reunion weekend - Wheelock College

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MAY 29 – 31, 2015
CLASS OF 1965
50th Reunion
Dear Classmates,
We come bearing gifts … your Reunion 2015 Booklet and Registration
Materials! In late May, we will be back on the Riverway celebrating our 50th
Reunion! Can you believe it? Neither can we!
We, the Class of 1965, have many stories to tell, so please do your best to join
us for a festive weekend on May 29, 30, and 31. It will be great fun to catch up
with classmates and see the amazing changes at the College. We have had some
fabulous Reunions. Let’s do it again!
Remember, in honor of our 50th Reunion, you and one guest will be guests
of the College for most on-campus events, on-campus meals, and on-campus
lodging! Even if you can’t come to Reunion, don’t forget to complete an entry
for our 50th Reunion yearbook at www.wheelock.edu/alumni/reunion/50threunion-. Everyone who submits an entry will receive a yearbook, regardless of
Reunion attendance.
Please read this booklet to find out about the exciting events taking place during
Reunion, such as campus tours, a Cabaret Performance at the Wheelock Family
Theatre, tours of the MFA and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Annual
Alumni Luncheon, and, of course, our Class Dinner on Saturday night,
which will be held on campus. Please let us know if you will be attending the
dinner by filling in the appropriate box on the registration form at the back of
the booklet. Spouses and guests are invited to attend. We do hope you’ll join us!
Details about housing are in this booklet. On-campus accommodations for our
class will be offered in the Campus Center and Student Residence. The College
has also reserved a block of rooms at two nearby hotels (see the “Housing and
Parking” page of this booklet for more information).
Check under www.wheelock.edu/alumni/reunion for more Reunion
information and to see who has already indicated that they are coming. Should
you have any questions about Reunion Weekend, please do not hesitate to
contact us or the Office of Alumni Relations at (617) 879-2286.
We hope to see you there!
Nancy Bonner Ceccarelli, Gloria Williams Ladd, Ann MacVicar,
Trina Wilson Mallet, Page Poinier Sanders, Nancy Clarke Steinberger,
Betsy Earle Stevenson
Registration Deadline
The deadline to register for Reunion
Weekend is Friday, May 15, 2015.
You will receive a confirmation by
email or mail by Monday, May 25,
2015. If you have not received a
confirmation, please call the Office of
Alumni Relations at (617) 879-2286.
Reunion Website
Please visit our Reunion website at
www.wheelock.edu/alumni/reunion
for updates on Reunion events
and a list of who has registered for
Reunion. Starting in April 2015, the
page will be updated frequently.
Questions?
Office of Alumni Relations
Wheelock College
200 The Riverway
Boston, MA 02215
P: (617) 879-2286
F: (617) 879-2326
alumnirelations@wheelock.edu
Reunion
2015
important
information
Table of Contents
3
Schedule
6
Housing and Parking
7
Class Awards
8
Reunion Awards
10 Class Notes
25 Registration Form
Members of the Class of 1965, celebrating their 50th Reunion, and one guest
each, are guests of the College for most on-campus Reunion events, including on-campus
accommodations. Prices for all off-campus events and off-campus accommodations are in this
booklet. Please register for all of the events you would like to attend, including the events that
are free of charge, so we can get an accurate head count.
Members of the Class of 1990, celebrating their 25th Reunion, will have special
on-campus event pricing and will receive a reduced rate for on-campus accommodations. Prices
for guests and all off-campus events and accommodations are in this booklet.
Members of the Class of 2010, celebrating their 5th Reunion, are guests of the
College for most on-campus Reunion events. The Class of 2010 will also receive a reduced rate
for on-campus accommodations. Prices for guests and all off-campus events and off-campus
accommodations are in this booklet. Please register for all of the events you would like to
attend, including the events that are free of charge, so we can get an accurate head count.
1
= Handicapped Accessible
2
= Kid-Friendly Event
10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Registration – Campus Center Lobby
Longfellow Café will be open for complimentary coffee, tea, and beverages.
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Welcome Back Luncheon – $15
Reunion’s annual kickoff event. Join members of the Wheelock College administration and students for a luncheon to catch up on everything new at Wheelock.
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Explore & Tour the Earl Center for Learning & Innovation – Complimentary
The Earl Center is a workspace to explore, create, work, and play with materials
and technologies used in working with children and families. It is a place to learn
about and develop hands-on learning activities, explore new educational materials
and technologies, and bring creative ideas. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Boston TV & Movie Sites Bus Tour – $38 – Space is limited.
(Round-trip transportation will be provided.)
Lights, camera, Boston! Take the ultimate tour of Beantown with the Boston TV &
Movie Sites Bus Tour. More than your average Boston sightseeing expedition, this
unique tour includes the filming locations and behind-the-scenes details from TV
shows and movies such as Cheers, Ally McBeal, The Departed, Good Will Hunting,
The Town, The Verdict, Gone Baby Gone … and many more!
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tour of the Museum of Fine Arts – $30 – Space is limited.
(Round-trip transportation will be provided.)
Visit one of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, with more than
450,000 works of art. The MFA has undergone expansion in recent years, including the opening of the Art of the Americas Wing. Attendees will have an opportunity to explore the Museum for an hour on their own following the guided tour.
Tour of Boston Campus – Complimentary
Check out the residence halls and unique spaces on campus!
3:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Trolley looping between Boston and Brookline Campuses
4:00 p.m.
Tour of Brookline Campus – Complimentary
4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Hawes Street Reception – Complimentary
Join fellow Reunion guests for a reception on our beautiful Brookline Campus.
2:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
5:15 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Reunion Weekend Schedule
Friday, May 29, 2015
Celebration Dinner – $25
President Jackie Jenkins-Scott hosts dinner and entertainment in the Ladd Room
of the Brookline Campus.
Cabaret – $35
Wheelock Family Theatre (WFT) invites you to an evening of cabaret, featuring
WFT’s favorite professional performers. This is a special Reunion performance.
Picture Perfect Paint Party! – $30
Channel your inner Picasso at Wheelock’s first-ever Paint Party! We will provide
the snacks, wine, and painting supplies while an instructor leads you all the way
to your perfect masterpiece. No experience needed!
9:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Trivia & Treats –
Complimentary
Not quite ready to call it a night? Join us at Reunion’s Team Trivia Competition!
Show off your competitive spirit … and all that random knowledge! There will
also be fabulous snacks, beverages & desserts, a coffee & cordials bar … and of
course, lively conversation with your classmates.
3
Reunion Weekend Schedule
Saturday, MAY 30, 2015
7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast – $10
Relive your college days by heading to the cafeteria for breakfast.
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Wake Up With Yoga – Complimentary Michele LaMountain ’10 will be your personal yogi for the morning, as you
stretch, breathe, and get ready to greet the day.
9:00 a.m.
Tour of Boston Campus – Complimentary
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Camp Wheelock – Complimentary
While you enjoy time with your classmates, let the little ones have their own fun at
Camp Wheelock, where they will participate in a wide array of activities supervised
by current Wheelock students. A light lunch will also be provided. You must register
for Camp by calling the Alumni Relations Office at (617) 879-2328 by April 1, 2015.
10:15 a.m. Alumni Procession
Meet on the Campus Center green for our traditional parade down the Riverway
with each class adorned in its Wheelock pride.
10:45 a.m.
State of the College Address and Alumni Awards Presentation
The Wheelock College Alumni Association welcomes President Jackie JenkinsScott for the annual State of the College address before the Annual
Alumni Luncheon.
12:00 p.m.
Annual Alumni Luncheon – Complimentary for Classes of 1935, 1940, 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, and 2010. $10 for Classes of 2005 and 1990. $25 for all other classes and guests. Don’t miss your class meetings & photos!
1:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
2:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
2:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
4
Registration – Campus Center Lobby
Longfellow Café will be open for complimentary coffee, tea, and beverages.
Kayaking on the Charles River – $20 – Space is limited.
(Round-trip transportation will be provided.)
