all for now. As for your news, please keep it coming! Update me by email, regular mail, our class website, or our class Facebook page. ❖ Bev Johns Lamont (email Bev) | 720 Chestnut St., Deerfield, IL 60015 | Alumni Directory.

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1965

On February 5, many of those in Florida celebrated another wonderful luncheon organized by Judy Kellner Rushmore in Naples. Also joining us was Brenda Teeter, who was present at a major meeting at the College of Human Ecology. At the meeting applauding the Ceriale gift, there were appreciative accolades to the Class of ’65 for our student mental health legacy gift.

Brenda spoke about the 100-year anniversary of the College of Human Ecology and the celebrations surrounding this historic event. She passed out photo buttons that said “WE ARE TRAILBLAZERS,” which feature pictures of notable women who attended the college, as well as 100-year pins! It will be great to be part of acknowledging the anniversary during our 60th Reunion!

Those present at the luncheon included Lew Stevens, who read an email from George Arangio, MD ’69, encouraging football alums to be part of a Zoom discussing Cornell football. Lew continues to be one of the key Lyft and Uber drivers in Naples and surrounding areas.

Myron Jacobson, accompanied by his wife, Michele, spoke about Reunion plans that are fast coming together. Myron and co-chair Liz Gordon will be sending out detailed information soon for our wonderful 60th. Mark your calendar and realize June 5–8 will be a spectacular event with smiles and joy recalling yesteryears and anticipating prime days ahead. The new Barbara McClintock Hall is our air-conditioned dormitory residence for the weekend and there are dinners arranged at Appel Commons, Statler, and the new Human Ecology facility, and Corey Earle ’07 will share Cornell history and stories during the dinner there.

On Saturday afternoon, Bruce Smoller will moderate the discussion and success of the Class of 1965 Student Mental Health Fund, our Reunion and legacy gift. We have received many donations thus far and encourage all classmates to participate. It’s understood that many folks have ongoing commitments to specific colleges, organizations, sports, etc. However, our class officers are keen on having everyone participate at whatever amount you could consider!

On February 5, many of those in Florida celebrated another wonderful luncheon organized by Judy Kellner Rushmore ’65 in Naples.

Cruising vacations were reported by Mo and Courtenay Klug Hoag, Joe and Kathy Schneider, and Dave Bridgeman and his wife, Karen. Dave had a big smile on his face, saying Karen and he are “livin’ the dream,” celebrating their seventh anniversary!

Walter and Linda Gadkowski have now been in residence for one year at the senior living community Vi at Bentley Village in Naples, FL. Judy Rushmore and Dave Koval moved in last year and are also excited about their new condo, as well as all the activities available for residents. Jim Bennett offered a comment: “I had a few medical issues that seemingly all of us have at this age. After dispatching them, I’ve been having lots of fun.”

Liz Gordon comments, “I was part of a group of classmates who were in Coconut Grove, FL, over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day long weekend to help Marlene Krauss celebrate her 80th birthday. She was being honored by the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind. Donna Kessler Laikind, Lynn Korda Kroll, Barbara Brizdle Schoebergm, Debbie Dash Winn, Jay Goodman Roter ’67, and I spent three days celebrating Marlene and having a ball. Marlene’s three children were there, including Juliana Berk-Krauss ’11.”

George Arangio, MD ’69, published We Talk with God, a scripture-based guide to God’s advice that will boost spiritual energy, bring peace, and enrich the life of readers. The book presents the plan of God, and reviewers have noted that “Dr. Arangio has written an important and powerful book, with a selection of Old and New Testament verses and commentary.” It is available in e-book form and paperback.

Days are zooming by and Steve and I hope to see you June 5–8 at out 60th Reunion. Be there or be square! Popularized in the ’50s and ’60s, how many classmates remember saying that?! ❖ Joan Hens Johnson (email Joan) | Stephen Appell (email Stephen) | Alumni Directory.

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1966

As you read this, we are about a year from our 60th Reunion. Make your plans for June 4–7, 2026. Having celebrated virtually for our 55th, we look forward to coming back to the Hill!

This February, class leaders Rolf Frantz, ME ’67, Bill Maxfield, Alice Katz Berglas, and Susan Rockford Bittker attended the Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference (CALC) in Philadelphia. It was terrific to discover that ’66 classmate Ken Abbott was an attendee as well, joining us for lunch and our class meeting, adding his spirit and thoughts to both.

After practicing law, Ken taught at Northwestern University School of Law from 1978–2005, then at Arizona State University from 2005–19, where he held the Jack E. Brown Chair in Law (now emeritus) and was professor of global studies (emeritus). He has now settled on the East Coast, living in Philadelphia.

CALC was an opportunity to learn about current campus activities and hear from the new provost, Kavita Bala, Cornell President Mike Kotlikoff, students, and other faculty and staff. There were multiple workshops on ways for volunteers to expand their leadership abilities. There was also informal time to mingle with other Cornellians.

We’ve received news from several ’66 classmates. Judith Kurtz Polcer writes from Brooklyn that she is still playing duo gigs with husband Ed (Princeton ’58) at Mt. Sinai, Lincoln Square, in New York twice a week. She is on the piano and is working to improve her improvisational skills. Ed shows her up with his extraordinary skills on the cornet (her opinion). Judy is enjoying her involvement with class officers in planning for Reunion.

Margaret Esmé Simon is an artist living in Greenwich, CT; her work can be seen on her website, and she is on Facebook and Instagram as well. She will have two or three shows in September. Last August, she and her husband traveled to Berlin, Dresden, Weimar, and Bayreuth (where they attended two operas as part of the Wagner Festival). They will be going to a wedding on Lake Como, Italy, in late September and seeing old friends from their years in Milan. The trip includes Cernobbio, Milan, and Florence.

Judith Kurtz Polcer ’66 writes from Brooklyn that she is still playing duo gigs with husband Ed at Mt. Sinai, Lincoln Square, in New York twice a week.

John Cobey writes from Cincinnati that he is in his 57th year working in his law firm. He is chair of the health network that gave 51,000 patient visits for the homeless. He is also chair of the Hamilton County Library and a clerk and officer of the Cincinnati Literary Club. He now has time to help the underserved. John says he never imagined living as long as he has and being productive. Recent travel was visiting grandchildren in Seattle.

Carol Green Remz, MAT ’67, lives in Bremerton, WA. She never thought she would be an author at age 80 but just released a book, Best Sex Ever After Menopause.

Alice Katz Berglas and Mary Jansen Everett share a note about our 60th Reunion: “We echo Susan’s words that while our virtual Reunion was remarkable, truly wonderful, filled with ’66 spirit across the internet and globe, and gathered us as best as possible in the depths of COVID, there is no doubt that the anticipation of climbing our Hill once again is already generating excitement as we look to celebrate the ‘Big Cornell 60th.’ Being together—in real time, in real places (old and new)—sharing conversations and laughter, walking the quads from here to there, is the gift of returning to campus. Never better than when together. Back on the Hill. The Class of 1966 always celebrates a Reunion year—not just a weekend—and this column is the jumpstart of the months ahead. Join us all year in the many ways we will offer. Yes! Circle the dates on your calendar now and start making plans to be in Ithaca: June 4–7, 2026. We look forward to sharing it all.

“We also share an important reminder and an invitation: The Cornell Class of 1966 is creating a PDF scrapbook, called ‘Straight Talk,’ to celebrate our 60th Reunion year and the 100th anniversary of the Straight. The book will be a gift to the Cornell Archives, Kroch Library. We’ve invited the classes of the ’60s to join us in capturing the ‘social history,’ the memories, stories, and images of the Straight in our time—a place that was the center for (almost) everything in student life. Having the ‘voices’ of the Class of 1966, ‘The Class in the Middle,’ is central to all that was, to what remained the same and/or was changing, in our decade. Collecting our memories of Cornell’s iconic student union—in one place. Tetra Paks! Ride box! Coffee dates! The music of WVBR! And so much, much more, from the light to the serious. Please DO share a memory (short or long, a snippet or a story) of our/your ’66 time. Without you, it’s not us. It’s easy to do: Submit a memory here and learn more here.” ❖ Susan Rockford Bittker (email Susan) | Pete Salinger, MBA ’68 (email Pete) | Alumni Directory.

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1967

Robert Mrazek (Wellesley Island, NY) served as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York’s 3rd Congressional District on Long Island from 1983–93. Since leaving Congress, he’s written 12 books, earning the W.Y. Boyd Literary Award for Excellence in Military Fiction from the American Library Association, the Michael Shaara award for Civil War fiction, and Best Book (American History) from the Washington Post.

He also wrote and co-directed the 2016 feature film The Congressman, which received the Breakthrough Achievement Award at the AARP Film Awards in 2017. For his conservation and preservation work, the Directors Guild of America awarded him its first Legislative Achievement Award in 1987.

Robert writes now: “In pondering the recent loss of Jimmy Carter, I remembered the first time I met him at the very beginning of his first campaign for President. In late 1975, I read a compelling New York Times op-ed piece by Andrew Young extolling his abilities and his character; on that basis, I got in touch with Bill vanden Heuvel, one of his senior New York advisers, to say I wanted to help him. As if that might have had any real value.

When I was co-founding the Alaska Wilderness League in 1993, I asked Jimmy Carter to serve as our honorary chair. He actually called me and happily agreed to join us.

Robert Mrazek ’67

“A couple of weeks later, in late January 1976, Bill called to say he wanted to bring Governor Carter out to Long Island and asked if I would host an event for him. I was a county legislator at the time, but had made a lot of relationships within the party on the North Shore. Unfortunately, none of them had any awareness of Jimmy yet, except that he was some peanut farmer from Georgia (said disparagingly) and it took a frantic effort on my part to coax maybe 50 people to come and meet him at our small home. He delivered a brilliant speech to that little group, shook everyone’s hand, and expressed his appreciation to his embarrassed host. Less than two months later, he came back to Long Island for a second visit. It was at Hofstra and drew 20,000 people. Serious momentum.

“When I was co-founding the Alaska Wilderness League in 1993, I asked him to serve as our honorary chair. He actually called me to say he remembered my being there for him at the beginning and he happily agreed to join us. He visited Alaska numerous times, both during and after his presidency (in 1980, he signed the landmark legislation to expand the borders of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge there). His love for Alaska wildlands, and particularly the Arctic Refuge, was deep and visceral. He told me he found it a very spiritual place. It was a privilege to have known him.”

I looked forward to seeing a good number of our classmates at the annual Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference held in late February (I’m writing in early February) in Philadelphia. If perchance you didn’t attend—it was open to all alums—please do send me a note for this column updating the class on your doings and thoughts. ❖ Richard Hoffman (email Richard) | Alumni Directory.

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1968

I have more news to share with our classmates as we move into the warmer months! We always want more news and updates from you, so please let us know where you are and what you are doing, or share your reflections on your years at Cornell with our classmates!

Susan Mascette Brandt enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren, who are in preschool through middle school and who all live within a half-hour of her in metro Boston. Being able to spend time with their grandchildren is a key reason that she and her husband, Bill, moved from Rochester, NY, where they both practiced law for many years. She writes, “Our older son, Nick, was just appointed a Justice of the Boston Municipal Court. At only 45, he’ll be a credit to the Commonwealth for decades. And our younger son, Josh, an engineer, has for almost 20 years led a design/build company in Boston called Stack + Co., which he co-founded in his 20s.”

An NYU Law School newsletter recently published a story on couples who met at NYU Law, which said: “Bill and Susan met in 1970 during their second year of law school when Susan, a note and comment editor at the NYU Law Review, met with Bill to edit his note. ‘She was a great, great editor, and I loved everything she did,’ says Bill. ‘I think at that point I was kind of mesmerized by Susan. After we were all done editing the note, I said, “Why don’t we go out to celebrate and have a drink and walk around Greenwich Village?”’ They recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.”

Roger Stetter writes that his 50th wedding anniversary was last Christmas Day and that his son Jack ’09 will complete his philosophy fellowship at the University of Wisconsin and return home with his family to New Orleans in June in time to celebrate the third birthday of their precious grandson, Raoul.

Herb Fuller and Julia Ho Wang attended the Cornell Hotel Society New England Holiday Party this past January. Herb reports that they were the most senior alumni attending! Julia’s daughter, Elizabeth Wang Darling ’97, and her daughters, Victoria Darling ’26 and Alexandra Darling (soon to be Class of ’29), also attended. As freshmen, Julia’s brother, George Ho, and Herb were on the same Baker dorm corridor.

Herb writes that he retired in 2009 as superintendent of Harvard University’s 15-story William James Hall, which was designed by the famed architect Minoru Yamasaki. He also designed the World Trade Center towers in New York City. Throughout his career at Harvard, which included holding the titles of building manager and capital projects manager, Herb developed safety programs and ADA modifications for Harvard buildings. During that time, he was elected chair of the Harvard Administrators. Herb’s first career was filmmaking and writing. “Thanks to digital media, I can now make documentaries on my own. My current book project is in editorial with a publisher.”

This past winter, my wife, Sharon Lawner Weinberg, PhD ’71, and I, along with Chuck Levitan, Jerry Levitz, and Gordon Silver and his significant other, Carla Ginsburg ’69, attended a reception hosted by the Cornell Club of Eastern Florida at the Ben Hotel in West Palm Beach for then-Interim President Michael Kotlikoff—who brought us up to date on the state of the University.

Every time I read about Cornell I pause, remembering those four action-filled years.

Nigel Colborn ’68

Richard Becker and his wife, Fran Tenorio, divide their time between Santa Fe, NM, and Tucson, AZ. Richard writes, “The mountains are high, people are great, sunshine is plentiful, and the chili is hot.” Sounds pretty good!

Candi Dabi writes, “Bruce O’Pray and I have been retired for many years but we’re still keeping the brain cells active. Bruce works as a consultant to entrepreneurs who want to grow their business and who value his years of experience building businesses of his own. He lends that same expertise to various projects in the community where we live (in Bergen County, NJ). I run the book club and organize a few social events throughout the year for our community. I recently began some very rewarding volunteering. I’m teaching ESL to students of various ages. Their eagerness to learn and their immediate show of appreciation for my help made me wish I had started doing this much sooner. I’m relying on high school Spanish and they are very tolerant of my efforts!”

Candi also writes that she recently returned from two fascinating journeys to Tanzania and Antarctica. “Seeing our next decade close on the horizon prompted me to complete the final large items on my bucket list.” They have a total of 10 marvelous grandchildren: five in the NYC metro area and five in the Boston metro area. Their visits with them are very special. Candi writes, “We heartily agree that grandparenting is much better than parenting!”

Nigel Colborn writes from the U.K., “Every time I read about Cornell I pause, remembering those four action-filled years. The beautiful campus often returns to dwell in my head for days. The amazing student activities were almost infinite. There was so much—every hour of every day. Flashes of memory pop up, even now that I’m over 80 and recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The friendliness of my fellow students was unforgettable. Other high points included the Bob Dylan concert, skating (very badly) on Beebe Lake, discovering New York State’s remarkably rich flora and fauna, and, after an atrocious start, academically, managing to end up on the Dean’s List.” Tickets to that Bob Dylan concert in Barton Hall held on November 6, 1965 were $1.80 each! Bob Dylan was 24 years old.

Back in the U.K., Nigel’s career began with a decade working as a nutritionist for livestock and domestic animals. “After that, and with a lovely wife and two sets of un-identical twins, we acquired a farm in Lincolnshire. As any agrarian will tell you, farming makes you healthy and happy—but poor. So you have to add value. We started a nursery for rare and unusual plants and that was pretty successful. We showed our wares at horticultural and agricultural shows all over Britain.” Nigel writes that he enjoyed farming but wanted to do more. So he began to write for various magazines and went on to write regular columns for national newspapers.

Nigel and his wife, Ros, then discovered that they could travel to wonderful places for free, if they signed up as “expert” tour leaders. This began a series of long trips, first to South Africa, then to the Mediterranean, the Far East, Ecuador and Brazil, and Southeast Asia. Nigel, reflecting further on his years at Cornell, writes, “Those wonderful years and classmate friendships between 1964 and graduation are still deeply treasured memories.”

I look forward to receiving more news and updates from all of you! Please email me about you and your family with news you would like to share with our classmates. ❖ Steve Weinberg, MBA ’70, JD ’71 (email Steve) | Alumni Directory.

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1969

I am starting this column with an ask: Our class is looking for volunteers to act as class correspondents—to edit the notes our classmates submit for publication in the six-times-a-year Class Notes sections in the Cornellians online publication. We have been rotating the task among several people to ease the time commitment.

Our class co-presidents, Adam Sieminski, MPA ’71, and Bill Bruno, ME ’71, add, “We want to encourage every member of the Class of 1969 to renew your ties to Cornell by participating in upcoming Cornell activities and by sharing your news in future editions of the Class Notes. These forums provide great opportunities to rekindle friendships and celebrate our shared history.”

We are delighted to share a recording of a February 13 webinar that was co-sponsored by the Class of 1969 and Cornell’s new Brooks School of Public Policy. If you joined us for the live program, “The Economic Benefits of Climate and Environmental Policy,” thank you! If you missed it, a link to the recording is here.

