The Classes

Alan Greenglass ’75 MD published Curing Physician Management: Why Physician Managers Fail with Winterberry Press on May 16. Alan writes: “The book is written for physicians who are in or taking on a management role in healthcare, and for anyone who is managing health care professionals. Much of what has been written on becoming a successful physician manager comes from the business and academic communities and often takes a system-level approach, adapting elements from fields other than healthcare. Instead, the premise of this book is that much can be learned from understanding the personalities and values of those who aspire to leadership and management, what challenges might be unique to healthcare, and what strengths and weaknesses healthcare professionals might have as they enter management.” Contact Alan at greenglass4@comcast.net. 

Jasmine L. Tyler ’99 AM assumed the role of executive director at the Justice Policy Institute in February 2024. A seasoned and influential advocate for justice reform, her advocacy has played pivotal roles in the passage of landmark legislation such as the federal Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 and the District of Columbia’s Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Amendment Act of 2012. She also helped to repeal the federal syringe exchange funding ban in 2016 and contributed to the passage of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016.

The George Abbott Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts will be presented to Nilo Cruz ’94 MFA on Nov. 11. Nilo gained national prominence in 2003 when he won the Pulitzer Prize for drama for his play Anna in the Tropics, for which he also received a Steinberg Award and Tony Award nomination. 

Jonathan Wiesen ’92 AM, ’98 PhD writes: “My Brown colleague Pamela Swett ’93 AM, ’99 PhD, and I are the authors of Nazi Germany: Society, Politics, and Culture, published with Bloomsbury on July 11, 2024.” Contact Jonathan at jwiesen@uab.edu. 

Cheri Shakiban ’79 PhD is a retired professor of mathematics from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. She is also the recipient of an honors doctorate degree of science from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland. For more information see shorturl.at/dABaf. 

Steve Greenbaum ’78 ScM, ’82 PhD, CUNY Distinguished Professor of Physics at Hunter College, and his department have received a five-year, $5 million award from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for advanced research on storing energy for use in space. He and several physics department colleagues will be developing and characterizing materials for advanced batteries and supercapacitors for planetary exploration missions. The project involves close collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and a significant portion of the funding will support student research internships there. Contact Steve at steve_greenbaum@hunter.cuny.edu.

Cristina Taylor ’20 MPA and David Randl were married on July 5 in Colfosco, Italy. Many of their friends from Brown attended the wedding, including Tamara Brattoli, Bruce Bybee ’23, Dorian Charpentier ’20, Aaron Gruen ’22, Shane Niesen ’20, Nathaniel Ostrer ’21, Christopher Yates ’21 PhD.

Janice Kruger writes: “I attended Commencement for my great nephew Seth Sabar ’24, who graduated with honors and a joint bachelor of science degree in mathematics and computer science. Three other alumni cheered Seth on in person: his parents Meg Van Achterberg ’93, ’97 MD and Ariel Sabar ’93, and his grandma Barbara Bromer van Achterberg ’62. My sister Stephanie Kruger Sabar ’60 cheered remotely.”

Class Vice President of Communications Geri Williams reports: “Reunion Cochair Janice Kruger and Class President Jack Renshaw represented the class of ’70 in the Commencement March this past May. Plan to join us at our 55th reunion next May and swell our ranks for the march.”

Dean Alexander writes: “Brown certainly helped set the stage for my engagement in two passions: work in the field of developmental disabilities and creative writing. I thank my ‘campus cousin’ Dr. Paul Alexander for putting out the welcome mat in a 1965 weekend visit to the campus. Recently I’ve wrapped up a series of journal and parent magazine articles on pica and autism/pica (“Pica and Autism/ Pica in Developmental Disability—Ports of Entry,” American Journal of Medical and Clinical Research & Review, 2024). Pica, the ingestion of inedible substances, is sometimes innocuous, sometimes lethal, and frequently associated with GI symptoms, diseases, and shortened life expectancy. I’m also getting ready to launch an audiobook (The Good Circle) based on a Special Olympics athlete whose running gifts propel him to compete in world Olympics. Previous works include three musicals performed in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties.” Contact Dean at deanalexanderphd@gmail.com. 

Aaron Gokaslan ’18, ’19 ScM, has been featured in this year’s Mozilla Rise 25, which honors a select group of visionaries who are using AI to drive social impact. Aaron

Javier Sandoval’s first poetry book, Blue Moon Looming, was published by CutBank. It was reviewed by National Book Award nominee José Olivarez as ‘poetry for the unruly, and yes, the brilliant among us.’ Poems from the book have appeared in top literary journals. Contact Javier at javi.a.sand@gmail.com.

Max Ladow was selected for the prestigious Science & Technology Policy Fellowship in Sacramento by the California Council on Science and Technology. He is placed in the California State Senate working on the Housing Committee. In a blog post for CCST, he describes the surprising connections between their neuroscience research and the complicated world of housing policy. Contact Max at Max_Ladow@alumni.brown.edu.

Owen Greenwald’s sci-fi novel Weapons of the Mind was published by Will Dreamly Arts on July 2. Written with his longtime friend Paul Kivelson, Weapons of the Mind is the pulse-pounding story of one woman’s quest to clear her name and take vengeance on the one who framed her: a galaxy-spanning journey of moral dilemmas, political machinations, and planet-shattering secrets. Weapons of the Mind is the first in a planned trilogy and draws on many of the lessons Owen learned in his creative writing classes at Brown. Contact Owen
at owen_greenwald@alumni.brown.edu.

Indy Shome was named one of the Citizens of the Year, specifically the “Educator of the Year,” by the Philadelphia Citizen, which wrote: “In collaboration with his colleagues, Shome launched Future Visions Lab, a paid, after-school leadership program where students identify an issue in their community and develop a project around it. Students created a documentary about the connection between violence and environmental issues in Philadelphia and planted a garden at school where students grow vegetables and herbs they can use for cooking and natural
cosmetic products.”

Valeria Khislavsky writes: “I’m a humor author/illustrator. I just published The Ultimate Butt Coloring & Activity Book on Aug. 6 with Chronicle Books. The coloring pages and activities are suitable for all ages. The book’s precursor, The Cat Butt Coloring & Activity Book (Chronicle, 2020) has sold over 70,000 copies to date and continues to be a backlist hit.”

Tristan Freeman and his wife, Alejandra Rojas ’10, announce the July 7 birth of their son Langston Mateo Taylor Rojas-Freeman. Tristan writes: “Dad, mom, and baby are excited to see classmates at future reunions.” 

Dr. Nataniel Lester-Coll has been appointed chair of Radiation Oncology at University of Vermont Health Network. Contact Nataniel at nlesterc@med.uvm.edu.

Andrew Lee lives in the Boston area with his family. He serves as the assistant head of school at Fayerweather Street School, a progressive PreK-8th grade independent school in Cambridge, Mass. Contact Andrew at lee.hanyen@gmail.com.

Elizabeth Hoover received the 2024 Pat Holt Prize for Critical Art Writing from Lambda Literary. For more information see shorturl.at/hIZOy

The American Academy in Rome announced the winners of the 2024/25 Rome Prize. These highly competitive fellowships—the gift of “time and space to think and work”—support advanced independent work and research in the arts and humanities. Thirty-one American artists and scholars were named, including Devon Dikeou ’86, Vassiliki Panoussi  ’98 PhD, Megumi Aihara ’02, and Jenny Lin ’03.

