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Recent
Alumni News and Notes
News and
notes from six previous editions of Catalyst and the upcoming
June 2008 Catalyst are printed in sections below.
The news and notes
immediately following these two paragraphs will be published
in the September, 2008 Catalyst.
Mail or email
us your news. Submission deadline
for publication in the September Catalyst is August
1, 2008.
Email news here
to alumni@rockford.edu
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
The
following News and Notes will appear in the June, 2008 Catalyst.
1930s
1940s
1950s
Angela
Barbagallo Naines ’51, and Joe are enjoying
their daughters and grandchildren.
Ann Gillett Howard ’51,
continues years of active participation in a bell choir
and visiting her scattered family.
Dorothy
Voss Baits ’51 and Steve’51 H., recently
cruised around southern South America and spent two weeks
with sixteen members of their family in the Turks and Caicos
Islands. Dorothy reports that her sister Shirley Voss Henley
Philon ’50 re-met and married an old college friend,
Jim Philon, in September 2007.
Ellie
Huntoon Ray ’51, and her daughter drove to
visit prehistoric archeological sites.
Jo Codina
Lundgard ’51, enjoys spending time with her
two sons and their families. She had a hip replacement but
is still swimming four times a week and volunteers at her
local library.
Lois Marshall
Wood ’51, and Phil enjoy traveling, their
vintage car club and salmon fishing.
Mary Hall
Robinson ’51, and Frank moved to their new
home. Mary is active in her genealogy group.
Mary Lou
Scott Gundhus Millar ’51, and Ben are both
very active with their genealogy groups.
Mary Jane
Penniman Randolph ’51, is visually impaired,
but life with Burleigh is good and “full of laughs
and giggles.”
Michiko
Togo Yoshioka ’51, and Shigeru continue academic
pursuits, sharing their knowledge of science, history and
Christianity throughout Japan.
Nancy Seder Parritz ’51,
says they are well and enjoying their three sons and five
grandchildren. They spent two months in Florida where they
had their annual lunch visit with Betsy Southworth O’Neill
‘51 and Mickey Berg Daisley ‘51. They always
have such fun reminiscing and taking pictures. Nancy has
also heard from Ellie McCurdy Bullard ‘51, Jeanne
Cowhill Johnson ‘51 and Cindy Allen Ricketts ‘51.
Patty Johnson Nelson ’51,
missed the reunion because of rotator cuff surgery. She
enjoys living in Loveland, CO, near one of her sons and
his family.
Pauline
Patrick Lawhorn ’51, and Bob are active sharing
her collection of vintage garments and his Ford Model A
car club.
Roberta
Oliver Jacobson ’51, and Dick are busy with
their herd of black angus cattle. She spends much time doing
genealogy research, finding contacts all over the country.
She also acts as a consultant for many friends in her group.
Ruth Bach
Eck ’51, and Chuck spent an interesting extra
three days at Christmas time stranded in Denver.
Shirley
Oberg Bliese ’51, and Bill are enjoying retirement
in the “Big Sky Country” of Montana. They both
remain active in interim church positions and with the families
of their four sons.
1960s
John McIntyre ’66,
is the Director of the HLA-Vascular Biology Laboratory at
St. Francis Hospital and Health Centers in Indianapolis,
IN. He also serves as an adjunct Professor of Biology at
Indiana University – Purdue University at Indianapolis
(IUPUI). He was the first person to identify and describe
redox-reactive autoantibodies. In 2006, McIntyre founded
Indianapolis-based Redox-Reactive Reagents (3R) to commercialize
his discovery, and he received a patent on his technology
in January 2008. Even though he is the sole employee of
3R, McIntyre plans to hire another scientist and a medical
technologist this year. His operations are located at the
HLA- Vascular Biology Laboratory at St. Francis, but he
hopes to find permanent lab space elsewhere. With financial
backing from the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services,
McIntyre also hopes to have his first product -- positive
controls for diagnostic test kits -- on the market within
a year.
1970s
Brent
Johnson `74, life has been filled with building
his aerospace business, Midwest Aero Support. The past summer
was spent moving into a newly refurbished, 45,000 sq. ft.
facility in Machesney Park, IL. His spare time is
spent enjoying three grand children - Madeline, the daughter
of Melissa Johnson Pfundstein '96, turned
4 this year and has taken a fancy to downhill skiing.
Jocelyn 2½ and Trevor 9 mos., daughter and son of
Sara Schaub Johnson '00, are a handful. In September,
Brent and his wife, Barbara, spent 2 weeks in France visiting
French Assistants Bart Aben and Sandra Renaud Aben for whom
the Johnsons served as a host family. Bart and Sandra have
added twin girls to their 4 year old daughter and currently
reside outside of Paris. Brent and Barbara met the twins
for the first time. In Toulouse, they met the first
student they hosted, Nicolas Sahaugian, who is the chief
photographer for Airbus Industries. Also in Toulouse, they
saw Katia Grimmaud, the last student they hosted. Then,
it was on to Bordeaux for a week of wine tasting (drinking).
Whenever there is spare time, they escape to their home
in Dillon, CO. and do pretty much nothing. Looking forward
to a slowdown in the pace he keeps, Brent also manages to
find a few weekends during the year to race his Porsche.
No trophies yet as well as no scratches or dents.
Doug Williamson ’75,
has been named Assistant Director of Coaching and Development
for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in
Kansas. NSCAA is the largest single sport coaches association
in the world. His wife Karen Montgomery Williamson
’74, will look for employment in the KC area.
Doug has been a member of the Association’s Academy
staff since 1987. He was named to the Senior Academy Staff
in 2005. His efforts for the NSCAA were recognized in 2006
when he was presented the Mike Berticelli Excellence in
Coaching Education award. He comes to the NSCAA after serving
two years as the director of education and training for
the Greater Harford (Md.) Soccer Club. To look at the press
release regarding his new position go to www.nscaa.com.
Jude Rittenhouse
’75, had a selection of her poems that were
chosen as finalist for the 2007 Pablo Neruda Award. Her
poems have been selected twice for this award. One of her
poems was in the last issue of Tiferet. Recently,
the editor requested another one for an upcoming issue.