Join us for a kayak expedition on the Charles River! Enjoy amazing views of
downtown Boston, including the Prudential Building, the Esplanade, and the
Statehouse Dome – all while chatting with your classmates in the kayaks
built for two!
Walking Tour of Fenway Park – $15 – Space is limited. (Round-trip transportation will be provided.)
Tour America’s Most Beloved Ballpark – see the 2013 World Champions banner,
check out the view from the Monster Seats, and take in all the magic that is
Fenway Park.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Tour – $20 – Space is limited. (Round-trip transportation will be provided.)
The Collection Highlights Tour focuses on the formation and installation of the
historic collection, as well as exploration and discussion of its key works.
All-Class Reception – Complimentary
Come mingle with alums from all of the class years represented at Reunion
before you head off to your class dinner.
6:00 p.m. Reunion Class Dinners – Prices and locations vary by class.
See letter at the front of the booklet for specific information about your class.
6:00 p.m.
Young Alumni Reception at Game On! & Blazing Paddles – $20
All alumni from the Classes of 2000 to 2015 are invited to join us for a young
alumni reception! Price includes heavy appetizers, cash bar, access to the
extreme fun that is Blazing Paddles ping pong, and a Wheelock gift!
Reunion Weekend Schedule
5:00 p.m.
Sunday, MAY 31, 2015
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Early Morning Stroll – Complimentary
Jumpstart your day with this early morning stroll around campus and through
the surrounding Fenway area.
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Farewell Brunch – $10
Catch up with your friends one more time at a brunch in the Campus Center.
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Checkout
We hope you had fun! All residence halls and the Campus Center will close for
the weekend at 12:00 p.m.
5
Housing and Parking
On-Campus Lodging
Rooms are available in the Campus Center and Student Residence, our newer dormitory on the
Boston Campus, and the newly renovated Riverway House. The cost is $50 per night, per person. If you are considering on-campus lodging, please keep in mind that all rooms are located
in student residence halls and offer few amenities. We have double, triple, and quad rooms
available. Each guest will be provided with a twin bed, dresser, sheets, one blanket, one pillow,
towel, washcloth, and one bar of soap.
There are very few rooms with private baths. Every effort is made to accommodate alumni
needing private bathrooms; however, most bathrooms are located in the hallways. If you are
interested in rooming with a specific classmate, please make sure to indicate your roommate
preference on the space provided on the registration form. Please note: Single rooms with a
private bath are not available.
Off-Campus Lodging
Special room rates have been negotiated at two nearby hotels. When making reservations,
please reference “Wheelock College Reunion Weekend” to receive the group rate. Please book
by April 29, 2015.
Marriott Residence Inn Boston Back Bay/Fenway
125 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215
(617) 236-8787
$259 per night
Boston Hotel Buckminster
645 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02215
(800) 727-2825
$197 per night
Parking Information
Parking is extremely limited. Guests who require handicapped-accessible parking are invited to
park on the Boston Campus (25 Pilgrim Road). If you require handicapped-accessible parking,
you must contact us at (617) 879-2286 to reserve a space.
Guests should expect the parking lots on the Boston Campus to be full during the day on Friday,
when the College is open for business. If there is any additional parking on the Boston Campus
available, guests celebrating a Reunion between the years of 1935 and 1965 will have access
to any remaining spaces. Parking is available at our Brookline Campus at 43 Hawes Street
throughout the weekend. All parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would
like to park closer to the Boston Campus, please refer to the list below. Please call individual
garages for current parking rates.
Other parking available in the area:
MASCO Garage
375 Longwood Avenue
(617) 632-2881
Standard Parking Garage
333 Longwood Avenue
(617) 734-8384
Landmark Center
401 Park Drive
(617) 927-0398
Please call the Office of Alumni Relations at (617) 879-2286 with any questions.
6
Each year, Reunion Classes are recognized for their attendance during Reunion Weekend and
for their commitment to the Wheelock College Annual Fund, which supports student scholarships. Reunion classes have a special impact on the College’s ability to provide scholarship aid
to deserving Wheelock students, as they often contribute a significant percentage of the yearly
Annual Fund total.
Class Awards
Reunion Class Awards
THE GERTRUDE ABBIHL PRIZE:
The Gertrude Abbihl Prize (a silver bowl) was named in honor of a former faculty member who
attended 45 consecutive Reunion luncheons. This prize is presented to the Reunion class with
the highest percentage of members attending the Annual Luncheon.
THE BEULAH ANGELL WETHERBEE PRIZE:
The Beulah Angell Wetherbee Prize (a silver tray) is presented to the Reunion class with the
highest percentage of donors to the College. The prize was named for a Class of 1933 class
agent who encouraged her classmates to participation rates as high as 98.9 percent!
The dr. frances graves prize:
Dr. Frances Graves, Class of 1909, believed so strongly in student scholarships that she made
arrangements in her will for the Annual Fund to receive a gift in her name each year. The prize
(a silver frame), engraved with Dr. Graves’ name, will feature a picture of the class that raises
the largest collective gift for Wheelock during their Reunion year.
Please help your class help Wheelock students by considering a gift of any size to the Annual
Fund during your Reunion year. To make a contribution, or to find out how your class is doing,
please visit http://www.wheelock.edu/giving/reunion-and-class-giving or call (617) 879-2328.
7
Reunion Awards
Dear Reunion Class Member,
Congratulations on your Reunion! I serve on the Alumni Association Board as chair of the
Alumni Awards Committee. Each year, we honor with “Making a Difference” Service Awards
alumni who are making a difference by using their Wheelock training in both traditional and
unusual ways. Finding these alumni can be tricky, so I am hoping you can help.
Do you know someone who is celebrating a reunion this year who should be honored for his
or her work? We appreciate and value all kinds of work that makes a difference for children,
families, and adults. In the past, we have given awards to those who:
3 Held volunteer or paid positions
3 Were involved in organizations and/or schools that served a local community or were
involved in national and international efforts
3 Provided direct service to others, raised funds for an important cause, or contributed
to research and policy that had the potential to impact many
3 Contributed to a single, intensive project or became involved in several different
initiatives over a longer period of time.
Here are a few examples of what past alumni award recipients did to “Make a Difference”:
3 Worked with the nonprofit Lillydale Literacy Project in South Africa, helping South
African village teachers to learn English as a second language. The alumna formed a
nonprofit organization and has done fundraising to get support for the teachers’
training, books, computers, travel, etc.
3 Was responsible for all campus-based child care centers for the entire CUNY system,
including special education services for the children in the centers, and supported
parents who were juggling family demands while working on a degree.
3 Worked as an elementary teacher for many years and took an active role in her
church and community.
3 Worked extensively with the elderly population and founded an organization
serving senior citizens.
3 Raised numerous foster children as well as three of her own while teaching full time.
3 Taught in an integrated preschool classroom and has been a strong advocate who
has helped build the Norfolk, VA, integrated preschool program to an
exceptionally high standard.
Please review the next page for more information about nominating a classmate or friend. I
would love to see a nomination received from each class. Please do not hesitate to contact the
Office of Alumni Relations at (617) 879-2286 with any questions.
Many thanks,
Joan Anderson Watts ’65/’83MS
Alumni Awards Committee Chair
8
Each year, deserving alumni are recognized during the Annual Alumni Reunion Awards
Presentation. Please consider nominating a classmate for one of the awards listed below.
All award nominations must be received by April 13, 2015.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD:
Established in 1975, this award honors a member of a reunion class celebrating a 25th or
higher Reunion. Criteria for this award are based on an alumna’s/alumnus’ service to the
College, service to alumni, and/or service to her/his class.
