AMAG Winter 2018 by Culver Academies

Culver Winter 2018

Alumni Magazine

In Service to Others

FR O M THE E D I T O R

The Culver Code in Action “If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind, whom should we serve?”

— John Adams

Lately Americans have been prompted by messages, mostly

had contacted him about the role he was playing as a development

commercial — Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Small Business

operations specialist for the Red Cross, helping to keep 32,000 peo-

Saturday — to buy and buy often. These labels affect people’s

ple safe, fed and supported in the shelters. Trent shared that from his

habits and choices in ways they are not even aware of. They act

Culver days forward, he has kept a printed copy of the Culver Code

but don’t think about the “why.” The underlying message of giving

of Conduct on his desk, and it has been on his desk since his first

to those in need has become a distant second.

day with the Red Cross. Three lines in particular stand out for him:

This trend made me think back to late August when Hurricane

“…to fulfill the ideal of service to others, to place duty before self,

Harvey was ravaging Houston. Jan Garrison, the Assistant Director

to lead by example and to take care of those I lead…” Trent doesn’t

of Publications, told me that a young alum named Trent Shafer ’09

need commercial prompts—he is following the path of generations of Culver students, changing the world one person at a time.

In a society that is increasingly individualistic in thought, the Culver

Mexico City, spending their breaks helping neighbors remove debris

Code of Conduct is a vibrant reminder that there are responsibilities

from their houses and yards or raising money for children in Puerto

in life that are not meaningful without a framework to support

Rico to have toys for Christmas. Culver alumni and staff have sent

them. That means to live a life in service to others, to think and

shipments of money, food, medicine and essential items repeatedly

act globally and become responsible citizens of the world.

to family members and neighbors in Puerto Rico who have lost

Global Citizenship: Answering the Call to Serve Others is the focus of this issue. It is to empathize with those who are suffering

everything. They have answered the call and will continue to do so as long as there is a need.

and feeling isolated and helpless. It is to see oneself in others and

The Culver Code of Conduct is at the heart of Culver’s mission

treat them the way one would want to be treated in the same

and is just as relevant today as it was when it was written nearly

situation. It is to say “And I am that too,” an acknowledgement

100 years ago. The stories and articles in this issue reconfirm its

of our human connection and responsibility to serve each other,

importance and remind us of our responsibility to one another and

and by doing so, lift ourselves. Some examples of senior leadership

to the world. It’s what we expect of Culver students and graduates

projects include raising funds to rebuild a children’s hospital wing in

— “We Are Culver.”

Culver Alumni Magazine

CONTENTS ADVANCEMENT OFFICE Chief Advancement Officer Holly Johnson

ALUMNI RELATIONS Director Alan Loehr Jr. Legion President Dr. Anna Kantzer Wildermuth ‘83 Lafayette, Indiana CSSAA President E. "Ted" Foster W'89 Columbus, Ohio

COMMUNICATIONS

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Director/Strategic Marketing Bill Hargraves III ’77 Editor/Culver Alumni Magazine Kathy Lintner Asst. Director/Publications Jan Garrison

Answering the Call to Service

Website Manager Trent Miles Publications Manager/ Museum Curator Jeff Kenney

DEVELOPMENT Director Mike Hogan Director/Annual Fund K. Megan MacNab Bekker

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR Tony Giraldi ’75

MAGAZINE DESIGN Scott Adams Design Associates

Tom Bridegroom’s Lasting Legacy

When the need arises, Culver answers the call, following the Culver Code of Conduct “… to fulfill the ideal of service to others, to place duty before self and to lead by example.”

This is a story about a legacy of light — a bright life cut short, a Culver graduate who rekindled the flame, and the students who carry the torch forward.

PHOTOGRAPHY Lew Kopp, Mo Morales, Jan Garrison Cover: iStock

PRINTING AND MAILING West-Camp Press

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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.

Volume 94 / Issue 1 / Winter 2018

Culver Greetings through the Years Culver has a long history of reaching out to alumni and parents over the holidays. Enjoy a sampling of historical postcards from 1916-1962 that celebrate the season!

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How One Book Brought National Renown to Culver Dr. Kelly Jordan focuses on Gignilliat’s book “Arms & the Boy” and his tireless efforts to promote Culver’s WWI preparedness camps and put the school on the national map.

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Departments i From the Editor 4 Views & Perspectives 28 Our Sporting Alumni 32 Alumni Class News 36 Culver Clubs International 40 In Memoriam

Graduate of the Year, Bill Osborn Bill Osborn, Class of ‘65, is a man whose Midwestern family and Culver values have led to a life committed to the service of others.

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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.

V I E W S AND P E R S P E C T IVE S

Cultivating the Art of Empathetic Listening

OR THE PAST SIX SUMMERS, I have been fortunate enough to be an instructor at the National Association of Independent Schools’ Institute for New Heads, a weeklong gathering of seventy-five brand new heads of school, along with some experienced administrators. I am not quite sure how or why I was first invited to participate in this venture, but after that week at Emory University each July, I come away inspired and “raring” for the start of the school year.

1. Understand what Culver is and what it is aiming to become. A good many folks here emphasized – in almost always the same words – “We do NOT want to become an Elite East Coast Prep School!” (I have since abandoned my considerable collection of bow ties, and tattered copies of “A Separate Peace” or “Catcher in the Rye” are no longer to be found on my bookshelf!)

During my first summer in Atlanta, I asked the lead instructor, a master teacher/head who had directed the Institute for New Heads for twenty years, “What is the biggest mistake new heads make?” Without pausing, she said, “Every once in a while, a new head fails spectacularly in their first year, and it’s almost always for the same reason: they come into a new school, a totally new environment, and with the best of intentions, they grab the institution by the throat and try to yank it in a radically new direction.” Since that first summer in Atlanta, I have enjoyed working with a host of energetic, idealistic, and thoroughly committed new school heads, and they almost always arrive at Emory asking the same question, “What is the ‘blueprint’ for a successful headship?” Of course, no such plan exists; what works at one institution may not play well at all in another. During our seven days together, we talk about strategic planning, discuss professional development, and role play “important conversations.” As much as anything, though, I think the new heads gain a deeper appreciation of the importance of building trust, and about the pivotal importance of developing relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and alumni. In an attempt to follow my own advice last year during my first year at Culver, I tried my best to keep my mouth shut (not so easy for me!) and my eyes and ears wide open. Here are just a few of the themes I heard repeatedly from a variety of people:

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2. Understand that everything at Culver is about leadership. The prefect system and the military systems are simply ways of building leadership. Embrace the notion of “uniforms” while recognizing that we are not preparing students for the service academies (though some of our best students do matriculate there each year) so much as we are preparing them for a life of leadership and service.

3. Understand that the Summer School is not an auxiliary service; it is a vital part of the Culver experience. Folks who spend multiple summers on Lake Max have every right to call themselves alumni because they are some of the most committed graduates we have. In general, summer graduates have deeply bought into our leadership program. 4. Understand the size, scale, scope and complexity of Culver. (Note to self: If you need to drive to a home rugby game, you are at a large school!) 5. Understand that when someone says “polo,” he or she is referring to a sport involving horses. 6. Listen. Digest. And then listen some more.

Ryan Smith Photography

I thought about all of this recently when Dr. Stephanie Scopelitis described how the students in her junior leadership class responded to Culver alumni who had been affected by the storms in Texas, Florida, and the earthquake in Mexico. What her students did — how they approached the task at hand — says a lot about their understanding of leadership. With help from Stephanie and other leadership teachers, our students set up a number of evenings when they would simply call Culver alumni who had been affected by the storms. The students’ goal was simply to LISTEN to what our graduates had to say. Alumni later reported how refreshing it was to have someone just hear them describe what they had endured, and to have someone actually understand what they were dealing with. There is no magic bullet or secret blueprint for leadership, but so much seems to start with listening and building trust, an insight many of our Culver student leaders have already developed — without spending their summers at leadership institutes!

There is no magic bullet or secret blueprint for leadership, but so much seems to start with listening and trust‑ building. CULVER ALUMNI MAGAZINE

BILL OSBORN: Buildi

SUMMER 2017

On Oct. 6, the Culver student body, faculty and staff and Board of Trustees gathered to honor the 2017 Graduate of the Year, Bill Osborn, Class of ’65 (Company A). He is one of only two recipients who are Culver natives, growing up a mile from campus.

ing a Life to Improve Others’ Lives The Osborn family put down roots nearly a century ago. Bill’s grandfather founded the Osborn Seed and Equipment Company in Burr Oak, Indiana and his grandfather’s cousin, William O. Osborn, was head of the local State Exchange Bank and worked with the Culver family to help the Academy grow early in its history. They established themselves as an essential and respected part of the leadership fabric of both Culver and Marshall County.

CULVER ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Bill Osborn delivers his Graduate of the Year speech to the entire student body, faculty, staff and Culver Board of Trustees

“With Bill, you always get a sense that 1+1=3. Everything about him adds up to more than the sum of the parts.” — John Hargrove ’65

There is a popular saying that “Home is where your story begins.” The common thread throughout the Osborn family has been one of balancing personal achievement with the overarching good of the community. Bill’s parents, Bob and Dorothy, chose to settle back in Culver because they appreciated the slower but deliberate pace of life in a small town. Bill remembers them as the Rock of Gibraltar, stressing the values of hard work, self-discipline, striving for excellence and humility.

with. He excelled at athletics and rose to be captain of his teams; he was in the Honor Guard and earned Blue Key and Cum Laude honors. Bill graduated from Northwestern University and its Kellogg Business School. He served as an Airborne Ranger in the National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve. All of these experiences prepared him to spend his professional career of nearly 40 years at Northern Trust, one of the world’s largest investment managers, where he rose to the position of Chairman and CEO.

Coming to Woodcraft Camp for two years and then Winter School in Company A was a natural extension of the values Bill grew up

Bill’s strong belief in giving back to the community led him to share his business acumen and wisdom by serving on boards of large

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corporations, like Caterpillar, the Tribune Company and Abbott, but also on civic, cultural, and educational institutions such as Northwestern University, where he served as board chair; the Museum of Science and Industry, the Chicago Symphony, the Chicago Urban League and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. When asked how he chose which organizations to support, his answer was simple — he always wanted to learn more about subjects he knew little about, such as opera — so he joined the board to educate himself in order to be a better public servant. Miles White, Chairman of the Culver Educational Foundation Board of Trustees, introduced Bill, whom he has known for 20 years and considers a personal friend. He said, “When I became the new CEO of Abbott Labs, Bill — as one of the established leaders of the Chicago community — as someone who cared about the city and

Bill’s advice to Culver students was clear and reflected his “common sense” values and wisdom. • The choices you make are the ones that define you, so cultivate trust and transparency in all that you do and you will accomplish more.

Head of Schools Dr. Jim Power, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Miles White, pose with Bill Osborn, 2017 Graduate of the Year.

• Put together teams of the most diverse people you can find and let them work together to find common ground. Don’t be afraid to let them disagree or debate all sides before coming up with potential solutions. Growth, whether in business or life, is contingent on stretching your boundaries. • Learn how to be a good listener and a coach, because it will build trust and commitment in your employees. • Share the credit with your team — “shine by reflected light” and use “we” instead of “I.”

Bill Osborn accepts a unit photo of Company A from unit commander Austin Madronic, Jabari Brown and Mario Rodriguez

its institutions, and, more fundamentally, as simply a fine and kind person — acted as a mentor to me and gave me invaluable insights. So I know, very personally, how true and excellent an example of our school he is. I learned a great deal from him.” He also cited the recognition that Bill’s distinguished service to Chicago has garnered, including the Global Citizen Award, which is given by the Chicago Consular Corps to a person who has made extraordinary contributions to the international reputation, stature and outreach of Chicago, and the Order of Lincoln, the state of Illinois’s highest honor. Bill’s speech to the audience began with an acknowledgment of his family’s long commitment to Culver, as his three brothers Bob ’62, Tom ’69 and Dan’75, as well as Dan’s three daughters, Brooke’04, Allison’07 and Morgan’13, and a cousin, Greg’66, are all graduates. One cousin, Anne, was the first woman voting trustee on the board. His two children, Kristen Osborn Novelline W ’86 and David SC ’96, took part in the summer programs.

Bill was committed to Northern Trust for 40 years because there was always something more to learn and experience. As he rose in the company, he was deliberate about sending employees all over the world to immerse themselves in world cultures for 4-5 years, so they would have an opportunity to learn, understand how decisions were made and come back to the company to share and educate others. Continuous learning and growth kept him grounded. He believes that success comes with a social obligation, giving back to the community in which one lives, whether it be through donations, volunteerism or time. Life must be in service to others and the common good. In 2005 he and his wife Cathy established a scholarship at Culver for disadvantaged children of Chicago, giving them access to excellent education. They meet with them often and help them envision a better future. One of Bill’s classmates, John Hargrove, describes him well: “With Bill, you always get a sense that 1+1=3. Everything about him adds up to more than the sum of the parts.” When asked about this quote, Bill just smiled and said, “You have to be a force for good. That’s how you get equations to be more than they look like they should be.” And Bill has done just that. Miles White summarizes Bill’s life best, “He took what he learned from his family and Culver — the values, the discipline, the striving for excellence — and used it to build a life that helped improve others’ lives.” — written by Kathy Lintner with photos by Camilo Morales

CULVER ALUMNI MAGAZINE

A LASTING LEGACY: Lighting the Lamp for Others to Follow There are many Culver stories worth telling, but this one is truly unique to Culver. It is the story of a cadet who brought light into so many lives before his own was tragically extinguished. It is the story of a Culver alumnus who was so moved by this cadetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life and artistic spirit that he established a scholarship in his name so other talented arts students could pursue their passion in college. It is the story of the first two scholarship recipients who are carrying this cadetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legacy forward through their own passion for the arts. It is a legacy of light.

LIGHTING THE LAMP The Buddha told his followers to “Make of yourself a lamp that you might light the way for others.” Tom Bridegroom’s passion for so many things in life was ignited early on. Born in Knox, Indiana, his talent for music was evident from age 3, when he got his first drum set. At age 5 his mother, Martha, woke up in the middle of the night and heard Tom playing the piano and singing. Later he composed music as well, and the living room floor would be littered with crumpled paper. He taught himself to play instruments before taking formal lessons. He had a rare gift for playing by ear. Taking formal lessons was difficult for him at first, because the melodies were already in his head and he had to channel that energy into more structured musical forms. He had a music room at home that he viewed as sacred because he knew how many countless hours he sacrificed to his music. As he wrote in an essay, he hated practicing until one day “I got a sensation throughout my body, like a sudden shiver. My hands began to shake, my pulse began racing and emotions started flowing.” I felt “like a bird that had mastered the art of flying.” The creative spirit was taking flight. His voice was an instrument of its own, a clear resonant tenor. Tom’s parents realized that their son was musically talented, but he also had a maturity beyond his years. Right before he entered kindergarten, he turned to his mother in the car and said, “You know, Mommy, with a little bit of creativity, you can do almost anything.” He was already looking ahead to a life of infinite possibilities. Tom excelled academically at school and loved to learn. He also discovered a second passion — swimming. Like music, it demanded self-discipline and commitment, but it was like a mirror of his mind. As he put it, “the pool can be cloudy like my mind when I can’t see situations perfectly clear, yet it can be bright and crystal clear like me when I am able to understand the problems of the world.” Tom was always looking ahead to the next opportunity, so when he came home one day in eighth grade and announced that he wanted to go to Culver Military Academy, get an excellent education and go somewhere in his life, his mother wasn’t surprised. She was on board with him from the beginning. He called her his “… Athena who guides me along the way, giving me advice and helping me accomplish my goals in life.” When he was accepted to Culver, she got a job in Facilities and followed him. Culver was a place where, like Hal Holbrook ’42, Tom found himself through both trials and triumphs. Band was a natural fit for him as a French horn player. Maj. Bill Browne, the Band director, remembers, “Receiving a hornist in your program is always a great gift to any music director, but Tom also played piano, trumpet and sang. He was already a talented musician, able either to sight‑read his part well or polish it by the next practice.”

Looking at Tom’s career at Culver, Bill reflects that “cadets in Band, by the nature of its mission, always go the extra mile. In addition to new cadet duties, and later on in unit leadership roles, Tom always created the space to play, sing, act and dance. He performed in every brass choir, special ensemble and Lancer Band. He maintained a challenging academic schedule, and through it all, I always saw the enthusiasm he not only exhibited but also passed on and instilled in others.” Theatre Director Richard Coven recalls that “Tom came to the theatre the spring of my first year at Culver in 1996. It was his and my first musical, “Kiss Me, Kate.” When I think back on that show, and I often do, I think of Tom and what the world was robbed of by his untimely death. But I also reflect on how lucky we were to witness three of the most glorious performances by this talented young man who absolutely glowed each night with pure joy.” Dancevision Director Cathy Duke adds to this praise, “My first interaction with Tom was as choreographer for “Too Darn Hot” from the musical “Kiss Me, Tom’s 1st Class picture in 2000 Kate.” He had tremendous energy and stage presence and flexibility. With the success of this performance, he joined Dancevision the following year and was my Reverend Dimmesdale in “The Scarlet Letter.” His positive nature and enthusiasm for life affected all of us and made each rehearsal enjoyable. Tom was a shining star and we still miss his brightness.” The arts were Tom’s first love but he embraced all opportunities for growth. He was a principled and compassionate young man who lived the tenets of the Culver Code of Conduct. He led by example and didn’t hesitate to hold cadets accountable when he served on the Honor Council or as Unit Commander of Band. He played tennis, rowed crew and was captain of the swim team. He excelled in a rigorous course schedule, earning Blue Key and Cum Laude honors. His senior year Tom won the Chambers Award, given to the cadet who excels at both athletics and academics; the W.J. O’Callaghan Award for all-around excellence in the Culver Military Academy Band, and the General MacArthur Award for the First Class cadet who has excelled in academics, leadership and athletics.

