Lowell Alumni Association SERVING THE OLDEST PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL IN THE WEST SINCE 1910
DISTRIBUTION: 30,000
Autumn 2005
150th Celebration Will Span 2006
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s befits the oldest public high school in the western states, Lowell’s sesquicentennial celebration will include a broad range of events throughout 2006. “Our goal is to offer something for everyone, from small gatherings to large and at various different times of year, so that every Lowell alum, faculty member, student and friend will want to participate in one or more of these events,” said Terry Abad ’76, Director of Alumni Relations and Development for the Lowell Alumni Association and chair of the Sesquicentennial Committee. Beginning with a series of public meetings this past February, and continuing with a number of letters and e-mails since then, Lowell alumni and friends have been sharing their ideas on how best to celebrate this significant milestone. The most difficult task, according to committee member Claudia (Wolf ) Eshoo ’67, was selecting from among the many excellent suggestions. “In the end, I think we’ve found a nice balance,” she said.
Of the three major sesquicentennial events, the February 25th cocktail party in the elegant and majestic rotunda of San Francisco’s City Hall best exemplifies Lowell’s deep connections with the city. To further emphasize those connections, the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society will be working with us to mount a special display of Lowell artifacts and memorabilia that will be displayed in the south light court at City Hall in February, 2006. Jim Lazarus, the proud father of three Lowell alumni and one current Lowell student, is an officer of the historical society and has been instrumental in arranging for this special display to commemorate Lowell’s 150th anniversary. Be sure to join us for this very special kickoff to the 2006 festivities! The celebration moves downtown for the gala Sesquicentennial Banquet on June 3rd, 2006, at Moscone Center – the only venue in the city large enough for the enthusiastic continued on page 3
MAJOR SESQUICENTENNIAL EVENTS Saturday, February 25, 2006 Gala Cocktail Party and Historical Display San Francisco City Hall
Saturday, June 3, 2006 Sesquicentennial Banquet “A Tribute to Teachers” Moscone Center
Saturday, October 7, 2006 “Day on Campus” Lowell High School For More Information or to Ensure That You Receive Invitations to These Events, Contact Us at (415) 759-7830 or 150TH@lowellalumni.org And Provide Us With Your Current E-Mail and Mailing Addresses
Dr. David Lieu ‘73, third from left, presents his donation during ceremonies held at Lowell in October. With him, from left to right, are Lowell science teacher Dr. Ray Hill, retired science department head Peter Dahl ‘53, the LAA’s Terry Abad ‘76, Principal Paul Cheng and LAA Executive Director Paul Lucey.
Alum Endows Science Fund
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s the beneficiary of the largest single donation the Lowell Alumni Association has ever received from a living alumnus, science education at Lowell has just received a significant boost. Dr. David Lieu ’73 and his wife, Dr. Diana Lieu, with an initial gift of $100,000, have established a special endowment fund in their names to advance science education at Lowell. In remarks made at Lowell on October 10th, Dr. Lieu explained that he gives much of the credit for his successful career in medicine to Lowell’s science teachers, especially his AP Chemistry teacher, Peter Dahl ’53. He recalled that, when he enrolled in AP Chemistry as a sophomore, Mr. Dahl warned him that nobody that young had ever done well in the course or on the AP exam. After earning an A in the class and a score of 5 on the AP exam, no Lowell sophomore would ever again hear that same warning. The Lieu Science Endowment Fund will support three important initiatives:
• Student science awards – the Dong Lieu Memorial Prize in Science, named after Dr. Lieu’s late father, will recognize superior achievement in science by continuing Lowell students. Honorees will receive cash awards to be used to enroll in advanced science or math courses during the summer. • Faculty professional development – the Peter Dahl Honorary Fellowship for Teaching Excellence in Science will fund special professional development programs for Lowell science teachers to enhance their teaching skills in order to benefit Lowell students. • Science equipment/supplies – the Science Department Fund will provide additional funds to support science education at Lowell, as directed by the department head in consultation with the alumni association. Dacotah Swett, head of Lowell’s science continued on page 19
Lowell’s Judges Of The Millennium “You be the Judge,” Assistant Attorney General), said Governors Davis and Calif. Supreme Court Law Schwarzenegger and so it Clerk, adjunct professor of came to pass – David De Alba Law, University of Northern ’73 and Gerald Buchwald California School of Law and ’F65 were appointed to McGeorge School of Law; judgeships in the Superior Arbitrator for the State Bar, Court. Lowell’s Millennium President, La Raza Lawyers jurists are His Honor, Judge Association of Sacramento, De Alba, Sacramento County and in numerous other (2001) and His Honor, Judge capacities assisting the Buchwald, San Mateo County Attorney General (20+ years) David De Alba ’73 (2005). in upholding the law (both In these school-oriented profiles we’ll civil and criminal matters) in a fast-growing refer to David as the sophomore judge and urban environment. He is especially proud Gerry the freshman jurist. of arguing four cases before the California This newsletter neglected David when he Supreme Court, especially on litigation ariswas appointed way up there in Sacramento, ing from the 1986 floods. Most recently he out of the Bay Area Lowell loop, so to provided policy advice to the state Attorney speak. Now it is a pleasure to recognize and General in matters dealing with firearms, congratulate him on his distinguished career assault weapons, medical marijuana, drugs and appointment. and alcohol, and safe schools. This writer met His Honor at the LSF When asked what advice he had for Hall of Fame banquet, which he attended attorneys appearing before him, “preparawith his brothers, Ricardo and Fernando tion, civility, and a little bit of decorum,” I believe, making him hard to distinguish he replied. In regard to preparation, attoramong his look-alike siblings. They were all neys should “know their case and know charming and a pleasure to talk to. what you want the court to do.” Civility Judge De Alba earned his law degree means “patience with witnesses, opposing from UCLA Law School and has served counsel and court staff.” Lastly, decorum in a variety of public-service assignments: means showing some deference to court State Attorney General’s office (Special formalities, in part because it reflects on the
“integrity of the process. I’ve and Steve Levin whipping noticed it has become a little up enthusiasm for Saturday’s too complacent and casual in game: Are…you…ready? His addressing the court and premini-bio under his graduparing cases. We could use a ation picture was right on little tightening up.” track: Northwestern, ambiDavid is the son of tion: Law. Mexican immigrants and His Honor has always was raised in the Bayview been a loyal Lowellite, keepDistrict. Lucky for Lowell, ing in touch in various ways he (and four siblings, with the Alumni Association Martha, Fernando, Rachel, and the school. His latest and Ricardo) chose to make Gerald Buchwald ’F65 endeavor is on the reunion the trip to the school in the Lakeside to give committee for the 40th reunion of his class, him a “leg up” on the educational ladder to to be held this fall in the banquet room of UCLA and a distinguished legal career. His the new Clubhouse at the Harding Park golf proud parents still live in the family home. course. David can be seen in his 1971 Red & White The Judge has had more than 30 years as a member of coach Don Richardson’s as a civil litigator. He had been a partner varsity baseball team. with Ropers, Majeski, Kohn, and Bentley Lowell proudly welcomes Judge De Alba since 1999. Prior to that he worked as to the ranks of alumni Superior Court Judges an attorney and partner for Severson and – 32 (past and present) and counting! Werson for more than two decades. During David’s “freshman” Superior Court col- the year 1973-74, he served as law clerk for league, Judge Gerald Buchwald enjoyed his California Chief Justice Donald R. Wright. Ceremonial Swearing-In Sept. 16th in the Gerald earned his Juris Doctorate degree historic Old San Mateo County Courthouse from Northwestern University School of in Redwood City. Law and a B.S. degree from the same uniPrior to the swearing-in, this writer went versity. to Jerry’s yearbook to refresh his memory His public swearing-in was a somber of the exuberant Head Yell Leader. There he was in his Scroll hat with Chuck Everett continued on page 3
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Lowell Alumni Association
Reunion News Classes of 1935 and 1936 Hold Joint Reunion Nearly 50 classmates and guests from the classes of ’35 and ’36 gathered last month for a reunion luncheon at the Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco. Led by the irresistible Georgia (Heller) Bellamy and ably assisted by Marie (Righetti) Weaver, Bob Mendle and Harvey Masonek, this was one of only a handful of 70-year Lowell reunions ever held. The group is eagerly anticipating future reunions in hopes of setting a new Lowell record. In the meantime, this year’s reunion resulted in a $500 donation to support the Lowell Alumni Association’s scholarship program.
Pioneer Class of 1965 Raises Over $10,000 The Lowell Pioneer Class of 1965 had a very successful 40-year reunion last month with a threeday schedule of events. On Friday, October 7th, they had a cocktail party at the famous Tommy’s Joynt. Then, on Saturday, October 8th, over 200 grads were welcomed to the historic Concordia Club by the Lowell Band before enjoying dinner, dancing and a successful auction. Many in attendance had never attended a Lowell reunion before – and they came from France and Japan or had trekked through East coast storms to get there. The weekend was packed with fun and excitement . . . Blue Angels, Fleet Week and the Class of ‘65 Reunion. On Sunday, October 9th, the families of the Class of ‘65 gathered for a rally at Lowell and saw all the new buildings and for some they saw the football field for the first time. Now the class wants more frequent reunions. Not only was a great time had by all, but the class also raised over $10,000 to donate in a new and pioneering way to help Lowell. (This continues a great tradition of Lowell class reunion giving that began with the ’65 group 25 years ago and now has spread to many other classes.) Many thanks to everyone from the Class of ’65, especially Roberta Bleiweiss and her outstanding reunion committee!
Class of 1985 The “Rowdy and Live Class of ’85” gathered at the Radisson Miyako Hotel on Saturday, September 17, 2005, to celebrate our 20-year reunion. Over 200 enthusiastic classmates and guests reunited and shared stories, photos, and plenty of laughter as we reminisced about our Lowell days when we competed for bragging rights during Spirit Week, sold gnarly frozen burritos for class fundraisers, and crammed for Mr. Granucci’s history exams! Thanks to classmates Stephanie (Fishkin) Dark and Ursula (Rothstein) Ellis for locating lost alums; Javier Gonzales (owner of THE “Music Masters” from back in the day!) for Dj’ing; John Sloan Classmates (front) Cyndi Ikeda, Liane Yasumoto; (rear) for guest Dj’ing, Kevin Pardo for Michael Ho, Laura (Penley) Springer, Kai Mander, videotaping for the archives; John Mariyn (Fong) Yu, Stanley Chen) Tam for designing the invitations and creating the “Fun Facts Poster Boards”; Nelson Wong for designing and maintaining our website (www.lowell85.com); and several classmates for working at the reception table. Special thanks to the reunion committee: Geralyn Chin, Sheri (Chin) Co, Sabrina GeeShin, Liane Yasumoto, Sharon (Chew) Yee, and Marilyn (Fong) Yu. We look forward to seeing everybody at the next reunion!
Autumn 2005
REUNION CALENDAR Classes of January & June 1950 and January 1951 – 55 Year Reunion Date/Venue TBA You have responded enthusiastically to the e-mail we sent to plan for our 55-year reunion next Spring. The class of ‘49 got a little ahead of us this year, but we will catch up. Our committee of 18 is looking forward to another reunion next year, rather than waiting until 2010. Expect an announcement in the mail shortly to announce a date and place. Very sorry to say a few members of our planning group for our 50th in 2000 have passed away: Al Meister, Margot Bernstien Kohen and Bob Rouda. Current Committe: Don Green, Don Gold, Noel Hanford Straus, Don Cheu, Jack Rising, Rachelle Reyes, Warren Debenham, John Fletcher, Joe Rotenberg, Cookie Holtz Leiber, Bob Glasson, Bob Miller, Jerry Ambinder, Pat Horne LeRocker, Laura Lau Fong, Fred George, Alan Wendroff and Klaus Mortimer. Please give a call or send us your email if you were not on our list the first time around. Contact Don Green at (415) 751-4992 or dsga22@aol.com, Noel Hanford at (760) 321-0056 or lhanford@ix.netcom.com, Warren Debenham at (510) 524-0440 or wdebenham@mindspring.com or Joe Rotenberg at (415) 435-2317
Classes of January and June 1956 – 50 Year Reunion Saturday, October 21st, 2006 at the Presidio Golf Club Invitations will be mailed in mid-2006. We are also working on an open house at the Hayes & Masonic campus, tentatively scheduled for the morning of October 21st, but more details will be announced in the next newsletter. Contact Tom Nyhan at (707) 539-5788 or tnyhan@aol.com Also visit http://lowell_1956.home.comcast.net
Class of Fall 1965 (January 1966) – 40 Year Reunion Saturday, January 7th, 2006 at the new Harding Park Golf Course clubhouse at Lake Merced Cocktails at 6pm, followed by buffet dinner. Please join your classmates for a memorable 40-year reunion. Help spread the word to classmates who may not see this notice. Contact Melody (Moss) Pagee at dpagee@aol.com or (650) 854-2381 or Norm Ronneberg at njronneberg@aol.com or (510) 527-1701.
Class of June 1966 – 40 Year Reunion Date/Venue TBA We are starting to plan our 40-year reunion in conjunction with the Lowell Sesquicentennial in 2006. If you are interested in helping out in any small or large way, please visit our class website and let us know! Join our class mailing list by sending a blank email to Lowell66-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Thanks! Contact Carol Lincoln Anderson or Ed Tang at lowell_66@comcast.net Visit http://lowell_66.home.comcast.net
Class of 1976 – 30 Year Reunion Date/Venue TBA Interested in helping to plan a special reunion event to keep the “Spirit of ‘76” alive? Just let us know if you can help and be sure to remind our classmates. Contact Terry Abad at lowellaa@lowellalumni.org
Class of 1986 – 20 Year Reunion Date/Venue TBA Our 20-year reunion is in the planning stages. Please contact us if you’d like to join the reunion committee. We are particularly interested in finding someone to create and maintain our reunion website. Please update your home and e-mail addresses with the alumni association to make sure you receive notice of the reunion and please tell your friends because we seem to have many “lost” classmates. You can find a full list of “lost” classmates at www. lowellalumni.org. More details to follow in the next newsletter. Contact Evelyn (Achuck) Yue at (650) 363-8750, or Michelle (Tom) Kaneshiro at (510) 865-1228.
Class of 1996 – 10 Year Reunion Date/Venue TBA We are beginning to plan our 10-year reunion. If anyone is interested in being a part of this committee, please let us know. Contact Tiffany Tamura at thumperso77@yahoo.com
LOWELL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Paul A. Lucey Executive Director
Lisa Coughlin Clay ’74 President
Jim Rosenthal ’50 Vice President
Joseph Ehrman III ’41 Treasurer
Claudia Wolf Eshoo ’67 Secretary
Alan Wendroff ’50 Vice President, Planning & Development
Terence Abad ’76 Director, Alumni Relations & Development
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jack Anderson ’50 Patricia Pivnick Levin ’67 Roberta Bleiweiss ’65 Christine Linnenbach ’89 Leon Blum ’52 Natalie Manfredi Holton’88 Mike Bower ’67 Emily Moto Murase ’83 Cathryn Brash ’43 Anita Payton ’74 Dave Hagerman ’72 Georgene Poulakidas ’88 Bert Horn ’40 Geraldine Rosen-Park ’77 Helen Louie Wax ’66, Southern California Representative;
Wendy Drefke Shinbori ’68 Bruce Spiegelman ’68 Paul Tam ’82 Mike Ugawa ’76 Dawn Stephens Walker ’74 Rita Yee ’73 Paul Cheng, Principal
PUBLISHED BY THE LOWELL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Reunion Committees Your Lowell Alumni Association Will . . . ✓ Mail you address labels for all your class members who have a current address ✓ Mail or e-mail you 3 different lists of class members 1. Known grads 2. Lost grads 3. Deceased grads ✓ Tip Sheet on how to keep track of your class and how to find lost grads Just ask! Phone 415/759-7830 or send a message through our website: www.LowellAlumni.org
Autumn 2005
Lowell Alumni Association
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2005 Campaign Hoping For Strong Finish By Terence Abad ’76
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ore than 1,700 alumni and other friends have helped fuel the progress of our 2005 Annual Fund Campaign with their generous donations, allowing us to fund some of the special projects to benefit today’s Lowell students. Most importantly, the Lowell Alumni Association continued its strong partnership with the Lowell PTSA by providing $100,000 earlier this year to help Lowell maintain the teachers, counselors, librarians and other staff needed to support Lowell’s unique and varied curriculum. The PTSA again provided the lion’s share of funding for these positions – more than $350,000 this school year – showing once again that Lowell’s parent community shares our commitment to enhancing the Lowell experience for today’s talented students. Beyond those critical staffing needs, Lowell department heads selected specific projects that would most enhance their programs. The total price tag for these projects is $170,000, of which we have been able
to fund nearly $75,000. But that leaves us almost $100,000 short of our overall goal, so we are asking your help in bridging this gap during the final weeks of this year’s campaign in order to fully fund each of these important projects. For the English department, the Readers Program has a direct impact on student writing. According to department head Elizabeth Rogers, “This program allows us to pay small stipends to retired teachers and graduate students who then help our faculty give detailed feedback on student writing assignments. Without this help, teachers simply wouldn’t have time to review these papers as closely and would likely require fewer written assignments.” Given the department’s efforts to improve the quality of student writing, the Readers Program is an important aspect of the overall plan to provide today’s students a solid foundation for future success as effective communicators and leaders. Teacher Dorothy Ong reports that the World Languages department has already put 2005 Annual Fund Campaign proceeds
150th Celebration continued from page 1 crowd of Lowell alumni, faculty, students, parents and friends we expect will turn out to celebrate and reminisce with friends old and new. The banquet’s special theme, “A Tribute to Teachers,” provides the entire Lowell community the opportunity to pay its respects to the hundreds of outstanding teachers, counselors, librarians, administrators, coaches and other staff who have helped to build and maintain Lowell’s welldeserved reputation as one of the nation’s finest high schools. The third floor lobby at Moscone West, with its floor to ceiling glass walls affording a dazzling view of the city’s evening skyline, will be the setting for pre-dinner cocktails and socializing before we move into the city’s largest ballroom for an evening full of fun and more than a few surprises. We will be making a special effort to attract as many former and current faculty members as possible, so you will be able to offer your personal thanks to some of the
people who have played such a large role in Lowell’s success. Finally, on October 7th, 2006, the celebration makes its way to Lowell for an exciting and multi-faceted “Day on Campus” program, comprising a day-long schedule of special performances, presentations, discussions and all-around good times taking place throughout the school. Preliminary plans call for a football game that afternoon, so you’ll be able to help pack the stands to cheer on the Cardinals or perhaps attend a reunion of former school newspaper staffers in the journalism room or enjoy a musical revue in the Carol Channing Theater. We’ll have plenty of great events to choose from, so you’re bound to have a great time. Keep your eye on your mailboxes (both snail mail and e-mail) for more information about all of these events. And you’ll always find the latest Lowell Sesquicentennial information at www.lowellalumni.org. Be sure to join us in 2006 to show your Lowell pride. Go Lowell!
Major Donors – January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004 Note: The major donor list published in the last issue of the alumni newsletter omitted the names of some donors, to whom we offer our most sincere apology. The list below corrects those errors. A complete list of calendar year 2005 donors will appear in the next newsletter. VALEDICTORIANS ($10,000 or more) Robert Anino Trust ’28 Blume Foundation Capital Group Co Inc Richard & Rhoda Goldman Fund F. Warren Hellman ’51 Robert L Levin ’26 Anonymous ’47 Anonymous ’46 Tonny & Nora (Yeung) Yu ’84 SALUTATORIANS ($5,000 to $9,999) Donald G Fisher ’46 William Hair ’78 Basil P Kantzer ’29 Koret Foundation Special Grants Helen & Francis Ng
Patrick F Quan ’76 + Claude & Louise (Jankelson) Rosenberg ’46/’51 David Vickter Foundation Carla (Wagner) Reiter ’40 DEAN’S LIST ($2,500 to $4,999) Anonymous + Henry E Anderson ’36 Claudio Chiuchiarelli ’75 David Lieu ’73 Moody’s Foundation Lowell Alumni Assoc So Calif Chapter Wells Fargo Foundation Wai Lai Wong + indicates receipt of additional matching funds
Call for Reminiscences and Anecdotes from graduates and faculty 1989-2004 Your Alumni Association needs items about • Drama • Music • Sports
• Forensics • The Lowell newspaper • ROTC
Send to PO Box 320009, San Francisco CA 94132-0009 or by e-mail to LowellAA@LowellAlumni.org
to good use, purchasing additional software and equipment to expand language lab capacity in time for the May, 2005, Advanced Placement language exams: “The AP language exams include an oral component that we were able to conduct in the language lab. Students were able to submit high quality digital recordings to the College Board and administration of the language tests ran more smoothly than ever before. Thanks to the Lowell Alumni Association for funding this important project!” If you haven’t yet made a 2005 donation,
please consider doing so before year-end so that Lowell students can benefit from the expanded opportunities these projects will make possible. And if you’ve already donated, we hope you’ll consider a special yearend gift to help push this year’s campaign over the top. Thanks for all your generous and loyal support! Donations can be made by check (using the form and reply envelope found in this newsletter) or by major credit card (at www.lowell alumni.org/donate).
2005 Annual Fund Campaign Progress Report Goal
Funding to Date
$ 100,000
$ 100,000
$ 10,000 $ 15,000
$ 5,000 $ 5,000
$ 7,500
$ 3,750
$ 15,000
$ 7,500
Physical Education – climbing wall
$ 7,500
$ 3,750
Science – Biotechnology lab Science – Professional Development Science – SFSU Partnership
$ 30,000 $ 10,000 $ 10,000
$ 15,000 $ 4,800 $ 5,000
Social Studies – AP textbooks
$ 25,000
$ 12,500
Visual/Perf. Arts – Small theater
$ 15,000
$0
World Languages – Language lab
$ 25,000
$ 12,500
$ 270,000
$ 174,800
Staffing Needs English – Poets in the Schools English – Readers Program Library – Furniture Math – Teaching Materials
CAMPAIGN TOTALS
Judges Of The Millennium continued from page 1 and joyous occasion. Somber because of the presence of his colleagues in their judicial robes validating his appointment to the San Mateo County Superior Court. Somber yet joyous for the new Judge, surrounded by his wife and family, his former law partners and attorneys, myriad friends, and by several of his Lowell classmates in a mini-reunion, of sorts, to celebrate his appointment to the Bench: Alan Mendelson, David Gabriel, Ken Katz, Mo Budak, Adrienne Jacobs Miller, Bill Rae, Gordon Smith, and Walter Scott. Attorney Mendelson attested to Jerry’s
personal and professional qualities that have underscored their friendship for more than forty years. The children, Julie and Michael, told movingly of the joy it was to grow up with their father’s guidance. During the ceremony, Jerry’s mother, and his wife, Janet, were proud observers as he donned the robe of a Superior Court Judge. On behalf of the Lowell community, congratulations to the Honorable Gerald J. Buchwald. Lowell is twice blessed by the achievements of David and Gerry. Good Luck to Lowell’s Judges of the Millennium and their families. — PAL
LAA Board Member Honored for Recent Book
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lan Wendroff ‘50, Vice President, Planning & Development, for the Lowell Alumni Association as well as the V. P. for major events of the Association of Fundraising Professionals/ Golden Gate Chapter, recently received two distinguished honors for the second edition of his book on special events, Special Events, Proven Strategies for Nonprofit Fundraising, Second Edition (John Wiley & Sons, 2003). Alan received the Council for Advancement & Alan Wendroff (center), receives the H.S. Warwick Support of Education’s (CASE) Research Award from CASE. H. S. Warwick Research Award, potential donors and volunteers.” which recognizes research that Much of the book’s wisdom comes from is helpful to practitioners in devising strategies and tactics for accomplishing their Alan’s extensive personal background. For work. With 3,200 member organizations, more than ten years he served as the serving 38,000 advancement profession- area director for development for four als, CASE is the largest nonprofit educa- regional offices of the Anti-Defamation League. As a special event planer he has tion association in the world. In addition to the award from CASE, consulted on events ranging in size from Alan’s book has been selected by AFP 100 to 1,000-plus for such organizations international as the book of the month as The Bar Association of San Francisco, and no wonder with praise from nonprofit the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the leaders like Eugene Tempel, Director of Community Music Center (San Francisco). the Center for Philanthropy at Indiana The Lowell Alumni Association is truly University who says, “This updated ver- fortunate to be able to benefit from Alan’s sion of Wendroff ’s work is essential for wealth of experience and expertise. organizations seeking to involve today’s
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Lowell Alumni Association
Autumn 2005
Alumni Scholarships Awarded to 41 Students By Terence Abad ’76 Continuing one of the Lowell Alumni Association’s finest traditions, more than $60,000 in scholarships and awards was distributed to some of Lowell’s most outstanding students this past May as part of the LAA’s scholarship program. Of the 41 recipients, 38 are members of the class of 2005 and two are earlier graduates who are receiving continuing scholarships as Levin scholars. And the final recipient, Anthony Sharkey, is a member of the Lowell class of 2006 who was selected to receive the firstever Vicki Chin Memorial Writing Award, established to honor the memory of the late Vicki Chin ’67, one of Lowell’s most dedicated teachers. This year’s scholarship winners can be found all over the country, from Vermont to Texas and California to Massachusetts. And don’t forget what some college admissions officers lovingly refer to as the “fly0ver zone” – we’ve even got one scholar at Grinnell College in Iowa! Ten of this year’s recipients are studying at Berkeley, five are freshmen at Harvard and you’ll find four each at Stanford and UC Davis.
attending Berkeley to study computer science, just as Nicholas did. While individual scholarship amounts vary, the vast majority of recipients are awarded $750 or more, with a dozen students receiving at least $2,000. The Lowell Alumni Association now manages endowed scholarship funds in excess of $1 million, according to Wendy Drefke Shinbori ’68, the indefatigable chair of the LAA Scholarship Committee. Each year, Wendy
LAA Executive Director Paul Lucey congratulates Jonas Chin ’05, recipient of the Paul Lucey Scholarship and President of the Student Body Council, at the May, 2005 scholarship reception Another newly-established award, the Nicholas Ng Memorial Scholarship, honors the memory of this class of ’92 alum who passed away in 2003 and is a gift from Nick’s parents, Helen and Francis Ng. This very first recipient of the Ng Scholarship, Yuriy Shepelev, is a perfect match because he is
Anino Music Fund Challenge Ends on High Note Thanks to the leadership and extreme generosity of an anonymous alumnus, the Bob Anino Music Endowment Fund recently completed a very successful matching gift campaign that boosted the fund by more than $70,000 to its current level of just over $120,000. The anonymous donor pledged up to $50,000 to match, dollar-for-dollar, all new donations to the Anino Fund, which provides perpetual support to all of Lowell’s music programs. Established with an initial $50,000 bequest from the estate of the late Bob Anino ’29, beloved Lowell teacher, alumnus and composer of many Lowell spirit songs, the enhanced fund will be able to generate more than $6,000 in supplemental funding to Lowell’s music programs this year alone. In total, nearly 300 new donations were received during this special campaign, with total proceeds reaching 70% of the campaign’s goal of $50,000. Donors included alumni from classes ranging from 1927 through 2005 as well as several of Bob Anino’s faculty colleagues and other friends of Lowell. Particularly noteworthy was the donation of more than $1,900
from the May, 2005, joint reunion for the classes of Fall ’48, Spring ’49 and Fall ’49. And more than $1,000 of additional donations came from friends of Ken Wolff ’82 and Margaret Yee ’82 in honor of their December, 2004, wedding. Thanks for making this effort part of these very special events! Michele Winter, head of Lowell’s Visual and Performing Arts department and leader of the Lowell Orchestra, already has big plans for the first installment of Anino Fund money. “We’ll be buying a double bass, two piccolos and five piano benches, all of which are sorely needed and will provide a lasting reminder of Bob Anino’s legacy at Lowell,” says Winter. All facets of Lowell’s music program, including the Symphonic Band, Choir, Jazz Band and Orchestra, will benefit from the Anino Fund. To all who helped make this special campaign such a resounding success, many thanks on behalf of the thousands of Lowell music students who will benefit from these funds now and in the future.
and her loyal band of volunteers devote two very long days to interviewing more than 60 scholarship candidates, but she reports “ it’s really the most rewarding work you can do because you’re reminded every year of the truly remarkable students we have at Lowell, many of whom are the first in their family to attend college.” Congratulations and best wishes to all of this year’s scholarship recipients!