Viewing of her work and services can be seen at www.IntegratedHealingServices.com
and www.JudeRittenhouse.com.
Over the past year, she has spent a lot of time traveling,
flying to and from Illinois to help her sister care for
their mother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. On the
other hand, Jude has just become a great aunt for the third
time to her first great niece!
Jeff Copeland
’76,and Anne Kunze Copeland ’76
were married in December 1976 and just celebrated their
31st anniversary. Jeff received his MBA in 1981 from Northern
Illinois University, and is the President of TK Group in
Rockford, a company performing occupational medical testing
throughout the country. Anne has a medical technology degree
but is currently keeping busy doing volunteer work and gardening
on a big scale. They have three children. Sharon 27, is
a physical therapist, Brain 23, a landscaper, and Diane
21, is majoring in business at college. In the empty nest
stage of their lives, they enjoy traveling, photography,
working in the yard, and showing their first generation
(1967-1969) Firebirds.
Robert
John Guttke '76, announces the opening of a solo
exhibition of photographs at the Renner Gallery, 2344 Market
Street, San Francisco, CA. The exhibit runs from July 3
– July 16, 2008.
Heidi Rank '78,
earned her architecture degree with honors in 1981 from
Illinois Institute of Technology. Since then she has obtained
architect's licenses in Illinois and California, where she
has resided for almost 20 years. She has spent 13 years
as a project coordinator and Architectural Supervisor for
Facilities and Capital Projects for the County of San Luis
Obispo, while raising her now 24 year old twins there as
well. She is currently a Senior Construction Manager
for Gilbane Building Company in San Jose. She works on large
public works projects such as the renovation and expansion
of the San Jose Convention Center, Children's Discovery
Museum and the Tech Museum. Heidi remains active in the
AIA and National Association of Women in Construction as
well as hosting foreign exchange students/professors. She
has a passion for traveling and has ventured off the beaten
path in South Africa, Laos, Belize and Bosnia/Herzegovina
to name a few places. She does not get back to Rockford
much and said it would be nice to hear from old friends.
1980s
Nat Rosenberg '80,
has worked for MasterCard Worldwide for eleven years and
has been recently promoted to corporate Senior Vice President.
He is currently responsible for sales management for the
United States region. He has just celebrated his 23rd
year anniversary with his wife Kathy. They have two
children, Annie age seven and John age five.
Tanya
(TJ) Tyler ‘81, has an essay in the just-published
book, My Teacher Is My Hero. She also has been published
in several national magazines and has essays in Chicken
Soup for the Single Parent’s Soul, and Chicken Soup
for the Working Mom’s Soul. To view a detailed blog,
visit www.BluegrassMoms.com.
Wendy J. Boettner '85,
After many years of working in the Human Resources/Benefits
field, she switched careers to teaching. Last September,
Wendy J. Boettner was promoted to the Disabilities/Assessment
& Outcomes/Mental Health Manager at the Head Start Program
in Freeport, IL. She also keeps busy with the many activities
of her two daughters, Crystal and Elizabeth, plus gardening,
pets, reading and traveling when time permits.
1990s
Kenneth
Davis ‘91, has been named co-principal of
the year in the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District,
headquartered in Rosenberg, Tex., in the western part of
Fort Bend County, just outside the metro Houston area. He
spent six years as principal of the district’s Pink
Elementary School, which has achieved “recognized”
status for the past two years, in the state’s academic
rating system. He will become the principal of McNeill Elementary
School, the district’s newest elementary school, scheduled
to open in the fall of 2008. After graduating from RC in
‘91 he earned his Master’s in Elementary Education
in ‘99 from St. Thomas University in Houston.
Erika Fox Bair '98,
is married to Ryan Bair '98, They currently
reside in Dekalb, IL. Ryan works in Administration
at NIU and Erika works for Barry-Wehmiller Companies as
a Human Resources Information Systems Administrator. On
October 26, 2007 they welcomed their first child, Ian Charles
Bair. Erika enjoys working from home and taking care of
Ian. Both Erika and Ryan love their new role as parents.
Nathan
Holland ’98, is currently living in Charlottesville,
VA and engaged to be married to Tannis Fuller on October
18, 2008. He just attended the baptism of Tim Krzyzanowski's
’97 second child, Jaxson in Streamwood, IL
along with Dan Chapetta ’98 and Sabrina
Masel Chapetta ’00.
2000s
Marvin Adams ’00,
took over his father’s business, M. Adams Equipment
Company in 2004, which sells bulldozers and heavy equipment.
He has increased sales annually by thirty percent. He believes
his time at Rockford College has helped him become a better
leader in his company.
Kristi Hart Dickman '01,
and her husband Chad were blessed a second time on June
30, 2007with another boy, Matthew. After receiving her teaching
degree from Rockford College, she has spent the last several
years happily teaching in the Rockford Catholic Diocese
at St. Bernadette and currently at St. Bridget School. She
will enjoy some time off with her growing family, but looks
forward to heading back to the classroom again soon!
Elena
Mamonova '03, has been accepted into the MBA program
of Yale’s School of Management, starting in the fall
of 2008. While a student at RC, Elena was elected to Phi
Beta Kappa while securing a double major in Art History
and Business Management. She completed an internship at
Chicago’s Art Institute and has worked for several
years at Rita Bucheit, Ltd (decorative and fine arts gallery)
in Chicago.
The
following News and Notes appeared in the February/March,
2008 Catalyst.
1940s
Ruth Ross
Ax `49 , (who lives in Rockford) has not lost her
sense of humor -- she writes that she made several exciting
trips all the way to Belvedere a few times last year. Way
to go Ruth! Her granddaughter, Anna Jacobs is in her
senior year at RC. Ruth keeps active with bridge, crossword
puzzles, some church activities and Book Club.
Marilyn Vallee
Benson `49, continues to enjoy playing bridge,
and is active with two genealogy groups. Her daughter-in-law's
mother speaks only French, so Marilyn has been brushing
up on her rusty college French.
