Mary WashingtonClass Notes
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Class Notes
No class agent? No problem. Send your news to classnotes@umw.edu
If you prefer to submit Class Notes by mail send to: UMW Office of Alumni Engagement, 1119 Hanover St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Read it online: Find the original, unedited text of Class Notes online at alumni.umw.edu/classnotes
1930s
There are no Class Notes from the 1930s, but three classes have scholarship recipients.
Celia Shively ’22 , who is pursuing a master’s degree in secondary education, received the Edward Alvey Jr. Scholarship, endowed by the Class of 1936.
received the Mildred McMurtry Bolling Memorial Scholarship, endowed by the Class of 1941.
1942 No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
International business major Emma Rolf ’23 received the Class of 1942 Scholarship in Business Administration in Memory of James Harvey Dodd
1943 No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
Daelyn Gregory ’26 received the Class of 1943 Scholarship in Memory of Levin J. Houston III.
Frances Kirkwood ’37 Helen Kirkwood Mitchell ’49, and Virginia “Jingles” Kirkwood Browning ’54 Two of Diane’s cousins are also graduates, Robert Carter Tatum ’92 and Peter Mitchell
1948
No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
Greetings
from the University of Mary Washington!
This spring, our beautiful campus has been vibrant with activities and end-of-semester traditions like the Eagle Awards, Devil-Goat Day, Grad Ball, and Commencement, scheduled for May 6, 2023, on Ball Circle.
Meanwhile, the Alumni Engagement team has been busy finalizing all the details for Reunion Weekend 2023, which will be held June 1-4. We’ll celebrate classes ending in 3 and 8 this year, yet all are welcome. This reunion will be particularly special, as we plan to host one final Grill on the Hill to commemorate Marshall and Russell halls, which will come down to make way for UMW’s new theater. For those who wish to have a physical memento from these residence halls, you can reserve bricks from either building at alumni.umw.edu/bricks.
To receive future editions of Class Notes in print you must opt in in one of three ways:
• Visit alumni.umw.edu/classnotes and fill out the online form
• Email classnotes@umw.edu
• Call the Office of Alumni Engagement at (540) 654-1011
Thank you for your understanding as we look to save resources and prioritize sustainability at UMW.
We appreciate the overwhelmingly positive feedback about the new Class Notes and the recently mailed Year in Review publication. We’re truly grateful to the dozens of class agents spanning 75 years, who serve their classes and Mary Washington by collecting, formatting, and submitting notes to us for this publication. Please see the box for directions on how to opt in to receive future editions in print. If you've already opted in, you are all set.
If you have not attended one of our alumni events, I strongly encourage you to get involved. You can watch Mary Talks lectures online, participate in our alumni book club, attend a regional or affinity event, or return to campus for Reunion Weekend or Homecoming. An events calendar can be found on the inside back cover. We would love to see you!
Sincerely,
Mark Thaden 02 Executive Director of Alumni EngagementArt history and historic preservation major Gabriella Alexander ’24 communication and digital studies and theater major Hannah Chester ’23 studio art major Elizabeth Merna ’24 and music major Alexander Ohene-Okae ’23 received the Nina G. Bushnell Scholarship, endowed by the Class of 1937.
Historic preservation and classical civilization major Veronica Daszkilewicz ’23 received the Eileen Kramer Dodd Alumni Scholarship, endowed by the Class of 1939.
1940 No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
History majors Lauryn Bailey ’23 Teresa Felipe ’24 Olivia Foster ’23, and Sophie Weber ’23 received the Oscar H. Darter Scholarship in History, endowed by the Class of 1940.
1941 No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
We are sorry to report that Dorothy Shaw who faithfully served as the 1941 class agent, passed away in December at her home in Buffalo, New York, at the magnificent age of 103. She lived independently to the end, reports a distant relative in England, who writes that she feels privileged to have known Dorothy.
Nelsar Castillo-Monterroso ’25 and biomedical sciences major Chloe Jones ’26
1944 No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
History major Neonya Garner ’24, psychology major Cassie Howe ’23, creative writing major Ezra Hanning ’25, and business administration major Sabrina Pardo Galarza ’25 received the Class of 1944 Memorial Scholarship.
1945 No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
Samantha Allison ’25 received the Class of 1945 Memorial Scholarship.
1946 No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
Computer science major Tubba Noor ’24 and historic preservation major Nina Sacco ’23 received the Class of 1946 Scholarship.
1947 Betty Moore Drewry Bamman classnotes@umw.edu
Ruth Wilson Kirkwood Baumgardner, a longtime resident of Rappahannock County, Virginia, passed away on Oct. 16, 2022, a month shy of her 98th birthday, reports niece Diane Kramer Prevary ’80 who also attended Mary Washington in 1969. Ruth, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, was one of four Kirkwood sisters to graduate from Mary Washington, including
Marjorie Selvage Stone passed away on Jan. 11, 2023, after a period of declining health. And what a life she had! In the span of her 97 years, Marjorie watched Confederate veterans on parade as a child and owned stock in Facebook, though she never used it. In between, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Mary Washington, married Duke University Professor Edward Stone, raised three sons, and lived in Mexico and Argentina. She became a respected historian in her adopted hometown of Athens, Ohio; helped found the Athens County Historical Museum; and penned two books on Athens history. A paradoxical personality, Marjorie was a trained operatic soprano, loved elegant gatherings, and was also a good shot with both a rifle and a pistol. She is survived by three sons, a granddaughter, a grandson, and other extended family.
Computer science major Christina Baker ’23 and Daelyn Gregory ’26 received the Ellen Alvey Montllor ’48 Scholarship, endowed by the Class of 1948.
1949
No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
Psychology major Melissa CervantesAngeles ’25 received the Class of 1949 Scholarship.
1950
Marcy Weatherly Morris classnotes@umw.edu
Greetings from the Morris family! Not much news from classmates, but I, Marcy Weatherly Morris, am pleased to share our family updates.
The highlight of our year was the Weatherly Wing dedication in the newly renovated Seacobeck Hall, now home to UMW’s College of Education (COE). Named for my parents, who would be so proud, this beautiful, 150-seat auditorium is a space for lectures, recitals, seminars, or anything else that COE Dean Pete Kelly might see fit to use it for. I wish
you all could see it! It recognizes five generations of our family: Juney’s mother, Emma Thomas Morris a 1919 graduate; Juney Morris and me; our grandson, Paul Morris ’10 and his wife, Cassie Lewis Morris ’11; Erin’s son and our greatgrandson, Lucas Prunczik ’20 and our great-grandchildren, junior Garry Lewis Jr. and first-year Josie Lewis Our daughter, Ellen Myers completed courses at Mary Washington to become an RN, and our great-grandson, Liam Prunczik, studied there for two years. We are proud alumni! Chloe, Erin’s youngest, is in Daytona, Florida, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science.
Juney and I are as well as we can be at our ages. He turned 99 on Feb. 12, 2023. He likes to say that he and Abraham Lincoln were born on the same day – and the same year! And on Sept. 1, I’ll be 93! We still live quietly in our home with lots of love and family support nearby. We are blessed to be fairly healthy and very happy!
Nell Jane Sosebee Reeves recently moved from her home in Arlington, Texas, to a nice retirement community in Dallas. Her two sons and two daughters live nearby. Her life is enhanced by her seven grandchildren and eight greatgrands who live all over Texas, except her youngest grandson, who attends the University of Arkansas. Nell misses traveling, driving, and reading, but she’s grateful for the company of her family and friends and opportunities to interact with others in her new community. Her husband, George, passed away in 2014.
Washington, D.C., where she lives with her daughter.
Susan Hutcheson Jurgens is enjoying life in Gordonsville, Virginia, where she has many Scrabble friends and a weekly bridge game with neighbors. A friend will be taking Susan to Ashland for a 75th high school reunion, which she will attend with Maxine Haley Hazelgrove
Ann Staylor Johnson, who still lives in Suffolk, Virginia, had a sad year after losing her son.
Mary Lou Finney Boyd sounds as upbeat as ever. She has an attached apartment to her daughter’s home in Arnold, Maryland. She says that an extra benefit is that her daughter is an excellent cook.
Mary Lou taught at a variety of places before becoming executive director of the Chesterwye Center for mentally disabled adults in Maryland.
resides in the family home in Hampton, Virginia.
I recently learned the exciting news that UMW President Troy Paino received the 2023 President’s Award from NASPA, an organization for student affairs administrators in higher education, which recognized him as a student-centered leader. That’s another good reason to be proud of our alma mater.
1953
Betsy Dickinson Surles surles@infionline.netWyatt Pringle in 1955. They moved to Beaufort, South Carolina, living there happily for 50 years until Wyatt’s death in 2005. Sally served on the Historic Beaufort Foundation and Beaufort Open Land Trust boards, and she was past president of Friends of the Beaufort Museum. She was active in her church and other local organizations. She raised three children and is survived by two daughters, a son, a sister, a cousin, and six grandchildren.
1954
English and women’s and gender studies major Zoey Young ’25 received the Class of 1950 Arrington Scholarship, an honorary award given from the Arabelle Laws Arrington ’41 Scholarship.
1951
No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
1952
Rita Morgan Stone rita.stone7@aol.com
Contacts to our classmates tend to elicit similar responses these days. Cruises and flights to foreign countries are less frequent. We now focus on the birth of a new great-grandchild or a move to an easier living arrangement that will bring us contentment.
Maryanne Heatwole Cox shared happy family news, with a new greatgranddaughter in December and another arriving in April. She and daughter Laurie attended a wonderful dinner hosted by the UMW Alumni Association at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center, followed by a concert at Dodd Auditorium. This was a treat for the townies.
Mel Whitcomb Vonier lives in Florida. She and her husband celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in December with their children and spouses. Mel reports that Jaci Epes Lauck enjoys good health and lives with her daughter in Lexington, Virginia. Mel also mentioned that Jo Bidgood Dunbar has moved to
Joyce Long Moore of Williamsburg, Virginia, is planning a special trip to Nags Head, North Carolina, with her daughter in April.
Carolyn Arrington Smith has moved into assisted living at the Colonnades in Charlottesville, Virginia, and enjoys frequent visits from her sister.
Katherine Wells Ball is doing well and lives in her home in Tullahoma, Tennessee. She has fond memories of both Mary Washington and her visits to the Virginia Military Institute.
Phyllis Webb Pegram is back home in Bassett, Virginia, after rehab for a broken hip. Husband Smokey is a creative cook. She feels healthy, happy, and blessed.
Virginia Orkney Philbrick lives in her home in Bedford, Virginia. She has very caring neighbors and is happy as long as she has a good book for her companion.
Claire Sindlinger de Groot is learning to manage a home now that Ward is gone. The house needed painting, repairs for the front walk were necessary, and even the disposal needed a replacement.
I, Rita Morgan Stone, had a delightful lunch with friends at Betty Montgomery Handy’s lovely apartment attached to her family home, where her daughter now lives. Betty enjoys her new twobedroom home, all on one floor, with all the amenities and few worries.
I also enjoy visits with Gwen Amory Cumming’s daughters when they come to Richmond, Virginia, for shopping excursions. Ann Cumming Milligan ’84 who lives in Williamsburg, is a Mary Washington alum, and daughter Wendy
It has been disappointing to hear from no one from the Class of 1953 for several years. I, Betsy Dickinson Surles, do not know who is still alive, living in a nursing facility, remarried, or deceased. I learned of the death of my friend Gretchen Dickinson as we have kept up with each other all these years.
Jesse and I will celebrate our 70th anniversary in August. We married soon after graduation. After his fall and concussion eight years ago, dementia is creeping in faster than we’d like. My major in foods and nutrition consists today of cooking three meals a day and baking for Cakes by Betsy locally. I raise irises, peonies, and clematises for sale every spring and fall. My brother has lived with us for 36 years. Our church ended Sunday school classes, so I no longer teach. However, even with the COVID-19 restrictions I witnessed through the front door glass to customers of cake sales, it’s still a very moving experience! We have not traveled as planned following retirement but added two greatgrandsons to the family. We are in touch with our three children regularly. What a relief that is! Our lives are different these days but full of meaning and growth. wouldn’t trade my MWC education for anything! I look forward to hearing your news.
Ana Maria Quinones Stone passed away on Nov. 4, 2021, her daughter reports. Ana was an incredible educator throughout her career. After she retired, she dedicated her time to her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family.
Sarah “Sally” Gray Pringle passed away on Jan. 29, 2023, reports Mary Beth Bush Dore ’67. Sally was a teacher and worked for the Department of Adjustive Services in Norfolk, Virginia, administering aptitude tests to students. She married Army First Lieutenant
Mary Ann Dorsey Judy ack915@gmail.comCarlene Mitchell Bass lives in her own home in Ashland, Virginia, with wonderful neighbors and several of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren living nearby. She’s active in her church and women’s club and participates in outings with friends. Carlene also enjoys sports and cultural activities at Randolph-Macon College. Sadly, both of her senior-year roommates from Mary Washington, Marion Pleasants Trice and Gladys Jones Heuer, have died. Carlene counts her blessings every day.