Student
Scholarship/Award
College
Lillian Amaechi Daniela Amodei Timothy Ando Daphne Chan Jacqueline Chein Yeni Chen Rex Chien Jonas Chin Hillary Chu Nicholas Commins Vanessa Contreras Charlie Dharmasukrit Landon Dickey Anthony Fong Raymond Ing Myron Jung Florence Kwo Jeffrey Kwong Gary Lau Jennifer Maria Lee Michelle Lew Steven Lew Nicholas Liao ’04 Valerie Liu Michelle Louie Richard Luong ’03 Peter Pan Nina Rosenberg Anthony Sharkey ‘06 Yuriy Shepelev Diana Siu Chao Sun Stanley Tan Kelly Walton Aiko Weverka Laura Wong Raymond Wong Derek Xie Jianni Xin Thomas Yeh Hilary Yip
Sesnon/Tolson Eckart Channing Channing Levin Barsotti Voyne/Neff/Harris Lucey Sherman Barker/Dealtry Anino Dealtry LAA/Repp Dealtry Yoshida Quan LAA/Repp Fineman Chapman Eckart Dealtry Shenson Levin Dealtry Repp Levin Dealtry Anino Chin Ng/Dealtry Repp Repp Voyne/Neff/Harris LAA/Repp Spangler Shafer/Repp Voyne/Neff/Harris Masonek Pence Repp Voyne/Neff/Harris
Loyola Marymount UC Santa Cruz UCLA UC Berkeley Stanford UC Davis Grinnell U of Houston Wellesley Harvard Undecided UC Berkeley Harvard UC Berkeley UC Davis U of the Pacific Yale Harvard UC Berkeley Rice UC Berkeley UC San Diego Stanford Harvard USC Stanford UC Berkeley Undecided N/A UC Berkeley Harvard Columbia UC Santa Barbara Brown Middlebury UC Berkeley UC Davis UC Berkeley UC Berkeley Stanford UC Davis
Be a Part of a Commemorative History of Lowell High School! The Alumni Association will be publishing a commemorative history of Lowell as a part of the school’s 150th Birthday Celebration. The book will include over 150 photos. There will be chapters covering the complete history of 150 years, subject areas, student activities, sports, curriculum, teachers, graduates, and more. There will be an accompanying CD ROM containing the names of all known Lowell graduates 1859 – 2005 and there may also be a listing (Directory) of everyone in our database with their date of graduation and address. If you do not want your address to be included, please notify us. Publication date will be August 2006. We need you to send us memories/stories of events, faculty, TA experiences, tributes, what Lowell means to you — for possible inclusion in the book. Type or email them, and please keep them short! If you have any photos, etc. to go with the memories or if you have any old photos that might be used in the commemorative history, send us a copy or a 300 dpi scan in jpg. Photos need to be dated and the event identified. Let us know if you want any photos/memorabilia returned to you. Otherwise, unique items will be added to the Alumni archive collection.
Mail to LAA, PO Box 320009, San Francisco CA 94132. For computer users, go to our website <www.LowellAlumni.org> to
send your memories. Take a minute or two and do it today!
1883 Classical students
1887 Classical students
These rare photographs of 19th Century Boys’ High School classes were donated to the Alumni Association by Daniel Stone ‘46. His gifts are a good example of the generosity that allows Lowell to document its rich history going back to the Civil War. Many thanks, Daniel! We hope that your thoughtfulness will encourage schoolmates to make similar contributions to the LAA archives.
Autumn 2005
Lowell Alumni Association
Page 5
Sports Foundation Banquet Sets New Records
T
he latest Lowell Sports Foundation Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, the fourth and best yet, was held this past June 11th at the Fairmont Hotel and set records for both attendance and financial support to Lowell’s athletic program. Nearly 400 alumni and friends gathered to remember and celebrate the accomplishments of 22 great Lowell alumni, ranging from Carlos Monsalve and Lee Valianos, both from the class of 1929, to Mitchell Jee ‘84 and five outstanding student athletes from the classes of 2004 and 2005. Local television and radio personalities, Mike Sugerman and Janice Wright, parents of a former Lowell athlete, again emceed the event. Many of this year’s inductees, including Randy Gaynor ’69 and Mike Susoev ’76, were joined by large rooting sections,
but the overall favorites seemed to be the Rubin twins, Stan and Steve, from the class of 1960. Stefan Wever ’76 had one of the best lines of the evening, explaining that he had been allotted only two minutes to speak, representing one minute for each inning he pitched in the major leagues as a New York Yankee. (Best sports trivia of the night also involves Wever who, until the Yanks obtained Randy Johnson, had been the tallest Yankee in history.) Special thanks to LSF President Dave Hagerman, event planners (and Lowell alums) Gary Weiner and Linda Noack, Lowell Athletic Director John Donohue and the entire LSF organization for putting on another truly memorable gathering of the Lowell tribe.
Caught in the Headlines By Terence Abad ’76 With the recent opening of the magnificent new de Young Museum, it seems like everything is happening in Golden Gate Park these days and, not surprisingly, Lowell alumni are to be found in the thick of things . . . kudos to Warren Hellman ’51 for bringing us the fifth and finest edition of his free Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival featuring the likes of Dolly Parton, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris and another 60 great acts . . . while Jack Anderson ’50 helped keep the Bay Area laughing with his 25th anniversary Comedy Day featuring another great line-up of top comics . . . and let’s offer congrats to Yomi Agunbiade ‘87 who was recently named General Manager of the SF Recreation and Parks Department by Mayor Newsom, following a stint as acting GM . . . meanwhile, at one of the special opening events at the new de Young, Lowellites were out in force -- including Alan Wendroff ’55 with his wife Lyllian, Judge Charles Breyer ‘59 and wife Sydney Goldstein ‘62 -- enjoying the de Young’s spectacular collection which includes works by our very own Richard Diebenkorn ‘39.
On the docket: Congrats to the Lowellites recently recognized as being among the top 100 Northern California “Super Lawyers” – David Fink ’78, Jerome Falk ’57, Deborah Schaefer Ballati ’68 and David Heilbron ’54 . . . while Vicki DeGoff ’62 and Deborah Schaefer Ballati ’68 made the list of the top 50 female “Super Lawyers” in Northern California… and speaking of super lawyers, how about Jill Hersh ’69 who made the headlines in August for winning a landmark ruling from the California Supreme Court recognizing the parental rights of members of same-sex couples. Winner’s Circle: David Shimmon ’76 was one of the owners of this year’s winner of horse racing’s Golden Gate Derby and the Santa Anita Derby, Buzzards Bay of Fog City Stables . . . and Buzzards Bay also ran in the Kentucky Derby this year, where he finished fifth. Shimmon is also a member of the board of directors of the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose. Sports page: Not many Lowell alums have ever been NCAA champs, but Mara Allen ’04 managed to do it as a freshman member of Cal’s varsity 8 women’s crew team, only the second Cal women’s team to ever win an NCAA title . . . and Mara also received the very first Lexus Gauntlet scholarship for outstanding sportsmanship . . . another outstanding rower is Avery Penna-Couttenye ’04, the coxswain and only female member of the Henley Rowing Club 8 that recently won the prestigious Henley Regatta’s Thames Challenge Cup, the club’s first such win since 1868!
Just when it looked like Justice Stephen Breyer ‘55 was about to end his near record-setting tenure as the most junior Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court (11 years and counting), nominee John Roberts was shifted to the Chief Justice position, so the waiting goes on while traditional seniority rules mean that Justice Breyer continues to announce his vote last in conference and is responsible for taking handwritten notes of the Court’s decisions on certiorari petitions . . . but his new book, “Active Liberty: Interpreting our Democratic Constitution,” has received accolades. My favorite Breyer quote, from a recent profile in The New Yorker, discussing how to approach questions of Constitutional interpretation: “. . . you can’t escape your background, your own experiences. And I start with Lowell High School, Class of 1955. That doesn’t mean a lot to you, but it means a lot to me.” You can find a link to the full article in the Alumni Spotlight section of the LAA website. Still on the bookshelf: Daniel Handler ‘88 (aka Lemony Snicket) just issued “The Penultimate Peril: Book the Twelfth” which is, not surprisingly, the 12th in his wildly popular series of books about the continually imperiled Baudelaire children . . . and Handler continues to regale interviewers with the amusing (although completely false, but why let that get in the way of a good yarn?) story that he was removed from the Lowell Wall of Fame due to fallout from his early novel “The Basic Eight,” a darkly fun but not-so-flattering tale of life at a San Francisco public high school close by Lake Merced . . . but let’s not overlook another new book, “I Have Chosen to Stay and Fight,” by comedianne Margaret Cho, perhaps Lowell’s most famous and successful dropout . . . According to a recent check at amazon.com, the surprising news is that Justice Breyer’s book is ranked #150, Handler’s latest is at #1,177 and Cho comes in at #2,919, which means either that Americans have turned very serious or that the 8 to 12 year-old crowd has yet to obtain their own credit cards. Great article in the SF Chronicle a few weeks ago by Duffy Jennings ’65 looking back at his Lowell classmates on the occasion of his 40-year class reunion . . . amazing range of personal stories, both the good and the bad . . . while another nice piece profiled the Sons in Retirement (SIR) group, founded in San Mateo in 1958 and now boasting 170 chapters with more than 25,000 members, including Raymond Lang ’36. For the latest news about Lowell alums, keep an eye on the Alumni Spotlight section of our website at www.lowellalumni. org.
LSF Hall of Fame inductee Randy Gaynor ’69 (far left) celebrates, along with Lowell teammates (from left to right) Steven Williams, Paul Ramirez, Mike Adelson, Jeff Layne (foreground), Jeff Beaver, Chris Stevenson and Tom Boyd.
Corrections
I
n the last issue of the alumni newsletter, we made a few mistakes in our list of the past Lowell Sports Hall of Fame inductees. Our most sincere apologies to these alums and their friends:
Gary Shemano ’63 SF Prep champion golfer; qualified for two National Junior Championships while at Lowell; four years on the USC golf team; played in 9 British Amateurs
Betty Mae (Cohn) Spiegelman ’43 Multiple tournament champ at Golden Gate Tennis Club while a student at Lowell; Paige Trophy winner for girls singles at age 18; 1943 SF tennis doubles winner
Ken Flower ’49 NorCal Prep Basketball Player of the Year; Collegiate All-American
Dragon Boating Takes Young Alums Far
B
ailey Zhao ’03 and a number of other recent Lowell grads comprise most of the participants on the Universities of California Dragon Boat team, which has earned the opportunity to represent the United States and its colleges in the Tianjin, China International Invitational College Dragon Boat Championships just last month. The team consists of 24 paddlers, of whom 21 are Lowell alumni. The Tianjin event attracted more than 100,000 spectators and a healthy number of international teams from countries such as Australia, Russia, Italy, China (Mainland, Hong Kong, Macau), Korea, Canada and the United States. The UC team placed 9th overall in the 500-meter event (3rd in their division) and 12th overall in the 5,000-meter event (6th in their division). For more information or to learn how you can help support the UC Dragon Boat team, visit www.calidragonboat.org.
More LAA History The feature article in our last issue, covering the modern history of the Lowell Alumni Association, failed to mention the important activities and contributions made over the past 17 years by our Southern California chapter. Founded by the late Jackie Gordon Sherman ’36, the group held its first Southern California luncheon in early 1988, featuring former California Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown ’23 as keynote speaker. Since then, eleven more luncheons have been held, with the most recent this past April in Burbank. Over the years, these events have helped keep local alumni informed about developments at Lowell, established and strengthened alumni
friendships and generated thousands of dollars in support for Lowell and the Lowell Alumni Association. Helen Louie Wax ’66 has led the group for many years after first helping to organize the 1990 luncheon. Other long-time members of the Southern California chapter’s steering committee have been the late Elisabeth Repp Cooper ’37, DeeDee Kabushco Walser ’41 and Nancy Martin Albrecht ’55. Thanks to all who have helped to keep the Lowell flag flying high in Southern California for nearly two decades – and get ready for the next Southern California luncheon, planned for April, 2007!
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Lowell Alumni Association
Autumn 2005
KEEPING IN TOUCH… 1921
Jun & Dec.
TERESA McKENNY celebrated her 101st birthday in Jan 2005.
1928
Jun & Dec.
HARRY GOODFRIEND says he is “Still hanging in there. I am now 95 years old.” HAROLD LEVY writes “The Lowell Alumni newsletter brings me memories of my service on the Lowell debating team. The enclosed is in the memory of our coach and History teacher, George Lorbeer.”
1929
Jun & Dec.
NATALIE HULBERT LEFEVRE comments “I hope when Lowell’s 150th anniversary comes up next year I will be notified & will be there if at all possible.” ARTHUR BECKER says he “Always enjoys reading the Alumni newsletter and keeping in touch with classmates and friends. Another year and all is well. Keep up the good work.”
1930
Jun & Dec.
JULIAN WEIDLER comments “Sorry we were not able to have a 75th class reunion. There are so few of us left. I go to the office every day and attend various community board meetings regularly.” At 91, JANICE GOODHUE is a white-haired spark plug. She is full of energy. You’d never guess her age, and unless someone tipped you off, you’d probably never uncover her alter ego. Janice Goodhue is a financial fairy godmother on a mission to make sure young military recruits are not forgotten, and to help at-risk children in this area. She has had a long, full life. Goodhue traveled the world with the Red Cross during World War II. She worked in the Nevada Legislature for nearly a decade in the ’60s. She has studied nursing, art and English. She’s established a network of friends from New York to Nevada. Her love of tutoring English as a Second Language students has gained her friends around the world and brought her close to children generations her junior. Goodhue adores the idea of offering children another language and the chance to see places that they probably would never see without her help. In 2001, she helped finance sending a class of 15 special-education students from Libby Booth Elementary School to Disneyland. Those children had mental and physical disabilities. Since then, she’s spent thousands more to send hundreds of kids at that same school on field trips, including excursions to zoos, museums and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The war has given Janice Goodhue focus. “I remember World War I, World War II and Vietnam. I saw good friends go to war. Some came back and some didn’t,” she said. “But now I see so many young men going off to war and dying at the ages of 19, 20 and 21. They never even had the chance to have children or families.” As Goodhue talks, tears well up in her eyes and her voice begins to quiver. She is very emotional about the children and the situation. And so, she is helping children here, now, in honor of the soldiers who never will be able to have children themselves. “I make sure that all of the teachers and the children on the trips that I help finance know that I am giving them money in honor of the troops in Iraq and in honor of the families that will never be,” she said. Goodhue lost her first husband in World War II. She never had children of her own, but has gone out of her way to help those in need. She is doing her part to help those at home, in honor of those who never will come home. She hopes that by telling her story here, others will realize they can play a part in making this community a family to span generations, disabilities and even the hardship of war.
1932
Jun & Dec.
FERN ISSERLIS STEEPLE emails that she would love to hear from her schoolmates – <ajoslin@epsteinjoslin.com>. The email address is that of her son.”
1933
Jun & Dec.
AL & DOROTHY PRAETZEL MAGGIO send “Best regards to all Lowell Alumni, particularly the 1933-34 classes.”
1934
Jun & Dec.
ESTHER POLLOCK NORTON comments “Would like to get in touch with Estelle Solomon.” (not in Alumni database – Ed) RUTH JANKE JOHNSON writes “Would enjoy hearing from other members of class of ’34. (When you ask for correspondence, you need to provide an email address or some other method! – ED). Marjorie Lee and Leone Gintzler ’34 have both passed away. I graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UC Berk. and taught high school for 30 yrs all over the world since my husband was a colonel in the Army. He died in 1979. In 1981 I married James Ambrose, who was Undersecretary of the Army and Acquisition Chief during the 8 years of the Reagan presidency. We lived in Arlington, VA.”
1935
June
CORRECTION: MARIE RIGHETTI WEAVER is very well and busy and not in the Sequoia Nursing Center. NOLA KELLER THEOBALD greets “Had an adventurous trip to Anchorage & Fairbanks Alaska this year and saw the Northern Lights. Hello again Cora Gould.” RUSSELL KANTER announces “Celebrating our 63rd anniversary this May; still bowling once a week; also very light gardening. Hope all my classmates are well.”
1936
Jan & Jun
JANET BO O’NEILL states “Have 5+ great grand children. House at Tahoe–travel. Lost a grandson in Afghanistan – sad.” EVERETT WITZEL says “Credit a share of my donation in memory of Milton Morrison ’36 who passed away this year. Milt and I met at Presidio High in 1930 and graduated from UC Berkeley in 1940. He served in the US Army from 1941-62 and retired as a Lt. Colonel. He was an avid S.F. Bay sailor.”
1937
Jan & Jun & Dec
FRANK WRIGHT emails “Good to see the Allen Gross and Joe Handlon items in your Spring 2005 issue. Let me add that I’m enjoying the retired life in Carmel, try to get to Paris once a year and the high Sierra now and then. Don’t play golf, but am still pretty good on the treadmill.” ELIZABETH KRELING RADIUS relates “Walter & I celebrated our 29th Second Marriage on May 30th. We have been at the Sequoias, Portola Valley since 1987 and enjoy this Life-Care facility. Before that we lived in Portland, OR and traveled throughout the world from China, the Middle East and Europe. Then at the Sequoias we continued travels to Greece, the Danube, Russia, Ireland and Morocco. However, for the past few years we’ve been limited to Yosemite, Mendocino and Carmel. However, we’re looking forward to a visit in Portland with my son and wife this year.” RALPH SCHWARZ announces “Pleased to report that my grandson, Alex Schwarz, is a teacher at Lowell.” INEZ ERICKSON THORNTON writes “I am in a retirement and assisted living place (if you need it) – loving it. Many activities for us. Wellness center across the street; fully equipped exercise, dance, water. MARGERY CULP BENTLEY reports “Still living in Menlo Park & still volunteering! Widowed w/ 2 children & 2 grandchildren. Delighted to see Janet Ball’s & Bill Lang’s names in Alumni news & to see they’re still having fun!”
1938
Jun & Dec.
CHARLES CALHAN says “I retired from
Lockheed-Martin in ’89. My wife, Katheen and I just celebrated our 62nd wedding anniversary in May – pretty good for a girl who married a sailor she’d only known a couple of months. We have one son and three daughters and five grandchildren. We’ve had, and are still having, a wonderful life.” JEAN ROSS CHERNICK writes “Elinor Hall Smith and I share a lunch-time visit whenever we can. I’m looking forward to seeing Mabel Pracy Miller and her husband, Dan, when they come my way in May. I enjoy taking classes & being with friends & am very fortunate to have my children and grandchildren nearby. LOUISE ARMSTRONG VAN VLECK informs “Having moved to S.F. recently, it is such fun to be back in the old familiar places. I’m just a few blocks from the old Lowell campus and have been over several times.” MABEL PRACY MILLER says “Had my annual get-together with Jean Ross Chernick in May. She looks great and brought me up to date on news about our class of June 1938.” MIRIAM HOFFMAN WAIN states “Am a retired high school Choir Director – have had 4 reunions of my choirs; 7 former students are now Choir Directors; 2 who were my accompanists & did not sing took voice in college & are now directing choirs. I attended & participated in World Festival Choir, Italy 1990 with Pleshka & Pavarotti (Verdi Requiem) and Moscow Philharmonic.” BARBARA LADDON LANGENDORF writes “It’s always a pleasure receiving the newsletter to keep in touch with my old friends. We recently returned from New Orleans & the Panama Canal cruise followed by a week in Cabo San Lukas. Looking forward to a wonderful summer in San Rafael awaiting our anticipated South American cruise in January.” ROBERT & JEAN RILOVICH ’42 BOEDDIKER send “Both still healthy, playing tennis and golf and doing a lot of traveling. Have grandson in U.S. Military Academy West Point.” MARTIN AGUERET says he is “Still working as a volunteer for the Palo Alto Police Dept. having completed 21 years. Endowed the police dept with a scholarship fund for college students who want to enter police work as a career. To all Lowell students and alumni – my very best.” WILLIAM CUNHA writes “I enjoy being retired in Minden, a small town in the Carson Valley, NV. Reminds me of my grandparents ranch in Milpitas in the Santa Clara valley (when I was a child).”
1939
Jan & Jun
JOHN SHINKAI writes “After retiring in 1987 as professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Rutgers University College of Pharmacy, New Jersey, I returned to San Francisco, which I consider my home town, in 1988. I am enjoying myself attending the S.F. Opera and S.F. Symphony concerts and taking at least four overseas tours to Asia, Europe, and Central America every year.” TERESA GUILFOIL SIEBERT reports “I’m still active, but not as much as I was, in the Meux Home Museum here in Fresno, an 1888 Victorian house, as well as the Fresno Historical Society & other historical preservation activities. It is so short-sighted to tear historical properties down for “progress”. One group is trying to save the Old Armenian Town, home of William Saroyan, from developers – it is an uphill battle, unfortunately. But we still keep up the pressure!”
1940
Jan & Jun
CURTIS O’SULLIVAN reports “Back from a month in Jordan with my son and his wife after a week in Northern Ireland with her and her family. Keeping busy as book critic for five military/ historical magazines and doing some writing for the California Center for Military History as well as some articles on my own.” RICHARD NIELLO states “My class of 1940 had a great reunion this year – well attended in the city. I escorted Elaine Oppenheim Karp.
There were about 60 of us.” KATHLEEN KELLAR POND comments “Thank you Fran & Bob Curley for another reunion gathering – our 65th- good show!” FRANCES BITTNER SCHMADEKE writes “I am sorry to miss our get-together. Now none for five years! I hope to see you then. At 83 yrs I am using a cane and treadmill. Happy year.”
1941
Jan & Jun
HERBERT FOWLER comments ”Any more hurricanes and I’ll wish I was back in San Francisco – earthquakes not withstanding.” “Hello Helen, Marion, Midge, Jean, Martha, Fred, Frank. I miss you Barbara. Love you all! We are all so old but still here & O. K. Count our blessings.” greets MARILYN ADAMS KAUFFMAN. MARJORIE WEISS BLODGETT announces “I’ve been appointed to the Placer County Library and also serve on the Auburn School Foundation Board.” CLARENCE GOLDFINGER sends “Regrettably, my beloved wife of 45 years, Eleanore Goldfinger, passed away on 05/09/05, after a brief illness. El was devoted to attending the Lowell Class of 1940 Reunions, as well as her Class of 1946, Commerce reunions.” JOHN PREOVOLOS reports “Enjoying life in San Jose. Doing lots of volunteer work with the Lyons Club, Salvation Army, Vet. Adm., AARP.” BARBARA WALTER PEARSON announces “sad to say that my husband Cliff Pearson passed away in Jan. ’05. He went to Balboa, but our marriage still lasted 60 years!” EDWARD BRAGG reports “I’m 82 and a cancer patient for the last 8 years. My wife has been in a convalescent home the last 3 ½ years. She has Alzheimer’s and is bedridden. I go and feed her every day and take her out in the fresh air for a couple hours. We have been married 57 years, have 2 children, a boy and a girl, and four grandchildren. They each have a boy and a girl. We’ve replaced ourselves on earth.” GRANT BAKEWELL states “I ‘made it’ in life (now 81) largely because of the multi-racial and cultural competition and exposure provided at Lowell.” MARY KOCHE LEVINSON asks “What’s being planned for our 65th next year? Or does this fall into the category of buying green bananas?” DAVID SCHARFF recounts “Three ‘Old Timers’ (and I mean old) got together for lunch on 8/25/05. The three – Vucinich ‘38, Torch Scharr ‘41, and Ray Perkins ‘52. Had a great visit.” BERT HORN instructs us to “Please credit my donation this year to the ‘Bob Anino’ Music Fund Matching Fund Program.”
1942
Jan & Jun
FLORENCE HOUSTON VERGARI says “Greetings! Am always happy to receive the Alum paper – memories of the school at Hayes and Masonic come to mind.” JAMES LIVINGSTON announces “Lowell alums @ Rossmoor in Walnut Creek still meet at two annual events!” IRWIN MARCUS writes “I am enclosing an obit from the New York Times. (see Alumni obits). Louis Leithold was in our class. Our Home Room teacher was Ivan Barker who was in the Math Department. He inspired several of students, including me, with after school classes in advanced mathematics. Mr. Barker really inspired his students to achieve academic excellence. Louis Leithold and I were friends and he attended our 50th reunion in 1992. I lost track of him until I read his obituary in the Times. It later was picked up by the Chronicle after I sent a copy of the notice. There was no mention of LOWELL but that is where his excellence originated. He wrote the standard text for calculus and is still utilized today throughout the world after many revisions.” ELLA GROSS DRISCOLL states she is “Keeping busy with art, photography, Tai Chi, golf and yes,
Autumn 2005
Lowell Alumni Association
bridge. Anyone for bridge? Get in touch to make a foursome.”
was like a college degree and so many wonderful friends that I haven’t seen for so long.”
PATRICK SIMMONS announces “This donation is in the memory of Clayton Calendar ‘41, a true Indian class of 1941.”