Carol Brinkman
Carlson `49, reports having a small stroke just
before Christmas in 2006. She's fine now and back doing
volunteer work.
Marge (Sug)
Stanton Fairhead `49, writes that 2007 just was
not long enough to accomplish all she had to do. She had
a great celebration for her 80 th birthday shared with her
twin, Mike. All her family was there, from Maryland , California
and Florida . She tried to impersonate Mary Poppins,
but didn't succeed, and was blown over by 60-80 mile winds.
As a result she injured her knee and hand, ruined her clothes,
but was mainly bummed out because she just had her hair
done! Then she was without electricity for four days. She
is having a cookbook published and still sings in the choir
Charlote
Ingersoll Gosrud `49, writes that she and Dean
enjoy their lake living and having all the summer and winter
water sports right in front of them. Char and daughter Barbara
had a wonderful trip to Europe last September. They traveled
from England to Italy , enjoying perfect weather the whole
time.
Ruth Ann
Germann Hodnett `49, is involved with many activities
at her condo. She highly recommends the ballroom dance company
Burn the Floor , and the books The Kite Runner
and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.
She takes typing and computer courses at Lighthouse for
the Blind.
Pat Potter
Landstrom `49, says her family has grown to 14
in all. They all gathered for Thanksgiving and again
for Christmas. She plans to make a trip to Venice in
the spring.
Peggy Holler
Layton `49, works with high school and college
kids going to Young America's Foundation, where they are
introduced to the conservative world. Her eight grandchildren
range in age from 9 to 22!
Elaine Donahue
Neiswanger `49, reports a two-week vacation in
Sicily, Mother's Day weekend in New York City, an Elderhostel
in Annapolis, but of course not least, several celebrations
of her 80th birthday.
Carol White
Piper `49, has moved to a retirement community
for "active seniors," and loves it. She and
Bob did travel a bit, to Michigan and Wisconsin . Carol
is driving for the Senior Center , attending programs in
Evanston and at Northwestern.
Joan Cimbalo
Pulliam `49, is delighted that so many classmates
remain active and engaged, even while passing 80 years of
age. Sophomore Day doesn't seem that long ago! This
past fourth of July she saw “bombs bursting in air for 360
degrees” while visiting Hal's daughter in Baltimore . The
holidays were filled with visits from and to children, grandchildren
and pets. On the homefront she stays active as an Afterschool
Director.
Mary Lee
Cohen Sensibar `49, writes that 2007 was a rough
year for her. She had surgery for uterine cancer last Feb.,
but is now on the long slow road to recovery.
Lou Shannessey
Smith `49, says getting used to living in Florida
with all seniors took some getting used to. Children, Mandy
and Tom, came for Christmas from Alaska . Her son Tim, who
lives in Belgium , was also there with his fiancée,
Azita. Lou reported the birth of their lst great-grandchild,
Noah Woodford Smith.
Jody Reese
Sorensen `49, and Lloyd are slowly shedding volunteer
jobs. Oregon Shakespeare Festival, bridge games, and
books occupy their time. She read Three Cups of
Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Relin, and was inspired
to aid the Central Asia Institute in their efforts to build
schools for neglected Pakistani and Afghan villages.
Marcia Cohn
Spiegel `49, made a 10th trip to Israel , touring
and visiting family and friends. Her 80th birthday was spent
with kids and grandkids in Santa Fe , NM . She has
cut back quite a bit on writing and lectures.
Helen Hinds
Turansky `49, has been living in Georgia over a
year, and doesn't miss ice and snow! Her son Todd
was married last April, and Helen is living with them. Helen
had vein surgery and discomfort has been relieved. She
spent Christmas with family in Florida .
Ruby Scott
Van Horn `49, and Dean, who's had a stroke are
trying to sell the house they've lived in 44 years. She's
still is involved with running a Meals on Wheels program,
and works 3 days a week doing demos in a grocery store.
Janet Carlson
Webster `49 passed away on July 2, 2006 in Palm
Desert , California. This sad news was received from
her daughter Jill, who commented that she knew her mother
very much enjoyed her days at Rockford College .
Barbara Skafgard
Williams `49, writes that they had an exceptionally
good year in that Bob continues to improve following his
stroke. They celebrated her 80th birthday, 30th year
as docents, and 50th wedding anniversary.
Trudy Robb
Yates `49, says she celebrated(?) her 80th birthday
by enrolling in an early morning exercise class.
Notes of Class
of `49 submitted by:
Joan Cimbalo Pulliam
(President)
Jody Reese Sorensen
(Scribe)
1950s
Ann Rutledge
Eby `50, writes from San Francisco that she has
finished the four shows she was in this summer and was now
working on an Open House. Ann is fostering a mini dachshund
and hopes he get adopted soon.
Las summer,
Sally Voss Trefz `50, hosted a Rockford College potluck
for Barbara Biggs Chapman, Lola Anderson Gustafson, Dorothy
Busacker Westcott, Mary Olson Rolander, Shriley Voss Henley
(all `50), and Dorothy Voss Baits `51. Beverly Stanley Stephenson
`50, was unable to attend. They had a delightful
time playing catch-up with Barbara and each other.
Two preceding
notes submitted by Shirley Voss Henley Philon
Scribe, Class
of 1950
Barb Bloom
Simmons `52, writes that she feels RC is still
her college even though she didn’t finish there. She
has several grandchildren, lives in Evergreen, CO, and sees
Tommy Patterson `52 from time to time. She and her husband
Bud celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2002.
Marilyn Kreitzburg `52, took on a ‘superbug’
in the fall and missed the local celebrations of the college
in Johnstown. She was confined to quarters for three and
a half weeks!
Barbara McKnight Kutcipal `52, informs
us that Dick ‘officially’ retired last spring!
They hosted a full house for the holidays including one
grandchild and a “grand-dog.”
Jean MacLean Molinari `52, visited the
park where the class had planned a 55th reunion, then took
a swing through Illinois including her childhood home town,
Sycamore.
