Hood Magazine | Spring 2023

REUNION WEEKEND 2023

Friday, June 9-Sunday, June 11 SEE YOU AT

The Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement is excited to welcome you Home to Hood! Whether you’re celebrating your 5th or 50th, or any year in between, we hope you’ll join us for a weekend of laughter, love and maybe even a little learning! We’ve planned a weekend full of traditions, both old and new, and can’t wait to celebrate YOU!

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registration materials will be mailed in April; if your mailing address has changed, please contact our office at alumoffice@hood.edu to ensure you receive your reunion packet in time to register for the weekend’s events. Your packet will contain information about on- and off-campus lodging, meals, classes and a complete schedule of the weekend’s events.

Registration deadline: Friday, May 26

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement at alumoffice@hood.edu or 301-696-3900

SPRING 2023

VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Laurie Ward

EDITOR

Meg DePanise ’15, MBA’20

ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN

Renee Rohwer

Ronda Wolford-Smith

COPY EDITOR

Matt Lee ’15

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mary Atwell

Archivist, Collection Development Services Manager

Mason Cavalier ’19

News Editor, Media Manager

Sandra “Sandy” Eye Cavalier ’85, P’87, G’17, G’19

Geoff Goyne

Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications/SID

Emily Maerz ’13

Head Tennis Coach

Caylee Marie Winpigler ’21

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Nancy Gillece ’81

Vice President, Institutional Advancement

Michelle Burnett

Assistant Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement

Jaime Cacciola ’04

Director of Grants and Sponsored Programs

Kellye Greenwald ’86

Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement

Caroline Jeranek ’21

Assistant Director of Annual Giving

Malinda Small ’81

Executive Director of Individual Giving

Emily Wise VanderWoude, CFRE Director of Leadership Giving

PHOTOGRAPHY

Eric Annis, Ph.D., Mason Cavalier ’19, Aaron Heiner ’24, Derek Knecht, Matt Lee ’15, Tommy O’Neill ’23, Laurie Ward, Ronda Wolford-Smith

ADDRESS CHANGES

Please report all address changes to the Hood College Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement at 301-696-3900; 800-707-5280, option 1; or advancement_services@hood.edu

Hood Magazine is published twice a year by the Hood College Office of Marketing and Communications.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

If you have a letter you would like to send us for possible inclusion in the next issue of Hood Magazine, please email us at marketingoffice@hood.edu

Photo Credit: Kurt Holter ’76

How Far Can a Hood Education Take You?

Athens, Sydney, Tromso and everywhere in between! These Blazers have been racking up the miles, traveling a combined 58,289 miles from Hood’s campus in Frederick. Check out where they went and how far they are from Hood.

3,839

3,382

5,123 miles

6,009 miles

6,875 miles

7,671 miles

7,718 miles

7,926 miles

Follow Hood College for your chance to be featured in the next Social Snapshot.

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miles

Julia Aldred ’23 Tromso, Norway

miles

Jim Ledford ’26 Loch Ness, Scotland

miles

Carla Kronsbein ’17 Athens, Greece

Elizabeth Cooper ’23 Wadi Rum, Jordan

Darby Hollinger ’21 Kyoto, Japan

Elaheh Eghbal ’13, M.A.’21, C’21 Mount Everest

Rachel Shaw ’24 Fiji

Obaidullah Rahim ’23 Robben Island, South Africa

Russell Odor ’23 Sydney, Australia 9,746

Message from the President

Bonjour and Ciao!

As the buds appear on the trees and the crocuses push out of the ground here on Hood’s beautiful campus, students’ thoughts turn to spring break and summer travel. As the stories in this issue readily attest, travel is a life-transforming experience—accelerating growth, learning and a sense of self as a global citizen. It opens the mind to a world of possibilities, while also enhancing appreciation for the small corner we each call home.

I was fortunate that U.S. travel was part of my upbringing. Every year, my parents would pack up the trailer with five kids, the dog, and sometimes grandparents and friends, for a two-week trip. Exploring every state along the East Coast, my childhood was enriched by memories of national parks, seashores, monuments, museums and amusement parks, and the joy of finding new pen pals and running untethered through campgrounds. My parents traveled globally through company-sponsored trips. Mom would share brochures and books on the planned destinations, and their return was a moment of wondrous discovery as they shared trinkets, pictures and stories. This instilled in my siblings and me a desire to travel the world.

The pandemic delayed important milestones for my family—our 25th wedding anniversary and fully celebrating our sons’ college graduations. We decided it was time for a “go big or go home” vacation this past summer with a whirlwind trip from Nice, France, to Rome, Italy. It was a bountiful feast for all the senses in the form of food, beautiful sights and culture.

One of the many blessings of serving as your president is visiting with Hood alumni, parents and supporters both near and far. You are a gift of friends that warmly greet me wherever I go. It has been especially rewarding this past year to travel as we complete the Forging the Future campaign and share all the good news about Hood. When I went to college, I attended a study abroad informational session but quickly realized that the cost was prohibitive. I am so grateful for your overwhelming support for high-impact practices, including study abroad, as part of the campaign. Thank you to those who have been part of this effort, and I invite others to consider such a gift as you are able.

I also encourage you to consider signing up for one of the Hood alumni trips (see Page 44). David and I hope to join the Alaskan trip this summer, a destination that has always held the number one spot on our bucket list.

Sincerely,

ANDREA E. CHAPDELAINE, PH.D.

Niagara Falls, 1969 Milan, Italy, 2022

That’s me!

“The Hood Advantage Program is going to help students from Maryland with the greatest financial need. ... We know this program will change lives.”

—President Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D.

Hood Launches “Hood Advantage Program” to Cover Tuition Costs

Hood College is proud to launch the Hood Advantage Program, a need-based financial aid award for high-achieving, Maryland-based students that fully covers the cost of tuition.

Now available for students entering fall 2023, the Hood Advantage Program presents a significant investment in making higher education more accessible to students in Maryland. By covering remaining tuition costs after federal grants and

Hood Named in Frederick’s Top 50 Innovative Businesses List

Hood College has been named one of Frederick’s Top 50 Innovative Businesses by the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED). The Top 50 Innovative Businesses list is released annually by the FCOED and Frederick Magazine.

Winners are selected from a pool of 113 nominations, with businesses chosen on criteria such as expansion into new markets, creative problem-solving solutions, implementation of new technology and more.

“The businesses in [the Top 50] are making the biggest impact on their industries, workplace and the Frederick County community—thriving in today’s ever-changing environment,” said Jodie Bollinger, acting director of economic and workforce development.

scholarships, qualifying students are guaranteed to have their tuition covered each year without loans for up to four years.

“The Hood Advantage Program is going to help students from Maryland with the greatest financial need,” said President Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D. “By ensuring access to a Hood education for Maryland’s most deserving students, we know this program will change lives.”

“Many people may think a small, private institution such as Hood can be expensive,” said Bill Brown, vice president for enrollment management. “But our goal is to make a Hood College education even more accessible to all students of promise. By dedicating funds to covering tuition costs, this program is doing just that.”

Hood and Frederick Health Partner to Provide Scholarships for Nursing Students

As nursing staffing shortages reach critical levels across Maryland, Frederick Health Hospital and Hood College are now offering scholarships for nursing students worth up to $22,000 over four years, including a $5,000 graduation bonus. Aid received will be eligible to cover costs of tuition, lab fees, textbooks and required uniforms such as scrubs.

Maryland hospitals are facing widespread staffing shortages, citing an insufficient talent pipeline as a key cause. It is estimated that Maryland is currently short 5,000 full-time registered nurses, with hospitals in western Maryland posting vacancy rates between 13 and 17 percent. Recipients of the scholarship will agree to work at Frederick Health for two years upon graduation, which will alleviate workforce pressure.

“This new scholarship is yet another opportunity to help fund students’ nursing education at Hood and fill nursing positions at Frederick Health Hospital,” said Jennifer Cooper, DNP, nursing department chair. “We need more nurses in the workforce, so the scholarship program helps create a pipeline that prepares students and secures graduates to serve the health needs of the Frederick community.”

Hood Arabic, Middle Eastern Studies Director to Create “Living Archive” of Moroccan Migrants

Donald Wright, M.S.’21, C’22, Ph.D., director of Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies at Hood, has been awarded a Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad grant to conduct research on population patterns in Morocco. Beginning this year, the project will include research related to the migration of populations within Morocco, climate change and data on economic development.

Additionally, Wright will work to build a “living archive” of people who have migrated to Morocco over the past decade, with each individual story gathered

representing a different point on a data chart.

“Data alone doesn’t really give us the whole picture,” said Wright. “What I am excited about is working directly with people in Morocco in their native languages… recording personal stories of people who have been displaced in their country for economic or ecological reasons.”

Hodson Science and Technology Center to Receive 32,000-Square-foot Addition, New Biomedical Research and Training Center

The Hodson Science and Technology Center will undergo an expansion project that will see a 32,000-square-foot addition to the building. This expansion will allow Hood to meet the needs of both existing and new programs; it will include wet lab training spaces, virtual-equipped classrooms, a greenhouse space and an 80-seat auditorium.

As part of the addition, Hood will also construct a new Biomedical Research and Training Center, introducing state-of-the-art labs and allowing the College to offer more STEM training opportunities. The space will prepare students to enter the local workforce with the experience necessary to meet immediate needs in manufacturing, research and development. Proposed programming at the Center will focus on high-demand skills and emerging technologies, including STEM workshops and graduate-level advanced research preparedness courses.

Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen Visit Hood for Expanding STEM Education Summit

On Jan. 27, Hood College hosted the Expanding STEM Education summit featuring Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland as well as leadership delegations from Hood and Mount St. Mary’s University.

Convening at the Beneficial-Hodson Library and Learning Commons, a group of local business, education and economic partners joined in a roundtable discussion on building a 21st century workforce. Cardin and Van Hollen affirmed their

commitment to bolstering resources for higher education to spur innovations in science and technology, while also combating workforce shortages.

“We want to make sure that students who pursue [STEM] fields have all the tools that they need to succeed,” said Sen. Van Hollen. “These investments are part of a larger national strategy to make sure that, as a country, we’re prepared to meet the jobs of today and the future.”

Hood Receives Academic Rankings

Hood has received national rankings from U.S. News & World Report, Colleges of Distinction and the Nursing Schools Almanac.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Hood in four notable lists for their annual Best Colleges Rankings for 2022. Hood was named No. 13 in “Best Undergraduate Teaching” and No. 20 in “Best Value.” Hood was also ranked No. 40 in “Best Regional Universities” for the North region and earned a place on the Campus Ethnic Diversity list.

Hood was named a 2022-2023 National and Maryland “College of Distinction” by Colleges of Distinction. Hood’s nursing, business and education programs were also named as programs of distinction, based on student engagement, instruction quality, community and outcomes.

Hood’s nursing program was named the No. 12 program in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area by the Nursing Schools Almanac (NSA) in their 2022 yearly report. The NSA reviews nearly 3,000 nursing schools each year to determine top programs, ranking them by academic prestige, program breadth and depth, and student success on nursing licensure examinations.

The Biomedical Research and Training Center will prepare students to enter the local workforce with the experience necessary to meet immediate needs in manufacturing, research and development.

Hood in the News | Our Experts Cited in the Press

Commentary: Teaching the Unteachable: Politics in 2022

Carin Robinson , Ph.D., associate professor of political science at Hood, described the challenge of teaching politics in a polarized age ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.

From Baltimore Sun story “Teaching the unteachable: politics in 2022 | Guest Commentary” published Nov. 3, 2022:

Hood Staff Speak on Impact of $1M Omnibus Bill Funding

Hood received $1M in congressionally directed spending to be used toward the Data Driven Frederick Center and Biomedical and Research Center.

From DC News Now story “Hood College to receive $1M from federal omnibus bill,” published Jan. 15, 2023:

Hood College will receive $1 million from congressionally directed spending via the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, secured by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), to fund two new centers: the Michael S., P’09 and Marlene B. Grossnickle Young ’76, H’14, P’09 Data Driven Frederick Center and the Biomedical Research and Training Center.

“We know that the Data Driven Frederick Center is going to be a resource and a support for entrepreneurs, local businesses, non-profit organizations to make data-informed decisions about growth and expansion and their missions here in the Frederick community,” said Debbie Ricker, provost at Hood.

“It’s going to be a high-tech video conferencing space with the capability of showing large amounts of data on multiple displays,” said Jeff Welsh, instructional technologist at Hood. “I think that’s going to benefit both our students and our community to have a high-tech room like this.”

Read the full story at hood.ws/ DCNN-Omnibus

“The day after the 2016 election, I arrived on campus with students lined up outside my office. A few were slumped in chairs, devastated that Hillary Clinton had lost. Others were jubilant, wearing red hats in victory because Donald Trump had won. How do I effectively teach them both? How do I provide a classroom space that can accommodate both groups and shape these fierce, impressionable hearts at the same time?

“I am not that different from my students. I have more positive reactions to certain election results than others. I am offended by some political rhetoric, and I also have my own blind spots. But in the college classroom, it is possible to explore politics patiently, deliberately and contemplatively. And I’m fiercely trying to protect that space amidst a polarized, angry age.”

Read the full story at hood.ws/ Sun-Robinson

Hood Faculty Train Maryland Educators in Computational Thinking

With a grant from Maryland Center for Computing Education, Jennifer Cuddapah, Ed.D., Marisel Torres-Crespo, Ph.D., P’18, and Jiang Li, Ph.D., are partnering with local educational partners to teach basic computer science.

From Frederick News-Post story “Hood College continues partnership to train teachers in computer science,” published Dec. 12, 2022:

Hood is working to give public school teachers— many of whom have never taken a computer science course—the baseline knowledge they need to start laying the groundwork for their students.

“Once you have a degree in computer science, the field of teaching is not as appealing,” [Jennifer] Cuddapah said. “It’s a very niche person who wants to have that level of a degree, and then say, ‘You know what? Money isn’t that important. I’d rather work for one-third of what I could earn.’”

“When you wake up in the morning, you are solving problems, making decisions, following instructions step by step,” [Marisel Torres-Crespo] said. “That’s computational thinking.”

Neither Cuddapah nor Torres-Crespo has a computer science background. But they’ve seen success in their program because of partnerships between educators with a wide array of specialties, they said.

“And as long as that continues to happen, we’ll keep applying [for grants] and keep coming up with ideas,” Cuddapah said. “We’re excited about it. We just find it to be fascinating.”

Read the full story at hood.ws/ FNP-CompSci

Hood Trustee Featured by “CBS Sunday Morning”

Theresa Harrison is fighting back against ageism as she runs her tech startup Green Street Services.

From CBS story “Fighting Back Against Ageism,” aired Nov. 13, 2022:

Theresa Harrison’s approach to getting old never gets old. At 64, her energy is impressive, as are her skills: “I’ve become more innovative. I’ve become more creative. I’ve become more curious.”

The Baltimore-based technology company she founded, Green Street Services, handles cybersecurity for the Department of Defense—and she started the company when she was in her 50s.

President Chapdelaine Describes Impact of the Hodson Trust

The Hodson Trust provided $2.3M in funding as part of their annual gift to the College in 2022.

From WFMD story “Hodson Trust Donating $2.3 Million to Hood College,” published Dec. 20, 2022:

Speaking of startup entrepreneurs, correspondent Susan Spencer said, “The stereotype is of the hotshot 19-year-old in the garage, right?”

“That is me—just add another 30 years.”

See the full story at hood.ws/ CBS-Harrison

Stories from Campus

Hood, FCC Honors Students Clear 1,300 lbs. of Trash in Willowdale Park Stream Cleaning Project hood.ws/honorsstream

Hood Nursing Students Honored with DAISY Awards hood.ws/DAISYHood

Hood College in Frederick is receiving a $2.3 million grant from the Hodson Trust. The funds will be used to construct a 32,000-square-foot addition to the Hodson Science and Technology Center. Hood College and three other colleges in Maryland—Washington and St. John’s Colleges and Johns Hopkins University—have had strong relationships with the Hodson Trust.

[Andrea] Chapdelaine says the Hodson Trust has awarded scholarships for students attending these schools if they meet each of the colleges’ qualifications for admission. “We, along with those other institutions, have had a number of what we call ‘Hodson Scholars.’ These are students who came to us through that program and have benefited from a Hood education.”

Read the full story at hood.ws/WFMD-Hodson

Hood Welcomes New Hires

Hood welcomed Dawan Worsley as the new director of residence life in September 2022. Worsley brings a decade of residence life experience, having spent time as an area director for Salisbury University and most recently as a resident director at Northampton Community College. In his new role at Hood, Worsley is responsible for managing all aspects of residence life, including administrative, budgetary, facilities and programmatic goals of the department.

Christine Marconi joined Hood as director of student engagement and orientation last September from the University of Baltimore, where she served as coordinator of student engagement and transition. Previously, Marconi spent seven years at Howard Community College in various student life roles. At Hood, Marconi designs and implements student-engagement programs for incoming, current and transfer students and serves as an adviser to the Campus Activities Board.

Hood Students Gain Access to Rare Books, Manuscripts at Peabody Library in Baltimore hood.ws/holdinghistory

Hood Staff, Faculty Recognize First-Generation Students on National First Gen Day hood.ws/hoodfirstgen

More at hood.edu/stories

Michelle Burnett joined Hood as assistant director of alumni and constituent engagement in November 2022. Burnett brings extensive experience in alumni relations, spending time at Reed College in Oregon and at Furman

University in South Carolina. At Hood, Burnett leads constituent communication and coordinates events, such as Reunion Weekend, Fall Family Weekend and more.

Hood Faculty and Staff Participate in Forging the Future

By Emily Wise VanderWoude, CFRE

On Nov. 16, 2022, the Hood campus community kicked off the public phase of the Forging the Future campaign with refreshments, music, crafts, games, and most importantly, hearing from those who have seen the impact of money raised thus far in the five-year comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Faculty members Eric Annis, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, and Andrew Campbell, Ph.D., associate professor of counseling, along with current student Linda Redd ’23, all gave testimonials as to how the campaign has truly benefited them and their respective journeys at Hood. All were funded through priorities of the campaign—faculty professional development, scholarships and high-impact learning.

Annis received several grants to further his research of climate change and its effect on juvenile lobsters in Maine, expanding his research with entities such as the National Science Foundation. “My initial McCardell grant helped me leverage $4,500 into $1.2 million in federal research dollars,” says Annis.

Campbell discussed the importance of funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and its support of the new NeighborHood Counseling Training Center and Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) for counseling students.

Redd spent a semester abroad, helping Ukrainian refugees in Poland with dental care through the International Medical Relief organization. (Read more about Linda’s experience on Page 34.)

The event also introduced Hood’s Campus Campaign Ambassadors (CCA), who are faculty and staff members leading the effort in encouraging their colleagues to participate in giving to the College. Each ambassador stepped up to serve for various reasons, but all understand the importance of this historic campaign for Hood. Paige Eager, Ph.D., professor of political science and dean of the faculty, embraces the “opportunity to see how all the various divisions and offices across campus benefit from the campaign and therefore benefit our students.”

As part of The Ruth Whitaker Holmes School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Jennifer Cooper, DNP, associate professor and chair

“My initial McCardell grant helped me leverage $4,500 into $1.2 million in federal research dollars.”

Eric Annis, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology

Top: Julie Karlsson ’23 and environmental biology master’s program student Caroline Benfer conducting fieldwork with the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in Maine.

Bottom: Linda Redd ’23 working with Ukrainian refugees.

of the nursing department, knows the campaign will overcome challenges in the healthcare field. “We need greater diversity in healthcare, so we must attract and keep students from all backgrounds who want to prepare for these roles,” says Cooper. “This campaign can help us do this.”

These employee ambassadors understand their own inspiration for giving back to Hood, and they are leading in these roles because they love Hood. “My favorite aspect of being an employee

at Hood for 17 years is truly the sense of community,” says Eager. “From new faces to familiar ones, I know that we are all critical parts to this end goal of delivering a high-quality, high-touch education for all our students.”

Nikki Swartzlander Bamonti ’00, director of admission, is passionate about her alma mater and the difference it makes. “I know the power of a supportive community like Hood,” says Bamonti. “This is a transformative place to get a great education.”

Campus Campaign Ambassadors pictured below staff members ( 1) Nikki Swartzlander Bamonti ’00, director of admission, and ( 2) Maura Page, M.A.’17, P’19, P’22, P’26, employer relations manager, as well as faculty members ( 3) Jennifer Cooper, DNP, associate professor and chair of the nursing department, ( 4) Paige Eager, Ph.D., professor of political science and dean of the faculty, and ( 5) David Gurzick, M.S.’03, Ph.D., associate professor of management and chair for The George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business, are serving in this leadership role.

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“I am excited to show my love and support for this institution that has given me so much and to help my friends and colleagues see the benefits of their support for the future of Hood.”

—Nikki Swartzlander Bamonti ’00, director of admission

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We’re almost there!

“My giving can be the difference between a student returning for the next semester or next year or not. As a first-generation college student, I recall breaks where I wondered if I could pay my bill and return for the next semester. I want to do what I can, so students here don’t have to feel that way.”

—Jennifer Cooper, DNP, associate professor and chair of the nursing department

Hood Receives $11.1M Toward New Academic Centers and Hodson Science Expansion Project

Hood College received a $6.8 million grant via the Maryland Independent College and University Association Capital Grant Program in support of an estimated $29.1million project to renovate and expand the Hodson Science and Technology Center.

To account for the growth in STEM programs, the expansion project includes a 32,000-square-foot addition, which will feature a new Biomedical Research and Training Center and state-of-the-art lab facilities.

Last December, Hood also received $2.3 million from the Hodson Trust in the Trust’s annual gift to the College, which is to be used exclusively to fund the Hodson Science and Technology Center’s expansion.

$1.01 million was received from the Maryland Department of Commerce Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative and will be used to fund a director for the new Biomedical Research and Training Center.

Hood also received $1 million in congressionally directed spending toward both the Michael S., P’09 and Marlene B. Grossnickle Young ’76, H’14, P’09 Data Driven Frederick Center as well as the Biomedical Research and Training Center. This funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, following support from Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen

and Representative David Trone, who presented these projects to Congress as investments designed to benefit the State of Maryland and the Frederick community.

The Data Driven Frederick Center will collect, aggregate and make available vital commerce data for Frederick County’s public and private sector decision makers. Hood students and faculty will utilize this data to work with community partners to conduct research projects, in addition to exploring their own research questions.

Hood Cla sses of ’20, ’21 & ’22

Apply Now for the ALTY SCHOLARSHIP

From left: Senator Chris Van Hollen, Provost Debbie Ricker, President Andrea Chapdelaine, Senator Ben Cardin and Jessica Spielman, field representative for Representative David Trone, present a check of $1M to the Data Driven Frederick Center and Biomedical Research and Training Center.

[Alumni of the Last Three Years]

Bequests

Albertine “Tina” Hodgson Baker ’49

Tina named Hood the beneficiary of a life insurance policy that provided unrestricted support to the College. Tina was a lifelong educator in Frederick County. She studied political science at Hood and received her master’s degree in education from Western Maryland (McDaniel) College in Westminster, Maryland. Tina loved working with children and spent her entire career with Frederick County Public Schools. After retiring as an elementary school principal, Tina supervised student teachers from Hood College and Frostburg University.

Tina lived across the street from Hood on Dill Ave. and was very committed to the community. Tina served as president of the Frederick County Elementary Principals Association; Frederick County Hood Club; Scott Key Developmental Center; and the local chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. She was a charter and life member of the Frederick Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; a member of the board of Francis Scott Key Memorial Foundation; Frederick County Retired School Personnel; and the Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ, where she served as an elder, member the Chimes Circle and scholarship committee. In her later years, Tina resided at Homewood in Frederick. Her grandson and his family now live in the family home.

Create your legacy at Hood.

Janet included Hood in her estate plans with a bequest. She received her degree from Hood in political science and had a long and distinguished publishing career at Time, Inc. She retired as staff operations manager for Sports Illustrated.

Janet’s family and many close friends found her generous, caring, loyal and committed to doing things right. She loved music, singing in school and church choirs with the Village Light Opera Group and the Canterbury Choral Society. She enjoyed travel and the cultural and educational opportunities offered by New York City.

CONNECTED BY SISTERHOOD

FREDERICK’S SISTER CITIES PROGRAM FOSTERS BONDS ACROSS CULTURES

By Caylee Marie Winpigler ’21

Frederick’s German roots run deep, but Hood’s hometown has a lesser-known connection to another unique heritage—Brazilian.

In 2007, Frederick’s commissioners approved the donation of a retired ambulance to Aquiraz, Brazil. The ambulance replaced Aquiraz’s aging Volkswagen that was used to transport patients to the hospital. This meaningful donation was made possible thanks to the Sister City relationship between Frederick and Aquiraz.

national, established in 1956 by Dwight D. Eisenhower. The purpose of Sister Cities is to promote cultural exchanges and commercial ties between areas with similar demographics, histories, diasporas and industries.

Frederick has three Sister Cities: Aquiraz, Ceará, Brazil (since 2006); Mörzheim, Landau, Germany (since 1959); and Schifferstadt, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany (since 1982). Agreements between Sister Cities in the U.S. are approved by the organization Sister Cities Inter-

The first example of Sister Cities appeared at the end of the Second World War. In 1943, the Battle of Stalingrad erupted and was one of the deadliest conflicts of the war. Women from Coventry, England, saw the devastation that was being wrought and decided to act. Led by Mayor Emily Smith, more than 800 women came together and signed a tablecloth that read, “Little help is better than big sympathy.” Every signature cost six pence and that money was sent, along with the tablecloth, to the people of Stalingrad.

Influenced by this phenomenon starting in Europe, where they were called “Twin Towns” or “Friendship Towns,” the United States adopted the practice and changed the name to “Sister Cities.” Frederick’s first agreement was with Mörzheim, Germany, where John Thomas Schley, one of Frederick’s first settlers, was from. Then a new Sister City was initiated between Frederick and Schifferstadt for a similar reason. The Brunner Family had been one of the first families of Frederick and had built the Schifferstadt house in 1758, which today is a museum. The annual Oktoberfest festival showcases German traditions and cultures, keeping this history alive and well.

The deep German roots in Frederick made German cities logical choices. Then, in the early 2000s, it was recognized that Frederick was diversifying and no longer predom-

FREDERICK’S FIRST AGREEMENT WAS WITH MÖRZHEIM, GERMANY, WHERE JOHN THOMAS SCHLEY, ONE OF FREDERICK’S FIRST SETTLERS, WAS FROM.

Oktoberfest at Schifferstadt, 2023.

Photo credit: Kurt Holter ’76

Brazil Day, 2008. Photo credit: Frederick.com

inantly of German heritage. Recommendations for new Sister Cities were requested, and business owner Dirci Borelli Marquart suggested Aquiraz. Marquart’s business fabricated countertops with granite sourced from Aquiraz. In 2006, the Sister City status was officialized over a ceremony attended by Frederick’s Mayor Jeff Holtzinger and Aquiraz’s Mayor Ritelza Cabral. The two mayors proudly exchanged their city flags. To celebrate the newfound relationship, Frederick hosted a Brazil Day, which saw thousands of attendees.

While these Sister Cities are separated by more than 4,050 miles, their appreciation and interaction with one another remains constant. As we recover from the COVID pandemic, now is a perfect time to bolster such global connections.

SISTER CITY: AQUIRAZ, CEARÁ

FREDERICK, MD SISTER CITIES

Caylee Marie Winpigler graduated from Hood in 2021 with a double major in history and global studies. She was a Chair of the Board Scholar as well as president of History Club and editor of Wisteria, the student creative writing magazine. She now works at the Ausherman Family Foundation and is pursuing her master’s degree in international relations at American University. She’s also a board member of the Thurmont Historical Society and a member of Hood’s Alumni Executive Board.

SISTER CITY: SCHIFFERSTADT, RHINELANDPALATINATE

SISTER CITY: MÖRZHEIM, LANDAU

We Are the Future

Alyssa Taylor ’23 is a Voice for Students at the United Nations

On Oct. 24, 2022, Alyssa Taylor ’23 made history as the first Hood College student to speak at the United Nations Headquarters as part of UN Day. A global studies major, Taylor examines international politics and the cultural dimensions of myriad countries. She is passionate about promoting human rights and education for underserved communities. Taylor also participates in Hood’s Model UN Club, among other campus organizations. In this conversation, Taylor discusses how she prepared to give her speech at the UN Headquarters as well as her plans for after graduation.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY AT HOOD COLLEGE?

