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Alumni Clubs
Don’t miss out on any of our exciting virtual events!
We know that this has been a very challenging year for everyone. While we are disappointed that we can’t be together, that doesn't mean we can’t connect. The Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement has a great lineup of virtual programming to connect with fellow alumni for trivia, networking, health and fitness, and learning. We look forward to seeing you online very soon. In the meantime, learn more about our events at ualumni.union.edu
New lifetime members of the Alumni Council named
The Alumni Council is proud to acknowledge the loyalty and commitment of the following members. By vote of the executive committee, they have been named lifetime members of the Alumni Council. Congratulations to: Bill Allen ’59, Don Bentrovato ’69, Dallam (Ted) Blandy ’74, G. Anders Carlson ’66, Stu Cohen ’61 (in memoriam), Richard Herrmann ’54, Karen Huggins ’77, Frank (Tad) Knight ’68, Michael Rapaport ’59, Cal Welch ’62 and Robert Saltzman ’69.
OFFICERS OF THE ALUMNI COUNCIL
Kathryn Stefanik Barry ’01, president Vincent Mattone ’06, first vice president Chester Karwatowski ’78, second vice president Matthew Mauriello ’99, treasurer Jessica Hayashi ’74, secretary
For more information about the Alumni Council, or to get involved, email alumni@union.edu Stephen M. Berk, the Henry and Sally Schaffer Professor of Holocaust and Jewish Studies, delivered weekly live lectures this summer.
The Class of 1970 got together this spring for a virtual ReUnion
CLASS U NOTES
Garnet Guard
Alumni who have celebrated their 50th ReUnion.
GARNET GUARD CLASS CORRESPONDENT
John Honey ’61 jahoney@msn.com
John Honey writes, “The Garnet Guard was founded during ReUnion weekend in 1988 to honor those alumni of Union College who graduated at least 50 years ago. An induction ceremony is held in the Nott Memorial during each class’s 50th ReUnion. Class members are presented with a medallion, a lapel pin and a certificate of membership by the College president. We have all benefitted from our Union College education as it prepared us for future challenges. We matured during our time as undergraduates from the challenges of the academic life and our experience in dealing with classmates having diverse interests and backgrounds. The Guard provides an opportunity to cherish and build on those experiences later in life. Bob Howe ’58 was the Chair of the Guard for many years. Bob attended Harvard Medical School and went on to be a leader at the University of Minnesota Medical School. In recognition of his service to the College, Bob was awarded the Alumni Gold Medal (2008) and the Distinguished Service Award (2005). Bob has served as chair of the Ramée Circle Society, which recognizes those who include the College in their estate plans. Bob also presided over Union’s alumni club in Minnesota. It has been my honor to follow in Bob’s footsteps and lead the Guard for the past two years. While I can’t match his service to Union College, I am president of the Class of 1961, cofounder of the Cape Cod Alumni Club, co-class head agent for the Union Fund and a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award (2014). The Garnet Guard holds an annual luncheon during each ReUnion Weekend. We plan to honor a member of the Guard annually for a significant career achievement. I look forward to greeting members of the Guard at the combined ReUnion and Homecoming weekend in October, and to welcoming new members from the Class of 1970.”
John Honey ’61
1951
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
James Taub 711 S. Market Street Johnstown, N.Y. 12095 (518) 762-1172 shrevie711@hotmail.com
1953
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Hubert Plummer 21 Temple Road Setauket, N.Y. 11733 (631) 941-4076 whp@plummerlaw.com
1954
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Avrom J. Gold 33 Madison Lane Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926 (908) 581-1455 avromgold@gmail.com
Avrom Gold writes, “I’m now living full-time on Hilton Head Island, S.C., where we had a home from 2003 to 2010. We returned here in November 2018 after being back in N.J. for eight years. I keep busy working in our gardens and participating in book clubs and a modest amount of political activity. Golf is no longer a physical possibility. A couple of weeks ago, I spoke with Barbara Blum, wife of our late beloved classmate, Dave, and today, I had a call from classmate Rick Fink (with whom I visited a couple of times a year for several years in San Antonio, where my daughter lives), and also called classmate Sonny Gertzog in N.Y. We had wonderful conversations. Rick and Sonny and their families are doing well, riding out the current storm. Sonny reminded me that his daughter, Dave’s daughter and classmate Jerry Barandes’ daughter were all members of the Union class of 1982. If my daughter had taken her acceptance at Union, she also would have been a member of that class. She opted for Middlebury. I’m looking forward to hearing from any members of the Class of 1954 who may have a few spare moments to send an email or make a call.”