1955
Roberta Linn Miller toromiller@embarqmail.com1956
Ann Chilton Power anncpower1@gmail.com
When we were freshmen in 1952, we were assigned three or four to a room. I, Ann Chilton Power, had Lee Blank Richmond as one of my roommates. Lee left MWC, got married, and had four children. She graduated from Loyola University in 1962 and earned a master’s degree in counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She became a professor and community college administrator before returning to Johns Hopkins to head its counseling program. After a decade as a full professor, Lee returned to Loyola for 30 years, retiring in 2019. She served as president of associations in her field, coauthored three books, published numerous articles, and traveled widely. She has 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Barbara Holland Salsbury passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 88, on Nov. 26, 2022, in Jupiter, Florida, reports her daughter. Barbara earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Mary Washington
and always spoke fondly of her alma mater, even visiting Mary Washington with her daughter. Barbara taught high school history and government in Richmond and Falls Church, Virginia. She then became a travel specialist for the Charlottesville-Albemarle Visitors Bureau, where she shared her love and knowledge of local, regional, and state history with visitors from around the world for 15 years. Barbara was active in her church, was an avid reader, and enjoyed taking part in lectures at the University of Virginia. But she loved being a grandmother above all else, and was always eager to attend tea parties, play hide and seek, or even ride in a go-cart, as well as listen and offer support. Barbara is survived by her three children and four grandchildren.
1957
No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
Sadly, Nancy Hallett Guest shared that her husband, Harry, passed away on Jan. 7, 2023.
1958
Susannah Godlove classnotes@umw.edu
1959
Beth Shochat Cole beth@beth-cole.com
Ann Brooks Coutsoubinas had a recent chat with our longtime 1959 connector, Edna Gooch Trudeau Edna misses being a class agent, but her poor sight makes life difficult these days. Eddie lives in New Kent, Virginia, and loves talking about her musically talented grandson, Luke, who is almost 14 years old.
Ann reports that 2022 was a traveling year, with three cruises with her siblings. She missed going to Greece due to COVID and eye surgery but will make a trip this year. Ann still volunteers with the Philoptochos Society (philanthropic work) in her church. Her daughter lives with her now, but her son is a bachelor in Queens, New York.
She also spoke with Mary Elizabeth Jones Hoff, our freshman class president, who resides in Belleville, Michigan. Mary Elizabeth keeps up with the rest of 1959 through Class Notes. Ann updated her on the campus beauty and the changes she observed while visiting her family in the Fredericksburg area.
Cecile Duncan Folan writes that this past year was uneventful. Her youngest son is the single father of her only two grandchildren, so Cecile moved with them in August from Savannah, Georgia, to western North Carolina. She also kept her home in Fredericksburg, where she spent this past summer, but she’s enjoying the seasons at her beautiful new home. Cecile reports that her children and grandchildren are all well and happy, but she can’t believe her youngest child is now 50! Eldest grandchild Megan loves being a firstyear at the University of South Carolina, while the youngest, Jack, is in seventh grade and enjoys playing trombone.
Kitten Swaffin Howard raved about two new restaurants in Greenwich Village in New York City: Dame and Lord’s. Both are owned and managed by granddaughter Patricia Howard and her fiancé, Chef Ed Szymanski. “For 30-yearolds, they are way too young to be this successful,” Kitten says. “Google them and the restaurants. We moved to Texas 40-something years too soon!”
I, Beth Shochat Cole, hope to edge my way into those restaurants when I travel to New York City. I moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and the train is four blocks from my apartment, so I’m planning a visit when spring arrives. I left Tucson, Arizona, last July and love living in Bolton Hill, the cultural arts district. I’ve joined a garden club, met terrific neighbors, and enjoy being near the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Maryland Institute College of Art. It’s interesting to move at the ripe old age of 85, but it has been good for me. I live closer to my middle daughter, granddaughter, and two great-grandsons in southern Maryland. I’m blessed that my other daughters and grandchildren have been wonderful at keeping in touch.
Before I left the southwest, I heard from Mary Massey who has enjoyed quite a few on- and off-campus concerts and volunteering at a library in her retirement community and the Audubon Naturalist Society, where she has dedicated her time for over 30 years. She follows the University of Maryland women’s basketball team and the Washington Mystics, takes online exercise classes, and socializes with friends in and outside of her community, including a hiking club annual picnic. Mary’s family recently treated her to a country-inn meal for her 85th birthday. A special treat indeed!
I’m in touch with Sandy Quarles Cockrell. She has an incredibly close-knit family in Florida, who have
contributed to her brood the most adorable great-grandchildren. I love seeing her pictures and keeping up with her on Facebook.
And I love texting with Nikki Forchas Alexiou who fills my heart with joy with her messages and phone calls. She is healthy and active.
Please email me or look me up on Facebook or Instagram. If texting is easier, email me, and I’ll send you my number. Be well and be in touch!
1960
Karen Larsen Nelson karenlarsennelson60@gmail.comMary Borden Hall Bok died at her home on Oct. 31, 2022, Beverly Shea ’61 reports. Mary transferred to the University of Maine and then worked at the Cooper Hewitt Museum in Brooklyn. She and her husband raised their children and ran a farm in Camden, Maine. She also taught school, explored textile arts, became a proprioceptive writing instructor, helped run the local paper, and wrote a series of self-published books. She is survived by her three children, eight grandchildren, and numerous extended family members.
Barbara Wageneck Gardner works at the front desk of her local hospital every Monday. She line-dances, does yoga at the gym, and hosts a weekly home Bible study. She hopes to move to an independent living facility soon.
Sandy Poole had a second cataract removed, so she can read again. She and Barb flew to Virginia for a conference and to visit with old friends.
Lou Omasta Clark still reads our news but doesn’t write much.
Terry Eagles Dow volunteers at Booktique, walks everywhere, does needlepoint, reads many books, and enjoys visits with friends.
Margie Saunders Howell helps lead two local bereavement support groups. After a career in psychiatric nursing, she feels blessed to use her skills to help others navigate the rocky road of grief.
Sharon Scott Bailey lives in Florida and was untouched by the hurricane.
Gaye Roberts Olsen scoots around her retirement center in her new power chair, chats on the phone with friends, frequently dines at restaurants, and went to a Boise State basketball game.
Meg Reed McPherson has been living in a great retirement center for eight years and gets together with several of her former nursing classmates each May.
Janet Garriss Lewis is in two investment clubs and serves as the president of a faith-based fellowship club in Mechanicsville, Virginia.
Syd Collson Chichester is recovering from major surgery in January and is now cancer free.
Coleman McPherson Chambliss lives in an Episcopal continuing-care community and has her dog, Cricket, for company.
Tina Baensch Raver-Meltesen and her husband divide their time between their Bridgehampton and New York City homes. They enjoy taking classes on Zoom.
Ellen Dunne Bresnahan and her husband live in a retirement facility in Needham, Massachusetts.
Sarah Forsyth Donnelly has moved into a retirement residence in Charlottesville, Virginia, and has been making new friends.
Jan Latven Allnutt had a quiet Christmas at home with mild COVID.
Rose Bennett Gilbert flew to Sweden to visit her daughter and family in their new home.
Sally Brown VanDuyne spent Christmas with her daughter’s family.
Lucy Wu Wang and Jimmy still have their home in Palm Springs, California.
Nancy Carruthers Meeker spent Christmas with her daughter in Pittsburgh.
Jody Campbell Close recently fell and is recuperating at home.
Bonnie Davis Hall drove to New Jersey to have dinner with Rose Bennett Gilbert over Labor Day. Bonnie’s oldest son was diagnosed with stomach cancer in the winter but is improving with chemo.
Jane Denslow McCrohan’s family visited over the holidays.
Darrell and I, Karen Larsen Nelson, assist with church services in three assisted living and memory care facilities. We also visited our daughter’s family in Las Vegas – we have three granddaughters and six great-grands – and are awaiting the May birth of our first great-grandbaby on our son’s side.
1961
Renee Levinson Laurents (A – H) arjle@aol.com
Lynne Williams Neave (I – P) lyneave@aol.com
Lloyd Tilton Backstrom (Q – Z) ltbackstrom@verizon.net
From Lynne: Greetings from your class agents!
I, Lynne Williams Neave, hope you’re enjoying 2023! Hopefully we can have another reunion at UMW this year now that we’re part of the 1908 Society and can attend annually. Pat Scott Peck , who recently moved to D.C., hopes to attend in June.
Our dear Connie Booth Logothetis passed away peacefully on Feb. 16, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. Born at West Point, she and her siblings grew up on military bases around the world. At Mary Washington, Connie earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1961. She then became a chemist at DuPont, where she met Anestis “Andy” Logothetis, a fellow chemist from Greece, whom she married in 1963.
Connie earned a M.S. of education from the University of Delaware and taught science, returning to the profession after raising her children. She later served as a naturalist at the Delaware Nature Society. Connie and Andy were ardent travelers, and she was passionate about animals. She was known as a loyal friend and cherished relationships built over decades. Our condolences to Andy, their children and grandson, and other loving family.
Connie’s sister, Barbara “Linkey” Booth Green , who served as 1963 class agent, also recently passed away.
We’re also sad to share that Diane “Dee” Doran Cairns passed away on Feb. 6, 2023. A woman who was truly pure in heart, Dee was born into an Army family, with a father who survived more than three years as a prisoner in the Philippines during World War II. After attending high school in Germany, she majored in psychology at Mary Washington, where her sister, Suzanne Doran Houser ’58 , also attended. Dee met husband Doug through his sister, Patty Cairns Hourin, who was Dee’s roommate. Later, Dee and Doug became Patty and Jimmy’s neighbors on base in Selma, Alabama, where they witnessed the civil rights marches. Dee and Doug moved their family around the globe, and she spent many months alone with the children while he was in Vietnam. But her commitment to her faith and family always kept her going and served as an inspiration to others. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family.
Janie Riles was in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the winter and looks forward to a cruise around New Zealand in February. In San Diego, she keeps in touch with Clara Sue Durden Ashley
Jerri Barden Perkins was in Paris – her favorite city – in December. She was sad that many hotels, shops, and restaurants have closed because of the pandemic and that some historic places were not available to visit. Jerri completed another memory book for her grandchildren with sail, ski, and yoga adventures, including an avalanche in Switzerland, a tsunami in the Virgin Islands, and a headstand she did in yoga.
Carolyn Crum Pannu loves her new home at the Hickory Valley Retirement Community in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Living there reminds her of those days at our beloved MWC. She hopes to get together soon with Graham Walker Burns who is a local real estate agent.
Barbara Steen Paulman and husband Roger are well. Daughter Julia lives in the United Kingdom with three children in college and grad school. Son Fred lives in Chicago with a place in Delray Beach, Florida, where they visit in February and March. He also has three children in college. Barbie loves her garden and travels to England most years. She has a trip there planned for May with side trips to Budapest, Vienna, and Prague. Barbie is in close contact with Pru Shepard who is doing well and living in Connecticut.
Christmas was memorable for Eleanore Saunders Sunderland, as it brought together all living members of her direct family, including children and spouses, six grandchildren, and her ex-husband. Her winter plans included a weekend trip with her son to Philadelphia for dinner and the theater, followed by a visit with college roommate Linda Taylor Drustrup and husband Mickey.
Lastly, I just completed three weeks on jury duty in New York City. The criminal case was interesting. My only travels have been to Connecticut, which I thoroughly enjoy. I have many friends in both places, and my health is pretty good, so no complaints. New York is thriving, as everyone is excited to have theater and restaurants open again. I recently saw five Broadway shows in six days when I had houseguests. Such fun!
1962
Kathleen Sprenkle Lisagor classnotes@umw.edu“Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly,” was a favorite song from the 1940s era. But I, Kathleen Sprenkle Lisagor, have heard that life now begins at 80! These last two years have presented challenges, but we’re proud that our 60th reunion was held in June 2022.
If you were unable to attend, maybe you can see a little bit through my eyes as you read the latest news. Many renovations have been made to our campus while preserving the historic architecture. The Cedric Rucker University Center is a majestic building. The grounds and walkways are inviting to our former dining hall, Seacobeck, which received a beautiful face-lift as the new home of UMW’s College of Education. Arched windows, the marble fireplace, and chandeliers keep the building’s original splendor, but there are many new spaces, including a beautiful 150-seat auditorium called the Weatherly Wing for lectures, recitals, and special events. A Steinway grand piano was added as a gift to this room.
The Free Lance-Star ran an article about Commencement returning to Ball Circle, even though it rained. The guest speaker was Sheila Shadmand ’95, who received a standing ovation. She spoke about a successful pathway being one filled with massive bumps and said connecting to others with kindness and confidence helps along the way.
Some updates on our class members who have been in our thoughts and prayers:
Georgianne Maloy Hull is recuperating from an aortic valve procedure and is in cardiac rehab.
Myrtle Lee Dean France’s daughter has come to live with her as she regains her strength after chemotherapy.
Pat Mackey Taylor has given up world traveling now that she is in her 80s. She is also expecting a ninth grandchild. Pat raised six children while teaching high school and is staying young by keeping up with her grandchildren.
Over Christmas, I received a call from Joyce Wilborn Lacy’s daughter, Lynne Lacy Esslinger ’90. Joyce was my roommate and forever friend. Her husband, Louis, died from a fall on Christmas Day. Joyce and Louis were school sweethearts in South Boston. It was my honor to attend his funeral and see their three beautiful children and nine grandchildren in Winchester, Virginia. Nancy Powell Sykes passed away on Jan. 2, 2023, at her home on the peninsula. She was valedictorian of her high school class in Hampton, Virginia; graduated from MWC; and worked at Langley NASA as a computer analyst until 1969. After her husband, George, died, she raised two daughters and managed their sports car business. She also served as president of UMW’s Alumni Association. Nancy requested
that donations in her memory be given to the Class of 1962 Scholarship Fund at Mary Washington.
Our sympathies go out to the families who have lost family members from our class. For more details, please refer to the UMW alumni office for In Memoriam information.
May we be forever grateful for the positive memories we share from our days with our treasured friends. Friends are like rainbows and blue skies – you can’t always see them, yet they are there. Cybersecurity major Abdullah Abdallatif ’23 received the Class of 1962 Scholarship.