I originally wanted to go into the military straight out of high school, then my mom got sick, so I delayed my military career. I was three years into the workforce without a degree, and I decided it was time for me to at least go to college. I applied to several Maryland schools, and while researching Hood, it sounded like the place I wanted to be. It’s close to home but far enough that I can be an adult and have some independence.

I decided to apply, and Hood immediately wrote me back. It was one of the first schools that said, “We want you. Come take a tour and visit. Here are all the scholarships we’re willing to offer.” I was touring the campus, and I noticed the “Hood Hello” and the community of Hood. It was just amazing that I could stop someone walking on the sidewalk, and they had no problem talking to me about their experience or their life. Hood was one of the first schools that sent me an acceptance letter, so I didn’t need to look anywhere else.

HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN GLOBAL STUDIES?

I was always interested in international affairs. Languages and culture have been a focus since I was in middle school. We had a couple of international students at my high school, and I was fascinated with why they chose to come to the United States. Languages interested me because I had studied Spanish and Chinese. When I came to Hood, I chose to major in global studies immediately. Once I met Professor Paige Eager, the deal was sealed. I couldn’t go back.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ASPECTS OF THE GLOBAL STUDIES PROGRAM?

All my classes interconnect. I could talk about a certain time period in an art class, for example, and then we’ll follow up the next week in my history class with something related. It doesn’t matter what class I’ve taken. It always circles back to a different subject, so that’s why it’s a comprehensive learning experience.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MODEL UN?

During my freshman year, I decided that I wanted to join some clubs. Hood has the career organization fair. I walked by one of the tables, and they made Model UN sound interesting, so I signed up. Then we had an introductory meeting, and I felt like this is something I definitely wanted to do. This is fun. This adds onto everything I’ve been studying.

WHAT DO YOU DO AS PART OF THE MODEL UN?

First, we start off with a position paper. Professor Eager, who advises us, chooses the country that we represent; the country changes every year. This year we represented Iraq. We write a position paper once we’ve chosen our committees. It can range from any committee being a General Assembly or the World Health Organization.

We have topics that are assigned to those committees. This year, I was part of General Assembly. The topics that we chose were migration and information technology. Once we have those

topics, we sit down and write a position paper—as if we’re actually from the country or a government delegation—of where we stand on the issues. After we submit the position paper, we go to the Model UN conference in Washington, D.C. We meet different schools representing other countries and establish a working paper. We gather all the countries that we need and then start writing a draft resolution.

The Department of Internal Oversight Services (DIOS), which is in charge of the committee, will review our papers for mistakes or whether a different working paper can combine with ours. Then the draft is taken to the floor to be argued for or against. If it passes, it now becomes a resolution and is uploaded on the Model UN website. This year when we went to D.C., we got our resolution passed!

HOW DID THE OPPORTUNITY ARISE FOR YOU TO SPEAK AT THE UN IN NEW YORK CITY?

I was taking the senior seminar class for my global studies major. Mr. Omar Hernández of United Nations Academic Impact visited our class. He mentioned that he could take one student to the UN, but we had to present a speech. I was a little nervous at first. I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare—just five days. Mr. Hernández gave a rundown of what the speech should include. I walked up to him and said, “I think I can do this.” Within three days, I had my speech ready to go, and my name was on the UN website. That’s been my entire Hood College experience. I decide to try something and then I end up soaring to new heights.

YOUR SPEECH DISCUSSED THE VALUE OF EDUCATION. WHY DO YOU THINK EDUCATION IS SO IMPORTANT?

I was raised by a single mom. She believed that you can’t go anywhere without having a quality education, and I’m grateful to her for that because otherwise I wouldn’t be here. Once I got into my research and understood that other people might not have it as fortunate as I did, that’s when I began pursuing global studies. I started seeing the big picture. As I got older, it was more of wanting to help those who don’t have access to a quality education. I want to reach out or try to contribute to organizations that promote education.

TELL US ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE OF VISITING THE UN HEADQUARTERS.

It was amazing but also nerve-racking. Going to New York was like a whole new world. Once I got to the UN, I think that’s when it sunk in—this is happening. This is real. Then we got inside, and it was just amazing. The UN was in session, so we got to see people walking in and out of the conference rooms and everything, to see how it actually works.

LEARNING CURVE

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM THE EXPERIENCE?

People are willing to listen when you have a voice. I’m willing to give a voice to those that feel like they don’t have one.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR AFTER GRADUATION?

I’m going to be at Hood again for my master’s in business administration. Then I’m off to law school for international law. I’m thinking about focusing on human rights and refugee law. I realized I can use what I’ve learned in class to help those who need it most. I joked with my mom and said, “Oh, what if I apply to Harvard for fun?” She said, “You should do it!” Stay tuned.

Watch Alyssa Taylor’s full speech at hood.edu/taylor.

We are the future and our voices matter.

—Alyssa Taylor ’23

Bringing the World to Hood

International graduate students are an integral part of the campus community.

By Matt Lee ’15

With students from more than 20 different countries and counting, Hood College has become a microcosm of the world at large. In the Graduate School alone, there are more than 70 international students currently enrolled. Leaving home to study in a foreign country is never easy, so what attracts this diverse array of students to Hood? Besides popular programs like computer science and business, international students are drawn to Hood thanks to networking and “word of mouth” from alumni. When they arrive on campus, students are also met with exceptional support.

The Graduate School team is itself comprised of staff members from India, Palestine, France, Germany, Ecuador and the U.S., which helps foster connections with incoming international students. Amani Al-Dajane, MBA’20, director of international student services, is the chief point of contact for

anyone joining the Hood community from abroad. As the principal designated school official (PDSO), she assists with visa requirements as well as practical matters like sharing resources to secure housing. Everything Al-Dajane does is geared toward making the transition as smooth as possible. “We look to provide prompt customer service with good cross-cultural understanding, and that’s what students say makes a difference when they choose Hood,” says Al-Dajane. “We’re warm and welcoming, so right away students feel like they’re in a safe place.”

Originally from Colombia, Gabby Güiza Enciso, M.S.’22, is currently pursuing a second master’s degree at Hood. As president of the Graduate Student Association, she has worked closely with Al-Dajane as well as fellow international students.

“Amani is our greatest support. She knows what to do to solve our complex international community issues,” says Güiza. “Amani supports us in all aspects and is always brainstorming new events to offer international students, so there is never a dull moment.”

The majority of Hood’s international graduate student population derives from India, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. Others come from Iraq, Palestine, Thailand, China, France, Germany and elsewhere. Part of the reason the graduate student body has become so diverse is a comprehensive outreach campaign that spans the globe. The Graduate School works closely with partner international student recruitment organizations, such as ApplyBoard, to help with enrollment efforts. Graduate admission staff then use communication channels

From left: Nick Masucci, MBA’17, assistant director of graduate admission and data management; Amani Al-Dajane, MBA’20, director of international student services and PDSO; April Boulton, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School; Vanessa Solis, assistant director of graduate admission; Tanith Fowler Corsi, director of graduate admission; and Anjali Jayant, executive assistant and graduate event manager.

like WhatsApp to directly speak with prospective international applicants.

“We work hard to recruit strategically from a variety of regions,” says Tanith Fowler Corsi, director of graduate admission. “We’re looking broadly at students who can fit different types of programs, and we target regions where many of our overseas students hail from.”

When they arrive at Hood, every international graduate student is required to attend an orientation, which not only familiarizes them with institutional policies but also helps them adjust to life in the United States. These students meet with staff at the Career Center to learn about internships. They tour the Writing Center to get firsthand access to tutors who can help with their English. One of the most important aspects of orientation is the peer mentor program, where students are paired with upperclassmen.

“Students like to connect with other students who’ve been their shoes,” says Al-Dajane. “Peer mentors can explain how to get on-campus jobs. They share their expertise and answer questions.”

While international students thrive at Hood thanks in part to these resources, they give back to the College ten-fold by creating a vibrant campus life. In partnership with the Graduate School, these students host events to celebrate holidays like Diwali and Holi. Local students then get to experience traditional food, music, clothing and customs that they might otherwise have never witnessed.

Abdulaziz Nawar Aladdad, who is from Saudi Arabia and pursuing an M.S. in management information systems, believes Hood has allowed

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

“We are excited to share our heritage with everyone,” she says. “You can learn about our beautiful traditions and celebrate our differences—that’s what makes the Hood College community great.”

Al-Dajane, who can attest to what it’s like being an international student, feels this exchange of knowledge is mutually beneficial. Hood, like the nation itself, is a melting pot. Students can become more globally minded through these shared experiences. On the flip side, this has been a driving force in developing a study abroad option for American graduate students at Hood.

him to be his true self and push back against stereotypes. “Hood College is rich with students from most parts of the world,” he says. “International students bring culture and different ways of thinking, and thus, new intellectual ideas are presented.”

Güiza agrees that despite the challenges of navigating a new country and education system, the experience is ultimately rewarding. She encourages all members of the Hood community to attend the various cultural events on campus.

“Domestic students gain different perspectives and become more culturally competent,” says Al-Dajane. “International students bring the world to Hood.”

“ You can learn about our beautiful traditions and celebrate our differences—that’s what makes the Hood College community great.”

—Gabby Güiza Enciso, M.S.’22

Hood celebrates Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors.

Kicking off International Education Week with the Parade of Flags

Hood’s annual Parade of Flags features more than 100 countries. Co-sponsored by the Graduate School, this event honors the College’s international student community. Student, staff and faculty volunteers carry the flags across

campus to the residential quadrangle, where everyone gathers to hear speakers from the Hood community and share a meal featuring dishes from around the world. International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the

U.S. Department of Education, is part of a national effort to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences.

BE UNSTOPPABLE. GRADUATE DEGREES MADE FOR THE FUTURE

The Graduate School at Hood College has launched innovative new programs, while also expanding business, education and counseling programs to meet workforce needs. We’re proud to offer 19 master’s degrees, two doctorates and 13 graduate certificates.

OUR LATEST HIGH-DEMAND PROGRAMS

Nutrition, M.S. —We offer three unique specializations. The accredited dietetics track is the first step to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). The sustainable nutrition track marries sustainability with nutrition to train emerging leaders in the field. The cutting-edge nutrition science track prepares you for evidence-based practice and board certification.

Doctorates in Organizational Leadership and Business Administration —Hood’s doctoral program is a four-year cohort experience designed specifically to prepare mid-career professionals to responsibly transform their workplace culture and practices.

Trauma, Crisis, Grief and Loss Certificate —The perfect trauma-informed training whether you have a counseling license or not. Supports working professionals in a wide variety of fields, including education, healthcare, hospice, social work, clergy, military and more.

Get the Hood experience no matter where you live with fully online programs!

> Cybersecurity, M.S.

> Curriculum and Instruction, M.S.

> Educational Leadership, M.S. or Certificate

> Information Technology, M.S.

> Mathematics Education, M.S. or Certificate

> Mathematics Instructional Leadership, M.S.

> Multidisciplinary Studies in Education, M.S.

> Thanatology, Certificate

More than 1,000 Hood alumni have returned to their alma mater to earn a graduate degree or certificate. Find out which program is right for you. Attend our next virtual open house or chat with a graduate admission counselor about your goals.

Hood Alumni Receive Awards in Education

The education programs at Hood College are thriving. Hood maintains close partnerships with Frederick, Howard and Montgomery County Public Schools. In classrooms across Maryland and beyond, Hood alums lead successful careers as teachers and administrators. This year, three graduates of the educational leadership program received high honors for their dedication to students.

Andrea Trio, M.S.’14 2022 MILKEN EDUCATOR AWARD

Originally from Bellaire, Ohio, Andrea Trio earned a bachelor’s in music education (K-12) from West Virginia University. After moving to Frederick, Maryland, Trio taught music for 10 years at several schools, including Ballenger Creek Elementary, Green Valley Elementary and Spring Ridge Elementary, also serving as a behavioral specialist at the latter. In 2011, Trio was named a Charles E. Tressler Distinguished Teacher, an honor which is presented annually in Frederick County and sponsored by Hood.

In 2014, she graduated from Hood with a master’s in educational leadership. “My courses and professors played an integral role in preparing me to develop and enhance my leadership qualities,” says Trio. “As a result, I feel as though my education at Hood most definitely has set me up for success.”

Trio and her family eventually returned to the Ohio Valley. She taught middle school choir for a year before accepting a position as principal of Madison Elementary in Wheeling, West Virginia. For Trio, her proudest achievement as principal is the relationships forged with students. “I have seen so many successes through strong relationships with my students. Reaching the whole child—academically, socially and emotionally—is the biggest reward.”

Trio is a proud recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award, which provides a $25,000 grant to teachers and administrators across the country. Among her many accomplishments, Trio was selected for her work with high-need students, embracing innovative approaches to conflict resolution and bolstering local partnerships in the community. She believes education is the key to success. “Giving young people an education provides them with the tools to use toward whatever they choose to do with their life,” Trio says. “As educators, we have a great honor to mold, shape and fill their minds with useful and incredible information.”

Photo Credits: Andrea Trio | Courtesy of The Milken Family Foundation. Johnathan Dunn | Courtesy of Montgomery County Public Schools. Jonathan Kurtz | Photo by Kyle Raines, Frederick County Public Schools Public Affairs.

STAND OUTS

Shortly before graduating from Hood, Dunn was named 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year for Montgomery County Public Schools. He was spotlighted for his commitment to students and his efforts to promote inclusivity in the classroom. Dunn feels grateful and humbled at the recognition. “Teaching is hard work. It is a profession that requires an inner resolve,” he says. “We help others grow. Having the opportunity to shine a light on the awesome work teachers are doing is the highlight of this honor.”

Johnathan Dunn, M.S.’22

2022-2023 MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Johnathan Dunn was raised in Largo, Maryland. He aspired to be a concert pianist before switching to music education, earning a bachelor’s from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He has taught music for 24 years at the middle and high school level throughout Maryland. Currently, he is a resource teacher for music and world languages at Sherwood High School, where he also serves as a restorative justice coach.

Although he was initially hesitant about a career in education, Dunn’s first student-teaching experience changed everything. “From the moment I stepped in front of my students, I connected with them through music in a deep and meaningful way,” he says. “It was akin to a breath of fresh air and something I had not felt since my own experiences as a student.”

Rather than pursue a master’s in music education, Dunn opted to broaden his pedagogy in a different field. He wanted to make a difference outside of the music classroom, and Hood’s M.S. program in educational leadership provided the perfect opportunity. “The Hood experience has profoundly impacted my perspective as an educator and further informed my actions as a teacher and aspiring administrator,” says Dunn. “The educational leadership program helped me consider the actions school-based leaders can take to improve school climate, shape the culture of a building and strengthen bonds between stakeholders, while improving student learning.”

Jonathan Kurtz, C’15 2022-2023 FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Jonathan Kurtz has been teaching music for 20 years, working in elementary, middle and high schools throughout Virginia and Maryland. He is currently a music teacher at Governor Thomas Johnson High School, where he specializes in concert band, jazz band, orchestra, music history and music theory. In addition, he serves as coordinator for the Academy of the Fine Arts.

Raised in northern Indiana, Kurtz completed a Bachelor of Music at Taylor University before relocating to the East Coast. He holds a Master of Arts in music from the University of Maryland College Park as well as a certificate in educational leadership from Hood College. “The educational leadership program taught me how to view education through a large lens and see how all aspects work together,” says Kurtz. “Taking educational leadership courses allows us to see how things work, how to activate pathways for change and how to achieve success in all areas.”

Kurtz was named 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year for Frederick County Public Schools. His tireless support of students and consistent advocacy for arts programs were cited as chief reasons for winning the honor. “I feel very blessed to have this time to elevate the arts in public discussion and hopefully make them more accessible to students,” says Kurtz.

According to Kurtz, creativity is essential to learning. He believes arts education can help students discover their identities and how they fit into society. “Not every student will become a professional artist, but every student benefits from the arts through the way they provide a safe outlet for self-expression and a path to self-discovery.”

ATHLETICS

BLAZERS NAMED TO ALL-MAC COMMONWEALTH TEAMS

Eight Blazers, including five from the women’s soccer team, were named to All-Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth teams in the fall.

Brenna Ellenberger ’25 was tabbed as a second team all-conference goalkeeper in women’s soccer. She had the third-best goals against average in the conference (.925), breaking Rachelle Buhrman ’11’s single season record at Hood. Ellenberger was tied for second in the conference in shutouts (five), placing her tied for second overall in Blazer history in a single season. This was the first time a Blazer goalie recorded five shutouts in a season since Lydia Erickson ’20 during the 2019 season. She also placed sixth in the conference in save percentage (.758), which also ranks her seventh at Hood for a single season.

Sara Frensley ’26, a first-year student on the women’s soccer team, was named a second team defender, leading an outstanding backline for the Blazers. Frensley finished just outside the top 10 in the conference with three assists. She helped the Blazers record five shutouts, including three games in which the opposing team did not record a shot on goal.

Priya Nair ’25 of women’s soccer was named as a second team forward for the second straight season. Nair was tied for eighth in the MAC

Commonwealth in goals (five) and finished tied for sixth in the conference in assists (five). She also had 15 points, which was seventh in the conference rankings. Nair recorded two three-point games in conference play, one against Albright and the other against Stevenson. She also netted two game-winning goals, the sixth best mark in the MAC Commonwealth.

Two cross country runners earned All-MAC Third Team honors.

Chris Sappe ’26 ran a time of 26:25.6 at the conference championships to finish 22nd overall in the meet. His time was the second fastest in Blazer history and less than three seconds off the school record by Dan Jacobs ’14 in 2010 at 8,000 meters.

Aylene Noy ’26 ran a time of 24:06.1, a personal best, at the MAC Championship to take 26th to make her the fifth fastest runner in school history at 6,000 meters.

Three Blazers were named to teams as honorable mentions.

Field hockey’s Hannah Armstrong ’23 recorded 12 defensive saves. The senior currently was second in NCAA Division III in defensive saves and was tied for second with Sydney Keld from Indiana University (Division I) across all three NCAA divisions. She also is one of five Blazers to record 12 defensive saves in a single season.

Caroline Roberts ’24 finished the women’s soccer season with four goals, two assists and 10 points. Roberts scored in back-to-back games against Shenandoah and Juniata. She also had three multi-point games during the year against Shenandoah, Juniata and Lebanon Valley.

Ava Swartz ’25, a forward for the women’s soccer team, had her best game against Eastern, scoring both goals for the Blazers to lead them to a 2-1 second-half comeback win. In the last game of the regular season against Albright, Swartz scored the game-winning goal in the 88th minute that helped the Blazers clinch a conference postseason spot.

From left: Brenna Ellenberger, Sara Frensley, Priya Nair, Chris Sappe, Aylene Noy, Hannah Armstrong, Caroline Roberts and Ava Swartz

PHOTO CREDIT: CRAIG CHASE

BLAZERS WELCOME NEW COACHES TO WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY AND TENNIS

In January, the athletics department welcomed a pair of firsts. Josh Funk began his tenure as the first women’s ice hockey coach in Blazer history, while Emily Maerz ’13 became the first full-time coach of the tennis program.

the exercise science program. He helped lead the Wildcats to their best record in seven years, while also developing multiple All-MIAC selections.

“It has been a dream of mine to return to Hood College as its first full-time head men’s and women’s tennis coach,” Maerz said. “I am looking forward to working with the student-athletes, coaching staff and campus community as we head into this new era of Hood College tennis.”

“I am extremely honored and excited to be named the first head coach of women’s ice hockey at Hood College,” said Funk. “Throughout the interview process, it was clear the passion and dedication Hood has regarding starting and growing women’s ice hockey, and how invested they are in developing a competitive identity. I look forward to starting the recruitment process throughout the U.S. and internationally.”

A USA Hockey Level 4 coach, Funk arrives in Frederick after a stint as director of women’s hockey at the Minnesota Advancement Program.

Funk served as head coach at Plymouth State 2020-22. PSU opened his first season with a program-best three-game unbeaten streak (2-0-1) and capped the year with a thrilling overtime win against Castleton in the season’s last weekend. The Panthers posted three shutouts in eight games. In his second season, Plymouth State won seven games and advanced to the first round of the New England Hockey Conference tournament. Prior to Plymouth State, Funk was an assistant coach for the women’s program at Robert Morris University. Funk helped guide Robert Morris to a 20-12-4 record and a spot in the championship game of the College Hockey America tournament in 2019-20.

The Roseville, Minnesota, native served as an assistant women’s hockey coach at St. Catherine University in 2016-17, where he also taught in

In 2015-16, Funk was the assistant men’s hockey coach and head equipment manager for the Sugar Land Imperials of the North American 3 Hockey League, one of two USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier III Junior leagues. His responsibilities included defense, goalie development, defensive and penalty kill systems, and scouting and recruiting in the Midwest. The team posted its best record in franchise history and made its first playoff appearance, while establishing program records for fewest goals against and highest penalty kill percentage.

Funk also gained experience at Miami University of Ohio, where he was an assistant coach for the women’s club team while working towards his master’s in sport psychology. The Redhawks posted a 29-3-2 record and were runners up at the national tournament.

Funk graduated from Gustavus Adolphus in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and minor in coaching.

At Shippensburg, she increased the Raiders’ win total from the previous season, including a pair of victories in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

In her initial run at Hood, coaching the women’s team, both of Maerz’s squads reached the MAC Commonwealth Semifinals. The 2015-16 unit posted the most team wins by a Hood squad in five years. Two players from this team earned all-conference accolades, while both of her squads earned ITA All-Academic Team awards. Five of her players were tabbed as ITA Scholar-Athletes.

During her playing career at Hood, Maerz finished with 45 singles wins, 43 doubles victories and 88 total wins. Her 36 career victories at first singles set the Blazers’ record. Maerz was a three-time all-conference selection, including All-Commonwealth Conference First Team as a senior. She was a two-sport student-athlete, ending her career among the all-time leaders at Hood in 3-point field goals as a member of the basketball program. Maerz was the 2013 recipient of the President’s Award, which is given to student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their Hood College careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletic excellence, service and leadership. She was also a three-year team captain.

Maerz served as the tennis coordinator for the City of Frederick. She has worked with the West Winds Tennis and Fitness Center in addition to doing summer camps and tennis lessons at Villages of Urbana. Previously, she coached the USTA Juniors based in Frederick. She was also the head coach at Baldwin High School in Pennsylvania.

For Maerz, this will be her second stint guiding the Blazer women, after serving as head coach 2014-16. She also served as head coach at Mount Aloysius College and Shippensburg University.

Maerz graduated from Hood with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 2013. She later earned both a Master of Science in sports administration/ kinesiology from McDaniel College and a paralegal certificate from Duquesne University in 2020.

Josh Funk Head Coach, Women’s Ice Hockey

Emily Maerz ’13 Head Coach, Tennis

TIFFANY MANNING ’24 ATTENDS NCAA CONVENTION

By Emily Maerz ’13

Tiffany Manning ’24, of the women’s basketball team, attended the 2023 NCAA Convention in San Antonio, Texas, in January as part of the Division III student immersion program. The program provides full funding for a select group of underrepresented students to attend the convention, with the eventual goal of building a pipeline of diverse candidates interested in Division III coaching or administration.

“My time in San Antonio for the NCAA student immersion program was transformative. I got a glimpse of what it was like to be a collegiate athletic director and coach, and what their jobs entail,” said Manning.

Immersion program participants experienced the NCAA governance process, took part in meetings and workshops and attended award ceremonies. Manning said the program provided good variety— some sessions were informative, while others were more interactive and personal. In particular, she enjoyed the DISC workshop and the Middle Atlantic Conference meeting.

Manning added, “Everyone I met, whether a student or NCAA employee, was welcoming and easy to talk to. I made connections that I hope to keep for a long time.”

In addition to the valuable expertise gained during the program, Manning came away inspired by such award winners as former Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Muffet McGraw and events like the NCAA Woman of the Year luncheon, which featured 30 honorees.

“It was just amazing hearing all of the stories of the women who were nominated,” said Manning.

ELLISON HANNA II PLAYS FOR HOME COUNTRY

Ellison Hanna II, graduate assistant coach, represented the Bahamas at the 2022 Caribbean Cup in December.

In October, Hanna received a letter from the general manager of Team Bahamas inviting him to return to the island for the tournament. As a former Division I player at Indiana State with professional experience, Hanna was an easy choice. He’d also participated in a home run derby with professional players from the Bahamas during winter 2021.

“It was an absolute pleasure and a dream come true,” said Hanna of the experience. “This was one of the things that I wrote down on my goal sheets to accomplish.”

Hanna and his teammates opened the tournament at the new Andre Rogers Stadium in front of the home crowd. He went 1-for-3 with two runs batted in and scored once. Three days later against Cuba, a traditional international baseball power, Hanna pinch hit and hit a two-run home run. He added a two-hit game against Puerto Rico.

PHOTO CREDIT: 10TH YEAR SENIORS

REMI SCHABER ’26 PLAYS FOR U.S. WOMEN’S BASEBALL TEAM

By Emily Maerz ’13

Remi Schaber ’26 has been blazing a trail on the baseball diamond. The newcomer is one of just eight women rostered in collegiate baseball.

Schaber participated in the All-American Women’s Baseball Classic Tournament in November in Sarasota, Florida, a showcase of 60 top women baseball players from the U.S. and other countries. The tournament was inspired by the All-American Girls Professional League, well-known due to the 1992 film “A League of Their Own.”

Schaber’s team, the Comets, went 2-1 in round-robin play and advanced to the championship, where they fell in a close one-run game to the Peaches.

“I had a hit in almost every game, including a big RBI double in the first game that went about 300 feet and rolled to the left-field wall,” said Schaber, who played third base during the tournament.

A highlight of her experience was meeting some of the original 1950s players from the All-American Girls Professional League. She was particularly impressed with the facility that hosted the event, Ed Smith Stadium, the spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles. “The facility was super nice, with a grounds crew there all the time—a great field and a lot of seating,” added Schaber.

Schaber is heading into her first season as a Blazer, and she believes that her experience playing high-level women’s baseball is beneficial to her college game.

“All reps are good reps. Even though the speeds are different, it’s the same dimensions and the same game. Any time you see live pitching or get to be in a competitive situation, it is helpful,” she said.

After the Hood College season, Schaber will be participating in the USA Baseball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Canada this summer, with the possibility of advancing to the World Cup in 2024.

FACES

IN THE CROWD

Jackie Malitzki ’25 Women’s Volleyball

Malitzki became the fourth Blazer in volleyball history to record 1,000 career assists, joining Payton Belella ’19, Robin Deniker ’01 and Caroline Woodhams ’08. Malitzki recorded the milestone in a win over Penn State York on Oct. 15, when she dished out a season-high 46 assists. She finished the fall with 1,185 in her career.

MALITZKI ’25

Jamel Mins ’25

Men’s Track & Field

Mins started the indoor season in style when he broke the 11-year-old record in the 200-meter dash. He clocked a time of 22.79 seconds at the Fasttrack National Invitational in Staten Island to cut 0.13 from the record previously set by Michael Beidleman ’15 in 2012.

MINS ’25

Phebe Frost ’25 Field Hockey

Frost turned in some of the best assist numbers in the history of the field hockey program in 2022. Her three assists in a win over Ferrum on Sept. 18 set the Blazers’ single match record. That performance helped propel Frost to a season total of seven, tying the 22-yearold single season record by Mandy Fischer ’04.

HOOD

Hazen

Stowell ’23 Men’s Swimming

Stowell broke the Hood record for the 200-yard butterfly at the Diamond City Invitational on Nov. 20. His time of 1:59.55 was less than 0.2 faster than the old mark set by Matthew

FROST ’25 STOWELL ’23

PHOTO CREDIT: CRAIG CHASE

A World of Possibilities

Self-discovery, cultural competency and tapping into a global network through study abroad

By Matt Lee ’15

Nestled between Rosenstock Hall and the Whitaker Campus Center is a signpost, bearing a simple but powerful statement depicted in a host of different languages, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” Anyone who has spent time at Hood knows the importance of this message. It is reflected in the “Hood Hello,” which represents the friendly, welcoming atmosphere of the Hood community. This sentiment transcends borders, and the power of “Hello” doesn’t stop at Hood—it’s universal.

Hood students and alumni carry the spirit of “Hello” with them wherever they go. As part of the College’s study abroad program, many have spread this sense of hospitality across the globe. The study abroad program has evolved dramatically over the decades, but one constant remains. When students immerse themselves in a foreign land, their lives are forever changed.