In September of 2023, Freddie O’Connell was elected mayor of Nashville, Tenn. He and Whitney Boon ’99 are enjoying raising their daughters (ages 7 and 13). Whitney is practicing pediatric neurology at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Contact Freddie at tfo@alumni.brown.edu.

The Brown University Athletic Hall of Fame inductees for the 44th Induction Dinner held in October at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence included Eli Wolff ’00 (Joukowsky Humanitarian Award), David Chichester ’67 (Paul L. Maddock ’33 Award), Phil Estes (Special), Russ Fiore (Special), Gordon “Whitey” Helander and the 1960 Men’s “Cinderella” Crew (Special), Tommy Glenn ’14 (Swim and Dive), Tessa Gobbo ’13 (Crew), Paris Waterman Dupree ’11 (Lacrosse), Charlie Enright ’08 (Sailing), Devin Thomas ’07 (Baseball), Nick Ciarcia ’04 (Wrestling), Keira Heggie ’04 (Water Polo), Pam Dreyer ’03 (Ice Hockey), Chas Gessner ’03 (Football), Shelby Marshall ’93 (Softball), Oliver Marti ’93 (Lacrosse), Janet Repke Kahl ’89 (Soccer), Kerry Kelley ’87 (Basketball), and the 1975 men’s soccer team.

Shalinee Sharma published Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math in August with Avery. Shalinee writes: “Math Mind is born from my journey—from a student unsure about math to dedicating my life to working with and studying young math learners, as CEO and cofounder of Zearn. The book busts the myths that hold us back, explains why math matters more than ever, and shares practical strategies for parents and educators to help all kids thrive in math.”

Peter Ermey, former music director of the Jabberwocks, has put together an oral history collecting the reflections of Wocks from the ’90s around the group’s arrangement of the Prince song “7,” which has been a staple in the group’s repertoire for more than 30 years. The oral history can be found at peterpedropierre.wordpress.com/2024/05/11/32-years-of-7-2/ Contact Peter at beatcrazy1980@gmail.com.

Jordan Silbert writes: “After building Q Mixers for 17 years from an idea in my kitchen to placement everywhere from Whole Foods to Walmart and from Laser Wolf in Brooklyn to Buffalo Wings everywhere, Ben Karlin and I brought in a CEO to run it and are now back to doing what we love—creating something new and trying to make a bigger impact. Our new business is called AGRO Power Jerky, a line of amazing tasting, high-protein snacks made from plants. Available in four terrific flavors, each bag has 25g lean plant protein, 40 percent less sodium than beef jerky, and none of the cholesterol or other issues of meat.”More info on page 33.

Neil Roberts published Creolizing Hannah Arendt on June 11 with Rowman & Littlefield. 

Jennifer Kleeman Wall writes: “I look forward to reading the BAM each time it arrives in my mailbox, and especially learning about what my classmates and friends have been doing in the last almost 30 years. My husband Jon and I are honoring the legacy of our son, Zachary, who passed away in November 2021 at the age of 16 from osteosarcoma. Since his passing, I have returned to school to obtain an MSW (my second masters!) because Jon and I started a nonprofit, Zach’s Bridge, which provides peer support for families facing an advanced childhood cancer diagnosis. We’re fortunate that so many in our communities reached out during Zach’s illness. Two of our board members are also Brown graduates—my father, Stuart Kleeman ’67, and my roommate, Kate Egan Gilbane ’97—and have been an incredible support, as have so many of my Brown classmates. We’d love to connect more with the alumni community.” 

Joshua Spector writes: In January I opened a Miami office for Rossi, P.C., a Los Angeles-based entertainment, sports, and new media law firm with a focus on Latin music. Our three boys didn’t get dad’s height but they got mom’s smarts and good looks. Maybe one applying to Brown this year. Other developments include certification as a FIFA player agent and curing insomnia with the eighth edition of my book, Florida Defenses and Procedural Objections. Venturing to New York and LA often. Reach out at js@rossipc.com.”

Joshua Berman published Colorado Hiking with Moon Travel on April 30.

Roku announced the original series Tracee Travels, helmed by award-winning actress and Pattern CEO and founder Tracee Ellis Ross ’94 and due to debut on its channel in 2025. “A champion of solo travel, Tracee invites viewers on her journey as she meticulously, laboriously, and sometimes ridiculously prepares for and travels solo to spectacular locations,” says Roku’s press release. “Tracee charts her own path as she explores the intersection of beauty, fashion, design, food, and culture at each stop.” 

Greg Retsinas has been named president and general manager at KGW, the NBC affiliate serving the Portland area and southwest Washington, effective June 3. He will be responsible for the station’s operations across all platforms, as well as community outreach efforts and driving results for advertisers.

Melisa Liana Vazquez writes: “After getting my PhD in law and religion from the Sapienza Universita di Roma in 2018, I started researching and writing about the intersections between law, religion, and culture. Indigenous water management, interfaith responses to the pandemic, overpopulation, and human rights and theological responses to ecological crises have been just some of the fascinating places my work has taken me. My new book, Varieties of Religious Space: Freedom, Worship, and Urban Justice, is about religious spaces in pluralistic environments and investigates how urban justice and freedom could be coconspirators in the pursuit of new ways of imagining and living in shared space.” Contact Melisa at melisalvazquez@gmail.com. 

Adam D. Harris and Kevin Voyles ’76 have been elected to lead the Wyoming Arts Council Board for the next two years as chairman and vice chairman. Appointed by Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, each is in his second three-year term. The Wyoming Arts Council supports artists and arts organizations in Wyoming through grants, partnerships, and assistance programs.

Catherine Harbour writes: “In June, Sameer Bhalotra (Harvard ’98), Melissa Bowen, Elizabeth Burr, Kai-Ching Cha, Yvette Cuca, Melissa Culross, Gilonne d’Origny ’98, Sarah Feldman ’89, Mike Jonath ’93, Matt Kelemen, Jeannette LaFors (Stanford ’91), Carrie Maslow, Chuck McCall, Erik Nelson, John Warren and I gathered at Matt and Jeanette’s home in San Francisco for a fun evening with tacos, Ratty-style ice cream, and CocoTerra homemade chocolate. Big thanks to Matt, Jeannette, and Carrie for hosting.”

 Gayle Weiswasser writes she is fulfilling a lifelong dream and opening an independent bookstore in Bethesda, Md. She feels strongly that in this divisive, polarizing time, preserving free discourse and the exchange of ideas is more important than ever. Visit at wonderlandbooks.com. 

Elyse Spector Kalmans writes: “I have been named the Board Chair for Holocaust Museum Houston, the country’s fourth largest and only fully bilingual (English and Spanish) Holocaust museum. I am the first grandchild of Holocaust survivors to chair the museum board. I live in Bellaire, Texas, with my husband Lewis, and we have three adult daughters.” 

Elysa Koplovitz Dutton published Christmas Forever: Escape to the North Pole with Penguin Random House in October. It marks her debut as a children’s book author and is the basis for an upcoming film. Elysa writes that her journey at Brown telling stories paved the way for her career in Hollywood as a producer and now writer.

Todd H. Weir announces the publication of two books. The first is his second monograph: Red Secularism: Socialism and Secularist Culture in Germany 1890 to 1933 (Cambridge University Press). This book contains research stretching back over ten years and explores the relationship of religion and socialism in Germany in the years 1890 to 1933. The second book is a volume he co-edited with Lieke Wijnia, The Bloomsbury Handbook on Religion and Heritage in Contemporary Europe. This culminates a five-year-long collaborative exploration of topics such as the relationships of religious heritage to post secularity, minority communities, museums, and contemporary art. 

