Culver Academies Alumni Magazine: Summer 2019

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Culver Summer 2019

Alumni Magazine

Dr. Jennifer Kline Morgan ’84

2019 GRADUATE OF THE YEAR



FR O M THE E D I T O R

Food for Thought: Serving Up Leadership We are always looking for ideas of interesting stories to share with alumni. One in particular has been simmering on the back burner for three years. Mike Petrucelli, the advancement communications coordinator, who was an editor and food writer, has always wanted to write a feature article on food, especially given the diverse Culver student body and the growing number of graduates entering the restaurant business. This spring the timing was right and Mike took the lead on the feature article, “A Taste for Leadership,” focusing on a representative sampling of four different kinds of restaurants, owners and backgrounds. From Seattle to Chicago, and Fort Worth to Shanghai, the unifying factor among all of them was the lessons they learned at Culver and how they threaded them into the fabric of their business. They internalized the moral compass of the Culver Honor Code and realize its importance in their role as leaders. They know that if they want their employees to follow them, they have to model the kind of behaviors they expect and create a healthy culture with shared values. This shared vision is clear to customers, who will remember the service they received maybe more than the food they ate. Good memories of a good meal is the best incentive. They also remember learning the lessons of honor and leadership at Culver: how teams form and operate, whether in the dorms and barracks, the playing fields or classrooms, and the expectations for honorable behavior in all situations. The uniform inspections take on new meaning as well — how their workers are dressed and comport themselves is a reflection of their dedication to the team, its mission and the food.

The Culver Graduate of the Year — Dr. Jennifer Kline Morgan ’84 — followed a seemingly different path to leadership as a doctor. Her roots run deep into local soil, entwined with her Culver education, and provide an unshakable base on which her values and character were founded. Service to community can only be effective if one gets to know the “fabric of people’s lives,” what they fear and what they cherish, how strong the bonds of friendship are, and how teamwork can weather life’s most terrible and glorious moments, “cheering each other on and cheering each other up.” Jenny is also “totally respected, while also being beloved” by her colleagues. She brings out the “best in her staff, through example, as they all want to rise to her level.” Like the Culver restaurant owners, it’s not just about the food, or in her case, treating and caring for cancer patients. It’s about creating an atmosphere and experience that fosters a sense of trust, caring and partnership that can withstand any outcome, a symbiotic connection that leads to reflection on the essential meaning of life and how to live it well. Whether a restaurant owner or doctor, they internalized the Culver lessons of service to others, setting an example, being responsible for the ones they lead, and living meaningful lives. A healthy serving of leadership, Culver style! Enjoy the meal! Buen provecho! Qing man yong! — Kathy Lintner


Culver Alumni Magazine

HEAD OF SCHOOLS Douglas Bird Ed.D. ‘90

CONTENTS

ADVANCEMENT OFFICE Chief Advancement Officer Holly Johnson

ALUMNI RELATIONS Director Alan Loehr Jr. Legion President Lara Smith Nicholson ‘86 Delray Beach, Florida CSSAA President N. Merritt Becker N ’83 Zionsville, Indiana Culver Clubs International President Charles Osborne ‘88 Atlanta, Georgia

COMMUNICATIONS Marketing & Communications Manager Trent Miles

Culver restaurateurs bring service and entrepreneurship to the table

A TASTE for LEADERSHIP page

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The restaurant world can be rough but rewarding. See how some Culver graduates have put their lessons in serving others to use when it comes to literally serving others, leading to great success.

Editor/Culver Alumni Magazine Kathy Lintner Asst. Director/Publications Jan Garrison Advancement Communications Manager Mike Petrucelli Museum and Archives Manager Jeff Kenney

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR Tony Giraldi ’75

MAGAZINE DESIGN & EDITORIAL CONSULTING Scott Adams Design Associates

PHOTOGRAPHY Jan Garrison, Danielle Mavrick, Trent Miles, Mo Morales, iStock

PRINTING AND MAILING West-Camp Press

The Class of 2019 Marks a Milestone 2019 marks the 125th year of Culver Commencement ceremonies and the 208 members of the Class of 2019 are ready to “take their next step into a larger world” by following the path that calls to them — college, service academies, junior hockey & golf, study abroad in England or taking a bridge year to explore their options.

Culver (USPS 139-740) is published by The Culver Educational Foundation, 1300 Academy Road, Culver, Indiana 46511-1291. Opinions are those of the authors, and no material may be reproduced without the editor’s written consent. Postmaster, please send change of address notice to Culver Alumni Office, 1300 Academy Road #132, Culver, Indiana 46511-1291.

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Volume 95 / Issue 2 / Summer 2019

Becoming a Free Man Freeman Wood ’82 reflects on his bicycle trip across the country to rehab his knee, refresh his spirit and reconnect with Culver classmates.

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page

What I did for Love Cathy Duke ‘70 reflects on her 53-year Culver odyssey as a faculty daughter and student, summer school instructor, faculty fine arts member, department chair and Batten Fellow.

Departments

26

i From the Editor

page

4 Views and Perspectives 32 Sporting News 40 Alumni Class News 46 Culver Clubs International 50 In Memoriam

Being Dr. Morgan

Meaningful Relationships Create a Meaningful Life

Jenny is more than the sum of her parts, internalizing the life lessons of honor, hard work, friendship, compassion and commitment to community that led to her vocation as a doctor.

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THE

MISSION

Culver educates its students for leadership and responsible citizenship in society by developing and nurturing the whole individual — mind, spirit, body — through an integrated curriculum that emphasizes the cultivation of character.


VIEWS AND PERSPECTIVES

Answering the Call to Serve: A Culver Tradition Photo by Danielle Mavrick

This is the first of many messages I will share with you through the Alumni magazine. My wife, Cheryl ’90, and I are humbled and honored to serve you as the 14th Head of Schools of Culver Academies. The traditions and values of Culver are deeply ingrained in our family. In addition to being classmates from the class of ’90, our fathers both graduated from CMA, George Wilkins ’50 and Roger Bird ’69. Our brothers and many other family members have attended a wide array of Culver programs as well. For our family, it has all come full circle with our oldest two children being in school together this fall, Jacob ’20 and Brighton ’23, and our youngest son, Parker, experiencing Woodcraft Camp for the first time this summer. Prior to coming back to Culver in the summer of 2017, I served students and families as a teacher and school administrator in the Indianapolis area, most recently as the principal of Center Grove High School from 2013-2017. I am often asked, “Why did you want to come back to Culver?” I have reflected on this quite a bit, and the answer is pretty simple. Throughout my professional career, I have always been service-minded­— whether it be serving my country as a United States Marine; serving the students in my classroom as a math teacher; serving the students, faculty, and staff as an assistant principal, or serving the greater school community as a building level principal. Service to those around me has always been central to who I am. When I first became aware of the opportunity to become director of Culver Summer Schools & Camps, I quickly viewed this move as my chance to give back to Culver through this service-minded approach. As head of schools, these service opportunities will increase tenfold as I build additional relationships with students, faculty and staff, parents, and alumni.

Recently, I spent a lot of time getting around campus to become better acquainted with faculty and staff from all departments. With the feedback I received through this “listening tour,” I identified common threads throughout the community and gained insights that will allow me to formulate plans to continue Culver’s transformational experience for students, faculty and staff. What I really enjoyed most during these meetings was how quickly the smiles broke out and the energy picked up as we started talking about the students. It is very clear our faculty and staff are passionate about working with young people. They shared many heart-warming stories about their interactions, which clearly illustrated that the 2018-19 school year was a success in the classroom, barracks, and dorms. In the very near future, members of our Advancement team and I will be traveling around the country in order to reinforce our connections with you and share our collective Culver stories. In the past two years, I attended One Culver events in Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Chicago, and Indianapolis. These events are always well attended and serve as a great opportunity for you to stay connected with Culver and for us to get to know you better. Please consider attending one of these events or other Culver Club events that are being hosted in your area. I look forward to seeing you on campus or while out on the road and welcome your sharing thoughts and ideas that will help us continue to enhance the transformational experiences for our students. Warm Regards,

Doug Bird

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SUMMER 2019


ADVANCEMENT NEWS

Record Numbers Set New Bar for Day of Giving A record number of alumni set a new bar for the Culver Fund on Culver’s second annual Day of Giving on April 10. In just 24 hours, Culver’s alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff raised more than $1.76 million from 2,600 donors, which was 70 more than last year. And these 2,768 gifts raised $450,000 more than Culver’s first Day of Giving in 2018! I continue to be inspired by the generosity of our Culver community, especially our alumni, and am so grateful for your investment in Culver’s future. If you received a call from a member of the Class of 2019, then you heard firsthand how your support directly impacts Culver students. In addition to their generous commitments, our lead donors added another $100,000 match when the donor level reached 2,019 to recognize the centennial celebration of the Woodcraft Drum & Bugle Corps, which will be held over Homecoming Weekend this summer. The funds raised during the Day of Giving will provide scholarship opportunities for students and campers, attract and retain faculty and staff, and allow Culver to continue offering unique programs for character and leadership development. I am looking forward to seeing as many alumni as possible this year as I travel the country introducing Doug Bird Ed.D. CMA ‘90, Culver’s 14th Head of Schools. As alumni, you are all ambassadors for Culver, introducing the school and the summer camps to others through the example you set every day. I am so appreciative of all the time and energy you devote to Culver. I look forward to seeing you on campus or at a regional event soon. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to me by phone (574-842-8067) or email (Holly.Johnson@culver.org). Thank you for ALL you do for Culver!

With gratitude,

Holly C. Johnson Chief Advancement Officer

CULVER ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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CAMPUS NOTES

Culver Family Serves The Academies for 112 years With Lee Willhite’s departure this June

Academies came to a close. He started in

His mother, Gladys, worked in various

after a 35-year career in Food Services, his

1984 working in the pots and pans area

positions in Woodcraft, Catering, and

family’s 112-year record of service to the

for the Dining Hall, was promoted in 1989

Housekeeping throughout a 20-year

to union shift leader, then in 1991 he was

period. She also opened her own business

promoted to catering manager. In 1994 he

in town, Gladie’s Deli & Catering, with her

was named the assistant director and then

family’s support.

assumed the director position in 2000, after longtime director David Adams retired.

Lee’s two brothers also worked at the Academies. Brother Mike worked in the

His father, Henry Willhite, or “King Henry,”

Dining Hall in several positions for13 years,

as he was known to the students, started

and his brother Jeff worked as a Security

at Culver in 1951 as a waiter in the Dining

officer for 13 years.

Hall and retired in 1985 as a supervisor after 34 years of service.

Thanks, Lee, for your and your family’s devoted 112 years of service to Culver!

From left: 1st row: Gladys, Henry, Sr. 2nd row: Lee, Jeff and Mike (all brothers)

Lee helped his mother open a restaurant and catering business downtown. The picture is taken with Chamber of Commerce members. L to R: Gladys, Mike, Jeff and Lee.

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SUMMER 2019


Navigating the Road to Retirement Left: Former Head of Schools, John Buxton, and his wife, Pam.

and his wife, Pam,

opportunity to document and share with

put all the lessons

others the best way to navigate the retire-

they learned about

ment process. Their book, A Retirement

retirement to the

Primer: Asking and Answering the Right

test. At age 70, they

Questions, is available on Amazon.com.

retired. Their 46-year careers focused on leadership and service, and one aspect of their plan for retirement was to contin-

Follow Culver Alumni on social media!

Twitter: @culveralumni

ue to serve After 32 years as the principal decision-

others. Their

maker for employee pensions and benefits

journey into

at St. Paul’s School and then Culver Acade-

retirement pro-

mies, former Head of Schools John Buxton

vided the ideal

Instagram: culveralumni

To Err is Human In the previous edition of the Culver Alumni Magazine (Winter

Alex Burke ’11, W ’07

2019), in the article, “The Beat Goes On: A Century of D&B

was drum major in 2007,

Tradition,” it was incorrectly stated that Jack Mitzell ’12, W ’07

the same year both he and

was Woodcraft Drum & Bugle Corps drum major in 2008. In fact,

Jack graduated from the Woodcraft Camp. The article intended to reference the newly-restored drum major uniform design from the past, which was revived in the summer of 2017, when Max Gifford W ’17 wore the uniform. The original design had been worn by Channing ‘Chap’ Mitzell ’74, W ’69, and had been worn for several more summers after, but was discontinued

Alex Burke ’11 W ’07 leads the D&B as drum major in 2007.

Max Gifford W ’17 wearing the recently restored “vintage” style drum major uniform in 2017.

before its 2017 revival.

CULVER ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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9 201 er Culv ATE DU GRAof the Year

Being Dr. Morgan

Meaningful Relationships Create a Meaningful Life


O

n May 17, Alumni Reunion Weekend, Dr. Jennifer Kline Morgan ’84 (Court), who was celebrating her 35th class reunion, was also honored as the 2019 Culver Graduate of the Year. Jenny is the second woman to receive the award, with Dr. Sally Hodder ’72 being the first — with many more to come.

Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard said, “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward.” The trajectory of Jenny’s journey toward a medical career is not a predictable one, but on closer inspection, holds the elements of service, compassion and ethical grounding that ultimately led her to “follow her bliss” and become a hematologist and oncologist. All stories begin at home, the place where she got “the practical and ethical grounding with all parts of the community” — in Culver, Indiana. Her mother, Carolyn, who taught English first at the community high school and then at the Academies, served as Dean of Girls and was one of the first women department chairs; and her father, Bob, who owned a local insurance company, and whose family has roots in Culver that extend back to the 1830s, raised brother Chris ’82 and her to “live simply but be attuned to the community and individual needs.” If someone was sick, you delivered homemade vegetable soup, offered a ride to the doctor, visited the nursing home, volunteered in local organizations and the community schools. An important lesson she learned from her parents happened in sixth grade, when school redistricting required that she attend the school in Leiters Ford, away from her friends and the only school she knew. Though other students got excuses to stay, Jenny’s parents never wavered or negotiated. She had to go. As difficult as it was initially, Jenny learned resilience, made new lifelong friends and found that the world is a big place with much to explore and gain new perspectives. She also remembers the local doctors, Mike Deery and Warren Reiss, who began their practice in 1976, and took a page from their playbook later in her career. They always took an extra five minutes or more with patients to talk about their families,

look at pictures and get a more thorough knowledge of “the fabric of their patients’ lives,” which helped them treat patients more holistically. The other Culver that influenced Jenny was the Academies. She grew up watching summer parades, hearing the morning cannon go off at 6:30 a.m., and seeing the July 4th fireworks before becoming a Woodcrafter herself and earning her Gold C in Cardinal Wing I in 1979. The lessons she remembers centered on the exposure to national and global diversity, learning to work hard together toward common goals, to “embrace the spirit of achievement,” and the “unbreakable bonds of friendship: supporting one another through leadership, winning and losing games together, cheering each other on, and cheering each other up.” These lessons provided the bedrock upon which her Culver experiences were built. As a student in the winter school, Jenny listened in on conversations about literature, the human condition, and facing tragedy that she heard Dr. Charlie Bayless and her mother discuss; the impact that her science teacher, Steve Winet, had on her in teaching the preservation and protection of the environment, and the joy of being a four-year dancer in Cathy Duke’s troupe. She also honed her leadership skills by serving on the CGA Council and as senior prefect. Though Jenny was interested in medicine and health, it remained dormant as she earned a BA in English literature and art history from the University of North Carolina in 1988 and then spent a year abroad at the University of Sussex in England, studying 17th century Dutch art. She thinks of that year as one of “intense diving into the human experience and feeling the undercurrents of other rich cultures that have different perspectives from our own.”


J

enny is more than the sum of her parts and has internalized all of the life lessons of honor, hard work, friendship, compassion and commitment to community that led to her vocation as a doctor.

Jenny returned to the States and embarked on a 12-year odyssey that led to her becoming a physician. The genesis began with a job at a non-profit called the Close-Up Foundation, where she worked with immigrant and refugee high school students on community service projects. One group created a project to visit HIV patients at the Whitman Walker Clinic in Washington, D.C. Maybe it was due to their own immigrant experience, but Jenny observed their treating the patients with respect and compassion, because they knew what it felt like when others had treated them in the same manner. She also got exposure to international doctors from Kenya, Trinidad and South America, and learned so much about international perspectives on global health issues. That was the “aha” moment when Jenny knew she wanted to be a physician and take care of other people. Talking through the decision with her husband, Bill, whose father and sister are both physicians, he told her: “If the worst thing in your life is having wondered what life would have been like, then it’s your story — create it and live it.” Or encouragement from another Culver mentor, Doug Ririe ’81, an anesthesiologist and pediatric surgeon, “Just do it. If medicine speaks to you, do it.” And she did. But first she needed to take 18 months of intensive science courses at the University of Maryland in organic chemistry, physics, math, statistics, all of which required labs, in order to apply for medical school. Jenny was accepted at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and though considered an older student, she was determined to show what she could accomplish. She remembers a majority of her patients being inner city and extremely poor, a stark reminder of people who were truly disenfranchised and needed help. A three year residency in infectious diseases followed at the University of Virginia, where she studied internal medicine and sub-specialized in oncology, because it “was a matter of the heart” and “spoke to her.” It helped Jenny learn about aspects of cancer at the microscopic level and the importance of forming a team dedicated to each patient. Jenny also experienced the “immediate effects of community service” by volunteering at the Charlottesville Free Clinic, where she eventually became the medical director. She treated patients who were the rural poor and mountain people, with a different set of problems than the urban patients she had seen.

For the past 15 years, Jenny has been a medical oncologist at the Indiana University Central Indiana Cancer Center. She has won awards and accolades from colleagues and patients, but has never lost sight of her north star: the devotion and commitment that led her to oncology and the patients who “spoke to her heart.” Their dignity inspires her and teaches her to be a better doctor and person. She says, “I have learned from them to think hard about what a meaningful life is, and how you live it. In the end it’s not about your title or rank or how much money you make. It’s how you live your life and with whom you are connected.” Paula Bowers, a pharmacist, attorney and patient of Jenny’s, remembers a day 13 years ago when she was diagnosed with a 10 centimeter tumor in her lymph nodes and had a 20 percent chance of survival — a terrifying diagnosis. Jenny sat down, actively listened to her fears, the family dynamics and her five- and seven-year-old children. She “heard” Paula, made her feel like she could manage the treatment and Jenny would be right by her side, the realistic cheerleader and partner. Paula’s cancer has come back more than once, but when it does, she knows that Jenny will be at her side. She refers to Jenny as “the extender,” who gave her the chance to see her young children learn to swim, ride bikes and grow up. Without Jenny, her “angel on earth,” Paula would never have seen any of it. Sherrie Wilson, one of Jenny’s “nurses extraordinaire,” sees her helping patients cultivate and rebuild trust in their overall strength of character that is needed to accomplish the new challenge of living with cancer. “Jenny starts with empathy and compassion, identifies and gives words to their situation, lets them know she understands where they are coming from, and reassures them they are not alone. She shares that while this is a new journey to them, it is not to her, and she will walk the path with them, every step of the way. She starts rebuilding their self-confidence, their ability to trust themselves and their body, trust others that they are going to have to lean on, trust their faith or spiritual aspects that have been tested, if not shattered. And if long term survival is not possible, she will see them through their end of life experience. She will continue to support them, accept them and their decisions, give them the best medical care possible and make herself available. She does this through her words, her actions, her touch — by ‘being Dr. Morgan.’ ”


Though medicine never really goes away in Jenny’s life, 12- to 15 hour days are standard with 10 hours on weekends to keep up with the workload — being a mother is a central role she takes seriously. She and Bill have two sons — Will, 15, and Gray, 10. She adjusts her schedule to be home for dinner with the family or to man the grill for a cookout. Their home is a destination for the boys’ friends, and it is not unusual for their soccer teams to come back to the house after games.

Jenny is more than the sum of her parts and has internalized all of the life lessons of honor, hard work, friendship, compassion and commitment to community that led to her vocation as a doctor. At Culver, it’s called “leading by example.” Her husband, Bill, puts it best, “In a world where oftentimes contentiousness and meanness prevail, Jenny is the ‘real deal.’ ”

— Kathy Lintner

Editor’s Note: Jenny has four nieces and nephews who are Culver graduates: Maeve Kline ’14, Frank Kline ’15, Patrick Kline ’17, and Nora Kline ’19.

“I

have learned from (my patients) to think hard about what a meaningful life is, and how you live it.”