Natalie Ullman ’10 writes, “My grandfather, Captain Ross Saddlemire ’54, passed away on April 26 near his home in Port Jefferson Village, N.Y., at the age of 87. He was born in Waterloo, Iowa, and raised not far from Schenectady in Sloansville, N.Y. He is survived by his high school sweetheart, Evelyn, and five daughters and many grandchildren who all loved him dearly. While at Union, Ross was a member of the men’s soccer and lacrosse teams. He loved Union College and inspired me to apply. I loved it equally as much. We attended multiple ReUnion weekends together. Ross particularly enjoyed visiting his old fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, during ReUnion. He served in the Air Force from 1954 to 1957 as lieuten-
ant colonel, and was squadron commander of the National Air Guard. He then worked for American Airlines as a captain and as manager of operations out of LaGuardia and Kennedy airports. He even piloted the NBA Orlando Magic for a season! Ross later worked for the FAA and retired at age 85. He received the Wright Brothers ‘Master Pilot’ Award in September 2013 for 50 years of dedication to aviation safety. This is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots. Other notable awardees include Neil Armstrong and Chuck Yeager. His name also appears on the Wall of Honor at the Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Ross resided in Nissequogue, N.Y., for 31 years with his family. He was very devoted to them, and loved tennis, flying and dogs. Ross was always playing jokes on people and brought joy to everyone around him.” Ross is also remembered on p. 67.
1955
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Ken Haefner 1346 Waverly Pl. Schenectady, N.Y. 12308 kbhaefner@gmail.com
1957
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Paul Mohr 140 E Duce of Clubs Ste A Show Low, Ariz. 85901 dadtired@frontiernet.net
1958
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
David C. Horton 68 Paul Revere Road Lexington, Mass. 02421 paulrevereroad@aol.com
Daniel Riesel writes, “I thought the recent update of my book, Environmental Enforcement, Civil and Criminal, might be of some interest. The book was first published in 1997 and since has been updated twice a year. The treatise and its updates draws on some of the work of Sive, Paget & Riesel, P.C., which incidentally may be the oldest environmental law firm in the country, and maybe the world. In other news, my wife, Sheila, and I are still practicing law in New York City (but not in the same firm). We are presently sheltering in place in Arlington, Vt. We have enjoyed living in Manhattan and Arlington, and are convinced that New York City will once again be the most vibrant city in the country.”
Dave Wainwright writes, “After graduation, I became a supply officer in the Navy, then 39 years as a broker and manager with Merrill Lynch. My last eight years before retirement, I was a financial consultant with Smith Barney. I left Rancho Bernardo, Calif., after 35 years where I was active in the community, mostly with Kiwanis. In 2017, we moved to Peoria, Ariz., to play golf, chess, pinochle and volunteer at the Peoria Sports Complex for Spring Training. I have two children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.”
1959
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
William “Dal” Trader 5361 Santa Catalina Avenue Garden Grove, Calif. 92845 daltrader@earthlink.net (310) 629-8971
Jim Tyler (BCE, MSCE Missouri ’65, PE, FASCE) writes, “I spent 33 years in Syracuse, where I was president of the Syracuse Section, American Society of Civil Engineers 1996-97. Now living in Dewey Beach, Del.”
1960
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Charles E. Roden kiw702@aol.com
1961
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
John Honey jahoney@msn.com
Judi and John Morack of Fairbanks, Alaska, are doing well and remain isolated for the most part. They now have a winter home in Phoenix, Ariz., where they were when the pandemic hit. They had a little hassle to get back to Alaska, but when they arrived, there was still four feet of snow on the ground so they felt they may have come home too early.
When the pandemic hit, Richard McGavern and his wife, Sandra, of Canandaigua, N.Y., were somewhere in the Indian Ocean on a fourmonth, round-the-world cruise with Viking Cruise Lines. There were 400 passengers on board after about half of them departed early in Australia. There were no coronavirus cases diagnosed. The ship headed to Dubai, from where they would fly everyone home. All but 80 passengers got flights to the U.S. before the Viking Sun was ordered to leave Dubai. Fortunately, the McGaverns made their flight. The remaining U.S. citizens flew home from Gibraltar. So, quite an adventure! Richard and Sandra are doing okay at home. Viking refunded about half the fare in the form of vouchers and they are booked on another cruise next spring.
1962
Ronald T. Singer (BA, English) has recently published one book of fiction, with two more on the way. The Promised End (Unsolicited Press, December 2019) is a collection of Singer’s stories about mid-life, old age and the thereafter. Gravy (Unsolicited Press, July 2020) is a multi-genre collection of Singer’s writings about life after 70. The Real Presence (Adelaide Books, forthcoming, 2021) is a historical novel set principally in Nigeria, and centering on the Biafra War.