The practice of studying abroad gained traction in the United States in the early 20th century but was significantly disrupted by successive World Wars. As countries rebuilt and travel routes normalized, American students began venturing overseas once more.

The U.S. government was keen to encourage cross-cultural exchange, establishing the Fulbright Program to foster mutual understanding between nations.

For many years, Hood maintained its own study abroad program. As part of the United Colleges for Foreign Study and Exchange (UCFSE), students could opt to spend their junior year in Strasbourg, France (read more on Page 64). Although this program has since been retired, study abroad is alive and well at Hood. Today, there are more options than ever. The College has partnered with five study abroad providers and maintains exchange agreements with the Sorbonne in Paris, University of Mainz in Germany and University of Barcelona in Spain.

Language majors have traditionally been the main student population to study abroad. Since the College opened the study abroad option to all majors, however, this is no longer the case. Art history, global studies, business, marketing and even nursing students are taking advantage of opportunities to spend time in a wide array of countries. Top destinations include Barcelona, Sydney, London, Paris and Shanghai.

The responsibility of helping students navigate the complexities of international travel is with Scott Pincikowski, Ph.D., professor of German and chair of the Department of Global Languages and Cultures. In addition to his faculty responsibilities, Pincikowski serves as director of study abroad at Hood.

Pincikowski’s office is lined with flyers promoting a plethora of offerings from the study abroad providers with which Hood partners. As he discusses the process—from applying to disembarking—his enthusiasm is unmistakable. Pincikowski spent several semesters in Germany during graduate school, working on his dissertation in Marburg. Since taking over the program at Hood, his conviction for the benefits of studying abroad has only strengthened.

The modern study abroad experience is less about merely sightseeing and more geared toward cultural immersion.

Scott Pincikowski, Ph.D., in Innsbruck, Austria, while completing a Fulbright Scholars project.

“When I sit down with students, they tell me their interests, why they want to study abroad and how they want to fit it into their studies or future career plans,” says Pincikowski. “Then I find a couple of programs and locations for them that are consistent with their interests and goals. I have them take a close look. Do they offer the type of coursework you need and the cultural experience you want?”

With so many options available, students can tailor their study abroad trips to best fit their academic goals and personal interests. Art and archaeology majors serve on excavation teams uncovering ancient ruins on the Italian coast, while a marketing major might intern with a global firm based in the U.K.

The modern study abroad experience is less about merely sightseeing and more geared toward cultural immersion. Real, deep learning comes from the hands-on experiences directly related to a student’s field of study. This has been a driving force in Hood’s promotion of high-impact practices, both on and off campus.

Another way the study abroad program has shifted is the proliferation of short-term excursions. Rather than commit to a full semester, students can opt to spend a week or two on a class trip. Biology majors can trek through the jungles of Madagascar, while education majors can analyze teaching strategies in the Mediterranean region. Short-term sessions also promote accessibility to study abroad by being more affordable.

AARON J. HEINER ’24

Major: English with minors in global studies and theater

Volpe Scholar

My fall ’22 semester was a study abroad session in Kyoto, Japan, through the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) in conjunction with Shiga University. To facilitate my study abroad semester, I received funding from Hood College’s Volpe Scholars Program, the Community Foundation of Frederick County and the Gilman Foundation.

A typical day for me started with a 6 a.m. alarm. Breakfast consisted of green tea and two onigiri (a triangle-shaped rice ball sold at 7-11 for about 80 cents each, filled with salmon, shrimp-mayo or chicken) and a can of coffee before heading out to Japanese class. Usually, my day had a big gap after this class, but depending on the day of week, my other classes consisted of modern Japanese contemporary issues, Japanese pop culture, Japanese theology or intercultural communications and leadership.

The most rewarding aspect of studying abroad was the ability to gain an appreciation and broader world viewpoint of both my host culture as well as my own American culture. The independence and confidence that one obtains from living abroad cannot be overstated and is something that every student in higher education should obtain. Furthermore, the number of scholarships and financial awards available are numerous, and therefore, cost should not deter any student from a study abroad semester.

onigiri

RUSSELL ODOR ’23 Major: Integrated marketing and communications

My study abroad experience in Sydney, Australia, was shared between 18 other students from the U.S. We became extremely close and did everything together. However, as the semester progressed, I became aware of how comfortable I was and wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and into the world around me. I booked a sailing trip on my own to the Whitsunday Islands next to the Great Barrier Reef.

The weekend began as we sailed around the luscious islands stopping for snorkeling, scuba diving, tanning on the beach and eating amazing local cuisine.

In the summer of 2022, Elizabeth Atwood, Ph.D., associate professor of journalism, accompanied 11 Hood students to London for a nine-day study abroad class. With a focus on global media, the group toured the Globe Theatre, Abbey Road Studios and the National Gallery. They also attended a live taping of a British political comedy talk show.

“Some of the students told me this trip was the highlight of their life so far,” Atwood says. “Even just going for a week gives you a taste of another country and hopefully whets the appetite for more travel. It’s always a reminder that we live in a big world.”

Faculty are also eligible to apply for the Whaley Faculty Development Endowed Fund, which supports the implementation of new study abroad mini sessions. “I want every Hood student to discover their passion through travel and study

Each night I talked to a new person and learned their story. One woman from Sweden quit her job at 27, broke up with her boyfriend and sold everything she owned to travel around Australia. As I listened to each passenger’s acts of bravery and fearlessness, it showed me that I am also brave for my own leaps in life. They gave me the confidence to do what I want—that no matter my situation, I am capable of doing anything and going anywhere because I now know I can do it. Travel will always be important for me, and as I navigate throughout my career, I will always prioritize the ability to travel and learn through the human experience.

abroad, internships or summer research,” says Susan Whaley ’74, trustee emerita.

There are a variety of special programs attached to scholarships that culminate in studentdesigned projects. The Volpe Scholars Program places qualified students at world-renowned universities to complete an internship or research project that goes beyond the regular requirements of their major. The internationally recognized Davis Projects for Peace requires students to implement actionable steps toward promoting positive change within a marginalized community.

Elizabeth Atwood, Ph.D., and students near Big Ben, London.

The newest program, the HighImpact Practice Scholarship, engages students in fieldwork and practicums that allow for real-world, hands-on experience. Students are also able to collaborate with faculty through the Summer Research Institute, a grant program that funds eight weeks of research in the U.S. or abroad.

Recent projects include Volpe Scholar Allyson Fachler ’21 traveling to Spain to study the lingering effects of the Spanish Civil War;

Davis Peace Fellow Jonathan M. Ramazani ’23 making efforts to lift women out of poverty in rural areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and the inaugural recipient of the High-Impact Practice Scholarship Linda Redd ’23 providing dental care to Ukrainian refugees in Poland.

When students complete purposeful projects with real-world outcomes and applications during their time abroad, they acquire skills that can be transferred to post-grad careers and beyond. The work is not easy, especially in an unfamiliar environment, but it allows students to connect learning to life. Persistence, dedication, engagement, critical thinking—this is what students acquire through their time abroad.

Overseeing several of these highly competitive programs is Lisa Littlefield, Ph.D., dean of the Center of Career Development and Experiential Education at Hood. “The learning associated with study abroad can’t be quantified,” says Littlefield. “It’s something that students are transformed by.

When students abroad complete purposeful projects with real-world outcomes, they acquire skills that can be transferred to post-graduate careers.

Allyson Fachler ’21 and classmates at the Bunkers of Carmel, Barcelona.

It forever changes their perspective on learning and what their potential impact can be, who they are as individuals and what kind of agency they have over their ability to do big things in life.”

Pincikowski advises students who wish to pursue a coveted Fulbright Award, which is sponsored by Congress and the Department of State. Through this program, graduates are assigned to teach or conduct research in more than 160 countries worldwide. Several Hood alums have received this honor, the first being Jeanne Schmidt Whitehair ’55. Most recently, Lydia Emory ’16, a global studies major, spent 10 months teaching in Madrid as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant. She went on to teach in Japan with the JET Program.

“I often look back on my time in Madrid and think about how this experience led me to where I am today,” says Emory, who earned a master’s in teaching foreign languages (Spanish) from Middlebury Institute of International Studies. “As for studying abroad, do it! Hood provided me with the opportunity to study abroad twice—once in South Korea and then for a semester in Spain. These are experiences that you will not regret.”

These study abroad programs may differ in scope and purpose, but they all echo Hood’s liberal arts heritage, which is predicated on an expansive approach to education. Nurturing a student’s character is equally as important as developing their intellect. According to Littlefield, students return to the U.S. with a newfound sense of confidence. “Study abroad is a very unique experience in that students are challenged to solve problems and find new ways to discover how they can accomplish things in a completely foreign setting,” says Littlefield. “It takes them out of their comfort zone and makes them stronger, innovative and entrepreneurial.”

“ It [study abroad] forever changes students’ perspective on learning and what their potential impact can be, who they are as individuals and what kind of agency they have over their ability to do big things in life.”

Lisa Littlefield, Ph.D., dean of the Center of Career Development and Experiential Education

LYDIA KAZAKAVAGE ’23

Major: Integrated marketing and communications with a global studies minor Volpe Scholar

Even though I studied in Singapore, the most impactful experience would be the solo traveling I did. Throughout the program, we had breaks where we were allowed to travel. During one of the breaks, I took a trip to Seoul, South Korea. Aside from being a major esports hub (I want to go into esports management), it was another country that is vastly different from the U.S. and even Singapore.

The trip to Seoul was very spontaneous, and I had about two days to plan everything. In this sense, it gave me experience planning something with a very short deadline, which happens within esports. Teams can qualify for tournaments and have to travel the next day, requiring me to book flights, hotels and transportation and finalize a schedule quickly. Aside from getting a glimpse into the Korean esports industry, it helped solidify the idea that it’s something I want to actually pursue when I graduate.

Danny Castillo ’20, MBA ’22, had just begun a semester in Barcelona when the U.S. government recommended all Americans return home. “It was devastating to have my experience cut short, especially because I had many plans to visit other countries toward the end of the semester,” says Castillo.

“I wanted closure and to visit all the places I never got to see due to my trip being cut short,” says Castillo. “I was able to visit Paris, London, Rome, Naples, the Amalfi Coast and Barcelona, of course!”

Although students are clearly empowered through their time abroad, the path is not always direct. Visa applications, travel logistics, financial barriers and living in a foreign country can make the process seem overwhelming. This was painfully evident during the onset of COVID, when many students were forced to cut short their time abroad due to pandemic restrictions.

After scrambling to get a flight back to the States, Castillo was faced with the challenge of finishing his degree virtually. He was grateful for the assistance of Pincikowski alongside Assistant Professor of Spanish Robert Casas, Ph.D., who both helped with the unprecedented transition. After earning his MBA a few years later, Castillo finished what he started—he returned to Europe.

Nia English ’21, a Davis Fellow for Peace, had planned a project to assist a community of elderly transgender people living in Indonesia with building a sustainable source of income. Before she could travel to Jakarta, the world locked down, and English pivoted to implementing her project remotely. She worked with an assistant based in Indonesia to oversee the project and act as an intermediary.

“Doing my project remotely was challenging but not impossible,” says English. “I was very involved from beginning to end. I worked in

Lydia Emory ’16 in Madrid, Spain.

LINDA REDD ’23

Major: Biology, pre-dental studies

Chair of the Board Scholar and High-Impact Scholarship Recipient

I am blessed to have received a stipend from Hood College to travel. Dental care is a necessity that is often overlooked, and I want to supply that need to people who do not have access to it. I had always planned on using the scholarship to provide dental care in a developing country. I found the International Medical Relief organization and decided to participate in a mission trip with them. The week following finals, I left for Poland. The war in Ukraine is a heartbreaking reality that I am sheltered from in the United States. I chose to go to Poland to help a vulnerable population of displaced Ukrainians.

My job within the refugee camp was providing dental care for the residents. I worked with a dentist. I also taught classes to the children about oral hygiene, but the majority of my time was spent just playing with the kids. The most challenging part of being in the clinic was not being able to do more. I know I can’t stop the war or help everyone, but I did not expect to feel helpless within my own profession and objective for being there. We did not have the tools and equipment to provide all types of dental care that were needed. We could only perform emergency extractions and temporary fillings. The most rewarding part, however, was the resilience of the children in the camp. They laughed, played and fought with each other. They welcomed me into their space, and I had

two different time zones to ensure the project was executed as planned. My fluency in Indonesian culture and language also helped tremendously in maintaining good communication with everyone involved.”

Fortunately, international borders have since reopened, and as a result, demand for study abroad programs has skyrocketed. Students have an abundance of options. It all begins with selecting a study abroad provider.

Providers offer flexibility within the infrastructure of their programs. They supply housing, advising and support services like mental health counseling. There are day trips, tours and special classes—but students also have the freedom to hop on a train and explore on their own terms.

“Our providers orient the students. They help them go through culture shock,” says Pincikowski. “Some students like having more structure, especially if they’ve never been abroad before, but over time they learn to do things on their own. I try to encourage students to get lost.”

Acclimating to a new environment can be challenging at first. Students almost always get a dose of culture shock the first time they leave home. They are confronted with lifestyles and attitudes that contradict their own. They must contend with foreign bureaucracies and healthcare systems. Even practicalities like knowing when stores are open or how to use public transit require time and effort. Academic expectations abroad can also be a sharp contrast to those in the U.S. In Europe, for instance, much more focus is given to independent study.

Pincikowski does a pre-departure session with students, where he briefs them on potential issues they might face. “Ultimately, we want them to have fun and embrace the cultural

Russell Odor ’23 in Whitsunday Islands, Australia.

Scott Pincikowski,

professor of German

chair of the Department of Global Languages and Cultures

differences,” says Pincikowski. “Students develop cultural empathy. One thing I’ve taken from my time abroad is that, fundamentally, people everywhere want the same thing. They want to be happy and safe, to be with their families and friends. Observing that, you realize most people are open-minded when you’re traveling.”

Talking with students who have returned from a semester abroad, the transformative nature of living and learning in a different country is a consistent takeaway. The Hood College community likewise reaps the benefits from what is brought back to campus. Students bring their new perspectives to the classroom and encourage others to consider study abroad opportunities. They share the “dos and don’ts” of inter-

national travel with those who will follow in their footsteps. They forge lifelong friendships and connections with people from all over the world. “I’ve even seen students meet their future partner while on a trip!” says Pincikowski.

Although the benefits of studying abroad—both personal and professional—are multifold, a surprisingly small number of Americans take advantage of opportunities to do so.

According to Inside Higher Ed, only around 11 percent of undergraduate students will study internationally at some point.

Nevertheless, participation in study abroad programs has steadily risen over the last 25 years, a trend that is expected to continue. This has been spurred by increased funding for

To support study abroad opportunities for students, visit hood.edu/give.

study abroad programs, which alleviates the financial strain of travel. At Hood, the Susan Whaley ’74 Study and Travel Abroad Fund, and most recently, the Beth Darroch Coggins ’81 Memorial Travel Fund (read more on Page 36) are all aimed at helping students achieve their study abroad dreams.

For those students who might still be apprehensive about the prospect of shipping off to parts unknown, Pincikowski shares these words of advice. “You’re entering into a new environment, so embrace that, but also be smart about it, and make the most of your time. Be adventurous.

“ We want them to have fun and embrace the cultural differences. Students develop cultural empathy.”

Ph.D.,

and

giving the gift of celebrating Beth Darroch Coggins ’81 travel

By Matt Lee ’15

The life of Elizabeth “Beth” Darroch Coggins ’81, P’11 was nothing short of extraordinary. She traveled to 38 countries and 49 states, living abroad for seven years. Her sense of adventure and curiosity about other cultures were irrepressible. Now, thanks to the Beth Darroch Coggins ’81 Memorial Travel Fund, a new generation of Hood students will be able to explore the world and partake in life-changing experiences.

Beth toured several colleges before selecting Hood, where she earned a B.S. in home economics education. She thrived as part of the small and close-knit campus community. Beth especially treasured the friends she made at Hood and remained close with several for the remainder of her life.

“My mom loved her time at Hood College and the lifelong friends she made there,” says Beth’s daughter Julie. “She would return for reunions and always enjoyed catching up with her Hood friends. She enjoyed a few special getaways with Marcella Kelley Fedalei ’79, Rebecca Lennen Crocket ’80 and Donna Smith Mecca ’81.”

After graduation, Beth accepted a computer operator trainer position with a Department of Defense contractor, which took her overseas for the first time. A chance encounter in Athens, Greece,

in 1985 connected Beth with her future husband, Kenneth “K.C.” Coggins, a Naval Flight Officer deployed to Greece with a USN reconnaissance squadron. The couple married in 1987.

Over the next few years, Beth gave birth to two daughters, Kristina and Julie. In 1992, K.C. was assigned to work at a NATO headquarters located in Oslo, Norway. “When I called to ask Beth if she would like to move to Europe, she thought for about two seconds before saying yes,” recalls K.C. “Norway was Beth’s favorite place of the four countries and six states we lived together during our 33 years of marriage.”

From Norway, the Coggins were able to visit Sweden, Russia, Denmark and the United Kingdom. Subsequent overseas Navy assignments took the Coggins family to Rota, Spain, and Copenhagen, Denmark. Throughout this time, Beth often worked as a substitute teacher at the schools her daughters were enrolled in.

Beth’s eldest daughter Kristina Coggins Heck ’11 fondly recalls a misadventure on a road trip to Prague. “Little did we know that our

planned border crossing point, from Germany into the Czech Republic, was seasonal and therefore closed for the winter. As a result, our six-hour drive turned into a nine-hour drive,” says Kristina. “Rather than allow the experience to ruin our trip, we laughed and got on with it, seeking an open crossing point. Flexibility and a sense of humor were essential skills in our family.”

Upon K.C.’s retirement from the Navy, the family moved to the Dallas area, where K.C. worked for a defense contractor. When Julie and Kristina matriculated to college, Beth resumed teaching on a full-time basis. She encouraged her daughters to consider Hood, and in 2011, Kristina earned a B.A. in political science from Hood College.

With her children off on their own, Beth continued globetrotting, with memorable trips to Bavaria, France, Iceland and Latvia. Sadly, Beth passed away in 2021 following a courageous battle with cancer.

To pay tribute to Beth’s remarkable life, K.C., Kristina and Julie established a fund at Hood in her honor. “We decided this fund would keep her memory alive,” says Kristina. “Knowing that she is helping students expand their world would delight her.”

“To travel is to live.”

Hans Christian Andersen

The fund is available to students as need-based support to cover the cost of travel, such as airfare, while any leftover funds may be used for additional travel expenses at the study abroad location.

“I know there are students whose financial aid packages might cover tuition and fees but not travel expenses,” says K.C. “For some students, the one thing standing in the way of studying abroad is money for travel. We wanted to focus on these students and enable them to enjoy the study abroad experience.”

Julie notes that although travel became one of her mother’s great pastimes, it was out of reach as a student. “She was not able to travel during college due to financial limitations,” Julie says. “This fund will allow students like my mom to experience other cultures as part of their Hood College experience.”

Several of Beth’s closest friends have helped endow the fund. Jennifer Eccles knew Beth for 50 years, and along with husband Tom, visited the Coggins in Norway, Spain and Denmark. The Eccles were proud to contribute to the memorial fund in Beth’s name.

“I know how much Beth loved to travel and see new places, and I share those feelings,” says Jennifer. “I also know how important Hood College was to her. What better way to offer a tribute than to establish a fund in those two areas of interest?”

Julie and Kristina believe that the passion for traveling their mother instilled in them has been invaluable. Their time living abroad helped shape them, and now they can help others have the same opportunity.

“The perspective that students will gain from studying abroad is unbelievable,” says Kristina.

“This fund enables students to transform their lives. The Danish author Hans Christian Andersen said, ‘At rejse er at leve,’ which translates as, ‘To travel is to live.’ This phrase is one that my mother held close to her heart.”

Julie wholeheartedly agrees. “I believe that studying abroad opens the minds of students and makes them more tolerant. Through studying abroad, I became less ethnocentric and more accepting of others and foreign customs,” she says. “Some of my favorite memories from studying abroad in Belgium simply came from sitting at the kitchen table with my host family and talking about our days, families and cultures.”

The Coggins are thrilled to be giving the gift of a study abroad experience to students at Beth’s alma mater. For those studying abroad, K.C. has a few words of wisdom. “If you’re thinking about doing something or going somewhere on a whim, just do it. You don’t need to make a lot of plans. Get on the train and go for it.”

Family, culture, cuisine, traditions, education— these are what Beth treasured most in life. Thanks to the generosity of her friends and family, Beth’s legacy will continue through Hood students for years to come.

Pictured left to right: Beth Darroch Coggins ’81 and Kristina Coggins Heck ’11 on the banks of Aurlandsfjord near Flåm, Norway, 1993; Beth at Pompei, Italy, 1985; Beth with Kristina and Julie prepping for Flamenco dancing at Féria in Andalusia, Spain, 1996; the Coggins family on the slopes of Garmisch, Germany, 2004; Beth and K.C. in Tasmania, Australia, 2001; Beth and K.C. in Gibralter, 1986.

“We decided this fund would keep [my mother’s] memory alive. Knowing that she is helping students expand their world would delight her.”

KRISTINA COGGINS HECK ’11

Peace, Love and Hood

Homecoming and Fall Family Weekend 2022

“Peace, Love and Hood” was the theme of 2022 Homecoming and Fall Family Weekend, and though the weather drove us inside, it certainly didn’t dampen our spirits.

Friday saw our men’s and women’s soccer teams play their homecoming games against Alvernia University. Friday was movie night at Hodson Auditorium in Rosenstock Hall with a showing of “Black Panther.” Laurie Ward, vice president for marketing and communications, ran the popcorn machine and made sure everyone got some!

On Saturday morning, President Chapdelaine invited Hood’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC) to join her and husband Dave for breakfast at East Cottage. First-year parents were welcomed by those PAC members who had a year or two as Hood parents, and all truly enjoyed the comradery of shared experiences.

Because of the rainy weather, “HoodFest” moved from the residential quad to Whitaker Campus Center, where students and families gathered for a day of groovy fun. Whitaker became the hub for many activities. Vice President for Institutional Advancement Nancy Gillece ’81 taught everyone how to hula hoop, while Blazer Radio spun lots of tunes from the ’70s. At the tie-dye station, folks transformed their “Peace, Love, Hood” tees from pristine white to “outtasite!”

A record number of students and their families competed for prizes in our annual campus-wide Hood Scavenger Hunt. They tracked down President Chapdelaine for a selfie, tested their knowledge of Hood history and traditions, munched on tasty Hood Cookies, solved word scrambles and even crawled through a few shrubs to solve a challenge question. Many thanks to our Alumni Executive Board members for covering the campus to make this event fun and successful.

Saturday night saw students flocking to our Silent Disco in Whitaker Campus Commons, dancing and singing to tunes only they could hear. Director of Athletics Sue Kolb, Ph.D., and her coaching staff welcomed Blazer alumni to the Dreiling Seminar Room in Coblentz Hall for a late-night “reverse happy hour.”

Hood mom and PAC member Patricia Castelhano, P’26, said after the weekend was over, “Thanks very much for everything; we had a really good time and can’t wait to do it again next year!”

HOOD

CLASS NEWS

REMINISCE, UPDATE AND RECONNECT

1948

alumoffice@hood.edu

Barabra Heiss Jackson passed away peacefully in Dec. 2022, surrounded by loving family, including her daughter Vicky, in Sarasota, FL. Barbara graduated with a degree in home economics and treasured her time spent at Hood. Prior to her passing, with Vicky’s assistance, Barbara donated her Hood memorabilia to the College’s archives, with the hopes that it be used to give a glimpse into “Hood life” during World War II. Barbara was very proud of her three children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom miss her very much.

1953

Johanna Chait Essex johalessex@gmail.com

Sincere condolences to Margaret “Marge” Aronson Dalmas on the passing of her husband Bob. I received a message from Marge noting that she and Bob had moved to an assisted living residence in Rio Rancho, NM in July; Bob passed away in Oct. Their children were a tremendous asset in helping her. Shirley Dana Few became a great-grandmother for the third time—a girl named Lily Jane. Shirley’s son Randy and fiancee Patricia were married on Shirley’s 90th birthday. Patricia has three grown daughters, so this brings the total number of grandchildren to 12. Shirley is still driving and playing bridge. Joanne Grahame Wade became a greatgrandmother for the first time in April. Joanne still travels to visit her children, grandchildren and now the latest addition. Lovely note from Elaine Green Powell: she and Dave are fine, although he fell in Aug. and broke his femur. They are still playing the recorder; their group performed at a holiday concert. Elaine and Dave have a lot going on at Heritage Heights, where they keep active and busy. Betty Ann Loose Groff and husband Jim recently celebrated their 25th anniversary. They are kept busy with their blended family of six children, 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. They live in the Outer Banks of NC and still bike as well as play tennis and pickleball. During the winter, they spend several weeks in Palm Springs, CA. “Life is good, and we are blessed.” Patricia Lloyd

Fordham and her daughter are hoping to attend our 70th reunion in June, as is Marge Dalmas and her daughter. Beverly Rosenberg Sager spent Thanksgiving through Christmas with her children and grandchildren in San Diego; she had much nicer weather than Baltimore had at this time. Sheila Asher is looking forward to her granddaughter and her family moving back to FL. They were sorely missed. Sheila and her husband plan to do some traveling, including a trip to London in Jan. As for me, Johanna Chait Essex, my children gave me a 90th birthday party in June, in conjunction with my son-inlaw’s 60th birthday—a 150th celebration of life! All my children were there, and I got a family picture, the one thing I truly wanted. Other than that, Hal and I still go to Kings Point and Cookie Cafe, where I am known as “the cookie pusher.” I sit on my stool with a dish of cookies and urge the cadets to have one or two to eat and enjoy. I do plan to attend our reunion and look forward to seeing you all in June.

1954

Jean Baker Weikert alumoffice@hood.edu

Thanks to all of you for keeping in touch. We need faithful constancy to maintain our friendships and to encourage resiliency. Thus, “because of me, or in spite of me, our good news shall continue!” (Kudos to the Rev. Greg Rapp.)

Nancy Swearingen Davis lives in Ellicott City, MD, though she “snowbirds” to her home in Summerland Keys, FL. She keeps in touch with her Big Sister Mary-Gray Schofield Davis ’52 . Nancy is blessed with twin granddaughters and enjoys playing violin in the Keys Chamber Orchestra. Betty Remsburg DeColigny lives in Hanover, PA. Betty celebrated Christmas with her son, daughters and triplet granddaughters. Betty continues to create “scherenschnitte,” the art of cutting paper into decorative designs, and she helped decorate a Christmas tree at the Myers Mansion Carriage House. Betty plans to give a talk on the topic in the near future. Thalia Males Cutt is still living in Concord, CA. She is doing fine and enjoying holidays with nearby family. She feels very blessed. Sad news about Elizabeth “Betty” Driggs Haight Betty’s daughter Linda wrote to say that her mother passed away in Dec. 2021. Susan Clement Christie and husband

Ed still reside in Mesa, AZ. Sue suggests, with Ed’s observation, that when returning the selfaddressed postcard, we should enclose them in an envelope. Let me know your opinion. You’re also able to reach me by phone at 717-624-3960.

Marilyn Ogden Heath and husband Al relate that all is well in Venice, FL, and granddaughter number four is on her way, possibly in June 2023. Another poignant note about the loss of Ann Giammettei Schwing. Ann’s daughter-in-law Sherrilyn kindly told of Ann’s passing in Sept. 2022. She lived a happy, useful life, though her family wishes she could have remained longer. Ann’s children and some of her grandchildren were with her as she passed, which was a blessing. Nolah Sawyer Fulk is living with daughter Michelle in Gainesville, VA. She laments nearby pastures being sold to developers, significantly changing the landscape. Marylyn Walters Corey is living in Northville, NY. She is still employed at her church’s thrift shop and plans to visit her children in GA and NC in 2023. Dorris Smith Radcliffe writes that she is in an assisted living facility very near her daughter Cindy in Richmond, VA. Another sad note to share: Marilyn Randall Stefanye’s daughter Kim Ann wrote to say that her mother passed away in May 2022. Nancy Sharon Stone of Annville, PA wrote that Heavenly Father is still her partner. Jane Hinkle Stockdale’s husband Wendell sent a beautifully written message letting us know that his dearest Jane passed away peacefully and quietly from heart failure in Dec. 2022. Our condolences to Wendell and Jane’s family, including daughter Janell Stockdale Pentz ’78 Your class correspondent Jean Baker Leister Weikert is still living in New Oxford, PA with husband Mark. Our grandchildren and children have been very helpful. We miss son Andrew, who passed away Oct. 2021, although we’re grateful for his 60 years. Looking forward to a happy 2023!