A TASTE for LEADERSHIP u

v

!!

Culver restaurateurs bring service and entrepreneurship to the table


A

ll Milo Ramirez wanted was a taco — ­ just a plain, basic, tasty taco.

It was that last bit that turned out to be the hard part. Given that Milo was living in Dallas at the time, you would not think it would be all that hard to find a taco that met those basic criteria. After all, Dallas isn’t that far from Mexico City, where he was born, and not too far removed from Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico, where he grew up. Somebody, somewhere must have been making good ones, right? But, there it was, and he was mystified. “A taco is like a burger or a pizza. It is a universally good food,” says Milo, a 1992 graduate of CMA. “How is it possible that we’re in Dallas and we don’t have a proper taco?” Now, no doubt there are some in Dallas —­particularly the owners of taco places — who might disagree with that. But the Salsa Limon restaurant group that Milo and his sister Rosie, CGA ’94, have built up from a small spot in a so-called “Mexican mall” and a food truck based on that simple assertion is a strong testament to the power of a proper taco. It’s also a good example of the kind of success a number of Culver graduates are enjoying in the restaurant world, where the classic Culver values of excellence, tradition and leadership are recognizable (not to mention rewarded), but also the important traits of thoughtfulness and entrepreneurship. The Ramirezes were both writing at the time, working in creative fields, before settling on the restaurant business. After graduating from Culver, Milo spent a year traveling around the world, before attending Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he double majored in business and art. He wanted to explore filmmaking after graduation and soon found himself in the advertising world. He noticed, especially through his work on an account for a large, fast-food restaurant chain, that the national food culture was undergoing some changes: People were getting more comfortable with spicy food from various ethnicities, especially authentic Latin cuisines.

As time went on, Milo bet on tacos and other Mexican foods as answering the call of that culinary awakening. Which led him to take an unexpected leap. He’d had a conversation with a venture capitalist friend about a restaurant at one time, but that was when he was just starting a new job, so that’s as far as it went. Some time later, that same friend was buying a property in Dallas, what he called a “Mexican mall,” where the local Mexican population would shop. That’s how he got his foot in the door. The problem, he says, which immediately became apparent, was that the restaurant was dead from Monday to Thursday, and overwhelmingly slammed Friday through Sunday. That became too much of a challenge, so Milo transitioned to a food truck, which, considering the proximity to the Texas Christian University campus, boasted lines 50 deep within two weeks of beginning operation, Milo says. It was when the first free-standing restaurant that could solidly be considered a Salsa Limon restaurant opened that the Culver lessons really paid off. “You have a concept, that’s so romantic,” he says, “but it’s still an operation.” “A parade is an operation,” he continues. “You dress up, the lines are tight, you show up on time …” Restaurants are an operation, too, he says, and he needed to seek to understand the process of that kind of an operation. To that end, he enforces a checklist of sorts at all his restaurants, and ensures his managers understand the importance of following that checklist, even when they think they have it committed to memory. Even something as simple as the way the staff dresses is not overlooked. Milo still refers to it as a uniform, though the average customer may not think of it as such. “The uniform shows a commitment to the unit,” he says. “It’s a symbol, an indication of the health of the unit.” “I walk into a restaurant and I feel like I’m inspecting, like I’m the captain of Company A again.”

The iconic modern façade of Canlis restaurant in Seattle.


“At Culver, I learned more about who I was as a person.

­

reminiscences of Ty Fujimura ’93. His path from Culver to the Chicago restaurant scene was not a direct one either. Ty and his brother, Troy ’91, grew up on a farm in Culver, with a huge garden, an orchard full of fruit trees, and a pantry full of home canned and preserved food. Their parents, Ty says, worked hard and taught their sons the value of that hard work. “Treat people how you want to be treated, follow through on what you say and you’ll be successful in whatever you do,” Ty says, adding he always strives to remain in that headspace. Salsa Limon restaurants in Fort Worth and Dallas all have their own distinct identities.

Other aspects of Culver come through constantly as Milo and Rosie manage their five restaurants, named for the districts or neighborhoods they are in (most of them are in Fort Worth, with only one, recently opened, in Dallas; “I guess there’s some operational/military rationale,” Milo says. “You don’t want a unit spread out. You spend a lot of time marching and running around.”

Milo ’92 and Rosie Ramirez ’94

This holds true for the catering side of the business. That was on display this year, when Salsa Limon catered a luncheon for the Black Horse Troop Lancers and Equestriennes who performed at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. A “moral compass” also is important, he adds.

So right out of college, Ty headed to Chicago.

“It is incredible that in today’s culture that statement has become such a loose concept ­— I will not lie, cheat or steal. If you don’t have that moral compass, that’s likely to be a bad organization. You might not see it right away, but you will see it.

“We thought we were going to be amazing DJs,” Ty said. “Turns out, we were not amazing DJs.”

One can hear similar sentiments in the

SUMMER 2019

Culver, he says, helped him become perfectly comfortable with being in front of people. In college, he became immersed in the underground rave culture and was soon DJ’ing. However, lest one think that DJ’ing is simply playing one song after another, there is more to it than that. Ty found himself fascinated with taking different compositions and putting them together with each other. Choreographing and curating a musical experience that had to last one or two hours on average, which, coincidentally, is more or less the average length of a dining experience.

“Imparting those cultural values in an organization has brought us so much success. You walk in and there’s a culture of respect. That’s a healthy company.”

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“At Culver, I learned more about who I was as a person. The tenets of being a good person were the tenets of being a good cadet.”

Which led him and some friends to throwing events, which gave him a look at the other side of the party, so to speak. Shortly after that, Ty says, he got hooked up with a friend who owned a steakhouse. A few years later, Ty and his brother, Troy, bought a sleepy bar in an up-and-coming Chicago neighborhood. Then, over the


The tenets of being a good person were the tenets of being a good cadet.”

­ — Ty Fujimura ’93

dining restaurant that in 2018 was awarded a Michelin star, which it retained this year, joining only 21 other Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago. “I wanted to perfect this idea of creating memories for people (and) have someone seated in my restaurant eating dishes that are dear to me.”

Troy ’91 and Ty Fujimura ’93

years, they bought another bar. And then another. And eventually, the vision merged with the operational side, and the brothers began to develop concepts that were, as Ty says, “close to me,” as a way of curating memories. They treated people the way they wanted to be treated. One of those restaurants, Arami, was a reflection of the brothers’ Japanese and Hawaiian heritage. They found the right chef, the right space, and Arami was born. “We wanted to launch Japanese cuisine. It’s not all sushi,” Ty says. “We grew up trying to expose people to what Japanese and Hawaiian food was.” Other concepts that are now part of Fujimura Hospitality is Small Bar, a boutique bar that features beers you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere; Heineken Pub97, a soccer bar operated in partnership with the Chicago Fire Major League Soccer team; Lucky Klucker, a “virtual restaurant” that requires online ordering and is delivery only, serving chicken wings and sides; and, arguably the crown jewel, Entente, a fine

Creating memories is something that Brian Canlis ’96 knows all about. He, along with his brother Mark, owns Canlis, Seattle’s iconic fine dining establishment since it opened in 1950. Brian and Mark are the third generation of the family to run the Seattle restaurant (Brian’s father, Chris, is a 1963 CMA graduate; his brother Matthew ’90 and uncle, Tony ’62, are also Culver graduates). “I think my past has been surprising to a lot of people,” Brian says. “Military high school. The Air Force. I go from that to being a restaurant guy.” Some people have remarked to him that those years spent away from home at Culver and in the U.S. Air Force were wayward ones. “I don’t think those are wayward years,” he says. “I think those are some of the most formative years that turned me into a restaurateur.” An early illustration of this is found in Brian’s Air Force service. He helped run his base’s dining hall. It was there he helped his team take a more creative approach to food there than they were used to in the military, hoping to do something really special. In the end, his team was awarded the Air Force’s John L. Hennessy Award for best food in the Air Force. “My military time taught me how to lead,” Brian says. “Getting people to want to follow you and not have to follow you. That has been a huge part of my success.” But Canlis is where this careful attention to people is writ large.

Above: A pork dish from Entente.

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“I learned what leadership is at Culver, not in college, Culver gave me the confidence to put my ideas into ac ­ If you asked him to boil it down to a few words, Brian borrows from a famous quote by Maya Angelou, saying: “People will forget what they ate, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And that is at the core of the Canlis philosophy. “You don’t come to Canlis because you’re hungry. You come because tonight’s got to matter. “The things we see coming through the door at Canlis — a business deal, your wife’s having surgery tomorrow — that really is a lot of pressure. It’s about making people feel safe so that they have the confidence that whatever they’re bringing to this restaurant, that the restaurant will safeguard it … These guests are trusting you with an incredible honor.” And that’s an honor that everyone at Canlis takes seriously. That starts with hiring a team that is super motivated to deliver on that promise, Brian says. “It’s about getting a group of people together who, when they get up in the morning, that’s what they’re excited about: Not the business of running a restaurant, but being a part of people’s lives.” And that starts, he says, with having clarity about why your company exists. And once you have that, you hire people who can achieve that vision.

Above: The black cod at Canlis is presented simply and elegantly.

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A lot of that ability to achieve that clarity came from Culver, especially athletics. Canlis played soccer, like so many others, under Coach Jim Brugh.

Brian Canlis ’96

“I think what I most learned at Culver was about people: leading people, a tight-knit team. It taught me what it’s like to be on an intimate team, the power of an intimate team. Theatre is an intimate team. Once you have that team, that intimacy, vulnerability, camaraderie, that is very powerful.” Cultivating that intimacy is a part of the brothers’ practice at the restaurant even today. Some years back, they tried an exercise where they asked staff how they were hoping to grow personally. The exercise was such an emotionally powerful one, they continue that tradition today, extending that offer to guests as well. And while being the facilitator for major life events or emotional moments for people may seem a far cry from elevating the food at an Air Force base from mere chow to a more memorable experience, the two really aren’t that far apart, in that they involve perceptive creative thinking about how to serve people in the way they most need.


I learned that I am good at identifying problems and solving them. ction and open my own business.” ­ — Jiajie Lu ’08 Creative thinking is a thread that runs through the career of Jiajie Lu ’08, who created her own chain of seven fast salad restaurants, Salad+, in Shanghai. She arrived at Culver shy and uncertain, but she quickly found she had a talent for identifying a problem and then finding the solution. During Parents Weekends at Culver, many of the international students’ parents could not attend. Jiajie proposed an international student dinner during those weekends. Not only did she arrange for J.W. Chen in South Bend to cater, but she also worked with master instructor and chair of international student achievement, Cathy Tulungen, and Tony Giraldi ’75, chief international officer, to secure funding. The turnout at the first dinner was so large, it still continues as an annual event. After graduating from Bryn Mawr with a double major in economics and mathematics, Jiajie returned to Shanghai and a job in banking. One year in, she found something was missing, and that maybe she wasn’t cut out to be a banker. She earned a wine taster certificate, which was her initial connection with the Shanghai food world and chefs. Not long after, she started thinking that salad might be a good niche market in the area, given that it is not common there. Having seen the “grab and go” concept in action in America, she thought it would be a great fit for China. After her first trip to the Culver Coffee Co. (owned by Dawn Minas Brockey ’98) as a student, she remembers really liking the feel of that environment. “I noticed what a warm gathering place it was for people to relax, drink coffee and socialize,” she says. “It didn’t look like a hard thing to create. Looking back, it was a very naïve thing to think.” She had a lot of hard work that lay in wait before the first vegetable was ever cut.

She traveled to New York in 2014 to study how good salads are made. She also researched the physical landscape as well as the psychological. What buildings had the most people? Were they Chinese or foreign? Did people even want salad? Where would they go to find one? How long would they be willing to wait for one and how much would they pay? And there was the testing period. “I asked friends to taste 20 salads a day for three rounds to develop the final menu.” Jiajie focused on three areas for training: The salads had to taste really good, they had to look exquisite, and they had to be made perfectly and quickly every time. At first, it was difficult. Her staff had no previous exposure to salads. And not only did they have to make the salads, they had to be able to sell the salads, explaining the virtues of a fresh, seasonal salad and do it enthusiastically. That’s also not to mention being warm and welcoming to customers. But here she is, with several more restaurants to her name. “I know now that I am a woman of action. If I see something that should happen, I know how to solve it.”

Jiajie Lu ‘08, right and her business partner Karen Xu. Their restaurants, Salad+, were awarded Best Healthy Eating Concept at the 2017 Shanghai Food and Drink Awards.

While Salad+ is aimed at a quick meal, some of the sensibility that informs the approach at Canlis is also present. Customers won’t remember just the salad, they had, but how they were treated while a guest in the restaurant. “I saw an opportunity to offer a healthy and reasonably priced salad alternative in the bustling finance district downtown. It had to be healthy, look and taste right. The staff had to feel special and relay that feeling to

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“I walk into a restaurant and I feel like I’m inspecting, like I’m the captain of Company A again.” ­ — Milo Ramirez ’92 customers, who would want to return and tell others about their experience.” Milo Ramirez shares that ethos as well. “Every single person who comes up to you can destroy your business,” he says. “It’s a tough culture for the seller. We have to be good all the time.” The creative drive also means none of these people are resting on past accomplishments either. Witness the Canlis brothers driving a barrel of “the best whiskey in the world” across country as a congratulatory gift to the staff at Eleven Madison Park in New York City (search YouTube for “4,300 Miles — A Canlis Story”). Note Jiajie Lu, moving on to her new venture, the Adaline Club, with a front room café where people can read, relax or work on laptops, and if they choose, visit the spa in back for a facial or massage. The name of the Adaline Club, which now boasts 150 members, was based on the film “The Age of Adaline,” in which the main character dies and is resurrected many times, but she still remains 21 until the end of the film. “I started thinking about the movie and the ex-pat cafés in Paris and envisioned a place where people could relax in a café style room at the front of the building and then a spa room in the back if they wanted a facial, manicure or pedicure. The motto was ‘In our club, you’re always 21.’” And consider Ty Fujimura’s thought process as he looks for new approaches to everyday dining by creating a “virtual restaurant” in the aforementioned Lucky Klucker. Customers only order online and the food is delivered. You don’t pick it up, and you definitely don’t eat there, because there is no “there” there. As Jiajie has with Salad+, one of Ty’s goals is to meet a need people have. Left: Interior of Canlis, one of Seattle’s iconic fine dining establishments.


Ramen is a classic dish at Arami.

“How do we move the needle?” he says. “People are stuck in an eternal scroll on their phone. When you look up, will you be at home? At a restaurant? Are you hungry? We want to be part of that conversation.”

“My military time

And that’s the key, from a virtual restaurant to a fine dining experience. What do guests need, and how do you meet their needs?

lead. Getting people

Food and service, Brian Canlis says, are the easy part. People, on the other hand, understanding guests or leading a team, are the hard part. “If you’re going to have a team, Culver applies,” Milo says. “I wish we had the ‘why’ we did things (back then) instead of ‘just do it.’ … I didn’t really realize then the importance of honor and leadership. I learned later the ‘whys,’ but the lessons were there. That school is there to make leaders.”

“I learned what leadership is at Culver, not in college,” she says. “I learned that I am good at identifying problems and solving them. Culver gave me the confidence to put my ideas into action and open my own business. I still wear my Culver ring every day as a reminder.” — Mike Petrucelli

Culver Alumni managing editor Kathy Lintner contributed to this article.

to want to follow you and not have to follow you. That has been a huge part of my success.” ­— Brian Canlis ’96

Jiajie feels the same.

taught me how to


CULVER CLASS OF

Jordon Freeman shows off his ring.

Retiring instructor Dr. John Yeager hugs a student at the faculty farewell.

First Classmen escort their mothers during the Officers Figure.

Nora Kline and Caroline Schiller during Baccalaureate.

Erin Anderson jumps to touch the CGA Crest.


2019 GRADUATION

First Classmen and their dates during the second part of the Officers Figure.

Avery Bolden is congratulated by CGA Dean Lynn Rasch ‘76

Hannah Luo (second left) and Janelle Li (third left) cheer for a friend. Sam Lucchese shakes hands with faculty members during the faculty farewell.

Joe Ward gives his Baccalaureate speech.


LUO, QIN NAMED 2019 TOP SCHOLARS Hannah Luo (Canton, Michigan) was named the valedictorian and Zhangyuan (Harry) Qin (Beijing) the salutatorian for the Class of 2019. Luo and Qin each received the Jonas Weil Award, a monetary award established by the 1954 alumnus, which honors the top two academic students of each graduating class. A Batten Scholar while at Culver, Luo is a National Merit Scholar, scored a perfect 36 on her ACT, and will attend Columbia University in the fall. She shared the Alfred J. Donnelly Scholastic Award with Janelle Li, finishing her junior and senior years with a 4.00 GPA. Her 12-term GPA, which determines the valedictorian and salutatorian awards, was also 4.00. She graduated cum laude with honors in Spanish language and culture, and mathematics.

Hannah Luo

Qin will attend UCLA. He graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.99 with honors in science and mathematics. He received the Science Medal, which is presented to the graduate who demonstrates unusual promise in the field of science by superior interest, initiative, and achievement. He was also a member of the Band and graduated cum laude.

Other students recognized for their scholastic achievements included:

Janelle Li, who shared the Donnelly Award with Luo, also received the Jane Metcalfe Culver Bowl, which honors the CGA graduate who has distinguished herself in scholastic and athletic achievements.

– Henry Stewart received the YMCA Cup, which is presented to the cadet who best exemplifies the ideals of Culver, as chosen by the faculty. – Chase Cortes received the Superintendent’s Bowl, which is presented to a CGA graduate whose leadership example, influence, and total record of achievement has brought honor to Culver and herself. – Basil Perun received the Thomas Bridegroom ’02 Award, which is presented to the graduate intending to study a Fine Art discipline at the next level. The financial award is provided by Michael Huffington ’65. – Luo, Qin, Li, Ives, Liu, Ward, and Stewart and 17 other graduates were inducted into the Culver Academies chapter of Zhangyuan (Harry) Qin The Cum Laude Society, a national honorary academic society founded in 1906. The Culver chapter was chartered in 1925. Others inducted include Duo Zheng, Yanfan Wang, Qixuan Cao, Jia Bloom, Catherine George, Jiayi Wang, Zongling Shen, Isabelle Landy, Siyuan Wang, Jingxing Wang, Laurel Sullivan, Yang Song, Mallory Dolorfino, Yulun Wu, Grant Adams, Justin Shao, and Alison Shao.

Feiyang (Frank) Liu (Beijing) received the McDonald Award. Established by E.C. McDonald (1915), the award is given to the graduating cadet who by his individual work, example, and inspiration has contributed most to the betterment of cultural life at Culver.

Shannon Master received the Hughes Award. The award is given in honor of Arthur G. Hughes, the first chairman of the Fine Arts Department, to the graduating CGA senior who has revealed exceptional concern for cultural life on campus.

Also recognized were five seniors and first classmen who received a service academy appointment. Attending the United States Military Academy at West Point are Dante Dalmaso, Sydney Herczeg and Spencer Weisgram. Going to the United States Naval Academy is Alexander Coleman. Nick Stapleton will be attending the United States Air Force Academy.

Garrett Dotson received the VanZandt Key, named in honor of Richard K. VanZandt ’28. The award recognizes the cadet who has increased awareness among the Corps of the impor- tance of moral and spiritual values.

Six first classmen will attend college on ROTC scholarships. Alex Farmer, Joe Kuhl, Trey Mosley and Jack VerMeulen received Army ROTC scholarships. Joe Ward received a Navy ROTC award. Carter Hitchcock received an Air Force ROTC award.

– Katherine Ives received the Mary Frances England Human- itarian Award given to the CGA senior who, by her acts, has revealed an exemplary concern for others. –

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Joseph Ward received the Chambers Award, which is given in the memory of Cal C. Chambers 1908, recognizes the first classman who has distinguished himself with a combi- nation of excellence in scholarship and athletics.

SUMMER 2019

The Brian M. Barefoot Social Entrepreneurship Awards were presented “Anonymous” by Siyuan Wang (Shanghai, China), Jiayi Wang (Beijing), and Yilin Li (Beijing); “Book Drive for Argos” by Hallie DeWulf (Argos, Ind.); and “UnBeauty Mark” by Ava Yiohl (Culver). The awards are presented to Senior Practicum projects that are creative, unique, visionary, and promise long term benefits to a disadvantaged community.


