Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Leaders

Leadership is at the core of a CSG education, and no one knows that better than our alums! Through the Power & Promise campaign, CSG secured the funding necessary to launch the Center for Girls’ & Young Women’s Leadership. Alumna Leslie J. Sawyer ’71 keeps this initiative close to her heart and prevalent in all of her work through her countless volunteer roles at CSG and her philanthropy.

“I invested in the Center for Girls’ & Young Women’s Leadership because I appreciate the excellent academic and life preparation that CSG provided my sister and me and know what this program can do for others. I give back to do my part in helping our School move forward and prepare girls and young women for successful and fulfilling futures.”

From serving as a Campaign Cabinet member, a former Board member, and former Alumnae Association Board President to bringing together her fellow alumnae, Leslie offers her time, talents, and treasure to ensure that CSG becomes a hub of young women’s leadership development and flagship organization for girls’ leadership in central Ohio.

Because of the generosity of Leslie and others in our community, the Center for Girls’ & Young Women’s Leadership

Leslie J. Sawyer ’71 has already begun to offer leadership opportunities inside the classroom and in our community, most notably with the A Seat at the Table art installation as well as the Community Unicorn Breakfast for International Women’s Day.

“I believe CSG students and graduates have the power to change the world—and I believe it because I’ve seen it. I know their leadership will help make our world a better place.”

SATURDAY, APRIL 29 • 2:00–7:00 P.M.

To show our gratitude for all that you made possible through Power & Promise, please join us at the Power & Promise Festival on Saturday, April 29th, from 2:00–7:00 p.m.!

Join in the fun with SuperGames bounce houses and slides for little ones, plus inflatable obstacle courses and challenges for the big kid in us all. There will also be face-painting, games, food trucks, and you might even see your favorite teacher in the dunk tank. Whether you’re a student, parent, alum, or friend, there’s something for everyone!

1947

Class rep: Barbara Van Meter Carey

Barbara Van Meter Carey’s husband, Donald, died on December 19, 2022 after a long illness. According to his wishes his body has been contributed to Dartmouth medical school. There will be a service to celebrate his life on July 29. Barbara shares that she is a bit lonesome without him after spending over 71 married years together. However, she has a very supportive family and spent the month of March in Ghana at the home of her son, Ted, along with daughters Brenda and Blythe.

1955

Class rep: Bobbie Isaac Weiler

Sylvia English Haller recently lost her son, William Haller. To share condolences, Sylvia can be reached at 401 N. 17th Apt. 218 Mt. Vernon, WA 98273.

1956

Class rep: Joanna Walz Foster

First, let’s thank Andy Smith Lorig for many years of not only updating the class about goings on, but doing so with great wit and creativity. Andy continues to live her full life and with great courage despite her declining vision. Fortunately, she has the assistance of her daughter, Alison, and longtime caregiver, Kelly Kincaid. Andy had sad news that George Katz, husband of Julia Brooks Katz , recently died. The class sends Julia its sympathy.

Sue Andreae Brown also carries on life with limitations created by a stroke she experienced several years ago. But that didn’t stop her and her husband, Hewett, from taking a cruise to Antarctica! They saw lots of penguins and other wonders but after returning home decided that the trip was a bit challenging for an 80-year-old!

Barby Boothby Thun and her husband, David, have moved from their home to the Highlands into a lovely Villa. Barby continues to paint and sold 59 of her paintings to accommodate her new and much smaller studio. Joanna Walz Foster and her husband are thrilled to own two of Barby’s beautiful paintings!

Molly McCloud Parry and her husband, Dick, have decided to brave the cold and snowy winters of Minneapolis. Molly loves the familiarity of her longtime home, friends, doctors, etc.

Joanna Walz Foster and her husband, Jerry, have moved from their home in San Antonio, Texas to the lovely town of Ashland, Oregon. Moving is a huge project and it’s not just trading one home for another, but it’s finding new doctors and developing new friendships. The whole situation becomes worthwhile if a son or daughter lives close by. No question, Joanna would have been overwhelmed without the guidance, support, and love of their daughter, Sheila Anne Foster ’84 She is an amazing woman, and they will be forever grateful for her help.