Reunion Awards
Nominate a Classmate for a Reunion Award
Former Recipients:1990Lyn Peck Kenyon ’45/’69 2000 Joan Anderson Watts ’65/’83MS
1995Joleen Glidden Ham ’55 2005 Maryanne Weber Lockyer ’45 2010 Mila Moschella ’75
LUCY WHEELOCK AWARD:
Established in 1988, this award honors a younger alumna/us who is celebrating a 5th to 20th
Reunion. Criteria for this award are based on this person’s service to the College and/or service
to the Alumni Association, including any of the following involvement: Alumni Board member,
class officer, phonathon participant, club member, alumni admissions volunteer, Alumni Board
Committee member, and participant at past Reunions. Former Recipients:1990Julia Challinor ’75
1995Linda Banks-Santilli ’85
2000 Mila Moschella ’75
2010 Carrie Lagasse Yespy ’00
“MAKING A DIFFERENCE” SERVICE AWARD:
Formerly called the Alumni Anniversary Award, this award was established in 1992. It is
typically given to two alumni from reunion classes, usually one from a younger class (5th to
25th Reunion) and one from an older class (30th Reunion or higher), whose professional or
volunteer work exemplifies the mission of Wheelock College, which is to improve the lives of
children and their families.
Former Recipients:1995Lillian Prakelt Goss ’55 & Ann DeNucci Rogalski ’80
2000Anita Lessard Mulcahey ’85 & Elizabeth Reed Wilson ’55/’82MS
2005Toby Congleton Milner ’70 & Shawana Daniels ’95
2010Susan Kosoff ’65/’75MS
Nomination forms are available by visiting
www.wheelock.edu/alumni/alumni-association/award-nominations
or by calling (617) 879-2286.
Nominations can be sent to:
Office of Alumni Relations
Wheelock College
200 The Riverway
Boston, MA 02215
Fax number: (617) 879-2326
Email: alumnirelations@wheelock.edu
9
Class Notes
1940
Late last year, Inez Gianfranchi Snowdon
wrote: “What a surprise to [open a card from
Wheelock and] find my picture with those of two
other classmates to say this is our 75th Reunion
next spring! I’m sorry to say I will not be able
to join the crowd (?) for Reunion. I don’t drive
anymore, and Boston is a long way from Maine.
I am keeping busy still at The Budget Box (second
time around for used clothes, lamps, dishes, etc.).
It would be fun to see others at Reunion, but I
look forward to seeing pictures of the weekend.
Good genes to all of us! Happy Reunion to all!
P.S. I did go to Wheelock College while Miss
Wheelock was still teaching.”
1945
Jean Reilly Cushing
“At 90 years, there are a lot of hours for physical
maintenance – ha!” writes Juliana “Julie” Forsythe Bussiere, who stays busy with many other
things, too. She lives in Center City (Philadelphia)
and enjoys going to see plays and to listen to the
orchestra and Curtis Institute concerts. “I took up
painting when I retired as a reading specialist,”
she adds, “so that is very time-consuming.”
Julie hopes to see classmates at Reunion in May.
Helen Small Weishaar writes: “During the year
I’ve been in contact with Gert Phillips ’43-’44.
We lived in Kent House, not as roommates but
as close friends, and have remained so ever
since. Life here at home has changed drastically
since the death of our son suddenly [in January
2014]. Dana had lived with us for the last eight
years and was our major care provider. Some of
us remember the students who married before
graduation. The war had much to do with it.
Happily, Jeff and I have our 72nd anniversary
coming up in August. I look forward to seeing
you all at the Reunion.”
1950
Edith “Anne” Runk Wright
The news deadline reminded Nancy Spencer
Adams of her Wheelock days, when she slipped
into class just before her name, which started
with S, was called for attendance. Her life is
going well: good health, living in her own home,
with family near enough to help when needed
but not too close. Both of her granddaughters
are in college. One, at Wentworth, is enjoying
Boston and was at the Marathon finish line just
before the bomb went off. Whew! The other is
traveling the world, having spent one semester
in Montreal and another in the French Alps and
interning in China. Nancy urges us to keep up our
“enthusiasm” and come to the Reunion.
Marj Johnson Cilley and husband Charlie are
wintering again in Arizona. In October they leave
their own immediate family in Illinois and join
Marj’s sister and her family in Arizona. They now
have 12 grandchildren and six great-grands, who
are scattered around the world. They saw two of
the great-grands, who are doing ministry in the
Czech Republic, on a visit to Vienna. Due to Charlie’s second knee infection, they have “slowed
down,” but they continue to feel blessed. Marj
invites classmates to look them up on Facebook.
I (Edith “Anne”) am not the only poet in the
Class of ’50. To prove it, here is Patricia Knowlton Paine-Dougherty’s verse:
Our creative Edie has done it again,
Making our Classmates wake up and spin.
Bottle of blonde keeps the white from my head,
And forgetting names is not yet a dread!
The Grand-Kids, now, are wonderfully grown,
Makes me wonder – are they really my own?
Our Historic House is simple, yet grand,
And we are lucky to be here as we
hopefully planned.
As a Trustee, I had many Wheelock affairs
Alums having fun, not to compare
10
Bravo, Pat!
I was greatly saddened by the death of Carolyn “Mickey” Livingston Epes last fall in Buffalo, NY, her home for many years. At Wheelock,
Mickey was a leader, serving as president of Colchester House, a member of the House Residency
Council, and photo editor of The Wheel her junior
year. After teaching in the Boston area for four
years, she met and married Morgan Epes, and
they moved to Buffalo in 1954. I visited her there
many times and met her two sons, Bill and Charlie, and later her five grandchildren. She and Morgan graciously welcomed me into their home and
family, which made each visit a delight. Mickey
taught at the Westminster Church Nursery School
for many years and was very skilled and active
as a docent at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. A
talented writer, she partook in several writing
groups. Many of her essays were published in The
Buffalo Sun. She and Morgan were very active in
the Unitarian Church, where she served on many
committees and edited a published cookbook for
the church. Nancy Sayles-Evarts, her roommate
at Wheelock for four years, and I treasure our
friendship with Mickey and miss her very much.
Harriet Schnider Felper and husband Everett
have a wonderful life. First, three grandchildren
were recently married. Second, Harriet is playing
lots of bridge and golf, too, although she comments, “if that’s what you call it.” They spend
winters in Florida and the rest of the seasons in
New Jersey, where six of their eight grandchildren
are nearby in New York. On the debit side are
many doctor appointments, but, as Harriet notes,
“That goes with the territory.” She has many
happy memories of Wheelock, such as postwar
dating, her wonderful roommate Janet Cole, and
a good education.
Unlike Pat Paine-Dougherty, Barbara
“Buzz” Moog Finlay claims she is not a poet
but likes my verse. (Thank you so much.) She and
Jack are still at the townhouse, but, due to Jack’s
bad fall last summer, life has quieted down and
Buzz is chief caregiver. She still hopes to make
the Reunion, still has the flag, and hopes to get it
back to “Wheelock, oh Wheelock”!
Joan Stevenson Sanford sent some
memories about Wheelock. She wonders who
else remembers the little leather photo booklet
that was a table favor at graduation. She still has
hers – it has moved with her 14 times! Also, she
writes: “It was reported to our housemother that
Bev Simon and I were in the liquor store. Can you
believe? We were taking wooden boxes to make
a bookshelf in our dorm (in 1948).” Joan has very
much enjoyed courses (mostly in the social sciences) she has audited at nearby Union College.
Another loss for the Class of ’50 came with
the death of Dottie Hutchens Seelow on Jan. 5,
2014. Born in Johnstown, NY, she returned there
after graduating from Wheelock and taught from
1950 to 1953. After a year of teaching in New
Mexico and then Greenwich, CT, she returned to
Johnstown. Dottie retired from teaching in 1986.
She and Donald Seelow were married in Johnstown in 1974 and lived there until 1996, when
they moved to Nokomis, FL, and later Venice,
FL. Both were avid golfers. A big thrill for Dottie
was playing in an LPGA pro-am tournament.
She loved to play bridge and read, and she was
a member of book groups as well as a former
trustee of the Johnstown Public Library. She was
an active member of the Episcopal Church in both
Johnstown and Florida. She will be missed by her
family and many friends.
Florence Milman Walker continues to live a
rewarding and full life. She is engaged with her
pottery and her book club and enjoys the cultural
advantages of New York City. She often sees her
sons and their families who live nearby, goes to
Class Notes
Cheers to my Classmates, I am thinking of you
Seeing you at the 65th will be a dream
come true.