Taking the Next Step – Class of 2019 The 208 members of the Class of 2019 are ready to “take their next step into a larger world” by following the path that calls to them — college, service academies, junior hockey & golf, study abroad in England or taking a bridge year to explore their options. Whatever path they take, they carry the lessons of a Culver education as their north star. Babson College

3

Indiana State University

2

Ball State University

1

Indiana University

14

Barnard College

1

Johns Hopkins University

2

Blinn College

1

Johnson and Wales University

1

Boston College

4

Kalamazoo College

2

Boston University

7

Knox College

1

Bowdoin College

1

Lake Forest College

1

Bradley University

2

LaSalle University

1

Bucknell University

2

Lindenwood University

1

Butler University

1

Loyola University Chicago

2

Case Western Reserve University

1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

1

Chatham University

2

Miami University, Oxford Ohio

9

Claremont McKenna College

1

Michigan State University

1

College of William and Mary

1

Middle Tennessee State University

1

Colorado State University

1

New York University

4

Columbia University

2

Northeastern University

1

Cornell University

1

Northern Michigan University

1

Dartmouth College

1

Ohio University

1

Denison College

1

Oklahoma State University

1

Drake University

3

Penn State University

3

Drexel University

1

Pomona College

1

Eckerd College

1

Post University

1

Elmhurst College

1

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

2

Emory University

1

Florida Southern College

1

Furman University

1

George Washington University

1

Georgia Institute of Technology

1

Holy Cross College

1

Hope College

1

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Princeton University

1

University of North Carolina

1

Purdue University

12

University of Notre Dame

3

Queens University

1

University of Pennsylvania

2

Rhode Island School of Design

1

University of Southern California

2

Rochester Institute of Technology

1

University of St. Andrews

1

Rollins College

1

University of St. Thomas

1

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

1

University of Texas

2

Saint Louis University

2

University of Utah

2

Santa Clara University

1

University of Virginia

1

Sewanee: University of the South

1

University of Wisconsin, Madison

3

Southern Methodist University

3

Vanderbilt University

2

Stanford University

3

Virginia Tech

2

St. John’s College

1

Wabash College

2

Suffolk University

2

Washington University, St. Louis

2

Texas A & M University

1

Webb Institute

1

Texas Christian University

3

Wellesley College

1

Texas Tech University

1

Wesleyan University

1

Tufts University

1

Williams College

1

Tulane University

1

U.S. Military Academy

3

Non-U.S. Colleges:

U.S. Naval Academy

1

Canada:

2

University of Arizona

1

Mexico:

5

University of California, Berkeley

2

Spain:

1

University of California, Los Angeles

1

University of California, San Diego

1

University of California, Santa Barbara

1

University of Chicago

3

University of Dayton

1

University of Delaware

2

University of Denver

3

University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana

1

University of Indianapolis

1

University of Kentucky

1

University of Maryland, College Park

1

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

1

University of Miami

1

University of Michigan, Dearborn

1

Bridge Year: A year of exploring and learning, taken immediately between high school and college, intended to deepen one’s perspective and clarify a future direction. Here are a few “gap” year experiences that 13 Culver seniors will pursue next year: – Junior Hockey: Seven will play for a year in junior hockey leagues in either the United States or Canada. – IMG Academy for Golf: One will hone his skills at a golf academy. – English Speaking Union: One will spend a year abroad in Great Britain at Wells Cathedral School that provides tuition, room and board. – Others: Two will defer college to take time to work, travel or pursue personal interests.


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WHAT I DID FOR LOVE John R. Mars Award recipient Cathy Mitzell Duke ’70 reflects on helping build the Fine Arts Department at Culver.

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“Kiss today goodbye and point me toward tomorrow.We did what we had to do.” – A Chorus Line

W

hen my parents moved my family to Culver in 1961 for my father to take a teaching job in the history department, little did I know that we were each beginning a lifelong journey. As I looked out at the Culver Inn pier from our temporary residence at the Inn, I saw the gently rocking boats and felt the breeze, and I knew we had come to a special place. My family, Culver, and the Arts were to entwine and become the center of my life.

That fall I began dance lessons with Virginia Bays, the wife of Admiral Bays, in the basement of Eppley Auditorium. I was able to experience concert series performances in the early ’60s that brought the dance companies of Alvin Ailey, Paul Taylor, and Alwin Nikolais to the Eppley stage. Since the theatre director, Bill Martin, was always looking for females to perform in shows, I was a hot box dancer at age 11 in “Guys and Dolls.” Later came “Brigadoon,” “The King and I,” “South Pacific” and “The Diary of Adam and Eve” during my years at Culver as a faculty daughter. How could I not want to be involved in the Arts? While there were limited after-school activities for 12 coeds, the Arts kept me busy. Ironically, I would teach in that basement studio for 25 years before moving up to the Steinbrenner Performing Arts Center. When John Mars decided to expand the Fine Arts department in 1977, I was called home from a teaching position in La Jolla, LEFT: Cathy teaching a dance for athletes class in the basement dance studio of Eppley Auditorium

California. John and Mai Fan England mentored me and helped create opportunities for the dance program to expand. All new incoming girls took dance, and Dancevision celebrated the first Parents Weekend performance in April of 1978. We motivated students with trips to Chicago to see “A Chorus Line” and Fosse’s “Dancin’.” Dean Nagy attended both and sang the score of “A Chorus Line” the whole bus ride home. A second dance teacher, Jill Tulchinsky, was hired to teach ballet in the early ’80s, and the program became unique in having two full-time dance teachers. Culver connections grew strong through students and their parents. I was teaching children of my 1970 classmates and soon children of my former students. Reunion weekends were special to see alumni I knew when I was at Culver and many returnees from classes that I taught. Along with Dancevision, the Dance for Athletes classes became a cornerstone for the program to bring the male population into the studio for a class that improved their flexibility and muscle memory. I thank John Mosley ’79 and Skeeter Moore ’82 for being athletes who participated early on and who helped make dance an accepted outlet for CMA cadets. Both of these Hall of Famers danced in Honors performances. Skeeter was in the dream ballet of “Oklahoma,” along with Todd Schmidt ’81 and John Hughes ’80. I am particularly proud of the cadets who started in this manner and went on to earn Honors in Dance in the early years — Phil Nowlin ’83 and Doug Pybus ’83. They both created interesting choreography and spent a summer with me working on my adaptation of “The Scarlet Letter.” (I am not listing all of the CMA honorees, but there were several more!) The period of the most professional growth for me was after I became Chair of the Fine Arts department. It was daunting to take on a role once held by Art Hughes, but I enjoyed the interaction and collegiality of the chairs. We tackled formidable challenges in order to bring clarity to our hiring process and the rank and promotion system. As colleagues we were committed to the mission and to developing a nurturing, healthy community environment for all. I must thank Kathy Lintner, the former dean of faculty, for her continuous support and vision, along with Kevin MacNeil and Josh Pretzer. It became clear that integrating the Arts into other departments and collaborating with faculty on creative projects would enhance the entire educational experience.

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I enjoyed the interaction and collegiality of the (department) chairs. As colleagues we were committed to the mission and to developing a nurturing, healthy community environment for all.

The Fine Arts programs have thrived with improved spaces for Visual Arts, Dance, and Theatre. It was a pleasure to be part of the building projects and dedications for these spaces. I learned from the meetings with the architects and my area faculty on the needs for their spaces. The music building, the former M &A, continues to be in desperate need of renovation to support Correcting the line of Dancevision the excellent work member. that inhabits the space. Our faculty and students in music have consistently achieved recognition at competitions and distinction by performing at venues like Carnegie Hall. We have the largest group of faculty teaching in that building, with four full time and 10 adjuncts. They deserve a space that complements their incredible efforts. I am sorry we could not accomplish that building improvement during my tenure as chair. After our first department triennial review, we instituted the Fine Arts Honor Society to celebrate and recognize the work of our most dedicated students. We induct students into the society twice annually and provide artist spotlights throughout the year to highlight artists before our school community. While the department inhabits different buildings across the campus, we bring the artists together with activities to share their talents with the hope of collaboration across the disciplines. Our students are passionate about the Arts, and this society will continue to grow in purpose and support for our artist community on campus. Thanks to the generosity of Paul Gignilliat ’49, we have The Artistic Fund to provide enrichment opportunities for our most accomplished artists. Residencies by master artists, such as Alan Feltus, Nick Pupillo, Robert Post, and the Fischoff competition winners, have supported and motivated students. We have sent students to summer study at quality schools like Interlochen and Rhode Island School of Design.

I am excited for the future of the Arts at Culver. Our faculty are passionate and our students inspiring. I leave the department in the hands of one of my hires, Steve Rozek, to take over as department chair. Steve is completing three years at Culver but has allowed the school into his heart. He is capable and persevering, and I will look forward to the direction he charts. Looking back, I reflect on how much my parents loved Culver and the relationships they built over time. None was more heartfelt than the one my family shared with John and Phyllis Mars. At my final Commencement convocation in June, Dean of Faculty Josh Pretzer announced that I was the recipient of the John R. Mars Award, given to the faculty or staff member who has forged the most positive relationships with students. I was surprised and deeply humbled by this honor. I had already decided to carry a photograph of my dad and John Mars with me on graduation morning. I did so with even more pride to celebrate the influence these two great men had on my journey and Culver. My brothers, husband, and son all have deep ties to Culver. We live here Stretching on stage before a Dancevision because we love rehearsal. the community and the memories that shaped our lives. Next year I look forward to my 50th class reunion and hope we can motivate the Class of ’70 to return. The Class of ’69 had a record reunion turnout at 85 strong, and I hope my Culver classmates will beat this number. Along with this upcoming event, I look forward to stepping back and reconnecting with old friends, traveling, and developing new creative projects. The Culver community has changed significantly in 49 years when just a dozen faculty daughters attended classes with the cadets. Culver will always be home and the place where I found my true passion. It has been a privilege to serve Culver, the Arts, and my extended family. My life has been full. Thanks for the memories, one and all, and “point me towards tomorrow.” — By Cathy Mitzell Duke ’70

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Making Leadership and Character Stick

I

n early May, John Yeager addressed the Culver Board of Trustees about his 19 year career at Culver. He focused his comments on the power of moments and stories, “which we create to understand ourselves and that become the narratives of our lives, explaining the accidents and choices that have brought us where we are: what I’m good at, what I care about most, and where I’m headed.” Peter Brown, Make It Stick.

John’s Culver story began in 1998, when he was a teacher in the School of Education at Boston University and a guest speaker in a summer graduate course. John Buxton, former Culver Head of Schools, on sabbatical from his work at St. Paul’s School, was a student in the class. After meeting him and realizing that John had played club lacrosse with two of Buxton’s brothers, they hit it off. John Buxton became a co-author with two others and John in writing Character and Coaching — Building Virtue in Athletic Programs. John visited Culver in the fall of 1999 to see John Buxton and speak with Culver athletic coaches about character and sports. After a return visit with his family a few months later, John pulled up his New England roots, packed up his family, lacrosse stick and Boston accent and headed to Culver, where he began his Culver odyssey as Director of Wellness, Director for Center of Character Excellence, and Wellness Department Chair. He began impacting

multiple programs immediately, developing lasting relationships with countless students and adults, and changing the Culver lexicon around wellness and leadership. Coming to Culver was an opportunity to collaborate with other faculty and staff to make a difference with the students and make the school’s mission statement a living reality. John believes teachers have a responsibility to be “culture keepers,” whether it be nested in the classroom, living unit, or athletic arena. That virtue is a constellation of developing behaviors that ensure all students are listened to, taken seriously and feel genuinely needed. John’s first area of impact was transforming Culver’s approach to wellness, from a focus on health and physical education to a campus-wide commitment to wellness education, supporting the mind, spirit, and body through intentional reflection on the physical, emotional, mental, moral, spiritual, and social domains. John served as the first department chair of the newly named Wellness Education department, developing courses centered around health issues, positive psychology, sports psychology, social psychology, and behavioral economics. With his characteristic enthusiasm, John enrolled in the first Positive Psychology master’s degree program at the University of Pennsylvania in 2005, where he met two fellow students, Sherri Fisher and Dave Shearon, who collaborated with him on the eventual publication of Living, Learning, and Leading, and helped facilitate a three-day strengths-based program for Culver faculty during the next four years. Eventually, the major aspects of the strengths program became embedded in many aspects of the Culver culture. John’s scholarly interests shifted over time from wellness education to leadership. He

became a leading national voice centered around character and amplified through the publication of his book SMART Strengths – Building Character, Resilience, and Relationships in Youth, which has been used by educators throughout the world. He became a key voice in the Leadership Education department, anchoring the Ethics course and leading workshops around the subject of polarities and the DiSC personality assessment for Culver students and adults. John also shared his expertise with the greater Culver community through the distinguished scholarship weekends, Culver Club engagements and regional and national audiences. John’s other passion is lacrosse. He played goalie all four years at Boston State College where he was named MVP. He wrote a book called Our Game: The Character and Culture of Lacrosse and was inducted into the New England Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1996. At Culver he served as head varsity lacrosse coach from 2001-2004, winning two state championships and being named the 2002 Indiana coach of the year. When asked what he thought his Culver legacy would be, John answered: “My hope is that the ‘holistic’ nature of the Culver system is retained over time. Just like a set of dominoes, our actions influence others. It goes back to the earlier Peter Brown quote about knowing the stories of others and being able to take them into consideration in our daily care of ourselves and others. All people have meaning.” John’s story has not ended but is beginning a new chapter, where he will direct his energies to his work with the Yeager Leadership Group — ­ “partnering with individuals, teams and organizations to bring out the best in corporations, educational institutions and athletic programs.” He still has many years of “flourishing” work ahead.

— Kathy Lintner

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2019 FACULTY AWARDS

Duke honored with Mars Merit Award When Dean of Faculty Josh Pretzer presented the John R. Mars Merit Award to retiring Fine Arts chair and dance instructor Cathy Duke ’70, he said Dean Al Nagy predicted her success early in her career. And, after a 39-year teaching career, it still holds true.

Duke’s “understanding of the human condition and ability to see into the souls of others” has been the key to her success as a dance instructor and faculty leader, he said. Duke established Dancevision and grew the dance program to the point a

As her influence on campus continued to grow, Duke provided steady leadership through committee work, chairing the faculty and staff executive committee, coordinating the Artistic Fund and the Montgomery Lecture Series, and serving on the Batten Scholarship Committee. She also served as a long-time Fine Arts Department chair and member of the Academic Leadership Team. “She is the keeper of the culture for her faculty teams, always reminding her colleagues from where we all come and whose shoulders they stand upon,” Pretzer told the audience, “and at the same time providing breathing room for individuals and teams to experiment, grow, and thrive.”

Josh Pretzer with 2019 Mars Merit Award recipient Cathy Duke

In a 1974 letter of recommendation, Nagy wrote, “This young woman is by nature a very sincere and genuine person. There is nothing phony or unnatural about her. No wonder that her peers and her students actively seek her out for advice and guidance. I am frequently amazed by the depth of her understanding and compassion for an individual and his (or her) problems. This sympathetic appreciation for the other individual is indicative of a level of maturity and judgement far beyond her mere 21 years.” Duke has had a 53-year Culver journey that started as a faculty daughter and student. She continued down her path, serving as a summer school instructor, faculty member, faculty leader, and Batten Fellow, Pretzer added. Years later, Dean of Faculty Kathy Lintner wrote, “Our Dancing Diva has a bigger heart and more compassion for others than anyone I know. She truly takes care of those she leads.”

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second full-time instructor was needed after her third year. That same year, she received the Gen. Delmar P. Spivey award for teaching excellence.

Duke will also be remembered for her promotion and celebration of the arts, Pretzer said. Rarely does a band concert, gallery opening, play or gala happen without her being there to celebrate the students and her colleagues. Duke wrote, “I am proud of the last ten years and how much we have accomplished in the development of curriculum, co-curriculars, and high-level Honors performances. We challenge our students and guide them through their passion.” Pretzer also shared Duke’s final professional narrative: “When I think about the Culver

The Culver mission has grounded me through generations of students and good and bad times, and I value the bonds shared and the values we forge and do not forget. – Cathy Mitzell Duke After leaving Culver for a short time, she returned and continued to evolve the dance program, formalizing the popular Dance for Athletes class, leading classes internationally for various groups of students, and collaborating with choreography for spring musicals and other special programs. For her efforts, Duke was awarded The John and Virginia Bays Chair of Fine Arts.

mission, I realize that it is part of the DNA that was passed to me from loving parents who served the school with pride and sincere purpose. The Culver mission has grounded me through generations of students and good and bad times, and I value the bonds shared and the values we forge and do not forget. Culver provides the canvas to color your world and chart your course to be a better person and lead by example.”


Elliott, Canelli receive faculty honors Along with Cathy Duke, two other faculty members were recognized at the Commencement Convocation on June 1.

Culver, Pretzer added. He continues to engage his students through the construction of simulations — designed for students to experience the perspective, hardships, or privilege of others. He pushes for their reflection on their identity, cares about how they experience his teaching, and humbles himself in conversations with them as they discuss what it means to be human. It is that patience with and trust in his students that clears the intellectual space for them to truly explore.

Master instructor of mathematics Lori Elliott received the Kaser Scholar Award, which is presented to the faculty member “whose scholarly interests, enthusiastic teaching, sympathetic understanding and wise counsel combine to inspire students and kindle in them a zest for life and learning. The honor is named after Mark B. Kaser ’75. Humanities instructor Lou Canelli received the Maj. Gen. Delmar T. Spivey Award, which was established by Dr. Richard U. Light (1920) and Rudolph Light (1927) to recognize and encourage superior teaching among younger, promising members of the faculty. The award is named after Culver’s sixth superintendent.

Kaser Scholar: Lori Elliott Since the Kaser Scholar is student voted, Pretzer said it was important to let their voices echo through Elliott’s introduction: “and students are not at a loss of words to commend this faculty member — methodical, encouraging, thorough, engaging, approachable, humorous, and ‘simply awesome’ — but it is in the frequent testimonials and notes of gratitude from students where you get at what drives this humble servant leader.” One student’s comments included: “I went into this class confident of my skills and my GPA. Little did I know that I would receive my first B- on a report card in this class! But, you put in the countless hours with me, and I ended up okay. You helped me grow as a person. I am not perfect; I can’t have the perfect GPA. I learned, after all of this, that it is okay to get a B. I want to say thank you. Thank you for the countless hours after school, teaching me not only about the unit circle but about life in general.” Another wrote: “This is indeed the most challenging math class I have ever taken. I came here thinking

Dean of Faculty Josh Pretzer with award recipient Lori Elliott

that this is going to be a math class just like what I had in China. However, I had so much fun and I have learned so much. I love this class, and I cannot say ‘thank you’ enough. I have been challenged (indeed) but have strived so much that I did not even know I had this potential. I am so grateful that you and this class completely reversed my mindset towards math.”

Canelli also brings that combination of flexibility, humor, and professionalism to his coaching of the speech team. His introduction to speech began with Culver, but he has used his experiences in acting and improvisation to become an effective coach, making him an integral member of the coaching staff, Pretzer said.

Pretzer said the students’ comments show Elliott “loves and deeply knows her discipline, she is driven by relationships. She simply loves people.” As a coach, she supports her athletes the same way and serves as a role model for the girls on the volleyball court, making each of her teams a family. As a teacher and a coach, she has lived by one of her favorite sayings by coaching legend John Wooden: “No written word, nor spoken plea, can teach our youth what they should be, nor all the books on the shelves. It is what the teachers are themselves.”

Spivey Award: Lou Canelli Pretzer said when Spivey Award recipient Lou Canelli interviewed, “the kids around him didn’t know what hit them: humor, introspection, vulnerability, passion, and intelligence all coming at them in a quick 45 minutes.” Those attributes represent the many reasons why Canelli has enjoyed quick success at

Josh Pretzer with award recipient Lou Canelli

His arc at Culver also touches on the adult community, and that arc is also supported by trust. “He trusted (Zac) Gipson to lead him and inspire him through ‘Gutenberg: The Musical!’ and he trusted his friends at the 10th-grade level as he learned the culture around the team’s collaborative work.” Pretzer added, “He listens, learns, and finds opportunities for enrichment, including personal narrative writing across the level and the suggestion of an additional text to secure more intentional links to the team’s essential questions about justice.”

