The U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board are pleased to announce that Sarah McCrea of Warrensville Heights High School in Ohio has received a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program award.

As a Fulbright recipient, McCrea will share knowledge and foster meaningful connections across communities in the United States and abroad. Fulbrighters engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions. Upon returning to their classrooms in the United States, they share their stories and often become active supporters of international exchange, inviting foreign scholars and educators to their school or campus and encouraging their colleagues and students to go abroad. As Fulbright alumni, their careers are enriched by joining a network of thousands of esteemed scholars, many of whom are leaders in their fields. Fulbright alumni include 60 Nobel Prize laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize recipients, and 40 who have served as a head of state or government.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program and is supported by the people of the United States and partner countries around the world. The Fulbright Program is funded through an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program.

For over 75 years, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 participants – chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential – with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. For further information about the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State, please visit http://eca.state.gov/fulbright or contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Press Office by e-mail ECA-Press@state.gov.

Left to right: Austin Russell ’19, Harper Jones ’19, Marco Sapien ’17, Mariel Ward ’19, Lauren Pugliese ’17, Andrew Klein ’19, Julia Rothschild ’17, Emily Donato ’16, Jared Berg ’17, Adam Richert ’19, Matt Witt-Kelly ’17, Maria Witt-Kelly ’17, David Coen ’82, Claire Smrekar ’19, Onyx Marosi ’17, Chrissy O’Grady ’17, Michael Berg ’84

My hubby Keith and I moved in 2021 to the Florida panhandle (near Destin!!) so that I could take an MBSE Systems Engineering position with the USAF. I love the job, the people and the mission. The only downside is that I miss living close to my kids. We travel frequently back to Ohio and try to catch up with Wooster friends when we do.

James Austin and Brigitte Galauner (both Class of 2018) were married on October 14th, 2023, in Olmsted Falls, OH. Alumni in attendance were (from left to right): Nathaniel Längle-Moore (’18), Jackson Groat (’17), Becca Hotz (’18), Janel Romagnoli (’18), and Dora Snow (’17).

On November 23, 2023, Barbara Ann Honhart passed away peacefully at her home. She was 81. Barbara was born February 15, 1942, in Anderson, Indiana.

Barbara grew up in Hanover, Indiana, and attended The College of Wooster in Ohio. At Wooster, she earned a B.A. in psychology, and met her husband, Fred. The couple celebrated their 57th anniversary last August. She later earned an M.A. and PhD from the University of Iowa. Professionally, Barbara taught psychology at both Lansing Community College and Baker College in Owosso and Flint, Michigan. She moved into college administration at Baker, eventually becoming Vice President for Academics for the Baker College system.

Barbara was heavily involved in the community and her church. She enjoyed reading, traveling, going to shows, watching sports, playing with her grandchildren, and spending time with her pets. She is survived by her husband, Fred, her sister, Marilyn, her sons, David and Stephen, daughters-in-law Jena and Niki, and her grandchildren, Elizabeth, Abby, Katherine, and Matt. Services will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral home in East Lansing, Michigan on Saturday, December 9th, with a visitation from 10 am to 12 noon and the service at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Davies Project or The Greater Lansing Food Bank.

Judith (Judy) Cornell McFarland was born on December 10, 1942 in Glens Falls, New York and died on September 7, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Judy was the only child of Richard (Doug) Walter Cornell and Ruth Colvin Cornell. Although her parents were not college educated, they worked in payroll management and bookkeeping and encouraged their daughter to pursue higher education. Her parents’ love of numbers and order rubbed off, and she graduated from the College of Wooster with a degree in mathematics. She met her husband, James (Jim) Thomas McFarland, at the College of Wooster, and they married on June 13, 1964.

Before she became a mother, Judy worked as a math teacher to support her husband’s graduate education. Once her children were of school age, she returned to part-time teaching as a substitute teacher, math lab coordinator, tutor, and adjunct university instructor. She loved helping people overcome the fear of math and gain confidence in their ability to calculate percentages, make sense of word problems, and solve for the value of x.

When her husband of twenty-five years died in 1990, she went back to school to get a master’s degree in computer science. She built a second career for herself with ProServices, a medical billing firm. She retired early, at 63, and that second career provided her with financial security for the rest of her life.

As a mother, Judy nurtured, protected, and proudly loved her children. She helped them with homework, baked them the best chocolate chip cookies in the world, taught them to drive, and walked with them as they faced the ups and downs of their lives as adults. Judy considered her children to be her greatest legacy.

Judy loved travel, particularly long adventures by train. She loved the beauty of the Oregon coast. She loved talking with her friends and entertaining acquaintances with her sharp wit. She loved to read and think. And as evidenced by her interest in everything from hybrid vehicles to sock knitting, she loved learning. She loathed bad grammar and the film The Wizard of Oz.

Judy is survived by her daughter Colleen Rademaker and son-in-law Robert Rademaker of Bowie, Maryland; her son Kevin McFarland-Porter and daughter-in-law Theresa McFarland-Porter of Rochester, New York; and by three grandchildren David, of Denver, Colorado, Ross, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Elizabeth of Vienna, Virginia.

Her family is particularly grateful for her companion and helper, Christa Runde, and for Susan Borkowsky at Alexian Village who helped her to maintain as much of her fierce independence as possible in her later years as she encountered more health challenges.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 28 at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 1100 N. Astor St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Immanuel Presbyterian Church or Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.

Bloomington—Paul E. Bushnell, age 93 died October 15, 2023 at Martin Health Center, Westminster Village. He was born May 2, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio the son of Paul Palmer and Mildred (Shackleton) Bushnell who preceded him in death as did his brother Walter Bushnell (Peg), Denver, CO. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Lyon Bushnell, and four children, Paul Timothy Bushnell (Yuping Han) Cincinnati, OH, Anne Lyon Bushnell (John Schepers), St. Paul, MN, John Ellsworth Bushnell, Santa Barbara, CA and Sarah Bushnell McManus (James), Normal, IL and four grandchildren, Henry Bushnell, Boston, MA and Benjamin Bushnell Brooklyn, NY, and Oliver McManus and Declan McManus, Normal, IL.

Paul grew up in Wooster, Ohio and attended the College of Wooster where he met Dorothy Moore Lyon. They married just after graduation in June 1953. During what would have been his sophomore year at college, Paul spent time abroad traveling with his parents to Afghanistan. His father was a professor of education at the College of Wooster and was recruited by the U.S. State Department to head an American-style school in Kabul. During that year, Paul also travelled on his own through many historic cities of India and the Middle East before returning to Wooster after his father’s death.

He attended graduate school at the University of Michigan followed by Yale Divinity School and finally, Vanderbilt University in Nashville,TN, where he was drawn to participate in several of the lunch counter sit-in protests and organizing meetings of the local civil rights movement.

In 1966 Paul was hired at Illinois Wesleyan University, and in 1968, he introduced one of the first courses in the country in African American history. He specialized in American history, particularly the history of religion, the American Revolution, and the nineteenth century, as well as African American history.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm Sunday, Nov. 12th, 2023 at Evelyn Chapel on Illinois Wesleyan University campus followed by a reception.

Lizzie Newton, class of 2004, joins the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) as the new Director, Marketing & Communications. She moves into this role following her work as VP, Strategy at Walk West, where she led the creative department and won several American Advertising Awards (ADDY). Lizzie continues to combine brand strategy and art business, having received her masters from Sotheby’s Institute, London and majoring in Art History at Wooster. 

Spanning over 5000 years of art history, the NCMA’s permanent collection includes notable works by Picasso, O’Keeffe, Richter, Wiley, and more. The Museum’s campus touts one of the nation’s largest art parks with 162+ acres of trails, public art, and performing arts amphitheater. NCMA is also home to a 40,000 volume art research library and national internship program. (Shameless promotional plug: hop over to ncartmuseum.org to learn more). 

Please reach out if you find yourself in Raleigh – always welcome the chance to catch up or talk all things art!

A group of us met in Montreal for a mini 45th reunion in September. Joining in the fun filled weekend were Evie Ziegler, Bev Dale, Phyllis Vandenberg, Julie Atkins-Hastie, Mary Atkins (79), Anna van der Burg, Steve Hastie, John Vandenberg and Andrew Saslow.

A group of Pi Kappa Peanuts from Classes of ’77, ’78, & ’79 met for our annual gathering. This year we went to Atlantic City, NJ to the home of Gaye Kelly Robinson (’78).  We had a boat ride, went for walks on the beach, did a little shopping, and caught up with each other. Always a fun time!

Front Row: Kimberly Lavin Greenlaw (’78), Cyd Raftus McDowell (’79), Nancy Toll Huffman (’78), Shelley Griewahn (’79), Blake Fidler (’77)

Back Row: Gaye Kelly Robinson (’78), Diana Dewey Emanuele (’78), Wendy Beatty-Burg (’78), Cindy Mache (’78), Lisa Carter Sherrock (’79)

Alec Michael Burns, beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, nephew, cousin and friend to many, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly after suffering a heart attack on August 25 at the age of 33.

Alec was a graduate of the Bullis School and the College of Wooster. He was an avid golfer and an enthusiastic fan of the Capitals and the Nationals. Alec was thrilled to have a chance to hold the Stanley Cup when the Caps won it in 2018. He very much enjoyed his meaningful job with the Fairfax County government as a benefits administrator.

Many have described Alec as loving, caring, kind, steady, sweet, fun, funny, gentle, reliable, warm, welcoming and possessing a wry wit. Our favorite, which we believe best sums him up, is “Alec is a quiet leader.” Alec is survived by his parents, Bill & Sue Burns, brother, Chris Burns and beloved sister-in-law, Allyson Follett Burns. He will be deeply missed.

Alec’s Memorial Service will be held on September 30 at 1:00pm at the Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church in Kensington, Maryland. We welcome anyone whose lives were touched by Alec to join us in person, or via Zoom, and hope that you will share your memories of him.

The Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) is delighted to announce it has hired Laura Kuster as its new program and education manager.

“I see this as a way to maximize GASP’s greatest strength; our staff – its experience and talent,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “Laura is a well-connected, outgoing educator and strategic thinker and I personally can’t wait to see how her skill set and passion for advocacy and education help GASP continue to grow and more effectively serve our local communities.”

While the position is new to GASP, Kuster is not: She has served as the nonprofit’s part-time educator since 2019. Prior to her tenure at GASP, she worked as the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s health equity specialist.

Kuster earned her undergraduate degree from The College of Wooster and a master’s degree in public and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity to dedicate more time to projects that bring GASP closer to our local communities,” she said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know more colleagues in the advocacy arena as well as residents interested in our regional air quality and finding creative ways we can work together to improve conditions for us all.”

GASP President Jonathan Nadle lauded the hire, saying the additional full-time position will allow the organization to expand its educational and outreach offerings in local environmental justice areas.

“Laura has done amazing work for GASP as a part-time educator, spearheading our Fresh Voices for Clean Air initiative and taking the lead on the creation of air quality resources for local elected officials,” he said. “We can’t wait to see what she adds to our organization as a full-time staff member. We are fortunate to have her working with us.”

Friends from the class of `96 were given a tour by Admissions to check out all the new and exciting changes at Wooster.

Back row: Sadie Mahoney, Lavonne Urban, Brittany Bullard, Kim (Reid) Laster

Front row: Pandora (Clark) Cunningham, Beth Wilsee-Sims, Angela (Massoni) Kates

Out Our Front Door (OOFD) is a Chicago based nonprofit that leads bike adventures to immerse and educate in local history and nature. Funded in 2015, OOFD welcomes riders of all ages and abilities to join in immersive, inclusive, and educational bike camping adventures. Volunteers aim to deepen your reverence for the region by exploring local trails while learning about the culture, history, and habitats native to the beautiful Lake Michigan area and beyond.

In 2022, Breanna was unanimously elected to serve as President of the Board. Breanna is the first president of the board that is not a founder.

Wooster alum celebrating a baby shower in Kent, OH together. Nell Morgan Vitale (Schieber) ‘04, Laura Andrews (mother to be) ‘05, David Spano (husband and father to be), Christine McEvoy Prusa ‘05.