Michael Keden writes: “No real news, just feeling nostalgic. I’ve been back to campus a few times in the past few years and I am always in awe of its beauty. To my many friends that I was so fortunate to have, I think of you often and regret not staying in touch these many years. I’d be delighted to hear from anyone who cares to reach out at hmk10.10461@gmail.com. Wishing you all well.” 

Melora Wolff published Bequeath: Essays, in September with Louisiana State University Press. She writes: “One of the ten personal essays in the book celebrates the late author and Brown professor John Hawkes.” She lives in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where she directs creative writing at Skidmore College. Contact her at mwolff@skidmore.edu.

Thomas Mullen writes: “Sure wish I could’ve attended my 40th Reunion to catch up with my old friends, and (among other things) reminisce about some of the cool places on campus where we sometimes hung out while we were attending Brown in the early ’80s. But as one of my friends and former roommate, Jeff Boatright, pointed out, there’s always the 45th Reunion to look forward to and possibly an informal ‘reunion’ before that, presumably where one of us lives these days. Hopefully, one way or another we’ll all get together again someday!”

Debra Hendrickson, who is a pediatrician, published The Air They Breathe: A Pediatrician on the Frontlines of Climate Change on July 2 with Simon & Schuster. The book is about the impacts of climate change on children’s health and is nominated for the National Book Award. 

Vicky Oliver writes: “On Wednesday, May 8, the Class of ’82 threw a mini reunion at Jungle Bird NYC, a tiki-themed restaurant on Eighth Avenue in Manhattan. Tropical drinks and delicious appetizers were served to 65 alumni from the Brown University classes of 1980-1985. The party was cohosted by Marcia Dunn and myself. By all accounts, the party was a wonderful excuse to bond with fellow alumni from the early ’80s and raise a glass or two.”

Anne Regenstein writes: “Ted Lemon and I have been friends since our freshmen year in Perkins in 1976 and in January we took a wonderful three week vacation with our spouses to Costa Rica. On the Osa Peninsula we saw snakes, tapirs, monkeys, sloths, and anteaters. Ted and his wife, Heidi, are busy running their successful winery, Littorai. I am a semi-retired maternal-fetal medicine specialist enjoying the opportunity to travel more now that I am not working full-time.” 

Dan Miller writes: “I’m enjoying life in Newton, Massachusetts, with my wife, Linda; our kids are nearby. I’m semi-retired (still doing some IP litigation consulting; I’ll retire when Mick Jagger does; not before!) with plenty of time for board gaming and puzzle creation.” Contact Dan at millerandgreen@comcast.net.

Steven James writes: “I semi-retired last August after nearly 40 years in the biotechnology industry, the last 20 spent as CEO of three biotherapeutics companies in the SF Bay Area. I split time between the Bay Area, where I am on biotech company boards and Carmel Valley, where I essentially do nothing but relax and have fun. I’ve been married to my wife, Maria, for 30 years and have a 29-year-old son (a book editor living in Dallas) and 27-year-old daughter (film and musical theater actor living in Chicago). My wife and I oversee a handful of educational scholarship funds and charitable foundations. I see and speak often with Jim Diao and David Ricci. Dave and Laura Ricci stayed with us for the Big Sur Marathon, where their son, Simon, an elite marathoner, won the race handily.”

Doug Edwards writes: “Most of my time these days is spent on politically related activities, but art is my escape and how I retain a grip on sanity, though judging from what I produce, that grip is tenuous at best. My one month solo show went up at Kaleid Gallery in San Jose on June 7. It’s full of bizarre and occasionally unsettling drawings and paintings. You can check out my work on Instagram @randommarks.”

Jeff Dennis writes: “On June 3, 2023, my 65th birthday, I suffered a massive stroke, had emergency brain surgery, spent two weeks in a coma and a total of 10 weeks in two hospitals. Miraculously, I’ve had a complete recovery, with no lasting impairment. I received well wishes from people from all aspects of my life, including many of my Delta Phi Omega fraternity brothers. I’m back to work and a fairly normal life after a pretty scary ordeal.” Contact Jeff at jmdennis14@yahoo.com.

Jeffrey White writes: “My 100th technical paper, SBS Suppression in Fiber Amplifiers with a Broadband Seed, has been accepted for publication, so the Brown education has served me well. I might take on one or two more projects consulting for defense contractors. I’m happy to still be in touch with John Arthur and would love to hear from former roommate Greg Bunt and anyone else who might be visiting the area around Annapolis. My fleet has grown to one kayak, two DIY wooden rowboats, and a 17’ sailboat, with a DIY camper next on the schedule.” Contact Jeffrey at jeff.owen.white@verizon.net.

Allen Schauffler retired after 35 years in television news and video production and is honored to be inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Northwest Chapter Silver Circle. He sends many thanks and much love to colleagues at KTVZ (Bend, Ore.), KSBY (San Luis Obispo, Calif.), KING (Seattle), KOMO (Seattle), Al Jazeera America, Al Jazeera English, Red Jet Films (Seattle), and Central Oregon Daily News (Bend, Ore.). Contact Allen at schauff8@gmail.com.

Howard Frumkin writes: “At Trust for Public Land’s recent Day on the Hill event in Washington, D.C., Brown alumni found each other: TPL’s Director of Federal Climate Change Policy Bart Johnsen-Harris ’12 ; member of  TPL’s Washington Advisory Board Alden Garrett; former Brown Corporation member and member of TPL’s National Board Jerome Vascellaro ’74; and myself, senior vice president and director of TPL’s Land and People Lab. Unfortunately it was a dress-up event and none of us had brought our Brown t-shirts!”

Bob Mars writes: “Four roommates from Brown who were also teammates on the 1976 men’s ice hockey team got together in May. Greg Vezzosi rounded up John Ahern, Tom Colehour and myself for a week of fun at his home in Spring Island (S.C.) There was lots of storytelling (trying to remember if they were actually true), along with golf, skeet shooting, looking at old scrapbooks, bike riding, and tours of the area.” “It was great to see the guys again and create new memories,” commented Colehour.

Class Communications Chair Ronda Port Walker reports: “Mark your calendar for May 23-25, 2025! Our 50th Reunion is just a few months away. A 50th reunion is a huge milestone, and ours will be even more special after missing our 45th. Reunion information will be sent ONLY via email, so be sure to visit my.brown.edu to confirm that your contact information is accurate. If you have any questions about the 50th reunion, contact me at rpwalker@alumni.brown.edu and if you have news to share, send your news directly to the BAM at alumni_magazine@brown.edu. Also, please consider joining the nearly 300 classmates who are members of the Class of 1975 Facebook group (private group for just our class) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/103075568767/.”

Patricia McMillen published her first full-length poetry collection, Running Wild, with Finishing Line Press. 

Joanna Burstein Mitro writes: “Ten members of the Pembroke Class of 1971 who became lifelong friends 57 years ago, rooming and eating meals together in Andrews Hall, reunited in Madison, Wisconsin, June 18 to 21. Motivated by missing a face-to-face 50th reunion in 2021, Beverly Rodda Bowman, Martha Clark Goss, Lynne Gozonsky Hodgman ’72 AM, Christine Labowsky, Joan Markey, Susan Gibson Mikos ’75 AM, Joanna Burstein Mitro, Susan Nusbaum Molyé, Joyce Nakada, and Pat Lytle Rickly converged on Madison, Wisconsin, for two and a half days of reminiscing about our Brown days and catching up on the intervening years while dining, sampling Wisconsin ice cream and fried cheese curds, sight-seeing, sitting in the hotel hot tub, and enjoying late-night bottles of wine.”