It was good to hear from quite a number of our classmates, so here goes! Stephen Goldberger gets great satisfaction from his grandkids (many of us feel the same). Congrats to him on having shot a score below his age in golf! Stephen lives in Virginia. Dianne Dyson Coles writes from Maryland that she also loves spending time with her grandchildren and working with her church, where she continues on the ministerial staff. She retired in 2022 after 29 years of formal clergy ministry. She had also retired in 2005 after 35 years of federal service.

Following graduation, Richard Poznysz and his wife, Barbara, moved to Flushing, NY, and later to Scituate, MA, where he worked for State Street Bank for over 20 years, traveling everywhere between Japan and West Germany. During this time, he and a neighbor purchased a cranberry bog farm near Plymouth, MA. They and their wives worked it on weekends. Later, with his wife, they purchased another cranberry bog farm with good wetlands. Richard is very proud to be on the board of directors of Ocean Spray Cranberries.

Ildiko Czmor Mitchell ’69 continues her trip down the Appalachian Trail and was midway, heading south in the Shenandoah State Park, when she wrote.

Writing that he is happy to be healthy, Kent Nadbornik also tells us he has 12 grandchildren. He continues to be an investor. Regarding having attended Cornell, he says: “Cornell is the best. Educated for life.”

From Rhode Island, Sharon Williams Davis, MBA ’71, writes that she gets great satisfaction as a Hopkinton Town Councilor representing the residents and helping solve their issues. She and her husband, Luther ’70, will be celebrating their 55th anniversary this August. Cornell did help in her life’s trajectory, through her singing in the Sage Chapel Choir. She has appeared in 20 operas. Sharon worked for Carson Products, a division of L’Oreal.

Ildiko Czmor Mitchell also loves being with her grandchildren. She spends time visiting friends that are not healthy. Still mobile, she continues her trip down the Appalachian Trail and was midway, heading south in the Shenandoah State Park, when she wrote. Ildiko does mention that she misses the alumni magazine in print form.

Gary Shaye has worked for Save the Children for 50 years (currently on a halftime basis). He has worked in Nepal, Bolivia, Haiti, and many other places. Prior to being with Save the Children, he was with the Peace Corps. At Cornell, the Hotel School, along with the international students, taught him a lot about working with people of different backgrounds. Gary has four children (all speak Spanish, having spent time in Bolivia), and six granddaughters. In 2023 they all went to Glacier National Park, where he had a summer internship through the Hotel School.

Lastly, Steve and I, Ingrid Dieterle Tyler, will also be celebrating our 55th anniversary this June. Congrats to the many others also celebrating 55! Thanks to all the contributors, it makes it easier to write and fill a column. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and safe 2025. ❖ Ingrid Dieterle Tyler (email Ingrid) | Alumni Directory.

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1970

As I write this, it is the day before St. Valentine’s Day, February 13. We finally have real winter here in Chicagoland, with piles of snow and 15–20° temperatures. Thus, it’s an excellent time to begin writing, instead of going outside!

I’ve now written a number of times about our upcoming 55th Reunion, June 5–8, now just one month away by the time you read this! Several Reunion-related activities have already appeared in our physical or email mailboxes. Recently, you may have received one that asked for nominations for class officers. If you have any strong ideas, or are interested in volunteering, go to this Cornell volunteer website, click on “CUVolunteers,” and find our class listing. I have already nominated myself to continue as the class correspondent, as it keeps me connected and I enjoy the process.

In addition, as Reunion approaches, you may find that you have been contacted by our affinity chair(s). The purpose is for those of us with connections to various parts of the Cornell community to invite our classmates from such organizations to return for the fellowship of Reunion. I’ve personally taken on this responsibility for my fraternity and for classmates who were connected with the Cornell Daily Sun. Invite your friends!

Dan Ladd (Bethesda, MD) writes the following: “I am planning to attend our 55th Reunion this June. Looking forward to it, since I last came to Cornell with my wife, Jill (Jayson) ’73, for her 50th Reunion in 2023. I was ready to come to our 50th, but it was canceled due to the pandemic. My info in the Cornell Alumni Directory is correct.

I enjoyed traveling twice with the Orchid Conservation Alliance to explore orchids in the wild on the Rio Negro River in the Brazilian Amazon.

Claire Garrett ’70

“After my NROTC active duty service, I got my MBA at American University in ’79 by attending night school; I went on as a program management consultant for a series of big-name businesses like Booz Allen Hamilton, EDS, Raytheon, and HP Enterprise Services before retiring. I have done a lot of foreign traveling to do animal and bird photography. I have focused on my family genealogy, especially those who went to Cornell (22). I have recently retired after 24 years as the president of our community homeowners association and continue on the board of directors for our Ocean City, MD, beach condo building. We have four grandkids in our area. The oldest is starting to be interested in colleges like Cornell.”

Claire Garrett (Hollywood, FL) finds satisfaction these days with orchids. She writes as follows: “I enjoyed attending the World Orchid Conference in Taiwan last winter, and traveling twice with the Orchid Conservation Alliance to explore orchids in the wild on the Rio Negro River in the Brazilian Amazon. I plan to travel with this nonprofit organization again in August, this time to Papua New Guinea. OCA uses profits from these adventures to save endangered orchid habitats in South America.”

Frederick “Ted” Leighton, PhD ’84 (Saskatoon, SK, Canada) sent along a news release of his latest novel, Knowers and Lovers. The book continues the saga of Rick Robichaud, his veterinarian wife Zora Cromwell, and their year-old daughter, Bronwyn, probing the nature of greed and hubris, where these lurk in human affairs, and the harm they cause, contrasting them with the powerful alternatives of friendship and mutual care.

Yet again, by the time this column appears, our 55th Reunion will be very close. Hope to see many of you in June 2025! As always, you may contact me directly (see below) or you may use the University’s standard online news form. ❖ John Cecilia, MBA ’79 (email John) | Alumni Directory.

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1971

Do you use a cornell-dot-edu Gmail address? I do and I know many of you do, too. Please be aware that Cornell will no longer be able to offer unlimited storage to alumni. (This is a result of recent changes to Google’s pricing structure: Google no longer offers free unlimited storage to universities.) You can keep your current Cornell Gmail account, but you will need to cap your storage at 5 gigabytes of data. When the University notifies you of your cohort’s deadline to do this chore, I urge you not to delay. For me, the process was time-consuming and frustrating. If you don’t take action to reduce your storage by the deadline, your email account will be deleted. More information can be found here.

Mark Sussman, now of Trumansburg, NY, shares that he’s just returned from Ecuador, where he traveled with fellow Cornellian Kai Pan ’88. They spent several days in Quito, finding it “a vibrant city with near perfect climate.” He continued, “Unfortunately, my experience was marred by pickpockets taking my wallet on a spending spree. Despite the mishap, Quito is definitely worth a visit.” Mark highly recommends the Napo Cultural Center Lodge. Even beyond the place’s excellent food, lodging, and service, it was their expert guiding in the rainforest and rivers that stood out. He most enjoyed a wide variety of plant and animal life, including seeing many scarlet macaws and giant river otters munching on a large fish caught by the alpha.

Marcia Wities Orange is loving life in Fort Lee, NJ, after many years in Seattle and Portland. She’s with her four delightful grandchildren “all the time” now, as they live right nearby. Her two D.C.-area grandsons come up often.

Recently Marcia took her first trip to culturally rich St. Petersburg, FL, and is planning more: Iceland in spring and Ithaca in summer for perhaps her fifth CAU course, “Being Byzantine: Art and Culture of New Rome,” taught by history of art and classics associate professor Benjamin Anderson. Marcia passed along news of the August death in Vancouver, WA, of her former husband, Herb Orange.

We heard form Joshua “Fred” Nagin, MD ’75, MBA ’88, who is 15 years retired from more than 30 years in emergency medicine and happily active in Bonita Springs, FL. He writes, “I feel very lucky to continue to be working on my bucket list—skydiving last year, just back from New Zealand, and taking the grandchildren to Africa this summer.” One day he’d love to see a grandchild at Cornell, but he’s not looking forward to the challenges of aging.

I feel very lucky to continue to be working on my bucket list—skydiving last year, just back from New Zealand, and taking the grandchildren to Africa this summer.

Joshua ‘Fred’ Nagin ’71, MD ’75, MBA ’88

Your class officers continue to meet often throughout the year, and many were able work together in Philadelphia during February’s CALC meetings. Going forward, they’ll focus on our upcoming 55th (!) Reunion, June 4–7, 2026. One night, a group got away for a dinner together (with a few non-officers) just for fun, including David Beale, Laurie Berke-Weiss and Brian Berke, Barbara Blake, Elisabeth Kaplan Boas, Dale Cohen, Martha Coultrap, Susan Deitz Milmoe, Kathy Menton Flaxman, Gilda Klein Linden, Robert and Judith Goodman Mecklenburger, Naomi Katz Mintz, Barbara Brem Noveau, Richard Stewart, and Mitch Weisberg.

Classmates who wish to join the planning: please contact Kathy or Gilda, Reunion chairs. Their contact info can be found in the Alumni Directory. Under the steady leadership of Naomi Katz Mintz and her indomitable committee, the class history project has convened monthly Zoom meetings that chronicle our four years on the Hill. They will begin focusing more on memorabilia; stay tuned. The curated results will eventually be archived in the University Library. Contact Naomi for future Zoom dates.

Writing from Baltimore, Barbara Howard reflects on how Cornell solidified in her a liberal political mindset, made her aware of racial issues, and connected her to outdoor adventures that have become a beloved part of her life. She and her husband, Ray Sturner, who is also a physician, have four grown children and two grandchildren (as of this writing). A pediatrician and medical educator, she continues to manage a software company that she created, Child Health and Development Interactive System, a web-based system that screens, provides clinicians with direct support and automated documentation, and makes closed loop referrals. Perhaps you’re aware of it.

Barbara takes great satisfaction hearing from pediatricians about how the system helps care for patients. The web reveals a bit more that she did not say about herself: Dr. Howard is past president of the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. She has served the American Academy of Pediatrics on the local and national level, including on the Task Force on Mental Health, and is a regular speaker at meetings around the country.

Dot Preisner Valachovic, from Schenectady, NY, reminisced about her lifelong friend, Eileen Nuhn Petrillo, who died on January 2, 2024 at home in Ridge, NY. Eileen, says Dot, was “all about empowering others.” Her 34 years with BOCES included a portion of a NYS Education Department certified life skills curriculum, and she ultimately worked as a counselor to incarcerated adolescent males. As a volunteer, in retirement, she increased her commitment to the local food bank in areas of service, funding, and work at the center. “This life of service, always with a smile, is remembered and appreciated by many friends, family, and community members.” ❖ Elisabeth Kaplan Boas (email Elisabeth) | Cara Nash Iason (email Cara) | Alumni Directory.

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1972

It was nice to hear from several classmates! Miriam Stern Sharick reports that her major in systematics in the Ag School prepared her well for a multifaceted and interesting career. Making use of her entomology, ornithology, and vascular plant taxonomy courses, she spent five years working in the bird collection at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, and then moved on to careers at SUNY Delhi and SUNY Oneonta curating bird and insect collections and teaching botany and zoology.

Miriam is about to retire from teaching at SUNY Delhi and is contemplating more fishing, gardening, jam making, traveling, visiting her grandchildren, and lots of other possibilities. She finds great satisfaction knowing she can still contribute to her community and to the world at large.

Richard Bareford reports from Medford, NJ, that he recently self-published a novel that he had been working on for 14 years, Veterans Key. The novel is set in 1935 and several of the characters are either Cornell alumni or undergraduates. He drew on his own Cornell experience and that of his father who graduated in 1941. One of the members of his father’s class was a young German woman, Rose Ewald Bethe ’41. She immigrated to America in 1936 and married her father’s colleague Hans Bethe in 1939. She died in Ithaca in 2019 at the age of 102. Rose, with considerable artistic license, is the model for the book’s protagonist.

Christopher Barns also wrote in that he has a book coming out in the spring, Mesa Verde’s Secret Garden. According to the publisher, University of New Mexico Press, “Mesa Verde National Park is the only congressionally designated land-based wilderness to prohibit all recreational use. While backcountry use was encouraged for decades, stewardship changed over time as ‘gardening’ the park for aesthetic purposes decreased while secrecy increased. The reasons for these changes, as Christopher Barns discovered, are multifaceted, but ultimately they reflect a desire to protect the park’s thousands of archaeological sites, including 600 Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, while allowing natural processes to continue. However, most of the park is without recognizable cultural features, and if the public is prohibited from experiencing the surrounding landscape, Barns asks, what is being protected and for whom?”

Looking forward to hearing from more of you for the next class column! ❖ Susan Farber Straus (email Susan) | Frank Dawson (email Frank) | Wes Schulz, ME ’73 (email Wes) | Alumni Directory.

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1973

The news is sparse this month, as is the sun in my part of the world. Of course, snow has its own reflective properties, but it’s not the same. It’s been quite a year for natural disasters; my daughter in L.A. was okay during the fires, except for smoke inhalation. I imagine not everyone reading this was so fortunate. Hurricanes galore, tornados, blizzards, floods … we had it all. Still, we persevere.

Daniel Briggs, from Millerton, NY, shares that family brings him the most satisfaction these days. He’s mostly retired but still helps a few dairy farms with their food management. I’m with Daniel in that family and close relationships are the focus of my joy and satisfaction. What we share face to face becomes more precious as time goes by.

Sadly, I report the death of Alexander Nixon of Mount Dora, FL, on November 23, 2024. He was the owner of Joseph C. Hansen Co.; city administrator of Umatilla, FL; chairman of special projects for the New York City Ballet; and active in community, professional, and religious affairs as well as Theta Delta Chi.

We encourage you to send in your news to any of us: ❖ Phyllis Haight Grummon (email Phyllis) | Pam Meyers (email Pam) | Dave Ross (email Dave) | Alumni Directory.

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1974

Fred Palmer still practices law in Cazenovia, NY, but lives with wife Shea in a (modified) historic octagon house in nearby New Woodstock. They recently became first-time grandparents to Noah, offspring of their son Patrick. Ed and Paulie Brooks Drexler ’75 are enjoying winter months in Florida after a busy season helping run their agri-tourism business, Springside Farm, in nearby Pompey, NY. Their enterprise features many family-friendly activities and a huge event barn for country weddings.

Peter Slaunwhite and his wife, Susan, met up with his cousin Matt Sherman ’91 and his wife, Kathleen Gapp ’91, for a night of fun in Collegetown and the Dartmouth hockey game. He says, “The game was a bit of a hard one to watch, but it was great getting together with family and fellow alums!” Lucy Babcox Morris lives with husband John in Clayton, MO, where they enjoy having their three adult children and families nearby. She reports taking long walks with son Ted.

Building on the momentum from the 50th Reunion in Ithaca, several Kappas (and some husbands) recently gathered in Charleston, SC, for a long weekend of conversation and sightseeing. Libby St. John Burns and husband Steve acted as local hosts, arranging enjoyable tours, dining events, and an afternoon of sailing. Attendees included: Claudia Hebel Malone and husband Danny ’75, Patty Near Merrifield, BS ’73, Jodi Sielschott Stechschulte, and Jody Kraatz Paduch. Other Charleston attendees included some welcome Class of ’74 “affiliates”: Mark ’75 and Christine “Ting” Magill Kamon ’75, Mary Vane ’73, and Ron ’73 and Lorraine Palmatier Skalko ’73.

Carol McKenzie Moore and husband Tom ’79 (FYI: my brother) recently attended a presentation with a superb winetasting/multi-course dinner featuring many premium wines from Banfi Vintners. The Banfi Foundation endows the Banfi Professorship in Wine Education and Management at Cornell’s Hotel School; perhaps some of our classmates took the memorable wine-tasting course. Carol and Tom often get together with Linda Meyers Geyer, who lives nearby in Hampton Falls, NH.

Speaking of wine, Wendy Goldberg is proud to relate that several of her drawings and paintings are being used on wine labels for Alumni Wine by Cornell Alumni Affairs (Cabernet Franc, sparkling wine, reserve Riesling). She credits the landscape of Ithaca and New England as huge factors in inspiring her to become an artist. Wendy lives with her husband, Noah Hammond, in Fairfax, CA, and enjoys gardening and hiking.

Wendy Goldberg ’74 is proud to relate that several of her drawings and paintings are being used on wine labels for Alumni Wine by Cornell Alumni Affairs.

Deborah Dodenhoff Purcell writes, “When I was younger, I traveled anywhere and everywhere solo, handing in a work assignment and then grabbing a cab to the airport to get my flight. Those days are long ago and far away thanks to 9/11 and a multitude of subsequent global disruptions.” Deborah never gravitated toward group travel until recently, after participating in an overseas tour group that took her to India. She writes, “I loved every moment, every magical experience, and wish I could do it all over again.” She especially enjoyed the extra spicy Indian food.