Ronald Edwin Youngberg, Jr., 55, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away unexpectedly at home on March 26, 2023. He was born in Chicago, IL, and grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago where he graduated from Carmel High School in Mundelein, IL, in 1985. He attended the College of Wooster in Wooster, OH, before heading west to Arizona in 1988. While in high school, one of his first jobs was working for a local catering company, and upon arrival in Arizona, he started his long career in the food and beverage industry where he made many life-long friends. Over the course of his career, he worked at many different establishments/companies around the Valley as well as in Nevada and California, including Minder Binders, Rockin’ Rodeo, R.T. O’Sullivan’s, Mickey’s Hangout, Iguana Mack’s, Coach & Willie’s, Kona Grill, SOL Mexican Cocina and Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar. Most recently, after a break from the industry during COVID, he was happy to be back doing what he loves with the opportunity at Bourbon and Bones.

Ron’s life-long passion was cooking; he was always trying new recipes or spice rubs or cooking techniques. He could take a taste of something and name what spices were in it or tell you what to add to improve it. In recent years, he added smoking meats and baking to his repertoire, though he still considered the original Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies the best dessert! If you were lucky enough to have Ron cook for you, you knew you were in for a treat. It wasn’t a family birthday celebration without “Ron’s perfect steak,” and his chimichurri sauce was a Christmas specialty. A family tradition was trying to stump Ron each year with a new Christmas cooking tool—he usually won!

Ron was a loyal friend and was always very focused on helping others. During his high school years, he volunteered at the local hospital, and he completed his service project to meet the requirements to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boys Scouts of America. He supported various causes over the years, including volunteering at food pantries, participating in walk-a-thons, and often raising funds for different charities, including various military causes to support our veterans.

Despite living in Arizona since 1988, Ron was a die-hard Chicago sports fan, always rooting for Da Bears, Da Cubs, Da Bulls and Da Blackhawks, though he did enjoy attending a few Phoenix Rising matches with his friends.

Ron is survived by his sisters Carole Youngberg, Paula Webb (James) and Patricia Andrew (William), nieces Kathryn Andrew and Kelly Andrew, and nephew William Andrew Jr., as well as his maternal uncles, aunts and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Ronald and Rosalin Youngberg. Services will be private. A Celebration of Life will be planned in the future. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the many charities Ron supported over the years, including: Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrf.org), Pat Tillman Foundation (www.pattillmanfoundation.org), or St. Mary’s Food Bank (www.firstfoodbank.org). And the next time you’re eating out at a local restaurant, please raise a glass to Ron. Godspeed, Ron.

I retired at the end of May, 2022 after 38 years as a biology professor at Eastern Connecticut State University.  I celebrated my retirement by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro this past February (2023), followed by a 5-day safari in northern Tanzania and a few days in Istanbul. I’ve spent the summer sailing on Long Island Sound dingy-racing on the Mystic River. I think I’m getting the hang of being retired.

Cynthia (Jean) Rice Chase, 82, of Laurel, Maryland, passed away peacefully at her home on June 11, 2023, after a long illness. Her devoted and loving husband and daughters were at her side.

Cynthia was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, to Mary Faber White and Kenneth William Rice on August 22, 1940, the oldest of two daughters. From age 11, she was raised by her father and his second wife, Mary Thelma Rice.

In 1962, Cynthia earned a degree in English from the College of Wooster in Ohio, where her future husband, Phillip John Chase, was also a student. They were married July 14, 1962, at Stone United Methodist Church in Meadville. Daughter Margaret Lucetta was born in 1963 in Pasadena, California. Daughter Rebecca Lynn was born in 1966 in Wooster, Ohio. In 1967, the family settled in Laurel, where Phil had taken a position with the National Security Agency (NSA).

In 1981, Cynthia also joined NSA as a Japanese linguist, after amassing 60 credits of language and economics courses while caring for her young daughters. She served in that role for 25 years. In the 1990s, she joined St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, where she sang alto in the choir; volunteered for Winterhaven, a faith-based homeless shelter; taught Sunday school; helped organize and teach at Camp St. Philip’s; and assisted with the church’s annual Main Street Festival Book Sale and Holly Days Bazaar. She was also a dedicated volunteer at Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS) for many years. As a champion for the mentally ill, those with autism, and the most vulnerable in society, she supported many charities and causes throughout her life.

Cynthia and Phil were married for more than 60 years and were each other’s best friend and constant companions. They enjoyed walking their dogs, traveling, planting roadside flowers, Polka and square dancing, and playing Wordle together. They also often visited the Chase family farm to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, hiking, and reunions with relatives and friends. With their daughters’ families, they regularly celebrated family birthdays, special occasions, and holidays and vacationed in Lewes, Delaware and Maine. Cynthia was especially close to and spent a lot of time with her oldest grandson, Andrew, whom she often tutored after school.

Cynthia was a voracious reader and maintained detailed journals throughout her life. She loved to write letters, short stories, and poems including haikus, some of which were published. She maintained two blogs for years, “And Deliver Us from Meadville” and “Life in Merlin,” which had loyal followings. Her entries were filled with humor, wit, and interesting stories about everyday life. She also enjoyed playing the piano and was interested in almost everything, including history, current events, social justice, civil rights, environmental issues, folklore and culture, religion, politics, language and literature, and music. Her love of music included many types, from Appalachian folk and bluegrass to international, classical, and choral music (especially King’s College Choir).

Her family and friends remember her as a thoughtful and private person, brilliant, funny and fun to be around, generous, and principled. She was known for her unusually clever puns and mastery of word games and puzzles but never one to “toot her own horn.” She was beloved and will be missed by all who knew her.

Cynthia is survived by her devoted and adoring husband, Phil, and daughters, Margo (Michael) Rice and Becky (Thomas) Fowler; grandchildren, Andrew Rice and Nathaniel and Mariel Fowler; sister, Barbara Rice (Ronald) Moline, and two half-sisters Cecilia (Azzam) Muhanna and Margaret (Russell) Taylor; sister-in-law, Cathryn (Stanley) Piekarski; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many friends. Another half-sister, Evelyn (Gary) Flowers, and a brother-in-law, Joseph David Chase, preceded her in death.

Margaret Mueller, 87, a resident of New Philadelphia died peacefully on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 after a brief illness.

Peggy grew up in Barberton, Ohio, the daughter of the late James Sleath and Margaret (Antles) McAnlis. She graduated from Barberton High School and the College of Wooster. Upon graduation, she married Ernest L. Mueller of Sugarcreek, who was serving in the US Air Force. They recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, Dr. Ernest J. Mueller of St. Louis, MO, a daughter, Elise (Kenneth) Lab, two grandchildren, Audrey L. (Kyle) Mattevi of New Philadelphia, OH and Frederick L. Lab of Delaware, OH, and one great granddaughter, Madelyn Mattevi. Additionally, Peggy is survived by her brother Dr. John (Joan) McAnlis of Wadsworth, OH and many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Mary Kathryn (Kate) Mueller.

Peggy taught high school mathematics in the United States, Okinawa and Germany. She made a home for her family at each of the 10 Air Force bases where Ernie was assigned. Peggy was a talented cake decorator and created numerous wedding cakes for her family and friends. Peggy and Ernie traveled extensively throughout their lives visiting every continent but Antarctica. She had a tremendous passion for genealogy. She made many trips to Salt Lake City and other locations throughout the world collecting information on not just her family, but assisted others in searching for their family histories as well. Peggy was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia. She was extremely involved in the running of the Clothes Closet there. Peggy was also a member of the Tuscarawas County Genealogical Society and College Club. In 2012, she was awarded the Zeisberger-Heckewelder Award by the Tuscarawas Historical Society.

Her dedication, her insight and passion will be greatly missed by many.

(Back row left to right): Eleri Miller 2019, Cami Miller 2020, Eva Stebel 2019, Ashley (Plassard) Tornow 2019, Non alumni, Taylor Mathews current assistant volleyball coach and class of 2018, Marija Cyvas 2019, Mayia Karayianni 2019. (Front row left to right): Erin (Rajewski) Pascoe 2019, McKenzie (Reese) Hull 2019, Jordan Murray 2019, non alumni, Anna Medema 2020, Gab Basinski 2019. Not pictured but in attendance, Head Volleyball Coach Sara Davis.

(Left to right): Joey Gilmore 2016, Brian Tornow 1991, Drew Tornow 2018, Ethan Myers 2019, Michael Houdek 2017. Not pictured but in attendance Jake Kail 2017 and Former Head Baseball Coach Barry Craddock.

Barbara was born on May 3, 1930, in Geneva, NY, to Coleman Hale Mallery and Lucy Gertrude Kleckler. She is survived by her children, Johan Herman (Susan) de Roos of Cincinnati, OH, Leslye de Roos (Joel) Rood of Chapel Hill, NC, and David Mallery de Roos of Irvington, her grandson, Timothy Hale Rood, of Venice, CA, and granddaughter, Anneke Elizabeth Rood of New York, NY.

Barbara excelled at academics, athletics, studied piano and cello, and she enjoyed riding through the fields and woods on her beloved quarter horse, Stacy. She graduated with honors from The College of Wooster, in Wooster, OH, where she lived in the French House. There she developed her love of all things French and was inspired to spend a summer in France following WWII building houses for those displaced by the war. At Wooster, she met and married John George de Roos, a Dutch immigrant, with whom she had her three children. While he attended law school, she worked for the Red Cross in New York. They moved to Irvington in 1961. Following his death in 1988 she married Donald Waesche, with whom she shared a deep love and ten very happy years before his passing.

Barbara had an inquiring mind, artistic eye, creative hands, and a quick sense of humor. She found expression in painting, sculpting, designing costumes for IHS drama productions, gardening, arranging flowers, and doing household repairs. She was an active member of the Irvington Garden Club, the Thursday Club, The Appalachian Mountain Club, and other organizations. She was also a devoted member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Irvington, where she sang for several years in the choir and served on the church’s vestry.

We had a mini reunion in Pensacola today.

Shelley Sanders Zuckerman, ‘85, Dave Sanders, ‘59, Margie Sanders, ‘59 and Laura Schwartz Lindauer, ‘87.

The photo was taken on August 12, which also happened to be Dave and Margie’s 65th wedding anniversary.

Stuart Lee Hills, 8/18/32 – 8/2/23. A devoted father, grandfather, husband, friend, civil rights activist, and acclaimed professor of Sociology at St. Lawrence University passed away peacefully in Sarasota, FL on August 2, 2023 at the age of 90.

One of four children of the late Frederic and Mildred Hills, Stuart was predeceased by his wife of 61 years Wilma, and is survived by his sons Darrick (Mary Ann Schoenberger), Marc and Michael (Laura McDonald), five grandchildren: Samuel, Elizabeth, Bridget, Matthew, Zaeda, and one great grandchild, Piper.

Born and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, Stuart spent most summers as a child with his beloved aunt and uncle in Vermont. After high school, Stuart found his way to Ohio where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the College of Wooster in 1955. It was at Wooster where he first met Wilma during an orientation exam when he asked his future wife to borrow a pencil. Years later it was revealed to his boys that their father had purposely broken his pencil as a ruse to speak with the lovely Wilma Smith. Stuart would go on to earn his Master’s and PhD in Sociology at Indiana University. Stuart held part-time teaching positions at Central Michigan University and Indiana, and became a father for the first time. 

In 1962, a full time position in the sociology department became available at Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio where Stuart threw himself into his teaching, scholarly research, and raising three active sons. In 1971, Stuart accepted a faculty position at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York where he was honored with multiple teaching awards, wrote four books in the fields of Criminology and Sociology, and served both the St. Lawrence and Canton communities with distinction until his retirement in 1994. During his tenure at St. Lawrence, Stuart was able to bring his family on his sabbaticals, including memorable stays in Seattle and at the American University in Leysin, Switzerland where he shared with his wife and young sons many memorable experiences in the Swiss Alps, as well as in France and Italy. A lover of sports throughout his life, Stuart was a constant presence at St. Lawrence hockey, football, and basketball games, and was always willing to let his three sons tag along. 