JAMES MACKIE writes “Terry & I are still traveling the world over whenever we find a trip that perks our fancy. We are both cancer survivors and find each day more precious than the day before. Anyone know the whereabouts of Richard Farrell? He graduated in Jan, 1942. Or his sister? I will pay 10 continentals for information. 12714 New Kentucky Rd, Cypress, TX 77429. (Richard is not in DB; Iris Farrell Langridge ’43 died in 2002 – Ed)
JANE BLAIR VILAS reports “Have lived in Central Valley – Patterson & Turlock since 1947. Graduated from UCLA in 1946. Owned Evans Telephone Co. in Patterson – family owned for 90 years – sold in 2002. Two husbands John Evans & Homer Vilas have both died – have 3 children, 4 grandchildren.” MARJORIE WEIGEL HYMAN (WIGGIE) reports “My personal congratulations to Jerry Coleman for his unique accomplishments, and for a very ‘old’ friendship from Lowell days!” PHILIS LUDLAM GOLD states “Several months ago I acquired a wonderful Yorkshire terrier named Caesar. He loves people and other dogs and has a great disposition – keeps me very active. My oldest grandchild is on a full scholarship at Dartmouth, getting her Master’s degree in Earth Sciences. JEAN RILOVICH BOEDDIKER news – see class of 1938. JOAN RANSOHOFF BERRY announces “Our 3rd great grandchild was born Jan, 2005. He joins our twin great granddaughters who are 4 yrs old – great fun!” JESSE LANGRIDGE comments “Have kept in touch with Les Mendelson all of these years. Retired to Grass Valley, CA in 1981.” DOROTHY JONES VASQUEZ says she is “Still enjoying retirement between Yuma, AZ, Oakdale, CA and Florence, OR. Many of us are so fortunate to enjoy excellent health and enjoy life to the fullest.”
1943
Jan & Jun
ORLANDO JOYCE says he “Lost the right knee battle – putting knee in the hands of the orthopedist. May God & Hippocrates smile on me (retired urologist)!” FLORENCE RIZA BAGGETTA writes “Always enjoy reading about the Lowell Alumni Assoc. and all the activities. Reached my 80th birthday in October and still going strong!” AMY GALLAGHER HOFFMAN comments “Nothing new to report – still working parttime at DMV (accounting) & active in various women’s organizations.” WALTER BALL writes “Living in Rossmoor – see Fred Murray & Chuck Angin ‘45 at Cal football games. Best wishes to my sister Janet Ball Hayward ‘37 on her 85th birthday.” ALAN MARGOLIS says he is “Enjoying rural No. Calif. life – working out, swimming, riding horses. Venice and New York in the winter; Idaho, So. Utah in the summer!” MARIE LOBIASNCO ANNUZZI announces “My beloved husband of 60 yrs. died on May 18th. I still would like to hear from the girls – Doris Christi, Wanda McKensie, Margaret Crosbie (none in database) and Barbara Holt.” (when asking grads to contact you, you need to provide a way to do so! Ed) JACK ALBERTS comments “Looking forward to our next longevity celebration to see classmates Al Meyer, Bob & Walter Busse, Warren Mangels and Alex Nichols. Hang on guys!” ALAN ORR states the “planning committee is set to work on 65th class reunion tentatively set for Fall 2008.”
1944
Feb & Jun
HUGH BURRELL announces “Gave up sailing last year; enjoying playing in the 50 piece New Horizons Band of Sonoma County.” RONALD CASASSA states he “Enjoyed our 60th class reunion last Nov.! Good turnout!” MEYER SASSOON news – see class of 1949. RAFAEL PISCITELLI KASTL writes “Of aging, it’s said, ‘the legs are the first to go.’ In defiance of this prediction, I participated in a 2 km charity walk on the S.F. waterfront. Enjoyed a train trip to Spokane for a reunion of World War II Marine Corps vets. Always look forward to the readable newsletter.” AUDREY BARTHOLD PETERSON reminisces “I will always remember my days at Lowell. It
1945
Feb & Jun
MARY QUIGLEY states she is “Retired – still enjoying newsletter.” DONALD WACKS reports “Still living in Rossmoor, Walnut Creek and on Board of Rossmoor Lowell Alumni Club. I’ve had to curtail travel for medical reasons, but still enjoying and leading an active life.” ANTHONY CUEVAS comments “We were the ‘wartime’ class, beginning Sept 1941, and graduating June 1945. Perhaps that is why we look back at our years at Lowell so often, and especially with deep appreciation for all our friends even after 60 years. Plenty of anniversaries to observe: wife and I celebrate 50 years of marriage; at the same time I will toastmaster my classmates on our 60th anniversary. I still tell people with great pride that I am a Lowellite.” WILLIAM EVERS informs “Have started a new business: ‘Medical clinics for Weight Management’ working with the faculty of UCSF and the Univ. of Colorado. Primary market is referrals from doctors. Have 10 of my own grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren – all winners! Still living in S.F.” JERRY O’LEARY sends “All the best wishes to Paul Lucey, President Clay, and the Lowell community for the successful outcome of this year’s Fund Campaign. Kudos to all!” ED TONER writes “Always enjoyed my years at Lowell – lots of great memories. Barbara (my wife of 53 years) and I are retired now, and we spend a lot of time traveling to new and interesting places.”
1946
Jan & Jun
WARREN SUGARMAN informs “Today’s Chronicle mentioned the imminent demise of the ferry boat ‘Fresno’. The late Arnold Gridley and Barth Easton ’46 were instrumental in introducing motorized cable cars to the streets. How about a fund to restore the craft and rename it ‘The Lowell’? I’m in for a few bucks.” RICHARD BRIDGMAN says “I’ve fully retired from practicing law and my wife, Noreen, and I have moved to Santa Fe, NM. We love it here. On to the golden years!” LLOYD & NOEL STRAUS ’50 HANFORD state “Living in Rancho Mirage, CA. Lloyd still working professionally but only because of a need to do something well since golf doesn’t meet that criteria. Noel still working but not too hard since bridge now provides a gratifying outlet. Travel is our real hobby.” RUSSELL BENIOFF news – see class of 1957.
1947
Jan & Jun
CLAYTON BERLING states ”Retired from State Farm Ins. (after 39 years) in 1998, living in Carmel, Calif. Wife Sarah is chairperson of 4000 member Carmel Foundation (for senior citizens), sister-in-law, Sue is Mayor of Carmel (last 5 years). Lay Leader of Church of the Wayfarer in Carmel and still publishing nation’s foremost soccer publication, Soccer America (34 years) and a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. (for being a builder, not a player.)” BETTY AMOS MULHOLLAND emails “I am glad that there is the opportunity to say ‘Hay I too am still alive.’ I did not become a mayor, movie star or become wealthy but, I am a Senator with the California Senior Legislature for Alameda County one of 160 Seniors who write proposals which can become law if our elected State Legislators are interested in the idea. I haven’t sold anyone totally on my proposals but, I assure you that our proposals have helped each and every senior in this state and country when they are adopted. I will be a participant in the White House Conference on Aging October 24-26, 2005 to be held in Washington D.C. I
Page 7
am a Hearing Officer, for the California State Department of Rehabilitation appointed by Gray Davis in 2001 when I turned 73. I have two children – my daughter Fabian is a Senior Deputy Sheriff in San Francisco and my son Anthony is an English Professor at The Community College of Las Vegas, Nevada. I have 6 grandchildren – one graduate of SF State and 3 in college and two busy in fields of their interest. I have 3 great grandchildren and enjoy travel, volunteering, and all the other interests seniors have.” KENNETH GARDNER reports “Coming home from my 50th medical school reunion at Stanford, I had dinner with John Bell in Sonoma.” SYLVIA SHORE HOFFMAYER informs “Enclosed is a small donation to use for the library, if possible. I loved the ‘Old Lowell’, of course. I have 3 grandchildren under 4 … better late than never!” THOMAS OSTWALD writes “Are any of my old pals living in or near Palm Springs? I would like to hear from them. Is Werner Wolfen still around? We were friends in the 1940s. <wwjm68@aol.com>” MANFRED WOLFF says “I am please to support the 2005 fund campaign. Although my career has been in science, I hope that my contribution can be used to support teaching in writing skills. The only formal education I ever received in that area was from Mrs. Kuhnle and Mr. Patterson at Lowell.” KENNETH WHITE advises “Body warranty expired. Got new eyes; rebuilt ears; surgery and radiation for rust everywhere. Bought new skis. Hanging in. Why don’t you buy envelopes to match the size of your solicitation forms?”
1948
Jan & Jun
TONY VAN VLIET reports ”Currently serving on the State Board of Higher Education and also remain on the Board of Oregon Public Broadcasting having served last year as Chairman. Louise and I continue to enjoy our four children and seven grandchildren and feel blessed that almost all of them are in Oregon!” PATRICIA HESKINS GUMBINER reports, : My husband Jack & I are still living in the same house over 40 years. We have three children and four grandchildren. I still volunteer for many organizations and attempt to play golf once a week. PHILIP LIBERTY writes ”My thanks to special friends from Lowell, Marv Hoffman, Jack Lynd, and Herb Kessler, who brightened my time dealing with Lymphoma. The bonds we make from earliest days endure for all our lives.” WILLIAM H. MORGAN writes ”I am a retired teacher and now runs a cooler company to stay active. I have been contacting 1948 alumni this last year – found 7 of the football players and two students. I live in Fresno and would like to hear from anyone who remembers me. I live at 3113 N 10th St, Fresno, CA 93703. Happy life to all 1948ers. <marinerinc@sbcglobal.net>” JOANNE SELENE NAPP says “Hi to class of June 1948 – remembering the good old days at Lowell. Great class! Great school!” NADINE EHRENBERG MONETTA also says “Hi to all my friends in the class of ’48 – love hearing about you in the newsletter. When I’m not chasing my Maltese Pup, I’m still trying to find my golf swing. My husband of 52 years is still trying to teach me!! Planning a cruise to Alaska with the Herb Kershlers ’48 in July.” CHARLES & BARBARA GOODWIN FOGE advise “We are in good health and in good spirits and are especially enjoying our two granddaughters Gina (9) and Aleah (5). Never knew grand parenting would be so much fun!” BETTY JONES informs “Just returned from a barge cruise on the Mississippi River from Memphis to St. Louis. A good time was had by all.” HARRY GLUCKMAN says “Enjoying our retirement and lagoon life in lovely Alameda.” DONALD STIBICH states “Using the Spanish I learned from Miss Osuna of Lowell, I am now teaching English as a 2nd language to the Hispanic community here in San Rafael.” LYNNE ULM remarks ”Looking forward to 60th reunion in 2008… are you listening, Marvin?”
1949
Jan & Jun
BARBARA FREEMAN WEBBER advises “I enjoy being a docent at the Academy of Sciences and volunteering at the Legion of Honor. Looking forward to our reunion in May.” ROD & ANNE SCHIESSEL HUGHES report “What a wonderful 55th reunion event at the Rosecrans’ Farm. Thanks to the classes of F ’48, S ’49 & F ’49 for the great attendance. As a class member of F ’48 it was especially memorable to see many friends who followed us after our graduation in Jan ’49. Thanks to Jim Rosenthal for chairing this event.” ROGER ARTOUX says “Gini & I had a wonderful time seeing old friends at the 55th reunion – lots of fun.” MARGOT HELMUTH SCHEVILL states “Reunion doings have been great fun. Still working!” MEYER ’44 & JEANNE SUSNOW SASSOON write “Had a great time at the reunion last May. A fun day seeing so many former classmates from all 3 classes Fall 48, Sp 49, and Fall 49. Still enjoying our Palm Desert home but spend 6 weeks each summer in San Francisco. Our email address is <jsassoon@dc.rr.com>.” KENNETH KENNEDY emails “Kenneth will retire from his position at Cornell University after forty-one years as Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Anthropology and Asian Studies, He and his wife, Margaret Fairlie-Kennedy, composer of contemporary music, will remain living in Ithaca, and Dr. Kennedy will be teaching one course per year after retirement. His professional area is biological anthropology and forensic anthropology, and his palaeoanthropological research has been conducted in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. ADOLPH ROSEKRANS hosted a 55th reunion barbecue for the classes of F’48, S&F’49. The venue was the Rosekrans family’s Runnymede Farm in Woodside. His schoolmates enjoyed a gourmet barbecue in the farm’s bucolic setting of rolling hills and grand oaks. Many thanks to Mr. Rosekrans and the reunion committee: James Rosenthal, Ellie Cooper Van Voorhis, Rod Hughes, Bill Stevenson, et al.
1950
Jan & Jun
DONALD GOLD writes ”I had a wonderful 73rd birthday w/Jackie & Don Feinstein at their Tahoe condo. They surprised me with a sneak visit from Jack Hanson and his family. While in Tahoe, we were joined for dinner by Klaus Mortimer and his wife Bridged. All in all, a wonderful 4 days. We are all looking forward to the 55/56 yr reunion. My best to everyone!” ALVIN GUTHERTZ announces “that he has written his fifth novel ‘Where Innocents Die’. It combines romance and travel, unique for a mystery, where background settings include The Seychelles, Madagascar, London, San Francisco, and Anchorage. This is the 1st novel of a planned series featuring Royce Collins, who is based on a real inspector that he met while visiting Scotland Yard’s notorious Black Museum.” HARRY K. WONG emails “About eight years ago, my wife and I were in a tour group to Costa Rica and in the same group was Marv Hoffman ‘48. As a result we have become best of friends. He calls me every day and the Wong’s and the Hoffman’s socialize frequently. Although we did not know each other at Lowell, I’m very happy to know him now. I’m not retired, never will, and life is very good. My wife and I will be married 25 years this July and we will celebrate it with three consecutive cruises on the Crystal Serenity and two on the Queen Mary 2, all done back to back. We have written the best selling book in education, over 2.5 million copies sold and I am still booked two years into the future for lectures. I will be one of the keynote speakers at the Toastmasters International Conference (Stephen Covey was it last year) and on a program with Tom Brokaw and Bill Cosby in New York City next spring. Yet, I will venture a guess that no one in my class even knows who I am.” HARRY HAMBLY reports “Our 55th Lowell reunion was most outstanding. Wonderful art, gourmet lunch and most interesting grads. Congratulations to all who made this happen.” MARTIN SPELLMAN informs “We had a wonderful time with Jack & Ellen Rising and
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Lowell Alumni Association
KEEPING IN TOUCH… mutual friends at Jack’s farm in Sonoma. Most of us are retired, but Jack is very busy. He is available for garden sprinkler installations and reunion organization. LARRY RABINOWITZ announces “Retired from the UC Davis faculty for 10 years; I still keep in touch with Jack Rising, Don Green and Ernie Malamud. Wish we could have had a 55th reunion – our 50th was such a happy event.” NOEL STRAUS HANFORD news – see class of 1946. JOHN RISING says “Ellen and I are enjoying Sonoma. We met our daughter, Cynthia, who lives in Italy with her husband and our grandson in June. LORNA YOULER ALTSHULER writes “Our 55th reunion was wonderful. The picnic was a great success and I was able to visit with everyone attending! See you at the next celebration! Oh yes – I still live in S.F. – have two daughters and six grandchildren. I have an advertising company – work a few hours, and then attend the ballet, ACT & Berkeley Rep, the symphony & S.F. Consular Corps. Events!” ELSIE SOLOMON MICKOLA reports “I have moved from Tucson, AZ to Sandy, UT to be near my daughter and her large family. The area is beautiful with two large colleges nearby – and plenty of arts to enjoy and near S.L.C. Lowell remains my foundation for the lifelong love of learning I cherish.” DONALD GREEN informs “Returned to Reed College for BA.”
1951
Jan & Jun
DAVID W. SHERMAN reports “Retired from Pres. Teaching Hospital & Founding Camp Chrm United Way of Los Angeles. The first one, at 72, raising 3rd set of children by adoption.” BEVERLY LIEBERMAN GREENBERG writes “Enjoy wonderful newsletter. Lost my husband last December. All 3 children and 4 grandchildren thriving. Living life to the fullest. Hello to all old friends.” Beverly sent in her precious Lowell mementoes to the LAA for safe keeping in the school archives. Many thanks, Beverly! Included were her Red and White Shield hat, no doubt worn proudly on many special occasions, her GAA certificate (bowling) and a GBL Block L, a panoramic class picture taken in the courtyard of the Old Lowell, a Twirp Day card signed by classmates (including Warren Hellman and Don Saccani), a copy of her diploma signed by Miss Pence, and numerous dance favors from the Sweethearts Serenade, the Hobo Hop, Kiddie Karnival, Circus Daze, Sentimental Serenade, Open Sesame, Jail Break, Spring Fever, Out of This World, and PowWow Day. What fun it must have been to be a Lowell student in the Fifties !! GERALD O’CONNOR says “Presently taking classes from U.S.F. Fromm Institute – and really enjoying them!” BERNARD FRANKEL informs “Still serving actively as the Auxiliary Rabbi at the Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights, OH. I would welcome contact from any Lowell alumni in the area. (When you ask for correspondence, you need to provide an email address or some other way to do it! – ED). It’s been 11 years since Carolyn Froomin Frankel passed away. We were one of three ‘sweetheart’ couples in our class (Jun ’51). Is anything planned for our 55th reunion in 2006?” RICK BRADLEY states he is “Still fulltime trial attorney at Bradley, Curley, Barabee & Crawford Firm in Marin and living in Marinwood. This Memorial Day celebrating mother’s 99th birthday at Buckeye restaurant in Greenbrae.” HARRISON ANIXTER comments “Married to Rochelle 48 years. Son Russell (46) lives in N.Y. with wife & 2 children. Son Stuart (44) lives in Las Vegas with wife & 2 children. I’ve been retired 7 years & love traveling and volunteering.” LAURA MOORE KEARNY reports “My husband and I continue to enjoy our retirement years. Travel & lots of grandchild sitting.” FRANK BAKER (LTC. US Army Ret.) says ”At a time when our nation needs the support of our
young men and women, I hope military science (ROTC) is offered in the Lowell curriculum.” (It most certainly is – ED)
1952
Jan & Jun
NANCY ARNDT FINKEN sends in email “Husband and I plus our 2 adult daughters reside in the suburbs of Washington, DC. I taught Government to high school seniors and volunteered at the Smithsonian and other organizations. Travel every chance we get!” MARIAN CRAMPTON VANTRESS sends “After living at the beach at Rio Del Mar, Ca for 25 years, I have moved to the harbor area in Santa Cruz. Next move will be back to S.F. now that I am finally retired. I have 11 grandchildren the oldest just graduated Suma Cum Laud from East Washington Univ in Sociology. Looking forward to next reunion and 10 more grandchildren’s graduations.” IRENE ENSTROM KAUS announces “Our 1st granddaughter will be arriving any day now. We are thrilled!” JEANNE EMMONS COHN states she “Had a great barge trip in France with the whole family except one. Great experience except for the air part!”
1953
Jan & Jun
JACK SAROYAN e-mails “My patients are beginning to ask me when I plan to retire. But I am still going strong practicing general dentistry at 490 Post St. Presently teaching part-time at UOP Dental School and enjoying it.” JOAN HONEK KEITH e-mailed “Sharing loving experiences with grandchildren; continue teaching computer classes in Genealogy, Photoshop, and a variety of Mac programs; increased travel on at least two Radisson cruises each year.” YVONNE KRAMER CREIGHTON says “Not much new. Sure love retirement. What happened to my old friend Judy Bechtel? Would love to get together.” JAMES BASS states “It was great seeing all at the 50th!” JOANNE ALIOTO CASAUDOUMECQ exclaims “Happy birthday to all who celebrate their 70th birthday this year. We are having a wonderful year of travel – Caribbean cruise, France – 2 weeks on a Danube cruise, a week in New Orleans & we’re on our way to Newport Beach, then Tahoe, then New York & London stays after the Queen Mary 2.” ELAINE PICETTI HEALY comments about donation “certainly can appreciate need of good materials, books, etc. in classroom – retired teacher!” LOIS BIRNBAUM ANDERSON “Salutations to the class of 1953.”
writes
DONN BERNSTEIN says he is “Always eager to welcome Lowellites to the Big Apple. My door is open. Still yapping for a living in sports PR, and religiously follow Lowell’s Program.” JOHN SAMPSON reports “My wife and I celebrated our 60th & 70th birthdays with about 150 old & new friends including my dear Lowell friends Ellie Shemanski Manthos (my senior prom date) and Sylvia Hotchner Bearman and their spouses. Sharon and I are the grandparents of 3 boys under the age of 3.” PETER DAHl emails “Al Crosby organized a 70th Birthday gathering recently of fellow graduates. Attending were Al, Peter, Ron Fuerstner, Carl Hanken, Joel Hedgpeth, John McGilvray, Dick Paddack, Bud Pflueger with their spouses. We gathered in Carmel, CA at Al’s house for appetizers & cocktails; then went out to dinner. The next day some of us walked near the beach; then we all had brunch out. A great time was had by all.” Nancy Mauber Henares ’62 notified the LAA that schoolmate DR. RONALD FEURSTNER, a Dartmouth grad, has been named 2004-05 Physician of the Year by the Monterey County Medical Society. He has been on the staff of the
Autumn 2005
continued from page 7
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula since 1972. His contribution to the community’s health service are many: Hospital Chief of Staff, 1985-86, Board of Trustees, Medical Society President, and numerous other significant contributions to the health care field. At Lowell he was on the Scroll, a Big Brother, CSF, Block L, Band, Tennis and Swimming Teams.
1954
Jan & Jun
KATHRYN WAHLGREN DODDS reports “My husband, Tom, and I attended my wonderful 50th reunion – for us there was a bit of a damper as we’d just received news that Tom had throat cancer. He started treatments mid-Nov of 2 radiations a day and one chemo a week, followed by surgery at UCLA to remove 22 lymph nodes. He’s now cancer free!” SAM KUHN says he is “Sorry I missed the reunion. Hope there will be another one soon. I enjoyed the VCR movie.” WILLIAM CHISUM states “We had a successful So. Ca. Lowell Alumni luncheon in April. Hopefully, 2 years from now, we will have even more alumni attend this great event. Retired, working part-time for Point Loma Nazarene University supervising student teachers. This year my wife and I will enjoy our 9th & 10th cruise. This chapter of our life called retirement is GREAT!” RICHARD MUNTER informs “Have moved out of the big city to rural Marin – love it. Working ½ time – will probably retire 2006.” GEORGE BREWSTER reports “Being a substitute Elem. School teacher in So. Central L.A. is a real challenge. Spending time with grandsons Ryan & Arden. Please put a current photo of the new campus on some of your mail transmissions or send as an email attachment – we can print it out.” JOHNNIE WOOD writes “After several years of living in 2 states, my husband (Dick Suits) & I have sold our Charlotte, NC home and now live full-time in rural Arkansas. We keep busy mowing, planting trees and gardening.” BRUCE PARRINGTON announces “Moving to Green Valley, AZ in June 2005. Come visit and check out this lovely area about 25 mi South of Tucson.” LOUIS PELFINI states “14 months and 3 days of retirement and thoroughly enjoying volunteer work, travel, grandchildren, family and ‘friends’. If you’re in Petaluma, give me a call: 707-7669404 or <lpelfini@yahoo.com>.” NANCY WEST CURLEY informs us “Charlie passed away 5/27/05 from complications of emphysema. Together we always treasured our years at Lowell especially falling in love as juniors. That launched us into 47 ½ years of marriage, raising two sons, doting over 3 grandchildren and welcoming one foster daughter into our lives. My husband’s localist philosophy led him to community work. I’m enclosing his resume which lists his contributions.” BARBARA CLARK news – See 1956 KAY HARPER NELSON writes “Really enjoyed the 50th reunion in Nov. Glad I could come! Our daughter died Dec 2, 2004. My husband and I are raising her 10 yr old boy and 14 yr old girl – so back to being a soccer mom and dealing with high school functions. At 69 I’m the oldest and only ‘cheerleader’ mom (grandma) in the booster club for the 42 member cheer squad. My old Betty Crocker cookbook is coming in handy; 50’s cooking – they think it is ‘new’ and a ‘treat’ except for the jello molds.”
1955
Jan & Jun
TRACY MCDORMOTT writes “Retired last year from the Fire Service after 41.5 years of service. Living the good life in the Hayward Hills with my wife (Dianne) and grandson (Quinn). Our 50th class reunion was outstanding. Thanks to Robbie Herman and his helpers.” GEORGE E HENRY remarks “One of the highlights of the year was making contact with Max Bodden ’54. We knew each other both at Lowell
and at the former U. S. Grant Grade School.” GEORGE HELMSDOERFER states “I will not be able to attend our 50th; however I would like to say ‘hello’ to many: Trude Freidman and Tom Nibley (both helped me turn my life around), Bobby Herman, Tony Melodia, Mike Peevey, ‘Psuedo’ (hope he’ll recognize this inside joke, Helen Brewer (not in our class) ‘56 and many others – enough to fill a yearbook.” JOHN BLYODER announces “Grandson Derek is 1 year old on 6/24/05! I am still working parttime for the Las Vegas convention & Visitors Authority.” STEPHEN & ARLENE EPP KRIEGER write “We thoroughly enjoyed our 50th reunion May 2005. It was wonderful to see our many acquaintances from our years at Lowell. Thank you Robbie Herman, Carol Hicks and their committee for their hard work. We are proud to have 7 grandchildren who all live in the Bay Area.” ROGER RYMAN comments “Sorry to have missed our 50th, but grandson’s graduation took priority. We’ll make the next one.” ROBERT LOSHUERTOS says he is “Sorry to have missed the reunion & seeing everyone. Look forward to the next one. Get to S.F. regularly to visit my son who lives there. I am retired but do consulting work & enjoy the travel.” CARTER B. SMITH informs “I was inducted in 2004 into the S.F. State University Hall of Fame.” Classmate MICHAEL PEEVEY was featured in the Business Section of the April 10 Chronicle. He is president of the California Public Utilities Commission, appointed by Gov. Gray Davis. Michael previously served as president of Southern California Edison and a private company, New Energy Inc. This writer remembers Michael running around the halls of the Old Lowell with the likes of Stu Pollack, Steve Breyer, Marc Leland, Norm Durieux, et al. The article mentioned his B.A./M.A. degree in Economics from Cal. It failed to mention that he got his real business acumen taking Econ at Lowell. Several years ago Michael was the guest speaker at a SoCal Lowell Club luncheon. He is married to Assemblywoman Carol Liu, D-La Canada Flintridge (Los Angeles County). They have three children. This writer (Paul Lucey) was pleased to greet his former Econ student at Michael’s 50-year Reunion held at the Jewish Community Center, Calif. & Presidio.