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STUDENT SPORTS

Athletes collect national titles, state crowns Three national titles, two state championships, four sectional titles, and several team records highlighted the winter and spring sports seasons at Culver. The CMA Prep lacrosse and Rowing teams collected national titles. The CGA hockey team qualified for the national finals for the first time in program history. CMA Varsity hockey won its third consecutive state championship. Wrestling crowned its second state champion on its way to a record-setting team performance. And CMA basketball made a return appearance to the state championship game and had its first player named to the Indiana All-Stars team. That is just a small part of what Culver’s student-athletes accomplished.

Prep lacrosse is No. 1 The CMA Prep lacrosse team finished No. 1 in both the Inside Lacrosse/Under Armour and the U.S. Lacrosse/Nike polls after winning the National Prep Championship in midMay. The Eagles finished on a 16-game winning streak, which was highlighted by a 9-5 decision over Hill Academy in the prep tournament’s finale. The Eagles had defeated Hill Academy, 16-8, earlier in the season when they met at the University of Michigan. CMA claimed the top spot in the Inside Lacrosse/Under Armour poll in the sixth week of the season and moved into No. 1 in the final poll for U.S. Lacrosse/Nike poll on June 11. Calvert Hall moved from No. 1 to No. 2 after an overtime loss to Hill late in the season. Two seniors were selected to play in the Under Armour All-American Lacrosse Game at the end of June. Princeton-bound midfielder Sam English (Burlington, Ontario) and Denver signee and face-off specialist Alec Stathakis (Northville, Michigan) were tabbed to play in the June 29 contest at Johns Hopkins University’s Homewood Field. They become the eighth and ninth CMA players selected to participate. 32

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CGA Hockey on national stage The Culver Girls Academy Prep hockey team took a major step forward when the Eagles made their first appearance in the USA Hockey Girls Tier-I 19U National Championship. The top 16 teams in the country played in the tournament in early April. CGA advanced to the national tournament by winning the Mid-Am district tournament in mid-March, defeating Gilmour Academy, 3–2, and the No. 16 Pittsburgh Penquins Elite, 1–0. The team finished 13-19-4 after dropping national tournament games to the Boston Jr. Eagles, Detroit Honeybaked, and the New Jersey Colonials in pool play. Boston won the overall championship.

CGA repeats as sectional champs The CGA tennis team collected its 16th sectional title with wins over Knox and North Judson. The Eagles defeated Knox, 4-1, in the first round and North Judson, 5-0, in the championship, which had to be moved indoors because of rain.

CMA rowing takes two The Culver rowing team collected two more national championship trophies during the Scholastic National Championships at Lake Dillon in Nashport, Ohio, in late May. Bringing home national titles were: The Men’s Junior 4+ team included Brendan Jarmusz ‘21 (Winnetka, Illinois), Corbin Steck ‘20 (Decatur, Illinois), Jason Dilena ‘20 (Tiburon, California), Diego Gordon ‘20 (Ukiah, California), and Benjamin Brummel ‘20 (Highlands Ranch, Colorado). The Men’s Varsity 4+ team consisted of Noah Tan ‘21 (Stevensville, Michigan), Savas Koutsouras ‘20 (Culver), Henry Stewart ‘19 (Indianapolis), Jacob Page ‘20 (Granger, Indiana) and Charles Jones ‘20 (Bloomington, Indiana). In Junior 4+ championship race, Culver came from third place to capture the title, finishing 2.3 seconds ahead of second and thirdplace Haverford School and Moorestown High School (New Jersey). The Varsity 4+ squad was also in third place early, but slowly closed the gap and finished 2.7 seconds ahead of Pinecrest School (Florida) and Orchard Lake St Mary’s (Michigan).

Wrestling has state champion Culver Wrestling sent four wrestlers to the state finals in February, with three reaching the podium, and Brennen Cernus ’22 (Pickerington, Ohio) claiming the 106-pound championship. Cernus did not give up a point during his four matches at state, and only three points during the entire tournament run. Andrew Donahue ’22 (Powell, Ohio) finished as state runner-up at 182; and Trey Finnearty ’20 (Circleville, Ohio) finished eighth at 120. Braden Welch ’22 (Ashland, Ohio) was the fourth state qualifier. CMA finished eighth in the team standings, a team record. Nine wrestlers qualified for the semi-state and 10 for the regional, both records.

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Varsity A wins 27th title The CMA Varsity A hockey team captured its third consecutive Class 4A state title with a 2-1 win over Zionsville at the Midwest Ice Center in Dyer. It was CMA’s 27th state hockey title overall. Scoring for Culver were Vlad Eustace ’20 (Crown Point, Indiana) and Gavin Fritch ’20 (Carmel, Indiana). Nick Gill ’19 (Tacoma, Washington) was in goal for the second straight year. Sam Lucchese ’19 (Elkhart, Ind.) was awarded the Robert Gilliken Award, one of four honors given to Indiana high school hockey players. The $1,000 scholarship is based on academic achievement, citizenship, community and school contributions, dedication, and sportsmanship.

CMA returns to state

CGA Track & Field

Culver Military’s goal of back-to-back state basketball championships fell three points short, dropping a 52–49 decision to Silver Creek at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 23. The team finished with a 24–4 record and collected its fourth sectional, third regional, and third semi-state titles since the 2010– 2011 season. The 24-4 record topped the 23-6 mark set by the 2018 Class 3-A state championship team.

Two individuals and one CGA relay team qualified for the state track and field finals in Bloomington on June 1. Marissa Rivera ’19 (above, Columbus, Indiana) finished sixth in the state in the 800 meters on June 1. She was joined at state by Erin Anderson ’19 (Elmhurst, Illinois) in the 400; and both girls were members of the 4x400 relay team with Madison Rivera ’22 (Columbus, Indiana) and Maggie Bialek ’21 (Metamora, Michigan).

John Cohen ’19 (Carmel, Indiana) received the Arthur L. Trester Award, the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s highest sportsmanship honor, after the game. A month later, Ethan Brittain-Watts ’19 (Indianapolis) became CMA’s first Indiana All-Star; joining CGA’s Patricia Babcock McGraw ’90, who was Miss Basketball, and Andrijana Cvitkovic ’13. Trey Galloway (Culver) and Deontae Craig (Fort Wayne, Indiana) were named to the Junior All-Stars, another first for the basketball program. Brittain-Watts finished his career as the second-leading scorer in CMA history with 1,375 points. He trails only Jackson Atoyebi ’01 (1,431) and is ahead of Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson ’94 (1,284). He will play at Boston University next season.

CMA golf wins sectional The CMA golf team easily captured the Warsaw sectional and Mikey Perea ’19 (left, Arvada, Colorado) was the medalist after shooting a 71 on the par-70 Rozella-Ford Golf Course. The Eagles fired a team total of 300 to finish 14 strokes ahead of runner-up Columbia City. Along with Perea, A.J. Davidson ’21 (Lake Forest, Illinois) shot a 74, Josh Bellin ’20 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) 77, and Tim Neu ’19 (Palos Hills, Illinois) 78 to count toward the team total. Chase Frantti ’19 (Spring Grove, Illinois) shot an 89 to finish out the scoring.

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CGA won the team title at the Plymouth Sectional, finishing with 162 points.


STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS The Next Launch moves to Culver Using a special plastic film to correct vision took first place at The Next Launch business plan competition this spring. The third annual event was conducted on the Culver Academies campus for the first time this year. It involved 26 student teams from nine high schools in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Michigan. Sponsored by The Ron Rubin School for the Entrepreneur, the competition awarded a total of $40,000 in prize money. A Culver Academies team was selected as one of the nine finalists. CAPtrack provides people with an accurate way to ensure prescription medication is being taken properly. Ava Dauer ’20 (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Annalisse Zuniga ’20 (Laredo, Texas) explained the container allows people to track when and how many pills are being taken each time.

CAPtrack and Culver’s other two teams advanced through the Miclot Business Plan Competition in March. Also representing Culver were Luis Franco ’22 (Culiacan Rosales, Mexico), Beau Barich ’22 (Fishers, Indiana), and Xinrui Shi ’22 (Palo Alto, California), who offered a new portable battery system for cell phones called Slide, and Jacob Page ’20 (Granger, Indiana), who presented a concept for a Remote Renewable Automobile Charging Station for electric vehicles. Ron Rubin ’68 listened to the Thursday presentations and Mitchell Kokko ’15, who is involved with the Idea Center at the University of Notre Dame, served as the master of ceremonies. The event kicked off with a special talk by 2001 graduate George Foreman III on how he established his business Everybody Fights.

Speech finishes third in state

State runners-up in Econ Challenge

The Culver Speech team placed third in Class AA and sixth overall at the Indiana High School Forensic Association’s state competition this spring. After winning its eighth consecutive sectional championship, the team sent 35 of its 40 entrees to the state competition.

Two Culver teams participated in the Indiana Council for Economic Education’s Econ Challenge competition at Indiana University South Bend this spring.

Of those 35 entrees, 22 broke through to the quarterfinals, 10 advanced to the semifinals, and three finished in the top six. Ethan Tinsley ’19 was sixth in radio, Takis Kurtis ’19/Molly McGrane ’20 was fifth in duo, and Kara Gamel ’11 was sixth in original performance.

Both Culver teams finished first in their respective divisions in the north region. The team of Grant Adams ’19, Georgia Cleveland ’19, Nash Koch ’19, and Manuel Zuniga ’19 captured the AP Econ — ­ Adam Smith division. Viktor Hatina ’20, Beau Fixari ’19, and Nick Gravenites ’21 won the Regular Econ — David Ricardo division. Culver’s winning scores were then compared to the South Region scores. Both teams were edged out of the overall title, finishing as state runners-up.

Indiana State Chess champion Aydin Turgut ’22 won the 2019 Indiana State Chess Championship in April. Turgut finished with a score of 4.5 out of a possible 5 for the weekend tournament. In the process, he beat the 2017 state champion in the third round and the 2018 champion in the fourth round. Through the season, the speech team averaged a second place finish, winning the Chesterton, Elkhart Memorial, Northam Memorial, and Central Indiana Forensic League varsity meets. With a 45-person roster, the team had 27 novice (new) members this year. It was also the most diverse group since its inception 23 years ago, with 23 Chinese Nationals joining the team this season.

He entered the final round as the only person in the 60-person field with a perfect score. A draw in the final match made him the clear winner. Players ranged in age from nine years old to over 80. There were five rounds with each game lasting approximately four hours. Turgut also won the Indiana State Blitz (5-minute chess) championship with 6.5/7 score. He is now ranked 17th in the United States and 172nd in the world in the U16 classification.

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M O I NG C E B E M E R AN F A

At the end of last year, after 30 years in finance and banking, I decided to make a change because I knew I wanted to do something different. On the top of my bucket list was riding a bicycle across the United States. I had just had right knee replacement so a ride would help with rehab. I have been a biker for a long time, doing shorter trips through the years, often with Culver classmates with whom I still keep close ties. I had never done a ride over 85 miles in a day though, let alone successively over a month, so I knew I had a significant challenge ahead of me. Over January and February, I built up a bike, bought all the necessary gear, planned the route and trained.

Editor’s Note: Freeman Wood ’82 was not happy. After a 30-year career in finance, he was given the opportunity to take a cross-country bike trip. Using an old steel frame, he customized a bike for a 41-day trip across the southern states, which included stops to see some of his old Culver friends. After his trip, classmate Elizabeth Bernstein included his experience in an article “How to Find Your Passion” for the Wall Street Journal. Now, Wood shares a small part of his story with us. “I am not going to make it.” Every part of my 54-year old body ached, from my eight-month-old artificial knee all the way up through my spasming back. I was exhausted and still had a huge hill to climb. I had already ridden 47 miles and climbed more than 4,000 feet from the Pacific Ocean with almost 40 pounds of gear on my overloaded bike. Now I was lying in the grass by the road fueling up with everything from energy drinks to M&Ms trying to get enough energy to make the final push. My daughters and Culver friends were messaging me words of encouragement, my wife let them all know I was in trouble

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and it was just the first day of a 41-day, solo unsupported ride across America. As the hills got steep though, I subconsciously started to rely on lessons learned at Culver and more importantly, friendships that are as strong today as they were 35 years ago. Over the course of the next month the ride would not only train my body, but also my mind, helping to re-discover a mindset for achieving difficult objectives and helping me re-learn about myself and remember the things I truly value.

I would be following the Southern Tier route from Carlsbad, California, to St. Augustine, Florida. I estimated averaging 80 miles a day and planned the route to see friends along the way. That included Culver friends in Austin; Lafayette, Louisiana; and New Orleans. Unfortunately, because of the knee surgery, my training time was cut short and I knew the first few weeks would be tough until I got into better shape.


I realized how much I had learned at Culver and since then about the importance of a strong mindset and how to persevere and achieve difficult goals. One of my favorite movie lines is by Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire: “And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within.” The first day was one of the toughest, 55 miles and 5,000 feet of climbing, so I had to dig deep inside to get to the top that day. I had hoped that the ride would teach me something about myself and about the places through which I travelled. What I also rediscovered were past lessons I had learned about mental strength, perseverance, and commitment to excellence, much of which came at Culver.

I didn’t expect that I would go back so much to my Culver days but often my mind drifted back to one of my football coaches pushing me hard to catch the much faster teammate in front of me during sprints. Or I could hear my crew boat mates, shouting encouragement to me while I sprinted to the front of the line while we ran nine miles “Indian style” (the last person in line continually sprints to the front). Or I found myself completely out of breath as we played college lacrosse teams because there were no high school teams in Indiana. Culver, as it turns out, was where I truly learned to push myself physically.

By the time I entered Texas, my legs and back were coming around. It helped that after the first week I sent home about 10 pounds of excess gear to lighten the load. Texas is a beautiful, enormous, and empty state! I felt like I would never get Kim Wood (left), Freeman Wood ’82, Courtney Freeman, and Louie Freeman ’82 enjoying one of Freeman’s through it. But I had rest days on the trail. (Left photo) Freeman shot this photo of Emil Regard ’82 enjoying their 80-mile ride. a rest day planned in Austin and was excited to see some Culver Throughout the first two weeks, I had friends. When I arrived, Chris Ducanes ’84 long stretches in the deserts of California, and Jay Schuyler ’85 and a few of their Arizona, and New Mexico. Each day profriends took me out for an early lunch at a vided amazing new scenery, ranging from trailer BBQ spot. By far the best brisket I’ve the coastal mountains, to the Imperial sand ever had! What started as a casual lunch dunes, and to some of the most incredible evolved into an all-day eating, live music, feats of irrigation engineering designed and beer sampling adventure that didn’t to carry the water of the Colorado River get me back to the hotel until way past hundreds of miles through the desert. midnight. So much for a “rest day.” But But what I found more of, each day, were time with Culver friends is well worth the incredibly difficult rides! Almost every day cobwebs I had to shake the next morning. had thousands of feet of climbing, wind in The next rest stop was a week away in my face that slowed my pace to a crawl, Lafayette with my great friend Emil Regard and dry empty desert. Sitting on a bike for ’82. I had planned on a few days there beseven to 10 hours, with nothing to do but cause I really enjoy Louisiana. The food and endure pain and think, forces the mind to Cajun hospitality are absolutely amazing! come up with ways to make it through.

Emil did not disappoint. With very little preparation he joined me for an 80-mile ride from Lake Charles to Lafayette where he treated me to a feast of boiled crawfish and shrimp. Two days later I rolled out of Lafayette stuffed with some of the most amazing food imaginable. Cajuns can eat! Two days after that I was in New Orleans for some more wonderful hospitality provided by Louie Freeman ’82, including a fantastic time at the Hogs for the Cause BBQ cook-off charity event. While I was regularly burning about 6000 to 8000 calories a day on my rides, I think I left Louisiana heavier than ever. The last week went quickly through Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Arrival in St. Augustine was very emotional. I learned a lot about myself, I was reminded about the things I really value in life, and was reminded about how supportive my family and friends are. I also realized how much I had learned at Culver and since then about the importance of a strong mindset and how to persevere and achieve difficult goals. With all the demands in our lives, relationships, family, friends, and careers, it is easy to lose sight of the things that make us who we are, the things that bring us the most joy, the things we love to do. For me, the ride reminded me that I have the soul of an explorer, and I love to push myself outside my comfort zone. It also reminded me of all the wonderful things Culver taught me and the lifelong friendships I made there. Most importantly, I was reminded that when we let ourselves be who we truly are, the happiness inside brightens the world around us. – Freeman Wood ’82

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Alumni Reunion 2019

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6. Fred Lintner (left), Jim “Wally” Harper, Colin Stetson and John Feighner at the Class of 1969 luncheon. 7. Gathering on the pitch for the Jim Brugh soccer game. 8. Class of 1949’s Pete McKinney (left) and Jack Kitts-Turner play with the orchestra during a concert.

1. A tip of the cap from the Class of 1964 during Reunion Weekend parade. 2. Troopers saluting the reunion classes during parade. 3. Scott Arquilla (left) and Jonathan Mark (right) get ready to lead the Class of 1969.

9. Tom Ott (left), Ryan Haase, Courtney Hague and Nithin Reddy of 2009 at the One Culver dinner. 10. Class of 1969’s Dan Noland, Tom Osborn and Mitch Padnos prepare for the Iron Gate ceremony.

4. Bob Ireland ’69 salutes during the parade.

11. Marti Garrison ’69 is welcomed by Lara Smith Nicholson ’86 after walking through the Iron Gate.

5. Members of the Class of 1999 wave to the crowd while marching in the parade.

12. The Class of 1959 passes in review, led by John Findling with Greta Hughes holding the guidon. CULVER ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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ALUMNI CLASS NEWS Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, the Journal of Chemical Education, and was the organizer and founder of the Air Force ROTC Drill Team, besides an array of civic activities and receiving a host of recognition and awards.

Colleen Cash ’03 married David C. LaMarre on Oct. 13, 2018 in Valparaiso, Indiana. Among the groomsmen were Adam M. Cash ’02 and Kevin Cash ’05. Among bridesmaids were Elizabeth Anne Boswell (Lintner) ’02, and other Culver alumni and faculty/staff members who were also in attendance.

1940s William Perry ’47 composed Culver’s first cadet musical, “On the Double,” 73 years ago, and he has been composing ever since. “Beats decomposing,” says William. His newest orchestral CD, “Music for Stage and Screen,” will be released by Naxos Records later this year. Over a long career, William has written more than 100 film scores and has also won Emmys and Peabody awards as a television producer. He is a member of the Culver Academies Arts and Letters Hall of Fame. John “Jack” Kihm M.D.’49 was profiled last September on the Western Michigan University website as having “had the good fortune of growing and learning under the guidance

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of two men who each had a significant hand in shaping Kalamazoo and its future,” including John’s father, Otto, a successful businessman, and Dr. Homer H. Stryker, renowned for his orthopedic inventions. In the article, Jack cites his Culver experience as growing his love of science and leading to his decision at age 15 to become a doctor.

1950s Roger Penske W ’50 has been inducted into the 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame Class. Roger, who celebrated his 50th anniversary in racing in 2016, reached a major milestone and collected a prestigious award during the golden anniversary season. That year, he reached 100 wins in NASCAR’s premier series and capped off

the season by receiving the Bill France Award of Excellence, among other accomplishments including building the twomile Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, in 1996; he also previously owned Michigan International Speedway. Roger will also receive the Medal of Freedom from President Trump later this year. Dr. Jack Steele ’60, H ’57 was recognized in the Jan. 17, 2019, edition of the Wall Street Journal as a recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who. Before retiring in 2005, Jack spent most of his career at Albany State University in Georgia, where he had worked as a professor, chairman, and coordinator in the areas of chemistry and physics. He held posts with the National Science

Robert Libman N ’59 received the V. Dale Cozad Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Parkland College Foundation last year for the storied legacy of his family’s company, The Libman Company, in Arcola, Illinois, and its contribution to that community. The company, started by Robert’s grandfather in 1896, has been a lifelong passion for Robert, and produces some 500,000 brooms, mops and brushes a week in a 1.5 million square foot plant. Robert and the company were featured earlier this year in an extensive feature in the Champaign, Illinois, News-Gazette online.

1960s Richard Rawlings Jr. N ’61 recently received the American Society of Cinematographers’ Career Achievement in Television Award in recognition of a career that included behind-the-camera work with his father, Richard L. Rawlings N ’30, on Gilligan’s Island, and then shows ranging from The Wild Wild West to Gunsmoke, The Doris Day Show and many others. He took over cinematography duties from his father on the hit series Charlie’s Angels.