Smokey writes that she is still counseling
and teaching General Studies classes at Cuyahoga Community
College. Working with the students is very satisfying. She’s
still in a book club that has met monthly since 1957. They've
lost a few members over the years; however, five of the
original are still in the group. She plays bridge, attends
concerts and the occasional play.
Connie Markin Holm `52, reports that John
is doing just fine and is able to do so many things.
Dottie White Erickson `52, attended the
October reunion at the College and had a wonderful time.
She was our 55th reunion representative! “The alumni
staff was excellent---and organized, very cordial. At the
awards banquet, she sat between two members of the class
of 1937—did some arithmetic in her head, and realized
that these two fine women were probably over 90!”
Dottie enjoys skiing, hiking and part-time employment as
a Health Educator, and loves it all.
Ship (Jeanne Shipley Lyons) `52, writes
of a great Christmas gathering in `06 - the first time in
20 years they were all in the same place at the same time!
They celebrated a couple of graduations from high school
to master’s degrees, bridal showers and a wedding
held in a park in Stillwater, WI.
Tommy Milton Patterson `52, is as busy
as ever with visiting folks in a nursing home, proof-reading
for a writer (as she has been doing for years) and corresponding
with numerous friends and family - as well as reading with
a book club. Travel isn’t her big thing but she does
go to NYC on occasion to see her son & family.
Elaine Drobner Schwarz `52, sent a wonderful
family picture with 25 members of their extended family!
Pete and Elaine have traveled this year but not as extensively
as in the past. She visited with Ellie
and Connie during the year. Elaine and
Pete are still flying, skiing, hiking, volunteering and
other activities that keep them busy and young.
Mike Michaels `52, has opened her own law
office and will be working out of her home “in p.j.’s
or a swim suit” whatever suits her fancy! She and
Linda have finished an office/rec room in their basement
and this will be her home base. They have traveled some
to the east coast and were south for the holidays.
Sarah Jane MacFarlane Hall `52, and Floyd
celebrated their 50th anniversary this last year with their
three sons and families at the Wisconsin Dells.
Ellie Lockridge Olson `52, and Harold have
been on their Pinewood Farm for more than thirty years,
still busily making changes and improvements. To assist
them in moving around the acreage they have a golf cart.
Mary Brehme Halverson `52, sends news of
her approaching 56th wedding anniversary. She and Vern have
been traveling about the country and to the Bahamas.
Marty Dohlen Genung `52, and Lenny are
tightly bound to their grandchildren’s activities.
They too had weddings and anniversaries to celebrate.
Mary Kremeyer Johnson `52, retired as a
speech/language pathologist and has traveled all over the
world. Her grandchildren are the light of her life. She
has lost a child, her husband and both sisters but “the
challenges and joys of life continue.” She would enjoy
hearing from friends and classmates.
Jean Anderson Kent `52, still volunteers
at a local hospital, holds down the secretary’s job
for her homeowners’ association for one more year,
sings (?) in her church choir and belongs to a local quilt
guild. Trips last year took her to a family gathering in
Phoenix and then over Thanksgiving with Gary to visit some
California Kents.
Sadly, the class of `52 has two deaths to report from last
year. Carol Klath Schmiedeskamp`52, passed
in late February and John Labotz the surviving spouse of
Jeannette Niehaus Labotz `52, died in late
summer.
Thanks to Jean Kent, class scribe for keeping
her class in touch.
1970s
Marie
Krohn '74, has written a book
published by the American Legacy Historical Press. The book,
a biography of Louise Pound, was released on November 1,
2007. The book is titled, LOUISE POUND: THE 19TH CENTURY
ICONOCLAST WHO FOREVER CHANGED AMERICA'S VIEWS ABOUT WOMEN,
ACADEMICS AND SPORTS, and is available from bookstores,
from the publisher at www.americanlegacymedia.com, or from
Amazon.com.
Irma Lopez
'75, returned recently from an overseas
tour in Islamabad, Pakistan at the U.S. Embassy. Since it
is considered to be a war zone, her tour was unaccompanied.
In April 2007, she and her husband met up in London (he
was home, Stateside while Irma was overseas). They had a
wonderful time sightseeing, going to the theater and just
having fun. They were surprised to see their hotel on the
news after they returned to their respective locations.
Apparently a car bomb the police discovered in June was
just a couple of blocks from where they had stayed in Piccadilly
Circus! Now that she is back home in VA, she is working
as a diversity recruiter for her office. It is a lot of
fun offering people jobs. I also have the opportunity to
travel domestically, which is a nice switch from those long
international flights. (In case you're wondering it takes
two days to get to Pakistan). She misses being involved
in international affairs but she can always go back overseas
at a later date. Right now she plans to enjoy being home
and traveling throughout the United States.
1980s
Marcie
Dagg Sweat '84, is currently in her 4th semester
of graduate nursing school, majoring in Family Nurse Practice.
1990s
Angel
Tucker Fitzpatrick `95 married David Fitzpatrick
on 7/7/07. She works for Traveler's Insurance and is attending
Gonzaga University, pursuing her Masters in Organizational
Leadership.
Tom Lind
'95, teaches social studies at Hononegah
High School in Rockton, IL and is finishing his masters
in Educational Leadership at Concordia University Chicago.
He will be working in school administration by the fall
of 2009
Tiffani True Smith
'98, reports that she had her 3rd child
- first boy - Garrett Jon Patrick Smith with her husband,
Tim. Garrett was named after Tony Garrett '99.
Tony and Tiffani met at RC and Tony introduced Tim to Tiffani.
Tony was best man at their wedding and they always told
him that if they had a son, they would name the child after
Tony. The name Jon is after Tim's dad, and Patrick is in
honor of Tiffani's mother who passed away 2 years ago in
October. Garrett was born October 1, 2007 and was welcomed
home by his 2 older sisters. Claire - 4 1/2 and Rylin 3.
Tim is working for John Deere and Tiffani is still teaching
6th grade math and science and 6th and 7th grade Quest.
They live in the Quad Cities.
John and
Marlene Orozco Alterio `99 , are parents to three
year old twins, Roman and Isabella. John received his Master's
in Biochemistry from Roosevelt University in 2005.