11
Class Notes
Florence Milman Walker ’50 with one of
her beautiful quilted creations
Florida in cold weather to visit her daughter, and
spends time at the Cape in the summer. Florence
hopes to see some of us at the Reunion in May.
Edie Nowers White had two especially exciting
events in 2014: In February, a third great- grandchild, Jackson David Salcedo, was born; in June,
their granddaughter Heather was married on the
beach in Kennebunkport, ME, on a lovely day.
She and Russ are fine and have continued for
the last three years to enjoy their independent,
assisted-living home. They celebrated their 64th
wedding anniversary last Nov. 25. (Congratulations, Edie and Russ!)
I (Edith “Anne”) ended 2013 and began
2014 in England with my close friend Sheila
Rashed and nephew Thomas and his family,
followed by the traditional six months in NYC
and six months in Rhode Island. I saw Mary
Hathaway Hayter many times. We really enjoyed
numerous movies, the opera, concerts, and
eating out. I also had the chance to see Laura
Richardson Payson ’51 when she visited Mary
last spring. I made several trips to see Nancy
Sayles-Evarts at her new home, Arbor Ridge in
Rhinebeck, NY, and visited Mickey Livingston
Epes in Buffalo.
12
My visits to Nancy helped me decide to
change my life. I was very impressed with Arbor
Ridge and decided to leave New York and move
into Arbor Ridge sometime before the end of
2015. I have lived in New York since 1957 and
will, of course, miss the city, my home, and many
friends, but life here is getting too complicated
and difficult. I am also planning to leave my cottage by the seas and stay with my cousin Ann at
her new home in Pawcatuck, CT (just 15 minutes
away from my cottage and the beach) for the
summer months. Except for the tremendous
chore of clearing out two places, I am ready and
willing to make this move. My nieces and many
friends will be standing by to help, which is wonderful. I’m not sure I’m burning with enthusiasm
about some aspects of such a change, but I’m
ready. Don’t forget I’m a Wheelock graduate! See
you in May.
1955
Penny Kickham Reilly
Our Reunion year arrived with snow and ice in
New England, but spring 2015 is not far behind.
We are looking forward to seeing as many of you
as possible in May. Here is the news from some
of the people you met 60 years ago.
Nancy Merry Bergere, as Pennsylvania
president of Questers, took on the restoration
of a historical landmark in Doylestown. She is
very excited about doing something to preserve
history. She and Orland enjoy the company of
23 grandchildren. They feel their lives have been
truly blessed.
Congratulations to Bonnie Simon Grossman and husband Sy, who are celebrating the 45th
anniversary of their Ames Gallery (amesgallery.
com) in Berkeley, CA, this year (as well as their
60th wedding anniversary). The Fall 2014 edition
of the gallery’s newsletter, AmesNews, featured
their review of its long history, including these
and other highlights: being involved with the
Her husband is deceased, but she stays busy with
the tutoring, a support group at a local school,
adult reading, writing, and citizenship. She is a
committed lady.
“Ye gads!” writes Joan Walthers Parks.
“How we laughed five years ago when talking
about this upcoming Reunion with the dreadful thoughts that we’d all be in our 80s! Well,
the time is here, ladies!” The summer of 2014
was busy for her and husband Gib because he
had a knee replacement and she had to put her
“nursing” skills (Joan’s quotes) to work and drive
him around. Earlier this year the dust had settled
from all of that and they went to Florida – via
the auto train – with two of their daughters and
their families. Joan laments the loss of many
dear friends in 2014 and so looks forward even
more to Reunion Weekend and seeing everyone again. Stevie Lindquist Rogers and Mac
moved to Rockland, ME, two years ago, the site
of Rockland High School, from which they both
graduated. Their 60th anniversary was last June,
and then sadly Mac passed away in September.
Kathleen Rooney wrote her update from New
Hampshire during January’s “deep cold” and
was looking forward to her and Doug’s month
in Florida. They are still active in their community
but are “exploring ‘the next step.’” (“Roz Chast’s
graphic memoir, Can’t We Talk about Something
More Pleasant?, is poignant and funny,” Kathleen
says.) She had pacemaker surgery last September
and has been reaping the benefits. Their kids and
grandkids are doing well, and they will attend
several graduations in the spring.
Bea Clayton Stockwell and Dick are still in
their home in Farmington, CT. Dick is confined
to a wheelchair due to Parkinson’s disease. Bea
has help so they are able to enjoy these times
together. They have 10 grandchildren and are
looking forward to our 60th. Shirley Thurmond
Stanley is in an apartment in Green Bay, WI. She
sold the family home a couple of years ago and
Class Notes
KQED (San Francisco public TV station) Auction,
producing TV shows about Bay Area artists, advocating for artists’ rights, taking exciting buying
trips, and, of course, creating noteworthy exhibitions of which Bonnie and Sy have always been
proud. They are thrilled to still be close to many of
the friends they have made since the early 1970s
and get a kick out of the gallery’s being better
known nationally and even internationally than
it is in the Bay Area. As part of the celebration of
this landmark anniversary, this winter the gallery
has been presenting the exhibition “Recollections: Art from the Ames Gallery,” a widely varied
selection of items representing its rich history.
Bonnie also mentions that she did teach kindergarten for a very few years and has reconnected
with a few of the children in her very first class,
1955-1956: “Quite exciting!”
Joleen Glidden Ham’s life has not changed
much! Same husband, same houses in North
Reading, MA, and Maine and – not surprising –
still active and healthy. She spends time singing
and serving on church committees. Dick is subbing where he taught for many years, and their
granddaughter is in early education. By the way,
our Class Baby is 60! Nancy Cerruti Humphreys
is hoping to make Reunion. She has a daughter
living in Medway, MA, pretty close to Boston.
She says she is mobile and well ... with gray hair.
(We have earned each one of them, Nancy!)
Louise Baldridge Lytle is still in her retirement community and as involved as ever. Due to
a fall, her travel has been curtailed except trips
to see her daughter in North Carolina. She loves
to hear from classmates by phone or email. She’s
hoping to make Reunion. Betsey DeWitt Matteson is working on her father’s diaries. She has
been reading his words, from circa 1912, and is
up to 1935. She is beginning to recognize names
since she was born in 1933. It sounds like a real
labor of love. Cynthia Weekes Montesi is a
volunteer tutor for Literary Volunteers of America.
13
Class Notes
seems to enjoy her new home. I ( Penny) talk to
her occasionally, and we share memories of old
friends, relatives, high school, and Wheelock. She
spoke to Chickie Cooper but had no news.
Jayne Haynes Tillotson had a sad year. Her
husband, Bob, of 61 years, passed away. She
is living on the ocean in York Beach, ME. She
thanks God for the many blessings in her life.
Marty Clancy Sheehan keeps her up-to-date.
Amy Morris Volk and Paul continue to lead
busy, active lives: taking courses at Union College, volunteering, and singing in a chorus. She
also enjoys working in a small used bookstore.
She and Paul do spend a couple of months in
Florida. With all this, she is fighting cancer but is
very optimistic.
Our dear Betsy Reed Wilson ’55/’82MS is
busy with health challenges – hearing, eyesight,
speech, swallowing, and chewing – all due to her
cancer in 1972. Nevertheless, she is still active
with her project, “Actions to Enrich the Lives of
Children.” She would love to hear from you.
I (Penny) am living life as usual. I fortunately
have good health, a great family, and close
friends. I am still at St. Sebastian’s School and
love it. I spend two weeks in Florida with my
sister and cousin. I play bridge for my brain and
golf for the body. Judy Haskell Rosenberg
lives down the street in a wonderful retirement
community, but I have not seen her much. Our
deepest sympathy goes to those who have lost
loved ones or are suffering with sickness. I hope
so much to see or hear from you. I think so fondly
of the great women of the Class of 1955.