1956
Jan & Jun
EMANUEL GOLDMAN sends “Looking forward to our 50th class reunion (phone me at 650-579-3600 to help). Diane and I are at eight grandchildren and enjoying retirement. I’m consulting part-time as a securities analyst specializing in beverage stocks. My invitation to lunch still stands (see the above phone number). I’m in Hillsborough, but will meet you anywhere.” ALBERT G CLARK shares “Still in Modesto after 41 yrs & still practicing law. My sister Barbara ‘54 lives in Grants Pass, Ore; my sister, Patricia ‘59 lives in Fredericksburg, VA. My brother, William ‘65 lives in STK.” SYLVIA A. NELSON says she is “Looking forward to being together again next year at our 50th. See you then.” ERIC MACKINTOSH writes “Our son Major Sean Mackintosh (US Army) is currently serving in Iraq. Prayers and good thoughts are welcomed. Lom, I am going to Scotland in July to play golf and attend The Open at ST. Andrews. I would invite you to join me and my fellow golfers, but now you have acknowledged that you have total CRS!! Could you in fact find your way to Scotland and home again? See you at the 50th. An observation in line with our 50th: We the class of “56” are now on the second page of “Keeping in Touch” ever so slowly, we creep toward the first page and then???”
1957
Jan & Jun
VICKI GREEN announces “…finally retired …July 1, 2005… a new adventure…”
Autumn 2005
Lowell Alumni Association
PATI MURRAY BOYD sends “Still working. Own a computer tax service in San Carlos. After tax season spend time in Bend, OR. Our 11 grandchildren keep us busy and happy! Would love to hear from old friends. Email:<patiboyd@aol. com>.” JUDY HAIGHT ERICKSON says she is “Enjoying life in Fairfax, VA and in Cape Cod with husband Steve. Looking forward to our 50th!” MARY ANN LEE SING states “Best wishes, keep up the excellence!” JOELLE LEWIS BENIOFF reports “Russell ’46 and I are enjoying our grandchildren May and Zoe. Most fun there is!! We send our love to all our ‘high school friends’.” JEANINE MIRJOLET WAIS-SULLIVAN says “Hello Emily Markel – would like to hear from you. Keep well.” (When you ask for correspondence, you need to provide an email address or some other way to do it! – ED). JOSEPH DORSIE – Joe retired from Dept of Defense Police Dept / Watch Capt in 2002 and 26 years as US Army Combat Military Police (Army Reserves). Two sons, Rev. Steaven, Newport News, VA & Richard & grandson, Tyler, of Walnut Creek, CA. Joe is now one of the head Bailiffs, Duval county Courthouse in Jacksonville, FL. He looks forward to being out for the 50th!” CRAIG SWANSON announces “Moved to Carpinteria, CA – within blocks of our two daughters and 3 grandchildren. Now we watch baseball games and high school plays! After 31 days of Denver Public Schools retirement, I started a new retirement plan – working at UC Santa Barbara. Wonderful to be back to college. Hope all is well with classmates!”
1958
Jan & Jun
PATRICK KELLEHER comments “Happy 65th birthday and the introduction of Medicare to all my classmates of the Class of ’58. Our 50th reunion is right around the corner. I’m still trying to get over the loss of Bill Stamos. He was the golden key to our reunion committee and a good friend! All 8 grandchildren are healthy and growing too fast. In August Mackenzie turned 1 and Brittany turned 21.” HOWARD GREGG NEWBY informs “I am only sending $25 because I was recently vanquished by Hurricane Katrina. I mailed some personal pictures to Lowell High School because I lost your address when the sea water washed away everything. Please, inform me if you received the pictures and the newspaper article explaining the 25 million dollar loss by the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory where I work part-time. My son Gregg Lee Newby is now a professor of American History at the University of Memphis. My youngest daughter April Star Hebert was named Manager of the year at the Ocean Springs Nursing Center. Her son Christopher Michael was quoted in the Local Yokel for finishing 2nd in his age group for designing a rocket and has ton of sports trophies. He would have played wide receiver for the St Manfins’s Junior High School. Not too bad.” ROBERT MASSAGLI reports “Retired – still doing research in Mathematical Physics and enjoying it as much as when I was making money!” LILLIAN M GARDNER GIBSON requests “If there are any coming up events in Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, please let me know. I’m from the class of January 28, 1958. Please ask Kenny Kahn to get in touch with me.” LOIS HORENSTEIN GILBERT says “We moved from the Bay Area to Lincoln, CA in April 2004. We’re enjoying our new life especially with our 3 gorgeous grandchildren 10 minutes away!” JAMES MANCINI states “Now that I am retired and our two daughters have finished college, looking forward to our upcoming celebration of 50 years association with Lowell.” PETER PREOVOLOS reports “I have become a grandfather for the 3rd time. The first two were twin girls and the last one was a girl. How blessed can one be. Ages 2 ½ and 6 mo.” SUE HONIG WEINSTEIN asks “Anyone in the class of 1958 who is interested in planning our 50th reunion please contact me at <sueyw@mac. com>.”
1959
Jan & Jun
GARY DALE emails “Hi all, Time for acceptance- cleared closet of all 36/38” waist pants and medium/large shirts (maybe I will fit into them again??),and all shoes and belts (Maybe they will come back into style?? Nah!!!!!) that were older than my youngest son. Given up on making it as a professional athlete or competing with Bill Gates. Life is grand though. Still have that 16 year old girl (now she is 64) hoodwinked. New girl in my life. 3 years old and arguable (although not really) the WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL GRANDCHILD. Best wishes to all and Pete, Hedy, Fred, Joan, Ron, Ed, Marilyn.” JOHN MARKS states “I will receive a ‘Distinguished Alumni’ Award of Professional Service from the University of Pacific this coming June.” IRENE POON ANDERSON reports “still working in the Art Dept of SF State. On the Board of the Chinese Historical Society of America in 2006. Will be co-curating an exhibition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1906 Earthquake for CHSA next year titled ‘Earthquake: The Chinatown Story’.” DAVE HARRISON states “Teri and I have been spending a lot of time commuting back and forth to Chandler, AZ to visit our grandson. My golf game is showing signs of life. I’ve been able to drop my handicap 6 pts! Retirement is great.” CHARLOTTE MINEAR sends “Hi All. Attending grade, high school and college with Creme de la creme enabled me to choose a career with the government that led to traveling and living in different parts of the U.S.. Lived in Florida and North Carolina (daughter graduated from UNC , Chapel Hill. She majored in sports medicine and is doing, well in her chosen field, working toward her Masters, in MFT). Mom Proud! My oldest grandson is embarking on a career in major league baseball. Grandma Proud! My Mom is 91 and still going strong. They say that the next generation lives past the previous one. So, what do I want to do for the next 30+ years? While everyone else is looking forward to permanent retirement, not, MOI. Presently residing in Hawaii, but will leave this area to embark on a second career after retiring from the government. Being unencumbered and in great health, I am looking forward to fulfilling another dream of mine - which is to establish an orphanage somewhere in the U.S. There are far too many children falling through the cracks in our society. These children are our future leaders of America and they deserve a good start. Anyone interested in joining my cause or just to say ‘HI’, I may be contacted at P.O. Box 1402, Kailua, Hawaii 96724 or <cam@hawaii.rr.com>.” PATRICIA CLARK – See 1956 for news.
1960
Jan & Jun
GAYLE MELMON BLUM typed ”CONGRATULATIONS to Steve and Stan on their induction into the SF Hall of Fame. What fun we had then. Will never forget our big win over Poly! Does anyone ever remember a Poly? I hope everyone is in good health and enjoying life. We have 2 granddaughters and our son just graduated from CAL Berkeley. Life is good. Hi to Susie, Ronny and Say Babes, love to all.” DON MEYER reports “I retired from my position as Commissioner of Financial Institutions for the State of Calif. And joined California Mortgage and Realty in S.F. as chief operating officer.” TED BRESLER sends “I was appointed to the Alameda County Art Commission in June 2004. The commission selects public art in county facilities and awards grants to visual and performing arts organizations in Alameda County.”
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RICHARD BERGAMASCHI reports “Semiretired from the electronic industry. Enjoying my watch collection hobby as a watch salesman in San Jose. Married to Elvira Merolla ’62. We have two sons who live in San Jose.” See class of 1962 for more.
ROZELL PREDDY OVERMIRE reports “I had a wonderful reunion with Mary Lou (Phillips) Schleicher this year. Mary and I went to Grattan
Do we have your current e-mail address? Don’t miss out on the latest news about sesquicentennial events and other alumni activities. You can update your contact information online at www.lowellalumni.org or e-mail us at lowellaa@lowellalumni.org DANIEL POON emails “After having worked full time for many years at several San Francisco and Hawaii advertising agencies, I’ve been busy freelancing my creative skills in sunny Hawaii. Still running my own freelance business logo design and creative advertising art service in Honolulu. Feel free to use Email to keep in touch: <danpoonart@yahoo.com>.”
1961
Jan & Jun
ADRIANNE CHANG KWONG comments “It’s great to see Lowell’s successes. I’ve moved to El Dorado Hills – near Placerville. Still busy.” LINDA AGNONE BENATAR reports “Retired from teaching after 38 years, but can’t stay completely away – doing a post-retirement job share 2 days a week. This allows more time for travel and grandchildren. Loved our 40th reunion. I finally made one!” HARVEY CLEWANS says he is “Living in Phoenix and practicing Radiology.” HENRY DEA announces he “married Anita Yuen ’67 on May 28, 2005. Immersed in love. Now living in Castro Valley.” ROGER POOL writes “Graduated in ’61 from Lowell and graduated from fatherhood to grand fatherhood at age 61, finally. Delighted to welcome our granddaughter, McKenna Lee, into the world in March ’05. I never forgot baseball, a big Seattle Mariner’s fan fro years & finally stopped playing softball in the city league at age 44. After nearly a decade as a S.F. policeman, I’ve spent nearly 3 decades in the cabinet business on Portland, OR - a ½ hr drive from our Gresham, OR home. Greetings from the great Northwest.” WESLEY TOM states he “Just wanted to say hi to Henry D, Ken U, Mark R, Dennis Y, Dennis J & Bill H.” IVAN VEGVARY emails “Wish all my former classmates good health and fortune. Retired from my Engineering practice in the summer of 2003. Subsequently moved from the East Bay to Sandy, Oregon. Total of 5 children and 11 grand children. My eldest son, Donald, took over the firm and is doing quite well.”
1962
Jan & Jun
JOHN PETROVSKY reminisces ”On August 20, 2005, thanks to former Lowell Spanish teacher Ed Crossly, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a 94th birthday celebration for English teacher Anne Wallach at her Berkeley home.” MICHAEL LUM comments “Life is good, because a happy wife is a happy life … the best of everything to all.” THOMAS HEPLER writes “Celebrated 36 years of marriage with my wife Carilyn - 3 children, 6 grandchildren. Retired from Lockheed in 2002. Formed a new financial services company this year.”
THOMAS DURBIN writes “Enjoying semiretirement and seeing Richard Chun, Robert Ishii & Nancy Law in recent months.”
ELVIRA MEROLLA BERGAMASCHI sends “married to Richard ’60. I have been teaching at Lowell Elementary in San Jose for 16 years. Leaving for Paris and London this summer to celebrate the ‘bog 60’ with old Lowell friends Sandra Bergamaschi Sullivan and Shirley Paintner Perkins. Hope we have a great reunion to celebrate Lowell’s birthday.”
RON MELMON says “Hi to all – my wife Nancy Lee and our Westie Maxwell are still enjoying Sedona. Enrolled at Yauapai College in digital storytelling and a 4.0 student! About time! Spent a wonderful week in the City and Marin for Mother’s Day. Drove by the Old Lowell, even circled the block. Great memories. Hugs to everyone.”
SHARON GILLETTE ESPAR says “My husband David and I live just outside of Boston. He is a producer with WGBH and recently completed a film about John & Abigail Adams. I teach art and paint in my new art studio over the garage. My daughter Amber works for Groundworks creating gardens at local schools. My son Mike has been making films for Court T.V. and Nickelodeon
JOHN DANENHOWER says he “Retired in Nov. 04; enjoying traveling and truly enjoying not working.”
News in New York. Greetings to all in the class of ‘62!”
Grammar School, Roosevelt Jr. High and Lowell. Too bad our class missed getting together for our 40th – or our 60th birthdays. I look forward to our 50th.” GERALD & SARA LANGENTHAL ADAMS send “We’re both still working at Grinnell college and wishing we could see our two grandchildren, ages 1 and 2 ½, more often (they live in Massachusetts!). Come visit us in Iowa!”
1963
Jan & Jun
ALLAN GOLD emails ”Any interest in an informal get together to celebrate our mutual 60th birthdays sometime in the fall - email or call me! (415) 929-9524; <agold8946@aol.com>” ANTHONY WONG emails “After 34 years of Physics and Biology, I decided to retire this year. After graduating from UC Berkeley, I got my teaching credential and couldn’t find a job. Midyear in 1971, Vacaville High School advertised a basketball coaching position, so I applied. It got filled before I got there, but they needed a science teacher so they hired me. I was their fourth teacher (the original teacher had a nervous breakdown). Vacaville was a truck stop with a population of 15,000 back in 1971. I fell in love with the small town and never left. I still get nostalgic when I pass by the “old Lowell” when I’m in the city. I miss it. Those were the “good ole days”.” DEWEY SEETO advises us “My daughter Margot is currently a graduate student at Stanford University.” STEPHEN JONEs emails “Finally finished Mr. Barker’s math final and proceeding with Mr. Koenig’s physics final...still playing some tennis and talked with Mr. Lucey last yr at the California Tennis Club when he was interviewing the tennis great Tom Brown – best to all.” SUSIE MELMON MNOOKIN writes “Happy 60th everyone! Yikes!! Celebrated early in Vegas with Molly, Bennie, Jill and sister Gayle ’60. Fun!” CARMEN AZZOPARDI GAGE says “I was delighted to read Mrs. Elena Catelli is still doing well. I have wonderful memories of her as my homeroom teacher, Italian teacher and Counselor. Please extend my warmest regards to her.” ROBERT & CHERYL MARKUSE ’64 ARENSON report “Just returned from Antarctica … What a trip! We love grand-parenting and traveling.”
1964
Jan & Jun
DENISE KAUFMAN reports ”I’m still living in Venice, CA part-time & partly in Kauai, HI. Teaching yoga at Sacred Movement in Venice and surfing! Playing music and grateful to be alive & healthy! My 60’s band ‘The Ace of Cups’ (SF’s first all female rock band) ha an archival CD recently released. Life is great.” <www.theaceofcups.com> SHARON LEE TOM sends “it’s true – I’ve moved out of CA to the beauty of AZ. Semiretirement (like I would ever retire!) Hi to sister Pam Lee Guntrum ’73 who moved from NY to the state of WA. Still scuba diving, kayaking, reading, reading and more reading. Continue to be a “gym rat” too! Active in church and loving life – These are the best years! <sharonctom@yahoo. com>” ANDREW BERNHARD announces “Third great-grandchild born in July. Her name is Amirah. One more year, two at the most, until retirement. Have truck, gonna get a trailer, will
continued on page 12
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Lowell Alumni Association
Autumn 2005
The Advanced Placement And Honors Program At Lowell By Maurice Englander, English Dept. Head, 1953-1983. With Paul Lucey Dedication: Anne Kael Wallach ’29, Lowell teacher; Gifted Program coordinator, 1950– 1974.
F
rom its beginning in 1856, when Lowell was established as the first public secondary school in California, it has been dedicated to a single, overriding goal—to provide as good an academic education as can be found anywhere in the nation. For almost a century and a half, its principal mission has been to prepare students for entrance to colleges and universities with the highest admissions standards, as well as to others with lesser such requirements. A survey of admissions officers confirms that Lowell’s graduates not only meet, but most often exceed, the preparations of entering freshmen from other schools, including those from the very best of the private, preparatory institutions. Whatever else Lowell does for its students, when the most serious of them complete their work at Lowell, they will almost certainly succeed in institutions of higher learning because they’ve already met the achievement standards established and maintained by generations of earlier students. Lowell has never had to lower those standards to attract students, nor has it ever misled anyone as to the demanding nature of excellence. A complex institution, the school is many things to many persons. Actually, it accommodates four areas of major importance to the student body: *the academic program *the arts program *the athletic program *the co-curricular program What they have in common is that each is dedicated to excellence, and graduates with major interests in each have achieved great distinction in later life. A few are: Drama – Carol Channing of Hello Dolly fame Athletics – Tom Meschery, professional basketball star Jurisprudence – Stephen Breyer, U. S. Supreme Court Justice. Music – Teri Murai, Peabody Conservatory of Music Baseball – Jerry Coleman of the New York Yankees Football – Quarterback Bob Lee, 14 years in professional football Politics – Edmund (Pat) Brown, California Governor, 1959-1967 Philosophy – Josiah Royce, Harvard professor, philosopher, author. Literature – Irving Stone; Agony & The Ecstasy, Lust for Life …. Art – Richard Diebenkorn, abstract artist. Cartooning – Lucius “Rube” Goldberg; Marty Links Arguello Sculpture – Alexander Calder (mobiles, stabiles). Business – William Hewlett, co-founder, Hewlett Packard Co.; Donald Fisher, founder of The Gap. Inc. Eugene De Sabla, co-founder, Pacific Gas and Electric Co., (PG&E). Science – Nobel Laureates Albert Michelson (Physics), Joseph Erlanger (Medicine), Eric Cornell (Physics) Zoology – Dian Fossey who sacrificed her life protecting the mountain gorillas of Ruanda Academia – Richard Levin, PhD, 22nd President of Yale University. In virtually every field, Lowell graduates distinguished themselves well before there was such a thing as advanced placement courses. Three Lowellites were members of Cal’s pioneer graduating Class of 1873 (the Twelve Apostles), eight were in Stanford’s pioneer Class of 1895, and during the
1950’s (1954-1958) Lowell alumni at Cal were Gold Medalists (top academic student) four of the five years. Few schools in the nation were as ready as Lowell to meet the standards of College Board’s course outlines and the rigor of the AP examinations. According to the Board, the Advanced Placement course has two aims: to enable the student “…to enter a universe of knowledge that might otherwise remained unexplored in high school…” and by way of exams… “the opportunity to earn credit or advanced placement at most colleges and universities here and abroad.”
was owing to five factors: • a promise of state funding to help support the programs • the S.F. School Board’s willingness to subsidize additional preparation periods • an able student body willing to enroll in a most demanding curriculum. • the willingness of some colleges and universities to grant college credit for exceptional test results • A faculty already equipped in their subject fields to teach at college freshman level. The College Board urges that all students
In 1958 a panel of distinguished professors.... convened to study the district’s secondary school curricula....Shortly thereafter, and without fanfare, the most significant and far-reaching development in high school curricula did reach Lowell. Hence, the arrival of the Advanced Placement Program. In October of 1957, a little more than 10 years after the end of World War II, the Soviets launched the 184-pound Sputnik, the first artificial satellite sent into outer space. The event shocked the United States into the realization that Soviet science and technology were beginning to rival ours. Almost immediately after the launch of Sputnik, our schools became the focus of a great deal of criticism. Were we doing enough to prepare our students for higher learning? Prior to 1957, some who had been studying American education had concluded that too many of our youth either failed to graduate or chose not to continue their formal education after graduating from high school. They also concluded that the standard high school curriculum did not adequately prepare students for higher learning. Many had foreseen that in the technological future there would be fewer and fewer jobs for those with barely-earned high school diplomas. Finally, the SFUSD did begin to note the growing demand for curriculum reform. In 1958 a panel of distinguished professors, three from the University of California and three from Stanford, convened to study the district’s secondary school curricula with a charge to recommend a more demanding program of studies for all. Their report did, indeed, greatly influence the District’s subsequent decision to replace soft curriculum cartilage with solid living bone. Shortly thereafter, and without fanfare, the most significant and far-reaching development in high school curricula did reach Lowell. Hence, the arrival of the Advanced Placement Program. In the spring of 1961, William Worley, English teacher and mystery writer, proposed adding Advanced Placement to the English curriculum. Agreeing to a the proposal for the Fall semester of 1961, the newly-appointed department head and Worley taught the first two sections of Advanced Placement ever offered at Lowell. Prior to this they had been teaching the first honors classes in the school. The principal named English teacher, Anne Wallach to be Coordinator of the Gifted Program, and in the spring of that year, math head Ivan Barker was teaching both AP and honors sections, and Frances Dealtry, head of the Science Department, began teaching a Chemistry honors class. Although newly-designated as “honors” and “Advanced Placement” many such courses had already been taught at equally demanding levels by these and other teachers, precluding the need for radical re-design of courses—or teachers. They were already in place, as many alumni reading this article will attest. The rapid development of both programs
willing to accept the challenge be considered for admission to the program. Lowell honors that recommendation to the extent possible. At $82.00 per exam, the cost can add up for those electing to take several, as permitted by the program. If families are hard put to come up with the ready cash, they can pay in installments, but owing to the willingness of the Lowell Alumni Association to help defray the costs, no student has been denied an opportunity to take exams for lack of money. The exams are constructed by committees convened by the College Board that include college professors and exceptional high school teachers – these include Peter Dahl (Chemistry), Larry Bettencourt (Mathematics), Bob Bahnsen (US History), Jim Spellicy (Economics), Bob Jow & Gale Ow (Psychology) and Dorothy Ong & Xiao Lin Chang (Chinese). College Board Consultants/Presenters include Dahl (Chem & Computer Science), Urban Becker (Chem), Ray Hill (Biology), Bettencourt (Math), Ed Crossley (Spanish), Tchikovani (French), Bahnsen & Steve Granucci (US Hist), Spellicy (Econ), Ow (Psych), Flossie Lewis & JoAnn Stewart (English), Xiao Lin Chang (Chinese) and Crossley, Bahnsen, Jim Gazaway, and Jow (all school AP Coordinators). Many teachers are invited for several postexam days of intensive reading and grading of tests. Besides the above teachers, they include Joan Marie Shelley (French), Sara Trelaun & Stephanie Rosemond (Spanish), Mary Farquhar (German), Mary Ann Wold, Stephen Schmidt, Norm Durieux & Rich Soward (US History), Nancy Hayes (European History), Gale Ow, Alice KwongBallard (Psychology) and Barclay Bates & Denis Rauchman (English). The exams are rated on a five-point scale—5,4,3,2,1— corresponding roughly to the A-to-F grades with which students are familiar. A score of 3 or better is college-recommending. Thus, from its rather tentative beginnings, with only 16 Lowell students taking the English AP exam in 1962, to the more than 2,500 exams taken in 2005, the program has grown so considerably that it now requires the year-round management of two coordinators — Bob Jow and Rosemary Dacanay. Initially, some teachers were reluctant to participate because of their fears that the curriculum would separate into first and second-class offerings. They were also concerned that teachers choosing to opt out be perceived as somehow less capable than teachers of the advanced courses. That concern persists to some degree, particularly as students are screened for some of the courses to insure that instruction does not slow down to the learning speed of the
slowest learner. This sorting process is consistent with the district’s decision to screen students for admission to Lowell in the first instance. Students must qualify to enroll in, and remain in, the advanced sections of the curricula. How many such courses a student should carry has become the concern of not a few students, teachers, and parents. As one student put it recently in the school newspaper, “Like many others, I am a victim of taking too many AP’s. My first two weeks in May were crazy; I had four days of testing, three of which were taken in a row. Was it worth it? No.” On the other hand, another student wrote in the same issue, “As a ‘college preparatory’ alternative high school, Lowell should not hold back students by imposing an AP limit.” The stresses upon some are quite evident, but careful counseling and screening does go a long way toward a realistic assessment of just how much would be too much for an individual student. Just how successful has the program been at Lowell? From the beginning to the present, statistics tell part of the story, but only a part. From only two sections of AP courses offered in the fall of 1961 to 23 AP courses (72 sections) offered in the spring of 2005, the growth of the program has been truly astonishing. An indication of this is this quote from the 1977 AP Chemistry Newsletter published by the College Board “The top school for each of the four years that the Newsletter has been published has been Lowell High School in San Francisco. The number of candidates from Lowell in 1977 reached a new high with 88. South Shore High School, Brooklyn had 49 candidates in 1977 and moved from third to second on our list. Irondequoit High School, Rochester, NY, not on the list in 1976, was third this year. Beverly Hills High School, California had 41 candidates and came down from second to fourth place.” Unfortunately the College Board did not publish newsletters in any other subject, so Lowell’s accomplishments in other courses is unknown. Here are some excerpts from the College News by the College Board, June 1980: “San Francisco’s Lowell High School a ‘magnet’ for city’s talented students; more than 500 enrolled in 26 AP courses this spring. In 1856, Lowell High School in San Francisco opened its doors to the children of pioneers and entrepreneurs attracted by the promise of the West and the lure of gold. Today, the school functions as a magnet for talented youngsters from all over San Francisco, “Our 3,000 students reflect San Francisco’s own economic, ethnic, and racial mix”, said Robert Bahnsen, the school’s coordinator of Honors and Advanced Placement Programs. “Seventy-five percent of Lowell’s students come from Oriental, Hispanic, and black families, and the majority come from families of blue-collar, skilled labor, and semi professional workers.” Like the school’s earliest students, a large number of today’s students have recently arrived from other countries, and many are the first youngsters in their families to attend college. College is clearly the goal of these students: 97 percent of Lowell’s 820 graduates went right on to college in 1979 – including 14 National Merit Finalists, 30 National Merit Commended Students, and three National Achievement Commended Students. Economic benefits Its graduates can be found on many college and university campuses in California and throughout the nation, and as many as three or four college recruiters visit the school each day in the fall. At Lowell an extensive AP Program is an integral part of the curriculum. This spring, 518 motivated juniors and seniors, many of whom have completed Honors courses, are enrolled in 26 AP classes in 12 AP subjects.