1963

Class rep needed

Cynthia Yenkin Levinson writes that she was going to come to reunion but is being inducted into the Texas institute of Letters in Corpus Christi that weekend. April 28-29 is right around the corner, so do plan on a fun weekend in Columbus.

1964

Class reps: Carla Pollack Lane & Linda Benua

Molly Kauffman Marsh’s winter home in Ft. Myers, Florida, was damaged by Hurricane Ian last fall, so she is temporarily living in a retirement community while the repairs are completed. This disaster didn’t prevent her from enjoying a Christmas visit from son Mark, who lives in Poland, and son David, who lives in Columbus, and their families, all staying together in a lovely rented house.

In 2021, Karen Wise Jaffe volunteered for Wes Moore’s primary campaign for the Maryland Democratic gubernatorial race, even though he was a long shot with almost no name recognition in a crowded field. And now Karen is pleased to report that Moore won not only the primary, but also the general election, and is now governor of Maryland. These days, Karen volunteers for the Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, which provides residential services for children being treated for rare and serious diseases. Karen helps with the book collection and brings authors and illustrators in to discuss their works with the children.

1968

Class rep: Pamela Lynn

Pam Lynn will serve on the Acton 250 Committee planning for the contiguous town’s celebration of the “shots heard round the world” in neighboring Concord, April, 1775.

Class rep: Candace Corson

Prudence (Pru) Schofield and John recently became grandparents on June 1st, 2023 when their son Byron and daughter-in-law Mollie welcomed Grace Clifford Glaus into the world. As you can imagine, the entire family is besotted.

Susan Burchfield’s son and his wife had a baby girl last September, 2022. Susan’s daughter had a baby girl in December 2022.

Suzanne Stallman Betts lives in Tasmania and is coming for a visit in April. She hopes to get together with classmates in Columbus on April 19 or April 20. Anyone interested in joining for lunch should contact Babette Gorman.

While Cris Aronson still has her home in Kororareka, New Zealand, much of this past year has been spent in Dover, MA, with her daughter, son-in-law, and gorgeous, busy granddaughters ages six and three learning the world through their eyes. In addition to the family, she has in residence 20 chickens, five goats (soon to number at least five more) and an enthusiastic dog. Life is never dull, and the exciting upcoming trip to Egypt with her sister, Janie Aronson Baskin ’70, may actually pale in comparison to the whirlwind of living in an intergenerational household.

Christine Wittman’s oldest son, Austin, was married September 24th, 2022 in Columbus to Beth Sacks. Her youngest son, Philip, and his wife, Ellen, live in Washington D.C. and love it. Christine is still working with her brothers, and her husband, Joel, is retired. They are doing well, have avoided COVID and are starting to travel again: Cabo and Kauai in between visits to DC to visit Philip and Ellen.

From Candace Corson: “We are excited about the upcoming birth of our fifth grandchild, to our son, Dan and his wife, both physicians, who’ve been in Indianapolis since training in medical school. Sadly, for us, they’ll be moving to our daughter-in-law’s original home: Juneau, Alaska, this spring. Another of our four sons is in the Pacific Northwest, so I look forward to visiting them on a big “arc” of a Northwest trip, as often as possible! Happily, our oldest and youngest sons will remain in Indy, along with one grandchild. My work continues to be deeply gratifying, helping folks with fresh, urban organic farming, made available to homes and schools through vertical tower gardens. And I love being an affiliate with a global health food company, helping people with daily plant powers for stronger health. (CorsonWellness.net) I will be teaching a basic Herbal Garden and safe Herbal Medicine class later this winter on Facebook (free or optional love donation to a good environmental cause). If you have any interest, let me know, and I’ll send you an invite! Call 574-850-2039 or email Dr.Corson@gmail.com.

1970

Class reps: Leslie Huntington & Lesley Schaab

Beth Byers Sells went cruising on the Timor Sea after touring New South Wales, with her daughter, Katie Sells ’02 . They traveled on to Darwin to search for Komodo dragons in celebration of Beth’s 70th birthday!

Lesley Wilson Schaab is busy, serving as Membership Chair and President-elect of the Franklin Park Conservatory Women’s Board, where she has also been the Secretary. She is also wrapping up a term as President of her P.E.O. chapter.