Sandra Sears writes, “Fifty years (!) after graduating from Cornell, I earned my PhD in educational psychology/special education from the University of Connecticut. I have joined the faculty at UConn, in the Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates, teaching aspiring special educators.” She and husband Scott Sante are proud that son Dan received his PhD in music theory from the University of Massachusetts just one year ahead of his mom’s degree. Sandra feels that attending Cornell changed the trajectory of her life by building her resilience, determination, and desire to give back. She will never forget the support of her professors, especially Dr. Robert White (mathematics), who ensured that she never gave up.

I, Betsy Moore, keep busy here after retirement from teaching interior design for 33 years at Cazenovia College. Sadly, the college closed in May 2024 due to financial issues. I serve as a vestry member at our local Episcopal church, sing in the choir, and act as liaison for the buildings and grounds committee. Not typical content for a Human Ecology grad, but who knew? I have recently taken up the challenge of watercolor painting (assisted by YouTube videos) and enjoy trying to capture the moods of local Central New York scenery. ❖ Betsy Moore (email Betsy) | Perry Jacobs (email Perry) | Linda Meyers Geyer (email Linda) | Alumni Directory.

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1975

This is the last pre-50th Reunion column! Our next column will appear after Reunion, though it will be written before the weekend’s events. Reunion will be a great time, with a LOT of effort put in by your class officers planning it. You don’t get a second crack at this! Travel tip: RBG Hall on North Campus is a *major* upgrade over where we stayed on West Campus 10 years ago, in addition to no Libe Slope. We hope to see you there.

Julie Ann Racino (Rome, NY) retired after being with the American Society for Public Administration. COVID’s dire effects echo: Julie lost her brother, Terrance Racino, a grandfather of 19, in 2020 in Arizona. She gets satisfaction these days from the resiliency of Robert DeCristo at his retirement from 40 years in the printing industry, and weekly adoration at Transfiguration Church. New hobbies include working with C-SPAN.

E. Lynn Dunn, PhD ’89 (Warnerville, NY) and husband Alan spend time with family and friends. In retirement, Lynn has a small farm, where she raises goats and rabbits; she rides her horses, gardens, and volunteers for Cornell Cooperative Extension and her church. Eric Yost (Naples, FL) and wife Joann are doing fun activities with friends. In retirement, he is serving on their condo association board of directors, doing ministries with his church, reading, walking, playing pickleball, and traveling. Eric is coming out of retirement for four to six months to help his former boss with work as an environmental manager with Abbott in Minnesota.

Katie Higgins Tazza writes from Washington Depot, CT, where she is a certified financial planner at Morgan Stanley, doing retirement and estate planning. She takes time away from work to train and compete with her German shorthaired pointers and to volunteer with the Danbury Food Pantry. Her favorite memory of Cornell is playing on the varsity polo team.

William Martin gets the most satisfaction these days from farm lodges; restoring 1800s-era houses, barns, and older farm equipment; working with Webster (NY) Theatre Guild on sets; and “trying to heal our divisive world.” He also serves as an officer for two nonprofit corporations. William and wife Nancy volunteer as reading buddies for primary school. His favorite memories (plural!)? “Living with the guys at Cayuga Lodge; challenging myself with hard/not required electives in organic chem, calculus, writing courses, statistics, physics, genetics; and working at Bob’s Hot Truck and Stellar Stereo. These experiences made lifelong friends and helped me grow in appreciation of others, foods, and music.”

Don Sherman, MPS ’81, enjoys taking daily walks with his dogs and visiting national parks in Colorado. He does some part-time work as an environmental engineer, but is “working on being retired for a third time.” Don still enjoys travel and house projects. His son and daughter are doing well; she has a PhD from Notre Dame, works in aerospace, and is an NCAA Division I lacrosse official. His favorite Cornell memories? “Friends, dogs on campus, and Treman and Taughannock park hikes.”

Joe Zanetta, JD ’78, is in California and writes about celebrating his 70th. “I hosted a fun cocktail/dinner party for my closest 70 friends—complete with a DJ playing songs of the ’70s. Highlights of the party were wonderful toasts given by my ex-wife and best friend, Ellen Leggett, my son, Sam, my retired CEO, Nancy Carlson, and my great friend Chuck Norris ’77. Then I hopped on a cruise ship for a month in Europe with my partner, Shawn, cruising the Baltics. All in all, it was a fun way to celebrate!”

Joe Zanetta ’75, JD ’78, writes about celebrating his 70th: ‘I hosted a fun cocktail/dinner party for my closest 70 friends—complete with a DJ playing songs of the ’70s.’

Irwin Gabay and wife Beverly live in Albuquerque, NM. He works part time using his expertise in pediatrics and engineering. Art Taft, ME ’76, and wife Linda live in Greensboro, NC, where he loves that he is still learning new things. He is interested in seeing what happens next in “this absurd time” (his words!). And he welcomed his first grandchild, William, in October ’23.

Alexander Kosenko and wife Anna hail from Fairview, PA, where he is semi-retired and works part time as a nephrologist. They became grandparents in 2023. He enjoyed living at the International Living Center during his years at Cornell. As a member of the Ukrainian Club, he had a great time putting on shows showcasing Ukrainian dancing and music.

Mark Strauss is in NYC with wife Jaye Medalia ’72. Since retiring as a senior partner at FXCollaborative Architects and Planners in New York, he has been teaching a course in the master’s in real estate program at the Schack Institute of Real Estate at NYU titled “Planning and Design for Development.” Additionally, he was made a Fulbright specialist in urban planning, and in October 2023, Mark was posted to the Gdańsk University of Technology in Poland for four weeks. While with the University, Mark taught a mini version of a course that he teaches at NYU and participated in two other classes in urban planning. Additionally, he was a keynote speaker at a development conference, sponsored by the City of Gdańsk on transforming cities. His talk was titled “Top Down/Bottom Up: Vision by Design.”

Well worth repeating—you don’t get a second crack at our 50th Reunion. ❖ Mitch Frank (email Mitch) | Joan Pease (email Joan) | Deb Gellman, MBA ’82 (email Deb) | Karen DeMarco Boroff (email Karen) | Alumni Directory.

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1976

Happy spring to all! It was a long, rough winter for folks in many parts of the country—hope you weathered it safely and are ready to get outside, maybe travel a bit. If you do, please let us know!

From Wilmington, DE, Susan Gehret Ohlandt writes that she gets the most satisfaction in life from “my husband, Don, my dog, exercising, friends, and family.” In retirement, Susan claims to be doing “just about nothing. I read a lot, exercise daily, and cook.” Thinking about how Cornell changed the trajectory of her life, she says, “People know and respect Cornell. Graduating said something about my ability to succeed.”

Not all of us have retired! Kevin Montgomery ’75, BArch ’76, has been named CEO and president of O’Brien Atkins Associates, an architecture and design firm in Durham, NC. He previously served as president and COO and has been with the firm for 37 years. Kevin is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects and has served in leadership roles in state and national professional organizations. Bruce Behounek is a physician; he and his spouse, Diane, are still in Yardley, PA.

I recently realized that, at the end of the summer, Bill Hanavan and I will have known each other for 50 years. We met senior year, when we lived in different apartments in the same rickety Collegetown house—he with Michael Elbe, Barry Goldstein, and Tom Turco, MS ’81, and I with Ellen Cord Dember, Karen Krinsky Sussman, and the much-missed Sandy Widener. Which means one thing—time to put our 50th Reunion on the 2026 calendar!

Meanwhile, we’d love to hear where you’ve been, what you’ve been doing, how you celebrated your 70th birthday, and who and what you remember from *50* years ago! ❖ Pat Relf Hanavan (email Pat) | Lisa Diamant (email Lisa) | Alumni Directory.

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1977

We have news from our classmates. Sandy Gong lives in Hunterdon County, NJ, but is in a New York state of mind, thinking about returning to NYC. She is happily retired after over 25 years as a human resources professional. She got recruited to run for her local high school board of education. She continues to challenge those who don’t believe in climate change and science as well as those who want to ban books and dislike diversity. She would love to hear from anyone with relevant experience.

Speaking of science and climate change, Bill Nye the Science Guy received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January 2025 from President Biden. Congratulations, Bill.

Former class correspondent Annette Mulee notes that her beloved husband, Terrell Gault (Princeton ’73), passed away suddenly in February 2024. The subsequent year was difficult and she moved to Lexington, MA, to be close to family and friends in late August 2024. She has been dancing (folk, contra, English), taking walks in the various public spaces, and enjoying local theater. She had forgotten about the cold New England mornings (8°!). She invites our classmates to give her a shout if they are in the area. Please accept our deepest condolences on your loss.

Your correspondent is writing from Philadelphia, and with the Philadelphia Eagles winning the Super Bowl in convincing fashion, I wanted to highlight the Cornell connection to Super Bowl LIX. Both contenders (the other team being the Kansas City Chiefs) in the Super Bowl had Cornell alumni on their rosters. On the Chiefs was Hunter Nourzad ’22; on the triumphant Eagles was linebacker Jalyx Hunt ’23. Hunt (who transferred to Houston Christian University in 2022) was one of the many Eagles on its defensive group who sacked Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. So just remember, Cornellians are winners in the Super Bowl (and would have been either way).

From the Super Bowl city, please keep all of your news and views coming in via the online news form. ❖ Howie Eisen (email Howie) | Mary Flynn (email Mary) | Alumni Directory.

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1978

Greetings, all! Travel seems to be a common activity among classmates these days. Jonathan Honig attended family reunions in Noordwijk, Netherlands, in the summer and in the Berkshires in January, which provided chances to be with the growing grandchildren. Trips to Roatán and Panama provided wonderful snorkeling and wildlife meetups.

George Corneil retired four months ago, after spending his final weeks heading the commodity futures business at Canada’s largest bank. He and wife Jann spent 20 days on safari in South Africa with friends, enjoying the wine region. They keep busy babysitting their three grandchildren. George is still playing old-timer hockey each week, though the speed and finesse, he says, are disappearing. Nina Silfen went on a cultural exchange tour to Cuba in January, about a week after the Cornell Travel tour. Her philosophy is to spend January somewhere warmer than New York City.

Then we have travel of a more permanent kind. After over a decade on the mainland, Cynthia Kubas retired and moved back to Hawaii, this time to the Big Island rather than Oahu. She and Paul Varga ’79 have closed on a townhouse south of Kona. Both are adjusting to the concept of retirement.

When asked how attending Cornell changed the trajectory of her life, fellow animal science major Ann Connor Ottobre wrote that her mentor, Dr. Ron Butler, launched her into graduate school at West Virginia University, where she met her husband. Both are now retired from the Department of Animal Sciences at the Ohio State University. Ann serves on the board of Worth Wild Africa, a nonprofit that supports research on animal conservation. She and husband Joe also dote on two grandchildren.

Class co-president Pat Reilly ’78 married Lee Gottesman on October 29, 2023. A round of the ‘Alma Mater’ was sung during the reception.

Mike Gallup wrote: “I saw the Class Notes item from Rick Schwartz and share his passion for triathlons. My son convinced me to try my first triathlon when I turned 60. Like Rick, I’ve now completed more than 40 races. Triathlons are a surprisingly good retirement activity: they force you to work out, you connect with some great supportive people, and you can get a nice bike that makes you look fast (even if you’re not). My only issue is the Texas heat, but you learn to cope.” Another Texan, class co-president Angela DeSilva made it through Hurricane Beryl with only fallen branches and no power for three days. Her post-corporate retirement includes arbitration and volunteer mediation, with some Pilates and water exercise to keep in shape.

Our other co-president, Pat Reilly, married Lee Gottesman on October 29, 2023, with classmates Rivki Beer, Linda Bruckner, Melinda Dower, and Athena Jamesson, JD ’88, in attendance. In addition, Pat’s daughter and son-in-law, Erin Goers Chamberlain ’13 and Patrick Chamberlain ’13, also represented the Big Red. A round of the “Alma Mater” was sung during the reception, followed by the Georgetown fight song sung by her husband and his Hoya classmates, including the lyric “We’ve listened to Cornell.” Pat retired from a long career with Bell Labs/AT&T in 2018. Having welcomed four grandchildren in the last two and a half years, babysitting duties have been added to her volunteer activities with AARP Tax-Aide, her local political club/social outreach group, and Cornell!

Bruce Schneider retired from KPMG in September 2023. During his career at Citibank, AIG, Moody’s, Finastra, and KPMG, he held various executive positions in finance, operations, and risk. Bruce is now doing volunteer work at ReStore (Habitat for Humanity) and other charitable organizations. He and wife Amy were blessed with the arrival of their first grandchild in June 2024.

After serving as the HR leader for a community health center on the North Shore of Boston, Kathy Morris Duggan reports that she is fully retired. She is enjoying spending time with her granddaughters. Due to the recent snow and cold, they have been skating, sledding, and skiing. In addition, she is catching up on long-overdue personal emails. Martha Kendall is wondering where her fellow agriculture education classmates are these days. She works part time for Monroe Community College’s Virtual Campus department.

That’s all the news for now. Don’t forget to send news along with your dues! Take care. ❖ Cindy Fuller, PhD ’92 (email Cindy) | Ilene Shub Lefland (email Ilene) | Alumni Directory.

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1979

Bill Gallagher writes, “Despite my repetitive vow to retire, I’m back in the classroom for another semester of teaching in Prague. I have students from Andalusia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and everywhere in between, and I find the interactions more intellectually stimulating than anything else I can think of doing at this stage of life—both instructor and students are curious about each other’s societies and perspectives, and we have some pretty lively discussions. And with a drinking age of 18 and a lot of pubs with a ‘Chapter House vibe,’ it brings back a lot of CU memories. My bosses are not only okay with it—it’s encouraged. Seems like fresh air and fresh Pilsner spawn fresh ideas!”

Susan Heller writes, “I have been elected as president of the board of directors of Human Options, a nonprofit organization committed to ending the cycle of domestic and relationship violence. I have been on the board of Human Options—which is based in Orange County—for six years, in other roles. I am grateful for the work this organization does, the compassion they bring, and the difference they make in so many lives.”

David Langbart authored a chapter in the recently released Festschrift for the well-known historian Walter LaFeber, titled Thinking Otherwise: How Walter LaFeber Explained the History of US Foreign Relations, from Cornell University Press. In his chapter, “Finding Walter LaFeber in the Records,” David discusses some of LaFeber’s lesser-known activities on behalf of the U.S. government, as well as his lifelong friendship with the professor that began in History 203, a freshman seminar in history he took in the fall semester of 1975. ❖ Cynthia Ahlgren Shea (email Cynthia) | Linda Moses (email Linda) | Larry Bunis (email Larry) | Alumni Directory.

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1980s

1980

Hail to thee, Class of ’80. I am happy to report that we have something to take our minds off the mishegoss happening around us. (One of the advantages of a Cornell education in the ’70s and having friends like Peter Cooper was that a shegetz like me got exposed to Yiddishisms.) The good news is that our 45th Reunion will be happening June 5–8. Here is the link to the Reunion website.

This will be our first in-person Reunion in 10 years, and it will be packed with programming, special events, and the opportunity to reconnect with classmates and forge new friendships. For instance, you may recall that the last of the Ostrander elms on the Arts Quad perished from Dutch elm disease during our time on campus, but you may not have known that the Class of ’80 has planted a grove of healthy, disease-resistant elms on the Quad.

On Saturday, we will be holding a dedication ceremony, followed by a class picture. Earlier that day we’ll also be doing a walk in the Botanic Gardens. (Scrivener’s affidavit: in our time on the Hill, we called them the Plantations. I remember it as the place where some friends and I wore illegal smiles one sunny afternoon during Senior Week. For political reasons, the name of the place has changed and some of the smiles would now be legal.)

Nancy MacIntyre Hollinshead ’80 will be honcho-ing a pickleball tournament during Reunion.

Dik Saalfeld’s column last fall promoted the 45th Reunion by telling you to save dates in July, instead of June. While your class officers were willing to overlook that boo-boo, Dik went on to refer to us as entering our “Geritol and rubber pants years.” Your sprightlier class officers could not abide that, led by the sprightliest of all, Nancy MacIntyre Hollinshead. To prove that 45 is the new 25, Nancy will be honcho-ing a pickleball tournament during Reunion. You’ll see her at the courts wearing a lanyard, a whistle, and a T-shirt saying “PICKLEBALL POOBAH,” while sharing tender words of encouragement: e.g., “Winners never quit, quitters never win,” “Pain is weakness leaving the body,” etc. I heard Dik muttering that we should be calling her “Jacqueline LaLanne.”

If you couldn’t tell already, no one submitted any news to us recently. Write to any of us with news you’d like to share with the Class of ’80. ❖ David Durfee (email David) | Chas Horvath, ME ’81 (email Chas) | Leona Barsky, MS ’81 (email Leona) | Dik Saalfeld (email Dik) | Alumni Directory.

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1981

I am happy to say that spring has been wonderful in Delray Beach, FL! I went on an excellent cruise to the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. I totally decompressed from everything and enjoyed the trip fully! I also went to Nashville with several of my girlfriends. Happy to say that I am still fundraising for Hadassah Hospital and am so proud of the work that we do!