1963
No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
Betsy “Elizabeth” Lydle Smith writes that Judy Wolfe Allen ’62 and Susan Rutan Joehnk have passed away. Both residents of La Jolla, California, Judy died after a long bout with Alzheimer’s, and Susan died from congestive heart failure and cancer. They were part of a Mary Washington group recruited to teach in San Diego Public Schools in the 1960s, which also included Betsy, Gretchen Louft MacDonald Polly Roesgen Veeder Cathy Foster Nancy Slonim Aronie, and Jackie Dahllof Bumgardner. “Everyone had heard of Mary Washington because there were so many of us,” Betsy writes. The women roomed together in tiny houses at South Mission Beach, partied heartily, and were known for wearing funny shoes known as “Weejuns.” Since it was the Vietnam Era, many married men in the Navy or Marines. Judy married Jack Allen, taught P.E., had two daughters, and was known for her generous hospitality. Susan, who was Honor Council president at Mary Washington, married Karsten Joehnk. After raising their three sons, she became a lawyer. Their husbands took care of them with great love, devotion, and commitment during their illnesses.
1964
No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
Carolyn Hawker Ginsberg shares her first note in 59 years since graduation!
Once she left Mary Washington, she moved to New York City, where she spent mornings in the studio and evenings working various jobs. She got married and moved to Stamford, Connecticut, where she raised three daughters. Carolyn earned an MFA at
the Yale School of Art and taught at the University of Connecticut before retiring in 2019. She loves visiting her daughters and four grandchildren, and going to galleries, museums, and off-Broadway shows. She has also participated in Buddhist retreats for years, which helps her reflect and remember. She has fond memories and deep gratitude for the lessons learned at Mary Washington.
1965
No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
Alice Funkhouser Flowers passed away on July 31, 2022, her sister reports. A dramatic arts major at Mary Washington, where her roles included Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker Alice earned a master’s degree in drama from the University of Virginia. Early in her career, she directed student plays and wrote for the Richmond Times-Dispatch Alice taught public speaking at Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond, and she served as director of publications and public relations, and later as an archivist, at St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, which inducted her into the Tall Pines Society in 2021. She volunteered at her church, in Richmond theaters, and with the Junior League of Richmond. Alice is survived by her three children, six grandchildren, and her brother and sister.
Sadly, Diane Marston Lynch passed away on Oct. 17, 2022, reports her husband.
1966
Katharine Rogers Lavery hlavery1@cox.net
Barbara Bishop Mann and Robert had a quiet holiday season at home. Bobbi has recovered from knee (meniscus) surgery but has some lingering balance issues. She stopped her yoga classes in December but hopes to return soon. She also enjoys lunch dates with Robert.
Anne Meade Clagett stays engaged with two girlfriend groups and three retiree groups in Northern Virginia. She no longer travels out of state, so her sister, niece, and niece’s fiancé visited in September, knowing that Anne would not be able to attend the December wedding in Charleston, South Carolina.
Carolyn Eldred had such a quiet holiday season that she didn’t even write a holiday letter. She continues her active involvement with Mary Washington Elder Study via Zoom but rarely gets out because of mobility issues.
Katie Winn Green still sings with the Houston Choral Society and has expanded her duties as music librarian to include handling, ordering, storing, and organizing choral and instrumental scores for 90 singers – nearly a full-time job! Katie traveled to Australia in July 2022 to visit her son and his family. Her main concern now is helping her flower garden survive this unusually cold winter.
Ann Kales Lindblom and husband Steve enjoy good health and retirement activities. All three children and seven grands are their greatest joys. Ann and Steve are planning major home improvements to their Alexandria, Virginia, townhouse in hopeful anticipation of “aging in place.”
Lee Enos Kelley joined the last MWC Lunch Bunch at Eileen Goddard Albrigo’s home last summer. She has been enjoying a quiet life in her retirement home in Bethesda, Maryland. Apparently, her only excitement lately was a root canal!
Ginny Bateman Brinkley announces the release of her latest book, Pandemericks featuring limericks created during the pandemic. Complete with photos, it documents the crazy year of 2020 in a somewhat lighthearted manner. The book has received good reviews and is available on Amazon and Kindle. Ginny is also taking dulcimer lessons and serves as treasurer for the Writers Alliance of Gainesville, when she’s not boating or paddleboarding on her lake. Happy spring, everyone!
Jana Privette Usry packed up her belongings, moved in November to a new retirement community nearby, and then quickly sold her house. She has adjusted well to her new surroundings and is enjoying the amenities plus the freedom from homeownership!
Anne Powell Young sent a photo of her and the newest family addition, a miniature Schnauzer puppy named Luray, who has been a handful but constant companion since Anne had a mild stroke late in December. Husband Virgil, now retired, keeps busy with the HOA and household duties. Daughter Mandy lives five minutes away and has helped with their two dogs, errands, and companionship.
Anne had a lengthy phone call with Ambler Carter, who is still in Philadelphia but now lives in an apartment a floor below her daughter. Ambler lamented that moving in one’s 70s made it “easy to make acquaintances but hard to make friends.”
Terry Caruthers continues creating masterful centerpieces and floral
arrangements for her Golden Girls Club events. Terry has also resumed her painting avocation, completing some that she began years ago and creating new ones from photos submitted by family and friends. Husband Don has lingering long COVID symptoms but manages to play his jazz saxophone and weekly Zoom train game with Chicago family members. Since the grandkids’ graduation cruise was canceled due to COVID, the family took a winter ski vacation to Whistler, Vancouver, to celebrate.
Susan Hanes Chaney and husband Bill survived a kitchen remodel last summer then resumed travel. They went to Galveston, Texas, in September for Bill’s WWII/Vietnam ship reunion, where he was awarded a plaque. They joined Ohio family members for Thanksgiving and celebrated Bill’s 99th birthday! Susan and Bill enjoy doing their own yardwork, gardening, and caring for their pets.
Carolyn Perry Grow and husband Dave designed a home with a local architect in 1994 in a lovely golf club community in Charlottesville, Virginia. They discontinued travel after Dave had two strokes in 2009 and 2010, but they went back to his roots in State College, Pennsylvania, in 2011, looking for a change of scenery. That became too much, so Dave entered assisted living, where he still resides. Carolyn commuted to Penn State, earned an honorary degree in liberal arts, and remains on the board of the Democracy Institute at Penn State. She has enjoyed Penn State’s football successes while spending much time alone, limiting socializing, and avoiding COVID.
Gerry happily reported that Sally Souder, after many months of immobility, had a successful second operation that restored her ability to walk a bit. Sally remains in a rehab facility but has friends close by who are attentive, and she is encouraged with her progress in recovery.
Mary Kathryn Rowell Horner drove to her winter quarters in Naples, Florida, after a layover at her sister’s home to wait out the hurricane. She returned to Virginia for the holidays, visiting Joan Cuccias Patton en route in Smithfield. Mary Kathryn has rediscovered her golf clubs and enjoys playing in the Florida sunshine as well as spending time with friends. She has also enjoyed visits from relatives and friends from England, Canada, Texas, and Virginia.
Barbara Barriga Rowe lives near Longwood Gardens in her historic house, The Temperance Inn, in the quaint village of Unionville, Pennsylvania. Son Gordon, daughter Winden, and four grandchildren live nearby and provide many family activities. Daughter Morgan, son-in-law Christian, and two small grandchildren often visit from Teufen, Switzerland. Barbi serves as director of admissions at West Chester Friends School and is a strong proponent of Quaker education.
Susan Roth Nurin survived two rounds of COVID in New York City, limiting her livelihood of attending operas and ballets. She managed a January trip to Puerto Rico with family, although her recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s made traveling more of a challenge. Susan has enrolled in special therapy dance classes designed for Parkinson’s patients and is enjoying the social aspects as well.
Yvonne Hutchinson March relocated from Tampa to St. Augustine, Florida, in July to be near brother Ed and daughter Margarita and finally settled into an apartment of her own in October. Son Sean, daughter-in-law Beth, and their daughter were able to visit for Yvonne’s January birthday celebration.
Betsy Chappelear Tryon traveled to The Citadel to visit granddaughter Maddy, a volleyball star, for her senior ring dance. Betsy and daughter Maureen are eager to return in the spring for graduation, when Maddy will earn a degree in physics.
Gerry Sargent Habas spent Christmas in New Jersey with family and grands after husband Len recovered from knee replacement surgery. They plan to visit the rest of the family in San Diego later.
Robbie James East and husband Dennis stayed home in North Carolina for the holidays since Dennis is unable to travel, but their children from Loudoun County, Virginia, visit often. Daughter Courtney plans to move near them in June after her son finishes high school. Their other grands are in college.
Robbie heard from Rachel Saffer Bitler, a high school friend and an MWC French major, who lives on a small farm in western Pennsylvania. Rachel and her husband have retired from their fresh produce business, and son David is a teacher and lead singer in a band in Frederick, Maryland.
Tyla Matteson, chair of the York River Group Sierra Club, organized the third annual climate solutions roundtable for seven Virginia peninsula localities last fall, as well as the first annual climate solutions roundtable for Hampton Roads localities. The presenters appreciate the opportunity to share info on how they are reducing carbon emissions. In November, Tyla coordinated with the City of Hampton to plan a celebration of the Matteson Trail, a popular three-mile loop in memory of her mother, Tess, who nurtured the trail for many years.
Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck delivered ceremonial remarks to neighbors, birding friends, family members, and other attendees, honoring Tyla’s mother. Tyla and husband Glen are active with First Friday Climate Rallies at the Virginia Capitol Bell Tower. They took the train to D.C. to hear Fire Drill Friday speeches by Jane Fonda and others.
Tyla created virtual programs with state legislators to explain their bills on voting rights, environmental justice, and clean cars, and she remains active in local environmental and political issues. Glen took a three-week summer road trip to
Newfoundland to join a Sierra Club tour of kayaking and biking.
Sandra Hutchison Schanné hosted Thanksgiving and immediately flew to Denver to assist daughter Amy during back surgery and recovery. Sandra also attended grandson Riley’s graduation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and then hosted her Texas son’s family over Christmas, joined by several other family members and houseguests. She has continued her bridge group and resumed yoga classes, in-person church services, and lunch gatherings with friends.
Caroline Hogeland Ruppar and husband Allan attended their 60th high school reunions, reconnecting with old friends but missing several. They also took a major fall excursion to Athens, Greece, with four dear friends. After touring Athens and Corinth, they sailed to Egypt, the Suez Canal, Jordan, Israel, Oman, and Dubai. She writes: “Truly a bucket list trip!” Caroline and Allan wintered in their home in Jacksonville, Florida, before returning to Northern Virginia in the spring.
Joan Cuccias Patton and Harry returned to the Outer Banks and Florida after the holidays, where they enjoyed seeing old friends and playing golf. Joan’s sibling reunion schedule resumed with a wonderful gathering on Dauphin Island, Alabama, followed by a trip she took with her sister and niece to Orlando, just in time for the hurricane! Joan is looking forward to two grands’ graduations this spring: one from high school and one from college.
Pat Lewars Pace and Linda Glynn Hutchinson finally made their longdelayed trip to Europe. Two friends joined them in Germany and for a Danube cruise. In Oberammergau, Germany, they attended the world-renowned, five-hour long Passion Play, presented every 10 years. They also visited Berlin, Hamburg, Hamelin (but no Pied Piper), Rothenburg, and Munich. Pat also made one last fivehour trip to attend her 60th high school reunion. Pat and Linda are planning a trip to Cuba in April.
Diana Hamilton Cowell and husband Dan are both recovering from a few surgeries last year. They were stranded on the Auto Train for 24 hours in a January snowstorm but had a wonderful time in Florida and made it back home safely. Despite major appliance failures in their 17-year-old retirement home, they managed to host friends from France for six weeks. Dan was unable to travel due to back issues, while Diana visited Cape May, an Ohio cousin’s 100th
birthday, and her father’s 90th Division Association reunion in San Antonio. In February, Diana and Dan sponsored a Ukrainian mother and daughter who will be able to live here and use a work visa for two years. They are both deaf and use European Sign Language, but Diana, who has a master’s degree from Gallaudet University and taught there many years ago, hopes to be able to teach her visitors American Sign Language and help integrate them into the deaf culture in her area.
Pam Kearney Patrick and husband TaB sold their Cape May beach house last fall. They traveled to Fair Oaks, California, to visit their son, and decided to purchase a downsized house in Gold River, where they first met. It’s an architectural award-winning village on the American River that has become even more attractive with mature landscaping. Pam and TaB no longer need their large Virginia home with gardens, trees, landscaping, and a koi pond. They’re eager to relocate halfway between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe.
Kathy Goddard Moss and husband Tom have moved from their small, familylike California retirement community to a larger facility run by the same company. A fire in one unit caused extensive smoke, water, and asbestos damage, forcing the closure of the entire community. The move was difficult also due to Kathy’s recovery from a broken shoulder, but they are safe and content in their new place along with several fellow evacuees. Kathy reported that they escaped the severe December weather with no floods, mudslides, or downed trees in their area. Kathy and Tom’s adult children and grands are all thriving in California, Georgia, Virginia, Spain, Turkey, and Morocco!
Winnie Woodson Stribling continues singing, playing, and ringing in California. She still directs the San Ramon Valley UMC carillon choir and has developed an after-school children’s music program.
Winnie keeps in touch with Elizabeth Ann Martin Allen her roomie during their first few years of teaching in Williamsburg, Virginia, via cards, letters, and occasional phone calls.