Tom (far left, front row) with the Culver Choir

His Band counselor, John Clendenin, recalls him as “a kind, gentle spirit who always had a smiling face.” Tom had that gift of brightening a room and making people feel like they were the center of his attention. After graduation in 2000, Tom took a gap year as an English Speaking Union Scholar at the Sherborne School in Great Britain, allowing him the chance to experience a different educational culture and travel abroad. He returned to Vassar College the following year but decided to take a break to write music, play piano and sing. Back in Indiana with his family, he auditioned for a talent show in South Bend and won, which reinforced his decision to pack up his Jeep, head to California and pursue a career in music. For the next eight years, Tom pursued a number of different jobs all connected to the arts — modeling, acting, hosting a TV show, commercials and photography. He had just received a business license to open his own talent company and was on the verge of realizing his dream of a life in the arts. But that turned out to be short lived. On May 7, 2011, the day before Mother’s Day, Tom died after accidentally falling off a roof.

REKINDLING THE FLAME A life that was so bright and filled with artistic promise was suddenly gone. There were so many questions and no answers, only darkness and grief. But a movement toward restoring the light was already forming. Michael Huffington ’65, a longtime patron of the arts at Culver, established a scholarship to attract more middle income students to Culver in 1999. Then, in 2008, he created a merit scholarship for talented student artists needing financial aid. When Michael learned about Tom’s life, his commitment to the arts and his untimely death, he was deeply touched and decided to create a third scholarship in Tom’s name, given to a 1st classman or CGA senior “… intending to study a Fine Art discipline on the college, university, or conservatory level following graduation, and who best exemplifies the adventurous, creative spirit of Tom’s

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multiple participation in artistic practice while a student at Culver Academies.” The Thomas Bridegroom Fine Arts Award scholarship is awarded annually at the Commencement Convocation, the only Fine Arts award of its kind at Culver. Martha Bridegroom and her family are invited to be in the audience and meet the winner afterward. They expressed their gratitude by stating, “The Bridegroom family has a heartfelt appreciation for the support given to students interested in an arts career while preserving the artistic legacy of our son Tom. For this we are grateful to Michael Huffington for establishing the Thomas Bridegroom Fine Arts Award.” Tom’s story and legacy were given new life through Huffington’s generosity, one Culver alum preserving another’s memory and artistic spirit through philanthropy. The lamp was lit again and the path illuminated for those students who love the arts much as Tom did. Michael expresses his intent clearly: “I never had the pleasure of personally meeting Tom Bridegroom but I was able to see what an extraordinary human being he was by watching a film about his life. Tom was clearly a very charismatic and talented young man who was full of joy, curiosity, kindness and love. After seeing the film I visited his gravesite, knelt down and said a prayer to God for his soul as tears ran down my cheeks. Afterwards I felt that his memory should be honored by endowing an award in his name that would be given to a Culver senior who exhibited the same breadth of genuine artistic talent that Tom had demonstrated during his time as a cadet at Culver. May his memory be eternal.”

CARRYING THE TORCH There have been two winners of the Thomas Bridegroom Award. Mia Carrera ’16, a Texas native, now a studio arts major at the University of Texas in Austin, was the initial recipient of the scholarship. Mia worked this summer in the Woodcraft Arts and Crafts program. She used the scholarship funds to purchase a piano for her apartment, because music inspires her creativity and she can’t imagine herself in a space where she can’t create music. She composed four songs used for her Honors in Dance group piece, but she doesn’t write her music down. She memorizes it as she composes. She didn’t start playing the piano until her junior year at Culver. A three-week trip to Spoleto, Italy, through a special Culver Fine

“I felt that his memory should be honored by endowing an award in his name that would be given to a Culver senior who exhibited the same breadth of genuine artistic talent that Tom had demonstrated during his time as a cadet at Culver.”

— Michael Huffington ’65

while they are walking down the street,” she said. “It helps them to empathize with the people who are living through it.” By combining virtual animation with other therapies, people suffering from PTSD can learn how to cope better. Devon first learned about the USC program while researching a paper on the plight of North Korean refugees in China. She is looking forward to qualifying for an internship with one of the field teams filming the initial videos at USC when she is a junior. She has also talked with Michael Huffington, since she is going to school in the Los Angeles area, and they plan to meet sometime in the near future.

Mia at work in the Coolman Arts and Crafts Center

Arts program, allowed her to study painting, drawing, and sculpture, which inspired her to compose two songs and start a third. It is also when she learned that the arts are intermingled, “The art I see around me is incorporated into my feelings. My feelings are incorporated into my art pieces. But when I dream, I dream in songs.”

Devon spread her talents throughout the fine arts program at Culver. She played the clarinet in the band, sang in the acapella group, was involved in several theatre productions, took a variety of visual arts classes, and graduated with Honors in Visual Arts and Honors in Creative Writing. She attended Culver through the Duchossois Scholarship program and is grateful for all of the exposure she has had, both academically and artistically. She recently worked in the theatre program during summer camp.

Mia, who also earned Honors in Visual Arts, calls dance “her sport.” She was drawn to Honors in Dance at Culver, which includes choreographing and selecting the music for a group piece and she composed the music for a dance piece. After the dancers had interpreted her piece on the Eppley stage, she cried. “Everything overlapped. I had never put myself out there like that before. I’ve never been so proud of anything in my entire life.” The 2017 recipient of the scholarship, Devon Gadzinski of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, is a freshman at the University of Southern California, where she is learning how to use virtual reality to help people understand and cope with real world traumas around them by studying this specialized form of computer animation. It is an opportunity for Devon to use her combined artistic and computer skills to benefit others. Using computer animation, virtual worlds are being created that can help soldiers suffering from PTSD and show others the day-to-day struggles of refugees fleeing conflicts in Syria and other hot spots around the world. It is an opportunity that Devon didn’t know existed until recently, a chance to blend her creative talents with her social conscience. Since politicians and donors cannot safely go into war zones, several aid organizations have developed virtual tours to show them what it is like. “They can now know what it is like to have a bomb go off

Devon taking a break from her work in the theatre department

Both of these talented young women, with very different artistic interests, reflect Tom Bridegroom’s artistic versatility and the recognition that creativity can come in many forms and expressions. Through the generosity of the scholarship and the varied work in the arts that they are pursuing, Tom’s life and artistic legacy are rekindled for others to follow. Tom was right “…with a little bit of creativity, you can do almost anything.” — written by Kathy Lintner with contributions from Jan Garrison

CULVER ALUMNI MAGAZINE

My aim in life is to become the best person To this end I will strive always to develop my potential to its fullest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; physically, intellectually, morally and spiritu to make wise choices, exercise self-discipline, accept responsibility for my actions; to treat everyone as I would have them trea to fulfill the ideal of service to others; to place duty before self; to lead by example and take care of those I to live by the Culver Honor Code: I will not lie, cheat, or steal, and I will discourage others from such actions.

Answering the In Se

I can be.

ually; , and

Call: ervice to Others at me; This fall was marked by an unprecedented number of natural disasters, including earthquakes in Mexico and three major hurricanes hitting Texas, Florida, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Thousands of people were displaced, without power, food or shelter — as one survivor in Puerto Rico put it, “We need everything!” Most of America watched this unfold on television or social media. But Culver alumni, students, faculty and staff were already mobilizing to help those who were the most vulnerable and had lost “everything.” Here are a few of their stories, photos, Editor’s Note: The stories and notes — from selling wristbands, baked goods, and represented here are only T-shirts to flying tons of supplies to areas in need.

lead;

What emerged was a mosaic of stories — the Culver Code of Conduct lived large — “fulfilling the ideal of service to others.” These are the voices and accounts of individual and collective calls to action to help children in Mexico City and thousands of displaced people in Houston, Florida and Puerto Rico. It is also an account of Culver alumni reaching out to classmates to make sure they were OK, or a group of Culver students calling alums in Houston to let them know they cared about them and wanted to hear their stories.

a fraction of the ones we know have not reached us yet. If you have a story you want to share, send it to kathy.lintner@culver.org or submit it through our Share Your Story button on the Culver blog at news.culver.org. We would like to have a follow-up blog article highlighting these stories.

The Culver Code of Conduct:

The Red Cross distributing relief packages to people in need

hen Trent Shafer ’09 thinks about the roots of his commitment to serve others, he traces it back to his grandmother and parents.

Trent Shafer ‘09

They stressed the importance of giving back to the community in which he lives, no matter where he is, no matter how small or grand the gesture might be. He internalized the message well, as his life has been anchored in this core belief ever since, and was put to the test yet again during 2017’s Hurricane Harvey. Coming to Culver as a student only reinforced these concepts his family taught him. He laughingly recalls being a Company B plebe and studying hard for his boards. He had a copy of the

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Culver Code of Conduct on his desk so he could memorize it, but the content just “stuck” with him, particularly three lines: “…to fulfill the ideal of service to others, to place duty before self, to lead by example and to take care of those I lead…” Trent’s opportunity to first put these ideals into action came faster than he thought when he teamed up with classmates on a senior service project to raise funds to fight cancer. Part of its success stemmed from the outreach to all Culver constituencies — the Academies, town, farm and lake — and engaging them to be part of a united effort, which was highly successful. At the time, Culver was the

A Blueprint for Action only high school in America approved to host a Relay For Life. Looking back on the event, Trent muses, “I believe being a part of the inaugural Culver Relay For Life… really fanned that flame (of service).”

received more than 40-65 inches of rain, creating an inland body of water the size of Lake Michigan and the trillion gallons of flood waters generated enough water to run Niagara Falls for 15 days. More than 30,000 people were displaced, prompting 17,000 rescues.

Those three lines from the Code of Conduct that sit on Trent’s desk are far more than reflective language. That flame was ignited full force when Trent signed up with AmeriCorps in 2013, focusing on community outreach and program development. He was assigned to southern rural Nevada for seven months, where he was responsible for recruiting and training volunteers for disaster action teams, with a specific focus on developing and managing a Community Fire Safety Education program for four different areas. He then transitioned to New York City as a regional manager for youth clubs for the next two years, handling oversight for 3,000 volunteers in 100 plus schools and 13 counties. Trent was drawn to the Red Cross because of its global mission “to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.” It reminded him of the Culver Code of Conduct. From his first day with the Red Cross, he wrote down the three lines he had highlighted from the Culver Code on a piece of paper and still keeps them on his desk to read and reflect on daily. Each Red Cross assignment that Trent experienced was an incremental step toward the ultimate challenge he would face three months after moving to Austin, Texas, in his role as Development and Operations Specialist. In late August, Hurricane Harvey slammed into Texas and inflicted nearly $200 billion in damage, mainly stemming from widespread flooding in the Houston metropolitan area. In a four-day period, many areas

All of Trent’s training and skills translated into action, as he truly lived those three lines of the Culver Code of Conduct. His top priority was “keeping people safe while providing shelter, food and a shoulder to lean on.” He was responsible for creating teams of volunteers and case workers who assisted displaced people by identifying their immediate needs and marshaling the human and financial resources to help them. Trent kept his focus on one question, “How do I protect and help people the fastest?” That was only the first stage. Though the Harvey disaster disappeared from the media after a few weeks, Trent and his team of volunteers moved into the next phase of support, following up with the displaced victims and utilizing technology solutions to get financial assistance to them faster. The third phase of Red Cross help is focused on long term recovery, tracking victims for at least 2-3 years, keeping in touch with them and working with them to solve problems. This fall, Trent has been traveling across central and south Texas training volunteers to provide ongoing assistance for those still in need. Trent also reached out to the immediate Culver alumni in the Houston area — his Culver family — to see how they were affected. He then extended that reach to the Culver campus, responding to a message of support that Head of Schools Jim Power sent to the larger Culver community.

He wrote, “I write to you today to ask for the Culver network to commit itself to their spirit of service through philanthropy and volunteerism. I’m happy to help connect you to the best resources and channels of information in order to keep Culver looped in on what’s happening in the Red Cross Network, and in those areas where our Culver family calls home.” Trent’s spirit is still buoyant and positive. The firm roots of service to others that were planted early in his life by family and reinforced by the Culver Code and the mission of the Red Cross explain “…why working for this organization is important and will keep me working each day as we move down the long road to recovery.”

Trent addressing Red Cross volunteers in one of his training sessions

Those three lines from the Code of Conduct that sit on Trent’s desk are far more than reflective language. They are the living realities of his life and the core of his being. He knows that, in the words of Marion Wright Edelman, “Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life.” — written by Kathy Lintner

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Hurricane Harvey — Houston

Leadership Practicum students began brainstorming ideas, along with Alan Loehr and Ben Nowalk ’07 from the Alumni office; Leadership faculty members Chris Kline ’82, Stephanie Scopelitis ’83, and Nancy McKinnis; Angie Strobel ’98 and Anne Kelley ’94 from Student Life, and faculty members Gabrielle DiLorenzo, Dan Davidge and staff member Jackie Smith.

Student Volunteers Set up Hurricane Call Center This fall, Culver students discovered that something as simple as a phone call at the right time can make a big difference. By practicing the skill of “empathetic concern” — being able to understand the loss that many Culver alums experienced during Hurricane Harvey by simply listening and asking questions — students were able to communicate the positive message of caring. It started in early September after Head of Schools Jim Power sent a message of support to the Culver community following Hurricane Harvey. Trent Shafer ’09, a Red Cross Development and Operations Specialist in Austin, Texas, sent a response to people on campus outlining one way they could help those alumni who have experienced loss. He suggested connecting with Culver families to see how they are doing. Shafer’s suggestion set off a chain reaction the following day in the Community Service Council meeting. The Service

Kameron Hussey ’18, Regan Murphy ’18, and George Cruickshank ’18 served as the student organizers for a special Hurricane Relief phone-a-thon. The call center was established in two rooms of the Eppley Hall of the Humanities and concentrated on Houston and the surrounding area. Student volunteers called Culver alums impacted by Hurricane Harvey to see how they were doing, gain insight into their experiences, and let them know others in Culver were thinking about them. Volunteers held two calling sessions on September 13 and September 26. While many of the calls went to voicemail, the students had a message prepared for that instance. Hussey said they were able to reach several people. One person’s comment really resonated with students: “It sometimes takes a hurricane to remind us all that what people need are other people.” The call center experience gave Culver students a chance to experience people-to-people communication in service of alumni impacted by Harvey and to understand the positive impact of groups working toward a common purpose. — Jan Garrison Asst. Director of Publications Communications

Tanner Koch, William Wakeland, Aaron Brooke and Erik Ellison teamed up to do their service leadership project on designing and selling a hurricane relief t-shirt to raise money for the Red Cross efforts in Texas and Florida. They collaborated with Eagle Outfitters to create the design, get it printed and then sold them on campus in September. Tanner Koch reported that the response was strong and they sold 100 t-shirts, collecting $1,000, with an estimated profit of $300, which they donated to the Red Cross.

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Hurricane Irma — Florida

Classmates are the Calm During the Storm Little did Elizabeth Bernstein ’82 realize how reconnecting with her Culver classmates at their 35th reunion in May would become so important less than four months later when Hurricane Irma hit Florida.

After watching what Harvey did to the Houston area as a Category 3 storm just two weeks earlier, and seeing the size of Category 5 Irma — which was large enough to blanket the entire state of Florida — Bernstein said the anxiety caused by the wait was worse than the storm itself. “It was exceedingly stressful,” she said. “We all thought we were going to lose everything.”

Elizabeth Bernstein (left) and Francine Grace in Miami before the reunion.

Some of those people she had not seen since graduation day, Bernstein said, but they picked up right where they left off. It was the renewal of those friendships, the exchanging of phone numbers, and catching up on everyone’s lives that would become a key part of her experience as the Category 5 storm approached. Bernstein, a columnist for the Wall Street Journal, is based out of Miami. Her column, Bonds, deals with various forms of human interaction. As the hurricane barreled through the Caribbean and turned toward Florida, the Journal assigned her to its on-theground reporting team. That meant riding out the storm and reporting on the damage it left behind.