1957

Martha “Molly” Smith Sperandio mollymom76@gmail.com

Ann Spengler Larkin writes, “Hard to realize that the holidays are upon us. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving at my granddaughter’s home near Grand Rapids. My grandson, now living in England, will be home, so my whole

family will be together. I’ve managed to stay healthy through this whole pandemic and hope to stay that way this winter. Nothing too exciting in my life. Health is the same.” Carol Harkness Kilrea says, “My health has been a challenge—eyesight very compromised due to a stroke, and a pacemaker is my new buddy. I am still able to walk with friends and listen to books on Audible. Bill is a saint carting me about. We are still in our home in Beverly Shores on Lake Michigan and go into Chicago for symphony concerts. The family is growing by leaps and bounds. Some of my 14 grandchildren are getting married, and I have two great-grandchildren, with the third due in Jan.” Carolyn Stevens Amstutz says, “I’ve been living at Edgewood, a retirement community, for more than five years now. My activities have become limited since I suffer from severe macular problems. No more bridge or driving. Those two things are driving me nuts! I’m thankful for Audible books and the ability to dictate emails. My daughters—one in Albany and one in London—and their families seem to be well and happy. We were all together for Christmas in Albany this year, and last year we all went to London for Christmas. The four grandchildren range in age from 22 to 15, two boys and two girls. A good time is usually had by all.” Eugenia Smith Durland shares, “At 87 and 91, Bill and I are remarkably healthy and active but sticking close to home. We have avoided COVID and the flu due to all the shots known to mankind. We walked the streets and rang doorbells from Aug.-Oct. to support the Dems; it paid off since our precinct ranked the best in the county for voter turnout! We celebrated Thanksgiving at our son’s house in Denver, where our daughter from Boulder, six grandchildren plus their spouses, five great-grandchildren and a couple of friends gathered. It was something to be truly thankful for. Everyone contributed to food and cooking. Otherwise, the holidays have been quiet for us. We continue to be hopeful about the New Year but grieve for migrants and Ukrainians and the ‘savageness of man’ (Aeschylus).”

Miriam Spaulding Keyser writes, “We have returned from time in Charlottesville with our son’s family and are now quarantined suffering with COVID.” Nancy Paul Stimson writes, “The family gathered for Thanksgiving, so I got to see my three great-grandchildren; another one is due in Jan. Our youngest grandchild graduated from Clemson. Christmas was nice, quiet and cold; fortunately, we didn’t get snow. I still play bridge and cribbage, count money at church and drive (but not at night). I am going to have cataract surgery in Feb.” Roberta Geehan Horton says, “We’re hanging in there. No COVID so far; all shots and boosters are up to date. We’re going to the Outer Banks on our annual birding trip and

hope to see migratory swans and snow geese again. Two granddaughters got married over the summer, and we will be with our children for Thanksgiving and Christmas here in NC.” As for me, Molly Smith Sperandio, my volunteer work in the community, church ministries and friendly gatherings continue the same each year and keep me comfortably busy. I had several wonderful trips to CA and PA to see family but lost my oldest child Richard to cancer in Oct. after seeing him in June with no sign of mantle cell lymphoma, which caused a heart attack and his death. Memorials and funerals seem to be a common occurrence at this age, but losing my children (two of three) should not happen before I die. A family reunion of 18 with my sisters including Catharine “Kitty” Smith Dunn ’47 and cousins found two-thirds of us coming down with COVID a day or so later, but none serious enough for hospitalization. My Novavax clinical trial ends in Feb. 2023 and until this setback was doing its job. My classmates and I wish all Hood’Lums blessings of good health, peace, joy and love throughout the New Year and years to come!

1958

Marilyn “Maggie” Garis Kellow maggiehood1958@gmail.com

Joan “Jeb” Bennett Moran had been quite sick for three weeks but hopes to get to GA for the holidays. She says, “I am very involved in the Methodist Church and find myself praying a lot. For me, it’s the only way to deal with this crazy mixed up world. Please note, I am not the class chairman for our 65th reunion in 2023.” Sadly, she is not sure about being able to make it because she is somewhat limited by essential tremor. Joan Enterline, Eleanor “Elly” Baumgart Ritchie, Sara Lea Callaway Redmon and Margaret “Peg” Jacob Jones have been in touch and all plan to attend. Jeb is also in touch with Joan “Tigger” Clark Mills, who has a serious health concern but a great attitude. Occasionally, she also hears from Virginia “Ginny” Manning Peltzer and Carol Jumblatt MacNeill Carol Huelsen Warrington and husband Bob were in FL for the fall but went back to NJ for the holidays. Jeb looks forward to them being back in the Sunshine State. She had a short visit with Jean “Jo” Witherington in preparation for their Sept. trip to the Mediterranean, but it was cancelled due to COVID. Polly Abella Leigh also sends her interesting and entertaining emails. Hurricane Ian took quite a toll on Jeb’s part of FL. Fortunately, Polly’s area didn’t get as much damage as areas farther south. It was horrible! There are still trees, poles and parts of buildings down. It is going to take well into next year to repair/replace some

areas. Carolyn “Cyp” Patton Meyer has nothing new to report. She can’t believe that we will be celebrating our 65th and says, “Where did all those years go?” Sara Lea Callaway Redmon says this past year has been one of adjusting to living alone since Carl’s passing. She has been kept busy with many details and much paperwork. On the bright side, she is planning for and looking forward to our 65th reunion. She encourages everyone to fill out the information form and include pictures even if you can’t make it. Anne “Ricky” Merrick Vosti didn’t have any news to share but enjoys reading about everyone’s adventures and looks forward to hearing about the activities for our 65th reunion. Life in WI is about the same as throughout the nation. As I write, this is my 86th birthday, and we are expecting our first blizzard conditions starting tomorrow for the next three days. Prayers for a healthy and peaceful 2023.

1959

Anne Wilson Heuisler aheuisler@comcast.net

Jane Atmore Brown is happy at Indian River Estates in Vero Beach, FL. During lockdown, there were residents to visit and activities to join. Jane is involved with their in-house thrift store, selling items donated by residents and using the profits for the needs of the community. Bridge, reading and community programs fill up the rest of her time. Catherine “Cathy” Brooke Buckingham and her daughter traveled to Germany in Aug. and Sept. to see the Passion Play, which is performed every 10 years. Nancy “Fletch” Fletcher Artlett now has a second great-grandson. She enjoys her apartment at The Harmony, where people hail from everywhere, often discovering that their paths have crossed. She has also joined a quilting group. Mary Ann Guild Simmons sends greetings from Frederick, “If you haven’t been here in 10–15 years, you would not recognize this place—flooded with new people and too much traffic. Hood looks better and better. I think of it as a 50-acre garden with buildings.” Mary Ann’s big news is that she is starting to walk again. Edith “Edee” Howard Hogan had a great trip with Carol Wick Ericksen to Italy in Oct. but didn’t plan to get COVID over there. She missed only one day of excursions and returned home to recover at Ginger Cove and spent the holidays with her family. Edee says they are planning two weddings in 2023. Joan Kirkpatrick writes, “This must be the year of falls. I too have fallen and did my left leg and ankle in. Not good timing—just when the beach is opening up. But this too shall pass. At least I have my little balcony for fresh air. Just don’t break a leg. It is not convenient!”

Anne Montesano Ellis spent the summer at Conesus Lake, volunteering at Sonnenberg, seeing cousins and friends, gardening and reading. She returned to FL in Oct., where her whole family lives, for Thanksgiving. They went deep-sea fishing, and everyone caught a fish. Anne sang a cantata with the Methodist choir. “I haven’t sung in a choir for at least 20 years!” Anne and Janet Knecht Huber-Ditz talk nearly every month. “How lucky we all are to still be alive!” Judith “Judy” Moreland Granger and husband Bob had a great Christmas with their sons and families. Judy said they spend lots of time remembering old friends and the good times spent with them. Joanne Peper Milnor serves on the Artistic Affairs committee for the Long Bay Symphony. She’s a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Myrtle Beach, SC and has 33 households to keep in touch with every month. Joanne volunteers with the Waccamaw Archaeology Partnership. “The Diggers” have excavated grounds at five plantation locations. Joanne was given the title “Queen of Screen” as she sifted dirt from the artifacts. Jo can no longer travel, but she has been to 66 countries on six continents. She says, “Life is good!” Rachel Ravey Johnson writes, “Weren’t we the young things! And we still are, inside.” Rachel swims, kayaks and hikes. She volunteers with a hospice and is a Master Naturalist. “My husband Carl is still a full-time pastor—because I robbed the cradle! He shares the adventures, such as last summer on the north shore of Lake Superior in a yurt, in a storm. Our favorite is wilderness canoeing. This is a 36-year second marriage, and we are now the sole parents of seven. Wouldn’t it be super to have another reunion and share what we have learned of life? I see your faces in my heart.” Carol Wick Ericksen enjoyed a full golf season and traveled with Edee Howard Hogan to Sicily and the Apulia region of Italy. Carol plays duplicate bridge at her retirement community Maris Grove. She is looking forward to going to Naples, FL in Feb. She closed her store Carol’s Hallmark in June after 33 years. Carol shared that her son Jay is president of the American Orchid Society. His greenhouse in Houston has 4,000 orchids. Della Wilson Holtzapple paid tribute to Marcia King Wilke, who passed away in Sept. 2022, saying that she and Suzanne “Susie” Webster Hoyle deserve a lot of credit for the success of Della Mae’s senior recital. “Every year at Hood, I begged Sprigg to give me organ lessons, and he always responded the same: ‘You do not have the qualifications, Del!’ When Marcia, one of his star pupils, agreed to perform with me, she upped the ante of Spriggs’s respect for me. He even invited me to perform at his church.”

1961

Marty Kaiser Canner plcanner39@gmail.com

Katharine Baum Wolpe kwolpe@gmail.com

Nancy Brown Braudrick loves living in the slow lane in Gold Beach, OR. She enjoys reading, her surroundings and her family. She looks forward to the holidays. Jeanne Duncan Jehl and husband of 61 years Joe are still living in Annapolis and are looking forward to more travel in 2023. Jeanne joined a group of women in Sept. for a walking trip (80 miles) on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. She enjoyed the company and the countryside. She and Joe have grandchildren who will be graduating from college in spring 2023. She welcomes visitors and good conversations. Janet Spaulding Nunn and husband Jack took two lovely cruises this year—one to HI and the second in Oct. through the Panama Canal. The highlights of the Panama Canal cruise were Costa Rica and Aruba. They disembarked in Fort Lauderdale, rented a car and drove 1,500 miles through the eastern U.S., stopping to visit family and a few friends. “It was wonderful seeing everyone, especially our two grandchildren in Chapel Hill. Best wishes to all for a peaceful 2023.” Carole Gorchoff Paul and partner Albert went to Europe twice this past summer. In July, they went to Switzerland for Albert’s family reunion, which turned out to be a wonderful vacation with Albert’s children and other relatives. In early Sept., Carole and Albert went to Athens, Greece and the Greek islands. Carole thinks Greece is one of the best places she has ever been. Ellen Wright Peterson and husband Mal still live in Grasonville on MD’s Eastern Shore. She does a lot of gardening, plays pickleball twice a week, walks with friends and reads. She hopes this good life continues. Sandra “Sandy” Murphy Schmidt and husband Bob are doing well at Charlestown Retirement Community in Catonsville, MD. They have lived there for nine years and are very happy. Their travels have been greatly reduced by the COVID pandemic. In Sept., they spent four days in Cape May, NJ and Easton, PA and dined with Sandy’s nieces and nephews. In Nov., they spent four days in Easton, MD to celebrate their 46th anniversary. Barbara Hufham Wells reported that her husband Richard passed away this year. “Himself,” as her husband was known to Barbara’s Facebook friends, was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia several years ago, and as his sister said, decided to “drive on down the road” in June just before what would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. He was a classic ’50s “gear head,” so “driving on down the road” was a very apt analogy for his

passing. Barbara also writes, “He was a gentle bear of a man and true renaissance person who brought color and light, humor, the ability to be flexible and spontaneous, and above all, enormous love and devotion into my life.” We send our condolences to Barbara. Katharine Baum Wolpe continues to enjoy attending plays, concerts, dance performances and movies with her friend Philip, a relationship of more than 10 years. They take part in a monthly reading group, which discusses the interactions within Israel between Palestinians and Jews. She is active with the Village Independent Democrats in campaigns and sings in her church choir St. Mark’s in the Bowery. Although her health is good, she had two scary episodes of tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) in July. Thankfully, medication took care of the problem. Elisabeth “Beth” Lee Zehnder has moved from Columbus, OH to Cincinnati, just 15 minutes from her daughter Katie. Beth has a daughter, Julie, in Indianapolis and another daughter, Betsy, who lives in NC. Beth’s family recently held a family reunion in Betsy’s home, where Beth’s 105-year-old motherin-law now resides. Beth was adopted as a baby and grew up as an only child but always wanted a sister. Recently, one of Beth’s daughters tested her DNA and discovered a biological sister who is 10 years younger than Beth, who also grew up as an only child and also wanted a sister. Beth and her newly discovered sister are enjoying getting to know one another. Oct. 1 was a memorable day for Martha “Marty” Kaiser Canner and husband Paul, as they attended the wedding of their granddaughter Claire in Rochester, NY. They wish everyone a happy and blessed 2023.

In 10 words or less ... We’re asking all world travelers: What’s your No. 1 travel tip?

Learn to say a few phrases in the local language. Locals always appreciate the attempt. –Tina Lynn Mercardo ’97

Abraham Kettor ’19 visits France

1962

Sara “Sally” Zimmerman revsaraz@gmail.com

Sunny Griffin writes that during the week of her 82nd birthday, she starred as Lucy in a hugely successful Oceanside, CA community theater production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. In preparation, Sunny used her six-yearold granddaughter as a role model and took singing lessons.

Linda MacDonough Morrow and husband George celebrated Thanksgiving at their vacation home Arch Spring Farm with their combined family of 14 children and grandchildren. JoAnn “Jody” Merritt Watson and husband Peter enjoy ME in their condo and the outdoor amenities during the winter months. “The best part is that our two families both live in nearby Portland.” Nancy Turner Hecksher writes, “Ben and I are still in Berwyn outside Philadelphia. My multiple myeloma is under control, but Ben’s Parkinson’s is advancing.” Pamela “Pam” Roberts Welham notes that many classmates have added “caregiver” to their resumes with the stress and anxiety it brings. Her spouse Walt is recovering from open heart surgery; they attended his 60th USNA reunion in Annapolis with their sons and their families. Matile “Teal” West Hugo is moving in Jan. to a retirement community near where she lives and “hopes it doesn’t snow on moving day!”

Judith “Judy” Hammond Blatchford writes, “We are delighted to be in our CCRC for more than a year and enjoying old and new friends, not to mention not having to cook dinner!” Barbara Kirby Stewart writes “from sunny Downeast Maine!” Barb flew to San Diego last fall to visit their two girls and families and had a wonderful time. She says, “All four grandchildren have graduated college and have jobs. Life is good.”

Penelope “Penny” Misirian Mardoian hosted a mini reunion at her home in ME. Guests included Judy and Park Blatchford, Susan and Carl Hossfeld and Teal Hugo. Penny spends holidays in ME with son Richard and his family, who moved from West Chester, PA to Phillipsburg, ME three years ago. Susan Shinnick Hossfeld and Carl put off foreign travel this year because of COVID but traveled far and wide in the U.S., visiting CO, DE, WV, ME and Frederick for reunion. Harriet “Rusty” Papst Hoagland and Ann Holmes Flatt also attended our reunion, then camped at Three Mile Island AMC Camp on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. Rusty says, “I find the mind relaxes, restores and renews when you can spend a week in the great outdoors.” Caroline Fischer Giles reports that she remains somewhat active as a UNH Marine docent, sharing her interests with school groups of all ages. Caroline’s son Scott and his wife

purchased their cottage on Martha’s Vineyard, thus keeping it in the family. Gail Dawson Clarke relocated to the Four Corners region of CO and is “learning how to live in a very rural area with mountain lions, deer, foxes and eagles. We truck in water once a week and have installed solar panels.” She loves it, feels fortunate and is “winding down.” Margo Friedman Friedman proudly shares that daughter Lisa, a psychology professor at Columbia, has just published her book The Awakened Brain about the intertwining of her spirituality and decades of research. Margo and husband Sid celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Elizabeth “Liz” Decker Rogers says that despite health challenges, she sold her house of 44 years to her oldest son, moved to an apartment, felt cramped, then purchased another house nearby. Liz reports that Regina Schlank Pyle moved to assisted living in Cambridge, MA. Sarah Enos Karpowitz writes that she is “retired, dealing with health issues, and enjoying life and family. Five grandkids growing up quickly: one graduating college and looking at law school; another graduating high school looking at colleges.” Elizabeth “Betty” Appel Bailey and husband Tom are grateful to have purchased their single-level Vista, CA house on a golf course 24 years ago. Their daughter Susan, her spouse and three daughters live close by in Carlsbad. Arden Moore Reynolds’s husband Gerry died at the end of Sept. not long after he’d been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. “We met at a Hood mixer my freshman year … married for more than 60 years … my heart and soul; we did everything together.” Linda Keyler White and late-husband John lived in the same house north of Chicago for 50 years but downsized to a ranch nearby three years ago. Linda says, “It was liberating to get rid of so much stuff.” Linda also mentioned that she gets together with Barbara Reeves McGee, who lives in Genoa, IL. Sara “Sally” Zimmerman shares that grandson Henry is a freshman at Macalester College, and Helen is a high school sophomore in Milwaukee. Sally says, “I preach occasionally at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick, and you can listen via podcast on the UUCF website.”

1963

Dottie Snyder Engle dengle3699@aol.com

Hello, dear Sisters. I hope you are planning your visit to Hood for our reunion, especially to my house for the “Porch Party” on Friday, June 9. This will be a “plus one” (or how many others you want to bring) because, like me, you may not drive after dark. One can learn a lot from reading. In a former Frederick mayor’s autobiography, I learned that Mary Ann Holloway Ford and

Wilbur attended an affair at the White House during the Carter years. The Fords sat by Harry Belafonte and his wife, and Harry showed the Fords photos of his children. Wilbur pulled out photos of their adopted children, who are biracial, and Harry said, “Brother” to Wilbur. Amie Godman Tannenbaum is so proud of herself for having pulled off the surprise “Playbill Cruise” for Don’s 88th birthday. Hosted by Broadway star Audra McDonald, they cruised from Rome to Barcelona and several other ports. In Jan., they’ve booked the AHI Hood trip “Legends of the Nile.” Helen Pinckney Schafer reports that she and husband Bill are thankful for their blessings; their children and grandchildren are doing well. One granddaughter at Syracuse, majoring in illustration, illustrated an educational children’s book while still in high school that has been published. Wow! She also illustrated a university cooking magazine. Kathleen “Kathie” Anderson Houchens and husband Dave are loving their new abode in Granville, close to Denison University and its musical programs. They visited Linda Myers Gray and husband John in Golden, CO, who have downsized, but still have some animals. The Grays love visits from their family and are especially proud of their granddaughters. I have been sending jokes to Sue Colton Gibbons, who is very concerned with our immigration policies; she is teaching ESL to families and individuals and sees how hard English is because of our weird pronunciations. Sue Oster Robinson spent a month in ME enjoying the beautiful leaves, trips to lighthouses, art museums, county fairs, galleries and eating seafood, along with sipping cocoa on her balcony. Congrats to Louise Fisher Waynant , who retired after spending most of her life teaching and being an administrator. She enjoyed a big trip to Europe with visits to Oberammergau for the Passion Play, Rome and so much more. She met many new friends, as the tour participants came from many states. Our champion traveling Sister Gail Kloeblen Spertzel flew to Bettles, AK (pop. 12!) to photograph the Northern Lights; “each night better than the last, and I don’t mind the numbing temperatures.” In May, she cruised the Columbia River and added a land trip. She has already scheduled her 2023 trips. Just a word from Charlotte Jones Anderson, who spent freshman year with us. She was reaching out for information on her Hood friends with whom she had lost contact. I’m happy to accommodate her and you if you need information. And I, Dottie Snyder Engle, have a correction from the last magazine; my son met his Jamaican bride in Jan. and married her in April. After that, my daughter Robin Engle ’96 and I took a Mediterranean cruise. Hurricane Fiona usurped our trip to the Canadian Maritime Provinces in Sept., so we took

a 700-mile road trip to neighboring states. Hey, girls! We are not getting any spryer, so hop on down to Hood for reunion on June 9-11. Our reunion chair is Sarah “Sally” Schaeffer Morse

1964

Barbara Maly Fish barb2fish@yahoo.com

Barbara Strayer Brittain has happily downsized to a pre-Civil War stone home in Myersville, MD, a small village midway between Frederick and Hagerstown. She has kept her Frederick friends and made new ones in Hagerstown. Daughter Catharine “Cathy” Brittain Altomare ’88 lives on the family farm one and a half miles away and granddaughter Taylor is three and a half miles away. Barbara’s older granddaughter Brittain teaches in Harlem and was married at the farm in Sept. 2022. Their brother Daniel is following in his grandfather’s and father’s steps as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Barbara’s oldest son C.P. and his wife Dr. Jessica Myers Staley ’98 live in Roanoke, VA with Hannah (14) and Chris (11). Barbara’s younger son Mike and his wife Becky live at Deep Creek, MD with children Mackenzie (8) and Jackson (2). When not on “grandma duty,” Barbara enjoys having time for embroidery with the Hagerstown chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America, plus watercolor classes and groups. Barbara writes that she is “loving being 80!” While visiting her son in Nashville, TN, Ann McMillan Shuman spent a full day with Lenore “Lonnie” McNulty Frey, who was Ann’s junior year roommate in the French House and later a bridesmaid in Ann’s wedding. In Sept., Ann enjoyed a long lunch with her Little Sister Carole Schieren Almond ’66, who flew in from Denver to visit her brother in Palm Beach. Another of Ann’s former French House roommates, JoAnn Winer Sutton, sent more news about Ann, who lives just a few miles away. JoAnn writes, “She called a few weeks ago to say that she’d had an accident at home, when she fell in her bathroom and broke her leg soon after a hip replacement.”

Before Christmas, JoAnn visited Ann, who was in good spirits. Mary Nass Laronge “can’t believe all these years have passed since college!”

In Dec., she and her son Josh travelled to Antarctica, “a trip of a lifetime.” Mary retired four years ago after her second career, selling real estate in the Allentown, PA area, and now travels a lot with her long-time life partner Ralph. The two have been all over the world, with Australia the last continent to check off. They next head to Costa del Sol, Spain for a month in Feb. Back at home, Mary keeps busy with golf, bridge and mahjong. In 2022, Ruth Kaiser Port and husband Bob were delighted to have a visit from

Ruth’s sister Martha Kaiser Canner ’61 and husband Paul. Ruth keeps active by gardening, biking, hiking, “dabbling in art” and riding her Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse. She is a person of deep faith and writes, “Since I regard the Bible as the most important book everyone should read, I spend much of my time preparing for and attending various Bible studies. I am aware that, given my age, I will be seeing Jesus Christ, my Savior, quite soon. I feel it is more important than ever to get to know Him better through His word. Toward that effort, I am currently reading Christ in All the Scriptures by A.M. Hodgkin.” Ruth turned 80 in 2022 and says, “The greatest thing about the occasion was that my immediate family was all together. As part of my birthday gifts, Bob, son Eric, his wife Carolin and I took a trip to Kentucky to visit Mammoth Cave and other sites. On the way home, I was treated to an interactive tour with the Clydesdales of Anheuser-Busch at Grant’s Farm in St. Louis. Those horses are huge but so graceful and gentle. What a fun birthday trip.” As for me, Barbara Maly Fish, hope that all of you celebrated this milestone birthday in a way that was special to you and that you are looking forward to whatever comes next.

1965

Emily Kilby erkilby44@gmail.com

Because Jo Ann Sether Bowes and husband Ron recently bought a second home with ready proximity to their son Lee and family in Gaithersburg, a mini reunion of four Hood ’65ers came about in late Dec. Jo Ann initiated a post-Christmas gathering of nearby friends, Ann Fulton Warren, Nancy Hoveman Schultze and me, Emily Kilby Ann stepped up to host us for a delicious lunch at her Potomac home. Additionally, she welcomed me and my dog Buddy for an overnight beforehand, so I wouldn’t be dealing with four hours of roundtrip driving from/to my Elkton, MD home. Nancy lives less than an hour away in Marriottsville, MD, west of Baltimore, so she and Jo Ann drove over for lunch and catching up. Ann’s wonderful husband Tom, whom I’d known since their first date back in 1967 when we were apartment mates, died in June 2022 at age 88. Ann remains contentedly in the home they had shared for most of their married life, with son Jim and his wife and daughter living in another D.C. suburb and daughter Jesse and her husband, two sons and a daughter in Rye, NY. In addition to family, Ann’s activities revolve around her church, local friendships and toy poodle, Rusty.

Jo Ann and Ron will maintain their large home in Lock Haven, PA as their primary residence, but the Gaithersburg condo will provide more

comfortable accommodations for visits with Lee and family, plus a base for them to attend wrestling matches of the Loch Haven University team at George Mason University, American University and Navy. Jo Ann is active in the Loch Haven historical society and garden club and enjoyed birding trips to LA in 2021 and Cape Charles, VA in 2022. Nancy, who was hospitalized for months after her April 2021 COVID infection following hospitalization for spinal surgery, has made a remarkable recovery. She continues with PT to deal with mobility issues that have her using canes, but she drives and carries out the necessary business of independent living along with enjoying regular play with a card group. “After 13 years off and on in Italy, Russ retired (again), and I returned home,” writes Barbara Casey Ruffino of her international marriage. “We both miss Italy. It was a great run, but the last two years were tough with COVID. For one whole year, I could not get back to Italy because of closed borders and quarantine.” After the Ruffinos resettled in RI last June, Russ reconnected with the rector of the church where he served for 17 years to lead weekly discussion groups and occasional services. Barb is a little bored in retirement so may look for some part-time consulting work. “Since Biden and I are close in age, I figured I would give it a try,” she remarks. Katherine Cribbs Tromble’s Christmas letter reported that she and Bert continue to age gracefully in their Finksburg, MD home. Their four children (a teacher, an education policy nonprofit worker, a lawyer and a burn surgeon) are thriving in their professions, with two living in the Maryland/D.C. area and the others in Fort Wayne and Boulder. Their nine grandchildren are involved in music, sports and academics, with achievements that make their grandparents proud. Though Carol Anne Ford Kent and husband Tom had all their immunizations, they came down with mild cases of COVID last Nov., and their continuing concerns about exposure have limited travel outside the country. At home, Carol Ann works with two Norfolk garden clubs and serves on the advisory committees and boards of the historic Moses Meyers House, the Masterpiece Society of the Chrysler Museum and the Norfolk Society of Arts. Carol Ann, an Eastern Shore native, and Tom, a Naval Academy graduate, don’t stray far from their watery roots, leaving Norfolk for semiannual trips to their Bethany Beach, DE oceanfront and Fisher’s Island, CT beach house. As for me, Emily, my life goes on quite well as I enjoy daily hikes with my dog, occasional gatherings with family and accomplishing only small portions of the endless to-do list. I actually stirred myself to refinish some of my battered furniture last fall and continue researching and eventually

2023 | 2024

JULY 2-9, 2023

Imperial Journey

SPAIN

ANDALUCIA IN A PARADOR

SEPT. 21-29, 2023

POLAND | GERMANY | CZECH REPUBLIC

SEPT. 24 - OCT. 6, 2023

HOLIDAY MARKETS CRUISE

THE FESTIVE RHINE

NOV. 26-DEC. 4, 2023

Join your fellow Hood alumni on a grand tour of Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic.

THE CHARM OF THE AMALFI COAST SORRENTO

APR. 24-MAY 2, 2024

NORMANDY, THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

JUNE 22-30, 2024

Explore cities rich with culture and history on this marvelous, 11-night journey through the European heartland. You’ll enjoy guided excursions in Kraków, Warsaw, Berlin, Dresden and Prague while staying at deluxe, centrally located hotels. Highlights include a private Chopin concert, a visit to the colorful Polish town of Pozna´n and an Elbe River cruise. This thoughtfully planned trip offers the camaraderie of group travel with opportunities for independent free time.