Shirley Dulaney Gearheart read our last article and says she could visualize classmates “just as they were so many years ago … teased hair, knee socks, and all.” Shirley keeps contact with Marty Spigel Sedoff but has lost track of many others. Shirley’s son, Latha Gearheart ’95 is now a professor of chemistry at Presbyterian College. Shirley married
after graduation, had two sons, taught high school mathematics for 34 years, and subbed after retirement. She relishes the news we all share in Class Notes.
Hank and I, Katharine Rogers Lavery, entertained at least 50 family members across four generations throughout the holidays. We continue bowling; taking senior fitness classes at Fort Myer, Virginia; and participating in the Pentagon Sailing Club activities, along with Hank’s office building management job. I also play my cornet weekly at church. Clara Middleton Leigh ’63, Sandra Hutchison Schanné, and I, along with two other friends, maintain a membership at Arena Stage in D.C. and enjoy the theater immensely. Ann Kales Lindblom has rejoined our exercise class and also brought along husband Steve. We are hoping to have another MWC Lunch Bunch in Northern Virginia this spring. Many thanks to all of you who so readily contribute to our Class Notes!
1967
Mary Beth Bush Dore mbeth1945@gmail.com
Our dear classmate Robin Williams Blair passed away, Catherine Wilson and Mary Boyd report. Robin was a psychology major at Mary Washington and later earned a master’s degree in psychology. She resided in Alexandria, Virginia, where she taught in the school system and served as a school psychologist.
Linda Raymond Ellison shared her new email address, beccabill630@gmail.com. She enjoys Class Notes and appreciates the work that goes into them.
Fonda Davis Eyler shares that her only son died at age 47 within five days of being diagnosed with a bacterial strain that caused toxic shock. Fonda and John, along with two longtime friends, adopted a family from Ukraine last fall. Two sisters with two children left behind their husbands, an older child, parents, and siblings. Fonda helped find them housing, set up physicals for sports, and arranged for them to have English lessons. They have become a close family, and Fonda said anyone interested should contact the nonprofit government program Welcome.US.
Judy Douglass Everett and her former roomie and suitemates started talking on Zoom during the pandemic. They now do it at least once a month, or text or email. Living so far away used to keep them apart – Outer Banks, Florida, Ohio, and Texas – but with Zoom, they have a
powerful way to bring themselves back together.
Althea Johnston’s only son, Jamie, was married in Borderland, Massachusetts, on Sept. 17, 2022. He and his wife bought a house near Framingham.
Eleanor Frith Peters and Mike moved to Greenville, South Carolina, in May 2019, to be close to their daughter. She is a teacher, and her husband is a dentist. They have three children, including Eleanor and Mike’s only granddaughter. Eleanor and Mike’s only son is retired from the Army and living in Prague, where their daughter-in-law is the chargée d’affaires at the embassy. They have two sons. Eleanor and Mike love to travel and spent Christmas in Prague with their entire family. They are cruising through the Panama Canal this year and taking a barge cruise in Burgundy, France, to celebrate their 55th anniversary this fall, with a return to Prague.
I, Mary Beth Bush Dore have been in physical therapy and rehab for my hips, so I have not taken any trips, but I’m on the mend. My husband is my main caretaker and chief house husband. Our daughter is the new emergency medical services public affairs officer for Beaufort, South Carolina, after more than 15 years as a paramedic. Her husband was just selected as the new city manager.
1968
Meg Livingston Asensio meglala46@gmail.comCarrol Adair Gury passed away after a short battle with an unidentified degenerative condition, her husband, William Schriever, reports. Carrol earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and worked as a lab technician for the Virginia State Department of Health in Norfolk until she married and moved away. She met William in 1972, just as he was finishing naval service. They married in 1974 and lived in various places through the years: Florida, Virginia, and 35 years in Texas before moving back to the East Coast. She loved the outdoors and was active in the Sierra Club. She also supported several other environmental organizations.
Pam Tompkins Huggins’ family has experienced a couple of recent milestones, including her oldest granddaughter marrying in June and her youngest granddaughter, Meryn Viola, being born two weeks later to Pam’s youngest, Jamie, and husband
Jake Policky. Their son just turned 8, so the grandchild count is four girls and two boys. “This is what happens when 13 years separate your oldest and youngest,” Pam says. She and hubby Jim are 76 and 77, respectively, so she says they “need to get their fitness game on so they can live to see this little girl at least graduate from kindergarten!” Pam says they are blessed, despite playing “body whack-a-mole,” in which you fix one body part only to find another one needs your attention. “So excited for our 55th reunion coming up! Polish your tiaras and let’s rock and roll!”
Jean Eley Thompson and husband Jim sold their Portsmouth, Virginia, home of 43 years in June, and downsized to a two-bedroom apartment at Harmony at Harbour View in Suffolk, Virginia. They’re enjoying activities and having dinner served to them in the dining room every night! Son Jamie and daughter-in-law Justine are parents to Bennett and Lily, ages 6 and 2.
Ash and I, Meg Livingston Asensio, are happy to be traveling again after the COVID hiatus. We have taken cruises to Scandinavia, Croatia, and New Zealand, and we’re looking forward to going to Japan in May. We’re enjoying all that Colorado has to offer in the summer but also bought a condo in Palm Desert, California, to escape the winter cold and snow. We’re grateful that our kids and grandkids are thriving. But we took it hard when our youngest grandchild recently became a teenager!
Aniya L. Stewart ’24 received the Merrilyn Sawyer Dodson/ Class of 1968 Scholarship.
1969
Marianne deBlois Zentz MdeBZ@verizon.net
Anne Hoskot Kreutzer annekreutzer@hotmail.com
From Marianne:
I, Marianne deBlois Zentz have enjoyed hopping on planes to Houston and Ventura, California, to visit kids and grands. I’m looking forward to a river cruise this spring with Betsy Crews Neilson Condolences to Betsy on the recent loss of her dear partner, Ezra. Nancy Yeager Allard and her husband celebrated their 50th anniversary last September with a family dinner and a cruise from Montréal to New York City. They look forward to sailing Alaska's Inside Passage in June with their son and his family.
Lyn Howell Gray and Jim have transitioned from their many years of Peace Corps service in Liberia to their home in Blacksburg, Virginia. But the travel bug remains with them, according to a report at Christmastime that detailed their many visits to friends and family across the U.S. Son Rafa has moved from the passport agency in El Paso, Texas, to the one in Honolulu, so now they have the perfect excuse to visit. Great move, Rafa!
Donna Cannon Julian and Gene sold their house of 43 years last September and moved into a cottage in a retirement community in Wilmington, Delaware. So far, she loves being retired from homemaking! She walks the neighborhood every day and can get to the nearby shopping center and post office on foot. She took her three daughters and four granddaughters to Ireland in June. Can’t we all imagine what a grand time they had!
Donna keeps in touch with Betty Jo Shoemaker Polk who has been in a Hilton Head nursing home for the last decade. She also says that CeCe Smith Riffer met up with her Alaska family in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for Christmas.
Linda Eadie Matthews Hood and Rick have moved to Anchorage, Alaska. Until they find a home they like, they’re living in a log cabin with one bathroom! They’ve also had lots of snow – no surprise there!
see pink-haired, bold Barbara Black’s posts on Facebook, so know she's doing fine down in Blacksburg, Virginia!
From Anne:
As Martha Wilbourne Cummings nears the first anniversary of husband Mike’s passing, she reports that she is doing well and is grateful for her friends in Virginia Beach, her loving children, and her favorite pastime, pickleball! Daughter Lauren is expecting her third son and Martha’s 10th grandchild in late March.
Tom and I, Anne Hoskot Kreutzer, spend most of our travel time visiting one of our four children in four different states. We also enjoyed a couple of fun river cruises last fall on the Danube and to Portugal.
also caught up with my first-year roommate, Debbie Morrison Gibson, soon after her hip replacement in February. Debbie is a dedicated walker, and the bone-on-bone pain convinced her to go this route. She and Frank took a cruise to Antarctica this past year and have another cruise planned from Lisbon to the U.S. this fall.
Political science major Zachary Heske ’25 and Brianna Kenealy ’24 received the Class of 1969 Laura V. Sumner Memorial Scholarship, endowed by the Class of 1969 for the occasion of their 25th reunion.
Prince Andrew ’26 received the Class of 1969 50th Reunion Scholarship.
1970
Anne Summervold LeDoux ledouxanne@yahoo.com
For those of you who couldn’t attend the Mother of All Reunions in 2022, you missed a wonderful time! Some of our 1970 classmates even made the cover of the fall issue of Class Notes.
John and I, Anne Sommervold LeDoux, just returned from Phoenix, where we visited our son and his family. We will travel to Egypt this spring, one of the places I have been eager to visit.
Judy Wiener Winters and husband Roger recently moved to Spotsylvania, Virginia, to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter. Judy and Roger had lived on a lake in Central Virginia for 19 years since their retirement from the federal government. But the pull of a new grandchild was too great to resist! She also enjoys being close to UMW.
Susan Duffey DiMaina doesn’t have any big news but has gotten a lot of joy spending time with lovely friends from our class. “The older get, the more I value these longtime friendships,” she writes. In November 2022, Karen Stifft Carroll, Karen Anderson Muszynski, and Barbara Bingley joined Susan in Washington, D.C. They dined at wonderful restaurants and did all the touristy things they could pack into four days. Susan met Barbara Pratt in December at the National Gallery of
Art, where they enjoyed two exhibits: Vermeer’s Secrets and John Singer Sargent and Spain. Susan hopes for more mini reunions with classmates in the greater D.C. area. “If you live nearby or are visiting and are interested in getting together, please let me know!”
Barbara Forgione Tansey writes that daughter Lisa and son-in-law Craig finally went on their COVID-delayed honeymoon to Greece, visiting Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. They celebrated their second anniversary there in September. Barbara’s family had a very moving and special ceremony in October at Arlington National Cemetery, where they interred the ashes of her husband, Bruce. “It could not have been a more perfect fall day,” she writes. After the ceremony, which was performed by a priest from the Catholic church in Fairfax where Barbara and Bruce were married 52 years ago, the family took a tour of the cemetery, which Barbara says was interesting and impressive. They watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and enjoyed a spectacular view of Washington, D.C., from Arlington House.
Please send news to update your fellow classmates but remember that space is limited. Thanks!
1971
Karen Laino Giannuzzi kapitankL11@yahoo.comThank you to everyone who responded
to the call for news. There has been a great deal of activity among us.
I, Karen Laino Giannuzzi heard from Kim Warren Noe who provided me with additional email addresses and news from classmates. I will add your names to my list, so I apologize to Susie Sowers Hill Jan Reynolds Cooke, Fran Sydnor Cook , and Susan Taylor Frank In November, Kim saw Susan, who has “unretired” from her work with at-risk students in Roanoke, Virginia.
Susie Sowers Hill and Bill were in Columbia, South Carolina, for a wedding after Christmas. Bill decided to retire, so they’re looking forward to new adventures. I hope they have a few to include in the next Class Notes!
Diane Mowrey made it to France as well as to Africa, including Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. Diane, Mona Davis Albertine, and can share hundreds of pictures of elephants from our time there on safari. It’s an exciting and awesome trip.
Fran Sydnor Cook and her husband are busy with their farm in North Carolina, and Jan Reynolds Cooke is settled in New Orleans.
Kim Warren Noe reports that her husband’s medical issues and her family keep her close to home. Kim, we wish all the best for your husband’s recovery.
After winning five elections, Barbara Halliday, our famous mayor of Hayward, California, decided not to run again. She relinquished her gavel on Dec. 13, 2022. Barbara will serve on the National Civic League board and has joined Mary T. “Fred” Bradley MacPherson, Julie McClelland Seder and me in representing our class on UMW’s College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board. Barbara and Rick Imsdahl survived the recent floods and are planning a kitchen remodel, along with travel in Rick’s new electric car.
Julie McClelland Seder reports that Pam Temple Roach and Ned celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a weekend gala in Orange, Virginia, arranged by their girls. Family and friends joined in for great food and drinks.
Julie and Dirk are still together and hosted a reunion for his family, so people from all over the world attended. Julie says she and Dirk plan to travel the canals southeast of London in a 65-foot houseboat in June. And of course, pub crawling will be high on their list! They will again find themselves this summer in Altea, Spain, at his son’s condo. Julie,
you’ll have to provide a travelogue in the next Class Notes! Many of you know Julie’s artistic jewelry making, and now she has been trying her hand at epoxy resin pours. We look forward to seeing the finished products!
The Slovak-American Foundation that Mary T. “Fred” Bradley MacPherson ran for 12 years is winding down, but Mary will make one last trip there soon. It will be bittersweet as she has done so much for the foundation, but she looks forward to continuing work on UMW’s College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board. Mary is trying to organize alumni near Wilmington, North Carolina. We all know what a great organizer Mary is from our class reunion!
News from Switzerland finds Sally Reichner Mayor still in Crans-Montana in the heart of the Swiss Alps. She worked in the Alpine Ski World Cup’s media department, setting up interviews with top skiers. Daughter Patricia has been with the International Skating Union and was in Finland for the European championships, while daughter Adrienne works events for Vacheron Constantin all over the world. Sally spent 12 glorious days in Iceland in September, soaking up the breathtaking landscapes and eating great food. Sally, I agree. Iceland is a wonder of its own. Try it in January. It’s magical! She has plans to get together with Tish Stoner Sawyer in Florida this March.
Gayle Franklin Hawkins enjoyed UMW’s sponsored trip to Northern Italy along with other Mary Wash grads, including Mary Basnight Donovan ’67 and Paula Parker Boyer ’68 . This was Gayle’s first solo trip since she lost her husband five years ago, and she felt so welcome during the trip, enough that several members of the group will head to Switzerland and Austria. Gayle says the food was delicious, especially pastas with pesto and steaks in Tuscany.
