Knox Magazine — Spring 2023

Leading Education Students to Success in the Classroom

Laura Lane has occupied this office in the Ford Center for the Fine Arts for the entire 40 years she has taught at Knox College. A professor of music and director of choral activities, Lane says she became a choral conductor because of her desire to make music with other people and because it is challenging. She loves the process of rehearsal and seeing the joy on the students’ faces when they master a difficult piece. Lane is retiring in June 2023.

Welcome to her office.

1. I have many presents from choir students, and I love them all. Most of them have to do with tour. I have poems, songs, and pictures that they all signed. This poster is one example of those memories.

2. This is a print of a child and fish is from one of my international students, Eleanor Phan. There’s special meaning for the child and the fish in Vietnamese culture; the child represents growth, and the fish signifies resilience and inner strength.

3. My daughter, Lydia, made this picture and story when she was a child. That’s me conducting the choir students, which she made as mice. It says, “My mom is a special person. She’s special because she conducts choirs and makes beautiful music. She’s also special because she takes care of me. She is very special because she doesn’t litter.” I love it so much. All the choir students knew her the whole time she was growing up—it was like she was their little sister.

STEVE DAVIS

Laura Lane, Professor of Music & Director of Choral Activities

Open Door

4. With the Knox College Choir (KCC), I have always done music from cultures around the world in different styles and different languages. I sometimes bought special percussion instruments

5. Receiving the Harold Decker Award meant so much to me. I got the award from the American Choral Directors Association of Illinois. It’s for excellence in conducting, impact on the lives of singers and colleagues, and service to the field.

6. That’s Moses Hogan in the center of this picture with the Nova Singers, a professional vocal ensemble that I direct. I have brought guest conductors to work with the choir, and this is one example. Hogan was, at the time, the most famous arranger of choral music and of spirituals in the country and in the world. He worked with the KCC and even invited us to his house for a reception!

7. Abbie Betinis is one of the most famous composers of choral music in the world, and and she presented this to me as a gift. It’s a hand-written score of the piece she wrote for us. One of the things that I've done while I’ve been here is commission living composers, especially women, to write a piece for us, and then they come in to work with us on it, and we do the world premiere.

8. This is a self-portrait of Claire Odin, one of my voice students who was a painting major and music performance minor. Claire is in graduate school for painting and specializes in self-portraits. She made this for me after graduation to thank me for our four years of voice lessons.

VOLUME 106, ISSUE 1

SPRING 2023

“I LIKE TO SAY THAT I’VE BEEN AT KNOX SINCE MY PARENTS DROPPED ME OFF AS A FIRST-YEAR STUDENT AND I’M STILL WAITING FOR THEM TO RETURN WITH THE STATION WAGON TO PICK ME UP!”

PAUL STEENIS ’85 (PAGE 35)

Reimagining Retirement

Former faculty members Penny Gold, Tim Kasser, and Rick Ortner are making their passions a critical part of their lives in retirement.

Page 6

Making Classroom Connections

A Knox education provides skills and experience necessary for teachers in new learning environments.

Page 11

Presenting International Perspectives through a Knox Lens Knox student Maria Reeves ’25 is creating Knox connections as she explores Europe.

Page 16

Departments

Open Door Inside front cover

2 East South Street Page 4

The South Lawn Page 18

Knox Writes Page 28

Class Knox Page 30

Parting Shot Inside back cover

EDITOR

Maeve Reilly

LAYOUT DESIGNERS

Becky Hale

Ami Jontz

CONTRIBUTORS, WRITING & PHOTOGRAPHY

Peter Bailley ’74

Suyash Chitrakar ’25

Hero Dahlman ’23

Steve Davis

Jennifer Gallas

Kent Kriegshauser

Christine Mueri

Mitch Prentice ’17

Nysa Pulwar ’26

Maria Reeves ’25

Jenna Schweikert ’25

Lisa Van Riper

Carla Wehmeyer

Jan Wolbers

On the cover: Jennifer McCarthy Foubert directs the teacher education program, preparing students for real-world classroom experiences. Photo by Steve Davis.

Knox Magazine is published twice yearly by the Office of Communications, Box K-233, Knox College, Galesburg, IL 61401-4999; Phone: 309-341-7760; Email: knoxmag@knox.edu.

It is distributed free of charge to Knox alumni, students, parents, and friends. The magazine welcomes information and story ideas. Please query before submitting manuscripts.

ISSN: 0047-3499

Visit us online at magazine.knox.edu.

Women’s Basketball Shows Heart in Valentine’s Day Win

The Prairie Fire women’s basketball team celebrates after defeating Illinois College 63-62 on February 14, 2023. The women clinched a share of the Midwest Conference (MWC) title and moved on to win their first MWC tournament in a game against Ripon, 64-61, on February 25. Catessa Duran ’23 (left) was named to the first MWC team. Sophie Elstone ’24 (center) contributed 10 points in the championship game.

Editor’s Note

Hooray for Knox Faculty!

Knox faculty members are the backbone of our community—from their outstanding teaching, research, and creative endeavors to the additional work they take on as advisors, role models, and friends. They have shown time and time again that their individual strengths and passions are what make Knox and its students and alumni so successful.

As I’ve been working on this issue, it’s been a pleasure to visit with some of those faculty members who are no longer on campus but are still so connected to our community. They continue to be passionate about their work and the experiences that Knox has provided them. To the three featured here, as well as all the current and past faculty, we say thank you.

We also mourn faculty members who we’ve lost recently. Jim Dyer, who served as chair of journalism, influenced dozens of students who continue to search for the truth and tell stories in engaging and fact-filled ways. Monica Berlin ’95 was not just a beloved and respected English professor, but also an outstanding poet, mentor, and friend to those that knew her. May their memories be a blessing.

As always, we look forward to hearing from you and hearing about your adventures—whether near to campus or far afield. Please feel free to email me directly at mjreilly@knox.edu.

With kind regards, Maeve

Reilly

Letters to the Editor

1973 Flunk Day

I believe that the year of the Flunk Day pictured on page 33 in the Fall 2022 Knox Magazine is 1973. I believe that I am the man in the striped sweater holding a coat over his shoulder standing between the two women on the left-hand side.

—Jeff Seidell ’73

The photograph (on p. 33 Fall 2022) is from Flunk Day 1973. I imagine many people have made that identification correctly. I am unable to identify the participants in the three-legged race. However, I can identify three of the people in the background. One of them is me. I am off to the right, and next to me is Penny Petersen ’73. On the far left of the line in the background is Bob Berg ’74. Bob and I were both Friars.

—Kevin Waite ’74

History Lesson

As to the Fall 2022 issue, a couple of comments. The Open Door is very interesting, particularly so for what I cannot find in it. I see a 20th century portable typewriter but no computer keyboard or monitor or smartphone! Does Prof. Franco truly not possess such things?

The ’Burg piece refers to the Custer carriage house and Omer Custer as an Illinois state treasurer and president of Purington Brick. But he was much more: president of one of the Galesburg banks, an investor in other businesses, publisher of the Register-Mail

(R-M) and with three descendants who also were R-M publishers, son-in-law Les Pritchard, grandson Bill Pritchard, and great-grandson John Pritchard, a recent mayor of Galesburg. Bill and John both attended Knox. Bill was barely in his 20s when Les died and then Bill died before reaching 40. That is if my 90-year-old memory is correct.

—James (Jim) Dunlevey ’54

Ecology at Green Oaks

I just read the article on Green Oaks and it reminded me of when I first heard the term “ecology” and had no idea what that was. A classmate from Dr. Shepard’s class tried to explain it. I did an honors project (under the guidance of Dr. Neff) catching the large bullfrog tadpoles at Green Oaks. Then I exposed them to various pollutants found in freshwater to see what abnormalities occurred at what dosage. I’ve always felt sorry for the poor frogs but I loved getting out to Green Oaks with no one else out there.

—Norm Porter ’61

CARLA WEHMEYER

President’s Note

Knox Community Coming Together

As I write this letter, the Knox campus here in Galesburg is in the midst of a much needed break between our winter and spring terms. The last year here at Knox has been filled with many successes, but also many challenges. I have finally been able to participate in many of the beloved Knox traditions put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I was able to experience my first Flunk Day! Pumphandle, the Founders Day celebration, in-person Homecoming weekend and I-Fair are important events for our community, and I am so glad I was able to participate in them.

Our student athletes in women’s basketball, under the leadership of Coach Kira Mowen, won their first-ever Midwest Conference Championship and earned a spot in the NCAA Division III tournament. Coach Evander Wells led sprinters Derrick Jackson and Tyrell Pierce to All-American honors on the track along with dozens of All-Conference honors and Knox record-breaking performances by many track and field athletes. The College launched our “Abolition for All Time” Humanities Lab funded by a $1.2 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation with the purpose of understanding historical and contemporary social justice issues. With the Prairie Promise and the Prairie Fire Flagship Match we continue to work to make a Knox education affordable for all students. And on #KnoxProud day in February over 1,600 alumni, parents, and friends showed their support for Knox with over $1.3 million in gifts.

These highs were tempered by the unimaginable loss of beloved colleagues, friends, and mentors this year including Assistant Professor and Chair of Economics Jonathan Powers, who also served as the head swim coach and advisor to Knox’s water polo clubs; Richard P. & Sophia D. Henke Distinguished Professor of English Monica Berlin ’95; Assistant Professor and Chair of Journalism Jim Dyer; and Trustee Laurence Msall ’84.

As I reflect on all of the highs and lows of this past year, there is one ever-present theme—community. The traditions we hold dear here at Knox are built on connecting with one another. Success in and outside of the classroom is made possible by working together with colleagues, friends, peers, and teammates. And in our grief it is the support, care, and kindness of this community that helps us to go on.

I know how important this community is for Camille and me, as well as for all of you. In the coming days I look forward to visiting more alumni, parents, and friends nationally and internationally. There is so much I want to share with all of you about the bright future I see for Knox and I hope you all have much to share with me about your aspirations for our great College.

With warmest regards,

SÉAN ALONZO HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

REIMAGINING RETIREMENT

BY CHRISTINE MUERI AND MAEVE REILLY

Being a professor at Knox College is more than a full-time job. Faculty at Knox are brilliant teachers but they are also passionate mentors, committed leaders, innovative researchers, and dedicated colleagues. In addition to giving their all in the classroom, Knox faculty lead busy, full lives on campus, serving on committees, advising students, sponsoring groups, and pitching in wherever help is needed.

So it should come as no surprise to hear that Knox faculty don’t lose a step in retirement. We sat down with three former Knox professors to chat about what they’ve been up to since they cleaned out their offices. Spoiler alert: they’re not sleeping in and taking it easy. Read on to hear about the amazing things Penny Gold, Tim Kasser, and Rick Ortner are doing to make the most out of retirement.

STEVE DAVIS

Penny Gold and her quilt “If Only (Jeremy’s Wedding Quilt)” created in 2020.

PENNY GOLD FINDING A NEW WAY FORWARD

During her 36 years at Knox College, Penny Gold held many different roles. She was a professor of history, religious studies, and women’s studies; the author of four books; and a valued colleague to many wonderful friends across the College. Outside of work, she was involved in the community and took pleasure in family life with her husband David Amor, and their son, Jeremy. In her free time, she carried on her childhood hobbies of knitting, sewing, and quilting.

But when Jeremy died in 2004 at the young age of 18, Gold’s life stopped. She had been working on a quilt for Jeremy to take to college, but it sat untouched as she waded through the deep grief, regret, and loss that comes with losing a precious child. But sewing was also a comfort, and eventually, she returned to the quilt and was able to complete it after finding a way to acknowledge her loss. “I decided to angle the ‘logs’ of the log cabin design askew, rather than at right angles, creating a disruption in the overall pattern,” she said. “I could then finish the quilt, knowing it acknowledged Jeremy’s death as well as his life.”

In 2005, she attended a quilting workshop led by Bill Kerr and Weeks Ringle which focused on the design process, asking students to see a quilt as a work of art requiring careful composition. These teachers encouraged their students to build the entire piece around a single “big idea.” This approach resonated with Gold immediately. “Having something to design around helps enormously in all of the decisions you have to make: what colors should I use? How much of each color? What kinds of lines or shapes?

Designing with a central idea in mind was transformative for me,” she said.

The workshop and this unique approach to quilting also provided Gold with a way to cope with the ongoing grief she felt many months after her son’s death. After the workshop, she began work on her first art quilt: an abstract portrait of Jeremy next to a wide field of black. She called it “Loss,” and something inside her shifted. “Creating this and successive quilts gave me a way to live with loss, and art replaced scholarship as a path of meaning-making in my life,” she said.

Gold continued with her teaching and research at Knox, but in 2011, in the midst of a favorite course with a delightful group of students, something felt off. After nearly four decades of life as a professor and a scholar, she realized her work at Knox was done, and she made the decision to retire.

In retirement, she had more time to compose new quilts, many expressing feelings related to Jeremy’s death. When she had created a body of work about loss, Mark Holmes, her friend and Knox art professor, suggested she exhibit the pieces at his gallery space, The Box. The exhibition was held in 2016.

Her work is evocative and emotional, and it resonates with her audience on a deeply personal level. In 2015, she showed a piece at a national quilt show that stole the show. The quilt was titled “Self-Portrait, Year 2: Beneath the Surface” and the design included large black letters spelling out “I AM A WOMAN WHOSE CHILD IS DEAD” on a stark white background.

“I was humbled by the extensive and heartfelt response, and gratified to know that my work can touch others deeply—both those who have suffered loss themselves and those who haven’t but who appreciate an insight into friends who have,” Gold said.

In addition to continuing with art quilts, Gold has made many patchwork quilts as gifts for others. She still thoughtfully considers the composition of each piece.

“I’ve long had the word ‘perseverance’ up in my studio, a reminder to keep going, to set aside the mistakes and try again,” Gold said. “Whether in writing a book or creating a work of art, whether on the job or in retirement, this word has helped me through.”

STEVE DAVIS

TIM KASSER CREATING IN A NEW MEDIUM

As a professor of psychology, Tim Kasser spent a lot of his time at Knox College in a classroom. But when he wasn’t meeting with students or teaching, once a week you could find him at the piano in a rehearsal hall in the Ford Center for the Fine Arts, leading a faculty/staff jam session. Kasser, who describes himself as a “passable” musician, remembers those afternoons with colleagues from across the College as informal, energizing, and fun.

But when he retired from Knox in 2019, Kasser and his wife relocated to upstate New York, and he got used to jamming solo. He also got used to a completely different rhythm to his days. He traded lectures and research papers for chores around their 17-acre homestead near Keuka Lake. “We have a donkey, goats, a cat, and big gardens. Plus, we live across the street from 2,500 acres of state forest, so I spend a lot of time hiking and snowshoeing there,” he said.

During the pandemic, he felt a tug to do something more, so he took a parttime job with the local school district. The district is small, with fewer than 400 students total in K-12th grade, and all of the grades meet in one building. Kasser is a teacher’s aide in the elementary classrooms, working with each grade level each day. He works with kids one-on-one and supervises lunch and recess. “I really enjoy helping the children, and now instead of Professor Kasser, I’m Mr. Kasser,” he said. “It’s a great gig for me right now.”

In his free time, he kept up with his music and, for his 55th birthday, he headed down the road to a local studio. “About 20 minutes from where I live, there’s this barn that a guy turned into

a recording studio. For my birthday, I booked time in the studio just to see what it was like, just to have the experience,” he said. “It was only for fun but the studio owner encouraged me to come back and cut an album.”

The suggestion struck a chord with Kasser. Even with a part-time job and a large homestead to care for, he had been feeling an itch to do more. “As a professor, you’re used to doing a lot of big projects. I came to see that I needed to take on some kind of challenge beyond the house and my work as an aide,” he said.

Fast forward to today, and the album is fully underway. And after a solid nine months of work, Kasser has a whole new appreciation for the work that goes into making an album. He’s been learning about the recording process, from bringing in other musicians to background vocals to editing to mixing. He’s planning on 11 tracks, and 10 are

in progress. “I’m doing this to learn about the recording process and I love it because it is stretching me,” he said. “It’s just been so interesting working with other musicians and the producer. There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes to get to the final product that people hear.”

He has also found unexpected parallels to his career as a writer and a scholar. “The recording process is very interesting to me as a writer, because I know writing is editing over and over until you get to something you like. Turns out, recording music is not dissimilar,” he said. “There’s the initial musical performance and then there’s all of the editing that goes on afterwards to turn it into something hopefully better. That’s a lot like how writing is: get your initial idea down and keep working with it until you get to what you actually had in mind.”

RICK ORTNER EMBRACING A NEW COMMUNITY

When Rick Ortner left Knox College in 2002 to teach painting at Louisiana State University, he never imagined he would return to the Midwest. But, after 40 years of teaching, Ortner surprised himself (and most of his friends and family) by moving back to Galesburg. “I think people really wondered, why would I ever move back to a place like Galesburg for my retirement?” he said. “But the sense of community here is really great, and the connections between faculty members from all across the spectrum is special.”

Community is something that Ortner appreciates whether he is painting at home or at his studio in Italy. His current painting seeks to capture the special community he found in a nearby Italian village. “The focus of the piece is the main piazza of

the village neighboring the one where I live,” he said. “It’s very ordinary but I really love the geometry of it.”

Ortner is far from a tourist in this part of Italy. For the last 15 years, he has been spending summers in the same little village. He has the same routine every year: as soon as school is out, he heads east, returning just a few days before the fall semester starts. And every day in between, he paints.

This may sound simple, but it’s quite a commitment. Summer in Italy is, well, hot. “Last summer, I was painting in full sun in the middle of a stone piazza that was just slightly concave, so all of the heat came down directly onto my head,” he said. “But I went every day. I want as much time as possible to paint in the way that someone else would want as much time as possible in their lab or to write another novel.”

The size of the project has also been a challenge. When he first started

sketching, the preliminary drawings just kept getting wider and wider to accommodate the shape of the piazza. In its final form, the canvas measures nine feet across.

When he returned to Illinois last fall, the canvas traveled with him and he is finishing it from memory at home. “Right now I’m working on mostly little things, like this color should be a little bit warmer, this color should be a little bit lighter, the angle of this road isn’t quite right,” he said.

As for his plans for retirement, he hopes to spend longer stretches in Italy and has considered renting an apartment in Naples, which is, in his words, “much more lively and cultural compared to the calm countryside I’m used to.” Naples is also home to many lovely art museums and the San Carlo opera house. But there is a special place in his heart for the Italian countryside.

“I really got to know the villagers so very well because I was a curiosity,” he said. “Every day, people would come by midday to sit around the central piazza and chat before lunch and in the evening after lunch, and there I was, in the middle of it. Those interactions shape the painting; it becomes almost like a journal. When I look at the painting, I remember all of the stuff that happened to me, the people I met, the way it felt. The little things don’t show, but they do come through.”

But friendships and fantastic opera are secondary to his primary goal each visit: to paint. “There are some faculty who retire and go play golf for the rest of their lives. But for most of us, what we teach is what we do.”

“There are some faculty who retire and go play golf for the rest of their lives. But for most of us, what we teach is what we do.”

–Rick Ortner

Making Classroom Connections

The Liberal Arts Prepare Future Teachers

BY MITCH PRENTICE ’17

For a new teacher, a college degree and student teaching experience are essential, but when you’re standing in your classroom in front of 25 second-graders, you’re not likely to recall a paragraph from a textbook or a bullet point from a handout. Instead, with 25 pairs of eyes on you, you’re going to dig deeper and find a way to engage with students that goes beyond math or simple phonics. You have to get to know them as individuals, and good teachers don’t stop there.

Knox’s Department of Educational Studies leans on the foundations of a liberal arts education to help graduates become extraordinary teachers.

Jennifer McCarthy Foubert, associate professor and director of teacher education, believes a Knox education provides expertise in not only what to teach, but, perhaps more importantly, how to teach. Knox faculty members are continually innovating curriculum and methodology. “No one is ever done learning,” McCarthy Foubert said.

A love for education is as much of an emphasis for education majors as are the practical elements of a classroom. McCarthy Foubert knows that, sometimes, the experiences Knox students had in elementary school shape their desire to teach.

“Students can find it empowering to examine their own school experiences as they learn about critical educational research and culturally relevant pedagogy. Many want to make schooling better for those like themselves,” McCarthy Foubert said.

Diana Chavira ’16 The Power of Empathy

Members of the Knox education faculty helped Diana Chavira with internship applications, which led her to a student teaching internship at Phillips Exeter Academy, a highly selective high school located in New Hampshire. For Chavira, this was a “game-changing experience,” which made her shift her focus to students needing extra help.

Chavira now works as a teacher at Pathways High School in Chicago, a non-traditional school that helps students with credit recovery. Many of the students are healing from trauma and may be dealing with challenging life issues.

“My Knox education 100 percent prepared me to take on this type of teaching,” Chavira said. “My liberal arts background helps me be more open-minded when speaking with these students. I feel like I’m able to challenge assumptions on how things should be done and find better solutions. Change can be scary, but change can be necessary. Knox helped me with that.”

Heather Hellenga ’90

Focusing on Relationships

Heather Hellenga’s primary focus is teaching social studies, but she also leads a Social and Emotional Learningbased weekly activity at Lombard Elementary in Galesburg called “morning meeting.”

Morning meeting consists of a number of social activities to start the week that involve meaningful social

interactions. These activities range from simply asking their neighbor about themselves, to laughing out loud as a tissue is dropped to the ground and going silent once it lands.

Hellenga adopted this responsive classroom program to promote a family feeling in the classroom by building authentic relationships. “Everyone is given a chance to share their ideas,” she said. “Morning

meeting helps students celebrate each other’s differences in a safe way that helps them learn. It’s part of being a good human.

“As I reach the tail end of my career, I feel like I’m digging deeper into the ideas I learned at Knox. I’ve become more mindful of teaching students to be aware of sources of information and helping them see from different perspectives to view themselves as agents of change. Knox helped instill that.”

Jeremy Darnell ’97 Looking at the Bigger Picture Using

Social and Emotional Learning in the classroom is an important skill, but instilling these values throughout a school district is next-level. Jeremy Darnell has been working on doing so for a decade as the superintendent of Gibson City, Illinois, CUSD #5.

Darnell says that his Knox education broadened his life view. “I felt very prepared when I left Knox,” Darnell said. “I worked a full-time job and played sports in college. I knew how to work hard.”

He’s noticed a number of changes since he started his career teaching middle school social studies at Urbana (Illinois) Middle School in 1998. Early on, he thinks school was seen chiefly as a place for learning math and reading. Today, it’s more complex.

“Schools are places where we teach students how to become high-quality

people,” Darnell said. “We encourage kids to understand that no matter who you are, where you come from, you can sit in a room with other students and realize you are more alike than you are different. I hope that we can instill those values into children.”

Adam Mize ’12 Learning Beyond Textbooks

Although Adam Mize’s parents are both teachers, he initially planned to major in biology with the goal of pursuing a career in medicine, but his path veered to the classroom.

Mize appreciated personal interactions with professors who he felt were always approachable. The fact that the education professors have a genuine interest in guiding the next generation of teachers led him to change his major. “Their experiences and examples helped me so much,” Mize said.

Because the demand for teachers is higher than ever, Darnell also believes that it’s more difficult to find qualified teachers. During the pandemic, students experienced screen learning and teachers-in-training learned how to teach from screens. This has led to a generation of new teachers who have never experienced a classroom in person.

Darnell has hope for the future of education and believes that the field will continue to evolve as the definition of “teacher” changes. He believes that the Department of Educational Studies at Knox has the methodology to give new educators the strong foundation they need to succeed.

“My Knox education was wellrounded and gave me a foundation as an administrator and as a teacher,” Darnell said. “I learned how to understand various philosophies on education. Knox prepared me for life.”

Mize student-taught at Nielson Elementary School in Galesburg, and when he was offered a job in Knoxville School District following graduation, he says it “felt like it was meant to be.” Mize also coached football, baseball, track, and student council during his seven years at Knoxville. Now, he works at Dunlap High School as the assistant principal.

“At Knox, I was exposed to a range of ideas and people,” Mize said. “My experiences there taught me how to have open, diverse conversations with students and educators. It helped me realize that I want my students to see that there is more to learning than what you find in textbooks.”

SUBMITTED

Milo Camaya ’22 Mastering the Post-Pandemic Classroom

Technology and the pandemic have forced changes in classrooms. Knox students preparing to teach have to acquire not only technological skills but also interpersonal skills that allow them to help students who may not have had much social interaction in recent years.

A portion of his studies at Knox was held in virtual classrooms during the height of the pandemic, but Milo Camaya was able to finish his senior year with in-person student teaching at King Elementary School in Galesburg.

Student teaching was instrumental to his learning: seeing how students act in an actual classroom was something he felt he couldn’t have learned behind a screen. “You have to be explicit in instructions, but you also can’t tell them too many things at once. It’s a fine line,” Camaya said.

Camaya credits McCarthy Foubert’s course, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards, for helping him navigate the post-pandemic classroom. The course incorporates how to teach social awareness and interpersonal skills with research about trauma and liberatory pedagogy to establish and maintain safe, affirming classrooms. This is especially helpful when working with children coming out of the remote learning era of COVID-19, McCarthy Foubert said.

“SEL practices are all about developing empathy in these classrooms. The students are learning how to be compassionate,” McCarthy Foubert said.

Camaya feels that McCarthy Foubert’s courses are foundational to his teaching philosophy, and he looks to her as a mentor. Through the SEL course, he learned that a main focus of his teaching is to introduce his students to the concepts of cooperative learning.

“A lot of my teaching structure is to make children work cooperatively, to work with one another. Knox was great at teaching that. Professors felt very passionately about teaching real-life values to students and taking time to actually observe,” Camaya said.

STEVE DAVIS

Presenting International Perspectives through a Knox Lens

While studying in the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland with the Carleton College Women’s and Gender Studies in Europe program, Maria Reeves ’25 sought out Knox College alumni. Here she recalls some of her experiences sharing College memories with new friends in Europe.

I was the only Knox student among a group of 14 peers and a Carleton professor who traveled throughout Europe to study the policies affecting women and minorities, with crosscultural comparisons to policies and histories around the world. Though I hoped to meet Knox alumni, I didn’t expect to find so many who welcomed me and helped me see different perspectives.

During my first year at Knox, I connected with alumni from all over the world virtually and during alumni reunions on campus. Knox alumni are welcoming and always have a great many stories to tell. When I arrived in Germany, I emailed Levi Morgan, associate director of alumni engagement, about my interest in meeting alumni in Berlin. He supplied me with contact information, and I was successfully able to meet four fabulous alumni during my time there.

Alex Burik ’14 met me at Checkpoint Charlie

As we walked towards the Französischer Dom, Alex told me that he grew up in Germany, but spent a lot of time with family in Chicago. At Knox, he interned in Germany and now works as a science journalist. We discussed Knox activities, like Pumphandle. It felt unreal to meet another Knox person far from Galesburg. It was also comforting to meet someone who could share familiarity with Knox and the novelty of Berlin.

“Knox’s science curriculum made me well-prepared for summer research internships I did in laboratories of the Goethe University Clinic in Frankfurt, Germany, as well as graduate studies in neuroscience. The liberal arts curriculum challenged me to think outside the box when it comes to science and consider the wider relevance of scientific innovation to society at large.”

—Alex Burik ’14

Maria with Alex Burik ’14

Oliver Rivera Drew ’96 at his studio in the Bethanien Kreuzberg

Oliver is an artist who works at the Bethanien Kreuzberg. I was excited to visit because I learned about it on a tour. He showed me the art studio he works in and showed me the printing presses and equipment. He told me about the printing press on the Knox campus and his experiences learning art there. He recently had one of his art pieces published in Catch magazine.

A day in the park with Elena Iatropoulou Bannat ’19

We drank tea and, later, walked through one of her favorite parks. Like me, she worked at the Knox Communications Office. With the experiences she gained at Knox, she continued to work in the field of biology. She also is the class correspondent for her graduating class and collects information from them for Knox Magazine

Interestingly, all the Berlin alumni I met didn’t know one another. I connected them, along with Roy Rao ’11, whom I did not have the chance to meet. They have now formed an informal Berlin Knox club!

When I got to Prague, I emailed Jennifer Gallas, associate director of donor relations, who connected me with Charlotte Sommer ’72. Charlotte answered all of my questions about the political systems and the history of the Czech Republic. She even told me about the evolution of the Czech language. Charlotte filled me in on her

experiences growing up in Chicago learning Czech from her family, visiting Czechoslovakia while it was under socialism, and her activism work against communism when she returned to the United States. At Knox, she studied languages and decided to work in Prague after the Velvet Revolution in 1989. She is now a lecturer at the Institute of Fashion and Theater Design. Charlotte showed me parts of Prague that I would not have noticed, such as a new spire on a church, statues in a park near where my lectures took place, an abandoned train station, and the Prague farmer’s market and its Czech delicacies.

“Since moving to Prague in 1993, I have hosted numerous visits from Knox faculty, students, and alumni, including the entire Knox Choir during their Prague/Vienna tour in the mid-’90s. Trick question, how many chickens and how many pounds of potato salad does it take to feed a 50-member college choir? (Hint: they ate all 100 slices of my cousin’s apple strudel.)”

–Charlotte Sommer ’72

Meeting alumni during my studies allowed me to expand my knowledge of world histories and structures. It helped me to speak about cultural differences and linguistics, one of my favorite subjects to chat about. It was interesting to find that we had so much in common because of our experiences with professors and student organizations at Knox. Ultimately, Knox College has helped me create connections with those who are open to learning more and connecting with others from all over the world. Meeting so many alumni has been one of my favorite Knox experiences as it has helped me imagine all the different paths I can take in my own life.

Maria with Oliver Rivera Drew ’96

Maria with Elena Iatropoulou Bannat ’19

New Senior Staff Members Focus on Success

Alec Guroff

Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance

“No one should ever come to Knox because we have a really good finance department,” said Alec Guroff, the new vice president for finance and chief financial officer. “However, having a good finance team is our goal: one that supports the strategic and operational goals of the College.”

Guroff joined Knox in September 2022. He earned a B.A. in politics from Princeton University, an M.A. in Russian Studies from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Prior to joining Knox, he provided finance, accounting and consulting services to nonprofit organizations in the Washington, D.C. area.

And what brought him to the Midwest and to Knox? “I grew up in Grinnell so I have some familiarity with small, liberal arts schools in the Midwest,” Guroff said. “When I met with President McGadney, I thought it would be a great opportunity to contribute to building on what Knox offers, expanding on the number of people taking advantage of what Knox offers, and living up to the vision that the Board has to grow and elevate Knox.”

He’s looking forward to seeing how Knox and the Galesburg community can work together, creating win/win opportunities.

“The goal of our department is to be responsible stewards of the College’s resources and to provide the information necessary to College leadership and the Board to make informed and intentional decisions.”

Brad Nolden General Counsel and Vice President for Administration

A self-proclaimed generalist, Brad Nolden relishes the opportunity to learn about a lot of topics in many different areas. As the vice president for administration and general counsel, he is the primary legal advisor for the College and is also responsible for the Office of Sustainability, Campus Safety, Auxiliary Businesses, Building and Facility Services, Human Resources, and Information Technology Services.

It’s a large portfolio, but Nolden is prepared for the challenges. “What appealed to me about the job was the ability to continue to practice law in numerous disciplines while getting to learn about the unique challenges faced by institutions of higher learning.

“I consider myself a problem solver,” Nolden said. “This position at Knox

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lets me do the day-to-day work I love to do, but also work on strategic and business matters for the College, which is really exciting to me.”

A native of Joliet, he earned a B.B.A. in finance from the University of Iowa and his J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law. For a number of years, he was a municipal lawyer, “riding the circuit,” as he says, working with 10 different municipalities. He most recently served as the city attorney and administrative services director for the City of Galesburg.

Nolden’s very involved in the Galesburg community. He was recently named to the City of Galesburg Firefighters’ Pension Fund Board and is finishing up his last term on the Galesburg Chamber of Commerce. He’s on the Galesburg Crimestoppers board and a member of Lions Club. He also helped found a local chapter of a nonprofit called the Front Nine Foundation.

“We identify families in the area who have children with major medical incidents,” he explained. “If insurance isn’t covering everything they need, we step in and try to help fund their expenses. Once we pick a family, they are partners for life, so we continue to work with them and invite them to come and give us updates.”