1963
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
George Ball 6929 Country Line Road Wayland, N.Y. 14572-9553 gball@frontiernet.net
1965
James T. MacGregor has received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who. A renowned expert on product safety evaluation and regulation, James has held leadership positions at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), SRI International (the former Stanford Research Institute) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Since 2004, he has been a consultant and principal with Toxicology Consulting Services, where he consults for major international companies and government and nonprofit organizations on safety issues related to foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical products.
Martin Jay writes, “Verso Press has published my latest collection of essays, Splinters in Your Eye: Frankfurt School Provocations. An earlier book, Downcast Eyes: The Denigration of Vision in TwentiethCentury French Thought, has recently been translated into Korean and Chinese. In 2019, the American Historical Association gave me its Award for Scholarly Distinction, which recognizes lifetime achievement.”
Rob Hoffman writes, “Still working Tuesdays through Thursdays with no intention to retire but plan to move to San Rafael in a few years to be close to three daughters and their families who live within one mile of each other. Trips to Amazon and Galapagos and to see gorillas canceled, losing beaucoup bucks but loving our home, backyard and following COVID guidelines.”
1966
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Antonio F. Vianna 7152 Tanager Drive Carlsbad, Calif. 92011 simpatico1@juno.com
Bill Barnes ’66, Jan O. Werner ’66 and Frank LoVerme ’66 Zooming in place. Jan Werner ’66 writes, “Visited Alaska last year, including the town named after our illustrious alum [Seward]. Its vastness and beauty are awe-inspiring. Not to be missed.”
1967
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Joseph Smaldino 6310 Lantern Ridge Lane Knoxville, Tenn. 37921 smaldinoj@comcast.net (815) 762-5984
Rev. Charles N. Stewart, assistant chaplain at Upstate University Hospital, was recently interviewed by Syracuse.com. The story focused on the way COVID-19 has changed how families are able to say goodbye to dying loved ones.
Van S. Hubbard writes, “I have been enjoying retirement for almost five years, although the recent pandemic has curtailed many of my activities and travels. My last trip did involve a visit to the Union campus in March 2020 as the campus was preparing to close. In November 2019, I was fortunate to be honored by the Obesity Society with the President’s Medal ‘in recognition of outstanding and enduring scientific achievements; public service with the aim of improving the health of the public; and advocacy for persons with obesity.’ In December 2019, I attended the memorial service for Frank Young, MD, PhD, who was a fellow flag officer in the U.S. Public Health Service and former commissioner of the FDA, as well as a member of the Union Class of 1953 (although he left Union after three years in 1952 to attend medical school).”
1968
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
John Dresser Etna, N.H. jdressernh@gmail.com
1969
CLASS CORRESPONDENTS
George Cushing Delanson, N.Y. pinyachta@gmail.com
Ray Pike Salisbury, Mass. rnwpike@comcast.net
1970
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Frank P. Donnini Newport News, Va. fpdonnini@aol.com
1971
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Henry Fein, M.D. Rockville, Md. hgfein@aol.com
1972
Bob Shages writes, “After years of hiking around New England, New York, Colorado and Pennsylvania, I trekked to Everest Base Camp in Nepal for unbelievable views of Everest and the surrounding mountains. My wife, Susie ’74, decided to pass on a trip of 14 days in the same clothes and without a shower. When not hiking, I am mostly retired from GE as I continue to consult there on contracts and government compliance.”
Colin P. Watson Sr. (also Union M.S. 1973, operations research) was appointed acting executive director of the 1,000-parish Christian Reformed Church in North America at the 2020 meeting of the church’s Council of Delegates. Watson had served as the denomination’s director of ministries and administration since 2015.
Bob Shages ’72 at Everest Base Camp in Nepal
Colin P. Watson Sr. ’72
1973
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Larry Swartz Niskayuna, N.Y. larry.swartz@agriculture.ny.gov
Lou Snitkoff retired in early April following a 40-year healthcare career in the Capital Region. His most recent position was vice president for the Ellis Medical Group in Schenectady. He also completed a four-year term on the American College of
Physicians (ACP) Board of Governors, and a one-year term as president of ACP’s New York Chapter. He is now serving as a volunteer with the New York State Department of Health and assisting with development and delivery of programming that’s focused on clinical well-being in the era of COVID-19. He and his wife, Gail Goodman Snitkoff ’74, look forward to reopening their business, Pause Gallery in Troy, N.Y., when conditions permit.
Rob Glicksman published a new book (with co-author Alejandro Camacho), Reorganizing Government: A Functional and Dimensional Framework (NYU Press 2019). The book explores how paying insufficient attention to the structure of the interacting authority of federal agencies has contributed to failures to achieve congressional policy goals in areas that include food safety, environmental regulation, natural resource management, securities and banking regulation, intelligence gathering and climate change. The book recommends a novel framework for thinking about government organization that can help avoid similar problems in the future.