Mary Jane Chandler Miller keeps happy with pickleball and tennis, but by the time this is published, she will be a grandmother again. It will be the first baby for her son and daughter-in-law.
Congrats!
Carol Scouten discovered the beauty of New Zealand. Breaking out from COVID seems to have hit all of us with the travel bug. Carol was also in Peru, where she toured Machu Picchu and other historic sites to learn about Peruvian arts and culture. Carol’s motto is “time spent in Nature brings me joy!” That’s one we all can embrace!
Mary Weaver Mann writes that grandson Jackson earned an Air Force ROTC Scholarship and will be in school in Tennessee. He and his sister are great athletes and scholars with amazing grade point averages. If you’ve seen the emu ads by Liberty Mutual, those are produced by son Zeph’s company, where he works as a visual graphics artist. Daughter Emily is substitute teaching and worked for a computer wiring company. While in Fredericksburg recently, I visited Mona Davis Albertine in her store, Jabberwocky, to catch up. Jack was in a car accident and is slowly recovering. Be well, Jack.
Congratulations to Mary Smith-Carson and Roger on celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary and renewing their vows.
Sadly, Penn Bailey has passed away, her sister reports.
Elaine “Cookie” Brennan Wright just came back from South Africa, Namibia, and Brazil. Cookie’s comments were that KN95 masks were bigger than the bikinis on Copacabana Beach. We discussed how after several years of not traveling, packing had to be relearned. She also made a trek to Spain, the Canary Islands, and Morocco.
My last news item is one of tragedy and sadness, but also of hope and recovery in grief. heard from Jan Hempson Floom, who along with husband Marv (Colonel, USMC, Ret.), had made several trips to Norway to see the Northern Lights. In July 2022, Jan and Marv were headed to church and were T-boned by a dump truck that ran a red light. Tragically, Marv was killed instantly, and Jan is now in an assisted living facility in Woodbridge, Virginia. Jan went through three brain bleeds and had a broken pelvis and ribs, punctured lungs, and damage to other organs. Her right arm was crushed, and her left wrist was broken. She was able to attend Marv’s celebration of life at MCB Quantico Cemetery in November. At the time she shared this news, the perpetrator of the accident was in a continuance for the third time. Jan is working to have these laws changed. Be careful driving! Her goal now is to regain use of her hand and be able to toss a ball or open a jar. She is grateful to Monica Pripeton Arbacas for her support. Jan is slowly recovering, and plan to visit when I am in her neck of the woods.
Jan asked me to write this: “Each day is a blessing that provides beautiful moments to create memories. So dear classmates,
may each of you continue to make each day a great opportunity to create treasured memories.”
A Zoom will be forthcoming. Enjoy every day and keep in touch!
1972
Sherry Rutherford Myers sherryhon2011@gmail.comGreetings, everyone! Hope you all are well!
Christmas 2022 found Deb Stanley Leap and daughter Amy Leap ’12 in New York City during the great deep freeze, where it was so cold that Deb wore an N95 mask outdoors to stay warm. They thoroughly enjoyed SIX on Broadway, a beautiful Christmas Day service at St. Bart’s, and a carriage ride in Central Park. Amy has aged out of the UMW Young Alumni Council (YAC) and is now president of the Richmond Alumni Network. She continues a passion for Mary Washington as part of a threegeneration legacy family that includes Deb’s mother, Ruth Smith Stanley ’45 Deb enjoys retirement and walking and hiking in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, as well as the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian mountains. She also loves studying Spanish, reading, and traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Dennis and I, Sherry Rutherford Myers, are both doing well in the Roanoke area. enjoy substitute teaching and my club memberships. Both Cheryl Prietz Childress and husband Dave visited from Richmond for the Giving Back Society’s annual fundraising brunch.
Jeanne Helmandollar Holzmann came and brought a friend. The brunch was a huge success, and we had a banner year for raising funds for worthy nonprofit organizations. Also present was Donna Henninger Henderson ’61 , who got me into this wonderful group. She and husband Jerry run a farm in Botetourt County, Virginia.
Cheryl Prietz Childress and Dave had a happy holiday in Loganville, Georgia, with daughter Thea and son-in-law Eric, who are the proud parents of two adorable children, Ellie and Charlie. Cheryl and Dave enjoy being grandparents.
Jeanne Helmandollar Holzmann is headed off for various travels, but the two of us plan to catch up in early spring. Wishing you all the best for this year. Now that we are part of the 1908 Society, let’s all try to get back to campus more!
Joyce Hines Molina joycemolina1951@gmail.comHappy 50th anniversary to the Class of 1973! Reunion activities for our class start on Thursday, June 1, and go throughout the weekend. It will be a time to renew old friendships and visit the campus that holds a deep affection for many. If you haven’t signed up, do it today. The scholarship fund established by our class awarded its first recipient in fall 2022. We must continue to grow that fund to increase the giving level. When making a contribution, please be sure to designate it for the Class of 1973 50th Reunion Scholarship Fund. Be a part of our legacy to the future.
Trish White Foster has lived in western Montana since 2000. She’s now retired and leads a fulfilling life riding horses in the hills. Come visit!
Martha Jane Menk passed away on Aug. 3, 2022, after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s. She earned a bachelor’s degree in studio art at Mary Washington and a master’s degree from Goddard College, continuing her studies at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Hand Workshop Arts Center in Richmond, Virginia. Martha taught in Hanover County schools and the Children’s Museum of Richmond, and she helped found the Seven Hills School in Richmond. She loved nature and was a member of the Richmond Friends Meeting, participating in its Quaker quilting club. Martha is survived by her husband of 33 years, Gary, as well as a son, two granddaughters, a brother, and other loving family.
Cynthia Howk is one of 10 recipients of the 2022 Annual Awards, which are presented by the New York State Office of Historic Preservation, in recognition of her career in historic preservation, including 46 years at the Landmark Society of Western New York. Although Cynthia officially retired in October 2021, she still conducts research and works on special projects for the society. The ceremony was held at the New York State Museum in Albany, New York, on Dec. 8, 2022. Cynthia had no idea this award was in the works, so it was quite a pleasant surprise during a year of difficulties. She is excited to celebrate our 50th during Reunion Weekend in June.
Dianne Friedhoff Blais is working for a peace economy via Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and World Beyond War, among other efforts. All four of her biological children have children of their own, and
Dianne is concerned for their future. She just returned from a women’s delegation to Nicaragua and plans to attend the 67th Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York City in March.
Virginia Davey Addison is looking forward to being together at our reunion and is thankful she can attend and catch up with everyone. She is also thankful to be here to meet her new grandson, grandchild number six!
Terry Rottman Beckmann enjoys being a grandmother to Penelope, almost 4 years old, and Teddy, who is turning 1, who live in San Diego, which is a long way from Omi and Opa! They are the children of son Nick and daughter-in-law Elizabeth. Son Luke lives in Arlington, Virginia.
Terry and husband Fred, who have been married 41 years and are happily retired, take walks several days each week, enjoying the natural beauty of suburban Maryland. They love traveling and have plans to visit southern Spain this summer. Luckily, Fred is proficient in Spanish, so they should have a great time, but Terry jokes that she won’t let him get too far away from her!
Marianne Schwartz Reed retired from clinical social work a few years ago. Her second husband, Smokey Reed, passed away in April 2021, after a long illness. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, which has been her home for 35 years, and feels lucky to have a great circle of friends and family that rallied around her. Libby Andrews Wasem ’71 whom Marianne met during summer school at Mary Washington in 1970, remains a close friend. Libby and husband Ron are going with Marianne to southern France this May. Marianne loves living in Richmond and keeps busy by going to operas and concerts, swimming, gardening, reading, and hanging out with her two dogs. One of her brothers lives with her, so she has company. She went to the 45th reunion and was thrilled to see how our alma mater has thrived and grown. “The four years spent at MWC were so important as it gave me a place to find my young voice,” she says, “and the confidence to go on and challenge myself to become a social worker.”
Susan Jacobius Davis hopes to have attained the goal of visiting 100 countries – not just the airports – by 2024. She has already traveled to each of the seven continents twice. She will celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary in May with a trip to the Balkan countries. When Susan started her race-walking adventure in 2009 with a 10K, she never realized it would extend to January 2023, with two
marathons, 38 half-marathons, and over 35 5K and 10K races. She says, “It was fun while it lasted!”
Lorelei Schaffhausen, a licensed clinical social worker in child welfare, says that her career encompassed the entire continuum of child protection, including conducting research, creating nationally distributed training resources for foster parents, serving as a national and international trainer, and producing an award-winning documentary on permanency planning. After retiring in 2010, Lorelei says her community involvement gives her many opportunities to use her skills. She also travels extensively and has only one more continent to visit. She lives in New Bern, North Carolina, which she describes as the cutest little town on two rivers and only 35 miles to the Atlantic. She writes: “Y’all come, ya hear!”
Janet Hedrick says that retiring in January 2022 has given her the opportunity to travel. Last year, she visited Hawaii and Alaska, and went on Mary Washington Alumni trips to Northern Italy and to Egypt and Jordan. Plans for 2023 include a cruise with Dale Cole Carter from Amsterdam to Budapest in May. Janet is planning a trip to Switzerland and Austria this fall and another alumni trip to Ireland in June 2024. She looks forward to attending reunion and plans to bring Catherine Janis, daughter of Sharon Richmond Janis who passed away in January 2021. Catherine looks forward to seeing the campus and meeting her mother’s friends from Mary Washington.
After living in Colorado for five years, Dale Cole Carter has added downhill skiing to the winter sports she enjoys. “You’re never too old to learn and enjoy a new endeavor,” she says. Dale resumed travel in an awesome way, being part of group of eight who met in Dublin for a fantastic trip around Ireland, where she met the warm and welcoming Irish people. Dale had wonderful evenings in pubs and even met some Notre Dame fans there, visited a sheep farm and the cottage of a hand weaver, and had dinner in the home of a wonderful Belfast family who were tragically impacted by the Troubles. In May, she and Janet will tour Amsterdam, Germany, Austria, Budapest, and Prague. It’s the post-college trip she never had but in comfort. She will unfortunately miss our reunion because she’s flying to Paris to meet her partner for his brother’s birthday celebration and travel in his home country of France. She says, “May 2023 be a great year for everyone, and I’ll be thinking of you in June!”
Susie Baril Bourne lives Lexington, Kentucky, and keeps busy by tutoring math, playing bridge, and studying God’s word through several Bible studies. She has two married daughters who live in Washington, D.C., and Greenville, South Carolina, as well as three grandchildren. They vacation together at Kiawah Island, South Carolina, each summer. Susie and husband Royce enjoy traveling to places around the world in their free time. She has wonderful memories of her days at MWC.
Rod and I, Joyce Hines Molina will celebrate our 40th anniversary in June. We’re planning a special adventure later this year after he completes chemo treatments. In 2022, I joined the Richmond Pops Concert Band. Music remains an important part of my life. It’s awesome to have my grandkids in the audience; they get to see what GMa loves to do. look forward to our class reunion celebration.
Ryland Feathers ’26 received the Class of 1973 50th Reunion Scholarship.
1974
Sidnia “Sid” Baker Etherington sidleexx@yahoo.com
Suzy Passarello Quenzer suzyquenzer@gmail.com
From Sid:
Class of 1974! Well wishes from your class agents.
Susan Behling Coulter had a mini reunion at her youngest daughter’s wedding at Susan’s home in August.
Sherry Mickel Parrish Carolyn Click and Patsy Jacobs Kadel enjoyed festivities at Susan s 250-acre thoroughbred farm in Adams County, Pennsylvania. Mother Nature cooperated, and it was a wonderful weekend. Anyone visiting the Gettysburg area, Susan is very close and would love to catch up with other alums.
During the pandemic, Patti Goodall Strawderman and Margaret “Peg” Hubbard were among a small group of Jefferson 4th West folks and honorary members who began meeting monthly via Zoom. Now the Zoom chats are a regular part of their calendar. Their core group consists of Patricia, Peg, Jonette deButts Hahn, Lisa Tyree Sweeney, Nancy Pederson Trzcinski Susan Tyler Maguigan, and Karen Sunnarborg. In May 2021, there seemed to be a reprieve from COVID. Being fully vaccinated, several 1973 classmates went to Virginia Beach together, including Patti and husband Dennis, Jonette and life partner
George, Peg, Nancy, and Linda Fotis
It was chilly, windy, and rainy, but they enjoyed good food, lots of laughs, and dolphin watching!
Patti Goodall Strawderman’s husband Dennis retired recently – Patti retired in 2019 – so they planned a trip to visit son Patrick and his life partner, Lila, in California in November 2022. They also had tickets to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Los Angeles, a 70th birthday gift! Unfortunately, Patti and Dennis both ended up with COVID and spent the entire trip isolating from everyone. On a happier note, they look forward to taking their first cruise this November, a classic movie cruise that was originally scheduled for 2020.
Peg Hubbard has settled back in Virginia Beach, where she grew up. She’s busy with a group of high school buddies and her extended family, including a niece, two nephews, and four grandnephews. Karen Sunnarborg, who moved to Connecticut from Boston, is keeping up with her three sons, one of whom was studying in Italy. That was the incentive for Karen and Peg to take their second trip to Italy together!
Lisa Tyree Sweeney finally retired. She and Denis are enjoying each other’s company and lots of golf in San Diego. She is recovering from knee replacement surgery, which has put a temporary cramp in her lifestyle.
Nancy Pederson Trzcinski moved from Pennsylvania to her son-in-law’s small hometown in North Carolina. She loves the area and the people and stays busy fixing up her home and a small rental house. Unfortunately, her daughter and son-in-law moved from North Carolina to the West Coast to continue their schooling. They just had their first baby, so we know where Nancy is heading soon!