He looks forward to many years working with his Knox family and focusing on success for faculty, staff, and students. “My teams will be focused on customer service and delivering the assets and facilities necessary to help our campus community succeed. These internal and administrative services are essential to the continued success of Knox.”

The ’Burg Hustle to the Orange Cup

Looking for a warm cup of coffee on that cold winter morning, an orange boba to cool off with in the summer, or perhaps just a fun place to hang out? Knox alum Scott Baldwin ’81 and his wife, Melany, have the perfect spot for you—Orange Cup Side Hustle. This gas-station-turned-coffee-hotspot is a cornucopia of flavors and tastes with something for everyone, creating a unique and exciting experience in a rather unconventional landscape.

The coffee shop, located on East Main Street near I-74, is a companion business to the Orange Cup Java Station, a twoway drive-through, found on North Henderson Street.

The couple purchased the original outlet from friends. Scott, an anthropology and sociology major, was born and raised in Galesburg and built a career in the employee benefit industry in Chicago, where he met Melany. Scott grew up near the Knox College campus; his mother, Carol, worked in the Admission Office and his father, Richard, worked in Facilities Services. “Purple and gold is simply in my blood,” said Scott, who played basketball for the Prairie Fire and was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

The Orange Cup has been adopted by the Galesburg and Knox community since its opening in 2017. Several Knox College students work there, and the space has also hosted student club events and meetings. Scott noted, “We love having Knox students come over. Saturday mornings usually have tables full of them! It’s wonderful!” Orange Cup has provided beverages for many Knox events on campus such as Flunk Day and Senior Day.

Fired Up / Burned Out

Media Matters

Fired Up

The patty melt at the Gizmo is back by popular demand! Reintroduced in late fall 2022, this alumni favorite has been a best seller with the campus community. A variant of the traditional cheeseburger, it includes caramelized onions and two slices of grilled rye bread. Next time you are on campus be sure to visit the Gizmo.

Smoldering

The restaurant scene in Galesburg is heating up. Recent newcomer Opie’s Bar and Grill features traditional grill items and specialty items like beer-battered tenderloins and chicken and waffles. Owned by Melany and Scott Baldwin ’81, the popular Orange Cup Java Station recently added a second location called Orange Cup Side Hustle at the corner of Main Street and Soangetaha Road (see page 19). And, of course, La Cantinita Tequila Bar and Cafe, owned by Knox alumna Elvith Santoyo-McNaught ’13, continues to be a local favorite, serving delicious food for lunch and dinner.

Monica Berlin ’95, Richard P. & Sophia D. Henke Distinguished Professor of English at Knox College, passed away on November 4, 2022. You can see an In Memoriam on page 67. Please enjoy the poem below in her memory.

The Galesburg area is burned out on hunger! The new branch of the River Bend Food Bank, a partnership between the Galesburg Community Foundation and River Bend Food Bank, intends to drive hunger out of the area by delivering more than 5.5 million meals to area residents by 2025.

Just Before the Blood Draw the Other Morning, I Filled in Small circles on a form, rating likelihood on a scale of one to five:

how likely I was to notice that I was aware of the action of my heart in the absence of physical exertion (e.g., the heart missing a beat). No space allowed to say I’m always aware of the action of my heart, always aware of absence, holes, the turning of a doorknob, a shadow moving against glass, the light, even imagined, someone going away. The form didn’t ask how often I think about the heart, mine or yours, or the now-healing poet’s in Texas, or the scavenged one of that beast my friend in Michigan is watching early this morning, late spring, though the sky’s still February despite magnolia petals in the driveway. There’s an opossum here, too, but I ignore his mean, prehistoric face, cover the trash cans, think instead of the raccoon, that milder primitive fella, I once saw splayed on the roadside, handlike paws tucked beneath his chin, as in prayer. It’s an image from which I’ve never recovered, & this morning, returned again, when, helpless, I watched a car about to be hit by another in an intersection I always fear, & helpless to stop it from happening, threw mine into park, felt my hands rush up to cover my own eyes, as if not-seeing would stop what I couldn’t, would alert someone to the peril of every day, which is one of the impossibilities

SUBMITTED

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of our lives, the things we can’t stop, the things just ahead of us on the road, physics at work, without us, without any of us, just the fierceness of everything not ours to control. It’s too late to say I was trying to be honest on the form. No sense lying about the heart. But there wasn’t room enough to say how, when I said I’d give the poet mine, I meant it. No room to say when the poet was wheeled in to surgery, I slipped under, murmured to a friend passing by, You know how to pray. Said, please What I also didn’t say: I once walked into a hospital to find doctors slamming paddles to my father’s chest, the room overturned, his body stripped bare. Too late to say when my father’s heart gave up, & the doctors had to let it, in me there were no prayers left. Too late: I never prayed again. But about the prayers of others, the way any body might, in grief or fear, turn toward prayer, always in the hands, that tucking in against disaster—? I never know if it’s too late, especially not on a form that leaves no option for a change of heart —Christ, they’re only handing out pens, & cheap ones at that—that here’s the thing about the heart: sometimes it breaks, & we go on; sometimes it breaks, & we can’t go on; sometimes the surgeons can patch a hole, clear the path to it; sometimes the paddles; sometimes it takes a boy once in a car on a road to nowhere in Oklahoma somewhere spilled out on gravel. The problem of the heart: there’s no easy way to repair the one we’re given. Only dumb luck or great tragedy, the deepest sorrows, a head-on crash through an intersection into a tree & an airbag deploying to protect what will be lifted in a tightly sealed box, then driven at safe speeds, in a truck, through the night, on an emptied-out highway, one so desolate that even those thieving roadside critters don’t bother to scour. Everything out of our hands: the trains halted then rerouted after a collapsed bridge, another empty downtown Main Street razed, a boy once in a car in Oklahoma, the rivers rising, detours, so many detours. What more is there? This kind of direct address to the human heart. These stretches of wide-open forever, scarcely seen or seen again.

From Nostalgia for a World Where We Can Live, a book in the Crab Orchard Series in Poetry, co-published with Southern Illinois University Press. Copyright © 2018 by Monica Berlin.

Sparks

“My favorite memory was the in ’95 when over 6 feet of snow fell— the drifts were up to the second-story windows.”

FREAK WINTER STORM

Michael Vanlandingham ’98 when asked about favorite winter memories at Knox

“TIME WELL SPENT.”

Susan Thomas ’76 responding to a request for three words that describe her Knox experience

“Kelvin Finkley ’95 and I met in ’91 in SMC Library.

THREE KIDS LATER

… married 24 years this September!”

Amy Arrigoni Finkley ’95 talking about her Knox valentine on Facebook on the Gizmo patio at night.”

“ICE SKATING

Claudia Kaufman ’75 on her favorite winter memory at Knox

“Morning meeting is STILL something I do every day in my 5th grade classroom, Kristin Elomaa Simcox ’06

15 YEARS LATER.”

“My parents (Bob & Gerry Elfline ’62)

WERE MARRIED

and had me when they were at Knox. I graduated in ’83. Knox was always a big part of their lives.”

Ann Davie reporting from Australia about Knox valentines

I am Knox — Eeman Mahar ’23

Vitals

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Majors: Psychology and Biology

Pronouns: She/ Her Campus Involvements: President of Student Senate, General Disabilities Peer Mentor, PR Chair for UNICEF and Islamic Club, Vice President for International Club, Aaina, and STEAM Club

Three Facts about Eeman

Eeman is absolutely obsessed with biology. She enjoys learning about genetics and evolution.

She loves talking to new people and is especially interested in meeting with people who have different viewpoints than her own.

Growing up in a culture where mental health is heavily stigmatized, Eeman wants to break the stereotypes and encourage people to reach out and seek help.

Could you describe your career in the Student Senate and how you became the president of the organization?

I saw potential in the Senate and decided that I wanted to be a part of it. Over the course of my time serving as a senator, we came up with the outflow dispensers, the condom hotline, and the mental health hotline. It is important to recognize that change is slow. The Student Senate opened up an avenue to make a change. It gave me the power and ability to carry out tasks to benefit the community. When the position of president opened up, I saw it was a great opportunity that I couldn’t pass.

What is something you’ve learned since coming to Knox?

In a new setting, away from home, with new people and new ideas, embracing change helped me learn and formed a pathway to grow and become a better version of myself. I also learned early on that Knox is one of the most diverse places I can find, and I recognized that I ought to exploit that. I now have friends from Japan, Uzbekistan, Korea, and so many other places. I have learned a great deal from them. I think it is important to put yourself out there and experience the global culture that Knox has.

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Systemic Injustice Explored at MLK Convocation

Lawrence Jackson, Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of English and History at Johns Hopkins University, was the keynote speaker for the 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Convocation at the College.

Jackson’s speech centered around King and his legacy. Jackson was born in Baltimore just weeks after King’s assassination. He discussed how he learned about police brutality and inequality, and their effects on him.

“By the time I got to college, I had more intimate experiences with classic forms of injustice,” Jackson said.

Jackson delved into the different eras of King’s work, his mature vision, and how the groundwork he laid is as important as ever in today’s society. He touched on what he considers one of King’s most important speeches in which he broke ties with the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson and opposed the Vietnam War. Jackson cited that war as well as current wars as causes of racial imbalance in the United States. He implored those in the crowd to seek their own knowledge on the topics of inequality and race in America.

“I try to encourage the striving of the people I encounter, my children, and myself. I encourage you on this King holiday to [embrace] your extraordinary potential and to strive nobly to remake a more peaceful and honest world,” Jackson said.

The audience included faculty, staff, students, and community members,

including Gale Scholars, Galesburgarea high school and junior college students, as well as prospective students visiting for the Winter Open House. Before introducing Jackson, President C. Andrew McGadney brought adjunct instructor and acclaimed jazz vocalist Semenya McCord ’71 to the stage for a rendition of “God Bless the Child,” a

song co-written by singer Billie Holiday.

An author and essayist, Jackson also founded the Billie Holiday Center for the Liberation Arts, which showcases the arts, history, and culture of Baltimore.

Following his speech, Jackson answered questions from the crowd and discussed how to be a better ally against injustice and the need to develop a willingness to learn about inequality and the lives of those around you.

Free copies of Jackson’s memoir, Shelter: A Black Tale of Homeland, Baltimore, were available, and Jackson signed copies of the book while meeting with community members.

Lawrence Jackson (above) discusses the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Semenya McCord ’71 (left) performs “God Bless the Child.”

STEVE DAVIS (2)

Prairie Fire Score!

Junior Tyrell Pierce and senior Derrick Jackson earned All-American status at the 2023 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships March 12, 2023.

Pierce finished fifth overall in the men’s 400m with a personal record (PR) and Knox record time of 47.87 seconds. Jackson placed fifth overall in the men’s 60m (6.79). His time was also a PR and Knox record.

“These were well-executed races and we got PRs out of them,” said head coach Evander Wells. “We can’t ask for anything more than a PR in a championship final.”

The two fifth place finishes gave the Prairie Fire enough points to place 25th in the nation.

Earlier in the month, the women’s basketball team made its first trip to an

Go

200 lbs.

The approximate weight of the Founders Day wooden cake

NCAA tournament. The Prairie Fire lost to 15th-seeded Loras College, 68-56, on Friday, March 4.

“We fought hard the whole game,” said head coach Kira Mowen. “We proved that we belong at this level and I could not be any prouder of this team. They bought in this year and played their hearts out every game.”

Knox finishes the season with a program-best 22-6 record. The Prairie Fire was 15-1 in the Midwest Conference and co-champions in the regular season before winning a berth at its first-ever conference tournament.

In men’s basketball, senior Jordan Rayner earned second team allconference honors. Rayner finished the season fourth in the league in scoring, racking up 15.7 points per game. His .430 shooting percentage was also seventh in the conference.

Rayner also became just the 10th member of the 1,000 point club for the men's basketball program at Knox. He finishes his career with 1,357 points, fifth most in school history.

321 participants in the McNair Scholars Program since 1992

PETER BAILLEY ’74

Derrick Jackson (left) and Tyrell Pierce (right).

ROBERT NGUYEN 21'

STEVE DAVIS

STEVE DAVIS

The South Lawn

11,000 average number of jobs and internships posted by employers through the Bastian Family Center for Career Success

100 appointments in four months in TimelyCare, a virtual health and wellbeing platform

106

families attended Homecoming and Family & Friends Weekend 2022

The portrait of Teresa Amott, 19th President of Knox College and the first woman president of the institution, was unveiled at a small gathering in October. An anonymous donor provided funding for the portrait by Wayde McIntosh.

Knox Alum Tells True Crime Story

In his senior year, Tom Wolf ’69 took a writing class with a new, young faculty member, Robin Metz, the co-founder and later the director of Knox’s Program in Creative Writing. After graduating from Knox, Wolf was a VISTA volunteer on Long Island. In 1973, he entered the M.F.A. program at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where he studied with Raymond Carver and John Irving. He taught English in the ’70s and ’80s at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, eventually moving to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he met his wife, Patricia Bryan.

Bryan and Wolf have co-authored two historical true crime books: Midnight Assassin: A Murder in America’s Heartland (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2005) and the recently published The Plea: The True Story of Young Wesley Elkins and His Struggle for Redemption (University of Iowa Press, 2022).

Why the interest in the story of Wesley Elkins?

Our first true crime book, Midnight Assassin, tells the story of Margaret Hossack, an Iowa farmer’s wife who was accused and convicted of murdering her husband in 1900. That crime inspired the writer Susan Glaspell—who reported on the trial for the Des Moines Daily News—to write two of her most famous works: the classic one-act play Trifles and the muchanthologized short story “A Jury of Her Peers.”

During our research into the Hossack case, we discovered the story of Wesley Elkins. Wesley had admitted to killing his abusive father and stepmother. The crime occurred in 1889. Wesley’s story was unique in that he was a small child at the time he committed his crime. After confessing, he was sentenced to life in the adult prison at Anamosa State Penitentiary

in Iowa.

What happened to Wesley in prison—and how he lived his life after he gained his release in 1902—is truly exceptional and heartening. He was nurtured and supported in prison by progressive prison wardens, teachers, and the prison chaplain. Wesley was assigned to work in the prison library, where he developed a love of reading and educated himself. He wrote many eloquent letters to educators, politicians, and newspaper editors asking for a reconsideration of his sentence. Eventually, he was paroled and lived a long life as a responsible citizen.

Your other books have been about baseball. Why the interest in true crime books?

The two true crime books—Midnight Assassin and The Plea are centered on murders that shocked local communities in Iowa more than a hundred years ago, but both of those books have a broader context and raise questions about the legal system, crime and punishment, the way stories are told, and the complexity of family relationships. The baseball books

focus on the stories of individual seasons and players like Rogers Hornsby and Babe Ruth who played in the 1920s and 1930s. Those were great years for baseball and very challenging years for the country.

What does your wife do?

Patricia is a professor of law at the University of North Carolina School of Law. She teaches courses in basic tax, corporate tax, and a seminar in Law and Literature. Her interest in literature, and especially in the works of Glaspell, got us involved in the research for the book Midnight Assassin. For our books, we divide up the research and writing, composing first drafts of separate chapters, and then we exchange the drafts to revise and edit. After many drafts back and forth, the material is shaped into a narrative that is true to the historical facts, and, hopefully, engaging to readers.

How did you end up at Knox?

I grew up in Granville, Ohio, where my father was a college professor at Denison University. My mother had encouraged my interest in reading and writing, and I knew Knox had a strong writing program. It was always in my mind that I was going to go to a small college somewhere. I applied for early admission and was accepted just before Christmas. Knox was the only school I applied to.

Tell us about Robin Metz’s influence on you.

Robin had a tremendous influence on me and on many of us who took his classes. He was only a few years older than most of us at that time, and he was a terrific teacher, charismatic and supportive. Without Robin’s encouragement, I doubt that I would have gone to graduate school at the University of Iowa or pursued a career as a teacher.

Knox Writes

I heard Robin read his short story “Doughboy” to a packed audience in Founder’s Lounge. It was a mesmerizing reading—both the story itself and Robin’s dramatic reading of it. I think it’s the first time I’d heard a work of fiction read out loud. It made me aware of the power of both words and performance, and it’s why I registered for Robin’s classes the following year.

Wolf has also published articles on baseball literature and history and is the author of The Called Shot: Babe Ruth, the Chicago Cubs and the Unforgettable Major League Baseball Season of 1932 (University of Nebraska Press, 2020). He is currently working on a history of the 1926 major league baseball season, tentatively titled Baseball in the Roaring Twenties: Babe Ruth’s Yankees, Roger Hornsby’s Cardinals, and the Summer of 1926.

Books by Members of the Knox Community

Biking Uphill in the Rain University of Washington Press, 2023

Tom Fucoloro ’08

Fucoloro, a leading voice on bike issues in the Puget Sound region, blends his longtime reporting with new interviews and archival research to tell the story of how a flourishing bike culture emerged despite the obstacles of climate, topography, and—most importantly— an entrenched, car-centric urban landscape and culture.

William Hunter, Finding Free Speech: A British Soldier’s Son Who Became an Early American Sunbury Press, 2022

Gene Procknow ’76

In June 1798, President John Adams signed the now infamous Alien & Sedition Acts to suppress political dissent. Facing imminent personal risks, a gutsy Kentucky newspaper editor ran the first editorial denouncing the law’s attempt to stifle the freedom of the press. Almost immediately, government lawyers recommended his arrest and prosecution. That editor was William Hunter, amazingly, the son of a British soldier.

Knowing Him by Heart: African Americans on Abraham Lincoln

University of Illinois Press, 2022

Edited by Fred Lee Hord and Matthew D. Norman ’93

Though not blind to Abraham Lincoln’s imperfections, Black Americans long ago laid a heartfelt claim to his legacy. Hord and Norman’s anthology explores the complex nature of views on Lincoln through the writings and thoughts of prominent African Americans, including Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Mary McLeod Bethune, Malcolm X, Barack Obama, and others.

Talking ’Bout My Generation: The Amazing Journey of Pete Townshend's Woodstock Special Eckhartz Press, 2022 Will Wagner ’87

Spanning three decades, the novel is an imagining of what happened after Pete Townshend tossed his guitar into the crowd at the end of The Who’s historic set at Woodstock.

Flashback

Basketball back in the day

Women’s basketball became a varsity sport at Knox sometime in the 1970s, but it was always a popular sport. These women were playing in the 1940s.

We’d love to hear memories from some former women’s basketball players. Email knoxmag@knox.edu with your stories.

Class Knox

Alumni News

Knox Recognizing Notable Alumni at Homecoming 2022

As part of Homecoming celebrations, a number of alumni were recognized for contributions to the College and their communities.

2022 Knox Service Award Winners

• Robert G. Gillespie ’90

• Sabir M. Taj ’01

2022 Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

• 2016 Women’s Soccer Team

• DJ Ambrogi Todt ’05

• Lane Bridgford 1920

• Mack Foster ’06

• Nathaniel Logie ’16

2022 Scroll of Honor Recipients

• Colonel Dale J. Litney ’66

• Robert M. Long ’68

• Nancy Rabenstein Pielemeier ’67

Thanks to all the alumni who submitted nominations. Classmates or friends can be nominated for 2023 awards by visiting www.knox.edu/nominate or by contacting Megan Clayton, Associate Director of College Engagement, Lifelong Learning & FYC Programs, at pclayton@knox.edu or 888-566-9265.

Celebrating Knox Past and Present on Founders Day and #KnoxProud Day

For the first time, Knox College celebrated #KnoxProud Day, an annual day of fundraising, on Founders Day, February 15. More than 1,600 donors contributed over $1.3 million. The funds are used to provide scholarships, opportunities for faculty professional development, athletics, immersive experiences and internships, health and wellness initiatives, and improvements to the residential experience

“Combining these two important days is a wonderful way to celebrate the past and present—while encouraging investment in Knox’s future,” said Monica Keith, vice president for advancement.

In-person and online events gave students and alumni the chance to learn about Knox’s history. Professor Emeritus Lance Factor led the Knox Together Virtual Series webinar, “The Secret Code in Old Main,” which explored the history and mysteries of Old Main.

Restaurants in the Galesburg area offered Knox-themed menus to celebrate. On campus, a long-standing tradition featured cake: the Founders Day wooden cake along with edible cupcakes. The enormous wooden cake, designed by former business office manager James Cuthbertson for the 1952 Founders Day celebration, was on display in the Oak Room in Seymour Hall. Knox employees distributed swag. Students reflected on the day and engaged with the College’s history through trivia and other events.

“Not only did we get to see students celebrate all things Knox, but it was exciting to see alumni of all ages and from all over show their Knox pride, too,” said Christina Smith, director of college engagement. “Ten different Knox Clubs celebrated the day across the country, and alumni of all ages gathered to share drinks and food, bowl, meet over Zoom, and more. Some different class years even met over Zoom to reminisce about their time at Knox. The Knox connections truly last a lifetime.”

STEVE DAVIS

$1 Million Endowed Fund Honors James L. and Phyllis Holowaty Albrecht

A Knox College education was a life-changing experience for both James “Jim” ’54 and Phyllis Holowaty Albrecht ’56 and was the foundation for their relationship, which spanned six decades.

“Knox College was very important to my parents,” said Ann (Albrecht) Michel. “For both of them, their time at Knox was life-defining.”

Phyllis died in 2015 and Jim in 2021. Through their estate, Michel and her siblings, Karen L. and James M. Albrecht, established the Albrecht Family Endowed Fund to honor their parents’ memory.

“Leaving a lasting legacy to Knox was very important to both our parents. In the years following our mother’s death, even as Dad dealt with the challenges of old age, he was very animated by the possibility of giving a major gift to Knox,” Ann said. “It gave him purpose in the last years of his long life.”

“Both our parents came from relatively modest means and had a love for learning that was cultivated at Knox. I think it really set the stage for lots of future learning and success. They were profoundly grateful not only for the educations they received

but for the deep relationships they forged on campus that stayed with them throughout their entire lives.”

Jim was born in St. Louis and raised in Central Illinois. He received a degree in political science at Knox. His brother, Robert P. “Bob” Albrecht ’55, also attended Knox. When Bob died in 2013, his family created the Robert P. Albrecht Scholarship Fund to honor his memory.

Phyllis was born on Chicago’s Northwest Side and graduated from Taft High School before attending Knox and receiving a degree in philosophy. She was the first woman to

Phyllis Holowaty Albrecht ’56, Bob Albrecht ’55, and Jim Albrecht ’54.

Class Knox

serve as student body president at the College.

Phyllis and Jim married in 1956, soon after her graduation. “Going back to their earliest days as sweethearts at Knox, our parents were two very different characters, who really complemented each other,” Karen said. “They teased each other constantly, but loved each other deeply and shared a strong sense of what’s important. And that included their love of Knox, and of what the college stands for.”

“Our parents treasured the friends they made at Knox,” James observed. “Their closest friends in life were all from Knox, one big extended family, really, who would gather regularly for summer barbecues and Christmas get-togethers. They also loved staying in touch with their broader network of Knox friends and classmates who they’d see at homecoming, or ‘snowbird’ reunions in Florida. They enjoyed, and nurtured, these close friendships all throughout their lives.”

Jim earned an MBA from Indiana University and a law degree from DePaul University. He took a position as a lawyer for Abbott Laboratories’ Legal Division in 1964 and served in that office with distinction for more than 30 years, until his retirement in 1997.

While raising their three children, Phyllis pursued and received a master’s degree in speech and language pathology from Northwestern University in 1971, where she later served as a faculty member.

The couple lived in Lake Bluff, Illinois, for 50 years and contributed to that tight-knit community in many

ways. In 1973, Phyllis became the first female trustee on the Lake Bluff Village Board and was elected the village’s first female president in 1981. In her honor, the village of Lake Bluff created the Phyllis Albrecht Award in 2014 to recognize distinguished community service to the village.

The family felt that an unrestricted gift to the endowment was the best way to honor Jim and Phyllis’s legacy of giving generously to Knox. “Our parents always made unrestricted donations to Knox, trusting that their gifts would be used for the best purpose,” Michel said. “It was important to us that this gift could be used by Knox in whatever way best serves the college’s ongoing mission and purpose, without any strings attached. We know that Knox knows how to make a difference in peoples’ lives.”

Knox Trustee Laurence Msall ’84

Trustee Laurence Msall ’84 passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023.

Msall headed the Civic Federation, a nonpartisan government research organization established in 1894 that promotes independent and evidence-based efforts to improve the effectiveness, financial sustainability, and transparency of state and local governments in Illinois.

A member of the Knox Board of Trustees since 2017, Msall served one year on the Committee on Academic Affairs and since 2019 had been a member of the Committee on Advancement and Committee on Facilities and Infrastructure. He served on the Honorary Degree Subcommittee from 2020 to 2021 and on the presidential search committee that resulted in the appointment of C. Andrew McGadney as the 20th president of Knox College.

“Since arriving at Knox, I have grown to count on Laurence as a trusted advisor, always quick with a text or phone call to help his alma mater and our entire leadership team,” McGadney said. “I have encountered few people with more passion for Knox, our great state of Illinois, and for improving the lives of others. Laurence will be missed but never forgotten.”

Msall received a B.A. in anthropology and sociology from Knox and a J.D. from Loyola University School of Law in 1992. While at Knox, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and captain of the cross country team.

In Illinois politics, Msall was beloved and feared on both sides of the aisle for his straight talk on numbers. Gov. JB Pritzker, noting Msall had worked for Republican governors George Ryan and Jim Thompson, credited him with “advancing fiscal discourse in Illinois.”

Survivors include his wife, Dr. Nicola Hill-Cordell ’85, and his eight children, Lucy, Camille, Matilda, Alex, Samantha, Thomas, Tess, and Oscar.

Join alumni, parents, and friends on a cruise of the Great Lakes!

September 25–October 2, 2023

Admire magnificent coastal scenery and discover nearly two centuries of North American innovation and maritime history on this one-of-a-kind cruise itinerary from Milwaukee to Toronto featuring all five Great Lakes.

Join Brian Williams ’86, former Knox administrator, as he shares his passion for arts and culture, travel, and history.

Learn more at:

www.knox.edu/alumni/alumnitravel

Questions? Contact: Megan Clayton

Associate Director of College Engagement, Lifelong Learning & FYC Programs 309-341-7476; pclayton@knox.edu

PETER BAILLEY ’74

Steenis Makes Move to Advancement

Paul Steenis ’85 has been named the director of gift planning at Knox. After graduating, Steenis began working as an admission counselor. He served as the chief admission officer for more than 30 years, most recently as vice president for enrollment and dean of admission, where he oversaw admission, student financial services, and international student services.

“I like to say that I’ve been at Knox since my parents dropped me off as a first-year student—and I’m still waiting for them to return with the station wagon to pick me up!” Steenis joked. “I’ve remained here all these years because Knox is a truly special place, driven by values of inclusivity, openness, mutual respect, intellectual rigor, and a genuine sense of community. At Knox, people of diverse backgrounds can come together

and have tough conversations about really important and often difficult topics. This is an amazing place where we all learn and grow—together.”

In his new role, Steenis provides leadership for the gift planning program, building long-term philanthropic support for the College. He manages legacy giving fundraising with donors and prospects; oversees the creation of communications, gift planning resources, and tools to assist donors; and maintains the planned giving donor stewardship program.

“I’m so excited about working with alumni and friends to make a difference and shape the future of our College—to help them as they consider ways to leave a long-term legacy through their estate plans

“Paul is a wonderful addition to our advancement team—his deep institutional knowledge, extensive relationships, and dedication to Knox are truly assets,” said Monica Keith, vice president for advancement. “We are delighted to welcome Paul into this role at Knox, and to enhance our advancement efforts on behalf of the College.”

and beneficiary designations,” Steenis said.

President C. Andrew McGadney, Elizabeth Eckford, and Eric Pleschner, Charles A. Becker Foundation president, celebrate the first Elizabeth Eckford Scholarship for Peace and Justice Studies, which was awarded to Tamia Ware ’26 (second from left). Eckford, one of the students who integrated Arkansas schools as a member of the Little Rock Nine, attended Knox for one year. The Charles A. Becker Foundation is funding the scholarship, which provides $10,000 over four years, in her name.

STEVE DAVIS STEVE DAVIS

We are Knox.

If you attended Knox for one year, two years, or graduated with honors, you are a Knox alumnus/a. You are the best reflection of Knox College and the education it provides. So, keep us informed. Tell us what you’ve been up to, if you’ve been promoted or honored, or simply say hello. Here’s how:

• Contact your Class Correspondent,

• Or have other media sources send us press releases, articles, and publicity.

Please send information about births, marriages, and deaths directly to:

Alumni Records

Knox College, Box K-230

Galesburg, IL 61401-4999

Email: records@knox.edu

Send all other updates, correspondence, or questions to: Christina Smith

Director of College Engagement

Knox College, Box K-230

Galesburg, IL 61401-4999

Email: chsmith@knox.edu

Please note that Class Notes may be edited for space and in accordance with the Knox Style Guide. If you are submitting photos, please send high-resolution images that are at least 300 dpi.

Update your contact information:

Only once was Robert Rothe’s ’56 workplace

1940-1952

Class Correspondent: Megan Clayton Knox College, Box K-210, 2 East South Street, Galesburg, IL 61401, 309-341-7476, pclayton@knox.edu

1945

It was nice to hear from Russ Freeburg, who will celebrate his 100th birthday in March. He is still golfing and was recently awarded a Quilt of Valor by the Quilt of Valor Association at a local ceremony for his service in World War II.

Class Correspondent: Megan Clayton Knox College, Box K-210, 2 East South Street, Galesburg, IL 61401, 309-341-7476, pclayton@knox.edu

1947

Charles Robert Trenka, classes of ’44 and ’47, celebrates his 100th birthday in February 2023! Born in Chicago, on February 19, 1923, the highlights of Chuck’s life through 1947 have included attending Knox (where he served as president of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity), serving at the Army War College and Pentagon in WWII, where he met his bride, Frances Forrester Trenka (to whom he was married for 76 years!). Since 1947, Chuck has enjoyed a successful career in the insurance industry, the births of two daughters, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren! Chuck loves life, family and friends, Knox, and sports. He remains optimistic, faith-filled, and concerned for other people. He can often be spotted from a distance, wearing a purple and gold jacket.

Class Correspondent: Megan Clayton Knox College, Box K-210, 2 East South Street, Galesburg, IL 61401, 309-341-7476, pclayton@knox.edu

1949

Harry Babbitt has been living in Buenos Aires for the past three years. He writes, “I am very happy here in this beautiful city. From my bedroom window, Luis and I had an ideal spot to view the celebration when Argentina won the World Cup Soccer championship. Luis and I, with the help of a walker, go out for café con leche and medialunas (croissants) almost every morning. I spend a lot of time writing bilingual books for language students—for sale on Amazon. I’m now working on book number 76. It is the middle of summer here, and there is sunshine nearly every day and temperatures not much above 90. In the winter, it is rare to have a temperature below 40 in the morning. There are no earthquakes, tornadoes, or hurricanes. Luis is an angel and takes care of my every need. I am so blessed not to be alone in a nursing home somewhere. Here, Luis and I can walk to restaurants, supermarkets, and doctors. There is even a hospital about five blocks away. Argentina has many problems, but it is a safe and inexpensive place to live if you have dollars to exchange. I have many things to be thankful for. There is much tourism

now in Argentina, so take a break and come down to see me. You will find much to see and do in this city of 15 million. There’s a Marriott hotel just across the street.”

Class Correspondent: Megan Clayton Knox College, Box K-210, 2 East South Street, Galesburg, IL 61401, 309-341-7476, pclayton@knox.edu

1950

It’s always fun to hear what Bob Willett is up to, though it sounds like the new year started off a little rocky. He writes, “Well, so far 2023 is a wicked year. I spent New Year’s Eve in the ER with muscle spasms. On New Year’s Day, my daughter Leslie came down with the dreaded COVID and is now very unhappy. We are scheduled to take a cruise on the 15th, one on which we really splurged, so we’re nervous. On a happier note, I attended the Disney World Candlelight Processional with my two daughters and son-in-law on a chilly (43 degrees!) late December night in Florida.”