Rob Glicksman ’73
1974
CLASS CORREPSONDENT
Cathy Stuckey Johnson San Mateo, Calif. caj1080@hotmail.com
Mitchell L. Hallow is memorialized in a memoir written by his wife, Deborah A. Sabin. 32 Days: A Memoir of Love and Death chronicles Mitchell’s heroic struggle to survive a traumatic injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down in the summer of 1988. Deborah was by his side at a hospital in Plattsburgh, N.Y., awaiting his transfer to a hospital closer to their home in Clifton Park. 32 Days is based on notes she wrote to Mitchell each night he was hospitalized. Hidden away for 25 years after Mitchell died in 1988, the notes were inadvertently found eight years ago. It took most of those eight years for Deborah, a best-selling author of contemporary romance under the pen name Morgan Malone, to complete the book which pays tribute to Mitchell’s courage, grace, dignity and humor during those trying times. 32 Days is available in print from Amazon and as an e-book form Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, and Apple iBooks. A portion of the profits from the sale of the book will be donated to Union College in Mitchell’s memory.
Nina (Wolff) Luxenberg writes, “I recently transitioned from full to part-time radiology practice in St. Petersburg, Florida, and I’m enjoying more leisure time with friends and playing tennis. Through the years, Laura Greene and Jessica (Sobiech) Hayashi have remained special friends. Laura and I shared a memorable Impressionist trip to the south of France two years ago. 2019 was a very sad year for me with the passing of my husband of 24 years, Barry Schneider. I’ve been blessed with two children, two stepchildren and a wonderful grandson, who is 12. I’d love to hear from classmates (luxenberg.nina@gmail.com).”
Award-winning novelist Andrea Barrett was recently featured in “The Conversation” with the New York State Writers Institute.
Bucky Rulon-Miller writes, “I sailed into St. Michaels (Md.) harbor in July and saw a replica of the historic vessel Dove under construction in a temporary shed at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Upon further investigation, I discovered the newest iteration of the Dove was being designed by classmate Iver Franzen, principal and founder of Iver C. Franzen Maritime, LLC, an Annapolis-based firm specializing in historic vessel naval architecture services.” For more about the project and Franzen’s career, visit www.marylanddove.org/ the-new-maryland-dove.
Nina (Wolff) Luxenberg ’74
1975
Rita Corwin provides fundraising consulting services to not-for-profit organizations to assist in growing major gift and gift planning programs. She enjoys painting, travel, yoga and spending time with her four little grandchildren.
1976
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Jill Schneier Wegenstein Carmel Valley, Calif. jwegenstein@gmail.com
Lena Marder writes, “After retiring five years ago I find that I can’t seem to slow down. I am keeping myself busy doing contract work as a clinical supervisor; providing art therapy at family court; and teaching a graduate level course on substance use and addiction as an adjunct professor. Keeps me just busy enough.”
1977
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Leila Shames Maude LeeShamesMaude@alumni. union.edu
1978
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Jeff Laniewski, Florence, Ariz. jlaniewski4@gmail.com
1979
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Kurt Hamblet San Luis Obispo, Calif. kurthamblet@gmail.com
1980
Robert Rosenfeld writes, “Adrienne and I welcomed our first grandchild to the world in the midst of the pandemic, Frederick Leo Clark. Freddy is the son of our daughter, Aly Rosenfeld, and her husband, James Clark. Aly is a voiceover actress perhaps best known for her roles on Pokémon.”
Drafted into the COVID war: A surgeon shares his experiences
Dr. Alan Benvenisty ’74 is professor of surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and director of quality assurance in the Department of Surgery at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and Mount Sinai West Hospital. Valedictorian of his class, he graduated from Union with a degree in biology before earning his M.D. from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University.
’74
At Union, I studied complex neuroanatomy, firmly entrenching myself as a budding neurologist. I was sure this was my calling.
Then I completed my first clinical rotation at Columbia P&S in neurology. I hated it! Back in 1976, neurologists were able to cure very little. I needed to make people better and I needed to see it happen in front of my eyes.
That is what is so wonderful about being an academic vascular and transplant surgeon. Nothing is more satisfying than enabling a patient with kidney failure to be a productive member of society again. Or fixing the carotid artery of a patient so he/she will not become a stroke victim.
I have had the good fortune of doing this for 42 years. And I’ve seen a lot during this time.
I watched the AIDS epidemic unfold before we knew a virus caused it. I performed innumerable lymph node biopsies on cachectic young men with fevers and weight loss. I watched the World Trade Towers crumble down from the operating room windows in Washington Heights. I watched, as we got ready for Ebola victims and worried about West Nile and Zika.