Stuart was at his best in the classroom where he thrived as a teacher and is still fondly remembered by his former students for his engaging lectures and for occasionally arriving to class in costume and beginning his lecture in full character. 

During Stuart’s time in northern New York, he was able to embrace his love of nature and the outdoors with frequent family snowshoeing, cross country skiing, sailing, canoeing, hiking, and camping trips in and around the Adirondack mountains. In retirement, Stuart focused his energies on wood carving and became a highly skilled carver with a special affinity for bird and holiday carvings. Stuart also took on the challenge of learning the craft of building wooden boats and successfully built a beautiful wooden Adirondack canoe and a sailboat that he affectionately named the Little Green Heron. 

After enduring the cold winters of the North Country for over two decades, Stuart and Wilma moved to Sarasota, FL to enjoy the sun and warmth on the Gulf Coast. Stuart was active with the Sarasota Sailing Squadron; he continued to enjoy his carving hobbies while also volunteering at the Pelican Man’s Bird Sanctuary and the Sarasota Audubon Nature Center where he served as a docent and authored “Birding Hotspots of Sarasota” so he could share his love of birding with the greater Sarasota community. Sarasota also proved to be a great starting point for the many cruises that he and Wilma enjoyed over their retirement years as well as a perfect vacation spot for visits by his children and grandchildren.

Stuart is greatly missed by his family, his former students and faculty colleagues, and the many friends that he made during his remarkably well-lived and impactful life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Sarasota Audubon Celery Fields Nature Center at sarasotaaudubon.org.

Original Slater House Alum in the early 70’s

Current, Left to right, Bob Sturtevant (75), Roger Sturtevant (74), Vanessa Piala (74), John Hallowell (75), Sam Patterson (75) and front Howie Cohen (75.

The group travelled throughout PEI for the week of July 17-24.  Many memories shared.

Michele (Mickie) Burden Johnson (‘71) and her husband, Bruce Johnson, hosted Jean Wilkerson Woessner and Bill Woessner (both ‘71) at their home in Columbus in May 2023.  Michele and Jean were hall mates as freshmen and roommates as juniors at COW; Michele was a bridesmaid at Jean and Bill’s wedding, and they have remained lifelong friends.

Anastasia (Ana) Wallace ’12 married Jonathan Williams in Delaware, OH on March 18th, 2023.

Dr. Virginia G. Allen peacefully passed away at Wesley Glen 0n Thursday February 16^th, 2023, at the age of 92.  She is proceeded in death by her husband Dr. Edward Allen. Virginia is survived by her brother Fred Garibaldi (Carol), son Patrick Allen, (Connie) (grandson, Henry), stepson Brett Allen (Terri), (Grandson, Austin).

Virginia was born in Pittsburgh, PA on May 5, 1930.  She attended Mount Lebanon High School, where French was her favorite subject. This whetted a life-long love of travel. Virginia graduated from the College of Wooster, and later earned a master’s degree at Western Reserve University. She then became a third-grade teacher in Rocky River, Ohio.  In 1961 she attended a summer program in Maine for French teachers that changed her life.  There she met Dr. Edward Allen, who convinced her to come to The Ohio State University and enroll in his PhD program.  In addition to being Virginia’s advisor he also became her husband.  On June 7^th, 1968, she received her PhD and on June 8^th, she and Dr. Allen were married.

As a professor, Virginia conducted research in ESL, working with migrant and refugee children. In 1983, with a colleague, she published the book, The Language Arts. She had an amazing ability to engage with people and immediately see what was special about them.  It was almost impossible to come away from a conversation with her without feeling better about yourself.  She was a loving mother, grandmother, wife, and educator who will be deeply missed.

Daniel Robert Crawford, 75, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, July 17,2023.    He was born October 30, 1947 to Robert and Ruth Crawford in Oakland, CA. Dan’s family of origin was a Navy family so they moved several times before settling in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.  Dan graduated with Honors in 1965 from Cuyahoga Falls HS, from the College of Wooster in 1969, from the University of Rochester in 1972 and Leslie College, Cambridge in 1987.

Dan loved being an educator. His second Master’s degree in Special Education allowed him to teach and tutor Special Education students until he retired in 2010 and began his study of economics. He administered and wrote for the blog angrybear.com which was cited by Paul Krugman in the New York Times and honored as one of the best economic blogs on the internet several years running.

Family and friends who loved Dan spoke of his kindness and gentle strength, his great sense of humor, beautiful gardens and the well-earned devotion of his family.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, children Melanie, Adam and Nathan, sister Yael Crawford and brothers Scott Banks and David Banks.

Services will be held at 11 AM Sept 23, 2023 at First Parish Sherborn, Sherborn MA.

Donations are welcomed for Good Shepard Hospice, Wayland MA.

When at Woo (mid-80’s), I was a DJ at WCWS as well as Ichabod’s (later The Underground, idk what it is now.) Some folks may recall our experiment at the radio station with doing a daily morning show known as “The Woo Crew.”
In the 90’s, I worked as a professional radio DJ but found it too constraining. Playlists… ugh.
Now I play what I want as a DJ on YouTube and Patreon going by the name of Corner DJ. (I live on a corner. Clever, huh?)
Check out my webpage, which is my YouTube page: CornerDJ.com and enjoy some musical flashbacks!

Obituary

In 2023, after working in Higher Education for 15 years, I left the University of Dayton to take a role as the Director of Higher Education and Assistance for Allegiant Global Partners, where I still get to work with colleges and universities to support their international travel insurance and assistance needs. This change has allowed me to work remotely full-time, which has been fantastic with my two school-aged children at home!

Marie passed away early Monday morning July 10, 2023, at Harbor View Cottage, where she had spent the last 4 years. with the care givers who loved her. Her time with Alzheimer’s finally over.

Marie’s career spanned 28 years with Time/Life, except time off to live in Greece for a time, from Researcher to Picture Editor of Life Magazine. A time she treasured.

Marie loved animals, especially horses and her beloved cats, probably more than humans. However, her empathy and love of good friends and family was inspiring.

In the summer months she could always be found in her garden.

Wanting to give back in her retirement years she spent several years with Freedom Riders helping challenged children and adults to ride horses.

Everyone Marie touched was made better for it. As her nephew said to me “Words fail to describe the beauty and joy Marie brought to all our lives, making us richer, happier and more fulfilled for knowing and loving her.”

She and Peter sailed together for many years, and both agreed it was one of the very best things they did. The times of pure beauty with sailing friends was priceless. In sailing they discovered Maine.

Marie is survived her husband Peter, sister Nancy, Sister-in-law Anne and nephews Will, Brian and Gordon.

No memorial service is planned. Memorial contributions in her honor can be made in Marie’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Rachel Linnell Wynn died peacefully in her sleep at 104 years old on May 19, 2023 at Charlestown Retirement Community in Catonsville, Maryland. She was born in Wendell, Idaho on November 11, 1918, to the Reverend E. Payson Linnell and Pearl Huston Linnell. Her brother, Albert Payson Linnell, predeceased her in 2016. She was the beloved wife of John Charles Wynn (JC), who predeceased her on March 31, 2009. They met as students at the College of Wooster and were married in 1943. Rachel is survived by their three children: Mark Wynn (spouse, Barbara) of Arnold, Maryland; Martha Borland (spouse, Robert) of Butler, Pennsylvania; and Maryan Ainsworth (spouse, Charles) of Old Greenwich, Connecticut. She is also survived by five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

In the early years of her marriage, Rachel focused on raising her young family and supporting JC’s work in the Presbyterian church. When the family moved to Rochester, New York in 1959, Rachel embarked on her professional career. She taught high school history and received a master’s degree from the University of Rochester before finding her calling as a guidance counselor. She retired in 1983. During her retirement years, she pursued interests in weaving, photography, and the genealogy of the Linnell family. She produced a book on the Descendants of Robert Linnell, first published in 1985 and founded the Linnell Family Association that continues to this day.

Summers were spent at their beloved home at Cranberry Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. Rachel and JC eventually moved to Columbia, Maryland near their son Mark, and then to Charlestown Retirement Community in 1991. At Charlestown, Rachel was remained active with the First Presbyterian Church of Howard County and the P.E.O. sisterhood and served on the Residents’ Council. She will be interred at the Cranberry Lake Cemetery, New York, alongside her beloved husband, JC Wynn.

I will be accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Chemical Society’s Chemical Health & Safety Division at the Fall ACS meeting in San Francisco. Unfortunately, the best I could do in chemistry at Wooster was a “C” in Chemistry for Non-Science Majors because of my failure to grasp the nuances of calculus.  My History degree wouldn’t normally lead to career in the sciences, but apparently the value of a liberal arts education at Wooster doesn’t restrict you to a particular field.  My path has occasionally taken twists and turns, but it has led to a 40+ year career in environmental health & safety and my current “retirement” job as Executive Director of the National Registry of Certified Chemists.

Geoff Jones and David Martin, freshman year roommates in Armington second section, second floor, recently had a chance to meet and chat along with 300,000 other people at the Indianapolis 500 in May.  A great opportunity to re-connect and catch up 44 years after meeting during move-in day 1979.  Looking forward to meeting again at next years race.

Jim and Barb Hazel (Oetting) recently stopped by Clearwater for a quick visit on their way home from a cruise.  Great chance for former roommates and friends to catch up and share some memories.

In photo:  David Martin 83, Jim Hazel 83, Barb Hazel (Oetting) 83, Tara Martin (Mahlerwein) 82.

August 2022

Tara Martin (Mahlerwein), Miram Englund, Margy Meghdadpour and Deb Albert (Allenby) gathered in Cape Cod for a mini-40th reunion.   Lobsters, beach walks, and lots of stories made for a great fall weekend before classes resumed in September.  Thanks to the COW bookstore for help with the Woo swag to make the reunion complete.

We had a “roomie reunion” last October when Cheryl (Becker) Conrad and Shannon (Dodds) Washington drove to Arlington, VA to visit Michelle (Varughese) Edwards. Great times and memories shared!

Becky has retired from being Rector of wonderful St. James’ Episcopal Church for the past 13 years in the beautiful Village of Skaneateles, NY.  We are moving to Hope Valley, Rhode Island to be near our son, Ben, his wife Rachael, and 3 yr. old grandson, Milo.  I am looking forward to helping Ben on his organic Livestock farm – Wild Harmony Farm in Exeter, RI – “Healthy Land, Healthy Animals, Healthy People”.  We trust the Lord will have more things for us to do in the future, but are happy to take a break for awhile.

SNOOK–Patricia Hartley, 95, of New York, NY, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 17th, 2023. Daughter of the late Ruth and Lyman Hartley of Washington Heights (Manhattan), she graduated as Valedictorian of the Barnard School for Girls, earned a bachelor’s degree from Wooster College in Wooster, Ohio, (Class of ’49), and two master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and in Social Work from Columbia University.

She served as a Sunday school teacher for nursery school and kindergarten at The Riverside Church in the early 1960’s, then as Headmistress of the Little Flower Montessori School in the 1970’s, then as a paralegal, and finally as a psychiatric social worker. In her retirement, she was an avid supporter of the New York Historical Society (NYHS), where her husband, John, served as a docent.

She loved going to the theater, to museums, attending Sunday services at The Riverside Church, reading the NY Times, and spending time with her family at Sebec Lake in Maine, and with neighbors at Columbus Park Towers in NYC. Her son John accompanied her for many of these activities, and he was the greatest caretaker one could ask for, always by her side for the last years of her life.

She is survived by her children John, Curtis, and Catherine, daughter-in-law Abigail Snook, son-in-law Steven Branda, her grandchildren Aaron, Sage, Mary, Mel, and Jasmine, nephews Jay and Jim, and nieces Julie, Anne, and Jessica. A memorial service will be held on July 29^th, 2023 at 11am in Christ Chapel at The Riverside Church in New York City. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the NYHS, nyhistory.org.

Cindy retired from Verizon in 2019 and is now volunteering at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. She and her husband, Michael Sullivan, live in McLean VA.

Marina McGrew is teaching art in a local Waldorf school on a volunteer basis. She also teaches at Sunbridge Institute and does teacher training. Marina is doing pottery, book binding, photography and painting.