Class Correspondent: Megan Clayton Knox College, Box K-210, 2 East South Street, Galesburg, IL 61401, 309-341-7476, pclayton@knox.edu

1953

Class Correspondent: Audrae Norris Gruber 2419 Woodridge Lane, Brainerd, MN 56401-5533, Aaudraepaul@aol.com

1954

Born in the depths of the Depression, most of us were in the fourth grade when the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor forced our country into WWII. We were barely into our teens when our use of the atom bomb forced an end to that war. But midway between high school graduation and our first Knox class, our attention was again directed to war, this time in Korea. Some younger veterans of WWII were still on campus while first-year men had to choose between phys ed classes or the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). Most opted for ROTC as Selective Service boards across the country geared up to quickly expand the army draft. ❯ In Chicago, Dan Hamilton, Hugh Strickland ’53, and Karl Hurdle had been friends from DeWitt Clinton Grammar School and Senn High School and, upon graduation in 1949, they took an oath to attend college together. “Hugh was the smart one,” Dan says. “He conducted research, selected Knox, and started that fall. Unfortunately, Karl and I could not afford it. We decided to work for a year and began our freshman year in 1950. I ran out of money again after completing part of the 1951-52 school year and enlisted in the army in September 1952 and served in Korea.” Hugh and Karl continued at Knox. Karl joined ROTC and after graduating in 1954, he continued in the army for a distinguished career, retiring as a lt. colonel in 1981. Following that, he had a second 12-year career as a high school history teacher in

Class Knox

raided by the FBI during those years.

San Antonio, Texas. Karl passed away in 2004. After two years of military service, Hugh received his J.D. degree from Kent College of Law in 1959. He passed in 2011 following a distinguished law career in Rockford, Illinois. Dan was discharged from the army in the fall of 1955, graduated from DePaul University in 1958, and had a 32-year career in corporate insurance in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Cleveland. ❯ My friend from grade school days, Errol Clark ’57, now at rest in Arlington National Cemetery, enlisted in the army in 1952, advanced to sergeant, served in Korea, returned to Knox to graduate in 1957 with a lieutenant’s commission and a full career, later retiring as a colonel. ❯ Ron Pearson and wife of 68 years, Arline (Searl ’57) spent some time this winter during an early cold snap in Galesburg dealing with frozen water pipes in their house. Ron’s ROTC days at Knox led to advanced officer training and service in Germany. That completed, he returned to his job with Procter and Gamble in Cincinnati and later New York City. In 1961, they returned to Alton, Illinois—Ron as a finance manager with Alton Box Board Company. Seven years later, a transfer brought them back to Galesburg. The family then included two daughters and a son. Ron retired in 1995 as administrative manager with the Jefferson Smurfit Corporation. Ron writes that they were expecting another great-grandchild in February, “blessings that we have received in our lifetimes.” ❯ Another cheerful message comes from Bobbie Schlick Poor, who enjoyed reading in the FYC Bulletin the convocation addresses from the classes of ’71 and ’72. Writes Bobbie: “It was a different era from ours, but the gift of our Knox education remains a strong influence in our lives.” Bobbie also noted that another Knox alum has a summer home just down the road from her place in Leland, Michigan. She says she will endeavor to meet him and his family in the coming season. ❯ Our buddy Jim Wirt reports that son John Wirt ’85, a boxing promoter, held a match in England featuring a number of his boxers. When he was back in Florida, he suffered a fainting spell feared to be a stroke but it was caused only by eating too much lobster. Meanwhile, son Jamie had an exceptional year selling Halloween decorations all over the world. Daughter Sally ’90, an accountant, is in charge of a 70-lawyer office in Chicago. Sally, her husband, and their daughter live south of New Lenox, Illinois, where Jim has lived for many years on Wirt Lane. Jim also recommended a book to me: I Contain Multitudes, The Microbes Within Us and the Grander View of Life by Ed Yong. Jim’s interests are many and varied. ❯ And to conclude, I return to Dan Hamilton: “Speaking of what attending Knox College did for us:

1. We received an outstanding education.

2. Our gracious acceptance from the Knox student body and faculty of three Chicago ‘river rats’ helped us to develop and mature our persons and grow the confidence to excel in later endeavors.” ❯ “Hail, Knox all glorious; Unto

thee we sing.”

Class Correspondent: Jim Dunlevey 27419 Embassy Street, Menifee, CA 92586-2005, dunlevey@aol.com

1955

Class Correspondent: Megan Clayton Knox College, Box K-210, 2 East South Street, Galesburg, IL 61401, 309-341-7476, pclayton@knox.edu

1956

Jack Reiners sends word that the 2022-23 recipient of the class scholarship is Jonathan Walker-Moses, a sophomore from Chicago. Jonathan is majoring in physics with minors in political science and math; astronomy and writing are other interests. He thanks the class of ’56 for the scholarship that enables him to learn and to find what he wants to do with his life. As of June 30, 2022, the market value of the scholarship fund was $84,574, and the total income awarded for 2022-23 was $3,901. ❯ Mack Trapp is one classmate who keeps active. He says he has been working diligently on programs for the newly formed East Asian Art Council, a successor to the Asian Art Council of the Art Institute of Chicago. Formerly, Mack was president of the Old Masters European painting support organization at the Art Institute. He adds that of even more importance is trying to perfect the “presentation of flies” to trout in the Roaring Fork River of Pitkin County, Colorado. ❯ George and Sara Melton are spending the winter in Arizona, but this time in a house they own. It’s in a retirement community where they have rented for six winters, and they liked it so much that they decided to become full-time residents. A significant feature of the new location is having their son and his family nearby, and their three out-of-state daughters have been frequent visitors. With no regrets, they are selling their beloved Peoria home where they have lived for 57 years. Their new address is 3590 East La Costa Place, Chandler, Arizona 85249, phone 309-453-8809. ❯ Our sympathy goes to Pat Nelson Robinson, with the sad news that her son, Craig, lost his sevenyear battle with Waldenstrom’s cancer in November. ❯ The American Nuclear Society awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Robert Rothe, a self-described physics and math nerd at Knox. The award celebrated his safe performance of about 1700 “zero power critical assemblies” called Category B reactors by the Department of Energy. He used 375 kg of plutonium and 900 kg of 93-percent-enriched uranium in metal, powdered, and liquid forms in 30 years of work. Only once was his workplace raided by the FBI during those years. ❯ On the subject of awards, my husband, Bob ’55, received a Master Pilot Award from the FAA to recognize 50 years of “exemplary aviation flight experience, distinguished professionalism, and commitment to aviation safety” in government-speak.

Class Correspondent: Ricky Jung Schwarzler 854 Cessna Street, Independence, OR 97351, schwarzler@msn.com

1957

Ann Elwert Blum reports she has given up her horse showing career, but son Gary Wells continues the family tradition as a rope horse trainer and competitor. Son Mark Hurley is a famous saddle maker, having completed over 850 custom western saddles. Check out his web site for his other leather creations: www.facebook.com/ people/Hurley-Saddlery/100063718236751/ ❯ I just read The Creation of Doctor B, by Dick Pollak ’56. It’s the story of how Bruno Bettleheim, the famous autism therapist, created a phony tale of his life and achievements. Fascinating! ❯ Speaking of authors, Knox has not given much recognition to the late James Drought ’56, author of 18 novels. One of them was turned into the movie Gypsy Moths, starring Bert Lancaster, Deborah Kerr, and Gene Hackman. ❯ The late Judge Ken Bath ’55 was recently honored for his outstanding 21-year judicial career by having his portrait hung in the Lewistown, Illinois, courthouse, as well as at the University of Illinois Chicago Law School. Ken’s wife, June Lynch Bath, was also recognized by the state for her efforts to convert the area behind her house into a wild bird sanctuary. ❯ Jamie Bjorkman was recently honored for being “the first pizza delivery man in the history of Galesburg.” Someone suggested a statue of Jamie be placed in the courthouse square; however, the city council has been slow to act on the proposal. ❯ Check out Bill Shaffer’s Facebook page, which is a collection of jokes, photos, and musings about the city government in Carmel, Indiana, where Shifty resides. It also contains a feature called Carmel Corn. Get it? Carmel, Indiana, and carmel corn? Bill claims to be in good health. His lovely wife, Judy, has infinite patience. ❯ Congratulations to Mondo Lopez ’58, whose book about Knox was just published. The title is The Last Play, and it is available on Amazon. Mondo was a Little All-American whose football career was cut short by a tragic concussion injury. The book focuses on the 1956 football season and Mondo details what happened in the games prior to his “Last Play,” as well as the tragic circumstances that occurred after. Great read! ❯ Question—Who were the freshman coeds from our class who snuck into the Monmouth Athletic Building one night and stole the Bronze Turkey? Len Newkirk ’58 was the getaway driver. The Monmouth police tell me that the statute of limitations is up, so you can let us know your names. ❯ Finally, it seems amazing that it will be 70 years this fall since we first met as freshmen at Knox. More amazing is that a lot of us who became friends in the fall of 1953 have retained our friendship and are still in contact with each other, including my best bud, Nick Panos, Frank Stanicek, Art Carlson, June Lynch Bath, Jim Spachman, Charlie Ramis, Ann Elwert Blum, Trev Winebright, Mondo

we graduated from Knox, our class was on the last pages of the Class

Lopez ’58, Bob Wallace ’58, Larry Anderson ’58, and Jamie Bjorkman. All are doing well. Friendships lasting 70 years. AMAZING!

Class Correspondent: Homer Johnson Hjohnso@luc.edu

1958

Class Correspondent: Caroline Andrews Porter portercaroline38@gmail.com

1959

Class Correspondent: Conny Drew Tozer 11125 Thyme Dr, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418-3528, connytozer@yahoo.com

1960

Appropriate words of praise for this class correspondent were received from Chuck Dunn for “doing the job of trying to shake words out of our fellow geezer classmates.” On a more interesting note, he also reported that “Bill Reiners ’59, Tom Murphy ’59, and I, with spouses, hiked in mountain and wilderness areas around Laramie, Wyoming, and two years later in areas around Tucson, Arizona. This year, Bill and I collaborated on a new article describing our summer jaunt into Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and environs. A detailed article appeared in the last 2022 FYC Bulletin.” [Class correspondent’s note: the article is well worth checking out!] ❯ Good news and sad news … that’s the way it is as we celebrate 63 years since we all walked under the elms in Standish Park, now designated as the Standish Park Arboretum. The elms have been replaced, but not the sidewalks on which we strolled. ❯ The good news: Fran and John Ippensen survived Hurricane Ian. Fran wrote, “We were warned that a storm surge of 15 feet could reach our Ft. Myers, Florida, island home. John and I joined approximately 1,000 people from our community in a shelter as there was a mandatory evacuation. We were supplied with lounge chairs that would lay back. John slept; I didn’t. The community took wonderful care of us with meals supplied. They could not, however, make the porta-potty experience pleasant. Their presence became obvious as the days wore on. Our apartment complex was spared, and we are in good health.” ❯ A quick catch-up from Stuart, Florida, where Mary Knight spends her winters. “I’m still able to play a pretty good game of golf (even as an ‘older woman’), and it’s nice to be warm throughout the winter. Summers are spent in Lake Forest, where I live in the retirement community. I enjoy participating in resident activities, including managing a small plot in our community vegetable garden. Son Rob and my four grandsons live in Kenilworth, so I have the privilege of seeing them often. We all enjoy playing golf together, though Grandma can only win money by getting on a putting streak. My other son and his partner live in Michigan and Cabo

San Lucas. Getting together with them has been tough during COVID.” ❯ Bob Bennett wrote: “When we graduated from Knox, our class was on the last pages of the Class Notes; now we are dangerously close to being on the first page. An increasingly important question for me is, ‘What do we owe to succeeding generations, not just to our children and grandchildren, but to the larger community and to unknown future generations?’ I have been trying for some years to get Knox to support a sustainability major and sustainability research for the Midwest to be on the cutting edge of creative thinking about the future of the Midwest and of our environment.”

[Class correspondent’s note: What a great idea! Bob illustrates that age doesn’t limit one’s view of the future.] ❯ The sad news: The number of us with “Knox ’60” following our names gets shorter each year. Following Gordon Faubel’s death late last year, Anne responded to my sympathy note, “I am doing well, and I am so glad he is at peace. We had 70 wonderful years together since we were 14, so I can’t really have ever asked for more. Gordon wants to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery so we will do that in the spring or summer. My twin sister Barb ’60 is living here, and that is a great comfort to me.” ❯ Apologies are due to all of the above respondents. Due to the rich length of their correspondence, it was necessary to edit. I hope I’ve done justice to their excellent reports and commentaries. ❯ Looking to the future: Attending last October’s combined Homecoming/Parents’ Weekend so Mary Lu could fulfill her duties as the Fifty Year Club’s representative on the Alumni Council Board of Directors was great fun. Catching up with Roger and Anne Taylor, both ’63, and chatting with students and parents were highlights. Being on campus also reminded us that, pandemics allowing, our 65th reunion is only two years off. We should all live so long!

Class Correspondent: Dick Aft 775 Windings Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45220, aftd@fuse.net

1961

Nancy Fuchs Krueger wrote that she and her husband, Brian, recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Nancy came to Knox as both a junior and a newlywed. The couple taught music in local schools and played in the KnoxGalesburg Symphony orchestra. ❯ Barbara Lee Fay writes, “In the fall of 2021, Susan Shea Worthington and I planned to attend the 60th anniversary of our Knox class, but then that nasty plague canceled those plans. When the event was rescheduled for May 2022, we resumed our plans. We arrived on campus just as the tornado sirens screamed, no doubt announcing our arrival! For the next hour, we sat alone in a lower-level computer lab of the Umbeck Science and Mathematics Center. Eventually, events resumed. At the Fifty Year Club luncheon, we learned that she and I were the token representatives from our

class! We visited the Pi Phi Lodge, and the sisters even dusted and dragged out our framed chapter picture. There were our friends! We were disappointed not to have met the new president, but the campus was beautiful. One of the reasons I wanted to attend Homecoming was to visit St. Mary’s Chapel in Knoxville where Bill and I were married. It is now a private event space, landscaped using stones from the former St. Mary’s School. I learned later that the mother of Anne Wetzel Faubel ’60 and twin sister Barbara Wetzel Marsh ’60 had attended that school. We are saddened to learn recently of many of our classmates who have recently died, as well as Gordon Faubel ’60 in November 2022. Hug your friends, folks.”

Class Correspondent: Megan Clayton Knox College, Box K-210, 2 East South Street, Galesburg, IL 61401, 309-341-7476, pclayton@knox.edu

1962

Lee Benham: “The Knox gathering for our 60th Reunion was quite fun. The campus looked great, and our classmates were a source of joy. It is interesting how new information concerning our class keeps coming out. For example, one classmate was a Republican poll watcher on the South Side Chicago in the Kennedy/Nixon 1960 election and saw exactly how the Chicago voting process there delivered the election to Kennedy. For me as a Kennedy supporter, the details were especially sobering. On a more upbeat note, another classmate ran spies in Eastern Europe during the Cold War which helped to eventually bring down the Berlin wall—something I never expected to see in my lifetime. Alexandra ’61 and I visited the Old Main first floor window through which Lincoln and Douglas crawled for the Lincoln-Douglas debate in 1858. Those debates are once again highly relevant. What debates would be acceptable on campus today? What reenactments?” ❯ George Vance: “I am semi-retired. I was an adjunct teacher at Spoon River College’s Macomb campus until 2010, and I taught drawing, computer art and design, and a beginning art history course. I also teach jujitsu at my own school in Macomb. Since I am not teaching at the college level, I have continued teaching self-defense techniques. I remarried in 2020. My wife, Jingyun Qu Vance, and I reside in Bushnell, Illinois. I traveled in the 1990 period to Mexico and missed a chance to see a fraternity brother who lived in the town I visited, called Aijic. Since that time I have not traveled much.” ❯ My thoughts: The class of ’62 was at the 60th Reunion in October in good numbers. There were almost 20 of us who still could enjoy a late night chat session complete with the Knox drinks—but rather than beer, we had moved up to wine. It was a delight to meet the new president, Andrew McGadney, who brought some exciting new energy to Knox. If you get a chance to visit with him as he travels, take advantage. His fingerprints are on

“When

Class Knox

Notes; now we are dangerously close to being on the first.” —Bob Bennett ’60

the future. Keep in touch. I enjoy hearing from all of you.

Class Correspondent: Kate Bloomberg kateberg40@gmail.com

1963

Class Correspondent: Ramona Reed Landberg landberg.group@outlook.com

1964

Mike Pope briefly summarized the class of ’64: “We are fine, just the usual aches related to now being 80 … How is it we are 80 …?” He added “We had a wonderful cruise around Iceland this summer and would recommend it to everyone.” ❯ Don Shriver wrote: “We head to Costa Rica on New Year’s Eve day for a week; it should be a welcome relief from the current cold spell.” Catherine ’66 added “Don is still practicing law, but hasn’t perfected it yet,” and “Took a land and cruise trip to Alaska, came home with COVID. No fun, that.” ❯ Speaking of Don, last issue’s revelation of his continuing law practice brought a complementary (and complimentary) response from Bruce Johnson: “I read of your amazement that Don Shriver is still practicing law. So am I. I was admitted to the Illinois bar on 10/23/1967, and I aim to retire on 10/23/2027—60 years of active practice. I was admitted in Maine in 1992 and in New Hampshire in 2010. I still practice full time, though I define ‘full time’ differently at age 80 than I did even at age 60, and I haven’t been in a courtroom on a contested matter for over 30 years. I write lots of wills and trusts and develop business succession plans for my selfemployed clients. Betsy is still adjusting to my being home all day, but she has her quilting area as a retreat if I become too hard to handle. Her goal is to make a quilt for each of our 18 grandchildren and our one great-granddaughter. I’ll probably retire before she will. If there’s a ‘Longest Career’ competition underway, please enter my name. Don should get extra credit, though, for his years in the military, so he’s still in first place as I see it.” ❯ A quick note from Steve Gamble: “Grace and I are now full time in Colorado, the Vail Valley, and we love the summers and winters. Our three children and five grandchildren are coming for Christmas from Adelaide, Australia; Brussels, Belgium; and Los Angeles, so the holidays will be a very joyous time.” ❯ From Michael P. Johnson: “I just returned from nearly a month birding with my best friend—in Argentina, the Falklands, South Georgia Island, Antarctica, and the South Shetland Islands. Although I still live in State College, I’m recovering with a month in Cocoa Beach, Florida, with my partner, Maureen Mulderig. Although I’ve been retired from Penn State since 2005 and fully retired since 2015, this year there has been a wonderful event in my professional life. The Journal of Family Violence is doing a special issue to celebrate the impact of my work on

domestic violence, which is most accessible in my book, A Typology of Domestic Violence: Intimate Terrorism, Violent Resistance, and Situational Couple Violence (2008).” ❯ From Canada’s Lake Wobegon, Evan Cameron writes: “Embarking midsummer in Cow Head, Newfoundland, upon one’s 81st year would normally have occasioned a smalltown celebration in the parish hall (potluck dinner, small talk, music, and a bit of dancing), and, though unaccustomed to celebrating birthdays, I should in this case have played the game alongside the others. COVID, however, changed not only the rules of the game but canceled it, for its impact upon small-town Newfoundland was ubiquitous. (A week after we arrived in June, 33 locals attended a birthday party a block away, nary a mask in place. Twenty-six came down with COVID, the other seven having already had it.)”

❯ Steve Marsh: “Sharon and I are still thankfully in good health and are really happy that we can share our lives together on a daily basis! We live in an over-55 community with numerous folks getting up there in age. I sometimes feel like I’m working back in hospice as so much of our volunteer experiences relate to counseling those getting ready to leave this physical world or counseling family members who have lost their loved ones.” ❯ Speaking of hospice, following nomination by Hospice of North Central Ohio, the Ohio Area Agency on Aging selected Terry and Val Klopcic as Knox County Ohio’s Outstanding Seniors for 2022, an honor followed by a mayoral proclamation of Terry and Val Klopcic Day. The salient significance was succinctly summarized by a son who said “They gave you an

award for getting old?” ❯ Pam Norton calls our attention to the passing of Larry Murdock, with whom she had been in contact. A native of Galesburg, Larry had been living in Texas. Otherwise, she reports “things are going well for me, good health, lots of family and friends around.” ❯ From Karen McCauley: “Still breathing, teaching psychology and astrology. Enjoying Oregon, my furry companion Buddy, lots of mystery books, and contacts with my grandson.” ❯ From Leighton Scott: “It was 40 years ago that I introduced my ‘Leighton Diagrams’ at the Third International Conference for Software Engineering. The diagrams served as ‘software blueprints’ for computer programming and were inspired by building blueprints from my father’s field of architectural engineering. This new tool now enabled both developers and, to some extent, users, to understand the ‘architecture’ of software projects, an activity that historically struggled with documentation. When I was at NASA, we used them to manage software development for the Atmospheric Explorer C and D satellites. Years later, the DOD contracted with the University of Maryland to build a software development management system based on the diagrams. However, after visiting Maryland to kick off the project, I discovered that a group of graduate students from Communist China had been put on the project by the department chair who also, it turned out, held a position with the University of Shanghai. As required by NSA security because of my contact with foreign nationals, I reported it to our security folks, and they took no action! It

Jerry ’65 and Carol Klail Vovis ’65 presented Anne Thomason, director of the Seymour Library, and Joseph Taylor, assistant librarian for special collections and archives, with a letter from 1962 Nobel Prize Winner James Watson, an American molecular biologist, geneticist, and zoologist.

SUYASH CHITRAKAR ’25

would be fascinating to investigate how the management of software projects based on the specifications I wrote for the University of Maryland project was used in China, possibly to accelerate their technology development. All this would not have been possible were it not for the Saturday tutorials on FORTRAN programming given by the late Burton Squires, Jr., of the physics department, who introduced me to computer programming my junior year.”

Class correspondent: Terry Klopcic klopcicjt2@gmail.com

1965

Joe Thompson and wife, Edie, have moved from Raleigh to Marshall, North Carolina, to be closer to daughter Sarah, husband Josh, and two grandsons. He says: “Marshall is definitely the SMALLEST town we’ve ever lived in (population 850), and it has that small town vibe. One pizza bar, one used bookstore, one hotel, one hardware store, one newspaper, etc. It’s never a problem to find free parking on Main Street, which is one mile long and has a total of two traffic lights. They made a movie here. We watched them shooting on the bridge (over the French Broad River). You can get a sense of the town and surroundings by checking out The Peripheral on Amazon Prime, Season 1 Episode 5, at 27:27. Enjoy, come visit anytime!” ❯ In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Pam Mott wrote the following: “My hands are sore from picking up branches and trying to make some semblance of my yard. Fortunately, I still have a roof and home. Many Knox alums in Florida may not. From Venice south to Punta Gorda, Ian left a path of destruction. Ft. Myers and Ft. Myers Beach were leveled and there have been outbreaks of cholera. I hope and pray that the Knox alums in Florida have survived.” ❯ David Roskelley shared the following: “The greatest legacy we leave behind in this world is our children. If any are interested in mountain climbing, check out the website: www.davidroskelley.com. That is not me but my son who has become the first American to complete the climb to the top of the highest mountain and highest volcano on each of the seven continents. He has been to the South Pole and this coming year will go to the North Pole. When he gets to the North Pole, he again will be the first American to do all of the seven summits, seven volcanoes, and both poles (7+7+2). On his website, scroll down one page and click on “Public Speaking” and “News” on the top right side to listen to my son speak about his experiences. If you have comments, my email is davidroskelley@gmail.com. Mary and I have four other equally wonderful children. Thank you, Knox College, for the foundation and start of a great 35-year career in the healthcare field at Baxter Healthcare. I retired from Baxter Healthcare in 2003 and was contractor/builder of our home in Utah. I now work for my son in the environmental business. Working keeps me healthy

and young.” ❯ Glenn Schiffman summarized what he has been up to since we graduated in ’65: “After earning an M.F.A. from San Francisco State in 1968, I fulfilled my military commitment with two years of alternative service as a conscientious objector. I received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, but for some unfathomable reason I was placed on an FBI blacklist, which made me unemployable as a teacher in any public school, college, or university in the United States. I knew the producer of a band called Buffalo Springfield, and I roadied a couple of shows for them. I moved to LA to write two screenplays, one about hippie life in the Haight-Ashbury in the late ’60s, the other about a band’s (Buffalo Springfield) tour of the south on the heels of Dr. King’s assassination. Next I got hired to drive and rig for a concert sound company. From 1971 to the spring of 1976, I spent over 1,100 days on the road with more than 40 of the highest grossing rock ’n’ roll acts of those times: Led Zeppelin, Beach Boys, Elton John, Elvis, The Eagles, Springsteen, and the Rolling Stones to name a few. I wrote a book about those experiences called Life in the Fast Lane. I spent the next 20 years working in the entertainment business. I was a road manager for Bette Midler and for Cher; a stage manager for the Muppets, a rigger on the ’84 Olympics, a transportation coordinator for a 48-truck David Bowie tour, and a driver for Shirley MacLaine and Dolly Parton. In between, I was a union stagehand in television, and I wrote five screenplays and sold two of them. In the ’90s I created CD-ROM story content for IBM’s Eduquest Division. In the early ’00s, I was a foreman for a Class A building contractor. After I was involuntarily retired at age 65, I went back to school and earned a master’s degree in substance abuse counseling, then volunteered at Homeboys Industries in LA for eight years. Four years ago, Barbara, my wife of 45 years, and I retired to Whitefish, Montana. I keep busy teaching creative writing courses at the local community college. I survived a background check. My FBI file has apparently gathered enough dust. I commence my 81st walk around the sun in February, my health is good, and my regrets are inconsequential.”

Class Correspondents: Terry Rothstein, M.D. antiquarian@wavewls.com, Diane Trout-Oertel troutoertel@gmail.com

1966

Class Correspondent: Judith Holland Sarnecki judithsmamabear@gmail.com

1967

Greetings Knox 1967 classmates! It seems that many of us have resumed travel recently. Here are the reports from those who contacted me. ❯ Sally Burns Torgeson writes: “Last June, I made the big move back to the Midwest from Santa

Barbara. After 50+ years in California, it was time for seasons, cooler weather, and family. I purchased a home in the village of Zionsville, Indiana, right outside Indianapolis, and so far I love it. The weather this November seems to be warmer than in California, and I heard today that they received rain which we haven’t had in Indiana. My spring bulbs are going to be confused. I’ve enjoyed meeting new friends, hanging out with family, and enjoying the fall colors and traditions. I’ve been able to also see Ken Ryder for coffee occasionally as he lives close by in Carmel. I keep busy with my advocacy work with and for newly diagnosed patients of multiple myeloma.”

❯ Retirement and travel agree with Joelle Nelson Sommers. She writes: “This summer, Larry ’66 and I took our daughter, Katie ’98, and grandchildren on a vacation to Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. It was a great adventure as they were 10 and 13 at the time. Three weeks of extreme heat in Europe did not stop us from seeing Zagreb, Plitvice National Park, Skocjan Cave, Trieste, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Cecina, and Rome. The middle week of three, we rented a place in Tuscany and did day trips. The grandchildren appreciated the swimming pool. Next up for us is a Viking cruise of the Amazon in January. Isn’t retirement great?” ❯ Rick Uebner and Jetty (San Jose State 1970) chose Hawaii for their celebration: “We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in November 2022. We took our two children and their kids for a holiday on Kauai. Family time is best! We still live within shouting distance of Yosemite and invite classmates to come and stay with us while they visit that remarkable national park (uebner@tds.net). We continue to work in our ceramic art studio (Mud Daubers Ceramics) as well as working with a nonprofit supporting Mariposa County teachers.”

❯ Denny Chase mentions travel and comments on life in general: “Still living in Dana Point, California. Still traveling a couple of times each year. Still running the same business I started in 1977. Still leading a humdrum life. Nothing ever changes. However, if I do ever discover a cure for cancer, I will let you know.” ❯ Mike McNaull brings us up to date on his life: “I haven’t really stayed in close contact with any of my classmates. I was from Vermont, spent 21 years as a Navy pilot traveling around the world. Uncle Sam had a job for you in 1967, so I went to flight school, then spent a year in Vietnam flying helicopter gunships supporting the Brown Water Navy. Came home in 1970 and was stationed in Rhode Island twice, advisor to the Brazilian Navy, Jacksonville as a flight instructor, exchange pilot with the Canadian Navy, Naval War college, operational test pilot in Maryland, test pilot at Sikorsky where I tested the presidential helicopters among others. Finally, I had a desk job in Washington where I retired. I became an aerospace consultant using my Knox science degree with political in front of it. At 55, we sold everything and sailed away on our 42-foot sailboat until a grandson interrupted our plans. No more winters in the Ba-

at this point, no destination gives more pleasure than being with the

Class Knox

family. —Pamela Stoffel ’68

hamas and summers in Maine and Canada for us. We ended up in West Virginia in an old farmhouse with 360-degree mountain views. For the past 20 years, Trish and I are hanging out on our play farm in the mountains. We still have our three draft horses, five barn cats and three indoor/outdoor house cats. Sadly we lost our 15year-old dog around Christmas. Trish is heavily involved with the Pocahontas Humane Society, so by default, so am I. A few weeks ago we transported 13 pups 90 miles to a transfer point in Staunton, Virginia, where empty vans from the wealthier counties of Washington meet up with the poorer counties with kill shelters. In the past few years, we have homed over 10 Great Pyrenees farm dogs who just didn’t like working on sheep farms. During the spring and summer, we foster over 100 kittens in our humane society building as well as help fund 400 or so cats and dogs get spayed or neutered. In June, we transported 21 kittens to a Kitty Corner Cafe in Barre, Vermont. Why rural Vermont doesn’t have large numbers of kittens is beyond me. Trish and I have stayed healthy these past three years but Trish’s 95-year-old mom who lived with us for five years passed away from COVID pneumonia. As my mom used to say, pneumonia was the old person’s friend, a relatively quick and painless passing. We were able to get Ann home and the kids from Mississippi and northern Virginia when she peacefully passed. Speaking of kids, our son does PR in Washington, D.C., and our daughter is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist and professor at Mississippi Children’s Hospital and Medical School. Her specialty is sickle cell and she likes visiting the Mississippi Delta to treat very sick little kids. Our grandson is a sophomore at Fairfield University where he plays D1 lacrosse and our granddaughter just got accepted in early admissions to Virginia Tech. In our spare time we run an Airbnb house on the farm. So much about our lives on the farm.” ❯ James Nordin has made travel a full-time occupation! “We gave ourselves a Christmas/birthday/anniversary gift and took a 71-day cruise around the African continent. So many stories! Even more photos!! We left from Ft. Lauderdale on 10/10/22 and returned on 12/20/22. Here are a few of the highlights of the trip for us. We visited Funchal (Madeira), Arrecife (Canary Islands), Morocco (Agadir, Casablanca), Tunisia (La Goulette), Crete (Soud), Egypt (Shar El-Sheikh), Jordan (Petra—two days), Egypt (Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Karnak), then on to Tanzania for four days—two in Dar es Salaam and two in Zanzibar, then two days in Madagascar (Nosy Be).We officially stopped in Mozambique (Maputo), but only long enough to board a bus to the Kruger National Park in South Africa for a five-day safari. Amazing!! We saw up-close four of the big five. Really up close, as in having an elephant chase our vehicle away. From Kruger we flew to Cape Town for a day, then to Namibia (Walvis Bay), the oldest desert in the world. We stopped for a hot minute in Angola (Luanda), on to Ghana

(Takoradi), then Cote d’Ivoire (Abidjan), then Senegal (Dakar). We then headed back east across the Atlantic stopping at two Cabo Verde Islands (Praia and Mindelo) and Puerto Rico (San Juan) and back to Ft. Lauderdale. On the way back we crossed Null Island—the point where the equator and the prime meridian cross; zero degrees north and south and zero degrees east and west. (There is no marker in the ocean.) So many places that are memorable. From amazing wild animals to species that live only on Zanzibar, to dunes nearly 1,000 feet high in the Namib desert to 4,000year-old Egyptian tombs and temples, to slave trading ports, to staggering poverty and minimum infrastructure. Perhaps the most memorable aspect of the trip was realizing that Africa is not a monolithic continent, but a land of 40 plus countries, each with a unique background, geography and culture. We can’t say we’ve been to Africa. We have to say that we have been to these distinct places. To travel just a few hundred miles to find native Africans speaking their now native languages of Portuguese, French, Afrikans, or English, in addition to Swahili or other Bantu tongues and the many creole combinations reminds us of the impacts—for good and ill—of colonization and decolonization. As we hope you can tell, we found this an amazingly pleasant, informative and transformative voyage. We are off in January on a 111-day world cruise—a 2020 COVID-canceled trip. We hope you will try to travel—it makes the context of our U.S. ‘first world’ existence one to be grateful for and one that we need to share with much of the world.” ❯ Nancy Meyer Darman writes “One of the joys of 2022 was a fun and fantastic trip to Egypt, #1 on my bucket list. Until I stood next to Abu Simbel, Ramses II’s temple from 2000 B.C., I couldn’t have imagined the scale and how massive it was, not to mention how they built it. The intricacy of the hieroglyphics on the walls of the tombs and on the walls and columns of the temples was amazing. When I saw the paintings inside the tombs or temples, it was hard to believe the original colors were still there. I was in awe of everything I saw and experienced. Yes, I did see Tutankhamun’s tomb and it was very, very tiny compared to the others.”