Susan Tyler Maguigan lives in Tennessee with husband Tim. They recently hosted their entire family, including three grandchildren, for the Christmas holidays, which she says was crazy but wonderful. Their oldest daughter’s family traveled from Switzerland, where they have been living for several years.
Jonette deButts Hahn has retired and is enjoying life in Annapolis, Maryland. She loves seeing her grandchildren and traveling with her life partner, George. They finally have a chance to go on their pandemic-delayed trip to New Zealand and Australia this year.
Linda Fotis joined the Virginia Beach reunion in 2021 and is still the firecracker you may remember! She is a gifted piano teacher and has built a thriving practice in Northern Virginia.
Jill Thompson lives in Queens, New York, and retired from teaching at the college level this past year. She remembers her time at MWC with great fondness. After earning a bachelor’s degree in historical religion, Jill earned a Master of Divinity degree at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. She was ordained in the Metropolitan Community Church, where she worked on the clergy for five years. Jill began exploring holistic health, then became a massage therapist and trained in gestalt psychotherapy. She then taught anatomy and physiology at a health science college for 44 years. She also joined the Sri Chinmoy Centre, which teaches a path of meditation that complemented her approach to bodywork, psychotherapy, and spiritual awakening. For the last 15 years, Jill has got together annually in New York City with fellow religion majors Christine Ransom ’73 and Micki Nunn-Miller, and their former religion professor, Dr. Elizabeth A. Clark, to reminisce about MWC. Dr. Clark founded Mary Washington’s religion department, taught at Duke University, and did scholarly research at Union Theological Seminary each summer. They did not get together during COVID, and unfortunately, Dr. Clark passed away in September 2021. Still, Jill, Christine, and Micki have met via Zoom and intend to carry on. Other fond memories of MWC, include being on the tennis team, meals in Seacobeck Hall, living in Framar House during her senior year, and being at a women’s college. Classmates, thanks for all the great input. Please start planning to attend our 50th reunion in 2024.
1975
Armecia Spivey Medlock vagirl805@msn.com
1976
Janis Biermann biermannjanis@gmail.com
Linda Spagnolo Mitchell and Dave have been married for 43 years and live in a little former mill town with a precious downtown, just outside Charlotte, North Carolina. Both retired in 2015; Dave was with Duke Energy for 38 years, mostly in environmental roles, and Linda had a career in the property casualty insurance industry as a claims
specialist, working for a few different brokers. Dave plays golf, and Linda volunteers with their church, HOA, and a couple of ladies’ groups. During the pandemic, she took up making cards as a new hobby, and she can often be found working in her little studio. Linda and Dave have done a fair amount of traveling. Last July, they threaded the needle between COVID-19 surges and variants, and circumnavigated Iceland by cruise ship. In June, they hope to finally make a trip to France that was planned for 2020. Sons Matthew and Patrick are in New York City. Both are married and have blessed Linda and Dave with four grandchildren between them, with one more to arrive in May.
Jean Ellis retired in January after many years in accounting and is learning to love not having the 9 to 5 structure. She looks forward to seeing her two daughters in Charlotte, North Carolina, and one daughter in Boston. Her new interest is quilting with her longarm machine. She is also archiving family pictures and memories, as well as cleaning out the basement. She is excited about having more time and freedom, and she plans to explore volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in her county.
Susan Stimpfle lives in Sterling, Virginia, and welcomes any contact with her fellow alums. Her contact info is in EverTrue.
Heidi Feustel Ferguson writes: “Hi, I’m the weird one who got married at the end of junior year but lived in Ball Hall senior year because my Naval Academy graduate husband was at sea, so why not, LOL.” Still happily married, Heidi lives in Delaware and has two successful adult sons with their own careers. She lives on a small farm where she bred and raised horses for several years, but she now enjoys sailing, canoeing, RV-ing, international travel, carriage driving, and photography. Heidi also teaches at a local nature center and is a licensed animal rehabilitator dealing with mostly rabies vector species. She has survived two bouts with a very aggressive breast cancer (triple negative) but has put that in her rearview mirror and is 10 years past the ordeal. She has not been to MWC since graduation but says that life is good.
Mary Ruth Burton still has her organizational development practice, Burton-Fuller Management, now in its 36th year. She has brought it down to three employees helping a select group of clients. She also enjoys riding her horse; spending time with her husband, friends, and family; and visiting her son,
daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren in Baltimore. Her daughter married her Swiss love in March 2022, and they live and work remotely from their home in Irvington. Mary Ruth spent New Year’s plus a weekend in New York City recently with Dawn Hill and her husband.
Lynne Batten Smith and Larry are celebrating 32 years of wedded bliss! He retired in 2019 from the civil service at Fort Lee, after putting in more than 20 years of active duty as a full-time supervisor in the National Guard Bureau. Lynne’s big news is that on Jan. 13, 2023, their granddaughter, Sarah Ophelia Smith-Cruz, turned 1. Son William married his wonderful wife, Elena, in October 2019. William has Asperger’s and was often a challenge throughout his school years but has turned into a fine husband and father. And as if that wasn’t enough, they live on a three-acre farm with chickens, geese, sheep, and emus. They only live 25 minutes away, so Mimi and Opa visit often. Life is different from what Lynne had planned all those years ago at Mary Washington, but it has all turned out even better!
Lundy Updike is awaiting the birth of her first grandchild, due Valentine’s Day, whom she already entered into Quickbooks as “Grand One.” “Clicking on ‘add to cart’ is dangerously too easy when looking at all those cute baby clothes and toys and accessories,” Lundy says. “After our three boys, it’s fun to shop for a little girl!” Lundy is also delighted with her piano lessons and recommends them to anyone. Her dog, OshKosh, is looking forward to our 50th reunion. He made many friends last summer and thinks the campus is the best, especially Ball Circle. Lundy signs off: “I hope everyone is doing well. A splash of poodle and piano will bring some adventure if anyone feels stuck in a rut.”
Yolande Long officially retired in February 2021, after a career in the mental health and social work field, in which she also took time off to raise her three children. She’d like to say it’s been all fun and games, but she is still recuperating from two surgeries she had last year. However, Yolande is regaining her health and is eager to travel soon. Her fourth grandchild arrived in January and is the first boy to join the family!
Carolyn Roberts and I, Jan Biermann, went to Egypt in November. We were not able to make the UMW-sponsored trip but had the same itinerary. The sights were astonishing! Coincidentally, Linda Waddington Andrews ’75 was on
the same trip, and we enjoyed sharing memories of our MWC experiences. We also learned the origin of the phrase “walk like an Egyptian,” though it's unlikely Egyptians walked any differently from other people!
1977
Anne Robinson Hallerman annehallerman@gmail.com
Janet McConnell Dorrance made Connecticut her permanent residence last year after moving to the village of Ivoryton in Essex. She married David Dorrance in Essex by the Connecticut River in early January. They were on a BMW motorcycle tour of Portugal in October when they got engaged and had such a wonderful trip that they promptly booked a motorcycle tour of Croatia in May. She writes: “Life is good in Connecticut!”
Phyllis Quinn writes: “Thank you, Class of 1977, for joining Beth Craig and myself for the Beyond the Classroom challenge. It is great to read all the wonderful stories about UMW students.”
1978
Janet Place Fuller janetpfuller@gmail.com
I am looking forward to seeing many of you on campus in June for our 45th reunion!
Bobbi Rollins Johnson’s news centers around her darling grandson, who is now 18 months old! Bobbi enjoys pictures, videos, and FaceTime with the family, who resides in Oregon. She visits several times a year, and it’s always heartbreaking when it’s time to leave.
1979
Barbara Goliash Emerson emers3@msn.comJeannie Weller Montaperto finally retired from the Virginia Department of Education and is happy to have more time to spend with family, relax, and pursue her bird-watching hobby. She plans to meet up with her former MWC roommate, Mary McWhirt Murphy, and Dianne Harrison Griffith who attended Mary Washington from 1975 to 1977 in prenursing. They will visit Asheville, North Carolina, this spring to tour the Biltmore. Jeannie writes that she’s “doing a lot of meditating, remembering to enjoy life, and trying to do as much good as I can while I’m here.” Good advice for us all.
Mary McWhirt Murphy followed up her former roommate’s news, sharing that
she and her husband moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in October 2022. They had a second home there for many years but finally made the permanent move. Mary echoed the news of looking forward to the Asheville reunion with Jeannie and Dianne.
Caroline Corr Newlon shared that she had been living in Texas for the past year while getting treatment for ovarian cancer. She and her husband returned to Tennessee in December and enjoyed a Smoky Mountain Christmas at their cabin with their three children and two grandchildren. Their new granddaughter, Isla Grace, joined the family in November. Caroline added, “Her adoption story is a perfect example of God’s grace and goodness!” Caroline will continue her treatment and care in Tennessee, while going back to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas for quarterly scans. She says, “I have the best support system ever helping me fight this battle! I’m so grateful for my family, friends, and all my Mary Washington pals. Your kindness and encouragement mean so much to me. Thank you!”
Since her retirement in March 2021 from the City of Bristol, Virginia, Sally Hart Morgan has been traveling, hiking, swimming, and volunteering with a local nonprofit. She and husband John took several road trips in 2022, including driving to the Great Lakes area and to Newfoundland via overnight ferry. She also traveled to Ireland in January 2023 with two friends, including her former MWC roommate,
Lisa Roberts Jett . Sally’s son, Jack, lives and works in Washington, D.C., and daughter Jessie is a high school teacher in Denver.
As for me, Barbara Goliash Emerson, I’ve enjoyed numerous get-togethers with MWC pals, including Betsy Larson Kyker, Gayle Weinberger Petro, Carol Middlebrook Feldman, Lisa Jenkins Linda McCarthy-Milone, and Lisa Carle Shields , including a fun-filled weekend at Lisa Carle Shields’ beautiful Smith Mountain Lake home for her birthday in August 2022. We had a great time at the Daryl Hall and Todd Rundgren concert in Roanoke, Virginia. I look forward to seeing all of you at our 45th reunion in 2024. Please put it on your calendars.
1980
Susan Garter skgarter@gmail.com
There are plans for a Marshall Hall farewell to take place on Friday, June 2, as part of the 2023 Reunion Weekend. Join the Marshall Hall Dorm Facebook page to keep up with the planning.
Last fall, I, Susan Garter finally had a chance to visit my former Marshall Hall roomie, Jan Stankiewicz McCarthy, and her husband, Mike, at their home in Greensboro, North Carolina. After living in Florida for over 10 years, they’re enjoying the temperate climate and exploring new bicycle trails.
Carol Aarseth Jackson and husband Kevin made it to the British Open in July
2022. Now that they have been to all four golf majors, they plan to watch golf from their couch! She says the trip was hectic but lovely; Scotland is still magical. Carol also writes that their spring will be busy as daughter Kim is expecting her second child, a girl, in April, and son Stephen will be graduating from Emory University in May with an MBA.
1981
Lori Foster Turley lorifturley@gmail.comA retirement move from Miami to the North Carolina mountains was the right decision for Lisa Kayan Turner and husband Steve. They love mountain life and the weather – even the winter! Last June, they traveled the whole of Lake Michigan and a bit of Huron and Superior on a mission to visit every lighthouse they could find; they saw 63! In July, they visited Cape Cod and drove up the coast through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, all the way to the Canadian border. Again, their quest for lights guided them, and they spotted 52 during this trip. They will take a trip this year that was delayed from 2020, spending a week in Italy and then connecting to a 21-day cruise in the Mediterranean. Closer to home, Lisa spent a week at Topsail Beach, North Carolina, in February with former Mary Washington roommates Donna McGlothlin White, Mary Peca Maroney and Donna Morgan Moore
Susan Dishman Boyd and husband John welcomed their second grandson and third grandchild, JJ, on Dec. 23, 2022. John still works in the biometrics office at the Department of Homeland Security. Susan is not working due to constant knee pain and fibromyalgia.
Craig and I, Lori Foster Turley, got together with Jenny Sharp-Warthan and her husband, Danny, in February in Sarasota, Florida, where they have a condo. They were about to head off on their 40-foot boat, “The Other Woman,” to continue their circumnavigation of America’s Great Loop, a continuous waterway that includes the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the New York state canals, the Canadian canals, the Great Lakes, the inland rivers, and the Gulf of Mexico. It will take nearly a year, but they’re excited about this great adventure, which Jenny has wanted to do for 15 years! Last fall, they spent a month traveling through southern Italy. They are clearly enjoying retirement. Please send me your news!
1982
Tara Corrigall corrigallt@gmail.comAndi Jansen and her husband have both retired. After many years of working in Europe, they split their time between the Fan in Richmond, Virginia, and Saint Jean de Luz, France. They enjoy spending time with family, hiking, swimming, cycling, volunteer activities, and agility clubs with their border collie.
Trenda Powell Jacocks and husband Jake dote on their three grandchildren, including Jack McGavock, age 5, and Benjamin Campbell, age 3, sons of younger daughter Mary Carter and son-in-law David Junta. After eight years of active duty, David retired as a Ranger officer and finished his master’s degree at the University of Virginia’s Darden Business School. Two years in Charlottesville made spoiling the grandchildren easy, so Trenda and Jake look forward to visiting them in Cincinnati. Eldest daughter Brittany and husband Chris Magiera live in Manhattan and welcomed Eliza Virginia in July. Brittany teaches academic first grade to gifted child musicians at Lincoln Center, while Chris works for Deloitte. Trenda and Jake are regulars on Amtrak. They will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in April. Who remembers Jake’s sweet proposal during our Grad Ball? Jake works as
the chief flight surgeon for TAB, Military district Washington and is an adjunct professor at Georgetown and several other medical schools. Trenda became a pastor of community life for the church that ordained her. She happily serves and networks with others in the work of faith and community. Her mom is relocating from Roanoke to Northern Virginia to be closer to Trenda and her sister, Andra Powell McKown ’84 Trenda and Jake are active at UMW through a scholarship for first-generation students that many grads from 1982 to 1984 supported on Mary Wash Giving Day. They lovingly thank all who have contributed.