1960
Deanne Williams Morse
Many thanks to all who responded to my
(Deanne’s) request for news. It was great to
hear from you. We are now thinking a lot about
our upcoming Reunion, which promises to be a
fun weekend in Boston. Ellen, Carol, Maryann
14
(Muff), Jan, and I have been enjoying calling you
all to encourage you to come. Some have indicated in their notes below that they are planning
to be with us.
Susan Robbins Berger, former chair of the
Board of Registration of Psychologists for the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, continues to
see clients in her private practice (home office)
and enjoys “the stimulation, challenges, and
ability to help others sort through their issues.”
Travel remains a large part of her and Bob’s lives.
They took three generations of family members to
London and Paris last spring, staying at (vacation
rental site) VRBO accommodations. In August
they made another trip to Santa Fe, where
they’ve been going to enjoy opera, concerts,
restaurants, and hiking for 20 years. They always
look forward to discovering “new places that will
be different but absorbing.”
Barbara Tutschek Ells and husband Bob
have moved 11 times over the years for his work
assignments but now are doing very well and
living in the foothills of Portola Valley, CA, where
they “commune with deer, fox, bobcats, and
lots of wild turkeys.” She loves being so close
to San Francisco. They are very proud of their
four children, all of whom have “made a positive
difference in their communities and well beyond
through work and civic activities.” In addition to
enjoying being with their family, Barbara and Bob
travel abroad whenever possible, feeling most
at home in France and Germany. She has been
serving on the board of trustees of the Institute
of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM, for
three years. In her spare time, she loves to cook,
garden, read, travel, play with grandchildren,
and volunteer “in all education projects [she] can
find.” Barbara will see us in May.
Libby Brown Hall writes of an April 2014
mini reunion she had with Susan Graham
Brondmo and Elaine Schwartz Stern in New
York City: “We enjoyed a delicious meal flavored
Class Notes
with memories and catching up. Susan was here
from Norway to celebrate the opening of her
youngest daughter Nina Brondmo’s second Bakeri (correct spelling) in Brooklyn, where I joined
her for a delightful walk in the rain to purchase
plants to decorate Nina’s new shop. Libby highly
recommends Nina’s yummy baked goods!”
Nancy Planck Hoak plans to be at Reunion and
is looking forward to seeing old friends.
All is well for Janie Coulter Langmaid and
husband Brad, who celebrated the 100th anniversary of their place on Humarock Beach (part
of Scituate, MA) in July 2014. Aside from travel,
spending time with their sons and their families
is their favorite activity – the grands are ages 5
to 15. Janie wrote of two wonderful visits she
had with Heiner and Jan Halsted Sussebach last
summer. They look forward to seeing many of
the Class of 1960 in late May. Sara Thompson
Orton finds the “fair and warmer” Southwest
(New Mexico) a lovely place to live. She still sings
with an a cappella group of about 20 students
and adults called Bella Voce and plays bells for
her church. She is her husband’s caregiver much
of the time.
“God bless him for putting up with me,” says
Janet Burt Slaton of husband Paul, to whom
she’s been married for 52 years! They have been
living in Ellijay, GA, but their home is up for sale.
They want to live closer to their three children
and 10 grandchildren in Cumming, about 40
miles away. Janet has been busy visiting friends in
south Florida, California, and Panama City Beach.
She’s not sure yet if she will make the Reunion.
Janice Halsted Sussebach and husband
Heiner had a “whopper of a year” in 2014.
During the first three months, she had the
opportunity to do some substituting and volunteering at the Kurn Hattin Homes school in their
village of Westminster, VT. Later in the year, they
were “back and forth across the Atlantic three
times,” including to visit with their son in Bel-
Jan Halsted Sussebach ’60 and Heiner
(left) and Jane Coulter Langmaid ’60 and
Brad on Mt. Ascutney in Vermont
gium and take a rowing trip with other couples
in Germany. Back in the U.S., they welcomed
their grandsons and then friends from Germany
and China to Vermont and took a vacation to
Colorado. Jan writes: “In addition, among the
highlights of the year was getting together with
Dee Williams Morse, Brad and Jane Coulter
Langmaid, and Ted and Bobbi Broomhead
Bromley.” Even though Jan’s 2015 calendar is
filling up, she says she’ll be sure to shift dates as
necessary to fit other activities and trips around
Reunion at Wheelock!
Dee Golden Trasen writes: “I was with the
Class of 1960 for a very short time, but when I
read the class list, though they may not remember me, I had fond memories of Susan Graham,
Barbara Tutschek, Nancy Noonan, Reba
Schechtman, Sue Tracy, and Muffy Mylott,
among others. It took me many years to resume
my college career, but after our three kids were
launched, I went back to earn an A.A., a B.A.,
and an M.S.W. I work in Denver as a therapist
for Jewish Family Service, doing counseling with
the elderly wherever they live (home, condo,
retirement community, assisted living, skilled
nursing facility). I love my work! Though I won’t
be at the 55th Reunion, I wish everyone health
and happiness.”
15
Class Notes
Jan Halsted Sussebach ’60 (far right)
and husband Heiner (in blue cap) rowing
past Arnstein Abbey on the Lahn River
near Nassau, Rhineland-Palatinate,
Germany (the original Nassau)
I (Dee Morse) had a busy year with some
volunteer work, my grandchildren, and some
travel. I love the freedom of apartment living,
which allows me to pick up and go anytime. I
spent much of the fall helping with my friend
Frank’s campaign for re-election to the New
Hampshire House of Representatives (which he
happily won). I found New Hampshire politics
very interesting.
1965
Daphne “Taffy” Hastings Wilcox
Well, Class of ’65, you disappoint me (Taffy)
again. My hope of getting 50 responses, even
with a second reminder, was dashed. However,
I had more news than usual, and I give a hearty
thanks to those I (and the College) heard from. I
have to say, it was really fun! I especially enjoyed
phone calls from Nancy Clarke Steinberger and
May Koh Lam and was reminded of the warm
friendships we formed at Wheelock. In fact, one
of Nancy’s favorite things about Wheelock was
“the lifelong friendships it gave [her].”
My charge to you was to tell me just one thing
you liked about Wheelock.
For May Koh Lam, it was the excellent liberal
arts education, which gave her the foundation
16
and confidence to become a community leader,
an art collector, and a responsible citizen. You
will want to hear more about May’s interesting
and impressive activities when you see her at our
50th Reunion.
In her retirement, Elsa Chaffee Distelhorst
uses her Wheelock education skills to chair two
boards, one that addresses justice for the poor
and one for the aging. It sounds as if Wheelock
may have laid the groundwork for her advocacy
work. Tina Moustakis writes that she immediately liked her large dorm room which faced
the Riverway. Like me, she was in a triple. A
number of faculty stand out in Tina’s mind. She
remembers being stumped by Betty Bobp’s test
of made-up words which was given to test “ear/
eye coordination.” She also attributes her love
of opera to Leo Collins’ requirement to attend
a series of performances by the Boston Opera
Company. Finally, Constance Kehoe was a mentor for Tina long after Wheelock and encouraged
her to go on to graduate school.
Susan Hilsinger Weiner writes that she
loved Wheelock because her education provided
her a concept of the “ideal classroom.” To quote
her, “At the time, I did not understand, but as I
taught, I realized one should always be reaching
for that ideal!” Sue also loved her roommates –
Joan Griffith Ballog, Sue Ann Widing McMullen, and Geri O’Keefe Bittner.
Thanks, too, to Ann MacVicar! She
has valued Wheelock’s emphasis on child
development and also music and art
appreciation, all of which has “stood [her] in
good stead throughout [her] career.” She can’t
wait to see what’s happening at Wheelock since
the last Reunion. “It’s such a great opportunity
to reconnect with classmates,” she writes. “After
our last Reunion, I had a nice visit with Thalia
Pappas Loosigian and her husband when they
came to Santa Fe to experience the summer
Judy is still involved in volunteering in all of her
grandchildren’s classrooms.
In response to the question scribe Taffy
posed in her fall 2014 letter to classmates, Cindy
Cooper Buschmann shares two things she liked
about Wheelock as her Class Notes news: “I
enjoyed Wheelock because of the friends I made
there and because it was in Boston!”