Autumn 2005
Lowell Alumni Association
“Every year, many of our students enter college as ‘high freshmen’ and a few skip their entire freshman year of college,” Bahnsen said. According to one recent estimate, Lowell students who scored 3 and above on last year’s college-level AP exams had received the equivalent of $350,000 in college education prior to high school graduation (colleges award placement and credit to students with sufficiently high AP exam grades).” The supporting honors program has seen a similar growth from two honors English classes in the spring of 1961 to 20 honors courses (51 sections) in the spring of 2005. Similarly, growth in the number of exams taken is well beyond that of all but a handful of secondary schools in the nation: • In 1962, 16 Lowell students took an AP English exam. • A decade later, students took 244 exams in a number of fields. • By 1982, students were taking 399 exams. • In 1992, 796 exams were taken. • In 2000, more than 2,000. • By 2004, Lowell ranked fourth in the nation with 2,488 exams taken in 24 subjects, with a 90% passing rate (see bar graph). • This spring, the number exceeded 2,500 exams with more scheduled in coming years as AP Chinese and AP Italian go “on-line” among advanced placement offerings. • 91.4% of the graduating class of 2005, took and scored at least a 3 on one AP Examination during their tenure at Lowell High School. Perhaps the most significant statistic of all is the passing rate. Consistently from 1974 on, it has remained, with but very few exceptions, at 90% or better – a truly remarkable achievement by students, teachers and supportive administrators. Summary and Evaluation In this life, we want nothing but Facts, sir, nothing but Facts. – Charles Dickens, Schoolmaster Gradgrind in Hard Times If this were the sole aim of Lowell’s curriculum, the game, as they say, wouldn’t be worth the candle. Standardized tests do tend to limit themselves to a narrow concept of the role of education in life. But the truly educated won’t settle for such a meager assessment of the aims of education. Standardized AP tests are not mere tests of
memory. They quite properly emphasize the student’s ability to think about – not simply recall – them. In the course work and in the exams themselves, students are required to reflect upon their studies and present their own ideas about them in writing. Subjectivity has a place in the grading of the exams’ essays, just as it has in the teacher’s presentation of course materials and in his or her own grading practices. That the College Board takes a broad view of the entire AP program is much to its credit. For instance, “Annotate Course Outline” in Biology clearly states that the emphasis should be upon the meaning and significance of the facts, not upon the facts themselves: “Questions on AP examinations can be expected to test students’ ability to explain, analyze, and interpret biological processes and phenomena more than their ability to recall specific facts.” As they’ve developed over a period of years, Lowell’s honors and AP courses do try to advance a major part of the school’s primary mission. As stated in its “Expected School-wide Learning Results”: ‘Lowell High School will prepare students to be… creative and critical thinkers who apply higher order mental skills to problems and issues across the curriculum {and} develop abstract and/ or physical models to solve problems.’ Just as in the pre-AP years, the post AP years have seen Lowell graduates rise to prominence in their chosen fields. Nationally-recognized writer Naomi Wolf, for instance, greatly valued the AP courses she took at Lowell. They also assisted in the later successes of Eric Cornell, Nobel Prize winner in Physics, and Joan Abrahamson, President of the Jonas Salk Foundation and other success stories too numerous to mention. But what is most significant about Lowell’s total academic program is to be seen in the letters published in the Lowell Alumni Newsletter. In edition after edition, letters from alumni and alumna tell the tale of Lowell graduates fulfilling their ambitions in the world of work and family life. A random sampling from the spring 2005 issue demonstrates the point: • Norman Rosenberg ’66 is “enlivened by teaching at universities in England, Norway, Hong Kong” • Karen Pagannis ’68 “continues to do research on the Emperor Penguin each year down in the Antarctic.” • John Trasvina ’76 “returning to government service as Western States Regional Director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.”
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• Vincent Ling ’80 “recently promoted to Director of Molecular Biology at up-and-coming biotech Compound Therapeutics.” • John McDonald ’83, “Still working at Space Sciences Lab in Berkeley … and writing and painting.” • Emily Murase ’83, “…now serving as Executive Director of the S.F. Dept. on the Status of Women.” To the extent that honors and AP classes help students like these realize their ambi-
certain required general education courses, they save instructional time, teacher salaries, and course materials. Not only do students save on course fees, but they can complete their undergraduate schooling more rapidly and at less expense to all concerned by reason of their successes on AP tests than if they hadn’t taken them. Are there no negative sides to so large a program? There is always the danger the program will take over the whole school and divide it into a first and second-class faculty.
‘Lowell High School will prepare students to be… creative and critical thinkers who apply higher order mental skills to problems and issues across the curriculum {and} develop abstract and/or physical models to solve problems.’ tions or reach the goals they set for themselves, they are worth keeping in the curriculum. And so long as teachers of these courses are free to develop their own approaches to the subject and refuse to teach to the tests, they are of value. But above all, it is the intrinsic worth to the student that is the lasting test of the AP courses. At their very best, they provide the student an opportunity to explore a subject in depth, awaken interest and curiosity to learn more than they might otherwise without that stimulus, and finally to use that learning in useful and self-fulfilling ways. If such is the case, they fulfill their promise. But such intense efforts do not come without a price. Recognizing the additional burdens placed upon teachers in preparing to teach the subject in depth and complexity, the College Board strongly recommends that classes be limited in size and that teachers be granted additional time to prepare instruction, read and grade papers, and develop preparatory exams of their own. Thus far, the School Board has acknowledged the need for these additional periods and has budgeted for them. Were the district to withdraw its support of the AP and honors programs, Lowell would be hard pressed to maintain them. If the teaching and administrative burdens become to great, both honors and AP courses could be drastically curtailed and eliminated altogether. To a very considerable extent, colleges and universities granting credit for a superior test result benefit from the program also. Able to exempt students from having to take
As it is, AP testing takes two weeks to complete. Many rooms must accommodate it, including the school’s cafeteria. Last spring (2005), the room situation was somewhat alleviated by the first-time use of space in the new academic wing. However, teachers and students continue to be displaced, routine classes are disrupted, and students taking a test miss instruction in their other courses. With utmost care and attention to planning and logistics by Jow and Dacanay, the school thus far has been able to accommodate so large a program, even as it grows from year to year. Without funding for these two positions, however, the school would be plunged into chaos during the test period—a factor that all must take into account if in the future the program is to continue at its present rate of growth. While test results can be useful in helping Lowell to judge a student’s abilities and staying power, they should not substitute for the school’s overall judgment based over four years of experience with the learner. Harvard cautions teachers writing recommendations for students in this wise: is the student a mere grade-grubber, or does he have a genuine interest in, and enthusiasm for learning? A very fair question, and one that the best have been able to answer in the affirmative. If the AP and honors programs continue to advance that affirmative answer, no one can doubt their enduring worth. Letters from alumni about the value of the program are welcome.
11/ 7 /05
LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL
Advanced Placement Examinations 1962-2005 3000
100 2 705
2500
80
22 38
70
2 021
2000
1 8 63
60 15 9 2 1 5 66 1621 1 49 9
1500
50
1 33 9
1 16 5
40
10 5 6
1000
908 778
500
16
28
68 7 5
12 0
13
17 151
181 19
27 3 2 44
327
2 81
368
41
428 41 6 4 8 3 95 3 89 39 9 38 5 407
55
5 90
946
30
79
596
20
485
10 0
19 62 19 63 19 64 19 65 19 66 19 67 19 68 19 69 19 70 19 71 19 72 19 73 19 74 19 75 19 76 19 77 19 78 19 79 19 80 19 81 19 82 19 83 19 84 19 85 19 86 19 87 19 88 19 89 19 90 19 91 19 92 19 93 19 94 19 95 19 96 19 97 19 98 19 99 20 00 20 01 20 02 20 03 20 04 20 05
0
*
Passing % not available for 1962–1968
**
**
** *
* Lowell ranked 6th nationally ** Lowell ranked 4th nationally *** National rank to be determined by the final verified number of AP exams (Oct./Nov.).
Lowell High School came in as #1 out of 1375 schools in the state of California in terms of the number of students and the number of AP exams for 2005. Lowell came in as #3 out of 14,529 schools in the nation, also in terms of the number of students and the number of AP exams for 2005 — The College Board, 9/20/05
% Passing
Number of Exams Taken
90
2516
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Lowell Alumni Association
KEEPING IN TOUCH… travel. 40th reunion was beyond belief. Maria and I are still in good health and I figure in 10 years maybe I’ll catch up on my reading.” DONNE MILLS DAVIS appeals “Last year, just after my husband, Sonny Davis, and I celebrated our 36th anniversary, his kidney transplant from 1995 suddenly stopped working. He had to go back on dialysis. Were it not for the support of my friends and family, especially our 2-year old granddaughter, I probably would have gone into a deeper emotional tailspin. when Sonny was able to get back on the transplant list, we were told the wait for a non-living donor is 5 – 6 years. The transplant social worker suggested we write a letter asking if anyone would be willing to be a donor. A year ago that seemed like an impossible request. But after witnessing my precious husband’s health deteriorate over the past year, I now have the conviction to speak up and ask for our prayers to be answered. In July I wrote a letter to our family and friends and the response has been heartwarming. Several friends have offered to donate their kidney but sadly they have been the wrong blood type. The donor must have blood type O positive or negative. When I received the Alumni letter, I decided to share our plea with my Lowell community. Even if you simply add us to your prayers and wishes, I believe this will improve the possibility of a positive outcome. If you would like to email me, I’m at rituals4u@earthlink.net.” PHILLIP TUTT states “Thank you for helping to keep Lowell the top quality school that it has always been.” DIANA HOFFMAN KUZUBOWSKI writes “Hi everyone! Glad 2004 is over with. Husband John had a stroke the day before our reunion (he’s fully recovered now) & my company’s board decided to sell the company. 2005 is great – I am now CEO & President of Airex, Inc. that has innovative mobile air decontamination units & cleanroom technologies. Love to all & sorry I missed the 40th!” MARY ANN BRAKEBILL BERSI says “I can hardly believe I retired on July 15, from Clark County, from law practice, from anything approximating paid employment – at least until the end of the year. I’m going to take up golf, riding my horses, play at my cabin, and try to get in touch with Bobby Wong who lives near me in Utah and hopefully survived the big fire in New Harmony with her horses. Bobby call me at 702-645-0582. Looking forward to the next class of ’64 event.” CHERYL WILLIS-ROE announces “Received my teaching credential from S.F. State May 2005. I am hoping to work for the SFUSD in the coming year. With cutbacks, am not expecting full-time, but would like to sub at my student teaching school, Everett Middle. Will let you know how things work out.” JOSEPH BLUM reports “Our son, Ari (28), just got married to Mead Wallace of Alexandria, VA. They live and work in S.F.” PAMELA OTT MAZUR writes “Gwen Giffing Gibson and I had a ‘mini-reunion’ when she was visiting Maryland recently. We had a terrific afternoon reminiscing and comparing our families.”
1965
Jan & Jun
RUTH SALLEIN ASTLE SAMAS announces ”I have a new granddaughter born 8/4/05 – Elizabeth Clarity Samas. She joins my two grandchildren Juliette (10) and Jerome (3). Elizabeth is my son, David’s, and his wife, Grace’s first. The other two live in Seattle with my daughter, Jennifer and her husband Jeff.”
ARLENE O’BRIEN DOYLE states “I left ‘lawyering’ and have loved my real avocation as a nurse practitioner in the injury center at Kaiser, SF for the past 12 years. Don and I have been married for 34 years and have 2 children, Kristine (31) and Patrick (25) and a grandson Aldan (2). I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at our 40th in October.” CAROL GALLAGHER says “I’m still living in the same home I grew up in. I presently work as an X-ray technologist (36 yrs) for UCSF. I’m hoping to retire in 4 years and possibly teach X-ray part-time at City College.” WILLIAM CLARK – See 1956 for news. Barbara Quan Chew emails “Since our 10 year reunion in 1975, it was an unexpected surprise to almost literally run into Nick Sarabalis at Safeway, Mill Valley!.”
1966
Jan & Jun
JAMES E BRODIE writes ”I just retired! playing golf and running are very reasonable alternatives to working. Looking forward to our 40th reunion (can that be possible?) next year.” AL KOVALICK remarks ”It feels like yesterday, but it’s almost been 40 years. Still in contact with many Lowell friends. Just finished writing a book. Check it out, enter ‘Al Video Systems’ into Amazon’s search bar.” WALLY HILLSTROM says “Your newsletter brings great joy and happiness to me. Keep up the good work and don’t forget me at the next issue. I am retired from the food additive industry after many years. Married to Ellen for 17 good loving years. Still in touch with the Grizzwalds. Have two children, Rusty and Audry. Looking forward to a vacation.” CONRAD CUMMINGS informs “Teaching composition in the Evening Division at Julliard, composing like crazy.” MARILYN CLAYTON SCHAUMBURG reports “Still teaching Technology @ Katherine Burkes School in S.F. My 3 kids are all living in S.F., and I’m expecting my first grandchild any day.” MARGO LEVY VIGNOLA writes “Son Marik (28) PhD candidate in Cell Biology at Duke. Daughter Anne-Marie (24) at Imagine Entertainment in L.A.” RICHARD LOPEZ sends “Daughter Kaitlin is in her 2nd year at Loyola Marymont Univ; Son Colin is a senior at Loyola High School, Los Angeles. Wife Joanne is an Advisor for Title 1 Private Schools Reading Program through the L.A. USD. I survived cancer surgery of the tongue and am back to work. I never smoked so that was not the cause. I am enjoying life more than before.” JUDY CLARKE says she is “Keeping busy with work as Chief Financial Officer of the South Pacific Region of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and President of the Woods of S.F. Homeowners Assn.” DOUGLAS RONALD SMITH states “I teach preschool in Oakland, went to UCLA School of Law, clerked for the ACLU and other liberal groups, and went to UC Santa Cruz the year after it opened when it had only pass/fail grades.” JOYCE TIPTON COX reports “I have an M.A. in Education and am about to begin my 34th year of teaching. This year I will have a K-1 class. I’m married and enjoy living in Sebastopol!”
BALDWIN & SUE SUN LOUIE report ”Life is good. We see a lot of fellow Lowellites at the Cal Football/Basketball games. Son, Barrett ’95 got married this year. Daughter, Kimberly (Kimi) ’98, is at U of P pharmacy school. Other daughter, Patricia (Patti) ’99, is at U of P dental school.”
HARRY KIOUS writes “Well, after 36 years with Bank of America, I retired at the end of 2004. My wife, Jan, and I then moved to Valley Springs, CA in the ‘Gold Country’ on April 18th. We’re very happy here and I can practically fall out of bed onto the Golf Course. We visit SF frequently since 2 of our children are still there as well as other family. So hope to see some of the old gang one of these days.”
PAUL M. LAFRANCHI sends ”Hope to see old friends at our next reunion.”
1967
LINDA JOE LEE reports “Have joined the ranks of the retirees after 37 years with the same employer and am now enjoying a life of leisure.”
MICHAEL NEUMANN sends an “Announcement of ‘Music of the Holocaust Era – Survival & Triumph’, a production conceived
Jan & Jun
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and conducted by him and performed by the Sacramento Youth Symphony at the Mondavi Center, UC Davis, Sunday, May 8, 2005 3 pm.” LINDA WHITE BURILLE advises “Still in trust administration in Santa Rosa, CA. My husband had a laryngectomy last year for cancer, but doing well. Son Paul is 19 and just finished his 1st year at Santa Rosa J.C.” SANDRA DYER JOSEPH says “Hi from San Rafael – everyone is fine. Our daughter was honorably discharged from the USMC after 5 years and is now in pharmacy school. Her husband is a Sgt. in the USMC & is currently deployed in Afghanistan. We still have 1 child in high school & our other two are in jr. college & living at home. Retirement??? Love to Jan & Jackie.” NANCY NICHOLS HIGHAM writes “Please put my donation toward the ‘Small Performing Arts Theater’. Steve Silver ’62 was my cousin and a very kind and generous man, with a world of creative talent. For the last 3 years I have been the Program Manager for a company that provides services to adults with disabilities, a very rewarding job. My condolences to Mrs. Gamble, as Peter was one of my favorite teachers. I look forward to stepping into his poetry class every morning. A fond ‘hello’ to Ms. Brash, who was there whenever I needed someone to talk to who would listen and give good advice.” TERRY NATHAN e-mails “My sister, Lorie Nathan Para, ‘64, and I lost our Dad in Oct. 2004. Mom, Bobette Lichtman Nathan, ‘43, doing well–keeping busy. Hello to all my classmates at Lowell. Glad to be back in contact with Claudia Wolf Eschoo, ‘67, and Evanna Lynn Perazzi Dunlop, ‘67. Hope to see you all soon.” SHELDON WONG advises from Hawaii “Surf ’s still up. Keep on truckin”. JEFFREY KEYAK e-mails Son Aaron is a Junior at Wash U in St. Louis, Joshua a Senior at JCHS in SF, Jonah is in 7th grade at OHDS in Oakland. I retired in 2000 from Navy’s (civilian) Bay Area Base Realignment and Closure office. Now I’m working for Kaiser Permanente in Oakland as a Senior Consultant in Maintenance Operations. Vicki is still teaching at Mira Vista (in Richmond), now in her 27th year. Hi to all Class of ‘67.” MERISA SMITH emails “Hi, I hear I’m WANTED by the Lowell Alumni Association! Please excuse my long absence! Like the poet William Everson (Brother Antoninus), I’ve been ‘out to make myself unknown and forgotten.’ So, after many wanderings ‘on the Pollen Path’ as Joseph Campbell would say, I’m back. Wanderings included graduating from UCSB in 1972 with a BA in English, and minor in Art History, a couple of years working for Beat Generation poet Kenneth Rexroth in Santa Barbara, where I was a published poet reading my poems at the now defunct but famous Bluebird Cafe. Then I worked for Nathan and Ilene Pritikin’s Longevity Center of Santa Barbara and Santa Monica. Many adventures later, I’ve ended up working as a Sales Manager for Solanova, the Heart Health Company (a neutraceutical company in Novato California) where I am a Chief Wellness Officer, sell vitamins to doctors and retail stores, do radio interviews, and write a blog on our website, www. Solanova.com. I am also a 28 year breast cancer survivor (I am now 56 years old). You will find many interesting stories of my journey, along with helpful hints, and research about nutrition and wellness at our site. If you have any questions about anything on the site, you can contact me at 415 898-1704 Ext 108 or email me at Merisa. Smith@solanova.com. Other passions in my life include gardening at my home in Richmond, and teaching dance for the last 15 years. I caught the bug from my parents wedding reception at the Italian American Club when I was a child. My mom remarried when I was 6 and I got to see my parents, two Arthur Murray students, doing the Samba, and I fell in love. I started out teacher- training at the now defunct Candlelight Ballroom in Albany in the early 90’s , taught in Hayward for 7 years, and am currently teaching at the Albany High School Adult School and at the Berkeley Finnish Kaleva Hall, where my partner of 8 years and I also throw a monthly dance. Dances taught include my favorites, West Coast Swing, Two-Step (Traveling Swing) Argentine
Tango, Latin and Ballroom dances. I enjoy teaching adults a new social skill that they can use for the rest of their lives. If you remember me, or know where Andrea DeMartini or Ron Gibson are, please email me at lazarus200@sbcglobal.net. Just make sure you mention Lowell, or I won’t open it.” MICHAEL BECKER says “For 30 plus years I have been looking and sketching sun spots. I now have a H-alpha filtered telescope (70 mm Coronado) to look at prominences, sun spots and huge sun cracks that shape themselves like snakes. The sun is a new picture every day.” ANITA YUEN DEA news – see class of 1961. GEORGIA JOHNS ESTEVES writes “George ’65 & Sophia Fonti and boys – greetings; come visit please. Susan Augustine Kelton, Judy Ruggiero Aro and Sharon Veder – howdy girls. Time for a reunion. To all the Fall ’67 class who knew me please drop by at 535 MacArthur Dr, Broadmoor Village, Colma, CA, 94015 (650-756-0364). Have a Navy son stationed in Hawaii. I’m enjoying raising my 4th son, Andrew (13). Thank you Claudia Wolf Eshoo for your presence always; I salute you and yours. Mr. Collins, homeroom teacher – pleasure you picked me 4 years attendance monitor. Hi to Loys Rodatos!” CAROLINE HUTTON PETERS sends “My husband and I live in Piedmont and just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary! I can’t believe all these years have passed already ... it seems like yesterday that I attended Lowell and then U.C.B. I have worked in Personnel for S.F., taught elementary school, and am currently working as a Realtor in the Oakland/Piedmont area. My husband is retired from his R.E. appraisal job and is now managing our income properties. We have three children, Michelle, 31, married 6 years and working with me, Rebecca, 29, married and working at Timeworks in Berk., and Jeff, 27, teaching Special Ed. in Pied. and working on his credential at the same time. We have all been blessed to live a good life in a wonderful area! Hello to all my friends from Lowell!”
1968
Jan & Jun
DEBORAH SCHAFER BALLATI announces ”Just celebrating my 30th year practicing law and about to celebrate my 24th wedding anniversary. Life is great!” ROBERT YRAZABAL writes “Married for 29 years w/ two children who have graduated from college. Tried to get my kids to look at Lowell H.S. as an alternative when they were at that stage; instead they went to Saint Ignatius. We live in S.F. and I have been a realtor for 28 years. I will always have fond memories of Lowell High School.” MICHAEL GEVERTZ writes “Still living the good life in Manhattan Beach, CA. Playing lots of golf and traveling. Older son Michael (23) working in N.Y. for a consulting firm and other son Scott (22) working on last semester at Univ. of Puget Sound. Still hanging out with my Best Friend Tom Clancy of 50 years while houseboating at Shasta Lake.” PATRICIA GALLAGHER informs “Living and working in S.F.” BONNIE JAMES ST JAMES reports “My oldest daughter Sara (21) just graduated from the Univ. of Portland with a BS and a BA. My middle daughter Liza (17) will be a senior at Urban High School in S.F. & my youngest Noah (14) will be a freshman at Urban. Time sure does fly. I am currently working with my husband at St James Law. We practice bankruptcy & insolvency law. I have been an attorney now for 25 years. Hi to all of the class of ‘68.” LORETTA ANTOLINI BRACCO writes “28 years in the city of Petaluma, Sonoma County and loving every moment of it. Both sons earned the rank of BSA Eagle Scout. Bill just graduated from San Diego State from the department of Business Administration. He accepted a job offer from Price Waterhouse and will be based out of San Francisco. Steve is a Junior Cinematography major at San Francisco State. His interest is lighting and producing. I have 25 years of Public Relations work with Cuisinart Corporation under
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my belt. I also have been working for Petaluma City Schools District Office. My love is traveling and have been doing so with trips to Europe, Canada, Costa Rica and of course all of the United States. Future trip this summer include another trip to Canada and in the fall Italy, Sicily and Malta. At home, in the San Francisco Bay area I spend my single life in the country dancing and ballroom dancing scene. Lots of wonderful loving folks. Love an update from all of my old school buddies. Hope everyone is well. <BigSwing5l@aol.com>.”
1969
Jan & Jun
TESS ALBIN-SMITH e-mails “Howdy everyone. I haven’t written for awhile but I have seen many of you. Last summer Esther Koch, Nancy Ligon, and Sue Patton came up to the Mendocino Music Festival, and we took a picture of the 4 of us with another alumnus, Robin Varga ‘73 who plays horn in the Festival (I play percussion). I also periodically see Katie and Russ Button. We sang the Lowell Hymn! And early in June I visited Meg Goldman ‘75 whom I used to baby-sit! But enough of that. I can send pictures if you want!” Tess also adds, “I wanted to brag that my daughter, Kelly Albin, won the NCAA woman of the year award (2004) and also the more prestigious Top Eight award for 2005. Kelly roomed with a Lowell grad her first year at Davis, and played flute with some of the other kids of our alumni in an orchestra reunion with Jack Pereira in 1996. If we lived in SF, she would have been a Lowellite for sure, but the commute from Ft Bragg is a bit too much.” KATHLEEN PLYER MORITZ sends “Hi to all my friends from the class of 1969. Still happily married & living in Foster City and welcome emails from Alumni at <kmoritz@culliganmgmt. com>. I have been managing real estate for 25 years. Daughter Kelly is a 7th grade social studies teacher.” CELESTE VERRILL AUSTRIA MARKS says “Hi everyone. Still living in S.F. My 3 sons have all graduated – 1 from Cal-Poly, 2 from SFSU. We are certainly glad that is over! They are on their own and so are we. Paris here we come!” YVONNE YEE LEE states “Married to same great guy since 1970 and we have two wonderful kids, Matt age 23 and Robyn age 21. Been living in the Pocket area in Sacramento since 1973; later graduated from Sac State. Am currently Chief of Program Technology and Admin Support at CA Dept of Social Services. Love gardening, spending time at our condo in Hawaii, and reading the Lowell alumni newsletter.” AUDREY ZAK SILVERMAN emails “After 30 years in the Newborn Intensive Care at Kaiser SF, the last ten as the Charge Nurse, I have taken a position as the Newborn Hearing Screening Project Manager for Kaiser Northern California. I am married. My daughter lives in England, and will be entering a Master’s Degree Program in Wales in September. I have two cats and two dogs and live in Foster City. My email address is <Audreyzs@aol.com> and welcome correspondence from fellow alumni.” LINDA POWELL McMILLAN writes “I am still working with AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) in the East and Central states – living in San Luis Obispo County. My husband Greg and I will crush our first estate bottled – Flying M olive oil from trees growing in the Flying M ranch.” TERRY MACK MAGNIN reports “I live in Alamo and have 3 daughters. My oldest got married last summer in S.F. and is graduating from a masters program in counseling this June. My middle daughter graduated from college a year ago and my youngest has another year. I teach school for the Mt. Diablo Unified School Dist. It’s always fun to see old friends from Lowell, and I look forward to our next reunion.”
1970
Jan & Jun
LORRAINE BACKMAN sends “Greetings, all! After 31 years, moving from the winters of new Hampshire to the high desert climate of Southern Arizona. Contact me at <la_backman@hotmail. com>” WASHINGTON, DC, June 5, 2005 -San Jose Optometrist, TOMMY LIM, O.D., was presented with the national American Optometric Association Political Action Committee Representative of the Year Award at the American Optometric Association’s 2005 Congressional
Conference, held recently in Washington, D.C. Recognized by his peers, Dr. Lim was selected because of his commitment to the profession, serving as the Political Activities Coordinator for Santa Clara County for over 25 years. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the California Optometric Association Political Action Committee. He received a standing ovation from the politically active doctors of optometry in attendance who came to Washington, D.C. to attend the two-day conference. Dr. Lim has been honored locally being named Young O.D. of the Year early in his career in 1980 and in 1996 as the Optometrist of the Year by the Santa Clara County Optometric Society. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Optometry, he is a former staff optometrist at the Santa Clara County Valley Medical Center and the Sunnyvale Medical Clinic. He has served on the volunteer staff of the Vision Rehabilitation Center for the blind in San Jose, and has traveled with Mission Medico doctor to remote villages in Mexico to provide vision help for the poor. ROCHELLE FORTIER emails “Please note the recent landmark victory in the 9th circuit court of appeals, a case pertaining to female genital mutilation. Articles on this victory can be found: http://dehai.org/archives/dehai_news_archive/ mar05/0217.html” MELINDA JOY SEID reports she “Co-edited a book titled ‘Globalization and Health’ published by Brill Academic Publishers; Leiden, The Netherlands, 2004.” JUDITH ROSSI informs “I am currently serving as the Asst. Superintendent for Colusa County Office of Ed. And enjoying my 26th year in the business! I wonder if anyone knows the whereabouts of my high school friend, Peter Wilde ’71. If so, I would love to hear from all Lowell friends:<jrossi@ccoe.net>.” HZHAK ZRI KALINSKI states “Oldest son Jacob is a practicing attorney in L.A.. Younger son Jonathon is entering his final year of law school at Loyola. Daughter Shoshana entering her senior year at UC Davis.” JOY CHANG writes “I’m still living and working in Seattle, WA. Right now though, I’m temporarily working on Capitol Hill in the ‘other’ Washington – Wash., DC. Enjoying life!”