2000s
Jason
Broaddus '04/'06, accepted a new
position in October of 2007 at the American Red Cross –
Rock River Chapter as their “Marketing/Development
Specialist.” He began his affiliation with the Red
Cross while a student in the Rockford College MBA program.
He had volunteered through the HEROS program with
Kritsada Hirunsi '06 (they sold
raffle tickets and 50/50 at a Lightening basketball game).
In subsequent years he kept his contacts with the Red Cross
and found out about the open position. He really enjoys
the people and the mission of the organization. It allows
him to use what he learned at Rockford College - not just
performing a job, but really making a difference in the
Rockford, Illinois community.
The
following News and Notes appeared in the November, 2007
Catalyst.
1940s
Marjorie Sass Bradley Scholl
'44 recently had lunch with Eleanor Bleier
Stickler '42 in Hinsdale, Ill. Marjorie also traveled
to New York City to see her granddaughter, Laura Bradley,
in “Sydney Ann’s Apple” a dance concert,
on Sept. 15.
Janet
Westerman Paulson '44 moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan
in December 2006 to be near her son, William '76,
the Edward Lorraine Walter Collegiate Professor
of Romance Languages and Literatures at the University of
Michigan. Janet would enjoy hearing from Alumnae from her
era living in or near Ann Arbor (please secure her address
and phone number from the Alumni office). Janet's husband,
William, who was a brother of Gene Paulson Hawkins
'40 and Elaine Paulson Wildman '43,
died in January of 2005.
1950s
Shirley
Voss Henley class scribe for the class of 1950
provides the following notes for several classmates and
Alumnae(i).
Charles Jones '50, one of our engineers,
writes that he and his wife Dorothy have been retired for
15 years. Chuck had a manufacturers’ rep company which
he sold. They built a home overlooking the south end of
Lake Leelanau (MI) with the hope that it would attract their
children and grandchildren – and it has. Chuck and
Dorothy are involved in community activities and enjoy concerts,
art shows and reading.
Several friends recently had a potluck lunch at the home
of Dorothy Busacker Westcott '50. In attendance
were Beverly Stanley Stephenson '50, Mary
Morgan Leatherby '50, Sally Voss Trefz
'50, Dorothy Voss Baits '51 and
Shirley Voss Henley '50. Mary told that
she and husband Dick spent January through March in Panama
City Beach, FL. They moved south to spend some time with
their daughter. In June, they celebrated their 59th wedding
anniversary on a northeastern tour and cruise in Nova Scotia.
Dorothy Busacker Westcott '50 told of a
trip to Seattle. When her plane was late, she was treated
royally – escorted to the hotel, food brought to her,
etc. Everything was fine except that she had checked her
luggage through to Rockford and thus did not have medicines,
pajamas and all the essentials.
Mary Jevdet '50 writes of a brief get-together
at Elizabeth Koons Kroetz’s '50 home
with Mimi Stephens Moore '50 and Nancy
Anderson O’Brien '50. Jevie plays golf, has
a weekly bridge group and monthly book club meeting. She
also volunteers at the library and drives cancer patients
to the hospital. Kooner’s grandson was married September
1, in upstate New York.
Ann Rutledge
Eby '50 and Shirley Voss Henley '50 spent
a lovely afternoon in San Francisco doing a lot of catch-up.
Ann still paints and exhibits her paintings – she
recently sold four of them. Shirley missed seeing Jane Gray
Nelson `50 while there. Jane writes that she is planning
to go to Canada in October. She is still working two days
a week as a curator in the Department of Ancient Art at
the Legion of Honor Museum. Jane has become a good friend
of Gjerde’s sister, Jean.
Prez, Mary McClellan Tanton '50 had a big
family reunion on the farm in August. Son Steve moved back
to the family home after 18 years in California. Mary feels
truly blessed to have so many loving friendships with so
many RC pals and enjoys all the contacts she has with them.
Dottie McKnight Fredenburg '50 had two
graduations this year – a grandson with a master’s
in music performance and a granddaughter from high school.
Husband Bill is busy with the Masons, and Dottie has been
knitting socks. Their black lab, Jetta, has been a real
joy.
News of classmates recently who passed away – Jane
Anne Campbell Johnson '50, Jean Greiner
Cate '50 and Lester Andreoni '50.
We shall miss them.
Last but not least for the class of 1950 – Shirley
is happy to report that she was married on September 29th
to someone she dated in 1949. Jim Philon and Shirley first
met at George Williams College Camp at Lake Geneva, WI,
and reconnected a year ago. It has been a fascinating year.
1970s
Fred Fuld III `74,
was interviewed on CNBC's "On the Money" television
show for developing the "Paris Hilton Stock Index"
on his blog, Stockerblog.com. He has been working as an
adjunct professor and technology supervisor for a California
State University for the last several years.
Loren
Eddy '78, and Karen Neil Eddy '77,
report that they have recently moved from Lewiston, Idaho,
and are living happily in Richland, Washington. Loren is
an estate planning attorney, and Karen is one of the a swimming
coaches for the local swim team, the Tri–City Channel
Cats (recognized by USA Swimming as a Silver Medal Swim
Club!) Loren and Karen have been actively involved in the
USA Swimming community for the past 15 years; Karen has
just been elected to a 2-year term as the Inland Empire
Swimming Vice President for the Age Group Swimming program,
and Loren is the Club Development Chairman for Inland Empire
Swimming. “And, Holy Cow,” writes Loren, “all
3 of our kids are in their 20’s now, and we are Grandparents!
How does that happen to a young couple like us? Best regards
to all of our classmates from the ‘70’s. ”
1980s
Monica
Scholler Cox '89 and her husband Warren Cox welcomed
Pasha Sheymakin Cox, 13 years old, into their family on
February 6, in St. Petersburg, Russia. The family resides
in Spotsylvania, VA and own Cox and Johnson Insurance Agency
in Fredericksburg, VA.
1990s
J. Brent
Cummings '94, is now partner and
vice president of Teal Technologies of Rockford, having
first joined the firm in 2004. Teal Technologies, offers
innovative solutions to environmental and industrial clean-up
efforts worldwide.