Class Correspondent: Helen Gilbert helengilbert@learningenrichmentcenter.org

1968

Thanks for all your notes! ❯ Harvey Sadow reported “classmate Harvey Moore stopped by our home in Jupiter in December. He had lots of stories to tell about his life after Knox. The rest of you should come visit us. Might be coming to 55th. After all these years of making ‘one of a kind’ pedestal pieces for palaces and museums, my friend, Alice Bear Ludwig, renowned mural painter for the homes of Versace and Sting, has joined me in my studio to produce a collection of porcelain dinnerware we call ‘The Jupiter Blues.’ Each blue and white piece is handmade and indi-

vidually glaze-painted with the local Florida plants as the subject matter. Having big fun with this project. Look for the launch of ‘The Jupiter Blues’ on my website, www.sadowstudios.com (undergoing reconstruction) and on Facebook later this winter.” ❯ Pamela Stoffel shared “Jim and I are now legal residents of Georgia, but I spend three months in Rochester still directing the spring musicals for my former school of 23 years. Working with the kids still provides great satisfaction. Now in rehearsal till March 18th for Something Rotten. We’ll return to Rochester on May 9. Our children and their families were all together in Rochester for Thanksgiving. They will be coming down to Sea Island for July 4. We have made many trips, including revisiting our honeymoon trip to the Hawaiian Islands, but at this point, no destination gives more pleasure than being with the family. I have launched a new career as a film extra in Georgia. Last February was the release of my first show, I Want You Back, a Netflix rom-com. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy 2023!” ❯ Janet MacKay said “I’m planning to attend our 55th. Our 50th was delightful in every way. I’m hoping for another Pumphandle and whatever we can dream up for what promises to be a spectacular weekend!” ❯ Rick Smith shared, “After 90 minutes of heartburn last Labor Day, my RN wife said, ‘it’s time to go to the ER.’ I’d had a mild heart attack. Over the following eight weeks, I got three stents in two major arteries. I’m now in cardiac rehab, tests show no measurable damage to my heart muscle, and I feel fine. I’m looking forward to getting my stamina rebuilt so we can return to some international travel.” ❯ Bill Foss wanted his classmates to know that the tequila he makes, Suavecito tequila, was just picked up by the Total Wine and More liquor store chain. It’s now a national tequila and can be purchased at any Total Wine store. ❯ Susan Tracy Van Kirk reported she just finished the 2nd mystery of a three-book contract called Death in a Bygone Hue. It’s based on an art center in Monmouth, Illinois. The oil-painting protagonist could be a Knox graduate, the way she uses her critical thinking skills to solve murders. Her other series, the Endurance Mysteries, is going strong. Harlequin will publish the 4th book, The Witch’s Child, in May. She hopes to write a 5th novel in this series this year. She also plans to publish a new edition of her book about her teaching life and A Death at Tippitt Pond. She’s finishing three years as president of Sisters in Crime, professionals involved in the mysterywriting industry. She thanks all her Knox classmates who encouraged her, and she appreciates your book comments on social media. She just saw all her kids and grandkids in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, and she plays duplicate bridge several times a month. Like all of you, she’s grateful for these years we’ve been given. ❯ John Heyer shared, “I am looking forward to being at Knox for our 55th and am encouraging all classmates to attend. I am starting the year quite busy with traveling. First, Florida for a

meeting, and then Hawaii with the family. Happy New Year to all.” ❯ Jean Matlock Fletcher shared, “I hope to attend the 55th this fall. I am continuing to do volunteer legal work for my former employer, Prairie State Legal Services, and donate my time to the local high school board where I am finishing my 8th year. I have filed a petition for another four years. No campaigning here; you either win or not. My cats and chickens keep me busy, and it’s interesting to watch the chickens in the snow. I live fairly close to both of my boys and enjoy seeing my grandchildren when I can fit into their busy schedules. This December, I became a great grandmother to Cody Paige Murray, and I saw her at Christmas, which was such fun. Hope to see you this fall.” ❯ In 2022 Ron Zager celebrated his 50th year in the classroom, 34 of them as a full-time physics and math teacher, and 16 as a substitute. In this, his 17th year, he has already worked 50 days. Staying healthy in the face of COVID has kept him very busy. As long as he’s healthy and still likes kids, this is what he wants to continue doing. :-) ❯ Mary Mangieri Burgland’s news is really an invitation to all returning classmates and significants to attend Homecoming to celebrate our 55th. “George and I will be hosting a casual cocktail party on Thursday night at our house as well as Sunday morning brunch for all from the Class of ’68 who are interested in coming. Sure hope to see you there!”

❯ Ellen Wark Dycus shares that “I keep in touch with three friends from Knox via email and visited with Sally recently. Once this pandemic is over, we’ll be able to get together the way we used to. I’m too far from Galesburg to attend the reunion.” ❯ Jack Cate is planning to come. ❯ Will Millard sends greetings from Ver-

mont but will not be attending. ❯ Leonard Borden is thinking about attending. ❯ Kathy Suter reports “We’ve had a pretty exciting time on the Big Island of Hawaii. Pele has been very busy and decided to pay us a visit in Kailua Kona. Our home is about 21 miles below the caldera, and the scientists weren’t sure which way the lava would flow. Luckily it flowed away from populated areas. But if it covered a main road, it would have disrupted travel for the whole island. We drove up to see the activity and got terrific views. Everything has stopped for now. I am definitely coming to the 55th reunion and promise not to break any bones this time.

Joanne Rawlings

Vieweg, Janie Walker, Janice Thies Fettig and I all plan to carpool up from St. Louis. We have our room all set. I would love to help pull together a variety of our classmates to make informal presentations to current students who might be interested in the careers we have pursued.” ❯ Judd and I spent a wonderful Christmas at my oldest son’s, Josh, in Plainfield. Then we all had a wonderful time after Christmas driving to southern Illinois to visit my sister/husband, her son/wife, and friend. Lots of laughter, delicious meals, and singing. Had good visits with my husband on Christmas and New Year’s. He had parties at his memory care and enjoyed them. Thinking about attending our reunion. Best wishes to all in 2023. Thanks for your great notes!

Class Correspondent: Susan Meyer Mika 1519 North Kennicott Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, 847-253-7719, pottatea@comcast.net

1969

Larry Kusch’s family threw him a surprise retirement party attended by (left to right)

Ralph Norman ’71, Sue Kamp

Norman ’70,

This past September, Mike (“Rock”) Webster and his lovely wife, Luana, graciously invited a number of Knox classmates and friends to gather in Denver for a weekend of fun, friendship, food, and frivolity. Despite their invitation, the pandemic, inclement weather, distance, and various health issues prevented many from attending; just a dozen or so made it. Those stalwarts included Rob MacCarthy ’70, KT Johnson, John (“Harley”) Palley ’70 and his wife, my daughter, Kellie, and her husband, Mike Ady, and me. Rock, KT, and I were thus the only ’69 grads to make an appearance. All those attending appeared to be happy and mostly healthy, and we made the best of it, thanks to Rock and Luana, with lots of laughs, camaraderie, and good food. ❯ Since that event, we learned of the passing of Fred Keeperman ’70. According to the obituary in the East Bay Times (forwarded from Gary Barnhart), Fred passed away peacefully on October 1, 2022, surrounded by his four adult children, eight grandchildren, and wife of 50 years, Rita. R.I.P., Fred. ❯ Ed Novak writes that he is still practicing law full-time in Phoenix, Arizona. He notes that his twin daughters are in college and considering post-graduate studies; Ed appears to be selflessly postponing any retirement in favor of providing assistance to the twins. ❯

Tom Wolf writes the following: “I am living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and continuing to write. My book The Called Shot: Babe Ruth, The Chicago Cubs, and the Unforgettable Major League Baseball Season of 1932 appeared in 2020. It was named a finalist for the prestigious Seymour Medal and was proclaimed “Best Baseball Book of the Year” by Sports Collectors Digest. I have coauthored a new book with my wife, Patricia Bryan, titled The Plea: The True Story of Young Wesley Elkins and His Struggle for Redemption. This book tells the story of a young boy who was sentenced to life in an adult prison for a crime he committed in Iowa in 1889. At the time of his incarceration, the boy was just 11-years-old. We tell the story of his crime, his years in prison, his struggle for justice, and his life as a productive citizen after he won his release.” (See page 28 for more on the book.) ❯ Jim Hallock advises that he is still active in his earth block construction projects, now doing business as “Native Earth Block” in Austin, Texas. Indeed, although he and his graciously genteel wife, Nora, were traveling to Colorado in September, those business demands deterred their attendance at our gathering in Denver. He also informs me that they are making arrangements for retirement this year in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. ❯ Paul Behnke writes that he teaches aviation finance via Zoom. He mentions having spoken with “Little Billy” Howell, describing Billy as a “cancer survivor and captain of his own 37-foot boat. He’s made the treacherous crossing to the Bahamas four times. Alone!” Paul has also generously agreed to assume the duties of class correspondent for me. He can be reached at pbehnke48@gmail.com. My best wishes to him. ❯ And so my tenure as your class correspondent ends. I wish you all good health and happiness, and look forward to seeing you at our 55th Knox reunion in 2024. Class Correspondent: Paul Behnke pbehnke48@gmail.com

1970

Only a few people responded to my plea for notes before Christmas 2022. Since many of us had a good reunion weekend in May 2022, I will give you all a pass. Let’s get some news out to each other this coming year! ❯ Sad news from Alan Spear: “My wife, Judi, passed away on August 5, 2022, from complications of Ahlzeimer’s.” ❯ Christine Herbes-Sommers wrote: “After four years south of the Mason Dixon, I’m happy to be back north, in a perfect old house only five minutes from the Stone Ridge, New York, town center and Wendy Saul ’68, who’s still a ball of fire. I’ll continue writing, drawing, painting, volunteering, meandering—wonderful artists here! The Hudson Valley is gorgeous and welcoming. My son is about to begin his family practice residency … though all medical students don’t find out where they’ll go until March 17.  Fingers crossed for east of the Mississippi! Knox is never far from my mind.” ❯ Dianne Mears-Mustafa:

“Being with many of you at our reunion . . . was

Larry Kusch ’71, Joyce Petrie Stevens ’71 and Bob Stevens ’71.

Class Knox

incredibly satisfying and joyful.” —Jerry Tatar ’71

(Dinny or M and M): “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Thank you, Nancy, for your emails and reminders. Even though I don’t think I have responded previously, I always look forward to your news and requests. I will try this year to respond and before the deadline. Thank you again for your work through the years.” ❯ Had a note from Jerry Tatar ’71 in early January: “I am saddened to let you know that I received the following from Rita Keeperman ’71: ‘Fred Keeperman passed away on October 1 from complications of Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinsons. We were so blessed that all of our children, spouses, and eight grandchildren were with him the entire week until his passing. Fortunately he was able to meet his newest grandson two weeks prior. He struggled so many years with this awful disease but was always gracious and appreciative. We were married two months short of 51 years—I doubt our paths ever would have crossed if it weren’t for Knox. It was, however, the very best thing that could have happened to both of us.’ I knew that Fred was struggling with this terrible condition for several years. Rita was so very attentive to his needs throughout. I have great memories of Fred from Knox, including student teaching with him after he had graduated and was teaching special ed in Galesburg. We talked several times over the years, and Judy and I spent time with Fred and Rita years ago when we were visiting in the San Francisco area. He was always a most gracious, funny and caring guy and will be missed.”

Class Correspondent: Nancy Hoover Debelius 865 Gayer Drive, Medina, OH 44256-2901, 330-723-5658, Knox1970@zoominternet.net

1971

Don Raleigh (draleigh@unc.edu) said so well what many of us thought and wrote about: “Returning to Galesburg for our 50th reunion reminded me of how fortunate I am to have attended Knox, not only for the great education the college provided, but also for the lifelong friends I made during my time there … Thank you for being in my life.” Since the reunion, Don hiked in the Slovenian Alps, visited Athens, toured Morocco, and rode a camel at sunset in the Western Sahara. ❯ Larry Clark ’74 (larrysclark@ gmail.com) will retire on 6/30/23 after eight years as chancellor at LSU Shreveport (8,500+ students). He also served as a business school dean for 28 years at three different universities. ❯ John Saelens (johnsaelens@aol.com) continues to serve on three nonprofit boards in Richmond, Virginia. ❯ Sadly, Rita Keeperman (rkeep@ comcast.net) let me know about the death of Fred ’70. She said, “We were married two months short of 51 years—I doubt our paths ever would have crossed if it weren’t for Knox. It was, however, the very best thing that could have happened to both of us.” ❯ Mary Myers Fasbender (mfasbender@gmail.com) proudly received the 2022 Hope for Haitians (hope-

forhaitians.org) ‘Ambassador for the Poor’ award. H for H builds homes, schools, and clean water wells in Haiti with the funds they raise. ❯ John Hayes (jehesq@aol.com) and Carolee ’72 enjoy time with their grandchildren (21, 18, 17 and 9). John volunteers for their homeowner’s association, and Carolee is closing out her consulting career. They also look after John’s 96-year-old mother who lives nearby (something that many of us are doing). ❯ Beverly Deering (bevticedeer@gmail.com) and her husband live in Seattle. Bev retired about 11 years ago from teaching ESL in a community college. Last year while visiting friends, they bought a house on the Olympic Peninsula in Port Ludlow, Washington, where they enjoy mountain views, deer, and beautiful walks. Her husband also teaches tai chi at a club where they join in many activities. ❯ Mary Tompkins (mary_tompkins@ncsu.edu) and her husband, Wayne, are busy on their 40-acre farm where she takes care of two aged (29-yearold) horses as well as three cats and three dogs. Mary still rides four to five days a week on her Grand Prix level dressage horse and on a preliminary level event horse who hates dressage. Mary is proudly five years breast cancer free. Wayne is as active as ever, mowing pastures, unloading grain (50-pound bags), and bales of bedding, and stacking wood. He finally did stop splitting wood with a wedge and an axe and bought an electric splitter. Their children are busy; Lisa is tutoring kids for their bar or bat mitzvahs, Laura is a stayat-home mom, and Mark, like his dad, is a full professor of virology/immunology at University of Georgia Vet School. Mark is also the director of a Center for Influenza Disease and Emerging Research, funded by NIH. ❯ Dan McDougallTreacy (danmcdt@gmail.com) still lives in Seattle and is retired from social work. He devotes his time to family, birding, and volunteering. “Wife Gayle and I share many interests in common and cheer each other on in our separate pursuits.” Dan and Gayle treasure having their kids living in the Seattle area. Dan serves on the classes committee at the local Audubon society and takes part in wildlife and environmental endeavors. He also serves as chair of the board at Valley Cities Behavioral Healthcare. ❯ John Podesta (campodine49@gmail.com) reports: “I failed at retirement.” We should all fail that bad! ❯ Cathy Grafton (cathygrafton@gmail.com): “The reunion was great. I met up with so many classmates and rekindled friendships which continue. Mary Myers Fasbender and I met for lunch in Naperville in December and have been enjoying a renewed friendship. Bruce and Carol Wyatt were able to have a visit with me here in Pontiac, and we caught up with each other’s lives. Otherwise, my life as a librarian continues to be fun, and I hope to soon plan yet another visit to France.” ❯ Jan Augustyn (jeaugustyn@aol.com) and Mike Dickenson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a backyard bash involving Knox classmates and friends Larry Baldacci and Ray Cunha, Lynn Pearson and Tom Graham,

Mary Helen Whitehorne Polensky and Bill Polensky, Kathie Spear, Alan Spear ’70, Jerry and Judy Tatar, other friends and family, a food truck, 200 macarons, a bartender named Rob, a lot of balloons and a mini-rock concert.  “We are looking forward to the next 50!” ❯ John Flood (jtflood39@gmail.com) and his wife, Carol, have been happily retired for eight years and enjoy spending time with their seven grandsons (13 years to 11 months old), all who live within 15 minutes of John and Carol. John keeps busy running, biking, golfing, chasing grandsons, and drinking beer with his brothers. He’ll spend March in Arizona watching spring training and playing golf and seeing Dennis Farrell and his wife, Bertie. ❯ Rick Gleason (fcgleason@ tgp-architects.com) works on his sea captain’s house including solar PV and low-ambient heat pumps. He and his wife hope to sail in Maine and then travel to New Zealand in November. ❯ Paula Irrgang (irrgang@outlook.com) was in Illinois in September and saw Pam (Arendt) Dewey and her husband, and Joyce (Petrie) and Bob Stevens ❯ I am still practicing law, mainly helping clients buy and sell businesses. I am also still playing hardball baseball and am now a vice president of our synagogue. Judy watches our one-year-old granddaughter three days a week and teaches Sunday school. We are looking to travel again, planning a trip to Israel, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest this year and one to New Zealand next year. I will close this newsletter the way it began: For me, our reunion was a 15- to 20-year dream come true. I am very thankful for the education I received at Knox and the way it helped shape my life. Judy and I are also thankful for friends from Knox. Being with many of you at our reunion and experiencing the panels, convocation, meals, discussions, etc., was incredibly satisfying and joyful. Stay healthy! Let’s do it again!

Class Correspondent: Jerome A. Tatar 333 Wilshire Drive West, Wilmette, IL 60091-3151, 847-251-4889, jerry@tatarlawfirm.com

Gene Brandt ’72, Jim Leech ’71, Terry Denoma ’71, and Deryk Ruple ’20 at Gene’s daughter’s wedding.

1972

Gene Brandt writes, “Jim Leech ’71, Terry Denoma ’71, and Deryk Ruple ’20 (Jim’s grandson) joined me in Palos Verdes, California, for my daughter’s wedding. It was a mini Fiji reunion and so much fun. Actually, we clean up rather nicely, I’d say.” ❯ David Butler writes, “Now that I’m officially outed as a preacher, I can celebrate the fact that this year I have preached in my first evangelical church, and will speak at a Free Thinkers Unitarian Universalist fellowship. God seems to think I need a growth spurt. Also, I got a new titanium shoulder for Christmas. Old people ... Blessings to all.” ❯ Graham ‘Cush’ Copeland writes, “After 33 years in Florida, Deb and I moved back to Colorado. All my siblings and their families live here, so it is a wonderful homecoming. Since September, we bought a house without setting foot in it, packed up our house and beat our movers to Colorado by two days in our packed little SUV with the dog. We are now trying to fit the four-bedroom home into a 2 1/2-bedroom home.” ❯ John Durham writes, “I spent an enjoyable two months in Italy, which included four weeks of language school in Bologna, another in Florence, and three weeks alternating city days with train excursions to my other favorite Tuscan towns, Lucca and Siena. Che bella! I visited the southern wine country (Montepulciano/Montalcino) and a chestnut festival in Marradi. I’m now back in Santa Fe, attempting to lose the weight gained in Italy.” ❯ Jane Fuhlbruegge Bourscheidt writes, “My message would be ‘thank you’ to all who made our reunion epic! Let’s do 50+1!” ❯ Barb Hoefer Hanson writes, “Sorry to miss the reunion, but have enjoyed catching up through pictures and the class website. I also read Dave Butler’s sermon, which I highly recommend. It settled my mind in this unsettling world we find ourselves in. We had a wonderful mini-reunion in Door County with Pat Drummond, Karen and

David Dapron, Elaine and Dave Butler, and Dee and Bill Breeding. Knox ties run deep, even after 50 years, and our get-together was a highlight of the year for me. Doug and I enjoy retirement, splitting our time between Sister Bay and Waukesha, home to our grandson and his parents. Our oldest daughter and husband also live near Milwaukee, so family gatherings are easy and frequent. Fond greetings to my classmates, and may 2023 be kind to you all!” ❯ Deborah Howard writes, “It was such a blessing to return to Knox and reconnect with old friends! The reunion was very well organized; food and company were excellent! A big thank you to all who put the whole event together! If you come to NYC, be sure to visit Brooklyn.” ❯ Claudia McFadden writes, “I really had a good time at Homecoming even if it was the anniversary of W’s death. He loved Knox and envied what we all had: those special friendships and connections. I had a great time with my old roomie, Kim. Holidays were easier this year. I spent Thanksgiving with Katy’s family in Madison, and Christmas in Colorado Springs, with W’s kids and my sister, Sally McFadden Mills ’64. I’m off to Portland to visit Stephen’s family. If anyone is out this way, please consider a visit to lovely Winchester.” ❯ Ross Terman writes, “We went to Lisbon, San Sebastian, Bilbao, and Madrid last year. Sightseeing was great and the food was even better. We’re going back to Spain and France for five weeks, reliving my 1972 trip with Tom Minion, Tom Michels, and John Pritz, with Eurail passes but minus the camping gear and hostel cards! Like almost half our class, we made it to Galesburg for our 50th reunion, which exceeded our expectations. Our daughter had a major health scare but fortunately is completely recovered. Look us up if you’re passing through South Florida.” ❯ Gary Waxmonsky writes, “Kudos to the Knox Community for hosting a wonderful 50th reunion for the Class of ’72 in October! It was especially gratifying to reconnect with guys from Sellew 3 (my freshman dorm) and chat with Prof. Emeritus Steve Bailey. Nancy and I would love to share some good cheer with any alums

who find themselves in Washington, D.C.—just let us know at waxmo@aol.com.” ❯ Wendy Scherwat Ducourneau writes, “As CCR sang in 1970, ‘Just got home from Illinois.’  Tony and I drove nearly 5,000 miles, visited Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin and Dana-Thomas House, stayed at Nagle-Warren Mansion and Silas Willard House (both 100+ years old), and enjoyed Monument Valley’s Gouldings Lodge, owned by Knox in 1962-1981. Our reunion was great: nearly 100 classmates, 50+ guests, and four professors attended. Those who couldn’t make it were sorely missed! Activities began on Thursday; Mark Hall brought music to our FAC in CFA. Monty Abbott, Bob Shullaw, Sandy Hanna, Casey Kremer ’73, and Jerry Baumeister ’71 supplied outstanding art. Bill Allison and Joyce Tucker Allison moved our map around, despite a snafu with the map pins. President Andy McGadney congratulated our class on 50 years. Bill Durall joined the Lincoln Douglas Society. Pumphandle ‘Under the Whale’ was long but amazing! CCR’s ‘Fortunate Son’ played to start Convocation. Our class gift: nearly $750,000. Mike Burke’s remarks were thoughtful and amusing. At our FYC induction, we thanked Megan Clayton for her ongoing support, and honored Jamie Bjorkman ’57 for establishing the 99 Lives Gold Star Memorial. Judy Ludwig Gorham arranged our class photo. Dinner in the Oak Room was so crowded! But the food was good. Barb McCauley Baumeister provided table decorations and party favors. Chuck Schulz led a moment of silence to honor our departed classmates. Jon Carbary recognized those who served in our country’s military. ❯ Sunday brunch at Carol Daugherty Egan’s was lovely, as we enjoyed the glorious weather. The Sigma Nu’s thanked Marge and Mark Hall for 50 years of homecoming gatherings. We attended worship at Central Congregational, which featured music by Colleen Metternich Puscas and Sammi Maier King, a sermon by Reverend Dave Butler, and a tour of stained glass windows. I will treasure my gift of a framed athletic letter ‘K’. A huge thanks to 40 classmates and others who helped organize

“Holy cats, are we really becoming members of the

Barbara Carnegie Whitman ’72

(left) and (Right) Mary Ann Knutson Doetschman ’73.

SUBMITTED

1972 50-Year Class Reunion, October 2022.

Class Knox

Fifty Year Club?” —Jackie Powell Hope ’73

our event, and a special nod to spouses who so graciously attend our reunions.”

Class Correspondent: Wendy

Scherwat Ducourneau

wjsd@jps.net, Facebook Group: Knox College Class of ’72

1973

Our class is counting the days until our 50th reunion, October 27-29, 2023. Please consider coming back to the ’Burg for this momentous occasion. If you have not already made your hotel reservations, I urge you to make them right away. You can find information about Homecoming and the Reunion at www.knox.edu/homecoming ❯

Bob Bolier writes that 2022 was a good year on the suncoast of Florida, as he achieved his goal of biking over 4,000 miles for the year and is continuing to enjoy playing both golf and tennis several days a week. He continues, “But I had to finally retire from senior softball, as injuries took their toll on this 71-year-old body! Am really hoping to see a lot of old friends at our 50th Reunion in October!” ❯ Liz Brasure and Steve Giles just returned from a trip to Spain and Portugal. They are hoping to be in Galesburg in October, although they admit it is hard to believe it will be our 50th. ❯ Greg Divers is currently in Palermo and will be in Europe until the end of February. Along with the members of the 50th Reunion Committee, he encourages all from the class of ’73 to attend our 50th reunion in the fall.

❯ Jackie Powell Hope exclaims “Holy cats, are we really becoming members of the Fifty Year Club? My mom seemed much older when she was inducted. Tempus fugit.” Although Jackie says her life is pretty boring, she has no thoughts of retiring. (Church organists never retire. They keep pedaling on.) She is finishing up a degree in theater at Dickinson State University. She states: “I have continued studying, as a college student, for my entire adult life. Not much has stuck in my head, but it keeps me out of trouble.” Her theatrical resume now includes Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. She is now “Gamma” to a fouryear-old who loves shoes and jewelry. Jackie’s life does not sound boring! ❯ Larry Hults won’t be joining us in October, but he hopes we have a great reunion. ❯ Judy O’Keefe van der Linden does not have any news to report, but is planning to attend the reunion. ❯ From Mary Ann Knutson Doetschman: “Barbara Carnegie Whitman ’72 and I were Whiting Hall roommates at Knox. We recently met at Navy Pier in Chicago to catch up—we hadn’t seen each other for 50 years. We spent several hours laughing and reminiscing, and we plan to meet again soon! ❯ Mark Skipworth hopes to attend the reunion in October. He can’t believe it’s been 50 years! But then he looks in the mirror and says, “Yep, that looks about right.” Despite that, he is still alive and kicking, celebrating a second grandchild 20 years after the first; and is relearning baby skills. ❯ We sadly report the passing of two classmates.

Chris Eik Winick, who helped to coordinate past Reunions and served on the Knox Alumni Council, passed away in November 2022. David Ferlic passed away in June 2022. They will be greatly missed.

Class Correspondent: Nancy Bakos Hunter 5280 Easley Way, Golden, CO 80403-1161, 303-278-3163, geo_hunters@q.com

1974

We eagerly await being inducted into the Fifty Year Club in 2024. ❯ As Sandee Michal Wright says: “Looking forward to our 50th reunion. My husband, Ted Wright ’72, and I attended his 50th Knox Reunion this fall and had a wonderful time. So nice to see old friends and visit the campus.” ❯ Glenda Bailey-Mershon adds more thoughts about our 50th: “As the 50th Reunion comes up, it’s hard to think about being in the Fifty Year Club—didn’t we just finish our own Flunk Day and get our post-graduate plans lined up? Seems like yesterday. Alas, my grandchildren tell me differently. Andy and Alex are teenagers! This year I have a new book of poems coming out in September 2023, from Finishing Line Press, called Weaver’s Knot: Poems. All the poems in this book are about connections of one sort or another, from ties to place—in my case, the Appalachian Mountains—to string theory. I hope I may do a reading at Knox sometime.” ❯ Jim Mott: “In March 2021 I started a job with an Australian statistical analysis company called Displayr. I mostly write training materials and teach analysis courses for them. I thought of retiring but decided that playing the piano would not fill enough of my days. This year I have also become a bionic man of sorts with two cataract surgeries and one knee replacement. I am having my second knee replacement in January. My older daughter Liat moved permanently to Israel and is attending Hebrew University. We visited her in Israel last Passover. My younger daughter Liba is a freshman at University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign. It will be nice to see everyone at our 50th.” ❯ Bob Sahm/Samo: “Greetings from the Great Northeast. My wife and I are both retired, although I am doing some part-time volunteer work at our local affordable housing program as well as land bank housing in the Albany area. Vickie helps out at a residential childcare program in Troy. Our daughters both live in the area now, one is a country mouse on a hilltop with dogs, a horse, and various critters. The other is a city mouse in a late 19th century row house in Albany. It’s good to have them close. We live between them and can see deer and other critters out our back windows, but we are also on the edge of suburbia where I had a 20-minute commute to my last job in Albany. I have some health issues, but all in all it’s a good life and I am grateful for it. We have an old dog, so we mostly travel locally to Cape Cod and Hudson Valley with pet friendly rentals. When my daughter lived in Chicago after graduation from Knox, I would

enjoy getting back to visit. It will be great to get back for our reunion!  I hope everyone has a great 2023!” ❯ Marlene Egger: “My big news is that I retired on my 70th birthday (this past October 24, 2022), from my job as a biostatistics professor at the University of Utah. What a great present to give myself! My sister Leigh, a rockhound, came out the next day to help smooth the transition. We visited Topaz Mountain, where she arranged for me to be the person to set off the dynamite charge for our group’s topaz hunting. So, my retirement started off with a bang! My husband, Larry Stewart, and I are still living in Salt Lake City and enjoying the mountains. Salt Lake is within five hours of seven national parks, so we encourage classmates to come out for a visit.” ❯ Leslie Brooks: “I only have two things to share. First, I found my identical twin dead in her living room after a fall down the stairs in March, and it has been very very hard. We lived five minutes away from each other and connected every day. The second is that I have been venturing into encaustic wax painting and I am absolutely loving it. It’s helping me heal.” ❯ Terry Algren Bruner: “My husband and I will celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2023. We are happy at our house in the country, and we usually see more deer than we do cars each day! We have resumed some travel, with a Panama Canal cruise and a cruise to Hawaii and French Polynesia. Our first grandchild goes off to college next year, and we have three other granddaughters. I will be forever grateful to Knox College for the wonderful education I received there.” ❯ Sverre FalckPedersen: “My wife, Chris, and I sold our business holdings, the Fish Creek Beach House, and the Thorp House Inn & Cottages, five and 10 years ago, respectively. We spend our summers at our home in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, and winter in Venice, Florida, near our daughter and corgi in Sarasota. This fall I had a brief, but entertaining mini-Knox reunion at George Szostkowski’s ’75 Chicago residence with four other Post 10 suitemates, Mike (Coo) Wright ’75, Neil Schaye ’75, James Milhorne, and Rich Burke ’75. As for myself, I stay active running, biking, leading a Y spin class, piloting for Cycling without Age and do the occasional triathlon. I can only hope you are as happy, healthy, and fulfilled.” ❯ Dave Coons: “Not much new here. We still live in the woods in Chesterfield, Missouri. Lots of whitetail deer and wild turkeys in our yard this season. We’re both in good health and grateful for it. Hard to believe I have a grandson driving … how time flies. I remain happily retired and don’t miss being a lobbyist. I enjoy cooking; lots of Indian, Thai, and Italian food. Cheers.” ❯ John Porter: “‘Bonenkai’ is the name for New Year’s parties in Japan. They are lavish and outrageous affairs, part game show, part pageant, lots of hot and cold saki, and lowered inhibitions. Bonenkai means ‘forget the year.’ A good theme for my update. In February 2022, I got my first artificial implant, a complete right knee replacement. I checked in at the hospital at 6:00 a.m., and out at 6:00 p.m.

for seven

Good organization, no complications, and very fine drugs. I was walking a bit the day after, the family rotated in and out for the next three weeks, and I was driving my VW by week four. All in all, a good experience. The veil of COVID slightly lifted beginning in March. I attended a concert by Bruce Hornsby. It felt like a trip back into time—even with a mask on, it was delightful to dance with strangers in the aisles of the Carolina Theatre. In May, I lost a wonderful woman who reconciled with her ex. Much soul searching, yard work, and bicycle riding followed. I traveled back to western Illinois in July for the 106th Tinken-Porter family reunion. Afterwards, I visited the campus with my dog Delilah and had a picnic outside the Gizmo. She was bored by my stories. It was a little distressing to see how much Galesburg has been changed by the prison southwest of the city. The fall was mostly about vaccinations, routine medical visits, and the election.