It was during that build-up that all her Culver connections kicked in. Her friends in Florida were constantly staying in touch. Her friends spread out across the country checked to see how she was doing. The women were lending empathic ears, “letting me whine.” The men were offering “actionable advice,” pushing her to finish the hurricane preparations on her house before she left to ride out the storm at her sister’s, Rachel Bernstein ’87, in Fort Lauderdale. That provided a necessary distraction. After Irma hit the Florida Keys as a Category 4, Bernstein told classmate Emil Regard how anxious she was. Having gone through Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he told her what to expect emotionally, and that he’d stay by his phone through the storm if she needed advice. Another classmate she reached out to told her “you will be stronger” because of this. As she researched his comment, Bernstein did find there is something known as “posttraumatic growth.” She would use that and her experiences riding out the storm to write a column

(After a Hurricane, New Confidence) a few days later. Irma dropped to a Category 2 and then a Category 1 as it hit the mainland. It was still destructive. Bernstein said she was surprised at the number of tornadoes it spun off. That led to spending part of the night in a closet — the only room in the house without any windows. She had prepared for the expected power outages, gathering a large supply of batteries to keep her mobile phone and other electronics running so she could stay in contact with people via Facebook Messenger, text, and email. Still, she was surprised at how desolate Miami looked at night with all the people gone and the lights off. She set up shop in a Miami hotel and then at her parents’ house, as she didn’t have power at her house for nine days. Her rented pickup with extra gas cans in the back fit right in with all the trucks belonging to the additional linemen brought in by the electric utility. Bernstein said J.D. Ducanes and his wife, Krissy, provided her with some contacts in the Keys for her reporting. They also gathered food and other needed items and ran loaded semis down to residents in Marathon, Florida, after the storm, before the lone highway was officially open. “They can move mountains,” she said. Her old Culver friends Francine Grace and Serafina Esposito stayed in contact with her throughout the storm, along with several others. Her support system

was so strong, Bernstein pitched an alternate column idea about that to her editor at the Journal, but he opted for the posttraumatic growth column instead. When she finally did get back into her house, Bernstein found she had lost the trees in her backyard and many along her street, had a broken pipe spewing water under her garage, and had to toss all the food in the refrigerator. The damage reached into the thousands. Still, she noted, after watching what the people in Houston and Puerto Rico have gone through, “I feel lucky.” — written by Jan Garrison

Twins Alex and Evan Spiro’s senior leadership project will take place in Key West during the winter holiday break, where the eye of Hurricane Irma passed right over. Key West is still suffering from extensive damage to houses and buildings all over the island. They report that “We will be working with one of our neighbors who lives there year round and who rode out the hurricane in his house (which he regrets). Together we will be helping to repair structures on the island, as well as landscaping in our neighborhood. There are still many boats that have run aground and houses that are still in ruins after the hurricane. Our efforts will to be to help clean up the remaining mess that Hurricane Irma left.”

Earthquake — Mexico

Helping finish a children’s medical wing Right after the Mexico City earthquake on September 19, I asked my mentees, Ana Paula Quintana Braun ’18 and Andrea de la Vega ’18, if they wanted to help the people who were affected. They jumped right in and said “yes!” I had just talked to my friend, Monica de la Vega SS’81, who told me they had to send children home, some of whom were being treated for cancer, because the pediatric section had been badly damaged.

Planning the fundraiser: Maria Torres Martinez ’19, Ana Quintana Braun ’18, Karla Hernandez SS’81, Andrea de la Vega ’18.

Before the earthquake, the hospital had been building a new wing better adapted for children, and volunteers like Monica were helping to raise the money. When the earthquake hit, the need became even more urgent to be able to finish the wing, buy new beds and get the children readmitted to the hospital. I met with the students that night, including Monica’s niece, and they took ownership and moved fast to make the wristbands. Other girls who helped with the project are Miriam Servin Mosqueda ’18, Alexia Warnholtz Deck ’18 and Maria Torres Martinez ’19.

Displaced child patients in lobby of Hospital General after the earthquake

The girls raised 29,000 pesos (around $1500 dollars) selling the bracelets during lunch and after the all-school meeting on Parents Weekend. The money was earmarked for the foundation Naro Contigo Dibujando un Mañana, a major foundation in Mexico City that directs funds to various non-profit organizations. At the request of de la Vega, the girls had their funds go to the hospital building fund. They received a letter from the foundation thanking them for their support in such difficult times. The hospital was able to finish the new wing through volunteers’ efforts. — Karla Hernandez SS’81, Associate Director, International

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Tamales para el Terremoto

In the spirit of global citizenry and because we have been focusing on current events in our Spanish 3 course this semester, we decided to hold a fundraiser for victims of Mexico’s earthquake, with money going directly to the victims via Culver alumni who are leading efforts to help those who need it most. We needed a project that would involve everyone, not require a sizeable investment and where we could learn about the traditions behind the product. The product also had to be a delicacy which would appeal to everyone! After considering several options, “Tamales para el Terremoto” became our theme. The day prior to the production, we watched a video on how to make Tamales (in Spanish) and the students took notes on the recipe and the procedure. Sra. Ragsdale and Sra. Moreno, her sister, purchased and donated all the ingredients to make the tamales and Chef Amy Collins allowed us to use some kitchen equipment and steamed the tamales prior to the sale.

Spanish 3 students selling tamales in the Dining Hall.

On October 26th, the students graciously gave up their lunch hour so that we could maximize the time for production. Sra. Ragsdale directed the process and demonstrated the rolling of the tamales and the students enthusiastically went to work! The class organized a schedule for “selling” these the following day and they took turns during their lunch hour to garner donations. They raised $300.00 or nearly $6,000.00 pesos, which would help provide powdered milk, blankets or basic supplies to those who have lost their homes in Oaxaca. There are 12 students in this Spanish 3 section with very different backgrounds and life experiences. Watching them work together and bonding for a purpose greater than themselves is always a “moment of grace.” Learning Spanish was no longer just a class; this exercise reminded them that there is a world where we must always find work to do beyond our own communities…. we are global citizens! Monica de la Vega SS’81 comforts a child at Hospital General

— Dorothea Ragsdale ’74 Senior Instructor, Modern and Classical Languages

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Hurricane Maria — Puerto Rico Bringing Light and Joy for Children

Hello. We need everything. The day after Hurricane Maria hit, Gloria and I tried to contact our families in Cidra and Cayey. We tried for several days to reach our families but got no response; the entire communications system appeared to be in radio listening silence. At Culver, every day someone would ask how our families were doing and it was hard to keep saying that we just didn’t know. Three weeks after the storm, It was 30 days after the hurricane when I was able to speak with one of my uncles, who told me that my dad, who has diabetes, had been taken to the hospital and when he awoke, he found two doctors trying to revive him and keep him from going into a coma. I asked my uncle what items were most needed, and he said, “I am telling you, the situation is desperate and we really need everything.” Later on, my brother told me, “We still need everything, but I’m getting used to it.” For Gloria’s family, communication was more troubling. They had to travel to Caguas, an hour away, to get any cell phone signal. Gloria, who was used to speaking with her sister every weekend, was discouraged. When she did hear from a sister, she was surprised at one of the items they needed — fans. It was a simple battery operated fan that could be plugged into an iphone. Since people had to wait in long outdoor lines to take care of simple tasks, these fans were an important luxury for them.

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Almost 50 days after the hurricane, Gloria saw her phone ringing and looked surprised to see that another sister was calling her, quickly answered and was able to speak with her for twenty minutes. Tears ran down her cheeks while she took notes of items her sister needed. She had traveled to Caguas and was at the bus station, and seeing a cell signal, she called Gloria. She still does not have electricity or cell phone service in her town. We continue to support our families by channeling money through a system called Walmart to Walmart, which allows us to put money in an account that our families can use at their local store. We have also sent donations through the Hispanic Federation, which sends 100 percent of the funds to help Hurricane Maria victims. We have also felt blessed by the kindness of Culver strangers and friends. An alum from Miami asked me if there was anything he could take to my family, since he was flying humanitarian supplies to San Juan, but they just could not make the trek to get there. Another neighbor and Culver parent offered to lend us their home if we could get family out of Puerto Rico. My sister asked our father but he decided to stay, despite the desperate situation. — Camilo Morales Counselor, Company C

Ben Marquis, a senior in Company C, had been listening to his counselor, Mo Morales’, stories about “how he combatted the perpetual cycle of poverty in Puerto Rico,” but one story struck Ben as very moving. One Christmas as a small boy, Mo received his first toy from the Toys for Tots in Puerto Rico, which gave him such joy and a true moment to be a child, like every other. It was a moment that changed his life. For his senior leadership project, Ben decided to collaborate with “Mr. Mo” and establish a go-fund-me account to raise money for Toys For Tots, “to provide children in Puerto Rico with toys this holiday season,” “to provide a means of allowing children to have moments of joy and a sense of security” and “to make children feel the way Mr. Mo did when he got his first toy as a young boy.” The site went “live” at www. gofundme.com/prtoyfund. Ben sent emails to his unit and the school community about his project, asking them to share the link on their Facebook pages. As of December 3rd, the goal of $3,000 had been surpassed at $3,600. With the power still out in much of Puerto Rico, these toys will light up the dark this Christmas for those children who need it the most.

Color Run for Puerto Rico Victims George DeVries IV ’18, who has participated in several color runs, centered his senior leadership project on hosting a color run on the Culver campus for all interested students. He envisioned it as a “fun, engaging event with all profits going to Puerto Rico to help those affected by Hurricane Maria.” A color run is a course laid out with 3-5 stations set up with colored powder that is thrown on the runners as they pass by. George planned a 1-1.5 mile run with three color stations along the lake, manned by student volunteers throwing

the color on the runners as they passed by. The color run was held on campus on October 29th and lasted an hour. George created the course and led the event. The start line was between the Naval Building and the reveille cannon, then curved around the rowing center up to the football field, across the parade field to the field south of the Health Center, then straight back to the start area. There were 126 participants and over $600 was raised. George has reached out to Alex Ballister ’85, who lives in Puerto Rico, to coordinate the transfer of the funds to help the people there who need assistance.

Celebrating Small Victories Two months have passed since Huracán María, and most still anxiously wait for the arrival of water and electricity. Their arrival carries more than convenience, it carries the hope that things will get better and will soon return to normal; but there is no going back.The Puerto Rico that raised me will never be the same again; for better or for worse, only time will tell. I am apprehensive of its future, since the political and economic challenges that we face are insurmountable. Yet I cannot but continue to hope for the best each day. Celebrating the small victories, like being able to talk to my family; and looking forward to larger ones, like having them home for Christmas. Despite all the suffering María brought, it has also revealed the generosity and good heart of others, and the resiliency of the puertorriqueño’s spirit. I have never been prouder of being boricua, and with them, I proclaim: Puerto Rico se levanta! — Jamie A Thordsen Spanish Instructor

A Culver Family Mission: Serving Others

Helping Hands for a Displaced Family In mid-November Jamie Thorsden, a Culver Spanish teacher, received word that her sister, Francheska Rodriguez Monroy, her partner Carlos and two children, Franko (6) and Frances (8), were relocating from Puerto Rico to the Plymouth area after losing their home, possessions and jobs in the wake of Hurricane Maria. They are scheduled to arrive before Christmas and will stay temporarily with Jamie until they can get settled. The word went out to the Culver Academies community and the town about their need for everything—housing, furniture, clothing, pots and pans, and Christmas gifts for the children. In true Culver fashion, the call was answered. Company C counselor Mo Morales has received several donations of clothing items, blankets, gifts for the children, monetary donations and possible job opportunities. Two cadets in Mo’s unit, Takis Kurtis and Tyler Voreis, are starting their senior service project early (both are juniors) and decided to make the focus of their project helping the family get adjusted by continuing to look for donations from their community in Plymouth, as well as from other charitable organizations. The Academic Affairs office created a “Giving Tree” with ornaments for faculty and staff to take. On the back of most ornaments is a list of the items the children will need for school. Other ornaments have gift cards listed on the back, which can be purchased for any amount. There are 42 ornaments on the tree — and the hope is that more will need to be made before the winter break. — Nancy McKinnis Master Instructor Coordinator of Senior Leadership Projects

Communication: A Hit & Miss Ordeal I have family sprinkled all over the island from, Toa Baja, Comerio, Balceloneta, and Aquadilla The entire island endured 24 hours of winds, of 150+ miles an hour, and rain, which basically acted like a pressure washer and stripped the island bare of all vegetation. No portion of the island was spared and the island’s infrastructure was totally devastated. My brother went to Puerto Rico three weeks after Maria to take food and supplies to our family and to bring my mom and dad back to Winston-Salem, North Carolina until things improve. They are both on medications, which are hard to find, and the hospitals are struggling to support the aging population of the island. I have also sent over 200 pounds of food and supplies to family via the mail. The island has been without power now for two months and estimates are they will continue to be without power until February, maybe longer. There was some progress in restoring power but a key power plant in Ponce, which they thought was going to hold, went down and the progress that was made was lost. To date, communication with anyone from the island is a hit or miss ordeal. I can communicate via Facebook or messenger, when my family finds wifi reception. I have friends, who after two months of waiting, have just heard that their families are safe. — Sam Alameda Culver Fund Officer, Development

Our family spends a generous amount of time in beautiful Dorado, Puerto Rico. We, along with our boys Jeffrey & William (both summer school Troop and Woodcraft attendees), made two trips from Palm Beach, Florida to the island after the storm. We made the first trip just three days after the hurricane when very few planes, only with government clearance, were allowed to land on the island. The flight was interesting, to say the least, as all airport communication towers were down. We took approximately 6,000 pounds of supplies including food, generators, water, batteries, baby supplies, and pet food. We were also able to transport local residents who were in dire situations, elderly folks and pets, back to Florida. We felt as a family that this was something we could do to contribute a small part to help a place that is dear to us. Linsey also arranged supplies to be sent through her connection with The Junior League. She was able to transport 5,000 pounds of diapers & wipes from the Junior League of Boca Raton’s diaper bank program. We have both taken the values we learned at Culver with us throughout our adult lives. One of our most impactful experiences at Culver was going on a work project trip to Mexico. We are both very committed to “giving back” and instilling the responsibility of continued service in our boys. — Jeff and Linsey (Walters) Desich ’95

Sin Fronteras: Raising Funds Through Baking Members of Sin Fronteras, a student club at Culver that promotes awareness of Latin American culture and Spanish language, held a bake sale on October 18 to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. They made cupcakes and brownies in the Moncrief dorm kitchen and sold them in the foyer of Roberts Hall during mentee time. Gloria Morales, Dorothea Ragsdale and Emily Uebler also contributed their delicious baked confections. For a small donation, attendees at the bake sale hit a piñata for “stress relief.” During the event, Camilo “Mo” Morales exhibited his original photography of the architecture and culture of San Juan. The bake sale raised $700, which the students sent to Puerto Rico Cambia, an organization run by high school and college-aged youth, devoted to volunteer work in Puerto Rican communities. — Gabrielle DiLorenzo Senior Instructor, Modern and Classical Languages

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GIGNILLIAT’S AENEID: HOW THE BOOK, ARMS AND THE BOY, BROUGHT NATIONAL RENOWN TO CULVER Author’s Note:The Preparedness Movement was one aspect of the American response to the challenge of World War I during the period 1914-1917 and prior to America’s entry into the war, advanced by those who believed that the United States was not sufficiently prepared for the demands of the total, modern, industrial warfare being fought in Europe. The movement’s goal was to strengthen America’s military and improve its capabilities, and important considerations included the size, organization, and level of training of America’s armed forces, the type of equipment they used, and the procurement and source of leaders for these forces.

I sing of arms and the man… Virgil, Aeneid, Bk 1:1 Culver lore holds that Superintendent Colonel Leigh R. Gignilliat took the title of his masterwork, Arms and the Boy, from the opening line of Virgil’s epic poem the Aeneid. And the works do have some things in common. Like Virgil, Gignilliat wrote and promoted his book during a turbulent period, and it became a standard work referred to often and by many in the ensuing historical period. In addition, the influence of Arms and the Boy was quite disproportionate to expectations of almost everyone except for its author. The urgency Gignilliat placed on completing the work illustrated his belief in the work’s value as a method of bringing attention to Culver, acquiring national renown, and helping shore up the school’s sagging enrollment, which had dipped to 424 cadets in 1914. THE PREPAREDNESS MOVEMENT AND CULVER The Culver family’s interest in military preparedness became apparent at the earliest stages of the Preparedness Movement. In the fall of 1913 Culver came to the attention of the Secretary of War Lionel Garrison and the War Department when brothers E.R. and B.B. Culver offered the use of Culver’s campus to host one of the student military training camps scheduled for the following summer.

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Undaunted by the War Department’s selection of Ludington, Michigan as the site, the Culver brothers sponsored their own training camp on campus in 1915, personally paying the entire $3,742.06 to fund the operation. This was followed by other student training camps in 1916 and 1917. During the period of the Preparedness Movement (c. 1914-1917), “Culver never lost an opportunity to stimulate public interest in preparedness and to whole-heartedly devote its resources to practical participation in that vitally important movement.” One of the most conspicuous examples of whole-hearted devotion to the cause of Preparedness was the immense time, effort, and energy Gignilliat put into the writing and publicizing of Arms and the Boy. WRITING ARMS AND THE BOY The work that became Arms and the Boy began as a section comprising several chapters on the educational value of military schools solicited in 1913 for inclusion in renowned University of Wisconsin Professor of Education Michael V. O’Shea’s Types of Schools for Boys. Gignilliat had met O’Shea in 1912, and he thought very highly of the distinguished professor. O’Shea reciprocated, sending his two sons to Culver Summer School for several years and serving as an active recruiter for the Academy in Wisconsin. In November 1915, the publication of Types of Schools for Boys seemed to be delayed indefinitely. This frustrating lag, combined with his constant anxiety about Culver’s sagging enrollment numbers and his fear that the window of opportunity was closing for his article to have any significant impact on the important Preparedness issues being discussed regarding the procurement of reserve officers, compelled Gignilliat to suggest that the editors at the Indianapolisbased Bobbs-Merrill publishing company consider publishing his contribution to O’Shea’s Types of Schools for Boys on its own.