Nothing could possibly match the dramatic metamorphosis of our health care system that we have witnessed fighting COVID.
I entered this fight March 14, 2020. That was the date a patient I saw just days before—seemingly well—was admitted with COVID and placed on a ventilator. He died a few days later in multi-organ system failure.
We were in the process then of shutting down all normal activities and ramping up for “the surge.” On that day, my job as a vascular and transplant surgeon came to a grinding halt.
All elective cases stopped and we performed surgeries only for life- or limb-threatening emergencies. Everyone in my great Department of Surgery at Mount Sinai became a soldier in the army, each assigned to a different position.
As a senior vascular surgeon, I became captain of the “line team.” With a platoon of amazing surgical residents, we patrolled the ICUs at Mount Sinai West. We placed small tubes and straw-sized catheters in arteries and veins of critically ill patients to administer medications and treatments. Most of these individuals were on ventilators.
Because many of the COVID victims developed renal failure, we provided vascular dialysis access for that as well.
I also provided emergency vascular surgery coverage for two hospitals, putting out the usual fires that we take care of in my specialty. For a brief time, I covered a COVID discharge unit where we developed discharge plans for patients who were lucky enough to recover and go home. That was a sweet and rewarding job!
Although it was a harrowing experience, I have been awestruck by several things.
First, the Mount Sinai system went to the ends of the Earth to do what they could to protect their health care workers and transform the hospital into one massive critical care machine.
We had the protective armor we needed, when we needed it. It was very scary when it looked like the personal protective equipment would be insufficient. As a person in the high-risk category (over age 60), the unknown danger was particularly worrisome, especially since two of my classmates from Columbia P & S had already succumbed to COVID.
ALAN BENVENISTY ’74
Second, my view of other health care professionals is forever changed.
I see the housekeeping staff, who painstakingly clean the ICUs and patient care areas, as real fighters. They are risking their lives. They did not sign up for that. The nurses, physician assistants and respiratory therapists—what guts they have. Talk about front line! The anesthesiologists are amazing heroes, staring right in the face of the virus intubating highly contagious patients.
Kudos to all of my colleagues who are so brave.
The saddest part was the cruel loneliness that patients and their families endured when they could not accompany each other in their time of greatest need. I spoke to a wonderful hospital worker who lost her elderly mother and cried to me that she had to bury her and sit Shiva alone.
The most tragic part of the whole affair was the fact that we in New York got through this hellish situation but other parts of the country did not learn enough from our struggle. There are still many people in the hospitals to fight for and unfortunately, COVID admissions keep coming in.
Now that the surge in New York is over (and hopefully for good), I am happy to be a vascular and transplant surgeon again. I hope that my colleagues in other states soon enjoy the same privilege. I am praying that as we progress forward, I will only be seeing the fading image of COVID in my rear view mirror.
Adrienne and Robert Rosenfeld ’80 with grandson, Frederick.
Kerry and Paul Freedman ’82 at Duncansby Head, Scotland Cheryl Aylesworth ’83, Carol Talbot ’83, Sue (Goldman) Meyerson ’83 and Debbie Poskanzer ’83 in New York City Mary Pearson ’85 and husband, Mark Pearson
1982
Paul Freedman writes, “My wife, Kerry, and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary with a trip to Scotland; from the southern Borders to John O’Groats in the north and west to the Isle of Skye, we hiked, biked, listened to great Celtic music and sampled single malts along the way. Recently, 70 alumni and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity brothers met in a Zoom reunion that crossed the USA and included a couple of other countries. This ‘Pig Dinner’ was like none before and hopefully none after, but was a great way to reminisce about our Union/Fiji experiences nonetheless under the challenging coronavirus situation.”
1983
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Cory Lewkowicz Needham, Mass. corylewkowicz@gmail.com
Bruce Marlowe writes, “The fourth edition of my co-edited text on the foundations of education will be published by SAGE in August.”
Dr. Melissa Beth Gruen was recently became a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. The degree recognizes AAFP members who have distinguished themselves among their colleagues and in their communities, as well as by their service to family medicine, their advancement of health care to the American people and by their professional development through medical education and research.
In January, Cheryl Aylesworth, Carol Talbot, Sue (Goldman) Meyerson and Debbie Poskanzer met in NYC for a senior year roommate’s reunion. They write, “We ate well, drank a bit, spent hours touring the 911 Memorial and Museum and saw a Broadway show. And of course, lots of walking, talking and catching up. Nothing like old friends.”
1984
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Linda Gutin Cary, N.C. lindagutin@hotmail.com
Bonnie Rayman writes, “I started in January as the new chief community officer at the Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie, Fla.”