“Can you believe 50 years have gone by?”
asks Carol Twiner Cameron. She remembers
starting college in a beautiful triple in Peabody
with Charlotte Laurence Brinckerhoff and
Penny Traver, and says her favorite “likes”
related to Wheelock and the main reason she
chose the school over others were the closeness
of the staff/students/workers, its small size,
and the feeling of community/family there. She
congratulates all graduates of the Class of ’65
and writes: “Although I did not graduate with the
Class of ’65, I did go on to complete my education – B.A. in Elementary Education and M.A.
in Special Education. I had a 30-year career as a
special education teacher and later a member of
a child study team for 11 years.”
Mary Dominick Connors feels very “fortunate and blessed.” Involved with volunteer
work, she is currently a very active member and
participant at the National Croquet Center in
West Palm Beach, FL. Her three sons, their wives,
and her nine grandchildren fill her summer days
in New Hampshire from June until November.
Mary is hoping to attend Reunion and catch up
with friends.
I appreciate these newsy responses and look
forward to catching up with many more of you in
May! In the meantime, you can still email me at
tanikiza@snet.net.
Class Notes
opera season. The best thing about Wheelock for
me is these lifelong friendships that rekindle every
five years or so. Gwen Lloyd Wirtalla and I have
traveled together over the last 50 years – most
recently to the Southwest, Northeast (Maine),
Paris, and Great Britain. We touch base weekly,
scheming about our next adventures. Ten years
ago she drove west with me right after Reunion.
Maybe a repeat plan for 2015!”
Nancy Clarke Steinberger attributes her
Wheelock education and experiences to launching her in her career. You’ll have to catch her at
Reunion to find out what her career path looked
like. Phyllis Cokin Sonnenschein ’65/’75MS
recollects the food first: a bin of bacon on “Make
Your Own BLT Day,” peppermint ice cream with
fudge sauce, and coffee ice cream with butterscotch. At Wheelock, she felt nurtured and valued, capable and successful. In her words, “What
could be more important?” (After a martini, at
Reunion, she might be enticed to sing the tune
from the little Japanese operetta that she wrote
with two other classmates.)
With the addition of twin granddaughters,
Carolyn Nichols Cobb’s major growth spurt
has come in child care — so many new gizmos
to support children and their grandparents. Niki
still has the same wonderment at how to handle
childhood surprises that she gleaned from her
Wheelock education. Judy White Beaver has
had a lot to love about Wheelock: its fabulous
location, the outstanding career preparation she
got and wonderful friendships she made, and
the fact that she met her life partner of 50 years
there! After 31 years in Virginia Beach, she and
her husband have built a bungalow in Apex,
NC, near three grandchildren. They also have an
Atlanta, GA, address near two other grandchildren. “When not at either of those places,” she
writes, “we can be found on our sailboat, which
is kept on the Chesapeake Bay in Hampton, VA.”
1970
Although she retired several years ago and
her husband retired last March, Jill Hastings
Cane finds herself back at work! “I accepted
17
Class Notes
a part-time position as curriculum coordinator
for a brand-new public charter school, opened
in September 2014, called Gate City Charter
School for the Arts [Merrimack, NH],” she
writes. “It’s energizing and satisfying working
with new teachers who are exploring the
integration of the arts with the Common Core
State Standards. As I work only 18 to 20 hours/
week, I still have plenty of time to babysit the
grandchildren, garden, watercolor, and travel
with my husband.” Jill has also been in touch
with two college roommates, Barbara Peterson
Sweeney and Mary Eckel LaRochelle, for great
reminiscing about their days at Wheelock and
planning for Reunion 2015!
Mary Ann Allen Cowherd got together
with Denise Desrosiers Trinceri, Paula Tiberi
Anthony, and Suzy Salter Krautmann in
New York City last November to enjoy the Frick
Museum and a show. “We just picked up right
where we left off!” Mary Ann writes. “We had a
wonderful time together.”
1970 classmates Denise Desrosiers Trinceri,
Paula Tiberi Anthony, Mary Ann Allen
Cowherd, and Suzy Salter Krautmann in
New York City last November
“I do not feel like someone who could be anticipating a 45th Reunion!” writes Elizabeth
Aldrich Garrison. Still loving her work as a reading specialist in private practice, she finds she
“can’t seem to slow it down” and still meets with
18
21 students each week. She and husband Peter
celebrated their 42nd anniversary last August
and have great fun with their three grandsons,
daughter Abby’s boys, who live only two miles
away. Elizabeth and Peter’s three sons live and
work in New York.
“I have had quite a ride these last two years,”
writes Penny Siris Goldsmith. “After many
years divorced, I met a wonderful widower and
we started dating seriously. Two months into
this wonderful new chapter, I was rushed to the
hospital with a torn aorta and aneurysm that
was bursting with a few minutes to live. Almost
99 percent of people die from this, but I was
a miracle. (I was featured on an ABC TV show
called NY Med [7/24/14].) A year later, Bob and I
married, and it is indeed a wonderful new chapter. I am one very lucky person.” Penny continues
to work full time at UJA-Federation of New York
as a major gifts fundraiser. Daughter Jill, 40, is
the mother of Emily, “a perfect 2-year-old.” Son
Josh is almost 30 and a very proud uncle. Sandy
Cragg Heise’s big 2014 news was that son Kevin
married Iris Page in Richmond, VA, Memorial Day
Weekend. Daughter Samantha received an online
ordination and officiated at the wedding.
“Work does take a bit more time than
either of us would like, but that is OK for now,”
writes Betsey Cushman Hughes, who has very
much enjoyed her 35+ years working in human
resources. She and David have two children,
Sarah and Kit, who are married and have their
own families now: Sarah has Jack (5), and Kit has
Finley (6), Coady (5), Cullen (3), and Griffin (3).
Neither family lives in Lexington, MA, so Betsey
and David spend time “either on boats or planes”
to visit them. They are really enjoying this chapter
of their lives and hope others are doing the same.
Patty Powers Lawrence thinks she’s “finally
in the groove of retirement, though it took three
years to really feel good about it.” She volunteers
at the Women’s Lunch Place in Boston, a day
lymphoma and recovered, my husband died of
brain cancer, and my sister and I moved to Maine.
After that year, nothing fazes me. I am living a
very happy life surrounded by family and friends
and contented with my lot in life.”
In November, Marjorie Weiner wrote: “I
enjoyed teaching an Administration & Supervision course at Gateway Community College last
semester and look forward to teaching an Infant
Toddler Development course next semester.
My involvement in the community includes
representing ECE programs that are not part of
the public schools on the preK-3 initiation and
the United Way Service Delivery Improvement
Initiative. My future plan is to teach part time,
continue consulting, spend time with family and
friends, and discover new interests.” Eloise Dale
Welz and husband Bryan moved to Edgartown,
MA, in June 2014. She taught an arts program
last summer and currently works at the Vineyard
Montessori School. Bryan has a home office and
commutes to the mainland when necessary. They
have two grandchildren: Adelaide, 4, and Lincoln,
18 months.
Class Notes
shelter for women, and has been very involved
with Bridge Boston Charter School in Dorchester,
where she helps the volunteer manager (a friend)
train volunteers to do library sessions with kids and
helps set up and organize the library spaces. She
loves being back in an urban school setting and
writes, “If any local alums want a place to volunteer, we are always looking for help!” Husband (of
45 years) Larry still works at UBS. Son Alex sings
with the Zurich Opera in Switzerland, where Patty
and Larry were headed in February, and daughter
Jessica is married and owns The Art Registry
Group, in D.C. Patty hopes everyone is doing well.
Nancy Noyes Monro and Bill celebrated their
45th wedding anniversary last November. Retired
since 2012 and 2013, respectively, Nancy and Bill
are thoroughly enjoying this new phase of their
lives, especially because now there is time for
things like the trip they took to Paris, Rouen, and
Normandy last June! They still live in Ohio and
travel to see their three children and six grandchildren in Los Angeles; Eugene, OR; and Portland,
OR. Nancy is looking forward to hearing news of
others in the class.