Gary Tabor was recently featured in a Cornellians story for his work as a leader in large landscape conservation, working to mitigate the human encroachment that threatens animal life. “For four decades, the ecologist and wildlife veterinarian has worked to protect animals by combatting the ever-increasing threat of habitat fragmentation. … Based in Bozeman, MT, Tabor—who’s also a professor of practice in CALS—has contributed to projects on every continent except Antarctica. By designing wildlife ‘bridges’ that replicate animals’ natural pathways across roads, for example, he has helped save thousands of creatures from vehicle collisions.

“‘Only 17% of the planet is protected land—and a lot of wildlife doesn’t live in that area,’ Tabor says, noting that 70% of Africa’s wild animals are located outside designated reserves. ‘I believe that, from an animal health perspective, the biggest threat is that we have unprecedented levels of habitat fragmentation around the world.’ In other words: the more that humans interfere with the places where animals live—like turning an undeveloped tract into residential or commercial space, building roads, or polluting water—the more that wildlife is left to face the consequences.

“In 2007, Tabor founded the nonprofit Center for Large Landscape Conservation to address that very issue. It conducts its own large-scale conservation work and supports similar efforts by other groups worldwide—helping to protect hundreds of millions of acres and countless species. Additionally, he chairs the Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Commission on Protected Areas.

Gary Tabor ’81 has contributed to conservation projects on every continent except Antarctica.

“The CALS alum, who holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Penn, has also done his share of hands-on care—treating forest elephants in Uganda, rhinos in Tanzania, and great apes in Central Africa, to name a few. On the Hill, he teaches Wildlife Corridor Conservation & Crossing Design, a spring capstone course in which students can work on real-world projects—researching them and even pitching their own solutions.

“Tabor’s research helped provide a scientific basis for the Federal Highway Administration’s first-ever Wildlife Crossings Program. Established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, it funds projects to build overpasses and underpasses in areas that have been especially perilous to wildlife. And as the program’s website notes, it doesn’t just benefit animals: the nation’s more than 1 million annual roadway collisions cost society upwards of $8 billion and cause tens of thousands of serious injuries to drivers and passengers, as well as hundreds of fatalities. ‘It’s all interconnected,’ Tabor says of his conservation work. ‘Nature, animal health, and human health are all impacted together.’”

Lastly, thanks to you, the Class of 1981, for helping with the Frank H.T. Rhodes Memorial Cornell Tradition Fellowship! Since 1991, we have awarded Class of 1981 partial scholarships to 34 deserving Cornellians (one per year). We have been growing our Tradition Fellowship—from our recently updated fellowship of $6,228/year or about 7% of endowed college tuition, room, and board, to 50% of one semester or $22,500 by Reunion 2026. Our class raised the most dollars out of all classes during this year’s Cornell Giving Day! And, to add even more celebration, we added just shy of $5,000 to our endowment of the Class of 1981 Frank H.T. Rhodes Memorial Cornell Tradition Fellowship! So again, thank you to all of you who made that happen! And congratulations to the class.

One more thing—it’s not too early to mark your calendars for our 45th Reunion, a little over a year away, June 4–7, 2026. I hope to see you all there! Please let me know what’s going on with you! ❖ Betsy Silverfine (email Betsy) | Alumni Directory.

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1982

Not a lot of news came in for this cycle. As I write this, women’s ice hockey has just been eliminated after making it all the way to the Frozen Four in the NCAA championship, and men’s ice hockey overcame adversity to win the ECAC tournament for Coach Mike Schafer ’86 in his final year at the helm, gaining a berth in the NCAA regionals.

Terry Kilmer Oosterom was in Lake Placid and said the semifinal come-from-behind OT win over Quinnipiac was “one of the best hockey games I have seen.” Also present was Lidia Diminich Depardieu, who added, “Great game in such a historic venue.” Greg Busby was also in attendance. Stuart Baron added that it was “easily one of the top 5–10 games in CU hockey history!” Give my regards to Davy!

Also in March, class co-president Charles Stuppard saw the publication of his book Sea Dog: A Seafaring Captain’s Lessons in Leadership, “a guide to becoming a worthy leader, based on true stories from a fulfilling military career.” Charles uses stories from his own life as an immigrant from Haiti, his distinguished career as a Navy ship captain and commander with ever-increasing responsibilities, and his subsequent business achievements to illustrate how to be a successful, honorable, and empathetic leader with confidence, charisma, and compassion.

Terry Kilmer Oosterom ’82 was in Lake Placid and said the semifinal come-from-behind OT win over Quinnipiac was ‘one of the best hockey games I have seen.’

The following items are taken from our class memory book, with a West Campus thread: Gina Beebe Nichol lives in Connecticut and is the owner and senior guide at Sunrise Birding, a small wildlife tour company. Gina travels the world sharing wildlife experiences with people. She lived in U-Hall 1 during her freshman year, and she was involved with the Cornell Concert Commission. Ken Acer lives with his wife, Dede, and their dog, Scout, in Pittsburgh, PA. Ken lived in U-Hall 2 and is a Theta Delta Chi. He retired from the corporate world of international marketing and now owns his own company, which “helps industrial B2B companies utilize fractional marketing resources to achieve their dream of sustainable accelerated growth.”

U-Hall 5’er Mary Nozzi Del Balzo and husband Carl ’81 are living the retired life in Portland, OR. Prior to retirement, Mary was head of legal, Americas, for Siemens Industries Software. At Cornell, she was active in the Chorus, Nothing But Treble, and women’s soccer. She loves to travel, garden, sew, paint, cook, and more! “I look forward to not having my job get in the way of my hobbies anymore,” she writes. Abby Huang of U-Hall 4 is an infectious diseases physician at Grand View Health Medical Practices and lives in Fort Washington, PA. One of her favorite places/events when at Cornell is “walking across the Arts Quad with the sun shining and listening to the bells ringing from McGraw Tower.” Amen, Abby!

Please send us your news; we love to hear from all of you! ❖ Mark Fernau (email Mark) | Nina Kondo (email Nina) | Doug Skalka (email Doug) | Alumni Directory.

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1983

Class president and newlywed Nancy Gilroy-Smith was thrilled to share that she tied the knot with Gordon Smith on Labor Day weekend, after 11.7 years together (who’s counting?)! Nancy and Gordon were married in a quaint ceremony at the historic St. David’s Church (in Pennsylvania), which is turning 315 years old this year!

Joining the joyous celebration, held at the Montrose Mansion at the Inn at Villanova, were Nancy’s South Baker buds, Barbara Erny, Theresa Baccoli Harte, and Mary Bohan, and class officers Linda Waterhouse and Mark Rhodes with wife, Kim Osborn Rhodes, who are now splitting time between Arizona and New Jersey. After the Princeton Nassoons serenaded the couple, the Big Red brigade roared back, serenading guests with our beloved “Alma Mater,” before dancing the day away to an amazing 11-piece band! Nancy and Gordon reside in NYC.

Nancy also shares news from the February Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference (CALC). “The great city of Philadelphia (and home to the Super Bowl champs, GO Birds!) recently hosted CALC and the President’s Council of Cornell Women’s symposium. Our class was well represented by me, Sylvia Han, Renee Roper, Liz Forman, and Mabel Lee, who traveled the longest distance from the U.K. The Cornell Club of Greater Philadelphia organized a number of amazing events, with the last one being held at Moshulu, owned by classmate Marty Grims and his Class of ’13 daughter.”

January was time for an ’83 and friends ATO mini-reunion weekend. Henry Zona ’82 hosted the “pre-pre-game” at his home in Maplewood, NJ, serving famous sloppy joes. Dave Davis flew in from Texas, Pete Dalldorf and John Weir, MBA ’84, from North Carolina, Scott Miller from South Carolina, and Stewart Glickman from Miami. Steve Fitzpatrick, from Connecticut, added to the fun. Then the crew headed to Princeton for hockey pre-game food and drinks, where we connected with Bob Miller, Russ Bernard ’80, Bill Niedrach ’80, Dan Adams ’84, ME ’86, Tim McGhee ’84, and Nick Salerno ’85. Cornell thrashing Princeton 6-2 was a bonus!

January was time for an ’83 ATO mini-reunion. The crew headed to Princeton for hockey pre-game food and drinks; Cornell thrashing Princeton 6-2 was a bonus!

Post-game festivities continued the next day. Rob Carey ’82, Dick Cornell, and Steve Newes ’82 joined everyone to celebrate Bill Johnson ’82’s big birthday at his home in Washington Township, NJ; George Tousey, Dan Carlucci, and Bill Rys ’78, BS ’82, were there via Zoom. Bill was the host extraordinaire—lots of stories and no shortage of food, a fabulous catered dinner from his favorite Italian restaurant. Looking forward to the next get-together!

If you haven’t already, definitely check out the quarterly Class of ’83 TechChat Series; the next one is on May 8. Huge kudos to our class VP, Yonn Kouh Rasmussen, PhD ’89, who organizes and energizes these online discussions on subjects that bridge technology and humanity. From Yonn, “The rate of technological advancement in today’s world is breathtaking! Please join our classmates for relaxed, informal discussions on key technology topics that are increasingly more relevant in our daily lives—also an opportunity to foster friendship and have fun! The Zoom events are held quarterly, in February, May, August, and November, all on the second Thursday of the month, 7–8 p.m. Eastern Time.”

In February, more than 30 classmates registered to dive into “Health, Happiness, and Fitness.” We all could use more of that! Yonn suggests some cool TED Talks to take a look at beforehand and shares a few minutes of two talks, then it’s time for engaging discussion, comments, and questions. Past sessions have included timely topics of AI, gene editing, and brain health. Future sessions will include “Our Immune System” and “Space Travel.” All are welcome! ❖ Stewart Glickman (email Stewart) | Jon Felice (email Jon) | Nancy Korn Freeman (email Nancy) | Alyssa Bickler (email Alyssa) | Alumni Directory.

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1984

Greetings, classmates! We have received updates from several of you but are always on the lookout for more, so please keep the news coming and don’t be shy!

During our 40th Reunion weekend last June, class officer and Class of 1984 Reunion chair Carol Leister married James Karpe. The ceremony began with an informal processional from Ganędagǫ Hall to the Arts Quad with Carol, Jim, and their guests assembling in front of the statue of Andrew Dickson White. Assisting Carol with logistics and preparation were classmates and class officers Janet Insardi, Kitty Cantwell, and Lindsay Liotta Forness. Carol’s informal wedding party were her dear friends Karin Bernt Colquitt, BS ’86, and Judy Sloan.

Presiding over the unique ceremony was Mark Salzberg. Many classmates and alumni from other classes shared the joy—Wayne Darragh, Andrea Shaw, Darryl Downing, Dee Sobczak, Jim Eicholzer, Joanne Restivo Jensen, Mike and Wendy Zeh Whiting ’85, Ginger So ’79, Christine Miller Whaley, MBA ’89, and Kevin McCormick, as well as honored guests John Boggan, MS ’91, and husband Dan Speck, along with class president John Toohey and his wife, Carmen, who were celebrating their 30th anniversary (having been married on campus at the Class of 1984 10th Reunion).

Dan Platt and I run into each other occasionally at programs and conferences, as we travel in similar legal circles in Los Angeles. Dan has served as an arbitrator and a mediator since 2021, after working as a trial attorney for more than 35 years. Dan often handles disputes between healthcare payors and providers, and I represent exclusively healthcare providers, primarily working on business transactions and regulatory compliance.

Please send us your updates! Your faithful class correspondents: ❖ Charles Oppenheim (email Charles) | Michael Held (email Michael) | Alumni Directory.

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1985

Happy spring! What is something you’re doing now that you never thought you’d be doing? What is your fondest memory of your time at Cornell? What brings you the most satisfaction these days? No matter if your news is big or small, please take a moment to write to us and stay connected with our class. ❖ Class of 1985 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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1986

As I write this column that you will read in May, the weather in Atlanta in mid-February is reminiscent of Ithaca—cold and damp, or what my mother would call “raw.” The only difference is that my daffodils are within a day or two of blooming. I don’t think we were ever treated to spring blossoms until well into April.

The start of the New Year has been filled with news—and some of it came from our classmates, like Christopher Arbogast. He writes from Reno, NV, where he is completing a long-awaited home renovation. Christopher has time for this labor of love now that he has retired from his engineering position at Light & Wonder. Even years after graduation, Christopher believes that his education at Cornell was responsible for putting him on the trajectory he followed, and it allowed him to advance as far as he did in his field.

Barbara Alonso, a former denizen of Low Rise 9 (now the Just About Music Program House), wrote from Miami, FL, where she lives with her husband, Mohamed Iskandarani, PhD ’91. Barbara altered her course a bit in January when she joined Santander Corporate & Investment Banking as associate general counsel and executive director. When not working, Barbara is being whipped into shape with one of her sons at the gym. Barbara recognizes that Cornell influenced her life professionally and personally, as she met her husband there.

Classmate Robert Pappalardo’s education apparently led him to dream of the stars, as he is a project scientist (what lay people would call a rocket scientist) for NASA’s Europa Clipper Mission at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. Robert shared that his life course was influenced by Carl Sagan’s class on “Ices and Oceans in the Outer Solar System.” Robert has more recently been influenced by his wife, Mabel Young, to whom he has been married for the last 10 years.

Robert Pappalardo ’86 is a project scientist (what lay people would call a rocket scientist) for NASA’s Europa Clipper Mission at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Many found their lives disrupted by the wildfires of Southern California. I reached out to many classmates, hoping to learn how they were faring. I heard from two of them. I corresponded back and forth with Donna Thomas Choromanski, who lives in Manhattan Beach, which luckily is far enough down the coast from the Palisades that Donna and her family were not directly in danger. Sadly, she said many close friends lost everything. Despite the losses, Donna was able to focus on the positives, such as the enormous support from the city and from volunteers who have provided an abundance of donations and numerous hours of their time.

Donna took a moment to catch us up on her life since graduation. While at the Anderson School at UCLA for her MBA, she met her husband, David. They are quite proud of their 25-year-old twin sons, Miles ’22 and Ben, who live in Miami and San Diego, respectively. Miles went to Cornell and was in Sigma Chi.

Donna attends many alumni events in California, and husband David is a fan of the Big Red. They frequently visit Paul Schickler, Stacey Peterson, Nell Oliver ’88, MBA ’93, and Mary Tenorio Mullenhoff, as well as younger alumni including Ashley Estrada ’16 and Montez Blair ’14. Across the miles, Donna corresponds and communicates with classmates Patricia Belden, Peg Keane Keough, Jane McNamara Christenson, Jeneane Schmidt, Betsy Mead, Leesa Storfer, Ellen Nordberg, Jenny Graap, Sandra Mozesky Kavanagh, and Beth McConahey ’87. I personally hope that Donna and David plan to show up for our 40th Reunion in 2026; I think she and I have a lot to talk about.

Nancy Abrams Dreier, who had been the director of West Coast Engagement and Cornell Silicon Valley until recently, is aware of a few classmates who live in West L.A. and some who may have been impacted by the Palisades fire, including some who lived within the evacuation zone. Nancy, who now works for USC, was on the East Coast when the fires started and stayed for an extra two weeks—first in fear of the unknown and then due to the air and water quality. She lives just outside the Palisades fire evacuation zone. I hope that the lives of our classmates living in SoCal are settling down, and that they know we are thinking of them.

Wherever you are, remember, your classmates look forward to hearing from you and your class correspondents await your updates. We hope you are well and look forward to seeing you in June 2026 at our 40th Reunion. ❖ Toby Goldsmith (email Toby) | Lori Spydell Wagner (email Lori) | Michael Wagner (email Michael) | Alumni Directory.

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1987

Greetings, classmates! I just returned from an amazing Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference in Philadelphia, attended by many of our class officers including Stacey Neuhoefer Silberzweig, Alex Padilla, Rana Glasgal, ME ’92, Debra Howard Stern (a featured speaker), Scott Pesner, Gligor Tashkovich, MBA ’91, Katherine Stifel, Bob Forness, Heidi Heasley Ford, and Liz Brown, JD ’80, who organized a great dinner for us. Among all the great sessions, I enjoyed getting to hear Shari Brasner speak to members of the President’s Council of Cornell Women about women’s health and menopause.

Here is the latest from our classmates: Jeff Cohen and a big group of Kappa Sig brothers met in Park City, UT, in February for a few days of skiing in the thunder snow, along with some hot tubbing, Bloody Marys, après-ski activities, and big fun dinners. In the group were David Andrade, Gabe Boyar, Chris Behr, MD ’91, Wayne Flick ’85, Jay Goldstein ’86, Joe Gottlieb, John Hardie, Greg Kennedy, Murray Kossman ’86, Brian Kraff, Dave Price, Gregg Rockower, Barry Silverman, and Randy Wolpert ’86. Jeff says they were on the slopes every morning by 9 a.m. and passed out and snoring by 10 p.m.

Monica Frindt Cheskin gave me the scoop on the wedding of Cynie Scher Simon’s son Jonah on Longboat Key, FL, on January 26. The ceremony was on the beach as the sun was setting. Cornellians in attendance were Leslie Kalick Wolfe and Dave ’86 and Nancy Tamasi Hunter. “At the reception we danced the night away to ’80s music, which is really popular with the twentysomethings! We met a new classmate there, Gary Dorris, BA/BS ’89, PhD ’96, who happened to be Jonah’s boss!”