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The editors at Bobbs-Merrill agreed to his proposal immediately, wanting to take advantage of the rising public interest in the country’s state of military preparedness. This agreement required Gignilliat to expand his section of chapters into a full-length book of its own by adding portions dealing with military training. After ensuring that O’Shea would support such a proposal, Gignilliat agreed to expand his chapter into its own work, and Bobbs-Merrill placed the publication of O’Shea’s Types of Schools for Boys on hold while Gignilliat transformed his contribution to it into Arms and the Boy (Bobbs-Merrill published O’Shea’s book with Gignilliat’s original chapter in 1917).

All of these outcomes extended favorably to Culver as well, bringing increased national interest and attention to the school. Having earned continuous recognition as one of the nation’s few military honor schools since 1906, these outcomes also served to enhance Culver’s reputation as the nation’s premier secondary military school and among the very best military schools at any educational level in the country. Enrollment at Culver also began to rise. Culver’s Summer School enrollment increased almost 50 percent in 1916, which equated to having well over 900 boys on campus. This trend carried over to the Winter School enrollment that fall as well.

Arms and the Boy helped get the National Defense Act of 1916 passed into law by making the case to consider select military schools as desirable sources of officers for the Organized Reserve Officer Corps. Gignilliat completed the manuscript in an astonishingly swift threemonth period on March 23, 1916, which was also the day he, like Virgil, found his own muse. On this day he proposed Arms and the Boy as the work’s main title. Gignilliat was an excellent Latin student, but it is likely that the title of the National Rifle Association’s contemporary weekly newsletter, Arms and the Man, provided him with the contemporary inspiration for the title. Regardless of its origin, this phrase added a more literary tenor to the work and elevated its initial tone, while also relegating the descriptive but uninspired working titles of Military Training in the Schools and Colleges and Military Training for the American School Boy to consideration as subtitles. The editors at Bobbs-Merrill reacted quite favorably to Gignilliat’s suggestion and accepted the pithy and elegant Arms and the Boy as the work’s main title on March 25, 1916. * When the Culver Education Foundation reprinted it in 2003, the work carried the much improved complete title of Arms and the Boy:Timeless Thoughts on Quality Education.

PUBLICIZING ARMS AND THE BOY During the ensuing five months of revision until the book was printed and offered for sale on August 10, 1916, Gignilliat continued working tirelessly on the project. His efforts succeeded in creating a high level of interest in the book. They also established Gignilliat as a national expert on military schooling and solidified his reputation as a talented educator.

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CONTRIBUTIONS OF ARMS AND THE BOY Remarkably, Gignilliat’s Arms and the Boy helped get the National Defense Act of 1916 passed into law by making the case to consider select military schools as desirable sources of officers for the Organized Reserve Officer Corps. Gignilliat made a forceful case that military schools designated by the War Department as “Distinguished Institutions” for three consecutive years should be considered as legitimate sources of supply for Reserve officers. The members of the Regular Army and the state militias/National Guard were at loggerheads regarding how best to appoint Reserve officers. Gignilliat’s solution was both elegant and practical, as it appealed to the members of the Regular Army, who could validate the qualifications of the cadets during their annual inspections, and to the states, since the designated “Distinguished Institutions” were all state- controlled and thus kept much of the appointing authority within the state. The debate regarding this particular aspect of the Hay/ Chamberlain bill (which, when passed, became the National Defense Act of 1916) coincided with Gignilliat’s writing and publicizing of the book, making it almost certain to have had some level of influence among legislators considering the bill, given the high level of awareness Gignilliat was able to create for the book.

Washington, D.C.; New York; Philadelphia; Atlanta; Springfield, Massachusetts; and Rochester, NewYork; along with Chicago, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati, among others. • It enhanced significantly Culver’s regional reputation. • It helped increase enrollment significantly at Culver based on the increased attention and renown generated by Gignilliat and Arms and the Boy. By 1919, Culver had to build new barracks to house its 728 enrolled cadets.

LEGACY OF ARMS AND THE BOY Not a best seller by any measure (the book had one full printing and sold a total of 1,297 copies), its value was less commercial (much to the chagrin of Bobbs-Merrill) than it was influential, managing to stay in print for around 20 years and becoming the standard work in the field of military education during the first half of the 20th century. This longevity and level of influence allowed Arms and the Boy to continue drawing favorable attention to Culver throughout its long tenure in print.

The Gignilliats at home with their two beloved dogs.

One may characterize the other more significant contributions of Gignilliat’s Arms and the Boy to Culver as follows: • It provided Gignilliat with the opportunity to testify before Congress on January 22, 1916, regarding the value of military schools. • It provided a significant contribution to the debate surrounding the Preparedness Movement. • It educated new Secretary of War, Newton D. Baker, about Culver. • It identified Culver as one of the first ROTC programs in the nation. • It brought national attention to Culver by the favorable reviews the book received across the nation in newspapers from

With the benefit of more than a decade of hindsight, Gignilliat offered that “Culver’s most notable contribution to pre-war preparedness was the camps for high school students” conducted in 1915, 1916, and 1917. However, the benefit of a century of hindsight allows one to conclude that the contributions stemming from Gignilliat’s writing and publicizing of Arms and the Boy during the height of the Preparedness Movement were far more influential and enduring. Writing in 1930, former Secretary of War Newton D. Baker offered that the contribution of “great military schools like Culver” to the American effort in the World War went well beyond simply providing trained men to the Plattsburg-like camps. As it turned out, many Culver graduates were able to be commissioned immediately and without the need for additional training. This ability to answer the nation’s call to arms so rapidly made the school, in Baker’s estimation, “an essential part of our national defense.” Surely there could be no greater recognition of the tremendous value and influence of Gignilliat’s Arms and the Boy. For, as Virgil suggests in the Aeneid, until the grim iron Gates of War are closed forever, the more practical Iron Gate at schools like Culver must remain open to allow its graduates to perpetuate the powerful and animating “Spirit of Culver.” — written by Dr. Kelly Jordan

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Open Mat photo

OUR SPO RT I N G A L U MN I

Kayla Miracle wrestled for the U.S. women’s team at the U23 World Championships.

Kayla Miracle at World Championships Campbellsville University senior wrestler Kayla Miracle ’14 capped a busy fall with a fifth-place finish at the U23 World Championships in Bydogoszcz, Poland, over Thanksgiving weekend. Wrestling at 60 kilograms for the U.S. women’s team, Miracle won her first two matches before dropping the next two. She qualified for the 2017-2018 national team during the team trials in October. It was Miracle’s first time in the U23 division. She has won two bronze medals and one silver medal at younger international age groups.

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Miracle also picked up a win at the Dave Schultz Memorial International on Nov. 3, earning the Most Valuable Wrestler honor in the process. She then won National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star Classic on Nov. 5, defeating Solin Piercy of Menlo College by technical fall in the second period, 10-0. She was wrestling at 136 pounds.

Thompson, Tinney named captains Two former Culver Military Academy lacrosse teammates have been named senior co-captains of their respective collegiate teams.

Riley Thompson ’14 has been named one of three captains of the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team. Thompson has played attack and midfielder over his Princeton career. He has started every game but one over the past two years and is coming off a 40-point season with 18 goals and 22 assists. Joel Tinney ’14 will also serve as one of three captains at Johns Hopkins University. The middie is coming off a junior season which saw him earn first team All-Big Ten and second team USILA All-America honors. He finished third on the team in points (28) and assists (9) and fourth in goals (19) in 2017. He totaled four game-winning goals, led the team in ground balls (40) and was also fourth in caused turnovers (8).

Brescacin finishes second season Juwan Brescacin ’11 and his Calgary Stampeders teammates dropped a 27-24 decision to the Toronto Argonauts in the Grey Cup on Nov. 26. It was the second consecutive Canadian Football League title game appearance for the Stampeders.

(Maryland) High School girls’ varsity ice hockey for a year. She has also served as a coach for Lake Forest Academies’ summer hockey camp.

Emoff’s main duties at Trine will be recruiting and working with the defense. Trine is an NCAA III school and member of the women’s Northern Collegiate Hockey Conference.

Brescacin, a wide receiver, finished the game with four catches for 33 yards. He finished the regular season with 19 catches for 260 yards, a 13.7 yards per reception average. The Mississauga, Ontario, native is in his second season in the league after graduating from Northern Illinois.

Tori Emoff coaching Victoria Emoff ’12 is busy working at Trine University as the women’s hockey team assistant coach. This is the first year for women’s hockey at Trine, located in Angola, Indiana, and Emoff has already made a scouting trip to Culver this season. She arrived at Trine after serving as the co-head coach of St. Timothy’s Catholic Juwan Brescacin played in his second Grey Cup championship with the Calgary Stampeders.

After Culver, Emoff was a defenseman at Stevenson University, serving as captain her final two seasons. She broke multiple school records including highest plus/minus for a season (+24) and most consecutive games played in a single season (27).

Victoria Emoff

During Emoff’s senior year, Stevenson racked up a 23-3-1 record on the way to a Colonial Hockey Conference championship. She was named first-team All-CHC, to the CHC All-Academic Team, and to the CHC All-Tournament Team.

Brimanis honored by Islanders Culver’s U16 coach Aris Brimanis ’90 was honored by the New York Islanders during their alumni reunion game on Oct. 21. Brimanis played for the Islanders during the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons, playing in 74 games over the two seasons. The defenseman also played for the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers, Anaheim Mighty Ducks, and the St. Louis Blues over his NHL career.

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When it comes to rivalries, there is no match for Culverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eaglesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Nest... Culver defeats Shattuck!

ALUMNI CLASS NEWS

Hal Holbrook ’42 recently announced that he is retiring his legendary “Mark Twain Tonight!” show, which he has performed for more than 60 years, including an unforgettable rendition at Eppley Auditorium in 2014, when he was serenaded by grateful students with a spontaneous singing of “The Culver Song.” Now age 92, Holbrook began performing as author Mark Twain in 1954; it’s a show he’s done more than 2,200 times since, racking up near- countless travel miles in the process. Mark Twain may be retiring, but Hal Holbrook is not. He will continue acting in television and film, adding to a renowned repertoire, which includes an Academy Award nomination, Emmy and Tony Awards, and an array of appearances on Broadway, television, and the big screen. Holbrook’s theatrical career began onstage while a senior at Culver, where he has quipped that he became involved in theater since there was no homework. Culver, which he has said contains “hallowed” places for him, featured prominently in the first volume of Holbrook’s autobiography, “Harold: The Boy Who Became Mark Twain,” in 2013. Holbrook was honored as Culver’s first “Man of the Year” in 1967.

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ALUMNI CLASS NEWS

1960s Bruce Pfabe N’63,’65 writes that he and his wife, Gini, are residing in Highlands Ranch, Colorado and enjoying their 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is a broker and owner at one of the largest Keller Williams Realty offices in the Denver Tech Center. Following graduation from Culver and Bowling Green State University in Ohio, he spent his first 16 years in banking, including as president of a small bank, and since 1985 has been full time in real estate. An active bicyclist, Bruce recently competed in the National Senior Games in Birmingham, Alabama. He and Ginny love to travel and made 12 trips during 2016, including two overseas with Dave Peck ’65 and Ann Whitlock. “We look forward to seeing many of you for our 55th,” he adds. John Clendenin W ’56 ’64 and wife Pina write from San Luis Potosi, Mexico and note that son Nathan W’89 ’96 and Rebecca and their children are well, and that Nathan’s business, StoryDriven, is seeking to expand and grow its clientele. John and Pina continue their church work in Mexico, where John will soon be required to become a permanent resident.

1970s Todd Parchman ’72 co-founder and investment banker in the firm of Parchman, Vaughan & Co, LLC was recently elected to the Board of

Trustees of the University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation, Inc. Prior to his current role, Todd managed investment banking and served on the board of directors at Ferris, Baker Watts in Baltimore. A Chicago native and Morehead Scholar, Todd began his career at First National Bank of Chicago’s First Scholar program, later founding Signet Investment Banking Company. Josh Kaiman SC’74,’77 recently assumed a new role as Senior Capital Buyer for Saint Gobain Corporation, the largest building materials organization in the world with annual revenues exceeding $45 billion, based at its North American Headquarters in Malvern, Penn. Josh’s responsibilities include managing sourcing activities associated with building construction, capital equipment, as well as facilities management, and lending support for all Saint Gobain manufacturing facilities in North America. He and his wife, Joanne Kaiman, live in Malvern.

1980s Ricardo Perez ’89 was ratified by the plenary of the National Assembly as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Bank of Panama. Perez attained the position after six years of service to the main financial institution in Panama, and is a graduate of agriculture with specialization in food industry and technology from the University of Wisconsin.

Bob Tresslar W’36,’40, of Vincennes, Indiana, turned 95 years young on September 5th.

He also participated in the growth and development of agricultural and agro‑industrial companies in the country. Ricardo and his wife, Tatiana, live in Chitre, Herrera, Panama.

1990s Beau Giles W ’89, A’92 is today a Major in the Army who earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service and is currently on active duty in Hawaii. Writes Beau, “I really appreciate all that Culver does and represents, and I will do what I can to support it.”

Leeann Zahrt Wright W ’93 ’98 was featured recently in the Northwest Indiana Post-Tribune, which profiled the runner’s group she helps lead, the Ridge Runners, in the Valparaiso area where Wright lives with husband Steven. Leeann describes growing up in nearby Winamac and attending CGA, where she ran cross country among other athletic endeavors. She returned recently to running, earning top female spot in the Brickyard 5-Mile Run in Hobart, Ind. on the fourth of July, her third win in 17 months. She told the Post-Tribune that the secret to

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ALUMNI CLASS NEWS

her success lies in carrying over traits learned at CGA, including “perseverance, consistency… and good running friends.” Nathan Clendenin W’89 ’96 – See 1960s entry. Geoff Brasse ’97 recently received the Air Force’s International Affairs Excellence Award “for outstanding and innovative contributions effective in building, sustaining, expanding and guiding Air Force-to-partner relationships.” Geoff served as the Chief of Joint Training at the U.S.

Embassy in Amman, Jordan and using his language and cultural skills, expanded Jordan’s combat capabilities with helicopters and joint terminal attack controllers. Further, Geoff is credited with leveraging funding and relationships to “monumentally shift Jordan’s military culture by recruiting the first female pilots and empowering non‑ commissioned officers, (and) improv(ing) the worldwide security cooperation enterprise by integrating and planning with coalition countries and developing best practices to share.”

Roby Penn IV SC ’95, T’98 was engaged recently to Xiomara Margarita Murray of Palm Beach, Florida. Roby, who has served in various capacities in the George W. Bush administration and for the Republican National Committee, expects to receive a master’s of divinity degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University in the near future. The prospective bride was formerly employed in curatorial work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. She currently oversees a private art collection in Palm Beach. The couple are planning a late winter wedding in Palm Beach.

2000s Ed Dickey ’00 and wife Courtney Hicks Dickey welcomed their first child, Charlotte Emerson Dickey, on November 22, 2016. The family resides in Austin, Texas. CPT Kenneth Slocki ’01, of Hudson Oaks, Texas is presently serving in the Army in the Ukraine and served in Afghanistan from 2006 to 2008.

Crystal Brucker Kocher ’98 was appointed Judge of Pulaski Superior Court by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb on July 14, after serving as Chief Deputy Prosecutor in Pulaski County, Indiana since January 2015. Judge Kocher was sworn in and assumed the bench on July 21st. Crystal and her husband, Brian, live in Winamac, Indiana. They welcomed a son, Brooks Nishikawa Kocher, last August.

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Andy Webb ’02 is now a lieutenant based at Naval Station Norfolk,Virginia. Andy, who is married to Rebecca, is an instructor pilot flying the E‑2D Advanced Hawkeye. He completed his fleet tour with VAW‑125, deploying to the Persian gulf as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2015 and finishing in Japan

as the squadron completed a homeport change to Iwakuni. Andy Bahr SC ’96’, A’00,’04 has begun a career as a mortgage banker for the Federal Savings Bank in Chicago, the largest veteran owned and operated, privately held, federally chartered bank in the nation. Eric Smitley ’04 was selected as lieutenant commander in the Navy in September. A 2008 Naval Academy graduate (with a degree in engineering) as well as a three-year hockey player there, Eric initially served as the “deck officer” on the USS Makin Island (LHD‑8) and continued to serve as a surface warfare officer. He has been deployed three times (all to the Middle East), twice on ships and now as an operations officer at a major Middle Eastern Navy command. Eric also graduated in 2015 from the Naval Postgraduate School with High Honors and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. He is married to Erinn and their son, Ethan, is now three years old. Ben. Welch II ’05 married his wife Tara in Fallbrook, California on May 25. The couple lives in San Diego, California where he works as a Marine Engineer for a government contractor, helping build the ESB class vessel. Tara is an HR manager for an aerospace engineering company in the area. The Welches enjoy SCUBA diving together regularly, and Ben recently achieved his USPA C-level skydive license and is learning to BASE jump.