For more information about all Hood Alumni Travel, please go to hood.ahitravel.com .

Alumni Excursions

An Unforgettable Trip to Holland and Belgium

BY SANDRA “SANDY” EYE CAVALIER ’85, P’87, G’17, G’19

Our flight landed at the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the early morning hours of April 5, 2014. Feeling a touch of jet lag tempered by a large dose of anticipation, we were anxious to begin our journey.

My husband and I were members of a group traveling on the Hood-sponsored trip with AHI Travel, “Waterways and Canals of Holland and Belgium.” For weeks we had planned, prepared and packed. Now our efforts were culminating in what would prove to be a memorable travel experience.

Our river cruise was aboard the MS Amadeus Silver, a modern ship with comfortable, beautifully decorated cabins equipped with Wi-Fi and internet access. The staff were friendly and professional. We felt pampered and relaxed—exactly how one expects to feel while on a vacation. Mornings began with a sumptuous breakfast buffet. Passengers were able to choose from stations offering a variety of fruits, cheeses, eggs, bacon, breads, pastries and pancakes. My husband fondly remembers the smoked salmon he added to his breakfast plate each morning. Lunch and dinner featured delicious entrees served with a choice of tea, coffee and wine followed by an array of desserts guaranteed to tempt and tantalize every palate. After “fueling up” on these delightful meals, we were ready to begin our travel activities.

The first day included a boat tour of Amsterdam’s tree-lined canals that were constructed in the 17th century. Our boat glided past tall, narrow houses built with multiple stories to maximize space. Colorful houseboats were moored along the banks and served as a popular housing option.

Our destinations over the next seven days provided ample opportunity to learn about the culture and history of Holland and Belgium. We enjoyed tours led by expert guides as well as free time to explore at our leisure. We visited the amazing Keukenhof Gardens, where a misty morning rain did not dampen enthusiasm as we moved about the grounds absorbing the beauty of the breathtaking floral displays. Imagine acres of flowering tulips as far as your eye can see—that is Keukenhof.

We learned how the Delta Works, a massive hydraulic engineering project constructed to protect Holland from the threat of rising water and flooding from the North Sea, has become an internationally acclaimed flood protection plan. We toured the Royal Delft Factory and Museum and watched the famous pottery being made.

In Belgium, we visited The Hague, known as “the Royal City by the Sea,” and marveled at the works of the Dutch Masters at the Mauritshuis Museum. My sweet tooth did a happy dance as we sampled

some of the world’s best chocolates in Bruges. In Brussels, we ate mussels and drank Belgian beer. As with all things good there will be an end. And so it was with our river cruise. During our farewell dinner, each of us shared one highlight of our trip. I chose Keukenhof Gardens. The beauty of the tulips and glorious gardens were a feast for the senses. My husband picked our tour of the Delta Works, the engineering miracle that saves the country from North Sea floods. Another recounted how she and two others in our group renewed a friendship and shared old memories.

As our flight departed Brussels for Dulles International, we reflected on our week. We were returning home with loads of photos, Belgian bobbin lace and other souvenirs. But most importantly, we had experienced a new culture— its art, history, architecture and people—and deepened our understanding of the world. Thank you to Hood College for this opportunity.

Sandra “Sandy” Eye Cavalier ’85 retired from Frederick Community College as the director of adult services. In addition to a B.A. in management from Hood, she holds an M.S. in counselor education from McDaniel College. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and has taught classes in career planning, life skills and Freshman Seminar.

writing up histories of the forgotten farmsteads and industries that existed in Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area just next door. Writing is always a torment, but I’m glad I can save some history.

1966

Dianne Beebe Barske eldibarske@gmail.com

This column is written on the eve of 2023, and I am grateful to all who have shared news. Happily, after the years of COVID restrictions, many of us are out and about again. Elizabeth “Bonnie” Scull Hawkes shares, “With vaccines and boosters in place, I began wanting to travel again.” In July, she was off to Iqaluit, the capital of the Canadian territory of Nunavut. From there, she began a boat adventure tour of the Arctic. “I saw a good assortment of arctic birds and gained a tremendously enhanced understanding of the Inuit peoples’ culture.” Then in Sept., Bonnie joined two friends for a seven-day Alaska cruise. “It was a lovely and relaxing time despite the rain. The end of Sept. is not a recommended time for an Alaskan cruise.” Virginia “Ginny” Wheeler Jones shares that she and husband Charlie have also resumed their travels. They venture from MD to NC and FL. “We enjoy our homes, neighbors, friends and activities in each location!” They celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on Dec. 26. Ginny had major heart surgery in Feb., but that didn’t stop her from chairing her 60th high school reunion in Oct. You will remember that she chaired our Hood 55-plus-one reunion last June. An email came from Sandra “Sandy” Bruhlmeier Bower ’70, wishing to reconnect with her Terrace House friends. She explains, “My maiden name was Sandy Bruhlmeier, and I was initially in the 1968 class at Hood. I dropped out in fall of 1967 and returned to graduate with the Class of 1970.” Sandy saw a mention of Cheryl Carlson Peyton in a previous column and wanted to find her. I’m hoping she was able to do that via an email address I provided. Sandy also shared memories of Millicent “Milli” Towner Fazey and Ruth Ross Jones, whom she also hopes to find. Sandy added that she retired three years ago as academic support coordinator at a small college in Putney, VT. She explained that she has been divorced for many years but has kept her married last name, Bower. I too had the joy of reconnecting with a “lost” Hood friend, Dorothy “Dottie” Sanders Lacy. My Hood roommate Barbara Cubberly Smith found her on the internet and happily shared Dottie’s contact information with me. Dottie left Hood after two years and graduated from Rhode Island School of Design. Dottie was with me on an adventure trip to Cape Cod with

the Hood Outing Club, when I met my husband Elliott. That was 58 years ago, so reconnecting with her meant so much to Elliott and me. She had been living in a remote area of central China, Fenghuang County, for 14 years with her husband Paul doing mission work and running a small embroidery factory/workshop with the local Miao people. Recently told by the Chinese government that they must leave China, they moved to Topsham, ME. From there, they have continued to focus on helping Miao women. To purchase these embroidered products, head to shenaini.com. Dottie and Paul now travel to many U.S. states to display and market the women’s work. Oh, happy day! We were able to plan a reunion this past Nov. while Dottie and Paul were in Boston to talk about their mission work, and Elliott and I were there to visit family and friends. It was wonderful to see each other, visit and learn of their years among the Miao people. They were featured in a story called “Sewing up Miao livelihoods is aim of American couple” in a publication called China Daily. Finding old friends means even more when we learn of the passing of some. Remember we had designated “Hood families” to help with our freshman adjustment to college life? I had a Big Sister Gayle Reed Carroll ’64 and “HalfSister” Gail McIndoe Sterback . Gail passed away in Nov. 2021 and Gayle in April 2022. I have fond memories of both. Judith “Judy” Messina hosted a gathering at her home in NYC that brought alumni and current Hood students together. Judy was joined by Barbara Sims ’69, Ellen Sacks ’70, P’09, President Chapdelaine and many current Hood students who were in NYC for a field trip. There is talk of a Zoom reunion for our class in 2023. Let’s hope we can keep “auld acquaintance” close in heart and mind through a virtual reunion, this column or the blessing of sometimes being physically together.

1967

May Mumma Ohman eohmanjr@gmail.com

As I write, Thanksgiving and Dec. holidays are upon us. Finally, there seem to be signs of a more normal life returning. Because this time of year is so crazy busy, I was not surprised to hear from just a few of our classmates. I hope to hear from more of us next time. Kristina Campbell Joyce writes, “BJ and I are still being cautious and not traveling outside the U.S. Since we have family here in Boston, our daughter Tara made dinner reservations for Thanksgiving. Life is fine at this time.” Barbara Jo Wood Spellman writes that it’s “nice to hear from you as we return to a normal and newsy update. Nothing new for me, which at this stage of life can be a good thing. I have seen Virginia ‘Ginny’ Price

Britnee Reece ’18 visits Germany

In 10 words or less ... We’re asking all world travelers: What’s your No. 1 travel tip?

Solo travel is the best; do it!

– Laura Moore, Ph.D., professor of sociology

Bracken since she has been back in Chester County.” Ginny says, “Our son Matt and grandson Cole have already arrived for Thanksgiving. Our granddaughter Nina and her husband will get here tomorrow from Boston. Our son Tim and his family, who are finally settled in their house in West Chester, will be here on Thanksgiving.” Good and happy news from Judith “Judy” Lehman Ballinger : “We have completed our first year of senior living at Simpson House, a small continuous care retirement community on the edge of Philadelphia. I love living in the 1868 stone building, Olde Main. The grandkids call it a castle. It reminds me of my happy years in communal living at Hood before launching into complicated adult life. Elder life is rich in new friendships and lots of art. I have ended up with three studios! My apartment studio for my silk painting, a communal painting studio and a room that includes an art library, many supplies, and ample work and class space. In Jan., I will lead a class called Painting a la Matisse as a follow-up to group outings to Philadelphia art museums. Currently, I am co-leading a Zentangle group and a writers’ forum. I feel fresh creativity blossoming here. Now the challenge is keeping ailments from getting in the way! I became the family elder in Oct. with the death of our eldest Hood’Lum at 103, my aunt Ruth Austermuhl Blattenberger ’40. As always, it was wonderful seeing roommates and classmates at our 55th reunion.” Nancy Esau Jeschke sends this news: “We returned from a wonderful cruise in late Oct. We have traveled with Viking on three river cruises and three ocean cruises, the latest started in Norway and went to England, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal and Spain. They certainly know how to plan trips. Our legs were happy to return home! Our oldest grandchild is a freshman at Clemson; it makes us realize how long it has been since our own graduation!” Currently (late Dec. 2022), my husband Earl and

I, May Mumma Ohman, are looking forward to having our granddaughter Hazel May (18 months) here in Arlington, VA for her first Christmas at grandma and grandpa’s house. It’s going to be a Christmas to remember! I for one am happy to see “new signs of old life” returning in quiet ways. We are off on a twice-postponed Viking cruise to AK in July 2023 with our Viking cruise buddies, which includes my Writing Project teaching friend and her husband (who also happens to be one of Earl’s classmates from USNA ’67). We continue to love our days of “quiet satisfaction” in our home of 44 years on a little cul-de-sac in Spy Hill in Arlington. From our back porch, we can see the Washington Monument in D.C., Masonic Temple in Alexandria and the shore of MD across the Potomac. In the winter months, when the views are free of all the tree foliage, so many lights sparkle every evening in the dark. Our “winter scape” is lovely. By the time the Hood Magazine arrives in spring 2023, this will be a belated wish, but as I write this class report, to all a very happy holiday time and a happy, healthy 2023!

1968

Sandra Gerwin Herndon sandraherndon@gmail.com

Laurie Kammler Kaye and Charlotte Sizoo Whitenight are co-chairs of our 55th reunion, and they hope to see you at Hood the weekend of June 9-11. They would love to hear from you with any ideas to help make the weekend special. You are encouraged to sign up for all events, including the traditional Saturday alumnae luncheon. Don’t forget to consider making a gift to the Hood Fund in recognition of our 55th, and/or to the Class of 1968 Diversity Scholarship established at our 50th reunion. Here’s the rest of our class news:

Carrie Wissler-Thomas and her husband Scott celebrated their 50th anniversary in March. Being CEO of the Art Association of Harrisburg keeps Carrie very busy, but they were able to resume traveling this past spring with a cruise on the Rhone in France and a trip to Islay, Scotland.

Connie Lux Welton is excited that her oldest son is moving back to CT in the spring. Mary Crawford Thomas has moved from Frederick to a cozy little house in Ashland, ME to be closer to her son and his family. Mary is in a wheelchair but is still able to ride to the store, bank, school, church and post office. She attends events and sees her son and his family almost every day. Laurie Kammler Kaye is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her second grandson in early Feb. Sharon Burns Walsh’s highlight of this past year was her husband Ron’s 75th birthday in June, celebrated with all their children and grandchildren. They also did some traveling to

Isle of Palms, Oakland, CA and went sailing on the Choptank River. They are very involved in their local historical society, which is renovating a late 19th century house to serve as a museum space. Sharon also cares for her 97-year-old mom, who still lives alone. Pam Nicholson Neuman feels fortunate to have her three sons and their families, including six grandchildren, living nearby. As a former French major, she is very excited that one of her granddaughters will be spending the spring 2023 semester studying in Montpellier, France. Pam notes that it is interesting that whenever one refers to “elderly people,” we don’t put ourselves among them! Diana Webber Mosley has been retired since 2011. She spent four months in FL taking care of her almost 100-year-old mother before convincing her to move to Columbia, MD to live with her. Diana is very active in her Unitarian Universalist Church. She sees Pam Nicholson Neuman often at foreign films shown at the local community college. Jane Ford Simcock reports that they are still enjoying life on the Eastern Shore of MD in Ocean Pines. She has started teaching watercolor painting at their community club house and is also embracing minimalism, getting rid of stuff right and left. Susan Keppler Sweetser says that “life is good” in Western MA. She and her husband celebrated 50 years of marriage with a cruise to the Panama Canal. She keeps busy with her two daughters and four grandkids. She stays in touch with her Hood roommate Susan McGehee Nelson as well as Mary Wise Hughes and Mary Simmonds Palmer. Unfortunately, Mary Bloodgood VanHyning fell in her kitchen last spring and suffered major trauma to her back. After several doctor visits and treatments, she and Jeff decided it was time to sell their home and move to a local assisted living facility. Linda Search Atack is trying to decide what “post-pandemic normal” looks like. Time with her grandsons is special, but she also volunteers with emergency response agencies and social services departments across NC, assisting with everything from community response from pandemic issues to floods to community support following mass shootings. Susan McGehee Nelson and husband Bob decided to retire in 2020, closing their mental health practice after 40 years. They moved from Richmond to Alexandria, VA to be closer to their son and his family. They are especially enjoying time with their grandson but miss their work. They found a mental health practice that lets them work on a very part-time basis. Susan has been able to visit with Pam Nicholson Neuman and Susan Keppler Sweetser. Susan Fede Schott has lived in Chattanooga, TN for more than 22 years now. She is a widow with two adult children, who live in TN and CA.

Traveling is her great love and privilege. She has been to every continent except Antarctica, mostly on birding or nature trips. She hasn’t seen the Hood campus in more than 50 years and asks, “Has anything changed?”

1969

Sayre Roney Steere sayre1126@gmail.com

Susan Taylor Shoch spent Christmas in PA then went to FL for the winter, where she’ll spend time with Barbara Hoagland Ziegler and Deborah Dick Holbert and plan a 75th birthday party gathering with Elizabeth Rudolph Lustenader and Deborah Jones Lash. In Oct., Constance L. Meek was inducted into her high school, University School of Milwaukee, hall of fame for field hockey. She was both a student and teacher/ coach there. Margaret Dunkle continues to help ESPN and Trilogy Films celebrate Title IX’s 50th anniversary by participating in speeches, podcasts and a special exhibit at the New York Historical Society. Grandchildren are the center of Barbara “Bobbie” Owen Floyd’s life. She and her husband visited the oldest, who spent his fall semester in Strasbourg, France, and the next oldest, who is at the United States Naval Academy. Sadly, Barbara Shipley Cober suddenly lost her husband Don in 2018 and is still adjusting to life as a “single gal” after 50 years. She enjoys serving on the school board and working at church. She has grandchildren ages 20 and 12. Maureen McCready suffered a similar loss, as her husband Robin died a couple of years ago too. She continues to practice law full time, though “not 60 hours a week like the old days.” She resides in Orchard Park, NY and has remained best friends with roommate Margaret Horton Hindman LaVonne Vogt Snyder and husband Bob retired to Wilmington, NC 12 years ago after living in Anchorage, AK for 28 years. They have seven grandchildren. The oldest, a junior at West Point, is following in her dad’s footsteps. LaVonne continues with piano, loves gardening and often visits Emily Biemiller Burgess and husband Dave, who live nearby in Raleigh. Joanne Ingoldsby Peters finally went on the Great Lakes cruise that had been postponed in both 2020 and 2021. In April, she will travel on the Hood trip to the Netherlands and Belgium. Bernadette “Bernie” Utz Baun and her husband have been retired for 18 years and live in the Phoenix West Valley, which they love. They have taken up mountain biking and keep busy with volunteer work. They travel frequently to the Cincinnati area and Bethesda to visit children and grands. Jill Stanley and Adam continue square dancing at least four or five times a week. Christine “Chris”

Diehl

enjoys daily beach walks on the West Haven, CT shoreline, even during winter. Carol Crofoot Hayes recently returned from a trip to Egypt with her daughter. Carol lives in Atlanta and would love to hear from any alums in the area. Jo Ann McManamy hosted a Hood alumnae luncheon in March at her home in The Villages, complete with “Cranberry Crunch!” In attendance were Anne Ellis ’59, Gail Hartman Farr ’67, Elizabeth Houghton Fulmer ’70, Susan Gearey ’79, Kellye Greenwald ’86, Natasha Keyian ’84, Maryann Owen Morin ’59, Rebecca Riehl ’72 , Ernestine “Ernie” Odoms Tilghman ’72 , Deidre Wright ’72 and former faculty members Karen Klisch and Anne Simonsen. Jo Ann says she “finally got to take her Price is Right prize trip to Switzerland” last June and recently returned from a trip to England, where she visited former friends and co-workers. She stays busy guest lecturing on podcasts, talking about regaining her health journey following a major cardiac event. It’s more of the same for me, Sayre Roney Steere —long hikes, pickleball, mahjong, stitching and gardening. Dave and I did go on a fabulous 12-day trip to Costa Rica in Nov. to take in the magnificent flora and fauna. Sloths do exist! We’re thrilled to be anticipating a new granddaughter to add to our count of three teenage girls and a two-year-old grandson. On a sad note, we lost another classmate, Georgia Doyle Martin, in Aug. due to bone cancer. She was my Half-Sister and such a math whiz.

1970

Marj Menchey Berkheimer mench49@gmail.com

Some big news from Ellen Sacks in Brooklyn. She has retired from the Legal Aid Society, where she has worked and helped people for half of her life. More happiness is that her son William Widmaier ’09 and wife Emily are moving back to Brooklyn after three years of living in NM. Ellen was in Frederick in June for our 50th reunion, where she and classmate Linda Walls Bradley reunited and stayed in Hood’s new dorm Blazer Hall. Marianne Clark Cordyack and husband

John celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2021. “We have been happily living in Reston, VA for 50 years. We have been fortunate to have our two adult children and five grandchildren living close to us. Our oldest granddaughter is a sophomore at the University of Virginia, and our youngest is in the first grade.” Myra Holsinger writes, “In mid-Nov., I visited Ellen Sands Smith and her husband Ernie in Easton, MD, where we attended Easton’s famous Waterfowl Festival. We had a good time walking around looking at waterfowl-related artwork, decoys, etc., and eating great seafood. Then, on the first

weekend in Dec., Ellen and I drove to Kinzers, PA to visit Marie Oliver Brackbill and her husband Skip prior to their move to Huntsville, AL later that month. They will be living near their older son Chris, but we will surely miss having them in the Mid-Atlantic area.” Your reporter, Marj “Mimi” Menchey Berkheimer, absolutely loves watching Aoifé develop, especially two days a week with babysitting. Early childhood education classes and memories of Onica Prall intrigue me as I share in experiences with her. Phil and I are traveling to HI in Jan., a two-time COVID postponed trip, and to southern France in June. Stay well, enjoy each day, be kind and hope for peace.

1971

Mindy Laighton

Wilcox mlwilcox3@gmail.com

Mary McMunigal Burland mburl5@verizon.net

I am saddened to report that Nancy Fitting Penman passed away in July. I had a nice telephone conversation with her husband Stuart, who said she suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage. She is survived by her husband, four daughters and nine grandchildren. Debra Walton Sheaffer shares the very sad news that her husband Raymond Sheaffer, M.A.’79 suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in July. Ray was also a Hood alumnus, earning his master’s in human sciences. Deb is now doing her best to adjust to life without Ray. Her granddaughter Caylee Sheaffer ’25 is a sophomore at Hood and is really enjoying her time there. Caylee is a global studies major and a member of the dance ensemble. Deb visits campus often and enjoys her memories of many years ago. Donna Mikulak Strawser and husband Dan moved to Newcastle, ME three years ago. The house makes it easier for Dan, who has Parkinson’s disease, to navigate. She saw her old roommate Cynthia White Gilbert and husband David this past Oct. She ran into Meredith “Merry” Mathna Schuler ’72 when she and Dan did a carving show last summer and enjoyed catching up with her. She says they really love living in ME with its beautiful scenery and sincere, caring people. Linda Rosengarten retired in 2018, moved from Baltimore to SC for a couple of years, then relocated to Dewey, AZ to be near her daughter. She is into quilting and is a member of a group called Linus that makes blankets for the needy. She sent me a picture of one of the quilts she made, and it was just lovely. Diane Kromer Donovan writes that following graduation, she worked as an investment banker in Philadelphia for a few years. When she moved back to the Pittsburgh area, she began her

career as a stay-at-home mom and volunteer. She continues to volunteer, currently providing meals to a local women’s shelter that works with girls trying to escape from sex trafficking. The shelter houses 24 people at a time and gives them a place to stay, bus passes to jobs and activities to pass their free time. She has been married for 51 years and has three children and three grandchildren. Karen Spence and wife Helene spent 10 weeks in the Netherlands this fall visiting with family and friends. Mary McMunigal Burland and her husband Bill celebrated their 50th anniversary in June and in Nov. went on a Viking River cruise for 12 days from Paris to Zurich with many stops in Germany, just in time to enjoy the Christmas markets. She and Bill are still substitute teaching, Bill at a high school and Mary at the school where she began her teaching career in 1971. She had a postreunion lunch with Elizabeth “Betsy” Cooper Pizzolato at the beautiful retirement community where Betsy and Tom now live. Mary and I are always grateful to receive your news. Our goal continues to be to publish news from everyone in our class at some point.

1972

Cynthia Clifford cynthiaclifford999@gmail.com

Carol Schnosnagle Bradford cbradford043@gmail.com

Linda Crites traveled to RI last summer and fall for family weddings. She says the events were lovely, and reconnecting in person with family was wonderful. Janice Williams Martin spent most of the summer driving her pony, Barley. She and husband Al went to a major, three-day driving event at Fair Hill, MD in Sept. and had a great time seeing friends and driving around. They spent the rest of the summer traveling to and from their cottage in CT, enjoying sailing, swimming and seeing friends. In Nov., they visited their son Nathaniel and his family in CO and got to see granddaughter Ella star as the lead in Mary Poppins. Their son Kevin and his wife Dawn, who live in MS, visited them for the holidays, leaving 80-degree weather to travel to 40-degree weather. Sarah Sonne O’Donnell completed her term as regent of the DE chapter of the DAR and now serves as the state corresponding secretary. Her work included originating the naming of the DE state sea turtle, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. She reports that one of her former students passed her doctoral dissertation from the University of Iowa, College of Engineering, focusing on sustainable water development and airborne toxins. She let Sarah know that she followed in her footsteps and passed her dissertation defense and is now a

doctor thanks to Sarah. She credited Sarah for teaching kids in her high school about research and design, and she now plans to be a researcher for the rest of her life. The research bug that her student caught originated at Hood College! Helen-Mae Reisner reports that after 13 years serving as medical program analyst at Postal Service headquarters, she transferred for a more rewarding opportunity to the headquarters of the Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, working as a nurse consultant on federal policies and contracts. She says she loves being “Grahms” to her three granddaughters and sharing that delightful time with her daughter and son-in-law. She continues volunteering with the Medical Reserve Corps and, in warm weather, tending to her garden. Deidre Wright is planning to take her grandnephew on a Chesapeake Bay educational cruise in March 2023, in time to enjoy the cherry blossoms and the D.C. National Mall. They also plan to tour Gettysburg. They spent the holidays with family in MD, PA and FL. She got to check off a bucket list item at Christmas with a visit to Williamsburg. Deidre continues to live in Waterman Village, a CCRC campus in Mount Dora, FL. In sad news, she says her mother Phyllis passed away in Oct. at age 95. Jane Hively Zarfoss sends greetings from West Palm Beach. Since her CA families were spending the Thanksgiving holidays with their in-laws and friends, Jane took off to Morocco with a great group of women. They were in North Africa for about 10 days. This was her first trip to North Africa, though she previously visited Tanzania and Zanzibar. As for me, Cynthia Clifford, I had planned but was unable to attend reunion, but I loved reading and hearing about it. We had a great opportunity and shared four memorable years together. Let’s stay in touch and look forward to our next reunion!

1973

Leslie Hawkins hawkins.leslie.a@gmail.com

Donna Simmons Maneely writes that she had a great summer; all three CA grandkids received degrees, bachelor’s and master’s. She liked having time to enjoy those more distant family ties. Donna was then off traveling on three-year-postponed trips—first to MI for the Tulip Festival and a stay in the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. She said the hotel was luxurious and brought back memories of the 1980 movie Somewhere in Time, which was filmed there. She went on to take a tour of UT’s five national parks, with spectacular sandstone formations, then capped her travel off in Australia, calling it her “happy place,” taking in museums, soccer matches, teas and plays. Now at home, Donna has started kitchen and bathroom renovations

in her old house, with more to come in 2023. Charlotte “Charlie” Miller Ponticelli says that just when she was looking forward to semi-retirement, she’s been called back by her former organization, American Committee on Foreign Relations, which has another project in the works at University of South Florida, and a possible trip to Mexico as a labor advisor board member for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Of course, the best part of her life is her granddaughter Summer, who is now 18 months old. Jill Schonek Pollard sends news of the “Shriner Shiners”: herself, Anntoinette “Toni” Lucia, Patricia “Patt” Henry Montgomery, Sherry Bronski Waltz, Patti Suydam Ritter, Sara “Sally” Parkhurst Van Why and Alicia Parlatore Payne. They are keeping up their group Zoom calls, checking in with each other. Their news is often related to health, but they also talk on a topic chosen for that day’s discussion. Jill is retired and living in Sarasota, FL. She says they were spared the damage by Hurricane Ian, and she is looking forward to Gulf Coast Hood meetings again. Ann Jones spent time traveling to MI this summer and Baja, CA in Nov., and she headed to her sister’s home in Chicago for Christmas. As for me, Leslie Hawkins, I enjoyed the photo that Debbie Christ Zourdos and Lorraine Sharp Kish sent when they met up in FL when Lorraine was in town following a week-long cruise. It’s always fun to have those Hood encounters in person. I did my first post-COVID international travel this summer, going to Croatia (Zagreb and the coast), then continuing down the Adriatic Coast to Montenegro, Albania and Greece. It felt great to be a tourist again and enjoy the history, scenery, and good food and wine of those areas. Having increased knee pain all summer, I was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in early Sept., but I managed somewhat sedate walks on trails in Bryce Canyon National Park later that month. I

got my knee surgery in Oct., and it’s finally getting back to normal as the year ends. I’m hoping that the smaller response for the class column means that many of you are coming back to Hood for our 50th reunion. If you haven’t been back in a while, please plan to attend. Reunion weekend is June 9-11, 2023, and you’ll be receiving your reunion packet soon. In the meantime, have a happy and blessed New Year!

1974

Patricia Kidd pat.kidd@hotmail.com

In 10 words or less ... We’re asking all world travelers: What’s your No. 1 travel tip?

Don’t stay at a resort. Shop and eat local. Memorialize the culture and your interactions. –Susan Audino ’85, B.A.’99

Dibirma “Dibby” Burnham writes that her book Pallenberg Wonder Bears: From the Beginning (co-written with Peggy Adler) was published in Oct. 2022. It is the true story of Emil Pallenberg and his wife Catharina “Cato” Wouts Suverein, who came to the United States in 1914 with three trained, acrobatic bears and was considered to have been the greatest bear trainer of his time. The Pallenberg bears appeared in three motion pictures and in the 1932 Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein musical Music in the Air. Victoria “Vicki” Raeburn Benton says, “In July, Leigh and I had a wonderful time in Paris, followed by a cruise through wine country from Avignon to Marseilles. The weather was good, and the wines were even better! PJ, my youngest, retired as the crime scene investigator for the town of New Windsor in Aug. after 20 years on the job. He is now doing some part-time work with the town of Cornwall and a local funeral home. His 17-year-old Marty will graduate from Newburgh Free Academy in NY this June. He hasn’t made his final decision as to which college he will attend, but with the credits in computer science he has earned from Marist College during the past four years, he is technically entering as a sophomore. Our son Chris will finally get a break from working with the LPGA and be home for a few weeks over the holidays. Wife Jess says he has been on the road 261 of the 365 days this year! Camden, Chris’ 18-year-old, will graduate from Viera High School (FL) in May and will be attending Wofford College (SC) on a partial-ride baseball scholarship. He can’t wait to be out of FL. Hope you and all our classmates have a truly wonderful and merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!” Dorothy “Dot” Herdle Files reports that “by the time this comes out, the holidays will be history. I love spending time with family during the holidays. Once that meant with my parents. Now it is with my children and granddaughter. In person is always better than Zoom, FaceTime, etc. In terms of useable, timely news? I love spring. Planting gardens and flowers, baby animals, even colors and smells. I’m looking forward to a trip in late spring to Yellowstone with Eben.”