Christopher H. Kiwus is vice president for campus planning, infrastructure and facilities at Virginia Tech, where he oversees the university’s six-year plan for approximately 30 projects totaling nearly $3 billion. He had been Tech’s associate vice president and chief facilities officer since 2014.
1985
Mary Pearson writes, “I continue to work as an osteopathic physician at New Creation Healing Center in Kingston, New Hampshire. We provide integrated Christian healthcare including medicine, counseling, massage therapy and prayer ministry. I have been working here for over 20 years, and love the fact that I don’t have to deal with corporate medicine, and can spend time with my patients. It is an honor and privilege to take care of the amazing residents of New Hampshire. I work as the chief operating officer, and as a staff position. We have remained open throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and continued to offer services to our patients and clients. It’s been a challenging time for all of us, although New Hampshire was not affected as severely as many other areas. I work with an amazing team of professionals and support staff who seek to show the love of Christ through the practice of medicine, massage, counseling and ministry. Fortunately, thus far none of us have contracted coronavirus. I have been blessed in my 32-year marriage to Mark Pearson, who wears many hats including chief executive officer of New Creation, assistant for a leader to the New Hampshire House of Representatives, and pastor of Trinity Church. I have three stepchildren, three grandbabies, and when I have time, I get into my garden.”
1988
Richard Gersten writes, “I started a new business, True Beauty Capital, in March 2020. My focus will be on private equity investing in the beauty, wellness and personal care space. My daughter, Hallie (23), lives and works in NYC for Bare Minerals. My son, Tyler (21), just graduated from Bucknell and started work in NYC for an investment-banking firm, PJ Solomon, in July.”
Dr. Ilse M. Jenouri was inducted into the Unatego (N.Y.) Hall of Distinction, which recognizes graduates of Unatego who have distinguished themselves through recognition, honor and distinction during their lives. Ilse is a graduate of SUNY Health Science Center at
The Terrace Council
The Terrace Council is our society for leadership-level donors who make Union College a priority in their annual philanthropy. The Terrace Council honors all members of the Union community who propel Union to the forefront of higher education.
Gifts can be made as a one-time payment or as monthly installments during the College’s fiscal year, July 1 - June 30. Gifts may go to the Union Fund, where the need is greatest, or can be restricted and utilized to support specific priorities. Matching gifts from an employer also count toward your contribution.
Levels of the Terrace Council
TRUE TC LEVEL—Alumni, family and friends who make a total annual gift of $2,000 or more.
GARNET GUARD LEVEL—Alumni in the Class of 1959 and older who make a total annual gift of $1,000 or more.
GRADUATES OF THE LAST DECADE
(GOLD) LEVEL—Alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years who make a gift at special rates ranging from $100 – $1,000. More information about GOLD is available on page 73.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TERRACE COUNCIL, VISIT ualumni.union.edu/terracecouncil
OR CONTACT: Ritchie Assini, Associate Director of the Terrace Council terracecouncil@union.edu | (518) 388-6175 “I am committed to our alma mater because our support is integral to the College’s continued growth and sustainability. Our giving provides students with the opportunity of a lifetime—the Union College experience.”
– Kenya LeNoir Messer ’90, Terrace Council Chair
Syracuse. Following her residency at Rhode Island Hospital, she served as attending physician at several New England area hospitals. She presently serves as medical director of emergency medicine at Miriam Hospital in Providence. She is also a clinical professor of emergency medicine at Brown University.
1989
Ben Ohebshalom has been awarded first place from N.Y. State, NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence, for his passive house designed building—a 22 story 140,000 sq. ft. building at 515 East 86th Street in Manhattan with 140 units (the largest non-subsidized passive house rental building in North America).
1990
Maria Lomanto writes, “After a long career as executive producer of corporate theatre, I opened my own interior design firm, DesignGLXY LLC. I specialize in creating timeless, healthy and sustainable commercial and residential interiors in NYC and the Hudson Valley. I practice
Maria Lomanto ’90 won the ASID NYMetro 2019 Design Excellence Award for this holistic healthcare office in Manhattan. Jason Miller ’19, William Popper ’23 and Lee Popper ’94 competed at the Pan American Maccabi Games in Mexico City in July 2019. Michael J. Rothstein ’95 and Yale Productions recently released the film, “BECKY.”
biophilic and sensory design in order that the built environment supports the people who are in it. I won the ASID NY Metro Design Excellence Award in 2019. I’m also a WELL AP, Living Future Accredited, a fitwel ambassador and a Healthy Materials Advocate. Find me at www.designglxy. com or @designglxy on Instagram.”
Katherine (MacDonald) Huth writes, “My oldest daughter, Kristen, graduated from Linfield College with a major in Spanish and minor in music. Jessie transferred from UNH to CSU during this pandemic. Kevin is hoping to have a senior year IN high school. I was hoping to come back for ReUnion/Homecoming in October, but guess we’ll have to see.”