1971
Jan & Jun
JOHN W MEYER sends update ”Moved to San Clemente. After living in the Bay Area most of my life, Orange County is a new Experience.” JAMES FULLER sends “Carol (Klemmer) ‘72 and I are still in Santa Rosa, Carol teaches Special Day (Ed) at El Molino High School in Forestville …I’m still working with the Management Services division of IKOW. Sid Marsh moved to Arnold, CA last year and is thriving. Held a small gathering of our Lowell “Family” last month to commemorate the passing of our brother, Dave Thoshinski last year, who lost his battle with M.S.; but kept his dignity & focus. Make it count!” JANE STRAUS emails “Although I’ve never kept in touch, I always appreciate reading about my former classmates’ lives, even the ones I didn’t know well. So here goes my attempt to distill 34 years into a paragraph: I live in Mill Valley with my husband of 18 years, Lester Kaufman, and our 13-year-old daughter Zoe, who is wise, compassionate, and talented. I’ve been a seminar leader and personal coach ever since graduating from U.C. Davis in 1976. After surviving a brain tumor in 2003, I made a commitment to finally write a self-help book, Enough Is Enough! Stop Enduring and Start Living Your Extraordinary Life, which is being published this August. I am also the author of a self-published English usage text, The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation, www.grammarbook.com. I’d love to hear from Lowellites I used to know and also those who would like to give me feedback on either of my books.” PAUL KASS says “Hi to all”. PAMELA PAVLOVSKY MAYER reports “My 2nd book, ‘The Grandma Cure’ will be published this fall by Dutton Children’s Books. Hope you’ll have a chance to read it!” PHILIP COOPER writes “We are coming up on our 27th wedding anniversary this July. My older son, Ben, will be going into his senior year at U.O.P. in Stockton. Nick, my younger son, will be a junior at Davis H.S. Leslie and I just returned from Victoria, BC as chaperones for the
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high school bands. All the performances went off without a hitch. Great trip!” LYNN DEHNERT MILLER announces “Still living in San Antonio, TX (28 years)! Working at KCl, a medical device company, in the compliance dept. Recently talked to Dorothy Paslay Edwinson who’s living in the Seattle area.” VICTOR TESHIN says he is “doing well as a senior business analyst at Ross Stores, Inc. I enjoy white-water kayaking and still don’t feel old. I live in Pleasanton, but miss the hustle and bustle of San Francisco.”
believe it’s been that many years) – especially so many from West Portal Elem.! Great to see all of us are aging gracefully (or in my case, reluctantly). Finished up my 25th year of teaching with a 5-day Hawaiian tour with 50 band kids (truly a wonderful experience for all of us) – in two years it’s Wash., D.C. (Hi, Judi Auerbach, care to give us a little tour?!) Happy summer to all.” PATRICIA VIVADO reports “I’ve recently changed jobs and have joined the investment bank, Lehman Brothers, as a Vice President in Global Diversity and Inclusion. This is a career change and I’m loving it! Loved seeing old friends
Do we have your current e-mail address? Don’t miss out on the latest news about sesquicentennial events and other alumni activities. You can update your contact information online at www.lowellalumni.org or e-mail us at lowellaa@lowellalumni.org KATHI ELLSWORTH SCOTT emails “Although I haven’t lived in the bay area for over 30 years, San Francisco will always be home. I live in Yuma Arizona where I am happily retired. Please e-mail me at <KathiSc@aol.com> I flipped through our yearbook the other day and oh so many familiar faces.”
1972
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As founder of the Presidio Performing Arts Foundation, JUDY GEORGE BRETSCHNEIDER stays busy as a full-time volunteer, managing the programs of PPAF, including Presidio Dance Theatre & Academy, based at the Presidio adjacent to Crissy Field. PPAF sponsors talented underserved children selected from a citywide pool to train with professional teachers, receiving full scholarships. Judy’s daughter Sherene, completed a two-year ballet apprenticeship with the Kirov in Saint Petersburg, and recently graduated from University of San Francisco, summa cum laude, with a double major in performing arts and social justice. Mom was very proud as Sherene received the Dean’s Medal For Excellence in the Arts, for the PPAF outreach program they created together, serving Bay View district children in collaboration with USF’s dance program. Arthur, Judy’s son is a junior at USF. He also helps mom with the foundation work, as a volunteer and student mentor. Check out her website: ppaf-sf.org She would love her Lowell friends in SF to become involved, there are lots of super volunteer opportunities. Also, there are great dance work-outs at the Academy to keep you in shape: call for info: (415) 561-3958. CAROL KLEMMER – see class of 1971 for news.
1973
Jan & Jun
PAMELA LEE GUNTRIM – see news in 1964. MARC MACHBITZ shares “I retired from Chevron in June ’04 and Lori, the kids and I moved to Dallas Texas. We love it here. Please look us up.” GLENN NG emails “News Flash: Class of 72/73 website is now up again. Features include a link to Andy’s original website, some stories that should be replaced by “official” class documentation, a new forum and email (you don’t even need to use the email program on your computer). Have news to share with the class? Send email from the site and I will post in the “news” section. Catch you all at the next reunion.” ROBINSON ROBERT NG has been practicing business-based law in San Jose, CA since 1983.”
at the reunion: Lene, Michele, John, Judy, Mirta, Tammy, Jerry, Nick, JJ, Doug, Jimmy, David, et al. We’re looking good as we approach our 50’s! Sally enjoyed meeting some of you the day after. Our daughter, Melinda (5) starts kindergarten in the Fall – a new adventure!”
1975
June
BRUCE GREEN sends “I am living in Sonoma and we have started our own winery. Our winery is named ‘Paint Horse Winery’, we grow Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and we raise paint horses on our ranch. Cheers and we wish Lowell High School continued success.” MAX VILLANUEVA emails “I am presently married to a wonderful woman named Karen for the past three years. I have a 25 year old daughter from my first marriage who works at ABC/Channel 7 here in the city. I currently work for San Francisco Recreation and Parks as a Recreation Director at Julius Kahn Park/ Playground in the Presidio and run the tennis program for K-3rd grades, have an open painting studio for children and drum jamming times as well. I have kept up playing music on the guitar and went back to finish my BA at S.F. State in 1998. I got a chance to become the artist again that I was at Lowell when I drew portraits at the carnivals and would like to begin film making as another pursuit.” PAUL LUCEY Jr. comments “Twenty five years in Hawaii and still no tan!” ROLAND TOLOSA reports “Married to Sylvie (Washington High ’78). Keeping two teenagers ‘in line’ – son (18) & daughter (15). Solving crimes as Police Inspector with SFPD, assigned to CSI. (Yes, the REAL Crime Scene Investigations). Déjà vu hit me, when a few years ago I responded to a burglary at Lowell’s ROTC room. I’m still playing drums for 3 different bands. Let’s party @ our 30th yr reunion on Oct. 15th!!!” STUART MISFELDT emails “Ciao from Italy! I been traveling with my wife Rachel since we were married in 1998. The US Navy doesn’t let us put down roots. We’ve lived in San Diego CA, Guam, Bethesda MD, and now Naples Italy. I’ll be back in SF in August 2005 for a week. Hope to run into a couple members of the Class of 75. I might make the reunion....?!?” STANLEY TOM announces “Niece Alisa Tom started at Lowell this Fall.” JEFFREY SOSNICK says “Looking forward to seeing everyone at this year’s class reunion. I have been recovering from cancer the past 1 ½ years.”
ROXANNE MICHAELIAN states “I am still performing often and playing chamber music with S.F. Symphony members. I’m also teaching piano privately and at the Nueva School in Hillsborough. My mother Stella, former teacher and counselor just celebrated her 80th! Hello to the orchestra of ’74.”
NANCY MALCOLM emails “Greetings! I’m currently working at Redwood High School in Marin County as the Counseling/Admissions Secretary. Watching the students brings me back to my own high school years. Were we really that young once? My story – I’ve been on a path of personal growth for the past nine years and I’ve been taking middle eastern dance lessons and performing with a dance troupe for the same amount of time. After 23 years of relationship with Tom Childers (‘76), we decided to part ways. Our divorce was final on 5/31/05. My sister, Susan Malcolm (‘71) passed away three years ago, losing her battle with breast cancer. My brother, John, (a
TAMARA COGNETTA says “It was such a treat to see my classmates at the 30th Reunion (hard to
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1974
Jan & Jun
The LAA needs a copy of the Jan 1974 Graduation /Commencement Program. A scan is acceptable.
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KEEPING IN TOUCH… Balboa graduate) lost his battle with heart disease and obesity last February. My remaining sister, Kathy Griffin (‘79) is well and lives with her husband and son in SF. I’m still an avid SF Giants and 49ers fan and I love living in Marin. The past year has been difficult for me, and I’ve risen to the challenge. I wish everyone well and look forward to our reunion in October!”
1976 SHARI ENG PHILLIPS remarks “I once thought I would be a dedicated career woman. But here I am in a blissful state of marriage with children, staying at home. Was my higher education for naught? Paradoxically, with children I fear I haven’t had enough! Still, life is infinitely sweet.” JAMIE DUARTE writes “I am practicing law at Duarte & Associates in Orange County. Looking forward to our class of 1976 30th reunion.” PATRICIA POLI PROANO emails “Would like to say hello to classmates (‘76) and friends from ‘74, ‘75, ‘77...”
1977 TERRENCE H LIU e-mails “Moved back to the Bay Area in 2002. I am married to Eileen Consorti, M.D., and we have two boys. I am general surgeon and faculty member in surgery at UCSF. We live in the East Bay in Piedmont.” EMILIO LANSANG sends “Still living in the Bay Area in South S.F. Married for 12 years with a 9 yr old son. Involved with retail construction management for 13 years with a national rental company opening stores nationwide.” DAVID TSENG writes “Since last July, I have served as deputy general counsel for Wash. DC’s Office of Tax and Revenue, managing a team of tax lawyers, and working w/ the public finance group that brought professional baseball back to DC with the first-place Nationals. Saw Kim Clark ’76 recently – Kim is a celebrated journalist at US News & World Report, and wrote a cover story last month on gambling.” KITTY NG asks “Classmates – please drop me an email! <cjbkn@msn.com>.” FRANK HAGGERTY lists “Lowell High 1977, Calif. Institute of Tech. BS Engineering 1981, Univ. of Chicago MA Program International Relations 1983, <www.frankhaggerty.com>.” ANN KASPER reports “Currently the VP of Product Development here in Coldwater Creek. Best of both worlds – lots of travel and then home to this beautiful resort community. I’ve lost touch with just about everyone, so it would be great to hear from old friends. <amkasper@aol. com>.”
1978 lAWRENCE LAHL writes “My wife Adriana and I, married 2 years, are expecting our first child in February. I’ve been with Autodesk, Inc. for 11 years now and am traveling often. I’m still playing guitar on weekends with a dance band and continue to write & record my own compositions. I now have 3 classic cars in my small collection, and am still living in San Francisco. My wife and I travel to Mexico City at least once a year to see her family, and we’re in Lake Tahoe several times during the year enjoying our family home in Tahoe Vista.” GERALD TOM emails “I noticed in the Spring ‘05 newspaper a message from another ‘78 alum, Roy Abendroth. I’d be remiss if I didn’t publicly acknowledge him. My wife has been stricken with cancer 3 separate times, but I’m glad to say with Dr. Abendroth’s help, she is currently cancer free. My heartfelt thanks from one very grateful ‘78 alum to another.” CAROL CRAWFORD FALSTRUP emails “Hello from So. CA! Keeping busy with 3 boys ages 10, 7 and 4. Working full-time and still helping with the family business – interactive automotive photography for the internet. Check out our website – www.evox.com.” BENJAMIN LEUNG asks “Know anyone willing to sell a million dollar home near Lowell to
a nice family of four at a 25% discount? I hope Lowell continues to maintain its tradition of excellence.”
1979 DAVID HULTGREN advises “I’m still dedicating my free time to volunteer for various “legalize hemp’ organizations. The next time you read an update from me, I’ll be signing it with my legally changed surname of ‘Hempgren’. I hope this small contribution to the cause will serve to further the fight for hemp.” PAUL TSIEN writes “Bette, Mark (our son), and I enjoyed visiting the campus and re-connecting with old friends at the reunion. Hope everyone is doing well!” EVA HERAN LEMLY says “Hi class of ’79! I wish more of you would write in with updates. Sorry we didn’t make it to the reunion, but we went to the Women’s World Cup here in Aspen and it was a busy time to travel. Have a great summer!”
1980 JUANITA BUCKLEY news – see 1982. PAUL CALLAHAN remarks “It was great to see all who attended the 25th reunion. Everyone looked happy and well. I think our class has found the fountain of youth! Many thanks to our class officers who arranged the reunion and the tour of Lowell on the following day.” BRANT T. LEE states “Still living the life of a tenured law professor in a small city in the Midwest. It’s a blue town in a red state – but we were close. So I like to think of it as purple.” LISA McPHAUL sends “Congratulations to Olivia (Diane) Gong for her induction into the Sports Hall of Fame! You make all your pals from ‘J. Ladle’ proud!” CHERYL ANDERSON comments “Wow – 25 yrs out of Lowell. How time flies. I have been keeping busy with the adoption of my 2nd daughter Nia (2). My 1st daughter is now 4. Life has been great for me and I am truly blessed. See you in September.” REBECCA ROBBINS McLANE sends “Congratulations to the new parents in the pot-luck gang: Lisa Bowen and Merl Ross. Two daughters to join friendship as we have all these years. Congrats to the proud papas too!” SOPHIE BREALL says “I can’t believe it has been 25 years! Where has the time gone? I am living in San Francisco in a great home in Balboa Terrace. I have one child who is six years old and goes to Hamlin School.” LOUISE FONG-WONG reports “Daughter Brigette is now 8 years old & entering the 4th grade.”
1981 JOSEPH MACHBITZ says “Moved the family to Phoenix, Arizona in Feb. ‘ITS’ A DRY HEAT’”. SUSANNAH KENNEDY MIRIAM ROSEN BLAKE reports “We’re headed for Misawa Air Base, Japan for the next two years. Benjamin (12) & Alexandra (10) will be learning Japanese in school. We’re all looking forward to exploring a new place. Hawaii has been fun, but it will be great to have seasons and nearby skiing!” DEAN BELL comments “Having completed 1st year term as President of Encinitas Little League, I have come to appreciate all those who volunteer time to kids for whatever purpose. Enjoying my own kids most, oldest already in high school … it can’t be!” BEN WONG states “Working at Foundry Networks. Have 4 daughters, two of whom will graduate from Lowell in 2008 & 2009.”
1982 ROBERT P. HO emails “I have taught at UCSF School of Dentistry for the past fourteen years in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences since my graduation from UCSF
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School of Dentistry in 1991. Currently I serve as a Clinical Professor in the PRDS department in charge of teaching the freshmen and sophomores and getting them ready for clinical dentistry. It is very rewarding to see so many Lowell graduates who were my former dental students who performed exceptionally well in dental school and now have become my colleagues in the dental profession. Currently there are at least twenty Lowell graduates training at UCSF School of Dentistry. Lowell definitely prepared their students well to gain acceptance into good colleges and into graduate programs. I also treat many Lowell students and Lowell alumni in my private practice in the Richmond district of San Francisco for the past fourteen years. I always got a few big laughs talking about Lowell High School with them. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the excellent teachers at Lowell who dedicated their careers to the betterment of their students. Keep up the good work and please continue to help our students achieve their dreams. If there are any students at Lowell who are interested in dentistry as a career please do not hesitate to send me an email <robert.ho@ucsf.edu> and I will gladly share some information with them about this marvelous profession which I truly love.” FADY MALIK writes “Living in Burlingame with my wife Karen and two daughters, Nicole (5) and Natalie (3). Working in Biotech and practicing cardiology at UCSF. Best to all.” LAWRENCE LOO e-mails “Greetings from the Pacific Northwest.” LESLIE BUCKLEY LINDSAY says she is “Living it up in sunny Round Rock, TX, home of Dell Computer, Inc., for the past 3 years. I’m a stay-at-home mom of 2 wonderful boys and a lovely girl. My husband, Leyton, has worked for Hewlett-Packard for some 16 years, and continues to make us proud of him. My sister, Juanita Buckley ’80 still lives in S.F. with her son John who is now five.” STEVEN P LI announces “I will be getting married in June 2005.”
1983 THOMAS MITCHELL shares ”I’m currently both on the faulty of law at the University of Wisconsin Law School and DePaul University College of law in Chicago. My wife – Lisa Alexander – and I are very much enjoying married life. My professional work focuses upon community development issues facing peon urban and rural communities, especially issues relating to assets and wealth. I’d love to meet any Lowellites who might find themselves in the Chicago area at any point.” YVONNE EIPPER-KALBER emails “Hello everyone, I just want to let you know that we are in the ‘planning stages’ for our 25 year reunion! If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, or you would like to help in planning the reunion, please contact me <yvonne_eipper-kalber@comcast. net>. Also, please tell all your friends to update their contact information if they would like to be included in event contact e-mails and mailings. Thanks!” STEPHANIE JOE says “I have such great memories of Lowell. My niece is attending now! Living in San Mateo with my husband David & 3 children Alex(7), Isabelle (5) & Benjamin (2).” SHAWN MELIKIAN states I “Am in the process of moving. Can’t figure out whether packing or paying the mortgage stinks more.”
1984 SARAH HUDSON reports “I’m teaching kindergarten in S.F., playing soccer, & doing fine. Congratulations to Lauren who is now Dr. (Lavigna) Turner, PhD!” HANNAH WOLF writes “Currently working as a Senior Project Manager (IT) for Ubisoft. Daughter Isabel (Lowell 2018) starting kindergarten at SF Community in Sept. 2005 – support your local public schools!” MEERA VALERIE DESAI announces “My husband, Chuck, and I welcomed our son Lucas
into our lives this past Dec. We are thrilled! We continue to enjoy living in the East Bay. If you are a long-lost friend from Lowell ‘days’, please email me at <meera94608@yahoo.com>.”
1985 EUGENE LEE comments “To everyone who came to the 20th reunion, congratulations for making it a fun and happy time. Stay safe and be well. There is a bond we all share.” GLENN & KATHERINE YOUNG report “Katherine and I have been together now for 20 years. We were married in 1997 & have a 3 yr old daughter and another on the way in July 2005. Katherine has been a medical physician at Kaiser Permanente Hayward for 8 years. I am a police officer for 15 years, currently working at the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Dept.” KIMALLY SAMUELS JACKSON emails “Hi, I just wanted to give an update on my life since graduation. I received a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and work with adolescents in a Community Treatment facility in the Bay Area; initially I was a Residential Therapist, I am now an Assistant Director of Operations. I was recently married on Dec. 4, 2004 to Willie Jackson Jr. I would love to hear from some of my old classmates at <happyme370@yahoo.com>. God Bless.” OSCAR HERNANDEZ emails “BS in Mechanical Engineering from UCD, then Medical School at USC, Residency also at USC. Since then I have been practicing Internal Medicine, my private practice is located in Santa Monica . I’ve bought a house in Marina Del Rey and a few investment properties in LA. I keep in touch with my good friend Erik McGee who has a successful career as a Federal Marshall in Texas. Also Julius Willis and Patrick Uskert who are doing well and both here in Southern California. I traveled to France/Spain/London earlier this summer, I cycle 3 times a week and golf whenever I can. Hope to see everyone for our 20th annv!” REBECCA RISCHIN says “I am an associate professor of clarinet at Ohio Univ. and play in the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra of Columbus. Recently, I published a book, For the End of Time: The Story of the Messian Quartet. I miss San Francisco and try to get back there as often as possible. Mimi Murase, Ellen Yi, and Eva Festa ‘86: Please write. I’d love to hear your news <rischin@ohio.edu>.” JOE SID – see class of 1986 for news. JUANITA HEREDIA emails “I co-edited a book of interviews, Latina Self-Portraits: Interviews with Contemporary Women Writers (Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2000). The interviews include people such as Sandra Cisneros, Julia Alvarez, Cristina Garcia & Cherrie Moraga.”
1986 MICHELE GILES WARD greets “Hello to everyone – recently married and still living in the East Bay, working as an adoptions social worker. Thanks also to Catherine Kirk Parries, my lovely maid of honor!!” ROGER LIM emails “I am an independent filmmaker/ actor living in L.A. and look forward to our 20 year reunion.” PETER CHIN reports “Appointed to the American Academy of Neurology’s Legislative Affairs Committee in ’03. Completing two years as a Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar in Medicine and Neurology at UCLA, and have just accepted a health economist position at Genentech. Excited about moving home after 11 years in the NE, NW, and SoCal!” MARIA SAGUISAG-SID emails “Life as a working mom is going well. I am living and working in Brisbane as the City of Brisbane’s Senior Human Resources Analyst. Home and the kids’ school are within a couple of minutes from the office. Joe is doing well working at Acura in Redwood City. This year I become a true soccer mom as I have to go to Regina’s practice on Mondays and Wednesdays and Joseph’s practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hope everyone is doing well.”
Autumn 2005 SHAMI FEINGLASS writes “All is well in Baltimore & I’m hoping to maintain the Medicare trust fund until we need it. Our daughter Imogen just turned one. My brother Adam ’88 just had a boy, Joseph in March ’05. Somehow, someone got Gigi Katz Orta to volunteer for reunion planning – should be hilarious. See you next summer.” MAUREEN COLL-WELCH sends “still in sunny Denver, CO. I married a wonderful man, Mark, 6/03. We have a newborn boy 2/05 as well as a 7 year-old son. Enjoying family life! Go Lowell!” JEANNETTE HOM WONG reports “I’m teaching 5th grade in Foster City (9 yrs). Have 2 children, Mackensie(6) & Zachary(4). Looking forward to our class reunion!” ANDREW TREVOR LEE says “If any ‘86ers find their way to Tokyo, come look me up at <prosody@ftml.net>. Joined the Foreign Service in June last year, and am now posted as an Asst. Press Attaché at the US Embassy in Tokyo. Any other Lowellites here in Japan?” DEAN POULAKIDAS announces “After 7+ years of practice at Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro, (now, Pillsbury Winthrop), I took an in-house position at ILFC in …. LA. Go Lowell!”
1987 JENNIFER MURPHY SINCLAIR sends “I am completely immersed in motherhood. Megan is now 6½ yrs old and Scotty is 3 yrs old. We love Fiesta Gardens International School – a dual – immersion magnet school in the San Mateo School District. It’s fun to be on the PTA and to go “do math” with the first graders weekly. It’s so different from my elementary school experience; it’s great to finally feel like I’m part of a community.” FRANCISCO GUTIERREZ sends “Working at E*Trade financial as director of software development. Email is <Frank.Gutierrez@gmail.com>.” HEATHER ARCENEAUX NYGREN emails “Have been happily married since a fantasy wedding in France 9-9-99. Newly relocated to Cumming (!) GA. Left my dream job at ScharffenBerger Chocolate and miss liberal Berkeley, but love my new garden and fruit trees. Recently won the grand prize for a recipe contest: a trip to NYC for private cooking lessons with Todd English, a night at the W NYC, and a 9-day Caribbean cruise on the Queen Mary 2. Did the website for Robert Cameron, www.abovebooks. com. Sent an email to Margaret Cho and never heard back.” BETH HUEY-TORNEY HUEY-LEVINE writes “My husband and I will be bicycling the Danube River from Budapest to the Black Sea for Parkinson’s and Hospice, as a fundraiser event this Sept. we still live in New York & love it.”
Lowell Alumni Association
1989 ADRIENNE FORSTNER-BARTHELL emails “I’m wrapping my surgical residency at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona and heading out for a colon and rectal surgical fellowship (let the jokes begin) in Orlando, FL for the next year. I may even have a real job before age 35.” JOSH FREEDOM DU LAC emails “Now that the Deep Throat question has been answered, I’ve been hired by The Washington Post to solve the next big mystery. You know: Why in the world would anybody buy a Backstreet Boys CD? After a dozen years at The Sacramento Bee, I’ve accepted a gig as The Washington Post’s popular music critic. We’ll see if I can survive the humidity after 34 years in California. In lieu of flowers, please send seersucker. <jdulac@gmail.com>.” BRIAN TAKEMOTO e-mails “I’ve been living in and running my State Farm agency in San Mateo for the last several years. Also, I’m finally getting married this October in Honolulu. Look me up, I’d love to hear from you. Oh and, please support Mrs. Takemoto and World Languages department!” JASON CHU emails “Back from the East Coast at last. Looking to finish up my stint as N. American Practice Leader at IBM, and do “some-thing entirely different” with my overpriced education. Hoping to reconnect with friends in San Francisco. Drop me a line at <YungWingCo@gmail.com>!” LEE CHENG writes “Hi all – Looks like I’m in SoCal for good. Married a girl from Huntington Beach, who just made Father’s Day 2005 personally meaningful. Still with Latham & Watkins in LA & would love to hear from fellow alums at 626-255-5861 or <lee.cheng@lw.com>. Looking forward to celebrating the 150th anniversary.” MARIA SAMSONOV emails “Let me update my info since I have not been in touch with LAA for many years. I have a BS in Cell and Molecular Bio, minor in Chem and Russian from SFSU. Then, I received an MD from U. of Pittsburgh. I am certified in internal medicine and completed 2 fellowships. I also received a Masters in Public Health, all from U. of Pittsburgh. I am married to a PA native and have 2 children. I have finally (and just) moved back to the Bay Area. Oddly, I ran into several Lowellites despite being out of state for many years, one of them also class of 1989 – at U. of Pittsburgh! This prompted my husband to encourage me to contact the LAA. Now, I would love to hear from old acquaintances and friends via e-mail: <samsonov@gmail. com>.” ALISON WENTKER HANNA says she is “Living in the Sunset District with my husband Shane and our daughter Olivia Claire – born Dec. 2004.”
HANSEN LIEU & WENDY LO ’90 report “Hello! We hope everyone is doing well. We are both working in software, but for competing companies! We have a boy named Koby (4) who loves to sing and play hide-and-seek. We live in Foster city, but still visit the city on weekends. You just can’t stay away from the City by the Bay. Keep in touch.”
1990
1988
ANGELA JARAMILLO LIVERMORE announces “I’m busy taking care of my new baby boy, Ian. He was born August 8, 2005.”