Glad that the red wave did not emerge, but my home state sent election denier Ted Budd as the junior senator. Sigh … Bonenkai, my friends.”

❯ Richard Heitman: “Heidi and I built a ceramics studio in Maine for her sculpture work. I began to use the potter’s wheel and made great progress. This nicely supplements my intellectual pursuits and makes a happy combination. I feel a bit as though I am on the Knox campus again, and this time, I should get more than four years!”

❯ Len and Jim—the lawyer and the scientist— had a clarifying moment with our class notes: ❯ Leonard Berg: “I believe Jim and Jan Rybka should confirm that several of us from the Class of 1974 have recently visited with them since they moved to Flagstaff, Arizona. This includes a recent visit with my wife, Fran, and I, Kent and Marcia Sezer, and Beth Kasai Collins and her husband.” ❯ Jim Rybka: “Len is mostly correct. I’ll clarify and add a bit. Len, thanks for the notso-subtle prod! Jan and I moved to Flagstaff in 2018 and have really enjoyed the change. To us, Flagstaff has a very Knox-y vibe that we appreciate and enjoy. We have had a few Knox alumni visitors. Kent and Marcia Sezer came to town and visited in the fall of 2018. Keith and Beth Kasai Collins visited and stayed overnight with us last November. We were able to connect with Len and Fran Berg when they were in town visiting their family last December. We would enjoy seeing more Knox friends, so please contact us if anyone is visiting the northern Arizona area, maybe the Grand Canyon is on your bucket list?

Best Regards, Jim (and Jan)” ❯ Jerry Borchers: “I actually have something that I feel good about sharing. The program with which I was involved (simulated patient), “Skills Assessment and Training Center” at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, received the President’s Award for Excellence. The award recognizes the work and dedication for the first years of the pandemic. It was a challenging time, training the medical students while keeping everyone safe. Anyway, it was an appreciated recognition, and was quite unexpected because I

had retired and was no longer employed (except I do volunteer my time from time to time). It was a nice way to end my career of 38 years. The Simulated Patient Program continues and is doing great.” ❯ Kathy Brennan: “I have been doing standup comedy now for seven years and love it. I found that writing jokes was much easier for me than learning how to crochet, and it’s something I can do with a bad knee. I perform in the Central Illinois and St. Louis area just enough to avoid blowing up my marriage of 45 years. I was a finalist this year in the Peoria Jukebox Amateur Comedy Contest and was voted Best Local Comedian in the Illinois Times 2022 Best of Springfield Reader’s Poll.” ❯ Monta Lee Dakin: “I decided to make my 70th year a travel year. I went to the Big Island before Mauna Loa erupted, then to remote Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska, on to Idaho for a reunion, before stopping in Yellowstone to be a guide to high school friends. I spent five weeks in Great Britain, staying first in Iceland, then landed in Scotland the day the queen died. Interesting to see the flag on the ferry to the Isle of Lewis at half-mast. Since I had done research on 12th-century chess pieces called the Lewis chessmen (now national icons), I went to see where they were found in 1830 on Uig Bay. Then I saw the largest collection of these beautifully carved pieces at the British Museum. I watched the queen’s funeral in the Cotswold’s, then saw her new crypt in Windsor Castle. My travels ended in the Yorkshire Dales, staying in Grassington where All Creatures Great & Small is being filmed. It was a fun birthday all year!” ❯ Rest In Peace: Robert Anthony Sypniewski, “The Crusher.” February 8, 1952 - May 17, 2022. Laura Kohl Dare, October 12, 2022, Downers Grove, Illinois. ( Husband Jack Dare, ’75.) Class Correspondent: Monta Lee Dakin 303-979-9307, mld780@aol.com

1975

I’ve had a fun run as your Class Correspondent and am passing the baton to Dave Langston! We all know Dave as a good, kind man and clever contributor to past 1975 Class Notes. Thanks for stepping up, Dave! Let’s all make his job easy by sending updates whenever he asks. And thanks for these first five updates coming from first-time contributors! ❯ Steve Kaufmann recently retired after 44 years practicing law in Springfield, Illinois. He will live on a golf course in Anthem, Arizona, during winter months, play as much golf as possible to achieve his coveted single-digit handicap status, visit the national parks, and finally, travel internationally. ❯ Catherine Cox writes, “Big news. After living in Los Angeles for like, forever, I got married and we moved to South Atlanta near all the film studios. I’m still a proud card holder for SAG/Aftra and AEA and have a SAG pension now. Georgia is a booming peach for the entertainment business and music—which I’ve also been making in classical and jazz. So I moved from one side of the United

States to the other, and Knox remains in the middle. I’m also closer to Julie Crisman-McNabb my sophomore roommate—so we can sip juleps together. I have been working on my ‘y’all’ … no more Valleygirl.” ❯ Michael Stutman is still practicing law in Manhattan, 44 years after law school graduation, as managing partner of his family law firm, Stutman, Stutman & Lichtenstein, LLP (www.sslllp.com). “My wife and partner, Dana, and I have two children, one a freshman at SCAD and one a freshman at Bronx High School of Science. I have two children from a prior marriage; the eldest is a physician practicing rural medicine in Kotzebue, Alaska, and the younger lives in Ogden, Utah, and is still looking for his calling.” ❯ Mary Ann (Mae) Esler passed along the sad news that David R. Dobkin died on April 3, 2022, in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. “David retired to San Miguel a few years ago and was enjoying a creative and artistic life there. His death was sudden, unexpected, and a big shock for us all. David and I were married until 1995, and we have a daughter, Rachel. David subsequently remarried and had two more daughters whom he raised in Utah. We hope to create a Facebook memorial page for David in the future; contact me maesler@gmail.com to share comments and remembrances.” ❯ Jeffrey Cagan writes, “Jeanne, after ignoring your entreaties for all these years, your pending retirement as Class Correspondent finally pushed me over the edge! Marcy (Norman-Cagan) ’77 and I lived 44 years in New Jersey but have moved to Rancho Mirage, California, and are loving the desert. One son and his family (including our three-year-old grandson!) live in Los Angeles—a two-hour drive—and our other son and daughter-in-law live in London. I led a wealth management team at Morgan Stanley for 26 years, then relocated to UBS with my group for the past 15. I have a year of phasing-out left to go before I officially retire. Marcy is an accomplished artist with a focus on collage and photography. She had one-woman shows in New Jersey and has already become active in shows in the vibrant art scene here. Our retirements will focus on playing lousy golf (me) and really good tennis (Marcy), desert hikes, social gathering, concerts, reading, and lots of travel, with mid-summer visits to London. Our Knox-rearing keeps us involved in community projects and speaking out for political decency when appropriate. We regularly spend time with our Knox housemates Dan and Barbara (Carrava) ’76 Interlandi, Phil Thomason, and Dean Hawthorne ’77. Isn’t it amazing how Knox bred these life-long friends, and you just pick up right where you left off each time you get together?” ❯ Sheri Morrison is enjoying being a grandmother (“Bubbie”), and is ever more appreciative of deepening relationships with her son, Evan, daughter-in-law, Stephanie, and husband, Jerry. In addition to her creative pursuits, Sheri is still very involved with her synagogue community, and “… fights racism and antisemitism in whatever ways I can.” She also asked me to in-

“I have been doing standup comedy now

Class Knox

years and love it.” —Kathy Brennan ’74

clude, “Jeanne, thanks so much for all your years of being our class correspondent for the Knox Magazine. You’re the best!” Thanks, Sheri! ❯ For Nancy Knapp, “The road continues to remain bumpy, but in September 2022, my first son got married to Caitlin, and I really love her. She just finished her MBA at Washington State University, at the top of her class! Just after the wedding, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I am trying to deal with that now, with chemotherapy and surgeries. Still, sending my love to all!” ❯ Join me in prayers for healing for Nancy, and for Jack Dare, who writes, “Unfortunately my big news is that after an 18-month battle with ovarian cancer, my smart, beautiful wife, Laura Kohl Dare ’74, died on October 12. We met at Knox in the fall of 1971 and were married 44 years. We have two sons and four grandchildren.” ❯ Paula Ochs shared that she misses Karen Schultz Carlson and Libby Becker, her two Knox suitemates who died too soon. More happily, she writes, “The big news is that my son, Jess, just married a Dutch woman after a whirlwind romance, exciting for us all. I am still working 25 hours/week at a local not-for-profit counseling agency, but I have cut down my private practice. I am no longer seeing clients but am only supervising other therapists now. Husband John is retired but busy with volunteering and managing my 94year-old mother’s affairs. Post-COVID, we have started going to live music and seeing friends more regularly. In 2023, we plan to travel to Italy, my favorite place, so I can attend a family therapy conference. Besides Assisi and Gubbio for the conference, we will also go northwest to Lake Orta for some R&R.” ❯ Jeanne (Pankanin)

Leininger just adopted/rescued a 2nd Chinese Crested hairless dog and has named him GQ. Jeanne enjoys six months in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and six months in Hampton, Illinois, right on the Mississippi River. ❯ Daniel Martin says, “First of all, three cheers for Jeanne for all her hard work in cajoling us to stay informed. Our family has enjoyed a good year, with son Diego landing a job at a vet hospital in Durham, North Carolina, where he rose rapidly in a year to become shift lead. Our daughter Sabrina just graduated from Northwestern with a double degree in journalism and global health. She is now working in a harm reduction program on the west side of Chicago.  Veronica and I spent part of last spring in Spain and Italy. In 2023, we head to Argentina to visit Veronica’s family and then south to see the glaciers and to Tierra del Fuego to visit with the seals and penguins.” ❯ Nora Gubbins reflects, “How did I get so old? I have so many fond memories of my time at Knox and honestly it doesn’t seem all that long ago to me. I still cherish the hours spent in the painting and print studios with Mr. Goudie and Mr. Peterson and the wonderful pottery studio time with the stern but wonderful Mr. Joe. I also loved the literature classes in Old Main with Mr. Niehus, Crowell, and Hellenga. When I saw one of Hellenga’s books in a Naperville bookstore, I told the

salesperson ‘This was written by my college professor!’  My oldest son, Nick, is an anthropology professor at Ohio State University. Son Nate works in Boulder at a company that does research using magnetic resonance technology for new medical devices and other industrial applications (over my head to explain it completely). Daughter Kolleen works at the University of Chicago as a communications manager in their IT dept. I have three beautiful grandchildren, two girls and a boy—all redheads! I don’t get to see enough of them. I still work full time at an engineering firm in Naperville as the office manager with some graphic design thrown in when I have time. My husband has his own custom furniture and cabinetry business in Plano, Illinois, where we have been living for the past five years. Our two biggest hobbies are gardening and fly-fishing. For the last 10 years I also have led a book club and love researching new books for the group to read. Too many books, not enough time.” ❯ Deborah Griffin Brown still works part-time as a professional genealogist and as an assistant council commissioner for the Boy Scouts. “In the COVID years, many needed home and yard repairs were accomplished to make life more enjoyable outside. Husband Vern and I recently adopted two very large five-year-old cats (Bonnie & Clyde), who have lived most of their lives in shelters, so we are slowly teaching them to be social and enjoy having free run of the house.” ❯ Steve Luetger sent a shout-out to Class of 1975 and a commendation to our new class correspondent. ❯ Gwendolyn Carol Webb says, “God has been so good to me, with two amazing children (Portia and Quincy) and three wonderful grandchildren. In December 2022, I visited Lynne Barney Porter, my best friend since attending Knox, while presenting at a conference in Washington, D.C. I am still an associate professor in educational leadership at Texas A&M University and am working to become a full professor. Knox provided me with a dynamic foundation, even in some challenging times. There were about 29 African Americans on campus when I joined the student body, and it is now even more important that education be the anchor for our future generations. I get excited about what is to come, and look forward to our 50th in 2025!” ❯ Sarah Boydstun Ross lived an adventurous 2022-23 winter in an old roadhouse in Manley Hot Springs, Alaska. Her first collection of poetry and original photographs entitled Taking You Where I’ve Been will be published in early 2023. Sarah spent time with Jim Rosenthal ’72 recently, when he returned to Galesburg for his 50-year Knox Class Reunion. ❯ Richard Burke retired this year after 40 years as a lawyer. Having attended Washington University law school, he stayed in St. Louis, married, and has two children. “My daughter Lauren graduated from Knox in 2007, and son James graduated from engineering school in 2011.” Richard was a guest at a day-long event that George Szostkowski hosted for Rich, Sverre Falck-Pedersen ’74,

James Millhorn, Neil Schaye, and Michael “Coo” Wright. This home event included group Knox reminiscences, a luncheon smorgasbord, a college football game on TV, a trivia contest game “Knoxomania” that George created, and a swag bag of goodies. Ah, these lasting Knox friendships are priceless! Well done, George. Next time we all want to be invited!

Class Correspondent: Dave Langston dave_langston@hotmail.com

Knox College Class of 1975 Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/1509789545910382/

1976

Ok, folks, I need a few emails with updates. We need to get the buzz started to build momentum for October 2026 and the big 50! So send me some updates. We know that the kazoo band will be in rare form, especially with Glenn Ruklic leading the band! Speaking of our 50th reunion, it is never too early to start planning. Being on the planning committee is always a blast—who is interested? We need to make sure we get at least 76 classmates to attend. Let’s “get it started!” I did attend our “modified “45th reunion, which occurred in May of 2022. It was delayed due to COVID. Our class (and most classes) had small turnouts, but it was fun as always. Friday was eventful, since the reception at Alumni Hall was interrupted by a tornado warning, but the party continued on in the basement of Alumni Hall. If you haven’t seen the renovated Alumni Hall, it is really impressive. I also toured the renovated

Class of 1976 photo from Homecoming. Front Row: Tom Perille, George Pearce, Mary Pearce. Back Row: Jerry Erjavec, Linda Erjavec, Mary Hennenfent Ebert, Ann Murray Smith, Craig Steele, Mary Marsellus Rosic, Michael Godsil, Ann Feldman Perille. Present but not pictured, George Rosic ’74, Carey Adamson, Norma Davis.

Susan Hughey Walker ’78 joyfully reports that she

Bryn Douds ’77 and Doug Hill ’77 Sharing a Passion for Racing

Knox College classmates Bryn Douds ’77 and Doug Hill ’77 finished 14th and 16th, respectively, in the 2022 World Triathlon Championships in Abu Dhabi as part of the U.S.A. Triathlon team.

Douds and Hill don’t recall meeting one another during their time at Knox. At their 40th class Reunion they got to know one another during the Homecoming 5K. Hill recalls feeling confident that he would do well in the race, but he was continually challenged by a stranger. “He kept chasing me the whole way. I thought, ‘Who is this guy?’”

At Knox, Hill majored in economics and biology, while Douds was focused on mathematics. Hill was a racer early on, joining the College’s cross-country team. His training led to him being undefeated by any other Knox runner for four consecutive years while setting multiple Knox records. “I felt like I was addicted to the adrenaline from the races,” Hill said.

Hill started competing in national triathlons in the early 1980s. In each triathlon, racers complete a one-mile swim, 25-mile bike ride, and a six-mile run. Racers who do well enough in yearly competitions are invited to national championships, and national winners are invited to world championships.

Hill traveled to Hawaii in 1988 for a race, but suffered an injury that persisted for a year. Once recovered, he began racing in triathlons around the country six to seven times a year.

For Douds, becoming a triathlon racer was much different. He played bassoon and spent much of his time in the Ford Center for Fine Arts while studying at Knox. Douds played intramural ping pong when he was recruited away from the pinball machines–the closest he came to a sporting field was conducting the Pep Band at football games.

He would not fall in love with running until his son asked then-60-year-old Douds to take part in a triathlon with him. Douds began doing laps at the local pool and built up endurance through regular training. In his first race, he placed fourth in his 60 to 65 age group. Racing soon blossomed into a passion.

“Now, I do a couple races a year. It’s not nearly as many as Doug,” Douds said. “I always make sure to do at least one in Austin, Texas, since my daughter lives in Dallas. It’s been fun for me.”

After finding their shared passion, the pair began to race together. In November 2022, they traveled together to Abu Dhabi after qualifying for the world competition— Hill’s 14th time at the world level and Douds’ first. They have both already qualified for the 2023 competition in Spain.

“We live on opposite ends of the country. The few times we’ve seen each other since graduation is at national or world championships and Homecoming,” Hill said.

Hill hopes that he can continue to compete on the international level so that he can travel worldwide. For him, the journey is more important than placing high or earning a medal. On the other hand, Douds hopes to place in the top 10 in 2023. “I certainly don’t want anyone older than 75 beating me.”

To be able to race alongside a classmate and a friend was a highlight from their most recent race in Abu Dhabi. Developing a relationship as racing partners later in life instead of on their alma mater’s campus has been an unique experience, they said.

“We’re some of the rare people in the world that look forward to getting older,” Hill said. “It means we are that much closer to racing once again.”

Science and Math Center, and that too was lots of fun. I have noticed that, at Homecoming, designated students have golf carts to give rides to old alums, and they always assume I need a ride! We had several classmates at the Homecoming, including Jerry Erjavec, Mary Marcellus Rosic (and her husband George ’74), Craig Steele, Mary Henenfent Ebert, Ann Murray Smith, Ann Feldman Perille and Tom Perille, Mike Godsil, Carey Adamson, and Norma Davis. On Saturday, I sat in on an entrepreneurship class, which was fascinating. The students and professors were very impressive. At Homecoming, Craig Steele was acknowledged for his efforts on behalf of Knox. Craig was very instrumental in raising funds for the improvements to the soccer field. Sadly, a few months after Homecoming, Craig passed away from a sudden illness. Many of his friends (several of whom attended Knox ) attended a dinner in his honor near his hometown of Valparaiso, Indiana. Both laughs and tears were shared at this dinner, which I was fortunate to attend. ❯ I recently attended an event in Evanston, Illinois, and saw Paula Danoff ’77 at the Evanston Art Center. Paula has been the executive director there for many years and has helped build the center into a wonderful asset for the northern suburbs of Chicago. ❯ I recently read that classmate Gene Procknow’s book, William Hunter, Finding Free Speech: A British Soldier’s Son Who Became an Early American, received a literary award from Sunbury Press. Congrats Gene! Several of our classmates are published authors which is pretty exciting. ❯ So that is it for now. I could write about Phi Delt golf outings or the Pearce sisters who went to Knox, but how about you send me some updates and I can share them in my next column! And let’s build some momentum for 2026. Stay well.

Class Correspondent: George M. Pearce 847-256-5968, geoknox@comcast.net

1977

Hello all! We had a small but enthusiastic turnout for our 45th reunion. The fall weather was perfect, and the campus never looked better. Sue Runyon set up a class picture for us, and Debbie Stoneking, Pam Ord, and I, with assistance from Bunny Friedman, held up the all-important “1977” sign. ❯ Bryn Douds and Doug Hill were there, laying a bit low and wearing masks in anticipation of their triumphant participation (representing Knox) in the 2022 U.S. Age Group Triathlon Team competition in Abu Dhabi in November. Bryn and Doug finished 13th and 15th, respectively. Well done! ❯ Gary “Jake” Jacobson, Bill Colby, and Dan Calandro were seen at Craft restaurant on Seminary Street, arguing about who among them had the best college basketball stats. Dan was also seen at Soangetaha Country Club, getting in 18 holes with the irrepressible Coach Knosher. Jorge and Marjolein Castaños ’85 were sighted at Craft, as were Keith Maskus ’76 and Bruce Sopher ❯

SUBMITTED

Bryn Douds ’77 and Doug Hill ’77

Class Knox

is finally a nana!

A large crew stayed at the Best Western Prairie Inn (Old Jumers), including Mitch Baker ’76, Brian Bond, Ed Jepson, and me. Bondo and Mitch got a coveted corner room with a patio, where some of us spent the “slow” mornings eating excellent zucchini bread made by Mitch’s wife, Karen, sipping coffee, and playing Spelling Bee to the expert level. ❯ A motley crew of alumni were spotted at Duffy’s Tavern on Cherry Street (the old Lasser’s) enjoying $5 pitchers of PBR. At midnight, the crowd, including Tom Rendall, crossed the street to examine the scene at Cherry Street (old DTL). Tom had an encounter with some local mischief-makers at closing time, but he used his wits and charm to defuse the situation. ❯ Jim Munro reported that he was at the reunion and had a wonderful time. ❯ Tom Rendall reported: “Several dozen of us from a number of classes graduating in the mid70s assembled in the spirit of camaraderie and fun to recall events that occurred in those years. We focused on those who lived in and around the dormitory we knew as Seymour Hall. What went on back in the ’70s must stay there, but what went on at our new off-site facility, the digs commonly known as the 156 East Bar & Grill on Main Street in Galesburg was a very full event, honcho’d out by our favorite and indispensable member, Phil (Cro) Singer ’76. ❯ Fantastic food, enough (but not too much) adult beverages, skits and songs, conversation and jokes, and trips around the countryside in a very old, but very favorite team sports vehicle commonly known as “The Banana” were on hand. We were fortunate to have people from multiple classes and some of the favorite Knox staff from our years including Coach Harley Knosher (he of the immortal “Yay!/Boo)!,” Coach Van Steckelberg (still quick with a joke, or a story or a good pick me up for people who age slowly), and Pinky Gibbons of our favorite food service. We’d publish pictures, but no one would recognize us anyway!” ❯ Best to all for the New Year.

Class Correspondent: Sarah Kaull 52 Ober Street, Beverly, MA 01915-4733, 978-810-0181, skaull@icex.com

1978

Cathie (Brewer) Schmit and her husband have been retired from federal service for over a year now. Both were RNs at the VA for the last 20 years. She reports that she was having to dig ever deeper to find any spark of empathy or caring after 43+ years of nursing … time to move on to the next chapter in life. Now she is able to focus on self and family. They are fortunate to have a great community activity center nearby that is shared with the school district and the U.S. Air Force. So after their morning workouts/walks they are ready to face each day. Their oldest daughter lives in Colorado with her fiance, his daughters, and their 13-year-old granddaughter, EJ. Two daughters Karin and Hailee, live nearby in Nebraska, where both are teachers.

Karin and Scot have a son, Harrison (2-1/2), and a daughter, Cecelia (10 months). They have the opportunity to see the kids often, as they spend at least one day a week at her house. They only took one vacation this year … back to Chicago! They visited her sister, and also spent a few days seeing the “typical tourist” attractions around town, including the museums, Navy Pier, and the Bean. On a very sad note, she and Greg both lost their parents in the last three years. Definitely changes one’s perspective on life. ❯ Susan Hughey Walker joyfully reports that she is finally a nana! Her first grandson was born on October 14, 2022, Barrett Franklin Walker (a.k.a. Bear). She says he is so precious and has stolen Nana’s heart. In other good news, her youngest son is getting married in April of this year. She says she is so fortunate to have another wonderful woman added to their family (along with grandchildren at some point—hint, hint.)  She is still working for Bank of America’s private bank but can see retirement in the not so distant future. She is still having fun and signed up for another year. ❯ Deb Hawkins (Malk) reports that selfpublishing is not for the faint of heart. After starting her blog around what she refers to as intentional gratitude, nosmallthing.net in 2010, she self-published two books in December 2019 and has been conducting mindfulness classes since 2021. She reports that while book sales have been other than robust, she has been interviewed by Jack Canfield and has been a guest on popular podcasts such as Your Daily Chocolate and What’s Your Value? Great work, Deb! ❯ This past fall, John Luthy continued with more classes at the local community college, taking a “stick” welding course (also known as SMAW), which he found fun, along with a newfound appreciation for the artists we call professional welders! He says that he is probably fortunate that he won’t be trying to earn a living from welding, but I say WOW. That is a liberal arts education still at work. Additionally, he continued taking computer-aided design classes, this time CAD for construction. Not one to let grass grow under his feet, throughout the summer he stripped two sides of his barn down to studs, resheeted it with plywood, installed new trim on the outside, and completely rewired the inside, along with insulating and drywalling the ceiling. Also last summer he joined the Phi Delt-Fiji golf outing, where the Phi Delts finally emerged victorious (I cannot verify this, because I was not able to attend). This fall, John attended Homecoming, which was a lot of fun, as the weather was fantastic, and unusually warm for late October! He hopes to see many of our classmates at the 2023 Homecoming, as it is our 45th reunion. He has seen Bob Thompson several times throughout the fall, usually joining him for breakfast or lunch in Springfield, and classmate Kathy Mahaffey invited him to join the Springfield Knox Club’s Holiday gathering in December, since there is no Knox Club in Bloomington-Normal. On the sad side, Craig Steele ’76 passed away in early November, and a

celebration of life was held in NW Indiana in early December, coordinated by Paul Zucker and friends of Craig’s from high school. It was a wonderful remembrance, and Paul put together a touching video of photos of Craig, going back to his youth. Many Knox alumni were in attendance, along with Craig’s friends from growing up in Valparaiso. John joined Bill Anderson, Tom and Carolyn Morgan, and Glen Schlichting ’81 for lunch in early November and had a great time catching up after many years. Finally, he continued to spend time with his grandson who turned four years old on January 2, 2023. ❯ I was so pleased to hear from David Harvey, who had not reported in previously (maybe inspiration for you lurkers out there to come forward). January 2023 finds him in his 37th year of teaching chemistry at DePauw University, a small college in Indiana very much like Knox. It has been a good place to live and work (and there are quite a few Knox graduates from other years there as well). With a retirement agreement in place, he will slowly phase out of teaching, research, and university service over the next couple of years, fully retiring in June 2025. He is looking forward to having more time to visit family in North Carolina and Massachusetts, and spending more time getting to know his new granddaughter (seven weeks old and counting). ❯ Brad and Peg Milton report that 2022 was their first year of retirement. Even though they’re no longer working 9 to 5, they are amazed at how quickly the time goes. They spent months looking for a house in the St. Charles, Illinois, area during a super-hot fast-moving housing market, but few houses have engaged them the way their house in Germany did, so they are still looking and living with their son a while longer. Meanwhile, they spent some time overseas, mostly in France, including a three week tour through the Burgundy and Provence regions. In September and October they housesat an old French farmhouse in Brittany, originally constructed in 1790. On their way to France they stopped in Germany to see some friends and did a weeklong driving tour in England. In 2023, they plan to return to Japan to celebrate the 50th anniversary of when they met as foreign exchange students there. ❯ Darrell Merschak is looking forward to seeing everyone at our 45th reunion, hoping to relive the glory days of Conger III and Drew III. ❯ Andy Hazel wins the award for most creative post, efficiently summarizing the 45 years since graduation with this scorecard:

66 Years (Cumulative).

2 Spouses.

5 Houses (Sequential).

1 Ex-spouse.

35 Years Married (Sum).

2 Children.

3 Step-children.

4 College-plus Degrees.

5 Grandchildren (Sequential).

10 ‘Jobs’ (Sequential).

15 Single Malts (Concurrent).

18 Dead Concerts (11 Net).

4 COVID shots.

1 Unified Theory (Net).

0 Political Parties.

0 Religions.

0 Regrets (Surviving).

292,000 Rewards Miles (Balance).

5 Prescriptions.

2 Vitamins.

1 Retirement.

2 Hangmen (Retained).

19 Countries.

1 Nation Under Pressure.

1 Earth.

1 Love.

Julie Jones Morrison was reelected to her fourth term in the Illinois Senate and will serve as majority whip and chair the Senate Health Committee. She and Joe Morrison ’79 were in Colorado Springs for a wedding, and we really enjoyed spending some time with them. In December, she saw her roommate and fellow TriDelt, Mary Fatora-Tumbaga ’77, whom she had not seen since Mary’s wedding to Sam in 1977. They got together on a beautiful beach in Kauai where they live, and it was just wonderful to catch up. Julie’s message to all our classmates: “It might seem awkward to reach out to someone you haven’t seen for so many years, but do it! Knox was such a special time in our lives, and the memories and friendships live on. Reach out to an old classmate or old friend. Wouldn’t you be delighted if someone called you out of the blue? Be that person that makes the call.” ❯ Paul Zucker reports that he and Susan continue to split time between their home in the Indiana Dunes and Naples, Florida. They joined the pickleball craze and play regularly. Along with biking, golf, and exploring the Everglades, retirement is busier than they thought! They were very lucky during Hurricane Ian. Their area sustained only minor damage; their building sits behind both a state and county park, and the mangroves shielded them from the worst of the storm surge. Paul says, “As Luthy mentioned, it was a sad fall with the passing of our close friend Craig (Steele) Susan, Tim and Mary Loch, and I spent many fun times with Craig over the years biking, hiking, and just hanging out. He will be missed. I was fortunate to have spent a great weekend in September with Craig. Along with a friend of ours from grad school and Tim Collins, we toured the horse farms and distilleries of Kentucky, just across the river from Craig’s home in Cincinnati. It was a great last visit.” ❯ Glen Thompson reports that Kathy Thompson (Mihalovic ’77) retired from Boston Scientific at the end of February. After acquiring all the tools he needed for his workshop, Glen retired from Acme Tools (his second act) shortly thereafter. Their daughter, Ali, husband, and three boys (ages 6, 4, and 6 months) live nearby, so they have the luxury of seeing them often. Their son, Matt, lives in New York City, so visits are less frequent. They enjoy trailer camping and started their summer in Minnesota’s Superior National Forest

there wasn’t a picture taken on campus

and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. They made a trip to Niagara Falls then to the Adirondacks to enjoy a reunion with some of Kathy’s Pi Phi sisters Barb (Linden) Heintz ’77, Mary Jo Dirkes ’77, Molly (Brewer) Hoeg ’77, and Julie (Ozaki) Modaff ’77. They finished the summer enjoying several Canadian national parks around Banff and Radium Hot Springs. For 2023, they are looking forward to more days spent with their kids and grandsons and traveling around the United States and Canada. Perhaps they will see you down the road. ❯ Tim Loch retired in July 2021 after spending 26 years as an engineering manager for Exelon nuclear power plants. He says retirement has been a lot of fun so far. “It’s surprising how much time I can spend playing pickleball and golf. You’d think I’d be improving, but it’s not happening yet.” His wife, Mary, is still working but will likely retire later this year. They currently spend most of the summer at their house in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, and spend the winter in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. This past summer they had a nice trip to Bristol, England, for their daughter Carmel’s wedding; she currently lives and works there. Their son Dylan lives in Frisco, Colorado. He motivated Tim to buy an Epic season pass so they can ski together during visits. As of press time, he is recovering from a broken wrist after being run over by a reckless snowboarder at Keystone. His youngest son, Dustin ’16, and his girlfriend, Clara (a Knox grad), along with their dog, Heath, a Great Pyrenees, are living with them and looking to buy a house in the area soon. ❯ Tom Daker reports that he went to the Knox golf outing this past August and saw Coach Knosher. He is currently in Palm Desert for the month of January, playing golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming, etc. In March, he will be in Naples, Florida, doing the same activities. His son lives in Los Angeles and his daughter lives near him in Chicago. He is planning to go to our 45th and will bring his racquets in case anyone wants to join him on the courts. ❯ As for me, I continue to dote on my two-year-old granddaughter and enjoy our children who are still here in Colorado working remotely, although, sadly, it looks like two of them will need to head back to NYC this summer, taking with them my sweet two-year-old and my heart strings. Finally, as mentioned above, this is the year for our 45th reunion (October 27-29). I hope all of you can make it.

Class Correspondent: David Bates

121 W. Caramillo St.,Colorado Springs, CO 80907, david.m.bates01@gmail.com

1979

Eric Jackstadt traveled with Kathy O’Brien to Ft. Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, “to see my son, David, graduate from his Army Captain’s Career Course for the Adjutant General Branch on December 8. We spent the day with him afterwards and then headed to Beaufort, South Carolina, in the low country where we spent two

days with Jim Nehf and his wife, Laura, at their beautiful home on St. Helena Island. We toured the town (saw the house where The Big Chill was filmed) and took in a couple museums including Penn Center. We enjoyed a shrimp boil and we had crab cakes and really enjoyed the stay. Saturday night Jim and I phoned Brian Cox to get a refresher on the ‘yay-boo’ game and had a good laugh. Jim is still a law professor at Indiana-Indianapolis where he teaches contracts, consumer law, and commercial transactions. He authors a couple of textbooks as well, the slacker. I am still practicing law, mostly toxic torts litigation. I will get it right one of these days. It was a wonderful visit with Jim and Laura and Kathy and I hope to do it again soon.” ❯ Brian Sullivan is the proud grandfather of a six-month-old granddaughter named Brooklyn. She was born to son Brady and wife Nina, who make their home in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Brian is the director of Parks and Recreation for the Village of Hawthorn Woods in northern Lake County, Illinois. This makes it easier for him and his wife, Laurie, to visit and babysit often.