Nora Lari is going between Lima, Peru and Boca Raton LF, New Mexico, and soon, New Haven, Ct. She is a part-time doctor in Florida. Nora hopes to travel more! (Europe, North Africa, Australia …)

Mary Kisinger is semi-retired, working part-time for her small New Hampshire town. She’s waiting for Joe (hubby) to retire. Mary enjoys gardening, playing with her dog, Tuli, and remodeling her “ancient” house. Mary would like to retire in Southern Europe soon!

Tim is a retired chemist. He is a carpenter (framing/finishing) for Habitat for Humanity and Servants at Work. Tim is a USA Cycling National Official. He also travels to Indy car and INSA races.  Tim enjoys woodworking and drinking bourbon at his lake house.

Julie is married to Robert (Bob) Courtney. She was a Chemistry Major and the first student under Dr. Paul Gaus (retired). Julie worked five years for Hercules, Inc. as a Chemist and in Program Management. She then chose to be home raising three awesome humans! Interests include promoting healthy choices partnering with Shaklee Co., directing handbells, managing twenty rentals, coordinating care for Bob’s Mom and tutoring middle school math.

Trivial note: they’ve never moved since married in September of 1978!

Larry Retired in 2019 from Montgomery County Health and Human Services. He is moving from Gaithersburg, MD to Beltsville, MD. Larry is also learning to restore old automobiles and he is continuing his real estate management business. Larry enjoys traveling and maintaining physical activity pursuits.

Joan, Sue and Nancy were assigned as roommates on 3rd Main of Holden Hall and are still in close touch with each other. They look forward to each of our Wooster reunions. Nancy retired as a speech language pathologist from a school district. Since then she has been busy volunteering, traveling and taking care of her darling grand-daughter. She tells us she still likes her husband of 41 years, Bill Huffman, Wooster Class of 1977.

I finished 5th place in my fantasy football league this year.

Bob is still working as a safety engineer and hazard analyst for Northrop Grumman Defense now for forty-three years. He travels and is training the next generation of analysts. He is still married to his lovely Wooster bride, Julie Buda Courtney.

The Class of 1978 gathered at Luce Hall during our 45th Reunion. In addition to the wonderful lectures, panel discussions and other celebrations hosted by the College of Wooster, we had some of our own activities. Activities included a Winery Tour & visit to Lincoln Way Vineyards, an Artists and Writers Show in Luce Hall, a Remembrance/Memorial Service hosted by Jon Fancher, and of course: Coccia House Pizza & gathering around a firepit!

Much fun was had by all! Visit our facebook page (6) Wooster Class of ’78 | Facebook to see some of the photos and comments!

Mary is researching her Welsh family history after a 36 year career as a public school music teacher. Jon volunteers at a local performing and visual arts education center following retirement from a 31 year pastorate in suburban Cleveland. They live in Rocky River, Ohio.

Wayne Cornelius is now a full-time volunteer at acute-care hospitals and clinics in the Portland, Oregon area, providing canine therapy to many different types of patients, their relatives, and medical staff. He and his white Labrador “Bentley” work with trauma victims in emergency departments, post-surgical patients in ICUs, women in labor & delivery, oncology infusion patients, autistic children getting vaccinations, and anyone else who may need de-stressing and support in their recovery. They also provide palliative and end-of-life care. They de-stress TSA agents at the Portland airport during peak holiday travel periods. With Bentley along to demonstrate, Wayne lectures on the basic science and best practices for canine therapy at the Oregon Health Sciences University’s medical school and the School of Nursing at the University of Portland. “It’s much better than retirement!” he says.

MIDDLEPORT – Royalton-Hartland High School teacher Colleen Burkett was recognized as Outstanding High School Science Teacher of the Year by the Western New York American Chemical Society (WNY ACS).

The ACS is the world’s largest scientific society and one of the world’s leading sources of authoritative scientific information.

“I am honored to be recognized as the Outstanding Science Teacher of the Year by the American Chemical Society,” Burkett said.  “I have been a member of this professional society since college and have seen so many wonderful educators and scientists recognized for their efforts in their field of expertise. I am honored to be included in that list of individuals!”

Burkett received her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry in 2006 from the College of Wooster.  Following this she joined the University of Arizona’s Surface and Imaging Facilities as a research assistant. She completed her Master’s in 2017 at Arizona and began as a chemistry teacher at Royalton-Hartland High School in January 2018.

Superintendent Jill Heck remembers fondly when Burkett came to work for the district, “She was experienced, knowledgeable and had such a great background in chemistry from her work in the field.  We were fortunate to get her on our staff, and she will continue to be an asset to Roy-Hart Central School District in the future.”

Burkett also teaches both Regents Chemistry and College Chemistry through Niagara County Community College. She has developed a new curriculum through a professional development grant and implemented a modern classroom format often referred to as “Flipped Classroom”, with student-centered self-paced learning.

She has ensured that her students meet academic benchmarks while remaining up-to-date and well-informed on science industry topics and progress.

“The single best thing about being an educator is seeing the ‘lightbulb moment’ for a student,” she said. “It’s the moment that they finally make a connection between something we’re learning and a real-world phenomenon. It’s the moment that they finally grasp a difficult topic we’ve been working on for a while. I know most of my students won’t go on to study chemistry beyond high school, but I love getting kids excited about science in their real lives and I hope they carry this enthusiasm with them into the future.”

Burkett is known for offering support to her fellow teachers at Roy-Hart with her expertise in digital tools and learning management systems. She is very dedicated to her students, colleagues and the community.  Burkett is grateful for the support she receives in return.

“This award also made me incredibly thankful for a supportive administration,” she said. “My principal, Gary Bell, and superintendent, Jill Heck, have given me the freedom to explore new and interesting teaching methodologies in my classroom and we see it paying off dividends in the way my students are motivated to learn! A big thank you to Sarah English from Sweet Home High School, who has been a great mentor over the past five years. It would also be remiss of me to not thank my parents, Thomas and Cynthia Burkett, who were excellent examples of dedicated educators in the Western New York region.”

Elaine Baran Black ’93 died of colon cancer during the early hours of the morning on Friday, April 14, 2023. She was 52 years old. She is survived by her loving husband of 23 years, Kevin Black, her daughter Meryl Black, her father Edward Baran, her sister Caroline Fleming, several in-laws, 5 nieces, 1 great-niece, numerous cousins, and two cats.

Elaine was admired for her wry humor and forthright demeanor. With a passion not only for travel but also for travel planning, she set foot in 17 different countries and arranged for her family to have off-the-beaten-path adventures along the way. She enjoyed an active life. She swam and dove competitively, acted in community theater, made photo books, volunteered at the elementary school, and was once even a TV game show contestant.

Having graduated from the College of Wooster and going on to earn a Masters in Library Science from the University of South Florida, Elaine put librarian skills to work serving communities throughout Georgia and beyond, eventually working as the Director of Children and Family Services for the Georgia Public Library Service. A strong advocate for family literacy, she participated in and designed library programs for children, teens, and adults. Upon retirement, she received well wishes and congratulations from libraries and librarians all over the U.S.

Elaine was a dear and kind person, a dedicated wife, and an outstanding mother. She left her mark on the world in so many ways, and the world is a better place because she was here. Her life ended far too soon, but she made the most of the abbreviated time that she did have. She is already deeply missed.

There will be no immediate funerary services because Elaine generously donated her body to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Suwanee, GA. When the college holds a memorial service for donors and their families, more information will be forthcoming as to time and place.

Elaine specifically requested that her obituary read “In lieu of flowers, go check out a book.”

A group of guys and their wives met for a (chilly) spring cookout at the Menoes’ home.

from left
Andy Nicholson ’89
David Knowlton ’89
Greg Giuliano ’87
Tom Moore ’87
Wes Johnston ’89
Mike Menoes ’87
Alison (Stenta) Johnston ’89
John Murphy ’86
Nora (Land) Murphy ’86

OSHKOSH, Wis. (May 4, 2023)- The Wisconsin Herd, the NBA G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks, was recognized as the 2022-23 NBA G League Franchise of the Year. This is the first time the Wisconsin Herd has won the league’s prestigious award since its inaugural season in 2017-18. The team was also awarded 2022-23 Promotion of the Year for the “Be the Light” Black History Month Celebration Platform.

“The Herd is honored to be recognized as Franchise of the Year and to receive the Promotion of the Year award,” said Wisconsin Herd President Steve Brandes. “This is a testament to the hard work our entire team put into making our fifth season our best season yet. We are so thankful to have such an amazing community including our partners and fans. We can’t wait to share this award with you.”

A selection committee comprised of league executives determined the winner of the Franchise of the Year award. All 30 teams were evaluated on the league’s core pillars: Compete with Intensity, Lead with Integrity and Inspire Play.

The Herd experienced significant growth and development last season, as the team saw a 17 percent rise in social media following across all platforms and a 17 percent surge in sponsorship sales for the 2022-23 season. The Herd drew large crowds at Oshkosh Arena playing before an average of 87 percent of capacity for 24 home games, selling out 11 of those contests, and more than doubling the number of sellouts from 2021-22. Wisconsin also set a single-game team attendance record on its fifth annual School Day presented by BMO, welcoming a franchise-best 4,138 fans.

The Herd was also recognized with the Promotion of the Year Award for its “Be the Light” Black History Month Celebration program presented by TDS Telecommunications LLC. The team partnered with artist Patrick “Patcasso” Hunter to paint 12 portraits of 13 influential Black leaders that were sublimated onto the jerseys worn by the Herd during the February 7^th game and auctioned off to raise funds for the Harold Lefty Williams DARE2DREAM foundation. Wisconsin also facilitated a shoe-design workshop in collaboration with STEAM Revolt at Perry Tipler Middle School and displayed the 12 portraits at the UW-Oshkosh Steinhilber Gallery for the month of February.  Former NBA player and current TNT analyst Kenny “The Jet” Smith received a custom Herd jersey and shared it on “NBA on TNT,” live from their studio.

Martha Jane (McCormick) Cox passed away June 12, 2021 at 92.  She is survived by 3 daughters, 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was born and raised in Lisbon, Ohio and entered college at the College of Wooster in the class of 1950, she married in 1948, she finished her bachelor’s degree at Carnegie-Mellon and received her masters of library science at Kent State University after her youngest daughter had started kindergarten.  Following her master’s degree, she enjoyed a 36 year career as a library administrator at Malone College and the Stark County Law Library in Canton, Ohio. She served in her church her whole life in many positions and leadership roles.  She loved her Lord, family, learning, serving, gardening, and playing bridge.

Chameleon Sky, a poetry chapbook written by Wooster Alumna Sarah E N Kohrs, was published in February 2023 as the 2022 Kingdoms in the Wild Poetry Award recipient. She has over 100 publications of poetry and photography in literary journals, worldwide. Kohrs is also the recipient of five awards from The Poetry Society of Virginia in 2023, including the Judah, Sarah, Grace, and Tom Memorial poetry award.

The Wayne State University School of Social Work is proud to announce the 2023 MSW Student of the Year, LaTricia Mitchell (MSW).

LaTricia Mitchell (she/her/hers) is an MSW and Infant Mental Health Dual-Title Program student. She entered the MSW program with a BA in Africana Studies from The College of Wooster in Ohio and a Master of Divinity with emphasis in African American Church Studies with a wealth of professional experiences and has used her time in the program to further develop and hone her clinical skills. LaTricia participates in the Zero to Thrive Program at the University of Michigan, working in both the Infant and Early Childhood Clinic and Perinatal Women and Infant Clinic where she is gaining skills and clinical experience assessing women and children, cultivating therapeutic relationships, creating measurable treatment objectives, and implementing a variety of evidence-based interventions. LaTricia is a talented young scholar who is deeply thoughtful and reflective about the contextual factors affecting Black families raising young children and about the cultural strengths that Black families leverage to raise their children in the context of racism. She is a student member of MI-AIMH, NABSW, and NASW-MI. She is also a student leader in the Radical Social Work student organization and a student member of the MSW Curriculum Committee. She was also recently awarded the Advanced Clinical Social Work Fellowship at the Yale Child Study Center.