Janie Aronson Baskin completed a year-and-a-half-long art project, called Thirty Seven Dresses. She created 37 dresses in a variety of mediums, which was fun! During the last two months, she’s had two pieces of mixed media art in a gallery (one sculpture, one of the thirty seven dresses.) Her picture book manuscript, a story about friendship and loss, is still in the revision process. While the subject matter is a hard sell compared to happier-themed books, there is a need for such books. Janie also teaches occasional art classes, plays pickleball three to four times a week, and is training to become a docent for the Orlando Museum of Art. Hosting visitors from out of town, and having the good fortune of time with her grandchildren and her sister, who lives in New Zealand, makes her life good!

Barb Monett recently started learning to use pastels. She sent pictures of two beautiful landscapes in process (see one at left), and three finished works.

Class of 1970 delights in its artists and treasures its volunteers, including Jill Levy, Anne Jeffrey Wright , and Denise Page Hood at school.

1971

Class rep: Nancy Pace

After missing our 50th reunion due to the pandemic, the Class of ’71 had to make up for it in grand style! In October, eight classmates descended upon the windy city of Chicago for a fun-filled weekend packed with adventure, great food, and amazing friends. It all began with check-in when each classmate received a lovely gift bag with CSG swag, Hawaii goodies, a memory booklet of our years at CSG, and the famous book, The Devil in the White City, all put together by the organizers of the reunion, Cathy Stephenson , Leslie Sawyer, and Nancy Pace.

The weekend began on Thursday evening with cocktail hour and a gourmet dinner hosted at the gorgeous home of Cathy Stephenson. The evening was topped off with cookies that Cathy had custom made for our 50th + reunion—what a treat.

Friday morning, the early risers enjoyed catching up over coffee and gourmet delights at Eataly Restaurant just down the street from their centrally located hotel. Later they visited The Dreihaus Museum followed by a remarkable tour of the famous landmarks of the city on the Architectural Chicago River Tour.

Friday evening, they had a pizza dinner at Lou Malnati’s (a class of ’71 reunion must-do) and the grand finale of the day was the amazing Dennis Watkins, Magic Parlour show at the Palmer House. Two classmates were selected as audience participants in the show, which was a highlight of the evening.

Saturday, they visited the King Tut immersive exhibit and a few of us stopped in at Marisol at the Museum of Contemporary Art for lunch. Later, they joined the Untouchables Bus Tour (The Original Chicago Gangster Tour) which recounted the dark history of Chicago, complete with site visits and gruesome details of the corruption of the past. During their last night together, they dined together at the Adobo Grill followed by a late show at the famous Second City Comedy Club.

Those who attended the weekend, Connor Strauss , Martha Livingston , Nancy Pace , Cathy Stephenson , Marcia Smith Miller, Sandra Mendel Furman , Lisa Miller Westwater, Leslie Sawyer and Caroline Donnan (unable to join us at the last minute) was missed, but there in spirit, as they took a laminated photo of her with them to each activity—just like they would have done for “Margaret.”

A very special thanks to all who made this weekend so memorable, and they look forward to their next reunion someplace in the world.

1973

Class rep: Susie Bauer

Martha Gallagher Michael retired from Capital University as a full professor and the Homer and Isabelle Endowed Chair for a distinguished professor in Education in June of 2022. She taught for 10 years K-12 and 21 years in higher education teaching both Art Education and Special Education. She now tutors several students who have learning differences and continue to paint, create images with a variety of methods, and metalsmith. In addition, she shares that she is lucky to have five granddaughters in Columbus where she still resides with cat Slim Shady and new puppy Alfie.

Class of ’73 is very sad to relay the news that we have lost classmate Marla Lumbert Cole. Marla died suddenly and unexpectedly on January 17, 2023. She is survived by her husband Alan Cole, her daughter Alexandra Cole-Yoder (Andrew), her son Ian Cole, her grandson Nash Alan Cole-Yoder, another grandchild on the way, brother Mark Smith, brother Steve Lumbert, and mother-in-law Margaret Ellen Cole. She loved all of them very deeply. As her ’73 classmates can attest, Marla approached life with intensity, had a deep love for her family, a passion for all animals and a determination to make sure those around her were taken care of at all times.