“My education
at Rockford College helped me gain the initial communication,
financial, interpersonal and results driven work ethic that
has helped me succeed at several large manufacturing firms
before now being partner in my own company,” Cummings
said. “This is what I’ve been working toward,
and it’s an incredibly exciting time.”
Cummings graduated
with a degree in Business Administration. His experience
prior to Teal Technologies included roles as Plant Manager
for NRG Technologies in Rockford; General Manager of Rock
River Disposal Service in Machesney Park; Product Manager
at FEECO International in Green Bay; and Sales Manager at
A.H. Puffer Company in Rockford. Cummings lives in Belvidere,
is married and has two sons.
Cindy
O'Brien Harris '95, reports that
she and four other Rockford College alumnae, Colleen
Casey ’94, Jeni Lorenz Patterson
’94, Katie Jarnot ’93,
and Annie Good ’92 reunited in Hawaii
for a 10 day vacation. They rented a house right on the
North Shore of Oahu in Haleiwa, where Jeni lives with her
husband Clint and baby girl, Sequoia. Jennifer Lily
Canfield ’93 was unable to attend this time
for what has become for the six adventuresome Alumnae an
every two year get together somewhere, despite the fact
that they are flung all over the country (Rockford, Ill.,
Ft. Worth, Tex., Haleiwa, HI,Wolfeboro, N.H., Madison, Wis.,
and Naples, Fla.).
2000s
Jacqueline Smith Wray
'00, was married to David Wray, 1996 graduate
of Carnegie Mellon University, on July 21, 2007. The happy
couple now reside in Mason, Ohio. Jacquie also received
her Master of Education in August 2007 from Wright State
University.
John Miller
'02, and Shannon Widlowski '02,
got married in October 2003. In September 2006 the Millers
welcomed a beautiful daughter Emma Lu Miller to their growing
family!
The
following News and Notes appeared in the August, 2007 Catalyst.
1950s
LaVonne
Martin Kielsmeier '51, reports that although she
attended RC for only one year, she made some very good friends.
The Alumni office is now busy putting her in contact with
Jo Ainsworth Albrecht '51 and
others. Six children later she became a busy homemaker,
owned and operated a restaurant and mobile catering business,
and taught piano lessons. Her husband, Bruce, died 17 years
ago with cancer. She still lives on the farm south of Rockford
where some of the class of '51 ate Mom's
cherry pie. She has a granddaughter graduating from Rockford
college next year.
Dottie
White Erickson, '52, continues
to enjoy her job as a health educator at Kaiser Permanente
in Sacramento, Calif. And, she has just taken on a volunteer
role as a reading tutor in the local elementary school.
After many years of teaching student nurses and other adults,
she admits that 6-year-olds are challenging!
Judy Halper
Barry, '59, class scribe, writes.
"The class of 1959 wishes to remember Chuck Carlson,
who died in April. Memorial donations may be made to the
Marion Carlson Seedoff Memorial Award for Primary Elementary
Education. This award goes to a Rockford College Junior
or Senior who is going into elementary education. Chuck
will be greatly missed by all his Rockford College friends."
1960s
Robert
Wilson '64, reports
that he is now retired and lives in Canada. Including his
time at Rockford College he studied for ten years in Colorado,
Alaska, Iowa, and Maryland. He helped built the first U.S.
satellites while at the State U. of Iowa, and has stayed
involved throughout his career in many U.S. diplomatic technical
matters. He is a helicopter pilot, radio amateur, and has
sailed on many ships as a radio officer and navigator.
1970s
Paula
Ericson Egelson, Ed.D. `75, reports that since
the fall of 2005 she has been Director for the Center of
Partnerships to Improve Education (CPIE) at the College
of Charleston’s School of Education. The mission of
CPIE is to improve students’ levels of education achievement
by creating effective partnerships among the College of
Charleston (SC), school districts, businesses, families,
and the greater community. She cites John Spence, former
VP for Development at RC as “. . . inspiration to
all of us who wanted to help others.”
Prior to 2005 Paula worked for 15 years in various capacities
at SERVE, the federally-funded educational laboratory serving
the Southeast. Her specialty areas include school improvement,
literacy, teacher evaluation, English language learners,
and at-risk students. Paula has an undergraduate degree
in child development from Rockford College, a master’s
degree in reading education from Western Carolina University
and doctorate in educational leadership from UNC-Greensboro.
Visit the CPIE website at http://partnerships.cofc.edu/index.php
- to see what the Center is all about.
Dan
Bergstrom '79, earned his Masters in Reading from
Concordia University Chicago this past May. Dan teaches
at St. Andrew School in Chicago (one mile west of Wrigley
Field - home of the Chicago Cubs) and lives with his wife
Rachel in Oak Park.
1980s
Candace
Hulsebus Quinn '82, opened her own Marketing Consulting
firm, called Brand=Experience this past spring. She consults
on a national basis for hospitals, health systems, and other
marketing organizations. She is based in McLean, Virginia
where her husband, Michael, is also employed. She has 4
granddaughters. Her son, Dr. Brant Hulsebus, his wife and
their daughter live in Rockford, and her daughter Cory,
and her husband (both teachers) and 3 daughters relocated
to Loves Park two years ago.
Nancy
Rostowsky '85, former Rockford College Director
of Alumni Relations and Director of International Student
Programs is "retiring" again. After working for
Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, FL for seven years,
she will be leaving her position as Refugee Resettlement
Coordinator. She had been responsible for overseeing resettlement
programs for refugees from Ukraine, Russia, Vietnam, Burma,
and Cuba, in the 10 counties of the diocese. She also worked
with other clients from Cuba and Haiti in the Cuban/Haitian
Entrant Program.
Later this summer, she and her husband will travel to Scandinavia,
Russia, Estonia, and Lithuania. They also plan a trip to
Chicago and a possible side trip to Rockford for a day!