DARIA PENNINGTON sends “I spent this past summer in Paris having the quintessential Parisian experience! Would do it again in a heartbeat! Thanks to my teachers at Lowell for providing such a great foundation. Still teaching English at San Mateo high (AP Lit & Comp & Junior College Prep) and loving it!” VANESSA MISLER CAPOZZI emails “Still loving Nashville with husband, David and three children- Gabriel 7, Leila 3 and Shaina 1.” SARA HSIANG KALUZNSKI states “I wish I had better news: I’m in the middle of chemotherapy for breast cancer. My husband, John, and daughter, Natasha (5), and I urge you all to check your breasts… or some else’s! Don’t believe you’re too young.” NOELLE BAC FLOOD reports “Living in Northern KY and working in Cincinnati for Landor. I manage packaging design for the Tide brand. Would love to hear from anyone living in the area or if you travel here on business. <noellebac@yahoo.com>.”
The LAA needs a copy of the June 1990 Graduation / Commencement Program. A scan is acceptable. The LAA needs the names of the Karpenstein Award winner(s) for 1990.
ORI SOEN says he is “Living in Israel, working in high-tech.” EUDORA CHIN TING writes “I was privileged to have both Stephen Granucci and Dorothy Ong when I was at Lowell, and seeing both of their comments in the Annual Fund brochure just reminded me of how lucky I was to learn from such amazing teachers whose dedication to education impacted hundreds or even thousands of lives. MARCIA ESTIPONA SAMPLE emails “My husband Scott, 18 month old daughter Megan and I just moved to our second home in Murrieta, CA. I’m an analyst for TriCity Medical and still paint murals, do freelance graphics when time or baby permits. We’re also kept busy by our new business “No Bad Days”, it’s a trademark logo much like No Fear or Hang Ten. Fellow alumni Dr. Hilda Alcala, now an anesthesiologist out in Chicago will be visiting us this May. Any class of ‘90 in the San Diego/Riverside/Orange County areas . . . let’s meet up!” ALICE TURNER states “I’m back in S.F. after 5 years of Grad/Med school and now doing
Pediatrics Residency at UCSF. My husband and I are expecting our first baby in August. I can’t believe that my brother, who was born when I was a sophomore, will be graduating from Lowell next year! Hello and see you around former classmates!” WENDY LO – see class of 1987 for news.
1991 HEATHER N ROBISON TANNER emails “I’ve had a busy year! Took and passed July 2004 bar and am a practicing attorney in SF at The Dolan Law Firm. Had a daughter in May, Natalie. She looks up to her big brother, Josh (born 2003). Hope they can go to Lowell some day!” ROBERT Y JEW announces “Two life changing events happened to me this year. 1: I left the corporate world to started a business with fellow Lowellite, James Kong. We opened Cafe Infusion on July 9th, 2005 after a year of planning, design, and construction. We are located on 829 Mission St. (btn 4th & 5th, half block from the Metreon). If you are in the downtown area, stop by for some cool desserts and drinks; we’ll give you a 15% Lowell Alumni discount. 2: I married my lovely wife, Emilie, on Oct 1st 2005.” HEATHER ROBISON TANNER emails “These past two years have been incredibly hectic! My husband and I welcomed our first son, Joshua, into the world in November 2003. I graduated law school in December 2003. Waited and took the July 2004 bar exam, passed and got a job. Welcomed our daughter, Natalie, into the world in May 2005. I think its time for a vacation. LOL!! Just wanted to say hi to all those I may have been neglecting! I miss you all! Please email me at <Tiggerzfan@yahoo.com>. Congrats to Jen Swift on her recent marriage. So sorry I wasn’t able to be there! Congrats to Susan Lehman on the birth of her daughter (my niece!), Madeline.”
1992 JULIANNE RODDICK VANDEROEF emails “Julie lives in Seattle with her Husky and two cats.” JOSE ZELIDON-ZEPEDA lists “A.B. from UC Davis, 1997; J.D., Santa Clara Univ., 2003. Currently working in the city for the feds. Would like to hear from anyone who cares to get in contact. Email me at <tiresias24@aol.com>.” MOSS PRESCOTT & PATSY McGUIRE write “Married in Aug. 2003. Steve Granucci attended the wedding (we met in his World Civilizations class freshman year) along with friends from 1992 graduating class who knew the day would come (it was only a matter of time).” VIVIAN WOO writes “I am half-way through pursuing an MBA from Golden Gate University and anticipate to graduate next year. Also, I am currently living in South San Jose and I work as an analyst for the City of San Jose. Please keep in touch and e-mail me at Vivian.woo@sanjoseca. gov.”
1993 DANNY NG sent an e-mail to say “Finishing up a postdoctoral stint at the University of Pennsylvania, and currently looking for a permanent job in the Bay Area. It’s time to come home! Hope all my old friends are doing well. Can be reached at <dngatchem@yahoo.com>.” NATHAN THORNBURGH is the co-author of his first cover story with Time Magazine; it came out Monday May 23, 2005. The title of the cover story is “The Class of 9/11: An intimate look at how the country’s most storied military academy is steeling its students for war.” The story concerns how West Point cadets are being prepared for war in the post 9/11world.” MICHAEL SIM says he is “Working on a nephrology fellowship at UC Davis after 7 years in Boston. Glad to be back in sunny California.” RYAN K. LOUIE comments “Hello to Lowellites everywhere! K.I.T. <mcsquared@hotmail.com>.”
1995 The LAA needs the names of the Karpenstein Award winner(s) for 1995. BARRETT LOUIE – see 1965 for news. VIVIAN PAN announces that she is engaged to Shan Ming Woo with 8/19/2006 as their wedding date. Currently, both Vivian and her
Page 15 fiancé reside in Hong Kong. Vivian has been with General Electric for 6 years now, currently, with the Healthcare business. Vivian’s sister, Vicky Pan ‘98 will graduate from UCSF next Many with a doctor in pharmacy degree. JEFFREY KWAN says “Hey all, I hope everyone’s doing well. I’ve stayed in the Bay Area and have been working as a mechanical engineer ever since college. I tied the knot with my lovely wife Zhendi in May 2004 and just celebrated our 1 yr anniversary. Drop me a line and let me know how you’re doing at <jeffreykwan@yahoo.com>.” ANDREW GREEN announces “I’m looking forward to the reunion. Y’all better come!”
1996 The LAA needs the names of the Karpenstein Award winner(s) for 1996. TRACY FINLAYSON reports she “Just finished a Ph.D. in Health Services, Organization & Policy from the University of Michigan, and will be working at UC Berkeley later this year. Also engaged to be married next year.” KATRINA DODSON says she is “Living in beautiful S.F. and beginning Ph.D. program in comparative literature at UC Berkeley in the fall off 2005.” WILLIAM GOW writes “Last year I finished work on my second documentary, a half hour film entitled, Revising East Adams. The film covers the history of one of Los Angeles’s first Chinese American neighborhoods. I also recently finished my first year as a public school teacher teaching 7th grade World History at a middle school in downtown LA.” TIFFANY TAMURA emails “We are beginning to plan our 10 year reunion. If anyone is interested in being a part of this committee please email Tiffany Tamura at <tiffany.t.tamura@smithbarney. com> or <thumperso77@yahoo.com>.”
1997 ROSABBA YEE says “Hello! I’ve been working at a preschool for the past year. I’ve also been doing some traveling and been rooting on my Giants!” JULIA BRATZ exclaims “Hi everyone! I’m still living in Florida working as a wilderness youth counselor. I’m happy and doing great!” RON & MAUREEN BARRIOS BONGATO report “Ronald is safely back from Baghdad, Iraq!” EMILY PRICE writes “after 8 years living in Vermont I’m moving to Chapel Hill, NC to start a graduate program at UNC in city and regional planning. For the last 2 years Monica Kwan has been my neighbor here in Burlington, VT where she is currently in medical school.”
1998 The LAA needs the names of the Karpenstein Award winner(s) for 1998. KRIS KAISER e-mails “Hi everyone. Things are going well for me as I’m currently in my second year of law school. I graduated from UCSB in 2002 (majoring in Economics and German) and then proceeded to bartend and help J.D. with the baseball team at Lowell for two years. The experience was superb and due to the incredible talent, the team finished ranked 37th in the nation in 2004. My girlfriend of five years, Jennifer, and I proceeded to attend University of the Pacific-McGeorge School of Law last year, purchasing a condo in Sacramento. Hard work put us at the top of the class, facilitating a transfer to UC-Davis. Things continue to go well as I look forward to working as a summer associate for Thelen, Reid & Priest’s San Francisco office in 2006. Jennifer will likely work for either a women’s rights organization in Washington D.C. or San Francisco. Wishing everyone the best.” KIMBERLY LOUIE – see 1965 for news. LESLIE LAU sends “Hey there Class of 1998! I’m still in san Francisco & still working in downtown at an accounting firm. Picking up a bit of golf this past summer. I hope everyone is doing well!” ALBERT TRUONG emails “Hello everyone. After bumming around for 2 years after graduating from UC Davis, I will be off to New York
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Lowell Alumni Association
Autumn 2005
In Memoriam 1927 GEORGE WASHINGTON PAULSEN, passed away last March at the age of 96. He was an architectural engineer whose employers included the California Conservation corps, the S.F. Dept. of Public Works, and a 30-year career with the Emporium dept. store as building superintendent. In that position he supervised branches at Stonestown, Terra Linda and Stanford Shopping Center. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doris, and an extended family of grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
1928 SIDNEY RUDY, a UCB and Boalt School of Law graduate, passed away last April. He was a highly respected attorney who worked tirelessly for his clients and his community. Mr. Rudy represented Lowellite/developer Warren Simmons during his development of Pier 39, one of the city’s popular tourist attractions. The Sidney Rudy waterfront park near the Pier honors his efforts in that successful venture. He is survived by three children and several grandchildren. Throughout his life he was a vigorous advocate of Jewish causes.
1929 WALLEA TORMEY DRAPER, of Pacific Grove, a retired real estate broker, passed away at the age of 92. She was the owner of Draper Real Estate. Mrs. Draper was the matriarch of an extended family including four children, their families, and numerous relatives. At Lowell she was Vice President of the Student Body.
1930 IRVING SUGARMAN, UCB, J.D. Boalt Hall, a highly regarded trial lawyer, died last June. He was a man of many interests: photography, skier, yachtman (San Francisco Yacht Club and Belvedere Cove Foundation), and world traveler. Irving was preceded in death by Jane, his wife of 58 years. Attorney Sugarman is survived by sons Charles and Myron, five grandchildren and one great grandchild.
1931 DR. CHARLES BRANT SILBERSTEIN, a graduate of Physicians and Surgeons School of Dentistry in San Francisco, passed away last April. He was a Great Generation WWII veteran with the 20th Air Force in the Pacific. After his enlistment, he resumed dental practice in San Francisco for a career that spanned 48 years. This writer only knew snippets of Dr. Silberstein’s life at his Lowell reunion luncheons, but those brief glimpses of the man and his personality were enough to get the impression that here was a special individual who brought joy to the lives of all who knew him. His story-telling was legendary to his classmates, all suitable for mixed audiences, of course. Qualities like unusual charm, graciousness, and joie de vivre come easily when describing the indominable Dr. Charles. I imagine he actually made going to the dentist a joy for his patients. His stories enlivened the 71st reunion of his Class of 1931, the first Lowell class to return after seventy-one summers. Charles was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Maxine, and is survived by his son Gary, daughter Carla, and their families. RALPH HAYDEN VANDEVER, a WWII Great Generation veteran, passed away last April at the age of 91. He enjoyed a 43-year marketing career with the Shell Oil Company. His Lowell classmates appreciated his leadership in keeping the class together by organizing reunion luncheons. A few years ago he achieved his goal of celebrating the 71st reunion of his class (Lowell’s first, with the aforementioned /Dr. Silberstein and classmates). On behalf of your schoolmates, “Thank You, Ralph,” in spirit. Mr. Vandever is survived by an extended family of step-children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
DAVID CHARLES MAYERS, a UCB graduate and WWII Great Generation veteran, passed away last March at the age of 90. Lt Col. Mayers enjoyed a 40-year career as an insurance broker. He was the beloved husband of his wife, Irma, for 54 years, father of four children and grandfather to an extended family of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. The LAA has been notified that schoolmate, WILLIAM DUGGIN of Kentfield, passed away last January.
1932 JUDGE JOHN G. TYLER, B.A. Stanford, J.D. Boalt Hall, passed away last May. He enjoyed a varied legal career: Ass’t District Attorney for Siskiyou County, elected to the bench in 1958 as a circuit court judge by appointment of the Calif. Judicial Council. Judge Tyler retired in 1988. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Audrey, son Dennis, daughter, Leslie, and an extended family of relatives and friends.
1933 FRANCIS SCARPULLA, a Great Generation WWII veteran and well-known S.F. restaurateur, died at his home in the City at the age of 88. His Tortola Mexican restaurants were popular eateries in San Francisco and San Rafael. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Antoinette, two sons and a daughter. ROBERT E. LANCTOT, B.A./J.D. USF, died peacefully at home in the City. He enjoyed a varied legal career: FBI agent and private practice (Watson & Lanctot LLP). Robert practiced law into his Eighties, coming to his law office until a month before his death. He was a tireless community worker: S.F. Committee for Good Government, American Heart Association, Paris Foreign Mission Society, Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI, president of the USF Alumni Assn. and USF Law Society, and similar social interests. Attorney Lanctot is survived by his loving wife, Jane, five children, their extended families, and by his beloved sister, Doris, Lowell ’37. BONNIE GUINEE BEIJEN, passed away in San Francisco at the age of 89. She was a licensed customs broker (first woman in U.S.) for 40 years, assisting exporters and importers in meeting federal requirements governing exports and imports. Mrs. Beijen is survived by her son, Kirk, and two granddaughters. The LAA office has learned that ELMIRA COBURN SANDERSON of San Rafael is deceased.
Lowell has lost a loyal alumna with the death of ELISABETH REPP COOPER ‘37 at her home in Oceanside, CA. She had been one of the early founders of the SoCal branch of the Alumni Association and served on its Steering Committee. On several occasions she was the SoCal representative attending monthly Alumni Board meetings. In 1990, Elisabeth established a $50,000 scholarship in memory of her brother, Stafford A Repp who played character roles in hundreds of television shows and movies. As Chief O’Hara in “Batman” his face was familiar to children throughout the world. Each spring the interest generated by the scholarship is awarded to a college-bound senior. Elisabeth was predeceased by her husband, David. The LAA directors extend their condolences to her Southern California friends and schoolmates with whom she shared so many pleasant Lowell alumni activities.
last March at his home in San Francisco. He was a well-known real estate investor with the firm of Callan, Stroud, and Dale. Socialite John was a senior member of the Guardsmen, an active member of the San Francisco Golf Club, the Bohemian Club, and past president of the Pacific-Union Club. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Eugenia, daughter Leslie, son John, and sibling, Edwin. A son, Anthony, predeceased him.
1938
1945
CLAY S. ANDREWS, a WWII Great Generation veteran, B.S. USF, M.A. SFSU, Ph.D. Stanford (1957), died last April in Palo Alto. He was a teacher and administrator at SJSU for almost 40 years. Mr. Andrews is survived by his loving wife, Jane, and an extended family of nieces and nephews.
The LAA has learned that ELISE LACHMAN HOLMAN of Grants Pass, OR has passed away.
MRS. NAN SHIPNUCK RAYOR, a SFSU/ UCB graduate, has passed away in Olympia, WA.
The LAA office has learned that BARBARA JEAN FLEXSENHAR EAGLESON passed away Sept. 2004.
1939
1948
LORRAINE L. TISCORNIA PREOVOLOS, a loyal Lowellite since she graduated, died last April after a brief illness. She was a woman of many talents: a passion for music and was gifted with an operatic voice, a talented pianist, loved books and pursued a career as a librarian. Lorraine leaves her attorney daughter, Lowellite Penny Preovolos (Katerndahl), UCB Gold Medallist and former LAA director, and her husband, and an extended family of cousins and in-laws.
ROBERT E. HERZ, a retired insurance underwriter, died last March at his tome in Fremont. He was the loving husband of the late Bertha Herz for 42 years. Robert leaves children, Deborah, Karen, John, and four grandchildren.
1940 Betty Dodge notified the LAA office that JOSEPH DODGE passed away in August, 2004. He was a retired musician, having been a member of the Dave Brubeck quartet. JUNE CROOK PRAUN, passed away last April in Mill Valley. She earned an Associate Arts degree at UCB. June is survived by her husband, Bill, and a loving family of relatives.
The LAA has been notified that BERNARD SHIPNUCK of Monterey had died (2002).
1942
1936
FRANK L. GUERENA, an Oregon State U. graduate, died last April. He was a WWII Great Generation veteran. Mr. Guerena is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Betty, three children, three step-children, and 11 grandchildren.
GOLDIE RUBINSKY ALTER, beloved wife of Irving Alter, passed away last March. She attended Lessman’s Business College and did secretarial work until her marriage. Goldie was very active in the Jewish community and in a variety of community activities. She leaves her husband, Irving ‘36, and an extended loving family. MAXWELL N. (MAX) LAPKIN, a USF graduate, passed away last March surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of wife, Jeane, for 61 ½ yeaars. Max leaves his daughter Joyce, son Philip, and grandson, David. (This writer remembers the genial Max at his class reunion luncheons. He was a joy to whomever knew him. Ed)
1937 ROBERT V. DAILEY, a WWII Great Generation veteran, died last March. He served under General Mark Clark. For many years he was a printer for Carlisle & Company. Robert leaves a twin brother, William ’37, an extended family of cousins and families.
Phyllis Reichle notified the LAA that her husband, WALT REICHLE, died at their home in Sonora last May. He was a Marine, a UCB ’51 graduate, and a D.D.S. from UOP. Dr. Reichle practiced in El Cerrito for many years. For two days each week he administered to the children at the MACT Indian Dental School in Tuolumne City. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Phyllis, by their six children and seven grandchildren.
BOB MAHER of San Anselmo has passed away.
1946
ROBERT LEE GLENN passed away last May in Napa. He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen, son, Bill, and their families.
1949 SHEILA LOUISE DARLING BAUMGARTNER, a UCB graduate, M.A. SFSU, passed away last March. She enjoyed numerous interests: longtime Galileo & Wallenberg H.S. teacher, world traveler, docent for the S.F. Opera, volunteer at the Marin Humane Society, and pianist. Former Lowell teacher, Ed Crossley, wrote this about Sheila, “She taught Spanish at Galileo for many years, and she was selected by Jim Kearney to join the founding faculty of Raoul Wallenberg Traditional High, where she taught until her retirement. She was a respected colleague and a kind, personal friend. She, Pedro Merino ’75, and I had an enthusiastic foreign language department. After her retirement, we met frequently at her home in Sausalito and at mine in Sonoma. I’m enclosing a check for the Bob Anino Fund in her memory.”
LOUIS LEITHOLD, Ph.D. in Mathematics, UCB, a revered teacher of AP math/calculus at Malibu High School, passed away last May. He was eulogized by a Los Angeles Times staff writer as an inspirational teacher in high school and college, author of a definitive book, The Calculus, (a copy is on the Lowell authors’ shelf in the Meyer Library) a widely used high school and college text, and a legend in AP calculus circles. He was a sought-after trainer of calculus teachers, when his presence to an AP seminar gave the event a special significance. It is an honor to pay tribute to Dr. Leithold who became what all educators aspire to – the consummate classroom teacher. (Legendary math teacher Ivan Barker was Dr. Leithold’s teacher and mentor. He was the revered model for the young student who was to become a legendary teacher in his own right. Ed)
PAT MAHAN CLISURA, a top San Francisco model for more than 30 years, died last May. She became a popular model for many prestigious stores: I. Magnin, Roos-Atkins, Macy’s and City of Paris. In addition to modeling she also working in marketing for a number of firms, including Fraser-Knowles and Lilli Ann. Mrs. Clisura leaves an extended family of relatives and friends both here and in Mexico.
1943
The LAA office has been notified that KAREN HERTING OPP of Lafayette has passed away
JOHN CLINTON CALLAN, a UCB graduate and WWII Great Generation veteran, died
DEBORAH DICKEY STORER, a SJSU alumna, passed asay last April. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Howard, her son Howard Jr., daughter, Stephanie, and an extended family of grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A brother, Sanford, is a Lowell grad, Class of 1944.
1951
Autumn 2005
Lowell Alumni Association
1952
1968
Auguste Broucaret has notifed the LAA office that BARBARA ZOROBAI BROUCARET died in 2002.
The LAA office has learned that BONNIE REYFF of San Francisco has passed away.
1953 JANE SARTORI SEEBORG, a longtime employee of Pan American Airlines, passed away last March. Her involvement in community matters was xtensive: The Friend of Discovery Thrift Station , the John Muir Medical Center Authority, and in later years, many activities in support of the California Symphony. Mrs. Seeborg is survived by her son, Richard. JOAN RUIZ MARIONI, B.A./M.A. SFSU, AdminCred. USF, a Marin County teacher/ administrator, died of cancer at the age of 69. She was an award-winning administrator. directing numerous educational projects in Marin and later as an Ass’t Professor at Southern Oregon U. in Ashland. She is survived by her husband, Walter, a daughter, Sheryl, and son, Greg.
1954 CHARLES CURLEY, UC Davis/Stanford, U.S. Army veteran, former mayor of Larkspur, businessman, and all-around good citizen, passed away in Larkspur last May. He founded the Crent Company which grew to employ 200 people. He was involved in numerous civic matters: Golden Gate Bridge Director, president of the Marin Arts Council, Marin Conservation League, Marin Audubon Society board of directors, etc. At the time of his death, he was chair of the newly-formed Marin County Cultural Commission and was a trustee of the Marin Community Foundation, which he chaired in 2001 and 2002. Mr. Curley is survived by his wife and classmate, Nancy (West), sons Craig and Kent, brother Robert ’40, foster daughter Margot, and three grandchildren. At Lowell, Charles was president of the Scroll Honor Society and a member of CSF.
1958 We received the following e-mail from Kelli Wilder earlier this year: “I’m saddened to report that my dad, JAMES R. PAYNE, passed away suddenly, but quietly, July 2004 in Washington state, only seven weeks after retiring from the U.S. Navy (civilian status). As a sports editor of The Lowell, a track athlete and member of the a cappella choir in the late 1950’s, my dad cherished his years and friends at Lowell and was always excited to hear any recent news associated with the school.”
1959 The LAA office has been notified that DOROTHEA SCHAEBERLE BARRON of San Carlos has passed away.
1965 JUNE LEHMANN BROOKINS passed away last May. She was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church of S.F. June is survived by her son.
1971 MICHAEL THOMAS WOO, age 51, a UCB graduate, M.A. Univ. of Chicago, died last December of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was vice president of strategic development at USEC located in Bethesda, MD. Earlier, he was a professional staff member for Congressman Dingle and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the U.S. House of Representatives. Michael is survived by his wife, Linda, and two sons.
1974 LESLIE ANN FONG, UCB/CSU Hayward, died last April of cancer. She is survived by her daughter, Deanna, and an extended family of relatives and friends.
Faculty Last spring, the LAA received word that BOB HYINK had passed away at his retirement home in Sonoma County. Teaching colleagues and students will remember the gentle Bob as a fine math teacher and a gentleman. In the mid-Sixties (1964) he was one of the earliest Advanced Placement math teachers, attesting to the esteem in which he was held. Bob was a WWII Great Generation Naval officer. Former Lowell GPE teacher, Jean Kautz wrote of the Celebration of Bob’s Life at his retirement home, Spring Lake Village in Santa Rosa, “His wife, Kathy, spoke of his wonderful tenor singing voice as well as many other attributes. Spring Lake’s Lowellites in attendance were: Janet Rist ’32, Ed Pringle ’41, Jack Cowden ’34, Valeria Joy (Laurent) ’38, Walter Jacobs ’28, Jean Kautz, Jeanie Olander Kermoian ’40, Marian Yelland ’37, Mildred Heller Cornett ’37, and guests Nicholas Starrinides ’80 and Adair Miller Tench ’62. JOHNNY LAND, former Choir Director, passed away October 23. Lowell colleagues will remember Johnny as the school’s amiable vocal teacher whose turf was R. 70. He came to Lowell from Poly in the early Seventies and remained on the staff for three decades John had a deep, resonant singing voice and would often take singing parts with his students in musicals. As Musical Director, he was a key figure in plays like Sweeney Todd, Gypsy and Guys and Dolls. John was a “traveling man” with the choir, often taking his singers to Hawaii, Europe, and other exotic venues. On occasion, he and the choir offered to perform at the LAA’s annual Xmas dinner. With pride and pleasure the directors would enjoy the professional quality of Mr. Land and his young singer/scholars. Services were held at the First Friendship Institutional Baptist Church on Steiner Street. The printed program contained a collage of photos from his rich personal, professional, and Lowell lives. Speakers at the service eulogized the well-loved Johnny in words and song. John was a lifelong fan and friend of Josephine Baker. This writer remembers, in the early Seventies, the fun of dining at his restaurant named after her in the Inner Richmond. Johnny is survived by his brother, the Rev. Eddie Land, of Jasper, Texas, and his host of Lowell High School colleagues.