Brenda Beavers Hendricks and Martha Gallagher Michael traveled to Jane Goodall Institute in Tanzania in June of 2022. They saw chimps in the wild who were families of Flo and others and they trekked to Jane’s Peak.

1974

Class rep: Muffy Hamilton Parsons

Eleventh District Court of Appeals Judge Mary Jane Trapp has been named the 2022 Legacy of Justice Award winner by the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland at its 117th Annual Meeting on December 2nd. The award is given to an individual, group, or institution whose participation in pro bono or other volunteer efforts has been significant in terms of length and/or impact. In announcing the award, the society wrote, “Judge Mary Jane Trapp has been a champion for Legal Aid and our clients for many years. A past member of Legal Aid’s Board of Directors, she has both participated in pro bono and recruited others to participate. Now as a member of the Ohio appellate bench, she focuses her role on ensuring access to justice and educating members of the bar on their professional responsibility to support civil justice. She is a connector— helping Legal Aid extend our reach in both the client community and with the bench and bar.”

1976

Class rep: Charlotte Stiverson

This past fall, Tracy Kessler and her former teaching partner, Charlotte Stiverson ’76 , served as keynote speakers for The National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution at the Ohio History Museum. They were awarded for their efforts with the CSG classes of 2018, 2020, and 2021, in conjunction with the Ohio General Assembly, to designate the Adena Pipe as Ohio’s official state artifact. In honor of their educational work and success with this bill, the DAR presented them with The Women in American History award. The Women in American History award is presented annually to a woman (or women) who makes a difference in her community and who serves as an example through her contributions in the areas of education, religion, social, scientific, or cultural innovation. The award was presented to Tracy and Charlotte by Kathy Fulmer Waller ’81 , Regent of the Ann Simpson Davis Chapter DAR and CSG alumna.

Elizabeth (Libby) Maxton Kirk died this past summer on August 25, 2022.

Elizabeth (Liz) Williams ’76 and Patty Williams French ’74 lost their dad, David Williams, in December 2022. He was also grandfather to Elizabeth Williams ’12. Antoinette (Ann) Farrar Yawberg died August 6, 2020.

1981

Class rep: Marla Krupman

Diane Lore was recently accepted into a year-long art mentorship, judged by portfolio; she was always so talented! Plus she got a beautiful Great Dane puppy for her birthday named Annabelle (Bella) who will be about 150 pounds when she is full grown.

Alyson Leeman has three excellent vacations scheduled for her BIG BIRTHDAY! The first one was a Hawaiian island cruise with her significant other in December. Next up: a dude ranch in Arizona with her sister and finally on to an African safari with her kids in May!

Michelle Katz Grey is enjoying double blessings with both of her children planning to be married this year!

Lori Bornstein Linskey will be retiring this April after serving as a prosecutor in New Jersey for the last 25 years. Most recently she spent 16 months as the first woman in the role of Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor. Next up: spending more time with family and friends!

Manette Watson just started a wonderful job with the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center as their Financial Counselor. She plans to sell her home where she has lived since 1991 and is excited to find something new, while remaining in the South Hills of Pittsburgh.

Mallory Hurd Adair got married in a beautiful island wedding in St. Lucia last October.

Jenny Brown Cohen had a nephew’s wedding in Chicago last November and was able to make time for a morning meet-up and selfie with old pal Marla Krupman!

Tammy Patterson Backenstoe’s son Alex got married in the fall and this winter the whole family enjoyed a great ski trip at Massanutten Resort.

Beth Williams reconnected with a high school sweetheart after the end of her marriage and moved to Akron to take the long-distance out of their romance. Exciting times!

Dawn Echols van Hoegaerden reports loving her new downtown life in West Palm Beach where she ran into Lisa Munster Tananbaum ’82 - only to discover that Lisa was planning lunch with another classmate, Debbie Zacks Robbins ’87, the following week! The world is truly small.

Stephanie Halliday Giroux had an especially great birthday celebration in December when Marigene Malone Dolven flew in to surprise her at the party! Ronda Mankamyer became a grandmother on October 20 making every day a reason to celebrate!