Edward J. McEntee published Paradise Found: Photos, Memories and Contemplations on a Magical Island on April 15 with Stillwater River Publications. In the book he documents the different aspects of Block Island, R.I., through musings, pictures, and poetry across the different seasons. Focusing on the many scenic viewpoints and beautiful architecture, he’s able to show why the island has a draw for tourists and himself.

Mike Cardozo is busy in his retirement, currently serving as a commissioner on the New York State Ethics Commission as well as continuing his long-term efforts on the advisory board of Legal Outreach.

Hal Barwood is now writing books and reflecting on his years of working for Lucas-Arts designing and developing video games based on films such as Indiana Jones.

Dr. Marilyn Jenkins-Madina published a memoir, The Lure of the East: A Curator’s Fascinating Journey in late May. 

Class Secretary and 65th Reunion Organizer Caryl-Ann Miller Nieforth reports: “Our 65th Reunion was terrific! More than 25 members of the class of ’59 came back for delicious dinners at the University and Hope clubs on Friday and Saturday night of Reunion weekend. Our popular luncheon again featured a slide show of reminiscences and an open mic, allowing participants to enjoy sharing their current locations and thoughts. There were even a few activities that didn’t involve eating, like the Saturday Forums and the Jabberwocks’ 75th Anniversary concert that included our own Jim Steiner. Among those on campus were: Ann Anderson, George Balaschak, Roger Burke, Doris Stearn Donovan, Ann Mitchell Dunham, Carol Canner Gjelsvik, Neil Hirschfeld, Joan Appel Lester, Marcia Gallup MacDonald, Carol Holzapfel McCutcheon, Nancy Wernick Menzin, Caryl-Ann Miller Nieforth, Don Rotfort, Bill Silver, Marion Baker Slater, Robert Stein, Charlene Ingraham Underhill, and Linda Logowitz Zindler. Some of their spouses and kids came with them. Of course, the Commencement March of thousands on sunny Sunday was the featured event. In full regalia, Charlene Underhill was appointed 1959’s class marshal and Caryl-Ann Nieforth was an aide to the chief marshal.”

William Corrigan was presented with the 2024 Brown Club of Rhode Island Alumni Service Award at the Brown Club of Rhode Island Annual Meeting and Dinner held at the Providence Art Club on May 16. The award was given in recognition of dedicated service to the Brown alumni community.

Mary Francis Bishop, Marshall H. Cohen, Felice Rinder Kirsh, and Frank T. Wezniak write: “The relatively warm and sunny weekend on May 24–26 added a glow to the Brown University campus where thousands of undergraduates, graduate students, and new physicians would pass groups of professors, trustees, honored guests, and of course over 25 members, spouses, and children of our 1954 classmates. iPhones popped from the gleeful undergrads taking memorable selfies of our group, as if we were survivors of Normandy on D-Day. Some may recall that when we were undergrads in the 1950s our heroes of Normandy must have seemed as aged as those participating in the Battle of Bunker Hill to members of the class of 2024! The University generously supplied three complimentary meals to our classmates and guests starting with a Friday night welcome dinner at the University Club, and both lunch and dinner on Saturday at the Hope Club. On Saturday, May 25, Class President Ed Bishop chaired our 70th Reunion lunch meeting at the Hope Club, which was recorded by our adopted honorary recording secretary, Mary Francis Bishop. Her takeaway notes are included as follows: Class President Ed Bishop named our class officers at the Hope Club luncheon meeting; they included Dean Seibert as vice president, Frank T. Wezniak as treasurer, and Marshall Cohen as secretary. Ed stays on as president. Pembroke officers were named by returning President Felice Rinder Kirsh and are Jean Nostrand as vice president and Nancy Kaufman Judkins as treasurer. During its 50th Reunion, the Pembroke class made a donation to the Pembroke Center for furnishing an office in Pembroke Hall that included an identifying wall plaque. During this 70th Reunion, the women voted to donate the balance of their treasury of more than $6,400 to the Class of 1954 Scholarship Fund. On the Brown side, Treasurer Wezniak gave an accounting of the class of ’54 funds. Funds are entirely used to support students. Approximately two students per academic year are supported with $25,000 to $35,000 each. In addition to the class officers, everyone happily welcomed back the following classmates, including spouses, children and friends: Jon Berberian, John Chopoorian, Al Gerstein, Jerome Grieder, Sandy Hollander, Jack Maddox, and Hovey Tyndall. The Brown and Pembroke class of 1954 wishes all our classmates fair winds and healthy sailing ahead and, hopefully, see you all back on campus soon!”

 Lillian Carneglia Affleck writes: “Greetings to my remaining classmates and friends from other classes. Commencement and Reunion weekend this year commemorated our 80th reunion! Miracles of miracles I was able to represent the class of 1944…AND holding hands with my two daughters, I walked down College Hill. The rousing cheers of all the reunion classes, especially the graduates, made me feel like a rock star! The experience was breathtaking and emotional and I am ‘ever true to Brown.’”

Keren McGinity ’99 AM, ’05 PhD, writes that her new book #UsToo: How Jewish, Muslim, and Christian Women Changed Our Communities, is available to read or download for free via Open Access.

Matthew Hart ’91 ScM writes: “After 15 years as a paramedic and flight paramedic, I obtained my license as an instructor of paramedic education and am currently the lead instructor of paramedicine for Ascension Hospitals. Back in the classroom and loving it!”

Lisa Kusel ’88 AM published her psychological thriller The Widow on Dwyer Court on July 16 with Blackstone Publishing.

Howard Frederick Ibach ’83 AM writes: “As an adoptee, I was destined for an emotionally scarred life. Or so I was meant to believe according to The Primal Wound by psychologist Nancy Verrier. I almost bought into that story even though my lived experience bore no resemblance to her research. But something shielded me, call it my skepticism, my innate certainty, or my faith. But most of all I credit my adoptive parents’ instincts and their love, two facts I did not come to appreciate until I was in my sixties. In my debut memoir, Already Home, my journey, and the story of finding my birth mother, and then my birth siblings, is a tale of complexity and emotional upheaval filled with more than a few happy surprises. The lessons I learned about myself and about family will help make the paths of adoptees and anyone considering adoption easier to navigate.”

Kay Parker Scheidler ’66 MAT published Renegade Teacher: Inside School Walls with Standards and the Test with Luminare Press in June 2023. The book illustrates how mid-’80s Brown professor and national school change leader Ted Sizer created a program in which Kay taught at Hope High School, Providence, which better supported teachers to work in a radically different use of time and focus to help all students learn, a proposal for today’s public schools. Learn more at kayscheidler.com

Nora Lange ’10 MFA writes: “I have written a novel, Us Fools, a rambunctious, ambitious coming of age story that takes place during the Midwestern farm crisis of the 1980s, which paints a heart-rending portrait of two idiosyncratic sisters determined to persevere despite the worst that capitalism and their circumstances have to throw at them. Author T.C. Boyle has written, “This is a novel of heartbreak and beauty, presided over by one of the most idiosyncratic and surprising comedic voices I’ve encountered in recent times. In all, a smashing debut.” Forthcoming with Two Dollar Radio September 17, 2024. Contact Nora at: norajeanlange@gmail.com.