1993
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Jill D. Bernstein New York, N.Y. jilldbernstein@yahoo.com
1994
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Randall Beach Schenectady, N.Y. rsbeach72@gmail.com Jason Miller ’19 (Men’s USA Open Team), William Popper ’23 (Boys USA Youth Team, gold medalist) and Lee Popper (Men’s +45 USA Masters Team, bronze medalist) competed at the Pan American Maccabi Games in Mexico City in 2019, representing Team USA. They played soccer at Needham High School and Union.
1995
Eileen Barrett writes, “We are still living in New Mexico, where my husband, Sam, and I are working as physicians at the University of New Mexico when not goofing off with our daughter Daisy. We’ve very busy with COVID, but are grateful to be taking care of hospitalized patients. I recently finished a four-year tenure as a regent of the American College of Physicians (ACP), the largest physician specialty society in the world. The work was immensely rewarding, and I’m grateful to have taken part in advocacy, education and health policy through ACP. I recently had a publication in the Annals of Internal Medicine, and an interview in the Journal of the American Medical Association—two opportunities facilitated by my work with ACP. It was also so much fun getting to know and getting to work through ACP with fellow Union alums Lou Snitkoff ’73 and Audrey Kupchan ’76.”
Michael J. Rothstein writes, “Proud to share a special experience: Our organization, Yale Productions, in conjunction with our distribution partner, Quiver, are fortunate to be part of the recent drive-in revival with our thriller, “BECKY.” It was selected to premier at Tribeca Film Festival and stars Kevin James, Joel McHale and Lulu Wilson, and is one of our latest films to release. Excited to have Kurt Ebner ’93 as part of our producing team on this film. Hope the nostalgic way of appreciating films entertains or perhaps provides a much needed distraction. Gratitude to Union health care providers and their families. Wishing the Union family safety and health!”
1997
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Sara Amann Garrand Ballston Lake, N.Y. sgarrand1@nycap.rr.com
Laurel Ruma recently joined MIT Technology Review as the director of custom content for the U.S. She joins the country’s
oldest tech magazine after 14 years at O’Reilly Media, a technology book publisher and conference organizer. Her first work trip for Tech Review was to Dubai, where she made time to photograph the souks and bought lots of scarves. She and her partner, Mike Korcynski ’99, live in the Boston area and often see a group of Phi Sigs/Union alumni for beers and Union hockey.
Niko (Winstral) Harriton writes, “I have taken on a new role as partner at Simple Protective Gear in a women’s business enterprise which manufactures and distributes reusable civilian face masks and other PPE. We have the highest quality of reusable, adjustable, custom, hydrophobic 2-and 3-ply face masks. Our masks have adjustable ear loops and have great washability. To learn more contact me at niko@simpleprotectivegear. com or visit simpleprotectivegear.com. Stay safe!”
1998
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Ryan T. Smith Jupiter, Fla. ryan.smith@thebenjamin school.org
Elizabeth (Malaspina) Coe and her husband, Blake, live with their three boys (ages 8, 6 and 2) in Westport, Conn. They moved from Brooklyn to Connecticut almost six years ago. At the time, Elizabeth was head of U.S. Litigation at Barclays in Manhattan. But in 2016, she left Barclays to become deputy general counsel at Citadel. As deputy GC, Elizabeth manages litigation and regulatory inquiries and investigations for Citadel’s hedge fund business, and for Citadel Securities, the broker dealer. Although Elizabeth travels back and forth between offices, spending time in Chicago and New York City, her home base now is the firm’s Greenwich, Conn., office.
1999
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Kellie Forrestall BeeBee Lowell, Mass. forrestkj@hotmail.com
2003
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Katrina Tentor Lallier Shrewsbury, Mass. katrinalallier@gmail.com
2005
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Noelle Marchaj Old Saybrook, Conn. marchajn@union.edu
2006
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Sarah T. Heitner New York, N.Y. sarah.t.heitner@gmail.com
2007
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Jackie Siedlecki Murphy Delmar, N.Y. jaclynrenemurphy@gmail.com
Michael P. Mastroianni has been appointed assistant secretary for education in the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. Previously, Michael served as an associate budget examiner with the New York State Division of Budget on the team responsible for budgeting New York State’s $28 billion School Aid program. In 2019, Michael was a co-recipient of the John E. Burton Service Award (Eastern Region) from the National Association of State Budget Officers for “advancing budget transparency through the creation of a groundbreaking website to allow public visibility and collaborative analysis of school funding information in New York State.”