ALUMNI CLASS NEWS

Everett “Kip” Krueger III ’68, W ’61 retired from the bench as a judge after 34 years. An assistant prosecutor and trial attorney from 1954 to 1983, he was elected in 1984 to the Delaware Municipal Court in Ohio. In 1995, he was elected to the Delaware County Common Pleas Court, where he served the rest of his career. Kip told The Delaware Gazette, “What I enjoy most about the job is trying the cases. I think that’s the most challenging aspect of the job. Every trial, you learn something.”

1970s David Riley ’70 founded Scientific Writing in Health and Medicine (SWIHM) in 2017 to offer training in case report writing, which aims to “encourage clinician and patient reported outcomes as a routine component of healthcare delivery.” David has more than 20 years of experience as a medical journal editor and writer. Alumni can follow the work of Earle Williams ’70 W ’65 online at mit.edu/earlerw/www where he’s engaged as a research scientist at MIT in studies of physical meteorology (atmospheric electricity, cloud microphysics, radar meteorology, tropical convection), volcanology (explosive eruptions and lightning), and global dust transport out of Africa. Earle is the son of the late Warner Williams, Culver’s longtime artist-in-residence.

Alan Simonini Sr.’71 was honored Dec. 5 by the Mecklenburg Times of North Carolina as one of a select group of “Icons and Phenoms” who “have made outstanding contributions to the Charlotte region in both their careers and community involvement.” Alan’s Simonini Homes has won numerous awards including the National Housing Quality Award, America’s Best Builder, and National Builder of the Year, and Alan has been inducted into the William S. Marvin Hall of Fame for Residential Design. Miles D. White ’73, Chairman of the Culver Educational Foundation Board of Trustees, was featured in an extensive interview in February on Forbes.com, “Leadership in an Age of Disruption.” In the interview, Miles details the business approach and philosophy of Abbott Laboratories, of which he is chairman and CEO, as well as his own journey with the company and leading up to his involvement, including his attendance at Culver, which is where, he notes, he “was taught a servant-leader philosophy.” Gary Cox ’74 N ’70 W ’67, with more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, sales, and product development, has launched the sales agency First Gust, Inc. Gary, who lives in Indianapolis with his wife, Anne Marie, is the father of Jonathan Cox N ’97, Benjamin Cox N ’99, and Julianne Davis L ’04.

Larry Hallas N ’72 has retired after selling his business, AlmostEurope.net (custom handcrafts from the Alps), which son Matthew Hallas N’00 founded in 2003. Before that, Larry spent 25 years as an environmental scientist, first as a microbiology fellow at Monsanto and then as the owner of Wastewater Solutions based in St. Louis. Larry served on Culver’s Summer School staff (in 1973 and ‘75) and was a CSSAA board member in the 1980s. Larry’s brother Bob N ‘72 W ‘73 is also a Culver graduate. Larry and his wife, Margaret, recently celebrated their marriage of 40 years and will be moving to Belleair Beach, Florida.

Roger Powell N ’74 W ’71 recently became the first full-time executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Mariposa County in California, having worked in HFH of Greater Columbus, Ohio, in construction as a volunteer and later on staff for a total of six years. In his last years there, he participated in a $1 million project that resulted in homes for nine Habitat partner families. He also worked for several years in disaster relief, rebuilding homes after hurricanes and tornadoes. During the past three years he was employed in Oklahoma for Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity as its construction manager.

1980s James Arnold ’81 graduated last year with his doctorate and is one of the University of Lynchburg’s Doctor of

Medical Science (DMSc) inaugural cohorts (Class of ’18). He’s currently continuing his research in “Resurgent” Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a phenomenon he discovered during doctoral research through the Ralph H. Johnson Virginia Medical Center of Charleston, South Carolina. He is on the faculty of Frostburg State University’s new physician ssistant (PA) program and is looking forward to continued research and professorial opportunities. “I was joined at graduation by my amazing bride, Barbara and our daughter, Dr. Corie Bosley JD of Virginia Beach,” writes James. “We now have two doctors in the family.” In other news, Jim says he was “honored to raise my son Tyler ’14 as a Master Mason in Hinesville Lodge #271” in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jim is the 2017 Past Master of the Hinesville, Georgia Lodge,

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ALUMNI CLASS NEWS

Message from Legion, CSSAA, and CCI Presidents We are proud that, along with parents and friends, 3,000 guests have attended more than 50 Culver Club events around the world in the last year. More than 700 members of the Culver Legion were on campus for Reunion 2019. Several classes set attendance records, including the Class of 1969, which assembled the largest 50th reunion cohort in the Academies’ history. Lara was on hand to greet 207 new members of The Culver Legion at the CGA Graduation Arch and CMA Iron Gate during the June 2 Commencement Exercises. More than 300 alumni and friends of the Drum and Bugle Corps will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of that storied organization during the July summer homecoming. On July 20, we will install Richard R. “Dick” Waterfield, Woodcraft Class of 1985, as the 66th President of the CSSAA.

Lara Smith Nicholson ’86 President The Culver Legion

N. Merritt Becker N ’83 President The Culver Summer Schools Alumni Association

Charles Osborne ’88 President Culver Clubs International

N. Merritt Lara Smith Nicholson ’ 86 Becker N’ 83

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Charles Osborne ’ 88

and Tyler comes from a long line of Freemasons. Writes Jim, “I am sure Henry Harrison Culver would approve.” Culver founder H.H. Culver was a Master Mason and a charter member of the nowclosed Henry H. Culver Lodge # 617 in Culver. Enwelum Okeke ’82 founded Fruition Technology Labs in 2012 to support and mentor the development of startups, which use technology that will directly impact the lives of their communities. Wesley spent many years in the technology world, with a concentration in the past 17 years on engaging in business development strategies in sales and marketing in the U.S. and internationally. Napoleón Ferrer Padrón ’82 N ’79 is director of the international Let’s Go Internship program, which is headquartered in Venezuela. With more than 25 years in the airline and travel industries, he also conducts several professional and personal improvement courses. Napoleón lives in the city of Santo Domingo with his wife, Sonia, and their daughter Sofia. Paul West III ’82 is a physician assistant providing all aspects of care under the direct supervision of award winning cosmetic surgeon Dr. David A Shifrin in Chicago. In addition to an extensive educational background, Paul is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

Gavin McFarland H ’85 was featured recently on Culver’s news blog (news.culver.org) in an article focusing on the impact Culver ­— particularly its horsemanship program (“The riding hall became my home,” he said) — had on his life. Gavin, today a managing director in the investment banking division of Morgan Stanley in New York, notes that he continues to give to Culver in the wake of its impact on his self-confidence and empowerment, particularly the horsemanship staff at the time (chiefly CSM John “Sarge” Hudson, M. Lynn Rasch ’76 — now Dean of Culver Girls Academy — and Jeff Honzik ’65 SS), whom he says “became my surrogate parents.” Ginny Bess Munroe ’86 L ’82 has joined Mishawaka, Indiana-based planning and architectural company The Troyer Group as community development manager, where she will develop partnerships that will enable Troyer Group to better serve its clients and expand its business. Ginny continues to serve on the Culver town council, where she has been instrumental in securing grant funding and statewide recognition and development for the community over the past decade-plus. Ernesto Uribe ’86 is co-owner and Operations Director of the recently-established Aurelio Pizzeria located in Bogotá D.C., Colombia. The pizzeria specializes in focusing on social networks in promotion of its products, with an emphasis on

being the most economic yet excellent quality pizzas on the market with fast delivery. Tanya Yapor ’87 L ’84 W ’82 was the sculptor of a statuette awarded to several recipients of the Exemplary Women’s Municipal Award from the Special Commission of Awards in Chihuahua, Mexico, last autumn.

1990s Lee Freeman H ’92 was promoted to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army on March 1 during a ceremony at the Hillsborough County Veterans Memorial Park and Museum in Tampa, Florida. Lee is the brother of Mark Freeman ’97 and father of Brooks Freeman ’18. Deanna Tielking Disney ’93 is vice president of Mays Community Academy in Rush County, Indiana, where she was raised. After graduating from the University of Evansville, Deanna worked for 10 years in Indianapolis in the marketing field before she and her husband, Harold Disney, moved back and adopted their son prior to becoming guardian to two more children, which became her driving force as a founding member of Mays Community Academy. “I wanted my children to experience a small rural school with hands-on experience in a loving community,” she says. Deanna is also the sales manager for Watch Communications.


Sarah Wolff L ’93 was Carmel Clay Schools 2019 Teacher of the Year as well as a top three finalist for Indiana Teacher of the Year. Since 2000, Sarah — also a former Summer Camp staff member — has been an art teacher at Carmel High School. Through her student government sponsorship she leads more than 750 students in service projects and has developed the largest high school Dance Marathon in the U.S., benefiting Riley Hospital for Children. Liz Morgan Lamoreux ’94 has authored books including “Inner Excavation,” leads retreats with a particular emphasis on women’s selfawareness and self-care, and designs jewelry related to her endeavors. She chronicles her work on Facebook, Instagram, blogging, and via her website at www.lizlamoreux.com. Chantal Allen Thornberry ’94 became, in 2018, Upper School Dean of Students at St. Paul Academy and Summit School in Minnesota. While she began her career as an English teacher (at Gordon Tech, Breck, and finally Cincinnati Country Day School) Chantal began her administrative work first as the director of summer programs at Gordon Tech, and most recently as the Upper School Dean of Students for Grades 9–10 at Cincinnati Country Day School. Chris Wright ’94, N ’90 has joined his father, Chuck W ’56 in the family business, Pro Car Associates, founded in 1969 by

Chuck and Jim Cavallero, with a focus on making a strong impact upon the motorsports marketplace. By the mid-1980s, Pro Car began to evolve into a full service automotive facility, doing vehicle service specializing in high performance. Chris has added his electronics expertise to the business, which continues to thrive. William Field ’95 was married last April in Moorpark, California to Katherine Mullally, a gastroenterology nurse. Billy’s brother Teddy ’92 was the best man, and his father, Theodore Field Jr. ’64 was in attendance, as well as uncles Jim ’66 and Michael ’71 as well as cousin Thomas Yendes ’60. The Field family also includes Katherine’s daughters, Kayla and Autumn. Melissa Tulchinsky SC ’95 is the assistant wardrobe supervisor for the critically acclaimed mega hit play, “Hamilton,” on Broadway in New York City, which she told The South Bend Tribune in March is “a dream job.” Highlights have included a Tony Award and visit by President Obama, as well as being wardrobe supervisor for the play’s Puerto Rico production. Melissa is the daughter of Jill Tulchinsky, a former dance instructor at Culver, and Terry Tulchinsky. She also worked as a dresser for opera and ballet performances at IU while a student there in addition to internships and work in Chicago with Steppenwolf Theatre.

Nate Clendenin ’96, W ’89 and his wife, Rebecca, welcomed the newest member of their family, Louisa Caroline Clendenin, on March 11. Nicknamed Lucy (which Nate notes means “light”), she joins siblings Samuel and Henry. Sara Myers-Westmoreland ’96, S ’94, W ’91 and husband, Todd Allan Westmoreland, have relocated from Denver to Hudson, Ohio. The couple has two sons, Nate William Westmoreland (age 3) and Levi Hodges Westmoreland (21 months). Andy Lausier ’96 recently finished his first season as head coach of the Davidson (North Carolina) College wrestling team. He became the 12th head coach of Davidson after serving four years as head coach at Sacred Heart University and four years as an assistant coach at Princeton University. Andy, himself a three time NCAA qualifier who earned All America status in 2000, and his wife, Lauren, have a son and a daughter. He is a member of the Culver Athletics Hall of Fame. Justin Zimmerman ’96, headmaster of The Linsly School in Wheeling, West Virgina, was recently awarded a fully funded fellowship to the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership’s 2019 Heads of Schools program at Teachers College, Columbia University, an honor granted to just 20 heads of schools annually. A former science teacher at Culver,

Justin spent eight years at Western Reserve Academy, where he served in multiple positions including director of studies, dean of studies and student life and dean of student life; he has also coached hockey and lacrosse. Justin is married to Aimee Miller Zimmerman ’96, and their daughter Bridget and son John Michael both attended Woodcraft Camp last summer. Doug Pickering ’97 was featured on Dallas/Ft. Worth food website cravedfw.com for his latest venture, Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ (“where beer, BBQ and a 50 foot Ferris wheel are the main attractions,” according to the article). Praising Doug’s BBQ work, the article adds that “Pickering’s obvious love for his craft shines through as crowds have already figured out where to find great ’que without having to wait in lines.” And Doug has another reason to celebrate: his April, 2017 wedding to Jamie Sisk in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Larry Swank II ’97 W ’92 was named a partner in the private real estate investment firm Sterling Group, where he currently serves as a member of the board of directors, company secretary and oversees the day-to-day operations of the construction division to support growth and product excellence. Larry and his wife, Kristin, live in South Bend, Indiana.

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ALUMNI CLASS NEWS

John Brumley N ’02, W ’97 recently earned his Ph.D. in human informatics, in Japan. John comes from a long line of Culver Summer graduates, notes his father, Donald “Richard” Brumley N ’67. Richard’s father, Donald R. Brumley, is a 1920 Summer School graduate (from the Summer Artillery School), and Richard’s brothers include Thomas B. Brumley W ’55 and the late John A. Brumley N ’63. John’s sister is Annelise C. Brumley W ’02. On Dec. 29, 2018, in New York City, Ella Ekstrom W ’11 and Ireland Irving ’17, L ’15, W ‘12 debuted at the 64th International Debutante Ball, whose charitable mission is to generate funds for the Armed Services. The ball is considered the most prestigious debutante ball in the world. Each debutante represents her home state. Other young women royal houses from Europe and other notable families throughout the world. Several of Ireland’s friends and family were in attendance, along with childhood family friends and fellow Culver Summer Schools & Camps alumni. Pictured, from left, are Robert (Bob) Fritsch S’14, Ireland Irving, William (Will) Fritsch SS ’14, India Irving ’13, SS ’10, and William (Will) Abernethy N ’17, W ’14.

Holly Snyder SS ’98-99 and her husband, Dr. Matthew Snyder N ’04, welcomed son Wells Marshall on May 24, 2018. Matt and Holly are former Summer School & Camps staff members, and Matt is completing a surgical residency at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago.

oversee the mobilization and networking of law students and legal professionals.” Jeryl is based in the Washington, D.C., area and her Culver siblings include Courtney Hayes ’93, Coryn Hayes ’98, and Jai Hayes ’02, who is also a CGA counselor at Culver.

2000s

Kimberly Chalmers Hicks ’00 and husband Doug welcomed their daughter Eleanor on May 24, 2018. Kim also accepted a new position as executive director of enterprise model based engineering for The Boeing Company.

Jeryl Hayes ’00, J.D., LL.M., was recently named movement building director with If/When/ How, a legal organization which “champion(s) reproductive justice within and beyond the legal system.” In her new role, Jeryl “will shape movement building strategies, grow and evolve programs, and

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Sarah Senff Osborne ’01 and husband Rory Osborne, welcomed baby Sydney Maya Osborne, born January 8.

Jeff Kuhns ’02 recently opened his own law firm in Punta Gorda, southwest Florida. Jeff concentrates his practice in estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate, business law, tax law, and real estate law. He and his wife Caroline enjoyed their recent trips to Australia, Portugal, Israel and Jordan. Brooklyn Raney ’03 puts leadership lessons learned at Culver to work in her endeavors as a consultant, speaker, facilitator, and storyteller (brooklynraney.com), where she encourages her audience to fit their strengths with their personalities; to live and lead by example. A nationally recognized advisor, competitive hockey player and coach, and founder of the renowned Girls Leadership, Brooklyn is a graduate of Colgate University and New York University and has spent the past decade in independent schools as, among other roles, director of residential curriculum, assistant dean of students, dean of students,

and dean of community life. She and her husband, Bill, live in Meriden, New Hampshire, with their son Landen, and dogs Tuukka and Larry Bird. Karsten Idsal ’04 reports that an entrepreneurial endeavor in which he has a lead role, Hapi Water, is growing. The brainchild of a dentist, the child-oriented drink is aimed at taking on the global obesity and tooth decay epidemics among children while offering kids “the best tasting sugar free kids drink ever.” Karsten, notes the company’s website (hapidrinks.com), “a former Army infantry officer, left a promising career on Wall Street” and launched the company in Texas. Greg Ladd ’04 was recently named the new executive director of legal services and general counsel to the Department for Local Government in Frankfort, Kentucky, where he assists in providing financial help by way of grant and loan assistance and advises local government in matters of budget, personnel and other issues. Greg and his wife Kelsey McKee Ladd ’04, a medical resident at the University of Kentucky’s Chandler Hospital, have a son. Patrick Spensley ’04 is now owner and winemaker of Cherry Creek Cellars, a winery located in an 1870s one-room schoolhouse in Brooklyn, Michigan. Patrick and his wife, Hadley, have learned the ropes of winemaking over the past seven years and offer


an array of events at Cherry Creek, in addition to wines, ciders, and other beverages. Adam Cox ’06 and his father, Ray, were the subjects of a feature story on townepost.com in March not only for their ownership of six Elite Beverages stores in central Indiana, but specifically one which includes a local landmark in Fortville, Indiana: a martini-drinking pink elephant outside the store, written up in the book, “Weird Indiana” (which nowadays sports an array of holiday-themed wardrobe accessories). Adam started working with his dad during his high school years and has since become vice president of the business, which his father launched in 1985. Jennifer Sawicki ’06 is now out of the U.S. Navy and is attending Georgetown Law School in Washington, DC. James Garrido ’07 W ’03 was on the Arts on Midtown website of Nashville, Tennessee, where he’s general manager of award-winning Henley restaurant. In the article, James discusses his tenure as captain of Culver’s rugby team and the genesis of his involvement in the food business, which led to his role in launching Henley (which won Restaurant of the Year Reader’s Choice Award and the Critic’s choice for Best New Restaurant of 2017) in 2017. Anna Mahalak ’08 was recently a featured speaker at Middlebury College’s

“Confronting Calamity: Sustainable Development at the UN,” where she discussed the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set in 2015. Anna manages youth engagement initiatives for the United Nations Association of the USA, a program of the UN Foundation. Her work focuses on elevating youth voices in building public support for the UN among Americans through the U.S. Youth Observer program and the UNA USA Young Professionals Program. Alex Master ’09 was recently profiled on the U.S. Department of Defense’s news website’s “Cyber Snapshot.” Alex, a captain in the Army and commander in Bravo Company, 781st Military Intelligence Battalion (Cyber) at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland, led the winning team in a daylong competition at the BSides security conference in Washington D.C. He also discussed, in the article, his choice to serve in cyber intelligence in the Army and future goals. The article can be accessed at dvidshub.net. Garrison Todd ’09 N ’06 married his longtime girlfriend, Holly N. Anderson, on Aug. 12, 2017, at their alma mater, Kenyon College. The nuptials were outdoors on Middle Path. In order to simplify matters, Garrison took his bride’s surname as his new middle name, so he now goes by: Garrison Anderson Todd, and she took the name: Holly Anderson Todd. While at Kenyon, Garrison majored in political

science, and minored in history, class of 2013. Following graduation from University of Pennsylvania Law School, with a juris doctor, as well as a master of bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Garrison was awarded a fellowship in environmental law, to work for nonprofit litigators across 11 states. Garrison is the son of Dee Ellen Bardes ’74 and can boast of a number of Culver alumni in his family.

2010s Joshua Fender ’10 and Nicole L. Splix, a former Summer School staff member, are married and have moved back to Plymouth, Indiana, where both are teaching in area schools. Rhett Schaefer ’10 is working at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, as product manager. Tyler Arnold ’14 — see note on Jim Arnold ’81. Christine Beckmann ’14 received honors in the Society of Professional Journalists “Best of Indiana” competition. Christine, from Plymouth, Indiana, received third place recognition in the best “Student Editorial Cartoon” category for her entry, which appeared in the DePauw university newspaper. The awards were presented April 27 in Indianapolis. Christine was also named to the DePauw University 2018 Spring Dean’s List, achieving a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Austin Daugherty ’14 is working for the Blaser Investment Management Group in Burlington, North Carolina. He graduated cum laude in May 2018, from Elon University where he majored in finance, minored in leadership studies, and was a 2018 Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellow at Elon University. That program is a nationally recognized four-year cohort experience, which builds a strong sense of community among the group and allows students to develop close mentoring relationships with faculty and staff. Emma Duthie ’14 of Whittier, California, received a bachelor of science degree in engineering and management, project management minor with distinction from Clarkson University on Dec. 15, 2018. Emma is the daughter of Susan Freshley Duthie ’81, and the niece of Craig Freshley ’80 and John K. Freshley ’87. Alec Hamood ’14, H ’09, of Hinsdale, Illinois, graduates in August 2019 from The University of Alabama where he earned a bachelor of science in commerce business administration. Alexander Posner ’14 graduated with a bachelor of arts from Gettysburg College on May 20, 2018. Leah Crawford ’15 W ’11 was honored at Ohio Wesleyan University’s 2018 Greek Awards with the Emerging Leader Award. She is a member of Delta Delta Delta.