Matt Harvey ’10 MPP (see Sriram Krishhnan ’99).

Kate Schapira ’06 MFA writes: “My new book, Lessons From the Climate Anxiety Counseling Booth: How to Live With Care and Purpose in an Endangered World, was published in April with Hachette Go. The book offers models and methods for transforming our emotional responses to climate change into connection and action.” 

Greg Moffitt ’05 MAT (see ’02).

Greg Moffitt ’05 MAT writes: “I’m running leadership development programs for D.C. Public Schools. Jenny Lester Moffitt is being recognized with the 2024 Organic Champion Award from the Organic Trade Association to honor her work in government and support of organic agriculture and trade. She is currently serving as the under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs in the Biden-Harris administration at the United States Department of Agriculture after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate in August 2021. The whole Moffitt family is now living in D.C. Our daughter, Maddie, is a high school sophomore. We would love to see any friends and classmates whenever they’re in town.”

Wei Ying Wong ’02 AM, ’07 PhD, has been appointed president and CEO of the Alaska SeaLife Center, where she has served as chief science and education officer since December 2021. Her experience includes serving in executive roles at the Washington Sea Grant, Woodland Park Zoo, and the Philadelphia Zoo. She has received numerous awards and fellowships and is a 2019 graduate of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium Executive Leadership Development Program.

Save the dates for our 55th Reunion, which will take place Friday, May 23, through Sunday, May 25, 2025. If you would like to stay in a hotel, you should make your reservations right away as there are limited rooms in Providence hotels and they fill up fast. Although we do not have details yet, there will be a block of dorm rooms available for our class as well. It’s essential to confirm that your alumni profile has the correct email address for updates regarding Reunion Weekend. Simply visit my.brown.edu and follow the instructions to access your profile. To boost enthusiasm, share some information by sending a note to Geri Williams, Class Communications, at geri3williams@comcast.net. You can also send Geri any suggestions you have for events.

Walker D. Mills coedited On Contested Shores Volume 2: The Evolving Role of Amphibious Operations in the History of Warfare with Timothy Heck and B.A. Friedman. This collection is a volume of essays on amphibious warfare, available at no cost from the Marine Corps University Press website. Contact Walker at walker_mills@alumni.brown.edu.

Suzannah Weiss’s first book Subjectified: Becoming a Sexual Subject was published in June with Polity Press. Suzannah writes: “It talks about sexual empowerment from a lens incorporating personal experience and academic theory.” 

Eunice Hong’s first novel, Memento Mori, will be published by Red Hen Press on Aug. 13. Eunice writes that she wrote the first draft of the book in 2011 when she was a student in Renee Gladman’s class at Brown, and after ten years of sporadic revisions, she won the 2021 Red Hen Press Fiction Award. More information about the book and Eunice’s other creative works can be found on her website, eunicehong.com. Contact Eunice at eunice_hong@alumni.brown.edu.

Michelle Ramadan writes to share that she started Meesh Pottery, a small artisan pottery business. She also teaches pottery classes to adults at a local community art center in Massachusetts. Michelle writes: “So if you live around Boston and want to get muddy look me up!” 

Harry Kashdan’s book, Resilient Kitchens: American Immigrant Cooking in a Time of Crisis, was nominated for a James Beard Award in media for social justice and advocacy. The book is a collection of essays and recipes by American immigrants in the food industry—chefs, restaurateurs, food justice activists, scholars, and more, talking about their experiences during the Covid pandemic and the importance of food to their journeys and identities. Harry writes: “We’re so proud of the book and a bit overwhelmed by the nomination; the recognition really suggests that the importance of what we tried to do with this project is penetrating. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that the concern for diversity and representation demonstrated in the book began, for me, with my Brown education.”

Eli Palacios writes: “I was named the new director of the Center for Excellence in Educator Effectiveness (CE3) at Region One Education Service Center in South Texas. I have served in education for more than 17 years and move into this role to focus on continuing to support the development of effective educator practices that impact student growth and achievement across the region and state. I was also named Pastor of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Corpus Christi on March 31, where I serve and lead children and youth ministries, as well as digital outreach ministries.”

Dr. Sean Thomas was featured as a “power player” in the 2024 spring edition of Industry magazine. See pg. 73 on issuu.com/industrymagazine/docs/si_mar_2024links.

Joseph Penza writes: “I started a municipal archive in rural East Tennessee about 13 years ago and was recently featured on our local NPR affiliate, WETS, regarding a state grant I received for creating a digital historic recipe database as a way to document local heritage through food and cooking. As city archivist I’ve collected hundreds of linear feet of documents, photographs, maps, deeds, audio and visual recordings, artifacts and textiles. I received numerous state grants to promote preservation and public access to records and information. From a community perspective, being a member of the public library staff has enabled me to present educational programing at all levels of local schools and civic organizations, start a skateboarding club for youth adversely affected by the opioid crisis, and help in creating distribution policies and practices for clothing and food for our unhoused population as well as free narcan for anyone in the community in need. Creating community archives is my passion, but it loses its relevance if the community itself isn’t thriving. Thus, I take very seriously all the hats I have to wear, from dressing up as a pink T-Rex for story time to assisting recent parolees in developing resumes and seeking public housing, to taking out the trash, or plunging a toilet—it’s all just part of the job I love. If you’d like to know more about our little library, feel free to reach out at jpenza@cityofelizabethton.org.”

Together with Maria Hawilo, Premal Dharia and James Forman Jr. ’88 published Dismantling Mass Incarceration, A Handbook for Change on July 9 with Macmillan. 

Sriram Krishnan writes: “I was on Jeopardy! during its Champions’ Wildcard event from Jan. 16 to 20, 2024, for episodes that aired Feb. 12 and 16, 2024. I was on the show back in 2022 and it was a thrill to come back and see how one of my favorite TV shows was made. In addition to being on the show itself, it was a particular thrill to be able to spend time with other contestants on my shoot schedule, including fellow Brunonian Matt Harvey ’97, ’10 MPP, whom I had not met previously. Of course I had my pom poms out for Justin Bolsen ’26 in this year’s Tournament of Champions.” Contact Sriram at sriram@alumni.brown.edu.

Jordan Silbert announces that after building Q Mixers for 17 years (!!!), an idea that started in his backyard and later expanded to placement everywhere, Ben Karlin ’98 and he are back to doing what they love: creating something new and trying to make a bigger impact. Their new business is called AGRO POWER Jerky, a line of amazing tasting, high-protein snacks made from plants. Available in four terrific flavors, each bag has 25g lean plant protein, 40 percent less sodium than beef jerky, and none of the cholesterol or ethical issues of meat. Their products are available at Amazon.com/AGRO and more information is at getagro.com.

Bekah Saxon writes: “After 16 years with the Virginia Education Association organizing educators in and around Charlottesville, I took a similar job in Connecticut. My wife, Charlene Green, and our son, Max, along with our two dogs, followed me from beautiful central Virginia to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where I now serve as the union rep for the Bridgeport Education Association. It’s nice to be back in New England, and close to my parents. I would love to catch up with any 1996 Brunos in the area.”

Dorian Solot and Marshall Miller ’96 published All About Penises: A Learning About Bodies Book and All About Vulvas and Vaginas: A Learning About Bodies Book on April 30 with Henry Holt and Co. Dorian and Marshall are nationally recognized sex educators and have presented programs on sexuality topics at universities, businesses, high schools, national conferences, and adult education centers over the past 20 years.