She would love to hear from all the international students
who attended RC during her time in international admissions
and student services. She recently had an e-mail message
from one of the Burmese men who came to RC under a special
program. He has achieved much since he left the college
to pursue a medical degree. She knows other international
students who are lawyers, teachers, computer engineers,
and bankers. She was greatly enriched, as was RC, by knowing
and working with such fine individuals and now Alumni! In
order to protect Nancy from prank emails, please email Alumni@rockford.edu.
The Alumni office will then forward your note to Nancy for
her response.
Tracy Coleman '88,
was recently granted tenure and promotion to Associate Professor
at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, where she teaches
courses in South Asian Religions (primarily Hinduism) and
Women and Gender in Religion.
1990s
Linda
Carter Fleming '96, started a
support group for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder;
it is the Rockford Area CHADD #129. Linda owns and operates
an ADHD web site called FreeToBeADD.com and is currently
writing her first book on the joys and challenges of ADHD.
The
following news and notes were published in the June, 2007
Catalyst.
1950s
In the fall of 2006, Shirley Martignoni Fedeli '57,
and her husband headed up a vacation tour of Italy, visiting
many of the small towns for genealogy research and the excitement
of being a part of the "agroturismo" programs.
They worked with a family to develop the rich cheese called
"ricotta." They ate boar, and washed it down with
one of the many rich red wines of the southern Sicilian
coast. They gathered snails fresh from the morning dew on
the mountain! Later, they continued onto the Italian peninsula
to visit the UNESCO cultural town of Alberbello with its
unique turret shaped houses, taking part in a patron Saint
procession. They visited Rockford's, Italian Sister City,
Ferentino, and met with the mayor (sindico) who had visited
Rockford last year. They had a charming visit with the Ferentino
elementary school children who sang for them. They returned
laden with gifts and many photos for their Italian Language
exchange children from St. Peter Cathedral in Rockford -
a program that she and husband started 6 years ago. They
now have taught Italian in all the grades!
This year she
is revved up to meet many of her dear Rockford College classmates
who will return to the "new" campus. They will
be celebrating their 50th Golden Year...and can't believe
that they are that "young." Looking forward to
an exciting "Homecoming/Reunion" of the Class
of 1957! Any question please let her know.
1960s
Dr. Robert
Berlin '68, retired in June 2006 after twenty-seven
years of service at Fort Leavenworth, KS. General David
Petraeus, a former student, conducted the ceremony. Bob
continues in his position as executive director of the Society
for Military History. He now resides near Prescott, AZ and
has been a cruise lecturer for Oceania Cruise Lines in Europe
and Asia.
Jim and
Wendy Booth Tuthill '69, report that Jim retired
from AT&T last summer and is now an Adjunct Professor
at the University of San Francisco School of Law where he
taught Broadcast Media and Telecommunications Law this past
semester. He and Wendy continue their global travels and
are headed to Turkey, Syria, Greece, Egypt, Malta and Italy
this June. Last spring they visited friends in Scotland
and England.
1970s
Rev. Leigh
Franklin Nygard '70MAT, was a bi-vocational public
school teacher for three years and minister for seven years
in Rockford. He pastored Wesleyan and Free Methodist churches
in the states of Illinois and Washington for 29 years. He
then was pastor-counselor to the homeless at the Galesburg
Rescue Mission for 17 years. He is now Associate General
Evangelist of the Wesleyan Church - available for meetings,
seminars, and banquets. He resides in Galesburg, Illinois
with his wife of 44 years, Judith Nygard.
1980s
Katherine
Thomas Paisley '81, was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy
Degree in homiletics (preaching) from the Graduate School
of Vanderbilt University on December 16, 2006. The Reverend
Doctor Paisley is currently serving a United Methodist church
in Nashville, TN.
Tanya
(TJ) Tyler '81, graduated from Lexington Theological
Seminary with a master of divinity degree in May 2006 and
was ordained as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples
of Christ). She still works as a writer/editor in the Advertising
Creative Services department of the Lexington Herald-Leader
newspaper, while serving as pastor of Smithfield Christian
Church in Smithfield, Ky. She has also been approved as
a chaplain with the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America.
ileta
A. Joseph Sumner '87, has been selected by the
Women and the Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (SBOT)
to receive its Ma'at Justice Award during the SBOT's Annual
Convention in San Antonio, TX, on 21 June 2007. Ma'at, the
Egyptian goddess of justice, symbolizes truth, order, righteousness,
and the emergence of order out of chaos. The Women and the
Law Section established the Ma'at Justice Award in 1995
to recognize and celebrate individual attorneys or an association
of attorneys who have contributed to the furtherance of
justice in our society. Every year the Women and the Law
Section awards the Ma'at Justice Award to an individual
who is actively addressing the needs and issues affecting
women both in the legal profession and in the community.
ileta is a former domestic violence advocate for Bexar County
Legal Aid as well as the former General Counsel for the
Battered Women's Shelter of San Antonio whose legal department
ileta created. Currently, ileta is battling Congestive Heart
Failure (Viral Cardiomyopathy) and hopes to resume her legal
career sometime in the future.
1990s
Keith
Williams '91MBA, is an instructor of Economics
and Business Administration at Carl Sandburg College, in
Galesburg, IL. He was honored this spring with the 2007
full-time Faculty-of-the-Year Award. In addition to his
teaching duties he is a Sam Walton Fellow and faculty advisor
for the local chapter of Students In Free Enterprise, father
of 3 (with 2 teens still at home), and pursuing a doctorate
in Business Administration.
Nara Goldman
Dedrick '95 and her husband, James, welcomed their
first child, Rayna Jeanine who was born on April 7th, 2007.
She weighed 7lbs 11oz. They continue to reside in Phoenix,
Arizona.
2000s
Jason
Broaddus, who graduated from Rockford College in
2004 with a degree in management and in 2006 with an MBA,
recently took the position, College Relations Manager,
with an internet based company, Cappex.com. Cappex.com was
founded by the former CEO of Fastweb and is a free service
(to students and schools) that matches prospective college
students before they apply to colleges and universities.