Culver graduates gathered for a photo at the Army-Navy game on December 9th. Joining the cadets and midshipmen were 2013 graduates Nathan Turner and Daniel Gaynor (back row, left). At the game were (front, left) Zane Khodr ’17, Annie Shea ’16, Claire Martinez ’17, (back, left) Turner, Gaynor, Judson Andonov ’15, Ben Snyder ’17, Nick Zalduendo ’14, Robert Thomas ’14, Klaus Payne ’14, Thomas Maly ’17, Jacob Hare ’17, Ben Turner ’14, Logan Joseph ’14, Sterling Willman ’13, Anthony George ’16. Missing were midshipmen Katie Salerni ’15, Reina Carroll ’16 and Krista Trefren ’16; and cadets Nick Curtin ’14 and Griffin Harten ’17 (USMA Prep School).

Alex (Banfich) Menendez W ’03 ’08 married Robert Menendez in a June 10 ceremony in Culver’s Memorial Chapel which included Culver alums Kelly (Norton) Rogers ’07, Ana Tosi ’08, Aline Medina ’07, and Stephen Swindal ’07. The Menendezes live in New York City.

finishes her chemistry PhD. Carl is serving as a Second Lieutenant in the Army and is currently stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Culver alumni in their wedding party included Madison Tallant ’11, Maid of Honor, bridesmaids Kirstyn Petras ’11 and Carol Alban ’13, and groomsmen Jerry Howard ’11 and Andrew Walker ’12.

2010s

Collin Parker ’13 was honored in July for his service to his country by the Warsaw, Indiana school board. Ink Free News reported on Collin’s recollections of attending

Tess Janicki ’12 married Carl Ardissono, also class of ’12, on June 17 and the couple lives in Madison, Wisconsin while Tess

school in that city and being changed forever after hearing of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 while still a 1st grader. He received the Duchossois Scholarship and attended Culver, after which he attended the US Military Academy at West Point where he earned a Bachelor of Science in management and concentrated in systems engineering. While there, he led 1,100 cadets as the Regimental Executive Officer and spearheaded the world’s largest undergraduate policy conference. In May he graduated sixth in his class of

nearly 1,000 students and was commissioned as an Aviation Officer in the Army. He will depart for Beijing, China, to attend graduate school as a Schwarzman Scholar, after which he will attend officer training and helicopter flight school in Fort Rucker, Alabama.

We’re Interested! Tell us about memorable events in your life and career at news.culver.org

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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

95 members of the Culver Club of Chicago gathered for their annual Summer Cocktail Hour at the Columbia Yacht Club, a highlight of their calendar rotation of events.

Susie Jendro ’03, along with other members of the Culver Club of Chicago, assisted non-profit Top Box Foods in packaging meals that will serve over 400 individuals in need during the week of Thanksgiving.

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A group of Culver Club of Georgia members donated their time assisting with a tailgate party for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. Over 100 patients and family members attended the event. Pictured are: (L to R) Dan Brooks ’79, Jodi Long ’06, Juliet Veal ’88, Eric Forrest ’85, and Chuck Osborne ’88.

Indianapolis ONE Culver Over 200 guests joined Head of Schools Jim Power and Director of Culver Summer Schools and Camps Doug Bird for an evening reception at the Meridian Hills Country Club. Featured during the reception was a panel consisting of current students and recent summer graduates.

Culver Club of Naples/St. Pete Culver Club Coordinator Ben Nowalk W’02,’07 dined with Club chair Brian Battaglia W ’72 and other local supporters of Culver’s efforts at Columbia Restaurant on Sand Key.

Culver Club Coordinator Ben Nowalk W’02,’07 gathered with members of the Culver Club of South Florida at the Yard House Restaurant in Gulf Stream Park. Pictured are: (L to R) Elizabeth Bernstein ’82 and Anne-Marie Woodward ’90.

Culver Club of Southwest Florida held their annual Naples Princess Sunset Cruise this past November. Over 40 guests enjoyed connecting with Culver supporters and viewing an unbeatable sunset on sea. Pictured are: (L to R) past parent Sheila Hoover, Taylor Whitsett ’09, and Karla Hernandez SS’81

Jimmy Nguyen ’06 and Elizabeth Loehmer ’07 arranged a Culver Social at a rooftop restaurant in Denver. The Culver Club of Colorado is looking forward to hosting more events later this year.

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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 first Culver Club Jordan event in Amman was held on Nov. 18, 2017, attended by Jordanian summer camp and winter school graduates, current and past parents, prospective families and current campers. Staff in attendance were Tony Giraldi ’75, Chief International Officer; Karla Hernández SS’81, Associate Director, International; and Scott Joyner, Associate Director, International Admissions.

Culver Club of New York held a ONE Culver Reception at the University Club this October. Over 100 attendees gathered to meet with Head of Schools Jim Power and attending Culver staff. Pictured are: (L to R) Katherine Lewis ’08, Jenny (Malloy) Newell ’08 & Bryce Newell ’08

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The Culver Club Quito, Ecuador, event was held on October 14 and hosted by Carlos ’66 and Gloria Montufar. Culver staff in attendance were Tony Giraldi ’75, Chief International Officer and Karla Hernández SS’81, Associate Director, International.

Upcoming Culver Events Thursday January 18 Culver Club of Georgia Cocktail Party Robert ’67 and Manuela Kerr organized a group tailgate for the Culver Club of LA/Orange County at Will Rogers Park. An annual tradition, guests enjoyed sideline viewing of Sunday polo, along with any snack and beverages they chose to bring with them.

Thursday April 12 Culver Club of Detroit Cocktail Party at Detroit Athletic Club with Head of Schools Jim Power

Culver Clubs of Northern Indiana gathered to watch an evening of baseball at Four Winds Field in South Bend, Indiana. Members of Culver Summer Schools and Camps presented the colors during the playing of the national anthem.

Interested in being involved in the planning of Culver Club Events? We are active in: Indianapolis Detroit Chicago South and Central Florida Denver San Diego San Francisco Los Angeles New York City Washington D.C. …and many more places. Please contact the Alumni Office for information on Clubs in your area!

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Dan Gilbert ’69 hosted the Capital City Culver Club’s annual Pool Party. Guests enjoyed poolside activities while reconnecting on a rainy summer afternoon. Pictured are: (R to L) Scott Arquilla ’69, Francis T. Eyre ’PP, Dan Gilbert ’69, Chuck Gainer ‘69, Dennis Patton ’69.

The Culver Club of Indianapolis held a luncheon at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum Feast with The Friendly Witches. Attendees played games, visited a haunted house, and viewed a Summer Camp “Day In The Life” video. Pictured are: Alexander ’67 & Eley ’67 Kuchar and their daughter and granddaughter.

Saturday February 24 Culver Club of Colorado Tailgate on the Beach at Arapahoe Basin

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All photos by Lew Kopp.

IN MEMORIAM

Former CSSAA President Roger G. DeLong, N ’34, died on February 22, 2015, at his residence in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. Born in Logansport, Indiana, he graduated from Purdue University with a degree in mechanical engineering, followed by Harvard Business School. He worked at Twin Disc, Inc. from 1939-1986 and held positions of increasing responsibility during his long tenure. His leadership and vision for what Twin Disc could achieve as a company kept him energized until he retired as president and assistant chairman of the board. He was a valued member of

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each of the following boards of directors: The Blood Center of Wisconsin, Oilgear Company, Snapon Inc., St. Mary’s Hospital (Racine), Sundstrand Corporation and Waukesha Motor Company. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, and is survived by two daughters, one son, R. James DeLong W’64, ’69 (Battery B) and three grandchildren. Dr. Robert Brown Case, N ’35, ’38 (Company A) of New York City, Southampton and Naples, Florida, died in Southampton Hospital of natural causes on July 23, 2016. Dr. Case graduated from MIT,

Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and was on the staff of the National Institutes of Health and the Harvard School of Public Health. He spent the majority of his career as director of the Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology at St. Luke’s Hospital and published numerous articles in peer reviewed journals. He was also an active member of the MultiCenter Cardiology Research Group and retired as professor emeritus of Columbia University. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Nan Case. He is survived by his stepson, Miles Robert, and his family.

Former Regimental Commander Benjamin Buckles Cassiday Jr. ’40 (Battery B) died peacefully at his home in Niu Valley, Hawaii, on September 21, 2017. Ben was born in Honolulu, the son of Col. Benjamin Buckles Cassiday and Harriet Lucas Cassiday. After Culver, he went on to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1943, where he earned his pilot wings and commission as a 2nd lieutenant. Ben and his first wife, Barbara, married in 1949 and had three children. Ben went on to have an honored military career in the Air Force, where he was a command pilot with more than

4,500 flying hours, including more than 290 combat hours. Highlights of his career included being a World War II fighter pilot in France and Italy, an exchange pilot with the Navy in 1950, the 1st Commander of Cadets at the Air Force Academy in 1955, and Commandant of Air Force ROTC in 1972. His decorations and awards include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldier’s Medal, Air Medal, two Navy Gold Stars, Presidential Unit Citation Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Outstanding Service Medal, and the British Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired as a Brigadier General in November 1972. Upon retirement, he returned to his beloved Hawaiian Islands and in 1983, Ben married his second wife, Suzanne. They traveled the world and doted on their families until her death in 2002. Ben was past chairman of the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, past president of the Outrigger Canoe Club, past board member of the Pacific Air Museum, past trustee of the Falcon Foundation, honorary member of the American Fighter Aces Association, past member of the Rod & Gun Club and an active member of the Quiet Birdmen. He also served on the Culver Legion Board as vice president and was named Honorary Cum Laude in 1994. Ben was not only known for his athleticism in the air as a fighter pilot but also on the ground. He competed in the 1948 Olympic trials in the 400 meter hurdles, ran in

the Penn Relays, and was an avid skier. Ben is survived by his daughter Carol ’72 (West Lodge), her husband Steve’72 (Battery C) two grandchildren, two great‑grandchildren, three stepdaughters, seven stepgrandchildren, and five great-stepgrandchildren, and his first wife, Barbara. A brother, Paul ’46, also survives. He was preceded in death by his wife, Suzie, and his sons Ben ’69 (Troop B) and Jimmy. Jean C. “Doc” Hiestand, Jr. NB’39,’41(Band) died on June 26, 2017, at Bishop Gadsden Retirement Center in Charleston, South Carolina. After Culver he attended Ohio Wesleyan University, but his education was interrupted by three years of service in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. He later earned his B.A. degree in 1946, where he was president of Sigma Chi fraternity and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa honorary societies. Jean earned an LLB degree from Harvard Law School in 1949 and began private practice in Dayton, Ohio, for three years, gradually earning a national reputation in the insurance field and receiving the CPCU designation. After working for 10 years with the Ohio Farmers Insurance Companies and three years as deputy director of insurance for the state of Ohio, he joined the corporate law department of State Farm Insurance Companies in Bloomington, Illinois, in 1965, where he built the Law department and lobbied for several safety features, including airbags,

before retiring in 1989 as vice president and general counsel. He and his wife, Virginia, moved to Kiawah Island, South Carolina, where he continued to serve State Farm as a member of the Indemnity Company and was a volunteer in the AARP/ IRS’s program of tax counseling for the elderly for 11 years. In 2004 they moved to Bishop Gadsden. Jean loved music of all kinds, played instruments, sang in and directed choirs and was a longtime supporter of the Charleston Symphony. He was also active in Boy Scouts as an adult counselor and was an avid golfer, achieving two holes in one, the second one at 85 years old. Travel was a shared passion, with Jean and his wife traveling to every continent except Antarctica. Jean is survived by his wife of 69 years, three daughters and one son, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A brother, William’45, also survives. Edward John Miller NB ’40, ’42 (Band) died on September 9, 2017, in his home in Palm Desert, California. A prominent Long Beach, California yachtsman, Edward was born October 3, 1923 in Jefferson City, Missouri. EJ, as he was known to family and friends, attended Jefferson City High School as a freshman, then transferred to Culver for his last three years of prep school. He was nicknamed “Hoot” by his classmates for his late night tendencies. In 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended ordinance training in Oklahoma. Then it was on to the V-12 program at the University of Texas.

Edward taught pilot survival training at Los Alamitos Naval Air Station until his discharge in 1946. He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1949, then moved to California and worked various jobs. He went on to build even a bigger boat. In 1979 he launched his 62 foot Ferro Cement Motor sailor named Maui Diamond. He lived aboard the spacious boat part time, sailing as far as Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and enjoying his home overlooking the first green at Desert Falls Country Club in Palm Desert, California. Miller was an avid golfer. He was also a prominent lifetime member #1 of the Long Beach Yacht Club. John is preceded in death by his son, Daniel. He leaves behind a daughter, a son and two grandchildren. Terence Robinson Blackwood ’42 (Company C) died September 27, 2017, at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. He had been living at Caleb Hichcock at Duncaster in Bloomfield, Connecticut, with his wife of more than 39 years, Elizabeth. Born in Hartford, he lived his early years with his younger brother, Matthew Temple (Tim) on Long Island, New York, and in Northern Ireland before the family moved to Fairview Farm in Centreville, Maryland. Terry attended Lawrence School, Gunston Farm School, St. James School and graduated from Culver with a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. He went directly from Culver into the U.S. Army, in 1942, where he served with the 101st Airborne Division, 13th Airborne

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IN MEMORIAM

Division, Airborne Command Headquarters and the Infantry School at Ft. Benning. He was in the Philippines in 1945 with the 158th Regimental Combat Team, and later the Japan occupation. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1946 but continued to be in the U.S. Army Reserve, the 1st Maryland Infantry, 319th Parachute Infantry Regiment, until his retirement in 1963 as a major. After returning from active duty, Terry signed on as a special agent for the Hartford Accident & Indemnity Company in Baltimore in 1946 until he moved his family to the home office in Connecticut in 1967. He remained with the Hartford Insurance Group throughout his career until retirement as an assistant secretary of property and casualty in1983. During that time he continued his education at McCoy College, Johns Hopkins University, with studies in business. Terry married his first wife, Gertrude (Trudy) in 1942. They had four children, three daughters and one son. After being widowed for a number of years, Terry married Elizabeth Dawson Oot in 1978 and added her five children to their blended family. Upon retiring in 1986, Terry and Bette moved back to Fairview Farm in Centreville, Maryland, where they farmed, flew their small plane, sailed the Chesapeake and its rivers, and hosted their evergrowing family of children and grandchildren. Dedicated to community service, Terry was a lifelong active member of many clubs and associations. He also served

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as a board member of the Hartford Symphony Society, member and treasurer of the Hartford School of Music (Conservatory), and a board member of the Eastern Shore Land Conservatory, Inc. While farming in Centreville, Terry was a member of the Queen Anne’s County Farm Bureau, Maryland Grain Producers, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, and American Legion (Jeff Davis Post #18). An avid sailor, pilot, farmer, hunter, and veteran, he lived a long and happy life, embracing his community, church, and family with love and support. In the words of one grandchild: “Grandad lived life with enthusiasm and positive energy which, with his deep faith, allowed him to accomplish nearly everything he ever wanted to do.” Terry is survived by his wife, their nine children, including son Temple ’67 and son-in-law Steve Hayward ’67 and spouses/ partners, their many grandchildren, and a growing number of great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gertrude, and his brother, Tom ’45. Willis Edmond Williams, Jr. N ’39, ’42 (Company D) died December 16, 2017 at Hope Hospice, Fort Myers, Florida. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, the only son of two only children. Bill spent his early years in Yorkshire, England, where his dad, a mechanical engineer, worked for a British firm. The family returned to Indiana in 1929, unaware that the Great Depression had begun. Eventually, Bill’s dad packed him

off to Culver when he decided his rambunctious son could stand a dose of discipline. Bill discovered Cuba when his Culver roommate invited him home for a school holiday and he found himself in the mayor’s residence in Havana. Bill loved Cuba and later made small boat runs from the Florida Keys to Cuban ports, delivering American goods before the revolution. As World War II broke out, Bill worked for Higgins Industries in New Orleans, Louisiana. A builder of flatboats for negotiating swamps and marshes, Higgins designed and built the landing craft for the Normandy Invasion. Bill enlisted in the military in 1943; after the war, he worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority. Bill loved the challenge of starting new businesses. When home air conditioners were developed, he sold them by the carload from a rail siding in Houston, Texas. He owned a cattle ranch in the rugged Tres Piedras country of New Mexico and lost it to a drought. He built houses in California. In 1962, Bill, newly arrived from California, acquired the moribund Buckhorn Lodge, and platted lots and acreage on the North Shore. Bill loved to fish, hunt and cook. He turned the lodge into a rollicking establishment where guests could fish for their own dinner. Bill later developed the Raccoon Point and Cayou Valley subdivisions. By 1974, weary of real estate projects, Bill introduced himself to Sara at a convention at the Rosario Resort where he was a guest of honor and she was a P.R.