A big group of Kappa Sig brothers met in Park City, UT, in February for a few days of skiing in the thunder snow, along with some hot tubbing, Bloody Marys, and big fun dinners.

In more wedding news, Tom and Cara Giarrusso Malone’s daughter Jillian was also married in February in West Chester, PA. Cornell classmates in attendance included Jim and Sue Davis Frontero, Jay and Wendy Williams Sbrollini, Kai Ofengand Robertson and her husband, Larry, Stacey Pineo Murdock and her husband, David, and Marty and Terri Clark Stallone.

Warren Kurtzman sold his market research company, Coleman Insights, at the end of September to Quest Global Research Group, a larger Canadian market research company based in Oakville, ON. As part of the sale, he will continue to lead Coleman Insights as its president, a role he has been in since 2008.

Congratulations to Anne Meinig Smalling on being elected the 18th chair of the Cornell Board of Trustees! The first woman and the second member of her family to lead the board’s 64 voting trustees, Anne, a trustee since 2017, will begin a three-year term as chair on July 1!

This is the year that most of us are turning 60 (gulp). Keep your eyes open for communications about the various Class of ’87 60th birthday parties we are helping to organize for our classmates to attend around the country!

Please engage with your classmates, stay connected, and continue to share your news with us by emailing either of us: ❖ Whitney Weinstein Goodman (email Whitney) | Liz Brown, JD ’90 (email Liz) | Alumni Directory.

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1988

Happy spring, fellow ’88ers. We are happy to see sunshine and blooming flowers on the East Coast, after this long, cold, snowy winter.

Speaking of the East Coast, Christine Russo is a leading voice for the retail industry. According to LinkedIn, she was named one of the 2025 Top Retail Experts by RETHINK Retail. Christine was honored at the National Retail Federation 2025, the industry’s big show in New York City last January.

Prior to becoming a consultant, Christine worked for J.Crew and other retailers in New York City, where she lives. She is the proud mother of three lovely daughters. Congratulations, Christine!

Newsflash from Chicago, IL: Jane Gorham Ditelberg and her husband, Josh, became empty nesters when their son Connor graduated from Emerson College and moved to Los Angeles. Jane and Josh moved from the suburbs to a condo in downtown Chicago. Jane loves her new commute, less than 10 minutes to her office at Northern Trust. She is an attorney in the areas of trusts, estates, and tax. Prior to working at Northern Trust, she worked in private practice for two large law firms. In her spare time, Jane loves to read, especially political thrillers and historical fiction, dating back to her days on the Hill as a double major in history and government.

Jane Gorham Ditelberg ’88 loves to read, especially political thrillers and historical fiction, dating back to her days on the Hill as a double major in history and government.

Kelly Smith Brown, MBA ’92, writes in from Cincinnati, OH. Her twins, Caroline and Henry, are now seniors in high school. Caroline has committed to playing tennis at Colgate next fall and Henry is planning to study international business at the University of South Carolina. Her oldest, Sarah ’26, is finishing up her junior year at Cornell, majoring in mechanical engineering. Kelly and her family are building a family retreat in Hilton Head. Kelly also spends time volunteering in her community. She is the secretary of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation Board. She writes, “I am passionate about having green spaces that are clean and safe.” She also serves as a regional volunteer for her sorority, Tri Delta, overseeing chapters at a few Ohio universities.

A member of our class council, Laura Bloch is immersed in her third year as president and general counsel of Cornell’s Northern California regional alumni club, Cornell NorCal. In 2024 alone, they organized 32 alumni events with over 900 attendees. She says, “Lots of great Cornell connections were made, both old and new!”

Speaking of Cornell events, now is the time to pay your class dues. It’s a simple, easy process, and you can even check auto-renew so your dues get charged annually for you. Class of ’88 dues are $30 for an individual and $50 for a Class of ’88 couple. Here is the link to pay dues. Paying class dues is one of the most effective ways to ensure that we can plan class activities, events, communication, and special projects. Duespayers will also receive exclusive discounts on all kinds of products and services via the Big Red Marketplace.

That’s all for now. Please keep sending your news to me. I love hearing from our classmates, both near and far. ❖ Pamela Darer Anderson (email Pam) | Alumni Directory.

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1989

The last time my turn rolled ’round to write this column, I was able to share the very exciting news (especially for those of us who are Olympics junkies) that our fellow classmate Debbie Schaffel had spent part of her time at Reunion in June finalizing her application as a volunteer to the Paris Olympics. Little did I know that we had at least one other classmate on the ground in the City of Lights. (And of Live Re-enactments of Great Works of Art and of Lady Gaga and of Life-like Metal Horses and Like Lots of Other Wacky Non-Sequitors. I mean, those opening ceremonies were crazy—or should I say “folles”? Alas, attendance at Reunion did not result in refreshing my memory of French 101.)

Anyhoo, as I was saying, there’s another Class of ’89 Paris Olympics connection!

Jill Kasprowitz Pinnola Vizza sent an update, relating that her years of supporting the lightweight crew team food tent from 2016–18 paid unexpected dividends when she reconnected with alumni at their 35th Reunion in 2019. That encounter led to a trip with her son, Joe Pinnola-Vizza ’18, to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games. There, they cheered on Sorin Koszyk ’20 and Mike Grady ’19, and witnessed Mike bring home Olympic gold in the men’s four, marking the first time that happened since 1960. Jill wrote that the experience of hearing the national anthem, witnessing global camaraderie, and spending quality time with her son has become a true once-in-a-lifetime memory. Jill’s news is the kind of thing that really makes me wish we could include photos with these updates!

In February, my husband and I were in NYC to see the Westminster Dog Show (bucket list!).

Kris Borovicka Gerig ’89

If we could include photos, I would gladly share some recent shots I was able to get of Vaishali Trivedi Bhatt and myself in New York City in February. My husband and I were in town to see the Westminster Dog Show (bucket list!), celebrating my **th birthday (oh wait, we all know how old we all are …). Vaishali and her husband joined us for a day from their home in Edison, NJ. (You know you picked a good spouse when your spouse gets along fabulously with your friend’s spouse. They walked down Broadway while we walked down Memory Lane.)

We hit the Morgan Library and Birdland, among other things. I cannot imagine a better friend to do the tourist thing with while visiting my hometown than my freshman year Lyon Hall honorary roommate (we had singles next to each other). The experience was made all the better by remembering how vocal she, a native of the Buffalo environs, had been about her dislike of NYC back in our Cornell days. (Never say never!)

A couple of other Cornell elements of the trip: I had a lovely conversation with the people at the College of Veterinary Medicine table at the dog show. I am not just saying that because of the free Cornell bling they offered up, but it didn’t hurt. (I absolutely loved the collapsible red dog bowl so much I grabbed one for Vaishali, too.) Finally, I think there might have been a Cornell poster of some kind in Penn Station, but I was distracted by an Irish wolfhound, so I can’t swear to it. (There were dogs everywhere. It was glorious.)

I’ll close with a request that you share what’s up in your life with us! People are eager to learn about each other’s happenings; join us in spreading the news. Please send us YOUR update for the next column! Only takes a couple of moments—just click here. ❖ Kris Borovicka Gerig (email Kris) | Anne Czaplinski Treadwell (email Anne) | Lauren Kidder McGarry (email Lauren) | Stephanie Bloom Avidon (email Stephanie) | Alumni Directory.

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1990s

1990

Greetings from Bangkok! As of mid-March press time, I’m thrilled to be attending the 17th Asia Pacific Leadership Conference along with Cornell alumni leaders, family, and friends from all over the region. The conference theme is “Transforming Our World: Solutions for People, Planet, and Prosperity,” and Cornell faculty and alumni will be discussing sustainable tourism, global health, and innovations in agriculture and nutrition.

Thailand’s hot weather and delicious tropical fruits are a welcome change from the winter weather in Kobe, Japan. It was only a few weeks ago that we enjoyed some Ithaca-esque snowflakes in Yokohama at a Cornell gathering of hockey lovers co-hosted by Matt Wright ’07, BA ’08, and me. We loved cheering for former Big Red hockey captain Alex Rauter ’18 of the Yokohama Grits from rink-side seats. He kindly skated over for a post-game photo with us.

When Alex is not on the ice, he works with Toshi Matsuo ’94, BA/BS ’93, ME ’94, at a local Prince Hotel, helping to greet guests at the door and main lobby. Toshi, who helped Warner Bros. Japan open Tokyo’s Harry Potter theme park in 2023, joined Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts as director and executive managing officer. When he is not visiting a beautiful property and checking its amenities and facilities, Toshi keeps busy refereeing rugby games and being lead vocalist and front man for Nonthrax, a Tokyo-based Anthrax tribute band. Cornellians are truly Renaissance people!

Cornell hockey continues to give us something to cheer about! Classmate Casey Jones will be taking over for longtime head coach Mike Schafer ’86, who led the men’s team to its second consecutive ECAC title (and 14th overall), earning Cornell its 25th appearance in the NCAA tournament. In women’s hockey, coach Doug Derraugh ’91 guided the team to the semi-final of the NCAA Frozen Four. Go Big Red!

It’s only a few weeks until our 35th Reunion—have you registered yet? The Class of 1990 will be housed in the North Campus townhouses, and the committee has planned a wonderful weekend of programming that has something for everyone. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a Reunion regular, we hope to see you on the Hill, June 5–8!

In March, Michael Kotlikoff was named the 15th university president after serving eight months as interim president. He said, “It is my great honor to serve as president. After 25 years at Cornell as a scientist, professor, department chair, dean, and provost, I have a deep respect for the excellence and breadth, the boldness and humility, of this unique university. Each day, I enjoy working with our faculty, students, and staff in advancing our academic excellence and creating and sharing knowledge for the public good.” I’m definitely looking forward to meeting President Kotlikoff in June!

Cornell hockey continues to give us something to cheer about! Classmate Casey Jones ’90 will be taking over for longtime head coach Mike Schafer ’86.

Congratulations to my U-Hall 4 dormmates Deb Lifshey ’89 and Kartini Collier Moran, who both recently started coffee-related businesses. Deb turned her passion for Scandinavian culture into Fika & Hygge, a Nordic confection and coffee shop in Poughkeepsie where hygge (coziness) meets fika (a coffee break ritual). When I told Deb that I had Hotelie envy as a premed struggling with Chem 207, she laughed and said, “I should have been a Hotelie, too. I’m learning so much about everything I don’t know. And learning coffee and candy is so much more entertaining than torts and civpro.”

Kartini and her husband, Tim ’89, soft-launched Puro Coffee USA, an online shop that promotes fair trade, sustainability, and rainforest conservation. “While in Aruba, we fell in love with Puro’s coffee and their mission to save rainforests. Since 2005, Puro has used a portion of sales to create nature reserves, saving over 173,000 acres, including 300 endangered species living on the land.”

Kartini’s Kappa Kappa Gamma sister Elizabeth Wayner Boham is the latest classmate to join the alumni author list. Her book, Breast Wellness: Tools to Prevent and Heal from Breast Cancer, was published in January and examines how the food we eat can help us restore balance and make our bodies less likely to grow cancer. According to her website, Elizabeth is a physician who practices functional medicine. “I look to uncover the underlying reason a person’s body is not working well. One of the most powerful tools I have to help someone heal is food.” Her book examines root causes of breast cancer, including abdominal fat, insulin resistance, imbalances in the gut microbiome, and toxins in the environment, and shares proven strategies to address them.

In closing, our thoughts go out to classmates affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles earlier this year. Thankfully, Angel Orengo and his family were safe. “Sadly, many friends lost their homes and possessions and are now in the process of making sense of it all. There is something there to be learned, probably about our attachment to material things and how we often confuse happiness with the things we have, and not who we are. Very powerful and very cleansing, though no doubt and very understandably, it is tough for many to see it that way. For now, they need to heal and find the light within.”

Since publishing The Orchid: The Secret Code of Modern Goddesses a year ago, Angel and his wife, Rocio, have had book launch events in Los Angeles, San Jose, Miami, Puerto Rico, Madrid, Mexico City, and Monterrey, Mexico. The book has earned accolades including bestseller status from the Los Angeles Tribune and a five-star review from Readers’ Favorite. To Angel, the most rewarding part has been feedback from readers who have described reading the book as life-changing and inspiring a renewed sense of self-worth and inner love. This reader feedback motivated Angel and Rocio to create a podcast called The Orchid Diaries, where they explore readers’ transformative experiences with the book. Angel added, “Our daughter Mia ’28 is having a fantastic time at Cornell, taking advantage of all that presents itself. It is wonderful to see her grow and expand.”

We look forward to hearing Reunion 2025 stories from you! Submit your news! ❖ Rose Tanasugarn (email Rose) | Nancy Solomon Weiss (email Nancy) | Allan Rousselle (email Allan) | Class Facebook page | Alumni Directory.

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1991

For two years in a row, our classmates, with friends and family, turned out in full force to see Cornell Big Red Hockey at NYC’s Madison Square Garden over Thanksgiving break. With 125 people strong, our class spirit is second to none! From the ice of NYC and Ithaca to the seas of Florida, let’s catch up with some classmates.

Shehriyar “Shay” Antia, with his wife and two teenage sons, made the trip down from Upper Manhattan to enjoy the thrilling overtime Cornell victory. Just a month earlier, Shay and I ran into each other at a New York Fed alumni day; we overlapped 10 years there. “Now, I am the head of long-term, thematic research for the global asset manager PGIM.” Shay has certainly made the most of his Cornell economics degree!

Matthew Sherman did not make it to MSG, but did travel to see Cornell hockey and celebrate coach Mike Schafer ’86 in his 30th and final season. Matt writes, “My wife, Kathleen Gapp, and I road-tripped to Ithaca for the Harvard and Dartmouth hockey games and we met up with a cousin, Peter Slaunwhite ’74, for some memory sharing.”

Matt, a civil engineering major, lives in Melrose, MA, just outside of Boston. “I am a principal at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, a civil structure consulting firm, where I work on construction materials, claim support, and repair projects.” Matt hopes to see many of us at Reunion in 2026!

I live on a 1934 classic wooden sailing yacht. It’s been an amazing experience!

Janice Anne Wheeler ’91

Janice Anne Wheeler writes from her houseboat in Florida. With husband Steve, “I live on a 1934 classic wooden sailing yacht. It’s been an amazing experience! Exploring and writing about what I find brings me the most joy these days.” Janice is a sailor, chef, entrepreneur, biographer, and ghostwriter; be sure to check out her website.

Janice sadly shares that she recently lost a fellow Hotelie and her best alumni friend, Howard Buchanan ’92. Janice’s message to us all, “Love, laugh, and live the dash.” She certainly is!

Remember to save the date for our Reunion, June 4–7, 2026! Classmate Charles Wu reports from the 2025 Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference in Philadelphia that Reunion planning continues in earnest. After a pandemic interrupted Reunion in 2021, our 35th Reunion promises to be epic!

Got news to share? Use the online news form or feel free to contact one of us directly: ❖ Joe Marraccino (email Joe) | Ruby Wang Pizzini (email Ruby) | Wendy Milks Coburn (email Wendy) | Evelyn Achuck Yue (email Evelyn) | Susie Curtis Schneider (email Susie) | Alumni Directory.

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1992

Daniel Cuffe writes that he finally moved back to the U.S. after living 15+ years overseas, most recently spending the last five and a half years in Beijing, China. “I’m still with Universal Destinations & Experiences, after joining the Universal Studios theme parks team back in 1999. My wife and I are now living in Frisco, TX, to support my new role as general manager of the new Universal Kids Resort concept that will debut here in 2026. While we miss living overseas (we’ve also lived in both Singapore and Dubai), it’s great to be ‘home’!”

John Huber writes, “Janine (Blanchard) and I are delighted to become parents of a new Cornellian! Our youngest son was just admitted early decision to the ILR School, starting in August 2025. We look forward to revisiting Cornell in the years to come!”

Dylan Willoughby, MFA ’95, has poetry forthcoming in Antiphony magazine; a poetry chapbook on the way, styled after Ruscha’s Babycakes, titled Night Flowers; and more new poems due out in early 2025. His critically acclaimed band, Lost in Stars, will be releasing new music in early 2025. One fond memory was recording a new song he composed at Calf Audio (a barn converted into recording studio) at the end of spring semester 1991 with Jim Park ’90 on vocals, Mark Weigel ’91 on acoustic guitars and bass, Inch Yuh ’91 on drums, and Razi Karim on lead electric guitar (and Dylan on Hammond organ, synthesizers, and grand piano). ❖ Sarah Ballow Clauss (email Sarah) | Wilma Ann Thomas Anderson (email Wilma Ann) | Jean Kintisch (email Jean) | Alumni Directory.

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1993

Hi classmates! I am writing to you with my Cornell spirit lifted from attending my first-ever Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference (CALC), held each winter and open to all alumni. It was so much fun—honestly! There were evening events at venues owned by local Cornellians (props to the Cornell Club of Philly), and everyone networks but in a low-key, friendly way.