Class Correspondent: Brian Sullivan bjpscruffy4@aol.com

1980

Joe and I hope everyone is doing well and wish you the best for 2023. Reports from our classmates are as follows: ❯ Barbara Adams recently completed her term as president of the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA), the preeminent association for local government lawyers across the United States and Canada. She continues to practice local government law in the Chicago area. ❯ Deb DeGraff is happy to report that as of July 2022, she is retired from the faculty of Bowdoin College where she was a professor of economics since 1991. She is thoroughly enjoying retirement and splitting her time between Maine and northwestern lower Michigan, two places she loves. ❯ John Drake wishes all a very happy New Year! John has been busy with music the last couple of years, having released 20 songs in 2022 on a number of streaming platforms (under the name John G Drake—apparently there are a ton of John Drakes out there!) John has more to come in 2023 and has been performing around Illinois and Missouri as a solo act and with his band. Some Knox friends have shown up at some of his performances in the Chicago area: Frank Jozefiak, Chuck Janczy ’81, Jim Demikis ’78, Anne Veague and Rick Veague ’79. John said it’s always great seeing Knox friends. He is performing in Galesburg in January at Reserve Artisan Ales and plans to return later in the year. ❯ Joy Frestedt reports she is celebrating her first granddaughter’s birthday in January 2023 and is also celebrating 15 years of leading Frestedt, Inc., in February 2023. The company provides clinical, regulatory, quality, and engineering services to drug, device, and food companies. Joy plans to release her

Class Knox that Jeff Sutton ’82 did not photobomb.

third book to the publisher in March 2023 (this one about clinical evaluations under new EU regs). She will hopefully have time for a vacation in April and looks forward to reconnecting with Knox friends. ❯ Don Youngberg and Clarissa Wylie Youngberg have been married for 42 years and live in New Haven, Connecticut. After many years working to foster community growth in the arts, Don has launched his own consulting service. For the past 26 years, Clarissa has worked as a senior draper in the costume shop at the Yale Repertory Theatre and the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University. She is also a lecturer in the Design Department at the school and feels blessed to be doing work she loves with really amazing people. ❯ Rich Harden reports he was inducted as a fellow into the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America. Founded in 1950, the college is composed of the best trial lawyers in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Fellowship in the college is extended to experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility, and collegiality. Rich has been practicing law in Champaign with Thomas Mamer, LLP, since 1986 and is a partner in the firm. ❯ Joe Moore reports that his lobbying and consulting firm, Joe Moore Strategies, LLC, continues to grow. He formed the firm after leaving the Chicago City Council in 2019. His wife, Barbara, just joined the firm to help with his expanding clientele. Joe also reports he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021 and underwent radiation treatment in 2022, but it hasn’t slowed him down. In the last year, he and Barb went on a cruise to Antarctica, vacationed in Chile and the West Indies island of Grenada, and spent this winter in a “lighthouse” on the beach in Redington Shores, Florida, just south of Clearwater. While there, Barb and Joe caught up with Paul and Tracey (Rappaport) Greenwood, who live nearby. ❯ As for me, Colleen and I welcomed our second grandchild, Cora Jade Whitman, on Halloween! Our son Tyler is attending grad school at Wheaton College and as a result, we have had some fun trips to Chicago going to Blackhawks games and visiting with some great friends, Steve Holmes, Kurt Pearson, Mark Umlauf ’81, Ed Eshoo ’82, and Ray Campbell ’82, to name a few. All is good, and we love Austin!! ❯ Take care and hope to see you at Knox sometime.

Class Correspondents: Roy Brandys

1818 Feather Nest Drive, Cedar Park, TX 78613-1414, brandys@barronadler.com

Joe Moore

773-848-5796, joe@joemoore.org

1981

Erich Redschlag’s sister sent a report for Erich. “Hi John, Erich has moved from Rockford, Illinois, to Mesa, Arizona, with his mother and

hopes to continue to be well enough to enjoy the sun and warmth. Thank you for keeping track of everyone. Hoping you have a safe and healthy 2023!” ❯ Tom Woolwine: “After 36 years, I retired from investment consulting with DeMarche on 12/31. My personal email address going forward is woolybully26@gmail.com.” ❯ Warren Krup: “Hey John, thanks for being the class correspondent. It’s probably a thankless job, so thank you! I’m dealing with my third round of cancer and second round of chemotherapy. While it is tiring, I am happy to still be alive and here to spend time with my family, including 11 grandchildren (all seven and under). Family gatherings are the best! I’m still running, even on chemotherapy, and in 2022 I did several 5Ks (24 minutes) and a half marathon. My wife and I care for my mother (92 years young), and it’s a blessing (most of the time!). I visit with John Haser regularly. I hope all our classmates are doing well.” ❯ All is good with Team Nicolau. However, I hit a speed-bump after a trip to Portugal and Spain in the spring of 2022. Turns out the aortic valve that was replaced back in 2009 had run its course and needed to be replaced … again. However, new technology allowed me to take advantage of a procedure called TAVR, so this time it was done laparoscopically. The procedure took place just before the holiday, and I was home for dinner the following evening. Advances in medical technology are pretty amazing. I’m grateful that all four of our kids and now three granddaughters still live within 30 minutes of us, and we see them with some level of frequency.

Class Correspondent: John Nicolau 930 Huckleberry Lane, Glenview, IL 60025-2302, 847-657-6311, j.nicolau@comcast.net

1982

Happy New Year! Looking forward to a great 2023! Please keep sending any information for class notes! ❯ It was great to be able to celebrate our 40th reunion in October 2022. The following members from the Class of 1982 were in attendance: Joyce Hertko, Greg Bird and his wife Judy ’84, Duane Ricketts, Jeff Sutton, Chris Bohm Gavlin, Tim Gavlin, Annette Andresen O’Donnelly, Noel Adachi, Laurie Mathews, Sheila McIntosh, Mary Stoffel, Jennifer Newman White, Kelly Norton, and Mike Kraynak and his wife, Peggy. It should be noted that there wasn’t a picture taken on campus that Jeff Sutton did not photobomb. ❯ While the reunion was a great celebration, we were simultaneously celebrating the induction of both Annette Andresen O’Donnelly and Jun Adachi ’81 into the Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame. The following were in town for the big party celebration weekend: Donna Mielke ’81, Mike Maday ’81, Laura McCall ’81, Jan Estal Maberry ’81 and her husband, Pete, and Mary Beth Shomos ’83. We also saw Scott Calhoun ’81, Marty Glickman ’80, and David Brackman ’81. ❯ On Saturday, we dropped by the Delta Delta Delta

Lodge for the dedication of a plaque and a beautiful dwarf Alberta spruce in honor of Alene Lesniak Ackerman ’85. It was a touching tribute to the life of Alene hosted by Peggy Fletcher ’86. In attendance were Ronda Sutton Wilkerson ’83 and Mark Ackerman ’84 and his daughter Natalie. ❯ The following class members suffered the loss of a parent: Chris Bohm Gavlin—death of her father Denis M. Bohm ’61, and Jill Vacek Brugioni—death of her mother Doris Vacek. ❯ Let’s have a great 2023! Hugs and Kisses!

Class Correspondents: Sharon L. Schillereff 7780 W 38th Ave., #404, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, 303-885-7185, Sschil7470@yahoo.com

Chris Bohm Gavlin

4246 Howard Ave., Western Springs, IL 60558, 708-246-1419, cgavlin@gmail.com

1983

Hello everyone and cheers to 2023, our 40th Reunion year! Hard to believe we are that many years removed from our Knox experience; it still seems so close in our memories. Please plan to attend Homecoming and Family & Friends Weekend, October 27-29. I truly hope to see everyone there! ❯ Here’s an update from Ann Elfline Davie explaining what COVID period has been like in Australia. “This past December has marked 33 years for me here, and every time I go back to the States, the United States feels more and more like the ‘foreign country’ to me, despite globalization. Some things, like COVID, have impacts that disregard borders—even when you’re an island nation. At the start of the pandemic, Australia really seemed to be overlooked. Then, as measurably significant numbers appeared in the daily tallies, Australia made the decision to clamp down hard. Each state/territory issued their own restrictions and conditions— what was open, how many people could be in one place, mask-wearing, testing, etc. I live in Central Queensland, which for the longest time didn’t even record a single case. Potential exposure sites caused by those who flouted restrictions made the news. Our son moved up to live with us (he had just graduated from uni—a tough time to be hitting the pavement looking for work) and the paperwork and follow-up after his journey was incredible—daily contact by phone, testing every three days, household quarantine for a fortnight. For a while, we prided ourselves on single digit national daily cases. We’re known as the ‘lucky country,’ after all. So we eased up. And then we became like every other country in the world. Case numbers skyrocketed and hospitals struggled but managed to just cope. Australia’s economy is reliant on a couple of things—tourism, imports, and a perhaps unhealthy economic reliance on resources exports. Supply chain issues have, like many other areas of the world, brought many industrial sectors to their knees. Federal and state governments provided relief to businesses and employees affected by COVID. However, there was mounting reluctance to continue

supporting spending beyond 12-18 months. A federal election in May 2022 provided the line in the sand for both of the major political parties to make clear their intentions of winding down relief.” ❯ Please send news to me:

Class Correspondent: Beth Anderson Schuck bschuckgal@gmail.com

1984

Class Correspondent: Valerie Jencks P.O. Box 825, Downers Grove IL 60515, knoxcollege84@gmail.com

1985

Hello and welcome to another edition of the Class of 1985 alumni notes! ❯ Ken McDaniel writes that there is “Not really anything new, except continuing to escape indictment on any crime.” Glad to hear that, Ken! ❯ John Ingersoll has been in Rhode Island for the past seven years but recently started juggling time between there and the Midwest. John says, “I have had the opportunity to reconnect with old friends from Knox, including Dave Hansberger ’86, Mark Ackerman ’84, and Jeff Tobolski ’86. Unfortunately, we are a little too far to make it back to Homecoming, but someday … ” ❯ Wendy Clark sent in a report: “I’m in my 22nd year working for the U.S. Forest Service in Montana. I’m a wildlife biologist by title, but I’ve worked in planning for the last eight years. My agency recently shifted many positions to permanent telework, so I’ve relocated part time back to my hometown of Galena, Illinois, where I bought a house in early 2021. I’ve enjoyed being back ‘home’ after more than 30 years in Montana, and I’ve also enjoyed being closer to my son, who is a senior in environmental engineering at Iowa State University. Unfortunately, only a few months after closing on the house in Galena, I found myself in the unwelcome position of trying to fend off a major com-

mercial development proposed on the farm next door that has been fast-tracked despite major local opposition and non-compliance with local land use plans. It’s not what I was hoping to be doing when I came back here! I’m hoping to retire within the next year and perhaps have a little more time to get reacquainted with classmates and friends here in the Midwest.” ❯ Debbie Dehm has moved around a bit over the years, and is now in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She writes that “I’m working at a chiropractic office as a massage therapist. I have a new website called Angel by the Minute. I published a few new ebooks on Amazon, as well as my two print books.”

❯ And finally, I got a surprise email from Jon Ripperger ’86, a fellow faculty “brat” (i.e., child of a faculty member) whom I’ve known for a long time. Jon sent a picture from the Dobbers Up golf outing on Friday, June 10, 2022 at Indianola (Iowa) Country Club, where there was a Knox baseball mini-reunion. ❯ Dale lives in Indianola and helps run the annual charity event. ❯ Thanks for the news.

Class Correspondents: Margaret VerKoulen Lynn mvlynn@comcast.net

Jane Davis jedavis_ill@hotmail.com

1986

Class Correspondent: Susan Bantz

2012 Shady Lane, Muscatine, IA, 52761, 563-554-9213, sbantz001@luthersem.edu

1987

Class Correspondent: Lisabeth Simms Belman

12701 York Mill Lane, Clarksburg, MD 20871-4034, 301-972-3751, lisabeth1208@verizon.net

1988

Many thanks to those who have reached out to me to connect after all these years. It has been great to hear from you! Please send a request to join the Knox College Class of 1988 Facebook group. ❯ Bryn Schwenk Perna reached out to me after my first Knox alumnus article once she learned how close we live to each other (about 25 minutes). Bryn, Regina, and I met for dinner in June and it lasted for four hours. She talks with Jerry Harker regularly and we had a Facetime call with him too. This prompted us to do this again and invite others. ❯ In October, Regina Griffith Swanson, Mary Swanson Rosenthal, Jay Switzer, Sue Rasbid, Carolyn Tolley Garrett, and I met at Pinstripes in Northbrook. Carrie brought pictures from our college days that brought back some great memories and a lot of laughs. Carrie works at a science lab in Joliet and has two children and two grandchildren. Bryn has four children, and grandbaby #7 was just born. Mary’s daughter manages the Crumbl store across the street from Pinstripes. It was wonder-

ful to share memories and catch up on each other’s lives. Catherine Kirk was going to join us but had to fly out to Portugal that day for a work trip. See you in Galesburg in October, Cath! ❯ Ann Kapoun reached out and let me know that she lives in California. ❯ Nancy Kim Kang moved to Southern California over the summer.

❯ Homecoming Weekend October 27-29, 2023, will be our 35th Reunion. Please make your plans now to attend. If you haven’t seen Alumni Hall, it’s worth the visit. All our years on campus, it was just a large empty abandoned building, and now it’s beautifully renovated and has many purposes.

❯ I keep in touch with Stephanie Martin

Danielson. She and her husband, Rob, celebrated 25 years of marriage in March 2023, and all three of their children are in college this year. Their oldest, Caitlyn, will be graduating from Illinois State University in May, and then she’s off to law school while continuing her military commitment to the Air Force. Their second daughter, Taylor, is studying elementary education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, while also continuing her military commitment to the Air Force. Their youngest child, son Zane, a 6'7" left-handed pitcher, was fortunate to receive a scholarship to play baseball at Lincoln Land Community College. He is studying business and plans to play baseball at a four-year university and major in business/architecture. Their kids keep them busy and entertained. Now that their kids are older, they have time to travel and connect with old friends! They currently live in Springfield, Illinois, with plans to move south in the next year or two. She looks forward to seeing everyone at Homecoming 2023. ❯ Mandy Skypala lives in the Twin Cities of Minnesota and has a summer home on a lake in Wisconsin. She shares the MOST beautiful scenery photos of the lake with a perfect reflection of the shoreline in the water. She could seriously sell those pictures to puzzle manufacturers. She enjoyed a trip to Italy recently with Debra Buhring, and it was a time full of adventures. She posted such wonderful pictures. ❯ Debra Buhring is a University of Chicago Law School alum and a retired corporate lawyer. She traded her professional career to feed her soul and travel the world. She is now a full-time author writing extensively on living a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle. With a master’s degree in natural health and ISSA fitness and nutrition certificates, Debra passionately shares her trademark “KISS Plan” (as in “keep in simple, sweetheart”) for optimal physical and mental well-being. Debra applied this philosophy (utilizing neuroscience and lifestyle interventions) to heal from a lifetime of traumas that she chronicled in her uplifting debut book, Roar: Primed for Peace. Self-Heal Trauma for Health, Happiness, and Harmony. Debra gratefully considers Roar to be a book of blessings, attributing her healing to innate happiness and unbreakable spirit, as well as gifts of kindness from true friends and random strangers she deems “earth angels.” She has been embodying the Mediter-

“She traded her professional career to feed her soul and

From left: Jon Ripperger ’86, Mark Crawley ’88, Dale Crain ’85, Todd Prusator ’85, Eric Wilson ’84, and Keith Schilling ’85.

Class Knox

travel the world.” —Debra Buhring ’88

ranean lifestyle, living and traveling throughout Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Montenegro and Croatia, among other countries. She has happily called the exquisite Turkish Riviera “home” for the past five years; it was love at first sight for her when she initially visited in 2008. Debra loves to keep in touch with friends and reconnect. You can follow her escapades and purchase her books (under the pen name, Sophia Elan), including Roar, via linktr.ee/mediterraneanme. ❯ Another classmate living across the globe is April Lander, who resides in New Zealand. April was inducted to the board of directors of the American Society of Civil Engineers representing 27,000 members in 174 countries. She also was appointed to the board of directors of the Civil Engineering Certification Board, which provides diplomate board certifications, the highest level of advanced postlicense certification, recognizing engineers who have demonstrated mastery in their specialty area (e.g. water resources engineering, coastal engineering, geotechnical engineering, etc.). ❯ My hope is that these updates inspire you to write in and reconnect, as well as make plans to attend our 35th year Reunion in Galesburg, October 27-29.

Class Correspondent: Tracy Dahlen Brandon TracyDB531@gmail.com

1989

Class Correspondent: Mia Jiganti 1850 W. Cortland, Chicago, IL 60622-1035, 773-278-0814, mjiganti@prodigy.net

1990

Note: If you’re interested in serving as a class correspondent for the Class of 1990, please contact Jennifer Gallas at jgallas@knox.edu

1991

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) recognized Julian Bond, a governor-appointed administrator in the California Department of Veterans Affairs, as the winner of the 2022 Spotlight on Excellence award. This is a high honor presented each year to one individual, program, or agency throughout public service in California (field of over 1.5 million CalPERS members). CalPERS’s executive leadership and board presented him the award at its educational forum, which is an annual gathering of hundreds of government representatives and others.

❯ Eric Kirchmann has a self-published book! His new book, Your French is Better Than My English: Adventures in France and Hack for a Great Vacation, is available on Amazon. The Kindle version was the #1 New Release in Travel Tips and the #1 New Release in History of France.

Congratulations! ❯ Kellie Lane Wilke: “We welcomed our second grandbaby, John Robert (a.k.a. “J”) this spring. Big sister Anna Mae is taking her new role quite seriously! Nana Kellie is still doing the school social worker gig and can’t wait

until Anna starts attending the school she works in this fall! The Wilkes are doing well and are enjoying a newfound interest in billiards. (Mrs. Wilke seems to play better after a glass of moscato … )” ❯ Monty Palmer ’90 got married on November 11 to Rita. ❯ Julie Scannell: “No changes to job, home, relationship status, fashion sense, or living room furniture for me, but I’ve just started another term on the Alumni Council and want to encourage everyone to visit knox.edu and nominate people for the Alumni Achievement Award, Service Award, or Hall of Fame— the best part of Knox is the people, let’s celebrate their accomplishments! Also hoping to see a great turnout for our 32nd class reunion this October. Steve Olson ’92 has promised to lead a ‘twilight tour’ of campus again, now that the statute of limitations has run out on stories from when we were students. Ha-yah!” ❯ Jon Montgomery: “Quick update for me—I’m living in Silver Spring, Maryland, with my family (Stephanie; Jack, 16; Hannah, 12), and I am coming up on my 14th year at NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C. We got together in June with 1991 classmates Melissa (Harju) and Adam Vos, Heidi (Schwanz) and Marty Rettler, and Sue Frankson, and kids for a weekend getaway to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and dinner at Stefano’s Trattoria (Stefano and Whitney ’92 Viglietti). I also caught up with Asif Ahmed in Chicago over lunch and have been in touch with several Sigma Nu brothers on monthly Zoom calls. I was honored to receive a Distinguished Presidential Rank award this year (President Biden picks 233 civil service leaders for the 2022 Presidential Rank awards|Federal News Network) for my work at NASA leading national and international efforts to advance the state of the art in civil aviation.” Class Correspondent: Jonathan Sheinkop 260 Cary Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035, jonathansheinkop@hotmail.com

1992

Class of ’92, it’s been a hot minute (or 30 years, if you want to be specific). Homecoming in Octo-

ber and our 30th was epic! We started off the weekend with a get-together at Iron Spike Brewing Company for dinner and drinks. Saturday morning we had Anne Poston’s tree memorial with Dave Jesuit ’91 and many attendees, including Anne’s family. Saturday afternoon tailgating at the football game (thanks to Steve Olson!), lots of campus tours, impromptu reunions, and later that night, an informal reunion for 1991-93 at Reserve Artisan Ales. Anne’s tree is right outside the SMC entrance, and we had a great turnout. Thank you to everyone who donated to make it happen. Here’s a small list of the many people who attended besides myself: Tammy Thorsen Ragnini, Nan Vorath, Ingrid Beamsley, George Stevenson, Chris Poe, Carol Anne Jaburek, Kristin Organiscak Luster, Dave Jesuit ’91, Bill Baker, Fiore D’Orazio, Michelle Williams Garvey, Bob White, Brian East, Brad Coats, Genevieve Fitzgerald, Brian Alexander, Brett Barnhart, Jamie Querciagrossa, and Kelly Lynn Hogan ❯ Shout-out to Beth Middleton Voigt ’93, Aimee Petersen Schnabel ’93, and Malinda Heerwagen Riley ’93 for the coffee/breakfast fun and Sreedhar Yedavalli ’93 for all his fundraising and event planning! ❯ Make sure you join us next fall to help the class of ’93 celebrate their 30th! ❯ Kelly Lynn Hogan wrote, “Just a shout-out to everyone who gathered for Anne Wyatt Poston’s plaque and tree memorial dedication at SMC during our 30-year Homecoming. It was wonderful to see and connect with so many of you. And it gives me hope we’re all doing our unique best to show up for the hard moments in our lives when we’re needed and called to do so. It was spirited and enlivening to be part of our Knox community at that moment.”

❯ Jen Goldsberry: “Jenis is still alive. Changed jobs out of landscape/nursery after doing that for nearly 30 years. I sell industrial pressure washing machines now. I like it. I get to work from the house, and I get a truck. My health care is 100 percent paid for (I still can’t believe that), and I make a nice fat 12 percent commission on everything I sell, and these machines aren’t cheap. So

Anne Poston ’92 tree and dedication at Homecoming 2022.

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Class of 1992 Reunion at Iron Spike.

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I’m fairly pleased with myself and the change of industry. Love to Knox, always and forever!”

Michelle Williams Garvey: “It has been awhile since I have written (not sure when), so I will recap as best I can. I live in Kent, Washington, south of Seattle, and I am a physical therapist working in a retirement community and love my job! I started right when COVID hit, March 2020, so that was definitely an interesting time to be in that type of setting. It put my life into perspective and made me realize how blessed I am. My husband, Paul, just retired from Boeing and is figuring out what he is going to do next. We have two lively boys in 4th grade and kindergarten who love basketball, baseball, karate, and just running around. The biggest news of 2022 is that we were able to officially adopt our youngest! It was a long road but worth it. I fill up my spare time with volunteering at church, school, and chauffeuring kids around to their different activities. When I am not doing all of this, I am outside enjoying all the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Hope everyone is well, and I am bummed that I missed Homecoming! Hopefully next time I can make it:)”

Class Correspondents: Celine Gura

Matthiessen

6417 Marlar, The Colony, TX 75056-7119, 469-384-1805, celmatthiessen@hotmail.com

Tammy Thorsen Ragnini

912 S. Summit, Barrington, IL 60010-5057, 847-382-4022, rragnini1@yahoo.com

1993

Melissa Agar: “In September, I was recognized as Teacher of the Month from the local radio station here in Monmouth. Nothing like having your principal and local radio DJ interrupt class (in the middle of reading The Iliad) to announce this to the class AND go live on the local radio station as it was happening. It was a huge surprise and tremendous honor, especially coming after a really difficult year or so of battling endometrial cancer and COVID. I had surgery to treat my cancer in mid-July, got COVID at the end of August, and started radiation treatment in October. I am now officially finished with my cancer treatment and things are looking up for the future so that I can now focus on my teaching, coaching our speech team, and directing two shows a year

“Her (Monica Berlin’s) candle burned brighter than

here at Monmouth-Roseville High School. Can’t wait to see folks at Homecoming in October!”

Dan Rosenberg: Our older son Jonah graduated from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania in May 2022, and our younger son Evan is a freshman at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. My wife, Debbie, and I still live in Highland Park, Illinois, and I now write about the financial markets for Charles Schwab’s education site. My wife is an academic advisor/Spanish professor at Northwestern University. See you all in October at our reunion! ❯ There were not a lot of updates this go around; I guess folks are saving them for when we meet in person. Details are already in progress for my trip out to Galesburg for Homecoming, and I hope to see everyone there. We still have the Knox College Class of 1993 page on Facebook which will be a place for gathering ideas and sharing information about planning for Homecoming.

Class Correspondent: Rebecca Gillan rebecca.m.gillan@gmail.com

1994

LaShawn Brownlee reports she graduated in June from DePaul University in Chicago with a master’s in nursing. She is now an advanced practice nurse/nurse practitioner specializing in adult-gerontology primary care. ❯ Craig Bechtel says: “After losing my last position in the meetings and conventions industry due to the COVID pandemic and the associated downturn in travel, I did some soul-searching and decided to focus on obtaining a position using my English

writing degree to a greater extent. Thanks to the miracles of social media, I discovered Kathy Dix Biallas ’96 was looking for a colleague to be a technical writer, and I started doing that in June 2021 working from home in Chicago, while Kathy is in Phoenix. My son with Andrea Miklasz ’95, Luke, recently graduated summa cum laude from DePaul University with a B.F.A. in film and television with an editing concentration, and minors in radio/TV/new media and motion graphics. I still write about music for NewCity Chicago, almost fulfilling my dream of becoming the next Ben Kim. My pieces appear in the monthly magazine about once every three to four months. I sing/shout in Chicago’s longest running acapella group that performs covers of punk, new wave, and alternative classics, the Blue Ribbon Glee Club, whose membership also includes recent recruit Melanie Brown (and whose painting graces the cover of the recent poetry book, They Can Take It Out, by Cheryl Clark Vermeulen ’96, which I recently added to my overflowing bookshelves). Since 2007, I have been a volunteer for CHIRP Radio, 107.1 FM, a low-power FM station in the North Center neighborhood, and I have been a DJ since June 2010. Currently I host Your Sunday Sonic Sundowner from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time on Sundays, and if you’re outside of the area, you can listen to DJ Craig Reptile at www.chirpradio.org Season Clauss ’99 is also a DJ and volunteer for CHIRP. Speaking of reptiles, in addition to my wife (nine years at press time!) and cat (18 years at press time!), I have a day gecko and a milk snake and a master herpetologist certification from the Amphibian Foundation in Atlanta. In my free time, I watch TV, read, write poetry, listen to music, and go to concerts, sometimes with Brenda Gregoline ’93.” Because all of his other emails are full of junk, he recommends finding him on Facebook, LinkedIn, or at bechtelcraig@gmail.com. ❯ While he didn’t know her that well, Craig was always a fan of Monica Berlin’s ’95 talent, and her passing was a great loss for Knox and the literary world in general. “I can’t pretend to be an authority about her or her work, but it seemed to me she was a rising star who regrettably became a shooting star. Her work is the asteroid impact she left behind, and it is worth reading and remembering.” He read one of her poems on his radio show the weekend after

Bernadette Vitola ’96 and friends in Denmark.

Liz Harden ’98 decorated the White House as part of an event with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

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Phillip Mottaz ’98 has a new book out in his Psychic Barber Mystery series.

Class Knox

most.” —Sreedhar “Sree” Yedavalli ’93

her passing and got a nice email from a Knox graduate who was listening at the time. “I’ll think of her whenever I hang my ampersand ornament on our Christmas tree,” he says. I echo Craig’s thoughts about Monica Berlin. I did not know her at Knox except by name. It wasn’t until the 2019 Homecoming that we befriended each other over her table of poetry collections for sale, and I gushed how her work inspired me, (cf. previous alumni notes in the Knox Magazine for that story.) We delighted in each other’s emails when we had time to write. She worked with me to critique some of my poems and an essay, some of which were published in literary magazines. Who would have thought, a biology major at Knox would finally appreciate Knox’s creative writing resources and its giants within it? Monica is sorely missed; her poetry collections are always an arm’s length away from me. Her couplets help me see small spaces as so expansive, so specifically regioned in how she interrogated the world. ❯ Be well and delight in your people, your experiences, and whatever you find most adoring.

Class Correspondent: Lisa Preston-Hsu 217-649-7889, story.of.a.kitchen@gmail.com

1995

In early November, we learned the heartbreaking news that our friend, classmate and poet Monica Berlin ’95, Richard and Sophia D. Henke Distinguished Professor of English, had passed away unexpectedly. ❯ On Wednesday, November 16, 2022, Abby Factor, Keith Marran ’94, and Tommaso Lesnick ’92 organized a memorial for Monica Berlin at the Eris Brewery in Chicago. Around 25 friends and alumni, classmates and students, came together to share in their grief of Monica’s passing. In attendance were: John

Hughes, Amanda Wagner ’04, Melanie Brown ’94, Kathy Arfken ’93, Jeremy Barnes ’20, Marc Saphir ’91, Krieghan Riley ’06, Brigette Atcheson-Demke ’11, and many others. They shared their memories of her generosity, her kindness, her encouragement to fellow writers and her humor, which were all abundant. Gathering in this extension of the Knox community provided just the right space for friends of Monica to share their shock and sadness and take comfort in each other. ❯ Abby graciously let us reprint what she shared with the group that night: “Monica had an amazing talent for creating intimacy whenever you were with her, and she made heartfelt connections with those she spent time. She was completely authentic, completely Monica— with her long brown hair, her soulful eyes, her deep red lipstick and her clicking heels. Funny story about Monica and her shoes: In college I suggested that we go camping, to which she gave me a long look and said ‘Oh, honey.’ But we settled on going for a hike. A week later she said her hiking shoes had arrived and proceeded to pull out a pair of sneakers with three-inch high heels. I burst out laughing. I never knew such a thing existed. We never made it on that hike. But we did share many laughs—through college, through our marriages, through births of our children, through the ups and downs of teaching, through it all. There were harmonies in our friendship. Monica and Jeremy bought Bob Kooser’s (former Knox chemistry professor) house on Cherry Street—a house where I used to babysit Bob’s kids. And when my Dad, Lance Factor, moved his office across the hall, Monica moved into his old office. When I would return to Galesburg, I would visit her there. This office, where as a girl I would visit my Dad, draw on the chalkboard, marvel at all his books. This small space was now filled with all her books, her warmth and her

words. I’m grateful that the quiet, the beauty, the shadows and light, and the love that poured out of her, onto the page, and into our hearts is with us. And will remain. I love you, Monica.” ❯ The outpouring of love and memories was also seen on social media. This heartfelt post is from Sreedhar “Sree” Yedavalli ’93: “I am at a loss for words, which is surely a first. Monica knew all the right words. We mourn for her students whom she mentored, for the English Department, for the college, for those fellow alumni who knew her best, and for the larger creative writing community. She was a sophomore when I was a senior. She was a welcome presence at the Delta TKE house when we were on campus together, especially during our middle-of-the-week soirees called the Midnight Club. The Midnight Club was more of a meeting of minds than a party. It was gathering and talking more than hanging and dancing, though there was some of that as well. Monica brought her energy and intellect to the house over cheap beer and Grateful Dead bootlegs blasting from the rack. Her candle burned brighter than most.” ❯ Thanks to all who graciously shared their remembrances here and in the Knox Class of ’95 Facebook Group. ❯ As always, reach out to me with any and all of your updates.

Class Correspondent: Nicole Havelka defythetrend@gmail.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @revnhavelka

1996

From Neha Gill: “While the pandemic has been difficult, it did create the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, including my three-year-old niece, as well as my cousin, Madhuri Mansukhani ’93, and college best friend, LaSandra Skinner ’97. I also routinely

Stephanie Hasan Detterline ’98, Jen Carey Anderson ’98, and Jocelyn Slowey Gelineau ’98 on Devil’s Bridge at just after sunrise in Sedona, Arizona, August 2022.

Stephanie Hasan Detterline ’98, Jen Carey Anderson ’98, Rose Warren Yezbick ’97, and Sarah Atkinson Custis ’98 at a Knox summer family week at Dale Hollow Lake in Celina, Tennessee, July 2022.