Marla and Andrea Krupman’s father, Victor Krupman, died September 19, 2022—the day after his 88th birthday. Julie Solomon’s father also recently passed away on January 11, 2023.

1984

Class rep: Andrea Krupman Powell

Liddy Smith Schmitz is very busy with her thriving law practice in central Ohio. Her son is currently in his second year at University of Minnesota Law School, and her daughter will graduate from University of Richmond this year with a double major in Political Science and Economics and will follow in the footsteps of both of her parents and attend Ohio State University Law School in the fall. She is looking forward to seeing classmates next year at their reunion.

1985

Class rep: Robin Ives Canowitz

It is with great sorrow that Lindsay Lawrence Sears announces the passing of her dear mother, Mary Lou Lawrence, on October 16, 2022. Her mother was an advocate for her children’s education, both at CSG and Columbus Academy. Lindsay knows her mother lived a long and very fulfilling life, and she changed the lives of countless other people through her devotion to family, friends, and people in need. She would like to encourage everyone, in memory of her mother, to help educate a child, perform a random act of kindness, or make things better for someone in need through a charitable act.

1990

Class rep: Janet Knight Rauschenberger

Megan Lisska reports with sadness the passing of her father, Anthony (Tony) Lisska. She can be reached at lisskamc@ hotmail.com, or 915 Alturas Way, Mill Valley, CA 94941.

Danielle Berger reports with great sadness the passing of her beloved father, Dr. Stephen Berger, MD. “Our family was deeply touched to see so many from the CSG community at his memorial service before the holidays.” She is reached at 335 Carroll St. Apt 4E, Brooklyn, NY 11231.

2001

Class rep: Janis Cherise Penn

Gina Forster started a new business called Nutrition Unmeasured. She works with people to help them develop a better relationship with food and their body. Taking new clients now: www.nutritionunmeasured.com.

2003

Class rep: Liz Liston

Annalise Hoftmaurer and Jennifer Maurer Clerkin ’97 report the loss of their father, Steven. Many may remember him not just as their dad, but as a German and History substitute teacher. Aside from being the father of two alums, he was the grandfather and de facto “father” of two nieces who lived with him, Frankie Munyan (Form 4) and Lana Wilkins (Form 9). He died of pulmonary fibrosis, which after years of tests the doctors could find no other evidence to the cause of, except for that he was drafted to Vietnam and the area where he fought still, to this day, shows zero signs of plant life via satellite photograph. Despite this, he deeply loved his country and served many years in government, primarily in the USDA.

2007

Class rep: Kate Vorys

Sarah Yost married Devin Mapes in May 2022 and recently changed her name to Sarah Mapes. They currently live in Chicago where Sarah has been working at the Jewish United Fund as a fundraiser.

Rachel Smoot Keller and husband Alex Keller welcomed son Michael Jeffrey Keller on August 1, 2022. Rachel is an attorney in the Columbus office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP.

2008

Class reps: Megan Fitzmartin & Teresa Eigel

Alyssa Thiele and her husband welcomed their first child Brody Edward Thiele on November 11, 2022.

2014

Class rep: Hannah Barends

Hannah Barends is engaged to her college sweetheart, Conor Loy. The wedding is set to take place in June 2023.

Erin Balasky is recently engaged to Matt Monte.

Kellie Carlson moved to New York City to pursue a travel nurse position.

2017

Class reps: Marissa Madison & Mia George

The Class of 2017 had a five-year reunion in December 2022 where 13 members of the class got together at Pins in Columbus to reminisce on their CSG years and share new life updates. They had a great time!

2021

Class rep: Alyssa Canowitz

Nyah Funderburke won her first Big 10 NCAA individual title as well as being a member of the winning 200 Medley Relay, 400 Medley Relay and 200 Free Relays.

Jeanne Stoddart Barends ’50 September 23, 2022

Sally Cunningham Blackstad ’56

Marla Lumbert Cole ’73 January 17, 2023

Elizabeth (Libby) Maxton Kirk ’76 August 25, 2022

Dr. Christine Thorne ’84 March 17, 2023