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C U LV E R C L U B S I N T E R N AT I O N A L

More than 100 Culver alumni and supporters gathered at locations in D.C., Indianapolis, New York, Seattle, and Chicago to celebrate Culver’s Day of Giving. This was the first attempt at hosting five events in different locations on a single day.

A group of 50 guests enjoyed a conversation with Head of Schools Jim Power and Chief Advancement Officer Holly Johnson at Club Pelican Bay in Naples, Florida.

Culver trustee Lamar Gable ’62 welcomed guests during the Culver Club of Southwest Florida event in February.

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The Culver Club of South Florida gathered for a day of polo, brunch, and Culver fellowship at the International Polo Club in Wellington, Florida. More than 50 guests attended. Right: Club members Jeff and Linsey served as hosts of the event. Pictured (L to R) Paul Clifford ’83, Linsey Walter Desich ’95, Jeff Desich ’95, Cipriano Echezaretta ’19, John Roby Penn IV ’98, Melissa Gillinov ’95.

Members of the Culver Club of Chicago polished their curling skills at Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park, Illinois. Pictured are (L to R) Mike (Guest), Caryn Jendro ’06, Daniel Anderson Current Parent, TJ Hartnett ’04, Marcy Anderson Current Parent, Kyle Racina ’04, Allie Werle ’06, Susie Jendro ’03.

Members of the Class of 1969 gathered with other Culver alumni and friends at the Culver Club of Georgia Head of Schools Reception on Feb. 21. Pictured are (L to R) Jeff Adams, Stephen Wesner, and Scott Arquilla.

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C U LV E R C L U B S I N T E R N AT I O N A L

The 17th annual Culver Club Beijing event, sponsored by Culver families, was held on June 13, 2019 with Tony Giraldi ’75, Culver’s Chief International Officer, in attendance.

The 18th annual Culver Club Shanghai event was held on June 8, 2019. Tony Giraldi ’75, Culver’s Chief International Officer, attended the event.

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The Culver Club of St. Louis gathered for their inaugural event at Schlafly Brewing Company. More than 30 guests attended and were very excited to discuss Culver Club events in St. Louis and share ideas for future engagements. Left: Pictured (L to R) Emily David Gifford ’91, Oliver Culver ’10, and Lucy Luken Dehner ’07 were the evening’s hosts for the Culver Club event.

Culver Clubs are Expanding! Connect with us in: Northwest Indiana Hampton Roads, Virginia St. Louis Seattle San Antonio Austin Cleveland

The Culver Club of the Carolinas gathered at Divine Barrel Brewing Co. in Charlotte, North Carolina. This was the Club’s first event in over a year and it had a great turnout of alumni, parents, and friends. Alan Simonini ’71, David Ball ’65, and Beth Reilly Gilmore ’77 gather with friends and reminisce about their Culver experience.

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IN MEMORIAM

William Buchner Ogilvie W’30 of Shreveport, Louisiana, died on June 4, 2016, in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Byrd High School in Shreveport and earned a degree in chemical engineering at Louisiana State University. William began his career at the Humble (now Exxon) Oil Refinery in Baytown, Texas. As World War II began, his chemical engineering background and his ROTC commission landed him at the Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas, as a captain in the U.S. Army overseeing the development of bombs. After the war, he returned to Baytown and his Humble refinery

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responsibilities. In 1948, his family business, Ogilvie Hardware, required his services, and he moved his family back to Shreveport. He retired as president of the company in the late 1980s. A longtime Shreveport resident, William was very active in the local community. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a member and board member of the Shreveport Country Club and Shreveport Clubs. He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Carolyn Staman Ogilvie, one daughter, two sons, eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

James R. Kane W’36 of Louisville, Kentucky, died Nov. 2, 2016. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic service under fire. After the war, he finished his education at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning a bachelor of science degree in civil and mechanical engineering. He met Leslie Nunn while at MIT and they married on June 24, 1949. He worked at Jones and Laughlin Steel Company in Pittsburgh, then returned to Louisville where he was president of Kane Industries in the 1960s and 1970s. He changed careers and became a securities

advisor, finishing his career at First Kentucky Securities in Louisville. James is survived by his wife, Leslie, two sons and five grandchildren. Thomas Madison Lillard, Sr. W’36 of Evanston, Illinois, died on Dec. 24, 2018. He lived in Kenilworth, Illinois, where he was the corporate counsel for Sara Lee Foods and Heller Financial and served in leadership positions on many volunteer boards. Thomas was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Margaret, and is survived by four children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.


The obituary dates are from December 1, 2018–March 31, 2019 Nathaniel Bert Smith Jr. ’37 JC died on December 14, 2016 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He attended The University of Oklahoma, where his studies were cut short by the advent of World War II, in which he was commissioned a second lieutenant and served as an artillery battery commander in the 9th Armored Division, seeing action in Morocco, Tunisia, Sicily, England, DDay, and the Battle of the Bulge. Nat was awarded the Bronze Star with four Oak Leaf Clusters. In 1950, he returned to serve in the Korean War for two years as a battery commander in the famed Oklahoma 45th Division and retired as a captain. In 1949, Nat married Jean Rawlings and established a home in Oklahoma City, where they spent the next 47 years together until Jean’s death in 1997. After WWII, Nat returned to his studies to become a petroleum geologist. In 1949, he drilled his first well. Nat was a member of the Oklahoma City Geological Society throughout his career, and practiced geology well into his 80s. Nat is survived by three daughters, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Robert Gordon Cuff W’38 died on June 6, 2018 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Growing up in Hinsdale, Illinois, Bob developed a lifetime passion for trains from his father, an executive at American Flyer Trains in Chicago. He joined the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific

during WWII, and graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in electrical engineering. He married his first wife, Marian Hicken, in 1950 and lived most of his life in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. After marrying Shirley Schmid in 1994, they moved to Wisconsin Rapids in 2005. He put his heart into every endeavor, building two companies, Technitron and ENTRON Controls, both located in Carol Stream, Illinois. He was also a teacher and mentor to the resistance welding industry, teaching the controls portion of the Resistance Welding Manufacturers Association school for many years. Bob is survived by his wife, Shirley, one daughter, three stepchildren, and six stepgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marian. George Francis Cahill W ’38 died on July 2, 2018, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. George was born in Indianapolis and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. At the age of 17, he volunteered for service during WWII and was assigned to the Eighth Army Air Force, 390th Bombardment Group. After graduating from Purdue University in 1949, he joined the Boy Scouts of America, serving councils in Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and New York, and ultimately becoming chief scout executive of the Allegheny Trails Council. While in Pittsburgh, George was instrumental in the creation of Flag Plaza and received the Boy Scouts’ highest honors,

including the Jubilee Medal from the Hungarian Scout Association, the Silver Beaver Award, and the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. George founded and served as president of the National Flag Foundation, organized the Pittsburgh Committee of ’76, and created the Patriot Award Ceremony. He was named Pittsburgh’s Man of the Year in 1975, received the General Matthew B. Ridgway Award, the Medal of Paris, and the George Washington Honor Medal. Dedicated to leadership and community service, George served long tenures on the boards of St. Clair Hospital, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, the Boy Scouts of America, and the National Flag Foundation; additionally, he served as a trustee of the American Humanics Foundation. He was preceded in death by his wife, Muriel. He is survived by two daughters, one son, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Stephen Thomas Landregan W’38 died on Nov. 25, 2018, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was an author, teacher, historian, broadcasting pioneer, awardwinning editor and reporter, scholar, spiritual mentor, lover of all things Irish, during a career in communications and religious education that spanned more than six decades. He graduated from St. Mel High School in Oak Park, Illinois in 1946 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1946

at age 17; he was stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia, and Atlanta, Georgia. He volunteered for the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and was stationed at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas. Steve graduated from Southern Methodist University with a bachelor of science degree in journalism in 1954. He earned an M.A. in religious education from the University of Dallas in 1973. Over the years, he held faculty appointments at the University of Dallas, SMU, Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio and Brookhaven Community College in Dallas. During a 50 year career at the Diocese of Dallas, Steve served as editor of the Texas Catholic newspaper, cofounder of the Permanent Diaconate, Director of Pastoral Planning, and Diocesan Historian and Archivist. He was Chairman of the U.S. Bishops Advisory Council and served on the boards of the Texas Catholic Conference and the Texas Conference of Churches. In 1997, he was awarded the papal medal Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (“For the Church and the Pope”) for a lifetime of service to the church, the highest honor given to a Catholic lay person. Earlier in his career, Steve worked as a newswriter and newscaster for WFAA Radio in Dallas, editor of Dallas Magazine for the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and Director of Public Relations at St. Paul Hospital in Dallas. In 1999 the University of Dallas launched the Landre-

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IN MEMORIAM gan Lecture Series, featuring nationally prominent figures. Steve and his wife, Barbara, both received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Dallas in 2017. A lifelong lover of history, he also wrote a traveler’s guide to Philadelphia and its many historic landmarks. He retired from the Diocese of Dallas in 2016 but continued to publish occasional posts on his personal blog titled “Catholic Curmudgeon.” He was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia. He is survived by his wife Barbara, six daughters, two sons, fifteen grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Robert Gus Lowry W’39 died on Feb. 7, 2017, in Sullivan, Indiana. A U.S. Army veteran of WWII, he served in occupied Japan as a second lieutenant. After graduating from Indiana University Law School, he began practicing law in Sullivan in 1961 and retired 52 years later. He was a lifelong member of the Sullivan First United Methodist Church and served on the board of directors of the Sullivan State Bank. Preceded in death by his wife, Martha, and one son, Robert, he is survived by three sons, two grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. Frank “Herb” Poland Jr. N’39 died Aug. 15, 2016 in Ashland, Ohio. He was a 1944 graduate of Shelby High School and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. Stationed in Germany, he guarded prisoners of war and dismantled P47 aircraft. He was honorably discharged with the rank

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of corporal. Herb attended Bethany College in West Virginia and received his juris doctor from The Ohio State University in 1951. He returned to Shelby and practiced law with William Depler, which later became the Depler-Poland Law Office, retiring in 1991. Herb served for many years as law director for the City of Shelby and past president of Richland County Bar Association, the Shelby Health Board, Marvin Memorial Library Board, as well as the Shelby Foundation. Herb was preceded in death by his wife, Betty. He is survived by two daughters, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Peter Burbank ’40 (Troop) W’33, died on July 24, 2017, in Ft. Lee, New Jersey. After distinguished service in WWII, and employment with a number of industrial corporations, he joined the company his father founded, A.L. Burbank & Company, Ltd., well known steamship owners, agents, brokers and consultants to the maritime industry. He was active in the ship, purchase and sale departments until his election as president in 1955, and continued to be active in all phases of the company’s business. He is survived by his wife, Lucille. Frederick Roland Harman ’42 (Battery I) died on Dec. 3, 2018, in Reading, Pennsylvania. In 1942 he celebrated his birthday, his graduation from Culver, and his commissioning as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army. In June 1944 he was part of the Normandy landing,

leading a battalion of field artillery (six M7s) with the 3rd Armored Division in battle from Normandy through the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded there by an enemy artillery round and received the Purple Heart. After the war, Fred continued in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring in 1984 as a lieutenant colonel. By means of the G.I. Bill, he earned an engineering degree from The Ohio State University, where he also met his wife, Millicent. After college they moved to eastern Pennyslvania where Fred used his skills for RCA, Sylvania, and Westinghouse Nuclear. His laborsaving studies and redesign saved those companies millions of dollars. Fred was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Millie. He is survived by one daughter, one son, five grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren. Kenneth Ade Ebi Jr. (Company A) N ’42, died in Fair Oaks, California on Dec. 7, 2018. A graduate of Moline High School and Culver, he served as 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. in WWII in the 7th Infantry Division in Okinawa. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering, he joined the Aerojet General Project Gemini team and then founded Sierra Copy in 1966. Ken retired in 1993 and traveled to all seven continents with his wife of 74 years, Dorothy. Ken is survived by his wife; one son, five daughters, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Arthur Wellesley Barber III H’44 died in Edgewater, Maryland, on March 14, 2016. He retired as a master sergeant from the U.S. Air Force, then worked as a computer programmer for 20 years at IBM. An avid sailor, Art taught at the U.S. Naval Academy. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Eva Beryl Barber, and is survived by his second wife, Thelma (Penny) Dixon, one son, Wellesley, and daughter, Kathryn Segal, both of Virginia; three stepdaughters; nine grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Edward Crozer Rutherfurd’44 (Battery B) died on May 21, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Patricia. Capt. Dan “Pat” Moreno Carpenter ’44 (Troop II) died in Coronado, California, on June 2, 2018. He attended Culver his last two years on a scholarship given by Maj. Rueben Fleet, a close family friend. Pat graduated from Pomona College with a degree in economics and entered the U.S. Navy as an ensign in the Naval Supply Corps. He served 29 years in the Navy and upon retiring, returned to Coronado to enjoy life with family and friends. Pat is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann, four daughters, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Dr. Robert “James” Bills ’44 (Company D), of Madison, Mississippi, died on Oct. 30, 2018. He attended Horace Mann High School and Culver before attending the University


of Illinois and medical school at Northwestern University. James practiced medicine as a general surgeon in Gary and Merrillville, Indiana, for many years before retiring to Mississippi in 1994. He also served in the U.S. Navy. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Arlene C. Bills, daughter Betsy and two grandchildren. Richard Frederick Kaufman N’44,’45 (Troop I) died on Nov. 27, 2018, after an accidental fall while vacationing with his family in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Dick grew up in Detroit and Muskegon, Michigan, the son of an immigrant. After Culver, he joined the U.S. Navy during WWII. and later earned a bachelor of arts from Yale University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He worked at IBM in Poughkeepsie, New York, before returning to Michigan to help his father with the family business. In his long tenure as the company’s second-generation CEO and president, he transformed and grew Amstore, now a 104 year old designer and manufacturer of store fixtures for leading American retailers. He was also the founding chair of the store fixture industry association. He served on the boards of Chief Executives Organization (CEO) and Young Presidents Organization (YPO), where he was the international vice chair of education. Dick and his wife, Sylvia, were actively involved in the Aspen Institute, the National Councils of the Aspen Art Museum, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Anderson Ranch Arts Center.

A passionate learner, Dick had a lifelong commitment to intellectual and spiritual growth and to improving education. In 2013 at age 86, he earned a master’s in divinity from the University of Chicago Divinity School. At the time of his death, he was completing a doctoral thesis on conversion in American Reformed Judaism at the University of Aberdeen. Dick and Sylvia shared a deep love of Judaism and Jewish values, which they instilled in their children. Dick served multiple times as President of Temple B’nai Israel and was a pillar of the Muskegon Jewish community. He studied with Rabbi David Hartman, founder of the Shalom Hartman Institute (SHI) in Jerusalem, served as president of SHINorth America for 20 years, and was on the SHI board in Jerusalem. He was cofounder of the Sylvia and Richard Kaufman Interfaith Institute at Grand Valley State University. Dick is survived by his wife of 61 years; four sons; and eight grandchildren. Thomas Rudolph “Rudy” McCullough N’45 died March 18, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended North Carolina State University and graduated from Indiana University. Rudy enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and married his wife, Julie, in 1956. He founded the McCullough Insurance Agency in 1962 and sold it in 1992. Rudy was involved in many Indianapolis civic organizations and was a life member of the Indiana University Alumni Association.

Rudy and Julie moved to Florida in 1995. He traveled to Mexico to build “Four Houses in Four Days,” and at almost 80 years old, he was the oldest man to succeed at it. He also delivered food once a week; and worked at the Guadalupe Catholic Church in their soup kitchen for six years. Rudy returned to Indianapolis in 2014 to be with his four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, and is survived by his four children. George Warren Brewster III ’46 (Troop) died on Oct. 24, 2018, in Greeley, Colorado. A native of Sheridan, Wyoming, he graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He also attended Montana State College. George married his wife, Doris, in 1962 and worked as a rancher for many years, later becoming a technician for IBM, where he worked for 20 years. He was very active on the Weld County Republican Party Committee, enjoyed playing softball, participating in the Senior Games and going on road trips. Survivors include his wife; two stepsons, five grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren, and three greatgreatgrandchildren. Dr. Peter Paul Everwine ’47 (Battery B) a professor emeritus of English at Fresno State University and nationally acclaimed poet and translator, died in Fresno, California, on Oct. 28, 2018. He served in the U.S. Army as part of the Allied occupation of Germany following World War II. After his military

service, Dr. Everwine earned a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. He taught one year at Stanford University, after earning the prestigious Wallace Stegner Fellowship, and then at Fresno State, where he taught English literature and creative writing at the university for 29 years. He was one of the professors who created the nationally recognized MFA program in creative writing at Fresno State. Dr. Everwine published seven collections of his own poems. He was recognized by the Fresno Arts Council with a Horizon Award in 2008, and he was anthologized in Best American Poetry for the poem “Aubade in Autumn” in 2008. Dr. Everwine’s accomplishments included a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship and a Guggenheim Fellowship for creative arts, both in 1975, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Literature in 2010. He loved playing banjo and guitar and was an avid outdoorsman who would hike deep into the backcountry to a secret fishing camp on the middle fork of the San Joaquin River. Dr. Everwine is survived by his companion of 29 years, Connie Lake, two sons, two grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Dr. Hamilton Witherspoon “Peter” McKay Jr. ’47 (Company C) died on Nov. 24, 2018. He was born and raised in Charlotte, his family’s roots stretching back to the early 18th century. He graduated from Princeton in 1951 and

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IN MEMORIAM Johns Hopkins Medical School in 1955. Intrigued by the new field of allergy and immunology, Dr. McKay did his postgraduate work at Duke Medical School and at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, where he worked on early polio vaccination trials. He founded and led the Carolina Asthma and Allergy Clinic, which grew to become the premiere asthma and allergy practice in the region. At the same time he served as a director of Republic Bank, which he helped merge with Central Carolina Bank, where he also served as a director. Peter was interested in people of all types, was a dedicated genealogist and enthusiastic gardener. He volunteered his time, generously serving as a trustee of Chatham Hall School for many years, on the board of the Foundation of the Carolinas, and as an elder at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. A man known for his sense of humor, integrity, and kindness, his foremost desire was to make the world a better place than he found it. Peter is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lillian, two daughters, one son, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Daniel Philip Hoover ’47 (Battery B) died on Jan. 17, 2019, in Naples, Florida. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, and is survived by four sons: Dale W’66; Daniel ’68 (Company E) N ’66; Matthew ’74 (Battery C); Andrew ’75 (Battery A) W ’66; and daughter, MaryAnn ’78.

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Kenn Sneed Terry ’47 (Troop) of Vero Beach, Florida, died on March 22, 2019. He graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in business administration and played on the varsity baseball and basketball teams. He received the Cold War Service Medal for his service in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He was a leader in the automobile dealership industry, serving as an executive and owner in several dealerships throughout Arkansas, Virginia and Florida. Kenn was a cradle Episcopalian, active in his church and involved in the planting of two mission parishes in Sebastian, Florida, and St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Vero Beach. He loved hosting family gatherings at his summer home in North Carolina, was an avid equestrian, and enjoyed riding with his wife, Sissy, at Windsor in Vero Beach and the Bald Rock community in Cashiers, North Carolina. Kenn is survived by his wife, Ida May (Sissy), five children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. William Gene Moser N’48 of Bluffton, Indiana died on Dec. 18, 2018. A 1951 graduate of Bluffton High School, Gene attended Indiana Business College for a year, then served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956, stationed in Germany. Gene owned National Oil and Gas from 1956 until 2018. In addition to his wife, Edna, Gene is survived by three daughters, two sons, 13 grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by one grandson.