The sessions at CALC were interesting and timely, ranging from balancing the use of AI technology to cultivating creative leadership and building high-performing teams. We were lucky enough to hear from our new provost, Kavita Bala, who shared that what makes Cornellians the best collaborators is that they are simultaneously brilliant and humble.

If you decide to go to CALC, please join our ’93 group, which this year was 12 strong: Eric Beane, Loren Rosenzweig Feingold, Theresa Flores, Jacqui Francis, Mike McMahon, Amy Miller Moore, Earl Pinto, Elise Rosenberg, Kimberly Powell Sendelbach, Greg Thomas, MBA ’10 (accompanied by his amazing daughter, Alayna Thomas ’24), and Jessica Graus Woo.

Thank you classmates who sent us news! Please everyone, keep us updated! Bonnie Zucker is excited to announce that she is now a podcaster! Bonnie is a clinical psychologist, specializing in anxiety. She is doing a podcast with another psychologist, who is, yes, also named Bonnie Zucker, and who also specializes in anxiety. They learned of each other several years ago, and when they finally met, they decided they had to do a podcast together!

Clinical psychologist Bonnie Zucker ’93 is doing a podcast with another psychologist, who is, yes, also named Bonnie Zucker.

Anxiety Matters with Dr. Bonnie Zucker and Dr. Bonnie Zucker is available wherever you get your podcasts. The two Bonnies tackle various issues through the lens of anxiety. Check out their first episode to hear the story about how they met, and about the other similarities they have with each other. Our classmate Bonnie also has a publishing contract and is writing a book on panic attacks.

Congrats to Ross Berntson, MAT ’94, MBA ’02, on his promotion to CEO of Indium Corp., a materials manufacturer and supplier to the global electronics, semiconductor, thin-film, and thermal management markets. Ross writes that, these days, he is finding a lot of satisfaction in developing young talent and seeing them flourish. He uses his Cornell chemistry and business degrees every day, and is grateful to have met his wife, Julie (Ferguson) ’94, DVM ’98, while on campus as well!

Jason Pecarsky needs your help; he is seeking a June 1994 hard copy of Cornell Magazine: “I just realized I am included in a feature article from that issue and would like to have a copy of the actual magazine. If you can assist, please contact me.”

Lastly, our class has been enjoying reminiscing in our Facebook group, Cornell University Class of 1993. Please, come on in and join our e-reunion. Recently, John Cattarulla showed us that he has a Rulloff’s sign in his “man cave.” Second prize goes to anyone who can post the recipe for Nines pizza! Take care and please share. ❖ Melissa Hart Moss, JD ’97 (email Melissa) | Theresa Flores (email Theresa) | Mia Blackler (email Mia) | Alumni Directory.

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1994

Hi, everyone! I am checking in with a very short update. Here in New Jersey, we have enjoyed a few days of warmer weather, at least enough to melt the snow that kept us indoors most of February! By the time you read this, however, I’m sure the sun will have come out—even in Ithaca! Happy to share one update from a fellow classmate today:

Praveena Nallainathan was recently elected to the partnership at Pryor Cashman in New York. Praveena is a member of the Immigration Group, where her practice focuses on corporate immigration, nationality, and consular law matters.

Enjoy the warmer weather! ❖ Jennifer Rabin Marchant (email Jennifer) | Dika Lam (email Dika) | Dineen Pashoukos Wasylik (email Dineen) | Alumni Directory.

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1995

Have you registered for Reunion yet? It’s just around the corner now, and it’s going to be a blast! After all, 30 is the new 25! We’re kicking things off Thursday evening, June 5, with a casual gathering at Mews Hall—our (air-conditioned!) Reunion headquarters on North Campus where food, music, lawn games, a CU-themed lounge, and good company will set the stage for a weekend of connection.

On Friday, June 6, join your classmates at a vibrant fiesta-themed night, complete with tacos, margaritas, and treasure-filled piñatas. Saturday, June 7, promises endless opportunities for exploration, connection, and fun, from a leisurely brunch and campus tours to garden strolls and group reunions. Cap off the day with a multi-course dinner, a signature Still Red cocktail in hand, and celebrate our shared journey of being a part of the Cornell family for over 30 years.

As I write this column, it’s still late February and I just returned from an action-packed Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference (CALC) in Philadelphia, PA, where I was honored to be a featured speaker on the topic “Unlocking Innovation: Cultivating Creative Leadership in Cornell’s Volunteer Community.”

I also spent time meeting with our incredible Reunion chairs, Lisa Powell Fortna and Patricia Louison Grant, who were busy putting together the many activities described in the paragraph above. Other classmates in attendance at CALC included Marisol Barrero, MS ’01, and Kathy Heppner Trogolo, and I was also happy to bump into classmates Abigail Spencer Charpentier, Meredith Oppenheim, Courtney Goldstein, and Janet Nelson Gerhard, who were attending the coinciding President’s Council of Cornell Women conference.

I got married on November 2, 2024, to Anthony Coppa in a magical event at New York City’s historic Gotham Hall.

Hillary Frommer ’95

Saturday night, several of us attended a Cornell Club of Greater Philadelphia event, where we ran into classmate couples Brett and Jennifer Blum Feldman and Adam and Laura Stout Sosinsky. It was so much fun to reconnect and get excited for our 30th!

In other news, Hillary Frommer writes, “Life in New York has been very good to me. I got married on November 2, 2024, to Anthony Coppa in a magical event at New York City’s historic Gotham Hall. Cornellians from all walks of my life spanning five decades were in attendance: William Frommer ’64, BEE ’65 (dad), Jane Frommer Gertler ’68 (aunt), David Gertler ’67, ME ’68 (uncle), Meredith Gertler ’98 (cousin), Kim Rappaport ’96 (Delta Gamma sister), Caryn Rosen O’Brien, Ilene Sherwyn Cooper ’76, Yelena Rapoport ’04, and Howard Elman, JD ’92. And, of course, we had to top the weekend off with the post-wedding brunch at the Cornell Club–New York.”

And something to look forward to: author Michelle Knudsen has a new children’s book coming out in August: a middle-grade fantasy novel called Into the Wild Magic.

Hope to see you at Reunion—and get lots of great news afterwards! I’d love to do a column jam-packed with your stories of what you did, who you reconnected with, and any other memories you create!

In the meantime, be sure to bookmark our Reunion webpage and watch for Reunion news on our class Facebook page. And don’t forget to also visit our 30 Faces blog as we count down to our 30th Reunion! ❖ Alison Torrillo French (email Alison) | Class website | Class Facebook page | Class Instagram page | Alumni Directory.

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1996

Greetings, Class of ’96! What is something you’re doing now that you never thought you’d be doing? What is your fondest memory of your time at Cornell? What brings you the most satisfaction these days? No matter if your news is big or small, please take a moment to write to us and stay connected with our class. ❖ Class of 1996 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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1997

We are back! We know you love hearing all the news and updates from our class, so help your dear correspondents out by sending in updates. Maybe you have been able to wax nostalgic for your time on the Hill as your own child works through those supplemental essays for Cornell on the Common App. Perhaps your group of friends has met up in Ithaca for a reunion of your own. Maybe your local Cornell Club events have become a great gathering place for classmates. Let us know what you have been doing! Just remember, only two more years until we are back on the Hill for our 30th Reunion—yikes!

Liz Sullivan ’96 shared a great article in Forbes about our own Megan Lynam Overbay, COO and co-founder of Big Spoon Roasters. Megan and her husband, Mark, are based in North Carolina and developed a line of handcrafted nut butters that have been distributed nationally. They are committed to healthy, delicious products, as well as sustainability in all facets of the company. Liz shared that she was already a big fan of their products when she attended a local open house/tasting event and discovered she liked even more about the company—their Cornell ties! You can learn more about their mission here. It goes to show, wearing Cornell gear (in this case, a hat) will make connections everywhere. Go Big Red!

We hope to hear from you—let us know what’s new in your neck of the woods! ❖ Sarah Deardorff Carter (email Sarah) | Erica Broennle Nelson (email Erica) | Alumni Directory.

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1998

Greetings, fellow members of the Class of 1998! What have you been up to? David Williams shares that he is an assistant teaching professor in the English department at Penn State University, where he is using his Cornell theater degree to teach playwriting. His full-length play, Separating the Art, was featured as part of the Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights at Barter Theatre, the nation’s longest running professional theater.

Stephanie Silver Silberstein started a new position as adjunct professor at Kean University in September 2024. In addition to being a theater coach and instructor, Stephanie has added stand-up comedy to her performance repertoire. Bravo, David! Bravo, Stephanie!

Share your latest updates with your fellow classmates by filling out the alumni form or emailing me. Hope to hear from you soon! ❖ Uthica Jinvit Utano (email Uthica) | Alumni Directory.

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1999

Minna Ham shares, “I am so proud of my son, Mason, who will be entering Cornell’s Class of 2029 in August. He will be in the College of Human Ecology, just like both his parents were.” ❖ Class of 1999 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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2000s

2000

Aleksandr Mergold is an associate professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He also is a partner at Austin+Mergold (an architecture, landscape, and design platform) and operates Mergold Architecture PLLC (+M).

These practices are the testing ground for his research, which is focused on re-imagining all that is mundane, common, available, and disposable in today’s built environment—objects, infrastructure, images, technology, resources, and ideas. Aleksandr taught architecture at Cornell and the Parsons School of Design and worked at Pentagram. He holds degrees in architecture from Cornell and Princeton. ❖ Denise Williams (email Denise) | Alumni Directory.

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2001

It’s nearly summer! Are you feeling the urge to swim under a cold waterfall, bite into an artisanal ice cream cone, and drink questionable beverages on a steep hill? We get another shot at all that and more next year at our 25th Reunion: June 4–7, 2026. Save the date, and please let us know if you’ve got suggestions for activities, speakers, and swag.

I haven’t had to do as much social media stalking this time around, as we’ve had multiple classmates making headlines lately! In the Times (NY and Seattle), check out the reporting on Brian Canlis leaving his family’s namesake restaurant in his brother’s hands (Mark Canlis ’97) to go work on a project with college bestie Will Guidara, the hospitality guru known for New York’s Eleven Madison Park.

In Cornellians, check out two features about our classmates: a story about food scientist sisters Lori Luckow Gitomer and Tracy Luckow ’99 titled “Sisters’ Product Is a Hit (with a Cherry on Top),” and a profile of cartoonist/writer Ali Solomon Mainhart, called “Prolific Cartoonist Finds Humor in—Well, Pretty Much Everything.”

Speaking of writers, have you checked out Olufunke Grace Bankole’s debut novel, The Edge of Water? Set between Nigeria and New Orleans, it tells the story of a young woman who dreams of life in America, as the collision of traditional prophecy and individual longing tests the bonds of a family during a devastating storm. Olufunke’s work has previously appeared in various literary journals, and she has been awarded a Soros Justice Advocacy Fellowship, an Oregon Literary Fellowship in Fiction, a Ludwig Vogelstein Foundation grant, a residency-fellowship from the Anderson Center at Tower View, and a Pushcart Special Mention for her writing. She lives in Portland, OR.

As promised in our previous Class Notes column, Erica Chatfield has now climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,341 feet)! “One of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” she writes on Facebook. “Nine hours of ascent in pitch black and roaring blizzard and then beautiful blue skies at the peak. Great group of nine women and one man and the amazing guides of @kandooinsta, without whom we never could have accomplished this!”

Alan Nawoj ’01 participated in the 2025 World Marathon Challenge (aka “777”), running seven marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days.

Speaking of classmates who almost make me feel bad for being such a couch potato: Alan Nawoj was among two dozen Americans participating in the 2025 World Marathon Challenge (aka “777”) between January 31 and February 6. This is considered one of the world’s most difficult endurance races: running seven marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days. Check out his journey at this website, which notes that “Alan is dedicating his run in the World Marathon Challenge to his late Mom, who fought a courageous battle against breast cancer.”

Still with me? Send me a message via LinkedIn (I’m not hard to find) or email (see below) with the phrase “Trillium curly fries.”

In February, Praveen Anumolu, ME ’02, Michael Hanson, MPA ’02, Kate Costa Leming, and Troy Townsend spent a weekend in Philadelphia at the combined President’s Council of Cornell Women Symposium and Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference. They appreciated the fantastic sessions on growing leaders, brand marketing, purpose, and AI, along with great tours of the City of Brotherly Love and a lot of networking with friends and staff who will help us in the run-up to Reunion 2026.

Over here in Delhi, India, my son R.J. (hopefully an Eagle Scout by the time you’re reading this!) needed to interview someone in a union role to earn his American labor merit badge. (Ideally, he would have visited a local union office, but sometimes we have to adjust requirements to accommodate overseas Scouts.) Fortunately, I remembered a previous update about union life from New York State United Teachers’ Carrie Andrews; big thanks to her for taking the time to meet online with the Scouts—morning her time, afternoon in Zambia and India—to discuss her work!

In her own update, Carrie writes, “After 23 years of working in labor relations in Rochester, NY, I moved to Albany, NY, over the summer. I was promoted to the position of director of constituency programs and services for New York State United Teachers, where I work in leadership development for staff and union members as well as build programs for NYSUT retirees, school-related professionals, social services, and health and safety. I’m enjoying new professional opportunities at NYSUT and the chance to continue to support our almost 700,000 members. In my spare time, I’m rehabbing a stress fracture that has set back my running, but I hope to be back in marathon shape by next summer!”

Have a great summer! To share news or memories, please email either of us, visit our website, like the Class of 2001 Facebook page, join our Class of 2001 Classmates Facebook group, and check out our Class of 2001 Instagram page for great photos and stories. ❖ Nicole Neroulias Gupte (email Nicole) | James Gutow (email James) | Alumni Directory.

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2002

Ethan Balsam sends news of his new job at Littler, a large employment and labor law practice representing management. Ethan has been appointed co-chair of the Individuals with Disabilities Affinity Group. In his practice, he advises and defends employers in employment-related litigation, arbitration, and administrative agency proceedings, including claims involving the Americans with Disabilities Act, retaliation, and investigations.

Ethan also advises employers on termination decisions, employee discipline, personnel policies, wage and hour issues, and compliance with federal, state, and local laws. He earned his JD from Syracuse University College of Law.

Sarah Spain’s first book, Runs in the Family, will be released in early June! This book tells the true story of a football coach whose unsealed adoption records reveal a secret that changes his life forever. According to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, “Runs in the Family is an emotional examination of the sacrifices, choices, and nurturing that shape us and our loved ones. It offers a heartfelt testament to the profound impact of family and the kind of love and mentorship that can forge enduring bonds that transcend biology.”

Sarah Spain ’02 is an Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning sports journalist and the host of the first-ever daily women’s sports podcast.

Sarah is an Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning sports journalist. She’s the host of the first-ever daily women’s sports podcast, iHeart’s Good Game with Sarah Spain. In her more than two decades in the sports business and 14+ years at ESPN, she has worked as a radio and podcast host, television personality, producer, and writer. You can learn more at her website!

Denis Ladouceur was recently featured in a Cornellians article about his popular hockey bar in NYC, The Canuck. “Dozens of miniature Canadian flags, strung like streamers, arc across the ceiling. A wealth of hockey memorabilia lines the walls—from player portraits and team photos to signed jerseys. Multiple widescreen TVs are tuned to sports channels. And watching serenely from above the well-stocked bar is a giant moose head—nicknamed ‘Monty’ in a nod to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

“Welcome to The Canuck, a Canadian sports bar on 9th Avenue between 22nd and 23rd streets in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. According to Ladouceur, the former Big Red player who opened it in late 2021, it’s the city’s only bar dedicated to all things Canada and ice hockey.” ❖ Class of 2002 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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2003

“We have just finished up a year full of changes in the Pealo household,” writes Michelle Cerny Pealo. “After 20 years as an elementary school teacher and instructional coach, I’ve started a new full-time position as a curriculum lead for CodeVA, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding and supporting K-12 computer science education in Virginia and beyond.

“My husband, Robert, was promoted/appointed to be the City Attorney for Newport News, VA, which meant moving to a new home within the city limits and an early move to a middle school setting for our child, Violet. They are getting to know their new classmates and developing an interest in worldbuilding and creative writing. We are all lucky to get to visit the Ithaca area to see family once or twice a year, and we marvel at all the changes on the Hill each time we visit!” ❖ Jon Schoenberg, ME ’03, PhD ’11 (email Jon) | Candace Lee Chow, PhD ’14 (email Candace) | Alumni Directory.

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2004

Alex Roberts, cofounder of the fantasy sports media business RotoBaller, was recently featured in a Cornellians story. “For the uninitiated: fantasy sports are online games where participants create virtual teams comprising real-life athletes from professional leagues like the NFL, MLB, and NBA. Participants can compete against friends or a wider community, and earn points based on how their chosen athletes perform in their actual games.

“Among the most popular resources for aficionados of the pastime is RotoBaller, a website and multimedia company that Roberts cofounded to help fantasy sports lovers optimize their teams’ performance. ‘Our readers use our content, advice, and tools to inform their decisions,’ says Roberts, who majored in human development in Human Ecology. ‘We help them answer who should be the highest ranked, what kind of trades they should make, and what kind of players they should pick up week to week.’”