Stephanie Hasan Detterline ’98, Marisa McShane ’98, and Jocelyn Slowey Gelineau ’98 pose for a picture during a Knox get together in Stephanie’s backyard. Also in attendance was Ted Przyzycki ’99 and family.

get to work with Fasika Alem ’97 and Maxine Jeremiah ’93, as well as Leslie Combs ’94, which is such a gift. Speaking of work, I was fortunate to be able to present at Governor J.B. Pritzker’s press briefing on May 2, 2020, that was broadcast across the state to discuss the impact of COVID on the communities served by the nonprofit I lead (Apna Ghar, Inc.) in Chicago.” ❯

From Bernadette Vitola: “After Knox, I went to medical school at University of Illinois and graduated in 2002. I stayed an extra year and obtained a master’s in public health. I then spent the next seven years in training to become a pediatric transplant hepatologist. I lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after I finished training and worked at the Children’s Hospital there for 11 years. I then moved to Washington, D.C., in September to take a job doing the same thing in a joint position at Georgetown University Medical Center and the Children’s National Medical Center. I was singing in choir throughout medical school and then again in Milwaukee. With the pandemic I stepped back from that. I may look to join a choir again in the future, but I am too busy now anyway.”

Class Correspondent: Kathryn Dix Biallas 1418 East Colter Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014, 602-944-7466, kathybiallas@gmail.com

1997

Class Correspondent: Chip Chandler knoxclassof97@gmail.com

1998

Nobody’s getting any younger in my house! One kid just got her driving permit, and my little guy is about to turn 14, so I probably won’t be calling him that for much longer. Life feels like it’s flying by, and I keep getting the feeling that I need to slow down to better appreciate the special moments that happen each day in life. The updates this time highlight once in a lifetime opportunities, growth of a brand in literature, eloquence, and sincerity through family loss, and college friends keeping their bonds strong with regular exercise on Zoom, and taking time to be together.

❯ Liz Harden spent the holidays with the Bidens. She wrote: “I was honored to be chosen to be a

Amber Bradshaw ’02 launched a podcast

volunteer to help decorate the White House the week of Thanksgiving. I mainly worked in the Blue Room on the official Christmas tree, but I also helped in various other areas. I am humbled by the experience and learned so much more than I ever could have imagined. I was in awe of all the Lincoln portraits, statues, and china. I also got to go to a special reception hosted by Dr. Jill Biden. I encourage anyone who might want to volunteer to look out for the application available via the White House website at the beginning of every October. It’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience! Other than that—I am midway through my 25th year in teaching and am already trying to decide what I will do when I retire in four-and-ahalf years. Road-trips anyone? Delta love and all of mine!”

❯ Phillip Mottaz is building up the Psychic Barber Mysteries novel series: He published his second mystery novel (The Homicidal Hairstyle of the Viral Video Vixen) and is working on the next installments. He and Rachel ’99 still live in Los Angeles near Burbank, where they enjoy the sun and occasionally bumping into other Knox grads. ❯ Kris Nelson shared the sad news of the passing of his brother and class of 1996 grad, Erik Nelson. Kris wrote a heartfelt and eloquent remembrance, and many Knox alum and friends were fortunate enough to come together to celebrate Erik’s life in early January. One of Kris’s thoughtful sentences follows. “Above all, Erik is missed and remembered as a person who was intensely loyal; who loved big; who protected his friends and family fiercely; and who would give anything he could to help someone in trouble or need.” ❯ Stephanie Detterline sent an update from Maryland: “About a year ago, I took on the role of chief medical officer at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center in northeast Baltimore. It’s been a total change from my old life of residency program direction but really interesting and rewarding. I’m still enjoying keeping in touch with my old Knox crew at least twice yearly, and we meet to work out and chat virtually at least weekly. And, as always, I continue to support my Prairie Fire cross country and track teams. I would love to go to a meet in person one of these days! If any Knox friends and family find themselves in the Baltimore area, look me up!” ❯ We all love hearing from each other, and let’s stay in touch!

Class Correspondent: Kip Conwell kipconwell@gmail.com

1999

Note: If you’re interested in serving as a class correspondent for the Class of 1999, please contact Jennifer Gallas at jgallas@knox.edu

2000

Class Correspondent: Jennifer Parker parker_jen78@yahoo.com

2001

Class Correspondent: Kelly Marlin Flenniken kmarlin407@gmail.com

2002

I split my time between my home in Denver, and my new home in Lawrence, Kansas, to be closer to my partner and his (amazing) 11-year-old kiddo. My business, Courage to Rise, is doing exceptionally well and I’m so honored to be able to support so many as they take steps to improve their quality of life and the impact they make in the world! I now have two publications on Amazon, the most recent being Dare to Express: Book 1: A Collection of Bold Stories and Brave Women, which was released in September 2022. I’m looking forward to the expansion and excitement that 2023 holds in every area! Sparkle on! ❯ Jennifer Kuschel Johnson shares: “I was so sorry to have missed the 20 year Reunion, but I was able to celebrate in person with Erika Frahm, who came to Fargo to help corral my kids while we moved into a new house! ❯ Rose McAndrew writes: “So wonderful to see everyone who could make it to our 20th Reunion this past October. We had incredible weather and were able to meet as a class Saturday night at our old haunt, Cherry Street.

20 Year Reunion at Homecoming, fall 2022. SUBMITTED

Jennifer Kuschel Johnson’s ’02 children visit with Erika Frahm ’02.

SUBMITTED

Class Knox

this spring, featuring interviews with new play artists.

Attending the 20th Reunion were Martha (Brislen) Byrne, Maria (Spencer) Campbell, Amber (Felton) and Bob Carroll, Darija Clark, Caitlin Corkins, Tom Danielson, Brent Dixon, Brooks and Erin (Rockwood) Goedeker, Amanda (Scripp) and Ben Goodness, Pam Hernandez, Ami Lawin, Katjah Leistner, Maureen Lowry, Steve Malcom, Julie Mitchell, Evie (Decherd) and Chris Nelson, Allison O’Brien, Kathryn Palacio, Erika (Kreutzberg) Gish and Ryan Williams. I really hope I didn’t miss anyone! We also welcomed other Knox friends and spouses Will Culbertson ’03, Allison (O’Mahen) Malcom ’03, Jeremiah Holt ’01, Lincoln Nelson ’00, and caught up with so many other fellow Knox alums over the weekend. Brooks Goedeker and I are the new St. Louis Knox Club co-chairs, and I joined the Alumni Council as the St. Louis representative. We will certainly repeat a formal reunion in another five years, so put October 2027 on your calendars now!” ❯ Vimala Raghavendran is currently living in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Paul, and their twoyear-old daughter, Kavi. She invites any Knoxies passing through D.C. to connect! ❯ Tessa (Huffman) Drayton and husband Andrew welcomed a baby girl, Violet Paula, on August 9, 2022. Congratulations! ❯ Erika Kreutzberg Gish shares lots of exciting changes: “My oldest daughter, Gia, is finishing out her first year of college at University of Southern Indiana where she is also a member of the women’s soccer team. My twins, Gabby and Giulia, graduate from high school this spring. Gabby is attending Indiana State University in the fall and will also be playing soccer. Giulia has chosen to stay closer to home and will attend St. Charles CC using the Missouri A+ program which covers tuition for two years. It will be a big change for my husband, Brian, and I to be mostly empty nesters; though there will be many trips to Indiana to watch soccer. I recently started a new job at Edward Jones as a product owner in the digital account solutions organization. I passed the SIE and Series 99 before the end of 2022 (glad to have that done!). The finance industry is a big change from environmental testing. The St. Louis Knox Club recently started back up thanks to Brooks Goedeker ’02 and Rose Dunphy McAndrew ’02. We enjoyed the Knox-Lindenwood men’s basketball game with the group, and we’re looking forward to more events! Rose, Kathryn Palacio, Maureen Lowry, and I get together occasionally since we all live somewhat close to each other. It often involves listening to a playlist of college year’s greatest hits. I was lucky to visit with Erika Frahm and Pam Hernandez in Texas in 2021 and 2022 while traveling with my daughters’ soccer teams. We also had a great time at the 20 year Reunion this fall!” ❯ Michael Wagner will retire from the Air Force after 20 years of service on January 1, 2024. He will be transitioning into a new job in the Washington, D.C., area and will also be completing a master of security studies in intelligence and analysis from

Angelo State University, graduating in the spring of 2024. ❯ Sarah Hultine Massengale began a new job in September 2022 as a state specialist in community development with University of Missouri Extension. It’s a joint appointment as assistant extension professor with the University of Missouri-St. Louis Department of Political Science. She works with communities to grow civic engagement and collaborative leadership. She lives in the Missouri Ozarks with her husband and two kiddos (Orion is 9, Zane is 8), where they love spending time on the river and hiking! ❯ Norman Golar serves as the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. ❯ Amber Bradshaw is the managing artistic director of working title playwrights, the leading new play incubator and service organization in Atlanta, Georgia, serving over 100 playwrights and an acting ensemble of 95. Amber launched a podcast this spring, featuring interviews with new play artists. You can find it on www.workingtitleplaywrights.com! ❯ Evie Decherd-Nelson writes: “Chris and I would finally like to get around to announcing the birth of our son, Julius Ivar Nelson! He was born last April and has fully dominated our lives since. He attended Homecoming with us in October and has already met President McGadney, and he has been claimed for the class of 2044. We also bought a house in Villa Park, Illinois in 2019 just before location stopped mattering entirely.” ❯ Elizabeth Mandel-Bausch and Cory Bausch have been living in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, for the past seven years, where they both work for AbbVie. They’ve enjoyed reconnecting with other Knox alums who also work in Abbott Park. They spend much of their time chauffeuring their two kids (nine and six) to soccer, gymnastics, swimming, and basketball, and they love watching them learn and grow. They also love traveling globally as a family, now having explored many locations in Europe, Central America, the United States, and Caribbean with their kids. They would love to hear from other alums in the Chicagoland Area! Class Correspondent: Jennifer Wreyford, 1700 Bassett Street, #407, Denver, CO 80202, 813-482-4112, jwreyford@gmail.com

2003

Class Correspondent: Allison O’Mahen Malcom

8134 Gridley Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213-3049, allison.o.malcom@gmail.com

2004

Sharon Hensley: “After graduating from Knox in 2004, I used my psychology degree to start my career in the field of disability and rehabilitation. My first job was in Galesburg at KCCDD, and I was employed as a case manager and employment specialist working with adults who have developmental disabilities. My first job was just amazing, and it opened doors into my interest in working with people who have a variety of disabilities. This inspired me to attend graduate school in the field of occupational therapy. I graduated from the occupational therapy program at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in December 2011. I have had a varied and exciting career as an occupational therapist since becoming licensed in 2012. Recently, I have had firsthand experience with disability and have not been able to work. This past year I have applied to the SSDI program, and my time for program acceptance seems to be running out. If I am not accepted into this program, I will most likely have to apply to the SSI program. One of the benefits of both of these programs is the option to participate in a rehabilitation program after I am well enough to return to work. This program will allow me to retool myself in the field of disability and rehabilitation studies, and I plan to become a patient liaison and advocate to use my experience in the healthcare system to help other patients struggling with navigating our current system and also to advocate for political change regarding how patients are treated in the system. This is a new field and the best programs for this are in New York. I have been interested in the country of Romania since I was a child, and I hope to use my knowledge and skills to visit or even relocate to Romania to work with those with developmental or other congenital disabilities and illnesses. Despite the hardship I am experiencing with my own illness and disability, I hope to be able to use this difficult time in my life to help others in ways that I never would have imagined. I definitely would not have imagined myself as an occupa-

Noah Dorson ’05, with his book, Imperfect Healing: A Meditation on Beginning Again in America.

Krista Reeves’ ’05 cat, Neville.

tional therapist or having the experiences in my life that I have had since graduating at Knox. Knox set me up for this unfolding of experiences. I am Knox.”

Class Correspondent: Susan C. Vitous Johnson

1312 Iles Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008-1407, susanvitousjohnson@yahoo.com

2005

Tom and Elizabeth Bazan continue to live in Springfield, Illinois. After 14 years of working for the Illinois State Museum, Elizabeth recently started working in marketing project management for Hospital Sisters Health System. Tom works in the Budget Department for the Illinois State Board of Education, having moved from the Illinois legislature after 16 years. Tom is on the board of the James Project, supporting foster families, and Elizabeth is on the board of Kidzeum, a children’s museum. They both are active in Kiwanis and their church. They have a standard poodle, Tux, and are looking forward to adding to their family through adoption. ❯ This past year Noah Dorson moved to Texas with his family and wrote his first book entitled Imperfect Healing: A Meditation on Beginning Again in America. It is available on Amazon. ❯ In August 2022, Ashley Gottlieb began a new position as arts and culture program assistant for the city of Reno. Her work involves coordinating public art projects, managing the city art galleries, and administering the city’s grant program for local arts and culture nonprofits. Additionally, she completed a fine arts program at the local community college in December 2022. The culmination of the program included a successful solo art exhibition, called “The Wisdom of Rocks,” at a local gallery and she was thrilled to have sold over half of the artworks in the show! ❯ Pete McAvoy and his wife welcomed a baby boy into the world in November 2022, soon after their daughter turned five. For the last nine years, Pete has been running his own small construction company based in Brentwood, Maryland, right outside of Wash-

ington, D.C. He told us that he misses Green Oaks the way he imagines people must miss their home villages when they move to a city. ❯ Sarah Lammie writes, “After 15 years of teaching kindergarten, I’ve moved to teaching second grade. It’s taking some getting used to and a whole lot of packing and moving, but it’s nice to have some of the same kids whom I taught during pandemic virtual kindergarten. I did a cousins’ trip to Scotland last spring and was able to find where my great grandpa lived, and I took some pictures of his old residence in Glasgow where he worked before coming to the States. We also did some touring in the Highlands, and I was able to tick off a bucket list item of visiting Loch Ness! I’m still teaching dance and taking classes. My tap teacher, Reggio “the Hoofer” McLaughlin, puts on a National Tap Day show every year, and this spring, we got to dance with Arthur Duncan! The studio where I teach, Yvonne’s Dance Academy, is celebrating 15 years this season, and I’ve been there for six of those years. What makes this studio extra special is that Yvonne was my dance teacher growing up. Perhaps my most exciting update is that I will be finishing grad school in March 2023. I was able to continue using the credits from my ESL endorsement a few years ago, so I figured, why not!” ❯ M. Nnenna Odim received her doctor of philosophy in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in early childhood education from University of Texas at Austin in May 2022. ❯ Krista Reeves tells us that she has been fostering kittens and small mammals for the local animal shelter since May 2022. So far, she’s fostered seven kittens and three guinea pigs. The last foster kitten, Neville, is staying with her forever.

Class Correspondents: Marissa Parkin moeparkin@gmail.com

Ashley Steinsdoerfer Gottlieb 815-245-3648, agsteinsdoerfer@aol.com

2006

Class Correspondent: Megan Rehberg megan.rehberg@gmail.com

2007

Greetings, Class! After a few years of COVID hibernation, updates for our class are back! Thank you for your patience! ❯ Farah Ahed,

Hasan Rahimtoola, and their daughter, Ayla (four-and-a-half years old) are doing great, living in Karachi, Pakistan. Farah still continues to pursue photography and is currently photographing for her alma mater, Karachi Grammar School, where Ayla is now a student. The photo is from July 2022, when they visited Phuket, Thailand (Ayla’s first international trip). ❯ Donielle (Augustson) Lino continues to work as a medicolegal death investigator in Portland, Oregon. She got married to a wonderful man, Jeremiah Lino. She also had a wonderful visit from her Knox roommate, Cailyn Healy! She is excited to see what’s coming next in life! ❯ After 14 years in Washington, D.C., Zoe (Berman) Boettcher and Mike Boettcher ’05 moved to St. Paul, Minnesota. They bought a house and live there with their two daughters while reconnecting with their Midwest roots. ❯ Lindsay Braddy shares, “After almost 10 years in Chicago, I now live in Baltimore and work as head of the law section at the Library of Congress. I have a perfect little dog (Tomato), and I got engaged last year to my favorite artist (Will Laren).” ❯ From Emily Ewers: “I had a baby boy, Toby, on September 20, 2022. I’ve leaned on my fellow Knox Tri Deltas so much. Thank you, ladies, for the support!” ❯ Joshua Franklin writes, “In 2021, I got married to Emily Rose Franklin. In 2022, I left the Office of the Public Defender in Lansing and started work at a private firm. Two days after taking the new job, my wife and I welcomed our daughter into the world, Elizabeth Rose Franklin. And, in 2023, we are hoping that the stork will bring us another sweet little baby.” ❯ Emaad Hassan shares, “I am posted in Juba, South Sudan, for two years at the U.S. Embassy for CDC. I got here in September 2022, and I look forward to traveling the region. Wishing everyone a great year! Hope to catch a Homecoming when I’m back in the United States.” ❯ Akshay Gavai just finished taking a year off from the workforce which was spent traveling and spending time with family. He loved every minute of it and highly recommends it to anyone contemplating the same. He also attended the wedding of Ladipo Lawani ’08 in Lagos, Nigeria. Now he’s thinking of his next step. ❯ Kourtney Grimm was elected

Farah Ahed ’07, daughter Ayla, and Hasan. In July 2022 they visited Phuket, Thailand, which was Ayla’s first international trip.

“I was able to tick off a bucket list item of

Kourtney Grimm ’07 caring for animals at Wildlife Prairie Park outside of Peoria, Illinois.

Cailyn Healy ’07 and Donielle (Augustson) Lino ’07.

Class Knox

visiting Loch Ness!” —Sarah Lammie ’07

in 2022 to the position of secretary of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians. “This is a 5-year term where I work my way through the board and will eventually be president of this international organization. It is a great group that is working to improve reptile and amphibian medicine, surgery, and conservation through research and collaboration. I am still working at Pekin Animal Hospital in Illinois and take care of the animals at Wildlife Prairie Park. Most recently, I oversaw the sedation and exams of their black bear, bobcat, and badger. ❯ From Malissa (Kent) Webber: “I celebrated my fiveyear anniversary as internal news editor at Weyerhaeuser in May 2022. Normally, I interview other employees and write profiles of them, but the tables were turned, and I was featured as the 100th profile in our ongoing Cool Jobs, Cool People series. It was slightly uncomfortable but fun to see my own process from the other side! My profile was also shared on our public-facing website: wy.com/CoolJobsMW. In December I was awarded an inaugural Vision Award for my work supporting Weyerhaeuser’s inclusion value, which was a huge surprise and honor! My kids are now in first grade and preschool at a French immersion school here in Seattle, and they love hearing stories about my time in Besançon with Knox. COVID has suspended all my family’s travel plans for the past three years, but Megan Suttner ’07 and I hang out virtually once a week to support one another’s writing projects. I’m working toward finding an agent for my epic fantasy novel and am constantly inspired by my kids’ highly imaginative storytelling.” ❯ Eric Langston writes: “My partner, Chris Newton, and I have been together for seven years. We live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but are hoping to move to Denver or potentially Florida. I am a partner with AEGIS Law and chair of the restructuring group. I also handle mergers and acquisitions, real estate, condo/HOA board representations, landlord-tenant issues, estate planning, and litigation. Chris is the vice president of operations at Intrepid Discovery Management. He facilitates the exchange of documents during discovery in litigation. We have two cats, MoMo and Pasha. MoMo is a princess and her name means “Peach” in Japanese. Pasha is Russian blue and his name means “little” in Russian. My nephew turned seven this past year and it has been a blessing to

be an uncle. I volunteer with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program to mentor a Little Brother whose name is Kaydin. He’s a junior in high school and I’ve enjoyed cultivating the mentor relationship. I serve on the boards of Riverview Center and Orchestra Iowa.” ❯ Since January 2022, Sam Jin has been working as an assistant professor in Korean studies at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. ❯ Karen Kinderman is still living in Chicago with her cat, Charlie (who will be 17 this year), and his sister, Bianca, who was rescued in 2018. Karen has been in Chicago since her purchase of an adorable condo in Albany Park in 2021. Her activities have included, but are not limited to: Coaching the Chicago Riots junior roller derby team, e.g. teaching children to hit each other safely and constructively while on rollerskates. She’s excited to get her skaters back to their first gameplay season since 2019 this year and will welcome her next round of new skaters in February, co-hosting a true crime podcast with fellow Knox alum Dr. Mallory Havens ’06 called the Manager of Unsolved Murders—available wherever you get your podcasts, co-hosting a horror-themed podcast called Splatter Brains with three of her former colleagues where they geek out and discuss horror-related media—also available wherever you get your podcasts! Karen is still working in software doing technical program management and has been grossly enjoying the comforts of a workfrom-home life for the last three years. The cats have never been happier either. ❯ Alisha (Oscharoff) Miller and husband, Neill Miller, welcomed their fourth child on November 1, 2022. They continue to enjoy living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ❯ Katya (Manak) Fuentes joined the Chicago family law firm of Berger Schatz as a partner in September 2022. At the time of submitting class notes, Katya and her husband were expecting baby #2 imminently (January 2023). Their daughter, Emilia is 2.5 years old. ❯ In June 2022, Natasha Paris started a new job working for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension as a regional crops educator, serving farmers with education

and research in a four-county area in South Central Wisconsin. ❯ Chris Paul and Samantha (Eggert) Paul ’10 welcomed Lillie Elizabeth in September 2022. Big brother Ollie is settling into his new role and they are all adjusting to life as a family of four! ❯ Michael Sales shares, “My wife Rachel and I bought a house in Winslow, Maine, in September 2021, just a few blocks away from where we were renting an apartment. There was nothing fun about buying a house in the current market during a pandemic, but the end result of having a place to call our own was awesome! In December 2021 I lost the battle with my wife and son and we got a kitten named Kabuki. She’s both my arch-nemesis and my favorite pet (she’s the only one so I guess this applies!). In March 2022 some close friends took us to Disney in Florida for a week. We did all the things and took all the pictures, and made some amazing family memories! I am celebrating nine years at Thomas College as their senior coordinator of student activities. My son, Oliver is five and has taken a big liking to Legos, so now I have an excuse to play with Legos all the time and not be a huge nerd, but I am totally a big nerd. I still try to play pinball as much as possible, but life has been much busier these days!” ❯ Updates from the Sarvers, Sam Sarver and Megan (Elliott) Sarver: Sam accepted a position with the Office of the Wisconsin State Public Defender in June 2021. Sam and Megan bought their first house in October 2021. They celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary in August 2022. ❯ While Evan Sawdey continues to write for publications like SPIN Magazine and PopMatters.com, his 2022 was filled with adventures, including lots of traveling and releasing his 8th album with his band Corresponding Handpieces (whose other member is David Semonchik). As if that wasn’t enough, a lucrative new job offer meant that Evan, husband Taran, and all their cats picked up and moved to sunny Los Angeles in November, ending the year with nothing short of dramatic change. Sending the sunshine vibes your way. ❯ Emily Sitnick writes, “Things are going well out here in Oregon. In 2023, my husband and I will be celebrating our 15th anniversary this year (nine years married). We have two kids, our son is seven and our daughter is three. I was promoted to the regional

Katya (Manak) Fuentes’ ’07 daughter, Emilia.

Ashley Blazina ’09 with family.

Clint Moore ’09 with Dempsey.

director of the Portland Regional Office of Legal Aid Services of Oregon, the largest civil legal nonprofit in the state. It has been a big adjustment, but I’m settling in. In my new role, I have moved away from litigation (which I miss), but I get to do some really great policy and structural work within the organization. I am also the chair of the Oregon Hispanic Bar Association and am on the board of directors of Oregon Women Lawyers. Life is packed full to the brim. As if I needed more on my plate, I signed up for a halfmarathon and have also started training for that.”

❯ Julia Strehlow lives in Brookfield, Illinois (right by the zoo!), with her husband Ari and two children Gwen (4.5) and Gabe (19 months). Julia is a social worker at the Illinois State Board of Education where she helps with pandemic recovery efforts and promotes social emotional learning. Julia would like to see and catch up with old and new Knox friends, so please reach out! ❯ After many years away, Levi Morgan is actually back at Knox working in the Office of College Engagement. He lives in a late 19th century opera house with his son, Colum, and dog, Watson. ❯ From Laura (Wentink) Marcasciano:

“In the past two years, I’ve had my own major life change. In 2021, I was offered a position with American Water as environmental manager at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington. I officially moved from the Chicago suburbs to the Seattle area. I love living here, exploring the outdoors and no Chicago winters!”

Class Correspondents: Laura J. Wentink

Marcasciano

ljmarcasciano@gmail.com

Michael C. Sales

KnoxClassof2007@gmail.com

2008

In 2022, Kelli Refer was promoted to executive director of move redmond, a nonprofit that advocates for biking, walking, and transit in the Puget Sound. Her spouse, Tom Fucoloro, released his book, Biking Uphill in the Rain, through the University of Washington Press. They love living

within walking distance of a few of their Knox besties! ❯ Chris Guthrie is still living in the Pacific Northwest, being a grump about cars that park in bike lanes, and creating backyard bird habitats. He’s bad at staying in touch but wants to be better about it, so please forgive him. No kids (snip snip), but he does have a cat and a garden. ❯ Alex Enyart shares that “I’m an assistant public defender for Jackson County, Illinois, and I moonlight as an Uber driver.” ❯ Maurice Harris says “I started a new job at Transwestern in April 2022, and I’m still ruling with a velvet fist on city council. I’m up for reelection this year and would love contributions! I’ve started to teach an online course at the University of Minnesota this winter.” ❯ Ariel Lauryn relays that “I am currently a visiting professor of theatre at the University of North Alabama. I teach physical theatre and puppetry, script analysis, and stagecraft, and more. This spring, I will perform on Season 3 of Reading Buddies, a TV show that teaches how to read, which you can catch on PBS stations in certain states, or on YouTube anywhere!” ❯ Philippe Moore is leaving tech and opening a bakery. ❯ Brian Patrick King recently traveled to his former home, Brooklyn, New York, to visit cherished friends. On the way he was able to see Erica Stringfellow Tully and her lovely family. While in Brooklyn, Brian stayed with Larry Mancini. It was wonderful to spend time with dear friends and fellow Knox community members. ❯ Erica Stringfellow Tully has been chasing around her son, Jude, and having various Knox friends meet (and also chase) him, such as Becca Ganster, Donald Rogers ’09, Brian Patrick King, and Miriam Gillan. She also went to Riot Fest and ran into and hung out with Lola Copeland ’11 and Megan Funk ’12. ❯ “I spent a lot of time with Knox alums this year, at Rosemary Ibis’ bachelorette party with Stephanie O’Brien Schmidt and Catherine Ray Dabrowski, and then at Rose’s wedding with Stephanie, Kevin Cole, and Sam Jarvis ’09. I shopped at the Galesburg Antique Mall’s new location while visiting Carly Kirven ’11. I brunched with Emily Jensen and Erica Stringfellow Tully And, I hosted Becca Ganster for a weekend.”

Class Correspondents: Miriam M. Gillan miriam.gillan@gmail.com Erica Stringfellow Tully e.stringfellow4@gmail.com

2009

Kristin Mussar and Ryan McCulloch got married on July 23, 2022. Fellow Knoxies present included Patrick Cavins, Sara Patterson Adamek, and Elena Gleason. Kristin and Ryan live in Bellevue, Washington, where Kristin works as a data scientist for Seagen, developing cancer treatments and convincing her fellow Ph.D.s that PowerPoint is not an appropriate data storage solution. Ryan works as a software engineer for Microsoft, adding buttons and bugs to your favorite business software. They are cared for by their two cats, Jasper and Zarya, who live wonderful lives, not working at all. ❯ Toshia (Zessin) Albright started a new job at Dow, working in process chemistry and loving it. “Chasing and shuttling three kiddos to all their activities and school keeps me and my husband on our toes. Hoping to see friends in October!”

❯ In 2022, Elizabeth Barrios got tenured, married her partner of over nine years, and most importantly, got two more cats who go by the names of Prudence and Catherine Knip Dexter Haven. ❯ Will Gallmeyer and wife Sam Breaux are expecting their second bebeh in June 2023! Green Projects Group continues to innovate in energy efficiency and electrification programs in Michigan. ❯ Sarah Pokorny (previously Williams) got hitched in October 2022 and still plays way too much D&D. ❯ Samantha PelkeyFlock wasn’t going to submit a note this round because things are pretty great, but also not much has changed. EXCEPT she wants to congratulate her amazing husband, Smarty Pants Drew Flock ’08 on his promotion to director of engineering! Also, Samantha is extremely excited at the thought of the 15 year Reunion of the Class of 2009 and will volunteer for the “hype team.” ❯ Kathleen Beeson has relocated from Portland, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts, where she and her husband welcomed a baby girl into the world! She is a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard Medical School, where she is trying to figure out how brains work. ❯ Mike Callahan is living his life a quarter mile at a time, in style. ❯ Tighe

Philippe Moore ’08 is leaving tech

Hannah Buckland ’11, Ariana Tuckey ’11, Kelly Wiggen ’11, and Kathleen Kellett ’11.

SUBMITTED

Ben Yonker, class of 2044.

Joe Kozlowicz ’11 and Dave Kurian ’11.

SUBMITTED

Class Knox

Burke: “I had the HUGE honor of being inducted into the Knox-Lombard Hall of Fame two weekends ago. I came with my wife and three (soon to be four) kids and loved every minute of being in Galesburg alongside Marty Dertz, Grant Guimond, Jack Dippold, Riley O’Brien, Mike Kizior, Lucas Leckrone, and Whitney Mackie. Felt a TON of Knox love all weekend long. Super honored.” ❯ Ashley Blazina had some huge life changes during the pandemic. She met and married her husband Evan, gained a beautiful stepdaughter and had a son—not necessarily in that order. She also started working in her dream job as the environmental justice and forest health planner for Washington state. ❯ Amanda Chavero and Clint Moore had a baby (Dempsey Chavero Moore) and bought a house since their last update. Clint is coaching men’s soccer at Colorado School of Mines. Amanda is CEO at Dear Donor, a consulting firm for nonprofit fundraising. Life (and Clint’s hair) is exactly as chaotic as you think it is. ❯ Brian Chi Zhang is now working at Valon, a mortgage servicing startup. He enjoys working from the comfort of his home in Los Angeles while still getting to visit New York City every few months for work, “so if you are reading this and are based in either of these two cities please reach out and let’s meet up!” This year he got to travel to Mexico City for the F1 race with Andres Wang ’08 and had an absolute blast! Fellow F1 fans and want to go to a race together? Come join us! We lived through that pandemic for a good reason! ❯ Madeleine Weiland took the time to learn how to knit and knitted a life-sized version of bluey for her dog. While entertaining, the costume did not last very long as knit fabric is not as sturdy as other textiles. ❯ Ryan Cash, Jake Diller-Schatz, and John Curtin took a road trip to Iowa City to visit Sam Jarvis and Kate Jarvis ’12. The crew got to see Kinnick Stadium and the Children’s Hospital, the Pentacrest, and some favorite spots in Iowa City. Cheers to the Midwest Coast. Class Correspondent: Sam Jarvis samuelpaulleejarvis@gmail.com

Having a Role Model that Looks Like You: Principal Christian Mahone ’11

Christian Mahone ’11 began his career in education teaching fifth grade at Nielson Elementary in Galesburg, where he became a reading recovery instructor. He then completed his master’s degree in educational leadership with a focus on principalship at the University of Illinois at Springfield, winning the “Outstanding Student” award. From there he moved into administrative roles and recently accepted a position as principal at South Side Elementary in Champaign, Illinois. He recently appeared on the Jennifer Hudson Show, where Hudson presented Mahone tickets for all the students to attend a Chicago Bulls game.

What inspired you to pursue education as a career?

From kindergarten through high school, I only had four male teachers, with one of those teachers being Black. I understand the importance of having someone in the classroom that looks like you and how it has a significant impact on the way that students learn. As a result of this, in combination with my passion for working with children, I decided to go into the field of education. For more than 90 percent of the students I taught, I was their first Black male teacher. This is what encouraged me to stay in the field of education because many students voiced how important I was to their academic success.

What’s the most important thing you learned at Knox outside the classroom?

The most important thing I learned is being able to position myself to view the world through multiple lenses. This has made me capable of understanding viewpoints that are different than mine, and has taught me much humility and compassion.