David Charles Englehart ’49 (Company C) died on Nov. 13, 2018 in Walnut Creek, California. He attended Stanford University and was a member of the ROTC program while earning a degree in history. Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Army and spent two years in Germany, then returned to Portland and began a career at Mass Mutual Life Insurance alongside his father and brother. He married Karen McDanie in 1958 and together they had three children. In 1968, the family moved to Orinda, California, where David lived an active life committed to his community; serving St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church;president of the Rotary Club and teaching the culture of wine and spirits at Golden Gate University and Orinda Community Center. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Karen, two sons, one daughter and seven grandchildren. A brother, Miles’46 preceded him in death. Thomas Gregory Friss ’49 (Company B) died on Nov. 18, 2018, in Troy, Ohio. Greg graduated from Northwestern University and proudly served his country during the Korean conflict, receiving two purple hearts. He embarked on a long marketing career that included national positions with Westinghouse, KitchenAid and Whirlpool Corporation. Greg is survived by his wife, Carol, one son, one stepson, one stepdaughter and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son.

Albert Harris Tippens Jr. ’49 (Battery A) died on Jan. 1, 2019 in Kenilworth, Illinois. He graduated from Claremont Men’s College. Albert was an accomplished musician who played the piano almost every day of his life. He and his wife, Elicia, were world travelers and enjoyed visiting France for 24 years. He is survived by one sister, one sister-in-law, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers Dorr H’41, Martin W’48 and William ’46. Martin Shelling Longmire ’49 (Troop) of Whitesburg, Tennessee, died on March 24, 2019. The valedictorian of his Culver class, he earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry at the University of Cincinnati and subsequently a Ph.D. in physics at MIT. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1965. He worked at NASA and later taught at Western Kentucky University until his retirement. He was a member of Living Promise Lutheran Church and is survived by his wife, Linda, and stepson, Tony. He was predeceased by a brother, Mack ’51. William Wilson Morrison ’49 (Battery II) died on April 12, 2019 in New York City. Robert Lee Williams ’50 (Band), W’45, N’46, died on Dec. 7, 2018 in Del Rio, Texas. He graduated from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) and the University of Cincinnati Law School. He was also a U.S. Air Force veteran. Robert was preceded in death by one


son, Ted ’81 and a brother, Tom ’47. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marcia, and two sons, Eric ’80 and Geoffrey ’84. He is also survived by four grandchildren and several great-grand- children. Ned Poor Swanson N’50 died on Dec. 8, 2018, in the Hospice House of Spokane, Washington. He graduated from Noblesville High School and Culver Summer School in 1950. Ned graduated from Purdue University in 1954 with a degree in agricultural engineering as a second lieutenant. in the U.S. Army Field Artillery. He worked for Standard Railway Equipment in Hammond, Indiana, and in 1955 began active duty in the U.S. Army as a battery officer at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Following basic training he transferred to Camp Rucker, Alabama. He continued serving in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as a captain. In 1957, Ned began his working career working for ALCOA in Lafayette, Indiana, where he began his career, with family transfers to Davenport, Iowa, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before a final relocation to Colville, Washington, where Ned participated in the design and building of the ALCOA Addy Works. Ned retired in 1994 after serving 37 years at ALCOA as a registered professional engineer, designing water systems for small housing developments in Stevens. Ned served on the Colville City Council and was honored to serve as mayor protempore.

R E M E M B E R ING T HE FAMILY Janet M. Burke died on January 22, 2019 in Bourbon, Indiana. She graduated with an Associate Degree from Ancilla College, a B.A. from IUSB, and an MA from IUSB. She married David Burke, who had a long teaching career in the Academies’ Math department, in 1953. They had four children: Susan SC’72, ’76; Dan W’72,’78; Scot ’80 and Steve W’71,’81. She also had six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Janet served in several administrative positions in her 25 year career at Culver Academies: Director of the Girls Summer Camp, Asst. Dean of Girls, Director of Financial Aid and Admissions Officer. Among Janet’s favorite activities were being with friends, traveling, reading, and cooking. Her special love was her family, all of whom survive her.

Dale “Junior” Mangun of Culver passed away on May 22, 2019 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Culver. Born in Teegarden, Indiana, he married Zella Guise in Plymouth on September 2, 1961, who survives. He worked under the legendary Bud Craft and later oversaw all Boat Shop operations for Culver, retiring in 2006 after 51 years of service. He was also a member of the Indiana National Guard for six years. Surviving are one son, two daughters, three sisters, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Barbara Birdsall Friend died on June 22, 2018 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She taught Physical Education at Culver for one year, 1971-72.

A fixture on the Summer School’s faculty teaching driver’s education, Brentis R. Berkshire died on March 17, 2019 in Kokomo, Indiana at 93. A Navy veteran and Indiana University graduate, he spent his early career in public education as a teacher, coach and guidance counselor at Grovertown and Peru, spending his last 30 years as the principal of Elwood Elementary School. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie, and is survived by one son and two granddaughters.

Philip E. Aschinger died on March 9, 2018 in Culver, Indiana. He was the Director of Aviation at Culver from 1975-1992. After graduating high school in Stuttgart, Germany, Phil returned to America to attend Ohio State University. He was slated to attend West Point, but flying being his first love, he joined the Air Force instead. Phil was assigned to a bomber wing just as the Korean War broke out. After his first tour ended, he returned home to Cincinnati, where he married Peggy Hughes. They spent the next 20 years living all over the United States with their three sons, Phil flying B-47s and B-52s and Peg staying home with their three sons. After Phil retired from the Air Force, they moved from California to join Phil’s father in his Indianapolis business. After his 1992 retirement from Culver, he traveled extensively with Peggy and served several summers as a flight instructor at Fleet Field. Phil is survived by two sons, Chris and Eric’79. He was preceded in death by his wife Peggy and son Kurt’77.

Nancy (Fitch) Anders passed away on April 15, 2017 in Edmond, Oklahoma, after a multiyear battle against Alzheimer’s. She worked in the ROTC office and Facilities department from 1976-1988. She is survived by her three children, Ed Fitch W’78, Catherine Anders W’83, and John Fitch W’85.

Judith “Judy” Lynn Dunsmore of Knightstown, Indiana died on April 22, 2019 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, following a brief but hardfought battle with cancer. She taught English for over 30 years at New Castle High School, Knightstown High School, and one year as Dean of Girls at Culver. She is survived by her husband, E. Edward; two daughters, Jessica Dunsmore Turco ’97 and Sarah Hamilton-Dunsmore ’99, and three grandchildren. Michael L. Wagenknecht died on April 29, 2019. He was a heavy equipment mechanic at Culver from 2013-2017. Born in South Bend and raised in Rochester, he was a Colts and Bears fan. He is survived by his wife, Maria Pinatel, currently the Resident Director in Court Dormitory, as well as his mother, brother and two stepsons.

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IN MEMORIAM He was preceded in death by his grandson and is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jeane, three daughters, 25 grand-children and seven great-grandchildren. Richard “Dick” Nelson Newell ’50 (Company A), W’45, N’48, died on April 5, 2019 in Toledo, Ohio. Dick graduated from The Wharton School in 1955 with a bachelor of science in economics. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Fontainebleau, France, with the Army Finance Department, then returned to Toledo and began a 10 year career as an account executive with Merrill Lynch Pierce, Fenner, and Smith. Dick joined the First National Bank of Toledo in 1968 as an investment officer in the trust department and was quickly promoted to vice president of bank investments. When The First National Bank became Fifth Third Bank of NW Ohio, he continued as vice president of investments, as well as participating as an analyst and member of the asset/liability, and trust and interest rate committees. Dick retired after 26 years at the bank in 1994. In 1960 Dick married his wife Judith. Over the years their family often spent vacations on lakes where they could boat and ski, including Lake Maxinkuckee. Later the family learned to sail on Lake Erie and Dick earned trophies in the Annual Ottawa Hills Race. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith and is survived by sons Richard W’75; Phillip W’77; daughter

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Elizabeth Shawaker SSG ’82 and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, James N’47. Kenneth Emilio Serra McEldowney ’51(Battery A) died in Puerto Rico on September 6, 2018. He is survived by two sons and two daughters. Thomas Michael Comparet ’51(Battery B) of Los Angeles, California, died on October 2, 2018. He earned an A.B. from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Georgetown, then served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force as a SAC pilot. Tom was involved with a number of businesses, including president of Cluett Peabody, Thomas Comparet Professional Corporation, Bender Publications, Fiamy Company and Junomedia Inc. He is survived by two children. Terrance Leo O’Neill N’51 of Champaign, Illinois, died on March 13, 2019. He earned a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Illinois. In 1957, Terry joined Champaign Asphalt Company, the family business founded by his father. He served successively as vice president, president and chairman of the board until he retired in 2003. In 1962, he married his wife, Julia, and together they raised four children. Terry was active in the Rotary Club of Champaign for 50 years, and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Club. He was deeply and firmly rooted in Champaign and East

Central Illinois, a descendant of Irish immigrant farmers who settled in and around Tolono and Philo in southern Champaign County. He is survived by his wife; four children, including sons Tom ’80 and Thad N’84 and daughter, Margaret Marbury SSG’79, 10 grandchildren, including Thomas Shane O’Neill ’10, Finley Marbury ’08, Maddie Marbury SS ’12, Rowan Marbury W’13 and one great-grandchild. George Cordell Easter ’52 (Company D), a resident of the Princeton area for more than 50 years, died on Dec. 17, 2018. He earned a degree in public and international Affairs from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School. He also met his future wife, Sarah “Sally” Jones, on a blind date, and they were married in 1957. From 1957 to 1960, George served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Air Intelligence Unit at the Naval Photo Interpretation Center in Washington, D.C. While still in the Navy, he attended George Washington University Law School at night, earning a law degree in 1960. George went on to earn an MBA at Harvard University in 1961, then relocated back to Princeton in 1962. He held various financial posts during his career, including analyst at American and Foreign Power Company; vice president of finance, Waltham Industries Corporation; vice president of finance, Church and Dwight Company, Inc.; and vice president and treasurer of Associated Dry Goods.

George served in various volunteer roles over the years at the Unitarian church, including one term as president and treasurer of the church for decades. He also volunteered for the Red Cross, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, and was a member of the board of trustees of the Princeton University Store. His Sundays were not complete until he had finished the New York Times crossword puzzle… in pen. George is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sally, three children, and seven grandchildren. John Robert Brubaker NB ’52 of New Brighton, Pennsylvania, died on March 6, 2019 in Davidson, North Carolina. Bob earned a bachelor of arts from Duke University in 1957. He married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor Ann Carter, in 1957 and then served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of first lieutenant, and then joined the management program at Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh. During his career, Bob worked in management positions at several banks in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Missouri. He was active on the boards of several charitable organizations. In 1996, he retired and moved to Tellico Village in Loudon, Tennessee, where he and his wife were active members of the Tellico Community Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellie, and is survived by two children and four grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Joseph NB ’52.


Paul Douglas Sims ’52 (Troop B) died on March 21, 2019, in Bonita Springs, Florida. Doug earned his bachelor of arts, MBA and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. He is survived by his wife, Jean, one son and one daughter. Werner Henry Schmiesing Jr. W’53 of Minster, Ohio, died on Jan. 3, 2019. Werner enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1961–1967 while aboard the Navy destroyers USS Remey DD688 and the USS DD857. He married Bonnie Larger in 1964 and worked as an engineer for I.E. Industries and Midmark Corporation in Minster, which led to his becoming the co-owner of Fabcor and Tigerline, Inc. Werner also cofounded businesses with the late Bob Hoying. Later, he launched his own successful business as owner and operator of Autocraft Manufacturing & Machine in Minster, where he designed and built foundry molten metal ladle bowls and was a sheet metal fabricator until December of 2018. Werner enjoyed hunting in almost all 50 states and had been a master taxidermist since 1957. He was a lifetime member of the Safari Club International, the NRA, Ducks Unlimited and Sportsmen Against Hunger. He is survived by three daughters, one son and 14 grandchildren. John Copeland Pickard Jr. ’54 (Company C) N’51, died on Jan. 2, 2019 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He graduated from Indiana University, Oklahoma City University and Central

State University, in addition to serving in the U.S. Army Reserve. He became an assistant professor of English, humanities and film at the University of Central Oklahoma for 33 years, retiring in 2002. He also had the honor to serve as the film critic for the Oklahoma Gazette for 19 years. John was a passionate writer and visionary, working on manuscripts on film history, art, literature or poetry. He was involved in community theatre as an actor, writer and director. John was preceded in death by his second wife, Sally Brown. He is survived by two daughters, a granddaughter, a brother, Benjamin’55, and his first wife, Joan Magruder Pickard. John Thomas Fawcett Sr. ’55 (Company A) of Celina, Ohio died on July 26, 2016. In 1961, he married Louise Gregory. He worked for the Celina Insurance Group and retired in 2002. He was also a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post #210, the V.F.W. Post #5713, and the Moose & Eagles Lodges. John is survived by his wife, Louise, one son, Jack ’83, and one daughter, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. William George Davidson III ’56 (Company D) died on January 7, 2019 in Fairfax, Virginia. He earned a bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1960 and spent seven years on active duty, retiring as a lieutenant commander. He then worked in the financial management area from 1969 until 1980 for

Allied Chemical, Dennison Manufacturing and Premix, Inc. and Controller. Bill was admitted to the bars of Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Ohio, the U.S. Supreme Court; and other federal courts. He was also a licensed CPA in Maryland. After earning an MBA from the Wharton School of Business in 1970 and a juris doctor from Suffolk University Law School in 1974, Bill practiced as a tax and commercial lawyer and certified public accountant in Rockville and Fairfax, Virginia, and taught as an adjunct professor in the master of science taxation program at Southeastern University in Washington, D.C. His multifaceted career in upperlevel management in the private sector led to Bill joining the faculty of Bowie State University in 1989, where he served as an assistant professor and taught accounting, tax, finance, and business law on both the graduate and undergraduate levels. William Campbell Duncan II N’56 died on March 8, 2019, at his home in Wichita Falls, Texas. After graduating from Midwestern University in 1961, he continued his education at Texas Christian University and North Texas State University, where he earned his teaching and education administrative certifications. W.C. and his wife, Ida Jo, were married on June 23, 1961, and shared 57 years together. He was a lifelong member of First Christian Church in Wichita Falls and held various positions over 28 years, including chairman of

the board and elder for life. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, one granddaughter and one stepgranddaughter. John Ross Stine W’57, of Snowmass Village, Colorado died on Nov. 2, 2016. He attended Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, and graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. Most of his career involved positions in accounting and computer systems. John worked for IBM in Cleveland, Ohio; served as comptroller for Darling International in Dallas, Texas, and the Snowmass Resort Association; and co-owned a retail computer business in Denver, Colorado. He is survived by his wife, Diane, one daughter, and two brothers, Bill ’59 and David N’65. Joseph Charles Sumpter N’57 died on June 25, 2017, in Panama City Beach, Florida. Joe graduated from Logansport High School and received his bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Manchester College and his master’s in administration from Ball State University. He worked for East Allen County Schools as a math teacher and then as assistant principal at New Haven High School. In his retirement, Joe could be found disc jockeying music from all decades. His true passion was organ music and Dixieland jazz. He was preceded in death by his daughter Shelly. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rebecca, one son, one daughter and six grandchildren.

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IN MEMORIAM Ralph Austin Bard III ’57 (Company D) of Hawi, Hawaii, died on Oct. 25, 2018. He was an investment manager and cowboy. “Whip,” as he was known at Culver, is survived by three daughters, seven grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren. Roger Jonathan Negin N’58 of Elyria, Ohio died on Dec. 22, 2016. A 1958 graduate of Lima High School, he attended The Ohio State University and served in the U.S. Army Reserve. His first employment was as a sports broadcaster at WMVR in Sidney, Ohio, and then in advertising at WERT in Van Wert, Ohio. For 40 years, Roger was a sports writer for the Chronicle Telegram, where he made a positive impact on many coaches and athletes in the Lorain County area. Roger was inducted into the Ohio Prep Sports Writers Hall of Fame, Lorain County Football Coaches Hall of Fame and Lorain County Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. He was honored with the Distinguished Service Award by the Elyria Sports Hall of Fame, an organization he served as chairman in 1982. He was also a past president of the Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association, as well as serving two years as president of Elyria Little League North. Roger was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Evelyn and is survived by two sons and five grandchildren. John Edward Sedwick III N’58, fondly known as Big John, of Terre Haute, Indiana, died on Dec. 5, 2017. He attended

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the University of New Mexico and married Linda Green in 1961. A Vietnam veteran, John served in the U.S. Army. He worked for several years supervising juvenile offenders in Burlington, Iowa, and retired from JI Case, where he worked as a manager for ordering and scheduling. John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda, one son, two daughters, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A brother, Edwin ’64, died on Dec. 6, 2018. David Berkey Schele ’58 (Troop B), W ’53, died on March 12, 2019, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. At Culver he was a member of the jumping team and took part in President Eisenhower’s inaugural parade. David earned his bachelor’s degree from DePauw University. Early in his career, he worked for the Chicago Tribune and the Continental Bank in Chicago. Upon returning to Fort Wayne, he met and married his wife, Judy. David served in the Indiana Air National Guard. He had a long and successful career in the insurance industry and was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table. He was also active in the community, having served on the state and local boards of insurance and the Fort Wayne Ballet Board. Surviving are his wife, one son, one daughter, and three grandchildren. Alden Burr Cain Jr. ’60 (Company C) died on Nov. 11, 2016 in Dublin, California.

Daniel Griffith Keating N ’60 died on Nov. 24, 2018, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, he received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tulsa and an MBA from the University of Oklahoma. While in the Marine Corps Reserve, Keating was called to active duty for the Gulf War and was assigned to handle logistics for the 5th Marine Regiment, the same unit he served with in Vietnam near Da Nang. He served as vice chairman of Summit Consolidated Group, a national brokerage and insurance company and was previously the company’s president. In 2002, President George W. Bush appointed Keating to the Board of Advisors on Tribal Colleges and Universities. A longtime community leader, Keating served on the board of directors for the State Chamber of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Historical Society, and the Oklahoma Military Advisory Commission. He also served on the boards of Junior Achievement, Tulsa Ballet, the Tulsa Metro Chamber, and the Oklahoma Bankers Association Insurance Agency. Keating was a strong proponent of public education in Oklahoma and served on the State Board of Education and Tulsa Community College Board of Regents. He also held positions with the Oklahoma Wesleyan University Foundation. Keating is survived by his wife, Kathy, sons Matthew and Bryan; and brothers Frank N ’60 and Martin N ’57.

Charles Ned Mervine ’60 (Band) W ’55, died on Dec. 2, 2018, in Townville, Pennsylvania. He owned and operated Meadville Moving and Storage and Daniel’s Transfer and Mervine Brothers. He was a proud Mason for many years and enjoyed auto racing and traveling, especially to New Mexico. Charles fought Parkinson’s disease for more than 22 years. Survivors include one daughter, four sons, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Charles was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Ann Mervine. Timothy Hugh Hollingsworth ’60 (Troop B), a writer, poet, and artist, died on Dec. 12, 2018, at his home in Petaluma, California. A Mansfield, Ohio, native, he completed his undergraduate studies at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Tim joined the officer training in the U.S. Marine Corps while attending college, until he received an honorable medical discharge due to injury. Tim then took a teaching position at the Aquinas Institute of Rochester in New York, then bought a 65 acre farm. Tim and his wife, Shirley, then took teaching positions in Florida and moved their young family of four down to Fort Myers in 1981. Together they worked as teachers and counselors in Florida for the next 27 years, until retiring in St. Petersburg, Florida. Tim is survived by his wife, two sons and three granddaughters.