Eric Olsen lives in Falmouth, Virginia, across the river from Fredericksburg. He was elected in 2011 as commonwealth’s attorney for Stafford County, where he has been prosecuting since 1989. He comes up for re-election in 2023. As a vice president of the National District Attorney’s Association, Eric was asked to speak at the Capitol Hill press conference on the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in February 2022. Other speakers included Angelina Jolie and Senators Dianne Feinstein and Lisa Murkowski.
Nancy Kaiser had her third shoulder surgery in two years. She is finally out of pain and doing well. She and Mary traveled to Rwanda last fall to see the
silverback gorillas, Kenya and Tanzania to watch the wildebeests and the “Great Migration,” and the island of Zanzibar! It was the trip of a lifetime! They shared amazing pictures on Facebook. In 2023, Nancy and Mary will visit Palm Springs, California, and Las Vegas before heading to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to pick up a 10-day cruise around the Caribbean in February and early March. May takes them to Door County, Wisconsin, for the annual Scottie Rally to raise funds for health funding for Scottish Terriers. In October, they are going on a long-awaited three-week trip to Italy, starting with Venice to southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast, and then back to Rome before picking up a transatlantic cruise back to the U.S.
Robin Baughman still feels affinity for the fantastic friends of Russell 4th North and is thankful for the legacy of the brilliant women and faculty members who inspired her as a student. She writes that the liberal arts education she found at Mary Washington led to her becoming a key person in an international A/E firm and to being a 50 percent owner of a technology company. She married her wife in 2013, and they have been together for 36 years.
I, Tara Corrigall, just returned from a week in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. I loved the island atmosphere, with all the benefits of the U.S. Just to keep it interesting, they drive on the left there – but with American cars – so the driver hugs the left curb. look forward to hosting Mary Washington alums during April’s Historic Garden Week. The Virginia Beach tour is in my neighborhood, so while my house isn’t included on the tour, I’m inspired to up my gardening skills. I hope many of you will join me on Reunion Friday on June 2 for a special program celebrating our happy years in Russell and Marshall. I would love to hear from you. Don’t worry about waiting for a Class Notes deadline. Send them when you can, and I will work them into the next issue.
1983
Marcia Anne Guida marcia.g.james@gmail.comAndrea Kocolis Hornung still lives in Fredericksburg. She retired in October 2019 and has been traveling and scuba diving. She has plans to dive in Costa Rica and Fiji and to visit Australia and Okinawa, where her son, Lt. Brandon Hornung USMC, is deployed. Son Ryan is majoring in business administration and marketing at Virginia Tech and will
graduate in 2024. Andrea has been active in the North Stafford Rotary Club and will serve as president beginning on July 1, 2023. Husband Neil is with the Department of Energy and will retire in 2024. He is also completing his Ph.D. in national security studies.
After dealing with health issues, Mabel Royal is back to teaching introduction to biology courses at North Carolina Central University in Durham.
Mabel appreciated hearing from MWC friends via texts, Zoom, and Facebook, which helped brighten her days. She is looking forward to our reunion in June!
Verna Williams Watson and husband
Pres recently took a relaxing cruise to celebrate their anniversary. Verna enjoys her second career as a real estate agent in her home state of Delaware, where she specializes in working with firsttime home buyers. Daughter Alexis is following in her footsteps and recently joined Verna’s team as an agent.
Harolyn Berry Bland retired from Fauquier County Public Schools on July 1, 2022. She was an early childhood special education teacher for 16 years. Harolyn enjoys retirement, working on home projects, and looking forward to her next phase in life. She wishes to increase her knowledge of historic preservation and was selected to participate as a 2022-2023 National
Trust for Historic Preservation Diversity Scholar last September. She has also decided to volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to support children in foster care.
Leslie Bellais earned a Ph.D. in U.S. history and material culture from the University of Wisconsin in May 2022. She freelances as a historical research assistant and teaches a public history course for the university. She and Monique Gormont Mobley ’85 attended the first Mary Washington Alumni event in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, outside of Milwaukee. Six attended and three were historic preservation majors. Monique and Leslie hope to do something with Wisconsin alumni in Madison soon. As for me, Marcia Anne Guida, my role as a regional vice president for a network of Humana recently expanded to include all of Florida, so work travel has ramped up. We traveled to the United Kingdom and Sicily in December and attended an Indian wedding in January, visiting Bangalore, Agra, and Delhi.
1984
Christine Waller Manca christine.manca@att.net
Jessica Woodman Godwin retired in 2021 and enjoyed fantastic adventures
in 2022. She and Terry visited Greece in February, spending four glorious days in Athens before boarding a ship to take in many islands and historic sites. They traveled to Alaska in July, which was breathtaking in its natural splendor. Jessica’s first grandchild, Lena Ann, daughter of Constantine and Katie, was born in July. Daughter Jane loves living out west and traveling the world. And lastly for 2022, exciting news came when Terry’s daughter, Paige, got engaged at Thanksgiving.
It’s wonderful that the Mary Washington Alumni Association is increasingly holding regional events for us far-flung alums. This fall, I, Christine Waller Manca attended a gathering in Houston, where it was fun to see James Miller who was passing through from Dallas, and many other alums. Warm thanks go to Jessica Mitchell Essalih ’05 and Tony Essalih ’99 for hosting in their lovely home, and to Alumni Association Immediate Past President Jenifer Blair ’82 for giving us all an update on Mary Washington news.
Sadly, James Miller reports that his mother passed away on Nov. 18, 2022.
1985
Joanne Bartholomew Lamm jlamm88@verizon.net
1986
Lisa A. Harvey lisharvey@msn.com
1987
Kemetia Foley kmkfoley@gmail.com
1988
Jay Bradshaw jaybradshaw747@aol.com
Beverly Newman bevnewmn@yahoo.com
From Jay:
The Class of 1988 will celebrate its 35th anniversary this year! A big thanks goes out to Bev Newman our former Honor Council president, for chairing the reunion! We will say goodbye to Marshall and Russell halls, scheduled for demolition to make room for a new theater. I, Jay Bradshaw, served as Marshall Hall president, so I’m working with the Alumni Association to plan a farewell party on Friday, June 2. Limited access to both halls is planned. Bricks
1995
Matt and Shandie Covington mattandshandie95@gmail.com
This was a big turnout for our class this cycle. It’s so exciting to hear of the successes and big life changes that people are making. Let’s keep this going!
James Mothershead shares his first update since graduation. After 20 years in finance and retail, he has started a new journey as a senior medical office assistant at a primary care office near Fredericksburg. He loves this career change!
Noley “Nicole” Reid published her fourth book, Origami Dogs a collection of short stories about women, men, and the many, many dogs who share their lives. She lives in southwest Indiana with her husband, their 16-year-old son, a rabbit, and two dogs, of course.
will be available after demolition should you desire a piece of history. Both Russell and Marshall have Facebook pages with current information.
Adam Smith manages an international executive coaching and consulting practice in Arlington, Virginia. He also serves on several boards and is writing a book chapter for a handbook on succession planning for public, private, and nonprofit boards. Adam has fond memories of learning from great professors at Mary Washington, including Susan J. Hanna (Victorian literature), Thomas E. Moisan (Shakespeare), James L. Farmer Jr. (civil rights history), and Lorene C. Nickel (studio art, ceramics). He enjoyed his time residing in Hamlet House and Fairfax House and remembers many activities on campus and games of backgammon at Sammy T’s. Adam sometimes connects with senior leaders through his work who attended Mary Washington and always enjoys reminiscing about cherished experiences at this great institution.
1989
Jim Czarnecki jimczarnecki@yahoo.com
1990
Susan Crytzer Marchant march66358@verizon.net
Sean Michael Dargan is doing well and actively pursuing his music passion. He released a new single in January, That’s All the Loving I Need, with an album to follow in spring 2023. Be sure to check it out!
Joe and I, Susan Crytzer Marchant , recently celebrated with our youngest son, Shane, who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
I visited with Susan Hankel Riccio over the holidays; she is retired but working part time at No Person Left Behind Outdoors in support of U.S. combat veterans.
Send your status — we would all love to hear from you!
1991
Shannon Eadie Niemeyer sfniemeyer@comcast.net
Stephanie Smythers Carr has worked at James Madison University since completing her master’s degree in 1993. She recently accepted a promotion in Residence Life as associate director for recruitment, training, and inclusion.
Hope to hear from many more of you the next time!
1992
Courtney Hall Harjung charjung@hotmail.com
1993 No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
1994
Jennifer Dockeray Muniz jennifermuniz1@gmail.com
Mike Charnoff and Katie Valentine Charnoff ’04 are doing well and keeping busy. Mike opened Charnoff Simpson PLLC in Vienna, Virginia, where he continues to focus on civil litigation in state and federal courts in Virginia, D.C., and Maryland. He also mentors UMW students interested in the law. Katie started Style by Valentine in 2022, where she serves as a popular consultant and personal stylist.
Sarah Walpole Gray is writing lyrics and gathering support for a feminist science musical. She writes: “Calling all cool people, support my journey and follow me on Instagram: @MCLacemaker.”
Michael Woodward has worked for the American Association of Physicists in Medicine since 1996, where he serves as deputy executive director. Before COVID, he was a fashion and portrait photographer in his spare time. Google
Michael Eric Woodward to see his work!
Wife Madie is a part-time model and a full-time Rover pet sitter. They have seven cats, two dogs, and a ferret and live in Springfield, Virginia.
Scott “Gumby” McKnight built a little cottage near Boone, North Carolina, where he now lives, gardens, hikes, plays music, and rides motorcycles. He’s considering going to grad school at nearby Appalachian State University, where he still can keep up with the college kids in the weekly ultimate game!
Shelby Hill Brooks and her husband are almost three years into being empty nesters. Both of their kids serve as military officers, with one in the Air Force and one in the Army. Shelby and her husband work full time but are looking forward to retirement and travel in a few more years. In the meantime, Shelby loves her residential real estate career. She shares amazing listings on Facebook and would love to connect with anyone in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Chip Riley is in his 20th year of law enforcement with the Albemarle County Police Department. His specialties include working with the crisis negotiation and special response teams and serving as a certified underwater criminal investigator. Additionally, Chip is a PADi certified divemaster who works with training and certifying new divers on the department’s underwater recovery team. His wife of almost 25 years, Melissa Riley, earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University in 1995 and law degree from the University of Richmond in 1998. She serves as associate general counsel and assistant attorney general at the University of Virginia. They live south of Charlottesville near Scottsville, Virginia. When they’re not busy tending to their fur kids, they try to spend as much time as they can in the Outer Banks or Anguilla, British West Indies.
In January 2021, Suzanne Augugliaro Silitch left her career of over 20 years in higher education to start her own communications consulting firm called Inde Communications. She is excited to report that she has been certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Small Women- and Minority-Owned Business (SWaM). Suzanne, Alec, and Jackson live in Powhatan, Virginia, and she will soon head to Italy for five weeks to use the Italian language skills she first acquired at MWC.
Stephanie Snyder and husband Michael Ikeya – who is not an alum but loves the campus – are opening Ellie Mental Health in Waco, Texas, this summer. They’re looking forward to filling a great need in their little city.
Robyn Harper Lefort and her husband live in Wyoming, Delaware, with their two boys, Austyn, age 10, and Wyatt, age 7. She is a small animal veterinarian at Forrest Avenue Animal Hospital in Dover and recently became operating partner. Life has been wild and crazy but full of blessings, and she couldn’t be more grateful. She hopes the next year will lead her south so her family can visit the
completely unrecognizable MWC campus that she recalls from 28 years ago!
Heather Taylor Johnson lives in Australia. She has published two poetry books in the last two years. She won Island’s coveted Nonfiction Award for an essay on visual art and the way those living with illness might consume it, titled Selfish Ghosts. Her books are an epistolary verse novel, Rhymes with Hyenas, and a collection, Alternative Hollywood Ending
Trudy Vandegrift Lewis is sharing her first update. Just before COVID, she was accepted into George Mason University’s physics program. Her bachelor’s degree was in psychology, and in 2006, she received an MBA from UMW. She is a lifetime learner and started taking undergraduate physics courses at a community college. Once she ran out of lower-level courses, she applied to Mason and was accepted. Trudy still works full time and says that it sure is different going back to a four-year school as an adult. There are white boards instead of chalkboards, and everyone has a laptop in class except for her. Her courses from MWC were accepted as transfer credits, along with the community college courses she took. She entered Mason as a senior and is slowly going through all the upper-level physics requirements to get a baccalaureate degree.
Matt and I, Shandie Covington celebrated our 25th anniversary with an amazing trip to Anguilla in June 2022. Chip Riley, we’ll have to trade notes on our favorite spots on the island! We still live in New Jersey, where I work as CEO and executive director of the American Society of Transplantation, and Matt works in administration for Cherry Hill Public Schools. We’re nearing empty nest time, with our daughter graduating from Virginia Tech with dual degrees in criminology and neuroscience in May, and our son graduating from high school in June. He’ll be breaking the family’s science focus and majoring in vocal performance and music industry studies. No decision yet as he is awaiting audition and scholarship results at three southern schools. We love seeing him on stage and can’t wait to see where his talent carries him.