Jeff Wetzler published his first book, Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs in Leadership and Life, with Hachette on May 7. Jeff writes: “Throughout my career, I’ve seen just how often smart people fail to learn what the people around them really think, feel, and know. The only effective remedy I’ve found to this problem is asking, which is what this book is all about. My hope is that Ask contributes to a more curious, collaborative, and connected world.” You can learn more at askapproach.com or contact Jeff at jeffwetzler@gmail.com.

Anjali Mitter Duva writes that after publishing her first book, Faint Promise of Rain, in 2014 and hearing so many stories of writers frustrated with the publishing industry, she has launched her own publishing company, Galiot Press, with the aim of shaking things up in the industry. She would love to receive queries from writers in the Brown community. In the meantime, she writes that she had a fabulous reunion in Brooklyn with classmates Fran Balamuth, Dara Herman, Ariana Kahn ’96, Tamar Renaud, and Marina Vivarelli. Contact Anjali at anjalimduva@gmail.com.

Jessica Strom Rutherford writes: “Earlier this year, I joined Meister Seelig & Fein as a partner in the Intellectual Property and Commercial Litigation Groups. I continue to work with creatives and entrepreneurs to protect and enforce their intellectual property rights. My husband Jason (Grinnell ’93), our girls Melanie (Northeastern ’26) and Nina (American ’28), and I still live in Wilton, Connecticut. We visited my mother Jane Golin Strom ’67 in Tampa, Florida.” Contact Jessica at jessicarutherford@earthlink.net.

Marc Kolb writes: “Life has certainly been interesting over the past 16 months in Northfield, Vermont. After 28 years of being a college football coach, I decided it was time to hang up the whistle and became the director of athletic communications at Norwich University. A year later, I took on the combined role of director of campus and athletic communications. My wife Lisa continues to do great work with Vermont Emergency Management as a hazard mitigation grants manager, especially considering the flooding Vermont has sustained over the past year. As we reflect on the whirlwind of recent or upcoming activity, including our youngest son earning valedictorian at his high school graduation last May, our daughter and oldest son both graduating from Norwich, and two weddings (December 2023 and April 2024), we appreciate the journey.” Contact Marc at mkolb@norwich.edu. 

PR Newswire reported that Douglas Mitchell ’94 has been appointed chief growth officer—a new position—at Polyconcept North America, a provider of promotional products. Most recently, he served as vice president of performance marketing for the online retailer Chewy; he was also general manager of supplier advertising and retail media at Wayfair.

Jason Perkel and Lindsey Fyfe Perkel were married Feb. 24. Jason writes: “An amazing group of Brown alumni, along with family and other friends, made the trek to the Litchfield Hills in Connecticut to help celebrate a beautiful winter weekend. Those in attendance included Matthew Crowe ’94, David Gordon, Mark Marinello ’91, Quinn Moore, Joshua Perkel ’96, Jon Richter ’94, Karen Richter ’94, Jeremy Rothfleisch, Christopher Starr ’93, J. Doyle Walton, and David Westreich.” Contact Jason at jmperkel@yahoo.com. 

Resa Lewiss released her book MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact with HarperCollins on April 16. She writes: “The book is full of advice that’s perfect for students about to graduate and enter the workforce, but also for mid-career professionals who are struggling to find a work-life balance.”

Porpoise Evans writes: “I am pleased to report that I am completing a two-year term as president of the board of directors of Legal Services of Greater Miami. Additionally, in May, I assumed the position of managing shareholder of the Miami office of the international law firm Littler Mendelson. But most importantly, I celebrated my daughter Helena’s graduation in May, with a dual degree in International & Public Affairs and Africana Studies. Helena will begin her post-College Hill journey with a two-year stint in the Peace Corps in Guatemala.”

Lissa Soep is a senior editor for audio at Vox Media and special projects producer and senior scholar-in-residence at YR Media. She published Other People’s Words: Friendship, Loss, and the Conversations That Never End with Spiegel & Grau in April.

Jamie Metzl’s new book Superconvergence: How the Genetics, Biotech, and AI Revolutions Will Transform our Lives, Work, and World came out on June 11. In it, Metzl explores how artificial intelligence, genome sequencing, gene editing, and other revolutionary technologies are transforming our lives, world, and future. To learn more, visit the site superconvergencebook.com. 

At the time of this submission, Jeff Orenstein, who lives in the U.K., is planning to swim the English Channel with a window from July 26 to August 4, after a 35-year absence from the sport. He was a former member of Brown’s swimming team. Jeff writes: “The idea for the Channel swim follows several offers over the years, declined for lack of interest and time, both in abundance today.” He has many Brown friends who are involved in the support and he is training 30-35 km a week, including the occasional six-hour swim. “The distance is 21 miles without the tides, which can add another 5-10 miles (or more) depending on how fast I swim. NB there are four tides to deal with— King (or spring), neap, ebb, and flood tides, each presenting challenges while crossing the busiest shipping lane in the world. I believe I can cross in 12 hours. Go Brown!”

After two decades on Wall Street and a few more years in various consulting roles, Rich Lumelleau started the sports-interview-focused podcast, Chasing Hardware, two years ago. On it, he interviews retired star athletes about the whole arc of their career, from childhood and high school through college and the pros. A new episode is posted every two weeks and is available on all major podcast platforms. There have been 72 episodes that have included athletes Lester Hayes, Rick Barry, Dale Murphy, Nancy Lopez, Bob Lilly, Mel Blount, and many more. The podcast’s title refers to the one thing every athlete has in common...they want to win titles and championships. They are chasing hardware.

Geneticist Marlena Schoenberg Fejzo ’89 is one of Time magazine’s 2024 Women of the Year for her discovery of the cause of morning sickness in pregnancy. Her study, published in Nature, showed that a hormone produced by the fetus—and the mother’s sensitivity to it—are the root of prenatal nausea and vomiting. 

Louisa Kamps writes: “After interviewing many interesting people for the New Yorker and ELLE (Macy Gray, Lauren Bacall, Tyler Cowen, and Jon Bon Jovi among them) during my more than 25-year career as a journalist, I am delighted to have added a new line of work writing and editing personal and business histories for private clients. It’s a joy to continue learning where people get their bright ideas and fire in the belly and to help my clients reflect on important experiences that have shaped their lives. And I’m so grateful to my trusted advisory panel of Jeanney Kim, Julie Chang, and Heidi Brant ’88 for their advice and encouragement as I’ve started this new enterprise. To learn more, please visit my website: louisakamps.com.” 

James Forman Jr. ’88 (see Premal Dharia ’00). 

Beena Sarwar writes: “Since moving to the Boston area from Pakistan in 2011, I’ve done a lot of different things including editing, freelance writing, media training, consultancy, and teaching journalism: at Brown in Fall 2015, in Sayles Hall, no less; at Princeton as a Ferris Professor of Journalism in 2016; and at Emerson College in Boston in 2017. The most exciting thing I’ve done is start a peace movement called Southasia Peace Action Network (southasiapeace.com) and a related, but independent, media syndicated outlet called Sapan News Network (sapannews.com). The idea we’re trying to popularize is that if France and Germany can be part of the EU, why can’t Pakistan and India be part of a Southasian Union, or at the very least, allow ease of visas in the region, collaborate in all areas, and uphold human rights and dignity as outlined in our three-point Founding Charter. We are open to endorse or share with anyone who’d be on board. We’ve taken baby steps, experienced many frustrations, and had some wins. If anyone has ideas about nonprofit startups, I’d love to talk.”