Orator Francis Woodward IV ’61 (Battery C) of Redwood, California, died on Feb. 8, 2018. A memorial service was held on Sept. 1, 2018, at Machpelah Cemetery in LeRoy, New York. Frank is survived by a brother, Warren N ’68. He was preceded in death by his father, Orator ’37. Lt. Col. Douglas Kent Isaly ’61 (Band) W ’57, of Yuma, Arizona died on March 10, 2019. Doug graduated from Ashland College in Ohio. He served for 23 years as a U.S. Marine Corps pilot, flying 366 missions in Vietnam and was awarded numerous citations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 stars, Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation with Palm, USMC Air Medal, and the Navy Unit Commendation Medal for outstanding heroism in action. As a trainer, he served as a squadron flight instructor and quality assurance officer at MCAS Yuma and also served in similar roles in MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. Later, as the community planning and liaison officer at MCAS Yuma, his actions helped to preserve the Marine Corps’ aviation training base, as well as portions of the Barry M. Goldwater Range for future aerial training. Doug was preceded in death by his wife, Ann, and is survived by one son and one daughter. Richard “Dick” Whitfield Robbins Jr. ’61 (Troop B) died on Dec. 24, 2018, in Cunningham, Kansas. He served in the U.S. Army with the Kansas National Guard

J O E L E VY ’4 3 Longtime CEF Trustee, Joe Levy ’43, died February 15, 2019 at age 92. This entrepreneurial business leader, beloved mentor, and wonderfully creative philanthropist served on Culver’s Board of Trustees for more than 20 years, moving to Emeritus status in 2008. Two years younger than most of his classmates, Joe arrived at Culver at age 14 and was assigned to the Artillery, not fully aware that the cannons were horse-drawn. Joe was terrified of horses and really small, but he persevered. Fortunately, Joe‘s assistant counselor in the Battery was John Mars, and a lifelong friendship and mutual admiration society was formed. Joe credited John with helping him through his cadet days. Many of Joe’s gifts honored Phyllis and John Mars, including the east wing of Huffington Library. His marketing and business acumen still influence important decisions made by school officials and fellow trustees. He provided the principal funding for multiple student projects; most notable among them is the Culveropoly game now in many Culver family households. John Buxton remembers Joe’s participation in this project vividly: “Joe had a storied history of inspiring and supporting young entrepreneurs, so when a young CGA student approached Mr. Levy for his advice and support with her project of creating the Culver version of Monopoly, he responded with characteristic enthusiasm, careful guidance, and more moral support than financial remedy. He wanted her to learn that entrepreneurship was hard, filled with victories and disappointments, and ultimately worth the challenge if the outcome was important enough to you. She may have gone into her “partnership” with Joe hoping he would be the banker, but years later she explained Mr. Levy became something far more important — her mentor.”

He graduated from Culver at age 16, earned his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. A patriarch of the Chicago automobile industry, he broke away from the family business and went out on his own to create Carol Buick in 1960 (the name honored his wife). Within two years, he was the world’s largest Buick dealer, a run that lasted 14 consecutive years. Simultaneously, he was the largest Chrysler dealer. On the national level, he was chairman of the Buick National Dealer Council, a member of General Motors Presidents’ Council, and the Toyota Presidents’ Council. His business interests, under the Levy Venture Management umbrella, broadened into real estate development and management in Illinois, Texas, Minnesota, California, and Virginia. His community leadership included Directorship, or President, of the State National Bank of Evanston, the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, Evanston Hospital, the Dean’s Advisory Council at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, Temple Sholom, and the Chicago History Museum. Most notably, Mr. and Mrs. Levy created the Levy Senior Centers, which continue to enrich and promote active lifestyles and lifelong learning for senior citizens in the Evanston, Chicago, and Bolingbrook communities. He was an honorary member of Culver’s Cum Laude Society Chapter and was the 2002 Culver Graduate of the Year. With two busloads of friends and the entire Academies community gathered, Mr. Levy shared, “Culver teaches you to make decisions, to accept responsibility, and be comfortable with it … to be accountable for whatever results your decisions produce.” Many at Culver have on their desk one of Joe’s many tchotchkes, which reads, “Begin … The Rest Is Easy.” To that, we offer in return one of his frequent postscripts, “May The Road Never End.” He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carole, three daughters, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

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IN MEMORIAM and was part of Fort Carson’s Honor Guard. He was a member of Pratt Elks Lodge, the American Legion and Texas Longhorn Breeders Association. He was past president of the Kansas Chapter of TLBA and former mayor of Oldsburg, Kansas. He was very passionate about long horn cattle and trains. He is survived by one daughter and one son. Robert Maurice Fritchley Brown ’62 (Battery B) died on April 28, 2018 in Colorado. John Donnelly Bell ’62 (Company C) of Markham, Virginia, died on Feb. 20, 2019, at Glendale Farm. He had a long career as a journalist, media consultant, and activist on behalf of environmental and labor causes. He majored in history at Carleton College and earned a master of science from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Bell began a journalism career as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune in 1968 and then worked for the Chicago Daily News and the Seattle Times. The American Political Science Association awarded Bell a congressional fellowship in Washington, D.C., in 1973, where he worked as an APSA fellow for U.S. Sen. Lee Metcalf, D Montana, and later for House Majority Whip U.S. Rep. John McFall, D California; press aide to U.S. Rep. James Scheuer, (DNew York, he also worked on a writing project for Ralph Nader on the need to protect textile industry workers from the disabling

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respiratory disease called “brown lung.” His interest in worker health and safety led Bell to become a speechwriter for the director of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 1978. Bell was appointed director of media relations for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission near the end of the Carter administration. He also served as a media consultant to the United Auto Workers union, and in the early 1980s, worked for a media/ political consulting firm now known as GMMB. Bell served as a deputy press secretary in 1983 for the Mondale for President campaign and deputy field director for Mondale, responsible for 18 western states. In 1989–90, he was part of the team promoting Paul McCartney’s concert tour in the U.S. Bell also handled many details of a secret 1992 visit by Salman Rushdie, the author, to Washington, D.C., after the Ayatollah Khomeini, then Iran’s supreme leader, had pronounced a fatwa (death sentence) on the novelist in 1989. Bell went on to work at the U.S. Postal Rate Commission. At the end of his life, he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Arlington, Virginia. Bell is survived by his sister and his niece. Malcolm Arthur MacQuillan ’62 (Company C) of South Bend, Indiana, died on April 1, 2019, at his home. His father, William James “Mac” MacQuillan, taught speech and English at Culver. Malcolm attended Indiana University

and worked for many years with the Indiana Toll Road. He attended Evangel Heights United Methodist Church in South Bend and enjoyed being a part of their Men’s Breakfast Group. Malcolm was preceded in death by his parents, “Mac” and Ruth. Robert LeSeuer Hightower ’63 (Company B) of Blakely, Georgia died on Dec. 1, 2018. Born in Cuthbert, Georgia, he graduated from the University of Georgia and was a self- employed real estate investor. His survivors include a niece, a nephew and sister-in-law. Jose Antonio Fernandez ’64 (Battery A) died on Feb. 20, 2018, in Mexico City. Among survivors is a brother, Tomas ’59. Edwin Steinmetz Sedwick III N’63, ’64 (Company D) died on Dec. 6, 2018, in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Linda. He was preceded in death by a brother, John N’58. Robert Henry Griffiths Jr. ’64 (Battery B) died on Dec. 15, 2018. Bob earned a bachelor of science in engineering from the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan. Bob worked for many years at the General Motors Research Laboratory. Following his retirement, he was a tax preparer for H&R Block. Always an engineer and accountant at heart, he often referred to doing taxes as his retirement hobby. Bob is survived by his wife of 34

years, Kathleen. He is also survived by two sisters, one brother Andrew Griffiths ‘68; nieces Kristen Forsyth Micurescu ‘99, Elizabeth Forsyth ‘05, Jennifer Watkins ‘08, and two nephews. Christian Scott Benninghofen ’64 (Battery A), W ’59, died on March 7, 2019, at his home in Hamilton, Ohio. He was a graduate of Kent State University with a bachelor of arts in business and accountancy. Chris ran his own CPA firm in Hamilton for more than 35 years. As his health declined, his greatest regret was having to give up his practice and his clients. He loved music and dancing and had a passion for Motown music. Chris is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda, two daughters, one son, and seven grandchildren. Peter Hewitt Crosby ’65 (Battery B) died on Jan. 2, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Robin. Joseph Patton “Beaver” Brantley IV ’66 (Company D) died on Jan. 7, 2019, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He spent one year at Culver and then opted to finish high school in Baton Rouge. An excellent swimmer, he set many state records there and also swam for AAU and SSAU, earning an invitation to swim at the Olympic trials. Beaver graduated from Louisiana State University Law School in 1972. At a young age, Beaver found a passion for the oil and gas business. He founded several oil and gas companies,


and as an “AV” rated attorney, testified as an expert on oil and gas operational and legal issues, and presided as a judge ad hoc in the Baton Rouge City Court. Beaver was instrumental in helping win the approval to bring the gaming casinos to Baton Rouge and also with gaming law across the states of Louisiana and Mississippi. He is survived by his wife, Susan, two sons and two grandsons. William Leslie Combs ’66 (Battery B) of Saline, Michigan, died unexpectedly in Jamaica on March 6, 2019. Bill graduated with a bachelor of arts in science from the University of Denver in 1970 and received a master of science in physical therapy from Duke University in 1975. Bill joined the U.S. Army in 1970 and served for three years. He worked at the University of Michigan and the Saline Community Hospital as a physical therapist, eventually becoming director of physical therapy services and director of rehabilitation services at Saline Community Hospital. Following that career, Bill worked at a hardware store, where his talents at woodworking and all aspects of home building and home improvement were put to good use. After Bill retired, he was able to pursue his many interests, including gardening and landscaping, aviation, cooking and baking, guitar playing and photography. He was a cancer survivor for the last 35 years of his life and helped others battling the disease. He was also an active and devoted member of Alcoholics Anon-

ymous, becoming a sponsor/ mentor to many for 21 years. Bill is survived by his longtime partner, Linda Edberg, one daughter and three granddaughters. William “Bill” McDowell Reader ’68 (Band) died on Feb. 20, 2019, in Austin, Texas. He loved Culver and often talked of the kindnesses extended to him by the faculty. He enjoyed reading the Culver Alumni Magazine and the Class of 1968 newsletter. He proudly wore his Culver ring at all times. Bill continued his education at Denison University, Granville, Ohio, studying premed, but due to illness, he was not able to achieve his dream of becoming a medical doctor. During his adult years, Bill lived in his home town of Farmington Hills, Michigan, and other communities in the greater Detroit area, where he received care for schizophrenia. Bill faced the challenges of mental illness with courage, humor and positivity. He had a keen memory, high intelligence and loved sports, dance, poetry and music of all types. In 2009, Bill moved to Austin, Texas to live with his sister, Susan. Bill is survived by his brother, sister, one nephew and one niece. William Alfred “Alf” Jones Jr. ’69 (Battery B) died on Jan. 16, 2018, at his home in Johnson City, Tennessee. Nursing was his passion and he loved making people laugh. He worked as an LPN at Johnson City Medical Center, and most recently, Broadmore Senior Living in Johnson City. He is

survived by his former wife, Liz, one son, and two brothers, Doug’63 and Arch ’71. He was preceded in death by a brother, Edward “Hugh ’66. David Lawrence Wesbrook ’69 (Company A) of Junction City, Wisconsin, died on Feb. 23, 2019. He was raised in Chesterton, Indiana, where he developed lifelong interests in hunting, fishing, shooting sports, and the great outdoors. David earned a degree in environmental science from Purdue University, then pursued his interests in photography and woodworking. David studied under the famous photographic artist, Frederick Sommer of Prescott, Arizona, and became a wellknown photographer antique and modern firearms, vintage automobiles, and various art collections. He did photographic work for National Geographic, the Smithsonian, and the Royal Armouries of the Tower of London, as well as private collectors. David’s photographs have been published in journals including American Rifleman, Journal of Custom Gunmaking, Sporting Classics, and the book series The Art of the Gun. David was once a gunstock maker for Griffin & Howe and authored the book Professional Stockmaking. His sporting rifle stocks were among the finest in the world. He finally settled in Junction City on the shores of Lake DuBay, where he enjoyed fishing, target shooting, reading, good cooking and good friends. David was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

Charles Boulware Harris H’69 died on March 23, 2019, in Flint, Michigan. He graduated from the Windsor Mountain School, where he discovered an affinity for still photography, which led to his earning a bachelor of fine arts degree from the Minneapolis School of Art and Design in 1977. Upon graduation, Charles returned to Flint and opened the city’s first black-owned photography gallery on Harrison Street, which he ebulliently advertised as “The Harris Son on Harrison.” In late 1979 Charles moved his gallery to downtown Flint, where he stored, sold, and displayed original and signed photographic prints and etchings by both local and worldrenowned artists. In 1981 Charles’ gallery made history by bringing famous Tuskegee photographer Prentice H. Polk to Flint and hosting the first major Michigan exhibit of his work. In the mid-1990s Harris shifted gears from curating art to culinary arts. This segue led him into hotel management, and between 1995 and 2005, Charles worked as head chef for several hotels and casinos in Atlanta, Minneapolis, and mid-Michigan. From cradle to grave, Charles loved sports, especially football, golf, hockey, and horseback riding, the latter of which he learned in the summer of 1969 at Culver. He also loved deepsea fishing in Galveston, Texas, periodic trips to Las Vegas, and golfing anywhere on the planet, He is survived by his two brothers, Wendell B. and Dr. Hobart W. Harris.

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IN MEMORIAM Daniel Andrew “Drew” Newell W ’67, UC ’71 of Kokomo, Indiana, died on May 19, 2016. He served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam. He later worked for the Kokomo Tribune. A loving and supportive father, he imparted his love of music to his sons and was always kind and selfless. Drew is survived by his sons, Daniel Andrew Newell II ’02 W ’97, and Johnathon Newell ’04 W ’00; and his niece, Alexandra

Elizabeth Newell-Taylor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Warner “Duke” Newell and Elizabeth Ann Newell; and his sister, Tamara, SS ’66. Charles Douglas Pace ’72 (Troop A) died on April 27, 2017 in Wichita Falls, Texas. Doug is survived by his twin sons, Robert and John, two sisters and one brother. Warren Grimes Bonnie ’74 (Troop B), W ’69 died on April 2, 2019, in the Kettering Hospital of Dayton, Ohio. He graduated from Urbana University in 2006 with a

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bachelor of science in education. Warren enjoyed his students and career as a high school math teacher at the Cliff Park School in Springfield, Ohio. During his career, Warren positively touched the lives of all of his students. He implemented the “Math Stars” recognition program and was presented the Cambridge Professionalism Award. Warren was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his two sons, Warren and

Job, one brother, Elliott ’67, and two sisters, including Gretchen SS ’67. Lynn Williamson Huff ’76 (Company B), W ’72, died unexpectedly on Nov. 26, 2018, in Mountain View, California. A gathering of friends and family was held on Dec. 1. Lynn is survived by two daughters and one son. Vance Carlyle Carter ’78 (Company A), W ’74 of Knoxville, Tennessee, Jan. 14, 2019. He received degrees in electrical engineering and architecture in 1988 from the University of Tennessee,

Knoxville. Vance was the sole proprietor of Big S Farms Hot Sauce and Salsa Company, which opened in 1999. He crafted unique recipes for his products, utilizing habanero peppers grown in Cocke County. Vance’s renowned products have been distributed throughout the east Tennessee region for many years. Vance joined the Ken Bronson Construction Co. Inc. as designer, senior project manager and estimator in 2000. He had the unique ability to visualize projects in three dimensions, which allowed him to create details that far surpassed two dimensional drawings. One of his favorite projects was The Children’s Defense Fund Chapel, designed by Maya Lin and constructed on Alex Haley’s Farm in Norris, Tennessee. Vance is survived by one nephew, one niece, and one great niece.

Peter Moulton Carnahan ’82 (Battery C) died March 16, 2019, at his home in Valley Village, California. He earned a degree from Ohio University and became a licensed pilot, flying for a number of private companies. His work took him to Afghanistan, South Sudan, Mexico, Canada and across the United States. In addition, Peter held a seagoing captain’s license. He was most “at home” in the outdoors and was a skilled hiker and camper. He hiked and camped extensively, not only all across the United States but also through Europe, Mexico and Canada. He also had great affection for animals and found comfort in their company. Peter is survived by his parents, his two sisters, including Allison SS ’83, one nephew, three nieces, Stella Rose, his companion of 17 years, and his beloved dog, Ozzie.

Lori Beth Greenwald Meek ’79 (Linden) of Willoughby Hills, died Feb. 15, 2017. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in business administration with a double minor in marketing and psychology from Findlay College in 1983. In 2014, Lori earned a paralegal certificate from Lakeland Community College. She excelled in numerous accounting functions, with a specialty in collections. She worked for Leader Electric Supply Co., National Paper & Packaging, Robert Half Accountemps and Staffing Solutions and Merry XRay. Lori is survived by her mother, Helene; ex-husband, Michael, and one sister.

Claudio Antonio Liz ’84 (Troop A) died on Jan. 3, 2019 after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his wife, Josana. Meghan Ferguson Mraz ’02 (Ciel) died on March 9, 2019, after a long battle with breast cancer. She attended Keith Country Day School and graduated from Culver in 2002. She attended Rhodes University in Memphis and Santa Fe, graduating in 2007 with a degree in art history. Meghan served as gallery director for the Tamarind Lithography Institute at the University of New Mexico. She is survived by her husband, Casey, her parents, and two sisters, including Melissa ’04.


THE FINAL WORD

Lost wallet leads to tale of world records

We recently learned about the passing of 20 Culver alumni: Jerry W. Baer ’54 (Battery A) December 18, 2015.

Dan R. Wilson N’57 April 5, 2017. Lawrence David Selkovits N’54,’56 (Company B) October 19, 2016. James Michael Harvey N’61 May 21, 2017. Lee Edwin Stierwalt N’59 February 3, 2016. William Gardner Jenkins N’71, ’75 (Battery A) January 9, 2018 Chester J. Brian, Jr. N’51 February 2, 2017 John William Sweeney ’61 (Company D) October 26, 2017 John Allen Ward ’71 (Company B) December 27, 2017 John Paul Marsh T’62 May 2, 2017 Peter Gardiner McNaughton ’57 (Battery B) January 18, 2016 Donald Raymond Hart, Jr. W’59 March 19, 2018 Thomas Speed Tuley, Jr. N’33 August 22, 2013 Alfred Nathan Bederman ’42 (Company C) November 19, 2014 Peter John Gatti ’71 (Battery B) June 22, 2018 Jenny Ashley Hagenmeyer ’78 (New Lodge) May 1, 2018 Wade C. Harrison II W’56 June 28, 2017 Brian C. Despain H’65 July 5, 2018 James Albert Jauch T’46 December 19, 1995 William Gold II W’,’43 (Battery B) November 1, 2014

There it was amidst the old pipes and electric lines outside the west side door of Main Barrack. A wallet lost nearly 60 years ago. When the Culver Academies steam pipe construction process began its run from Main Barrack to South Barrack last fall, that little bit of historical gold was discovered. The only identification in the wallet was an old oil card indicating the owner was Edward Stickles. But it was enough to set Zach Fink, a field Ted Stickles at IU. technician and camera operator for Blood Hound Underground Utility Locators of Brownsburg, Indiana, on a mission to find its owner.

During his time at IU, Stickles would set American and world records in the 200 and 400 meter individual medleys. He won five Big Ten championships in those events from 1962-1964; won eight AAU national championships; and held the American and world records in both events for three years. Unfortunately, he developed tendonitis in his elbow in 1964, which prevented him from making the Olympic team that year. It was disappointment because his sister, Terri Stickles, made the team, and they would have been the first brother and sister to make an Olympic team. He went on to continue coaching, starting at the University of Illinois and then taking over the Louisiana State University head coaching position from 1973-1980. He was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.

What he found was a tale of Olympic proportions — literally. The wallet did, indeed, belong to an Edward “Ted” Stickles, who was a scuba instructor for Culver Summer Schools & Camps in 1960. Stickles told Fink he remembers sleeping in the tents at Culver because the camp was so crowded. Campus construction dug up a story of Olympic proportions. But what Stickles did after his summer at Culver is the story. He went on to swim for the legendary Retired, Stickles is currently living in Baton Indiana University swimming coach James Rouge. “Doc” Counsilman. It was about the same time that Counsilman was revolutionizing ­— Jan Garrison competitive swimming with the bent arm stroke technique.

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Your life is your story. And being your own story means you can always choose the tone. It also means that you can invent the language to say who you are and what you mean. See your life as already artful, waiting, and ready for you to make it art. —Toni Morrison



Culver Alumni Magazine

The Culver Educational Foundation 1300 Academy Road Culver, IN 46511-1291

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Dr. Jennifer Kline Morgan ’84 addresses a group of Honors in Science students about the value of a career in science and medicine.


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