Be on the lookout for our annual News & Dues mailing, which should be arriving in your mailbox soon! Please take a moment to fill out the included Share Your News form so that we can fill our future columns with news from all of you! If you prefer to send your news virtually, you can do so here. ❖ Class of 2004 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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2005

Emily Sharpe writes, “This past year has been an exciting one, as I launched Guiding Generations, a startup combining technology with personalized support to help families navigate the complexities of caregiving and aging. Much of our work focuses on supporting adult children who are managing long-distance eldercare.”

Emily adds, “It’s been a deeply rewarding career pivot after years spent in tech policy and the law. I’m based in London with my husband, Stephen, and our energetic 3-year-old son, John. I’ve enjoyed connecting with more Cornell alums here recently.”

Carly Tichner Fox was featured in a recent New York Times article titled “How an Emergency Veterinarian Spends Her Sundays.” According to the story, “There was never any doubt that Dr. Carly Fox, an emergency room veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in Manhattan, would devote her life to caring for animals.

“She grew up loving a series of three big boxers, which her family got after moving to Long Island from the Upper West Side. At the age of 5, she audaciously declared that she would become a veterinarian. (This early career choice is recorded in her class yearbook.) ‘I had lizards as a child, and I did things like try to make a house for ants on the sidewalk,’ Dr. Fox, 41, said.

“She followed through on her childhood dream by earning a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from Cornell University and went on to veterinary school at Ross and Cornell universities. After an internship at the Animal Medical Center, Dr. Fox became a staff member there 15 years ago, a job that she said is as stressful as it is rewarding.” ❖ Hilary Johnson King (email Hilary) | Jessica Rosenthal Chod (email Jessica) | Alumni Directory.

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2006

What is something you’re doing now that you never thought you’d be doing? What is your fondest memory of your time at Cornell? What brings you the most satisfaction these days? No matter if your news is big or small, please take a moment to write to us and stay connected with our class. ❖ Class of 2006 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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2007

Hello, Class of 2007! I’m very excited to share some updates from you all—thank you so much for your contributions. Looking forward to hearing more as we move into the warmer months!

If you remember from our last column, Ben Massarsky had been recognized for his lawyering accomplishments in Law360. His status as a Rising Star paid off! As of January 2025, he made partner at the law firm Miller Friel PLLC, where he represents corporate policyholders in insurance coverage disputes in state and federal courts. In his spare time, he loves watching his two young boys grow and learn and experience the world. These days, it’s every sport and activity Bethesda can offer!

Classmate Hayley Paige Gutman, best known for her amazing bridal dress designs, recently won back the rights to her own name. After a hard-fought legal battle, she can now operate, once again, under her own label, Hayley Paige. Since winning her suit, she has also created a nonprofit called A Girl You Might Know Foundation. It’s dedicated to giving artists and entrepreneurs—particularly young women—access to legal advice and other resources to help protect their rights in the business world. Congratulations on your continued success! You can read more about her story and her work in this Cornellians article.

Looking forward to sharing more exciting stories with everyone! Have more updates to share? Please feel free to reach out to me or submit online! ❖ Samantha Feibush Wolf (email Samantha) | Alumni Directory.

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2008

Be on the lookout for our annual News & Dues mailing, which should be arriving in your mailbox soon! Please take a moment to fill out the included Share Your News form so that we can fill our future columns with news from all of you! If you prefer to send your news virtually, you can do so here. ❖ Class of 2008 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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2009

Matthew Cortese writes, “After years of effort working as a lymphoma/CLL doctor, I was fortunate to present two oral presentations at the American Society of Hematology meeting in San Diego, as well as two last author posters including a clinical trial. I presented another poster on behalf of a research consortium at the Tandem Meetings in Honolulu. I’m also in touch with Cornell mentor Dr. Nelson Hairston to apply some of my learnings while working in his lab to help treat patients with blood cancers more effectively, and now represent Roswell Park on a National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline panel.

“Cornell prepared me very well through those rigorous courses. Go, Big Red! Helping people with lymphoid cancers through science, spending time with family, and travel bring me the most satisfaction. I’m an assistant professor of oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. I have two kids. My wife has become an American citizen. Cornell changed my life for the better and made me a better person and scientist.”

Alex Berg has been named executive creative director at Blink, a production studio where she oversees commercials, branded documentaries, display advertising, and social content. A longtime on-air journalist, she anchored the LGBTQ Nation election roundtable last November, and can regularly be heard on SiriusXM Progress, where she serves as a guest host and commentates on politics and national news. In her free time, Alex is an avid trail runner, and she and her wife split their time between Brooklyn and the Catskills. ❖ Class of 2009 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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2010s

2010

On October 1, 2024, Mercedes Pineda took over as the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association president. “CHBA aims to expand the number of Latino and Hispanic lawyers in the state and provide them with professional development and community. Its members actively serve the Latino community through pro bono legal and community services, donations to numerous nonprofit organizations, and serving as advocate on significant legal issues affecting the Latino community.” Mercedes says she is excited and humbled to take on this leadership in her community!

Lissy Alden was recently featured on the Mavericks in Healthcare podcast, talking about her mental health fitness company, MYNDY. According to the MYNDY website, “Stress, fatigue, inability to focus, and lack of energy are plaguing our progress, leaving us unsatisfied and craving a new solution. Our research-backed approach, programs, and routines are designed to help you optimize your mind and organization, putting you in the driver’s seat of the now.”

In the podcast episode, “Lissy discusses the science behind MYNDY’s unique framework, which combines daily mental movements with targeted exercises to strengthen key mental muscles. Lissy also shares insights on integrating mental fitness into company wellness programs and leveraging technology to promote employee well-being.” ❖ Michelle Sun (email Michelle) | Alumni Directory.

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2011

Courtney Osborn Chambers is an attorney in the San Francisco office of Littler, an employment and labor law practice representing management. On January 1, 2025, she was promoted to shareholder. Congratulations, Courtney! ❖ Class of 2011 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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2012

What is something you’re doing now that you never thought you’d be doing? What is your fondest memory of your time at Cornell? What brings you the most satisfaction these days? No matter if your news is big or small, please take a moment to write to us and stay connected with our class. ❖ Peggy Ramin (email Peggy) | Alumni Directory.

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2013

Congratulations to Natasha Batalha, who received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), “the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their career. Established by President Clinton in 1996, PECASE recognizes scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential for leadership early in their research careers. The award recognizes innovative and far-reaching developments in science and technology, expands awareness of careers in science and engineering, recognizes the scientific missions of participating agencies, enhances connections between research and impacts on society, and highlights the importance of science and technology for our nation’s future.”

In January 2025, President Biden awarded this honor to nearly 400 scientists, including Natasha, who is a research scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center. ❖ Class of 2013 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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2014

Hello, Class of 2014! Earlier this year, the Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference was held in Philadelphia, PA, and there, classmate Shannon Cohall won the Robert S. Harrison ’76 Recent Alumni Volunteer Award. This award honors recent alumni for outstanding contributions to one or more Cornell volunteer organizations or University initiatives. Shannon’s receipt of the award marks the third consecutive year that a 2014 classmate has been honored with the Harrison award, with Julia Buffinton and Dana Lerner receiving it in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Emily Cai recently joined Dermatology Partners’ office in Drexel Hill, PA, as a board-certified dermatologist. “As a physician-led dermatology group, Dermatology Partners shares my own vision for providing the highest quality of patient service,” says Emily. “I look forward to working closely with each individual to address their concerns, using the most advanced medicine and technology in their treatment.” After graduating from Cornell, Emily completed medical school at Stanford University School of Medicine, followed by an internal medicine internship at St. Mary’s Medical Center in San Francisco, CA, and a dermatology residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Please reach out if you have any news for a future column! ❖ Samantha Lapehn Young (email Samantha) | Alumni Directory.

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2015

No news from our classmates this round, but check out this info on Reunion registration! Since we missed our 5th Reunion, join us for the 10th Reunion next month. We look forward to seeing you on the Hill! ❖ Caroline Flax (email Caroline) | Alumni Directory.

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2016

As founder and chief food scientist of Brelixi, Breanna Neff is bringing CBD-infused ingredients to the drink mix market. According to the Brelixi website, “Breanna is the visionary force behind our brand. With a Cornell University bachelor of science degree in food science and technology, and a double minor in business, nutrition, and health, Breanna’s dynamic work history includes major players like Dannon and Evian, as well as gritty startups. Her experience spans across roles such as product developer, research and development engineer, and FDA compliance specialist.” ❖ Class of 2016 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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2017 & 2018

While we don’t have any news to share from these classes right now, we hope that changes in the future! Be on the lookout for the News & Dues mailing that should be arriving in your mailbox soon. Please take a moment to fill out the included Share Your News form so that we can fill our future columns with news from all of you! If you prefer to send your news virtually, you can do so here. ❖ Classes of 2017 & 2018 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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2019

Congratulations to Sakib Jamal, who recently was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the venture capital category! Sakib is vice president of Crossbeam Venture Partners; he has helped CVP reach $280 million in assets since joining in 2020. He also authored The Young VC’s Handbook: A Tactical Guide for Newcomers to Venture Capital, proceeds of which go to a foundation for underprivileged children in his home country, Bangladesh.

His book includes actionable advice from more than 50 authors and aims to demystify some of the unwritten rules and secrets of the industry. Sakil was also recently featured on an episode of Startup Cornell, a podcast exploring the entrepreneurial ideas coming from Cornellians. ❖ Class of 2019 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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2020s

2020

“Since moving to D.C. three years ago, I’ve combined my passions for biking, climate action, and car-free transportation by volunteering weekly with the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail,” writes Colleen Casey. “The trail, which is primarily maintained by volunteers, sees over 1 million users per year and is a vital transportation and recreation option in the D.C. area. As a volunteer leader, I organize trail clean ups, lead community engagement events, and interact with hundreds of volunteers and trail users every year. In 2024, our group of 20 leaders hosted 56 events for 1,700 volunteers.”

Bridgette Rooney shares, “I volunteer every other month at a local food pantry called nOURish Bridgeport. It is a resource for those in need in the Bridgeport area—with healthy food options, other essentials like feminine care products and diapers, and other household items like books, clothing, and pet food.” ❖ Class of 2020 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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2021

Camille Ledoux, BS ’20, shares, “I write, co-host, and help produce the Infectious Science Podcast, which brings free plain-language science and health information to listeners in 40 countries. Our team, consisting of myself, a veterinarian-virologist, a physician, and a medical student, mainly focuses on public health and One Health topics. We have also interviewed a myriad of experts and activists to raise awareness of their work in the biomedical field.”

Katie Callero, MS ’24, writes, “I am part of a small group that meets weekly to study the Bible. In addition to these weekly meetings, we look for opportunities to serve our local community! Our most recent opportunity was volunteering at the Salvation Army’s Shepherds Table event, which provides free warm meals to anyone in the community. Our group brought a nice warm meal of chili with cornbread and homemade cookies and were able to serve it to people in the Corning, NY, area. It was such a delight to get to volunteer in the community with a group of people I am close with, and we are looking forward to our next opportunity!” ❖ Class of 2021 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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2022 & 2023

We don’t have news from anyone in these classes for this Class Notes section, but we sincerely hope that if you’re reading this, you will take the time to submit an online news form! What is something you’re doing now that you never thought you’d be doing? What is your fondest memory of your time at Cornell? What brings you the most satisfaction these days? No matter if your news is big or small, please take a moment to write to us and stay connected. ❖ Classes of 2022 & 2023 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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2024

Ryan McInchak shares, “A little over a year ago, I had the transformative opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic with the Cornell men’s hockey team. During our week of service, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact we can make in the lives of those less fortunate. The experience was deeply moving and inspired me to take a more active role in supporting these communities. Motivated by this experience, I joined the executive board of the Portal de Belen Foundation a few months later.

“In this role, I am committed to furthering the foundation’s mission of providing essential resources, education, and support to underserved communities in the Dominican Republic. My involvement has allowed me to contribute to various initiatives, including Project Rachel, Project Hato Nuevo, and the Latrines Project, which collectively aim to improve health, education, and quality of life for many.”

“Project Rachel, initiated three years ago, supports children with Down syndrome, autism, and brain trauma by providing education, food, and medical assistance. The foundation covers 90% of the school’s costs, with the government supporting the remaining 10%, ensuring these children receive the necessary education, nourishment, and spiritual growth.

A little over a year ago, I had the transformative opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic with the Cornell men’s hockey team.

Ryan McInchak ’24

“Addressing the severe challenges faced by Haitian immigrants, Project Hato Nuevo provides food and essential support to families and children who lack basic services. Many Haitians, seeking a better life in the Dominican Republic, face unemployment and limited access to healthcare and financial support. This project assists undocumented Haitians in obtaining legal documents, enabling them to enter the workforce and improve their living conditions. The foundation also focuses on providing sustenance to Haitian refugees who lack basic services and legal recognition.

“The Latrines Project improves sanitation in impoverished areas like Don Juan and Guaricano by building latrines to provide proper waste management, reduce water contamination, and prevent disease. Each latrine costs $200 to construct, and the foundation has funded over 2,500 latrines to date, significantly enhancing the health and hygiene of these communities. We are proud to say we have completed this project and have helped the region improve sanitation measures.

“These diverse projects highlight the foundation’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted needs of the communities they serve, ranging from education and health to legal support and spiritual development. The integrated efforts of the Portal de Belen Foundation ensure a comprehensive approach to community upliftment and empowerment in the Dominican Republic.

“We are continuously on the lookout for new projects in the region to expand our support and address the evolving needs of the communities we serve. Together, we can achieve lasting positive change.” ❖ Class of 2024 (email c/o Alexandra Bond ’12) | Alumni Directory.

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Grad

Agriculture and Life Sciences

Roselyn Slew Teukolsky, MS ’76, has written a novel, A Reluctant Spy, that’s set in Ithaca—in particular in the computer science department at Cornell. “Madeline Geiger is a young computer scientist whose husband has recently died under suspicious circumstances. On the day of his funeral, Madeline is approached by an FBI agent who persuades her to go undercover in the computer science department. … Madeline is an introverted nerd and definitely not a spy. When she delves into the computers of her colleagues, she makes some devastating discoveries about her late husband and co-workers. Someone in her orbit is a killer who is on to her and has already murdered once.” (For anyone concerned, there is a disclaimer at the front of the book: “The wonderful Department of Computer Science at Cornell University bears no relationship to the den of academic vipers conceived of in A Reluctant Spy. Any resemblance to actual people at Cornell is entirely coincidental.”)

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Architecture, Art, and Planning

Rebecca Stone, MArch ’95, is an architect at the Denver-based OZ Architecture, where she is president of the OZ board of directors and lead architect for its resorts and hospitality practice. This winter, a project that she designed will debut: Keystone Resort’s Kindred Resort, a luxury hotel and residence in the Colorado Rockies. This venture is especially meaningful for Rebecca, since—more than 30 years ago—she spent three years working during college breaks as a hostess at Keystone’s Der Fondue Chessel mountain resort.

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Arts and Sciences

Dennis Vail, PhD ’71, writes, “I do what I can to support animal rights, including being a member of the PETA writers network. I contribute money to a number of animal-rights and animal-welfare organizations, including my local Humane Society.”

Megan Shea, MA ’06, PhD ’09, wrote Tragic Resistance: Feminist Agency in Performance, which was released in January. According to the publisher, Routledge, this volume “analyzes playwrights, directors, and performers who shatter gender norms to gain agency within the patriarchal institutions restricting them. … This book examines the nature of performances to interrogate how theatrical and performative resistance works—and why performance might be a vehicle for altering patriarchal structures that withhold agency from women and trans/genderqueer+ people.”

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Business

In November, Roderick Chu, MBA ’71, happily joined classmate (and later roommate) Tom Senker, MBA ’71, and his wife, Marby, at the surprise 50th wedding anniversary luncheon celebration for them held by their three wonderful children, T.J., Meg, and Chris, in Basking Ridge, NJ. Despite the physical miles separating them, their “Uncle Rod” has had the pleasure of watching the Senker kids grow all these years.

William Parente, MPA ’72, writes, “I volunteer at a not-for-profit organization that distributes groceries and produce free to residents of our community who face food insecurity. We ask for no financial proof of eligibility. If a client asks for food, it is provided. The organization is staffed entirely by volunteers; there are no paid employees. Except for rent, utilities, and insurance, every penny donated goes to providing food for our clients. The organization has received not-for-profit designation by the IRS since its inception in 1984.”

David Bowen, MBA ’77, writes, “The Appalachian Trail, recently named by CNN as one of the 20 most picturesque footpath-only trails in the world, winds over 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine. Each year, over 2,500 hikers start in Georgia and attempt to hike the entire trail over the summer and fall. Many of the trail’s most scenic views are found on its way through Shenandoah National Park, in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. I have the privilege of overseeing the 50+ maintainers who are responsible for 46 miles of the trail beginning at the southern entrance of the Shenandoah National Park and running North to Elkton, VA. In addition, I maintain the most northerly section of that 46 miles, and as a certified chainsaw operator by the National Park Service, I am called on to remove any obstacle on the entire stretch that blocks the trail, most commonly a blown down tree, called a ‘blowdown.’ We’re proud that the ‘thru-hikers’ often tell us that the Appalachian Trail section through the Shenandoah National Park is the best maintained and most enjoyable part of their hiking experience.”