Rachael Miskill Brown ’96 visits India

Deborah “Debbie” Page Rath dp95942@aol.com

I want to thank everyone who took the time to share their news and/or what they’re thankful for. In 2022, Ellen Bosek McMahon’s third grandchild arrived. She is grateful for them and her three children, with whom she spends a lot of time at their house on Long Beach Island in the summer. She has been in touch with some of the Memorial ladies. Marcie Alling “is thankful for class reporters such as Debbie, and all of those who preceded her, for their patience and resilience in coaxing and cajoling alumni, then editing our news. It is truly a valuable and not difficult way to stay in touch with classmates and alums across other classes.” Marcie retired in fall 2020, and though it was a strange time to retire, the timing was perfect for her, and she’s never looked back. While she’d prefer a milder climate in winter, Marcie loves MI. Her husband David had a couple of health issues this past year that have been resolved or are under control, for which they are grateful. They look forward to traveling a lot more now that they are both retired and travel is a little less complicated. Having friends visit Doreen “Dory” Barrows Smith and Steve encourages them to find new things to do in their own backyard. This year, they discovered that you could rent a refurbished 1840s “lock house” on the C&O canal just outside Washington, D.C. They had perfect fall weather for walking along the tow path, and it was a short drive into Georgetown for breakfast the next day. They also toured the fascinating Dumbarton Oaks Museum. Dory and Steve had a happy holiday with their families and now look forward to the next bucket list item, HI in Feb. Ann Wiggins Ely and Tom took a trip to Kenya this Aug., which had been postponed two years because of COVID. They traveled with Tom’s cousin and her family, and it was the best trip ever. They went on safaris twice a day and saw many different animals: lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, elephants, water buffalo and so many different birds and more wildlife. She has wanted to go to Africa since she was in elementary school, so this was a real bucket list trip for her. They’ve been lucky as far as COVID is concerned. Tom had a light case and Ann has avoided it altogether. Cheryl Cuddeback is well and still in real estate, yet she is challenged by the incurring economy. She is building a webpage which includes a couple of recently written historical articles regarding her lovely neighborhood in Forest Hills, Queens. Check out cherylsrealestate.com. Cheryl says she is grateful for her amazing husband and daughter. “Thank heavens for Facebook, since it’s a perfect opportunity to stay in touch with

fellow Hood’Lums, Billie Weise ’74, Elizabeth ‘Liz-Anne’ Arant Allen ’74 and Margery Berringer-Schuran ’74.” Cheryl wishes for all the blessings of a New Year without masks and shots. The son of one of Margaret “Peg” Yanarella Hosky’s friends is applying to Hood to be part of the new men’s volleyball team. She didn’t realize how thrilled she would be to see another generation experience the college life we had. Two of her work colleagues are more recent Hood graduates, Carol Deck Montoya ’94 and Gretchen Gasowski Rosencrantz ’97, and Peg sees reflected in them the work ethic we all brought to our education. I’m happy to report that Elizabeth “Beth” Sheppard Kline and Jeanne Boley Glascock have volunteered to be our 50th reunion chairs. Keep an eye on your inbox; 2025 will be here before you know it! As for me, Deborah “Debbie” Page Rath, it’s been a year full of challenges. I’m still working full time from home and expect to continue doing the same. I just wish businesses wouldn’t wait until Dec. to add a new retirement plan. My health has been a struggle again this year. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends and are having a great New Year. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our column, and I hope someone will step forward and take over as our class reporter.

1976

Nancy Ludwick Warrenfeltz nlwfeltz@hotmail.com

Anna Collins Pasqualucci hopes all of you are well and making the most of life. She has been enjoying a long retirement from the biotech industry. New, relaxed priorities include spending family time at the homes of her two grown children. At times, she will unwind and lose herself painting folk art window screen commissions. Anna reminisced about our days at Hood as she looked ahead to the new beginnings of 2023. “I remember daily sit-down dinners, the infamous Cranberry Crunch and Christmas figgy pudding presented by a chorus of servers, announcements and a dinner prayer, the unmistakable odor wafting into the dining hall windows from the horse barn on hot days—there was no AC in the 70s! Our class saw big changes on campus, such as meetings in the chapel to debate 24-hour parietals. We had brand new high-tech magnetic key cards to enter the dorms. Male visitors and even dads were announced by calling, ‘Man on the floor!’ In the pre-cell phone era, sign-in logs were at the front desk of each dorm, where we were required to write our destination, time out and time in when we left campus, even just to go to the bowling alley or to feed the ducks at the park. These old-school

tracking logbooks were phased out by our senior year. In the bathrooms, if shower water was running, you had to shout ‘Warning!’ and wait for a response of ‘Thank you’ to give you the okay to flush, so as not to scald the bather. Do they still do this? Memories of higher learning in lecture halls and classrooms by professors like Dr. Kleinspehn (chemistry), Dr. Gilford (biology) and Dr. Hugo (psychology) were complemented with invaluable social lessons from campus life that only a Hood Girl might have experienced. Remember signing the pledge on exams and term papers? With the arrival of spring, we learned to dodge the buzzing bees that swarmed the unbelievably fragrant wisteria blossoms hanging from the Pergola. As the weather warmed and the spring semester came to a close, the tradition of Senior Prank Night nearly cost some of us our long-awaited outdoor graduation ceremony on the grassy garden stage of the Hodson Outdoor Theater.” As we remember the good ole days and those members of our Hood family who we have lost over the years, Anna especially wishes to commemorate her dear friend and roommate Ann Rhodes Conley. As an English major and editor of the Blue and Grey, Ann may have wanted to make a few editorial comments on Anna’s memoir. Jane Olsen got back to traveling in 2022, counting a wonderful Mediterranean cruise and two destination weddings (Block Island and a resort in Northern GA) were the highlights. She continues to function with her not-yet-replaced knee. There’s too much traveling to do in 2023. She’ll worry about it later. It turns out that Barbara Woolmington and husband Craig welcomed their first grandchild Norah in July. They are so happy to welcome her and only wish she lived closer. Los Angeles is a long way from NC. As for me, Nancy Ludwick Warrenfeltz , Larry and I greatly enjoyed a trip to PA in Oct., counting my 50th high school reunion was a highlight. On that same trip, we saw our granddaughter Madeline’s cross-country meet, joined my two sisters and brother for a great dinner, and celebrated granddaughter Chloe’s 11th birthday. Over Veteran’s Day weekend, we met son Jim and grandson Nathaniel in Kill Devil Hills, NC for the Outer Banks Marathon. Jim finished first in his age group! Please email me your Hood news. I will include it in the next publication. Thanks!

1977

Elizabeth Anderson Comer elizabeth.anderson.comer@gmail.com

Our 45th (!) reunion was a huge success, not only for those classmates lucky enough to attend in person, but also for those who supported Hood from afar. A huge thank you to all our classmates

who were so generous in their support of our reunion class gift. While we missed seeing many of you and look forward to the 50th, we had 32 donors give a total of $196,130 in gifts and pledges. This is a huge increase from the $17,875 raised for our 40th reunion. Looking forward to the 50th in 2027! T’Shala Auroralaia (known as Cathy Vahsen when at Hood) has been a manager of bereavement services at various hospices for the past 14 years. She has lived in CA since 1982 and will be moving to VA next spring to work as medical intuitive, chaplain and bereavement coordinator for both hospice and a complementary medicine center/clinic. T’Shala lives with several cats and enjoys helping people “live from the soul and move through major changes.” Katherine “Kas” Kluth Rohm is painting her way through retirement these days with a beloved pastime that has turned into a career. While husband Greg is in his woodworking shop, Kas is teaching watercolor classes at a gallery in northern Baltimore County and enjoys continually learning alongside her students. She has participated in a few local watercolor exhibitions and spends time painting commissioned pieces. The rest of Kas and Greg’s time is spent having fun with four young grandkids, including essential time spent recovering afterwards. You can see her works and festival schedule on her website kasrohmart. com. I, Elizabeth Anderson Comer, continue my volunteer work at historic Catoctin Furnace, where we have hosted several amazing Hood student interns. It is such a pleasure to work with them and help them launch a career in the museum, historic site and heritage tourism industry. Don’t forget to send news—you don’t need to wait for the next deadline, just send it anytime, and I will be sure to save it!

1978

Jo-Ann Bourguignon h00dclass1978@gmail.com

Cheers from the Class of 1978! With our 45th reunion on the horizon and hopes that the pandemic is in the rearview mirror, this is an important call out to all. I am the new class reporter and could use your help to reconnect with our classmates. Besides emailing me, like and follow our Facebook page: Hood College Class of ’78. Tonya Thomas Finton reports she and Tim are now retired. Tonya continues to make friends and join clubs in their new town, and she remains on the Hood Board of Trustees. In Oct., she and Tim hosted an alumnae event in their home. Along with President Chapdelaine, they welcomed Eva Tieg Hardy ’65 and her cousin, former Hood professor Hoda Zaki, Nancy Gillece ’81, Kellye Greenwald ’86, future alumna

Faith Kaiser ’24, Tonya’s Coblentz roommate Brenda Hughart Payseure ’79 and their bestie hall mate of all four years Jorja Notargiacomo Stark Julie Orvis shares that her plan to retire remains on the back burner; she enjoys work as special events coordinator at Historic Deerfield, MA. Her job transformed since the pandemic, and she now manages virtual presentations, including hybrid activities. Her one remaining in-person activity is managing their annual wreath-making project, where more than 60 volunteers create wreaths for the museum houses and buildings. Julie is travelling again, saying her best trip was their AK “Inside Passage” cruise from Sitka to Juneau. She exclaimed it was a blast exploring the area on a 40-passenger boat. Beverly Moninghoff Andresen says 2022 brought lots of wonderful blessings to her family. In June, she retired from teaching second grade. She shares that while she misses the kids, their families and her colleagues, she does not miss all the additional duties due to the reduced staff. Following husband Bob’s knee surgery, they traveled to the Jersey Shore and the Finger Lakes before Bob returned to work. Beverly is looking forward to travelling more, visiting MD friends, relatives and Hood classmates. Both their children got engaged in 2022, and daughter Elizabeth is expecting a baby in late May. Beverly writes that she and Bob are looking forward to the weddings and being grandparents. The new grandbaby’s due date is close to reunion, so she will likely be unable to attend but wanted to send blessings to all for a healthy, happy 2023. Martina Crum-Martin sends wishes for a Happy New Year from their family to our Hood family! Martina and husband Hal celebrated their 40th anniversary, commemorating the milestone in late Oct. with a weekend of events, culminating with a formal dress dinner at the Millennium Resort, complete with live band and fireworks. She and Hal have fun exploring cities in the Rocky Mountain state off-season. Since moving to AZ, Martina has taught pre-school Montessori-based catechism at a Catholic school in Scottsdale. It is part time, and she loves working with youngsters. Martina is also busy writing a proposal to bring Catechesis of the Good Shepherd curriculum to her home parish by next Aug. She is looking forward to retiring in 2024 and enjoying a more leisurely life with more travel. On a solemn note, please help me extend sincerest condolences to Anne McFadden, who took time to share the sad news that her husband Gary Schroen passed Aug. 1. Her family’s legacy will be forever entwined with American history because of Gary’s heroic involvement in the immediate response post-9/11 as leader on the CIA “Jawbreaker” mission team, which laid the groundwork for the Taliban’s collapse in 2001.

Lastly, let me share my own brief synopsis. I, JoAnn Bourguignon, retired in March 2022 after more than 20 years at UMass Amherst, where I provided administrative, grant, accounting and financial support services. Blessed with an enriched, varied work life that included D.C., France, NJ, NY and MA, I returned to my hometown South Hadley in 2000. This year, I’ve increased my travel activity, including NYC and ME again, and a drive from TX. I have continued playing for 13 years at my “10-year plan” in my pollinator meadow projects. Last fall, I enjoyed a long-awaited girls’ vacation, reuniting with some D.C. housemates, including Georgiana Van Syckle, to celebrate reaching our retirement. Georgiana now lives in OH, and she and husband David just celebrated their 30th. They have two adult sons, Ben and Andrew.

1979

Debbie Eaton Thackston

deborah.thackston@gmail.com

Jill Jamieson Colavita shares, “My husband and I retired in 2020, and we live on our lake in ME in the summer/fall and in Naples, FL in the winter/spring; it’s a perfect existence. My stepdaughter is having our first grandchild in Jan. Our son was married in Nashville this past July, and our daughter is getting married in Scotland in June 2023. Lots of excitement! I see Louise Angus Cribbs a couple times a year, and our Meyran crew keeps in touch.” Bess Muir says, “I’m so happy and grateful to be back in Annapolis and hope to catch up with folks nearby. I’m enjoying the kids and grandkids and starting to travel again (COVID put a cramp in my style). I’m enjoying part-time administrative work for an assisted living facility and planning my next trip.” Marianne Hastoglis Gravely reports, “In June 2022, we took the trip of a lifetime—an Alaskan cruise with all our children. Both the cruise and the Alaskan scenery were wonderful, and we all enjoyed finally being together for the first time since Christmas 2019. Before we left on the cruise, we made the decision to put our house on the market and finally moved to the beach at Sandbridge, VA. in Oct. We hosted my family for Thanksgiving, and our oldest daughter Marie and my sister Betsy threw a bridal shower for her younger sister Hope the following weekend.” Margaret “Meg” Mendoza writes, “In April, we had a wonderful trip to Los Olivos and Morro Bay, with one night in Redondo Beach. I met up with my college roomies in Asheville, NC for a few days; our last get-together was at reunion in 2019. Cathrine ‘Katt’ Sherman Hancher, Susan Bartlett Dunbar, Emily Schwartz McEntee, Donna Mishkin Gordon and I met in 1975 as freshmen in Memorial. Senior

year, we lived at 505 Magnolia, just behind the pool and tennis courts. Amazing memories! Since I’ve moved back to the East Coast, we try to get together for destination reunions: NY, Leesburg and our latest adventure to Asheville. I love my Magnolia ladies and have cherished our friendship for 47 years and counting! We’ve been loving our FL life, especially since family members have moved down from NJ. It was the best decision.” Jacqueline Totten shares she is “building a home in Beaufort, SC with an expected completion date of July 2023 and hopes that Hood friends stop by if they are in the area.” Elizabeth “Betty” Walsh Kenyon lives in Greenville, SC now and has a place in North Myrtle Beach. Malia Harrison Anderson shares that all is well in Northern VA, especially since retiring in Aug. She’s particularly enjoying her grandchildren. Diane Lebo Wallace reports, “In Sept., I finished ‘section hiking’ the entire 585-mile Finger Lakes Trail. It took a friend and I two years of day hikes. My passion for hiking started at Hood, beginning with an Outing Club trip, and I’ve loved any type of long-distance walking ever since.” Janet Wehking Mullen reports, “I keep somewhat busy with weekly pickleball, occasional croquet, golf lessons, kayaking on the Albemarle Sound (which is my backyard) and gardening. Hubby Tom and I walk about two miles almost every day. Now living in NC, we still travel to MD to visit family. I keep busy watching our third grandson Karson part time, while his two big brothers are in school full time. I also spend a few hours each day supporting my dad (90) who is in memory care, and fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association. This year, I raised more $10,000 for programs, support and research. Blessings to all of you!”

1980

Jackie Vallette Uglow jvu57@hotmail.com

Allison Horne auntieal@verizon.net

Jackie Vallette Uglow here, and I am your new class reporter. I would like to thank Allison Horne very much for her efforts as class reporter for 20-plus years. Her dedicated reporting kept a lot of us in the loop. My loving husband of 40 years Ron and I still live in MN, though we travel in the winter seeking warmth, including CA to visit relatives and my 92-year-old mother. Ron retired from the nuclear power field a few years ago, and my job as a disease case manager/diabetes educator ended during the pandemic. Son RJ is a lieutenant commander in the Navy-Seabees with an engineer-underwater construction battalion in San Diego, and son Scott is an engineer in MN. No grandchildren

yet! We keep active with cycling, hiking and volunteering, and we always welcome visitors to MN. Allison Horne reports she retired in 2019 after working almost 40 years. She enjoys visiting family and friends, volunteering at church and crafting, mostly crochet and needle felting. Lisa Meszaros Kriss has been happily married for 43 years to Chuck. She has four children and seven grandchildren. She is currently teaching third grade in Bethesda, MD. Lisa lives in Emmitsburg on the mountain behind Mount St. Mary’s University. Susan Reeder Jessee is currently a program manager at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) Pilot Bioproduction Facility (PBF), a cGMP-compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. She hopes to retire this year. In 2021, Susan was inducted into the Hood College Athletic Hall of Fame for swimming. Daughter Emily Jessee ’21 graduated from Hood with a degree in English. Susan has another son in FL. Lynn Beasley says she is looking forward to hearing from other “Hoodies!” Laura Shulman still teaches religion at Northern Virginia Community College; she’s been an instructor for 26 years. She keeps in touch with Cindy Smith Fritz Her partner of almost 20 years passed away last year; we extend our condolences to her. DeeDee Randall Luttrell shares the sad news that her husband Jeff passed away in 2022. We send our condolences and wish her well as a new member of Hood’s Board of Associates. Susan Early Noriega received her master’s in healthcare administration and is a VP of health services at a Life Plan community in Lancaster, PA. In Nov., she lost her mother Nancy Sprie Early ’52 but also learned she will be a grandmother for the first time. Deborah “Deb” Winther Ferrill still calls Switzerland home, where she taught at IB International Schools. She and her family enjoy sailing in the Mediterranean, Turkey and the Dodecanese Islands and enjoy hiking/ skiing the Jungfrau Region at their holiday home. Susan Feeney Christian and her husband are retired and full-time caregivers for her 95-year-young mother. After 30 years in Myrtle Beach, they are downsizing and selling their home to spend more time with their family in the NC/SC area. Deborah “Debbie” Skinner Abramson says hi—her new email address is debbie.abramson09@gmail.com if you want to say hi back. Susan Patton Fox just returned from a trip to Gibraltar, Spain and Portugal for her husband’s Airline Pilots Association. They live in South Bend, IN and “winter” in Jupiter, FL. Susan would love to hear from anyone who lives near South Bend or Jupiter. Sarah Ann Miller, Amy Falk , Elizabeth “Beth” Ward Ross, Ellen Higgins Kornfeld, Laurie Drysdale and Kathryn “Katie” McCombs

Zirnkilton celebrated their 60th birthdays on Nantucket in 2018. They hope others can join them in Savannah this spring for their 65th birthdays. Deborah Sheetenhelm Hammond has published her 26th novel, The Very Thought of You, now available on Amazon. She is also the recorder and PR chair for the WV chapter of the DAR and volunteers for the United Way. In Oct. 2022, Hood Sisters Deborah Beckmann Austill and Esther Beckman Bowman ’79 took a Castle and Wine Lovers tour along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. They had such a good time that they have signed up for another cruise in 2024. Mary Newton Deighan and husband Mike celebrated their 40th anniversary, and Mary retired from Interpretive Software after 30 years. They have nine children, ranging from 18 to 36 years old, and several grandchildren, which keeps them busy! Judith “Judy” Markham Davis lives in Norfolk, VA, where she keeps in touch with her Smith roommate Joanne Heinle Blandford ’79, who lives in Williamsburg. Judy retired in Oct. 2020 after 40 years in various teaching and school administration positions. She keeps busy traveling with husband Mike, visiting their four grandchildren, all of whom live in MD, and enjoys gardening as a Norfolk Master Gardener. In addition to visits with Joanne, Judy enjoyed visits with Kathleen Hogan Rush and Susan “Sue” Hamilton in 2022.

In 10 words or less ... We’re asking all world travelers: What’s your No. 1 travel tip?

Send yourself a postcard documenting your activities each day.

Mary Thompson Calhoun hoodalum@msn.com

Happy New Year and a healthy 2023 to my fellow Hood’Lums! I received interesting reports from 10 of you, not including those whom I saw at Hood and elsewhere this past summer/fall. Kathy Carangelo Butler retired from a pharmaceutical company, and with husband Bill, moved to

–Chrystal “Chrysti” Hogan ’86

Nailah Russel ’18 visits Australia

Naples, FL in 2017. They enjoy traveling, golf, mahjong, volunteering, book clubs, a garden club and the company of great friends. They did not have property damage from the recent hurricanes and feel blessed and grateful for that. Dr. Peter Cha of Frederick dental fame reports he and wife Sandy retired from dentistry after 36 rewarding years. They are volunteering with Mission of Mercy in Frederick and Brunswick, MD to provide dental care and are quite active in their church. Peter’s various music projects include serving on the church worship team and playing in his band Hot Fun. Karen Robinson Curtis is busily retired in McKinney, TX. She retired from teaching kindergarten in 2016 in LA and moved to TX with her husband Mark, as he had retired the prior year. They enjoy visits with their three children and two grandchildren, and there is another grandchild on the way. They are very involved in their local Newcomer’s Club and with their church. This past summer, they went to Europe and Iceland. Patti Durbin writes that she is now living in Northern VA after retiring two years ago. She is currently a full-time artist and shows her art pieces in galleries in Fredericksburg and Occoquan. Her website is artbyeyaya.com. Tracy Zogran Fox moved to Culver, IN about seven years ago and teleworks for the USDA in their Office of Congressional Relations. She is under the Office of the Secretary serving as a legislative advisor covering the nutrition portfolio. She interacts with members of Congress and their staff daily on issues ranging from school meals to the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and a range of other topics. She and husband Don travel, cook, bike, hike and garden. Luther Jett has been busy after retiring from Montgomery County Schools in 2017 after 30-plus years with the Department of Special Education, where he was a teacher and a staff trainer. Since retirement, he has been traveling and writing and has published five collections of poetry. Check out lutherjett.com for more about his work. Barbara Jones-Belshaw has been appearing on the big screen! After a career in outside sales, she became a stay-at-home mom. After her kids left for college, she got an emergency teaching certificate and substituted primarily in special education classrooms. While subbing, she got a background/extra acting job on the set of Mare of Easttown. Because of that job, she was able to join the Screen Actors Guild. Now she loves working as a background actor and has a small apartment in NYC. She relishes the career change. Ken Kerr reports he has been re-elected to the Maryland House of Delegates as the representative for Frederick, for which we heartily congratulate him. Sharon Gravatt Kulesz and husband John celebrated their

41st anniversary in Aug. In May, they went to the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Scottsdale, AZ, and visited Linda Rupy Spar. Sharon and Lindy Small (and Lindy’s three sisters) spent a week in Napa in early Aug., traveling the Wine Trail in Napa and touring several vineyards in Sonoma. Sharon and John are planning a vacation in the UK and Ireland in spring 2023. They have a house in Ocean View, DE and spend most summers there. Sharon enjoys volunteering for several organizations in the NoVa area and spending time with their two grandchildren. Ed Waters Jr. retired from the Frederick News-Post in June 2015 as business editor after 50 years with the company. In 2016, he was inducted into the Maryland/Delaware/D.C. Press Association Hall of Fame. He is a director and docent at the Brunswick Heritage Museum, where he was named Volunteer of the Year in 2017. He is an Elder at Parkway Community Church, where he teaches Sunday School and occasionally conducts the main Sunday service. Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences go to Leigh Moomaw McBride, who lost her father S. Joseph Moomaw in Oct. Mr. Moomaw was the epitome of a Grand Old Man. As for me, Mary Thompson Calhoun, I’m having a house built in West-By-God-Virginia! To be continued…

1982

Elizabeth Bastian Chapin

busybethc@aol.com

The Class of 1982 had a good turnout at Hood reunion weekend in June 2022! Hard to believe 40 years have passed since graduation. It was so wonderful to rekindle friendships and develop new friendships with others. Thank you to all who traveled near and far to come Home to Hood. In late June, Lisa Bodamer Kida, Donna Trumbull Milewksi, Suzanne Norris Driscoll and I, Liz Bastian Chapin, attended a bridal shower at the home of Gretch Steinmetz Keith. A beautiful Tuscan setting was created in the backyard to celebrate Gretchen’s youngest daughter Maura. She is the last of Gretchen’s four children to marry. Suzanne and I attended the beautiful wedding weekend held in Sonoma, CA in Aug. I spent Labor Day weekend with Joy Miller Beveridge at an annual gathering, which was first initiated more than 60 years ago by my mother Mary Hendershot Bastian ’50 and her Hood friends from the Class of 1950. Joy’s big news is about her retirement on Jan. 3, 2023, after 20-plus years with the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research and approximately 35 years in support of cancer research. She and husband Don are looking forward to more trips to AZ and CA to visit their children and grandchildren. Joy’s daughter

Kendall has a wedding planned for Oct. 2023. My apologies to the class for my delinquent communication in 2022. I promise to step it up in the New Year. Wishing everyone a healthy and happy 2023!

1983

Mary Townley hoodmlt@aol.com

Sarah “Sally” Seward Kirby writes, “I was headed to pick up my daughter at Loyola and took a detour to have dinner with roommate Kathy Alexander Long. We had a wonderful time catching up and visited Hood; a lot has stayed the same but a lot of changes too. Great to be back!” Lee Ann Near Aikens shares, “Ronnie and I have been very busy running across WV. Our son graduated from medical school in April and is now Dr. Jordan Reagan Aikens. He got married to the beautiful Dr. Olivia Rockwell in May, then we were busy relocating them to NC. It seems like we’ve been driving around in one big circle, but we’re having fun. Ronnie continues to enjoy retirement, helping my 90-year-old mother with her gardening and chicken tending needs. I still enjoy working part time in the Hagerstown Medical Laboratory, but family time is the highlight of our days.” Denise Barton Schuler writes, “Our daughter and two grandsons moved back with us right as COVID hit. Our empty nest is full again—we love it! My husband Scott will be ready to retire next spring. The plan then is to head to GA to be closer to our other kids, grandchildren and my parents. I’ve been the assistive technology specialist for the State for 16 years now and two years ago became the director of the MD Assistive Technology Reuse Program. I still love helping individuals with disabilities!”

Shelley Wagar shares, “So this is what is new for me: I am going to be a grandma for a second time in early Aug. Can’t wait! And I have found my dream volunteer job with an equine therapy organization. I help take care of the horses and have begun assisting with the special needs riders’ program.” Congratulations to Ann Kitson, who writes, “I retire on June 17 from Baystate Children’s Hospital. Steve and I will be spending time this summer biking and hiking in Europe; can’t wait to travel without having a return ticket. We’re going to bike until we’re no longer having fun! Also, I’ve just taken on a volunteer role as program coordinator for Vermont’s Casting for Recovery program (a nonprofit that provides fly fishing retreats for breast cancer survivors).”

Susan Bridgers writes, “In April, I started a new position with a healthcare operations platform as a research analyst. This takes good advantage of my health sciences research librarian experience, and I’m grateful to be able to continue to work

from home in beautiful Asheville, NC near my daughter. I’m also meeting Maude Metzger Meyers in Portugal this July. Here’s wishing all a healthy and happy rest of the year!” Ruth Ravitz Smith and Nancy Hoffman Hennessey are chairs of our 40th reunion, June 9-11. As for me, Mary Townley, I continue to love retirement. Our new puppy, a chihuahua/Boston terrier mix, keeps me active on walks. We recently adopted a second rescue who is also a chihuahua mix. I am spending a month up in ME and continuing the process of cleaning out my parents’ home. Whether we keep the home and rent it out or put it on the market is still uncertain. Carol continues to love her work at VCU but is eyeing retirement in a couple of years. Our daughter Emily received her master’s in clinical psychology from Columbia University Teachers College in May, then spent a month backpacking around Europe. She is back in Richmond and is applying to doctoral programs. Take care everyone and be safe. Until next time...