The class will be very sorry to hear from Mary
Curtis Skelton that her husband, Will, died in
2013 from ALS – nine months after her parents
died, three days apart, at ages 99 and 101. Mary
had retired as a showroom manager to care
for Will. She now operates a small B&B at her
“nearly handicap-accessible” home in Stowe,
VT. “It is aptly named Hobble Inn,” she writes.
Deborah Jones Weiner’s passions are her four
grandchildren, doing origami folding and making
iris origami folding cards, “all causes liberal and
democratic,” and Ancestry.com. A favorite Wheelock memory for her is the oatmeal she used to
eat for breakfast at Longwood. Deborah retired
after teaching 3-year-old preschool on and off
for 30 years in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and
New Hampshire. She writes: “In 2005, we sold
our house, we moved into an apartment, I got
1975
Leslie Hayter Maxfield
Judith Black continues to work throughout the
world as “a storyteller and maker.” In recent
years she has worked in Sweden, Finland, and
France; has done tours and residencies in the
U.S.; and was given the gift of three commissions. When she sent her news, she was working
on a story for the Unitarian Universalist Church of
Marblehead, MA, to celebrate their 300th anniversary. And she still teaches two classes annually
in her home. Bridging Lives, the mentoring program Judith started with Dr. Jack Weltner, is in its
15th year and boasts 90 participants. “I remain
endlessly thankful for the strong background in
human growth and development that Wheelock
offered and I continue to use daily,” Judith writes.
19
Class Notes
20
Her husband, Mike Elkin, continues to practice
and teach Internal Family Systems, and her son
works for the U.S. State Department and will get
married this October. She adds: “Jill Schunick
Putnam [’74/’84MS] got me to a Becoming an
Outdoors-Woman weekend in New Hampshire. She is an outstanding outdoor woman.”
“Embracing retirement” after 31 years in a
public school kindergarten, Dorothy “Dottie”
Cresswell writes, “All those years of teaching
have given me the skills to give leadership to
new projects.” She has produced a songbook
and a CD of original songs called Curious Songs
for Curious Kids; has started an open-mike
coffeehouse called Bridges to help people from
diverse backgrounds build connections; directs
the Happy Valley Children’s Chorus; is director of
Journey Home, an adult hospice visiting singing
group; is co-leader of Healing Circle Singers, a
singing hands-on healing group; and is a visiting
musician at local schools. Dottie would love to
hear from anyone who is doing similar work or
would like more information about her projects.
Personally, she has been married to her wife (in
Massachusetts) for six years and has two grown
kids and four granddaughters.
Carol White Jones and her husband live near
Tampa, FL; are both retired; and enjoy the beautiful weather and Florida living. They also enjoy
traveling to various destinations and spending
time with their families. Carol continues to be
very involved as a volunteer with the Friends of
the Library: She is president of the chapter at her
local library as well as finance chair for the overall
county Friends organization. Betsy LeBlond
got certified to be a volunteer substitute teacher
at age 60 and now does that at an elementary
school in West Des Moines, IA. She is married
to her high school boyfriend, Jeff Cole. Son Brad
recently got married and moved to West Des
Moines, and daughter Jessie lives and works in
Chicago. Last Christmas, Betsy celebrated the
birthday of her first grandchild, Harry.
Debbie Cann Westcott writes: “I am experiencing my best sales year yet at WNAV (1430
AM, 99.9 FM, and streaming everywhere across
the land). WNAV Radio is located in Annapolis,
MD, and is owned by Pat Sajak! I sell air-time
ads and record some spots as well. My Annapolis
Anchor B&B is still available to Wheelock professors, students, and graduates. I can be reached
at streak@peoplepc.com.” Debbie wishes
everyone a great Reunion.
1980
Kathy Formica Harris
Please join our Facebook page: Wheelock
College Class of 1980!
Lorilyn Yeitz Caron and husband Kim both
retired in 2013 – after 32 and 34 years, respectively, in education in Connecticut. Lorilyn was a
school principal, and Kim was a superintendent/
headmaster. They sold their house in Connecticut, established residency in Florida, and
now also have a small home in New Hampshire,
where they spend summers helping care for
their first grandchild, daughter Kelsey’s little girl.
“I will not be in New England for our Reunion
but wish the Class of ’80 all the best as they
celebrate our 35th!” writes Lorilyn. Libby Corning DeMille is now working as an instructional
designer with Gilbane Building Co. She works
remotely from her home office in Cape Elizabeth,
ME, with occasional trips to the main office in
Providence, RI. Her mom, Joan Halloran Corning ’53, and dad moved from Connecticut to
Rhode Island last summer, so she can now visit
them more often, as well as Karin Patton, when
working in Providence.
Laurie Dillon Hart writes that her daughter
has followed in her footsteps and is teaching first
grade in New Hampshire. Laurie and her family
enjoy their little cabin near the Canadian border.
She is working as the early childhood coordinator
North County, a public charter school that
features project-based learning. “I have never
seen middle school students so engaged in their
studies!” she writes. She also considers herself
a “wine educator” as she works part time at a
winery. She adds, “Although we are all getting
older, I am working hard at staying healthy
and active, riding my bike to school during the
summer months (20 miles round trip) and doing
at least one half marathon a year (I will never be
able to pull off a full marathon!).”
I (Kathy) continue to teach third grade in
Wethersfield, CT. Our curriculum is constantly
changing and I enjoy the learning, implementing,
collaborating, and working with the challenges
it brings. Our daughter Stephanie is a first-grade
teacher at a CREC STEMS school and is getting
married in July. Our daughter Marisa is a brand
activation manager for Hilmor, a division of
Newell Rubbermaid Corp. My Wheelock education continues to inspire me as an educator, 35
years later!
Class Notes
for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant initiative through the Concord, NH, School District.
“Many wonderful things are being put into place
to support our students’ social and emotional
development,” she writes.
“I am reinventing myself and taking care
of myself!” writes Bobbie Van Suetendael
Helbig, who has retired from teaching reading
to seventh-graders and has two grandchildren.
She is looking forward to reconnecting with the
campus and classmates at Reunion this spring.
For the last two years, Sharon Miller Romppanen ’80/’12MS has been teaching early childhood education as a full-time faculty member at
Bellevue College in the Seattle, WA, area, thanks
to the master’s she got at Wheelock. In addition
to teaching, Sharon manages a state grant
program that offers free tuition and books to
qualified child care providers – lots of work, she
says, but the rewards are huge! “Life is full with
both children married, employed and contentedly
busy – we hear grandchildren are in the works,”
Sharon writes.
In October 2014, Susan Woolverton Rozelle
became the director of the Neighborhood
Preschool at Wesleyan University in Middletown,
CT. She is fortunate to have work-study students
from Wesleyan as well as research students from
the Cognitive Study Lab. Susie is thrilled to be
part of a university environment. This past year
the Rozelles’ dreams came true as they built a
post and beam house with wood milled from
their own land in New Hampshire. But their
greatest joy these days is their adorable 2-yearold red-headed granddaughter, Lilly. Pat Voytko
is a special educator with a focus on children with
autism. Her certification in Relationship Development Intervention has led her to her private
practice working with families in the Poughkeepsie, NY, area.
Cindy Richardson Wallace continues to
love her job as site manager at High Tech Middle
1985
Linda Edwards Beal
Linda Banks-Santilli celebrated her 50th
birthday in Mexico with five high school friends
(her “forever” friends). Linda’s daughter, Chloe,
is in fourth grade at the Montessori School in
Lexington, MA – a school that shares Wheelock’s
values. Linda and Rick have been married for 22
years. She writes: “Through the pain of losing
both of my parents within the last few years, I
have a new appreciation for life and for what’s
really important. I miss my college roommates –
Julie, Ellen, Jean, and Beth – and hope that you
are all enjoying life.” Linda continues to find satisfaction in helping others become strong teachers
who make a difference in the world.