Curt De Greff, MBA ’77, writes, “I am consulting pro bono for RSVP, which assists small nonprofits to improve their ability to help the underprivileged in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. There are about 70 RSVP consultants helping nonprofits in areas such as fundraising, governance, marketing, operations, planning, and finance. I was fortunate to be recruited for the RSVP by its program manager, Sheri Burke ’85, a Cornell alum.”

Jean Pierre David, MPS ’82, writes, “After retiring as GM and COO of the Union Club of the City of New York, my wife and I moved to France and Portugal. Winters are pleasant in the Algarve, and Portugal welcomes many U.S. refugees. Having the ability to live in cities where we don’t need a car, like Paris or Tavira, is great and makes for a healthy lifestyle, as we opt to walk or bike daily. In Tavira, I bike for daily shopping of fresh farm produce. Knowing where your daily food comes from and developing relationships with the people who seek to provide healthy food helps enrich our retirement with health and sunny days. We love to explore the Algarve, and also Spain, like Seville or Almonte. We travel to many places in Europe as we continue to marvel at all its beautiful places, culture, architecture, and people. I have five daughters, two in Paris, one in London, one in Vermont, and one in Philadelphia. I also have nine grandchildren.”

When asked about his time on the Hill, Jean Pierre wrote, “Cornell opened a world of possibilities for me. Coming from France, not speaking English, I was able to obtain my master’s. Cornell offered electives in many schools and allowed me to study ILR and computer studies, in addition to my Hotel School classes. When running the Union Club as GM, I was considered acceptable by members who graduated from Harvard, Yale, or Columbia as they looked at my Cornell diploma proudly displayed behind my desk. I am grateful that Cornell allowed me to access higher levels of leadership in the hospitality industry.”

Calvin Stovall, MPS ’93, was recently featured in a story on the SC Johnson College of Business website: “More than 30 years ago, Calvin, a graduate student in the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration, researched and put together a monograph of brief vignettes describing about 20 to 30 American, Black-owned hotels going back to the 18th century. Long forgotten, the small volume was tucked away in an old box of belongings until 2021,” when a friend found the monograph and wondered if he was planning to publish the contents. “That exchange was all it took for Stovall to embark on a much more ambitious project: a book that tells the stories of more than 70 minority-owned hospitality businesses and the entrepreneurs that launched them. Hidden Hospitality: Untold Stories of Black Hotel, Motel, and Resort Owners from the Pioneer Days to the Civil Rights Era is slated for publication this coming fall.” You can read the full story here.

Regina Linke, MMH ’10, has written a children’s book called Big Enough. In it, Regina blends traditional Chinese art with digital illustration to appeal to a new generation of readers. A Taiwanese American artist who only started doing artwork in her 30s after a career in marketing technology and information systems, she’s eager to share her story, and stories celebrating East Asian folklore and philosophy, to those young and old. Regina is also the creator of the popular webcomic The Oxherd Boy.

Vincenzo Mogavero, MBA ’18, is a shareholder and chief business officer at Becker, a multi-practice commercial law firm. Recently, he was also appointed to the firm’s management committee. Vincenzo is an experienced litigator with a specialty in construction law. He has significant litigation and trial experience representing clients in civil and criminal cases, mediations, arbitrations, trials, and appeals. As the firm’s youngest equity shareholder and COO of Becker’s northeast offices, Vincenzo has built a client-centric model that at its core employs a business-minded approach to every engagement.

Anne-Marie Mitchell Strickland, MPS ’16, MBA ’18, recently joined the Agency Denver as a broker associate for the Christensen Collective, supporting buyers and sellers in neighborhoods south of Denver in Highlands Ranch and surrounding areas.

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Engineering

Venkat Venkatasubramanian, MBA ’81, PhD ’84, writes, “I got elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, Class of 2025!” Venkat is the Samuel Ruben-Peter G. Viele Professor of Engineering at Columbia University, which published a press release about the honor. “Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer. … Venkatasubramanian is an internationally recognized authority in developing artificial intelligence-based methods for process fault diagnosis, process safety, pharmaceutical engineering, and materials design. In each of these areas, his research has been pioneering, with impact on theoretical developments, industrial practice, and the profession.”

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Human Ecology

Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, PhD ’73, writes, “I created Stories with Clever Hedgehog for Ukrainian refugees and those still in Ukraine. Its purpose is to keep Ukrainian culture alive and continue children’s education, reducing their stress during this awful time of war. Our website has ebooks, games, art, music, and more in Ukrainian and in English. Funded by the Jacobs Foundation, we are unusual in also having resources for reducing parents’ and children’s stress and offering helpful information about where to seek help.” You can learn more at her website.

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Law School

Duncan Clarke, JD ’66, penned Murder on the Appalachian Trail. After several brutal deaths on the book’s title trail, grieving criminal law professor Dell Peterson reluctantly joins the investigation with his German shepherd. “Dell soon encounters Willow, a runaway teen, and together with the FBI and state police, they restore peace to the trail and to themselves.” Duncan is a professor emeritus of political science and international relations with a legal background who has published award-winning nonfiction books and articles. His debut novel, A Little Rebellion Is a Good Thing (2020), told of a student uprising at a public women’s college. He is a member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Pacific Crest Trail Association, and California’s Central Coast Writers.

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Public Policy

In December, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital appointed Maria Papola Megdal, MHA ’95, as the hospital’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer. Maria now oversees departments vital to St. Jude operations, including human resources, environmental services, facilities operations and maintenance, food services, and many more. Prior to joining St. Jude, Maria served as senior vice president and chief administrative officer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Her 29-year career in hospital operations has included key management positions at Saint Vincent’s Catholic Medical Centers and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, both in New York.

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Veterinary Medicine

Robert Hirt, DVM ’62, shares, “I drive a handicapped senior lady home every Wednesday afternoon after her physical therapy session. It is only six miles round trip. She lives with her handicapped Vietnam veteran husband and requires a wheelchair 100% of the time for travel. I have been doing it for four years now and she’s a delight to have as my passenger—always in a positive mood. We live in a registered retirement community here in Phoenix, AZ.”

Robin Truelove Stronk, DVM ’75, writes, “For the last nine years, I have been a volunteer guardian ad litem for abused and neglected children. I work for the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) organization in New Hampshire. We serve as the child’s voice in court. I meet with the child, or children in my case, on a regular basis as well as with their parents, foster placement, doctors, teachers, and caregivers. I gather facts and observations and present them in the court hearings that occur in the case. Our purpose is to speak to the best interest of the child. Many times the assigned CASA is the only stable adult in the child’s life, as the CASA will follow them throughout their entire case until it is resolved, which sometimes takes several years.

“Being a CASA has been challenging and occasionally frustrating, but ultimately very rewarding for me. There is a rigorous training period, followed by assignment to a case. My first case not only cemented my dedication to this role but also convinced me that I had a niche within the organization, dedicating myself to the representation of infants and non-verbal children in court.

“After several years as a CASA I was made a peer coordinator. This requires me to help newly graduated CASAs in their first case. CASAs come from every walk of life and I have had the honor of meeting and working with an amazing group of dedicated men and women. I find the people skills I developed in the veterinary clinic have served me here as well. There are CASA organizations in most states and I would encourage anyone interested to investigate them if they are seeking some worthwhile use of volunteer time. Being there for even one child who is adrift and helping them to find a better life is the best possible payment for all the hours spent.”

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Group

Cornell Pride

Hello, fellow Cornellians, and welcome to the second edition of our column in Group Notes! I’m George Bullis ’94, your Cornell Pride board treasurer and column writer, and I’m excited to bring you more updates from our busy LGBTQ+ alumni community.

This edition is packed with exciting news, personal stories, and upcoming events that showcase the strength and connection of our Cornell Pride family. Let’s dive in!

New York was unusually chilly this winter, but the Cornell Pride crew brought the heat! On January 25, Josefin Dolsten ’13, Baron Munoz, MBA ’21, and Silvestre Arcos ’00, along with friends and partners, got together for a fun workout at Sara Carr Fitness in Chelsea. The day involved an individual workout followed by a partner workout, where Cornell alumni had the opportunity to get fit amid a bit of friendly competition. A special shoutout to Silvestre, who chose to celebrate their birthday with us! It was a fantastic way to stay active, connect with fellow alumni, and kick off the New Year with energy and camaraderie.

If you missed this event, don’t worry—there’s more to come! We’re planning a variety of gatherings this spring and summer, from social mixers to networking opportunities to award celebrations, and we’d love to see you there. If you have ideas for events or would like to help organize one, please reach out to the Cornell Pride board. Together, we can continue to create meaningful connections and celebrate our community during these challenging times for our diverse members.

Speaking of celebrations, mark your calendars for the 2025 Siegel Awards, which will take place during Pride weekend at the end of June in New York City! The Siegel Awards, named after Steven Siegel ’68, honor individuals who embody the values of service to Cornell and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. Steven, the first openly gay recipient of Cornell’s highest alumni honor, the Frank H.T. Rhodes Exemplary Alumni Service Award, was a founding member and leader of Cornell Pride for over 25 years. Today, we carry on his legacy by recognizing those who continue to make a difference.

By the time you read this column, more details about how to RSVP and purchase tickets for the Siegel Dinner will have been shared by email and on our social media channels. We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring evening of celebration and connection.

Now, let’s turn to some incredible updates from some board members who were not featured in our first column. Brian Balduzzi, MBA ’18, based in Philadelphia, has recently added another impressive milestone to his already distinguished career. After passing the Florida Bar Exam, Brian is expanding his legal practice across multiple states, including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and now the Sunshine State.

We’re planning a variety of gatherings this spring and summer, from social mixers to networking opportunities to award celebrations, and we’d love to see you there.

George Bullis ’94

As a tax, estate, business, and charitable planning attorney at Faegre Drinker, Brian continues to leverage the communication skills and leadership training he honed at Cornell. Beyond his professional achievements, Brian remains deeply committed to pro bono work, assisting clients with name changes and volunteer income tax assistance. He also serves as vice president of Cornell Pride, furthering his dedication to the LGBTQ+ community after several years as a board member.

Transitioning from the legal world to the realm of psychology, newer board member Paul El-Meouchy ’04 has been making waves in Washington, DC, as the lead for talent management at Inter-American Development Bank. Paul, who holds both a BA and BS from Cornell, is also a psychologist and is currently working on defending his dissertation this year.

Outside his professional life, Paul and his partner are building a family, and he finds joy in spending time with his dog and training in Muay Thai. Reflecting on his time at Cornell, Paul recalls the challenges of being out in the early 2000s, especially within the Greek system, where he served as the president of the IFC. “In 2004, Cornell was not the easiest place to be out, especially in the Greek system,” he shared, adding that he aims to “create a safe space for everyone to be themselves.”

A board member in his second year of service, David Shevlin ’89, a lawyer based in Los Angeles, has recently acclimated to life back in his hometown of L.A. after over 35 years in NYC. David finds great satisfaction in spending time with his friends, who have been a constant source of support and joy. David shares that his time at Cornell expanded the scope of opportunities he thought were possible.

Our final new board member, Judson Trapnell, MMH ’11, based in Philadelphia, has made a career pivot from finance to hotel management and now works in event management. When he’s not planning events for others, Judson enjoys relaxing in his garden, a hobby that brings him peace and balance. Reflecting on his experience as an LGBTQ+ student at Cornell, Judson said he appreciated that “despite Cornell being such a big school, it was nice to be a part of a smaller community within the University.”

These stories and events are just a glimpse into the incredible lives of our Cornell Pride community. Tune in to our column in the next section for news about some non-board members doing good in the world!

If you’d like to share your own story or reconnect with Cornell Pride, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your updates here. Columns can only continue with your input, and I’d love to share what’s happening in your life! Warm regards. ❖ George Bullis ’94 | (email George) | Alumni Directory.

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University Chorus & Glee Club

Are you headed to Reunion? Remember to send me your highlights so I can publish them here!

Speaking of milestones, did you know that Lift the Chorus, the Cornell University Chorus podcast, is in its second season? Developed and hosted by current Chorus vice president Sydney Pho ’27, the series explores the stories, memories, and music that unite generations of Cornell Chorus alumnae.

Sydney emphasizes, “The Cornell Chorus has been an integral part of our lives, and this podcast allows us to celebrate not only our shared love of music, but also the lifelong friendships and leadership skills that emerged from this special group.” She hopes that each episode brings a sense of nostalgia and joy, not just to Chorus alums but to everyone who values tradition and community.

A sampling of Chorus alums featured on the first season of the podcast includes: After Eight founding members Joy Heubaum Marovitz ’94, Tara Parmiter ’94, Nancy Snell Weislogel ’93, and Susan Washburn Jones ’94; Betsy Murphy Erickson ’80, a member of the Chorus’s original a cappella subset, Nothing But Treble, who is an appellate trial attorney in the Washington, DC, area; Liz Mueller ’18, former Chorus tour manager and After Eight president, who now works in museum education at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC; Nancy Jang James ’96, global HR leader at IQVIA in New York City; Chelsea Brite ’15, a former Chorus GM whose skills have been instrumental (no pun intended!) in her career as a lawyer; Deirdre Courtney-Batson ’72, MA ’25, who is currently writing a book on the Chorus’s history; Erin Flinn ’00, senior vice president of current programming at All3Media in Los Angeles, CA; and Jessica Graus Woo ’93, another A8 founding member and professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

And speaking of Deirdre, Erin, and Jess—as I write this, I am just returning from the Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference in Philadelphia (where I was honored to be a featured speaker, doing a workshop for alumni leaders on Creative Leadership and Innovation) and had a chance to meet up with the three of them, along with Chorus alums Sue den Outer ’94, Kathy Heppner Trogolo ’95, Heather Wells ’02, Megan Lemley ’03, Deborah Skolnik ’89, and Jeanne Arnold-Schwetje ’78, as well as former Chorus director Sarah Bowe and Glee Club alums Bill Welker ’73, MBA ’75, Joe Cleverdon ’98, BS ’15, T.P. Enders ’90, ME ’96, Jacques Boubli ’88, and Dan Kuhr ’13.

I’ll continue to share updates on others who have appeared on the podcast; in the meantime, you can listen to it on Spotify or Apple.

Did you know that Lift the Chorus, the Cornell University Chorus podcast, is in its second season?

Alison Torrillo French ’95

Kate Benjamin ’93 (yet another A8 founding member who was also featured on the podcast) shared the following update with me: “I’ve been living in Phoenix, AZ, since I left Ithaca in 1996 and I really do love the southwest, although the summers in Phoenix can be brutal! I run my own business, Hauspanther, which is centered entirely around my two passions: cats and design.

“It all started in 2007 when I began blogging about products and environments for cats, and it has evolved into the number-one resource for people seeking to live stylishly with cats. I’ve co-authored two New York Times bestsellers with celebrity cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy, Catification and Catify to Satisfy, and I made several guest appearances on his TV show ‘My Cat From Hell.’ It’s funny, I didn’t use my degree in design and environmental analysis until this whole cat career developed—and now I design environments for cats in both residential and shelter settings as well as cat cafes. My degree came in quite handy after all!

“My husband, Mark Allred, is a luthier and instructor at the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery in Phoenix. We live in central Phoenix and currently have 12 cats. If you have cats, please visit my website or find me on social (@hauspanther).”

(Kate was also recent featured in a Cornellians profile titled, “Why Kitties and their Owners Think Kate Benjamin ’93 Is the Cat’s Meow.”)

Glee Club alum Brad Spencer ’79 writes in from Washington, DC, that “the legacy of the CUGC is alive and well in the nation’s capital. A record number of Cornell Clubbers are now part of the Washington Men’s Camerata—including the group’s entire leadership. Our membership now includes music director Scott Tucker, associate music director Julie Huang Tucker ’05, and managing director Jonathon Hampton ’04. Among the singers are Gene Stromecki ’82, Kenyon Erickson, MPS ’81, Shea Murphy ’20, Michael Schrier ’90, Bob Harris ’80, Satoshi Tozaki, MILR ’07, and me. Are you jealous reading this? All you need to do is contact me (via the Alumni Directory) and consider auditioning. Let’s get the band together again and make music!”

Last but definitely not least, some exciting news from Glee Club and Chorus alums Camila Reynolds-Dominguez ’20 and Maggie Lin ’21, BS ’20, MPS ’21, who recently released “Hey Hi Hello,” their debut EP as folk rock duo Pet Names. Visit their website to listen and learn more. Congrats, Camila and Maggie!

That’s all for now. Your updates are music to my ears. Hope to see you at Reunion! ❖ Alison Torrillo French ’95 (email Alison) | Alumni Directory.

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Top image: Photo by Jason Koski / Cornell University

Published May 1, 2025