Lisa Kirschenbaum announces the publication of her fourth book, Soviet Adventures in the Land of the Capitalists. She retraces the Soviet satirists Ilf and Petrov’s epic 1935 American road trip to reveal how ordinary people worked to understand one another across linguistic, cultural, and political divides.

Wendy Gordon writes: “After four years of splitting my time between my residence of the past 34 years in Austin, Texas, and the Arkansas River Valley of Central Colorado, I accepted the position of principal natural resources planner for Chaffee County. Many of you may recognize the location, known for its highest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks in the lower 48, destination whitewater, gold medal fishing, skiing, the towns of Buena Vista and Salida, and a lot of second-home ownership. I also joined the board of the Central Colorado Conservancy, a local land trust. If you find yourself in the area, or in Austin where you’ll still find me from time to time, please drop me a line at cambiare2011@gmail.com.”

Lisa Foderaro writes: “After reporting for the New York Times for more than 30 years, I have embarked on a second career in conservation and environmental justice. I am now a writer and researcher for the national nonprofit Trust for Public Land in San Francisco. I work from home in Hastings-on-Hudson (N.Y.), where my husband, Don Pollard, and I stay busy in a newly empty nest. Our daughter, Amelia Pollard (Middlebury ’20), is a reporter for the Financial Times in New York, while our son, Sawyer Pollard, graduated in May from Amherst College with a degree in physics and computer science. I still keep a hand in journalism, freelancing for a few publications, and recently added soap making to a short list of hobbies. I would love to hear from classmates in the area.” Contact Lisa at: lisa.foderaro@gmail.com.

Lisa Amico Kristel writes: "I'm thrilled that #YeahYouWrite—the author reading featuring #LiteraryCocktails, #OpenMic, dinner, a fun rapid-fire Q&A session, and more that I've hosted since November 2015—will be a Brooklyn Book Festival Bookend Event once again! On September 30, Michael Cunningham, Crystal Hana Kim, Komail Aijazuddin, and Nora Lange will be at Someday Bar in Brooklyn. #YeahYouWrite is relaxed and casual, fun and literary. No cover/no minimum. Please reserve: lisa@yeahyouwriteevents.com."

Sara Schley writes: “Forty plus years later, Nina Bogosian Quigley, Bonnie Waltch, and I are thrilled to be working together on BrainStorm, a documentary film about the bipolar spectrum, coming in spring 2025. Leslie Gell, Lisa Gossels, Beth Gould, Betsy Hinden, Melissa Lukin, Janet Friedman Mann, Claude Mellins, Nancy Roosa, Harlan Sonderling, Marie Skomoroch Stein, Greg Stern, and David Tausik are also generous supporters of this endeavor—so much so that our kids now refer to us as the ’82 Cabal. Please contact us at brainstormthefilm.com for news on the project. Also, all are welcome to a preview and fundraiser live at Nina’s home in NYC on November 14. Love to see you.”

Pamela Gwyn Kripke’s short story collection, And Then You Apply Ice (Open Books), looks at transgression and resilience in the lives of women and girls. From fellow author and Brunonian Elizabeth Stix: “In Pamela Gwyn Kripke’s accessible and surprising collection of stories, we glimpse into the rich inner lives of women exploring their boundaries in the world: mothers and daughters; lovers on the brink of connecting or falling apart; and girls discovering what it means to move among boys who claim to love them, whether they want them to or not. With humor and lyricism, Kripke creates characters who struggle to understand each other and themselves, only to find they need more than just ice to soothe their pain.”

Ruth Wernig, former chief investment officer of the California Endowment, has been appointed to the Goldhirsh Foundation’s new all-female investment committee. A 2019 study from HEC Paris business school found female-inclusive investment committees in private equity outperformed male-only teams and were 27 percent more likely to have exhibited substantial value creation.

Alfred Siewers was ordained to the priesthood in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, while still continuing to be on the faculty at Bucknell University. Contact Alfred at: frpauls@pm.me. 

Tom Hier writes: “Thirty years ago I started a resource planning firm, Biddison Hier, Ltd., working with colleges and universities devising strategies to use their facilities to enhance the college experience. We worked on all types of campus spaces: academic buildings, student housing, student centers, classrooms, dining halls, campus public spaces, even parking (the thing that seemed to generate huge interest to many people on campus). Our work had two overarching goals: (1) minimize the need for investment in capital projects by focusing on renovation and re-use before new construction, and (2) foster better and stronger communities through creating spaces that would allow people to come together naturally in various campus settings. Thirty years hence it is time to retire from this work and embark on new challenges. My first post-retirement act will be this summer, when I spend eight weeks in Vermont learning Arabic in a language immersion program sponsored by Middlebury College. After that, who knows? I’m looking forward to catching up with classmates at our 45th reunion in 2025.” Contact Tom at hier@biddhier.com.

Orlando C. Kirton, chair and surgeon-in-chief in the department of surgery at Jefferson Abington Hospital, has been appointed president of the Philadelphia Academy of Surgery. In addition to these roles, he also serves as professor of surgery at Thomas Jefferson University and has held positions in the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps, the Society of Black Academic Surgeons, the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine. He has received numerous teaching awards and has published more than 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts, book chapters, and abstracts on surgical critical care, trauma, and surgical education.

Jim Madich writes: “In April, nine members along with our coach from the 1971–72 mens’ freshmen hockey team (known as the Cubbies) came from the east, west, north, and south to reunite in Las Vegas. We reunited to renew our friendships, watch the NCAA Frozen Four Hockey Championship, attend the Golden Knight/Wild NHL game as well as have a little fun in the process. The Cubbies achieved a 17-2 record during our freshmen year. Though a few years have passed since we were last in the locker room together it seemed like it was yesterday. The friendships and jawboning picked up where they left off. It was a special time then and once again over the long reunion weekend. We are aiming to do it again in five years.”

Class Communications Chair Rhonda Port Walker reports: “Mark your calendar for May 23-25, 2025! Our 50th reunion is less than a year away. A 50th reunion is a huge milestone and ours will be even more special after missing our 45th. Reunion information will be sent via email, so be sure to visit my.brown.edu to confirm that your contact information is accurate. If you are not already one of the nearly 300 classmates who are members of the Class of 1975 Facebook group (private group for our class), please consider joining at facebook.com/groups/103075568767. If you have news to share or any questions about the 50th reunion, contact me at rpwalker@alumni.brown.edu.”

Patricia McMillen’s first full-length poetry collection, Running Wild, was published March 15 with Finishing Line Press and launched at Gallery Victor in Chicago on April 13. Patricia writes: “I didn’t study much poetry at Brown, at the time I was concentrating on short stories with John Hawkes and others, but wrote features and some headlines for the Brown Daily Herald, which gave me a grounding in terse narrative.” Running Wild draws on her mid-twentieth-century Midwestern suburban childhood and subsequent adventures as a musician, lawyer, wife,  and (dog) mother, as well as the losses and triumphs that marked her first 70 years. She has been published in numerous literary journals and anthologies throughout her 25-year poetry career and is listed in the Poets & Writers Directory.