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Anne Kael Wallach ’29
L
owell High School has lost a giant in its pantheon of gifted retired teachers. Former English teacher and Gifted Program Coordinator, Anne Wallach ‘29, passed away at her home in Berkeley. Thousands of her former students will lament the passing of the revered teacher of English who served her students so well for 23 years. Anne was the last of the school’s nonagenarian faculty retirees. She was hired by Principal Edith Pence in 1951. Ten years later Principal J.A. Perino selected her to run the school’s newly-founded Gifted Program which was to be her responsibility until her retirement in 1974. She had become a Lowell teacher the “oldfashioned” way, by learning her craft at other schools. Anne started her career in a one-room country school house, teaching grades 1 – 8, three years at Grant School, and as a teacher of English at Galileo and Commerce High Schools. Her turf at Lowell was the Gifted Resource Center, Room 115, where she was “first among equals” with teachers like Flossie Lewis, Jo Ann Stewart, Lee Ann Torlakson, Jim Knapton, Bob Bahnsen, Ed Crossley, Nancy Hayes, Dr. Phil Glander, et al, all of whom shared the joy and responsibility of teaching the school’s “best and brightest”. Anne greeted this writer when he joined the faculty in 1954. A relatively new faculty member, she had quickly established a reputation as an inspirational teacher. On self-scheduling day, students had to be quick or lucky to find a coveted opening on one of her class lists. To experience a semester in Mrs. Wallach’s class was a sought-after honor as her former students will attest. Soft spoken, highly intelligent, (a sister was Pauline Kael, New Yorker magazine drama critic), her standards were high as were the expectations she had for her students. It was fitting that this brilliant
T
woman was the longtime faculty sponsor of the California Scholarship Federation and its community of young scholars. Anne retired in 1974 to continue to work with young people as Acting Director of Cal’s Gifted Program, designed to attract bright high school students to the university’s sixweek summer program. Each spring it was a pleasure to renew our friendship at the retired teachers’ luncheon. The Lowell History (1989) describes Mrs. Wallach as “an intelligent powerhouse who believed that society could ill afford to squander the scholastic abilities of its young people.” Her entire career in education was consistent with that conviction. Anne Kael Wallach is survived by her Lowellite children, Bret, Jed, Dana and their families. – Paul Lucey Wallach family Website: http://wallachs.org/anne
Grocery Card Programs Still Growing
he Lowell Alumni Association’s partnership with various grocery card programs (including Safeway, Albertsons, Ralphs, Vons, Cala, Bell and Pavilions) continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Last year, in our first year of participation, we received more than $1,700 through these programs, but this year’s total has already topped $3,400 and we are hoping to double the size of the program again next year with the help of several hundred more alumni and other friends who take a few moments to register their cards with us. It’s really the most painless way to help support important programs at Lowell. All you have to do is complete our online form at www.lowellalumni.org/grocery or complete the mail-in form below and then return it in the reply envelope you’ll find in this newslet-
ter. Once you’re signed up, the supermarkets will donate from 1% to 4% of your purchases to the Lowell Alumni Association without adding a penny to your grocery bill. And you don’t have to be a Lowell alum to participate in these programs, so be sure to ask your cousin with the six children and huge grocery bills to sign up, too! (For those who want to go the extra step, you can register your credit cards so that purchases made at participating non-grocery retailers and restaurants will also generate donations, with some retailers donating as much as 10% of the value of your purchases. Given the heightened privacy concerns regarding credit card information, we suggest you register that information directly with www. escrip.com. The Lowell Alumni Association’s eScrip group number is 154836502.)
Name _________________________________________________________
General Kenneth McLennan ’43, USMC, (Ret.) Lowell High School’s highest ranking military officer died Sept. 20, 2005 of lung cancer. General Kenneth McLennan began his career in the Marine Reserves after graduating from Lowell. He was a University of San Francisco alumnus with a degree in business administration. Kenneth was commissioned a second lieutenant and called to active duty during the Korean War which was the beginning of his long tenure as a career Marine officer. His business administration degree served him in good stead as he established a reputation in the Corps as a brilliant logistics expert. He received his first star in 1971 positioning him for logistic leadership in the Vietnam War. A note from the General to the LAA in March, 1987, read, “When I was privileged to assume command of the 2nd Marine Division in 1976, I succeeded MajGen. William Joslyn,
USMC, Lowell ’39, It was a proud moment for two Lowellites when the Division’s Battle Color was passed between us.” Ken McLennan became Asst. Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps with the four stars of a full General. Fullback Ken McLennan can be seen in his 1943 yearbook as a member of Mike Voyne’s varsity football team. Four years earlier, Bill Joslyn was captain of the 1939 unbeaten, untied Cardinal team – both football players, both Marine Generals !! In the main hall of the school are photographs of alumni who have enhanced the reputation of Lowell High School. A smiling General McLennan is among them in the uniform of a U. S. Marine Corps four-star General. The General is survived by his wife, Marion, three children, and two grandchildren.
Street _______________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ______________________________________________ Phone ______________________ E-Mail* _________________________ *We will not share this information with the grocery stores Store Albertsons Cala/Bell Markets Pavilions Ralphs Safeway Vons
Card Number
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Lowell Alumni Association
KEEPING IN TOUCH…
continued from page 15
and start medical school. Hope everyone is doing well!”
2002
VICKY PAN – see 1995 for news.
NAYELI MULLANE MAXSON is attending UC Santa Cruz and will graduate in 2006. She spent her junior year (04-05) in France, studying in both Paris and at the University of Bordeaux. She is majoring in Research Psychology.
GLENDY CHAN e-mails “Guten Tag, everyone! The land of sausage, sauerkraut, lederhosen, beer and fairy tale castles will be my home away from home as I embark on a two year international transfer to Frankfurt. Drop me a line <calmdown3@hotmail.com>.” APRIL YEE emails “Hello fellow alumni! 2005 has been a very interesting year for me. I made my first visit to China (Pearl River Delta region) to search for my family roots. It was such a unique experience! I also had heart surgery for a congenital heart defect and due to amazing technology (the da Vinci robot) I was out of the hospital in 3 days and back at work in less than 2 weeks. Many thanks to the California Pacific Medical Center, my surgeon Dr. M. Black, my company for providing great health insurance, and my family, friends, and Rob.”
1999 The LAA needs the names of the Karpenstein Award winner(s) for 1999. PATRICIA LOUIE – see 1965 for news. DIANA CHAN ANCHETA reports “I graduated from San Jose Univ. in 2003 with a degree in accounting. I now work as an auditor for the US Dept. of Defense. Hope everyone is doing great!”
2003 LESLIE ANN KURKJIAN says “I’m beginning my junior year at the University of Chicago, keeping busy with Kappa Alpha Theta. Peer Health Educating, and co-chairing 2006 ‘Taking The Next Step,’ our version of a Career Day. Project H.I.P.E. is still alive at the U of C. I enjoyed visiting the campus in September when my sister Lily began her freshman year. It was great to see everyone again!”
Faculty/Staff ASTER CHIN, a teacher at Lowell High School, San Francisco, CA was awarded a 2005 Keizai Koho Center Educator Fellowship to travel and study in Japan this past summer. Fellows have the opportunity to learn about the Japanese economy, various businesses, and contemporary Japanese society, as well as, participate in roundtable discussions with educators and business leaders during a two-week long stay in Japan. DONALD MURRAY writes “Thanks for the bonus Lowell Alumni Assn. newsletter. Good old Lowell – up to its usual excellent standards. May
Do we have your current e-mail address? You can update your contact information online at www.lowellalumni.org or e-mail us at lowellaa@lowellalumni.org DEREK TJOE emails “wassup alumni! Hit me up and get in touch sometime. I’m still in the city. Graduated from Cal, worked in Taiwan tried to be a rock star (didn’t work out), came back and started going to seminary (Christian grad school) and became a pastor! Oh dang. Wanna hear wassup wit you.”
2000 BRENDA KONG emails “I would like to say hello to the following teachers: Mr. Granucci, Mr. Shimmon, Mr. Devitt, Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Davis, and Ms. Mishel. Cheers to Jennifer, Betty, Colleen, Carlen, and Melissa! I graduated from UC Berkeley in 2004. I will be enrolling at Brooklyn Law School in 2005. LEWIS ABRA announces “Graduating this year from Cal Poly in Physics.”
2001 JESSE KERSHNER took a semester off in 04 and went traveling 12 countries in 7 months. Went surfing in Morocco, scuba diving in Israel and Egypt, skiing in the Alps, worked in the locker room of the Roman soccer team, bicycled the Netherlands. Met up with Lowell alums all over the place. Then back to UC Berkeley to graduate (05) with honors in Legal Studies and Theater. Next goal – Law School.
I nominate Mr. Lowell? Paul Lucey. It’s hard to imagine anyone who has devoted more to the school. Health and happiness to all!” DENIS RAUCHMAN says “They say no news is good news.” GAYLE LEYTON (English and Creative Writing Teacher 1961-1979) is currently still teaching English in selected venues. After leaving Lowell, she became a jewelry designer and a law clerk. Currently, she is completing an M. A. in Poetics. Currently, one of her stories is found on the following website, and it includes a picture of her when she was three: www.retiredboxers.com/OLD TIMERS. If you Google Gayle Leyton, you will find more stories and poetry by her. She is currently completing several books of stories about San Francisco and POETRY (contact: tangun@ix.netcom.com). She has also been appointed by the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS as a member of the LIBRARY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Send her an invitation to your reunion! The San Mateo County Times featured former night custodian, Jim McGuirk, in an article linking him to Joe’s of Westlake restaurant. For nearly fifty years (since its opening in 1956) Jim has occupied his favorite seat at the counter enjoying a steak a la Bruno, corned beef and cabbage, or spaghetti. He is obviously a creature of habit who knows a neighborhood treasure when he finds one.
MOVING ?????? Mail from the Lowell Alumni Association is not forwarded if you move. Please keep your address current with the Lowell Alumni Association. Either visit our website at www.LowellAlumni.org and put in your new address, or phone or write as soon as you know you are moving. 415-759-7830 • PO Box 320009 San Francisco CA 94132-0009
Autumn 2005
Leah Boehm Tributes I miss my former teacher and good friend, Leah Boehm. We kept in touch all these years with letters, phone calls, visits, e-mail. She always said she took the prize for an ‘unwed mother’ having the most children. We even had the pleasure of putting some of our grandchildren on her lap. I have been blessed to have her as a friend – thank you for the nice write-up in the Alumni magazine. Betty Trevor Davis ’50 I am a graduate of Lowell class of Spring ’70. I played the cello and had the pure delight of going to Japan with the late and wonderful Mr. Jack Pereira and orchestra. My name is Lutrell B. Huddleston. I was shocked and heartbroken to hear of Ms. Boehm’s passing. I have and will always remember Ms. Boehm for being fair in an unfair world of racism. She didn’t mind me being Black and she didn’t mind trying to get me a dancing scholarship. She saw my potential where others didn’t care or became jealous. Ms. Boehm also knew how to be “politically incorrect” when that term was unheard of, especially when it came to racism issues. Mostly, I’ll remember Ms. Boehm for standing up for four young black ladies when we were told to “stick out our paws” during a gym class! I’ll never forget how she made our gym teacher apologize to us and talked with all of us on such sweetness! These times were in the days where society was not sue happy yet and still isn’t as it should be, when it comes to issues of blackness and racism! With this I say! GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS MS. LEAH BOEHM, I know you are with the ANGELS TEACHING THEM HOW BEAUTIFUL THE BODY FLOWS THROUGH DANCE!!! Lutrell B. Huddleston ’70
Leah was such an outstanding woman! I had perhaps 6-7 conversations with her concerning Lowell and the Lowell Sports Foundation. Of course, Leah was so very interested in so many subjects, that invariably 30 minutes would fly by, while we discussed a range of topics. I know that, among others, Mr. Lucey was particularly close to Leah, and Paul, please accept my condolences for your loss. The entire Lowell family is poorer without Leah, but boy, weren’t we enriched by her warmth, energy and love! All the best to you all, Dave Hagerman ’72 Leah Boehm was my homeroom teacher and a beloved friend. We corresponded once a year and enjoyed keeping up with one another’s lives and activities, especially our travels. The last time we saw one another was at my 25th reunion. She had planned to be at my 50th but did not make it. I did not hear from Leah this last Xmas – the first ‘miss’ through all the years. Ruth Nusbaum Poole ’50 I have so many happy memories of modern dance class with Miss Boehm. A nervous memory too, of trying out for the class, and being so pleased when she said I was accepted. Thank you, Miss Boehm, for giving me a lifelong love of dance. Pamela Mayer ’70 I was so very sorry to hear about the loss of Leah Boehm. She was a wonderful lady. Leah was my P.E. teacher. She did so much for her students and everyone loved her. It was grand the way she cared about them for many years after their graduation. It has been fun to see Leah at our Rossmoor Lowell Alumni Club parties. She always enjoyed attending them. Please accept my deepest sympathy and tell other family members that Leah will be missed by so many of her former students. Eleanor McCullough Arnberg ’46
Miss Boehm was my Ninth Grade physical education teacher. Little did I realize that the Folk, Square, and Modern Dance that Miss Boehm taught our class would be the foundation of my teaching units eight years later when I became a physical education teacher at Lowell. Those were the “good old days” at the old Lowell. I earned my Girls’ Block L in the GAA and later became president of the Girls’ Block L Society, under Miss Boehm’s sponsorship. At San Francisco State, I entered the teaching program with hopes of returning to my high school alma mater to teach. My dream came true when, during my fifth year, I was assigned to Lowell for my student teaching with Miss Boehm my master teacher. My good fortune continued when in the Fall of 1967, with Miss Boehm’s strong recommendation, I was hired to teach Girls’ P.E. Then, there was a transformation, Miss Boehm became Leah, my mentor and GPE Dept. Head, a lifelong friend and colleague. Leah retired in 1970 but returned as the honored guest at our annual Block L banquets when a new president was selected. She enjoyed the candlelight ceremony when the outgoing President would move among the tables with a lighted candle, finally placing it before the girl who was the new president. Leah loved every moment of the suspense and poignancy of the occasion. Upon her retirement, with the approval of a Board of Education resolution, the Girls’ Physical Education Department dedicated the dance studio as the Leah Marie Boehm Dance Studio. Leah successfully campaigned to have this dance studio included in the plans for the new Lowell (earning the gratitude of dance students and teachers ever since). I was fortunate to teach Folk, Square, Social and Modern Dance here in the studio. I believe Miss Boehm remembered every student’s name in her homerooms during her 30-year teaching tenure. MAY HER SPIRIT LIVE ON. Adair Miller Tench ’62 In Loving and grateful memory of Leah Boehm and her energetic devotion to Lowell – Her dance classes at Lowell gave me a lifelong enjoyment of dance. I think she knew that and knew also she had taught well and loved well. JoAnn Stewart ’53 Miss Boehm well-deserved the kudos she received. Connie Covington Dallman ’53 I first met Leah when I was a young teenager. Unannounced, she would stop by my parents’ home in the Marina for a bathroom break and some stale bread. She brought her nephew to feed the ducks at the Palace of Fine Arts. The friendship continued in 1959 when I entered Lowell then located at Hayes and Masonic. Leah was both my P.E. teacher and registry teacher. Leah believed women could do everything men could do – only better! Whatever leadership positions there were to be had in reg. the girls got them. I was given the job of attendance monitor. The title was to stick on through my adulthood. Long after I graduated, attended college, and came to work at Lowell, Leah would introduce me as her past Reg attendance monitor, and she would boast about what a good job I had done. A little embarrassed at first, I learned to like the compliment and attention. Over the years Leah and I kept in touch with birthday and holiday greetings. She would talk about her days at Lowell. She was always so eager to know what new things were going on. I appreciated her for her interest in me, her independence, her spirit, and her positive attitude towards life. Leah is one of those colorful, memorable people that is part of my own Lowell history. Joan Catelli ’61
Autumn 2005
Lowell Alumni Association
Family Album — 2005 Lowell Commencement Proud Lowell alumna Chihoko Ando ‘72 stands beside her son, Tim ‘05, following Lowell’s commencement exercises this past May at San Francisco’s Masonic Auditorium. Mom reports the occasion was doubly memorable because her Lowell graduation took place on the same stage 33 years earlier. Tim is at UCLA studying neuroscience with a planned minor in linguistics. Tim was also a recipient of the Lowell Alumni Association’s Carol Channing Scholarship this year.
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Letters to the Editor Dear Lowell Alumni Association Members, I would like to thank you for your continuous support of students like me by helping defray the cost of the AP examinations. I am proud to be a student at Lowell High School and will do my best on the exams. I would also like to say Thank You to Terry (Abad) and Wendy (Drefke Shinbori), my alumni interviewers. Thanks for making the interview painless and enjoyable!! It was fun thinking back and talking about my last four years at Lowell. I am glad you realize how much time students put into extracurricular activities. Well, I am going to try to get a good night’s sleep now. I cannot be falling asleep during the exams tomorrow. Thank you, alumni. Your support of every student’s education at Lowell is invaluable. Have a great day and thank you for caring. Sincerely, Michele Leung (Michele’s TYN is an example of numerous similar letters received from examinees. LAA financial support for students like her is one of the proudest achievements of your Association. Ed)
Dear LAA, Please accept repayment, in full, of a scholarship issued to me a lifetime ago. I am pleased to report it was put to good use. Also please accept my employer’s matching grant. Adam Maass ‘89 Fellow Lowell Alumni, Remember those Ivan Barker weekly worksheets? I enjoyed doing them as did most of you. When I taught Mathematics at Lowell, I prepared my versions of his worksheets revised to include some science calculations and some problems of thought and logic. There are five Algebra 2 worksheets (A1-A5), four Geometry 1 worksheets (Cl-C4), six Geometry 2 worksheets (Dl-D6), fifteen CP Math 5 (Advanced Algebra 1) worksheets (G1-G15) and fourteen CP Math 6 (Trigonometry) worksheets (J1-J14). All the answers are included. I have prepared a CD (MS Dos) with the sheets scanned into jpeg files. They are easy to print out. If you would like me to send you a CD, please send $ 1 for S/H to Peter Dahl 75 Inverness Dr, San Francisco, CA, 94132. Questions? My email is <bpdahl@aol.com>. Peter Dahl ‘53
Newsweek Snubs Lowell (Again!)
Paul Lucey, left, presents the Paul Lucey Service Award to Jeffrey Kwong. Also pictured are retiring Vice Principal Gloria Bogdanoff and Principal Paul Cheng.
Science Fund continued from page 1 department, expressed her appreciation for this leadership gift: “Dr. Lieu has for many years been providing significant financial support for the AP Chem program, but this new endowment fund means that we will have additional resources as we work to expand both the breadth and depth of Lowell’s science curriculum.”
And, in a friendly challenge, Dr. Lieu is asking his fellow AP Chemistry classmates from the 1970-71 school year, along with any other alumni who have a special appreciation for the science education they received at Lowell, to consider making their own donations to this new fund. The first awards from the Lieu Science Endowment Fund will be made in May, 2006.
ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION We hope you enjoy reading this Newsletter. It is one of the services provided Lowell alums by their Alumni Association. One of the small pleasures in publishing this paper is compiling the names of our annual contributors. They are tangible evidence to our volunteers that their efforts are appreciated. Many thanks! If it was inconvenient earlier to respond to our annual appeal, do so now and give us the same satisfaction when we list your name in next Spring’s issue.
ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION Checks payable to and sent to: or donate now by credit card at:
LOWELL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PO Box 320009 • San Francisco, CA 94132 www.lowellalumni.org/donate
$35_________$50_________$100________$250________$500________or more Name _____________________________________________ Class ____________ (Include maiden name, if applicable)
(Jan. or June)
Address_____________________________________________________________ City _______________________________________ State_______Zip__________ Phone _______________________________E-mail _________________________ Keeping In Touch ____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________
On May 16th, Newsweek published its annual list of what it claims are “The 100 Best High Schools in America.” And, just like last year and the year before, Lowell alumni searched the list in vain for their alma mater. So why doesn’t Lowell make the magazine’s top 100? Or even the top 1,000 schools list on the Newsweek website? The best answer comes from Newsweek’s website, which contains a set of frequently asked questions about the list, including the following: “Q: Why don’t I see famous public high schools like Stuyvesant in New York City or Thomas Jefferson in Fairfax County, Va., or the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, Ill. or Lowell High in San Francisco on the NEWSWEEK list? “A: I do not include any high school that accepts more than half of its students into the school based on highly competitive academic criteria like grades and test scores. All of those schools you name are terrific places with some of the highest average test scores in the country, but it would be deceptive for me to put them on this list . . . There are some magnet schools on the
NEWSWEEK list, but only those that admit students through lottery-driven, first-comefirst-serve, ethnic balance or other formulas that do not draw just the students with the highest grades and scores.” So where would Lowell have ranked on this list had we been included? The author’s methodology was to rank schools based upon a simple index calculated by dividing the total number of Advanced Placement (“AP”) exams administered in 2004 by the number of 2004 graduates. At Lowell, students took 2,516 AP exams in 2004 and the school graduated 631 students that year, so our index comes to 3.987. Thus, Lowell would have placed #27 on Newsweek’s list (although it is possible that one or more of the other excluded schools would have placed ahead of us). It is worth noting that Lowell students not only take AP exams in large numbers, they also do incredibly well on those tests. Nationally, only 62% of students earn a passing score of 3 or higher on their AP exams. But at Lowell, 90% of students earn a 3 or higher (and 33% earn the top score of 5, compared to only 14% of students nationwide).
Your Alumni Association is pleased to offer prints of an historic painting that has been hanging in the Lowell library for more than 25 years. The original work of art was by artist Daniel Poon ’60, who has given the Association permission to reprint his work for alumni. His large water color captures the excitement and color of a student rally against the background of a huge Lowell banner. Although the painting is of a courtyard scene at the Hayes street Lowell, it portrays vividly the Lowell Spirit that transcends any point in time. These colorful prints now bring a touch of nostalgia to the homes of more than 750 Lowellites. Reprints of the 16" x 20" painting are available for $35 which includes mailing costs. A perfect gift for any Lowellite. Make checks payable to the Lowell Alumni Association.
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Lowell Alumni Association
Campus News Briefs Lowell Ranks 4th in Latest State API Rankings Based upon the 2005 growth figures for the state’s Academic Performance Index (API), Lowell ranks as the state’s fourth-best public high school and the topscoring Northern California public high school. Despite showing continued growth, Lowell’s score of 946 (out of a possible 1,000, with 800 considered a desirable target score) trailed only Gretchen Whitney High in Cerritos (Los Angeles County) at 979, Oxford Academy in Cypress (Orange County) at 964 and the California Academy of Mathematics and Science in Carson (Los Angeles County) at 951. The API is based upon student scores on various standardized tests in English, mathematics, science and social science as well as results on the California High School Exit Exam.
Sports Teams Dominate City The Lowell Cardinals wrapped up a phenomenal 2004-2005 year with another slew of team championships, including girls soccer (8th consecutive title), boys tennis (15th in a row) and girls track (19th). Overall, Lowell took 23 of the 32 Academic Athletic Association team titles last school year. And the winning ways are continuing this year, with the varsity football team making a strong bid to repeat as AAA champs on Turkey Day (kickoff at 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day at Kezar Stadium – keep your eye on playoff results at www. cifsf.org). The girls tennis team just took their 8th consecutive team title, with junior Lana Tsodikova taking the singles title for the third year in a row. Lowell accounted for three of the four semi-finalists in the singles competition and all four semi-finalist doubles teams, with Monica Lam and Theresa Nguyen emerging victorious.
AP Program Hits New High Lowell’s Advanced Placement program has moved up one space to become the nation’s third-largest both in terms of the number of students taking AP exams and the total number of exams administered. Among all 1,375 California schools participating in the Advanced Placement program, Lowell remains in first place. A total of 40 Lowell students were recognized as National
AP Scholars for having earned an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more AP exams. (AP exams are scored from 1 to 5, with 3 considered a passing score.) One graduating senior took a total of 14 AP exams, earning top scores of 5 on nine of those exams while another senior scored a 5 on all eight AP exams she took. Two Lowell students even took the AP exam in a course not taught at Lowell – Human Geography – and both earned a top score of 5!
Student Survey Measures School Strengths, Weaknesses A student survey administered this past May, with more than 93% of students participating, showed general satisfaction with Lowell but also highlighted some areas for improvement. 85% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that Lowell is doing a good job of preparing them for college and a staggering 93% agreed or strongly agreed that Lowell classes are academically challenging. It came as no surprise that 71% of respondents said that bathrooms are the part of the school most in need of improvement, while 69% said that the top priority for improving the school library is to increase study space. 70% of the students responding estimated they average at least two hours per night on homework, including 32% who report four or more hours of homework each night. When asked to assess their stress level, only 5% said they don’t feel stressed at Lowell. Another 28% said they can handle the stress while 67% report having trouble handling their stress.
Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Visits Campus Researchers and officials from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, the nonprofit organization originally founded by Lowell alumna Dian Fossey ’49 to fund anti-poaching efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Rwanda, came to Lowell last month. They offered a series of lectures describing their current research throughout Africa as well as a fascinating description of Dian Fossey’s life among the mountain gorillas, ending with her tragic murder in 1985. Following the lectures, several of the group’s scientists joined afternoon science classes to work with smaller groups of students.
Lowell Alumni Association Annual Meeting Thursday, January 5, 2006 • 7:00 pm
Autumn 2005
President’s Message By Lisa Coughlin Clay
O
n behalf of the Lowell Alumni Association Board of Directors, I am happy to announce the start of Lowell’s sesquicentennial celebration. For almost 150 years, Lowell High School has been providing San Francisco students with an outstanding education. In addition to academics, many important extracurricular programs have developed over these years, including forensics, visual and performing arts and a wide variety of boys’ and girls’ sports. Most important is Lowell’s longstanding tradition of academic excellence. While the 150th anniversary gives us all a chance to honor Lowell’s illustrious past, it is much more than an historic event. We must look to Lowell’s present and future. This anniversary will give alums the opportunity to reconnect with their school and to recognize and honor the achievements of current Lowell students, as well as acknowledge the
contributions of the entire Lowell community, including parents, administration and faculty. * Many events are planned during the yearlong celebration of our sesquicentennial. This official kick-off event is a cocktail party in the Rotunda of City Hall on February 25, 2006. Other major events include a gala banquet at Moscone Center West on June 3, 2006, which will be a tribute to Lowell teachers, and a Day on Campus, scheduled for October 7, 2006. Detailed information about these events can be found in this newsletter, and on the Alumni Association’s website, at www.lowellalumni.org. I invite all alums to join in this momentous and joyous occasion and participate in a least one sesquicentennial event in 2006. Happy 150th Birthday to Lowell High School! * The entire sweep of the school’s unique history will be told in a commemorative publication available in the fall.
Ivy League President Visits Lowell
Lowell was honored by a visit earlier this year from President Amy Gutmann of the University of Pennsylvania. President Gutmann encouraged Lowell students to consider colleges outside of California and spoke about particular programs and opportunities at Penn and other selective private universities. This marked the second year in a row that Lowell has hosted an Ivy League president. With President Gutmann, from left to right, are Lowell Student Body President Jonas Chin ‘05, Principal Paul Cheng and the LAA’s Terry Abad.
Beautiful Lowell sweatshirts are available now by mail. Dark red in sizes M,, L and XL Generous fit. Lowell logo left side. Made by Russell Athletic $35 (includes shipping and handling) Please send check to Lowell Alumni Association PO Box 320009 San Francisco, CA 94132-0009
Meyer Library
Attention Parents
Lowell Alumni Association
Help us ensure that your son or daughter receives this newsletter in a timely manner. If your child has a new permanent address, please let us know so that we can update our records. Contact us at (415) 759-7830 or, via e-mail, at lowellaa@lowellalumni.org. Thank you!
PO BOX 320009 • San Francisco, CA 94132 415/759-7830 E-Mail: LowellAA@LowellAlumni.org Visit our website: www.lowellalumni.org for information about reunions, special events at Lowell and alumni news
Autumn 2005 — Lowell Alumni Newsletter
LOWELL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PO BOX 320009 San Francisco, California 94132
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