I met with my two time Wooster roommate and forever bestie, Felicia Lambe `05 where our kids got to meet in her beautiful Honolulu home.  Check out my son’s COW shirt!

Pictured left to right: Felicia Lambe, Shoshana Raskas Aguilar, Felicia’s wife Kristen, child Andre, and baby Sebastian

Josephine H Hartmann (Brenneman), class of 1965, passed away on 1 December 2022.  She was a wonderful wife and mother.

Brett Dawson ‘11 married Jessica Vargo on December 31, 2022, in Cleveland, OH. Pictured are Nicole Martin (LaPerna) ‘18, Matthew Martin ‘16, Elijah Bresley ‘11, Shane Legg ‘10, Benjamin Bellamy ‘12, Claire Bellamy (Lewis) ‘11, Miatta Cogar (Toothman) ‘11, Éowyn Bestor (Groves) ‘13, and Jordan Welker ‘11.

After retiring from the practice of law three years ago (April 2020), I have been able to devote more time to genealogy research.  I enjoy finding “new” cousins.  Over the decades my research has evolved from in-person visits to courthouses and archives to physically search large volumes and scroll through microfilmed records to doing DNA testing and internet searches.  I also enjoy another area of “roots”, gardening.  I favor perennial flowers and produce (asparagus, rhubarb).

Fox Rothschild LLP congratulates Randall Pattee on his induction as a fellow to the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL).

The ACTL has a highly selective, invitation-only membership and is considered the most prestigious association for the Trial Bar in the United States and Canada. Membership cannot exceed 1 percent of the total lawyers in any state or province and invitations to become an ACTL fellow are extended only to trial attorneys “who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality.”

Pattee, co-chair of Fox’s Product Liability & Mass Torts Practice, represents clients throughout the United States in product liability defense and business and commercial disputes. He has been national or regional counsel for manufacturers in the HVAC, transportation, food, industrial controls and processes, construction, agricultural equipment, pharmaceutical, consumer products and chemical industries.

Pattee earned his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and his B.A. from the College of Wooster.

We all remember Wooster fondly, and I myself took classes there as a senior at Wooster High School.  There were numerous faculty members, including professor Floyd Watts, with whom we became family friends. …Dan Gerrity

Dorothy “Dottie” Gerrity

Dorothy (“Dottie”) Gerrity, 83, of Bellaire, Michigan and Naples, Florida died peacefully and surrounded by her family on April 3, 2023. She was born Dorothy Lee Arnold on March 9, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. She is the middle daughter of Lee Edward Arnold and Dorothy Helen Arnold. Dottie is preceded in death by her parents, her older sister Sharon Shore, and her husband Robert (“Bob”) Gerrity. She is survived by her younger sister Kathy Stafford of Bellaire, her children Dan Gerrity of Seattle, Washington (Marjorie Benditt), Patrick Gerrity of Ann Arbor, Michigan (Lauren Gerrity), Neil Gerrity of Bellaire (Holly Gerrity), and Erin Fry of Dallas, Texas (Barnaby Fry). Dottie is also survived by her nieces and nephews, eight grandchildren, one great grandson, another great grandson on the way, and many dear friends and loved ones.

Dottie graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1958 where she was a member of the National Honor Society (and was the homecoming queen). After high school, Dottie attended Michigan State University where she met Bob, who carried her luggage in for her on the first day. Dottie and Bob married on September 10, 1960 and started their family in Grand Blanc, Michigan and, later, Ann Arbor.

Dottie and Bob and their four children moved to Wooster, Ohio in 1974. At that time Dottie returned to college to earn her bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster where she was the first older student. She majored in Sociology and graduated in 1976 at 36 years old. During this time she taught English at Wooster High School and her poetry was published in several books. In Wooster, she also further developed her strong political and social justice opinions. Dottie was an avid feminist, Democrat, and supporter of the rights of women and minorities. In 1979 Dottie moved back to Ann Arbor where she began her career in the construction industry, working first on the Northbury Condominium project.

Dottie and Bob traveled the world together and made many friends along the way. They lived in São Paulo, Brazil, Lancaster, Pennsylvania and London, England before settling back in Northern Michigan and Southwestern Florida. Dottie was a consummate volunteer. She volunteered at the Deanʼs Office of Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, Michigan and served as a volunteer at the Torch Lake Yacht Club in Bellaire for many years. Dottie went through the Greater Naples Leadership training (Class Number 2) and she spent many years volunteering in Naples including as the Chair of the Collier County Community Foundation, a Board Member of Fun Time Early Learning Academy, a Member of the Advisory Committee of First Book Collier County, a GAIN Committee Member, the Secretary of the Board of First Book of Collier County, a founding board member of CHS Healthcare Foundation, a Board Member of Collier County Chamber of Commerce, and a volunteer at the Christ Child Society of Naples. Dottie was also recognized as one of the Women of Initiative by the Women’s Foundation of Collier County and received the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Greater Naples Leadership, Inc.

Dottie was happiest when she was helping others. She has been a major influence in the lives of many, especially younger people who needed an open heart, a listening ear, or even a place to stay.

A private memorial service will be held in Naples on April 8th and a Celebration of Life will be held this summer at Dottie’s family home on Torch Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dottie’s memory can be made to the Collier County Community Foundation.

Repatriating to the USA

2010

Charlottsville, VA

Moving/Relocation

Brittany Orr

Class of 2010

Charlottsville, VA

Moving/Relocation

The Orr Family, Brittany 2010 and Patrick 2011 with our daughter Lillian, moved back to the US after living in Taiwan since 2011. We relocated to Charlottesville where Patrick got a job teaching 2nd grade and coaching lacrosse at Saint Anne’s Belfield School, and Brittany as Recruitment Coordinator at Southern Teachers Agency. We are looking forward to reconnecting with old friends, and meeting new ones in the area.

Baby Carithers

2009

Arlington, VA

Professional Achievements

Max Carithers

Class of 2009

Arlington, VA

Professional Achievements

Max and his wife Catherine welcomed their first child, Matthew Richard, in June 2022.

Wooster Baby Shower in SC

2010

Goose Creek, SC

Births and Family

Kristine Gaswint

Class of 2010

Goose Creek, SC

Births and Family

Wooster alum celebrating a baby shower in Charleston, SC together. Rebecca Henson (Haug)‘12, Denise Gosnell (Koessler) ‘08, Jesse Gaswint (father to be) ‘10, Kristine Gaswint (Mann)(mother to be) ‘10, Clare Walsh ‘13, Melissa Haug ‘12, Priscilla Haug ‘12.

In Memory of Jeanne Fegan Fallows `49

1949

Clearwater, FL

In Memoriam

Jeanne Fallows

Class of 1949

Clearwater, FL

In Memoriam

Jeanne Fallows

08/14/1927 – 11/22/2022

Jeanne Fallows, age 95, of Clearwater, Florida passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sylvanabbey.com for the Fallows family.

In Memory of Nancy Rue `68

1968

Athens, OH

In Memoriam

Nancy Rue

Class of 1968

Athens, OH

In Memoriam

Nancy H. Rue, 76, of Athens, Ohio passed away peacefully Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Riverside Methodist Hospital following a brief illness. She was born in Canton, Ohio, on June 14, 1946, the daughter of Marian P. and W. Donald Huffman. She grew up in northeastern Ohio, but spent her adult life in Athens. She graduated from the College of Wooster in 1968 and received a Master’s degree in Library Science from Kent State University a year later. Following her mother’s career path in librarianship, Nancy enjoyed a successful career as reference librarian at Ohio University’s Alden Library, receiving the Outstanding Administrator award in 1991. She retired as the Associate Dean for Public Service after 35 years of service to the University Libraries. Connecting people with information was her passion as a librarian. She learned to play golf as a youngster, taught primarily by her father, and grew up on the family’s golf course in Austinburg, OH. She remained an avid golfer throughout her life. Nancy was the women’s champion at the Athens Country Club for more than 30 years and a six-time medalist in the Southeastern Ohio Women’s Golf Association tournament. An active member of the Country Club, she served as president of the Board of Trustees, president of the Women’s Golf Association, on various Club committees, and as the Club’s historian. Nancy was a generous benefactor to her alma maters, Wooster and Kent State, as well as to many local and national charitable organizations. She established a scholarship fund to honor her family, supported the Ohio University golf program, and local libraries. She enjoyed and appreciated her friends, especially those with whom she shared many happy times on the golf course and over card games or a glass of wine. Their support and love lifted her spirits through her final illness. She was preceded in death by her parents and her best friend of over 40 years Connie Stanforth and her husband William. She is survived by her husband, Charles V. Rue, Jr., of Athens; and by her brother, Donald S. Huffman and his wife Joanna of Vero Beach, FL; nephews Andrew Huffman and Nathan Huffman, great niece Callie and great nephew James Huffman, and her Stanforth family, Kirby and Will. Nancy’s final message to the world is this: Be kind and love each other. Doing good for others out of love and kindness is the true purpose of our existence: “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.” (S. Grellet)

Tributes and remembrance gifts in Nancy’s memory may be directed to the Huffman Family Scholarship Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), P.O. Box 456, Nelsonville, OH 45764, or the Ohio University Libraries through The Ohio University Foundation, P.O. Box 869, Athens, OH 45701, or (to benefit the Athens Public Library) the Betcher Memorial Endowment for Library Services, also c/o FAO in Nelsonville.

There will be a memorial gathering and celebration of Nancy’s life on Saturday, April 15, 2023, 3:00 PM at the Athens Country Club. Arrangements are by Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home where You may send a message of sympathy to the family at www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com.

David Clark Palmer June 7, 1930 – March 5, ...

1952

Milford, NY

In Memoriam

David Palmer

Class of 1952

Milford, NY

In Memoriam

David C. Palmer (Class of 1952) passed away at age 92 on March 5, 2023 from multiple health issues.  He died peacefully at home with family at his side.  He will be remembered for his kindness, respectful manner, and generosity as a loving husband and father, entrepreneur, business executive, and educator.  David is one of a long line of the Palmer family who have benefited from the quality education at the College of Wooster and he was proud to support it with a generous gift/annuity.  After his BA at Wooster he served in the US Army and then received an MBA degree at Cornell University.  He worked for Eastman Kodak and then taught high school business at South Huntington School District on Long Island.  Summers were spent operating Palmer Point Boats and Cottages on Fourth Lake in the Adirondacks.  He was married to Joyce D. Palmer (deceased 2014) and leaves two children, Karen Joyce Palmer (Class of ’82) and Stephen Clark Palmer.  

Betty Mabel (Hughey) ’55 Celebrates 90th Bir...

1955

Eurclid, OH

Personal Updates

Betty Mabel

Class of 1955

Eurclid, OH

Personal Updates

Betty Mabel (Hughey) ’55 celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends the weekend of March 12, 2023. Betty was joined at her party by her sister, Ruth Dever (Hughey) ’57 and her children, grandchildren and 2 new great-grandchildren! Betty resides in Euclid, OH and is active in her church, Eastshore United Methodist Church. She sings in her church choir and a community women’s choir. At a recent rehearsal the Director praised her for her amazing high G! She enjoys time at her cottage in Muskoka, Ontario with her family during the summers. She is always ready for a Cleveland Orchestra concert and a visit to the Cleveland Art Museum. She begins every day with a time of devotion and prayer. A voracious reader, she keeps up on current events and usually has a mystery novel by her side with the radio tuned to WCLV. The mayor of Euclid, Ohio, Kirsten Holzheimer Gail, attended her birthday celebration and presented a certificate to honor Betty’s many years of service to her community. Her family is blessed to have this amazing woman as our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother!

In Memory of Robert H Evans `60

1960

Duluth, MN

In Memoriam

Robert H. Evans

Class of 1960

Duluth, MN

In Memoriam

Robert Howard Evans died March 19, 2023.