1984

Ellen-Marie Samsen Knehans-Marie emknehans@mchsi.com

Maria Prezioso Beyer writes, “Olga Hopkins Murray and I have remained in touch—still best friends. We celebrated our 60th together with a week in Key West. I have reconnected with Stephanie Blevins Ledford since she now lives in Woodsboro, MD too. Donnie and I have five children, 12 grandkids and four greatgrandkids. We are retired, so we often travel to visit everyone. Life is good.” Susan MacKenzie says, “Craig and I still live in Northern VA, though we’re thinking about where to move once Craig retires. We have one granddaughter and a grandson due in May. We’re heading to New Zealand to see our daughter and her family after three years absence due to COVID. My sister Sharon Mackenzie saw classmate Ruthann Kluth O’Connell last fall at the Head of the Charles rowing competition in Boston.” Kim Neidhold Michie is working as an RN/clinical supervisor at Anne Arundel Medical Center, Pediatrics ER in Annapolis. Son Tres got married in Sept. at a farm near Frederick; Kellie Ragland Zych traveled from KS to attend. Suzanne Spilman Smith retired after 30 years of federal service in Nov. 2022. Her short-term plans are for travel and long-term plans are for volunteering.

Karen Curtis-Craney sends greetings: “Hello, 60! Teresa ‘Terry’ Rappoldt Stickles, Camela ‘Cami’ Meyer, Tammy Snyder Rall and I enjoyed our annual summer beach time!” Heidi von Storch Miner is still working full time, and husband Randy is semi-retired. Stepson Drew got married and graduated from

nursing school, and his brother Craig is getting married this March in Curaçao. Both boys live in MT. Son Sean loves to cook, and Heidi and Randy get to be his guinea pigs. “His latest adventures are cooking with curry. I hope to continue to have adventures every day.” Amy Gilson Corbin is “living the life” in Cat Island, Bahamas, for six months out of the year. Joy Kelz Woolley retired after being a church secretary for 20 years. She’s now waiting for husband Jim to retire in Jan. 2024. Sue Sutton Bartolotto still lives in Fairport, NY, working in Fairport Central Schools and hoping to retire soon to spend more time with granddaughter Sutton Muriel, who was born in Oct. Susan Youry Kenney enjoyed a mini reunion in DE with Jamie Draper, Jodi Bell O’Connell, Laurie Draper Carter, Ruthann Kluth O’Connell and Karen Curtis-Craney. “Dinner at the Lewes Yacht Club was compliments of Laurie, and thanks to Jamie for hosting us out-of-towners!” Amy Connor Asman writes, “I’m working with Carroll County Public Schools as a special education resource teacher. I did a lot of trips over the summer. Spent time with Melinda ‘Mindy’ Brown visiting the Flight 93 Memorial and going to a bluegrass festival. Also ran the EQT 10-miler in Pittsburgh again. My daughter Emily and her husband Steve came home for Christmas along with son Connor and his fiancee Allie. They moved to Boulder in July and love it out there. They are getting married in Charlottesville, VA in June. Erin is in her third year of vet school in PEI, Canada and will start her clinical rotations in May. Exciting times!” Carol Whynot Neill writes, “In April, Daphne Byrd Gabb, Janice Hogg, Linda Rudy Daughtery, Pamela Streater Hogg, Michelle ‘Shelley’ Bodamer Nicol and I had a wonderful mini reunion at Cynthia Webb’s beautiful home. We had so much fun! They also surprised me at my 60th birthday party in Sept. for an enjoyable weekend in Annapolis. We continue to Zoom regularly, celebrating or supporting each other’s life events!”

1985

Susan Povich DelConte ahoodlumof85@hotmail.com

Last Aug., Susan Audino hosted an alumni gathering at her home in Bethany Beach, DE. Among the guests were Marsha Evans, Alison Drum Althouse ’86, Nancy Gillece ’81, Angela Kolb Aylor ’05, Diane Pusey Brocato ’55, Nancy Brown-Diangelo ’80, Jean Reynolds Burow ’84, Donna Holst Carr ’69, Jamie Draper ’84, Gail Marie Brown Driver ’89, Lisa Fasnacht Ginder ’80, Laura Lee Hickman ’75, Edith “Edee” Howard Hogan ’59, Abigail Hood ’18 and her mother Laura,

Deedee Randall Luttrell ’80, Mary “Sam” Ryan Reeves ’70, Connie Shaff ’80, Malinda “Lindy” Small ’81, Susan Dornbusch Sohn ’78 and Amy Ziegenfuss ’95. President Chapdelaine was in attendance as well and remarked that she loved hearing all the Hood stories from so many generations of alumnae.

1986

Alison Drum Althouse alison.althouse@gmail.com

We start out this class report with a message from Shantih Clemans. Shantih and wife Julie are enjoying being parents of teenagers. Their two daughters are a blessing and still enjoy their company. Shantih will be on sabbatical from SUNY Empire State College next fall to work on a book with her mother called In Our Bones. She also created the cover drawing for her sister’s novel Hoops on the Moon. Janet Drogin Wilson returned to her job at Standards Employees Benefit Association (SEBA) and now works in the same building on the NIST campus as her daughter Riley Wilson ’14. Riley works as a science writer and social media professional in the Public Affairs office at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and has been part of a team that has won both a Department of Commerce Bronze Award and a Shorty Award in the Best in Public Health Category. Well done, Riley! Irene Flores shares that she’s been exploring her life as a painter since the pandemic. She was inspired to do a painting that included all the flowers of each state and sent a copy of her “American Bouquet” to Dr. Jill Biden, for which she received a lovely thank you note. Irene does commission work and has done some paintings for other Hood alumni. Lisa O’Brien Baio’s mom passed away in Jan. after a long decline from dementia; our condolences go out to Lisa and her family. In happy news, Lisa shares that husband Bill’s oldest daughter was married in Sept. Lisa’s youngest son was married in Oct. Hood’Lums Audrey MacDonald Wilcox, Debbie Daly Louis, Robin Samuelman Kalfaian ’87 and Gretchen Miller-Anderson were all in attendance. Lisa’s also thrilled that her daughter Liz and daughter-in-law Victoria have moved back to Pittsburgh, so they’re closer than ever before. Elizabeth “Betsy” Reed Ringel hosted a Hurricane Ian gathering in lower, slower DE with Jennifer Lee Matts and husband Bob as well as Jane Brophy Martinez and husband Tip coming from FL and NC to outrun the storm. They gathered at Betsy and Jeff’s house to watch the Navy/Air Force football game with Sarah Bowersox Cody ’87, husband Jim and Maria Viola-Cable ’87 and husband John. In between the wind and rain, they all had a great

time playing pickleball. In Aug., Cameron Soulis and husband Michael moved to Pittsburgh, PA from Washington, D.C. She left school chaplaincy to take a position as associate rector at Calvary Episcopal Church and is enjoying the work of parish ministry very much. Cameron’s husband Michael retired from teaching after 38 years in the classroom. They miss their D.C. friends but are very much enjoying their new life in Pittsburgh. Karen Dotterer White attended the Hood reunion weekend in June and said it was so great to be back in person. She thought the “Back to the Classroom” alumni lectures were great, especially hearing about how Provost Debbie Richter teaches Freshman Seminar. She learned a lot, and the room was full of interested alumni and guests. Karen continues to do nutrition research at Johns Hopkins and is currently conducting feeding studies on people with diabetes, “Work is too fascinating to retire yet!” Kellye Greenwald and bestie/Shriner roomie Kathrine Anderson had a mini reunion in Sept., when Kathrine drove down to move younger daughter Emilia into American University. They had a great day on campus, ate in the dining hall and promised that no poles were split in the Pergola. Kellye also shares that she has started performing improv again, “bringing the laffs” at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre in Frederick. Her son Eddie is in his final semester of nursing school, daughter Rose is living in Seattle and mom Carole is still “movin’ and groovin’” in FL. As for me, Alison Drum Althouse, no moves are in the future for me and Michael. We love living in Avondale, PA and bought the “Mimi and Pip” house so family and friends would be able to visit any time. Our older son Andrew “Drew” Althouse ’12 now works as an athletic trainer at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, and our younger son Evan continues to work for MITRE, based in Boston, MA. Michael is the chief compliance officer for Green Dot. I have moved into a new role with Boordy Vineyards as their outside sales tasting coordinator, and you can email me at alison@boordy.com. We both still have a lot of contact with our USNA midshipmen and grads and enjoy helping support them in any way possible.

1988

Charlotte “Bambi” Volatile-Goebel cagoebel1213@gmail.com

Happy to be the new class reporter for 1988! Here’s my update me for now: My husband Chris and I purchased a property in the Shenandoah Valley last year and have begun to build our home. We should be moving up in May after my youngest graduates from high school. She is planning on going to Laurel Ridge Community College and then transferring to Shenandoah

University (or Hood if I can talk her into it!). I’m looking forward to being closer to my family as well as closer to Hood. Congratulations to Susanna Schaeffer Smith on the birth of her grandson Duncan in June 2022. The proud parents are Susanna’s daughter Anna Smith Brisbane ’16 and Douglas Brisbane ’14. Eunice Dubuque-Aronson and Susan Boebel Alis are our class reunion chairs—make your plans to come home to Hood in June. Until then, start sending me your updates for the next Hood magazine; I want our column to be filled with all your great news!

1989

Carole Smith csneal2000@gmail.com

Hello, everyone! It’s been a minute since we reported from the Class of 1989. I’ve recently moved back to Maryland, and it has been wonderful to catch up with alums like Lisa Renee Buss Evans ’92 , Chandra Hawkins Robinson ’90, Tanyelle “Tangie” Hawkins ’92 , Beryle Cosey Jackson ’90, Carla Jackson Hairston ’90 and Agnes PierreAntoine ’90. We’ve also enjoyed reconnecting on Zoom and catching up with Elisia HarkinsJames ’90. I’m reminded daily what a special bond we forged while at Hood and look forward to reconnecting with other alums in the area. This is my last column as our reporter. Due to too many commitments, I need to hand the reins to another classmate; please let the Hood alumni office know if you’re interested in taking on the role. Email alumoffice@hood.edu.

1992

Sally Atland Mason dsemason@comcast.net

Michelle Inman mraynesford@rocketmail.com

Congratulations to Dorothy “Dottie” Mosby on being named dean of faculty, vice president for academic affairs at Skidmore College! Most recently, she was the associate dean of faculty and a professor of Spanish at Mount Holyoke College. Dottie earned both her master’s and doctorate from the University of Missouri.

1993

Michelle Jones Stawinski mes@stawinskilaw.com

Make your plans to come Home to Hood for the 1993 class reunion! Your reunion chair is Judith Lubkin Apshago

In 10 words or less ... We’re asking all world travelers: What’s your No. 1 travel tip?

Ask locals for the best places to see and eat. –Kevin Costin ’11

1994

Carol Deck Montoya carolannmontoya@gmail.com

I’m so excited to be the Class of 1994 reporter! My daughter Sofia Montoya-Deck ’26 started at Hood this fall, and I’ve had the opportunity to go back to campus a few times over the past year. Hearing from a current student’s perspective has re-energized my passion for Hood. So much has changed since we were in Frederick, but the basics of what made Hood great remain. I’ve been living in Alexandria, VA since 1996. My husband Rolando and I recently celebrated our 20th anniversary (we got married in the Hood Chapel!). In addition to my daughter, I have a son Benjamin, who will graduate high school this year. I own an association management company, Potomac Management Resources, headquartered in Alexandria. Donna Krtil Hoblit shares that after graduation, she went to work for “the Feds” and retired in 2013. Her wife, who she has been with since 1996, will be retiring in Jan. 2023, and they plan to move to Sicily by 2024. Donna hasn’t gone very far from Hood; she lives between Frederick and Thurmont. Brie Dorian moved to Philadelphia in 1998 and attended graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, earning her master’s in social work. She has worked at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for 19 years, providing behavioral health therapy for children and adolescents in an integrated behavioral health primary care setting. Brie is involved in program development in teaching. She says that the best part of her life is her two amazing daughters, Maysen (15) and Kylie (11). Holly Cashman is living in Newburyport, MA, teaching Spanish and women’s and gender studies at UNH. She was recently promoted to full professor and served two terms as chair of the Department of Languages, Literature and Cultures. Like many others during the pandemic, Holly tried baking

Le Nguyen ’17 visits Vietnam

sourdough and discovered she had a knack for it. She recently started a licensed residential kitchen and is selling her bread and baked goods locally under the name Bread Love by Holly. She is also at work on a mystery novel about an academicturned-brewer who tries to solve a murder in the world of craft brewing. Writing as N.D. Jones, Natalie Jones, Ed.D., is a U.S. bestselling author. With a desire to see more novels with positive, sexy and three-dimensional Black characters as soulmates, friends and lovers, she took on that challenge herself. A prolific novelist, you can find all her publications on Amazon. Leaning into her more than 20 years as an educator, Natalie has developed the Resilience series for Black women and men, including The Color of My Resilience: A Guided Self-Care Journal for Black Men and The Color of My Resilience: A Guided Self-Care Journal for Black Women. Natalie is also the founder of Kuumba Publishing, a forum for creativity with a special commitment to promoting and encouraging creative works from authors and artists of African American descent. Mikki Kiah is an elementary school counselor, currently working with grades one through five. She lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband, three kids, two dogs and a bearded dragon. Mikki is a football fan, with a special affinity, and occasionally mountains of frustration, for the Philadelphia Eagles. Lisa Boney Laubach has been illustrating children’s books for five-plus years, many of which can be found on Amazon. She and her husband Stephen celebrated 18 years of marriage in Oct. They have a 16-year-old son Stephen and 13-year-old daughter Kimberly. After graduation, Jennifer “Jenny” Weaver put her special education degree to use as a teacher in Washington County. She then obtained a master’s in psychology and certificate of advanced study in school psychology from Towson University in 2002. She recently celebrated 20 years of living along the Chesapeake Bay and working as a school psychologist in Southern MD. She also has become a public speaker/advocate and regularly gives talks around the DMV on the topic of distracted driving prevention. Jenny notes that she has enjoyed rocking out with me, Carol Deck Montoya, at numerous heavy metal concerts (just like the Hood years!), and visiting with other Shriner alums, including Brie Dorian, Sarah Adams-Strikovksi and Lauren Janney Wolf. Jenny is looking forward to retirement from public education in 2027 and relocating to a warmer climate. Thanks to everyone who responded to my call for content. I look forward to connecting/reconnecting with classmates!

1996

Tanya Sander-Marks tsandermarks@gmail.com

Hello, Class of 1996 Hood’Lums! For this issue, I asked members our class to share their plans for the 2022 holidays and to inspire us with their volunteer activities, in addition to sharing updates. I’m excited to hear that many continue to stay in touch via social media. Rachael Miskill Brown is enjoying life in the village of Ponthir in Wales after her 2021 move. She and husband Roger visited Delft, Netherlands for a week in Nov. Her mother also joined her from WA in Dec. to celebrate the holidays. Rachel is involved with the Women’s Institute (similar to Junior League) and gave a talk about the history of the Fourth of July that had great reviews. Rachel was also invited by BBC Radio 4 to participate in a recorded debate about The Archers, the world’s longest-running radio program. She and Roger have enjoyed attending several of Hood’s Zoom Happy Hours this year. Angela Schmuck Bond is proud to share that her daughter Mikayla was accepted to Hood and will be a member of the Class of 2027. Mikayla received the Presidential Scholarship and will be majoring in environmental science. Congratulations, Mikayla! In Dec., Angela and Mikayla participated in two of the three weeks of “the Great Blazer Bake-Off” via the alumni office’s Facebook page and earned second place each week. This is also Angela’s tenth year volunteering as a Girl Scout leader. Congratulations to Kimberly Steele Estell, who successfully completed her first year as director of the preschool she purchased last year. They have now added a 2-year-old class. Her older son Liam started his first year of college and selected McDaniel College despite Kim’s glowing reviews of Hood. Over the holidays, she enjoyed a quiet Christmas at home, helping with her

congregation’s holiday service, before visiting her mother in WV. She serves on the leadership team for the homeschool co-op her sons attend. Marjorie Mathers Kane was recently elected to her second term on the Sea Girt Elementary School Board of Education in NJ, where she serves as a member of the curriculum committee. She is an active member of the Holly Club and spearheaded two successful fundraising events at their seasonal markets. Marjorie also enjoyed hosting a family reunion at her home between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Congratulations to Christie Spencer Katora, who received tenure last spring. She is now the department chair for special education at Big Spring High School in Newville, PA. She is also assistant coach for the high school swim team. Jewel Smith enjoyed a low-key Christmas and celebrated the New Year with a big family brunch. She volunteers with the City of Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services to register families for their Holiday Sharing Program that helps local children and seniors in need during the holidays. As for me, Tanya Sander-Marks, I enjoyed traveling with my kids Sophia (16) and Ella (13) and husband Brian this year. Highlights included celebrating a milestone birthday for Brian in Key West, FL and our annual tradition of stopping at the Hood campus on the way home to Western PA from the beach. I have a new position at PNC Bank, vice president and senior marketing lead for student banking and consumer banking financial education. Over the holidays, Sophia, Ella and I joined my mother to host “Color for Christmas Cheer” in my hometown of Ligonier, where children waiting to meet with Santa at Light Up Night color decorations for members of local senior care facilities. This is the event’s sixth year with a break for COVID, and we have distributed more than 1,000 pieces of art during holiday seasons. Please be sure to join the Facebook Hood College Hood’Lums Class of 1996 group to share photos and more frequent updates.

1998

Jennifer Barbieri Casey jenb.hood98@gmail.com

I’m super excited to be the new 1998 class reporter. This column is the first thing I flip to when I receive the magazine. Please be kind, and remember, I was an interior design major, not an English major LOL. I’ve had some changes this year. I started back at work after a five-year hiatus. I am an interior designer for Arris, a design studio in Baltimore. My daughter Tessa turned five this summer and started kindergarten in the fall. In 2022, we spent our vacations traveling to multiple national parks and helping Tessa earn Junior Ranger badges. In Nov., I was

In 10 words or less ... We’re asking all world travelers: What’s your No. 1 travel tip?

Bring an adapter so you can still charge your stuff despite different electric outlets. –Valentin Donchev ’21

Prettany Overman ’15 and Professor Scott Pincikowski, Ph.D., visit Austria

able to see Ann Price-Davis at the Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Company quarter auction. It was a busy and fun evening, so we couldn’t chat too much, but Ann shared that she started her 25th year teaching family and consumer science. She is currently teaching ProStart. Her two boys have joined English Consul Jr. Fire Department. Ann keeps in touch with Antonella Dattilo and Susan Dornsbusch Sohn ’78; both are doing well. Jennifer Massagli Morgenthaler started her 21st year teaching. She is now at Oakdale High School and became the science department chair this past fall. “My daughter Mia started first grade this fall and loves reading and learning about new cultures.” Jennifer and husband Tim built a home in Carroll County to be closer to family. She keeps in touch with Jamie Szocinski Gillette, Shannon Mack ’99 and Erin Janney Kanner ’00. Jamie started a new job as vice president, head of regulatory affairs at Cullinan Oncology in 2022. Her son Joshua Gillette ’26 graduated high school from Fusion Academy in Columbia in June 2022 and is now a rising sophomore at Hood (yay yellow dink!). Also, Jamie is one of my daughter’s instructors at Tristar Martial Arts, so we get to see “Aunt JuJu” every week. I’d love to hear from everybody throughout the year, so please send me any updates, and remember to make your plans for our class reunion in June!

1999

Anne Hambrick-Stowe Rankin annehambrickstowe@gmail.com

Jayci Fraser Sadio worked for 16 years as a paralegal specialist in federal campaign finance litigation with the FEC and is now using those same skills with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. She looks forward to supporting this amazing group of attorneys as they investigate complaints and ensure equal access to education for all student populations. In addition, Jayci completed the requirements to be an RYT 200 yoga instructor and started her own mobile yoga instruction business, Niyama Yogi Traveler. Her company offers the option of bringing yoga and meditation classes and wellness workshops to schools, offices, conferences, retreats, gyms and private events. She also works closely with corporate clients in support of their wellness programs. As though all that isn’t impressive enough, Jayci has also started a nonprofit foundation, Niyama Yogi’s Journey. The foundation is a donation-based yoga studio serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, providing yoga and other wellness classes to the underserved community. Niyama Yogi’s Journey serves all but has a specific focus on meeting the needs of military caregivers and

persons working through life transformations associated with body acceptance and weight challenges. Johanna Lane Nathanson is employed at the Department of State Office of Inspector General (OIG). During most of her federal career, she provided IT application support for those on the front lines of the OIG mission, both domestic and overseas. About three years ago, Johanna moved into a front-line position and has achieved tremendous success. This past Sept., she received a Department of State Office of Inspector General Team Award for the impactful work performed on the Foreign Service Selection Board Review report. And, just a month later, she was one of only three who received a team Government Ethics Award for Excellence from the Council of Inspector Generals on Integrity and Efficiency on the Review of Allegations of Misuse of Department of State Resources report. Johanna shares that “without my Hood education (many years in the making as a non-traditional student), I would have never been eligible for federal service. My Hood degree is the foundation of my professional career and, with it, came the ability to raise my son with comfortable financial resources. I am blessed to be associated with Hood.” Thank you, Jayci and Johanna, for sharing these wonderful accomplishments with us. It would be great to hear from others as well in the next magazine. You can email updates anytime. Also, if you are interested in taking over as class reporter, please let me know. After serving in this role for the last six years, I am hoping that someone else in our class will be willing to take over. Please let me know if that someone is you!

2002

Megan Mills meganrhiana@gmail.com

Congratulations to Denise Robinson Simms on her new role as associate director of external affairs at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Thank you to Denise for hosting Hood students and faculty in March at the Museum!

2003

Lean Giambarresi MacDonald leahgia81@gmail.com

Make plans to come Home to Hood for your 20th class reunion! Reunion chairs are Stephanie Bulka Smith and me, Leah Giambarresi MacDonald

2004

Michelle Donati-Grayman

m.b.donati@gmail.com

Jennifer Boa and her wife Meghan welcomed son Aidan John in April 2022. Olivia, their 3-year-old daughter, is a wonderful big sister. Eileen Nekava has lived in FL with her husband and two daughters, ages 15 and 11, for the past 20 years. She is a channel executive for Cisco Systems. This summer, Eileen and her husband will celebrate 17 years of marriage. Danielle Hill and husband Sean welcomed daughter Charlotte Eleanor in July 2022. As for me, Michelle Donati-Grayman, I’ve been promoted to AAA Mountain West Group’s director of external communications and brand reputation. I’m also the co-host of Motorland, AAA’s branded podcast that just ended its first season. Colleen and I are looking forward to celebrating our tenth wedding anniversary this summer.

2006

Sharia Barksdale HoodClass06@yahoo.com

In fall 2022, Kelly Schultz was named CEO of the 650-member Maryland Tech Council—just after its addition of three regional councils in key markets in the state. Congratulations!

2007

Lexa Hayes aehayes@aehayes.com

Hello, Hood College family! I hope everyone has been doing well and, as always, I’m thrilled to share a few updates from the Class of 2007. Dallas Miller Auer and husband Brian Auer are happy to announce the birth of their son Andrew Frederick, who was born July 2022. Lexa Hayes is thrilled to be volunteering for the Bay Hundred Community Volunteers, a nonprofit that helps disabled and underprivileged residents on the Eastern Shore of MD. She remains active as a lead soprano soloist for two choirs, works as a freelance music reviewer and essayist, and is proud to announce the upcoming launch of her mental health advocacy group, the Mental Health Lexicon Project. Please visit tmhl.org for further information. Charis Loomer is now in her 17th year as an educator and is currently working at Oakdale Elementary School as a kindergarten teacher. Her children Raegan, a second-grade student, and Brooks, a first-grade student, attend the same school where Charis teaches. Charis is also finishing her third degree in administration at The Graduate School at Hood College, of course! It is always so nice to hear from everyone, and I sincerely wish you all good health, safety, wellness and peace.

2008

Steven Delaney stevenedelaney@gmail.com

Elizabeth “Liz” Bowen started a new position as the staff development coordinator for Montgomery County Public Libraries. Addi Lucas Davis and husband Christopher welcomed their third child in Sept. Siblings Teddy and Edith are great helpers! Nicole DeMambro Winkler is a program manager, a mother and an authenticity advocate. Your class reporter, Steve Delaney, was named the Educational Services Professional of the Year as a school counselor at Burlington Township Middle School in NJ. After spending more than a decade as a MedEvac helicopter pilot for Johns Hopkins Hospital, Frederick “Freddie” Ephraim has officially made the transition back to commercial flight as a pilot with United Airlines. He is also welcoming new baby boy Max to join Hylas Grace, who is 2-and-a-half years old. After 16 years, Lucelia Rodriguez Justiniano returned to visit her homeland in Mexico this past year with her 4-year-old daughter. The trip allowed her to reflect how far she has come from immigrating to the U.S. as a 7-year-old to now being an immigration attorney helping children and adults alike. She is grateful for the opportunities she’s had in the U.S., especially obtaining an education, which has allowed her to progress on so many levels. Her goal for 2023 is to set up an internship program at Justiniano Law, LLC to facilitate the journey for others who wish to help the immigrant community. Make your plans for our class reunion in June! Our class chair is Elizabeth “Liz”

Thompson

2009

Lisa Wells lkw14@icloud.com

Stephanie Hearn Duer hoodclassof2009news@gmail.com

Sara Wastler Lambert is a physical education teacher at Rockland Woods Elementary School and was recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for her dedication, achievements and leadership in the field of health and physical education. Sara proudly shares that her son Myles was featured in a children’s book that highlights upper limb differences. Sara and a few of her fellow teachers are looking forward to playing basketball in an upcoming “game” against the Harlem Wizards! As of Jan., Andrea Raffauf McGinnis has worked 11 years in the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner in CO. She’s now a lead investigator and presented at the Colorado Coroner’s Association conference and a conference for the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance in 2022. Congratulations

to Booz Allen Hamilton Lead, Associate Prima Brooks Ohene-Asante for being recognized as a 2022 Women of Color in STEM Technology Rising Star. Prima’s diverse technical background with experience in information assurance and cyber intelligence engineering as well as her achievements surrounding contract staffing, client success and tool development make her an obvious choice for this prestigious honor. In 2013, Kathryn “Katie” Thomas Yager graduated from VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. She also holds a master’s in public health from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She married her veterinary classmate Cody in 2014, and they have two children, Owen (7) and Evelyn (5). She has been working as a veterinarian for the past 10 years, first in mixed animal practice in OH, then in emergency vet medicine in TX. Katie recently accepted a job as the medical director for the Veterinary Emergency Group and will supervise a team of eight doctors for a new hospital being built in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Rose Soldano is living in Washington, D.C. and working as the director of visitor services for the National Air and Space Museum. She has been with the Smithsonian for 13 years and enjoys walking around the city and taking photos of the monuments. One of her photos will be featured in the Hill Center Galleries 2023 Regional Juried Exhibition. Katelyn Vaughan is getting married in April 2023 and hosting her son’s Bar Mitzvah in May. As for me, Lisa Wells, I’m enjoying my role on the Alumni Executive Board (AEB) as chair of the Community Outreach and Engagement Committee. I enjoy staying involved with Hood, volunteering at Safe Harvest and Fall Family Weekend. I’m excited to launch the third annual AEB Valentine’s Day Card Project, crafting valentines to share some “Hood love” to senior living facilities in Frederick, MD.

2011

alumoffice@hood.edu

Kristina Coggins Heck and her family are thrilled to announce the unveiling of the Beth Darroch Coggins ’81 Memorial Scholarship Travel Fund (for more information, read the full article in this magazine). Beginning in fall 2023, a new generation of Hood students will be able to explore the world and partake in life-changing experiences. Kristina looks forward to seeing her mother’s legacy continue through Hood students for years to come. In Sept. 2022, Kristina’s twin daughters Margo and Lizzie Heck were baptized in Coffman Chapel. In Jan. 2023, Kristina was promoted to director of chancellor and university events at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS). If anyone is ever passing through Colorado Springs area, please reach out!