What surprised you about Knox?

What surprised me upon entering Knox was how invested the professors were as it pertained to not only the academic success of the student, but about their personal growth as well.

Carol Egan ’72 and Nea Fernández ’11 outside the Casa Batlló in Barcelona.

Alyssa Gill ’14 is excited to write

2010

Marc and Erin Souza Dreyfuss can’t believe they’re celebrating nine years in the D.C. area! Note: If you’re interested in serving as a class correspondent for the Class of 2010, please contact Jennifer Gallas at jgallas@knox.edu

2011

Kim Krogull and her husband became foster parents in July 2021, fostering 15-year-old twins, a boy (O’Marion) and a girl (Arrian). They’ve been with them since then, and the twins just turned 17. They are super excited to announce that they have begun the adoption process! ❯ Calvin Zirkle maintains an active lifestyle and has lots of fun in San Francisco, even though his stand-up comedy isn’t going as expected. ❯ Akiba Bradford received her master of professional studies in applied intelligence from Georgetown University in spring 2022. Soon after, she founded Lightheart Solutions, a public safety firm providing strategic, operational, and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies. Akiba also turned her love for candle and soap making into luxury e-commerce brand Lightheartcandles.com. ❯ Joe Kozlowicz and Dave Kurian moved to historic Trinidad, Colorado, to become entrepreneurs and open a bicycle sales and repair shop. If you ever find yourself in Southern Colorado or Northern New Mexico, swing by Tarantula Cycles! ❯ Hannah McMahon and her husband Colin welcomed their first child, a daughter, in November. They’re soaking up every second with their sweet girl. ❯ Carol Egan ’72, a fellow Pi Phi sister, came to Spain and stopped by Barcelona to catch up with Nea Larson Fernandez. ❯ Tomilola Olotu graduates from her MBA program in May 2023 and will move to Minneapolis over the summer.

❯ Cole ’13 and Brigette Atcheson-Demke bought a condo and have spent the past six months painting and replacing everything while wishing they could go back to renting. Brigette is now working at Evanston Hospital as a clinical coordinator

(charge nurse) and plans to finish her M.S.N. in 2023. ❯ Josiah and Chloe Bohm are exhausted but happy because son Ben turned one in January. He’s growing just right and getting very close to walking. ❯ Ariana Tuckey embraced the single millennial woman stereotype and adopted two adorable cats. She started a new job at the White House as a digital services expert with the U.S. Digital Service. Ariana joined Kelly Wiggen, Hannah Buckland, and Kathleen Kellett on a reunion trip to San Diego, which was amazing. Kelly and her husband are expecting a tiny human to join them in March 2023. A little girl! Class Correspondent: Tim Schmeling trschmeling@gmail.com

2012

Lauren Greve is looking forward to a year of transition and travel in 2023. She works for Spotify on their audiobooks team and will be moving to Cleveland next year. Prior to moving, she will be spending time traveling and working in Europe. ❯ Stephanie Sorensen is making magic at Disney in corporate alliances and illustrated a kids’ book called The Giving Giraffe Jude with all proceeds going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She’s raised over $30K with her doodles for donations and is running the London Marathon in April as a St. Jude Hero. Check her out @donationdoodles on Instagram. ❯ Monica Prince is living her best polyamory life, having recently married her beloved, Robert Barkley II, and convinced Adam al-Sirgany ’11 to move closer to her in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. Her fourth book, Roadmap: A Choreopoem, will be published in July 2023, receiving a full production in June as part of the Hamilton Arts Festival in Paterson, New Jersey. ❯ Magdalene Linck has been working at the Missouri Historical Society’s Library and Research Center where she focuses on St. Louis’ musical heritage and foodways. She’s working on writing her first book, focusing on J.W. Postlewaite—an African-American composer working in St. Louis in the 19th century. ❯ Krista Anne Nordgren: “I just graduated from

North Carolina Central with my master’s in clinical mental health and started a job as a couples’ therapist. Martin Yeager and I walk in our neighborhood with our wiggly prancy pitbulls, who are best friends.” ❯ Rachel (Clark) Cole is contemplating the next career move, and it looks like she and her family will be heading north! Time to get some snow pants and ice skates. A more official update next time, after job offers are signed.

Class Correspondent: Aparna Kumar Boehm aparna.kumarboehm@gmail.com

2013

Lotte Vonk Kaniewski: Lotte has done what she swore she never would—moved to the suburbs. There she welcomed her second daughter and subsequently decided to (finally) change her last name to match her family’s, so will now be known as Lotte Kaniewski! Lastly, by the time this goes to print she hopes to have been sworn in as an American citizen after passing the test early December 2022. ❯ Cole Atcheson-Demke and Brigette Atcheson-Demke ’11 keep moving onward and upward in life, having bought a condo in April. Cole now also works in game development officially (QA and community relations) after MassVR shifted to solely being a game development studio at the end of July. He also still uploads video game let’s plays and narrative analyses to his YouTube channel, the Game Professor, as much as he is able.

Class Correspondent: William Budding, williambudding@gmail.com

2014

Olivia Barnett: “I earned my LCSW and am getting married in November 2023.” ❯ Samantha Huebner: “I got my dream job at Indiana Legal Services and am working as a nonprofit attorney. I’m focusing on domestic violence family law and low income tenant services.” ❯ Chelsea Embree: “I moved to Olympia, Washington! I’m working in communications for the state’s educa-

Donielle Augustson ’07 and Jeremiah Lino— July 30, 2021

Rosemary Ibis ’08 and Patrick Collins—August 20, 2022

Left to Right: Kate Heitkamp Jarvis ’12, Sam Jarvis ’09, Miriam Gillan ’08, Rosemary Ibis Collins ’08, Stephanie O’Brien Schmidt ’08, and Kevin Cole ’08.

Kristin Mussare ’09 and Ryan McCulloch—July 23, 2022

Class Knox

to class notes for the first time!

tion department and get to tell stories about how schools and community organizations are supporting students. After surviving the four-day drive, my cat has fully acclimated and enjoys opening all the closets and cabinets for no reason. When I’m not hiking or climbing, I’m watching trashy reality TV, drinking too much seltzer water, and learning how to knit.” ❯ Ariana Lisefski: “After eight years calling Austin, Texas, home, I’ll be moving to New Zealand for at least a year to spend time with family, do some long backpacking trips, and take a hard rest and reset after these weird pandemic years.”

❯ Hannah Tatro: “Josh Tatro ’13 and I had a baby in September! His name is Asa. I also became a national board certified teacher in December.” ❯ Carmen Caraballo Zapata: “In 2022, I became a first-time cat mom to an orange terror who is sometimes sweet but overall just sassy. I got a new job as assistant director of graduate financial aid at the University of Chicago. I was able to purchase another property thanks to fellow Knox alum Nicolette

Bridgeforth ’15. I got engaged in August, and I am ending the year married with my active duty husband in North Carolina before returning back to the daily grind in Chicago.” ❯ Alyssa Gill is excited to write to class notes for the first time! They recently graduated with a master’s of landscape architecture from Louisiana State University and moved with their husband of six years to the San Francisco Bay Area. They are currently focused on giving their dog a loving home and expanding their collection of Echinocactus grunsonii ❯ Esther Farler-Westphal: “This year I packed up everything (well the movers did most of it) and drove across the country with my partner to move to Silicon Valley. Since being here I’ve been working at a tech job in the financial services industry, trying not to get sunburned, and exploring the beautiful city of San Francisco.”

Class Correspondents: Esther FarlerWestphal and Natalia Binkowski Kaplan Knoxnotes2014@gmail.com

2015

Kayla Anderson is the proud parent of a tarantula, is working in emergency mental health, and

has gained their LCPC counseling license this year. ❯ All of John Bird’s years listening to the Sigma Nus babble about computer geek nonsense finally paid off. And he spent the last three years in technical recruiting, most recently at IBM. He genuinely hopes his former classmates are finding happiness wherever their paths have taken them. ❯ Leslie Carman lives in Olympia, Washington, making maps for work and knitting socks in her free time. ❯ Celinda Davis is moving to Madison to start a new job after three-anda-half years in La Crosse! She will continue to work in academic advising and is excited for a new campus and a new city. ❯ Bridget Doherty is teaching high school wheel throwing and working on her master’s. She also gets to play ultimate frisbee in the summer with a bunch of other Knox alums! ❯ Abby Kravis is studying diligently to earn her degree as a doctor of physical therapy from Old Dominion University in 2025. ❯ Bethany Larson is in her second year of graduate school at ASU for textile art and has recently passed her candidacy review. ❯ Roman Magid got married, had a kid, and is about to finish medical residency. ❯ Brittany Meeker is working at the University of Illinois Urbana-

Class of 2015 friends, Missy Preston, Forrest Marie, and Mark Muniz.

Amaya Arellano ’21.

Alessandro Benelli ’21.

Elisabeth Zarnoti ’17 and Sean Ramsey ’18— November 11, 2022

LEFT TO RIGHT: Sarah Gaynor ’17, Josh Kemp ’16, Farzana Ahmed ’18, Celina Pedit Basmijian ’17, Madison Belka ’17, Livia Mexias ’16, Sean Ramsey ’18, Elisabeth Zarnoti ’17, Kristina Mengis ’17, Shannon Brooks ’19, Nate Kemp ’16, Laura Lee ’17.

Theresa Murphy ’17 and Michael Davis— October 15, 2022

LEFT TO RIGHT: Evan Hicks ’17, Kendra Kidd ’17, Minnie Congo, Joel Willison ’20, Ren Barkey ’17, Ben Rezko ’18, Katherine Asteriadou ’21, Holden Wertheimer-Meier ’16, Julie Wertheimer-Meier ’16, Tristan Yi ’17, Jordan Hurst ’17.

Jaclyn Stillmaker ’11 and Gabe Johnson—October 7, 2022

Left to Right: Izzy Leventhal ’11, Akiko Rutledge ’11, Jaclyn Stillmaker ’11, Caitlin Yost, and Madison Davis ’12.

Champaign as an academic advisor in the School of Architecture. ❯ Mark Muniz, Forrest Marie, and Missy Preston are a decade into friendship and somehow not sick of each other. Living, laughing, loving as a family in Chicago—inspiring each other, growing as a collective, while also making great strides as powerful and beautifully different individuals. Mark is still the soundscape architect/guitar driver in his longtime band and rumor has it that he is only getting better and the band is only getting stronger. Soon, there will be no stopping him. Forrest Marie is thriving. She has embraced her calling and become the hottest stay-at-home mom without kids of 2022. Missy is oftentimes very, very, very, happy, which regularly feels like a miracle. They write and play music almost constantly and are currently dreaming up their first full concept album with their band. For more about the band, check out: www.leonora2mars.com ❯ Claire T. Neri is celebrating one year as a trivia host in the Chicago suburbs. Follow her on Instagram @clairesporcle for more information. ❯ Cody Sehl is continuing to learn the drums and taking a pottery class after quitting his job in November. ❯ Callie Smith started working for an environmental consulting firm as an environmental analyst in September 2022! ❯ Samantha Smith is happily married to Josh Christianson and living in Galesburg with

Claire T. Neri ’15 is celebrating one year as a

their two cats. They started a small, biodynamic vegetable farm on the south edge of town and are excited to move towards CSA memberships! ❯ Mike Supej finished up his postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in March 2022. He joined the Polymer Coatings R&D and now spends a surprising amount of time watching paint dry.

Class Correspondents: Abby Kravis and Claire Neri knox2015reps@gmail.com

2016

Class Correspondent: Kati Stemple kstemple2012@gmail.com

2017

Abby Neuhauser Rapp and her husband, Torin, adopted a very good boy named Pete this year. Abby is halfway through her emergency medicine residency and is enjoying being back in central Illinois near family. ❯ Ngan Le worked for five years as a senior youth program coordinator at a nonprofit called Chinese Mutual Aid Association. She changed career paths after the pandemic to become a respiratory therapist. She got married on November 4, 2022, to her partner of 12 years who currently serves as an airman in the Air Force. ❯ Yaoska Mayorga is starting her master’s in social work at the University of Denver. ❯ Catie Calderon accepted a new position with her local public library as the youth services manager at the beginning of 2023. She’s looking forward to getting hitched to her fiancé, Will, in May and is loving life with their two furry babies (Oakley the Alaskan malamute and Loaf the long-haired calico). ❯ Jess Chrzan had a wild ride in the last few years both in her professional and personal life. She transitioned through a few different fields and now works in healthcare marketing while volunteering for her passions in her free

time. She has a wonderful, amazing pup named Kona, who will be three in June. Although it means travel is a little harder (because she can’t bear to leave him!), Jess says, “he’s the best friend anyone could have!” She’s also getting married in April. ❯ Moriah Chermak spent the summer of 2022 traveling solo, studying Spanish in Peru for a few months. She moved to Georgia in September to start chiropractic school at Life University. ❯ Theresa Murphy moved to Virginia with her now-husband, Michael. She was promoted to assistant manager of the Escape Game DC and got married in the same weekend (October 15). Theresa and Michael got married at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago in the Henry Crowne Space Center. Theresa says, “It was so much fun and great to have many Knoxies there to celebrate!” ❯ Kalie McGuire worked as the senior data analyst on Beto O’Rourke’s campaign for Texas governor. Though the campaign did not end as she hoped, she is proud of the work done by the whole team. She lives in Houston, Texas, now and hopes to continue her work in Democratic politics. ❯ Zooey Brewer returned from a six month sojourn to Ireland and the UK in late 2022 and is currently planning her move to Pittsburgh. ❯ Elisabeth Zarnoti and Sean Ramsey ’18 had a big year in 2022. They got married (twice!) on August 15 and November 11 after celebrating 10 years together and were overjoyed to welcome so many Knox friends to the November celebration in particular. Elisabeth also started a new role in spring 2022 at Dunwoody College of Technology as an annual fund coordinator, learning firsthand all the ins and outs of higher education fundraising. Sean will be finishing his last semester at Dunwoody studying electrical construction and maintenance and will spend the next four years as an electrical apprentice. Finally, Elisabeth and Sean adopted a calico cat named Calliope, who is an amazing cuddler. Elisabeth says, “We are a funny little family between us, the cats, and the fish.”

Class Correspondents: Jen Ripka jripka1327@gmail.com

Theresa Murphy murpth@gmail.com

Valerie Varanese ’19 and Bob Lalky ’19—May 13, 2022

Ikenna Ozor ’21.

SUBMITTED

Madelyn Turner ’21.

SUBMITTED

Tina Jeon ’21.

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Class Knox

trivia host in the Chicago suburbs. 2018

Hello, everyone! I would love to hear from you and for you to send me your news for the next Knox Magazine. Please contact me at ddiaz42@ uic.edu to share what you have been up to. I’m excited to gather your news!

Class Correspondent: Danielle Diaz ddiaz42@uic.edu

2019

Sally Butzer recently graduated from the University of Portland with her master of arts in teaching. ❯ Valerie Varanese Lallky and Bob Lallky got married and celebrated with their friends from Knox!

Class Correspondent: Elena IatropoulouBannat elena.bannat@gmail.com

2020

Class Correspondents: Natasha Caudill, Allen Irvine, Cayne Randle, and Courtney Pletcher knoxclassof2020@gmail.com

2021

The Class of 2021 has been continuing their exciting journey outside of Knox! ❯ Amaya Arellano is working on various projects for a property company in Chicago, Illinois, expanding networks with people through diverse ways. ❯ Meanwhile in Milan, Italy, Alessandro Benelli is enjoying doing a graduate program at UniCredit and soon he will work from Wien, Austria. It is also great to hear that Benelli, a former Knox men’s soccer player, is still an enthusiastic soccer player on the Milan amateur soccer team. ❯ Nick Ducharme is working as an electrical engineer in New Hampshire and he’s looking forward to continuing the graduate education based on his valuable experience at the job. ❯ Ryan Earles, current Wells Fargo software developer in Missouri, shares the amazing news that his coding Hackathon team has been selected to be presented to the Wells Fargo leadership team. ❯ Some alumni are in graduate programs. Caroline Goben is pursuing a master’s in anthropology at Illinois State University. ❯ After a year of experience as education technology integration fellow at Westtown School, Pennsylvania, Tina Jeon is doing a Ph.D. program in learning technologies at the University of Minnesota. ❯ In Colorado, Ikenna Ozor is close to finishing his master’s degree in cellular and molecular biology at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. ❯ While pursuing an M.F.A. at Illinois State University, Madelyn Turner is doing an assistantship in gallery installation and teaching, and exhibited art in the Feminist Biennial in Chicago. ❯ Matrice Young in Iowa is in the second year of a master’s in library and information science and is excited to present the work at the Midwest Archives Conference this year.

Class Correspondent: Tina Jeon jse2053@gmail.com

2022

Note: If you’re interested in serving as a class correspondent for the Class of 1999, please contact Jennifer Gallas at jgallas@knox.edu

Marriages and Unions

Monty Palmer ’90 and Rita on 11/11/2022. Donielle (Augustson) Lino ’07 and Jeremiah Lino on 7/30/21.

Rosemary Ibis ’08 and Patrick Collins on 8/20/22.

Kristin Mussar ’09 and Ryan McCulloch, on 7/23/22.

Jaclyn Stillmaker ’11 and Gabe Johnson on 10/7/22.

Sean Ramsey ’18 and Elisabeth Zarnoti ’17 on 8/15/22.

Theresa Murphy ’17 and Michael Davis on 10/15/22.

Valerie Varanese Lallky ’19 and Bob Lallky ’19 on 5/13/22.

Deaths

Helen V. Fenn Ritter ’40 on 1/21/2022.

Paul Raymond Nelson ’42 on 9/14/2022.

Barbara Young ’42 on 9/28/2022.

Ruth Spenader Mason ’45 on 9/22/2021.

John M. Roe ’45 on 6/17/2022.

Mary Frances Zilly ’45 on 10/14/2022.

Eleanore Vinci Scott ’46 on 1/21/2022.

Joy Kerler King ’47 on 5/21/2022.

Mary Compton Steller ’48 on 11/22/2022.

Beatrice Weiss Edgette ’49 on 6/15/2022.

Clifford M. Gilson ’49 on 4/4/2022.

Donald F. Emery ’50 on 6/5/2022.

Marjorie Dodge Greene ’50 on 6/30/2022.

Bernard Weaver Jr. ’51 on 5/1/2022.

Priscilla Chandler Cross Ruppe ’52 on 12/5/2022.

Gerald E. Gill ’53 on 7/23/2022.

Alan J. Sherman ’53 on 7/21/2022.

David Y. Williams ’53 on 4/21/2022.

John R. Van Dyke ’54 on 10/20/2022.

June Padley Jackson ’56 on 5/9/2022.

T. David Yount ’56 on 1/13/2022.

Fred H. Baerenz ’57 on 9/8/2020.

Jane Ella Hempstead ’57 on 3/8/2022.

Joseph F. LaGuess Jr. ’57 on 8/26/2022.

George E. Olson ’57 on 10/6/2022.

Donald F. Pickard ’57 on 5/2/2022.

Gary D. Greer ’58 on 5/5/2022.

Ronald E. Dudas ’59 on 4/29/2022.

Diane Penrod Maller ’59 on 5/2/2022.

Bruce E. Trumbo ’59 on 7/8/2022.

Gordon Faubel ’60 on 11/28/2022.

In Memoriam

Henry

Joe, Professor Emeritus of Art

Henry Joe, age 94, professor emeritus of art at Knox College, passed away at 5:25 pm on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, Illinois. He was born on July 2, 1927, in Bingham, Utah, and is the son of Young-ho and Sung Kum Joe. He grew up in Butte, Montana, and completed his higher education at the University of Montana in Missoula. There he studied fine arts under the mentorship of Rudy Autio, graduating with a B.A., M.A., and an M.F.A., at the time the terminal degree in his chosen field. He also did graduate work at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Joe began his teaching career in ceramics, sculpture, and Asian art history at Knox in 1967. He also served as chair of the Department of Art until his retirement in 1995.

“Henry was passionate about the belief that clay is mystical and the human touch on clay is uniquely expressive,” said Mark Holmes, associate professor and chair of the art program. “He believed that clay is an extension of human and spiritual consciousness, and many of his students felt connected to a larger movement through ceramics.”

“Henry was a kind, humble, and gentle soul, who was also a seeker of knowledge,” said Michael Godsil, instructor in art. “I know that he touched the lives of many of his students in profound and lasting ways. The world is a poorer place without Henry among us.”

Joe is survived by his wife, Patricia of Monmouth, Illinois, and two sons, Wesley Joe and spouse, Niharika, of Arlington, Virginia, and Jonathan Joe and partner, Monica, of Portland, Oregon.

In Memoriam

James “Jim” S. Dyer, Assistant Professor and Chair of Journalism

James “Jim” S. Dyer, highly respected assistant professor and chair of journalism at Knox College, passed away on February 12, 2023.

A member of the Knox faculty since 2013, Dyer made innumerable contributions to the department and the College. His primary teaching interests centered around narrative feature writing, media law and ethics, multimedia journalism, and oral history.

Dyer received a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish from the University of Minnesota in 1989, masters of arts in journalism and Spanish from the University of Iowa in 2002 and 2006, and a doctorate in Spanish from the University of Iowa in 2017.

“Jim was loved and respected by his students and faculty colleagues alike, and future Knox students will be the poorer for not having the opportunity to have their lives enhanced by being taught or mentored by Professor Jim Dyer,” Michael Godsil, associate professor and professor of practice in art, said.

Dyer’s career before Knox was as interesting as it was impressive. After finishing graduate school at the University of Iowa, he worked for five years covering the crime beat at the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald and the Quad-City Times. Later in his career, he was among a dozen journalists nationwide chosen by the National Press Foundation to work and study in Morelos, Mexico. While there, he worked for La Jornada covering the massacre of peaceful protesters in Tepoztlan by government troops.

In 1997, Dyer was hired by the Detroit News to cover the criminal court system, investigating a story that exposed that nearly 40 percent of Detroit’s felony cases were dismissed because of institutional malfeasance. When relations soured between Iraq and the United States in 1998, the Detroit News chose Dyer, who had only been at the paper for 15 months, to cover it because of his experience living and working overseas and his storytelling skills.

After joining the faculty at Knox in 2013, Dyer spent nearly a decade immersing himself in oral history, conducting hundreds of in-depth interviews of Galesburg residents, Knox alumni, and many others. Dyer also served the College as a volunteer assistant tennis coach for men’s and women’s tennis. He also worked with students to create the “Live Lit Storytelling” club, which held live storytelling nights at Cherry Street Restaurant for several years.

Dyer’s career was filled with awards and accomplishments, including multiple nominations for the Pulitzer Prize (1997, 1999, 2001). He received many journalistic awards, including the W. Earl Hall Award for Interpretive Writing (1992), the National Press Foundation’s Spanish Fellowship Abroad Award (1996), and the Detroit Press Foundation Public Service Award (1997). His career in teaching also saw many accolades, including the Sandra H. Barkan Graduate Student Outstanding Mentor Award (2009) and a grant from the Center for News Literacy for Bringing News Literacy to Knox College and Galesburg Area (2014).

Donald L. Zelle ’60 on 10/22/2019.

Denis M. Bohm ’61 on 10/23/2022.

Sara Westerfield Guth ’61 on 5/29/2022.

Phillip G. Kempher ’61 on 6/16/2020.

Virginia L. Folk ’62 on 11/14/2020.

Mary Karr Merikle ’62 on 4/24/2022.

Kent D. Talbot ’62 on 4/13/2021.

Nedra Howard Offenberger ’63 on 1/6/2023.

Cole Jon Pierce ’63 on 10/6/2022.

Charles F. Junod III ’64 on 10/7/2022.

Brian S. Leekley ’64 on 6/13/2022.

Lawrence E. Murdock ’64 on 5/18/2022.

Raymond J. Santini ’64 on 9/2/2022.

James H. Alvey ’65 on 6/4/2022.

Robert D. Darnell ’65 on 10/7/2022.

Donald F. Klein ’65 on 6/29/2021.

Gary B. Schneider ’65 on 10/18/2022.

Kenneth Kenji Okimoto ’66 on 10/20/2020.

Howard A. Counts ’69 on 6/20/2022.

Norma Carlson Forbrich ’69 on 3/3/2019.

Michael Stephen “Steve” Doherty ’70 on 11/12/2022.

Fred Keeperman ’70 on 10/1/2022.

Ruth A. Kelley ’70 on 10/4/2022.

Carol Siegel Clegg ’71 on 4/29/2022.

Floyd D. Flexon ’71 on 4/19/2022.

Barbara Catherine Kozlowski ’71 on 7/26/2022.

Ann Christianson ’72 on 10/18/2018.

David Ferlic ’73 on 6/17/22.

Alan Lee Johnson ’73 on 4/2/2022.

Chris Eik Winick ’73 on 11/5/22.

Laura Kohl Dare ’74 on 10/12/2022.

Ron Krumm ’74 on 9/16/2022.

Augustus Scott ’74 on 11/17/2022.

Robert E. Sypniewski ’74 on 5/17/2022.

Mary E. Becker ’75 on 6/1/2022.

David R. Dobkin ’75 on 4/3/2022.

Craig Steele ’76 on 11/26/22.

William P. Paradise ’81 on 3/23/2022.

Laurence Msall ’84 on 2/4/23.

Jeong “Joan” Park ’91 on 1/23/23.

Michael R. Ramage ’93 on 6/22/2021.

Anne Duda Mayes ’97 on 6/23/2022.

Erik Nelson ’96 on 12/7/2022.

Megan A. Rose ’12 on 5/15/2022.

Deaths of Friends

Joyce L. Griffith, spouse of Roger O. Griffith ’63, on 12/26/2017.

Shirley Anderson, spouse of Dean Anderson ’77, on 5/6/2019.

Charles Borden, friend of the College, on 11/2/2020.

Dolores A. Nelson, former administrative assistant, on 10/1/2021.

Carolyn J. Stupin, sister of Trustee Barbara Baird Holowka ’73, on 12/3/2021.

Bernard (Bernie) Taylor, parent of former student Mark Taylor ’03, on 12/11/2021.

PETER BAILLEY ’74

Hans E. Pedersen, spouse of Shirley Nichols Pedersen ’61, on 12/29/2021.

MaryLee Helander, spouse of Chuck Helander ’67, on 1/4/2022.

Claudia A. Wiegert, spouse of Ross B. Wiegert ’71, on 1/12/2022.

Charles W. Gear, spouse of Ann Lee Morgan ’62, on 3/15/2022.

Shirley Ann Goodman, spouse of Lindell Goodman ’72 and mother of Guy Goodman ’92, on 4/1/2022.

Henry Joe, emeritus faculty in art, spouse of Patricia Joe ’72, on 4/2/2022.

Harvey (Hank) Waters, spouse of Marjorie

Stuart Waters ’52, on 4/11/2022.

David Earl Hodge Sr., former facilities employee and parent of former student Alisha Hodge ’97, on 5/3/2022.

Kenneth Elmer Schrader, father of Kim Schrader, Title IX coordinator, on 5/15/2022.

Frances Trenka, spouse of Charles Trenka ’47, on 5/18/2022.

Sandra K. Busch, mother of Patrick Busch, C Store manager, on 6/1/2022.

Rachel M. Miller, former employee, on 6/8/2022.

Tom Glastras, former faculty member in music, on 6/9/2022.

Pamela L Wyman, friend of the College, on 6/14/2022.

Carol K. Lind, former employee in development, on 6/18/2022.

Ramakrishna Puligandla, former instructor in philosophy, on 6/23/2022.

Cecilia E. “Tedi” (Glasnovich) Maxwell, parent of Vicki Swedlund, counseling services, on 7/21/2022.

Nancy Stamp-Kopelman, spouse of Ian Kopelman ’71 and mother of Meredith Kopelman ’08, on 7/30/2022.

Craig R. Ferguson, spouse of Ruth Goering Ferguson ’67, on 8/2/2022.

Judith (Judi) Spear, spouse of Alan Spear ’70, on 8/5/2022

Lawrence Larsen, former professor of German, on 9/12/2022.

Doris Vacek, mother of Jill Vacek Brugioni ’82, on 11/9/2022.

Karen P. Dapron, spouse of David Dapron ’72, on 11/10/2022.

Earl Warren Nelson, father of Jodelle Nelson Van Duyn ’72, on 11/11/2022.

Tomoko Hayashi, mother of Natsumi Hayashi, visiting instructor of Japanese, on 12/11/2022.

Marcella Swanson, mother of Carolyne (Swanson) McPherson ’68 and Dr. Peggy (Swanson) Culbertson ’71, on 12/30/2022.

Margaret H. Harmon, mother of Trustee Don Harmon ’88, on 1/1/2023

Ian Smith, son of English faculty members Rob Smith and Barbara Tannert-Smith, on 1/16/2023.

Filomena Pia, mother of Alex Pia, director of international student services, on 1/17/2023.

Steve Benedict, spouse of Karen Benedict, assistant registrar, on 1/23/23.

In Memoriam

Monica Berlin ’95, Richard P. & Sophia D. Henke Distinguished Professor of English

Monica Berlin ’95, the beloved and respected Richard P. & Sophia D. Henke Distinguished Professor of English at Knox College, passed away on November 4, 2022.

A member of the Knox faculty since 1998, Berlin made an enormous and transformative impact through her courses in creative writing, poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, modern, contemporary, and 21st-century American literature. Berlin received a bachelor of arts degree in creative writing from Knox College in 1995, a master of arts in literature and composition from Western Illinois University in 1998, and a master of fine arts in poetry from Vermont College in 2002.

“Monica will be remembered for the unapologetic commitment and intensity she brought to her work with students, advisees, her colleagues, and writers of all types. The number of students she inspired fills us with awe.” said Michael Schneider, provost and dean of the College.

Berlin was a highly regarded leader on campus and within the Galesburg community in a number of highvisibility roles. She served as chair for the English department, associate director of the creative writing program, and, locally, on the Galesburg Public Library board of trustees.

Many Knox creative writing students remember Berlin’s role as director of the Space, a writing and literary center found in the heart of Galesburg. The Space held many events, including live readings of student portfolios to cap off their creative writing majors. Berlin’s role in directing the Space helped bring all corners of the Knox community together and enjoy the art of the written word.

“Monica’s fierce love for the words, for poetry, her students, her colleagues, the college, and those she held close was mighty. She offered unflinching loyalty, razorsharp insights, and boundless kindness. She gave the absolute best and inspired the absolute best in all of us, asking only that we hold ourselves honestly to account. And so we must,” said Elizabeth Carlin Metz, Smith V. Brand Distinguished Professor of Theatre and chair of arts administration.

Berlin’s list of professional honors is extensive. She was honored early in her teaching career, being awarded the Philip Green Wright-Lombard College Prize for Distinguished Teaching in 2003. She won the Knox College Young Alumni Achievement Award in 2007, the New Measure Poetry Prize in 2013, the Heartland Poetry Prize in 2015, and was named the winner of the 2018 Crab Orchard Poetry Series Open. Berlin was also named co-winner, with Beth Marzoni ’04, of the 2013 Ellipsis award and received a finalist award from the Illinois Arts Council in 2005.

Berlin’s poems and essays were published in a number of journals over the years, including Bennington Review, The Cincinnati Review, Colorado Review, Midwestern Gothic, and more. Berlin published three books, including her most recent release Elsewhere, That Small, a collection of poetry used to address the relentless nature of day-to-day experiences and ordinariness. Berlin also gave over a dozen different live literary presentations around the country.

“I am thinking of Monica’s steady gait, as we walked together with a group of students from Old Main, over the Third Street bridge, to the Sandburg birthplace. A dozen years. I think of her fixing my hood for commencement. Her holding my first-born baby. My holding her baby. Her recipe for almond cupcakes. Her delight in Sunshine’s pinwheel cookies. Her bad Spanish and French, which always cracked me up. Few people on earth were ever more present to me than Monica, on her porch, on the phone, in her poems. Neighbors in Old Main for so many years, cousins in a way, our lives spilled over into each other’s office. We were always testing out new signals to summon each other from behind the wall,” said Nick Regiacorte, associate professor of English and director of creative writing.

Gifts may be made to the Monica Berlin Memorial fund at knox.edu/berlin-fund

Troy Takes the Cake

Troy Crum, warehouse manager, moves the wooden Founders Day cake to a celebration in the Seymour Union.

Photo by Steve Davis

Parting Shot

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