Bob was born May 1, 1938, in Pittsburgh, PA to Howard John and Eugenia Wilson Evans. Bob grew up in Pittsburgh and DuBois, PA, graduating from Plum HS in Pittsburgh. He and his wife, Mary, graduated from the College of Wooster where he received honors and the John F. Miller prize in philosophy, while serving as a member of the Marine Corps Reserves. He attended the University of Indiana, and then received a Mellon Fellowship, and his PhD, from the University of Pittsburgh. He arrived in Duluth in 1964 to replace Henry Ehlers for a quarter at UMD, but Bob proved he was a natural teacher and together they developed a philosophy major where he taught across the curriculum throughout his 40 years on the faculty. Bob taught in the Rusty Ladies program and the Experimental Freshman Studies Program, served on the Athletic Committee, the Award and Honors Committee, and on the All-University Committee on Active Learning. He was Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts under Rip Rapp. Bob became the first Assistant Dean for Student Affairs for the College of Letters and Science, and Head of the Philosophy Department numerous times. He was president of the Duluth Chapter of the AAUP and served as the UEA legislative liaison. Bob served widely including being on the American Indian Advisory Board, the Medical School Admissions Committee, Director of Interdisciplinary Studies, as the Director of the Center for Public Policy and on the St. Louis County Historical Society Board. Three different years he was Director of the Study in England Program and taught two other years in England for a program he loved. Bob had a wide variety of skills, from being the interim Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs to earning a varsity athletic letter in college for wrestling, the latter being a story that he regaled to his children. He received the Jean Blehart Distinguished Teacher Award, and the Advisement Award for CLA. Even in retirement he continued to share his knowledge through courses he taught for the University for Seniors.

https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/obituaries/obits/robert-h-evans-5d0135ff67a60618cb3bf3a9-64190e23f3f54b1dcbb4d73b

In Memory of Carlile B. Marshall ’71

1971

Summit, NJ

In Memoriam

Carlile Marshall

Class of 1971

Summit, NJ

In Memoriam

Carlile Babcock Marshall died on February 7^th, 2023 after a long illness. After graduating from Wooster, Carlile earned his MBA at Ohio State, and then his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. Carlile began his career at Public Service Electric and Gas Company, then pursued banking for the rest of his career.

Carlile was a very loyal alumnus of Wooster, and, at the drop of a hat, would drive from Summit, New Jersey, where he lived, whether it was to see a play on campus or attend a class reunion.  He was a very generous donor to Wooster and established a scholarship in memory of his mother, Alexandra Babcock Marshall who also graduated from Wooster.

He was also the grandson of Colonel Guilford Babcock who was a trustee of Wooster from 1934 to 1943.

Carlile was an active member of Central Presbyterian Church of Summit, serving as a deacon for many years, and on many committees.

Pi Kappa Peanuts visit The Peanut Shoppe of Spring...

1978

Springfield, OH

Professional Achievements

Cindy Mache

Class of 1978

Springfield, OH

Professional Achievements

About a dozen Pi Kappa ladies from ’77, ’78, and ’79 gathered in Springfield, OH for a reunion hosted by Lisa Carter. We came across The Peanut Shoppe of Springfield and had to go in and sample the selection of peanuts and candies. Depicted are Joan Blanchard, Cindy Mache, Lisa Carter Sherrock, Gaye Kelly Robinson, Shelley Griewahn, Blake Fidler, Carol Bowers, and Cyd Raftus McDowell. Matt, the owner, is in the back!

Wooster Lunch in Asheville, NC

2009

Asheville, NC

Professional Achievements

Paul Seling

Class of 2009

Asheville, NC

Professional Achievements

I connected with a group of Scots all living in the same retirement community in Asheville, NC. Many Wooster memories were shared.  Libby ’90 is the President and CEO of the community.  She started about 6 months ago and was quickly reached out to by the Scots living there to welcome her to their Wooster group.

 

Front Row L-R:  Former President Henry Copeland,  Marleen Varner ‘53

Back Row L-R: Amy Clarke ‘65, Ethel Brooking ‘61, Paul Seling ‘09, David Stewart ‘51, Libby Bush ’90 (CEO of the retirement community), Michael Clarke ‘65

Tracey Forfa `81, named as Director of the FDA Cen...

1981

Beallsville, MD

Professional Achievements

Tracey Forfa J.D.

Class of 1981

Beallsville, MD

Professional Achievements

Tracey Forfa, J.D., Named as Director of the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) – Forfa has been “… acting in the position since December 2022, when previous director Steven M. Solomon, DVM, MPH, retired from Federal service. She has been with CVM since 2002 and was appointed the Deputy Center Director in 2008. She also previously served as Acting Director in 2016 … Forfa is the first non-veterinarian to hold the CVM directorship. However, as recently determined by Commissioner Califf, when the center director is not a veterinarian, the agency soon will name a Chief Veterinary Officer to advise on a wide variety of veterinary issues … Forfa earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio and her law degree from the University of Baltimore in Maryland …”

Web site: Source: February 17, 2023 FDA CVM Update, titled “Tracey Forfa Announced as New Director of FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine”, posted at
http://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/tracey-forfa-announced-new-director-fdas-center-veterinary-medicine

A brief biography of Tracey H. Forfa is posted at
http://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-organization/tracey-forfa

Joey Gilmore ’16 and Morgan McDowell Marry

2016

Wooster, OH

Weddings and Marriages

Joey Gilmore

Class of 2016

Wooster, OH

Weddings and Marriages

On June 25, 2022, Joey Gilmore ’16 and Morgan McDowell got married at Mohican Gardens in Loudonville, OH. Alumni pictured here are (L/R) Ethan Myers ’19, Drew Tornow ’18, Ashley Plassard ’18, Former Assistant Baseball Coach Frank Gamble, Legendary Former Head Baseball Coach Tim Pettorini, Tim Pettorini, Jr ’95, Tyler Schuch ’17, Cat Fiorito ’20, Molly (Laubernds) Margida ’16, Kaitlyn Rayl ’18, Jacob Solomon ’16, Jamie Lackner ’17, Joey Gilmore ’16, Morgan (McDowell) Gilmore, Zachary Woullard ’16, Kelli Baxstrom ’16, Hank Schlueter ’16, Kenny Reckart ’16, Michael Whitaker ’17, and Current Head Baseball Coach Barry Craddock ’94.

Michael A. Smith `93 Leads Third STEM Team to Inte...

1993

Lititz, PA

Professional Achievements

Michael A. Smith

Class of 1993

Lititz, PA

Professional Achievements

Hello Wooster Family and Dr. K.

 

I wanted to share with you that my Future City Middle School team won the World Championship in Washington DC in February. We now have won back-to-back international titles and the third time in five years. My team is now the winningest team in the history of this prestigious STEM competition.

 

I have coached our Future City team over the last 17 years. We have won the regional competition 12 times and been nationally ranked 1st (three times), 2nd, 4th, 6th, 11th (twice), 12th and 13th over those years.

 

This year’s team created the future city of Odesa Ukraine and then presented their project to the diplomats at the Ukrainian embassy in Washington DC (see attached Lancaster newspaper article).

 

While the competition is heavily dominated by engineering schools and science academies, we (a public school) are now on top of the ranks. I attribute a good deal of my teams’ success to the liberal arts education I received at Wooster. I remember the dean addressing us with our parents at freshman orientation. He said that Wooster will teach us not what to think but how to think. My dad (also a Wooster grad) cried at that moment. I was a Philosophy major and Economics minor at Wooster. While I have never had an engineering class in my life, I learned how to think, how to compete, and how to win an engineering competition.

 

You can learn about the competition at https://futurecity.org/.

 

Also see the FC Press Release

In Memory of Mark Schmiedl `77

1977

Sandusky, OH

In Memoriam

Mark Schmiedl

Class of 1977

Sandusky, OH

In Memoriam

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sanduskyregister/name/mark-schmiedl-obituary?id=49626535

 

Dr. Mark D. Schmiedl

Dec 25, 1955 – Mar 6, 2023

Sandusky

Dr. Mark D. Schmiedl, 67, of Sandusky, passed away Monday morning, March 6, 2023, at Providence Care Center, Sandusky, following a lengthy illness.

He was born Dec. 25, 1955, in Cleveland, the son of Antoinette (Mittiga) and Eugene Schmiedl.

Mark was a 1973 graduate of Rocky River High School. He then graduated from Wooster College. He continued his education doing pharmacology research at Case Western Reserve University then attended Cincinnati College of Medicine. Following an internship of internal medicine at The Cleveland Clinic and residency of emergency medicine at University of Chicago, Mark began his career at Firelands Regional Medical Center, Sandusky, in 1986.

During his career at FRMC, Mark was a physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine and president of ER DOC INC. He served as Co-Chief of Staff for two terms at FRMC. He was proud to be awarded Preceptor of the Year by his students. He retired in March, 2019, and was granted Emeritus status in recognition of 33 years of compassionate and dedicated service to FRMC and the local community.

He was a member of Rockwell Springs Trout Club and Mercedes Benz Club of America. Mark enjoyed fishing, boating, racing his 1962 190 SL Mercedes, learning, and teaching. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Mark is survived by his wife, Wendy (Schimmel) Schmiedl, whom he married May 11, 1996; mother, Antoinette Schmiedl; children, Samantha (Aaron Sostaric) Schmiedl and Matthew Schmiedl, all of Sandusky; brothers, Kurt (Beryl) Schmiedl of New Hampshire and Eric (Tammie Vasek) Schmiedl of Cleveland; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Schmiedl, in 2013.

Robert McCleary `78 Career Recap

1978

Dover, PA

Professional Achievements

Robert McCleary

Class of 1978

Dover, PA

Professional Achievements

Former Retired Technical Director at DreamWrights Center for Community Arts

Former Technical Director at The Belmont Theatre

Former Technical Director at former Theater Department at Virginia Western Community College

In memory of Beth Irwin Lewis 1934-2023

1956

Oberlin, OH

In Memoriam

Beth Lewis

Class of 1956

Oberlin, OH

In Memoriam

Beth Irwin Lewis, 1934-2023

Noted scholar, cultural historian of German modern art, loving mother, equal partner, steadfast feminist, and committed organic gardener, Dr. Beth Irwin Lewis died March 3, 2023, in Oberlin, Ohio.  In appropriate fashion, a woman who lived a life of her mind, defined and led by the independence of her thoughts and convictions, concluded her 8-year struggle with dementia with grace days after her 89^th birthday.

Born in Mashhad, Iran, before the outbreak of World War II, Beth Louise Irwin held a global perspective on the intersection of politics, religion, and culture throughout her life. The daughter of missionaries Rev. J. Mark Irwin and Ruth Hoffman Irwin, her childhood was defined by vivid memories of Russian, German, British, and American interests in the oilfields of Persia, and her harrowing evacuation with her older sister, Mary Lynette, and her mother by merchant and prison transport ships across the Pacific between 1942-43.

Although she returned to Iran after the war, Beth came stateside and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from The College of Wooster (’56) and completed her doctorate from The University of Wisconsin (’69) working with Prof. George L. Mosse.  Beth met and married fellow graduate student D. Arnold Lewis in 1958, and their research travels over the next year through post-war Europe and the Middle East initiated a 58-year fruitful and loving partnership. She gave birth to daughter Martha and twin sons, David and Paul, published a comprehensive analysis of George Grosz, served on the Board of Education for the Wooster City Schools, co-authored as a Member of Session the 1979 report calling for gender equality in the language used throughout the Presbyterian Church, and held positions as Associate Director of Admissions, and Secretary of The College of Wooster all before her 48^th year.

While granted the title, Affiliated Scholar and Adjunct Professor of Art History at Wooster, Beth navigated her own academic career, achieving international recognition for her scholarship and writing from 1982 through 2009. She was invited by UCLA as a Visiting Associate Professor for multiple years between 1982-1987, held the positions of Visiting Scholar at the Getty Center, Scholar in Residence at the Robert Gore Rifkind Center for German Expressionist Studies at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and Research Associate at the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton between 1989-1994.

Beth’s scholarship illuminated the intersections between power, politics, and art.  She was keenly interested in public perception of culture and wrote foundational scholarship on the depiction of women in modern art. Her essay, “Lustmord: Violence against Women in Early Twentieth-Century German Art,” solicited invitations by Stanford, Harvard, Wisconsin, UCLA, Pomona, and Iowa, among others, for keynote lectures.  She co-authored Persuasive Images: Poster of Art and Revolution with Peter Paret and Paul Paret (Princeton University Press, 1992), and her book George Grosz: Art and Politics in the Weimar Republic, first printed in 1971, was revised and reissued in 1991 (Princeton University Press) and has been translated into Italian and Japanese.