director. “Are you ready to go sailing around the world?” he said. “Why not?” she said. In 1976, the pair set sail from Friday Harbor on a Friday, the Ides of March, in a heavily provisioned saucer of a ketch. As it happened, the couple sailed into one of the worst Pacific storms on record. They survived the crossing but lost the crippled vessel on a reef as they approached the island of Maui. Their 10 day stay became a six-year love affair with Maui, where their sons Colin and Winston were born. Bill founded a ceiling fan business and Sara became a real estate broker. In the middle ’80s, the family moved to Fort Myers, Bill relocated his business and Sara became a columnist/ staff writer for the News Press. From their Florida base, Bill and his Mexican sailing buddy, Xavier Petron, set off with the two boys on an Albin sloop, the Poco Loco, bound for Central America via the Florida Keys, the Yucatan Peninsula, Honduras, Belize and the Rio Dulce River in Guatemala. Bill’s restless nature left him always in need of a project. His beloved Orcas called him home once again when the property in Cayou Valley became available and the family returned fulltime in 1996, where Bill established their permanent home. Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sara, two sons and three grandchildren. John Calvin Devine N ’43, ’45 (Company C) of Watseka, Illinois, died on August 5, 2017, at Iroquois Memorial Hospital. After graduating from Culver,

RE M EM BE R I N G T H E FA MI LY

Louise Thompson Freeman died on July 8, 2017, in South Bend, Indiana. She was born in Russellville, Alabama, and graduated from Russellville High School. She married James A. Freeman in 1991 and they enjoyed 26 years together. A loving but private person, Louise loved her sheltie dogs, gardening and her family. She worked at Scotty’s restaurant in Plymouth and then worked at Culver in housekeeping from 1997-2010. Louise is survived by her husband, James, two daughters, two stepdaughters, six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a brother and sister. Twyla J. White died in her Knox, Indiana, home on August 10, 2017. She was born November 15, 1930, in Hessville, Indiana, and lived in the area most of her life. Twyla worked in Uniform from 1978 to December 1993. She was a retired employee of Culver Academies and a member of the Eagle Creek Church, Knox. On April 2, 1949 in Knox, she married Charles White, who preceded her in death in 2003. She was also preceded in death by her daughter and son. Survivors include one daughter, ten grandchildren and 14 great‑grandchildren. Lt. Col. (ret) Jake Marshall Ruppe, of Bloomington, Indiana, died on August 17, 2017. Jake was the senior Army instructor in the JROTC program from 1976-1979. Born in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, Jake attended Harris High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1949. He married his wife, Margit Steiger, in 1953 and they were married for 64 years. Jake was commissioned as an officer in 1957, received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Omaha in 1967 and retired from the Army in 1976. He was a career U.S. Army officer and a decorated combat veteran with 27 years of honorable service, serving in locations throughout the U.S., Germany, Iceland, Italy and Vietnam (two tours). Upon his return to the United States, Jake settled in Bloomington, Indiana, where he was the owner of Bartlett’s Custom Woodworking Mill for 10 years. He is survived by his wife and four daughters. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.

Richard A. Edwards, of Owasco, New York, died on October 9, 2017, at the Springfield Nursing Home, Lindside, West Virginia, after a prolonged illness. He served Culver as a counselor from 1966-68 and returned as the Dean of Admissions from 1987-1995. Rich was born in Union City, Indiana, in 1938 and graduated from Union High School, where he was a three-sport athlete in baseball, basketball and track. He turned down a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds in order to be the first person in his family to graduate from college. Rich went on to earn a B.S. in physical education from Hanover College, a master’s degree in counseling and guidance from Ohio University and a Ph.D. from Purdue University in counseling and personnel services. His relationship with Culver Academies and Summer Camps began in 1959-1968, when he worked as a summer Woodcraft counselor and aquatics director. After teaching junior high students and serving as a counselor in Wabash, Indiana, Rich was appointed as the Battery A counselor at Culver, where he also served as assistant football coach and instructor in physical education from 1966-1968. He left Culver to complete his doctorate degree and then served as the assistant dean of admissions at the University of Delaware for six years, the dean of admissions at the University of Rhode Island for eight years, and principal policy analyst for the governor of Rhode Island for two years, where he also taught courses in tests and measurements in the local junior college system. Rich returned to Culver in 1987 as the director of admissions and financial aid and served until 1995, when he resigned to take a one-year position at Bowdoin College, followed by a five-year term as dean of admissions at Concord College in Athens, West Virginia. Rich will be remembered by family and friends as outgoing and friendly, an avid sports fan and collector of oriental rugs, music, pipes and tobacco, and high-end sound systems. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He is survived by his first wife, Joy Udder, and two sons, Eric and Matthew, both of Rhode Island; his second wife, Nancy, of Owasco,

New York, and four stepchildren: Todd (Kylee Reade) White, Carlsbad, California; Emily (Kevin) McKee, Montagnole, Switzerland; Justin (Jessica) White, Spartanburg, South Carolina; and Matthew Cody White (Ryan Saca) Key West, Florida. A memorial service was held on Saturday, December 16, at St. James Episcopal Church in Skaneateles, New York. Glenice Elaine Crowel, of Warsaw, Indiana, passed away on November 16, 2017, in her home surrounded by family. She was born on February 6, 1933, the daughter of the late Ray and Ardella (Senff) Jensen. She graduated from Bremen High School. Glenice worked at the Academies as a chaperone and in the snack bar before serving as the Resident Director for Ciel dorm from 1996-2007. She was the first R.D. ever to receive the John R. Mars Award for cultivating the most positive relationship with students. She is survived by four children: Steven (Carol) Crowel of Boynton Beach, Florida, Kathy Knight of Warsaw, Brenda (Carl) Smith of Warsaw and Jenny Dikeos of Warsaw; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Lt. Col. Keith Scott Wettig ’72 (Company C), 63, of Louisville, Kentucky, died on November 28, 2017. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. He earned his undergraduate from Western Kentucky University, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, and his master’s degree from the University of Southern California. Keith served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer and retired as a lieutenant colonel. In 2011, Keith worked as the tactical officer in Woodcraft Camp and was promoted to the Woodcraft Boys Director and military officer in 2013. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sandra Duerr Wettig; sons, John Patton Wettig, Theodore Bradley Wettig, and Richard Grant Wettig, Sr.; and grandchildren, Harrison James Wettig and Richard “Grant” Wettig, Jr.

CULVER ALUMNI MAGAZINE

IN MEMORIAM

he served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He then earned a degree at the University of Illinois. He worked as the superintendent of the Iroquois County Highway Department for 39 years and was also a selfemployed, licensed surveyor for

Clarence A. Beutel Jr., (Larry) ’45 (Company A), a lifelong Chicago area resident, businessman and Cubs fan, died on September 12, 2017, in Hinsdale, Illinois. His passion for baseball extended from forming sandlot teams as a

and a member of Ruth Lake Country Club. He loved to wax philosophical sitting around the kitchen table, discussing the issues of the day with children and their friends. Larry is survived by his wife, Doris, two daughters and eight grand-

many years. John was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 23, Elks Lodge 1791 and Masonic Lodge 446. John was past president and board member of Watseka Unit 9 School District and served on the Board of Directors for Iroquois Federal Savings and Loan and then as chairman of the board for 22 years. In addition to his wife of 62 years, Beverly, John is survived by three sons, nine grandchildren, and two sisters.

child to being scouted by the Brooklyn Dodgers while at Culver, where he played baseball and football. After graduation he joined the Navy during WWII and then returned to graduate from Dartmouth College. Larry began his business career in banking and helped organize the Midwest Bank and Trust Co., of which he was president. In 1968 he established his business brokerage firm, Beutel & Co. and serviced mergers and acquisitions for more than 50 years. He was a founding member of the Salt Creek Club

children. A brother, Jim ’51, also survives. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara, one daughter and one son.

in Concord, Massachusetts, and Orlando, Florida. Richard graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1952. A registered professional engineer, he served as a partner, with his father, John, in Pettingell Associates as a consulting engineer and an independent sales representative for industrial equipment in Belmont and Waltham, Massachusetts, providing services throughout New England. During his career, Richard continued to design and build homes in his “spare” time with help from his sons, including his own residence in West Concord, in 1968 and a home in Boxborough in 1973. He relocated to Orlando, Florida in 1982, and continued to sell industrial equipment. After his retirement, he operated a wallpapering business with his son, John Andrew. Richard was an optimist, pragmatist and a modern Renaissance man with varied skills and interests throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred. He is survived by his three sons and one daughter, eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Richard G. Pettingell ’45 (Company A) died peacefully on September 12, 2017. After graduating from Culver, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea. Shortly after his discharge, and while working as a carpenter, he met Mildred “Mitzi” Morgan of Newton, Massachusetts, at the Nuttings Dance Hall. They were married for 64 years, residing

John Joseph Buyer, Sr. ’46 (Band) of Francesville, Indiana, died on June 27, 2017, in Indianapolis. While he was at Culver, John was named to the Midwest Prep Conference Football All Star team. He went on to graduate from The Citadel in 1950, where he was the Band Company Commander and member of the Jr. Sword Drill and Bulldog Orchestra.

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Later he helped found “The Buyer Family Top Leadership Scholarship” at The Citadel. He married Jean Martschink in 1950, then served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and returned to the Indiana University School of Dentistry, graduating in 1957. He served the Francesville community as a dentist for 50 years, retiring in 2008. John gave back to his community through service in local organizations, including Salem Township Trustee and the Pulaski County School Board. He was President of The First Francesville Fall Festival. As president of the Lions Club, all Francesville houses were assigned numbers. He built tennis courts in the park and with his wife, Jean, plotted the new addition to the Roseland Cemetery.They also founded a Junior Achievement Company, which taught business to the high school students. John taught Sunday School and sang in the choir at the United Methodist Church. He also dedicated his life to improving the lives of veterans. He served as Commander of the American Legion 2nd District in 1996-97 and served 10 years on The American Legion National Legislative Council. He was also chaplain of American Legion Post #228. John was a 32 Degree Mason of Winamac Lodge #25 and member of the Orak Shrine. John was an ardent Tippecanoe River fisherman. He loved trees and nature. He is remembered for planting thousands of trees locally and worldwide. To commemorate the 50th anniversary

of the Korean Conflict ceasefire, he sent tulip trees to honor every Indiana soldier who died in action or was wounded to Seoul, South Korea. He is also responsible for cherry and apple orchards being planted on the orphanage grounds in Ukraine. John is survived by two daughters and two sons, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, and his son-in-law. James Buchanan Haynes, Jr. T ’43, ’46 (Troop) died July 9, 2017, in his home in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was born in Enid, Oklahoma, and moved to Shreveport with his family where they formed the Haynes Oil Company. He attended Southfield School, which his family helped to establish, before graduating from Culver. Jim graduated from Princeton University in 1951 and then served in the Special Forces Branch of the U.S. Army in psychological warfare while stationed in Tokyo, Japan, during the Korean Conflict. Jim was active in many clubs and organizations. He was one of the founding members of the Shreveport Ducks Unlimited Chapter. He was the treasurer at St. Mark’s Church for many years and remained active throughout his life. He was also very involved with and served for many years on the board of Southfield School. Jim’s strength, kindness and faith throughout his life and during his illness was an example to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Minette DeFrance Haynes, one daughter,

one son and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Arch ’50, and a daughter, Katherine Haynes Sales. Iddo Lampton Enochs ’46 (Battery B) died on September 13, 2017, in McComb, Mississippi. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Culver and then earned an engineering degree from Purdue University in 1950. Iddo was a varsity swimmer at both Culver and Purdue. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950–52, at which time he began work for the Fernwood Columbia & Gulf and the Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern Railroads. He served as president of both from January 1, 1955, at the age of 26, until they were merged with the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad in 1972. He worked for Fernwood Industries, a wood preserving company, from 1972 until 2011, and served as president for many years. In addition, he also managed the family oil and gas interests in Pike, Walthall and Marion counties. In 2015 the Friends of the McComb Railroad Museum honored Iddo “as a figure of living history in the local railroad business.” He served on the boards of the American Short Line Railroad Association, the Southern Pressure Treaters Association, and Louisiana-Mississippi Wood Preservers Association for many years, as well as chairman of the Fernwood Foundation, which his family began in the 1950s for the purpose of building a school in Fernwood, the foundation continuing to the present day. Iddo also served on the Board of Directors of

Enochs Sales Company of New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, for many years, as well as the boards of directors of McComb Lumber and Coal Company and Citizens Lumber Company. He served on the McComb Public School Board for seven years, and was active in the McComb Chamber of Commerce. In 1964 Iddo was a member of a biracial committee that created and signed a statement of principles published in the Enterprise Journal, urging equal treatment under the law for all citizens and an end to violence. Iddo served on the board of the Fernwood Country Club for many years. He and his family were honored recently for their donation of the land to build the club in 1924. He was also an avid golfer most of his life and enjoyed the company of his golfing friends and becoming an inspiration to younger players. Iddo will be beloved and remembered always for his gentle, kind, and unpretentious nature, his lifelong integrity, his keen intelligence, his dry humor and most of all, his love and steadfast support for his wife, Jackie, his children, and friends. In the weeks before his passing he spent time outdoors with family and friends, planning his fall garden. Iddo is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, one daughter and two sons, as well as seven grandchildren. Charles Field Knight W ’47 of St. Louis, Missouri, died on September 12, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Joanne. At age 37 he became one of the youngest CEOs at any billion dollar U.S. corporation. He went on to make Emerson

CULVER ALUMNI MAGAZINE

IN MEMORIAM

Electric into one of the largest companies in the region and kept alive its remarkable record of 43 straight years of earnings increases. The emergency room at Barnes-Jewish Hospital bears his name, the Emerson Grand Basin of Forest Park, the name of the company he led for 27 years. One day the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Washington University’s Medical School may help cure the disease he battled for the last five years. He was on the Board of Trustees of Washington University from 1977-1990. He was also chairman of Barnes-Jewish Hospital, which named him emeritus chair for life. He led efforts by civic leaders to raise taxes for the St. Louis Public Schools and led fundraising for the Arts and Education Council of greater St. Louis, the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club and the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center. Charles was named Chief Executive of the Year by Chief Executive magazine in 1987, the second year of the award. In 2000, he was inducted into the Junior Achievement National Business Hall of Fame. He was born January 20, 1936 in Lake Forest, Illinois and married his wife, Joanne, in 1957. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from Cornell University, where he played varsity football and tennis. He is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters and 12 grandchildren. James Carl Streicher N’ 45, ’48 (Company D) of Florence, South Carolina, passed away on

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June 20, 2017. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, and graduated from the University of Michigan in 1952 after which he served in the Korean War. He lived the majority of his life in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, and moved to Florence in June of 2016. Two great-nieces and two great-nephews attended Culver Specialty Camps. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Millie Streicher, and his only son, Thomas. He is survived by two daughters and six grandchildren. William Withington Rooke ’48 (Troop B) of Paradise Valley, Arizona, died July 31, 2017. Will was born in Westfield, Pennsylvania, in 1930. After Culver he graduated from Dartmouth College in 1953, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he attained the rank of lieutenant junior grade. Upon discharge Will enrolled in Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, earning his MBS and graduating in 1956. Following family tradition, Will went to work as a stockbroker for Merrill Lynch and became a member of the New York Stock Exchange in 1959. Will’s father had worked for Mr. Merrill in the 1930s and his brother also spent his career with Merrill Lynch. Will and his wife, Anastasia Dickenson Payne Rooke, lived in Green Village and Morris Township, New Jersey, where they raised five sons. Will and Anastasia moved to the community of Desert Mountain in 2007 and Anastasia lost a battle with cancer in the summer of 2007. Will spent 30 years as a trustee of Morristown Memorial Hos-

pital in New Jersey, five of those years as chairman of the board. Will also became involved with Honor Health Thompson Peak Hospital, both as a philanthropist and a volunteer. A man of many interests throughout his life he was a yachtsman, private pilot, fisherman, bird hunter, skier, photographer, golf and tennis player and still enjoyed his 4:45 am workouts. Will is survived by his wife, Glady, one brother, one sister, four sons, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two more on the way. A brother, Robert ’43, predeceased him. John Julius O’Fallon Jr. ’48 (Battery A) of Naples, Florida, died August 1, 2017. He attended St. Louis Country Day School and graduated from Culver, then went on to earn a degree in retailing from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He served as a 1st Lieutenant Artillery in the U.S. Army Reserve, then began his successful business career at Hubbell Metals in St. Louis as the vice president of merchandising; National Steel Service Center Division in Parsippany, New Jersey, as director of materials; and owner/president of The Song & Story Book Store, Naples, Florida. He was also the president of the St. Louis Chapter of the Steel Service Center Institute; president of the Back Country Fly Fishers in Naples, member of the Forum Club of Naples and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Naples. John is survived by his wife, Lorna, three sons, two daughters, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Thomas Albert Brewster H ’48 passed away on November 11, 2016, in Fort Stockton, Texas. Tab, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Ohio. Tab was a lifetime salesman in a variety of areas and was honored with numerous rewards for excellence in the business field. He married Ruth Cole Franklin and was blessed with three stepchildren, as well as six step‑grandchildren. He was an easygoing man who enjoyed entertaining friends, telling his stories of his days as a salesman and playing a good game of bridge. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Church. Tab was preceded in death by his wife. He is survived by two nephews and two nieces, as well as numerous great‑nieces and nephews. Dr. John W. “Jack” Lehman II, W’45, H’49, died May 6, 2016 in Ft. Myers, Florida. Dr. Lehman, also from Beaver, Pennsylvania, graduated from Allegheny College where he funded a medical ethics course and the annual Lehman Lecture. He received his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and practiced orthopedics for 37 years. He was a member of the Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, Eastern Orthopedic Association, and Pennsylvania Orthopedic Association. He was active with Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children in Philadelphia, a former medical director and chief surgeon for the Easter Seal Society of Beaver County, and past president of the Beaver County Medical Society. Dr. Lehman was on the board of the directors of Pennsylvania