2012

Laura Saad Voelker lauragvoelker@gmail.com

In Nov. 2022, Andrew “Drew” Althouse started a new position with Eastern Michigan University as an assistant athletic trainer. Tyler Fairley is in year two as an assistant principal at South Hagerstown High School. He and Lauren Nopenz Fairley ’13 live in Downtown Frederick with their cats Roland, Willoughby, Violet and Franklin. Lauren is the manager at the Curious Iguana, a Frederick independent bookstore, owned by fellow Hood alumna Marlene Roberson England ’86 After looking at many homes, Jessica “Jess” Henry and her fiance have finally found their first home and have moved to RI. Eric Leviton is about to celebrate his eighth year in the United States Air Force and will be moving to the Netherlands in summer 2023 for his next assignment. Scott Mauer continues to work for the Federal Aviation Administration as a technical writer and is engaged to be married to his fiancee Angela in Sept. 2023. Allison McHenry Maxwell got married on Jan. 1, 2022. Meghan Coulbourne Neanover was promoted to director of community impact and strategy with Teach for America. She and husband Damon just purchased a new home and relocated to Holly Springs, NC. Dylan O’Connell lives in NYC with wife Anet Zhandosova ’15. They eloped but may have a wedding celebration in a few years. Dylan is an enterprise architect for HPE, where he continues to enjoy learning every day. In his free time, he races motorcycles for fun and has won first place in one of the 2022 season championships. Doug Raftery is one year into overseeing Loudoun UFC in Leesburg, VA and has enjoyed being able to visit Frederick once again. Michelle Kuehl Randolph, after having two babies, finally ran another 10K. She is looking forward to a summer 2023 concert with Katrina Castner Kuhn Jamie Shopland

Kristen Geatz Temple ’15 visits New Zealand

recently joined Amtrak’s technology organization as director of agile transformation. She leads the adoption of scaled agile framework, a modernized approach to product delivery at a time when the Biden administration has made a once in a generation investment to modernize passenger rail for the American people. Emily Wilson Thompson’s husband Scott Thompson accepted a position with the University of Florida. They moved to Gainesville this summer and have really enjoyed this college town. Stephanie Toone Santinelli got married and just bought her first house. Laura Saad Voelker and her husband welcomed a baby boy in Oct. She is in her fifth year teaching elementary science at Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School in D.C. Haley Just Webb is in her 11th year teaching with MCPS and is currently serving as team leader. She and husband Jared Webb ’13 are excited to welcome their first baby in March 2023. Haley is also excited to celebrate Jared’s graduation from William and Mary’s MBA program. Over the summer, Maureen Marton moved to Yarmouth, ME, got engaged and plans to marry her partner of seven years Dr. Sean Closs in Oct. 2023.

Elaheh Eghbal

eeghbal14@gmail.com

Hello, Class of 2013! I hope you all are doing well and are looking forward to our 10-year reunion in June 2023. Until then, here are some updates. Kellie Duncan Clairmont has started a new job as the family ministry coordinator at Salem Church in Staten Island. MJ Swicegood Huntoon finished her first

novel with Kristin Hillers, M.A.’11. She is working with Glasko Smith Kline, and she and her husband Geoffery Huntoon ’17 recently adopted a new kitten, Toph. Brett Shelley is in his second-year post-doctoral fellowship with the USDA studying potato diseases. Emily Maerz has come Home to Hood as the head coach of the men’s and women’s tennis teams. She started in Jan. 2023, just in time for the spring season. Go Blazers! Darcey Heflin Gottschalk and husband Rob will be welcoming their first child in Feb. Kris Fair was elected to the Maryland General Assembly on Nov. 8. He will be one of three delegates serving District 3 (which includes Hood College) and the first openly gay elected official to the State House from Western Maryland. Gina Bonomo Van De Walle married fiance Derek in Nov. Andrea Zona Baker celebrated one year as development and community outreach manager at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre this fall and recently concluded a successful capital campaign to update MET’s Robin Drummond Mainstage Theatre in time for the 25th anniversary. Andrea and Jake Wynn ’15 are members of the 35th Frederick County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Frederick class (best class ever!) in partnership with Hood College. Jessica Reynolds is a third-grade teacher at Catonsville Elementary School in Baltimore County. She’s owned a townhouse for almost five years now in Arbutus, MD and enjoys sharing her home with her two adorable black cats, Shadow and Astro. She recently started her master’s in reading education. Carly Oeller earned a DCPM (project management-adjacent) certification in Nov. 2022. William Lewis and wife Robin are expecting their first child, due in June. He says, “We got all the genetic testing

done and everything looks great! I also just successfully directed the Poolesville High School fall show, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and will be directing the spring musical, Into the Woods. Also, don’t know if I said this or not, but I am officially a teacher at John Poole Middle School for science and math!” Katie Triplett recently got engaged to her boyfriend Chris and plans to get married in Oct. They, along with her son, are living in Frederick, where she’s working as a job development specialist at Scott Key Center. As for me, Elaheh Eghbal, I’m the semiconductor program marketing lead at MITRE Enginuity, and I continue to enjoy time with my “mayor of the block” dog, Lucy. Be well!

2014

Bianca Padilla bianca.e.padilla@gmail.com

Hello, Class of 2014! Zach Lynch took a new job with Maryland State Police on the executive protection detail. He and wife Kelsey Knippenberg Lynch just welcomed third baby Ezra to the family. Tabitha Browne Milliken is a research project coordinator at Geisinger. Tabitha graduated from Drexel University in June with a master’s in public health. Erin Droneburg marked three years living in Boulder, CO back in Feb. Erin is working as the digital lead for Trango climbing gear and is a proud mom to cat Tofu and dog Zina. As for myself, Bianca Padilla, I recently became a National Board-Certified Teacher. Cheers!

2015

Sarah Tapscott Rosier sarah.tapscott12@gmail.com

Your special day deserves a special place. Tie the knot in historic Coffman Chapel, one of Frederick’s renowned “Clustered Spires.”

Kristen Geatz Temple started a new job in June 2022 at Revolution Ventures in Washington, D.C. Kristen and husband Nicholas Temple ’13 married on Oct. 22, 2022, on Hood’s campus in Coffman Chapel. Sara Azoulay Murphy celebrated her six-year work anniversary as a paralegal at a law firm in Downtown Frederick. She was able to obtain a position at this firm years ago with the assistance of Hood professor Teresa Bean ’87, who continues to provide professional (and personal) advice. Sara will be celebrating her 30th birthday with friends and family just days after her first child turns 5. Brigid Ayer and her partner Thomas moved to a new home and got a puppy. Brigid started with ArachnidWorks, located in Frederick, and works as their social media manager. Kerri Sheehan earned her master’s in library and information science in 2017 and has been working for the government as a digital librarian. She and husband Tyler live in Richmond, VA.

Photo by Susan and Teresa Photography

Jena “Ren Stone” moved to Boulder, CO to pursue a master’s in curriculum and instruction with a focus in mathematics at the University of Colorado Boulder. Julianne Berg was recently promoted to lead development coordinator at Innovatis Group. She also led an event that took her and more than 100 volunteers to Lisbon, Portugal in Dec. 2022. She loves her job and looks forward to traveling more in 2023. Kaitlin Morris was married in Oct. 2022. She and her husband enjoyed a lovely honeymoon in Jamaica. Since the celebration, Kaitlin and her husband have been enjoying newlywed life and recently added a second kitten to their household.

Chelsea Rudy earned her master’s in reading specialization from The Graduate School at Hood College, celebrated one year of marriage, bought a house and moved to New Market. It has been busy these last few years, but the hard work has paid off. After teaching special education at Whittier for six years, she has transferred to Middletown Middle School. She and her husband have been traveling whenever possible (Vegas, San Diego, Italy, just to name a few). Chelsea’s stepson turned 6 and is now in first grade. He does a great job reading and has a love for books.

Tara Biser Little and husband Devon Little ’16 welcomed daughter Allison in Nov. 2022.

Travis Gilbert was named a Rising Star in the Wilmington Biz 100 and received the Wilmington Star News 40 Under 40 Award. He is entering his third year as executive director of the Historic Wilmington Foundation. Kara O’Leary is now with Marriott International working in M&A tech integration to fuel her travel bug. She bought a house last year with her husband in Downtown Frederick’s historic district and spends more time chasing bats out of her home than she would like to. Their two cats, however, are thrilled. Giuliana Burton still resides in Frederick, is active with her two dogs and enjoys working for Troyce Gatewood and Partners Realty. Khyle Ball is now living in D.C. He earned his MPH at Drexel University and is applying to start a second master’s from George Washington University in Fall 2023. Caitlin “Caity” Battey also lives in D.C. and serves as the special projects manager and assistant to the COO at the McCain Institute. She completed a graduate certificate in international security studies at the University of Arizona and co-led a McCain Institute delegation to Poland, where she volunteered on the PolishUkrainian border with World Central Kitchen. In fall 2022, Caity’s first opinion piece was published in Stars and Stripes. After fostering dogs with the Humane Rescue Alliance over the pandemic, Caity and her partner adopted Hank, a black lab puppy. Matt Lee and wife Bailey are doing their best to keep up with 18-monthold son Umberto, who is talking, running and

climbing furniture nonstop. Your class reporter, Sarah Tapscott Rosier, has left the world of government contracting and now runs her Frederick-based and award-winning wedding event coordination and planning business. Sleeping Bee Designs and Events helps families and couples celebrate all over the DMV area. Want to get married in Frederick? Call me!

2016

Justin Fox jmf12@hood.edu

Destani Jameson started a new position as a supply chain project manager at Amazon Web Services in Nov. 2022. Nicole Curreri is currently in her first year of residency in RI and is looking forward to the future of practicing what she loves. Mary Horabik has lived in Woodinville, WA for one year and still loves the Pacific Northwest. She has a new job at the Sammamish Children’s School as a member of the administration and staff support team. It’s amazing where your schooling and life can take you—even across the country! Sara Eckard has moved to Eureka, CA to work for Six Rivers National Forest as an initial attack wildfire dispatcher. Breann “Bre” Harwood married fiance Devan in 2021. In Jan. 2023, she left her job with Hood’s career center to take a new role with Leidos. Tatyanna Hunter married her high school sweetheart Shawn on Nov. 11, 2022, in Rochester, NY. Anna Smith Brisbane and husband Douglas Brisbane ’14 are pleased to announce the birth of their son Duncan, who was born in June 2022. Welcome to our newest future alumnus! Hope everyone’s doing well and living life to the fullest. Remember, “what’s for you, won’t pass by you.”

2017

Mary Milligan Jaskiewicz mary.r.milligan@gmail.com

Kassandra Stout left OR in May 2022 for a new job as a content writer and marketing specialist at Calspan, an aerospace, defense and transportation testing company located in Buffalo, NY. Jennifer Forester was promoted at Crosby Marketing Communications from social media manager to senior social media manager. Molly Masterson was nominated to be a part of the Portrait of Keble exhibition at Keble College, Oxford. The exhibition is a series of 28 portraits representing a diverse group of students, fellows, alumni and staff who “were nominated by their peers because they have made or are making a major, positive difference to Keble, Oxford and the world.” The portraits will be hanging in Keble Hall until 2024. Molly believes she was nominated

because of her work for the graduate community during the pandemic in 2020, when she was tasked with providing social introductions, events and care to incoming/returning students. Erica Hawkins is expecting her first child with her husband in March 2023. Caroline Kinna is now a licensed clinical social worker and is a therapist for a private practice located in Frederick. Shannon Welch is currently working for GDIT as the lead data scientist for EUCOM. She is in her fourth semester of her Ph.D. in homeland security from Liberty University. She was named an Emerging Scholar at the 2022 International Climate Change Conference for her studies on climate change’s impact on U.S. national security. Shannon recently adopted a service dog program drop-out named Benji, who is happy to cause trouble with all his special-learned skills. Eliseo Bell-Uribe decided to try something new and started a career in hard cider production. He has been working at Bauman’s Cider Co. for about a year and a half. He has also opened his own small cidery on the side, Heartland Ciderworks. Eliseo focuses on creating traditional dry ciders made from locally sourced apples. The first batch of cider is set to be released in April 2023. Eliseo also shared that he and his wife Hannah were able to take a trip to Italy.

2018

Mat Molina matthew.molina2014@gmail.com

Class reunion is this June—make your plans! Our reunion chair is Elizabeth “Liz” Pantalone. Jennifer “Jen” Alexander writes, “Brent Harwood and I got married on Oct. 1 at the Hotel Hershey in Hershey, PA. We then had a two-week honeymoon in FL, where we went on many adventures, including Disney, Universal and Clearwater beach.” Caitlyn-Jean Ward writes, “I am currently working for AECOM’s archaeology firm out of Burlington, NJ. I have done a lot of traveling post-grad for both for work and fun, including Upstate NY, TN and Key West, FL. My boyfriend Bobby and I are currently house-hunting and are looking for our first home together within the next two years; we recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of adopting our rescue dog Ember.” As for me, Mat Molina, I finished my first semester of audiology graduate school at Salus and am looking forward to starting direct patient care in the upcoming/ spring semester. Also, I was selected to be a Salus Ambassador, and it is an honor to represent the school to the community and applicants.

2019

Mason Cavalier masoncavalier@gmail.com

Glorie Cassuto is now the support program director with the Frederick Center: “I am excited to join the Frederick Center and work with other members of the LGBTQ Frederick Community!” Tim Sylvia lives in Charlotte, NC and welcomed a new furry friend to his family, adopting Missy, a pit bull mix. Missy has found her forever home with Tim and his girlfriend Julianne and enjoys hiking, playing fetch, chewing on sandals and stretching out in the sun. Lucky Hirschandez has returned to Hood as the institutional research analyst after graduating from Columbia University and moving back to MD with their husband. Mason Cavalier is living in Frederick with his cat Honey. Mason was recently promoted to media manager at Hood, overseeing PR and social media for the College.

2021

Lilianna Bean lilianacbean@gmail.com

Rachel Bennett is back in Baltimore, working as a physical therapy technician while applying to schools. Savannah Branch lives in PA, works as the Carroll County adult guardianship program coordinator and is engaged with plans to marry in Sept. 2023. Kiara Brown is working in the Governor’s Office of PA, constantly traveling and doing home renovations. Micayla Bulger started grad school at Towson University to pursue her career in “child life.” She worked at Verbal Beginnings for a year as an ABA therapist. She and Nico are engaged and planning their wedding. Mitchel Chalk teaches special education at FCPS Valley Elementary and is back at Hood working towards a master’s in counseling. Victoria Green Coshland and Collin Coshland ’18 were married and have plans to move soon because of the military. Victoria currently teaches third and fourth grade. Jody Eccard is teaching with FCPS and bought her first home. Alexandra “Lexi” Fosmire is also a with FCPS and recently bought a house in Smithsburg. Savanna Hastings works full time at the Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg as a historical interpreter, where she uses her public history concentration every day. Celestria Hill resigned from teaching and is working for a nonprofit organization for voter canvassing and mentoring students. She’s currently in Baltimore but may relocate with the new job. Caroline Jeranek is back at Hood as the assistant director of annual giving. She’ll be graduating in May from the University of Central Florida with a master’s in nonprofit management. She lives in Frederick

with her S/O Josh Womack and their two fur babies, Irma and Darla. Tailyn Kite teaches Kindergarten in Harford County, MD and is now engaged to Brandon Merson, who proposed in May 2022; they just bought their first house in Abingdon, MD. Brandon has settled nicely into a position at Northrop Grumman. Jessica Leaver was hired as the graduate assistant for women’s soccer at Hood. She’s in her second year and will graduate with her master’s this May. After that, she plans to start her professional career in psychology. Ashley McGlaughlin bought a home, has four animals and works at Frederick Health in the medical/surgical unit. Her boyfriend Dustin Miller is completing his master’s at Hood. Jordan Reed-Estes moved to Boston, MA and works for the Coast Guard managing hazardous wastes on the military base. She’s been traveling and was even placed in HI for a short period of her temporary duty assignment. Tenley Reeder and Gavin Combe ’22 moved to Asheville, NC “to live life a little while they’re in their twenties.” Tenley works from home, which makes it easy, and Gavin is working in the trades! Omnia Salem returned to Hood to get her master’s in clinical mental health counseling. She has one year left in the program and starts seeing clients next semester. Taylor Hall Savidge moved to ME, works as a preschool teacher, married fiancee Annika in Oct. and applied to graduate school for the fall. Emily Savona moved to Fargo, ND, is the GA for the women’s soccer team at NDSU and went to England last year with the team. She will graduate with her master’s in May and looks to move back to the east coast. Sloan Selleh is working towards her MSW at Salisbury University. She’s currently in her second (and last) year and absolutely loves it. She’s an intern at a detention center, providing mental health therapy to inmates. ReidAnn Sever moved to Pittsburgh and bought a house. She works for the University of Pittsburgh in pediatric neuro-immunological oncology research, has authored several papers and is applying to medical school. Sydney Whipp is a third-grade teacher for FCPS, is engaged, bought her first house and plans to be married in July 2023. Caylee Winpigler started her master’s degree at American University in international relations in the School of International Service. She works at the Ausherman Family Foundation in Frederick as the administrative assistant. She recently started a nonprofit Young Professionals Networking group in partnership with the Frederick Chamber of Commerce. Allie Copsosky Puziss started her job teaching middle school language arts, got married and plans to return to Hood to begin earning her master’s. While at Hood, Katelyn Klukosky interned at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick and now has a full-time position

as the cemetery customer care and historic preservationist. She lives in Frederick and “is able to push herself at the gym” with her sister Sarah Klukosky ’23. Malana Stanley is a first-grade teacher at an elementary charter school; her class is named the Blazers!

2022

Catherine “Cathy” Neves cmn5@hood.edu

Hello, Class of 2022! I have volunteered to be our class reporter, so start sending me your news— jobs, babies (“fur” or otherwise), marriages, moves, etc. Anything at all! For my first column, I want to congratulate Nicole Abuhamada on her first solo art exhibition. Nicole says, “While at Hood, I double-majored in studio art and creative writing, and thanks to all I learned, I have a solo art exhibition in Feb. consisting of my oil paintings and poetry (I’m using both my majors!).” Nicole’s show is titled Notional Ekphrasis; you can see a preview of her work at www.nicoleabuhamada.com.

In 10 words or less ... We’re asking all world travelers: What’s your No. 1 travel tip?

Try new things! Take the adventure! –Nikole “Nicki” Nafziger, P’26

Don’t see your class listed? Contact the alumni office at alumoffice@hood.edu to submit news or volunteer to be class reporter.

Hood group visits Germany in 2018

In Memoriam

Remembering those we have lost.

As reported Feb. 1, 2023

Alumni

Ruth Austermuhl Blattenberger ’40 October 2022

Shirley Markin Buchman ’40 October 2021

Rebecca Stewart Knapp ’41 October 2022

Sarah Welch Geary ’43 July 2022

Mary Simington Johnson ’43 July 2022

Annabelle S. Kepler ’44 January 2023

Marilyn Hayes Dunshee ’45 October 2022

Mary Alice Wimbrow Puls ’45 June 2021

Betty Winebrenner Clem ’46 August 2022

Elizabeth W. VanLaan Lorenz ’46 October 2022

Audrey Callaway Asbury ’47 July 2022

Lois Piper Dalgliesh ’47 April 2022

Barbara Heiss Jackson ’48 December 2022

Sarah Thomas Drenning ’49 August 2022

Jacqueline Nevin Yeager ’49 May 2020

Lucille Butler Gray ’50 November 2021

Cynthia Robin Hinckley ’50 July 2021

M. Louise Herr Krill ’51 October 2022

Nancie Stewart Martzloff ’51 July 2022

Elizabeth Dowling Barclay ’52 June 2022

Joyce Lines Cain ’52 June 2022

Nancy Spire Early ’52 November 2022

Caroline W. Russwick ’52 May 2022

Pamela Presbrey Grinnell ’53 March 2022

Mercea Panfil Hadigian ’53 June 2022

M. Louise Matthews ’53 November 2022

Joyce Pritchard Furst ’54 June 2022

Elizabeth Driggs Haight ’54 December 2021

Ann Giammattei Schwing ’54 September 2022

Marilyn Randall Stefanye ’54 May 2022

M. Jane Hinkle Stockdale ’54 December 2022

Louise Stephan DeJose ’55 August 2022

Louise Schaffner Fratto ’55 October 2022

Nancy Miller Moorhouse ’55 August 2022

Alice Schmidt Sachs ’55 June 2022

Ann B. Carter ’56 September 2022

Jacqueline Kling Kreider ’56 July 2022

Carol Andrews Otten ’56 June 2022

Carol Welch Snyder ’56 October 2022

Nina Alford Bruner ’57 July 2022

Ann Fortenbaugh Eicholtz ’57 December 2022

Sidney Tavern Grove ’57 September 2022

Jean Mather Heins ’57 July 2022

Sandra Garry Ioos ’57 February 2022

Jane Edwards Kelso ’57 August 2022

Cynthia Hoaster Minnich ’57 September 2022

Betty Darling Sutherland ’58 April 2021

Shirley Calhoun DeWitt ’59 December 2022

Marcia King Wilke ’59 September 2022

Carolyn Marte Hoffman ’60 March 2019

Lois Lane McGrady ’60 April 2022

Ellen Booth Vester ’60 April 2022

Ruth Bovier Witt ’60 September 2022

Janet Feick Burmester ’63 May 2022

Elena Koch Flom ’63 February 2018

Penelope Martin Knapman ’64 November 2022

Fredrica Godshalk ’65, M.D. September 2022

Lynn Guenter Steel ’65 October 2022

Judy Strachan Self ’66 October 2019

Linda Bartasek Tafe ’66 July 2021

Margaret Soxman Dring ’68 May 2022

Joyce Moss Clemons ’68 January 2021

Beverly Johnson Johnson ’68 December 2022

Marilyn Rupinski Rotondo ’68 November 2022

Jacqueline A. Candela ’69 October 2022

Jane E. Etzel ’69 June 2022

Ellen Borkow Gohacki ’69 September 2022

Jane Ronald Raglin ’69 April 2022

Nancy Fitting Penman ’71 July 2022

Richard A. Jones ’74 June 2022

Doris Culler Summers ’75 November 2022

Amy Edmonds Dean ’76 September 2022

Gary D. Compher ’77 October 2022

K. Victoria Kelch ’78 April 2022

Leesa Smith King ’78 October 2022

Mark W. Hutson, M.A.’79 September 2020

Raymond M. Sheaffer, M.A.’79 July 2022

Diane Walins Juarez ’80 August 2019

Mary Lou M. Galpin ’81 September 2021

Bonnie Stevens Raymo ’81 May 2019

Lydia Turkington Frazer ’82 February 2018

Susan Knowles Hudson, M.S.’82 August 2022

Faculty

Christine S. Chagaris ’85 June 2022

Kathy F. Geehreng ’85 December 2021

Karen E. Butler ’87 October 2022

Donna Whipp Gravely, M.S.’87 December 2022

Margaret Blocher Park ’88 October 2021

Deane Louise Knauf Greene ’89 November 2022

Julie K. Jaynes-Jerrell ’89 June 2022

Joan Bennett Walton ’89 May 2022

Robert A. Dacey, M.A.’90 January 2023

Mary Reinert Gianos ’91 December 2022

GLENDA E. MCNEILL, MSW Professor Emerita of Social Work

Jan. 8, 1928 – Oct. 7, 2022

Mary F. Wellman ’91 August 2020

John M. Creager ’92 December 2022

Virginia Sherlock Bastien ’95 October 2022

Melody A. Flinn, M.A.’95 August 2022

Frederick M. Michel, MBA’95 October 2022

Meika Dorsey Cowley ’96 December 2022

Stephen A. Stouffer ’98 April 2022

Steven A. Sutherland ’98 June 2021

William A. Rader ’01 August 2021

Leo J. Fratis, MBA’02 December 2022

Carolyn H. Smith-Clark ’02 November 2022

Stefanie O’Toole Bednarczyk ’03 August 2018

Jessica R. Craver ’08 December 2022

Honorary Alumni

George Irish, H’22 September 2022

Staff

Joan M. Powers June 2022

Glenda earned a bachelor’s in economics from Howard University and a master’s in social work from the University of Chicago. In addition to operating a private practice in Columbia, MD, Glenda taught at Catholic University and Hood College. A proud and dedicated social worker, she served on the Board of Directors at a domestic violence shelter in Frederick and worked with the Association of Social Work Boards. Known for her sharp sense of humor, Glenda was an avid reader, pianist and quilter. She is survived by her sister, brother, two daughters and four grandchildren.

PAMELA W. ROBLYER, PH.D. Professor of English

Feb. 17, 1943 – Aug. 4, 2022

Pamela earned a bachelor’s in English/education from Frostburg State University followed by a master’s and Ph.D. in English literature from the University of Maryland College Park. A lifelong educator, Pamela taught writing at the U.S. Naval Academy and Hood College, where she also ran the Writing Center. Additionally, she taught courses at Loyola, Anne Arundel Community College and Prince George’s Community College. She also had a distinguished career in business, working as a technical writer. After retiring, she dedicated her time to hosting book discussions, attending theater productions and renovating her Victorian-era house in Annapolis. She is survived by her two sisters, daughter, son, stepson and grandchildren.

Abroad in the Midst of Student Revolt

By Mary Atwell, Hood College archivist

Is it well known that Hood College once sponsored a “Junior Year at Strasbourg” program? Over its almost 40-year history, hundreds of Hood students and students from universities and colleges across the country took part in the life-changing program.

It began in 1967, organized by the United Colleges for Foreign Study and Exchange (UCFSE), University of Strasbourg and Hood College. Strasbourg is a French medieval city infused with the Alsatian culture that blends French and nearby Germanic influences. As sponsor, Hood vetted and approved all student applicants and administered the program. Hood’s resident director in Strasbourg advised students, oversaw housing and academic performance, and provided general assistance for issues that arose during the year.

“Junior Year at Strasbourg” was coeducational. Small groups of students from Hood and other universities and colleges were admitted yearly, with a cohort of 25 students as the annual goal. Applicants had to have sound academic records and at least two years of college French. Students spent their first month in “Stage,” an immersive language period that determined individual study levels for the year. After Stage, students began regular classes at the university.

The Strasbourg experience had a lasting impact for students, with memories of travels across Europe and fast friendships made. Alumni still travel back regularly to visit friends and host families. Some even migrated to France. But do Strasbourg alumni know how tenuous the program was during its first five years?

The “French Revolution of 1968,” also called “The Days in May,” threatened student exchange programs across Europe, causing some to cease operations—just when the Strasbourg program was in its infancy. The strikes and tumult had the very real ability to shut down the program before it had the chance to develop a solid foundation.

Student dissatisfaction with the French university system was not new, but demands for education reform erupted in May 1968. Students walked out of classrooms and into the streets. Full-scale riots broke out in Paris’ Latin Quarter, forcing the Sorbonne to close. Streets were barricaded, cars burned and Molotov cocktails were thrown. More than 400 students were arrested.

Lambrinudi was profoundly nervous about the future of Hood’s program. While the situation calmed down sufficiently before the upcoming semester, correspondence between President Elliott, Dean Mary Keeler and Lambrinudi over the next year reveals extreme concern about the university closing.

The Paris unrest spawned similar events at other French and European universities. Protests carried on at varying levels of disruption over the next several months and years. Newspapers across the U.S. reported on the Paris riots with disturbing photographic evidence of the violence, which no doubt alarmed prospective study abroad students and families.

The University of Strasbourg did not escape unscathed. A June 22, 1968, letter from a UCFSE director to Hood President Randell Elliott describes his visit to Strasbourg. He found the Palais Universitaire building occupied by students camped out and restricting access. Windows were broken, and offices were barricaded, including Resident Director Alec Lambrinudi’s office.

During the next five years, Hood continuously planned emergency measures to protect the safety and education of the study abroad students. French universities were faced with regular faculty absences, faculty depression and apathy, and student-sponsored disruptions. Hood had to work hard to recruit applicants. A March 1969 letter to President Elliott states, “Foreign study programs of our type will survive the convulsions which European universities are undergoing at present, only if they can furnish a stability of administration and a continuity of leadership which will impress the host university over here.”

“Junior Year at Strasbourg” survived and thrived thanks to the strong and deeply passionate Hood resident directors as well as administrative support at home. Success was also due to the Strasbourg alums who returned robust, welleducated and well cared for, which did not go unnoticed. The stories they brought back about new second families, friends and travel enticed younger students to apply. Sadly, “Junior Year at Strasbourg” was ended by Hood administration after 2004, but it is still beloved in the hearts of Strasbourg alumni and faculty.

The “French Revolution of 1968” threatened student exchange programs across Europe...

There’s more! For alumni’s memories of Strasbourg, visit hood.edu/alookback.

Group going abroad, 1968-1969.