Following a decade of archival research, Beth completed her substantial work, Art for All? The Collision of Modern Art and the Public in Late-Nineteenth-Century Germany in 2003 (Princeton University Press).  Her 448-page opus challenged the dominant Francophile narrative of modern art, positioning the role of mass art exhibitions and popular culture as central to the rise of German national identity, modernity, and the subsequent reaction of the European Avant-Garde. Upon publication, the book was hailed as “..the most innovative book on German art written in the last decade or so, and will certainly be the one that sets the standards while also formulating the questions for future studies.” (R. Heller)

Throughout her life, Beth remained keenly grounded and attuned to the interdependence of the earth and human life. The self-sufficiency that defined her childhood in the mission field was brought to annual cycles of sumptuous garden cultivation, harvesting, and canning, and early adoption of diets for a small planet.  Among her children’s earliest memories are of forays into homemade yogurt, Tigers Milk with brewers’ yeast, and unending boxes of organic flour and heirloom grains from Walnut Acres. Her hands were never still, whether steeped in soil or enmeshed in a whir of knitting needles, the latter often while simultaneously reading or listening.

After 47 years of maintaining a 19^th-century farmhouse in Wooster, Ohio, Beth with her husband, architectural historian Arn Lewis, moved to Kendal at Oberlin in 2011. She is survived by her sister, her three children, all architects, and four grandchildren: Astrid, Quinn, Sarabeth, and Maximo. At her dignified passing, she was encircled by her children and long-time friend Sara Patton. A memorial celebration of her life, spirit, and work is planned for this summer.

In Memory of J. Lee Kreader

1967

Los Angeles, CA

In Memoriam

Jan Lee Kreader

Class of 1967

Los Angeles, CA

In Memoriam

Jan Lee Kreader passed away in Los Angeles, CA, on February 26, 2023, after a long illness. Lee was born Edward Dale Cronk to Margaret Cronk on December 5, 1945, in Omaha, NE. In an act of love and self-sacrifice, Margaret relinquished her son for adoption to the Nebraska Children’s Home when he was several weeks old. Lee was joyfully adopted by his parents Helen and Colman “Mannie” Kreader in February 1946. Lee was raised through eighth grade in Dalton, NE, near the family’s wheat farm. They spent the winters of 1952 and 1953 in Tucson, AZ where Lee attended the Brandes School to recover from rheumatic fever he contracted in first grade. Lee’s family moved to Lincoln, NE, in 1959, when his father became the president of the Nebraska Wheat Growers Association. Lee loved music and played the accordion as a child, studied piano in high school, and attended Rocky Ridge Music Center in Estes Park, CO every summer. Lee graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in 1963 and went on to receive his B.A. in U.S. History in 1967, from the College of Wooster in Wooster, OH.

Lee married his Rocky Ridge and high school sweetheart Barbara Barlow in 1967. Lee and Barb had two children, Benjamin Colman in 1969, and Eleanor Alice in 1973. After receiving a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, Lee completed his M.A. in U.S History at the University of Pennsylvania in 1968 and returned to the College of Wooster to teach history.

When Lee was drafted for the Vietnam War, he successfully petitioned to be classified as a Conscientious Objector on moral grounds. To fulfill his alternative service to his country, Lee and his family moved to Chicago in 1971, where he established and directed Sheridan Center, a bilingual social service and mental health center that provided a comprehensive neighborhood response to the needs of low-income children and families in the neighborhood surrounding Wrigley Field. Lee flourished at Sheridan Center and found his life’s calling assisting vulnerable communities and at-risk children, transforming his childhood aspiration to become a Presbyterian minister into a career in social service.

In 1975, Lee went on to direct Broadway Children’s Center before becoming Director of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s day care and after-school programs in 1980. After a brief tenure as the Executive Director of The Day Care Action Council of Illinois, Lee completed his Ph.D. in U.S. Social History from the University of Chicago in 1988, authoring his dissertation on the life of Isaac Max Rubinow, a leading theorist on the idea of social insurance during the New Deal. In 1990, Lee became Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ state-wide resource and referral project, helping families find quality affordable child care.

After Lee and Barb divorced in 1998, he embarked on a new chapter, moving to New York City to work as a Senior Policy Analyst and later Co-Director of Child Care & Early Education Research Connections at the National Center for Children in Poverty, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University. While there, he launched Research Connections which synthesized research on child care subsidy use and infant and toddler child care into a standard resource for professionals throughout the country. Soon after moving to New York, Lee met his life partner Kay Hendon, who shared his commitment to child care and early childhood education and his sense of adventure exploring the city’s endless cultural offerings. Lee embraced Kay’s family as his own and cherished his role in their lives, sharing his love and guidance with her children and grandchildren.

Lee inherited the “fiesta gene” from his parents and knew how to have fun. He loved cheering on his favorite teams – the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the Chicago Cubs and the New York Yankees. Lee also loved show tunes (preferably from Judy or Liza) and was known for his ability to spontaneously warble the perfect lyric to sum up any situation. He had an affinity for Siamese cats, collected cardinals, rubber duckies and wind-up toys, and found it hard to resist a good old-fashioned pun.

Lee was a loving father, grandfather, and partner. He was also a devoted friend who loved his friends as family. Having been an “only child” for seven decades, he was overjoyed to learn that he had six siblings – three brothers and a sister through his birth mother Margaret Cronk Wortman and a brother and sister through his birth father Joseph Grigalauski. Not long after the discovery in 2017, Lee was able to meet all but one of his siblings, as well as their extended families. He relished his new role as the older brother to his brothers and sisters and delighted in being an uncle and great-uncle to their many children and grandchildren.

Lee is survived by his former wife Barbara Skalinder of Highland Park, IL; his son Ben (Gary Trethaway) Kreader of Los Angeles, CA; his daughter Eleanor (Paul) Zwart and granddaughter Antonia “Nia” Zwart of Rohnert Park, CA; his brother Mike (Kathy) Wortman of Lincoln, NE; his sister Sue (Tom) Millsap of Lincoln, NE; his brother Mark (Deb) Wortman of Elkhorn, NE; his brother Paul (Sue) Wortman of Elkhorn, NE; his sister Kathy (Dan) Waldron of Loves Park, IL; his cousin George Bryan of Omaha, NE; and many treasured nieces and nephews.

Lee is also survived by his life partner Kay Hendon of New Haven, CT, and her family, including: daughter Sarah Hendon and grandson Sammy Hendon-Dahl of East Haven, CT; Sammy’s father Lawrence Dahl of Madison, WI; son Luke (Lara Loyd) Hendon and grandsons Liam and Emory Hendon of Cheshire, CT; granddaughter Annie Beckett of Boston, MA and grandson Taran Besant of St. Paul, MN, children of Kay’s late daughter Jean (Christophe) Hendon Besant.

Lee was preceded in death by his adoptive and birth parents; his uncle and aunt Donald “Swede” and Mildred Kreader; his granddaughter Helen Zwart; his brother Charles Grigalauski; and his niece Megan Boyer.

Remembering Mary Ann (Eberhart) Litchfield, Class ...

1964

Cary, NC

Wooster Encounters

Mary Ann Pogue

Class of 1964

Cary, NC

Wooster Encounters

Family and classmates gathered in Tucson, Arizona on February 25, 2023 to remember Mary Ann (Eberhart) Litchfield, Class of 1964.

Back row, l to r.  Andrew Ellison (‘x90), Elizabeth (Eberhart) Glick (’81), Steven Glick (’79)

Front row, l to r. Tricia (Eberhart) Miller (’84), Karen Eberhart (’91), Mary Ann (Hartley) Pogue (’64), Audrey (Acton) Lewis (daughter of Mary Ann Litchfield), Art Acton (’64)

 

Woo at Stonehenge

1993

San Francisco, CA

Wooster Encounters

Christopher Myers

Class of 1993

San Francisco, CA

Wooster Encounters

A semi-chance encounter of Dave & Cheryl (Trautmann) Boop ’85, Pat (Murray) Wiedner ’60 (Cheryl’s mom), and Christopher Myers ’93 at Stonehenge last summer. (Cheryl sings with Christopher’s aunt in a choir that was in-residence at nearby Wells Cathedral.)

Wooster grads meet in Dayton

1984

Parma, OH

Wooster Encounters

David Beckman

Class of 1984

Parma, OH

Wooster Encounters

Dave Beckman ’84, Craig Elam ’10, and Araam Abboud ’19. All enjoyed an evening at a University of Dayton Flyers basketball game February 10th of this year. No matter how much time separates the graduation years the connection is strong.

McKenzie (Reese) Hull `19 Wedding

2019

Canfield, OH

Weddings and Marriages

McKenzie Hull

Class of 2019

Canfield, OH

Weddings and Marriages

McKenzie Hull (Reese) ’19 married Brock Hull on August 13th 2022 in Youngstown, Ohio. Pictured are backrow L to R Eleri Miller ’19, Ashley Plassard ’19, Marija Cyvas ’19, Cami Miller ’20, Mayia Karayianni ’19, Anna Medema ’20, Womens volleyball coach Sarah Davis. Front Row: Eva Stebel ’19, Jordan Murray ’19, Erin Pascoe (Rajewski) ’19, Ksenia Klue ’18.

Obituary for Mary Lu Van Kirk Mertz, Class of 1950

1950

Sarasota, FL

In Memoriam

Mary Lu Mertz

Class of 1950

Sarasota, FL

In Memoriam

Obituary for Mary Lu (“Ghee”) Van Kirk Mertz

https://www.heraldtribune.com/obituaries/psar0404525

 

The Marriage of Julia Garcia and Patric Marshall, ...

2016

Wooster, OH

Weddings and Marriages

Julia Garcia-Marshall

Class of 2016

Wooster, OH

Weddings and Marriages

We met freshmen year at The College of Wooster, but didn’t start dating until our junior year. After college, we had a long distance relationship between our home towns of Chicago and Milwaukee, which only became longer when Patric moved to California and I moved to Wisconsin for grad school. We got engaged in 2020, and married in September of 2022, with some of our closest Wooster friends in our wedding party and in attendance at our wedding. Wooster was integral in not only uniting us, but surrounding us by incredible friends who have become family over the years. We are forever grateful to the college for bringing all of us together.

In Memory of Sylvia Spencer Petrie ’53

1953

Holliston, MA

In Memoriam

Sylvia Petrie

Class of 1953

Holliston, MA

In Memoriam

Sylvia Spencer Petrie, 90, passed away on August 9th, 2021, at her Peace Dale home surrounded by members of her family.  She was the widow of Rhode Island poet (and long-time University of Rhode Island faculty member) Paul Petrie.  Sylvia was born on June 15, 1931 to Ruth Clark Spencer and Dr. Warren P. Spencer.  She grew up in Wooster, Ohio, where her father was a professor of genetics at Wooster College.  As a young child, she traveled with her mother to visit her mother’s birthplace of Rio de Janeiro, and this Brazilian connection has always been important to her. 

Sylvia attended Wooster College where she was awarded the Netta Strain Scott Prize in art and earned a BA.  She always looked back fondly on her time there.  After graduating from Wooster, she made her way to the University of Iowa where she studied printmaking with Mauricio Lasansky.  It was there that she met and  married Paul, her late beloved husband of 58 years, who was studying creative writing.  They fell in love over their shared love of music, singing the romantic songs of Rodgers and Hart together.  She continued to devote time to her art while they started a family.  Sylvia and Paul sometimes worked symbiotically in their art and poetry, with each occasionally drawing inspiration from the other’s work.  She exhibited her artwork in many venues, including one-person shows in Providence, Boston and even England.  She was a member of several artist groups, notably the Print Consortium and 19 on Paper.  Her work ranged between realism and abstraction but it always revealed a strong love for nature and a sensitivity to the interplay of light and shadow.