Coincidentally, Jason worked in the Rockford College
Office of College Relations while a graduate student
and finds that many of the skills learned as a GA have direct
application to his new position. He says that his connection
to Rockford College helped him secure the position. Cappex.com
CEO, Leon Heller said he had met and remembered Sunil
Puri '82 and knew of SupplyCore
and its President, Peter Provenzano, current
Rockford College Trustee. Jason thought, “What a small
world!” Jason also makes custom corn toss games
on the side that helped him pay some of his student loans
while unemployed. His website is www.supercorntoss.com.
Megan
Pierce '05 will receive her Masters in Public Administration
(with an emphasis in Urban Management) from Northern Illinois
University in May, 2007. During her graduate program, she
served as Administrative Intern to the City Administrator
of St. Charles, Illinois. She recently accepted a position
as a Management Analyst for a certified public accounting
and advisory firm, Sikich LLP - working as a consultant
to local governments in the areas of strategic planning
and performance measurement. She resides in Aurora, Illinois.
The
following news and notes were published in the April, 2007
Catalyst.
1940s
Maryjo
Domino Pritz '49 reports that her granddaughter
Kali Pritz graduated from Rockford College in May of 2006,
magna cum laude. Congratulations Kali Pritz '06
Caroline
Fairchild Burnet '48, passed away December 30,
2006.
At the Rockford
College commencement in May of 2006, Dr. Nancy Crumlish
Bruemmer '49, received an honorary
doctorate of science.
1950s
Carol
Klath Schmiedeskamp '52 passed away on February
23rd. She was in the hospital being treated for 'arterial
disease' and slipped quietly away. Memorials can be sent
to: MacNider Art Museum, 303 2nd Street SE, Mason City,
Iowa 50401 1st United Methodist Church, 119 So. Georgia
Avenue, Mason City, Iowa 50401
1970s
Thomas
P. Walsh, BA in English 1976 has been appointed
by the South Korean Foreign Ministry to a five-year term
as Oregon Honorary Consul General for the Republic of Korea
. Mr. Walsh (MA Purdue University; JD Indiana University)
is a practicing attorney in Portland, Oregon who served
in the Peace Corps in South Korea following graduation from
Rockford College. As Honorary Consul General for Oregon,
Mr. Walsh will aid Korean nationals, assist with Korean
shipping matters, act as spokesperson for South Korean's
trade, investment, tourism, and educational exchanges with
Oregon, and will issue visas to Americans traveling to South
Korea. Oregon is home to approximately 30,000 Korean-Americans.
[Editor's note] Oregon is home to 50 Rockford College Alumni.
Reinhard
Andress '79 provided the following update. After
receiving his BA in German he went on to get a PhD in Germanic
Languages and Literatures from the University of Illinois,
graduating in 1988. After positions at Middlebury College,
Colby College and Alfred University, he took a position
in German at Saint Louis University. He was promoted to
Full Professor in 2002. Since 2004, he has been serving
as Chair of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages
at Saint Louis University.
1980s
Charlyne
Blatcher Martin '88, graduated from Northern Illinois
University with a master's degree in Communication Studies
on December 17, 2006. She has been hosting her television
talk show, Something To Talk About on Insight Cable
Channel 17 for the past 6 years. Charlyne is also writing
freelance for the Rockford Register Star magazine, Foundation,
and teaching as an adjunct instructor at Rasmussen College
in Rockford, IL.
John BaIdwin
'88 enjoys the warmer weather of Dublin, GA where
he works for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He
often think of the good times at Rockford College, saying,
"It is a great college." He completed a M.S.W.
degree from Western Michigan University in 2001.
1990s
Ann Marie
Riganti Schneeman '92 writes that she has been
substitute teaching in the Rockford and Harlem School Districts
since 1995 after surviving cancer surgery in 1994. She hopes
to stay cancer free. She serves as Secretary of the Rockford
Interfaith Council, which meets monthly at Rockford College
in Fisher Chapel. She is an avid genealogist and has traveled
to her parents' homeland, Italy, to meet relatives and conduct
research. She has four beautiful grandchildren.
After living in Las Vegas, Nevada for 10 years, Treina
Brown Kairy '95 and her husband Christopher have
returned to the Midwest and are living in Rockton, IL. While
in Las Vegas, Treina worked at Boys Town of Nevada as a
youth counselor. She received her Masters degree from UNLV.
She then taught 5th grade at Lois Craig Elementary School.
Her mother passed away in September 2004, so in the summer
of 2005 they decided it was time to leave Las Vegas and
return home to be with their families. Treina is teaching
first grade in the Rockford Public School District. She
misses the sun of Las Vegas, but are enjoying the change
of seasons in the Midwest.
Alegria
Mateus '96 and MBA '01, reports
from our online update form. She married Santiago
Reyes MBA '02 on April 3, 2004. Since that time
they have lived in Quito, Ecuador. They had their first
child, Isabella, on June 14, 2006. For the last 2 years
Alegria has been working as a Field Sales Engineer for Intel
in Ecuador. Santiago is the Finance and Administration Manager
at a Rose Exporting Farm.
Melissa
N. Young '98 earned her Doctorate degree in Clinical
Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology
in 2003. She is currently employed with a private practice
(Mental Health Resource Center) as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist
in Rockford, IL. She owns a home in Rockford, where she
resides with her two dogs.
2000s
Dawn Niehaus
'02 received her Juris Doctor on May 20, 2006,
from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and was admitted
to the Illinois Bar on November 7, 2006. In October 2006,
she was hired as an associate with the Chicago law firm
of Hickey, Melia & Associates practicing medical malpractice
defense. In January, she became engaged to Daniel J. Gile
of Rockford, Illinois. Dawn cites Professor Emeritus John
V. Glass and Professor Belinda Wholeben as her mentors.
The
following news and notes were published in the February,
2007 Catalyst.
1920s
Fay Rolfsema
Callies `29 passed away on June 8, 2006. She was
99 years old. 12/13/06
1930s
Mary Louise
Miller, 97, died January 9, 2007 in Greencastle,
Indiana. A 1930 graduate of Rockford College, she received
her Master's Degree at the University of Wisconsin in 1935.
She taught physical education and chemistry at Heidelberg
College from 1935 to 1942. Leaving Heidelberg, she came
to DePauw Un |