Medical Society and a Fellow of American College of Surgeons. He also served as the team doctor for several area high schools, as well as Geneva College, and was inducted into the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. An avid horseman since childhood, he opened a family stable, High Tail Stables, and successfully showed world champion American Saddlebreds and Hackney ponies for many years. He is survived by his wife,

east Missouri pioneers, Handy spent most of his life in farming and managing family interests. He attended St. Henry’s Catholic School in Charleston before graduating from Culver and then the University of Missouri in 1953. Afterward he served as an officer in the First Cavalry Division of the Army, stationed in Japan before returning to Missouri to manage his family’s farming operation. He became an innovator in local agriculture,

he received a master’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University in 1973. He donated land for the Joseph Hunter Moore River Access in Mississippi County and a large log cabin that was built by his great‑grandfather, Benjamin Hunter, to Southeast Missouri State University. Handy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy, one daughter and two sons, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

active duty in 1955, completing his Basic Infantry Officers course in Ft. Benning, Georgia, graduating the same year and was permanently stationed at Ft. Gordon, Georgia. He was later assigned to the Southern Signal Training Center in 1956. After discharge in 1958, he and his wife, Joan, moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where he worked in the aviation industry and got his start in the savings & loan business. In 1964 he was offered the position of director of public relations for Community Federal Savings and Loan in Riviera Beach, Florida, and eventually was promoted to marketing vice president, retiring in 1993. Dave was active in community affairs, serving as a member of the Palm Beach County Government Study Commission, a subcommittee on taxing districts, president of NPB County Chamber of Commerce, and president of Riviera Beach Kiwanis Club. He was also a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and Scottish Rite of Free Masonry. Dave and Joan were avid golfers and won many tournaments around the Palm Beach area. Preceded in death by his wife, he is survived by one brother and two sisters.

Debbie, three children, Laurey Lehman Schweinsberg ’77, a daughter and son, three stepchildren, and 11 grandchildren, including Sadie Schweinsberg, W ’07.

establishing the Morning Sun apple and peach orchard and a successful grape growing operation north of Sikeston. He also served as president of the Missouri Grape Growers Association. With his friend Dr. Rene DuPont, he opened Moore DuPont Wineries with locations near Benton and in Springfield. A lifelong student,

David Miles Runkel ’49 (Company B) died at Trustbridge Hospice at Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on August 24, 2017. After graduating from Culver, Dave attended Ripon College in Wisconsin, graduating in 1954 with a B.A. degree in economics. He was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Reserve the same year and entered

William C. Vandenberg III, W ’47, ’52 (Company D) of Holland, Michigan, died peacefully in his sleep at the Vista Springs in Wyoming, Michigan, on August 2, 2017. After a year at Southern Methodist University, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Later he graduated from Hope College and was later employed as a

James Handy Moore ’49 (Company A) of Sikeston, Missouri, died on June 30, 2017. Descended from South-

CULVER ALUMNI MAGAZINE

IN MEMORIAM student recruiter. After retirement, he turned his love of the outdoors into a landscaping operation, working with Port Sheldon Township to maintain Kiowa Park, as well as many private properties. Bill was fond of ballroom dancing and took an interest in many sports, especially the Hope College men’s basketball team. He could also be seen at all of the Hope College football games, and once the women’s basketball program was established, he supported the women as loyally and ardently as the men. Bill was an avid golfer and spent several years coaching Hope College men’s golf team. His father, William C. Vandenberg, Jr. N ’29, ’32 (Company G) and cousin, Vaudie V. Vandenberg ’32 (Company E), were Culver graduates. Robert Gordon Slagle N’51 died on May 24, 2017, in San Diego, California. As a third generation medical doctor, Bob graduated from the Citadel Military College of Charleston, South Carolina, and The Ohio State University Medical School. He later served for three years as a captain and physician in the U.S. Army and was based at the Army Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany. After saving the life of a critically injured woman at the side of a German Autobahn, Bob received one of the highest medals given by the German government. Following service in the U.S. Army, Bob practiced as a plastic surgeon in Cincinnati, Ohio, for 34 years. He was the founder and president of Cincinnati Plastic Surgery Associates, where he mentored many of

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today’s foremost Cincinnati plastic surgeons. He was on the medical staff at several hospitals in Cincinnati, including the Bethesda North Hospital, the Christ Hospital and the former Our Lady of Mercy Hospital. After retiring in 2002, he served for five years as the President of The Ohio State University Medical School Alumni Association. During his career, Bob donated his surgical abilities to hundreds of people in the Cincinnati area. He particularly enjoyed reconstructive plastic surgery, serving as a volunteer surgeon to the Cincinnati Shriner’s Hospital for burn victims early in his career. He also volunteered for several years as a surgeon at hospitals in Lima, Peru, and Corazal, Belize, repairing the cleft lips and palates of indigent children. Bob was also a major donor to the Ohio State Medical School, Bethesda North Hospital, and other charitable organizations. A gentleman farmer for many years, growing avocados on property near San Diego, Bob also grew and cultivated orchids, collected ancient coins, was an avid outdoorsman, skier and fly fisherman, and became an accomplished painter. Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judith Jones Slagle; his three children Douglas R. Slagle N ’75, Susan J. Slagle L ’77, Thomas W. Slagle H ’79 and four granddaughters. Dr. Robert Kendall Corbett ’52 (Troop B) of Spokane, Washington, passed away on July 14, 2017. Bob earned his undergraduate and M.D. from the University of Washington in 1956 and 1960, respectively. He

chose to follow his father’s path into urology after completing his residency at the University of California, San Francisco. Bob was widely loved and respected by his colleagues, staff, and patients. A true leader in his field and exemplary surgeon, he was famous for bringing his

was the cabin he and his wife, Marty, built on the Clark Fork River in Montana. Bob also had a committed passion for Husky football, Gonzaga basketball, and the Mariners, but his greatest sporting events were those in which his boys played. He loved coaching them when he

good humor and levity to the hospital floors. Bob was an avid outdoorsman who had a passion for hunting and for flyfishing. The map of his life could readily be charted by the many fishing and hunting trips he took with his sons, his friends, and his wife. His favorite place

could, and seldom missed any of their sporting events through the years. After he retired, he turned in his scalpel for a spatula, becoming an amazing cook who catered all of the family celebrations. On July 1, 1961, Bob married Marlene “Marty” Parker. Together they

raised four sons. Bob always had a deep and unwavering love for his family. Bob was preceded in death by his infant daughter. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marty, four sons and five grandchildren. Phillip Boyd Stevens N ’52, a resident of Evanston, Illinois, for many years, died on July 21, 2017, in Glenview, Illinois. After graduating from Culver and Miami University of Oxford, Ohio, he received his Ph.D from Northwestern University. Phillip taught at the University of Illinois and for many years was the assistant to the President of Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois. He is survived by one sister, one aunt, several cousins and his special assistant. James B. Daley ’53 (Company B) died on September 9, 2017. He was born in Rawlins, Wyoming, but lived most of his life in Colorado. After Culver, Jim attended the University of Wyoming and the University of Wyoming Law School. He was briefly a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army where he attended paratrooper school. For many years, Jim was an attorney at the law firm of Sherman & Howard in Denver and later made a second career selling ranches across the West. Members of his family attending Culver include his father, Edward Daley ’20, his uncle, Robert Brown ’28, his brother, William R. Daley ’45, his nephew, William E. Daley ’70, his son J. Bruce Daley N ’73, and his nephew’s daughters, Kate Daley ’01 and Laura Daley ’05. He is survived by his two daughters and three

sons. James was married three times, and although he never wore a wedding ring, he always wore his Culver ring. Otis Ayers Hower ’54 (Battery A) died on August 5, 2017, in Akron, Ohio. Otis was the grandson of the late M. Otis and Blanche Hower of the well known Hower family of Akron, Ohio. They were an entrepreneurial family starting several successful companies. Otis was proud to be a Hower and shared many memories of the Hower House with family and friends. Otis attended Culver, Kiski Academy and Buchtel High School. He joined the U.S. Air Force in October, 1957, and was honorably discharged in 1961. He then attended the University of Akron and received his degree in business. Otis was very involved in community organizations, including the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio (Meridian Sun Lodge No. 69), the Royal Order of Jesters Court No. 80, the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, the Tadmor Shriners, the Grand Council Royal & Select Masons of Ohio and the Cuyahoga Falls Commandery No. 83, the Summit County Historical Society, and the Portage Country Club, where he was an avid golfer. Otis loved traveling and was a voracious reader, mostly nonfiction and history. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, one brother, and two nephews. John Carl Lahey N’55 of Schererville, Indiana, died on April 5, 2017. John was the owner of Lahey Pipe and

Supply Company in East Chicago and worked in Sales at Independent Pipe and Supply in East Chicago. He was also a U.S. Army veteran. A former member of the Lions Club, John also enjoyed bowling, fixing clocks and “tinkering” in his garage. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carole, two sons and one daughter, and two grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents and nephew. Bernard George Manley, Jr. ’55 (Company B) died on May 17, 2017, in Laguna Niguel, California. After graduating from Culver, he earned a degree in political science from the University of Southern California, then joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve but found his love of flying was greater. Bernard began his career with Flying Tigers Inc. and became a captain of a 747. When he retired, he continued his love of navigation with his recreational vehicles. Bernard is survived by one son, three daughters and seven grandchildren. George Jubb Seybert ’55 (Company A) passed away on May 19, 2017, in Indianpolis, Indiana. He was president and CEO of Tube Processing Corporation and its divisions, Aerofab and CTP. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diane, five children, including Susan SC ’88, and 10 grandchildren. Henry “Hank” M. Reed III W ’49, ’55 (Company C) passed away on July 16, 2017, in Louisville, Kentucky. Hank was a man with a wonderful sense

of humor who could make anyone laugh. He had a lust for life and an amazing sense of adventure. He was dedicated to his own successful law practice for many years. He enjoyed fine cuisine, walks along Beargrass Creek with his late dog Houdini, and spending time with his family. He is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Nancy, and his daughter, Margaret Nader. He is survived by wife, Joan Reed, children and their spouses, 15 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two stepchildren. Hank’s father, Henry M. Reed Jr. ’22 (Company B) and cousin Richard B. Dyke’53 were also Culver graduates. Frederick Robert Woodward Jr. ’55 (Battery B) of Dubuque, Iowa, died at Luther Manor on August 30, 2017. After elementary education in Texas and Dubuque, Bob graduated from Culver in 1955 and Drake University in 1959. His adult life was filled with many passions: a career in communications, numerous philanthropic and conservational projects, service to the community, vintage car racing (especially Formula Junior), and his family. Bob’s career started at the Fort Dodge Messenger where he was a photojournalist and feature writer. He was also a photojournalist and correspondent for WCI Dubuque Radio and the Telegraph Herald in Vietnam and the Middle East. Bob also authored a biography of deceased Dubuque artist Frank Licciardi and founded, edited and published the Monoposto

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IN MEMORIAM Register Magazine. He spent the remaining years of his professional career with Woodward Communications, Inc. (WCI), working as reporter, assistant general manager, and general manager at Dubuque radio station KDTH. Following his broadcast experience, Bob transitioned into print as production manager for the Telegraph Herald, where he oversaw the installation of the first Goss doublewide offset press. Bob retired from WCI after decades in several executive positions, including vice president of the Broadcast Division, executive vice president, director, and chairman of the executive committee, and chairman and CEO. The thrust of Bob’s service activity in Dubuque was eclectic, encompassing artistic, community, environmental, educational, historical, and youth oriented organizations, including the Museum of Art, Historical Society, Boys Club, Northeast Iowa Council Boy Scouts, United Way,YMCA/YWCA, Clarke University, University of Dubuque, Chamber of Commerce and Community Services Planning Commission. Environmental service included membership and support of numerous organizations, including the Iowa National Heritage Foundation (Director). Bob also served as a director in professional organizations that include Iowa Daily Press Association, Iowa Broadcaster Association, and the national Inland Daily Press Association. He was recognized by Dubuque organizations for his outstanding leadership,

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contributions to the arts, and fundraising skills. Bob’s passion for racing was evident in his competition on the track, his research and knowledge of historic race cars, and his contributions to the development of organized historic racing in the United States. Bob enjoyed racing competition, whether it was a heads up race with another driver or winning a series against many competitors. In addition to winning multiple series, he won the U.S. Formula Junior Championship and

Formula Junior Historic Racing Association (FJHRA) awarding the Bob Woodward Trophy during its Diamond Jubilee racing series. Only one other American has had a trophy named in his honor in the Jubilee series: Peter Revson, the last American born driver to win a Formula One race. Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Barbara, two daughters, including Anne Marie Woodward ’90 and two sons, and eight grandchildren including Duncan Woodward ’12 and

Robert R Eisaman N ’56, ’58 (Company B) of Sun City, Arizona, died on June 26, 2016 in Savannah, Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Gae, and two daughters.

twice won the Monoposto Racing Grand Championship Fangio Trophy. In concert with other historic racing enthusiasts, Bob cofounded the Monoposto Register, a North American historic car road racing organization. Bob was most recently recognized for his contributions to racing by the international

two great-grandchildren. His father, Bob ’30, and two brothers, William ’57 and Tom ’61, predeceased him.

watch sports games with his wife, and spent many summers on the boat with his family and friends. They also enjoyed many trips to Florida visiting family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Jackie, two daughters, three grandsons and one granddaughter.

Gary Wilson Shaffer ’55 (Company A) passed away in Bondville,Vermont. The former Company A Captain, he is survived by his wife, Marianne, two daughters and one son.

Walter Glen Timmons ’58 (Battery A) died on September 7, 2017, in Indianapolis. After graduating from Culver, he attended Indiana University. He became a real estate investor with his wife, Jackie, whom he met in Lafayette, Indiana. Glen loved to play golf, play poker,

Neil Eugene Augenstein W’51,’58 (Troop B) died on September 15, 2017, at Friends Care in Yellow Springs, Ohio. After graduating from Culver, he attended The Ohio State University for his undergraduate studies as well as earning his DVM. In 1966 Neil began his long 50-year career as a large and small animal veterinarian in Fairborn, Ohio. He was a highly skilled and caring veterinarian but reluctantly retired due to a debilitating stroke in 2015. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing, playing polo, raising and training Standardbred racehorses, cutting firewood with his Husqvarna, reading, cutting grass on the farm with his bush hog tractor and laughing and going out with his friends. Neil is survived by his two sons, two daughters, first wife, Joanne Augenstein, and three grandchildren. Robert Allan Book ’58 (Company D) of Huntington, Connecticut, died on November 30, 2016 after a 10 year battle with cancer. Bob was the Regimental Commander of his class and winner of the YMCA Cup. He lettered in football and crew. He earned degrees from Wesleyan and The University of California-Davis. Bob is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and two sons. Okla Bennett Smith N’55, ’59 (Company C) passed away on September 15, 2017. He was born on July 27, 1941, in Fort Smith the son of Okla Homer and Creo Belle Smith. He attended Vanderbilt University and graduated from the University of Arkansas and

then spent two years in the U.S. Army Signal Corps as a lieutenant before joining his family’s furniture manufacturing business. Okla was a board member and past president of the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club, a 2012 inductee of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame, former board member and past president of Hardscrabble Country Club, former board member and secretary of Sparks Regional Medical Center. As a lifelong member of the Masonic Order, he was a York Rite Mason, 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner, and member of the Royal Order of Jesters. He especially enjoyed Razorback games with his wife, sons, and grandsons. In addition, his favorite pastime was duck hunting and fishing with his sons, grandsons, and hunting club friends at Bayo Meto. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elinor Duschl Smith, his sons, Okla Duschl Smith W’81,’86 (Company A), Oklahomer F. Smith W ’83, ’88 (Battery B), his wife Zoe, two grandsons, Okla Bennett Smith II, and Sutton Weatherley Smith, all of Fort Smith, Arkansas. He is also survived by his twin sister, Creo Lynne Smith, of Southlake, Texas. John Thomas “Jack” Tierney III ’59 (Troop B) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, died on October 11, 2017. Jack graduated from Stanford University and Georgetown University. He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Armored Division (Germany) from 1963-65. As an attorney, Jack was a member of both the