Though an accomplished artist, she always put her family first.   A devoted mother and grandmother, she leaves behind  three children: Philip, Emily and Lisa, and their spouses, and five grandchildren whom she doted on.  It is impossible to sum up anyone’s personality with just a few words, but like her beloved monoprints, we might paint in broad strokes—Sylvia was curious; Sylvia was compassionate; Sylvia gave what she had with very little thought for herself.  She will be sorely missed by all of her family.

For condolences, please visit averystortifuneralhome.com.

Wedding of Meredith Eyre ’13 and Matthew Ger...

2013

Pittsburgh, PA

Weddings and Marriages

Meredith Eyre

Class of 2013

Pittsburgh, PA

Weddings and Marriages

We were delighted to celebrate our wedding on July 9th, 2022, in the place where it all began: Wooster! Pictured here are a few of our friends, from left to right: Ben Robertson (’15), Katelyn French (’16), Taylor Thorp (’15), Ryan Kish (’15), Alex Chabraja (’16), Kelsey Jandrey (’13), Emily Lanzola (’13), Andrew Badger (’15), David Freund (’13), Alea Safier (’13), Anna Easterday (’13), Matthew Germaine (’15), Keely Pearce (’13), Meredith Eyre (’13), Emily Thornton (’13), Edmund Shi (’15), Adrienne James (’13), Jack Eyre (’15), Gwen Coddington (’13), Kate Sickles (’13), Elliott Valentine (’16), Whitney Sims (’13).

Mini Reunion

1971

Charlotte, NC

Professional Achievements

Kathy Hooker

Class of 1971

Charlotte, NC

Professional Achievements

We had a mini Woo  Reunion last weekend. All four couples met at Wooster.

Pictured are: Lois Drinkwater Thompson`73, Edward M Thompson `71, Kathy Echols Hooker `71, William J Hooker `69, Pam Young `71, David Wolf `71,

Not Pictured: Jim `71 and Marsha Ratty `72

Reverend Katie Buckley Harrington `00, new Senior ...

2000

Charlotte, NC

Professional Achievements

Katie Harrington

Class of 2000

Charlotte, NC

Professional Achievements

St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, NC, as the congregation’s Wooster alumni welcome our fellow alumna and new Senior Pastor and Head of Staff, Rev. Katie Buckley Harrington, ’00. Katie is currently the only female Head of Staff in the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina. Other alums in this photo are, left to right, Beau McCaffray, ’76, Sue Purves McCaffray, ’76, Rev. Harrington, Phyllis Hancock Leimer, ’58, Jean Rupert Nickol, ’63, and Stephen Nickol, ’63. We are thrilled to have Katie here!

David Koppenhaver recognized for Excellence in Res...

1978

Boone, NC

Professional Achievements

David Koppenhaverd

Class of 1978

Boone, NC

Professional Achievements

Appalachian State recognized two faculty members with awards for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. Pictured, from left to right: App State Provost Heather Hulburt Norris; Chancellor’s Award recipient Dr. David Koppenhaver, professor in the Department of Reading Education and Special Education; Provost’s Award recipient Dr. Maggie Sugg, associate professor and departmental honors director in the Department of Geography and Planning; and App State Chancellor Sheri Everts.

Obituary for Petra Martin, Class of 1970

1970

Hamburg, PA

In Memoriam

Petra Martin

Class of 1970

Hamburg, PA

In Memoriam

Obituary for Petra (Kuchinsky) Martin

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/readingeagle/name/petra-martin-obituary?id=37955206

 

Alumni Weekend October 2022

1997

Cambridge, MA

Professional Achievements

Megan Postal

Class of 1997

Cambridge, MA

Professional Achievements

A group of friends gathered at the home of Amy Clatworthy Daigle. Pictured from left to right – Holly Ferguson `97, Amy Sheldon Bainbridge `97, Jesse Buell Brugel `98, Megan McCabe Postal `97, Amy Clatworthy Daigle `97, Ashley Strigle `97, Liz Conrad Lalmoia `96, Mary Risley `05.

’63 Classmate visit

1963

Biddeford, ME

Wooster Encounters

Bill Riggs

Class of 1963

Biddeford, ME

Wooster Encounters

My wife and I took a road trip this month to visit John and Judy (Krudener) Konnert at their home in Reston, VA. It was a great visit. We talked about how we hope to see our ’63 classmates at our 60th reunion this June. See you there!

Cresa Announces Growth in South Florida with the A...

2022

Professional Achievements

Benjamin Kuhn

Class of 2022

Professional Achievements

MIAMI, FL – January 23, 2023 – Cresa Miami, South Florida’s premier occupier-only commercial real estate firm, is pleased to announce that it has welcomed two new advisors to its team of experts. Alberto Martinez and Benjamin Kuhn have joined the firm to service office and industrial occupiers. This announcement comes on the heels of one of the team’s most successful years to-date, with over $160 million in transactions in 2022 alone.

“Now more than ever, tenants are in need of knowledgeable and loyal partners to guide them through the ever-evolving industry and help make their goals a reality,” said Jeff Hartsook, Managing Principal at Cresa. “With this in mind, we couldn’t be more thrilled to be expanding our team and for Benjamin Kuhn to be on board as our newest Advisor. Together, we look forward to building on our existing momentum in the dynamic South Florida market.”

Born and raised in South Florida, Kuhn has witnessed the city’s immense economic development firsthand. In his new role, Kuhn’s immediate focus is on business development and market research. Prior to joining Cresa, he served as a property manager for WaterFront Realty Group. Kuhn holds a BA from the College of Wooster where he studied Communications and Business Economics.

“2022 was a monumental year for the Cresa team in South Florida,” said Tim Rivers, Market Leader – Florida for Cresa. “Much like our roster of deals, our team and client roster continues to grow at an impressive rate across the state. With the recent addition of Bob Schneiderman in Boca Raton and Lauren Rizzo in our Tampa office, we’re excited to continue our momentum in 2023 and beyond.”

In Memory of Elmer E. Selby Jr.

1952

Vestal, NY

In Memoriam

Elmer E. Selby

Class of 1952

Vestal, NY

In Memoriam

Elmer Everett Selby Jr. age 92, of Horseheads, NY, passed away on November 2, 2022. He was the son of the late Elmer Everett Selby and Clara Summers Moist Selby and was predeceased by his wife, Beverly Ann Scheidemantle Selby of 54 years. Elmer is survived by his daughter Heather (Bruce) Smith of Davidson, NC, son Scott (Judy) Selby of Endwell, NY, son Craig (Nan) Selby of Ashland, OH, sister Clara (John) Kelly, grandchildren Kevin Selby, Emily (Andrew) Torba, Tyler and Jared Smith, Melanie Irvine-Selby, great-grandchildren Sophia and Samuel Torba, and sister-in-law Mariellen Burkhart as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Born on July 22, 1930, in Charleston, WV, Elmer grew up moving between his hometown and Carnegie, PA. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from The College of Wooster in Ohio and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Immediately following his final exam, Elmer flew to Pittsburgh to begin a very successful career with Westinghouse Electric Company. Shortly afterwards, he transferred to Westinghouse in Horseheads. There he rose from Assistant Engineer to Fellow Engineer, working with luminescent screens (awarded a patent), photosensitive surfaces, and clean manufacturing environments with assignments in both Engineering and Manufacturing Departments. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, a member of the American Society for Testing & Materials Committee, Chairman of the Task Force on Surface Examination, and more. During his 35 years of employment, he became involved in metallurgy and nondestructive analysis, was manager of the Chemical & Physical Laboratory, and was involved in Quality Control. One interesting accomplishment was his work on the camera Neil Armstrong used on the moon. Shortly after arriving in Horseheads, Elmer married his college sweetheart in 1955. They settled in Elmira and had two children, Heather and Scott. When Craig was born, they decided the house was too small and moved to Holiday Drive in Horseheads. After retiring, Elmer and Bev spent the winters in a condo in Seminole, FL near Bev’s mother and sister.

Elmer reached the rank of Eagle in his Boy Scout troop, being a role model for his grandsons to do the same. He enjoyed years of camping, hiking, and canoeing as well as earning merit badges. He eventually worked in leadership positions in Troop 33 of Elmira and became the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chairperson of 44 in Horseheads. He was awarded an outstanding service award for his untiring work with Boy Scout Troop 44 and the Claude V Furman Memorial Trophy from the Sullivan Trail Council for promoting “good camping and the love of nature”.

As an active member of the Presbyterian church, Elmer taught Sunday School and served as an Elder and a Deacon. He had a lifelong love for travel, having explored 49 states, Canada, and many European countries. He was also an avid reader of scientific journals and religious books. Elmer was an enthusiastic stamp and coin collector. As a member of basketball teams in college and at Westinghouse, he took full advantage of his 6’5” height. Spelunking was always an adventure and included repelling into shafts to measure rooms and corridors of many unexplored caverns, including a new area of Organ Cave. Other favorite activities included bowling, golf, high school track, and beating everyone in card games.

Elmer was well known as a caregiver. After his wife, Bev, developed Parkinson’s Disease, he retired early to travel with her and then to take care of her physical needs. During her 27 years of suffering, he never wavered in his care of her, showing everyone what it means to fulfill his marriage vow, “in sickness and in health”. A worship service celebrating Elmer’s life was held on Monday, November 7th. He was then laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery in Horseheads.

Wooster get together, Breckenridge, CO

1996

Sykesville, MD

Professional Achievements

Heather Greenwald

Class of 1996

Sykesville, MD

Professional Achievements

I was lucky enough to enjoy a Wooster girls trip to Breckenridge Colorado with Monica Brym `98 and my daughter Elise `25.

In memoriam of Shirley J. Wright ’64

1975

Rehoboth, MA

In Memoriam

Shirley Wright

Class of 1975

Rehoboth, MA

In Memoriam

Shirley J. Wright of Rehoboth, Massachusetts passed away at home on Sunday October 9, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. 

Daughter of Agnes and Joseph Wright of Burlington, New Jersey, she is survived by her beloved wife, Robin Rose, sisters-in-laws, Wendy Rose Sanchez and Charity Rose, nieces Becca Niendorff, Margaret Hageman, Sara Gardner, Mary Alice  and Gabriela Romero Rose, nephews Stephen Niendorff, Harry Sanders, Ben Rose, Thomas Rose, Gabe Sanchez, Bobby Sanchez, and Julian Romero Rose. She is also survived by her loving brothers-in-laws, Richard Niendorff and Martin Sanchez and was pre-deceased by one additional brother-in-law, Charles David Rose. In her life, illness and death Shirley and her wife Robin were supported by many family members and a community of devoted and loving friends who are their extended family. 

Shirley was educated at Burlington New Jersey High School, The College of Wooster, Northwestern University, and the University of Connecticut. She valued education and as a financial aid officer at UConn, Wheaton College and Brown University she was dedicated to making educational opportunities accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. After retiring as Associate Director of Financial Aid at Brown University, she worked for several years as the Scholarship Director at the College Crusade in Providence. Her passion for educational equity was palpable and through her work she helped transform the lives of countless students. 

For the past eight years, she participated in the Grace Notes Singers group which sings for the terminally ill. She loved the women who sang and the compassionate work of the group. She served as treasurer and as a member of the steering committee.  

Shirley was an avid reader who devoured three newspapers a day and countless books on a monthly basis. She cherished vibrant and thoughtful conversations about complex issues of social justice and politics.  She loved canoeing and camping with friends, snorkeling, travel, walking the family pets and appreciating the natural world. She was a highly educated environmentalist and treasured her time in the woods, on rivers, in the mountains or in the presence of old growth forests. The natural world was her sacred space. 

Shirley was committed to addressing issues of social justice and to making a positive difference in the world.   She did so through her philanthropy, her service, and her daily interactions with others. Her generous spirit, compassion and ability to be truly present to others was a gift to many. The most appropriate way to honor her is by sharing your resources with organizations of your choosing or with: Save the Bay Rhode Island, Save the Bay Dr. Providence, RI  02905 or The Rhode Island Community Food Bank, 200 Niantic Ave., Providence, RI 02907. 

A Celebration of Life service was held in her honor on Monday, October 17th. 

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