Elaine Reynolds Bonanno keeps in touch
with roommate Melissa Kelley Owen as well as
Beth Thomas and Beth Donegan Driscoll. She
21
Class Notes
22
writes, “We shared many happy memories of
our years together at Wheelock!” Ruth Dupre
Donth continues to work at the Pawtucket (RI)
School Department as a certified ESL kindergarten teacher. She writes: “Yes, another master’s
degree along with special education. Will I ever
stop going to school?” Ruth moved last summer
and is enjoying her new home.
Cathy Dinan Jackson has been teaching
for the last 30 years. She taught kindergarten
through eighth grade, special education, and
regular education. She says: “The best part is
being around kids all day. I have really enjoyed
watching them grow and learn right before
my eyes.” Nora Broughton Jestus has been
a special needs teacher in Norton, MA, for
nearly 30 years and continues to love her job.
She works as an inclusion specialist, working
primarily with students with reading disabilities in
kindergarten to grade 3. Her daughter Emily is a
senior at Wheelock this year, majoring in special
education. Nora writes, “I am so proud of her!”
Nora and her husband enjoy day trips, kayaking,
snorkeling, hiking, and visiting the beach in their
free time.
Karen Mankowski Lund is living in Mansfield, MA, and has been happily married to Rick
for the past 29 years. Rick and Karen met 32
years ago at Wheelock. They have two sons, Eric
and Ryan. Eric graduated from college last spring,
and Ryan is currently a college freshman. Karen
is teaching first grade in Easton and loving every
minute of it! She writes: “I would love to see
my old pals, Sue, Judy, Ruth, Anne and Rona, at
the Reunion this spring! I miss you all!” Patricia
“Tricia” Norton moved last June and is now living in the beautiful “Gateway to the Cape” that is
Wareham, MA. She also left her job at the Adams
Montessori School in Quincy, MA, where she was
the operations manager for over 10 years. She
is currently looking for a job and hoping to find
something closer to her new home. She welcomes
Tricia Norton ’85 and her husband, Jim
Sheehan, on the deck of their home in
Parkwood Beach, Wareham, MA, overlooking
Crab Cove in Buzzards Bay, Upper Cape Cod
visits from Wheelock alums and loves to share her
little piece of paradise along Buzzards Bay. She
writes, “I hope to have a chance to catch up with
some of you come Reunion Weekend when you
are in the Boston area!”
Alison Abbott Quackenbush thoroughly enjoys her job as a pre-K teacher at a local nursery
school in Framingham, MA. She says, “Every day
is rewarding and fun!” Her own children (ages
23, 19, and 14) are doing well. Alison and Steve
have been married for 28 years and are “happy,
healthy, and very thankful for good lives.” Alison
hasn’t seen any of her Wheelock pals for a while
but hopes to get together with Sally Weibel Myers ’86, Meg Mikita ’86, and Rebecca Meridy
Winters in 2015.
Rona Safferson Stein writes, “It’s hard to
believe that we will be having our 30th Wheelock
Reunion!” Rona has been a reading specialist for
the past 14 years in Hopkinton, MA. She works
in an elementary school and loves her students
and staff. Rona’s oldest daughter is finishing her
sophomore year at the University of Delaware.
Her youngest daughter will be off to college in
September. Rona writes, “I can’t wait to catch up
with everyone at the Reunion!”
Class Notes
I (Linda) echo Rona’s excitement about our
30th Reunion. If you are trying to decide whether
to come, please do! You will not regret your decision. The Annual Alumni Luncheon on Saturday
tends to be a great place to meet up. Join us? I
hope you will!
1990
“My Wheelock education gets put to use every
day both in my work and with my family,” writes
Genevieve Lowry. She has her own child life
private practice and consulting business called
Practical Parenting Solutions: For families facing
extraordinary circumstances (practicalparentingsolutions.com) and her own online learning
platform for child life specialists and creative arts
therapists for professional development hours
called the Convenient Classroom (theconvenientclassroom.com). In addition, the co-creator
of the only Online Child Life Certification Test
Preparation Course, she is also an adjunct faculty
member at Bank Street College in New York City.
And she published the book Following Imagination…: Activities that move create and play with
guided imagery and has a video blog, diychildlife.
wordpress.com (“It’s actually kind of hilarious if
you want a good chuckle,” she says). Genevieve
and her husband and two kids live in New
Jersey. She keeps in touch with Mary Mahoney
Salamone and Kim Oliver Prock. 1995
Cheri Piscetello Burke and husband Peter are
still living in East Granby, CT, and raising their
four children, ages 10, 8, 6, and 4. She recently
left her position as an elementary school principal
to take a district-level position as the assistant
superintendent in Region 10 (Burlington, CT) in
the capacity of director of student learning. Cheri
writes: “This new position brings me back to my
love of curriculum and instruction and will offer
the opportunity to impact teaching and learning
(L-R) Cheri Piscetello Burke ’95, Nicole
Tangney Radulski ’95/’98MS, and Amy
Armstrong McCay ’95 remain close and get
together, sometimes with their combined
nine boys and two girls, as often as they can.
on a broader scale for many more students and
educators. My Wheelock education has served
me well, and I often reference my experience
there ... 20 years ago!” She is very close with
Nicole Tangney Radulski ’95/’98MS and Amy
Armstrong McCay, and their combined nine
boys and two girls really enjoy each other’s company. “It is so fun to watch them grow and realize it all began in Pilgrim Dorm!” Cheri writes.
She is looking forward to a great Reunion! 2000
Emily Belowsky is “enjoying every moment
of life” with her 4-year-old, Lily, and husband,
David. She runs a middle school program at the
Pollard Middle School in Needham, MA, for
students with severe special needs. She recently
earned her autism specialist degree. 2005
Caroline Brzozowy Alexis ’05/’06MS and
husband Patrick have been married since August
2012 and are enjoying life together! Zach Cone
writes of a six-month farm education apprenticeship he recently finished at Eden Village Camp
23
Class Notes
During a farm education apprenticeship he
recently did in New York, Zach Cone ’05
helps a child make pesto in a bike-powered
blender, using basil picked from the farm.
in Putnam Valley, NY: “In addition to daily farm
tasks, I also helped develop and lead a farm-totable curriculum. I taught children and their families about the process of growing produce, taking
care of farm animals, and how to cook delicious
food from just-harvested farm ingredients.”
Debra Price Dobbs ’05/’06MS was married
to Adam Kerry Dobbs on July 19, 2014, at the
Endicott Estate in Dedham, MA. Caroline Brzozowy Alexis ’05/’06MS and Shannon Windus
’05/’06MS helped her celebrate the special
occasion! Kendra Dome Frederick ’05/’07MS
married Kosea Frederick, a scientist at Boehringer-Ingelheim in Ridgefield, CT, in 2007. They live
in Naugatuck, CT, and have two kids, Keiran (5)
and Kamille (1). Kendra is a child life specialist
at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital and an
adjunct faculty member at Springfield College.
2010
Amanda Babine has launched the NYC-based
startup Evaluate for Change, a program evalu-
24
ation company that trains nonprofits on how to
utilize data to measure their impact. The company
provides trainings throughout the East Coast and
will expand to the West Coast in mid-2015. Jamie
Donchin is working as a social worker at the
Brookline and Framingham, MA, senior centers.
“I continue to support the Social Work program at
Wheelock in different ways,” she writes.
Eve GunderKline moved to Chicago after
graduating from Wheelock and got a Master
of Social Work degree. She is still enjoying the
Windy City and works for Heartland Alliance for
Human Needs and Human Rights as a clinical
case manager. She is also enrolled in a fellowship
program with the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis. Emily Weger lives in New York City
with her fiancé, Philip, a Web developer. She has
a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Bank Street College of Education and
teaches first grade at Blue School, a progressive
school in the city’s South Street Seaport. “[The
school] was founded by the Blue Man Group and
is rooted in fostering creativity and innovation,”
Emily writes. “My teaching centers upon building
a more sustainable and harmonious world.”
Kendra Dome Frederick ’05/’07MS and
husband Kosea with Kamille and Keiran