Allegheny Bar Association and the Arizona Bar. He offered expertise as a trial attorney in the areas of personal injury, antitrust, securities, ERISA and RICO litigation. He began his legal career in Pittsburgh with the law firm of Reed, Smith, Shaw and McClay and continued his career in Phoenix, Arizona, with the firm of Mohr, Hackett, Pederson and Blakely before serving in the Arizona Attorney General’s Office as Assistant Attorney General. He returned to Pittsburgh as an attorney with the firm Tarasi, Tighe, Tierney and Johnson before concluding his career with the firm of Goldberg, Persky, Jennings and White. As a member of this firm, Jack participated in the initiation of legal actions representing former NFL players who had been impacted by the degenerative brain disease of ChronicTraumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This litigation, combined with several other national cases, resulted in the classaction lawsuit recently ruled favorably for the plaintiffs in federal court. Jack’s love for horsemanship, fostered by his father’s tutelage and ownership of horses, fulfilled him throughout his youth and adult life. While at Culver, he was a member of the Black Horse Troop and rode throughout his education at Stanford University and even during his law school years at Georgetown University, where he was a member of their polo team. His lifelong interest continued through his professional years as he rode “Hunters,” participated in horse shows,

fox hunts, and recreational riding. Jack is survived by his son, John T. Tierney IV and his sister, Mary Kaye Combes. He is preceded in death by his wife, Maureen M. Tierney, his daughter, Jennifer M. Tierney ’89 (Court) and his parents John Thomas Tierney, Jr. ’34 (Company D) and Marie. Charles Scofield Skinner ’59 (Company D) of Rocky River, Ohio, died on October 31, 2017. Chuck graduated from Cornell University’s School of Engineering with a B.S. and M.A. in English. He then served in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot, serving in Vietnam and achieving the rank of captain. After working in New York City for Mobil, Chuck returned to the Cleveland area to work for Booz Allen & Hamilton, where he eventually became the youngest vice president of the company. He earned an MBA from Case Western Reserve University while he was working. Chuck was a member of the Royal Order of Jesters and the Fairmount Presbyterian Church. Charles is survived by his wife, Nancy, one son, one daughter Melinda Cifuentes ’97 and two grandsons. John Boyd Eversole Jr. ’61 (Troop A) died on June 13, 2017, in Cincinnati, Ohio, after a long illness. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, he spent his youth in Ponte Vedra, Florida, and St. Louis, Missouri. After attending Culver and graduating from Lake Forest College, he became a member of the Air National Guards of Missouri, Wisconsin and

CULVER ALUMNI MAGAZINE

IN MEMORIAM Georgia. John enjoyed a long career with Hallmark Cards. He and his family moved several times with Hallmark but have lived in Cincinnati for the past 33 years. John is survived by his wife, Sally, one daughter, one son and two grandsons. Dudley Gatewood Pearson ’61 died on August 21, 2017, at Piedmont Hospital. He attended The Westminster Schools and after graduation from Culver, earned a B.A. in economics at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, followed by an MBA at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He served his country as an airman for two and a half years in the U.S. Air Force before launching a successful 45-year career in the financial industry, most recently as a senior vice president of Wells Fargo Advisors. He generously shared his knowledge and experience, mentoring young professionals. He treasured monthly golf trips with three golfing buddies and traveled with his wife and blended family — five children and 13 grandchildren — spending many enjoyable times in Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Charleston, South Carolina; and the beach at Amelia Island, Florida. He is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Sue, two sons, and four grandchildren. Important members of his blended family include his three stepchildren and nine step-grandchildren. Dudley was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and his first wife and mother of his children, Neville Stoneham Pearson.

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Phillip Lee Kaufman W ’56, T ’59, ’62 (Troop A) of Munster, Indiana, died Thursday, August 3, 2017. Dr. Kaufman is survived by his wife, Sue, one daughter, one sister, and the light of his life, Alexander Adler. Peter Joseph McMahon Jr. N ’65 died in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 19, 2015. He was the oldest of seven siblings and attended Cascia Hall School. Work took him to Pampa, Texas, and Rangely, Colorado for his family’s business. His favorite place on earth was Grand Lake. Peter loved being at the lake or in the mountains, skiing, sailing, and flying airplanes. He is survived by his longtime companion, Kandee Marshall, two sons, and four grandchildren. Former Fathers Association President, John Anthony Henneberger W ’65, died on July 18, 2017, at his home in Oak Meadow, Indiana. Born in Mount Carmel, Illinois, he developed a love of people and a lifelong habit of “speakingto-every-living-soul.” After graduating from Mt. Carmel High School, he attended the University of Notre Dame, where he pursued a degree in government and history, as well as active participation in the Notre Dame Glee Club. He transferred to Indiana University after Pearl Harbor because he wanted to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corps, which he did in November 1942, flying the P-51 Mustang. After WWII John went into business with his brother, Bob, an Army JAG, opening the popular Sports Center in Mt. Carmel, which sold not only

sporting goods and equipment but also toys, boats and major appliances. They sold the store in the 1950s and John joined his father at Henneberger Service, Ice & Fuel Company, the oldest coal and home fuel distributor in Illinois. When his father retired from the Mount Carmel bank he had co-founded, Security Bank & Trust Co., John joined the Board of Directors and served in that capacity for 27 years, going on to become the President and Chairman of the board. John was active on several local GOP committees and enjoyed lively political discussions, was co-founder of the Mt. Carmel Little League, charter member of the Wabash Valley Association, trustee of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Culver Educational Foundation board and co-founder and president of the Fathers’ Association, for which he received an outstanding service award. He loved American and Roman history and was generous with his time for both family and strangers. Even during his final illness, he kept his sense of humor, excellent memory and love of words. John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Freida; two daughters, Melinda ’75 (Deck 5) and Joane ’76 (Deck 5), ’77 (Atrium). He was preceded in death by his son, John. John Dennis Culbertson, Ph.D. ’65 (Company E) of Edgefield, South Carolina, died on August 4, 2017. He was born in Greenville, South Carolina. He served his country as a captain in the U.S. Air Force.

He worked as a guidance counselor with the Aiken County School System and taught at Piedmont Technical College and Aiken Technical College. Survivors include his wife, Virginia, one son, one daughter, and eight grandchildren. Thomas Wayland Morley N ’62, ’66 (Battery A) died on August 15, 2017, in Naples, Florida at the age of 69. He was born in San Diego, California but grew up in Kenilworth, Illinois. He was a graduate of Sears School, Culver and the University of Arizona. Tom had recently retired after 35+ years as a financial executive recruiter. Tom, also known as “T. Wonderful,” was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by three siblings, seven nieces and nephews, three great nephews and many cousins on both the Miller and Morley sides of the family. J. Randolph “Randy” Lowe ’66 (Company C) of Gold Canyon, Arizona, formerly of Winona Lake, died in his residence on September 7, 2017 after an extended battle fighting prostate cancer. He was born in June 1947 in Wolf Lake. On June 15, 1968 he married Carole Shellabarger, who survives. Randy was a graduate of Indiana University, earning a B.S. in marketing, and served in the U.S. Army National Guard for six years. He was a steward for Warsaw Presbyterian Church and on the Board of Directors of Tippecanoe Country Cub. He spent his entire business career with Whitley Products, Inc. as

President and Chief Executive Officer before retiring in late 2006. In addition to his wife, Carole, Randy is survived by two children, two sisters, two stepbrothers, two stepsisters, and four grandchildren.

aunt and six cousins, one of whom, Charles N. Gee III ’74 (Band), graduated from Culver.

Brent W. King ’67 (Battery B) of Grayson, Kentucky, died

George Kerlek, Jr. ’69 PG (Company B) died on July 8, 2017, in New Middletown, Ohio. He graduated from Struthers High School in 1968, did a post-graduate year at Culver and then attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1973. He was a pitcher for

on August 28, 2017, at the Edgewood Estates in Frenchburg, Kentucky. He graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, before attending law school for one year. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister and a brother-in-law, as well as several aunts and uncles. He is survived by two nieces, one

the Navy baseball team and was a team captain during his senior year. Upon graduating from the Academy, he chose to enter the Marine Corps, where he became a Huey helicopter pilot. During the Beirut, Lebanon, conflict, he served as the pilot for diplomat Philip Habib, who mediated between Lebanon and Israel. He later served as a

Bradford Cooper Burgess N ’67 died on June 1, 2016, in Lexington, Kentucky.

helicopter flight instructor in Pensacola, Florida, and New River, North Carolina, and worked as a personnel and logistics coordinator at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. He retired as a major in 1993, after a 20 year military career. In retirement, he renovated his family’s century old farm house in New Middletown, which he affectionately dubbed “The

Farm.” George is survived by one son, one daughter, and seven grandchildren, In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one grandchild, Skyler Kirchner. Interment will be at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium in Annapolis.

Jill Rosalind Monczunski L ’70 died in Branch, Michigan, on March 11, 2016, following a brave fight with ALS disease. She was a member of Bachelor Evangelical Covenant Church. She enjoyed interior design and gardening. Jill is survived by her husband, Michael, one son, one daughter and five grandchildren. David Wonders Reese ’70 (Company A) died on July 10, 2017, at home in West Linn, Oregon. Born in Columbus, Ohio, he earned a degree in English from Beloit College, followed by one year of law school at Tulane University in New Orleans. While at Beloit he spent two years teaching English in Bogota, Colombia. Later in life he completed a second degree in art at Portland State University. Dave enjoyed a successful career as a landscaper and then as an artist/sculptor painter, writer and teacher of lost wax bronze and aluminum casting at Clackamas Community College. Dave and his wife, Sue, spent their married life in West Linn in the same home. They loved camping in the Mt. Adams area in Washington, traveling to their beloved Canada in late summers to spend a month in a log cabin on a remote lake. He is survived by his wife, one son, one daughter, and one grandson. Allyn Walder Conway II W ’66, H ’70 died on August 9, 2017, in Dayton, Ohio. He was a graduate of Culver Summer Schools and Oakwood High School. He earned his B.A. in 1975 from the University of Miami, Florida, and established a business as president and sole

CULVER ALUMNI MAGAZINE

IN MEMORIAM owner of ACG, Inc., which has provided business process software and solutions to clients for more than 30 years. In 2016, ACG, Inc. was recognized as a finalist in the Dayton BBB Eclipse Integrity Awards. He was an active member of Dayton Rotary and also cherished his involvement with many community organizations, serving on the Board of Directors of WDPR (Dayton Public Radio Discover Classical), Agape for Youth, Inc., Artemus House, Choices in Community Living, and Prevent Blindness (where he was the recipient of the 2017 People of Vision Award). In his later years, Al became a talented artist. Al’s wife of 31 years, Sandy, survives him, as does a brother, Mark’76. Jay Robert Jennings II N ’70, ’72 (Battery B), 62, of Mission, Kansas, died on June 5, 2017. He attended the University of Kansas and served in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). After graduating with a B.S. degree in 1976, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the U. S. Navy. Jay served on three submarines and ashore in Naples, Italy before leaving active duty. While a civilian, he continued to serve in the U.S. Naval Reserve and graduated from the Naval War College. He retired with the rank of Commander. In his civilian life, Jay worked for Sonalysts, Inc. in Waterford, Connecticut and San Diego, California and with DST Systems, Inc. and Quick Delivery in Kansas City, Missouri. He also earned an M. S. degree from the University of Kansas and an Associate of

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Science Degree in Nursing from Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas. As a registered nurse, Jay served in the U.S. Merchant Marine and worked at several hospitals in Virginia and the greater Kansas City area. From December 2007

Clinton, Iowa, area to live with her aunt and uncle, Catherine and Clarence Webber, who had no children of their own and later legally adopted them. After graduating from Culver in 1976, Linda attended the University of Iowa to become a Medical Laboratory Technician.

decision to become a stay at home mom but made a living running her father’s farm corporation. Her husband died on September 7, 1999, and laid the great burden of raising children solely on Linda’s shoulders. She took on this great responsibility with tremendous grace and

to January 2016, he worked on the Gastroenterology Unit at the University of Kansas Hospital. He is survived by his former stepdaughter, Amahdya Delkescamp.

She met her future husband, Robert Green, there. They made their home in Stuart, Florida, where Linda continued her education, earning further accreditations in her chosen field and worked at the Stuart Memorial Hospital. She also taught pathology classes at the Fort Pierce Community College. Upon their return to the Sac City, Iowa, area, Linda worked in the lab at Stewart Memorial Hospital in Lake City. After the birth of their first son, Ian, Linda made the

selflessness. Her desire to put a smile on other’s faces was a trait for which she will always be remembered. After spending some time in the Clinton area, Linda moved her family back to Sac City to be near family. Linda was preceded in death by her biological and adoptive parents, husband, and motherin-law. She is survived by her two sons, special friend, Jim Lee, and her brother.

Linda Webber Green L ’74, ’76 (West Lodge) of Clinton, Iowa, died on August 22, 2017, in Sioux City, Iowa. She was born in Singapore, Malaysia, but upon the death of her mother at a very young age, and her father suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s, Linda and her brother Clayton went to the

Garland Jeffrey Thayer W ’80, ’87 (Company C) of Missoula, Montana, died

unexpectedly on August 23, 2017. He grew up in the mountains around Charleston, West Virginia. After Culver, he earned a degree in economics and political science from the University of Montana in 1992. He loved the Missoula area for the outdoor recreation opportunities and warm community and chose to live and work there as a self‑employed investment advisor from 1992 until his death. He served as a deacon and elder in the Missoula First Presbyterian Church, in addition to serving on numerous boards and organizations, including the Missoula Art Museum, Missoula Ski Education Foundation, Downtown Lions Club and Ducks Unlimited. Garland loved being in the mountains and surrounding areas of Missoula, and enjoyed mountain biking, fishing, skiing and camping with his family and friends. He also enjoyed painting and writing poetry, drawing his inspiration from the beauty of the mountains. Garland has a rich Culver legacy, including graduates: grandfather Garland Todd Thayer ’13 (Company C), father William Thayer ’44 (Company C), cousin Aven Venable Byrne ’75 (Indian Trail) and half-brother William Thayer II, N ’64, ’69 (Troop B). He is survived by his wife, Molly, and their three children, Todd, Erin and Seth. Eric Alexander Sisley W ’85, ’90 (Band) of South Pasadena, California, died on August 17, 2017, on his 46th birthday. Eric said that his Culver years were among the best of his life, during which he played trum-

pet in the Band and took up rowing and track & field under the tutelage of Mr. Michael Chastain. He developed a lifelong interest in history, thanks to Mr. Joseph Horvath, and graduated with Honors in Art, encouraged and guided by his teachers, Mr. Charles and Mrs. Anne Duff. As Eric himself said, he packed a lot of living into his 46 years. He distinguished himself through his talent and passionate pursuits in art, athletics, and his profession of coffee roasting, accomplishments of which he was very proud. For many years, Eric was an award-winning participant in the annual Pasadena Chalk Festival, the largest street painting festival in the world. He also ran in more than 20 marathons and countless other races; at his peak, he completed the Los Angeles marathon in under three hours. Eric also excelled in his profession of coffee roasting and rose through the ranks to be Head Coffee Roaster at La Mill Coffee, a high-end boutique coffee company in Alhambra, California. In 2014, a catastrophic bicycle accident left Eric completely paralyzed (quadriplegic) due to a spinal cord injury. From that time on, he experienced severe neuropathic pain and deteriorating health. Eric’s family and friends are in awe of his remarkable courage and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, true to form as the elite marathon runner he once was. Eric was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Damien. He is survived by his mother, Christine Sisley, of South Pasadena, his sister, Octavia

Sisley of Los Angeles, and his father, Richard Sisley of Belmont, North Carolina. Eric’s farewell: “You were my teachers, comrades, mentors, brothers and sisters. I am you, you are me. We are one. There can be only one. One package and countless gifts. I didn’t deserve you and there you were. I leave now and am not afraid. If we ever shared or took, chuckled or cried, that was the finest substance of a rich life. The 46 years I spent in this grand shell I pushed it, punished it, rewarded it, and sometimes loved it. Now I have to return it. Sure would be nice to try out another one. Still, this was enough because you were enough. Farewell.” Audrey Michelle Jones L ’96 died on October 2, 2017. She was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, graduated from Trinity University and received her J.D. from Stetson University College of Law. She is survived by her husband, Andrew, and their two children, Evelyn and Alexander. She also leaves behind her loving mother, Lois Giesel, her sister, Nora (Bryan) Miller and three nieces. She was predeceased by her stepfather, Bob Giesel ’64. Jonathan Ashley Dittman A ’94, ’98 (Company B) died October 17, 2017. Per Jonathan’s wishes, his body was donated to medical research in Coral Springs, Florida. Donations can be sent to something that was close to his heart, The National Parkinson Foundation, in honor of Fred C. Dittman, Jr. and in memory of Jonathan Ashley Dittman.

CULVER ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Culver Holiday Greetings During this past holiday season we thought of Culver’s history of reaching out to alumni and parents during the holidays. This sampling of postcards includes both summer and winter school from 1916-1962. Notably, the 1926 postcard (with Leigh Gignilliat in front of the microphone) came originally with a tiny, cardboard phonograph recording of his Christmas greeting to parents and alums, reflecting his marketing savvy and interest in being ahead of the curve in the latest technology.

1931

20’s

Late 19

Mid 19

30’s

1930’s

1926

1962

1950

1916

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