Paul Backalenick writes: “I published my third novel in 2023. Empty Luck is a fast-paced thriller in which four men clash over greed and loyalty in a world of gambling, sex, and addiction. Kirkus Reviews described it as ‘Deliverance in Vegas, with cinematic flourishes of violence and rough justice.’ It is available on Amazon.”

Carol Davidson Humpage and Steven Lewis Humpage moved to Saint Paul, Minn., in 2014 after 42 years in Portland, Ore. Carol paints and teaches watercolor, and Steve is reading his way through his vast library. They are delighted to live near Carol’s sister, Joan Davidson Maclin ’71, as well as their children and grandchildren.

Dr. William B. Spillman Jr. writes: “Wow, it’s hard to believe that it is almost 60 years since our class began their life changing experiences at Brown. What an amazing time that was! At this point, I am working on a small bucket list that I am trying to finish. One part of my life, though, has just ended, and that is my professional scientific life. My most recent and final book, with my old friend Eric Udd, entitled Fiber Optic Sensors: An Introduction for Engineers and Scientists, 3rd Edition has just been published by Wiley–a pretty good book I think, with its two previous editions having been cited more than 1,900 times. So now I’ll turn to Life 2.0 with family and friends full time and indulge my interests in writing poetry, writing, and recording songs and the digital photography of nature, especially the large birds found down here in the Savannah area. To my old classmates and their counterparts at Pembroke I will just say, as Spock taught us, live long and prosper, old friends.”

Joel Bennett has been retired from law practice since 2018. In retirement he has enjoyed traveling before and after Covid. He took nine trips last year, including three Brown travelers trips, and took a Brown Travelers trip to Antarctica this year which he said “was great!” He is looking forward to additional trips this year to California, Iceland, Vancouver and Victoria, and to France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Fraser Lang joined the board of the new nonprofit online weekly publication, The Providence Eye (pvdeye.org). Created to fill the urgent need for reliable local news, The Providence Eye is community driven and boasts a growing list of subscribers. Contact Fraser at fraseralang@gmail.com.

Phyllis Ann Kollmer Santry writes: “On April 2, 2024, Gayle Landers and I were able to snag tickets to hear David Buskin ’65 performing with his long-time musical partner, Robin Batteau, at Birdland Jazz Club in New York City. David crushed it. He finished his set with a hilarious medley he composed of songs about getting old. It ended with the line “Try to remember…” You gotta love David.” 

Ron LoLordo writes: “I just started as a senior trial attorney in the major crimes/homicide division of the district attorney’s office in Albuquerque, New Mexico.” Contact Ron at historyron@gmail.com. 

Dale Perelman finished his 10th book, Chuck Tanner and the Pittsburgh Pirates, published by the History Press. It was listed as a Pittsburgh Magazine good read.

Bob Brown celebrated 45 years of Robert Brown Gallery in Washington, D.C., at 1530 14th Street, NW. He has been exhibiting nationally and internationally known artists all of these years and hopes anyone in the D.C. area or visiting D.C. will come say hello. His website is galleryneptunebrown.com.

Tom Bale volunteers with Brown’s Ruth J. Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice helping get out its important message to alumni. He has written a narrative history of the Center’s connection to Brown’s involvement with slavery. He writes that the Marian Anderson String Quartet is considering composing music using the narrative as a background.

Ronald E. Baker writes from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: “Thanks for the recent BAM stories on Covid recovery and getting out of an anxiety loop. Here in Canada, we are getting stoic about the drift of world affairs, pandemics, wars, and politics—hoping for the best and planning for the worst. My wife Barbara and I are active in Rotary, our Church, and community programs to help less fortunate people. That gets our minds off all the negativity. Since my return to Canada after 32 years in Europe, I have been interested in precious metals and copper mining as an investor. Since I attended the Prospectors and Developers Association Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention in Toronto this March, we are pleased to see our Canadian gold, copper, and precious metals companies doing very well. I want to meet fellow Brunonians with similar interests in such pursuits, especially in Canada; and to restart the alumni interviewing program for admissions applicants. Please contact me at (519) 586-2176 or bakermre2@gmail.com.”

Gloria Markoff Winston writes: “Oh, what a great thrill it was for me to celebrate our 75th Pembroke College/Brown Commencement. I walked down College Hill, the only member of the 1948 graduating class. I was escorted by my grandchildren Will Bruno, Shannon Ruff, and Caroline Bruno. Will and Shannon carried our 1948 banner, and Caroline held my hand as new graduates cheered our march down the hill. I will always remember seeing thousands of new grads and hearing their joyous shouting of “1948!” I think about these brilliant graduates and am hopeful about the vision and talent they can bring to meet the challenges of our times. For an update on my life: I have three children, 12 grandchildren, and two dozen great-grandchildren. I still live in Providence at Laurelmead, a fabulous co-op with many Brown alums and retired professors. Please send your news to me at gmwinston@yahoo.com.”

Hope Rosen Einstein writes: “I think it’s probably likely that I am one of the few remaining alumni from the class of ’46. I retired from a Fortune 500 high-tech company where I was an internal control analyst about 25 years ago. Prior to that I was in marketing. I’ve been fortunate to have done a lot of travel for business and personal pleasure. Now I’m pretty much limited to reading and knitting...lots of knitting as well as teaching it. If there are any classmates out there, reach out.” Contact Hope at hreinstein609@sbcglobal.net.

Contify Life Science News reported David Lyden ’89 MD, the Stavros Niarchos Professor in Pediatric Cardiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, has been awarded the 2024 Paget-
Ewing Award by the Metastasis Research Society for his contributions to the understanding of cancer metastasis.

John Thompson ’92 ScM, ’98 PhD is a professor of physics at the University of Maine with a research focus in physics education. He is now in his second term as chair of the department of physics and astronomy at UMaine. He was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 2023 “for performing seminal research on student use of mathematics in physics and the learning and teaching of thermal physics, for leading interdisciplinary collaborations and conferences, and for leadership in the physics education research community.” He writes that he and his wife, Kate Dickerson, live in Bangor, Me., and have raised two children. Their daughter Claire ’24 is completing her senior year at Brown concentrating in theater and performance studies and in history.

Liane Strauss ’88 AM, ’93 PhD writes: “My most recent book of poetry, The Flaws in the Story, won the Marsh Hawk Press Prize (judged by Mary Jo Bang) and was launched at Poets House in New York City in May 2024.”

Tricia Rose ’87 AM, ’93 PhD published Metaracism: How Systemic Racism Devastates Black Lives—and How We Break Free on March 5 with Basic Books. In the book she presents a bracing and powerful breakdown of why and how racism works today is most usefully discerned: as a system.

Betty Gower ’22 EMBA was appointed to the advisory board of BullseyeEngagement LLC, a leading provider of Cloud-based human capital management software solutions. She currently serves as the CMO for Xapa.com and the CEO of their marketing and strategy company. At Xapa, she spearheads a tech company that leverages dynamic digital learning tools for soft skills and personal enrichment in gamified training environments. She is also the founder of Market Ninja, a consulting agency that helps to empower small to midsize businesses with cost effective marketing offerings ranging from focused tools to full service strategy and implementation consulting. 

Stine An ’20 MFA is one of 18 translators selected to receive a Literature Translation Fellowship of $15,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts. This fellowship will support An’s translation of Today’s Morning Vocabulary by South Korean poet Yoo Heekyung into English. 

Chris Norlund ’03 AM published Positive Angle: Reboot Your Mind, Live Your Awesome Life on August 11, 2023. It is available on Amazon.