It was great to hear from so many classmates near and far! Keep it coming!
1996
Jennifer Rudalf Gates teamgates17@gmail.com1997
Michelle Trombetta michelletrombetta@gmail.comt was amazing seeing so many classmates and friends from the classes
of 1996 and 1997 at the Mother of All Reunions in June 2022. Per personal tradition, I roomed with Julie Newell Leslie at the Kenmore Inn. We went to as many events as possible, and stayed up way too late, pretending that we’re still in our 20s. We used to joke that we laughed so hard together we may pee our pants, and at our age that is now a real threat!
I got to spend time with so many people, it’s impossible to list them all! Thank you to Dave Wrubel Kate Lulfs Ehrle and Richard Ehrle ’85, Colleen Minion Jason Terril, Jeff Seaman, Eric Earling, Peter Sullivan, Mai Trinh Allison Enedy
Allyson Knudson Gallup, Jacquelyn Curry Todaro, Nicole Johnson Boynes, Colette Strawn Johnson Jenn Wood Shand, MJ Figel Day Hilario Ellis Jon Hickman Jamie Simpson, Kathleen Gillikin MacCubbin, Amanda Neptune Bridges, Tim Bryner, John Dye Carlic Huynh Myronee Simpson, Rick Oppedisano ’96 Sye Smith ’96, and of course, Cedric Rucker ’81 for catching up and making it so worth the 1,200-mile trip to Fredericksburg.
Dru Abramson Perdue and Jarrett Perdue ’96 celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary by helping oldest daughter Leah move onto the UMW campus as a member of the Class of 2026! Jarrett is in his 16th year teaching middle school, and Dru is excited to start a new adventure as an elementary math specialist.
Dianna Rowell Boschulte and husband Rich welcomed their second baby in July 2021 – a candidate for UMW’s Class of 2043. Son Liam is turning out to be a great big brother to little sister Hannah.
Jennifer Wilson Watson started a new job last year with the Society of American Foresters in Washington, D.C. It’s been a wonderful change of pace as she is primarily remote, which gives her more time to spend with the kids before she and Chris Watson ’96 are empty nesters. They still reside in Fredericksburg and will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this summer.
Son Aiden finished his associate degree in December and graduated from U.S. Coast Guard boot camp in late February, headed to California. Their youngest, Liam, is a high school senior. Jennifer started her second year on the UMW Alumni Board and is excited to see where the University is headed.
Dave Wrubel was named a distinguished graduate at the National War College in D.C., where he earned a master’s degree in National Security Strategy. He’s now back to the grind, serving his
fourth tour at the Pentagon, this time as a senior advisor for international partner engagements.
Trent Richardson graduated from the Federal Executive Institute’s Leadership for a Democratic Society (LDS) program in October 2022 in Charlottesville, Virginia. LDS offers an unmatched learning experience, designed to prepare senior-level government executives for the complex challenges of leadership.
FEI was founded in 1968 by the Office of Personnel Management to offer learning and ongoing leadership development for senior federal leaders.
Colleen Minion started a new position as public education and outreach supervisor with the City of Federal Way Public Works Department in Washington state.
Myronee Simpson lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, and works at Shorecrest Preparatory School as the director of college counseling.
1998 No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
1999 No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
2000
Jennifer Burger Thomas jenntec14@gmail.com
2001
Annie Johnston anniebatesjohnston@gmail.com
Andrew Mercado serves as the senior research and development chemist at Florikan E.S.A. LLC in Bowling Green, Florida.
2002
Travis Jones tljones8@gmail.com
Carolyn Murray Spencer turtlecjm@yahoo.com
2003
Jessica Brandes jessbrandes@yahoo.com
After graduating from Mary Washington, Rob Graceffo earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. He runs a private practice in
Cambridge, Massachusetts, while serving as part of the clinical faculty at Harvard Medical School. He recently wrote a two-volume book, A Humane Vision of Clinical Psychology, Volume 1: The Theoretical Basis for a Compassionate Psychotherapy, published by Routledge.
Libby Eddy Rowe was promoted in May 2022 to principal of Foundations Charter Academy, a K-8 charter school with college prep and a moral focus, in Brighton, Colorado. National Heritage Academies, the charter school company where Libby has worked since moving to Colorado in 2007, is based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Libby, husband Jeremy and sons Wyatt, age 11; Maverick, age 9; and Tobias, age 7, live in Brighton, just minutes from the school, where all three kids attend. They enjoy camping, hiking, skiing, and spending time with family in the Colorado sunshine!
Meredith Camp Rhodes and Jimmy Rhodes ’99 closed on the house they built in Chesterfield, Virginia, outside Richmond, where they are enjoying suburban life and raising their three young kids and two crazy dogs. In January, Jimmy celebrated 20 years working for the American Diabetes Association.
Rebecca Romaneski Sneller and her family are living in Okinawa, Japan, as missionaries to the U.S. military with Cadence International. Rebecca enrolled in Denver Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program and is halfway through her coursework. She and husband Deric and their three children, Tobin, age 12; Evan, age 9; and Kara Jane, age 7, are moving to Kaiserslautern, Germany, in June to
serve as hospitality house directors near Ramstein Air Base.
2004
Sameer Vaswani sameervaswani@msn.com
2005
Allyson “Ally” V. Lee Marzan allyvlee@gmail.com
Rachael Deane was recently named CEO of Voices for Virginia’s Children, a statewide nonprofit organization with a mission to champion public policies that improve the lives of young people. She is married to Gabe Walters ’03, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. They live in Richmond, Virginia, with their 8-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.
2006
Shana Muhammad email.shana@gmail.com
Tori Miller Liu became president and CEO of the Association for Intelligent Information Management in December. Established in 1943, AIIM’s mission is to help organizations improve their performance by transforming the way they manage their information. Previously, Tori served as chief information officer at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. When not working, Tori enjoys time with her husband, their two children, and their dog in Maryland.
Emily Walsh and her husband welcomed their third child in July, a girl named Eliana, who joins sister Kenley, age 4, and brother Roman, age 2. The family spent much of COVID outside New York City, quarantining on Candlewood Lake in New Milford, Connecticut, and are building a house there, expected to be done by this summer.
Mary McCarthy started a new job as director of sustainability and corporate responsibility with Moran Towing Corporation, headquartered in New Canaan, Connecticut, but she will continue to be based in New Orleans.
2007
Jay Sinha jay.sinha@alumni.umw.edu
Daniel Clendenin daniel.clendenin@gmail.com
Sarah Eckman sarahje@gmail.com
Jay Sinha recently joined the U.S. Department of Justice as an attorneyadvisor with the Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties, where he assists with navigating privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and automation legal matters. He’s encouraged by the steady growth of UMW’s privacy and security alumni community and appreciates how the school has fostered that growth.
2008
Trish Lauck Cerulli trish.cerulli@gmail.com
Alyssa Lee alyssa.linda.lee@gmail.com
Nathan Madison earned a master’s degree in American history from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010. He is now a published author and a popular culture and industrial historian. His master’s thesis, AntiForeign Imagery in American Pulps and Comics, 1920-1960, was published as his first book by McFarland and received a Will Eisner Award nomination, a prestigious honor in the comic industry. Nathan has written and contributed to articles on popular culture and science fiction magazine history. He wrote two books on titans of industry in Richmond, Virginia, and is currently writing about anime fandom history and a biography of a pioneer of literary magazines. Nathan has served
2016
Quinn Doyle quinnmdoyle@gmail.com
Andrea Stegman works for the University of Wisconsin-Madison alumni association.
2017
Samantha Litchford slitchfo@gmail.com
Alexis Robinson, who majored in English and psychological science at UMW, joined the Institute for Defense Analyses as a senior publications coordinator in the Operational Evaluation Division of IDA’s Systems and Analyses Center.
2018
Brittany McBride bmcbride2128@gmail.com
2019
Sarah Hampton sarah.g.hampton@gmail.com
Jordan Pamlanye graduated cum laude from St. John’s University School of Law. She passed the New York state bar exam, and works at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP.
Ryan van Maanen started a new job as an account manager at Insight Global.
Alex Shapiro started a new position as senior associate for KPMG.
Gabriel Ligon started a started new engineering role with Amazon Web Services (AWS). He is looking for opportunities within his organization to help upcoming and recent grads enter the job market.
Sara Armor ’17 and Johnny Cronin are getting married in April in Manquin, Virginia. Sara and Johnny met through mutual friends and began dating the spring semester of Sara’s senior year and Johnny’s sophomore year at UMW. Bridesmaids include Rachel Marion ’17, Aicha el Mahmoudi ’17 and Bailey Ratliff ’17. Groomsmen include Jacob Williams and Tyler Withers. Sara played soccer at UMW, while Johnny played basketball.
Finally, a correction from the last issue: Hanna Ashby married Jacob Burke ’17, on July 9, 2019. Amanda St. Cyr and I, Sarah Hampton, were bridesmaids. Ryan Greer ’17, Ahsen Ershad ’17, Mason Latimer ’17, and Curran Smolinsky ’17 served as groomsmen.
as a consultant for several television documentaries, including James Cameron’s The Story of Science Fiction, which aired on AMC in 2018, and those on the BBC, C-SPAN, and PBS. He co-produced a PBS documentary in 2018 and is working on a follow-up project detailing the history of Welsh immigration to the U.S. He is on the editorial board of the Pulp Magazine Project and is actively involved with the Society for Industrial Archaeology.
Nathan has also presented at San Diego Comic-Con, Wizard World, the National Park Service, the Federal Reserve, the American Society of Engineers, regional historical societies, and other entities.
2009
Elizabeth Jennings elizabethsjennings@gmail.com
Alexandra Meier alexandra.m.meier@gmail.com
2010
Kelly Caldwell kellyecaldwell@gmail.com
2011
Hannah Hopkins hhopkins89@gmail.com
Kira Lanewala klanewala@gmail.com
Jonas Kjaer and Jonathan Spees ’12 have written a children’s book that will be published by Olympia Publishers. Elfis is
the story of a young elf struggling with school, friendships, getting along with his dad, and working in Santa’s Workshop. Jonas, who majored in political science, and Jonathan, who majored in English, say that UMW taught them how to collaborate, take risks, and turn their creative ideas into a book that will provide entertainment for families.
2012
Mandi Solomon msolomon211@gmail.com
2013
Amanda Buckner McVicker amanda.l.mcvicker@gmail.com
Andrew Hogan andrew.hogan819@gmail.com
Chelsea Tufarolo married Nicholas Ufier in November 2022 in Bealeton, Virginia. Sophie Kiernan ’12 and Meagan Holbrook Kishman were bridesmaids.
2014
Elizabeth Storey elizabethdstorey@gmail.com
2015
Evan Smallwood esmallwood15@gmail.com
Moira McAvoy moira.jo.mcavoy@gmail.com
Aripra Mohan Rossi received her MPA from George Mason University in 2020 and married her best friend from church in 2021. Aripra is raising awareness and advocating for those with chronic illnesses after her diagnosis of renal nutcracker syndrome and by consequence, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, in 2021. She is preparing for her interview with the Standing Up to POTS podcast, where she will discuss being a young woman of color overcoming medical gaslighting to receive important diagnoses.
Leslie Walters graduated from Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing in May and accepted a job in the neurology ICU at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, Virginia.
Kyle Morgan started a new position as an investment consultant with Fidelity Investments.
Alannah Miller got engaged to Jeremy Rhodes. They will marry in November in Mt. Crawford, Virginia.
Christiana Meyers started a new job as a government affairs specialist at Microsoft.
Amanda St. Cyr started a new position as a continuous improvement process manager at Olympia Moving and Storage.
2020
Nathaniel Holic nholic2020@gmail.com
Samantha Van Heest had her first solo art exhibition, DEEP/CLEAN, at HOMME in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 9, 2023. She worked as a studio intern for painter Amy Sherald, and her work was published in New American Paintings South #148
Alec Biles leads in the ocean mapping industry. He also opened his first Taco Bell franchise in October 2022.
Kaylie Benson accepted a fantastic role at NBC Universal after completing graduate school at Boston University. Sara Robinson won a portion of Power Ball and adopted a cat.
2021
No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu
2022
Carson Berrier cberrier@umw.edu
Haylie Stevenson haylie5800@gmail.com
Anna Bedal joined AmeriCorps NCCC. Her team has partnered with various nonprofits throughout the southern region of the U.S. to help support the needs of different communities. Over the past few months, Anna has worked in Mississippi, South Carolina, Kentucky, Florida, and Washington, D.C., doing a variety of projects, including construction, trail and bridge building, Christmas gift processing, and disaster relief work.
Class of 2022 valedictorian Sally Burkley got engaged to Brian Harnish ’21 last
summer and will be married in summer 2023! Sally is in her first year of law school at the College of William & Mary.
Valentina Leon-Ledezma moved to Blacksburg, Virginia, to complete her master’s in higher education and student affairs at Virginia Tech. Life in Blacksburg has been peaceful and full of beautiful sunset walks. Valentina hopes to go into athletic administration and eventually become a track and field coach. She is excited to stay connected with her roommates and friends and looks forward to a reunion soon!
Desmoné Logan is working toward a master’s degree in biomedicine at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Maggie Mrowka has continued her academic and athletic career at George Mason University, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in sports recreation studies while playing D-I softball.
Darius Reed is attending Virginia Commonwealth University’s Wilder School of Public Health, where he is working toward a certificate in gender violence intervention. Darius is also running track for VCU’s outdoor track team.
Obituaries
Bennet Varghese moved to Washington, D.C., to attend medical school at The George Washington University, where he is pursuing a specialty in emergency medicine.