2008
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Dana Cohen Bernstein New York, N.Y. dana.lynn.bernstein@gmail.com
Jay Shah ’08 is a practicing anesthesiologist in Phoenix, Arizona. He was recently awarded Top Doc 2020 through Phoenix Magazine.
2009
CLASS CORRESPONDENTS
Gabe Kramer Los Angeles, Calif. kramerg3@gmail.com
Carl S. Winkler New York, N.Y. carl.s.winkler@gmail.com
2012
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Anna Meiring Boston, Mass. annameiring@gmail.com
2013
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Cristina Vazzana Boston, Mass. vazzanaca@gmail.com
Tess Koman recently penned a piece for ELLE magazine about what it’s been like living apart from her husband, Dr. Michael Dolinger ’10, during the pandemic. Koman has Crohn’s Disease, which could leave her more vulnerable to the virus.
2015
Chetna Prasad M.D., Max Willinger M.D., Max Roehmholdt M.D. and Wayne Fu M.D.—all members of Union’s Leadership in Medicine Program, graduated from Albany Medical College May 23, 2019. They all began their residency in July 2019, with Chetna to Harvard/Brigham Women’s Hospital for anesthesiology, Willinger to Northwell/Long Island Jewish Medical Center for orthopedic surgery, Roehmholdt to Cleveland Clinic Akron General for urology, and Fu to Northwell/ Staten Island University Hospital for emergency medicine.
Jordan Pulling writes, “I graduated with my master of landscape architecture from SUNY ESF in 2019, and am working as a landscape designer in the Boston, Mass. area.”
Chetna Prasad, Max Willinger, Max Roehmholdt and Wayne Fu—all members of the Class of 2015—graduated from Albany Medical College in May 2019.
2016
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Lauren Woods Watervliet, N.Y. 2016@alumni.union.edu
Alumni of the inaugural (and as of yet, only) Cuba miniterm of 2015 gathered virtually on May 20 to catch up, share stories and most importantly, to acknowledge the retirement of their fearless leader, Professor Teresa Meade. ¡Hasta mañana comandante! The group gathered from various countries and time zones and included Dima Yankova (Targovishte, Bulgaria); Omololu Adeniran (Lagos, Nigeria); Chris Graff (Natick, Mass.); Nurisha Rodriguez (Selkirk, N.Y.); Brendan O’Connor ’17 (Andover, Mass.); Tony Wright ’17 (Boston, Mass.); Melissa Rodriguez ’16 (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico) and Quisqueya Witbeck (Boston, Mass.).
Max Caplan was recently featured in the Times Union newspaper. The article focused on young musicians in the Capital District (N.Y.) who are finding success amid the pandemic. Max is the composer of the one-act opera “Aleda: The Flight of the Suff Birdwomen” that was commissioned and premiered two years ago by the Musicians of Ma’alwyck. He also collaborated with the group’s Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz on a three-minute duo for violin and piano, which they premiered online in June. Max works as a pianist/accompanist for Union College, Congregation Gates of Heaven in Niskayuna, and First Reformed Church in Schenectady.
2018
Samantha St. Marie writes, “I recently became an enrolled agent. The tax credential, which is granted by the IRS, enables me to advise, represent and prepare tax returns for individuals and businesses. I am now working for Quill & Keyboard Accounting in Rutland, Vermont. In my current role, I perform regular accounting work, prepare tax returns and advise businesses. As the firm expands, my responsibilities also include outreach to new clients. In two years, I will transition to become the sole owner of the business.”
In May, Cassie Call earned her master of arts in teaching from Quinnipiac University. She also has accepted a position to teach math at East Side High School in Newark, N.J., beginning in September. She is excited to finally start teaching in her own classroom!
2019
Marc Perlman writes, “I was recently published in In-Training, a journal with the goal of sharing the experiences of medical students and residents. My improv class at Union with Professor Culbert inspired the piece, which was about ‘Using Comedy to Tackle Issues of Isolation in Preclinical Curricula.’”
2020
Elizabeth Whitney ’20 holds a drawing of her great-grandfather, Reuben D. Head, Class of 1925 Daggett Prize winner. William McIver ’74 holds a photograph of his father, Kenneth McIver, member of the V12 program and secretary of the Class of 1949. Elizabeth and William are family friends.
ARRIVALS
Harrison Moran Welsh (Welsh ’02)
Ryan Breakey ’04 and Emily (French) Breakey ’07 with their children, Catherine and Charlie.
2002
Jesse Welsh welcomed Harrison Moran Welsh on Nov. 3, 2019.
2004
Michelle Morgan (nee Latzoni) and her husband, James, welcomed their second child, a daughter, Violet Gwendoline Morgan, in October 2019. They are loving life as a family of four, on top of adjusting to the west after moving from New York City to Utah for a career opportunity last summer.
